KNX TACKLES HVAC INTEGRATION

HVAC is a core application to include in any smart home or building project, with the breadth of KNX-certified products now available removing the complexity of full integration with all other aspects of intelligent control. It’s ‘too big an opportunity for installers to miss out on’, argues Paul Foulkes, President of the KNX UK Association.

Heating and ventilation costs are among the highest when it comes to running a building, be it a home or a complex commercial environment. Demand for effective control systems is consequently high. Surely no systems integrator is going to want to miss out on the opportunity to specify and install the controls and enjoy the potential of a long-term system maintenance contract. All the more so when HVAC can be a logical and fully integrated extension of the lighting and entertainment systems that are already your bread and butter. Why give the HVAC work to someone else?

HVAC accounts for over a third of a building’s energy consumption (lighting with about a fifth). So, whether it is cost or conscience or both that drives them, owners and occupiers are going to take a keen interest in finding ways to control consumption and costs. Of course, they will not want to compromise on their comfort or enjoyment of the premises, so they will expect creative solutions. They will also be looking for assurances that whatever steps they invest in now will not paint them into a corner, because we will surely see new regulations for green certifications and to ensure we meet Net Zero targets.

The pandemic and growing awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) has made systems designers and building managers more aware than ever that they need more than an ‘overview’ of all the parameters of their HVAC. They need the automation that enables them to achieve the best-possible outcomes and provide a safe environment. For instance, there’s a dynamic balance between staying warm and comfortable, and ensuring optimal clean airflow from natural or mechanical ventilation sources.

That brings us (inevitably) to open systems as the preferred approach as it gives integrators flexibility to create custom systems. Of course, the ‘de facto’ global standard and ‘lingua franca’ of building controls from over 500 manufacturers, is KNX.

WHAT IS KNX?

A quick reminder about KNX. First conceived as a successor to the EIB, KNX is the only global standard for integrated control of all aspects of home and building control, from lighting and AV to HVAC and security with: a single, manufacturer-independent design and commissioning tool (ETS), support for all comms media (TP, PL, RF and IP), and a complete set of supported configuration modes (system, easy and automatic mode).

All products bearing the KNX logo share data in a standardised way. They are certified to guarantee system compatibility, interworking and interoperability, and all newly certified products are guaranteed to be backwards compatible. A KNX system is futureproof and will be infinitely scalable and flexible over the years. Gateways to BEMS and proprietary protocols are now commonplace, as other manufacturers have recognised the need to cater for growing demand for the global, open standard.

Now in its fourth decade, the KNX standard has also introduced secure IoT, more RF functionality and ever-greater system security and BIM compatibility.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The bottom line is that having some form of heating control is mandatory – why settle for the lowest common denominator when you can offer value-added customised HVAC.

HVAC does not exist in a silo anymore – anymore than lighting engineering or AV installation do. It is an opportunity for anyone with integration skills smart enough to manage the infinite possibilities of an open system control protocol. We live in a joined-up world and smart buildings need to be actively intelligent, reacting automatically to events around them with different applications acting in concert. Falling temperatures will turn heating on, but they might also close the windows and doors. People walking into a room can boost airflow as well as trigger lighting. Failing evening light can close curtains as well as trigger evening lighting scenes and temperature comfort settings, potentially involving dozens of circuits.

Your skills will customise all this complexity and make it transparent to the owner. Control also needs to involve analytics for predictive maintenance, performance monitoring and remote management, all building bricks of longterm client relationships.

All good in theory but can you really trust KNX for HVAC? Absolutely. HVAC control is not an afterthought but a fundamental pillar of the KNX standard, with recently updated Application Description document ensuring the interworking of KNX devices in a system including multiple applications: lighting, curtains and blinds, access control, zoned HVAC etc.

KNX gives you control of all types of heating and cooling including radiators, hydronic and electric underfloor, trench heaters, air conditioning and forced air. Remember, the standard evolved from the commercial world and was designed from the outset to handle complex heating installations.

Traditionally seen as primarily a wired system, KNX has embraced the growing importance of RF control. The imminent ETS6 release of the manufacturer independent KNX commissioning software will carry five RF channels instead of one. In addition, KNX RF couplers can behave as segment couplers so you can extend an existing TP line without changing physical addresses and reprogramming. In short, KNX RF is geared for HVAC and delivering the levels of control users want.

Throughout the world, the KNX manufacturer community is busy developing further improved HVAC controls with unprecedented functionality to take full advantage of the most recent facilities the standard is offering, including the KNX third party IoT API.

FRONT OF HOUSE

Native KNX devices can be used at primary system level, for direct control of boilers for instance. However, the star of the show of any KNX system is at the user interface, in this case the room controller where control of multiple building functions can be brought together. Users can command a multiple systems to call up a specific lighting scene, HVAC comfort settings or entertainment at the press of a single, beautifully designed button or touch screen. A lot of this functionality can be duplicated on Apps for remote access.

As KNX Tutor and consultant Gordon Fry points out, “Room controllers hide any control ‘complication’ while providing full system control. All the user needs to see is a single elegant device per room.”

Last but not least, the release of version 6 of the ETS commissioning software is making device addressing and system configuration easier than ever for integrators. If you haven’t looked at the opportunities KNX offers in earnest yet, now’s surely the time to do so. Start with a free taster training course, progress to become a KNX Partner and then, to claim your share of the inevitable demand for better HVAC control, take a few days hone your skills further with a specialist KNX HVAC course.

Find out who can help you get onboard with the global open control standard from the KNX UK Association. 95,000 other integrators around the world cannot be wrong!

THE FIRST CHOICE FOR SMART HOME AUTOMATION

Economic entry levels & ease of ‘programming’.

Savant always has the customer in mind when it comes to updating and refining their systems and interfaces. With Savant home automation, your customers can access and control all of their home technology in a centralised location — multi-room music, a home theatre or media room, smart lighting, climate control, shading, security and surveillance, and outdoor entertainment.

Offer your customers the best experience in home automation by joining our exclusive network of authorised dealers, and benefit from our easy-to-install systems that deliver high levels of customer satisfaction.

Your FREE Introduction into Savant

Register for our monthly webinars covering everything you need to know to become a Savant integrator and offer your customers the best in luxury home automation.

There really is no better time to make the change to Savant.

Register at rgbcomms.co.uk or contact us to book your place.

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

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, BUT INITIAL ATTRACTION IS WHERE WE START!

As humans we are put at ease with symmetry, we like uniformity. It creates a feeling of belonging and well-being, which in turn creates the more calming and stress-free environments that we all long for. Justin Wells, CEO, Polar Bear Design, examines the interplay between functionality and aesthetics.

Those involved in the planning, design and construction of buildings, whether for use as living accommodation or working environments are aware that aesthetics are key for both interior and exterior design. Functionality and features are essential when deciding upon suitability, however in addition they must consider the cognitive factors that a customer uses when making a purchasing decision, or choosing an partner. Those decisions are initially based upon first impressions, cost, ease-of-use and design.

Architects and designers are creating sustainable and smart buildings which utilise a whole host of products. Traditionally, designers and architects hid the control systems of smart home features in cupboards or somewhere out of sight simply due to the fact that they just weren’t aesthetically pleasing. Conventional smart thermostats often force homeowners and installers to choose between aesthetics, control and functionality. However more modern smart thermostats not only control heating and air conditioning, but can also be integrated with smart lighting control systems. The market is changing, there are many beautifully designed smart thermostats and HVAC controllers to choose from when designing new homes, multiple person dwellings and offices. If we take aesthetics as one of the challenges that designers and installers face, we have to realise that they are a core design principle that can make a difference to a customers’ purchasing decision. Aesthetics is not just about the exterior design of the faceplate or fascia of a smart thermostat, which takes on board factors such as colour, style, pattern, shape, weight and more - but it also must include the design of the control panel and digital display if available. Designers must use aesthetics to complement their designs ease-of-use and desirability. Attractive design layouts can and will be the first impression a customer receives. Aesthetic design offers an emotional connection, it is about influencing the thought process of customers and offering the customer pleasure from the beginning. It matters because not only does a designer need to make the first impression right, but it also has to create a lasting bond with the installer and the end user. Bonding ensures that in time, as their requirements change or additional devices become available, they remain with their preferred partner brand and opt for a complementary device to suit their needs. As consumers, we are often creatures of habit, we like to stay with brands that provide us with attractive, useable products, great customer service and the potential for growth and expansion. Choosing a heating, cooling or smart home system is no different.

While we’ve demonstrated the reason behind why aesthetics must be high on the agenda for designers of HVAC systems and control management, how do they know they’re getting it right? One design does not suit all, that’s why at Polar Bear Design it’s about flexibility for the customer, and personalisation without compromise on style and design. We offer a customisation service where we modify ‘off the shelf’ standard products and alter them to a design brief so the client gets a unique product that matches the interior design theme.

Sir Jonathan Paul Ive, British-American industrial, product and architectural designer and former Chief Design Officer of Apple Inc once said, “There is beauty when something works and it works intuitively.” So are we saying that HVAC controllers need to look great and be smart, in a word ‘Yes’, but not in the traditional way most people think about smart technology. It is an irritation that manufacturers want to create their own eco system and have an App for everything. This approach is based on them trying to hold all the cards. But if something works well a customer will stay anyway, so there’s no need to be so precious about products. At Polar Bear we take a different approach, a customer centric approach. This does not mean the Zentium (image above) is not smart, far from it with its ARM processor and Edge BMS technology. We create a customer centric approach by ensuring that the HVAC controls can be integrated with as many different control systems as possible which includes traditional HVAC controls, but also the AV Controllers such as Control4, Crestron, Lutron, AMX etc. This creates a singular interface for the user and the HVAC becomes part of the solution of a Smart Home.

The HVAC industry can become a sexy, attractive area of building and installations if we remember that looks do matter and first impressions count, but we must have the essential usable features and functions on the inside to make a lasting impression.

EASY DOES IT

The 19in R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack Enclosure from Penn Elcom offers advanced support, convenience and true flexibility all in one reliable package.

For installs where regular access is needed, the R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack Enclosure delivers - on-demand - 360° access with ease, increasing placement options around a myriad of different types of projects. Its always possible to get to the equipment, even if it is necessary to place the rack in an out of the way area.

The rack mounting top section with integrated cable management comes as standard with this product delivering maximum added value as as competitor products charge extra for these premium features.

For the installer and customer too, wouldn’t life be easier if it were possible to just slide the rack of equipment out and spin it around to provide 360° access, all of the time?

This is exactly what the newly updated R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack system does; making it simple to slide a fully-loaded rack safely out up to an impressive 550mm / 22in and rotate it left or right. Penn Elcom has also made the enclosure easy to assemble taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Just screw the base plate to any flat, solid surface to secure the unit in place.

The unique folding cable management bar enables the system to freely slide and spin without cable entanglement, while the rack’s position can be locked in place whenever needed so equipment can be worked on effectively without any unwanted movement. Penn Elcom has developed this next level 19in rack technology for the increased variety of projects that present to installers out in the field.

The Base Plate is designed to be bolted or screwed to a solid, flat surface and ensures maximum stability while the enclosure frame is reinforced to prevent stress under a heavy load. The R8010 is supplied complete with the Top Unit, the Rotating Base Unit and the Folding Cable Management Bar.

The R8010 is built with high grade steel and is structurally fortified so there’s minimal flex under a heavy or full load. The rotation locking mechanism lets you extend the rack and then fix it to 0° or in ±60° increments. The two builtin catch locks ensure the rack cannot extend or spin unless engaged.

The rear cable management tray is hinged so it folds when the rack slides in and out. As the cables are fed along the tray and up through the central opening, they are free to slide and spin with the rack without creating cable tension. With this method, cables are protected from damage and disarray over the time of the installation.

The tower base and top portion also include cable management as well as fixing points for the compatible R4000-CT cable trays. The base unit holds the slide catch, the rotation catch (with removable security plate) and also includes cable tie holes at the rear as well.

Get in touch with the company direct to find out more.

Penn Elcom penn-elcom.com R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack: Full Specifications

• Slides out to 550mm / 22in and rotates 360° in either direction

• Secure in position with Slide Catch and Spin Catch • Rotation lock in ±60° Increments

• Folding cable management tray • Security faceplate protects catches from use

• Full hole double rack rails with square holes for clip nuts • Removable Rear Folding Cable

Management Tray • Top and Base Cable Management • Pull handles protected by removable

Security Faceplate • Choose a rail height, from 6U up to 24U • Quick assembly: under 30 minutes • Height: 367.5mm / 14.5in • Width: 495mm / 19.5in

• Depth: 605mm / 23.8in • Extended Depth: 1355mm / 45.5in • Weight: 15kg / 33.06lbs • Load Capacity: 60kg / 132.28lb

LEK ESSENTIALS INTRODUCTION

Nathan Barnett, Sales Accounts Manager Lektropacks, introduces a new concept into the matrix and signal management sector.

When looking for an AV distribution system, the options are vast. There are many brands available that offer a huge array of features and gadgets with the intention that everything you need is on-board. We all know that the majority of AV distribution systems on the market offer a generally good performance, with each brand aiming to differentiate itself with the latest musthave feature. But what if your requirements are far simpler? What if all you want to do is distribute a couple of sources around a property or work environment in full 4K UHD video?

Sometimes we can over complicate things because, well, we just can. This is why the team at Lektropacks has created a new brand called Lek Essentials. To steal another’s advertising strap line – these products do exactly what they say on the, er, front. If you want a product that offers the quality of performance with a stripped-down feature count at a very competitive price point, then this could be the range for you.

Starting with the matrices, we are offering two versions – an 8 input / 8 output (8x8) and a 4 input / 4 output (4x4). Both deliver 4K UHD over 40 metres and FHD up to 70 metres using Cat 5e cable thanks to HDBaseT technology. Crucially, their receivers are powered by PoC (Power over Cable), so there is no need for a wall-wart power supply at the display. They also both offer audio embedding and deembedding, so all AV requirements are catered for. And the best part? These are possibly the most keenly priced matrices on the market, offering significant value for anyone looking for simplicity and performance. So what is missing? When you ask yourself what the installation actually needs, we think you will be hardpressed to come up with anything significant.

When it comes to signal extenders, the Lek Essentials kit again delivers 4K UHD signals up to 40 metres and FHD up to 70 metres. Ask yourself a question – do you really need the AV signal to be extended up to 100 metres? When you look at the difference in price between this and the competition, it might make you realise that 40 metres is plenty!

I know that you will be asking how can Lek Essentials products be so competitively priced? Have they scrimped on the service/support, for example? Well, the great news is that as a range within the Lektropacks portfolio, all Lek Essentials products receive the same, industryleading support and service that any other product receives. That means we have a help desk manned by real professionals who not only know the products inside and out but have also been in the field installing it, so understand the importance of why quick and concise answers are crucial, with in-the-field support available where it is required. We also keep a good stock of all products available for next-day delivery (to site if required).

Where have we saved cost? Well, we don’t have any flashy software, the feature list is focused and the packaging is ample but basic. After all, these products have been designed for trade use, so the need for any Apple-esque unboxing experience is not required. We feel that the Lek Essentials brand offers a very honest solution to AV distribution, offering what you need rather than what you are given.

So, what do you have to lose? We are sure that were you to try a Lek Essentials product, you won’t help but be impressed with the performance, which after all, is what it is all about. Why not visit our website or give us a call to find out more about this great value range of AV distribution products and how you can create compelling AV distribution systems that deliver a great performance at a cost that will please your customer? What’s not to like?

Lektropacks lektropacks.co.uk

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING AV OVER IP

John Clancy, Executive Vice President Residential at Crestron, offers his insight into the matrix and signal management landscape.

When asked by dealers and integrators if they should opt for matrixes or for AV over IP solutions, my answer is always the same: I would choose AV over IP anytime. And from my extensive experience in the residential industry, first at the installer side and now at a manufacturer, I have learned how it can solve a plenitude of issues that installers encounter.

If you take an average residential project, it is usually divided into three types of zones: rooms with surround sound and 4K video, rooms with two-channel audio and 4K or even 1080 video, and rooms without video, just with two-channel audio. If we would choose a matrix solution there, the audio quality would suffer as soon as the source would be connected to a sink or endpoint that does not support multi-channel audio. Immediately it would be downgraded to two-channel. A satellite receiver for instance by default receives and emits surround sound, but as soon as it makes that connection through a traditional matrix to any two-channel room, by default that source would turn off surround sound and flip to two-channel. So, the entire house, even the zones where surround sound is installed, only receives two-channel. There are downmix solutions available for matrix switchers, yes, but these require wiring and are not at all scalable much less flexible.

However, the robust and diverse nature of the right AV over IP encoders and decoders allows for systems to use an assortment of products based on need, which means you don’t have to worry about anything. It doesn’t matter if there’s surround sound in one room and stereo in another. Resolution and frame rate don’t matter either. No matter what sources or displays are in the home today or tomorrow, AV over IP makes everything works seamlessly, delivering what is needed anywhere.

By having the highest quality sound available on the network, the homeowner can decide what they want to listen to. For example, a home cinema may have a room in front, comparable to a lobby where there’s popcorn or drinks available. While there, the owner also wants to be able to hear or see what is going on in the theatre. Thanks to AV over IP they can play in stereo from that source, without downgrading the surround quality in the home cinema.

Integrators will spend less time on-site during and after the installation. Adding displays and sources becomes easier as the system grows and there’s no need to worry about the clutter of cable boxes, gaming consoles, Blu-ray Disc players and streaming devices. Even better, the right encoders and decoders future-proof installations. When the next best video format or audio type comes along, they will be able to support it with just a simple software update.

AV over IP technology adds value and benefits to any smart home, as it simplifies designs with its scalability and flexibility, speeds up deployment, limits points of failure and provides an easy path for upgrades. This means there’s virtually no limit to the number of sources and displays the system can handle. And if you want to add a TV or additional sources, such as a gaming system, no hardware or infrastructure needs to be replaced. Instead, all you need to do is add an additional box for that new display or source. You can add more zones in any combination of two-channel audio, video and surround sound without being restricted to a fixed matrix. AV over IP offers almost an infinite level of scalability and flexibility.

Not only can the homeowner watch, listen, and play whatever they want, wherever they want, there are also no more wires and boxes lying around the TVs and there’s only one remote to control everything. This interoperability simplifies designs and brings down the cost to deploy a video distribution system, removing the cost of ownership as a potential argument. While high-quality AV over IP solutions might currently be slightly more expensive than matrix solutions, the prices for this type of equipment generally come down over time. But even if they don’t, the benefits far outweigh that marginally higher cost.

HDMI over IP Matrix TC-MATRIX HDMI over IP Matrix TC-MATRIX HDMI over IP Matrix TC-MATRIX HDMI over IP Matrix TC-MATRIX HDMI over IP Matrix TC-MATRIX

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Switch / Distribute / Matrix Switch / Distribute / Matrix

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IR Passback IR Passback

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Video Wall Presets Video Wall Presets

Video Wall Presets Video Wall Presets Supports up to 3×3 video walls with bezel Supports up to 3×3 video walls with bezel Supports up to 3×3 video walls with bezel Supports up to 3×3 video walls with bezel adjustment.adjustment. Video Wall Presets adjustment.adjustment. Supports up to 3×3 video walls with bezel Hot Swap Hot Swap adjustment. Hot Swap Hot Swap If a device needs swapping simply replace If a device needs swapping simply replace If a device needs swapping simply replace If a device needs swapping simply replace it and set the channel on the new device it and set the channel on the new device Hot Swap it and set the channel on the new device it and set the channel on the new device to match the old device. Done! to match the old device. Done! If a device needs swapping simply replace to match the old device. Done! to match the old device. Done! it and set the channel on the new device Scaleable Scaleable to match the old device. Done! Scaleable Scaleable Whether you need a small system or a Whether you need a small system or a Whether you need a small system or a Whether you need a small system or a large system; just buy what you need. large system; just buy what you need. Scaleable large system; just buy what you need. large system; just buy what you need. When your system needs to grow just When your system needs to grow just Whether you need a small system or a When your system needs to grow just When your system needs to grow just add more end points. Transmitters and add more end points. Transmitters and large system; just buy what you need. add more end points. Transmitters and add more end points. Transmitters and receivers are sold separately. receivers are sold separately. When your system needs to grow just receivers are sold separately. receivers are sold separately. add more end points. Transmitters and receivers are sold separately.

THE CORRECT PROTOCOL

Stuart Lockhart, Vision’s Managing Director - calls for AV vendors to increase focus on delivering IP products that are easy to install, as well as use.

We’ve just had a year-long lesson in why AV needs to be on the network. So unless there is a very compelling reason why it should not be - we’d expect all new installations to be AVover-IP. End-users now more than ever need the flexibility and agility it gives them in terms of hybrid working.

It also means AV can be managed and monitored remotely, either by in-house technology teams where an organisation has a substantial in-house resource or (more likely), by an outsourced partner, typically an AV systems integrator who provides support as a managed service.

From an operational efficiency and productivity point of view, it’s beneficial to both the end-user and to the AV service provider.

Controlling signals and getting them to where they need to be is ever more important because of the steep increase in use of video for communications, over IP of course.

Once you accept that the future is networked AV, then making sure a switch or indeed any AV device is easy to select and configure is a nobrainer for a vendor. Or at least it should be.

Sadly, set-up can be a real challenge for installers, because of the very poor software provided by some vendors.

The installer uses this software to search for the device on the network to configure it, but often the software only scans one network port on the PC when there are normally several, so the installer doesn’t know which one to scan.

That might sound like a little thing, but it is little things like this that really trip up installers. They just want to get the job done, quickly and efficiently. As vendors, we need to give them software that makes their job easy, not throw obstacles in their path.

Vision’s litmus test is always ‘easy for the installer’. For this reason we really went to town on the software for our TC-MATRIX product to make sure this type of thing wouldn’t happen.

The TC-MATRIX is a good example of a product designed to cater to a wide range of applications and be a workhorse for installers.

This new product uses an IP network to distribute, switch, or matrix. It can have up to 100 x transmitters, and 100 x receivers and supports 4K at 60Hz. It doesn’t have to be setup with software; simple channel assignment on the front panel allows very fast manual setup.

Where integration into more complex systems is required, Crestron and AMX drivers are included and it also works for video-wall configurations up to 3x3. We have also provided IR pass-through – vital with displays without visible IR receivers to enable fast control for the user. One other issue that frequently trips up installers is Power Over Ethernet or PoE.

While PoE has an obvious attraction, it can cause more problems than it solves for installers. If the switch can’t output enough wattage, some devices won’t work, but it’s very hard to determine whether it is device fault or a power fault. As a result, we’d recommend avoiding products that use PoE.

Now that AV has become essential to organisations, whatever their size or sector, we vendors need to do all we can to provide products that enable fast, effective installation as well as the feature set user need. Deployment at speed and scale is the future and we do a disservice to the installer community if we do not provide them with products designed to support that.

VIDEO DISTRIBUTION WITH ‘FREE-ONBOARD’ BENEFITS

Derek Hulbert, Managing Director of Netvio and former CEO of WyreStorm, views the current round of product consolidation as a significant and timely opportunity to redefine and expand video product functionality.

During the last decade, we have seen unprecedented changes in the advancement of streaming and display technologies. This statement alone is paradoxical - knowing the importance we place on the latest high-resolution equipment, yet we now watch more highly compressed content than ever before. The video distribution sector has also overcome significant challenges. Not only related to increased resolution demands without impacting bandwidth, but for some, a redefinition of market position and purpose.

Product evolution and consolidation often manifests itself through the expansion of capabilities over time. An ambitious concept can end up consuming a vulnerable and narrow focused product outlier with the end result being a disruptive, yet valuable new product category.

With ever improving transmission technologies, more emphasis on software development and lower manufacturing costs, video products can be hosts to an array of new and seemingly ‘free on board’ (FOB) capabilities compared with historical hardware costs. In short, the term ‘Video Matrix’ is potentially outdated; especially for new brand, Netvio, who sets out to recalibrate the industry with a new range of professional audio, video and software solutions.

When choosing between traditional video distribution products, it is very tough to draw a distinction based on video performance alone. Regardless of brand, marketing hype or acronyms; pretty much all manufacturers and brands use the same third-party technology platforms. What is becoming more relevant is to understand what other FOB benefits a video product can offer and how it can enhance the overall end user experience, system performance, efficiency and reliability. Automatic downscaling providing seamless movement between new and legacy equipment, audio return management providing the best possible digital audio experience from embedded display apps, onboard audio preamps providing routing convenience for popular devices and the avoidance of content buffering through the provision of hardwired Ethernet connectivity are all important.

These are all real tangible end-user benefits that would justify inclusion into many integrated system designs, but now find themselves as onboard FOB features hosted by 4K/60 4:4:4 HDR video capability over a single cable network infrastructure.

For us, the biggest advancement in video product design is software, both embedded and user facing. This has resulted in more powerful internal processing power allowing several unique concepts for the professional installer and end-user.

Netvio ‘360’ is the first free installation software tool for PC and Mac which provides a unified and guided workflow process for the configuration, design and set-up of an audio, video and software solution. ‘360’ is designed specifically to ‘simplify complexity’ and for the first time provides a unique cross platform application for the installation of HDBaseT, 1Gbps, 10Gbps AVoIP systems together with connected AV devices and peripherals.

Installers can use the inclusive ‘360’ design tool to schematically drag and drop their audio, video devices onto the screen canvas, which subtly provides all the required data steps to launch the new Netvio GO end-user control application for Apple and Android devices – a process best described as visually codeless programming.

Netvio GO is another example of FOB functionality that provides a high-quality enduser experience for the control of multiple disciplined video systems, displays and sources without the need for a conventional control system processor.

In over 10 years with WyreStorm as CEO, a common question was ‘which is the best video format?’ and the common reply was ‘it very much depends on the application’. There was also a realisation that there wasn’t a ‘one fits all’ video platform, with installers needing a good understanding of multiple platforms to fulfil a variety of applications successfully.

We all know the vast array of applications and opportunities that video-based projects can provide. From homes to bars, meeting rooms, classrooms, live events, retail, medical environments with the list going on. But interestingly, each of these examples have subtle differences in respect to the demands of each application and the expectations of system users, notwithstanding any recent implications of COVID-19.

In deciding where to start, the first consideration could still be HDBaseT. The ease of ‘plug and play’, while punching uncompressed 4K HDR across a dedicated AV network is still compelling. If bandwidth demands exceed 9-10 Gbps then a touch of light compression is added to bring the world seamlessly to order.

Latency is often overlooked when considering video systems, but vitally important in applications where end-users interact with content such as meeting rooms and live events.

AVoIP by nature adds latency across any network. H.264/H.265 for example has some of the highest latency performance numbers across the technologies, but this doesn’t make H.264/H.265 any less valuable when compared with AVoIP alternatives. Its attributes of balancing video quality and extremely low bandwidths makes it ideal for CCTV system, embedded streaming applications and mass deployment of AV over large-scale multilayer networks.

HDBaseT was the highly prevalent ‘go to’ technology for presentation and meeting room applications in preference to AVoIP because of its zero latency capabilities, but will this trend continue in a post Covid-19 AV world?

The trend of continuous online meetings and the potential of reduced staff numbers actually allowed within confined meeting spaces could initiate a longer term and sustained change in AV demand. As with most things, the answer is probably somewhere in the middle with fewer online meetings and a return to some in-person normalcy, but some changes ahead for sure.

If uncompressed high quality 4K video quality and scalability are still your key project drivers, then SDVoE (software defined Video over Ethernet) would be high on your list.

Delivering similar uncompressed video performance to HDBaseT, SDVoE runs over a 10Gbps IP network, adding the flexibility of inputs and outputs galore, with the eventual system size more limited by budget constraints than the imagination.

Cost aside, SDVoE is another good example of product evolution absorbing functionality previously defined by separated hardware. Video wall processing, multi-view video tiling and KVM, when combined with near zero latency, SDVoE is a serious contender for critical applications such as real time operation centers, live events and medical rooms, where budgets generally allow such technology indulgencies.

The balance between function and value often wins the largest market share, with platforms such as JPEG2000 becoming very popular and widely adopted by the largest industry brands. It undoubtedly achieves the balance between scalability, 4K HDR video quality and price, but with some sensible consideration to the compression ratio used to run over a cost effective and convenient 1Gbps infrastructure.

Netvio takes this JPEG2000 concept further with its JP4 1Gbps AVoIP series by adding a hybrid H.265 process which provides an industry leading full HD preview stream which is not only used within the Netvio ‘GO’ free control application but is widely available across a wide variety of network applications and popular software-based decoders.

The competitive nature of the industry will mean a drive towards even better video quality over existing 1Gbps and 10Gbps network infrastructures and of course the further adoption of 8K video standards over a wider integrated system. Moves towards transceiver devices will slowly migrate users away from dedicated transmitter and receiver devices. An exciting roadmap ahead.

The basic concept of merely moving video from point A to B, is now greatly enhanced with convergence of function and value delivering seemingly free on-board functionality combined with the highest quality video functionality. It allows forward thinking installers to redefine conventional system design moving towards the trend of ‘value integrated solutions’ to meet the increasingly savvy budget minded end-user.

Netvio’s overarching key value is ‘simplifying complexity’ and will be launching its new range audio, video and software solutions to the UK and EMEA market during Q3 of 2021, where the team has worked hard to deliver the convergence of features and value.

The changing nature of work will continue to shape demands on information and comms flexibility