ESSENTIAL NEWS

B2BAV: HOME TECH MARKETPLACE OUTSOURCING SERVICE LAUNCHES

FINE SOUNDS UK ADDS MCINTOSH AND CI-FI RANGES, EXPANDING HQ

B2BAV is described as a first for the professional home technology industry – a new, service-based marketplace which allows users to upload their experience, skills and network with others to create additional business.

Users of the new B2BAV website can share their skills and generate secondary revenues based upon their specialisms while at the same time-saving business owners time by providing the skills they lack or don’t have the bandwidth to learn. Integration businesses who may need a drawing, a cinema design or even some Control4 Programming can find them at b2bav.com.

“The home technology space is in the midst of exponential growth, a growth which cannot currently be sustained by the number of people working in the industry,” said B2BAV Founder Benjamin Davies. “Creating a space where any company globally can register, and both sell and outsource their skills is a big task but made all the easier with a secure and verified website. B2BAV allows integrators to grow and scale their business without employing somebody in every discipline.”

Benjamin added, “B2BAV has been an idea burning a hole in my brain for the last three years. Having spent over a decade in the Smart Home Technology market, dedicating the first five years of my time training in every discipline, I came to the realisation that it was impossible to become specialised in all areas. For a small business, attempting to maintain that level of knowledge without outsourcing other skills is impossible. The freedom I, and my business, has gained through outsourcing areas of the business I am either not competent in or do not enjoy allows me to be more strategic and focus successfully on achieving our goals.”

B2BAV has been created to be quick and easy to use. It takes just five minutes to set up an account, and users can start promoting their talents and earning from them right away.

B2BAV b2bav.com

For the first 6 months of the site, fees are capped fees for sellers to 5%

New lines and an expanded HQ, things are on the up at Fine Sounds UK

Fine Sounds UK, the country’s McIntosh and Sonus faber distributor, says it has expanded its music and movie portfolio to bring the benefits of McIntosh and Sonus faber sound quality to a new group of home entertainment fans.

FSUK is now offering a comprehensive range of Hi-Fi quality installation products, including McIntosh electronics and Sonus faber loudspeakers.

In addition to the growing portfolio, Fine Sounds UK has joined CEDIA as a trade supplier member, bringing McIntosh and Sonus faber’s high-performance CI offerings to the organisation’s integrator members (and their customers), for the first time.

Crucially, McIntosh and Sonus faber sound and build quality is no longer the preserve of traditional two-channel music systems, with the two companies (both part of the McIntosh Group) providing synergistic electronics and loudspeaker systems for a range of home installation projects.

The convergence, where Hi-Fi quality meets installation convenience, enables the ‘Voice of Sonus faber’ and McIntosh’s sound quality to be enjoyed in several areas of the home, not just where the Hi-Fi system is located. Fine Sounds UK’s Sales Director, Andy Oattes, has even coined a phrase for the converging categories: (Ci-Fi).

The Ci-Fi portfolio will include Sonus faber’s Italian-made range of in-wall and in-ceiling CI loudspeakers, the Palladio Collection, plus McIntosh Laboratory’s range of install-friendly equipment, including the recently announced MX100 A/V processor and MI347 seven-channel power amplifier.

The company has also announced an expansion of its headquarters in Fife, Scotland, to house a greater range of products from its brands.

Fine Sounds UK’s new larger facility means more products, including AV racks and isolation devices from Italian specialist Bassocontinuo, can be held in stock at any one time, ready to ship directly to the company’s dealer network. The result, says the company, is a far better customer experience as waiting times for the distributor’s imported hi-fi ranges are greatly reduced.

Fine Sounds UK finesounds.uk

NEXT LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Adding an Artison Studio soundbar to any installation will bring your media experience to life. Featuring side-firing stage tweeters to create an audio image of surprising dimensions, enveloping you in a deeper and more immersive audio and video experience. Bring your entertainment experience to the next level with Artison.

Find out more at rgbcomms.co.uk

rgbcomms.co.uk

or call us today on 01488 73366

RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY

Billed as the UK’s largest multi-brand experience centre, Innovation House, home to Midwich Group brands including the Invision stable - is now open.

Midwich Group, global specialist audio visual (AV) distributor to the trade market, has officially opened Innovation House, a 50,000sqft state-of-the-art experience, training and event facility in Bracknell (UK). It is home to five of the group’s UK distributors: Midwich, PSCo, Holdan, Invision and Sound Technology.

The company says Innovation House features the UK’s largest multi-brand experience centre showcasing more than 200 AV, Unified Communication & Collaboration (UC&C), broadcast, smart home and rental solutions from 50 manufacturers all under one roof.

The multi-million-pound facility will bring together vendors, resellers, consultants, and end users across the industry, with the chance to experience the technology and make side-by-side comparisons, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of dedicated training, testing and demonstration facilities. After more than a year of remote working and social restrictions, the opening of the centre aims to safely reconnect the industry after what has been a turbulent year.

Innovation House is home to 80 product and technical specialists from across the Midwich Group; providing guidance, knowledge, and training support to help visitors to define and create the perfect technology solutions for them or their customer’s needs.

In line with the current COVID-19 guidelines, Innovation House hosted its first in-person event on Wednesday Thursday 19-20 May as part of London Digital Signage Week. Midwich and PSCo’s channel partners were invited to join them for two days of tech tours and networking. The event is in association with partners Absen, BrightSign, HYPERVSN, PeerlessAV and Tripleplay.

Interested trade partners can book a private tour and demonstration by getting in touch with their account manager, or by visiting the dedicated Innovation House website. Whether a vendor launching a new product, or a reseller looking to host a customer or sales meeting, Innovation House is designed to be an extension of the group’s customers business.

Midwich Group midwichgroupplc.com

Innovation House is open!

SNAPAV TO ACQUIRE ACCESS NETWORKS

SnapAV has announced that it will acquire premier networking solutions provider Access Networks. The company says the acquisition will broaden SnapAV’s networking portfolio with new products and managed services including system design, configuration, monitoring and support.

“Adding Access Networks to the SnapAV portfolio enables our Partners to tackle any size commercial or residential network project,” said G Paul Hess, SnapAV Chief Product Officer. “The pandemic has affirmed our belief that a solid network infrastructure is critical in any home or business. Access Networks complements our OvrC-enabled networking solutions including Araknis and Pakedge solutions and strengthens our Partners’ ability to handle network deployments of any size for any need.”

The company combines expert knowledge and experience with leading technologies to design and maintain sophisticated network solutions based on the principle of Keeping You Connected. Through its products’ feature sets and ease-of-use and reliability, the company provides what Partners need to solve their customer’s most challenging networking problems, says SnapAV.

“More SnapAV Partners can now do more complex networking jobs with greater confidence, knowing that they are supported by Access Networks. Their industry-leading team of professionals bring comprehensive experience and high-performance hardware solutions to the SnapAV networking product portfolio,” Paul added.

With the maker’s design and deployment services, Partners can confidently deliver rapid proposals to satisfy even the most demanding clients and projects, says SnapAV whether a Partner is bidding to work on a high-end residential property, a small business, or a corporate environment, Access Networks’ advanced managed networks and cutting-edge technologies, including Wi-Fi 6, helps ensure that the job gets done right the first time.

Their team of networking experts provides turnkey networking solutions, with custom designs created specifically for every project.

The design, hardware configuration, monitoring, and support that is included in the managed services results in a plug-and-play deployment that is secure, reliable and scalable, making its partners more efficient and productive while ensuring the best experience for their clients.

SnapAV snapav.com

A new addition to the SnapAV family

SAVANT SMART AUDIO WISA SOUNDBAR 55

Savant’s revolutionary Smart Audio Soundbar 55 and matching wireless speakers offer superb sound quality with Savant’s award-winning software built-in. The Smart Audio Wireless Soundbar lets you experience best in class capabilities including a wide soundstage, amazing dynamics, ultra-clear dialogue, a built-in music stream plus all of the technology to control your home.

Find out more at rgbcomms.co.uk

rgbcomms.co.uk

or call us today on 01488 73366

RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY

CUSTOM AV DISTRIBUTION ADDS MIKODAM

Custom AV Distribution (CAVD) has joined forces with Mikodam in the UK for the residential custom installation channel. Mikodam is a manufacturer of acoustic architectural products and furniture. Their elegant and effective solutions are seen worldwide in luxury residential and commercial properties, says the distributor.

Extremely effective acoustic surfaces that look like art, but with flexibility and options to satisfy even the most demanding interior designer or client are what are on offer. The panels are designed to lend themselves well to either forming a single decorative piece, spot treatment around a media room or a show-stopping design that embraces all surfaces of a cinema room.

Currently there are 15 styles of panel from the brand and CAVD can supply free renders to help your customer visualise the space. The latest additions are PIRA, DETA, VATA, TORA and LEDA which are each 1200mm x 600mm. They can be mounted horizontally or vertically, mixed up and/or combined with other panels. All easily mounting on a simple rail system. Dealers are welcome to bring clients to the CAVD showroom in Marlow where Mikodam panels are on display.

Mikodam is not just a pretty face. The acoustic engineering hidden in the panel system is extensive and therefore many panels are available in various ‘T’ versions. This means perforations, combined with other technologies to achieve low, mid or high effective absorption coefficients.

CAVD and Mikodam provide a service in the UK to fit your Mikodam creation. The fitting team will also visit site to check all measurements, to avoid any nasty surprises during commissioning.

Custom AV Distribution cavd.co.uk

A beautiful new approach to acoustic treatment is available from CAVD and Mikodam

ARMOUR HOME ELECTRONICS APPOINTS ALLTRADE

Armour Home Electronics has appointed Alltrade as the UK Distributor of its leading install brands within the custom installation channel. Alltrade will be responsible for distributing Armour Home’s awardwinning brands within its Premium Audio Installation Solutions stable, including Q Acoustics Install, Systemline and QED Pro.

Armour Home Electronics has a long-standing and successful track record in the install market with its brands growing significantly over the last few years. Alltrade’s unparalleled experience, expertise and high-standing in the custom install market will ensure business will continue to grow, while providing robust support and a high-quality service in supplying the channel. New and existing installers will see the benefit of this partnership having access to all the ranges, with the option to collect the same day or get a free next day delivery on Alltrade’s own fleet of vehicles.

Built on a heritage and pedigree in audio industry through brands such as Q Acoustics and QED, Armour Home’s install brands deliver multi and single-room audio solutions that are easy to fit, deliver high-quality audio and intuitive operation in any room in a home or property.

Lee Harding, Technical Director for CI at Alltrade, said, “Alltrade are delighted to be working with Armour Home Electronics and becoming the UK distributor of the award-winning Q Acoustics, Systemline and QED Pro brands. We believe we can make a further positive impact on Armour Home’s already growing custom install business through our commitment to exceptional service and support to both existing clients and new customers.”

Jack Fox, Regional Sales Director at Armour Home, commented, “The awareness and sales of our install brands has grown significantly over the last few years and we want to ensure that as our business grows, we are providing adequate support and high quality service moving forward. This is the reason we have selected Alltrade as our installation distribution partner, with their unparalleled experience in supplying the channel and operational excellence such as next day on site delivery. We will continue to supply and work with some customers directly, with Alltrade building on our existing installation customer base.”

Armour Home armourhome.co.uk

A new distribution partnership between Alltrade and Armour Home Since 2003, Artison has set the standard in innovative solutions for home theatres, music reproduction and AV meeting rooms.

Their product range includes; unique dual channel technology ‘left, centre, right’ speakers which eliminate the need for a centre speaker, soundbars designed to be hidden in plain sight, easy to install architectural in-wall/ ceiling speakers, amplifiers and the world’s smallest high-performance subwoofer.

Find out more at rgbcomms.co.uk

rgbcomms.co.uk

or call us today on 01488 73366

RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY

BAFTA HQ TO RECOGNISE RAY DOLBY’S LEGACY

Dolby Laboratories has announced that Ray Dolby’s legacy will be reflected in BAFTA’s redevelopment of its headquarters at 195 Piccadilly, including the transformation of The Princess Anne Theatre and the naming of the Ray Dolby Room.

The redevelopment will enable BAFTA to expand its year-round work to find and support new talent, in the UK and globally, and support the industry at all levels.

As the exclusive audio/visual sponsor of the The Princess Anne Theatre, BAFTA’s iconic 227-seat screening room at the heart of 195 Piccadilly, the revamped auditorium will be powered by Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology when it officially reopens in 2022.

In addition to The Princess Anne Theatre, the principal event space at BAFTA’s HQ will be named The Ray Dolby Room, after the iconic founder of Dolby Laboratories. The first-floor room will celebrate Ray Dolby’s innovative and lasting contributions to the film and television industry as it plays host to BAFTA’s year-round programme of events.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate Ray’s contribution to the entertainment industry, and we are thrilled that his legacy will be recognised at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly”, said Ray Dolby’s son David Dolby. “BAFTA is the home of film, games and television in the UK, and we are proud to support the redevelopment of 195 Piccadilly both financially and with Dolby’s technology so visitors to the building can enjoy the best audiovisual experience and see the magic on the screen come to life as the creators intended. Supporting BAFTA is a fitting tribute to Ray’s innovation in sound technology and the founding of Dolby Laboratories, both of which have had a tremendous impact on the creative industries.”

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, agreed, “We are so grateful to the Dolby family and the Dolby company for their respective generous contributions to the redevelopment of 195 Piccadilly. This is a vital investment in the creative future of film, games and television that will enable us to deliver a greater variety of new talent initiatives, learning events and activity and increase access to our industries.”

Dolby Laboratories dolby.com

FOCAL ROLLS OUT A NETWORK OF DEALERS DEDICATED TO 1000 SERIES

For a unique, personalised experience and in a response to the expectations of customers seeking high-end stereo and home cinema installations, Focal is rolling out a network of dedicated 1000 Series retailers/dealers. These companies will be trained and granted access to The CEDIA Designer tool. Thanks to this partnership with CEDIA and by training these specialist teams through various solutions, the brand demonstrates that service is more at the heart of the Focal offering than ever.

With its early 2021 launch of the 1000 Series in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers, including two products from the Utopia collection, Focal is developing a support strategy that lives up to its range. As a CEDIA partner, Focal says it trains and provides 1000 Series retailers/dealers with free access to The CEDIA Designer. This interactive cloud software creates a single space for the entire process of designing an audio-visual system. Installers can use this for a unique and precise way of designing highperforming custom installations that are adapted to the listening rooms they will occupy.

All 1000 Series retailers will benefit from the support and advice of experts trained in the products, in using The CEDIA Designer but also in the techniques and tools necessary for designing the ideal installation.

Focal focal.com

Focal is showing the 1000 Series some love