My Standard Power Design:
Your Power plant IMHO is the most important, fundamental layer for reliability of your system (Network is now of course 2nd, but remember - the network won't work without good power!)
I used this basic design concept for 25 years and have seen noticeably better reliability for my systems...
SurgeX SX-20NE-RT or PF-420 (4 channel) from the branch circuit, Feeding...
-Middle Atlantic UPS's (Sized as necessary), Line-interactive or 'On-Line' as requirement needed, Feeding...
--Middle Atlantic RackLink Select Controllable Power Distribution units for individual outlet IP control of devices
? ? >>> These units provide direct webpage remote control and integration with DOMOTZ?
Music Streamer:
First, there is no longer any unpainful approach to digital music IMO, its all a crap-show no matter what you do.?
That said, I think the only 'Good' choices are Sonos or Autonomic MMS; however each has their pros and cons...
-You'll need Sonos, If you want Apple Music integration and/or AirPlay2 capability.
Also, I think the Crestron/Sonos integration provides a nice simple 'Radio Preset' approach to the UI that will be best for most clients.
Someone will have to manage the process of creating favorites via the dedicated Sonos App, and of course Sonos does not allow you to remotely manage this (have to be physically on the local network)
*** Historically, the main downside is that you'll have some occasional communication problems that require a reboot (there are ways to mitigate this in your coding) and the API strictly limits the number of favorites to a max of 30, even though Crestron allows you to see/control more.
-You want Autonomic if your client wants to be able to granularly search for specific things on their music services. The MPO interface is definitely more complicated to use, but for a capable client who wants to navigate to get exactly what's wanted, this would be the best choice. No Apple Music yet, but does have a sync program for iTunes if the cleint has music on his PC. it also support AirPlay1 FWIW?
*** Historically they have had some issues with hardware reliability (and a few minor FW Issues); however now that the original owners have taken the company back from SnapAV, we'll see if they up the ante in terms of Hardware and services...
!!!? Both do a good job of indexing, playing and creating playlists for music stored on a NAS drive for local libraries
Projector:
Generally, I've become a fan of the Sony Projectors (and XBR TVs) as their IP and serial (my preference still) control is Rock-solid.
Pictures are bright and detailed. Typically very reliable. Turns On/Off much faster than any other projectors that I've integrated.
Built in motorized lens (I think even on the entry model) to do 16:9 to CinemaScope aspect control, also a biggie for me - Electronic Blanking (4-sided) to frame the aspect properly!!!
Incredible vertical mounting range makes it easy to get it positioned in various situations, also a very wide Zoom ratio.?
Quality 4K image from $ 5000 to $ 60,000+ depending on details of the electronics/light engine (read Toyota up to Benz quality details) and light output depending on screen size/room conditions
