The S3000 series of SoundServers from Imerge are available in a variety of sizes to suit the needs of the installation. They are also available with up to 4 independant outputs for multiroom use. At maximum capacity a 16 zone system can be acheived with on screen selection of all your music. (Uses 4 S3004)
Options available.
| Model |
Finishes |
Zones |
HDD size (GB)
|
Music capacity |
| S3000 - 160 |
silver |
single |
160 |
240hrs uncompressed |
| black |
1,500hrs compressed 128Kbps |
| S3002 - 250 |
silver |
2 |
250 |
350hrs uncompressed |
| black |
4,600hrs compressed 128Kbps |
| S3004 - 400 |
silver |
4 |
400 |
610hrs uncompressed |
| black |
7,400hrs compressed 128Kbps |
Not only will the SoundServer store your music but once placed on a network it will allow music to stream to or from it as well. Network players including iPod can connect over a network (please note music from iTunes is not compatable) Music and cover art from a Mac or PC can be transferred to the hard drive or downloaded form the internet.. Music can be stored as MP3, WMA or uncompressed in WAV format. (44.1 kHz/16 bit)
Once you have installed the S3000, loaded music, networked it, connected the internet, down loaded all the cover art and track listing from Gracenote and the Xiva CoverArt services what then. How do you access the mass of information stored in the database?
In its simplest form the S3000 will connect to a monitor via VGA or composite/S video and the selection can be made through the interface on screen. In Imerge's own words: ...."combines sleek style and simple usability to provide a first-class browsing and control experience." Alternatively the same display can be replicated on any Flash compatible browser so the system can be controlled from any PC in the house. |
 |
Music can be selected in a variety of ways. Browse by cover art, music era, year of release, individual track selection or simply choose by artist, genre, keyword etc. Whichever way you find easiest the Xiva software will have solution. Even down to the colour of the screen which can be set to suit the interior décor of your room. There is a preset function which allows a one-button 'themed' selection and playlists can be created of your favourite tracks for instant selection.
The data can be backed up or restored from a networked storage location and software upgrades can be performed on line, instantly adding new features as soon as they become available.
The true beauty of these systems however is the ease with which they interface with other control systems in the home so control does not just have to be from PC but via a more traditional style of remote or a complete in-wall/handheld control system. The list of such systems is ever growing but currently includes:
- Crestron
- Philps Pronto
- AMX
- Opus
- Logitech
- Net Streams
- Nero
- Xantech
- Systemline
- Living control
From these control systems the full database can be accessed and music selected, controlled, etc depending on the complexity of the programming. Some, such as the Philips Pronto TSU9600 and TSU9400 even offer 2 way control, showing the database information and cover art on their display screen and allowing full control of the system and immediate feedback as to its play status.
Performance and reliability were foremost in the minds of the engineers at Imerge when they designed the main audio processing circuit. The audio stage has been designed by them to audiophile standards for outstanding audio playback.
The Imerge website has available various tools for download, allowing servers to be cloned, cleaned (wiped), backed up etc.
| Music storage |
WAV: 44.1 kHz/16 bit
MP3: 320 Kbps, 192 Kbps, 128 Kbps
WMA: 128 Kbps, 96 Kbps |
| Connections |
| |
in |
out |
| analogue audio |
1 |
1, 2 or 4 |
| digital audio |
1 optical
1 coaxial |
1 optical |
| video |
- |
1 composite
1 S video
1 VGA 15pin D |
| IR |
1 3.5mm jack |
- |
| mains |
IEC |
- |
| Modem |
1 (RJ11) |
| Network |
1 (RJ45) |
| Control |
1x RS232C, 1x IR jack in |
| USB |
2 |
|
| Dimensions HxWxD |
98 x 440 x 375mm |
| Weight |
7.8kg |
|
