Essential Install July 2019

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

July 2019

INSIDE

WE ARE THE PIONEERS OF HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO

Cover.indd 1

SPEAKERS

LOUD AND PROUD!

TRAINING

A YEARNING FOR LEARNING

DIGITAL SIGNAGE INFORMATION OVERVIEW

01/07/2019 09:13

NE W

4K HDR SUPPOR TING

4K HDR up to 40m

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Our Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix offers unprecedented

J Smart Scale technology - automatic 4K to 1080p scaling

4K HDR performance for the custom installation market. The PRO88HBT100CS is a HDMI2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP2.2 Matrix utilising CSC technology to deliver HDMI, Bi-directional IR, PoH (PoE) up to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable (4K HDR up to 70m). The Matrix also provides advanced features including HDBaseT™ video down-conversion, 4 x simultaneous HDMI outputs, audio breakout with line level pre amp volume control and a web browser interface module for control and configuration of the matrix.

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2.0

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02/07/2019 02/07/2019 12:33 13:00

Essential Install | Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

July 2019

INSIDE

WE ARE THE PIONEERS OF HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO

SPEAKERS

LOUD AND PROUD!

TRAINING

A YEARNING FOR LEARNING

DIGITAL SIGNAGE INFORMATION OVERVIEW

July 2019

This issue…

REGULARS 5 From the Editor’s Desk

24 Habitech Focus

7 Essential News

26 Case Study: CEDIA HQ

Football crazy?

Let’s go outside

Hot happenings

Best home cinema demo in the world?

18 Essential OneAV

30 Essential Review

Just Add Power revs up

Sub-standard or top notch?

20 Pulse Cinemas

New dealer portal and business benefits

64 Smart Thinking

22 CEDIA Focus

68 Training Dates

Case Study

26

Meridian Audio

16

All about da bass?

Make a difference with marketing

Get some in!

72 Essential Products Top tech toys

Pending first audit.

More Morepowe powe

The TheNew NewSonos SonosA 1 2 |OY19000_SONOS_AMP_400x60_UK-D02.indd JulyOY19000_SONOS_AMP_400x60_UK-D02.indd 2019

Contents.indd 2

1

02/07/2019 14:55

Essential Install | Contents

FEATURES

44

Loudspeakers

16 Meridian Audio Focus Reaching new heights

32 Digital Signage Sign language

36 Media Servers Serves up!

44 Loudspeakers

Hidden gems and curvaceous cabinets

Training

56

Essential Products

72

56 Training

Train your brain

62 RGB Communications Top distributor insight

66 DIL

Evolve Audio Visual

Media Servers

36

wer. More possibilities.

os Amp 22/03/2019 13:54 July 2019

Contents.indd 3

| 3

02/07/2019 17:06

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER UNPRECEDENTED TECHNICAL SUPPORT 10 YEAR WARRANTY

4K60 (4:4:4) 18G bps HDB ase T MATRIX SWITCHERS

FEATURING ICT AND BUILT IN DOLBY AUDIO ™ AND DTS ® DOWNMIXING • • • • • •

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The engineers at AVPro Edge understand what installers are facing and design products around real-world applications that need dynamic solutions. As an original equipment manufacturer, we are so confident with the reliability of our products that we offer an industry leading 10 year manufacturers warranty.

Visit www.avproedge.com to learn more.

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AVAILABLE IN 4 x 4 (NO DOWNMIXING), 8 x 8 AND 16 x 16 DOWNMIX BEYOND 7.1 CH TO 2 CH, INCLUDING DOLBY ATMOS AND DTS-X 18G bps UNCOMPRESSED BANDWIDTH SUPPORT ON HDMI 18G bps SUPPORT WITH ICT ON HDB ase T OUTPUTS FULL HDR, DOLBY VISION, HDR10+ & HLG SUPPORT ADVANCED EDID, SCALING & CONTROL FUNCTIONS, BUILT-IN TEST PATTERNS

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AVPro Edge is distributed in the UK by Aldous Systems +44 (0)1296 769015 | www.aldoussystems.co.uk 01/07/2019 15:48

pages 24-25

From the

Editor’s Desk Football Crazy?

Daniel J Sait, Editor-in-Chief

This month, a cautionary tale of not walking before we can run, technology-wise. Whilst not particularly having a horse in the race, (as a Luton fan this is often the case), EI was looking forward to watching the Champions League final against Tottenham and Liverpool. Interest was piqued by the fact that, until that point, only highlights had been enjoyed as BT Sport is not part of the AV package at EI towers. No matter, the good people at BT were going to live stream it over YouTube, how very modern! I would not only be able to enjoy the game, but also witness a bit of an AV first, well the first time since 2016 and the Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal the week before, OK, not a first, but definitely an event worth taking note of.

BT underlined that the Champions League final this year was the most ‘connected’ ever. The game was carried of course on BT Sport’s main channel, but also on a live stream on the BT Sport app, on BTSport.com, via BT Sport’s YouTube channel and for free on Virgin TV. Viewers could also experience the final in VR360.

All great stuff and a strong indicator of where the mega money involved in these types of sporting events is going to take the ‘fan experience’ and add extra layers of AV enjoyment.

However, back to the night in question, smart TV primed, a few cold beers on the go, a genuine Liverpool fan in residence to add extra drama, and then the game started. Oh, dear, not only the did the game not really live up to the hype, but the picture via the YouTube stream was poor, really poor. A recent AV up-grade at EI towers probably underlined some of the issues, but, despite a fibre optic broadband connection, it felt like we were back in the 70s, experiencing the grainy pictures and muffled commentary of yesteryear.

No fear, we cried, off to our local pub, just metres away.

Also not a BT subscriber, our landlord was showing the game via a laptop using the same terrible stream we were getting back home. Now these technical hitches wont put EI off – I know it will improve, but what about the general public? If we are to take advantage of the extra enjoyment these types of experience might deliver to end users, the broadcast element needs to be right. EI is not convinced BT did the future of livestreaming of sport too much of a favour that night. Still, teething issues aside, AV is going to be a very big part of the way sport is consumed – is your business ready to take advantage?

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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

INSTALL MAGAZINE

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.

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

Ed's Comment.indd 5

27/06/2019 16:51

K U E TH IN E D A M

SERVER AND WALL MOUNT RACKS UK ENGINEERED AND BUILT

SCAN TO SEE OUR RANGE OF ACCESSORIES

R AT E D E X C E L L E N T O N

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12/06/2019 10:36

Essential Install | News

Essential News Smart home happenings and automation announcements

Blok has a new home inside the Monitor Audio family

Monitor Audio acquires Blok Audio furniture manufacturer, Blok, has been acquired by speaker maker, Monitor Audio.

The maker says Blok is a perfect fit with Monitor Audio’s portfolio as the brands both have a reputation for design excellence, superior product quality and strong value.

Established in 2003, Blok is a well-respected manufacturer of meticulously crafted hi-fi stands, designed at the company’s headquarters in Saffron Walden, Essex. The manufacturer’s STAX range was created to deliver timeless minimalist lines combined with AV performance. Monitor Audio has long been an admirer of Blok and, even before the purchase, used the stands to showcase the company’s Roksan products and as the best complement to its loudspeakers.

With the recent launch of its premium Gold Series of loudspeakers, and the continued growth of its Custom Install range, Monitor Audio has had a successful start to 2019. The acquisition of Blok reflects this success and puts the company on the front foot for the year.

The expectation is that the synergy between the brands will create exciting possibilities for Monitor Audio, Roksan, Blok and their customers.

Monitor Audio 01268 740580, monitoraudio.co.uk

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Essential Install | News

RGB Communications adds Appeal Home Shading

Appeal Home Shading is now available via RGB Communications

RGB Communications has announced a new distribution partnership with Appeal Home Shading. This UK manufacturer has over 30 years of experience in the window treatment sector, building its reputation on a level of attention to detail in manufacturing and a commitment to customer service that is hard to match.

Featuring roller, roman, pleated, honeycomb, venetian (aluminium and wooden) and Finestra options, Appeal’s range covers every application, including specially engineered solutions for gable ends and lantern roof blinds.

Proud of its UK manufacturing status and with production at its own Bristol facility, Appeal Home Shading creates over 11,000 blinds annually.

Appeal Home Shading produces a wide range of window treatments in a comprehensive choice of designs and fabrics; conservatory blinds, window blinds, window shutters, awnings and high-quality insect screens, all custom made. RGB Communications will be supplying the whole Appeal Home Shading family, however the focus will be on the company’s award-winning Ultra Smart Blinds.

Ultra Smart Blinds deliver a wire-free powered solution in Ultra and now an Ultra Plus variant, which offers control via an app. The systems are compatible with home automation platforms such as Savant.

Users can also activate the blinds using voice over Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The Ultra range is powered via efficient batteries that for an average blind need recharging just once per year.

RGB Communications is also offering a site visit, measurement and fitting service. Once a project is secured, an expert can visit the client to decide on the types of treatments needed. RGB can also arrange for fitting experts to go to the property and complete that part of the project at the right stage.

Caroline Britt, MD at RGB Communications, explains, “Choosing exactly the right partnerships is, of course, vital for a value-added distributor like RGB, so we are delighted to have secured an arrangement with Appeal Home Shading. As well as offering a wide range of standard designs, we particularly admire the way it has created solutions for more complex scenarios, such as gable ends and lantern roof blinds, both of which are becoming more relevant with today’s architecture.”

Caroline continues, “Adding window treatments to a project can add significant margin and now our installation partners can achieve that, safe in the knowledge they are working with one of the best brands in the business, fully supported by our own expert team. Give us a call and learn more about the widening appeal of automated window treatments.”

Richard Hussey, Marketing Director at Appeal Home Shading, adds, “RGB Communications is the perfect trade distribution partner as we look to expand the reach of our wide range of window treatments into the custom installation market. Not only does the team at RGB mirror our own commitment to customer service but the technical support available is second to none in the industry. We look forward to forming a close partnership with the team as we work together to bring our unique solutions to the CI industry.”

RGB Communications 01488 73366, rgbcomms.co.uk

July 2019 | 9 News.indd 9

27/06/2019 16:52

JOB OPPORTUNITY:

AREA SALES MANAGER As an Area Sales Manager for Indigo you will be the main contact for our customers in your region. As such you must have a genuine personality and a strong desire to help our customers with the right solution, not just the sale. In addition to managing existing customer accounts, you will be responsible for meeting new potential customers, identifying their business needs and introducing solutions and services of Indigo’s that meet these needs. You will need a sound knowledge of our products and applications these serve, so experience of the CI industry or similar is essential. We are looking for strong team players who like to have fun and bring a sense of enjoyment to the role. You must have excellent listening and communicating skills along with a friendly and positive outlook. We have positions in the Greater London, the South East and the North of England. Salary is negotiable with an uncapped commission structure.

A bit about the role

Required criteria

• Drive profitable sales and growth through the business.

• Be responsible for the growth and development of your regional sales area through a solid, agile and robust strategy. Injecting creativity and innovation in your approach.

• Achieve and exceed KPIs to drive sales, growth, profit, and performance.

• Take ownership, responsibility and be accountable for sales targets, forecasting, and tracking of sales in your area.

• Use your initiative to contribute ideas and recommendations to the company, relative to improving the marketability of the company’s products.

• Build our brand, maintain our presence, expand our products and nurture business relationships.

• Be the ‘Go To’ person for our customers. Queries, help, advice or assistance. It is all part of your role.

• Get involved with our promotional and product days.

Bring what you have to the table, be creative and think differently. Make us stand out from the crowd.

• At least 3 years previous experience in the last 5 years working in a field sales role/environment in the CI industry or similar • Demonstrate a record of achievement in a prior sales position.

• Experience in prospecting, qualifying and developing a sales strategy.

• Strong closing skills. Have a genuine interest in AV and a get-it-done attitude

Desired criteria • Previous sales background in technical products • A Sales/ Business qualification or previous accredited sales training.

• Previous experience working within a distribution led environment

• Effectively use the CRM System as a tool for growth and development.

• Use our pricing structure to provide technical guidance and negotiate pricing with customers.

For full job details and application, please visit the Work With Us section of our website

www.indigodistribution.co.uk

Eurosat recommends

a mini control system within every MHUB Every MHUB ships with uControl - a universal remote app that can control Sky, BT, Virgin, AppleTV and pretty much any display.

Download the app today.

T: 020 8208 4444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosatlondon.com

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02/07/2019 15:12

Essential Install | News

Gira and Poggenpohl have created a new partnership

Gira smart kitchen solutions at Poggenpohl Wigmore Gira, supplier of intelligent system solutions has collaborated with fellow German brand, Poggenpohl, to offer ‘partner products’ that introduce Gira smart solutions to Poggenpohl‘s high-end kitchen furniture, as standard.

Gira is now on display at the newly designed flagship Poggenpohl store in London’s Wigmore Street, exhibiting a host of smart lighting systems and solutions that enable connection, communication and power supply, all in the kitchen.

An area perhaps under-represented a little in the smart home world until now, both companies believe there is big potential in the provision of smart kitchen products that hit the right spot.

Whether designed with reactive or sensitive operation, remote access, programming and control or very simply, offering improved utility and convenience, smart lighting in particular can be valuable to both the overall design and function of a kitchen.

Mark Booth, Managing Director, Gira UK, says, “We are already designing for the home of tomorrow as the market continues to demand increased convenience, higher economic efficiency and more security and these advantages now available from Poggenpohl are proving invaluable in the modern kitchen.”

Kitchen designers are required to create modern shapes and design with innovative functionality however, kitchen planners often lack practical experience when it comes to technical innovations, hence Gira getting more involved.

Both Gira and Poggenpohl want to remove this potential hurdle, designing furniture that accommodates these types of solutions at the manufacturing stage. By fabricating the furniture to accommodate Gira smart solutions as standard, they are collectively making it possible for designers and planners to integrate all types of intelligent build applications in one single KNX installation.

Richard Anderson, Studio Manager, Poggenpohl Wigmore, explains, “As a team we are so proud of our new studio concept. It embraces the limitations of our space and showcases our furniture in its truest form. We are confident by introducing these new kitchen solutions by Gira as part of our furniture, we will maintain our high level of design and innovation, especially at a time when the smart generation continues to drive market change.”

Gira 0203 9368 090, gira.com

July 2019 | 11 News.indd 11

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Essential Install | News

KLH Launches in Europe KLH has big plans to offer its ranges into Europe

Serving both the custom integration and the retail hi-fi channels, American speaker brand, KLH, has expanded into Europe, partnering with Ireland’s TBM Solution to manage sales, marketing, logistics and dealer/ distributor support.

Recently reborn and revitalised, the new KLH consists of former Klipsch and loudspeaker industry specialists that have created a range of performance-rich yet modestlypriced in-room and architectural loudspeakers for home cinema and hi-fi and there is also a range of headphones.

TBM Solution has a team of specialists on the ground throughout Europe to work closely with dealers and distributors. For additional convenience, the two companies have created a multi-lingual KLH website.

KLH is perhaps best remembered for its Model Nine full-range electrostatic speaker (1960s), but is now an all-new venture led by former Klipsch Global Sales President, David P. Kelley, and a team of former Klipsch and loudspeaker industry executives.

Launched during the 2018 CEDIA Expo in the US, the brand says its in-room speakers and headphones have already received high-praise from the press for their tremendous performance and value propositions, including a glowing review of the flagship Kendall floor-stander

by AVS Forum.

“As we expand KLH globally, presently we are in 22 countries and growing, it is critical to partner with the right companies,” said David. “Having TBM Solution as an extension of KLH will allow us to best serve our European customers. They will handle everything, in real-time, in their time zone, with inventory readily available to ship and fast support for dealers and distributors.”

“TBM Solution brings unrivalled logistics and distribution skills to bear, along with over 50-years of combined hi-fi industry knowledge,” said TBM Solution Account Manager, Walter Hegarty. “We are hugely excited to be involved at the start of the epic journey that KLH is going to be, and are committed to provide the level of support that such a legendary brand deserves.”

The TBM Solution team consists of co-founders, Alan Eustace and Ed Corkery, Account Manager, Walter Hegarty, and Customer Excellence Team Leader, Imelda Russell.

There is no news so far on special distribution for the UK, but naturally we will bring you that when we get it. Check out more product detail at our sister website essentialinstall.com.

KLH klhaudio.com, tbm-solution.com

Invision announces partnership with Fibaro Invision has announced a new partnership with smart home technology manufacturer, Fibaro. The Fibaro product range has been designed to create smart home solutions and enables reliable control of lighting, heating and security.

With the company’s industry understanding, network of installers and high levels of customer service, the Invision team are confident that they can take the Fibaro product portfolio to the next level in the UK. Invision has also added Fibaro to its training academy and will offer an intensive training programme that has been designed to provide skilled professionals with the practical knowledge and

Fibaro is now available from Invision

expertise required to specify and install Fibaro systems.

Invision’s certified Fibaro system installer training can be completed in one day and each participant will receive a personalised certificate verifying them as a Fibaro system expert. This qualification allows access to the Fibaro Academy portal, which supplies more training and video materials, as well as sales and technical support during the installation and design of a project.

Maciej Fiedler, Founder and CEO, started the company eight years ago driven by a desire to live safely and more comfortably. He felt that the solutions available on the market didn’t meet his expectations as they were too expensive, impractical and complicated to install. He therefore decided to create his own solution.

Mark Taylor, Invision’s Commercial Director, says, “We are very excited to have Fibaro as a partner. It’s comprehensive range of smart home products deliver the future, today.

Coupled with Invision’s value added services and Fibaro’s professional training programme, our customers are sure to be delighted by our latest partnership.”

Invision 01359 270280, invisionuk.com

12 | July 2019 News.indd 12

27/06/2019 16:53

WE CREATE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CONNECTED WORLD A wave of digitisation is sweeping our world and increasingly shaping and altering how we act and live, our homes and workplaces, businesses, public facilities and spaces – even entire cities. Digital technologies are now omnipresent. Everything is communicating with everything else: people with devices, devices with other devices, buildings with people, and buildings with other buildings. It’s up to us to

In every system, multiple components interact in very important ways. Many of our products incorporate a number of basic AV and IT functions to perform a range of tasks, even over long distances.

This is the philosophy that guides us – Combined Connectivity Solutions.

shape our digital future so it will yield the greatest benefits.

At Lindy we’re convinced that, if we have the right ideas and persevere, we can protect the environment while enjoying safer, more rewarding lives. The basis

SHARING

EXTENDING

CONNECTING

CONVERTING

for doing so, and the intelligence behind it, can be summed up in one word: connectivity. This is the prerequisite for all communication. And we are working to forge connections and make the whole universe of content available anywhere and in any setting.

DISCOVER LINDY lindy.com

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17/04/2019 15:25

Essential Install | News

Essential People Charlie James

Adam Phillips

Technological Innovations Group (TIG), Crestron’s exclusive sales agency for the EMEA region, has announced the appointment of Charlie James to the position of Director of Strategic Alliances, EMEA, for Crestron.

Charlie joins TIG’s Crestron sales team at a pivotal moment in its expansion into the unified communications market.

With over 20 years’ experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Charlie has worked with global systems integrators and independent software vendors building and delivering on their Microsoft Go to Market Strategies across a wide range of industries and joins TIG from global communications company, Poly. During his time at Poly, Charlie was responsible for building peer to peer relationships, delivering go to market campaigns and executing Poly’s investment in Microsoft to integrate voice and video solutions into the Microsoft technology stack as Poly’s Director, Microsoft Alliance EMEA. Charlie said, “I am very proud and excited to be joining such a dynamic team delivering such dynamic solutions around Microsoft Teams. Working with TIG and Crestron represents an incredible opportunity for customers and partners alike.”

Robin van Meeuwen, CEO and President, TIG, added, “This is an historic moment for our business. Charlie’s experience in the field of UC and end user engagement is exactly in line with the direction in which our industry needs to go. Crestron’s product roadmap and vision today fits this and I am confident that Charlie will help us grow these alliances successfully.”

Distributor, OneAV, is excited to introduce another member to its growing team. Heading up the company’s commercial channels is fresh recruit, Adam Phillips.

Adam explained, “My role is developing the commercial side of the business and bringing OneAV to the wider AV industry not just the residential side of things. I’d like to bring in other sales guys to cover all of the regions but to start with, it’s very much going to be all hands to the pump. At the moment, I’m going to be spending a lot of time contacting my existing contacts within the commercial world and trying to get them through the door. I want to introduce them to our products and hopefully bring them on board moving forward from here.”

Legrand, global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, has appointed an Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Manager for its UK and Ireland business.

Mitra Goodger, an experienced management consultant, will help to optimise Legrand’s sustainability and contribution to the circular economy while leading on the company’s broad energy efficiency programme. Her role will also include looking at key legislation, delivering on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and advising teams on ways to improve efficiency.

Over the past 20 years, Mitra has influenced many key energy efficiency and sustainability projects, and for the past five years, has been working for BRE Commercial Development, advising manufacturers on sustainability for specification products, environmental impact and compliance.

Mark Evans, Marketing Director for Legrand UK and Ireland, said, “Mitra’s presence across the energy efficiency landscape is indisputable, which is why we are delighted to have her as part of the team to help us set and meet key targets for the years ahead. Sustainability is a big agenda but while many

companies talk about their approach to being more environmentally friendly and efficient, it’s all about how this is actually put in practice.

“At Legrand, we are committed to regularly improving the way we operate to ensure our manufacturing processes and practices are sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment. From lighting control to green transformers and high efficiency busbar, we have a broad range of energy efficiency products and can advise on an array of solutions to ensure that businesses reach efficiency goals.”

Mitra Goodger

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01/07/2019 12:49

Ineva Designs Ad June 2019 final.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 16:14 Page 1

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Custom AV Distribution CAVDistribution & CAVDtechnical

02/07/2019 09:30

Essential Install | Meridian Audio

Thec ompany head quarters is a great place to discover more about the brand

Reaching new heights with Meridian

As the pioneer of high resolution audio, Meridian is looking to define the pinnacle of immersive audio experiences. With a number of new products, training initiatives, distributed brands, and a complimentary design and specification service, Meridian supports integrators in designing and installing a sound system that delivers the best experience for their clients. Katy Bradshaw, Director of Marketing at Meridian, explains how Meridian is raising the bar in high resolution audio.

A genuine audio pioneer, Meridian products like the DSP520.2 are packed full of innovation

We’ve recently launched our new DSP320.2 in-ceiling/inwall loudspeaker, a versatile addition to our Architectural range. This new model boasts unrivalled power, accuracy, and incredible performance for a speaker of its size (100mm/4in mounting depth), and is suitable for multiple high-performance applications including home cinemas and premium two-channel in-ceiling and in-wall applications. We see them being deployed as overhead and rear channels in cinema systems, either side of a TV to boost the quality and clarity of those zones, as well as in premium distributed audio systems.

Its wide-dispersion capabilities make it perfect for delivering high-quality music discreetly in any listening environment, perfect for movies and music.

Its incredible performance combined with a lack of equipment and heat in the rack is really appealing to dealers and their clients. The DSP320.2 is engineered for maximum reliability and long-term performance, offering a ‘fit and forget’ installation with a five-year warranty. The timbre is matched to the respected DSP520.2 and DSP640.2, and it also incorporates the latest audio enhancing technologies from Meridian, including: Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA), Fifo Buffering, DSP Upsampling, Apodising Filters, MHR, and L+R mode.

Elsewhere in our Architectural range, the new DSP640.2 and DSP520.2 in-wall loudspeakers come with the all new Class-M DSP engine, which has been designed by Meridian to maximise SPLs and fidelity. Each drive unit within these speakers boasts a pair of powerful high bandwidth, ultra HD amps for guaranteed performance and complete control. Each speaker delivers full-range sound with no need for an additional subwoofer, perfect for delivering high quality, lifelike sound discretely in any application.

Taking control

As part of our renowned 200 Series, the award-winning 271 Digital Theatre Controller provides the perfect link to integrate any analogue or digital AV processor or receiver with Meridian’s DSP loudspeakers, delivering the best, immersive, hi-res audio.

This breakthrough product allows integrators to deliver the most exceptional and immersive home cinema experience yet to their customers, complete with the highest quality dynamics and clarity, in analogue, digital and 3D format applications.

The 271 offers 16 unbalanced inputs, 16 balanced inputs and the option of 16 digital inputs, depending on the choice of processor. This enables the connection of any Atmos, Auro or DTS-X processor to Meridian speakers.

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Essential Install | Meridian Audio

Design meets pure audio quality with the new DSP320.2 in-ceiling/in-wall loudspeaker

In addition, the 251 Powered Zone Controller features two powerful cool-running channels of on-board amplification enabled for hi-res audio, including Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio. It also offers IP and IR control, a native iPad network control app and Meridian Sooloos control.

Interactive training

The Meridian Design and Specification Service helps take your projects to the next level

Our bitesize training webinars, launched in September 2018, are specifically designed for the integrator of today.

Available globally, these conversational webinars make it more convenient for people to learn, as an alternative to traditional classroom courses. As short, 30 minute sessions, these webinars are tailored to the information that integrators actually need to know, rather than going into too much detail and hoping that one size fits all.

We were delighted to receive a special mention at the 2018 EMEA CEDIA Awards on behalf of the judges, who decided to highly commend Meridian for introducing a new training initiative.

Design and specification, at your service

Meridian has its very own cinema to show off its own products and those that it distributes including Barco

Thanks to a number of brand partnerships, we pride ourselves on giving dealers access to a comprehensive range of technologies to deliver premium home cinema and media room experiences for their clients. Solutions from Barco projectors, DT Screens, and Cinema-ATS panels have been integrated into our complimentary Design and Specification Service, making it quicker and easier for integrators to select and specify the right product for the job.

All the integrator has to do is send a schematic of the room or home they are working on and Meridian will provide co-branded drawings of the proposed system layout and an associated wiring diagram, typically within 48 hours, at no cost. This includes the ideal loudspeaker layout to ensure the ultimate audio experience, where the projector should be positioned to optimise viewing angles, and where the acoustic panels should be installed.

Thanks to a special collaboration with the awardwinning software, The CEDIA Designer (TCD), we’re also able to offer more value for integrators through our Design and Specification Service. This means that dealers have the option to create their own instant cinema and media room designs using TCD software using a complimentary license provided by Meridian.

Expanding into new markets

Our renowned audio quality has recently extended to new markets too, including consumer electronics through a partnership with LG (LGE), which has allowed us both to deliver unique solutions for the ultimate listening experience. The partnership has gone from strength to strength, with some of the products from the range of soundbars, smart speakers, and portables already winning prestigious industry awards. Most recently, our hi-res audio technology has been made available in LG’s latest 2019 smart phone models, the new LG G8 and V50 ThinQ for an unmatched audio experience, to anyone, anywhere.

In March 2019, we announced an exciting new partnership with British Airways, enabling customers to enjoy a First Class in-flight audio experience with sound engineered by Meridian. The high performance headphones allow the user to enjoy a combination of exceptional noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and ultimate comfort.

Immersive in-car audio is yet another example of Meridian being at the forefront of innovation, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Jaguar Land Rover.

Even travelling in a car, surrounded by the din of other vehicles and noisy road surfaces, drivers and passengers can still enjoy flawless, best-in-class sound thanks to our in-car systems, specifically developed and refined for the road.

As the industry continues to develop, we look forward to introducing new, innovative products, increasing the value that we can offer our dealers, and strengthening our partnerships with fellow technology innovators.

Meridian Audio 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com

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Essential Install | OneAV

Pure Power

Just Add Power has been delivering innovation and communication control in the UK for ten years. Here, OneAV’s Sales Director, Andy Oattes, takes stock of the brand’s achievements to date and looks to the future.

Just Add Power has been partnered with OneAV for about a decade. The sales and support team at OneAV were the first to deliver HDMI over IP to both the residential and commercial markets starting in the UK. OneAV has been a key partner since the launch of Just Add Power’s first 1080p product range in 2009, and the company has continued to be the global leader and innovator in HD and Ultra HD over IP along with high res audio and networked audio standards like Dante and AES-67. But what is the story behind Just Add Power?

Just Add Power, founded in 1992 by a group of employees from the IBM Corporation, has navigated through the last 25+ years as a speciality hardware device company for niche markets. The company takes pride in knowing that its evolutionary product design philosophy not only protects your investment, but an HD/IP system from Just Add Power actually increases in value over time.

Just Add Power’s vision is to continue to focus on doing one thing, and one thing only – being the absolute best innovator in the AV over IP market space. The team takes pride in continuing to build flawless hardware and firmware for their customers. In order for amazing projects to be even possible, they not only listen to their customer’s needs but keep their installers in mind – to get in, get out and get paid!

Ed Qualls, the President of Just Add Power says, “At Just Add Power we like to think of our solutions like building blocks. No matter what the client invests in today, we have designed an infrastructure that can be sustained and manufactured reliably for many years to come, thus providing integrators with a scalable, economical, and dependable approach to their commercial video distribution needs.”

Why should I use their products?

Just Add Power’s product range consists of HD over IP transmitters and receivers, allowing installers to build any size of HDMI video matrix for their residential or commercial customers. It is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of HDMI over IP based video switching solutions. Users can create simple point-to-point systems or a network of HDMI devices, scalable to any size, with easy-to-use hardware solutions that support resolutions up to 4K UltraHD. The company’s design and product philosophy is evolutionary, as its products are designed for longevity rather than short innovation cycles. Support and replacement parts for older solutions remain available so that no matter what model is purchased, the installers’ customers’ product lifespan will be for decades rather than months, keeping costs down and customers happy.

Just Add Power continuously enhances the performance of each product generation by providing free firmware updates that support all actual features, while being fully backwards compatible.

Have questions regarding Just Add Power products or need help with an installation of a Just Add Power system?

Its amazing technicians are available Monday-Friday from 8 am to 8 pm (Eastern US time) or alternatively, speak to your OneAV account manager today!

OneAV 01684 576 348, oneav.co.uk

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Top dogs in HDMI and AV over IP Just Add Power have more hardware, more options and more exibility than anyone else in the game.

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Essential Install | Pulse Cinemas

Access all of Pulse Cinemas worldclass demonstration facilities

Pulse Cinemas to offer new Dealer Portal and business benefits The team at Pulse Cinemas says it has been carefully planning new ways to reward those installers who are serious about partnering with the company in creating high-quality AV, automation and cinema experiences.

Under a new set of criteria (see opposite for full details), Pulse Cinemas dealers who demonstrate the right level of commitment will get a range of new and dedicated benefits, based around the company’s considerable resources and an enhanced Dealer Portal which is being developed for the company’s new website.

These will include full access to all of Pulse Cinemas’ demonstration facilities for client visits or events.

These number three at company HQ, with the big and small cinemas and new media room, as well as the London Experience Centre based in one of the most prestigious interior design destination stores in the capital (The Sofa & Chair Company), and lastly the Cabin Cinema, which is owned by the distributor’s Cinema Sound Consultant, David Crozier.

Pulse Cinemas says the key to selling cinemas is to deliver an experience that creates the desire in the customer arguing no sales pitch on earth is as powerful as letting them experience it for themselves. Full and supported access to these sites will offer a serious boost to any business, argues Pulse Cinemas.

The benefits of the new Dealer Portal itself include dealers’ own space within the Pulse Cinemas website, to promote work and services to all who visit the site.

A special team of marketeers and writers will create case studies, articles, videos and professional photography to showcase each installers work and generate interest in the company.

The Dealer Portal will also be able to generate leads directly into each installers business based on the criteria laid out opposite. The highest level of engagement triggers a full video and audio calibration service for each project.

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Essential Install | Pulse Cinemas

Criteria: basis to determine dealer status with Pulse Cinemas

Pulse Cinemas dealer levels and benefits

• Turnover (three-year rolling score) • Quotation-to-order conversion rate • Range of Pulse Cinemas brands specified and installed in live cinema projects • Use Pulse Cinemas HQ showroom, London Experience Centre or Cabin Cinema for client demonstrations • The number of Pulse Cinemas brands on demo (if company has a showroom) • Social network engagement • General engagement: Level of engagement with Pulse Cinemas • Cinemas in the early stages of projects, partner events with Pulse, attend Pulse Cinemas events.

• CEDIA member • Other industry accreditation, such as Pulse Cinemas Training Courses, THX, ISF, HAA etc.

• Promote Pulse Cinemas brands on your own social media accounts

Platinum Pulse dealer benefits • Photography / video of installations** • Audio-video calibrations** • Exposure through the Pulse Cinemas social media network • Installation of the Month / Installation of the Year Awards • Certification / accreditation for training courses at Pulse Cinemas venues • Preferential credit terms • Dedicated account manager • Manufacturer factory training events (worldwide) • Access to ‘Exclusively Connect’ networking events for powerful high-end brand association • End-user industry event support (eg. Grand Designs) • Support with your entries for CEDIA awards • Technical design & specification support • On-site sales support • Priority service to Pulse Cinemas’ own bespoke lighting, furniture & complete solution design experts • Support on photo-realistic cinema renders

Dealers will also receive other forms of support via social media accounts, support if they are exhibiting at consumer-facing shows and events, help with entering initiatives like the CEDIA Awards, and access to Pulse Cinema’s own Installation of the Month and yearly dealer awards.

Fully engaged dealers also get preferential credit terms, as well as priority access to the company’s in-house interiors and furniture design team.

Silver, Gold & dealer benefits Will get a gradually lower number / level of these benefits, based on the level of engagement reached compared to the level needed for Platinum dealers ** Installations must contain at least five Pulse Cinemas ingredients to qualify across the four main categories of ‘audio’, ‘visual’, ‘system’ & ‘furniture’, including, but not limited to screen, seating, speakers, media distribution and electronics being the most important.

Growing together

As each dealer’s relationship and engagement with Pulse Cinemas grows, so each dedicated space within the Dealer Portal becomes populated with case studies, images and videos to entice visitors to find out more. The idea is that interested parties won’t just get contact details, but a genuine insight into what each installer can do.

Company MD, Mike Beatty explains, “We are looking to develop genuine partnerships, so getting access to everything we can provide does require some commitment

to the cause from dealers, and that is not just business, it’s engagement – getting involved on social media, coming to events that we run, and attending the training courses that we provide. We believe that in this way, we will build genuinely valuable, mutually beneficial relationships.” For more details get in touch direct with Pulse Cinemas.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com

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Essential Install | CEDIA

Great installs are only half the story, telling the world is just as important

The difference good marketing can make to your integration business Mike Ranpura Director at CEDIA Member Smart Life AV takes a look at how understanding marketing can be transformational.

We are very fortunate as a service-based industry to have the opportunity to showcase our work in stunning environments through imagery and videography.

However, there are many integrators who do not capitalise on this opportunity.

Start with the fundamentals by building your brand, the right way. Does your company name represent what you do? Would a potential client be able to find you through a Google search of your services? Is your company logo appropriate for the type of clientele you are trying to attract? Have you secured your website domain and social media handles on the major platforms?

Good branding should relay your professionalism as a company, transfer well between digital and physical mediums and work for you as a sales tool before a client even makes contact.

As a company we have tried different ways of advertising.

However, nothing has been anywhere near as successful as our social presence. 90% of new enquires come through individuals who have seen our content online. The other 10% is good old word of mouth and repeat business.

People love procrastinating and society today loves to procrastinate by checking social media. If I am able to keep myself at the forefront of a potential client’s mind on a regular basis there is a very good chance that the next time they or anyone else require my services, they will remember me. Whether or not they then decide to recommend me to someone is entirely dependent on whether I have instilled them with enough confidence in my professional ability to deliver through the content I choose to put out.

Each platform should have a unique approach. A website should raise awareness via Google. Facebook is great for getting eyeballs on content. Twitter is great for us as an industry to interact as peers. YouTube is fantastic for showcasing projects, testimonials and lengthy videos.

Expect good engagement with content being posted on LinkedIn and finally Instagram stories is by far the best way to build a following and grow your brand.

What you should post and when?

• Post unpolished content that has value regularly via Instagram stories • Post key milestone content across Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn • Post professional content on YouTube and promote across others

During the build of our Games Room project we posted progress photos online at key stages. Today you could also use Instagram stories to give viewers a deeper insight into your daily tasks. Remember that whilst you may find certain things mundane, viewers might find them really interesting.

At the end of the project, we commissioned a professional video. It was shot from an educational perspective where it showed all the various systems we had integrated and how the client interacts with them on a daily basis via the ELAN automation system. We also had professional photos taken that could be used to promote the project. Finally, we recorded a video testimonial of the client. This has given far more credibility than a few lines of text that could have been written by anyone.

The primary reason we commissioned the video was so we could show new clients the project without having to disturb our client with site visits. As of today, it has over 6000 combined views across multiple platforms and has also been utilised by various companies for training. Our preparation of high-quality media resulted in three press articles on our project, as well as manufacturers who have been more than willing to feature our project on their websites as case studies.

You can view and engage with our content @Smartlifeav

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Installed by you, supported by us S1-CM Ceiling Mount for Sonos One or Play:1 Holds a single Sonos One or Play:1 speaker 30cm below ceiling Speaker can be inverted for access to controls, if required Tilts 15° down, swivels 80° (40° right, 40° left) Cable routing to ceiling High-quality build, finished in matt white

Available from Premium Audio at Exertis: 01256 378 550 or Alltrade: 0844 225 2700

HVAC Control the Sensible way

Sensible Heat offers a full backup service to resellers, including design advice, supply and commissioning.

We can work with you to create a fully integrated solution – don’t worry, you won’t need to become an HVAC expert! Do the sensible thing and contact us now.

> Control any form of heating; radiators, underfloor etc. and any form of comfort cooling > wired or wireless schemes > Make each room a zone: better comfort and efficiency > iPhone / Android access via App > HVAC controls always provided with independent/ backup user interface > Building size or complexity of HVAC plant is no problem > Custom Control Panel for plantroom if required > Interfaces to AMX, Crestron, Control4, Savant, RTI with pre-written, proven “drivers” > Interfaces to most major aircon systems (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Sanyo etc.)

Sensible Heat are sole distributors of Honeywell Hometronic in UK and Ireland.

ADVANCED H E AT I N G CONTROLS

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11 St Nicholas Lane Lewes East Sussex BN7 2JY tel / fax 01273 475834 e info@sensibleheat.com www.sensibleheat.com 19/09/2016 18:26

01/07/2019 14:23

Essential Install | Habitech

Choose the flagship Sonance SLS 70V/8ohm systems for an audiophile-quality sound field in any landscape at extremely high sound pressure levels if required

Green is the new gold In-Wall, On-Wall, InGround, On-Ground; for every outdoor application, Sonance delivers high quality, full-range sound reliably and discreetly

The SonArray system can be extended to 16.2 covering up to 400m² from a single Sonance SR2-125 amp

With garden spend peaking on both sides of the Atlantic, Sonance has boosted the breadth and bandwidth of its leading all-weather offering with new ways to grow your business says Habitech’s Giovanni Scatola.

According to the latest trends, gardens are very Zen, especially for the generation with all the money. So I’m indebted to the Horticultural Trades Association for obliging with the business case for outdoor sound. Its latest stats reveal that UK spending on garden goods is up to £7.5billion, with an added £2.4billion for gardeners and landscapers. The biggest protagonists fall into two categories: the ‘Elders’ and the ‘Garden Proud’. These are the folks with gardens large enough to match the size of their budgets and the energy left to enjoy them. They’re your people. Besides the flora, a big divot of their dosh is devoted to extending home comforts outside, using amenities such as hard landscaping, furniture and lights.

And with the garden fully glammed, the finishing touch has to be high quality garden sound. It’s a shoo-in for this demographic. All they need is an idea of what’s possible.

Let’s face it your wealthy, middle-aged, cash-rich customers spent their youth with prog, or punk, or maybe a flower-powered anthem or two, often in the open air, so they’ll be gagging for the excuse to take a nostalgia trip al fresco. Introduce the transcendental mindfulness of ‘The Byrds’ singing in their trees and the ‘Grateful Dead’ fertilising their flowerbeds and they’ll be ready for ‘Woodstock’ all over again. Then deploy the power of Sonance to seal the deal. The world’s original architectural speaker brand has further upped the design, quality and long-lived performance of its awardwinning outdoor ranges – and it’s the high-end leader – so selling Sonance to the discerning should be as easy as a walk in the park (or garden). In truth, whatever the application, Habitech’s all-weather speaker champion has it covered.

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Essential Install | Habitech

Ultimate Outdoor: Sonance Landscape Series (SLS)

All the design versatility you need from new SGS systems of 2-way sats and a 10” sub in 8.1, 8.2, 12.2 and 16.2 configs powered by SR 2-125 amps

On-wall IP66 rated Mariners in white or black: three sizes, three performance levels inc single-stereo

VP Extreme: Military Standard 810G and IP66 ratings make these in-walls the toughest available for outdoor and marine projects

For an audiophile-quality sound field with minimal hot spots and dead zones in any landscape at extremely high sound pressure levels, choose the Sonance Landscape Series (SLS). A single 4.5-inch two-way satellite and a high power 6.5-inch two-way satellite combine with 12-inch in-ground and on-ground subwoofers and a high power 15-inch in-ground subwoofer in 70V or 8ohm systems of multiple speaker arrays. Daisy-chained for ease of installation and scalability, SLS will create an exclusive custom sound design for big private gardens and public spaces such as country clubs and golf courses.

New Sonance Garden Series (SGS) Offering a perfect balance of performance, versatility and simplicity, the new SGS systems use the brand’s original and familiar sat/sub form-factor, scalable up to 16.2 configurations and with a maximum coverage of 400m².

Featuring a pivoting knuckle for precise audio directivity and with removable 9-inch ground stakes included, the two-way 3.5-inch sat and 10-inch dual voice coil sub go louder with more detail and bandwidth, and make a perfect team with Sonance DSP amplifiers.

The range includes the SGS 8.1 system of eight satellites and in-ground subwoofer, and, sold separately, a four-satellite extension pack and a single sub. The impedance-matched designs can be daisy-chained to a Sonance SR 2-125 amplifier for an excellent blend of performance and ease of installation.

SonArray Series

The SonArray design raised the bar for entry-level outdoor sat-sub systems when introduced in 2013. Ideal for gardens up to 200m² and with the form-factor of the high-end Landscape models at a far more accessible price, the SonArray SR1 system offers you eight distinctive satellites and an 8-inch dual voice-coil in-ground subwoofer, all merchandised in a single carton. Recent enhancements mean you can add a second subwoofer and up to eight further satellites, making a 16.2 system to extend coverage up to 400m² from a single SR2-125 amp.

Also available from Habitech for smaller areas is the LS4T 8 ohm bundle: four LS4T sats plus the SR1 sub.

VP Extreme Series

Introducing the totally redesigned Visual Performance Extreme line of in-wall speakers, engineered to withstand temperatures from -34ºC to +79ºC and conforming to Military Standard 810G (unlike self-certified IPX-rated

speakers) for humidity, salt spray, temperature and UV. Extreme speakers are IP-66 rated for protection against heavy seas and powerful jets of water, making them perfect for high quality audio in bathrooms, pool-side patios and marine environments. The four model range in 6.5 and 8-inch SKUs includes the VPXT6R SST single stereo design.

Mariner

The new Mariner line of outdoor speakers combines higher musical performance with more installation options than ever before. Featuring completely redesigned acoustic systems for lower distortion and high power handling, an exclusive Fastmount bracket system and innovative front-mounted terminals, the seven models across three sizes and three performance levels use tough IP66-rated paintable sealed polypropylene enclosures in black or white, and perforated aluminium grilles to boost their class-leading weather resistance.

Rocks

Spread great sound to adjacent flower beds or rockeries with the super-durable Sonance Rock satellites and sub.

Their natural rock-like design will disappear into almost any outdoor landscape for the perfect blend of sound and surroundings. Range includes 6-inch and 8-inch satellites in brown and granite finishes and a 10-inch sub in brown.

Consistently the US market leader for outdoor audio, Sonance scores top for satisfaction with the most qualityconscious installers and customers on the planet. So when your reputation relies on exceptionally long-lived quality and performance, why would you risk another brand? With Habitech and Sonance at your side you’ll always be turning green spaces to gold.

Habitech 01256 638500, habitech.co.uk

Rocks: great sound, beautifully discreet from high-quality rock-like speakers

CE Pro’s US survey consistently places Sonance as the premier outdoor brand. The results from 2018

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Essential Install | Case Study

The newly opened CEDIA HQ has a world class cinema demo room

Best home cinema demo in the world?

Procella helps create ‘The Best Demo Room In The World’ at CEDIA HQ. EI takes a look with the help of some of the people who built it.

Lots of news recently about the new global headquarters of install trade association CEDIA; the building has many cutting edge and outstanding features, however we at EI were most curious as to what might be found inside the organisation’s brand new cinema. As the flagship building for the trade association, you would be forgiven for thinking it ought to pretty good – well it is and here EI reveals some of the story behind its creation.

Gerben Van Duyl, Director Procella Audio (Sweden), one of the brands chosen to help put the cinema together, explains, “The first I learned about it was an email that arrived on August 5, 2017 at 3:30 at night in Sydney where I live. My phone pinged, so it must have

been important and I woke up to read it. It was from Chuck Back, our Procella partner in the USA. He had just been talking with cinema design expert Dennis Erskine, the then chairman of CEDIA as well as being the CEO and founder of the Erskine Group, specialising in architectural acoustics. Mr Erskine had personally invited Procella to contribute to this great plan of his, the CEDIAreference-theatre-to-be.

“At that point in time we did not know any more than that; we had not seen any plans or design drawings. But, when Mr Erskine invites you to be part of something that sounded like it was going to be really quite important to CEDIA, you just say yes. And that is what I did, I replied with a one-word email.”

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Essential Install | Case Study

Genuine collaboration created this reference cinema

Information around the project was kept very tight and those involved could not say a word about it in public for another 18 months.

Gerben explains, “Now that it is finally here and operational, it is fantastic! What an effort it has been from all parties involved to get to this point. And the result shows that effort – it is truly the best demo room in the world for state-of-the-art home theatre technology.

“So yes, we are very proud! Procella is really quite a small company compared to some of our large international competitors, but we focus on one thing only: making the very best loudspeakers for home theatre and professional cinema. That focus and that pure quality is what got us selected, so this is a massive recognition of the work we have done in the past 12 years since we built the first Procella loudspeakers for DTS in 2006.”

So, what has gone into the ‘best demo room in the world?’

Gerben reveals, “In short, it all starts with the acoustical and cinema design. This room has great audio and video quality because it was designed to do so. This is not a ‘slap-on-a-few-panels-and-curtains-and-see-what-shedoes’ approach, quite the opposite. Dennis Erskine did the design and incorporated bass trapping behind the screen, under the seating platforms, and in the ceiling.

“He designed acoustical diffusers, absorbers and reflectors in the walls. Expert acoustician, Gerry Lemay, supplied the acoustical products, all of which are hidden from sight behind the fabric finishings, as are our loudspeakers. This room is also completely isolated from the rest of the building, with a true box-in-a-box design.

This stops sound pollution from the rest of the building leaking into the room and spoiling the dynamic range of the recordings and our loudspeakers. It also stops sound from leaking out, but that is merely a happy side benefit.”

Gerben adds, “There is extensive building work and carpentry in the room as well, to incorporate near-silent air conditioning, extensive cabling, and to provide the interior design. The end result is very clean and realistic audio, delivered with extreme power and dynamics. Any homeowner who would get a theatre like this would end up watching a lot more movies and enjoy them a lot more than in a less perfect room. It’s a jewel of a room that would put a smile on your face every time you turn it on.”

The right equipment

Getting into the detail of what the room contains, Gerben explains, “Behind the Stewart Filmscreen are three of our Procella P815 loudspeakers, the champions of medium sized home theatre rooms and THX PM3 approved. With a proper 15in driver for bass, an 8in for mid-range and a 1in Italian made compression drive on a proprietary waveguide, the P815 is a full-range powerhouse. The P815 is bi-amplified, so an active crossover in the Trinnov processor is required, to split the bass and the mid/

The cinema is set to see heavy footfall as installers and other visitors take advantage of the facilities

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Essential Install | Case Study

hi signals. The LFE channel is taken care of by no less than four of our P18 subwoofers, and they are evenly distributed throughout the room. The curve ball there is that master-calibrator, Adam Pelz, used two channels per P18 each, which he used to calibrate each of the 18in drivers individually. Talk about attention to detail! The bass performance is absolutely stunning in this room, something you have to experience!”

Gerben continues, “The surrounds are taken care of by eight of our P6V and the overheads are six of our P8 in-Wall/in-Ceiling loudspeakers, which we only released in September 2018. So, we threw Dennis and his build team a bit of a curve ball, when they saw the new P8iW in San Diego last year. They had to change their drawings and carpentry to accommodate the P8iW, as they really wanted to use the unique features of that one. Especially the tweeter that can be rotated to point at the audience, no matter where it is located in the ceiling. This helps tremendously with the immersive sound delivery in the room, for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X and other immersive formats.”

So what are the plans for the use of this new space?

Gerben says, “First and foremost, many of the CEDIA trainings in the USA will take place at the new CEDIA HQ, so every CEDIA member who goes there for their training will be exposed to the Reference Theatre. That means that hundreds, maybe thousands of industry professionals will be exposed to the Procella Audio products and quality.

“Yes, this contribution really was a very good investment for us. And this is not the only investment in the US market we have made in 2018. We also opened up our own distribution warehouse in California, so we have a full complement of product in stock, ready to be shipped throughout the USA. With the Reference Theatre we show people how good home theatre can sound, with the warehouse we make the Procella Audio products readily available to them.

Loads of other brands and personalities were also involved in the creation of this cinema.

A Barco Loki Cinemascope P3/DCI projector was used for the imaging, the Trinnov Amplitude 16-32 32 channel audio processor was employed to drive the cinema, and a Kaleidescape Stato S Movie player/server feeds content into the room.

Also included in the cinema are Lutron lighting, control from Crestron, racking from Middle Atlantic and seating

by Cinematech.

Essential Kit List • Stewart Filmscreen 174in 2.4:1 VistaScope Masking Screen with Ultimatte 130 microperf material • Barco laser Loki Cinemascope P3/DCI projector • Lumagen RadiancePro 4444 video processor • Procella speakers 3 x P815 dual amplified LCRs, 8 x Procella P6V speakers for the side/rear effects, 8 x Procella P8 in wall ceiling speakers with aimed tweeters, and 4 x P18 dual 18in bi-amplified drivers for a total of eight individually calibrated 18in drivers • Trinnov Amplitude 16-32 32 channel audio processor • QSC Core 510 DSP processor • (15) QSC DCA amplifiers hitting 19,200W of amplification • Torus Power – custrom made all-in-one power transformer • Kaleidescape Stato S Movie player/server • Lutron Homeworks lighting • Ketra lighting • Crestron Control system with Pro3 processor, TSW760 and TSR-310 UI, TSS-752 room scheduling panel outside and OCC sensor for advanced functions • Feed from the building Crestron NVX video distribution system giving the theatre access to all of the building’s shared sources including Apple TV, NVIDIA Sheild, Digital signage players and Roku players • Dish Network Hopper 3 Satellite • Oppo UDP-203 Blu-Ray player • Middle Atlantic racks • Cinematech seating • Quest Acoustics • Building HVAC by Trane (Dedicated VRF system in theatre)

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EssentialREVIEW B&W DB3D

Small but perfectly formed This month our trade focused reviewer, Richard Stevenson, turns his attention to the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) DB3D sub, can it cut the mustard?

The DB3D is a compact, premium subwoofer from B&W’s flagship DB series. Entry-level is probably not the right description at just shy of £2000 retail, but this neat, 1000W/twin 8in driver sub is the smallest in the DB range. At just 360mm (h) x 320mm (w) and 300mm (d), the near cube shape is remarkably svelte and easy to hide in an install, if not carry. It tipped our scales at 25kg. Visual discretion is aided by a choice of black gloss, white gloss or rosenut veneer finishes, black or grey magnetic-fix grilles and a compact connection panel.

A pair of B&W’s Aerofoil cone drivers are set in the side cheeks of the heavyweight MDF cabinet. The drivers can trace their provenance back to the 800 Diamond series loudspeakers, with the DB3D units being ported over from the 802 D3. The cone material is light, stiff and resists bending forces more effectively than conventional cones, delivering controlled bass with outstanding precision, says B&W. Each cone is driven by a massive motor magnet that contributes to a fair proportion of the sub’s overall weight. Given that B&W’s prestigious 802 D3 stereo floorstanders retail

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EssentialREVIEW B&W DB3D

Performance for £16,500 a pair, the DB3D sub is already starting to look very appealing at the price.

The 200mm drivers are mounted back to back and set up in balanced (rather than isobaric) configuration.

This uses back pressure in the sealed cabinet to further damp driver excursion and massively reduce cabinet vibration. The momentum of one cone is cancelled out by the opposing movement of the other. From experience, the configuration also reduces the amount of sound that propagates physically through the sub’s feet and into the floor, making it a good choice for rooms with suspended floors. Given B&W claims an outrageously low 10Hz for the DB3D, that might be very useful for installations with neighbours.

The disadvantage of the configuration is that, without port loading to boost output, you need a lot of power to achieve high SPLs. To this end, B&W has incorporated a Hypex-based Class D amplifier boasting a generous 1000W of power, split between the two drivers. Unlike traditional subwoofer plate-amplifiers bolted to the rear of the cabinet, B&W has built the amplifier and control electronics into a separate aluminium sub-chassis. This forms a visual plinth to the main cabinet. Cooling fins run underneath, so any one of the three types of feet supplied (spikes, domes and taller rubber cones) will be required to keep the sub off of the floor and aid cooling.

Installation and set-up

Dual side-radiating drivers should make the sub less sensitive to room placement, but it does require a similar amount of airspace either side for best performance. A mid wall position below a screen or angled at 45° in a corner both worked well in testing.

B&W has kept the connection count ‘lite’ with just stereo RCA and stereo balanced XLR, albeit as independently selectable inputs. Any one of these four sockets will handle LFE from an AVR or processor.

For installation integration there are two 3.5mm 12V triggers and a nine-pin RS232 connector. The connections are low down on the rear panel allowing for very clean cable routing, although that would have been further enhanced had B&W recessed the terminal panel a little.

Completely belying its compact dimensions, the DB3D is a miniature powerhouse and plumbs depths of LF that no box of these dimensions has any right to. The performance is super-tight, very fast and carries a weighty punch with LFE and two-channel stereo music alike. In the latter, it is highly articulate and musical, and would prove an impressive add-on to in-walls / in-ceiling speakers for rooms that focus on music. For the majority of movie effects, the output is ample to achieve an even balance on LFE channel (@Dolby +10dB) comfortably up to 100dB in-room SPL from all channels driven with real-world movie material.

For larger rooms or customers that like to impress visitors with sheer bass impact, the DB3D may be found just a little wanting in absolute volume. We can vouch for the larger DB1D’s room-filling potential in this scenario although, for complex rooms or where very small boxes are required to merge into the decor, a pair of DB3D’s could be an even better bet.

The DB3D simply redefines what a small box subwoofer can offer in terms of performance, build quality and control, making its £1995 retail price look like a bargain. For installations requiring discreet components and premium audio performance, the DB3D is ideal.

Without a single knob or switch on the connection panel, set up and fine tuning is left entirely to B&W’s DB Subwoofers app. The sub connects to an Android or iOS smart device by Bluetooth, keeping it off the LAN. The app is nicely designed, packed with information and offers a comprehensive set of controls. These span stereo/LFE operation, input gain, crossover frequency, four position phase and 12/24dB filter slope option.

You can set-up specifically with any of B&W’s own freestanding speakers from a drop-down menu or use the built-in curves for Music, Movie, Flat or Custom. The latter offers manually adjustable parametric EQ across five bands from 20Hz to 80Hz. For more comprehensive room tuning, the app/ sub combination has its own Room EQ. This involves calibrating the microphone on the app’s smart device by placing it close to the sub and running a calibration tone. There are options to EQ for a single seating position, a group of seats across the sofa or targeted generally throughout the room, the latter two requiring multi-position measurement. The EQ system proved very slick and accurate, comprehensively adding tautness and slam to the non-EQ sound.

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Essential Install | Digital Signage

NEC offers a wide range of large format displays

Sign language

EI takes the temperature of the digital signage market to assess the latest opportunities.

One of the undoubted leaders in developing this market in recent years has been BrightSign with its purpose built, reliable and easy to use range of players. However, the company is not just about hardware, as recent activity has centred around the BrightSign BSN.cloud. Described as a robust player-management platform driven by BrightSign OS 8.0, the commercial-grade operating system purpose-built for digital signage, BrightSign says the system offers customers simple provisioning and setup options and a reliable set of network management tools. BSN.cloud has also been created to offer secure and scalable networking options for end-users, integrators, network managers and DOOH operators.

BSN.cloud consists of three clouds. At the base level, the Control Cloud subscription is included with every player, offering simple provisioning and setup options and real-time data about player health. Large-scale rollouts are simplified via new options for automatically setting up large groups of players simultaneously. Small-scale rollouts are streamlined with a new on-screen setup process using QR codes for easy player setup via mobile phone.

The other two clouds within BSN.cloud are the Management Cloud and the Content Cloud. The Management Cloud is a data-driven cloud service that delivers a set of digital signage network management tools and the Content Cloud adds the media library and content feeds, schedules, presentation management and content distribution tools.

The platform is, or will be, compatible with Appspace, Carousel Digital Signage, Creative Realities, Diversified, Four Winds Interactive, Mvix, Reflect Systems and Signagelive.

The Control Cloud is included with every BrightSign player at no additional cost. Speak to Pixels UK for more details, the UK distributor for BrightSign. Pricing for the Management Cloud and the Content Cloud has yet to be announced.

NEC has long been an important player in this sector and currently underlines the advantages of its Large Format Displays (LFD) from the entry level E Series to the professional P series for reference level performance. Each offers a strong feature set for different usage scenarios, says the maker. NEC’s large sizes are UHD resolution as standard, but the new V554Q brings UHD to smaller, more affordable sizes.

However, NEC reminds installers not to forget that projection is now a real alternative thanks to high reliability, constant brightness outputs and low maintenance. Where the infrastructure is unsuitable for LFD, such as uneven surfaces or pillars, projection offers exciting creative opportunities, even using the floor as a projection surface. NEC says its new installation projector models are quiet and also feature a sealed optical engine making the filter obsolete and offering a genuinely maintenance-free operation. dvLED is also becoming a viable alternative for digital signage; offering long life and vivid brightness with good scalability without the restriction of bezels or frames. dvLED delivers a premium solution, mostly for larger screen surfaces, offering a seamless appearance and excellent architectural integration in bright environments argues NEC. For its part, NEC has introduced the new FA series, a range of fine pitch dvLED solutions which are available ‘off-the-shelf’ for out of the box impact.

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Essential Install | Digital Signage

Peerless-AV offers a range of hardware and full support and design services

Another major player has also waded in with a new concept, as Kramer Electronics has announced a partnership with digital signage player Zignage, a move that delivers enhanced functionality and additional value to Kramer’s VIA platform.

The company says this alignment with Zignage reinforces Kramer’s VIA product line as a versatile, allin-one AV solution following the integration of popular software and video collaboration offerings by Blue Jeans and Zoom. With its Kramer Platform, the company argues AV professionals can leverage multiple softwarelicensed functionalities on single and easy-to-install hardware platforms. Zignage specialises in flexible and reliable digital signage software, using scalable and open-source standards with its modular, customisable, and interactive solutions.

Kramer’s VIA line consists of hardware and softwarebased wireless presentation and collaboration solutions empowering participants to instantly share and collaborate using any BYOD laptop or mobile device.

Users can turn any idle display into an inspiring welcome screen, company messaging, advertising, and loads more.

Carl Standertskjold, European Corporate Segment Marketing Manager at Sony Professional Solutions Europe, explains that the company has recently expanded its BRAVIA Professional Display range with 20 new models that combine picture quality and design with advanced features.

Carl explains, “All of our Professional Displays come with a built-in HTML5 browser to run our TEOS Signage solution, which makes it easy and quick to create colourful and eye-catching signage and push it straight out to connected displays via the cloud. Non-technical users can even use the ‘email to signage’ feature which simplifies the workflow further.

“These features are controlled through our display’s integration with TEOS Manage. Our advanced workplace management solution gives AV/IT, facilities and communications managers full control over connected signage across the workplace ecosystem and, as it integrates with all our BRAVIA Professional Displays, set up is simple for installers. Installation and the integration with existing infrastructure is also made more intuitive thanks to automatic compatibility and auto-discover functions that group devices together by location.”

So what about growth? Carl underlines, “We are seeing continued interest in the corporate, retail and education sectors due to the innovative ways signage can be applied in these spaces. In the corporate sector, signage plays a role both in making a visual impact on visitors and in creating smarter workspaces. Recently,

Siemens deployed a combination of Sony BRAVIA 4K displays, projectors and TEOS Manage to enhance the signage in its Portuguese headquarters.

“Signage can be used to communicate offers and information to customers in the retail space. Centralised management of signage solutions and features such as updates over IP are becoming increasingly essential to forward-thinking retailers who wish to communicate key information without a cumbersome and time-consuming signage update process.”

Carl argues, “Today, installers must understand that digital signage is expected to offer not only leading specifications and features – such as 4K or 8K resolution, HDR images and high-contrast displays – but a software platform that provides organisations powerful ways to manage the content too.”

Another well known in the sector is Peerless-AV. Keith Dutch, MD for EMEA, comments, “Digital signage is growing in the retail and hospitality sectors as businesses evolve to new challenges in order to stay competitive in the current business climate. Many want to install once and prolong the investment as long as possible, so they are opting for stand out AV technologies that not only offer the wow factor, but that deliver the highest reliability and warranties.

“LED is the digital display technology that every retailer wants in their store, and installers and vendors are trying to stay one step ahead – by being the go-to experts in the field of LED, working together to provide product design and specification, bespoke project handling and installation so retailers, hoteliers and restaurant owners can rest assured that they have the best solution for their application environment.”

Keith argues, “Extensive experience acquired through years of partnerships with major OEMs and pioneering global AV projects, has brought Peerless-AV to the forefront in the LED market with universal, dedicated and custom DvLED mounting solutions for indoor and outdoor. Not only are these solutions quick and easy to install, but they are UL safety tested, quality assured, modular for easy transportation and damage prevention, and precision engineered with display specific adaptors and mounting patterns.

“An aluminium frame minimises wall load and predetermined adaptor rail locations speed up assembly, while tight tolerances and wall plate spacers ensure LED cabinets are positioned correctly. Adjustment on the X, Y, and Z axis overcomes wall imperfections, aligns pixels and smooths any installation irregularities. Depth adjustment at the rear of the frame also makes fine-tuning easier and facilitates a slimmer aesthetic design.”

Keith concludes, “From a product perspective, all bases are covered, to create properly-aligned, seamless video walls in any size and configuration. But Peerless-AV offers so much more and is in a unique position with its in-house LED R&D and custom engineering capabilities. Through the Seamless LED consultancy programme, customers in EMEA benefit from expert design consultancy services.”

Pixels UK 01582 51 52 53, pixels.uk.com NEC 0870 120 1160, nec-display-solutions.com Peerless-AV 01923 200 100, peerless-av.com Kramer Electronics 01296 330 011, kramerelectronics.co.uk Sony Pro pro.sony/en_GB/home

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RA2 Select Whole home lighting control made simple

A member of the Lighting range from

2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY T: 01488 649340 W: rgbcomms.co.uk

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Essential Install | Media Servers

At the heart of a Mirage Audio System is Autonomic’s Mirage Media Server, said to combine high performance audio and convenient access to audio content

Serves up!

With streaming services always in the headlines, EI takes a look at how installers can add value and highperformance by offering a more ‘traditional’ approach.

Available from distributor, Invision UK, the Autonomic Mirage Audio System is a turnkey, audiophile grade, whole-home audio system supporting high definition music files, iTunes and WMP playlists. The system also supports Spotify, Deezer, TIDAL, as well as local and international radio stations via the TuneIn Radio Service, however at the heart of a Mirage Audio System is Autonomic’s Mirage Media Server. The maker says the Mirage Media Server (MMS) product line offers both state of the art, high performance audio and the convenience of accessing local audio content and streaming internet services with a single device. Users can play multiple independent streams of audio (up to six on the MMS5A, or three on the MMS-2A) using analogue, digital, or high definition USB audio (HD-USB on MMS-5A only) for audiophile DACs and high-end amplifiers that have digital USB inputs. The MMS offers playback of nearly every available audio format and will up-convert or pass through full 192kHz/24-bit (MMS-5A), and 96kHz/24-bit (MMS·2) hi-res sampling rates.

The external power supply is designed to offer very quiet operation, and the fanless, passive cooling design minimises heat generation.

The MMS range also has an HDMI output to display ‘Now Playing’ information for any of the audio outputs, and can display photo slideshows of pictures stored on the server.

Autonomic has also redesigned the user interface to blend room control with music browsing to create a simple and enjoyable experience. Users can group together multiple rooms, select a music program from local content or from online and adjust volume across the group of zones, or in each room individually. The Mirage Audio System can support up to 96 individual zones of

audio and the system is compatible with most home automation platforms.

New from Melco is a product that the company describes as the world’s first audiophile-grade music library to access, store, deliver and play hi-res digital music without the compromise of computer hardware and peripherals.

Melco says it’s offering the ultimate quality for music collections. Whether importing from other systems, such as Naim or Linn etc. or ripping collections for the first time, Melco offers reference-level playback from its internal storage while additionally offering streaming services from Tidal and Qobuz.

Built in Japan, Melco says its approach combines performance with simplicity of installation and operation and underlines that its product is not a modified PC in a case, containing no standard IT parts; everything is purpose-built for audio.

The solution has been designed from the outset as a high-performance source, with low noise and low jitter, all with simple app or front panel control. It can be used with network streamers and USB DACs and for the installer and customer, everything is created to be simple including importing and archiving, downloading (without a PC) backups and adding expansion drives.

The maker points out that conventional IT music servers connect to the residential computer network to gather and distribute music. This severely limits the performance of network connected music players or streamers due to the action of network switches and presence of unwanted data streams.

Melco has a dedicated player port so music data is internally cleaned and rebuilt and unwanted traffic is eliminated, resulting in sound quality improvement.

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Essential Install | Media Servers

Melco will also play into a USB DAC with auto-selection of down-sampling to match the DAC capabilities if necessary. DSD can also be converted to 32-bit PCM if the DAC does not support DSD, or if the DAC internally converts DSD to PCM. Advanced DACs capable of supporting Markerless DSD are catered for as well as up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and Octo DSD. Control of the Melco USB DAC player is from Melco app or the front panel.

The internal music library and all user settings are backed up on a USB connected HDD. A single button press initiates a full incremental backup. Restore of music or data is a single button press. As a collection approaches the capacity of the Melco, an expansion drive can be added to increase capacity. Hi-res music downloads from partner vendors can import directly into the Melco rather than into a PC, where they would then need to be located and moved on the network. Aside from the convenience, this allows Melco to verify the file integrity as well.

Kaleidescape, available in the UK from Pulse Cinemas is of course one of the most well-established propositions offering storage and playback of music and AV files. Stephen Carr, Brand Manager at Pulse Cinemas, argues, “Kaleidescape offers a user experience that separates and elevates ‘home-cinema’ in relation to ‘home-video’. It is already accepted that quality of reproduction offered is of the highest standard, but that is not the main reason why Kaleidescape is the right choice for many in home cinema environments. It all ultimately comes back to user experience.

“As with any good piece of tech, it has to be easy to use, it has to be intuitive to your needs, it should be convenient and comfortable in the delivery of its service to you. The foundations on which every server is built is the kOS operating system which has fundamentally not changed since the company’s inception in 2001. The UI that has become synonymous with high end home cinema is to this day still totally unique, not in its look (as many streaming and other movie server brands have tried to emulate the cover art screen) but in the movie metadata that has been expertly curated by a content team at Kaleidescape head offices in Sunnyvale, California continuously for the last 18 years!”

Stephen adds, “This cannot be emulated by any other service even through drawing metadata from the disc or internet databases, meaning only Kaleidescape can put you in front of an entire collection of your films, show you key scenes and songs from your movies and

musicals without spoiling them for the first-time viewer while also removing all of the warnings, trailers and menus that typically come with a disc, streamlining the user experience so that from the moment they sit down, all they have to do is decide what they want to watch and press play.

“From the moment play is pressed, Kaleidescape systems are then customisable to the desired user experience. Is the movie in 2:40:1 ratio? Kaleidescape has aspect ratio metadata for every movie, and can be programmed to cue screen masking, lighting and shading and even have the popcorn machine startup when the intermission button is pressed.”

As for benefits unique to the dealer, Stephen argues, “Kaleidescape’s current range of products are built on a solid foundation of protected dealer-led distribution and fantastic product support in the UK, owed partly to the relationship between brand and distributor. Pulse has invested heavily in building a department within the company dedicated to the growth and support of the brand in the UK. “As a result, dealers benefit from having dedicated UK based technical support at Pulse HQ and also have the training, sales and support services of a brand ambassador out on the road for Pulse, five days a week serving accounts all over the UK. “The dealer benefits also from a generous margin to begin with and increased margins as sales milestones are reached. Kaleidescape also provides all dealers with an invaluable extranet portal which offers the ability to build quotes, find training materials and even monitor the health and warranties of systems installed. This gives the dealer a great opportunity to maximise dialogue with the customer about Kaleidescape and other potential upgrades as time goes on.”

Product-wise, new for 2019, after going through a recent facelift and slimming down at the end of 2018 to deliver a new 1U form factor unit, the Strato line of 4K players and servers are now able to be specified into yachts under the new marine movie service. This service is designed as a better, more convenient and cost-effective alternative to yacht owners and operators that may have opted to either stream on board (which can be very costly in 3G/4G bandwidth and unreliable when out at sea) or illegally rip discs to a NAS drive and play through HTPC on board. Apparently, many ports are now checking manifests for media storage and playback, ensuring no laws are being broken and Stephen argues HTPC are notoriously unreliable.

The Kaleidescape platform continues to develop with a new service aimed at the marine market

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Essential Install | Media Servers

The Systemline S7 server sits at the heart of a forward thinking multi-room system

The Raptor is on the hunt for fans of high-res music playback

When an integrator specifies a marine service system they will also order a marine movie license, a one-off fee that pays for the licensing of the movies in international waters, making purchases from the Kaleidescape marine movie store anywhere in the world legal. The unit is also preloaded with a collection of movies that gets the collection started. Once the system is installed, the content is then activated and is then free to access on board.

Whenever the yacht wants new content, they log on to the marine store online and select the movies they want, then, once purchased, the movies are loaded onto an encrypted hard-drive at Kaleidescape in the USA and shipped (with return packaging) to any of the major ports across the world and delivered to the yacht directly. The yacht staff then simply plug the hard-drive into the system and wait for content to be written to the system. Once completed, simply send the hard drive back in the return packaging. This means the client can get between 70 and 140 movies in any quality added to their system within a few days with absolutely no need for high bandwidth internet on board.

In other news from the media server sector, Paul Hilditch, Brand Director at Systemline, underlines the benefits of the Systemline 7 (S&) server. He comments, “Systemline 7 (S7) is specifically designed for the installation sector where reliability of a completely cabled house can be accommodated. Each S7 system comes

supplied with a dedicated music server as standard which gives the owner many options in how they listen to music. The S7 server is connected to the internet before distributing the audio to the amplifiers via a direct digital high-speed USB connection, resulting in no network traffic at all. The server also provides the homeowner access to internet radio, BBC iPlayer live and 30-day catch up radio, Deezer, Qobuz and Spotify Connect, but it also comes with storage for digital music files, up to 2TB and supports hi-res 24-bit 192kHz flac.

“If the consumer has a CD collection they wish to convert and play from the server, they simply have to add a USB CD drive as S7 comes complete with flac ripping software. Simply insert the disc and the music is automatically added to the library.”

Paul adds, “There is a strong push for high quality music from manufacturers and music publishers, and hires audio is a fairly new concept for consumers. It is now being sold as the audio equivalent of 4K UHD TV. Often it is more desirable to purchase hi-res audio files and store them on a server for instant playback without straining the internet connection.

“The server could evolve into a product that music lovers would really desire, when they would like to playback hi-res audio through a quality system. The mass market would be happy to stream music directly from the internet without the need to store digital music files at all. The server would need to evolve to give consumers the best possible experience, not only serve out the audio but deliver digital booklets, lyrics and photos, as well as interactive links to other related recordings the listener would enjoy. This is already happening today on some products.”

The Raptor is a new Swiss-made music server from ReQuest Audio, makers of The Beast, which is argued by the maker to be the most uncompromising high-end music server on the market.

The Raptor features much of the technology contained within The Beast, but in a more compact and less costly (though still reassuringly expensive) design.

Running the same OS as The Beast, The Raptor is a ripping server with up to four terabytes of SSD storage.

It comes in two versions, with and without an onboard DAC, and handles all digital formats including DSD. Distributed in the UK by Absolute Sounds, UK RRP is from £9,998 without the internal DAC and from £14,998 with the DAC onboard. Price also varies according to the level of SSD storage specified. The product plays all high-res files up to DSD128 up to 32 bit and offers a stable and zero resonance chassis fully made out of high-grade aluminium. The product also comes with a 10 year upgrade guarantee and operation and control of features and settings are adjusted on the company’s own Beast web app using software developed specifically for the purpose. The OS, control software and library software, are all Linux based and written by the maker’s own engineers. For the metadata, the server is connected to the Licensed Database library from Gracenote.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com Absolute Sounds 020 8971 3909, absolutesounds.com Invision UK 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com Melco melco-audio.com Systemline 01279 501 111, systemline.co.uk

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Essential Install | Loudspeakers

Loud and proud

Variety abounds in the speaker category like nowhere else in the industry. EI provides a round up of some of the news and products that have caught the ear in recent times.

Elan has added to its dedicated audio offering

Alltrade has worked hard at expanding its loudspeaker portfolio to now encompass four brands and a diverse range of products for residential and commercial, indoors and out. Brands now include Sunfire, BluCube, Sonos and Elan with Optimal Speaker Design (OSD) joining the portfolio in August.

The range is designed to offer installers a broad selection of speaker price points and form factors, covering in-wall, on-wall, in-ceiling, freestanding, subwoofers, active and outdoor. From discrete micro inceiling speakers to weatherproof rock subwoofers for the garden, Alltrade has a solution for every install.

Elan’s recently launched architectural loudspeakers are a staple of Alltrade’s range for Elan-based installs, spanning the 400 and 800 series in-ceiling models and the 800 series in-wall designs. The 400 series is an affordable line featuring 1/2in tweeters and polypropylene mid/bass drivers. The 800 series steps up the performance, offering more clarity, resolution and dynamics thanks to graphite-injected polypropylene cone woofers and aluminium dome tweeters.

In brick-built UK homes, in-wall loudspeaker installation for AV applications can be a challenge. For just such installations, Alltrade now offers a full range of Sunfire onwall and bracket mount loudspeakers, many with final-fix cosmetic finishes.

The Sunfire Cinema Ribbon Duo CRM2 loudspeaker is a performance oriented compact mini monitor that should appeal to customers looking for audiophile stereo and surround sound. Using the brand’s patented high back-EMF technology, the CRM2 delivers very high SPL from a small cabinet, achieving up to 115dB from its two side-firing 4.5in drivers and 6in ribbon tweeter.

With its ebonized rosewood finish and black grille, the CRM2 can be integrated into a wide range of room décor and styles. The optional CRM-2 wall bracket offers a multi-way gimbal fitting for easy fix and set-up. Partnered with one of Sunfire’s subwoofers, the system delivers high quality and volume in an attractive package.

Sunfire’s Cinema Ribbon CRM2BIP is an on-wall bipolar loudspeaker suited for surround sound duties in any theatre install. This purpose-built, on-wall surround speaker features the same driver complement as the CRM2 for timbre matching around the room. The design incorporates the same high back-EMF technology for high power handling and high SPLs along with the clarity and performance of Sunfire’s ribbon tweeter. Finished in gloss black or gloss white, the CRM2BIP is less than 10cm deep, making it one of the lowest profile bi-pole surround sound loudspeakers available.

For projects large enough to accommodate in-wall loudspeakers, Sunfire’s install models are timbre matched to the CRM series allowing

installers to mix and match as required. The install range encompasses the CRW2C Cinema Ribbon Duo and CRW3C Cinema Ribbon Trio centre channel models as well as the CRS3 Cinema Ribbon LR on-wall and CRS3C centre channel on-wall models.

OSD loudspeakers will join the Alltrade catalogue from August, offering a range of premium performance in-ceiling speakers featuring Kevlar drivers and trimless thin bezels, in-wall designs and a range of weatherproof speakers.

Indigo Distribution recently picked up a new deal with the installation arm of Klipsch the brand that underlines its no-nonsense attitude, focusing on making high-quality speakers with installers in mind at an competitive price points. The brand also points to a large range of options that are all designed to be easy to fit.

Darryl Roberts, one of the founders of install company Avinu, says, “We were pleased to learn that one of our key distributors, Indigo, added Klipsch to their portfolio, as it was a brand that we were aware of and wanted to learn more about.

We have now deployed a varied selection of Klipsch speakers into our customer’s projects with great results; from the entry-level ceiling through to some of the reference products, we’ve been impressed with the level of performance and, of course, our engineers love the SkyHook installation feature.”

“The Klipsch offering, along with the great support we always get from Indigo, enables us to offer more options to our clients and we foresee more wonderful Avinu projects with these included in our system designs.”

Ben Watts of Thru The Looking Glass, adds, “The Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers are stylish, insanely easy to fit, a real time saver and the sound is just phenomenal.”

Damian at Birks Electrical, states, “Our customer loves his new Klipsch Pro speakers. They sound amazing and look great, with or without the grille. Very pleased with the range and how easy it is to install.”

Aaron of Icontrol Building, adds, “Nothing can touch the quality of these speakers, especially at this price. On top of that, the time saved installing them is fantastic.”

The Custom Series presents three entry-level in-ceiling speakers (comprising of a 6in, an 8in and a 6in single stereo) and one entry-level in-wall speaker.

Suited to distributed audio, all speakers come with the SkyHook tool-free installation system, which engages the dog legs automatically when the speaker is inserted into the cut-out, saving up to 75% install time. With a quarter turn of each screw, they are as easy to remove too.

Just like the Custom Series, the Designer Series speakers also offer SkyHook, with 6in and 8in in-ceiling pivoting and single stereo options, as well as an in-wall LCR option, the Designer range is suited to a wide range of mid-budget projects and smaller home theatres.

Featuring iconic bronze woofers, the Klipsch Professional Reference Series is composed of three inceiling speakers, five in-wall speakers and three in-wall and in-ceiling subwoofers.

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Essential Install | Loudspeakers

Focal lovingly creates all its speakers at company HQ in France

The range also offers LCR and Minimal Footprint models and uses SecureFit technology for the fitting of the speakers. SecureFit is a two-part system with a more robust bezel which provides simple installation while reducing overall baffle vibration by 45%.

The Professional Reference Premiere Series has been created to deliver the aesthetics of architectural speakers with high-quality performance, wide dynamic range and high sensitivity.

With multiple in-ceiling and in-wall options including LCR models, the Reference Premiere range is suited for home theatre applications and main listening areas where the client wants the best possible sound. Magnetic paint shields are also included for full protection of the speakers along with SecureFit technology.

The Paradigm Defiance range of subwoofers available from Pulse Cinemas has been making waves of late, with an impressive outing at the distributor’s EI Live! demo. From surprisingly compact enclosures, these units have been designed to deliver lots of power, unleashed by clean and efficient amplification. There are six members of the Defiance family from entry-level to ultimate performance, accessible via app control and also controllable via Anthem Room Correction (ARC).

Models include the Defiance X10/X12/X15 which boast heavy-duty, internally-braced cabinets, and Active Ridge Technology (ART) for maximum driver-excursion.

High SPL levels are coupled with precision control, intense detail and vanishingly low distortion, says the maker. The Defiance V8/V10/V12 versions offer strong value, smaller footprints and pack lots of technology into a single chassis. Also available is the Defiance WT Wireless Module (sold separately) which allows for wireless freedom featuring fast and clear 2.4GHz dynamic frequency selection with instant error correction and a 50ft range.

Simon Schino, Internal Sales Manager at Pulse Cinemas, is confident the Defiance range delivers one of the strongest price point to performance ratios around.

Another aspect of the Paradigm family Simon is keen to underline is the customisable Persona free-standing range. These attractive speakers offer lots of colour combinations to match interiors and client’s personal

tastes as well as high-end performance. Alana Alty, Manager of the Industrial Design and Mechanical Design team at Paradigm, has a background in interior design and it shows with this family of products which have been created as an aesthetic whole, combining good looks and great sound. There are 18 new cabinet colours, two different choices for the metal works and three fabrics for the grille, all of which can be combined to create the look the customer wants. This family of speakers are suitable for home cinema and two-channel projects offering floor-standing, stand mounted, subwoofer and dedicated centre channel drivers.

Like many brands, Paradigm has also ventured outside with its own range of exterior speakers with the Garden Oasis family. These single-speaker systems provide two channels of L/R sound outdoors. Their Dual-Directional Soundfield (two tweeters, each offset at a 30° angle) and twin voice coil bass/midrange driver are in place to deliver wide dispersion, an important consideration outdoors where there are no walls or ceiling to contain sound.

Pulse Cinemas is keen to underline that it’s no accident Paradigm consistently produces strongly performing products. Its because the company engages in high levels of R&D and research into what makes humans enjoy audio. Paradigm works with Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) in ongoing research to reveal the true nature of sound and human hearing. The findings of this programme directly influence design and performance specs. As a result of hundreds of scientific tests, over decades of research, analysts and investigators were able to show measurable characteristics of good sound, and what makes a speaker sound more accurate to our ears.

That knowledge forms the bedrock of much of what you can hear when a Paradigm speaker plays.

Distributor OneAV is proud of its deal with speaker maker Focal. Focal manufacturers loudspeakers for many applications, including home audio, professional studio monitors and installation.

OneAV highlights several of Focal’s technologies including the ‘W sandwich technology’ used to create the cones. Basically, this is where either foam or locally sourced flax is sandwiched between two sheets of fibreglass, keeping the structure lightweight, but responsive.

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Essential Install | Loudspeakers

Much of the KEF range can be heard at AWE’s Smart Home Apartment

The company’s tweeters are created in a sealed room with employees dressed in full protective gear. They use materials such as beryllium, magnesium, and aluminium because they’re extremely lightweight, malleable and stronger than steel. This makes them the optimal materials for the tweeters, allowing the lightweight structure to respond quickly, while being rigid enough to reduce signal break up.

Focal’s entire range is voice matched so installers can employ any type of combination they need to in AV or home cinema applications, integrated or free-standing and get the right result.

Another key aspect of the install range is the EQI system (Easy Quick Install). A well thought out installation system means that they require no tools to install. Focal also designs its free-standing speakers to be very attractive for those customers who enjoy looking as much as listening.

The Bluesound range is available from Anatech distribution offering some interesting choices, all controllable via the BluOS system. The Bluesound Pulse family of compact drivers, which also includes a soundbar and a subwoofer, has been created to be fun, flexible and easy to install.

The Pulse Flex 2i is described as a versatile, full-range speaker that delivers wireless portability and can also be paired for stereo performance. It’s the smallest speaker in the range and provides placement flexibility, a good option for smaller rooms, offices, dens and the like. The maker says the unit boasts a digital amplifier and customtuned drivers with deep, detailed bass and no distortion.

Placed around the home and sitting on the network, the speaker delivers a multi-room audio option and can also deliver enhanced areas of sound by partnering with the range’s soundbar providing wireless rear channels. This unit also has the option of a rechargeable Flex battery pack so homeowners can take one of the speakers with them either into the garden or out and about. This speaker, and indeed the whole Pulse range, can not only be controlled by the company’s dedicated BluOS system, but can work with Alexa voice control and are compatible with AirPlay 2.

Setting up any of the range is simple via the BluOS Controller app as the built-in wizard guides the process.

Customising the speaker’s name, allocating a room, adjusting audio settings, and programming up to five presets are all done in a few minutes. The BluOS Controller app allows streaming from music services, podcasts, or access to locally stored music files. With aptX Bluetooth, users can also wirelessly stream any music or app from a Bluetooth-enabled device in CD-quality. The whole Pulse range also has a new dual band Wi-Fi engine that the maker claims ensures zero skips or delays while listening to music.

Rounding out the range is the Pulse Mini 2i, which builds on its smaller sibling by offering freshly redesigned tweeters that expand the listening sweet spot, has double the bass drivers and amp power, resulting in a stronger stereo performance. The Pulse Mini 2i also features a sophisticated DSP engine for surprising acoustic performance, says the maker.

The Pulse 2i is the most powerful speaker in the Pulse family. Featuring all-new driver and amp technologies that more than double the output in the bass frequencies, the Pulse 2i also carries the same DSP engine as the Mini 2i allowing the delivery of rich detail.

Designed to fit perfectly under the TV, the Pulse Soundbar 2i is claimed to be the world’s first multi-room, high-res, wireless home theatre soundbar to feature 24-bit resolution sound and audiophile-grade bass response, without a subwoofer. The unit carries the same connectivity and playback abilities as the rest of the family and can of course be combined with the rest of the range to deliver audio support for a home theatre experience.

The product also offers HDMI ARC input, which makes controlling audio entertainment easier.

The Pulse Sub has been created to be very discrete, designed as it is to fit beside, behind or beneath furniture.

Its creator claims this compact subwoofer digs deeper and plays louder than its bulkier rivals and can be easily tucked away without distorting any of its power.

As well as controlling the Bluesound family, BluOS is also compatible with Control4, Crestron, Lutron, Elan and RTI, is also used by Nad for its CI components and has recently been signed up by Dali speakers too.

Dynaudio has some exciting developments to share with the imminent launch of the Performance Series, new in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, each designed to deliver advantages like a thin form factor (70mil) but without compromising on sound.

The in-wall version has three models, the P4-W65 and its bigger brother, the P4-W80. Both are two-way models, the 6.5in P4-W65 has a 28mm soft dome tweeter and a 165mm mid/bass driver, whilst the P4-W80 has the same tweeter, but with a 200mm mid/bass driver. The trio is completed with a centre speaker design which has the 28mm tweeter and twin 130mm mid/bass drivers.

The in-ceiling models are the P4-C65, (tweeter 28mm, mid/bass 165mm, the P4-DVC65 (2x tweeter 28mm, mid/bass 165mm) and the P4-C80 (tweeter 28mm and mid-bass 200mm). There is also an in-wall sub on the way, pencilled in for September launch. All the speakers have been designed in Denmark using Dynaudio’s space age measuring facility, Jupiter. More about that next month when EI presents a behind the scenes look at this impressive facility. Dynaudio is available in the UK via Custom AV Distribution.

Distributed by AWE, the KEF speaker range offers a number of options to installers. Developed with music and movie soundtrack performance in mind, the Ci5160REFTHX was created to combine good looks with ease of installation and recently picked up the award for ‘Best InWall/In-Ceiling Speaker,’ at the Smart Building Awards.

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When Hi-Fi & CI Combine Three ranges are available: the entry-level 100 Series, the mid-level 300 Series and the range-topping Electra Series.

Order today from OneAV.co.uk

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13/06/2019 16:30

Essential Install | Loudspeakers

Meridian Audio continues to build its brand as a true luxury proposition

KEF says these in-wall speakers feature three key innovations drawn from the maker’s signature ‘Reference’ technology, including the most advanced version of the Uni-Q point source MF/HF driver array to give the speaker enhanced dispersion. Originally designed for the KEF Blade, this technology gives the KEF Ci5160REFTHX the performance of a floor-standing unit including very wide dispersion with all the aesthetic benefits of an in-wall speaker.

Optimised for in-wall use, the KEF Ci5160REF-THX’s bespoke 160mm bass driver features a vented magnet assembly, and the crossovers are mounted onto separate boards to minimise crosstalk.

Also from AWE, the Definitive Technology Mythos XTR Series of on-wall speakers provide a high-performance ultra-slim wall mounted solution. The physical depth of just 38mm, matches today’s ultra-thin TV screens. Also from Definitive Technology, the BP9060 bipolar tower speaker with an integrated 10in powered subwoofer offers its services for immersive cinema duties. Featuring a forward focussed bipolar array that offers a strong balance between room-filling sound, a precise centre image, placement flexibility and Intelligent bass control, this speaker was created to fill the room and allow the listener to hear and feel every note.

Definitive Technology’s Di Series of architectural speakers offer low profile in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, powerful performance and even dispersion across a wide area. Rigid PolyStone baskets eliminate unwanted vibrations, whilst micro-perf grilles and flush mounting minimise visibility. All of AWE’s speaker range can be seen in many different guises by visiting the company’s Smart Home Apartment.

For a compelling surround sound experience, Meridian Audio has introduced its latest innovation in its Architectural range, the new DSP320.2 in-ceiling / in-wall loudspeaker. From versatility to complete power, Meridian says the DSP320.2 is the ideal speaker solution for multiple high-performance applications, including home theatre and premium two-channel in-ceiling and in-wall installations. The DSP320.2 boasts an immersive atmosphere without the need for a subwoofer, whilst producing at least four times the bass performance of

a passive in-ceiling speaker of similar size. The speaker is engineered for maximum reliability and long-term performance, offering a ‘fit and forget’ installation with a five-year warranty. Furthermore, the install-friendly mounting depth (100mm/4in) allows the speaker to fit within standard stud walls, delivering discrete yet impactful sound. Magnets allow for easy removal of the grille, whilst the speakers can be installed with or without the frame, blending within any interior.

Powered by Meridian’s exclusive ‘Class-M’ DSP engine and integrated with ‘Dynamic’ hi-res amplifiers, the new DSP520.2 and DSP640.2 in-wall loudspeakers are made for delivering Meridian’s audio quality discreetly and in any media room or home cinema. The double precision Aux filter improves resolution on low frequencies, and the built-in Dynamic bass protection technology maximises bass extension, achieving optimum audio. The added L+R mode technology also makes it a good soundbar solution.

Incorporating the latest audio enhancing technologies including Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) and Centre Elevation, the DSP520.2 and DSP640.2 have been born to provide lifelike and spacious sound.

Also worth a mention are the flagship Special Edition DSP8000 digital active loudspeakers for two channel or cinema use. What makes the DSP80000 stand out are the integral DACs, pre-amplifiers, power amplifiers, and builtin high efficiency digital crossovers. The floor standing DSP8000SEs produce high-quality with Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) technology to deliver strong bass and full-range audio performance.

Habitech distribution is one of the companies keen to underline exterior options with the Sonance SLS range.

The flagship for its exterior range, the family deploys the original Sonance sat/sub system design for audiophile-quality with minimal hot spots and dead zones at extremely high sound pressure levels. A 4.5in two-way satellite and a high power 6.5in two-way satellite combine with 12in in-ground and on-ground subwoofers and a 15in in-ground subwoofer in 70V or 8ohm systems of multiple speaker arrays.

The satellites are the first to include a wide bandwidth Sonance Laminated Core Transformer with an adjustable tap designed to deliver flexible and powerful

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Hi-Fi sound quality in a CI package.

Multi Award-winning 24bit/192kHz audio processing with MQA decoder built-in

Control 4, Crestron, Lutron, ELAN & RTI integration

Tidal, Quboz, Deezer and Spotify streaming compatibility

Works with Amazon Alexa and AirPlay 2 Simple control and system expansion

Available from the UK Distributor

Web: https://anatech.co.uk Tel: 020 8977 8633

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02/07/2019 10:16

Essential Install | Loudspeakers

Wisdom has built a solid reputation for high-quality audio and innovation

performance. The 6.5in LS6T SAT (with taps for 60W, 30W, 15W, 7.5W 70V and 8ohm installations) and 4.5in LS4T SAT (40W, 20W, 10W, 5W 70V, and 8ohm) provide strong aesthetics which blend into walkways, can be tucked into planter beds or mounted in trees. The SLS sat/sub system is IP66 and MIL STD 810 rated and incorporates performance features from the Sonance Professional Series and Visual Performance Extreme.

Another option is the new Sonance Garden Series (SGS) which offers the quality of the flagship SLS systems for smaller applications. The 8ohm sat/sub systems deliver a balance of performance, versatility and simplicity, scalable up to 16.2 configurations with a maximum coverage of 400m². Featuring a pivoting knuckle for precise audio directivity and with removable 9in ground stakes, the two-way 3.5in sat and 10in dual voice coil sub go louder with more detail and bandwidth, and match with Sonance DSP amplifiers. The range includes the SGS 8.1 system of eight satellites and in-ground subwoofer, and, sold separately, a four-satellite extension pack and a single sub.

Moving inside, Habitech offers the Wisdom Insight on-wall series for high-performance media rooms and living spaces. This new range of low-profile on-wall models complements the existing Wisdom Insight in-wall range, designed to bring superior clarity and dynamics to surround sound systems applications.

The line-up comprises three models available in two finishes (high gloss black and high gloss white). The P4m satellite features a 6-Bar orientable planar magnetic driver (same as the Sage ICS7-a) paired with two 5in drivers. Mounted vertically, the P4m will match the height of the most popular thin 65in TVs, while the rear portion of the cabinet allows for cable management. The P2m features the same 6-Bar orientable planar magnetic driver paired with a single 5in driver. Both P2m and P4m can be used horizontally by rotating the PMD module 90°, providing any seat in the room the benefits of Wisdom Audio’s signature clarity. While P2m and P4m will play down to 60Hz, a matching subwoofer solution will complement the range for installation where a solid bass reproduction is required. The S10 is a slim, in-room matching 10in passive subwoofer that can be used freestanding, up firing or down firing.

Karma-AV wants installers to know about the JBL Synthesis SCL-4 in-wall surround speaker, a two-way design that offers strong performance in a low-profile (93mm depth) package. It features a 7in (180mm)

cast-frame, aluminium woofer and JBL Professional’s D2-derived ring compression driver with a Teonex diaphragm. The SCL-4 provides dispersion of 100 by 100 at 20kHz and 120 by 120 at 10kHz which is impressive for a flush mount loudspeaker and without the need to aim it during installation. The SCL-4’s rectangular self-contained front baffle system can be mounted with a back box into shallow 2x4in depth-restricted applications.

As much of the Sonos news recently has concerned the new version of the Amp product, it’s worth underlining the brand has a new relationship with Sonance in developing integrated speakers designed specifically to work with its system. An honest decision to go with an established player in the sector rather than OEM, the Sonos Architectural By Sonance Range speakers offer decent quality combined with familiar Sonos features such as TruePlay room optimisation.

Both the in-ceiling and in-wall models feature specially designed grilles which can be painted to match the surface they’re mounted within, and while the inceiling models are round, there is the option of square grilles. Sonos also has an exterior speaker to add to this expansion programme, designed around a conventional driver enclosure and voiced to work with the Sonos universe.

Available from Invision UK, Origin Acoustics is another brand that has expanded to exterior speakers, with the latest being its Seasons Bollard loudspeaker.

The Bollard tackles the challenge of producing bass response from individual outdoor speakers in an attractive aesthetic. Each Bollard has its own 6.5in sub in the base of each enclosure. Burying the small subbase in the ground, the larger portion of the enclosure is hidden from sight. The upper structure is a round enclosure design and houses the 4in mid/high frequency transducer 18in above the ground.

A newer recruit to the Invision family, is the Lithe Audio brand with its Wi-Fi enabled installation speakers.

These handy speakers are also the only AirPlay-certified ceiling speakers available and come with a dedicated App that has Spotify Connect, Deezer, TIDAL and vTuner radio already enabled.

Monitor Audio wants to draw attention to the sixth generation of its Silver Series designed for hi-fi and home cinema use. Two compact stand-mount options and a choice of three slimline floor-standers take up the minimum of space yet produce a big sound, says the maker, while the Silver FX wall-mount and two centre channel speakers are designed for discreet AV installations. The Silver Series is completed with a subwoofer, featuring on board DSP for resounding bass down to 22Hz. Magnetic grille fixings on all models ensure an elegant baffle aided by rear mounting of the proprietary HiVe II ports.

An intriguing option from the same maker comes with the Vecta, a versatile speaker suitable for commercial and resi applications.

Providing high-quality sound, whether inside or out, Vecta is an architectural weather resistant range that offers versatility and simple installation in places where other speaker choices would prove impractical. The speakers can be wall-mounted, either horizontally or vertically, and discreetly installed under eaves or straight on the corner.

The V240-LV speaker adds further versatility in commercial applications with 70/100V line level.

In response to customer demand, Amina Technologies introduced a new member of the Edge Series of invisible loudspeakers. The Edge3 delivers a slightly smaller form factor (300mm by 400mm) and a more aggressive price

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Dynaudio Custom Studio series LCR

Your space, your system, your way

You want discreet design and world-class performance? You’ve got it.

The Dynaudio Studio series modular LCR speaker system is a unique way to create truly customized left, centre and right speaker channels – and to scale the system to match the room and work around existing wall studs. With technology derived directly from Dynaudio’s legendary home hi-fi and professional studio speakers, our Custom Studio architectural speaker range is engineered to give stellar performance, along with simple tool-free installation.

The Dynaudio Custom Studio series: engineered to entertain

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dynaudio.com

24/05/2019 15:33

Essential Install | Training

Pulse Cinemas is in the process of creating a new sales focused home cinema course

Middle Atlantic has been offering top quality structural support for projects for many years with its rack and enclosure products.

Bob Janssen, Middle Atlantic Brand Manager for EMEA, offers an introduction to the brand, giving an overview of the key ranges with an update on recent releases like the new Sonos rack shelves, as well as how every Middle Atlantic product is designed with the installer in mind.

As one of the distributors for the automation platform RTI, Invision offers a course designed to provide an introduction to RTI’s products, applications and basic system programming.

Areas covered include how to set up RTI’s programming platform integration designer, APEX, with IR, RS232 and driver libraries, and APEX programming philosophy and fundamentals. Attendees also learn how to configure processors and update firmware, build templates, as well as looking at tips and tricks and shortcuts to more efficient programming Satel is a 100% private company active in designing, production and sale of high-quality electronic alarm system devices. The product range includes control panels, sirens, detectors, monitoring stations, radio controllers and switching mode power supplies. Invision provides training which covers all the basics of integrated alarm systems.

Pulse Cinemas is in the process of creating a brand new course which takes a fresh look at sales within the home cinema market. No official date is set as yet, but Internal Sales Manager, Simon Schino, explains that this new initiative is designed to combine underlining your capability to do the job to a very high-standard, but make it exciting for the customer and not intimidate them with too much technical jargon.

Using observations and information mined directly from experience in the AV sales world, the idea is to create an inclusive learning experience where installers get better and more confident at selling cinemas. The course will be a chance to share experiences with others, learn from other installers and those presenting the course to create a more customer friendly experience where the excitement and desire to buy is created. Pulse Cinemas is aware that there are few chances to engage with courses which are actually designed from the ground up to help with sales in the worlds of AV, and in particular home cinema, so the company is creating one, stay tuned for more information.

The company has also been working on creating more on-line chances to learn with short instructional videos available across social media and the Pulse Cinemas website. Most recently Simon Schino provided a SIM2 focused guide to anamorphic lenses and zoom functions to get those aspect ratios right. Keep your eye on the company’s Twitter feed for more.

The Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) is one of the most experienced trainers in the UK, with many of the courses accredited by City and Guilds. Courses cover areas traditionally associated with this organisation and some less so.

One useful aspect on offer is access to site cards, as these days many sites insist that access is only granted to workers with a specific named skill on their card rather than the older ‘Construction Related Occupation’ card, which ceased to be issued by CSCS in 2017. For the aerial, satellite signal reception and networking industry, CSCS has two main routes whereby they accept workers for a Blue Skilled CSCS card; the CAI Foundation Diploma in Signal Reception or the VQ in Signal Reception at level two or three.

To gain a CAI Diploma, there are two pathways depending on experience and skill (CAI members always benefit from a discounted rate). One involves a course for those with less than five years’ experience and the other for those with more. More details available direct from the CAI and all the organisation’s training courses are listed on its website. These include; An Introduction to IRS, Installation of Motorised Satellite Systems, Design and Build of SMATV and IRS Networks and Making the Bond (safety electrical connection requirements for aerial installers).

Custom AV Distribution (CAVD) offers a day’s workshop with Wayne Hyde, Technical Manager, sharing audio tips and helping installers deliver better sound systems for clients. At the booking stage, the course content can be discussed, and tailored to suit the attendees.

Wayne says, “It’s common to find audio mistakes in residential CI, from the most basic installations through to high-end projects. It’s incredible what slips through the net so CAVD would like to share tips to help you avoid these common mistakes and deliver a better sound.

“That way you’ll be confident at the point of hand-over that the system that you’ve delivered will provide many years of enjoyment.

“As well as the above, we’d like to address another issue with CI and AV training. Integrators often send one or two staff members on training courses with a view to them coming back and telling everyone else what they learnt on the course. The problem is that this rarely happens in our experience, so you are left with different members of staff having different knowledge bases.”

Wayne argues, “Inevitably, this can mean that not all projects are completed the same way! This one-day training course is for all of your staff that are involved in audio, to help your company as a whole.”

This course is presented as a hands-on workshop, all working together, running many listening tests, experiments and demonstrations in the CAVD cinema and media rooms. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and debate methods.

The Price is £350 plus VAT for a full day with up to eight attendees, tea, coffee, biscuits and lunch included.

If you are CEDIA certified you can claim 3.5 CEU points for this course.

Talking of CEDIA, the trade association has just added a new course entitled Designing Ethernet and Wireless Networks, allowing integrators to further their industry knowledge in this area.

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BEAUTIFUL SOUND SINCE 1998

THE NEW PERFORMANCE A6 The Performance A6 is a true high SPL all-rounder and can be used as a single sound reinforcement speaker, or mounted as multiples with adjustable angles. It is also ideal when wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted as surround and overhead speakers in larger sound pressure level demanding cinema applications.

artcoustic.com

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02/07/2019 15:16

Essential Install | Training

Alltrade offers a wide combination of training at several different sites

Staying on course

Interacting with the right training can make all the difference to adding value to your services. EI takes a look at some of the latest options.

Alltrade started the year strong, picking up a Smart Building Award for Best Training, recognising significant investment in installer training across the company spanning the last five years and focusing on delivering a range of structured training courses at its six regional trade counter sites across the south of the UK. Training sessions include seminars, classroom sessions, virtual projects and hands-on practical installer training.

Alltrade says its commitment in this area continues to expand with new product, technology and installation sessions being added. The training calendar promises up to 30 training sessions every month during 2019.

Courses range from basic introductory sessions on product ranges to structured certification programmes.

Training on complex systems and technologies such as HDL, ELAN and Ubiquiti are afforded tiered courses, allowing installers to learn the basics and get an understanding of the technology before booking themselves onto the next level course. For installers moving into new areas of business, Alltrade’s introductory courses in fields such as IRS, Fibre and Sonos are designed to provide the grounding level expertise to begin undertaking projects in these areas.

A strong example underlined by the company is the Introduction to CCTV training, allowing installers to add surveillance security to their customer offering. For the more advanced, Alltrade courses can introduce and expand the

traditional CCTV concept into the more in-depth areas of analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and access control.

Comments Alltrade MD, Steve Simper, “Continually improving skills will always offer benefits, but staying ahead of the crowd by developing new skills in new sectors has created a lifeline for many businesses.

“Alltrade aims to offer courses for every level of installer, from those completely new to a sector, to experienced installers looking to hone their skills or get professional level certification.”

Alltrade’s Training courses take place in Brighton and Hove, Cardiff, Hemel Hempstead, Maidstone, Bournemouth and Reading.

A major source of training is of course the many distributors that service the UK market. Invision UK says its Training Academy has provided engaging and effective training for installers for over a decade, running courses at locations across the UK, Ireland and Benelux. Bespoke on-site training courses are also available.

Courses available cover the range of security products especially designed for the CI industry from LILIN with its range of IP based security options. Installers can learn how to specify and configure an IP CCTV system and understand lens selection, viewing angle and illumination factors equipping companies with the knowledge to design, install and maintain an IP surveillance system and integrate it with a control system.

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LOOK

LISTEN

LEARN

…no further for Residential and Commercial AV, Smart Control and Security. Use ELAN’s ground breaking control platform and retrofit with HDL Wireless Lighting Control.

BLUSTREAM’s HDBaseT product line-up and HIKVISION’s Industry leading cutting edge CCTV technology.

..in to become an authorised SONOS installer; easy set up, easy sale! Speakers and Subs from ELAN, SUNFIRE and coming soon OSD (Optimal Speaker Design). Ensure your customers WiFi is robust enough for all the streaming, use UBIQUITI and DRAYTEK network products!

.....more? Earn more! Award-winning education at all 6 training facilities. Covering every aspect of the industry - Networking, IRS, Security, Home Automation, Sky Q, HDBaseT and much more. With a dedicated Technical Team who also offer FREE planning and support services.

Alltrade_EI_Mag_draft-JH_230519.indd 1 Untitled-17 2

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23/05/2019 15:31 15:30 24/05/2019

Essential Install | Training

Pulse Cinemas is in the process of creating a new sales focused home cinema course

Middle Atlantic has been offering top quality structural support for projects for many years with its rack and enclosure products.

Bob Janssen, Middle Atlantic Brand Manager for EMEA, offers an introduction to the brand, giving an overview of the key ranges with an update on recent releases like the new Sonos rack shelves, as well as how every Middle Atlantic product is designed with the installer in mind.

As one of the distributors for the automation platform RTI, Invision offers a course designed to provide an introduction to RTI’s products, applications and basic system programming.

Areas covered include how to set up RTI’s programming platform integration designer, APEX, with IR, RS232 and driver libraries, and APEX programming philosophy and fundamentals. Attendees also learn how to configure processors and update firmware, build templates, as well as looking at tips and tricks and shortcuts to more efficient programming Satel is a 100% private company active in designing, production and sale of high-quality electronic alarm system devices. The product range includes control panels, sirens, detectors, monitoring stations, radio controllers and switching mode power supplies. Invision provides training which covers all the basics of integrated alarm systems.

Pulse Cinemas is in the process of creating a brand new course which takes a fresh look at sales within the home cinema market. No official date is set as yet, but Internal Sales Manager, Simon Schino, explains that this new initiative is designed to combine underlining your capability to do the job to a very high-standard, but make it exciting for the customer and not intimidate them with too much technical jargon.

Using observations and information mined directly from experience in the AV sales world, the idea is to create an inclusive learning experience where installers get better and more confident at selling cinemas. The course will be a chance to share experiences with others, learn from other installers and those presenting the course to create a more customer friendly experience where the excitement and desire to buy is created. Pulse Cinemas is aware that there are few chances to engage with courses which are actually designed from the ground up to help with sales in the worlds of AV, and in particular home cinema, so the company is creating one, stay tuned for more information.

The company has also been working on creating more on-line chances to learn with short instructional videos available across social media and the Pulse Cinemas website. Most recently Simon Schino provided a SIM2 focused guide to anamorphic lenses and zoom functions to get those aspect ratios right. Keep your eye on the company’s Twitter feed for more.

The Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) is one of the most experienced trainers in the UK, with many of the courses accredited by City and Guilds. Courses cover areas traditionally associated with this organisation and some less so.

One useful aspect on offer is access to site cards, as these days many sites insist that access is only granted to workers with a specific named skill on their card rather than the older ‘Construction Related Occupation’ card, which ceased to be issued by CSCS in 2017. For the aerial, satellite signal reception and networking industry, CSCS has two main routes whereby they accept workers for a Blue Skilled CSCS card; the CAI Foundation Diploma in Signal Reception or the VQ in Signal Reception at level two or three.

To gain a CAI Diploma, there are two pathways depending on experience and skill (CAI members always benefit from a discounted rate). One involves a course for those with less than five years’ experience and the other for those with more. More details available direct from the CAI and all the organisation’s training courses are listed on its website. These include; An Introduction to IRS, Installation of Motorised Satellite Systems, Design and Build of SMATV and IRS Networks and Making the Bond (safety electrical connection requirements for aerial installers).

Custom AV Distribution (CAVD) offers a day’s workshop with Wayne Hyde, Technical Manager, sharing audio tips and helping installers deliver better sound systems for clients. At the booking stage, the course content can be discussed, and tailored to suit the attendees.

Wayne says, “It’s common to find audio mistakes in residential CI, from the most basic installations through to high-end projects. It’s incredible what slips through the net so CAVD would like to share tips to help you avoid these common mistakes and deliver a better sound.

“That way you’ll be confident at the point of hand-over that the system that you’ve delivered will provide many years of enjoyment.

“As well as the above, we’d like to address another issue with CI and AV training. Integrators often send one or two staff members on training courses with a view to them coming back and telling everyone else what they learnt on the course. The problem is that this rarely happens in our experience, so you are left with different members of staff having different knowledge bases.”

Wayne argues, “Inevitably, this can mean that not all projects are completed the same way! This one-day training course is for all of your staff that are involved in audio, to help your company as a whole.”

This course is presented as a hands-on workshop, all working together, running many listening tests, experiments and demonstrations in the CAVD cinema and media rooms. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and debate methods.

The Price is £350 plus VAT for a full day with up to eight attendees, tea, coffee, biscuits and lunch included.

If you are CEDIA certified you can claim 3.5 CEU points for this course.

Talking of CEDIA, the trade association has just added a new course entitled Designing Ethernet and Wireless Networks, allowing integrators to further their industry knowledge in this area.

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Essential Install | Training

Habitech has turned the focus onto commercial AV with a new training course

Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA, comments, “We’re constantly evaluating and expanding our education offering to ensure that industry professionals are up-to-date with the latest developments. With the demand for connected homes growing, it’s crucial for technology integrators to understand the fundamentals of any home network design. This new course is set to boost industry professionalism, whilst providing an additional pathway toward CEDIA Certification.”

Designed for those with existing knowledge of IP and networks, this one-day course will arm attendees with the skills and knowledge they need to build a robust network.

It explores all aspects of modern networks, including traffic flow, infrastructure planning, connectivity options, and planned redundancy, considering both retrofit and new build. Additional topics include; power planning, equipment location and rack design, testing strategies, and upgradability.

This course is ideal for those working towards the CEDIA Networking Specialist Certification (ESC-N). There are no prerequisites to take the course, although it is recommended that delegates attend CEDIA’s Networking School first.

Neil Walton, Training Manager EMEA, at Crestron underlines that the Crestron Technical Institute offers over 40 unique training courses through three main learning tracks; Technicians, Engineers and Programmers.

One of the more popular courses in the Technicians track is the Crestron Systems Technician course, which prepares new AV technicians with the setup and diagnostic functions required to install and maintain Crestron systems, providing an understanding of how these components communicate with each other. This course is a starting point and prerequisite for many other Crestron training courses. The other courses on this track provide technician training on DigitalMedia, Audio and Crestron Shades.

The Engineer track offers training on DigitalMedia including the DM NVX range. Together with NVX Director, NVX is designed to create a secure, reliable and versatile solution that can be monitored, managed and controlled on the same network. This course covers the design, configuration requirements and the capabilities of Crestron DM NVX solutions.

The traditional Programming track includes the five-programming courses required to attain Crestron Certified Programmer status.

Additionally, the company hosts its Crestron Masters training programme every year, an exclusive, invitation only annual conference that offers Crestron Certified Programmers and Master Technology Architects the opportunity to stay on top of the latest Crestron Technology and industry best practices.

Over the last few years there has also been an increase in online training at Crestron, with the majority of these course being prerequisites to the Crestron Technical Institute classroom courses. However, Crestron now offers interactive online courses on more specialised Crestron products and in the future, the company will be offering the choice of online and classroom options for several courses.

Distributor Habitech is also offering an increased training schedule these days and includes the recently added one-day Introduction to Commercial AV. Due to take place next on September 12 and November 6, it starts from the premise that commercial companies are increasingly seeking the distinctive, high quality customer experiences that CI delivers. In response to requests from integrators, Habitech has created two courses focused on shops, clubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.

Course topics include; understanding the difference between residential systems and commercial, size of application, volume requirements, monaural and stereo options, power and impedance requirements, defining the right configuration, low impedance serial/parallel applications and high impedance (‘constant voltage’ systems). The programme also looks at understanding signal loss over distance, audio transports, speaker levels, signal levels, digital interfaces, large-scale signal distribution, audio sources, auto-mixers, integrating video and audio, AVoIP and hands-on designing of a system.

For those who have already done the introduction course or with more experience in the commercial space, the Commercial AV Integrator (one day course) covers the more advanced aspects of CAV deployment.

Next available dates are September 13 and November 7 and the course covers an introduction to CAV configuration software, Yamaha MTX/XMV

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Essential Install | Training

The AWE Smart Home Academy provides six different and detailed courses

Editor, Wyrestorm Management Suite, Dante controller, organising CAV diagrams, configuring a MTX/MRX system using MTX/XMV Editor and wiring video and audio sources (incl. balanced inputs). Both commercial focused courses are free.

Other courses offered by Habitech include the ProNet – Integrator (two-day course) covering the more advanced aspects of IP system integration and design. Completing this course is required in order to purchase Ruckus ICX Switches and costs £150.00 plus VAT. Focusing on the KNX platform, The British Electrical and Manufacturing Company (Bemco), offers a wide range of training from its Wandsworth branch in London.

Bemco offers a free Introduction to KNX ‘taster’ course every month. Hosted by an experienced KNX Integrator, it’s a good environment for installers to get a better understanding of KNX and how it works, discovering the advantages it offers. Moving up the range, the paid for KNX Certified ‘Basic’ and ‘Advanced’ courses provide Certified KNX Installer (Partner) courses. These courses last four to five days and take installers with all different types of experience or background (software engineer, custom installer, electrical tools or networking) to the same level.

After successfully completing the exam, attendees become a KNX Certified ‘KNX Partner’ which entitles companies to display the KNX logos and digital assets and market themselves as an Approved KNX Partner. Graduates are also invited to join KNX UK, a networking group that provides support, advice and business opportunities.

Open to KNX Partners, the KNX Certified HVAC course provides integrators with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of HVAC applications in both the home and BMS environment using KNX. Bemco also offers a mentoring scheme to help newly trained KNX Integrators benefit from the experience of more seasoned pros.

Bemco also offers a programme of manufacturer led product training days. These are half day / full day sessions, held at Bemco’s Wandsworth branch, that provide both a technical workshop environment to work through common problems, as well as a forum to launch new products.

Lighting control specialist, Rako Controls, reports demand for training growing by around 20% each year with an exceptional leap to 34% in 2019. To satisfy demand, Rako is putting on additional training days at its head office in Kent and regional offices near Manchester.

The appetite for this training and its benefits are twofold says Rako. Well trained dealers are better able to specify and install the best products, but also the close contact required for an ongoing training program allows the manufacturer to get feedback from dealers about trends and suggestions for product improvement.

Rako runs two levels of courses, introductory and advanced. Both are single day events and are free of charge, although a refundable deposit is taken. The introductory course gives a broad overview of various methods of lighting control, the available products to suit these and basic system programming. The advanced course is more hands-on with dealers being able to program live systems.

Each Rako course is awarded with three CEDIA CEU points.

Undoubtedly IOT and voice control are the key factors driving current trends, with developments in the smart home sector and the ability to control lighting forming an intrinsic part of that. The simplicity demonstrated by these systems are what clients are ultimately coming to expect, says Rako.

Distributor AWE bases all its training around its Smart Home Academy initiative currently offering six courses, including The Foundation Workshop, Foundation in Smart Home Control with URC, URC Total Control Whole House Integration, Designing an Immersive Audio Home Cinema, Wire Free Blinds with QMotion, and HDMI and 4K Video Distribution. AWE also lends its facility to CEDIA as an official base for CEDIA education.

The company is particularly proud of the CEDIA awardwinning URC Total Control Whole House Integration course, a two-day session which combines a mix of theory and practical exercises.

Dominic Parete, DPP Illuminate Solutions, observes, “I attended the URC training course recently and I can’t thank the AWE team enough. Tilak (Technical Sales Manager, Tilak Rana) deserves an award after having to deal with me for a couple of days. That aside, he really was brilliant. He showed high levels of knowledge and spent time with me, going through things in more detail. I can’t fault Tilak – he absolutely instils faith that AWE is the best company to deal with in this area. In short, a huge thank you to Tilak for being so patient and helpful.”

Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com CAI 01923 803 030, cai.org.uk CAVD 01628 563 344, cavd.co.uk CEDIA 01480 213 744, cedia.co.uk Crestron 0845 873 8787, uk@crestron.com Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk Rako Controls 01634 226 666, rakocontrols.com AWE Europe 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com, smarthomeacademy.co.uk Alltrade 0844 225 2700, alltrade.co.uk Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco-knx.co.uk

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The New Sonos Amp The versatile amplifier for powering all your entertainment.

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22/03/2019 15:09 22/03/2019 14:19

Essential Install | RGB Communications

The light touch

As the worlds of intelligent lighting and ambient light control expand in popularity and functionality, RGB Communications stands ready supplying and supporting three of the best names in the business.

Appeal Home Shading reaches those more challenging areas with ease and style

As the most recognised and requested brand in the CI industry, Lutron is renowned for its market-leading Homeworks lighting solutions and Sivoia QS automated window treatments. Offering the same high-performance with ease of install is Lutron’s latest RA2 Select system, which combines much of the functionality offered by this famous brand, with strong retrofit, affordable and repeatable business opportunities.

The system can be controlled and commissioned via the dedicated Lutron app delivering intelligent blind and lighting automation. Also available is the dedicated Pico remote for control throughout the home which is also available as a wall mounted keypad. The main repeater can support up to 100 devices, making most homes accessible to this system. Much of the configuration for RA2 Select happens within the app automatically, with installers able to add more personalised functionality over the top. Of course, this system can also integrate with home automation platforms too.

The pre-engraved Pico scene keypad also helps with ease and pace of install. Lutron’s patented Clear Connect RF technology is in place to offer precision and accuracy, free from interference with other frequency bands.

The really important thing about this particular system is its ability to reach a larger number of potential clients.

It’s more affordable than Lutron’s previous systems, offers very strong retro fit possibilities and is simple to programme and commission.

The latest recruit to the RGB Communications family, Appeal Home Shading is one of the most experienced and technically versatile shading brands in the UK with 30 years in the business. The company offers a huge range of choices including those harder to cater for areas such as gable ends and lantern roof fittings. All the company’s products are made in the UK, and a particular focus for the relationship with RGB Communications is the company’s award-winning Ultra Smart Blinds. What’s clever about this range is the ability to deliver wireless functionality powered by long-life batteries which need charging only once a year, there is also the option of a solar panel which means the batteries never need to be charged. The wireless aspect of the blinds makes them much easier to install than conventional types with no need to hide wires or deliver power to the window. The range comes in Ultra and an Ultra Plus variant which offers control via a dedicated app. The systems are also compatible with Savant home automation and other platforms, and can also be controlled via voice activation over Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Grouping or individual control is of course possible with all the usual timed event options or out of home control. RGB Communications will also be supporting the brand with a complete site visit, measurement and fitting service. Each installer and project will receive the appropriate amount of support needed to get the job done.

Another capable window treatment brand, also offering ease of install via wireless functionality is

QMotion. Homeowners can have all the advantages of a fully functional, quiet, motorised roller system that is entirely wireless and so delivers much less disruption for a retro fit project or ease of install on a new build.

The shades can be operated using the dedicated remote control, via the QMotion app or by home automation system such as Savant. Options include a timer remote function that allows the creation of up to six events per day that move the shades automatically.

If at anytime the user wishes to operate the blinds manually, they can also do that.

Power for the shades comes from standard alkaline D cell batteries, however because of the counter balancing springs installed within the Roller tube, the batteries provide up to an impressive three-years usage based on an average four daily fully raise/ fully lower movement changes. The batteries can be replaced without having to take the shades down for convenience and low maintenance operation.

Another noteworthy point is that the spline that attaches the roller shade fabric to the tube permits the fabric to be easily removed for cleaning, maintaining or even replacement if the home owners wants a change of colour scheme. A final neat trick here is an option to provide a wireless projection screen for home cinema purposes by adding an applicable fabric to the roller.

Combing all three of these brands within its lighting range, RGB Communications has gathered an enviable trio of solutions which the distributor strongly believes speak to the need of end-users, but also deliver big benefits and business opportunities to the install community. Get in touch to find out more.

RGB Communications 01488 73366, rgbcomms.co.uk

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Any Room, Any Scene, Any Time, All Perfectly Controlled.

Battery powered, wireless shading systems.

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Essential Install | Smart Thinking: Bass Management

All about da bass?

In the second article of this series looking at home cinema audio issues, Patrice Congard takes a look at the tricky area of bass management.

Initially, bass management has been developed as a convenient and economic solution for home cinema systems. It consists of filtering out the low frequencies (LF) from the main frequency spectrum in all channels in the playback system, mixing these LF signals together with the LFE signal, and playing them back through one single channel meant to feed a subwoofer.

The advantage of this is the possibility to use small main loudspeakers, i.e. satellites, which is desirable for many reasons.

The filtering frequency (cut-off) is generally set at 80Hz, as this is the recommendation initially defined by THX at the end of last century. However, some AV processors offer the possibility to select other cut-off frequencies.

Note that in most AV processors only one type of crossover is made available, the Linkwitz-Riley 4th order.

Another advantage of the bass management is relying on the fact that below about 150Hz it is generally impossible to localise a sound source in a closed environment (unless it is heavily distorting: distortion generates frequencies that are significantly higher than the signal). This enables the subwoofer to be placed where it is desirable or convenient.

Altogether, this is a satisfying compromise for entry-level systems.

However, if we are looking for highperformance audio systems, we find some compromises in the concept that negatively impact quality.

In movie soundtracks, the LFE signal is added after the soundtrack of all other channels is finished. It means that it has no correlation with the main front channels, and particularly no phase correlation. The phase relation between the signals that are mixed is completely random and creates random-phase cancellations.

In reproducing the first wavefront, the phase relation between each of the L,C,R satellites and the subwoofer at the cut-off frequency depends both on their relative position and the phase response of the loudspeakers at this frequency. Using small satellites means that the selected cut-

off frequency is quite close to their resonance (or one of the resonances if they are ported designs), which implies serious phase shifts.

As a result, the phase combination between the subwoofer and the satellites can just be anything, a cancellation can easily occur and measuring such a cancellation in the room is impossible. The effect of multiple early reflections blurs the measurement display, and time-windowed measurements are not effective at such frequencies in a small room.

Further, if the subwoofer is on one side of the room, its distance to the left speaker will be significantly different from the one to the right, a difference at least equal to ½ wavelength. In such a layout, you can at best avoid a cancellation at the cut-off frequency with one of the three front loudspeakers, but not with all of them. Fortunately there is a solution: operating all the channels (or at least the three front channels in full bandwidth), and use no bass management. So, do we need to forget about using small satellites, and implement only bulky full-range loudspeakers? Not really, there is a solution here too.

We can use a second subwoofer that will extend the LF response of the main channels.

Here is how it works: The second subwoofer, designated as Bass Extension (BE) receives a mix of the L,C,R channels. As in the soundtrack mixdown there is no real stereophonic information below 150Hz, the three signals are coherent in phase, and mixing them does not induce any phase cancellation. The BE subwoofer needs to be approximately in the same vertical plane as the L,C,R loudspeakers, and preferably near to the centre one.

The horizontal distance between the centre channel and the BE subwoofer needs to be less than ½ wavelength at the cut-off frequency (1.7m at 100Hz, 2.1m at 80Hz).

It does not need to be a ‘big’ subwoofer, as the lowest frequencies in the L,C,R channels are typically around 40Hz. The surrounds channels generally do not carry any signal below 100Hz, so they can be left either in full range or use bass management, it has very little impact on the overall result.

Note that if strictly following Dolby recommendations, a dedicated subwoofer should be allotted to provide bass in the surround and rear channels if the loudspeakers are of limited range. This is to ideally reproduce the very few soundtracks that, with recent 3D audio mix, include significant bass information in the rear channels. In these recommendations, the BE subwoofer for the rear and surround needs to be near to the corresponding loudspeakers. No bass management is considered in these recommendations.

This allows the installer to properly tune the crossover to ensure that no cancellation occurs in the first wavefront at the cut-off frequency between L,C,R loudspeakers and the BE subwoofer.

De facto, we have re-created three large full bandwidth main L,C,R loudspeakers that conveniently share the same bass drive unit in a bi-amped configuration.

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18/08/17 11:47 21/08/2017 09:38

Essential Install | Day in the Life: Evolve Audio Visual

Evolve AV executed this well integrated project; Bradcutts Media Room

Evolve and grow

EI headed to Maidenhead to Evolve Audio Visual, a company with an experience centre with official Control4 showroom status and an expanding project portfolio.

The company’s two principles, Mark Micallef and Luke Macfarren, have a bunch of experience under their belt having spent their whole careers in AV, so Evolve began with a strong experience base when the company launched in 2015.

Luke explains, “I began as a Saturday boy at a local independent electrical dealer. I learnt lots about AV as the channel transitioned through into flatscreen TVs and other new technologies and I worked my way up to be store manager.”

Mark and Luke actually met at school, but began to work together when Mark came in to help with the install side of the business mainly fitting flat screen TVs in the early days. Unfortunately, the changing face of retail meant that eventually the retailer was forced to close its doors.

Mark explains, “I carried on with install work, mainly in the commercial sector and Luke moved on to another retail company. Five years ago, however, we decided we

should combine our knowledge, Luke with his sales background and me with my install knowledge.”

Luke adds, “Our first few projects were fuelled through Mark’s contacts in the building trade and a lot of what the company has now become is based around serving the needs of developers as we have become their go-to company for AV and automation.”

Working mainly in the new build, high-end, single dwelling market, aptly the company has evolved its offering as each project and relationship has built.

Gaining the trust of the developers and end-users alike has enabled the team to increase their involvement and spend on each project as Evolve has become a genuine one-call solution for the whole project.

Mark underlines, “From getting involved right at the earliest stages of planning, to pulling our own cables and providing every type of AV and automation available, we aim to make life as easy as possible for our customers.”

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Essential Install | Day in the Life: Evolve Audio Visual

The team is keen to build its presence in the home cinema market

Luke agrees, “We do get a big thumbs up in the market for the way we are able to deliver everything the building needs. We have expanded our expertise to deliver AV, cinema, security, automation and newer areas like window treatments and networking. Each customer can have the functionality suited to them and we put ourselves in the position of being able to increase the profitability of each job as no stone is left unturned.”

The pair underline the profitability available through areas such as window treatments, which can be considerable in the larger properties, and also the vital delivery of networking – not just any old networking either – fast networks which deliver functionality the customer has not seen before.

Mark says, “We have some clients where networking is so important. A customer of ours is a YouTuber who is able to run his whole operation with the system we have built for him.”

The Experience Centre

Clearly the team have been getting it right as Evolve has self financed the build of a Control4 Certified showroom.

No mean feat as the building is a period town house with plenty of structural challenges, which made the build that little bit more tricky.

However, Luke and Mark have done a sterling job with a kitchen, study, bathroom, dedicated cinema and media room all cleverly displaying every type of technology the company can deliver. What is cool about this place, is it is literally in a house, so it feels accessible to the end user and they can easily imagine how their own property could perform.

Left to right: Mark Reynolds (Control4), Mark Micallef (Evolve AV), Luke Macfarren (Evolve AV), Bryce Judd (Control4), Lewis Kemp (Evolve AV), Phill Hardaway (Control4)

Evolve is proud of its Control4 Certified showroom status and reports that the process was a positive one, and actually provided them with the spec they used to build quite a bit of the showroom.

Luke enthuses, “The experience centre is by appointment only and it is very powerful to be able to sit people down, relax them and just show them what can be done. It’s the best up-selling tool you can have.“ Just one example is a client we have who is an interior designer. She visited and the spec for her build was transformed. After a less than positive previous experience with another dealer and system, she had no idea technology could be so well woven into a building and her own experience will probably lead to us getting work with her clients as well.”

Mark adds, “Control4 has become our main automation focus as the system works well and we do like the way Control4 listens to its dealers, that is a big part of it for us. We became Platinum dealers in our first year and have grown with the system from there. We were included in the Circle of Excellence at this year’s Control4 dealer awards. We are also just starting to check out the new functionality of the recently launched OS3 software.”

The company has also been keen to include new areas such as voice control in its projects.

Mark argues, “Voice control is getting better and customers do ask about it. But the trick is to know its limitations and find stuff for it to do that gives the wow factor and gets used. Turning things on and off, volume/ channel control are obvious options and visitors do like our voice activated coffee machine in the showroom, it’s just really cool. The strong Control4 drivers have been a big help with voice.”

Exterior audio has also been embraced by Evolve and the way properties often get built or extended these days, with large bifold doors to the garden, extended patio, and well equipped outside areas, has really helped.

Mark adds, “These types of install have also led to some really interesting jobs helping people put on fun events in their homes. We have a customer who wanted to hold an ‘Ascot Day’ party at their home, so they all got dressed up as if they were going to Ascot and we provided the extra AV.” Project-wise some current highlights include two very nice dedicated cinema projects and it’s an area the company clearly loves working in.

Luke underlines, “We do really love doing cinemas, especially like on these two current jobs where the customers are really into it. We are at first fix basically with both of these, but we have already included some new technology, as we have been able to show what the cinemas will look like via the VR service from Sinemas. The customers were really impressed, and it definitely helped develop the project.”

Plans for the next phase of development include reaching out to more related trades including developing more relationships with developers and interior designers. The company has a strong install team now and Luke and Mark feel it’s time to spend a little less time on site and look to develop the company further.

And who would bet against them doing exactly that, the growth of the outfit has been impressive to this point.

Luke concludes, “The company has done well so far, but in many ways we feel we are just getting started, we are always looking for new ways to expand and evolve.

We are like a big open book just waiting to be filled and we can’t wait to start the next chapter.”

Evolve Audio Visual 01628 631597, evolve-av.co.uk

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Essential Install | Training Dates

AL LT R A D E

C ED I A

INTRODUCTION TO ELAN

KNX BASIC TRAINING

DATES/LOCATION: August 1 (8:30am) Brighton & Hove Branch, August 21 (8:30am) Cardiff Branch

ADVANCED ELAN CERTIFICATION DATES/LOCATION: August 7 & 8 (9:15am) Hemel Hempstead Branch, August 21 & 22 (9:15am) Nottingham

INTRODUCTION TO HDL DATES/LOCATION: August 1 (1:30pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, August 21 (1:30pm) Cardiff Branch

ADVANCED HDL DATES/LOCATION: August 14 & 15 (9:15am) Nottingham

INTRODUCTION TO SONOS

DATES/LOCATION: July 1 at 09:30 – July 1 at 16:30 GMT, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £649 Members, £799 Non-Members

HOME CINEMA DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS DATES/LOCATION: September 19-20 at 09:30 – 17:00 GMT, Alexander House, 3A Blenheim Road, Epsom COST: £299 Members, £449 Non-Members

BOOT CAMP DATES/LOCATION: September 23 at 09:30 – September 27 at 16:30 GMT, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

COST: CEDIA Members £799 Members / £1,199 Non-Members

DATES/LOCATION: August 6 (10am) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches, August 8 (10am) Reading Branch, August 15 (10am) Hemel Hempstead Branch

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

LEVEL 1 UBIQUITI

COST: £179 Members, £249 Non-Members

DATES/LOCATION: August 1 (2pm) Reading Branch, August 14 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, August 21 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, August 22 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch

LEVEL 2 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: July 24 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, August 28 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch

CCTV OVERVIEW – HIKVISION DATES/LOCATION: July 25 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, July 31 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch

DATES/LOCATION: September 30 at 09:30 – October 4 at 16:30 GMT, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

NETWORKING SCHOOL DATES/LOCATION: October 7 at 09:30 – October 9 at 16:30 GMT, AWE Europe, Epsom COST: Package price – £649 Members, £975 Non-Members; day price – £179 Members, £249 Non-Members

MORE INFORMATION »

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

INTRODUCTION TO IRS DATES/LOCATION: July 25 (2pm) Reading Branch, August 7 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, August 14 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch

INTRODUCTION TO FIBRE DATES/LOCATION: July 31 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch

CAT5E/6, THEIR CONNECTORS AND BEYOND DATES/LOCATION: July 24 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, August 7 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, August 29 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches All courses are free of charge

MORE INFORMATION »

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

I VO RY EG G K N X TRAINING KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES: July 22-25, December 9-12 COST: £875 excl VAT

KNX SALES AND SPECIFICATION COURSE DATES: October 8, November 19 COST: £175 excl VAT

KNX HEATING COURSE DATES: October 22, December 3 COST: £175 excl VAT

KNX BASIC COURSE

MERIDIAN WEBINARS UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL AUDIO In this webinar Meridian looks at the advantages and challenges of digital audio transmission compared to traditional analogue signal paths.

DATE: July 2

30 mins long. Live chat room for Q and A. Transmissions spread across the day to suit busy schedules and various time zones. Replay available for all registrants

MORE INFORMATION »

Meridian 01480 445 622, meridian-audio.com

INVISION COMELIT VIP DOOR ENTRY TRAINING DATES/LOCATION: July 4, August 8, September 5, October 10, November 7, December 5, Comelit HQ, Welwyn Garden City COST: £25

INTROUCTION TO MIDDLE ATLANTIC WEBINAR DATES: July 16 COST: Free

SATEL – COMMISSIONING AND INSTALLING DATES/LOCATION: July 23, Lilin HQ, Milton Keynes COST: £49

LILIN – IP SURVEILLANCE FOR CI

DATES: September 23-26

DATES/LOCATION: September 10, December 10, Lilin HQ, Milton Keynes

MORE INFORMATION »

MORE INFORMATION »

COST: £875 excl VAT

Ivory Egg 01243 572 700, ivoryegg.co.uk

COST: £25

Invision 01359 270280 invisionuk.com

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Essential Install | Training Dates

HAB ITEC H

CA I

COMMERCIAL AV INTEGRATOR (1 DAY COURSE)

BASIC AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLATION (THREE DAY COURSE)

DATES: July 4, September 13, November 7

DATES/LOCATION: July 16, 17 & 18 – Basford, Nottinghamshire; September 3, 4 & 5 – Watford, Hertfordshire; November 12, 13 & 14 – Watford, Hertfordshire

WYRESTORM – 4K HDR (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 24, September 10, October 22, November 27

WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 25, September 11, October 23, November 28

ARCAM – PRODUCT TRAINING (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 2, September 3, October 17, November 12

INTRODUCTION TO COMMERCIAL AV (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 3, September 12, November 6 COST: £99.00 + VAT

WISDOM AUDIO PRODUCT TRAINING (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 9, September 24, November 5

DAHUA (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 10, September 4, November 13

PRONET – QUICK START (1 DAY COURSE)

COST: Member £525 / Non-Members £780

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSE DATES/LOCATION: July 17 & 18, Watford, Hertfordshire;

September 4 & 5, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

COST: Members £400, Non-Members £800

INTRODUCTION TO IRS (TWO DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: July 24 & 25, September 11 & 12, November 20 & 21; Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Members £270 / Non-Members £395

MAKING THE BOND (ONE DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: July 23, September 10, November 19; Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Members £180 / Non-Members £265

MORE INFORMATION »

CAI 01923 803 030, cai.org.uk

DATES: July 16, September 17, November 19 COST: £99.00 + VAT

PRONET – INTEGRATOR (2 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 17 & 18, September 18 & 19, November 20 & 21 COST: £150.00 + VAT

RUCKUS ICX SWITCHING (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: July 18, September 19, November 21 COST: £99.00 + VAT

B EMCO K N X TRAINING KNX ‘TASTER’ COURSE DATES/LOCATION: July 24, September 11, October 16, November 13; Bemco, Wandsworth

All courses are free of charge unless specified otherwise

KNX PARTNER (BASIC) COURSE

MORE INFORMATION »

COST: £750 + VAT

Habitech 01256 638500, tanya.sworn@habitech.co.uk, habitech.co.uk

DATES/LOCATION: July 15-19, October 7-11, November 25-29, Bemco Wandsworth

KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES/LOCATION: September 23-27, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 + VAT

KNX HVAC COURSE:

AWE S M ART HOME ACADE M Y

DATES/LOCATION: October 29-30, December 10-11, Bemco Wandsworth

WHOLE HOUSE INTEGRATION WITH URC (TOTAL CONTROL)

MORE INFORMATION »

DATES/LOCATION: AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom; July 23-24 COST: £60

WIRE FREE BLINDS WITH QMOTION DATES/LOCATION: AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom; August 6, October 15 COST: £25

FOUNDATION IN SMART HOME CONTROL WITH URC – MXHOMEPRO DATES/LOCATION: AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom; August 7 COST: £30

DESIGNING AN IMMERSIVE AUDIO HOME CINEMA DATES/LOCATION: AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom; October 16 COST: £240

MORE INFORMATION »

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

COST: £300 + VAT

All KNX Intro courses are free of charge

Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk

RA KO RAKO FOUNDATION COURSE ‘INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING CONTROLS’ DATES/LOCATION: Rako, Rochester; July 18, August 29, October 10, November 21 COST: Free

RAKO ADVANCED COURSE (LAPTOP REQUIRED) DATES/LOCATION: Rako, Rochester; July 11, August 1, August 22, September 12, October 3, October 24, November 5, November 14, November 26, December 5, December 17

MORE INFORMATION »

All courses are free of charge although spaces are secured with a nominal reservation fee. If you would like to book a training date please contact 01634 226666 or email sarah@rakocontrols.com

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EssentialBUYERS’ GUIDE DISTRIBUTORS

300IWLCR6 CI can be Hi-Fi

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Size

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110 x 61mm

£450

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110 x 133mm

£900

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224 x 61mm

£900

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Essential BUYERS’ GUIDE

EssentialBUYERS’ GUIDE LIGHTING &CATEGORY LIGHTING CONTROLS

Hamilton

1/8

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

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Crestron Pyng OS 2: video is here 189 x 56mm crestron.com/pyng The operating system of the world’s smartest homes

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1/8 page

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£450

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110 x 133mm

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£900

£1500

All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2018 Crestron EMEA

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Essential Install | Products

Essential products

A cavalcade of carefully crafted kit Savant’s Smart Soundbar Voice commands can drive this new integrated soundbar from Savant

Savant has announced that it is embedding its Smart Home Software in the new Smart Soundbar. The move brings Siri Voice command functionality and HomeKit compatibility to the Savant connected home experience. The Smart Soundbar is the first of many audio products to become available from Savant that directly control HomeKit and Savant third party devices using Savant smart home software running inside.

Combined with Savant’s existing roster of third-party integration partners, control of HomeKit compatible devices such as door locks, smart thermostats and light bulbs is a voice command away using Siri on an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, HomePod and through the native voice button on Savant’s Pro Remote.

Thanks to IP-based integration with Apple TV, Savant says users will enjoy easy and intuitive control over media player commands such as (Play, Pause, Stop, Up/Down/Left/Right, Select/Menu, Etc.) and direct access to the Apple TV Home Screen and Now Playing commands. Using the Savant Pro Remote with its voice engine, users can enjoy push-to-talk voice control via Siri.

The Savant Pro Remote offers an app-driven platform and a blend of hard buttons, touchscreen interface and voice control. Having already delivered native integrations with Google Home and Amazon Alexa to the Savant platform, users will now have access to Siri-based voice control of Apple TV using the Savant Pro Remote. Savant users can now simply ask Siri to find a movie, an album, an artist, a playlist, a streaming service and more.

This new functionality represents one of the most requested features for this product by Savant customers and is configured by Savant’s iPad-based Studio app and Blueprint software. With the recent introduction of Savant’s standalone lighting, climate and music apps, users benefit from expanded functionality and enhanced integration with Apple TV and HomeKit. Savant Europe 01488 649 340, savanteurope.co.uk

Control4 releases OS 3 OS 3, the latest version of Control4’s automation system, offers a host of new features and a promise to simplify control and programming.

“The Control4 Smart Home OS is designed to remove complexity,” says Charlie Kindel, who previously headed up Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, but is now Control4’s Senior Vice President of Products and Services.

“Every home is a mix of products from a variety of companies. A Smart Home OS embraces this reality, providing broad choice rather than creating a collection of tiny walled gardens that limit homeowners.”

OS 3 is not a drastic departure in terms of design, instead it’s a simple refinement of what was on offer with previous versions of the software. Many popular functions can now be activated through simple, one-touch control. Users also get an at-a-glance view for security and lighting.

Control4 says that OS 3 offers more than 1,000 new features, and while most are small refinements, there are a few highlights which include the addition of favourites, a function many users have been asking for, and will make navigating the Control 4 Smart Home OS 3 easier. Using Favourites on OS 3, users will be able to bring any of their most-used features to the front and centre on any control device.

Third-party compatibility is a big theme and OS 3 boasts support for more than 13,500 third-party devices and 7,500 Control4 SDDP-embedded products.

Other highlights include the ability for homeowners to personalise their system editing or creating smart home scenes, setting schedules to automate devices, and modify how devices interact.

New blind and shade options with more than 350 new icons that represent the wide variety of ways window coverings operate, are also available and let users see all shades that are open, and with one-button press, close them across the house. Users can also set a different wallpaper for every room, choosing from a variety of designer-approved images or their own photos matched to their home and lifestyle. With OS 3, Control4 says that dealers will enjoy enhancements that further simplify programming, reduce repetitive tasks, and speed up deployment.

Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com

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Essential Install | Products

Focal has introduced the perfect partner to its speaker line-up

Focal puts itself on another plane with Astral Focal has introduced Astral 16, a high-performance multiroom audio-video processor and amplifier, the result of a collaboration with Immersive Audio Technologies, the French specialist in ultra high-end electronics. Combining advanced technologies and multiple features, this versatile solution promises an immersive home cinema experience that far outclasses its competition, says its creator.

Known for its loudspeakers, audiophile headphones, studio monitors and in-car products, this is the French brand’s first 16 channel audio-video processor and amplifier, born from a desire to create the whole package for home cinema and AV installations.

The maker says Astral 16 draws the very best out of high-fidelity and in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeakers by coordinating all the components within a Class D Pascal Audio amplifier topology delivered over its 16 channels, of which 12 are amplified and four are pre-amplified (balanced XLR outputs) and dedicated entirely to audio (filtering, equalisation, bass management, etc.).

Astral 16 covers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and provides a wide choice of configuration options. Equipped with technology that allows adjustments based on room characteristics (room calibration, with Dirac Live) and delivered with a calibrated measurement microphone, Astral 16 can be fine-tuned to suit each project. Set up and control is all achieved over a dedicated app and the unit also has remote monitoring for equipment diagnostics. Compatible with Control4, Crestron, Savant and RTI, Astral 16 benefits from the possibilities offered by these automation systems to enable integration with the rest of the home. Focal products are available in the UK from OneAV. OneAV 01684 576 348, oneav.co.uk

Flexson introduces wall mounts for Sonos Beam and Playbar

Flexson has increased its options for Sonos support

Flexson has added to its wide range of installation solutions for Sonos, with new discreet wall mounts for Sonos Beam and Sonos Playbar, which the maker is keen to underline are all designed and manufactured in the UK. The model for the Sonos Playbar allows a flat-to-wall discreet solution as the bracket is simply attached to the wall and the Playbar slots into place. The high-grade steel construction is designed to be sleek, measuring 80mm x 800mm x 16mm. The mount fits the Sonos Playbar, while remaining neatly tucked behind the speaker. Available in black to match the Playbar, the Flexson wall mount for Sonos Playbar has been created to be the ideal solution for a neat and simple wall-mounted installation, says its creator.

In addition, Flexson has also announced a similar solution for the Sonos Beam. The Flexson wall mount for Sonos Beam is available in both black and white, to match the speaker itself. This steel solution works equally well in a simple standalone installation, or below a TV. While the Sonos Beam is securely held in place, the mount is fixed to the wall at two points, allowing for plenty of access for cable routing in the centre.

Flexson argues its wall mounts also help to increase installers’ profits. The Flexson wall mount for Playbar is priced at £29, while that for Beam is £49. By installing a Sonos Beam or Playbar with Flexson’s new wall mounts, customers get better value and installers can earn high margins as part of their AV installations, argues the maker.

Flexson 01256 378550, flexson.com

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Essential Install | Products

Luxus gets even more luxurious The Luxus range has been re-invented

Stewart Filmscreen has announced the re-engineering of its Luxus Classic Model A, Retractable Below Ceiling Screen System. Redesigned from the ground up, the maker says Luxus features a sleek, customisable housing, a quieter motor, and an easy-to-access screen assembly that can be field serviced in a matter of minutes. Customised with every order via the new Screen Assistant Configurator Price Quote (CPQ) tool within the dealer login at stewartfilmscreen.com, Luxus is available in widths up to 13 feet 3 inches and in a very wide array of materials to fit the installation and application needs of any corporate, education, or residential project.

With its new design and internal mechanics, Luxus adds customer service and support capabilities. Instead of having to take down the screen and ship it back for servicing, now the screen motor and roller tube can be changed in a few minutes right in the field. Advanced roller tube technology also minimises horizontal lines in the image area, a problem that can plague lower-quality screens and frustrate viewers. Furthering the customisation options, Luxus’ end caps can be ordered in a new polished aluminum finish or in black or white to match the case housing. Other enhancements include new wall and ceiling mounting hardware that simplifies installation and ensures a clean finish, as well as elegant yet strong tab-tensioning that keeps the screen smooth and held in place.

Customers can choose from more than 25 16K+ reference screen fabrics that are formulated and manufactured

by Stewart Filmscreen for optical quality. For acoustic transparency that retains audio performance, many of the front projection screen fabrics are also available in perforation. The Luxus can be integrated into a variety of control systems, with specifications for 12V trigger, low-voltage control, or IR. Integrators can also select a new RF remote capability based on the My Link Wi-Fi-enabled control system, which works with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and through IFTTT. Customers that want to keep it simple can also select a straight 120V wall switch.

Stewart Filmscreen stewartfilmscreen.com/en

Lenbrook International joins D-Tools i3 Partner Program Lenbrook International, the owner of audio brands NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, and Bluesound wireless multiroom players, has announced that the company has joined the D-Tools i3 (Industry Information & Insight) Program.

Lenbrook’s participation provides D-Tools Cloud users access to the company’s complete, detailed product specifications and access to dealer specific pricing, as well as related information for use in the sales, system design, documentation, and procurement of their products for their client engagements.

With a full suite of rack-mounted and traditional distributed audio components, many of which run Lenbrook’s multiroom control and music management platform BluOS, the addition of Lenbrook’s brands to the D-Tools Cloud offers custom integrators versatile components for residential and commercial use cases.

NAD Electronics’s CI 580, a 1U rack-mounted four-zone streamer, is among products now available on D-Tools Cloud.

“We are excited to be an i3 Partner,” says Joe de Jesus, Custom Integration Product Manager for Lenbrook International. “Our goal is to offer convenient ways for custom integrators to specify our products into their projects and D-Tools is the global leader in specification software.”

“Lenbrook International offers a robust list of comprehensive high-end audio brands and fantastic solutions that address the growing needs of the CI community,” adds Barrie McCorkle, Director of Supplier Programs at D-Tools. “Now, through the D-Tools i3 Program, all of the data for each product line will be made available to our D-Tools Cloud users to help streamline their business process, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”

The D-Tools i3 Program was created to improve communication between manufacturers and dealers by providing access to accurate, up-to-date product specifications that are available to all D-Tools software users. As D-Tools i3 partners, each company can help dealers become more efficient, while making it easy for dealers to present their clients with the most complete information on their products.

Lenbrook International lenbrook.com

The Lenbrook family of products is now in the D-Tools i3 Program

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Essential Install | Products

His master’s voice

Part of Control4’s OS 3 release is compatibility with MQA high-quality music files

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) has announced Control4 as the first home automation platform to support MQA’s award-winning technology, via the new Control4 Smart Home OS 3.

MQA is the company delivering authenticated master-quality music in a file small enough to stream. Now integrated with Control4 OS 3, MQA lets homeowners in a Control4 Smart Home enjoy studio quality sound throughout their entire home.

MQA music can be streamed on the TIDAL app which also natively integrates with Control4. TIDAL, the artist-owned global music streaming and entertainment platform, brings fans closer to their music icons, and has partnered with MQA to deliver guaranteed master-quality recordings directly from the studio source.

The Control4 OS 3 up-date delivers MQA technology and is available worldwide for new and legacy systems using EA Series controllers, as well as Triad audio speakers and equipment such as the Triad One Streaming Amplifier.

Bob Stuart, Founder and CTO of MQA, comments, “As a leading specialist in the home automation market, Control4 is simplifying the daily lives of music lovers who want a streamlined, multi-room listening experience. We’re proud to collaborate with Control4 and the growing global ecosystem of partners who believe everyone deserves to hear their favourite music in its original master quality.”

“Entertainment is a key feature of the Control4 Smart Home, and we support a variety of music services, so adding MQA was a natural fit to offer more better-than-CD quality options for our customers and audio enthusiasts,” says Control4 VP Business and Corporate Development, Noel Gouff. “Control4 Smart Home OS 3 brings users new ways to launch and adjust their music, and it’s easy to start listening to their MQA library from their smartphone, touch screen, or TV remote, even making it a ‘Favourite’ in key rooms in the home.” Check out the full OS 3 story also in this month’s product section.

MQA mqa.co.uk

The delicate sound of Thunder

WyreStorm says it has created a new approach to matrix switching

As the digital world overtakes traditional analogue AV solutions, switching video from A to B is no longer as simple as plugging in category cables to a black box, says WyreStorm.

The maker argues that engineers, designers, and integrators are faced with the daunting requirement to learn about networking protocols and acronyms such as IGMP, VLAN, and multicast to get around the limited number of inputs and outputs found on traditional matrix switchers.

Thunder has been created as a scaleable AV over IP concept, but is as easy to setup as a traditional video matrix, having almost no time investment in installation and configuration. Thunder is designed to be cost efficient but still maintain quality and reliability standards.

The WyreStorm Essentials Thunder product line is summed up as being a simple, yet powerful and expandable HDMI distribution platform, the next evolution in video distribution.

Like a traditional matrix, video receivers connect to central video hubs with up to 100m/328ft of Cat5e. As many as 96 video receivers can be simultaneously connected to distribute video to displays via HDMI, simply and efficiently.

At the rack location, connect up to 24 1080p HDMI and HDCP encrypted video sources to Thunder’s main chassis.

A transmission card-based approach limits the initial cost outlay meaning that the system can be extended without having to pay upfront for unused inputs.

On the configuration side, assigning each receiver an ID using simple DIP switches is the only step that is required. Control is achieved via a preconfigured WebUI that is set and ready to go.

With pricing for a 24×96 matrix at less than half of an AV over IP system cost and way below a traditional matrix, WyreStorm is confident Thunder is going to make a big noise.

Launched at this year’s InfoComm, there are no details on a release date as yet.

WyreStorm +44 (0)1793 230343, wyrestorm.com

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