The new xLobby 12″ Wi-Fi tablet,  part number 95-2011xnet comes complete with a xLobby V3 license installed and can connect to any xLobby hardware running the xLobby xNet service. The tablet can control other xLobby hardware from the xNet service or you can operate home automation devices directly using Global Cache or WACI IP based hardware. Supports Dual-Band/Quad-Mode support (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n).

Link to WACI Info: http://www.xlobby.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5465

95-2011xnet-bk (Black) Wi-Fi Tablet shown using a xLobby skin created by a veteran xLobby user Andy Grooby,  Iphone Touchscreen Skin  (Main Menu shown)

956-2011xnet-wh (White) Wi-Fi Tablet shown using a xLobby skin created by a veteran xLobby user Baddabing,  Heavy Metal Skin (Movie Menu shown)

The screen shots below show xLobbys setup menu on the XNET tab with a new checkbox Show Signal Icon, this new feature will display a small round circle in the top right corner of the xLobby interface that is used for wireless web tablets that indicate connection conditions to the xLobby server. This indicator will eventually make it into the skin editor so users can customize its location, change the graphic or add text. Future additional features will include a wi-fi signal meter for displaying to installers and users the signal levels of the wi-fi connection while using the tablet.

xLobby has lost all wi-fi connection

xLobby is trying to reconnect

xLobby is connected to server

95-2011DC Docking Cradle for 95-2011xnet Wi-FI Tablet

95-2011xnet Wi-Fi Tablet PDF File:  xLobby xNet tablet Brochure

This newspost is subject to changes and updates.

Wes Black

Calrads new 40-40VH01-SYL converter provides a simple inexpensive solution for the convertion of VGA video + audio to HDMI.

PDF File: 40-40VH01-SYL

Wes Black

xLobbys new release.

1. New System menu with Storage Add,  Synch,  Import CD, Storage buttons.

2. New System Storage menu, , System storage screen updated/added, removed “system health”

3. New audio cd (CDEX) importer added, screen added.

CDEX

In this release we added a cd ripping interface using the CDEX Open Source Digital Audio CD Extractor. The user will not see the CDEX program screen but xLobbys interface. xLobby will auto detect the insertion of a cd with a pop up overlay screen, after closing the overlay the Audio Import Menu will load. Three choices of audio formats can be selected, rip to .mp3, .wav, .wma.  Available screen details are Artist,  Album, Genre, Year, Tracks, Total Tracks. xLobby will automatically present the Artist coverartwork and alternative artwork options. The music will be stored into your music folder as specified for the music database in the xLobby setup menu. If a CD title is already in your database, a menu will pop up and let you know.

The current version of CDEX is available as a package download in xLobby (Setup) Alt+F2, Updates, Bleeding Edge Update, under Package ID: enter CDEX to download the program.

System, Storage Menu

The new storage system is based on a concept that people have tried to do in one way or another on the forum, the use of a custom made category layout. This is the first attempt at doing this in the default skin, new variables and the new group feature allows one to do this, but as we are still working on this feature.  I will not go into to much detail as things might change a bit.

The System menu will continue to expand into an area where users can access information on there xLobby system as well as manage all the details that interact with media and content internally, externally.

More Overlay Menu with new System button Screenshot

System Menu Screenshot

System Storage Screenshot

Setup Menu, Update Tab, Package CDEX Screenshot

CD Import Overlay Screenshot

CD Import Overlay with ” Album Already Exists” Warning Screenshot

Import Audio CD Menu Screenshot

This news post is subject to changes and updates.

Wes Black

What is xLobby SYNCH technology ? it is a management system the provides several options to 1. Backup all your xLobby content from your primary storage drives to an external hard drive or NAS hard drive system, if the primary storage drives with content fail you have a complete and updated backup to restore the content to a new hard drive or drives, 2. The SYNCH technology can expand the amount of xLobby systems that can share content on a single networked solution.
The diagram 1A. shows a media content delivery setup for 12 xLobby systems and two NAS drives. Six xLobby units are each mapped to a different NAS drive for media content. In the past only 6 xLobby machines could reliably pull content from a single NAS drive due to the large data handling demands placed on the NAS hardware without causing data latency issues and undeliverable or dropped data packets of movie content data to the individual xLobby client hardware, this limited the amount of clients that could share the same content, not anymore.

Using xLobbys new SYNCH technology you can now store the same content on a single NAS drive or several NAS drives and xLobby will automatically manage how the content is copied to another NAS drive or external hard drive for purposes of backup or duplicating files to expand the content delivery beyond the limitations of a single NAS solution. Several options allow the content to be SYNCHED by a scheduled time or immediately after new content is stored into the system. Media content can be stored into the NAS-1 drive from any of the twelve xLobby systems individually or simultaneously. SYNC details like time and percentage complete can be populated in the xLobby skin using new variables so users can see when the system is running xLobbys SYNCH technology. Additional features include automatic scheduling xLobby SYNCH times and instant SYNCH when new content is added the copy or backup process starts immediately, for instant content matching. Instant SYNCH is subject to individual hardware setups and the time frame to backup the content will vary from system to system.

The xLobby SYNCH technology can perform backup jobs for any files on the network. Program the xLobby SYNCH system to backup your downloaded ITunes Movie, Music library or any shared resource on your network like TIVO. Remember you can program it to do multiple backups. Even program it to move only new media content to an external hard drive so when you go on a trip you have the most current media with you.

Current SYNCH details include.

1. Source and Destination path details.

2. Status of file transfer, details of how many files.

3. Estimated time left with file transfer comparison information.

4. Data transfer rate in Kb/Sec.

5. Overview list box of file transfer State, Name, Source, Destination, Progress.
The xLobby SYNCH technology will be updated on a regular basis with new features and improvements as the xLobby V3 platform moves forward. Any updates or xLobby V3 improvements can be obtained from the xLobby update system under Alt + F2, Update tab. Any further news and information on xLobby V3 platform (SYNCH) will be posted on the  xLobby website.

xLobby SYNCH Diagram

PDF File Link:  xLobby Synch Technology

Early Screenshot of SYNCH menu

Alt+F2 setup menu for xLobby SYNCH

The SYNCH technology features should be available in the next xLobby V3 release. This page is subject to changes and updates.

Wes Black

xLobby V3 – 3.0.10036.43
========================
- 0000331: [installation] XL Will Not Run on Server 2003 Standard (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000787: [generic] 5 min temp writer, keeps local drives awake (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000784: [plugin] dvdcopy timeout error function added (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000783: [plugin] full disc dvd for bluray machines wont copy (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000776: [plugin] XWether Does not display “State” or Country” – only displays “City” now. (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000750: [content playback] current zone audio volume control, like master volume but for the current audio zone (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000796: [services] russound new commands, “current state” “save” and “restore” (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000795: [generic] new commands “os->email enable”, “os->email disable”, new variable %xlobby>emailenabled% (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000794: [skin editor] “alphabetize”: Toolbox/Styles/”Font Resources” (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000793: [triggers] new “Http Post” trigger added (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000792: [setup] “email” area added under setup to configure outgoing mail server (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000791: [generic] new “os->email send” command added (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000788: [generic] Covers won’t update with “F2 DB Editor”, but will with “spider save events”. (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000107: [generic] screens sort by last edited date (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000786: [skin editor] scroll bar missing on style manager (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000785: [generic] when joining playlists the playlist name is changed to the last add playlist (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000797: [generic] allow mantis users the ability to collaborate on existing user manual (top of mantis page) (stevenhanna6) – resolved.

 Draft 0.02

Work in progress

The xLobby V3 Manual is finally taking shape and is accessable from the mantis section of the xLobby website, we are using Google docs to provide colaboration of the file. We have decided to open access to the file for those users that have access to Mantis you have supported the xLobby platform for so long, your help and contributions are very much appreciated. If you participate in the User Manual, please add your name to the list of User Manual Contributors at the top area of the google docs page so we can keep track of everyone who edits the document. 

New features:

1. Under Alt+F2, there is a new tab labeled E-Mail for setting up the xLobby E-Mail profiles for connecting to E-Mail servers and accounts like Yahoo, MSN, Gmail, etc. .

2. E-Mail event under Event Editor, Command Group\Commands (Email send),  Subject + Body information to be sent to the E-Mail server, located under Alt+F2 in xLobbys setup menu.

3. A new HTTP Port Trigger for receiving commands from IP based devices like the WACI, Global Cache, Etc. .

xLobby Screenshot: Alt+F2, E-Mail Setup Tab

xLobby Screenshot: Event Editor, E-Mail Event

xLobby Screenshot: HTTP Post Trigger

xLobby Screenshot of the Screen Selection menu. A new feature was added so you can sort screens alphabetically (abc) or by (date) the edit date.

This News post is subject to change.

Wes Black

Calrads new 4 x 4 HDMI matrix switcher can be used for multi-room or multi-display signal delivery, IR or RS232 controllable.

xLobby Screenshot of Calrad’s 40-968M Sample Control Menu

The interface can be used with a touchscreen or IR style remote using IR commands to xLobby or via RS232 for one way or two way communication using RS232 protocol type remote controls. The (Group) commands provide a single event to switch all outputs to sources 1-4.

xLobby screenshot of the xController service running RS232 communication with Calrads 40-968M 4 x 4 HDMI matrix switcher.

Specifications:

-4 x 4 HDMI matrix switcher is real HDMI V1.3b;
-HDCP compliant;
-Support full HDMI resolutions 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 720i and standard video format;
-Multiple witching modes: IR remote control, operate manually or operate via RS232 port;
-With IR extender: enlarge remote control signal;
-19″ Rack-mountable: with mounting kit and screws;
-Input video signal: 0.5-1.0 volts p-p;
-Input DDC signal: 5 volts p-p (TTL);
-Audio: LPCM,Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, DSD/Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD master Audio;
-HDMI video color format: deep color 24bit/36bit
-RS232 communication: 9600, n,8, 1
-Maximum transmission distance: without signal loss with transmission distance of 10m by 26AWG hdmi cable and 15m by 24AWG hdmi cable and more 22 AWG hdmi cable.
-Power consumption: 36W (maximum);
-Power supply: 12V DC, 3A;
-Disc with manual, RS232 codes, IR codes
-Dimensions: 440 x 57 x 200mm;
-Net weight: 2.9kg;
-Shipping weight: 5kg.

Front View, 40-968M 4 x 4 HDMI Matrix Switcher

Rear View, 40-968M 4 x 4 HDMI Matrix Switcher

Rear view 40-968M with RS232 Port, Lan Port

IR Remote Control with discrete input selection or up\down input navigation

Drawing in PDF file format: xLobby Noir control system

Drawing Illustration of a xLobby controlled Satellite switching system used in a sports bar. The system can also be used in a home to route 4 video sources (Satellite, Blu-ray, xBox, xLobby) to 4 displays. xLobby can directly control the HDMI matrix switcher by itself or any type of universal remote such as RTI, etc. can be setup to speak with xLobby using a second RS232 port for full 2 way communication as well, so that touchscreens and wireless remotes have full 2 way control to the switcher independently or simultaneously. 

This news post is subject to changes or updates.

Wes Black

xLobby V3 – 3.0.10022.8
=======================
- 0000034: [generic] when adding a new command in irplugin it doesnt refresh in the event command add area (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000774: [services] xcontroller, “pause logging” and “show hex” for log added (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000773: [generic] manually add new storage location through skin (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000771: [generic] sound to notify when IR learn has started and finished (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000770: [generic] file browser does not show all file types (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000769: [client/server] client connection status now reported in log file (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000768: [client/server] new, silent reconnects option added for clients (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000767: [generic] file type icons didn’t appear in file browser (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000763: [client/server] “Reconnect…” box is too small? (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000427: [generic] Automatic external hard drive setup (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000140: [generic] deleting files from recycle bin messes up the os from the file browser (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000134: [setup] add predefined resolutions for display (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000048: [generic] file explorer, add drive refresh (stevenhanna6) – resolved.
- 0000775: [skin editor] file category type doesn’t show category options (stevenhanna6) – resolved.

xLobby users can now easily add  external hard drives or NAS hardware to there system without the complexity of having to go into Alt+F2 setup menu and configure the media databases and DVD plugin manually. xLobby can easily add external storage products and set up the external drives automatically for use as a media storage devices under databases and in the DVD Plugin.

Navigating to the new System Storage menu From the main menu select More, Health, Storage Add. This is a temporary location and  further design changes and options will continue in future releases.

System Heath Menu

(Automatically Add Storage)

Connecting external USB hard drives, Press the Add button and follow the instructions until the process is complete.  xLobby has now created all the media folders for the new drive and already mapped out the drive for use in xLobby for immediate use.

(Manually Add Storage)

In this section you can manually add external hard drives or setup NAS storage solutions on a network.

The Reset button will set all file paths to the top most directories.

(System Storage Menu)

This news post is subject to updates or changes.

Wes Black

Update 1-17-2010: Forgot to mention this cool toy from CES.

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mysOEl0UP5E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA2Av74pjTY&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X3VXa7897Y&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSv2ca-IECc

Some information on the AR. Drone: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1243959/AR-Drone-The-flying-saucer-like-mini-drone-controlled-iPhone.html

Wes Black

Calrad’s new PC\HDTV video balun with built-in video splitter.

PDF File Link: 40-7110 Brochure 

Wes Black

At CES 2010 there is so much technology to cover. Below are a few of my favorite websites that should provide some good coverage of the show.

http://www.engadget.com/

http://www.slashgear.com/tags/ces-2010/

http://ces.cnet.com/

http://www.geek.com/

http://www.gizmag.com/

Some interesting Technologies and Products from CES 2010

Light Blue Optics: Holographic Laser Projection with interactive touch technology.

http://lightblueoptics.com/

Soundolier: Wireless Speaker Lamp and Speaker Ceiling Fan, Wireless Audio Transmitter. The sound quality was pretty good and the wireless connection seemed noise free without any noticeable signal interruption.

http://www.soundolier.com/products/duo.aspx

http://www.soundolier.com/products/ConcertBreeze.aspx

http://www.soundolier.com/products/maestro.aspx

Intel: Intel I7 Processor running  a program called Infoscape. A laptop driving two 7-foot interactive touch screens, displaying 576 cubes hooked up to 20,000 info sources, including 20 live video feeds. Seems impossible. Touch one of the cubes, and an infobox displaying that content tumbles forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yt52-SEXIg&feature=related

http://dvice.com/archives/2010/01/intel-infoscape.php

More Information on the I7 Processor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_i7

Kingston: Paramount Digital Entertainment and Kingston Digital Join To Deliver Movies via Flash Memory

http://www.kingston.com/press/2009/corporate/11a.asp

Coments about this technology on Engadget:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/paramount-and-kingston-team-up-for-movies-on-flash-memory/

This news post will be updated while I am at CES, If I find some innovative new products or technology I will post more information and details or links here so check back.

Wes Black