Hi - I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction?
We are currently constructing a new building which we want to provide Audio(primarily) and Video to several zones from several sources (located within each zone). Each zone would have its own AV source, and the ability to route AV to any of the other zones in addition to itself. The source for AV would ideally be output from an IPOD Video or IPOD Touch. The AV content is exclusively lecture material.
Not sure the number of zones yet, but lets say 4 to start. What I have in mind is something like the following:
1. Four control stations (one in each zone) that can each send AV signal (video and.or audio) to any of other zones independently (not simultaneously -- i.e. two sources would never route to same speakers/tv at the same time).
2. Rather than having a central media server that controls everything, better would be the ability to use any ipod/ipod touch/ipad as a source from any of the control stations.
3. Ideally, the control stations should be as mechanical as possible. There might be limitations with this, but perhaps a simple box with an AV cable for hooking up the ipod, and then several buttons to send signal to various zones. Volume control to control volume for each zone as well.
4. Each zone would contain a set of speakers (however many needed) which would be run off a zone-local power amp dedicated to that zone. This way, if a power amp for a given zone fails, it can be switched out with one from another zone until it can be repaired. These could be small 50-75 watt mono amps as signal is only spoken word and not needed at loud volume levels.
Ideally we would like to run Cat 5/6 in the walls to carry signal, have amplifiers located in each zone someplace, and control panel each with single ipod input with output routing switch panel in each zone.
Could you recommend the core components of such a system and approx cost for hardware -- obviously you would need to know distances for wire $$ estimate, but I just need to get pointed in the right direction for what technology would be best. The whole building is approx 5000 sqt ft, three floors.
Many thanks
Ford James
