Version 3.0

MainLobby Server 3 is a Server side application written for MainLobby and other Cinemar software. It is the glue that ties together multiple MainLobby Client PCs, PocketPCs, automation and media hardware and software together with bi-directional communication.

MLServer 3 now uses multiple resizable windows to allow for easy configuration and programming of the server features.

Powerful on-event, timed and conditional processing has now been added with MLServer 3 so you can easily build complex automation into your home.

Automation Rules

Turn a light on at dusk by building a rule in MLServer from it's drop down choices. Let MLServer calculate "dusk" for your locality by setting up the new Environment configuration.

Environment image

One of the most important features of MLServer 3 is the ability to support software plugins that tie together 3rd party hardware and software commonly used in home automation and media control. View this growing list of MLServer 3 plugins. New with MLServer 3 is a plugins management view that makes it very simple to add, configure and manage your plugin upgrades. Plugins provide the flexibility to allow your system to grow with changing needs.

Plugins Setup Screen

For ease of monitoring the system, MLServer 3 includes an Event window that allows for copy/paste and Pause. Logging can be set to view only Errors, Informational only or Verbose levels of detail.

Events Window

MLServer 3 has been completely rewritten to increase reliability, ease of management, and faster processing of commands. Included with MLServer 3 is the "WatchDog" application which monitors PC performance and can restart MLServer 3 if it is not responding correctly.

Watchdog Application

Command and image processing has moved from the MainLobby Client to MLServer 3 to further reduce the CPU needs of the client and to speed up the system communication. This significantly decreases the cost of client PC hardware and total cost of ownership for a multi client automation system.

MainLobby Server 3 was designed with flexibility in mind. Most installations requires just one "Primary" MLServer 3 application installed on one PC. All MainLobby 3 Clients and PocketPC applications connect to this Primary MLServer. MLServer then brokers all communications from Client to Hardware and Client to Client. New in MLServer 3 is a window to view and manage connected clients and servers.

Client / Server Management Window

MainLobby 3 also supports "Secondary" MLServer 3 installations ("0" Client License). This is a second PC running MLServer 3 application that is typically used to control a second set of hardware in an area distant from the "Primary" MLServer. You might have a component rack in the Theater room with the Primary MLServer connected via the PC LAN to the Living Room where a second MLServer is running controlling the hardware in the Living room. Both of these installations then be monitored and controlled by any Client on the LAN. Secondary MLServers can decrease the installation cost by eliminating long control wire runs.
The Secondary MLServer can also be used to control software on the second PC - like launching and controlling a software movie player (Zoom Player / TheaterTek).on a remote PC.

MainLobby Server 3 comes licensed for up to 5 concurrant connected Clients. For larger installations, additional Primary MLServer 3 connection licenses can be purchased in groups of 5.