Essential Install November 2017

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

November 2017

HIT THE TA R G E T

INSIDE

Habitech offers you more ways to get full-fat 4K to its destination...

Cover.indd 1

HVAC

THE MARKET IS HEATING UP

MATRIXES & SIGNAL MANAGEMENT LITTLE BOXES, BIG POWER

MULTI-ROOM MUSIC SYSTEMS SPECTACULAR SOUND

24/11/2017 11:47

Visit us at:

6 - 9 February 2018 Amsterdam, RAI, NL

Stand: 5-R50

b-tech Av mounts

R A E Y E H T F O R E R U T C MANUFA

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Essential Install | Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

November 2017

HIT THE TA R G E T

November 2017

INSIDE

Habitech offers you more ways to get full-fat 4K to its destination...

HVAC

THE MARKET IS HEATING UP

MATRIXES & SIGNAL MANAGEMENT LITTLE BOXES, BIG POWER

MULTI-ROOM MUSIC SYSTEMS SPECTACULAR SOUND

In This Issue…

CE Pro EUROPE Commercial

EUROPE

Commercial

EUROPE

INTEGRATOR CE Pro EUROPE INTEGRATOR

REGULARS

FEATURES

3 From the Editor’s desk

18 Pulse Press

25 HVAC

5 Essential News

20 Awesome Alliances

34 Smart Thinking

12 HDAnywhere Lowdown

64 Training Dates

35 Matrixes & Signal Management

EI wants you!

Victorious viewing

Smart home headlines

The heat is on

Get social

Upgrading usability

14 CEDIA Showcase

Crowdfunding products

Wisdom is waiting

Sending the right signals

67 Essential Products

The invisible dream

46 Case Study: Life Emotions

Autonomous wish-list

Multi-media marvels

16 Habitech Headlines

49 Multi-Room Music Systems

Hit the target

Loud and proud

62 Case Study: Inteliksa Granados design

HVAC

25

Case Study

46

Case Study: Inteliksa

62

Multi-Room Music

49

Average net circulation July 2015 to June 2016

5,212

Matrixes

35

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pages 16-17

From The

Editor’s Desk EI wants you!

Niamh Marriott, Editor

Hello and welcome to another marvellous edition of Essential Install magazine. This month features a whole big helping of smart home happenings, superior expert comment from our industry regulars as well as all the latest and greatest products that you need to know about.

Our fantastic features this month include HVAC, where you’ll learn about the newest control apps and how to ensure a seamless integration for all your clients heating and cooling needs. Our Matrix article reveals how smart these smart boxes have become, and what technology is coming out on top. And our Multi-Room Music feature showcases the best in whole home audio solutions.

We’ve got a novel Smart Thinking piece on how crowdfunding is an option to develop CI products and

two new excellent case studies that exude decadence and highlight heavenly hardware. Our Awesome Alliances page this month features Pro AV Install, a brand new organisation dedicated to promoting our industry online. Speaking of digital, don’t forget to check our sister publication ce-pro.eu for daily updates on all things install. You can also sign up to the weekly newsletter via the site to gain access to the most up-todate news, delivered straight to your inbox.

As ever, if you’d like to contribute an expert thought piece, or if you’d like to write for any of our upcoming features, please do get in touch. This is your industry and I’d like to offer you a platform to speak on what matter to you most. You can email me at niamh@allthingsmedialtd.com or call 01634 673 163.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com EDITOR: Niamh Marriott, niamh@allthingsmedialtd.com CONTRIBUTING JOURNALISTS: Jordan O’Brien, jordan@allthingsmedialtd.com SALES DIRECTOR: Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com ASSISTANT AD MANAGER: Jacob Brisley PUBLISHER: David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com CIRCULATION: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com STUDIO MANAGER: Ben Bristow, ben@allthingsmedialtd.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jon Appleton, jon@allthingsmedialtd.com Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD. T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 Whist we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

Ed's Comment.indd 5

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RJK Security/Multi-room are currently recruiting for the following positions: AV Installers & Trainees AV Programmers Security Systems Installers (CCTV, Access Control, Door Entry, Intruder Alarm) A leading home automation company based in EnďŹ eld, we are on a mission to bring security and comfort to people's homes with our state-of-the art full home automation systems including lighting and heating systems, multi-room audio systems, HDMI distribution, intruder alarm systems, networked CCTV, IP door entry and smart access control systems.

We are looking for skilled AV installers, trainees and programmers as well as security systems installers to join our friendly team.

The roles involve working as part of a team carrying out the installation of high-end audio visual, home automation and security systems.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated, with onsite installation experience and knowledge of either audio visual and home automation systems or security systems.

BeneďŹ ts include a company vehicle, laptop, smartphone, extensive training programme and pension scheme.

Please send your CV to info@rjksecurity.co.uk or for more information please contact us on 02085297999 We install: Control 4 | Legrand | Vantage | HDL | SONOS | HikVision | Paxton | Texecom | Comelit | Samsung

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Essential Install | News

Essential News Smart home headlines

Q Acoustics chosen for high profile London developments

In-ceiling speakers from the Q Acoustics Install range have been fitted in the apartments

Q Acoustics has been chosen by Union Systems to provide specialist install speakers at two prestigious property developments in London.

High performance in-ceiling speakers from the Q Acoustics Install range have been fitted within residential apartments across the Beaufort Park and Fulham Reach developments.

The high performance model features the latest stereo speaker technology so homeowners can enjoy high-quality sound with minimal installation. Measuring only 6.5in in diameter, the QI65’s bezel and grill design clips magnetically into place, with the grill geometry being carefully optimised to ensure balance between optimum sound and discreet appearance.

During the build phase at Beaufort Park, suitable wiring for a third-party multi-room audio system was supplied across more than 600 apartments, with customers then given the option of adding the speakers upon occupation. So far, more than 500 pairs of the in-ceiling speakers have been installed within master bedrooms and the kitchen-diners.

Lee Nunn, technical director at Union Systems, said, “Beaufort Park and Fulham Reach are both fantastic developments that are built to superior standards and we needed a product to match.

After careful consideration, Q Acoustics was able to provide a high performance speaker at a competitive price and we are extremely pleased with the end result.”

Q Acoustics 01279 501 111, qacoustics.co.uk

Crestron integration awards announce new categories

The 2017 Crestron winners celebrate their success

Crestron has announced that the 11th Crestron Integration Awards are now open for entries. The annual awards recognise excellence in projects featuring Crestron solutions throughout the EMEA region, with the winners being revealed at ISE 2018.

This year Crestron has announced new categories, and entries will be open to Crestron integrators, Crestron Service providers (CSPs) and consultants as Robin van Meeuwen, CEO of Crestron EMEA explains, “Our solutions simplify and enhance the lives of millions of people every day around the globe. Our company’s success relies on the excellence of all our integration partners and Crestron Service Providers. The Crestron Integration Awards is our way of highlighting the incredible work undertaken in so many different applications across the EMEA. It is an honour to review and judge the entries, and I am looking to seeing the amazing work carried out by our partners over the past year”.

This year, the 11 categories are Best Corporate Application, Best Educational Project, Best Integrated Home, Best Lighting Application, Best User Experience, Best Marine Project, Most Unique Application, Best Multi Dwelling, Best Incorporation of Pyng, Best Residential Upgrade and Best Showroom.

There will also be the Ultimate Crestron Award for the project showing the best complete end-to-end solution. Crestron integrators, and service providers are welcome to enter their most outstanding projects, completed since January 1, 2017. Entries will be shortlisted and then assessed by an independent panel of Judges.

Crestron +1 888 273 7876, crestron.com/integrationawards

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image courtesy of www.realmcontrol.com

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Essential Install | News

The Pyramid team celebrates the opening of the new showroom

Pyramid’s Plymouth plans Award-winning home technology firm Pyramid has opened its new Plymouth showroom with a special opening event.

The company says the showroom is the most advanced in the South West, and is designed to enable visitors to road-test the latest high-end systems in home entertainment, lighting, audio and smart technology.

Pyramid adds that the space also houses one of the best home cinema demo rooms in the country, a two-seater Dolby Atmos home cinema, allowing visitors to get the full immersive home cinema demo.

Nic Black, managing director of Pyramid, says, “What we are seeing more and more is homeowners turning to high-end technology as a lifestyle choice.

“People want to create an environment to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. It is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners across the UK to embrace the idea of home cinemas and media rooms, not only for viewing films but for enhancing sporting events and gaming experiences.

“Homeowners are recognising the desirability for this high-end technology and are also seeing an uplift in the value of their property as a result.”

Nic concludes, “Our showroom is designed to illustrate to people what it is possible to do, and visitors so far have been amazed by what we have on display.”

The new showroom was officially launched with a VIP event and among those attending was Hilary Broadley, managing director of Broadley Speaking, successful specialist company in out-sourced new business development.

After experiencing the home cinema for herself, Hilary, says, “I think this showroom is amazing. It’s just fantastic for a business like this to be in Plymouth. I expect people do not realise the level of expertise they can get right on their doorstep. It’s leading edge stuff.”

Gordon McCaw, of Mark Holt & Co, Plymouth based accountants, adds, “The cinema room blew me away and left me feeling embarrassed about own home entertainment system. I definitely need an upgrade!”

A keen gamer, Jasper Martin, aged 14, watched in amazement as the Star Wars demonstration emerged on the 120in cinema screen.

He said, “It was amazing. I’d love to be able to play my games in a room like that.”

Pyramid also recently added two more accolades to its collection at this year’s CEDIA industry awards.

The firm won ‘Best Home Cinema’ for what judges described as its ‘technically perfect’ Dolby Atmos 9.2.6 private cinema installed in a house in Cambridge.

It was also crowned the best in the industry for its unique, integrated lighting and control installation, incorporated in a multimillion pound residential development in Scotland.

The Pyramid Group 01752 335 000, thepyramidgroup.co.uk

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Intrinsic-FP2.pdf

1

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DRIVERS DONE DIFFERENTLY

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DESIGNED WITH INSTALLERS IN MIND

FREE DRIVERS FOR ALL DEMO SYSTEMS

GLOBAL ONLINE SUPPORT

FIELD TESTED BETA TESTED

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CMY

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24/11/2017 14:04

Essential Install | News

Essential people

Wayne Lampard is a real Maverick

Colin Pratt strikes the right Chord

Max Hedaya takes on new role at SiliconCore Technology

The Big Apple’s John Tracy

Maverick AV Solutions announced the internal appointment of Wayne Lampard as its new Vision business development manager.

Vision is an AV accessory and software business. Having been with Maverick for four years, Wayne will head the Vision team in the UK for its sole European distribution partner.

Starting his career at Maverick as an education account manager, managing a number of reseller partnerships, Wayne has a great network and knowledge of the UK distribution sector.

Wayne said, “The opportunity to head up the Vision Business Development team gives me scope to sell across our complementary vendor brands. This gives integrators a service where they can buy accessories, cables and audio equipment alongside their main AV purchases. The launch of its new Techconnect product in 2017 has opened a number of opportunities for the corporate environment, where modular faceplates can be really useful.

Tony Scully, managing director of Maverick UK, commented, “Having seen Wayne grow and develop over the last four years at Maverick, we’re thrilled to see him fill this crucial role in our business development team. His technical knowledge and customer focus will help integrators to have a better understanding of the whole Vision range.”

Chord Electronics has promoted its international sales manager, Colin Pratt, to the role of sales director to help manage the company’s international business through a period of accelerated growth. Colin brings a wealth of experience to the role following six years in both domestic and overseas sales within the business, plus a number of years in sales within the audio industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Colin said, “Six years ago, I was offered the opportunity to work for Chord Electronics, a brand I have always held in the highest regard, as a UK sales manager. To progress to international sales manager and now sales director is both humbling and a great honour. It has been such an exciting journey working with Chord Electronics, I would personally like to thank John Franks and Matthew Bartlett for their support and trust, and I am really looking forward to the next chapter in my new role.”

On his appointment to Chord Electronics, owner, founder and managing director John Franks added, “Colin is a pleasure to work with and is deserving, hardworking and a great asset. I’m sure he will instil his good ethics and understanding to our expanding sales team.”

SiliconCore Technology has recruited two new executive sales managers to reinforce its worldwide sales support. John Tracy and Mahyar (Max) Hedayat both bring a wealth of experience to the LED display manufacturer.

John Tracy, who joins to head up sales in the North East US region for SiliconCore has over 20 years’ experience in system integration and multiple display technologies. Based in New York, John joins the team after two years as national sales executive at Makitso Displays, where he was responsible for product development, marketing, strategic partnerships and sales channels in the Americas as well as global development for additional markets.

Max Hedayat joins the team to head up sales in the DACH region, overseeing a number of prestigious ongoing projects. Based in Frankfurt, Max has over 15 years’ experience in the electronics and AV industry and specialises in LED and LCD display technologies.

Eric Penot, COO at Siliconcore explains, “It’s great to have Max and John on board as experienced consultative sales experts who can help our clients through the specification and installation of projects in their respective regions. These are two of a number of hires designed to expand our sales team to support clients regionally with some of the most experienced sales people in the AV industry around LED displays.”

Maverick AV Solutions 0871 880 3733, techdata.co.uk Chord Electronics 01622 721 444, chordelectronics.co.uk SiliconCore Technology 07787 438 701, silicon-core.com

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Essential Install | News

Meridian Live!

Hosted at Meridian Audio’s headquarters in Huntingdon, Meridian Live! welcomed around 60 integrators and members of the media, showcasing a number of new products with hands-on workshops, demonstrations and networking opportunities marking the company’s 40th anniversary.

Opening the event, John Buchanan, CEO of Meridian Audio, presented the new ‘brand book’, a helpful marketing tool for integrators to show prospective clients what can be achieved.

A key focus at the event was placed on the new 200 series, helping integrators understand the abilities and use case scenarios of these agile products, described by the Meridian team throughout the day as ‘swiss army knives for audio’.

Focusing on product features, installation and IP control integration, guests were educated on the new 251 Powered Zone Controller, 271 Digital Theatre Controller and winner of CEDIA’s Best New Hardware of 2017 award, the 218 Zone Controller.

The range is in some ways different to many Meridian products in that the look is more industrial with little emphasis placed on aesthetics, however the products are intended to be behind the scenes workhorses delivering installation flexibility in terms of placement, power and control. All the 200 series can also be set up and controlled via the Meridian IP control app, as well as be controlled from more elaborate interface options such as the company’s multi-room music platform, Sooloos.

The 251 is a class D model and is expected to ship in December. The unit delivers a surprising amount of power for a compact unit (2x100W into 4Ω nominal load) and is designed for in-room or rack mounted applications. The 251 has all the chops needed to create a Hi-Res audio zone, with two cool-running channels of on-board amplification, it can also deliver a 2.1 set up with a sub via analogue outputs. The unit is of course MQA compatible and has IP as well as IR control. The webbased setup page is designed for easy, repeatable and quick configuration. The 251 can also act as an endpoint for Meridian’s Sooloos music management platform. In the demo, the 251 was put through its paces, driving a pair of Dali speakers with a Sonos/Tidal partnership as the source. Wanting to show that it can play nice with other brands, the 251 certainly did that.

The 271 is an interesting box of tricks, basically it allows the installer to place Meridian speakers into any immersive 3D cinema set up, gaining the advantages of

Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. The unit is compatible with any 3D audio processor, Meridian rather interestingly, does not currently have a 3D audio processor and has no plans to create one, instead waiting to see how the sector pans out. Q1 of next year for the launch of this one.

Cinema time Visitors also got the chance to experience the recently updated Digital Reference Theatre. Accompanying Meridian’s DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers, DSW Subwoofers and a 861V8 Reference Digital Surround Controller, is Barco’s Wodan projector and DT screen.

Combined with acoustically treated walls, courtesy of CATS, the cinema certainly packs a punch, delivering movies and music with equal precision and power.

Brand new at Meridian HQ is the media room designed to show off what can be done when the environment is less than ideal and the AV needs to be integrated into an existing living room.

The room features the 271 Digital Theatre Controller and a demonstration of the new Barco Residential Medea projection system. Available as part of Meridian’s complimentary Design and Specification service, the new media room shows integrators the complete solutions offered by the maker and its partners, and how the service can help integrate Hi-Res audio into residential projects.

After attending the event, Stuart Paton of Home Integration, said, “You read about these products, but you don’t believe them until you see and hear them. I know the products very well, but I didn’t know some of the technical details, and I think that it was a very constructive and informative day. I liked the new media room and all the integration with several media; Meridian’s never done that sort of full integration before because it didn’t have a complete solution, but now there is, and it’s much easier to understand that.”

Meridian 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com

CEDIA partners with Houzz.co.uk CEDIA has announced a partnership with Houzz.co.uk, the online platform for homebuilding, renovation and design, to help CEDIA members use Houzz’s technology and marketing capabilities to connect with a large community of homeowners actively building, renovating, and investing in new technologies in their homes.

As part of the partnership, Houzz will create an authentication mechanism for active CEDIA members to verify their CEDIA membership on the Houzz platform. With verified badges, homeowners can identify CEDIA members who have specialised expertise in electronic design and installation.

“We have noticed that a number of our members are listed on the Houzz platform, so we sought to establish a partnership with them to enhance the offering to our members” comments Matt Nimmons, managing director of CEDIA EMEA. “As part of the collaboration, all CEDIA members with a Houzz profile will be verified and able to display the CEDIA badge on their page. Houzz provides our members and the wider home technology industry with a platform to showcase their work, collaborate with clients, and connect with prospective clients. We would encourage more members to sign up to this platform and display their CEDIA member credential proudly.”

“We’re delighted to partner with the CEDIA to help its members take advantage of the technology and tools Houzz offers to build their brands and reach new clients,” says Marcus Hartwall, managing director, Houzz UK. Houzz, houzz.co.uk

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Essential Install | Sponsored content: HDANYWHERE

HDANYWHERE’s new MHUB

Whole home AV control, via App or voice, now standard with all MHUB matrix systems HDANYWHERE’s MHUB HDMI matrix systems have received a huge usability upgrade. Units shipping now will include an integrated IP>IR controller (previously only available on MHUB PRO) and work fully with uControl and Amazon Alexa enabled devices, enabling control of connected source devices and displays at no additional cost.

MHUB at every price point now becomes a universally controlled single unit, one brand, whole home AV system.

There is no need for any additional controller hardware.

And at £1000 RRP, the new MHUB is unmatched globally in terms of features vs cost, says the maker.

HDA Founder Chris Pinder says, “We have the whole home TV experience fully catered for under the HDA brand, with less devices, rack space, time and cost.

Competing solutions continue to add a bamboozling array of devices to their brochures - you seem to need a separate box for everything. At HDA we continue to truly innovate so you can achieve more with less hardware, delivering superior value in the marketplace.“ uControl users can turn on the TV and control the volume, select sources and control them, play and pause, navigate programme guides and menus and finally turn everything off in the room when leaving. All via the free app. Users can also choose to go completely hands and remote free, and use their voice, via Alexa, to control their home entertainment in every room. Macro-sequences and uControl’s 3D touch ‘quick action’ buttons, act like one-touch scene selectors - triggering multiple signals to multiple devices in sequence to deliver a desired end result. An example would be switching the TV on from standby straight to a favourite news channel in the morning, without needing to find the remote or turning all the TVs (and source devices) off in the evening with a single button press or voice command.

MHUB 431/862 are UHD/4K HDCP 2.2 (4x4/8x8) matrix switchers, sharing four/eight UHD HDMI media sources to 3/6 long-range screen zones via Cat6 cable up to 40 metres for UHD or 70m for 1080p, and 1 or 2 via HDMI

cabling. The new ‘U’ variants of MHUB 431/862 line up have seen some other improvements. Users can now monitor the MHUB via the HDA Cloud without having to visit site, and can also select which zone output (ABC or D) they would like the multichannel audio or stereo extraction to occur from.

Central to HDA’s growth strategy is leveraging MHUB’s bonus add-on technologies to enable home technology professionals (HTPs) to achieve more from a single device thus creating more value for the end-user and easier opportunities to sell additional services in a more efficient and cost effective way.

Chris adds, “An MHUB changes the relationship people have with TV in their homes. Voice control is a big part of that changed relationship. We removed the box clutter from living spaces, now we’ve removed the remote also.

Macro-sequences create single command simplicity and the ultimate convenience, that other brands cannot offer from a one box solution. This allows our HDA Pros to provide incredible service, whilst saving time and money.

A genuine win-win-win for HTPs and end-users alike.”

HDANYWHERE 01684 576 348, hdanywhere.co.uk

HDANYWHERE’s uControl App can be downloaded from iOS and Google App stores now. It also has a demo-mode for getting an understanding of the uControl experience, without the need to even own an MHUB. For more details, please visit hdanywhere.com/ucontrol

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15/11/2017 09:32

Essential Install | Sponsored section: CEDIA

The invisible dream

Christian Dodgson, managing director of CEDIA member company, Clearly Automated, highlights the growing demand for concealed, integrated home technology and the necessary steps to ensure seamless integration on media room projects.

The modern appetite for a simple, uncluttered life translates into a desire for hidden home tech. The client expectation is for integrators to deliver media systems that are truly invisible, without compromising the performance or the budget.

Media rooms vary in size, shape, and usage. The room construction and shape often does not lend itself to the task in hand. Delivering the designer’s vision for the space and ensuring the system will perform to client expectations requires collaboration, empathy, product knowledge, attention to detail, and a whole raft of skills that you may not have even realised you had.

The rub

You meet the designer and are shown a rendering of the living space with its modern, simple, clean lines. The open plan area is large with high ceilings, lots of natural light, and hard surfaces. The client has requested 3D audio and a huge TV. They love big action movies and the kids live on the X-Box. ‘We don’t want to see any of the equipment’, is mentioned in passing towards the end of the meeting. If you are going to deliver this project well, you already need to be thinking like an interior designer as well as a technology integrator.

There has been a big rise in hidden home tech solutions

The reality

The room and the brief immediately deliver up some clues to assist with the product decision making: lots of natural light would preclude the use of a mirror TV; a recessed TV covered with moving art would fit the bill. You negotiate with the designer for some vented space for the AVR in the floating Credenza cabinet. All challenging but doable.

Now you need to hide 11 speakers and two subs.

Fortunately, invisible audio solutions have evolved dramatically in last few years so there are a decent selection of brands offering invisible sound at a price to suit the client’s pocket.

You still need to carefully consider the design. The ceiling is high and the joists have been strengthened, reducing spacing to 300mm. Double board will be used to improve general sound insulation for the rooms upstairs. Cutting joists to fit speakers would be prohibitively expensive so you find compromise in a shallow speaker style.

On your agenda at this point should be speaker sound insulation for rooms above, crucial to the client’s enjoyment of the system but often ignored, and maintaining the 30-minute fire rating requirement.

Invisible speakers typically have far better dispersion characteristics than conventional speakers, giving much more flexibility regarding placement. They also fill a room far more evenly than regular speakers, which can be a huge advantage in big open plan living spaces.

The thought process employed with invisible systems is quite different from coned solutions: delivering a quality installation requires good product knowledge and a basic understanding of the way a room can work with you or against you.

Bass is key to any good audio visual system. It not only delivers the big effects, it also provides a sense of scale, weight, and acoustic space. It does the grunt work and should be at the top of the spec list, not the bottom as it often is.

The room is large and open plan to the rest of the house. To stand any chance of delivering pressure changing ability in this space, you will need at least two subs and they need to be hidden. A clever custom solution is needed with serious output. The position of the subwoofer needs to be considered if possible, as it has a huge effect on performance.

Now the invisible or discreet lighting; you opt for coffers and plastered-in down lights and backlit buttons on the keypad. You install a control system that integrates lighting and AV to create the right atmosphere and magic.

For example, you press one button: the lights dim and the film starts.

Finally, there you have it; you’ve delivered a great sounding and great looking media room that reverts back to a tech-free family living space when not being used.

Clearly Automated 0113 8980 078, clearlyautomated.co.uk

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22/11/2017 10:49

Essential Install | Sponsored section: Habitech

Hit the target

Whether it’s copper over HDBT or IP, or point-to-point fibre, Habitech offers you more ways to get full-fat 4K to its destination.

MD Jonathan Pengilley tours the widest range of options…

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Folks, take a look at the best choice of 4K infrastructure available under one roof. Whatever the challenge, we’re ready with the complete toolkit: copper, fibre, HDBT and IP innovations, tried, tested and certified to deliver UHD/ HDMI 2.0’s eight million precious little travellers – with all their colour space, bit depth and HDR luggage – from A to B, and then to Z if necessary. When resolution sells, we’re here to help you preserve it.

HDMI 2.0 over copper

For reliable 18G connections within the rack, and to help you tailor to budget, we’re offering a good/better/best choice of terminated SCP HDMI cables. Available in handy 10 packs, SCP Ultra-Slim’s low-profile design is specified to deliver 4K@60 4:4:4 (2160p) in 0.5, 1, 1.8, 2.5m lengths.

Shift quality up a gear with SCP’s Premium Certified UltraThin HDMI leads, equipped with 24k gold-plated SnugTite grips, triple-shielded against EMI and certified to transmit HDMI 2.0’s goody bag of attributes over 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5m lengths. Topping the new point-to-point line-up is the Premium Certified Ultra Violet cable: HDMI v2.0b (HLG) compliant, having all the features of UltraThin, but certified to convey the 4K with all the trimmings across a range of up to 4.5m.

HDMI 2.0 over HDBaseT When it comes to stretching the capabilities of copper there is no finer drill sergeant than WyreStorm, which from the advent of UltraHD/HDMI 2.0 has applied its advanced compression tech to squeeze full-fat 4K under the 10G copper ceiling to a range of 70m, with no appreciable loss of quality. Built for multi-source AV distribution on the grandest scale, its flagship H2 and H2X family of matrix switchers and extenders gently massage 4K HDR 4:4:4 from their HDMI 2.0 inputs down to 4:2:0 8-bit @ 60Hz or 4:2:0 10-bit HDR (BT.2020) @ 24Hz (the native movie frame rate) at the limits of HDBaseT. Remarkably, WyreStorm is still the only HDBT matrix line capable of distributing HDR over CAT successfully, and of course, along with UHD digital video and dramatically expanded audio capabilities (up to 16x48 with DSP – H2X) you get Ethernet, power and control over a single cable as part of HDBT’s 5-play functionality.

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Essential Install | Sponsored section: Habitech

WyreStorm's new AOCs offer plugand-play 18G connections over 20m and 30m

WyreStorm's game-changing new NetworkHD 600 Series 10GbE platform combines unparalleled flexibility with serious bandwidth capabilities

The amazing versatility doesn’t end there.

WyreStorm’s new H2X Series Modular platform expands the choices available from a H2X chassis with a selection of customisable multi-format, multiplatform transmission cards. The new TX-H2X-VLC card for instance applies the company’s Variable Light Compression (VLC) technology to enable 18Gbps 60Hz HDR and 8bit 4:4:4 from the input to be transmitted at 10Gbps up to 100m over HDBT copper.

Carry the full fat 18G payload up to 1000m with our amazing 'Cleerline by Inneos' optical adaptor set

Another WyreStorm breakthrough: the new EXF-300-H2 fibre extender set widens the 4K range to 300m from the switch

HDMI 2.0 over fibre

When you need to target the 4K TV in the summer house, H2X Modular’s new TX-H2X-OM3 card applies the same variable compression, but replaces the HDBT with a 10G optical fibre output sending 4K HDR content up to 300m.

Extending the same awesome functionality to WyreStorm’s entire H2 matrix family, the new EXF-300-H2 extender set harnesses any mirrored HDMI 2.0 input or output on the matrix to connect a distant 18Gbps 4K source to the switch, or send the latest full-fat 4K signal out to a display device over fibre within a 300m range using a plug-and-play TX/RX system. VLC is activated automatically when the bandwidth gets above 10Gbps.

For short haul from a standard H2 or H2X matrix, you have the flexibility to selectively send the purest 18G HDMI data to an AVR up to 30m away by deploying WyreStorm’s new CAB-HAOC-20/CAB-HAOC-30 Active Optical Cables (AOCs). Achieve the perfect fullbandwidth point-to-point connection with ARC and CEC control from the mirrored HDMI 2.0 outputs on the switch, or connect a far-flung 4K source to a display device through the matrix with zero compression and latency – simples. WyreStorm’s brilliant new optical line can also replace copper connections in environments susceptible to electromagnetic or radio frequency interference.

HDMI 2.0 over IP

I’d nailed WyreStorm’s Network HD AV-over-IP platform firmly to the commercial mast until its Gigabit 400 Series and new 10GbE 600 Series showed up. Now, Network HD’s mega flexibility (up to 2000 sources on 20,000 screens) is boosted by mega data haulage capability.

Introduced at CEDIA US, the Network HD 600 Series is a true 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 AV-over-10G IP distribution breakthrough, offering high quality, zero latency transmission with seamless switching over a 10GbE network using Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology. Admittedly it needs more network knowhow than HDBT and spanking infrastructure quality, but when you can wield the full-fat 4K payload (including HDR-10 and 32-chan audio) around and connect inputs to outputs with your finger on an easy drag-and-drop app, the benefits for system expansion to a newly built residential (or commercial) wing are undeniable. Plus you get IR, RS-232 and full 10Gb Ethernet pass-through for SmartTVs, Apple TVs and Sonos – magical.

HDMI 2.0 over 1000m

Finally, the most extraordinary applications requiring the purest uncompressed point-to-point HDMI connection over distances up to a gob-smacking 1000m should be deploying our ‘Cleerline by Inneos‘ Real4K optical adaptors, which apply Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) over standard multimode OM3/4 fibre to combine multiple signals on various laser wavelengths for maximum transmission efficiency. This means that even in the largest houses you can send the Full 4K Monty wherever it needs to go in a simple plugand play operation.

Bottom line

As long as there’s a p in pixel, the hardware manufacturers will be cramming more of them into home displays, but we’ll make sure your capabilities rise with the data tide by supplying the best choice of infrastructure tech – researched, trialled and certified.

Habitech 01256 638500 habitech.co.uk

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Essential Install | Sponsored section: Pulse

Pulse’s big cinema room exudes luxury and is full to the brim with highend tech

Pulse’s training room is an ideal space for AV learning

Victorious viewing

Ahead of the launch of its brand new room, EI’s editor Niamh Marriott was invited to the glorious showroom at Pulse Cinemas HQ in Essex to marvel at the decadent delights in the big and small cinema rooms, as well as gaining a sneak peek at the progress of the ultra-luxurious media room.

From the very first steps into the showroom, you can see why Pulse Cinemas has a reputation for AV excellence. Greeting you at the front door is the lounge and kitchen area, a chic and thoroughly modern chill space, equipped with the most high-end of autonomous apparatus. Bright and warm light greets you as you walk around the space, coveting the state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and screens set in-wall, showcasing the high resolution on offer. After a quick cup of tea and a catch up with Pulse’s illustrious managing director, Mike Beatty, it was time for a demo of the kit on display.

Loud and proud The team at Pulse Cinemas have been busy with the recent acquisitions of Klipsch and James Loudspeaker, Vicoustics, BenQ and Pixelgen, whose products now complete the Pulse range of home cinema equipment. Showcasing the latest offerings from James Loudspeaker and Vicoustics is the largest of the two cinema rooms, two brand which really compliment each other with James delivering the power and Vicoustics treatments adding extra precision. Greeting you as you enter through the sound proofed door is the wide range of Fortress Seating furniture to choose from, including the option to have a truly immersive experience with D-BOX Motion Control, cleverly generates realistic, subtle and precise motion patterns and vibrations, directly correlating with the action on screen.

The screen on display is the T-XLR from Screen Research, which displays content from the specially modified Digital Projection projector with an anamorphic lens, for a fuller viewing picture. The media server Kaleidescape is used in both cinema rooms and can play films in true 4K Ultra HD at up to 60 frames per second, without any start-up delay. It’s very impressive – a couple of short clips in and the quality is immediately obvious. Vicoustics offers outstanding acoustic treatment to the room, with the use of absorption and diffusion panels but the real star is the sound, is courtesy of James Loudspeakers. The many speakers installed create a wonderfully big, loud and proud sound yet also manages to ensure subtle nuances as it reacts with the images on screen.

It fills the room with drama and is totally mesmerising.

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Essential Install | Sponsored section: Pulse

Essential kit list Big cinema • 2x Fortress Seating Chaise Longue: Solo Style

• 2x Fortress Seating Cinema Seating: Solo Style

• 2x Fortress Seating Cinema Seating: Custom Comfy Chairs • 4x Fortress Seating Cinema Seating: Kesington Style • 8x Fortress Seating Electric Incline

• 8x Fortress Seating Stainless Steel Cupholders

• 4x Fortress Seating Stainless Steel Incline Switches • 6x Fortress Seating D-BOX Installed Single Seat EI’s favourite is the small cinema room which features gorgeous red leather seating

Small room, big ideas

My favourite demonstration was in the small room, which has been designed to show how to create an excellent home cinema in a more moderate space. It is small only in physical size, for just as with the big room, the tech in here packs a punch. James Loudspeaker units line the walls and ceilings, blasting pitch perfect sound, and the walls are covered in gorgeous acoustic fabric, creating a cosy feel to the interior. Bright red leather seats from Fortress Seating are positioned front facing, each spot offering an excellent view of the screen. Screen Research and BenQ products are used for the screen and projector, offering different options to the large room and ensuring the 4K content is seen at its best. It’s truly a transformative space that is both comfortable and action packed.

Yearning for learning

With technical knowledge required for custom install, training is essential for our industry, a fact that Pulse has always recognised. The office, conference and training space is ideal for studying the ever-updating technology that continues to emerge. The workspace is high-end and luxurious and has installed within it the quietest motorised blinds I have ever heard, offered by Lutron. These blinds were so soft in sound I didn’t even notice they were moving at first and I was pretty impressed by the topnotch conferencing equipment on display throughout the room. There is thought to each brand chosen, and to each product placement in the individual rooms.

New spaces

Anticipation is high for Pulse’s new media room, which is due to be unveiled soon and promises the most luxurious of interiors with integrated AV solutions throughout. After gaining a first look at what’s in store, I’m eager to see the finished product in all its completed decadence.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com

• 6x D-BOX 3250c 3 Axis Actuator • 1x D-BOX HEMC Controller

• 1x Screen Research T-XLR-150-240-4W-B

• 1x Digital Projection HERMES I HighLite 4K Laser (1.74 – 2.17) • 1x Digital Projection Special Customisation Anamorphic Lens

• 1x Kaleidescape Strato C Movie Player (w/o Storage) • 1x Kaleidescape Strato C Rack-Mount Shelf

• 1x Kaleidescape Terra Movie Server (4 x 6TB) • 1x Kaleidescape Terra Server Rack-Mount

• 1x Storm Audio ISP 3d.32 Elite Reference Edition Processor • 1x Storm Audio PA 16 Elite Power Amp

• 2x Storm Audio PA 8 Ultra Elite Power Amp • 3x James Loudspeaker 808FS Fronts

• 6x James Loudspeaker 806FS Surrounds and Rears • 7x James Loudspeaker 53QW Auro Heights

• 4x James Loudspeaker QXC620R Atmos Heights • 3x James Loudspeaker M152 Front Subs • 1x James Loudspeaker M213 Main Sub

• 4x James Loudspeaker M1000 Sub Amps

• 10x Vicoustics Cinema Round Box Of 8 Absorption Panels • 2x Vicoustics Multifuser DC2 Box Of 6 Diffusion Panels

• 5x Vicoustics Super Bass Extreme Box Of 2 (Cherry, Light • Brown, Nordik, Wenge, White) • Crestron controlled • Lutron lighting Small Cinema • 5x Fortress Seating Cinema Seating Matinee Style • 5x Fortress Seating Electric Incline

• 1x Fortress Seating Pocket Arm Rest

• 1x Screen Research EL1C-110-240-4W-B • 1x BenQ PCW50K 4K Projector

• 1x Prismasonic Cinomorph – Prismatic w/Motor Option • 1x Audio Control Concert AVR-9 Receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS-X • 2x Audio Control Bijou 600

• 1x Audio Control Bijou Rack Kit (Dual) • 3x James Loudspeaker 53QOW • 4x James Loudspeaker 52QOW • 4x James Loudspeaker FX62

• 2x James Loudspeaker M152

• 2x James Loudspeaker M1000 The kitchen is kitted out with autonomous apparatus and smart home tech

• 1x Kaleidescape Strato Movie Player (6TB) • 1x Kaleidescape Strato Player Rack-Mount • Crestron controlled • Lutron lighting

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Essential Install | Awesome Alliances

Home Tech Gallery: Showcasing excellence in home technology

Photo courtesy of iCubed Home Cinemas

Home Tech Gallery was founded by a group of fifteen audio-visual specialist companies, dealers, installers and professional services providers from across the UK and Ireland.

The organisation introduces itself.

Our aim is to showcase high quality, well designed installations, offering installation companies an open, national platform to highlight their work. We are inclusive and completely brand-neutral, yet aspirational with a focus on high standards of technical and aesthetic design.

All our companies are different but we’re all very much interested in design, curation, ease of use, future-friendliness, and above all creating great experiences for our clients.

Initially the group are focusing efforts on social media, with Instagram, Twitter, Facebook presence and a dedicated website at hometechgallery.com.

Mel Malcolm, director of Bespoke Home Cinemas says, ‘Most people are visually led, so Instagram in particular is a great place to show images of the members’ installation projects. We’re also on the lookout for short video pieces, blog features and articles from our members, supportive suppliers or our friends in the trade press.’

‘We’re doing this to promote the whole industry – showcasing the work to the public, and to construction professionals,’ adds Owen Maddock of ConnectedWorks.

‘Most specialist AV and smart home companies are fairly small – we can’t devote huge resources to marketing. By pooling our resources and sharing our portfolios we can make a bigger noise, providing interest and inspiration.’

Just Add Popcorn’s director Stuart Burgess comments, ‘This is a collaborative effort by the install community to help us promote ourselves. We’re here to represent member companies, and we can share duties – we’re all doing this voluntarily as well as running our companies.’

Mel continues, ‘The idea is to work together, and create something bigger that benefits us all.’

Photo courtesy of ConnectedWorks

‘This industry is like family – we attend the same trade shows, training courses, industry awards, and aim to deliver the very highest quality for our clients.’

Melanie Malcolm, director, Bespoke Home Cinemas, Leeds

20 | November 2017

Stuart concludes, ‘It’s very early days, so the door is wide open to new members and new ideas. Established industry bodies like CEDIA, ISF and HAA already do a fantastic job promoting the highest technical standards and training. Home Tech Gallery is complementary and additional to these excellent organisations, and a bit more directly promotional.’

We’d love to welcome new companies to the Home Tech Gallery community. If you’d like to get involved please send us a message to hello@hometechgallery.com.

The founding fifteen: • Mel Malcolm, Bespoke Home Cinemas, Leeds

• Stuart Burgess, Just Add Popcorn, Robertsbridge • Owen Maddock, ConnectedWorks, Bristol

• Marcus Jackson-Baker, Integrated Experience, Twickenham • Simon Fulstow, SONA, Cheshire

• Iain Martin, iCubed Home Cinemas, Leigh-on-Sea • Sean Griffin, Griffin Electrical, Shalford

• Matt Zachrisson-Smith, Total Solutions, Portishead • Glenn Impett, HaloHaus, Finstock

• Luke Newland, New Land Solutions, Portsmouth • Simon Gregory, Cinema Rooms, Chelmsford • Alex East, EastElectrics, Clevedon

• Paul Costello, Active Room Technologies, Co. Kildare, Ireland • Simon Grattidge, Sinemas, Derby • Phillip Brown, SMC, Shrewsbury

‘Home Tech Gallery is an open platform to highlight the benefits of professionally installed home technology to the wider public. Whatever the price point there are huge benefits to end users in having their technology professionally designed and installed.’

‘‘Our industry is a bit of a secret – the work we do is often spectacular but awareness is lacking. Build projects happen without us every day, or we’re brought in but too late. We formed Home Tech Gallery to help change that.’

Stuart Burgess, director, Just Add Popcorn, Fordingbridge

Owen Maddock, ConnectedWorks, Bristol

SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE

SP-0208-HDBT-H2

Multiply your multi-screen and signage options with the new WyreStorm 2x8 4K UHD splitter featuring mixed HDBaseT Class B, Class A and HDMI transmission.

Introducing the SP-0208-HDBT-H2, our latest 4K UltraHD splitter that’s tailor-made for multi-screen and signage applications in hospitality and retail environments.

Featuring a choice of three transmission options, the dual HDMI inputs on the SP-0208 can be auto or manually switched to any of its eight outputs - including both Class B and Class A HDBaseT and HDMI. What that gives you is the option of distributing 4K to 35m/115ft or 1080p to 70m/230ft using Class B HDBaseT, or for longer distances, 4K to 70m and 1080p to 100m/328ft using Class A HDBaseT. Or use its two HDMI outputs to feed additional local screens or cascade to another splitter or matrix switcher for pro AV install options that are as powerful as they are flexible.

HDCP 2.2 compatible and supporting 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 and 4K 24Hz with 10-bit HDR, the SP-0208 includes manual EDID adjustment, PoH remote power to receivers and Active CEC control to power on/off compatible screens at the touch of a button.

Whether used as a standalone splitter solution or as part of a wider WyreStorm ecosystem, with a product this versatile, how you use the SP-0208-HDBT-H2 is completely up to you and your project.

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

SW-0208-HDBT-H2 EI November.indd 1 Untitled-6 1

WYRESTORM.COM

15/11/2017 16:01 15:57 15/11/2017

Essential Install | NEC Digital Signage

Are you smart to NEC’s signage solutions?

Open Modular Intelligence (OMi) from NEC enables the creation of smart signage solutions across a range of hardware. EI takes a look under the hood.

NEC’s agile and intelligent take on digital signage opens up opportunities for installers

Scalable computing power such as the Raspberry Pi compute module or Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) Slot-in PC can be seamlessly embedded into NEC displays and projectors to create a fully integrated and customisable digital signage solution, explains the maker.

NEC’s Open Modular Intelligence (OMi) platform provides a connection between source and display, and is designed to deliver powerful, tailored and future proof digital signage. The platform has been created to simplify device installation, usage and maintenance whilst making it easier to pre-configure or upgrade digital signage equipment.

The new NEC P and V Series large format displays, launched first half 2017, are the first to include the new Raspberry Pi modular expansion feature, and NEC reports a lot of interest for a wide range of applications which will the company hopes will revolutionise the industry. The OPS expansion slot for OPS compatible PCs and Media Players is giving companies the flexibility to upgrade the power of their displays at any time by integrating into NEC’s large format displays and installation projectors.

An open platform

Unlike System on Chip (SoC) which is a closed system with some compatibility limitations, NEC’s OMi is an open platform allowing computing performance to be fully used without limitation, which appeals to software providers.

Upgradable with customisable performance levels, NEC’s embedded solution is designed to be future-proof and versatile, supporting a broad range of operating systems.

Open Modular Slot-in products are either embedded into the OPS slot or are integrated into the compute module slot, meaning external power sources, cabling and additional mounting systems are obsolete, resulting in a neat and efficient signage solution with a range of possibilities. Open Modular Slot-in options offer an interchangeable selection of solutions including computing technology, media playback and signal distribution for versatility. The embedded solution enables compatible displays and projectors to be upgraded to a custom-made solution which matches the specific performance demands of many applications.

Cost-effective Raspberry Pi brings new opportunities

An incremental part of NEC’s OMi platform, the NEC Edition of the Raspberry Pi 3 compute module means providers and system integrators benefit from the large number of already available open source solutions accessible from the global Raspberry Pi developers community supporting the use of a broad range of operating systems, such as Raspbian, Ubuntu and other Linux distributions, as well as Win10IoT Core. NEC recently announced a collaboration with Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Core and

Screenly, the leading digital signage software solution for Raspberry Pi. With extended memory capabilities and intelligent digital signage support such as the Watch Dog Timer and Real Time Clock for scheduling, it’s a smart combination of computing power with professional signage displays for cost-effective use in retail environments, quick service menu boards and other similar applications.

NEC says the exciting opportunities which the technology collaboration opens up is evidenced by the number of digital signage software providers who have already developed software on the Raspberry Pi platform including Grassfish, Intevi, FutureSoftware, Tripleplay, Airportlabs, ONELAN, T-Systems and MDT, Smartsign.

Future-proof modularity with a low TCO

Industrial and embedded components lower the demand on power usage resulting in significant energy savings and a longer product lifecycle compared to consumer products. As standardised solutions, NEC says both OPS and the compute module offer a futureproof investment; infrastructure and design will sustain over a long lifecycle meaning its usage can continue even as the display or projector is upgraded. Industrial grade components ensure low failure rates and suitability for 24/7 applications and the warranty is valid not only for the host display and projector but also for the embedded slot-in product.

One use case sees NEC’s V Series displays with RPi compute modules in action at Cologne-Bonn Airport for Flight Information. “The Raspberry Pi solution will be very successful, completely integrated and reliable, its visionary open and modular concept makes it far superior to current SOC solutions,” says Stefan Szymanski, product manager Airport Solutions at T-Systems.

NEC Display Solutions, 0870 120 1160, nec-display-solutions.co.uk

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NEC MULTISYNCÂŽ V & P SERIES LARGE FORMAT DISPLAYS

The Definition of

Digital Signage

Powered by Raspberry Pi

NEC’s new Professional and Value Series large format displays deliver reliable and robust 24/7 performance with perfectly readable content even in bright ambient conditions thanks to high brightness levels and an anti-glare screen.

www.nec-displays.co.uk

P-SeriesDigitalSignage_InAVate_Midwich.indd 1 Untitled-8 1

Create tailor-made solutions for digital signage; the driving power of the display is upgradable at any time with modular and scalable embedded open computing performance whilst the slim design perfectly complements surrounding architecture and integrates seamlessly into housings. The wide range of connectivity options and compatibility with high resolution and high bandwidth signals secures a futureproof investment and reduced cost of ownership with minimal maintenance requirements.

10/8/2560 BE 14:13 23:55 24/11/2017

Essential Install | Sponsored section: DT Screens

DT Screens special sensors track mask movement to an accuracy of 1.5mm

DT Screens: Masking made easy Neil Davidson of DT Screens explains why screen masking is a must to deliver top notch viewing performance.

Recently, a video of a DT Screens Dynamic-2S masking screen made by our friends at SONA has been drawing in views on social media. The headline of this video perfectly sums up the point of masking in a high-end cinema: ‘An anamorphic projection system is the ultimate home cinema setup and transforms the entire experience.’

My first article on the benefits of screen masking was written way back in 2008 and my thoughts have not changed, screen masking is one of the most important aspects in the overall cinema experience. It is no accident that masking is one of the easiest things to sell when well demonstrated to an end-user.

Screen masking does have one major technical benefit which is often overlooked, it greatly increases the perceived contrast of an image. This is the same effect as drawing a black line around a picture on paper, it helps the image to stand out against the background and gives more depth to the colours. It doesn’t matter what type of content you enjoy watching these days, changing aspect ratios are always a factor. I have recently been watching Stranger Things on Netflix which is filmed and presented in a 2.0 aspect ratio, also used by the movie Jurassic World. How I wish I could hide those black bars on my TV! The other massive benefit of screen masking is the sense of drama that it adds to the movie experience. It is simply enjoyable to see the masks moving open as the movie starts and the image fills the screen. Nothing is more effective in separating the true cinema experience from simply watching a big TV image.

At DT Screens, we recognised that one of the main barriers to dealers specifying masking is that it has been seen as difficult to set up at install, and difficult for users in day to day operation. To resolve this, we developed a unique system called Mask Position Logic. During

production, our Dynamic series screens are programmed with the width and height of screen and the mask configuration. Special sensors are fitted to our masks which track the mask movement to an accuracy of just 1.5mm.

With this information, our controller uses an algorithm that allows the user to simply request the screen to move to an aspect and it will then calculate and monitor the movement of the masks to deliver a perfect masked result every time. During setup this means that there are no profiles to adjust or stops to tweak. You simply connect and then start requesting aspects with perfect results. For the user this also makes it easy to support any aspect ratio without the need for hundreds of presets.

At ISE we hope to show for the first time a masking projector screen under direct control from the projector which is analysing all content and then requesting the exact matching aspect ratio from the screen. Mask Position Logic is standard on Dynamic Series screens from Display Technologies and is part of a portfolio that already includes the most innovative projector screens and mounting brackets on the market. Display Technologies products are available from UK distributors Genesis Technologies and Meridian, and globally from our many distribution partners.

Neil Davidson, 07879 412 280, genesistechnologies.co.uk Neil Davidson is the owner and MD of Genesis Technologies Ltd and Cinema Acoustic Treatment Systems Ltd and co-owner and MD of Display Technologies Ltd. Neil has specialised in B2B design, training and sales for high end residential cinema solutions since entering the industry in 2005.

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SensibleEssentialInstal_05_SensibleBro2013_02.qxd 18/09/2014 16:43 Page 1

This Month’s Essential Supplement

HVAC

sensible heat

Advanced HVAC controls for the home

Do the Sensible thing; call us today!

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24/11/2017 12:20

Essential Install | HVAC

The North SmartSwitch colour touchscreen is now available

The heat is on!

When it comes to home automation, HVAC is essential, and there are now plenty of products that can control heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. So what’s new for seamless integration into whole home solutions, how has product communication improved, and is there a rise in control apps? EI finds out.

Sensible Heat supplies fully integrated HVAC controls with a range of control systems, including Control4, Savant, Crestron and RTI, via its prewritten drivers, which are available free of charge. Dave Robinson, Sensible Heat’s MD explains, “As the various control systems evolve and develop, our drivers need to be regularly updated to match, and often when a driver is under review, we take the opportunity to add new features to the drivers.”

“Right now, we’re in the process of updating our Control4 driver, which is going to take advantage of some new Control4 developments, allowing us to make customised operational modes,” Dave continues. “This will enhance the user experience when using Control4 in the more complex HVAC environments – for instance, when an AC system is used for top up or boost heating alongside underfloor heating; these systems can get pretty complicated, and need very careful handling when considering the user interface, otherwise the user can feel that the overall control system is over-automated, with the system controlling the user, rather than the other way round!”

SensibleEssentialInstal_banners_02_Layout 1 18/09/2014 17:10 Page 1

On control methods for HVAC systems, Dave says, “The new North SmartSwitch colour touchscreens continue to be popular where the client wants a simple HVAC-only user interface in certain rooms. The SmartSwitch forms part of the Zip range, and comes in a variety of metallic finishes, and we can configure it to provide thermostat functionality for a single room (for heating and AC), or a suite of rooms, whilst forming part of the overall control system – so ‘whole house’ functions (e.g. holiday/away mode) still work, without exposing the user to the underlying complexity of the HVAC system.” A simple solution for the consumer is always preferable.

EI chatted with Intelligent Controls’ John Corbin to hear how its partnership with North Building Technologies (it was awarded Gold Partner status by North in 2015) is improving its business model. The system integrators use the North Commander as the primary source for its HVAC integration and interfacing. North’s recently released new smart switch, supplied by Intelligent Controls, can be configured to meet many HVAC control requirements – as a standalone controller or as part of the North ZIP network.

info@sensibleheat.com www.sensibleheat.com

sensible heat Advanced HVAC controls for the home 26 | November 2017 HVAC.indd 26

24/11/2017 12:20

Smart Switch for multi-system control

Smart Switch simplifies the user interface to heating, lighting, air conditioning, energy monitoring, home automation and more.

Get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you 01273 694422 - info@northbt.com - www.northbt.com

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LIGHT

AT THE END OF THE COREFIX TUNNEL?

Tested to 250Kg | Safe Working Load 100Kg | Dot & Dab Drylined Wall Fixing Solution

Available from reputable AV distributors | corefixed.com | 0800 130 3646

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24/11/2017 14:57

Essential Install | HVAC

Speaking about the Commander, John says, “One of the strengths of the Commander is its ability to offer integration with a simple set of serial IP protocols. As an example, the North Datasync driver provides integration with Crestron and AMX. The JSON driver is the best for Control4 integration with the Janus driver. For Savant, the telnet driver is used and we have a very simple profile in the HVAC. All are synchronous.”

“I believe integration should be fast and reliable. The North integration platforms have been our choice since 2003 when we started our independent business and I’ve been using North product since 1999, when the humble Compass Node was king,” John concludes.

Smart panels

Electrorad’s Smartpanel is compliant with new legislation

Electrorad has launched Smartpanel, its new panel heater.

It is one of the first to be fully compliant with EcoDesign Lot 20, new and impending legislation which dictates that all local space heaters must feature both intelligent timers and controls in order to comply with minimum efficiency standards. The maker says Smartpanel offers an excellent solution for house builders, developers, and specifiers who want a low cost heating solution that will meet all energy efficiency requirements.

Smartpanel is available in five heat outputs and each boasts digital programmable controls offering 24/7 programming (nine pre-programs and four custom), together with comfort, economy and frost protection modes, and a reduced surface temperature option.

Furthermore, all models feature Triac thermostats for greater accuracy of room temperature control, and silent operation when switching on and off.

As well as featuring virtual open window sensors, which sense a draft and stop heating until the window has been closed, the heaters also incorporate adaptive start control that learns when to switch the heaters on and off.

Going beyond Lot 20 compliance, all models incorporate integral energy monitors to provide users with useful data on their energy usage.

SensibleEssentialInstal_banners_02_Layout 1 18/09/2014 17:10 Page 2

Advanced HVAC controls for the home

New rules and regulations

Speaking about the new and impending legislation, Richard Brown, MD of Electrorad comments, “Not only does it represent the biggest shake-up that the electrical heating industry has seen in decades, it’s already setting the pace for new product trends and technologies – with electric radiators and panel heaters becoming even more advanced and sophisticated.”

Richard continues, “Quite simply, the legislation dictates that all radiators and panel heaters manufactured after January 1, 2018 must incorporate intelligent timers and controls. These could be accurate room thermostat controls, 7 day/24 hour timing controls, virtual open window sensors, adaptive start or distance control. If a product doesn’t have any of these features, it won’t be compliant and will be prohibited for sale within the EU.” “This legislation will not only propel the industry forwards, it could result in the disappearance of many low-cost models, especially ones with basic controls and inaccurate thermostats that are unable to comply with the legislation, and it’s likely to impact on the landscape of manufacturers too,” he concludes.

“All in all, the changes are great news for the industry and ultimately, they will mean more choice for the customer.”

The ability to integrate with multiple HVAC companies and products is a vital requirement for control systems, and an important design feature for RTI solutions.

For this integration, RTI turned to Cool Automation, with its gateway device CoolMasterNet. CoolMasterNet provides an IP or RS232 interface that speaks the common languages of HVAC systems including BACNet, ModBus and RS485, meaning RTI can integrate with leading VRF and Split HVAC systems from brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi and LG. RTI can gain control and feedback of these devices to show temperature and fan speed feedback, as well as controlling the device to set the temperature or turn on and off.

Energy saving

Energy saving solutions are understandably in vogue. RTI also offers intelligent lighting and shade control, which give the ability to adjust lighting scenes with one-touch.

RTI systems can be customised to help save money and decrease the environmental footprint by automatically adjusting HVAC, lighting and shades to maximise energy conservation. Additionally, seamless integration with popular energy management products allows customers to monitor, in real-time, progress towards a greener lifestyle.

UK distributor for RTI, Invision, now also offer the third generation Nest Learning Thermostat, which features new rings and a big sharp display. Nest has built its market presence as a smart device that determines the optimal temperature for the home owner and reduces heat when the home is empty. Now, customers can also control a hot water tank with the Nest Thermostat. It comes with a hot water schedule, which can be adjusted from the Nest app, with options to boost heat for extra hot water when needed and a smart function to turn off the heat when not in use for a few days. It’s all rather smart.

info@sensibleheat.com www.sensibleheat.com

sensible heat

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Essential Install | HVAC

RTI has worked hard to up the ante on its HVAC game

Complete solution

Pyng users can access their HAVC control from within the app

Crestron of course manufactures and supports many products in a complete home automation system. Its technology can provide a personalised AV control system which is easy to use, modify, upgrade and maintain. The platform of course also provides support for shades and HVAC, delivering an end to end solution that can be controlled by touchscreen, remote, phone, tablet or these days voice activation too.

Crestron’s home automation app Crestron Pyng, quickly and easily configures and controls whole-home audio systems, lighting, shades, thermostats, door locks and security systems. Customers can use this app to set up a variety of devices with custom presets on an iPad and control them from an iPad, iPhone or Crestron touchscreen. The Pyng app can adjust the lights, set the thermostat to an ideal temperature, and tune the audio system to a preferred streaming service, all from one place. With native Amazon Alexa support, Crestron Pyng enables voice control, including complete HVAC control.

Crestron offer a variety of both wired and wireless thermostats as well as temperature and humidity sensors, all of which connect to the Crestron home automation system, and can be controlled with Crestron Pyng.

The wired Crestron CHV-THSTAT is a versatile heating and cooling thermostat with integrated humidistat designed for one and two stage control of forced air, radiant, and heat pump HVAC systems. Although functional as a standalone thermostat, the CHV-THSTAT delivers greatly enhanced functionality as part of a complete Crestron home automation system.

The DIN-TSTAT-FCU provides a full featured FCU controller with Cresnet interface for integration with a Crestron control system or Crestron Pyng system. The rail is a fan coil unit controller designed for use in two pipe applications. It may be operated as part of a standalone controller or integrated with a home automation system.

Full programmability enables use in various types of applications and beyond control of FCUs.

Temperature technology

Crestron’s wireless thermostat the CHV-TSTATEX features infiNET EX technology and is designed for one or two stage heating and one or two stage cooling control of baseboard, forced air, and heat pump HVAC systems.

The large backlit LCD display provides a clear view of temperature, set point, system mode, fan and cooling set points, and adjustable anticipators to prevent overshooting the desired temperature. Continuous fan operation can be selected when needed for increased circulation enhancing the user experience.

Crestron has also developed its own range of wall mounted temperature and RH sensors. Its C2N-RTHS sensor communicates directly with any Crestron control system. One piece mounting makes the C2N-RTHS simple to install and the 1.5in diameter face protrudes just 1/8 of an inch from the wall surface, and is easily painted or wallpapered to blend into the wall surface.

Integrating HVAC within a Crestron system can help lower energy bills and increase user friendliness, and is simply to control with Crestron Pyng.

Sensible Heat 01273 475 834, sensibleheat.co.uk Intelligent Controls 01342 717 748, intelligent-controls.co.uk Electrorad 0113 274 6799, electrorad.co.uk Invision UK 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com, rticorp.com Crestron 0845 873 8787 crestron.eu SensibleEssentialInstal_banners_02_Layout 1 18/09/2014 17:10 Page 3

info@sensibleheat.com www.sensibleheat.com

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HDR Over HDBaseT...

What more do you need to know?

Introducing the first of a new range of HDBaseT™ extenders from CYP utilising AVLC (Adaptive Visual Lossless Compression) that deliver 4K@60Hz (4:4:4, 8-bit) as well as 10/12-bit sources with HDR10 or Dolby Vision™.

PUV-1810TX-AVLC

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Extenders

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Switchers & Splitters

Scalers & Converters

Other AV

17/11/2017 22/11/2017 10:36 11:35

Essential Install | Smart Thinking

5 reasons to crowdfund your new product

Inventors Alley’s Guy Dungworth offers insight into the rise in crowdfunding projects, showcasing how ZenBoxTV was launched using this financial alternative.

Crowdfunding lets you raise funds for creating your next product, or an entire start-up, without even going near a bank or talking with investors.

Over the last few years, crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular option for entrepreneurs.

In terms of deal numbers and funds raised, crowdfunding is now way ahead of Venture Capital or Business Angel routes.

So crowdfunding must be providing some major advantages over traditional routes to get that kind of traction, right? When CI company ZenBox Ltd wanted to develop a new zero footprint product called ZenBoxTV we advised them to launch using Kickstarter, a rewards crowdfunding platform. Here are five reasons we chose the crowdfund route:

Close to cash positive

It’s fun and useful

Customers make markets not products. The crowdfunding model engages a massive pool of international prospects and turns them into customers, and then something unusual and beautiful happens.

Those backers or investors for your product or company get passionate about it. They turn into your advocates right in front of your eyes. They answer questions on your behalf. They form consensus on product features. They hone your market for you and clearly enjoy doing it. You’ve built every product marketers dream – a passionate, engaged and informed community around your brand.

When was the last time you discussed funding a venture or product with the bank or investment industry?

Strange conversations take place, they don’t understand you. Lots of paperwork is created, then recreated. The midnight oil is burnt. You are burn out. Your request is declined. Next. Crowdfunding on the other had is much more fun and energising. You need a short video and a page of copy to upload for your pitch, and you only pitch once. Everything you create is great marketing collateral for your post crowdfunding sales.

Launch earlier

Traditionally developing a product was a long hard path, with expected payback periods in years and risk of failure very high. Crowdfunding through Kickstarter, for example, lets you launch while at prototype stage yet deliver product into the market much later, typically six months to a year. This fast time to market launch means you can get ahead of any competition and lead the market. It gets you talking to your market far earlier in the development cycle and you can get invaluable feedback on features to include and modify. The result is a better product and far less risk of failure.

In the crowdfunding model you need just a fraction of the cash you would normally need to launch. In addition, you become cash positive immediately following your successful launch. You also know your market risk and have your initial orders. So, you have product validation, market size, order book and funds all hitting at once. It’s a perfectly aligned business model that keeps you as cash positive as possible. Other less obvious benefits accrue too, all stock created is for hard orders not inventory. Every development pound spent goes to delivering what is known to be needed.

Build a community

Great marketing and growth opportunity

A good launch creates exceptional market opportunities. On top of getting your specification right a good launch will attract press interest, leading to extra sales and inbound partner interest. Our last product has sold four times its volume through partner distribution than through the successful Kickstarter launch. This type of exposure can be invaluable when that’s international distribution partners coming straight to your door.

Inventors Alley, inventorsalley.com

Rewards

Debt

Equity

Money in exchange for perks

Money in exchange for interest yielding returns

Money in exchange for shares

Best for creative products and to pre-sell products

Best for business with a track record of revenues

Best for growth-focused companies in areas where there is potential for return

Backers

Lenders

Investors

Altruistic

Lower risk

High risk

34 | November 2017 Smart Thinking.indd 34

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This Month’s Essential Supplement

Matrixes & Signal Management NO VO W IC FEA EC T ON URE TR S OL

The neo range of matrixes is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication yet we continue to future proof our systems by ensuring compatibility with the latest equipment on the market.

WORKS WITH ALEXA

The latest neo software additions enables users to control TVs using voice commands with Amazon Echo™. By saying simple commands such as ‘Alexa, turn on lounge’ control has never been so simple!

MANAGE YOUR MATRIX ANYWHERE, AT ANY TIME, ON ANY DEVICE

With our unique cloud monitoring service you can access any neo installation from wherever you are, avoiding trivial site visits and saving you time and creating a positive experience for the client.

WEB INTERFACE

REMOTE MONITORING

WORKS WITH ALEXA

HDBaseT™ DIAGNOSTICS







4K + 1080P SUPPORTED

PoH AS STANDARD

3 YEAR WARRANTY

CONTRIBUTOR

Matrixes.indd 35

24/11/2017 16:32

Essential Install | Matrixes & Signal Management

No glitch in the matrix!

The marvellous matrix, the smart box that gets AV signals to where they need to be, in the format they need to be. But what is the latest technology emerging and how do new product lines simplify integration into home automation systems? EI delves into the world of the matrix.

EI caught up with Martin Ellis of Pulse Eight to find out about HDR support for HDBaseT technology, and how Pulse Eight is offering solutions for installers. “I am the first to admit that HDBaseT technology has been skirting around the issue of HDR for a couple of years, any HDBaseT product you see on the market today that claims HDR 10 support is really only able to handle 24Hz (Frames) at 10 Bit,” Martin comments. “The reason for this is simple - bandwidth. HDBaseT’s Achilles heel is all the chips available have a hard cap at around 10Gbps of data, this has been its limit since its inception. HDBaseT 2.0 chips did nothing to address this (sadly). HDR really came out of nowhere in the AV space (despite being a staple of the PC Gaming industry for well over a decade) over the last 18 months, but it truly is the next thing since colour TV.” “If you haven’t seen HDR content vs SDR content you really are missing a whole new world of content.

Your clients will love you and you will be able to deliver solutions that are out of reach of most DIYers”, Martin assures. “Now, I am pleased to say we don’t need to avoid the subject, HDR 10 support is coming to HDBaseT and not in the distant future, it’s this month.

December marks the first time a hardware and software solution has been provided by the HDBaseT main chip manufacturer – Valens and Lattice Semi, this partnership has resulted in the adoption of a technology called DSC (Display Stream Compression).”

Martin explains, “Display Stream Compression provides a visually lossless method of line based compression (so still no latency) that gives you an effective 2:1 compression on the video. HDBaseT Class C devices can implement DSC and provide you with an HDR solution compatible with the latest Apple TV 4K and Amazon Fire 4K streaming boxes and Sky Q Ultra HD at 10 Bit.” Pulse Eight is pushing forward with the launch of its neo:Ultra HDBaseT Class C extender set delivering up to 4K60 4:2:2 10 Bit over 100meters of Cat6, with a range of matrix solutions to follow soon.

WyreStorm have long been associated with its broad range of HDMI and HDBaseT matrix switchers, and more recently its NetworkHD AV over IP line. 2017 saw WyreStorm add significantly to its existing HDBaseT line of 4K HDR HDCP 2.2 compatible matrix switchers.

Starting with the latest from the popular 4x4 matrix and 4x POH Receiver kit line, the WyreStorm H2A supports the latest 4K and 10-bit HDR content over HDBaseT Class B to 35m or 1080p to 70m. With the last letter of the name standing for ‘Audio’, the H2A supports multichannel audio up to DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, as well as internal audio switching allowing de-embedded audio from sources or HDBaseT outputs and 4x S/PDIF and 4x analogue stereo offering audio breakout from source or HDMI input.

Stepping up, the value focused H2L Series matrixes come in 6x6 and 8x8, again featuring Class B HDBaseT to handle delivery of 4K HDR with HDCP2.2, multichannel audio, PoH, RS232 matrix and bidirectional IR source and sink control to 35m or 1080p to 70m.

The H2L also features WyreStorm’s SmartEDID feature, which removes conflicts when mixing 1080p amd 4K displays, and its QuickSync technology for instant switching between sources.

Pulse Eight’s neo:Ultra HDBaseT Class C extender set

Find out more at www.pulse-eight.com

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Eurosat Recommends WyreStorm for unrivalled product design, quality, reliability and performance.

MX-0606-HDBT-H2L | MX-0808-HDBT-H2L: HDBASET | BIDIRECTIONAL IR | POH | 35M (4K) 70M (1080P)

Empower your AV

MX-0404-HDBT-H2A-KIT: HDBASET | BIDIRECTIONAL IR | POH | 35M (4K) 70M (1080P)

WyreStorm gives you more with true AV distribution flexibility supporting the latest 4K UHD and HDR content and devices.

EX-70-G2: HDBASET | BIDIRECTIONAL IR | 2WAY POH | 70M (1080P)

WyreStorm’s award-winning HDBaseT range of 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 matrix switchers offer a total AV solution for the delivery of 4K HDR video, audio and control with PoH to receivers for the utmost in installation convenience and affordability.

Additionally with the new MX-0404-HDBT-H2A-KIT you can break-out the audio from your sources to a multi-room amplifier for the ultimate AV experience in any home.

Transmitting 4K HDR or HD point-to-point has never been easier with WyreStorm’s extensive range of extender sets ensuring an extender solution for any application. The new EX-70-G2 takes reliable and affordable HD extension up to 70m, or 4K to 35m to another level with bidirectional IR, serial control and 2-way PoH to power RX or TX from either end for hassle-free installation at a price that’s hard to beat.

Time is money. Whatever your installation calls for, WyreStorm gives you more of both and for an unbeatable installation experience.

Eurosat Distribution Ltd - UK Distribution Partner T: 020 8208 4444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

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THE ULTIMATE COLLABORATION TOOL.

CONNECT, SHARE AND CONTROL WITH THE SOLSTICE POD. The Solstice Pod allows an unlimited number of users to share and collaborate all on one display. Perfect for classrooms, conference rooms, or any meeting space with a display.

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22/11/2017 10:50

Essential Install | Matrixes & Signal Management

WyreStorm has added the 400 Series ultra-low latency 4K HDR over 1GbE to its NetworkHD line

Top of the WyreStorm HDBaseT line is the modular H2X Series

Top of the WyreStorm HDBaseT line is the modular H2X Series of 10x10 or 16x16 models, with Class A HDBT 5Play adding Ethernet passthrough to the mix for delivery of the latest 4K HDR content up to 70m or 1080p to 100m. Featuring the same SmartEDID and QuickSync technology, the H2X also includes integrated 48x16 or 30x10 audio DSP matrix switching with HDMI de-embed, S/PDIF in and ARC. Modular H2X card options include HDBT inputs supporting decentralised sources, dedicated audio and video zone expansion cards, and more planned for early 2018.

Last but by no means least, with AV over IP proving more relevant for the residential market, this year saw WyreStorm add the 400 Series ultra-low latency 4K HDR over 1GbE to its infinitely scalable NetworkHD line. With support for HDCP 2.2, multichannel audio and audio matrix functionality, as well as image scaling for mixed 2K/4K installs, the 400 Series also includes its free touch control app for iPad, featuring live video previews and drag and drop source selection for a simple but satisfying end user experience. A fact not lost on the judges at the recent AV Awards, where the 400 walked away with best distribution and processing product.

With WyreStorm’s NetworkHD 600 Series 4K HDR over 10GbE featuring uncompressed SDVoE technology set to arrive in early 2018, the company certainly seems to have gone to great lengths with its HDBaseT and IP matrix switching solutions to make good on a promise to offer integrators the best possible technologies for their applications.

HDAnywhere’s MHUB HDMI matrix systems have received a usability upgrade. Units shipping now will include an integrated IP>IR controller, which was previously only available on its MHUB PRO, and work fully with uControl and Amazon Alexa enabled devices, enabling control of connected source devices and displays. MHUB at every price point now becomes a universally controlled single unit, one-brand whole-home AV system, with no need for any additional controller hardware.

HDA Founder Chris Pinder says, “We have the whole home TV experience fully catered for under the HDA brand, with less devices, rack space, time and cost.

Competing solutions continue to add a bamboozling array of devices to their brochures - you seem to need a separate box for everything. At HDA we continue to truly innovate so you can achieve more with less hardware.“ MHUB 431/862 are UHD/4K HDCP 2.2 (4x4/8x8) matrix switchers, sharing four/eight UHD HDMI media sources to 3/6 long-range screen zones via Cat6 cable up to 40m for UHD or 70m for 1080p, and 1 or 2 via HDMI cabling. The new ‘U’ variants of MHUB 431/862 line up has seen some other improvements, including the ability to monitor the MHUB via the HDA Cloud without having to visit the site, and the functionality to select which zone output (ABC or D) is preferred for the multichannel audio or stereo extraction to occur from.

Chris further comments, “An MHUB changes the relationship people have with TV in their homes. Voice control is a big part of that changed relationship. We removed the box clutter from living spaces, now we’ve removed the remote also. Macro-sequences create single command simplicity and the ultimate convenience, that other brands cannot offer from a one-box solution. This allows our HDA Pros to provide incredible service, whilst saving time and money. A genuine win-win-win for HTPs and end-users alike.”

Setup as simple as Alexa, discover devices

“

”

Find out more at www.pulse-eight.com

November 2017 | 39 Matrixes.indd 39

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Essential Install | Matrixes & Signal Management

New upgrades include the ability to monitor the MHUB via the HDAnywhere Cloud

Savant weigh in on the AV over IP game

As a network manufacturer, Luxul is playing an increasingly significant role in audio and video distribution. With the rise in popularity of HD over IP products such as Just Add Power, WyreStorm and ELAN, the network switch is the matrix. This is also true for audio distribution sync systems, such as Dante and Q-Sys. These IP based systems provide system flexibility, allowing for a wide number of sources and display devices. The reason for this flexibility is that all the AV signals from the source are converted to IP data, that data goes across the network switch, then is converted back to AV signals at the display. The switch has no limitations as to how many sources or displays there are, because to the switch it is all simple IP data traffic. In addition, there are generally fewer cable distance and codec limitations, as opposed to the limitations of an HDBaseT protocol.

Depending on the manufacturer of the HD over IP system and what their specifications require, not just any switch will do. A managed Layer 2 / Layer 3 switch with QoS, VLAN or IGMP support is usually required. Most Luxul managed switches support all three of these protocols with the addition of full speed backplanes in order to easily handle all of the data traffic required to go across the switch. Several models, one in a 24-port version and another in a 52-port version are stackable with 10GB fiber uplinks, allowing the integrator to grow the AV distribution system by simply adding another switch.

The Luxul 52-port stackable Gigabit PoE+ L2/L3 managed switch (XMS-7048P) is a solid choice for expanding a network when using PoE-enabled devices such as touch panels, VoIP, IP cameras and wireless access points. The 52-port Gigabit switch includes 48 PoE+ ports, 2 Gigabit RJ-45 ports and two 10 Gigabit SFP+ stacking ports for seamless scalability/management of up to 16 switches (800 ports). With PoE+, integrators can use standard Ethernet cable to deliver both power and highspeed data to 802.3af/at-compliant devices, with a total power budget of 740W. The advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 features and simple to use management interface helps to optimise network traffic.

When it comes to signal management, the Savant audio and video over IP product range has solutions to deliver access to high resolution content, easily accessible from any room on a home network infrastructure.

The Savant Pro AV over IP offers 4K UHD video distribution solutions, which deliver lossless 4K/60 4:4:4 HDR video at zero frame latency with HDMI 2.0 support.

There is no compression at any resolutions below 4K/60 4:4:4 HDR and a ratio of only 1.4:1 at full 4K/60 4:4:4 HDR. Some other non-IP 4K video distribution systems on the market only support 4K/60 4:2:2 or other IP based 4K solutions require extreme compression to fit over 1Gb, as

much as 800:1. The Savant solution enables integrators to answer increased demand for high-definition video distribution. Audio down-mixing breakout options make the Pro AV over IP quite versatile and a good match with Savant’s newest audio over IP products.

Savant’s IP Audio line-up includes built-in streaming, distribution and AirPlay support. The new Savant IP Audio 125 is an amplifier and audio distribution system delivering 125 watts per channel for dynamic audio reproduction, with ample power to drive sound into large spaces. The IP Audio 125 also includes additional control ports for added installation flexibility in nearly any application. Another new addition to the line-up is the Savant IP Audio Video Receiver (or AVR), an all-in-one control, audio amplification and video switching system. With 125W per channel driving a 7.3 surround sound experience, the Savant IP AVR includes both the power and design flexibility to drive music and/or movie soundtracks in a home cinema setting, as well as multi-media room.

In the modern AV industry, signal management has become an extremely important, if often overlooked, aspect of installations, says Smart-e. The transition to digital signals over the past five years has meant that it is now more important than ever to have properly connected cables and AV units. In the past, analogue signals were more forgiving, so a poorly cabled traditional installation would probably still show a picture, but it would be distorted, off colour or blurry. By contrast, in the digital world, a poorly termination cable can be the difference between seeing a picture or not. Errors caused by poor practice and bad cabling methods result in the connected equipment being unable to retrieve sufficient data to display an image.

These problems are what led Smart-e to design its new product, the 4K-9000 HDBaseT install tester. The 4K-9000 is a transmitter/receiver pair, which can be used together or separately, is fully compatible with any HDBaseT based system, and is designed to test and give feedback on all aspects of an AV installation. These include cable length, signal strength, bit error rate, and max error rate on each channel. This allows an installer to pinpoint any issues within their installation, allowing problems to be fixed quickly and with minimal fuss.

“Alexa... turn on lounge” Find out more at www.pulse-eight.com

40 | November 2017 Matrixes.indd 40

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HDMI0104SV2

HDMI Splitters 4K HDCP 2.2 18Gbps EDID Management SKY Q Compatible 2 , 4 & 8 Wa y

DMHD01R

Conexer Single HD DVB-T Modulators

H D M I o v e r C AT 6 Extenders

HDMI Loop Out Dolby Digital IR Control

4K 40m HDCP2.2 IR Control POH

Antiference Ltd, Fradley Distribution Park Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, Lichfield Staffordshire, WS13 8NE

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HDMIE70V2

Email: sales@antiference.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1675 465487

Web: www.antiference.co.uk

Fax: +44 (0) 1675 463478

22/11/2017 10:51

Essential Install | Matrixes & Signal Management

Peace of mind is on offer from Smart-e

Atlona’s AT-UHDPRO3-88M supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos

The 4K-9000 can be used as a means of preauthenticating a previous installation, checking whether older cabling is compatible with any new additions a customer may require. It can also be used during an ongoing installation, testing whether units have been installed properly and cables meet the required specification.

Finally, the 4K-9000 also comes with a Pass/Fail feature that simplifies all the data collected by the tester into a binary. Simply press the Pass/Fail button on the tester while it is connected to the installation, and it will display a message telling you whether the installation has passed or failed the test, creating a quick and easy way of verifying an installation.

With the adoption of new technologies such as UHD and HDR, Atlona and RGB Communications have teamed up to introduce a range of matrix and signal management products for the residential market place to serve this very purpose. Atlona believes that 4K signal management is key, and for the future, it is vitally important that products installed provide an end to end solution.

With the AT-UHD-PRO3-88M matrix switcher, Atlona offer a product for multi-zone applications to distribute AV signals, with control over a mix of eight 100m and 70m HDBaseT outputs. Integrator-friendly features include being able to support 4K/UHD @ 60 Hz, 4:2:0, and also offer 3D passthrough whilst still meeting HDCP 2.2 copy protection standards. Another benefit is that the industry standard 802.3af PoE allows for remote receivers to be powered saving integrators time and cost.

As many home systems separate audio, Atlona has ensured that the AT-UHD-PRO3-88M has unbalanced audio outputs on captive screw connectors, which simplify connections to multi-channel amplifiers for zoned audio where level, mute, and a five-band graphic EQ can be applied in the matrix switcher per zone.

An inbuilt EDID management between source and switcher allows integrators to force a source to transmit the preferred video resolution and audio format, thus avoiding the need for third party EDID tools.

The AT-UHD-PRO4-88M supports formats such as PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. The PRO3 range also includes HDBaseT Link status for cable troubleshooting.

CYP has announced the launch and availability of its latest HDBaseT extenders. These new extenders introduce CYP’s new proprietary AVLC (Adaptive Visual Lossless Compression), that enables the transmission of 4K UHD signals over HDBaseT up to 70m over a single run of Cat 5e/6/7 cable. Two options are available, the PUV1810TX-AVLC transmitter and PUV-1810RX-AVLC receiver for cable runs up to 70m, and the PUV-1710TX-AVLC transmitter and PUV-1710RX-AVLC receiver for shorter runs up to 40m.

Despite HDBaseT’s 10.2Gbps bandwidth limitation, both extender sets can pass the 18Gbps data feeds required for 4K UHD HDMI video sources, up to and including 4K@60Hz (4:4:4, 8-bit), as well as 10/12-bit sources with HDR and Dolby Vision. This is thanks to the clever compression technology within AVLC, which packages 18Gbps data allowing it to pass along the HDBaseT infrastructure and then rebuilds it faithfully and visually perfectly at the display end. Due to the numerous video signal qualities available, AVLC auto detects the incoming signal’s resolution, colour space and colour depth, and automatically selects the best way to reduce the bandwidth, if any compression is required.

Both extender sets comply with the advanced HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 standards, as well as supporting the legacy HDCP 1.x and HDMI 1.x standards. Multiple data and control interfaces are provided, including IR and RS232, with the PUV-1810 set also able to run a dedicated LAN connection over the same cable infrastructure.

Installation of both extender sets is simple, as the receiver (RX) is powered by 48V PoH (Power over HDBaseT) provided by the transmitter (TX), allowing for greater flexibility within different installation scenarios. As the first of the new range of HDBaseT solutions from CYP featuring AVLC, ISE 2018 will mark the release of a wider range of products to feature this technology, including matrixes and additional extender solutions. With all the new advancements in technology and brilliant new products, 2018 is set to be the year of the matrix. Watch this space.

Pulse Eight 01202 413 610, pulse-eight.com/neoultra WyreStorm 01793 230 343, wyrestorm.com HDAnywhere 01684 576 348, hdanywhere.co.uk Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com Savant 01488 649 340, savanteurope.co.uk Smart-e 01306 628 264, smart-e.co.uk RGB Communications 01488 73366, rgbcomms.co.uk CYP Europe 020 3137 9180, cypeurope.com

The only matrix with native Alexa integration Find out more at www.pulse-eight.com

42 | November 2017 Matrixes.indd 42

24/11/2017 16:34

The many faces of CORIOmaster The world's most flexible multi-window video processor for creative video Museums & exhibitions

Healthcare Education

Digital signage Lobbies Live events

LED video walls

Corporate

Broadcast

The CORIOmaster is today’s most powerful creative video wall processor. Its modular I/O system provides you with the flexibility of any signal in, to any signal out including 4K. Now with the new streaming media & 4K playback input module the processors can accept dual IP streams up to NEW 1080p, 4K file playback and 8K still images via USB3.0 and internal memory – all on one card, in one slot.

Input/Output modules DVI Input

DVI Scaled Output

4K HDBaseT Input HDBaseT Scaled Output

NEW

3G-SDI Input

3G-SDI Scaled Output

HD-SDI Input

4K Input

4K Scaled Output

4K Streaming Media

NEW

+44 (0)1843 873300 • sales.europe@tvone.com • www.tvone.com

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Booth 1-M130 6 - 9 • 2 • 18 Amsterdam, RAI

15/11/2017 09:29

A New Era O F

V I D E O

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

CM100

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

4 K

U H D

V I D E O

O V E R

RSU-6RU

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

J Easy Installation J Vented front panel and shelves

I P

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

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

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

Perfect for Complex Residential & Commercial AV Installations

Matrix distribution

M U LT I C A S T U H D

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

UK Training Nottingham

(Requires 1GB network switch)

(Requires 1GB network switch)

Blustream products J Advanced EDID management

Video wall presentation

with unlimited configuration options

O P E R A T I O N A L

M O D E S

One-to-many

One-to-one

HDMI distribution (No network switch required)

HDMI extender (No network switch required)

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF BLUSTREAM

SHOW 2017

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF BLUSTREAM

Blustream UK

First Floor, Mail Workshop

SHOW 2017

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

Tel: +44(0)115 824 7000

Friday 08.12.17 Get in touch to book your place today J

For all the latest Blustream

TH 20product SEP 2017 animations EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE, SURREY

Blustream_EI_2017_november_v2.indd All Pages Untitled-3 2

Email: sales@blustream.co.uk

20 SEP 2017

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

23/11/2017 10:20

New

Introducing the new

PRODUCT

C O N T R A C T O R

S E R I E S

C44-KIT

HD

HDCP 2.2

A U D I O

2.0

3D

PoE

EDID

A U D I O

HEX70B-KIT

WEB

GUI

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Contractor 4x4 HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit

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

HEX100ARC-KIT-V2

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

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

*Transmitter

*Receiver

PRO88HBT70

C U S T O M P R O

Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ Matrix

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

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

HSP14-V2

SM11

4-Way 4K HDMI 2.0 Splitter with EDID management

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

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

Advanced HDMI 2.0 HDCP 2.2 Signal Manager

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

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

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

Multicast UHD

Introduction and Overview

Multicast UHD

Configuration and Best Practice

Advanced Multicast UHD

System Configuration and Control

HDBaseT™ Best Practice

Book Now J

At www.blustream.co.uk

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HDMI 2.0 Best Practice New Product Launch

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

Essential Install | Case Study

The 75in Sony 4K LED TV is flat mounted using a Future Automation PF65 bracket

The brief specified a professional quality DJ system

Multi-media marvels

The stylish design of a living room, featuring a DJ booth and state-of-the-art AV capabilities, has been recognised at the 2017 CEDIA Awards. Lisbon-based technology integrator, Life Emotions, won the Best Media Room £20,000-£80,000 category for its creative execution of the brief.

The client wanted to create a bright, modern living area where they could relax and enjoy their hobbies of music, films, and watching football. The brief specified a professional quality DJ system; high-end audio and TV, with the ability to stream music and 4K video throughout the property and outside area; and storage for an extensive vinyl and CD collection.

One of Life Emotions first priorities was to investigate the available space to ensure the optimum sound quality would be achieved in the end design. Initial acoustic tests were poor and resulted in a change of room layout.

Elegant Vicoustic acoustic panels have been fitted onto the wall, either side of the screen location. Made of two parts, each panel can be rotated in different directions to achieve a uniform, omni-directional scattering of sound, enabling effective diffusion without too much absorption.

The DJ booth comprises two Pioneer CDJ-850 digital decks, a DJM-750 four channel mixer with a tempo-synced effects section, and a precision engineered PLX-1000 turntable. The decks feature full-sized jog wheels, a large display enabling fast music identification and selection, and pro-DJ features. They are capable of playing WAV, AIFF, MP3, and AAC files, have a CD drive which can read audio CDs, as well as CD-R/RW, and a USB port providing connectivity with other external devices. The client’s music library is catalogued using Pioneer’s rekordbox music management programme. The integrator set the booth within a bespoke furniture unit which also houses the AV rack.

On the wall hangs a slim 75in Sony 4K LED display for the client to watch sport and films. The size was selected based on optimising the distance from screen to the couch. With four times the detail of Full HD, and a resolution of over 8 million pixels, the display offers real

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Essential Install | Case Study

Essential Kit List

The clients love of music and films inspired the design

The client’s vast music collection is proudly on display

depth and clarity to images, along with eye-catching colours. The TV is flat mounted using a discreet Future Automation PF65 bracket.

Life Emotions chose a pair of Sonus Faber Venere 2.0 acoustic speakers to provide outstanding audio output. The speakers are stylishly designed, with a wood finish, which perfectly complements the wood furniture in the room.

A key element of the project was the ability to stream music and video around the property so the owner can enjoy personalised content, from his Apple TV or Netflix, Spotify, Tidal, and iTunes accounts, wherever he is located. To achieve this, the integrator has specified an HDanywhere mHub 4K, Sonos Connect for music streaming and AudioControl P2260 twelve channel multizone high-power amplifier.

Control of all the AV system in the room has been integrated through a Savant home automation system, at the heart of which is a Savant SmartHost controller.

The HVAC systems, which are managed using a Basalte Deseo intelligent design thermostat, have also been incorporated into Savant through a KNX interface. The occupants can easily and intuitively operate sound, vision, lighting, and heating/air con either by using a single Savant PRO remote or the intuitive Savant app on an Apple device. The app helps create instant ambiance, such as mood lighting for film nights and can store a personalised profile for individual users providing fast access to favourite scenes or settings.

• APC AP7723 • APC SURT1000XLI • Apple 64GB • Audio control P2260 • Audioquest Forest Digcoax 1.5M • Audioquest pearl (3M) • Basalte Deseo White - KNX/EIB • Cisco AIR-AP1832I • Cisco SG200-26P • Future Automation PF65 • Hdanywhere mHhub 4K 4X4 • Hdanywhere Platina HDMI 4K (1.5M) • Hdanywhere Platina HDMI 4K (1M) • Life Emotions GW • Martin Logan Dynamo 1000W • Middle Atlantic rack 5-14-26 • Pakedge P8-EU power distribution unit • Pioneer CDJ-850-K • Pioneer DJM-750-K • Pioneer PLX-1000 • Savant SSA-3220D Matrix • Savant SS-HST-SAVANT2-00 • Savant SS-REM-1000-00 Pro Remote • Sonos Connect • Sonus Faber Venere 2.0 Wood • Sony 4K HDR 75’’ FW-75XD8501 • STB Box • Vicoustic Multifuser Wood 36 White

The integrator wanted to ensure the power supply was robust for the media room and so chose to install two direct energy power sources from the main electrical panel that are managed by an ATS and UPS from APC. A power distribution unit from Pakedge manages all equipment on the rack. If one of the sources fails, the integrator is notified, and the system automatically changes to the other source. The power outlets allow remote control and sequence ‘power on’ if there is a system failure, which facilitates service support.

The equipment is conveniently stored within a Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series rack frame system which has been customised to fit within the room furniture, allowing easy management, while hiding undesirable wires and cables.

The project successfully combines functionality with aesthetics. In addition to building a stunning, contemporary living space the client can enjoy extensive, high-quality music and video whether they’re in the gym, bedroom, or garden. Despite the range of services on offer, they are easily accessible through a single interface.

From the judges’ perspective, Life Emotions delivered ‘A multi-functional room, which boasts impressive kit and was documented extremely well.’

More information: Life Emotions, +351 210 96 22 99 life-emotions.pt

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Essential Install | Sponsored section: CYP

CYP’s new product range uses AVLC (Adaptive Visual Lossless Compression)

The truth about 4K HDR video transmission over HDBaseT

Until now, due to the huge bandwidth required for the data transmission of 4K HDR and Dolby Vision signals (18 Gbps), installers using HDBaseT technology have had to accept a downgrade of picture quality due to the 10.2 Gbps bandwidth limitation available.

CYP’s full range of extenders, matricies and switches will be on show at ISE 2018

This technology is perfectly acceptable for those that are less worried about the quality of the image. Let’s face it – as long as the source and display are of a reasonable quality, then the resulting image and sound is good. In fact, it is very good. If you want to get the ultimate in video quality, namely 4K@60Hz (4:4:4, 8-bit), HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision (all of which require 18 Gbps bandwidth), HDBaseT technology is just unable to support the bandwidth required for these ultra-high definition video signals in their native form. That is until now.

After significant research and development, CYP has developed a new technology and subsequent product range that offers true 4K HDR and Dolby Vision support over HDBaseT. Called AVLC (Adaptive Visual Lossless Compression), the 18 Gbps HDR signal is compressed into a signal that can be transmitted over the standard HDBaseT technology, and is then faithfully re-built at the receiver end prior to distributing it to the display device. It sounds simple, but takes a huge amount of technology to do this. However, the results are stunning and, for the first time, true HDR and Dolby Vision video signals can now be transmitted over long distances, thanks to CYP’s latest range of HDBaseT extenders.

Crucially, the compression takes place within the AVLC HDMI chip and presents the HDBaseT technology with a pre-packaged stream. Unpacking the other end is also carried out by the AVLC HDMI chip, leaving the HDBaseT technology alone to do what it is best at – transmitting signals over long distances via Cat 6 cable.

The adaptive part of the technology is also very clever. The transmitter can recognise what data speed the source device is outputting and then alter the transmitting bandwidth required for the best performance. Therefore, any outputted signal falling under 10.2 Gbps will be transmitted along the HDBaseT installation in its native form.

With products available for delivery during December, CYP is only now talking about this new technology. Martin Featherstone, commercial director at CYP Europe, says, “We have been working on this technology for a while now but have kept quiet whilst we made sure that it was bullet proof, which is very much the CYP way. Our AVLC technology is unique in the way that it works and both technical and visual tests have proved that it is the most stable out there. We are really pleased to announce that our new range of extenders available in December will all feature AVLC and that it will filter through our range of HDBaseT matrixes in time for ISE 2018.”

Kevin Cray, technical director at CYP Europe, adds, “AVLC is the first commercially available technology to reach the market and we have run extensive tests across a wide range of compatible products to guarantee how robust it is. Only now can 4K60 4:4:4 or any form of 4KHDR and Dolby Vision be faithfully transmitted over HDBaseT up to 70 meters.”

Kevin concludes, “But please remember to use the correct Premium HDMI cables at both ends of the chain.

Otherwise, although you will get a picture, all of your hard work will be reduced due to the limitations of lesser HDMI cable bandwidth!”

CYP is launching its new range of extenders this month with two options available: the PUV-1810TX-AVLC transmitter and PUV-1810RX-AVLC receiver for cable runs up to 70m, and the PUV-1710TX-AVLC transmitter and PUV-1710RX-AVLC receiver for shorter runs up to 40m. The full range of extenders, matrixes and switches featuring the new AVLC technology will be on show at ISE on the CYP stand – Hall 5 / U50.

CYP 020 3137 9180, cypeurope.com

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This Month’s Essential Supplement

Multi-Room Music Systems HEOS Super Link

WHOLE HOME AUDIO IN A SINGLE CHASSIS. NETWORKED MULTI-ROOM PRE-AMPLIFIER The evolution continues with the HEOS Super Link, a four zone, multi-room preamplifier designed for the custom install market.

Combines four HEOS zones in a single, compact, rack-mountable chassis.

The HEOS Super Link forms the bridge between the HEOS wireless multiroom sound system and complete custominstalled audio set-ups. HEOS enables you to enjoy your favourite music anywhere and everywhere around the house, using an existing home network; HEOS Super Link takes the concept of the HEOS Link, designed to connect existing audio systems to a HEOS network, and expands it for professionally-fitted distributed sound installations.

Multi-room Music Systems.indd 49

Specifically designed with the custom installer in mind—and building off the success of the HEOS Link—the Denon HEOS Super Link provides coverage to all four HEOS zones in a single 1U (1.75” tall) chassis. With robust, third party control from popular manufacturers including Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC and ELAN, the HEOS Super Link is customisable within almost any professional-quality home audio environment.

24/11/2017 14:10

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artcoustic.com

Award-winning sound meets customisable design

Beautiful Sound Since 1998

Essential Install | Multi-Room Music Systems

Surrounded by sound

Music is meant to be heard loud and proud. A smart home deserves spectacular sound throughout the house, with the latest and greatest control options and the best user experience. EI finds out what sounds good.

The new HEOS Subwoofer, AVR and Super Link

AWE boasts a comprehensive range of multi-room audio options from HEOS by Denon including the HEOS Super Link, the newest addition to the HEOS by Denon range, designed specifically to enable music to be enjoyed everywhere around a home. The Super Link is a networked multi-room pre-amplifier capable of supporting up to four HEOS zones, housed within a rack mountable and compact framework.

The HEOS Super Link provides installers with a rock solid, easily integrated multi-room audio pre-amplifier.

By combining the Super Link with a high-performance amplifier, installers can achieve a powerful distributed home audio system.

Featuring Amazon Alexa voice integration, dedicated analogue, fibre optic and coaxial outputs for each zone, and third party control capability, the Super Link provides custom installers with user appeal and high performance,

says the maker. Another good function is that end users, via the dedicated HEOS app, can stream music through popular online platforms such as Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music, as well as music from their own personal library.

The manufacturer says its HEOS AVR combines flexibility, ease of use and good performance encased in an aluminium chassis. It combines 5.1 channel surround sound with HEOS multi-room music streaming and the option of utilising wireless HEOS speakers as surround channels, creating a cable-free multichannel system. It will drive conventional speakers with its built-in Class D amplification, or will work with a mix of both wired and wireless speakers.

This new product, which has been developed with the idea of ‘surround yourself with sound, not wires’, is available exclusively to smart home market via AWE. There is an app available as well which can lead the user through the configuration process to integrate the HEOS AVR into a whole home music system.

HEOS Drive

NETWORKED MULTI-ROOM AMPLIFIER: WHOLE HOME AUDIO IN A SINGLE CHASSIS.

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd TM

connect@awe-europe.com

+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

November 2017 | 51 Multi-room Music Systems.indd 51

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Essential Install | Multi-Room Music Systems

Legrands’ Nuvo P400 and P30 touchscreen system controller

Dynaudio’s Music comprises of four intelligent wireless speakers

The HEOS Bar can enhance the audio performance of a TV, while also having the functionality to play music from the customer’s own library, from a phone via Bluetooth and via streaming services.

The HEOS Bar is able to integrate into a HEOS multiroom system. It’s a three-channel design, suitable for screens over 50in and able to be used on a shelf or wallmounted. The Bar uses nine high-performance drivers in a 45° configuration to spread sound around the room.

The same Denon DSP technology used in Denon’s AVRs is included in the wireless soundbar and Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio processing ensures great sound quality.

Meanwhile, the new HEOS Subwoofer, which can be arranged vertically or horizontally, is designed to work in with the entire HEOS range, from wireless speakers to the new Bar and AVR products, as well as and the HEOS Amp/HEOS. Legrand showcased products from its Nuvo line of Player Portfolio components at CEDIA earlier this year, including the Nuvo P400, its first tabletop speaker for Nuvo Player Portfolio, the company’s whole home audio system. The Wi-Fi enabled speaker is designed to provide pure, clean sound and instant access to content from network connected devices and streaming sources.

The P400 is a 2.1 speaker system based on a five-driver design: one 5.25in woofer, two midrange drivers and two tweeters. A built-in digital amp powers the high fidelity stereo system from a single compact enclosure. The new model offers easy access to music via the touch-sensitive, back-lit LED controls provided on its top panel. As part of the Player Portfolio system, the P400 is compatible with in-wall Nuvo Player keypads and the Nuvo Player app for iOS and Android devices. It can also be integrated into third-party control platforms including Control4, Crestron, KNX, URC and RTI.

“The Nuvo P400 makes our Player Portfolio system a more well-rounded and competitive offering for installers to offer their customers interested in multiroom audio,” says Desirée Webster, senior marketing communications manager at Legrand. “This answers calls we’ve heard from integrators to introduce a standalone player and speaker option that facilitates flexible placement in rooms where space and installation options are otherwise limited.” The speaker integrates with the Domotz PRO remote network management platform for an improved dealer experience in troubleshooting and support scenarios.

Legrand highlighted other products, including its Nuvo P500, the first sound bar and subwoofer combo in its Player Portfolio whole home audio product line, at CEDIA 2017. The two-piece system provides enhanced audio for TV while serving as a Nuvo Player for music and audio content. Walt Zerbe, Legrand’s product manager for audio says, “With one of these systems in the room, you have the option of getting great sound for both movies or music. Not every room with a TV is going to have a surround system, but it can still have great audio for video soundtracks and streaming music. With the Player Portfolio built-in, the P500 sound bar works seamlessly as part of whole house system, playing audio throughout the house, or in a separate zone with different content.”

Legrand showcased its Nuvo P4300 Player, the new flagship rack mount model of its Player Portfolio line. The model is the first in the line to have a backlit touch screen and features a three amplifier design, enabling three different audio programs to be played simultaneously.

Finally on offer from Legrand is the Nuvo P30 touch screen system controller, offering users the choice between handheld control via the apps or in-wall use to suit all music listening experiences. “The Nuvo P30 touch screen and Player Portfolio app offer intuitive easy in-wall control of the whole home audio system,” says Desirée. NuVo is distributed into the UK smart home market by Habitech.

Dynaudio offers Music, its first wireless multiroom music system comprised of four wireless smart speakers, which can adapt automatically to any room or position, and to surrounding noise levels. It can create personalised playlists with Music Now. The accompanying free app for iOS and Android uses Dynaudio’s Music Now algorithm to learn users’ musical tastes and play automatically generated playlists.

The speaker connects to popular music-streaming services and each Music speaker has five pre-sets that can be filled with anything accessible from the app.

All the speakers can stream via Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, aptX Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay, and can access DLNA devices on users’ home networks.

They all have USB inputs for iOS audio and charging iOS devices, and can accept 3.5mm analogue inputs.

The Music 5 and Music 7 add digital optical inputs to the mix (both support signals up to 24-bit/96kHz), while the Music 7 also has an HDMI connector with Audio Return Channel to turn it into a soundbar.

HEOS Link

WIRELESS PRE AMPLIFIER: TURN ANY STEREO SYSTEM INTO A WIRELESS ZONE.

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd TM

connect@awe-europe.com

+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

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24bit/192kHz

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unparalleled unparalleled HI-reS HI-reS perFOrManCe, perFOrManCe, TAILORED TAILORED FOR FOR CUSTOM CUSTOM INSTALL INSTALL Meridian Audio’s Award-Winning 200 Series. Tailored for custom install, competitively priced Meridian Audio’s Award-Winning 200 Series. Tailored for custom install, competitively priced and with a five year warranty included; it’s not just the performance that’s outstanding. and with a five year warranty included; it’s not just the performance that’s outstanding.

info@meridian.co.uk info@meridian.co.uk +44 (0)1480 445678 +44 (0)1480 445678 meridian-audio.com meridian-audio.com

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Essential Install | Multi-Room Music Systems

The Sphere range of speakers are available in black, white, red, green and orange

BluOS streaming can now be found in NAD’s CI products

Bedfordshire-based TIBO Audio, has launched a new range of multi-room loudspeakers speakers, Sphere. The range currently consists of two statement models – the Sphere 2 and 4. A third model, the Sphere 6, is due to be launched in December 2017, complimented by home cinema models Sphere 8 and Bar. A key feature of the Sphere range is its multi-room functionality. This can be operated via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with the capability of controlling speakers from multiple devices. The TIBO app adds to a streamlined experience, featuring more than 15,000 integrated radio stations and in-built streaming services. Up to 24-bit high res playback provides great listening experience with high quality audio.

Each Sphere speaker has five pre-sets which can be set up via the app. Once set up, the speaker will go directly to a favourite radio station, streaming service or playlist.

All Sphere models are available in five bold colour options; red, orange, white, green and black, all complimented by a Scandinavian inspired structure.

Furthermore, all Sphere products feature a USB socket to charge mobile devices and allows for up to eight hours of battery playback.

Control4’s voyage into the world of multi-room audio began 13 years ago with a whole-home matrix amplifier and audio decoder. Multi-room audio has seen a lot of change along the way and Control4 has now expanded its line of Triad R series in-ceiling speakers with six new models. “With the growth of the connected home and demand for music everywhere, customers want to play high-quality audio throughout the home,” says Paul Williams, VP of product management. “More often than not, the homeowner wants the speakers to blend into the décor. Triad R Series provides low-profile, in-ceiling speakers for a wide range of budgets, applications, and room sizes with an acoustic signature that delivers the

sound quality our customers have come to know and love.”

There are six new in-ceiling speaker models in the Triad R Series. Triad R06 Speaker features a 6.5in,durable, long-life polypropylene woofer, and a 3/4in aimable and cloth dome tweeter.

The four new models in the R10 Series are voicematched, allowing homeowners to mix and match speakers to meet the needs of each room, while providing identical tonal qualities throughout the home.

Each model also features an aimable Teteron dome tweeter delivering full, natural sound.

The Triad R20 Series speakers are designed to have the highest musical fidelity in the Triad R Series speaker line, and are engineered for music enthusiasts. The series uses top-quality components including carbon fibre woofers for bass and 1in aimable silk dome tweeters for smooth, clear highs.

All R Series models feature an ultra-slim, magnetic micro-frame round grill and optional square grill, for a low-profile design and all Triad speakers are available with custom paint matching for discreet installations.

Speaking to Babs Moore, of Amina Technologies, its clear how far the hidden speaker has come in terms of its use in multi room solutions. Babs says, “Today there is a desire to be entertained at all times, and to be able to freely move around the home, enjoying music in every room. Large speakers may be OK for one main listening room, but this is not the case throughout the house, and speakers can often be beautiful, but obtrusive.”

“The amount of room speakers can occupy, whether in small three bed houses or high end London apartments, is significant,” she continues. “One obvious solution is in-ceiling speakers but few people want the ceiling acne this brings. Invisible speakers covering a range of price performance points allows a distributed audio system to be used throughout the house, whilst having zero visual intrusion. Additionally, the dispersive nature of VPT (Vibrational Panel Technology) means that there is little or no discernible change in sound quality between standing directly below the speakers (on axis) or at the other side of the room (off axis). This high clarity room-filling sound produced by VPT speakers permits almost seamless movement between zones allowing the listener to enjoy an exceptional multi-room music system.”

Amina Invisible speakers are available in two main ranges. The Amina Edge Series, which have enhanced low frequency performance, are designed to be plastered up to and then decorated with paint or wallpaper. Alternatively, installers can opt for the Mobius Series, which is fully plastered over, benefits from the best high frequency clarity and detail. The Mobius series can be used behind a variety of finishes such as wood, wood veneer, leather, high pressure laminates, slate or concrete veneer, giving interior designers real options for sound solutions.

HEOS Amp

WIRELESS AMPLIFIER: TURN ANY SPEAKERS INTO A WIRELESS ZONE.

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd TM

connect@awe-europe.com

+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

November 2017 | 55 Multi-room Music Systems.indd 55

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Essential Install | Multi-Room Music Systems

Meridian’s back room boys, the 200 series

The audio range from Sony is extensive. EI spoke to Sony’s sound product managers to find out the best choices for installers. Manager James Glover says, “Sony’s Extra Bass speaker range is a good example of models that can deliver quality sound throughout the home. The XB10, XB20, XB40 and XB60 can all be linked with the Sony Music Centre app and 10 speakers can be party chained together so consumers can immerse themselves in their music. They can also listen to music indoors or outdoors without worry as the wireless XB40 is water resistant.”

“Sony recently launched a smart speaker with Google Assistant built-in, the LF-S50G,” adds manager Lucia Seston-Ferdinand. “With its IPX 3 rated splash proof coating it’s perfect to use in the kitchen. It can play music with a simple voice command. Using the Google Home app, you can connect multiple devices to the smart speaker and control your home through the device.”

Available now through UK Distributor Anatech, BluOS, the operating system behind Bluesound Hi-Res Audio, has added ELAN integration and Control4 Certification to its list of integrated protocols. BluOS streaming can now be found in Bluesound consumer products, NAD’s consumer and CI products, and will be the streaming OS behind Dali’s forthcoming active networked loudspeakers. BluOS has also been selected as one of the partnering systems for Apple’s new AirPlay2.

Control4 certification comes after rigorous interoperability tests to ensure BluOS Enabled devices integrate seamlessly with Control4 home automation systems. ELAN integration includes development of a two-way driver that allows the BluOS hi-res distributed audio system to integrate with ELAN’s API. ELAN is the sixth control system supported by BluOS, which already supports similar drivers for Control4, Crestron, URC, RTI, and Push.

“An ELAN driver has been a popular request from our dealers and the installer community,” says Andrew Haines, BluOS product manager. “We believe that every great custom installation project needs a comprehensive hi-res audio distribution system that works seamlessly with the central control system. We are delighted to offer ELAN installers the option to use BluOS for that purpose.”

The new Sonos One networked speaker brings voice control to multi-room music installations. Available now from Alltrade, the Sonos One has Amazon’s Alexa voice integration system built-in, delivering hands-free music control.

The Sonos One fully integrates with the existing lineup of Sonos networked audio products and offers direct access to, currently, 43 music services. Static libraries and NAS shares can be controlled on the One using the Sonos app.

“Voice control has a strong future in home automation and voice controlled music is leading that charge,” says Alltrade MD, Steve Simper. “The Sonos One simplifies the integration of voice control into your multi-room music projects thanks to Amazon Alexa built in. Sonic performance is everything we have come to expect from Sonos and the One works seamlessly within the existing Sonos architecture. We see the One as a must have part of new Sonos-based projects and a great add-on to existing installs.”

With two Class D amplifiers and custom drivers, the maker say it has worked hard to make sure the Sonos One lives up to the standard set by the original Play 1. It has a custom six-microphone array complete with noise cancellation to ensure voice commands are heard from anywhere in the room, no matter how loud the music is playing. Multiple Sonos One units can be added in different rooms for multi-room voice control. Two Sonos Ones can be linked in the same room for stereo operation, paired with the Sonos sub for deep bass or used with a Playbase or Playbar as surround sound speakers for movies.

Over the last year, Meridian Audio has introduced a number of new products to its 200 series. Designed to deliver great audio performance with the ability to integrate with existing controls, the 200 series products are designed to offer a Hi-Res solution for home integrators and their customers.

Meridian’s 271 Digital Theatre Controller and 251 Powered Zone Controller provide an immersive experience throughout the home, using Meridian’s built-in DSP and High Resolution up-sampling technology, to improve audio output from a range of AV technology.

Delivering 2 x 100W for two passive loudspeakers, the 251 can act as an integrated amplifier or as an endpoint for Meridian’s Sooloos music management platform.

With the ability to integrate any analogue or digital AV processor or receiver with Meridian’s DSP loudspeakers, the 271 allows integrators to provide the Meridian sound with more flexibility, power and precision.

NEW HEOS SuperLink

NETWORKED 4 ZONE PRE AMPLIFIER: WHOLE HOME MULTI-ZONE AUDIO

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd TM

connect@awe-europe.com

+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

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The New Generation are here !

Rarely has a loudspeaker passed the test of time and captured the imagination like the Minipod. Now, after a serious investment, Podspeakers have bought them bang up to date using more advanced technology which makes them not only a high end audiophile speaker, but they look better too ! Dont believe us? then have a listen to them.

• Total redesign from the ground up, new drivers, fibre reinforced enclosure, new electronics, in fact everything has changed apart from the shape.

• High end audiophile sound quality - no longer a compromise with lifestyle speaker design (they’re seriously good - you should hear them!)

• Range includes the Drop (with hanging ceiling mount), Minipod MkIV, Minipod Bluetooth, Bigpod, and soon the Micropod MkII • Mix and match hoops and spikes in 6 different finishes (including real oak) to satisfy the interior designer in your life • Good dealer margins • Display dealers attract a bigger margin and are listed on our website to drive customers to you.

• Extensive UK marketing campaign to increase product awareness

HiFi Cinema Ltd, sole UK distributor • web: www.podspeakers.co • e-mail: alan@hificinema.co.uk • tel: 0118 982 0402

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Essential Install | Multi-Room Music Systems

Get loaded with multi-room audio options

Meridian provides a range of versatile control options for integration. With both digital and analogue inputs, the MQA–enabled 251 is a hub for distributed audio applications from simple single zone to whole-house distribution. The 251 offers IP and IR control, a native iPad network control app and Meridian Sooloos control, whilst the 271 offers 16 unbalanced inputs, 16 balanced inputs and 16 digital inputs.

Barry Sheldrick, director of sales at Meridian Audio comments, “I’m really proud to be able to offer this range of amazing sounding products to our dealers. When they hear our systems at our demonstration facilities, you can see them think about where they can deploy our solutions in their next projects. Having Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant and Elan drivers available for the 200 series has really opened the range up and made it much easier to integrate them into their clients’ homes.”

With resolution support up to 32 bit 192 kHz, Lode Audio is a strong option for multi-room audio solutions.

Featuring four zones of streamed, network-stored or Apple Airplay audio via Lode Audio’s patented LodeNet, the LA4 is a 1U 19in source designed for use within residential and commercial custom installations. Also available is the recently launched half-width LA1 singlezone variant, which is ideal for single rooms or to use as a localised source.

Built in the UK, all Lode Audio product chassis are milled from single billets of aluminium, allowing for greater heat dissipation and, therefore, increased reliability, thanks to the removal of any moving parts, such as fans.

Offering real plug-and-play set up, installers can get going simply and, thanks to the proprietary control software, Lode Audio products integrate with Crestron, AMX, Control4 and RTI system platforms. iOS and Android control is also integrated, providing near zero latency when operating via any Smartphone.

The final multi room solution comes from French loudspeaker manufacturer, Cabasse, who has applied its 60 years of audio heritage to a range of domestic streaming products. Multi-room capability is built in to the range, with the creation of different zones comprising multiple Stream models simply achieved via the Stream CONTROL app for iOS and Android.

Stream AMP is a compact four-channel amplifier with the ‘connect and play’ approach of the Cabasse Stream

products. It is fitted with four loudspeaker outputs, enabling stereo or mono use with one or two pairs of loudspeakers. Included are two RCA inputs, an optical SPDIF input, a preamplifier output and a subwoofer RCA output.

The diminutive Stream Source is a stand-alone source product that brings streaming connectivity to the main audio system or to an existing or new multiroom installation. Stream BASE is a compact unit that sits beneath the screen to provide high-fidelity TV sound reproduction and is the only sound-base with built-in streaming from online services and network drives.

The Stream BAR soundbar has two tweeters and four mid/bass units, all driven by three-way active amplification and a 100W wireless subwoofer. Connected to the TV using the dedicated HDMI connection, the Stream BAR uses the Audio Return Channel (ARC) functionality to allow the TV remote to be used to select sources connected to the TV and control the volume.

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk Dynaudio +45 8652 3411, dynaudio.com TIBO 01225 580 649, tibo-electronics.com Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com Amina Technologies 01480 354 390, uk.aminasound.com Sony 01932 816 000, sony.co.uk Anatech 020 8977 8633, bluesound.anatech.co.uk Alltrade 0344 225 2700, alltrade.co.uk Meridian 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com Lode Audio 020 3327 2990, lodeaudio.com Connected Distribution 01242 511 133, connecteddistribution.com

HEOS

WIRELESS MULTIROOM MUSIC SYSTEM: FILL EVERY ROOM WITH MUSIC.

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd TM

connect@awe-europe.com

+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

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

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

To find out more contact neil@genesistechnologies.co.uk or design@meridian.co.uk

路 HDMI 2.0a 路 HDCP 2.2

www.barco.com/residential

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14/07/2017 09:13 12/04/17 09:55

Essential Install | Show review

URC Total Control 2.0 controls the AV and lighting in the showroom

Awesome automation

Earlier this month, EI was invited to the AWE Smart Home Expo for a special serving of smart home tech, including updated product ranges and a brilliant brand new cinema room, featuring Definitive Technology loudspeakers.

KEF BLADE TWO speakers feature in the new music room

Greeting guests in the entrance foyer was a brilliantly bright TV from the latest brand to be added to AWE’s portfolio, Videotree, producer of luxury mirror, waterproof and outdoor TVs. Elsewhere in the showroom, a second Videotree product was displayed, this time an elegant 55in mirror TV placed in the dining room to maximum luxurious effect.

AWE recently secured the exclusive UK distribution of Definitive Technology’s Mythos and Custom Installation collections of loudspeakers. Definitive Technology produce on-wall, architectural, floor standing, bookshelf and outdoor speakers, alongside both in-wall and freestanding subwoofers, which were dispersed throughout the showroom, including in the updated main apartment. A demo of the new small cinema room revealed how these speakers pack a punch, creating excellent high-end sound but with a more entry level price tag. This is a deliberate move to compliment the larger, and more dedicated, KEF THX cinema room.

The small cinema room is half the physical size of its larger counterpart and boasts the brand new Denon AVRX6400H, selected to drive the sound system.

Projecting onto a 110in Draper NanoPerf screen is the Epson EH-TW9300, 3LCD with 4K enhancement, delivering a bright and extremely high quality image. With this home cinema, AWE has successfully shown how to create a fantastic AV space for under £20k.

KEF BLADE TWO speakers feature in the new music room, and drew in a constant crowd of onlookers ogling at the striking design and incredible audio produced.

Enhancing the décor is a dual QMotion wire free blind but this room is all about spectacular sound, and the speakers take centre stage.

The new product gallery is full to the brim with prize products and hosts speakers, fire hoods and cable from KINETIK as well as HEOS speakers, soundbars and amplifiers. Best in show is the HD and 4K video distribution products from HDANYWHERE and the wide range of OLED and LED televisions from all AWE’s brands including LG, LOEWE, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Videotree.

Sneaking a peak at the comms room offers insights into the brands that power the entire showroom. Stacked on Sanus racks is the ultimate in AV control with Philips Dynalite, HDANYWHERE and URC Total Control 2.0 systems. The new brands on display are marvellous and the addition of Videotree is particularly choice. EI’s favourite product was the Sony 100in ZD9 LED/LCD TV. The 4K UHD screen is seriously impressive with precision pixels and a strong design, and completely covet-worthy.

The Smart Home Expo took place on November 7-8.

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com

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05 FEBRUARY 2018 AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS

Produced by

From Smart Buildings to Smart Cities

Smart Building at Integrated Systems Europe • Full-day conference with over 30 speakers on 5 February • Leading architect, inventor and Professor at MIT, Carlo Ratti, live on stage • Guided Smart Building tour • Dedicated Smart Building hall and theatre

@SmartBuildingCo

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www.smartbuildingconference.com

24/11/2017 15:15

Essential Install | Case Study

Hidden audio solutions blend tech with aesthetics

Granados design

A successful audio system relies on high quality speakers that are heard without being seen. That’s why, when a Mexico City-based homeowner asked local AV integration firm Inteliksa to design a new entertainment system in their completed, custom designed home, installation director Enrique Granados set out to incorporate ‘hidden’ audio solutions that would pack a powerful punch.

The client wanted a clean, minimalist design

Without hesitation, Enrique turned to Niles and Sunfire.

“The goal was to build an immersive sound system in the entertainment room and throughout the home without hindering the look of the house, which was gut-renovated and professionally designed three years prior,” Enrique says. “We based the new audio system on Niles and Sunfire solutions because of their ability to provide beat-bumping sound while seamlessly blending into the ceiling, walls, and cabinets throughout the space.”

The Inteliksa team installed Niles CM7PR in-ceiling speakers paired with Niles MP6R in-wall speakers to create a surround sound system. Complimenting Niles’ smooth sound, Inteliksa installed two Sunfire HRS subwoofers to deliver powerful bass. “Niles provides a unique sound experience, while Sunfire adds the perfect bass punch from hidden locations,” Enrique comments.

“Together, they create a 360 degree audio experience for the homeowner.”

Inteliska relied on Niles IR Emitters and Baluns for the safe transmission of signals over long distances within the home. “Working with reliable products is one of the keys to developing a successful project,” Enrique explains.

“At Inteliksa, we make careful decisions on every device installed, no matter how small.”

Granados protected the new audio system throughout the entire house, including in the dedicated cinema room, with a Panamax M5400-PM to minimise any potential effects from Mexico’s unstable electrical grid. “We have been using Panamax for more than

fifteen years to protect our installations and regulate voltage coming into the equipment,” he says. “It’s absolutely necessary to so do in Mexico, where power is unreliable.”

The team faced many challenges during the installation.

“For one, we had to exercise maximum care to avoid interfering with the lives of the inhabitants of the house as we worked in a central space,” Enrique comments. “We also experienced several hang-ups during the renovation process. For example, since part of the renovation took place in the basement, we found out that we had to lower the floor to add thirty more centimetres of ceiling height and add two steps in the entertainment room so that the quality standards required by the system were fulfilled.”

Despite the many challenges the Inteliksa team faced to complete the project, they were ultimately successful in building an impactful yet nearly invisible entertainment system. “We were asked from the beginning of this project to go about it in a ‘minimalist’ way so as not to influence the design,” Enrique explains. “With Niles and Sunfire audio solutions, we were able to make this a reality.”

More information: Inteliksa 52 (55) 5026 6969 inteliksa.com; Niles nilesaudio.com; Sunfire sunfire.com

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IAM “CEDIA brings people together. My business has benefited greatly from peer-to-peer networking, conversation and community.

We all have plenty to learn from one another, and CEDIA allows us to do that.�

Giles Sutton James + Giles, London Member since 2007

Explore the benefits of membership today. #IAMCEDIA

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Essential Install | Training Dates

A L LTRADE

CA I

C ED I A

WHYTE/PROMAX – ADVANCED IRS SYSTEM PLANNING, COMMISSIONING, TESTING & FAULT FINDING

INTRODUCTION TO IRS

PROJECT AND BUSINESS PROCESSES

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29 (10:30am-3:30pm) Maidstone Branch

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29 – 30; Watford, Hertfordshire

COST: Mem £230 and Non-Mem £310

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 27; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

COST: Free

MAKING THE BOND

INTRODUCTION TO SONOS

DATES/LOCATION: Dec 14; Watford, Hertfordshire

DATES/LOCATION: Dec 5 (10am) Brighton & Hove / Bournemouth Branch, (2pm) Cardiff Branch, Dec 7 (10am) Hemel Hempstead Branch (2pm) Maidstone Branch COST: Free

LEVEL 2 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: Dec 13 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch COST: Free

INTRODUCTION TO HDL Date/Location: Dec 6 (9:15am-4:30pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch

ESC-T TECHNICAL SCHOOL & EXAM

COST: Mem £140 and Non-Mem £195

BASIC HOME NETWORKING & CONNECTIVITY

COST: Mem £140 and Non-Mem £195

MORE INFORMATION »

Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd 01923 803 030, cai.org.uk

LEVEL 2 – (AV ACADEMY-FULL DAY TRAINING)

INTRODUCTION TO IRS DATES/LOCATION: Dec 14 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch COST: Free

INTRODUCTION TO FIBRE DATES/LOCATION: Dec 6 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, Dec 13 (2pm) Bournemouth / Maidstone Branch

COST: £202.80 GBP members / £286.80 nonmembers

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29; CEDIA HQ, St Neots COST: £202.80 GBP members / £286.80 nonmembers

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 30; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29 (10:30am-3:30pm) Maidstone Branch

COST: Free

BASIC WIRED AND WIRELESS NETWORKING

HOME CINEMA & HD VIDEO DISTRIBUTION

CYP EU RO P E

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch

COST: £1,078.80 GBP members / £1,500.00 nonmembers

SMART HOME CONTROL & LIGHTING SYSTEMS

WHYTE/PROMAX – ADVANCED IRS SYSTEM PLANNING, COMMISSIONING, TESTING & FAULT FINDING

INTRODUCTION TO CCTV

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 27; CEDIA HQ, St Neots

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 28; CEDIA HQ, St Neots

DATES/LOCATION: Dec 13; Watford, Hertfordshire

COST: Free

COST: Free

COST: £202.80 GBP members / £286.80 nonmembers

COST: £202.80 GBP members / £286.80 nonmembers

DATES/LOCATION: N/A COST: POA

MORE INFORMATION »

BESPOKE COURSES, PROJECTS AND FACILITIES

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

At CYP we understand your company may need further support in terms of training, project specification and showroom. We can offer courses to suit your needs whether your expanding your business into the world of HDMI distribution or looking for advanced one-on-one training on a specific topic and/or product.

MORE INFORMATION »

nick.bovill@cypeurope.com or via the CYP Training Department on 020 3137 6690

COST: Free

CAT5E/6, THEIR CONNECTORS AND BEYOND DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, Nov 30 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, Dec 6 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

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

G EMINI LIGHTING PHILIPS DYNALITE TRAINING DATES/LOCATION: Nov 28; East Malling, Kent Flexible date available on request.

COST: £400 + VAT

TRAINING DATES SET FOR 2018?

Get your training dates included in our training pages for upcoming issues.

Contact Niamh Marriott to add your training to the next issue.

Email: niamh@allthingsmedia.com, Call: 01634 673163.

Custom 1 Day beginner course with intro to lighting controls for your project requirements.

MORE INFORMATION »

craig.thorne@geminilighting.co.uk

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

64 | November 2017 Training Dates.indd 64

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Essential Install | Training Dates

CRESTR O N CRESTRON STUDIO FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFESTYLE

B EMCO K N X T R A I N I N G 2017

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 28; Cobham Philo Room

FREE INTRODUCTION TO KNX ‘TASTER’ SEMINAR

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING.

DATES/LOCATION: Dec 12, Feb 2 2018; Bemco, Wandsworth branch

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING DATES/LOCATION: Nov 30; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

CRESTRON RESIDENTIAL SYSTEM DESIGN DATES/LOCATION: Nov 30; Cobham Boole Room

DMC-STREAMING DATES/LOCATION: Dec 4; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING DATES/LOCATION: Dec 5; Crestron UK North – Huddersfield

COST: Free

KNX CERTIFIED PARTNER, BASIC COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Nov 27 – Dec 1, Jan 29 – Feb 2 2018; Bemco, Wandsworth branch COST: £750 + VAT

KNX CERTIFIED ADVANCED COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Apr 16-20 2018, Bemco, Wandsworth branch.

COST: £750 + VAT

MORE INFORMATION »

PLUG THE

HOLES IN YOUR

CYBER SECURITY

Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk

CTI-P101 FOUNDATIONS OF CRESTRON PROGRAMMING DATES/LOCATION: Dec 5; Cobham Philo Room

CTI-SG SMART GRAPHICS TRAINING DATES/LOCATION: Dec 11; Cobham Philo Room

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING DATES/LOCATION: Dec 12; Cobham Boole Room

CTI-P201 CORE SYSTEM PROGRAMMING

HA B I T EC H WYRESTORM- HD DISTRIBUTION THEORY AND TROUBLE SHOOTING (INCLUDING HDBASET AND 4K) DATES/LOCATION: Nov 28; Basingstoke

DATES/LOCATION: Dec 13; Cobham Philo Room

COST: Free

NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING

WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD

DATES/LOCATION: Dec 14; Cobham Boole Room

MORE INFORMATION »

All Crestron courses are free to attend. training.crestron.com

DATES/LOCATION: Nov 29; Basingstoke COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

Intro’d at the recent CEDIA tech forum in London, Habitech's Cyber Security session covers the principles of secure network design and shows you how to protect your systems from the threat of cyber-attack Part of our Advanced ProNet course; contact us to get involved...

WITH EVER-CHANGING STANDARDS, RULES & REGULATIONS, TRAINING HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT TO THE CUSTOM INSTALL INDUSTRY’S PROGRESSION.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

November 2017 | 65 Training Dates.indd 65

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Certification achieved. Now what?

Joining your industry trade association gives you additional weight and drives business growth

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Essential Install | Products

Essential Products

Decadent delights of hardware heaven

Come out to play!

B&O Play has announced its latest addition to the multiroom audio space, with the company’s Beoplay M3 set to directly compete with the Sonos Play:1.

The Beoplay M3 is the most compact model B&O Play has ever introduced into its wireless home speaker family, yet it still claims to offer impressive acoustics. That’s largely thanks to the fine tuning that has been done by Bang & Olufsen’s acoustic engineers – although these speakers also come equipped with a lot of technology, despite its small size.

“Our home wireless speakers are designed around the idea that sound should have a prominent place at home. It is about putting people before technology and designing speakers that earn attention for all the right reasons: immersive sound, a simple user experience and a design that adds warmth to the interior. Beoplay M3 delivers perfectly on this vision, and we are proud to extend the family with this compact yet powerful speaker,” says CEO of B&O PLAY John Mollanger.

Under the fabric or anodised aluminium covers you’ll find technologies that are typically associated with larger products in the B&O Play line-up. That includes advanced digital sound processing, adaptive bass linerisation, and unique control to protect against thermal and mechanical overload.

The Beoplay M3 also boasts a single 3½in custom designed long stroke mid/woofer. The unit itself is

front firing, utilising an acoustical reflector carefully designed from listening tests. The mid/woofer covers the frequencies from the base band to the upper midrange, ensuring perfect integration of the individual parts of the spectrum. The treble is covered by a high quality soft dome tweeter utilizing neodymium magnet system.

Multi-room systems have become a hot commodity in the AV market, but it’s also a sector that has become increasingly crowded. Between systems from manufacturers like Sonos and Denon, there is little room for new entrants. Thankfully, Bang & Olufsen is an established player – and its premium offering is likely to prove popular.

“Beoplay M3 is all about character; one that can easily adapt to any interior style. We have worked hard to get the very best of the premium materials used and the result is a sleek, hyper simple speaker with a precise shape. Tight, compact and powerful, Beoplay M3 blends in perfectly with your interior”, says designer Cecilie Manz.

Like other speakers in the Beoplay range, the M3 is capable of connecting to a large array of devices, whether it be through Bluetooth, Chromecast, QPlay 2.0 or, in 2018, AirPlay 2. The speaker can also be connected to other Beoplay products for playing in multiple rooms in the house.

Bang and Olufsen bang-olufsen.com

Charging points

The Lindy 7 Port USB 3.1 Hub has 7 charging ports

Lindy Electronics has launched the 7 Port USB 3.1 Hub which allows for up to seven USB 3.1 devices to be charged simultaneously using a single USB port on a PC or Mac. Ideal for domestic and commercial use, its ideal for syncing and charging multiple smartphones and tablets.

The Lindy 7 Port USB 3.1 Hub with BC 1.2 Charging provides convenient desktop access to USB 3.1 devices including smartphones, tablets, flash drives and keyboards. The seven ports provide much needed expansion whilst benefitting from data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and maintaining backwards compatibility for USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1.

The hub features USB Battery Charging Ports (BC 1.2) which are each capable of delivering 5V 1.5A up to a total of 36W when the hub is connected to the external power supply. The hub is perfect for charging larger devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is also ideal in environments when multiple devices are frequently used and are required to charge and sync data or to simply increase the number of ports on a PC. Lindy 01642 754 000, lindy.co.uk

November 2017 | 67 Products.indd 67

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The essential magazine for the custom install industry

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Loki 4K laser projector Experience Barco Residential Barco Residential brings the pinnacle of image and sound technology to the high-end home environment.

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Essential Install | Products

Extending to the max

Siemon’s new MAX HDMI adapter extender cable

Siemon has launched a new MAX HDMI adapter extender cable, which provides an easy pass-through connection for extending cables from LCD projectors, high-definition video monitors and digital displays to an HDMI interface mounted in a Siemon MAX series faceplate.

The MAX HDMI adapter extender cable fits into a single 2-port opening on all Siemon MAX series faceplates or modular furniture adapters and can be mounted alongside other types of Siemon MAX or Z-MAX outlets. It is ideal for use in conference rooms, classrooms, retail shops or any other space requiring an accessible interface for connecting laptops, DVRs or other video controllers to ceiling or wall-mounted video monitors, projectors or digital signage.

The new HDMI adapter extender cable features a female HDMI MAX connector on one end with a short pigtail to a standard female HDMI connector on the other. The pigtail extends the HDMI connection outside of the outlet box, eliminating the current management and bend radius challenges associated with larger diameter HDMI cables. Front faceplate installation offers fast, easy deployment without faceplate removal, while the flat or angled mount position allows for easy access.

“With the development of Siemon’s new MAX HDMI adapter extender cable we have successfully managed to address common problems associated with the use of thicker HDMI cables and are now offering an improved, easier to handle pass-through connection for HD video displays”, says Lee Funnell, technical manager at Siemon. “The reliable, high-performance connection delivers low loss, uncompressed 720p or 1080p high definition video and audio.”

Siemon 01932 571 771, siemon.com

Triad’s new R06 Speaker

Six new speakers Control4 has expanded its line of Triad R Series with six new models of in-ceiling speakers. Designed for dealers, builders, architects, and homeowners seeking high-performance, multi-room audio solutions, in a variety of installation configurations and options.

“With the growth of the connected home and demand for music everywhere, customers want to play high-quality audio throughout the home,” says Paul Williams, VP of product management. “More often than not, the homeowner wants the speakers to blend into the décor. Triad R Series provides low-profile, in-ceiling speakers for a wide range of budgets, applications, and room sizes with an acoustic signature that delivers the sound quality our customers have come to know and love.”

There are six new in-ceiling speaker models in the Triad R Series. Triad R06 Speaker features a 6.5in, durable, longlife polypropylene woofer, and a 3/4in aimable and cloth dome tweeter.

The four new models in the R10 Series are voice-matched, allowing homeowners to mix and match speakers to meet the needs of each room, while providing identical tonal qualities throughout the home. Each model also features an aimable Teteron dome tweeter delivering full, natural sound.

The Triad R20 Series speakers are designed to have the highest musical fidelity in the Triad R Series speaker line, and are engineered for music enthusiasts. The maker says the series uses top quality components including carbon fibre woofers for bass and 1in aimable silk dome tweeters for smooth, clear highs.

All R Series models feature an ultra-slim, magnetic micro-frame round grill and optional square grill, for a low-profile design and all Triad speakers are available with custom paint matching for discreet installations.

Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com

Hip to be square KEF’s new Kube range of subwoofers

KEF has debuted its new Kube range of subwoofers. KEF’s design and engineering team coordinated closely to develop an advanced Digital Signal Processing algorithm (DSP) known as iBX. This Intelligent Bass Extension algorithm extends depth to maximise the capabilities of the custom designed driver, delivering precision and synchronicity between amplifier, driver and sealed cabinet.

Kube subwoofers, available in three driver sizes, 12in, 10in and 8in, offer flexibility in configuration. A range of LFE, line & speaker-level inputs, Phase selection, and three DSP controlled EQ settings help match Kube to any room placement.

KEF is one of the few manufacturers able to design, engineer, and assemble the speaker driver, cabinet, and circuitry in-house. This level of integration is the hallmark of a commitment to pure sound and KEF believes that Kube reflects this.

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com

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Essential Install | Products

Projector X Optoma’s new short throw range for its 515 projector series includes WXGA at 5500 lumens, full HD 1080p at 5000 lumens and WUXGA at 5500 lumens. Both the 1080p and WUXGA models are also available with optional HDBaseT. The new fixed lens models come with a throw ratio of 0.8:1 and have an impressive lens shift of up to +25% vertical and 10% horizontal. The combination of the new short throw lens and impressive lens shift, which is unusual in short throw projectors, make these ultra-flexible in installations such as retail, museums, education and the corporate sector.

All 515 projectors come with the added benefit of four corner adjustment. This allows quick and accurate installation - ideal for uneven walls or where a projector placement is tricky and needs to be installed at an angle.

Philip Watt, product manager at Optoma EMEA says, “Up until now, if a customer wanted to achieve this level of performance and flexibility, they would be looking at an exchangeable lens projector with the extra expense of the lens.

This can be an unnecessary expense, where the flexibility to change lenses is not required once installed. We wanted to offer a range of products with the high brightness usually associated with exchangeable lens projectors, keeping the features, but without the cost. Now with the short throw option, the 515 series offers this.”

Optoma also launched its new 4K UHD laser projector, the UHZ65. The new UHZ65 harnesses laser technology along with the same high-end specifications as its UHD65. Kishan Mistry, senior product manager at Optoma EMEA, comments, “Reviews for the UHD65 have been excellent so we’re excited to be unveiling the next evolution of 4K home cinema projection with the UHZ65. Ultra High Definition coupled with laser technology delivers a truly spectacular experience for film fanatics, and the addition of the UHZ65 to our home range offers the ultimate in home projection.”

Optoma 01923 691 800, optoma.co.uk

Optoma launch short throw and laser projectors

Simplified security Johnson Controls provides safer and smarter living with DSC’s iotega

Johnson Controls announces the immediate availability of the DSC iotega, its next generation wireless security and automation solution designed to provide safer and smarter living for homes and small businesses.

With built-in PowerG wireless technology, iotega provides a fully encrypted security system designed to elevate homes and businesses to a new level of security while including remote interactive smart services and allowing new revenue streams for installers. It provides reliability with end-to-end 128-bit AES encrypted 2-way sensors and includes multiple advanced security features such as a built-in siren, 2-way voice, 99 user codes and Transport Layer Security.

PowerG technology addresses the key requirements for wireless security systems, including reliability, performance, privacy, minimising vulnerability, increasing usability and decreasing maintenance. Discrete in design, iotega includes a capacitive touch keypad as well as an optional 7in Wi-Fi enabled touchscreen, wireless arming station and flexible software app compatibility.

As an intelligent full premises management solution, iotega allows end-users to view cameras, lock doors, adjust temperature, switch on/off lights and enables a wide range of other home automation features. These actions can be implemented on demand or by set scenes and schedules, powered by SecureNet’s easy-to-use app. For installers, the SecureNet platform offers a comprehensive system management portal and an iOS and Android compatible mobile app that can be customised for dealer brand enhancement and additional revenue opportunities. The SecureNet platform is fully integrated with security monitoring stations.

“SecureNet’s direct integration with iotega marks an exciting new relationship, creating great opportunities and new revenue streams for dealers,” said Maciej Polak, EMEA intrusion product marketing manager, building technologies & solutions, Johnson Controls. “The combination of iotega’s security features with SecureNet’s app provides home and small businesses owners a fast, convenient way to manage and control what’s important to them by tapping into the latest scalable, secure option for connected environments.”

Johnson Controls 01753 693 919, johnsoncontrols.com

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We only award the best Because we only work with the best

The Crestron Integration Awards return to ISE, celebrating the very best of engineering, innovation and technological excellence of our integrators, consultants and programmers for residential projects.

Last year’s winners set a new standard for inspirational, creative projects; pioneering leading edge ideas, made reality with Crestron technology.

This year, will you raise the bar again?

Entries open on 26th October.

Sign up at crestron.com/integrationawards

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Essential Install | Products

Surround sounds

The PULSE 4.1 has support for Dolby Digital surround sound

Bluesound has introduced the PULSE 4.1 wireless home theatre system with support for Dolby Digital surround sound.

Using the new BluOS software and app, version 2.14, the PULSE SOUNDBAR and SUB can be wirelessly connected with a pair of PULSE FLEX speakers to act as dedicated rear wireless surround speakers for an immersive high-fidelity listening experience.

Designed to bring rich, detailed sound to films, TV shows and games, Bluesound’s first ever wireless surround sound system can be integrated into any TV room, placing the listener right in the heart of their entertainment with a wide, high-quality surround sound experience. In addition, the Bluesound surround sound system is a powerful high-resolution music system and a part of the BluOS wireless multi-room ecosystem, with on-demand access to popular music services and the ability to wirelessly stream different music to multiple rooms, or listen to the same music simultaneously all around the house.

“We’re making wireless home theatre simple by putting the latest surround sound codecs in a smart multi-channel system that delivers immersive highfidelity sound,” says Matt Simmonds, Bluesound product manager. “Without compromising any of our design, acoustics or engineering, our customers can enjoy all their films, TV shows, and video games—with theatrestyle sound.”

Anatech 020 8977 8633, bluesound.anatech.co.uk

A wireless vision Vision’s TCHDMIWM Wireless Matrix

Vision, investing heavily in wireless DisplayPort and HDMI technology, has announced the new TC-HDMIWM Wireless Matrix product will start shipping from January.

The product uses ten user-selectable 5GHz Wi-Fi channels which end users can connect automatically to by setting a transmitter and receiver to the same channel.

The new product wirelessly matrixes, distributes, switches, or a combination of those. Vision say two key rules for system design are that each transmitter must be on different channels (so there is a limitation of ten transmitters per Wi-Fi area), and a maximum of two receivers can connect to a transmitter.

For switching applications, a ‘present’ button on the transmitters sends a command to the receiver saying ‘switch to my channel’. It comes with a remote control, or can be controlled by RS232 and supports IR pass-through. Tx and Rx are sold separately but both come with a lifetime warranty.

Vision 01256 788 733, visionaudiovisual.com

Supporting role The new Maestro M5 was introduced at CEDIA 2017

AudioControl has added support for Dolby Vision HDR to its entire line of AV receivers and preamp/processors, including the new Maestro M5 introduced at the 2017 CEDIA Expo.

Dolby Vision HDR (High Dynamic Range) is one of three HDR formats tasked with bringing out the very best from the most advanced TVs. It delivers high-performance video image quality, enhancing the subtleties of the picture while delivering more natural colour tones.

By adding support for Dolby Vision HDR, AudioControl users will be able to enjoy the most high quality video available today.

“Dolby Vision is currently the only HDR format with dynamic metadata”, comments Chris Kane, VP of sales at AudioControl. “This means that the brightness levels of HDR content can vary between shots, giving filmmakers finer control over how the image looks. With sales of HDR-capable displays expected to grow 300% over the next four years, supporting a premium HDR technology like Dolby Vision was a natural for AudioControl.”

Dolby Vision HDR is now a standard feature on all of AudioControl’s home theatre products including the Concert AVR-7 and AVR-9 receivers, the Maestro M5 and M9 preamp/processors. Current owners of these products may download firmware from the AudioControl website at audiocontrol.com to update their units.

UK distribution for the brand is handled by Pulse Cinemas.

AudioControl 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com, audiocontrol.com

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entries

open for 2018

The Smart Building Awards (sba) are back, upgraded for 2018 with some brand new categories and a sumptuous gala awards dinner to be held on may 9 at ei live! where the awards will be presented.

enter today!

visit www.essentialinstalllive.com for more details on category criteria and how to enter.

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

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

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

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