We listen to our community. The best place to report issues is via support@ava.com – you will get a response from a real human that actually cares!

Also, if you have ideas of what could make you more successful with Cinema Remote or AVA OS – please participate in the Idea Voting in the AVA Pro Portal.

Thanks for being part of AVA and enjoy looooooooooooooong battery life,

— Raph

CEO

AVA, Inc.

Dynamic Keypad Auto-Updates & Reboots the Remote

Dynamic Keypad updates happen automatically and cause a reboot of the remote when applied.

• Cinema Remote updates automatically when on their charging base.
• You can also get the latest version of the Dynamic Keypad release from the Play Store as an update to the AVA Dynamic Keypad app.

As always, the features in “HyperBlaze” were driven by your requests. We take your ideas on our Idea Voting page very seriously. They help us prioritize the features that matter to your business.

Here are the highlights of todays 1.57.0 “HyperBlaze” release for you! 🚀

Highlights

• SONY AVR IP driver - This driver brings IP control for all current Sony AV Receivers, using Sony’s latest protocol. The driver covers zones 1-4, supports ToughLink, and brings you all the usual AVR features. Important: older SONY AVRs use different protocols, so this driver cannot control them. (There are IR drivers for these older models.)
• AVPro Edge Video Matrix IP driver - This is a general driver for the amazing AVPro Edge matrices. It handles up to 8 by 8 devices. It’s (hyper-)fast and features ToughLink. We had true joy developing that driver. Switching is really fast!
• Updated Lutron IP driver (public beta) - This beta update brings additional features and bugfixes. The integration supports Lutron Homeworks and RadioRA3 for all kinds of lights, shades, and scenes. Happy testing! Keep in mind - it’s a public beta for dealers only. Do not use in client systems until the official release.
• StormAudio AVR IP driver - a fast, full-fledged IP driver for StormAudio’s amazing sound processors. The driver covers Zones 1-2, features ToughLink, and is compatible with all StormAudio processors and receivers.
• Yamaha AVR IP driver - IP control for all current Yamaha AVRs. The driver covers zones 1-4, supports ToughLink, and brings you all the usual features.
• Barco Residential projector IP drivers - Very happy to announce official support for Barco Residential projectors. This driver covers both, the 1-chip and the 3-chip models. With AVA OS now having even broader coverage of high-end home theater gear, you can go as high-end as you want with your theater designs—AVA OS will have you IP-covered.”

Other features and important quality improvements (in random order):

• Introducing alternative Power OFF commands (very useful for devices such as Samsung “The Frame” TVs to put a The Frame into Art Mode but still keep the power state tracking intact).
• New automatically-generated, beautiful Kaleidescape interface that shows Now Playing info and cover art on the remote.
• Fixed an issue with Kaleidescape Strato V players getting stuck.
• New feature in Devices/Settings: now showing stored IP address for IP controlled devices.
• Improved SSDP discovery. It’s faster and now shows results even from vendors that promote their device not 100% according to the standard.
• Fixed a rare issue where Apple TV IP driver could get slow and impact the entire system.
• Added more apps to Apple TV for direct app launch.
• New PJLINK driver listings for AWOL projectors.
• New “PJLINK Generic IP Driver” for broad compatibility with various brands.
• Auto-generate flow when importing Lutron scenes.
• New UI to import Lutron scenes.
• New Lutron shade icons.
• Webhooks now features both basic authentication & digest authentication.
• New “Reboot Brain” menu option allows restart of a Nano Brain without removing power.
• New “Send Logs” feature (for sending device logs when requested by AVA Support).
• New workflow for setting up a Main Brain project without deleting the local project, or for connecting a Nano Brain to a new Wi-Fi SSID.
• Fixed a rare issue that caused a Flow’s Power OFF to fail with certain projector / source combinations to fail. (Thanks, @Eric Bauer, for having found that issue!)
• Fixed an issue with IP changes for NAD, Marantz, Denon, Samsung TV IP.
• Fixed an issue with Nano Brain state sometimes shown as “ready” by mistake in list.
• Extended ToughLink to Anthem MDX & AVR drivers.
• Home Remote bug: fixed odd double-vision blurring of touch screen interface.
• Minor UI improvement for better display of context menu items.

How to Get the New AVA OS Version

AVA OS updates are non-disruptive and happen automatically.

• AVA Nano Brain - You will see an Update Available badge on any remote connected to the Nano Brain.

• Cinema Remote & Home Remote - AVA remotes update automatically when on their charging base. You can also get the latest version of AVA OS from the Play Store as an update to the AVA app.

  💡 Pro tip: You can get to the Play Store fast from Settings > General.

What’s Next

Here is a quick preview of some stuff that is in the works:

• MadVR IP driver (👀 See that, Nishanth?)
• Improved update process
• AudioControl IP driver (Mr. Hicks…You asked!)
• JVC projector driver for all models that require authentication (very often requested)
• Something colorful and amazing in collaboration with a leading audio company
• Lutron…help us finish the beta by sending in your feedback!

Of course there will be much more. We will make sure to keep up the fast pace 🚀

Talk to you soon ✌️

As always, the features in “Blaze” were driven by your requests. We focus on what’s impactful for your business. And, AVA’s developers have already started working on the next set of drivers and features. Use the Idea Voting page to help us prioritize what comes next.

Here is the 1.56.0 “Blaze” release for you! 🚀

Highlights

The biggest features in AVA OS Blaze are:

• Apple TV IP driver - Speed like no other, launch TV apps directly from a Flow, all you features you can imagine. (🎬 How-to video.)
• Lutron IP driver - (public beta), this supports Lutron Homeworks and RadioRA3, both for all kinds of lights, shades and scenes. Happy testing. Keep in mind - it’s a public beta for dealers only. Do not use in client systems until the official release..
• New auto-generated UIs for lighting and shades, new slider types (as previewed at CEDIA Expo)
• ToughLink - All IP drivers in AVA OS now use ToughLink. ToughLink is our new IP connection handling that makes IP drivers super solid, and capable of functioning well in challenging networks. For example, at some point we had to deal with a failing Unify access point in our office. It had a firmware issue causing massive mDNS outages. Even though the issue was “not AVA’s fault,” the same could happen in your projects. With traditional IP drivers, this could result in drivers failing to control devices intermittently, or altogether. This sucks for the owner, and it’s is difficult troubleshoot for you and AVA’s support team. ToughLink is designed to handle and correct such situations. Also, ToughLink handles IP address changes very gracefully. Its very very good.

Other features and important quality improvements (in random order):

• Added new Flow icons
• Improved image scaling
• Several new TV App widget icons for Custom UI buttons (such as DIRECTV)
• Ability to delete “Flows with State” and duplicated flows
• Added Play Store Button in the AVA OS Settings under “General”
• Improved IP driver for NAD
• Improved LG driver (better pairing, fixed power handling)
• Extended Kaleidescape IP driver with more commands
• Fixed issue for AVA OS boot animation sometimes showing up
• Added more TV Apps to Sony IP driver
• Added manual IP address capability to Integra/Onkyo AVR drivers
• Improved connection handling, speed and reliability of Android TV and NVIDIA Shield IP Driver
• User Error handling when wrong paring code is entered for Android TV and NVIDIA Shield IP Driver
• (Much) more solid handling of Brain lists (found and fixed some ugly bugs)
• Added an advisory when un-hiding Flows that are hidden by default
• Fixed rare-occasion “Project Offline” message showing up incorrectly
• Improved Widget & Shortcut spacing on slides
• Fixed RX2 Action button not opening the Josh.ai app correctly for some customers
• Removed duplicate MAX App commands from several IP drivers
• many more minor bug fixes

How to Get the New AVA OS Version

AVA OS updates are non-disruptive and happen automatically.

• AVA Nano Brain - You will see an Update Available badge on any remote connected to the Nano Brain.

• Cinema Remote & Home Remote - AVA remotes update automatically when on their charging base. You can also get the latest version of AVA OS from the Play Store as an update to the AVA app.

  💡 Pro tip: You can get to the Play Store fast from the Action Button. Just tell Google Assistant “Open Google Play.”

What’s Next

Here is a quick preview of some stuff that is in the works:

• Barco IP driver for both 3-chip an and single chip models
• JVC projector driver for all models that require authentication (very often requested)
• Storm Audio sound processor IP driver
• More based on Idea Voting suggestions

Of course there will be much more. We will make sure to keep up the fast pace 🚀

Each of the new IP drivers were based on your requests. We work on what’s impactful for your business, and AVA’s developers have already started working on the next set of drivers and features. Use the Idea Voting page to help us prioritize what comes next.

Here is the 1.55.1 “Eclipse” release for you! 🤩

Highlights

• Flat IR Emitter support → Finally, it is available to all AVA dealers. Thank you to all of you for your patience and enthusiasm for this update! It stayed in Beta for a while so you would have have a rock-solid solution once we enable it. Now, it’s here, with all the features one can dream of. After you verify your Nano Brain has updated to AVA OS Eclipse (v 1.55.1), plug the Flat Emitter into any USB-C port on the Nano Brain and it will become available for all IR-controlled devices. Learn all about it in less than 2.5 minutes here: http://ava.com/flat-emitter-video-tzF1oAn
• LG TV IP Driver(s) → Two full-fledged IP drivers for LG TVs, with app launching capability for over 30 TV apps.
• JVC D-ILA Projector IP Driver - Support for all DLA-Series Projectors (currently only for setups without authentication, we are adding support for “Network Password” authentication shortly)
• Epson Projector IP Driver → All Epson projectors with IP control
• Benq Projector IP Driver → All Benq projectors that feature PJLink IP control
• Generic PJLINK Projector Driver → Compatible with over 3000 projectors that feature PJLink IP control!
• Sony Projector IP Driver → For all VW and XW series; support for both authentication-enabled and -disabled installs
• Sonance DSP IP Driver → Support for all Sonance DSP amps including the 8 Channel version
• Onkyo AVR IP Driver → Full support for Main Zone & Zone 2,3 and 4
• Integra AVR IP Driver → Full support for Main Zone & Zone 2,3 and 4
• Pioneer AVR Zone → Full support for Main Zone & Zone 2,3 and 4
• Marantz AVR IP Driver → New version: Added Support for Zone 2 & 3, improved connection handling
• Denon AVR IP Driver → New version: Added Support for Zone 2 & 3, improved connection handling
• NAD AVR IP Driver → Full support for Main Zone & Zone 2
• Improved device search → much better results when searching the AVA OS database to add devices
• Lots of minor UI Improvements → New startup animation for AVA OS; improved Nano Brain selection screen; new app widget logos for Fandango, Peacock, & PBS apps; show Flow name when powering off a Flow; reduced AVA OS startup time; better workflow for when a Flow requires an app but the remote does not have it installed yet; faster and smoother animation for when a Flow is loading.
• Several minor bug fixes → WiFi setup of Nano Brains is available again on AVA Home Remotes; fixed the option for manual IP entry in the Sony BRAVIA TV IP drivers; improved SSDP discovery for Samsung devices; reverted how Sonos app interacts with Dynamic keypad (due to issues with the new Sonos app); better connection handling for Marantz & Denon AVRs
• Many, many small stability improvements, bug fixes, and UI refinements.

How to Get the New AVA OS Version

AVA OS updates are non-disruptive and happen automatically.

• AVA Nano Brain - You will see an Update Available badge on any remote connected to the Nano Brain.

• Cinema Remote & Home Remote - AVA remotes update automatically when on their charging base. You can also get the latest version of AVA OS from the Play Store as an update to the AVA app.
  
  

  💡 Pro tip: You can get to the Play Store fast from the Action Button. Just tell Google Assistant “Open Google Play.”

Known Issues

• In rare occasions, while adding a device, the user falls out of the setup screen back to the home screen. This happens very rarely and does not lead to any issues but still an effect that we aim to fix in a future update.

**Update 1.55.2**

• NAD IP Driver: Resolved issues with device discovery.
• LG TV IP Driver: Re-added step for pairing.
• PBS App: Corrected incorrect icon display.
• Kaleidescape: Enabled rewind and fast-forward functionality.

**Update 1.55.3**

We have released a small fix on August 23th 2024 addressing some reported issues:

• LG TV IP Driver: Added a fix for some models that use a different "Home" command
• Added additional inputs for Pioneer, Denon, and Onkyo AVR's (IP Driver)
• Added additional inputs for Marantz AVRs (IP Driver)
• Implemented an improvement so Nano Brain updates show up faster
• Added an option to "check for updates" manually Settings > System > Manage > Software Updates (Only available for configurations with external Nano brains)

What’s Next

Usually we mention here what we have in the works. This time, all you get is a teaser as we prepare to announce some great stuff at CEDIA Expo in early September:

• There will be some new (very flat) hardware
• We prioritize development for new drivers based on your votes. The big driver announcement that is coming up is no different in that regard. You will love it. (Those who follow our Idea Voting page may find some clues there. 😉)

It’s just weeks away. Come see us at CEDIA EXPO booth 3912 and see these things in action 🚀

Things are moving fast, the next big release with more user facing features is also around the corner. And of course, as always, you can help guide the AVA OS software releases. Use the Idea Voting page to help AVA prioritize what comes next.

Here is the 1.54.6 “Pulsar Pulse” release for you!

Highlights

• IP Driver for ROKU → A full-fledged Roku IP driver with app launching capability for over 80 TV apps. ❤️
• IP Driver for Sony TV Simple IP → This is in addition to the existing Sony Bravia IP driver. The Simple protocol features control for some TV models the normal Bravia driver does not cover. Also, this one requires no Pre-Shared key, so you can use it when another control system uses the PSK method at the same time.
• Updated IP Driver for Samsung TVs → System now gets MAC address for WakeOnLan always automatically, Additional discovery method added so more models can be found automatically.
• Updated IP Drivers with manual IP option → On all major brand IP drivers we added the option to manually enter a static IP address, this makes it possible to add devices even in network that don’t allow the automatic discovery.
• Updated IP Drivers with mechanism for better readiness → In some scenarios, IP drivers were not immediately ready or misbehaved after reboots etc. We implemented a general fix to eliminate these effects for all IP drivers.
• IP Driver enhancements → We added more TV app commands and rich buttons and other small enhancements to devices drivers such as Sony, Samsung all drivers incl. the Frame, Denon, Marantz, Anthem, Trinnov, Kaleidescape, NVIDIA and more.
• Added more Discovery mechanisms → We now feature mDNS, UPNP, SSDP and some vendor specific discovery protocols. This leads to a really solid experience when adding devices and re-discover them later on etc.
• “AVA is starting” bug fixed → After a restart, by mistake, a home swipe gesture could trigger “AVA is starting” to be displayed for a moment unnecessarily. This was a bug and is fixed.
• Lots of minor bug fixes → Things such as: Newly created Room not immediately listed in Flows, device info updated faster after IP change, Removed duplicate “Check for Update” menu entries for devices, faster brain list loading, fixed Satellite Brain sometimes not getting an account info automatically and much more.
• Improvements to TV favorites → Favorite TV station icons are now cached, which is especially useful when showing a demo remote to a customer. Demos can now be done completely offline (no cloud loading needed). Better handling for custom names and displaying the proper default icon.
• Better restart behavior → Improved the handling when Cinema Remote restarts while the Nano Brain is offline or is restarted at the same time.
• Change Project function → Now visible to all customers. Added option to switch between Local project and External project. Very handy when in your showroom or testing lab.
• Lots of small stability improvements, bug fixes, and UI refinements.

How to Get the New AVA OS Version

AVA OS updates are non-disruptive and happen automatically.

• AVA Nano Brain - You will see an Update Available badge on any remote connected to the Nano Brain.

• Cinema Remote & Home Remote - AVA remotes update automatically when on their charging base. You can also get the latest version of AVA OS from the Play Store as an update to the AVA app.

   

  💡 Pro tip: You can get to the Play Store fast from the Action Button. Just tell Google Assistant “Open Google Play.”

   

Known Issues

• Flat Emitters not yet available (currently in closed beta, with public release coming soon).

What’s Next

Many of the new features in this release came about because of your votes. A few that have made top of our list for upcoming releases are:

• • Flat IR Emitter general release (out of beta)
  • IP drivers for LG premium TVs (currently in beta)
  • IP drivers for Onkyo, Integra & Pioneer (currently in beta)

So keep telling us your ideas on the Idea Voting page.

You can even help guide the next release. Use the Idea Voting page to help AVA prioritize what comes next.

Here is the 1.54.1 “Pulsar Pulse” release! 

Highlights

• IP Driver for all Anthem AVRs → Anthem’s fantastic AVRs now have IP control in AVA OS.
• IP Driver for Anthem MDX → Anthem’s audio matrixes are great, and you can control them using IP control with AVA OS.
• IP Driver for Samsung The Frame TVs → Full IP support, including Art Mode and App launching!
• IP Driver for current Samsung TVs → All recent models, full IP support including App launching!
• IP Driver for previous Samsung TVs → Full IP support including App launching for pre 2020 models.
• IP Driver for Marantz AVRs → Full IP support, works much like the Denon driver in the first AVA OS update.
• IP Driver for Trinnov Cinema Processors → Full IP support for all Altitude processors.
• IP Driver for NVIDIA Shield → Including power and App launching.
• IP Driver for Kaleidescape → Including auto-discovery & multi-player support.
• Sonos App Dynamic Keypad Volume → Now available for the Sonos app. (You need to activate “Home Screen Volume Control” in Sonos settings.)
• Graceful handling for Nano Brain IP Address changes → while DHCP reservations are always a best practice for pro installers, you sometimes need to switch between WiFi and Ethernet during setup. When IP addresses for a Nano Brain changes, AVA OS now handles it smoothly.
• TV Apps as custom UI elements → You can now create slides with only the TV apps and services show that your customer cares about. (Hint: Hide the Apps Slide. Show the Custom UI Slide. Add the TV apps your customer needs.)
• Dynamic Keypad is now even More Dynamic → The Dynamic Keypad’s buttons change on all devices when you switch between Slides on the touchscreen. Example: Switch between the TV Number Pad slide and the Transport slides and the channel buttons change to transport controls.
• Change Project function → You can now easily jump into a different project with your remote without having to reset AVA OS on the remote. Very handy when in your showroom or testing lab.
• Fixed a nasty issue when adding devices to satellite brains (Only a hand full of customers were affected but for those who were, it sucked.)
• Lots of small stability improvements, bug fixes, and UI refinements.

How to Get the New AVA OS Version

AVA OS updates are non-disruptive and happen automatically.

• AVA Nano Brain - You will see an Update Available badge on any remote connected to the Nano Brain.

• Cinema Remote & Home Remote - AVA remotes update automatically when on their charging base. You can also get the latest version of AVA OS from the Play Store as an update to the AVA app.

   

  💡 Pro tip: You can get to the Play Store fast from the Action Button. Just tell Google Assistant “Open Google Play.”

   

Known Issues

• Flat Emitters not yet available (currently in closed beta, with public release coming soon).

What’s Next

Many of the new features in this release came about because of your votes. A few that have made top of our list for upcoming releases are:

• Flat IR Emitter general release (out of beta)
• IP drivers for LG premium TVs
• IP driver for Roku

So keep telling us your ideas on the Idea Voting page.

Keep the great suggestions coming in the Idea Voting section and vote for the features that you think will benefit your business the most.

Today, we are releasing 1.53.2 “Vega Stream”

Here are the highlights:

• Much faster discovery! During setup, Brains appear in milliseconds, rather than seconds.
  
  
• Custom UI editor improved. Use spacers to get your custom UI widgets and buttons displayed exactly how you want them.
  
  
• Improved device search. → more search terms now work for finding drivers.
  
  
• 93 discrete IR drivers added (in the 5 last days alone!)
  
  
• 3 new IP drivers (Shelly, Denon AVR, Google TV boxes)
  
  
• Improved workflow for updating satellite brains
  
  
• Lots of small stability improvements, bugfixes & UI tweaks

How to Get the New AVA OS Version

For both Cinema Remote and Home Remote, you get the latest version of AVA OS from the Play Store.

Open the Play Store app and check for updates to the AVA app.

💡 Pro tip: You can get to the Play Store fast from the Action Button. Just tell Google Assistant “Open Google Play.”

Your AVA remotes also automatically update while on the docking station.

Known Issues

• Flat IR Emitters not yet available (currently in closed beta, planned to be publicly released soon)

Learning Track

🎥 Keep building your knowledge with AVA OS by checking out the ever-growing video library here.

For AVA's May 2023 profile, we feature Definitive Electric of British Columbia, Canada.

What kind of clientele do you serve most? What are your favorite use cases that make your company’s sweet spot? What does your company “do best”?
Our company's clientele ranges from the ultra luxury residence to the average person who likes tech to enhance there living experience.

What kind of clientele do you serve most? What are your favorite use cases that make your company’s sweet spot? What does your company “do best”?
Our company's clientele ranges from the ultra luxury residence to the average person who likes tech to enhance there living experience.

Tell us about the client use case for which you use AVA Remote most often.
The best part of using the AVA remote is the build quality and the learning curve is small as most people feel comfortable with using native apps.

How many AVA Remotes do you use in a typical project, and why?
We are in Canada and haven't sold one yet but I would push for 1 to 4 in the residents depending on the level of integration.

Is there something about the AVA Remote that surprised you or was unexpectedly helpful to your business that you would advise other pros to consider?
I see potential of using the remote in a high end rental unit. Instead of using a tablet that would be tempted to go missing the AVA remote would be less desirable to grow legs and walk away.

Tell us a favorite thing about AVA Remote for your clients.
Our favorite thing about the AVA remote is how intuitive it is and the design of it screams high-end.

To get your dealership possibly featured by AVA, reply to the questionnaire here.