Abus

A-BUS® CAT5 Audio Systems The Channel Vision A-BUS Audio System distributes high-quality     audio to every room in your house through ordinary CAT5 data wire. This CAT5 wire is also able to deliver power to the entire system so that only a single run of CAT5 is required. Each pair of speakers is powered and controlled from a local wall plate with a dedicated amplifier for that zone. Volume in that zone can be controlled manually or by an infrared remote. IR signals are also routed back to the source components, enabling control of sources and functions from any zone. The capabilities of the A-BUS system are mostly determined by the system hub. Channel Vision offers both single-source and multi-source hubs. There are several different models available, which allows system designers to chooseone that best suits their application.

An essential factor to consider when deciding which hub suits you is whether you need the ability to listen to different audio sources in different zones simultaneously. If you do need this feature, then the multi-source hub is best for you. If not, then one of the single-source hubs will fulfill your system's needs. The hub’s installation location may also dictate which hub to choose. If you need to mount it in a structured wiring enclosure, then the AB-404 or the P-1014 will make the most sense. If you need to wall mount it behind your stereo equipment then the AB-414ES will be the best choice. Lastly, the AB-414ES and P-1014 offer a special feature that is not found on the AB-404. Although these units
can only distribute one audio source at a time, it has two audio inputs, both of which are audio sensing. Either input can be assigned priority, which means audio from the priority input will play through the system when audio is present at both inputs. This a valuable feature that can serve many different uses. Review the diagrams in this section for a few ideas.

In this configuration, an iPod docked in the AB-313 will override the other
audio source whenever the iPod is playing (note: the position of the priority
switch on the AB-414ES should be set to “Sys”). The iPod can be controlled by
pointing an A0505 remote control at any of the amplified keypads.

In the next configuration, an iPod docked in the AB-313 will override the other audio source whenever the iPod is playing; however, the iPod will only be heard in one listening zone instead of the whole system. The iPod can be controlled by pointing an A0505 remote control at the amplified keypad.

Like the AB-414ES, the P-1014 has two audio sensing inputs and a priority switch to determine which source is heard when both are playing simultaneously. The RCA inputs on the P-1014 can be used to connect any standard L/R audio source. An AB-301 can be used to feed the “System Input” of the P-1014, providing a convenient audio input connection for devices that may not be located near other stereo equipment (such as the audio output of a computer). The AB-301 can also be used as a local input module. When connected is series with an amplified keypad, the AB-301 will override the main audio signal whenever it senses audio input on its RCA jacks. Most A/V receivers have a ‘Tape Monitor’ or ‘Room 2’ output that can be used to feed directly into the local input on the P-1014. This input is audio sensed so the keypad will mute when no signal is present.

A basic system can be created with four amplified keypads (model AB-124) and four pairs of speakers. The source components can be controlled by pointing their remote control at the IR sensor in the AB-124 keypad. The P-1044 allows any of the keypads to select any one of the 4 sources independent from the other keypads, making it perfect for households with a variety of listening tastes.

Larger systems consisting of more than 4 zones can be created by adding a second P-1044. Use RCA ‘Y’ connectors to split the audio sources into both units. Use the provided ribbon cable to connect the “Link” terminals. This will allow IR signals received through one P-1044 to be transmitted to the other P-1044.