At the heart of IntelliControl ICS is the GXR2 receiver, which is based on card modules, one for each source. Homeowners choose modules based on their particular tastes. One family could choose two satellite radio tuners and four iPods, one for each member of the family. Another might opt for six separate sources: an AM/FM radio, Sirius tuner, CD player, satellite TV music channel, MP3 player, and music server. Card modules can be swapped or added at any time, and as new technologies emerge, the system can be updated with a new card to add a new source to the system. The company is currently working on modules for HD Radio, along with its own music server that will be launched in September and for a video-based system that will debut within a year. When the video system launches, the number of available sources will expand to a number that has yet to be determined. The system supports 30 zones.
Niles has taken the Switzerland approach to satellite radio, offering both XM and Sirius to meet the tastes of its customers. “One customer is going to pick Sirius to hear Howard Stern,” says Sterns, “and someone else is going to want XM Radio to get their favorite baseball team. We want to serve both.” The system can also play “legacy audio” music from products including CD players, cable TV music channels, and music DVDs, although the data from those devices can’t be sent to keypads or remotes. You can listen to a satellite TV music channel but can’t view the song title or artist.
Unlike most sophisticated whole-house audio systems, IntelliControl isn’t just for new construction. Although the system can be wired to keypads with Cat 5 cable to take advantage of the structured wiring systems currently in homes, it doesn’t have to be. “It’s completely retrofittable,” says Sterns. The system can be installed as a wireless solution using the Zigbee meshed network wireless networking standard. Zigbee is a radio-frequency standard that can operate through walls and floors, making it particularly useful for outdoor audio systems where wired keypads and touchscreens aren’t practical. A system can incorporate a combination of wireless and wired keypads if a homeowner chooses.
The ICS system carries a premium compared with other Niles systems. Minimum price to consumers for receiver, three card modules, user interfaces, and speakers for six zones is about $5,000. The price goes up as you add rooms, interfaces, and sources. The company positions IntelliControl ICS as its high-end system, and it will be sold through select Niles custom installation professionals who cater to custom and semi-custom home buyers.
The company is looking at the system for upscale multi-dwelling units as well, Sterns says. “We’re seeing a trend in the market where people are downsizing after their kids are gone but still want an upscale lifestyle,” he says. “They’re getting rid of the house but moving into a luxury condominium where they want amenities like high-end kitchens and whole-house audio. This would be a perfect fit.”—Rebecca Day specializes in writing about home electronics. She can be reached at customhomerd@aol.com.
