Essential Install February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

SMART HOME AWE HQ, EPSOM 29th - 30th MARCH 2022 9am - 5pm

REGISTER FREE TODAY

awe-europe.com See the latest from all of these market leading brands:

ASSISTED LIVING SUPPORTED LIVES

FLATSCREENS AND TVS

BATH TIME!

CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS HOPE FOR HOSPITALITY

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

NEW

UNCOMPRESSED

18Gbps

PRODUCT

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

Become a Certified Blustream Installation Partner

Interactive Online Tutorials We have re-designed our regular interactive online tutorials, focused on providing convenient, bite sized insights into the latest Blustream solutions and the day to day challenges we all currently face in our rapidly evolving market. During these unprecedented times, we have increased both the content and frequency of the sessions we are hosting to bring you the most comprehensive range of interactive webinar content available in the UK.

Register now: www.blustream.co.uk/advanced-learning-portal J

Our UK Address: The Service Station,

Tel: +44 (0)115 824 7000

J Video over IP vs HDBaseT - which should you back?

Melton Road, Hickling Pastures,

Email: sales@blustream.co.uk

J with 10 more courses to choose from...

Nottinghamshire,

Web: www.blustream.co.uk

Current Tutorials Available

J Specifying a Custom Pro Matrix with 18Gbps support

J CAT Cable Certification & Verification J When is 4K, Actually 4K?

Book now at J www.blustream.co.uk

LE14 3QG United Kingdom.

33 14

60

31

CONTENTS

February 2022

4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR

56 SMART THINKING

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS

60 CASE STUDY: HOTEL HEAVEN

16 ESSENTIAL CEDIA

70 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

19 ESSENTIAL COMPETITION

FEATURES 14 AWE EXPO!

Living better

Driving up standards

A right royal round-up

Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner!

Certifications matter

Toptastic toys

Win Love2Shop vouchers courtesy of Ansell Lighting

Essential live event

34 HDANYWHERE Join the cub!

18 PULSE CINEMAS A new approach

52 TOGETHER FOR CINEMA Supportive AV news

20 HABITECH

Cooking up a storm

Celebrating 10 years www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

40 28 52 Proud Media Partners of

38 COMPANY FOCUS: ZENNIO

Reach a new automation zenith with Zennio!

TV AND FLATSCREEN FEATURE 36 BATH TIME!

Alastair Benn, Owner and Managing Director, Aquavision

CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS 24 THE BIG CHIP CHALLENGE!

ASSISTED LIVING FEATURE 40 HELP IS AT HAND

Getting the AV right

Big potential

28 CAN’T TOUCH THIS!

Taft Stricklin, Just Add Power

44 ADAPT AND THRIVE

Building supportive partnerships

31 TOUCH-FREE FUNCTIONALITY

Ashley Bond, director, MADE Worldwide an AV and IT Solutions

46 PLANNING AHEAD

Paul Foulkes, KNX UK President

33 HOSPITALITY TIME AGAIN?

Tim Matthews, Senior B2B Product Manager, Vestel

of working with you! www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

pages 20–21

SMART HOME AWE HQ, EPSOM 29th - 30th MARCH 2022 9am - 5pm

REGISTER FREE TODAY

awe-europe.com See the latest from all of these market leading brands:

ASSISTED LIVING SUPPORTED LIVES

FLATSCREENS AND TVS

BATH TIME!

CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS HOPE FOR HOSPITALITY

FEBRUARY

LIFE CHANGING One of the issues EI is tacking this edition is the Assisted Living sector, an area with huge potential for growth of what our industry offers and does.

Its an issue close to EI’s heart, having worked extensively in social services for little short of a decade back in what seems like another life now, it was too easy to see how people could suffer with really basic stuff due to mobility or other issues. Really simple tasks like opening the curtains, switching on lights, opening the door, could be a huge challenge and of course can still be for many people. Our industry really is in a position to transform lives for people by dealing with all sorts of issues from straight-forward to more complex needs. Our industry is already in the Assisted Living sector, making life more beautiful, easy, intuitive and entertaining, it only takes a small change to ensure we are taking into account any special needs that those using a building might have.

Many installers of course already do this, creating support for people with mobility issues or hearing loss for example. We have also have featured a few really impressive projects down the years that adapt homes so that they are a perfect fit for the needs of the person occupying them. People living with a disability of any kind, just want products and services that take into account their needs and deliver it

in an integrated way. Too often in the past, products and systems that were created to support people looked liked they should be in a hospital, important to remember these are people’s dwellings and so any system needs to be just as elegant as a home cinema. Its also worth thinking about the impact of Assisted Living systems on the wider community. If these types of systems can be scaled at a decent level into supported living spaces and existing homes, the impact - not just on people’s ability to live more independent, connected and meaningful lives, but the impact of other services such as social care, the NHS and un-paid family carers can be highly significant. However, its not just practical stuff, the Together For Cinema initiative has shown how big an impact entertainment system can be to people living with all sorts of conditions and situations, so when we think about Assisted Living, it’s not just the day to day stuff that is impactful, it’s the fun stuff too. Also important here is the business opportunity available, adding another bespoke aspect to the services we offer for single clients and larger buildings and organisations too, could be big boost to the bottom line. Wellness, coping with COVID and other issues over the last 18 months have also put humans at the centre of system design in way that perhaps they sometimes were not before. All this adds up to an important opportunity for installers.

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.

Proud Media Partners of

04 FEBRUARY 2022

M AU N A KE A

M1 TV

Island Prestige

ELEVATING HOME ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY TO NEW HEIGHTS With Maunakea, L-Acoustics Creations and C SEED combine forces to transform the living space with a heightened home entertainment experience. Maunakea pairs Island Prestige, the visionary immersive sound space by pro audio pioneer L-Acoustics, with C SEED M1, the world’s first unfolding TV. With the push of a button M1 rises from the floor as Island rotates into the perfect viewing position. The stage is set for movies, livestreaming or gaming in ultimate comfort and ultrahigh resolution. Visit l-acoustics-creations.com to learn more or book an appointment in London, Paris, Los Angeles, or at ISE 2022 in Barcelona.

l-acoustics-creations.com

The The European European Market Market Leader Leader in Home Life Safety in Home Life Safety

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE WITHIN SOCIAL HOUSING AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE WITHIN SOCIAL HOUSING AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

THURSDAY 12TH MAY 2022 | INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE BIRMINGHAM THURSDAY 12TH MAY 2022 | INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE BIRMINGHAM

The Community Awards The Community Awards

by Aico|HomeLINK recognise

by Aico|HomeLINK recognise the achievements of inspirational the achievements of inspirational individuals and organisations working individuals and organisations working within the local community and social within the local community and social housing. Hosted by George Clarke, Architect housing. Hosted by George Clarke, Architect and TV presenter, this spectacular awards ceremony and TV presenter, this spectacular awards ceremony will welcome over 300 people and finalists for an evening will welcome over 300 people and finalists for an evening of celebration and entertainment. of celebration and entertainment.

Categories Categories Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative Neighbourhood Transformation Neighbourhood Transformation Resident Engagement Resident Engagement Lifetime Achievement Award Lifetime Achievement Award Women in Fire Safety Award Women in Fire Safety Award

In partnership with In partnership with

College Initiative of the Year College Initiative of the Year Rising Star Award Rising Star Award Electrical Contractor of the Year Electrical Contractor of the Year Inspirational Colleague of the Year Inspirational Colleague of the Year Sustainability Project of the Year Sustainability Project of the Year Best Distributor of the Year Best Distributor of the Year

To enter the Community Awards 2022, please email: marketing@aico.co.uk To enter the Community Awards 2022, please email: marketing@aico.co.uk www.aico.co.uk | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk www.aico.co.uk | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk

Aico Community Awards Advert.indd 1 Aico Community Awards Advert.indd 1

11/01/2022 13:40:55 11/01/2022 13:40:55

NEWS

NEWS REDLINE KICKS OFF 2022 WITH A REFRESHED WEBSITE

Redline invites the industry to visit it refreshed website

A new website offers more information, easier navigation and a better insight into the products and support services offered by Redline.

The company said that it has been working on ways to offer more to dealers on top of the brands that it delivers into the UK AV and install market, offering insights into the products, but also the support services delivered also. Redline also wanted to make the site a better experience for those not so familiar with the company and the brands supplied.

Warren Woodhouse, Marketing Manager, said, “Finding out about who we are, what we do and how

we do it, is now much easier, faster and provides a better route into getting involved with Redline.

“We have also created an updated logo to keep things fresh and show our ambition to continue to evolve to match the needs and ambitions of our installation partners.”

Landing on the home page, visitors will notice a cleaner, more attractive look; with the top of the page providing tabs to access information about the brands, the new White Glove Service, full contacts for the company and tabs to give immediate access to the download area (that provides a wealth of information for installation procedures as well as data sheets). Also at the top of the page is the exclusive Dealer Area where customers can gain access to trade price lists, firmware updates, Control4 and Crestron drivers for the Backpack amplifier as well as special videos focusing on Amina and Artison installation procedures. This area also delivers access to any system special offers currently available.

The home page also now features a ‘New Products’ section as well as deep dives into the different brands and the full details on the White Glove service created for Amina install partners.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

RJ45 MODULAR PLUG

STARTER KITS

Redline red-line.co.uk

KARMA-AV INTRODUCES PERLISTEN AUDIO Karma-AV has announced the addition of the Perlisten Audio range of loudspeakers and subwoofers to its product line-up. The distributor argues Perlisten Audio arrives in the UK with a global pedigree of engineering excellence and innovation. Focussing R&D, marketing, and manufacturing at sites across the US, in Denmark and China with over a century of industry experience, Perlisten Audio offers music and home cinema enthusiasts a completely proprietary path to greater fidelity and value, says Karma-AV. Over five years of advanced modelling, measurement and listening have been dedicated to developing transducers, electronics and software entirely in-house. The UK distributor said precision in production and QC delivers optimum performance and enduring quality from Perlisten’s proprietary technologies, including its Directivity Pattern Control (DPC) array, comprising a waveguided 28mm Beryllium dome tweeter and twin 28mm ‘Textreme’ Poly Carbon mid-range diaphragms, engineered in a single unit to generate accurate and natural dispersion and coherence from 1kHz-30kHz. Perlisten’s DPC is deployed by the brand’s latest Signature ‘S’ range of loudspeakers, which embraces the S7 4-way Tower, a matching S7 Centre model, the three-way stand-mounting S5 Monitor, a threeway S4s angled surround/height/LCR design, and a bookshelf version, the S4b. Underpinning these designs is a range of four active ‘D Range subwoofers.

PASS-THROUGH

S Series designs are available in high gloss ebony and high gloss black or white (S4s in gloss black/ white only), while the R Series models are offered in high gloss black. The D series subs are available in a piano black finish.

Perlisten Audio is the first brand in the world to have received THX Dominus Certification, meant to bridge the gap between large home theatre speakers and those used in movie houses worldwide. Suitable for rooms up to 184 cubic metres and up to a 6m viewing distance, THX Certified Dominus speakers are certified to reproduce high SPLs with low distortion.

Karma-AV karma-av.co.uk

PE RF EC T INTRO TO SIMPLY 45 STRIP,TERMINATE

AND CRIMP

CAT5E - CAT7A IN SINGLE KITS

BETTER QUALITY EASIER & FASTER MORE AFFORDABLE

HIGHEST RJ45 SPEC

Perlisten Audio has been added to Karma-AV’s line up

/Essentialinstall

FEBRUARY 2022 07

REMASTERING THE HOME CINEMA EXPERIENCE Discover a home cinema experience that creates the sensation of being somewhere else.

Find out more:

selfridges@bang-olufsen.co.uk 020 7318 2405

NEWS

WEBINARS FOR DOORBIRD IP DOOR COMMUNICATION Bird Home Automation has been hosting a series of live webinars for electricians, installers, architects, and designers with more dates to come in the future. The webinars provide insights into the wide range of applications and use cases for DoorBird door stations.

Webinar participants get an overview of the DoorBird product portfolio and its specifications, can learn about the various possibilities for integrating DoorBird into multi-tenant buildings and office complexes as well as telephone systems. DoorBird also shows how to design custom intercoms with

individual dimensions and features using the 3D online configurator.

Sessions already completed include: Introduction Webinar – This is DoorBird and DoorBird for Apartment Buildings and Office Complexes. Up-coming sessions include; March 1, 2022 – DoorBird Custom Solutions and 3D Configurator and March 29, 2022 – DoorBird and SIP – Integration into phone system. To register for the free webinars, visit doorbird.com/meet-us.

DoorBird Doorbird.com

Integrators are being offered the chance to learn more about DoorBird

PASS-THROUGH

RJ45 MODULAR PLUGS WITH

ANTI-SHORTING CLIP

TRIAX AND KLODE MEDIA TRANSITION INTO ONE BRAND Following the merger of Spanish company Klode

with shared values and individual strengths combined

Media, formerly Ikusi Multimedia, and Danish

into one.”

company TRIAX, the two companies become one

Chief Client Solutions Officer Alfredo Juarranz said of the transition, “Becoming one TRIAX brand

organisation under one name and brand: TRIAX. Following the announcement of the merge, the

resolves uncertainty for our customers, while at

companies announce the launch of a single merged

the same time bringing them all the benefits of full

entity and brand: TRIAX. The move is a natural step

access to our consolidated range of products and

in transitioning the two entities into a single company

services. The new TRIAX global strengths will enable

that has a deeper solution offering to the market as

to us to innovate in new ways while maintaining our

well as a broader expanding global footprint.

dedication to local partners.”

The headquarters for the united organisation will be in Denmark with subsidiaries in 11 countries and partner presence in 60 more.

Group CEO Ken Cordes explained the significance of becoming one company, “Having one name and one

TRIAX triax.com

PRO SERIES

CAP45™ ISOLATION CAP

PREVENTS SHORTING

RECOMMENDED

FOR HDBASET,

POE/POH, & ALL COMMERCIAL/

RESIDENTIAL

CERTIFIED SYSTEMS

The consolidated product offering will be made available in early 2022

brand is the mark of a new beginning. By becoming one company, it will make it clear to our employees, partners and customers what to expect from us. Also, it will allow us to focus further on developing products and solutions for a rapidly changing market.

“Though the company retains the TRIAX brand, we retain the deep product and solutions knowledge that the Ikusi team brings. It is an exciting time for the business, providing our customers with broader offerings and support. It is a new, revitalised company,

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

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FEBRUARY 2022 09

WE’RE HIRING! TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONSULTANT This role will be to provide technical support and consultation to the Company’s dealers and distributors around the world, for Meridian Audio products, and for 3rd party distributed brands.

It will involve specifying, engineering, configuring, calibrating, commissioning, and troubleshooting networked and stand-alone audio & video systems for trade customers.

ABOUT MERIDIAN AUDIO Meridian, the award-winning British audio pioneer, has been creating innovative audio technologies and elegant, high performance audio products since 1977. Meridian’s ambition is to enable people to listen, enjoy and fall in love with their music and movies wherever they are, and our renowned sound philosophy can be applied in all listening environments.

From the flagship DSP loudspeakers with integrated amplification, to discreet and powerful in-wall loudspeakers, Meridian engineers easy to install, high resolution audio systems for the home.

Meridian’s products are sold by custom integrators and audio specialists in more than 80 countries, worldwide.

Meridian works with many of the world’s leading brands and our customers include British Airways, Human Horizons, LG Electronics, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia and Rivian, enabling millions of consumers around the world to experience our sound throughout their homes, and in automotive, marine and airline settings.

For full job description including responsibilities, skills and experience required visit meridian-audio.com/recruitment To apply, please send a copy of your CV to UKJobs@meridian.co.uk

For more job opportunites please visit meridian-audio.com/recruitment

THE 1ST INTRUDER ALARM COMPANY TO BE AWARDED THE SECURE BY DESIGN ACCREDITATION

ELECTRONIC SECURITY & FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS

PRODUCTS & SERVICES: • Smart Home Integration • Intruder Alarms • Access Control • Smoke Cloak

• Locksmiths • Fire Alarms • Safes • CCTV

At Tindall Security, we work directly with the AV and the custom installation industry, helping them to meet the needs of their customers by offering: • Intruder alarm supply and installation • Fire alarm supply and installation • Locksmith services • High-performance safes We pride ourselves in providing the very highest quality of security and fire detection systems.

This, coupled with our reliability and professionalism is what we believe sets us apart.

TINDALLSECURITY.CO.UK 0800 433 7748

NEWS

ISE ANNOUNCES THREE-MONTH POSTPONEMENT

ISE will now take place in May 2022

After consultation with the ISE exhibitor and visitor community and in the light of the increasing impact of the Omicron variant in Spain, Integrated Systems Events announced that ISE 2022, scheduled for 1-4 February, had been postponed and will now take place on 10-13 May 2022 at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía.

Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, said “We’ve been closely monitoring

the conditions in Europe and have been working hard on your behalf to balance health and safety concerns with the need for commerce and in-person interaction. It’s been a challenging time for so many over the past two years, and whilst we cannot wait to meet up with everyone at ISE 2022, listening to our exhibitors, owners and stakeholders, we have agreed the best course of action is to postpone the show edition for three months.

“By moving the event to the spring, it provides time for our community to rebalance and for confidence in international travel and meetings to resume. We will be working closely with all our exhibitors and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new dates. We look forward to hosting the global AV community at ISE 2022 in May in our new home in Barcelona.”

Daryl Friedman, CEO, CEDIA added, “We want to ensure ISE 2022 will be a great success for visitors and exhibitors alike as it has been for nearly two decades, and that starts with bringing together as much of our community as possible. We know the entire home technology industry is enthusiastic about coming together in-person, and we are confident this move to May will ensure the most vibrant return for all participants. We cannot wait to connect with all of you in Barcelona this spring.”

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RJ45 MODULAR PLUGS

Integrated Systems Europe iseurope.org

MAYFLEX LAUNCHES AEM TESTER HIRE SERVICE Mayflex has launched a hire service for the test and measurement solutions from AEM. Mayflex partnered with AEM in November 2021 to bring the company’s innovative solutions to the UK, providing customers with a greater choice and more options when it comes to testing. The TestPro CV100 model has the quickest Cat6A autotest at just 6 seconds, just a third of the time required by some alternative offerings on the market today. The TestPro CV100 kits also come with a three-year extended warranty package which means no additional costs over that period to keep the tester updated, calibrated and even repaired should they experience accidental damage.

Ross McLetchie, Sales Director, Mayflex, commented, “Since the launch of AEM in the UK we’ve had a fantastic response from our customers, we ran 16 webinars where numerous customers attended to find out more about AEM and their tester range. We’ve also conducted many product demonstrations and the sales in the initial months have far exceeded our expectations, as our customers have realised the technical and financial benefits of choosing AEM.” Ross continued, ‘We do understand that for any installation company the initial outlay to purchase testers can be quite considerable. To this end we will

PASS-THROUGH

be offering our customers the opportunity to hire an AEM tester on a weekly basis, as and when required, at a competitive weekly rental price. This also gives customers the chance to try the AEM TestPro or Network Service Assistant to see the many benefits on offer and experience the ease of use, before they decide to buy one.”

Ross concluded, ‘We will be running more webinars and regular ‘Hands on AEM’ demonstration days throughout the UK during 2022 to show the many features and benefits of the range – more details will be available shortly via our website.”

Mayflex mayflex.com

EASIER FOR ALL RJ45 TERMINATIONS: CAT5E UTP, CAT5E STP

CAT6 UTP, CAT6 STP

CAT6A UTP

CAT6A/7A STP BETTER QUALITY EASIER & FASTER MORE AFFORDABLE

HIGHEST RJ45 SPEC

New options to gain access to the AEM range of testers

/Essentialinstall

FEBRUARY 2022 11

NEWS

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE LILIN UK has welcomed Matthew McLernon to the company’s sales team. Matthew joins LILIN from a background in telesales, previously working with companies such as Mercedes Benz, TwentyCI and O’Donnell Moonshine. Matthew will be working alongside Wendy Ficken to provide LILIN’s customers with project assistance, including product specification and personalised training and demonstrations.

In her fifth year with LILIN UK, Jasmine Godfrey has been promoted to Marketing and Key Accounts Manager, consolidating her focus on continuing to support the company’s local and international distributors whilst developing and managing LILIN UK’s marketing strategy.

CEO Steve Liddiard is thrilled with these new appointments, “Matthew has jumped in to getting to grips with the product straight away and has formed fast bonds with the rest of the team- we’re glad to welcome him and his enthusiasm and we look forward to getting him out on the road. Jasmine’s tenacity, consistent hard work and willingness to learn will help us execute our future plans.”

Technology distributor Exertis has announced the appointment of Jawad Bhatti as IT Director, Data & Analytics. Jawad will take on responsibility for overseeing the integrity of Exertis’ master data through maintaining business intelligence capabilities for the wider business.

Jawad has specialised in data and insights for twenty years, covering the full data life cycle and specialising in delivering data solutions for all kinds of businesses, regardless of size or industry. Reporting into Liz Greenwood, UK IT Director, Bhatti will oversee a team of three.

Jawad said, “I am looking forward to taking on the challenge and servicing the wider business to make data accessible in a clean, insight-driven fashion.

I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead a talented team in such a fast-paced, growing business.”

Pulse-Eight, manufacturer of home AV distribution products, has announced that Kiran Patel, former Account Manager at SY Electronics has joined an ever-expanding team as Southern Regional Sales Manager. Effective immediately, Kiran will be overseeing both dealer and distributor relationships

Jawad Bhatti

Kiran Patel

Phil Goldsworth 12 FEBRUARY 2022

in the Southern regions of UK. Global Sales Director, Marc Waple, said, “Kiran brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Pulse-Eight. We can’t wait to see him bring his own flare to the company”.

Smartcomm’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Jamie Blakemore as the new Director of Operations for Smartcomm. Jamie brings a wide range of relevant industry experience, from supply to integration and distribution, and is very highly regarded in the industry. The Board believe his input from a strategic and operational perspective will be hugely significant for the next phase of Smartcomm’s growth and expansion over the next 3-5 years.

Smartcomm Limited is a multi-award winning, privately owned company that has been designing, integrating and supporting Audio Visual, IT and unified communication solutions since its formation in 1999.

Solotech, specialist in AV and entertainment technology, announces two significant appointments to its UK management team. Ryan Thomas and Phil Goldsworthy have taken over UK Sales and Systems Integration leadership for SSE Audio, Wigwam Acoustics, Capital Sound and BCS Audio.

Both Ryan and Phil report to Solotech UK MD Bryce Jewell, working in close collaboration with Solotech Live Productions leaders as well as overseeing corporate functions. They take over after the departure of Alex Penn, who served as Sales and Systems Integration Managing Director at SSE Audio before leaving to pursue other professional interests.

Phil brings over 17 years of experience at Wigwam Acoustics and two years as the UK Group’s Systems Integration Manager to his new role as Head of Systems Integration. His extensive experience, versatility and deep knowledge of the business will guarantee success for the Division, which is seen as one of the major growth areas for the company.

Ryan will serve as Head of Sales for Solotech’s UK companies. With over 20 years of experience in various pro audio sales functions, he will continue the success he brought to his previous role as SSE Group Sales Manager. Ryan will drive the growth of the Division and ensure it remains one of UK’s leading sales centres for world-class AV equipment.

Jamie Blakemore

Ryan Thomas

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essentialinstall.com

Make it Real We’re proud to be adding the StormAudio brand of cinema processing and amplification to our luxury home cinema lineup.

Visit habitech.co.uk for further information. www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk

ESSENTIAL AWE

EXPERIENCE THE LATEST IN RESIDENTIAL TECH AT AWE EXPO AWE explains the details for the return of the AWE Expo on the 29th-30th March!

The AWE Smart Home Expo is back! This will be our first Expo since 2019 and we can’t wait to throw open the doors of the Show Apartment at our Epsom HQ on March 29-30.

This in-person event will be the first place to see brand new product launches and our fully upgraded show apartment and cinema rooms.

As a COVID secure business, visitors can rest assured that the format will be managed to ensure compliance with any COVID guidelines in existence at that time.

We have the coolest and latest technology to show you - supported by representatives and talks from our industry leading brands.

This will be the Expo debut of the unsurpassed range of Ci and Hi-Fi loudspeakers from Bowers & Wilkins and immense amplification from Rotel, now both exclusively available to integrators via AWE.

TWO FULLY REFITTED CINEMA ROOMS

We’re pretty sure that top of your list will be a demonstration in both our completely revamped cinema rooms too. We have always set benchmarks for others to match, and our dedicated rooms have been fully refitted and will reset expectations of what can be achieved at their price points.

14 FEBRUARY 2022

The AWE Reference Cinema. The audio in this clean and sophisticated space is insanely good, thanks to a combination of Bowers & Wilkins architectural loudspeakers and subwoofers driven by an immense stack of Rotel Power Amplifiers. Rich in power, dynamics and detail, the sound in this cinema is, quite simply, amazing. It blows away what was there before, and we have been told the competition too – a bold claim that you need to validate by experiencing it yourself!

We’ve fitted Bowers & Wilkins CI 800 Series Diamond speakers and Custom Theatre subwoofers in a 7.4.6 configuration – the most popular configuration for this size room.

A Marantz Processor feeds into a stack of five Rotel Power Amplifiers housed in one of three Sanus 44U racks located in the adjacent comms room. Four cabinet subwoofers (CTSW15) with 15in bass drivers powered by additional dedicated amplification provide the heart-thumping bass that completes this highperforming and versatile loudspeaker set-up.

This powerful, immersive audio system is matched by the incredible 4m wide HDR picture provided by a choice of Sony projectors, with the 10,000 lumen and 100% DCI-P3 wide colour gamut Sony VPL-GTZ380 Native 4k laser projector providing an image that once seen, can’t be unseen! It’s Sony’s flagship home

cinema projector for a reason so make sure you take a closer look at that, alongside the full range of native 4K lamp and laser models from Sony.

We’re also totally upgrading our smaller Performance Cinema as well, with the official unveiling being at AWE Expo. The brandnew system here is a superb combination of Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series architectural loudspeakers and in-wall cabinet subwoofers, driven by a single 11-channel Marantz AV Amplifier and dedicated sub amps, all located in the room. This room hits a sweet spot for CI cinema rooms. We have fitted Epson’s recently launched EH-LS12000B projector which features a high 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4K resolution (8.3mil pixels on-screen), HDR10+ support, 3LCD and a laser lightsource. It’s equally adept as a movie projector as it is for gaming, offering 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, along with input lag times below 20ms. We’re sure you’ll agree that it’s a projector that’s stands out at its price point.

Both rooms feature URC for seamless control, and we collaborated with industry favourite, Cinema Build Systems on the aesthetic of the rooms. They’ve worked with us to reimagine the Reference Cinema’s interior, equipping them with stunning new looks thanks to their Cinema Space Frame system, combined with Camira fabric walling and embedded colour-changing LED Light diffuser strips. Our goal was to present industry leading performance in a stunning space, without the decor distracting from the core technology and experience.

REVAMPED SHOW APARTMENT

The main show apartment has been substantially refitted featuring loads of new tech too. A Sony 100in Pro Bravia screen can’t help but catch the eye and is a regular seller at the new low price point of just £13,999 SRP, which provides a serious alternative to UST projector solutions that works in all lighting conditions and has a better refresh rate.

The study area features the latest Gallery OLED from LG alongside the gorgeous Bowers

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ESSENTIAL AWE & Wilkins 702 S2 floor standing speakers and Rotel amplification combo. The sound is simply sublime, and the gallery OLED is both appealing and discrete.

The latest Sony 77in OLED TV has been fitted in the living room area but, investigate further and you will notice that the fabric surround is actually custom designed, housing 3 x Bowers & Wilkins 7.2 LCR speakers and 2 x IWS04 subwoofers. This is the Architect Frame and is being imported exclusively by AWE to provide integrators a stunning new option for a discrete high-performance speaker solution around a TV. The whole apartment is controlled by the latest URC MRX-30 processor and operated by a combination of URC TKP-8600 8in In-Wall Touchscreens and TRC-1480 2.4in Touchscreen LCD remote controls, both featuring integrated voice control. URC HDA Amps distribute up to eight sources across multiple zones (up to eight in stereo or 16 in mono) providing superb multiroom high-definition audio.

Window shading options from Silent Gliss are on show in the apartment, both the signature Wave curtains and Smart system

roller blinds. Representatives will be on hand to explain how AWE integrators are provided a full on-site design, consultation, and quote service completely free of charge.

The nationwide

installation and after sales support service is also all included within the quoted price with approved trade discounts, removing the risk and dedicated knowledge requirements from the integrator.

The apartment also features the Base Performance Simulators Blade Sim - a custombuilt, professional grade race simulator. The Precision Sim GPX Steering Wheel and professional steering motor from Simucube delivers the most realistic steering feel in simulation. For sound and vision, Blade is supplied with an on-board speaker system and headset plus a single 49in curved Samsung monitor with 120hz refresh rate, which creates a fully immersive driving experience. This is a sim for those wanting an authentic simulator experience, and upgrade options in screens, audio and motion are available.

What else will you see at Expo?

Well, we will have the first showing anywhere of the brand new 4K and 8K screens for 2022 from Sony, LG and Panasonic, plus the UK premiere of a QD-OLED from Sony, a new panel technology recently unveiled at CES. This panel combines OLED with quantum dot technology for the highest colour purity and picture quality available to date.

You can also check out the other Sony Master Series TVs, including the A90K OLED and Z9K Mini LED TV with upgraded NetflixCalibrated mode, specially designed to ensure picture quality preservation according to the filmmaker’s vision and intent no matter what the lighting conditions are.

There will also be the chance to see the latest from Definitive Technology together with amplifiers and receivers from Marantz and Denon, as well as multi-room audio products featuring Heos.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to view the latest updates to the URC Total Control platform up close, with its new highly versatile and easy to program Accelerator 3 software, and entry level MRX-5 and premium MRX30 processors, alongside other smart home solutions from Ring X-line.

We’ll also be detailing a host of manufacturer presentations featuring key announcements soon, will have special incentives and promotions for attendees, and our legendary AWE Spit Roast (with vegan options) at lunchtime!

The AWE Smart Home Expo is the UK’s first event of 2022 where you can experience first-hand what’s new and exciting in the home technology industry. After what we’ve all been through these last two years, you’d be mad to miss it, and miss out!

AWE awe-europe.com For more information and to register for your place visit aweeuro.pe/expo2022ei

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FEBRUARY 2022 15

ESSENTIAL CEDIA

CERTIFICATIONS MATTER Andy Baker of Bakerstone Systems explains the value of getting CEDIA Certified.

Gaining certifications is really important. Firstly, it shows a person’s commitment to developing themselves and their career. That brings a sense of real job satisfaction and worth to any individual. It’s one thing to list a skill on your CV, but it’s quite another to have an industryrecognised certification as an accepted benchmark for that skill with all that that means.

A certification builds credibility and trust and can be an important differentiator that you can present to potential customers or employers as proof of your reliability and expertise in a crowded marketplace.

As an employer, it’s important that you know the people you’re employing have a baseline knowledge and set of skills that have been independently verified.

‘Hire a certified technician’ is a simple message that any employer or, for that matter, any homeowner can easily understand.

Recognised credentials also mean there is visibility to, and greater parity with, other design and trade professionals who can now tell they are working alongside someone who takes their work seriously and professionally. This is an important benchmark for our industry as a whole, as we position our knowledge and expertise alongside more established professions.

This is why gaining ISO accreditation for CEDIA’s new Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification is such a big deal. It has the

16 FEBRUARY 2022

potential to drive a massive change in how our industry is not only recognised but valued.

The CIT certification represents a technician whose primary task is to perform basic infrastructure wiring for low-voltage technology systems in a residential or commercial setting.

Certified technicians are able to use proper tools and techniques, follow instructions according to project documentation, and operate in a safe and professional manner on a site. It means that they understand the basic function of wiring and termination components being installed and are aware of common equipment and systems applications which they may assist with mounting and installing during later phases of a project.

While these individuals typically work under supervision, the CIT certification indicates to employers that they are job site ready, can work billable hours performing cabling and installation support, and have foundational knowledge to support additional training on equipment and technology systems.

The CIT certification is just the first developed by CEDIA to receive ANSI/ ISO accreditation: the foundations have been laid for more certifications to go through this process in the future, and the work has already begun.

I’ve been privileged to be a part of the CEDIA Certification Commission for the past two years and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with colleagues and volunteers from across the

world as we develop these new certifications for our industry in the future.

Yes, it’s true that CEDIA already had certifications available. But these weren’t internationally recognised or ‘benchmarked’ against accepted criteria which limited their usefulness when talking to other design or trade professionals, local authorities and even governments.

Also, unlike previous CEDIA certifications, the CIT certification is the first to be available globally for anyone who wishes to get educated and tested to work in our industry, whichever background they come from, whether that’s IT, electrical contracting or elsewhere.

To date, we can report that 87 candidates from the CEDIA EMEA region have taken the examination with 58 of those being successful in gaining their CIT Certification.

We are excited about this programme, and expect many more integrators to achieve CIT certification, and other certifications in the future. You can learn more about what CIT Certification is all about, the requirements, and the hybrid learning pathways that support it at cedia.net/certification.

Bakerstone bakerstone.com

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PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR CI PROFESSIONALS SINCE 2000

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

HOME CINEMA ACOUSTICS: A NEW APPROACH Working in partnership with the experts at Vicoustic, Pulse Cinemas says it has created a new way to approach high-performance home cinemas when building the company’s new Reference Cinema. Simon Schino, Director of Sales and Marketing explains.

They have done the maths, so you don’t have to. Consider acoustic treatment for every space in your customers home not just where there is AV.

THE AV ELEMENT

Still using fabric wrap to hide speakers and ‘finish off’ your home cinema rooms? Then you need to come and see how our Reference Cinema demonstration space has been created.

For too long, installers, interior designers and end users have had to settle for a fabric wrap finish to their home cinemas to create a tidy look and make the project feel ‘finished’.

For a time, this may have been acceptable, but like all new innovations, once you get a taste of the future, you never want to go back, and you see clearly how compromised the old ways of doing things were.

The fabric wrap approach was ‘ok’, it hid a multitude of aesthetic issues including ‘ugly’ acoustic treatments and surround sound speakers, but what if you could build a cinema genuinely wedded to the principles of form meeting function and not have to compromise on performance or looks at all? What if we could treat the space so the audio is tuned to perfection but use those same treatment panels to provide a canvas onto which any interior design vision for the space could be realised?

This is what you get with Vicoustic, the best treatment of the audio, but also a product that delivers a myriad of possibilities from a design and aesthetic point of view. In the Reference Cinema our in-house interior design team have gone with a classic, timeless floral design, but the construction process from Vicoustic is so flexible that you can make any vision a reality. The company has experts designing its products and systems so installers do not

18 FEBRUARY 2022

need to learn all the extremely complex issues that arise when dealing with acoustics. Simply work with us and the team at Vicoustic and we can together create a scheme that is designed specifically for your space.

Other Vicoustic presence in the room is represented by the audio diffusers which frame the room’s walls at regular intervals. Again, form meets function here as these panels provide a home to the Lutron lighting that delivers the usual practical and aesthetic advantages of this world leading lighting system. These diffusers also serve to hide the Alcons Audio surround sound drivers positioned exactly where they need to be to deliver maximum audio performance. The Vicoustic arrangements here are exquisitely precise.

Moving onto the ceiling and Vicoustic is again in action with a beautifully sculptural diffuser adorning the space. This obviously has a performance function, but if you did not know this, you would simply believe a beautiful sculpture had been fitted to the ceiling to add drama and a stunning contemporary feel to the room.

Just a note here on acoustic treatment in general; Vicoustic has experience creating audio solutions for just about any type of space.

This means that beautiful Vicoustic creations can be present in media room installations, but also dining rooms and home offices, in fact any area where audio needs to be controlled to create a more pleasant relaxing space or a more engaging workspace.

The Alcons Audio CRMS-Series is a huge part of the cinema. This company is the first to truly translate world-class commercial cinema performance into the home. The brand with its intelligent amplifiers and world-class speakers, bristles with technology to make any space a jaw-dropping experience. Yes, you can get systems that move air and are precise, but are they musical? Do they go beyond reference performance to deliver character? This system does and we can help you recreate it.

This cinema also boasts the Sim2 Dual Stack Nero 4S which combines two projectors to deliver the true potential of 21st century imaging including harvesting the very best that HDR has to offer.

We are delighted to announce that the system also includes a Trinnov Altitude 32 Processor. The Trinnov here is lovingly partnering with the Alcons Audio, a very strong combination, promoting the most expansive, precise and ambitious audio set up available for the space.

Kaleidescape is also included providing the content and a Décor Mask Screen Research installation shows how even at rest the cinema can add to the aesthetics. Controlling the space is RTI, placing the power of this wonderful amalgamation of home cinema expertise into the palm of your hand.

A special mention also has to go to the Fortress Seating in this space. Using the West End model as a base, various iterations have been created to show the comfort and versatility of this world-leading brand.

Ultimately, what our new Reference Cinema represents is a goodbye to compromise and a hello to holistic home cinema. Book now to witness this new evolution of the home cinema concept.

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

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ESSENTIAL COMPETITION

WIN LOVE2SHOP VOUCHERS, COURTESY OF ANSELL LIGHTING Ansell Lighting celebrates its 30th birthday this year – and to mark the occasion is giving Essential Install readers the chance to win £300 of Love2Shop vouchers.

Ansell, which is headquartered in Warrington and operates across Europe, recently opened a new showroom in Madrid and is planning a year of events and launches to celebrate the milestone.

This includes • Launching 30 innovative new products across the year to underline its commitment to developing and producing high quality luminaires for the commercial, domestic, industrial and architectural markets.

• Holding staff fundraising events to help Our Blue Light – a charity providing mental health and wellbeing support to emergency and essential services workers – reach its £30k fundraising target.

• Sponsoring high profile music events, providing lighting for six Classic Ibiza concerts at stately homes in July and August.

• Inviting wholesalers and installers to nominate deserving causes for lighting support.

• Extending the #AwesomeAnsell campaign, which celebrates installation projects featuring Ansell products.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, says, “It’s a real achievement to reach our 30th birthday. The business has grown phenomenally over this time but we still have strong growth ambitions. We are keen to share the celebrations with our wholesale customers, installers, colleagues and friends throughout the year.”

COMPETITION GOES LIVE ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2022

To register please scan the QR code, fill in the form online and correctly answer the question.*

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FEBRUARY 2022 19

ESSENTIAL HABITECH

MAKE IT REAL

StormAudio will deliver the quintessence of what is possible in high-end home cinema

The doyen of jaw-dropping immersive ambience, StormAudio fits perfectly at the high-end of Habitech’s home cinema offering says product manager Stewart Day. You wouldn’t bring a peashooter to a gun fight, so why would you contemplate using anything other than StormAudio to get the immersive best from your home cinema design.

Uniquely, StormAudio can give you state-of-the-art 32 channel processing with up to 20 PEQs per channel for the leading immersive formats, as well as the entire Dirac repertoire - auto and manual, HDMI 2.1 support, the most versatile zonal bass management capabilities, modular upgradability, audiophile sound quality, multiple third-party automation control options and enough power to achieve reference levels in the largest spaces - all with radically intuitive web-based set-up and control from PC, iOS and Android apps. Long and short, StormAudio hands you the power to boss the space with unrivalled ease and in the shortest time possible. Mission accomplished!

OUTSIDE THE BOX, INSIDE THE SPACE

If you didn’t know, the brand has played a trailblazing role in the evolution of immersive audio. Long before Auro Technologies and Dolby had revolutionised the experience of sound in

20 FEBRUARY 2022

commercial theatres, StormAudio’s founders were developing the first immersive AV receiver, dubbed ‘Auriga’. And when Auro Technologies acquired StormAudio, those formative skills were focussed on shaping the future of objectmapped formats in the home. In other words, StormAudio can claim to have influenced the course of immersive audio thinking – far more than any rival. Building on this knowhow, its DSP wizards have created a processing platform that wrings every last drop of immersive essence from today’s object-based formats to deliver the most astonishing audio experiences with peerless versatility and convenience.

What’s more, huge investment in R&D allows the company to offer new technologies such as its StormXT channel expander or flexible bass management, and gifts it with the ability to quickly incorporate evolutionary tech enhancements. Simply put, StormAudio has rewritten the rulebook on immersive performance and configuration, and futureproofed the capability.

POWERFUL MODULARITY

Take a look at the flagship ISP Elite processors from the back and you’ll appreciate the scope of this key StormAudio advantage. In stark contrast with any competitor, StormAudio can offer 32ch XLR connectors on a back panel, or 32ch AES/EBU outputs, or AES67/Dante with

32ch inputs and outputs. No other rival offers 32 outputs of AES/EBU (with the +32 Digital AES/EBU module): competitors are limited to 16, forcing a mix of digital and analogue outputs in larger configurations. And the provision for 7 in / 2 out HDMI with HDCP 2.2, 18 Gbps, 4k UHD on all ports, supporting HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision (with HDMI 2.1 upgrade coming early this year), completes an unrivalled range of options. Buy what you need. Upgrade when necessary. Protect your investment.

PEERLESS RELIABILITY

Unlike its main rival, which runs its complete firmware stack on a PC Intel based platform, cramming control, decoding and postprocessing processes into a single software system sharing the same resources, StormAudio’s processors use multiple DSP chips, each dedicated to individual tasks.

Decoding of Dolby Atmos up to 13.1.10, DTS:X Pro 13.1.10 and Auro-3D 7.1.6 is performed by a TI DSP; calibration uses Analog Devices DSPs; post-processing/up-mixing is through further Analog Devices DSPs, and the proprietary OS runs on an ARM processor. This means that an issue within a single process cannot freeze the system, and boot times are rapid: 25 seconds at first boot and 8 seconds from standby, compared with over a minute on the rival system, which has no fast boot option.

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ESSENTIAL HABITECH

MULTIPLE ZONES

Through a leap of design logic, each output can be used either for a cinema speaker, as an active crossover element (up to 4 way), or to feed another zone. In fact, StormAudio is the only brand that allows you the freedom to allocate the available outputs to multiple cinemas and 2ch rooms. For instance, with a 24ch processor you can set up a 7.2.4 home cinema with 3-way active crossovers for the LCR speakers (using 3 outputs for each speaker) and use the remaining 5 outputs to manage 2 stereo zones and 1 mono zone - plus 1 stereo zone with the Zone 2 output.

Each of these zones can be uber-calibrated to the finest degree manually or by using Dirac Live.

THE FULL DIRAC

Dirac Live’s unrivalled power and simplicity make it the obvious choice for automatic room calibration on StormAudio’s ISP Elite MK2 and Core 16 processors. For relative beginners, a simple button press delivers great results.

But there’s more. The ‘Dirac Live Bass Control add-on’ functionality on both platforms uses sophisticated machine learning to analyse the behaviour of any speaker type, automatically smoothing bass reproduction in the crossover region and offering flexibility in the placement of any number of subs to optimise system response in-room. In 2020, StormAudio was the first to implement the add-on feature and is still the only manufacturer to support it for 32 speakers.

TWEAKERS’ PARADISE

Moreover, experienced tweakers will have access to unprecedented post-processing power from a range of manual settings and target curves. These include StormAudio’s Expert Bass Management of up to six bass zones with selectable bass routing, or ‘Sub-Theatre’ design, which allows installed cinema speakers to play a dual role in stereo systems sharing the same space. Create presets combining content, speakers used and calibration, and recall them at a touch via StormAudio’s iOS and Android apps, or through compatible home automation systems (Control4, Crestron, Savant, RTI, ELAN).

And to avoid silent speaker scenarios and quizzical looks from your customer, the ‘StormXT’ algorithm on the ISP Elite MK2 (optional on the Core 16) uses all the speakers available - regardless of Codec – preserving smooth audio transitions and spatial resolution

in the process. While the main competitor offers a 3D remapping function to correct at a microphone capture position, the StormXT ambience expander extracts the diffused sound of adjacent speakers and sends a sensible ambience signal to all silent channels for a richer sense of immersion at every seat in the room.

combined forces of StormAudio and Habitech as back up, you’re sure to hit every target on the path to audio nirvana.

Please contact the Habitech team for a demonstration.

EASIEST SET-UP AND CONTROL

Accessible from any web browser, the industry’s most intuitive and comprehensive set-up wizard is available through StormAudio’s configuration UI. It’s built with such impeccable logic that anyone familiar with AV UIs will find it a doddle to master. The wizard guides you step-by-step through initial set-up, speaker configuration, Dirac calibration and control configuration in as little as two hours. After that, the process of subjective fine tuning will take longer, but with so many parameters available to optimise, the outcome is bound to be glorious.

POWER PARTNERS

Especially so when driven by StormAudio’s partnering power units. The 16 channel PA.16 MK2, and 8 channel PA.8 each pack 3kW with high SNR and low THD into 3U spaces, and can be monitored through the StormAudio UI, providing system information such as temperature status and cooling control, enabling remote diagnosis, and simplifying your life. What’s more, the PA.8 can be bridged to 800W/4ch to deliver a flexible range of power permutations for any system, from a small 7.1 design to a large 13.X.10 cinema.

StormAudio offers up to 32ch output supported by the widest range of dynamic power options

MAKE IT REAL

And if the above isn’t enough reason to partner with StormAudio, consider the fabled support available from our dedicated teams - we can even connect remotely to the processors to see what’s what! Clearly, StormAudio is the perfect complement to high-end installs of Wisdom Audio speakers in any configuration. For a smaller 7.2.4 installation, it will supply superior sound quality, reliability and ease of setup while offering peerless upgradability. For the largest spaces StormAudio will deliver the quintessence of what is possible in high-end home cinema, providing unlimited settings, active crossovers, personalised response curves and expert bass management. With all this firepower, and with the

Expert Bass Management allows for multi-zone bass routing

With peerless modularity you can buy what you need and upgrade when necessary to protect your investment

Habitech habitech.co.uk

‘Sub-Theatre’ tool assigns a dual role to installed speakers

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FEBRUARY 2022 21

ESSENTIAL HDANYWHERE

DESIGNED WITH PUBS IN MIND MHUB S is whole-venue TV and sound with clockwork automations and app control as HDANYWHERE explains.

In the period between 2010 and 2020, the UK saw a decline of pubs with businesses failing on average by 15% (Source: House of Commons Library, Pub Statistics 21st May 2021). Covid aside, there are other factors at play here - with the price of an average pint costing £5 these days, the requirement to make a pub, bar or venue stand out has never been more important.

Arguably, one relatively easy way to enhance any venue is an upgrade of the AV on offer. Gone are the days when a TV hanging off the wall with cables dangling underneath, crappy pictures

easily; spec’ing any venue is only two SKUs, installation is no different to installing any other MHUB system and control (already used by tens of thousands of MHUB owners) can be taught in a single demonstration to even the most old-school of pub landlords/ladies.

The best part is that if you specify MHUB S in your next pub or commercial project and use our standard control you’re likely to come out the most competitive too with savings approaching almost 50% compared with video over IP installations of the same size.

The clubhouse at Malvern Town FC is using MHUB S and MHUB AUDIO for video + audio distribution

and (even worse!) sound would have met the bar, ahem, pardon the pun! The millennials and generation x’ers who frequent these establishments require more in every regard: better selection of drinks, better ambience, great vibes and importantly, better AV.

MHUB S AS A SERIOUS CONTENDER HDANYWHERE can’t improve the vibes or the beer but one thing we can definitely do is improve the AV and we can do this relatively

The responsive Support team is available to help spec and support projects to assist you in ensuring correct product selection, minimum installation time and overall peace of mind, before, during and after installation.

Get a quote for your system today: HDANYWHERE.COM/mhub-s

Easy operation from uControl, free with every MHUB

HDANYWHERE ARE UNMATCHED HDANYWHERE has an enviable track record of reliable installations in entertainment and hospitality venues around the globe, uses tried and tested technologies, have truly unique products like MHUB S that are the easiest to install and maintain and are the only brand that offers the value of a distribution and a genuinely capable and field-proven control system, all for the price of just the distribution system.

HDANYWHERE is our go-to brand for installs like pubs and bars.

From one system I get control over video and audio.

It’s a no-brainer really.

Greg Starkins - Apex AV - The Prince London

22 FEBRUARY 2022

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Introducing MHUB S, our stackable MHUB.

Supporting up to 32 zones of video, 100m of 18G/4K range, downscaling and full ownscaling and full control of the system, MHUB S can go head-to-head with AV over IP... and win. over IP... and win.

See it first at EI Live!

HDANYWHERE.COM/MHUB-S Patented: GB 2548668, US 10587822, HK 1238827. CN 108259784

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ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS

THE BIG CHIP CHALLENGE! This well established Glasgow eatery needed AV to match its unique take on dining and top quality drinks.

Famous for fine wine, whisky and excellence in Scottish cuisine, Ubiquitous Chip is one of the longest serving restaurants in Glasgow today.

Situated within a fantastic setting on Ashton Lane in Glasgow’s West End since 1971, the restaurant uses an extraordinary mix of room design, subtle artificial lighting and cascading natural light amid islands of lush foliage to create the setting for customers to share intimate (or rowdy) dining experiences in a range of individual environments day and night.

The challenge for installer Lairds of Troon was to design a multi-zone sound system that would lend individual atmospheres to the different environments within the restaurant, enhancing the customer experience without imposing on conversations or detracting from the room design. “We wanted to build upon the vitality, freshness and colour of the spaces with excellent full-range audio quality that would blend in and be easy to control zonally by the restaurant staff”, says Lairds’ Tom Watson.

work at high volumes without distortion, helping to create a high-quality musical backdrop even on a jumping Saturday night.”

Tom adds, “What’s more, the performance of the Mariners is such that intelligibility and audio dynamics are excellent at lower volumes as well, and this offers more scope to get the sound just right.”

The system extends to the beautiful and secluded rooftop terrace where the Mariners’ all-weather capabilities count as much as their

sonic ones. Says Tom, “Those bold enough to enjoy their drinks in the hearty weather that Glasgow has to offer can opt to sit outside on the rooftop terrace. Ubiquitous Chip loves this space, and it’s available all year round, rain or shine. The Mariners perform perfectly in outdoor conditions, preserving the continuity of the restaurant’s unique ambience.” Lairds will be installing a further amp and two Mariners within UC’s alfresco zone in the near future.

THE SOLUTION

Lairds selected Sonance Mariner 54 speakers for the project, driven and tablet-controlled by Yamaha’s super-compact MusicCast WXC-50 pre and WXA-50 power amplifiers. Tom takes up the story, “We placed the Mariners strategically and discreetly throughout the levels of the restaurant. They blend perfectly with the interior and, via their ‘Fastmount’ brackets, are easily directable for optimum coverage. And they can

24 FEBRUARY 2022

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CREATE SMARTER HOMES KNX is a global building control system that allows all building functions to be controlled within one userfriendly platform. At the heart of KNX is a robust, scalable and customisable system.

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SUPPORT

SAR-WM Wall Mount for Sonos Arc Allows you to install Sonos Arc quickly and easily onto any suitable wall. A unique 30mm step positions the Arc’s top-firing speakers in front of the TV. Designed and manufactured in the UK with precision engineered high grade-steel.

SAR-TVMA TV Mount Attachment for Sonos Arc Holds the Arc securely in place while allowing it to move with the screen.

Flexson’s unique design positions the Sonos Arc 30mm in front of the TV, allowing you to harness the power of Dolby Atmos.

Includes two sets of arms for the perfect installation.

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

ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS

The Mariner line of surface mounted speakers delivers higher musical performance with more installation options than before.

Seven models across three sizes and three performance levels feature IP66-rated paintable sealed Polypropylene enclosures in black or white, and perforated Aluminium grilles. A patented FastMount push-and-lock bracket system eliminates clumsy threaded knobs and guards against theft.

Yamaha MusicCast WXC-50 pre and WXA50 power amplifiers are also key here.

The WXC-50/WXA-50 allow access to and app control over a wide variety of audio content from stored music libraries and streaming services, delivering high quality sound to multiple speakers in multi-room settings.

A great example here of when a unique space such as this can really benefit from a flexible system that allows the staff to easily paint a picture that enhances the atmosphere and keeps customers coming back for more.

SPACE-TO-SPACE

Independent music selection and volume in the different spaces can be achieved through the MusicCast system (which is linked to the restaurant’s cloud server), so that each has a unique full-range sound, custom curated for the mood in the room.

As Tom says, “The hard-grafting staff at Ubiquitious Chip don’t have the time or inclination to fiddle with complicated controls, so the MusicCast system is perfect for the job. It’s easy to use and set up, allowing them touch-control over zone, volume and virtually any streaming service, so that the music fits perfectly with any occasion in the venue.

This ease of control also includes a One Push Play feature, which turns the system on and initiates playback of the previously selected source by pressing any button on a WXC/WXA50 front panel.”

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FEBRUARY 2022 27

ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS

CAN’T TOUCH THIS! How installers can help dining establishments meet operational best practices during COVID by leveraging the features of affordable AV-Over-IP distribution systems.

Taft Stricklin, Just Add Power, Sales Team Manager, explains.

Today, you’d be hard pressed to find a modern bar or restaurant that isn’t wallpapered in displays and videowalls. Sports bars (especially) are known for their extensive investments in digital screens, which bring in patrons eager to drink and eat while watching the game in the company of fellow fans. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been difficult to witness the incredible strain this vertical has been under. To help the industry regain its foothold and assure patrons who wish to return, installers can look to deploying AV-over-IP streaming technology. This can mediate some concerns and enable accepted best practices for dining in this new era.

The increasing use of AV-over-IP streaming technology has presented new opportunities for both the installer and the customer. The most flexible network video distribution systems allow restaurants and bars to grow the number of displays or sources infinitely with very little labour or costs, while providing guests with a satisfying, multi-source, ultralow latency viewing and listening experience.

In addition, these systems integrate with popular control touchpanels, which make operation intuitive for the various staff and managers tasked with overseeing the system in a day. This includes providing one-touch on/ off control, setting the volume, and selecting the source. For establishments with a litany of screens, this can be a welcome benefit as it only takes seconds rather than minutes per a screen using a traditional remote control.

Unfortunately, multiple staff members handling the same touchscreen controller throughout the day isn’t the best idea — unless there’s a bottle of hand sanitizer at the ready. This is where an AV-over-IP system can be of further value. Those systems with automation and scheduling capabilities baked-in or that integrate with control systems featuring calendar-based scheduling create an affordable way for bars and restaurants to schedule these tasks, essentially enabling contactless operation.

For years, system automation has been a nice-to-have feature in this industry. Now it’s a must-have as integrators partner with businesses to help them build healthier, operational best practices. As staff open the

28 FEBRUARY 2022

joint, jobs like turning on the TVs, changing the channels on cable or satellite boxes at a certain time, or selecting the sources for screens can be done automatically. Throughout business hours, the scheduling system can continue to automate channel selection and more. At the end of the day, it can shut everything down.

It’s probably unreasonable to assume that additional changes won’t need to be made here and there. But instead of going to the touchpanel, this is where a mobile device app shines. Not only is it convenient to make these changes from their phone at moment’s notice, but also staff can use a controller mobile app without worrying about touching the main touchpanel and minimising shared contact.

MORE TRENDS

Another trend is the prevalence of outdoor dining. It is a way to get customers through the proverbial door while ensuring natural airflow and less contact between parties. The downside is that it’s not always possible or within the budget to install screens permanently outdoors.

To remedy this, integrators can look to a number

of different strategies, including building out an affordable display solution that’s mounted to a rolling cart. It can be pushed outside at opening, only requiring a power cable to the display and a network cable to the receiver.

Using the same gear as the other displays within the bar’s arsenal, these displays offer the same touch-free control experience while providing much sought-after entertainment. It also has the added benefit of keeping the moving screens secure inside the premises when the venue is closed.

These screens can also double as a loudspeaker system when there isn’t a larger audio system available. Integrators simply need a video-over-IP system capable of supporting multichannel audio formats. It’s a great workaround for enhancing the environment of makeshift outdoor dining spaces.

As technology experts, installers can counsel businesses on how to leverage the equipment they may already have or can have installed with very little investment to meet arising safety protocols and preserve a memorable, enjoyable experience for patrons.

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Visit crestron.com/resiaudio 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.

ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS

TOUCH-FREE FUNCTIONALITY What are the functional and health benefits of AV systems that need very little physical interaction to do their job? Ashley Bond, director, MADE Worldwide; an AV and IT Solutions provider with a decade of experience, has some views.

Ashley explains, “MADE Worldwide designs fully automated systems, this helps make audio-visual solutions touch free, giving bar staff more time to focus on their jobs and let audio visual run itself.

Which in turn assists with the current pandemic situation where touch and contamination is a focus point at the moment.

“On a Dante audio solution, we tend to spec Powersoft’s WM Touch, which is glass fronted making it easily wipeable, this helps address the COVID situation by making all touched items germ free. We have used the WM touch in ‘Matches Sports Bar’ in Ashford, Kent which has been a massive hit. We have also deployed the solution into ‘Skylight Bar’ in Peckham which is part of the Tobacco Dock group.”

Ashley adds, “Making the whole AV & IT solution automated helps simplify the clients workload. Bars, Clubs and Restaurants all tend to start the day the same way, with lighting scenes, soft background audio and digital signage or broadcasting sports events. MADE Worldwide automates this solution using live calendar and time information to trigger scenarios so every day when the venue opens the volume is set, the scene will start, and all items will turn on and start playing. MADE Worldwide and the team strive to bring new technology and adapt the way the commercial, hospitality and retail sector use their AV. If the technology does not make your life easier it’s been designed wrong!”

Two Mezzo 604 ADs (Powersoft’s fourchannel, 600W compact amplifier) are powering the entirety of the 250-capacity Matches Sports Bar, Grill & Social, forming the core of a unique hospitality venue incorporating multiple distinct audio zones and spaces. Tucked away behind the counter, the single 4.3in wallmounted Powersoft WM Touch screen Ashley referred to gives complete control of the entire DMD system, including Mezzo’s embedded dynamic routing capabilities.

Ashley underlines, “By using Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution solution, we were able to keep our design simple all the way through, from designing the project to handing it over to the client. The client is then left with a powerful start-to-finish solution from a single manufacturer, providing them with a safe and secure audio system that’s really going to push through.”

Jon Shephard, Matches’ owner, says the concept for the venue is to combine, “..all the best bits of the bars I’ve been to throughout my life, all into one place,” to create the “ultimate sports bar experience”.

With a single four-channel Mezzo amplifier now able to drive up to four independent

zones of audio, thanks to Powersoft’s new ArmoníaPlus 2.2 software release, the DMD ecosystem was considered the best choice to bring to life the vision for the space offering a tailored sound experience in each individual area.

Jon explains, “For example, we have three semi-private self-pour beer areas. In those areas, whilst customers want to be able to hear the experience, the volume still allows them to have a conversation with others across the table.

We also have other semi-private areas, such as the snug area and in the private room, where customers are all-encapsulated in high-quality, 3D surround sound.

“In the main bar area, we wanted a system where customers could really feel like they’re in the stadium watching the match live. However, once that match is finished and we turn the [TV] sound off, we want to get the music pumping – to turn it up loud and have no loss in quality with regards to the audio. And believe me, if you come here on a Friday and Saturday night, you’ll definitely experience that.”

MATCHES SPORTS BAR

Also featured in this install is Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) solution offering a user-friendly and cost-effective audio system delivering the soundtrack to this Kent based sports and entertainment destination.

DMD offers the ability to scale inputs and zones conveniently and efficiently with dynamic routing capabilities embedded on its amplifier platforms. This makes it simple to dynamically route music and other signal sources along with control signals between different zones and across multiple amplifiers – all independently of source location and without the need for a centralised DSP.

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FEBRUARY 2022 31

AV Reception & Distribution Today & Tomorrow

Make sure you don’t miss out on what has become the industry’s number ONE independent show for signal reception and distribution, and is FREE for all visitors to attend.

Evolving Connectivity Media Partner

w w w. e v o l v i n g c o n n e c t i v i t y. c o m

9.30am till 5.00pm Thursday 17th March 2022 The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham

ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS

HOSPITALITY TIME AGAIN?

A tough time in this sector, is there anything installers can do to offer improved COVID protection, health check systems? What new tech or approaches are on offer now and in the future? Tim Matthews, Senior B2B Product Manager, Vestel, looks at how technology can help the hospitality sector get back on its feet.

Consumer safety concerns will remain front-

installers to take this into account when putting

which could bring customers more on-side with

of-mind during and post-pandemic, as the

offerings together, and provide quality, versatile

venues navigating in a stressful environment.

hospitality sector continues to encourage

products and services to support the hospitality

customers back to venues. During this period,

sector’s need for adaptability.

As the world returns to ‘normal’, the hospitality industry is expected to make a

it is up to suppliers and installers serving this

There could also be a temporary move away

strong comeback as people make up for lost

industry to act as the necessary catalyst for

from interactive displays due to an increased

time. As a result, we’re confident businesses

hospitality businesses to adapt to an ever-

awareness of hygiene around the pandemic.

and their installation partners will work together

changing environment.

Across the industry, voice and gesture-

to ensure that their systems are upgraded and

Venues may look to increase their use of

controlled displays provide an interactive

fully operational to allow for the best and safest

ultra-high definition screens and LED video

alternative to touch, whilst keeping safety at the

service possible.

walls to remind customers of current COVID

forefront. Such solutions enable consumers to

protection regulations, such as keeping socially

place an order in a restaurant or bar, or ask for

distanced, wearing a face mask, and regularly

information within a venue, without needing

sanitising hands as well as reminding customers

to physically contact the screen. It will need to

to check in to venues if necessary or share their

be possible for voice and gesture-controlled

contact information. Storytelling and animation

technology to be accessible by customers,

can be used to enhance customer engagement

whilst also allowing them to maintain social

here, through immersive or virtual experiential

distancing, it’s this versatility and consideration

techniques. Screens outside hospitality venues

that installers will need to have to best serve

can help to display necessary information,

their clients in the industry.

such as for a queue, and draw in customers.

Increased digitisation within the hospitality

The ability to display more information

sector will support further advancements, and

digitally can also help to reduce face to face

the inclusion of better practices in general.

contact with staff, helping to protect both staff

Screens in venues can help to centralise

and customers.

marketing

efforts,

displaying

tailored

As we continue to emerge from the

messaging for each location. This can also be

pandemic, hospitality venues are looking for

updated with the latest news on the pandemic

cost-effective solutions to install in their venues

for that area and also politely flag any issues

to implement these changes. It is important for

with staff shortages due to isolation and illness,

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There is cautions optimism that hospitality can make a come back this year

FEBRUARY 2022 33

RACKING UP TWENTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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LANDE

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MIDDLE ATLANTIC

CHIEF

The Lande Set & Stack is a range of 19” intuitive wall mounted brackets. Available in five heights, the racks come flat-packed for easy transportation and feature a sturdy, modular design to suite a range of installations.

For more sophisticated installations, Middle Atlantic offer an extensive range with great features, such as extendible and rotatable racks, highly configurable thermal management and customised cablemanagement solutions.

RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford RG17 7RY T: +44 (0) 1488 73366 | info@rgbcomms.co.uk

OLD LS H WE LEVE OD K IN GO STOC ADY OF K, RE U IP! THE O SH T

Manufactured in the UK, Penn Elcom offer a great range of well-constructed racks that can be tailored to what you need. Walls and doors can be added at any time, along with a wealth of accessories and personalisation options for you to choose from.

Chief offers a complete line of mounts and accessories for TVs, displays, projectors and other AV components. Whether it is a single display mounted in a boardroom, multiple displays to form a video wall or projector lifts, Chief has you covered.

ESSENTIAL FLATSCREEN TVS AND MONITORS

BATHROOM TV GUIDE

Alastair Benn, Owner and Managing Director, Aquavision, provides his guide on what to look for when specifying a waterproof or in-wall TV. The first question to consider is what makes a

Viewing angles are also a big issue here.

guide is to look for screens that are using IPS (In

waterproof or in-wall television different from a

We are all familiar with laptop screens and

Plane Switching) panels, as those will give you

standard television? The perhaps obvious point

adjusting the position to get the best picture,

the required viewing angle.

is that a standard TV is free-standing or wall

this is because most computers have cheaper

Other areas to be aware of include the fact

mounted so the physical size of it doesn’t really

LCD panels. So, when you specify a bathroom

that some brands offer ‘HD Ready’ or ‘HD’

matter as much as when fitting a truly integrated

TV be sure that any product you choose has the

resolution of 720p or 1366 x 768 pixels. Even

wet area TV. If it goes wrong or needs replacing,

viewing angle capacity needed. You may get

on a smaller television, users will notice the poor

you simply swap it out and if the new one is a

a good picture for standing up for a shave or

image quality compared to what they have in

slightly different size, it’s not the end of the

doing your make-up, but what about when lying

the rest of their home. Specify a minimum of

world. However, when you build your TV into

down in the bath? The bathroom environment is

FHD, 1080p, or 1920 x 1080 pixels and avoid

a fully tiled, or CNC cut marble wall, replacing

really challenging for viewing angles as it needs

televisions of lower resolution as you will be

the TV with one of a different size has huge

to be seen when you are standing up, sitting

unhappy with the picture quality.

implications. So there is a very strong need to

down, or almost lying on the floor. You therefore

Some companies also offer screens that

plan well and get things executed accurately at

need to make sure your waterproof television

were only designed for laptop use and so

every stage.

has a viewing angle of 178° x 178°. A good

will have ‘strange’ resolutions. These can be

36 FEBRUARY 2022

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ESSENTIAL FLATSCREEN TVS AND MONITORS

1440 x 900 for example. The video processor

Customers may want smart TV functionality

There are many ‘cheap’ waterproof and

will then need to completely reformat the picture

in their bathroom and wet areas however

in-wall televisions being offered on sites like

it receives via HDMI or the aerial to match

caution is needed here.

Smart TVs need

eBay and Amazon, but would you really want

regular software updates and rely on APP’s

to build one of these into a wall not knowing

that get updated and often go obsolete due

if the importer will be around to warrant the

to the smart technology in the TV. Potentially,

guarantee, or if they are, that the replacement

you may have to upgrade a perfectly good,

TV will fit the hole in the beautiful set up you

this screen resolution, which again can lead to a distorted picture. Again, if the resolution isn’t displayed, it probably isn’t FHD 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) so I would suggest you avoid televisions of this resolution. You get what

very expensive, television which is annoying.

have created? Think of the cost and disruption

If smart functionality is needed we recommend

of re-tiling the wall for example, all to save a few

partnering a non-smart TV with something like

pounds on a cheaper TV. The smart move is to

For example, we have products out in the field

a Firestick, Chromecast, Apple TV or Roku box,

invest up-front and gain customer satisfaction in

that are going strong after being installed as

these can easily be updated for minimal money

the long run.

long ago as 2002.

when it goes obsolete.

you pay for in this sector and although some brands will be more expensive, the implications of compromising on quality are significant.

Bathroom TV installation needs careful planning

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FEBRUARY 2022 37

COMPANY FOCUS: ZENNIO

REACH A NEW AUTOMATION ZENITH WITH ZENNIO! We are an international manufacturer now raising our profile in the UK servicing the needs of installers working in the residential, residential MDU and hotel markets. Our comprehensive open protocol KNX based products and solutions put installers on the front foot no matter what the project requirements. the UK working with our partners. Right from the start the KNX platform has been our focus in delivering the functionality installers and end users require. With our long experience in developing products for KNX we are recognised as one of the leading innovators for the platform on the planet.

We also get heavily involved in supporting those installers who choose to work with us. Our Technical Office provides a complete project planning and documentation service so that installers can deliver comprehensive project plans and quotes for any size of scheme. This is a vital service for those installers who don’t have this capacity in-house allowing them to compete with larger firms and win projects that might have been out of their reach. This service is offered completely free of charge, talk to our UK office to find out more.

DESIGN LED In the UK up to this point our largest area of

control for end users and the energy saving

impact has been in the single dwelling installer

abilities of our solutions place Zennio at the

led type of projects, but we are also growing

heart of the expanding building automation

rapidly in the MDU and hotels markets (both

market. Our abilities in HVAC go all the way

sectors that we have a large footprint in globally)

back to the beginning of the company as our

to offer installers a comprehensive one-call

very first product was a KNX module for infrared

platform for any type of project.

air conditioning control. The evolved version of

Aesthetics are of course just as important as functionality and all of our systems look to combine both cutting edge and easy to use control with attractive touch-panels, control points and electrical accessories that can be adapted to suit any type of interior design scheme. Build quality is also paramount in our

Our company was founded in 2005 in

this product is still in use today and integrates

products, for example all our touch panels

Toledo, Spain and has seen huge growth over

more than 300 air conditioning indoor units.

and keypads are printed on high strength

the years so we now stand at more than 300

With the rise in fuel pricing hitting everyone,

tempered glass. Combining aesthetics, intuitive

employees, 400 different KNX based product

every sector we are supporting is looking for

comprehensive control with well made products

options, more than 10,000 projects executed

simple, effective energy saving solutions, its

makes our proposition compelling meaning

with presence in 117 countries around the

one of our core competencies. We now have

Zennio is a very strong contender for any type

globe. We are proud that our company is still

bidirectional interfaces for most manufacturers

of project. Another ingredient here is our fully

privately owned by the same founding partners

including Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Toshiba

committed, helpful and multi-lingual staff.

staying true to our company principles of agile

and LG.

We are equipped to help you with products

Already market leaders in the residential and

design, but also on-hand to support you with

We firmly believe that our approach in

hospitality sectors in our home market of Spain,

any technical questions you have or just want

delivering ease of use, improving comfort and

we have seen our presence expand steadily in

to learn more about what we can do for your

innovation to deliver what the market needs.

38 FEBRUARY 2022

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COMPANY FOCUS: ZENNIO

company’s efforts in the world of automation.

system also offers video door entry integrated

also part of the system as is PMS and guest

We assist you in all project stages, from

into a touch panel for single dwellings or MDU

room management system integration (lighting,

conception to delivery with tailored solutions

projects using our GetFace IP product line.

HVAC, etc). Also important to note that for

designed for the individual project.

Moving over to the hotel sector, the many benefits delivered include sending messages

SECTOR DETAIL

this sector our BMS offering is perfect for centralised monitoring of the whole building.

to rooms via the smart touch-panels (welcome,

Customers in all three sectors residential,

Owners of a Zennio smart home or apartment

hotel offers ect), full control over the room’s

apartment blocks and hotels can also call on

will notice many benefits including increased

environment as well as setting moods. Room

our shading line to control the flow and effects

comfort, energy monitoring, control and cost

access via smart phones is also a feature as is

of natural light. Our systems can allow spaces to

savings as well as full remote control of their

audio playback in the room based on the guest’s

adept to changing natural light levels reducing

home automation features via our Apps as well

smart device content and apps. Guests can also

glare via control of blinds, curtains, and awnings.

as in the home of course via controllers such as

choose the room status from the control panel

The systems also allow stakeholders to avoid

the Z41 Remote, Zennio Remote and ZenCom.

and ask not to be disturbed or ask for the room

solar damage to interiors, adjust systems around

As well as the creation of special whole

to be serviced. Hotel clients can also benefit

energy management needs and integrate

home scenes for coming home, going out, party

from a complete range of access control systems

window treatments with any room scene. Our

time ect, homeowners can also receive real time

via NFC cards or smartphone over Bluetooth.

lighting schemes of course deliver similar levels

alerts on their mobile devices of any issues or

Room access management depending on

problems such as security alerts or leaks. Our

room occupancy and selected DND mode is

of control with scene/mood creation, dimming, as well as RGB/RGBW and DALI control.

Other abilities that can be rolled out across multiple sectors include energy monitoring of electricity, water and gas consumption offered as a visualisation over the system. Operation over the automation systems can also be based on set consumption rates and values.

Our platforms are also expert at integration with AV systems allowing playback from smartphones or tablets and providing access to popular apps such as YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming services. Control of all of our systems is of course fully available via our mobile/tablet friendly apps.

Ultimately if you are looking for a comprehensive, attractive, fully supported automation system to help you deliver across multiple project types, think Zennio.

Zennio zennio.co.uk

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FEBRUARY 2022 39

ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING

In-ceiling speakers can assist those with hearing issues

HELP IS AT HAND UK maker of smart light switches, Retrotouch, offers some thoughts on the future and potential of this key sector.

The so called ‘silver tsumami’ of an aging

As well as the boom in vitally important

growth areas include smart door entry systems,

population offers a huge wave of opportunities

health tech such as Telemedicine/Telehealth

smoke alarms, in-room activity sensors and

(enabling residents to connect with doctors

security cameras.

for installers. The UK’s population is ageing as there are currently nearly 12 million (11,989,322) people aged 65+ in the UK, and the general population is projected to

virtually via web portals linked to smartwatches or other wearables) there are several other key growth areas in ‘silver tech’ offering huge opportunities for installers. Infrastructure and

continue to age. Figures show that 20% of the

AI: technologies including updated networking

UK population or 14.3m people, will be over

(5G), telecommunications and IoT, are helping

65 by 2025; and by 2030 one in five people

senior citizens to retain independence and

in the UK (21.8%) will be aged 65 or over.

With an aging population comes the challenge of providing quality enabled assisted living –

flexibility in their daily lives – a priority for many as they seek to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Smart Home Technology: this significant growth area includes AI and voice controlled devices eg. Amazon Alexa, smart appliances, smart speakers, smart thermostats (like Nest), and smart lighting.

It’s in sectors such as smart lighting that brands like Retrotouch are constantly investing in new technology, with a view to increasing its focus on providing assisted

Security and Safety: with the desire for

living solutions. The Retrotouch range of

something that is increasingly being helped

independence comes the equal desire for

remote switches and Friends of Hue smart

by technology.

optimal security and safety. In this key sector the

switches are ideal for less mobile seniors.

40 FEBRUARY 2022

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Powering the Leading Multiroom Audio Ecosystem for Custom Installation

Control System Partners

Distributed by

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ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING

Wireless place anywhere light switches can deliver big benefits

The smart switches are wireless, stick-anywhere,

so they can turn indoor and outdoor lights on/

battery-free and can control up to 50 Philips

off automatically at sunrise and sunset, during

Hue lights and lamps simultaneously. They’re

specific weather conditions or at pre-set times

easy to control via voice-command or a

for added security and peace of mind.

dedicated app, and are compatible with Apple

For the hard of hearing or anyone who

HomeKit. In addition (and making them easy to

just wants an easy way to enhance their home

fit) the Switch connects directly to the Philips

entertainment experience, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Hue Bridge. No additional Smart Home Hub

ceiling speakers from companies like Lithe

is needed.

Audio are an ideal solution. As well as being

If an elderly resident has limited movement,

easy for the users to control via voice or app,

this type of switch is ideal as it can be placed

Lithe Audio ceiling speakers are designed to

anywhere within their reach, as well as being

make it as easy as possible for installers to fit

controlled remotely via voice or an app on

– or retrofit - into any type of home. There’s no

their phone or tablet. For those who are still

need for speaker cables or servers, thanks to

mobile, the motion sensors help ensure a safe

the amplifier and Wi-Fi being built-in, so they’re

home environment as living spaces – and any

really easy to install.

obstacles - are always automatically well lit.

“Most installers already have transferrable

Other types of smart lighting solutions –

skills that can be employed in the assisted living

such as those provided by EnOcean, wireless

domain,” says Amit Ravat, MD of Retrotouch

Kinetic switches, bring huge assisted living

&

benefits. Paired with an EnOcean relay, the

develop and enhance their specific expertise

switches are app controlled and voice enabled

in smart home, security and infrastructure

so you can use Alexa to activate/control your

systems will undoubtedly benefit from the 75+

lights or open/close garage doors or driveway

demographic acceleration alongside the senior

gates. They also adapt to outdoor brightness

housing boom.”

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In conclusion, smart home systems and AI are unlocking an ever-growing number of possibilities for assisting – and maximising the quality of life of - seniors as they age. As such it’s a growth area that should be high on the radar of installers who want to benefit from riding the ‘silver tsunami’.

Lithe Audio. “And those installers that

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FEBRUARY 2022 43

ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING

BUILDING ASSISTED LIVING PARTNERSHIPS How can systems adapt to support more people and businesses looking to deliver for those with specific needs and expectations? Some key players have their say.

Phil Vlach, Associate Technology & Digital at AdaptEco, specialist in providing smart home technology for assisted living and future-proofed homes, says, “Assisted living communities can benefit greatly from the growing acceptance and use of technology amongst residents.

Combined with the advancements and ever-growing benefits of smart care technology, retirement living operators can differentiate by introducing smart assisted living into their communities.

“Assisted by the latest digital care, residents can enjoy a longer health-span and active, independent living. Retirement living operators are focusing on what is important today and tomorrow, understanding that the value derived from smart assistive solutions evolves over time. “As residents often move into retirement

44 FEBRUARY 2022

living properties while they are in good health and leading active lifestyles, these solutions initially provide convenience and comfort through the control of lighting, heating, and cooling for example, as well as related property management functions such as non-clinical activities such as concierge services, activities or communication.

“At this stage, these solutions provide operators with the ability to make their operations more efficient, to be proactive in their maintenance, and to reduce operating costs while providing added value to residents.

Phil adds, “As residents age gracefully in place, they may develop mobility or cognitive impairments that would benefit from assistive technologies that are designed to make life easier and safer. At this stage, operators

can layer assistive technologies like ambient sensors to detect patterns of daily living (such as wearables or smart floors and sensors).

The introduction means carers can proactively aid residents or to avoid incidents that would require acute care. Technology can be introduced which includes medication prompts, exercise videos, vital sign monitoring, and detection of health deterioration.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AdaptEco has focused exclusively on building a trusted ecosystem of Digital Care Partners that the company assembles in a bespoke fashion for each operator’s project. AdaptEco has over 30 Digital Care Partners in its EcoSystem.

Supplier of modern building technology, JUNG joined the EcoSystem in 2021.

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ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING

Graham Oliver, Director of JUNG UK adds, “JUNG relies on powerful technology and strong cooperation partners for perfect networking. As a leading manufacturer with a reputation for high quality robust, reliable products we can be confident that our systems can meet the stringent performance requirements expected of us by our customers. As founding members of KNX, our commitment to this ‘future proof’ and reliable technology together with strong partnerships with installers, allows us to provide solutions in commercial, domestic, and of course assisted living applications.

“The functional diversity of JUNG systems covers all areas of modern electrical installation, including lighting, blinds, air conditioning, energy, security, door communication and multimedia.

Through wireless or KNX based applications, buildings can be comprehensively equipped with the highest technical and design quality.

Christian Kiefel, CEO at smart home manufacturer, ProKNX, adds his insight, “The future-proofing of homes using a

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conglomeration of interoperable smart products and systems, such as those being currently set up by our partner AdaptEco in the UK, is going to need to become more wide-spread as the population in Europe ages. If people can use intelligent technology to live comfortable and safely for longer in their own residences, society will also profit.

“The increasing burden on retirement and assisted living facilities to provide care for ever larger numbers of the population will decrease. A consequence of staying in familiar surroundings will help older individuals to lead richer and more integrated lives. Rather than being consigned to an institution, they will continue to be an important and visible part of the community.

“At ProKNX we believe that any system put in place to facilitate the lives of individuals living at home who need extra security and comfort to remain independent must be easy to set up and maintain and need a very low learning arc to be able to use it. For seniors, these factors can be

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an extremely important in their agreeing to have smart technology in their homes.”

Christian explains, “This is why we have developed and recently launched a voicecontrolled smart speaker called Aragon Companion, made especially for the rapidly growing integrated retirement sector. Our smart speaker has a number of features that suit this market, from keeping data completely private, to the fact that the device understands naturally spoken phrases and can be customised to suit an individual’s speech.

“To keep the end-user safe and give peaceof-mind to outside family members, we have also added a ‘call for help’ feature and an unobtrusive monitoring and analysis capability that works on-device. The smart speaker works equally well without an Internet connection, which leads us to another essential factor for any smart technology used in assisted living – the products must be fail-safe as, in certain circumstances, the end-user can be completely dependent on their continuous functionality.”

FEBRUARY 2022 45

ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING

ASSISTED LIVING TECHNOLOGIES – PLAN AHEAD KNX sensors are stand alone and can be called upon to perform a multitude of tasks as appropriate and trigger emergency responses

With a KNX platform, the technology you install for people now, during their heyday, can be specified with an eye to future adaptations for assisted living argues Paul Foulkes, KNX UK President.

After all, futureproof and flexible have always been bywords for KNX, and the world’s leading smart control communications protocol is ahead of the pack by a country mile when it comes to enabling smart systems to evolve with peoples requirements.

The concept of technology-enabled assisted living that goes far beyond telecare and pullcord alarms, is a familiar one now, and there are countless examples of projects where people have achieved the freedom to live more independently for longer.

Assisted living is no longer focussed on emergency response, but now looks to making day-to-day living easier and more enjoyable.

Increasing cyber-security has allayed concerns about reliability and privacy, and technology has clearly won the trust of users and their families.

Installing it is a growing opportunity for skilled installers who already have the core skills of integration and customisation.

There is a growing realisation that loss of ability through aging or illness is more often than not a process, not an overnight event, and

46 FEBRUARY 2022

provision for assisted living is not ‘all or nothing’.

Ideally technical solutions will be adaptive, and a natural evolution of the smart control people already enjoy in the prime of life. That’s where smart integration comes in.

Just to remind you, in case you’ve not yet looked into how KNX will boost your business, KNX is an open communication protocol, a common language that guarantees that control devices talk to each other. Devices for all applications, from wall panels to behindthe-scenes actuators and servers, will work together seamlessly.

Controls from any of the hundreds of manufacturers that offer certified products, can be programmed with the user-friendly KNX software tool, ETS – and reprogrammed when you need to update or reconfigure the system (all new devices are guaranteed as backwards compatible – there is never redundancy).

Replacing devices to add different functionality as homeowners’ needs change over the years is straightforward, and doesn’t call for intrusive, expensive rewiring,

as KNX devices communicate via a common scalable bus or RF. KNX secure protocols allow for remote access and maintenance with confidence.

The bottom line is that a KNX bus-based installation for a family in the prime of life is also the platform that will serve them in later years.

There is no need for compromise on the design or functionality of their current solution, but there is the assurance that individual, evolving needs can be catered for with the minimum of fuss and bother. A KNX-controlled home really is a forever home.

For those with a physical disability, general KNX-controlled

lighting,

heating,

blinds

and video entry often form the basis of their installation, but there will also be the need for, say, window and door openers, and improved front-end controls for smart phones or voice activation. The final set up and programming is where more functionality and enhancements can be implemented.

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ESSENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING

It’s not just about emergency response, but also enabling everyday living. Security and door entry control can be fully integrated

Assistive living is not only for the elderly, but for anyone who wants to live independently yet needs some extra help in the home. Everyone’s needs will be different and off-the-shelf solutions, usually based around monitoring and motion sensing, will never work or everyone.

For instance, while lighting scenes, heating levels and alarms may be completely automated for one person, a younger person with purely physical disabilities is perfectly able to manage the pre-set controls themself, just as an ablebodied householder would.

Voice activation can play a big role in controlling assistive technology, as do smart phones and tablets. Good visualisation enables intuitive, easy control to keep people in control of their own environment with touch displays like Jung’s Smart Panel 8 which need no additional server and can work centrally on the wall or on a tablet or smartphone in the local network. They are almost infinitely adaptable and can easily be reconfigured if and when the need for greater assistance emerges.

Assistive technology is not necessarily much different from the mainstream, but of course it

must be reliable, easy to use and tailored to a person’s with special needs. Indeed, with KNX, assistance can be a natural evolution of an existing system you had the foresight to install years before.

“KNX provides all the flexibility but getting the set up and balance right is where integrator skill comes in to play,” says Andy Ellis of Household Automation, an integrator with extensive experience in assisted living technology in domestic and commercial healthcare environments. Whenever possible, he works closely with occupational therapists to understand how best to help people manage tasks that they had previously found difficult or impossible.

Reinforcing the ideas that assisted living is an extension of the work that skilled KNX integrators are well-equipped for, Graeme Harrold of 3-e Smart Control comments, “For assisted living, existing KNX infrastructure can be adapted without intrusive work through software tweaks and the integration of additional products both wired and via RF. Equally, assisted living functionality can be easily removed when there is no longer a need for enhanced monitoring/usability features, such as after a period of rehabilitation.”

Unlike traditionally wired systems, KNX sensors are inherently stand alone and can therefore be called upon to perform a multitude of tasks from lighting, security and heating and even cascading commands to other areas based on trigger patterns. We are creatures of habit, and these habits can easily be tracked to provide notifications that deviate from the expected normal. For example, a shower running for longer than usual could indicate a fall. Even the simplest of installations can provide data that aids remote monitoring of a person’s wellbeing.

Good visualisation is a huge enabler that can be customised to match individual needs and reconfigured as necessary

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FEBRUARY 2022 49

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TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

REUBEN’S RETREAT MOVES FOR WARD WITH NEW CINEMA For February’s coverage of industry initiative Together For Cinema, a special focus on Reuben’s Retreat, Glossop, Derbyshire.

Reuben’s Retreat is located in Glossop, Derbyshire. Glossop is the north-western gateway to the Peak District and Derbyshire close to the rugged moorland and wide-open spaces of the Dark Peak.

Their service focuses on support for the families of child loss and support for families of complexly poorly children. Their message is, “Think of us as a hand to hold. An understanding, accompanied by a friendly smile and warm voice.

We are a safe space that says, ‘We understand’, ‘You are not alone’ and ‘We are here’.”

The Reuben’s Retreat journey began in 2012 when Nicola Graham very sadly lost her son Reuben whilst on a family holiday.

His mummy promised him that his life would not be in vain and she would build a legacy in his name. By the end of 2013, money had been raised, and work had begun with their first beneficiary family. The following year their forever home was purchased in Glossop and since then step after step has been taken to progress Reuben’s Retreat and the care and nurturing they can give to families dealing with very challenging times. Nine years on, there is no doubt that Reuben would be incredibly proud of his Mummy and pleased to know that a great good has been set up in his memory.

Glo AV director Greg Howarth

52 FEBRUARY 2022

What Nicola has achieved is nothing short of incredible.

As Reuben’s Retreat comes under the Together For Short Lives umbrella, Together For Cinema (TFC) was aware of them, but had not made any direct contact until the end of April of 2021. This introduction was initiated by A TFC contact at the Sebastian’s Action Trust in Berkshire. Having heard more about Reuben’s Retreat and Nicola’s journey, TFC desperately wanted to help.

Reuben’s Retreat is an old hospital with three different buildings, with two of them being linked together. The first building is pretty well developed, the second was in mid development and the third was, (as of December 2021), still pretty derelict.

Having seen all the areas and discussed all the options, it was clear that the second building, that was in mid development, was the best place to plan the cinema room facility.

The area was a large room, about 8m x 5m, that already had a sensory area at one end with various pieces of equipment and a hoist. The other end of this room, about 5m square, was what was available. There were challenges as the ceiling could not be altered in any way so in-ceiling speakers were not going to be part of the installation. It also

transpired that a projector and screen were not going to be feasible so a large TV screen was needed.

There was some work planned for the room which had to be finished so there was no immediate rush, but the plan was always to complete the installation in time for Christmas 2021.

Stepping - in to complete the third installation for TFC by the company, Glo AV led by director Greg Howarth.

Greg arranged to visit Reuben’s Retreat and bearing in mind some of the limitations, created a design that really suited the space and didn’t interfere with the sensory area.

Looking at the preferred equipment list, TFC was confident the equipment needed could be secured, though it was felt the 85in TV screen might pose a problem. However, Greg was looking to upgrade his TV at home, which happened to be an 85in Sony screen. A plan was devised and with the help of both distributor AWE and Sony, the screen was sorted with Greg’s two-year old screen moving over to the retreat.

TFC also wants to thank HDAnywhere, Legrand (Sanus and Middle Atlantic), Lutron, Monitor Audio, RGB Communications (Savant), Sony and Sounds United (Denon) who all got involved.

Reuben’s Retreat - Stacey Kirkpatrick, Ian Morrish and Nicola Graham

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TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

Reuben’s Retreat - Opening Event, Ian Morrish and Julie Hesmondhalgh

COMPLETION The project was completed and signed off by December 9, 2021, with an opening reception taking place the day before. On the day, Multi award winning actress Julie Hesmondhalgh joined the event. Julie, known for her roles as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street as well as appearances in Cucumber, Happy Valley, Broadchurch and The Pact, is a patron of Reuben’s Retreat along with her husband Ian Kershaw.

Nicola Graham, CEO of Reuben’s Retreat, and Ian Morrish founder of TFC, said a few words. There was a lovely atmosphere and there was such positivity about the difference this new facility will make to the children, their families, the staff and in fact anyone who is able to take the time to enjoy it. Greg gave the team a quick tutorial which was much appreciated.

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Greg says, “This was our third installation in conjunction with Together for Cinema. It is always a privilege to be asked to provide a system for such a great cause. With the Reuben’s Retreat system, we wanted to turn it around in time for Christmas. We choose to keep it clean and simple with a large panel and a discreet 5.1 audio system. We mixed this in with automation, lighting control and window treatment to give it the full media room experience.

“It is amazing how generous our industry is when providing equipment to these installations.

We really get to create high quality systems for these facilities, and they have such a huge impact. We would highly recommend any other installers out there to get involved with Together for Cinema as it makes a huge difference and is very rewarding. From all of the Glo team we would like to thank Together For Cinema and Reuben’s Retreat for allowing us to get involved.”

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Nicola Graham, Reuben’s Mummy and Founder CEO of Reuben’s Retreat, says, “When we embarked upon our latest phase of the Retreat with a bespoke entertainment room in mind we never imagined having the absolute good fortune of being the beneficiary of a Together For Cinema installation. It’s hard to put into words the difference it will make to the families we support and we can’t thank Ian and his team enough for choosing us as part of his mission to help supported children experience the joy of cinema. Together For Cinema are about to bring many smiles to many little faces, thank you for being part of #reubensjourney.

“We are also extremely thankful to Greg Howarth and the team at GLO AV who took the call from Together for Cinema and didn’t hesitate in getting involved to provide us with and install a mind-boggling array of products to complete the Moo-Vie Room. You are a very special team and WE thank you for choosing to support us, we WON’T ever forget your kindness.”

Julie Hesmondhalgh, added, “It was a joy to meet Ian from Together For Cinema at Reuben’s Retreat. What a fantastic organisation creating cinema rooms for children’s charities around the country. The movie/games room at the Retreat will be an amazing asset and will enable so many families to make memories as they cosy up to watch a classic or play together with the specially adapted equipment. It would have taken many, many months of fundraising to be able to purchase this top of the range equipment, and we’re so grateful to the team who made it all possible.”

Together For Cinema togetherforcinema.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 53

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MOUNTS

Its easier to test drive a high-performance car than a home cinema

MAINTAINING STANDARDS Ben Goff, Technical Director at Cinema Lusso argues for the importance of official standards in promoting high-performance.

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As a contributing member of multiple CEDIA working groups, creating recommended practice guidelines for AV Systems, I could be accused of a biased view towards Technical Standards.

Though it’s also only fair to point out that the same participation undoubtedly played a significant role in the ‘CEDIA - Best Home Cinema Level 1’ award, which now sits proudly on my desk.

Some call it volunteering, I prefer to think of it as free education while creating valuable assets for the industry.

THE STANDARDS BASED APPROACH As private cinema providers, we walk a unique line in the world of luxury retail. While other industries sell stories of engineering prowess and gloriously rich histories, we resort to throwing around nonsense terms like ‘Reference’ which no longer carry any weight or meaning they may once have had. ‘Reference’ was lost long ago to the trendy kids in the TokTik department.

We differ in demonstration too. When a client walks into a jeweller to purchase an AP or Patek, they can try it on to see how it feels on the wrist before they part with their cash. With cars its generally the same too, a Ford Mondeo, a 3 Series or a Lamborghini, when our clients choose a new car, they usually have the benefit of a test drive to understand what they are buying, with the options list clearly presented and easy to understand. The same cant be said for a private cinema.

Screen size and material, projection distance, room size, decor and furnishings etc will all impact projected image quality, so while we can demonstrate a projector, many variables dictate if the demo actually replicates the client’s final experience.

Audio is even tougher, the room has such a fundamental effect on the sound that identical equipment can and will sound completely different between a demo room and the client’s home depending on the structure, acoustical treatment and seating layout.

The solution, as I see it, is a standards based approach to the sales and specification process.

If we create dem rooms which meet industry standards and design each project in the same way, we can give a valid representation of the performance the client can expect, regardless of the room size or brands used.

If brand agnostic, standards-based design, is the answer, where did the relevant standards come from and who decides how they should be implemented for our clients?

100 YEARS OF RESEARCH

The giants whose shoulders we stand on, have conducted numerous scientific experiments to confirm the performance levels which provide the most enjoyable experience. For audio alone, it’s easy to find countless peer reviewed research papers spanning the last 100 years, looking at the effects of recording, mixing and playback on listener preference and enjoyment.

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SMART THINKING The academic research then informs the standards, so by 1992 when the ITU published BS.775 (multichannel stereophonic sound system with and without accompanying picture), which laid the groundwork for every surround sound format since, it wasn’t guesswork about where to place speakers, or how to use an LFE channel.

This standard can be traced back to a mountain of research as far back as the Society of Motion Picture Engineers in the 1920’s, private initiatives, such as Phillips research into stereophony in the 1940’s and BBC research into quadrophonic reproduction during the 70’s.

It’s unreasonable to expect anybody to work through this research alone. Thankfully, we have Recommended Practice papers, written as a collective effort to collate the key findings, into a single easy to follow guide.

In 2021, CEDIA became an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Accredited Standards Developer (ASD). To achieve this, CEDIA submitted its procedures to ANSI for review, and now agrees to meet ANSI’s requirements for openness and due process. Being an ASD means that CEDIA runs its standards efforts in an open way that allows all working group members to contribute equally, leading to the creation of standards and recommended practices that can be truly considered industry consensus.

CEDIA’s standards efforts come under the R10 Standards Committee – R10 because it is a joint effort with The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) who already had R1 to R9 standards groups.

R10 is unique in that whilst most CTA standards groups focus on the development of technology at a component and product level, R10 focusses on the installation of technology primarily into private environments. Split into a number of different workgroups, each of which has a chairperson and between 15 to 30 active participants, currently WG1 (Workgroup 1 – Audio) and WG3 (Video) are active. Each workgroup meets weekly over a video conference for an hour during which discussions and debate then lead to a consensus vote to agree a section of the work effort.

When a document is complete, it then goes out to review where any CEDIA or CTA member is free to question any parts of the document.

The workgroup is then obligated to discuss all of the comments, and prepare a written reply if the workgroup chooses not to change the document based on a comment. This ensures that there is full transparency on the process and that the end result is considered true industry consensus.

THE RELEVANCE OF STANDARDS

Many of the standards highlighted in Private Cinema Recommended Practices are misunderstood, misrepresented, or worse still, simply disregarded by integrators who become the ‘Enemy of Excellence’.

I cant count the number of cinema rooms I’ve been in, including many industry demonstration and training facilities which have such poor acoustics

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they leave uninformed integrators questioning the value of acoustic treatment all together.

Another favourite I hear almost every week, “but my client will never listen at Reference Level, its too loud”. Yet the client owns a 200mph supercar… I don’t recall Ferrari ever suggesting clients would like a 70mph supercar because the F40 was ‘too fast’.

If my only experience of driving was in my van, I’d be confident I never wanted to go faster than 100mph, but take a supercar to Goodwood and suddenly 100mph doesn’t feel so fast after all. So previous experience of a H-iFi pushed to distortion in a poor acoustic space, isn’t a safe position to judge how you will use a well designed and engineered home cinema.

If our clients are unable to judge what they need or want, who are we to decide that they wont want to experience the dynamic range the director intended? The same dynamic range experiences by the sound engineer in the mixing facility, as defined by standards?

If we are making our own decisions, surely then, we can also place loudspeakers whereever we feel like and not include any subwoofers, in fact let’s just make it up as we go along to suit our own taste.

By overruling a hundred years of research, because we are either under educated or simply arrogant enough think we know best, all we do is demonstrate is a total ignorance to why the standards exist. When our clients trust us to design what is an unnecessary luxury, it might be best if we don’t show a complete disregard for the experience we deliver.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS The work of the standards committee is always ongoing, R10 Workgroup 3 has just begun the much needed update to the RP23 Video Recommended Practices, chaired by Joel Silver of ISF fame and there is a significant effort required to update the guidance.

With RP22 almost ready for publication, Working group 1 will soon begin our next work effort into audio measurement and performance verification.

These working groups are mainly comprised of representatives from major manufacturers, while integrators with field experience are often vastly under represented. With the value these documents provide, it’s embarrassing how few European integrators contribute. The only limit on how many concurrent work efforts CEDIA can have is the amount of volunteers that are available to contribute to the efforts. Membership of a workgroup requires that the individual is either a CEDIA or CTA member (both associations have individual memberships that allow for standards participation if an individual’s company is not a member of either association).

Instead of always asking, “what does CEDIA do for me?” It’s time to get involved, define the future recommendations and get the best free education imaginable.

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PICTURE LIF

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

MAYBE ITS BECAUSE I’M A LONDONER!

The Londoner project executed by Visual Systems (part of CP-Partnership), picked up the Best Commercial Project gong at the Smart Building Awards in 2021, find out why below.

Located in Leicester Square, The Londoner is the world’s first ‘super boutique’ hotel.

This £500 million five-star hotel has 16 storeys designed with an AV system to suit, with six levels extending 30m beneath the surface of London. The scale is impressive with 350 bedrooms, restaurants and lounges, rooftop bars, an underground spa and swimming pool area, two Odeon cinemas/screening rooms as well as the star attraction of the venue: a 600-seater ballroom with an AV system including lighting and projection to cater for any size of event or award dinner.

Ray Sappal, project director, Visual Systems, explains, “The client wanted a state-of-the-art facility. They wanted the AV to be discreet and blend into the background with the latest Audio-

60 FEBRUARY 2022

visual hardware available. They also wanted the ballroom to be the best in the country and that’s what we aimed to provide. We were handed Arup’s initial performance specification document and we had to develop the finish, the design and scope of the AV systems required in conjunction with the client’s project team. We feel we have given them everything that they could require now and for the future and more.”

The client employed Arup in a consultancy capacity and Visual Systems to design, supply & install the audio-visual systems that would suit the hotel’s vast art collection and lavish interiors.

Ray adds, “All contractors working on this project knew this was going to be a special project from the start. We at Visual Systems and our group were honoured to have been chosen

over other large integrators bidding for the project. This hotel is different to other five-star hotels in London as it has a multi-million-pound collection of art handpicked to compliment the interior design of the areas in question, and the audio-visual technology is important but it’s not the focal point, it’s there to blend into the background and support the interior design and the artwork collection.”

Iype Abraham, Commercial Development Director Edwardian Hotels, says, “This project for the group was a vast investment and one of the largest developments in the area, we as a group have internal design teams to ensure we are at the forefront of hospitality as such we also invest into the latest technology which covers all areas such as audio visual, security,

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

Many areas of the hotel have a different design approach providing different moods

access systems etc. This hotel being our newest member to the group we wanted to have the best, but the design and finish to be the focal point and not the technology. We evaluated various suppliers and selected Visual Systems to be our partners on this journey, they understood our requirements and objectives for this hotel to be the first and best in its class, I believe we have achieved and gone beyond our initial specification, the installed systems are fantastic with a world class ballroom for any type of event or live performance’.”

Ray explains “We designed and installed a background music system which feeds all areas of the hotel from a central point to

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distribute music to all public areas, lift lobbies etc, speakers are colour matched so not to stand out, the result is a practically invisible audio system which blends seamlessly into the hotel’s surroundings.”

Ray adds, “The scale of this hotel is huge, with more than 40,000 metres of AV cabling running throughout the building. The AV system also uses the hotel’s data infrastructure and we had to set-up a number of VLANs to route video and audio via Dante (Audio over IP) & Videoover-IP throughout the building. We chose AMX to control all system functions throughout the hotel and video over IP routing via AMX SVSI N2400 AV-over-IP units, VLAN’s were setup

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to segregate or incorporate different areas through the AMX control system software.

“We have chosen AMX control systems and Extron for routing signals across the hotel with their XTP matrix system. The Extron XTP matrix is what ties everything together, we as a group have used the Extron matrix’s previously on other projects and they were our first choice.”

For the sound system used for the seamless audio experience throughout the hotel, Visual Systems supplied and installed Bose speakers and hardware. More than 300 Bose loudspeakers were installed throughout the venue, colour matched to the hotel’s ceilings and surroundings to ensure a discreet look.

The sound system covers all areas of the hotel venue including the staff back of house areas, from the back of house basement level 5 to the spa and meeting rooms on basement levels 4 & 3 to the lifts and in-house pub ‘Joshua’s Tavern’ with hand painted walls and copper taverns. Most areas where music levels need to be controlled are equipped with local Bose single zone control panels where larger areas with more than one zone or sources have either a CC16 or CC64.

Ray explains, “We’ve covered the complete Bose range from wall/ceiling speakers to point source sound reinforcement speakers including the award winning EdgeMax premium in-ceiling speaker. The EdgeMax speakers are mounted at the edge of the ceilings thus leaving the centre of the ceiling clear for lighting design and they project the sound both downwards and horizontally at 75 degree angle into the room, meaning you have less speakers but

FEBRUARY 2022 61

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

All the AV needed to be subtly installed so the interiors were not compromised

better coverage. We also supplied and installed Bose’s new DesignMax range, RMU series, ShowMatch range, DS range and the FS range of wall & ceiling speakers.

Bose’s EdgeMax range is used throughout the hotel, with Bose EdgeMax 90s in the main reception area, secondary reception, lobby lounge, lobby bar and stage where live music is played. Walking towards the lobby’s main staircase, guests are greeted by ‘The Stage’’, an elevated platform that serves as a live music space with a Aux input XLR plate so they can connect into the hotel sound system for that area. The space is fitted with a Bose’s EdgeMax 180 with a Bose ControlSpace CC-16 zone control panel and wallplate for musicians to setup DJ equipment or other audio equipment if required. Additionally, Bose’s DesignMax DM2C ceiling speakers were discreetly installed into the lift lobby, extending the sound experience from the hotel lobby to all lift lobbies throughout the hotel, speakers colour matched to ceiling finish.

SERIOUS SIGNAGE

The Londoner Hotel also has a digital signage system supplied and installed throughout, consisting of 11 Samsung 32in signage displays either wall mounted or within a kiosk floor standing, three 43in displays for general wayfinding and seven Samsung 13in meeting

62 FEBRUARY 2022

room booking panels using the Samsung Magic Info software platform. These signage displays are connected to the client’s central server so that they can be monitored and changed remotely by the clients in house team.

The Londoner Hotel is home to a number of restaurants and bars serving different cuisines and drinks. On the ground floor you have Whitcomb’s which is French fine dining and has 6 Bose EdgeMax 90 ceiling speakers installed with 4 Bose DS40SE wall mounted externally at high level for the external dining area, control for each section of the restaurant and external zones are located near the bar with a local DJ input plate and Pioneer DJ system. The Lobby bar is for small snacks or tea’s and is equipped with two Bose EdgeMax speakers and CC16 control panel. Joshua’s Tavern has a more pub feel with Bose’s RMU speakers system and MB210 sub for live music or DJ events with a local input plate and CC3D control panel for Volume and source selection.

Re-fuel in the basement Level 4 is a healthrelated bar with two colour matched Bose DS40SE speakers and CC16 control panel. 8 At The Londoner is a rooftop izakaya lounge with a Japanese style of dining and drinking, also boasting a rooftop open air fireplace lounge.

The rooftop fireplace lounge feature six Bose DS100SE exterior wall speakers mounted on custom brackets to blend into the wood and

foliage surroundings of the rooftop bar, with two Bose MB210 subwoofers hidden within the lounge’s seating. The project also supplied a Pioneer DJ system in custom stand (DJM900 mixer and CDJ2000) and Bose Dante wall plate is also present, discreetly hidden from view in the lounge’s architecture for DJs with third party equipment with a further three input plates with the restaurant area.

The restaurant itself has plates provided for DJ access for private events and parties, with seven EdgeMax speakers and a CC64 control panel for local control of levels for the various zones and source selection.

Bose speakers power all restaurants and bar spaces, with the exception of the mezzanine Y Bar, which uses Ecler Trail lighting track speakers to keep with the aesthetics of the bar.

The Mezzanine level is for hotel residents only which encompasses three areas regardless of the time of day, it is somewhere to experience art and relaxation.

NEW LEVELS OF LUXURY

The three areas include The Drawing Room which is a contemporary take on the comforts of the classic British living room featuring hand painted mural by New York based artist En Viu and has four Bose EdgeMax 90 ceiling speakers with a CC1D control panel, The Y Bar is an alluring place to meet for cocktails and light

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Enjoy the Infinity Seating experience from a range of models on dem at Habitech

IF YOU DREAM IT, YOU CAN HAVE IT Created with the experience of over five decades in last-detail fulfilment for prestigious clients, including leading national and boutique commercial cinemas, Infinity seats are sure to satisfy your customers’ desire for bespoke comfort, quality and exclusivity in every measure.

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

R7000 SERIES

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY bites , it has a light wall by Andrew Rae’s comic illustrations which come to light in the evening with sound via Four Ecler lighting track speakers controlled from a Bose CC1D control panel. Final area on the Mezzanine is The Whiskey Room which holds a range of liquor from renowned to the incredibly rare and is entered through a secret door through the bathroom, sumptuous interior with mirrored walls and ceiling provides an intimate feeling, sound is through two in-wall Bose 891 virtually invisible speakers colour matched to wood wall and controlled via a Bose CC1D local level control panel.

On Basement level one is the Green Room which is a multi-purpose area, during the day time it can be used for afternoon tea while in the evening it becomes a private bar and has a more night club feel with a Bose PA to suit with three MB210 subs, two RMU106 hidden out of sight within the mirrored ceiling bulkhead and two RMU208 speakers visible to provide low level sound during the day time and higher levels in the evening, two DJ input plates are located near the dance floor area and a Pioneer CDJ DJ System in custom stand.

On basement level 3 there a seven client facing meeting rooms, each with a AMX Video over IP unit to link to the ballroom for conferences overflow. Each room has a Samsung QM98 display, mounted on custom width Unicol Vertislide wall mounts dominate

each meeting room, with video conferencing functions provided via a Logitech Rally VC Plus system with AMX control (G5 touch control wall mounted panel and NetLinx processor with Unicol bracket). The meeting rooms include Apple TV, Barco Clickshare CSE-200 systems, HDMI as well as Samsung 13in room booking display located outside each meeting room.

Audio is handled by Bose’s EdgeMax ceiling speakers, cutting down the number of speakers needed in each room by projecting audio down wards and horizontally at a 75-degree angle and each meeting room is equipped with a Symetrix x10 Dante bluetooth unit for local music or podcast playback via the ceiling speaker system.

Two EdgeMax speakers are used in each space, with the two largest meeting rooms featuring Sennheiser Speechline microphone systems for voice re-enforcement for larger meetings.

Meeting Room pre function area has six Bose EdgeMax speakers with local Dante Symetrix x10 Dante bluetooth unit and local DJ input plate for events and is controlled from either local Bose CC16 control panel or from client’s AMX iPad control.

In basement level 4 guests will be greeted by a vast wellness centre consisting of a gym space, salon, and a luxurious spa/sauna area. While the swimming pool area is home to six Bose EdgeMax ceiling speakers all colour matched to the wood panelling and local DJ input plate, the

sauna and steam room have a heat-resistant and waterproof speaker system installed. Sonance Extreme Marine speakers were chosen for these areas due the extreme heat.

Ray explains, “The pool’s not as warm, but the sauna and the steam room have extreme temperature changes so Sonance speakers were the only units that we felt would work.”

“On Basement level 5 is the back of house area where the hotel’s kitchen staff changing rooms, canteen and offices are located. We installed music system into the staff changing rooms, WC’s and canteen area. We also installed two Staff meeting rooms again with Samsung QM98in displays, LogiTech VC Rally System and AMX control with apple TV and Barco Clickshare.”

THE BALLROOM Like most of the leading luxury hotel brands, The Londoner is home to a vast ballroom space that offers the hotel the ability to generate income through large event hosting. This Ballroom is large with capacity for 850 people in reception mode and 680 seated, it has an audio system to suit, with laser projection technology and an all-encompassing presentation/show lighting system. The space can be divided into two individual areas to host two large events simultaneously via a Skyfold partition system.

The ballroom is one of the main attractions of the hotel for large events

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FEBRUARY 2022 65

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY Ray explains, “The ballroom is the key feature of the hotel. We honestly believe this has the best AV system installed in a hotel within London. All audio in the hotel is routed via Dante where possible. We can also route the ballroom events to the meeting rooms on basement level 3 via the Video-over-IP system, enabling overflows. The system can also be routed around the rest of the hotel as long as a data point is local, we can also route the signals externally and we have also designed the system within the ballroom for virtual and hybrid events.”

The space is dominated by four Christie D16WU-HS laser phosphor projectors suspended from the ceiling, projecting 16,000 Lumens onto four large format tab tensioned ScreenLine projection screens (two 5.5m wide side by side and two 6.2m wide on either end of the ballroom).

Sound reinforcement within the space is provided by Bose’s ShowMatch line arrays for larger events or live music and RoomMatch RMU208 & MB210 loudspeakers installed high level in ceiling void for delay or day to day presentation use. The ShowMatch speakers are powered by Powersoft X8 and T304 amplifiers, with an additional three Bose 8500N amplifiers for the RMU & MB210 subs used for presentation use.

For the hard of hearing, a Sennheiser MobileConnect system has been installed with a Sennheisier infrared as well, allowing for additional accessibility in the space. Additionally, Sennheiser D6000 microphones are provided to allow for wireless communications throughout the space for a variety of events routing all controlled from the AMX control system touch panels wall mounted with one in either section.

The ballroom space is also home to a portable system for virtual and hybrid events, consisting of an Analog Way pulse 4K presentation switcher for graphics and a Blackmagic vision mixer for video, a Panasonic PTZ camera controller and a Blackmagic Smartview 4K monitor. Six Panasonic AWHE40SKEJ9 HD SDI cameras are also present, mounted on custom Unicol swing wall brackets to allow the cameras to discreetly be hidden when not in use.

Ray reveals, “All the lights & trusses including the Bose Array speakers are mounted on Lodestar D8+ motors with loadcells so that they can be lowered and moved around accordingly. The trusses also allow third-party equipment to be suspended for events.

“We also have a ClearCom talkback system for larger events, an AMX NX-3200 processor for the control system brain including two 10in inch section of the Ballroom and an iPad control option for the AV manager, AMX video-over-IP system to stream signals from the ballroom around to other areas of the hotel as well as to

external clients. We also put in redundancy in the ballroom, all the trusses have got not just lighting cables but network, audio, four port DMX node, two patchable DMX lines, SDI and speaker cables, ready for any kind of event. If someone brings in an additional projector or speaker that the want mounted on a truss, they don’t need to run cabling, everything’s already pre-wired.”

The ballroom presented a significant challenge handling a complex and expansive system integration within the constraints of servicing and cabling difficulties.

Ray says, “We worked on the model of the whole hotel with the client and the final installation didn’t match the information that was on the model because there were just so much more services in the ceiling void that had to go in. We had to get the cables around the ballroom, both high level and low level, to facility panels and had to work out where the trusses had to be mounted to allow the motors to be installed way before the ceiling went in. We had to be precise, within millimetres, to get the motors mounted before the ceiling supports went in.”

The hotel offers extensive leisure and business spaces

66 FEBRUARY 2022

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Together For Cinema is an AV industry good cause enterprise with a focus on designing and installing home cinema rooms in children’s hospices and other deserving locations across the UK. These rooms not only benefit the children and young adults, but also their families, carers, staff and volunteers.

The recycling of second hand and B-stock is in plan and some items have already been donated and installed.

Together For Cinema has excellent support and backing from the AV industry, but more can be done. Please contact us to donate product, to assist with an installation or to consider becoming a sponsor of this AV industry good cause.

Spearheaded by founder Ian Morrish, Together For Cinema has so far completed 29 cinema rooms at a normal installation value of over £620,000. Our target of 50 rooms and £1m worth of installations is scheduled for completion by 2026.

Essential Install are proud to support this great cause and be a lead Media Partner.

IP VIDEO DOOR STATION Modern IP video technology for new and retrofit buildings Easy installation via PoE

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

www.doorbird.com Proud Media Partners of Together For Cinema

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

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

Ray adds, “We had to allow for broadcast lemo 3K.93C points within the ballroom which are cabled back to two OB racks in the loading bay via the MCR for broadcasters to connect directly into the ballroom system. The MCR is located above the ballroom near the staff entrance and is where the ballroom is controlled from with all control equipment housed in five racks to accommodate all source, control, routing, video, audio, broadcast and lighting hardware.

Nick Kalsi Edwardian’s Technology Consultant, explains, “I worked closely with Visual Systems on this project and am so pleased with the design and installation carried out. Visual Systems have done a great job in

providing us with systems that are not only user friendly but easy to maintain and future proof, this has been a very difficult and long project for all due to Covid but we have come out of it stronger with a product to be proud of.”

Ashwin Shah, Chairman Myriad Audio Visual (part of CP-Partnership), adds, “It was an honour to have been selected to be part of the team working on this project, I feel we have provided the client with a complete working solution and to see the finished product from the initial renders is breath-taking this is definitely a hotel in its own class’’ Alan Macdonald, Managing Director CPPartnership, says, “This is a great project for the group. It’s funny we not only designed and installed the AV systems at The Londoner, our group were also booked to do some of the first large scale events at The Londoner so for our clients we can provide the complete end to end solution. I feel this will be the hotel venue of chose for large scale events and awards dinners in the future and a showcase for our group.”

Ray concludes, “I don’t think we are going to see many new hotels of this size being built in London. Winning the project was an honour for us. Being trusted to deliver the system and seeing the finished product working is what makes these projects a joy to work on. The Londoner is a unique hotel in its own class. I think it’s going to be some time before we see another hotel being built like this.”

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Security Solutions The Londoner: Brands List • AAMX

• Sonance

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FEBRUARY 2022 69

PRODUCTS

STUDIO LINE FROM HARMAN LUXURY AUDIO HARMAN Luxury Audio has introduced the JBL 4305P Studio Monitor – the first powered product in the consumer Studio Monitor range.

Despite being the most compact model in the Studio Monitor series, the 4305P packs a (serious audio punch) says the maker with a host of patented JBL acoustic technologies that deliver floor-standing level performance.

As a self-contained active loudspeaker, the 4305P has 300Wrms total system power builtin, a 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC, and six inputs that can be used with a wide variety of digital and analogue audio sources. Additional features include a selectable bass contour control to compensate for acoustic differences in loudspeaker placement and positioning, and a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer output.

The integrated streaming engine provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth audio.

A 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC ensures music comes across with the highest fidelity.

The 4305P provides a number of connections for physical sources too including asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs, and a 3.5mm analogue input. The 4305P also includes an analogue input with combination XLR / 1⁄4in TRS phono connectors and a selectable input sensitivity switch for use with balanced or unbalanced signals.

The 4305P Studio Monitor system consists of a primary and secondary loudspeaker with selectable L/R assignment capability to suit personal placement preference. The primary loudspeaker includes front panel controls for volume, mute, input selection, and Bluetooth pairing, plus all physical inputs on its rear panel.

In addition to the front panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote control and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple Airplay ecosystem.

When operating with a wireless connection between with primary and secondary, the 4305P delivers audio resolution up to 96kHz. When tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, audio resolution can be extended to 192kHz to extract the highest possible performance from available content.

Harman Luxury Audio/JBL jbl.com/specialtyaudio

The 4305P can render MQA audio files, is certified Roon Ready and launches Q2 of 2022

ACOUSTIC ENERGY HITS A 100!

The new 100 Series isn’t just an upgrade of the previous version, it’s a completely new design, says the maker. The design brief was to try and maintain the compact dimensions and sleek appearance of the original 100 Series, but offer a more mature, refined and bigger sound with greater bandwidth and power.

First in line for an upgrade was the main drive unit, the decision was made to move up to a 5in driver - this time utilising a four-layer voice coil with flux rings to enable improved dynamics, headroom and clarity. This created a new problem of size and keeping compact dimensions, solved by using HDF (High Density Fibreboard). The engineers concluded they needed more internal volume to achieve maximum benefit from the new 5in driver. After calculation and experimentation, the decision was made to move to HDF - unheard of at this price-point says the maker. HDF provides the option of using thinner cabinet walls with no loss in acoustic performance, the mass and stiffness of the 15mm HDF being the same as the previous 18mm MDF. The result is a 15% increase in cabinet size but a 30% increase in internal volume over the previous 100 Series.

The final piece of the puzzle was retaining the integration and musically rewarding character of the slimline 100 Series cabinets. For this, a new

70 FEBRUARY 2022

25mm soft-dome tweeter and waveguide was developed to match the new bass driver, taking a leaf out of the 500 Series book and pushing them as close together as physically possible thanks to a cutaway trim.

Aesthetically, the new 100 Series retains similar lines to the older generation but cleaner and more refined. The new 100 Series will

retail from £229 to £599 and comprise of the AE1002 bookshelf, AE1092 floor-stander, AE1072 centre and AE1082 active subwoofer, with a new AE1202 flagship floor-stander following in the Spring.

Acoustic Energy acoustic-energy.co.uk

All speakers are available in Black and Walnut vinyl veneer with the AE1002 also available in White

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FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE

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PRODUCTS

JVC WIDENS APPEAL WITH DLA-NP5 AND DLA-RS1100

Both projectors can be calibrated by ISF-certified engineers and the Installation Settings function allows up to 10 types of installation adjustments to be saved

JVC has bought the performance of its D-ILA projector technology to a broader audience with the introduction of two new ‘entry-level’ models. Both are lamp light source models with support for 4K120p input and are compatible with HDR10+ content. Importantly, the DLANP5 and DLA-RS1100 feature JVC’s D-ILA technology for high-performance black level and native contrast.

Other key features include 4K120p inputs with HDCP 2.3, dual 48Gbps inputs with HDCP 2.3 making them suited for next generation source devices and current gaming consoles.

High Speed LSI for 4K120p input and video processing is also on-board for effective high frame rate gaming content. Along with low latency mode, this opens up new possibilities for projectors to provide high quality gaming on larger screens.

High resolution and high contrast are achieved with a 0.69in Native 4K D-ILA device, as used on JVC’s premium models. D-ILA’s unique narrow-pitch pixel process makes it difficult to see the grid even on the largest screens, enabling smooth and high-definition video expression unique to native 4K, says the maker.

Also included is an all-glass lens capable of resolving 4K information with 17 elements in 15 groups to deliver high-resolution images that are in focus all the way to the periphery of the screen.

The support for the HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata, along with the HDR10 format used in UHD Blu-ray and streaming. Both methods support wider colour gamut such as BT2020, and 10-bit colour gradation. With HDR10+, the luminance information for each scene is embedded in the content as metadata, so tone mapping can be performed according to the scene.

The projectors also include JVC’s unique Frame Adapt HDR and Theater Optimizer which performs dynamic tone mapping based on analysis of HDR10 content, while Theater Optimizer automatically performs optimal tone mapping according to the installation environment. 18-bit level gamma processing suppresses tonal gradations in bright areas and blacks in dark areas and reproduces smooth gradations with high accuracy. Together, these two unique features deliver the best possible HDR image automatically claims JVC. JVC uk.jvc.com/

SPOT THE NEW FEATURES ON ANTHEM! Anthem has announced the addition of Spotify

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in

February,

Anthem’s newest MRX AV Receivers and AVM Surround Processors have taken their place at the premium end of the consumer electronics segment. With support for the

Anthem’s direct integration of Spotify allows the user to simply select their MRX or AVM product as a speaker in the Spotify app, then stream the music directly from the device over the home Wi-Fi network. With no compression or other alteration of the music, only premium audio will be heard.

Earlier this month, Spotify Connect was added through a mandatory firmware update

to all Anthem MRX Receivers and AVM Processors. Users can now enjoy Spotify Connect on their MRX Receivers and AVM Processors at no additional charge.

Anthem anthemav.com

newest surround codecs and music formats, the maker says they can now deliver the highest possible audio quality. Built-in streaming support for Apple AirPlay and other services

More information is available from UK distributor Pulse Cinemas

has brought convenience and ease to the playback experience.

With the addition of Spotify Connect, users can use their phone or tablet as a highquality audio source. Spotify subscribers can stream a wide variety of content directly to their MRX Receiver or AVM Processor.

With no additional components in the signal chain, the integrity of the original stream is carefully preserved. Thanks to the high-end digital/ analogue conversion available in these products, sound quality is unparalleled, says the maker.

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FEBRUARY 2022 73

PRODUCTS

CYRUS AUDIO PLAYS THE BLUES British brand, Cyrus Audio, looks to the future by integrating the BluOS platform into its audiophile components. Cyrus Audio and Lenbrook International, the owner and developer of the BluOS high-resolution multiroom platform, announced a global partnership to bring the BluOS streaming platform into upcoming Cyrus Audio products.

Nicholas Clarke, Managing Director of Cyrus Audio, says, “Music streaming remains complex with the wide variety and rapidly changing list of services and features that are demanded by the modern music consumer. We realised that being part of a well-established and classleading ecosystem provided the best option for both our customers and dealers to minimise this complexity. As such, we always found ourselves coming back to BluOS. Throughout our conversations, Lenbrook made clear their strong commitment to providing all customers a premium user experience, combined with access to the best of the hi-res music streaming services. That aligns so perfectly with the Cyrus brand values that it became a rather straightforward decision for us. Our team is naturally excited as we go forward, planning the latest expansion of the Cyrus Audio product range.”

“Our goal with BluOS continues to be being highly selective about the brands we add to the platform since it is so important that the shared ecosystem model be represented by totally like-minded and committed partners,” explains Gordon Simmonds, CEO of Lenbrook International. “Cyrus Audio is one of those well aligned brands that the Lenbrook team has long admired. We’re pleased they have come on board to share our BluOS high res music vision again reaffirming the significant investment we continue to make into this platform.”

If you are not familiar with it as yet, BluOS is a proprietary, but brand-agnostic platform meaning that any BluOS Enabled product connected to the same Wi-Fi network can share music libraries and playlists, regardless of the brand of speaker or audio component.

Cyrus Audio cyrusaudio.com

Cyrus Audio has joined the BluOS family

V+ SERIES LANDS FROM M&K

All three are available in Black Satin with V10+ and V12+ also in White Satin too

M&K Sound is introducing three compact, lifestyle-friendly, high-performance subwoofers, the V15+, V12+ and V10+, with single 15in, 12in and 10in drivers, respectively. These small-footprint subwoofers, two of which have earned THX Certification and are M&K Appenabled (V15+ and V12+), all promise to deliver deep and accurate bass to consumers in an affordable package.

The 15in V15+ has achieved THX Certified Ultra status when using two M&K V15+ together, and the 12in V12+ has

74 FEBRUARY 2022

achieved THX Certified Select status, meaning each can attain professional cinema audio reference levels in rooms of up to 3,000ft3 and 2,000ft3, respectively.

M&K Sound engineers have increased the amplifier power output over the former V Series for all three new V+ subwoofers. Furthermore, the V15+ represents the first 15in driver enclosure to join the V family of products, while the V10+ and V12+ have had their deep bass frequency response extended from 25Hz down to an impressive 20Hz (-6dB).

The V+ Series subwoofers sport single drivers with newly treated, reinforced paper cones in sealed, anti-resonant enclosures. These design features combine with high-efficiency, precision-engineered Class D amplifiers and M&K’s proprietary ‘front end’ input stage, to ensure that the signature bass performance is not just heard by the audience, but viscerally felt, says the maker.

Both the V15+ and V12+ enable configuration via the M&K App. As well as volume, crossover frequency, delay and phase, the App provides control options for Manual EQ and Auto EQ parameters.

M&K Sound’s compact V+ Series subwoofers offer new curved and tapered external housings, making them both discreet and suitable for placement within family rooms or design-conscious environments.

Combined with new magnetised front grilles, their creator says the V+ Series subwoofers represent optimised ergonomics and performance packages for audio aficionados and casual listeners alike.

M&K Sound mksound.com

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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

SAVANT’S NEW KEYPADS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Savant has introduced the Ascend Keypad

Savant says Ascend keypads provide users

To

enhance

ordering

and

installation

and

with effortless control of many smart home

efficiency for integrators, Ascend keypads can be

5-button configurations designed to deliver

features, including Savant’s award-winning

specified for any project using Savant’s lighting

integrators with the ultimate premium on-wall

Daylight Mode, triggering lights throughout the

design tool. Ascend keypads ordered using the

control solution.

home or in specific rooms in perfect alignment

design tool are shipped fully assembled.

line,

featuring

2-button,

4-button

Savant Ascend low-voltage keypads are

Ascend Keypads offer fully customisable

with the natural circadian curve. Each button can

functionality within the Savant smart home

be custom engraved, enabling integrators to

ecosystem and are available in nine finishes

customise the user experience, bringing added

to

styles.

value to each client. The backlit buttons feature

Savant

The ascend keypads join the Metropolitan,

a choice of nine LED colours that dynamically

savant.com

Noon and Echo styles, providing integrators

adjust based on ambient light levels and

with a complete family of elegant smart home

provide feedback to the user when scenes have

control options from Savant, says the maker.

been activated.

accommodate

different

décor

available now in seven anodized colours.

Colours available are aluminum, black, brass, bronze (all in brushed finish), space grey, nickel and two painted finishes, light almond and snow white

DTS STAYS SHARP WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

The IMAX Enhanced program has also just announced a collaboration with Disney+ to deliver 13 Marvel Studios’ films in the format

DTS has announced that Sharp will bring DTS:X immersive sound to its next line of TV products in Europe.

DTS:X for TV is a comprehensive immersive audio solution designed for single and dual-

76 FEBRUARY 2022

core TV SoC architectures and is fully backward compatible with all existing DTS-encoded content, including DTS:X and DTS-HD Master Audio from Blu-ray Discs and DTS Digital Surround. The solution also features

the latest high-efficiency DTS:X immersive streaming decoder for streaming content from OTT services.

DTS:X for TV is compatible with the DTS Virtual:X audio post-processing solution to deliver an immersive audio experience from content played over a TV’s internal speakers.

Thanks to this partnership Sharp users will now be able to optimise their TV’s entertainment potential and unlock new home entertainment experiences.

DTS:X will be available on the new 4K Ultra HD Android TV model 70DN5EA (available in February 2022) and in addition, DTS:X will also be featured on the recently announced EQ Android TV series available in March 2022. This partnership will bring immersive sound to Sharp TVs for a best-in-class premium audio experience say the two companies.

The DTS:X solution for TV is described as a must-have to fully enjoy all the advantages of the IMAX Enhanced program, which is building partnerships with makers and content creators around the globe.

DTS dts.com

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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.

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