DemoPad.com

Most users of DemoPad will be aware of our Centro-8 processor, which is for professional AV installers & enables control of many devices & allows for timed schedules, central storage of flags / labels / numbers, a web interface for control, HDMI output for custom content etc.

We are often asked for a lower cost unit which performs many of the same core tasks, for DIY / home users of DemoPad, and we are considering the following product for the DIY market :

A low cost (around USD $175 / GBP £125) linux based dual/quad core processor, running a version of our Centro-8 core automation software.

The unit would have no Input / Output ports, but would be capable of :

1. Centrally storing flag/label/number variables & keeping all client apps synchronized
2. Independently connecting to and controlling IP devices
3. 24/7 operation, with scheduled timed events (including astronomical clock functionality)
4. Conditional event / variable based macro triggers
5. Web based GUI to control the system with a web browser
6. Ability to use DemoPad Android or iOS app to control it

If there is sufficient interest, this may form the basis of a crowd-funding project, and if the target amount is met, we will put the unit into production.

This is the form factor we are thinking of (around 10cm in length)
It would take a USB connection for power, have a HDMI connection for custom content (photo frame functionality for example), a micro SD slot, USB for future accessories & 802.11b/g/n Wifi

If anyone has any comments, we would welcome them, either on this forum or directly to [email protected]

I think this is a great idea. I would buy one of these straight away when available.
Only thing, it would be great if it could be wired as well as wireless

Nnuudd wrote:I think this is a great idea. I would buy one of these straight away when available.
Only thing, it would be great if it could be wired as well as wireless

I echo this poster's comment. I don't care if wireless is taking over the world: it is proned to interference, limited throughput as you insert walls between it and you. I use wireless extensively, obviously given I use Demopad, but for client devices only. I would consider the proposed low cost Centro a server and that means wired. I realize the Centro woudl need wireless to interact with an iDevice or Android device, but it also needs a wired connection to interface with downstream devices (AV, etc.).

Why not throw in an adapter to power the unit from 110V/220V?

As far as acquisition cost goes, 175$ US, for me, is out of range. I use other controllers for less han 100$ (ex: Insteon hub).

On functionality, would it handle 2-way communication with devices and keep tabs for DemoPad iDevices?

cv27 wrote:
On functionality, would it handle 2-way communication with devices and keep tabs for DemoPad iDevices?

Yes it would, as the centro8 does, and when a demopad client connected it would be updated with the current status of everything

shut up and take my money!

But seriously I would buy one instantly. The lack of outputs is not ideal but I could get round that. If you could include IR ports, i would be even more happy!

One thing I would like is the ability to not just store variables and flags centrally, but also trigger an action/screen change on another device. A case in point is something I'm trying to put together now. I would love to continue using my ipad for day to day control in my lounge, but would love to using some in wall android tabs. My idea is that when i select, for example, music, that the in wall tablets change to a screen that could control the music. Very simple idea of course but could be great. Maybe this can be done already the otherway round, by monitoring the status of a flag or something but either way it would be good.

Please do this!

Another point...you mention the android app, is that something available now?

You also mention this would be a linux box running a version of your software, does that mean you could make your linux software available for self install? Long shot i know, but worth an ask

d_hero wrote:Another point...you mention the android app, is that something available now?

It would be made available to anyone using the Centro-m yes, initially we would only officially support certain Android devices.

d_hero wrote:You also mention this would be a linux box running a version of your software, does that mean you could make your linux software available for self install? Long shot i know, but worth an ask

I'm afraid not, no.

d_hero wrote:One thing I would like is the ability to not just store variables and flags centrally, but also trigger an action/screen change on another device. A case in point is something I'm trying to put together now. I would love to continue using my ipad for day to day control in my lounge, but would love to using some in wall android tabs. My idea is that when i select, for example, music, that the in wall tablets change to a screen that could control the music. Very simple idea of course but could be great. Maybe this can be done already the otherway round, by monitoring the status of a flag or something but either way it would be good.
Please do this!

You can do this with a Centro-8 already yes, so you would also be able to do it with the proposed Centro-m. You can trigger page flips, brightness control, auto lock enable/disable from the Centro, and all connected iPads would execute. But you are also correct, you could have done this by monitoring flags also, but that would be more complicated - the functionality is built in to a Centro.

Ok great, well i've just moved house and am in the process of cabling for network and AV etc, so the sooner the better, i genuinely would buy this tomorrow

Count me in!

Anyone else, please post here showing your interest! Otherwise DemoPad might drop it, with the lack of interest

With all these questions, forgot to mention I'M INTERESTED!

P.S. Subject to final pricing

Without a doubt this would be an awesome add-on to the DemoPad hardware, not just for the DIY, but also for the Pro's where the Centro is too much machine for a single room installation. Funds are sitting waiting for the go ahead

Definitely a great idea, count me in too

Sounds like the ideal solution - though like some people have mentioned, a RJ45 would be more desirable and the unit could be powered by PoE. This would be more accepted in the Pro AV segment. Ideal for a single conference room solution.

Perfect!..This will make Demopad a more complete solution for small rooms where the Centro 8 would be too much. I'm keen to get one.