| Home media server runs embedded Vista |
Sep. 18, 2008
Crestron has announced a digital media server that runs an embedded version of Windows Vista. The ADMS (Adagio Digital Music System) includes a DVD or Blu-ray disk drive, up to 1TB of RAID hard disk storage, Internet Explorer, plus HDMI, S/PDIF, and component outputs, says Crestron.
(Click here for a larger view of Crestron's ADMS)
In line with its home theater orientation, Crestron doesn't provide techie information such as what processor the ADMS uses, or how much random access memory it has. But, the company says, the high-styled box is available in two different versions. The base ADMS includes a DVD drive, plus two 500GB hard disk drives arranged in a redundant (RAID 1) configuration. The ADMS-BR features a Blu-ray drive and a RAID array comprised of two 1TB drives.
 The ADMS offers HDMI for video out (Click to enlarge)
If that doesn't happen to be enough storage, the ADMS may also be expanded with one or more optional CEN-NAS-4TB storage appliances, each with a RAID 5 disk array offering 4 TB of capacity, says Crestron. The device plays:- Audio in Windows Media, iTunes (non-copy-protected, presumably), MP3, FLAC, WAV, and AAC formats
- Video in MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, WMV, QuickTime, Flash, and AVI formats
Naturally, the ADMS can rip any of the above formats, where relevant, from its optical disk drive to its internal hard disk storage. However, the unit is designed to comply with the copy protection that's integral to the DVD and Blu-ray formats. Therefore, playback of DVD or Blu-ray disks requires using the device's internal drive, or its optional ADC-200BR Blu-Ray disk changer. Up to five changers can be added, for storage of up to 1000 discs, the company says.
If disk changers strike you as a bit retro, rest assured that the ADMS also copes handily with online media downloads, via its gigabit Ethernet port. The device supports Amazon's Unbox and VideoGiants' HD Media Store services, for immediate rental or purchase of selections from online video libraries, Crestron says.
The ADMS has a front-panel IEE1394 port, for camcorder connection, an MMC card slot, and a front-panel USB port for attaching a keyboard. It may be used to browse the web via a built-in copy of Internet Explorer, according to the company.
Outputs include HDMI, with full 1080p resolution, S/PDIF audio, and component video, Crestron says. The unit also includes "uncompressed" 7:1 analog surround sound audio outputs, with "audiophile sound quality," though external amplification is apparently required to drive speakers.
The ADMS is also a multi-zone music server, said to provide two independent stereo zone outputs in addition to the home theater surround sound outputs. The unit can integrate with other Crestron devices, providing "full touchpanel media browsing and control from any room." Finally, should an owner be lucky enough to have multiple ADMS units, the devices can stream media from one to another or automatically sync content between them, the company says.
Further information
Crestron did not release pricing or availability information for the Adagio Digital Music System. More information may be available on the company's website, here.
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