Essential Install January 2018

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

January 2018

Seamless Entertainment Discreet Technology

INSIDE

Whole-home 4K, amplified audio & control in just 2U. ISE booths 5-R85 & 5-S100.

Cover.indd 1

ISE PREVIEW DAM IT!

CABLES & CONNECTIONS SUPER SPEEDY

BRACKETS, RACKING & FURNITURE

HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER

25/01/2018 11:09

A New Era O F

V I D E O

D I S T R I B U T I O N

CM100

The CM100 Control Module allows simple third party control of the Multicast system using TCP/IP, RS-232 or IR

4 K

U H D

V I D E O

O V E R

RSU-6RU

Universal 6RU Rack Shelf Unit with 8x Vertical Blade Shelves

J Easy Installation J Vented front panel and shelves

I P

IP100UHD-RX/TX IP Multicast UHD Video Reciever / Transmitter

J Easy to set up and install using our comprehensive wizard software

J Extends HDMI up to a distance of 100m over single CAT cable J Power over Ethernet to power

Perfect for Complex Residential & Commercial AV Installations

Matrix distribution

M U LT I C A S T U H D

J Supports HDR pass through J Supports 4K UHD video up to 100m J Bi-directional RS-232 pass through

UK Training Nottingham

(Requires 1GB network switch)

(Requires 1GB network switch)

Blustream products J Advanced EDID management

Video wall presentation

with unlimited configuration options

O P E R A T I O N A L

M O D E S

One-to-many

One-to-one

HDMI distribution (No network switch required)

HDMI extender (No network switch required)

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF BLUSTREAM

SHOW 2017

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF BLUSTREAM

Blustream UK

First Floor, Mail Workshop

SHOW 2017

Unit A, Little Tennis Street South Nottingham, NG2 4EU United Kingdom.

Tel: +44(0)115 824 7000

Friday 08.12.17 Get in touch to book your place today J

For all the latest Blustream

TH 20product SEP 2017 animations EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE, SURREY

Blustream_EI_2017_november_v2.indd All Pages Untitled-3 2

Email: sales@blustream.co.uk

20 SEP 2017

W e b : TH w w w. b l u s t r e a m . c o . u k EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE, SURREY

23/11/2017 10:20

New

Introducing the new

PRODUCT

C O N T R A C T O R

S E R I E S

C44-KIT

HD

HDCP 2.2

A U D I O

2.0

3D

PoE

EDID

A U D I O

HEX70B-KIT

WEB

GUI

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Contractor 4x4 HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit

70m (4K up to 40m) Includes 4x HEX70B-RX HDBaseT™ Receivers

HEX100ARC-KIT-V2

HDBaseT™ Extender Set - 70m (4K up to 40m)

HDBaseT™ Extender Set - 100m (4K up to 70m)

*Transmitter

*Receiver

PRO88HBT70

C U S T O M P R O

Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ Matrix

J Supports 4K UHD video up to 40m J Control of Matrix via front panel, RS-232, TCP/IP and web GUI J HDCP 2.2 Compliant J Robust housing and interlocking board configuration ensures seamless installation and maintenance

2-Way IR, RS-232 and Audio Breakout, simultaneous HDMI output

HSP14-V2

SM11

4-Way 4K HDMI 2.0 Splitter with EDID management

J HDCP 2.2 Compliant J 1 HDMI input that is replicated to 4 HDMI outputs

J Supports full HDMI 2.0 specification 4K UHD video (4K @60Hz 4:4:4)

Advanced HDMI 2.0 HDCP 2.2 Signal Manager

J HDCP 2.2 compliant J Supports full HDMI 2.0 specification 4K UHD video (4K @60Hz 4:4:4) J Can be configured to work as either a HDMI audio embedder or de-embedder

J Supports all known HDMI audio formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio transmission

We are launching a series of regular interactive online tutorials, focused on providing convenient, bite sized insights into the latest Blustream solutions and the day to day challenges we all currently face in our rapidly evolving market.

Multicast UHD

Introduction and Overview

Multicast UHD

Configuration and Best Practice

Advanced Multicast UHD

System Configuration and Control

HDBaseT™ Best Practice

Book Now J

At www.blustream.co.uk

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HDMI 2.0 Best Practice New Product Launch

Introduction to the C44 & SC11HD-V2 23/11/2017 23/11/2017 10:05 10:20

Essential Install | Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

January 2018

Seamless Entertainment Discreet Technology Whole-home 4K, amplified audio & control in just 2U. ISE booths 5-R85 & 5-S100.

INSIDE

January 2018 ISE PREVIEW DAM IT!

CABLES & CONNECTIONS SUPER SPEEDY

BRACKETS, RACKING & FURNITURE

HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER

In this issue…

REGULARS

May 9-10 Sandown Park Surrey essentialinstalllive.com

FEATURES

5 Editor’s note

16 Invision insights

7 News

18 CEDIA scoop

It’s showtime!

22 CE Pro Europe

Custom control

Smart home headlines

Online sister publication delivers CES summary

26 Case study

Future trends

12 WyreStorm words

Bali bliss

20 OneAV update

The power of three AVoIP

34 EI Live!

One for all

14 HDAnywhere headlines Thin box, full-fat AV

24 Habitech happenings Show stopper

Superb speakers to see

37 ISE Preview What will wow?

22 Training

48 Brackets, Racking & Furniture

Knowledge is power

Hold up!

75 Products

55 Cables & Connections

Divine devices

Don’t get it twisted

65 Smart Thinking: AV Junction

Products

ISE Preview

75

Revolutionising the industry?

Average net circulation October 2015 to October 2016

68 Wisdom Audio Wise guys

5,212

37

Case study

26

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25/01/2018 16:58

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pages 24-25

From The

Editor’s Desk Giving a dam Niamh Marriott, Editor

Hello and welcome to the very first issue of Essential Install for 2018, bringing you, as ever, the ultimate in updates, reviews and news, refreshing your know-how and restoring your skill set so you’re ready to rock and roll. January is always a little bit of a tough month, an uphill struggle that leads up to one of the biggest tradeshows in our industry, ISE, which takes place in Amsterdam in February. To get you prepared, we’ve lined up the latest and greatest of products, people and parties that will be at the show this year, and who and what is bound to impress. Check out our ISE preview on page 37.

Speaking of fantastic features, we’ve got incredible info on all things cables, finding out which brands boast more connectivity, higher speeds and a faster performance. Get supported and catch up with all the recent news on mounts, racks and stands in our final feature, brackets, racking & furniture.

This month we’re celebrating innovative ideas and have a plethora of Smart Thinking pieces, including an interview with AV Junction’s CEO Paul Weatherhead, a focused article on Anatech’s divine devices and an expert review on Wisdom Audio’s new high-end home cinema line. To wash away the wintery blues, dive in to our decadent case study on page 26 where you’ll see how Yamaha has transformed the sound of a Bali beach resort.

Learn more about EI Live! and feast you eyes on our keynote speakers set to steal the show with their industry knowledge, expert opinions and top tips. For daily updates, don’t forget to check out our sister publication CE-Pro.eu, sign up to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Twitter @Install_Mag. I look forward to working with you all over the coming months and I wish you all a healthy, happy and successful new year.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com EDITOR: Niamh Marriott, niamh@allthingsmedialtd.com CONTRIBUTING JOURNALISTS: Jordan O’Brien, jordan@allthingsmedialtd.com SALES DIRECTOR: Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com ASSISTANT AD MANAGER: Jacob Brisley, jacob.brisley@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.

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Essential Install | News

Essential News Smart home happenings and automation announcements Z-Wave’s latest chip gives IoT devices a 10 year battery life The company behind Z-Wave, Sigma Designs, is debuting a brandnew chip that will allow smart home devices to get more than 10 years of battery life out of a single coin-cell battery. That will be a major boost to installers, as it means users won’t need to have direct power to some IoT devices, they’ll also not have to change the battery for at least 10 years.

This new technology should hopefully allow more types of IoT devices to launch, including embedded chips in just about everything – including furniture. That should hopefully give a central hub more information about the user, to allow the smart home to better serve the occupant. Imagine a world where the sofa can measure a user’s weight and send it to the fridge to order groceries that will help with a healthier diet, that’s the sort of thing that could be possible with this new chipset.

The new chip is known as the Z-Wave 700 Series and has 300ft of range, meaning IoT devices can be placed either inside or outside the home.

“Sigma’s Z-Wave 700-Series chip will completely reshape the meaning of smart home. It solves for many of today’s technological barriers, while being the most flexible, interoperable platform, bringing smart home functionality to a new level,” said Raoul Wijgergangs, VP of Sigma Designs’ Z-Wave business unit.

Z-Wave, z-wave.com Sigma +1 510 897 0200, sigmadesigns.com

Essential people

Tom Butler joins Andrew Lucas London

Ron Camden will remain Biamp’s VP of global sales

Joe Rabah is RMG’s new MD

Smart home consultancy Andrew Lucas London has been bolstered by the arrival of smart home industry figure Tom Butler, who has moved across from Artcoustic Loudspeakers to lead the management team.

Tom’s career began in AV/CI with a role at Rayleigh Hi-Fi. In 2008, Tom worked first as sales manager for Neo, before spearheading sales at Kent-based smart home installer Modus Vivendi. The past seven years have seen him at Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Artcoustic in a role managing the manufacturer’s sales operations, during which he was awarded Sales Person of the Year at the 2016 Smart Building Awards.

Tom has been involved with CEDIA for several years as an elected member of its EMEA board, and currently serves on the unified global CEDIA board “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to come in and manage a smart home business of this calibre,” explains Tom. “I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the team in ensuring that Andrew Lucas goes from strength to strength over the coming years.”

Biamp Systems has announced that Ron Camden, who had previously announced he was retiring, will remain in his role as vice president of sales for the Americas following the company’s acquisition by Highlander Partners.

RMG Networks Holding Corporation has announced that Joe Rabah will take on the role of managing director across the whole of the EMEA region.

Previously responsible for the Middle East division since 2009, Rabah has been appointed managing director of EMEA in a move to streamline both.

RMG +1 800 827 9666, rmgnetworks.com Andrew Lucas London 0208 222 6622, andrew-lucas.com Biamp Systems +1 503 641 7287, biamp.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com News.indd 7

January 2018 | 7 24/01/2018 16:43

Roam seamless between multiple access points XWS-1810 Wireless Controller Kit • Roaming solved between access points with RoamAssist™ • Simple central control and configuration of up to 16 Luxul access points • Dual Band access points

Come AnD LeARn moRe ABout LuxuL on stand 1-Q120

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Essential Install | News

Midwich becomes WyreStorm’s new UK distribution partner

Midwich will be distributing the full range of WyreStorm products in the UK

WyreStorm has announced the addition of Midwich as its latest UK distribution partner.

Midwich, a specialist audio visual and document solutions distributor to the trade market with operations in the UK and Ireland, France, Germany, Benelux, Iberia and Australasia, will be distributing the full range of WyreStorm products in the UK from January 2018.

“Midwich is an ideal distribution partner for WyreStorm for a number of reasons given their brand values and interests very much mirror our own,” commented Phil Gibbs, UK and Ireland sales manager for WyreStorm. “As a multi-award-winning ‘value add’ distributor, they possess an exceptionally strong focus on the customer experience, as well as high quality training and support. Their ability to service commercial and retail markets is also tailor-made for our own three market-focused brands of WyreStorm Pro AV Solutions, WyreStorm Installer Solutions and WyreStorm Express. Furthermore, their considerable experience in both AV and IT channels sits perfectly with our own vision of the future of AV distribution.”

He continued, “As such, we are thrilled to welcome a partner of such quality as Midwich, and look forward to working together to continue strengthening WyreStorm’s position as a leading provider of AV signal management and control solutions.”

Jon Dew-Stanley, director of Midwich technical division, commented, “We’re delighted to announce our new distribution partnership with WyreStorm. The Midwich technical team pride themselves on representing leading technical video brands and WyreStorm signal distribution products are a natural fit for our clients and our complementary portfolio. The exciting technology available from WyreStorm cements our specialism as the UK’s leading video connectivity and control distributor.”

WyreStorm 01793 230 343, wyrestorm.com

Nortek and Core Brands merge

The combined company will now operate as NSC

Nortek Security & Control and Core Brands have announced a strategic merger that combines the two industry leaders’ innovation and resources to drive the smart home and security markets with a suite of connected solutions and business programs that create opportunities for dealers and distributors.

The combined company, now operating as NSC, is headed by president Mike O’Neal and remains dedicated to developing and manufacturing the control, security, access, entertainment, and personal digital health solutions that make the connected home and business a practical reality for homeowners and business operators, said the company.

Anchored by the 2GIG security and ELAN control platforms, the new NSC is able to offer partners an expanded range of increasingly integrated solutions to meet the needs of their customers.

Mike said, “The combination of NSC and Core Brands helps us serve our customers with an unparalleled suite of solutions for the residential and commercial control, security, entertainment, access and personal wellness markets. Joe Roberts and I share a strong commitment to our customers, which will guide the innovation we develop into our products, services and programs.”

Core Brands president Joe Roberts now assumes responsibility for driving product vision across the new NSC company as executive vice president of marketing & innovation. “The market is demanding a broader range of solutions that work better together across product categories, and this is a major focus of our innovation,” he said. “In particular, our 2GIG and ELAN integration creates opportunities that perfectly address the connected smart home market and the evolving needs of our customers.”

Nortek Security & Control +1 800 421 1587, nortekcontrol.com Core Brands +1 707 283 5900, corebrands.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com News.indd 9

January 2018 | 9 24/01/2018 16:44

image courtesy of www.realmcontrol.com

the benchmark for luxury theater seating

Acoustical Designer Fabrics Our designer-friendly, specially-woven and tested collection of acoustical fabrics features a wide variety of exciting design patterns and colors and can be used safely over both acoustical treatments and speakers.

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Essential Install | News

Manything teams with Hikvision

Manything gives Hikvision users the ability to watch live feeds and access video stored in the cloud

Manything, the British video monitoring software company, has joined forces with Hikivison, manufacturer of CCTV cameras, to provide a fully integrated security system that can be controlled and viewed from an app.

The Manything app has been developed to offer the peace of mind for small and large businesses, as well as home owners.

Manything gives Hikvision users the ability to watch live feeds, access video stored in the cloud and remotely control their cameras from the smartphone app or from the Manything website.

Manything’s partnership with Hikvision provides a simple way to offer remotely viewable video footage without any prior networking or CCTV knowledge. On top of that, installers can initiate a new recurring monthly revenue stream by reselling Manything subscriptions to their customers. Through just a few simple taps in the Manything iOS or Android app installers can setup a security camera network that has valuables in its sights at all times – there is no need for port forwarding or router configuration.

Manything’s service can work alongside an NVR for additional offsite back up or remove the need for a physical NVR completely; instead users can save and view video content via the cloud Manything overcomes cyber security and bandwidth challenges associated with moving traditional CCTV systems to the cloud.

All Hikvision cameras running Manything are non-discoverable and have UPnP and NAT disabled. When videos are viewed they are transmitted over an encrypted TLS or HTTPS channels. Manything intuitively adjusts frame rate, bit rate and resolution to ensure recorded events are sent to the cloud even in poor network conditions.

Manything has plans to collaborate with other CCTV camera manufacturers in the coming months to roll-out its smart monitoring service to as many users as possible.

Manything, manything.com

Control4 acquires Ihiji

Control4 and Ihiji solutions will be merged into one unified service platform

Control4 has acquired the intellectual property and key operating assets of Texas-based Ihiji, a provider of remote management services for technical integrators servicing connected home customers.

By combining these two network and device management solutions — BakPak from Control4 and Invision from Ihiji — into one unified service platform, Control4 intends to provide professional integrators with powerful device monitoring and management capability to support their connected-home customers.

“Connected home opportunities are emerging globally, and their individual performance, reliability, and resilience are foundational to all successful installations. By combining Control4’s BakPak, with its strong network management capabilities, and Ihiji’s Invision, with its device monitoring and management capabilities, Control4 can provide a set of unified cloud-based services to our dealers to securely and efficiently monitor end-customer systems,” said Martin Plaehn, CEO of Control4.

He continued, “Dealers will receive alerts when performance concerns are detected; they can then remotely identify the root cause and initiate resolution actions, all without being on-premise. This will improve homeowner satisfaction through prompt and pre-emptive service, in a time-saving and cost-effective manner.”

The joint team is already developing the unified cloud-based service platform which will be made available in phases to all Control4 and Ihiji dealers and their end-customers later in the year.

The shared goal is to operate a single integrated monitoring and services experience that provides all dealers with complete visibility and control at the network level, which would include over 2,000 third-party products, as well as all Control4 and Pakedge smart home equipment.

The new solution will also deliver a comprehensive view of every home and customer to enable dealers to monitor, assess, remediate, and track performance concerns associated with their customers’ homes.

Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com News.indd 11

January 2018 | 11 24/01/2018 16:44

Essential Install | Sponsored Section: Wyrestorm

WyreStorm is looking to set the pace at ISE 2018

Ultimate AVoIP Experience

With WyreStorm Set to Showcase its Premium 4K over IP Offering at ISE 2018 with the NetworkHD 600 Series Lossless 4K/60 4:4:4 and HDR over 10GbE SDVoE, Christian Thomas, the company’s marketing communications manager, explains just what makes NetworkHD a cut above when it comes to AVoIP. As part of an industry where innovation is often built on shared technology platforms, when it comes to the most recently-embraced platform of AV over IP, it’s a challenge for the integrator to tell so many similar competing AV signal distribution products apart. And it’s the same at the very top of the AVoIP spectrum, where we’re talking lossless 4K UHD/60Hz 4:4:4 and HDR transmissions over 10GbE for ProAV and residential applications. In this landscape, it’s the differences that matter.

10GbE? Well, think of the effects 20-1 compression has on images to fit such a small bandwidth. The result is typically banding, blockiness and overall image softening as the lossy compression attempts to generalise whole areas of the screen to fit the 1GbE bandwidth. Only a 10GbE solution gives you a lossless image and audio indistinguishable from an uncompressed source.

The Power of Three AVoIP

An important aspect often overlooked with all AV components is heat – or more precisely how best to dissipate it – which can also be used as an important differentiator between competing products, with some manufacturers choosing internal fan-cooling and others preferring a larger chassis with conventional heat distribution.

WyreStorm’s NetworkHD 600 Series is the first to feature a revolutionary, fan-less chassis design that combines noiseless operation with optimal heat dissipation to maintain premium device performance, reliability and MTBF.

Distinguishing itself from manufacturers with one or two technologies, WyreStorm’s multi-platform NetworkHD line comprises three AV over IP platforms to ensure complete coverage using AV over IP for any commercial or residential application.

In addition to our low bandwidth HD over 1GbE H.264 and low latency 4K HDR over 1GbE JPEG2000 platforms, ISE 2018 will see the debut of our new 600 Series, with SDVoE technology elevating the image quality to mathematically lossless levels for instant seamless switching of true 4K UHD @60Hz 4:4:4 with HDR and zeroframe latency via off-the-shelf 10Gb Ethernet switches.

Featuring HDCP 2.2 and all the bandwidth advantages of HDMI 2.0, the 600 Series offers independent breakaway switching for matrixing functionality, audio embedding, de-embedding and down-mixing. Full gigabit Ethernet passthrough also enables the daisy-chaining of networkconnected devices, such as SmartTVs, Apple TVs and Sonos to offer huge benefits for residential applications.

Full HDMI audio passthrough supports all latest audio formats, including 5.1 downmix. Broadcast-quality scaling enables the 600 Series to go beyond merely mixing and matching display resolutions to offer powerful functionality for commercial applications requiring the highest possible image quality.

The 4K Facts of 1GbE Vs. 10GbE A lot of 4K over IP solutions out there claim support for 4K HDR at 60Hz 4:4:4 over just 1GbE, so why go

12 | January 2018 Wyrestorm.indd 12

Hot Stuff

Multiple Platforms.

One Install Experience

Last but by no means least, one major NetworkHD point of distinction over competing solutions is its unified configuration environment that enables integrators to move freely across the whole NetworkHD line without requiring them to relearn how to install for different applications, specifications or budgets. If you’ve installed one NetworkHD Series product, you can install all of them without any additional training. The huge benefits in terms of install time and complexity cannot be overstated and is in stark contrast to manufacturers that prefer a fragmented approach to software and configuration; resulting in frustratingly different install experiences with different platforms.

Like all AV solutions, when it comes to AV over IP, it’s the differences that matter.

See WyreStorm’s 600 Series with the full NetworkHD line up in action at ISE 2018 on stand 5-S60 WyreStorm 01793 230 343, wyrestorm.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 14:28

6-9 February 2018 Amsterdam RAI, NL Hall 8, Booth G200

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DISCOVER LINDY lindy.com

09/01/2018 13/12/2017 09:59 12:53

Essential Install | Sponsored Section: HDANYWHERE

2015 2018

MHUB PRO/AUDIO is the evolution of the 2015 LayerCake Project.

Seamless entertainment; discreet technology

HDANYWHERE at ISE 2018 delivers amplified whole-home AV, with app, voice or remote control in just 2U of rack space.

A new MHUB PRO-40 Ultra HD Matrix Switch with audio downmixing, and the MHUB AUDIO Matrix-Amp are being added to the MHUB line-up. MHUB PRO/AUDIO combinations can deliver up to eight zones of app/voice/ remote-controllable pixel perfect 4K video and up to 16 zones of room EQ’d audio.

The stackable system can be as small as 2U for four video and four audio zones, or just 6U for an 8x16 project.

With remote access via the HDA Cloud and integrated uControl app and Alexa voice control MHUB PRO/AUDIO offers a complete solution out of the box.

“Multiroom audio systems and video distribution go hand-in-hand. Projects often use different brands for each bit, plus maybe another brand for control. Our MHUB PRO/AUDIO combo delivers a total AV solution with control, all from HDANYWHERE. Epitomising our brand ethos of enabling installers to achieve more for end users, with less hardware.” comments Chris Pinder, HDANYWHERE’s founder and CEO. The MHUB AUDIO is a 6-input x four zone matrixamp with DSP EQ and integrated 55W amplifiers, it can work standalone or as a seamless companion to any MHUB PRO video distribution system and integrates automatically within the uControl universal remote app into one easy-to-use interface. Alexa voice commands can be used to control both video and audio at each TV for the ultimate hands-free convenience.

After an initial prototype outing at ISE 2017, feedback resulted in the final production version of the MHUB AUDIO to also include lip sync adjustment and high/lowpass filterable sub/slave outputs, allowing installers to connect active/amplified subwoofers or additional (slave) MHUB AUDIOS (or other amplifiers) for larger installs. Two aux digital Optical or COAX digital inputs are available for the easy connection of additional audio sources.

The MHUB AUDIO is designed and manufactured in Worcestershire. By leveraging the experience of industryleading audio technology companies in the local area, HDANYWHERE can build a product that’s competitively priced, but with the quality the world has come to expect from British audio electronics brands.

14 | January 2018 HDAnywhere.indd 14

Remote monitoring HDANYWHERE will also be showing the HDA Cloud dashboard, which offers installers a secure portal to remotely monitor and manage network-connected MHUB installations across multiple client sites. Power-cycling, software rebooting, diagnostics, configuration changes and uControl setup can all be performed without ever having to visit the unit in person.

New 18G max solutions

On the HDMI connectivity front, an expanded MAX series of Ultra HD Premium compatible products, which will now include 1x2 and 1x4 HDMI splitters, new slender HDR over HDBaseT Extenders, as well as multiple long-range copper and fibre-optic HDMI cabling options will be on display. All MAX products feature maximum bandwidth capabilities supporting HDMI 2.0 18Gbps data rates and HDCP 2.2 Ultra HD Premium UHD/4K 60 4:4:4 content, with all HDR formats (10 & 12-bit), Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG. The company will also be introducing 18G>10G HDMI scaler and audio management tools. First up a versatile HDMI signal management tool, offering video downscaling and audio downmixing. Useful in projects containing various differing display resolution capabilities. The downscaling function always ensure optimal performance of each display, with the video scaler supporting 18Gbps HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 content on the input, downscaled to 4K/10G or 1080p for use on HDMI 1.4 equipment. Finally, various audio widgets, including a DAC, ADC and optical splitter have been added to compliment the MHUB AUDIO. The 2018 brochure containing full info on all the new products can be viewed at hdanywhere.com/ brochure. HDANYWHERE are at ISE 2018 on Stands 5-R85 & 5-S100.

HDANYWHERE 01684 575 324

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:45

Booth 5-R85

NEW FOR 2018 AT

MHUB

AUDIO

HDA are boldly entering the world of multiroom audio with the MHUB AUDIO 4-zone matrix-amp.

Plus a range of add-on audio accessories, including a DAC, ADC and Optical Splitter.

XTN D See our improved range of slender HDMI extenders, including new 18Gbps solutions for 4K HDR.

Plus a full range of dependable 18G HDMI interconnects, from 50cm to 100 metre fibre-optic cables.

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09/01/2018 10:00

Essential Install | Invision

RTI jump starts home automation with new custom control kit Integrating RTI and Pro Control solutions, the C2K1 starter kit bundles an XP-3 Processor, Pro.24.z remote, and unlimited RTiPanel license in one cost-effective package.

RTiPanel app for Apple and Android devices

Invision, the UK’s exclusive distributor of RTI, has announced the availability of a new custom control kit that integrates Pro Control solutions into the RTI control platform for the first time. Bundling the company’s XP-3 control processor, Pro Control’s Pro24.z remote, and an unlimited RTiPanel license in one cost-effective package, the C2K1 starter kit allows dealers to offer their customers a jump start into home automation, while delivering a simple upgrade path to more sophisticated control.

“The C2K1 makes an important addition to our product line up, as it marks the first time that Pro Control solutions can be programmed within our Integration Designer APEX software,” says Mike Everett, vice president of global sales, RTI. “This kit will help integrators attract new clients with a powerful home automation solution at an entry-level price. As a client’s needs change, the C2K1 can be easily upgraded, taking full advantage of the RTI control platform,” explains Peter Biggin, technical sales manager for Invision.

The new starter kit is centred around RTI’s XP-3 advanced control processor. The processor features a built-in ZigBee RF transceiver to allow bi-directional communications with compatible RTI and Pro Control remote controls.

In addition to control options, including IR, RS232 and relays, the XP-3 utilises two-way drivers that provide users with instant feedback from third-party devices and has an astronomical clock for time-based events.

Using RTI’s award-winning RTiPanel app for Apple and Android devices, an unlimited number of users can now control installed electronic systems via their favourite smartphones and tablets. In addition, the C2K1’s Pro Control Pro24.z remote control sports a sleek, sophisticated design with a high-resolution 2.4in TFT LCD touchscreen display, programmable five-way joystick, and backlit hard buttons to enable intuitive operation, even in a darkened room.

RTI’s new Custom Control Kit C2K1 is now shipping.

For more information please contact Peter Biggin, technical sales manager at Invision on 07778 215764 or peter.biggin@invisionuk.com.

Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com

RTI’s C2K1 starter kit includes a XP-3 control processor and Pro Control’s Pro24.z remote

16 | January 2018 Invision.indd 16

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:46

N Ship ow ping

We’r e 201 at ISE 8b #5-S ooth 60

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HUDDLE WITHOUT CONNECTIVITY COMPROMISE Introducing the SW-0401-HDBT, WyreStorm’s new 4x1 HDMI/DisplayPort/VGA + Stereo Audio Over HDBaseT Presentation Switcher with CEC Control.

From small meetings come big ideas. Give huddle and modest meeting spaces the connectivity they need to inspire, communicate collaborate and innovate with the new WyreStorm SW-0401-HDBT multi-format 4-to-1 scaling switcher.

Featuring auto or manual switching of VGA plus stereo audio, DisplayPort and dual HDMI Inputs to HDBaseT Class A and mirrored HDMI outputs, the SW-0401-HDBT punches way above its weight.

Both HDMI inputs can be scaled up to 4K/30Hz from both HDBT and HDMI outputs, balanced audio enables connection to a local audio system and CEC power triggers to compatible screens allow them to be turned on or off by auto-detecting source status.

A powerful solution for increasingly common huddle and small meeting space applications, the SW-0401-HDBT presentation switcher from WyreStorm is one black box that lets you think outside it.

VGA DisplayPort 4K AND HD SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION | AV OVER IP | CONTROL SOLUTIONS

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WYRESTORM.COM

12/01/2018 12:28

Essential Install | CEDIA

Emerging video display trends for 2018 Video displays have changed significantly since there were big round tubes inside wooden cabinets showing 405, 525, 625 or 819 lines of resolution. Today, we have advanced flat panels and projectors with various acronyms including HD, 4K, UHD, 8K, HDR, WCG, HFR, HDR-10, and OLED. Here, Michael Heiss, principle consultant of M Heiss Consulting discusses the key trends that will likely dominate video displays for the year ahead.

4K/UHD

4K displays are becoming almost mandatory for any screen size above 40in diagonal. Price is no longer an objection, and the increased resolution is a boon for presentations, spreadsheets, and still images, as much as it is a consumer ‘pull feature’ for moving images.

HDR/WCG

4K displays are becoming almost mandatory

If 4K resolution is the feature that drives better displays into residential and commercial installations, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) are what really provide the demonstrable benefit. The ability to have the equivalent of up to 14 photographic stops as opposed to eight for Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) is best explained by showing how there is more depth in the blacks or shadow area of a picture without having the bright areas wash out.

WCG makes it possible to see more colours so that images come considerably closer to what the human visual system sees. Demonstrate this by comparing a picture drawn from a crayon box with only 8 or 16 choices to the ‘deluxe’ box with 36 or 64 crayons/ colour choices.

LCD and QLED vs OLED

Competing with LCD/QLED is OLED

The consumer electronics industry never seems to be without a format battle, and this is the latest one. Just as conventional LCD panels with fluorescent CCFL backlighting have given way to LED illumination, the latest advancement is the use of ‘quantum dots’ or ‘nano cells’ which use micro particles to enable colours to be much

more precisely fine-tuned. Be on the lookout for sets called ‘QLED’ as one indication of Quantum Dots, but other branding schemes are in use by the various manufacturers.

Competing with LCD/QLED is OLED. As an emissive, rather than transmissive technology, OLED is said to have better blacks, and thus, contrast ratio, as when a pixel is ‘off’, there is no light showing at all.

Projection

The use of lasers as the initial light source for projection products has taken the industry by storm.

For higher-end installations, particularly in cinemas, where high light output is needed, direct laser systems are worth examining. Expensive, to be sure, but in some applications, nothing else will do.

Short throw

Another growth area in projection is ‘short throw’.

Here, two form factors will be on display. Overhead/ White board units have become popular for classroom and instructional use. The projector is mounted to, or directly above, a white board. This not only allows for drawing over the video image on the screen, it simplifies installation by eliminating ceiling mounts.

On the consumer side, short throw projectors allow a cabinet with the projector to sit on the floor virtually right up against the screen. For situations where a ceiling mount is not possible, this arrangement gives the viewer the benefits of a large, 4K screen without worrying about the projector.

ISE 2018

For more details, register for the Video Display Technologies session in Room 202 at 4pm on Tuesday 6th February at ISE. Here, I will discuss how these things work, what technology is hot today, obsolete tomorrow, and what is yet to come. Attendees will discover how these will impact their business and how to select, install, sell and profit from flat panel and projection displays. Alternatively, you can take in my CEDIA Talk on The Future of Video Technology on the CEDIA booth at 10am on Wednesday February 7.

To find out more about the CEDIA education sessions at ISE 2018 and to book your place, visit iseurope.org/shop.

M Heiss Consulting +1 818 788 5521, michaelheiss.com CEDIA 01480 213 744, cedia.co.uk

18 | January 2018 CEDIA.indd 18

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 14:10

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25/01/2018 10:21

Essential Install | Sponsored Section: One AV

15 connectivity brands now stocked by OneAV

These divine devices can be seen in Hall 5, Stand R85 at ISE 2018.

In under two years, OneAV has become one of Europe’s fastest growing specialist technology distributors.

Focused purely on the AV connectivity and signal management product categories, OneAV supplies AV professionals in the commercial and residential channels with everything from cabling essentials to large-scale AV distribution and video wall systems. A ‘one-stopconnectivity-supplier’ that delivers high performance, but reasonably priced solutions from 15 category leading brands.

OneAV is passionate about sourcing the latest innovations that address the ever-evolving landscape of challenging AV briefs, wielding a portfolio of 15 highly specialised AV connectivity brands including: Celerity, DigiBird, FiberX, HDANYWHERE, HDfury, Just Add Power, MediaHub, Mersive, Murideo, Luxi, Panconnect, Pixelgen, PureLink, and PureTools. Providing a wide range of cables, adapters, signal extenders, switchers, HDBaseT and AV over IP matrices, splitters, scalers, converters, 4K UHD video wall solutions, controllers, collaboration and test tools.

Left: Ben Hayes Right: George Mundy

Ben Hayes, OneAV sales executive, picks out the key things to see on the OneAV booth, “I recommend allowing 15 minutes to grab a coffee (or beer!) with us and chat through the following new OneAV stocked solutions.”

• 10 new HDANYWHERE centralised whole-home AV solutions, in particular the MHUB AUDIO 6x4 55W multiroom Matrix-Amplifier • Just Add Power’s new lower cost HDMI over IP 3G rackmount transmitter • Pixelgen’s HDMI 2.1-ready 48Gbps interconnect solutions • The ‘Fox & Hound’ handheld HDMI verification certification and calibration test tool from Murideo • PureLink’s AVIT Media Series of networking products including Cat6 and Cat6A cabling, modules, keystones, connectors, patch panels and wall plates • DigiBird’s 4K UHD video wall controller products • FiberX’s AOC HDMI and DisplayPort cables for HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2 (both +18Gbps) • PureLink’s Neutrik etherCON ProAV-over-IP 10G solution Daniel Adams, OneAV’s UK CTO commented, “OneAV prides itself on being able to provide first class technical knowledge and customer support for the entire brand portfolio that only a focused and specialist connectivity distributor can offer. There has never been a distributor with such an acute focus on AV connectivity as OneAV. Our European operation provides unique strengths in logistics and industry expertise, enabling OneAV to develop very attractive commercial propositions for our stocked brands and ultimately high quality, profitable solutions for our trade customers. We look forward to seeing you all in Amsterdam!”

OneAV 01684 576 348, oneav.co.uk

20 | January 2018 OneAV.indd 20

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:47

Meeting room table connectivity

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Booth 5-R85 Over 15 great AV connectivity brands on show!

OneAV supplies everything from cabling essentials to large-scale AV distribution, and video wall systems. A ‘one-stop-connectivity-supplier’ for high performance, but reasonably-priced solutions from over 15 category-leading brands.

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Distributed in the UK by

09/01/2018 09:59

Essential Install | CE Pro Europe

CE Pro CE Pro

AV

SMART HOME

ce-pro.eu

EUROPE

EVENTS

CASE STUDIES

FEATURES

COMMERCIAL

@CEProEurope facebook.com/CEProEurope

Essential Install Magazine is jam-packed with everything you need to know about the custom install industry, but did you know there’s a place you can go online to get even more? CE Pro Europe is broughtEUROPE to you by the same people behind EI and offers breaking news, exclusive case studies, and comprehensive coverage of some of the biggest events that affect our industry.

CE Pro

Since its launch in 2014, CE Pro Europe has broken some of the biggest stories of the industry. Whether it’s the sale of the CEDIA trade show, the revival of Kaleidescape, or the addition of DTS:X on the Xbox One S. Readers have also been given in-depth and up-to-date information about subjects that just wouldn’t be possible in the magazine, including a round-up of all the movies and TV shows available in Dolby Vision, as well as editorial opinion on which technologies deserve to win the format wars.

This month on CE Pro Europe we saw dozens of new products launch at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. While you’ll find information about many of them on the website, we’ve decided to use this page for a quick round up of all the major announcements you could have missed.

CES report

There’s no denying that CES is the event with the biggest effect on the AV and smart home industry. Whether it’s the latest and greatest flat screen TV, a new smart device, or a sneak peek into the technology of the future, CES 2018 had it all.

While CES 2017 was largely dominated by Alexa, this year it was Google’s turn in the limelight. The show

floor was littered with products supporting the Google Assistant, with everything from TVs and smart speakers, to cars and appliances, boasting it.

The Google Assistant had pretty much something for everyone, although we were most impressed by the new smart displays. Lenovo arguably had the most desirable smart display at CES 2018, with its new device taking on the Amazon Echo Show directly. These new device types explain why Google revoked Amazon’s access to YouTube, which conveniently is a key feature on Google’s smart displays.

It wasn’t just a show dominated by Google, however.

AV aficionados could find plenty to be excited about. The HDR format war has really started to heat up, with HDR10+ finally getting its time to shine. This Samsung-developed competitor to Dolby Vision found new partners, and finally made its way to a 4K Blu-ray player, courtesy of Panasonic.

Countless new TVs were also present at the show, with Sony updating its OLED TV with a more conservative design, while Samsung’s QLED technology may finally be ready to take on OLED. TVs also felt the invasion of the voice assistant, with Samsung adopting Bixby, Sony and LG using the Google Assistant, and Hisense calling on Alexa.

The top five: CES 2018 With so many things to choose from, which CES 2018 announcement really caught our reader’s eyes?

Here are the five most popular stories from the month of January.

Sony’s Dolby Vision 4K Blu-ray player Sony has already committed to updating its TVs with Dolby Vision, which readers of CE Pro Europe will know hasn’t quite gone exactly to plan, but at CES 2018 the company debuted its first 4K Blu-ray player with the HDR technology.

22 | January 2018 CEPro.indd 22

Panasonic brings Dolby Vision, HDR10+ To 4K Blu-ray player Panasonic decided to partake in a bit of oneupmanship, with its 4K Bluray player besting Sony’s by being the first to offer HDR10+. It also packed Dolby Vision.

LG partners with Meridian Audio for new soundbar

LG has gone back to the drawing board with its new SKY10Y Dolby Atmos soundbar, with the company hoping to improve on last year’s SJ9. To ensure the new model is better, it enlisted the help of Meridian Audio.

Z-Wave unveils chip with 10 year battery life Z-Wave unveiled a new chipset for use in smart home devices that could give sensors and other gadgets a 10 year battery life – forgoing the need to plug them into the mains.

Sennheiser debuts its FIRST soundbar

Sennheiser is well known for making headphones, it’s also incredibly prevalent in the commercial AV market, but it’s now taking its first stab at a soundbar. This concept product boasts 3D audio, but it doesn’t use Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or Auro 3D.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:48

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Bespoke luxury cinema seats, made to order to fit your own specification. Style and comfort in equal measure.

Reference cinema processors, power amps and an AVR; from 16 to 32 channels.

A premium outdoor speaker range offering high performance and reliability under even the most extreme conditions.

Screen Research 1-M70 State of the art projector screens, manufactured to order in a wide choice of fabrics and finishes, to perfectly suit any home cinema project.

Kaleidescape 2-C20, 2-E20, 2-E30 World leading movie server system for the home, offering the ultimate in picture and sound quality.

Crestron 2-C20, 2-E20, 2-E30 Seamlessly control everything in the home; lighting, music, security and more.

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Tel: 01279 647 039 25/01/2018 20:55

Essential Install | Sponsored Section: Habitech

One of the star attractions this year is Wisdom’s glorious demo theatre at 5-S120

Opportunities abound at Europe’s bumper custom mashup Driving the convergence of commercial and residential systems design, the quest for higher AV quality makes your skills ever more transferable, so there’s never been a better time to commune with Habitech at ISE says MD Jonathan Pengilley.

The beautifully rugged and discreet new Sonance Extreme all-weather speaker line at 1-N100

Boost discreet home theatre performance with the new Cinema Reference line: a direct drop-in upgrade to their predecessors at 1-N100

24 | January 2018 Habitech.indd 24

It doesn’t take the powers of Nostradamus to figure out that this year’s event will be bigger than 2017’s in every way. The world’s largest AV and systems integration tradeshow is putting on girth faster than a bus load of gourmands at a cake eating competition, absorbing rivals, consistently adding exhibitors, attendees and floor space. If you’re going this year you’ll be one of over 75,000 pilgrims sharing commercial and residential integration knowhow with 1100 plus exhibitors at a forum unmatched in scale, energy and diversity.

For me, the real power of ISE is its reach: exhibitors get to greet a swathe of potential new customers (according to ISE over 40% of last year’s attendance were new to the show), and visitors get the opportunity to explore a vast and growing multi-disciplinary sales floor.

If you’re already integrating residential and commercial

work or thinking about applying your skillset beyond the home, ISE is an entire shopping mall of possibilities.

And even if you’re sticking with what you know, it’s the year’s first opportunity to experience the innovations that will make your work easier and more profitable in 2018.

Here’s a quick start guide.

Sonance 1-N100

New visual performance Extreme all-weather speakers The new Extreme speakers boost performance with larger voice coil and magnet engines for higher SPL and increased power handling. A round 6” (VPXT6R), 6” single stereo (VPXT6R SST), and a new 8” (VPXT8R) have round or square grille options. They’re joined by a 6” rectangle (VPXT6) and all benefit from a new grille retention technology (XPC), with eight capture points to resist pressure washing.

New cinema reference speaker line Combining ultra-discreet installation with heightened audio impact, the new line-up includes two in-wall LCR speakers, two matching in-wall surrounds, two in-wall subs, an in-ceiling LCR and an in-ceiling surround (with separately sold enclosures). A cabinet centre channel is also available if an in-wall centre channel speaker isn’t practical, and best of all they’re an easy drop-in upgrade to their predecessors.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 14:01

Essential Install | Sponsored Section: Habitech

However you measure it, ISE's rise has been spectacular

Awesome bass power and control from the new Sonance 'Impact' subs and supercompact D8 cube at 1-N100

Impact subwoofers The new ‘Impact’ cabinet subwoofers – the i8, i10 and i12 (8/10/12”, 200W/300W/400W) – include DSP with 16band parametric EQ and room correction via the SonARC iPhone app through a built-in wireless receiver and optional wireless transmitter.

D8 dual 8” SQUARE subwoofer This dual 8” SQUARE subwoofer offers the same output as a 12” woofer within an ultra-compact cabinet design and the easy app-based room EQ functionality of the Impact line. iPort LuxePort LuxePort is a truly deluxe iPad mounting system, which adds high-end luxury to the proven practicality of LaunchPort. It’s also super light and portable thanks to conductive charging (rather than inductive), and the wall mount is smaller and less intrusive. What’s more, the elegant base station has an articulating hinge that allows it to rotate to facilitate interaction with the screen from either side. A dual USB charging station can be added to the rear of the base station. With enhanced security built in, the rugged but flawless LuxePort design will hold, charge and protect the ubiquitous iPad at home and in myriad commercial environments.

Wyrestorm 5-S60 Experience the quality of LuxePort, a luxury home for iPad at 1-N100

The new Wyrestorm NHD 600 series combines powerful 4K-over-IP capability with brilliant app control, and meet H2XC – the world’s most versatile switches – at 5-S60

NetworkHD 600 Series Combining mega flexibility and data haulage capability for residential and commercial applications, the new NHD 600 Series is a true 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 AV-over-10G IP distribution breakthrough, offering high quality, zero latency transmission with seamless switching over a 10GbE network using Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology. Add 4K sources and displays, connect inputs to outputs and send 4K (including HDR-10 and 32chan audio) to any target with your finger on an easy dragand-drop app. NHD 600 offers IR, RS-232 and full gigabit Ethernet pass-through for SmartTVs, Apple TVs and Sonos.

H2XC modular matrix platform H2XC transforms the choices available from the H2X 10 or 16-way chassis with a selection of customisable multi-format, multi-platform transmission cards. For instance, the TX-H2XVLC card applies the WyreStorm’s variable light compression (VLC) technology to enable 18Gbps transmissions of 2160p 60Hz 4:4:4 and 2160p 60Hz 4:2:2 HDR 12 bit to be transmitted as far as 70m over HDBT copper. Longer range targets need the TX-H2X-OM3 fibre card, which uses a 10G optical fibre output to send 4K HDR up to 300m.

Selectively intro 18Gbps fibre payload to a copper network with the EXF-300-H2 extenders. 5-S60

EXF-300-H2 18G fibre extender set This brilliantly practical TX/RX pair transforms the 4K fire power of any H2 matrix by harnessing any mirrored HDMI 2.0 input or output on the switch to connect a distant 18Gbps 4K source, or send the latest 4K signal to a display device over fibre within a 300m range.

Wisdom Audio 5-S120

Anybody who’s visited our Basingstoke cinema has been blown away by the epiphany of our recently installed and extraordinarily discreet Wisdom 9.4.4 system. So I’d prioritise a visit to Wisdom’s custom built demo room at ISE, created in collaboration with Italy’s premier acoustic designer “Home Theater Environment (HTE)”. The setup features the Sage L75 Line Source speakers with a custom Sage C38 centre speaker, six L8i Insight Line Source speakers in side/rear positions and four Sage Series ICS7a in-ceiling speakers, underpinned by S110i RTL (Regenerating Transmission Line) subwoofers and boosted by the uncompromising power and control of Wisdom’s proprietary SA-3 amplifiers.

Debuting will be Wisdom’s second-gen SC-2 (8-channel in, 16 out) and SC-3 (16-channel in, 32 out) system controllers with Dirac Live EQ, together with its high-end Sage Series ‘Superbar’ range, designed for discreet high-quality stereo or LCR performance in a soundbar format and ideal for high-end media rooms or meeting spaces.

Europe’s unrivalled integration fest is the place to connect with the best in residential and commercial design, so get in touch with the Habitech sales team to arrange a personal tour of some of the game-changing riches on offer at ISE this year: the shop window is wider than ever.

Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Habitech.indd 25

January 2018 | 25 25/01/2018 14:01

Essential Install | Case Study: Yamaha

Sun, sea and sound

As we say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new, thoughts of those in the northern hemisphere inevitably turn towards summer, sunshine and holidays. And where better to soak up some rays than at Finn’s Beach Club in Bali, where a new Yamaha audio installation is helping to deliver the best possible customer experience.

Located 10 minutes from Seminyak, one of the bestknown tourist areas on the island, Finn’s Beach Club recently relocated to a new building on the famous Berawa surf beach. The environmentally-friendly bamboo structure was specifically designed to allow every guest to have a guaranteed sunset view, accompanied by music from the club’s resident DJs. The soundtrack is enhanced by a major Yamaha audio installation, designed and installed by David Soewondo of Surabayabased DMP Musik.

A complex, multi-zone system was needed because the club features six indoor bars, a restaurant, spa, boutique, changing rooms, DJ booth/stage, two swimming pools, a pool bar and numerous outdoor hammocks and single/ double day beds.

“The client needed a system that could distribute sound throughout the venue, however the different zones have different volume settings, depending on how each area is used,” says David. “Some of the zones overlap and it was very important that people would not perceive delays in the sound, because this would deliver an inferior

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May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:49

Essential Install | Case Study: Yamaha

The club features six indoor bars, a restaurant, spa, swimming pools and a pool bar

Yamaha was chosen for its quality and customisation

customer experience. So it was important for staff to have a very quick and simple way of adjusting the sound of each zone, to maintain the best audio quality at all times.”

Based on three Yamaha MRX7-D, an MTX5 and an MTX3 matrix processors, with six EXo8 output expanders and a DCH8 digital control hub, the system is controlled by eight DCP4V4S and eight DCP1V4S surface-mount control panels. 14 Yamaha power amplifiers drive loudspeakers located throughout the venue, with an MGP16X mixer also provided for live events.

“We chose Yamaha products because of their quality and reliability,” says David. “The matrix processors, digital hub and control panels make it very easy for venue staff to adjust the zone volumes, ensuring customers enjoy an optimal audio experience throughout the entire site.”

He continues, “We have used Yamaha products in many other installation projects across Indonesia. The price point is also very competitive, meaning we can offer solutions for customers who have less spending/ purchasing power for their venues.

“Overall, we are very happy with the equipment, its reliability and Yamaha Indonesia’s support. Most importantly, the client is very pleased with the finished

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Case Study – Yamaha.indd 27

project. They have since added extensions to the venue, which will see the sound system expanded. The Yamaha solution means that this will be a straightforward task.”

DMP Musik +62 31 5320 901, dmpmusik.co

January 2018 | 27 24/01/2018 16:49

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Essential Install | Anatech Distribution

Superb sound

Anatech Distribution has been appointed as UK distributor for Bluesound, the high-resolution, wireless, multi-room Hi-Fi from Lenbrook Industries (known for NAD Electronics, BluOS and PSB Speakers).

Anatech is a trading division of Levco Limited which was founded in 2004 by Simon Lever, a veteran of the technology industry. Originally operating as SimplySonos (the first Sonos reseller in Europe), Levco’s mission has always been to add value to the sales process of consumer electronics.

Having been continually disappointed by the buying experience of consumer electronics products both as a consumer and business-buyer, Simon was sure that a more accomplished approach to the CE market could be achieved. With the right product range – one requiring an “assisted sell” – as Simon calls it, he believed he could deliver a better experience as well as a healthy business.

“The emergence of the wireless, digital music-streaming category in early 2005 provided the perfect opportunity to prove the point,” Simon says. “Not only was it new and exciting, it had the ‘assisted sell’ ingredient as well as the right financial proposition for the approach to be profitable.”

Simon concedes that the timing was lucky. “Yes, being in so early was a huge advantage,” he adds. “The ipod had been launched, there were no touch-screens at all and people had to rip their own music or buy from iTunes. We worked hard, learned hard, focused and have made music-streaming systems core to our business for thirteen years now.”

“Therefore, when we were approached by Lenbrook to discuss a distribution partnership in the UK and Ireland, we were thrilled,” says Simon. “We had been approached

30 | January 2018 Bluesound.indd 30

by others before but we believe that Bluesound is the offering that truly broadens the choices in the multi-room space by delivering additional features and benefits compared to other products. That is particularly so in the CI space. Our knowledge of the market and the focus we bring to the NAD and Bluesound brands makes Anatech uniquely positioned to partner with Lenbrook and its fastgrowing dealer community.”

For those not familiar, Bluesound comes from the decades-long-established NAD Electronics stable whose pedigree is high quality, affordable, Hi-Fi. Its CI Range of products is NAD-branded, whereas the retail range is branded Bluesound. Both the NAD and Bluesound range are powered by ‘BluOS’ – a dedicated, ‘musiconly’ operating system. BluOS is the glue to making all products in both ranges interoperate.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 16:16

Essential Install | Anatech Distribution

See the NAD-BluOs and Bluesound Range on stand 15-E200 at ISE

MQA certified

“What makes BluOS different is that it is a certified MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) music system,” continues Simon. “Music systems that play high resolution audio do not necessarily play MQA. For the MQA experience you must have an MQA certified DAC. Otherwise all you are hearing is the Hi-Res file and not the MQA ‘extras’ cleverly contained within it. There are many music industry names making noise about MQA and how it delivers studio-quality audio reproduction. The proof is in the listening.”

According to the maker, the NAD heritage means that even listening to non-MQA encoded tracks is a different experience with Bluesound compared to other music streamers.

Custom install NAD CI 720 Rack System

NAD T 758 Receiver NAD CI 980 Amplifier NAD CI 580 Streamer

From a CI perspective, the NAD BluOS range offers many useful CI features such as rack-mounting modularity, comprehensive and fully featured drivers for big name automation vendors such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC and Push, 12v triggers, interrupts, IR Control, Presets and USB ports.

The ability to fit up to six independent, amplified BluOS streamers in a 3U rack space, or four nonamplified streamers in a 1U space, is a boon to many installers – and so is the built-in BluOS available in NAD surround receivers. Such features add convenience and power to the end-user experience providing faster access to music. It might sound trivial, but not needing to reach for the receiver’s remote when playing music is often a big deal to an end-user.

Streamers, soundbars and a subwoofer

If rack mounting is not necessary, then the Bluesound range provides standalone non-amplified and amplified streamers (the Node and Powernode products). In addition, there are three different ‘all-in-one’ players; a soundbar and a subwoofer (the Pulse range of products). Uniquely, Bluesound also has a product called the Vault – a non-amplified BluOS streamer with built-in CD-ripper and NAS drive – ideal for many customers and installers needing such function.

All BluOS streamers are equipped with powerful processors to make light work of the demands of High Resolution Audio and MQA processing. When combined with the experience of outstanding amplification design from NAD Electronics, this is what drives the outstanding sound experience.

Award winning audio

NAD BluOs and Bluesound is not new to the UK. Amongst many other awards, Bluesound has won ‘What Hi-Fi Product of the Year’ award for four consecutive years. What is new is a re-invigorated approach to the channel with the appointment of Anatech Distribution as the distribution partner in the UK for both NADS-BluOs and Bluesound.

“The market potential for Bluesound in the UK and Ireland is significant,” concludes Simon. “The European market has already embraced BluOS. Benelux is a third of our market size and yet has three times the UK sales volumes. That means the UK has only reached a ninth of where we should be, so we’re expecting busy times ahead.”

You can see the NAD-BluOs and Bluesound Range as well as meet Anatech Distribution on stand 15-E200 at ISE. If you can’t make it to ISE, you can see and hear NAD & Bluesound at Anatech’s offices in Teddington, West London.

Anatech Distribution 0208 977 8633, anatech.co.uk

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Bluesound.indd 31

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Essential Install | Sponsored Section: PMC

Loud and proud

PMC are one of the very few companies who have been awarded an Emmy for its contribution to recording excellence. EI spoke to Miles Roberts, sales director at PMC, to hear what it’s all about.

When was PMC formed and what are its main aims?

We’ve been operating now since 1991, we quickly established ourselves as leading suppliers to mastering studios and movie film scoring composers. Our aim was simply to produce a loudspeaker with the lowest colouration and highest resolution possible. We saw an opportunity to reengineer loudspeaker technology and developed Advanced Transmission Lines (ATL) as a unique offering for all markets.

Tell us about your loudspeakers.

What is your most stand out product?

Miles Roberts, PMC's sales director

The QB1-XBD fully active monitoring system is the pinnacle of our loudspeaker development. It incorporates a massive transmission line with a combination of eight 10in positon drivers for maximum SPL. Its driven by our own design DSP crossover system and digital power amplification. We already have these installed in flagship recording studios like Capitol Tower in LA as well as several high-end private home cinemas.

What amplifiers do you recommend using with your loudspeakers?

Well, if we are looking at high-end theatre integration, we recommend using our fully active electronics systems.

These are based around programmable tuning DSP as well as very high-power class D amplifier modules. Our top systems can produce transparent audio up to 134db SPL. The efficiency and ease of drive for our dedicated in-wall and on-wall wafer designs mean that they can be powered by most competent multi-channel Zone amplifiers.

Tell us about you CI efforts, what products are appropriate for this market?

A high proportion of our products are appropriate to the CI market; however, it’s the very high-end residential arena that interests us. We have been servicing this market discretely for many years and feel that our portfolio of products now enables us to drive harder at this market sector. We have identified strategic opportunities in this area and will be developing additional designs to further enhance our standing.

Are all your products manufactured in the UK? Tell us about your technical team.

All our models are designed, assembled and final tested in the UK in our own factory just north of London.

Our professional heritage from the recording and broadcast industry has enabled us to build a technical team capable of supporting any audio CI project from initial project consultation through to acoustics, installation and commissioning.

Where are your products available?

Over 26 years we have built up a comprehensive worldwide distribution chain for most sectors of the market, particularly centred around consumer Hi-Fi and professional recording. We are actively seeking to further expand this network with specialist distributors within the CI realm as part of our 2018-2019 development plans.

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What speaker accessories do you manufacture?

We have a range of brackets and mounting accessories for our wafer models allowing them to be mounted in-wall or on-wall as well as ceiling mounted for Dolby Atmos use. Our range of traditional cabinet speakers has complimentary stands and wall brackets to suit many installation types.

Finally, what advice would you give a young person starting out in this industry?

Gain a broad knowledge of sound principles from a technical perspective, but at the same time, do not underestimate the value of practical real-world skills.

Focus on a CPD program using the services of the likes of CEDIA. If possible, sign up as an affiliate member to gain access to insider information.

PMC 01767 686 300, pmc-speakers.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:50

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The Event Of The Year.

May 9th - 10th 2018 www.essentialinstalllive.com

Ready in good stead for 2018, EI Live! is back and

C

M

ready to blow your smart home socks off. There’ll be a

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brand new format for exhibitors, a delicious networking

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dinner where the winners of the Smart Building Awards

CMY

will be announced, and a jam-packed learning zone

K

with a super schedule of spectacular speakers.

Book your stand now, your competitor has!

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Product Categories

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PRESENTED BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL MAGAZINE

Gala Awards Dinner - May 9 - Receive your award - Network with industry leaders - Live entertainment - Three course meal

-

Projector screen of the year Projector of the year Bracket/rack or mounting product of the year Loudspeaker of the year Cable solution of the year Matrix/signal distribution product of the year Multi-room/zone music solution of the year Dedicated touchscreen of the year TV/Display of the year Integrated TV/Display of the year

Project Categories -

Best cinema project Best commercial integration project Best whole house project Multi-dwelling unit (MDU) project of the year

Company Categories -

Distributor of the year Manufacturer of the year Training initiative of the year

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Sales person of the year Special recognition award

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Essential Install | EI Live! Learning Zone

5 speakers to see at EI Live!

EI Live! has upped the ante on its Learning Zone experience this year by gathering together some of the brightest brains in the industry to ensure a trip to the show delivers valuable and deliverable business bonuses. Full detail on each talk will be available soon, but for now, check out their impressive CVs. Wilfried Van Baelen, CEO at Auro Technologies

Difficult to sum up the career of this man in just a few words, however suffice to say there are few people on the planet who understand music and audio better than Wilfried.

In 1980 he co-founded Galaxy Studios Belgium eventually building one of the most technically advanced and inspiring recording studios in the world. Wilfried has also helped deliver the next generation of cinema audio with the creation of Auro 3D. A professional musician (classic and pop), producer/ engineer in music and film, Wilfried says his current main mission is to deliver the last dimension in sound (Height) to the world, the final step in the dimensional evolution of sound, started in 1870 by Edison. With Auro-3D, Wilfried says the industry is coming very close to the illusion of a natural sound field around the listener.

Inventing the Auro 3D in 2005, Wilfried founded Auro Technologies in 2009 to promote the format. Come and hear what Wilfried has to say about the future of audio and home cinema.

Charles Lim, president of IMAX Private Theatre

Now we have a rule in the Learning Zone for 2018, all the talks have to be general and non-product orientated, however we are bending that rule a little, to accommodate this guest as we think you are going to want to hear what he has to say. Is there a more iconic name in cinema visuals than IMAX? Probably not, so EI Live! thought it would be a good idea to have Charles come and explain how IMAX is planning to move its concept into the home. Charles will be explaining the concept’s journey from the pro cinema world to the home and how you can get involved!

Vin Bruno, president, AlltecPro, former CEO of CEDIA, former director of marketing, Crestron

A leading smart technologies innovation expert, Vin has been one of the most driven and dynamic executives in the smart building space for many years.

A goal-driven visionary with demonstrated proficiency at planning and building businesses from concept, to operational, to long-term profitability with an outstanding history of guiding technology companies to achieve year over year revenue growth.

Vin has demonstrated expertise in applying analytical intelligence, entrepreneurial imagination and administrative ability to opportunities and is adept at positioning organisations as industry leaders and leveraging communication talents to negotiate successful mergers and acquisitions. If there is one person who knows this market and knows how installers can be successful in it, its Vin, come see what he has to say at EI Live!

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Simon Honywill, sonic educationalist and senior sound consultant, Glastonbury Festival, Pyramid Stage As well as being ultimately responsible for one of the most highprofile live music stages on Earth, and enjoying a 38 year long and varied career as a live sound engineer working with the likes of Goldfrap, and being involved with events such as the closing ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympics, Simon loves to educate others on how sound actually works and how to get the best from it. Simon will help visitors get the best from their projects, by gaining a better understanding of what audio is and why it does what it does.

Simon says, “Sound is undoubtedly the primary human sense, and it is a source of constant frustration to me that it is so often overlooked, side-lined and compromised.

“I believe that the world could be a better place if people were better equipped to make sense of the sonic environment in which they live, and were prepared to think about sound in the same way they might about sight.”

Jorge Castro, CEO and R&D manager for Artnovion

With a knack of demystifying what can be a complex subject, Jorge brings the subject of how to get things sounding right to life with a vivid enthusiasm.

Starting his career as an acoustic engineer specialising in product development, Jorge has a decade of experience serving clients such as the BBC, ITV, Microsoft Seattle, Google, Simply Red Studios, Jon Cohen, Macklemore, Rodney Studios and Ableton Studios.

Jorge is also founder and CEO of Artnovion – a new technological approach with ubiquitous design, mastered to bring a new set of acoustic treatment solutions and user sound experiences.

Jorge’s qualifications extend to the academic world too with a degree in Music Production and Technologies from ESMAE (IPP, Portugal), an MSc/PG in Audio Acoustics from Salford University (UK) and he is also currently studying Lean Manufacturing at University of Minho (Portugal).

Registration is now open for EI Live! Get along to www. essentialinstalllive.com and register.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:51

This Month’s Essential Supplement

ISE Preview

Remotes actually worth fighting for Introducing the all-new Crestron HR-310-I and TSR-310 Remotes. Elegant, ergonomic design. Epic functionality.

Take control. Get your hands on one now. crestron.com/remotes

All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. Š2018 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

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Essential Install | ISE Preview

Anthem (15-E230) will be displaying its STR integrated amplifier

Best in show

Huge hardware show, ISE, returns to the RAI in Amsterdam this year with a treasure trove of terrific tech for both residential and commercial applications. Oh, and it’s even bigger than before. To get you prepared, we’ve lined up the latest and greatest of stands and brands that will be at the show this year, and who and what is bound to impress.

Crestron has lots of new offerings for installers to get their teeth into this year including Horizontal Sheers, a new shading solution which delivers different levels of light control as well as a privacy settings in one unit. The products have been created to do the job which often takes two sets of shades to achieve, saving space and also delivering an elegant solution that delivers strong functionality and aesthetics in one package.

A really key part of Crestron’s line up for ISE will be a set of wall mounted keypads and handheld remotes that have had as much thought go into their look and ergonomic feel as the functionality they deliver.

First up, the sleek looking 310-Series handheld remotes. The HR 310 is a push button model with nine custom buttons at the top of the device that can be engraved to suit whatever function they are assigned

to. Three AAA batteries should deliver six months of life and there is also an automatic backlight to increase the functionality as well as the aesthetic performance. Moving up the range, the TSR-310 offers a three-inch touchscreen with 93% more pixels and 50% higher pixel density than previous models such as the TSR-302. Also included is an integrated mic to take advantage of Crestron voice control compatibility. Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n2.4/5 GHz) performance should deliver fast reaction times and the unit is designed to run for three-four days without needing a charge, but of course comes with its own holder/charger unit.

New wall-mounted keypad options are due to be showcased as well with the aim of delivering a feeling of style and quality every time the user interfaces with the system.

Remotes actually worth fighting for Take control. Get your hands on one now. crestron.com/remotes

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Expect new digital video products at LILIN’s stand (9-E100)

Four button styles will be available; side-to-side rocker, small up-down rocker, large up-down rocker and the units will have a multi-colour backlight to indicate different types of functionality or importance. Rows of up to four can be used together.

There is also a special system which means when grouped together the keypads are in perfect alignment. There are matching top and bottom trims which can be customised if needed for a particular look. The trims are easy to swap out as they are magnetic. There will also be a matching range of connection accessories for audio connection or charging. This range will launch spring 2018.

Also new for the European market and launched at ISE will be the DM XiO Director, designed to deliver enterprise provisioning and management of the Crestron DM NVX Series Network AV Solution. Crestron has been keen to show how the DM NVX Series can deliver strong performance particularly in getting 4K60, 4:4:4, and HDR video over a standard 1Gb Ethernet network.

The new product takes this concept a step further by moving away from a physical matrix to manage and distribute AV signals and control to a software controlled system where the intelligence moves to the network. A ‘virtual switcher’ if you will. The DM XiO Director acts as a centralised virtual switcher, delivering the configuration, control, and management of large-scale DM NVX Series AV networks. Offering a new dimension to the DM NVX Series, the product has been designed to deliver a new level of scalability and flexibility.

Models in the range offer control of a varying number of end-point devices, supporting 80 is the DM-XIODIR-80, 160 the DM-XIO-DIR-160, or if the project is really large, unlimited with the DM-XIO-DIR-ENT. Check out all the new kit on Stand 2-C20.

Invision Trinnov (5-U90) will showcase the Altitude16, a 16 channel AV preamplifier

Brands distributed by UK company Invision will be on show, ready to wow the crowds with some serious AV offerings. Anthem (15-E230) will be displaying its STR integrated amplifier, offering the end user power, control, multiple connection options all in a single

easy-to-use component. A seminar on the importance of room correction in the quest for perfect sound, will be presented

by Anthem on Feb 8 at 2pm in the Unified Communications Theatre, Hall 11. Origin Acoustics 5-U100 will exhibit its architectural loudspeakers and CI accessories.

Paradigm (15-E230) will be showing off its high-quality speaker design. AudioControl (5-R115) will be exhibiting its high-performance audio components including its cool running multichannel amplifiers with custom equalisation controls and Ethernet ports. Trinnov (5-U90) will showcase the Altitude16, a 16 channel AV preamplifier, designed to be one of the most advanced and scalable 3D Sound Processor ever manufactured. A final speaker offering from Invision is Procella Audio’s 5-U90 loudspeakers, which are specifically designed for high-resolution HD audio and are ideal for home cinema environments.

LILIN (9-E100) will display its new digital video products and demonstrate its integration capabilities.

WyreStorm (5-S60), a prime manufacturer of HD and 4K UHD distribution and control products for Pro AV, CI and retail markets, is available from both Invision and Habitech. Embracing HDMI, HDBaseT and AV over IP technology platforms, the WyreStorm product line includes extenders, splitters, matrix and presentation switching, collaboration software and innovative device control, definitely worth checking out at the show.

Luxul (1-Q120) offers CI installers professional grade IP networking solutions. Designed for use in both residential and commercial environments, Luxul’s line of product solutions simplify network design, resulting in scalable high-grade networks.

Artnovian (5-U90) will demonstrate its stylish acoustic treatment solutions. Peerless-AV (12-F90) designs and manufactures AV mounts and solutions and will be displaying a range of flat panel mounts, projector mounts, digital signage, video walls and AV racks, and RTI (1-N90), Screen Innovations (1-N85) and Sony (1-N20) will all show their latest and greatest.

Savant Europe

Savant (5-U120) has joined the SDVoE Alliance and will demonstrate its new SDVoE-based IP Video product line at ISE, including the Savant Pro AV over IP, a high quality 4K UHD video distribution solution which delivers lossless 4K/60 4:4:4 HDR video at zero frame latency with HDMI 2.0 support. Savant’s IP Audio line-up includes built-in streaming, distribution, AirPlay support and amplification.

The new Savant IP Audio 125 is a high-powered amplifier and audio distribution system delivering 125W per channel. Also on show will be Savant Shades, meticulously crafted with a fascia-free design and Savant’s latest touchscreens, all available from RGB Communications.

Remotes actually worth fighting for Take control. Get your hands on one now. crestron.com/remotes

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WE CRAFT AUDIO PRODUCTS THAT PERFORM LIKE NO OTHER Meridian has always challenged convention. For more than forty years, we have pushed boundaries, disrupted norms and delivered products that have shaped our industry and redefined how people experience sound.

We are the pioneers of high resolution audio.

meridian-audio.com/ISE2018

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Essential Install | ISE Preview

View Total Control with AWE and URC

AWE The international distributor for URC control solutions, AWE, will once again feature at ISE. Visitors to the URC stand (1-N15) can expect to learn about URC’s new flagship control solution, Total Control 2.0, as well as MX HomePro, a cloud-based smart home control system, and show how the products are compatible with the new Z-Wave gateway. URC has partnered with Chowmain, a software development company, to further develop URC modules. It now benefits from Kaleidescape two-way Chowmain-developed modules, providing access to films and audio through the Kaleidescape system.

Habitech

QMotion will be throwing shade at ISE

As well as WyreStorm, other brands from the Habitech stable will be on show including Sonance (1-N100).

New for Sonance is its all-weather speakers, which boost performance with a larger voice coil and magnet engines for higher SPL and increased power handling. The line comprises a round 6in (VPXT6R), a round 6in single stereo (VPXT6R SST), a 6in rectangle (VPXT6) and a new round 8in (VPXT8R).

For enhanced home cinema audio, Sonance will introduce its Cinema Reference series. Similar to previous modules but with larger drivers, these speakers are a serious upgrade. There are also two new Reference subwoofers (10in and 12in) which are equipped with dual spider technology for a really high level of performance for an in-wall subwoofer. Sonance’s ‘Impact’ cabinet subwoofers, the i8, i10 and i12, include DSP with 16-band parametric EQ and room correction via the SonARC app through a built-in wireless receiver and optional wireless transmitter. D8 dual 8in SQUARE subwoofer offers the same output as a 12in woofer within an ultra-compact cabinet design.

In terms of accessories, Sonance offer LuxePort, a truly deluxe iPad mount which adds pure luxury to the success of LaunchPort, with design aesthetics and build

quality that are sure to resonate with fans of Apple’s products. In functionality, LuxePort is similar LaunchPort, however LuxePort is super-light and portable following a switch from inductive magnetic to conductive charging. The wall mount is smaller and less intrusive than its LaunchPort counterpart, and the more elegant base station has an articulating hinge that allows it to rotate to facilitate interaction with the screen from either side.

US high-end speaker designer and manufacturer Wisdom Audio (5-S120) is at ISE to demonstrate the fidelity and discreet aesthetics of its proprietary flushfitting and on-wall speaker ranges, which feature its proprietary Planar Magnetic Driver (PMD) technology.

QMotion (UK 1-M15) will reveal how its QiS twoway wireless control solution for automated roller shades can deliver reliable, quiet-running and easy to retrofit motorised blinds in residential and commercial applications at ISE. QMotion is distributed by Habitech.

Remotes actually worth fighting for Take control. Get your hands on one now. crestron.com/remotes

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Lutron will take the spotlight with a range of new lighting solutions

“Blind control is an increasingly important part of an install, working in home cinemas, fully integrated smart properties and sophisticated conference boardroom projects,” says Ian Claxton, director at QMotion UK. “Clients appreciate the convenience, comfort and aesthetic value of an automated solution. At ISE 2018, we are increasing our integration partner brands to make system set up, configuration and control even quicker and simpler.”

QMotion UK blinds are ultra-energy efficient thanks to the company’s patented counterbalancing spring system which keeps motor power consumption to an absolute minimum and delivers near silent operation. As a wireless solution, installation in existing homes can be carried out quickly and easily, with minimal disruption.

CYP

CYP (5-U50) will be launching its AVLC technology and 40 new products

CYP (5-U50) will be launching its AVLC technology and introducing 40 new products at ISE this year, which according to the company, is a ground-breaking technology that delivers genuine 4K UHD signals in perfect quality up to 70m over a single run of Cat 5e/6/7 cable.

Implementing AVLC into its range of HDBaseT extenders and matrixes, CYP will be using its new stand layout to introduce all its new products. Heavily featuring HDBaseT technology, its range of extenders, matrixes and IP solutions will receive a makeover, along with the first showing of its new racking system (RAX), designed to safely house multiple transmitters in a 19in rack system. Also released will be CYP’s latest display drivers along with new versions of its ‘get-out-of-jail’ audio and video products.

Lighting the way Lutron (1-M120) will showcase its latest innovations in lighting, blinds and temperature control solutions for residential, commercial and hospitality applications.

Lutron will unveil the newest version of its Energi Savr Node control module which makes it the world’s first DALI-2 certified lighting control product. As well as additional functionalities compared to DALI (version 1), the DALI-2 certification brings the promise of significantly improved interoperability.

Also on display will be the latest member of Lutron’s battery-operated, RF wireless controls Pico family, the Pico 4-Button. Ideal for small-scale residential or hospitality projects, the new Pico 4B can be proposed by installers with a square faceplate, smartly matching practicality, aesthetics and cost-efficiency criteria. The stand will also have Lutron’s new trimless Finiré LED recessed downlights, the highperformance LED fixtures with smooth dimming capabilities and Lutron’s Palladiom keypads and thermostats, designed for ease of use and which have a clean, minimalist look.

Remotes actually worth fighting for Take control. Get your hands on one now. crestron.com/remotes

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Rediscover Your Music

St ISE E an d 1 urop 5E2 e 00

CUSTOM INSTALL

CI Features include:

- 12v Triggers - Presets - IR inputs - Interrupts

- Fully-featured automation drivers - Audio inputs - USB Port for Service & Data - Rack Mounting

The Multi-Room HiFi you (and your customers) have been waiting for...

Multi-Room System of the year 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017

The Bluesound/BluOS Difference...

- Designed for CI and for the end-user - MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Certified - Hear it as the recording studio intended - NAD Electronics - 45 years experience delivering outstanding amplification & sound quality - Convenience features that users love:- App control, IR control, one-touch presets, headphone jacks and Bluetooth - CI features that installers love:- functional drivers, triggers, interrupts, presets, rack mounting and more - Unique product model - Vault 2 - features built-in CD Ripper, NAS Drive & Streamer - Feature-rich App provides fast time to music

CERTIFIED

Distributed and supported in the UK by Anatech Distribution, Unit 12, Teddington Business Park, Station Road, Teddington, London Borough of Richmond, TW11 9BQ

info@anatech.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 8977 8633 | www.anatech.co.uk

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Essential Install | ISE Preview

Antiference’s wireless access points will be on display

One of Lutron’s suppliers in the UK, Pulse Cinemas, can point to other brands from its stable making an appearance including BenQ (5-U20), demonstrating its advanced projector and signage solutions. The BenQ IL550 Interactive LCD/LED flat panel will be available for demonstrations. It is equipped with BenQ exclusive X-Sign cloud based content management software to help users create, schedule and display digital signage content.

Visitors at ISE will experience the BenQ PL553, one of the slimmest bezels in the world. The video wall solution is optimised for the finest image quality and easiest content management. Using Daisy Chain creates a 4K screen with an ultra-narrow 1.8mm bezel gap. BenQ will also demonstrate the LU9915 BlueCore laser projector.

StormAudio (1-N122) also available from Pulse will show its new 20-channel processor as well as a 4-channel XLR expansion upgrade module and mini-microphone kit options for its range of immersive processors. The company’s new 20-channel preamp/processor, the ISP 3D.20 ELITE, is equipped with 16-XLR outputs and four additional ultra-high-quality XLR outputs, and has built-in compatibility with Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Dirac Live Room Calibration and StormMonitoring remote monitoring.

Also new is an ultra-high-quality 4 XLR Upgrade Module that adds four more channels to the analogue 16- and 32-channel processors. Beginning January production, a mini-microphone kit is being packaged with all processors. The kit, which includes a USB mic and pod, 2 USB/Cat5 adapters, 1 Cat5 5m USB cable, is used for remote monitoring and real-time analysis loudspeaker checks.

Additionally, the brand’s 16-channel ISP 3D.16 ELITE preamp / processor will be prominently featured in the dARTS 10,000W 9.2.6-channel home theatre demonstration, taking place at the dARTS stand (5-R80) along with their Cinema-Partners DT Screens and Ineva Design home-theatre seats.

Smart-e The 4K-9000 HDBaseT install tester from Smart-e

At ISE, Smart-e (5-S110) is displaying its 4K-9000 HDBaseT install tester is the latest innovation in HDBaseT testing, able to give an installer a detailed readout of any potential problems with the install including cable length, signal strength, bit error rate and Max error rate on each channel.

The 4K-9000 is easily controlled through the three buttons on the front of the product, and all feedback can be read through the 4 LEDs and the 2-line LCD display, allowing for instant communication of results to the user. Additionally, the 4K-9000 comes with a Pass/Fail HDBaseT test feature that simplifies all the data collected by the tester. Simply press the Pass/Fail button while it is connected to the installation, and the tester will display a message telling you whether the installation has passed or failed the HDBaseT test, creating a quick and easy way of verifying an installation.

Antiference

Antiference (9-D120) available in the UK via Alltrade, is are gearing up for several new product launches at ISE this year, including a range of wireless access points allows installers to extend wireless networks, within a variety of locations including hotels, gyms and restaurants, and can be easily programmable via onboard software. The Antiference range of HDMI products is expanding with more HDCP2.2 compatible products and a new compact HDBaseT 4 x 4 matrix up to 70m (40m 4K). To compliment the hardware, a new premium range of HDMI leads, 1m 3m and 5m, have HDMI certification.

A popular alternative way of HDMI distribution remains the digital modulator and Antiference continue to have a comprehensive range. The Conexer Simplus is its entry level product, which like all Conexer products, carries Dolby sound. For added control, the DMHD01R has HDMI loop out, USB Playback/Record and IR control capabilities and is growing ever more popular.

Cinema Partners

A final stand to go see must be Cinema Partners (5-R80), an alliance of dARTS Digital Theater, Ineva Designs and DT Screens, who will be demonstrating a home theatre experience unlike any other at ISE. A Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 setup will be demonstrated on precision-calibrated dARTS speakers, with attendees enjoying high-end cinema seating from Ineva Designs and bright, crisp images on DT Screens’ Frontier Fixed Frame projector screen with AT Ref image surface. The alliance will utilise a 16-channel StormAudio ISP 3D.16 ELITE preamp/processor and projection equipment from Barco to round out the demonstration.

“This experience will be unlike any other because of the precise sound dARTS brings to a home theatre,” says Andy Lopez, dARTS director of marketing and sales.

“When combined with the stunning quality of DT Screens’ projection devices and the luxurious comfort of Ineva Designs, the Cinema Partners solutions bring a new level to the home theatre experience.”

Smart home AV automation abundance awaits in Amsterdam for what promises to be the biggest ISE yet.

In this article EI has chosen some hardware highlights you simply can’t miss, but if you’re not making it to the show this year, don’t worry, you go-guide EI will be back next month with a complete review. So, sit back and enjoy, we’re off to see what’s best in show.

Remotes actually worth fighting for Take control. Get your hands on one now. crestron.com/remotes

| January 2018 46 Ad_2017_Remotes_Essential_Installs_1/4_190x40_v1.indd ISE Preview.indd 46

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1/4/18 11:38 AM May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com

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Essential Install | Brackets, Racking & Furniture

Peerless AV will be showcasing its KIPICT555 all-in-one Kiosk at ISE (12-F90)

Standing out from the crowd When it comes to supporting products, there is a huge range of choice. Discrete or visible, motorised or manual, mounts, racking, brackets and other supporting accessories have different customisation features and come in all shapes and sizes.

EI finds out what stands out from the competition.

Kicking off the discussion is Hills Components’ Donald Butterfield, who talks exclusively to EI on the latest in bracket trends. “The trend is moving towards higher quality products that have good function and, if exposed, show sleek high tech looks,” says Donald. “Keeping pace with all the innovation is a challenge for the industry, as new designs are being developed with greater rapidity than ever before.”

Brace yourselves

He continues, “our company launched a new specialist bracket catalogue late last year and already we are beginning to consider some major product updates. It is very likely that we will launch some of these from our stand at EI Live! in May.” Donald says, “Giving customers a choice is important, while a few set VESA sizes can accommodate the vast majority of TV sizes, the industry does not work on a one size fits all scenario. These are definitely exciting times for the industry.” His advice? “Hold on to your seats and enjoy the ride but be warned it could get bumpy.” The

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new catalogue from Hills Components includes domestic and commercial TV mount solutions, the latest video wall and menu mounting systems as well as the maker’s comprehensive tablet mount solutions.

Peerless AV will be showcasing its newly available KIPICT555 all-in-one Kiosk powered by BrightSign at ISE, on stand 12-F90.. Featuring an elegant, design with slim frames and a small footprint, the all-in-one Kiosk comes fully assembled for quick and easy installation in hotels lobbies, restaurants, airports, stadiums, retail stores, museums and other light commercial and indoor spaces.

Incorporating a 55in commercial grade LCD display with six simultaneous points of IR touch interaction, 9ms response time and 5000:1 contrast ratio, the kiosk is ideal for audience engagement. It offers high reliability for trouble free 24/7 indoor use. Set up of the KIPICT555 is simple via a microSD card, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a cable. Using the embedded BrightSign HS123 media player and BrightAuthor software, users can design and publish interactive content for a variety of uses, such as wayfinding, entertainment and digital merchandising.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 14:06

Visit us at:

6 - 9 February 2018 Amsterdam, RAI, NL

Stand: 5-R50 Invitation Code: 703567

b-tech Av mounts

R A E Y E H T F O R E R U T MANUFAC

g al customers for supportin g evening plus all of our loy erin gg sta ply or sim a ect on Dir g ing ttin for pu Manag like to thank AV Magazine year� - Matthew Bennett, “We would 2017 an exceptionally great g kin ma and rs yea 46 t B-Tech over the pas

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Essential Install | Brackets, Racking & Furniture

Future Automation is gearing up for ISE with a new bracket range

can be used in both landscape or portrait orientation and can be arranged in any kind of configuration; mosaics, doughnuts, scatter walls, the limitations are actually few and far between.”

LED vs LCD

They can also update messaging and interact with the kiosk remotely via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or the BrightSign app.

Two integrated 6W speakers and a 3.5mm stereo jack allow for multiple audio options. Further features include full HD 1080p single video decoding, HTML support, networked content playback, as well as an abundant set of features, including interactivity via the GPIO port, remote snapshot, live text, media feeds and multi-zone layout.

Access to the kiosk for servicing and maintenance is via the rear and a keyed alike cam lock on the hinged door prevents unwanted tampering.

Updated design

Antiference’s Mountsure FPT32

Future Automation’s PS TV wall brackets have had a new design update. “For a long time, our PS Wall Brackets have been the go-to custom install brackets for many integrators, however with the big drop in screen depths and weights over recent years we’ve seen the need to make a few changes,” explains Future Automation’s Rob Luxton. “ISE 2018 is our first opportunity for European dealers to get hands on the new and improved PS bracket range, as well as the new range of cross compatible wall boxes.”

Suitable for screens 40-100in, Future Automation’s PS range of articulated TV wall mounts enable perfect parallel movement, along with the freedom and flexibility to view the screen in a variety of positions, whilst being ideal for recessing screens in-wall for a completely flush finish.

Each PS Bracket is compatible with different height wall boxes from the new WB Range, enabling greater vertical and horizontal mounting position adjustment, plus all PS Brackets now ship with a stud rail mounting kit to enable easy on-wall fitting. In addition, the PS brackets feature in-built cable tie anchors for neat and simple cable management, reducing install time and improving the overall look.

The new cross compatible WB wall boxes all feature single stud width fitting, accessory mounting hardware (compatible with Samsung One Connect, Apple TV & Roku) as well as multiple socket mounting positions and cable entry knock outs.

All shapes and sizes

When it comes to LCD videowalls, can brackets and mounts help achieve creative shapes and sizes? EI caught up with Mark Walker, business development manager at B-Tech AV Mounts, to find out more. “LCD video walls can be tiled in any arrangement and B-Tech manufacture solutions that can meet most, if not any, requirement,” he says. “Our popular BT8310, BT8312 and System X video wall mounts

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Mark insists that, “Despite the continued growth of LED solutions, LCD video wall mounts are still more modular and off-the-shelf than LED. For smaller scale digital signage a 2x2 video wall, for example, will still be the popular straightforward option.” At ISE this year, over on Stand 5-R50, B-Tech AV Mounts is looking to address this growth in LED displays with a universal mounting range now available and on show at the RAI for the first time.

Visits to ISE over past years have shown an increasing trend to LED panels, with further growth expected in 2018 as pixel pitch, and price point, continues to reduce.

B-Tech AV Mounts will be providing a multinational sales team to showcase a range of freestanding, fixed, mobile and wall mounting solutions that can be easily specified online, with fast turnaround times from in-stock components.

The range of solutions, compatible with all popular LED manufacturers, is now available using System X technology and, using B-Tech’s online configurator, any sized requirement can be specified in just a few clicks, says the maker.

“Our aim is to provide convenience and reliability to installers”, says Mark. “We have worked closely with some of the leading manufacturers of LED panels to design a system that works seamlessly with our current portfolio, allowing us to offer bespoke LED mounting solutions from stock, with all key assembly completed in our warehouse. This ensures fast turnaround times and easy installation for customers – saving time at every stage of the project.” This year, the company’s stand will feature demonstrations of control rooms, totems, menu boards and recessed mounting.

Rack attack

Nigel Thompson, product specialist at RGB Communications, talks to EI about common mounting problems, and what Middle Atlantic have created to solve them. “A common challenge for both residential and commercial customers is mounting components at the display, which we address with the Middle Atlantic Proximity Series sliding wall plate and In-Wall Boxes,” says Nigel. “The Proximity Series Sliding Mounting Plate is the industry’s first sliding plate that enables quick access to mount and maintain small devices at the display.

Integrators need only to slide the plate out for installation and servicing.”

“They can mount small devices onto the 15in by 10in mounting space and service them without the additional time and labour of removing the display,” he continues.

“The Proximity In-Wall Box provides more AV systems storage capacity behind the display than ever before.

Engineered to provide convenient, recessed storage for localised, all-in-one system support, this versatile solution can easily mount into any residential or commercial stud bay setup.”

To address the challenges encountered as systems are increasingly located in new places that require aesthetic considerations and low-profile mounting, Middle Atlantic has developed the Vertical Wall Mount (VWM) Series, which provides knobs-up vertical mounting of deep equipment as well as small devices.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 14:06

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Essential Install | Brackets, Racking & Furniture

Middle Atlantic solutions cleverly consider aesthetics and vertical mounting options

Train to gain

Everything Middle Atlantic does is centred around helping integrators solve their installation challenges with innovative products. Nigel explains, “as important as product innovations are, equally important is being able to provide the pre-sales design help, product and after sales support.”

Since 2004, RGB Communications has been the sole distributor in the UK for Middle Atlantic and provide regular dealer training at its Training Academy, as well as supplying demonstration equipment for those dealers who need to investigate their rack requirements further.

Custom components

Customisation is vital for end-users. All of Middle Atlantic’s new Proximity storage solutions offer configurable features that allow integrators to customise based on their application. For VWM, the Series is available in many different models, and utilises a patent-pending, modular systems approach to equipment mounting.

Antiference Mountsure TV wall mounting brackets have proven popular for a variety of applications due to the many options available within the range. The range consists of super slim flat to wall brackets, for example the SF37 and the SF65, allowing a TV or screen to be mounted 9mm from the wall, plus a selection of universal flat to wall brackets, UF37 and UF65, and universal tilt options, UT37 and 65. All SF, UF & UT brackets offer mounting options for TV sets from 23in to 70in and are all VESA compliant.

Other products in the range include the full motion swing arm brackets with a lightweight design for compact screens from 13in up to 42in, the DAFM23 and the DAFM37. Heavy duty full motion mounts for larger screens up to 70in, the UFMS37 and the UFMS65, are also available with a reach of up to 615mm.

Launched in 2015, the Mountsure Premier TV wall bracket range offers new and unique solutions for smart TV wall mounting including an ultra slim smart full motion range for solid and stud wall fixing (SPD) and a counterbalance (CBS) range for vertical adjustment in addition to full swing arm motion. Antiference says these now very popular brackets are an excellent solution for smart TV mounting, and it’s easy to see why.

Penn Elcom specialises in the creation of high quality 19in racking solutions, and design, prototype, manufacture and oversee the delivery of all its products.

Its standard sizes for free standing racks range from 2U to

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47U, but due to its large facilities and skilled designers, they can also create bespoke solutions for any installation.

With over 40 years’ experience in designing for our industry, Penn Elcom are now based in a state of the art facility in Hastings, East Sussex and invest a lot of time and money into research and development, continually prototyping new and innovative ideas. Its extensive range includes: stand-alone racks, wall mount racks, slide & rotate racks, open tower racks, shock mount systems, rack cooling systems, cable management products, rack lights and numerous rack accessories.

Its R4000 range is the newest innovation; a high-quality enclosure range, designed and manufactured in the UK. These enclosures sport Penn Elcom’s latest features, including tapped rack rails, increased on board cable management, additional thermal management products, and a wider range of sizes. Its enclosures are suited for a diverse range of applications within many industries, such as: computing, home automation, entertainment, education, and AV. Penn Elcom is exhibiting at ISE with its new products, hall 5-U93, on stand 5-R125.

Among the extensive range of products manufactured

by Sanus, three of the company’s TV wall mounts are proving particularly popular with installers. Rick van Bommel, senior international marketing and product manager of Sanus, says, “For installers, the VLT6, VMF620 and VLF628 are the perfect mounts to keep in stock.

With these models, the vast majority of installations can be accommodated and serviced quickly and easily, without the need to order a special mount and therefore potentially delay the installation process.” He continues, “And, as with all Sanus mounts, safety and ease of installation and use were the top priorities for the design engineers and so both the installers and their customers can be confident that their expensive and heavy TV will be safely and securely mounted to the wall if they use one of these mounts.”

The VLT6 is a tilting design for use with screens from 42in to 90in, featuring an extension design which permits flexibility of position without the walls restricting the downward tilt. The scissor mechanism enables a 14.5cm (5.75in) extension away from the wall, yet when folded away, the mount sits just 7cm (2.75in) from the wall for a slim and unobtrusive look.

The VMF620 has been designed to provide more flexible viewing angles and has a number of enhanced installation features. It boasts a robust 3 arm construction, a fluid motion 50cm (20in) extension and 180° swivel can be achieved without any reduction in mounting stability.

For much larger TVs requiring full motion, the VLF628 is a heavy-duty mount which retains a low-profile depth and comprehensive adjustment capabilities. Its fluid full-motion operation permits swivel, tilt and extension from the wall from 82mm to 710mm. A 6 arm articulating design provides a very stable environment.

Hills Components 01923 772 773, hillscomponents.co.uk Peerless AV 01923 200 100, peerless-av.com/en-uk Future Automation 01438 833 577, futureautomation.co.uk B-Tech AV Mounts 01327 300 787, btechavmounts.com RGB Communications 01488 733 66, rgbcomms.co.uk Antiference 01675 465 487, antiference.co.uk Penn Elcom 01424 429 641, pennelcomonline.com AWE 01372 729 777, awe-europe.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 14:07

CUTTING EDGE AV INNOVATION

THE UK INSTALLERS FAVOURITE

Enclosed and skeleton racks

Premium TV wall mounts

THE TOTAL SOLUTION From installation to enjoyment SANUS has everything you need for your customer. With a broad variety of sleek, quality TV wall mounts, AV furniture & accessories. SANUS is the answer to all of your AV installation needs.

Eurosat Distribution Ltd - Major Stockist of Sanus T: 020 8208 4444

E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosatlondon.com

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LIGHT

AT THE END OF THE COREFIX TUNNEL?

Solutions Group | Alltrade | AVM | Eurosat | LGL | Grax | Solutions Group | Alltrade | AVM | Eurosat | LGL | Grax | Solutions Group | Alltrade | AVM | Eurosat | LGL | Grax | Solutions Group | Alltrade | AVM | Eurosat | LGL | Grax Tested to 250Kg | Safe Working Load 100Kg | Dot & Dab Drylined Wall Fixing Solution

Available from all the above AV distributors | corefixed.com | 0800 130 3646

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Essential Install | Sponsored Section: LEARS

New niche mounting division of LEARS • Fireplace Down and Over TV Mounts • TV Swivel & Hide Ceiling Mounts

No more neck ache with TVs above Fireplaces!

54 | April 2017 Lears Advertorial.indd 54

Dynamic Mounting‘s innovative, patented range of TV wall mounts, provides a simple method of moving the TV from an uncomfortable viewing height, great for over the fireplace, or other locations that are otherwise either too high or too low.

When finished viewing, it is just as easy to move the TV back to its higher or lower position. Dynamic Mounting TV Mounts can move out by as much as 38cm and travel up and down by as much as 100cm. Dynamic Mounting have recently announced a motorised version. LEARS will be providing an iPhone/iPad option to control this mount, in addition to a standard dedicated remote control.

LEARS will be offering further value for the ‘down and over’ TV mounts, in the form of custom TV picture frames and Mirror TVs to further hide the TV. The ability to mount the TV in a higher position than normal allows it to be more easily camouflaged as a picture when not in use.

When combined with a high-resolution screensaver from a device such as an AppleTV, an excellent hidden TV effect can now be achieved.

The Mounts can support TVs up to 50kg in weight and accommodate all the standard VESA configurations as well as LG TVs with trapezoidal hole patterns. The models range in price from £349 to £1,199 with a swivel option and an option for mounting a Soundbar or Centre Speaker, if required. Dealer margins are very attractive, and all the products come with a five year warranty. There is an initial two for the price of one offer to encourage dealers to keep a demonstration unit permanently in their showroom.

The mounts boast the thinnest profile and widest swivel range of their kind in the industry, with flexible “set and forget” tilt angles when in the TV viewing position.

Paintable covers are included for most models. All the mounts have undergone extensive UL testing, supporting 4x the rated load and completing 6,000 movement life cycle tests – this represents moving the mount up and down, once a day, for over 16 years!

LEARS is also delighted to announce its appointment as the UK Distributor for the unique range of ‘hide, flip and spin’ ceiling TV mounts from MAIOR of Italy.

MAIOR‘s range of TV ceiling mounts, under the umbrella brand name of ‘Flip’, provides a simple and elegant method of both hiding a TV in the ceiling and then making it magically re-appear, and at any desired

angle of viewing. The TV can be lowered by up to 68cm from the ceiling. Typically, no more than a 28cm deep ceiling cavity is required to house the units.

There are three types of Flip models in the range, one with the TV always visible (the 900) – great for above a bed, the other with the TV completely hidden in a false panel in the ceiling (900R) and the last which pivots on one side by up to 100 degrees (Flip 85/90/100 – depicting the maximum available flip angle) – the latter being great for gyms, bedrooms or kitchens.

The Flip 900 & 900R support screen sizes from 32in to 70in, and both can support TVs up to 28kg in weight.

The mechanism’s weight is 35kg. The Flip 100 supports screens between 32in and 80in, up to 72kg in weight. The mechanism’s weight is 25kg.

LEARS will be providing an iPhone/iPad option to control the Flip range of Mounts, in addition to the standard dedicated remote control provided.

LEARS International Limited has been a distributor of niche custom install solutions for the past 15 years offering everything from in-ceiling and in-wall speakers and subwoofers, to isolation platforms and customised remote control software to its trade customers.

Dynamic Mounting Inc is a proud US business that manufactures and assembles all its products in the US. All their products use high quality steel and powder coating.

The documentation is superbly written, and the company prides itself on its detail – the swivel units even come with their own spanner for ease of adjustment!

MAIOR over the past five years, has established itself as the supplier of choice in Italy for Motorised Ceiling and Floor Mounts. It provides classic Italian design (influenced by the well known Interior Designer, Giorgio Gurioli) with a focus on elegance, whether it be for luxury homes, conference rooms or gyms. All Projects can be 3D modelled for the Installer to ensure an easy, no fuss installation.

LEARS International Limited, 0208 420 4333 luxurymounts.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 15:21

This Month’s Essential Supplement

Cables & Connections 01727 840 841 info@trucables.com | www.trucables.com

LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS The popular range of high quality lighting control cables for use with all leading intelligent lighting & building control systems

üCrestron™ üSimmtronic™ üKNX® üControl 4™ üThorn™ and more

DRAKA fibre optic Cables Manufactured by Draka featuring bend-insensitive BendBright™ technology. Unarmoured or steel tape armour

üOM1 üOM3 üOM4 üOS2 ü4, 8, 12 & 24 fibre configurations üLoose tube üTight buffered

professional grade audio TruSound cables use the highest purity copper that has been refined to minimise the oxygen content & optimise performance

ü16AWG ü14AWG ü12AWG üParallel Speaker ü42 & 79 Strand üMulticore Round üExternal Grade

www.trucables.com/catalogue Cables & Connections.indd 55

25/01/2018 13:00

Essential Install | Cables & Connections

Down to the wire

There’s a demand for cables to boast more connectivity, higher speeds and have lightning fast performance. But there’s other aspects to consider: are fibre optic solutions becoming more costeffective? How do termination kits ensure ease of install? What’s really important for cable functionality? EI ties it all up.

FS Cables’ TruHD range of HDBaseT recommended cables

Distributed by CEDIA trade supplier FS Cables, the TruHD range of HDBaseT recommended Cat 5E, Cat 6 and Cat 6A cables provide one such solution for high speed data networks across a single cable.

TruHD Cat 5E, Cat 6 & Cat 6A cables have been tested and passed the HDBaseT standard to ensure network performance with compatible equipment, ranging from video, audio, Ethernet, power and control. Full HD, 3D, 2K and 4K uncompressed video are also supported, as are audio standards including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD-Master Audio.

Having been independently tested in the UK for CPR compliance, the TruHD range is primed for direct installation into smart homes. TruHD Cat 6A is stocked on standard reel sizes, with TruHD Cat 5E and Cat 6 cables supplied in 305m pull boxes for handling and stacking. The cables are available in 10 different colours for easy identification.

Get connected

An easy install with termination can be completed by pairing the TruHD Cat 5E & Cat 6 cables with EZ-RJ45 connectors. According to FS Cables, these connectors are not only quicker and easier to use than the conventional method, but they also offer the best possible connection. An installer simply strips the cable, inserts the cores into the connector, pulls the connector over the cable jacket and crimps down with the EZRJPRO HD crimp tool. To strengthen the connection and reduce damage from micro-bending the cable, an installer can also combine the EZ-RJ45 connector with a strain relief connector.

For easy routing in larger installations, FS Cables offers Tru bundled cables which combine multiple Cat 5E & Cat 6 cables, such as the TruHome Multipair Cat 5E & Cat 6. Where data is run outside, external versions are stocked with either a waterproof, UV resistant PE jacket for complete protection, an SWA jacket is suitable for direct burial in the ground. For technical support on hundreds of products, FS Cables has produced the Tru Cables catalogue which includes information on lighting control, KNX, speaker cables, fibre and coaxes.

There are an increasing number of installs that incorporate independent and expensive Hi-Fi systems.

However, if the speaker cables connecting the Hi-Fi system aren’t up to the job, the quality of the entire install system could be compromised, and consumers may not experience the great sound that was promised when they initially bought the system. The company says it has this covered too.

The RJ45

EI caught up with Stephen Mercer, sales director at TUK, to find out about the company’s cable development, particularly the RJ45. “The original 8 position 8 contact modular plug, commonly known today as an RJ45, was developed over 40 years ago in the US by the Western Electric Company,” explains Stephen. “The plug, which takes its name from a standard design of socket, Registered Jack 45, was intended for use with telephony cables and for a while it was the ugly

www.trucables.com/truhome info@trucables.com | 01727 840 841 featured products • Cat 5E or Cat 6 bundled

• HA4 - 2 x Coax, 2 x Cat 6 & 1 x Cat 5E bundled PVC

• HA1 - 2 x Coax & 2 x Cat 5E bundled PVC

• HA5 - 2 x Coax, 2 x Cat 6 & 1 x Cat 5E bundled LSHF

• HA3 - 2 x Coax & 2 x Cat 6 bundled PVC

• HA15 - 1 x Coax, 3 x Cat 6 bundled PVC

56 | January 2018 Cables & Connections.indd 56

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 13:00

The World’s Number One OLED TV Brand

Best Trade Supplier

Available from the CEDIA award winning distributor Perfect Colour | Perfect Black | Multi HDR with Dolby Vision™ | Dolby Atmos®

OLED55B7/C7 JUNE 2017

OLED55B7 MAY 2017

OLED65E7 MAY 2017

OLED55B7 JUNE 2017

OLED55B7 JUNE 2017

OLED65E7 / 55C7 MAY / JUNE 2017

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

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Essential Install | Cables & Connections

into the plug so that the twist is maintained up to the contacts: simultaneously addressing both performance and wiring issues. These raise the prospect of greater speed and flexibility for all copper installation engineers.” SPEEDY RJ45 are available from a growing number of distributors including Bryant Unlimited, Bownet, Cave Distribution, Trust Distribution and TUK.

Extensive research

Tuk’s SPEEDY RJ45

duckling of modular plugs, rarely used compared to the 4p4c handset plug and the hugely successful 6p4c (aka RJ11) plug. However, in the late 1980’s the RJ45 was chosen for use for both ISDN and 10BASE-T network cables and it took on a whole new identity.”

Cabling categories

QED’s latest addition to its range is the XT25 loudspeaker cable

“Its original design as a telephony connector meant that the RJ45 plug handled flat stranded cordage quickly but it was not well suited to use with round, twisted pair solid or stranded cables,” Stephen continues. “Initially the low data transmission requirements of Category 3 and 4 meant that installation engineers were able to continue to use the same design of connector though it was tweaked: now the opening could accommodate the round cables and the contacts could handle solid cores as well as stranded.”

“However, when Category 5 arrived, particularly in 5e variant, the average installer started to struggle. In order to perform to the standard, the cores in the cable needed to be twisted and ‘untwist’ minimised; however, in order to wire the plug correctly, the cores needed to be separated, properly ordered and inserted into the plug,” he says.

“These two requirements typically conflicted resulting in incorrect wiring, which had to be redone, wasting time, cables and plugs.”

“These difficulties multiplied with the advent of Category 6, and then Category 6A, with the result that many engineers now try to avoid making terminations on site and instead contract-in custom leads from an assembly house,” says Stephen.

“Thankfully, field termination plugs for Category 6A have been introduced which break down and simplify the job, but still at considerable expense per piece. For Category 6A and above, the assembly house approach is probably the most efficient and cost effective method. However, for installations where a Category 5e or 6 plug will be sufficient, a patented, cost effective and straightforward solution is now available from SPEEDY RJ45,” Stephen concludes. “This simple but ingenious reworking of the original 8p8c plug design has openings at the end through which the cores protrude, allowing the engineer to check that the wiring is correct, and enables the cores and cable to be pulled

Cable manufacturer, QED, has a long-standing heritage of designing and engineering professional install and consumer cables. Since 1973, QED has performed extensive research into loudspeaker cable design, recently publishing a whitepaper titled, ‘The Sound of Science’, which sets out the core design principles of every QED cable. According to the maker, each product is based on a unique balance of science and listening, and although designs may vary, each retains the core original features.

The latest addition to its range is the XT25 loudspeaker cable, which was released in December 2017. To ensure the cable suits all speaker types, designers have utilised the latest innovations in cable technology and design, including X-Tube technology.

This works by placing all the conducting material around a central hollow insulating tube. In doing so, current densities at different frequencies are maintained because the electric field acts towards the centre of the conductor from where the conductive material has been removed, retaining the high frequency detail the amplifier intended the speakers to receive. The geometric design promotes a more consistent signal distribution making for a more accurate musical reproduction.

By using 99% oxygen-free copper, the design team have utilised a 2.5mm2, CSA, which instantly gives the cable a lower dc resistance and therefore a higher fidelity musical delivery. Combined with its unlimited lifetime guarantee, the XT25 is ideal for a high-quality sound experience.

www.trucables.com/truHD info@trucables.com | 01727 840 841 featured products • HDBaseT Recommended Cat 5E

• HDBaseT Recommended Cat 6A

• HDBaseT Recommended Cat 6

58 | January 2018 Cables & Connections.indd 58

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 13:00

p D ra U D E C SO -B O loc N ke !! r

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NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT - UK Mains Distribution Blocks

Supra are launching a NEW range of mains accessories which will augment the existing LoRad shielded mains cables: These are the LoRad MD Mk 111 Series of Mains Distribution Blocks.

The Mains Distribution Blocks are BS-approved (unlike many other similar products) and will be available in a range of multi-way options, from 2-way, 4-way, 6-way, 7-way, 8-way, 9way, 10-way upto 11-way and with either No Filtering, c/w ion Non-Intrusive Filtering or Surge Protection. ay ect /w n

Mains Blocks Specs:

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2-w

c o ay tecti w 2- Pro e urg

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* Fully BS1363-2/A approved * Aluminium chassis * High Current 16 Amp Inlet socket * High Quality internal wiring * Numerous socket options (BS, EU, US, BE, IT, CH, AUS) * Non-Intrusive Filtering * Surge-Protection (on SP models) * Made in Sweden * Number of outlets: 2 up to 11

T t -w OU 10 e Pro H T rg WI Su Y A 1-W 1 OR

We can also supply non-filtered blocks to order.

Retail prices start from ÂŁ170 each inc VAT (UK 4-way with filtering version) - please contact us for more info.

For UK retailers and installers who require more details or to request a brochure pack containing trade price information, please contact:

Tim on 07711 939519 Email: tradesales@wavelength-distribution.com Website: www.supracables.co.uk/trade/

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Most items now in stock.

Supra LoRad shielded mains cables work well with these !

25/01/2018 15:56

Essential Install | Cables & Connections

Lindy Electronics has launched the 7 Port USB 3.1 Hub

Smart-e says most install issues arise from faulty or outdated cabling

Avoiding crosstalk

One of the biggest potential problems in any AV project is the interconnecting cabling between products. The cost of purchasing the latest specification cables combined with the stress of re-cabling previous installations can make simply re-using old cabling seem like a practical, cost-effective solution yet such an approach will most likely result in poor images and sound, owing to increased signal noise and crosstalk between cables.

Smart-e’s long career in the AV industry has let them see that most issues that arise during installations come from the use of faulty or outdated cabling. While using the most up to date cabling can be a bit more expensive, it will future proof an installation and avoid the risks that products built to run on cutting edge cabling may not function correctly when used in conjunction with older cabling. To guarantee best performance Smart-e recommends using use Cat 6A STP, a cable which has each pair screened separately with a drain wire for earthing.

Cat 6 cabling works by rejecting noise that has been induced into the cable so it is important to keep the integrity of the twists as much as possible. Where possible, Smart-e advises, using screened cabling as this will guarantee performance and reduce the effect of external interference like fluorescent lighting and transformers.

Testing integrity

One easy way to verify the integrity of cabling is using a tester. Pre-testing can save hours and resources from troubleshooting any issue ahead of time, can be used to check connections and transmission of the installed infrastructure, broken or mismatched wires, and reveal any hidden issues that may cause interference or loss of signal. The Smart-e 4K-9000 install testers are specifically designed to check installations for HDBaseT compatibility.

Vision has introduced a wide selection of USB-C cables along with USB-C adaptors, the latest of which

has a small reversible plug which supports USB 3.1 signal.

Vision predicts that it won’t be long before DisplayPort and HDMI ports on laptops will be replaced by USB-C. Vision’s Techconnect includes interchangeable faceplate parts and cables designed to be easy to pull and plug in to the rear of the faceplate modules, removing the need for remote controls and simplifying the process of switching sources. Vision says this product is the perfect solution for connectivity issues.

It is modular, future-proof and simple to use with a fully integrated AV faceplate and signal management system.

The cable used in the Techconnect balances cost and quality. The system offers a wide range of passive pass-through modules for AV, IT and proaudio applications as well as active modules which boost USB or extend HDMI, VGA and USB signals over CAT6 cable.

Lindy Electronics has launched the 7 Port USB 3.1 Hub, which allows up to 7 USB 3.1 devices to be charged simultaneously using a single USB port on a PC or Mac, making it ideal for both residential and light commercial use. The 7 ports provide much needed expansion whilst benefitting from data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and maintaining backwards compatibility for USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1.

The hub features USB Battery Charging Ports (BC 1.2) which are each capable of delivering 5V 1.5A up to a total of 36W when the hub is connected to the external power supply. The hub is handy in environments when multiple devices are frequently used and are required to charge and sync data, or to simply increase the number of ports on a PC. The Chord Company has been designing and handbuilding cables from its Wiltshire base since 1985. Built by music lovers for music lovers, the portfolio, which comprises seven distinct ranges, focuses predominantly on high-performance analogue and digital audio cables.

HDMI heaven

Rapidly improving performance from today’s digital audio hardware continues to create consumer demand for The Chord Company’s advanced streaming, USB, coaxial and optical cables, and interest in a contemporary high-quality, yet affordable, HDMI solution helped shape the new C-view ultra-slim high speed HDMI cable (with Ethernet) from the entry-level C-series.

The C-view is a brand new high frequency effective shielded design that fully meets 4K specification. Highspeed 1080p 3D compliant with support for 4K TV and deep colour, the ultra-slim, discreet and flexible cable boasts an Ethernet/audio return within its new die-cast, gold-plated, reduced-depth plug design, ideally suited to wall-mounting TVs and panels. The Chord Company’s range also includes install-specific loudspeaker cables with suitable termination kits.

www.trucables.com/trusecurity info@trucables.com | 01727 840 841 featured products • Screened & unscreened burglar alarm cable

• Coaxial + power security cable

• External & armoured alarm cable

• Cat 5E UTP + power security cable

• Access control cable

• Coaxial security cable

60 | January 2018 Cables & Connections.indd 60

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 13:00

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19/01/2018 10:46

Essential Install | Cables & Connections

For fibre optic systems, Cleerline’s SSF fibre cable is cost effective, easy and safe to terminate

Music streaming’s rising popularity led to The Chord Company creating five high-quality cabling solutions across a number of price points. Its most recent release, the Shawline streaming cable, is a versatile digital interconnect which benefits from design cues and construction techniques developed for the company’s flagship ChordMusic and high-end Signature Super ARAY streaming cables, whilst retaining real-world affordability.

The Shawline cable features four pairs of high-speed silver-plated copper conductors in conjunction with low-loss FEP insulation. Each conductor pair has been individually screened with a Mylar foil and a further foil-and-braid outer shielding system gives the cable additional protection from the RF interference generated by everyday household devices.

One of the challenges for residential dealers now and in the future, is to provide a reliable and long-term cable solution that will support future bandwidths. RGB Communications cables boast high speeds and optimum bandwidth performance.

For fibre optic systems, Cleerline’s SSF fibre cable is cost effective, easy and safe to terminate in the field and can be handled like category cable, as well as providing the future bandwidth requirements. Cleerline is available from both RGB Communications and Habitech. Fibre was notoriously difficult to terminate, especially in the field, but RGB say that Cleerlines SSF fibre termination kit SSFTKITE can install fibre safely and easily.

Strong stuff

Habitech offers SCP’s Ultra-Slim HDMI cables

Alongside the ease of installation is the strength of the SSF fibre. Historically, fibre was fragile with a limited bend radius and short-term load-on pull compared to category cable but SSF fibre has a 102kg short term load-on pull, compared to category’s 11.3kg and on bend, the minimum bend radius can be 8mm during pulling v’s 60+mm for category cable. Fibre is much more forgiving with SSF than coax or category cables. RGB believes with the advent of 4K, and the potentiality for 8K in the future, that fibre is the only way to go.

RGB also offers Metra DPL certified cables. DPL certification confirms the product is guaranteed to meet or exceed DPL’s standards and assures the installer of its high quality and longevity.

Metra cables have a wide range of 4K/HDR cables at different price ranges including the Ethereal MHY and MHX series, as well as the Velox active range of passive and active HDMI cables, providing even more range and price options.

For reliable 18G connections within the rack, Habitech offers SCP’s Ultra-Slim HDMI cables. Available in handy 10 packs, the low-profile design is specified to deliver 4K@60 4:4:4 (2160p) in 0.5, 1, 1.8, 2.5m lengths. Installers can shift quality up a gear with SCP’s Premium Certified Ultra-Thin HDMI leads, equipped with 24k gold-plated Snug-Tite grips, triple-shielded against EMI and certified to transmit HDMI 2.0’s goody bag of attributes over 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5m length.

Topping the new point-to-point line-up is the Premium Certified Ultra Violet cable; HDMI v2.0b (HLG) compliant, with all the features of Ultra-Thin, but certified to convey the 4K with all the trimmings across a range of up to 4.5m.

A final offering from Habitech is WyreStorm, who will use ISE 2018 to showcase its latest extender line, featuring enhanced 18Gbps over HDMI full 4K transmission capabilities, and according to the maker, supports the very highest resolutions possible over copper and fibre for a multitude of point-to-point distribution to fit any application.

WyreStorm’s updated EX-35-H2 and new EX-35-H2ARC extender models support 18Gbps HDMI for 4K UHD 60hz 4:4:4 or 4K UHD 60Hz 4:2:2 with 12bit HDR over Class B HDBaseT to 35m/115ft or 1080p to 70m/230ft.

The EX-35-H2-ARC adds Audio Return functionality as the part number suggests. All new and updated extender models feature HDCP 2.2 support for compatibility with the latest 4K content and sources, as well as 2-way PoH and bidirectional IR and RS232 control.

FS Cables 01727 840 841, trucables.com TUK 0208 9466 688, speedy-rj45.com QED 01279 501 111, qed.co.uk Smart-e 01306 628 264, smart-e.co.uk Vision 01256 788 733, visionaudiovisual.com Lindy 01642 754 000, lindy.co.uk The Chord Company 01980 625 700, chord.co.uk RGB Communications 01488 733 66, rgbcomms.co.uk Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

www.trucables.com/trulan info@trucables.com | 01727 840 841 featured products • Cat 5E 350MHz

• External & armoured Cat 6 & Cat 6A

• External & armoured Cat 5E

• Cat 7

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• EZ-RJ45® Connectors & Tools

190 x 40mm Strips (4).indd 4

62 | January 2018 Cables & Connections.indd 62

16/01/2018 10:29:39

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 13:00

Never has top quality home cinema seating been so affordable NE

W

FrontRowTM Serenity Modular Seating from £1,275.00 • Dual motor for independent control of recliner and headrest

• Recliner switches include USB charging ports

• Large Range of Fabric and Leather colours

• Optional cup holder accessories

FrontRowTM Classic Modular Seating from £720.00

• Modular Design for curved and straight seating configurations

• Optional cup holder accessories

• Large Range of Fabric and Leather colours

• Full size paper templates & CAD drawings available

• Recliner switches include USB charging ports

• Black leather seating available from stock

All FrontRowTM seating includes a space-maximising inclining mechanism that allows seating to be placed close to a wall and includes a comprehensive 5 year warranty. A free design service is available to ensure the seating configuration is suitable for your room. Call for your nearest demonstration dealer.

For further information please call: 01892 552561 or visit www.FrontRow-Seating.co.uk FrontRowTM Home Cinema Seating, 69 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PA

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10/08/2017 15:23

Essential Install | Retra

Retailers! Roll up for fresh profit opportunities!

The Retra Smart Home Seminar for retailers in association with EI Live!

Timetable for the Smart Home Seminar

Are you an electrical or AV retailer who wants new ways to generate profit and business longevity?

Then the Retra Smart Home Seminar, produced in association with smart home distributor AWE and held at the UK’s only smart home trade show, EI Live!, is for you!

As profit centres for retailers and service engineers are squeezed by decreasing margins and increased competition from online retailers and a more throw-away society, many businesses are turning to the Smart Home to generate new business opportunities.

The time has never been better to get involved as advances in technology mean Smart Home systems are easy to install and support, and are in high demand due to increased consumer awareness and desire for Smart Home experiences. Dedicated distributors in the sector, such as AWE, are set up to provide all the support and training you will need to get involved in selling and fitting multi-room music and audio-visual systems as well as automation systems to gain intuitive and easy control of a home entertainment and utilities such as lighting and heating. The sector can also deliver opportunities to provide enhanced audio-visual experiences such as highquality specialist TVs for home cinema experiences, or installation in special areas such as bathrooms or patios.

Providing strong Wi-Fi networks in people’s home is another key opportunity the sector can offer.

Retailers and service engineers already have everything else needed to be successful in the sector. An established and loyal customer base and a commitment to customer service are key to this new service focused sector, putting retailers in the driving seat once they have received their training to get started. The sector provides sales opportunities with good margins and then also the opportunity for long term service contracts supporting the customer.

To provide the opportunity for retailers and service engineers to exploit this ever-expanding sector, retailer trade body Retra has teamed up with the UK’s Smart Home trade show, EI Live! and Smart Home distributor AWE, to provide a completely free of charge Smart Home Seminar where businesses can learn how to get started, and then visit the whole of the EI Live! show which has hundreds of stands, brands and experiences to help operators make the contacts needed to make a success of the Smart Home sector. The Smart Home Seminar is open to all retailers and service

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10.30 Coffee and introduction 11.00 Mike Vernon, business development manager, Retracare

• Introduction to the event and scene setting

• Introduction and thanks to the presenters for the day – AWE/CEDIA and other presenters/panellists

• Welcome and thank you to all the Retra Members

• Overview of the services available to Retra members and to outline the benefits to potential new members

• Update on Hitachi Finance

• Presentation on the commercial opportunities of Retracare 11.20 Matt Nimmons, MD, CEDIA, EMEA region Smart Home trade association

• Overview of the Smart Home sector including top line market opportunities 11.50 Stuart Tickle, managing director, AWE, Smart Home distributor

• How do I get into this market?

• Cost of Entry

• Product sectors

• Staff Training and the costs 12.15 Mike Vernon Wrap up the morning session and outline the content of the afternoon presentations which will provide a more in-depth look at the market, products and packages available.

engineer companies, not just Retra members, and provides a complete introduction on how to get started. Content will come from AWE, one of the UK’s leading distributors into the sector, Retra and also CEDIA, the smart home trade body.

EI Live! is the trade show for the UK’s leading smart home trade magazine, Essential Install. The show takes place at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey on May 9-10 2018.

The leading manufacturers and distributors from the sector attend the event to showcase and demonstrate their latest solutions. Many of these companies are actively looking for new accounts to meet the demand they are experiencing.

The show could not be easier to attend, its free, has excellent transport links and thousands of free parking spaces right outside the door of the show. Simply drive up, park up, and begin your journey towards increased revenue courtesy of the show, Retra, AWE and CEDIA. Loads more can learnt about the show by visiting its dedicated website essentialinstalllive.com For more details on the Smart Home Seminar contact Retra on 01234 269110 or email Pat Sheldrake (pat.sheldrake@ retra.co.uk) To register for the main show and for the Smart Home Seminar too visit essentialinstalllive.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:52

Intrinsic-FP2.pdf

1

24/11/2017

12:50

DRIVERS DONE DIFFERENTLY

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DESIGNED WITH INSTALLERS IN MIND

FREE DRIVERS FOR ALL DEMO SYSTEMS

GLOBAL ONLINE SUPPORT

FIELD TESTED BETA TESTED

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24/11/2017 14:04

Essential Install | Smart Thinking

Get to work

Paul Weatherhead is the brains behind AV Junction, a brand new service website that aims to connect the best AV freelancers with the most reputable AV companies for custom installations.

EI found out how it all works.

How long has the site been around and what is it for?

AV junction aims to connect freelancers with AV jobs

66 | January 2018 Smart Thinking – AV Junction.indd 66

AV Junction Inc was formed in May 2017, and the first version of the platform was officially introduced to the industry in early December 2017. Our main aim is to simplify and systemise the hiring and management of independent contractors for AV companies, while simultaneously helping industry freelancers to find new employment opportunities. I believe that the industryspecific AV Junction platform can achieve this.

What is the difference between your service and a recruitment company?

One of the major factors in creating AV Junction was to build a system not based on the business model of an agency or recruitment company. We want to give both parties (companies and freelancers) autonomy to find jobs and hire talent when they want, completely independent of a middleman or coordinator.

Our fully-integrated, multi-featured web platform streamlines the recruitment process and provides the tools necessary to find quality talent, hire, manage and make secure payments (all of this at the fraction of the cost of an agency).

We believe in complete transparency of who you are hiring. Every registered freelancer has their own profile that showcases their skills and experience. Companies can review each profile, therefore controlling who they wish to hire for their specific AV project needs.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 16:59

Essential Install | Smart Thinking

Users can search jobs, invoice work, review other and track progress

Describe the typical job process for a freelancer using AV Junction.

How does it work?

Secure payments can be made easily on AV Junction

The process is very straightforward. It is free to register and build a profile on AV Junction. Once the freelancer has completed their profile and connected their banking details through our secure payment processor, they are ready to go.

Freelancers can either search for jobs, or be invited to quote directly from the hiring company. They then submit a quote based on the job summary and scope of work provided. If awarded, our system produces a work order on behalf of the company and milestones are established. All of this can be easily negotiated through our system. Once the work order is set, and milestones established, the company funds the project. Then, the work begins.

As each milestone is completed the freelancer updates the progress tab in our centralised system and requests payout. As payouts are released, the funds are transferred seamlessly into their connected bank account. Our customer service team is always available to assist when required.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Smart Thinking – AV Junction.indd 67

How many companies have already signed up and how many do you hope to gain?

From launching in December 2017, we currently have just under 100 companies registered right now. The feedback has been very positive so far. I’ve had excellent conversations with very reputable industry companies.

We plan to continue growing this number of companies throughout 2018, as well as increase our database of freelancers. We are exhibiting at ISE, InfoComm and CEDIA this year, and which are anticipating a significant increase as a result of these shows.

What advice would you give to somebody new to the AV industry?

The AV industry is continuously growing and changing. In audio/visual, every year and every month there is always something new and exciting that is introduced. My advice would be to continuously stay informed and up-to-speed on these new technologies and trends. Reach out to industry experts, manufacturers and leading companies to discover all that the AV industry has to offer.

What are AV Junction’s plans for 2018?

2018 will be a very exciting year for us as we continue to build awareness and grow our user database. That is our main focus. And, as mentioned above, we will be attending major industry tradeshows in 2018, starting with ISE so please come visit us at Stand 15-G238!

AV Junction +1 844 602 2000, avjunction.com

January 2018 | 67 24/01/2018 17:00

Essential Install | Product Review

Wise guys

Martin Dew, formerly of Lucasfilm THX, listens to Wisdom Audio’s brand new high-end home cinema line source speaker package, and is mightily impressed.

ICS7a in-ceiling height channel speakers

68 | January 2018 Wisdom Audio.indd 68

If you’re in the business of building high-end cinema rooms and seeking to maximize the space and the quality of the audio inside, your audition list should definitely include a set of Wisdom’s ‘Insight’ line-source in-wall giants. And when you do get in front of them, be prepared for an epiphany, because together these high-ticket designs positively transform the relationship between the sound and the room.

Wisdom’s adherence to line-source technology makes it unlike the great majority of its point-source competitors.

The Insight L8i LCR, for instance, is not re-configurable as a horizontal centre channel. Rather, these 4.3ft high towers are specifically designed to drive large air volumes from a vertical array, installed flush with a stud wall behind an acoustically transparent projection screen.

That’s not to say that Wisdom Audio is lacking in solutions for smaller spaces, and managing director Luc Guillaume, formerly of JBL Synthesis, is rightly enthusiastic about the Insight custom installation line.

Luc was able to meet me in the plush Basingstoke screening room of Habitech, Wisdom’s exclusive UK distributor, to talk through the performance characteristics and design philosophy of this super discreet, state-of-the-art 9.4.4 system.

In addition to the in-wall LCRs, the six (four sides and two rear) P4i in-wall surrounds are joined by a further four in-ceiling ICS7a speakers, which take care of skyward object-based effects, and four in-wall S110 passive subwoofers to handle the rumbles. This may all sound like overkill, but the Habitech screening room is a formidable 135 cubic metres (4,767 cubic feet) in volume.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 17:00

Essential Install | Product Review

In Wisdom’s Planar Magnetic Driver (PMD) design the ‘voice coil’ is chemically bonded on to a large thinfilm diaphragm and suspended between powerful bar magnets.

The diaphragm is very light so is extremely responsive offering very low distortion but is also large enough to reproduce a much wider and deeper frequency range

Crossing the line The Insight L8i LCR, as mentioned earlier, incorporates a ‘line-source’ configuration of Planar Magnetic Drivers (PMDs) equipped with critical high-tensioned ‘thin film’ technology (aluminium conductors bonded to polyimide film) and running vertically down the left front baffle.

Although this thin film is also used in Wisdom’s pointsource speakers - like the P4i deployed as surrounds in this demo – it is the very specific properties of the L8i line-source design that the company claims runs circles around a point-source rival for LCR speakers. This is because a ‘point-source’ speaker radiates its energy spherically into the room, while a line-source speaker radiates like a cylinder, with no energy escaping above or below the designated horizontal dispersion pattern.

By drastically reducing floor and ceiling reflections in this way, the audience hears nearly all the energy from the front soundstage, allowing greater intelligibility and reduced boundary reflections (by 42% over a measured comparable point source speaker). In other words, you hear more of the speaker and less of the room: more direct than reflected sound.

The second key upside to the line-source is the ‘power over distance’ effect, which delivers a greater ‘shared experience’ for the audience. While an average pointsource loses 6dB per doubling of distance from the baffle, a line-source sheds only 3dB. “From the last row to the front row”, says Guillaume “you’ll hear very little difference.”

Then there’s the broader frequency range of the revolutionary PMDs, which on the L8i drop to 550 Hz, whereas a standard dome tweeter typically rolls-off around 1,500 kHz. This is significant because as the signal jumps from mod to high frequencies a timbral shift is audible in some speakers, while the Insight’s PMDs ‘covers six octaves, so there is no crossover transition where your ears are most sensitive.’

If a pattern is emerging here of a company committed to challenging tried-and-tested speaker technologies, it would certainly also apply to its treatment of subwoofer design. At nearly 5.5ft in length, the floor, ceiling or wall-mountable S110 bass boxes use a ‘regenerative transmission line’ design, in which a 5m maze of internal passageways allows both front and back waves from the drivers to meet in phase at the output, therefore doubling the yield of direct energy. This physical architecture results in greater audible articulation, and less cone movement or distortion when compared with conventional subs.

The super-discreet Wisdom system under review comprises four S110 in-wall subwoofers in the room corners, three L8i in-wall LCR speakers behind the screen, six P4i in-wall surround speakers flush with side and back walls, and four ICS7a in-ceiling height channel speakers

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Wisdom Audio.indd 69

January 2018 | 69 24/01/2018 17:01

Essential Install | Product Review

Point Source – propagates in all directions (spherical expansion)

Line Source – propagates in a controlled vertical fashion (longitudinal expansion)

A Shared Experience – Line Source (blue) provides a wider sweet spot than a Point Source

Power over Distance - Line Sources (blue) have half the propagation loss of Point Sources (yellow) for better row-to-row audio consistency

Listening through walls

Wisdom's Regenerative Transmission Line (RTL) subwoofer design unites the back sound wave of the drivers with the front sound wave in phase, effectively doubling the low frequency output

70 | January 2018 Wisdom Audio.indd 70

So, how did the system sound? A series of appetitewhetting DTS:X Blu-ray demos and trailers were followed by the highway scene clip from Deadpool, where traffic hell breaks loose on the tarmac. Not only were the in-car punches and headbutts rendered as explicit and visceral thuds, but bass response was correspondingly lightningfast, complemented by an enveloping audio sensation - as if a rippling orb of energy were converging on the listener.

Dialogue was razor-sharp and beautifully intelligible. It is this focused vertical speaker dispersion (as THX had always preached), that produces a precise and exquisitely accurate front soundstage placement.

Next on the agenda was the Dolby Atmos mix of Mad Max: Fury Road and the opening sequence as Max surveys the valley from a deserted, arid ridge. From the child’s voice whispering in my ear, to the tiny patter of lizard footsteps down a heat-drenched rock, no detail of the soundscape was lost. This demo delivered as close to an experience of ‘holographic’ audio as I have ever encountered.

Even though the soundtrack of Apocalypse Now maxes out at 5.1 channels, Walter Murch’s expert mix of the Vietnam epic is always a reliable litmus test. During the second village attack, accompanied by Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, the orchestra and voice separated themselves from the carnage beautifully, floating above the mix in a way that I have not experienced before – and I have heard many expensive systems.

Finally, we spun up Layla from the 5.1 Blu-ray of Eric Clapton’s Slowhand at 70: Live at Royal Albert Hall. The astoundingly realistic and immediate-sounding audience clap-along, combined with the close auditory communion with Clapton’s finger-strutting fretboard, were nothing short of awe-inspiring.

It must be said that at no point in an hour of whizzbang of effects and commotion was I left reeling from tinnitus or feeling fatigued. Furthermore, during genuinely loud, reference-level passages I could easily converse with Habitech staff, never consciously competing with the soundstage flanking us on all sides. As well as the sheer quality of the audio, these attributes are further testament to the unique design philosophy of Wisdom’s speakers.

Wisdom of the age

There are too few occasions in an auditioning career that give you the chance to experience home cinema audio on a level demonstrated by a speaker package such as this. To hear the Wisdom system in Habitech’s impeccably-tweaked and architecturally-robust screening room, with its perfect acoustical balance, fastidiously trading off just the right amounts of absorption and reverberation, is a wonder to behold. For all the claims that we are subject to diminishing returns as we scale the price ladder, ultimately there is a reason why those who can, should just go for the very best.

Martin Dew moved to San Francisco in 1995 to work in marketing for the THX Division of Lucasfilm Ltd. After heading up the domestic and international AV certified dealer training programme, he became director of international sales for Lucasfilm’s professional cinema products and services, concentrating mostly on market development in Europe and Asia. He moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to join the new Digital Cinema Division of NEC Corporation as director of sales for North and South America, responsible for the roll-out of 2K digital cinema projectors, as well as targeted pre-show advertising solutions.

Since returning to the UK last year, he now writes as a regular news and features writer for the UK’s Home Cinema Choice magazine, and US-based website Home Theater Forum. As an expert in filmed entertainment technology, he also gives lectures on the relationship between professional and residential cinema environments.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 17:01

IAM AM “As CEDIA members we get the opportunity to build crucial relationships with suppliers and industry professionals. The training courses are first class and have allowed our staff to develop the skills required to deliver our customers projects that we are proud to be a part of.�

Peter Harvey Hughes SmartHome, Norwich, UK Member since 2014

Explore the benefits of membership today.

#IAMCEDIA

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23/01/2018 17:11

Essential Install | Training Dates

AW E

A LLT R A D E

FOUNDATION WORKSHOP

INTRODUCTION TO SONOS

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 24; AWE, Epsom

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 1 (10am) Hemel Hempstead Branch, Feb 6 (10am) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches (2pm) Cardiff Branch, Feb 8 (2pm) Maidstone Branch

COST: £200

FOUNDATION IN SMART HOME CONTROL WITH URC – MXHOMEPRO DATES/LOCATION: Jan 25; AWE, Epsom

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 1 (2pm) Maidstone Branch, Feb 28 (2pm) Brighton & Hove/ Bournemouth Branches

COST: £30

HDMI & 4K VIDEO DISTRIBUTION WITH HDANYWHERE

LEVEL 2 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: Feb 7 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, Feb 14 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, Feb 15 (10:30am) Maidstone/Hemel Hempstead Branches

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 26; AWE, Epsom COST: £25

WHOLE HOUSE INTEGRATION WITH URC TOTAL CONTROL

INTRODUCTION TO CCTV

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 20; AWE, Epsom COST: £60

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 31 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, Feb 22 (2pm) Maidstone Branch

HDBASET EXPERT INSTALLER

INTRODUCTION TO IRS

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 22; AWE, Epsom

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 8 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, Feb 14 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, Feb 21 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch

COST: £25

INTRODUCTION TO FIBRE

MORE INFORMATION »

14th February 2018 14th March 2018 11th April 2018

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 7 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, Feb 22 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch

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

CAT5E/6, THEIR CONNECTORS AND BEYOND DATES/LOCATION: Jan 31 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, Feb 21 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch

C R EST RO N

All courses are free to attend.

MORE INFORMATION »

DMC-E-4K – DM CERTIFIED ENGINEER DATES/LOCATION: Jan 24-26; Cobham Boole Room

5th - 9th March 2018 21st - 25th May 2018

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 24-25; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

CTI-FUSION-P CRESTRON FUSION PROGRAMMER CTI-SG SMART GRAPHICS TRAINING DATES/LOCATION: Jan 29-30; Cobham Philo Room

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 15-16; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

CRESTRON STUDIO FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFESTYLE DATES/LOCATION: Feb 19-20; Cobham Philo Room

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 20-22; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING DATES/LOCATION: Feb 22-23; Cobham Boole Room

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 28; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

Training Dates.indd 72

KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Apr 16-20, Oct 22-26; Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 +VAT

MORE INFORMATION »

I VO RY EG G KN X 3 DAY TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: Jan 22-24, Mar 5-7, May 21-23, Jul 23-25, Oct 15-17; Bosham COST: £750 ex tax

2 DAY PARTNER DATES/LOCATION: Apr 16-17, Aug 20-21, Dec 3-4; Bosham

All Crestron training courses are free.

COST: £350 ex tax

MORE INFORMATION »

MORE INFORMATION »

Crestron +1 888 273 7876, crestron.com

72 | January 2018

COST: £750 +VAT

Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk

CTI-P101 FOUNDATIONS OF CRESTRON PROGRAMMING

DMC-STREAMING

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 16, Jun 13, Jul 18, Aug 15, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 5; Bemco Wandsworth

DATES/LOCATION: Mar 5-9, May 21-25, Jul 9-13, Sept 24-28, Nov 19-23; Bemco Wandsworth

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 28 – Mar 2; Cobham Philo Room

KNX ‘TASTER’ COURSE

KNX BASIC COURSE

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 12-14; Cobham Philo Room

CTI-P201 CORE SYSTEM PROGRAMMING

B EMCO K N X

COST: Free

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 31- Feb 1; Cobham Boole Room

CTI-P101 FOUNDATIONS OF CRESTRON PROGRAMMING

For more info visit www.bemco-knx.co.uk

Alltrade 0344 225 2700, training@alltrade.co.uk, alltrade.co.uk

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 25-26; Cobham Philo Room

16th - 20th April 2018

LEVEL 1 UBIQUITI

Ivory Egg 01243 572 700, ivoryegg.co.uk

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 24/01/2018 17:02

Essential Install | Training Dates

CEDIA

HA B I T EC H

CEDIA CERTIFICATION EXAM: ESC-T / ESC-D / ESC-N

ARCAM – PRODUCT TRAINING

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 2; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £210

HEALTH & SAFETY DATES/LOCATION: Feb 19; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £214.80

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 13, Mar 15, May 9, Sept 6, Oct 31; Basingstoke COST: Free

DAHUA DATES/LOCATION: Jan 30, Mar 14, Jun 5, Jul 17, Sept 5, Oct 17; Basingstoke COST: Free

BOOT CAMP

PRONET – QUICK START TO NETWORK DESIGN

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 19; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 27, May 8, Jun 19, Sept 11, Nov 7; Basingstoke

SMART HOME TECHNICIAN

PRONET – INTEGRATOR ADVANCED NETWORK DESIGN

COST: £958.80

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 19; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £2,398.80

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS FOR INSTALLERS DATES/LOCATION: Feb 20; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £214.80

CABLES, CONNECTIVITY AND STRUCTURED WIRING WORKSHOP DATES/LOCATION: Feb 21; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £214.80

AUDIO, VIDEO AND RF SYSTEMS DATES/LOCATION: Feb 22; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £214.80

COST: £99

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 28, May 10, Jun 20, Sept 12, Nov 8; Basingstoke COST: £99

WYRESTORM- HD DISTRIBUTION THEORY AND TROUBLE SHOOTING (INCLUDING HDBASET AND 4K) DATES/LOCATION: Feb 21, Mar 28, May 16, Jun 27, Jul 18, Sept 26, Nov 13; Basingstoke COST: Free

WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD DATES/LOCATION: Feb 22, Mar 29, May 17, Jun 28, Jul 19, Sept 27, Nov 14; Basingstoke COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

RACK BUILDING AND WIRING FUNDAMENTALS DATES/LOCATION: Feb 23; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £214.80

Member costs listed only.

MORE INFORMATION »

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

MERIDIA N

INVISION LILIN – IP SURVEILLANCE FOR CI DATES/LOCATION: Jan 23; Merit LILIN, Milton Keynes COST: £35+VAT

MERIDIAN BASIC SETUP

TRINNOV AUDIO – IMMERSIVE 3D AUDIO

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 17, Jun 26, Aug 21, Oct 2, Nov 27; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

DATES/LOCATION: Jan 30-31; Trinnov Audio, Paris COST: Free

MERIDIAN ADVANCED SETUP

RTI – WEBINAR (LEVEL 1)

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 18, Jun 27, Aug 22, Oct 3, Nov 28; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

HOME CINEMA ESSENTIALS DATES/LOCATION: Apr 10, Jun 12, Aug 7, Oct 23; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

MERIDIAN SOOLOOS DATES/LOCATION: Apr 11, Jun 13, Aug 8, Oct 24; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 1; online COST: Free

COMELIT – VIP DOOR ENTRY DATES/LOCATION: Feb 8; Comelit, Welwyn Garden City COST: Free

RTI – APEX PROGRAMMING (LEVEL 2) DATES/LOCATION: Feb 13; Weybridge

TWO-CHANNEL MASTERCLASS [CEDIA CERTIFIED TRAINING]

COST: £99 +VAT

DATES/LOCATION: Mar 27, May 1, Jul 17, Sept 18; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 20; Merit LILIN, Milton Keynes

MULTI-CHANNEL MASTERCLASS [CEDIA CERTIFIED TRAINING]

LILIN – IP SURVEILLANCE FOR CI COST: £25 +VAT

RTI – APEX PROGRAMMING (LEVEL 2)

DATES/LOCATION: Mar 28, May 2, Jul 18, Sept 19; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

DATES/LOCATION: Feb 21; Glossop

MORE INFORMATION »

MORE INFORMATION »

Meridian 01480 445 622, meridian-audio.com

COST: £99 +VAT

Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Training Dates.indd 73

January 2018 | 73 24/01/2018 17:02

MEDIA DELIVERY OF THE FUTURE 2018

Thursday th 26 April 2018 9.30am until 5.00pm The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Make sure you don’t miss out on what has become the industry’s number ONE independent show for signal reception and distribution, and is FREE for all visitors to attend.

www.evolvingconnectivity.com EI2018

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Essential Install | Products

Essential Products

Opulent offerings Of AV automation

The HEOS Super Link is the newest addition to the HEOS by Denon range

The missing link The HEOS Super Link is the newest addition to the HEOS by Denon range, designed specifically to provide music sources for third party control and amplifier solutions, such as Control4, URC, Crestron and RTi. Available through Epsom-based distributor, AWE, and on display in the newly upgraded AWE showroom, the Super Link is a networked multi-room pre-amplifier that provides four separate HEOS zones per unit, and is scalable up to 32 separate zones when eight units are used.

HEOS Superlink provides integrators with an easily integrated multi-room audio pre-amplifier which is housed within a 1u rack mountable and compact framework. By combining the Super Link with high-performance amplifiers, and potentially a control system, integrators can achieve a distributed home audio system combining the familiarity of their preferred control/ amplifier system, with the benefits of the professionally oriented HEOS architecture. The Super Link puts the power in the hands of the integrator, as every room can have individual HEOS sound, or multiple devices can be linked to create a true, multi-room option.

Equipped to handle a wide variety of configurations, the HEOS Super Link features DSP high pass/ low pass filters. Outputs can be set to full range or to subwoofer or satellite speaker modes, with adjustable crossover points and installers need only provide one power source per four zones.

Featuring Amazon Alexa voice integration via the HEOS app, as well as dedicated analogue, optical and coaxial outputs for each zone, the Super Link provides integrators with user appeal and impressive performance. The Super Link also boasts robust third party control capability from manufacturers, including URC. Via the dedicated HEOS app, end users can stream music through online platforms, such as Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music, as well as music from their own personal library. Also featuring four in-built USB ports, music content can be played via a USB drive to each of the HEOS zones, or any of the other HEOS players on the network.

The Super Link joins the HEOS AVR, the HEOS Bar, and the HEOS Subwoofer, alongside the wireless speaker range featuring the HEOS 1, 3, 5 and 7, to complete a suite of options available to integrators.

Integrators can visit the AWE Show Apartment to experience the audio performance that HEOS Super Link is capable of delivering, and discuss the solution in more detail with the AWE team.

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Products.indd 75

January 2018 | 75 24/01/2018 17:03

the gateway to genuine, immersive cinema at home.

immersive audio Decoders • Dolby Atmos™ (16 discretely-rendered channels).

• Auro-3D™ (supports Auro’s full 13.1 layout).

• DTS:X™ (all configurations of its 11.1 format).

trinnov Speaker/Room optimizer • Trinnov’s exclusive Speaker/Room Optimizer • Calibration wizard for initial setup & management • Process high-resolution 24bit/96kHz audio • Four-way active crossovers & unlimited subwoofers • Ready for audio over IP

expeRience tRinnov’S immeRSive cinema Demo on stand 5-U90

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Essential Install | Products

Milo is a smart speaker and home hub with Z-Wave plus

Smart sound Milo, claimed to be the first combination smart speaker and home hub with Z-Wave plus and the google assistant, has launched at CES. The Milo Smart Home Speaker (Milo) by Hogar Controls is said to be the first ever combination smart speaker and home hub to include support for Z-Wave Plus and adds multi-platform access for Zigbee, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Milo’s integrated smart hub feature also works with the Google Assistant.

The product also has one touch scene control and a smart home mobile app, leveraging Z-Wave for control of lights, shades, locks, thermostats and garage door openers. Google Assistant compatible means of course it can stream music, news and local reports such as weather. Milo can be both a hands-free speaker or one-touch controller of favourite scenes.

The company’s pitch is that for this type of entry level performance, consumers used to need a smart home hub, a smart speaker and external controller devices. Milo solves this by being an all-in-one device with Z-Wave Plus, Google Assistant and on-board one-touch scene control built into the glass top.

As part of the same family, the same maker offers the Pebble, a portable touch button for automation control. Personalised for each user, Pebble includes up to ten customised scenes activated through touch or swipe for lighting, shading, thermostats and locks. Paired with the Milo Smart Home Speaker, Pebble can be used as an add-on device to create additional control zones in the home. For example, consumers can place a Milo in their living room area and a Pebble in their bedroom or other frequently used areas of the home for added scene control.

EI is told the product will be coming to UK and Europe, and higher spec pro versions will be on display at ISE 2018.

Hogar Controls +1 703 844 1160, hogarcontrols.com

Taking control Crestron’s TSR-310 features a built-in 3” touchscreen display

Crestron has introduced the HR-310-I Handheld Remote and TSR-310 Handheld Touch Screen Remote, new products which combine all the best elements of the previous generation of Crestron remotes with more advanced functionality and ergonomic design, ergonomic button feel, voice control, custom engravable buttons, movement sensor, profiles settings and multi-colour buttons.

“Our previous generation of HR and TSR handheld remotes was ergonomically designed and ultra-reliable, but we felt we could do even better,” says Doug Jacobson, director of Residential Technology at Crestron. “The HR-310-I and TSR-310 are Crestron handheld remotes reimagined.”

Precision crafted and carefully weighted, the new remotes bring control to a luxurious new level, says the maker. Wrapped in a satiny smooth easy-grip housing, they are designed to deliver exceptional comfort and ergonomics for hours of one-handed use.

The HR-310-I features backlit tactile buttons, long battery life utilising standard AAA batteries, nine custom engravable buttons to display the most frequently used functions and ultra-reliable Crestron infiNET EX wireless gateway.

The TSR-310 features a built-in three inch touchscreen display with high quality resolution, a rechargeable battery that lasts three–four days between charges, strong processing power; Wi-Fi connectivity for high-bandwidth communications, voice control, and an elegant, discreet charging station.

Crestron 0845 873 8787, crestron.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Products.indd 77

January 2018 | 77 24/01/2018 17:03

THE EUROPEAN DESTINATION FOR THE GLOBAL AV INDUSTRY

REGISTER NOW!

Building the Intelligent Homes and Cities of the Future Experience Smart Building technology and solutions at ISE 2018

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Essential Install | Products

Sony’s HT-ZF9 soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support

Sony’s Dolby Atmos soundbar The premium HT-ZF9 soundbar with Dolby Atmos through Sony’s virtual technology brings a new level of cinematic audio, says the maker. With the new vertical surround engine from Sony, customers can enjoy virtual three-dimensional surround sound without the need for ceiling or up-firing speakers.

Additionally, Sony is launching the HT-XF9000 soundbar with front two-channel speakers. This 2.1ch bar might have fewer speakers, but it too offers the cinematic surround sound features of Dolby Atmos and the vertical surround engine.

The soundbar is not only compatible with Dolby Atmos, but DTS:X too. The vertical surround engine in the HT-ZF9 can produce a sense of helicopters whizzing above, as this tech is combined with S-Force Pro Front Surround technology, which improves the front surround sound field. Additionally, even without Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content end users can enjoy virtual three-dimensional sound via the ‘Vertical S’ button on the remote, which can up-mix two-channel stereo content up to 7.1.2ch and create height.

Alternatively, there is the option to add on a pair of SA-Z9R rear speakers, which are designed to partner with the HT-ZF9, and can extend the surround sound experience.

The HT-ZF9 supports 4K HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through, so the original picture quality is passed directly through the bar to the TV, without any loss of quality, colour, clarity or brightness. On the audio side, the HT-ZF9 supports high-resolution audio formats including playback from a USB source or via Bluetooth connection. Plus it is Wi-Fi enabled.

The HT-ZF9 and HT-XF9000 soundbars are both designed to complement a selection of the new Sony BRAVIA TVs and will be available from spring 2018.

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com

Klipsch gets an assistant

Klipsch’s Heritage Wireless table-top speakers have the Google Assistant built in

Tech-driven audio company Klipsch has announced that its Heritage Wireless table-top speakers will have the Google Assistant built in.

New Klipsch Heritage Wireless speakers, The Three and The One, with the Google Assistant built in, blend nostalgic mid-century modern design, acoustic performances, and robust connectivity with the addition of a personal, helpful assistant.

The Klipsch Heritage Wireless speakers are designed to make daily tasks faster and easier. Functionality includes the ability to ask questions and get information, stream music, hear the news, weather and traffic, add to shopping list, control smart devices and make phone calls.

Although these new speakers will be available in special edition finishes, the unique design and powerful sound will remain consistent with the standard editions of each speaker.

Klipsch Heritage Wireless speaker, The Three, is a powerful stereo tabletop with an integrated subwoofer for enhanced bass.

Klipsch Heritage Wireless speaker, The One, is a smaller, semiportable tabletop speaker with a rechargeable battery for placement versatility. Both speakers incorporate a mid-century modern design, premium materials such as real wood veneer and copper switches and knobs, and Bluetooth wireless technology.

Klipsch Heritage Wireless speaker, The Three, will be available this autumn, while The One will be available in the spring of 2019.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Products.indd 79

January 2018 | 79 24/01/2018 17:04

Essential Install | Products

Loud and clear McIntosh has announced the XRT2.1K, a speaker 45 years in the making. The new XRT2.1K is a 7ft tall full-range design which uses brand new Nanocarbon Fibre/Nomex Honeycomb drive units which have been specifically created for the project.

A four-way design, the XRT2.1K produces excellent sound quality at all levels of the human audio spectrum and uses a total of 81 drivers consisting of (6) 8in bass drivers, (2) 6.5in low frequency midrange units, (28) 2in upper midrange units and (45) three-quarter-inch tweeters, to deliver high-quality sound reproduction. The new Nanocarbon Fibre/Nomex Honeycomb drivers specifically created for the XRT2.1K control the bass frequencies and are housed in their own bass enclosure cabinet.

Their extremely stiff yet lightweight diaphragms deliver incredible bass extension, says the maker. Located on the line array are McIntosh’s aluminium/magnesium upperfrequency midrange and tweeter drivers, which have been specially customised for the XRT2.1K and feature powerful neodymium magnets.

The crossover network is engineered to ensure an even frequency response over the entire audible range. It utilises capacitors and inductors with low loss and high current capacity. The type of inductor used in each section of the crossover network has been specially chosen for high linearity, even at high power levels. This prevents distortion of the music at any frequency.

Rated to handle 2,000W, the XRT2.1K loudspeaker represents the next evolution of McIntosh home audio speakers. The full range system provides a spacious sound reproduction with an unusually deep sound stage. The XRT2.1K utilises McIntosh’s renowned line array speaker principles to produce an even sound dispersion pattern — listeners closer to the speaker will not be overwhelmed by extremely loud sound, while those further away will notice hardly any drop-off in sound level. The resulting sound is smooth and wide for all listeners, producing exceptional stereo imaging in nearly all listening positions.

The crossover network is engineered to ensure an even frequency response over the entire audible range. It utilises capacitors and inductors with low loss and high current capacity. The type of inductor used in each section of the crossover network has been specially chosen for high linearity, even at high power levels. This prevents distortion of the music at any frequency.

Jordan Acoustics 01202 911 886, jordanacoustics.co.uk

McIntosh’s latest luxury loudspeaker the XRT2.1K

The Qutest thing xxx picture caption text in here xxx

Chord Electronics has launched its most advanced compact DAC: Qutest. A highly accomplished standalone device, the new Qutest is based on the latest proprietary Rob Watts’ FPGA technology developed for the Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amp. Qutest uses an all-new precision-machined aluminium chassis and includes several new features such as fascia controls.

Qutest offers Hugo 2’s unique user-selectable frequency-shaping filters and input selection controls, available via two fascia-mounted spheres, introducing useful flexibility. Qutest offers a significant cost saving over Hugo 2, as it eschews the headphone amplifier, rechargeable Li-ion batteries and crossfeed functionality integral to the transportable device.

Qutest is the latest evolution of Chord Electronics’ most affordable standalone DAC, the 2Qute, which it directly replaces. Qutest is uniquely equipped to bring the benefits of Chord Electronics’ acclaimed proprietary hardware and software technology to a wide range of connected devices. It features a galvanically isolated USB-B, optical and dual coaxial digital inputs, giving an instant upgrade to everyday audio devices, plus the ability to modernise ageing digital source components.

It also features RCA analogue outputs for connection to integrated amplifiers, preamps and headphone amps, plus high-resolution 768kHz-capable dual-data digital inputs for connection to Chord Electronics’ devices.

Qutest has been designed for static use within home audio systems. The new design benefits from 5V Micro USB powering which offers improved flexibility over its predecessor. Qutest offers support for up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 via its galvanically isolated USB-B input, 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 via coaxial (BNC) and 24-bit/192kHz data on Optical TOSLink. DSD 64 to DSD 256 is supported via DoP and ASIO native DSD format is also supported up to 512.

The device features a Class 2 USB input which, because of the Qutest’s home-system orientation compared to Hugo 2’s more mobile aspirations, has been galvanically isolated. This has been achieved using a novel technique which allows for very high data rates of up to 768kHz; the input is driverless on Apple and Android devices, with (ASIO included) drivers for Windows devices.

Chord Electronics 01622 721 444, chordelectronics.co.uk Qutest is the latest evolution of Chord Electronics’ proprietary DAC technology

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May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 25/01/2018 15:17

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FORTRESS SEATING D-BOX SCREEN RESEARCH BENQ DIGITAL PROJECTION PRISMASONIC AUDIOCONTROL STORM AUDIO BGW

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KALEIDESCAPE PIXELGEN KLIPSCH / JAMO JAMES LOUDSPEAKER NEAR SPEAKERS VICOUSTIC FURMAN CRESTRON LUTRON

www.pulsecinemas.com

info@pulsecinemas.com

Tel: 01279 647 039

www.pulsecinemas.com www.pulsecinemas.com

info@pulsecinemas.com info@pulsecinemas.com Tel: Tel: 01279 01279 647 647 039 039

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