ISE PREVIEW 2023

BARCELONA INSTALL BONANZA

Check out just a few of the companies, distributors, and service providers who are exhibiting at this year’s Integrated Systems Europe event taking place for the second time at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, (January 31-February 3, 2023).

Lithe Audio has announced the European debut for the iO1 All-in-One Wireless Indoor and Outdoor Speaker at ISE 2023, see it on Stand 2E150.

Designed to deliver high-quality audio while dramatically simplifying installations in any space, the ip66-rated speaker requires only a power source and offers six mounting methods, explains the maker.

The iO1 features a high-efficiency amplifier, wired and wireless connectivity options, and high-quality components in one weather-resistant, IP66-rated speaker with an aluminium grille that requires only a power source for installation.

Designed for areas that require highend audio quality but can’t accommodate a traditional ceiling speaker, the iO1 can be installed in six mounting configurations — on-wall, in-corner, on-corner, ground spike, countertop and pendant. Featuring dual fullrange woofers, titanium tweeters, and 2 x 60W RMS Class D amplifiers, it delivers full high-resolution audio at 192 kHz, 24 bits in these spaces. The iO1 supports both Bluetooth 5.0 and 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi. Embedded AirPlay 2 and Chromecast technologies enable the simple creation of distributed audio systems.

The speaker features an optical input and two Ethernet ports and can be powered by a standard electrical outlet or existing lighting circuit. Installers will be glad to hear the speaker is available with drivers for Control4, Elan, KNX, and Loxone control systems; and supports Alexa and OK Google for convenient voice control.

The Pulse Cinemas team will be back at the show conducting one of the company’s ISE Tours. For those that don’t know, the company organises a supported tour around some key brands that are exhibiting at the event to ensure a special level of insight and also less waiting around on stands as the exhibitors are expecting the group and will have appropriate information and demonstrations prepared. A great way to get all the latest updates on all the products and brands available from the distributor. The final details are being prepared as we go to press, so contact Pulse Cinemas for full details, there is also the possibility of an evening social event as at previous ISE shows delivering a great night of food, drink and networking providing a suitable

venue can be found. Again, more info when we get it. Manufacturers from the Pulse Cinemas stable that are exhibiting at the show this year include; Airzone 2H700, Alcons Audio 7K600, Kordz 2F450, Lutron 2L250, Pulse Eight 2E275, RTI 2K150, Screen Research 2L600 and Tyba 2E65.

Rako, smart lighting controls manufacturer, will be showcasing its latest technology for integrators to improve control, ease of integration and flexibility on Stand 2K450.

A highlight on the Stand will be the company’s refreshed App which offers a host of enhanced features for users. The Rako App now allows quick and easy control of colour temperature and light intensity with a touch slider. It makes adjusting lighting to suit the client’s needs for a particular task or to set scenes by linking the lighting with individual circadian rhythms much more straightforward.

The App can control all Rako systems, both wired and wireless, allowing easy hand-held control of lighting as well as integration with curtains and blinds. Connecting via a Rako Hub, the App allows programming and storing of new scene levels and offers colour wheel control for RGB and RGBW fittings.

“It is great to be back at ISE for 2023 and we’re looking forward to sharing our new app improvements with visitors,” comments Paul Wafer, Director at Rako. “Tuneable colour temperature and its perceived benefits are a big opportunity for integrators. For obvious reasons, homeowners are interested in the wellbeing advantages of circadian rhythm lighting, and integrators can support this demand with a Rako system. Come to the stand to find out more.”

Also on display will be Rako’s Modular keypads, winner of the Best Hardware category at the CEDIA EMEA Awards 2022. Capable of accommodating up to 12 push buttons in a variety of lighting, shading and audio control configurations, the Modular range offers unrivalled customisation and a premium finish to suit varying application requirements.

Rako will also be showcasing its new EOS Portrait keypad, which has been designed specifically for the unique requirements of the EMEA and APAC markets. The attractive, screwless design of Rako’s EOS Portrait Keypads create a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. Recessed into each plate are six push buttons in a narrow, vertical design, offering a reassuring and tactile interface, that would complement any interior.

Both keypad ranges are available in seven premium finishes to suit contemporary or more traditional interiors. They can also be matched with Heritage Brass electrical accessories as well as cabinet and door hardware and integrators will be able to see how the keypads and accessories complement each other seamlessly.

Also on display will be Rako’s feature-rich HUB interface which now offers increased functionality and simplified third party integration with Crestron Home, Elan, BlueOS, QMotion and Silent Gliss.

Visit Snap One on Stand 2D400 to demo a range of Wattbox SKUs. The company has announced the international launch of all IP-enabled WattBox SKUs into the APAC and EMEA markets for the first time since the brand’s inception. These new devices are available for immediate purchase in the EMEA region and APAC regions. International availability will enable Partners across the globe to use the power protection, surge protection and OvrC remote monitoring compatibility that Wattbox is known for to build stronger businesses.

“We look forward to bringing Wattbox’s well-known IP control capabilities, versatile form factors and OvrC integration internationally following its success in the U.S.,” Emily Jones, Snap One Senior Director of Product Management says. “Power conditioning and surge protection are required components for nearly all jobs– which is why WattBox is often the first product considered by our Partners when designing systems. Plus, the Wattbox product line is the gateway into the OvrC remote monitoring ecosystem, which enables Partners to build recurring-revenue opportunities with existing customers.”

Snap One recently introduced the WattBox 800 Series 1U 8-Outlet IP Power Conditioners, which provide greater installation flexibility and control. With individually controlled and metered outlets, OvrC functionality, and an innovative LED faceplate that displays crucial power and connectivity info, the 8-outlet model delivers powerful benefits for Snap One Partners.

In June of 2022, Snap One released a new OvrC Connect app that replaces OvrC Home to strengthen control of OvrC systems, available through Wattbox solutions, for both commercial and residential clients, along with a newly redesigned OvrC Location Dashboard that simplifies Partners’ customer service workflow.

For international compatibility, current Wattbox IP-Enabled SKUs are now capable of operation in 220V-240V regions. Models launching in EMEA and APAC throughout the rest of the year include the WB-800I-IPVM-6, WP-800I-FP, WB-800ICH1U-IVPM-8, WB-250I-IPW-2, WB-800IVPS-IPVM-12 WattBox SKUs.

“Auto-reboots and remote troubleshooting options can reduce service calls and enable better, faster customer service,” Emily says. “OvrC, available through Wattbox solutions, offers reliable, superior performance that directly benefits Partners’ bottom line. We’re eager for international Partners to begin reaping the benefits of Wattbox and OvrC!”

PMC PRESENTS THE CI SERIES

PMC will use ISE to demonstrate its ci series loudspeakers to the show visitors, (Stand 2D250) exposing them to the speakers used as the reference standard in Dolby Atmos mixing studios across the world, and highlighting the audio quality that is possible in residential cinema installations.

PMC slimline monitors feature in recording, mixing and mastering studios across the world and are the benchmark speakers for Dolby Atmos mix suites at such places as Dolby London, Capitol LA and Dean Street London, says the maker. Emmy Award winning PMC’s close involvement with the movie industry goes back to 1991 when it started designing the speakers that are used by the major studios to create the film soundtracks.

Today the ci series is used for both movie and music Atmos mixing, with works by some highly acclaimed artists from many different genres, including Carole King, xPropaganda, Swindle, Seal and Miles Davis, to name but a few, have been re-mixed into Dolby Atmos using the PMC ci series.

For the CI industry, the ability to specify exactly the same speakers used by the movie makers is the only way to offer customers the same stunning dynamics and awe-inspiring realism experienced in the leading studios says the company.

Like all PMC speakers, the six ci series models feature the company’s proprietary ATL bass loading technology and Laminair air flow control for ultra-low distortion and highresolution playback. All six models are designed with a shallow depth for on-wall mounting and the ci30, ci45, ci65 and ci90slim may also be used in-wall. This gives the installer greater mounting flexibility, enabling them to enjoy a truly audiophile level experience from a highly discreet system.

The largest model in the range, the on-wall ci140, also uses the latest iteration of PMC’s dome midrange drive unit for strong midrange clarity. This all new 50mm (2in) dome features n-compass technology - a new dispersion flange for a flat frequency response and phenomenal off-axis performance.

Partnering the ci140 is the ci140sub, with the same four bass drive units operating within the ATL to reproduce additional low frequency energy, a strong proposition for home theatre installations and full frequency music reproduction in high end audio and studio situations.

Looking forward to the ISE show, PMC’s CEO Jeff Willcocks says, “The ci series has been finding fans around the world in the custom installation sector thanks to its ease of installation, flexibility of mounting options and the renowned PMC sound quality.” He adds “We are delighted to be able to demonstrate a fully-fledged Atmos cinema experience at ISE, which will enable custom installers to appreciate why specifying them for their residential customers will give the very same sound experience as the people who make the movies and music hear in the studio.”

Netvio (Stand CS608) professional AV signal distribution and control brand, supplying matrices, AVoIP products, extenders and software, will be exhibiting for the first time at ISE in the Discovery Zone.

Showcasing powerful hardware and software solutions, visitors to the stand will be able to get first-hand experience of the configuration software and control app. Netvio’s aim is to simplify what it styles as the sometimescomplex systems found in the CI sector. All hardware and software have been designed and developed with simplicity in mind.

The Netvio configuration software auto-discovers hardware within the system and the allows integrators to drag and drop displays, media sources and audio devices on the screen and draw AV connections, control paths for devices selecting from IR, RS-232, IP and CEC. Installers can then group displays into single or expanded zones and add custom images to area buttons in the Netvio app. Live demos will be run regularly throughout the duration of the show.

The maker says its Netvio control app, provides a high-quality enduser control experience for HDBaseT, AVoIP solutions. A full spectrum AV control platform using iOS, iPadOS and Android devices, Netvio control manages signal distribution, media sources, displays and audio devices via IR, RS-232, CEC & IP without dedicated control hardware. The app also uses an intuitive drag and drop motion to switch media sources. Using the JP4 AV over IP solution installers get the added benefit of full 1080p preview streaming directly to any device.

Phil Gibbs, Sales Director for Netvio, says, “ISE is the most important event to the AV industry both residentially and commercially. As a relatively new manufacturer we are privileged to be able to demonstrate our next level solutions to international customers for the first time. Netvio will be showing our matrix range, our new HDBaseT 3 Extender and our top of the range AV over IP solution, including the new dedicated plug’n’play AVoIP switch. We will also be running regular demonstrations of our configuration software, as well as our end-user control app.”

PMC is taking visitors to the movies at ISE

available from stock

IP VIDEO DOOR STATION

Modern IP video technology for new and retrofit buildings

Easy installation via PoE

Keyless access by App, RFID, keypad or fingerprint

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

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

www.doorbird.com

Atlona (Stand 5J500), a Panduit company, travels to ISE to celebrate an important company milestone while debuting several product innovations and demos that accentuate the company’s sharpened vertical focus. As the new year dawns, Atlona turns 20 and begins its fourth year in operation under Panduit’s ownership. Both offer insights into how Atlona has evolved over two decades, and how emerging customer needs, industry trends, and Panduit’s AV/IT vision point to Atlona’s future direction.

The Atlona story began 20 years ago inside a Silicon Valley garage as a manufacturer of cables, adapters and video converters sold direct to residential end users. Fast forward to ISE 2011 and Atlona would make its first appearance at ISE introducing digital connectivity solutions to the EMEA market. Since then, ISE has since served as the company’s launchpad for key product lines, including 4K/UHD Extension over HDBaseT in 2015, collaboration systems for soft codec-based conferencing platforms in 2016, IP-based AV control (Velocity) in 2017, and Wireless BYOD (AT-OME-52W) in 2020.

Atlona comes to ISE 2023 with a major announcement to its award-winning AV over IP platform, OmniStream. Guests to the stand will learn about enhanced capabilities designed to raise the bar for visual quality, performance and integration convenience in networked AV deployments. Atlona will also present the latest innovations in its Velocity, Omega, Captivate, and its HDR product portfolio.

“For 20 years, Atlona has been a company that looks forward, propelled by employees that prioritize innovation, quality, and a simplified user experience in every product they develop,” says Jamey Swigert, Executive Director, Atlona. “ISE 2023 is our opportunity to demonstrate how Atlona has grown from its humble connectivity beginnings into a complete AV/IT solutions provider for meeting spaces, classrooms and collaboration environments of all sizes.”

Also at ISE 2023, Atlona will also introduce its next generation of HDR distribution amplifiers that emphasize Atlona’s continued innovation for installed HDBaseT systems. More details on these and other new products will follow in closer to the show.

HANG WITH SOUNDTUBE

MSE Audio (Stand 7-A400), parent company of SoundTube, styled as the creator of The Original Pendant Speaker, is excited to show the Designer Sleeve pendant speakers at ISE. The designer-focused commercial audio pendants are now available globally.

The Designer Sleeve DS31-EZ pendant speakers were developed to offer shape options for closed, near space applications that require a design element to meet décor needs. The Designer Sleeve includes a base speaker with the choice of a tapered or cylindrical sleeve. The speaker can be used with or without the sleeve based on the desired look. The speakers blend well with drop lighting and are available in silver (DS31-EZ-SL), black (DS31-EZ-BK), and white (DS31-EZ-WH).

The DS31-EZ is described as a premium full-range three-inch pendant-mount speaker with a polypropylene driver and butyl rubber surround for long lasting performance. The DS31-EZ incorporates the ultra-low profile ZeroReflection ABS enclosure with a magnetic aluminum grille and protective power coated finish. The IPX6 rating makes the Designer Sleeve ideal for indoor or outdoor use.

The speaker has a 10-foot signal wire which doubles as the hanging cable, and it also includes a secondary 10-foot braided steel safety cable for added security. The speaker’s internal body is 7.5inH x 4.5in diameter and weighs 2.4 lbs. The speaker with the tapered sleeve is 8.25inH x 4.75in diameter and weighs 2.8 lbs. The DS31-EZ with the cylindrical sleeve is 8.5inH x 5.5in diameter weighing in at 3.4 lbs.

The unit may be hung or mounted direct-toconduit via the locking cover plate. DS31-EZ speakers include a 6 position tap switch with transformer and an 8-ohm bypass option for low voltage systems.

SoundTube is also claiming to have reinvented the pendant speaker category with the Mighty Mite. The new speakers, with both new styling and patented technologies that enhance performance, recently debuted and are now shipping globally.

Mighty Mite was created to simplify installations for integrators. The UL-approved and patented Mighty Mite is said to be the only full-range pendant speaker with a builtin subwoofer eliminating the need to install a separate subwoofer and subwoofer amplifier.

Designer Sleeve speakers from SoundTube will feature at ISE

Mighty Mite’s redefined aesthetics give designers options for the pendant category they haven’t seen before, says the maker. The sleek ultra-modern look and feel fits comfortably in any décor where design is as essential as sound quality.

Mighty Mite is available in two models. The MM43-BGM is a three-way pendant speaker with a 5.25in dual-chamber, band-pass subwoofer, a 4in woofer and a .75in BroadBeam ring tweeter, with high-frequency dispersion technology for wide off-axis coverage. The Mighty Mite MM32-EZ is 2-way pendant speaker with a 5.25in dual-chamber, band-pass subwoofer, and a 3in wide-range driver.

Mighty Mite’s subwoofer with phase-aligned bass produces even, full-range coverage, smooth response, and loud, clean sound from one point of origin. With its built-in subwoofer and expansive coverage over larger areas than conventional pendant speakers, the Mighty Mite generates exceptional sound for music and voice applications, says its creator. In addition, the speaker’s wide coverage capabilities mean fewer speakers are needed thus further reducing both hardware and labor costs for the project.

Ideal for paging, background music, foreground music and most open-ceiling applications, the Mighty Mites have a built-in 30-Watt transformer for standard 25/70/100volt applications or can be used as direct 8-ohm speakers. The unique driver combination gives unprecedented phase-matched audio between the low, mid, and high frequencies.

Mighty Mite has an integrated hanging bracket at the top of the speaker and comes with UL-listed hanging hardware with cables and integrated SpeedClamp self-locking wire grip for fast, easy, and secure installation. Both Mighty Mite models are 22in high with a 7.4in diameter, weigh 14 lbs. and are available in silver, black and white.

Also on the MSE Audio Stand, representing the culmination of over 65 years of engineering experience brings the release of the pinnacle of the PhaseTech line, the debut of the audiophilequality Premier Lux speakers.

The ultra-luxury bookshelf speaker features a distinctive aesthetic and offers three contemporary finishes. Classic black is a lightly textured matte automotive-grade finish that gives Premier Lux the modern look to accompany its exceptional sound, says the maker. The Premier Lux models are also available in pigment intense high-gloss pewter and driftwood. The speakers are sold individually and hand-crafted and painted in our Jacksonville, Florida facility.

“The high performance and amazingly accurate non-fatiguing sound reproduction combined with modern finishes of the Premier Lux 150 give integrators a new standard for sound and aesthetics,” says Ken Hecht, vice president of MSE Audio. “Paired with a center channel, surrounds, and our new Power Lux subwoofers, it creates exceptional theater sound.”

The Premier Lux 150 is a two-way bookshelf speaker featuring a patented 6.5in tri-laminate Kevlar RPF glass fiber flat-piston woofer with a 28 mm high-performance soft dome tweeter. The patented soft dome tweeter reproduces silky smooth and defined high frequencies allowing a transition at a frequency where the midrange still exhibits broad uniform dispersion. The maker claims the flat plane surface of the woofer also greatly increases vertical and horizontal dispersion patterns allowing for much more placement flexibility and an amazingly large sweet spot.

Designed to create powerful and accurate sound in stereo and home theater configurations, the Premier Lux 150 features Absolute Phase crossovers to disperse sound to a wider listening area and ensure that all speakers in a multi-channel system are in phase to blend seamlessly. The Premier Lux 150 can easily be configured into your theater audio design using the MSE Audio Theater Sound Designer.

Fresh from winning a CEDIA Award for Best New Hardware Product 2022 for the Fiji 2.1 loudspeaker system, L-Acoustics Creations is heading to Barcelona to demonstrate just what it takes to win one of the industry’s most coveted product awards. Bringing its extensive professional audio expertise to premium residential, architectural, and marine audio systems, the L-Acoustics Creations ISE stand will demonstrate stereo and multichannel systems capable of delivering all the impact and realism of live concert sound, says the maker.

Headlining will be the Fiji 5.1 system, comprising five X4i 2-way passive coaxial loudspeakers, an SB10i infra-low frequency subwoofer, and a pair of LA2Xi amplified controllers. The discreet X4i loudspeakers are just 116 x 116 x 99mm in size and come with a colour-matched pivoting bracket and cables for easy installation. The SB10i is designed to slip near invisibly into residential décor, being easily hidden under furniture thanks to its minimal 170mm height.

While small enough to disappear in any room, the creator says the Fiji 5.1 is capable of covering a listening area of up to 20 m2 and achieving SPL over 117dB in the reference listening position. The system is ideal for customers demanding the biggest sound without the aesthetic issues of large freestanding speakers or the need to build-in architectural models.

For Fiji applications requiring the utmost sympathy with room décor, L-Acoustics Creations can create units RAL colour-matched to customer requirements. Several unique colour samples will be on display at ISE to show off this bespoke option.

Alongside Fiji, the L-Acoustics Creations ISE team will also demonstrate the new Soka loudspeakers in a stereo configuration. Soka is a premium on-wall/in-wall architectural speaker drawing on L-Acoustic’s pro-audio line-array technology. Its colinear source driver configuration and proprietary Wavefront Sculpture Technology deliver a powerful presentation (up to 133dB SPL) designed to remain coherent across the entire audio band.

Nick Fichte, Director of Sales for L-Acoustics Creations comments, “ISE 2022 demos and conversations opened the flood gates on a robust pipeline of integration projects and partners. We can’t wait to see what 2023 brings now that the L-Acoustics Creations reputation has been firmly established in the marketplace.” Head to Stand 2H300 in Hall 2 and take a listen.