Graphite Five Digital Audio System
System Overview
The Graphite Five Distributed Digital Audio System delivers music where your customer wants it, the way your customer wants it. Going beyond simple room audio, the system is composed of five basic components: a Consumer Electronics (CE) device, an audio device, an audio encoder (GAE1-1), an Ethernet switch, a touchscreen amplifier (GTA1-70), and a set of speakers.
- 100% Digital Audio Over IP
- Scalable Architecture
- Quick and Easy to Install
Music where you want it, the way you want it.
One encoder per source and one touchscreen amplifier per zone make the Graphite Five system very scalable, eliminating the "step-up" cost that occurs when the capacity of a distribution box is exceeded. This scalability also allows you to adapt to last minute changes quickly and easily.
The Graphite Five system allows the user to control the CE Device via screen presses or IR codes received at the Touchscreen Amplifier. Any Touchscreen Amplifier that is tuned into the CE device can control the CE Device.
Graphite Five system consists of five basic components:
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CE Device
Any type of consumer electronic device with audio outputs, either analog or digital. |
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Audio Encoder
Graphite Five device that converts audio signals into network packets. |
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Ethernet Switch
Standard switch to connect the various encoders to touchscreen amplifiers. |
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Power Coupler
Standard CAT5e cable can power the touch- screen. |
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Touchscreen Amplifier
Graphite Five device that converts network packets into audio signals and provides a user interface. |
System Architecture
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Sources (CD player, tuners, etc.) are connected to Audio Encoders which convert the outputs to Internet Protocol (IP) for routing via a standard Ethernet Switch. Users select sources on the Touchscreen Amplifiers which use digital amplifiers to reproduce the original audio content very accurately.
The architecture results in tremendous flexibility for the installer, as components may be organized in a variety of configurations. Unlike analog systems which require all sources to be centrally located, the Graphite Five system allows for sources to be located anywhere convenient. Wiring can be extended or split as needed by adding a standard Ethernet switch. Sources and zones may be added in any combination up to 1024 of each.
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Benefits Summary
Premium Audio
- Because it's digital
The Graphite Five system delivers crystal clear audio anywhere in the house by distributing digital data using Internet Protocols to Class D amplifiers located near the speakers. No hum, noise, distortion or frequency roll-off typically associated with analog systems. Analog sources are digitized for distribution at a bit rate that is 60% greater than a CD. Data from digital sources are passed directly to the amplifiers, eliminating distribution artifacts. All this using the CAT5e-based wiring already in the house.
Easy Installation
- Only pay for what you need
The Graphite Five system is easy to install, whether it's at the start of the project, when last minute changes are made, or in the future. With one Touchscreen Amplifier per zone and one Audio Encoder per source, the Graphite Five system can easily adapt to any configuration requested by the user. No more expensive "Step-Up" when you run out of inputs or outputs on that 4x6 system.
- Deal with changes
When last minute changes are made before commissioning, simply add or delete an encoder or touchscreen amplifier. Changes made after commissioning are just as simple, whether it is 3 minutes, 3 weeks or 3 years after the system was first commissioned. Add or remove the Graphite Five device(s) from the system and re-commission the system with our easy-to-use Producer™ wizard software.
- Flexibility in locations
Graphite Five provides three different ways to power the Touchscreen Amplifier to accommodate almost any situation; from using the spare wires in the CAT5e cable, to dedicated wiring, to a direct connection to the power supply.
- Large market potential
- Graphite Five systems can be installed into a variety of pre-wired homes, just add CAT5e and speaker wires. And the Touchscreen Amplifier can be mounted within easy reach on a wall or placed on a desk or shelf.
Easy to Use
- Your customers will love the audio quality, but they will love the user interface even more. No more looking for the Play button on the correct device in the Entertainment Room rack, or wondering which remote control to use to pause the current music selection. Graphite Five has simplified the interface by placing the vital functions for the active audio source on a touchscreen interface that is large enough to be easy to use, but not so large that it dominates the room. The buttons and functions on the touchscreen are laid out in a simple, intuitive way with easily-recognizable source names and buttons that are finger-friendly. And since all zones can listen to the same source or different sources, you can give your customer the ultimate in flexibility.
Cost Effective
- Premium audio quality, easy to install, easy to use – and inexpensive to boot. Looking at the whole system, the cost of a Graphite Five system is comparable to that of a distributed analog system, while providing the audio quality of more expensive systems.
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