If you are considering using a dealer to build a custom-installation, multi-zone home entertainment system down the line, some media servers will integrate better than others. ReQuest, Escient, Russound, and Kaleidescape are widely used in custom systems today, as they are designed for multi-zone output and networking. AMX, Crestron, and ELAN are the leading companies for creating custom multizone A/V, lighting, security, and HVAC systems, which are controlled via touchpad screens and remotes.
Meanwhile, newcomers such as Control4 and Exceptional Innovation are building IP-based home automation systems that can be integrated with many of the major lighting, security, HVAC, and A/V components on the market. The result is a more cost-efficient approach to custom installation that offers a simplified setup and a somewhat open platform that benefits from interoperability with other companies' products.
As the demand for retrofit (versus new home) custom systems increases, you can expect manufacturers and their dealers to come up with more flexible and cost-efficient designs, so stay tuned for developments along those lines.
If your server will be situated on your stereo cabinet or next to your TV, looks matter. Noise is another important consideration, since hard drives need fans to keep cool. In custom, multizone systems you can choose from various types of in-wall control panels and portable tablet devices which bring convenience to another level. But above all, find a server that you’ll be motivated to use and enjoy.
A dealer survey conducted by Parks Associates revealed that in 2005 about 36 percent of home theater and/or whole-house audio systems included media servers. Dealers reported that the average video server costs an average of $8,000, and an audio server $2,000. The top-selling brands are ReQuest and Escient, while Russound, AMX, ELAN, and Kaleidescape were others frequently mentioned.
The survey estimates that 65,000 to 70,000 media servers were sold in 2005, up from approximately 37,000 in 2004. By 2010, Parks Associates predicts media server unit sales will total approximately 10 million.
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