A-BUS is an award winning, patented technology for distributing audio throughout the home. In an industry where new technologies appear almost daily, A-BUS has withstood the test of time because it is simple rather than complex. The unique simplicity, flexibility, and exceptional sound quality of A-BUS has earned it broad acceptance.
A-BUS uses a single Category 5 (Cat-5) cable to carry audio signal, system power, data and status signal from an audio source in one location to amplifiers and speakers in another room. In this manner high quality audio is delivered without signal loss to multiple rooms, each with their own independent volume control. The A-BUS system overcomes the problems of signal degradation and noise that come from the kind of long runs of speaker wire that have been associated with prior audio distribution systems.
Category 5 cable is an inexpensive cable with a low profile and a damage-resistant outer sheath that makes it easier to install and more cost-effective than the heavier speaker and data cable required for traditional systems. This use of Cat-5 provides several advantages:
• Installers are already familiar with the cable and have the tools and experience to handle it quickly and efficiently.
•The construction and home security industries familiarity with the Cat-5 cable, combined with the simplicity of A-BUS, makes it possible for installers from associated professions such as security, data and electrical to design and install multi-room audio systems without special training.
•The cable's low cost makes it cost-effective to pre-wire the whole house for multi-room audio. The new homeowner may then install a basic single-source A-BUS system or a sophisticated A-BUS system with multi-source capability with equal ease and success.
The simplicity and quality of Cat-5 based A-BUS has created an industry standard appealing to companies from many areas. These companies appreciate the confidence of offering their customers A-BUS enabled products which comply to the A-BUS standard so they are compatible with all other A-BUS products. It provides greater value to the consumer and greater comfort to the installer.
A-BUS has created a marketplace in the consumer electronics industry by providing a great-sounding, simple and affordable Multi-Room audio solution that solves the problems of the past. As a result, A-BUS has opened new doors for the growth and expansion of the
A-BUS Products
A-BUS® MULTI-ROOM AUDIO SYSTEMS OVERVIEW
This brief product overview of A-BUS® will help alleviate any confusion.
With A-BUS, there simply isn’t much confusion to have.
It’s such a simple system – sort of like Lego™ Blocks for Multi-Room audio.
Key Features
• A-BUS is a patented technology that uses a single Cat 5 for Multi-Room audio.
• This means it is a cost-effective solution that is really easy to install and use.
• A-BUS is simply plug and play – no programming.
• A-BUS sounds great because we send pure line level signal to each room, not speaker level signal (which loses power and sound quality over distance).
• A-BUS is dependable – been in the US market for 6 years and is growing fast.
• A-BUS systems plug right in to A-BUS/ready receivers from Harman Kardon and Cambridge Audio.
Key BENEFIT Words for A-BUS
The key words that accurately describe A-BUS Multi-Room Audio are:
SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE, EASY-TO-USE, MUSICAL, FLEXIBLE
FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW
An A-BUS system accomplishes three functional steps…
• Prepare the audio signal, power, IR and data for Cat 5-based A-BUS system
• Route the audio signal, system power, IR info and data to each room or zone
• Amplify the audio signal IN each zone and send it to speakers IN that zone
There are THREE types of basic A-BUS components…
• HUBS – act as the central organization point for A-BUS
• POWER MODULES – provide amplification and control
• ACESSORIES – let you do more things with your A-BUS system
A typical A-BUS system consists of these components:
POWER MODULES
These in-room control modules have the amplification and control in one single-gang unit. Cooper has three models to cover the range of applications.
ABO-20 – The basic rotary control has no Infrared capability so it should be used in secondary locations where only basic volume control is appropriate and IR control is not necessary - great for basic listening areas– laundry rooms, hallways, bathrooms, work areas, etc. Saves some budget in system design.
ABO-42 – Much more modern looking pushbutton control, includes IR, which gives the user remote control level adjustment. Comes with mini-emote.
ABO-45 – More advanced keypad control – matches up with MultiSource hub. It is a 4-source A-BUS keypad/volume control module w/ pushbutton volume and input UP / DOWN, OFF and ALL OFF. Includes source input indication and backlit volume level indication. Comes w/ ABO-40RC remote control. Four ABO-45’s come in the MultiSource Hub Kit.
HUBS
Hubs are the heart of A-BUS connectivity. There are different versions for different applications.
ABK-4 /110 – One audio source in – Four zones of output out
For installation in structured wiring panels, this is the most basic hub for a multi-room system. It provides for one source to be sent to up to four zones in the home. If more zones are desired, simply daisy-chain more hubs. Includes APS-40 power supply.
ABX-84 - Four-Input, Four-Dual-Zone Outputs
Structured-wiring hub with four A-BUS (RJ-45) inputs and four dual zones (two outputs each). Also includes RJ-45 expansion output to ABX-85 expansion hub for more zones (optional), ASBX-84 has input level adjustment, routed emitter ports, common IR output, 12 volt trigger, system status and talkback LED’s. Kit comes with four ABX-75 single-input modules to route sources via single Cat 5 from anywhere in the home to the hub. Kit also comes with 4 ABO-45 keypads and one APS-40 power supply (one required for each output bank - A & B) and one ABO-41RC A-BUS learning remote.
ACCESSORIES
One of A-BUS’ greatest strengths is that the system easily handles a wide variety of situations as easily as plug and play. These pieces enable this flexibility.
ABO-70 – Local Input Module – single-gang module that enables input of local source in the zone or room. Switches automatically to local input whenever local signal is sensed. Great for TV in bedrooms or MP3 players in kid’s rooms, etc.
ABK-50 – A-BUS Interface adapts the audio output of receivers and amplifiers into A-BUS format. The ABK-50 would connect directly to an A-BUS hub.
