The AsteraApp can be downloaded from the Astera website for free, and then installed on any Bluetooth-enabled Android device (optimized for 1024x600 and 1280x800 resolutions). Users should then link their Android tablet or phone to the AsteraBox to initiate control. Acting as the middleman, the AsteraBox receives commands from the user's tablet via Bluetooth, and these commands are processed inside the AsteraBox then transmitted as Radio Frequency (RF) signals to all Astera lights within a 300m range.
The AsteraBox can be clipped to users' belts or placed at a point of height to maximise the signal strength when transmitting. The Bluetooth distance ranges from device to device, but it is generally understood to be 5m. The added range allows lights to be spread out further than before when being controlled with the AsteraApp or ARC2 controllers.
Simon Canins, R&D director at Astera LED Technology, commented, "The AsteraBox is a more reliable solution than previous controllers. We feel it is not simply the best alternative, but also the most flexible approach to control our lights while maintaining the ability to use modern hardware such as tablets and smart phones."
Also on offer from Astera is a package where the AsteraBox is sold with an AsteraApp-enabled Nexus 7 tablet. Additionally, the AsteraBox is already enabled with the technology to support forthcoming Astera improvements such as their 2.4GHz band and DMX capabilities.
(Jim Evans)
