Fasetto, Inc., well-known for its IP technology solutions, has announced the launch of AUDIO Cu, which delivers high resolution (Hi-Res) Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos audio data over the power lines.
Fasetto claims that it’s currently the only company that has overcome the obstacles of moving audio data cleanly over the power lines in all environments. It is also the first company to receive Dolby Atmos Product Certification for a sound over power lines solution for home theater or for just whole-home audio.
AUDIO Cu is a Dolby-certified plug-and-play sound over-power line home audio solution that provides consumers and integrators the flexibility to implement an audio infrastructure without the restrictions of an audio video receiver (AVR), Wi-Fi, WISA/WISA-e, and Bluetooth systems.
Audio Cu decodes audio and matches the source material to the speaker system configuration via power lines to each channel by an amplified AUDIO Cu receiver (RX) unit.
AUDIO Cu eliminates structural and radio frequency (RF) interference, and it can detect noise on the power lines from appliances such as vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, and washing machines to determine the best way to send the packets of audio to each channel without any loss or latency, providing optimal sound performance.
The audio can be sent across multiple circuit breakers, electrical legs, and junction boxes without sound quality issues. AUDIO Cu is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience over the power lines to up to 10 channels per audio system in any configuration including Dolby Atmos.
From Coy Christmas, Founder, and CEO of Fasetto: “AUDIO Cu marks a major milestone in audio connectivity, sound engineering, and simplicity. Users can now experience high-fidelity Dolby-certified Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos audio through speakers or subwoofers connected across power lines with minimal latency and exceptional sound performance. This enables users to place and connect their home audio system through power lines wherever they wish without the hassle of cumbersome speaker wires or worrying about structural and RF interference. It’s extremely superior to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and WISA-based audio solutions that are currently available. The future of home audio connectivity has arrived with AUDIO Cu.”
Easy Setup
Audio Cu has been made easy to set up. It can be configured for any home audio system and is compatible with any wired speaker brand. AUDIO Cu enables users to grow the number of speakers in a system according to their needs and easily move the entire system to a new location.
The included AUDIO Cu mobile app works on Apple and Android smart devices, making it simple to set up and manage any new or existing home audio system. Users can control each channel or system individually to use a variety of digital signal processor (DSP) presets and Dolby listening modes. AUDIO Cu eliminates dependency on an AVR and the inability to expand an AVR-based system if the channel count is at capacity.
The setup consists of three basic steps:
- Plug the TX (transmitter) unit into a HDMI-ARC or HDMI-eARC input on a TV or video display. Then, plug the TX unit into a power outlet.
- For each speaker or subwoofer, plug an RX (receiver) unit into a power outlet, then plug the positive (red) and negative (black) speaker wires into the RX (receiver) unit.
- Using the AUDIO Cu app, set up and manage the connected system. App features include configuring audio presets, adjusting EQ, and applying effects to individual speakers. A TV or projector remote can be used to control volume.
Great For Renters
Consumers who rent their living spaces and would like a true multi-speaker setup are limited by dwelling restrictions such as no cutting or drilling into any walls or ceilings. Most of these consumers resort to soundbars as they fit easily into smaller spaces and are easy to set up, but soundbars rely on “virtual” surround sound which is not always a desirable listening solution. AUDIO Cu enables consumers to have a true home audio theater setup that doesn’t take up a lot of space and is also easy to set up.
Audio Cu Products
AUDIO Cu is a physical product with a sleek, innovative, and lightweight design. One AUDIO Cu transmitter (TX) unit is required for each audio system. AUDIO Cu’s TX utilizes the HDMI eARC/ARC output from a TV, decodes the sound, and moves the audio data through the power lines to each speaker or subwoofer connected to an AUDIO Cu receiver (RX) unit.
Time-Saving
AUDIO Cu is designed to save time, and money, and streamline the installation process so that audio systems integrators can perform more jobs in less time, generating increased revenue.
Running and hiding speaker wires in walls or ceilings is not needed. AUDIO Cu’s software integrator dashboard ensures that along with a quick and seamless installation, integrators can provide the best customer service from day one.
Remote access provides integrators with real-time system results for every AUDIO Cu TX and RX unit that is installed. If a customer accidentally unplugs an AUDIO Cu unit and needs assistance, integrators will know exactly how to pinpoint and solve their issue.
Eco-Friendly
The AUDIO Cu sound solution also reduces copper needs within any audio system for a positive environmental impact. It substantially lowers the carbon footprint by reducing manufacturing pollution, millions of pounds of material waste annually, and logistic and labor-related pollution.
The Bottom Line
The concept of moving data, audio, and video signals through power lines is not a new concept. Systems such as Home Plug and Powerline are available for moving network data and are not uncommon. However, after almost two decades, it has not been embraced as a popular solution home theater option.
However, Audio Cu seems to embracing this concept and taking it up a few notches by implementing enhancements intended to attract home theater fans with high-resolution surround sound and extensive speaker setup option capability.
Pricing?
That’s where things might lose some potential buyers. A single AUDIO Cu Transmitter is $799.99 and a single AUDIO Cu Receiver is $399.99.
Are consumers willing to spend that much on a single channel of audio?
Because this system is being sold through custom integrators only, we suspect that there will be wholesale discounts for customers but that’s still not inexpensive if you plan on adding a lot of channels in the home.
Hopefully, we will be able to get a closer look at this system. If it really works, it will definitely solve problems and inconveniences that plague traditional home theater connectivity.
For more information: fasetto.com/audiocu-consumer
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