User guide

5
CHAPTER
1 Introduction to Media
Controller
This chapter introduces a Control4 home automation
system and explains the important role a Control4 Media
Controller plays in that system. It contains the following
information:
` Role in a Control4 System
` Features and Benefits
` Requirements
` What’s in the Box
` Control4 Supported Devices
Role in a Control4 System
An essential component in every Control4 system is a
controller that acts as the central processor of the system.
Control4 controllers provide options for controlling lights,
home theaters, distributed audio systems, and other
devices controlled using various protocols, such as Infra
Red (IR), Serial, Contact, Relay, etc.
The Media Controller provides extensive media
management services for audio and video sources (such
as CDs, MP3 files, and DVDs). It has a large hard drive for
digital audio storage (such as imported CDs that have
been converted to MP3 files). It also allows you to use an
external storage device with USB support for media
storage.
During the importing process, the Media Controller
converts CDs to a compressed or non-compressed digital
format to provide convenient playback.
Once music has been imported to the Media Controller
hard drive, or other media has been stored in connected
devices, you can use the Media Controller to manage