1.1. What problem does Connected Spaces solve?

We call spatially connected listening zones 'Connected Spaces'. This is often an open space in which the living room, dining room and kitchen are located. Since there are hardly any walls between the areas in many apartments/houses, they are connected listening zones. It is not possible to hear different music in the kitchen than in the dining room. Even when the television is on, it is often not possible to listen to internet radio in the kitchen at the same time.

However, these areas often have their own loudspeakers. And people don’t always want the TV program to be heard over the kitchen loudspeakers in the kitchen. Therefore, the speakers in this example, i.e. the kitchen, living room and dining room, must be able to be switched on separately and also allow individual volumes.

The special feature is that the same music source is always heard, but not necessarily always at the same time in all areas. And if the source is changed in the dining room, the areas that are currently listening to music should also change to the same source.

1.2. How does trivum implement Connected Spaces?

Many multiroom systems use 'groupings' for the above example. However, groupings have the disadvantage that when the volume of one area is changed, the volume of the other areas is accidentally changed as well. There is also the problem that the groups are accidentally regrouped or areas are accidentally removed from the group.

trivum has therefore introduced the 'Connected Spaces' in addition to the possibility of grouping for this case. A Connected Space has the advantages of a group without having the disadvantages described.

And unlike WLAN multiroom systems, trivum Connected Spaces do not use network technology on suitable devices to ensure that the same music is heard in the Connected Spaces areas at the same time, but rather a digital matrix.

The area can be created clearly in the setup and also adjusted later.

1.3. Benefits of Connected Spaces

  • Easier than groupings

  • Operating errors are avoided

  • Own KNX data points for Connected Spaces

  • Distribution and synchronization via Audio Matrix and therefore without delay and absolutely synchronous.

1.4. How can you customize Connected Spaces?

  • General settings

    • Description

    • Defining the 'master'. The master zone is used to specify the streaming client and, if available, a tuner that is used to listen to music in the connected space.

    • Participating areas (slave zones)

  • KNX data points

    • Start/Stop of a Connected Space with a GA

    • Stop of all Connected Spaces with a GA

1.5. What are the limitations of Connected Spaces?

  • Members of a Connected Space must be connected to each other via Audio Matrix. Since Connected Spaces don’t share their music via network but via Audio Matrix, all areas of a Connected Space must be able to access the sources directly. That’s why a master’s zone is necessary.

  • Only sources that can be accessed by all participating areas can be accessed.

  • The following devices support Connected Spaces:

    • SC344m individually or in connection with other SC344m/SC311m via USB-C matrix connection cable

    • SC311m with other SC344m via USB-C matrix connection cable

    • SC311m with another SC311m via USB-C Matrix connection cable

    • Other devices with multiple zones. In this case, a Connected Space is restricted to zones being on the same device