Connected Distribution, Russound’s UK distributor of 21 years, is introducing the XTS7 wall-mounted colour touchscreen, designed to control Russound audio systems using the new Russound app and to allow the installation of apps from the Google Play Store to control third party products such as lighting and blinds, even without a Russound system installed.
“This is truly a game-changing product from Russound,” says Mike Bonnette, Connected Distribution’s Product Director. “It is extremely versatile in that it is, of course, able to control Russound products with the pre-loaded Russound app, but also lighting systems, automated blinds, heating, security and any other home automation device that has an app on the Google Play Store. It is perfect for customers who don’t need, or want, a fully-fledged control system but want the convenience of touchscreen control.”
Placing the 7in, 1280 x 800 resolution XTS7 in a permanent location on a wall gives the homeowner easy control of their devices and full control of their Russound system, with metadata feedback from compatible sources, including song titles, artist name, album titles, and album art. The XTS7 can also send audio from Spotify, Tidal, or other installed music streaming app, via Bluetooth or Chromecast to any compatible device.
The built-in 16GB storage for additional apps can also be upgraded up to 256GB using a micoSD card, providing more than enough storage for a considerable number of third-party apps. The most important apps, like those for the lights and music, can be arranged so they are on the home screen, making them instantly available for use.
And, unlike many products that emanate from the US, its form factor is such that it fits into a standard single gang UK or European back-box, so no more need for US back-boxes and the problems these can cause when trying to install them in UK walls. Installation is further simplified through support for both wired and wireless connections. A PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection enables a single network cable to carry both the power and the data to and from the touchscreen. If no ethernet cable is available, the XTS7 can be powered by a 12V DC connection and can communicate via Wi-Fi.
This flexibility in connectivity means the XTS7 can be used as a replacement touchscreen to easily upgrade older keypads, such as the Russound MDK-C6 and SLK-1 and bring the benefits of touchscreen technology and the third-party app control to existing Russound users. Plus, for other non-Russound systems, previously only controllable via hard-wired keypads, but which now have their own Apps for Android, the XTS7 can also be used to upgrade these systems.