Essential Install December 2021

DECEMEBER 2021

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

The little guys big idea.

The bootstrapped Brits HDANYWHERE manifesto for 2022.

HVAC

HELPING HOMES HEAT

ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

WHAT’S THAT NOISE!

CASE STUDIES TWO TOP INSTALLS

NEW PRODUCT

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.

NEW

HMXL88ARC 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

NEW

HMXL66ARC 6x6 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

HDCP 2.2

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

HDCP 2.2

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

NEW

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.

HDCP 2.2

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OVER

Uncompressed 18Gbps HDMI Over HDBaseT™ Set The HEX18G-KIT HDBaseT™ extender set is an industry leading uncompressed HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP 2.2 solution utilising the

HEX18G-KIT

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.

NEW

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)

1080p up to 150m

HEX100CS-KIT

HEX150CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set -100m

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set - 150m

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency

J Supports ARC from display via HDMI and optical digital inputs

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

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

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52 18

CONTENTS 4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR Happy Christmas!

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS Last round up of 2021!

42

December 2021 48 SMART THINKING: SIMS HOME DESIGN? EI asks if the home designs of the future may come from a very surprising space

44 CASE STUDY: CYBERHOMES

Andy Mack, Director at Cyberhomes gives EI the inside story on this award-wining install

16 PULSE CINEMAS Beating big TVs

52 CASE STUDY: NEW WAVE AV

EI takes the tour of this high-performance and plush home cinema project in the company of Angus Murray

18 ESSENTIAL CEDIA

A new think tank initiative

20 ESSENTIAL HABITECH

58 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

42 TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

FEATURES 14 HDANYWHERE

December’s top tech

10,000 ways to light up your business What a year!

The little company with big plans

YOUR DISTRIBUTOR www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

36 23 16 HVAC 22 TIME TO VIEW THE BMS DIFFERENTLY

Richard Caton, Managing Director of Janus Technology

23 STAY IN CONTROL

Dave Robinson, Managing Director of Sensible Heat

26 THE INTELLIGENT APPROACH

John Corbin, Director of Engineering at Intelligent Control (UK)

32 ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT 32 RECEIVING THE CORRECT TREATMENT Wayne Hyde, Customer Tech Support and Education, Custom AV Distribution

35 WHAT’S THAT NOISE!

Ben Hancock, Managing Director, Oscar Acoustics

36 ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS

Peter Aylett, partner at HTE Acoustic Interior Design

29 WHAT IS HOME AUTOMATION WITHOUT HVAC INTEGRATION? Justin Wells, Founder of Polar Bear Design

FOR Smart Home www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

DECEMEBER 2021

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

pages 20–21

The little guys big idea.

The bootstrapped Brits HDANYWHERE manifesto for 2022.

HVAC

HELPING HOMES HEAT

ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

WHAT’S THAT NOISE!

CASE STUDIES TWO TOP INSTALLS

DECEMBER

WORK TO LIVE, NOT LIVE TO WORK So, it’s Christmas time once again and soon the New Year will be here, and what a year it has been for our industry and frankly for planet earth! This time of year we often get those ‘Review of the Year’ TV shows looking back on the major happenings - this year, where would you even start? No matter which way you go, (micro into our own industry or macro out the wider world) the situation is hugely complex, some obvious negatives, but some positives too that show that when people work together, issues can be overcome. This time of year, is also often framed as a time for personal reflection, often in a rather trivial way, how many New Year’s Resolutions do people break each year? Seems to me that giving up stuff you really like in the middle of winter is not a sound approach, but that is just a personal opinion.

However, on a deeper level, one thing EI has detected over the last year is a recognition in our industry and others, that we do not always get it right when it comes to work life balance. Our industry, like many others, can have one of those ‘work hard, play hard’ attitudes that often sacrifices those things that really nurture us as humans, help us grow

and make us happy. Now EI is not saying this is easy, sometimes the work has to get done, deadlines, issues with failing products or a software glitch, we have all been there, up against it, trying to get things done and keep the customer happy. But as an industry have we also been guilty of failing to plan for, when it is possible, creating a better work life balance? We are in the business of improving people’s lives, often to the point that we forget to improve our own. It is a scientific fact, that time with loved ones, relaxing, doing things that make us happy, is good for our health, physical and mental. If you want to look at it from a work perspective, well rested and happy professionals, make better professionals and deliver better results. So, if there is time for some personal reflection this end of year amongst all the Christmas activity, work and family related, perhaps its time to really think hard about how we arrange our lives, what we do, where we do it and how we do it. If this past year has taught us anything in EI’s opinion it should be that ‘we’ and the planet we live on is what really matters, lets look after those things first and the rest should be gravy (with Turkey and all the trimmings of course).

From all the team here, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel 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 T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 www.essentialinstall.com

SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL Whilst we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

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

04 DECEMBER 2021

BRING THE POWER OF PRO AUDIO HOME For 30 years, L-Acoustics has been the choice of the world’s top clubs, music venues, and artists on tour. This powerful pedigree and unrivaled sonic signature are now available to technology integrators for specification in residential, marine, and other architectural environments. From media room to home cinema, from poolside to party space, whether indoor or outdoor, stereo or advanced spatial audio designs, L-Acoustics Creations brings home the power of pro audio.

Please book an appointment in London, Los Angeles, or Paris at l-acoustics-creations.com

l-acoustics-creations.com

DETAILS MATTER Creating the the perfect perfect ambiance, ambience, The the Director Creating Director Collection Collection enables enables consistent consistent and and detailed music music to to follow follow you you from from room room to to room room at at the the optimal optimal volume. volume. detailed

The D87 (pictured) is just one of 21 speakers that fit 72 D87 speakers were used in Sona’s winning CEDIA Awards EMEA 2020 project. into the same 222mm tool-less ceiling mount.

Contact the Invision Sales Team for more information on the Origin Acoustics Director speakers.

Contact the Invision Sales Team for more information

01359 270280 270280 || sales@invisionuk.com sales@invisionuk.com 01359

NEWS

NEWS DbM ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL EI LIVE! With positive reports still coming in from EI Live 2021, first-time participant, DbM made it a debut to remember at the show with the latest innovations from its partner brands Barco Residential, Complete Acoustic Treatment System (Complete-ATS), Display Technologies, Meridian Audio, Trinnov and Waterfall Audio, generating considerable excitement and interest. Meridian Audio also made a big impact at the Smart Building Awards hosted on Wednesday 29th September as the company emerged triumphant in the Best In-Wall / In-Ceiling Loudspeaker for the company’s DSP750 and took the award for Best Manufacturer.

“What a wonderful show for DbM at EI Live!” said Director of Marketing, Katy Bradshaw. “The opportunity to talk face-to-face with so many customers at the show was refreshing and such a welcome change from what we’ve all been used to these last eighteen months. For their part, visitors clearly relished the chance to see and touch products for themselves and talk with the DbM team.

It was a positive experience for us all, capped by the amazing double success for Meridian at the Smart Building Awards.”

Alongside the award-winning DSP750 and DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeakers, Meridian used EI Live! to showcase its recently launched DSW600 Subwoofer as well as its 210 Streamer, 258 Power Amplifier, 271 Digital Theatre Controller, 218 Zone Controller, and the 251 Powered Zone Controller.

Visitors also warmed to the innovations on show from Waterfall Audio. These included the Iguasçu Evo and the Victoria Evoloudspeakers together withthe Serio, Hurricane Evo and the Elora Evo from the compact speaker range. Another highlight was the unveiling of the RS700 Amplifier, capable of delivering substantial performance, especially at low frequencies.

Barco Residential’s Bragi Cinemascope projector attracted strong interest as did Display Technologies for its Frontier screen. To complete its range of solutions for premium quality home cinemas, DbM displayed a Trinnov Altitude processor and acoustic panels from Complete-ATS. “EI Live! proved to be a great show for all the DbM brands,” added Katy. “We connected well with many new and existing customers at the event and are already looking forward to EI Live! 2022”.

IMMERSIVE DESIGN STUDIO ‘LUCID CREATES’ LAUNCHES CONSUMER DIVISION

Lucid Creates is the studio behind globally renowned designs including The Valley at Parklife, Glastonbury’s Samula and Boomtown’s Lighthouse Stage plus stunning artworks Futures, Exponential and Together.

The award-winning multi-disciplinary design & fabrication studio Lucid Creates has now launched a consumer division that will encapsulate smallerscale designs for interiors and bespoke commissions, following UK success of ‘Dance Together’.

The opening of Dance Together in Liverpool witnessed legendary club night Chibuku take over Lucid Creates’ latest artwork TOGETHER – a pavilion filled with video, light and sound. Celebrating Chibuku’s 20 years at the forefront of the UK club scene, the immersive audio-visual experience is made up of three huge rings suspended between four giant pillars, intertwining archive music from some of the most celebrated nights in Chibuku’s history with ethereal visuals and a collation of stories and memories. The positive reception received has intensified Lucid’s demand for interior artwork,

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cementing the plan to embark on delivering a consumer division in the next year.

Founded by Chris Carr & Helen Swan, Lucid Creates currently specialises in creating extraordinary temporary environments, spectacular structures, spaces and art pieces across a range of disciplines, with a focus on integrating visual tech.

At the core of Lucid Creates’ consumer department will be bespoke architectural pieces, sculptures and one-of-a-kind designs for spaces in homes and hotels. The team will be accepting commissions from clients to create personalised designs using their unique style – hand-crafted installations utilising polished aluminium, raw steel and lighting, that echo electronic music and dance culture. They will also be re-creating their existing designs scaled down to fit into indoor spaces.

Speaking at the launch of Dance Together, Founder and Creative Director of Lucid Creates, Helen Swan said, “This collaboration also marks the new chapter of Lucid Creates as we are launching a studio direct to the public. Homes can be transformed by the visual installations we specialise in creating and we are excited about working on personal projects with future customers. We can’t wait for the next step of the adventure, creating art that people can take home and treasure forever.”

Think Quality

FIT ‘FAST’

GOOD 10G TO 100m

HNC 6A CAT 6A 600 MHZ

Lucid Creates lucidcreates.co.uk

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DECEMBER 2021 07 SCP-Cable_strip_ad-270x60 HR.indd 1

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THE POWER TO ADD SHADES ANYWHERE Now, with battery-powered shades joining our wired and wireless shades, Crestron has every window and door covered. With a vast selection of styles and fabrics to choose from. Backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty – our pledge of quality and performance. And something no one else can offer – seamless integration with the Crestron Home™ platform for an unparalleled whole home control experience. See what makes Crestron Shading Solutions a shade better at crestron.com/shades.

All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2021 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

NEWS

SMART, SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE – THE KEYS TO THE SMART BUILDING Health, safety and sustainability are powerful concepts reflected at the Smart Building Conference at ISE 2022 – and are driving the global smart building market toward $265.37 billion by 2028. Installers and related field can sign up for free to attend the conference by visiting.iseurope.org and using the code SJU42CU6.

The Smart Building Conference (SBC) produced

by ISE is described as a must-attend pan European conference for professionals working in the smart buildings industry. It is being held on January 31, the day before ISE opens at the Fira de Barcelona.

Covering commercial, residential and office opportunities, SBC 2022 will explore how the unfolding new technology landscape facilitates the deployment of smart technology within buildings.

“Consumer demand for connected systems and services in the home is increasing by the day and has been accelerating as a result of the global pandemic,” said Matt Nimmons, MD, CEDIA EMEA. “In the past eighteen months, we’ve witnessed a real expansion in the trend for technologies to facilitate working from home, or as some are calling it, living at work. Many CEDIA members have worked with developers on delivering robust and secure Wi-Fi connected spaces that can serve as the home office, complete with the high-quality audio and video performance to match.”

“The biggest developments are not so much in new smart tech, but more in the deployment of it,” said Stuart Tickle, MD at custom integration distribution company, AWE. “Now that people are spending more time at home, things previously thought of as luxury have become more standard.”

“There are no signs of this trend stopping with growth looking set to continue throughout 2022,” he adds. “We are in a rare time when supply is outstripping demand, so integrators have long pipelines of work scheduled in too.”

Well-tech is also cited as a growth area across the lighting sector and newer areas such as intelligent air filtration that offers relief for allergies. These sorts

of technologies are creating new ways for people to achieve their desired health outcomes.

“Well-tech is one of the fastest growing technology trends in the residential market, and integrators are the best equipped to implement these products into the home,” said CEDIA Senior Director Strategic Partnerships, Ian Bryant. “Well-tech fits right into the consultative model embraced by many in the CI industry, as they pivot from ‘selling tech’ to improving and enhancing customers’ lives in their homes.”

The increased time people spent watching TV and online video in 2020 has also resulted in an uptick in demand for dedicated cinemas or media rooms with bigger screens and powered up audio.

The shift for many organisations from on-site working to remote working was an enforced one, but the return to work is unlikely to be a simple reversal of this. Companies are instead looking at long-term ways they can use their buildings more intelligently.

“To battle meeting fatigue, more and more companies are providing dedicated meeting devices that can be used at the home office,” argued Stijn Ooms, Director Product Strategy AV and Digital Workplace at Crestron. “Businesses need to make sure that the IT department can track everything and is able to keep the products working and updated no matter what, or where. That can be done through the cloud.”

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FIT ‘FAST’

ISE 2020 iseurope.org

BETTER 48G TO 40m

FINE SOUNDS UK ADDS AUDIO T

Fine Sounds UK, the country’s McIntosh, Sonus faber, Bassocontinuo and IsoTek distributor, has expanded its UK dealer network adding one of the biggest names in Hi-Fi retailing, Audio T. Starting in the South West, Audio T Bristol, Swindon and Cardiff are now offering Sonus faber loudspeakers and IsoTek power-cleaning systems. The Swindon store is also offering McIntosh Laboratory’s portfolio of high-end electronics; Southampton is also an IsoTek stockist.

The addition of Audio T marks the first time McIntosh and Sonus faber have been available via a national store network, making it easier to experience the brands’ offerings.

Audio T Bristol will offer the new Sonus faber Lumina range, Sonetto I, II and III, plus the Olympica Nova I and III. Cardiff profiles Lumina II, plus Sonetto

Think Quality

I and III, and Olympica Nova I and II. Audio T Swindon carries the McIntosh MA5300 and MA7200, plus Sonetto I & III. Audio T’s Sales and Marketing Director Kevin Starkie said, “We are very proud to add another quality brand to our portfolio, Sonus faber has a long and illustrious history of creating exciting and qualitybuilt products giving our customers even greater choice when selecting the right products for their home system. We are also very excited about adding Mcintosh to our Swindon store: the product has an Iconic feel and sound, and we feel it’s a great addition to the top electronics we offer.”

Fine Sounds UK Marketing Director, Andy Oattes, added, “Working with Audio T reaffirms our commitment to our top-down strategy building a strong network of dealers throughout the UK. We are long-time admirers of Audio T and their positive impact on the industry, and we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship together. It brings exciting times with the introduction of the electronics we offer.”

Additional Audio T stores are expected to be added in the coming months.

8K HDMI AOC Full 8K Ultra HD signal transfer 4-core SSF™ Fibre Optic Technology 5m - 40m lengths

Fine Sounds UK finesounds.uk

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DECEMBER 2021 09 SCP-Cable_strip_ad-270x60 HR.indd 2

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NEWS

CEDIA REVEALS WINNERS OF 2021 CEDIA EMEA AND GLOBAL AWARDS CEDIA has announced the winners of the 2021 EMEA and Global CEDIA Awards at its awards ceremony held at the Science Museum, London on November 11.

In front of an in-person audience of 375 industry professionals, and a global audience watching via a live stream, the event provided a showcase for winners from France, India, Portugal, South Africa, and the UK. Two companies from to enjoy particularly successful evenings were Macbee from India and BNC Technology from South Africa. Macbee won four awards in total including the Global Best Home Cinema category for the company’s The Camellias project; while BNC Technology emerged with two awards, notably the Best Global Media Room award for its The Arabian scheme.

“The spectacular ‘Illuminate’ at the Science Museum was a wonderful setting to acknowledge excellence in the design and application of technology from our creative and talented members,” said Rob Sutherland, CEDIA Board Chairman.

“This was truly a special year to take home a CEDIA trophy, as we joined together for the first time since 2019, following the disruption caused by the global pandemic.”

CEDIA EMEA, MD, Matt Nimmons then presented the Awards with the help of Alex Emson and Ben Davidson from Headline Sponsor, Monitor Audio; Katy Bradshaw from Pre-Dinner Drinks Reception Sponsor, Meridian Audio; Stephen Rhead from After Party Sponsor, Sonos; and, Paul Foulkes, Oliver Ray, Kris Hogg, Arnaud Laborie and Benoit Munoz representing the event’s associate sponsors KNX, LG, Samsung and Trinnov respectively.

Highly Commended: GLO AV (UK) – Dulwich Town House

The full list of CEDIA EMEA and Global Award winners

Best Training Winner: Snap One –Professional Certified Network Administrator Training

Home Cinema Level I Winner: Cinema Lusso (UK) – Triangles Home Cinema Level II Winner: Dark Side Of The Room (France) – Number 2

Media Room Level I Winner: Cornflake (UK) – Clink Wharf – My Other Home Cinema Room Media Room Level II Winner: BNC Technology (South Africa) – The Arabian Multiple Dwelling Unit Design Winner: Imperium Building Systems (UK) – Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People

Best Dressed Rack Winner: Macbee (India) – The Camellias Highly Commended: SONA (UK) – Get A Grip Best Documentation Winner: Macbee (India) – The Camellias Highly Commended: SONA (UK) – Get A Grip Best Lighting Winner: Cinema Lusso (UK) – Triangles Most Innovative Solution Winner: Consexto (Portugal) – Skyfall Best Hardware Winner: Zuma – Lumisonic Best Software Winner: Crestron – Crestron Home

Best Trade Supplier Winner: Gallo Acoustics Life Lived Best at Home Winner: Imperium Building Systems (UK) – Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People

Integrated Home Level I Winner: SONA (UK) – Get A Grip

Technology Meets Design

Integrated Home Level III Winner: Cornflake (UK) – Clink Wharf

FIT ‘FAST’

Showroom Winner: JOOCED (UK) – The Experience

Home Cinema Level III Winner: Macbee (India) – The Camellias

Highly Commended: Future Automation Solutions (India) – Shivadh Residence Integrated Home Level II Winner: Awicon (India)– Baymount Loft

Think Quality

BEST

200G TO 1km Cleerline Fibre

Dark Side Of The Room (France) – Number 2

Duplex 50 / 125

Best Home Cinema – Global Winner: Macbee (India) – The Camellias

Single / Multimode OM3

Best Media Room – Global Winner: BNC Technology (South Africa) – The Arabian

Look out for a case study on Home Cinema Level I Winner: Cinema Lusso for Triangle next month

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DECEMBER 2021 11 SCP-Cable_strip_ad-270x60 HR.indd 3

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NEWS

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE CEDIA has announced that it has hired Amanda

Toon will support integrators by advising on the

Beckner, CTS, as vice president of education and

most suitable tailored solutions for their clients’

training. Amanda has over two decades of experience

specific needs. He will be responsible for looking

in association management, learning programme

after Crestron’s partners in the Netherlands and

development, and the audio-visual industry. As vice president of learning at AVIXA, she led the digital transformation of the association’s curriculum, shepherded three AVIXA certifications and multiple standards to ANSI/ISO 17024 accreditation and built an active global network of over 250 education, certification and standards volunteers. As president and COO of THE rAVe Agency, she led long-term strategy and operations and oversaw growth of the LAVNCH programme into the leading virtual event platform for the AV industry.

“No other individual could be better suited to serve the CEDIA membership in this role,” said Giles Sutton, interim co-CEO of CEDIA. “We’re in

for the new Hybrid World.

On his appointment, Toon commented, “I am delighted to be part of the TIG/Crestron team!

After being familiar with Crestron for many years, from both the integrator market and other AV/ IT technology companies, I will now be working at TIG to further expand the future of the Crestron brand in the Netherlands. I have always been a fan of the innovative solutions offered by Crestron, both in the commercial and residential markets, and I look forward to working with our partners and end customers to realise successful projects together.”

the midst of developing training and resources to

James Hensman has joined digiLED’s UK

support stacked certifications; expanding our virtual

sales team as Sales Manager responsible for new

conference programmes; and launching in-person

business development and sales within the UK

training led by certified volunteer instructors across

and has previously worked in a variety of different

North America. Mandy, astonishingly, joins us with a

technology areas so comes to digiLED with

record of smashing success across all these initiatives,

excellent knowledge of display systems. digiLED

and two decades of AV industry experience to boot.

products are installed in all LED screen markets in

She’s a unicorn.”

the UK, including DOOH, corporate, retail stores,

At CEDIA, Amanda will be charged with the stewardship

of

CEDIA’s

education

initiatives,

championing the mission of making the association the leading global source education and certification in the smart home industry. She will oversee curriculum design, content development, delivery, stakeholder engagement, and business strategy for CEDIA education and certification programmes.

“The audio-visual community are the world’s global experts on experience and connection,” said Amanda. “It will be my mission to bring the principles of quality, craftsmanship, personalisation, and human-centred design that define industry to bear on all of CEDIA’s education and training programmes.”

educational establishments, house of Worship, leisure facilities, high profile sports venues and arenas. Bringing over 23 years’ experience assisting AV integrators, James is best placed to offer the support needed for the UK market and will be heading up business development on behalf of digiLED, whilst also expanding into new markets.

“I’ve always been passionate about the industry, in particular large LED screen systems and installations.

When I first walked into digiLED’s Pixel Depot, all I could think was WOW, this is so impressive, I want to work for this company one day.” explained James. “digiLED is so well known in the industry for its

Technological Innovations Group, the exclusive

expertise, knowledge and amazing product range.

sales agency for Crestron in EMEA, has announced

I am excited to now be a part of such a prestigious

the appointment of Toon van Bindsbergen as its new

company and look forward to learning more about

Regional Sales Manager in the Netherlands.

the top-quality solutions digiLED has to offer.”

Amanda Beckner

12 DECEMBER 2021

ensuring their end-users have everything they need

Toon van Bindsbergen

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James Hensman

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

FINALLY NO COMPROMISE With the performance of high quality visible speakers, the Motion Flex Invisible range changes everything…

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ESSENTIAL HDANYWHERE

THE LITTLE COMPANY WITH BIG PLANS! The new MHUB S (stackable) matrix for larger resimercial installs goes head-to-head with AV-over-IP as an alternate option that’s easier to install, has better pricing and comes with control.

HDANYWHERE’s Chris Pinder reveals his three-point manifesto for taking on the big $ players in 2022.

Since we started 14-years ago with just £600

market features such as uControl. Launched at

startup capital borrowed from my girlfriend,

our 2016 X-Event 5 years ago, HDA was the

HDANYWHERE has been a ‘bootstrapped’

first brand to include a value-added control

company. We’re grateful to everyone who has

system onboard a matrix free-of-charge. Even

got behind HDA, allowing us to successfully build the company from operating revenues to have a good share of voice and a good share of the market. 2022 sees us enter an exciting time in HDA’s evolution as we embark on a Series A funding round that will expedite the launch of a more varied product portfolio than ever before.

our inflatable cube trade show booth is a testament to doing our own thing.

We are playing in an industry that contains billion-dollar IPO’d brands on the same pitch as much smaller European players. I am not complaining about that, but we must have a daring and audacious plan to take on the big

HDA has never been an identikit business

smart home brands as AV underdogs. For

in a product category without much true brand

2022, we’ve decided to make our brand’s

differentiation, designing products with a

manifesto known. And it’s a simple three-point

standout style aesthetic and adding first-to-

approach. HDA intends to...

14 DECEMBER 2021

Zone Processors ship with HDA’s new operating system called uControl OS (uOS) and enables IP control of 3rd party devices with no drivers needed.

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ESSENTIAL HDANYWHERE

1. Appeal to midmarket for professionally installed unified smart home AV systems.

Recent announcements included uControl’s expansion into wearables with native Apple Watch support.

2. Deliver 80% of the most-used end-user functions at 80% less cost than market leaders.

3. Not let the USA win the entire UK market.

At the core of the manifesto is HDA’s need to take uControl to the next level. HDA has been reinvesting profits back into our R&D and intellectual property patent portfolio for several years, successfully registering patents for uControl’s universal control system smarts across the globe, including the UK, USA and China. There’s enormous anticipation inside HDA ahead of February’s ISE show, where new products based on our unifying smart home platform will be on display to the public for the very first time.

Part of that is uControl’s continued evolution from an app to a unifying smart home interface especially with its new control abilities including smart lighting, multi-room audio and video. The HDA Smart Home makes a unified whole-home AV experience more affordable for the end-user, whilst still a good proposition for the installer. uControls’ reach has also been increased to wearables in the form of the Apple Watch and keypads from partners Rako with more options and more interfaces to be announced in the

With IR, CEC, RS232 and now IP control

If you’re keen to stay up to date with the

added into the uControl platform, this really

latest developments at HDA, including the

takes it to the next level in terms of the number

possibility of a crowdfunding round, then sign

of devices that can be elegantly controlled.

up for updates at hdanywhere.com/in. Rumour

Whether its an IP-controllable PDU, automated

has it an invite-only event is coming soon!

bracket or lighting system, uControl has the

Thanks for reading.

potential to control it now.

And of course, uControl is a killer feature

HDANYWHERE

onboard our recently launched MHUB S

hdanywhere.com

(stackable) matrix for larger resimercial installs.

future. At the heart of all these new capabilities

It enables it to go head-to-head with AV-over-IP

is new control hardware called Zone Processors

as an option that is easier to install, has better

and an entirely new operating system called

pricing, performance and control built into the

uControl OS (uOS).

heart of the offering.

All R&D is carried out from HDA’s HQ in Malvern, Worcestershire.

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DECEMBER 2021 15

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

BEATING BIG TVs HANDS DOWN Director of Sales and Marketing at Pulse Cinemas, Simon Schino explains how Screen Research and Sim2 are the best way to deliver ‘big screen’ true home cinema and media room experiences.

In recent times some major manufacturers and a few niche ones have introduced various takes on ‘super-sized’ TVs, offering 100in screens and promising to deliver media room and home cinema solutions.

At Pulse Cinemas, however, we firmly believe that pound for pound, the best way to get an easy to install big screen experience is the combination of a projector screen and a projector. Not from just any projector and screen of course, we have the best in the business in Sim2 and Screen Research. Combining the

16 DECEMBER 2021

huge range available from Screen Research and the abilities of Sim2’s short-throw projectors provides better performance and a stronger price point than the ‘super-sized’ TV options.

Right off the bat we can give you just one example from a myriad of possibilities that demonstrate the strength of our proposition here.

A package drawn from the Pulse Cinemas’ line up could include a FDM-110-1.78UWB Screen Research unit with Décor Mask technology, using UWB ClearPix Ultimate White material, presented in 1.78 Widescreen TV (16:9) native aspect. Couple this with the latest innovation from Sim2 with its breakthrough Domino DTV S short throw model and you have an authentic big screen experience for around 13K end user price.

This compares very well price point wise with the ‘high-quality’ super-size TV market and it delivers the full functionality and aesthetic advantages of Screen Research and its Décor Mask tech. If the customer wants to save even more, we can go with a Screen Sesearch CLF120-1.78-4WB 120in which is £2050 inc vat. a £4500 reduction from the Decor Mask model. Another option is a 120in ambient light rejection screen supplied by Sim2 (£7350).

For those unfamiliar with Décor Mask, this offers a fantastic opportunity for the customer to have any artwork of their choice on a cover that slides into place over the screen when not in use. The quality of the printing available here is phenomenal, so the product can add to the aesthetic value of the room.

Super-sized TVs simply cannot compete when it comes to this type of class, yes some can display art-work and other idling technologies, but we can do that with a projector too if needed and a living room system deserves the chance to offer something that feels more organic and luxurious. Add to this the black flock finish for the frame itself and a Screen Research Décor Mask screen is a luxury item in a way a TV can never be and of course when it’s showtime the combination of Sim2 and Screen Research will out-class any super-sized TV on the market .

SENSATIONAL SIM2

The second part of this equation deserves some detail. Sim2 has developed a new concept for the short-throw projector sector hitting an impressive end-user price point of £6,995 inc VAT with the Domino DTV S. The system is easy to fit and is available to Pulse dealers right now in time for the peak buying season. Most

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ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

consumers obviously know what a TV is, simply buying a really big one might feel a bit special, but its nowhere near as special as introducing a product like this with Sim2’s ability in delivering beautiful imagery and with its short-throw capabilities, the chance to integrate it fully into the living space. This projector has the advantages of being powered by a pure laser system (RGB lasers not hybrid) delivering high brightness, vivid colours and a huge colour space that exceeds REC 2020. For installation adaptability, the DTV S delivers a motorised focus adjustment, variable screen size up to an impresive120in, easily enough to match the super-sized TV offering and you are delivering superior quality, for much less money. Digital keystone adjustment and eight-point warping processing to adjust the projected image in case of a non-regular surface are also on board.

The Domino DTV S is great for a living room system as it operates at a very low acoustic noise (as low as 27dB). As you would expect from a Sim2 product, this projector looks great, so if it needs to be on show, it can be and not adversely impact the space. It can of course be concealed in cabinetry if that is the approach required. This is also true of the Domino’s cousin with the SIM2 XTV which offers the same approach, but with a step up in terms of performance with its 4K-UHD, laser light source. This product can be witnessed in action at Minotti London, where we have created a showcase of wonderful Italian furniture and design coupled with living room entertainment.

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REACH FURTHER WITH SCREEN RESEARCH

Sometimes installers could be forgiven for thinking all projector screen brands are pretty much the same, they do basically the same job right? In our case, we are aware that some in the industry regard Screen Research as only appropriate for the higher end projects, but if you delve a little further into the Screen Research story, you get a rather different picture.

To start with, the range from the company is huge, and we have many items in stock all year round. From the more entry level systems right up to the top end, there is a Screen Research product for each project. Coming to us and Screen Research means you don’t have to compromise, if you want the best, you can have the best. The demands on the humble screen have never been wider, the market wants screens that can function in multi-use living spaces as well as working in the dedicated spaces the industry has been more used to.

Home cinema is evolving, and Screen Research has not just kept pace with that, it has driven the evolution from the front with new technologies and abilities that cover all the bases. It is also important to remember the Screen Research screen configurator service, it’s the best and easiest way to establish exactly what screen you need for each project.

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Now at this point we do have to introduce a bit of housekeeping. There will be some price increases across the Screen Research range before Christmas, these are due to forces beyond our and the maker’s control and are firmly in the court of the world-wide shortage in components and increased shipping costs.

Contact us direct for more detail on all of that.

We remain confident that the brand represents the best value available.

So, if you have clients asking about supersized TVs or are tempted to go down that route for ‘home cinema’, think price, think performance, and then think Sim2 and Screen Research.

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

DECEMBER 2021 17

ESSENTIAL CEDIA

CEDIA JOINS POLICY CONNECT News direct from CEDIA this month as the association makes an important announcement regarding membership of a new government Think Tank initiative.

CEDIA has been appointed as a member of the UK Government’s cross-party public policy think tank, Policy Connect. As part of its membership, CEDIA has become an associate member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology and will help oversee the Smart Homes and Independent Living Commission.

Matt Nimmons, Managing Director EMEA CEDIA, comments, “We are honoured to join Policy Connect and become a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology. Using technology to support independent living is an increasingly important business area for our members. This appointment means we can be at the forefront of discussions and able to influence policy and legislation around smart home technologies for disabled and older people. We will be inviting members to get involved and be part of shaping how policy evolves in this area.”

Policy Connect is a cross-party public policy Think Tank that specialises in running parliamentary groups and commissions. It works across a number of policy areas and industries, ranging from manufacturing and design to healthcare and climate change. The commission itself makes recommendations to government about how the latest technologies for the home can be used to help disabled and older people lead healthy, independent and socially rewarding domestic lives.

It is examining a number of issues facing suppliers and consumers including:

• Building technology training and skills development across the health and social care workforce • Supporting disabled and older consumers to purchase smart technology products, systems and services through improved advice, information and hands-on assistance from retailers and other providers.

The Commission’s report will be published later this year and 2022 will see the key stakeholders come together to showcase the potential smart home technology has to improve lives.

For more information about CEDIA visit www.cedia.net and for further details on Policy Connect visit www.policyconnect.org.uk.

• Developing better housing planning policies at national and local authority levels that make the most of the range of available residential technologies

18 DECEMBER 2021

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PMC FOCUS

THE ANIMAL ATTRACTION BETWEEN PMC AND DOLBY ATMOS If proof were needed that PMC’s Custom Install (ci) series speakers are the perfect choice for home theatre installations, then the number of systems used in the studios by the people who actually make the music and movies is surely that proof?

Since its launch, the ci series has quickly become the speaker system of choice for Dolby Atmos mixing rooms, with the latest install having been completed at Audio Animals, one of the leading UK mixing and mastering specialists.

So impressed were owners Paul Ashmore and Nick Burchall with a demo at the PMC Studio London, they immediately ordered a 9.1.4 system comprising 15 ci series monitors that fully meets Dolby’s specification for its Atmos immersive audio format.

“We chose PMC because we were quite simply blown away by the quality of what we heard in the London demo facility,” Paul Ashmore says. “I was amazed by the sound and said to myself if I get this sound in my own studio, that would be incredible.”

This installation, along with those at world famous facilities such as Capitol Studios, LA, Dean Street Studios, London and many others, further reiterates the products’ credentials in the production of immersive Atmos soundtracks and music. And so, what better speakers to use in home installations?

The ci series has been finding fans around the world in the custom installation sector thanks to its ease of installation, flexibility of mounting options and the renowned PMC sound quality. And for Audio Animals, as with so many domestic installs, this ease of installation

was a key factor, after the sound quality, for specifying the ci series.

Audio Animals is renowned for delivering high quality mixing and mastering to artists around the world. Its clients include artists such as French Montana, Flo Rida and George Ezra, as well as numerous Hollywood films such as Aladdin, X-Men, Frozen 2 and Avengers 4: End Game.

For Custom Installers, the ci series is ideally suited for use in dedicated movie and music rooms. The speakers are so designed that most of the models can be installed either onwall or in-wall, giving absolute flexibility for the custom installer. For example, the in-wall ci140 and ci140 subs, as used at Audio Animals, can be mounted within a baffle wall and behind a perforated screen for the LCR channels. And, for the rear effects and height channels, smaller models, such as the ci30 or ci45, can be surface mounted using the optional On-Wall-Kit with its dedicated cabinet sleeve to make then into aesthetically harmonious on-wall speakers.

The final word on why they are the perfect choice goes to Paul Ashmore, “We are delighted with and absolutely love our PMC speakers. You just can’t go wrong with PMC. There is a reason they have been in the business for so long and are known as one of - if not the best - speaker brands in the music industry. Their speakers are seriously good. They sound amazing and are so well built.

And the fact that home users can purchase exactly the same system is a great bonus – they can enjoy the PMC/Dolby Atmos experience as much as we do.”

PMC Speakers pmc-speakers.com

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DECEMBER 2021 19

ESSENTIAL HABITECH

10,000 WAYS TO LIGHT UP YOUR BUSINESS

Wherever you are on the lighting design curve, you’ll fall in love with Lutron, and so will your customers

If you’ve decided that Lutron’s smart lighting tech is too complicated or expensive to integrate, take another look with Habitech’s Lutron specialist Jorge Pereira.

You’d be forgiven for believing that the world’s most beautiful lighting control belonged exclusively to the rich. Afterall Lutron has become the exemplar of seductively sophisticated automation at the highest end of residential lighting design. But that’s just part of the Lutron story. In truth, and amazing as it may seem, the original and most celebrated lighting brand has built its business with an ethos rooted in the simplicity and reliability of an entry-level light switch.

LET THERE BE LUTRON When Lutron’s founder Joel Spira invented the world’s first residential solid-state electronic dimmer in 1959, it radicalised the experience of light in the home, but to be accepted it had to emulate the simplicity of its predecessor. At the time, light dimmers were too industrial for homeowners, so he domesticated the design to unite revolutionary functionality with slimmer, simpler touch control. Today, that irresistible combination of sophistication and simplicity continues to drive Lutron design.

20 DECEMBER 2021

EASY WIRELESS MAGIC

This means that no matter where you are on the lighting design curve, you’ll find integrating stunning scenes, maximising natural light, and saving energy for your customers easier and more rewarding than you might expect. For instance, with minimal training on Lutron’s entry-level ‘RA2 Select’ wireless products you can transform an average home in just a few hours. The system communicates wirelessly, so you’re not running cables or cutting holes. RA2 runs on Lutron’s rock-solid ‘Clear Connect’ RF technology from little plugin repeater modules, and you can expand the system in 9m wireless jumps by adding repeaters. To add individual LEDs, in-line dimmers/switches install in the ceiling through a typical downlight cut-out, making new build or retrofit upgrades an absolute doddle. System config is through a free mobile app, and you get a choice of control from the app or via a wide range of wireless battery-powered ‘Pico’ keypads, which snap into single, double and triple-gang wall plates in a wide choice of designer colours. No messing.

Contrary to popular mythology there really are no barriers to entry with Lutron not even budgetary - because for all its easy beauty, functionality, and reliability, RA2 is cost

competitive with rival systems in a great majority of scenarios. What’s more, the system hooks up with the brand’s companion wireless window treatments - and with Sonos as well - to weave daylight, electric light and music together from the same wall plate or pedestal. Simple but awesome.

Truth is that Lutron is neither complicated nor expensive to deploy. Instead, it offers your business an unrivalled heritage of class-leading quality, reliability, and performance from six decades of customer fulfilment at every level.

Pico Power: Lutron’s ‘Pico’ wireless keypads are a doddle to install and use

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ESSENTIAL HABITECH

Control natural light, and music as well, with Lutron systems from entry level up

HOMEWORKS WIRE-FREE

For example, the same flawless RA2 efficiency is available for larger homes through Lutron’s HomeWorks Wireless line. A step above its entry-level progeny, which has a capacity of 100 devices, HomeWorks Wireless offers you the full creative endowment of up to 600 wireless devices combined with the fabled power of HomeWorks processing. There’s the ability to mix wired and wireless elements, handle greater loads, and control DALI or DMX fixtures, allowing greater flexibility in the selection of luminaires. And because it’s HomeWorks, the system gives designers the option to deploy the beautiful ‘seeTouch’ keypads, complete with illuminated buttons and faceplates in a wide choice of metallic finishes.

Nine standard keypad styles, including Palladiom and Alisse (below), adorn the luxury HomeWorks system

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choreography, all blinds are made to move in unison, creating a ballet of elegance your clients will love.

What’s more, third-party control system integration is a given: you’ll struggle to find a smart home system that doesn’t support Lutron. Then there’s the other little install details that can make a big difference on site, like the free-wire topology (star, daisy chain, home run, etc.) on wired links; Lutron’s RTISS (Real Time Illumination Stability System), which cleans up the mains supply, and the smaller DIN rail mounted modules, which allow you to build - and upgrade - systems within tight spaces. To make it even easier, Habitech will pre-wire the panels for you and supply the drawing ready for your site electrician to connect to mains.

TOUCH PERFECTION

Step up again to the ultimate design experience. HomeWorks is a blend of elite wired and wireless functionality now available from Habitech. Project scale is unlimited.

Design for up to 10,000 outputs over a range of 600m in any direction. Combine wired and wireless systems for easy system expansion using lighting design’s most accomplished software. Integrate synchronised scene control over lights and window treatments, music and even room temperature from the industry’s widest array of custom keypad styles and configurations. Deploy intuitive and dynamic app control, voice commands from Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, as well as Sonos speakers, all from the same interface. In its dazzling scope, HomeWorks is the most comprehensive custom solution for whole house ambience available. However wealthy or demanding your customers, none will be left feeling short changed, because no other system offers a more personalised smart lighting experience.

There are no fewer than nine keypad styles (rivals max out at three) including the impossibly elegant ‘Palladiom’ lighting and matching thermostat designs, involving backlit engraving on a single finish for the faceplate and buttons, or the exquisitely minimalist ‘Alisse’ keypads with a similarly coordinated look. In addressing this rarefied custom design cosmos (think Bentley and Rolls Royce), Lutron offers over three thousand permutations of colour, finish and configuration as ‘standard’ - and that’s before a bespoke finish/engraving service lifts the choice to infinite. The tie-up with custom specialist ‘Focus SB’ means that your client can have their signature keypad design for each room and electrical fittings to match. For the bespoke Lutron customer, anything is possible.

And of course, this endowment of style extends to Lutron’s proprietary wired and wireless window treatments. A choice of Roller, Honeycomb, Roman, Venetian and Tensioned shades (in over 1500 fabric styles) combine seamlessly for the perfect room ambience from dawn to dark, and, as if to emphasise the

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All part of the service: partner with us on your project and we’ll supply the DPM enclosure pre-wired, saving you valuable time on site

A CONTINUITY OF SIMPLICITY AND SUPPORT

In this way, and so many others, Habitech is ready to support your Lutron installs of RA2 to full-fat HomeWorks. My fifteen-year experience as a Lutron specialist together with our highcalibre training, head-turning dems, and the full force of our value-added design services, will help you to deliver the promise and power of Lutron to customers at every level - for modest homes to the most luxurious. If you’ve decided that Lutron is too complicated or expensive to integrate, it’s time to take another look.

Contact us for the full Habitech intro.

01256 638500; sales@habitech.co.uk.

Habitech habitech.co.uk

DECEMBER 2021 21

ESSENTIAL HVAC

TIME TO VIEW THE BMS DIFFERENTLY Richard Caton, Managing Director of Janus Technology, explains why a Building Management System (BMS) should instead be seen as a business opportunity for AV integrators.

Integrating a BMS with a smart home system can be seen as a dark art and thus treated with caution by AV integrators. But how have we got to this point? In large homes with a complex design, the HVAC engineering team will typically select an “off the shelf” solution or, worse, copy and paste a BMS design specification from a previous scheme without taking the time to understand the bespoke nuances of the home in question, or its occupants. The specification might say that the BMS has to integrate with the smart home system - but that’s often as explicit as it will get. Frequently, the result is that the two control systems operate side by side in silos, with the HVAC system programmed by a BMS controls specialist, who has no interest in working with the AV integrator on how it can interface or integrate with the Control4 or Crestron system used elsewhere in the house.

WE NEED TO BRIDGE THIS GAP

In order to do this, BMS engineering teams and home technology integrators need to communicate and collaborate more effectively with each other. Otherwise, conflicts and

22 DECEMBER 2021

complications can arise which seriously impact on the client’s experience.

As everybody knows, the client’s experience is affected not only when things go wrong but also by how they’re fixed. If and when there’s a problem, the client frequently turns to the AV integrator for help as the first port of call, even if the fault lies elsewhere. This is definitely the case for issues with the heating and cooling of the home, where the set up and programming was carried out by another trade and there’s no or very little integration with the smart home platform. You’ve all been there!

The nature of our industry is that we build long-term relationships with our clients, often underpinned by service contracts, whereas other trades walk away when their installation job is done. It’s easy to be annoyed when the client calls, and tempting to say that the HVAC control is not your problem, but it’s much better to look at such calls – inevitable as they very often are - as a business opportunity.

What these calls tell us is that the client wants the smart home integrator to take more interest and ownership of the BMS. If you’re tuned into that opportunity from the start and are clear with the client that you can be a

solution, then they will be willing to pay for it.

Working with a consultancy that’s experienced with AV and BMS integration, such as Janus Technology, allows installers to guarantee that the BMS and its operation is truly integrated with the smart home and provides the best possible solution for the client. We agree that understanding BMS demands expertise and, often, resources that some integrators either just don’t have or don’t have the freedom to deploy. We are well versed in the language and topology needed to integrate a building, whether a simple HVAC interface or a complete smart building infrastructure. With our know-how, we can be part of your team, and help you from the very start of a project to make sure the key decisions are made, that the BMS is programmed correctly and that it can be properly integrated via the smart home platform you’re using.

Getting BMS control and integration right will deliver a better client experience and, ultimately, make the job easier, rather than more of a headache. As with so many other areas of a project, custom installers are best placed to provide the technical glue that can make this happen.

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ESSENTIAL HVAC

STAY IN CONTROL Dave Robinson, Managing Director of Sensible Heat Ltd, looks at recent developments in HVAC controls.

We have spoken in the past about how important it is to be able to analyse and diagnose problems with HVAC systems in a house. Notice that we refer to ‘HVAC systems’ – not just the ‘HVAC controls’. Surely, though, the ‘wet and dirty’ part of the HVAC system is someone else’s problem, isn’t it? Well, in theory, yes, but in practise the Custom Installer and/or HVAC controls specialist will often get dragged into an argument about HVAC performance – even if the problem turns out to have nothing to do with their scope of supply – perhaps air in pipes, faulty pumps and valves, underperforming plant etc. The problem is, when we install an AV touchscreen system, it becomes the client’s portal for all things technological; that is how they experience the building’s services.

So if they have a problem with the heating or cooling, the client will tend to contact the Custom Installer first. This can be a huge irritant, of course, but we need to turn it into an opportunity, not a threat. We’re going to get the calls anyway, we may as well try and turn them into a revenue stream!

So the challenge now becomes identifying what the problem might be, quickly, spending the minimum time possible on the issue, whilst supporting the customer, and directing the issue to the correct contractor. Nothing irritates

the customer more than all of his contractors pointing the finger at someone else, with nobody solving the problem. This is where we can all demonstrate our unique added value of being able to understand all of the services in the house (not just a narrow ‘silo’ of a particular specialism). Any tools that help us understand how a house is performing have to be an attractive addition to our armoury; we already carry many such tools – for instance, thermal imaging cameras, which have proven to be invaluable over the years.

The latest tool to be made available to us is Commander Hub, from our partners North Building Technologies. We’ve been using North products for 15 years now, using their excellent Commander products for integration (although they supply us via an OEM route, and we call the Commander platform our ‘Web Interface’), we’ve installed many hundreds of these products. Up until now, we’ve needed a VPN connection to support each site remotely, and sometimes this is difficult for the owner to provide.

Now, with Commander Hub, we can access the units remotely via a North cloud-based server. No dedicated VPN is needed, the only requirement is that the Commanders on site can access the internet; they then automatically

contact the cloud server periodically to save data, and receive any changes to settings etc.

Furthermore the cloud server records all of the data point values from the site (temperatures, setpoints, status of plant etc) and these can be viewed historically in graphical form. Of course, the data can be complex, and require some interpretation, but as a tool for professionals this is a powerful weapon indeed.

The good news is that not only can we roll out the new tool on new projects, any of our existing sites can be easily upgraded to use the Commander Hub service, in fact any site since 2015 needs only a firmware upgrade, whilst earlier sites may need some hardware changes too.

Such specialist knowledge, and the application of analysis tools like this, helps to add value to our overall package. Energy and CO2 reduction are bound to be more prominent in all our lives going forwards, as we de-carbonise the building stock. New technologies are appearing all the time, including heat pumps of course, and they often have attendant issues and complexities which we need to keep abreast of.

We are often better placed to understand new issues like this, than some of the companies supplying them!

Commander Hub is a major new introduction for the sector

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DECEMBER 2021 23

& PERFECT PARTNERS SINCE 1999

RA2 Select

RGB Communications is Lutron’s

HomeWorks QS Wireless

training support and a full range of products in stock.

HomeWorks QS Wired HomeWorks QSX

Why go anywhere else?

Sivoia and Triathlon Blinds

W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk T: 01488 73366

CONNECT TECHNOLOGY

//

CONNECT PEOPLE

ESSENTIAL HVAC

THE INTELLIGENT APPROACH John Corbin, Director of Engineering at Intelligent Control (UK) looks into the often thorny issue of HVAC integration and provides some insight into the help and support his company provides.

Here at Intelligent Control (UK) we are proud to say we have been North Gold Partners and systems integrators for 18 years. Personally 22 years. We have grown to a team of nine in that time. We have implemented the North commander range of HVAC integration and controls creating great reliable integration to all major HVAC systems and AV systems. As the North platform evolves, we are adapting the way we provide control system and support with new North Commander Hub remote monitoring. We are now seeing more requirements from clients for external monitoring and control with plant alerts to users and maintenance teams alike.

This is now in FULL release from North Building Technologies for us to offer enhanced

26 DECEMBER 2021

remote support. IC can (with some thought about the way the system you have integrated) upgrade any commander from 2015 onwards with supported version 2 hardware.

The benefits for each property will be the FULL data logging and alerting all data points. Alarm alerts are emailed when a point changes such as boiler fault or leak detection.

You will be alerted via the www.CommanderHub.com website to your to your nominated email address. We can also see if boiler and plant operational temperatures deviate outside limits set times and basically if it’s on the system, and configured, you will see the point data logged too. If you have a North Commander system and want to discuss HUB we would be pleased to hear from you and get you connected. Remember on an IP Scan the network adaptor will report ‘Cygnal Integrated Products, Inc’ open the web interface and hit configure or support. Do call us and mention ‘It’s All About Numbers’.

other to achieve a level of desired comfort.

MORE ON SIMPLE CONTROLS

Commander, our preferred platform for control

The traditionally viewed simple option is to have multiple, mis-matched thermostats, which run independently and often fight each

This uses up a lot of energy. As we move towards an all-electric future, the base load we place on our properties will increase. From a control systems perspective, we look to make sure Part L is considered in the form of a ‘No Fight’ system between the cooling and heating systems. This option is often overlooked for domestic properties and seen as part of a Building Management System and a large cost at the outset. Building management systems have a bad rap as being for hotels and shopping centres only so we use the term heating and cooling management system over BMS. This is really what’s happening in an integrated system that is well thought out at the outset.

While on the point of integrated controls, we always ask for the AC manufacturers to provide us with the open interface. We integrate all of our systems with the North and integration.

Do call us and mention ‘It’s all about the numbers’.

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R8010

S L I D E & R OTAT E R A C K

On-demand 360° access is here! Effortlessly slide and rotate loaded racks Makes even tight and hard-to-reach racks a breeze to access Would your life be easier if you could just slide your rack out or spin an enclosure to work on the sides or back anytime?

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.

Instant 360° access built from high grade steel for minimal flex under a heavy or full load

Slides out 550mm / 22”

360° Rotating Plate

Rear Cable Management Bar

A V A ILAB LE I N SI ZES 6U- 24U | M6 O R 10/ 32 R AI L O P T IO NS ● Slides out to 550mm / 22” and rotates 360° in either direction ● Secure in position with Slide Catch and Spin Catch ● Folding cable management tray ● Security faceplate protects catches from use ● Full hole double rack rails with square holes for clip nuts ● Quick assembly: under 30 minutes

S C A N TO WATC H F U L L V I D E O :

Shop: PennElcomOnline.com

Catalogue: Penn-Elcom.com

ESSENTIAL HVAC

WHAT IS HOME AUTOMATION WITHOUT HVAC INTEGRATION? Justin Wells, Founder of Polar Bear Design and 20 year veteran of the smart home market, asks a key question.

The Zentium Pro thermostat and UMC controller has been designed with integration in mind. Not only does this platform have compatibility with all the major brands of AV control systems, but also directly to major air-conditioning

brands

too.

This

allows

an extremely flexible design topology and connects to the heating and cooling systems.

The Zentium has native features included, normally these features would need to be custom programmed into a system control system.

• Heat Boost, uses heating element in AC unit • Stops heating and cooling being ON at the same time • Automatic Eco modes • Comfort bathroom floor temperature

What is home automation without HVAC integration?

The home automation market is bouncing back from the pandemic. Many AV installers are rebranding themselves as home automation companies, but seem to go weak at the knees

contractors, maybe even three if the package has been split further. Management of problems and maintenance can escalate, and relations often break down.

truly understand some of these fundamental issues with HVAC integration. Not only does

automated home ?

the Zentium range of pro thermostats address

Some of the more experienced AV installers

some of the major differences with super

have come to learn that even if you’re not

prime residential HVAC and commercial

involved in specifying or installing the HVAC,

installs, but we also offer design support.

that’s guaranteed).

By sorting out the problems, many projects come down to the way a commercial HVAC contractor treats a large residential project. They assume as the equipment’s the same its just a large commercial building with a luxury finish.

This

generally

leads

to

some

early

fundamental errors created within the design.

If you need even more help, Polar Bear Design have a number of installers that are more than happy to work in partnership with you to help expand your knowledge and get your first few projects underway.

It’s about educating the installer and empowering them with advanced luxury products. With these new products and backing, the AV installer can move fully into

The AV installer then often has to mask over

becoming a true home automation installation

these problems with some cleaver backend

company and start making money from the

programming and bang, you’re involved!

HVAC integration instead of just being involved

From this point the client now has to get two

as free help.

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• Independent towel radiator control

The Polar Bear Design ethos is to help

Without HVAC integration is it still a fully

out the issues at the end of the project (and

• Control two rooms from one thermostat

educate and empower the AV installer to

when integration to HVAC is mentioned.

you will definitely still be involved in sorting

• Room temperature averaging

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DECEMBER 2021 29

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ESSENTIAL ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

RECEIVING THE CORRECT TREATMENT Experienced AV engineer, Wayne Hyde, is responsible for customer tech support and education at distributor Custom AV Distribution, talks acoustics.

We’ve come a long way with acoustic design integration into the world of home technology.

So many integrators are aware of this aspect of design now, say compared to 10 years ago and they’re now implementing it well. The challenge cannot be underestimated though, acoustic design for home cinema is harder than for a typical recording studio! Control rooms have the luxury of only needing to achieve a great sound for one seating position, plus they can err on the side of a highly absorptive ‘dry’ sound for the engineer.

When designing for home cinemas, multiple seat positions require more calculations and planning for an evenly spread low-frequency response. Low speaker counts may require a ‘live’ sound ‘feel’ for the room, and with high speaker counts you could risk a ‘drier’ approach like in a studio. Finally, the smaller the room, the harder it is to tame the acoustics, especially at the bass-end of the sound spectrum.

TREATMENT VS DSP

It’s common knowledge now that fixing an acoustic problem in a room through design and placing panels is much better than attempting to fix the issues with audio EQ and/or DSP, especially in the mid and high frequencies. A panel can of course have a physical influence on the sound that hits it by either refection or absorption.

Using auto-EQ systems such as those in AVRs can sometimes be misleading and convince you that they have solved acoustic problems in a

32 DECEMBER 2021

room when really, they’ve only done an amazing job of setting great bass management and time aligning the system. They can certainly change the sound of a speaker system, but has it solved the acoustic issues?

My tip on the subject of EQ would be to always listen closely to whether it’s helping or not, the quality of DSP varies and can ruin the movie or music in the signal path, even if it gives you the measured result you were seeking. Inroom treatment should always take precedence over corrections with digital sound processing.

MULTIROOM ACOUSTICS FOR WELLNESS

Of course, the benefits of improved acoustics in the modern home shouldn’t be confined to only the home cinema. At CAVD we supply treatments for dining rooms, bedrooms, media rooms and even kitchens. Improved acoustics reduces the need to have to raise your voice during a dinner conversation, it makes spaces more relaxing for families and sleep can be improved.

PREDICTABLE RESULTS

Other progress in the acoustic space means being able to predict the results of an acoustic design. You need to know the absorption coefficients for each panel and what to do with them! Again, borrowing experience from the world of recording studios, all the planning in the world can be done with top acousticians and big budgets, but many studios do not become ‘great rooms’ that attract the best engineers and producers. There’s a heavy dose of experience and art that has to be combined with science to achieve great rooms.

At CAVD we not only provide the beautiful visual renders but also the technical specs and expected results for each project.

Acoustic treatment can benefit many areas of the home and promote ‘wellness’

WHAT DOES GOOD SOUND LOOK LIKE?

Acoustic panelling doesn’t have to look like a science experiment from the ’60s! CAVD’s offering from Mikodam is centred around highly acceptable interior-design friendly solutions.

The effective acoustic properties have been expertly hidden from view, integrated into modern geometric patterns and waves.

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ESSENTIAL ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

WHAT’S THAT NOISE?!

AV systems for luxury residences are in high demand.

But how can installers ensure the best quality sound without impacting other areas of the home? Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics offers practical advice on the most effective acoustic solutions and how it’s possible to mitigate noise with minimal disruption.

AV enthusiasts would agree that every athome cinema or media room needs some sort of acoustic treatment in order to reproduce the most natural, comfortable sound for the viewer. Good acoustics in a home cinema are essential for speech intelligibility, minimising audio reflections and bass level reverberations, dampening high-pitched ‘ring’, and enriching the overall ambience.

Soundtracks will sound ‘truer’ with the right acoustics, enhancing the emotional connection a viewer has with the film, and transporting the audience into the on-screen action. And with today’s ‘working from home’ culture there’s another big consideration: preventing sound escaping beyond the four walls, floor and ceiling and disrupting the rest of the household or adjoining neighbours.

ACOUSTIC TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Acoustic treatments come in many different forms, and how you implement solutions depends on the size, shape and physical construction and layout of the room, as well as the interior furnishings. Surfaces inside the room need to be considered and treated to prevent too much reflection. The simple rule is the harder the surface, the more reflective it is, so installers need to think about absorption.

Absorption panels, diffusers and reflection panels can redirect sound. Some people use curtains across walls to create a vintage cinema look, and other options include cushions, thick carpets on the floor, acoustic ceiling tiles, as well as hanging acoustic baffles.

However, luxury home-owners tend to aspire to clean, modern lines in their decor. In such cases, smooth surfacing treatments are recommended, and many people turn to fire-rated acoustic spray or acoustic plaster for a workable solution that doesn’t compromise design aesthetics.

Exceptionally smooth acoustic plaster or textured acoustic spray can be applied to ceilings quickly and with ease. These seamless and decorative acoustic treatments will absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it, reducing reverberation times and overall noise levels within the space and giving clarity to speech and music.

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Look out for acoustic sprays and plasters that have environmental benefits too. For example, at Oscar Acoustics our range is made of recycled, natural plant-based fibres and specialist water-based adhesives. In fact, the SonaSpray range contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project.

SOUNDPROOFING FOR EVERYONE’S SANITY

With home-working now so prevalent, smaller accommodation units being built, and shared spaces so precious as we all spend more time at home, it’s important to prevent sound escaping beyond a home cinema and disrupting domestic harmony.

It’s helpful if windows are double or triple glazed and doors need to be as heavy as possible and airtight. AV installers should be wary of using wall panels for soundproofing as these can be unsightly and a common misconception is that putting foam or panels on the walls and ceiling will somehow stop sound from going into the room next door or above.

Professional AV installers often recommend thermal sound insulation, which works particularly well in ceiling and wall voids. This can either be sprayed into the cavity before the void is closed, or where a void is already closed blown by a hose through holes to improve the acoustic insulation

of walls and ceilings. At Oscar Acoustics, we use a fire rated insulation product which provides a barrier as it resists penetration by fire.

Acoustic hangers, are an excellent choice to achieve the ultimate ceiling soundproofing performance. The Oscar Iso-Mount range of isolating acoustic hangers exceeds British building regulations Document E, for airborne and impact sound.

The end result is a soundproof ceiling which appears no different to a standard plastered ceiling, once completed. This is ideal to stop sound transferring into adjoining spaces above and below.

A quality acoustic hanger like the Oscar IsoMount fixes under existing concrete and timber joist ceilings with minimum fixings. All work can be carried out from the room below, so there is no need for access to the room or property above. Just one hole needs to be drilled per mount, which saves hours of work when drilling concrete.

By creating an isolated ceiling, using IsoMounts you will stop the vibration that causes the transfer of unwanted noise from floor to floor, allowing peace of mind when the volume is set high.

Like it or not, our homes have become our entertainment hubs since Covid-19 landed. For many, investing in a top-quality AV experience has become a top priority. So why compromise on acoustic quality, when the enjoyment of movies, gaming and music at home, can be so easily and cost-effectively enhanced?

Keeping the sound contained and focused is a challenge

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DECEMBER 2021 35

ESSENTIAL ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS Peter Aylett, partner at HTE Acoustic Interior Design and 20-year+ CEDIA Instructor, takes a look at one of the forgotten areas of building design.

In building design, acoustics is the forgotten subject. The focus is almost always on aesthetics. This is completely understandable as an interior designer or architect can show a client a drawing or render, and then work with them to refine the design vision (and define expectations). The same is true for specifying fittings. We can see and feel the finishes to decide on what we want. Acoustics is different.

You can’t ‘see’ it. It’s difficult to predict and even harder to explain. This is unfortunate because of all of our senses, hearing is the one that’s always on and can’t be turned off.

Within our industry, acoustics is something that’s generally discussed in the context of a high performance entertainment space - I’m talking home cinema, media rooms, screening rooms etc. To restrict the conversation to just these spaces is, however, missing a huge opportunity to make the entire building more human centric.

36 DECEMBER 2021

Take a dining room, the purpose of which is to eat in, right? Wrong. The real purpose of most dining spaces is to socialise, have conversations, make human connections. I’m sure we’ve all been in dining spaces where all six surfaces are hard and reflective. Sit eight people around a table and the sound volume level increases to a crescendo of noise where it becomes difficult to have conversations. This especially true as we get older when most people will suffer from a degree of hearing loss. Modern interior design often includes a lot of clean, hard surfaces, all of which are highly reflective across all frequencies. It’s the discussion around what frequencies need to be dealt with that defines the acoustics strategy.

In a social space where most of the noise level will be from people’s conversations, possibly augmented by some low level music, most of the sound energy will be from human

voices which are mostly between around 400Hz and 5KHz. The 400Hz part is critical in that unlike a high performance entertainment space where we need to deal with the RdT (Reflection decay Time, often stated as an RT60 number) down to bass frequencies of 50Hz and even below, in social spaces our acoustical strategy doesn’t need to begin until around 400Hz. This is extremely useful when discussing architectural acoustics with designers as midrange (500Hz to 4KHz), presence (4K to 6K) and brilliance (6K to 20K) are far easier to deal with than bass. The basic physics states that to completely absorb sound energy using a velocity absorbing material (foam, rock wool, felt etc) you need a thickness of material equalling at least 1/4 of the wavelength of the frequency you are absorbing.

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ESSENTIAL ACOUSTICS AND ACOUSTIC TREATMENT

Nautilus room before treatment

Nautilus room after treatment

Now, whilst this is true, it is also a massive generalisation as other acoustic tricks can be used to lessen this depth of material needed.

It’s also critical to note that in EVERY case, we are never looking to totally absorb sound, resulting in no sound reflections in a space.

The biggest mistake made in high performance entertainment space acoustics is the use of too much thin absorbing material on the walls (50mm) and little to no bass absorption. This will result in a room that is dead and boomy and regardless of how incredible the speakers and subs are, will sound and feel horrible.

The same is true for social spaces where we do not want to completely eliminate reflections, but reduce them across the required frequency spectrum to a point where natural conversation retains a high level of intelligibility. To achieve this, we will likely need to look beyond conventional ‘Acoustic Treatment’ products that are designed to be heard but generally not seen. We will need to work with the architect and interior designer to

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come up with solutions that retain their design vision, yet seamlessly and invisibly integrate acoustic control into their interior scheme. An alternative approach to this is what I call Sculptural Acoustics - put the acoustic product front and centre but disguise it as a piece of artwork.

REAL WORLD EXAMPLE

The project pictured with this article and represented in graph form as well, is an example of a project that did just this. The systems integrator was Imagine This, the system designer was Guy Singleton and the sculptural acoustics were designed and manufactured by Maurizio Conti at HTE Acoustic Interior Design. The measurements speak for themselves - From completely unlistenable, to a really good sounding room.

The skills set necessary to embrace the architectural acoustics opportunity is not trivial. It’s not enough to simply suggest a few ‘acoustic panels’ perhaps covered with printed artwork on acoustically transparent fabric.

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Though these would, of course, help in some situations, the various use modes of the space need considering, and an acoustic strategy developing that takes into account the range of frequencies that need dealing with. Acoustics is always an engineering exercise that includes predictive calculations arguably more complex that any other area of technology integration into buildings. Most normally furnished living spaces have, what the great Dr Floyd Toole calls ‘The acoustic treatments of life’ such as a carpet, heavy curtains, soft furnishings and even people. Other spaces, however, are extremely sparse and need help to turn them from uncomfortable reflective and reverberant rooms, into human-centric spaces where people love spending time in. Acoustics is far more than just about AV - embrace, learn about and engage your customers in the fact that acoustics matter in every space within a building, and you’ll be able to add another highly profitable facet to your business.

DECEMBER 2021 39

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TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

WHAT A YEAR! Ian Morrish, Founder of Together For Cinema provides EI with its latest progress report, as the industry initiative that provides cinemas to hospices and other community hubs gears up for 2022.

We have already completed two installations

Andy at St.Andrew’s Hospice, Grimsby.

industry and our 2021 sponsorship budget

this year and there are two more that will be

Installer: Ben Cook of Sonic Vision. The Donna

was achieved within only a few months.

installed and completed in time for Christmas.

Louise Children’s Hospice, Stoke on Trent.

This enabled us to focus on furthering the

Already Installed: Forget Me Not Children’s

Installer: Andy Bell of Trusted Technology.

foundation and stability of Together For

Hospice, Huddersfield, Yorkshire - Installed

Julia’s House, Corfe Mullen, near Poole.

Cinema and most importantly, getting the job

Installer: Iain Brown of Wessex AV. Thank you

done. We had 34 valued sponsors in 2021

to all the installers who are kindly giving their

and I am optimistic that most, if not all, of these

time to make these very special, life enhancing,

will continue their support for 2022. However,

cinema rooms happen

with next year being a 12 month period,

by Bespoke Home Cinemas and officially opened in August. Also open is the Rose Road Association, Southampton, Hampshire installed by Wessex AV and officially opened in September. To be completed by the end of the year are; Linden House, Fitzroy, Uckfield and Reubens Retreat, Glossop, Derbyshire to be installed by Glo Audio Visual.

As for 2022, for the first time ever TFC will go into the year with five installation venues confirmed, and five installers all committed and ready to deliver. Room designs and product requirements are considered and then we have the ‘small’ task of going to our industry friends to secure the required items. With five installs (two of which are quite substantial) this will

For 2023 we are already talking to the

along with some ambitious aspirations and

likes of Richard House Children’s Hospice in

expectations, we are needing to secure about

Beckton, Ty Gobaith (part of Hope House

45 sponsors for 2022. The sooner this can be

Children’s Hospice) in Conwy; Robin House

done, the sooner we can focus on completing

(part of CHAS) in Glasgow; Ellenor House

the installations, and developing our other

Children’s Hospice, in Gravesend; Helen and

activities to further the difference that we can

Douglas Children’s Hospice in Oxford and

all make in our community. So, if you can help,

Claire House Children’s Hospice in Liverpool,

want to begin sponsoring or what to confirm

so loads more to come.

continuing to support us, just get in touch. If you are happy to continue your sponsorship

CONTINUED SUPPORT

support into 2022, or would like to become a

TFC began in 2009, but it became an AV

new sponsor email ian@adcon.uk . Our entry

industry sponsored enterprise as of March

level Bronze package is priced at £500, and

2021. Therefore 2021 has been a 10 month

there are various levels after this. Together For

year and so far, it has proven to be a great

Cinema can only continue if it is backed by the

installers, are: Rainbows Hospice for Children

success with much being achieved and set up

AV industry. Please consider being a sponsor

and Young People, Loughborough. Installer:

to further secure our delivery of AV equipment

if you can.

Gary Mills of Decorum Technology. Jigsaw, (part

and facilities to good and deserving causes

of Eden Valley Children’s Hospice), Carlisle.

in the future. I’m pleased to say that the

Together For Cinema

Installer: Ian Burrow of Majik House.

enterprise has been well supported by our

togetherforcinema.co.uk

equate to a significant amount of product, but I am optimistic that our industry will step up yet again to give back to our community.

The five venues, along with the committed

42 DECEMBER 2021

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: CYBERHOMES

SHORT THROW, BIG THRILLS Andy Mack, Director at install company Cyberhomes gives EI the inside story on this very stylish and technically accomplished project. The room recently picked up the ‘Best Media Room under £50,000’ at the Smart Building Awards.

The clients were developing a family room for socialising in as well as watching TV, movies and listening to music. They required a careful balance of quality cinema sound with a large screen. It was equally important to provide a pleasing discreet look to complement the rooms décor and not to dominate the room.

There were a few issues and challenges in the room which needed to be overcome.

The client wanted a big screen but wasn’t keen on the idea of a big black TV screen taking over the wall. We identified three potential solutions using either in-ceiling or on-wall speakers for audio.

The first was a big TV and a way of hiding it with a mechanised moving panel. The second

44 DECEMBER 2021

was to locate the projector on the ceiling or in a projector lift with an electric drop-down screen.

The final solution was to use a short throw projector housed underneath the screen.

After careful analysis of our solutions along with their respective pros and cons, we consulted with the client and discussed what we believed to be the best solution.

The client wanted the latest Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 format in the room and we felt that inceiling speakers wouldn’t achieve this in an accurate way in the room - so on-wall combined with in-ceiling height channels speakers was the preferred option.

A TV on the wall would be very expensive (for the size the client preferred) and they didn’t

want a big black screen; so it would need to be hidden. Whilst workable, the price of a very big TV wasn’t within budget and just seemed too much for the room. For an alternative projector solution, the client wasn’t keen on having a projector mounted on the ceiling and depth was limited for a projector lift, another issue was ambient light towards the back of the room. The short throw projector idea and screen appeared to be the best solution.

THE RIGHT DECISION Instead of a drop-down electric projector screen for the projector, the client preferred the elegance and simplicity of the Screen Innovation

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: CYBERHOMES

A short-throw projection systems was chosen as optimal for the space

frameless screen with ambient lighting behind,

large subwoofers as the client didn’t want to see

this complemented the rooms clean look and

them in the room.

décor without dominating the room.

The AV receiver and main sources didn’t

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION From the Clients own Testimonial, “The team was great to work with and came to

Our solution did present its own challenges,

need to be local to the room and were installed

the screen material had to be a specific type

in the adjacent room on a full AV equipment rack

for a short throw projector and not acoustically

with easy accessibility and heat management. A

own expectations regarding what we could

transparent, meaning the speakers needed to

custom cabinet solution sitting underneath the

accomplish in our home.”

be installed around the screen instead of hidden

screen was carefully designed to complement the

Whilst simple in form and looks, it’s the

behind it. The main obstacle to overcome was

room’s décor, further customisation was to RAL

attention to detail in the design which makes this

where to hide the short throw projector and

match the Artcoustic speaker grills to the walls.

installation so special. High-definition sources

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us with innovative ideas to optimise our space. In the end we were able to exceed our

DECEMBER 2021 45

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: CYBERHOMES

came from Apple TV, an Ultra HD Blu-ray player

with ambient lighting behind complementing

We often encounter similar rooms which

and games consoles whilst on-demand music

the look of the room. Lots of research went

have been filled with obtrusive plastic black

and control was from Control 4.

into the customisation of the cabinet to

boxes with compromised performance which

The Sony 4K high output short throw

accommodate the short throw projector with

dominate the space.

projector offered a picture quality to rival the

consideration for the fan noise, cooling, height

latest largest TVs available even with ambient

and projector lens position.

Taking the time to break down each of the client’s wishes combined with our own

light in the room. The great looking discreet

Not everyone requires a dedicated cinema

high performance Artcoustic speakers give a

which can take over their favourite room. We

consistently good sound for Dolby Atmos 7.2.2

believe this project offers a great example of what

We also feel it’s good to provide something

cinema sound.

is achievable with a little thought and innovation

a little innovative such as using a minimalist fixed

experience can give the client a well-thought out solution that exceeds their expectations.

The 16:9 ratio Screen Innovations screen

with consideration for the room’s style, colour

screen with ambient lighting behind instead of

was designed specifically for short throw

and décor instead of going straight for the easy

a drop down electric screen which may have

projectors and is unique in its very elegant looks

option of mounting a television on the wall.

been more obvious choice. The solution avoids

46 DECEMBER 2021

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: CYBERHOMES

Made in Taiwan UK Branch Office

NDAA

having a projector located on the ceiling which may not only look obtrusive but also has the limitation of someone blocking the image when they walk in front of the lens.

The client was extremely happy with our solution as demonstrated in their glowing testimonial.

Artcoustic were also impressed with the installation and our clever use of their speakers and the clean and impressive look of the system and the room, they will be showcasing it in the near future.

Cyberhomes cyberhomes.co.uk

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01908 443 660 contact@lilin.uk DECEMBER 2021 47

SMART THINKING

FUSS-FREE

MOUNTS

COULD VIDEO GAMES INSPIRE OUR REAL-LIFE HOME DESIGNS? EI asks if the home designs of the future may come from a very surprising space.

Black Series’ TV mounts, are so well conceived the TV is usually up on the wall within 30 minutes.

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48 DECEMBER 2021

Many people will build their first four walls on a

The Sims 4 has thousands of build-and-buy

computer-based game before buying or building

objects to unlock through gameplay and expansion

their first ‘real’ home. Creating emulative avatars

packs, allowing almost limitless opportunities to

that live out an aspirational life can be inspiring.

create a unique home.

And testing home designs on the simulation can

Sarah continues, “Another reason I think home

not only be rewarding – it might just be a good idea.

design games are popular is because for a lot of

The Sims 4 has over 33 million unique players.

young people, owning their own home and being

If the digital platform were a country, its population

able to furnish it without financial limitations

would exceed that of Australia. The popularity

isn’t always the most achievable thing (at least in

of the game is immense, with people building

the short term). For people who have even the

their dream homes even seven years after this

smallest interest in design, these games make that

version’s release.

interest more accessible and fun!”

The popularity of the game among budding

Juan Sandiego, an interior advisor at Boreal

home-designers is thanks to its “creative freedom”

Abode (and an avid Sims fan) agrees that game

says Sarah Kendall, a gaming content creator and

simulations push our creativity, “There is something

Sim-fluencer with over 107 thousand followers

fascinating about being in total control of your

on TikTok. “I can definitely say not everything in

home’s design. In real life, we encounter barriers

the game is architecturally compatible with real-

such as budget or space limitations. However, in

life designs, but trying out different styles and

a virtual world, we can push our creativity to the

structures in the game can open up your mind to

extreme. Home simulation games are the perfect

what might be possible in reality!”

sandbox to explore new ideas and styles. Plus, the

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SMART THINKING

amount of custom content from the community

towns. My concept of a dream home is different

is huge. So you can have any building feature and

for each of these areas, and I enjoy playing with all

every piece of furniture you can imagine.”

of them.”

However, translating these digital home designs

As an experienced Sims player, Sarah is also

into reality needn’t be inaccessible. Mark O’Donnell,

resolute in her design choices, “Even though having

design manager at national housebuilder, St.

a home of my own is still pretty far down the road

Modwen Homes, says: “As the way we live, work, and enjoy our homes changes and diversifies, we’ve recognised that the unique needs of homeowners require homes to reflect their wishes.

“In a recent study on custom-built housing, we found that 68% of people would consider a custom house build project, demonstrating the large demand for exclusive housing options.”

Findings from the consumer survey mirror Sarah’s opinions on creative freedom. 52% said they liked the idea of choosing a design inside their house that suits the way they want to live. 59% like the freedom of designing a house. But while interest is high, custom housing remains a limited market. Only 7% of homes are custom built in the UK. The study from St. Modwen Homes recognises hesitancy in the market. 26% of people said they would be worried about the costs of customising their house like this, and 4% said they have concerns about who would help them design it.

for me, I love that building it in The Sims can help me explore what I like and don’t like, so when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”

But the cost of creating your own home needn’t be a worry. Mark O’Donnell believes that a helping

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hand can encourage more people to build their own homes. St. Modwen Homes offers a new way of homebuying called The Starting Block - a property where the exterior is constructed, and the interior is left for homeowners to design and build with the help of architects and contractors, room in this type of scheme for installers perhaps?

Mark believes that new homes should reflect the needs of our lives, “Homes should be purposeful.

Therefore, for those who enjoy entertaining family and friends, open-plan designs may be more appropriate. For those who work at home, opting for a spacious home office with multiple sockets for power is essential.”

Sarah concludes with her advice to a home

Enjoying The Sims has shaped Juan’s idea of a

designer, “I love when spaces can be multi-purpose

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DECEMBER 2021 49

M MOUNTING SANUS SANUS SANUS PREMIUM SOLUTIONS PREMIUM PREMIUM MOUNTING MOUNTING AND MOUNTING AV ACCESSORIES SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS ANA SANUS PREMIUM MOUNTING SOLUT G SOLUTIONS AND AV ACCESSORIES

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: NEW WAVE AV

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PERFECT PROCELLA AND SENSUOUS CINEAK EI takes a tour of this high-performance and very plush home cinema project in the company of Angus Murray, Projects Director at New Wave AV. For over 18 years, New Wave AV has specialised in designing and installing home technology, whole home audio visual systems and dedicated media and cinema rooms. The company was founded in 2003 by Kevin Whysall, who was joined by Angus a few years later. The team is based in Sevenoaks in Kent and tend to work on high end residential projects across the South-East of England.

For this project, Angus explains, “The client initially contacted us to discuss some issues he had with the performance of his self-installed cinema room. This led to an email exchange where a number of ideas and suggestions were given for the client to look at. Three months later the client advised he was moving and wanted a professionally installed dedicated cinema room and asked us to put some initial designs and costings together.”

Angus adds, “When we are asked to quote on a new cinema room we always put together a technical design document to provide an understanding of the performance standards we are looking for the room to achieve. This allows the potential client to understand why items have been specified as well as giving an introduction to the design and detailed work that is required to deliver their room. Once issued we had discussions with the client regarding the speaker range which led to a revision of the proposal with a higher speaker range specified.”

For this project room renders were also produced to ensure the client could visualise how the room was going to look when completed. The decision to proceed was made within a week of the initial proposal being issued, pretty impressive.

The original brief was for a reference level cinema room with Dolby Atmos sound. The client wanted to achieve two rows of seating and was very clear that he wanted the audio to really pack a punch.

The brief didn’t change significantly during the project, most design elements were confirmed on the first onsite meeting - the biggest change was the decision to ‘dig out’ for the front seating.

INSIDE THE SPACE

The client had studied audio engineering so was very clear that he wanted reference level audio performance. The room was specified as 9.1.4 to ensure an immersive experience and this was delivered by using a Trinnov Altitude16 processor with Procella amplification and speakers.

Angus says, “Procella was chosen due to the performance levels they could achieve as well as their heritage within DTS and BAFTA. The P815s were specified for the front left, centre and right channels meaning that six channels of power amplification were required for these speakers

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: NEW WAVE AV

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The systems adapts quickly to whatever activity is taking place

alone. Four subwoofers (two behind the screen and two behind the rear seats) ensured the required bass performance and minimised the potential issue of a bass null at any of the seating positions.”

The client is a real film enthusiast, so a Kaleidescape 4K Movie server was specified along with a 2.40:1 Cinema Build Systems acoustically transparent masking screen. A Sony VPL890ES laser projector was specified due to its performance, brightness and lens memory.

The client wanted to be able to simply control every element of the room and so the team chose Control4 delivering control of all AV sources as well as Lutron lighting. DALI light fittings were specified to ensure smooth dimming was possible right down to 1%.

Angus argues, “Cinema rooms really start with the seating as this dictates so much of the room design, so we discussed with the client how many seats were required and in what configuration.

“Cineak were chosen because of the flexibility of their range as well as the quality of their fit and finish. Due to space restrictions, the back row was designed with limited incline whilst the front row did not have arm rests between seats to provide a more modern, relaxed look.”

Room treatment and fabric wrapping were based around the Cinema Build Systems Halo product. Angus explains that this allowed the team to hide all of the absorption and dispersion panels and even to adjust the level of treatment mid-way through the project. Each panel was backlit with tuneable white tape whilst the coffer was lit with both RGB and TW tape, this allowed total control of the colour in the room.

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Challenges wise, Angus reveals, “The room had a low ceiling with very little void which created a number of technical issues including creating a suitable height difference between the seating rows. This was achieved by digging out a 150mm deep ‘pit’ for the front row seating and having a 150mm seating platform for the rear seats. The lack of a suitable ceiling void meant that surface speakers had to be specified for the four Dolby Atmos channels and adequate task lighting had to be achieved without the use of downlights.

“The specified speakers were deep, so this meant all four walls had to be built out prior to acoustic treatment and fabric wrapping. We used the Cinema Build Systems Space Frame to achieve this build out.”

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Part of the Infrastructure range from

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DECEMBER 2021 53

Become an approved Sonos Become an approved Sonos Installed Solutions partner Installed Solutions partner Sonos is one of The World’s Leading Sound experience brands. We invented multiroom wireless made it sound amazing, and changed people Sonos is one of Theaudio, World’s Leading Sound experience brands. the We way invented listen at home.

Known for premium sound, ease of and use,changed thoughtful multiroom wireless audio, made it sound amazing, thedesign, way people and an open platform, we create products and experiences that make listening listen at home. Known for premium sound, ease of use, thoughtful design, simpler and more joyful. and an open platform, we create products and experiences that make listening simpler and more joyful.

Sonos innovation powers better listening experiences, We want to continue to workinnovation with the Installer and build on thoseWe successes in the future.

Sonos powerscommunity better listening experiences, want to continue From Portable speakers, Home Cinema and Architectural systems, these all to work with the Installer community and build on those successes in the future. benefit when installed

by Home an approved From Portable speakers, Cinemainstaller. and Architectural systems, these all benefit when installed by an approved installer.

Sonos Approved Installers win CEDIA Awards. Apply to become an approved Sonos byInstallers emailing win Installed-Solutions-UK@sonos.com Sonos Installer Approved CEDIA Awards. Apply to become an approved or visitInstaller www.sonos.com/dealer/dealer-onboarding Sonos by emailing Installed-Solutions-UK@sonos.com or visit www.sonos.com/dealer/dealer-onboarding

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The dimensions of the space provided some challenges, but you would not know it looking at the result

The room also originally had two unattractive radiators that were in the wrong location so these were removed and an MVHR system was installed.

The system was programmed to go into boost mode when the projector is on to ensure a suitable number of air exchanges whilst the room is in use.”

The system utilises 7 x 4 channel power amplifiers, so it was essential the hub room was suitably ventilated. The BTUs were calculated, and suitable extraction was installed, in addition an IP PDU was installed to ensure the amplifiers were only ever on when in use, this PDU also had a temperature sensor added that will email the New Wave team if a pre-determined temperature is reached.

Angus continues, “The performance objectives and low ceiling meant every design decision was critical to making the room work as well as required.

Any good cinema room starts with a good design and this room was no different and was therefore designed to Dolby and CEDIA’s full cinema specification. We have a range of software solutions that allow us to do these designs such as The CEDIA Designer and Cinema-Tools. These applications ensure a level of predictability in the room’s final performance.

“The focus for the client was performance above anything else and as a keen film fan and gamer we had to ensure the room worked for all applications.

The laser projector ensured bright images with a quick on time whilst the masking screen meant the projected image was always correct for the ratio. The Kaleidescape 4K Movie Server, PS5, Xbox Series X and gaming PC (configured to 2.40:1 output) means that he is never short of content. To ensure the room’s performance Trinnov were invited to calibrate the audio system and the Sony projector was calibrated by an independent ISF calibrator.”

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Metra Home Theatre Group is the leader in highquality HDMI® solutions, with a history of being first to market with HDMI® solutions that deliver higher resolutions and bandwidths at recordsetting lengths. At RGB, we offer a wide range of solutions for custom integrators, based on length, budget and desired performance.

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An AV industry good cause enterprise that designs and installs cinema rooms into children’s hospices and other deserving locations across the UK. So favourite part time, what does Angus think? “To be fair this room has a lot vying to be your favourite part. The audio performance is exceptional and that meant a lot of fun was had during calibration where we really tried to push the system. Having said that I am probably most pleased with how the room design came together using the two contrasting fabrics and the backlit Halo Panels.

“For the client this room was always going to be about the audio, he wanted to ensure it had real impact and performance. He is a massive film fan and has already downloaded over 190 movies in the six weeks he has had the room!

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DECEMBER 2021 57

PRODUCTS

MERIDIAN SETS SAIL WITH A NEW FLAGSHIP

High performing, audio video connectivity delivered in plastic free packaging

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Meridian Audio says it has launched groundbreaking new developments in Digital Active Loudspeakers with the introduction of its new flagship loudspeaker, the DSP8000 XE. The DSP8000 XE is the first Meridian loudspeaker to emerge from the company’s Extreme Engineering Program which commenced more than six years ago. Informed by psychoacoustics and engineered by experts, the Extreme Engineering Program was created to re-imagine every element of Meridian’s product platforms, including both software and hardware.

A major advance, borne from Meridian’s significant investment in this program, is a new design concept known as ‘Precision Sonic Transport’ (PST) which ensures that every aspect of the audio signal journey through the loudspeaker maintains maximum sonic fidelity.

The DSP8000 XE is built on a new audio architecture, using higher specification, more powerful components and leveraging Meridian’s expertise in psychoacoustics to achieve what is described as exceptional sound quality.

Host to Meridian’s most powerful DSP engine to date, Atlas Software Core enables the implementation of new enhancement technologies and features. It also allows more performance to be extracted and delivered from Meridian’s existing proprietary audio technologies.

The essential hardware infrastructure that deploys the Precision Sonic Transport design concept in DSP8000 XE is the R1 Electronics

Platform featuring all-new, highly specified digital and analogue circuitry and sophisticated, signal enhancing developments. These include the Command Board, representing a state of the art processingcentre, dedicated to the powerful DSP processing engine and controlling the functionality of the speaker. The Sync-Link delivers transporting precision re-clocked digital audio via shielded RJ45 links from the Command Board directly to the new DAC boards. Separate dedicated higher performance DAC boards and more powerful, application-specific amplifier boards are hard-wired via extremely short balanced audio connections to minimise any signal interference and next gen drive units push performance levels to new heights says the maker. Loads more info available direct from Meridian Audio.

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Crestron Electronics has announced the expansion of the company’s custom shade portfolio with the addition of Crestron Battery-Powered Shades, offering homeowners an elegant shading solution that natively integrates with the Crestron Home platform for a simple, yet sophisticated home shading experience. Crestron’s shading portfolio now includes wired, wireless, and battery-powered options giving homeowners the ability to have intelligent shading solutions integrated into almost any space.

Crestron says its portfolio of shading options offers a holistic hardware and software ecosystem that goes far beyond the superficial control provided by mismatched systems. At the touch of a button, homeowners can configure, schedule, or execute a shading scene that synchronizes shading throughout the house with other Crestron Home solutions, the Horizon Thermostat, and third-party extensions to optimise comfort and security.

As part of the native integration with Crestron Home, battery life will be intelligently calculated and proactively communicated to notify the homeowner when they need to replace a battery.

Though discretely tucked in the fascia, the uniquely Crestron-designed battery cartridge swings downward to make such replacement easy.

The battery can be replaced like most consumer devices and the shades can be snapped back into place with no disassembly required. Whisper-quiet

and energy-efficient QMT motors bring great indoor range and performance.

Ensuring customers, dealers, and designers never have to compromise on style, an updated collection of over 400 fabrics including 240 new designer-lead fabric choices affords a luxurious level of design and customisation that can’t be met by other solutions on the market, argues the maker.

Contained within Crestron’s new design book collection, these fabrics and Crestron’s customcolour match policy further improve customer choice. Battery-Powered Shades are available with both Architectural and Décor brackets.

Crestron Electronics crestron.com

Crestron has opened up new possibilities in the shade sector

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A simple solution for productive home offices Artnovion’s innovative range of mobile acoustic panels provides a simple and flexible upgrade solution for a productive home office.

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PRODUCTS

WOODSTOCK AMP GETS HIGH-FIVE FROM MCINTOSH

Turn on, tune in, amp out

McIntosh has announced the MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifier Mk II. Originally used to power the sound system for Woodstock ‘69 amongst other formative music events, the iconic monoblock amp was recreated by McIntosh’s expert team of engineers and designers to include modern upgrades that celebrate the brand’s history of powering pivotal moments in music, while showcasing its commitment to technological innovations and acoustic advancements. The reimagined version can be used with a variety of preamplifiers, turntables, CD players, media streamers, speakers, etc. to form a complete home audio system.

The MC3500 Mk II boasts 350W of power and is upgraded with modern components that deliver an audio performance worthy of its predecessor. As in the original, the MC3500 Mk II uses McIntosh’s

Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer, allowing the full 350 Watts to be safely delivered to virtually any speaker. The MC3500 Mk II has a fully balanced driver section that uses three 12AX7A and one 12AT7 vacuum tube, while the output is powered by eight EL509S high-power output vacuum tubes specifically chosen due to the similarity to the 6LQ6 ‘sweep tubes’ found in the original MC3500. All the vacuum tubes are located behind the power and output transformers and are covered by a 12-gauge stainless steel wire cage.

“At the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in 2019, there was a lot of buzz resurfacing about the McIntosh sound system,” says McIntosh President, Charlie Randall. “This enthusiasm was infectious and inspired me to get our engineering team together to redesign the amp that has obviously resonated with music fans as being a historically significant piece of audio gear. After over two years, we are really proud of the result. The MC3500 Mk II takes its inspiration from the original 1968-71 MC3500 and incorporates all the knowledge we have gained surrounding vacuum tube amplifier design since the 1960’s.”

Shipping expected to begin in December 2021 to the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter.

High performing, audio video connectivity delivered in plastic free packaging

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McIntosh mcintoshlabs.com

DOORBIRD SINGS A NEW TUNE ADDING BIOMETRICS Bird Home Automation, manufacturer of DoorBird IP access control devices, is expanding its product portfolio to include door intercoms with an integrated fingerprint sensor.

IP video door stations of the D21x series are now equipped with fingerprint technology from Fingerprint Cards AB, a leading global biometrics company based in Sweden. This enables biometric authentication via fingerprint.

With a DoorBird door station, homeowners and residents can see and speak to their visitors and delivery services on the go via smartphone and unlock the door when needed. Each door intercom features an HD wide-angle camera, motion sensor and audio system with echo and noise cancellation. Keyless access control via RFID or PIN code is now complemented by a new option via biometric fingerprint.

The full-frame touch sensor is based on patented technology by Fingerprint Cards AB and meets high convenience and security standards compared to line-based sensors. The fingerprint reader is fully integrated into the DoorBird software architecture and can be configured remotely at any time. Via app or web-based dashboard, the user can grant and withdraw access permissions, and also define which event should follow when a certain finger is detected. For example, an internal or external relay can be triggered, or an HTTP(S) command can be

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carried out. To prevent manipulation attempts, the fingerprint scanner is temporarily locked after five unauthorised access attempts.

The fingerprint sensor is integrated in DoorBird models with one and two call buttons: D2101FV Fingerprint 50 and D2102FV Fingerprint 50.

Each door intercom can store up to 50 fingerprints.

Furthermore, customers can create their own customised IP video door stations equipped with a fingerprint sensor and other individual modules via the DoorBird 3D Configurator.

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Bird Home Automation doorbird.com

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DoorBird fly’s in with new functionality

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DECEMBER 2021 61

PRODUCTS

WYRESTORM’S ‘APOLLO’ CONFERENCE HUBS AVAILABLE FROM HABITECH

High performing, audio video connectivity delivered in plastic free packaging

Multicore Cables

Habitech has widened its range of commercial networking and collaboration tools with support for Wyrestorm’s innovative ‘Apollo’ line of conferencing hubs.

Wyrestorm’s Apollo Unified Communication (UC) range comprises three speakerphone models, compatible with all major conference platforms, designed for 360-degree communication and targeted at workplace scenarios rising in scale from small huddle spaces to larger conference rooms.

The entry-level APO-100-UC, mid-range APO200-UC and premium APO-210-UC feature the same streamlined polygonal design with integral mic array and 10W speaker, but each represents a step up in video sharing capability.

Designed for smaller ‘huddle’ spaces, the APO100 connects via USB to a laptop for instant plugand-play operation - no drivers or software required.

The USB-C connection supports up to 4K/30 4:4:4 8bit video content from compatible devices such as phones, tablets, laptops to a conference display (via HDMI out), while a USB-A ‘Display Link’ connection handles up to 1080p/60 from a peripheral conference camera. Capacitive touch buttons on the top of the speakerphone control volume, mute microphone and mute video.

A step up from the 100, the APO-200 is a conference speakerphone and presentation switcher in one. Equipped with a broader range of connectivity options for video transmission via local USB-C or HDMI, or wirelessly with Miracast or

AirPlay, the APO-200 allows up to two devices to share and display content simultaneously. Additional touch buttons send a CEC power command to a connected display for on/off activation and switch the active USB host.

The APO-210 adds a Class B HDBaseT output in addition to the HDMI out to support larger dualscreen meeting spaces.

All models carry a Wyrestorm Pro AV five-year warranty.

All Apollo series products feature a premium 360° omni-directional microphone array with echo cancellation and the powerful 10 W speaker provides crystal clear audio delivery, even in the largest rooms.

Habitech habitech.co.uk

The Apollo line comes with a Wyrestorm Pro AV five-year warranty.

A NEW HUE FROM RETROTOUCH

experience different with auraa A new partners for the Philips Hue from Retrotouch

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62 DECEMBER 2021

Retrotouch, has become an official supplier of Philips Hue light switches, providing ‘always on’ system for control over Philips Hue lighting.

Addressing the issue of a home’s wireless smart lighting connections being cut off from smart functions if a light switch is manually flicked off, the Retrotouch switches include all the connections need to create an always on circuit so the smart bulbs have power. While the switches will work as normal to flick lights on and off, the lighting circuit will always remain on so that Philips Hue is ready and working when users want it - delivering control from the switch, Hue App, HomeKit, voice and motion functions.

The Retrotouch Friends of Hue switches can either be fitted to replace an existing light switch, or used as a wireless, battery-free solution, stuck on any wall, wherever’s most convenient for everyday use.

The switches don’t need batteries, or a power cable and they are as durable and reliable as a traditional wired switch, says the maker.

The switches have a range of up to 30 metres and, thanks to EnOcean’s innovative harvesting technology each press of the switch generates enough energy to send a radio signal to the Philips Hue Bridge, meaning no batteries are needed.

Retrotouch says the wireless and battery-free switches have been designed to look great too, with a premium glass finish bringing a stylish designer-feel to Philips Hue lighting controls. The switches come in white or black glass, with or without a chrome trim; and an option of one or two buttons. There’s also the option of a Retrotouch glass frame surround for the magnetic Philips Hue smart button to ensure it matches the other switches in the range.

The Retrotouch Friends of Hue switches also have matching sockets and accessories to provide a coordinated look to any room. These include double or single plug and charging sockets, TV and telephone sockets.

Retrotouch retrotouch.co.uk

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MEMBERSHIP MEANS COMMUNITY Your CEDIA membership puts you in the centre of a thriving community of home technology integrators — a network of thousands dedicated to helping you build connections, stay competitive, and tap into new opportunities for growth.

Find out about all the benefits that come with being a CEDIA member – or renew to stay connected to those resources at cedia.net/membership.

PRODUCTS

DOLBY ATMOS PLAYS THE BLUES

High performing, audio video connectivity delivered in plastic free packaging

USB-C Adaptors

Drivers for control systems like Lutron, Crestron, RTI, Elan, and others are available for Bluesound tech

Bluesound makers of the hi-res wireless multiroom line of audio players, announced a software update for the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ that introduces all-new audio settings for realistic home cinema sound and adds support for Dolby Atmos. Customers will be prompted to update their PULSE SOUNDBAR+ and experience an enhanced sound-stage that brings a new dimension to movies, music, games and shows.

The unique BluOS implementation of Dolby Atmos in the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ features four virtualisation profiles – Movie, Music, Late Night and Off – giving customers more features than typical in other soundbar implementations of Dolby’s audio processing technologies. While content that is encoded in Dolby Atmos will provide the most realistic experience, any content – from two-channel all the way up to seven-channel – can

be virtualised to provide users a wider, higher, and more enveloping soundstage. Great care has been taken to assure the timbre of the audio remains natural anywhere in the listening environment.

“We are extremely excited that BluOS 3.16 brings a whole new dimension to our customers’ home theatre experience with the PULSE SOUNDBAR+,” says Matt Simmonds, Bluesound Product Manager. “Many brands overlook audio quality when implementing new technologies in the soundbar category, but at Bluesound, audio quality comes first. So we’re delighted that our team’s decades of software engineering and HiFi audio design experience has made Dolby Atmos in a two-channel soundbar more believable and natural than ever.”

Connect nearly any audio source to the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ via its array of wired and wireless, digital and analogue connectivity options. TVs, gaming consoles, music streaming services, laptops, and music libraries can be accessed through HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, TOSLINK, RCA, USB, and our proprietary BluOS music streaming system.

Designed for end-to-end efficiency, the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ features a powerful customspecified ARM Cortex A53 Quad-Core chipset that processes audio 8 times faster than previous generations of Bluesound architecture.

Bluesound bluesound.com

COPLAND IN ARRESTING NEW AMP LAUNCH

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64 DECEMBER 2021

Created for the dedicated music lover, the Copland CSA70 is designed to provide exceptional audio performance that belies its power rating and price.

The CSA70 provides four digital inputs, three analogue inputs, line out function, as well as pre-out terminal, front facing 6.3mm headphone output, and a 70 Watts per channel power amplifier that will surprise users who thought their speakers were power hungry. For the vinyl enthusiast we have included an excellent phono pre-amplifier.

Contrary to its bigger brothers, CSA100/ CSA150 the CSA70 does not employ tubes in the line stage. The CSA70 preamplifier section is a solid stage architecture with a vanishingly low distortion.

The CSA70 boasts the same power amplifier technology as the CSA100/CSA150 with a feedback structure inherently faster than conventional amplifiers and a wide large-signal frequency response.

The amplifier is ruggedly constructed and designed to deal with the most awkward of dynamic loads that may be presented by the loudspeakers, and this contributes to the amplifiers excellent transient handling capability.

Path lengths throughout the CSA70 amplifiers are minimized by keeping the entire electric audio architecture on a single PCB-board, minimizing

susceptibility to RF interference and other extraneous noise pickups.

The CSA70 employs a precision audio-grade motorized volume control. Contrary to most digital volume attenuators, it needs no additional electronics in the signal road.

The amplifier is protected against several fault conditions that could be dangerous to either amplifier or speakers, including DC offset, overcurrent conditions and thermal overload, increasing its immunity from outside abuse.

Copland copland.dk

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essentialinstall.com

HOME OF LUTRON We can offer the most inspirational design possibilities from the entire Lutron residential range, including HomeWorks, HomeWorks Wireless and RA2 Select, and with our specialist on hand, help you to create the ultimate in lighting luxury and sophistication for your customers.

Visit habitech.co.uk for further information or meet us at Basingstoke for the full Lutron experience. www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk

The ONE team for Smart Installers.

To learn more about these brands or speak to our specialist team call 01256 378550 or email exertisone@exertis.co.uk