New DecoraÆ Volume Control System From Leviton Ushers In New Generation Of Whole-House Digital Volume Controls

Leviton introduces the newest generation in multi-point whole-house volume control with its revolutionary Digital Volume Control System. The new Volume Control is the first of its kind that complements any Leviton DecoraÆ designer-style light switch, dimmer, occupancy sensor, digital lighting controls or other wall-mounted devices. This unique system consists of an advanced Interface Module and All-Digital Rocker-Style Volume Control that replaces conventional transformer-based rotary volume controls.""For all the advances in home entertainment technology, the mainstream volume controls used today are still in the ëstereoí mode of the 1970s,"" notes Bill Marshall, Levitonís Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. ""As a leader in architectural lighting controls, we decided to apply our digital technology concepts to the field of audio control. The result is a breakthrough product: a volume control package that emulates advanced dimmers and does away with rotary knobs. Most important, while the Decora Digital Volume Control could win on looks alone, it also happens to deliver demonstrably better audio performance and design flexibility.""The Decora Digital Volume Control connects to the Interface Module using ordinary RJ-45 data patchcord, such as Leviton Telcomís Category 5 patchcords. Since speaker wiring and amplifier wiring are not connected directly to the volume control units, the system is simple to install and wire and easy to relocate when user requirements change. The fact that no speaker and amplifier connections are made directly to the volume control means that multiple wall-mounted controls can be connected to a single Interface Module, achieving ""three-way"" volume control for large areas much the same way as a three-way lighting circuit.Transformer-less volume control in the Interface Module is achieved using discrete aerospace-quality Cermetile resistors. These heat-dissipating resistors provide exceptionally pure, distortion-free signal attenuation along with improved impedance-matching characteristics - an important consideration with multi-room amplifiers connected up to eight pairs of speakers. Microprocessor-controlled relays silently switch the resistors to achieve precise volume control. Interface Modules are powered by either the supplied wall-mounted transformer or Levitonís optional DC Power Supply, and the Interface Module also delivers DC power to each Volume Control in the system.The Volume Control unit mounts in a standard wallbox or low-voltage mounting bracket. One-touch rocker operation provides 16 volume levels and performs volume UP, volume DOWN, and MUTING control. LEDís display the selected volume level and muting status. The system features a default setting to prevent high-volume surprises when the music system is first turned on. A separate Deluxe Control features a built-in infrared receiver for remote operation via infrared remote controls when used with corresponding infrared receiver components.The accompanying Interface Module is the connection point between up to three RJ-45-connected Digital Volume Controls and speaker and amplifier wiring. All necessary connections are located on a snap-in high-spec audio monoblock. The systemís unique design permits Interface Modules to be located in any convenient location: in-wall, near the controlled speakers and corresponding Decora Digital Volume Control, or in a consolidation enclosure such as Levitonís Structured Mediaô Center. For large distributed audio systems, multiple Interface Modules can be easily mounted in a dedicated enclosure near the multi-room distribution amplifier. Installers simply run speaker wires and RJ-45 data cabling to the control zones, eliminating the need to run multiple speaker wires to and from control points.

For more information, contact Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., 800 323 8920, 800 832 9538 fax. Visit Levitonís Website at www.leviton.com.