Essential Install April 2023

HDBaseT™ Matrix with Advanced Audio Integration

We are pleased to announce the launch of three feature rich HDBaseT™ Matrix, the HMXL88ARC, HMXL66ARC and HMXL42ARC-KIT.

Using CSC technology, these powerful HDBaseT™ matrix support 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 resolutions over distances of 40m over a single CAT 6 cable. The new HMXL42ARC-KIT, HMXL66ARC and HMXL88ARC come into their own with advanced audio features specifically designed for maximising the integration of all AV sources in the modern home. Enhanced audio routing is achieved through the integrated independent audio matrix. This enables the audio both from displays (via ARC) and all other sources to be embedded and routed through the system at the users discretion.

These ARC and audio routing features enable our installation partners the ability to create a truly immersive AV experience throughout the home.

HMXL88ARC

8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable

J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR

J 26 x 8 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

HMXL42ARC-KIT

4x2 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix including Receivers

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable

J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR

J 8 x 2 audio matrix that is independently controllable from video.

HMXL66ARC

6x6 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable

J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR

J 20 x 6 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

HDCP

latest in HDBaseT™ technology. The HEX18G-KIT supports bi-directional IR, RS-232 and PoC up to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable.

HEX70ARC-KIT

HDBaseT™ ARC Extender Set - 70m

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering uncompressed video and audio with zero latency

J Extends HDMI 1080p up to a distance of 70m over a single CAT cable

J Supports 4K UHD video up to 40m (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x 2160 @24Hz 4:4:4, and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0)

HEX100CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set -100m

HEX18G-KIT

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency

J Supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 70m

HEX150CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set - 150m

1080p up to 150m

J Supports ARC from display via HDMI and optical digital inputs

J Supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 100m

IT’S A BUSY TIME!

Quite an inwardlooking comment this month as we have so much going on currently so EI thought it would be a good idea to cover off some of what we have coming up this year. First up, if you haven’t already put the dates for our now two shows (yes count ‘em, two shows) do it now, because you are not going to want to miss out on the fantastic business benefits offered by EI Live! And EI Live! Europe. EI Live! takes place at the usual venue of the excellent Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, 13-14 September. Registration opens soon, so stand by to make your interest known and secure your place at this important event. The Technical Theatre, a packed out show floor, and other learning experiences all await those who attend. The show’s official website has all the news and information neded to plan your attendance. Visit eiliveshow.com and get up to speed.

The same goes for our other show making its debut this year at the Passenger Terminal in Amsterdam. Taking place from 13-15 June, this event offers a new opportunity in the smart home and luxury AV calendar for UK and Europe based installers to meet the makers and shakers of the industry, learn, network and build a stronger business. The first day of the show is given over to a full KNX training programme, with the show proper

opening from 14-15 June. As well as a busy show floor, the event will play host to many Tech Talks. We are delighted to have such heavy involvement from KNX Europe in supporting the event and the education side of things is also being supported by industry veteran Wim De Vos, owner of the free industry online education platform HT University Online (www.htuniversity.online), as well as leading value-add distribution company Genesis Home Technology Architects. Sessions will be offered on varied topics and different languages.

COMMENT FROM THE COAL-FACE

Another announcement this month as we introduce another new feature. Long time readers will remember the former Day in the Life column, which focused on the views and day to day life of installers, at work and sometimes at play. This new initiative is taking up the torch from where DITL left off and taking a look at the news and views installers feel is important. Each month a daring installer will take on our challenging questionnaire, offering their insight on the industry, their own company and the commercial and customer tides that are ebbing and flowing over the shore of the smart home and luxury AV world. We will be reaching out over social media to find installers who would like to take part, but if you are reading this and fancy giving it a go, just drop us an email on dan@essentialinstall.com.

GETTING IN TOUCH

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

PUBLISHER

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER

Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD

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The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that everything is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

In all matters, the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to Essential Install magazine are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

BRING THE CONCERT HOME

Music lifts your mood, underscores on-screen emotion, lets you relax or party till dawn, and powers your workout. Elevate every musical moment with pro audio solutions from L-Acoustics Creations. Whether indoors or outdoors, home cinema, home nightclub or listening lounge - the experts who serve the world’s top tours, festivals, and music venues can design a bespoke environment to truly bring the concert home. Book a demo in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.

Z-WAVE ALLIANCE RELEASES 2023 ECOSYSTEM REPORT

The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organization dedicated to advancing smart home and Z-Wave technology, has announced the release of its fourth-annual Z-Wave Ecosystem Report. The newly available report, fielded in cooperation with market analyst Interpret, provides an in-depth look at growth and challenges for the smart home market globally. Building on the alliance’s exploration of the US market in the 2022 Ecosystem Report, the report examines key growth points in the US and comparative data from the UK, France, and Germany. The report takes a deep dive into the importance of interoperability, impacts on purchasing behaviours, and assesses primary barriers to smart home device adoption.

Key insights from the report include:

• The market is healthy and eager to grow, with the US leading global smart home adoption and impressive year-over-year growth in the UK, France and Germany.

• Z-Wave Owners across all four countries are generally more satisfied with their security systems and are more likely to purchase additional smart home devices in the next six months. Highest interest was indicated for sensor kits, especially for electrical and fire safety and water usage.

• Interoperability with products already owned is a top requirement for future purchases across all three EU countries as well as the US market. The importance of interoperability increases exponentially as more devices are owned. In the US alone, 54% of device owners consider interoperability an important consideration in their next purchase.

• The new end-user expectation is basic smart home technology in any new home. Over half of smart home device owners and expected movers, in the US, UK and Germany would

RAKO LAUNCHES NEW AND SUSTAINABLE BROCHURE

like their next home to have at least basic smart home technology, for which they would pay extra.

• DIY vs Pro installation: a strong pattern has emerged suggesting growing consumer confidence for investing in smart home products. However, the report reveals ample opportunities for the professional channel to enable direct-to-consumer sales of add-on devices.

Z-Wave Alliance z-wavealliance.org

Rako, Britain’s smart lighting controls manufacturer, is delighted to introduce its new environmentally friendly 2023 brochure.

Packed full of insights, innovative products, technical information and inspirational case studies, the brochure truly has it all covered, says the maker. It offers an overview of the Rako product range, including multiple user interfaces, from the refreshed app to the extensive choice of keypads available. The application of Rako’s products, and wired and wireless systems are

also demonstrated through helpful illustrations and project examples.

“This brochure means a lot to us,” comments Paul Wafer, Director at Rako. “A lot of hard work has gone into creating it and careful thought has been put into how it has been printed. Sustainability is important to our customers and to their clients, and it has made us think about what we are doing ourselves – not just for the brochure but as a company as well.”

Conscious that print material can be less desirable these days, it was vital that Rako produced a considered piece that was sustainably produced whilst portraying the luxury and quality of the Rako brand. The finished brochure is printed on recycled paper stock and is a carbon neural print product. It is also wrapped in a compostable sleeve which can be disposed of with food waste or in a compost bin.

Within the brochure, Rako has highlighted the ongoing initiatives it is doing to lessen its impact on the environment, which include removing polystyrene chips, bubble wrap and plastic tape from its consignment packaging and replacing them with recycled paper alternatives. Currently, 79% of the company leased vehicles are either fully electric or hybrid, and the company offers employees a ride to work scheme to support employees who are within cycling distance. By spring 2023, solar panels will also be installed across Rako’s offices and manufacturing facility - increasing its use of green energy.

Rako

rakocontrols.com

All of the new initiatives can be found at the back of the new brochure and on the Rako website

The complete 2023 Ecosystem report is available for download from the Z-Wave Alliance website

The preferred choice for

and custom installers around the world

Flexson offers mounting solutions for the whole Sonos range, whether creating a multi-room installation, installing a 5.1 surround sound system or outfitting a commercial space.

Flexson knows the value of really great home entertainment. Perfectly mount your Sonos configuration from Arc and Beam to Sub and peripheral speakers, for the best home cinema experience

With Flexson, it’s simple to keep audio components such as Sonos Port and Sonos Amp neatly installed as they work to bring traditional audio equipment into a wireless connected sound system

Speakers

From indoor speakers such as Sonos One and Sonos Five, to audio on the go with Sonos Move and Sonos Roam, Flexson has all the installation solutions to get the most from a wireless Sonos speaker

Cables

To better suit an installation, whether floor standing or wall mounting, Flexson offers 35cm and 5m alternatives to Sonos’ standard 2m power cord for Sonos One, One SL and Play:1

PULSE-EIGHT BECOMES TITLE SPONSOR OF HITECH GP RACE TEAM

Pulse-Eight, manufacturer of audio and video distribution products, is thrilled to announce that it has become the title sponsor of Hitech GP, the British motor racing team that competes in FIA Formula 2 and other junior categories. For the 2023 season, the team will be known as ‘Hitech Pulse-Eight Racing’.

Silverstone-based Hitech GP has a track record of success and a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering and performance in the world of motor racing. The partnership with Pulse-Eight brings together two

likeminded, innovation-focused British companies as they target global success in the 2023 Formula 2 Championship.

Additionally, Pulse-Eight-owned audio brand Gallo Acoustics - will be an associate sponsor, with its branding featured on the Hitech Pulse-Eight race cars.

Pulse-Eight’s CEO Martin Ellis expressed his excitement about the partnership, “I’m thrilled to partner with Hitech GP and to show our customers and partners the power of two British engineering companies coming together

to achieve great things. We look forward to the brand engagement opportunities that this partnership will bring to our end-users and dealer base.”

Hitech GP Director Oliver Oakes also shared his enthusiasm, “We are delighted to have Pulse-Eight as our title sponsor for the 2023 season. It’s fantastic to have another British company supporting us and we are looking forward to a successful season for Hitech Pulse-Eight Racing.”

The 2023 season will be an exciting one for Hitech Pulse-Eight Racing, with a new driver line-up that includes Red Bull Junior drivers Isack Hadjar and Jak Crawford, as well as a strong Formula 3 team that includes Alpine Junior Driver, Gabriele Minì, and another Red Bull Junior in Sebastián Montoya.

Pulse-Eight pulse-eight.com

SMART HOME APPS THAT ENGAGE CONSUMERS PIVOTAL FOR LOYALTY AND GROWTH

Broadband service providers and router suppliers can revolutionise home networking and unlock new revenue streams and upselling opportunities by using a smart home management app which doubles up as a customer engagement tool, wireless network management company Gamgee’s CEO Paul Hendriks argues.

Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Paul said that the smart home of the future will use the power of Wi-Fi for far more than just broadband connectivity. Services such as home security, care services and energy saving can all be provided over Wi-Fi if endusers have a home network / mesh network with an app and intelligence built into one service. Operators will differentiate their product from

others in the marketplace through the extra services they offer consumers.

“More Wi-Fi does not mean better Wi-Fi, as it creates more interference. An app with a rich feature set not only acts as a digital smart home platform, tackling in-home Wi-Fi issues and seamlessly managing Wi-Fi, users, and devices, but also gives service providers the ability to engage with end-users,” said Paul. “An application that is fully integrated with the end-user is a powerful engagement tool that can generate product-led growth for broadband operators. They can start small, perhaps with a free service, and once users are engaged, trial other elements and trigger customers to spend more and subscribe to more services.”

“Having a smart home management app is not new but the key is making sure people use it,” he continued. “Apps like WhatsApp and Instagram are popular and heavily used because users are constantly engaged. If an app is hidden away, it may as well not exist, but if users see it as a digital smart home platform that manages their digital lives, then it becomes incredibly valuable.”

The Gamgee app can be utilised on users’ mobile devices, providing an overview of all the devices connected to the router, while measuring Wi-Fi traffic and performance.

Gamgee gamgee.com

Pulse-Eight is racing ahead with a new sponsorship

Is ‘smart Wi-Fi’ the future?

CEDIA AND WICT CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

industry commitment to their employers. It also affords those who are attending CEDIA Expo in September ample prep time and the opportunity to congregate with their peers prior to taking their exams.

As part of a year-long commitment, women can access CEDIA’s CIT Study Group Prep and WiCT’s Webinar Series to take the next steps in their careers.

CEDIA has partnered with Women in Consumer Technology (WiCT) to provide leading education opportunities to women throughout the smart home industry.

“We hope to inspire everyone in the industry to level up their careers through CEDIA education and certification. We also recognise our responsibility as an association to make these resources more accessible,” says CEDIA Vice President of Education and Training and

WiCT Board Member, Mandy Beckner. “We’re committed to providing various avenues of support and opportunities to level the playing field within our industry.”

Beginning in August, CEDIA will host CIT Study Groups, a six-part webinar series designed to support learners in their journey toward earning CEDIA’s Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification. All sessions offer live instruction from a certified professional, support from a network of peers, and ample opportunities to ask questions. Individuals who participate in this webinar series are given the opportunity to build their confidence prior to taking their exams and can showcase their

Additionally, CEDIA will host a three-part WiCT Webinar Series led by Becky Magnotta of Homestead Coaching and Consulting. Each session will explore important topics including trust and relationships, communication and influence, and accountability. The webinars will be held 23 March, 11 May, and 8 June, and will offer actionable tools for attendees to apply within their careers.

The CIT Study Group webinar series begins 1 August and runs every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. EST, 4PM UK time for three weeks. It is open to anyone interested in earning the CIT certification, including those who are not enrolled in the CIT Pathway. To register, visit the CEDIA events calendar.

CONNECTED DISTRIBUTION INTRODUCES MUXMEET VIDEO CONFERENCING SOLUTIONS

MuxLab’s MuxMeet wireless presentation and video conferencing solution is being introduced by Connected Distribution, to service the growing demand for home working and collaborative video conferencing systems.

The MuxMeet range of products enables a company’s workforce, customers and business partners to share content and presentations and to communicate clearly and professionally, increasing productivity and efficiency of meetings. It is also ideally suited to the education and healthcare sectors, says the distributor.

The product range comprises the MuxMeet Videobar, Share Base, Share Base-2, Share Dongles, Tablet-1, Tabletop Panel and Mini PC, which can be used in a variety of configurations depending upon the exact requirements of the users.

In its simplest guise, meeting participants can dispense with the poor-quality cameras and speakers in their laptops by connecting the MuxMeet Videobar via USB to the computer and HDMI to the TV screen. It also comes into its own when used in a larger meeting room situation as it is fitted with four microphones, an 8W full frequency speaker and 4K PTZ 120-degree camera with auto tracking and auto framing.

The Share Base-1 is a wireless presentation module that replaces the traditional Pro-AV switch found in typical meeting rooms. It has been created to make sharing content an easy experience regardless of the user’s platform. iOS devices stream natively via AirPlay, Android

users can download the Muxlab BYOD app (Bring Your Own Device) from Google Play, Windows and Mac users can connect via the BYOD app or by using the Muxlab Share Dongles (HDMI or USB-C).

Simultaneous screen sharing and video conferencing is achieved by using the Share Base-2 and MuxMeet Videobar combination. Share Base-2 meets today’s hybrid workforce’s

requirements, supporting not only local presentation sharing, but collaboration with remote participants. Conference calls can be hosted using many of the popular solutions, such as Zoom, Teams and Webex.

Connected Distribution connecteddistribution.com

More flexible work means opportunities for installers

More focused training is being made available

AV and integration focused marketing expert One Firefly has announced a partnership with industry veteran, John Niebel of Bulbourne Consulting, to expand its services into the UK market.

As a highly respected industry expert, John has spent 25 years working in the UK and European custom installation industry and offers a wealth of experience and expertise to help One Firefly propel its growth and success in the UK market. John has been an advocate for the custom installation channel throughout his career and is dedicated to helping the industry grow. His long list of accolades include launching the UK and European residential and shading business for Lutron – as well as serving in several senior positions at companies such as Snap One, Ring and amBX. John also served as a Director of CEDIA EMEA for many years.

“I’m proud to be partnering with One Firefly.” says John, “I’ve long admired its growth and development, and now I’m excited to bring its marketing skills to the UK custom installation market. I’m thrilled to share its industry knowledge and marketing expertise with friends and partners old and new.”

Trade association CEDIA has announced the official appointment of Eric Bodley to its board of directors. Eric joins previously announced elected members, Stephan Goodhue, Jennifer Mallett and James Ratcliffe in the new class of CEDIA’s Board. Additionally, Amanda Wildman joins CEDIA’s executive committee as secretary.

Eric has more than 40 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry and has consulted for dozens of retail and custom installation companies on sales, management and operational issues. In 2015, Eric founded Future Ready Solutions, a national supply source for fibre optic, signal distribution and connectivity products for the residential and commercial installation markets. He previously served as president of the CEDIA Board of Directors, was named a CEDIA Fellow in 2009 and was awarded CEDIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Swedish digital audio pioneer Dirac has announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the appointment of Emelie Gessner Gozzi as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Reporting directly to CEO Peter Friedrichsen, Emelie will lead a growing internal and external marketing team in the

development and implementation of a brand strategy to align the marketing and communications programs across the company’s core markets – automotive, home theater, headphone, mobile and streaming.

“Dirac’s core technology, industry-leading team, and world-class customer base effectively position the company to become the number one digital audio brand in the minds of artists, influencers, and manufacturers worldwide,” stated Emelie. “Through my data-driven approach to marketing, Dirac will engage each distinct customer channel with targeted campaigns that further raise the brand’s profile among key stakeholders and drives demand for Dirac’s pioneering digital audio solutions across all listening channels and environments. I look forward to joining this already stellar team to help usher in a new era for the Dirac brand.”

After 15-years leading the company as owner and CEO, Matt Bennett has officially stepped down from his role at B-Tech AV Mounts. Dick van Baarlen, CEO of Global Mounts Group; the partnership formed last year by Neomounts and B-Tech AV Mounts, will take over as the new CEO of B-Tech, overseeing all operations worldwide.

Matt first joined B-Tech, the family business, in 1998, whilst it was headquartered in Croydon, London. He was pivotal in growing the export side of the business, before moving to Hong Kong to set up B-Tech’s manufacturing operations and APAC supply chain in 2002. In 2008 he moved back to the UK to complete a management buyout for the parts of the business owned by his father, thus becoming the sole owner of the full group of B-Tech companies.

Since then, Matt has overseen B-Tech’s growth as a market leader in the design and manufacture of pro AV mounting solutions, culturing the motto of ‘local service on a global scale’ to reflect B-Tech’s unique set up amongst mounting companies; a global network of offices spanning more than 10 countries. After working to complete the deal for B-Tech to join the Global Mounts Group, Matt now steps aside and will keenly watch B-Tech’s development from afar, whilst spending more time with his family.

Dick van Baarlen

Matt Bennett Emelie Gessner Gozzi Peter Friedrichsen

WORLD’S FIRST THX CERTIFIED DOMINUS IN-WALL SPEAKERS

Ultimate performance for your largest and most demanding projects.

01423 358846 karma-av.co.uk

AWE EXPO 2023 –SAVE THE DATE!

AWE’s highly anticipated Smart Home Expo will take place on 16-17 May, 2023, where installers can discover the latest smart home and home cinema solutions from world-leading brands in the AWE Show Apartment, Epsom.

Visitors will have an exclusive preview of new technologies, meet experts, and enjoy AWE’s famous hog-roast BBQ lunch. AWE Expo will showcase the latest technologies in the Show Apartment, including two dedicated home cinemas, The Reference Cinema, and The Performance Cinema, with AV set-ups at different price points.

REFERENCE CINEMA

The Reference Cinema has just been updated to include many brand-new products. These include an ADEO Movie Mask screen with side masking, new AV processing from the Marantz AV10 15-channel AC processor, and four of the new Bowers & Wilkins CDA-2HD amplifiers. These amplifiers power the Bowers & Wilkins 12in subwoofers. All of the main speakers are from the Bowers & Wilkins CI800 Diamond Series. Also on display will be Sony’s complete range of home projectors, including the mighty GTZ-380.

PERFORMANCE CINEMA

Totally updated for 2023 to include four of the latest Bowers & Wilkins ISW-8 subwoofers, powered by new Bowers & Wilkins amplifiers. With this addition, The Performance Cinema now packs an almighty punch. A new 3.34m wide Adeo fixed frame 2.4:1 acoustically transparent screen has also been added, giving a wall-to-wall image from the Epson EH-LS12000B True 4K Laser Projector.

SHOW APARTMENT TVS

This year, AWE has introduced a TV Gallery to the living room area of the Show Apartment to display the new 2023 models from its leading portfolio of TV brands including, LG and Sony.

Hisense L9 Laser TVs are a great option for a giant screen experience at a modest price – how does a 100in 4K screen at around £4K sound? The laser TV comes in two-parts – an ultra-short throw laser projector and a 100in or 120in ambient light rejecting screen.

It’s an ideal option for bright, multi-purpose spaces, where you want a large screen but don’t want a dedicated blacked-out cinema room. It has a built-in Freeview tuner, integral streaming services using Hisense’s VIDAA operating system and integral 40W Dolby Atmos speakers.

For a stylish and practical solution to support your UST projector TV installations, installers can find the Kinetik UST Projector AV Cabinets (KLIF-UST1CS) exclusively at AWE. The cabinet comes in a variety of finishes and accommodates both 120in and 100in screen options. Designed for the exact requirements of UST Projector TVs, it ensures the optimal height for comfortable viewing.

Also making its UK debut is the Marantz CINEMA 60, exclusively available from AWE. This 7.2 channel AVR is perfect for those seeking to create an immersive home theatre. It features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, 8K Ultra HD, and HEOS built-in streaming.

TAKE CONTROL

URC is easy to install and suitable for singleroom-control through to whole home automation. The entire AWE Show Apartment is controlled by the URC smart automation MRX30 processor. It’s operated by a combination of URC interfaces, including the new TKP-8600 8in In-Wall Touch Screen and TRC-1480 2.4in Touch Screen remote controls, both with integrated voice control.

Expo visitors will see URC’s brand-new gaming-inspired TDC-5100 handheld tabletop controller, now available with hard and digital buttons and fast response processing. There will also be live demos of URC’s HDA (HighDefinition Audio).

“Expo is a fantastic opportunity to see and experience the newest innovations from our world-class portfolio of brands - find out what’s new, how the market is evolving and where the opportunities lie for your business in the next 12 month. It’s always a great few days, with the Ci industry coming together to talk, share, learn and have a bit of fun during our lunchtime BBQ too!” Explains Stuart Tickle, Managing Director at AWE.

Stuart adds, “At AWE Expo, you can also discover the latest reference amplifiers from Michi, plus Rotel’s powerful amps and multi-channel DT-6000 DAC, as well as HDAnywhere’s brand new MHUBS stackable

matrix. We’ll also be showcasing multi-room audio innovations by Denon, featuring Heos and the latest from Definitive Technology. And as if that wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy live demonstrations from smart home security solution Ring and automated window shading with Silent Gliss – or beat your best lap time in the Base Performance simulators’ Blade Racing Simulator.”

All the latest smart home solutions, under one roof at AWE Expo 2023! Registration

for AWE Expo is open! But hurry, spaces are limited, secure your spot by scanning the QR code on this page!

AWE awe-europe.com

A NEW DEALER OPPORTUNITY, DÉCORCINEMA IS BORN!

Pulse Cinemas MD Mike Beatty introduces a new consumer facing concept called DécorCinema, that aims to promote fully integrated home cinema in perfect partnership with the very best interior design and create fresh opportunities for Pulse Cinemas visit the new website at decorcinema.co.uk.

We are this year embarking on a new era of our development of the home cinema market as we launch a fresh consumer facing concept, called DécorCinema (decorcinema.co.uk). In truth, the roots of this initiative are deep and go all the way back to the desire to provide customers

with not just a high-performance home cinema, but a system that melts into the background of their high-concept interior design. Rather than one compromising the other, the two are in harmony, each part of a greater experience that delights the senses in a myriad of ways.

Pulse Cinemas and our dealers have been striving to deliver these types of experiences for many years, of course, as well as creating some of the best dedicated home cinemas around. This new initiative is designed to create new leads and customers for our dealers and marks a fresh approach as we pull together everything we have learned, the resources of our demonstration spaces and a new consumer facing website and marketing campaign to promote home cinema to a wider audience than ever before. Despite a decent few years for the home cinema category, if we take a step back and look at our marketing penetration into the upper end of the consumer ladder, we still lag considerably behind other high-ticket items such as high-performance cars, luxury kitchens, or even holidays. So why is this? Is it because these things are more desirable? more attainable? We would strongly argue not, but what is different is awareness of the concept and the opportunity to experience it. There are techniques other sectors have leveraged over the years to make their products well-known and accessible. A consumer can pick up the phone any time and arrange to test drive the car of their

dreams, once there, they can indulge in selecting all the features, additions etc that turn the experience into something bespoke. Same with more home-based items, how many luxury kitchen showrooms have you either driven past or walked past in the last few years? Once inside, a similar process begins in making the customer feel special and inspiring them to want more and want better performance. The only reason the home cinema market is not in the same position is because we (as an industry) have not provided the same amount or same level of opportunity to interact with something people will want. No easy task of course, but DécorCinema is our initiative to do our part; provide work for our dealers and most importantly inspire end users and create in them the desire to include high-performance AV in an environment they can relate to.

DécorCinema will be aimed at those discerning customers who understand and relate to highquality as a lifestyle, not just because they can afford it, but because it is part of who they are. Believe me, there are lots of these people out there, we just need to appeal to them.

HOW WILL IT WORK

Plans are a decent way down the track now as we build a new website to support this endeavour, presenting to consumers an attractive and easy to understand environment that will offer them different levels of systems dependent on the size of their room with a strong emphasis on the ability to either melt into the background of their existing and valued living space aesthetic, or a complete service where either their own interior designer gets to work with our dealers or we use our own in-house designers to create a living

room cinema that combines performance with a living space they will love. This online presence will be backed up by selected parts of our demonstration space line up, including our Media Room at Pulse HQ and the Minotti London showroom; which combines a completely integrated cinema with this exclusive Italian brand’s take on interiors, combining traditional craftsmanship with a very contemporary twist. Consumers will be able to come to these sites and experience the DécorCinema concept in person and truly understand what is being offered and how it will fit into their lifestyle. Dealers will also be able to buy into the concept and with support from Pulse Cinemas can create their own DécorCinema themed demonstration spaces.

A recent visitor to the Minotti London DécorCinema showroom bought in by dealer

Zebra Home Cinema was Tyron Ash, owner of one of the most dynamic and successful UK luxury Real Estate companies, Tyron Ash Real Estate. He was very impressed with the combination of performance and aesthetics and remarked that to really appreciate the concept demonstration was key.

So there you have it, that is the idea, an unprecedented initiative to bring together some of the best home cinema brands on the planet and offer them as an entire, coherent and easy to understand concept to the end user creating more work for our dealers. Lots more detail soon, but if you have any questions or comments, please do get in touch!

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

decorcinema.co.uk

DécorCinema will offer consumers something they haven’t experienced before

INDEPENDENT LIVING IN SMART HOMES

CEDIA memeber

HOW IT HAPPENED

In early 2022, Alan was attending a CEDIA Tech Summit, where CEDIA gave an update on the Policy Connect – Smarter Homes for Independent Living Report.

Having been a CEDIA member for five years already, CEDIA’s involvement in the new guidance interested him. He downloaded a copy of the report and “The implications of what was in the report suddenly started to dawn on me.” In particular, the second recommendation stood out because it advised updates on the types of technologies the government-provided disabled facilities grant (DFG) could pay for.

This hit home for Alan because just two years earlier, a client asked if there were available grants for their project. At that point, he’d investigated assisted, or independent living technology, including the DFG fund. “When we looked at it previously, it didn’t quite translate to smart home technologies,” he recalls.

So, when he saw that the Policy Connect report offered new advice about what the DFG funds could be used for, he knew it was a big deal. “If the disabled facilities grant now has changed, then the delivery guidance for local authorities has also changed.” Suddenly, the DFG could be used for many elements traditional smart home installers were already using in projects.

THE BIGGER PICTURE IMPACT

Alan began speaking to local councils and home improvement agencies (HIAs). Before the Policy Connect report recommendations, Alan explains that the HIAs were limited in what they could recommend. “Now with the updated guidance, they have many more options that can be delivered into the home and provide benefits for people.”

Since the initial conversations, the HIAs have been talking to architects about these updates as well. “It’s really positive and encouraging that we’re seeing the central government update has already trickled down to local government.”

of

To really help these community partners understand how the technology could be used in a home, Alan arranged a series of visits to Automated Spaces’ smart home show house.

ON THE CUSP OF SOMETHING BIG

Alan believes the new advice for the DFG funds has given the home integration sector a chance to step up and help. He says, “It’s just a case of helping the care sector understand a bit more about what smart home technology can offer in terms of independent living.”

Many people think of smart homes as a luxury, or something unaffordable and out of reach. But the new guidelines allow for more support for independent living technologies than ever before. Suddenly, automated lighting isn’t simply about being able to watch a great movie in a home cinema, but also about being accessible to someone who has a light sensitivity. Voice control offers a way for people who don’t have full use of their hands or limbs to thrive independently in their home. As Alan says, independent living technology is “helping promote dignity.” Helping people stay in their homes longer can also be more comfortable as people get older.

“A lot of these solutions can also provide reassurances to family members. We have started working with a ‘Connected Care’ platform, that can be integrated with various sensors within a smart home system, to provide a portal to reassure family members about their loved one who may want to live alone for longer,” explains Alan. It enables informal carers, such as family members, or even formal care providers to be automatically notified of potential health issues, falls or other related events in the home. It can provide an online dashboard to allow carers to check-in in a non-intrusive manner easily and effectively on service users, too. Not to mention the likely stress reduction benefits for family members who now have the additional assistance of a 24/7 health monitoring service for their loved ones. It can also provide significant cost savings due to being able to delay entry into often expensive formal care settings.

Seeing the potential positive impact stemming from the update to the disabled facilities grant guidance, Alan notes that he’s had a “paradigm shift” in terms of his thinking and business direction.

Get a copy of the full Policy Connect report from the policyconnect.org.uk website.

Alan Matthews, owner

Automated Spaces, has been focussing on independent living technology and has made huge strides in accessibility for the home technology industry.

TINY SENSOR, BIG CAPABILITIES

MOTION SENSOR 360 - KNX

A HIGHLY IMPORTANT MILESTONE!

After nearly 14 years of working with the residential AV industry to deliver cinema rooms for good causes, Together For Cinema (TFC) has now been granted Community Interest Company (CIC) status.

our community,” he says. “It also solidifies our position within the industry and will help ensure that Together For Cinema remains a prominent source of good for the foreseeable future.”

TFC focuses on creating and installing home cinema rooms in children’s hospices and other appropriate locations throughout the UK. These entertainment spaces not only benefit children and young adults, but also their families, caregivers, volunteers and staff.

The formalisation also sees the appointment of four directors: Ian, Melanie Malcolm from Bespoke Home Cinemas, Cadaema Consulting Services’ David Parrett, and Chris Pinder from HDANYWHERE and OneAV. Each has the responsibility to protect and cradle the business, the main drive being to ensure that the good work continues.

According to Ian Morrish, Founder of TFC, achieving CIC status is a ‘great development’ for the organisation. “We are now officially recognised as a not-for-profit company by the registrar at Companies House, which reinforces our commitment to delivering positive change in

“The outpouring of industry support has always been heartening,” says Ian, “but it became clear that the organisation needed a more sustainable structure. So, we decided to formalise its operations and become a CIC, which gives us greater robustness and credibility and will help to secure TFC’s future and its ability to continue to deliver cinema rooms to good causes.”

“We are a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners,” explains Ian, noting that following a successful and productive 2022, there is an expectation to continue delivering at a similar level in the current year.

“By becoming a CIC, the three additional directors can offer support to Ian and help drive TFC forward. As a team, we have a great synergy. We all have one focus in mind: to provide hospices with a wonderful cinematic experience that enables hundreds of children and their families make lasting memories,” adds Melanie.

Confirmed installations for 2023 include Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall, west Midlands, with Jooced as the installer; We Are Beams in Hextable, Kent, with Ideaworks as the installer; Cherry Trees in East Clandon, Surrey, with Nethaus as the installer; Hope House Children’s Hospices in Oswestry, Shropshire, with Exclusive Solutions as the installer; Resources for Autism in London, with Smart Living Solutions as the installer; The Space Centre in Preston, Lancashire, with Majik House as the installer; and Marie Curie Adult Hospice in Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, with Art of Smart as the installer.

Ian emphasises that while plans are subject to change, they aim to achieve a total of seven more installations in 2023. “We’re aware that unforeseen circumstances can alter these plans, but we remain committed to our goal,” he states. “We’re deeply appreciative of the installers who have generously taken on these installations, and we hope that their journey in making a difference is a rewarding one.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Ian is confident that TFC will continue to grow and expand its impact, anticipating another six or seven cinema room installations, including Butterwick Children’s Hospice in Stockton-on-Tees, which is awaiting the refurbishment of its old hydrotherapy room; Clare House Children’s Hospice in Liverpool, where the new building is still defining the best room use and structure; and Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, which is expected to complete its new building next year with an installation planned for the end of 2024. Other

venues on the horizon include Ellenor Hospice for Children and Adults in Gravesend, Richard House Children’s Hospice in London, Robin House Children’s Hospice in Ballach, and Shooting Star Chase in Hampton.

“Although it’s impossible for us to be aware of all the worthy venues in the UK that could benefit from our support, we urge anyone who knows of a place that could benefit from our assistance to please inform us,” says Ian. “Your input is valuable and can assist us in making a positive impact in your community.”

With many of its 2022 sponsors reconfirming their sponsorship for 2023, Ian reports a positive start to the fundraising campaign, and this continued support, coupled with several new sponsors, has put TFC in a strong position to go forward and continue our delivery to good causes for this year.

“So, it’s onwards and upwards,” he concludes. “We almost have our funding sorted for 2023, we know what we’re looking to achieve, and we know what we’re working to for the next couple of years and are well on our way to our aim of hitting £1m worth of installations!”

Together For Cinema togetherforcinema.co.uk

Chris Pinder

Melanie Malcolm

David Parrett

FIVE ALIVE!

Five reasons to keep projection systems on your radar, from Shannon Gustafson, International Sales Manager, Screen Innovations.

3. PERFORMANCE VALUE

Inch for inch, a projection screen is generally less expensive than a fixed LED display, which means you can go really big without breaking the budget. An LED videowall of comparable size and resolution could cost 20 times more, making projection screens the most economical choice for applications that demand a sizeable screen – dedicated home theater, entertainment venue, corporate board room, house of worship, educational facility.

4. EASY, ECONOMICAL UPGRADE PATH

Granted, the super-sized mircoLEDs that have taken the home entertainment market by storm are modern, sleek and perform beautifully. This doesn’t mean, however, that traditional twopiece projection systems have lost their luster. In fact, pairing a quality projector and screen affords several distinct advantages over today’s current crop of LED displays.

If you’ve pushed projection aside to focus on emerging LED displays, it’s time to rethink your reasoning. Boasting attractive price tags, eyecatching aesthetics, versatile installation options, and superior performance in a wide range of viewing environments, projection screens and their companion projectors are often a better alternative for many residential and commercial applications than trendy LED displays. Here are five good reasons to keep projection systems at the forefront of product offerings:

1. AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENTS

Projection screens have undergone dramatic cosmetics enhancements over the past few years. The motorised housings that lift and lower the screen material are significantly smaller and sleeker, able to blend into the architectural and design features of a home or business. Customised with finishes and colours to complement the surrounding décor, they appear as a natural element of the environment. Add this to the simple fact that a projection screen disappears when not in use, and the cosmetic edge over large LED displays is undeniable. A screen can easily enter and leave a room at the tap of a button. Once a display is affixed to the wall it’s there to stay.

2. DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

LED displays come in standard sizes, which may or may not be suitable for the specific requirements of a project. Projection screens, on the other hand, are available in a myriad of sizes, aspect ratios and optical materials. You can find the perfect screen to fit the dimensions, lighting conditions and other parameters of a space. This affords your customers greater freedom to use a room for endeavors other than viewing content. For example, an ambient light-rejecting screen allows users to keep the room lights on while watching a video without compromising the image clarity or contrast. If space is tight, a screen engineered specifically for ultra-short-throw projectors can be specified. Finally, an acoustically transparent projection screen provides a great hiding spot for speakers. Thanks to a variety of specially designed screens, neither you nor your customers can sacrifice the aesthetic integrity, the comfort, or the purpose of the space to enjoy a stellar big-screen experience.

When a screen is attached to a motorised assembly, the design options multiply. You can hang a screen in places that would be impossible to mount a display, like over a bank of windows or piece of wall art. If getting electrical power to the motor is difficult, fear not. Units that drive the motor via rechargeable lithium batteries are widely available from Screen Innovations. It’s part of a company-wide initiative that provides an eco-friendly alternative to powering motos with disposable by D-cell batteries.

When an LED display is installed, the integrators and the users are married to the technology unless a whole new unit is purchased and installed. It’s very different with projection systems. They can be upgraded by replacing either the screen or the projector. Rarely will you need to swap both. SI’s lineup has been designed to accommodate new interfaces, inputs, and circuit boards, projection systems and are virtually futureproof. Easy upgrades and integration with third-party subsystems translate to greater technological longevity and the ability for projection systems to function as part of a complete smart home ecosystem. This is typically much harder to accomplish with LED displays.

5. RESI AND COMMERCIAL REACH

Rarely does a technology span both residential and commercial applications as seamlessly as a projection system. They are just as useful in a college lecture hall as they are enjoyable in a family room. You can minimise your stock by carrying a few select SKUs that serve both your residential and commercial clientele.

Projection systems have progressed considerably over the past few years, embodying contemporary designs and advanced technologies that make them an ideal choice for a variety of applications and environments. They deliver unprecedented viewing experiences, yet fit comfortably within most budgets. The evolution of this wellestablished imaging format shows no signs of stopping, keeping it just as fresh and relevant as emerging LED displays.

TruePix Northern Lights series

TruePix Northern Lights series

Barco’s Northern Lights directview LED series brings the Barco cinematic experience for the first time to spaces in the home with higher ambient light. Powered by Infinipix, the worlds most powerful LED processor, the Northern Lights will delight film buffs with outstanding HDR perfomance and gaming enthousiasts with the lowest latency in the market.

Barco’s Northern Lights directview LED series brings the Barco cinematic experience for the first time to spaces in the home with higher ambient light. Powered by Infinipix, the worlds most powerful LED processor, the Northern Lights will delight film buffs with outstanding HDR perfomance and gaming enthousiasts with the lowest latency in the market.

Bifrost (0.9 mm) Valkyrie (1.2 mm) Aurora (1.5 mm)

Courtesy of Consexto

Bifrost (0.9 mm) Valkyrie (1.2 mm) Aurora (1.5 mm)

GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT

EI talks to Roddy Abbott - founder of Cinema Build Systems - about training, forthcoming product launches and the 2023 market direction.

Tell us about your new training initiative. Training for us used to be focussed purely on our own fabric walling systems and how to design and deploy them. But we had more and more questions regarding the room itself, and some of this information was delaying the design and execution of projects.

What we realised was the basics, such as speaker layouts, sizes and very importantly acoustic design and deployment within the space, had a bit of a knowledge gap. Without this knowledge and understanding there was no starting point for the aesthetic design of the space. As a product designer, I have always believed in the ethos of form follows function, and designing a cinema room or media space is no different.

We introduced a couple of hours on speaker layout and acoustic design good-practices into our training course. This has had a great response as the entire room ecosystem works together better and the end result follows a clear design and engineering path. With the forthcoming RP22 documentation from CEDIA due soon, we will review and update to make sure we are giving relevant advice.

Our training day also covers the practical side of installation, with workshop cutting of our track, mounting and fabric installation. And this all takes place in small groups of up to three installers in our York office.

Are you still innovating at the same rate? Yes, although in some cases it is more about evolution than revolution these days.

We review our products constantly and we take dealer feedback incredibly seriously and action immediately where possible.

The fifth generation masking screen we have recently launched is a perfect example of innovation and evolution combined. As an add-on system to our Halo Slim Fixed frame projector screen, the Mask system is now very compact, modular and lightweight. As a separate component system, it also enables a dealer to sell masking as a future upgrade to a client as opposed to an expensive initial leap of faith.

In addition to this ‘sales friendly’ feature, the product is also a lot lighter, which makes installation and servicing simple.

Another exciting product addition to our range are our own-designed WÄLL fabrics. These fabrics are, as far as we are aware, the first to have been designed specifically for fabric walling applications and feature enhanced acoustic transparency and ease of installation.

Where do your products fit within the market?

We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse product range from our Fabric Track Systems to our Halo Frame products, up to the awardwinning Spaceframe timber system. And to compliment these different product series’, we also have specifically designed products from acoustics, lighting and our installer friendly, projector screens.

Due to the scalable and modular nature of our systems, we are able to produce components for simple pre-manufactured media walls up to and including bespoke site fabricated high performance cinema rooms, so most market sectors and dealer requirements can be catered for.

Our advice we always reiterate on training though stands true: get the basics right, deliver a simple package flawlessly as opposed to a flawed complex design and give yourself time to learn.

What do you see as the main growth opportunity for 2023?

We are extending our range of install-ready products – making it easier for general AV installers to get started with our systems.

These predominantly are based on Halo Series Media Walls and also our new Halo Cinema concept - that will be revealed shortly.

Although these are quick to deploy systems, they are still based on the same technical DNA as the rest of our bespoke offerings.

How do people get on board?

We always want to hear from driven and motivated installers active in cinema and media room installations that are keen to work to a high standard. Also come and see us at EI Live! later this year - we would love to show you how simple, but high-performing our products are.

Please

get in touch via email:

hello@cinemabuildsystems.co.uk learn more via the website, cinemabuildsystems.co.uk and for the most up to date information, follow on Instagram @cinemabuildsystems

Simple, but beautiful designs win out

IMAGE CHOICES

Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at DbM and Bart Devos, Business Development Manager

EMEA at Barco Residential recently joined EI to discuss the latest trends in the projectors and screens market. Here’s what they had to say.

When talking about big screen entertainment, the industry seems to be focussing on whether integrators and customers should choose between a projection set up or a super-sized LED screen.

It is great that there is interest and a buzz in the market around huge LED screens, the simple thing for us is that both solutions have very different target applications. It shouldn’t really be a conversation of, ‘Which option should we pick?’ but instead, ‘Which system is best for the environment?’

Full disclosure, Barco manufactures projectors and LED screens, and DbM supplies both options to its dealers, so we have no preference between the two solutions – we are supporters of both, but there is a real distinction of where we would deploy these two different systems. While a projector is suited to a dedicated cinema environment, a large LED screen is ideal for living spaces that have a lot of ambient light.

CINEMA ROOMS

When you are looking at a dedicated cinema room with multiple seats and light control, installing a two-piece projection system is without a doubt the right choice. A direct LED screen has some great advantages, but it also has some sizable disadvantages. A key issue is where you would put the loudspeakers – you can’t place anything behind a large solid panel. Yes, there are technologies to take the image height and move it to the centre of the screen, but you still can’t beat having the speaker directly behind the screen. And the more rows of seats you have, the bigger that disadvantage becomes.

It’s also a matter of considering that when you are watching a projection-based system, you are watching reflected light, which is easy on the eyes. Now, think about a direct view LED video wall, and you will have emissive light hitting your eyes. Imagine sitting in a completely dark environment and the screen performing at a peak light output of 600nits. If that’s hitting your eyes for a period of two hours while

watching a film, you are going to walk away with a headache. Of course, there are some products where you can turn down the brightness, but ultimately, it doesn’t feel quite as natural as watching a two-piece projection.

In the industry, there’s a race towards higher brightness and higher nits, which is great, but there needs to be a balance to ensure the viewing experience is enjoyable. This approach seems to have been forgotten in the overall conversation and has to be considered.

And what about heat? LED walls generate a lot of heat, so you have to then bring mechanical cooling into the room and air-conditioning units can solve the problem, but also create another with the noise they generate.

WELL LIT SPACES

If we move away from dedicated cinema environments and consider, for example, a penthouse with windows on all sides, then an LED screen is an absolutely brilliant solution because you’re combating the brightest light

Image courtesy of Surrey Hills Cinemas

we have – the sun. You can now watch the TV at all times of the day, with no contrast or brightness issues. And, consumer interest is currently riding high for these screens, which is great for our industry.

A big advantage for LED screens when installed in the right environment is the ability to change the shape of the picture, since they are a modular solution. One of the big challenges we see in the UK is that we only have 2.5m high ceilings, so if you want to install a large TV that’s more than 3-3.5m, you are touching the ceiling with a regular 1.78 ratio. The ability to support content by changing the shape of the of the LED screen to a 2.37 aspect ratio is super cool.

But don’t forget that LED screens are also pretty heavy, meaning that there are installation considerations to think about when putting this large weight on the floor or hanging on a wall.

Ultimately, whether it’s a projector or an LED screen, the image fidelity is brilliant on both systems. Neither of them has a real drawback in terms of watchability, enjoyment and immersion, they just have a different way of delivering it in a different environment.

PICK THE RIGHT PARTNER

Every time the DbM team has welcomed a dealer and customers to its demo facility in Cambridgeshire, the reaction to the large LED screen and the big projection system in our cinema is hugely positive. They immediately understand the use cases for these products. It’s as simple as sitting in a low-slung sports car and then sitting in an off-roader and understanding the difference between the two.

Integrators need to have the confidence to explain to their customers why an LED screen isn’t suitable for a cinema room and why a projection system isn’t right for a large well-lit living space. It’s no different to them saying they aren’t going to put a living room speaker into the garden, or that they are specifying X control system over Y control system.

It’s important to ensure you have partnered with the right suppliers to ensure you have access to the demo facilities that can support you in this sales process and a sales team who will give you the confidence to sell the right solution for the right environment.

IP VIDEO DOOR STATION

Modern IP video technology for new and retrofit buildings

Easy installation via PoE

Keyless access by App, RFID, keypad or fingerprint

Smart Home & NVR compatible, e.g. Control4, Loxone, Crestron, RTI, Synology, URC

DoorBird combines exclusive design with the innovative IP technology in the field of door communication.

www.doorbird.com

DbM AND WATERFALL AUDIO

Established in 1996, Waterfall Audio positions itself in a niche segment of the market with its innovative concept of glass-made speakers. Using sophisticated manufacturing processes for glass cutting, with precision near 100 Microns, Waterfall Audio has mastered the art of glass assembly, designing some truly unique and stunning products exclusively for the luxury audio visual market.

THE WATERFALL AUDIO STORY

Waterfall Audio was founded in northern France by Cedric Aubriot, the current Managing Director. Beginning his passion for audio when he was just 12 years old, Cedric used his desire for creating something unique and beautiful to try his luck and turn his passion into his work.

Cedric focused on building the proper foundations for the first three years –establishing industrial partnerships, developing the Acoustic Damping Tube (ADT) technology and organising the production unit.

The first Waterfall Audio glass speaker was unveiled to the French market in November 1999. Over 23 years after the first sale of a glass loudspeaker, Waterfall Audio is now distributed in over 50 countries and has received many awards worldwide for design and acoustic excellence.

The company’s dedication to performance and elegance results in the team’s dedication to researching new technologies and innovation. When designing a speaker, the team’s focus is on integration, elegance and performance. The innovative use of glass, together with its exclusive technologies, has allowed Waterfall Audio to free itself from using a traditional speaker structure, and instead offer a living piece of art

D bM AND WATERFALL AUDIO JOIN FORCES

DbM entered into a partnership with Waterfall Audio in 2020 when it became the exclusive distributor within the UK market, providing professional integrators access to Waterfall Audio’s glass and aluminium speaker range.

“We started our relationship by being intrigued by the beautiful aesthetic of the Victoria Evo glass loudspeaker, and soon became thoroughly impressed by the depth

excellent engineering, stunning aesthetic and outstanding audio performance,” comments Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales for DbM. “We need to know the de facto engineering numbers from the brands that we work with to ensure that our design service provides a solution that really delivers. Waterfall Audio does that, which enables us to deliver incredible performance every time.”

Thanks to the partnership, UK integrators have exclusive access to the range of on-wall, in-wall and in-room speakers for residential installs. All handmade in the south of France using glass and aluminium, these speakers are simply beautiful to look at and amazing to listen to, particularly when powered by Meridian amplifiers. DbM dealers also have access to the Waterfall Audio Pro Custom Series

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The Waterfall Audio Pro Custom range offers a high-performance cinema line up with an innovative installation process that literally creates the front baffle wall. Working in conjunction with the DbM Design and Specification service, integrators can be confident in hitting their SPL targets and providing great coverage for each row of seats, along with solid, fast and tight bass.

The range includes:

• LCR500 - the speaker’s very high-power handling means that it is intended for rooms sizes between 40 to 100m². Its total depth (21 cm) is equivalent to the depth of the SUB600S and makes it easy to integrate behind the acoustically transparent screen.

• LCR300 – this speaker is designed for rooms from 20 to 50m². The dynamic capacities of three LCR300 will be best utilised by partnering them with a pair of SUB600S.

• SAT150 - due to its 9.9cm depth, the SAT150 is the ideal in wall surround speaker

to be partnered with either the LCR300 or

• SUB600S - the SUB600S allows you to experience low frequency like never before. Its 2 x 23cm long-excursion drivers (32mm) move more air than a traditional 30cm driver and are much quicker.

• RS700 – incredibly powerful (a true 2 x 700W amplifier), with a DSP engine customconfigured by Waterfall Audio to deploy performance-enhancing technologies along with protection from overdriving. The perfect partner to get the most out of the LCR 500, LCR300 and SUB600S

Built to order, these speakers deliver breath-taking sound and are the perfect solution for the most demanding movie enthusiasts. The dynamics and power available from Waterfall Audio’s own DSP amps are truly special, triggering amazing feedback from integrators who have used them in installations they have completed.

These speakers are best demonstrated at the DbM HQ in Cambridgeshire. Contact Matthew or Chris to book an appointment – you won’t be disappointed.

For more information, contact DbM at sales@distributedbym.co.uk or visit www.distributedbym.co.uk

DbM is proud to distribute this fantastic speaker company with a real flare for seriously good sound.

ANSWERS FROM ANTONIA

In a new installer-led comment series, Antonia Davin, Créatrice D’Emotions Sonores (Creator of Sound Emotions), at French based installation company MultiZone, takes on our quick fire quiz. Want to be next? Drop an email to dan@essentialinstall.com.

Tell us a little about your company, what do you specialise in? who is involved?

MultiZone specialises in audio/video installations for individuals and professionals. We equip residential homes with home cinemas, stereos, multiroom and private cinemas. But we also add sound to restaurants, hotels, campuses, and conference rooms.

We are a family business with a team of technicians who work all over France and sometimes internationally.

Tell us about the projects you are working on right now.

At the moment we are working on outfitting a hotel that was formerly a prison; a golf resort; movie theaters; an entertainment complex including a restaurant spa, conference rooms, lobby; and more; and other residential projects.

How do you feel the industry in general is going right now?

From the point of view of projects, integration is madness because there are many beautiful

installations we’re working on. However, from a showroom traffic point of view, we’ve seen a tremendous decline. Customers have changed the way they consume and are getting a lot of information on the internet. Visits are less frequent, but requests remain qualitative.

What areas of the smart home and luxury AV sector need to improve and how?

I think it is necessary to democratise access to image and sound to as many people as possible so that everyone can equip themselves according to their lifestyle and budget in a qualitative way for the residential part, and also we should certify that the shops and or companies know how to install the equipment.

Do you think training needs to be improved, if so, how?

It is even more essential now because everything is connected. You have to know computer networks, otherwise you encounter much more difficulties and of course, in France, be bilingual in English.

Is there a project you are particularly proud of and why?

We think all of our projects are beautiful, but if we had to choose one, it would be the one we did on the 45,000M² campus in Massy Palaiseau in Paris.

Are there any brands or products you particularly like working with, and why?

Yes, the brand of speakers - Waterfall Audio, manufactured by our friends Nadine and Cédric Aubriot. Their manufacturing plant is located in Carcès in the south of France.

What is the best and the worst thing that has happened to you on site?

The best has been when we give a live demonstration of our installations to the end customers, whether professionals or individuals, and they applaud with joy!

The worst thing is to have to come back on site because we encountered a difficulty that requires a part that we do not have in stock, for example.

What is the most unusual client request you have had?

Currently, a prospect has asked us to encrypt a 4m touch-enabled video wall, pretty exciting!

How do you see the sector changing in the future?

Materials and people must evolve at the same speed so that they understand each other intuitively. I think we need to certify more and more installers and/or experts around the world to meet customer demand and communicate much more about our business!

Are there persons/organisations/ companies that have been particularly inspirational in your work life? Why?

Yes, Elon Musk. I love the way he thinks! And also Steve Jobs for his vision - and Michelle Obama for all the rest.

Away from work what are you interests/hobbies?

Gastronomy, sports, reading, cinema, and music. It’s pretty classic.

You have magic powers and get one wish concerning the smart home and luxury AV market, what are going to wish for?

A long life to this magnificent industry!

Favourite music and movies? What are you watching/listening to right now?

Right now, I’m listening to Shakira a lot, I find her latest hit excellent, and a woman’s response

to an unfaithful, perfect husband! I loved the French film, Simone Veil, A Woman of the Century, directed by Olivier Dahan and starring Elsa Zylberstein and Rebecca Marder. It moved me for days and days and I think deserves much more than an Oscar. I recommend it to all women around the world! I hope it will be released on Netflix soon.

Antonia pictured with husband and business partner Jean-Christophe Davin, in the MultiZone Montpelier showroom

COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE KALEIDESCAPE FAQ

Answering your questions, Tim Barnes, Vice President of International & Marine Sales, Kaleidescape.

increased the amount of UK titles over the past few months with more to come. Stay tuned!

When will the UK Rental Store become available?

When will Day+Date (Day released in Cinema) movie purchasing become available?

The release window has shortened considerably since COVID and in some cases we are getting content released at the same time as in the theatre, however this decision is made by the movie studio.

What happens to the movie store and support if there is business interruption at Kaleidescape?

This has happened once previously and all Kaleidescape systems continued to function fully. As all content on Terra movie servers is downloaded to the hard drive locally, all content is still available to watch at your convenience.

When will the UK store be aligned with the U.S store?

We continue to hold conversations with studios to obtain licensing rights for given territories. This takes time as we have new executive staff working on this. The good news is that we have

On January 26, 2021 rentals in the UK became available on Strato systems. Like purchased movies, Kaleidescape rentals are downloaded in full resolution, not streamed. Kaleidescape customers will have 30 days to start watching rented movies. Once they begin viewing, they will have 48 hours to enjoy the movie. Note that a rented movie can be downloaded to one home at a time, and watched on only one player at a time. If a customer decides to purchase a rented movie within 30 days of the rental transaction, half the rental price will be applied toward the purchase.

Why was the Strato S discontinued?

With the power to download feature-length 4K movies in as little as ten minutes on a gigabit internet connection, the compact Terra provides movie downloads four times faster than the Strato S all-in-one player-server. In addition, a compact Terra can serve up to five simultaneous 4K Ultra HD playbacks on Strato players in different rooms, compared to only two simultaneous playbacks for Strato S. The compact Terra can download movies while simultaneously supporting playbacks on Strato players, which is something Strato S cannot do.

The Strato S makes for a great demo system as it doesn’t require fast download capabilities, but for consumers who want a nearly on demand experience and the ability to view and download a new movie at the same time, in 1012 minutes, the compact Terra form factor is a more attractive option for consumers.

Can you add extra servers to provide more storage space?

Yes, we recommend a maximum of five Terra movie servers per system to ensure smooth and responsive system performance.

Can I download movies to a Kaleidescape system in my other homes?

Yes, purchased movies can be downloaded to as many as five homes. When purchasing/renting a movie or TV series, you’re prompted to choose which system/s you would like the content downloaded to.

Can you add your existing DVD or Blu Ray Collection to the system?

With the release of kOS 10.14.0 or later, (released Feb 2023), it is now possible to add an optical drive from Kaleidescape’s qualified list of compatible drives and connect it directly to the USB port of the Strato player. This will then allow for movies to be catalogued and added to your library where it appears in the browser interface, alongside titles downloaded from the

Kaleidescape Movie Store. Catalogued movies can then be upgraded at a much higher quality but at a discounted price via the Disk To Digital offer For full details on compatible drives & how to catalogue a movie collection please contact Pulse Cinemas direct.

What happens to the downloaded movies if a hard drive was to fail?

Previously purchased movies can be downloaded again from the Store onto the replacement drive. In the larger Terra servers (48TB and 88TB) a drive can be replaced and the system will automatically download the content that was on the failed drive. For the smaller compact Terra servers, they would need to be replaced and the content would need to be re-downloaded.

Can you transfer content from Premier line to Terra if the client upgrades?

For digital content such as content purchased from the Kaleidescape store, this can be redownloaded onto the new Encore system. For physical content, providing this is available on the Kaleidescape movie store, you have the option to upgrade using the disc to digital option, allowing you to purchase the same movie at a much higher quality but at a discounted price.

Do you offer upgrades to a more up to date unit?

Premier line to Strato is available until Summer 2023. It is to be determined if Kaleidescape extend or replace the program with a new offering.

Strato S discontinued has raised the system starting price, can a cheaper product become available.

The Strato C and Terra 6TB Compact Server are the current starting points, but offer increased speed and performance over the Strato S. The Compact Terra is also a more scalable & serviceable option. We don’t discuss future products so currently the Strato C and Terra 6TB are the entry level products.

Can you stream from Netflix, Amazon and other streaming services via Kaleidescape?

You can’t use Kaleidescape to stream from on demand services, however within the Kaleidescape movie store, there are over 4,500 movies and TV shows to purchase and more than 2,000 for rent including popular TV shows such as Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders and many more, with additional content being added frequently.

What makes Kaleidescape better than online streaming services?

Netflix & other on demand streaming services offer only a small proportion of the picture and sound data, due to compression and bandwidth limits. With Kaleidescape you download the full movie at your leisure. With lossless audio and reference 4K UHD video delivering a cinematic experience, Kaleidescape ensures consumers will never need to compromise on quality when watching their favourite movies, TV series and concerts.

Another benefit is that once purchased, you will always own the content. Meaning you can enjoy as many times as you like across multiple systems (up to 5 homes/systems maximum). Ten times the bit rate for audio and video versus streamers, Kaleidescape is the only digital source to provide lossless audio and reference video. In addition, the platform will enhance the performance of all the other products in the cinema such as the projector, speakers and audio processor.

If I purchase a unit in the UK and move abroad which store do I get access to?

The Kaleidescape movie store is available in the UK, U.S and Canada along with a dedicated Marine Store. Depending on where you activated the system, along with where your credit card billing address is, will determine which store you are connected to. If you have a client that has a system in the U.S with a U.S credit card and then they purchase a system for their London home, they would activate it with the same email address as the U.S system and they would be tied to the U.S store.

Can you offer Service repairs rather than replace?

Units within the warranty period will be replaced, out of warranty refurbished units will be offered as chargeable replacements. When you purchase a Kaleidescape system, you have a five-year warranty. Transferred or resold unit warranties continue from date of purchase.

How do we maintain older systems, Premier line for example?

Premier line is still supported for the foreseeable future. Kaleidescape continue to manufacture M300 players, M500 Players and Kserver-1550 in 18TB and 36TB models. Kaleidescape also offer DV700-R (Remanufactured) disk vaults for the Premiere line, which all carry three-year warranties.

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

Contact the Pulse Cinemas team direct to find out more about the power of Kaleidescape

All content featured is available on the Kaleidescape movie store. All copyrights, trademarks, and logos are the property of their respective owners.

CREATING CUSTOMISATION

the bar. It is for this scenario that the control world is undergoing an evolution, with preferred automation platforms being those that can provide templates as well as enable full customisation.

Whether using templates or customising the system, understanding and delivering on what the customer wants is and (always will be) key. Essentially, what all customers want is ‘easy,’ but what’s ‘easy’ to them will need to be defined. One person’s easy, may be another user’s complicated. Overall, installers can expect to see some generational preferences that can help guide them. For example, younger clientele were born into the era of mobile devices, so they’re used to opening multiple apps. But even they appreciate and respond well to the ease of use and automation that a custom install affords.

speeds. Integrators must be prepared by having a system that is able to integrate whatever is on the horizon. That’s why it will be key for them to have a broad driver library. That way, the same speed at which devices are being released, they can be brought under control with the same seamless experience. One of the initiatives of RTI has been to help integrators design for anything now and in the future with continuous updating of the driver library for our platform, Integration Designer. Every Friday is ‘Driver Friday,’ with new drivers released weekly to support the latest technology innovations.

When it comes to software, gone are the days of hours and hours of manual input and configuration to achieve an enjoyable control experience. Without a doubt, dragand-drop control design and configuration provides fast installation and scalability, which is incredibly important as more rooms need to be installed and configured for automation. However, drag-and-drop shouldn’t exclude customisation.

Today’s clients don’t want a cookie-cutter automated solution and will most definitely have specific needs and challenges that will need to be solved using the skills that make installers great at what they do. On commercial applications, that customisation will need to play to the organisation’s ‘branded’ look or to enable a seamless control experience for employees. For example, in a restaurant, the integrator will need to offer customised views based on the user. A restaurant manager will need a more complete view of the facility’s AV than the bartender, who may be only responsible for managing the screens above

In addition to variance in users, the automation platform also needs to appeal to variance in integrator skill level. Some will need, or demand, templates while others prefer to build for a custom UI or subcontract that job to programmers. Ultimately, the platform must speak to

At the platform level, the evolution of control has been astounding. Customisation may never fade from the control experience, but how ‘easy’ the user and install experience is will continue to improve. Currently, integrators of any skill level are able to quickly program a system, incorporating virtually any device and customise it as necessary. No matter the application, the technology, the user, or the installer skillset, the best platform will

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THE PROGRAMMING CHALLENGE

Making complex systems easy to install and easy to use with Phillip Pini, Director of Residential Sales (UK) at Crestron.

COMPLEX SYSTEMS, SIMPLE INTERFACES

The challenge here is one that integrators have had to meet since the dawn of the industry: Consumers don’t know what they don’t know, but when they discover a ’must-have’ feature or device, they want it to operate seamlessly within whatever system they’re familiar with.

Fortunately, we have an open feedback loop between our engineers, our dealer network, and their clients. Active listening allows us to make constant incremental progress – and sometimes big leaps forward.

The demands of the marketplace – from both end-users and technology integrators – always default to a desire for simplicity. There’s a constant need for systems and interfaces to be as easy to install as we can make them, and even easier to understand and operate.

It’s driven us to focus on both ends of the equation. As a result, we’ve landed on a threefold approach to programming residential integrations. There are legacy installations we still support, and we will always be committed to ensuring updates to those systems. There’s always a demand for new, custom installations – the crème de la crème of a dealer’s portfolio, full of luxury solutions tailored to an individual client’s needs. But there’s a growing segment of the market that desires the speed and ease of what’s offered by a platform such as the Crestron Home OS.

THE EVOLUTION OF SOFTWARE

That third prong represents the next evolution in our approach to programming.

The idea of building a system from the ground up – almost literally ‘from scratch’ –certainly has its merits (profit margins not least amongst them). There are a wide variety of applications, however, that don’t require such a labor-intensive bespoke solution.

A solution such as the Crestron Home OS represents a baseline, something an integrator can build from. Let’s suppose a client desired

the kind of functionality that would allow them to, say, adjust the area of their heating zones at a whim. Five years ago, that programming would have been expensive. That’s why we’ll see more and more manufacturers expanding their software offerings to handle these ever-evolving customer requests.

By literally building for the integrator a robust foundation – a foundation that can be constantly updated and built upon as technology and client desires evolve – we’ve streamlined the installation process for our dealers. At the same time, we’ve encouraged a very broad range of third-party manufacturers to add both hardware and software products to the mix. This allows an integrator with proper knowledge of the home network to quickly and easily customise that baseline platform to an individual client’s wishes. It’s something that we believe truly sets our solution apart.

An excellent example of the latter: the arrival of Apple Home Kit. We can add a universe of shortcuts to the screens of iOS devices, with installation that’s as easy as ‘touch/push/hold.’ Additionally, the cloud relay functionality we’ve been able to introduce into the platform has been profoundly beneficial – there’s no need to open up a port to get into the system. The integrator can create a code to design an entire home’s lighting and shading system – well in advance – and then deploy it without ever stepping foot inside the residence. It’s more than convenience – the feature represents a considerable savings of time and resources, especially as the process repeats. That portal and configurator will continue to evolve to include things like audio, video, HVAC, and other devices.

From our perspective, there’s always a single goal in mind: a Crestron system designed to work seamlessly with any combination of drivers, modules, and extensions. We aim to give our dealers the tools to create an endless number of custom integrations with the Crestron Home platform.

FULL CUSTOM PROGRAMMING VERSUS DRAG-AND-DROP CONFIGURATION

Richard Caton, Director of automation software creator and consultant Janus Technology, asks

In theory, full custom programming can give the customer the exact experience they are after, as the installer has the freedom to create any desired experience on the touchscreens, remotes and apps. They can implement custom logic using the full power of the automation processor and typically a highlevel programming language in order to control operations on site. For small projects this can fairly easily create a good experience.

However, for larger whole-home projects it is very complex and costly, you are essentially creating a software application from the raw tools that the environment gives you, and it can take many months of work to create a robust and debugged solution. Most installers doing this create a framework that they then customise for each job – so although the client thinks they are getting a ‘custom’ interface, they are in fact getting a standardised interface (developed by the installer).

The installer must maintain this framework and develop new features – which is not an insignificant expense, and needs a rigorous software engineering approach. Technology is moving at an ever-increasing pace, and today’s elegant framework quickly becomes dated and obsolete, and the customer is aware of the rich experiences that are available on their smart phones.

So it’s difficult for installers to have a full custom solution that they can profitably deploy to new customers (and continually upgrade their existing installs). Some installers are doing some interesting work with custom HTML5 UIs and a configuration framework that allows them to rapidly deploy to new customers, but they are investing years of effort to create these solutions, and it’s beyond the capabilities of a lot of installers - and some budgets.

Rather than using a framework, there are now many more drag-and-drop solutions from Control4, Crestron Home and others that provide a rich feature set-up, backed by large development teams maintaining and enhancing them – with the equivalent of many years of effort being expended to ensure they are continually developed for new and improved features. Whilst these drag and drop systems have been seen as ‘restrictive’ or providing the

full fat raw programming or drag and drop configuration?

same vanilla experience to all, they are evolving to allow customisation so that each install can be considered unique and addressing the particular desires of the customer, whether it’s automated behind-the-scenes logic, or a custom UI.

These platforms have evolved so that they are providing a configuration-only/noprogramming framework for most of the interface and logic that is needed for all installs, whilst also providing the hooks to allow custom experiences to be integrated into the solution. Customers gets an experience that can be configured to their desires, without full raw programming of the entire system.

These enhancements still require a rigorous software engineering approach, but are simpler in scope, (they don’t encompass the full user experience, only a subset of it) and it is feasible to develop these as custom enhancements for an individual project, or for a third party to produce as a feature enhancement for the platform that can then be licensed to dealers. Control4 has been a major player, allowing HTML5 apps (Webviews) to be integrated into the UI–running on touchscreens and phones or tablets. This approach provides a rich development environment for creating platform extensions, leveraging the latest toolkits. Janus Technology has developed a number of Webview extensions for manufacturers to enhance their integrations, both for individual projects for bespoke clients and also as licensable products. Example applications are supporting scheduling, monitoring BMS performance and visualising the overall state of the home. A recent great

example was for a client who wanted to visualise the state of the fire alarm zones in his property (so in an emergency he can see where the alarm is) but still be able to disable the sensor in his cigar room. With the Webview technology we were able to create a custom experience, while the rest of the project could leverage the simple configuration required by Control4.

Crestron Home is also pushing developments in this area, with the provision of Platform Extension drivers. While currently not as powerful as the Control4 Webview, they allow the creation of custom experiences from a set of GUI elements, and tiles added to the room view to show status and access the functionality. This is a great tool for providing enhancements to the platform that are not yet ‘standard’ features, and providing bespoke experiences. Janus Technology has worked with a number of thirdparty manufacturers develop Crestron Home extensions. A particularly interesting recent one is for air quality monitoring, where the extension we created allows viewing and control of indoor air quality integrated into the whole Crestron Home experience.

Coming back to the original question, the configuration-only (no programming) automation platforms, together with the enhanced interface capability provide a great solution for the majority of installs, allowing bespoke functionality to be developed in a modern way and fully integrated into the overall platform experience – whilst leveraging the many years of development that the manufacturers have put into their platforms.

which is better for the customer,

Raw code v drag and drop configuration, where is the market headed?

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SUBSCRIPTION FUTURE?

From the days of totally bespoke systems, the industry has evolved, with the key hardware players offering simplified platforms that allow installers to set up systems intuitively. A great example of this is Savant, who revolutionised the category with its da Vinci platform 18 years ago. This platform generates a drag-and-drop solution that not only ‘finds’ the Savant products on the network, but that also adds third-party components intuitively. The latest iteration - da Vinci 10 - moves the platform into the cloud, enabling integrators to configure systems in their offices and then link the client’s property at commissioning.

The beauty of this type of system, elements of which are now available across other platforms, is installers can set up off-site and manage remotely. So, what about the future?

One of the issues for installers is the ongoing relationship with customers. I have heard of installers walking away from an install with everything crossed hoping that they won’t be called back to fix faults. In a world where service is crucial, this is not the best way to keep customers satisfied! What we should be doing is to meet this head on and offer our customers the total service package. So how do we move forward? What if I was to outline the perfect way to improve customer relations whilst still earning a fee for your services, on-going care and offering you the perfect opportunity to revisit the customer in a proactive way?

New products come and go at an everincreasing rate. An install completed two years ago will already have components in it that have either been superseded or offer more features. The issue we have is that certain hardware is having its margin eroded by the high-street. For you to visit a customer, specify say upgraded screens, order, pre-delivery check, deliver and install off the shelf displays - will make you next to nothing. Therefore, what we really need is a sustainable revenue stream that enables you to earn on an on-going basis and offer your customers peace of mind. So, what would you say if I were to mention whole home integration paid for by subscription?

Most customers are used to the subscription models for technology and other services, so I feel that it is a no-brainer!

Here is the scenario. A new customer has to purchase a license to their platform of choice to get up and running, with the installer building the project based on the third party products and services required. If the platform requires an upgrade to the latest version, or additional services required, there is usually significant cost for the customer. Therefore, many customers won’t bother. However, the amount of time required to fix ongoing issues on an old platform uses up significant resources, both for the platform provider and the installer. By way of a subscription, the platform can be kept updated to the latest version, reducing the time that installers need to get things back up and running, leading to increased customer satisfaction. Were there to be a system crash, and the customer’s system backed up in the cloud, then a simple reinstall is all that is required. With a subscription this would be part of the deal. Even better, what if all individual personalisation’s were also downloaded as part of the re-install?

Third-party products have often created issues with home automation platforms, especially when they have their own subscription

services. Taking Ring as an example, it is likely that the customer will have to pay for their own Ring subscription to view past video history. But what if I told you that access to all Ring historical information is included within the home automation subscription, meaning no need to double up? Even better, that historical information would be available to view via their main home automation app.

Customers enjoy using apps, especially when they can access the entire system, including third-party apps, from within the main platform app. But sometimes it is more convenient to access the system from a URL, such as when away from the property. Were additional control features also available, along with support to enable the integrator to educate the homeowner about the management of their system’s capabilities, then this would offer even greater scope. Think how useful it would be to enable both the integrator and the homeowner to monitor, control and manage everything within the system at anytime, from anywhere.

So, is the above scenario still a dream? The good news is that it is available now! With the launch of Savant da Vinci 10.2 at ISE 2023, Savant also launched its Essentials subscription model. Get in touch for more details.

The major customer touchpoint for any project is the UI, which is driven by the platform it is built on. Therefore, if installers can supply a great UI, they are likely to have a happy customer, right? Andy Atwell, Sales and Marketing Director, RGB, examines the future.

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AUTOMATION TRENDS TO TRACK

Jason Girardier, Sales Manager, UK, Ireland and Nordics at Snap One, takes a

look at what the future holds.

The professional home automation sector is a fast-moving one. The platforms that deliver the technology integration, control and the user experience that are central to its success have evolved rapidly in recent years, and continue to do so, for the benefit of integrators and their customers.

Drag and drop programming has been one of the key drivers of control system change, with the Control4 brand at the vanguard of this transformation. By reducing the complexity of programming, we’ve enabled the industry footprint to grow faster, bringing the benefits of integrated smart home technology more quickly within the reach of many more homeowners.

Hand in hand with this innovation, we are also seeing an increasing capability from our partners to personalise the control experience for their customers. With a fully integrated Control4 smart home, consumers can easily bundle actions that all work together without having to painstakingly program and install all of that themselves. Access and control of the system can be personalised to the right family

members, or made available to all at centralised locations for convenience and ease of use. Taking that level of personalisation even further, our industry can, of course, integrate technology to meet unique and truly custom solutions, whatever they might be.

Another huge trend is the embedding of remote control and management access into the automation platform. Our Control4 Platform allows native access to cloud-based features in the OvrC platform, our cloud-based remote management system. By enabling OvrC Pro on a Control4 Controller, integrators can provide network monitoring and management for troubleshooting, rebooting, self-healing and handling software upgrades without having to visit site. A key feature of OvrC is that there is no recurring software cost or sign-up fee, so integrators can easily incorporate it into customer service packages, resulting in no disruption or extra cost to the client. At the same time, they can develop effective service level agreements as a critical part of their business growth strategy with complete confidence.

We are also seeing a broader adoption of power management solutions as an integral part of the control platform installation. Products from the Snap One WattBox brand can again integrate natively with Control4 and provide another layer of support, offering valuable insights into the power usage and performance of a customer’s system as well as additional remote management capabilities.

Ultimately, customers are looking for a rock solid, reliable system that’s easy to use and can be accessed from anywhere. A fully integrated Control4 Smart Home can be customised to their specifications and lifestyle, and meet their expectations by seamlessly integrating a wide range of technology onto the automation platform and providing an exceptional user experience.

Meanwhile, integrators can leverage the opportunity provided by personalisation and improved remote access to take their customer service offering - as well as their business revenues - to the next level.

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Listen Again.

LEON AUDIO FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE OFFICE

Research has shown that not only do aesthetically pleasing office spaces improve both mental health and productivity but also that a significant number of works say that ‘Office Design and Aesthetics’ positively influences their impression of the company.

Another major impact on productivity in the workplace? Audo quality. Research found that poor audio causes the human brain to work significantly harder to process information— greatly impacting overall performance.

It follows, then, that both audio quality and design should be a priority for workplaces looking to distinguish themselves in a postCOVID world.

As remote and hybrid work strategies have become more popular and viable options in the wake of the pandemic and new teleconferencing technologies have emerged, many companies are now focused on making workspaces more appealing to their employees. Workers to envision a workplace as an escape from the chaos of the home office environment.

Unfortunately, AV and technology concealment solutions are often completely overlooked during efforts to create both a functional and aesthetically desirable work environment. When it comes to audio and teleconferencing equipment, many believe that quality comes at the expense of style.

This common misconception can result in an ottherwise beautiful and relaxing office spaces being marred with visible cables, haphazardly placed conferencing equipment, and awkwardly installed displays with soundbars that appear as more of an afterthought than an enhancement.

Without a thoughtful approach, these technologies can significantly detract from the intended design of a space, while also negatively impacting functionality. Leon Speakers is leading the effort to create more intentional AV and tech integration solutions by designing products that enhance the collaboration experience while being mindful of the surrounding aesthetics.

Leon founder and CEO Noah Kaplan and his sales team often encourage the tech community to embrace better design. “Effective solutions to conceal or integrate technology seamlessly into beautiful spaces have not existed in the past, and as a result, architects and interior designers don’t fully understand that creative,

design-driven options even exist today,” says Noah. “But we hear over and over again from our corporate end-users how much of a difference our solutions make in creating office environments that feel pleasant to be in and energize both employees and executives.”

Leon’s Horizon Interactive Soundbar Series, for example, enables designers to mount both audio and video technology into a discreet housing, preventing the devices—and the unsightly cabling that connects them— from adversely affecting the aesthetic of the workspace. These solutoins also vastly improve audio making the overall meeting experience significantly more intuitive and engaging for participants. Finally, audio is placed where it makes sense for a VC experience, at the source of the audio—the screen—which results in a more natural experience compared to in-ceiling speakers or speakers that are placed in other parts of a conference room.

Similarly, Leon’s ToneCase FIT Universal (TcFIT-U) mounting system allows any all-inone or small format video camera to mount directly to a display for a more cohesive, streamlined look.

Rob Waissi, Senior Industrial Designer at Leon, says, “Our large corporate end-users tell us how pivotal this technology is in a hybridwork world, that while they use it daily, they do not need to see it! The Horizon Interactive series and TcFIT-U are simple, elegant solutions that make all of the difference in a variety of office spaces.”

Similarly, Leon’s Edge Media Frame enhances any display with an easy-to-install contemporary hardwood frame that elegantly conceals all the mounting, wiring, and VC components in one enclosure—providing a complete built-in look that complements any room design with its variety of wood finish options.

Leon products make it possible for the designer to embrace tech while not having to compromise on the beautiful spaces they are designing. And as Leon has built a strong legacy business in residential products, they are uniquely qualified to cater to see both sides of this design opportunity.

“I was inspired by Dieter Rams when I founded Leon,” recounts. “His philosophy of designing products unburdened by nonessentials, back to purity and simplicity, is what drives us. If you look at products from that era, there was a much higher level of expectation for the look and feel of home technology. TVs and audio equipment were all viewed as furnishings that added to the style of a room. We want to bring that idea back to the world.”

During the first year of COVID-19, Noah and his team turned their knack for sound and design toward a new kind of project: a modern desktop solution, Cove by Leon. Cove was designed to help workers look, sound, and feel their best no matter where they are working from. With a sound dampening antimicrobial felt lining, built-in natural lighting, and the sleek design of the magnetic outer shell, Cover offers privacy, focus, a better VC picture and the opportunity to personalise the workspace.

Audio is often a forgotten part of office design yet is proven to boost productivity. What are some ways to achieve this and why is it also important to utilize speakers that blend with the environment?

FLEXIBILITY FIRST: TECHNOLOGY IS THE KEY TO THE FUTURE OF WORK

The world of work is changing. Post-pandemic employees prioritise their workplace experience and welfare much more than before, the employment market has become much more competitive, and money alone is no longer enough to attract the best employees. Businesses need to differentiate by providing the best workplace environment possible.

One of the most effective ways to stand out from the crowd is with game-changing office technology. A slick and easy to use setup can boost employee morale, prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety, and increase productivity.

By far the greatest benefit of workplace technology improvements is the freedom and flexibility it gives. In most office jobs the ability to work from home is no longer seen as a bonus, it’s a requirement. There’s no going back either, research from Sony Professional highlights that 61% of white-collar workers believe asynchronous working (where employees work a set number of hours at a time/place they choose) can promote a healthier work/life balance.

However, this can pose challenges for employers who want to provide staff with the flexibility they crave while maintaining productivity and clear communication. Efficient and easy to use technology is the only way to create connections between employees, maintain productivity, and provide flexibility.

These changes provide a big opportunity for installers and equipment providers. 58% of employees don’t believe their organisation has the technological tools required to support their needs, meaning we’re going to see increased investment as employers seek to catch up with the technological demands of their employees.

HYBRID WORKING WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Hybrid working can become an uneasy compromise both for employees, who struggle to separate their work and home lives, and for firms who don’t believe they’re getting the best out of their teams. Using immersive technology, companies can bring the office to people’s homes and make them feel as if they’re in a room together.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras are a common way to bring a more interactive and immersive experience to hybrid meetings. The devices capture meetings from angles which allow remote viewers to see the whole room and to zoom in on speakers when they’re talking, making a more engaging experience for everyone. This technology has recently started to go further with the introduction of AI analytics - Sony’s new SRG-A40 camera uses AI to automatically find, track, and frame speakers meaning the meeting is streamed in a natural and engaging way without the need for a human camera operator.

Beamforming microphones can also add to the immersive experience. By being planted into the ceiling, these microphones pick up sound from all around rooms, waving goodbye to echoey audio and crowding round a laptop. Some microphones go even further to improve audio quality, for example Sony’s MAS-A100 uses two channel outputs. The main channel provides speech reinforcement while another channel records with a wider capture range and optimal intelligibility, providing excellent quality audio for those dialling in remotely.

All teams need to unite at times, and an attractive office space will encourage employees to use it and create a happy and productive work environment.

There are several ways in which tech can create a workplace which is both welcoming and easy to use, one of the most important is having

a workplace management software. These make the experience of using an office easier, reducing anxiety about going into work and ensuring valuable face to face time isn’t wasted on tech issues. Sony’s TEOS system is one of those helping maximise the benefits of office time. It allows meeting rooms to be booked from anywhere, guests to check in quickly and easily, and to wirelessly mirror from devices to large screens. Simple solutions like this can make a busy day at the office run smoothly.

Having bright, clear digital signage is a great way to not only make an office look modern but is also a practical way to ensure everyone can find their way around, and to display messages to all staff in a quick and efficient way.

Displays with professional benefits allows screens to be set up for signage quickly, with optimised brightness, energy saving, and controls. These types of displays are also important elsewhere, as having bright displays with excellent picture quality is a great way to ensure information is presented professionally and meetings remain clear and engaging.

Both at home and in the office, having great technology is an essential investment for forward-looking businesses, it’s the most straightforward way to create connections between colleagues and to build a happy, dynamic workplace. The world of work is becoming more competitive, and tech is the best way to differentiate.

As working cultures and expectations change, new technology is the best way for employers to keep their staff happy and attract the best talent, argues Adam Dover, Trade and Segment Marketing Manager at Sony Professional.

HYBRID WORKING

In a recent survey, 36% of those we asked confirmed that they now work from home one-two days a week, with 32% saying that their companies were fully hybrid.

This rise in hybrid working has changed the way that many businesses, organisations, and professionals operate on a daily basis. Businesses benefit from happier staff by allowing for more flexibility regarding where employees can work and how they access their workspace. Of those that responded to our survey, 89% said that hybrid working improved their work-life balance, and 71% said it reduced travel costs. 69% agreed it increased wellbeing, and 48% believed it increased staff retention.

The growth in hybrid working solutions has opened up many opportunities for installers. 32% of those surveyed stated that their companies still needed to offer adequate

solutions for hybrid working, with 25% saying there needed to be more technology solutions and training to enable them to fully leverage the opportunities that hybrid working can offer. This opinion was echoed by a 2022 survey carried out by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development that stated that over half (54%) of organisations are looking to make a greater investment in the quality of technology available to their staff. Resellers and integrators are ideally placed to be able to support these businesses and add value. This includes creating customised and functional workspaces for all users.

Hybrid meeting rooms designed correctly combine the traditional physical meeting room with virtual meeting technologies, allowing for a more interactive and engaging experience for both the participants and the facilitator.

HAVING IT HYBRID

Hybrid meeting rooms are perfect for companies that host in-person and remote meetings, as they provide a cost-effective and convenient way to meet and collaborate. Utilising interactive displays, collaboration solutions, and audio-visual communication systems, teams can communicate more effectively and make better decisions faster.

Increased collaboration offers advantages in allowing people to come together to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and collaborate on projects. It enables teams to work together more efficiently and effectively, and make critical business decisions. Collaboration also helps create a sense of team spirit, allowing people to get to know each other better, exchange ideas, and work towards a common goal.

Using technology such as cloud applications and collaborative display solutions, installers can design and install systems that make it easier for staff to access the resources they need without physically being in the office. This is especially useful for teams in different parts of the country, allowing them to collaborate despite geographical barriers.

In addition to this increased flexibility when it comes to accessing workspaces, hybrid working also presents an opportunity for installers to create innovative new meeting spaces that multiple people can use simultaneously. Using a workspace that offers real-time collaboration and communication technologies such as Microsoft Teams, Google Spaces, Skype or Zoom, these multi-user spaces are perfect for businesses that want remote staff members to be engaged and feel part of the team.

AV,

projection

and display expert for consumer, corporate and large venues, Babar Syed, Managing Director of Projector Point - part of Dataflow - believes the time is right to target hybrid workers.

Dull, cookie-cutter work spaces are not good for business

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COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION

What are the main opportunities presented to installers?

With remote and hybrid work growth, there is a significant opportunity for custom installers when it comes to the re-design and re-fitting of office workspaces and supplying commercial technology in home offices. Both directly and by partnering with third parties, we are seeing that custom installers are getting more involved in IT, and communications technology - both from a software and hardware perspective - to meet customer demand.

In the office the main opportunity is that most workspaces are still not properly designed to support hybrid work. Microsoft estimates around 10% are hybrid-ready. Other opportunities come from executive home offices that require higher-spec technology requiring the same level of quality as they’d get in the office. All-in-one devices are a great opportunity for custom installers, especially those who aren’t familiar with the commercial technology landscape or don’t want to distract from their area of expertise, as they are very low touch from a specifying, configurating, installation and management point of view, but they deliver a superior user experience.

What types of functionalities and systems are driving different parts of the sector?

The pandemic was the catalyst for the acceleration of adoption in video conferencing

and cloud-based communication applications, enabling employees to stay connected and collaborate on projects whilst working from home. But even since the pandemic, the employee demand for remote and hybrid working has continued, and technology has advanced to be able to provide even more ways to be productive remotely. Zoom and Microsoft Teams continue to lead as platforms for video conferencing, collaboration and UC software innovation, and its key that the hardware evolves at the same rate of innovation.

Remote collaboration sessions with virtual whiteboard, annotation and shared project boards have fuelled the demand for touch screen laptops, screens and solutions such as DTEN’s all-in-ones, which combine whiteboarding with natural touch capabilities and professional video conferencing with superior audio and sound. Camera and audio technology is increasingly being used to help optimise the hybrid meeting experience. This is important to enable immersive, engaging meetings where people remote and ‘in-theroom’ are equally represented.

For the home worker, what are the main issues they need solving?

Home workers are no longer looking ‘to make do’ when it comes to working from home. This is no longer a temporary situation to support health and safety precautions, but instead a movement that has changed the way we work.

Expectations have changed. Home workers now expect to have the same tools and resources available to them wherever they are, the same level of video and audio quality as they’d get in the office, and an inclusive and equal meeting experience when they are communicating with their colleagues. They rely on technology to deliver all of this.

This in itself can be an issue with no onsite IT support - but this is where the installer comes in. As well as providing all the suitable hardware components to ensure an accessible, high-quality, inclusive meeting experience, switched-on installers should look to create a setup ‘that just works’ with minimal interference or set up requirements from the user. ‘Hotdesk’ style set ups are increasingly popular where all components are readily available and the user just simply connects the laptop via one cable. All-in-one solutions, such as the DTEN ME Pro with built-in 27in 1080p full HD display, camera, dual mics and speakers, can also be a safer option with less individual components to have issues with. These styles of devices with touch screen capabilities also add additional benefits with users able to join meetings with one touch from the intuitive user interface.

Doug Remington, EMEA General Manager, DTEN, answers a few key questions concerning this significant and growing sector.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

A few weeks ago, I was in Florida for a wedding. During the week, my wife and I took a break to hang out on the beach and had a chance encounter with a home builder from my area. We had a great chat over the course of a few hours, while hanging out together on the beach. The conversation eventually turned to the state of the home building industry, and the outlook for the next 12-24 months. We both agreed that it could be challenging, similar to what we experienced many years ago during a recession. Obviously, no one has a crystal ball and can predict the future, but I always like to plan for the worst case scenario and hope the best happens by surprise.

Going through an economically challenging or downtrodden business period can either help you to improve business practices or put you out of business. I recall back to the horrific 9/11 tragedy in 2001. This historic event shook the US, and the world emotionally, but also had a significant impact on the economy and businesses.

In 2001, I was working for an integration company, and our business immediately compressed by about 60%. The phones stopped ringing and the new leads vaporised as projects were put on hold or cancelled all together. Consumers held on tight to their

wallets and purses to wait and see how and when the economy would recover. It was a very challenging time, and we were forced to get creative to find new work. I was fortunate to have worked with a great team that rallied together to generate new leads and business opportunities.

We all experienced a global crisis recently due to Coronavirus and subsequent mandatory social restrictions and confinement. Obviously, it does not always take a tragedy to impact business. Sometimes, it can be a big customer who has a contraction in their flow of business to you. This is a concern that every business should be aware of and try to address by finding new customers and increasing the business surrounding their primary customer.

I can tell you that the experience I endured back in 2001 and other business challenges experienced in my professional life, have delivered some of the most significant lessons and provided great growth opportunities. Some of the lessons I learned are as follows:

LESSON ONE: ‘DIG THE WELL BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY’

I learned the hard way to never get comfortable when business is good. I would always look ahead three, six, 12 months and wonder what new projects or opportunities could be

cultivated. This was not always easy, especially when I just started my integration company. I was working from a spare bedroom in the home and competing against other well-established companies with sexy showrooms.

When I started my business, I remember thinking, “I need to fake it, until I make it”. I had been in the industry for over a decade at that time, but my business was brand new. I also did not have an office or showroom for potential customers to visit. So, I invested a significant amount of money into creating a very impressive website and professional company brochure.

I would also regularly check with the local government offices to see which builders had pulled permits for a new home build. I would then contact the builder, either on the phone, visiting the jobsite or sending them a very nice package with popcorn and movie snacks. I would include an introduction letter and state something along the following lines:

‘Dear Mr. Builder (insert name here), I know you are very busy, so I will briefly introduce our company and the benefits we could offer you and your valued customers. As a token of our appreciation for you investing a few minutes to read this letter, we have included some snacks for you and your team to enjoy while you consider this opportunity.

Pete Baker, EI regular, former installer and sales and marketing professional with over 30 years of global experience, offers his thoughts on how to react when things are not going so well.

‘We recently noticed that you have pulled a building permit for new home located at (insert place). We take great pride in our craftmanship and dedication to delivering an exceptional experience for each and every customer, as you can see from the testimonials on our website. We would greatly appreciate any opportunity you would be willing to provide us to impress you and your customers with our skills, abilities, and commitment to excellence. Would you be opposed to considering us as a first, second or third option with whom your customers could discuss their low voltage needs?

‘Thank you for the time you invested in considering this opportunity. I will try to call you next week to respond to any questions or concerns you may have about our company or this opportunity.’

LESSON TWO: ‘NEVER TAKE ANY CUSTOMER OR LEAD SOURCE FOR GRANTED’

Obviously, finding new customers and referral sources is important, but keeping the ones you have intact is even more important. Word spreads fast if customers are dissatisfied, and it can have a demonstrative effect on your business.

I invested and re-invested in every lead source constantly and regularly. If I received a lead from a builder, architect, customer, or anyone, I would update them every step of the way through the courting process and during the project. I wanted to assure them that I respected where the referral came from, and they were their customer (or friend) first. We had a duty and obligation to provide the new customer with exceptional support and customer service, out of respect for the person or company that directed them to us. Sadly, I have seen the exact opposite too many times in my professional life, with other companies.

This focus on respect for the referral source and the communication involved in updating the person or company resulted in very dedicated and exclusive relationships with countless builders, architects, and interior designers.

LESSON THREE: ‘BE VISIBLE!’

Now more than ever, it is important to have an active online presence. I regularly look at industry related websites, from manufacturers, dealers, distributors, reps, etc. The vast majority are outdated, have broken links, old ‘news’ from months or years ago. This is your brand image and must be taken seriously. There are so many great developments in our industry to talk about on social media, your website and newsletters: circadian lighting, energy management, health and wellness. You are an industry leader and

technology expert; your online presence should reflect this position.

Additionally, as a writer, I can tell you that industry publications and local newspapers are also eager for new content from contributors. When I had my integration company, I would regularly contact local newspapers to contribute articles and would also host hot new technology training for local builders, architects, realtors, and designers. I was also very active with the Builders and Remodelers Association; participating in their events.

As we embark on a new year ahead no one can control the economy, but we can take control of our future by proper strategic planning and hard work. Best wishes to you and your team for a big year ahead in 2023!

Make sure your light shines the brightest so you stand out from the competition

GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH CEDIA EDUCATION

Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA, brings EI up to date with key training opportunities.

Whether you’re at the start of your career, an experienced technician or designer, or a business owner, CEDIA is your go-to resource for industry training, providing personallytaylored education pathways for every member.

Over the years, I’ve personally witnessed the benefits of in-person training and the need to continuously update our offerings so they continue to remain relevant and impactful for our members. It’s also important to structure training to prepare learners to take the next step in earning CEDIA certifications and distinguishing themselves in the marketplace.

Why get CEDIA educated?

1. Learn new skills

2. Gain recognition and credibility

3. Advance your career journey

What’s new in CEDIA education?

CEDIA has reworked existing training and has created two new education packages – Smart Home Technician Essentials and Smart Home Technician Further Skills.

Aimed at entry level technicians, electricians, and aerial installers, the five-day Smart Home

Technician Essentials pathway will offer a solid foundation for technicians interested in starting their careers in the industry, or support junior technicians in their journey towards CEDIA certification. The package covers essential topics such as audio and video fundamentals, best practice in structured cabling, smart home subsystems, as well as the design and installation of AV racks. The last day of the programme also covers UK’s regulations of electrical safety.

The five-day Smart Home Technician Further Skills package is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals who

already have some experience in the field or who have completed the Smart Home Technician Essentials package. This more advanced training equips learners with the expertise to handle more complex smart home systems. The package covers topics such as wired and wireless networking, lighting systems and control, fundamentals of home cinema design, as well as the principles of project and business processes.

The main advantage of CEDIA’s essential and further skills packages is that they both consist of standalone one-day courses that can be booked individually. This allows learners the flexibility to choose which courses they select to attend based on their individual needs and schedules. Additionally, the format enables learners to fill specific knowledge gaps and acquire the skills and knowledge they need to become proficient in specific areas. Whether learners are new to the industry or looking to advance their skills, they can take advantage of the single day courses and customise their learning experience. The flexibility of these courses is testament to CEDIA’s commitment to provide accessible and comprehensive training to learners of all levels.

CERTIFICATION

The Smart Home Technician courses are only one part of a tailored career journey. The skills covered in these courses align with CEDIA’s globally accredited certifications: Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) and Integrated Systems Technician (IST). These provide members with the opportunity to showcase credibility, development and differentiation.

“I’m CEDIA certified because I want to do the job really well and any gaps in my knowledge - well I want to fill them,” comments Owen Maddock, Cinemaworks. “I’ve also found that it adds weight and authority to what you are saying when you are working with other qualified technicians, and it’s a point of difference between you and most of your competitors.”

CIT certification encompasses the knowledge and skills of a technician whose primary task is to perform basic infrastructure wiring for low-voltage technology systems in a residential or commercial setting. Individuals who earn a passing score indicate to their employers that they are jobsite ready, can work billable hours performing cabling and installation support, and have the foundational knowledge to support additional training on equipment and technology systems.

IST certification recognises experienced integration technicians who can perform the full scope of pre-wire (first fix) and trim-out (second fix), including system testing and troubleshooting. IST-certified individuals possess a broad range of essential technical skills, up-to-date knowledge of standards and recommended practices, and strong conceptual foundations.

For more information, visit cedia.net/education/training/emea.

For a personalised consultation or to enroll, contact Emma McMaylor, emcmylor@cedia.org 01480 213744

2023 Education Calendar

All face-to-face training is hosted at CEDIA HQ in Cambridgeshire

April

• KNX Basic Course - 17-19 April

• Networking Specialist School24-26 April

• Remote Access and Management27 April

May

• Design Documentation - 2 May

• Project Management - 3 May

• Smart Home Technician Essentials22-26 May

June

• KNX Basic Course - 5-7 June

• Smart Home Technician Further Skills19-23 June

September

• KNX Basic Course - 4-6 September

• Smart Home Technician Essentials11-15 September

October

• Smart Home Technician Further Skills23-27 October

November

• Networking Specialist School6-8 November

• Remote Access and Management9 November

• KNX Basic Course - 20-22 November

DOES DENON DO IT?

Our trusted trade-focused reviewer, Richard Stevenson, takes on the challenge of assessing Denon’s flagship AVC-A1H AVR.

It’s been a while since we have seen a new flagship ‘A1’ AV amp from Denon, the last one appearing back in 2007. While the interim years have seen plenty of good mid-market AVRs from the brand, the new AVC-A1H is back to Denon’s big, bold and boisterous best - massively powerful, packed with features, oozing with CI integration flexibility and sounding superb.

Tipping the scales over 32kg, thanks ostensibly to 11.5kg of a transformer, cast iron feet and a chassis structure that could probably pass building regs, the headlines include 19-channel processing and 15 channels of amplification at a claimed 150Wpc full-range into 8ohms. That affords almost any combination of speaker array across up to three zones, or the full 9.4.6 / 7.4.8 experience in a main room. Yes, that is four independent subwoofer channels with individual EQ as part of the on-board Audyssey MultEQ-XT32 room EQ system, which itself can be upgraded to the full-range Audyssey Mult-EQ-X for a $199 licence fee.

If Audyssey is not your EQ of choice, the AVC-A1H can also run Dirac Live as an alternative. This is offered from Dirac in limited

and full bandwidth versions to run on a PC, priced at $259 and $349 respectively. Either an Audyssey or Dirac Live upgrade is a worthy investment in performance, and equally useful as both systems allow you to easily demonstrate the room EQ curves and graphs to customers.

In addition to a very nice, all-metal back-lit remote, control integration is about as flexible as it gets offering bi-directional command over IP, RS232 or web UI. The command list

is extensive, enabling fairly straightforward integration with the likes of AMX, Control4, Crestron etc. There is a password-protected ‘Advanced Setup’ menu that provides CI-friendly setup options remotely via the web UI. At time of this review, Dirac’s control-overremote interface was yet to be added, but it is firmly on the road map. For US installations only, the AVC-A1H can also incorporate Josh.ai voice control.

The ci series incorporates cutting edge technologies and audio quality from the world-renowned PMC studio monitors that have been responsible for countless hit records and movies, in the ultimate slimline, high-performance on-wall and in-wall loudspeakers.

• SLICK, EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION

• STUDIO SOUND QUALITY & RELIABILITY

• BEAUTIFUL BEZEL-LESS DESIGN

• NO DISTURBANCE TO ADJOINING ROOMS

• VAST, EVEN SOUND COVERAGE

• DEEP, PRECISE BASS AT ALL LEVELS

The ci140 and ci140sub are on-wall designs. The other models are in or on-wall, thanks to the Qikfire™ fittings, bezel-less grille and stylish cabinet sleeve.

ci140sub ci140

ci140 & ci140sub on-wall L,C,R

The feature list is extensive, covering 8K and 4K/120 video inputs - with 8K upscaling with the latest spec HDMI terminals throughout. Alongside, you get Dolby Atmos, DTS-X Pro, IMAX, Auro 3D and 360 Reality Audio sound processing, and both AirPlay2 and Denon’s HEOS high-res audio music streaming platforms are on-board.

Connectivity is a function of the real estate of the back panel and may not be ideally suited to systems trying to integrate legacy devices. While seven HDMI inputs and three out will handle a lot of modern sources distributed to three zones, component and composite connections have got the chop, there is no analogue multi-channel input and, unusually, no front-mounted inputs.

Build quality is outstanding throughout, from the overall solidity to the gold-plated connections and Denon’s own very high-spec binding posts and a host of internal audio engineering delights that could make a 2,000 word article in their own right. The freestanding format will require a substantially strong rack shelf and space for adequate ventilation, and the amps are Class A/B and get very toasty when driven hard in normal (non-Eco) mode. Six fans run along the underside of the chassis,

engaging when things get really hot, so a vented shelf and low rack position may be a wise idea if you don’t have any rack cooling specified for the installation.

Interestingly, the machine’s dual Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth antennas will increase the height clearance required by a few centimetres, but I found they worked just as well facing down behind the panel if you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Set up using the standard remote control and GUI, on-board Audyssey MultEQXT-32 and the supplied mic with its nifty cardboard stand, is delightfully logical and blissfully speedy. A full eight-setting position sweep takes about 20-minutes, with a couple of minutes of processing time on top. Channel balances and speaker distances were spot on. Running MultEQ-X or Dirac Live will take a while longer to run the software on a laptop, do the sweeps and then upload the data from the laptop to the AVC-A1H over the network.

The result is one of the fastest, most dynamic and most engaging multi-channel sounds I have heard in my 7.1.4 Dali Phantom/B&W DB1D system. Dialogue is incredibly crisp and intelligible through the AT screen, that can often confound EQ systems, and the resolution of

individual detail across the object-based audio formats is frankly breathtaking. Ramp up the volume and that enormous power supply never sounds overwhelmed, with the SPL swelling with sumptuous smoothness.

Switching back to my own Marantz AVP8805a processor and MM8807 power amps was night-and-day, with the Maranzt set-up sounding rather too warm and cuddly, and a bit pedestrian by comparison. Dammit. The Denon has an urgency and precision in its sound that is wholly addictive irrespective of the content you play, handling daytime TV and Top Gun Maverick with suitably gauged aplomb. I’d say it had a small penchant for big blockbusters and big explosions, but as almost every Denon AVR I have ever reviewed over the last three decades liked a ‘bit of action’ – I’d have been very disappointed if the AVC-A1H didn’t!

A week of Netflix, Prime, Disney and Blurays with the Denon, and the only conclusion can be that the nearly 16-year gap between Denon’s last A1 and the new AVC-A1H has been very much worth the wait. If the install project can accommodate the size, weight and cooling requirements, the AVC-A1H is a classleading integrated AV amplifier.

AMBITIOUS AUDIO AT THE AUBREY

EI spoke with Shaun Wilson, Owner/Director at Knektd to get the inside story on this very special hotel, restaurant and music venue, The Aubrey at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hyde Park, London.

Shaun explains, “We were invited to tender for this project by prestigious interiors company BradyWilliams after completing another project with them in London known as The Maine Mayfair, a heritage listed townhouse on Hanover Square.”

BradyWilliams are one of the capital’s most sought after design studios, having worked with many top residential and hospitality clients including Corbin and King, Harrods, CAPCO, British Land, Anya Hindmarch, Berkeley Homes and for this project, Mandarin Oriental.

Sitting between Royal Parkland and fashionable Knightsbridge the Mandarin Oriental offers an eclectic mix of heritage, traditional service and contemporary flair. The hotel’s rooms and suites have been reinvented for the 21st century by internationally acclaimed designer Joyce Wang, while the addition of an award-winning spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant by Heston Blumenthal also add to the updated hospitality offerings. The Aubrey fits into this high-concept space by offering a heady mix of eccentric Japanese cuisine, exquisite décor, signature drinks and live DJ sets.

The Aubrey has been created to deliver the energy, buzz and excitement of a night out in Ginza, Japan. This Japanese izakaya experience features London’s first ever omakase cocktail experience, along with traditional izakaya dishes.

As part of The Aubrey’s refurbishment, Knektd was given the task of discreetly blending a high-performance audio system into the new décor. Knektd turned to L-Acoustics Creations to assist in delivering the performance needed for this space.

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Shaun explains, “The brief was simple, but ambitious, the venue wanted the very best audio system available for The Aubrey. The aim was to create a world-class ‘background’ music experience, but also accommodate the live DJ sets. The venue attracts some well-known DJ’s and is fast becoming an ‘influencer’ space in the heart of the capital.

“The Aubrey vibe is high end but achingly cool, and the interior design put some challenging requirements on achieving the performance required without affecting the final aesthetic of the main room or the individual areas. We needed high-performance loudspeakers discrete enough to blend with the interior furnishings, yet powerful enough to deliver the sonic escapism the brief dictated.”

For the project, Knektd chose L-Acoustics compact X4i coaxial loudspeakers for the smaller areas and bays, along with the brand’s high-performance wall-mounted Syva colinear line source speakers for the large open area of the main restaurant. Low-frequency reinforcement across the system was provided by L-Acoustics Syva Sub hidden out of sight around the venue and built in to custom joinery to further blend in with the interior design. The system was configured, optimised and tuned for the space by L-Acoustics Creations and Knektd, with the entire system controlled by Crestron making sure it is easy for staff to change things if needed. There are also pre-sets built in that cater for different times of the day reflecting different moods.

The audio needed to leave the aesthetic ambition for the space completely in-tact

Shaun argues, “There is nothing on the market quite like the X4i for delivering outstanding performance for their size. Within a 4in cube, the coaxial driver offers an exceptionally smooth response from 120Hz to 20kHz, with a maximum sound pressure level of 116dB. The coaxial driver configuration gives point-source musical

integrity and exceptional imaging, seamlessly across a very wide area in front of the speaker. They can be bracket-mounted or flush-fitted and are available to order in any RAL colour to match the venue décor.”

X4i were incorporated across five small sectioned-off areas of the venue to ensure consistent sound pressure irrespective of

where the guests are located. Set against the dimmed room décor and dark wood-stained ceiling, the standard finish dark grey-brown X4i worked admirably for The Aubrey. The X4i were all bracket-mounted rather than flush, to aid directivity and final room tuning.

The main Syva loudspeakers are the backbone of L-Acoustics Creations’ audio offering for premium residential and hospitality installations. Drawing heavily on the brand’s extensive pro-audio and stadium-level live sound expertise, Syva is a compact colinear source loudspeaker with unique L-FINS waveguide and L-VENT porting to deliver all the advantages of a line-array: exceptional coverage across a wide area, clear vocals with smooth horizontal dispersion and powerful, articulate low-frequency performance.

In the main restaurant space, the Syva speakers are wall-mounted above table height, fulfilling the need for visual discretion. Their slim column format, back-to-wall mounting and standard dark grey-brown colour were a perfect match for The Aubrey’s warm, rich décor and opulent style. Mounted on the long wall of the rectangular room, the colinear source driver array and unique waveguide engineering ensure cohesive, articulate sound across the restaurant area without any live or dead spots.

Over the eight-month refurb project at The Aubrey, Knektd was in constant dialogue with the interiors team to ensure the final design hit all the benchmarks in the brief for both aesthetics and sound. The result is another exceptional project from Knektd in a premium London venue and another flagship installation for L-Acoustics Creations.

Sprinkling some audio magic into this opulent space was a real challenge

A triple-motorized incline mechanism allows the user to operate the footrest, backrest and headrest INDEPENDENTLY from one-another. This allows the user to ensure maximum comfort by fine-tuning their preferred seating position.

LARGO - image courtesy of ExperienceCyberGroup.com

On completion of the project, Matt Reid, co-founder of The Aubrey commented in the London Evening Standard, “There’s always such a passion for music in Japan, where the curation of the soundtrack always comes from the room, from the feel of it. Here at The Aubrey, the sonic experience is absolutely part of the identity of the place.”

Shaun underlines, “We had a very positive experience working with L-Acoustics Creations. They offered full support right throughout the project from creating impressive 3D visuals using their Soundvision software at the start to on-going support now the system is

finished and up and running. We have the same products in our showroom and the audio is very impressive. Huge depth, with a really warm and unique ability to deliver high-quality for all kinds of music.”

A really well executed project all round this one and an area that seems to be on the rise. After some obviously challenging times for the hospitality sector, these types of spaces seem to be coming back strong. Shaun concludes, “This type of project is definitely seeing lots of growth. We have several projects in the pipeline because of being involved here. It’s been a really positive experience all-round.”

Essential Kit List

• L-Acoustics 6 x LA2xi CE, 26 x X4i, 26 x X-U4i, 2 x LA4X CE, 4 x

• SYVA, 4 x SYVA LOW, 4 x SYVA SUB

• Cisco Network Switch

• Crestron CP3 Processor

• Crestron 7in Touchscreen

• Pulse-Eight ProAudio 8 DSP Audio Matrix

The venue’s different areas all needed to be catered for

ULTION NUKI LOCKS DOWN CONTROL4 FUNCTIONALITY

British home security specialist Ultion, has launched a dedicated Control4 driver for its Ultion Nuki smart lock, allowing integration of door access within whole-home automation systems.

The development makes it the first doorlocking solution for Control4 installs that is specifically designed for UK doors, offering installers a new security option for whole-house projects, from a trusted British lock expert.

A design optimised specifically for British doors, Ultion Nuki combines superb integration and accessibility options with fully accredited security, says the maker.

Control4 support adds to an array of ways for homeowners to lock and unlock doors fitted with Ultion Nuki - including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Ring, IFTTT, and integration with the Airbnb app. It also works with a traditional key.

The development of the new driver, a result of significant investment by the British brand, allows installers to operate connected Ultion Nuki locks from Control4’s wide range of touchscreens, remote controls, and apps, for easy integration.

Installers also have the freedom to integrate door security in the most suitable way for each project and customise the end user experience to suit.

The driver works with all current and forthcoming Ultion Nuki iterations and accessories, including the Nuki Keypad, wirelessly connecting to a Control4 processor over a network connection, so no special cabling is required.

Additionally, the forthcoming Ultion Nuki Plus will allow for Control4 installs without the need for a bridge. Custom install specialists can download the new driver from DriverCentral priced at USD $15.

For further flexibility, Ultion Nuki (along with all Ultion locks) can also be used with the Ultion KeyTag; an official Made for iPhone door key that can be located using Apple’s Find My network. Ultion

SANUS TILTS TOWARDS THE OUTDOORS

SANUS has released the new large outdoor premium tilt tv wall mount for TVs 37in to 95in, and the Large Outdoor Premium Full-Motion TV Mount for TVs in sizes 40in up to 85in. Both outdoor-rated TV mounts are rigorously tested and designed for any weather, using corrosion-resistant coating and stainlesssteel hardware and feature easy adjustments to achieve a positive viewing experience.

SANUS’ outdoor premium tilt tv wall mount, model VODLT1-B2, features the company’s exclusive patented VirtualAxis Fingertip tilting technology, allowing for smooth, easy tilting motion by balancing the weight of the TV on

itself. For the best picture, users can tilt the TV up or down with just the touch of a finger – no tools are required – thereby reducing glare and reflections caused by the sun. SANUS’ ProSet adjustment feature provides quick and easy micro adjustments to height and level in order to obtain the perfect TV position. The mount boasts a slim profile, with the TV mounted 2.18in from the wall.

For greater viewing angle adjustment, the SANUS VODLF125-B2 large outdoor full-motion mount is the right choice. In addition to its weatherproof design and ease of levelling and height adjustments, the full-

motion mount extends 25in from the wall with up to 44° of swivel, while VirtualAxis delivers easy tilting to obtain the right viewing angle. With a commitment to achieving the ultimate outdoor viewing experience, SANUS has added a motion lock, which is a full-motion mount feature engineered by SANUS to ensure the TV stays in the desired position. When the mount is fully retracted, it offers a slim profile that places the TV 2.74in from the wall.

Legrand legrandav.com

Popular Ultion smart lock now has improved custom install capabilities with Control4 compatibility

Premium tilt and full-motion outdoor wall mounts achieve the ultimate outdoor TV experience, says SANUS

On-demand 360° access is here! Effortlessly slide and rotate loaded racks

Makes even tight and hard-to-reach racks a breeze to access

This is the newly-updated R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack system - an enclosure with more freedom than ever before. It makes it simple to slide a fully-loaded rack safely out and spin it in either direction offering full 360° access.

Shop: PennElcomOnline.com

Catalogue: Penn-Elcom.com

Bang & Olufsen has announced the new generation Beosound A9 and Beosound 2. More than being available in new Black Anthracite, Gold Tone, and Natural finishes, the two speakers now join Bang & Olufsen’s range of future-proof products on the Mozart software platform.

The heart of Bang & Olufsen’s Mozart platform is the replaceable module, frontloaded with enough processing power to receive software updates and features for many years to come. If the connectivity and streaming technology ever becomes obsolete, the module can be replaced with the latest version –providing great sound experiences for decades to come, says the company.

The maker says that Beosound A9 (5th gen) defines timeless design for Bang & Olufsen’s products of the present day. Originally launched in 2012, the circular-shaped design, created by Oivind Slaatto, is still today one of the most popular products from the brand. Beosound A9 has been created to fill a living space with rich and powerful sound, all whilst blending into any interior style. Alongside the new standard finishes of Beosound A9, this product can be fully customisable to compliment even the most eclectic room aesthetic, says its creator.

The music volume can be controlled by sliding a hand across its surface, and with a tap on the A9 users can skip, play, or pause a listening experience instantly.

A staple of Bang & Olufsen’s portfolio, Beosound 2 is billed as a powerful multiroom speaker that matches a unique high-design aesthetic with stand-out sound. Originally launched in 2016 and now in its third iteration, Beosound 2 has been transported into the new generation of Bang & Olufsen sound.

KEF LAUNCHES THX ARCHITECTURAL SPEAKER

Create a high-quality home cinema experience with the latest additions to KEF’s architectural speaker range; the first THX Certified Dominus speaker from KEF, the Ci5160REFM-THX, as well as the Ci3160REFM-THX which is THX Certified Ultra.

Providing a new level of entertainment when watching movies, playing games and listening to music, KEF says these new Ci-Reference speakers push the limits of technology and add to KEF’s Extreme Home Theatre architectural speaker collection. Bringing together two companies, KEF and

the audio-video certification and technology company, THX, both recognised for helping to set industry standards of soundscapes, whether these architectural speakers are set up in home theatres or living rooms, the maker says listeners will hear all the details exactly as they would in real life, as the creators intended the sound to be enjoyed.

The new Ci-Reference speakers have been upgraded with the latest technological advances, including the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array and KEF’s pioneering Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). The bass drivers

Crafted from high-grade aluminium, a material now synonymous with Bang & Olufsen, the instantly recognisable cone shape of Beosound 2 commands attention no matter where it’s placed in the room, says the maker.

Bang & Olufsen bang-olufsen.com/en/gb

have been optimised for in-wall use, and the aluminium baffle eliminates vibration. Every element has been specially designed for these models to deliver realistic and immersive sound with strong dynamics for the most discerning music and movie adorers.

KEF’s first in-wall speaker to be THX Certified Dominus, the Ci5160REFM-THX delivers the might and magic of pure, accurate sound in the comfort of one’s own home, says KEF. Wielding great audio power, THX Certified Dominus KEF speakers are optimal for rooms up to 6,500ft² with a viewing distance of up to 20ft. The Ci3160REFM-THX has undergone hundreds of performance and quality assurance tests, from output levels, frequency response, listening window, distortion, and bass management to ensure it is capable of recreating high-impact cinema sound and best-in-class audio fidelity.

The architectural Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX are available in Aluminium Black/Grey finish and come with a paintable magnetic metal grille that fits into any décor scheme.

KEF uk.kef.com

High-quality home cinematic experiences with KEF’s two new THX Certified architectural speakers

Bang & Olufsen has updated two of its most popular products

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CRESTRON UNVEILS A NEW HORIZON

Crestron Electronics has announced the next generation of the popular Horizon keypads and dimmers.

Crestron argues that homeowners believe a well-designed keypad should be unobtrusive when it’s not in use and completely intuitive when it is. That requires careful attention to everything from the ergonomics of the device to its ultimate fit and finish. These considerations set the course for the next-generation Horizon

keypads and dimmers, which have been created to offer an elegant design with a distinctive tactile experience, improved configuration and installation, and elevated customisation options.

Horizon keypads and dimmers prioritise clean design featuring improved colour, finish, and alignment in visually appealing layouts, designed to bring a new level of luxury to any home project with a perfected look. Using feedback from homeowners, dealers, and

architects, every aspect of the redesign was meticulously engineered, from the single faceplate offering an opulent visual appeal to the subtle button protrusion providing an enhanced texture and feel when pressed. The buttons are also arranged in a singlepiece design that improves alignment and consistency, elevating the tactile experience across every configuration.

Deep functionality has been built into the backlighting of the keypads and dimmers, allowing the colour temperature of the backlight to be adjusted. The new ‘dim-to-warm’ theme uses the local ambient sensor to automatically set the button backlight to cooler or warmer based on the intensity of the room lighting.

The keypads and dimmers are available in the six most popular configurations, from single-button options up to five buttons in a single gang arrangement. When combined, the configuration and colour control can serve to further elevate the homeowner experience.

New Impress software tool enables dealers to create a variety of personalised engravings from mixing fonts and foreign character support to special characters and icons.

Crestron crestron.com

FEATURE-RICH FLAGSHIP FOR INTEGRA

Integra has introduced a flagship audio video receiver to its line-up that the company says will allow integrators maximum flexibility and control while saving them time and money.

Available from Indigo Distribution in the UK, Integra says this new introduction is packed with the most advanced technology. The all-new Integra DRX-8.4 11.4 150W per channel network receiver is the integrator-approved solution for the world’s finest home theatres, says the maker.

Exhaustively tested and built through close working relationships with professional installers, this AVR exceeds high expectations with a full suite of integration software tools and XLR connectivity for long cable runs common in high-end home theatre spaces, says its creator. The Integra DRX-8.4 is compatible with remote monitoring platforms to help manage, configure, and troubleshoot devices on the network.

The DRX-8.4 comes with wireless Dirac Live room calibration Full Version – and an optional upgrade for Dirac Live Bass Control Multi Subwoofer – which uses machine learning and AI to quickly determine ideal settings for any layout. The Integra DRX-8.4 AVR includes advanced music streaming and connectivity and built-in smart home assistants like Josh, Alexa, and Google. Roon Ready certification

puts entire high-resolution music libraries at user’s fingertips.

Integra further states the whole home entertainment experience can be aligned with this state-of-the-art technology and fuelled by studio-grade processing capability, including the industry’s highest-performance 32-bit audio DAC to provide an unprecedented dynamic range with ultra-low distortion. IP control, web setup from a preferred browser, and onboard HDMI diagnostics make installing

and managing the Integra DRX-8.4 AVR straight-forward.

The Integra DRX-8.4 will be available in Spring 2023 through authorised Integra integration partners.

The Integra DRX-8.4 joins the awardwinning DRX series of Integra AVRs introduced in 2021.

Any engraving specified before shipping will be pre-installed and included as part of the wider bulk-packing, saving time during installation

The Integra line features advanced CI tools such as remote monitoring, Dirac Live digital room correction, HDMI 2.1 and 8K

THE CINEMA DESIGNER ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF TCD 2.0

The Cinema Designer (TCD) is described as the world’s leading software tool for home cinema design, used by home cinema design professionals worldwide. With its advanced technical calculations and intuitive workflow, TCD creates impeccable home cinema designs, in a matter of just minutes, says its creator. Founded in 2014 by experienced home cinema designer Guy Singleton, TCD is committed to making home cinema design a standards driven process. TCD has been created to make short work of the very complex and time-consuming work involved in creating a perfect home cinema design.

Since early 2022, when ownership of the software returned to its original creators, the TCD team have been working to create a ground-up redesign.

TDC has announced that TCD 2.0 is now available.

Instant update

All of the systems have over 7,000 users (as of 08/03/23) from 66 countries around the world will immediately and automatically have access at no extra cost to the new features and enhanced functionality, which includes:

• New 3D model to build your cinema environment

• New bass and model wave forms to show where those nulls and room modes will occur

• Interactive speaker layouts which move real-time with the MLP location

• New database features allowing the user/designer to add their own products for each design

• New VR viewer inside the browser window in real-time

• New CABS (double bass array) features

• New acoustic treatment placement (within predetermined zones for absorption, diffusion, reflection, and bass management) (due April 2023)

• New TCD pro features – these features are for content creation spaces and production studios (due April 2023)

• Performance facts – allows manufacturers to add deep-dive technical data about their products

Over the coming weeks, Guy Singleton, creator of TCD, will host online training webinars for users of the tool. Aimed at small groups, Guy will introduce participants to the tool’s workflow, with a focus on the new features. The sessions are being filled on a first come, first served basis, and are filling up quickly. (To sign up for a session, users should email welcome@ thecinemadesigner.com.)

TCD thecinemadesigner.com

HORUS SWOOPS INTO ACTION FROM ELIPSON

The Horus 11F floorstanding speaker is an elegant 2.5-way loudspeaker featuring 2in by 5in mid-range, and a silk dome tweeter that brings a cohesive and musical sound to everything a listener would wish to play through them. A stylish design, high quality finishes and forward firing bass ports bring an ease of integration into the home meaning positioning and aesthetic installations can be achieved with minimum disruption.

To specifically complement the Horus range Elipson have designed the Horus 10C from the ground up as a brand-new, matching centre channel. The Horus 10C has a two-way design that is voiced to match with the Horus range, giving integration of multi-channel music and movie soundtrack playback.

Horus is a brand-new model range and features a complete package of a bookshelf, floor-standing speaker, centre-channel and subwoofer, all offering precise and musical sound reproduction in a modern design.

The Elipson R&D team have created a modern range of speakers with a consistent acoustic signature based around a driver design that features paper and glass fibre, in conjunction with a silk dome neodymium tweeter. The crossover design features major

elements of acoustic design know-how gained from the Prestige, Facet and Heritage ranges.

With musicality at the heart of the Horus range, the compact Horus 6B bookshelf speaker offers an astonishing level of performance for its size and price according to the maker. Designed to be flexible in the home, this speaker ‘can amaze as a music only, stereo solution for small rooms through to complementing a well-balanced multi-channel set-up for music and movies’.

The final member of the Horus family is Elipson’s dedicated Horus 8S compact active subwoofer. Due in April, this subwoofer is specifically designed to partner its siblings in a complete multi-channel set-up. Featuring an 8in drive unit powered by a Class D amplifier capable of 300W and using DSP control, Elipson says that you can be sure that performance/price is absolutely remarkable.

Elipson en.elipson.com

Horus from Elipson, god like audio?

TCD 2.0 has launched

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