Vision Update V1.1 Software Release Provides New 2-Way External Control Capabilities, Improved User Interface Responsiveness and More
Escient, the pioneer in digital media management, recently announced a major free software update for its leading-edge Vision Series Media Management products. The Vision Update V1.1 software release, which is currently available, will enhance and expand the home entertainment experience for Escient’s Vision Series customers, adding both improved functionality and new lifestyle features. The update will be available free of charge to all Escient’s Vision VS and VC Series products, including two versions of the company’s all-in-one server/player, Models VS-100 and VS-200, as well as the VC-1 networked audio/video zone player . Customers may visit www.escient.com for instructions on how to receive their free updates.
Chris Commons, Escient’s VP Product Management, noted: “One of the key elements of the Escient Vision Series is that it was engineered from the ground up with the potential for ongoing improvement and enhancement. When consumers purchase Vision Series products, they’re not only taking home the world’s most sophisticated whole-home networked audio and video entertainment solution: they’re also purchasing a commitment by Escient that our engineers and designers will continue to work on improving the experience. This Vision Update V1.1 software release represents yet another step forward in our ongoing mission to provide the world’s best and most innovative networking solutions, now and in the future.”
Significant Enhancements to the Vision Experience…
The Vision Update V1.1 software release will significantly enhance the Vision Media Management experience for Escient owners, offering improved user interface responsiveness, stability and video quality. Key enhancements of the software upgrade include complete 2-way external control capabilities for Vision Movies, Music, Rhapsody, Photos and the front-panel DVD / CD drive. A brand new Vision module for Crestron support including multi-resolution touch panel files and multi-unit control programming is available on the Escient web site for use with the new 2-way control capabilities available in the Vision Update V1.1 software release. The Vision Update V1.1 software release also includes backward compatibility with the built-in 2-way control modules available in the Marantz 9001 remote, the Philips 9600, 9800, and 9400 remotes, and the UEI NevoSL remote. The new 2-way interface also enables control from several other 3rd party control and multi-room media distribution systems. Documentation and instructions for using the new 2-way control interface with the compatible 3rd party control and distribution products is also available on the Escient web site.
Escient’s Vision Series marks an innovative breakthrough in “whole home” entertainment networking, Vision Series products allow users to play and control all their movies, videos, music, and photos using the front-panel drive and home network*. Escient’s Vision Series products provide consumers with elegant new solutions for managing, accessing and enjoying movies and music throughout the home, all via a single intuitive interface. **
The VS-100 and VS-200 are advanced hard drive-based components, with RAID backup, that let users store, manage and stream all their movies, music and photos to a host of devices within their home network. Throughout the Vision Series line, advanced lifestyle-enhancing features and capabilities are integrated smoothly, including direct access to Rhapsody*** — the leading digital music service offering on-demand playback of millions of songs, exclusive content and professionally programmed Rhapsody Channels for enjoyment in any room of the home.
Escient’s 5th-generation Vision Series products allow users to store all of their entertainment content and instantly enjoy it from any room of the home through the all-new high definition Escient User Interface. Through a variety of advanced easy-to-use features, the Escient Vision Series makes it possible for users to watch a movie on the HD projector in the theater, listen to music in the bedroom, or view a slideshow of favorite family photos (complete with an audio soundtrack) on the new HD display in the den.
Continuing Escient’s unmatched excellence in integrating digital media management systems into state of the art audio/video systems, the Vision series supports the proven external control capabilities of the Escient Fireball Media Management product line.
Escient’s Vision Series products are currently available at the following suggested retail prices: VS-100 (SRP: $3,999), VS-200 (SRP: $5,999), VC-1 (SRP: $1,999), VX-600 (SRP: $7,999).
* Does not include ability to play Blu-ray or HD DVD discs.
**A home network is required for networking functionality
***The Vision connects directly to Rhapsody via an Internet connection and is ready to go out of the box with a 30-day free trial for the Rhapsody Unlimited service (Rhapsody post-free trial period pricing is $12.99/month).
About Escient
Escient is part of Digital Networks North America, Inc., and is the pioneering leader in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, sales, distribution and support of a groundbreaking category of audio/video products that meld the power of the Internet seamlessly with intuitive home-entertainment devices. Escient’s products and services are designed to enhance the entertainment experience by providing previously unheard-of ways to access music, movies and related content throughout the home. The company possesses a deep portfolio of designs for new products including media servers, DVD systems, remote players and networking and streaming devices, that are brought to market under the Escient brand through a channel of over 1000 locations throughout the Americas, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan and in partnership with other leading global consumer electronics brands. Escient, Fireball and Vision are registered trademarks of Digital Networks North America, Inc.
About Rhapsody
Rhapsody offers an integrated and immersive digital music experience accessible to consumers via their computer, portable music device and soon their mobile phone. For more information about Rhapsody, visit www.rhapsody.com or www.rhapsody.com/mp3.
