System-wide events can now also be triggered from device-specific error conditions, such as recalling a preset for a zone based on the conditions of individual amplifiers. A user-definable selection of controls can be automatically readdressed to different devices/parameters on a Custom Control Panel in a few simple steps, and advanced zonal control is now possible. A Fast Meter control has been added for improved meter response and device synchronization has been simplified and improved.
"With System Architect Version 1.8, we're achieving the twin task of simplifying the operation and improving the functionality," explained Rick Kreifeldt, vice president, Harman System Development & Integration Group (SDIG). "In doing so, we're making the application more useful and more accessible to a broader community of systems integrators and tour sound professionals."
New to System Architect in Version 1.8 is the latest Region Control, which enables systems integrators to draw a 'planagram' of a building and set zone to warn of variable conditions on a Custom Control Panel. Additionally, the control acts as a button, enabling up to 10 system functions to be called - an improvement, which has also been added to the existing System Button control.
System Architect Version 1.8 comes at a time when Harman SDIG is taking a leader role in the IEEE Audio Video Bridge (AVB) 802.1 task force to develop and adopt an open universal audio/video network platform. At the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco in October, SDIG's Robert Boatright will join representatives from Apple and Broadcom Corp. to make a presentation on the development of standards-based network with the appropriate quality of service for high quality audio performance and production.
"HiQnet has achieved critical mass in terms of customer deployment, products enabled and feature advancement," Kreifeldt said. "With this momentum, we are expanding the control capabilities of HiQnet by enabling integration with third-party control systems from manufacturers such as Crestron and AMX."
(Jim Evans)
