Essential Install - September 2019

INSIDE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

LIGHT AND LIGHTING CONTROL

HUMAN CENTRIC REVOLUTION

CABLES AND CONNECTIONS SIGNAL SAVINGS SOLUTIONS

September 2019

ROOM CORRECTION

EVOLUTION OF SOUND CONTROL

4K HDR SUPPOR TING

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Essential Install | Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

September 2019

INSIDE

September 2019

LIGHT AND LIGHTING CONTROL

HUMAN CENTRIC REVOLUTION

CABLES AND CONNECTIONS SIGNAL SAVINGS SOLUTIONS

ROOM CORRECTION

EVOLUTION OF SOUND CONTROL

This issue…

REGULARS 5 From the Editor’s Chair

36 Audio Top Tips

67 Room Correction

7 Essential News

40 Big Interview

70 Training Dates

14 Pulse Cinemas

55 Content is King

75 Essential Products

18 Essential Habitech

58 Essential Review

31 Essential Case Study

62 Essential CEDIA

A new kind of Hi-Fi?

Install news alert

Kaleidescape content

One giant leap for AV

The perfect whole house project?

Surrounded by sound

Richard Newlove, founder of Amina Nice landing sir!

EQ verses room correction

Get some knowledge

Top tech and toys

What is the Backpack packing?

The client interaction process

65 Smart Thinking

Perception is everything

Pending first audit.

Case Study

31

More More powe powe

The The New New Sonos Sonos A A OY19000_SONOS_AMP_400x60_UK-D02.indd OY19000_SONOS_AMP_400x60_UK-D02.indd 11 2 | September 2019

Essential Install | Contents

21

Lighting and Lighting Control

FEATURES 16 Essential OneAV Cel-Fi info

21 Lighting and Lighting Control Human centric

38 Essential Dynaudio Dynamic new releases

Big Interview

40

Essential Dynaudio

38

43 Cables and Connections Info freako

60 Smart AV Distribution Distributor update

Cables and Connections

60

wer. wer. More More possibilities. possibilities.

os os Amp Amp 22/03/2019 22/03/2019 13:54 13:54| 3 September 2019

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pages 18-20

Digital tech is continuing to up the convenience and quality of delivery. Check out the article by General Manager of HighPerformance Audio, Niklas Thorin (cool name) at Dirac, which examines advancements in room correction

From the

Editor’s Desk

A new type of ‘Hi-Fi’ fit for the 21st century Daniel J Sait, Editor-in-Chief

A thought has been buzzing around inside EI’s head of late. The nagging feeling that the industry is on the edge of something potentially very big indeed.

Like many in this sector, the ultimate wish list of any music fan when EI was growing up was owning a good ‘Hi-Fi’. Many an enjoyable evening was spent going round a friend’s house to check out their ‘system’ and of course enjoy the music and stories that accompanied what we were listening to. Spin forward a few years (well it seems that way anyhow) and I am willing to bet most younger music fans barely know what a Hi-Fi is, perhaps it’s that odd looking boxy thing that is hidden in the study at home or in a relation’s house, lurking like some forgotten mysterious, but long since obsolete technology from a former age. These days, younger music fans’ experience of sharing their love of this art form happens mostly on-line as this delivers the access and convenience they crave. The only connection to the ‘past’ being the turntable where at least some DJs still ply their trade or within the vinyl ‘revival’. A lot of this can also now apply to older music fans too. Perhaps they resisted ‘going digital’ for quality reasons or an unwillingness to part with the enjoyable ritual of choosing music to play from a library of physical content. But under the wave of convenience

and quality that has been hitting the shores of music land over the past few years, many of those fears have subsided, and many fans have embraced the new digital age. This is certainly the case at EI towers; Tidal is now the go to source for most everything that gets played. The collection is still there, but it’s mostly for looking at, not listening too.

So, what does this all mean for the industry? Well of course it’s a huge opportunity! Easier said than done I know, but as a sector all we can really ask for is for culture and technology to present us with chances to give customers stuff they want. As the world of on-line music delivery now offers everything from indifferent, to pretty good, to really good quality, all wrapped up in that blanket of connectivity and convenience that is now driving any type of entertainment you care to mention, the industry has the chance to be talked about again. Something people recognise, see their friends having, and want to have themselves. It’s not Hi-Fi, it’s something potentially way better, more connected, betting sounding, more accessible and more exciting. In fact we need a new word or phrase to describe what ‘it’ is. Answers on a post card, or should that be a tweet, to EI towers.

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com SALES DIRECTOR: Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com PUBLISHER: David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com CIRCULATION: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com STUDIO MANAGER: Ben Bristow, ben@allthingsmedialtd.com HEADLINE SPONSOR

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Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD. T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 Whist we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

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

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Essential Install | News

Essential News Smart home happenings and automation announcements Redline takes on Totem

Totem install speakers are now available from Redline Distribution

Redline has announced that it is now the official distributor for the custom install range of loudspeakers from Canadian manufacturer, Totem.

Inspired by company Founder, Vince Bruzzese, originally building its brand in the Hi-Fi sector, in more recent times Totem has experienced significant success in North America and Canada with its custom install range. Now installers in the UK can get full access via Redline. The company will be working jointly with Joenit, a distribution company based in Belgium, which has been the Totem distributor into the UK and Benelux regions since the late 1990s.

Joenit will continue handling the Hi-Fi products and will have access to the custom install range, however, the main thrust for the integrated speakers will come through Redline, but with access to the Hi-Fi range on request.

Martin Morecroft, Redline Sales Director and Founder, comments, “The whole team is really excited to be able to offer this new opportunity to our customers. The Totem custom install range delivers that very rare animal – integrated speakers with genuine character, soul and a real feel for music. Choosing the integrated option is no longer a compromise on the sound, it really is the very best of both worlds.”

The CI family consists of: Kin architectural in-ceiling speakers, Kin in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, Kin surface mount speakers, Kin in-room subwoofers, Tribe in-wall subs, Tribe in-wall speakers, Tribe on-wall speakers and Tribe on-wall subs.

Each speaker is produced as an exact copy of the original design and everything is produced by the human ear and the vision of Vince.

The main design ethic involves removing as many parts from the audio chain as possible to produce a clean, pure and soulful sound.

Redline adds that specifying the range into modern interiors with lots of hard surfaces is never a problem as the speakers still sound sweet and clean without being bright or harsh. The install method is conventional on all the in-wall and architectural speakers. All the speakers also have high torque nylon dog legs that can cope with double layer board. The Architectural speakers all come with stainless steel grilles, optional back cans and a pre-construction kit that helps line up speakers off joists.

Martin concludes, “In a world of ‘me too’ products, it is great to be able to offer something that installers can use to genuinely add value and character. Totem will never be a global power-house of a brand, they don’t want to be, and that is where the relationship with the install community can really flourish, offering customers something they simply cannot get elsewhere.”

Redline Distribution 01268 858 222, red-line.co.uk

September 2019 | 7

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Essential Install | News

SnapAV and Control4 finalise merger

SnapAV and Control4 have big ambitions for the UK market

SnapAV, manufacturer of AV, surveillance, networking and remote management products and Control4 Corporation, provider of smart home solutions, have announced the successful completion of their merger.

Now unified into a single organisation, Control4 becomes a professional smart home brand in the company portfolio, whilst SnapAV continues to bring technology professionals a trusted, endto-end partner that invests relentlessly in growing the industry and helping their businesses succeed.

The major change installers in the UK will see is a larger presence from SnapAV. Speaking to EI John Heyman, CEO of SnapAV explained that the plan is to use Control4’s established networks and boots on the ground to increase the presence of SnapAV products in the UK and indeed Europe.

SnapAV plans to increase its presence in the UK later half of this year with a really significant impact expected and planned for over the next 18 months.

The plan is also to make Control4 more attractive as installers will be able to cross pollinate complementary products from the two brands.

In terms of the market in general, John believes the ‘smart home market’ is only just getting started and the joining of the two brands should make it easier to create compelling joined up services and experiences that end users want. Logistical and combined training initiatives will also be featured in the new set up.

“The smart home industry is poised for massive growth, and much of that growth will be driven and satisfied by professionals.

Our team shares a passion to deliver fantastic experiences to homeowners and businesses,” says John. “Through this combination of industry leaders, we have organized ourselves around delivering a unified and integrated company that gives dealers one place to go for the best and broadest selection of products, greatest technical support, most rewarding sales programs, robust training resources, and more.”

Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com

September 2019 | 9

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Essential Install | News

Another new event for the CI calendar

Smart AV Distribution launches the Smart Show

A busy year for distributor Smart AV Distribution is about to get busier as the company has announced it is to hold its own trade event this year. The company began the year by opening a brand new dedicated training and demo facility ‘The Smart Hub’ in April, which has proven to be a success and has urged the company to also try its hand with its own trade event, the Smart Show, which the company hopes will be the first of many.

The company says it understands how important it is for its customers to keep right up to date with the latest technology and designs. With that in mind, Smart AV Distribution has decided to bring together all of its most popular brand names under one roof so that installers can not only have the opportunity to see the latest products in action, but be able speak to the experts and ask about product functionality and installation.

The show will take place on Wednesday October 30, 2019 at the Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club. With names such as Blustream, Antiference, Monitor Audio, TP-Link and Whyte Technologies on board among many others and with the promise of several brand new products being unveiled on the day, the company is sure that there will be a huge interest in its first Smart Show and are looking forward to welcoming all visitors on the day.

In addition to so many big name industry suppliers, the company has also struck a deal with Essential Install as exclusive Smart Show media partners, and also special guests for the day, installer Facebook group Smart Homee, will host a series of workshops and seminars throughout the course of the show. Head over to the company website for more.

Smart AV Distribution 01992 445 122, savdistribution.co.uk

Grax gears up for event Not long to go now before the biggest event of its kind in the North West this year, the Grax Trade Show where AV, security and wireless come together. focusing on the aerial and satellite, AV distribution, CCTV, door entry & access control, Wi-Fi networking and AV mount markets, the event is the latest to join the CI calendar.

There’s still time to register, so installers can reserve their place to come along and talk to the manufacturers in attendance about their latest products.

Set across two open space conference suites looking on to the pitch at the AJ Bell Stadium, Manchester, the event takes place on Thursday October 24, and kicks off at 10.30am. With 16 of the leading brands exhibiting and scheduled training sessions throughout the day, there will be something of interest for everyone.

Most importantly the bar will be open all day as well for refreshments.

Exhibitors booked to appear include: Fermax, Global Invacom, Antiference, HDANYWHERE, Hikvision, Labgear, Promax Electronics, SAC Electronics, Sanus, Maxxone, Televes, Triax, Webro, SY Electronics, Grax, Whyte Technologies, Confederation of Aerial Industries.

The event is aimed at installer/integrators, consultants and electricians and registration iv via the company’s Eventbrite page via which attendees will qualify you for a £500 prize competition.

Grax 0115 9279993 grax.co.uk

September 2019 | 11

Essential Install | News

Connected Distribution takes to the road this Autumn

Connected Distribution has announced a series of Roadshows for the Autumn of 2019, giving installers across the UK the opportunity to experience the company’s portfolio of products and hear from some of its key suppliers.

Following a successful series of events in 2017, the company feels the time is right, with a choice of new and innovative products, to stage its roadshow events once again.

Taking place on September 19 in Reading, October 16 in Stirling and October 31 in Leeds, these day long sessions will be used to introduce installers to the latest technologies from some of the names available from the distributor.

The day will commence with a number of guest speakers from the likes of RTI, Russound, Sanus, Parasound and others, who will be presenting the newest products from these brands and explaining the technology behind them. The added value and revenue opportunities that they present to installers will be explored, with some interesting and hopefully thoughtprovoking ideas discussed that will be of direct benefit to installers and their customers.

Following lunch, the event will transform into an expo, with example products from all of the brands in the

Connected Distribution portfolio on display and available for the attendees to discuss in more detail.

Mike Bonnette, Connected Distribution’s Product Director, announcing the events says, “We have held very successful roadshows over the past few years and are excited to be repeating them in 2019. A lot of technological developments have taken place since the last time we all got together and many of our suppliers have produced ground-breaking products that offer significant benefits to the installers and their customers alike.”

He continues, “The chance to present these all under one roof to our customers and other interested members of the CI industry is one we are looking forward to. We feel sure the opportunities for business growth that they present will be of great interest to all who come along and we look forward to seeing them at one of the three events.”

Any installers interested in attending can reserve a place by emailing phil@connecteddistribution.com with their preferred venue.

Connected Distribution 01242 511 133, connecteddistribution.com

RGB Communications announces Chief distribution

RGB Communications has announced a new deal to distribute the entire range of Chief mounts and support products into the UK custom install market. A member of the Legrand Group, Chief is considered one of the most reliable and expert manufacturers of audio-visual support products. RGB says the brand makes an excellent addition to its line-up in the support and racking sector, which already includes names such as Middle Atlantic.

A company that underlines its aim of listening to the market and developing real-world solutions for real world challenges, Chief creates install-focused products suitable for both commercial and domestic sectors. Created with equal vigour and knowhow, the line-up consists of high-quality mounts and accessories for TVs, displays, projectors and many other AV components.

RGB Communications will be carrying considerable stocks of the whole range of brackets and support products from Chief. However, a major focus will be the ranges of TV brackets created specifically for residential and commercial applications, including fixed wall, full swing on-wall, in-wall, ceiling, TV stands and tilting wall models.

RGB says that all the products are designed with features that increase the speed of installation without compromising on quality, delivering strength, flexibility and ease of use.

Giving installers the ability to adapt and customise its mounts for each project, Chief has also created a wide variety of accessories that integrate with the range.

Caroline Britt, MD at RGB Communications, comments, “As a distributor, we are committed to gathering together the best possible brands in each sector we look to support. Chief has a very strong reputation as an innovative manufacturer of high-quality products and is committed to keeping pace with the needs of the installer/integrator community. We are delighted to have them onboard and be able to offer yet another world class brand to our customers.”

RGB Communications 01488 73366, rgbcomms.co.uk

12 | September 2019

Custom AV Distribution announces exclusive distribution with Ineva design

Custom AV Distribution (CAVD) has announced that the company is now exclusive the UK distributor for Ineva Design seating. Ineva Design create handcrafted, luxurious, bespoke home cinema seats. The distributor says this manufacturer’s team consists of only the best craftspeople with over 35 years of experience in the market. Based in the Netherlands, Ineva Design has clients across the globe and has a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service. The company offers an unlimited range of options that give installers the freedom to create custom-made comfort for any home cinema, games or media room.

Jamie Pullen founder of CAVD says, “Integrators have been asking us for high quality European manufactured seating with modern, fresh progressive designs along with reasonable shipping costs. Ineva Design gives us exactly what we need.”

CAVD will support integrator’s projects with drawings and renders to help the sales process, offering lifelike visualisations for clients to sign off that reflect the range of sumptuous fabrics and leathers and row arrangements. This extra valueadded service is courtesy of CAVD and Ineva Design’s partner Sinemas and has been well received says the company.

All seats by Ineva Design feature steel frames, motorised incliners, articulating headrests and cup holders as standard. Dual motors, USB charging and a whole host of other features are available along with full customisation to suit any requirement from a client or interior designer.

CAVD 01628 563344, cavd.co.uk

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Essential Install | Essential Pulse Cinemas

King of content

The landscape for content, specifically high-quality content, is changing rapidly. Stephen Carr, Brand Ambassador for luxury content supply system Kaleidescape, explains how this platform stands ready to deliver the performance clients want, now and into the future.

Currently, disc sales are still high and will continue to be for some time, however, support for the format is in decline with companies such as Oppo and Samsung opting to leave the 4K Blu-ray player sector. It is highly likely that other brands will follow, with Sony being the last to leave as the company is the license holder of the Blu-ray format.

Those with large disc collections will eventually be faced with the decision on how to continue enjoying their movie collection when support runs out for disc players.

Maybe in the past, a format change would have meant converting each title into a DVD or a digital format. Problem is, nowadays laws forbid us from converting copy protected content into another format other than that in which it was originally purchased. Unless there is a service that can offer the ability to purchase the digital rights to those precious discs, the customer runs out of options fast.

Ownership is also a hot topic, with streaming services recently coming under fire for remotely removing the free upgraded HDR titles from their libraries, even though they purchased the title on the basis that it was HDR. Streaming and end-user license agreements have given consumers a false sense of security, when effectively they are paying retail prices for something that could quite easily be taken from them with not so much as a notification that it’s happening.

Content security is not the only problem with streaming. Be it Sky Q, Apple 4K, Amazon or Netflix, all these services are setting the same low benchmark for source quality. Lawrence of Arabia in 4K on Sky Q is a 27.9GB file. On Kaleidescape the same movie is a meaty 112GB. The problem is these platforms can still offer themselves as 4K and Atmos compatible as there is no metric or unit of measurement to describe pixel quality instead of just number of pixels. The wool needs to be pulled back from customers’ eyes. No matter what service they use to

14 | September 2019

stream content, they are only getting around 20% of the video data and 2-5% of the audio data offered by 4K Bluray or Kaleidescape! An even better comparison is that a standard Blu-ray disc or download from Kaleidescape is fully double the file size of a 4K Atmos stream.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not an attack on streaming, it definitely has its place. I have it at home and it serves a purpose on my 50inch Panasonic in the lounge, but in a cinema with anything from £10-250K invested in sound and vision and a screen many times bigger, it’s crazy to let clients settle for streaming as their only source device.

There is not a single component in a home cinema system that can take the source material and effectively ‘improve’ that file, be it via upscaling or pixel shifting, or whatever. All AV equipment can do at any stage is try to limit the loss it causes by being between the source and the output. Often you will pay more for less loss. But loss is inevitable. So why start with such low quality when you know that by the time it gets on screen and into your ears it has been through the ringer? Starting with Kaleidescape at the centre of any home cinema specification guarantees the client that they will be giving whatever speakers, projector, screen or electronics that are specified the best opportunity of producing a fantastic result. For me, it should be the first item on the potential kit list to discuss with the customer.

Convenience conquered

Another argument that might have been leveled at going down the Kaleidescape route in the past was convenience, with faster access via Sky or Apple.

However, this is no longer the case in lots of areas.

Kaleidescape’s 4K offering was released at a time when most internet connections were below 20-30Mbps so downloading took a long time. Fast forward to the present and many homes now are getting at least 30-40Mbps with many opting for the 100-350Mbps packages offered by the major providers. Downloading movies via Kaleidescape can now be done within minutes/hours not days and we are not far away from users with fast connections being able to start watching a movie within minutes of starting that download.

The other big issue here is choice and it’s a situation that is set to deteriorate unless you have a route around it. With the limited selection of content available on streaming services, it can often take up to an hour to find something that the whole family wants to watch. This is only going to get harder as more content is segregated into its various streaming platforms with Disney, Apple TV and BBC/ITV and many more all releasing streaming

platforms of their own.

In contrast, with Kaleidescape, users can pre-order movies that they want to see that download in the background before the release date so that when they sit down there is already a list of movies ready to go that everyone can enjoy.

Should users still feel like browsing, the intuitive user interface makes this way quicker and easier to find the ideal film than scouring trending releases on Netflix, all based on algorithms. With a slightly different approach to movie night, customers can have the utmost convenience with their Kaleidescape system.

As far as convenience in relation to disc (the other high quality format), Kaleidescape launches in the UK with the 4K digital download release instead of the 4K Blu-ray release, so often delivers the movie weeks before the disc release, and obviously you don’t have to wait for it to be delivered on release day or head down to your local HMV to get a copy.

More choice is also on the way from the system.

Although no announcement has been made formally, we have seen more major studios and distributors (Paramount, Lionsgate & Eagle Rocks) added to the store in the past few months to add to Warner Bros and Sony Pictures, which are already on the UK store. It is expected that this is part of a wider plan to bring content from all of the major studios finally to the UK store, which I think would be fantastic for dealers and clients alike.

There really has never been a better time to make Kaleidescape part of your home cinema offering. Get in touch and let’s start making your customer’s movie and content experience the best it can be.

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com

September 2019 | 15

Essential Install | Essential OneAV

Testify for Cel-Fi

Following the announcement that OneAV is distributing Cel-Fi, the company is keen to reveal more about the technology and abilities delivered by this handy problem solver tackling annoying mobile signal issues. Sales Director of OneAV, Andy Oattes, explains the benefits.

Failing mobile phone signal is an age-old problem that we, as a society, have simply learned to deal with. Frustrating as it can be to not be able to make calls, we have resigned ourselves to poor performance.

Well, now we don’t have to! Thanks to Cel-Fi and its in-building and mobile connectivity solutions, dropped calls are a thing of the past. Born in San Diego (CA), Cel-Fi develops an award-winning line of products that optimises cellular service for enterprise, business, residential, industrial, transportation, and marine applications. So, no matter what kind of install you’re taking on, Cel-Fi is appropriate for pretty much all of them! Let’s find out more about who they are and how Cel-Fi became the brand it is today.

So, who is Cel-Fi?

When Nextivity was founded in 2006, there was no ‘intelligent’ processor for the indoor wireless coverage market that could meet the stringent requirements underpinning the team’s vision for a new generation of signal boosters. The ideal solution needed to be transparent to, and integrated with, mobile operators’ networks. As a result, Nextivity developed its own family of baseband processors to power its flagship multi-core Cel-Fi Smart Signal Booster.

Since then, Nextivity has been awarded 12 patents and has another 15 pending!

Of those patents awarded, three are for 5GHz modem technology, and nine patents relate to cellular RF signal processing. Of those patents pending, an additional nine patents are for cellular RF signal processing, one patent is for RF hardware design, six are Software patents, and two are manufacturing and design patents.

Why do you need the technology?

The answer is fairly simple - to make your client’s lives easier! Cel-Fi turns your client’s home into its very own little network and using a product such as the Quatra, Cel-Fi is able to offer scalable solutions to help deliver a cellular signal that is up to 1000x stronger. How? By utilising CAT 5e cabling

16 | September 2019

for RF and PoE regardless of building size and desired cellular network. If we are solving the network in our customer’s properties to ensure better, more cohesive performance of devices, we can now do the same for mobile calling.

Smartphones transformed today’s society, and 50% of smartphone users still struggle with network issues. With 80% of phone calls being made inside, poor network, slow download speeds, or even complete signal loss can create problems for people using their phones at home or, indeed, at work. Cel-Fi optimises cellular coverage in business, residential, and transportation applications so no matter where you are, you’ll always have full coverage.

“With smartphones being central to all personal and business communications, having poor mobile coverage in a private residence is unacceptable,” says Colin Abrey, VP Channel Sales, EMEA at Nextivity.

“By installing our cellular enhancement solution, such as Cel-Fi Quatra, not only does it provide seamless coverage throughout a building, it facilitates the remote management of smart home technologies. Our product range is the only one that is compliant with Ofcom‘s license-exempt specification and works on all networks.”

All of Cel-Fi’s product range is available for installation immediately, but OneAV suggests completing training to make things easier, faster, and more cost-effective.

The are multiple dates available all over the country, now including Dublin!

To book tickets for Cel-Fi training or book onto sessions for our growing portfolio of brands, head to http://oneav. co.uk/training-events and follow the links.

OneAV 01684 576 348 oneav.co.uk

Hang Up Your Phone Signal Problems Phone signal that is up to 1000x stronger.

Order today from OneAV.co.uk

Essential Install | Essential Habitech

With a bandwidth over 2.5 times greater than 2.0, HDMI 2.1 is destined to transform the experience of AV in the home

One giant leap for AV

Incoming HDMI 2.1 will transform the quality of AV in the home, but will your installs handle the bandwidth? Habitech’s Jonathan Pengilley previews the tech and offers you an easy way to beat the bottleneck blues.

Our world is speeding up. When rocketing data demands are as inevitable as death and taxes, the problem for integrators is how to manage perpetually rising payloads.

For CI it’s a perennial headache. But the pain is about to intensify with a new version of HDMI. Folks, making the evolutionary jumps between previous HDMI updates will seem like playschool hopscotch compared with the Olympian thrust needed to reach the bar set by HDMI 2.1. In its adult state this little doozy is destined to demand up to 48Gbps for resolutions as high as 10K, enhanced refresh rate features and Dynamic HDR. An order of magnitude above anything you’ve experienced, HDMI 2.1 will be a game-changer for AV performance in the home, and the great news is that you can design for it today.

We’re go for launch

Designed for a giant leap in data delivery, HDMI 2.1 ports are already appearing on 8K displays in stores today

18 | September 2019

But first the tech. HDMI 2.1 uses a completely new transmission technology. Fixed Rate Link (FRL) replaces TMDS in previous versions, sending data more efficiently in packets, removing the necessity for the TMDS clock and repurposing its lane for data. A doubling of the lane rate from 6Gbps to 12Gbps coupled with the addition of a further data lane lifts the effective

bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 to 48Gbps (4 x 12 Gbps). That’s one giant leap beyond 2.0.

This dramatically elevated bandwidth brings the possibility of much higher resolutions and refresh rates including 4Kp120, 8Kp100/120, 10Kp100/120, new colour spaces, such as Rec. 2020/2021 with 10, 12, or even 16 bits per colour rendering. VESA’s virtually lossless Digital Stream Compression (DSC 1.2a) operational in HDMI 2.1 above 8Kp60/4:2:0/10-bit colour, offers a maximum compression of 3:1, potentially boosting 2.1 bandwidth to a stratospheric 144Gbps, thus securing viability way into the future.

As well as static HDR, HDMI 2.1’s new packet-driven transmission enables it to carry dynamic HDR metadata

Essential Install | Essential Habitech

1

HDMI Version

1.1

1.2 - 1.2a

1.3 - 1.3a

1.4 - 1.4a

2.0 - 2.0b

2.1

Full HD Blu-ray Disk and HD DVD Video

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) DVD-Audio

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Super Audio CD (DSD)

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Auto Lip-sync

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Updated List of CEC Commands

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

3D Video

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Ethernet Channel (100 Mbps)

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Audio Return Channel (ARC)

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 Audio Streams

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 Video Streams (Dual View)

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Static HDR

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Dynamic HDR

No

No

No

No

No

Yes*

Yes

Enhanced Audio Rtn Ch (eARC)

No

No

No

No

No

Yes*

Yes

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Quick Media Switching (QMS)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Quick Frame Transport (QFT)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

VESA DSC 1.2a

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

1.3 - 1.3a

1.4 - 1.4a

1

1.1

1.2 - 1.2a

2.0 - 2.0b

2.1

Maximum Transmission Bandwidth

4.95G

4.95G

4.95G

10.2G (HDBT compatible)

18G

48G

Maximum Supported Signal Resolution Uncompressed

1080p

1080p

1080p

4K30 4:2:2

4K30 4:4:4 4K60 4:2:0 4K60 4:2:2

4K60 4:4:4 8K30 4:4:4/RGB 10K30 4:2:2

HDR10, HLG Dolby Vision

HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision Dynamic HDR

HDMI Version

HDR Format Capability

HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

(HDBT w. comp)

* certain high quality HDMI 2.0 cables will support Dynamic HDR and eARC

It’s a yes for 2.1: HDMI’s evolutionary check list reveals the new version’s blistering capabilities

for frame-by-frame image optimisation of depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and colour gamut values, rendering all the spectacular potential of dynamic HDR formats uncompressed at full-fat 4K and certain 8K resolutions.

And the optical bravura is matched in audio through its Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) feature, supporting high-bitrate, object-based audio codecs such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This extended ARC functionality sends up to 32 uncompressed channels (with advanced signal control capabilities) back down HDMI to a compatible sound bar or home theatre system.

Stellar gameplay

HDMI 2.1’s expanded menu has plenty for gamers as well.

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) dynamically syncs the frame rate of a video source with the refresh rate of the display, allowing consoles to deliver video frames as quickly as possible to reduce the chances of image lag, stutter and frame tearing for a more immersive experience. To ensure a lag-free gameplay intro, Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches displays to game mode when a gaming system is detected. Building on this lowlatency functionality, HDMI 2.1’s Quick Media Switching (QMS) feature enables 2.1 source devices to switch resolution or frame rate at a speed that avoids display blackouts, while Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduces the time it takes for a display device and console/graphics card to recognise each other.

The clock is running Cosmic stuff, but I know what you’re thinking. If the 8Gbps hop from 1.4 to 2.0 spent time in the air waiting for 4K to enter the mainstream, won’t the intro of 2.1 be stymied by the lack of 8K material? The answer is yes, to a degree, but that’s no reason to ignore the provenance. While there’s an element of inertia in every HDMI transition, the resolution mothership is on a one-way mission. Just look how the stars are aligning.

At CES this year LG, Sony, and Samsung confirmed the availability of new 8K TVs (and some flagship 4K TVs) with freshly-minted HDMI 2.1 connections (if not all the features). They’re in stores now, backward compatible with HDMI 2.0, ready to upscale 4K sources and to welcome 8K with the advent of ever more efficient video compression codecs (such as H.265 HEVC and VP9 backed by Google), as well as Japanese broadcaster NHK’s coverage of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - the first global transmission in 8K. It won’t be the last. With Google and other media majors driving the rollout, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ 8K becomes TV’s flagship feature. The big question for your installation business is what to do between the video renderer (SkyBox etc.) and the displays.

September 2019 | 19

Essential Install | Essential Habitech

Backward compatibility within 2.1 means that Wyrestorm’s H2A HDMI 2.0 switches in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 versions will network 8K TVs at maximum 2.0 bandwidth

Further and faster

Naturally your design will always be governed by the network budget and your client’s aspirations, but if your tech-savvy customer returns from John Lewis with a vision of the future, and wants 8K TVs in every far-flung room, the most realistic plan is to fit fibre. In fact, even if your network spec calls for 10Gbps copper, you should absolutely be recommending pulling fibre alongside, because long term it’s the most cost-effective option of all.

It’s no secret that in CI the most expensive cable is always a retrofit cable.

Connect fibre to HDMI using Cleerline Inneos extender baluns, and when it’s time to upgrade the HDMI, simply swap out the baluns

With bandwidth demands already exceeding the limits of copper infrastructure, your best option is to pull Cleerline’s awardwinning SSF fibre through the walls.

At 200Gbps it’s peerlessly fast, very tough and easier to terminate

20 | September 2019

SCP’s Premium HDMI 2.0 cables will support 2.1’s dynamic HDR and eARC features today

Make the jump to light speed

The good news for today’s integrators is that fibre is cheaper, tougher, easier to terminate than it’s ever been and, crucially, has a bandwidth capability that will handle 8K over long distances at a canter. Conveniently Habitech can supply and support you with the best fibre in the business. As CEPro’s 2019 brand leader in fibre tech, Cleerline SSF 200Gbps fibre is stronger with up to 10,000 times the bend longevity and 200 times the pull force of traditional fibres. It’s safer thanks to a patented polymer coating at the glass level, making it far more pliable and resistant to those dreaded in-wall micro-fractures, and it’s faster to terminate as well.

With Cleerline SSF in the wall, you’re future-proofed!

Connect the far-flung 8K telly to a video source through a Wyrestorm H2A matrix using Inneos’ 18Gbps optical extenders and SCP’s CAT 2 Premium HDMI 2.0 cables, equipped to support 2.1’s dynamic HDR and eARC features today. Backward compatibility within HDMI 2.1 means that a 2.0 (or even a 1.4) cable can be connected to a 2.1 port (the cable pin-out has not changed). In other words you can send 4Kp60 at 4:2:2 with Dolby Vision to 8K screens and get eARC back using an Inneos/SCP 2.0 connection. And when it’s time to upgrade to 2.1, take a minute to swap out the extenders for 8K versions and change the HDMIs to certified Category 3 “Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 48G cables (as soon as the certification program is in place of course). Easy!

Using Habitech’s support, you can embark on the next giant leap in AV as soon as today, selling more profitable hardware and developing an upgrade revenue stream in the process. Even if you decide to wait for the HDMI 2.1/8K market to mature, you’ll know that whatever the bandwidth demand, your customer’s fibre highway will always be open for business.

Habitech 01256 638500, habitech.co.uk

This Month’s Essential Supplement

Light & Lighting Control

RA2 Select available from

rgbcomms.co.uk

Essential Install | Essential Light and Lighting Control

Human Centric

There’s been lots of talk in recent times about creating more human centric lighting, circadian rhythms and the like. EI takes a look at where the sector is right now and what can be done to deliver systems that really deliver what people need.

RGB Communications is keen to show installers how the RA2 Select platforms can transform

RGB Communications is one of the longest established distribution partners for the Lutron brand (since 1999) and is one of the companies that has been championing the recently released RA2 Select range.

Lutron created the concept as a level of offering just below the full Homeworks QS treatment that offers much of the functionality, but at a different price point and with an easy to install process for new build or retrofit.

The platform also works well with other automation systems, and in particular, with the Savant platform, which of course RGB has a close relationship with via sister company Savant Systems Europe.

Some key features of RA2 Select “highlighted” by RGB Communications include handy in-line dimmers and switches which fit into ceiling voids for fast and convenient installation. There are also the Pico wireless controls which can be placed anywhere and have batteries that last up to a decade. The RA2 Select platform can also be easily integrated with battery-controlled blinds (no wires) to enable ambient lighting set up via the app for a complete light control solution.

Handily, RGB Communications also supplies battery blinds (no wiring required) from both Q-Motion (full

flexibility allowing for ambient light control) and Appeal Home Shading (gable ends and lantern roof blinds) offering further choice and tailoring into each client’s lighting control options. Training courses on the Lutron platform are held regularly at RGB’s HQ across the range of Lutron products, including RA2 Select and Homeworks QS. Another company keen to highlights the benefits of the Lutron RA2 platform is Pulse Cinemas. The company says the system is simple, reliable and affordable, offering installers a powerful lighting control system that can be deployed quickly, as the system uses Lutron’s patented Clear Connect RF Technology.

Programming is swift and is all done via the app. The platform includes a number of features often found in more expensive lighting systems, such as astronomic timeclock, holiday mode, integration via cloud or IP, and a free end user app for operation and programming alterations.

As for the human centric potential for all types of lighting systems, Pulse Cinemas says the most powerful thing that installers can do to ensure that systems are in tune with their clients activities, is to take the time to understand how their clients are going to use the spaces within their home and to then design technology systems that complement and enhance their clients lifestyle.

Pulse Cinemas also underlines that its lighting expertise is also of great value in specialist areas like media rooms and cinemas. Getting that aspect of a dedicated entertainment space can be crucial to success, and the company’s long-term experience in these areas can make all the difference in creating the right mood and control solutions for a room.

Chris Turner, MD of Faradite, provider of discrete volt-free motion sensors, says, “Creating highly complex circadian rhythm orientated systems sounds great, but in practical terms, apart from super high-end projects, we are not quite there yet. However, there are plenty of ways installers can help their systems to be more human centric right now, just by delivering well-designed and controlled lighting systems.

“Good scene control and creating the right moods for a room or an event are all entirely deliverable right now and really add to quality of life and the level clients are happy

Available from

RA2 Select 22 | September 2019

rgbcomms.co.uk

T EX E N SU IS

Smart Lighting Control & Audio Solutions Wiring Accessories • Circuit Protection

Sandbanks Road, Poole Harbour, Dorset.

SPEAKERS Also in this issue…

Add the finishing touches with

Bespoke Plates

Touchscreens, Programming and Bespoke Interfaces

Office and Boardroom

Custom-made capacitive touch glass plates for smart lighting control & blind system plus external control functions: garage doors, electric gates, landscaped grounds and jetty.

• Linea Duo CFX© frame in Satin Nickel with Black capacitive touch glass plate • Master 12-circuit controllers stylised from 16-circuit size plates • Larger plates enabled wider framing of control buttons • All switch functions individually etched with descriptive text • Complementary Hartland CFX© wiring accessories installed To us, every control project is… a special!

See us at 100% Design, 18 – 21 Sept, Olympia.

Sandbanks Case Study ...read more!

To get involved, contact Ian on 01634 673163/ ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

www.hamilton-litestat.com +44 (0)1747 860088 BRITISH info@hamilton-litestat.com

MANUFACTURER

Essential Install | Essential Light and Lighting Control

Silent low voltage, volt-free sensors from Faradite help deliver subtle and powerful control

with the system.”

The company argues its silent low voltage, volt-free sensors (also available in black) help do exactly that, giving the right level of discrete installation and accurate control.

The company also underlines its sensors are compatible with pretty much any control system out there.

Chris argues, “By triggering different scenes at different parts of the day using our motion sensor you can create different moods that are in sync with our internal clock. For example in my house all motion triggered scenes dim to 30% at 10pm. Another great idea is to use motion sensors to bring on low level or dim lights for night navigation that allow you to get to the bathroom, for example, or leave early for work, without waking everyone else up.”

Other possibilities using the sensors linked to a control system rather than a standalone sensor include setting timeouts depending on the time of day. So, for example, during the day you might have a three-minute timeout in the bathroom, but during the night you might only want a 60 second timeout to ensure that the lights turn off as quickly as possible.

So, there are plenty of practical things installers can do right now to make systems more in-tune with humans, but why is this important at all? Neil MacDonald, COO at lighting control specialist, amBX, explains, “Understanding of the impact of light on human behaviour has advanced rapidly at the same time as lighting technology has undergone a major evolution through LED and connected and smart lighting systems.

We are now able to enhance human wellbeing in spaces where long periods are spent under artificial lighting.

Human-centric lighting is in demand now and looks set to become prevalent wherever wellbeing is an important consideration – at work, in education, in healthcare and in our homes.

“The term ‘human-centric lighting’ covers everything from variable white light to full spectrum control of colours in ways that are specially ‘tuned’ for special environments or health conditions. It can go beyond just supporting our natural circadian rhythms and helping our sleep patterns to becoming an important part of therapies and even

treatment regimes.” The pace of discovery has been rapid in the past 20 years and continues as Mariana Figueiro, Professor and Light and Health Program Director, Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, says, “I am comfortable saying that light during the day can increase alertness, but we still don’t know how it can affect health, sleep and performance. Nevertheless, one would argue that high circadian stimulation during the daytime hours and low circadian stimulation in the evening is simply common sense.”

Neil adds, “We are all governed to some degree by the circadian cycle (which is a little over 24 hours long) and light information received by receptors in our eyes regulates the circadian clock every day to keep us in step.

Light is the most powerful synchroniser of the human circadian clock, and the timing of light exposure during the course of a day is responsible for how circadian rhythms are synchronised with our environment.

“For example: Late-evening light exposure delays circadian rhythms, resulting in later sleep and wake times, and early-morning light exposure advances these circadian rhythms, resulting in earlier sleep and wake times.

“Natural daylight is the best source of light stimulation for human circadian cycles, and workers’ exposure to daylight has also shown that there is a strong relationship between workplace daylight exposure and office workers’ sleep, activity and quality of life.”

Neil underlines that it is not just about lighting cycles though, as colour plays an important part. It’s known that certain blue light suppresses natural melatonin secretion in the human body and therefore acts as a type of fatiguebeater. One study from the Light Research Program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia found that blue light also strengthens and stimulates connections between areas of the brain that process emotion and language. This means that blue light may, in turn, help people to better handle emotional challenges and regulate mood over time.

Neil says that the commercial sector has taken a lead on this with an increasing number of new offices being specified with lighting that is better for the occupants.

One such trial and study at the office of property

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RA2 Select 24 | September 2019

rgbcomms.co.uk

smart home accessories

Finally, discreet motion sensing has arrived

To scale

MOTION SENSOR 360 - VOLT FREE 100% SILENT | 5-24V | WORKS WITH: CONTROL4 CRESTRON LUTRON LOXONE faradite.com | @faradite | info@faradite.com | 0203 856 8426

Essential Install | Essential Light and Lighting Control

HDL offers several ways into delivering lighting control

company CBRE in the Netherlands boosted productivity by 18% and recorded an accuracy improvement of 12%.

Additionally, the participants working in the office with the human-centric lighting found their total work performance to be 18% better, 71% found they had more energy, and 76% thought they were happier and 50% healthier. Even more evidence continues to come from research into how lighting can benefit healthcare outcomes. Results have shown reduced depression among patients, decreasing length of stay in hospitals, lessening of patient agitation and even easing of pain.

Neil explains, “The lighting industry is beginning to provide some of the solutions to allow much wider use of human centric lighting, but progress so far has been slow. The impact of smart and connected lighting and new generations of control capability, such as amBX’s Smart Core system, will allow for the sophistication that this important type of lighting needs. The next challenge is to make it easy to use so that the widest possible audience can access the benefits.

“If lighting can be harnessed to improve how we feel and perform at work and in school, and also how better healthcare treatments and environments can be achieved, is there a reason not to do this? Shouldn’t we be as mindful of the potential impact on our home and living environment as we are with energy and healthy living?”

Jonathan Pengilley, MD at distributor Habitech, also underlines the growing evidence for focusing on humans, “There’s plenty of science and research dedicated to human centric lighting and the great benefits that can be achieved from lighting that responds to the rhythms of the day. Greater understanding of how colour spectrum, intensity and timing can enhance a sense of well-being and activity levels at work and play can only build the success of any lighting design.

“This means that greater control over the timing and intensity of LEDs through automated lighting systems like

Lutron’s RA2 Select will return a higher level of satisfaction from customers. The real bonus from RA2 Select is that it’s a simple retrofit solution involving in-line dimmers and switches for fast, convenient installation, and pico wireless controls with a battery life of up to 10 years. Wireless app setup of multiple lights and blinds allows custom scene creation at just the right level for different environments, and the scheduling feature programmes lights and blinds to automatically adjust at set times, day or night.”

Jonthan adds, “For added convenience day-to-day, the geofencing feature controls lights based on your location, turning lights on when you arrive home and notifies you if you have left lights on when you leave; and a ‘smart away’ function randomly turns lights on and off in the evening, so it looks like you’re home, even when you’re not. It all adds up to lighting that is more in tune with living, which I guess is the essence of human centric lighting.”

Lee Harding, Technical Director for CI, at Alltrade, underlines the health of the sector, “The lighting market generally was up over 40% last year, with controls and accessories counting for a solid proportion of the boom. While that stratospheric growth is slowing as LED becomes mainstream, the recent Lighting LED market report suggests a sustained growth of near 5% year on year for the next few years.

“While lighting has always been a part of higher-end installs, a greater range of cost effect consumer-friendly products have opened the sector up to even the smallest of install projects.”

Alltrade distributes the HDL control brand and credits this platform as leading the charge for most cost-effective control gear and consumer controls in the lighting sector.

Lee argues, “HDL’s scalable BusPro architecture delivers unrivalled flexibility from affordable single room / single circuit lighting control systems to whole-home scene-setting and automation, and the brand has an unrivalled range of wall-plate switches and DLP touch

Available from

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Essential Install | Essential Light and Lighting Control

control panels to blend with any décor.

“BusPro Wireless is the ideal solution for smaller and retrofit installations, making it an easy upsell to customers that might have enquired about a basic AV install. The wireless system reduces cabling costs, and lighting can be controlled from HDL’s comprehensive range of wireless wall-plate switches, touch panels and a number of compatible apps. Users can personalise lighting, set lighting schedules when away from home for security and have customisable settings for different family members.”

For the most complex installs, the HDL Wireless Mesh Gateway lies at the heart of the Buspro wireless system and functions as a transmission bridge. With three different communication interfaces spanning RJ45, HDL Buspro and Buspro Wireless RF, this low-cost module can be set up as a basic wireless gateway, yet can be expanded with a choice of other lighting control and home automation interfaces at a later date.

Alltrade also underlines HDL’s portfolio of home automation keypads that continues to expand, opening up install opportunities for new build and retrofit projects alike. For installers building a lighting platform onto existing CI control systems, HDL integrates with DALI, DMX and several other systems, as well as a wide range of lighting technologies including LED. Human centric lighting has been around longer than you may think, Steve Shackleton, Fagerhult’s Lighting and Applications Manager, argues, “Human centric lighting has always been at the centre of everything we do. In 1945 our founder, an engineer called Bertil Svennsson, created a lamp so his mother could keep knitting when the long, dark Nordic winter set in. Today, all our lighting solutions help facilitate the everyday, influenced by a culture defined by the extremes of darkness and light.

Whilst the term human centric, in connection with the biology of humans, has become prone to overuse and marketing exaggeration, there are few lighting installations that aren’t first and foremost designed to promote human safety, comfort, stimulation or delight, the very essence of Human centricity.

Fully ‘connected’ lighting systems that increase intelligence working over a network are beginning to appear in the commercial sector, and Fagerhult believes it is only a matter of time before they migrate to the home.

Steve says, “Commercial systems are already able to heatmap occupancy, gather data on light level and energy consumption, and share this data with other building controls for truly connected and smart environments.”

Invision underlines its supply of the FIBARO system which offers a non-invasive installation process, eliminating the need to run metres of cables. The miniaturised modules can be installed in any wall switch box, behind a light switch, roller blind switch, etc and are

compatible with every electrical system. FIBARO devices do not connect permanently to a building’s infrastructure.

So, if you wish, you can simply take out any given module from the wall and install it in a new location.

Thanks to mesh network, the module will update its location and resume cooperation with remaining system components. The FIBARO system is controllable via the dashboard of the mobile app. Users can switch off all the lights remotely using the app and even via a smart watch. Products like the Dimmer 2 also enable energy measurement in the home. Energy usage and power load chart analysis lets homeowners use the light in a more effective way and cut down on energy bills. Combine the Dimmer 2 with the FIBARO Motion Sensor to create unique scenes and the RGBW Controller allows users and installers to adjust colours in the property.

Invision also underlines that installers can connect GJD TechSmart devices with Lutron and Rako to enhance smart home systems thanks to their direct integration.

Each event that a TechSmart device generates, such as a motion alert or a low light level, can trigger a smart customised action within Rako and Lutron controllers.

This new integration functionality is embedded in the GJD firmware and configured from its web interface. For Lutron, just enter the Lutron Phantom Keypad ID and button number; for Rako, just enter room number and command to recall.

Mark Moody, Product Manager at Vantage Controls, explains his company’s progress, “With the continued development of LEDs to tunable white light engines that offer the choice of warmer or cooler colour temperatures, we can now deliver a slice of warm or cool natural light on-demand. Start your sunrise or sunset at a time that fits your schedule. Studies indicate that HCL lighting can assist with Circadian adaptation, and improved sleep and productivity.”

Mark underlines not to forget natural light, “Shading and ambient light are essential for energy saving from daylighting and balancing the benefits of natural light with the task at hand. Shades can relieve users of harsh glare, yet still render comfortable ideal natural light tone.

Integrated controls provide automated scene control, balancing natural and artificial light, with a single-button press on a keypad station to deliver specific user scenes.”

Networked lighting is also on the horizon for this maker as Mark confirms Legrand is pursuing fully ‘connected’ networked lighting solutions for commercial and residential applications. Developments will be announced as the company approaches commercialisation.

Available from

RA2 Select

rgbcomms.co.uk September 2019 | 27

Essential Install | Essential Light and Lighting Control

An installer’s guide to automated shading

Steve Detmer, Residential Product Manager at Lutron Electronics, provides a handy guide to getting shading right each time.

Shading is not always the easiest sell, but the benefits to installer and end user are considerable

Access to daylight is vital for the comfort, productivity and happiness of building occupants, whether they’re in a residential or commercial space. However, too much daylight can have the opposite effect. When designing an optimal lighting scheme, installers need to consider how to prioritise daylight access, glare control, views, and solar heat gain. For instance, minimising glare may be important in an office with lots of computer screens inside, but less important in a bedroom.

When using traditional blinds, occupants usually don’t want to constantly move them up and down throughout the day. Aiming to avoid glare and too much sunlight, the default setting on traditional blinds is usually closed.

However, because of this, they lose out on the many benefits of natural light.

Automated shading

Automation can alleviate many of these issues. A daylighting strategy that includes sensors, timers, and daylight-responsive software can work with a building management system to optimise the balance of natural and electric lighting for comfort and energy savings.

The benefits of sensors and timers cannot be understated. Rather than simply turning on the lights as you enter, sensors can be used to close the blinds and turn the lights off when a room is unoccupied, saving energy and protecting furnishings from sun damage. Daylight sensors can open the blinds to bring more daylight on a cloudy day or close the blinds to reduce glare as the sun dips toward the horizon. Automated blinds with timers can ensure your privacy by closing all blinds in the evening and opening them to enjoy natural light in the morning.

Admittedly, automated shading can be a tough sell. It’s difficult for end-users to understand the benefits of smart shading without seeing them firsthand. The thing about great technology is that, when it works, it doesn’t draw attention to itself – it just works.

In addition, most users’ past experiences of automated shading can stand in the way. They imagine clunky and noisy projector screens, rather than the quiet, seamless, aesthetically-pleasing blinds of today. It’s critical that installers are able to demonstrate the benefits, via video or showroom, of automated blinds, as to be seen is to be believed.

Once your client has understood the benefits of automated shading, it is up to installers to ensure that they choose the right material for their space.

Selecting the right material

When it comes to choosing your shading system, there are a lot of factors to consider. While blind styles have generally stayed the same over time, we’re seeing an increase in the amount of versatile materials being used for shades.

It’s essential that your chosen blind fabric balances performance and aesthetics. This is because different fabric properties affect how much light and heat gets through, and how clearly people inside can see out. The colour and opacity of the fabric, and the pattern of the weave, all have an impact – and there can be significant performance differences between fabrics of the same colour.

Blackout blinds are perhaps the best known, ideal for media rooms or bedrooms where you want to block out all daylight. It gets a bit trickier when planning for spaces where you would like some natural light. When recommending materials for offices, installers should suggest a darker fabric with a greater openness factor.

This cuts down glare, and reduces solar heat gain, but occupants can still see through it. This way, employees get the feel of being outside without the headaches caused by glare. Lighter fabrics offer a wholly different experience: they diffuse the light entering a space, and the whole blind becomes a light feature, illuminating the space.

Many end-users struggle to understand the benefits of automated shading. It’s the role of installers to introduce clients to the benefits of shading, but their help shouldn’t stop there. They should also ensure that end-users are aware of the options available to them, which includes battery powered or wireless solutions for retrofit projects.

Most clients will choose their blind fabric purely based on patterns and colours, and it’s up to installers to educate them on the need to balance performance with aesthetics.

Available from

RA2 Select 28 | September 2019

rgbcomms.co.uk

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Available from the UK Distributor

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

Essential Install | Case Study

Killing it with The Cavern

This luxury cinema is the handywork of the Pyramid Group and is shortlisted for a CEDIA Award this year. Company MD, Nic Black, gives EI the tour.

The location of this cinema is within a basement that housed a previously installed private cinema for 12 people. This space had been left unused as the family had grown and the installed technology and systems became redundant. The clients first approached Pyramid in August 2018 in order to discuss the opportunity of refreshing the existing space.

Nic explains, “Having undertaken an initial site visit, it was clear there was the intention to create a bespoke and high-quality cinema suited to the family’s modern viewing needs, using the very latest technology and maximising the available budget. High on the quality agenda was the audio performance, which was always going to be a challenge due to the nature of the basement space and very limited 2.3m ceiling height.

“During the initial consultation we spent time discussing the family’s needs in terms of viewing habits, content and the frequency of use, and from there it was decided that the notion of a high specification cinema with a variety of media sources would be the desired outcome. Music listening was not high on the agenda, however the client appreciated that musicality and excellent acoustics are key to the audio experience of any cinema system.”

Over time, the cinema design developed such that the team was able to present the client a variety of cinema interior styles, as well as price point considerations regarding technologies and the trade-offs of the various quality points and performance outcomes.

Delivering the solution

All of the cinema’s speaker and audio designs are in alignment with the guidelines for Dolby Atmos configurations and audio performance objectives were set out to achieve 102db reference level at the listening position. The viewing angles are designed to meet with THX cinema standards, and provide a minimum viewing angle of 38° from the rear seats.

The property is a period mansion built primarily of stone circa 1750. The cinema replaced a previous basement cinema that had been built within a wellconsidered envelope constructed for the previous fit out.

For this cinema, Pyramid designed a concept that ensured an acoustic space as well controlled as possible, incorporating the speakers invisibly, acoustic treatments, bass traps and a raised seating platform.

Nic argues, “The Cavern is a unique construction that ensures an enveloping experience within a space that is surprisingly roomy, feeling immersive but not oppressive.”

The screen wall is a very solid construction specifically to avoid rear speaker loss, as well as housing the large dual 10in subs, and the rear wall incorporates the aircon ducting, third sub bass, projector and DVD cupboard.

Show and tell

The client was very keen to understand the various approaches to speaker types and form factors, processing and calibration tools, as well as speaker counts and the resultant effects that are possible in terms of immersion.

Nic explains, “We invited the client to visit us at our dedicated cinema room in order to set some benchmarks for performance. Our perfectly designed acoustic environment is equipped with various technologies, including a 7.2.4 Atmos configuration managed by a Trinnov Altitude 16 processor.

“Our cinema room is capable of recalling various presets (2.1,5.1,7.1 and Atmos) which allow demonstrable performance and speaker configs to be experienced.

Impressed by their visit, the client left, intent on replicating their experience at least, and exceeding it if possible!”

September 2019 | 31

Essential Install | Case Study

Acoustic considerations

Control4 was added to the cinema to deliver the agile control needed

32 | September 2019

Nic states that the team has developed an effective method of incorporating the necessary amount of absorption to tightly control low frequencies in small spaces, using established methods of acoustic treatment found in other areas of acoustics, such as recording studios and noise management. These methods involve incorporating absorption into the actual construction of the room, rather than considering it as a post-construction fix.

Nic says, “The nature of the room design offers plenty of space for the inclusion of appropriate absorption into the construction process – the fascia panels of the tetrahedra that make up the wall and part of the ceiling are finished in acoustic fabric over foam, and the 3D form of the panels serves as an effective acoustic diffuser, helpful in reducing standing waves.

“The combination of absorption and the lack of parallel surfaces makes for a highly controlled acoustic environment, rendering a very short RT60 (0.22 secs), ideal for the effective reproduction of accurate dialogue and powerful, dynamic transients.”

Having experienced the power of the Trinnov Altitude during the demo process, the client was determined to include this processor as the heart of the system.

The loudspeakers chosen are all from UK manufacturer Martin Audio Ltd. Pyramid feels that the CDD range demonstrates some unique characteristics that the company believed would be ideal for a home cinema project of this size.

Nic explains, “We have for some time been keen to utilise these products in a cinema project, having used these very successfully on a range of commercial and church installations in the past. The challenge came with the form factor of the speaker, which is markedly different from the ubiquitous in-wall or shallow depth characteristics of so many well known home theatre brands.

“A traditional trapezoidal enclosure means increased speaker depth and whilst the room was wide enough to accommodate these along the sides, the 2.3m ceiling height proved more of a challenge. Our unique 3D faceted ‘cave like’ design accommodated this level change whilst at the same time creating a unique and exciting environment that is different from the all too often employed home cinema designs in the marketplace today.”

The arrangement is a 9.3.6 Atmos configuration. The LCR’s and LR wides are CDD8s, the bed channels are CDD6s (double sides were employed to spread the side image between the two rows of seats) and the overheads are CDD5s. The latter provides a strong solution as they can be oriented to suit the mounting angles required for the focus and the drivers spun to suit dispersion requirements.

Essential Install | Case Study

Comfortable and attractive seating were vital to the look and feel of the cinema

The system is also equipped with a coupled pair of Martin Audio X210 sub bass loudspeakers below the screen. In addition to the X210s, a single Artcoustic 4 x 10in sub, left over from the client’s previous installation, was deployed at the rear of the room and time aligned in such a way as to temper low frequency standing waves and increase the impact of the LFE. All crossover and delay timings were set using a separate in line DSP unit.

All speakers are invisible to the user, hidden behind acoustically transparent materials within the 3D CAD designed, laser cut wall matrix construction.

Nic says, “Coupled with the strong room acoustics, achieved with the unique spatial room design, the results are an incredible combination of well controlled energy and dispersion, tight bass and well defined vocals that sit perfectly within the soundstage and combine to immerse the viewer wherever they may be sitting.

“The Trinnov’s 3D mapping facility allows a perfectly balanced rendering across all channels, and at the same time allowing a custom set of seat specific pre-sets that the client can choose depending on what type of focus and viewer arrangement is required – front middle, whole room, rear middle and so on. A stunning audio experience overall.”

native, or all source ratios re-sized to 2.35. 3D viewing is achieved using a pair of JVC active glasses linked directly to the projector.

Video sources consisted of a Kaleidescape Strato 4K player, the client’s own Dune HD media player, Bluray playback via Panasonic DP-UB9000 as well as Apple 4K TV, Chromecast, Sky Q and localised HDMI auxiliary connection for games decks etc.

Routing was undertaken via the Trinnov Altitude due to the increased number of sources vs the Lumagen’s limited four, and although the latter would have been the preference in terms of routing, the Trinnov simplified the task of dealing with multiple sources with varying qualities of signal, such that the Lumagen set all sources to the best output in terms of colour space, bitstream and HDR management, ratio settings and 3D content calibrations.

Projection perfection

Pyramid opted for a mid-level projection unit, having had great success with the JVC X7900, which the company feels is a good choice at its price point for consistency of manufacture, excellent e-shift5 technology and great colour/contrast performance. The JVC N5 unit hadn’t landed in the UK at the point of install or the team would have chosen this as the latest iteration, however the outcome is excellent and the X7900 performs well postcalibration.

Nic adds, “In conjunction with this, we opted to utilise the Lumagen Radiance Pro range of video processors within this system in order to maximise video performance, as well as ensure screen ratio format resizing and colour format pre-sets were managed correctly and consistently across all sources and ratios.

“In addition, we were able to present custom button access on the Control 4 GUI such that the user can select either manual or automatic ratio pre-sets as either 16:9

September 2019 | 33

Essential Install | Case Study

Size is everything

Challenges included the height of the ceiling

34 | September 2019

Nic explains, “The client was unsurprisingly keen to maximise the screen size and immersion effect. The constraints of a basement with 2.3m total height meant that we were limited to a degree in terms of height.

The first consideration was to do with end user content preference, and the considered outcome held ‘Hollywood blockbuster family’ titles as the main content to be viewed, alongside streamed media from Netflix or Prime, and then Sky 4K TV sources.

“We settled on a 2.35:1 ratio at 3.35m wide Contempo model from DT Screens. This screen has a micro bezel format which we prefer when used with black/dark grey screen wall finishes c/w black rear shadow gap detail.

Screen material is ATpop, which is a unique knitted image surface supporting reference acoustic and visual performance.”

The viewing angles within the room design, inc screen height relative to the 2nd row viewing sight-lines were critical. Due to the low ceiling and after much discussion and debate with the client, Pyramid settled on a 2nd row staging height of 400mm AFFL. This height was agreed as the trade-off between comfortable screen viewing angles and head clearance when stepping up onto the platform.

Much discussion went into seating as you would expect for a high-end bespoke cinema, finally settling on a custom choice Frontier from Ineva Seating in a raspberry coloured ‘alcantara style’ fabric. In addition to recliners, the client wished to have additional lumbar support controls added.

Utilising Control4 within the design was a conscious decision as a result of the initial consultation process and the client agreed that the consistent C4 GUI architecture would be the best offering for the family to use. An iPad Mini running Control4’s app was housed within an iPort

case mounted above the in-room DVD cupboard.

Alongside this, Pyramid installed a single Control4 keypad that provided direct access to lighting scenes, plus a C4 SR260 remote in order to allow direct user access as an alternative control to iPad. Pyramid Group 01752 335 000, thepyramidgroup.co.uk

Essential Kit List • Trinnov Altitude 16 • Martin Audio CCD speakers • JVC X7900 projector • Lumagen Radiance Pro video processor • Kaleidescape Strato 4K • Dune HD media player • Panasonic DP-UB9000 Blu-ray • Apple 4K TV • 2.35:1 ratio at 3.35m wide Contempo model from DT Screens • Ineva Seating (Frontier) • Control4 C4 SR260 remote

EDINBURGH 02 OCTOBER 2019

The CEDIA Tech Summit events feature presentations on the latest technology trends across audio, video, lighting, and security.

Attendees will also have a chance to visit displays from top manufacturers in the industry, who will be demonstrating their latest and most exciting products.

WHY ATTEND A CEDIA TECH SUMMIT? • • • • • •

Seminars on upcoming tech trends Product displays from manufacturers Networking with industry peers Complimentary lunch Free beer FREE TO ATTEND

www.cedia.net/techsummits

Essential Install | Smart Thinking; Audio Top Tips

Stop! You’re Surrounded In the second of this series, Wayne Hyde, CAVD’s Technical Manager, takes journey into surround sound, taking a look at making sure your hardware is set to for success.

Getting the most from your surround sound takes careful thought and planning

36 | September 2019

I’d like to offer some advice to those who may be unsure of what surround settings to put in place during the final stages of setting up a AV receiver or audio processor. I’ve seen many installations over the years where it’s quite clear that the client has enjoyed some years of ‘sound’ coming out of their speakers, but it wasn’t necessarily a Dolby or DTS signal.

The set-up stage I’m referring to comes after you’ve chosen to run any auto-EQ feature like ARC, Audyssey or Dirac Live. What’s crucial next is to take the time to go through each source, changing its audio output setting to Bitstream from PCM. Many sources, even high-end ones, come out of the box ready to connect to a stereo TV rather than an AVR. Bitstream will carry the Dolby or DTS codec information which the AVR will decode and know exactly what sound to send to which speaker.

On a Sky or Apple TV box, go hunting for surround sound content and then don’t give up until you see ‘Dolby 5.1 or Dolby Atmos’ show up on the AVR display.

Not Dolby Surround or Dolby Pro-Logic; they’re pseudo surround modes, we’ll come to them later.

On a games console, a movie server or a Blu-ray player, again switch to Bitstream audio out - plus you’ll have to disable secondary audio too to get to the goodies. Try

Atmos and DTS:X encoded discs and look out for exactly those names dominate the display on the AVR or AVP when the movie content starts.

Now, the last big favour you can do for your client is to set a pseudo surround mode, this will engage automatically when they watch content that comes through in stereo only. This can be many channels and programmes on Sky and anything on YouTube. Grab the remote and choose Dolby Surround or DTS Neural X, they will up-mix stereo content to all speakers and place the dialogue in just the centre speaker; using the surround speakers as and when the clever algorithm chooses to. I wouldn’t recommend ‘all channel stereo’ or party mode as this just dumbly puts the same thing in all speakers with barely any immersive movement around the listener. Save those ones for parties.

Do you have a top tip you would like to share with the install community? You could be an installer, work at a manufacturer, distributor or service provider. Get in touch and we can make sure your wise words reach others in the industry facing the same issues. Email dan@essentialinstall.com with your ideas and you could make it onto our new Top Tips page.

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Essential Install | Essential Dynaudio

Dynaudio launches Custom Performance and Custom Outdoor speakers

Available from Custom AV Distribution in the UK, Dynaudio has introduced a new range of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, plus two new outdoor models.

EI got a first look and listen with these products a while back, bbut now they are available from Custom AV Distribution and are also being featured at the CEDIA showcase in Denver, Colorado.

Taking the wraps off the well trailed Custom Performance range, these speakers offer a new high-end slimline product family comprising in-wall and in-ceiling speakers – plus a special fire-resistant back-box, as well as the two new outdoor loudspeakers.

All these products use the same technologies and go through the same tuning process as Dynaudio’s other home, professional and in-car systems.

Dynaudio Custom Performance series

The new Performance range marks the entry-point to the award-winning Dynaudio Custom product line-up. The maker says they have been designed for listening to highquality audio in distributed, media-rooms and cinemas too. Specifying Performance speakers means not having to choose between deep and shallow versions of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, as the range keeps things simple with just one depth. And Dynaudio argues that this means no more compromise between performance and fit – the former is as high as ever, and the latter is right the first-time.

The rectangular in-wall speakers are a simple one-piece design that slots into place and is secured by tightening special dog-legs that grip the dry-wall.

Fitting the round ceiling speakers is as easy as

fitting the frame and then twisting the speaker unit in to lock it in place – no tools required.

The accompanying shallow-depth, fire-proof metal backbox is packed with Morgan Superwool to provide one hour of protection, and will mount into standard 16in-on-centre studs.

Dynaudio Custom Outdoor

No question, the exterior speaker market is now a serious player in the UK and Europe, and not wanting to be left out in the cold, Dynaudio has also announced two outdoor speakers: the OW-6 (with a 28mm softdome tweeter and a six and a half inch woofer) and the OW-8 (with a 28mm tweeter and an eight inch woofer). They’re available in black or white and include articulating brackets.

Both can be connected to a regular amplifier as a pair of passive 8Ω speakers, or daisy-chained on a single 70V/100V system by using the selector on the rear. This is a handy feature for outdoor spaces or commercial applications, where you want multiple speakers creating a consistent sound level across a larger area.

The OW-6 and OW-8 are both IP65-rated and can operate in temperatures from -33°C to 40°C. Peter Gibb, Business Development Manager, Europe (CI), sums up, “We want to make it as easy as possible for installers to do their jobs, which is why we’ve kept our entire Custom range super-simple to specify and install.

But most of all, we want their clients to have incredible sound quality to enjoy their music and films. These new products make that job even easier.”

Performance series detail

• P4-W65 in-wall speaker (28mm soft-dome tweeter, 61/2in MSP woofer) • P4-W80 in-wall speaker (28mm soft-dome tweeter, 8in MSP woofer) • P4-C65 in-ceiling speaker (28mm soft-dome tweeter, 61/2in MSP woofer) • P4-DVC65 in-ceiling speaker (two 28mm softdome tweeters, 61/2in MSP woofer) • P4-C80 in-ceiling speaker (28mm soft-dome tweeter, 8in MSP woofer) • P4-LCR50 in-wall LCR speaker (28mm soft-dome tweeter, two 5in woofers)

Custom AV Distribution 01628 563344, cavd.co.uk 38 | September 2019

True Dynaudio hi-fi performance for the tightest cavities in ceilings and walls.

We’ve developed ingenious ways of packing everything that makes our high-end speakers legendary – highlighted by proprietary Dynaudio drivers engineered for wide dispersion into a shallow-depth form factor for our new Performance series.

Don’t compromise. Just fit and finish.

• • • •

Limited lifetime warranty Shallow mounting depth (72mm-90mm) Two-step, tool-free installation (in-ceiling models) Soft-dome tweeters with powerful neodymium magnets (pivoting on the P4-C65 & P4-C80 in-ceiling models) • MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) woofers with large diameter voice coils

The right fit

for high-res and distributed audio Visit Dynaudio at CEDIA Expo 2019

Explore the Performance series on dynaudio.com/custom-install

in Booth # 943

P4-C65 P4-DVC65 6.5” 6.5” dual-voice coil in-ceiling in-ceiling

P4-C80 8” in-ceiling

P4-LCR50 LCR in-wall

P4-W65 6.5” in-wall

P4-W80 8” in-wall

Custom Performance series

Dynaudio CI - Performance Series - 210x297mm - Aug 2019.indd 1

26/08/2019 10.51

Essential Install | Big Interview

Hide and seek

In a major new series, EI talks to some of the people who have made it their business to search out ways of shaping the install industry into what it is today. This month Richard Newlove, creator of Amina Technologies, a company that trailblazed the concept of the hidden speaker - explains the past, present and future of hidden audio.

Tell us about the first time you experienced NXT Technology (the inspiration behind Amina tech) was its potential immediately obvious? What did it sound like?

Amina allows home owners to keep their style in-tact, but also experience immersive audio

40 | September 2019

I was working with Wharfedale which was then, along with Mission and others, part of the Verity Group which would later change its name to NXT PLC. My first experience of the technology was visiting the very secretive NXT building and listening to the ‘Tryptic’ panel demonstration.

This consisted of a large (approx. 1.2m x 1m) centre panel, coated with a reflective surface that acted as a projection screen, with two ‘wings’ (perhaps 0.8m x 1m) either side producing left and right channels. These were attached to the side ends of the screen with hinges which allowed them to fold in and out. This had been constructed from handmade composite panels using carbon fibre-based skins, together with hand turned exciters and custom wound voice coils. The exterior was beautifully finished, sporting a wonderfully sweeping outline that looked very impressive in NXT’s main demo theatre. There is no doubt that a lot of time and effort had gone into this great DML

(Distributed Mode Loudspeaker) demonstration piece and it really did work. My immediate reaction was ‘wow – that is amazing’. It produced audio with real presence and plenty of HF. Back then, the demo made use of a sub-woofer as the carbon panel was in hindsight a little too stiff. That’s a subject our team at Amina has focussed a great deal of effort on over the years. It’s not trivial developing material compositions that are flexible enough to reproduce lower frequencies, while also recreating lashings of disperse high frequencies and maintaining a high electro acoustic efficiency.

I could instantly see this had possibilities in interesting high-end applications. I must admit though that some of the other demo pieces - which were much smaller and cruder - were less impressive in their audio quality and costly in their practicality of manufacture. One also worried that the royalty model which NXT wanted to rollout might be an interesting challenge in the high-volume mass market. Something in the end which proved to be all too true for NXT as the years progressed.

Essential Install | Big Interview

Tell us about when you made the decision to launch Amina, what was the ambition/aim for the brand at that time?

In leading the team at Wharfedale to develop its first DML products, we had to operate within some very serious technical and commercial constraints. Technically there were very few electromagnetic components that existed that we could make use of to make these first products.

Composite panel manufacturing existed principally to fulfil the likes of high value transport applications. We had to look into very different industries to find materials that were cost efficient enough to hit a retail price point that matched the company’s brand position in the market.

Inevitably those first products were crude, had a limited overall acoustic performance and frequency range, and were not especially efficient.

However, what we did know from that time is that the technology really did work. You can indeed create a very wide dispersion, non-phase correlated audio source that has much better coverage, especially in harsher open plan type spaces. This means you can use a lot fewer sources. We also knew how to do it, which involves a very different technical approach to that of designing the conventional piston-based source. All that was not entirely obvious to the outside world given the limited performance products possible at that time.

What we needed to do was focus on material development and find a market where higher values were possible so that we could develop and utilise much more expensive higher performance components to create louder, efficient, wide frequency range products – just like that original Tryptic.

As this was not of interest to the group, it became obvious that the only solution was to establish a new company, taking a licence from NXT to develop much higher value products.

After two years of planning, Amina was born in May, 1999. Our initial aim was designing and manufacturing audio products that perform really well; focusing on normally difficult acoustic environments, that would otherwise integrate beautifully within the design aesthetic of the space.

So, we funded a development programme to create new materials and find high performance components and focussed our efforts in the commercial architectural market. We created new custom products every day, all audio sources but disguised as something else. Pictures on walls, projection screens, ceiling tiles, double-sided hanging banners, and ultimately (in April 2001) of course, a product which could be set into a wall or ceiling and be plastered over to make it disappear entirely.

Amina uses lot of virtual design techniques, how does this benefit the products and performance?

The human race is now fortunate enough to have insanely sophisticated ‘multi-physics’ software programmes available to simulate most things in the virtual domain.

These allow us to ‘look’ inside an electromechanical device for instance, to explore exactly what is happening to magnetic flux inside the exciter assembly. This is something that is simply not possible through direct measurement. This in turn permits us to discover new structure geometries that actually allow us to increase electro-acoustic efficiencies while at the same time reducing the amount of valuable rare earth neodymium we use in our magnets. A material which is increasing going to cost a lot more, especially as the world moves to rely on electric vehicle propulsion.

Unique technologies driven by cutting edge research have shaped the application and performance of Amina speakers

Tell us about the performance enhancements on the Mobius i series

Incredible, through all our work, especially in the virtual domain, we have achieved a massive 6dB boost in mid-range sensitivity, extended lower frequency boost, and increased smoothness and extension in the high frequencies. Both the mid-price Mobius5i and flagship Mobius7i boost high frequency reproduction above 30KHz. Everything combined, the overall result is an even more open sound with increased presence.

How do you cope with copycats? Particularly from the Chinese market, is it just a fact of life? Just keep developing, keep being the best?

Generally, you are right. There is a limit to what is possible in protecting IP in that part of the world. In the last several years we have invested heavily in both R&D and IP protection. We generally apply for patents on all our new advanced techniques and developments. We have several granted patents already in place and we believe China is making strides to better allow protection of IP wherever it is generated.

September 2019 | 41

Essential Install | Big Interview

audio source itself also embedded within the structure of the room, or discreetly located within it, so that the aesthetic is not disturbed, while the sound generated exquisitely exists evenly throughout the whole space as we freely move around it.

How pleasing is it to have a London based demo space now, how will it aid the company?

We are delighted to be working alongside Tateside in a very upcoming part of central London. Our biggest challenge in the business is actually getting people to understand what we do and just how fabulous this technology can be. Two-dimensional marketing in print or on screen does not give anyone any clue as to what is really possible. The technology has to be experienced to be understood, and the Tateside facility allows us easier access to architects and designers in London’s globally important design community.

Sound quality, give us your thoughts on how the audio quality of the products has progressed to where we are now.

I have to say the difference from 20 years ago is quite astonishing. I am not sure that any attempt to describe those differences will do it justice. All I would say is that it has to be experienced. Anyone is welcome to do this at Tateside, London, our production facility in Huntingdon, or at Redline in Essex or indeed any of the other experience centres we have around the country.

Amina now has a dedicated demo space in London in partnership with install company Tateside

Strong hints that something significant will be launched at the CEDIA show, can you give us any hints?

We will be launching our latest version of the Amina Edge range of products, utilising a revolutionary new patent pending technology we call ‘ToneRelief’. The Amina Edge products are designed specifically for dry wall installs which are, of course, very common in the US. However, we have more exciting things to come at ISE in Holland next year. More on that later.

Would you ever consider making a stand-alone, non-hidden speaker using Amina tech?

This is in effect where we started the business, and we still do today make the occasional custom product which is not completely hidden.

However, we are indeed reviewing ideas for products that are a little more obvious and somewhat less installation heavy than our fully hidden products. The important issue is that they would utilise all the advanced techniques we have developed over the years to create super discreet, wide dispersion, room filling, high performance audio sources.

Do you consider the current way people interact with music and content, with streaming and on-line music, a particular boost to Amina’s approach?

Very much so. Today our smartphones are ubiquitous, are constantly by our side, and almost do everything for us. We can stream music or other content with a single movement of the hand. No longer do we need bulky items of electronics to create our favourite listening experience. What’s more appropriate than to have the

42 | September 2019

Does the trend for ‘living space’ cinemas where customers are keen to keep the look of their home and not want a ‘dedicated’ cinema, a particular boon for the company?

Dedicated home cinemas are of course still a big part of the CI market. However, a wider market is evolving for rooms which can double as the everyday family space for much of the time, but can also operate as the cinema on those occasions the family have time to sit down and watch the latest film release or perhaps increasingly today, the latest highly produced episode of a favourite TV series. We see this as an increasing opportunity for our products, providing no intrusion at all to everyday living, but being there to create the ultimate soundstage for that family event.

What about the future, where could the tech go next?

The million dollar question! Ultimately, we can see how to develop much more convenient products that have the potential for consumers to install themselves. While the high performance installer product will always be there and command a premium, it may well be that we will also offer discreet, wide dispersion products that are cost attractive to the wider consumer market and compatible with the competent base of inexpensive smart home devices - which are becoming increasing widespread.

What is the best thing about running Amina?

It’s absolutely fabulous to be involved in creating something that has gone on to create its own category in our industry. But I think the most thrilling thing is to see the development of our own team alongside the suppliers and customers we work with as they continue to expand their own horizons, and continue to innovate and push boundaries to help create a different future for all of us.

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Essential Install | Cables and Connections

Are your cables cutting it?

EI offers some insight, opinion and top tips on how to make sure the backbone of your installs are right first time, all of the time.

FS Cables delivers a whole host of products suitable for the install market. However, the company is also keen to educate the sector and has recently been spelling out the important differences between LSF vs LSHF (LSZH) cables.

The maker says there can be issues facing specifiers and contractors caused by confusion over terminology and standards. Are LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free) cables the same as LSF (Low Smoke and Fume)? These terms are all widely used within the industry and FS Cables says it still encounters confusion from contractors surrounding the difference between LSF and LSHF. The maker says that LSF is a somewhat meaningless term applying to products that are often PVC based, which may emit up to 22% Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) gas when burnt and give off black smoke. Hydrogen Chloride gas can be deadly and damage equipment and black smoke can obscure exit routes in the event of a fire. By way of comparison, standard PVC gives off up to 28% HCl. In contrast, LSHF cables are those which emit no more than 0.5% HCl when burned. There is a significant difference between the two products and it is vital that specifiers know which they are choosing.

Under test conditions the results are startling. The LSF cable very quickly begins to burn and give off black smoke. By contrast, an LSHF cable gives off negligible smoke when exposed to the same heat source. The sheath swells and will eventually burn through in the same way as LSF, but it will only produce a tiny amount of white smoke and almost no flame.

There has also been a shift in recent years to using newly developed compounds that emit less of the harmful gases, particularly halogens, but still perform well in other respects. The difficulty for the cable buyer is that there are no specific standards for LSF cables. Ordinary PVC emits approximately 28% HCl, whilst modified PVC could give off a massive 22% HCl and still be sold as LSF. FS Cables says if you want to be absolutely certain of what you are installing you should insist on a cable that uses insulation and sheathing materials that do not emit any Halogens and have reduced smoke emission properties. These are termed LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free), LS0H, LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or sometimes OHLS (Zero Halogen Low Smoke). These products must emit no more than 0.5% HCl. The company also urges installers not to accept standard PVC cables over-sheathed with an LSHF jacket

or cables with PVC insulation. When the jacket burns through, the PVC inner sheath or insulation will give off poisonous gases in just the same way as if the LSHF jacket wasn’t there. Another common misunderstanding is that LSF or LSHF cable is also flame retardant. This is not necessarily true. The cables may spread the fire even though minimal fumes are being emitted.

Some customers are opting for LSF cable (Low Smoke and Fume) over standard PVC cable and as a result FS Cables is stocking many of the popular alternatives to Belden style cables in LSF. The compounds now widely used in the market are modified PVC, which still emit poisonous halogens and smoke - just slightly less of them. FS Cables says if installers purchase these products from the company or another supplier, remember they are PVC based and should be regarded as only slightly better than standard PVC in the event of a fire.

FS Cables concludes, correctly specified, both products offer a good solution but it’s crucial to know when and where it’s appropriate to use them. Don’t be confused or take the risk – if the job specifies LSHF, then LSF cables will not perform to the correct level in the event of fire.

Justin Martin-Lawrence, Habitech Technical Manager at distributor Habitech, has some thoughts on future proofing, “Should integrators designing for video distribution care about future data demands when practically all streamed UHD content is at 4:2:0/24 or 30, which fits beautifully under HDBT’s 10Gb ceiling? Or when there’s very little 8K to watch, no 8K cable boxes, streaming devices or discs and no officially certified Category 3 ‘Ultra High Speed’ HDMI 2.1 48G cables, because the certification program has yet to begin? The answer, if I may be so bold, is of course they should!

“Not just because the advent of HDMI 2.1 and 8K will deliver new revenue streams to CI businesses, or render the full-fat glory of 4K HDR at 24G bitrates and above, but because the only way is up for video resolution. Even though there’s a degree of chicken/egg inertia in every HDMI transition, all the tea leaves are spelling out a 2.1 future – the provenance says so.”

Justin adds, “Content provision is moving emphatically to a streaming model and 8K HDMI 2.1 TVs are already on the high street. The best, and in my view the only viable plan for infrastructure design, is to install fibre. Cleerline

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Essential Install | Cables and Connections

Cleerline Inneos extender set is just part of a wide choice available from this maker

SSF fibre, in stock at Habitech, fixes all the problems of legacy fibre: it’s easy to handle and terminate, flexible in the wall and as tough as they come: the ideal tech for long-range, durable fibre deployment. Then connect the latest spec HDMI/fibre baluns and HDMI cables to handle the data out from the source and into the display at the other end. The beauty of these ‘extenders’ and HDMI leads is that they can be switched for 2.1 versions when available. With 200Gbps fibre in the wall you’ll be ready to make the jump to 48Gbps in as long as it takes to swap the cables and baluns: couple of mins max!”

Some more detail on product introductions includes Cleerline Inneos expanding its Real4K family by introducing Real4K optical extenders. Unlike Real4K adapters which have a short HDMI cable attached, Real4K Optical Extenders have a female HDMI port, designed to give integrators increased design flexibility to attach HDMI cables at either end. Inneos patented WaveStaker tech creates multiple channels using lasers operating at different wavelengths and combines them into a single fibre. This allows uncompressed 18Gbps signals over a single industry standard fibre up to 1000m, as well as ARC and eARC support. IR emitter support for bi-directional IR is also an option. Habitech says deploying Real4K optical extenders is as simple as connecting the extender and plugging in the fibre. Real4K products can be disconnected from the standard fibre and replaced with 8K versions when it’s time to upgrade.

According to Habitech, Cleerline’s SSF fibre optic cable is stronger, safer, and faster to terminate than any comparable product on the market. In one case study, technicians were able to terminate SSF up to 33% faster than other industry bend insensitive fibre.

The product has a proprietary glass, glass, polymer construction, which provides an extra layer of strength

to its glass, giving the fibre up to 10,000 times the bend capacity and up to 200 times the durability of traditional fibre.

SSF fibre has a minuscule minimum bend radius: as low as 3mm during installation (depending on fibre type), compared with an industry standard 7.5tmm minimum for typical multimode bend insensitive fibers.

The concept also provides greater safety for installers because the coating prevents glass shards from puncturing skin and remains present on the glass at all times, helping prevent contamination or damage to the glass. Traditional fibre lacks any protective coating directly on the glass, so it’s fragile and can easily shatter, creating hazardous microscopic shards. Also, Cleerline SSF does not require certification to terminate.

Stuart Lockhart, Managing Director at Vision Audio Visual argues that the most common type of damage to cabling caused during installation is from overstretching.

Stuart says, “This can be caused during installation, when long lengths of cable are pulled through walls, but more often it happens to cables in regular use. To prevent this, installers should make sure they use cables manufactured with Aramid. Aramid is a fibre found in bullet proof vests and has a similar molecular structure to Kevlar. Due to its exceptional strength and thermal stability, long Aramid fibres within the cable will prevent overstretching.”

The company underlines that its new HQ range of cables are braided with a soft touch braid that reduces tangle, and also comes with Aramid inside.

Stuart also underlines that a common mistake when choosing cables is to mix gauges. He says, “Cable quality is ultimately measured in AWG, which for comparison is similar to the diameter of a pipe. The smaller the AWG number, the thicker the conductors inside the cable will be, resulting in a larger cable diameter. For instance, the wires inside a 24 AWG cable are twice as thick as the 30 AWG cable, as a reduction of 6 AWG doubles the diameter.

“Mixing gauges has an effect on the overall performance because the bandwidth is limited by the gauge of the smallest cable that the signal travels down.

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September 2019 | 47

Essential Install | Cables and Connections

the wall, with a thin patch cable to a wall plate.”

Other news from the company is the launch of its DDA-Compliant VISION Techconnect faceplate with a black surround to help end user sites fulfil their DDA obligations. More info available direct from the company.

Jon Lane, MD at connection and signal taming specialists, Smart-e, has some views on best practice, “At Smart-e when discussing good practice for cable installations we mainly focus on structured cabling methods. The overwhelming majority of support calls we receive result in the discovery that the problem is due to the incorrect installation of structured cabling. As a result of this, we often find ourselves considering ways to prevent poor cabling practises for installing Category 5e/6/6A cables.”

Jon explains, “One of the biggest causes of poor cabling practice in current installation is due to the proliferation of HDBaseT technology. As most installations now use HDBaseT technology, the structured cabling infrastructure needs to conform to 10GBaseT standards, requiring the installer to follow the main criteria for creating a 10 Gigabit Ethernet network system.

“This includes using Cat 6A screened solid core terminated on screened patch panels and wall outlets and then Cat 6A screened stranded patch cable for direct connection to the AV transmission and distribution equipment.”

Jon continues, “The faults in these systems almost always come from issues with the connections between different parts, rather than issues with the cable itself.

While excellent on the quality of connection, Cat 6A cabling is often thick and unwieldy, meaning that it often has problems with physically connecting between itself and the rest of the installation. The large size of the cable can make connection to RJ45 connectors difficult, which in

addition to installation problems, increases the likelihood of connector misalignment in the future.”

However help is at hand. Jon says, “To solve these connection problems we at Smart-e have found that the ideal connector to terminate the cable is the Cat 6A Keystone Module. The Keystone Module requires no specialist tools for use, and the connector can simply snap into an appropriate patch panel or wall outlet. The connector maintains a complete screen around the cable and interconnecting RJ45 connector thereby minimising the problems of alien crosstalk.

“In the opinion of Smart-e the Cat6A Keystone Module is the most effective current way of solving structured cabling problems within current installations.”

Kramer Electronics has been addressing the need for long distance 4K AV transmission, retractable cable solutions.

David Margolin, VP Marketing for Kramer, argues, “Connectivity plays a vital role in the efficiency and performance of a system and it is important that integrators have the correct connectivity options, with the capability of handling today’s high-resolution video, when designing an installation.

“Here at Kramer, we provide probably the widest choice of connectivity options available to the market.

Depending on the scale of the installation, our customers can buy our cables on the spool, as well as select and order from a wide range of Kramer cable assemblies adapters and connectors.

David adds, “Of course, we also provide ‘off the shelf’ connectivity solutions for more straightforward projects, plus we have unique, innovative connection solutions that we have developed from listening to customer demands.”

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Essential Install | Cables and Connections

Lindy is helping installers go further to meet the demands of today’s installs

rooms and presentation applications where people bring their own devices (BYOD) and need to connect to display content. The set of adapters is held on a tensile aircraft-strength security ring so users can plug different presentation sources into the HDMI cable while preventing the theft or removal of the adpaters to another site.

CI focused distributor AWE underlines the qualities of its Kinetik brand with products like the HDBaseT CAT6 CPR Certified cable designed with installers in mind and suited to residential smart home and home cinema projects, delivering high quality and performance.

The HDBaseT compliant tech inside guarantees network performance, and allows for the distribution of full HD video, 2K and 4K uncompressed video, audio, ethernet, power and control across the single CAT6 cable.

With transmission up to 100m and signal convergence for audio and video, ethernet USB and power over the single cable, AWE says the HDBaseT tech works hard for integrators and reduces infrastructure cost.

AWE claims the Kinetik cable is the slimmest certified CAT6 cable currently available on the market, with the outer diameter at just 5.3mm. The cable also comes in a handy 305m reel, housed within a pull box for the convenience of integrators. The product family is available in red and blue, exclusively via AWE. Distributor Invision underlines the abilities of the WyreStorm brand delivering 4K UHD with HDR content in all its uncompressed 18Gbps glory with 10m, 15m, 20m and 30m HDMI cables using the latest active optical transmission technology.

The company argues next generation content needs next generation content delivery supporting video 4K/60 4:4:4 8-bit and HDR 12-bit at 4:2:2 with HDCP 2.2 for compatibility with the latest 4K UHD content, CAB-HAOC cables handle multichannel audio up to DTS:X and Dolby Atmos.

What’s more, when it comes to aiding control of devices, the products also keep things simple with support for both ARC and CEC. A good choice for point to point use or as part of a WyreStorm 4K UHD matrix switcher system where mirrored HDMI outputs can be used to their full potential, these cables are billed as a good solution for any environment where copper transmission may be susceptible to electromagnetic or radio frequency interference. With install experience as important as transmission quality, the CAB-HAOC cables come ready spooled with 20mm heads easily fed through conduits and colour coded/labelled connections improving ease of install, cable management and adding that personal touch to an installation. Recent additions to the range include a 30m, 40m and 50m length with detachable head and new short lengths available in 2m,

4m, 6m and 8m lengths.

Invision also has a long standing relationship with the ICE cables brand, a maker whose HDMI leads are certified 18Gbps up to 20M giving full 4:4:4. The HDMI leads feature GRIP lock technology with special springs to provide a secure grip on the female connector, giving a stable connection. They are supplied in dual use packaging with resealable opening and display hang holes making it usable in a retail environment as well.

Another maker hoping to help installers reach further is Lindy with its long distance active DisplayPort cables which allow users to connect 4K UHD sources to the latest UHD displays. Where standard, copper DisplayPort cables reach their maximum transmission lengths, integrated active technology allows these cables to go further.

These active cables can transmit DisplayPort 1.2 signals up to 20m with support for resolutions up to 4K UHD 3840x2160@60Hz. With support for the REC.2020 colour space that covers the wider colour gamut required for HDR (high dynamic range) content, they provide for better contrasts between highlights and lowlights.

Lindy says a common downside to using active cables is they are often unidirectional and must be connected to the source and display using the designated connectors. However, these cables are bi-directional for a simpler installation process while avoiding any potential compatibility issues. Lindy says, combined with a stylish connector and high quality, flexible cable they are an ideal solution for hassle-free installations through conduits or behind walls, to provide a discreet and modern AV setup.

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Essential Install | Content is King

Nice Landing Sir

In a brand-new series, figures from the AV world offer up their favourite clips and content that underline just how much a proper AV system adds to the party. This month, Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at Meridian Audio Ltd takes to the skies, well, sort of.

Barry in full flow demonstrating the main cinema at Meridian HQ

One of my favourite demo clips is the scene from Sully which is called ‘nice landing, sir’ by the Kaleidescape system.

Shot in 2.40 aspect ratio, it’s a real treat for the eyes as the scene opens with Tom Hanks’ character Sully jogging in Times Square. For those of you that have been there, you know just how insanely bright the neon and LED signs are.

This comes across amazingly on screen if you have a powerful projector, like our Barco Residential Wodan.

Amazing colour, brightness and inky black contrast, all at the same time. It’s a real test for a projection system and if it’s done well on a large screen, you feel like you can step into the street and join Sully on his jog.

The 7.1 audio track is Sully’s thoughts running through his head, snippets from prosecutors and the court case circling around the room. A shower of sparks drops down from the top of the screen, it’s a great test for a system’s spatial resolution.

Our DSP8000SE that we use as the LCR channels in this system do an amazing job of this. Combined with the 861v8 Reference processor, produces the most cohesive, dynamic and open sound stages I’ve ever experienced.

Sully finishes his jog in front of the USS Intrepid and looks at an F4 Phantom sat on the deck in the darkness.

Up until this point, the audio has been very subtle, with a quiet music track underpinning the various voices running

around in Sully’s head.

We cut from this dark, gloomy scene and go straight to the cockpit of a Phantom, flying over a bright desert. The powerful engines show off the huge dynamics that any good audio system should have in reserve, this is the first time we are asking for real power from the speakers. Once again, spatial resolution plays a huge part in tracking the two Phantoms movement across, above and below the screen and out to the extreme widths of the room.

The engines really test out the subwoofers and the huge, bright expanse of the desert light up the room, showing how much punch the projector really has.

The tense emergency landing really does have the viewers on the edge of their seats and finishes with the supporting Phantom roaring up from the bottom of the screen all the way to the top left-hand corner.

From the desert we go straight back to the dark, gloomy USS Intrepid and a close up on Sullys face; the detail is incredible on this shot. That transition from bright sunlight to gloomy New York really highlights the extremes of contrast that reference projectors are capable of.

The reason I like the scene so much is that it really isn’t a typical theatre demonstration. People are often all too keen to show a thunderous, high energy explosive opening demo which, in my opinion, can be divisive.

If you put yourself in the position of the customer, you

September 2019 | 55

Essential Install | Content is King

Cinemas are all about experience and recreating everything that the director intended, in the comfort of your own home. Sully was a superb story, expertly directed by Clint Eastwood and brought to life by the cast. I am a big fan of Clint and his gritty, hard hitting movies (Gran Torino and American Sniper, for example) and Sully really stood out as another classic.

Any time you can experience genuine fear, sadness, happiness, elation and laughter when watching a movie, the more engrossed you are in the experience and the more you feel like you are part of the story. That really is what cinema is for me; a break from reality, a trip into another world that you can enjoy with your friends and talk about afterwards.

The Kit List

Meridian DSP8000SEs make up part of this exercise in audio excellence

56 | September 2019

are sat in a dark room, with people you don’t know, pinned to the seat at 105dB+ with no way of easily stopping the demo. Not an ideal first introduction to ‘why you should invest in a cinema’, you’ll offend more often than you’ll please. You can always play something more dynamic/ brutal later, once you have eased the client into the performance that is available.

The other advantage is that clips like this really let you show of the breadth of performance that your cinema can offer. It is as important to hear and see the small details, these are often lost on full-bore movie clips. It is really important to demonstrate low listener fatigue, something that is a signature of Meridian Audio systems, allowing the user to watch movie after movie in complete comfort.

Sound stage, spatial resolution, detail, dialogue clarity and incredibly low distortion are far more enjoyable than sheer SPL alone. Whilst the 105dB SPL measurement is always the benchmark we need to hit for a reference cinema design, this number alone doesn’t consider any of the qualitative factors that make an awesome cinema.

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EssentialREVIEW Artison Nano Backpack P5 5.1ch AV amplifier

Is the Backpack packed with high performance?

Our trade focused reviewer, Richard Stevenson, takes a look under the hood of the Artison Nano Backpack P5 5.1ch AV amplifier.

For single room AV installs or zones a long way from the rack, running an AVR in the zone itself makes a lot of sense. It keeps the decoding and power local – which is ideal if the source is streaming apps on the TV – and in addition, it eases user control and reduces long cable runs and associated losses. Yet seamlessly accommodating a traditionally chunky looking 44cm wide AVR into a tight décor brief or small room is never easy.

Artison has a solution in its Nano Backpack P5.

Billed as the world’s smallest AVR, this 5.1 channel AV decoder/amplifier is just 30cm wide, 30cm deep and a very svelte 3cm tall. It is designed to be mounted on the back of the TV screen (see what they did with the name there?). In fact, its cool running digital amplification means you have a range of installation options both vertically, such as behind décor panels, or horizontally, perhaps on the underside of a desktop or in a cupboard. Its consumer-facing chassis looks the part too, so simply placing it on a TV stand is a possibility.

Beneath the robust ABS plastic and metal-topped casework is decoding for standard Dolby and DTS surround sound formats up to 5.1 configuration and

58 | September 2019

five channels of amplification. These are rated at 3 x 75W and 2 x 35W for the rears. There is an RCA output for a subwoofer, or you can use Artison’s Nano wireless transmitter if you are deploying the matching Nano sub.

The connection suite is compact, running along the narrow rear panel with four x HDMI 2.2 ports, one with ARC, S/PDIF in RCA and Toslink flavours, power-only USB and a 3.5mm analogue jack input. Network control is enabled over RJ45 ethernet or built-in Dual-Band Wi-Fi, and there is a Bluetooth 4.0 connection for music playback from a smart device. Given its likely install location, there is an IR jack input for the handy 1m IR extender supplied in the kit.

It can be controlled by Savant, C4 and Crestron, and a host of other drivers are available for basic functions within a control system. The front panel has a single knob that doubles up for both volume and input selection and a row of LED lights that increase with volume. There is no display on the Backpack itself, with all menus and set-up via on-screen display. A rather cheap looking blister-button remote is also supplied but day to day use benefits from slick CEC control.

EssentialREVIEW Artison Nano Backpack P5 5.1ch AV amplifier

Performance Within preferences, you can also control the LED lighting on the front of the Backpack - which is just as well, as its fully on mode looks like a blue dawn behind the TV. Once configured, the Backpack is supremely simple to use given its CEC HDMI input switching and ARC. It auto-detected Dolby and DTS formats from a BD player but was at its operational slickest watching Netflix on the connected TV. There really is nothing for the user to touch as the volume is controlled over the TV remote; ideal for customers prone to ‘finger trouble’ operational issues.

While Artison’s remote is nothing to write home about, once the Backpack is configured, the CEC controls work well, particularly using ARC as volume control then falls to the TV’s remote. Hooked up to Artison’s own passive soundbar and Nano subwoofer, the Backpack give a very good account

of itself acoustically with a crisp and articulate sound that makes dialogue highly intelligible. Yet using the Backpack with a passive soundbar is perhaps defeating the object somewhat, as an active soundbar would be a simpler solution.

To get a feel for the Backpack with larger-scale speaker we used it as a traditional AVR to power a mid-market five-channel speaker, package to great effect. It packs a much bigger punch than with the soundbar, the amplifiers delivering dynamics that wholly belie the Backpack’s compact dimensions.

We would expect the Backpack to really shine with in-wall speakers LCR around the TV and in-ceiling rears, making for a very slick, near invisible highperformance surround sound system.

Installation and set-up

The Backpack doesn’t offer any secure mounting points so is supplied with a pair of curved brackets that simply friction clamp the sides of the unit. Our supplier Redline offers a component mounting plate (CMP-XL) that bolts to a VESA bracket and provides a drilled flat area to secure the Backpack’s brackets.

Due to the lack of real estate on the rear panel, speaker connection is by a removeable 10-terminal Phoenix connector that will cater for 12AWG or around 3mm2 of cable comfortably. That enables pre-wiring speaker cable to the block and simply pushing it securely into the socket. The HDMI ports are nicely secure and we didn’t have any issues with heavier cables pulling the vertical connection.

The set up menu allows you to configure and rename inputs, control power-up and CEC settings, set speaker parameters and level, and configure networking. The built-in Wi-Fi module takes a little while to boot up and set-up is slightly convoluted in that you need to Wi-Fi Direct connect a smart device and then visit a configuration page to dial-in SSID settings. There is no on-board Room EQ system here, so set-up is otherwise slick and easy.

September 2019 | 59

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What a year 2019 is turning out to be for us here at Smart AV Distribution...first we introduced & opened our brand new dedicated training & demo facility The Smart Hub in April, which has proven to be a huge success so far & now we have decided to dip our toes into the world of trade shows for the first time ever‌.

We are all so excited to introduce The Smart Show - our very own trade show, the first of what we hope will be many more going forward.

The world of AV & Home Automation is a fast & ever changing environment and at Smart AV we understand how important it is for our customers to keep right up to date with the latest technology & designs‌ so, with that in mind, we have decided to bring together all of our most popular brand names under one roof so that you can not only have the opportunity to see the latest products in action but you will also be able speak to the experts and ask all those questions you may have about product functionality & installation

In addition to so many big name industry suppliers, we also have the pleasure of welcoming Essential Install on board as our exclusive Smart Show media partners, and also our special guests for the day, Smart Homee, who will host a series of workshops & seminars throughout the course of the show.

So with so much going on, including exclusive product unveilings & prize giveaways why not come along & join us on the day.

Our maiden voyage into the world of trade exhibitions will take place on Wednesday 30th October 2019 at the Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, a stunning 18th Century mansion, nestled in the idyllic setting of the lush Hertfordshire countryside.

With big names such as Blustream, Antiference, Monitor Audio, TP-Link & Whyte Technologies on board among many others & with the promises of several brand new products being unveiled on the day, we feel pretty sure that there will be a huge interest in our first Smart Show and we are really looking forward to welcoming as many of you as possible on the day.

To register your interest in attending please visit: https://www.savdistribution.co.uk/ events/the-smart-show-2019 Hope to see you all there!!

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.SAVDISTRIBUTION.CO.UK

Essential Install | Essential CEDIA

The Client Interaction Process Alan Matthews, Managing Director at CEDIA Advanced Member, Automated Spaces, asks ‘what is a smart home?’

If you ask 10 different people ‘what is a smart home?’ you normally will get 10 different answers, based on each person’s general understanding of smart home technologies and what their perceived priorities are.

We don’t expect our clients to be experts about the various components that come together to make a true smart home, that is our job, so if a homeowner is working with a technology integrator who is a CEDIA member, then that specialist should have a refined engagement process that they can guide the client through. We call it the Client Interaction Process.

Due to the wide breadth of solutions we can offer, as well as the fact that some of the solutions might not be commonly identified as something a smart home specialist might supply, the very first thing we do when engaging with a potential client is to run through a comprehensive check list of all the areas where we can assist them.

Once we have a mutually agreed scope for the engagement, we would next invite them to visit our fully equipped smart home show house so that they can see and physically interact with lots of different smart home technologies. We provide a guided tour around the property and then spend time with the client, taking them through a lifestyle survey, so we can better understand how they will use the finished home on a day-to-day basis. We can then identify and rank their top priorities for the project.

We had one client recently who wanted a large smart home implementation, but when we delved deeper, his main priority was the safety of his family when in the property and his second priority was a robust Wi-Fi signal in all locations across his property – all the other elements of the smart home like the smart lighting and home entertainment systems were important but not as high a priority. So now that we knew his top priorities, we could ensure that in conjunction with the architect, we completely factored these elements into our design.

Through the lifestyle survey, we also seek to identify any current or potential future assisted living requirements. We are on average all living longer. Thanks to advances in medical science, we now have improved abilities to live with complex health issues. This means

62 | September 2019

that we are starting to see more requests from people to ensure that any smart home we design can also support them to remain in their homes longer. We gather all this lifestyle information so that we can create a solution design that provides all the necessary use cases to answer the client’s specific requirements. Typically, we find clients don’t want to know about all the individual components, they just want to know what the positive impacts of the smart home will be for them, so normally we will present the solution design in way that doesn’t include details of all the underlying technology elements – we state the functionality that will be delivered.

Once we have agreed the scope of the engagement and completed the lifestyle survey, which can be completed in a few hours, we can then very quickly provide the client with a rough order of magnitude (ROM) and begin the budgetary conversation.

Subject to the homeowner being happy with the commercials, we would then move into the first chargeable phase; producing the design and documentation for the proposed solution. Next, based on the comprehensive design, we would submit a proposal to the client for the remaining phases of the process. If the homeowner wished to continue working with us, then we would provide the client with clear and concise contractual terms for the next stage of the process; the installation phase.

Once installation is completed, and when the homeowner moves in, we would provide them with training on how to use the various systems, comprehensive documentation about the systems that have been installed, and advice on how to utilise the various support services we provide as part of our managed service.

Understanding and managing this Client Interaction Process efficiently can be key to success of every integrator’s business.

Automated Spaces 01664 500 552, automatedspaces.co.uk

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Essential Install | Smart Thinking: Perspective

Keeping things in perspective

Pete Baker, experienced install industry operator, founder of Big Corp, global full service, business development agency and former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RTI, argues value is all about perception.

I love the story of the first sub four-minute mile. It was commonly believed to be impossible. However, on May 6, 1954, a 25-year-old medical student, Roger Banister, ran a mile in 3:59:04. Less than six weeks after, Australian, John Landy, completed a mile run in 3:58. Now, running a sub four-minute mile is a regular occurrence. I am fascinated by the power of the mind, once it is convinced the impossible is possible – the perspective shifts and miracles happen.

I experienced a change in my perspective early in my career 25 years ago. I was working for an integration company and we were charging $50/hour for labour. I left to work for a different company and was shocked to discover that the new company charged $80/hour for labour and $100/hour for programming. A conversation followed to educate me on the reasoning behind the rates. My employer was committed to the pricing and the value offered by the company, which defined the pricing. I was told “we are not an average AV integration firm, we are exceptional!” Our company was a founding member of CEDIA and the team was formed by talented and experienced technicians who had previously worked as sound engineers for local musicians, like Prince. The company was convinced that we were a premier firm and if a consumer wanted the best, they would be willing to pay.

Once I understood the reasoning behind the pricing and witnessed how my boss delivered his proposals with pride in our brand, I shifted my perspective and stood behind the pricing, and the value we had to offer.

I know that many markets around the world are currently struggling due to economic challenges, political issues, currency rate and government imposed tariffs, etc. I like to look at difficult times as a challenge to develop opportunities. As a leader, you should consider: ‘who is going to come out of this period stronger: you or your competition?’ If you want to become stronger, now is the time to do it. It is time to ask yourself and your team some questions.

Growing stronger

What are you doing to attract more customers and grab more market share? It is time to ramp up your visibility with new and existing customers? Contribute articles to local papers or magazines. Create a newsletter to communicate new trends with your existing customers. Discuss topics they find interesting: voice control, energy management, device supervision and remote management, wellness, lighting and circadian rhythm. Become more active on social media and show off completed projects.

How can you become more successful in each project?

Evaluate your product offering. Are you selling the best solution for each category? I see integrators who are losing money in key product categories, because it may be ‘easier to sell’ a certain product. If you are taking the easy road, the highway will eventually run out of pavement. It is equally important to look at the product categories you are offering on each project. How can you maximise the opportunity with each client? Are you offering lighting control, shading, door entry, HVAC control, home theatre furnishings and acoustic treatments, security, surveillance and device supervision?

Review some business analytics: what product categories are growing or shrinking, which ones are the most profitable? Where could you add new revenue or increased profit? If you can’t pull this data from your accounting or other business management software, you can manually go through past projects and use a pencil and paper to analyse some data and make educated decisions.

Challenge your beliefs: carefully evaluate some of your beliefs about products, brands and business policies and try to flip them upside down. You may believe that X product may be too expensive but make a list of all the benefits offered by the product and you may find further value to determine it is actually priced too low. Or you may find that a leading product in a category is driving your profit margins down, and it is time to seek an alternative.

Maybe it is time to flip a policy and add more long-term value to your business by offering a unique benefit. Look at what Amazon did by simply offering ‘free’ shipping with its Prime service.

Next time you are faced with a challenging situation, try to shift your perspective and ask yourself what positive developments can come from this situation. Don’t be shy to include your team in this exercise. The power of team collaboration is invaluable.

I would love to hear from you, pete@thebigcorp.com

September 2019 | 65

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Essential Install | Room Correction

Room correction improves on room EQ to deliver unrivaled audio optimisation Room correction is a big subject currently as installers look to use anything at their disposal to get the best performance possible.

Dirac is a provider of digital sound optimisation solutions and here the company’s General Manager of High-Performance Audio, Niklas Thorin, underlines why he believes installers need to engage.

Recent advances pioneered by leading technology companies are changing how audiophiles and general home theatre enthusiasts approach audio performance in their homes. While frequency equalisation provides a degree of control over sound characteristics, and room EQ solves some issues with reverberations and frequency response, a far more robust and effective solution is penetrating the market and delivering truly optimised listening experiences for any listening environment: room correction.

What’s wrong with the room?

Before diving into the key differences between room EQ software and room correction software, let’s discuss the role played by room acoustics software, in general, in optimising a home theatre audio system.

Every room has unique acoustics, and they introduce a variety of distortions regardless of the audio equipment being used. Room acoustics software – like room EQ and room correction – can be used to reduce these distortions and improve audio clarity by altering the output of speakers to perform optimally based on precise measurements of a room’s shape, size, furnishings, reflective surfaces and listener locations.

The major sources of distortion that affect the listening experience and can be addressed by room acoustics software are:

- Frequency response, which describes a given speaker’s frequency range (ie 20Hz - 20kHz) and how the speaker increases or decreases the loudness of certain frequencies. For most situations, the ideal frequency response is ‘neutral’ or ‘flat’, where the speaker does not affect loudness of individual frequencies.

- Impulse response, which is the output produced by a brief input signal, such as a single note of music. Poor impulse response can result in a muddy sound, where notes linger too long and blend together.

- Phase alignment, which determines whether multiple speakers play the same sounds at precisely the same time. Proper phase alignment lines up the peaks and troughs of the crossing sound waves so they don’t cancel each other out.

- Room resonances, which are standing waves that primarily affect bass performance, resulting in pronounced or ‘boomy’ bass notes due to a room’s architecture and geometry.

- Speaker driver alignment, which affects the timing of sounds from an individual speaker’s woofer and tweeter.

- Cabinet diffraction, which occurs in a narrow field around the speakers, and can cause a perceived change of location for instruments and voices. It’s also called ‘early reflections’.

- Room reverberation, which introduces spectral change and spaciousness to sound. It’s also called ‘late reflections’.

September 2019 | 67

Essential Install | Room Correction

How does room correction improve on room EQ? Now that we’ve an understanding of the necessity of room acoustics software in creating an optimised listening environment, let’s get into the key differences between room correction software and traditional room EQ. Many popular manufacturers offer room EQ that can adjust for reverberation and frequency response, but generally offer no solutions to improve impulse response, phase alignment, room resonance, speaker driver alignment or cabinet diffraction – the other roomrelated sources of distortion that impact the listening experience.

However, several high-end manufacturers have begun offering room correction, including our Dirac Live product, which adequately addresses all sources of distortion and imperfection through advanced algorithms.

A key differentiator of room correction solutions is their highly accurate impulse response optimisation, which results in a clearer, more accurate sound since each note lasts precisely the intended amount of time.

Some room EQ solutions attempt to correct for impulse response by cutting off notes prematurely or starting notes early, but the result is often unnatural-sounding audio that doesn’t line up as intended – ultimately diminishing the listening experience.

But doesn’t room correction affect the warmth of analogue sources?

Certain members of the audiophile and Hi-Fi community still view any degree of digital processing as an intrusion on the warmth of analogue sources, such as LPs. The truth, however, is that virtually no modern audio is recorded using analogue equipment, and is therefore digital from the outset, regardless of what medium a consumer purchases. In fact, if room correction has any effect on the perceived warmth of a system, it’s likely to be heard as a positive effect, not negative, because all of the room-based distortions are eliminated.

68 | September 2019

What innovations does the latest in room correction offer?

Room correction has traditionally required a fairly technical process, but new solutions are making it much simpler and faster for integrators, and even enduser customers, to complete. For example, thanks to Dirac Live’s advanced algorithms and a redesigned, intuitive user interface that guides users through the process, what used to take a full day or more can now be completed in as little as 10 minutes. This enormous savings in time, not to mention frustration, helps integrators save money and increase the profitability of installations.

What’s the future of room correction?

Currently, room correction is available on a number of mid-level home audio products and is most effective in environments with basic dimensions and standard seating positions, like living rooms or home theatres.

Looking forward, we’re exploring ways to apply its leading room correction technology to more dynamic and complex spaces, such as kitchens, where there are more reflection points and more widely varied seating positions than a home theatre. When mass-market consumer products begin integrating room correction, an entire home could be blanketed with acoustically perfect sound. We also hope to see room correction solutions for tube amplifiers in the next few years, which will offer audiophiles complete optimisation of their high-end two-channel music systems.

Furthermore, although the industry has made significant progress with room correction in the last 20 years, there are still acoustical challenges that’ve yet to be solved. Solutions for standing wave cancellation, multi-sweet spot creation, and true bass management throughout an entire listening space are on the horizon.

As a research-driven company dedicated to inventing the future of sound, Dirac’s actively exploring the edge of the market and developing breakthrough solutions, like the recently introduced Dirac Live Bass Management module, that creates increasingly refined and perfected home theatre listening environment.

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Why not bring your project related customers and colleagues along with you. If you are an Installer, Integrator,Consultant, Electrician or just interested to learn more, we hope to see you on the day.

Register on our event page at Eventbrite! You will be entered into our £500 prize competition when you attend the show www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-grax-northwest-trade-show

Essential Install | Training Dates

AL LT R A D E BLAKE UK PROCEPTION WIFI DATES/LOCATION: November 5 (10am or 2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, November 6 (10am or 2pm) Maidstone Branch, November 7 (10am or 2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, November 12 (10am or 2pm) Reading Branch, November 13 (10am or 2pm) Bournemouth Branch, November 14 (10am or 2pm) Cardiff Branch

INTRODUCTION TO ELAN DATES/LOCATION: September 18 (8.30am) Nottingham

ADVANCED ELAN CERTIFICATION DATES/LOCATION: September 11 & 12 (9.15am) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 25 & 26 (9.15am) Nottingham, October 23 & 24 (9.15am) Nottingham, November 27 & 28 (9.15am) Nottingham

AW E S MA RT HO ME ACA D E M Y WIRE FREE BLINDS WITH QMOTION DATES/LOCATION: October 15, AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom COST: £25

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

MORE INFORMATION »

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

INTRODUCTION TO HDL DATES/LOCATION: September 18 (1.30pm) Nottingham

INTRODUCTION TO SONOS DATES/LOCATION: October 15 (10am) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches, October 17 (10am) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches

LEVEL 1 UBIQUITI

KNX ‘TASTER’ COURSE

DATES/LOCATION: September 19 (2pm) Reading Branch, September 26 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 16 (2pm) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches, November 7 (2pm) Reading Branch, November 20 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, November 21 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, November 27 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch

DATES/LOCATION: September 11, October 16, November 13; Bemco, Wandsworth

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KNX ADVANCED COURSE

DATES/LOCATION: October 23 (2pm) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches, November 27 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch

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

CCTV OVERVIEW - HIKVISION

KNX HVAC COURSE:

DATES/LOCATION: September 10 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 11 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 19 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 3 (2pm) Reading Branch, October 30 (2pm) Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth Branches, November 14 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches

INTRODUCTION TO IRS DATES/LOCATION: September 25 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, October 2 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, October 24 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, October 31 (2pm) Reading Branch, November 13 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, November 20 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch

INTRODUCTION TO FIBRE DATES/LOCATION: September 12 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches, September 25 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, October 24 (2pm) Reading Branch, October 31 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, November 12 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, November 28 (2pm) Reading Branch

CAT5E/6, THEIR CONNECTORS AND BEYOND DATES/LOCATION: September 18 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 26 (2pm) Reading Branch, October 2 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, October 3 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, November 6 (2pm) Brighton & Hove/ Bournemouth Branches, November 14 (2pm) Reading Branch, November 28 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch

KNX PARTNER (BASIC) COURSE DATES/LOCATION: October 7-11, November 2529, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 + VAT

DATES/LOCATION: October 29-30, December 10-11, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £300 + VAT

All KNX Intro courses are free of charge

MORE INFORMATION »

Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk

CA I BASIC AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLATION (THREE DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: November 12, 13 & 14 – Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Member £525 / Non-Members £780

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

MAKING THE BOND (ONE DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: September 10, November 19; Watford, Hertfordshire

All courses are free of charge

COST: Members £180 / Non-Members £265

MORE INFORMATION »

MORE INFORMATION »

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

70 | September 2019

B EMCO K N X TRAINING

CAI 01923 803 030, cai.org.uk

Essential Install | Training Dates

CEDIA

INVISION

HOME CINEMA DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS

COMELIT VIP DOOR ENTRY TRAINING

DATES/LOCATION: September 19-20 at 09:30 – 17:00, Alexander House, 3A Blenheim Road, Epsom

DATES/LOCATION: October 10, November 7, December 5, Comelit HQ, Welwyn Garden City

COST: £299 Members, £449 Non-Members

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

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

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

COST: £25

LILIN – IP SURVEILLANCE FOR CI DATES/LOCATION: September 10, December 10, Lilin HQ, Milton Keynes COST: £25

MORE INFORMATION »

Invision, 01359 270280, invisionuk.com

DATES/LOCATION: September 30 at 09:30 – October 4 at 16:30, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots COST: £179 Members, £249 Non-Members

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

MORE INFORMATION »

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

I VO RY EG G K N X T RA I N I N G KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES: December 9-12 COST: £875 excl VAT

KNX SALES AND SPECIFICATION COURSE DATES: October 8, November 19

HABITEC H COMMERCIAL AV INTEGRATOR (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 13, November 7

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

WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD (1 DAY COURSE)

COST: £175 excl VAT

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

KNX BASIC COURSE DATES: September 23-26 COST: £875 excl VAT

MORE INFORMATION »

Ivory Egg, 01243 572 700, ivoryegg.co.uk

DATES: September 11, October 23, November 28

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

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

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

DAHUA (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: November 13

PRONET – QUICK START (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 17, November 19 COST: £99.00 + VAT

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

RUCKUS ICX SWITCHING (1 DAY COURSE)

R A KO RAKO FOUNDATION COURSE ‘INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING CONTROLS’ DATES/LOCATION: October 10, November 21, Rako, Rochester COST: Free

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

MORE INFORMATION »

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

DATES: September 19, November 21 COST: £99.00 + VAT

All courses are free of charge unless specified otherwise

MORE INFORMATION »

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

September 2019 | 71

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September 2019 | 73

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

Essential Install | Products

Essential products

A cavalcade of carefully crafted kit Lithe Audio flexes its Control4 muscles Lithe Audio has gained lots of plaudits of late with its no-nonsense approach to connected quality audio, picking up a distribution deal with Invision UK to boot.

Now the company has announced that it has developed a new driver that will give Control4 users control over the family of Lithe Audio multi-room Wi-Fi ceiling speakers.

Lithe Audio’s Wi-Fi ceiling speakers provide an all-in-one solution for multi-room music streaming. They include built-in 60W RMS amplifiers and Wi-Fi so there’s no need for speaker cables in the walls. Just connect power from the lighting or power circuit and they can simply be set up via Airplay.

The new driver supports SDDP and allows the user to control volume, track skipping and play, and muting. It also features ‘now playing’ meta data feedback, a ‘now playing’ progress bar, automatic room on/off for streaming, and auxiliary input switching.

This is significant investment for us and an exciting development for Control4 installers everywhere,” says Amit Ravat, co-founder of Lithe Audio: “We’ve worked closely with our software developers to create a simple but effective driver which will enable installers to utilise the Lithe Audio Wi-Fi ceiling speaker system in projects without running speaker cable or additional infrastructure.”

Until now it hasn’t been easy to retrofit Wi-Fi speakers in a ceiling without connecting to a separate amplifier or running cables through your walls. The Lithe Audio design changed that and still cuts a unique figure in the custom install space.

The speakers work together to stream high quality audio from any WiFi-enabled audio service to a single, or a selection or up to 30 speakers at once for a full multi-room audio.

The only AirPlay-certified ceiling speakers available on the market, the speakers come with Spotify Connect, Deezer, TIDAL and vTuner radio already enabled.

Lithe Audio 01293 922 015, litheaudio.com

Crestron enjoys a bite of Apple Crestron increases its compatibility partnerships

Underlining the company’s continued desire to shake off the closed system approach of the past, Crestron has announced integration that leverages the power of Apple TV, Siri, and HomeKit technologies, enabling IP control of Apple TV, including voice control with Siri via the TSR-310 touch screen remote.

Crestron says the new and seamless integration delivers lifestyle-changing new functionality, starting with IP control of Apple TV, including fast voice control with Siri via the TSR-310 touch screen remote control. Initial support will be provided via Crestron SIMPL Windows programming software for 3-Series control systems, with support in the Crestron Home operating system coming soon.

“We are delighted to be working closely with Apple to produce an experience that our customers will love,” says Michael Short, Global Residential Marketing Manager.

“The new and seamless integration gives our residential integrators yet another powerful tool to enhance the user experience and lifestyle of Crestron smart home customers.”

More enhancements made possible by the Crestron and Apple integration will be available via Crestron Home in summer 2019: the same IP control of Apple TV and voice control through Siri via the TSR-310 remote, but with added support for IP control of Apple TV from all user interfaces, including the Crestron HR-310 remote, Crestron touch screens, and mobile devices.

Crestron 0845 873 8787, crestron.com

September 2019 | 75

Essential Install | Products

A new meaty Marantz duo

Precision in placement and audio is delivered

by James Loudspeaker

76 | September 2019

New fully-loaded Marantz AV receivers released Marantz has announced the SR5014 and SR6014 Ultra HD 4K AV receivers. From nine-channel amplification and IMAX Enhanced upgrades in the SR6014, to the clarity of 4K Ultra HD and the addition of Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization to both models, Marantz argues the SRSeries AV receivers are the ultimate home entertainment solutions for the demanding audiophile and video enthusiast.

The SR6014 features high-current discrete power amplifiers on all channels to deliver 185W of power per each of the nine channels. Marantz’s Hyper Dynamic Amplification Module (HDAM) provides optimal fidelity and maximum dynamic range of high-resolution files for sound quality.

On the cinema room front, the SR6014 supports IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X. The SR6014 features 11.2ch processing power, using an external stereo amp in combination with the internal 9ch amplification makes a full 7.2.4 or 5.2.6 experience

possible. Both the SR6014 and SR5014 add Dolby Atmos Height Virtualisation Technology. Listeners can configure up to seven channels for a 7.1 setting while the technology adds virtualised height effects.

The SRseries includes eight HDMI inputs, with one located on the front panel. Each input supports 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Colour sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, High Dynamic Range (HDR10), 21:9 video, 3D and BT.2020 pass-through and HDCP 2.3 copy protection standard.

Both the SR6014 and SR5014 support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Leveraging HEOS Built-in, the SR series receivers cover a wide range of streaming services such as Spotify Free and Premium, Amazon Music, Tidal and TuneIn Internet Radio, plus they work with voice agents Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri.

To the left, to the right...

compact footprint and seven-inch depth are best suited for in-ceiling applications. The SA series of speakers is available with an array of three-inch round and square Microperf grilles and has also been designed to accept industry standard three and four inch lighting trim kits to allow a neat integration with similarly styled lighting products. The Microperf grilles use smaller perforations and offer a less obtrusive, almost invisible presentation designed to vanish into any décor.

The new speakers incorporate high-performance proprietary aluminium drivers and are available in both three-way and two-way versions. Each speaker is housed in an aircraft-grade aluminium enclosure designed to minimise resonances and enhance the durability even in high humidity. The maker says the new models deliver clearly defined bass response, eliminating the need for bulky external subwoofer modules in most systems. Designed for multi-room audio and cinema room clientele seeking a premium performance solution that outperforms traditional architectural speakers, the manufacturer says the products deliver higher output capability, true high-fidelity, superb off-axis performance, unmatched durability and aesthetic perfection.

Available in the UK from Pulse Cinemas, James Loudspeaker has introduced the 63SAS-7HO-2.5R and 63SAS-7HO-2.5L Small Aperture loudspeakers available with either right or left offset, enabling integrators to install high-quality speaker systems that line up perfectly with lighting fixtures that have been installed close to the ceiling joists. The woofer port and midrange/tweeter assembly are canted either to the right or left side of the enclosure, enabling integrators to place the threeinch grille exactly where it needs to be. The offset Small Aperture (SA) speakers also help accommodate plumbing or other obstacles that may be encountered.

The James Loudspeaker 63SA-7HO features aircraft-grade aluminium construction and modular design, created to provide long life and easy service, while a built-in limiter circuit offers the utmost in long term reliability.

The 63SA-7HO’s

Marantz 02890 279 830, marantz.co.uk

Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039, pulsecinemas.com

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www.trinnov.com TRINNOV AUDIO Headquarters• 5 rue Edmond Michelet • 93360 Neuilly•Plaisance Phone: +33 (0)1 47 06 61 37 Email: sales@trinnov.com

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Essential Install | Products

Some blinding new light control capabilities

Savant enhances shade offerings Automation platform Savant has expanded its shade offerings to include both battery-powered motor solutions as well as new quiet, high-powered wired motors. The company argues, unlike bulky, unsightly motorised shades, all Savant wired or wireless solutions fit into the same low-profile tube and bracketing system, giving integrators a no-compromise window treatment for both new construction and retrofit applications.

Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation released

Compact, and versatile, the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation

Naim Audio has introduced the latest member of its Mu-so wireless music system family: Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation. The company says extensive software and hardware upgrades deliver a significant performance boost over the original while the design evolves to match the Mu-so 2nd Generation styling. Just like the Mu-so 2nd Generation introduced back in May, the new Mu-so Qb features Naim’s own music-streaming platform.

Mu-so Qb also gains the new 2nd Generation illuminated volume dial, complete with a full control array and a proximity sensor: it lights up in welcome as a hand approaches it. The product can also be controlled via the updated Naim app and a new remote control.

Available in the same burnished grey aluminium chassis and with the same upgraded speaker grille design as its Mu-so big brother, Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is designed to look attractive too.

It can also be customised with optional replacement grilles in the same Olive, Terracotta or Peacock colourways.

Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation’s compact dimensions pack in 300W of power, served up to all-new speaker drivers – optimised in conjunction with Focal. The Qb now has an upgraded ‘brain’, too: a DSP with more than 10 times extra processing power for even greater musical accuracy.

Savant says its advanced shading options enable integrators to sell design first, confident that whichever motor technology suits the application, the finished product will look fantastic in the home. For retrofit projects, Savant’s new rechargeable battery-powered motors install into the same high quality JGeiger bracketing system as the wired solution and are available with over 400 fabric choices with sheer, translucent and blackout options. Savant Shades can be controlled within the Savant smart home ecosystem via the Pro Remote and Savant Pro App, locally or remotely.

Savant adds that its latest shading solutions also deliver higher-power motors that support large window walls yet raise and lower to a barely audible whisper.

Integrators will appreciate that the new motors connect to Savant’s low-voltage power enclosure that manages power supplies for both low-voltage keypads and shades.

Savant offers multiple bracket styles to accommodate many installation scenarios. Design-first exposed roller brackets are available in both inside/jamb mount and floating/outside mount styles, and can be ordered in different finishes – white, black, black aluminium and silver aluminium. Additionally, Savant offers basic pocket bracket kits that can be used in both a traditional hidden pocket installation or as part of Savant’s Negative Reveal Pocket Kits. All the new innovations are available now.

Savant Europe 01488 649 340, savanteurope.co.uk

Stream music in high-resolution quality (Qb can handle files up to 32bit/384kHz) via UPnP or browse millions of songs through AirPlay 2 (including Apple Music), Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Chromecast built-in and internet radio. Upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity promises a slicker streaming experience, while Ethernet remains an option. It is also possible to connect devices wirelessly via Bluetooth and the unit also has a USB input.

Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation’s relatively compact size makes it a decent option for spaces such as kitchens and bedrooms and a few taps of the Naim app and it can join a multiroom set up with other Naim products.

Naim 01722 426 600, naimaudio.com

September 2019 | 79

Essential Install | Products

Reach new heights with this firmware upgrade

IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer upgrade for Onkyo & Pioneer Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation has released a firmware update that activates IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer on selected Pioneer network AV receiver models.

Meridian 210 Streamer sets sail As the pioneers of High Resolution audio, Meridian says it has introduced the new 210 Streamer to help integrators meet client demand for reliable, high-quality audio streaming throughout the home. The device allows the latest music-streaming services to connect to home audio installations via a range of formats, for a flexible and powerful system, says its creator.

Meridian’s 210 Streamer can be connected over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to any smartphone or tablet, with volume and playback controls synchronised between streaming apps and the Meridian system. As well as being available via Spotify, the 210 also allows music to be accessed through Bluetooth and DLNA/UPnP and is Roon Ready, ensuring that content from any USB storage can be available to networked media players and renderers.

It can also be connected directly to a pair of DSP loudspeakers or to any system via a SpeakerLink input, Meridian’s 210 Streamer is now shipping

80 | September 2019

By combining a TV display with an IMAX Enhanced certified Network AV Receiver that’s optimised to reproduce the full-dynamic-range IMAX signature sound experience in the home, cinephiles can enjoy IMAX Enhanced content at the highest levels, just as the filmmakers intended, says the manufacturer. IMAX Enhanced versions of films are scheduled for 4K HDR streaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray release.

Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer enables immersive listening with Dolby formats by creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts. The idea is that Dolby Atmos can be enjoyed without the height speakers or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers in layouts featuring more than two channels.

The update is available for Pioneer Network AV receivers: VSX-LX504 and VSX-LX304. Firmware can be downloaded and installed directly on network-connected components via the GUI, or downloaded to USB memory from the Pioneer website and installed via the receiver’s USB input. pioneer-audiovisual.eu

making it easy to use and set up for those with existing Meridian audio systems.

With its built-in Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) decoder, the 210 is capable of delivering studio master quality MQA encoded music. Meridian High Resolution (MHR) controls the movement of Hi-Res audio without degradation or loss in quality. The 210 supports wired and Wi-Fi network connections for installation flexibility. Digital coax output makes the Meridian 210 compatible with existing DACs. The Meridian Control app is used for configuration and a method for controlling the streamer and any connected Meridian systems. The compact half-width, 1U tall form factor is available with a rack-shelf to allow for rack-mounting or discreet location within the room. The aluminium case is fitted with non-metallic panels to allow for Wi-Fi functionality of two internal antennae.

Meridian 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com

SUPPORTING THE UKʼS FINEST HOME CINEMA INSTALLERS

W: www.pulsecinemas.com

E: info@pulsecinemas.com

T: +44 1279 647 039