AMX Catches iPod Religion

AMX and iPort have announced the availability of the AMX for iPort Duet Module, enabling system integrators to incorporate the popular Apple iPod into their customers’ AMX control systems. Using the iPod in-wall music system from iPort, users can listen to their favorite music and podcast content from anywhere in their home. Now with the new AMX for iPort Duet Module, they can use their AMX Modero Touch Panel(s) or Mio Modero DMS Pinnacle Keypad(s) to control their iPort system, allowing them to conveniently manage their iPod from multiple locations throughout the residence.

“The single most important feature of an integrated audio/video system is ease of use. The richly featured line of iPort products has become our essential link between the familiar fun of the iPod and the extreme flexibility of performance that AMX control interfaces bring our clients,” says AMX and iPort dealer Rich Green, president of Rich Green, Ink. “We have yet to find a client who says no to a chance to use their iPod as a source of music in their home. Without an AMX interface via iPort this treat would become a chore for us.”

Garnering 45 percent of the global market, the Apple iPod is the world’s best-selling portable digital audio player (hard drive or flash), according to analyst firm In-Stat. With more than 42.2 million iPods sold since the players were introduced, it is no surprise that system integrators have been inundated with requests from customers wanting to incorporate these portable devices into their residential control systems.

“The new AMX for iPort Duet Module reflects our commitment to enable quick and easy integration of a wide-range of electronic devices from other manufacturers into the AMX control system for the highest level of flexibility and functionality,” says Robert Noble, vice president of product management, AMX. “And because AMX is delivering the same interface experience on our touch panels and keypads that consumers are already accustomed to on their iPod, we’ve completely eliminated the learning curve. Once the iPort music system is integrated into the AMX control system, end users can immediately browse content however they prefer — whether it be by song, artist, album or playlist.”

AMX’s Duet modules combine the reliability and power of NetLinx with the capabilities of the Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) platform. When integrating a Duet-enabled iPort device into an AMX NetLinx system using the new module, the Duet software will automatically recognize the iPort, which reduces installation time for system integrators.

“The availability of the AMX for iPort module demonstrates our continuing commitment to non-proprietary, open architecture design, so that the iPort can integrate across the widest range of home entertainment systems,” says Steve Crawford, chief marketing officer, iPort.

The AMX for iPort Duet Module is available at no charge to authorized AMX dealers via the AMX Web site, as well as to iPort dealers via the iPort Web site.