Introduction
NuVo Technologies has previewed its Renovia multiroom audio system designed for the retrofit market. Renovia uses HomePlug Powerline Carrier technology (PLC) to distribute audio and metadata over existing electrical wires in a home, eliminating the need to cut holes in the wall or install new wiring. PLC is growing and NuVo is the latest company to introduce a system for the home retrofit market. NuVo makes several wired multiroom audio systems designed for new construction and this is their first product using PLC technology. As I highlighted in this article PLC looks to be the future of multiroom audio distribution.
Renovia Features and Capabilities
Renovia is still in development and not available yet, but here are a few details about its features and capabilities:Renovia is planned as a 6 source multiroom audio-only system for as many as 12-zones or rooms. Audio sources will connect to a Renovia Source Hub, which includes built-in AM/FM tuners, and satellite radio tuners. NuVo’s entire line of source equipment can also be used in the Renovia system, including Music Port (for PC-based music and Internet music, such as the Rhapsody service), iPod docks, music servers and additional external tuners. Additional outboard sources, such as a CD player can also be connected to the Source Hub, up to a total of six sources.
The audio signal and metadata is distributed to each zone or room via PLC using the existing electrical wiring in the home. Each zone connects with a small zone amplifier built into the wall. Control of the sources back at the hub is provided by wall controls, or a small hand held wireless control pad about the size of a smartphone (for even less invasion into the walls).
One possible scenario can include a main zone featuring a hard-wired (CAT-5 wiring) in-wall color touch-pad that enables control over all zones in the system and use of any homeowner-preferred mix of controls throughout the house. The main zone can also be connected to a home automation controller such as Crestron and others to permit touch-panel control of the entire system.
No prices have been announced but the system will be available sometime in mid-2009.