02.07.09
More about the ABH4
The hub of my ABUS system is the Harman Kardon ABH4.
ABH4
The nice thing about the ABH4 is the simplicity. There’s nothing to configure, no volume adjustments, anything. You just plug it in and it works. It has a set of RCA inputs on the top. These are connected to my Airport Express for playing music wirelessly from iTunes. On the bottom are 4 RJ-45 jacks to go to remote locations.
I need to set up the IR repeating feature next. This works by receiving IR commands from remote volume controls (if they have an IR window). On the bottom of the ABH4 are four mini-plugs. These can each connect to an “IR Blaster,” which you then stick to your audio source’s IR window.
When you aim a remote control at one of your remote volume controls it will repeat through the ABH4 and send the command to your audio source. In my case I’ll be using the Keyspan Airtunes Express Remote. This plugs into the Airport Express and lets you control any computer with iTunes installed.