MAY 2020
THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY
No programming. No kidding.
Crestron Home. A powerful operating system that delivers the speed and simplicity you want, and the experience your clients demand. No programming. Just a simple setup experience for you, and a new intuitive experience for your clients. Simply a smart way to make more homes Crestron Homes.
Learn more at crestron.com/crestronhome
INSTALL PIONEERS
Ad_2019-06_CrestronHome_Introducing_v5_A4.indd 1
MERIDIAN AND MQA COFOUNDER
LUTRON LEVERAGES LIGHT
AMBIENT LIGHT CONTROL
BARCO RESIDENTIAL
GETTING INVOLVED EARLY
20/04/2020 09:37
S U P P ORT I NG
4K HDR up to 40m
PRO88HBT70CS
Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 40m) C U S T O M P R O
- Supports 4K HDR, IP Control, PoH, 2-Way IR, 4 x Simultaneous HDMI outputs , Audio Breakout with volume control J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification over HDBaseT™ J Supports 4K resolutions including HDR (4K 60Hz 4:4:4) to a distance of 40m
Our Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix offers unprecedented
J Smart Scale technology - automatic 4K to 1080p scaling
4K HDR performance for the custom installation market. The PRO88HBT100CS is a HDMI2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP2.2 Matrix utilising CSC technology to deliver HDMI, Bi-directional IR, PoH (PoE) up to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable (4K HDR up to 70m). The Matrix also provides advanced features including HDBaseT™ video down-conversion, 4 x simultaneous HDMI outputs, audio breakout with line level pre amp volume control and a web browser interface module for control and configuration of the matrix.
60Hz 4:4:4
HDCP 2.2
2.0
EDID
PRO88HBT100CS
HDR HD
4K HDR up to 70m
Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 70m) - Supports 4K HDR, IP & RS-232 Control, PoH, 2-Way IR, 4x simultaneous HDMI outputs, Audio Breakout with volume control J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification over HDBaseT™ J Supports 4K resolutions including HDR (4K 60Hz 4:4:4) to a 60Hz 4:4:4
Blustream_EI_FEB_2020.indd All Pages
HDCP 2.2
2.0
EDID
HDR HD
distance of 70m J Smart Scale technology - automatic 4K to 1080p scaling
M U L T I C A S T
IP200UHD-RX/TX Multicast 4K UHD Video Receiver / Transmitter J Supports up to 4K HDR UHD video sources (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x 2160 @24Hz 4:4:4 and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0) J Advanced signal management for independent routing of IR, RS-232, USB/KVM, audio and video
4 K
U H D
V I D E O
O V E R
I P
HEX100CS-KIT
HEX150CS-KIT
100m HDBaseT™ Extender Set Supporting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 (70m)
HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set Supporting HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 100m (1080p up to 150m)
J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency J Supports 4K UHD video up to 70m (3840x2160 @60Hz 4:4:4 and @60Hz 4:2:2 including HDR)
C O N T R A C T O R
J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR support
S E R I E S
C44-KIT Contractor 4x4 HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit J 70m (4K up to 40m) Includes 4 x HEX70B-RX HDBaseT™ Receivers
Become a Certified Blustream Installation Partner
Interactive Online Tutorials We have launched a series of regular interactive online tutorials, focused on providing convenient, bite sized insights into the latest Blustream solutions and the day to day challenges we all currently face in our rapidly evolving market.
Register now: www.blustream.co.uk/advanced-learning-portal J
Current Tutorials Available
J Creating a Multicast Ecosystem
J The Future of HDBaseT™
J Multicast ACM200 Configuration
Our UK Address:
J Logical Troubleshooting HDBaseT™
J Multicast ACM200 Advanced
The Service Station,
Tel: +44 (0)115 824 7000
J Logical Troubleshooting Video over IP
J Video over IP vs HDBaseT™
Melton Road, Hickling Pastures,
J CAT Cable Certification and Verification
J An Introduction to Dante®
Email: sales@blustream.co.uk
Nottinghamshire,
Web: www.blustream.co.uk
Book now at J www.blustream.co.uk
LE14 3QG United Kingdom.
THANKS FOR VISITING To learn more about the NEW products showcased at ISE visit
www.blustream.co.uk
28/02/2020 13:23
42 24
32 37
CONTENTS
May 2020
5 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR
24 LUTRON LEVERAGES LIGHT
7 ESSENTIAL NEWS
26 PULSE CINEMAS
The value of happy
Our CI focused round up
14 CRESTRON HOME Ease of integration
17 ESSENTIAL ONEAV The professionals
19 INSTALL PIONEERS
Bob Stuart, Meridian and MQA co-founder
Ambient light control
The power of RTI
28 HDANYWHERE
MHUB U is ready to rock
TOUCHSCREENS AND PROGRAMMING FEATURE
31 DEDICATED CONTROLLER COMEBACK Are they really coming back
32 CLIFF’S EDGE
What every programmer should know
LIGHTING FEATURE
23 RGB COMMUNICATIONS
The lighting trends you need to know
34 RTI Q&A’S
Vincent Bova, Director of Dealer Experience Remote Technologies Inc. tackles a few of the sector’s key questions
YOUR DISTRIBUTOR F www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk
28 14 45 37 CASE STUDY: PRESTIGE AUDIO Digging deep at Spring Ponds
PROJECTORS AND SCREENS
42 BARCO RESIDENTIAL Getting involved early
45 A VIEW OF THE FUTURE
Barry Sheldrick, director of sales at Meridian Audio, takes on our Q&A
48 SI INSIGHTS
The Screen Innovations team offer some industry insight
50 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS Precious perfection
17 31
R FOR Smart Home www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk
LINEAR THINKING ANTHRA LINE LindyCables.com
DISCOVER LINDY lindy.com
MAY 2020
THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY
No programming. No kidding.
Crestron Home. A powerful operating system that delivers the speed and simplicity you want, and the experience your clients demand. No programming. Just a simple setup experience for you, and a new intuitive experience for your clients. Simply a smart way to make more homes Crestron Homes.
Learn more at crestron.com/crestronhome
INSTALL PIONEERS
Ad_2019-06_CrestronHome_Introducing_v5_A4.indd 1
MERIDIAN AND MQA COFOUNDER
LUTRON LEVERAGES LIGHT
AMBIENT LIGHT CONTROL
BARCO RESIDENTIAL
20/04/2020 09:37
GETTING INVOLVED EARLY
GETTING IN TOUCH
MAY
A HIGH-VALUE INDUSTRY?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
GROUP AD MANAGER
Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com
PUBLISHER
David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com
ACCOUNTS
susan@allthingsmedialtd.com
BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR carol@allthingsmedialtd.com
Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 www.essentialinstall.com
SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL Whilst we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.
One thing is for certain, the COVID-19 situation has laid out starkly what and who are the real backbones of our society. Yes, we all knew that doctors, nurses, health professionals, and emergency services were important, but how many of us stopped to think about retail workers, care home workers, public transport staff, those who collect our recycling and refuse, people that we can often interact without realising how important they are to how we live our lives. Sadly, many of these positions are amongst the worst paid and least valued when things are ‘normal’, something for us all to reflect on when this crisis is over. Another phenomenon taking place at this time is a wider reflection of ‘what and who is important’ and if society is structured the way it should be. As people are forced to spend more time with each other and less time away from work, despite the obvious strain this can place on relationships, it’s a chance to take stock and think, what’s more important? Being happy or being ‘busy’? There is so much talk these days, well before COVID-19, about ‘busy lives’ and ‘hardworking families’, etc, well why should we ‘work hard’ and have ‘busy lives’ when the alternative; fulfilling, happy lives would be entirely more pleasant. Now before you think EI is saying everyone should now go live in a commune under a tarp and eat only lentils, think again. Some more of that type of behaviour is definitely a good thing, however, technology has the power to improve our lives and make us more ‘happy’ if used
constructively. Our industry has the power to help save power by making homes more efficient, no bad thing if the working from home phenomenon grows significantly in the next few years, which it will undoubtedly. It was growing before COVID-19, and once big firms realise how much money can be saved, it will accelerate further. Less travel = less pollution, and an easier route to cleaning up our environment. More people staying at home and our industry helping them to do it will also help revive local communities as local shops and businesses benefit from having more people at home on their doorstep. Every single environment expert worth their salt says that creating more selfsustaining local economies is a big part of the future. Another thing our industry is great at? Making people happy! Wonderful musical and visual experiences in our homes should be thought of as just another essential utility. Look at what happened in Italy when people were on strict lockdown, they turned to music to keep their spirits up and communicate with each other. So, as we re-evaluate what is really important in society, let’s not undervalue what we can deliver now and in the future, creating happier, more connected more energy-efficient societies. No offence, but I will take that over a Hedge Fund Manager any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Daniel J Sait Editor
MAY 2020 05
NEWS
Perfect Partners
CEDIASTRONG: RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CEDIA has announced CEDIASTRONG, a programme comprised of new services and tools to empower, educate, and inspire CEDIA members to cope with the impact of COVID-19. The trade organisation says CEDIASTRONG will provide members free financial planning tools and services, technical training and webinars, career planning resources, online business roundtable discussions, and marketing content that members can use to promote their services locally. As part of the initiative, CEDIA also plans to establish a CEDIASTRONG Fund to provide financial assistance to members in need with the goal of awarding grants later in 2021. “CEDIASTRONG was born from the COVID-19 pandemic and was designed to serve as a rallying cry for our industry,” says CEDIA President and CEO, Tabatha O’Connor. “Today, as people hunker down and work from their homes, technology solutions are all the more paramount, as is the role of the professionals who design and install them. We want to help members power through this challenging period and prepare them for the future to ensure they are ready to resume business as usual when this crisis is behind us.”
WHAT DOES CEDIASTRONG DELIVER? • CEDIA has enlisted the services of financial advisors who will be sharing their expertise with members in weekly financial sessions – free of charge.
• COVID-19 Resource Centre features financial, legal, and regulatory information to assist CEDIA members across the globe. • New career planning resources feature an online library of content that will assist displaced workers in résumé creation, job search strategies, and interviewing tips and tricks for the jobseeker. • CEDIA has waived all fees for its current online training so that technicians can hone skills during downtime and business owners can brush up on a variety of business issues. CEDIA is hosting two new webinars each week, tied to white papers and podcast topics. • CEDIA will be hosting regional roundtable discussions, live online events bringing integrators and manufacturers together to share insights on how they’re conducting business during these unusual times, how best to prepare for recovery, and how to market services in this time of crisis. • New CEDIASTRONG marketing assets will be available so members can help spread the word and generate new business opportunities in their local markets. • And finally, once the worst is over, CEDIA plans to establish the CEDIASTRONG Fund to provide financial assistance to members in need with the goal of accepting donations later this year and awarding grants to individuals and businesses sometime in 2021. EI will keep readers fully up to speed with any updates in the CEDIASTRONG programme.
Together, Savant and Lutron create the ultimate smart home solution, allowing homeowners to seamlessly control their lighting and shades to create a comfortable atmosphere throughout their home. • Whole home automation at the touch of a button • Convenience, ambiance and simplicity with seamless control.
For further information on Savant and Lutron, contact the industry professionals at RGB.
rgbcomms.co.uk or call us today on
01488 73366 RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY
CEDIA cedia.net/cediastrong Distributor of the Year Finalist
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NEWS
ENHANCE YOUR WORLD WITH COLOUR
AWE DELIVERS PACKAGES FOR DEALERS IN LOCKDOWN At a time when integrators and retailers are rarely visiting clients’ properties if they are occupied, AWE has enhanced its packages portfolio to provide them with solutions to help keep business ticking over during the lockdown. Initially focusing on home cinema, audio, and simple control solutions, these ‘installation-in-abox’ packages are curated by the experts at AWE and form the building blocks to simplify the sales, specification, and most importantly, provide a solution for the installation process. AWE has designed these packages to enable an initial DIY installation, which sees the integrator order the package from AWE, who then ships directly to the customer with all the important cables included. Each package has a simple setup guide, which when supported remotely by the integrator will enable the vast majority of homeowners to complete the set-up themselves. AWE’s recommendation is that the integrator follows up after the lockdown to check the system over and complete a full hidden-wire installation. AWE also argues this is also a good opportunity to provide a more advanced, expanded system. With different variants of packages available, there are product combinations suitable for projects of a variety of sizes and price points. Each package includes a PDF sales sheet that highlights key features and benefits of the system. These
documents can also be downloaded with space for integrators to skin the footer branding to market directly to their customer base. Instagram images are also available too. AWE says the technology included in the packages represents leading brands in the home technology field, and they have been carefully selected and grouped together to ensure optimum performance at the price point. Home Cinema: The home cinema packages are split between TV and projector options and include products from Epson, Definitive Technology, Denon, Marantz, HEOS, KEF, Kinetik and Sony.
Savant’s sophisticated lighting control has evolved again with the contemporary reimagining of TrueImage. Their new line of lighting products provides integrators and users the most flexible and advanced lighting system ever. Advanced lighting solutions that can transform your home with a touch.
Available from the experts at
Audio: These starter kits provide up to four audio zones and feature equipment from Definitive Technology, HEOS and Kinetik. Control: The control packages can be used to facilitate control over single room AV, incorporating door entry and an ever-increasing number of whole-home smart devices like Hue, Sonos HEOS and alike. AWE awe-europe.com
rgbcomms.co.uk or call us today on
01488 73366 RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY
Distributor of the Year Finalist
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NEWS
NETFLIX WORTH MORE THAN EXXONMOBIL Netflix, the popular streaming service, is enjoying a surge in value and subscriptions, in no small part due to the COVID-19 situation. However, it is still highly significant that the company was recently valued at $187bn, a higher rating than global oil giant ExxonMobil. Experts have been saying that data is the new oil for a while, and it looks like they were right. Yes, Netflix is a ‘content’ company, but its ability to gather data about its customers and drive its business has seen it grow hugely in recent times. Who still remembers getting those little packages through their door? Seems almost quaint now. As reported in The Guardian and other broadsheets, Netflix shares moved 5% higher in early trading on Wall Street on Thursday to a record high of $448 (£360), representing a total value of $196bn. Conversely, as people stop moving around as much and of course use less fuel, the price of oil has dropped. In a similar period, ExxonMobil’s share price dropped 3% to $39.30, giving it a value of $166bn. ExxonMobil used to be amongst the world’s richest companies, but has been superseded by tech giants like Apple and Microsoft. It’s not on its own either – BP and Royal Dutch
Shell have seen their share prices fall to the lowest level in 25 years. Netflix boasts over 160 million subscribers, and has also seen a boost to its business via creating its own content and seeing an increase in viewing over COVID-19 lockdown. Other players in this sector, such as Amazon’s Prime Video, has an estimated 118 million users, while Disney+ – which only launched in the UK and other western European markets in March – has already doubled its global subscriber base to 50 million. The only fly in this ointment has been a cut in delivery speeds. At the beginning of the lockdown Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube and the BBC’s iPlayer agreed to reduce the speed of their streams in Europe so the network could cope, so work to do there, if and when this level of usage becomes norm. Economies are evolving, and governments that grab the data, streaming and entertainment industry sectors by the horns will be doing their countries and the AV and install industry a massive favour. Netflix netflix.com
Bespoke Blinds QMotion Blinds go beyond industry standards to reach new heights in innovation.
GENELEC PARTNERS WITH AUDIOLOGIC FOR UK DISTRIBUTION Genelec has announced the appointment of distributor, Audiologic, to handle distribution of the brand’s growing AV loudspeaker range throughout the UK, while Genelec’s long-term partner in professional monitoring, Source Distribution, will continue to be responsible for the UK distribution of Genelec’s full range of studio products and systems. Based in Harlow, Essex, Audiologic was established in 2004 specifically to supply the professional AV integration market with top quality products, advice and service. The company is now one of the UK’s most successful dedicated AV suppliers offering a range of services including system design, site surveys and help with tenders. Audiologic MD, Andy Lewis, feels that Genelec is a perfect fit the company. “We see this as a unique opportunity for us,” he explains. “As a company, we feel that it’s very important to put the right products into the right place. In other words, quality first. Genelec’s philosophy perfectly matches our own in that regard – they are a high end, aspirational brand that we are very proud to represent in the UK.” “Genelec fits wonderfully into the work we are doing in the corporate world and we see many further opportunities in hospitality, higher education and more,” adds Andy. “The advent of their Smart IP technology which delivers power, audio and control all over a single CAT cable opens up even more possibilities for integrators.
With no power or control wires required, integrators or end users can effortlessly install a fully motorised and intelligently controlled shading system without the need for using electricians or specialist installers.
(L-R Audiologic Managing Director Andy Lewis, Owner/Founder Simon Stoll and Owner/Financial Director Matt Boland)
We’re looking forward to significantly developing Genelec’s AV business in the UK.” Genelec’s sales manager for Western Europe, Michael Bohlin, is equally pleased. “We’ve felt for some time that in order to have a meaningful impact on the AV market in the UK, we needed to have a dedicated AV distributor; and this is especially true now that we’ve launched the Smart IP range which has the potential to make a big difference to integrators and installers everywhere. Audiologic are ideally placed to optimise this potential; their knowledge, technical expertise and approach to the market make them the perfect partner for us.” Genelec genelec.com
Contact the experts at RGB today to find out more.
rgbcomms.co.uk or call us today on
01488 73366 RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY
Distributor of the Year Finalist
Audio Logic audiologic.uk
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NEWS
ESSENTIAL PEOPLE Intrinsic Group, software developer to the custom install industry, has appointed Rob Thompson as Senior Solutions Architect. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise with him. He is well known in the CI industry on both sides of the pond, coming from his previous position as Technical Support for Savant Europe, where he played a significant role in the development of Savant’s KNX solution.
Rob will be expanding and developing the range of Savant integrations offered by Intrinsic Dev as well working with the company’s offerings for Control4, Crestron, ELAN and RTI. “We’re delighted to bring Rob into our development team,” says Will Hopkins, CEO of Intrinsic Group. “Our driver portfolio has expanded rapidly over the last few years and we’re sure his appointment will allow us to respond to the growing demand we’re seeing for integrations across the full spectrum of control platforms. We’re also looking forward to growing our relationship with Savant and offering enhanced solutions for their expanding dealer base”.
Paul Foulkes, UK KNX Business Manager for Theben, has been elected as President of the KNX UK Association with immediate effect. Paul succeeds integrator Iain Gordon of GES Digital, who has led the Association for most of the past 13 years and who
will continue his active support of the Association as Vice President. Stephen Payne has stepped down as Vice president but remains committed to the Association and to continuing as an active board member. Paul has been an active and enthusiastic KNX UK board member for the past three years, and takes the reins at an exciting time. KNX is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and is introducing new software with features that will bring KNX, the open-source technology, to a wider marketplace.
Micaela Abbott, previously National Account Manager for Megaman, has now taken on a new role as National Sales Manager, where she will be responsible for overseeing Megaman’s regional Business Development Managers (BDMs) as well as continuing her work with Megaman’s national accounts. Following previous sales experience with an electrical manufacturer, wholesaler and also a national merchant, Micaela
has spent the last 14 years working for Megaman, during which time her passion for the company has flourished. As such she is ideally placed to apply her knowledge of the Megaman product range and enthusiasm for the brand to provide support to the wider sales team. Micaela comments, “I am thrilled and excited to be taking this new step with Megaman. I am looking forward to further developing my relationship with all of my key national accounts whilst also supporting the BDMs in their local areas and establishing a consistency in message and an even greater depth of service support between the two.”
Technological Innovations Group (TIG), AV sales agency for collaborative smart spaces and enterprise communication services, has appointed Paolo Visintini as its new Sales Director of the Unified Communications division in the EMEA region. Leading TIG’s team of Unified Communications sales professionals and focussing in particular on the Enterprise product range from Crestron, Paolo will be responsible for growing TIG’s UC division and will be the chief lead on these sales activities. The appointment comes as TIG increases its focus on being able to provide a consistent unified user interface and user experience across multiple devices and media types.
On Paolo’s appointment, TIG CEO Robin van Meeuwen comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Paolo to our growing team as our Unified Communications leader. Paolo knows the landscape very well: he fully understands the EMEA market and his reputation in the industry precedes him. He brings over 20 years’ experience of delivering growth across a variety of technology markets in the commercial and public sector industries, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem. He is also committed to developing individuals and inspiring teams, which is vital to stay ahead of the game in the UC field. His appointment therefore demonstrates TIG’s commitment to providing the right UC and AV expertise when customers are choosing effective, cutting-edge solutions for integrated smart spaces.”
MAY 2020 13
ESSENTIAL CRESTRON HOME
CRESTRON HOME: MAKING PROGRAMMING EASY OR OBSOLETE
Jeff Singer, Executive Director Global Residential Marketing at Crestron, explains the impact of Crestron Home.
In home automation, Crestron Home covers 80% of the market without programming. Instead, programming is replaced by configuration. But for installations where the client requires a custom made, personalised user experience or interface, the Crestron user interface can now efficiently be programmed with HTML5. This non-proprietary modern software tool allows you to create beautiful, responsive, intuitive user interfaces with cool animations and dynamic transitions. Clients looking for a clean and lean user
14 MAY 2020
interface, intuitive to use for even the least experienced customers, which is approximately 80% of the client base, will certainly find what they are looking for in Crestron Home. The operating system is configured instead of programmed, and it controls the full home thanks to the power of partnership, with support for standard control protocols such as DALI and BACnet, and partnerships with leading manufacturers, including 2N, CoolAutomation, Jandy, Pentair, Hayward, Sonos, and Domotz. Crestron Home works with products including Apple HomeKit devices, Amazon Alexa devices, Google Assistant virtual personal assistant, and Sonos devices. The ease of use is astounding for both clients and integrators: you simply start the app and Crestron Home discovers all devices. All that is left to do is name the rooms and devices and set up the scenes. Or, if you prefer, you can do the work in advance. Use the Crestron Home Configurator within the myCrestron portal to do the configuration at the office before the devices are installed, and push the settings through the cloud to the control system. In both scenarios, the complete solution is up and running in no time, providing easy and intuitive use for even digitally inexperienced consumers.
Even though Crestron Home is a predefined system, it offers an extremely high level of customisation for each end user, and even independent end users within the same home. That is one of the things that separates Crestron Home from other home automation systems. Crestron Home not only shows different presets depending on which housemate is using it, but it also allows you to hide sub-systems – so people in the guest rooms can’t see surveillance cameras covering the whole house. Or you can hide specific rooms, so the children cannot see the channels that are watched in the master bedroom, or change the settings without their parents’ permission. But in 20% of the projects, the client wants even more than what Crestron Home has to offer. They want something different or extremely unique to them or to the project this is going into. Maybe you discover during the initial design process that your homeowner wants cool animations, moving images and dynamic transitions. This is where HTML5 comes into play. Crestron has always been able to create every user interface that anybody could dream of, but recently the option to program with Crestron Smart Graphics software was complemented with the possibility to
ESSENTIAL CRESTRON HOME
use standards based HTML5. This new tool expands the programmers base, as millions of programmers are using HTML5 to develop apps, and it also expands the possibilities even further, delivering a modern user experience. HTML5 offers three times the performance of Smart Graphics, a virtually infinite array of options, and the ability to build live feeds into your designs, allowing much faster, easier programming, with better results. You can, for instance, include video without any hassle. Needing specialised knowledge and experience to be able to program transitions, graphics, animations or interactivity, is a thing of the past. One of the biggest advantages of HTML5 is that it is responsive and dynamic. You no longer need to create separate and distinct user interfaces for every type and size of screen that is part of the control system. There is no longer a need to draw tedious amounts of buttons,
sliders and icons. Instead, you create one design for all screens. When you push it out, HTML5 will automatically adapt to best fit the screen. The homeowner will have exactly the same function, visual set up and control options when he is looking at his touch panel set up on the wall, his remote control, or his smartphone. That makes Crestron control easy and intuitive for the user, and we know that immediate ease of use is essential for continuous engagement. An added bonus for integrators is that frontend and backend programming can still be separated, so you can work on more projects at the same time. And since it takes a lot less time to design, fewer issues arise, the solution is more reliable and dealer costs go down, giving you the time and resources to take on more projects and jobs.
Crestron www.crestron.com
MAY 2020 15
Don’t professionally install, unprofessional audio systems in commercial spaces - Bluesound Pro is purpose-built high-performance networked audio for large multi-zone projects.
ESSENTIAL ONEAV
BLUESOUND PROFESSIONAL – A MODERN MUSIC ECOSYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL SPACES Don’t be a purveyor of professionally installed, unprofessional audio systems. OneAV’s Mr Audio, Andy Oattes, explains why Bluesound Professional should be your chosen music ecosystem for commercial projects. Designed primarily with commercial spaces in mind (but also great for any multi-zone audio project!) Bluesound Professional is a convenient, hassle-free ecosystem of hardware and software solutions for networked distributed audio. The range includes rack-mounted amplifiers, streamers, and wall/ceiling-mounted powered speakers to facilitate easy design, installation, setup and use of complete music systems in installations from one zone to large multi-zone facilities. Many professional integrators are regularly installing audio systems designed for residential settings into commercial spaces and promoting Spotify as the main music source. But not many know that somewhere buried in Spotify’s T&Cs is an agreement to only stream music for personal use. A dedicated commercial music service such as SoundMachine should be used and is easily accessible in Bluesound Pro’s BluOS software.
Other familiar issues that often arise from using residential music systems are an inability to cope with the power demands of larger physical spaces and a lack of balanced audio. Systems are therefore more susceptible to loss and distortion. Then there are the obvious issues of unwanted control from customers via Airplay, Bluetooth and other means. It’s not uncommon to see iPads with 3.5mm audio cables, and free control of music selection for staff and their tastes, which may mean the owner is not getting the desired ambience in the bar, cafe, gym, shop or restaurant the system is installed in. All ultimately feeling rather inelegant, clunky and lacking… dare I say a professionally installed, professional audio system! Bluesound Professional system components have the form factor familiarities of other popular home audio products, as well as familiar UI easeof-control thanks to the BluOS desktop software and app. However, it’s been deliberately designed to deal with the specific requirements of commercial audio. Bluesound Pro’s value proposition is key to its appeal over other systems, providing the capabilities of the most expensive highend brands at a price that is hard to criticise. Bluesound’s Canadian parent company, Lenbrook, is also home to famous high-quality audio brands NAD and PSB. The development team of audio experts across Lenbrook’s portfolio of brands have managed to ensure that heritage and undeniable pedigree flows through the high-quality circuitry and components inside Bluesound Pro’s product lineup. With the capability of replaying hi-res audio and MQA content, the BluOS distributed audio and music management platform is promoted as ‘the world’s first modern music distribution ecosystem for commercial spaces.’ Being a big audio guy, I can vouch for the fact that the product sounds amazing!
Here are ten of my favourite features: •
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Rack-mounted or local device design, with wall-mounted integrated speakers - for flexibility of installation. No power switches - that can then accidentally be switched off. +4 dBu instead of home audio -10dbV for correct gain and low noise. Fully balanced I/O on pluggable barrier strip for secure installation. Password access for secure control of the system - no unwanted access. Wall controllers with lock for customdefined use e.g volume/playlist/zone and easy to reach control. Local USB storage and specific commercial music options such as SoundMachine. Local analogue mic/line and digital outputs and remote triggers and system interrupts and fire muting. Flexible and powerful control from third-party control systems for all of today’s market-leading systems. Lossless music playback of up to 24bit/ 192kHz to every zone.
As you can see, there are a plethora of amazing features built-in to the system. Bluesound Pro is the perfect solution for integrators who want conflict-free installation, reliable and market-tested solutions, flexible system design, premium audio quality, and dedicated integrator support. We would welcome the opportunity to invite you to a webinar to provide you with a more in-depth review by visiting us at the company website. OneAV oneav.co.uk
MAY 2020 17
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INSTALL PIONEER: BOB STUART
YOU GOTTA HAVE FAITH EI speaks exclusively with Bob Stuart, CoFounder of Meridian Audio and more recently Chairman and CTO at MQA, the technology that faithfully captures and delivers highquality music.
Was the development of MQA a gradual process or more of a eureka! moment? MQA is the result of work that long-term collaborator Peter Craven and I have done on digital audio that started around 1980. One of the trickiest paradoxes has been to unravel the flawed assumptions behind conventional PCM which led to a confused industry move to so-called ‘High Resolution’ audio. Around 2011, we began to see a seismic shift in neuroscience studies that helped us to zero in on the small and large differences that we heard when comparing the capability of a highresolution transmission with the analogue (e.g. microphone) input. It was in the summer of 2012 that I crystallised the approach we could take to apply the revolutionary insights of MQA into a system that could nevertheless co-exist with existing digital – that’s when our focus to bring it to market began. MQA was launched in Japan in the summer of 2014, and in UK and USA later that year. We knew that a paradigm that challenged the status quo would cause debate, but then, as now, our view is that MQA provides a huge step forward and that journey is only just beginning.
For those that do not know, tell us what MQA is? It is a revolutionary, award-winning, peerreviewed-and-approved technology for capturing, archiving and efficiently distributing music in its highest possible sound quality. By paying great attention to the nature of sound and the way humans hear, MQA opens a clearer window and delivers all the details and nuance of sound, to reach the heart of the music and the soul of the listener. Compared to regular PCM, MQA delivers at least 15 times more resolution, with a lower environmental impact (saving up to 80% on storage, cloud and data cost), yet gives the clearest sound direct from the studio, and is effortless for the listener to enjoy. For those that want to read more, see the series of blogs on www.bobtalks.co.uk.
What are the main advantages/ differences that MQA delivers to the listener? The listener enjoys higher quality from any playback platform and the quality is fully authenticated. An important advantage of MQA is that it provides a framework to bring the exact sound of the studio directly to the listener while providing definite confirmation that it arrived. Producers, mastering engineers and artists value that MQA enables such faithful distribution. MQA is also inclusive – anyone can play it back and the sound quality will be optimised for their playback device, whether it’s a Hi-Fi, a PC, smart speaker or phone - it isn’t necessary to have an MQA decoder to hear the song, only to access the highest quality. MQA is also a big benefit while listening
on mobile: our ‘Origami’ technique makes sure that, while every detail and nuance of the sound is delivered, the file or stream is efficient and no bigger than necessary. MQA is the only technology that realistically enables studio quality on mobile devices.
What is the significance for professional installers of music/ audio systems of MQA technology? Our technology is great for custom installations because the same file or stream can be played in all zones of an installation, while the customer can specify the final level of quality reached in each case. There is no compromise because even the most simple systems benefit from the ‘deblurring’ technology in the MQA encoder, while zones with decoders can reach quality which is not attainable without MQA.
MQA has been involved in some exciting events recently, showcasing the broadcast/streaming potential of MQA. Could you tell us about those? We came to market with recorded music, in close partnership with major and independent labels. But our technology benefits any application where sound matters. The sound quality and efficiency benefits of MQA apply very strongly in live situations (imagine studio quality radio!) or with picture – MQA fits perfectly into existing broadcast and movie standards. So recently we have been showcasing live concert streaming with and without video. More information is available at www.mqa.co.uk/mqa-live.
MAY 2020 19
INSTALL PIONEER: BOB STUART
What potential does MQA have to deliver enhanced live/streaming music/AV experiences? Enhanced (meaning highest) quality streaming is a reality with MQA today and live concerts are no problem. We have developed realtime encoders that work in such scenarios. In the coming months we will see more announcements on this and on TV sound.
Is there anything else significant about the future of MQA that we should know? We are continually developing our technology, implementing our vision for perfect sound further into the playback world. You can expect some interesting developments from MQA in multi-channel and wireless connection.
Do you have any favourite tracks which show MQA at its absolute best? When I’m demonstrating MQA I tend to use recordings of acoustic source which have had the minimum manipulation – because, although the clarity and naturalness of MQA shines through on all recordings, it’s always good to hear the best it can be. Almost anything from our close partners at Eudora or 2L or Unamas labels is a good place to start. Check them out at www.mqa.co.uk/mqa-video/2L-Magnificat.
Was it hard stepping back from your role at Meridian after all those years? I co-founded Meridian back in 1977 and we did great work, building amazing products and a strong brand. But my underlying passion has always been to solve the problem of sound reproduction - that impulse led to us inventing lossless compression of audio in the early 1990s. So, in 2014, it seemed logical and appropriate that a new team take Meridian forward, while I focused on this second and, maybe, greatest adventure - to ‘fix’ recorded music.
Why is the market ready for high-quality audio now? Younger consumers in the past have not shown that much interest? Convenience and cost – accessing high-quality audio is now as easy as accessing low-quality audio, and prices are increasingly affordable. Also, headphones – a ubiquitous presence in the lives of younger consumers – lend
20 MAY 2020
themselves to delivering the increased pleasure available from high-quality audio.
How can the industry as a whole promote the idea of exciting, highquality experiences? Consumers, young and old, are enthusiastically embracing today’s virtual concerts/streams by their favourite artists. The industry should utilise these events to showcase high quality audio as its ‘best self’. And wherever possible we should involve the artists in the storytelling process – let’s be honest, a 15-year-old is more likely to take advice from Billie Eilish than he/ she is to follow the wise words of Bob Stuart… or even the good Daniel Sait!
How/where can I listen to MQA audio?
MQA music is available globally on TIDAL, nugs. net and HIGHRESAUDIO; as well as Xiami Music in China and e-onkyo music in Japan.
What platforms/manufacturers are involved in supporting the concept? MQA is integrated into media players such as Roon and Audirvana, and hardware partner brands include: Sony; Lenbrook (Bluesound & NAD); Control4; iRiver (Astell&Kern & Activo); and Onkyo Corporation (Onkyo, Pioneer, Integra, TEAC & Esoteric) plus many others. For the full partner list, visit ‘How to get MQA’ www.mqa.co.uk/how-to-get-mqa. MQA www.mqa.co.uk
THIS MONTH’S ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT
LIGHTING & CONTROL Free Online ‘Learn from Home’ Training Series Brought to you by Lutron’s Lighting Control Institute
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Examples of training Residential – Today’s smart home owners demand a wireless solution, allowing personalised lighting and blind control for any and all rooms. RA2 Select provides users with more convenience, comfort and reliability, allowing home owners to stay in touch with their home even when they are not there. Commercial – For commercial applications, simplicity, scalability, visibility and ease of install/maintenance are vital. Lutron’s Vive is designed to be used in new constructions as well as retrofit situations, meeting the budgetary constraints of all facilities managers and facilities management (FM) service providers.
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ESSENTIAL LIGHTING AND AMBIENT LIGHT CONTROL
LIGHTING TRENDS AND WHY INTEGRATORS SHOULD MENTION THEM Caroline Britt, Managing Director at distributor RGB Communications, shines a light on what the industry should be focusing on. As any integrator will know, lighting is one of the major considerations when it comes to any home automation project. However, in recent years, with the advancement of LED lighting technology combined with numerous shading treatment options now available, the options are limitless. In addition, with the advent of Circadian lighting, system designers can develop solutions that can improve living standards and wellness in the home. Looking at recent developments, the relative simplicity in which an integrator can install or retrofit the latest lighting technology is one of the significant breakthroughs. Although still the ideal if working on a new-build, having to strip out an existing loom and replace it with a proprietary system is no longer necessary, especially with the advances of RF control from brands such as Lutron. Now an installer can replace Halogen bulbs with LED, add dimmers and install switches without having to chase out walls and ceilings – surely an obvious way to upgrade any lighting system. Two further recent advancements have changed lighting forever. These are the development of low-power LED bulbs, which reduce energy costs whilst offering a huge range of colours, combined with the user interface that enables individual room scene setting and simplified programming. This combination now enables support for
time-based events and Circadian Lighting, widely acknowledged to improve environments, boosts concentration and aids rest. In Europe, Circadian Lighting has been mainly led by the commercial market to make office spaces more efficient by improving the well-being and concentration of workers. However, the US market has seen significant take up into the residential market, with brands such as Lutron and Savant leading the march by combining lighting (both white colour levels and colour schemes) with window treatments to deliver 24-hour solutions. Even during the day, Circadian lighting, thanks to the combination of lighting and battery-controlled wireless shades, adds support to natural light so that any space can offer the ideal environment dependant on the usage or the users wishes. As explained by Bruce Griffin, Sales Director at Lutron, “The colour of the artificial lighting can be set to vary throughout the day. Brighter lighting (more blue in colour) at the start of the day to stimulate activity varying to more orange, warmer lighting at a lower level to aid relaxation toward the evening. This can be very important as bright lighting levels with a blue aspect do not assist the human body to relax and it can take a while for the body to slow down in order to go to sleep.” When integrating these solutions with home automation, many systems now integrate with LAN networks and utilise the wiring infrastructure to set-up, control and faultfind. Installers are also now able to dial into a customer’s system remotely to check and/ or fix any issues. This is a very cost-effective way to offer customer support. Most systems are also able to link in with other smart home devices by offering relatively straight-forward
integration with Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home Kit for basic voice control. However, the more sophisticated systems require their own proprietary set up software but once configured, can still be controlled by off-the-shelf VR devices.
CHOICE IS KEY
Fundamentally, the choices are limitless and every integrator should be discussing lighting options with their clients. With the adaptation of the smartphone/tablet and smart home devices as control interfaces, consumers are getting used to using their devices to control and/or monitor their homes more than ever - such as with smart heating control (Nest, Hive etc) - with lighting becoming the obvious next opportunity. In particular, as the retrofitting of systems is now relatively simple and requires minimal disruption and installation, this is a great revenue opportunity for any installer, particularly as some manufacturers now offer wireless window shading solutions that incorporate battery technology that can last anything up to five years without the need to change. “Lighting should be one of the first things discussed with any customer!”, says Pete Baker, CEO of the BIG Corp, international sales for Savant. Pete continues, “By discussing this topic with clients, it also demonstrates the talent, knowledge and dedication of the technology professional in delivering innovative solutions to their clients. Even if the client does not decide to incorporate this technology into their home, they should be impressed with the education you provided to them on this exciting development in wellness.”
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LIGHTING AND LIGHT CONTROL
THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL LIGHTING CONTROL Miguel Aguado, Marketing & Technology Manager at Lutron, explains why controlling natural light is so vital in today’s market. We all know that artificial lighting can be used to set the scene and create ambience in a living space. However, homeowners rarely spare a thought for the role that blinds play in controlling and maximising the beauty of the sun’s natural light. Far too often when it comes to our built environment – the office buildings, hotels, educational facilities, and residences where we spend the vast majority of our days – the natural light provided by the sun is an afterthought, replaced by the incandescent, fluorescent, and LED bulbs powered by electricity. When implemented correctly, daylight optimisation can benefit lighting design in a whole host of ways. It gives designers greater flexibility when it comes to designing spaces of all shapes and sizes - whether it be a large open-plan living layout or a high-rise building. Daylight optimisation is also a vital component of the industry’s move towards greener living and energy saving.
A HISTORY OF DAYLIGHT OPTIMISATION
The most obvious example of daylight control – and perhaps the oldest – is shading. The Romans knew this first-hand. About 2,000 years ago, the Roman Colosseum had a problem. Rome is known for its steamy
summers, and the heat in the first century A.D. troubled just as many citizens as it does today. So the Romans invented a solution – the Velarium, a retractable, fabric awning that extended around the entire stadium to protect spectators from the broiling sun. These are considered some of the first blinds. Other civilisations improved on the technology – placing them in fenestrations, developing ways of contracting them, even using them as decorative art. Twenty centuries after the Velarium was used to shelter Roman spectators, its descendants have proven a versatile, and even essential, part of modern buildings. Still they don’t get the recognition
they deserve. Blinds don’t just block out the sun. They can reduce and stabilise temperature, adjust views and they even contribute to a building’s overall ambience. These days, blinds are commonplace additions to the curtain-wall styles you’ll find in many city apartments and designer properties. But even now their true value isn’t being recognised and optimised as much as it could be. Daylight is highly variable, and it can change with the season, weather, time of day and a whole host of other factors - which means that successful daylight control in one location and time may fail at another. In addition, many of these systems are
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LIGHTING AND LIGHT CONTROL
controlled manually, with the majority being traditional styles that are dependent on manual action. The uncoordinated raising and lowering of blinds can turn an exquisite building exterior into an aesthetic mess. Blinds can also help reduce solar heat gain. Modern residential and commercial buildings, lined with windows, handle the heat through a variety of climate-control options, including HVAC systems and treated glass. But window coverings such as blinds, drapes and shades can play a substantial role. Properly installed blinds insulate rooms during bright summer days – and, for that matter, can do the same during bright winter days. Blinds coated with reflective material work best to repel the sun’s rays during the scorching summer months. In the winter they can let the sunshine in. Either way, the blind fabric is key to this control. Blinds are also a defense against uncomfortable glare. They can be manufactured with a degree of openness – the density of the blind’s weave – that can mitigate glare, and also come in a variety of colours which maintain access to the view outside.
COMBINING NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY
Still, optimising daylight can be a moving target. The intensity and colour temperature of daylight changing throughout the day can cause differences that clash with a property’s electric lighting at certain times of the day. Thankfully, as LED technology improves, incandescents and fluorescents are being phased out. Not only are LEDs more energy efficient than either, the light they produce can be ‘tuned’ for comfort and engagement. At the same time, automated lighting controls, such as sensors and timeclocks, can increase or decrease the intensity of electric lights based on the daylight already coming through the windows. Together, these solutions serve to create a seamless flow of natural light into a space, whether you’re next to the window or many metres away.
A SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY
The emphasis on sustainability has given daylighting an important role, since it helps contribute to energy savings by diminishing the need for electric lighting and even heating and air-conditioning. Moreover, the rise of ‘human-centric’ standards, such as WELL and BREEAM, have renewed the focus on daylight given our innate response to illumination. Simply put, daylight optimisation is here to stay and will only continue to grow in popularity in the world of lighting design. Natural light optimisation is a critical component in the overall design process – as important for lighting designers as task lighting, personal controls and automation. The sun has always, and will always remain a constant in our lives and for this reason its natural beauty should be welcomed and embraced. Lutron www.lutron.com
Though the concept of daylight optimisation isn’t new, it has recently come to the forefront of wider conversations around green living.
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eatraining@lutron.com MAY 2020 25
PULSE CINEMAS
PULSE CINEMAS DELIVERS THE POWER OF RTI! Russell Hughes, Technical Sales Support Manager and Kapes Patel Technical Director, discuss the benefits of working with the RTI automation platform. Kapes enthuses, “RTI is a very open system stuffed full of personalisation opportunities. Installers can create comprehensive systems tailored exactly to the customer’s needs at a very competitive price. Pound for pound, we believe it’s the best automation platform available.” Russell adds, “It’s really easy to create bespoke interfaces for the customer. With other systems, it’s either not possible, or if it is, you must pay a premium. People are used to being able to interact with interfaces that are unique to them because of the smartphones and tablets they use every day, an automation system needs to be able to deliver this type of experience too.” Another plus highlighted by the team is the ability to easily create drivers for the RTI platform. Kapes explains, “It’s much easier to write a driver for RTI than say a system like Control4. Also, if a driver is certified, it automatically has send and receive communication built-in, so you can get creative with control options and what the user sees within the UI.” Russell adds, “Take the driver for Sky Q. Because of the two-way comms, you can tell within RTI if the Sky box is on or not. Even if the Sky Q box is off, it will still output the channel it was on before being turned off, so in some systems, you can’t tell if it’s on or not, leading to frustration and confusion, not so with RTI.” Both Kapes and Russell also agree that
26 MAY 2020
the RTI driver for the Kaleidescape systems is an absolute belter, being a key player in functionalities, such as adjustable screen masking automatically setting itself to the correct format for the content being played. Kapes and Russell also point out that RTI is a strong system for working across domestic and commercial setups. Kapes argues, “A product like the KX3 in-wall controller comes into play here. It’s a hybrid device that combines the functionality of an in-wall touch-panel with a built-in control processor. The result is a product that offers control simplicity and power in one low-cost unit.” The KX3 offers a 3.5in high-resolution colour screen as well as its two-way feedback for enhanced control and video intercom capabilities. Five Hard Buttons offer quick access to the most popular control options without the need to navigate through the graphical interface on the touch-panel. These buttons can be customised with graphics or text. The unit also delivers status feedback from controlled devices such as on/off or arm/disarm status, dimming value of lights, playlists, available stations. Standard wireless Zigbee connection is also included for bidirectional control communication with RTI remotes, so extra Zigbee modules are not needed, avoiding the dreaded wall-acne that customers and designers hate. The astronomical clock allows further timed events to occur. Russell explains, “In the home, the KX3 is particularly useful in larger properties if you need control of a zone that is either a long way from the main system or is isolated in some other way, with all the power in one small
product, it’s a really handy part of the line-up.” Other Control options include the KA8 and KA11 touch-panels. Both are designed to deliver simple, intuitive control of the entertainment, environment and security systems in residential or commercial settings. These touch-panels feature a customisable LCD screen (8in and 11.6in respectively) with integrated capacitive functionality for swiping swiftly and intuitively through pages. Both are programmable in landscape or portrait mode and come equipped with sensors to automatically wake the unit and adjust the screen brightness as a user approaches. Only one Ethernet-connected Cat-5/6 cable is required to power the unit and enable control via the RTI ecosystem. Like the smaller KX3, the touch-panels provide status feedback from controlled devices. These stations also provide a handy information point to check the weather, view video from cameras or perform remote programming updates through a standard 10/100 BaseT network connection. Russell explains, “With its android abilities, the KA11 also offers the option to become an access control point via the built-in video intercom. There will also be a firmware
PULSE CINEMAS
update to add the ability to use this unit as an intercom later this year so that customers can communicate around larger properties.” Kapes adds, “The customisation available within RTI is particularly strong with these larger screen controllers. Not only can you offer an interface unique to the home, but it’s a strong tool when keeping interiors professionals happy. The screens are very sleek but can also be programmed to match a particular colour scheme or look.” Another product highlighted by the team is the T4X remote. RTI has worked hard to bring the best of both worlds to this controller as it apes the control interfaces and buttons customers would be used to on say a Sky controller but adds the enhanced control from a dedicated automation remote. Russell says, “It feels nice in the hand, it’s the right weight, its tactile, it makes you want to use it and touch it. Quite a few makers have tried to go down this route, but we feel RTI’s efforts here put it right out in front.” Kapes adds, “Again the theme with RTI is customisation. This product offers the hardbutton, touch-screen combo, but the touchscreen element offers customisation, taking this powerful remote up a notch.” The T4X offers status feedback from controlled devices and the ability to check the weather forecast, view video from cameras and you can perform remote programming
updates through a standard 2.4 GHz WiFi 802.11b/g/n connection. Standard wireless Zigbee IEEE802.15.4 connection for bidirectional control communication with RTI processors is also included as is wireless unidirectional RF communication on the 433 MHz band for control communication with RTI processors. The unit offers 20 hard buttons for fast access to the most used control functions. A handy accelerometer wakes the screen up as soon as it is picked up and the grip sensors keep the remote awake whilst in use.
MORE POWER!
Kapes points out, “An important point to remember is that in the past RTI was seen by some as a platform for smaller systems or single rooms, lacking the processing power of its rivals. We are keen to underline that this is very much no longer the case. The system is capable of delivering control to even the largest homes as well as offering strong performance in the commercial sector.” Russell agrees, “Products like the XP-8v control processor take the brand to the next level in terms of power, handling anything larger projects can throw at it. This is the third generation of the popular XP-8v line and brings into play more processing power, larger memory and an HDMI output for an OSD (on-
screen-display) interface.” The XP-8v offers real-time/multitasking, strong expandability and is compatible with any RTI controller or app. With all the wired and wireless control you would expect from a unit such as this, the XP-8v delivers the grunt needed for larger more challenging projects.
IN-HOUSE TRAINING
Another important point underlined by the team is that all RTI training is now taking place in house at Pulse Cinemas HQ. The plan is to put on the two-day introduction to the system once per month when the COVID-19 situation is resolved. At the end of this course, attendees will be able to program a four-zone RTI system and create customisable interfaces. As for the intermediate and advanced courses, which delve deeper into the system’s abilities, these will be hosted as and when demand is there. Kapes and Russell also point out that RTI has a very strong online presence via the RTIXCEL Training Program which offers a range of options designed to give installers the resources needed to introduce themselves to the system as well as lots of other useful content which focuses on specific aspects of the system. Pulse Cinemas www.pulsecinemas.com
MAY 2020 27
HDANYWHERE
THE MHUB MINI, FOR THE MANY Brand Director for HDANYWHERE, Justin Fothergill, discusses the powerful properties of the HDANYWHERE MHUB U. Officially it’s the HDANYWHERE MHUB U (4x1+1) 40, but everyone at HDANYWHERE (HDA) calls it the ‘MHUB MINI’. Prototype units have been on exciting integrators at trade shows for the past year, and now it’s finally here - unified room-to-room entertainment with full-fat 4K video and universal control in a super-affordable, compact all-in-one package. Although it may be small in size (and HDA’s lowest-priced centralised AV system yet), it’s massively impressive and undoubtedly HDA’s most exciting MHUB launch to date! Designed with average-sized properties and apartments in mind, it’s a four-input source shared to two-zones matrix, delivering higher AV standards than any other system on the market for the ultimate experience. Normally the preserve of large luxury home projects, it is now packaged for the broader market of bijou projects and many more homes. Setup is via the impressive uControl app, just like you would a smart speaker.
A typical installation would, for example, service a living room and a bedroom. Users can access all their sources and recorded content (in 4K, unlike Sky Q currently) at each TV, with consistent user experience at both locations thanks to HDA’s (free) universal remote app, uControl. This can be used to select and fully control all MHUB-connected devices and displays as if you were standing in front of them with their physical remote. So, you see we’re not just expanding our existing range of award-winning centralised whole-home entertainment systems, but moving the goalposts once again for how much can be done and whom it can be done for - with a compact, budget-friendly product. It is available to ship now from your favourite HDANYWHERE distributor. Full details on the MHUB U 4x1+1 can be found at our official website. HDANYWHERE hdanywhere.com
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Watch all 4K video sources and access recorded content in two zones (downscaled to 1080p if necessary). Silent fanless design, so doesn’t need to be rack-based. Universal remote app (uControl) can fully control all MHUB-connected devices, supports macro-sequences and voice control trigger-ability. A single cable install (Cat-6) to the second zone’s RX and hub Wi-Fi means no dedicated network cable required. The slickest IP drivers, with ARC integration I/O expansion within Control4 Composer + monitoring via HDA Cloud.
MHUB
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Personalised wireless smart lighting and shade control. RA2 Select and HomeWorks QS from Lutron is a smart home control system like no other. It’s simple and easy to set-up, delivering a personalised whole-home experience that is easily expandable. Seamlessly controlling your intelligent lighting and shades, using the free Lutron control app for your smartphone or tablet, it also integrates with your audio visual solutions. And it does all of this while saving you energy.
For more information on Lutron call the industry experts RGB on +44 (0) 1488 73366 or visit www.rgbcomms.co.uk
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RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY
21/04/2020 17:42
TOUCHSCREENS & PROGRAMMING
THE RESURGENCE OF THE DEDICATED TOUCHSCREEN CONTROLLER? Paul Kasler, MD of install company the Pleasure Home and iRemoteControl, provider of bespoke control interfaces, has his say on the current and future market. I read recently that ‘The dedicated CI controller has definitely made a comeback.’ I greet this information with both disbelief and some cynicism. It is over a year since I have looked at dedicated controllers, so I went online to see if their prices have dropped. They haven’t - they still start at £300+ for a decent remote. I then recall all the past ‘objections’ of the smartphone and smart tablet interface: you cannot find the buttons easily’, ‘there’s no tactile feel’, ‘the interface is difficult to use.’ Well I can understand the last objection, particularly when it comes down to home grown programming, which is often clunky – written by a programmer, for use by a programmer! However, the first objection is nonsensical; it lights up when you pick up the device and if the interface is nicely designed, it will be intuitive to use. The second objection is logical, but using a universal remote handling multiple sources, means, by definition, that you won’t be able to find device specific buttons easily. And a universal device has a lot more buttons by its nature. Compare that to the AppleTV remote. So, I don’t buy into any of the objections, but let’s assume that the dedicated CI controller has made a comeback - why? My answer would be that the Custom Installer - or maybe we should more correctly rename as ‘System Integrator’ - has come of age.
What do I mean? Well firstly, the market is much more mature, but nonetheless no simpler in product selection. The skill of the modern day integrator is to pick and mix the best components from the wide array of solutions out there. Now, here is the key differentiator. If the integrator is doing their job, they have won over the client with their expertise and their ability to relate specific needs with the best solution. This includes recommending the most suitable interface to control the equipment. If the relationship is there, then the dedicated CI controller potentially offers the best of both worlds - a nice interface and a tactile feel. However, if I put on my sceptical hat, it also offers an area of high margin and control for the system integrator. Continuing with my sceptical hat and taking an alternative view, then maybe the installer is actually adding little value and merely adopting the ‘herd instinct’ approach. No doubt you are sitting up in your chair and adamantly saying ‘not I!’ There are now maybe just three major players in the industry - that own 60%+ of the control marketplace - and tout their own dedicated controllers as the centrepiece to their systems. If you want to take the easy route, you jump on, or continue to sit on, one of these juggernauts as they slowly eat away at the rest of the competitors. I have been in the industry for almost 20 years now and I’m sad to say that most of the installer community are loathe to change - they stick with the same suppliers as it’s ‘better the devil they know’. The result is a flatter playing field. where
everyone is offering the same or a similar solution. The winners are ‘the big three’ manufacturers and the losers are the installers, as margins get eroded and the installation process gets even simpler and the ‘smart electricians’ quite sensibly start getting a piece of the action.
THE FUTURE
Where is the CI controller marketplace going? Well, the market is going to become more and more commoditised, so differentiation is key. If you don’t want to leave your juggernaut, then margin has to be retained in the labour components, namely installation and system tuning. That is why I believe the industry has suddenly woken up to room acoustics! And of course, your need to develop an aspect that never changes - the client/supplier relationship - the trust and ability to deliver to the client’s specific needs and aspirations. I finish on the word ‘aspiration’ as often the client doesn’t know what can be achieved. And that is where some of the distributors out there have really stepped up to the mark, by offering amazing demo rooms when a budget can be doubled by a decent demonstration. If you want to be a System Integrator rather than a mere Custom Installer of the big three, then now, in this most difficult time, is the time for reflection on working out how you intend to differentiate yourself from the herd, whether it be a better front end interface, better hardware components or better service - or maybe all three!
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TOUCHSCREENS & PROGRAMMING
FUTURE SHOCK! Cliff Stammers, of Clever Rooms automation and programming veteran and EI regular commentator, sums up his views on the future of automation. There can be little doubt that the concept of automation is here to stay. To my mind, this is a solid fact. Automation has now become embedded in architectural and electronic system designs on a regular basis. More and more I am seeing the demand for solutions that our industry provides increase with each project for which I write control software. What’s more is that it is not limited to just one or two sectors anymore. Automation systems, so commonly the domain of the corporate market, have in the last decade become more prevalent in residential and marine projects right across the board. But much more recently we’ve all seen a huge proliferation of the concept in many building and renovation projects in areas like education, medicine and broadcast, to name just a few examples. This is largely because of the acceptance of our work by 240v Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) companies, who have finally come to recognise that what
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we do is not just insignificant Low Voltage fluff and nonsense, but actually might be quite useful after all. Or to be more accurate: that what we do might actually be a revenue stream that M&E design consultants have so far left untapped.
DEVELOPMENTS?
But what are the more significant actual developments in terms of the infrastructure of what we do? Well, I’d suggest that more than anything else over the last few years the development of HD and 4K video distribution over an IT network has been among the significant game changers to affect our work. Together with DANTE, pretty much the audio equivalent of this, to be able to distribute ‘nonlatency’ high resolution, multiple channels of audio and video across a fairly standard single gigabyte IT network is a powerful advancement. To consolidate this into a package that we can deliver as a service to our clients is something that will help us each drive our businesses into this coming new decade, and it goes to underline the binding of AV to IT that has also so fundamentally affected our work in recent years. The other thing that is really gathering pace right now, is remote access to systems. Software such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk are making it easy to diagnose, and to a very large degree, go ahead and fix issues with technology from afar. Conferencing software such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams are also enabling the proliferation of these concepts as well. I’m noticing that clients have very specific
ideas about what they want from their systems. Which is, in my opinion, a really useful thing as it goes some way to eradicate a lot of the grey areas that used to exist. So long as the brief is well documented, and well designed – to which managing the client’s expectations is a fundamental part – then a clear goal is always a much easier target than one shrouded in mist. Most clients will have visited premises where an automation system is installed. They will subsequently have formed ideas about what they want from theirs. Comparatively, a decade ago this may not have been the case, as our work was less common it is now. Which meant that often, a lot of what we were trying to deliver was more enigmatic and, therefore, subject to less definition and overall certainty than exists today. Finally, areas in which our work could conceivably develop would include the proper implementation of voice recognition. Let’s be honest; it hasn’t quite worked has it. How many times have you caught yourself shouting at your smart speaker of choice? “Turn the ****ing lights ON, Alexa!” This is not the recommended behaviour for a grown person and not the way we want people to think of ‘smart technology’. Another concept that I think will certainly be big news in the year ahead is virtual reality. Coupled with augmented reality, these are going to be very influential tenets of our business as users seek out interesting and intuitive angles to set their systems apart from others. And there shall also be unique and compelling marketing points for any company looking to establish itself outside of the norm. Although I’d suggest doing that is at your peril! If I can be of assistance in any way, contact me at cliff@cleverrooms.co.uk.
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Learn more at crestron.com/home All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2020 Crestron Electronics, Inc.
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20/04/2020 09:41
TOUCHSCREENS & PROGRAMMING
CONTROL COMEBACK Vincent Bova, Director of Dealer Experience Remote Technologies Inc. tackles a few of the sector’s key questions.
The dedicated CI controller has made a bit of a comeback. Why is that, when the tablet and smartphone were supposed to kill it off?
Dedicated controllers have made a comeback, and there are reasons to support that. When tablets and phones became popular, the average installer embraced this change because they thought they could convince people they already had a critical component for their control system that could offer better features at a steep discount. Today, many installers are catching on that they make zero profit with phones and tablets. As controller technology catches up, people are now craving dedicated solutions. Controllers are always ready and directly connected to the control system; that means no waiting for the Wi-Fi to connect to issue a command. Also, apps are always complaining about something. I counted seven different messages last week on my phone that prompted me to interrupt my session to download an update, back the phone up, verify credentials, and then another update patch. Consumers want to separate the chaotic life that their phones and tablets symbolise and get back to the sanctuary of a dedicated controller.
What have been some of the best technological advancements in recent times?
I think voice control has caught on recently. It’s a credit to the custom integration market how well installers have sold this technology through automation. I’m also impressed by how people have embraced LED technology and have used it to complement their homes. I think the explosion of DIY electronic devices has turned people on to automation and energy savings that would otherwise not be of interest.
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What is the best way to combat wall acne/too many control points?
As much as I think the recent explosion of DIY automation products have impacted the industry and brought out the best in people in terms of energy savings and efficiency, they do have some downsides. I think that custom integrators offer a much better solution than dealing with all these separate apps and devices that hog up wall space and are not well in sync with each other. I think it’s essential to pick a control option that will give you back your wall space so that you can have more for less.
Where are the crucial areas that control must be available?
Having control is crucial at entry points, places where you spend the most time, and where you sleep. The reason why people desire control and automation is for comfort, convenience, efficiency, safety, and enjoyment. If you can’t walk into a well-lit home, have access to automation when you’re entertaining in the kitchen, or can arm your home from the bedroom, you don’t have a properly placed control system.
As many automation systems move to more drag and drop programming style, what does the future hold for ‘raw’ programming? Will it survive? If so, how and why? Will other types of creatives get involved such as those skilled in HTML5 etc?
I think most, if not all, control companies are trying to improve the custom integrator’s efficiency by making programming software easier and universally accepted. As the market continues to evolve, I believe programming skills such as JavaScript and Python will remain essential as most electronic companies develop user-friendly protocols that communicate with control systems and apps. Those who have employees with these skills will be poised to create better user experiences and have a competitive edge.
Designed by Apple in California Integrated by Intrinsic in the UK
Visit www.intrinsicdev.co.uk for more information
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CASE STUDY: PRESTIGE AUDIO
PRESTIGE AUDIO DIGS DEEP AT SPRING PONDS Joe Carri, Commercial Director at Prestige Audio, explains that this project came into the company from a builder that the company has a strong relationship with and trusts the experienced team at Prestige to deliver beyond the customer’s expectations for their automation and AV needs. The property is a new build that stands on the grounds of the client’s former residence. The old house was demolished to make way for a four-bedroom family home spread across three floors. The property is 850² metres including a double garage and basement. The basement has a wine tasting room, games room, utility area and a stunning dedicated cinema. The ground floor holds a large kitchen with adjoining breakfast and family room, a study and a media room. The property also has landscaped grounds (6 acres) with a patio area where a high-quality NEAR exterior audio system has been installed. What is really impressive about this project is that the customer had a relatively modest budget in mind for all of their automation and AV. However, as the Prestige Audio team was able to really open their eyes to what was possible, the scale and budget of the project increased significantly (a proposed £50K to around £400K) and the customer absolutely loves their system, which takes their enjoyment of their new house to another level. The customer says, “Now that we have moved in, the results are impressive. Our cinema is ‘epic’ and out-performed our expectations. The result exceeded the performance of the demo systems we listened to. We use the cinema room regularly and love the space. We added another mini cinema in our living room with a motorised TV that disappears in the wall when not in use. “To top it all off, we added a state-of-theart outdoor music system that surprised us by the way it performed. The Control4 smart home system is easy to use, even though very complicated. It controls our heating, lighting, electric blinds, music, TVs and gate entry, security cameras and outdoor music system. We have had some initial teething issues, but Prestige have been amazing in supporting us.” So how did Prestige create such a satisfied customer?
THE PROJECT DETAILS
Let’s start at perhaps the showpiece part of the project, the dedicated cinema located in the basement of the home. First stop was the demonstration facilities of Pulse Cinemas, Prestige Audio’s preferred supplier of equipment. The customer is knowledgeable about music and audio (one of their businesses is a night club) and they had very specific ideas on what they liked and did not like. The demo space gave Joe the chance to explore their priorities and arrive at a plan that suited the property and the audio preferences of the customer. The cinema needed to be able to showcase multi-channel, (Dolby Atmos 7.1.4) but also stereo output and in cinema mode needed to have loud and punchy bass. The room was 8.5m long x 10m wide x 3m high and the client, if possible, wanted eight seats (two rows of four). Added to the plan were also some acoustic treatments to tame certain aspects of the room and also a star-scape ceiling. Prestige carried out all of the works, installing the stud work to house the speakers and support the wall fabric as well as the acoustic treatments. The company also ensured that that the room was not built using Gypframe (aluminium stud) construction, as these can resonate and vibrate.
The first part of the design was ensuring that all eight seats would have unrestricted views of the screen. This resulted in specifying a fourmetre screen due to the available space. Joe explains, “When designing screen size, we take the client’s preferred seating position and make calculations from there, as set out in CEDIA’s white paper: Home Theatre Video Design CEA/CEDIA-CEB23-A. We also had to consider that there would be multiple rows of seating. So, we had to mix this with the fact we knew the client’s preferred seat would be in the front row. We again followed the CEDIA standard.” The team used the Room Simulation in REW (acoustics analysis software) to get a guide to how the room was going to perform. The team’s initial thought of using one bass channel to drive two subs worked well. All looking good, there is a dip at 100z, but the crossover point would be 80Hz so Joe was happy with this set up. The screen has automated masking, as the client likes to switch between different sources regularly which include Sky Q, Apple TV and a Kaliedescape. All of this is done automatically at the video selection stage, via customised programming created by Prestige Audio.
The customer loves their world-class home cinema
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The clients also had very specific tastes in terms of the imaging. Joe explains, “During the demonstration phase, we established that the BenQ PCL50KH was the projector they preferred, balancing performance and budget. The projector was also married to a Lumagen Video Processor allowing for significantly faster switching between sources. It also allows for fine tuning and more accurate video calibration on colour contrast and is better for HDR too. We also had the BenQ ISF calibrated. “Post calibration, there has been a slight increase in contrast and substantially better gamma tracking which gives the image a more realistic look. Prior to calibration the mid tones were too bright relative to each other, making the image have a more washed out look. We also made the colour cube more accurate, moving substantial amounts of sampled colour errors to under two units dE2000. “The final image quality achieved was excellent, particularly with HDR content where the high peak light output of this projector was very useful. The speakers were set out by Dolby laboratories recommendations. Joe explains, “We deviated from this by incorporating two subwoofers, instead of the one, we also doubled up on the side speakers. We installed two side speakers on both left- and right-hand walls (one for each row). Additionally, the right-hand wall is further away from the listeners than the left, because of the inclusion of the bar area, but we had more than enough delay in the processor to accommodate this.” Creating the right room treatment also needed careful consideration. Prestige Audio carried out thorough testing of the bare room and also after the fixtures and fittings had been added, to make sure the data was solid, and the room would be fully optimal. Technology is great for getting a space to where it needs to be and planning a project,
This new build was created on the site of a previous residence
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but when you get right down to it, there is no substitute to really experienced eyes and ears to take a project from ‘correct’ to really bespoke. Once the cinema was ‘finished’, Prestige Audio spent an entire day tuning it to suit the customer. Joe explains, “We carried out our usual steps of checking all the speakers were working and wired correctly. We also checked the phase of all the speakers with a speaker polarity phase meter. Having established this was correct we ran a 20Hz 20KHz sine sweep, listening for vibrations and resonances. We found a few frequencies causing issues in the air conditioning duct work. We remedied this with self-adhesive sound dampening panels. We also found a couple of areas in the front wall that were easily remedied with either a flexible sealant or wooden slips. Once all the measurements had been done, we had a listen, and the system lacked bass and high frequency. “We then took a Real Time Analysis measurement using our Audio Control RTA with the microphone positioned in the front row,
second seat in from the entrance side of the room. This confirmed our thoughts.” Joe continues, “So, the first thing was to increase the gain on the subwoofer amplifiers. That did the trick with the bass. The gain just needed increasing; however, we didn’t go too high as we suspected the mid-bass and midrange needed to be reduced in output. We then started to investigate the high frequency drivers on the front wall. These are a favourite of ours, the James QX806BE. These typically do not have an issue. We couldn’t find any and they were working correctly. We also eliminated the screen as it is a high-quality woven Screen Research screen. Then we discovered someone had been playing with the AVR. The treble adjustment was turned down! “The AVR processor we were using had Dirac Live room and acoustic correction application on board. So, we took Dirac readings from the same seat as the original RTA microphone position. “We saved two measurement files. One with a single position reading and another with the
CASE STUDY: PRESTIGE AUDIO
Think someone might be a Liverpool fan
usual seven microphone positions as required by Dirac. These were both corrected using Dirac software and we listened to both. “After much deliberating we decided to go with the single microphone position. We then, using our RTA and modifying the target curve several times and listening to the same music video track, ended up with an optimal Dirac correct result.” Even this was not enough as the team rested for an hour and then went back making small manual adjustments to the Dirac target curve based on listening to some high-quality recordings the team knows very well, making sure the tonal balance, imaging, staging and dynamics were where they should be. OK, so client demo time! The team did a two channel demo, without all the calibration and then with, just to underline how their expertise had taken the system up to a different level. Joe explains, “The Audiophile in the family got up and walked up to the middle of the screen to see if the centre channel speaker was on. It
wasn’t -he smiled! That’s why we do what we do! “Then a full cinema demo with content they knew well. This really was the ‘mic drop’ moment in the cinema install, and the look on their faces was exactly what we had been striving for - they loved it. When they first came into the room, they said that they only had a few minutes for us to show them the cinema, as they had to be elsewhere. Close to an hour later, former appointment forgotten, they were still in awe and enjoying what we had created.”
THE REST OF THE HOME
The home also has Lutron automated window treatments and lighting throughout. Lutron’s QS Sivoia blinds were specified. This was to tailor to the many different sizes required, ranging from half a metre up to over three metres. Joe says, “We had to work closely with the carpenters here as the windows are wooden framed with architrave type covers encapsulating the outer framework. The trick was to utilise the metal pockets (that are mandatory for housing
Lutron’s window treatments), whilst making sure they didn’t interfere with the look of the window. Each window treatment has been successfully hidden into the frame with no depreciation to performance or its intended use.” The lighting solution is comprised of Lutron adaptive dimming modules, allowing different load types to be controlled. Control is provided by strategic keypad placement at entrances to rooms and bedsides in the bedrooms. External circuits can be controlled manually or via the onboard astronomical clock. Whole house audio visual systems were also installed providing viewing and audio entertainment in several zones. Video distribution is provided by Blustream’s UHD video over IP range. This was chosen for reliability and the fact that the system is scalable if the client’s requirements change. Currently, the video distribution feeds seven zones, with an additional feed going out to the cinema rack, allowing UHD sources from the central rack to be displayed. Various sizes of Samsung QLED TVs have been fitted across the zones. Sources here include Sky Q, two Sky Q mini boxes, Kaliedescape and Apple TV. Audio distribution is provided by two Control4 eight zone matrix amplifiers. This feeds 13 zones of audio directly driving Origin Acoustic speakers in all areas except hallways, the media room and the cinema. The Control4 system also extends offering automated and manually controlled access to all the homes’ functionality right across the property. A ubiquity Wi-Fi system covers the whole house, offering reliable performance at the budget the client wanted for this part of the project. The exterior audio system consists of 13 speakers and three subs, woven around the property to create a powerful, bass driven performance. The home’s Wi-Fi was also extended into the garden so control of the
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CASE STUDY: PRESTIGE AUDIO
ESSENTIAL CINEMA ROOM KIT LIST - Control 4 – 7in In Wall Touch Panel - BenQ PCL50KH - Cinamorph Cylindrical Lense - Screen Research 3.8 m Wide Motorised Side Masking 2.35:1 Projection Screen 4K weave - Apple TV 4K - Kaleidscape Strato 6TB - Blustream UHD Video over IP Receiver - Maestro M9 - BGW VXi8.8 - James M1000 Subwoofer Amplifiers sources and content into the system is fast and responsive.
THE MEDIA ROOM
The team also created a multi-function media room with a 5.1.2 audio system and large screen TV (65in Samsung 4K OLED). Joe explains, “The biggest issue we had to face in this area was that the client wanted all the AV hidden away. But unlike many media rooms where even if the equipment is ‘hidden’, you can still tell that it is there - this room had to look just like an ordinary living room when not in use and leave no trace of what is available if and when the family want to use the AV. The customer was really happy with the final result - you cannot tell there is a 5.1.2 audio system partnered with a 65in TV available at the touch of a button.” This room was also inspired by the original trip to Pulse Cinemas as the customer loved the hidden aspect of the company’s Media Room demo area. The bespoke control interface for this area offers two main options, ‘Watch TV’ or ‘Listen’. Select the first option and the full reveal takes place. The TV which is hidden in a specially created cabinet is revealed and all the other systems to deliver the audio come to life, also hidden within the cabinet and in matching smaller storage areas to the left and right of the cabinet. In watch mode, the user gets offered different options of what to see with favourite types of content, sources and channels offered in a bespoke content presentation display. In listen mode, then only the audio equipment in the room comes to life, and again different bespoke options of listening to music are offered. As well as options, the system can also just natively pick what is being played and pick the right format for it. Sources available here include the Kaleidescape Strato Player and UHD Blu-ray disc player, as well as the home’s networked music system. The system is driven by Audio Controls AVR9. Joe adds, “In keeping with the need to weave the AV equipment into the fabric of the room we needed to find a clever way of hiding
the rear speakers. The room is decorated with high-end wallpaper and stretched fabric panels, which created a luxurious feel for the room that picks up the Moroccan theme of the space. However, these panels also help to treat the room acoustically and have the James Loudspeakers that deliver the rear channels for the audio system hidden behind them.” The rest of the speakers are also hidden into the fabric of the room, and the LCRs are hidden in the ceiling directly above the screen and have discrete grills painted to match the room. Despite being a smaller space and ‘only’ a 5.1.2 system, Prestige Audio put as much care into getting the sound and imaging right here as with the cinema, again calling on Dirac Live built into the Audio Controls AVR9 being used in this area. The LCR channels are provided by Sonance LCR 5Ss, the hidden surrounds are James Loudspeaker 62 ASXs, the heights are two Paradigm CI elite E80-Rs and the subwoofer is a Paradigm Seismic 110. This mixture of suppliers might seem odd, however the physical challenges of the room meant the speakers needed to meet demanding physical specifications to fit. The main issues were that tonally the room sounded flat, there was very little high-frequency, not much mid-range and staging and imaging were not precise. Following adjustments, the results were much better. An impressive project - no doubt about it. But what we like so much here is how Joe and his team were able to take what was originally a modest part of the plans for this new home and amplify the customer’s desire by opening their eyes to what amazing experiences they could have in their home. There can’t be too many homes in the UK which have a better spread of high-quality AV experiences inside and out.
- 3 x James QX806BE LCR Loudspeakers - 6 x James 52Qow LCR Loudspeakers - 4 x James QX320 Height Loudspeakers - 2 x James M122 Subwoofers - Fortress Seating (Matinee Chaise Lounger/ Matinee Cinema Seat)
MEDIA ROOM - Samsung Q950 65in QLED TV - Future Automation Split Motorised Cover - Blustream UHD Video over IP RX - Blustream Audio return Balun Set - Kaleidescape Strato Player - Blu Ray Player - Concert AVR 9 - 3 x Sonance LCR .5S - 2 x James 62 ASX - 2 x Paradigm CI Elite E80-R - Paradigm Seismic 110
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ESSENTIAL PROJECTORS AND SCREENS Barco has created its ‘Architectural Integration Book’ - contact the company for more details.
HIDE EVERYTHING BUT THE IMAGE Barco argues that today’s projectors need to be able to cope with a wide variety of installation scenarios that deliver immersive entertainment and cultural experiences woven into the fabric of the home. To deliver maximum benefit, it’s also important for integrators to get involved in the planning of a new home or renovation as early as possible. To underline this approach, the company has produced its ‘Architectural Integration Book’ which underlines how to achieve perfect integration across a whole range of scenarios. Visit the Barco Residential Website for more info or email residential@ barco.com. Creating these ‘Architectural Digital Canvases’ in close partnership with the company’s integration partners, the aim is to
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deliver a solution that integrates perfectly and complements the design and architecture of any residence. Each client’s lifestyle is unique and every residence is unique, so customers are looking for ways to discretely integrate different experiences into their living spaces, not limited to home cinema, but also including new media art, gaming and architectural video. This calls for more customised and architecturally integrated solutions, that offer beyond what any mass-produced TV or home cinema solution can offer. Underpinning this approach is Barco Residential’s mantra of ‘Hide Everything but the Image’. Architects and designers tend to follow four main steps in any project; Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document/
Permits and finally Construction. Ideally integrators should be involved from step one. This is the time advice and inspiration can be provided as to what kinds of experiences the client might be interested in. Does the client love movies? Is the client interested in new media art? Is the client an avid gamer? How can the digital canvases that enable these experiences be integrated seamlessly into the design and architecture of the home? However, in reality, integrators are not usually involved until step four, at which point it’s usually too late to make the modifications necessary to enable the different experiences and seamlessly integrate the technology into the fabric of the home. Barco is determined to highlight the opportunities created for clients, architects, designers and integrators by engaging
ESSENTIAL PROJECTORS AND SCREENS
When it comes to the look and feel of a property, there are four basic elements of interior design: line, form, colour and texture. In recent times, AV has been an important feature of high-end homes, with integrators able to incorporate audio into the design of a room, using in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, or high end designer speakers in living rooms and dedicated listening rooms. The video solution has often been more challenging. Most designers don’t like large TVs taking up walls, and as they take up more space are nearly impossible to seamlessly integrate. Since integrators are not involved early enough in the design phase, opportunities to address this are limited. However, if designers, architects and custom integrators engage earlier to determine what kind of experiences the client would like to integrate into their home, of course the result can be much more seamless; and projects can offer more opportunities for true integration simply because they are easier to hide. Barco underlines that it’s important for integrators to really engage with the types of integration solutions that are available, as well as the performance curves of different designs. Examples include an understanding of things like free projector rotation and the capabilities of the warping engine integrated into Barco Residential projectors allowing the installation of projectors off axis or tilted. Again, the earlier these conversations take place, the better the integration can be.
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
Barco argues that with its capabilities, performance and elegance can come together in any home cinema design. With correct system design, even a large and powerful projector like the Prometheus III can be hidden inside the ceiling. The result is a room that delivers true luxury, a comfortable attractive room, with all of the technology hidden. The mantra of early interaction is underlined again here, as this will deliver more opportunities to hide the projector in the room, or the next room.
Additional systems such as mirror drop products and making full use of the special features like the Warp Engine, that allows near unlimited freedom in projector placement, can also take place at this point. Barco works with partners to make available custom designed mounts, mirrors, hush boxes, port glasses and cooling devices that enable discreet and agile integration of projectors. As projectors have also migrated away from dedicated spaces into more general living areas, the need to fully integrate has increased. In these spaces, the challenge to be hidden and high-performance are even stronger than in the dedicated space. Each living room has a different set of circumstances, and integrating a big screen, projector and speakers into the space can seem like a daunting task. The design community are perhaps even less aware of the potential for technology making the home a more stylish entertaining place to be in these areas than a dedicated cinema. Barco looks to come to the rescue with a whole range of solutions that can keep the design of the room completely uncompromised, but deliver the entertainment or aesthetic experiences homeowners will be excited by, as all the technology remains completely hidden until needed. The opportunities to integrate and help enhance home design do not end inside the home, as Barco can help deliver impressive
experiences outside as well. As well as design considerations, outdoor installations of course have to compete with high ambient light, temperature, humidity and weather. These all provide a unique set of physical challenges that need to be overcome. However, especially if the integrator is involved early, all of these challenges can be overcome by intelligent design, projectors and screen placement and using all of the technology delivered by working with Barco. The Architectural Integration Book publication also underlines a series of real world examples of where these principles have been applied to living rooms, dedicated cinemas, spaces where the outdoors meets the indoors, and completely outdoor solutions. Each project has used not just the power and precision of the projectors’ performance, but clever technologies and techniques to make sure the experiences are woven into the design of the home. Download your copy direct from the official Barco Residential website. Barco Residential barcoresidential.com
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Love design? Meet Barco Residential. Together with our partners, we create Architectural Digital Canvases that enable the most immersive entertainment Learn more by contacting us at residential@barco.com to request your free digital copy of our Architectural Integration book.
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and cultural experiences in luxury homes for customers to share with loved ones.
Experience the difference.
PROJECTORS & SCREENS
LIVING LARGE Barry Sheldrick, director of sales at Meridian Audio, tackles some questions on the projector and screen sector.
There is no ‘free lunch’ with projection systems, as bigger screens will always require bigger, brighter and more expensive projectors.
What makes the combination of a high-quality big screen and a projector so compelling?
Outlay can be considerable. How do you overcome objections around budget?
For me, projection will always be king of the big screen. The ability to place your speakers behind a projection screen will always deliver the most immersive experience. They are more flexible from an installation perspective, especially in living rooms where a large drop-down screen can be very easily hidden away after use; try doing that with a large direct view panel!
There are a couple of ways to approach this: The first is to give them an amazing experience by demonstrating a great projection system! And the second is to look at cost VS. value; expensive things can be amazing value for money when judged by the other options available. Again, this comes back to looking at the projector and the screen as a system. We know that a bigger engine in a car costs more than a smaller one, and a larger house costs more than a smaller house in the same area. This is why it’s so important to focus on matching screen size with a projector’s light output. Most clients are used to bright images on their TVs. OLEDS and LED LCD TVs have all got much brighter over the last three years
What are your top tips for selling these products? My top tip is to always think of the projector and the screen as a system. They are completely dependant on each other for optimum performance and immersion. If you go up in screen size, it is essential to increase the light output of the project to match.
and guess what? Clients love it! Brighter, more vibrant images are more fun, more engaging and bring you closer to real life. The reason that it is important that we consider other image technologies when talking about projection systems is that this is what we should be aiming for. We used to look for 25ft lamberts, but that quickly got increased to 32ft lamberts. Now we should be aiming to hit 50ft lamberts for a projection system, especially with the advent of HDR on UHD content. To give you an idea of the effect this has on the projector and screen combos, think about this: the average screen size has increased, so now that a 3500mm wide screen is very common, we are seeing more and more 4000mm wide+ screen sizes being deployed too! If we use a 3500mm wide 2.37 ratio screen with a gain of 0.9 (quite common for an acoustically transparent surface), lets have a look at how much light output we need from our projector to hit 50ft lamberts VS. the old 25ft lamberts we used to aim for.
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PROJECTORS & SCREENS
HERE IS THE MATHS
What are the main USPs across both sectors?
Reflected Light in ft lamberts =
With projection systems, there are two main USPs over fixed panel display technology. The first is flexibility in aspect ratio. We can offer 1.78, 1.85, 2.0, 2.10, 2.37, 2.37, 2.40 screens without even having to request a custom ratio! It is the same with projectors with a number of native 2.37 CinemaScope models now on the market, is a huge step up in immersion and excitement. The second USP is being able to place the three LCR channels in the perfect position behind the screen. This enables the dialogue to flow seamlessly across the front sound stage and the actors’ dialogue is locked perfectly onto their lips on screen.
Projector Output x Screen Gain Screen Area (in square feet) 50 ft lamberts = 3750 lumens (before calibration this would give 59ft lamberts) 25 ft lamberts = 2000 lumens (before calibration this would give 32ft lamberts) The number of projectors that can claim that kind out light output is pretty small and that’s on a relatively average screen size. As soon as we move up to 4000mm widths and above, you really need 5000+ lumen. So, the top tip is be honest; the client is expecting an amazing, bright, rich in colour image AND a large screen. To do that takes a projector that is powerful and this typically comes with a larger price tag.
How do you create sales if you don’t have your own demo facility? Dealers should absolutely lean on their relationships with their suppliers. Suppliers should have something special on demonstration, and you really will struggle to sell expensive, high performance systems if a client can’t experience it first.
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Do you have any demo tips? Always show the best! Don’t sell video short, as it is an integral part of the experience!
Recommend some content that is a good way of showing off either category? I like to show a mix of content, and by that I mean 1080P and UHD material. A client won’t just be watching UHD content so it is important to set the right expectations with various content - and it also helps to explain what they are seeing. I love content that showcases natural skin tones so Sully is a favourite, as is Lucy. The other demo clips I love showcase colour. Ghost in the Shell is a great example of
this, as is The Lego Batman movie. Choose clips that really draw the viewer in and leave them wanting more, because that is easy to achieve; they just need to commit to commissioning their own cinema!
What have been the most important technical advancements in each category recently? I would say from a projector perspective, it would be laser and LED light engines. Laser gives us massive brightness potential (over 12,000 lumen is quite easily achieved from the best projectors) and LED gives us incredible colour fidelity. These two light sources give us two different solutions to offer our dealers too. LED is ideal for smaller rooms and screen sizes, which fits perfectly with its very low operating noise. Laser is superb on larger screens and therefore larger rooms, which can accommodate physically larger projectors. Image solutions encompass not only the screens, but also the mirrors and mounts that are required to get the image to the screen and mirror-based systems have increased in popularity. Previously hidden in physics, maths and scary stuff, we are now deploying mirror projects into many more designs. The mirror systems can reduce throw distances, enable vertical mounting of a projector or even completely conceal the projector in the ceiling!
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PROJECTORS AND SCREENS
CINEMA TOP TIPS The team at Screen Innovations answers a few pertinent questions on the current state of the market.
What are your top tips for selling screens?
At SI, we focus on selling the big screen experience. The best way to do this is through engaging, immersive showrooms, where visitors can experience movies, music, gaming, or whatever they enjoy in a comfortable, homelike atmosphere. It’s through these dynamic demonstrations that consumers can view content the way the director intended, and in so doing, feel how the experience surpasses that of a big-screen TV. By unleashing all of their senses, they don’t just see the movie, they feel it. That’s the experience you want them to have so the demo has to be able to deliver.
The outlay can be considerable. How do you overcome objections concerning budget?
It’s true that in the early 90s, projection systems were expensive. With price tags starting at $100,000, they were a luxury item that few could afford. As with most technologies, however, the cost has come down considerably. You can now get an amazing system for around $1,000. If you do the math, per square inch a projection screen (along with a projector) is still far less expensive than any other format, making it great value for residential and commercial environments.
How do you create sales if you don’t have a demo facility?
Screen Innovations dealers who have no showroom can outsell dealers who do by three to one. Dealers who may not operate a showroom can explain the experience through a Screen Innovations demo kit. The kit contains screen material samples, which dealers can use to set up a system in their own homes, essentially creating their at-home showroom, to which they invite customers. Alternatively, dealers can bring the kit along with a portable projector to customers’ homes to show how even a small 28-inch diagonal panel of a projection screen material like Black Diamond can produce a bright, vivid picture with the room lights on.
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What is the best way to tie the physical products with the experiences they create?
Ask customers how they felt after viewing a movie on a projection screen. Did the movie evoke feelings of joy, sadness, or excitement? Were they able to disconnect from the outside world, fully immersed in what was happening on the screen? These feelings can be contributed to a bigger, more lifelike viewing experience and are what a great demo is all about.
Do you have any demo tips?
Always demo a powerful, emotion-inducing movie clip when possible. Get the customer out of the nuts and bolts of the system and into the experience. If demoing an ALR screen, be sure to explain how ambient light rejection can diversify the environment’s utility. Most people think they can only watch movies with the lights off, so prove that projected images can be just as clear, vivid, and engaging with the room light on by demoing ambient light rejection technologies. We suggest SI Black Diamond or Slate.
What have been the most important technological advancements in each category recently?
Bright 4K laser projectors coupled with good quality 4K content from cable providers are two of the most important technological advancements to leverage the popularity of
projection systems. Previously, content had been the weak point; for example, Blu-ray discs would look excellent, but regular TV and Netflix content looked terrible. Now, thanks to the wide availability of 4K content from cable and satellite providers, the resolution issue has been solved, ensuring that no matter what source from which a customer accesses content, it looks great. The inability to view a picture clearly with the room lights on was another inhibitor that has since been remedied through the availability of affordable laser projectors. Projectors that can produce 3,000 to 5,000 lumens combined with screens like SI Black Diamond allow large projection screens to excel in environments like family rooms with windows, enabling a wider base of customers to enjoy two-piece projection systems. Laser projectors also preclude costly maintenance issues incurred with other types of projectors. There is no bulb to replace, saving customers time, money to replace a $500 bulb, and frustration. The typical lifespan of a laser projector is 20,000 hours, compared to 2,000 hours for a typical lamp-based projector. To put this into perspective, if a laser projector is used eight hours a day in a classroom or conference room, it will last more than nine years—seven years longer than a typical single lamp usage.
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PRODUCTS
A new colour option from Gira
GEAR UP FOR GIRA Gira has announced that System 55 – a modular system for intelligent building technology – is now available in Black Matt. This new and exclusive Black Matt colour variant for Gira System 55 is made possible through the sleek Gira E2 Design Line, a comprehensive range of complementary sockets, switches, outlets and accessories that can not only turn lights on and off, but also raise and lower blinds each day via a standard blind control button, and additionally offer a contactless switch with integrated LED orientation that illuminates when motion is detected. Already available in stainless steel, pure white glossy, pure white matt, painted aluminium and anthracite, installers can now specify in Black Matt where its lacquer finish guarantees consistent
results. Designed to complement the Gira System 55, this new colourway is an exclusive offering by Gira and answers market trends for smart, contemporary fixtures and fittings that are design-oriented with precision quality. Black interior design solutions and technologies are now being used to provide a visual differential to the already familiar grey and white accents. Appealing to top-end architects and discerning interior design professionals, Black Matt is hugely on-trend, says the company, and can now serve the homeowner with more than 300 intelligent building technology functions. For flexibility, 10 design variants are available through the Gira E2 Design Line. Helping to achieve a wide range of interior design concepts and intelligent functionality, specifiers can create
a premium look. All materials are designed to offer easy-clean surfaces with high UV resistance and Gira E2 can also be flat mounted via a 3mm frame design. The Gira Design Configurator with ‘live view’ mode with augmented reality will quickly and easily provide users with a realistic idea of how the E2 Design Line will complement a design scheme. Simply download the configurator app onto a smart device and you will be able to specify to individual interior design styles and user preferences. GIRA gira.com
DYNAUDIO THROWS SOME SHAPES Dynaudio has unveiled its new Contour i series – a family which has been totally overhauled under the hood with advanced acoustic technology trickled down from the flagship Confidence range. The brand-new Esotar 2i tweeter on all models gains the Hexis resonance-defeating inner dome, plus a new, larger rear chamber. Together they reduce distortion and give a flatter frequency response. The Contour 20i, 30i and 25Ci woofers all gain an updated Nomex spider. It is the same structural design as the 2016 Contour (with varying-width corrugations for finer excursion control), but the new material simply sounds better – the result of many hours of listening in Dynaudio Labs. Contour 60i has new woofers with a bigger magnet system, a different voice-coil design and a glass-fibre voice-coil former, as first used in the Confidence range and Sub 6 subwoofer. And Contour 60i’s midrange driver? No change to the driver itself, but it does sit in a new moulded, resonance-damping enclosure derived from Dynaudio’s flagship professional reference monitor range, Core. Contour 20i, 30i and 25Ci have updated crossovers. And, because of the driver tweaks
50 MAY 2020
providing an inherently flat frequency response, it means Dynaudio has been able to remove the impedance correction circuitry for an even simpler board. Contour 60i has a new crossover because of the new woofers and new Esotar 2i tweeter. Plus, the effect of that moulded midrange cup and the Nomex woofer spiders enabled the company’s engineers to shift the crossover frequency up. It now works better at slightly higher frequencies (up to around 300Hz). The frequency curve in this area is also flatter, meaning better midrange performance from a simpler crossover. Even the internal damping is new and the whole range was extensively optimised in Dynaudio’s Jupiter measuring facility before being subjected to countless hours of listening by the experts in Dynaudio Labs. The range will be available in three finish variants, all with enhanced surface quality: Walnut, grey oak high gloss and black high gloss. Dynaudio dynaudio.com Cost per pair; Contour 20i: €4500, Contour 30i: €7000, Contour 60i: €9000, Contour 25Ci: €3250
PRODUCTS
STORMAUDIO UNLEASHES FIRMWARE 4.0
StormAudio says Firmware 4.0 offers a powerful updated features list to usher in the next evolution of immersive audio processing. Firmware 4.0 retains the intuitive and flexible StormAudio concept but adds even more advanced performance and, says the maker, is the first on the market enabled with Dirac Live’s latest bass management add-on module, Dirac Live Bass Control. Available for download, the latest version of the Firmware also ships pre-installed in every StormAudio Immersive Sound Processor MK2 device; existing MK1 users can download and update their device to run this firmware version at
no additional cost. Firmware 4.0 packs updated immersive audio capability to continue delivering the leading industry standards to all StormAudio ISP users. StormAudio underlines how proud it is to be the first on the market to feature the latest Dirac Live Bass Control module, a cuttingedge bass management tool for enhanced cinema experiences. Other key new features include a redesigned Speaker Configurator for more flexible configuration possibilities and integration of the Roon music management system to bring music as well as cinema enjoyment to the home. All features
are designed to improve the entire configuration and calibration process for the best possible home media entertainment results. The firmware can be downloaded from the company’s new website. Firmware 4.0 also includes updated solutions for installations of the foremost immersive audio formats. Any ISP that runs Firmware 4.0 can now support Dolby Atmos layouts of up to 13.1.10 and additional screen centre, rear surround, front and rear height channels for greater immersivity. For other setups where installation of Dolby Enabled speakers are used, these can now also be configured and managed with this new firmware version. Also included are improvements to the Auro 3D platform, as the system will now make use of the rear channels in the layout when playing back native Auro-3D 9.1/11.1 content. In addition to these immersive audio updates, DTS:X Pro capability will be added in the next upgrade of the Firmware 4.0, coming soon in the upcoming months. StormAudio stormaudio.com
ADVENTURES BEYOND THE ULTRAWORLD Peerless-AV has announced that the new 86in UltraView UHD Outdoor TV (UV862-EUK) will soon be available in the EMEA. Providing 4K resolution and a brightness that is three times that of the average of indoor TV, the new 86in UltraView UHD Outdoor TV is suitable for residences, bars and restaurants, stadiums, hotels and cruise liners. The product has been created to deliver dependability year-round, operating at a temperature range of -30°C to 50°C. Aluminium construction materials provide protection against various climates, corrosion and discoloration. The model is equipped with a High TNI panel, which allows for direct sunlight readability without the risk of isotropic blackout, and internal speakers provide decent sound quality. The TV exclusively includes a dedicated Outdoor Flat Wall Mount to provide a secure installation. Other features include an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness to best match the lighting conditions, and an IR extender input and IR repeater output for providing flexibility for integration with control systems. “We’re pleased to announce the availability of the 86in UltraView UHD Outdoor TV in EMEA after a successful first time showcase at ISE 2020 in Amsterdam,” says Keith Dutch, Managing Director, EMEA, Peerless-AV. “As well as the CEDIA home install and hospitality market, the product is ideal for outdoor sports bars, throughout stadium concourses and many more
The great outdoors, the 86in UltraView UHD TV
applications. The outdoor TV provides customers with a safe, enhanced display option that is bright enough to be viewed in direct sunlight and intelligent enough to automatically adjust brightness for low light viewing.” The UltraView TV is functional for all seasons, built with materials meant for safe use outdoors without risk of shock or failure, and transforms any
high-end outdoor area. It will be available in May 2020 through Peerless-AV’s authorised network of distributors and resellers. Peerless-AV eu.peerless-av.com
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PRODUCTS
A TOUCH OF CLASSE Suitable for all requirements, from end users to specifiers of the largest developments, Legrand has refreshed and expanded its Bticino Classe 100 range. With products to suit a variety of buildings, the Classe 100 range equips developers with affordable door entry solutions at every level. The standard two wire installation across the range means internal units can be easily installed into new developments as well as providing a quick and simple upgrade to be retrofitted in existing dwellings. A cost-effective range that offers a multitude of benefits such as video feedback and connectivity with smartphones, Classe 100 provides an economical upgrade to door entry systems. Once
installed, both the video and audio interfaces provide end users with brilliant functionality. The hard keys to answer and hang up make for more positive engagement and simplicity of use, whereas the configurable keys allow for personalised, convenient accessibility for every occupant. For added ease of use, the handsets light and flash the appropriate buttons when in use, helping to guide the user and preventing the need to refer to a manual. In addition, the 100X model enables end users to quickly and easily connect the hands free unit to their smartphone for increased convenience and security. Also available in a variety of kits to suit a number of applications, Classe 100 can be quickly implemented to suit a range of new and
existing premises, such as schools, hospitals and reception areas as well as residential properties. Richard Hopkins, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand’s wiring devices business unit, says, “With the Bticino Classe 100, we seek to offer customers a complete and affordable range that suits any number of requirements and allows them to provide end users with an array of easyto-use functions. Bringing together economy and style, the range is easy to install thanks to the straightforward two wire installation and, once in place, provides any modern home with great functionality and security.� Legrand legrand.co.uk
The Bticino Classe 100 range has been updated
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