Kinetic Ka-5100 5.1 Speaker System Home Theater User Manual

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• 5.1 Speakers
• Kinetic Ka-5100 5.1 Speaker System Home Theater User Manual User
• Kinetic Ka-5100 5.1 Speaker System Home Theater User Manual Instruction
• Kinetic Ka-5100 Surround Sound System

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• Computer

  An Eternet Computer package consists of a personal computer, peripheral devices, and a connection to the Eternet Service network, which provides a range of artificial intelligence based services and abilities for users with different levels of computer knowledge, and different electronic devices. The user’s senses/behavior is used to control the system’s behavior in different conditions and scenarios. Therefore, some services are designed in order to control and enhance the user’s health and lifestyle.

  ePC

  This unit acts as a powerful personal computer and due to its diverse range of peripheral devices, provides users with a wide range of options including but not limited to TV receivers, home theatres, gaming consoles, smart homes, and vehicle control.
  The basis of the graphic environment and GUI of this system is designed for the movement of the human body, arms and hands. Therefore, the recognition part of the system conducts a 3D scan of the user’s body and issues movement commands. As a result, the user does not need input devices such as a mouse or keyboard. An ePC gaming console, entertainment, and home theatre system can provide users with interesting options such as 3D hologram display, running PC based games, light, sound control, and virtual DJ.
  eVision and eSeat are smart tools with the ability to expand with the source code scripting. These smart tools are able to add vision, touch and hearing abilities to the multi-faceted and limitless boundaries of this system. Furthermore, by using eBox cards, electronics, computer companies and professionals are able to develop new advancements for this system with relative ease. Various system tools and sensors make it possible to monitor and report the user’s health, nutritional needs, and physical movements.
  This system also stands out due to its ability to control and supervise the user’s home and vehicle. This system is capable of controlling home sub-systems, home appliances, and vehicles by connecting to the Eternet Building and Eternet Vehicle services. These features and capabilities are discussed in more detail in the Eternet Building and Eternet Vehicle sections.
  Hardware Specifications:
  ■ CPU: PC Based multi-core
  ■ Memory: Multichannel DDR RAM
  ■ GPU: AMD/NVIDIA/Intel
  ■ Connectivity/Expansion: eXtension Dock via USB 3.1/Thunderbolt, eBox
  ■ Network: eWN, ePN, Wi-Gig via eXtension, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet
  ■ A/V Tuner: DVB-S2/T2
  ■ A/V Interface: Wired/Wireless HDMI, VGA
  ■ Storage: HDD, SSD
  ■ Optical Drive: Blue ray
  Controllers & Interfaces:
  ■ eYe (3D Holographic projector/Display)
  ■ eMotion (3D Motion sensor)
  ■ eVision (Smart Glasses)
  ■ eXtension (Extension and charger dock)
  ■ eSeat (Smart massager, entertainment and gaming seat)
  ■ eWatch (Smart watch and biologic tracker)
  ■ eCho (Home theater speaker system)
  ■ eRein (Universal remote control)
  ■ eBoard (Multimedia and gaming keyboard)
  ■ ePad (Game pad)
  Service/Software:
  ■ OS: Linux/OS X/Windows family (A-Z sorted)
  ■ Speech and Capture Motion: eMotion, eVision and eSeat controllers
  ■ Life: eLife, eGuide, eHealth, eNeighbor
  ■ Intelligent Building/Vehicle: eControl, eGuide, eLife
  ■ Entertainment: eGame, eTheater, eMusic, eDJ, eSense
  ■ Communication: eNeighbor

  • Controlers

    • echo
    • emotion
    • eseat
    • evision
    • ewatch
    • extension
    • eye

  • Networks and Services

    • ebox
    • econtrol
    • egame
    • eguide
    • ehealth
    • elife
    • eneighbor
    • etheater
    • ewn

  eYe

  Different displays being supported by ePC provides a platform for users to utilize several video outputs regarding their needs. In addition, the physical dimensions of the display screen plays a vital role in the utilization of ePC services. Projectors are highly recommended choices due to their affordability, large size, and the limitations of TV displays.
  This projector is able to display 3D and hologram images as a result of its versatile and movable lens and chassis. Therefore, users can control ePC images with their hands and fingers movement. Furthermore, its embedded Wireless HDMI module can receive ePC images remotely. This unit is also able to calculate depth and direction via the available sensors and moves the projector by means of the provided motors on the chassis and lens. Exact placement of the image is also recognizable and configurable by this system.

  eCho

  The gaming and multimedia unit of ePC supports different audio outputs. The Surround 5.1 speaker system is introduced for this purpose. eCho makes it possible to control each speaker output by placing it on the eVision sightline. Hence, users are able to control the volume and the source of sound signal on each speaker, or set their own voice (via eVision integrated microphone) as an input source of any output channels. It should be mentioned that eCho is able to simultaneously guide 5 channels or sources to each of the outputs.

  eMotion

  eMotion is an image and motion processing system, able to recognize horizontal movements of the body and vertical motion of hands through vision and scanning capabilities. The data is sent to a software engine in order to provide more diverse and complex commands, in addition to just movement of the hands and fingers. Two eMotion units work simultaneously, one placed in front of the user, aligned with the horizon to process body and hand movements and the other, which is placed over the users head in order to process hand and finger movement. It should be mentioned that eMotion is also able to process movement in both horizontal and vertical images, in solo mode. By combining two eMotions at the same time, this system provides us with 3D scan capabilities with enhanced accuracy and an extended number of commands. The provided engine in this system makes it able to track users and the source of the motion, in order to maintain constant visibility.
  This controller enables its users to execute their commands from a distance, without the requirement of any input devices. This can be achieved through their body and hands movement. eMotion analyzes these movements and the user can issue gaming commands, design, write, and control multi-media environments including ePC.

  eSeat

  eSeat is a smart electromechanical chair with full hardware and software expansion capabilities. eSeat can be sub-categorized as input and output due to its functionality.
  ■ Inputs: Input units of eMotion module can vertically scan hands and fingers, and also receive voice. Load cell and fingerprint sensors are used for weight measurement and user recognition. In addition, keyboard, driving, and flight control act as interfaces between ePC and user.
  ■ Outputs: Embedded jacks underneath this chair are responsible for all movements, shaking, and vibrations in the chassis. Moreover, motors and heaters can transfer movement, heat, and vibrations to the user’s body. The provided speakers on the chair make it possible to experience surround sound.
  As an interface between the user and ePC, eSeat controls the ePC by receiving motion, sound, and command information. ePC receives data and commands from different hardware and software sources and uses the power eSeat interface to provide movement, shaking, vibration, and sound to the users.
  eSeat provides a touch, hearing, and sight interface between the user and the ePC. These capabilities and services are provided by eSense.
  eSense is a software engine that receives input data such as the user’s direction of sight (by utilizing eVision), load cell and fingerprint sensor, voice commands, hands movement, keyboard, and driving and flight controllers in order to issue relevant commands to ePC. On the other hand, it receives voice, motions and relevant data from the ePC, and issues suitable commands to controllers, motors, actuators, and speakers, placed on the eSeat. This software engine is in charge of the synchronization of motors and generates shaking and harmonic motions based on the music rhythm and volume. As a result, users can manage and control the music or images with the motion and movement transferred to the body. Furthermore, eSense provides the possibility of pre-programmed or custom designed massages.
  While users utilize eWatch, eSeat can record vital signals such as heart rate in different programs and functioning modes. We can refer to this feature as another function of eHealth. In addition, the eMotion module on the handle of this chair, which is used to scan the user’s fingers and hands, provides the exact designs and graphics. eSeat can be connected to an ePC through eXtension via Wi-Gig.

  eVision

  eVision was designed as a result of the importance of smart glasses for Eternet. This controller is a wearable computer which accommodates different services of Eternet Computer, Eternet Building, and Eternet Vehicle. Photography, browsing, speech translation, listening to music, making and answering calls, watching 3D images and controlling electronic devices are some of the capabilities of eVision. Moreover, eVision enables users to control GUI environments by their hand and fingers movements via 3D Depth Sensor. They can also issue voice commands to benefit the available abilities of this smart glass.
  Supervision and control of tools and devices of Eternet is another capability of eVision. By using eWN, eVision can directly communicate with different nodes via service providers. As a result, it informs the users about the availability of nodes after considering different scenarios, access patterns, field of sight, and functionality. This enables the user to control or manage them. Services provided by this gadget are quite diverse.
  A concise list of the common and default services of eVision and other Eternet servers is provided below:
  ■ eControl: allows the user to access, manage, and control nodes, such as service providers, controllers, and home appliances.
  ■ eGuide: is a suggestion and warning providing system, and is in charge of announcing the availability of any nodes in the field of visibility.
  ■ eLife: provides an online platform for accessing services that facilitate communication between Eternet sub-systems.
  ■ eMusic: is a software service used to search for and play music. It also provides a social network for music related activities.
  ■ eNeighbor: manages and controls connections between people, buildings, and vehicles, based on their physical locations.
  As it was mentioned earlier, there are many possibilities to expand eVision services. For example, eGuide enables users to receive subtitles in different languages. Moreover, this system makes it possible to receive navigation information while driving. It should be noted that eVision can be connected to an external battery in order to increase its operation time span.

  eWatch

  This device is considered a smart watch which manages calls and messages and also receives the user’s vital signs, such as the heart rate. eWatch also acts as a cell phone which works along e-Vision to make Heads Up Display calls possible. In order to perform this function, eWatch connects the users to the GSM Network, and eVision acts as a Headset.
  Similar to eVision, eWatch also supports a variety of different software services. Services such as eControl, eGuide and eNeighbor, allow the user to control, supervision and make calls with their smart watch, respectively, as well as other features, capabilities, and services.
  Kinetic charging allows users to keep this device charged, using the motion of their wrist. This eliminates the need to plug it into a charger, periodically.
  One of the main goals in designing eWatch is to provide constant supervision of the user’s health and well being. By using eHealth and eLife services, the eWatch designated sensors provide the users with information regarding physical activity, sleep, and nutrition. Based on this set of information, this system also makes useful suggestions to the users for maintaining and improving their well being.
  eWatch uses sophisticated sensors to determine the user’s heart rate, blood oxygen level, as well as the frequency of radio waves in their environment.
  In order to display a more comprehensive picture of the user’s health and well being, eWatch compares this collected information and parameters to the user’s physical activity. By using NFC and fingerprint, eWatch also provides useful tools for electronic payment and ID verification.
  

  eXtension

  The main purpose of eXtension is to expand the ePC’s hardware capabilities. This allows computer companies to design affordable eBoxes, providing users with a wide variety of products with differing specifications and capabilities. Ventilated, cooled, and self-power supplied eBox magazines are desirable platforms for different electronic and computer products.
  Equipping eXtension with Wi-Gig module enables eMotion and eSeat to be connected wirelessly. Therefore, eXtension is known as the fastest wired and wireless gateway of Eternet Computer for interacting with different devices and systems.
  eXtension is also a wireless charging and connection hub for peripheral devices such as ePad, eBoard and eRein. In addition, it provides a variety of connection solutions for other devices such as USB series, Thunderbolt, eSATA, HDMI, and DMX. The available DMX port on eXtension makes it possible to connect lighting and stage effects devices to the ePC.
  eDJ is another one of the capabilities included in this system. This software uses eMotion movement recognition tool and communicates through DMX with lighting and stage effects devices. Hence it can control and alter programmed images on music tracks. So, users can generate those images using the movement of their body and hands, by means of eMotion and eBoard.
  

  eBox

  eBox is a platform for introducing new hardware parts to ePC and eHome. The eBox platform makes it possible for electronic and computer manufacturers to expand the hardware capabilities of their products with Eternet features. This platform uses an ePort to provide required power and computer connection. Therefore, an ePort contains USB/Thunderbolt interfaces and 5/12 volt power ports. It should be mentioned that devices using eBox as an expansion platform which operates with eHome, need to be designed based on Single-Board Computer (SBC) architecture. This will ensure the performance and stability of eHome as a real-time server.

  eControl

  An Eternet Computer package consists of a personal computer, peripheral devices, and a connection to the Eternet Service network, which provides a range of artificial intelligence based services and abilities for users with different levels of computer knowledge, and different electronic devices. The user’s senses/behavior is used to control the system’s behavior in different conditions and scenarios. Therefore, some services are designed in order to control and enhance the user’s health and lifestyle.

  eGame

  Video games are a significant contributor to computer system sales. Therefore, gaming holds a special place in this system. An eGame with a proper hardware and software architecture, and controlling devices like eMotion, eVision, eSeat, eBoard and ePad provides a desirable environment for running different types of computer games where some of these abilities are not available in conventional consoles. eVision, another feature of such consoles, is used for internal communication in order to provide text, voice and video communication. eSeat is a tool to transfer senses such as movement and vibration to the gamer or control a vehicle or aircraft using arm and hand movements.

  eGuide

  eGuide is a software service, available on ePC server and eVision controller. As a communication medium, receives the data from eLife servers and displays information to users via ePC and eVision. eGuide informs the users on the existence of any electronic and computer devices visible to eVision. This is possible by means of eWN. Moreover, users can monitor and control the parameters of such devices. It should be mentioned that offline and local configuration of any section of an Eternet is possible via eGuide.

  eHealth

  Providing and maintaining the user’s health and comfort is one of the most advanced goals in the design of an Eternet. eHealth service receives biological information of the users through eWatch, and eSeat and monitors their health, movement, and nutrition. By analyzing this information, this service provides users with a variety of suggestions, notices, and warnings regarding their health and well-being.

  eLife

  eLife is an Eternet Service sub-system and one of its cloud services. It provides a platform for the execution and management of software systems such as eGuide, eControl, eHealth and eNeighbor. eLife gathers information about the user’s family, job, behavior, routines, interests, and other life characteristics by using tools such as eWatch, eVision, and social networks. Therefore, it can provide suggestions or warnings via eGuide based on the life styles of different users or other relevant Eternet systems and controllers. In addition, eLife makes it possible to access other devices or systems that have been placed in different geographical locations on the Eternet network.

  eNeighbor

  Is a software service, enables users to be connected to friends as well as people on their contact lists. Incoming and outgoing calls management is also a defined task for eNeighbor. The contact list provides the Eternet IDs of people, buildings, or vehicles. eNeighbor makes it possible to search for people, buildings, and vehicles, placed at different physical locations based on their physical, social, personal data, and privacy settings. Moreover, users can track family members and vehicles. This feature is especially useful for providing support and comfort to parents interested in monitoring child safety.

  eTheater

  As it was mentioned earlier, ePC is designed on the Home Theater PC platform which provides unique home theater features for users, based on the available controlling devices. Watching photos, movies, optical discs, and Internet TV on different televisions and projectors is one of the advanced features provided by Wireless HDMI. Additionally, such devices can be controlled using motion sensing techniques which makes the users able to remotely control their devices by arms and body movements. Equipping this system with cable receivers and digital satellite (DVB-S2/T2) provides the capability of easy television and radio channels reception, and recording. This system also supports HD and 3D channels reception while utilization of eVision allows users to choose their preferred language or subtitles.
  In addition, the use of eVision as 3D active glasses makes it possible for users to watch 3D images on a TV display and to personalize their audio and subtitles. Hence, each user can receive a different set of audio or subtitles on the same video.
  eTheater provides special services for music enthusiasts as explained below:
  ■ eMusic: A software service for accessing, searching, receiving and playing music. In addition, it is a social network service provider which can be utilized to find users with the same taste of music (This service is explained in detail in the Eternet Service section).
  ■ eDJ: This software is considered a Computer DJ. By employing this software, users can convert their body, hands and fingers movements to music visualization by means of eMotion and eBoard. As a result, motion pictures, synchronized with the music and body movements can be produced using proper codes and equations. eDJ also supports lighting and stage effects devices based on the DMX standard via eXtension controller.

  eWN

  eWN is a group of nodes, communicating via Bluetooth Smart, based on the information provided by Accelerometer-Gyro-Compass sensors. eWN can perform its task of connecting two nodes in two different modes:
  ■ 2D: Based on the services being provided by nodes, they evaluate some parameters to find their 2D Direction and 2D viewing angles relative to others nodes. After considering the priority feature indicated by signal strength parameter, they perform data and service sharing.
  ■ 3D: In order to communicate via Bluetooth Smart, nodes receive data about the angle of sight in relation to the horizontal and vertical axis (3D direction indicator) and viewing cone (3D viewing cone). Whenever these features overlap, the nodes start to communicate and provide services, according to defined scenarios, using the signal strength parameter.
  Nodes can change communication priorities or disconnect it by evaluating scenarios, preferences, and parameters in eWN mode. Moreover, eWN enables computer, electronic devices, and systems to provide augmented reality and visual reciprocity.

• Building

  Smart building and its components are the second sub-system of an Eternet. They usually consist of one or more servers, control panels, sensors, actuators, a home appliances network, and the Eternet Service. This ensures a convenient and safe environment for installation and implementation. Furthermore, the capability to utilize Eternet Computer tools such as ePC, eWatch and eVision is widely provided in this system.
  Users are able to supervise and control all electronic home appliances by means of this system. There is no need to provide network cabling since this system utilizes IEEE 1901/BPL communication standard. Hence, by using power lines, installation and utilization costs are highly reduced. As a result, this system can be installed and operated in different buildings with a wide range of utility infrastructures.
  Node management and control service via eControl makes it possible for the users to control every part of the building by their hand movements without the need for buttons, pads, or typed commands. This capability is achieved using the eMotion controller on an ePC. Supporting eLife service in an Eternet Building makes it possible to supervise and control the smart building’s components via eVision which is a new subject in electronic control and recognition.

  eHome

  One or more eHome servers are utilized in an Eternet Building to provide communications between its components. Communication in eHome is conducted on several paths, among which, the main connection tools are PLC/BPL module for communication with ePN. Electric power cabling of the building provides the physical connection between different components of this system in order to avoid the need for extra cabling, or the use of insecure radio and wireless communications.
  eHome server receive commands, issued by ePlug or the eControl service executed on ePC, eCar, eVision, mobile phones, and personal computers. After processing them, appropriate commands will be sent to eActuator units in order to control electronic devices and home appliances. Moreover, eSensor units receive information from sensors and input units. Therefore commands can be issued based on the defined scenarios. eTrans also acts as an interface between eHome and Sensors/Actuators developed by different manufacturers. The home Appliances/ePN-eWN interface is also used for home appliance supervision and control in this system. The latter can be easily embedded in different products by their manufacturers.
  Connections and communications between individuals with different access levels is possible by means of recognition tools such as eWatch, eVision, face, fingerprint, and password recognition, or a combination of them.
  Another valuable capability of eHome is support for eBox modules, designed based on the Single-Board Computer (SBC) architecture. eHome records images and controls building or homes communications via eDome, PTZ and stationary network cameras.
  Default eBox modules for CCTV and PBX management are as follows:
  ■ eVR: This DVR module makes it possible to record, play, and control eDome, and other IP-PTZ cameras, for closed circuit television systems.
  ■ eCall: eCall is an IP-PBX module, in charge of communications between internal lines, mobile phones, and VoIP calls.
  Hardware Specifications:
  ■ CPU: PC Based multi core
  ■ Memory: Multichannel DDR RAM
  ■ GPU: AMD/NVIDIA/Intel
  ■ Connectivity: ePlug via ePN, ePC via ePN/eWN
  ■ Network: ePN, eWN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet
  ■ Intercom/PBX: eCall (eBox/SBC)
  ■ DVR: eVR (eBox/SBC)
  ■ Storage: SSD, HDD (Optional)
  Controllers and Interfaces:
  ■ ePlug (Wall-mount building controller)
  ■ eActuator (Set of intelligent building and smart home actuator units)
  ■ eSensor (Set of intelligent building and smart home sensor units)
  ■ eTrans (3rd Party developers automation interface)
  ■ eHAI Home Appliance interface
  ■ eDome (Dome CCTV Network camera)
  ■ eVR (Digital video recorder-DVR module)
  ■ eCall (IP-PBX module)
  Service/Software:
  ■ OS: Linux/OS X/Windows family (A-Z sorted)
  ■ Speech and Capture Motion: ePlug, eVision
  ■ Life/Security: eLife, eGuide, eNeighbor
  ■ Intelligent Building/Vehicle: eControl, eGuide, eLife
  ■ Entertainment: eMusic, ePC (Optional)
  ■ Automation Platforms: Eternet (ePN, eWN), KNX, LonTalk, S-Bus, X10
  ■ CCTV: eVR (eBox), eDome
  ■ Communication/Intercom: eNeighbor, eCall (eBox)
  

  • Controlers

    • eactuator
    • edome
    • ehai
    • eplug
    • esensor
    • etrans

  • Networks and Services

    • econtrol
    • eguide
    • elife
    • eneighbor
    • epn
    • ethrift

  eActuator

  Control and supervision interfaces can be divided into two categories based on their application and functionality:
  ■ eActuator Units: These are devices placed on utilities at different locations of the building in order to receive commands from eHome to control and activate systems and appliances.
  ■ eSensor Units: Tools and sensors, gather control and supervision related data, and send them to eHome to be used as inputs for decision making, and issuing commands.
  It is possible to place and use eActuator/eSensor units at different locations of the house. Furthermore, several units can be served by one or more eHome servers to increase the flexibility and reliability of the smart home system. DIN-Rail is the most common installation standard for eActuator units. eSensor units are usually installed on the ceiling or walls and they all use ePN networks to communicate with the eHome server. Supported default units by eHome server are listed below:
  ■ Energy Meter: Measure energy consumption
  ■ Switch Actuator: Switch energy with and without current detection
  ■ Energy Actuator: Switch energy with energy measurement
  ■ Switch/Dim Actuator: Switch, dim, and control light
  ■ DALI Actuator: Digital lighting control via the use of DALI
  ■ Blind/Roller Shutter Actuator: Drive control of rolling shutters, blinds, and ventilation with and without automatic travelling time detection
  ■ Valve Drive/Electromotor Valve Actuator: Heating/cooling via the control of valves
  ■ HVAC/ Thermostat Actuator: Control room conditions, temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.
  ■ Sound/Music Actuator: Control sound and music playback from speakers
  

  eDome

  eDome is a Pan-Tilt-zoom camera (PTZ Camera) with auto tracking ability, providing CCTV services via an eVR module. This camera is equipped with Wi-Gig and Ethernet, and uses automatic load balancing between network gateways in the case of bandwidth saturation. The night vision ability of this device, along with its automatic optical zoom, enable users to utilize eVision control. Through employing the eGuide service, eVision provides users with command control capabilities via head movements while using eDome image recording/replaying. Data from Gyro-Accelero-Compass sensors on eVision are received by eDome controller in order to synchronize camera movements. eVision users are able to have remote access to the eDome sight line and see images by eVision. eDome-eVision combination along with eLife service provides powerful vision tools for the users.

  eHAI

  There are a vast variety of home appliances being produced by different manufacturers all over the globe, which are equipped with the ePN-eWN Interface, including PLC/BPL communication units, Bluetooth, and Accelerometer-Gyro-Compass sensors. These products can be controlled and supervised by smart home systems. In addition, the ePN-eWN interface makes such supervision and control possible via eVision and eRein.
  Eternet Building can be connected to home appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dish washers, stoves, microwave ovens, audio and video systems, air conditioning, and other electrical and electronic products through Home Appliance/ePN-eWN interfaces. Utilizing these units together with control and supervision interfaces creates a uniform system of building components for different scenarios and classifications. Users can define work scenarios to automatically control and guide a number of these devices, based on a specific time or event.

  ePlug

  ePlug is a touch screen controller, enabling the users to access eHome and its components. The embedded fingerprint scanner is its primary means of identity recognition. Additionally, the included camera on this device makes it possible to identify the user via facial recognition. eWatch and eVision identification are also possible with this device, via eWN and NFC. As a result, eHome is equipped with several methods of user identification.
  ePlug uses ePN as a communication network to eHome in order to maintain maximum security while supervising and controlling a smart home system.

  eSensor

  Control and supervision interfaces can be divided into two categories based on their application and functionality:
  ■ eActuator Units: These are devices placed on utilities at different locations of the building in order to receive commands from eHome to control and activate systems and appliances.
  ■ eSensor Units: Tools and sensors, gather control and supervision related data, and send them to eHome to be used as inputs for decision making, and issuing commands.
  It is possible to place and use eActuator/eSensor units at different locations of the house. Furthermore, several units can be served by one or more eHome servers to increase the flexibility and reliability of the smart home system. DIN-Rail is the most common installation standard for eActuator units. eSensor units are usually installed on the ceiling or walls and they all use ePN networks to communicate with the eHome server. Supported default units by eHome server are listed below:
  ■ Binary Input: Detect and evaluate switching commands
  ■ Analogue Input: Capture, evaluate, and monitor physical parameters
  ■ Weather Sensor: Evaluate and monitor meteorological data (wind, temperature, rain, etc.)
  ■ PIR Sensor: Detect presence and movement
  ■ Light Sensor: Measure brightness level
  ■ Security/Monitoring Module: Monitor operating conditions, signal technical faults, recognize hazards and trigger alarms
  ■ Video Camera: Video recording and motion detection

  eTrans

  There are a wide range of sensors and actuators being produced for smart homes by manufacturers. eTrans acts as an interface between eHome and such devices to convert commands and communication protocols to Eternet or vice versa. Hence, eHome can control and manage sensors and actuators produced by different manufacturers. Here is a list of platforms and interfaces supported by eTrans:
  Platforms:
  ■ Eternet Power-line Network (ePN)
  ■ Konnex (KNX Association Protocol)
  ■ LonTalk (Echelon Corporation Protocol for LonWorks)
  ■ Smart-Bus (Smart Group Association Protocol)
  ■ X10 (Industrial Protocol)
  Interfaces:
  ■ Ethernet
  ■ RS485
  ■ RS232
  ■ ZigBee/Bluetooth
  

  eControl

  This service is implemented for installing, managing, configuring, and executing commands in eHome and Eternet Building. Dataflow-based design tools are embedded in this complex, in order to manage its functionality. As a result, it can generate an unlimited number of flexible scenarios where the functionality and components of each scenario is defined. This system provides users with the ability to manage various components in a building, such as lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, access, entrance, security, and entertainment systems, by using a variety of scenarios. Therefore, different functionalities can be managed by the users of smart homes and buildings. In order to achieve these functions, eControl modifies the access level of different users based on their fingerprints, facial characteristics, eWatch, and eVision, via the ePlug.
  Intercom and DVR management can be done by eCall and eVR respectively, as a result of proper design of scenarios by eControl. Moreover, eActuator/eSensor and 3rd party products can be monitored and managed by eControl through the eTrans interface. In addition to the above-mentioned features, home appliances can be controlled by this service via the Home Appliance/ePN-eWN interface. Utilizing eVision to control a wide range of devices and systems in smart homes and buildings, enables the users to observe and control different Eternet nodes while moving inside the building. For example, an eVision-equipped user can view and control an eDome camera by moving their head towards different directions. eDome is an IP-PTZ camera with optical zoom ability.

  eGuide

  The eGuide service, in conjunction with eControl, provides a new form of control on eHome services, eVision, and ePlug. eGuide makes it possible to control and manage nodes and Eternet components in the line of sight of eVision. Moreover, it shows the suggestions and requests of the system to users in order to enhance the functionality of smart houses.
  eGuide provides daily suggestions and announcements based on the daily work and hobby schedules of people, as well as other information such as the weather.

  eLife

  As some explanation was made earlier, eLife provides a platform for execution and management of Eternet services. Moreover, it gathers information about the activities of nodes and users. In an Eternet Building, events are identified based on their priority in order to specify the system’s jobs and inspect the user’s lifestyle. It is also able to make suggestions and provides forecasts in order to enhance functionality, and the user’s lifestyle. In addition, it controls the components and nodes in a smart and self-trained manner.

  eNeighbor

  eNeighbor is a service which makes connections between people, buildings and vehicles. This service makes suggestions or announces events which can lead to meetings between people based on their locations, buildings, and vehicles, as well as the information provided by eLife about the user’s social life and interactions, their level of connections, working hours, free time, occasions, and preferences. The goal of designing this social service is to increase the quality of social interactions between people, friends, and families.

  eThrift

  Energy conservation is of high value in the management of an Eternet Building. eThrift analyzes data such as those provided by sensors, the user’s arrival and departure, preferred temperature, nodes and component activities, in order to generate and implement scenarios and issue commands to maintain optimum conditions. Furthermore, it is possible for the users to generate different scenarios in order to manage and refine the system’s functionality and the user’s energy consumption habits.

  ePN

  ePN is a network of nodes, inter-connected via the IEEE 1901/BPL standard. In order to increase security, public keys and private keys can be used in this network. Private keys are generated by a time function. The time parameter is used to identify and configure trusted nodes. This parameter is made equal between the nodes via synchronization from the server. The time function is able to configure the process of generating private keys in different time domains. Therefore, this parameter can be used to determine the response time and key validity length. This parameter is a trade-off between response time and security. Increasing the life span of a key may result in reduced security.

• Vehicle

  Creating smart vehicles using Eternet Vehicle consists of the vehicle real-time computer, electronic network, ECUs, audio and video outputs, and the Eternet Service network. It is worth noting that this system supports eWatch and eVision in order to provide more services to users.
  Eternet Vehicle introduces a new generation of services and facilities for owners of different types of vehicles. Supporting eLife service makes it possible to control and oversee many of the vehicle’s features.
  

  eCar

  This unit plays a vital role as a platform for entertainment, communications, navigation, security, and control, in an Eternet Vehicle. eCar, as a hardware unit, is able to support various operating systems and other software platforms. Moreover, the I/O controller supervises and controls the doors, seats, the boot, bonnet, and other compartments. Audio and video input and output interfaces are utilized in order to access the surround audio system, microphone input, video camera inputs, and HDMI output.
  eCar can be plugged into a wide range of devices such as eVision, mobile phones, and laptops, due to their support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM and the eLife service. The main goal of designing eCar is for users to experience advanced driving, where they can take advantage of all the facilities of their vehicles while they are constantly connected to Eternet Building. It should be mentioned that eCar platform can be modified and used by different vehicles, electronic, and computer equipment manufacturers.
  

  • Services

    • econtrol
    • ediag
    • edrive
    • eguide
    • elife
    • eneighbor
    • etheater

  eControl

  As mentioned earlier, eControl is designed to provide access to and management of nodes and Eternet components. eControl provides the passengers with control options over doors, windows, air conditioning, sun roof, seats and etc based on different scenarios. Such abilities are available via displays and eVision. In addition, users can control some features such as engine start, air conditioning activation, horn and light, while they are not inside the vehicle.
  eControl provides access and driving ability based on scenarios and by facial and fingerprint recognition, eVision and eWatch. It is noteworthy to mention that eControl users are recognized with different levels of access to control Eternet Building. The security unit makes the owners able to be informed about the location of the vehicle or turn the ignition on or off remotely or even communicate with it.

  eDiag

  The diagnosis unit of an eCar is built for seeing and deleting fault codes generated by the vehicle. This system provides users with automatic or manual diagnosis services, over the OBD II port standard. After that, different ECUs of the vehicle will be analyzed in order to find the problem. eDiag provides different engine parameters and information for the driver and passengers such as fuel injection, ignition, and feedback from other sensors. Such data is usually used by vehicle service centers and professional drivers. It is worth mentioning that service centers can conduct vehicle diagnosis with a higher level of access due to eVision and eLife services.
  Vehicle service centers equipped with eDiag service have access to the following diagnosis functions:
  ■ ECU Identification
  ■ Read Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
  ■ Clear DTC
  ■ Measure Values/Parameters/Live Data
  ■ Actuator Tests
  ■ ECU Adaptation/Programming/Configuration/Calibration
  ■ Service Reset
  ■ Special Functions

  eDrive

  This service drives and guides the vehicle. eDrive is a real time service which receives the information from sensors and Cloud providers and then sends the relevant commands to the actuators for guiding the vehicle. The vehicle’s designated sensors also process and provide information regarding the vehicle’s situation, position, and location, as well as its surrounding environment. The Cloud service providers are also in charge of supplying information such as traffic and road conditions to eDrive.
  eDrive uses laser sensors to provide a 3D image of the road and other vehicles, as well as other items on the road. This information is then used to suggest alternative routes for the vehicle.
  By using state-of-the-art technology that provides alternative options to reach a destination based on factors such as traffic, distance and safety, eDrive selects the best route for the vehicle. All information, including warning signs, will be visible to the driver on the vehicle display and eVision.

  eGuide

  This service provides users with navigation services via eVision or the vehicle display. This assists users in finding the best route to reach their destinations. Issuing warnings and suggestions such as refueling time, optimum speed, and the nearest restaurant are some of the information provided by eGuide. It is worth noting that the suggestions and warnings can be issued in offline mode, or by eLife (where the suggestions and warnings are based on the available information about the driver and passengers). Another eGuide service is to detect controllers such as doors, windows, and air conditioning, via eVision. The driver has access to those controllers, via head movements.

  eLife

  An Eternet Vehicle collects information about the driver and passengers, such as their heart rate, and selected music, as well as information about the vehicle, such as vehicle speed, and travel route, via eWatch. Therefore, servers can issue commands and provide data for services such as eGuide and eControl in order to raise the functionality of the system.

  eNeighbor

  The eNeighbor service enables connections between people, buildings, and vehicles, and is able to track vehicles on the contacts list via navigation systems. eNeighbor displays vehicles placed at different geographical distances by means of eLife. As a result, users can search for an intended vehicle using different options like the driver or the vehicle itself. eNeighbor can inform vehicle owners about their entering or leaving geographical zones.

  eTheater

  Is responsible for accessing and managing hobbies and entertainment, such as eMusic, image, and video playback. This service enables the passengers to access their playlists via eMusic in order to access and listen to their preferred music, or watch their selected images or videos. The latter is possible via eVision or a backseat displays.

• Service

  Is a group of cloud servers, and provides a platform for Eternet services. This is a desirable platform to provide a variety of services such as music, radio, television, internet, and mobile phone, due to its versatility. Such capabilities carry remarkable service providing potential. Software, hardware, and social communications, data transfer platforms, television and radio services are just a few of the service capabilities provided by this complex.

  eLife

  Details about the eLife service and its role in Eternet computer, Eternet Building, and Eternet Vehicle were discussed earlier. Moreover, it was mentioned that eVision and eWatch tools play crucial roles in the eLife and eHealth services respectively. eLife handles the communications and management of the eGuide, eControl, eLife, eHealth, eNeighbor, eMusic, and eThrift services. This enables users to manage and execute these services via different interfaces.
  To be more precise, eLife users have two approaches in order to gather information from users on Cloud services:
  ■ External Data Collection: In this method, eLife receives the user’s data from different services, such as social networks. The received data is updated periodically or updated based on events. This data includes information like details about family, friends, interests, activities, orders, payments, expenses, and types of events, provided by sources outside of the Eternet. In addition, users introduce important events to eLife servers by choosing subjects, such as economics, sports, politics, etc.
  ■ Internal Data Collection: In this method, the components and nodes of Eternet report the user’s activities. Nodes report each user’s events at pre-defined time and interval levels based on service configurations. These events contain information about accessing, activating and controlling different system components, software execution, communication, favorite TV/Radio services, time spent at different locations, biological data, and dozens of other parameters.
  Gathering this data and executing data mining and machine learning algorithms, allows the eLife servers to recognize the user’s habits, behavior, and life style. The compiled rules and information provide the course of actions taken by the eLife servers. For example, the eGuide service of eVision can set reminders about different subjects or make suggestions on the time and type of shopping required.
  Due to the huge volume of information, parameters, methods, and algorithms of data mining and machine learning, eLife is designed to provide suggestions, consultation, and reminders at different scales, levels, and subjects.
  As a service provider, eLife provides service to users by one of the following methods:
  ■ Real-time Service: Service and data request commands are sent to the server based on the needs of the user, or that of the system. The results are provided within the defined time. A user’s eVision request in a vehicle to supervise and control components of an Eternet Building is sent to the eLife servers as an event. After the evaluation and registration steps, the request is transferred to the designated component of smart home and the user is informed about the result. This was a general example for a real time operation sequence on eLife.
  ■ Periodic Service: The service provider transmits information or command execution results at certain and predictable intervals. Data gathering in eLife is generally used to provide periodic services in order to send commands or the results of data mining and machine learning operations to the nodes. Each node reacts to the received information by forwarding it to eGuide or other relevant units.
  

  eMusic

  Music is known as one of the most popular forms of art and entertainment in the world. eMusic is designed based on different tastes, compositions, mediums, and transfer methods for music. eMusic provides advanced services for the users as a unique and powerful software service. It is able to execute and use this service on different hardware and software platforms as it is designed and implemented based on HTML5.
  The main reason for designing eMusic is to build a cloud service, with a social network, where users can access a large music archive, where they can search, download and recommend their intended music. This system recognizes users similarities based on music-related parameters and physical location in order to provide information and suggestions to the users.
  As a software service, eMusic utilizes techniques and algorithms in order to build and maintain connections between users. As mentioned earlier, this service is designed and implemented based on HTML5 technology. Therefore, it supports different platforms.
  ■ Music:
  This section of eMusic service provides the ability to search music archives. It should be mentioned that its archives and databases are based on ID3 and MP3 files and music tracks are stored in its archives based on these standards. Different options such as music specifications, albums, and singers are provided after the search in order to make it easier to preview, add to playlist, suggest to friends, share on social networks, and receive user comments. Other than the standard archives, users can access mixed music by DJs, or select their favorite radio based on preferred genre or singer.
  ■ Playlists:
  This module allows users to create, delete and manage playlists. Hence, they can manage and classify online music on the internal memory. It should be mentioned that lists are stored both online and offline in order to analyze the user’s tastes.
  ■ People:
  This social network embedded in eMusic displays the list of users close to each other based on the information provided by a GPS module. Moreover, other information is analyzed in order to illustrate similarities and their levels. The most important parameters of such are listed below based on their data mining methods and priority:
  - Playlists items
  - Visited/Suggested Items (Genre/Singer/Track/Radio/Podcast)
  - External information (ex: Social networks favorite items)
  In this section, users with similar music tastes can search each other’s profile and make connections based on their physical location.
  ■ Player:
  The player module is in charge of playing music tracks available in the playlists. This unit produces music visualization by utilizing the GPU, based on music and sound visualization formulas in HTML5. By using the embedded camera, this module is able to generate images synchronized with hand and body movements, while tracking audio data.

• About Founder

  Ali Taheri (born April 24, 1982) is an Iranian, computer programmer, system designer and innovator. During his undergraduate education, Taheri invented the idea of Eternet and continued his research toward its primary design. In the M.Sc. program at Shiraz University in Iran, he successfully managed to design the necessary tools and services for the completion of Eternet. Eternet (which stands for Eternity Network) offers unlimited new and unique possibilities in such fields as computer, entertainment, communication, health care, transportation and security.
  He began software programming with focus on web, network and security while still in high school. At university he gained an interest in working with microcontrollers and microprocessors which resulted in his advanced projects for building PBX systems, power line and DMX controllers and security systems.
  In 2001 Taheri founded Net Pardaz Company and began working professionally on projects related to industrial automation, intelligent building, Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) and scenario based home automation system. Since 2006 Net Pardaz Company has been one of the most progressive companies in designing and building vehicle diagnostic equipments.

  Future

  Eternet, as a network of systems, controllers and services, is designed to cover a diverse range of users’ needs in the fields of computer, as well as electronics and IT. The inter-connections and wide range of functionality of Eternet via mobile phones, personal computers and operating systems, demonstrate the imperative need for innovative ideas and projects in this highly competitive field.
  Therefore, Eternet, in its future project, tends to expand its functionality by introducing ePhone, eUI and eBrick as the Eternet Mobile Phone, Eternet User Interface and Eternet Smart Building Unit respectively. The future project also includes the enhancement of the current systems, controllers and services such as ePC, eVision and eLife.

  Contact us by E-Mail

  Use e@eternet.com to send your message directly from your email account.

Product Review - Anthem AVM-20 Surround Sound Processor - December, 2001

Brian Florian

Introduction

Microwaves are a curious thing. Omnipresent, they buzz around us each day, carrying our cell phone conversations and some of the television we watch (among other things). But take the right wavelength at the right intensity, and the little buggers will heat your food, or even cook it if given the opportunity. Unlike a stove which relies on an exchange of molecular kinetic energy between an element and a pan, and subsequent similar exchange between pan and food, microwaves create the kinetic energy right in the food. Though microwave ovens are ubiquitous, most would-be chefs are unaware of the fact that microwaves primarily heat the moisture within food. It's this little tidbit of trivia that makes microwave popcorn a reality.

Popcorn kernels, dry as they are to the touch, have moisture trapped inside. When the moisture is heated sufficiently, it turns to steam and expands, forcing its way out of the kernel, and the proverbial 'pop' ensues. How convenient that microwaves are so good at heating up moisture. I like kettle popped popcorn as much as the next guy, but you have to admit, those small paper bags of 3 minute magic are pretty darn cool. I concede that not everyone will consider the microwave/moisture/kernel relationship a fascinating revelation, but some (myself included) will dig that sort of stuff. If you want to sell microwave ovens though, the user manual had better talk about cooking times and not food-physics.

Usb 2.0 grabber driver. The decoding and presentation of surround sound is pretty cool too. And like popcorn, most people don't care what makes it happen, only that it does happen and that it happens nicely, yet there is always the group who get their jollies from the nuts and bolts of the thing. In that regard, Surround Sound Processors are a special challenge for manufacturers: they are, by nature, complex and must present a level of control worthy of the central role they play in a home theater. But at the same time they must come across as simple and above all functional while not sacrificing an ounce of performance.

The AVM-20

It follows therefore that interpretations of what a Surround Sound Processor (SSP) should be, what it should include, and what role it should play in a system are as varied as the manufacturers who create them. After having lived with and tested the Anthem AVM-20, I feel it is a pretty special piece because it embodies much of our interpretation of SSP art. Witness the current state of consumer electronics: technologies are in constant flux and as a result, the mass market names can't help but yield short term investment products, continually replacing their own models with newer ones as buzz words and marketing gimmicks change. On the flip side are top-shelf names including Lexicon, Krell, Proceed, Theta, and our Stacey Spears own favorite: Meridian. All these portray a feeling of long term investment and those who can afford themselves such a tier of product often do so for that very reason. Take our editor's $18,000 Theta Casablanca II: every process (AC-3, DTS, etc) is on a card, cards which can be added and swapped at will. Stacey's Meridian, while featuring card options for input and output, takes a more PC'esque approach by employing lots of generic computing power, and then rewriting or updating software as needed. This is peace of mind at a rather high price. Can state-of-the-art cost less? Can it still have provisions for the future? Yes! The AVM-20 successfully weaves together fixed hardware with software processes, delivering an exquisite statement on the proverbial home theater center piece. Read on.

The Goods

I began my affair with the AVM-20, as I do so many, by unpacking it. The product is well built, solid, and robust. It's heavy to the point you'd easily mistake it for a receiver. This weight is due in part to the beefy chassis whose fit and finish are like a fine exotic automobile's, yet some weight comes from the two, count 'em two, separate transformers. There's the main toroid and then a separate EI core unit for standby power and other 12V needs outside of the audio circuit. The requisite black face is available in addition to the elegant silver of our review sample.

A word on Inputs and Outputs. Well . . . maybe a bunch of words. Just for starters there are 7 basic inputs, each with stereo analogue audio (single ended), coax digital audio, composite video, and S-Video. Three of these have complete sets of analogue audio and video outputs to feed the record lines on those components. There are 3 Toslink (optical) digital inputs and one high-end AES/EBU digital input, any of which can be assigned to any of the 7 basic inputs. Further, there is a dedicated two-channel balanced input and a 6-channel (5.1) single ended input. A pair of component video inputs can be assigned to any audio line. Here's a kicker: all inputs can be renamed to anything you like using letters and numbers to a maximum of 6 characters. For outputs, complete 7.1 sets are provide in both single ended and balanced formats. Both include two jacks for the center and subwoofer (10 outputs per set total). Stereo audio, composite, and S-Video outputs are provided for Zone 2 and Zone 3, while a pair of coax digital audio outputs are available with a variety of formatting options. Despite the abundance of jacks, and the fact that at first glance it looks overwhelming, they are actually easy to sort out: All inputs are on a black background, while outputs are all on a white background. See below.

Finished? Oh no! There are three 12V trigger outputs (1/8' jacks), two infrared outputs (also 1/8' jacks), and a 12V terminal strip for IR receivers. A DB-9 RS-232 serial port gets the AVM-20 talking to home environment systems, and although it seems banal, antenna terminals are there for the built-in radio. The only spot on the back not populated has been conspicuously labeled 'IEEE-1394/Phast Connection' so even that spot will get used up when a standard is laid down for it.

The AVM-20's design is a little like a personal computer in that it is based on a main board with various daughter cards. A veritable highway of audio, everything gets funneled through the big main board, so Sonic Frontiers (Anthem's mother company) spent a great deal of effort in its design. It is comprised of four layers, with power and ground each getting their own plane. Rather than let a computer draw out the ground plane, Sonic did it manually, a processes which took months of work, but they feel it is well worth it for the audible improvements. The main board manages all the audio ins and outs, while a completely separate board manages the video I/O. Daughter boards which feed the main board include the DSP board and the converter board.

Analogue to digital conversion (A/D or ADC) is done by a set of AK5383 ADCs running at 24bits/96kHz. These are two-channel ADCs, and you can see the set of three on the daughter card (photo below). Three are necessary for digitization of the 6-channel analogue input. The digital to analogue converters (DAC) are AK4382s running at 24bit/192kHz. Again, these are two-channel units, so four of them cover a complete 7.1 output, while a fifth takes care of stereo signals and/or down-converted material being sent to Zones 2 and 3.

On the DSP board is the Motorola 56366, a 24bit process/datapath DSP chip which handles all the Dolby, DTS, and THX processing as well as all other digital audio manipulation. It really is the brains behind the inner workings. Here is where it's interesting to make a distinction about hardware vs. software. The Motorola processor is the hardware, and the particular model of chip used by Sonic includes Dolby Digital and DTS software routines in on-chip ROMS. Other processes such as bass management, time alignment, and all the THX Home Cinema items are stored in external ROM chips (see photo above). This software can be changed and updated using a computer and a download from Sonic's website.

The primary, numero uno directive of THX's surround sound processor spec is to account for, compensate for, and otherwise address the simple fact that a home theater is fundamentally a different space than that of a commercial, 200 seat cinema. A THX Surround Sound Processor includes several functions, collectively known as THX Post Processing, which are applied to the soundtrack after Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, or DTS decoding when 'THX Home Cinema' is invoked by the user.

The AVM-20 includes all the elements required for the THX Ultra Surround Sound Processor designation. THX post processing is nothing new, and while we at Secrets are not warm and fuzzy about everything which falls under the THX logo, most of us do highly advocate THX post processing and consider it a requisite element for an upscale surround sound controller. The AVM-20 uniquely allows latitude on some THX elements, so a quick refresher of what THX implies, and how the AVM-20 executes it, is in order.

Timber Matching alters the sound of the surround channels, accounting for the fact that sources behind us sound different from those in front. By making the surrounds sound more like the fronts, a more seamless sound space is created.

Re-Equalization applies a specific roll-off of high frequency information to address the fact that movie soundtracks made for a cinema have an overabundance of treble when played at home (cinemas are equalized to the industry standard X-curve, and high frequency information bleeds off more readily in the large space of a cinema). Re-Equalization is a must for a good movie presentation at home. Without it, we are compelled to turn down the volume in response to the uncomfortable treble, thereby missing the more subtle elements of the soundtrack. But in recent years, soundtracks are beginning to be remixed for home release with appropriate energy balance, requiring Re-Equalization to be disengaged. The AVM-20 is one of few THX processors that allow Re-Eq to be switched off independently of the other THX processes (THX Home Cinema and THX Surround EX). As of software version 1.10, the AVM-20 allows you to make this choice.

Bass-Management is another gem that THX mandated way back when, and some form of it is now found in every Dolby Digital decoding processor. The crossover frequency and slopes for THX's bass management were not picked out of thin air. It is comprised of a 4th order low pass (80 Hz) to the subwoofer and a 2nd order high pass to any main channel set as 'small'. The mismatch of slopes is in anticipation of THX main speakers which exhibit their own 2nd order roll-off (2nd order + 2nd order = 4th order). The AVM-20 naturally provides the THX crossover but in light of many users not having THX speakers, the crossover point is selectable from 40 to 160 Hz in 10 Hz increments (the slopes remain the same). Best results will be obtained when selecting a crossover point handy to, but not below, the natural roll-off point of your speakers. For those who are concerned with having a different crossover point for each speaker, get over it. Although at first glance it sounds like a good idea, it can actually cause more harm than good and makes getting equal low end extension for each channel a real headache, not to mention how problematic it is to sum the output at so many crossover points so close together.

Time Alignment of the channels is something which is now somewhat common place, but which THX mandated early on. Unfortunately, THX does not mandate how a user goes about setting it, and we've seen some very expensive products with extremely poor means of setting delay (though if you manage to knife through it, they do work). The AVM-20 offers the simplest, most elegant, and comprehensive means of setting delay possible. You just tell the AVM-20 how far each and every speaker, including the subwoofer, is from the main seat in the room. You can chose feet (0.5 foot increments) or meters, and the AVM-20 handles everything else for you. Further, the speaker setup section allows you to distinguish between direct and dipolar speakers so that the AVM-20 can set its delay appropriately . Sound from dipole speakers incurs a natural delay to begin with, and the AVM-20 will account for this (a first for THX processors). In addition, any delay induced by the bass-management crossover is also accounted for transparently to the user.

THX Surround EX is, for lack of a better phrase, the 'real deal' when it comes to EX playback and has a few perks over the innumerable clones that are out there. For one, the AVM-20 processing is the genuine Dolby article, as first used in theaters. THX Surround EX responds to the 'EX' flag on DVDs while still allowing you to override at any time (early EX titles do not have the flag). THX Surround EX also uses two outputs for the rear channel, promoting the use of two speakers. Even our own early experiments with EX found two speakers to be much preferred, as a single speaker collapses the surround effect and can sound unnatural.

5.1 Speakers

Get in your Zone

Functionally, the AVM-20 is in fact three independent preamps which share a pool of sources. This is the 'path' concept. Any source can play along any of four paths. The 'Main' path is the multi-channel surround sound processor. 'Zone 2' and 'Zone 3' paths are each two-channel preamps, each with independent volume. 'Record' is the 4th path, without volume, for the purposes of recording. Any source can be playing on any path at any one given time. A source can be playing on more than one path at a time and the audio and video of a source can be broken up on the fly (i.e., you can watch one source while listening to another). If a multi-channel source such as a 5.1 movie soundtrack is playing on a path other than Main, the AVM-20 downmixes the material to two-channel. This includes Dolby Digital, DTS, and even the 5.1 analogue input. Naturally, control is a key issue with such a multiple-personality piece. Our own professional control freak, Colin Miller, poured over the RS-232 (serial) command set which would be used by a custom or whole-home installer to talk to the AVM-20. His comments are shown below:

I, like most of my colleges at Secrets, am not fond of video switchers. Given the option, I will always run video directly from source to display. But with a multi-zone controller as powerful as the AVM-20, it only makes sense to have it. The video switch boasts a published bandwidth of 100 Mhz (-3dB) which should be sweet for DVD's 480p. In pro-video circles, 3 to 5 times the bandwidth is regarded as being required for 'safe passage', questioning the AVM-20's ability for 1080p material. However, to put it in perspective, not only was I unable to get good enough test equipment to check it but had I, I would have had no 1080p source to test with! Given that HDTV set top boxes roll off their output anyway, I'm not going to lose sleep over such technicalities.

Form and Function

The display is a nice large illuminated dot matrix with two rows of information. The illumination of the display (and all front panel lights) is functionally inspired. There are three brightness settings, each of which can be set on a scale of 0 (off) to 15 (bright). The display will stay at the selected brightness level until you interact with it, at which time the display can go either to the next brightness setting up, or right up to high (your choice). After inactivity, the length of which you can set in seconds, it goes back down. Videophiles will especially appreciate this ability for the AVM-20 to disappear in a darkened room, without them prompting it to do so.

The AVM-20 knows what the time of day is and what day of the week you're on (which is more than I can say for myself at times). Each zone has timers which can be set for weekday, weekend, or a combination of both. As an example, I set it to power-on at 5:15 pm to give the system a little time to warm up before I get home and turn off at midnight in case I forget. On the weekend, the wake up time is 8:00 am. The active source at turn-on is selectable as is the volume level and whether it is instantaneous or ramp-up. Music or a television turning on and off while you're on vacation is an added deterrent to theft.

The AVM-20 provides the option for a center channel EQ, designed to compensate for the effect of putting a speaker above a big flat surface, namely your TV. That's not so new. What's cool is that you don't need a $1500 real time analyzer to dial in a conventional 5 band EQ. Instead, the AVM-20 provides pre-set EQs for various TV size ranges. Pick the range one size up from what your TV actually is and start making your way down until you get the clearest dialogue. Voila! In my setup it truly made for a better match across the front three speakers.

Having a party in your living room/home theater? Try the All-Channel Stereo mode for music. It's not just a copy of the fronts to the rear, which would cause nasty comb filtering while you enjoy the sushi hors d'oeuvres. No sir, Sonic thought this through. And although I'm not big on such things myself, there are a few acoustic simulations for stereo material such as Club, Hall, Stadium, Theater and the like. There is even an All-Channel Mono mode (the entire signal to all channels) and a true mono mode (featuring the lone center speaker).

The Cinema Logic mode is Sonic's own interpretation of a Matrix surround sound decoder which derives up to 7 outputs (plus subwoofer) from two-channel sources with the algorithm adapting to the particular speaker set-up being used. Personally I found it very pleasant for music material, but the lack of presence in the center channel seemed to break the relationship between visual queues and the associated audio when using in on 2 channel movie soundtracks or stereo television programming. In future software revisions, Cinema Logic will be expanded to include better channel derivation and separate modes for music and movies.

Pick Your Audio Flavor

Any analogue source, including the 5.1 input, can be designated as either Analogue DSP, or Analogue Direct.

Analogue Direct as the name implies, is a purely analogue pass-through of the signal with only volume control applied.

Analogue DSP implies that an analogue signal gets converted to digital for the purpose of bass-management, delay, and any other signal processing such as Pro Logic etc. Note that this is a valid option for the 5.1 analogue input. The more progressive among you will rejoice that you no longer have to worry about the bass management and delay capabilities (or I should say deficiencies) of your DVD-Audio player. The more conservative folk will poo-poo the very thought of digitizing the analogue outputs of DVD-A, but with A/D stages at 24bits/96kHz and D/A stages at 24bit/192kHz, the benefits of proper bass management, time alignment, and the center EQ more than outweigh the consequences of re-digitizing in my view.

In addition to Analogue DSP and Analogue Direct, any of the 7 basic sources can be assigned as Digital which implies a digital input to the AVM-20. Digital input can be any flavor of Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM audio up to 24bits/96khz.

Each source has its own individual 2 band EQ (bass and treble), and each has its own input level trim.

Volume is managed by a Crystal CS3310, a digitally controlled analogue device. This in and of itself is not so unique, but the AVM-20 is one of the few SSPs to really harness the convenience of such a volume. For each of the paths, you can set what the volume will be at power-on (no nasty full-volume surprises). You can also set a maximum volume for each path. Being that the AVM-20's settings are password protectable, those with teenagers are already seeing the genius of this type of control. Even the headphone jack has independent power-on and max-volume settings.

A pair of coax digital outputs are provided. These can be a pass-through of digital signals coming into the AVM-20, or if an analogue source is selected on the record path, they can be a digitized copy of the signal. In such case you can select the output to be 16bit/44.1khz (expected by most consumer digital recorders) or 24bit/88.2khz. This last option will likely be supported only by pro gear or select PC sound cards, so why would you want it? Well, chances are the AVM-20 is a better ADC than your PC soundcard, so you could use it to bring in material at 24/88, giving lots of headroom in such programs as Sound Forge and CoolEdit to do EQs, noise reduction, and normalization before burning yourself a standard 16/44 CD.

The Experience

Interacting with the AVM-20 is a remarkably intuitive experience. When first getting acquainted with the AVM-20, particularly when setting it up for the first time, I recommend hooking it up to the television/screen whether you will be putting video through it or not. It won't give you any more information than the front panel, but it will help you initially by showing you all the elements in a menu as oppose to one line at a time. After just a couple times through it, I no longer needed the on-screen display.

Everyday operations on the AVM-20 makes sense. Input selection is direct, not a cycle, and pressing any of the input buttons will turn the AVM-20 on with that input selected (if it wasn't already on). Buttons are clearly labeled. Press one and turn the master knob to make a change. Hit 'THX' for example and turn the knob to select between on and off. Or press 'dynamics' and use the knob to cycle through Normal, Reduced, and Late Night.

The remote is fairly large. Indeed every function of the AVM-20 can be controlled with it, and it has built in codes for virtually any mainstream CD/ DVD player, VCR, TV, Cable box, Satellite dish, and so on. With the abundance of buttons available, I found it covered more of my equipment's functions than any other such 'multi-function' unit I've ever seen. This comes at a small price though: The remote can only put on one hat at a time. It is either the 'AVM-20 remote' or the 'TV remote' or the 'DVD remote' etc. as selected by the buttons at the very top. The exception is the volume control which you can set to always correspond to the AVM-20 no matter what other hat the remote has on. The buttons are a little mushy, leaving me uncertain as to whether I've pressed one or not, but it does illuminate whenever you are using it. It's nice because there are so many buttons, and finding the one you want by feel would be next to impossible. You'll still need to memorize which button does what since labels for many functions are not on the button but on the background and thus invisible in a dark room despite the button illumination.

The AVM-20 is very responsive to commands from the front panel. The same requests from the remote deceptively seem slower, but that's because of its mushy buttons. It is very quick to act on changes in the audio bitstream as you navigate through DVD menus and the like, locking on to the bitstream and changing mode as appropriate with ease. Initially there was some irregular 'popping' when locking on to a bitstream, but as of software version 1.10, which incorporates recent bug-fix code from Motorola, the AVM-20's behavior is flawless.

The AVM-20, unlike the majority of AC-3 decoders, actually reads the 'Surround Encoded' flag in two-channel Dolby Digital bitstreams and sets its playback mode accordingly. So if the flag is 'Dolby Surround Encoded', the AVM-20 goes into Pro Logic mode. Otherwise it will go into Stereo mode (though you can force Pro Logic playback if the occasion dictates).

Any decent SSP will remember the playback mode selected for each input, but the AVM-20 goes beyond that, also remembering your selections for Dynamic Range Control, THX, and so on. For example, DRC can be 'Reduced' for the DSS (satellite) input and 'Normal' for the DVD.

As per THX requirements, the AVM-20 does internally attenuate DTS material by 4 dB, equalizing it with Dolby Digital material at the default -27 dialnorm value (for more information, see our article on Dialogue Normalization). The AVM-20 however does not provide a DTS music mode which would automatically attenuate the LFE channel by 10 dB (for more information, see our article on the LFE Channel). In reality, it is very easy to make level adjustments to any channel without disturbing the master calibration settings, so for the DTS CDs which require it, it is not hard to do.

And, the Sound . . .

The AVM-20 sounds good. Really good! One can easily get over-absorbed with the features and functionality of the AVM-20, but the sheer sound quality is not to be understated. Ever since Dolby Digital started becoming mainstream, I've said that a surround sound processor is in fact a DAC. And as such an evaluation of its sonic quality should be along the exact same veins as if one were discussing a CD player or dedicated outboard DAC. Next to your speakers, the processor is the most influential element on a home theater's overall sound. The AVM-20 is clean, comfortable, and free of impurities. Forget the analogue outputs of your CD player. Unless you paid four figures for it, just feed the AVM-20 a digital signal and let it handle the rest! Vocals are natural, bass is defined, and there is detail without the hash which is all too common in SSPs. Dare I say, Supertramp on CD sounded awfully analogue, reminding me of my reel-to-reel copy from so long ago. Brass, such as trumpets and French horns, is something I had practically given up on prior to the AVM-20, accepting that a reproduction which would please me was a metaphysic impossibility. Then I dug out an old CD 'John Williams conducts John Williams, The Star Wars Trilogy' and started calling and e-mailing people 'You've got to hear these horns,' I preached. 'They're real!'. I fed the AVM-20 some Chesky 24/96 DVD material and compared the sound when running it as Analogue Direct and Analogue/DSP. I listened and listened and listened . . . .

Then I finally got something: there was a miniscule difference in the treble. Not even enough to describe. I tell you honestly, in a single-blind test I would not be able to say which is which only that you were changing them. In a double-blind setting, I would probably miss the change all together. It's that subtle. I can't even tell you 'good' or 'bad'. Either way the detail, nuance, and subtle inflections were perfectly intact. The point is DVD-A will certainly not be 'wasted' on the Analogue DSP setting, but if it bothers you mentally, rest assured the purely analogue stages will serve your material well. But under the circumstances, I say one would be foolish to give up the benefits of bass management, time alignment, and the center EQ.

Kinetic Ka-5100 5.1 Speaker System Home Theater User Manual User

DACs aren't the only thing. At the AVM-20s outputs are Op-Amps of renowned pedigree: no less than Burr Brown OPA-2134s. I almost hesitate to say 'op-amp' because of late there has been some renewed criticism of them as output stages with the alternative being stages made from discrete components. Sonic is not at all ashamed and cite their selection of the Burr Brown units as not just 'good enough', but as a large contributor to the AVM-20's sound. Folks who have been in the biz for awhile will remember an article in [name omitted] magazine a while ago which trashed op-amps, conveniently leaving out the newest available at the time. While there are still all too many examples of 'bad' op-amps, sonically, the best ones, like the Burr Browns, are just about ideal nowadays. A discrete circuit would obviously have a thermal advantage, but how much this matters comes down to how much current the load wants, and 'better' op-amps handle the task in question without inducing a loss in sonic character. A discrete circuit with performance equal to the op-amps in the AVM-20 would end up being larger than a pack of cigarettes per channel, with an obviously higher cost not just in parts, but in production, inventory, etc.

The AVM-20's sound is refined and exquisite. In what I heard, nothing could be described as incorrect. Never did I think 'if only it was a little more (or less) such-and-such'. The sound was Intrinsically satisfying. You forget about the 'wow' of audio and just plain enjoy the music or the movie. And isn't that the whole point?

Synopsis and Considerations for the Future

The AVM-20 is a statement piece. A statement about all that is important, useful, and desirable in a surround sound processor. It's also a statement about fair value. I suppose no preamp/processor can be all things to all people, but the AVM-20 is the only one I know of that at least has a shot at it. It delivers excellent analogue performance and treats such material with reverence. It offers eloquent control and misses no mark in terms of usability. Hard core digital and home theater aficionados will be downright giddy to get one into their personal movie palaces.

I sincerely cannot call to mind being as impressed with the efforts of a manufacturer as I am with Sonic Frontiers and their AVM-20. Three grand isn't chump change, but when you consider what the AVM-20 is and what it does, the word 'bargain' or 'steal' is not out of place. Get to know one as soon as you can.

Sonic Frontiers has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the product's life span by refining the AVM-20 over the last few months since its introduction via the 1.10 software update. Owners can look forward to 1.20 which will add more features to the AVM-20's repertoire. Like all Motorola DSP-based units, the current crop of chips simply do not have the wherewithal for Pro Logic II processing, but they (Motorola) are working on it. Sonic is thus planning a 2.0 version software to accompany a replacement DSP board which will add Pro Logic II and DTS ES among other things. The cost of new units at that point will go up by the cost of the upgrade, so there is no reason to hold off buying one and enjoying it right away. As of this writing, the target date for the 2.0 upgrade is April 2002, but actual availability rests on Motorola's shoulders.

We will be following Sonic's development of the upgrade and will publish a report on it when available.

- Brian Florian -

Related Hardware used during the reviews:

Paradigm Reference Studio/40 and Studio/CC speakers

Paradigm Mini-Monitor speakers

Kinetic Ka-5100 5.1 Speaker System Home Theater User Manual Instruction

Velodyne CT-150 powered subwoofer

Smart Theater Systems 2X150VT amplifier

Rotel RB-985 5 channel THX amplifier

Yamaha RX-V795a processor/receiver

Toshiba 2108 DVD player

Yamaha CDC-695 CD player

Nordost Blue Heaven, Moonglow, and S-Optix cable

Sony KV-27S36 Trinitron TV

Smart Theater Systems GC120 AC Line Purifier

Kinetic Ka-5100 Surround Sound System