Control4 launches Home Controller HC-500

January 17, 2008 – US firm Control4 has introduced its new Home Controller HC-500, a media server optimised for control of whole home automation systems.

In addition to managing a home theatre, the Home Controller HC-500 can also control multiroom music, smart lighting, advanced temperature control, security and other home automation sub-systems.

“The HC-500 perfectly complements our existing Home Controller family, rounding out our HD, high-performance capabilities and continues Control4’s central mission of delivering an affordable home automation experience to the broadest market possible,” said Will West, CEO of Control4.  “The combination of improved processing, high-definition screen graphics and expansion capabilities as well as the new industrial design makes this a core part of the platform for the digital home.”

The HC-500 has 160GB of storage and both digital and analogue audio processing capability, as well as extensive I/O connections, including four serial ports (DB9) for device control, and expansion capabilities via two USB ports and one Ethernet jack.

The unit is expected to start shipping next month, priced at $1,495.