LEXINGTON, KY – ELAN Home Systems, a leading manufacturer of award-winning Multi-Room audio/video and home control systems, today announced the availability of its new version of VIA!TOOLS, the industry’s easiest setup software for multi-room home systems. The release expands whole-home palm control through ELAN’s new wireless N800 and also includes a half dozen features and serial driver advances for the complete line of the company’s renowned VIA! Touch Panels. The announcement was made by Bob Farinelli, ELAN’s President and Chief Technology Officer.
The new software puts the control of entire music and video collections in users’ palms. VIA!TOOLS version 8.2 features two new applications that enable ELAN’s N800 wireless handheld controller to access, control and display 2-way feedback from ELAN’s two most popular entertainment sources – the VIA!migo iPod Integration Dock and the VIA!dj II line of Digital Music Servers. Users now have complete, portable control of any compatible iPod docked with ELAN’s VIA!migo and of music libraries stored in any VIA!dj II server. “Now Playing” info, playlists, artists, genres and more can be directly viewed on the N800’s 4-inch color display.
On the Touch Panel side, seven of ELAN’s most popular screen motifs have been optimized for the new VIA!7.0-EM and VIA!10.0-EM Widescreen Touch Panels. These motifs feature enhanced graphics and default fonts specifically designed for the new 7- and 10-inch models. On the control side, new Security and HVAC control features have been added through a 2-Way serial driver for Bosch Security Systems and updated Aprilaire and Ademco/Honeywell “Vista” serial drivers for easy control from any VIA! Panel.
“Our latest VIA!TOOLS update was developed in direct response to our Dealer’s most requested features, now making all of our controls even easier to use and spec into every system. The sheer number of features added in this release rank it among our top VIA!TOOLS releases to date,” stated Mr. Farinelli.
With VIA!TOOLS new VIA!migo and VIA!dj II applications, the N800 Handheld Controller now has 2-way control of four ELAN entertainment sources, including the XM-R3 Triple Satellite Audio Receiver and DTNR Digital Dual Tuner. The addition of Bosch as an ELAN integration partner builds on their release last year of 2-way drivers for Lutron, Honeywell/Ademco, DSC and GE Security.
VIA!TOOLS version 8.2 is now available as a completely free download for authorized ELAN Dealers at www.elanhomesystems.com/dealer.
About ELAN Home Systems:
ELAN Home Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video and home control systems. Based in Lexington, KY, the company’s systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use “whole house” experience. The company’s unique products provide complete lifestyle, feature-rich solutions, yet can be configured to fit the specific needs of every homeowner. ELAN products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and 58 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit www.elanhomesystems.com.
ELAN is a trademark of ELAN Home Systems, LLC, Lexington, Kentucky. VIA! is a registered trademark of ELAN Home Systems, LLC. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Hi-resolution photography to accompany coverage of this announcement, illustrating the ability of ELAN’s N800 to control the company’s VIA!dj II as a result of the new VIA!Tools 8.2 upgrade, is available at:
http://www.elanhomesystems.com/images/product_img/touchpanels/elan_n800_4_15_08. jpg
PLEASE NOTE — ELAN’s President and Chief Technology Officer, Bob Farinelli, is available for interviews and desk side briefings regarding VIA!TOOLS. He is also available to provide expert quotes and bylined articles upon request. To schedule an interview or discuss article options contact Steven Style at 212-465-1290 or stevens@stylegroup.com
Press Contacts:
Cat Fowler
ELAN Home Systems
Lexington, KY
t) 859-269-7760
f) 859-268-2132
e) cfowler@elanhomesystems.com
Steven Style
The Steven Style Group
New York, NY
t) 212-465-1290
f) 212-465-1299
e) stevens@stylegroup.com
