Essential Install February 2023

With 7.2 channels of pure Marantz power, this is cinematic sound, redefined.

HDBaseT™ Matrix with Advanced Audio Integration

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

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

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

HMXL88ARC

8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

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

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

J 26 x 8 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

HMXL42ARC-KIT

4x2 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix including Receivers

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

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

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

HMXL66ARC

6x6 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

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

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

J 20 x 6 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

HDCP

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.

HEX70ARC-KIT

HDBaseT™ ARC Extender Set - 70m

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

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

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

HEX100CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set -100m

HEX150CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set - 150m

1080p up to 150m

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency

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

J Supports ARC from display via HDMI and optical digital inputs

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

CONTENTS

February 2023

52 DEDICATED TO DARYL

Just ahead of the ISE show, EI sat down for an exclusive Q&A with Daryl Friedman, CEDIA Global President and CEO

56 ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

Prestige Audio, Senior Cinema

67 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

Terrific toys FEATURES

14 ESSENTIAL AWE

The latest from this dynamic distribution player

CLUBS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS

22 CLUBS AND CAMERAS

Chris Mellor-Dolman, Head of Marketing at Webro

40 A RAY OF HOPE FOR BILLIONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Special announcement from Dr Shelley James

46

49 THE EVOLUTION OF TRAINING: THREE BIG DEVELOPMENTS

Andrew Littrell, Technical Director Residential, Crestron

50 HDANYWHERE LOVES LEARNING

Justin Fothergill, Brand Director at HDANYWHERE

EMBRACE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND AVOID ASSUMPTIONS

The early part of the year is often a challenging time, sometimes the immediate future is uncertain, or sometimes you know exactly what is coming and what has been planned out, but it can be difficult to gather the motivation needed to really get stuck in. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on how the year should start, how we should tackle it and what strategies and approaches are the best. We are inundated with offers to start a gym membership, change our diet or look at the world in a different way.

In EI’s village nestled in the South Downs of East Sussex, the village green ‘Christmas’ tree with its twinkling lights is still very much part of the evening scenery. Now you might think, ‘way too long to have that up, Christmas was over a long time ago’, well enquires in the village pub of those responsible will inform you that actually its better to think of it as a ‘yule’ tree, and we are not taking it down until ‘Imbolc’, which (roughly translated) means the pre-Christian pagan new year/spring festival rolled into one. This time of year was and still is important as it marked the time when sheep and goats could be bred again and restart the process of producing milk and new borns, there are three sheep farms dotted around the village, so from this perspective, the tree makes total sense. So, the point is,

something that might seem out of place or not correct from one perspective, looks completely different to another set of eyes. We are in the business of delivering to people their dream homes packed full of entertainment, practicality and features that are created to exactly match their needs, wants and desires. Assuming what people will or even should find pleasing or acceptable is a dangerous game. In fact, the most interesting projects can often be those customers who want the odd, weird or wacky, but we don’t know what they want until we take the time to find out.

MAKING THE TIME

It’s an obvious point perhaps, but in the middle of getting the work, carrying out the project and moving to the next phase, its not impossible to forget that making assumptions about people and projects can damage reputations, and in the long term make the project feel not as good as it should be. Customers assessing a system a few months, or even years, after it has been fitted and concluding that it doesn’t really match their needs, are going to blame you - and the inconvenience and stress of not getting it right the first time, can be considerable. So of course, making sure we take the time to get it right first time, all of the time, is well worth it and this means being genuinely interested in the people first and their perspective, and then the technology that can help them afterwards.

GETTING IN TOUCH

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

PUBLISHER

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER

Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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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.

Human perspectives and what they find pleasing and appropriate vary widely

XS SIZE - XL SOUND

L-Acoustics leads the professional audio industry in the design and manufacturing of premium sound reinforcement and immersive technologies, delivering superlative and predictable performance across stadiums, performing arts venues, and nightclubs. When it comes to exceeding expectations, L-Acoustics Creations CEDIA Award-winning Fiji 2.1 sound system offers a size to power output that astonishes. At a mere 99 mm deep, the components of Fiji 2.1 are the perfect fit for discreet in-wall or in-ceiling integration, available in standard dark grey, white, or RAL colours.

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

creations.l-acoustics.com

SHOAL GROUP ACQUIRES SHRINKTEK POLYMERS INTERNATIONAL

Shoal Group has acquired Shrinktek Polymers International, a leading supplier of heat shrinkable tubing for the electrical and construction industries.

Shrinktek Polymers International was established in 2002 and is now one of the largest stockists in Europe, with a product range which varies from economical commercial sleeving to high technology options manufactured to the relevant national and international specification requirements.

Following the acquisition, the Shrinktek Brand will be incorporated by Shoal Group into its cablecraft business. Cablecraft will continue to support and develop the brand with the same unwavering commitment to its customers and continue to supply competitively priced, topquality products and services.

Shoal Group MD Mark Taylor, said, “This is a good strategic fit with our cablecraft business that expands the breadth and quality of our current Heatshrink range with the introduction of the Shrinktek offer. We can build on the good work Martin, Catherine, Fran and the Shrinktek team have achieved so far and look forward to delivering a great service and developing strong partnerships with Shrinktek Customers.”

Martin Haley, Shrinktek International Director, added, “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for putting their trust in us over the last 20 years and bringing us to where we are today. And rest assured Cablecrafts’ commitment to continue to deliver exceptional customer and product support is strong, you’re in safe hands.”

Shoal Group is a group of companies operating in the UK and serving 53 countries around the globe.

The company offers customers access to over 30,000 cable management, identification and termination solutions and to over 4,500 flexible and specialist cables products. The Group is comprised of five brands; Cablecraft, FS Cables, SWA (SpecialistWiring Accessories) Shoal Export and Birch Valley Plastics.

Shoal Group is owned by Diploma, an international group supplying specialised products and services to a wide range of end segments in its three sectors of life sciences, seals and controls.

Shoal Group shoal-group.com

RAKO SETS THE SCENE FOR ABLECTRICS

Director of Ablectrics, Fraser Besant, said, “We partnered with Cinemaworks, as Owen Maddock, the owner, is recognised globally as one of the best home cinema designers, so if he designs a room for you, it will be special. When we delved into the design, we knew we needed our lighting to deliver tailored scenes that could draw you into whatever you are watching. Having years of experience working with Rako, we chose the wireless system as we knew it would be easy to install and provide exceptional reliability. Whilst it does its real hard work in the demo room, we also used it to light the rest of the showroom.”

In the cinema room, the Rako Modular keypad with modern stainless-steel surround is used to control all aspects of the lighting design with a mix of RLED30CV4s, RMT500s and RMS800s. The Rako RK-Hub provides native app control and third-party integration into the Savant system which enables Rako’s keypad to activate not only the lights but also the sound system and projector, creating the perfect blend of sight, sound, and cinema.

Bristol based lighting specialist, Ablectrics has partnered with award winning integrator Cinemaworks and manufacturer of lighting controls Rako, to curate a high-performance home cinema demo room at its Bristol showroom.

After moving into its new showroom in April, Ablectrics decided to expand its business into cinema design after noting the demand from customers for luxurious spaces in their homes.

The lighting scheme was designed to create various scenes giving the ultimate customisable cinema experience, no matter what is being watched. The lighting control solution needed to deliver the wide range of capabilities in a simple sleek design, which prospective clients could see being a stylish addition to their homes as well as easy to use.

Ablectrics

electricsandlighting.co.uk

Rako

rakocontrols.com

Cinemaworks

cinemaworks.co.uk

The Modular keypads have been programmed for bespoke scenes including Film, Sport, Kids and Action

Shoal Group is owned by Diploma PLC, an international group supplying specialised products and services to a wide range of end segments

AV DEVICE WALL MOUNT BRACKETS

Choose a new, sleek and minimal wall mounted AV setup

INVISION TO DISTRIBUTE GALLO ACOUSTICS

Invision UK is now distributing speaker brand, Gallo Acoustics

Headquartered in Lanark, Scotland, Gallo Acoustics – recently acquired by the Pulse-Eight group – is an innovator in the field of loudspeaker design, with a product range that spans applications in the custom install, smart home, commercial and Hi-Fi spaces. Its spherical design language and vast range of colours and finishes make the brand instantly recognisable, and its focus on customer care and support has garnered three Best Trade Supplier accolades at the CEDIA EMEA Awards.

Mark Taylor, Commercial Director at Invision, said, “We are thrilled to have Gallo join the PulseEight family and to welcome them to the Invision

portfolio. To be the first UK distributor of this product range to the custom install market is exciting for us as we are always striving to provide our customers with innovative custom install products from the best brands.”

After meeting strict criteria, Gallo Acoustics will be included in Invision’s Committed to Custom pledge.

Committed to Custom is Invision’s promise to drive positive change within the custom install market looking at improving training and education, offering innovative, class-leading products, and providing high-quality support for integrators.

Key areas of the pledge include a minimum three-year warranty as standard with the products only being sold to qualified custom installers

providing assurance that integrators are competing with like-minded businesses.

Marc Waple, Global Director of Sales at the Pulse-Eight group, said, “I’m enthusiastic to see what the future holds for Gallo Acoustics at Invision UK, having Gallo Acoustics join Pulse-Eight as a Committed to Custom brand is an exciting prospect for us all. Personally, having worked alongside the team at Invision UK for more than a decade, I know this is the perfect platform for the new addition to our family to grow.”

Invision UK invisionuk.com

AV INTEGRATOR, STRIVE AV, CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR OF SUCCESS FOLLOWING REBRAND

Strive AV is celebrating one year since changing its name from CDEC in 2021. The change signals a new ethos and era for the pro AV integrator, led by Managing Director Toni Chalk.

The Strive AV name is becoming recognised as an established and trusted go-to AV partner. In the last 12 months, the company has opened a new HQ and warehouse located in Felbridge, on the Surrey-Sussex border and made the transition to a profit-focused business. Strive AV has also recently been approved under the government’s first ever AV apprenticeship scheme and has already taken on one apprentice, marking another successful milestone.

But it’s not a new company – in fact, Strive AV has a 20-year heritage under its former name of CDEC. Toni Chalk, Managing Director of Strive AV, took over running the business following the sudden passing of her business partner. Since then, Toni has worked hard to steer the business through challenging times. Six years on, and the positive transformation sparked Toni to rename the company Strive AV.

Toni’s vision for the business continuously evolves, striving to deliver excellence and succeed, on time and on budget for each and every client. Toni also drives her team to continue working hard in helping to support its customer continuity.

“We strive to be a leader in customer experience. Our heritage and proven track record speaks for itself; each member of the Strive AV team is empowered to make our customer service provision the very best it can be, and we are proud to continue working with customers who have been with us from the very beginning.” said Toni.

With firm roots within the education sector, Strive AV aims to deliver excellence in education, but also corporate, health and retail environments. Its primary aim is to provide AV solutions which transform communication and enhance the end user’s experiences.

Strive AV striveav.com

A new partnership for Gallo Acoustics with Invision UK

A new European Smart Home exhibition

Based in Amsterdam for 2023

Building on the success of the EI Live! UK event now in its 12th year and recognised as the UK’s only national trade show for the industry, a new event from the same organisers has been launched. EI Live! Europe will take the same successful format and reproduce it at the fantastic venue of the Passenger Terminal in the centre of Amsterdam, the perfect time and place to begin this new chapter in the sector.

June 13th – KNX education and training seminars (Exhibition build day)

June 14th & 15th – Live exhibition show days including 20 minute KNX Tech Talks throughout the day

Full details go to www.eiliveeurope.com

To get involved contact david@eiliveeurope.com or ian@eiliveeurope.com

Located in the centre of Westminster, One Great George Street (OGGS) is a historic Grade II listed building which was constructed over 100 years ago.

The aim of the project was to design a space where the three main areas (Coffee House, Palmer Room meeting space, The main café), could become one main zone. OGGS appointed Claremont GI to design and build, and Runtech to carry out the design, supply, and installation of AV solutions. Working with Claremont, Runtech proposed a solution that increased efficiency of the overall space with area/seating configurations that were flexible.

The requirement for The Palmer Room was to become a flexible meeting/ training/ seminar space with a connection to the coffee house via the removal of a partition wall. Runtech installed one 85in 4K Samsung commercial display. To facilitate video conferencing, a Logitech Rally Bar was installed along with three mic pods. Four Bose in-ceiling loudspeakers were mounted in the ceiling tiles for the ZeeVee IPTV and background music.

Runtech installed one 75in display for IPTV and digital signage which was flat wall mounted in The Coffee House. Similarly, to the flexible meeting

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the trade association that oversees Bluetooth technology, has announced the appointment of Alain Michaud to the board of directors of the Bluetooth SIG. Alain, the Connectivity Area Tech Lead and Senior Staff Software Engineer at Google, will begin a two-year term as an Associate Member Director. The Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the organisation and plays a vital role in driving the expansion of Bluetooth technology to address the needs of a growing number of consumer, commercial, and industrial markets.

Alain oversees wireless technology development for several products at Google. He brings years of experience architecting software stacks that support various wireless technologies on multiple major operating systems, including open-source software systems. Alain is a longtime member of the Bluetooth community and contributor to the Bluetooth specification development process, namely as a Bluetooth Architecture Review Board Councillor, a role he has held for over 10 years representing two member companies.

“We are honoured to have Alain join the Bluetooth SIG board,” said Mark Powell, CEO of the Bluetooth SIG. “The rapid growth and adoption of Bluetooth technology is a direct result of the commitment and guidance of our board and the dedication of our 38,000 member companies it represents. Alain’s expertise, experience, and

room, four Bose in-ceiling loudspeakers were mounted in the ceiling tiles for the ZeeVee IPTV audio and background music. The Control system is a Kramer integrated controller, wall mounted touch panel, and Audio DSP.

The Main Café features three huddle booths, acting as a non-private meeting space as well as a dining option. Within the middle booth, Runtech installed 32in displays along with an HDMI connection plate for laptop presenting. This booth also picks up the main IPTV system.

Along the wall which overlooks the seating area and entrance, Runtech installed a 55in Samsung commercial digital signage display. Additionally, a 55in Allsee digital menu was installed in portrait on an angled wall as you enter the café. Lastly, 12 of the same Bose in-ceiling speakers were installed around the café to provide high-quality background music around the café. Runtech

versatility will help our board of directors ensure that Bluetooth technology continues to expand into exciting, new use cases and markets.”

Zennio, manufacturer of building control technology, has announced the appointment of Stuart Hill to the role of Senior Technical Manager for the United Kingdom. Stuart, who joins from Gira, brings a wealth of project experience and technical knowledge that spans over 10 years in the industry. Prior to this he worked in embedded software and applications for mobile and consumer electronic products. Stuart has been tasked with managing solution specifications, project delivery and product training and support.

Luxury German audio-visual brand, Loewe Technology, has announced the appointment of Antony Bunn-Major as its new Regional Account Manager. Antony brings a wealth of experience, having spent many years working in high end consumer electronics retail at the premium independent retail chain, Music Matters, as well as senior roles at Innuos and Sound United. His appointment is the latest to bolster Loewe’s presence in the UK, including the appointment of Alan Whyte as Managing Director in 2021.

Antony said, “I have always had a soft spot for Loewe, ever since my retail days. Handmade in Germany using the highest quality parts, they are a different beast to any other television brand in the market today. I look forward to bringing my experience and enthusiasm to the team, to grow

the Loewe account base, and more importantly give the current Partners the support tools they need to do their job effectively.”

Loewe UK MD, Alan Whyte, added, “Antony comes with a wealth of well-rounded experience, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the team. Independent retail and custom installation is our bread and butter so we need to do all we can to support them.”

TD SYNNEX Maverick, a specialist business of TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) has appointed Mark Glasspool as Senior Director for its UK and Ireland division. With over 20 years’ experience within TD SYNNEX, Mark moves to the Maverick European leadership team from the role of services director, UK and Ireland. He takes the lead of Maverick’s second largest region, working with a portfolio of brands including Logitech, Absen, Crestron, Lenovo, Avocor, Epson, Microsoft, Sony and now Zoom.

Hugo Graca, Senior Vice President, Specialised Solutions, Europe, at TD SYNNEX, said, “Mark is a brilliant leader, and we are delighted to see him move to the leadership role for the UK business. As a people-first manager, he has had remarkable success building customer service businesses and his ambitious spirit is perfectly matched to this part of the AV and IT industry, which is fast paced and where relationships are paramount. We are looking forward to having him as a driving force in the European leadership team at Maverick.”

Runtech took on the refurbishment of this Grade II listed building

Mark commented, “Collaboration and visual communication are critical in how businesses and consumers will operate in the coming years and Maverick’s focus on technology for smart spaces puts us right at the heart of innovation in the sector. The teams across Europe have continually brought latest brands to market and worked with leading brands to maintain their position. I am looking forward to collaborating with the team to maintain and build on that momentum.”

Michel Arntz joins Robe’s international sales team as key Account Manager for Europe. He will be coordinating Robe’s activities in 18 countries across Europe including Ukraine, and his area will also include all of Scandinavia, Poland, the Baltic states, Austria, Switzerland and most of the Balkan countries. Netherlands-based Michel is already a well-known and respected industry figure in Europe. In addition to sales, the scope of his work will cover product communication and marketing, plus relationship building with the distributors and end users.

Michel commented that he is “super excited” to be joining Robe’s international sales manager Ingo Dombrowski and his team of regional sales managers, noting that their, “drive, passion and enthusiasm for their work and the industry that we all love so much,” was a major reason for him accepting the position.

Previously, Michel’s work experience included 13 years at sales and distribution company Fairlight, most latterly as general manager for sales, so he has a great perspective on the needs and requirements of a successful distribution operation.

Kinly, global provider of AV integration and collaboration services and support, has announced that Taj Ghere has been appointed Managing Director for the UK region. Taj brings 22 years of growth and operational expertise to the role, following a successful career leading the finance function at some of the world’s leading IT and technology specialistsincluding Nortel, Dell and Agfa Healthcare.

Taj originally joined Kinly in 2020 as Group Finance Director and will now move into the MD of

the UK role. With Kinly projecting significant growth and expansion in the year ahead, including the recent opening of new offices in Germany and Switzerland, Taj has committed to a new transformation programme to improve internal processes, boost efficiencies, and ensure the best experiences for Kinly customers.

Now, as Managing Director of the UK region and as a member of Kinly Exec Board, Taj will also be responsible for supporting and executing the global vision of Chief Executive Officer, Tom Martin, across this vital region.

Taj said, “Kinly’s strength comes from its people. I’m a big believer that a company’s team, and the culture that surrounds them, plays a vital role in its growth and future success. For me, the managing director role represents a great opportunity for me to work more closely with our award-winning team, understanding their challenges and pain points, and discovering new ways we can develop and grow together.”

Vision has announced the appointment of Leigh Ferreira as Business Development Manager for the UK, to expand its European team in response to the business growth.

As UK BDM, Leigh will focus on building on Vision’s relationships with existing partners and customers and driving growth within the UK.

“The transition to hybrid working is challenging organisations to provide flexible meeting spaces rather than just traditional meeting rooms,” said Leigh. “I’m excited to be able to introduce an everwider range of integrators and installers to Vision’s range of stands and trolleys that answer that need, enabling smart meetings anywhere they are wanted.”

“Leigh’s comprehensive experience of organisations from SMEs to global corporates gives her great insight into the post-pandemic needs of businesses,” explained Stuart Lockhart, Director of Vision. “Having her on board means ensures we offer expanded support to our UK channel partners and their end-user customers.”

Leigh Ferreira

Taj Ghere Mark Glasspool Michel Arntz

Stuart Hill Alain Michaud Antony Bunn-Major

The preferred choice for retailers and custom installers around the world

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

Home Cinema

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

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

Speakers

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

Cables

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

MARANTZ – CINEMA SERIES

AWE, exclusive distributor to the CI market for Marantz, says the maker’s new range of home cinema products establishes new benchmarks for high-end performance at their respective price points. Impeccable sound quality, CI friendly feature-rich design, and new luxurious styling all come as standard. AWE provides the details.

Consisting of a flagship preamp/processor with a matching 16-channel amplifier and four AV receivers, the CINEMA Series provides movie and audio enthusiasts with the most exceptional at-home listening experience possible at their respective price-points.

Installers have been catered for as the allnew high-definition graphical user interface, with additional voice compatibility, makes setup and operation simple. Moreover, installers also get access to a variety of new features including CI mode, which shields certain settings from end-user changes and reduces the likelihood of service calls due to user error.

These all-new AVRs boast phenomenal performance and a powerful 3D soundscape thanks to the latest immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus 8K video available on multiple inputs and room optimisation available on multiple inputs, as well

as additional features designed to enhance the at-home entertainment experience.

With HEOS built-in technology, they also support seamless multi-room set-up, so users can still appreciate their favourite music, podcasts, or sports from popular streaming providers or personal music libraries connected via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2.

Support for Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update is scheduled for March 2023.

CINEMA 60 – AN AWE EXCLUSIVE!

The Marantz CINEMA 60 is a 7.2 channel 8K AVR with 100W per channel and is ideally suited for multi-purpose media rooms or smaller dedicated home theatre applications. With Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 8K Ultra HD, and

HEOS Built-In streaming this new AVR sets the standard of foundational luxury home theatre. With a wealth of inputs and outputs including pre-amp out to add more power, and dual subwoofer outs, CINEMA 60 brings undeniable performance at a key price point. Immersive spaciousness, warm and rich tone and lifelike dynamics are legendary hallmarks of Marantz’s sound. CINEMA 60 comes packed with the latest immersive audio formats, 8K video, six HDMI inputs, room optimisation, streaming and more technology to simplify and elevate enjoyment.

A modern expression of timeless design principles, CINEMA 60 includes the new Marantz design featuring the iconic porthole, symmetry, and visual cues representing Marantz quality. Thoughtfully selected connectivity options, flexible speaker and amp arrangements, and fine-tuning ability allow the user to make the CINEMA 60 their own – for true customisability.

AV 10 AND AMP 10 –AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2023

The CINEMA Series’ apex products, the AV 10 and AMP 10, provide the foundation for an ultimate home theatre. Built on Marantz’s exclusive HDAM technology, the AV 10 and AMP 10 work together to create a referencelevel entertainment system, with the AMP 10’s 16-channel amplification perfectly matched by the AV 10’s discrete circuitry and seven HDMI inputs. Seamlessly in sync, the duo brings the best cinematic sound to the home. Support for

Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update is scheduled for March 2023. For those largest home cinema rooms demanding more power, the AV 10 is a perfect partner for a stack of power amplifiers too.

“The CINEMA Series is the convergence of three unmistakable characteristics of Marantz heritage: exceptionally high performance, meticulous build quality, and elegant timeless design,” says Joel Sietsema, Marantz and Classé president.

CINEMA 40 - FIRST STOCK EXPECTED SPRING

This 9.2 channel, 125-watt premium AVR is ideal for fully dedicated and immersive home

theatres, providing a stunning movie experience from a single unit. The aluminium front panel is pure luxury to the touch and that extends to every aspect of its build. Featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Auro 3D, and 8K Ultra HD plus HEOS Built-in streaming.

CINEMA 50s

The Marantz CINEMA 50 is a 9.4 channel, 110-watt AVR, great for discerning movie and music enthusiasts seeking to create an immersive home theatre with rich tonal qualities and live-like dynamics. With Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, 8K Ultra HD, and HEOS Built-in streaming. This impressive AV amplifier is perfect for high-performance media rooms and home theatres.

CINEMA 70s

This slimline 7.2 channel 8K AVR with 50W per channel, is perfect for smaller living spaces, compact media consoles or crowded AV racks. With Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and 8K Ultra HD, and HEOS streaming built in. CINEMA 70s appears unobtrusive yet remains a highly capable AV receiver that performs beyond its size.

Discover the exceptional quality of the Marantz CINEMA series, available now from AWE. AWE

“The most astute cinephiles and audiophiles will appreciate the CINEMA Series’ immersive sound experience, expertly crafted for the dedicated home theatre. Those who desire both form and function will equally appreciate the display-worthy artisan craftsmanship that elevates any luxury living space.” says Joel Sietsema, Marantz and Classé president.

LUXURY LIVING ROOM HOME CINEMA

This new dealer led project called on many key Pulse Cinemas ingredients and services to create a fully integrated, high-performance home cinema in a beautiful extension to a period cinemas. Pulse Cinemas gives EI readers the tour.

In the world of the dedicated home cinema, installers can of course control much of the environment that system will be performing in, however when it comes to delivering an integrated cinema for a multi-use living space, the challenges can be considerable. This does not mean, however, that standards must be

compromised, this client still gets a fantastic level of performance by leaning into the products and services available from Pulse Cinemas.

The most obvious challenge here are the large windows on one side of the room. These full wall windows provide a very pleasant aspect to the room, offering panoramic views of the

grounds; however they also flood the space with ambient light. Step forward a complete and automated set of window treatments from world leaders Lutron, which activate in playback mode to ensure that the right level of ambient light is reached, so that any type of content can be enjoyed. The client here wanted the choice of some visibility to the exterior as well as full blackout, so both options were included. Lutron was also called upon to provide full control and automation of the room’s grand lighting scheme adding extra opulence and style to the space, whether the cinema is in operation or not. Talking of style, this space also employed the full services of Pulse Cinemas own interior design team helping to create a sharp mix of traditional period interior styling with a modern twist (the room is an extension to the grounds of a large period property). Keen art fans, the clients were also able to pick out a piece of favourite contemporary art to decorate the space integrated with the room’s Screen Research FDM, fixed frame Decormask, 110in, 16/9 ClearPix screen. When at rest the screen provides a pleasing piece of artwork in keeping with the room’s style, when in use the artwork moves gracefully aside so viewing can begin.

ARTFULLY DESIGNED

The rest of the carefully curated AV line up delivers an excellent 5.2.4 system controlled by the powerful Anthem AVM70-8K 15.2 AV processor able to deliver Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced content. The very latest version of Anthem’s room correction technology, ARC Genesis, got to flex its muscles in this project - getting the audio exactly right and compensating for the room’s characteristics including the large windows. Further Anthem amplification is provided by the capable MCA525V2 5 x 225W per ch power amp. Our staff are always underlining the great performance achieved by combining sister brands Anthem and Paradigm. These brands are produced specifically to work in harmony with each other, and in fact have been for many years. The fruits of these labours can be witnessed in this room as the Anthem products are partnered with a full complement of Paradigm speakers, drawn in the main from the CI Elite range delivering the audio performance and integrated qualities needed. The natural viewing partner for this was an artfully executed installation of the revolutionary Sim2 4K-XTV concept, able to deliver the brightness and fully integrated installation needed for a room such as this. It is possible that a large-scale TV or video wall product might have been considered for this space, but we strongly argue that if you want a real cinema level image, a projector will often win out and in particular Sim2 with its ability to deliver all of the benefits of HDR content is a stand out performer. Standing by to partner the Sim2 is a Kaleidescape Strato 4K Media Player (6TB) able to deliver the convenience and level of performance the customer was looking for. Kordz cables was also called on to deliver all the connectivity and reliability this project needs. Its never a good thing to have to go searching for a faulty cable, but in an integrated system such as this, the need for rock solid reliability is even greater.

Adding to the level of performance and the aesthetics in this room are a series of Vicoustic panels delivering a stylish marble look to the room, but also helping with the quality of the audio during playback and in fact helping the room’s acoustics when the system is at rest as well. Heat gain can also be an issue in a space

like this with the amount of glass included. The Lutron blinds can help tackle this, but also employed here is the latest brand to join the Pulse Cinemas line up HVAC specialist Airzone. Here an Airzone system helps control the environment in the room and can integrate perfectly with the building’s older heating system as a major feature of the Airzone approach is that it can work in partnership with brand new heating and cooling systems, but legacy ones too. Another new addition to the Pulse family also features here as Tyba joins the party in the main rack with the inclusion of the new 4-channel model from the Muse multi-room music system. Featured in a few other zones around the property, the Muse’s main theatre of operation is in the cinema, where the customer enjoys music only playback over the system and can access a special 2.1 setting from the Anthem processor or enjoy surround sound music too.

Pulling all these systems together into an easy to control platform, RTI has been employed using a combination of an XP-6 Control Processor and a KA8 Touch Screen.

This room underlines that no matter what type of space needs to be equipped with a high-quality home cinema, Pulse Cinemas has the products, services, support and ambition to help our installation partners to deliver the full potential of every project.

This system specification, design and support was brought to you by Pulse Cinemas.

Bring us the space and we are ready and able to support you in your endeavours to complete a project just like this one.

Pulse Cinemas

pulsecinemas.com

Essential Kit List

• Anthem AVM70 8K

• Anthem MCA525V2

• Paradigm 2 x X-500, 3 x CI-ELITE-E5LCR-V2 (LCR), 2 x CI-Elite-E3-LCR-V2 (SUR), 4 x CI-Elite-E80-R-V2 (HEI) 2 x Seismic 110 Subwoofer (SUB)

• Sim2 In Ceiling 4K XTV

• Screen Research Fixed Frame Decormask - Acoustically Transparent (110in wide, 16/9)

• Kaleidescape Strato C Player, Terra Compact 6TB Server

• Tyba Muse 4 Channel Music Streamer

• Lutron Lighting (Homeworks QS)

• Lutron Window Treatments (Sivoia QS)

• Vicoustic Acoustic Treatment

• Airzone HVAC

• Kordz cabling

• RTI XP-6 Control Processor, KA8 Touch Screen

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

It has been a very interesting few months. Our application to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is about to be submitted, and we have a wonderful new ‘expenses only’ partnership with Gasoline Media, leading to increased exposure in all media - however our expenses will increase. These and other factors mean that our budget for 2023 has increased by about £20K, so we are appealing now for new sponsors to help further the good that we’re delivering. Can you get involved? Sponsorship packages starts at £500 per calendar year, please ask if you need more details of what sponsorship entails and what difference you can help make.

November marked our first full year of full time operation and I can confidently say that it has been a great success. This is, of course, my slightly biased opinion but I’m optimistic that this is the general feeling of our industry and all those involved in helping make the magic happen in the venues that we work with.

This year we have seen eight completed good cause cinema room projects for seven in children’s hospices, and one for the Dorset Children’s Foundation. Had these rooms been paid-for installations they would have cost in the region of £260,000. Thanks again to all the installers and the product donors for making these rooms happen.

We have been in touch with and/or visited all seven of our proposed installations for 2023, five at children’s hospices, a disabled centre for children and young adults in Surrey, and the Resources For Autism centre in North London. We will hit the £1,000,000 mark of good cause installations by the Summer of 2023.

Last year we also attended the EI Live! show, the Smart Building Awards and the CEDIA EMEA Awards. These events were tremendously successful for us and the feedback we continue to get is hugely encouraging. As an industry united to make a difference, we continue to make a real difference to thousands of children, young adults and their families and care team. Please read on for more detail and more news.

Together For Cinema team (TFC) Founder, Ian Morrish brings EI bang up to date with all the news.

INSTALLATION UPDATE 2023 AND BEYOND

For 2023 we currently have seven installations in discussion and these are outlined below. As with all plans, we have to be subject to change so the list below may change, however, we will target seven more installations for next year. The current installation plan is as follows:

- Butterwick Children’s Hospice, Stockton-on-Tees.

Installer: Your Digital Lifestyle.

- Cherry Trees, East Clandon.

Installer: Nethaus.

- Ellenor Hospice for Children and Adults , Gravesend.

Installer: TBC, though believe we have someone.

- Hope House Children’s Hospices, Oswestry.

Installer: TBC.

- Resources for Autism, London.

Installer: TBC, though believe we have someone.

- Richard House Children’s Hospice, London.

Installer: TBC, though believe we have someone.

- Robin House Children’s Hospice, Ballach.

Installer: TBC.

…and for the moment, this will be the basis of our delivery for 2023.

With seven installations, we need seven installers and seven more projectors, screens, AVRs, speaker packages, racks, control, lighting etc, so please do what you can to help and spread the word to those installers, manufacturers and distributors who might be able to donate.

SPONSORSHIP UPDATE

For 2022, Together For Cinema secured 47 industry sponsors at varying levels of commitment ranging from our Bronze level at

£500 up to our Platinum level at £5,000, and we are hugely grateful to every single one.

There are ambitious plans for 2023 and various commitments that we need to enter into which will further strengthen the longterm security of TFC as an industry recognised charitable organisation. Based on our income and expenditure forecast we need to generate a further £25,000, on top of what we generated in 2022, and our sponsorship appeal for 2023 will start very soon.

We operate on a very tight budget with limited expenses and ‘do the best we can’ to make a difference and promote this difference to our industry and beyond. But there is so

much more that we can do…, and much of this ‘more that we can do’ needs funding.

Be it professional consultancy, legal or accountancy fees, PR and marketing assistance or luxury products to help make an installation as amazing as it can be, our expenses will undoubtedly increase for 2023. Can you help with a new sponsorship or at an increased level?

Packages start from £500/year and you will receive a Together For Cinema Sponsor Pack (plaque, pin badges etc) and some social and trade media exposure.

Together For Cinema togetherforcinema.co.uk

St Oswald’s Hospice enjoyed a visit from Dave Johns; British Stand Up Comedian, BIFA Award Winning Actor and Writer. Star of films such as I, Daniel Blake, Fisherman’s Friends and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All

DbM AND BRILLIANT BARCO

D bM AND BARCO JOIN FORCES

Barco Residential and DbM started working together back in 2016, there was a clear plan to ‘demonstrate better’ as showing the integrators the power of Barco is absolutely the best way to showcase the performance and technology.

products, leading to its reference theatre currently being equipped with the DCI compliant, RGB laser, Freya projector.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Barco Residential brings the pinnacle of image and sound technology to the highend home environment. The state-of-the-art Barco Residential projectors are developed, manufactured, and treasured in design centres in Belgium and Norway. They’re designed from the ground up with one goal in mind – to show the best possible images in any setting. From purpose-built lenses and optics to custommade electronics processing and boards, all parts are specially crafted.

THE BARCO STORY

In 1934, Lucien Depuydt started the Belgian American Radio Corporation (BARCO). His ambition was to produce and sell the most hightech radio’s that the world had ever seen. He promoted the radios that he manufactured in his workshop in the Belgian town of Poperinge.

From these early origins, building high-end radios – and, later, televisions – in fantastic wooden cabinets, Barco became the world’s technology leader in ultra-high-end professional visualisation applications – such as Digital Cinema, with over 60% of today’s DLP cinema screens are equipped with Barco projectors.

Nearly 90 years on, Barco Residential has returned to its origins − bringing the best imaging technologies to the world’s finest residences. The brand has once again become ‘Your family’s essential friend’.

DbM’s ability to demonstrate multiple projection systems in one demonstration facility really helps our integrators to show their clients just how great projection systems can be. The introduction of LED and Laser (Phosphor or RGB) light sources along with full DCI projection systems designed for the residential space really elevated the position of projection in the market. The other critical point is supporting the integrators with projection installation design support. DbM has a complimentary Design and Specification service to check projector positioning, throw and offset calculations, provide expected image brightness, laser hazard zones and more.

Barco delivered engineered solutions, something that is very important to the DbM team. We offer engineered solutions which ensure we hit foot Lambert, SPL, viewing and listening angles. Knowing that we can rely on Barco to deliver on their engineering promises is critical for us as a relied-upon partner by our integrators.

The final part of support on any successful project is in the calibration. The DbM team have everything they need to dial in the Barco projectors once the project is ready to be handed over to your client, ensuring the most amazing image quality and the most immersive experience.

Key to DbM’s success is the fantastic demonstration facilities at the HQ in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Since the partnership began, DbM has aimed to demonstrate Barco’s flagship

Recently launched to replace the Loki, Hodr is a 3-Chip DLP projector offering 7,500 lumens output, whilst delivering spectacular colour fidelity for an unmatched experience that will delight even the most discerning clients.

Outstanding image quality requires an exceptional light source which is why Barco designed Hodr with a brand-new laser engine, significantly improving image uniformity (95%) over its predecessor. Hodr uses custom selected lasers to secure that we can deliver DCI/P3 colour gamut. This means that you get huge brightness, incredible colour accuracy and amazing contrast, without compromises.

Hodr features HDR, motorised lenses, and Barco’s unique RealColor processing, which enables simple and accurate calibration to any desired colour standard or white point. Hodr is also one of the first projectors to offer Barco’s new DynaBlack technology improving contrast for both SDR and HDR content. Hodr offers 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160) for superb image quality. For 2.3x aspect ratio screens, Barco also offer the Hodr CinemaScope with native 5120x2160 resolution, filling the screen without the need to overscan or use an anamorphic lens.

This exceptional projector has recently been installed into the DbM Lounge at company HQ, elevating this already exceptional room to new heights. To book a tour and to experience projection like never before, contact DbM at sales@distributedbym.co.uk

DbM distributedbym.co.uk

The DbM team underlines the accomplishments and quality bought to the table by Barco.

CLUBS AND CAMERAS, SEEN TO DO THE RIGHT THING

Chris Mellor-Dolman, Head of Marketing at Webro, experts in cable and connectivity products, discusses the important points to consider with hospitality CCTV.

In the throng of today’s digitally driven, fastpaced life, we’ve come to accept that CCTV cameras are there to protect us. In the hospitality environment, where people gather in greater numbers, it’s fair to assume that CCTV in pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants is a good thing for the general safety of everyone. The technology itself has developed considerably, delivering many more uses such as facial recognition, people counting and analysis, all with a wealth of detailed information.

In terms of purpose, CCTV covers four main criteria, which are addressed in the ‘DORI’ standard system that defines various levels of detail for:

1. Detection - allows for reliable and easy determination of whether a person or vehicle is present.

2. Observation - gives characteristic details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing, while allowing a view of activity surrounding an incident.

3. Recognition - determines with a high degree of certainty whether an individual shown is the same as someone who has been seen before.

4. Identify - enables the identity of an individual beyond a reasonable doubt.

It’s important to note that both detection and observation are inadmissible in court.

With all of this in mind, the following article explores some of the latest advances in CCTV technology and why these matter to you as an installer.

USABLE IMAGING

Not surprisingly, modern-day CCTV systems display and record with much higher detail than ever before, driven by cameras that offer superb quality imaging. Cameras with resolutions of up to 4K are now installed as standard, with as much as 20 times more detail than what was available just 10 years ago. Of course, the more detail you have, the more useful the information is that’s presented. In simple terms, it’s the contrast between being able to identify a person or not.

TIME TO UPGRADE?

In some regions of the UK, it’s part of the licencing approval process to ensure that licenced premises have an effective, fit-forpurpose CCTV system. Primarily, a robust CCTV system helps proprietors to carry out comprehensive health and safety procedures - protecting employees, spotting irregularities, and ensuring the welfare of customers. Considering this, it’s important to note that commercial CCTV systems are also far superior to domestic systems, offering a greater degree of detail, reliability, and functionality.

Other key advantages of installing and operating an up-to-date surveillance system include:

1. Both staff and customers alike want to work, and to be entertained and relax respectively, in a secure environment where they feel safe.

2. As analytics become increasingly important, facial recognition and people counting for capacity regulation are invaluable benefits.

3. The flipside of a highly visual surveillance system is that it acts as a deterrent to wouldbe offenders.

4. If there is an incident, then the appropriate staff and security team members can be directed to trouble spots instantly.

5. Following incidents, the CCTV system produces tangible evidence that helps to identify and find offenders - ultimately, to bring them to justice.

If your customers’ current systems can’t deliver these benefits - especially if they’re legacy systems that have been inherited that are costing way over the odds to maintain, then it’s probably time to talk to them about upgrade options. It’s certainly worth remembering that CCTV systems are included in fixtures and fittings. Therefore, it’s essential for them to understand the worth of their system at exit, and how much they’re being charged for it upon entry. This can run into thousands of pounds, so sound professional advice is vital, rather than relying on a brewery-appointed valuer.

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PRACTICAL TIPS

It goes without saying that across networks, all cameras need to point in the right direction. That said, there’s a lot more to consider - such as view angles, lighting conditions at various times of the day, and whether operation is indoors or outdoors.

There’s also the fundamental justification for having each camera. For example, cameras could be sited for ‘general surveillance and situational awareness’. These tend to cover a wide area, and view angles of around 100 degrees are typical. These offer good detail throughout the entire area and would provide enough information to recognise a particular person. To get ‘Facebook quality’ detail for identification, you would normally mount cameras at ‘pinch points’ and entry/exit points.

The health, safety and wellbeing of staff and patrons in more remote areas is a huge concern these days, and so additional cameras in cellars, on stairs, and in outside areas, can further add to the all-round usefulness of a CCTV system.

REMOTE MONITORING, RECORDING AND PLAYBACK

Constantly on the go as most of us are these days, being able to see live information remotely is vital. Modern CCTV systems provide instant access via a quick login, providing live camera views and footage playback options via laptops, PC’s and other smart devices with an internet connection. Cameras from multiple sites can even be displayed at the same time.

All camera footage is recorded onto a digital recorder, which is normally located in a locked cupboard or cabinet, and saves the information for a designated period - normally 30 days before then being overwritten. At any stage, authorised users can review recordings and save footage onto a USB flash drive.

Clearly, data protection is a serious consideration, so any system needs to be managed properly to avoid abuse, ensuring operation in accordance with current legislation around public CCTV systems. Correct registration of the system, along with signage to notify patrons, are legal requirements.

WHAT NEXT?

The first requirement is to ensure that your customers have compliant, fit-for-purpose systems. Engage your customers by offering a site survey, discussing legal requirements in line with their individual needs to propose an ideal solution. Subject to approval, you should then ensure that the system is installed with minimum disruption to the owner’s building and operation. Finally, provide step-by-step instructions to make sure that they’re comfortable using the system on a day-to-day basis.

By way of reassurance, the latest CCTV systems are highly intuitive, being very easy to navigate and operate. The bottom line is that with a carefully planned design that has limited black-spots, a comprehensive made-for-the-job system can be designed for any establishment.

Ultimately, you’re looking to install a reliable, cost-effective solution that’s simple to operate and protects your customers and their clients.

KRAMER KICKS SPORTS COVERAGE INTO OVERDRIVE

Norman’s Bar upgrades its AV quality and reliability with Kramer devices.

The Norman Hotel is an iconic Australian steakhouse and bar, a contemporary venue located in the same building in Brisbane where the hotel was established in 1889. Norman’s Bar opened in 2009 as part of a major renovation of the hotel. The bar is a much-loved local pub where regulars and visitors come for the drinks and food, camaraderie and to watch broadcasts of the ‘footy’ and other sports.

Norman’s Bar boasts 12 large TVs, strategically placed to provide patrons in different parts of the bar with great views of football games, other sports, and varied content and events. The system did not work in certain areas of the bar and frequently broke down, leaving bar patrons unable to see their favourite sports matches. The audio-visual system was controlled via an app on an iPad that got moved around as different staff members used it. This made it difficult and time-consuming for staff to change audio and video settings in certain areas if they or the iPad happened to be elsewhere in the venue.

In 2022, the bar management wanted to upgrade the video and audio reliability and quality while continuing to use the existing TVs. They also wanted to make it easier for staff to control things like audio and video, with minimum disruption to their primary jobs of serving customers.

Systems integrators SDC Solutions and Smart Home Programming & Automation upgraded the bar’s audio, visual and control capabilities. They upgraded all the video from SD to HD, with a Kramer multi-format digital matrix switcher. The system is controlled by a room controller and a control gateway, also from Kramer. The bar now has access to nine zones of video with nine inputs, which are all controlled using Kramer Control application on dedicated Kramer touch panels mounted on walls and shelves around the staff areas of the bar.

David Bowdler, the Owner of Smart Home Programming & Automation explains why Kramer products were chosen for the Norman’s Bar upgrade. “Kramer has the best products for this job because of their versatility. Because we’re using the Kramer Control system, it gives us the flexibility of being able to custom-build the interface to actually suit the customer. They’re at a great price point that makes it competitive, and the backup support you get is superb.”

David notes that being able to view and fix any issues remotely via Kramer Control - no truck roll needed - is another factor that made Kramer the right choice for this installation.

The main benefit felt by Norman’s Bar patrons is a better experience watching TV around the bar. “Now, they can come to the bar and see the footy in great quality. They can hear it. It just makes it a much better place to be in,” says David.

It’s not just the bar patrons that are happier; the staff of Norman’s Bar now find controlling the video and audio easier and faster. With multiple Kramer touch screens installed in multiple locations behind the bar and in other areas, staff can easily and quickly change audio and video settings for any screen no matter where they are. This has reduced time out from their core jobs of serving customers.

“Feedback from the Norman, from both managers and upper management, has been very positive,” says Gavin Sayers, Telecommunications Installer for SDC Solutions. “The benefits of using Kramer have come through the reliability, customer feedback with how easy it is to use.”

Gavin adds, “Another benefit of having the Kramer system is that they have a seven-year warranty on the majority of their hardware, which has helped with not only giving the client confidence to go ahead with this product but also gave us as the installer full confidence knowing we have the backing from Kramer.”

It quicky becomes clear that the same confidence flows through all the work that both SDC and Smart Home Automation undertake with Kramer.

“Kramer products have been reliable in every installation that I’ve undertaken between Smart Home and ourselves,” says Gavin. “We’ve had the support that we needed, whether it be from Kramer themselves or Smart Home, and we’ve always managed to deliver exactly what the client has needed. I would always recommend going down this path.”

David, from Smart Home Programming and Automation, echoes that thought, saying, “I feel whether you’re doing residential, commercial, industrial applications, Kramer has got the product that will have the right solution for you.”

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PARTY TIME?

Clubs, bars and restaurants – or the hospitality industry as a whole, presents a wealth of opportunities for those integrators looking to diversify their client base, but without necessarily needing to make big changes to their working practices or supply chain.

Having worked with brands as a commercial AV installer that were firmly focused on serving the commercial market, integrators coming from the residential sector have a distinct advantage in my opinion – many of the professional brands that could be seen as a residential solution actually have their roots, and therefore also their future, in the commercial market due to the unique demands of homeowner clients and the complexities these systems can sometimes require. If you’re already working with robust, professional ‘residential’ products, you will likely find their specification, reliability, and long warranties outperform many of the more wellknown ‘commercial’ solutions.

Diversification into clubs, bars, and restaurants by offering a variety of audio and visual systems, such as control systems, background music, sound reinforcement, and video distribution systems, and the accompanying network and cable infrastructure, is more likely to require additional site work certifications and professional accreditation over wholesale changes to an integrators supply chain. Businesses that require the assistance of a pro installer to deliver more for their customers include those that want to create a specific atmosphere or those that want to enhance the overall customer experience – entire generations have now grown up with devices in hand and smart technology at home, and the

expectation for leisure facilities to match this level of control over the space around them will only continue to grow and evolve.

Specific requirements for each type of venue will vary, but in general, clubs and bars may require a more robust sound reinforcement system than a restaurant, while a restaurant may require more emphasis on ambiance and background music. There will, of course, always be the crossover projects needing both – The Harrow, a Gastro Pub near Aylesbury is a prime example of this, and the opportunities that can be found in this vertical – completely kitted out with Elan, Speakercraft, Rako and Araknis – the background playlist through the day can be easily switched over to live music from the outdoor artist when the need arises, distributed throughout the whole site, and volume varied to suit each area. Scheduled events in lighting make life for the staff simplified and foolproof,

whilst management and owners have total control through in-wall touch screens and mobile apps – this could very easily be the description of a system for a prime residential system, but fits perfectly into this hospitality venue.

In the future, I see the use of technology continuing to play a larger role in the entertainment and hospitality industry as the smart home technology sector continues to grow. This may include the integration of smart home technology, such as voice control, and the use of virtual and augmented reality to enhance the customer experience – some of the advances we see coming to market right now have been around for a long time, in fact I was installing them 10 years ago, but the convergence of the verticals and expectations of the customer to have these levels of technology throughout their lives, will only present more opportunities to the installer than ever before.

Damien Winters, Director of Marketing and Brand Management at Aldous Systems, with many years working at with a commercial integrator before joining Aldous, provides his thoughts on how to move forward in this expanding and exciting sector.

A growing number of hospitality spaces are looking for an AV edge

GET HAPPY WITH HOSPITALITY

In reality, the term ‘Clubs, bars and restaurants’ covers an incredibly wide range of projects - and therefore a wide range of technical solutions. On one end of the spectrum, an average bar or restaurant often has an ancient Hi-Fi system, on which some form of streaming device is being played (with or without the legal rights to do so, incidentally!). One step up from that, you may have a venue with some sort of professionalbut very mass market - audio products installed to perform mundane background music.

Now step into a high-end space, and you are in a whole new world, and this world is very similar to the residential world. Why? It’s likely that you’ve got a brand or a popular chef who have created a visual identity for the space. These high-end restaurant groups have creative directors, interior designers, and architecture teams which are all focused on the atmosphere - and many of these teams have come from a residential background. It’s not unusual for these groups to employ dedicated music specialists whose role it is to create an audio experience aligned with brand identity. We’ve seen this in recent projects like The Aubrey restaurant in London’s famous Mandarin Oriental Hotel where eccentric Japanese cuisine, exquisite décor, signature drinks and live DJ sets make this

property a truly unique venue - and one where the sound experience plays a crucial part.

The kind of AV company that is getting involved with these high-end bars, restaurants and clubs must have a broad experience in working with dedicated teams like this. And these companies know that it’s crucial to have access to the venue team’s requirements early on. Being able to ask questions such as ‘Will there be live performances in this venue?’ avoids issues down the line where ‘Hi-Fi’ products have been specified, but a DJ then connects to the system for a live set in a crowded space at higher SPL (sound pressure level). It’s the kind of situation that leads to damaged speakers and amplifiers.

For years, L-Acoustics has been involved in luxury hospitality projects, and with the formation of L-Acoustics Creations we are able to help residential integrators design and commission sound systems which will always deliver on clients’ expectations. As a new breed of luxury restaurants, bars and clubs are developed, we see residential integrators being brought in as they’ve already forged relationships with the interior designers and architects who go back and forth between residential and hospitality projects which share the same luxury codes.

All images are of The Aubrey, London. Installation by L-Acoustics Creations Certified Integrator: Knektd

Nick Fichte, Director of Sales, L-Acoustics Creations Global, has his say on hospitality.

My advice to any residential integrator wanting to get in to this space would be to familiarise themselves with brands that have a rich heritage in these kind of spaces, attend training courses to learn how best to specify and design professional audio solutions and learn about new technologies which enhance the customer experience.

In hot spots like London, New York, Paris, and Dubai, the trend is for restaurants to also host live performances from DJs through to live singers, full bands and more. Just as L-Acoustics Creations offers residential integrators solutions for high-end residential clients, we also assist

with restaurant, bar and nightclub designs to ensure that a luxury customer experience is delivered, and expectations are met.

OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities abound and the challenge is to ensure that businesses know that you can help them. If this is an area you want to get in to, work to familiarise yourself with relevant brands and technologies, train yourself and your teams and then make sure that you advertise your services on your website and social media and make sure that your case studies get into the relevant media.

Requirements vary, and the most important first step in any project is to ask how the restaurant, bar or club plan to use the spacewhat kind of experience are they trying to create for customers? Often in the day, the sound system is used for background music and then at night the atmosphere changes and the restaurant transitions to more of a nightclub. The key here is that interior design is always pivotal, so much like in a home, the speakers need to be as discreet as possible while still providing high sound pressure levels with equal coverage and high fidelity throughout. L-Acoustics have designed products specifically for fixed installations. Our compact X4i loudspeakers, Soka colinear loudspeakers (paired with the new SB6i or SB10i subwoofers) can achieve these requirements, and the end result is always spectacular.

The demand for ‘spatial audio’ is exploding and I think this trend is also going to hit the hospitality sector in a big way. We’ve just seen The Standard London creatively use spatial audio for a pilot deep-listening experience offered to guests and this kind of amenity allows a hospitality venue to set itself apart from a crowded market.

L-Acoustics Creations is working on some incredibly innovative technologies which will be very applicable to hospitality projects. I am working on projects where the proprietors are wanting to take diners through a journey whilst sat at a chefs table. Much like you would have a wine pairing with a tasting menu, with our immersive audio technology you could add a sound pairing, transporting you to a different location for each course, making you feel as if you are by the sea when having your oysters, or in a bustling street market whilst enjoying street food.

HDANYWHERE CONTINUES TO AMP UP ITS PRODUCT LINE-UP WITH MZMA

Built to complement its range of MHUB video distribution systems, the space-saving MZMA helps integrators spec video distribution projects with an upgrade path to add impactful sound in every zone with unified control. Like all other MHUB products, MZMA is compatible with current HDA drivers for leading control brands, and importantly, is compatible with uControl, HDANYWHERE’s powerful, built-in control platform and will be Remote Ready from the start.

MZMA is a 1U, matrix amplifier that lets users enjoy powerful, high-quality sound from four analogue and two digital input sources to four stereo zones. A hallmark of the MZMA design is that this is a full-analogue amplifier, designed to deliver the best listening experience in any room, regardless of the speaker choice.

Key features:

• 55W/ch RMS @ 4 Ohms per zone

• 3-band EQ per zone

• Input gain control

• Max Volume Limiting per zone

• High-efficiency power supply

• Auto Low Power mode

• uControl Remote Ready

• 4 Mirror Outputs (for subwoofers or power amplifiers)

DOING MORE WITH LESS HARDWARE (AND LESS COST)

Justin Fothergill, Brand Director, says, “Multiroom audio systems and video distribution go hand-in-hand. Projects often use different brands for each component, plus maybe another brand for control. MHUB and MZMA delivers a total AV solution with control, all from one brand. Epitomising our brand ethos of enabling installers to achieve more for users with less hardware, even more so with the recent news of the uControl Remote.”

Adding HDANYWHERE’s new uControl Remote to your video and audio distribution project can be done without any additional hardware or ‘middle-man’ control system in between allowing control previously the preserve of complex control systems to be found natively inside HDA hardware.

This promises to give integrators the power to offer their customers a comprehensive suite of uControl interfaces to suit each room - physical AV remote, mobile app, watch and voice integration plus selected brands of 3rd-party smart keypads. In addition, with the inclusion of a Zone Processor controller (MSRP £175 inc VAT) further enhances the systems abilities to integrate mood controls

in the form of lighting and blinds. For the first time integrators can now offer components of a smart home experience but for considerably less money than the market leaders.

TRAINING AVAILABLE AT MALVERN HQ

HDANYWHERE recently invested in remodelling and upgrading the training facilities at their HQ in Malvern, Worcestershire, specifically to offer integrators practical, hands-on courses on how to grow their businesses by building cost-effective whole-home HDA AV and control solutions that deliver amazing customer experiences, with minimal effort or complexity. Book to join Justin Fothergill at HDA for a two-day investment in creating opportunities for your business by going to hdanywhere.com/training.

HDANYWHERE hdanywhere.com

Hot on the heels of the uControl Remote reveal in December last year, HDANYWHERE has followed up with availability and a shipping date for its eagerly awaited Multi-Zone Matrix Amplifier (6x4) 55 system (MZMA).

IMPACTFUL SOUND .

Introducing the Multi Zone Matrix Amp (6x4) 55

A 4-zone, 55W, matrix amplifier which can be added to MHUB projects or used standalone which works with the uControlTM Remote.

Pre-order today. Shipping in March.

DRIVING AMBITION

This home-owners needs were catered for by accessing some super ease of use smart home tech, allied to a focused set of functionality courtesy of Mode Lighting.

Originally a chalet bungalow nestled in the rolling green Northamptonshire countryside, this house has benefitted from a ground up refurbishment, and modernisation to a high specification to enable and enhance the domestic demands of wheelchair-using Nathalie McGloin, who is notable as the first tetraplegic female racing driver in the world.

After just a couple of meetings with Nathalie, the Mode Lighting team had a clear understanding of exactly what her requirements were in terms of a simple lighting control system that offered scene setting, and ‘remote control via a user friendly app’. It was also made clear that the system must be expandable and adaptable to evolve over time.

Mode Lighting turned to the popular eDIN+ platform, a modular, ‘building-block’ control system designed to bring simple yet sophisticated control to smaller applications. By selecting individual modules, the right size of system can be created and assembled onsite by the systems integrator or installer.

The highly flexible nature of eDIN+ allows control of the open plan areas and individual rooms including whole house commands for welcome and exit settings, party modes and other common themes. Lighting is controlled

by either the iCON keypads with their custom engraved buttons, located at regular switch positions, or by the wireless control system that can be accessed by web browser or a handy iOS or Android app.

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

• SLICK, EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION

• STUDIO SOUND QUALITY & RELIABILITY

• BEAUTIFUL BEZEL-LESS DESIGN

• NO DISTURBANCE TO ADJOINING ROOMS

• VAST, EVEN SOUND COVERAGE

• DEEP, PRECISE BASS AT ALL LEVELS

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

ci140sub ci140

Pleased with how the system came together and the amount of input available by the end user, Nathalie comments, “The app is really user friendly: people who are not techie like me can use the app with ease. Having the ability to adjust scenes via the app gives me complete control of the system allowing me to adjust scenes and settings to my liking. The iCON Plates are so simple to use with the engraved icons indicating which buttons will operate the different scenes available.”

BUILDING THE SYSTEM

The system comprised a number of eDIN+ modules selected to provide the desired level of control for the various lighting loads.

The network processor is connected to the local house router to enable programming and control from a web browser on a PC or Mac and for control from an iPhone or iPad using a dedicated app (Android compatible app also available).

iCON CONTROL PLATES

Local wall control is provided using the iCON keypads with buttons being individually programmable to select scenes or circutis as required. Selectable colour backlight LEDs allowed the client to select their preferences for button colours including turning the backlights off at night to ensure total darkness.

The configurable nature of the iCON buttons and customisable engraving also enabled Nathalie to choose her own particular symbols.

The next generation of architectural loudspeakers with tool-less installation, a unique pivoting system, and 21 speakers that fit into the same cut-out of 222mm, the Director Collection provides full-bodied, reliable sound from room to room.

ASSISTED ASSESSMENT

It’s important for everyone to have the opportunity to be in control of their lives, and to be able to enjoy their living environment. For disabled and elderly people, this can be a challenge. But it doesn’t always have to be. With the use of smart home technology, this group can take back control and live more independently, which in turn, also helps to reduce financial pressures on the NHS and social care system.

CEDIA has recognised the importance of the assisted living market for a number of years – seeking ways to increase awareness and opportunity for its members. Last year, the team took a big step forward in achieving this by joining Policy Connect and becoming an associate member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology. This appointment allowed CEDIA to be at the forefront of discussions and oversee the development of the Smart Homes for Independent Living report.

SMART HOMES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING REPORT

Aneta Armova-Levin, Education Manager at CEDIA headed up a team of CEDIA members to work on this project. She comments, “It was great to join local authorities, academic researchers, and assistive technology experts in the conversation of how smart homes can improve the quality of life of their aging and disabled residents. The benefits of technology for improving the human condition are undeniable, but there is so much more to be considered beforehand – robust infrastructure, needs analysis, design, and security, just to mention a few. I was honoured to represent CEDIA EMEA in this work.”

The Smart Homes for Independent Living report examines a number of issues facing suppliers and consumers and put forth five recommendations for the government to:

• Reform the commissioning of technology to enshrine the principles of independent living at the heart of health and social care policy and practice.

• Ensure the new guidance on the Disabled Facilities Grant explicitly includes technology among the eligible uses for the grant, provides advice on good practice, and requires assessors to work with clients to explore technology needs.

• Launch a national pilot of a new Independent Living Technology Grant that would provide funding for consumers to buy lowcost technology.

• Introduce regulations and standards around the independent living sector and introduce practical support for technology innovation through its Innovation Mission programme.

• Commission the health and social care sector to upskill and raise awareness of technology solutions.

SMART HOMES FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Since the introduction of the Smart Homes for Independent Living report, CEDIA has continued its involvement with Policy Connect and are now working together on a new Accessible and Sustainable Homes report. The commission will make recommendations to the government and the housing sector to ensure new and existing homes are designed

to support disabled and older people to live independently in homes fit for a net zero future. It will address three key themes:

• Housing policy and planning: how can government support local authorities and the housing sector to develop accessible and sustainable new and existing homes for independent living?

• Providing technology for the home: how can government and local authorities support the emergence of new service models to help disabled and older people to use technology to enjoy more choice and control in their domestic lives?

• Finance: how can government and industry encourage more capital investment in accessible and sustainable housing and technology, and boost the consumer power of disabled and older people?

cedia.net

policyconnect.org.uk

CEDIA assesses the current state of the assisted living market.

A RAY OF HOPE FOR BILLIONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Dementia was the second leading cause of death for men in the UK in 2019. One person is diagnosed with this devastating degenerative condition somewhere in the world every three seconds. The personal and financial costs are immense and rising: an estimated £25 billion in the UK. 40% of that is the cost of informal care. 70% of those in long-term care are living with distressing symptoms that include disturbed sleep, memory loss and depression. A growing body of evidence suggests that lighting that was originally developed to support the sleep, mental focus and mod of astronauts on the space station can deliver substantial and sustained benefits for older adults with dementia down here on earth. Large-scale studies show significant reduction in falls due to night-time wandering, cognitive decline and depression. However, despite the evidence and availability of effective, affordable and sustainable lighting solutions, very few healthcare providers are adopting these approaches. Lighting consultant and TEDX speaker Dr Shelley James is on a mission to change that. Those in the tech and particularly the lighting industry are being encouraged to join this ground-breaking online debate between leading scientists, pioneering residential care home providers and lighting

professionals from around the world to discuss the principles and practical solutions to support people living with dementia - and offer a brighter future for us all.

Following opening remarks by Professor Russell Foster MBE, attendees will hear from three scientists about new frontiers in lighting research: sleep, acute effects of light on mood and cognition and research methods. Three healthcare providers from the USA, Denmark and the UK will then explain how they have applied these principles in the real world. Finally, they will share the problems they have faced, their results, and their vision for the future. Guests will be invited to ask questions of the panel before closing remarks by Helen Loomes, incoming President of the Society of Light and Lighting.

THE PROBLEMS

According to UK Care, average care home fees range from £27,000 to £39,000 per annum for a residential care home. Those costs increase from £35,000 to £55,000 per year if nursing care is needed. Despite the high cost, residents face a significantly greater risk of death from physical and mental health conditions, from falls to inappropriate medication and infectious

diseases. According to the Lancet, the ageadjusted risk of death is 10 times higher for care home residents compared to those living in private homes. That deadly multiplier rose to 17 times during the first wave of COVID-19. Families cite night-time wandering, memory loss and depression as the main reasons they take the painful decision to place their loved one into care. The great news is that the right light at the right time (‘circadian’ or cycled lighting) can help to provide effective relief for those devastating symptoms and those who care for them.

NASA pioneered this approach as they saw the astronauts living on the space station struggling to sleep. NASA knew that coffee and sleeping pills were not a solution. So they spent billions of dollars to design powerful energy-efficient lighting systems to mirror the life-affirming cycle of bright days, soft evenings and dark nights of life down here on earth.

Large-scale trials in residential care homes have built on NASA’s discoveries to harness the potential of light to tackle the core symptoms of dementia. The results are heart-warming and offer a ray of hope for millions. One Harvard study of the impact of circadian lighting in this setting recorded a 43% reduction in night-time falls, improved mood, and slower cognitive decline.

Important ‘Innovators In Residential Care Event’ will take place online on 7 March, 2023 examining the support and care that curated lighting can have for those suffering with dementia.

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

LARGO - image courtesy of ExperienceCyberGroup.com

Other research shows a reduced need for sleep medication, reduced ‘sundowning’ agitation, and greater expressions of alertness and emotion, even among the most severely affected residents.

These improvements in quality of life are remarkable enough. The financial benefits are equally rewarding, with reduced costs of medication and hospital admissions due to falls or viral infections.

SO WHY ISN’T CIRCADIAN LIGHTING EVERYWHERE?

Dr Shelley James has been asking just that question.

She was shocked to find that despite growing evidence for the benefits, and practical and energy-efficient lighting solutions coming to market, most older adults living in long-term care still do not receive the natural light-dark cycle they so desperately need.

Her research found that light levels in most care homes during the day are a fraction of the minimum brightness that our body clocks need to wake up. Daylight is the obvious solution, but the average resident goes outside for less than three minutes per month. Moreover, being woken up by routine checks at night confuse residents’ ageing body clocks that are already struggling to stay on track with the combined effects of age and dementia. As we get older, the strength of the hormone signals that regulate the sleepwake cycle becomes weaker. At the same time, the part of the brain that drives the body clock becomes smaller as dementia progresses. Finally, gradual yellowing and clouding of the transparent gel in the eye and changes in the pupil mean less light gets into the brain. These factors combine to create a twilight existence for millions of older adults. This situation contributes to the distress of disrupted sleep and night-time wandering, confusion and depression.

Dr Shelley spoke to healthcare providers about the potential for light to transform the quality of life for residents and staff. Most were unaware of the potential benefits, or concerned that these approaches were expensive marketing hype or too complicated for them. She also reached out to scientists leading the field. They expressed frustration that their findings were rarely understood or translated into practical solutions that could make a real impact.

Dr Shelley realised there needed to be an open forum for scientists and healthcare providers to share knowledge about the principles and practice of lighting for the residential care sector. So she teamed up with lighting industry bodies, media partners and commercial sponsors to do just that.

Event and Contact information

Dr Shelley James

07894206336

Email: shelley@ageoflightinnovations

Website: AgeofLightInnovations.com

Event link - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/innovators-in-residentialhealthcare-tickets-473414384167

3D ONLINE CONFIGURATOR

DoorBird combines exclusive

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

www.doorbird.com

INVESTMENT IS POSITIVE, BUT SUPPLY IS CRITICAL IN THE RACE TO ELECTRIFICATION

myenergi Founder and CEO Lee Sutton explores how electric vehicle demand is now outstripping the current supply, and how the UK needs a greater volume from OEMs to maintain substantial progress. Installers looking for opportunities in terms of providing charging points and further integrations with electric vehicles, take note.

According to recent insight from Reuters, the world’s top automakers are planning to collectively invest almost $1.2 trillion between now and 2030 into the development of electric vehicles (EVs). Alongside the design and production of new models, this also includes financing new battery development programmes and funding rising raw material costs.

Dwarfing previous projections, this announcement shows intent. Indeed, OEMs are predicting that 50% of all global production will be electric before 2030. Tesla alone plans to be manufacturing 20 million EVs per annum within the next decade (a 13-fold increase), with the development of a smaller vehicle platform already underway that could cost half as much as the hugely popular Model 3.

Volkswagen, on the other hand, will channel $100 billion toward expanding its portfolio, while Toyota expects to boast a range of 30 EV models before 2030 – and will have transitioned Lexus’ entire portfolio to electric

powertrains alongside. Ford is further boosting its spending level (currently at $50 billion), Mercedes-Benz has earmarked $47 billion and BMW $35 billion. Stellantis (parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Opel, Jeep, Citroen and many more) is planning an aggressive battery programme, aiming to achieve 400GW hours of capacity including four new plants in North America.

Importantly, consumer demand is increasing alongside. Indeed, according to recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than 19,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered nationwide in October, alongside 8,899 plugin hybrids (PHEVs). More than one in every five new cars now boasts an electric powertrain, while the decline of the internal combustion engine continues. Indeed, compared to 2021, diesel car sales have already dropped by 41% year-on-year, while petrol registrations have fallen by 13%.

Yet while the speed of EV uptake and everincreasing public demand is positive news, global supply challenges are beginning to hamper the sales of new electric models. If our national EV car parc is going to grow, the UK needs to see its demand prioritised.

MARKET PRESSURES BEGIN TO BITE

Surging global demand, combined with a widespread shortage of semiconductor microchips, part supplies hit by the war in Ukraine and the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on the availability of the latest electric models. According to insight from This Is Money, EVs that just a few months ago were freely available (such as the Vauxhall Corsa-e, Mokka-e and the Renault Zoe) now have a waiting list of up to 16 weeks.

Are you planning to offer integration with and or the supply of electric car charging?

At the top end of the market, customers looking to purchase a new Audi e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Porsche Taycan or Lexus UX300e can expect a build timeline of upwards of 12 months. Production of the Tesla Model X and S have even been temporarily paused, with the company’s production facilities struggling to keep up with demand for its more affordable Model 3 and Model Y alternatives.

The SMMT suggests that the motor retail sector is facing its ‘most challenging year for three decades’ as supply impacts sales, forecasting total registrations of just 1.6 million vehicles in 2022 (31% less than in 2019). While 2023 could see numbers begin to rise, predictions have been revised downward since the April estimate, with overall registrations anticipated to reach just 1.89 million.

As a global leader in the race to electrification, the UK has – for a number of years now – acted as somewhat of a talisman for the industry. Indeed, with legislation passed that will see us ban the sale of new ICE-powered cars faster than any other nation, combined with a rapidly increasing EV adoption rate, we’re tracking far ahead of targets.

The fact remains, however, that UK demand for new EVs is outstripping supply. If we’re to maintain momentum and retain our position as a world leader in EV adoption, we need far greater volume from vehicle manufacturers – even in challenging times. While agreed investment is significant, we need to see things accelerated and demand from the UK prioritised.

Without this, we run the risk of slowing progress and unintentionally putting the brakes

on transitioning to an all-electric car parc. A significant step backward, both from an industry and environmental perspective. To this end, it is also important that we see clarity from government on the promised Zero Emission Vehicle mandates, including targets for EV sales by 2024, to set the trajectory for the 2030 phase-out date.

As the transition towards electrified mobility continues to accelerate at pace, myenergi is committed to operating at the forefront of the industry. Not just as a technological leader, but also as a supporter and enabler of EV adoption. The days of ICE-powered vehicles are numbered and we must all prepare for the technological shift… supply, however, is currently the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle.

Installers planning to offering charing points and integration with electric cars need to be aware of the challenges facing the electric car sector

SUPPORTING INDUSTRY GROWTH

Dunbar, Training Manager – EMEA at Snap One, offers his answers on the state of industry training today.

Why is there an industry requirement for training?

Our industry is continuing to expand at a rapid rate. According to the UK Integrated Home Market Analysis - powered by CEDIA, the estimated current size of the professional integrated home market is £1.2 billion. The vast majority of integrators who took part in this survey are expecting continued growth in the years ahead, with 88% of companies forecasting revenue growth for their business in the next 12 months. Skilled engineers are in short supply. We are an industry that needs to grow its workforce, and grow it quickly, to take full advantage of the expansion to come. In short, we need more trained industry pros.

How do you assess the training needs of the industry?

We listen very closely to industry developments and the challenges installers face daily in the field to develop training beyond our core competency courses. That feedback comes in many different forms, such as interviews with Snap One Partners, tickets from our support team, engineers creating new and exciting improvements or our UX/UI teams, making our products easier to use.

This allows us to differentiate what we provide and create a variety of offerings. These include the building of training programs to help technicians enter into the industry more easily, allowing products from partners to gain access to our courses to help them integrate more easily with our systems, or simply creating ‘how to’ courses and help articles to assist a technician in the field.

What is the role of manufacturers in meeting these requirements?

Proper training is paramount to the success of Snap One’s customers. As installers rely on the expertise and knowledge they gain to be successful. Manufacturers have a big responsibility in creating the training that’s necessary for them to achieve this success and grow the industry. The manufacturer can more easily gather data from the market as a whole, and installers look first to them for guidance and advice on product and integration issues. Manufacturers provide centralised training and can quickly adjust to changes in the products, providing installers with access to the most up to date information without forcing the burden on them to self-educate through trial and error.

Why does Snap One stand out for its industry training?

Snap One prides itself on the quality of its training support.

Our courses have won the Best Training category at the CEDIA EMEA Awards for the past two consecutive years and cover microlearning, asynchronous online training, and live online/in-person training. They provide immersive experiences that introduce hands on, real-world scenarios to our learners. Our instructors create an environment where learning is designed and delivered to meet the needs of not just your neuro-typical learner, but for every learner.

Our team focuses on evidence-based learning techniques to help every participant achieve competency with our products and be able to problem solve for those products in real time.

Snap One is invested in the success of everyone who uses its products. We want every individual who comes through our programs to feel that not only is our education developed to help them succeed - but Snap One and its training team are there to support them every step of the way.

Paul

The industry has big growth potential, but more trained technicians are needed

THE EVOLUTION OF TRAINING: THREE BIG DEVELOPMENTS

takes stock of some of the key

everybody is familiar with to make our product more attainable, mainstream, and shorten the learning curve?

With that comes a certain tension. The ‘old guard’ of Crestron integrators was heavily involved in learning how to program these devices and systems. The advent of Crestron Home means that the automated home solutions we provide are more attainable for both dealer and client. The problem is that some of the newer dealers don’t understand some of the nuances that underpin an ecosystem such as Crestron Home. I put a lot of importance on what I call the ‘three pillars of success’ with any control system. That’s the wired network (how many of the devices in a Crestron Home system will communicate), wireless Wifi/InfiNET EX, and wired Cresnet. If a dealer can deploy those three methods of distribution correctly, then they’ll be successful.

The pace of change in technology is nothing short of staggering. It’s especially evident in an industry such as the home automation/ luxury AV solutions business. There will always be foundational knowledge that’s absolutely necessary: understanding the fundamentals of how low-voltage current behaves, how sound reverberates in a room, and so on.

But there are three more blocks in this foundation that have become exceptionally important:

• Learning just what goes into a stable, secure network

• A need for grasping the programming behind a home automation system

• Understanding the importance of in-person learning – even in the hybrid environment.

NETWORKING

That need has marked a profound change in training priorities over the last decade. When I first came into the industry in 2010 (I was working for a local integrator at the time), the focus was on learning technologies such as infiNET EX, Cresnet, RS232 – networking wasn’t really a skillset that was needed for

smart-home integration. Within just the past five years, we’ve seen an incredible amount of dependency on the network, which has been followed up by other critical pieces of that puzzle – most notably, security.

In the past, a company like Crestron had little to no control over the network environment. That’s begun to change as we partner with companies such as Netgear. That collaboration allows us to really become a hands-on partner as we help our dealers understand the complexities of the network and network security.

PROGRAMMING

For many years now, Crestron’s Masters program has focused on pushing the envelope of programming capabilities and the languages we’re using to program our gear: SIMPL and SIMPL#, for example. Recently, however, we’ve been transitioning to HTML5 and more popular and mainstream programming environments – we’re getting away from our proprietary languages and more into opensource code running on our hardware. That brings a shift in thinking: how do we leverage these more commonplace languages that

HYBRID LEARNING

When the pandemic hit and in-person learning became temporarily impossible, we all pivoted to virtual training. Now that restrictions have subsided, we’re able to offer a mixture of training options. Just like our commercial and educational clients, we’re able to offer hybrid learning. But I’m of the opinion that the inperson aspect of this remains critical.

Here’s an example: I was doing a training session at a showroom for one of our dealers. He and I have a pretty good rapport, but on this day, I could tell he wasn’t paying attention. I gently noted to him that he really needed to fully engage in what I was showing him – it was a critical part of the coursework. Sometimes it’s difficult to note something like that over a Teams call. There’s a human connection that comes with face-to-face, hands-on instruction – and no matter how many virtual classes and sessions we build into our training offerings, the in-person experience is still vital. That holds especially true for the newer cohort of dealer/integrators – observing their level of engagement and comprehension is best served when instructor and student are in the same room.

Andrew Littrell, Technical Director, Residential at Crestron

evolutions in training.

HDANYWHERE LOVES LEARNING

then your knowledge needs to do the same, or you face wasting your time and losing money. Time in a classroom is money, both in actual currency and in time away from the practical end of your business. But this time must be seen as an investment - your investment back into your business to help sustain it and grow it. Training should be a part of your annual (time and money) budget, with the same importance as sales.

Many of us have heard or even used this joke at some point, but the sad reality is there really are so many technology and product options on offer today that even an average integrator needs to be familiar with. It can become daunting to get to grips with, and/or remain current on, as many of them as any one business needs to operate. Then there is the pressure of actually ‘doing business’ - sales, marketing, installation, support, procurement, logistics and admin all need attention and require a sizeable amount of time and mental processing. Simultaneously, the CI landscape is rapidly changing - budgets are getting tighter, supply chain issues can force product-sourcing pivots and the big corporations are encroaching on the CI space - this is a brave new world.

Of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers, distributors and organisations like CEDIA, willingness to educate and share knowledge are not on that list. Getting more industry professionals to dedicate enough time to actually attend training events is by far the biggest challenge. For a few integrators, training and education events are considered unnecessary - they ‘know enough’ and have been doing what they do in the way they do it for years, so why should they waste time on learning what they (think) they already know? This is a dangerous position. For many other integrators, they battle to reconcile the time

away from their businesses and the potential lost revenue with something they sometimes feel does not help pay the bills. One also cannot discount the experience some people have had from taking the leap to attend a training event, only to be disappointed with a less-than-stellar experience that didn’t deliver any real value. Of course, there are integrators who do value training, who aim to deliver the best customer experiences by being as on top of their game as they can possibly be.

The takeaway is that the success and growth potential of an integrator’s business is almost always directly related to their technology and product knowledge and the astute application of that knowledge, married with their experience and skill to deliver expectation-meeting or exceeding experiences to their clientele in a sustainable and profitable manner. With the fast pace of some of the technological development in our industry, it isn’t a stretch to say that much of what you know now is becoming or already is out-of-date - our technical and product knowledge has a shelf life and must be regularly refreshed.

It is perhaps useful to note that our HDANYWHERE support metrics point towards up to an 80% faster resolution of on-site snags from well-trained integrators. When you equate time with money (which it always does), this means that good product and technical knowledge saves you both, but, if products and technology are advancing (which they are),

At HDANYWHERE, we are acutely aware that this, however, places an enormous burden of responsibility on us, the trainers, to add genuine value and deliver truly useful knowledge and inspiration to the distributors and integrators we serve. As our products have evolved, we have adapted our training strategy to incorporate a mix of methodologies (online and in-person) to suit the content, deliver practical knowledge and, more importantly, teach integrators how to deliver impressive smart home experiences for less money without compromising on the performance or quality where it counts - the CI brands. The intention is to upskill integration businesses at any level, giving them new opportunities to help them reach their goals and achieve their vision. Their growth is our growth, making this a worthwhile investment for HDANYWHERE and our distributors. Our recent extensive refit at HDANYWHERE HQ in Malvern, UK has dedicated the majority of available floor space to our Training Lab, to ensure we deliver engaging and effective hands-on training events.

We see an untapped potential in the growing middle-market, but there is also increasing budget pressure from traditional clients, and HDANYWHERE is positioned to offer real solutions to meet the needs of these people, specifically by deploying uControl, our IR and IP smart home solution, so we encourage integrators to sign up to learn how we believe you can make money and grow your business by offering uControl smart home experiences that are easy to install and easier to afford.

Training (done right) is knowledge and knowledge is power. Always bring an attitude to learn and especially to learn new things, bring some passion and enthusiasm for the industry and your place in it, and bring a healthy dose of curiosity (and even some scepticism) and, certainly at HDANYWHERE, you are going to walk away more skilled and inspired to take your business to new levels.

‘The great thing about our industry standards is that we have so many of them.’

Justin Fothergill, Brand Director at HDANYWHERE, shares his perspective as a brand trainer.

DEDICATED TO DARYL

Just ahead of the ISE show, EI sat down for an exclusive Q&A with Daryl Friedman, CEDIA Global President and CEO.

How aware of CEDIA and the smart home/AV industry were you before taking on the role of Global President and CEO?

I was fortunate to know quite a bit about the industry and CEDIA specifically before stepping into this position. During my near two decades spent working alongside producers and engineers at the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards organisation), I developed an appreciation for high-quality audio. My division, made up of some of the world’s biggest audio aficionados, endorsed CEDIA’s Immersive Audio technical training, which was a testament to CEDIA’s merit and a leading factor in why I was so excited about the opportunity to work for the organisation.

Over the past year, I’ve learnt so much about the smart home industry from CEDIA members around the world. From visiting showrooms, attending industry events, and even spending ‘a day on the job’ as an integrator, I’ve developed an even deeper appreciation for this industrythat is about to grow exponentially.

Will this be your first ISE show, or have you attended in another capacity before?

This year marks my second ISE show as CEDIA’s global president and CEO, but much has changed since I last stepped foot in the Fira de Barcelona. This year, Hall 2 will be transformed

into a true residential hall, anchored by CEDIA’s booth and the Smart Home Technology Stage. I’m also proud to say that CEDIA now has a complete executive leadership team with global representation, three new board members from varied roles within the industry, and a clear vision outlined in our strategic plan. I look forward to returning to ISE with a fresh perspective and sharing these updates and more during the Annual Meeting on Wednesday 1 February at 4 p.m.

What are some of the major initiatives offered by CEDIA at ISE this year?

This year at ISE, CEDIA is introducing the Smart Home Technology Conference, where we’ll be offering over 65 hours of professional development over a three-day span. Professionals from various corners of the industry will be covering topics such as technical installation and design, business excellence, and future trends all through the lens of home technology integration.

CEDIA members and non-members are also invited to an introductory course about the CEDIA Outreach Instructor (COI) programme led by CEDIA Member Program Specialist, Imogen Dent. The COI programme enables CEDIA members to provide continuing education to their local design and build industry partners to establish vital business-to-business networking

contacts and raise awareness of CEDIA, its members, and the home technology industry.

On the certification side, we’re pleased to bring ISE attendees two opportunities to earn internationally accredited certifications from CEDIA. Attendees can demonstrate their commitment to maturing our workforce by registering for the Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) and Integrated Systems Technician (IST) examinations. These globally accredited certifications demonstrate to other trades, customers, and lawmakers that the custom integration industry is a clearly defined profession with rigorous, widely accepted criteria for competency.

What are you personally most looking forward to about ISE 2023?

In addition to seeing the community convene under one roof, I’m looking forward to learning about ways companies are adjusting their business offerings to include expanding sectors such as energy efficient solutions and sustainability. These are areas we are looking to explore as they have really come into prominence in recent years. CEDIA is hosting several courses around energy management, power conditioning, and sustainable design. We hope to facilitate these conversations, especially between integrators and manufacturers, and continue them beyond ISE.

What are you hoping to add to/improve on in terms of the CEDIA offering in the next 12-18 months?

At our Annual Meeting on Wednesday at 4 p.m., we’ll be unveiling an exciting new programme to bring new workers into our industry. I’m calling on every CEDIA member to bring this new ‘toolkit’ into a classroom of young people who are deciding their future path. If every CEDIA member commits to visiting one classroom in 2023, we’ll reach 120,000 potential new integrators.

Also this year, CEDIA is emphasising many operational and management tools to help integrators withstand economic turmoil and build more resilient businesses. We recently released two resources, The Integrator of 2027 and the Business Toolkit, which we will explore further at ISE 2023. A half-day Business Design Workshop will encourage integrators to envision their businesses five years into the future and plot ways they can reinvent it, while a series of courses led by CEDIA Fellow Leslie Shiner will dive into the operational side of running a business by covering topics like markup and margin, labour costs, change orders, and more.

Training is a huge in this sector, what do you feel in general needs to be added to or improved on?

We need to make it accessible and exciting for the next generation – or anyone looking for a career change – to gain the necessary skills to succeed in this industry. We’ve identified a glaring need for clearly defined learning and career pathways for everyone at every stage of their career. I can’t over emphasise that CEDIA is launching a brand-new resource for CEDIA members to play an active role in ushering in the next wave of workers. We hope this project is a step forward in filling the void of skilled labour in the industry. Stay tuned for more details.

What are some of the major opportunities available to the integration community over the next few years?

Consumer’s investment in their homes shows no signs of slowing down, but it is changing. As outlined in the Integrator of 2027 white paper, we’re starting to see a lesser focus on technology and product-centricity, and instead we’re seeing a shift toward user-centricity and hyperpersonalised user experiences. In the years ahead, it is going to be vital for integrators to design with intention and empathy, and uncover each user’s unique needs.

What major differences have you noticed between the European and American markets?

One thing I’m hearing from integrators is that a big difference between the European and American markets is the way in which homes are built. European integrators often have to

contend with the challenges of working in older, sometimes historic, buildings made of brick. This type of design is not as forgiving when it comes to running cables, and presents further challenges for Wi-Fi and speaker installation. In the US, most buildings are designed so that cabling can be easily run behind drywall – something that wasn’t even a consideration when centuries-old European homes were built.

Tell us about your work with the Recording Academy and how it relates to with the CEDIA world. What many people don’t realise is that the GRAMMYs - the Recording Academy - is an association of creative and technical professionals that make music. It’s not just the big show that rolls around once a year – it also encompasses 364 other days when the organisation does what any good trade association does: support and represent its members.

I’ve worked to manage member engagement, drive member advocacy, and oversee government and industry relations while collaborating closely with the board of trustees – a job that bears a striking resemblance to my current position.

A lot of people think of Recording Academy members in terms of our most famous GRAMMY winners – like Taylor Swift and Beyonce – but a large percentage of the members are technicians and behind-the-scenes experts. These are my people. I love to represent folks who use their technical expertise to improve our lives. That mission is inevitably what drew me to CEDIA.

Any personal highlights/memories from the GRAMMY Awards over the years?

While the television show is always enjoyable, my fondest memories are from the times I’ve facilitated connections between politicians and artists in Washington. Seeing former First Lady Michelle Obama present an award to Alicia Keys

and famed producer Jimmy Jam testify before Congress are moments I’ll never forget. These seemingly unlikely duos ended up connecting on a level I’d never have expected – like when now Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy met Slash from Guns & Roses. And of course, presenting President Obama with his Grammy Award in the White House was a remarkable moment. All of this moved the agenda forward for our members at the Recording Academy, as I plan to do at CEDIA.

Do you have an opinion on the coolest thing about a smart home?

As I’ve gotten to know this space in an even greater capacity over the last year, I’ve realised my favourite ‘thing’ about the smart home industry isn’t really a thing at all. What I like most is technology’s ability to make people’s lives exponentially better. In fact, that notion was the inspiration for CEDIA’s mission statement: to connect, empower, and champion home technology professionals and businesses that enrich our lives.

If you had to describe CEDIA to an integrator who had not heard of the organisation before, how would you sum the offering of the offering up?

Integrators are all about making pieces work together, which is precisely what CEDIA does. It takes the important work of government relations, workforce development, education, standards, certification, and more to build a healthier, more robust industry for everyone’s benefit.

CEDIA cedia.net

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT SENIOR CINEMA

Prestige Audio breaks new ground with a high-performance cinema in a luxury development for the over 65s in the Fulham district of London.

Joe Carri, Director at Prestige Audio explains, “In 2019 we were contacted by one of the founders of a company called Riverstone Living, the developer was working on a very special luxury commercial development for clients over 65. This customer’s goal is to create the best retirement living in London. Riverstone Living approached us based on a recommendation and after examining our track record brought us into deliver something that the UK has never seen before!

“This customer is the founder of a development company called Riverstone Living and their goal is to create the best retirement living in London. They launched in 2019 with a project called Riverstone Kensington, which is now open, the project involving this high-performance cinema is called Riverstone Fulham, and is open now.”

Opening with a big splash and launch party, the Riverstone Kensington development went on to win the Best Retirement Development Award at the Evening Standard New Home

Awards 2022. “I have never fallen in love with a place so fast as coming through the doors of Riverstone,” says Dame Joanna Lumley, special guest at the launch party.

Joe says, “They are definitely achieving their ambitions of delivering the best in class, so the pressure was on to help them maintain this momentum into their next project. Our original role was to consult and design a solution for all the amenity spaces; restaurant, cinema, swimming pool, bar, and lounge for the initial site in Kensington and also develop a

solution that we could duplicate on other sites in the future. With this second site at Fulham, we really got to show what could be achieved for this customer and client group in terms of the cinema. There is definitely big potential for growth in the luxury MDU sector. There have been systems aimed at this client group before, but the level of performance required here is new, it’s up to us as an industry to show developers that the investment is worth it and this is starting to happen.”

As part of the design process, we invited the Riverstone team to demonstrations at Pulse Cinemas to help them understand the different performance levels at various price points. Joe comments, “These demonstrations were hugely helpful to them and us, allowing all parties to

narrow down on a performance specification. We had several challenges on the first site at Kensington as we were not involved early in the structural design of the cinema room, and some of the seating positions were compromised. On the Fulham project we were able to deliver room dimension templates early on (based on the number of seats required) and their architects have also taken these for future projects as well.”

Joe explains, “Getting involved early meant this cinema was going to face very few compromises and could include a separate ‘projection room’ to house the equipment, improve performance and of course give us ease of physical access. Our design meant that speakers could be positioned correctly, doors would not be placed in areas that would

compromise performance and the height of the room allowed for unobstructed views of the screen in any seat.”

“We had already worked on modelling subwoofer positions and nodal issues before delivering the templates using REW software. This size of room required quite a particular speaker layout (7.6.4) with six subwoofers to deliver a great bass response to all the seats. The customer was very clear that they wanted very high performance when it came to the picture and a large screen to boot so we landed on a Barco Balder Cinemascope Laser Projector and a 5m Screen Research fixed acoustically transparent 2.37:1 projection screen.”

A SOUND BASIS

Joe explains, “Some sound proofing had already been done on the space before our installation began in earnest, and because of the apartments above, we were told we would be restricted to 83db in the room. We were able to easily demonstrate that this level would not be enough. We used a sound level metre and just by whistling showed we could reach that level and it would not be sufficient. However, we were able to show that with further sound proofing we could get to 95db and with further

demonstration it was agreed that this would be the optimum level for the cinema. The system can go higher to give us headroom, but for the client group this level is optimal. We also used curtains and thick carpet in the room to help control the sound and also guided the structure of the room towards all wood instead of using any metal stud work construction techniques which can cause vibration. There are also Vicoustic treatments in key spots around the room such as behind the screen.”

Because image quality and consistency were very important the team used a Lumagen 4K

Video Scaler which in real time scales any image to 4K so there are never any delays in image delivery or drops in quality when transitioning between different sources or when residents are watching a cable broadcast from Sky. Sports like F1 and Golf are popular, so the system had to deliver really good quality for these types of broadcasts, so when the broadcast cuts to advertising there is no jarring loss of picture or quality as the system tries to readjust to a different picture format, everything is at 4K all the time.

A thorough demonstration established important criteria early on

Other sources in the room include Sky and there is also a Panasonic 4K HDR Blu-Ray player so residents can bring their own content to enjoy in the cinema. However, for the best in performance, the system also enjoys access to a Kaleidescape Strato 4K Media Player 6TB. The cinema provides options for residents to choose from and the building’s managers download and playback the required content. There is also a games console and a laptop input to deliver presentations to residents.

Joe explains, “Control of the cinema is delivered by an Anthem MRX 1120, giving us 11 channels of amplification to play with. However, to deliver more dynamics into the room we furnished the front three channels with extra amplification in the form of an Anthem

MCA325 three channel amp. Due to the size of the room, we also doubled up in the number of side speakers and added four overhead channels too.

“Bass was always going to be a challenge in this room, part of this issue was solved by using six Paradigm Defiance x 10s in optimal positions, but at slightly different heights, however we also used some DSP DDRC-24’s so we could control the performance of the subs separately from the 1120. These magic little boxes allow us to separately EQ and time align each of the subs to improve the performance even further. The rest of the speaker array was rounded out from the excellent Paradigm CI Pro range giving us a really superb audio performance for the whole room.”

Bearing in mind the customer group, there were some other special modifications and additions the team needed to implement. A few of the residents have hearing issues and so Prestige Audio employed a Sennheiser system that allows viewers to use their smart devices to access a special audio track they can listen to on their own headphones. This feed promotes clear dialogue and presents an experience tuned to those living with hearing loss. The room also has a full Shure Microphone and transmitter system which allows the space to be used as a lecture theatre as well as a cinema.

Joe adds, “We have also built in a full remote access system onto the backend. If any technical assistance is needed, we can jump on from

wherever we are and make any adjustments or perhaps reboot parts of the system and make sure we are always at optimum performance.”

BUILDING ACCESS

Access in another way is delivered by the ‘projection room’ behind the main cinema room. The space has two portholes to allow for the projector to do its work and for the person setting the system up to play can see what is going on. The whole space is controlled with RTI set up to be easy to use for staff. The room is automated using RTI to respond accordingly during pauses or beginning of playback altering the lighting and bring all the systems on-line.

Joe underlines, “Special mention also has to go to the interior design company on the project, Bowler James Brindley. They really were a joy to work with and we formed a really good partnership making sure the project got where it needed to be in the performance and aesthetic ambition for the space. For us in many ways this project marks an interesting waypoint as our sector expands and other trades understand and appreciate more what we are bringing. This system is most uncompromised cinema we have produced in a long time, maybe even ever.”

Prestige Audio prestigeaudio.co.uK

The bar area complements the cinema perfectly

Your sleep. Your energy. Your mood. Your emotional and physical health. A smart home can help improve and support these and other aspects of wellness. The Crestron Home® OS brings them together, so you can easily orchestrate your home’s environment and how it interacts with the outside world.

Essential Kit List

• RTI XP Series Control Processor

• RTI XP Series Control Expansion Module

• RTI 11in In-Wall Touch Panel (Cinema Room)

• RTI 11in In-Wall Touch Panel Backbox

• RTI KX2 Colour Touch Panel (Projection Room)

• RTI KX2 In-Wall Touch Panel Backbox

• Barco Balder Cinemascope Laser Projector 4K 2.37:1 (HT)

• BAR-BAL-CHT-B

• Lumagen 4K Video Scaler (2 Inputs 2 Outputs)

• RadiancePro 4240

• 18GHz Lumagen Video Input Card

• Ceiling Mount Projector Bracket

• Screen Research Fixed Acoustically Transparent 2.37:1 Projection Screen

• 4m Professional Series HDMI Cable (Full HDMI 2.0 4K + HDR,

• Kaleidescape Strato 4K Media Player 6TB

• Kaleidescape Strato 4K Media Player Rack Kit

• KMOUNT-K0509-1

• Panasonic 4K HDR Blu-Ray Player DP-UB280

• Wyrestorm HDMI Extender Kit EX-70-H2

• Anthem Integrated 11.2 Ch Dolby Atmos AV Receiver MRX1120

• Anthem MRX1120 Rack Kit

• Anthem 3 Channel Power Amplifier (Front Speakers) MCA325

• Anthem MCA Rack Kit

• Subwoofer DSP DDRC-24

• Paradigm CI Pro (Fronts) P5 x 3

• Paradigm CI Pro (Surrounds) P1 x 6

• Paradigm CI Pro (Heights) P80-R x 4

• Paradigm Subwoofers Defiance X10 x 6

• ATEN 8 Way PDU

• Araknis 24 Port Managed POE+ Network Switch AN-310-SW-F-24-POE

• Fusion 42U Equipment Rack 600x600

• Shure Lavalier Microphone MX150

• Shure Microphone Transmitter MXW1

• Shure Microphone Charging Station - 2 Way MXWNCS2

• Shure Microphone Wireless Access Point MXWAPT2

• Shure Microphone Audio Receiver and Converter MXWANI4

• CYP Presentation Switch & Scaler with HDMI & HDBaseT LITE Outputs EL-5400-HBT

• RTI Software Driver for CYP EL-5400-HBT

• Wyrestorm HDMI Extender Kit EX-70-H2

• Sennheiser Mobile Connect (up to 100 users)

• Vicoustic Diffusion Panels 600 x 600 (Box of 6) DC2

• Vicoustic Absorption Panels 600 x 600 (Box of 8) CINEMA ROUND PREMIUM x 4

• Display Technologies Port Hole Glass

Comfort and high-performance merge perfectly in this impressive space

Trinnov Audio has demonstrated a groundbreaking acoustic processing technology, based on years of research at ISE 2023. In partnership with Krix, Sony and Officina Acustica, this new digital sound field control system made its debut in an active 13.16.6 channel home cinema system.

This innovation takes the fundamental research of Trinnov in acoustics and signal processing to the next level and is said to effectively eliminate room modes.

In its first iteration and addition to the company’s Optimizer platform, this new algorithm uses subwoofer arrays and sophisticated processing to control the acoustics of the room. With this breakthrough, the company says the industry can truly start talking about Active Acoustics.

Trinnov Audio CEO and co-founder, Arnaud Laborie, says, “Although the technology is fully functional, we will first roll it out selectively, based on specific projects, before offering the finalised software as a complimentary upgrade to Altitude16 and Altitude32 owners. We have reached a point where we believe this new

technology has the potential to redefine home theatre design. It may well set a new standard and replace today’s best practices.”

Provided that the minimum required conditions are met, Trinnov claims this innovation can ‘make the room disappear’.

Arnaud argues, “Traditionally, low frequency reproduction is handled through a modal analysis where resonances are identified in the frequency domain. Through our extensive

research and unique expertise in 3D acoustic fields, we propose something different. Our disruptive approach seeks to fully understand and control the behaviour of the room in all its dimensions (time, frequency and the three dimensions of space) so that resonances are removed almost entirely and without artifacts.”

Trinnov trinnov.com

THE LAP OF LUXURY FROM HARMAN

HARMAN Luxury Audio Group has announced the new JBL 4329P Studio Monitor Powered Loudspeaker. A self-contained, amplified loudspeaker system, the 4329P combines hires streaming audio with extensive wired and wireless connectivity options. At the same time, patented JBL acoustic technologies render sound with incredible accuracy and powerful dynamics, says the maker.

The 4329P includes two speakers, each featuring a patented JBL 2409H 1in compression driver, High-Definition Imaging

(HDI) horn, and JW200P-4 8in pure-pulp black paper cone woofer with a cast frame. Each speaker is powered by a 300W amplifier, with 250W delivered to the woofer and 50W to the compression driver. Both are accurately controlled by a digital signal processor (DSP) that assures each driver blends to create a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

The speaker system’s integrated streaming engine provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via built-in Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth

5.3 aptX Adaptive audio. A 24-bit/192KHz high-resolution DAC ensures music comes across with the high fidelity, while MQA technology enables playback of MQA audio files with the sound of the original master recording, says the maker. The 4329P will be certified as a Roon-ready product for those with extensive music libraries.

In addition to premium wireless audio, the 4329P provides extensive connections for analogue and digital physical sources, including USB, optical, and 3.5mm stereo inputs, and a professional-grade combination XLR / ¼in TRS phono input for use with balanced or unbalanced signals. The 4329P is available in natural walnut or black walnut furniture-grade wood veneer finish options.

The performance of the 4329P rivals that of much larger and far more expensive passive loudspeakers and does so without the added complexity of outboard components, says the manufacturer.

JBL suggests using the 4329P with the optional JS-80 floor stands to position the 4329P at the ideal listening height. The JS-80 stands are available and sold separately.

Harman Luxury Audio harmanluxuryaudio.com

Trinnov promises new advances in room correction technology

The 4329P will be available in the second quarter with a manufacturersuggested retail price of £3,499 per system pair

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Signify has announced the Philips Hue Sync TV app for Samsung TVs. The new paid app allows movie lovers and gamers to enjoy a light syncing experience with anything they watch or play on TV, including native apps such as Netflix and Disney+. With this collaboration, Samsung and Philips Hue say they are bringing new, innovative, and immersive ways to enjoy TV, movies and games.

The new Philips Hue Sync TV app synchronises Philips Hue smart lights with everything that’s shown on your Samsung TV. Users can enjoy an immersive light syncing experience when gaming or watching a movie, even via native apps such as Netflix and Disney+. The app supports all image formats such as 8K, 4K and HDR 10+.

“This is an incredible milestone in Philips Hue’s home entertainment journey and our ever-evolving partnership with Samsung. We are proud to offer more immersive and personalised experiences with our new Philips Hue Sync TV app and look forward to bringing this new way to enable surround lighting to living rooms across the world,” says Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify.

Philips Hue is all about personalisation, and the new Philips Hue Sync TV app offers various customisation features: users can set the

intensity of the syncing experience, adjust the brightness of the lights, select video or game mode, enable auto-start, and more. Philips Hue users can create the best home theatre experience by creating an Entertainment area in the Philips Hue app on their mobile device –

they can select the lights they want to sync, and then drag and drop them to the right place and height in relation to their TV.

Philips Hue philips-hue.com

THE FASTEST BANANA IN TOWN

In what the supplier is describing as a ‘stroke of engineering genius’, Speaker Snap has created what the company says is the simplest, ‘fastest to install’ banana plugs currently available. These connectors use a patent-pending lever to make an ultra-tight secure connection, there’s no setscrew or soldering required, making Speaker Snap banana plugs a ‘must-have’ timesaver for everyone involved in audio and custom install.

Preparing cables for Speaker Snaps is straight-forward: Just lift the little yellow lever, Strip the cable (6-12mm / 1/4in-1/2in), insert it into the connector, snap the yellow lever down and the job is done.

Speaker Snaps accept cables of up to 12AWG (4mm) thickness, providing fast and secure termination with impressive pull strength. The products creator says they are well suited

for quality connections in both the traditional Hi-Fi/AV market as well as the CI industry. Remember, you’ll already have had to strip the cable, so this simple, tool-less connector makes it a breeze to connect and finish the job, says the maker.

Chris White, MD of AmericanAudioCo, supplier of the brand into the UK, says, “Speaker Snap is one of those ‘It’s so simple, why hasn’t it been done before?’ products that makes everyone’s life easier. We’re really excited to be working with Speaker Snap to bring their unique product to the UK, as well as the wider EU market, and can’t wait to get them into the hands of installers and retailers.”

AmericanAudioCo Technical Manager, Mark Cheffins, adds, “Dig a little deeper into the design and engineering that has gone into these little products and you can’t fail to be impressed. The resulting pull strength is immense, you’ll absolutely pull the connector out of the amp/ speaker way before it comes close to letting go of the cable it’s gripping!”

AmericanAudioCo

americanaudioco.uk

More immersion for Philips Hue users

Speaker Snap fast-fit speaker banana plugs are available in packs from £9.95inc VAT (Trade Pricing available)

StormAudio, global player in high-quality, innovative and immersive sound processors and amplifiers, announced the introduction of the ISP Evo and the ISR Fusion.

The ISP Evo is a fully digital sound processor. Based on StormAudio’s proprietary modular platform, the ISP Evo has been created to maintain the reputation for modularity and flexibility with multiple hardware and software options available for any type of digital installation. Whether it is AES/EBU interfaces with 20 or 32 channels of digital outputs, 16 channels of digital DCI-compatible inputs, or audio over IP AES67/Dante networked interface for up to 32-channel inputs and

outputs, the ISP Evo will satisfy every need says the maker. The ISP Evo will be available in the first quarter 2023.

The ISR Fusion 20 Integrated Receiver will be available in the second quarter 2023. This product integrates the award-winning processor platform for up to 20 channels of decoding and post-processing, including the latest Dirac Live technologies, and adds 16 channels of high-quality amplification delivering 150W per channel (8ohm). Bridgeable, it can provide up to 3 x 500W (8ohm) to demanding speakers.

StormAudio also announced the imminent release of a new firmware upgrade that the company says will once again set new standards

PAY HOMAGE TO SONUS FABER

Sonus faber has announced four nextgeneration Homage collection loudspeakers, updating the range with new innovations for the modern music lover, three decades after Homage’s 1993 debut.

The extension of the current range progresses Sonus faber’s much-loved Italianmade Homage collection, which debuted with the Guarneri (in 1993), and pays tribute to the musical instruments that inspired the collection’s creation. The range honours the genius of the talented creators of musical instruments and the lute-making tradition with its roots in Cremona, Italy.

The four new models include the Guarneri G5 (5th generation) two-way stand mount, Serafino G2 3.5-way (2nd gen) and Amati G5 3.5-way (5th gen) floor standers, plus the 3-way Vox G3 (3rd gen) centre channel. The four Homage models will be available in three luxurious finishes: red, wenge and graphite.

The company reports that the latest computer simulation and testing equipment has improved the cabinets, which now feature

class-leading technology. Improvements have also been made to the bracing and porting system, which allow greater efficiency and output while maintaining resonance control. The midrange and tweeter chambers have also seen radical change.

Homage retains the classic iteration of the lute shape, first introduced in the previous Homage Tradition collection, but with modified metalwork including smooth, rounded edges, with a graphite grey anodised finish.

Also onboard is new technology Intono, a proprietary Sonus faber technology that addresses the drawbacks of ported cabinet and sealed enclosure designs yet plays to their strengths, says the speakers’ creator.

Intono uses a midrange driver ducted into a further sealed enclosure which is tuned just above peak

in terms of features and flexibility. StormEasy Wizard will be introduced, offering an easy step-by-step configuration for all users. It will be possible to reconfigure the use of a 32-channel processor with a simple Preset selection and create various listening experiences and speaker usages. Additionally, a new low-latency mode has been added allowing for the integration of gaming, karaoke or a live music experience. This free update is compatible with all StormAudio units (ISP Elite MK1, MK2, MK3, ISP Core, I.ISP, ISP Master).

StormAudio stormaudio.com

pressure frequency. When the port unloads, or goes below its tuning frequency, the pressure is equalised into the alternate chamber, significantly reducing impedance peaks. The Intono system offers the benefits of ported and sealed-enclosure designs, in a more efficient system. Intono is available in the Amati G5 and Sefafino G2.

Sonus faber sonusfaber.com

New models from StormAudio include the ISP Evo

Sonus faber is distributed in the UK by Fine Sounds UK

REST, WORK AND PLAY WITH CRESTRON

Crestron Electronics continues to innovate more ways for dealers to bring the Crestron Home OS experience into their customers’ homes. The PC4-R is the latest addition to the Crestron Home Processor line-up, providing a Dell microcomputer that comes pre-installed with Crestron Home OS, secured and ready for operation right out of the box. This solution will be shipping in Q1, providing another option to deploy and configure with ease and speed.

Entertainment remains another key pillar of the residential product suite, with the Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP and DM NAX Audioover-IP technology facilitating transitions from room to room or powering a cohesive ambiance throughout the home. The latest addition to the line-up is the DM NAX AMP-X300, a twozone amp and Crestron’s most compact offering so far. This solution provides a flexible and scalable solution with a more granular system configuration, packing a powerful solution into a space-saving size. Native to the entire Crestron AV-over-IP platform, this is the first Hi-Z (high impedance) DM NAX model, which provides an easy addition to landscape or surface mount speakers.

Following last year’s Crestron LED light fixture debut, Crestron has worked closely with several fixture manufacturers globally to allow more design options with third-party partners.

Savage Marine is known for specialisation in designing high-quality lighting for the superyacht industry. They have developed standard, fixed, and directional spots using Crestron’s DMX-C solution, and a completely bespoke solution with many different luminaires, all working on the Crestron Home OS platform.

Crestron is also promising new workplace solutions including DM NVX Software, which delivers HD video streaming and content from

any source to any display straight from an existing PC or server in high-quality. Crestron has also expanded its AV-over-IP offerings, adding a new strategic partnership with NETGEAR that will make select models of the M4250 line of switches available directly through Crestron.

Crestron crestron.com

GET THE FULL TREATMENT FROM DIRAC

Johansson, Dirac’s Chief Product Officer. “With Active Room Treatment we are moving beyond traditional room correction to actually reduce bass decay times digitally, without needing bass traps or thick layers of wall absorption.”

Dirac has announced the debut of Dirac Live Active Room Treatment, the latest in its family of Dirac Live features designed to address bass resonance and room decay time to produce a cleaner, tighter bass experience than ever before. Dirac Live Active Room Treatment will debut in all StormAudio AVRs through a Spring 2023 firmware update.

“Dirac pioneered digital room correction through our impulse response optimisation technology found in our acclaimed Dirac Live Room Correction feature,” states Mathias

Dirac Live Active Room Treatment leverages Dirac’s expertise in MIMO mixed-phase impulse response correction technology to enable spatial optimisation, whereby all speakers in a sound system cooperate with each other to accomplish what passive acoustic treatments struggle to achieve. With decay times reduced digitally and automatically, listeners experience clear sound devoid of boomy, smeared bass – as if the room itself didn’t exist, says the company.

Until now, managing bass response and room reflections required physical sound dampeners to be installed on the walls or other areas. In contrast, Dirac Live Active Room Treatment works much like the popular Active Noise Cancellation technology, using the system’s own speakers to actively cancel out unwanted wavelengths originating from other speakers. This is achieved by measuring the entire setup as a unified system, instead of targeting each speakers individually, and applying advanced spatial optimisation to the entire system based on the needs of each unique room.

Dirac Live Active Room Treatment has been created to automatically evaluate and adjust the bass characteristics of the entire system, leveraging the strengths of each speaker to make up for any shortcomings in other speakers. This effectively turns passive speakers into active support units, strengthening the overall system says Dirac.

Dirac dirac.com

Crestron Home OS gets more processing power

There is a reason our dealers choose M&K Sound

Listen for yourself

“M&K makes the best home cinema speakers money can buy. I’ve built my business around them.”

Richard Magnus, Seriously Cinema

“Hollywood’s leading filmmakers choose M&K speakers, and our customers can hear why. That’s what makes M&K our first choice for home cinema.”

James Brown, The Cinema Company

“Every time we arrange a shootout, our customers pick M&K. In terms of value, there is simply no contest.”

Chris Weaven, Aperio Audio Visual

For M&K Sound trade enquiries in the UK, please contact Gecko Home Cinema on 01635 268114