Archive for February, 2008

Wake On Lan Plugin

Defrag has created a really cool plugin and I wanted again to show appreciation for his hardwork and to all the individuals that continue to make Xlobby what it is.

Download: http://www.xlobby.com/files/defrag/xWOL.zip

Forum Post:

 http://xlobby.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5676&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Screen Shots:

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Wes Black \ Calrad

Technolobby Manga Skin

Andy finished his latest skin and is available for download. Thanks for sharing another Skin with everyone.

Download Here: http://www.mediafire.com/?xjgvmlcfwzn

Forum Post: http://xlobby.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6192

Some Screen Shots:

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Wes Black \ Calrad

Skins

AndyG TouchScreen Skins


I am pleased to offer 2 versions of my skin for your enjoyment
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AndyG TECHNOLOBBY MANGA


It weighs in at a hefty 17.36MB. The fonts you need are in the Resource folder. I hope you like it. Comments as ever, good or bad welcome.
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AndyG Technolobby Touch


You will need the plugins Xshout (in plugin config set stations to 5) and Xmusic (milkdrop 1 needed for winamp vis). Fonts u need i have included in rescource folder.I hope you like it (i do!), alot of work has gone in to making it as professional and user friendly as i could get it. There was alot of photoshop involved.
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Features

xLobby offers a Flexible Control Interface, Ease of Use, Comfort & Convenience, Peace of Mind. Make xLobby the Nucleus of your Home Media Management and Control System.

xLobby Features

Skin Editor Menu

xLobby provides all the tools necessary to modify create and design any style interface you want, with all the controllability you need. The interface can be simple or as complex as your installation dictates or evolve as your design requirements change. The complete interface development tools and structure of xLobbys skin editor are built-in to the software for quick and easy access from anywhere in the system, we call this a Run Time Skin Editor. You can simply drag & drop or select items to create new Buttons, Images Backgrounds and have full control over there initial size or scale up or down in size, move, rename, re-assign different commands to them, all on the fly in real time.

Main Menus items on the default skin can be hidden or shown as well as password protected, this provides each user with access to content they want to navigate to as well as eliminates any content or menu’s that are not important to them. xLobby is preloaded with a extensive graphic image and button library for creating different skins, even transparent overlay menus. A pop up Help balloon system is available to assist users in the setup and design tools environment when needed.

We make adding the same features to different menus as easy as copy & paste. If you want to create your own menu with different items and or functions, you can build them from scratch or copy them from other menus in the system. The internal setup menu provides access to all the controllability of xLobby as well as building and creating the logic that goes behind the interface for menu’s, buttons and graphic imagery. The flow of how xLobby navigation of menu’s and buttons interact can also be configured.

xLobby can provide different levels of control for content management from 1 client to multiple clients, server installations to whole home automation. Careful consideration of each system to operate alone or together is what makes xLobby unique, by providing an integrated control system from one interface users can jump from a music menu or from playback of a movie right into a menu that controls the lighting system or to looking at the security cameras. The ability of xLobby to control external devices using standard RS232, IR or IP protocol commands enables the system to communicate with virtually any device.

xLobby Setup

The xlobby setup menu is accessable by the Keyboard shortcut ALT+F2. In this menu you can configure xLobbys management and playback of digital media as well as the many settings required to run the xLobby GUI and control system.

Music

Built into xLobby is a rather sophisticated audio management system. It will scan your entire audio collection and create a database based off this information. And if your missing some cover art for your album it has a built in cover art downloader. Music is played back using xlobbys internal player or external players like winamp, and doing so allows you to configure it with any of the many freely available plugins. Search music by Album Name, Artist Name, Track Name, Genre, Year. Create custom playlists, load and mix various saved playlists for new listening experiences.

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Movies

Another built in management system for movies is included with xlobby. Not only will it scan and load your movies, but it can also download cover art, movie information, and even stills. Movies are usually played back using xLobbys internal Media player or 3rd party external players like theater tek, or zoomplayer but any other player can be used if properly configured. xLobby has 5 independent movie databases that can be named or renamed for any purpose, 1. (Movies) for any type of content, (Movies Family) for all movies appropriate for younger family members, (Movies Music) access all your favorite music artists live concert or music videos, (Adult) any content appropriate for Adult viewing only, (Movies Video) for archieving all your family home videos.

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Category Functionality

Why stop at music and movies, also included is xlobby is the idea of a category/database system for anything you can imagine. You can create your very own screen for games, trailers, music videos, recipes, and anything else you can imagine. It’s just so flexible people have used it in ways we never even imagined.

Android, Ipad, iTouch, Iphone integration

The xLobby xPad system is a powerfull web server based control platform the xLobby xPad with un-resticted device licenses, use as many devices as you want on a sysyem. This will be the last control system you or your customers will ever need. The xLobby xPad sysem is easy to setup and use without the requirement for complicated hardware or extensive training and programming for basic installations. We created a simple step by step setup process for creating a project with a home start screen, individual room screens and a device editor for all the project control elements. Step outside the basic design elements and extensive features and tools are available to create endless possibilities with any product or device hardware that can be controlled using industry standard RS232, IR, IP protocols. Remotely login to your xLobby xPad system and make changes or perform remote service calls. Read the detailed brochure below for all the features and details of the system.

Links:

http://xlobby.com/news/2011/08/31/xlobby-xpad-brochure-product-launch/

http://xlobby.com/news/2011/01/25/xlobby-xpad-interface-diagram/

http://xlobby.com/news/2011/06/27/xlobby-xpad-features-brochure-supports-ipad-itouch-iphone-android/

http://xlobby.com/news/2011/02/07/xlobby-xpad-external-control-system/

Multi Client Support

The ability to control/interface with your server through one or more pc’s or pocket pc’s for that matter is the future of home theater computing. Let me give you an example, let’s say you have a multizone audio system setup from your computer to several different rooms, each room could have a touch screen that controls the audio for that specific room.

Multizone Audio

There are a couple of ways to do multizone audio with xlobby. One can use the sound card(s) in multiple xLobby Clients-Servers or use the sound card(s) or multi-zone expansion boards in a single xLobby Client-Server unit. Regardless of which way you choose to do it, each sound card will become a “zone” that will be controlled through xlobby. For example, you could have several different songs playing from one xLobby Client or Server all being sent to several different rooms around the house, with total independent controlability. And lets say you wanted to have one song playing in every room at the exact same time in (Sync Mode)….you can do that too.

Pocket PC support

There is not one pocket pc program out there today that can interface to your home theater like xlobby can. By default you will be able to control your DVD’s and your music from the comfort of your wifi pda. But if thats not enough, you can always create additional screens through the skin editor…expandability is the key word here. Oh and yes you can edit your pocket pc interface just like the rest of xlobby with the drag and drop skin editor, anything that can be done on the main xlobby screens can also be done on the pocket pc screens.

Idependent Client Control

A very unique feature that is only available in xlobby, is the ability to have multiple pc and pockets pc clients independent of each other. So if your wife has her pocket pc looking at pictures or controlling the music in living room, you could have yours controlling the music in the garage :)

Energy Management

xLobby can manage your homes Audio-Video Systems, Lighting, HVAC and other electronic devices to help minimize your electricity consumption and save energy costs.

HVAC

Let xLobby modify your Heating and AC controlled comfort by fine tuning your thermostat schedules, so that your home’s climate is in sync with your lifestyle. Indoor and outdoor sensors can provide readings and adjust the temperature automatically. Calendar based scheduling for weekdays, weekends, vacations or special events.

Irrigation

xlobbys home irrigation control’s can optimize watering schedules based upon weather forecasts and seasonal changes manually or by linking the controls to the internal weather module. Program Winter and Summer watering times and schedules. The xLobby hardware will work with any standard 24V AC sprinkler system. The built-in powerline interface stores your timed programs, so you won’t need to worry xLobby will always be able to turn your sprinklers on and off at scheduled times.

Lighting

Create the perfect mood for a romantic evening with the simple push of a button. Just one command from a touch screen, in-wall event controller and you can dim the lights, turn on soft music, start the indoor water fountain or aroma lamp. With your imagination and xLobby, the possibilities are endless. xLobby lighting control provides ease of use, convenience, peace of mind.

Create the perfect mood for a romantic evening with the simple push of a button. Just one command from a touch screen, in-wall event controller and you can dim the lights, turn on soft music, start the indoor water fountain or aroma lamp. With your imagination and xLobby, the possibilities are endless. xLobby lighting control provides ease of use, convenience, peace of mind.

Let xLobby automate the dawn/dusk controls do the thinking for you, your night and morning routines can automatically adjust for the changing times of sunrise and sunset throughout the year, so you won’t have to worry about reprogramming your driveway lights or outside accent lights when it starts getting darker in the winter. Make your home look occupied while you’re gone or on vacation, wake up each morning by scheduling your bed-side lamp or any other devices to turn on automatically. xLobby supports various lighting products like Insteon, UPB, X10, with new drivers for other manufactures being added on a regular bassis.

Pool-Spa Automation

xLobby can modify your Heating and AC controlled comfort by fine tuning your thermostat schedules, so that your home’s climate is in sync with your lifestyle. Indoor and outdoor sensors can provide readings and adjust the temperature automatically. Calendar based scheduling for weekdays, weekends, vacations or special events.

Remote Log-In

xLobby use’s Log-Me-In to Access & Control a xlobby client or server thats connected to the internet from anywhere in the world. Make remote service call’s, update xLobby systems, Remote training for user’s.

Security

xLobby works with any security system that has a RS232 interface using the xcontroller uconnect system, Full 2 way communication is possible. Security alerts can turn all your home’s lights on, announce an intruder using xLobbys built-in speech engine, shut down your HVAC system, display camera views on your touchscreens, TV’s or trigger any number of events within the xLobby control system.

Speech

xLobby control systems have a built-in TTS system and can speak system variables or events from within any menu. Use microsoft based TTS voices or AT&T natural voices. The speech engine can speak Artist and Track names automatically or by pressing the (0) key on the remote to have xLobby speak the Artist and Track tiltle when you want. Have xLobby indicate when certain weather conditions exist. Indicat when a light is turned on or off or if a door is opened, the possibilities are endless.

Quick Docs

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xLobby IR Keyboard

xLobby Touchscreens

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Part No. 95-1062BK, WH, Product Brochure:

Download Brochure:
http://www.calrad.com/download/95-1062.pdf

xLobby Audio Cards

PDF file Download link:

Amplified Audio Card 40-za1

xlobby 4 zone audio instructions v3.pdf

xLobby Client

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Part No. 95-2005, Product Brochure:

xlobby-client-brochure-95-2005-new.pdf

xLobby Client Rack Mount Kit 95-2005RMK

95-2005rm1-2.JPG95-2005rm1.JPG95-2005rm1-3.JPG

xLobby Mini Client Front and Rear panel Information

xlobby-mini-client-front-and-rear-panel-information-95-2008mc

xLobby Server

xLobby Client Server Setup Example: http://xlobby.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/xlobby-multi-room-2.pdf

xLobby Home Automation Bundle

5 Pack Lighting Bundle:

http://www.xlobby.com/pdf/xLobby%20UPB%20Lighting%20bundle.pdf

10 Pack Lighting Bundle

http://www.xlobby.com/pdf/xLobby%20UPB%20Lighting%20bundle%2010%20pack.pdf

15 Pack Lighting Bundle

http://www.xlobby.com/pdf/xLobby%20UPB%20Lighting%20bundle%2015%20pack.pdf

Insteon Lighting Products

UPB-PCS Lighting Products
xLobby Elk Products
xLobby Globalcache Products

xLobby WACI, IP Based Controller

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Part No. 40-WACI Brochure:

40-waci.pdf

Installations

Images of Calrad Hardware & xLobby Systems

This area will be for xLobby users and Installers to show off there systems or installations as well as what they are doing with Calrad & xLobby hardware and xLobby software. Anyone interested in sending me images of there job with details on the installation, please E-Mail me directly so I can post them here. E-Mail: wesblack@calrad.com

Company: Custom Castle

Installer: Samson Lov

Installation: Installed in a home in excess of 10,00 sq. ft., 4 xLobby clients, 1 xLobby server. Multi-Room audio distribution with xLobby and russound, WACI IP control system, (2) 8 x 8 Component Video Matrix Switchers for multi-zone video distribution for (4) xLobby clients and (4) Satellite Receivers. The xLobby client chassis are not the typical xLobby units but cases the installer wanted to use for this installation, the xLobby server is shown as we sell it, with hot swappable drives, removable from the front with each drive having its own digital readout for temperature, hours of use, fan status.

One of three racks in the complete system, 2 of the midatlantic racks are on wheels and can move as needed.

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Shown with 1-3/4″ pull out style drawer with 15″ monitor, keyboard and mouse for service and maintenance.

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Calrad single Cat5e HDTV active Transmitter Balun distribution system for sending content out to all the displays in the system.

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Additional Custom Castle Installations

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Misc Picures of xLobby Home theater Installations

Hidden Motorized Calrad 10.4″ touch screen for complete home theater control.

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Close-up View

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xLobby Server Images

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Samsung Wireless Q1 Tablet running xLobby used to command the xLobby control interface.

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Company: Kandel Media Group

Installation: Installation of several pieces of Audio-Video equipment and a single client xLobby system displayed on a 50″ plasma located in the living room with a full 5.1 surround sound system.

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3 Additional Kandel Media Installations

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xLobby & System Integrators

As we work towards xLobby Ver 3.0 more information on certified xLobby installers and distributors will begin to appear on the xLobby website. I wanted to also show some screen shots of a Skin that Samson Lov from Custom Castle is working on, there offices are located in the L.A. area and are a certified xLobby installation company with numerous client server based xLobby installations. There support has been an important asset to xLobbies continued growth. Below are samples of Custom Castles screenshots.

Menu View Pictures

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Menu View Movies

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Menu Icon View

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Menu List View

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Multi-Zone Menu

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Movie Library Menu

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Music Library Menu

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Music Artist Overlay

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Spa Menu

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Pictures Menu

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Wes Black \ Calrad

xLobby Ver 2.0 & SHOUTcast

xLobby uses SHOUTcast Radio Ip Addresses for our online IP Radio.

You can use WinAmp to detect any of the SHOUTcast radio stations by clicking on the SHOUTcast station (Tune In) to launch WinAmp this will open and locate the URL file location, start by selecting View File Info from the File tab in Winamp, copy the URL address. Replace or make a new Radio Station event in xLobby, next create or edit a Stations name in the IP Radio Menu. Now copy the new file address into xLobby’s IP Radio address location in the Events, Skin, IP Radio, Play File.

Example Stream Address:

http://86.105.231.99:8008

Shoutcast Website:

http://www.shoutcast.com/

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Wes Black \ Calrad

Infinity CCTV & xLobby

This is available to paid only xLobby users from there My xLobby accounts. We have created a basic control structure for our newest partner in DVR CCTV security products, Infinity CCTV. You can now control and view infinity DVR products inside xLobby. More advanced control and communications with there products will be available over the next few months when we will have full RS232 2 way communication and a solid API in place. We have released another Ver 2.0  of xLobby with live Infinity  demo’s accessable right from the xLobby interface, this new build also has a few bug fixes.

Infinity is a Los Angeles based company with a strong presence in the CCTV market. There website is at www.infinitycctv.com .

You must first go to this website in internet explorer and install an active x control in order to use the demo inside xLobby.

Goto this web address and install the active x when prompted, you only need to do this once.

Click Here to vist the live CCTV Cams to Install the activex control

You are now ready to use the CCTV demo from the main xLobby menu under more.

Note, selecting individual cameras are only available by selecting Camera Views (1) first then select individual cameras 1-16. The live website DVRS are as follows, number 1 is a 4 channel unit, number 2 is a 8 channel unit and number 3 is a 16 channel unit. The CCTV menu is optomized for a resolution of 1024 x 768. If you use other resolutions the Camera window may not be scaled properly. Also the remote control to the left will only work if you have the real DVR installed in your home or office.

The remote to the left is works directly with the DVR by using a usb-uirt. We have also included the ir codes under the skin folder WACI ir files for controlling the recorders using the WACI-NX or the WACI-POD.

All types of pan tilt and zoom fuctions are possible, this current demo does not have these features shown or included, but they do work if needed.

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Wes Black \ Calrad 

Last Release of Ver 2.0

Saturday February 2nd will be the last release of xLobby Ver 2.0, with beta releases of Ver 3.0 scheduled for the end of February. Below is a list of some of the final fixes + features in Ver 2.0.

All of the features listed below will also make it into xLobby Ver 3.0 .

1. Fixed Database Plugin issues. See post:

http://xlobby.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=43585#43585 

 2. IP Radio and Traffic interfaces are working better and are not holding the menu or events hostage.

3. Video size\scaling feature added to the Media Player for movies, works for 16:9 widescreen playback only, 4:3 is not adjustable at the moment. Presss F5 five times, while in media player full screen, to increase vertical height keep pressing F5, to shrink Vertical Height press F6, Decrease Horizontal Width press F7, Decrease Horizontal width press F8 to increase width, F9 Zoom in, F10 Zoom out, F11 will Reset back to factory default. Restarting xLobby will save the new video size settings.

4. New DVD copy Plugin Ver 1.80, Support for DVDFab HD Decrypter Ver 4.0

5. Added simple support for lock or unlock of touchscreen from the Controls overlay the button press events can be shown or hidden when pressed depending on the type of button selected for the number images. Ver 3 will have a set value field of the an access code and buttons can be assigned a  ID to reference each number in the sequence. Default Code is (1492).

6. Clean Touchscreen Button under controls overlay menu for cleaning Touchscreens without triggering events.

7. F2, Under (Misc), Touchscreen (Hide Mouse Cursor) will now hide the mouse cursor if enabled.

8. F2, Under (Misc) Play Button Sounds can now enabled or disable button sounds.

9. New menu layouts showing some new integration progress for (1) ELK  products like Security, HVAC. Several Russound interface Menu’s. Calrad’s 40-965M 8 x 8 Component Video Matrix Switcher example Menu.  Irrigation Sample Menu using Rain8net or other RS232 products.

http://www.wgldesigns.com/rain8pc.html

10. Added Actor and Director under Search,  Filters menu in Movies.

11. Several improvements to Movies media playback engine.

Licensed xLobby users can access the new release under My xLobby 

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Steven will upload the new build sometime Saturday afternoon. If I left anything off of this list I will amend this post. So you may want to look at this page again for changes.

Thanks for everyones continued support of xLobby.

Wes Black \ Steven Hanna \ Calrad