Here is a update on what we are currently working on for xLobby V3 in early 2009.

1. Currently we are finishing the full RS232 interface plugin that will finally provide users with a very powerful 2 way link to any external device making it easy to create your own driver for any product that interfaces via RS232.

2. Large built-in RS232 database with device files from many manufactures for immediate control over any product in there library. 

3. Address the ongoing list of Mantis issues based on priority issues.

4. Complete the new Static rotating image and Animated backgrounds features

5. More how to videos on skining and using the many new features in V3.

6. Expose xLobby Services for Russound, Insteon, UPB, Lutron, etc.

I will provide an open area on the forum for users to comment on any outstanding issues that really need to be addressed ASAP.

Wes Black

I am designing some new IP radio interfaces with a new IP radio start menu with 24 genres with each genre having 24 preset stations and 4 favorite station buttons. The next step will be for users to be able to just drag a radio station ip address to a button and the station gets stored as well as a simple way for the end user to edit the address manually.

Example Flash video of the basic GUI.

Link: internetradio

Wes Black

Some new features and improvements have been added to the next V3 release as well a some bug fixes.

New Features:

1. The ability to copy and paste a button and not have the events or button id reference copied, (Paste No Events). The standard Paste button when used will still copy all the button attributes (Events and Button ID).

2. Copy any element on a menu and paste the element exactly where ever the mouse cursor is on the screen.

3. Menu fade in and out effects

4. The ability to have motion video , (WMV) files playing in the background with options and settings

Improvements:

1. When selecting any element on a menu, the event editor events will reflect the event tied to that specific button. This change also makes it easy to modify a buttons events much easier.

2. Protected Import progress menu of any database xLobby uses with improved progress bar.

Click on Image to Make Larger

The actual V3 has fluid and clean video playback for the background. xLobby hardware should have and use hardware based video cards in order to reduce CPU usage and provide a clean interface. The videos shown here are not smooth because I rendered this on my older laptop, but this should provide you with the basic concept.

Main Menu with Snow Flakes Background

Click on Link to play video (1Mb .SWF File): xlobby-moving-background-1

Music Flow wih Energy Background

Click on Link to play video (1Mb .SWF File): xlobby-moving-background-2

Wes Black

xLobbys new 16 device universal remote control with built-in wireless mouse, available in the first quarter of 2009. We will have the remote in our booth at the 2009 CES show.

Remote Appearance and Functions:

Features Include:

1. 16-in-one LCD remote control with Intelligent Integration, RF dongle, PC USB interface cable (3 ft. USB type ‘A’ to Mini USB) , Remote Comm software disc with drivers, Printed instruction manual

2. IR/RF control

3. Web based remote control library, database updated with new models automatically

4. Infrared code learning

5. LCD keys with editing function

6. Macro command key and macro timer setting

7. Mouse control with left and right mouse buttons

8. Built-in LCD automatic power-saving mode

9. Built-in calendar and real time clock

10. Built-in L.E.D backlight

11. Multilingual display options

12. Compatible with xLobby and MCE systems by various manufactures

13. Advanced feature setup functions using the Remote Comm software via USB PC link

14. Online software upgrades and updates the remote automatically when necessary

Functions:

1. 16 – 1 Remote, it controls TV, Satellite TV, DVD, BD, Audio and compactable with MCE system.

2. IR / RF Operation – Compatible with MCE / Windows VISTA system via RF and IR signal controls A/V devices.

3. Customized programming and text editing is possible via USB Remote Comm software.

4. Remote Comm Software and Remote control firmware can be upgraded through our on-line database.

5. IR device’s pre-code can be downloaded from our database server via the Internet.

6. All in one function integrates all your home devices and computer into one remote control.

7. Macro features can be stored up to 60 commands with a touch of button!

Battery: Four 1.5V AAA Alkaline Batteries

Weight (without batteries): 4.8 oz (135 g)

Keys: 64 Keys (36 Hard keys, 28 Soft keys)

LCD Display: 128 x 80 Pixels, 4 gray scale

Integrating Capability: Control up to 16 devices

Learning Frequency: 20KHz – 455KHz & Pulse up to 380 bits  long

IR Operating Distance: 8-10 meters

RF Transceiver: 2.4GHz transceiver GFSK

RF Operating Distance: 30 meters (open space)

Memory: 2MB Flash memory

PC Interface: USB 1.1

Backlight: Blue LED

Power Consumption
Operation Current: 150 mA (max)
LCD On Current: 1 mA
LCD Off Current: 60 µA

Software Screen Shots:

Wes Black

We have added a new feature to the event editor that allows users to enable or disable an event in a macro list of events. This will allow you to test individual events without having to manually add and remove them. Expect to see this feature in the next xLobby V3 release.

Wes Black

Early 2009 xLobby will lauch some new products for sale on the xLobby store website, one of them will be a embedded web based video server, no PC required. One xLobby IP encoder can transfer 4 video sources and 1 audio source – like from a video Camera, DVD player, STB Box, TV Game / Box ,Camcorder & VCR.

Features :
Embedded Web server – No need PC for Camera.
Multiple AV Input 4 video & 1 Audio In
Support Round robin – See 4 video sources on screen. output.
Motion Detection settings for CCTV use with three sensitivity levels.
E-mail the detected images to preset e-Mail address.
Ftp the detected images to preset FTP server.
Resolution -true 640×480, 352×288, 320×240, 176×144
QUALITY :Low, High Medium, Clarity, Motion.
Color Setup: Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation
Video Screen : 1×1 , 2×2 , 3×3 , 4×4
Supports Fix IP, PPPOE, DHCP , DDNS
Browse interface by xLobby, Internet Explorer, Firefox.
Reset all settings to factory default

Wes Black

Future releases of xLobby V3 will include some new graphic elements for creating different menu designs. Some graphic resources are available for download under the My xLobby sectioin, Add-Ons Downloads.

Wes Black

We plan on including three services in the next V3 release so you can have access to these products and their resources. Future service releases will include ELK security products, Aprilaire HVAC,  KNX lighting.

These full 2 way services run independently so any xLobby on the network can communicate with them. There are several built-in features to monitor connectivity which provides a closed loop system of communication to insure reliability. Each service has several tools for setting up and testing devices and does not require xLobby to be running to work.

Screenshots:

Insteon Lighting and Home automation devices

UPB Lighting and Home automation devices

Lutron Homeworks Lighting Technology

Russound Multizone Audio, supports CAM, CAV, Sphere controllers

Wes Black

This video demonstrates how you can attach an Event to a Button. V3 uses drag and drop style tools to create various events and triggers.

Click on the link below, please wait for the video to Load

xlbby-v3-attaching-an-event-to-a-button.swf

Look for additional news posts with short video clips explaining some of the new features in xLobby V3.

Wes Black

This video demonstrates how you can create a new Group and a new Event with single or multiple commands. V3 uses drag and drop style tools to create various events and triggers. You can also move commands up and down in order, test each command independently or as a complete group or delete individual commands.

Click on the link below, please wait for the video to Load

xlobby-v3-creating-a-group-event.swf

Look for additional news posts with short video clips explaining some of the new features in xLobby V3.

Wes Black