Essential Install August 2018

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

August 2018

daas design as a service

INSIDE

The smart building design revolution by

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AUTOMATION/ AV APPS DON’T WORRY, BE APPY

PROJECTORS AND SCREENS GET THE BIG PICTURE

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Essential Install | Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

August 2018

daas design as a service

INSIDE

The smart building design revolution by

AUTOMATION/ AV APPS DON’T WORRY, BE APPY

PROJECTORS AND SCREENS GET THE BIG PICTURE

LIGHT/AMBIENT LIGHT CONTROL

ILLUMINATION TIME

August 2018 This issue…

REGULARS

FEATURES

5 Editor’s Comment

24 Essential Habitech

20 designflow

7 Essential News

26 Case Study: Cyberhomes

33 Smart Thinking: Henley Audio

Big news on EI Live!

It’s showtime!

Hard and happening news

Hatching a perfect plan

I’ve got a silver machine

16 Pulse Cinemas

Looking for more installers

66 Essential Review: Lode LA4D

Creating the room of your client’s dreams

36 CEDIA Expo

Richard Stevenson takes a look at the Lode LA4D premium multi-room audio server

18 Essential CEDIA Getting social

Show preview

38 Light and Ambient Light Control Enlighten yourself!

68 Training Dates Get some in!

46 Essential Comment: Ashwin Shah Are cinemas the new dining room?

75 Essential Products Toptastic kit!

47 Essential Apps Appy days!

Light control

38

Projectors

54

54 Projectors and Screens Victory in vision

Average net circulation October 2015 to October 2016

63 Bowers & Wilkins Behind the brand

5,212

Smart Thinking

33

Case Study

26

2 | August 2018 Contents.indd 2

24/08/2018 10:38

LINEAR THINKING CROMO LINE LindyCables.com

DISCOVER LINDY lindy.com

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17/07/2018 15:01

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre April 30 | May 1, 2019

, E U EN

V W

NE … S E T A D W NE

NEW !

S E I T I L I B POSSI One all-encompassing show, EI Live! will challenge industry norms, push the boundaries, and launch a platform on which a smarter, brighter future can be established.

HEADLINE SPONSOR

THE PATH TO A SMARTER FUTURE

EI_2019_01 NewPossibilities.indd 1

www.eiliveshow.com

@EILiveShow #EILFuture | #EILiveShow

24/08/2018 15:41

pages 24-25

EI Live! is moving to Farnborough Exhibition Centre in 2019

From The

Editor’s Desk Trading places Daniel J Sait, Editor in chief

So big news from us recently was the move of EI Live! from Sandown Park, its home of eight years, to the brandnew and I have to say very impressive, Farnborough Exhibition Centre. It really is a fantastic venue, situated in a great location just off the M25, so it delivers the positioning advantages that Sandown had, but also offers so much more. A move into central London was never a serious consideration for the show; the travel issues, access and of course added cost, are not what the industry needs or deserves.

Sandown was a great venue and has suited the show well, however it’s time to grow and raise the game of the event and Farnborough delivers the canvas on which to paint a new picture. Ease of access, simple load-in/load out, bags of free parking, and good transport links have been themes of all of our shows down the years. This new venue delivers that, but also offers all the comms and logistical advantages that only a brand-new exhibition centre of this kind can. All of this you might think would come at a premium; well, cost has always been a big part of the show’s success, and our team has struck a deal with this excellent new venue which delivers very similar rates to previous years. The show of course is still free to attend, but lower costs for exhibitors give the industry the ROI it needs and also presents a varied show-floor with all sizes of different exhibitors, all with something different to offer.

As a company, we have always said, charging large amounts for exhibition space is not what the industry needs, and it just is not necessary.

The show has also embraced change of another kind as it will feature commercial AV and automation for the first time, and will also have exhibitors from the world of smart electrical contracting. Those who have their fingers in more than one pie will discover even more reasons to visit in 2019.

Other show news this month; ISE announced its move to Barcelona’s Gran Via, part of the Fira de Barcelona exhibition complex, 2-5 February, 2021. EI was at the event held to celebrate the news and the red carpet was certainly rolled as the town’s mayor and other dignitaries welcomed the ISE team to the city.

The new venue is certainly impressive, much larger than the RAI and will provide a good platform for the show to expand. Travel from northern Europe will be a bit more of a challenge than before, certainly for those who used to like to drive to ISE, however the show feels that connecting with the Iberian Peninsula will ultimately give it a larger audience to appeal to.

The brand new EI Live! website is now live, so check out all the news and follow what is happening with the show at eiliveshow.com and by following @EILiveShow #EILFuture #EILiveShow.

See you all at Farnborough in 2019!

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR: Jordan O’Brien, jordan@allthingsmedialtd.com SALES DIRECTOR: Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com PUBLISHER: David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com CIRCULATION: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com STUDIO MANAGER: Ben Bristow, ben@allthingsmedialtd.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jon Appleton, jon@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 Whist 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.

Ed's Comment.indd 5

23/08/2018 15:43

Floating Illusion LG OLED TV E8

e8 oled ranGe | Full HDR including Dolby Vision | Full IP Control Control4 Certified | Only OLED Specific Chipset | Available in 55 and 65-inch Available from Invision, the only LG Authorised Distributor for CEDIA Members

Meet our Video SolutionS SpecialiSt

For all you need to know on LG contact Rob Alderman on 01359 272844

T: 01359 270280 W: www.invisionuk.com E: sales@invisionuk.com

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Essential Install | News

Essential News Smart home happenings and automation announcements

FYNE AUDIO benefits from £850k funding from Bibby Financial Services

A FYNE time to secure investment in this promising new brand

Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has provided an £850k funding facility to FYNE AUDIO, a new entrant into the high-end, loudspeaker audio market. The funding line includes Export Invoice Discounting (Export ID) as well as an FX facility, which will help the business access working capital and fund its export debts to reach its growing international client base.

Based in Glasgow, FYNE AUDIO is the brainchild of a group of former employees from a prestigious Scottish-based loudspeaker manufacturer. With over 200 years of audio industry experience between them and a host of sector contacts, FYNE AUDIO is set to launch three high-performance loudspeaker ranges, with products ranging from £200 – £24,000. Through a combination of an established management team, quality products and an international customer base, the team says the business has caused quite a buzz and has pre-orders coming in from as far as Asia.

To help support its plans for growth, FYNE AUDIO needed extra working capital. Working closely with BFS, the business has secured an Export Finance ID facility which will enable it to bridge the cashflow gap between awaiting payment and paying supplier invoices. Furthermore, using Export Finance will also allow the business to benefit from BFS’ language, currency, time zone and legal support when trading in overseas markets.

As FYNE AUDIO deals directly with international markets, BFS’ corporate team also structured a funding package to include Bad Debt Protection (BDP) and an FX line. While the BDP will protect the business against poor payment practices and customer insolvency, the FX feature enables FYNE AUDIO to convert the cash released from invoices to a currency of its choice, shielding it from currency fluctuations.

Andrzej Sosna, MD at FYNE AUDIO, says, “As industry veterans, we knew our products had to be high-quality and differentiated if we were to make waves in the market. But we also knew that to help us on our path to growth, especially with a growing international customer base, having access to working capital was vital in these early stages.

“From the offset, BFS stood out to us. The corporate team invested time in getting to know and understand our management team and products. As a result, they recognised the strength of our business plan and structured an Export Finance facility that other funding partners could not.”

FYNE AUDIO 0141 428 4008, fyneaudio.com

August 2018 | 7 News.indd 7

23/08/2018 15:44

Blake UK are pressing the button...

What is RED?

RED is the Radio Equipment Directive-2014/53/EU and is the new standard covering all domestic TV amplifiers.

From July 2017 ALL TV amplifiers MUST be RED compliant.

0114 223 5000 sales@blake-uk.com

Trading Standards and OFCOM enforced the RED compliance.

Manufacturers, distributors AND installers are responsible if they fail to comply.

Which RED Class are Blake UK’s products?

• Blake UK’s PROception brand amplifiers are class 0. (Non-filtered).

• They are extremely resilient to interference, overloading, and cope with multiple carriers (DTT and LTE) and promote efficient use of the radio spectrum.

• Class 0 allows ALL channels to be received. Please be aware class 3 products are not designed to pass Channel 60, there are still 121 transmitters using this channel. Class 3 & 4 will not pass locally modulated channels (CCTV etc.) above channel 60. For further information please follow the link below* Blake UK Products:

How do you ensure RED compliance?

Buy Blake UK’s PROception brand from your local distributor or contact Blake UK for more information.

• • • • •

Class 0 Compliant.

Works on all UK DTT channels (including channel 60).

Allows locally modulated signals. (CCTV, hotel ‘in-house’ video etc.).

High performance, great immunity and low noise.

Allows the selection of the correct LTE filter (if required).

• • • • • • • • • • •

Aerials Brackets & Installation Equipment AV TV Wall Mounts CappSure Wi-Fi IP Cameras Wall Cabinets CCTV & Security Coaxial Connectors & Adaptors RF Signal Distribution HDMI Signal Distribution LTE Filtering Products UK R&D

Visit *www.blake-uk.com/red for more information to ensure YOU are RED compliant

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24/08/2018 16:50

Essential Install | News

As well as releasing new products like the Beam, Sonos is now a public company

Sonos, Arlo prove the smart home market is worth investing in Those wishing to invest in the smart home market received two new options recently, as both Sonos and Arlo have officially had their initial public offering. The two firms are facing increased competition from bigger names such as Amazon and Google, and the money that an IPO can raise will go some way towards ensuring they have the arsenal to continue fighting for customers.

Sonos is easily the biggest and most recognisable name in the multi-room audio market, but that doesn’t mean that it’s had everything its own way. Just last year the company’s founder, John MacFarlane, stepped down as CEO due to increased competition from other players. Those other players included the likes of Amazon and Google with the Amazon Echo and Google Home smart speakers.

Despite the increased competition, Sonos has come back fighting.

The firm’s Sonos One and Sonos Beam smart speakers have received strong reviews and should be the first to boast both Alexa and Google Assistant support – although customers are still waiting on the latter. The Sonos One has also helped the company’s revenue grow, with 18% growth reported in the first six months of Q1 2018.

While 18% isn’t exactly explosive growth, investors seem confident in Sonos’ future. After opening at $16 on the NASDAQ, the company’s shares rose to 31% to close at $19.68. That values the company at $1.95 billion, not exactly a small amount for a company making just nine products.

Another smart home company earning a killing on the stock market is Arlo, the former smart home division of networking manufacturer, Netgear. While Netgear retains the majority shareholding in Arlo, the firm is building up Arlo’s cash reserves to ensure that it can fight against more established smart home manufacturers.

Arlo’s biggest competition comes from the likes of Nest and Logitech, both of which offer security cameras. While Nest continues to be focused on internal politics, Arlo has managed to carve out a decent chunk of the smart security camera market. Q4 2017 proved a particularly important time for Arlo, with it growing revenue 66.9% to $128.5 million, although Q3 2017 did see higher growth year-overyear at 127.1%. The company’s stock price is currently up 24% on its opening price of $16.

Given both Sonos and Arlo have seen success in their IPOs, it shows that investors are keen at getting a stake into the smart home market. A successful IPO also means that those companies will now have more money to play with when it comes to investing in new products.

Sonos sonos.com; Arlo arlo.com/uk/

August 2018 | 9 News.indd 9

23/08/2018 15:44

daas industry survey

Q1: Does your business suffer from a lack of in house designer(s)?

Q2: Does the business owner do all the proposals and design?

Q3: Would you like to spend more time focusing on clients & sales?

Q4: If you answered no to Q1, are your designer(s) overloaded?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions you should try daas*

*You can find out more about daas in the article in this magazine or contact

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+44 (0) 20 7175 7270 info@designflow.co

10/08/2018 15:45

Essential Install | News

Dynaudio has new speakers and a new partner in CAVD

Dynaudio launches custom-install speaker range with CAVD Dynaudio, the Danish speaker specialist, says it is bringing its 40 years of expertise, engineering and love of music to the UK’s custom installation industry and it’s teamed up with the team at Custom AV Distribution (CAVD) to make it happen.

The Dynaudio Custom Studio range has been created to harnesses the same core technology and research that have made the company’s Hi-Fi, pro-studio and automotive speakers successful.

The maker adds that it places it all in ingenious pre-install mounts, unique tool-free clip-in speaker modules, and completes the picture with near-invisible paintable magnetic grilles.

The product family consists of in-ceiling and in-wall speakers. Both come in 6.5in and 8in versions, and they all use Dynaudio’s 1in softdome tweeters. The in-ceiling speakers are angled 18˚ and can be rotated 360˚ in their mounts to fine-tune their firing direction.

They fit to the mounts without damaging (or re-doing) the walls or ceilings, and their paintable magnetic grilles ensure they’ll blend in.

The in-wall frames mount either way up for even more flexibility and, like the in-ceiling units, feature Dynaudio’s patent-pending tool-free speaker-mounting mechanism.

Users with multichannel home-cinema systems can use Dynaudio’s in-wall speakers too, to ensure tonal consistency.

There’s also an LCR variant which lets users create bespoke vertically or horizontally oriented left, centre and right three-way speaker channels that fit around wall-studs without cutting.

All Dynaudio Custom Studio speakers use the company’s softdome tweeters with neodymium magnet systems, proprietary Magnesium Silicate Polymer (MSP) cones, and large-diameter aluminium voice-coils with internal magnet systems.

The company has teamed up with Custom AV Distribution to bring the range to market. “We chose Custom AV Distribution because they have the same love of sound as we do. CAVD understands premium brands and high-performance audio products, it already distributes several high-quality brands that complement our products, and it has excellent relationships with many of the UK’s top integrators.

It’s the perfect match for our products,” says Peter Gibb, CI business development manager EMEA at Dynaudio.

“Adding Dynaudio’s new CI range to our line-up ends a yearlong search for a no-compromise speaker brand. I’ve always loved Dynaudio’s traditional stereo speakers, so to be able to offer this level of technology and performance to custom installers is something I’m very excited about. Homes across the UK are going to sound better than ever,” says Jamie Pullen, MD of Custom AV Distribution.

The distributor is currently taking bookings for demonstrations of the Dynaudio system – either at the dealer’s own premises or at the CAVD showroom in Marlow.

CAVD 01628 563344, cavd.co.uk

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23/08/2018 15:44

Essential Install | News

Habitech Techfest announced for September 24-27

Date for the diary, Habitech’s TechFest

Habitech’s Techfest will run over four days, giving integrators their first hands-on understanding of innovations fresh from CEDIA US, as well as a seminar programme covering the big tech issues of the day, and the chance to network with manufacturers – all within Habitech’s new training and demonstration environment.

UK product premieres include JVC’s latest creations, the newest additions to the ultra-wide Sonance line-up, and WyreStorm’s product intros. Visitors will get a first encounter with a new line of Ruckus switches, supplied with a lifetime warranty and designed to partner its APs in high-density 802.11ac / 802.11ax deployments.

Techfest will also introduce the new Ruckus IoT Suite of APs, modules, WLAN and controllers, designed to unify the many IoT standards, plug holes in security and optimise interoperability simultaneously, relieving potentially significant time and cost pressures.

Techfest will also feature Legrand’s ‘MyHOME_Up’ home automation system, a simple plug-and-play path to whole-home control.

TechFest will also unveil Habitech’s new suite of demo spaces created to help integrators visualise product applications and benefits. Refurbished using services supplied by CinemaTech, provider of aesthetic acoustic treatments, the new cinemas and two-channel spaces will make a case for the transformative power of CinemaTech’s expertise. Now available exclusively through Habitech, CinemaTech helps designers win business from the most discerning home theatre customers.

Guests will also experience the performance of Habitech’s flagship 9:4:4 Wisdom theatre, recently equipped with the latest 20-channel processing.

The company will also demonstrate how far discreet

cinema performance has evolved with a new 9:4:4 Sonance reference theatre, starring Sonance Reference series cinema speakers, ARCAM processing/ amplification and Dolby Vision HDR sources.

A choice of discreet two-channel options will also be available to audition in Habitech’s new pure audio room, featuring Wisdom’s Insight P2i in-walls, Sonance VP models, the Sonance IS4 and ISW invisible speakers and its adjustable-width soundbars. Outside, Habitech will demo the new Sonance Landscape Series of outdoor speakers. TechFest will also offer a series of seminars to answer all the big tech questions concerning HDR and the evolution of 4K UHD distribution. The event takes place at company HQ, Basingstoke, September 24-27, 2018. To register, visit habitech.co.uk/techfest+2018.htm Habitech 01256 638500, habitech.co.uk

RGB Communications announces distribution agreement with Lande

Lande has been welcomed to the RGB family

RGB Communications will now distribute Lande racks and accessories in the UK and Ireland, after the two firms signed an exclusive distribution agreement.

Lande, which is based in Turkey, manufactures a range of racks and cabinets for a wide range of installation scenarios. The UK distributor is now able to offer a very big choice of racking solutions, as the firm also distributes Middle Atlantic racks and mounts.

“We feel fortunate to have aligned our organisation with Lande, as exclusive distributor for the UK,” comments Gordon Innocent, Chairman of RGB Communications “The addition of Lande racks is a perfect complement to our existing range of Middle Atlantic racks and mounts. Our customers benefit from having not just the very best, but by far the biggest range of racks to choose from. Now with a choice of metric and imperial sizes, and an unbeatable range; economic entry level, right through to the ultimate

in flexibility. All from just one supplier, RGB.” The Lande product portfolio includes freestanding cabinets and wall mounting cabinets in a wide range of U sizes and depths, two colour choices – light grey and black – and many of the larger

racks have silk-screen printing U numbering rails.

A range of accessories is also available including shelving, sliding shelves, fan trays, cable management, casters, cage nuts/screws and power distribution units.

Delivery is made easy with many racks available as flat pack delivery that can be reused if onward shipment is required.

Reyhan Eksi, general manager of Lande, says, “We are very proud to start a partnership with RGB. We are certain that the proven and longterm expertise of RGB in the UK and Eire market will leverage our efforts to provide our customers with sturdy, reliable, safe and functional product lines. This partnership with RGB is a great opportunity to build new value for our clients and we hope that our cooperated efforts will create both success stories and happy customers.”

RGB Communications 01488 73366, rgbcomms.co.uk

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23/08/2018 15:45

New QLED TV with Ambient Mode* See nothing else

* Some features of Ambient Mode require a compatible Android or iOS phone and sufďŹ cient space around the TV to operate; it will have varying results on complex wall designs, patterns, and/or unusual colours.

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16/08/2018 11:08

Essential Install | News

Giles Sutton (left) and Jamie Erasmus

Essential People

Charlie Kindel

Jamie Erasmus is the new managing director of the award-winning, London-based home integration firm, James + Giles (J+G).

As design director at Knektd (2012-2107), and most recently, the owner of JPE Audio Visual, Jamie is renowned as a technology expert, a design-orientated thinker and a business leader within the home technology field.

“J+G is a very successful business, with an outstanding team of people,” says Jamie. “The company is highly respected by its peers within the industry and by the many architects, designers, developers and high net worth individuals that it serves. The opportunity to take such a well-known and admired business to the next level with all the expertise and resources at its command rarely comes along, and, when it does, you just have to take it.”

He adds, “In many ways, it’s a completely natural evolution for J+G and for me, personally. Giles and I share the same business ideals, the same commitment to great project aesthetics and interior detailing, and the same passion for professional home technology and the amazing benefits that it can bring to our customers. I’m also looking forward to growing the business with my own fresh ideas, experiences and connections within the design and build community.”

“I am incredibly proud of the company I have built, but at the same time, I find myself ready for a new challenge.” comments Giles Sutton. “Having known Jamie for many years, I am convinced he is the right person to lead J+G. He has the talent and the industry experience, the business skills and the vision to take J+G forwards into an exciting and prosperous future.”

Jamie replaces Giles at J+G who has moved to trade body, CEDIA where he will be senior vice president of industry engagement. This new role will be charged with driving member engagement around the world, facilitating strong partnerships across the industry, and helping build awareness of the CEDIA channel among architects, builders, and interior designers.

“Giles has an incredibly clear understanding of the CEDIA membership — their needs, challenges, and opportunities for growth — having built his own successful integration business. Giles also has a great understanding of working with design and build professionals and can attribute much of his company’s

growth to outreach efforts, which will be a huge help to us in executing our strategic plan,” says Tabatha O’Connor, CEDIA president and CEO. “I am incredibly proud of the company I have built: at the same time, I find myself ready for a new challenge.

Having gone through the strategy process as a member of the CEDIA board, I feel incredibly confident in the direction of the organisation and the important role this position will play. I am honoured to be joining the CEDIA team and know we will do great work together,” says Giles.

Dave Humphries, CEDIA Chairman adds, “As a board member, Giles has been dedicated to helping communicate the value of the organisation and the CEDIA channel as a whole, which makes him a wonderful fit for this position.”

Control4 has named ex-Amazon Alexa head, Charlie Kindel, as senior vice president of products and services.

Charlie joins Control4 from Amazon where he led Amazon’s Alexa and Echo Smart Home efforts. Control4 says the organisation Charlie built and ran at Amazon proved that voice is a highly natural user interface for interacting with the home and the recent accelerated growth in smart home visibility is directly attributable to the broad reach and success of Alexa Smart Home.

Charlie’s work prior to Amazon was also highly relevant as well building a suite of connected home products through his 21-year tenure at Microsoft, including Windows home networking, Windows Media Center, Windows Home Server, and Windows Phone.

“We enthusiastically welcome Charlie to the Control4 team to lead our global product and services organisation,” says Martin Plaehn, chairman and chief executive officer. “Charlie’s successful track record building the world’s most loved consumer and developer products fits perfectly with the Control4 vision.

“His broad experience across the domains of consumer media, home networking and computing, mobile and voice, as well as the creation of their underlying scalable platforms and ecosystems, are all directly applicable disciplines for creating and delivering next-generation connected home experiences.”

“It’s a really exciting time,” says Charlie, “I am looking forward to leveraging my 20 years’ experience professionally in smart home technology and an even longer relationship with the concept on a personal level. I have been a smart home enthusiast before it became part of my professional life.”

Charlie will succeed Eric Anderson, who announced his retirement plans earlier this year after serving as the company’s product and services executive since 2012.

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23/08/2018 15:45

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23/07/2018 14:33

Essential Install | Pulse

Stephen Clasper designed the Pulse Media room to be comfortable, stylish and AV friendly

A room with a view

In a new service from Pulse Cinemas, the company is offering the experience of one of the country’s leading designers and luxury furniture makers, enabling installers to deliver not just great cinemas, but great rooms full stop.

Stephen Clasper is an award winning designer who for many years has been delivering high-quality interiors and furniture for private clients and developers, using his love of art and design to deliver rooms that exceed expectations.

In a new initiative from Pulse, Stephen’s expertise will be on tap to those Pulse dealers who want to create a complete room for their client from the ground up, which reflects their desires and personality and also delivers the AV experience they want. What is special about this joint initiative is that Stephen does not just have a complete understanding of how to create stunning rooms, but also how to create rooms that are sympathetic to the needs of the AV being integrated – so often a bone of contention for installers keen to get their systems working at peak performance.

Anyone who has visited Pulse’s showroom and witnessed the new media room will already be familiar with Stephen’s work, as he designed the Moroccan themed room which houses the £10K (RRP) and £25K (RRP) systems that until they are activated, remain completely hidden in the plush and comfortable surroundings of the room.

Stephen explains, “This is about building relationships and allowing installers to offer real expertise and inspiration when creating rooms for clients. We can offer a complete design service from top to bottom delivering

site surveys, consultation services, full colour renders, mood boards as well as bespoke furniture and cabinet making to help installers impress clients, get better results and win more business.

“What’s more I ‘get’ AV. For 20 years, I have been creating living spaces that are fully sympathetic to the needs of the AV systems; together we can create rooms that deliver on every level.”

Mike Beatty, Pulse Cinemas MD, adds, “Having long experience as not just a designer, but manufacturer of bespoke furniture and cabinetry, as well as a skilled appreciation of AV, makes Stephen’s services pretty unique. How often have you prayed for a designer who understands what you are trying to achieve with the AV in a living space? Well now your prayers have been answered and we are really excited about this new service we can offer. It’s a natural progression for us and we feel it’s going to deliver great results and create more business for everyone.

“Take our media room for example. The TV based system in there is actually only £10K (RRP) for all the AV kit, but it sounds way more than that because of the room; it’s all designed from the ground up to not only look and feel great, but provide the right platform for the AV when it’s called upon.”

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28/08/2018 15:42

Essential Install | Pulse

Timely intervention

From mood boards to plans, Stephen can deliver it all

Stephen adds, “Having designed and completed many of these types of rooms down the years, I know how good they can be when everything is integrated in the whole design right from the start; it lifts every element of the room so what the customer gets is genuine integration of technology into a luxury living space designed to inspire and surround them with comfort.”

Mike adds, “It’s probably a surprise to many of us in the industry as we are kit heads, but most clients when they visit here with their dealer/installer ask about the carpet, the furniture, the stylish lighting fittings, before they ask about the AV. These are things that excite them and make them want a space like this in their own home; add the AV in and it creates real desire to purchase. We are giving installers the chance to sell to those clients. Dedicated cinemas are a huge part of what we do of course and design can play a huge part in those too. However, not everyone wants that dedicated space, and working with Stephen to create living spaces with AV built into their DNA creates a whole new world and expands our horizons as an industry.

Not everyone has a cinema right? But everyone has and wants a beautiful living room, so the possibilities are huge.”

As luck would have it, whilst EI was at Pulse HQ, sales manager Simon Schino was doing some training and demo work, including a demo of the media room. For those who have not experienced this room yet, it’s definitely recommended as it does completely underline what we have been saying here, that a room designed from the start to support and be sympathetic to the AV clearly gives outstanding results. . The cinema systems in place are relatively modest for our industry price point wise – 10k and 25K respectively for all the AV – are very impressive, particularly the Atmos projector-based system.

Today it was rocking a very powerful sequence from Roger Water’s concert/documentary film about iconic album The Wall. What was interesting here was that Stephen clearly enjoyed the footage as much as anyone in the room; a real bonus to work with a designer who is as much a fan as any installer of the experiences that can be created with a topquality AV set up. Talking with Stephen, it’s clear what he can offer installers is not just knowledge, but enthusiasm for what the experiences can deliver.

The mechanics of how all this will work will vary of course from customer to customer, but the basics of having the ability to bring into play Stephen’s knowledge and services right from the off when talking to a client or bringing them to the demo space, looks and feels like a win-win.

Stephen has a great analogy here, saying, “You would not sell a Bentley by just talking about the engine, it’s a whole package, the interior, the design of the instruments, the carpets, the upholstery, everything works in harmony to create an experience that excites the senses and expectations of the clients. Media rooms should be no different, installers can provide the engine to drive the AV experience and rely on us to create a room that completes the project and takes everything to a higher level.”

Stephen’s services are available as from right now as part of Pulse’s desire to help its installers win more business and provide a more complete service, so get into touch to find out more.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039 pulsecinemas.com

Full colour render of the media room before construction

August 2018 | 17 Pulse.indd 17

28/08/2018 15:42

Essential Install | CEDIA

Don’t be anti-social

Kris Gamble, technical director at CEDIA member company Customised Ltd, explains the simple process of using social media to promote your company to a wider audience.

Kris is a big believer in the power of social media

Smart thinking delivers ways of hitting multiple platforms

Ten years ago, I took my first steps at becoming my own boss. I remember the day I quit my old job and took the leap into a world of self-employment. In 2008, smart home was going to be huge — it was the year to make my move and bring this exciting new service to the Scottish Highlands.

The first challenge I faced was getting people to know about my business. In the early days of any business, friends and family get you up and running. Someone needed a TV wall mounted and another wanted a camera installed overlooking their driveway — easy stuff and a good way to get positive feedback on our services.

You can’t rely on friend and family referrals lasting too long, so I took to the streets with flyers and knocked on doors, attended business networking events, and arranged meetings with builders and architects. It was a full-time job and was taking up a lot of time. When the work started coming in, the efforts to network and pound the streets reduced — it had to, I had customers to service.

The trap you get into is a yo-yo effect of securing work, doing the work, getting a bit quiet, bringing in more work, doing the work, and slowing down again. Lots of businesses experience this.

I needed a way to network and promote my business whilst providing installation service to customers. Thank goodness for social media. In less than one hour per day, I can now do all my networking, promotion, and sales digitally and reach tens of thousands of potential customers.

Let’s look at a few of the platforms available and prices to be on them as a business: Instagram – free, Twitter – free, Facebook – free, Linkedin – free, YouTube – free.

Isn’t that handy? All these global platforms, which have proven to be effective business networking and growth tools, are free to use, easy to use, and every customer you could possibly ever work for is on at least one of these platforms.

You know the platforms, so I’m not going it bore you with the pros and cons of each. You need to be present and create regular content on them to be discoverable.

In 2018 and beyond, if your business is not on these platforms and producing content that’s bringing value to viewers, listeners, and followers, then it’s invisible. Where do you think the consumer’s attention is if it’s not on their phone? It’s where they get all the information they need.

News, sport, business, friends, TV, music, banking, email, shopping, health, their life is in a six-inch screen.

There are three ways that your content can be viewed by potential customers. They’ll either read it, watch it, or listen to it. If your business can produce content in all three ways then great, two out of three is good, one out of three is the minimum. One piece of content can be used to deliver on all three formats. For example, write a blog post for your website, post it on your blog, Medium page or Blogger. Take the same 300 words and copy and paste it into a Facebook or an Instagram post with a recent image of your installation work. Next, read the blog post out loud into your phone’s voice memos app. Check that you’re happy with that and then add that audio clip to an Anchor podcast episode. If you link that account correctly, your recording will also appear on iTunes, Soundcloud, and other platforms.

Finally, read the blog post again, this time to your smartphone camera. Get yourself comfortable, get the lights right so people can see your face, blow your nose, take a drink of water, check your hair, and press record. Take that six-minute video clip, check it through for audio quality, and then drop that video on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram TV, LinkedIn, and your website.

So, to recap, one blog post of 300 words is now on about eleven different platforms just because you produced it in three different formats.

Don’t even start telling me you don’t have time for this. You’ve got time to hang around at the BNI or Chamber of Commerce evening meeting, play golf, or post on your personal Facebook profile that you’re watching the game on TV. Start using the device that’s in your pocket to reach a wider audience for your business.

If this industry put some effort into creating content with value to homeowners, then maybe our services will be needed in every home and not just the 5% of homes where we all currently peddle our wares.

Inspirational businesses in our industry to follow on social media are Tym Homes, Art of Smart, Digital Delight, and Restrepo Innovations.

If you want to talk more about social media strategies and effective techniques, find me on the CEDIA Community and start a discussion about your next social step.

CEDIA 01480 213 744, cedia.co.uk

18 | August 2018 CEDIA.indd 18

23/08/2018 15:45

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24/08/2018 16:48

Essential Install | designflow

Better by design

EI takes a look at the concepts and people behind install design and documentation specialist designflow and the company’s ‘daas’ design as a service offering.

Design as a service, or daas, is a design outsourcing concept that is focused on helping integrators and promoting design as key to delivering better, smarter projects. daas works as either a supplement to an in-house design team, or as a replacement for one. In simple terms, integrators hand over all the information about a project and the daas team works to a deadline to deliver whichever elements of a project’s design are required from proposal packages right through to handover packs and anything in between. The company works with small and large integrators in the UK, across Europe and the U.S. daas can help any integration company deliver the design requirements for their projects be they small or large.

Installer benefits

Richard Chadwick, director at Audiovation, is a fan. The most important reason for using the service? Richard says, “If I had to pick one it would ultimately be profitability.

The proposals are well costed out from details such as the required cable quantities to the number of man hours required to do a job and the detailed plans help efficiencies on-site making the job run smoother.”

As for other less expected benefits, Richard explains, “It’s been useful as a sales tool when having initial presales meetings. We have sample site and engineering packs which are shown to clients when discussing their project and everyone comments how detailed and professional they look, which can only increase their feeling of confidence in what we’d be able to do.”

In terms of rating the service on a scale of one to five for responsiveness to requirements, Richard rates designflow a five out of five, with the team always quick to respond to emails or phone calls.

Using the same scale for meeting deadlines, Richard says, “I’d rate designflow five for deadlines. They’ve never missed one and on occasions where we’ve needed a proposal at short notice, they have always tried their best to accommodate.”

Designflow also offers a ‘free if you win’ proposal package, another plus point for Richard, “It’s difficult to know how many proposals you’ll need to do in a month, so having the proposal free if you win makes dealing with designflow easier.”

Benefits are also delivered via designflow’s Site and Engineering packages, but which aspect is the best?

Richard says, “Difficult to pick one, but if I had to I’d say the rack drawings. We generally supply Middle Atlantic racks and having the full parts list provided is a real time saver.”

The best aspect of working with designflow? Richard responds, “When running a small business, you end up wearing many hats and time management is pretty difficult.

There’s no doubt working with Keith and the team has helped me by taking the burden of the proposals from us.”

So, are there any improvements Richard would like to see on the service? “From when we started working with Keith and the team, they have continued to improve their offering and I expect this will be the case going forward.

“One example of this was on the first proposals we did – we only got one option, whereas now we generally have a couple of spec levels on proposals at different price points for the client to choose from.”

Simon Ashton, managing director, AVA Projects, is also positive, “Designing a system is time consuming, we need that time to focus on our business and our customers. designflow is an extension of our team. We gain the experience and knowledge of a team of highly trained and skilled systems designers for a fraction of the cost it would be to employ one or even two.”

The people behind daas Keith Jones

Kelly Ashforth

Keith studied product design at Central St. Martins where he graduated in 1996, giving him a strong foundation in design methodology and software. Starting his own AV Company in 2001, Keith has over 15 years’ experience as a systems designer. In 2013 Keith was awarded a coveted d-tools design award in the residential category for his work on The Tower, London project, which went on to win best Crestron DM installation 2014. Keith became CEDIA ESC-D certified in 2017 and now teaches the CEDIA Design Documentation course.

Kelly gained her ESC-D in 2008, becoming a systems designer and one of only two women in Europe with this accreditation at the time. She has more than 10 years’ experience as a systems designer and has successfully designed and managed numerous prestigious projects with values up to £1.3m. Kelly has designed three CEDIA award winning projects including best home cinema over £100k in 2013.

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Essential Install | designflow

daas design as a service Simon also rates the service highly in terms of

The smart building design revolution responsiveness and meetingby deadlines, “They always

answer calls/emails or call back within the hour and have never let us down – and we have had some demanding deadlines.”

What is the best thing for Simon about the ‘free if you win’ proposal service? Simon says, “The free part... seriously, we have never seen designflow as a cost, more as a part of the team. Nice to have the ‘free if you win’ service but it doesn’t change how we use the service.”

As for the Site and Engineering packages, Simon adds, “You can leave the site pack with the client/architect for them to use and they don’t have to be bothered with the engineering details.” Simon adds that what he likes best about working with designflow is having someone knowledgeable to bounce ideas off and ultimately the systems are better as a result.

Tom Butler, MD at installer Butler Harwell, explains why he thinks the service is important. “For seven years, I worked at Artcoustic Loudspeakers with our partner dealers on a daily basis with a design-led approach, resulting in projects with fewer surprises, more efficient installations and an overall system performance that surpassed expectations.

“Many of these dealers would go on to work with designflow to ensure they had the resource to continue this approach with every project. Better planning meant higher efficiency and greater profit, often with repeat business.

And are there financial benefits from working with designflow? “Absolutely, my new business is in its infancy, and despite being well funded, I have little appetite for an expensive permanent member of staff to take care of my design and documentation requirements.

“A good team member who is qualified to work to the standards that designflow deliver will likely have a salary of in excess of £40,000 per annum. When you take employer’s national insurance contributions, absence because of holiday and bank holidays, sickness, training etc. into account, that real cost ofemployment translates into around £250 per day. But that’s EVERY day, not just for the days that you are billing for their time. Employing the services of designflow is a far more efficient use of my budget.”

Are there other less expected benefits? “Wholeheartedly yes. The team have helped me to avoid costly mistakes with my specifications on numerous occasions. Having all worked in an integrator capacity before forming their company, designflow understand the intricacies of modern smart home designs, and help to keep your eye on the ball.”

As far as responsiveness to requirements and meeting deadlines, Tom is another five out of five person, “Don’t get me wrong, I’d never drop a £500k project in their lap with only 24 hours’ notice, but I communicate on a weekly basis to ensure they’re expecting the work I have coming up and as such they are prepared and have never let me down.”

Tom is also a fan of the free if you win proposal packages, “It means that I never end up paying for their time but benefit hugely from it! Instead of burying my head in an excel spreadsheet, I can be out finding more work, without really worrying about their bill. Sure, you don’t win them all, but in the scheme of things, their charges for proposals are a rounding error, as far as I’m concerned.”

As for the Site and Engineering packages, Tom says these generate respect from clients, and a reputation for pride in our work, resulting in new referrals and more profit.

Summing up the best thing about this positive relationship, Tom cites, “Their personal approach, and insistence on understanding how you want to work and how you want your company to be presented. They care, is I guess what I’m trying to say.” designflow 020 7175 7270, designflow.co, info@designflow.co

Daniel Tumata

Nathan Haynes

Daniel has worked on major AV projects with values up to $2.5m and has a great appreciation for the time required and complex integration challenges when faced with large scale projects. He has over 10 years’ experience as a systems designer, with relevant qualifications from THX and CEDIA. Daniel is one of only five professionals to hold the CEDIA – HCDS certification and he has had a lead role in the design of many major award winning projects including four CEDIA award winners.

Nathan brings his wealth of experience in the commercial sector and Crestron DM certification to the team. Nathan has more than 15 years’ experience as a systems designer and was one of the first professionals in Canada to receive CEDIA designer certification in 2002. Since then he has successfully designed countless projects in both residential and commercial sectors with values up to 1.2m CAD. In 2014 and 2017 Nathan won the commercial category in the coveted d-tools awards for his Chances Casino and Earls Restaurant projects respectively.

August 2018 | 21 FCP.indd 21

23/08/2018 15:46

A mini control system within every MHUB. Every MHUB ships with uControl - our universal remote app.

Control hundreds of devices like Sky, BT, Virgin, AppleTV and pretty much any display.

Make your next install MHUB. Try it in demo mode today. Search “uControl� in your app store.

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23/08/2018 15:48

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Untitled-11 3

23/08/2018 15:48

Essential Install | Habitech

Speed-dating with tech: Habitech’s TechFest promises a big slice of product innovation, powerful demo environments and useful intel rolled into a single day!

First look at the new Ruckus IoT Suite of network infrastructure, designed to help you to integrate the Internet of Things

Showtime: boost your performance and earning power at TechFest Successive open days will offer integrators the first chance to experience CEDIA Expo product intros, network with manufacturers and brand specialists, and explore a new suite of training and demo spaces. MD Jonathan Pengilley lifts the veil on Habitech’s upcoming festival of tech.

We’re counting down to TechFest, our annual product and networking event, created to offer you a stimulating mix of new products and knowhow. Over four days in September we’ll showcase innovations fresh from CEDIA’s U.S Expo interspersed with a seminar programme covering the big tech issues of the day, as well as the opportunity to network with manufacturers – all within our brand new training and demonstration environment.

Close encounters

After their lightning hop from San Diego, we’ll reveal JVC’s latest line-up, as well as the newest additions to the ultra-wide Sonance range and WyreStorm’s CEDIA 18 product intros. Guided by our product team you’ll enjoy a first encounter with a great new line of uber-capable Ruckus switches, supplied with a lifetime warranty and designed to partner its peerless APs in high-density 802.11ac / 802.11ax deployments. And while you’re with Ruckus we’ll introduce you to the brand’s rather magical new IoT Suite of APs, modules, WLAN and controllers, created to

help you manage the spiralling number of IoT connected devices (set to triple to 30 billion in 2020, and triple again to 80 billion by 2025) within a complex ecosystem of standards, devices and services. All at once the Ruckus IoT suite unifies the standards, plugs holes in security and optimises interoperability, relieving potentially enormous time and cost pressures. Discover how at TechFest.

We’ll also give you a hands-on appreciation of Legrand’s ‘MyHOME_Up’ home automation system, a brilliantly simple plug-and-play path to whole-home control over lighting, heating, audio, video, blinds and security from a smartphone app. Integration was never this easy, and we’ll prove it.

New demo spaces

Supporting the exclusive product intros, we’ll unveil our new suite of demo spaces, which will give you a clearer view of product applications and benefits in a real-world setting. Refurbished using services supplied

by CinemaTech, the new cinemas and two-channel spaces will in themselves make a compelling case for the

24 | August 2018 Habitech.indd 24

23/08/2018 15:49

Essential Install | Habitech

Introducing CinemaTech: seal the deal with room renders which show your client how the cinema will look even before it’s built

Wisdom’s P2i in-walls on dem in Habitech’s new pure audio room

transformative power of CinemaTech’s proven aesthetic and acoustic design expertise, developed over two decades in the prime U.S market and now available exclusively through Habitech.

Its industry-leading Design Service Program involves meticulous consultation, producing performance-mapped drawings of seating layout, sightline views, viewing angles and acoustical analysis, followed by accurate 3D renders of the design before work starts. Incorporated within every project is CinemaTech’s patented Acoustic Room System, which custom-tunes the acoustic environment for the most immersive home theatre experiences. Given its track record, we’re absolutely convinced that CinemaTech will help you to win lucrative new business from the most discerning customers.

CinemaTech’s high frequency, reflective and lowfrequency absorption/diffusion tech – now installed in our flagship 9:4:4 theatre – is sure to enhance Wisdom’s impeccably discreet and accurate system performance recently boosted by a new state-of-the-art 20-channel processing brand. All will be revealed (quite literally) at TechFest. And we’ll demonstrate just how far discreet cinema performance has evolved in the mainstream with our new 9:4:4 Sonance Reference Theatre, starring Sonance Reference series cinema speakers, ARCAM processing/amplification and Dolby Vision HDR sources.

You’ll be the first to audition a choice of the finest discreet two-channel options in the new pure audio room, featuring Wisdom’s award-winning Insight P2i in-walls, Sonance VP models, the miraculous Sonance IS4 and ISW invisible speakers and its amazing adjustable-width soundbars. Outside we’re staging a peerless free-air show with the new Sonance Landscape Series (SLS) of outdoor speakers, representing a dynamic leap forward in allweather versatility and performance.

Outside Source: the new all-weather Sonance Landscape Series (SLS) speakers will be performing al fresco

Everything in one place By placing a complete range of product solutions in a single location, our beautifully practical new demonstration walls make comparison easy. The iPort Wall for instance, showcases the world’s most versatile and specialised range of discreet iPad mounts – 20 in all – including the luxurious LuxePort design, while the Sonance Sub Wall will reveal all the options for the deepest discreet bass ever devised. Alongside, the new Yamaha MusiCast Wall is designed to demonstrate MusiCast’s easy integration with all the leading control systems, as well as its exceptional sound quality of course.

Free-thinking seminars

Sandwiched between all the dems as part of the TechFest experience, we’re staging a series of seminars designed to answer all the big tech questions concerning HDR and the evolution of 4K UHD distribution, reveal the latest audio design breakthroughs in the Sonance repertoire, and take you on a ‘hot seat’ tour of our newest home cinema technologies.

Acting in the finest tradition of Habitech’s value-added culture, TechFest will introduce new ways to help you boost your performance and earning power. Join us as we unveil the latest custom tech and intel, Basingstoke September 24-27, 2018.

Hope to see you there!

More information: Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

Get hands-on with a new line of superfast switches from Ruckus, and far right, it’s plug and play automation courtesy of Legrand’s MyHome_Up

August 2018 | 25 Habitech.indd 25

23/08/2018 15:49

Essential Install | Cyberhomes audiophile home

I’ve got a silver machine!

Meridian speakers, some in striking bespoke colours, as well as a full automation and AV package have helped light up this family home courtesy of Cyberhomes.

Nestled in between the home of cricket and the worldrenowned Abbey Road Studios, this seven-bedroom house in St John’s Wood, North London, has under-gone a major redevelopment.

Andy Mack, director of Cyberhomes, explains, “Our initial contact with the project was through the building contractor and he had produced a tender for the AV technology which specified Control4. The homeowner had never owned a home with integration/automation.

The original house on the site was effectively demolished (retaining the original façade) with a new basement dug out to increase the living space. The homeowner is a developer specialising in luxury hotels in Europe with an

extremely high standard of finish. His wife is an interior designer, and hence the aesthetic look of all the interiors was of primary importance to the client.”

Andy explains that as a lover of classical music, the homeowner wanted quality music to be available throughout the home. Audiophile music quality was required, particularly in key listening rooms, but there must be no speakers visible in the hallway. The homeowner is security conscious, so in addition to intruder/fire/CCTV systems with 24-hour monitoring, he also wanted the master bedroom, hallways and stairwells to have emergency lighting in event of the power being disconnected, indicating a possible security threat.

26 | August 2018 Case Study.indd 26

23/08/2018 15:50

Essential Install | Cyberhomes audiophile home

Diving into the detail

Plenty of hard surfaces meant getting the audio right was a challenge in some areas

The property has two automated sliding gates and the gate intercom is accessible from all touchscreens and mobile devices with the ability to remote open the gates for both pedestrians (25% open) and vehicles. Cyberhomes also had to deliver ‘quick access’ control of AV from the lighting wall-plates for regular everyday use without having to use touchscreens or other control system interfaces.

The home also has both underfloor heating and a whole house air conditioning system which needed to work co-operatively to achieve the desired temperature in each room. All bedrooms were to have TVs that are hidden out of sight when not in use. The family also wanted the TVs viewable both from in bed and also from each bedrooms’ seating area.

As a very musical family, the audiophile solution heavily involved Meridian.

Every room needed to have the ability to listen to multiple audio sources in high quality; while minimising the impact on the interior design of the rooms.

Andy explains that there are three ‘critical listening’ zones. First up, the living room listening area has a pair of Meridian DSP7200SE active speakers, presented in a striking silver bespoke colour, driven by the IP/ IR capable 218 Powered Zone Controller. The 218 features an MQA decoder to enable it to serve as the backbone of a Hi-Res audio solution, allowing access to full MQA on the DSP7200SE loudspeakers. Here, the homeowner’s content is streamed via a Tidal Masters account.

The open-plan living room also has a TV watching area where the family can relax watching movies and the separate music area has its own grand piano.

Second critical listening area is the study which also features a pair of DSP7200.2 active speakers.

A Meridian Media Core 200 provides local storage capability of high-res audio files for both Meridian zones and the Meridian’s are controlled via the Control4 interface with full access to artwork, playlists and other features.

The loudspeakers feature the latest Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, enabling high quality usage for prolonged periods of time, with no additional amplification required.

The DSP7200.2s also benefit from Meridian’s Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) technology, isolated bass and midrange drivers for controlled and detailed sound.

Third critical audio zone is the dedicated cinema room which features a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos surround and 4K Sony projector. Triad’s Gold range of speakers were used for the main channels and the room was also acoustically treated and ISF calibrated.

August 2018 | 27 Case Study.indd 27

23/08/2018 15:50

Essential Install | Cyberhomes audiophile home

Comfort and high quality AV are big features of the home

Rounding out the picture As well as in the living room there are an additional 15 TVs around the home (17 video zones in total). Each TV is connected to the video distribution system; a Zektor 4K capable 16x16 HDBaseT video matrix. All TVs have their audio output fed back into the matrix to allow the audio from the built-in Smart TV features to be heard through the higher quality speakers in the zone.

As for the lighting, a Lutron Homeworks QS lighting control system was installed with over 130 lighting circuits.

Lutron is fully integrated into the Control4 interface and PIR motion detection control of lighting in bathrooms, en-suites.

Motorised blinds feature in most rooms with easy control via dedicated engraved buttons on Lutron wall-plates. Exterior lighting is also triggered by PIRs (depending on the time of year and intruder alarm state).

Andy adds, “A Texecom Intruder alarm and Fire Detection system was installed by our SSAIB-approved security partner. This was integrated into Control4 to allow easy arm/disarm as well as status notifications. 11 Visualint CCTV cameras cover the entire perimeter of the property and footage is constantly recorded on an NVR. The perimeter can be armed separately from arming whole house (e.g. for security at night).

HVAC was also important, Andy says, “We installed a North Commander interface to control both the underfloor heating and the air conditioning/circulation.

Considerable time was spent calibrating how heating and cooling co-operate to achieve desired temperature in each room. Desired temperatures are easily set for each room via the Control4 interface.”

Network in a property like this if course vital, Andy explains, “Internet feed is a dedicated 50 mbps synchronous leased line. We also provided a backup VDSL connection and the router is configured to automatically failover to this connection in the event of leased line failure. A core/edge network topology is deployed for maximum throughput and reliability.

“There are multiple data points in each room (including every TV point). A managed Ruckus Wi-Fi network allows seamless roaming around property.”

28 | August 2018 Case Study.indd 28

23/08/2018 15:50

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Essential Install | Cyberhomes audiophile home

Kit list • Meridian 218 Zone Controller x 2

• Meridian DSP7200.2 active speakers (pair)

• Meridian DSP7200.2SE active speakers (pair) • Meridian Media Core 200 music server

• Amina Technologies AIW350iN/S200 speaker x 4 • Apple TV 64GB media player x 4 • Aquavision AVF32-4GBB

• Aquavision AVF32L-4HDLCD • Aquavision AVG32-4MV

• Autonomic Controls MMS-5A music server • Control 4 Automation/Control points

• CYP PU-304-audio over cat6 extender x 2 • Domotz Network Monitor

• Draytek Vigor 2860 router • Integra DRX-5 AV receiver

• James Loudspeakers various

• Kaleidescape Strato 4K Ultra HD x 3

• Kaleidescape Terra Movie Server (24 TB) • Lutron lighting system

Overcoming hurdles

The size of the property presented some challenges

Many floors in the property are of highly polished marble and many rooms have marble or glass walls; so there were acoustic challenges throughout the property which the team had to assess and take into account.

The plant room is quite cramped considering 3 x 44U racks plus a wall-mounted head-end had to be accommodated. The steps down to plant room were made removable so that once someone is in the room, the steps can be removed providing space for the racks to be pulled out (on castors) for servicing and maintenance.

The size of the property and number of network points required resulted in a very large patch panel (8 panels of 24 ports); which meant managing and ensuring neat cabling to the head end was more challenging than normal.

• Lutron and Silent Gliss motorised blinds x 69 • Pakedge 24 Port Gigabit Switch x 3 • Ruckus Zoneflex R500 x 12 • Ruckus Zoneflex T300 x 2

• Sony 43in LED Large Format Display x 6 • Sony OLED 55in FWD-55A1 TV • Sony OLED 65in FWD-65A1 TV

• Sony VPL-VW550ES 4K projector • Sony XE9 Series 49in TV x 4 • Sony XE9 Series 55in TV • Sony XE9 Series 65in TV • Triad speakers various

Andy adds, “Whilst most rooms have a Control4 touchscreen, the homeowner also wanted to use the Control4 interface on TVs. However, if using ‘audio only’ the TV would normally be off. Therefore, a manual override was programmed onto custom buttons of the Control4 remote control to turn the TV on and show the Control4 on-screen display; while retaining the original audio input.”

Favourite aspect time and for the Cyberhomes team it’s the sound quality from the Meridian DSP7200SE speakers.

Andy reveals, “Meridian’s engineers came to site to fine tune the settings of the speakers and the 218 in order to optimise the performance for the room. With MQA content (streamed via a Tidal Masters account), the precision of the soundstage in both width and depth can be breath-taking with some recordings.”

The client has been surprised by his favourite area. Andy explains, “When the cinema room was originally proposed as part of our design, the homeowner wasn’t that enthusiastic about it; it was something his kids really wanted for watching movies and gaming. However, he has discovered the joy of watching Blu-Ray videos of operas and classical music performances in immersive surround sound, so spends much more time in there than he ever anticipated.”

Cyberhomes 0333 344 3818, cyberhomes.co.uk

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10/08/2018 09:12

Global Search with the new TuneBridge App • Control and curate music from your phone or tablet with the touch of a button.

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T: 01359 270280 W: www.invisionuk.com E: sales@invisionuk.com

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Essential Install | Smart Thinking: Henley Audio

The Klipsch Heritage Cornwall III speakers are a huge slice of fun

The Roon interface and search engine is winning many fans

Say hello to Henley

EI recently paid a visit to Henley Audio, a go-ahead distribution company with an envious line up of brands that installers would do well to take a look at.

Simon Powell, Henley Audio’s operations manager, was EI’s host for the day, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable professional with a genuine love of all things AV. Now there is a theme that EI keeps coming back to of late; it’s that installers, while trying to expand their offering and provide everything the client wants, could do well to look at the Hi-Fi world if they don’t cover it already.

Why? Well, apart from the retail channel, who else has the client group to offer some of these very desirable products? These sales will be made, why not make sure its you that makes them?

Looking around the company’s very well-appointed HQ in Didcot, Oxfordshire, is a real treat for any music fan, a total candy store of brands and products. Simon explains a little of the history, “We were formed as part of a management buyout of Ortofon UK (manufacturer of Hi-Fi pick-up cartridges) in 1997. Before 1997 we were already operating as a distributor for some brands, but the buyout allowed us to operate with greater freedom and flexibility.

“From that point, our owners Laurence Armstrong (MD) and Nick Fuller (sales director) operated the company with a view to offering a select range of brands

and technologies that complemented each other, so we experienced little-to-no internal conflict on what we should recommend. They also built a team of people who were devoted to offering the same support end users would expect from the biggest companies; but for brands that were a fraction of the size of the large corporations.”

Simon adds, “This has been our MO since the beginning, and it’s allowed us to steadily increase in size, moving into Didcot and then in 2016 upgrading to a new ultra-modern facility with the following departments all operated entirely in-house: Finance, customer services, tech support, service (warranty and out-of-warranty), sales, marketing, videography and graphic design.

“Our background of brands has historically made us very successful in the two-channel arena, helping establish Ortofon as the leading cartridge brand in the UK, as well as increasing turn-table brand Pro-Ject’s market position into that of a major player at all price points. However, the recent expansion has allowed us to move into new territories – notably with Roon (covering high-end digital audio requirements for CI and Hi-Fi) and Klipsch (covering lifestyle and Hi-Fi/ home cinema speakers).”

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Essential Install | Smart Thinking: Henley Audio

From Pro-Ject turntables to digital hardware like the Roon Nucleus and Nucleus+, Henley has a wide range to offer

The Klipsch brand has a very capable home with Henley Audio

So why is it a good time for installers to be looking at Henley? “Roon will be increasingly recognised as a go-to brand for high-specification multi-room audio installs,” argues Simon, “Its user interface is a step above everyone else, and its hardware agnosticism allows you to spec an install exactly to the customer’s budget and expectation in each room.

“Otherwise, we want to be every installer’s Hi-Fi solution provider. If you want a turntable as a centrepiece, but need it to fit into a digital or wireless system, we can help. If you are looking for beautiful, esoteric items, we can help. If you want stylish in-room speakers that make a real statement, we can help.”

Roon does indeed look like a strong proposition, what are Simon’s highlights?

“Roon is effortlessly easy to install. The team behind the software are so experienced with all manner of CI requirements, that they’ve thought of everything.

So, for installers, when using the Nucleus or Nucleus+ servers (Roon’s hardware option) we sell at point of install, the process is simple and takes care of all your other compatible audio devices set-up as well. But for those who want to go full white-glove, you can also add convulition filters and parametric EQ to each zone so it sounds phenomenal in every room.

“For customers, Roon offers a musical experience like no other digital solution. Producing a digital music library that integrates your owned music with TIDAL for a seamless experience that takes you down musical rabbit-holes, allowing you to listen to whatever you want – exactly when you want to.”

EI has to say on Roon that if you have not checked it out yet, it’s well worth it. The interface is supposed to feel like reading sleeve notes and it manages it really well. The interface is very information rich and allows the user to search very organically not just by artist, but producers, engineers and so on. What’s really cool is that with all the info on offer, you learn more about the artists as you listen.

Klipsch is also well worth a look, a brand that has never really had its due on the UK, it has some very capable drivers delivered by a company with a genuine audio pedigree.

EI was curious as to Simon’s thoughts on the positive time music provision seams to be having currently.

“Data is so cheap now, whether streaming or storing content on a hard drive, so the need for MP3s is on the decline. The natural follow-on to an upgrade in the content is improved hardware to listen on.

Vinyl helped bring sound quality back as a concept on a cultural level – solutions like Roon and streaming services like Tidal are now encouraging others to do the same with digital systems – whether portable or in-house.”

So how does the world of Henley and installers grow closer? Simon explains, “We’re new to working with installers, but we have a great facility and can set-up oneto-one visits that involve a demonstration and training on what we have to offer. We hope to work with other key industry organisations over the next year or so to further support the growing network of installers we will work with. We also have a lot of services in-house, so there’s always someone to talk to on the phone. To get an account, contact us on sales@henleyaudio.co.uk and we’ll guide you through the process.”

EI can attest that the demo facility is top notch, do check out the Klipsch Heritage Cornwall III’s, a set of speakers are just huge fun to listen too. There are also some innovative designs from Pro-Ject, wall-mounted and other special editions.

Dare we say it? Hi-Fi is ‘cool’ again as those that grew up with it are often the principle client in a project and younger customers begin to discover quality as well as convenience, and Henley can certainly help with that. Add to that its delivery of Roon and the brand’s own Nucleus or Nucleus+ servers as well as the Klipsch family of speakers, it is a company installers should take note of.

Henley Audio 01235 511 166, henleyaudio.co.uk

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Essential Install | CEDIA Preview

Wisdom will present new products and give a major home cinema demo featuring the Sage Cinema Series

A date with San Diego

EI presents just a few of the companies showcasing new designs at this year’s CEDIA Expo, takes place at the San Diego Convention Center.

It’s been a relatively quiet run up to the show. With some big launches and news promised during the event, there are still some interesting companies using the show to highlights their wares.

Wisdom Audio, available in the UK from Habitech, will be unveiling and demonstrating its new Insight On-Wall series. Two On-Wall models, (P2m and P4m) plus a matching freestanding subwoofer (S10), will be introduced, all with options for high gloss black or high gloss white finishes. Shipping and pricing will be announced at the show.

Atlona’s new Opus will perform at the show

Designed for high-performance media rooms and living spaces, the new range of On-Wall models are designed to bring flexibility to the existing Insight InWall range. The maker says the range is a step-up in performance to the existing Insight In-Wall, providing better clarity and dynamics.

The line-up consists of three models available in the two finishes. The P4m features a 6-Bar orientable planar magnetic driver (same as the Sage ICS7-a) paired with two 5in drivers. Mounted vertically, the P4m will precisely match the height of the most popular thin 65in TVs, while the rear portion of the cabinet allows for cable management. The P2m features the same 6-Bar orientable planar magnetic driver paired with a single 5in driver.

Both P2m and P4m can be used horizontally by rotating the PMD module 90°. The S10 is a slim, in-room matching 10in passive subwoofer that can be used freestanding, up firing or down firing.

Wisdom will also be showcasing the abilities of its Sage Cinema Series with a demo also featuring Trinnov, Kaleidescape, Sony and Seymour Screen. This 18-seat, three-row theatre will feature a 9.4.6 Immersive audio

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Essential Install | CEDIA Preview

Stealth Acoustics is launching the LRx85 at CEDIA Expo

presentation using a bi-amplified front stage of Wisdom Audio’s Sage Cinema Series Line 3, a Modular Line Source, in combination with six Sage Cinema Line 2 surround channels paired with six of the Point 2 height channel point source loudspeakers and four STS RTL (Regenerative Transmission Line) subwoofers.

Just Add Power (J+P), specialist in Ultra HD over IP video distribution, will demonstrate the new 3G Ultra HD over IP Series Daisy Chain Receiver and launch Just OS, its family of firmware and app-based solutions for control and management of video distribution on any network.

Just OS will feature the company’s latest firmware update, Every Switch Supported (ESS), which provides switching capability to make integration easier.

“Every year, as video sources and display locations increase, video distribution becomes more complex and expensive using traditional matrix and custom cable options,” says Taft Stricklin, sales team manager at J+P. “Just Add Power is committed to making the distribution chain simpler by utilising the power of the network. What we’re doing at CEDIA this year will allow integrators to build an unconstrained video distribution system easily in up to 4K quality for every application and budget.”

The new VBS-HDIP-3G 509POE Daisy Chain Powerover-Ethernet (PoE) receiver distributes Ultra HD and 4K video over a single Cat-5e cable without the need for fibre. With the onboard pass-through network port, any PoE device can be connected. The receiver also expands the number of PoE devices that can be added to the system by connecting a PoE switch to the port.

The new Just OS family of firmware is built from the ground up with the Representational State Transfer (REST) Application Programming Interface (API), which is often used in IoT application development. The REST API was chosen for its ability to scale installations and since it is based around network and web services, it makes integration easier. With this launch, it enables J+P’s ESS capabilities, which were developed to allow integrators to build any size 4K matrix on an existing network without having to change switches. It also brings together J+P’s Switch Please and Plug-Play-Present solutions under one umbrella.

Atlona has a few launches, however the company says perhaps its most significant is the new Opus Series of matrix switchers for residential and light commercial.

The family consists of three 4K/HDR, HDMI and HDBase switchers and a receiver.

Three new fixed I/O switchers offer HDCP 2.2, 4K/ UHD capability at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling, plus support for HDR formats. Atlona says Opus is engineered with a comprehensive range of control system integration and audio matrixing features, making it ideal for a wide range of small-to-medium-sized residential and commercial applications requiring multizone AV distribution.

The range includes the AT-OPUS-46M (4x6); AT-OPUS68M (6x8); and AT-OPUS-810M (8x10) matrix switchers, all of which feature HDBaseT outputs for transmission of HDMI, Ethernet pass through, bidirectional IR, and RS232 control signals up to 330ft (100m). Visually lossless VESA Display Stream Compression (DSC) enables HDR and 4K/60 4:4:4 signal extension over HDBaseT with no latency.

Each Opus model enables routing to HDBaseT outputs plus two additional HDMI outputs providing flexibility.

A companion Atlona receiver, the AT-OPUS-RX, is purpose-built for the Opus matrix switchers. The receiver is remotely powered over Ethernet (PoE), and interfaces IR, RS232 and Ethernet control for displays while also allowing IR control transmission back to a source device.

The receiver is compatible with all video resolutions, audio formats and colour space formats supported in the HDMI 2.0b specification with the added ability to pass metadata for HDR streaming content.

To optimise multi-zone AV capabilities, all Opus receivers are also compatible with Atlona’s AT-JUNO451-HDBT switcher (also to be introduced at CEDIA), and the Velocity control platform, an IP- and cloudenabled solution for transitioning control applications to the network.

Meridian Audio is using the show to spread the word stateside on its free Design and Specification Service in particular for home cinema applications.

As the company has done with other events, installers can take plans to the show and discover how the service can help create high performance schemes quickly, accurately and easily, saving hours of design time on a project.

Meridian will showcase how installers can achieve immersive, hi-res audio using its 271 Digital Theatre Controller. The 271 is designed to integrate any analogue or digital AV processor or receiver on the market with Meridian’s DSP loudspeakers for highquality home theatre performance. The unit provides strong dynamics and clarity, in analogue, digital and 3D format applications and offers 16 unbalanced inputs, 16 balanced inputs and the option of 16 digital inputs, depending on the choice of processor. Meridian’s 200 Series will also be on show, featuring the 251 Powered Zone Controller, 218 Zone Controller, and its 258 Hi-Res Eight Channel Power Amplifier.

Also on display, the UHD722 Ultra High Definition Audio Processor, a 4K switching solution, incorporating Multichannel Meridian High Resolution (MMHR) output.

This enables connection to existing processors, resulting in an uplift in the audio system’s sound quality.

Invisible speaker specialist, Stealth Acoustics, will unveil the LRx85 invisible speaker system, conceived as a powerful, two panel high-performance solution for impactful distributed audio. The speaker is suited to home theatres and presentation spaces and benefits from Stealth’s proprietary FidelityGlass technology. The maker says the durable UV protected radiating panels ensure spacious sound is produced in the full audio spectrum from 40Hz to 18kHz, as well as a 170° hemispherical coverage pattern. The brand is available in the UK from Genesis Technologies.

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Essential Install | Light and Ambient Light Control

Light and shade

With options ever increasing in the world of artificial and natural light control, EI focuses in on some of the latest options and opinions.

Hamilton’s Smart Lighting Control System was used to good effect right throughout this property including the cinema

With intelligent lighting growing in awareness across many sectors, companies whose hunting ground has not traditionally been the CI market are offering solutions.

Aurora Lighting offers its AOne, a smart lighting and control platform, powered by Gooee, the IP control platform focused on sensing, lighting, networking and data.

“We wanted to offer contractors another string to their bow. Being able to install smart lighting, simply and quickly, presents a major business opportunity,” says Thomas Lane, Aurora’s smart product marketing manager.

The maker says its system provides energy savings, can be commissioned in less than 15 minutes and comes as a new building or retrofit kit.

Thomas adds, “Working alongside tech companies like Gooee is key for us as our aim is to provide a system and devices that are interoperable with others including Google Home and Alexa.”

The AOne is suited to homes, offices and retail spaces, and includes scheduling and grouping. Aimed at projects where cost is a factor, the system requires no specialist installation wires or training.

For the installation, locate the light or control switch in a room and follow the wiring between the switch and light fittings. Place the AOne inline dimmer between the switch and the first fitting on the circuit. Then connect the hub to the network via the provided ethernet cable. Set up and control are both then delivered through a dedicated app.

Based on main wiring infrastructure, the system works even if the building loses its network and is designed to sit above plug-and-play consumer solutions, but below more complex solutions higher up the pro install price scale.

Another affordable solution, this time from a more familiar name in the CI space, comes from a partnership between Habitech distribution and Legrand.

The Legrand ‘MyHOME_Up’ automation system is designed to offer an easy to fit and programme system centred mostly on utilities, including lighting.

The system leverages Legrand’s MyHOME heating and lighting brand on a single IoT platform controlled by the MyHOME_Up app. The system can also plug into Legrand’s other brands including QMotion for ambient lighting control, as well as Bticino (temperature, security) and Nuvo (AV).

The system is built around the MyHOMEServer1 hub.

The platform has been developed to make it easier and cheaper to mobilise the power of scalable, easy-to-use smart home technology in a few steps. The app is used to associate, manage and customise, simplifying the process for installer and customer.

Installers download the MyHOME_Up app for iOS and Android, connect all MyHOME_Up system products to the hub, and power up. No configuration is necessary; all devices will appear on the app ready to be associated.

Using the app navigation, homeowners can create control scenarios based on the scheduling of time and date, a user location, or triggered by a system event.

MyHOME_Up is also equipped with APIs and drivers for intelligent lighting products such as Philips Hue and Lifx.

A very familiar name in the world of electrical contracting, Hamilton is keen for CI installers to see what its system can offer, again hitting a keen price point, but offering good levels of control and finish.

A recent example was for a project creating a ‘Dubaistyled’ property in Hertfordshire. The building design was a collaboration between the homeowner and Bryant + Moore Architects Ltd, resulting in an 8,000sqft property.

The homeowner was after a smart lighting control solution to span the property and the rear garden area.

Touchscreen controllers were required in key positions, while simple-to-use remote controllers were essential.

The lighting needed to be programmable for when the family is away, while app control was a priority due to its flexibility.

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Wiring Accessories • Circuit Protection • Smart Lighting Control & Multi-room Audio

INDUSTRY PARTNER

24/08/2018 16:51

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Essential Install | Light and Ambient Light Control

Affordable lighting solutions like Legrand’s MyHOME_Up are a real feature of the market right now

Key here was that although the owner was happy to spend significantly on his property, he felt that some of the systems available were over specified for his needs. Building contractor, Robert’s 21st Century Design, suggested Hamilton’s Smart Lighting Control System, which fitted the brief and offered the option of matching the finish of the smart controllers with all other wiring accessories in the property.

Hamilton’s area sales manager, Peter Bonnington, finalised the system spec and local wholesaler, Welham Electrical supplied the Smart Lighting Control System as well as other wiring accessories. Robert’s 21st Century Design’s Robert Ciuraru explains, “The client was looking for a simple and cost-effective way of automating the lighting scheme and we recommended the Hamilton system after previously installing it at a smaller scale with fantastic results. Having installed it in this much larger project, we found more advantages in using Hamilton and even easier ways to wire the system – taking our three-man team two days to install. We will keep recommending the Hamilton system as it’s simple to install and ticks all the boxes for our clients.”

Even for a project of this scale, it took one of Hamilton’s Smart Control Engineers just a few hours to fully commission the system to ensure it met the requirements in all areas within and outside the home.

The cinema room particularly benefitted. Located in the basement with virtually no natural light, the team were able to deliver an atmospheric relaxation area with multi-scene mood lighting.

The home owner says, “I’m thrilled with the system – it does everything I wanted it to do, seamlessly and effortlessly. The children love the lighting control, and the app and controllers are so easy to use that it’s completely accessible to them.

“For me, style is also extremely important and the ability to match all the switches and sockets has given a cohesive feel that shows the level of attention to detail we’ve taken in all areas and aspects of the home.”

Steve Stark, trade sales director UK and Ireland for LEDVANCE, specialist in LED luminaries, has some thoughts on the approaching ban on halogen products.

With the next stage of the ErP Regulation (EC) 244/2009 coming into force on September 1, 2018, a consumer study conducted across nine nations carried out by the company and a leading research firm highlighted an alarming level of ignorance about the new regulations for these lighting products. In fact, nearly two thirds of UK consumers have not heard of the ‘halogen lamp ban’.

Steve explains, “In September 2016, directional halogen lamps (also known as GU10 or spotlight bulbs) were banned, but a stay of execution was given on nondirectional halogen lamps to give manufacturers time to offer suitable alternatives. For retailers and producers, this second stage of the ban comes into force from September 1, 2018. After that date the relevant products may no longer be put into circulation in the UK or anywhere else in

the EU.” The ban mainly covers the popular classic halogen light bulbs that are typically made of glass, emit light all round, have an E27 or E14 screw base and are operated without a transformer. Some non-directional halogen lamps with G4 and GY6.35 plug-in bases are also affected.”

Steve says, “There is a significant lack of knowledge about the imminent ban on halogen lamps. Sixty-four per cent of UK consumers are unaware that, among others, the popular halogen light bulb can no longer be put into circulation anywhere in the EU from September 2018. A further 10% have heard about the ban but are unclear about the consequences. Nearly four fifths (79%) of those who were unaware of the ban are in the 50 to 60 age group. Even more surprising is that just over half of the respondents (54%) who had not heard about the next stage of the ban considered their knowledge of lighting systems to be good or at least adequate. By contrast, awareness in the 18 to 39 age group and among those with high incomes and high levels of education is particularly high. A truly remarkable finding is that many of the people, who have not heard of the ban, consider themselves to be knowledgeable about lighting.”

So, if Steve and the survey are correct, it’s perhaps a problem for legislators, but also an opportunity for installers. Who better to educate the public on the advantages of LED fittings not just from the environmental point of view, but for control and increased well-being?

Product development continues as Helvar has announced the release of a new family of sensors made up of four products; 320 PIR Sensor (Occupancy), 321 Multisensor, 322 High Bay Multisensor and 341 Corridor PIR Sensor.

Designed for maximum efficiency in light commercial environments, Helvar says the sensors provide energy saving features with automatic lighting control and stateof-the-art optics.

The 320 PIR Sensor (occupancy) is super-sensitive and suitable for detecting small movements making it ideal for an office. The 321 Multisensor is as sensitive as the 320, but with constant light control. The 322 High Bay Multisensor is for control of lighting loads where mounting heights are too high for standard sensors.

The 341 Corridor Pir Sensor is designed specifically for corridors, with wide coverage and a long detection range.

Making ambient light work

One company highlighting the growing significance of seeing light and ambient light control as one is RGB Communications.

The company highlights Lutron’s latest product, the ‘RA2 Select’. A retrofit, budget, lighting control system that provides total light and shade control at a keen price, it seems even Lutron wants a slice of the ‘affordable’ market. A Lutron app automatically configures light and shade levels and using Lutron’s patented ‘Clear Connect’ RF technology, the system stays clear of more crowded frequency bands. RGB says the RA2 has already seen a phenomenal take up by dealers who see the possibilities for refurbishment and budget residential markets.

RGB underlines that as well as the complete range of Lutron lighting, it offers the company’s window treatments, as well as solutions from Qmotion providing choices of wired and battery/wireless systems.

RGB also offers a measuring and installation service.

Lutron’s Sivoia QS is the company’s next generation of shading technology providing natural light control with roller blinds, curtain tracks and venetian blinds.

Features include ultra-quiet performance, Homeworks QS integration and stand-alone operation, Intelligent hembar

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Essential Install | Light and Ambient Light Control

With halogen tech being phased out, and awareness low, are there increased opportunities for installers?

alignment is a given. For those with a more limited budget, then the Sivoia QS Triathlon battery is the one to go for, says RGB. Available in roller shades or insulating honeycomb styles, the system is able to integrate with Homeworks QS, the new ‘RA2 Select’, or operate as a standalone system. Qmotion blinds, with no power or control wires required, enable integrators to install a motorised and intelligently controlled shading system without the need for electricians.

Speaking more generally on ambient light control, Sam Woodward, customer education leader, Lutron, says, “Natural light makes us feel good, and our bodies and minds react well to it. If that all sounds too touchy-feely, then don’t forget the other major benefit of daylight: it’s free. In homes, workplaces and commercial buildings of all kinds, architects and designers are going out of their way to bring daylight indoors.

“Daylight integration has to be carefully planned to take advantage of all its benefits, while avoiding excess glare, unwanted silhouetting and shadows, and mitigating heat gain and privacy issues. Integrated, automated shading control solutions ensure you get the benefits of daylight indoors without the downsides.”

Sam adds, “Shading produces the best results when control is automated, using continual calculation of the sun’s position in the sky, combined with sensor readings at each window position to measure actual local light levels, to communicate that information across the systems controls, and to adjust the height of shades accordingly.

“Automated shading systems have been found to unlock significant efficiencies. A study by Lutron and Purdue University in the U.S found energy savings of 65% were possible from automated shade control compared to manual control.”

Niko Home Control has its roots firmly in lighting automation and recently delivered a striking project for Pure Class Motion Ltd, a car rental company which deals in wedding cars, business cars and super cars. The solution needed to be customisable with the ability to control all sets of lights (eight in total). The lights needed to be dimmable to create different scenes depending on the colour, client, size and type of vehicle on show.

As trained Niko Home Control installers and Niko UK Partners, Hall Electricians were confident that Niko’s automation and control capabilities would provide the right solution.

All lights were concealed in order to hide the colour changing LED ribbon lights that were chosen. The colour of the lighting needed to be just right, as did the lumen outputs, in order to create the right LUX levels at full brightness, right down to car level. The team used Aurora’s ‘Enlite Downlights’ as the main lighting products and used Integral Lighting’s colour changing LED ribbons to create the specialist colours.

Hall Electricians assessed how many Niko switches would be required to give maximum control and functionality and through a period of testing, the solution was driven to provide an installation that works consistently to produce beautiful scenes. The ease of use and control capabilities of Niko reportedly exceeded both the installer’s and the client’s expectations. The client is particularly happy that all the lighting can be controlled from his smartphone, ensuring the Ferrari F12 or the California always look their best. The Niko platform is supplied and supported in the UK by Moss Technical.

Dynamic lighting is also key for Sun-Light Solutions (SLS) as the company reports strong business in its supply of the amBX Light Scene Engine. Recent projects include dynamic video2light lighting control via Control4 into dedicated cinema rooms and swimming pool locations, plus a special tech hub/sensory space for a disability centre in Yorkshire.

SLS has also carried out a second Digital Light Surface installation for an existing client, a high-end restaurant owner in the Algarve. The project is in a new beach bar on the sand dunes. The DLS is 4800x1100mm and placed behind the bar, a bespoke control app was created and able to select animated scenes.

Neil MacDonald, COO of amBX, has some thoughts on another area concerning the maker’s Smart Core used to control PoE and other types of LED lighting networks.

The concept of PoE based lighting has received quite a bit of coverage. Potential power savings and control opportunities, are starting to bite now and the future is strong for the concept.

Neil says, “The compelling combination of improvements in power delivery, efficiency of LED lighting and the growing demand for accurate sensor data to support economic efficiency of buildings is driving the accelerating adoption of PoE. “With 70% of new commercial buildings set to implement smart lighting, according to Gartner, the challenge is to pick the right technology and PoE is now stepping up to the mark.

“Firstly, you can do a lot of things with 100W of power, which is what PoE can now deliver in a soon-to-be-ratified standard, catchily-entitled IEEE 802.3bt. There is already 60W out there and being used to power a serious ceiling panel light with variable white LEDs as well as an array of sensors all from one network port.

“At over 200 lumens per watt efficiency in LEDs, which has been announced by several major manufacturers this year, it doesn’t take a genius to work out how PoE power sources are going to be successful in delivering power alongside the data for smart lighting.”

Neil argues, “The myths of overheating have also been largely de-bunked and addressed by the infrastructure supply side of the industry. The cable manufacturers have a key role to play and are stepping up with Cat6 and Cat7 cable specifications which manage the heat dissipation requirements for these increased power levels. Admittedly the maximum cable length is restricted to 100 metres, but with new generation PoE switches, distributed architectures can be deployed where needed to cover the building.

“Interoperability can be a much-abused concept and the lighting industry has long provided a proliferation of proprietary technologies and products. The good news is that early on Cisco took this on and agreed with major lighting players an approach to an open standard for lighting control on IP networks. The result will be a range of products emerging over the coming months from a wide variety of manufacturers which will conform, however there is bound to be several alternative offerings as the market expands.”

Lower long term cost was heralded as a major advantage – is this happening? Neil says, “Well, there is a lot of real-world evidence now to validate the early claims for much lower costs of installation and in-life operation.

One network where there used to be two. Philips claims a

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Essential Install | Light and Ambient Light Control

RGB says ambient light control continues to grow in importance

This high-end car showroom relies on Niko lighting to add a touch of drama

25% lower cost of cabling for PoE and a 50% reduction in overall system installation and commissioning.

“To be fair, some of the reductions in set-up costs also apply to smart connected lighting networks with alternative sources of power supply, as these systems are, by definition, smarter and faster to set up. There’s also the fact that PoE is a low voltage DC system and all the lights and sensors are essentially network devices with IP addresses. So, connecting or removing a light is now very straightforward, as is adapting the system to accommodate changes in the use of the building. The overall operating costs over a five-year period are reckoned to be up to 25% less compared with an AC powered lighting system.”

Other advantages highlighted by Neil include the large amounts of accurate data that can be gathered by these connected systems, allowing for further costs savings and the ability to deliver more ‘human centric’ systems.

Distributor Invision underlines the level of lighting integration on offer from the RTI control platform. By building in custom lighting control pages in to the RTI GUI, it’s possible to move from an AV control page to a lighting control page without having to run another app.

The control of multiple lighting circuits incorporating a mix of light fittings is simplified by the customisable RTI interface. In addition, tactile hard buttons on RTI remote controls can be configured to turn lights on, off or dim.

Touch panel control of dimmers, relays and blinds not only provide the user with ‘armchair’ control of their lighting, but also allows RTI to initiate lighting moods, like ‘watch a movie’ and so on.

Invision also offers access to the P5 family of control products, including the maker’s range of IP Din Rail modules, providing a compact and easy to configure smart lighting and climate control platform with control system integration. Use with standard UK light switches and a free app, the product can integrate with RTI, Control4, Crestron and AMX. P5 delivers robust distributed intelligence, with no central processor required, no network dependence, so light switches work even if the network is down. There is a built-in web server for simple configuration, control and monitoring.

Also from P5 is the six channel ethernet smart dimmer, the FNIP-6x2AD, able to work in both leading edge and trailing edge modes. All types of load can be dimmed or switched with it, be it resistive, capacitive or inductive. The outputs can be controlled from any network-capable device and it also measures the power consumption of the outputs.

Rako Controls sees the LED lighting market evolving and with this the need to be more flexible. This is where Rako’s recently introduced RAK-8 system comes in, providing installers with pluggable card system modules that can be selected to match the connected loads control requirements.

Rako is also developing its offering in other ways, embracing the need to control ambient light. A new closer relationship with Silent Gliss means control experts can concentrate on their core areas, whilst those with a keen eye for fabrics can bring in their expertise, as installers are able to lean on the expert knowledge that both companies have, and give them the confidence to quote and supply the blinds and tracks themselves.

B.E.G. has launched a useful looking device that offers an energy-saving DALI light sensor that works at very high ceiling heights, great for those properties with extra ceilings or for large stairwells and the like.

The PD4 DALI GH hasexternal telescopic light sensor so can be mounted at heights between five and up to a maximum of 16m.

The compact sensor is designed to be surfacemounted and includes both the light and the telescopic occupancy sensor which also measures and adjusts the light according to the application. It operates as a master device, and other slave devices can be linked to it to extend the detection area.

The unit is fully programmable, but basic switching and dimming functions can be operated manually by push button interface, or additional functions can be set up by remote control. The unit can be set up to be a permanent or time-limited orientation light.

Additional B.E.G. parts can be ordered to increase the capacity of the system linking additional units to work as a group using the DALI / DSI interface for control of digital dimmable electronic ballasts as a group.

Detectors can be positioned in such a way using a blind system that the sensors detect movement only in the desired aisle locations.

Aurora Lighting 01727 836 611, auroralighting.com/gb/aone LEDVANCE 1925 465 000, ledvance.co.uk Helvar 01322 617 200, helvar.com Habitech 01256 638500, habitech.co.uk Hamilton 01747 860 088, hamilton-litestat.com RGB Communications 01488 73366, rgbcomms.co.uk Moss Technical 01656 746 766, homecontrol.uk.com/niko Sun Light Solutions 07887 634990, sun-lightsolutions.com amBX 01737 649 833, ambx.com Rako Controls 01634 226666, rakocontrols.com B.E.G. 0870 850 5412, www.beg-luxomat.com/en/

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Essential Install | Comment

Home Cinema: The new heart of a home?

In a new series of comment articles, one of the UK’s most experienced installers, Ashwin Shah, chairman and founder of Visual Systems Sales, looks at why home cinemas and media rooms are so important in today’s family homes.

Home cinemas as we know them today have come a very long way from what many of us think of or remember.

The stereotypical image of velvet seats in a dark room has become a thing of the past. With today’s modern living, home cinema is now more of a social hub or media room for the family to gather in that offers more than one purpose or use.

These new style cinema rooms are not only for catching up on much loved TV soaps, favourite movies, or those not-to-be-missed sporting events, but have become a place where people entertain guests and family, and where prized possessions are displayed; the true heart of the home designed around a lifestyle.

Home evolution

Today’s media room is yesterday’s dining room, as more and more families ditch the traditional dinner table gathering for a more relaxed, fun environment to reconnect and bond. These rooms have become an important social break-out area for both parents and their children alike.

A space that allows installers to create fun play areas with today’s modern gaming consoles, a learning environment for children to watch educational TV programmes, an exercise room for the busy mum with a 20-minute workout, or the relaxed atmosphere for those adults who like to enjoy their favourite beverage while watching the latest blockbuster.

As home cinemas and media rooms evolve and get more affordable, we are finding these spaces are becoming more and more essential for the modern family home. As the desire to keep strong family values and ties increase, these spaces give parents the opportunity to teach their children values, interact more and develop a stronger bond with them.

“Today’s media room is yesterday’s dining room, as more and more families ditch the traditional dinner table gathering for a more relaxed, fun environment to reconnect and bond.”

Design trends

At the touch of a button or voice command, today’s living room/TV snug can be transformed into a luxurious home cinema/media room. Blinds drop, the LED light system dims the lighting circuits, the large screen on the wall turns on, and a user’s favourite media sources all appears seamlessly.

These rooms now tend to be light, vibrant and comfortable, with oversized seating, ambient lighting and minimal décor to client choice and preference. The days of having a dark room with a projector have disappeared, as large screens have become more affordable. This gives the flexibility of having the curtains open and allowing natural light to beam into homes while watching TV shows/movies or listening to music.

These rooms are now the heart of your technology and this is usually the room where a lot of families relax and entertain daily. Placing touch panels within the rooms, voice command AI device or having a desktop remote gives full control of the home’s automated systems without looking for multiple remote controls or batteries.

The trend is now to have a smart home automation system for the home cinema or media room ensuring the components used daily work well together, without having a room full of switches and knobs giving a cleaner environment. Families can now have a more desirable living space that matches their lifestyle requirements by integrating lighting, music, video and climate control without individual remote controls. As more and more people incorporate home cinemas and media rooms into their existing homes or new builds, it is important to plan and install the right cabling within the walls without affecting the look and feel of the space. Many wish to streamline by using wireless technology, but as more devices flood internal networks, it has become more important to have the right infrastructure to begin with, which is why design is so important in new-build homes to ensure AV is thought about at the beginning and not as an afterthought.

46 | August 2018 Comment – Ashwin Shah.indd 46

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This Month’s Essential Supplement

Apps

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Apps.indd 47

15:57

Essential Install | Apps

Application nation

EI takes a look at which apps are making the world of install brighter, bolder and more user friendly

Indigo’s app is designed to make life easier for installers

Indigo is a distributor which likes to innovate and bring real meaning to the term added value. So, to complement its supply of brands such as Xantech, Elan, Sunfire, Niles and Rako, the company has its own app which is designed to make it easier for installers to do business with indigo and smooth the process of getting the job done.

Indigo says the ultimate goal was to help dealers design systems, create quotes and generate the documentation needed for each project including installation and customer aftercare.

Inside the app, installers can move easily between retail and trade pricing, automatically create a kit list, produce a purchase order and client quotation, deliver a room by room quote that can be presented to the customer with a final total complete with labour and other associated costs.

The app is also directly linked to another of the distributor’s added value features, the Indigo Rewards Program. This scheme provides premium partners with access to a range of bonuses, such as an ELAN system user guide, a cable schedule, network map and wiring schematic, in addition to cash back and free shipping, depending on the tier of the dealer. The scheme is divided into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories depending on the amount each dealer spends with the company over a quarter and delivers rising levels of benefits which include cash rebates and free shipping. The app has been out in the market now for a while, so what do installers think?

David Coutts, director at Isight Ltd, says, “Our first impression of the application was that it was extremely easy to setup; it knew who we were as customers, and had all our prices already installed. Creating rooms and dropping the relevant equipment into them made our project very easy to quote for. It also laid the products out very well, so we could see if we missed anything.

“It would give us good reminders if we had over specified something or had too many outputs for the desired equipment. This has dramatically reduced our margin for error in quoting and, in turn, ensured that our pricing and specifications were spot on.”

David adds, “We would strongly suggest that everybody in the AV industry looks at this application as it will save you time and it will add to the professional feel of your quotations. An all-round great application that we will continue to use and the way that Indigo have marketed it is excellent.”

Also highlighted as a strong feature within the app, is the in-app store which allows installers immediate and quick access to products on-the-go. Users can check prices, stock and place orders in just a few seconds; adding more to the time-saving benefit of the app from wherever the user happens to be at the time.

Ever since it’s launch, the app has been added to and improved, using direct feedback from customers and this process will continue. The company says its very much looking forward to this process and is encouraging users to feedback their comments and ideas.

Up-take increase for HDL

New features, simplified programming and a more fluid interface are the latest features on the app for the HDL automation platform, distributed in the UK by Alltrade.

The distributor says it has seen a significant uplift in its customers specifying HDL through 2018 thanks to the app.

Lee Harding, Alltrade’s technical director for CI, comments, “The updated HDL app has proven very popular with our customers this year and, thanks to its great value against competitors, we can only see that trend increasing. The new interface is very slick and features like command auto-populate has tempted many of our installers to specify HDL rather than their traditional control brands.”

The app’s new library of builtin commands is in place to make programming simple using drop-down menus. Installer input the IP address of the connected device and the app autopopulates with all available commands for that device so no need to import commands from third party sources.

Other updates include shortcut functions for lights, curtain closures and thermostat controls.

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48 | August 2018 Apps.indd 48

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Essential Install | Apps

The Niko Home Control app is helping the platform raise its profile

For AV installs, the app now includes projector and electric screen commands as well as automatic source selection. The app integrates with HDL Buspro and Buspro Wireless, HDL keypads and Blustream matrixes and switchers, also available from Alltrade.

Belgian lighting and automation platform, Niko Home Control has been building well since finding a home with distributor Moss Technical. Offering a simple app based approach to control, the platform was founded as a lighting company, but in more recent times has expanded to cover other aspects of the home such as security and utilities. Niko Home Control offers a free and downloadable app that can be installed on an iPhone, iPad or Android device and can control each installation from wherever the user is located.

The HDL control app has continued to evolve

The interface is populated with brightly coloured widgets, which residents use to control all functions included in the installation, such as switching and dimming lights or operating roll-down shutters and gates.

The screen also displays details about electricity, gas and water consumption, at any time, as well as linking with Sonos and Bose music systems to allow for musical control. The application can be used both indoors within reach of the Wi-Fi network and outdoors via mobile networks such 3G, 4G, GPRS or a Wi-Fi hotspot.

With the security of home automation in the news of late, Niko is keen to underline its credentials here saying that its in-house developed app is practically impossible to hack in to, whether that’s directly or through the app itself. Extra layers of security can be added by getting creative with the passwords that control access to customer’s internet services. The indoor and outdoor remote control makes use of Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G connections, also ensuring security. The Niko Home Control App is downloadable for free from the app store.

Big news from Control4 of late was the introduction of its new Intercom Anywhere functionality which included a new app for iOS and Android. With Intercom Anywhere, Control4 homeowners can receive video intercom calls from a Control4 Door Station, improving comms and user interaction across the platform. Interest in the story online would seem to indicate the news was well received and well timed.

Within the app, homeowners will see who’s at the door prior to answering the call, and can simultaneously activate a home scene such as turning on lights, opening the gate, or unlocking the door or garage in response to who is there. Homeowners can also activate alerts such as sounding an alarm, locking doors, or turning on all interior and exterior lighting.

The app has been created to fire up and connect fast and by providing video previews from the Control4 Door Station, like caller-id for the front door, homeowners can ignore unwanted calls, answer calls from a welcomed guest, or accept a delivery even when they are not in.

Using the app, family members can also communicate with people in the home over their smart handheld devices via Control4 Touch Screens.

To activate and use Intercom Anywhere, a Control4 home must be running the latest Control4 OS (v 2.10.3), and also have an active 4Sight subscription.

HDANYWHERE (HDA) is a company which has also focused on app based control with its uControl platform.

See page 22 of this issue for an in-depth look at the history of this app, but most recently the company was very proud to announce it had been granted a patent based on key aspects of how the system operates.

The grant was partly based around the process which makes setting up a control interface easy, as well as technical features such the system’s communication with the HDA Cloud, low IP-to-IR processing latency times and its method of dynamically redrawing the control interface for any mobile device.

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Essential Install | Apps

Since November of last year, the uControl app has been compatible with the complete range of MHUB HDMI/HDBaseT matrixes available from the company.

Customers across the ranges can now use the app or voice control for MHUB-connected source devices and displays. The app delivers actions like turn on the TV and adjust the volume, selection of sources and controlling them, play and pause and navigation of programme guides.

The macro-sequences and uControl’s 3D touch ‘quick action’ buttons, have been created to act like one-touch scene selectors - triggering multiple signals to multiple devices in sequence to deliver the desired result. The app not only added control, but also allowed the company to deliver to market a complete matrix and control system for under £1,000.

Up-dates have continued to be added focusing on ease of use and speed with the addition of more sequence-triggering 3D/Force Touch quick actions and a uControl Lock screen widget. Other changes have included some design tweaks, such as support for iPhone X and a slicker UI, support for centralised/rack-located AVRs, user customisations including zone background images, dark and light colour themes, button borders and button press vibration.

Distributor Invision is keen to draw attention to the RTiPanel app as an example of how the platform is evolving. Fully customisable using RTI’s Integration Designer programming software, the RTiPanel offers the same intuitive control experience RTI remote controls offer, running on Apple or Android.

Providing secure local or remote access to an RTI XP series control processor from any Internet connection, the RTiPanel allows for LAN control via Wi-Fi and WAN control off site. Users can view and adjust thermostats, monitor security systems and turn off lights, in addition to controlling their AV, from the office, on holiday, or anywhere in between. The RTiPanel app is also available for local, one-way control using the RP-4 control processor.

The app can also support the creation of portrait and landscape views, as well as cover art, graphics, text and dynamic scrolling lists. Support is via Wi-Fi which automatically switches to mobile when off site. RTI says the app is also highly optimised for fast connection times.

Another Invision brand, Autonomic music servers, offers its TuneBridge Application which turns an iPad into a controller that will allow users to orchestrate music playback from anywhere in the home through the maker’s Mirage Audio System.

With the Mirage Media Controller, users can instantly access and play an entire music collection, including multiple iTunes accounts, Windows Media collections and any favourite internet streaming services such as Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify, Rhapsody, Napster, Last.fm and TuneIn Radio.

If the user hears something that they like during playback of local content or streaming services, a single

button press in TuneBridge feature will enable instant browsing of similar content on Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, or Spotify.

When the application is supported by the installation of a Mirage Audio System, zone grouping and zone volume control will allow users to control and play multiple streams of content throughout the home.

App innovation is also available on the WyreStorm platform via the NetworkHD Touch App for iPad which puts the whole NetworkHD 100, 200 and 400 Series AV over IP systems for single screen and video wall applications under its spell.

Using the app, controllers can see what they are switching with live video source and display previews and instant drag and drop content selection, with the control platform Enado integration adding source control, a whole range of control possibilities open up.

NetworkHD Touch is made for iPad and is designed so that no training is needed using gestures users already know, making it a good match for bars, restaurants, shops and showrooms.

The inclusion of acoustics in installers has been on the rise of late and Invision has been offering the Artnovion brand for some time now. Not to be left out of the app race, Artnovion has its Impulso Acoustics Application that allows users to measure room acoustics in any space via an iPhone. Via a simple interface, the Impulso application is designed to be quick and simple to use, creating an accurate interpretation of the room and applying suitable acoustic treatment options in a matter of seconds.

Users can also view the reverberation time in octave bands and simulate how the acoustic response of the room can be improved with the addition of Artnovion acoustic products. The app also delivers the frequency response of your measurements. The application is compatible with built in or external microphones, but works best when used in conjunction with an external microphone.

Security products from Invision are also covered via the LILINViewer Application. Users can view and control IP cameras via the free app for Android and iOS, making it easy to control IP cameras remotely, view images and playback from the timeline search. Up to 160 cameras within 16 camera groups can be viewed from within the app.

Indigo Distribution 02891 455 565, indigodistribution.co.uk Moss Technical 01656 746 766, homecontrol.uk.com/niko Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com HDanywhere 01684 576 348, hdanywhere.co.uk Invision 01359 270280, invisionuk.com Alltrade: 0844 225 2700, alltrade.co.uk

www.indigodistribu�on.co.uk

52 | August 2018 Apps.indd 52

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EssentialInstall Install | | Projectors Projectors&&Screens Screens Essential

Optoma has had requests from consumers not to forget 3D with its UHD51

Living large, double wide EI takes a look at some of the options for big screen applications and entertainment.

Available in the UK from Genesis Technologies and Meridian Audio, the Barco brand has some big news with the launch of the Prometheus III, the latest evolution of its flagship laser light source home cinema projector.

Barco says the projector has more contrast and a wider colour gamut than other residential product offerings, and features the latest 4K DLP chipsets from TI (in a three-chip config) as well as a Barco Alchemy Integrated Cinema Media Processor (ICMP). The on-board DCI media server assures that Barco’s superior colour technology provides faithful reproduction of even the subtlest nuance of colour and detail, says the maker. There are two HDMI inputs to support Blu-ray, DVDs, gaming consoles and other media devices. The projector’s technology set delivers a viewing experience of 4K2D content at 60 fps and 4K3D at 30 fps. More big numbers as the beamer delivers native 4K projected at 11,500 lumens, with a 4500:1 contrast ratio. A wide range of replaceable and adjustable lens options are also included. Barco adds that high-quality gaming is also delivered with a truly immersive experience.

The product is manufactured in Barco’s factories in Belgium and Norway, in the same factories where the cinema lasers are produced. In doing so, the product team can maintain tighter control of consistent quality

and rapid deployment of innovation, says the company. In the same vein as the commercial products, Prometheus is rugged with a dark, all metal casing to ensure that the unit fares well in any environment.

Genesis Technologies reports a busy time supplying its specialist lines and expertise into the home cinema and high-quality AV markets.

The company’s ability to deliver very large screens with full and automatic masking is in high demand. Neil Davidson from the company explains that currently there are three four-way masking systems under production all over 6.8 metres wide and all for residential. Leading the charge here is the Display Technologies brand with the factory that produces the products in the UK flat out making the screens and accessories from the brand.

Accessories such as the vertical mirror mount and inceiling motorised mirror drop solution, deliver innovative solutions which increase flexibility of install.

Because of Genesis’ relationship with Barco residential, the company can deliver automatic masking adjustment direct from the projector to the screen as demoed at ISE this year. Neil says this aspect makes it easier to sell masking screens delivering the performance and reliability needed.

54 | August 2018 Projectors & Screens.indd 54

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Loki Cinemascope The new Barco Residential Loki Cinemascope laser projector offers the same Ultra HD enhancements as his Loki stablemate, coupled with a high-capacity 2.37:1 aspect DLP engine. This exceptional design allows a 2.40:1 film to be shown without requiring an anamorphic lens.

In partnership with Genesis Technologies and Meridian Audio, we help you create the very best home cinema and media room experience for your customers. 路 Motorized DCI notch filters 路 HDR10

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Untitled-1 Barco Barco edited.indd HER 1ad Loki 1Essential Install Apr17.indd 1

Experience the difference at CEDIA Booth #2127

14/07/2017 09:13 23/08/2018 14:38 12/04/17 09:55

Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

Projecta gets progressive with its screen materials

The Barco Medea packs a punch for its price point

Neil adds he will also be announcing a new business to tap into the super-sized TV sector that Samsung raised the profile of by announcing its 146in Wall LED concept at CES. The concept here is not based on LED, but short-throw projection (with help from Sony) housed in a dedicated cabinet, partnering a specially created family of screens able to deliver high performance in high ambient light. More news on this when we get it. Neil says this is a great option for where space is at a premium in places like London and developers are unable or unwilling to give up too much space to the AV. For around 40K, a ‘super-sized TV’ can supplied taking up minimum space and for the prices being paid for relatively modest sized apartments in London right now, it’s a good price.

Featured in Meridian’s dedicated media room in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, visitors can experience the Medea projector, the brightest UHD laser projector at its price point. It features 5,500 lumen for HDR playback and gives five lens options, while delivering strong image and dynamic contrast even in spaces where light control is limited. Starting at just £21,500 RRP excluding VAT, the Barco Medea projector is specifically designed to excel in media room applications.

Meridian also highlights the Reference Display Technologies range of screens which can be installed with ease, thanks to their easy build technique. They can be installed straight onto the wall thanks to a front-loaded image surface; reducing the risk of dirt and damage as the screen frame is already mounted before the screen surface is fitted. Also distributed by Meridian, the micro bezel (2mm) Contempo screens start from just £1,700 RRP excluding VAT, while the Frontier screens (69mm bezel) from just £1,900 RRP excluding VAT. Draper has announced improvements to its Projection Planner platform; helping installers take into account light levels, room shape and size, and the projector itself.

Draper’s Projection Planner 2.0 has been updated using InfoComm standards and best practices to identify the ultimate projection viewing surfaces for any specific application.

Calculations using the AVIXA Projected Image System Contrast Ratio (PISCR) Standard help balance projector brightness, room lighting, and screen surface for a clear image with good contrast. Calculations using the AVIXA Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual Systems (DISCAS) Standard define the optimum screen size for the application.

“The two AVIXA image standards are some of the most important planning tools for the AV industry,” says Joel Silver, CEO and lead developer for the Imaging Science Foundation. “The Draper Projection Planner 2.0 is unique because it supports both standards and helps create effective installations.”

Improvements include the ability to consider off-axis viewing angle and element height as a percentage of overall height. If the projector isn’t bright enough, 2.0 will say how bright it needs to be. The system does not place a cap on foot lamberts of light reflected from the screen, which allows 2.0 to recommend high gain white surfaces when using a projector in Eco mode to extend light engine life.

Draper product development has also seen a boost with a new ambient light rejecting surface for ultra-short throw applications.

TecVision XH800X UST ALR, is the latest addition to the TecVision line of ISF-certified, 8K-ready viewing surfaces.

For use in moderate to high ambient light applications, the screen delivers improved contrast and colour saturation.

This surface can reject 57% of off axis ambient light while still being able to support wide viewing angles. Available in NanoPerf up to 102in image height, the TecVision XH800X UST ALR works with lens throw distance ratio of 0.25:1 or longer for best brightness uniformity.

The world of e-Sports is huge business these days and the equipment needed to go with it has to be top-notch.

Screen maker dnp is getting in on the act supporting Næstved Youth School, in the Danish countryside.

Distribution focus

Habitech highlights the abilities of the current JCV projector line-up which feature enhanced brightness and contrast with the three D-ILA models equipped to exploit the enhanced contrast of HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) broadcast HDR. Habitech says the models combine the greater accuracy of e-shift five picture quality, higher brightness and colour processing, with Intelligent Lens Aperture technology to deliver the dynamic HDR images. In addition, the DLA-X9900, DLA-X7900 and DLA-X5900 deploy an improved Multiple Pixel Control (MPC) algorithm, refreshed motion enhancing technology for filmic smooth action and a low latency mode for impressive gaming through two full speed 18Gbps HDMI inputs. Alongside the HDR Auto Picture mode, several manual controls are provided for fine tuning, including picture tone and bright/dark level gamma adjustment.

JVC has promised some other new additions to its line-up, being announced at IFA, word is they are pretty impressive, so news on that as we get it.

Another Habitech brand, Projecta’s HD Progressive screen has been tested to render 16K resolution.

Formulated by Milestone and shared by its Da-Lite and Projecta brands, the ‘HD Progressive’ line of surfaces is designed to create a surface free of microscopic variances in order to reflect accurately colours, uniformity and very high pixel resolutions – up to 16K in lab simulations, so 4K should not be a problem. The maker says the proprietary vinyl surface is consistently more even, presenting each incoming pixel with its own mirror-flat launch-pad, so that it reflects back undistorted. Offering a wide 170° viewing angle, the smooth ‘HD Progressive’ screen is designed to deliver the high contrast, vibrant colour and luxuriant detail of ultra-high-resolution content. The latest ‘HD Progressive 1.1 Contrast’ screen surface provides a deeper reproduction of black and an increased reflectivity to enhance brightness in moderate ambient light conditions, while Projecta DescenderPro is a ceiling recessed-projection screen that combines new installation

August 2018 | 57 Projectors & Screens.indd 57

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Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

Euroscreen is a new offering from the Draper stable

features with a motorised Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) surface option in addition to the high-resolution HD Progressive materials. One of the most noticeable new features is the possibility to just click-in the entire roller assembly (motor and screen surface) after installation of the case. The new case design offers a clean finish without gaps or visible screws, after attaching the bottom plate to the case.

Also dealing with high-ambient light is the Parallax 0.8 ALR surface now available in the Tensioned Elpro Concept and Tensioned DescenderPRO. Parallax is a projection technology that features an advanced optical lens system that rejects light, rather than only diffusing light.

Karma AV continues with its support for the Vivitek brand with the HK2288 projector. Combining UHD-4K resolution with HDR, the compact HK2288 promises strong detail and contrast with low-latency processing for movie fans and gamers at a keen retail price of £2.5K. Harnessing a blend of advanced optical and cost engineering, Vivitek includes a 0.66in 4K DLP DMD chip, which generates UHD-4K’s requisite 8.3 million individual pixels complete with DLP DarkChip3 and BrilliantColor refinements for optimal black levels, and vibrantly cinematic images.

The HK2288’s UHD-4K pixel resolution is enhanced by the finer shadow detail, textures and highlights of a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio involving up to 2,000 ANSI lumens brightness. The distributor says that these metrics and support for High Dynamic Range (HDR10) content help the HK2288 to deliver a quality of picture immersion usually associated with projectors costing at least twice as much.

The HK2288’s advanced video processing offers smooth upscaling and motion, as well as a low latency input lag (around 50 milliseconds), critical to an immersive gaming experience. Comprehensive gamma and colour management adjustments are available to optimise a wide REC709 colour space from a six-segment RGB colour wheel.

In white or black finishes, the HK2288 is equipped with a wide 1.39-2.09 throw, a 1.5x zoom, and vertical lens shift for installation flexibility. The unit has three HDMI 2.0 inputs and dual infrared sensors positioned front and back allow for control from the remote. Lamp life of up to 4,000 hours is possible in Dynamic Economy Mode.

Karma also offers the supply of the Ultimate Screens concept which delivers easy to fit and flexible screen solutions. 4K-ready, acoustically-transparent screens are optimised for the installer by the efficient delivery of advanced, easy-to-install fixed-frame screens with competitive and upfront pricing.

The Ultimate Screens range comprises fixed-frame acoustically-transparent screens in standard sizes and in 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios. Bespoke Fixed Frame screens are also be available on short lead times.

Whilst many screens require the product to be attached to frame and tensioned face down on the ground, risking damage to the velvet frame and screen material. The Ultimate Screens design allows this process to be completed in simple stages after the frame is attached on the wall.

AWE distribution is one of the champions for the Epson approach and highlights the abilities of the EHTW9300 which supports 4K content and can intelligently enhance 1080p. A competitively priced model, the beamer offers 4K-enhancement, 3LCD technology and HDR support. The EH-TW9300 produces 2,500 lumens of brightness, with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

“We recently used the Epson EH-TW9300 projector for a mixed-use family room project,” says Owen Maddock, of install company ConnectedWorks. “We picked this projector for a number of reasons. Firstly, because it is the only design (along with other products in the same range) that would work for this project, as we needed a lens throw of 1.40. Other projectors in the same class start off around 1.5, which is usually fine, but this room is quite shallow, and we didn’t want to install the projector in next door’s house!

“Secondly, the high brightness that is available with this Epson projector means that the image is very watchable in the daytime, which was incredibly important for this project, as the client enjoys watching football and rugby games on a massive screen with friends and family.”

Owen adds, “The Epson EH-TW9300 projector has lens memory — motorised optics with pre-set memory positions — which is unheard of at the price range. That means we can offer ‘cinema wide’ screens in the more affordable projects, without compromising on the rest of the system to get there.

“This projector also has very flexible optics in general — a wide throw range is useful in unusually shallow or long rooms. Wide-ranging lens shift allows the projector to be horizontally or vertically off-axis. None of this would matter if the picture performance wasn’t outstanding. However, the picture is exceptionally good.” The EH-TW9300 projector is on demonstration in the AWE cinema room in Epsom.

AWE has also announced that it is to supply the Draper developed Euroscreen range of fixed and ceiling mounted screens. The screens offer a variety of price conscious fixed, manual and electric options from the Diplomat collection as well as permanently tensioned Frame Vision Light screens.

Screen sizes range from 86in to 131in.

Fixed frame options feature the Euroscreen FlexWhite fabric, which is designed to deliver wide viewing angles by diffusing the projected light across the entire surface. The ambient light-rejecting ReAct 3.0 surface, heightens colour contrast and black levels for depth in the projected image.

The Diplomat range, which is available in 117in and 131in screen sizes, combines a white aluminium cassette and a channel-fixed installation. The new Xpert surface is 100% PVC free and features a specially designed pattern structure to evenly spread light. The fabric is supplied with a white black-out backing for additional light control and supports colour rendition of up to 6430K to ensure even the brightest colours are displayed correctly.

Invision distribution offers a wide number of options here.

From the Sim2 family is the CRYSTAL 4 UHD HDR projector offering the latest 4K UHD 0.67in DLP chipset from Texas Instruments (TI) and SIM2’s advanced video processing technology for natural, and colourful viewing in UHD HDR. A 300W lamp enables the machine to deliver 2.500 ANSI-lumens on-screen.

For a premium cinema experience, SIM2 has its NERO4 UHD packing the latest 4K UHD DLP chipset from TI, high-precision and resolution optics and SIM2’s advanced video processing technology. A high-power 450W lamp enables NERO4 UHD to provide up to 5000 ANSI-lumens on-screen. Building on its heritage of high-end light engine design, SIM2 has invested in the development of a high-precision telecentric optical system. The pure-glass lens provides a resolution of 93 lines per millimetre to enhance on-screen clarity.

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Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

Installation aids include motorised zoom and focus, plus optical lens shift to adjust the position of the image up to 75% vertically and 30% horizontally.

Invision highlights the dynamic HDR images and manual controls including HDR Auto Picture mode, Picture Tone, and Bright/Dark level gamma adjustment.

Invision also offers access to the Screen Innovations (SI) brand which has just announced a new concept in the Zero-G Long Drop. To be demoed at the CEDIA U.S show, the product provides a solution for resi and commercial spaces with high ceilings. The Zero-G has an extended maximum drop and promises to solve the problems presented by very high ceilings. Zero-G is unlike other motorized screens in that it has no black mask above the viewing surface. Instead, the Zero-G screen is housed in a two-piece tube that is suspended from Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMwPE) cables, where it deploys at a pre-set location and unrolls itself, displaying the viewing surface with up to 15.8-feet of drop.

SI’s ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen materials such as Slate, which are also available on Zero-G, make it a problem solver for anyone wanting to get an image in hard-to-reach locations without sacrificing image quality.

An added benefit is that the area above the Zero-G viewing surface is acoustically transparent and does not negatively impact the viewing experience like a standard motorized screen with black masking material would.

Because it’s completely open above, art-deco walls, large windows, speakers, or even lighting systems all remain visible, not covered by a large black mask such as found on traditional motorised screen systems.

Available in the UK from Custom AV Distribution the Stewart Filmscreen brand has just announced a refined version of its Director’s Choice Masking System. This four-way masking screen system now has refined and smaller masking panels for more elegant operation and easier installation. Suitable for front or rear projection, the new system offers a sleek, streamlined look and larger possible image size. Automatically adjusting to aspect ratios using four-way variable masking, the screen provides flexibility and 16K+ capability for the highest resolution content. Like all Stewart’s screens, Director’s Choice can be fitted with nearly any of the company’s screen materials, providing the right image for the needs of the specified environment.

The company is also showcasing its latest Phantom HALR ambient light rejection surface, which is flexible, rollable, and available in acoustically transparent seamless sizes up to 40- by 90-feet.

Continuing a successful partnership are Pulse Cinemas and BenQ with a new release from the projector maker in the form of the PCW50HDR, a new DLP beamer fully loaded and building on previous models’ feature sets by adding HDR. Delivering 4K UHD resolution, the unit also upscales from 1080p and is THX 4K Certified. To earn THX certification, BenQ pursued over 18 months of rigorous development comprising 200 THX laboratory tests on 500 data points. Involving 10X as much data analysis and 7X the engineering resources required for Rec. 709 compliance.

ISF certified as well, with Pulse offering its own in-house calibration service if needed, the machine also has an anamorphic lens mode, is 3D compatible and is capable of short throw lens operation.

Full 4K resolution delivers the full 8.3 million pixels, CinematicColor technology offers 100% Rec.709 colour space and a high native contrast ratio (50,000:1) all combine to make the most of any HDR content. Another

technology highlighted includes CinemaMaster Video+ offering pixel, colour and flesh tone enhancer. Installation flexibility is promoted with front-facing ventilation, H/V lens shift and a powerful zoom.

The unit also boasts an unobstructed port layout which separates the power and video signal to eliminate interference without visible clutter, with enough buffer space clearance to accommodate thick high-quality cables and HDMI / power cable locks to hold them in place.

The BenQ brand has won friends in the home cinema category by delivering strong bang for buck and Ben Lancaster, UK sales development manager at Pulse Cinemas, highly recommends witnessing the benefits first hand at Pulse HQ as those that do are always impressed.

The DLP version will be joined by an LED model by the end of the year.

Thought 3D was dead? Think again Optoma has expanded its 4K range with Full 3D UHD51 and soon to be launched Alexa-enabled UHD51A. This year Optoma launched its bright HZ40UST laser ultra-short throw projector. This produces a 100in image from less than a metre away to give a clean look to living rooms with the projector set close to the screen or wall.

The manufacturer also expanded its 4K range with the Full 3D UHD51 4K UHD projector.

Nick Price, territory manager at Optoma EMEA, says “The strength of feeling that our first tranche of 4K projectors were not full 3D surprised us. Customers contacted us to say that they didn’t want two projectors – one to be able to play their 3D DVDs and another that had the latest resolution. So, we launched the UHD51.”

This can display true 3D content from almost any 3D source, including 3D Blu-ray players, 3D broadcasting and the latest generation games consoles.

The UHD51 boasts High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatibility and HDCP 2.2 support. With the full 8.3 million on-screen pixels, it meets the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) requirements for 4K UHD and complies with the CTA High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible display standards. Lighter and more compact than many other 4K projectors, installation is simplified with vertical lens shift and good connectivity. There will also be a voice-enabled version of this model – the UHD51A – due to be launched later this summer.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com Genesis Technologies 0787 9412280, genesistechnologies.co.uk Draper Group Ltd 01536 203 101, drapergroupltd.co.uk dnp +45 46 16 51 00, dnp-screens.com Habitech 01256 638500, habitech.co.uk karma av 01423 358 846, karma-av.co.uk AWE Europe: 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com Meridian 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com Meridian 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com Optoma 01923 691 800, optoma.co.uk Custom AV Distribution 01628 563344, cavd.co.uk

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Essential Install | Bowers and Wilkins

Essential Install | Bowers and Wilkins

The power of Bowers and Wilkins

EI took a trip to the impressive Bowers and Wilkins HQ for a behind the scenes look at its production approach and ambitions for the home cinema market.

Attention to detail and a skilled work force are vital ingredients for Bowers & Wilkins

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Bowers and Wilkins has built its brand since its inception as a retail outlet founded in 1966 by John Bowers in Worthing, West Sussex. Delivering some iconic products along the way, and underpinning everything the company does with strict adherence to high-quality, the maker continues to thrive and is now part of the EVA Automation group owned by tech and sports investor Gideon Yu co-owner of the San Francisco 49ers.

EI was hosted throughout the day by channel marketing manager Tom Henderson.

First stop was the company’s demonstration and presentation areas for a quick history lesson and a chance to experience some of the key products.

Tom delivered an impressive cinema demo which underlines that if a set-up is well appointed and uses

quality products, it’s not necessary to have the very latest tech.

The B&W cinema is not Dolby Atmos, but does not suffer at all, delivering a very relaxed and assured performance via the CT800 series.

The set up consists of three loudspeakers at the front – L, C and R, CT8 LR for left and right and CT8 CC for the centre, and then two channels left and right (CT8 LR) and two rear channels left and right (CT 8.3 LCS). The system is powered

by Classe amplification and crossovers that are housed in a separate room behind the cinema.

An impressive demo from a room that was first put together 13 years ago, offering real musicality and character.

Over in the two-channel room, we heard the the 800 D3 loudspeakers, powered by Classe pre and power amplification in a bi-amped configuration being fed digital music files at CD quality. Again, B&W offers that difficult thing to achieve in audio, assured performance where the music feels natural. Part of the demo was a Macy Gray track, an artist who’s dusky, but highpitched voice presents a challenge, but the set up delivered with aplomb.

Focusing in on the installation ranges, Tom picks out the CCM663 RD, as a highlight because of its reduced depth which offers installation flexibility. This 6in in-ceiling speaker also features a Nautilus swirl-loaded 25mm (1in) aluminium dome tweeter that pivots for adjustable off-axis treble response.

Tom also picks out the new CI800 Diamond range, comprising three installation loudspeakers, due to the high sound performance delivered with Diamond dome and Continuum mid/bass drivers. This series also features angled tweeters for certain models and the quick dogs fixing mechanism that makes fixing fast and easy.

Proud of its achievements in recent years developing more products for the CI channel, does this mean B&W is looking for more CI dealers? Well, yes, but the fit has to be right.

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Essential Install | Bowers and Wilkins

The Continuum cone was a major tech development several years in the making

Tom explains, “We are committed to growing our business in the custom install channel. Our sales team is fully geared to supporting our existing CI partners in a demanding, challenging but potentially lucrative market.

Our product development teams are also focused on delivering products that this channel demands and we aim to spread the word about what a great job our CI partners do in some of the most prestigious home automation projects both here in the UK and overseas.”

So, what makes a suitable B&W installer?

Tom clarifies, “Bowers and Wilkins installation partners are selected on their track record and ability to deliver first class installations. We partner with those companies who can offer not only great technical expertise and installation excellence, but also those that see customer service as part of their DNA. “Any Bowers and Wilkins CI account is representing our brand when they are working on a project so we need those ‘ambassadors’ to be at the top of their game. What is also important to us when we decide whether to take on new CI partners, is whether they are in it for the long game. We see examples of potential customers needing to buy Bowers and Wilkins products for a project because an architect has specified our products. But when you drill down, that potential new customer has no intention of buying our products beyond that single project. We are only interested in working with companies who want a long-term relationship with us, so we can invest time and resources in supporting their efforts.”

Factory features

Manufacturing approaches and tech have changed so much in recent times that this place feels more like an audio laboratory than a factory. The ethos throughout is to combine the experience of its skilled staff with modern manufacturing techniques.

Robots are used for processes including sanding and painting some of the cabinets delivering around a 30% improvement in terms of time. However, many of the actions of the machines are based on those of a skilled technician and are supervised by staff who understand the processes. B&W says it is the only company in the world who currently sands curved speaker designs in this way. In fact, the owner of the company which makes some of the automated processes in the plant, the FANUC Corporation of Japan, was so impressed he paid the company a visit to check out what had been achieved with the designs.

The robots, supplied by the FANUC Corporation, that do a lot of the cabinet painting look familiar, difficult to put your finger on why until Tom explains that one of the models stars in the Iron Man movie franchise as D.U.M.E, Tony Stark’s over-enthusiastic robot helper.

Multiple layers of high-quality ply are used to create the cabinets

During the tour we witnessed a lot of the 800 Series Diamond being made, acting as a test case for the impressive detail and care that goes into the products.

This speaker is one of the products that uses the company’s the Continuum cone tech introduced in 2015.

The Continuum cone’s design is based on the concept of optimised and controlled flexibility. B&W says this helps it avoid the abrupt transition from pistonic to break-up mode that impairs the openness and neutrality of a conventional drive unit.

The maker adds that the new approach delivers improved sound, but shows continuity with the Kevlar cone the company used for decades. Like that material, it is constructed from a woven composite that gives highly controlled break-up meaning unwanted noise across the surface area of the cone is reduced. In B&W style, nothing about the Continuum cone was rushed, taking eight years to develop before launch, the company currently has a patent application in place for it technology and approach.

Another key bit of tech highlighted on the tour was the company’s Diamond dome tweeters which are made of synthetic diamond, using a process called CVD, or Chemical Vapour Deposition. The domes are manufactured in the UK by Element 6.

Tom explains, “The key aim is to push away the moment of first ‘break-up’ or distortion as far as is possible from the audible range. In most adults, that’s around 20kHz. However, our diamond dome tweeters won’t enter first break-up until around 72kHz – well beyond that point.

“Why are such extremes desirable? Simply, because every system has its tolerances. Think about it this way: if you design a car that can only do 100mph, it’s likely that it’ll start to become skittish and awkward to drive at 98mph – because you’re approaching the limits of its capabilities.

“The same is true of a tweeter: if you design a tweeter with a theoretical performance limit that correlates to the known upper-frequency limit for human hearing (20kHz), it’s probable that you’ll be able to hear the point at which that tweeter starts to reach the limits of its performance.

“What you’ll hear is the dome started to bend and flex in an uncontrolled, undesirable way – also known as distortion. And distortion is the enemy of good sound – so if we can push away that moment of distortion and get it far outside the audible range, what we can ensure is that in the areas where you can hear, our tweeter is behaving as close to perfectly as we can possibly make it.”

Pursuit of excellence becomes obvious to any visitor to B&W, and long may it continue, the company has already delivered lots of useful tech into the CI channel and looks set to deliver lots more.

Bowers and Wilkins 01903 221 500, bowers-wilkins.co.uk

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EssentialREVIEW Lode LA4D

The interface is attractive and fuss-free

Fully Loded This month our intrepid reviewer Richard Stevenson takes a look at the Lode LA4D premium multi-room audio server.

Lode’s LA4D is a four-zone streamer/server, running on LODE’s own LodeNet OS, capable of streaming highres audio to up to 64 zones. It offers integration into a wide range of CI control platforms, has web browser installer set-up and a slick app. While there are a few similar products aimed at the CI market, few deliver the Lode’s blend of build quality and audiophile performance in a 1U rack space.

Key to the design is the heavyweight metal casework leading to a compact unit 190mm deep and weighing close to 5kg. Machined from a single chunk of aluminium, the case delivers shielding and cooling, negating the need for fans. The power supply is shielded from the audio electronics, and the component roster is bristling with audiophilegrade components. The LA4D upscales all signals to 32bit/192kHz, enabling stepless software-defined output level control. The analogue output benefits from 32-bit Burr-Brown DACs. The LodeNet backbone uses UDP Unicast to synchronise up to 64 zones on the network. This can be

changed to UDP Multicast mode to enable support for up to 256 zones for larger commercial installs.

Control system integration encompasses Crestron, AMX, Conrol4, RTI, Command Fusion and ELAN with Savant and URC on the roadmap. The Lode app is available as a desktop controller, iOS or Android app, although the latter was down for an update at the time of review. Integrated music services include four zones of Airplay, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, LastFM, SoundCloud, HotelRadio FM and internet radio. Local library integration covers iTunes, shared Windows/Mac OS libraries and NAS drives.

The rear panel offers four zone output, simultaneously feeding analogue RCA stereo, optical and coaxial S/PDIF to each zone. Volume control for each zone can be configured as variable, fixed or passthrough. Network connectivity is RJ45 Ethernet.

Power indication is a seriously bright blue LED on the front panel. Installed in an open room (rather than an enclosed rack cupboard) we resorted to manual dimming (a piece of black insulation tape over the LED).

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EssentialREVIEW Lode LA4D

Installation

Supplied with solid rack ears or four small rubber feet, the LA4D sits firmly in a 1U rack space.

With no fans or moving parts, it’s still and silent.

Documentation on Lode’s website is top-notch, with an excellent PDF ‘technical document’ and ‘installation guide’. Lode handily offers a small network discovery tool program for Windows/Mac OS that quickly located the IP address of the LA4D. Inputting the IP address into a browser brings up the set-up and maintenance interface. If you are using a third-party control system, then you need to either statically assign an IP address to the unit or use IP allocation rules within the DHCP server. There is no wireless connectivity.

The seven-page interface covers status, various network and player settings, maintenance and diagnostics. Within the network page, you can manually enter DHCP, configure unicast or multicast and add a boot-delay of up to 10 minutes following a power cut. The media library offers music services sign in and configuring networks shares. Basic player settings allows zones to be disabled and volume levels trimmed. Advance settings deliver zone naming, AirPlay password input and enable AirPlay interrupt.

System maintenance covers firmware updates, settings back-up, a server reboot option and direct support request including diagnostic data and device logs from the diagnostics page. Changing settings like zone names in the IP-interface have a near-immediate effect on controllers and apps.

Desktop controllers and apps are similarly quick to set-up and auto-locate the LA4D as soon as they connect to the network. We really could not fault the Lode’s installation process, and the build quality is outstanding.

Performance

The platform is compatible with many automation platforms, including Crestron

The desktop controller and iOS app look slick and are easy to navigate. The layout and dark background, with a tint that picks up on artwork highlights, is more than a nod to Tidal, which is no bad thing. The user experience is slick, with the ability to group one or more zones, build individual zone queues and create a favourites library. It’s not as fully featured as some of the incumbent bigname music apps, there is no easy-access to Tidal Masters recordings, or ability to play an external source for example, but it does the job with minimal fuss and confusion.

Running constantly for several weeks, outputting Tidal to four zones, the LA4D case barely got warm. There were no hiccups or issues throughout that period, and three short power cuts in a storm saw it reboot seamlessly, stopping playback in all zones but retaining play queues.

Unplugging the network switch saw the LA4D deliver a similarly impressive recovery. The server and desktop app recovered less than 10 seconds after the switch rebooted.

If you put chunky feet and gold-plated connections on the LA4D it could easily pass muster as a domestic Hi-Fi product. Audio performance is extremely impressive, particularly connecting the analogue outputs to high-end power amplification and loudspeakers. Hooked up to the exotic audiophile company of a Parasound JC5 driving Tannoy Westminster Royal Gold Reference speakers, the Lode was more than comfortable. Fed a diet of Tidal Hi-Fi streaming and HRA tracks from a PC library, the sound was consistently dynamic, articulate and engaging.

Using left channel from one zone and right from another, playing the same stereo source, synchronisation was faultless.

For customers looking for audiophile multi-room streaming, a zone wired direct to their existing Hi-Fi system would be an easy win. Specifying rackmount power amplifiers and install speakers of sufficient pedigree to elicit the Lode’s full performance in every zone, less so. That will be costly, but you can rest assure that the source is more than up to the task for future upgrades.

The Lode LA4D was on test and in constant use for over a month, and delivered a seamless audiophile performance. It’s hard to trip-up, physically robust and recovers from external issues like router-reboots and power cuts remarkably well. As the heart of a premium multi-room audio installation, the Lode LA4D is thoroughly recommended.

The Lode range is distributed in the UK by Custom AV Distribution.

August 2018 | 67 Essential Review.indd 67

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Essential Install | Training Dates

AL LT R A D E

RA KO T RA I N IN G

INDUSTRY UPDATE & NEW PRODUCTS FROM BLUSTREAM

FOUNDATION COURSE

DATES/LOCATION: September 25 (10am) Maidstone Branch, September 26 (10am) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 27 (10am) Bournemouth Branch, October 2 (10am) Reading Branch, October 3 (10am) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 4 (10am) Cardiff Branch, October 9 (10am) Bolton Branch COST: Free

DEMOPAD SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING DATES/LOCATION: September 27 (9:30am) Bolton Branch, October 18 (9:30am) Bolton Branch COST: Free

DATES/LOCATION: October 11, November 15, Rochester COST: Free

ADVANCED COURSE DATES/LOCATION: September 27, October 18, November 1, November 13, November 29, December 13, Rochester (laptop required) COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

For more information or to book call 01634 226666 or email training@rakocontrols.com

INTRODUCTION TO HDL DATES/LOCATION: September 24 (9:15am) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 10 (9:15am) Brighton & Hove Branch, October 16 (9:15am) Nottingham, October 25 (9:15am) Bolton Branch COST: Free

INTRODUCTION TO SONOS

CY P

DATES/LOCATION: October 9 (10am) Brighton & Hove/ Bournemouth Branches, October 11 (10am) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches (2pm) Maidstone Branch

CYP VIDEO OVER IP INSTALLATION TRAINING SEMINAR

LEVEL 1 UBIQUITI

COST: Free

COST: Free

DATES/LOCATION: September 5 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 13 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches, October 3 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, October 4 (2pm) Maidstone Branch, October 25 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch

DATES/LOCATION: September 19, CYPShepperton; October 3, TDI-Winchester; October 10, CIE-Nottingham

MORE INFORMATION »

training@cypeurope.com, 020 3137 6690

COST: Free

LEVEL 2 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: September 6 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 11 (10am) Hemel Hempstead Branch, September 25 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 27 (2pm) Reading Branch, October 10 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch COST: Free

INTRODUCTION TO IRS DATES/LOCATION: September 6 (2pm) Maidstone/Reading Branches, September 12 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 26 (2pm) Bournemouth/Cardiff Branches, October 24 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, October 25 (2pm) Maidstone Branch COST: Free

INTRODUCTION TO FIBRE DATES/LOCATION: September 12 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 27 (2pm) Maidstone Branch, October 3rd (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, October 4 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 25 (2pm) Reading Branch, October 31 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch COST: Free

C ED I A CABLES, CONNECTIVITY AND STRUCTURED WIRING WORKSHOP DATES/LOCATION: Sep 17, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

SMART HOME TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: Sep 17 – Oct 31, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

BOOT CAMP DATES/LOCATION: Sep 17– Sep 21, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS FOR INSTALLERS DATES/LOCATION: Sep 18, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

HEALTH & SAFETY DATES/LOCATION: Sep 19, CEDIA Training Centre,

INTRODUCTION TO CCTV

SAFE ISOLATION

DATES/LOCATION: September 6 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 17 (2pm) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches, October 18 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead/Maidstone/Reading Branches

AUDIO, VIDEO AND RF SYSTEMS

COST: Free

CAT5E/6, THEIR CONNECTORS AND BEYOND DATES/LOCATION: September 5 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 13 (2pm) Maidstone Branch, September 27 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 4 (2pm) Reading Branch, October 24 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, October 31 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch COST: Free

All courses are free to attend.

MORE INFORMATION »

For more information or to book call 0344 225 2700 / 01273 765180, email training@alltrade.co.uk or visit alltrade.co.uk

DATES/LOCATION: Sep 20, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots DATES/LOCATION: Sep 21, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND NEEDS ANALYSIS DATES/LOCATION: Sep 24, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

THE PRINCIPLES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT DATES/LOCATION: Sep 25, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots Member and non-member costs available online.

MORE INFORMATION »

CEDIA 01480 213 744, education@cedia.co.uk, cediaeducation.com

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Essential Install | Training Dates

MERIDIA N

C R EST RO N

MERIDIAN BASIC SETUP

NVX DESIGN AND APPLICATION

DATES/LOCATION: Oct 2, Nov 27, Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

DATES/LOCATION: 05/09/18 – 06/09/18, 19/09/18 – 20/09/18, 10/10/18 – 12/10/18, Crestron UK

MERIDIAN ADVANCED SETUP

CTI-FUSION-P CRESTRON FUSION PROGRAMMER

DATES/LOCATION: Oct 3, Nov 28, Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

HOME CINEMA ESSENTIALS DATES/LOCATION: Oct 23, Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

MERIDIAN SOOLOOS DATES/LOCATION: Oct 24, Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

TWO-CHANNEL MASTERCLASS [CEDIA CERTIFIED TRAINING] DATES/LOCATION: Sep 18, Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

DATES/LOCATION: 18/10/18 – 19/10/18, Crestron UK

AVIA DSP CONFIGURATION DATES/LOCATION: 04/09/18 – 04/09/18, Crestron UK

CRESTRON SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: 06/09/18 – 06/09/18, Crestron UK

DMC-E-4K – DM CERTIFIED ENGINEER DATES/LOCATION: 10/09/18 – 12/09/18, Crestron UK

CTI-P301 ADVANCED PROGRAMMING SKILLS DATES/LOCATION: 12/09/18 – 14/09/18, Crestron UK

MULTI-CHANNEL MASTERCLASS [CEDIA CERTIFIED TRAINING]

CTI-SG SMART GRAPHICS TRAINING

DATES/LOCATION: Sep 19, Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

CRESTRON SHADING TECHNICIAN

MORE INFORMATION »

CRESTRON STUDIO FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFESTYLE

Meridian 01480 445 622, meridian-audio.com

DATES/LOCATION: 17/09/18 – 18/09/18, Crestron UK DATES/LOCATION: 27/09/18 – 27/09/18, Crestron UK

DATES/LOCATION: 08/10/18 – 09/10/18, Crestron UK

CTI-P201 CORE SYSTEM PROGRAMMING DATES/LOCATION: 10/10/18 – 12/10/18, Crestron UK

BEMCO K NX KNX ‘TASTER’ COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 5, Bemco Wandsworth COST: Free

KNX BASIC COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Sep 24-28, Nov 19-23, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 + VAT

KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Oct 22-26, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 + VAT

MORE INFORMATION »

Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk

DMC-E-4K DM CERTIFIED ENGINEER DATES/LOCATION: 15/10/18 – 17/10/18, Crestron UK

CRESTRON SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: 23/10/18 – 23/10/18, Crestron UK

CTI-P101 FOUNDATIONS OF CRESTRON PROGRAMMING DATES/LOCATION: 29/10/18 – 31/10/18 All Crestron training courses are free.

MORE INFORMATION »

Crestron +1 888 273 7876, crestron.com

I VO RY EG G K N X TRAINING THREE DAY TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: Oct 15-17, Bosham COST: £750 + VAT

CAI

TWO DAY PARTNER DATES/LOCATION: Dec 3-4, Bosham COST: £350 + VAT

BASIC AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLATION DATES/LOCATION: Oct 30, 31, Nov 1, Watford, Hertfordshire; Dec 11, 12, 13, Watford, Hertfordshire

MORE INFORMATION »

Ivory Egg 01243 572 700, ivoryegg.co.uk

COST: Member £510 / Non Member £765

FIBRE OPTICS IN SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION DATES/LOCATION: Oct 24, Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Member £210 / Non Member £315

MAKING THE BOND DATES/LOCATION: Oct 23, Watford, Hertfordshire; Nov 28, Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Member £165 / Non Member £250

MORE INFORMATION »

CAI 01923 803 030, cai.org.uk

LI LI N SURVEILLANCE FOR CUSTOM INSTALL DATES/LOCATION: Oct 23, Milton Keynes COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

LILIN 0870 120 5550, lilin.co.uk

August 2018 | 69 Training Dates.indd 69

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Essential Install | Training Dates

AWE

H A B I T EC H

H DA N Y W HER E

FOUNDATION WORKSHOP

ARCAM – PRODUCT TRAINING

HDANYWHERE PRODUCT TRAINING DAY

DATES/LOCATION: Oct 9, AWE, Epsom

DATES/LOCATION: Sep 6, Oct 31, Basingstoke

FOUNDATION IN SMART HOME CONTROL WITH URC – MXHOMEPRO

DAHUA

DATES/LOCATION: Sep 20, AWE Smarthome Academy; Aug 22, ACE Cheltenham; Sep 11, Eurosat Walsall

DATES/LOCATION: Oct 10, AWE, Epsom

COST: Free

COST: £200

COST: £30

HDMI & 4K VIDEO DISTRIBUTION WITH HDANYWHERE DATES/LOCATION: Sept 20, Nov 15, AWE, Epsom COST: £25

WHOLE HOUSE INTEGRATION WITH URC TOTAL CONTROL DATES/LOCATION: Oct 16, AWE, Epsom

COST: Free

DATES/LOCATION: Sep 5, Oct 17, Basingstoke

PRONET – QUICK START TO NETWORK DESIGN DATES/LOCATION: Sep 11, Nov 7, Basingstoke COST: £99

PRONET – INTEGRATOR ADVANCED NETWORK DESIGN DATES/LOCATION: Sep 12, Nov 8, Basingstoke COST: £99

HDBASET EXPERT INSTALLER

WYRESTORM HD DISTRIBUTION THEORY AND TROUBLESHOOTING (INCLUDING HDBASET AND 4K)

DATES/LOCATION: Oct 11, AWE, Epsom

DATES/LOCATION: Sep 26, Nov 13, Basingstoke

COST: £60

COST: £25

MORE INFORMATION »

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com, smarthomeacademy.co.uk

ONEAV PRODUCT TRAINING DAY DATES/LOCATION: Sep 4, Sep 18, Manchester

HDBASET EXPERT PROGRAM DATES/LOCATION: October 24, ACE, Cheltenham; October 25, AWE, Epsom All courses are free

MORE INFORMATION »

HDANYWHERE 01684 575 324, hdanywhere.co.uk

COST: Free

WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD DATES/LOCATION: Sep 27, Nov 14, Basingstoke COST: Free

4K HDR IN PRACTICE DATES/LOCATION: October 3, November 13, Basingstoke COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

70 | August 2018 Training Dates.indd 70

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TRAIN FOR TOMORROW CEDIA membership gives you unprecedented access and significant savings on educational programmes designed to put you and your team at the forefront of the quickly evolving connected home industry.

Educational Programmes

CEDIA Certifications

Training Vouchers

New Recruit Training

Tech Forums

CEU Accreditation

Learn more at cedia.net Untitled-7 1

29/05/2018 16:03

EssentialBUYERS’ GUIDE DISTRIBUTORS

GET NOTICED! Would you like to advertise in our new Buyers’ Guide section and reach 10,000+ readers each and every month?

1/8

Please call Ian on 01634 673163 or email ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

92 x 56mm

Essential BUYERS’ GUIDE

Size

Dimensions

6 Months

1/8 page

110 x 61mm

£450

12 Months £750

1/4 page vertical

110 x 133mm

£900

£1500

1/4 page horizontal

224 x 61mm

£900

£1500

CATEGORY THE OPERATING SYSTEM OF THE WORLDS SMARTEST HOMES

1/8

Even better together.

Control without limits

Crestron Pyng OS 2: video is here

92 x 56mm

oneav.co.uk

crestron.com/pyng The operating system of the world’s smartest homes All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used 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. ©2018 Crestron EMEA

CATEGORY

2018_Essential-Install-AD_Pyng-OS2_EMEA_123x92.indd 1

MATRIX & SIGNAL MANAGEMENT

CATEGORY

23/08/2018 17:25

HDMI DISTRIBUTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE

1/4 V

CATEGORY

92 x123mm

a mini control system within every MHUB Tel: +44(0)115 824 7000 Email: sales@blustream.co.uk Web: www.blustream.co.uk

HDANYWHERE.COM 72 | August 2018

CATEGORY Blustream_EI_97_123_August_2018_Legacy_outlines.indd 1

Buyers Guide.indd 72

24/08/2018 14:27 28/08/2018 15:39

EssentialBUYERS’ GUIDE LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROLS

Hamilton Visit www.hamilton-litestat.com Tel: +44 (0)1747 860088 INDUSTRY PARTNER

Wiring Accessories • Circuit Protection • Smart Lighting Control & Multi-room Audio

GET NOTICED! Would you like to advertise in our new Buyers’ Guide section and reach 10,000+ readers each and every month?

Please call Ian on 01634 673163 or email ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

Size

Dimensions

6 Months

12 Months

1/8 page

110 x 61mm

£450

£750

1/4 page vertical

110 x 133mm

£900

£1500

1/4 page horizontal

224 x 61mm

£900

£1500

August 2018 | 73 Buyers Guide.indd 73

28/08/2018 15:39

How good does your rack look?

AV switch series • Rear panel ports and front facing LEDs for clean integration with AV rack systems • Available in 8-port and 26-port configurations • Future proof your network with Gigabit speeds

Untitled-2 1

24/08/2018 09:34

Essential Install | Products

Essential products

Opulent offerings of AV automation

No price points are available as yet, but the sets will launch later this year in the autumn

Sony reveals its master piece Sony’s recently-announced 4K LCD TVs are not the flagship models for 2018, nor is the company’s impressive OLED set. That’s because the company has just revealed a range of new TV models dubbed the ‘Master Series’, and they could become a strong choice for custom installers.

In the custom installation industry, quality is everything.

Whether it’s picture quality or the overall design of the products or installation, offering something a bit special is key. Thankfully, Sony is taking the ‘image is everything’ mantra and looking to deliver the goods in that department.

“The Master Series provides image quality approaching that of a professional monitor in a production studio,” claims Kazuo Kii, who heads Sony’s TV business. This performance is all thanks to the company’s new X1 Ultimate processor, a chip the company first showed off in prototype form at CES. Thankfully, the chip is now ready for prime time, with the new sets coming in the autumn.

There are two sets that make up the Master Series, the A9F and Z9F. The former is an OLED model, while the latter is an LCD. It’s likely that the A9F will be the more desirable set, with a better contrast ratio and deeper colours, but those opting for the Z9F will also get optimal picture performance.

All Sony Master Series TVs have a special mode for getting the most out of Netflix, thanks to a partnership between the two companies.

“Our members can view content as it was meant to be seen, with precise colours, accurate dynamic colours, and true motion so there’s no soap opera effect,” says Scott Mirer, Netflix’s VP of device partner ecosystem.

The company’s Acoustic Surface technology where the sounds is generated by the screen itself is also included here on the A9F OLED model. The A9F features an additional centre actuator and a subwoofer channel, which results in the TV being able to produce 3.1 audio on its own. The Acoustic Surface technology may not be an audiophile’s dream, but it allows Sony’s OLED TVs to boast an incredibly low profile.

Sony 01932 816 000, sony.co.uk

August 2018 | 75 Products.indd 75

24/08/2018 16:39

300 SERIES

A S O U R C E O F I N S P I R AT I O N . . .

MADE IN FRANCE

FO C A L

I

3 0 0

S E R I E S

Add a new dimension to your music with the new 300 Series from Focal. This discreet, ingenious French design offers simple tool-free installation across a versatile range of high performance products for stereo, multi-channel and home cinema environments. Thanks to patented ‘Flax’ technology drivers and an adjustable aluminium/magnesium inverted dome tweeter, the 300 Series offers a unique and uncoloured listening experience that will give your home a whole new atmosphere.

S i m p l i f i e d i n te g rat i o n by exce l l e n ce Focal U.K. - Southampton Road, Salisbury, SP1 2LN - 01722 426600 www.focal.com/300series

AD_300series_210x297_NEW.indd 1 Untitled-6 1

13/02/2018 10:07:03 25/04/2018 13:42

Essential Install | Products

The Infinite Series are available in the UK at SRPs of £1,549 for the Infinite 14s, £899 for the Infinite 8s and £1,549 for the Infinite Sub12

To infinity and beyond The Infinite Series is a new range of high performance, dedicated home theatre speakers from French maker Elipson.

Made in the company’s own factory in in France, the Infinite Series includes three different speakers offering a solution for dedicated viewing rooms.

Elipson says its designers and acousticians have created a powerful combination of high quality audio and sleek design in a slim, easy to install cabinet that befits the family’s flagship status.

The Infinite LCRS14 speaker is for front, side and surround channels while the Infinite SR8 can be used as a surround channel speaker for smaller rooms, or as an in-ceiling speaker.

The Infinite Sub12 is a passive sub-woofer designed to complement to the LCRS14s.

High performance drivers consist of a non-resonant diaphragm tweeter for minimum high frequency break up and low distortion.

Elipson says this bespoke drive unit also provides wide dispersion characteristics, together with high levels of accuracy, rich detail and precision. The dome design also minimises cone resonance and a compression chamber combats reflection for improved dynamics.

The mid/bass drivers feature a lightweight but rigid Rohacell foam and carbon fibre sandwich 170mm cone for optimal stiffness/ damping ratio. The driver is designed to produce a wide dynamic range with clear timbres and a deep soundstage. The low damping rubber surround also improves transient response.

The sub only bass drivers are 300mm dual rigid aluminum structures for very deep bass and strong physical impact without saturation. The 76mm voice coil with central demodulation ring reduces distortion at high volume whilst the neodymium motor provides 1000W peak power for low frequencies extending down to 28Hz @ -3dB. Construction on all Infinite speaker cabinets feature a reinforced internal structure with acoustic damping treatment, to avoid resonance at high volumes and withstand high acoustic pressure levels. They can be installed on-wall or on-ceiling or in-wall and inceiling, using brackets and inlays/templates supplied.

Elipson will also be supplying an Infinte A1000 Monoral 1000W Class D Amp (4 Ω) to maximise the power of the Infinite Sub 12s with balanced and unbalanced low level inputs for the discrete LFE channels.

Avoke 01628 484968, avoke.co.uk; Lee Godbold 01329 827788, leegodbold.com

August 2018 | 77 Products.indd 77

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Essential Install | Products

Denon intros two full-loaded AVRs

The AVR-X4500H (£1,499) will be available in September and the AVR-X3500H (£899) is available now

Denon has introduced a pair of home cinema focused AVRs, both featuring up-to-date audio decoding, voice control and streaming technologies.

The AVR-X4500H is described as a premium 9.2-channel receiver, delivering the company’s audio quality through nine 200W channels of amplification, enhanced via Advanced AL32 Multichannel processing.

The AVR-X4500H supports three-dimensional sound formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and Auro-3D and also includes 4K compatibility covering Dolby Vision, HDR (High Dynamic Range), HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), ARC (Audio Return Channel), and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).

Advanced Video Processing with analogue-to-HDMI conversion is also present meaning video content can be upscaled to 1080p full HD or 4K Ultra HD (60/50Hz).

Built-in HEOS and Amazon Alexa support increases the options here adding spoken commands, rather than using the app or remote. Alexa can be used to turn the receiver on or off, raise or lower the volume, and switch inputs to a specific source, as well as answer questions about the weather, current news and similar feeds.

Apple AirPlay 2 music streaming, alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options are also included delivering handheld compatibility.

Streaming is also delivered via built-in HEOS network technology, which also grants access to internet radio and an array of music services like Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and Amazon Prime Music. The AVR-X4500H can also be used as part of a HEOS multiroom system, allowing users to share content throughout the house to other wireless speakers.

A selectable Auto Eco mode adjusts the maximum power available according to the volume level, while an onscreen Eco meter lets users see the power saving in real time.

Rounding off this package are eight HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel and a phono input.

As for the AVR-X3500H, well it’s pretty much the same package, but it delivers 180W per channel compared to its big brother’s 200W. Denon 02890 279 830, denon.co.uk

Intrinsic launches certified driver quality standard

A new quality assurance scheme is available on the Intrinsic Group’s drivers

Intrinsic Group, AV driver developer, has launched Intrinsic Connected – a quality standard that the company says will allow both manufacturers and installers to identify quickly and easily where a certified Intrinsic solution is available.

“Anyone can write code,” says Will Hopkins, CEO at Intrinsic Group. “But, writing effective drivers for smart home integration products and applications demands real installation knowledge, controls know-how and practical experience.

All Intrinsic engineers have spent a minimum of five years in the field as product installers and system integrators. This experience is critical in how we create and build Intrinsic Connected driver solutions. It’s why we’re acknowledged as the company behind the most reliable, best functioning and optimised drivers for AV integration on the market.”

A growing number of certified Intrinsic Connected drivers are now available for Crestron, Control 4, Elan, RTI and other control platforms. These cover integration for Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Philips Hue, Sky+ and Sky Q alongside products from brands, such as, HDAnywhere, Heatmiser, Meridian, Naim, Sonos and Speakercraft.

Intrinsic Group explains that manufacturers will be able to display the Integrated by Intrinsic badge on products where an Intrinsic driver exists, giving added confidence to installers that they can integrate the best-performing technology from their favoured brands into any system.

A deep understanding of real-world application and the needs of integrators is at the heart of Intrinsic’s success, says the company. In addition, Intrinsic says it views driver design and development as a connected, two-way process. In developing drivers for manufacturers, its engineers can build on their own insight into installer requirements and offer informed feedback that can assist brands with future product development.

Intrinsic Group 03302 232 891, intrinsicgrouplimited.com

tvONE ships new distribution amplifier series tvONE’s 1T-DA68x Distribution Amplifier series

Designer and manufacturer of video and multimedia processing equipment, tvONE, has announced the shipment of the 1T-DA-68x Distribution Amplifier series. The series includes 1T-DA-682 (1x2 HDMI v2.0 DA), 1T-DA-684 (1x4 HDMI v2.0 DA), and 1T-DA-688 (1x8 HDMI v2.0 DA).

The maker says the 1T-DA-68x Distribution Amplifier series provides a high-performance solution for distributing HDMI signals with video output up to 4K2K@60Hz (YUV444) resolutions and HDR (High Dynamic Range Imaging) support, which gives the most life-like video experience.

“We are very excited to offer such powerful HDMI 2.0 devices,” says tvONE global product manager, Mark Armon. “The need to distribute extremely high-quality video and HDCP 2.2 continues to grow and these DA’s will help integrators with their solutions.”

Support is also offered for up to 32 audio channels with sampling rates up to 192kHz and pass through of 7.1 channels of digital audio including high resolution digital audio formats such as LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos. A screw-on power adapter cable prevents inadvertent disconnection of power and integrated flanges allow for easy mounting to a wall or under a table. tvONE 01843 873300, tvone.com

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Mission Critical Reliability…

Guaranteed!

Make unreliable DC power adapters a thing of the past ONErack converts your randomly sized, externally-powered devices from any manufacturer into slide-in modules that can be installed quickly and cleanly and serviced easily. For mission critical installations, add our optional dual redundant, multi-voltage power supply with ultra-reliable surge protection, power conditioning, and load sharing.

l

iona

le pab nt p a da sw Hot l redun dua PSU Opt

Rack it. Power it. Cool it. Do it, with ONErack

We Engineer Confidence®

+44 (0)1628 566830 • sales.europe@tvone.com • www.tvone.com

Untitled-4 1

12/07/2018 11:18

Essential Install | Products

Systemline 7 promises audio paradise New content opportunities on Systemline 7

Systemline has released two software updates allowing installers to provide extra services across the Systemline 7 platform in the form of Deezer music, while also delivering lossless radio streaming from Radio Paradise.

The new Deezer interface has been released as a software update for all new and existing S7 systems. It allows consumers with Deezer premium accounts access to the music platform using the S7 app, which includes the majority of browsing methods and graphics provided by the native Deezer App. The maker says this ensures the homeowner enjoys the convenience of one user-friendly app for Deezer, BBC iPlayer, TV sound, internet radio and playback of stored music in any room. Users will also be able to create, edit and delete new personal Deezer playlists, plus explore more tracks from a chosen artist they are listening to.

Paul Hilditch, Systemline brand manager, explains, “S7 goes the extra mile with the interface, using the same Deezer graphics for menu items, presenting search results in the same way, and allowing users to add tracks, artists, albums to their own Deezer library or playlists, all within the S7 App. We have also added an advanced search facility that includes artist, title, album and beats per minute.”

In addition to the new Deezer interface, Systemline has confirmed that each new miniserver forming part of S7 installed solution will include updated software that provides the ability to deliver lossless radio streaming from Radio Paradise in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format.

Radio Paradise is a free, commercial, listener-sponsored online radio station focusing on a very wide range of adult-orientated music.

Paul adds, “We are pleased that our new miniservers will support playback of this radio station in lossless FLAC, the quality of sound is exceptional. I hope that other radio stations will also consider lossless streaming – people are now demanding higher quality audio and are no longer satisfied with lossy compression and low bitrate internet radio.”

Systemline 01279 501 111, systemline.co.uk

Faradite launches discreet volt-free motion sensor

Discreet and silent, the Motion Sensor 360 from Faradite

Faradite, the British smart home accessories manufacturer, has announced the addition of a volt-free variant to its range of low profile motion sensors that are designed for the modern smart home.

The maker says the Motion Sensor 360 – Volt Free was developed in response to demand from integrators for a voltfree version of its Motion Sensor 360 (0-10V LUX) that could be integrated into popular control systems such as Lutron, Crestron and Control4.

Key features highlighted by the manufacturer include that the sensor can be powered by a 5V-24V supply and the volt-free/dry contact interface allows for integration with multiple control systems.

The design is also very compact so that it sits just 3.5mm proud of the ceiling and is as small as a GU10 spotlight. This means it’s hardly visible when mounted, making it a strong choice for a design-conscious client and should keep interior designers happy too.

Faradite also underlines that the product is 100% silent, so there is no annoying noisy clicking relay as the sensor has a solid-state construction.

The sensor also uses the latest digital passive infra-red sensing technology to reduce lens size while maintaining range and viewing angle. Detection area is ~8m diameter when the sensor is mounted at a height of 3m; performance that is normally only achievable in sensors with larger, unsightly domes, says the maker.

The optional Fire IDR accessory provides a fire rating of 60 minutes, making it suited to multi dwelling unit projects where it’s imperative that the fire rating of the ceiling is maintained. Push-fit and removable connectors ensure both an efficient installation and rapid temporary removal at various stages of the system commissioning.

One of Faradite’s customers, Lee Price, operations director at lighting design and integrator company, Twisted Pear, says, “We’re very pleased with the sensor, it’s neat, small and quick. It will install on pretty much any system and clients love the small form factor and look.”

Faradite 0203 856 8426 faradite.com

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