Want to test OHMS for free?
If you are a home theater enthusiast or prospective retailer and would like to help improve our products, please contact us and inquire about our Beta Test Program. Qualified beta testers receive OHMS products and support free of charge.
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FAQ's
_Q: What exactly is the Ovation Home Media System?
A: Ohms is a media playback and control system that provides media playback, streaming, organization and control. In its most basic
configuration, OHMS is just a TV and a MaCE player/control unit. The recommended OHMS configuration consists of a MaCE, a
smartphone with ORCA software, your compatible AV receiver, cable Set-Top-Box (STB), satellite tuner or Tivo and OPENS network storage.
By connecting your existing AV peripherals directly to the MaCE, OHMS allows a degree of control and convenience at a price not found
in competing offerings. See the following figure for a typical SERIAL connected configuration.
A: Ohms is a media playback and control system that provides media playback, streaming, organization and control. In its most basic
configuration, OHMS is just a TV and a MaCE player/control unit. The recommended OHMS configuration consists of a MaCE, a
smartphone with ORCA software, your compatible AV receiver, cable Set-Top-Box (STB), satellite tuner or Tivo and OPENS network storage.
By connecting your existing AV peripherals directly to the MaCE, OHMS allows a degree of control and convenience at a price not found
in competing offerings. See the following figure for a typical SERIAL connected configuration.
__Q: OK, I understand how OHMS works, but aren't there other products that already do this?
A: No, not really. There are other similar products called home theater computers (HTPC) but all require additional hardware or software
that the user must install and configure. At the high end there are custom systems, but they require professional setup and are expensive!
Neither of the above options has the ability to control your AV devices, cable or satellite tuner like the MaCE and neither option allows you to
browse, edit and control your media content and your system using your smart device. OHMS works out of the box with no additional software
or user tweaking required. Quite simply, the OHMS system is the most capable and cost effective home theater playback and control solution
available.
Q: I've read about similar devices called HTPC's. Can't I build something like this myself?
A: An HTPC can offer some functions, but not the convenience, integration and reliability of a even a basic OHMS MaCE device. Try this:
scour the many internet do-it-yourself forums dedicated to HTPC devices and note the numerous threads dedicated to solving HTPC
problems (playback issues, bit-streaming issues, media library issues, remote control issues, etc.) or threads requesting features that
are already provided by a basic OHMS (e.g., universal remote control, media browsing via remote, AV device control, one click backup, etc.).
We believe we've created a high end, high performance turnkey system that meets the needs of discriminating home theater enthusiasts.
Q: Which AV receivers work with the OHMS system?
A: The OHMS system supports virtually any consumer receiver. For serial or IP (Ethernet) control (highly recommended) OHMS supports
the receivers and processors from the following manufacturers: Denon, Integra, Krell, Onkyo, Marantz, Pioneer and Yamaha. For
infrared (IR) control OHMS can work with virtually any receiver or processor for which IR codes are available.
Q: What is the difference between 'serial control', 'IP control' and 'infrared (IR)' control?
A: Serial and IP control control allows the MaCE to connect to an AV device via wire for communication and control. This has many advantages:
two-way communication, status reporting, auto set-up and more reliable control. Most mid to high-level receivers from manufacturers have
these features to allow these devices to be used in custom install scenarios. Serial uses a 9-pin cable and IP control uses Ethernet cable.
When using IP control, your AV device is connected to your home LAN (network). Infrared or IR on the other hand, uses invisible light instead
of wires to send signals to your equipment for control. Most consumer remote controls use IR. If you are considering purchasing a new AV
receiver or device, we highly recommend you select one with serial or IP control because of the flexibility these interfaces offer. However,
the OHMS system is designed to work using all three control methods or even a mixture of the three!
Q: What if I don't have an AV receiver?
A: The OHMS MaCE works in systems with or or without an A/V receiver. The MaCE is smart enough to use your TV as a switching device if
no receiver is present!
Q: What do I need to get started with an OHMS system?
A: Minimum requirements are a TV with an HDMI input and an available Ethernet or WiFi connection. Add our MaCE unit and you are ready
to enjoy your media! However, to experience the full capabilities of an OHMS system, you additionally need an AV receiver with HDMI switching
and a Wi-Fi network so your ORCA equipped smartphone can be used as a media browser and remote control.
Q: Which MaCE model should I purchase?
A: If you want a system dedicated to one display and your media library is modest (less than a couple hundred movies) we suggest a MaCE
standalone unit. If you have or anticipate a large library and want to share media throughout your residence, a MaCE networked unit with
external storage is required (we recommend our OPENS media storage server but you can use your own server). This allows for media
sharing and the storage of hundreds (even thousands) of movies, songs and photos. For TV recordings, the MaCE DVR is required. It can
record off-air and from external sources then categorize and save the recordings on the OPENS (or your external storage device) for later
viewing anywhere in your residence.
Q: OK, I'd like to try the OHMS system. How do I get started?
A: Please contact us and we will happily advise you and assess your home theater needs. Based on our assessment, we'll recommend
the proper MaCE version and/or OPENS to get you started. Or, if you already know what you need, just order a MaCE unit and/or OPENS
from our store. Once you receive your devices, just connect them to your system and power up. That's it! If you are located in southeast
United States, we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you see an actual OHMS system in action. If not, all our products come
with a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee (minus shipping). If you are technically inclined and don't mind a little tweaking,
you may want to consider our Beta Tester program. Please contact us to inquire.
Q: What if there is problem or I need help with OHMS?
A: If you require assistance or have any problems with your system you can contact us by phone during business hours (oftentimes after).
All our products come with 30 day free phone support. In fact, nearly all problems can be resolved by our support staff via remote control.
After 30 days we can help resolve problems and answer questions in our forum. The forum is monitored 24hours a day every day and
questions are answered quickly. We at OHMS are a new company and are committed to making the purchase, installation, use and
servicing of your OHMS system a painless affair.
Q: Can the OHMS system control my DirecTV, DISH Network or satellite tuner?
A: Yes. All DirecTV receivers are natively supported via USB-Serial or IP. DISH network and FTA (free to air) satellite tuners can be
controlled using our Infra-Red (IR) module. The IR module should also work with UK Sky+HD tuners as well.
Q: Can the OHMS system control my cable set top box?
A: Yes. Our new Infra-Red (IR) control module can control most cable set top boxes. Please provide us with the manufacturer and model
number of your cable set top device for confirmation.
Q: Does the OHMS system work with CableCARD tuners?
A: We are currently working to support for HDHomeRun Prime CableCard 3 tuner box on the MaCE DVR.
Q: Can the OHMS system be used to play computer games?
A: Yes, but it is neither designed nor optimized for game play, especially games which require high frame rates per second (Fraps).
Q: What is 'Reference Mode' movie playback?
A: Reference Mode movie playback is the ability display a movie at it's native frame rate: 24 frames per second (fps). Many media players and HTPC's are incapable of this and instead have to resort to telecining (3:2 pull-down) which attempts to convert the 24fps (film) to a display's native 30fps (video) scan rate. This can result in stutters and glitches when viewing movies. For setups with monitors that feature a true 24fps scan rate, (23.976fps), the OHMS MaCE can be configured to automatically switch it's output for Blu-ray movies to achieve the most accurate movie viewing experience.
Q: Does the Ovation Remote Control App (ORCA) work with Windows Media Center or HTPCs?
A: Not really. The ORCA software is designed to work exclusively with OHMS and the MaCE player. However, ORCA does have a track pad
and keyboard mode that can be used to navigate and control any Windows application including Media Center.
Q: Does the ORCA software work on the iPhone or iPad?
A: YES, the Ohms remote works with any mobile device with a browser!
Q: Are there plans to port the ORCA remote control software to work on the iPhone?
A: The possibility of porting ORCA to the iPhone is being considered for our long-term road-map. However, if you're an iPhone user and want to
experience all the OHMS system has to offer now, we can provide Android mobile devices which are quite capable, come preloaded with
ORCA software and don't require phone service.
A: No, not really. There are other similar products called home theater computers (HTPC) but all require additional hardware or software
that the user must install and configure. At the high end there are custom systems, but they require professional setup and are expensive!
Neither of the above options has the ability to control your AV devices, cable or satellite tuner like the MaCE and neither option allows you to
browse, edit and control your media content and your system using your smart device. OHMS works out of the box with no additional software
or user tweaking required. Quite simply, the OHMS system is the most capable and cost effective home theater playback and control solution
available.
Q: I've read about similar devices called HTPC's. Can't I build something like this myself?
A: An HTPC can offer some functions, but not the convenience, integration and reliability of a even a basic OHMS MaCE device. Try this:
scour the many internet do-it-yourself forums dedicated to HTPC devices and note the numerous threads dedicated to solving HTPC
problems (playback issues, bit-streaming issues, media library issues, remote control issues, etc.) or threads requesting features that
are already provided by a basic OHMS (e.g., universal remote control, media browsing via remote, AV device control, one click backup, etc.).
We believe we've created a high end, high performance turnkey system that meets the needs of discriminating home theater enthusiasts.
Q: Which AV receivers work with the OHMS system?
A: The OHMS system supports virtually any consumer receiver. For serial or IP (Ethernet) control (highly recommended) OHMS supports
the receivers and processors from the following manufacturers: Denon, Integra, Krell, Onkyo, Marantz, Pioneer and Yamaha. For
infrared (IR) control OHMS can work with virtually any receiver or processor for which IR codes are available.
Q: What is the difference between 'serial control', 'IP control' and 'infrared (IR)' control?
A: Serial and IP control control allows the MaCE to connect to an AV device via wire for communication and control. This has many advantages:
two-way communication, status reporting, auto set-up and more reliable control. Most mid to high-level receivers from manufacturers have
these features to allow these devices to be used in custom install scenarios. Serial uses a 9-pin cable and IP control uses Ethernet cable.
When using IP control, your AV device is connected to your home LAN (network). Infrared or IR on the other hand, uses invisible light instead
of wires to send signals to your equipment for control. Most consumer remote controls use IR. If you are considering purchasing a new AV
receiver or device, we highly recommend you select one with serial or IP control because of the flexibility these interfaces offer. However,
the OHMS system is designed to work using all three control methods or even a mixture of the three!
Q: What if I don't have an AV receiver?
A: The OHMS MaCE works in systems with or or without an A/V receiver. The MaCE is smart enough to use your TV as a switching device if
no receiver is present!
Q: What do I need to get started with an OHMS system?
A: Minimum requirements are a TV with an HDMI input and an available Ethernet or WiFi connection. Add our MaCE unit and you are ready
to enjoy your media! However, to experience the full capabilities of an OHMS system, you additionally need an AV receiver with HDMI switching
and a Wi-Fi network so your ORCA equipped smartphone can be used as a media browser and remote control.
Q: Which MaCE model should I purchase?
A: If you want a system dedicated to one display and your media library is modest (less than a couple hundred movies) we suggest a MaCE
standalone unit. If you have or anticipate a large library and want to share media throughout your residence, a MaCE networked unit with
external storage is required (we recommend our OPENS media storage server but you can use your own server). This allows for media
sharing and the storage of hundreds (even thousands) of movies, songs and photos. For TV recordings, the MaCE DVR is required. It can
record off-air and from external sources then categorize and save the recordings on the OPENS (or your external storage device) for later
viewing anywhere in your residence.
Q: OK, I'd like to try the OHMS system. How do I get started?
A: Please contact us and we will happily advise you and assess your home theater needs. Based on our assessment, we'll recommend
the proper MaCE version and/or OPENS to get you started. Or, if you already know what you need, just order a MaCE unit and/or OPENS
from our store. Once you receive your devices, just connect them to your system and power up. That's it! If you are located in southeast
United States, we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you see an actual OHMS system in action. If not, all our products come
with a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee (minus shipping). If you are technically inclined and don't mind a little tweaking,
you may want to consider our Beta Tester program. Please contact us to inquire.
Q: What if there is problem or I need help with OHMS?
A: If you require assistance or have any problems with your system you can contact us by phone during business hours (oftentimes after).
All our products come with 30 day free phone support. In fact, nearly all problems can be resolved by our support staff via remote control.
After 30 days we can help resolve problems and answer questions in our forum. The forum is monitored 24hours a day every day and
questions are answered quickly. We at OHMS are a new company and are committed to making the purchase, installation, use and
servicing of your OHMS system a painless affair.
Q: Can the OHMS system control my DirecTV, DISH Network or satellite tuner?
A: Yes. All DirecTV receivers are natively supported via USB-Serial or IP. DISH network and FTA (free to air) satellite tuners can be
controlled using our Infra-Red (IR) module. The IR module should also work with UK Sky+HD tuners as well.
Q: Can the OHMS system control my cable set top box?
A: Yes. Our new Infra-Red (IR) control module can control most cable set top boxes. Please provide us with the manufacturer and model
number of your cable set top device for confirmation.
Q: Does the OHMS system work with CableCARD tuners?
A: We are currently working to support for HDHomeRun Prime CableCard 3 tuner box on the MaCE DVR.
Q: Can the OHMS system be used to play computer games?
A: Yes, but it is neither designed nor optimized for game play, especially games which require high frame rates per second (Fraps).
Q: What is 'Reference Mode' movie playback?
A: Reference Mode movie playback is the ability display a movie at it's native frame rate: 24 frames per second (fps). Many media players and HTPC's are incapable of this and instead have to resort to telecining (3:2 pull-down) which attempts to convert the 24fps (film) to a display's native 30fps (video) scan rate. This can result in stutters and glitches when viewing movies. For setups with monitors that feature a true 24fps scan rate, (23.976fps), the OHMS MaCE can be configured to automatically switch it's output for Blu-ray movies to achieve the most accurate movie viewing experience.
Q: Does the Ovation Remote Control App (ORCA) work with Windows Media Center or HTPCs?
A: Not really. The ORCA software is designed to work exclusively with OHMS and the MaCE player. However, ORCA does have a track pad
and keyboard mode that can be used to navigate and control any Windows application including Media Center.
Q: Does the ORCA software work on the iPhone or iPad?
A: YES, the Ohms remote works with any mobile device with a browser!
Q: Are there plans to port the ORCA remote control software to work on the iPhone?
A: The possibility of porting ORCA to the iPhone is being considered for our long-term road-map. However, if you're an iPhone user and want to
experience all the OHMS system has to offer now, we can provide Android mobile devices which are quite capable, come preloaded with
ORCA software and don't require phone service.
Please see our policies here