Essential Install March 2021

MARCH 2021

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

2N ACCESS UNIT M Truly one in a million

SECURITY FEATURE

THE NATURE OF THE SECTOR SHIFTS

CABLES AND CONNECTIONS BANDWIDTH, BANDWIDTH, BANDWIDTH!

CASE STUDY: ICE AND FIRE A VERY SPECIAL VILLA INSTALL

16x16 4K 18Gbps MATRI X SU P P OR TIN G

NEW C U S T O M P R O

The Custom Pro Matrix has been specifically designed to operate in challenging AV environments. Its robust housing and interlocking board configuration make both installation and maintenance a seamless experience. Advanced optional features include audio breakout, simultaneous HDBaseT™ / HDMI outputs, RS-232 pass through, and a web browser interface module for enhanced control and configuration.

PRO16HBT100CS

Custom Pro Matrix Hub featuring 16 x HDMI 2.0 inputs, 16 x HDBaseT™ outputs (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 to 70m, 1080p up to 100m) and 12 x simultaneous HDMI 2.0 outputs.

J Supports 4K UHD video up to 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 (18Gbps) over HDBaseT™ using Colour Space Conversion up to 70m at 4K 60Hz 4:4:4, or up to 100m at 1080p J 16 x analogue L/R audio inputs which can be embedded onto corresponding HDMI / HDBaseT™ zone outputs J Audio breakout board with line-level volume control J 3rd Party drivers available for major commercial & residential control brands

4K HDR up to 40m

PRO88HBT70CS

Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 40m) Supports 4K HDR, IP Control, PoH, 2-Way IR, 4 x Simultaneous HDMI outputs , Audio Breakout with volume control J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification over HDBaseT™ J Supports 4K resolutions including HDR (4K 60Hz 4:4:4) to a distance of 40m

J Smart Scale technology - automatic 4K to 1080p scaling

1080p up to 150m

HEX100CS-KIT

HEX150CS-KIT

100m HDBaseT™ Extender Set Supporting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 (70m)

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set Supporting HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 100m (1080p up to 150m)

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency J Supports 4K UHD video up to 70m (3840x2160 @60Hz 4:4:4 and @60Hz 4:2:2 including HDR)

J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR support

M U L T I C A S T

IP200UHD-RX/TX Multicast 4K UHD Video Receiver / Transmitter J Supports up to 4K HDR UHD video sources (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x 2160 @24Hz 4:4:4 and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0) J Advanced signal management for independent routing of IR, RS-232, USB/KVM, audio and video

C O N T R A C T O R

4 K

U H D

V I D E O

O V E R

I P

S E R I E S

C44-KIT Contractor 4x4 HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit J Includes 4 x HEX70B-RX HDBaseT™ Receivers

Become a Certified Blustream Installation Partner

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

J Specifying a Custom Pro Matrix with 18Gbps support

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

Our UK Address: The Service Station,

Tel: +44 (0)115 824 7000 Email: sales@blustream.co.uk Web: www.blustream.co.uk

J CAT Cable Certification & Verification

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17

40 26 CONTENTS 4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR The Essential Install Podcast

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS What’s going on?

17 PULSE CINEMA

Ecommerce is coming!

March 2021 48 CASE STUDY: ICE AND FIRE

TSP & Nordic Smart Spaces create beautiful music at Icelandic ocean villa

55 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS Terrific toys

FEATURES

22 INVISION UK (ADVERTORIAL)

21 THE WALL

24 ESSENTIAL HABITECH

SECURITY FEATURE

Habitech wants to build something new

Cables and security The professionals!

32 SMART THINKING Sail towards success!

34 ESSENTIAL CEDIA

26 STAY IN TOUCH

Graham Oliver, Director of Jung UK, on biometric control

29 PEACE OF MIND

Karl Brett, security product manager at smart home distributor Invision UK

Its exam time!

YOUR DISTRIBUTOR www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

30 21 34

43

30 STAY HOME, STAY SAFE

Tilak Rana, Technical Sales Manager at AWE, examines the state of play

CABLES AND CONNECTIONS FEATURE 38 8K READY?

Andy Atwell, Sales Director at RGB Communications examines the options

40 PROJECT SUCCESS

Steven Rissi, CEDIA Senior Director of Technical Education

57 48

42 WHAT IS SDVoE AV?

Kevin Cray, Technical Product Development Director, CYP

FOR Smart Home www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

MARCH 2021

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

2N ACCESS UNIT M

pages 21–23

Truly one in a million

SECURITY FEATURE

MARCH

LATE TO THE PARTY, OR FASHIONABLY LATE? THE ESSENTIAL INSTALL PODCAST

THE NATURE OF THE SECTOR SHIFTS

CABLES AND CONNECTIONS BANDWIDTH, BANDWIDTH, BANDWIDTH!

CASE STUDY: ICE AND FIRE A VERY SPECIAL VILLA INSTALL

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EI has to confess that the podcast phenomenon is a relatively new thing in life. With its roots in the early days of ‘audioblogging’, tech soon caught up at the turn of the century - podcasts began to take shape, with listeners able to pick, choose and remind themselves when their favourite ‘casts’ were available. Podcasts have steadily evolved to become the ultimate ‘carry where you want, interact when you want broadcast format’, except, you don’t of course have to listen live, you can listen whenever and these days, where ever you like.

Even with all this choice and convenience, EI was never really a big fan, just busy interacting with other stuff in the main. But over the last couple of years it has become a big part of staple in-home entertainment, perhaps inspired partly by lockdown, but also just taking time to discover what was there and finding the right content. So these days, The Joe Rogan Experience (covering everything from celebrity culture, UFOs, UFC fighting and the use of psychedelics) to more niche characters such as Alexi Sale (with his razor-sharp take on UK culture and in particular politics), are part of the staple.

These days there are more than 115,000 podcasts available on the internet, and that is just the ones in English, so choice and convenience are

04 MARCH 2021

definitely a huge part of the experience.

However, installers would do well to ensure customers can easily access their podcasts on quality AV systems - it definitely adds a new dimension.

For the most part there is not much going on in terms of the audio, but when voice intelligibility is paramount, listening through a decent system adds more intimacy and another layer of immersion.

THE ESSENTIAL INSTALL PODCAST Someone once said, ‘don’t be first, be second and be better’, so whilst we can hardly be the first to claim a podcast series in the B2B sector, we hope our own recent efforts have delivered some interesting subjects, guests and a good quality of playback when downloaded and listened, too. We are three down as far as our own podcast series goes, search for The Essential Install Podcast on your preferred platform, and EI has to say they have been great fun to do. So, thanks for everyone who has taken part so far, (Matt Nimmons, Cliff Stammers, Andy Oattes) we have some really cool ones coming up and the audience is definitely growing with each one. Keep your ear to the ground for the next Essential Install Podcast!

Daniel J Sait Editor

Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

PUBLISHER

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER

Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 www.essentialinstall.com

SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL Whilst we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

BRING THE POWER OF PRO AUDIO HOME For 30 years, L-Acoustics has been the choice of the world’s top clubs, music venues, and artists on tour. This powerful pedigree and unrivaled sonic signature are now available for specification in residential and marine environments. L-Acoustics Creations is proud to present Archipel sound systems, turnkey solutions from stereo to surround sound. Our team of experts can also design systems tailored to your requirements for any space. Visit l-acoustics-creations.com to book an appointment in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.

l-acoustics-creations.com

WORKING FROM HOME NEVER LOOKED OR SOUNDED THIS GOOD

Quick setup – plug in and connect to Wi-Fi®

360-degree microphones pick up 10’ range

Low-profile – blends in with any room

7” touch screen for easy to see and use controls

Small footprint – fits easily on desks and tables

High-fidelity speaker delivers clear speech

CRESTRON HOME™ DESKTOP TOUCH SCREEN Put premium-quality audio conferencing and powerful Crestron Home room control at your fingertips. In any space. At a price anyone can afford. Take calls, control music, shades, and temperature, all from one sleek desktop device.

Visit Crestron.com/HomeConferencing All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2021 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

NEWS

NEWS AWE TO SUPPLY BASE PERFORMANCE SIMULATORS (BPS) Base Performance Simulators (BPS) is one of the UK’s leading race simulation companies, led by three-time Le Mans winning, Aston Martin factory driver, Darren Turner.

Darren Turner, explains, “BPS use their extensive knowledge and experience of professional simulation and real-world racing to create bespoke simulators for racing teams, professional drivers and now for amateur enthusiasts via integrators, exclusively via AWE. All hardware and software, installation and commissioning is provided, backed by an extendable 12-month BPS warranty and telephone support.

“These are fully bespoke simulators, which are purpose-built into a dedicated room, featuring a giant wraparound projection screen and edge-blended projection. There is also a custom-built standalone simulator for those wanting a more independent solution.”

The company’s products include The GT – Bespoke Race Simulator, a highly authentic and immersive GT race simulator experience, featuring a giant wraparound screen manufactured from a genuine racing chassis, (such as an Aston Martin Vantage) and fitted with BPS developed hardware. The company also offers The Single Seater – Bespoke Race Simulator which provides an immersive environment for driver development, also featuring a giant wraparound screen. The choice of many drivers from F4 to F2, the BPS sim has been a key factor in many championship victories around the world. BLADE is a custom designed and built race simulator for the home user who requires the benefits of a professional grade

simulator, but not the cost or space requirements demanded by a bespoke sim.

Darren continues, “We’ve worked with AWE for over a decade now and they have always provided us with great technical support and knowledge. We are very proud to be partnering with them on this initiative to get our products into the homes of AWE customers.”

Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE, adds, “The wealthy clients that many of our integrator customers serve demand the absolute best and Base Performance Simulators are just that. It is a privilege for us to work with Darren and the team at BPS to bring these unique solutions to integrators.”

With a custom-built Blade Simulator starting at £22,750 SRP inc. VAT, and bespoke sims from £96,800 to over £500,000, AWE says these are the real deal offering an unparalleled professional simulator experience for the home.

AWE awe-europe.com

NEXT LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT A new opportunity to sell simulators in the UK

FORTISSIMO CAPITAL FUND ACQUIRES A CONTROLLING STAKE IN KRAMER ELECTRONICS Fortissimo Capital Fund has acquired a stake in Kramer Electronics. Michael and Ben-Zion Hochstein, (two of the company’s founders) retain their interests in the company, while Dr. Joseph Kramer, the founder of Kramer Electronics is retiring from the company.

Fortissimo Capital Fund is a private equity fund based in Israel - with proven capabilities to facilitate the growth of technology companies. Fortissimo manages $1.6 billion in capital and has to date invested in approximately 50 companies in Israel and abroad.

Itzhak Bambagi, Chief Executive Officer of Kramer comments, “I would like to thank Dr Kramer for the many years he has dedicated to the success of our company. Dr. Kramer was one of the founding fathers of the AV industry and contributed greatly to the company’s position as a world leader in its field.

“Fortissimo’s investment in a stake of our company is a major milestone and I am confident that under their guidance we can grow and become an even more significant player in the market.

“This year, we are celebrating 40 years since the founding of Kramer Electronics. The initial pillars upon which the company was built, with a focus on constant innovation, the pursuit of excellence and team spirit remain the driving force of our business today. These values and our strategic direction will continue to drive the company’s future success.”

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Yuval Cohen, Managing Partner of Fortissimo Capital and Chairman of the Board of Kramer adds, “Kramer’s continued innovation and innovative solutions including cutting-edge cloud technologies, pioneering methods of delivering AV over IP and wireless presentation and collaboration advances have solidified its position as a leader in the industry. Digital multimedia and AV technologies are thriving, and we see Kramer Electronics as a great global platform with over 25 offices worldwide to further grow and enhance its operations. We are thrilled to participate in the next phase of Kramer’s journey!”

Fortissimo Capital Fund ffcapital.com Kramer Electronics kramerav.com

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

Fresh investment for Kramer Electronics

rgbcomms.co.uk or call us today on

01488 73366 RGB Head Office, 2 Lambourn Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY

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Remarkable Sound Discreetly Lyngdorfs patented technologies deliver extraordinary sound from compact speakers.

Experience the extraordinary at Gecko on 01635 268114. www.steinwaylyngdorf.com

NEWS

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE Sonance has announced the appointment of Goran Antonijevic to Marine Sales Director for Sonance and James Loudspeaker, based in Amsterdam. Goran joins the company with a wealth of experience in the Superyacht market, having worked for one of the industries leading integrators for the last seven years.

He has an Acoustic Engineering degree, leveraging that expertise in delivering AV/IT systems in the Superyacht channel. Goran also speaks an impressive four languages! Goran will be working in conjunction with Sonance & James Loudspeaker distributors and dealer network to help generate newbuild and refurbishment sales and will also be liaising with the engineering team at James Loudspeaker, in Minden Nevada, on marine and custom product application requirements for yachts.

EMEA Sales Director Adrian Ickeringill, with whom Goran will report to stated, “The marine market is a key area of importance for both Sonance and James.

This role requires experience and an understanding of the Marine market, regarding interaction with key stakeholders to ensure successful project deployments. Goran has extensive knowledge, and experience that will help to support our customers to further develop and successfully deliver key marine projects. We are extremely excited to have Goran join our team and to provide this new level of support to our partners in this channel.”

Goran added, “I believe that Sonance has a great vision for the marine market. This becomes even more vivid after joining forces with James Loudspeaker. With an excellent product range, engineering approach, and customer focus, Sonance has the winning recipe to become a true market leader in this sector. I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Sonance team and to be given this fantastic opportunity. After many years working in the AV and superyacht industries, I feel this is going to be victorious synergy.” Goran can be contacted at gorana@sonance.com.

CEDIA, the global industry association for residential technology, has named Melissa Geitgey, APR (GETT-CHEE) vice president of marketing, communication and research. In her role, Melissa provides marketing communications thought leadership, ethical counsel and synthesises multiple business strategies to elevate the CEDIA brand and achieve business outcomes. She oversees the organisation’s global marketing, public relations, research and industry relations.

“Melissa brings to CEDIA, our members and the industry a passion for creative strategic marketing communications that have measurable impact,” said CEDIA Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer, Giles Sutton. “We look forward to leveraging her talents to enhance the experiences industry integrators, manufacturers, and distributors have with our brand.”

Melissa brings nearly 20 years of experience to CEDIA; including managing talent and resources for higher education, sports, professional services, and non-profit organisations. She most recently was the marketing portfolio lead, Employee Benefits, for OneAmerica Enterprise Marketing and Communications. In that role, she advised senior Employee Benefits business leaders about the toplevel marketing communications strategy required to position the brand as a trusted insurance product wholesaler and industry thought leader.

“I’m excited to join a team of talented people and collaborate with them to communicate CEDIA’s value to a global audience,” said Melissa. “I look forward to building mutually beneficial relationships with our industry partners.”

Swedish sound pioneer Dirac has announced the appointment of Wade Giles as Vice President, Americas, overseeing all sales and business development efforts in North America. The announcement follows an executive team realignment that appointed a new CEO and Chief Product Officer and comes on the heels of a successful 2020 that realised significant sales growth through a range of new partnerships and customer acquisitions.

Wade brings more than 25 years of semiconductor industry experience to his new role, which includes the further expansion of Dirac software into chipsets and consumer devices. His extensive track record and sterling reputation among semiconductor companies position Wade perfectly to drive sales in the United States and neighboring countries. Giles will report directly to Dirac Chief Sales Officer Mats Oberg.

Prior to joining Dirac, Giles was Senior Director of Business Development for audio platform developer DSP Concepts, where he was responsible for building commercial and partner relationships with semiconductor manufacturers. Before that he was Head of Sales, North America at Knowles Intelligent Audio, a provider of audio solutions to the mobile, hearing, health and IoT markets. From 2011 to 2017, Giles was VP of Business Operations & Development at the Global Semiconductor Alliance, an international trade organisation representing more than 400 member companies.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Dirac and the audio industry in general, as customers increasingly demand high-quality sound experiences across all of their devices—smartphones, automobiles, headphones, home audio, gaming systems and more,” stated Wade. “Dirac’s deep portfolio of marketbest solutions and IP, combined with my industry knowledge and business connections, ensures that the company will capitalise on this market momentum and bolster its audio industry leadership position in the Americas and beyond.”

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, Melissa Geitgey

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

Wade Giles

Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY

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NEWS

EXERTIS NOW UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR TRIANGLE HI-FI Exertis has boosted its premium audio offering by becoming distributor to French audio specialists, Triangle Hi-Fi, focusing on the manufacturer’s ‘highly-regarded’ Borea range of speakers.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Triangle’s philosophy is built around dynamic and vivid sound performance. Its Borea loudspeaker range delivers a ‘class-leading vocal and midrange performance combined with punchy and controlled bass’ according to the French company. The cabinets and driver membranes are inspired by previous generations of successful Triangle products and the Borea range is already the subject of not one, but two 5-star reviews from market-leading audio reviews website, Whathifi.com.

Richard Booth, Commercial Brand Manager, Premium Audio, Exertis, says: “We’re thrilled to be appointed distributor for Triangle, and we are looking forward to establishing the brand as a major player in the Hi-Fi speaker market. We believe Triangle’s dynamic, precise sound and elegant design will make this range extremely appealing to the UK audio market.”

Hugo Decelle, CEO, Triangle, comments: “We are excited to begin this partnership with Exertis.

Its premium audio team has a proven track record building market share for high-quality audio brands,

and we look forward to building this partnership together, and bringing the excellent sound quality and design of Triangle loudspeakers to UK consumers.”

Exertis exertis.co.uk

Exertis bags a new brand in Triangle Hi-Fi

Since 2003, Artison has set the standard in innovative solutions for home theatres, music reproduction and AV meeting rooms.

MARTIN LOGAN CI PRODUCTS FROM PMC DISTRIBUTION UK Custom Installation products from Martin Logan come to the UK installer market, bringing highperformance solutions for distributed audio, video and home cinema projects, thanks to exclusive distributor, PMC Distribution UK. Martin Logan has an enviable reputation for its custom installation products - of which it has five ranges.

Masterpiece CI is designed to be the pinnacle of discreet in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeaker design.

The flagship model in this range, the Statement 40XW, boasts 16 x Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeters, 16 x 3.5in carbon fibre midrange drivers and eight 6.5in carbon fibre woofers, all housed in a 2.1m tall enclosure that fits between wall studs for a virtually invisible installation. The Masterpiece series also features three smaller in-wall products.

The price versus performance benchmark is set by the three strong ElectroMotion Series. The two inceiling models, ElectroMotion R and ElectroMotion IC boast an 8in and 6.5in aluminium woofer respectively, coupled to a FoldedMotion tweeter.

They are complemented by the in-wall variant, the ElectroMotion IW, with the same 6.5in woofer and tweeter units.

Aluminium cone woofers form the heart of the Helos Series. These two in-ceiling speakers, the Helos 12 and Helos 22 both use a 6.5in woofer. The Helos 12 is a high-performance single driver for use in multiple unit configurations in medium and small rooms, such as an in-ceiling 5.1 or 7.1 system. For installations where budget constrains apply, the

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Installer Series provides Martin Logan quality at an affordable price with a nine strong line up. The loudspeakers are all supported by the Martin Logan MDA Series, audio matrix distribution amplifiers.

Ian Sutton, PMC Distribution UK’s director said, “We are delighted to bring the entire Martin Logan custom installation range to the UK for the first time.

These products are real game changers, with no other brand able to offer such breadth and variety in its range of CI speakers. Whether the project is a whole house distributed background audio system or a fully-fledged dedicated high-end home cinema installation, there is a Martin Logan install speaker for the job.”

PMC Distribution UK pmc-speakers.com

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, A new beginning for Martin Logan installation speakers

Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, RG17 7RY

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NEWS

DBM TO DISTRIBUTE TRINNOV AUDIO DbM and Trinnov Audio have cemented a distribution partnership that allows DbM to provide its customers with access to the full range of home theatre preamplifiers and processors - including the award-winning reference immersive audio processor, Altitude 32.

“We have worked with Trinnov in the past and have always considered the company as our preferred brand when it comes to preamplifers and processors,” says Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at DbM. “The company is dedicated to providing the highest standard products possible and back this up with continuous research and outstanding customer service, all of which are important factors when we are looking for new brands to partner with. We are excited to formalise a distribution agreement with Trinnov and look forward to developing our relationship over the coming years.”

Represented in 55 countries, with over 6,000 installations worldwide, Trinnov is involved in all aspects of audio production. Its processors are found in some of the world’s most advanced professional music and film studios for production, mixing and playback, in thousands of commercial cinema screens and in many of the finest residential home theatre and stereo systems.

“It’s great for DbM and Trinnov to be able to collaborate together to benefit the UK dealer network,” says Tom Garrett, International Sales Manager for Trinnov Audio. “DbM’s commitment to supplying excellent products and Trinnov’s mastery

of immersive audio and digital acoustics offers a hard to beat package. We are delighted to extend our partnership with DbM and Invision.”

Trinnov products will be added to DbM’s complimentary Design and Specification Service, which is designed to make it quicker and easier for integrators to specify the right products for their projects. Dealers can also explore the range of solutions from Trinnov at DbM’s HQ in Cambridgeshire, with the DbM Lounge featuring the Trinnov Altitude 32 processor.

DbM meridian-audio.com Trinnov trinnov.com

A new deal between DbM and Trinnov

PROCELLA AUDIO APPOINTS BEN LANCASTER SALES AGENT (UK AND IRELAND) Procella Audio, manufacturer of high-performance, high-definition speaker systems for home and professional cinema and music applications, has announce the appointment of Ben Lancaster as Procella’s Sales Agent for the U.K. and Ireland.

A well-known name in the world of AV, Ben is a high-end home cinema veteran and will operate from a base in Saffron Walden, just outside of Cambridge.

This appointment, effective immediately, also marks the launch of a new Dealer Direct Sales Program for the company in the UK and Ireland which provides new discounts and benefits to dealers on product shipped directly from the factory in Sweden.

Gerben Van Duyl, Co-CEO and founder of Procella Audio, said that the decision to appoint Ben as sales agent took ‘about 20 seconds’.

Gerben added, “Receiving Ben’s email, in which he informed me that he was available and keen to work with us, was a true deus ex machina moment, presenting to us the right person at the right time...just perfect!

“We are happy to move away from the distributor model, as we have found it to be slow and cumbersome.

Removing us from direct contact with our dealers has proven to be counter-productive. We prefer to work direct with our dealers, whilst providing local support by an experienced industry operator, for which Ben is just the perfect individual.”

Ben explains, “Having worked with Gerben and Anders at Procella Audio as part of the UK distribution

12 MARCH 2021

team in the past, I could not be more excited about representing them again in the UK. Giving dealers the support they need, when they need it and getting true high performance professional grade speakers specified into residential home cinemas and media rooms is what I love to do.”

Procella is also announcing a trifecta of Brexit Beater discounts and benefits for dealers in the UK and Ireland. The first is an overall reduction of 5% on retail and dealer pricing for all products, effective immediately. Next, an additional discount of 5% will be applied for orders of recommended complete home cinema speaker packages. Finally, Procella Audio will deliver all orders to dealers with freight and customs charges prepaid. More details are available from Ben on 07494 450958 or by email at ben@procella.audio.

Procella procella.audio

Procella Audio has appointed a new sales agent for the UK and Ireland

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LET THERE BE LIGHT A revelation in display technology, Samsung’s ‘The Wall’ blends MicroLED light with AI optimisation for flawless HDR results on an awe-inspiring scale. Habitech introduces the ultimate in custom screen luxury…

The Wall forms part of our new suite of demonstration rooms at Basingstoke. Please contact the team to arrange a visit. www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk

XTND 4K (40) with TPC

For point-to-point 4K, point to HDANYWHERE XTND supports 4K HDR* over 40 or 100 metres Cat6 (with or without ARC) in a slender, compact and lightweight design. Select a HDMI extender kit with the right feature-set for the install that’s easy to mount and easy to hide.

HDANYWHERE.com

*18G sources supported using TPC

XTND 4K (40) with ARC + TPC

XTND 4K (100) with TPC

Actual size

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

GET READY FOR PULSE CINEMAS ECOMMERCE! Pulse Cinemas is excited to announce a brand new way to interact with the company with full ecommerce functionality coming to the company’s website. Here, sales manager Simon Schino explains what this new development will bring as well as highlighting some recent product introductions.

Anyone who has been keeping an eye on our social media feeds in recent times will know that we have been making huge efforts in finding new ways to communicate the benefits of working with Pulse Cinemas. Being a company that prides itself in the high-quality of the multimedia products that we supply, we felt that it was a natural progression that we developed the way we communicate. So a fully rounded multi-media approach, with video, social media and direct digital contact are all helping us communicate effectively with the market.

We have been really pleased with the way our efforts have been received so make sure you keep tuning into our Terrific Tuesday and Friday webinars that provide a window on everything that is happening at the company, all our videos can be found on our YouTube channel, so don’t forget to like, subscribe and ring the bell for reminders as well as making sure you are following our twitter feed (youtube.com/user/ pulsecinemas/videos and @PulseCinemas).

Also don’t forget to keep an eye on the news and case study section of the website, it is now regularly populated with content that provides a further window on what is happening at the company as well as providing opportunities for Pulse Cinemas customers to showcase their work.

So what has all of this got to do with ecommerce? Well it puts into context that

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Pulse Cinemas is making big efforts to ensure we are providing the right ways for our dealers to maximise efficiency and ensure they have all the information needed to make informed decisions.

We have been working behind the scenes for a considerable time to bring this new functionality to our website and deliver direct business benefits to our customers. The ecommerce site will of course provide access to the whole Pulse Cinemas inventory for those with a credit account or those paying instantly to quickly and easily make purchases without having to pick up the phone. However, the ecommerce package on the site goes much further than that. Once you have your login details, entering the ecommerce part of the site opens up lots of other functionality as well.

Logins will be provided direct to those dealers who already have an account once the site is live and those wanting to open an account can get in touch for details. Once inside the site, dealers will be able to check their credit account details, what is owned what is available to spend, when payment is due, allowing our customers to quickly and easily track status and plan any needed purchasing. Dealers will also be able to login and check pricing and availability of stock live making it far quicker to find out if that product you need really-fast is there or make sure you have product reserved for a project

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that is coming up later in the year. As well as for those major items, the site will of course make it much easier to bulk buy a number of in-ceiling speakers or cables to ensure you have everything needed to get projects over the line.

Pulse Cinemas has always prided itself on effective communication with our dealers no matter what the medium being used, however it has been true up to this point that having to do the majority of ordering, checking availability and so over the phone, is not the most efficient way for either party to communicate. We love speaking to our dealers on the phone of course, but from the time that ecommerce goes live on the site, phone conversations can be streamlined and focus on more complex questions and issues arising from product support or issues encountered on site. The ecommerce functionality will make Pulse Cinemas more efficient to deal with right across the broad, so you still, get the same great Pulse Cinemas brands, support, training, knowledge and the best demo spaces in the UK (undergoing a serious upgrade as we speak) you also a get a fully 21st century way to manage your buying, making the whole experience better, faster and fully future embracing.

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

MARCH 2021 17

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

LUTRON AND RTI KEEP THE DEVELOPMENT COMING! Lutron has made major launches into the high-performance intelligent lighting market

We at Pulse Cinemas are proud to support and distribute some of the best brands on the planet. Here we showcase some important updates from RTI and Lutron.

Some of the new kit that will of course be

is also compatible with HDCP 2.2 to avoid

database storage and easier remote access for

available on our ecommerce site (see this

copyprotected ‘black screens’ when connecting

programmers increasing system creation and

Month’s other page of editorial from us) include

an HDMI source and has built-in scaling which

maintenance flexibility.

a couple of recent introductions that are worth

lets each screen display its full resolution. The

Built to partner the HomeWorks QSX

taking note of this month. Our automation

system comprises the VIP-UHD-CTRL control

Processor, the Alisse family of wall mounted

platform of choice RTI has introduced its own

module and the VIP-UHD-TX, a powerful 4K

controllers

Video over IP platform, or VIP for short. This

HDCP 2.2 HDMI transmitter.

aesthetics to match the power of the QSX. The

fully featured system delivers distribution of

offer

versatility,

control

and

Alisse wall control range integrates Lutron’s

4K video over a 1Gb network switch to almost

THE POWER OF LUTRON

unlimited endpoints, resulting in a flexible and

Another recent big launch comes from Lutron

design to complement high-end designer led

scalable system that can be fitted in minutes

with the introduction of the HomeWorks QSX

interiors. The ability to personalise button

as well as controlled natively within any RTI

processor, a unit that delivers serious grunt

configurations and engraving for each device

system. The video preview images show on

into any high-performance lighting system. The

gives an aesthetic that will complement

any touchpanel, remote, or mobile device

QSX processor offers expanded connectivity

each client’s lifestyle and décor. These wall

connected to the system putting the customer

and reliability and also streamlines and

controls enable homeowners to get the

in control of what media is playing on which

improves the installation process with abilities

most out of their system via a subtle intuitive

display anywhere in the home. Important

including backing-up and restoring project

light control experience. Created from high-

here is that installers can deliver Video over IP

databases from the cloud to avoid project

quality materials and available in a variety of

functionality without needing to have loads of

file loss and seriously increased processing

finishes, the Alisse wall control is a genuinely

experience with the technology.

technology with sophisticated and timeless

power and memory to manage larger, more

customisable luxury product. The range

The product is fantastic in the home, but

complex projects. In fact, the HomeWorks

comes in a choice of finishes from the ‘Lutron

also for commercial sites with lots of screens to

QSX Processor introduces 8 x the processing

Signature Metal Collection’ exclusive to this

service. Some of the key abilities here are 4K

power and 16 x the memory compared to the

product. Loads more details available from the

UHD with HDR for impressive picture quality,

previous generation! Other noteworthy aspects

team on these new products.

4K @ 60Hz eliminates blur in fast moving scenes

include the ability to work as a single or dual link

and long distance 4K video can be transmitted

device, Connect Bridge built-in to the processor

Pulse Cinemas

over category cable up to 100m. The system

to enable cloud software updates, off-site

pulsecinemas.com

18 MARCH 2021

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INTERACTIVE WEEK

22ND – 26TH MARCH 2021

ECN Interactive Week, the new online initiative brought to you by Electrical Contracting News.

To book your slot and for any further details please contact: Kelly Byne:

kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com ATM

+44 (0) 1634 673163 / +44 (0) 7738 622481

Dream big.

Think bigger.

Here’s an annoying question—where do you see yourself in five years? How about tomorrow? It’s one thing to dream.

It’s even better to know. That’s why we’ve launched the CEDIA Academy online learning platform.

Carefully curated and masterfully designed courses cover every aspect of the home technology industry. It’s where beginners become experts, and experts become gurus.

Don’t just dream. Know.

Plug in at cediaacademy.net

ESSENTIAL HABITECH

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

Newly installed in our ‘Ultimate Media Room’ space, Samsung’s stunning ‘The Wall’ and ‘The Frame’ displays form part of Habitech’s new demonstration experience

Courtesy of Samsung’s world-class display tech, and discreet audio to match, Habitech’s new AV experiences will be exactly what’s needed after lockdown says Marketing and Comms Manager Sophie Graham…

When even toothpaste can be ‘life-changing’, it’s easy for your customers to dismiss the hype that comes with every new product. But we promise they won’t forget the experience waiting for them at our Basingstoke HQ after lockdown.

Nothing in their understanding of home AV will prepare them for the magical banquet of light and sound we’re serving from our new suite of dem spaces.

The moment they step out of the COVID pressure chamber, all that pent-up demand for new experiences can be satisfied by a jaw-dropping display of high-end home entertainment, curated within comfortable spaces that feel, well, like home. We promise that any vague idea of the meaning of ‘home cinema immersion’ will be brought dynamically to life, turning the experience into something bankable for your business, and for ours.

This is why, when all the jabs are in, we’ll be ready to reveal the full-on emotional impact of

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luxury audio, video and room design combined, especially when the video involves Samsung’s breath taking ‘The Wall’ display.

MEETING THE WALL

The Wall forms the centrepiece of our new ‘ultimate media room’ environment, where its astonishing scale and genuinely lifelike image quality will prove irresistible to your customers.

The experience is likely to be their first encounter with MicroLED technology, which renders each pixel from a cluster of three tiny self-emissive RGB LEDs. This means that their brightness and colour can be controlled precisely or turned off entirely to create a “perfect” black for maximum contrast and optimum colour performance. As a result, MicroLED tech generates a bright, contrast-rich display across wide viewing angles, featuring naturally vibrant colours and to-die-for blacks, similar in many ways to OLED panels but with added benefits and none of the trade-offs.

EXPERIENCE GREATNESS

More astounding still is the exceptional bezelfree thinness and truly cinematic magnitude of its modular construction, comprising 806.4 x 453.6 mm MicroLED panels, each having a display resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. This means that a 4 x 4 build generates a colossal 146-in display at 4K UHD and an 8 x 8 construction re-creates The Wall with a gigantic 292-in diagonal at 8K resolution.

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Along with its eye-popping size, your customers will be astounded by the tech’s ability to render the meeting of adjacent modules undetectable, even up close. The effect is mind-boggling. And not just for your residential clients. Habitech will also be supporting modular CAT-connected products, equipped with a pixel pitch more suitable for commercial applications in elite hospitality, office and retail for instance. So commercial interests are served as well!

SO MUCH MORE THAN TV

Complementing The Wall in our large media space is Samsung’s beautifully versatile ‘The Frame’ display, which is a ‘Quantum Dot’ 4K UHD TV screen doubling as an art display when in standby. Armed with this innovation, The Frame turns TV into an element of room design, surrounding a personal gallery of stilllife images with super-thin magnetic bezels in myriad décor-matching colours. It’s a twist on high performance TV your customers will love.

When there’s so much to be amazed by, we’re sure that honoured guests will leave our dems with a new sense of what’s possible from home entertainment. It may even change their lives.

Habitech habitech.co.uk

MARCH 2021 21

ESSENTIAL HABITECH

THE GIGABIT GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Capitalise on the need for speed with a bet you cannot lose says Habitech Product Manager Jay Brand.

Imagine a bookie giving you great odds on an event that was absolutely guaranteed, so you could bet on a dead cert and still make money. Well, as it happens, this zero-risk bonanza is a reality, and it’s coming to a leafy suburb near your business. In fact, it’s probably there already.

The absolute gilt-edged certainty wrapped in a golden ticket is the fact that broadband speed is bound to rise, perpetually. Everybody knows it, including your customers. After the year they’ve had, the virtues - and value - of gigabit network design will need about as much justification as a cold beer on a hot afternoon.

SPIRALLING DATA DEMAND AND SUPPLY Even before the COVID crisis put rocket boosters under the need for faster Internet, a survey of UK homeowners by Broadband Choices revealed that 62% of respondents

Draytek’s 3910 Firewall/WAN aggregator and Watchguard 470/570/4600 UTM appliances join Ruckus ICX ZP-series switches and WF6 APs in our peerless end-to-end multi-gig lineup.

would be willing to pay more for a home with fast broadband access. Today, that demand has been turbo-charged as lockdown cash diverted from three weeks in Antigua or Val d’Isère is splurged on expanded WFH broadband links, video conferencing, friendship bubbles and streaming services. Add in the ballooning numbers of IoT devices in the average UK home (currently 10.3) and the advent of Wi-Fi 6 (with speeds of up to 10 Gbps) and it’s patently obvious that the love for faster home network design will be everlasting. In response, the UK Government is putting £5bn behind a Gigabit Rollout Plan, which aims to boost the availability of ‘full fibre’ FTTP gigabit-capable coverage from 10% of UK premises (in 2019) to at least 85% by 2025. Even if this ambitious target is missed (they often are), the trajectory is baked in.

TAKE IT TO THE BANK

With data speeds soaring you’d be mad not to install the fastest cable infrastructure, available now from SCP’s CAT6/6A and Cleerline SSF fibre

22 MARCH 2021

This means that as a skilled home network designer you’re on to a certain winner - and a bigger payday for sure. With customers gagging for gigabit on one side of the door and fibre creeping up the drive on the other, upselling multi-gig convenience should be a no-brainer. And with these newly enlightened customers, take the opportunity to recommend the fastest architecture available, because, as the old saying goes, ‘the most expensive cable is a retrofit cable’. In other words, don’t take a risky bandwidth punt on a bog-standard CAT5e when you can pull through SCP’s peerless, ultra-competitive HNC CAT6 (specified beyond the 500MHz CAT6A standard), or superior 600MHz 6A UTP. We’ll even cut the bulk cable to a custom length for you via our new spooling

service. With data speeds rising around you, you’d be mad not to bury the best Ethernet in the walls, and while you’re at it, pull Cleerline’s award-winning SSF fibre alongside for the time when fibre carries everything, everywhere in Tb/s.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Sell your customers the vision of a bufferfree future and bank it today. We’re here to support your network design end-to-end with CI’s most powerful multi-gig toolkit. Firewalls, APs, switches, bulk cable, HDMI and AOCs from Ruckus, Draytek and WatchGuard, SCP and Cleerline will guarantee your success, and we’ll back it up with our legendary networking expertise. In the gigabit goldrush, it’s the smartest bet you can make.

Meet Ruckus’ new R550, R650, R750 multi-gig Wi-Fi 6 APs

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ESSENTIAL HABITECH

ARMED AND READY Dominated by smart camera systems, the video surveillance market is projected to double in size to $44 billion by 2025, with Dahua’s new AI ranges leading the charge, says Habitech Product Manager Stewart Day. Ever felt like you were being watched? Right now, algorithms buried within every smart device are waiting to log your preferences, just so the likes of Google and Amazon can target you with advertising. The world is living through a new age of direct marketing; built on the power of AI. Which, given the billions in Jeff Bezos’ holiday fund, is super effective. So isn’t it about time you used the formidable capabilities of AI to your own advantage, rather than someone else’s? Running imperceptibly in the background 24/7, Dahua’s awesome new security smarts will endow your customers’ peace of mind with the level of vigilance way beyond the capacity of the human senses, starting from under £100 a camera!

OVER 2800 PATENTS FILED SINCE 2001

With over half of its 16,000 employees dedicated to R&D and a whopping 10% of sales revenue invested every year, Dahua is the wellspring of some of the world’s most advanced AI research. This means that if you’re after cutting-edge surveillance automation, proven by large scale deployment in the field worldwide, and for very sensible money, Dahua is a great place to start.

ALL THE FEATURES END-TO-END

Check out its latest AI-driven range of cameras and NVRs to see how many boxes are ticked.

No doubt your customer will want reliable long-range low-light colour operation and high video resolution from robust IP67 allweather cameras. Check. They’ll want H265+ compression for clear and detailed footage on their tablets. Check. They’ll appreciate cameras clever enough to distinguish between a tree branch, a cat and an intruder, so they’re not disturbed at 3am by tiddles from across the road. Check. Finally, they’ll be expecting multicamera security systems that integrate and operate intuitively within a real-world budget… you know what’s coming.

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NO MORE FAKE NEWS Leading with intelligence, simplicity and inclusivity, Dahua’s new entry level ‘WizSense’ and upmarket ePoE enabled ‘WizMind’ ranges of IP cameras and compatible NVRs are custom-made for your customer whether they’re living in a modest detached house or a monstrous country pile. Key to their success is Dahua’s discriminating AI algorithm, which has been taught to recognise and respond to the shape of humans and vehicles and ignore other events. This means that the SMD (Smart Motion Detection) and Perimeter Protection features aboard all the new cameras flag potential threats only, drastically cutting the number of false-positive results and all the inconvenience involved. No more moving shadow, pet or plant alerts. And for the greatest scrutiny, you can define a specific detection zone within the perimeter protection feature.

OMNISCIENT GUARD Three of the seven-strong WizSense range, which includes 4-8MP fixed and varifocal dome, eyeball, bullet and PTZ cameras are TioC (Three-in-one) designs, providing video, audio and light. When combined, they create an ‘active deterrent’ of flashing red and blue lights, alarm and voice alarm the moment a ‘perimeter event’, defined by SMD and PP algorithms occurs.

This means that your customer needn’t rely on recorded videos for evidence; TiOC makes a real-time deterrent possible, nipping damage in the bud. For follow up, the TioC cameras are also equipped with Dahua Technology’s ‘full-color’ tech, which captures vivid colour information even in low-light conditions through a F1.0 super aperture lens, at up to 98% AI accuracy at night. Not to be outdone, other cameras in WizSense range deploy Dahua’s ‘Starlight’ technology, which similarly provides clear colour video in low illumination environments.

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Dahua’s new WizSense range is complete with AI superpowers from under £100 a camera

A CLEARER VIEW

And to preserve the unprecedented low-light detail on tablets, all the new WizSense models offer Dahua’s Smart H.265+ and Smart H.264+ encoding technology, powered by an advanced scene-adaptive rate control algorithm, which realises higher encoding efficiency than H.265 and H.264, boosting video quality while reducing the size of storage and transmission.

Bundle all these benefits together with simple configuration, a high-level of cyber encryption, install accessories for wall, ceiling and pole mounting, along with the classbeating quality and price, and it’s clear how the WizSense IP range can share the benefits of Dahua’s AI innovation with many more of your customers. You don’t need to worry, you just need Dahua on patrol.

Habitech habitech.co.uk

MARCH 2021 23

INVISION UK /PROFESSIONAL DISPLAYS

YOU’RE A PROFESSIONAL, MAKE SURE YOUR PRODUCTS ARE TOO! As a professional in the custom install industry, providing the perfect solution for your customer’s needs and a quality installation is high on your list of priorities. Here, Mark Taylor, commercial director at Invision, smart home distributor, talks about the benefits of buying professional grade displays and why they are the ideal choice for your clients as well as you, the installer.

With more than 28 million people in the UK owning a television, the demand for this much-loved technology has been amplified as we spend more time at home.

In April 2020, when the UK was in its first lockdown, the average amount of time people spent watching TV or online videos was estimated at six hours and 25 minutes each day, an increase of an hour and a half on the average figure from 2019.

As our usage increases so does our desire for the latest and greatest technology to enhance our viewing experience. With demand at a high, this is where, (as custom installers), you could and should be looking at specifying professional grade displays.

Long gone are the days of bulky and ugly products. These displays share the same sleek

design as the newest consumer products and come with all the latest features.

With spectacular image quality - up to 8K professional grade displays offer a host of additional benefits; including advanced IP control for most control systems and self-discovery with the likes of Crestron and Control4.

Advanced professional mode allows for settings to be customised to meet the requirements of the user and their environment.

These include auto on/off and timer function, as well as dedicated menus for ease of use.

All of this, while being supported by a professional swap-out warranty as standard, that we, at Invision, have extended to five years to show our confidence in the product’s quality.

With this comes a dedicated warranty phone line so that you speak to someone who knows that you are a knowledgeable installer and can advise you both quickly and efficiently should you have any technical problems. Furthermore, if the product is deemed faulty, outside of DOA, it will be swapped out for a replacement unit

rather than sent back to a repair centre. This means you are able to arrange a de-install and re-install at the same time reducing your duration on site and improving the experience for your client. A win-win in our eyes.

A wide variety of models and screen sizes available to suit any application, the displays feature a range of innovative LCD, HDR and OLED technologies for superior image quality with easy operation, extensive integration options and low ownership costs. And, the product is exclusively sold in the professional channel, so is unavailable to the retail market.

Therefore, if you are looking at specifying an unrivalled display with full support and latest features, then professional grade displays should be at the top of your list. For more information on Professional Grade Displays, please contact Invision direct.

Invision UK sales@invisionuk.com 01359 270280 invisionuk.com

Professional grade displays should be high on installers’ wish lists

24 MARCH 2021

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Professionals choose Pro Professional Features: •

Spectacular image quality

•

Advanced IP and RS232 Control

•

Advanced professional modes

•

Android OS

•

5 Year professional swap out warranty as standard*

Sony 65” FWD-65A8

*when product is purchased from Invision.

Contact the Invision Sales Team for more information 01359 270280 | sales@invisionuk.com

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

STAYING IN TOUCH Graham Oliver, Director of Jung UK, which also supplies the Siedle/E-Key brands into the UK, looks at how the nature of biometric control is shaping what security can do and how it matches consumer trends.

As well as the obvious functionality of controlling access to an area, the first things of note that biometric control delivers are convenience and personalisation. In a world where many aspirational homeowners are increasingly considering the ‘smart home’ an essential and desirable part of their daily lives, more convenience and more personalisation is important. More specifically, the growth in voice activation is a clear indication that users want and enjoy automation responses that are personal to them. For example, using their voice via Alexa or Google Home, to control lights, heating and security has been a major growth area that simply was not part of the industry’s offering a few years ago.

Users can tell their system where they are going, and it will setup the Sat Nav, ventilate and unlock the car while it is in the garage, all creating a feeling of luxury and personalisation.

The same phenomenon can be seen in choices made for security systems.

Biometric readers, essentially speaking, just enable functions to happen, glorified switches really, nothing too personal there - but when linked to automation platforms such as Control4, Crestron and KNX, a whole matrix and combination of capabilities becomes available, making the systems feel very personal to the user or family. This is a key driver in the sales of these types of products, yes you want it do its job efficiently, but this is where security also becomes more ‘fun’, ‘cool’ or ‘desirable’.

Most people will have seen sophisticated biometrics in movies going back years, now they can do very similar things in their own home and they want to.

There are also great convenient and practical elements to integrating biometric control to a system. People loose or misplace keys often, hands and fingers are much harder to loose. It is also relatively easy for those up to no good to copy keys. This is true for homes and commercial spaces equally, disgruntled employees or thieves could obtain keys in some other way and use them at a later date. There are other reasons why people do not want to take big bunches of keys with them, going for a run? Keys are always a pain, spending time in the garden by the pool and want to keep the home secure? Again keys are a pain.

Increasingly security systems not only deliver the basic function of preventing access, but they also bring a lot more to the automation party.

Products from the Siedle and E-Key ranges, like many others these days, can be linked to home automation systems. So as well as opening an area up, a pleasing and personalised macro sequence can be triggered.

Imagine this scenario; a biometric fingerprint reader is fitted to a swimming pool area, this delivers keyless access for convenience, but only to adults, the pool maintenance team can gain access at the right time and the main lights

come on to enable work to be done. However when the owner of the pool is detected, the pool cover retracts, the lights dim or change colour and music starting playing. A security system which is fun and feels very personal, is always going to have a sales edge. An extra level of functionality can be triggered by using different fingers, for example, alerting distress or more simply triggering a different scenario, back to our pool scenario again, it can be party time, or serious swim time.

With systems like E-Key or Siedle you can go further. With biometrics delivering control of the access, the system also knows who is home and who is not, adding to the level of security, but again adding automation possibilities. Who is home can control where lights are on, where blinds activate or where heating is turned on.

What these systems can trigger is only limited by the imagination of the integrator and what will benefit the customer.

Extra security features of systems like these include information gathering or automated sequences (should an authorised person try to gain access via a biometric reader). For example, an attempted unauthorised attempt could trigger the garden lighting and store a camera image from the door camera in an archive.

So, convenience, personalisation and automation means the modern security system has so much more to offer.

Biometrics introduce extra security and a fun element to home automation

26 MARCH 2021

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FINALLY NO COMPROMISE With the performance of high quality visible speakers, the Motion Flex Invisible range changes everything…

watch the video

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2N ACCESS UNIT M Truly one in a million

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

SECURE YOUR PEACE OF MIND WITH FULL INTEGRATION Karl Brett, security product manager at smart home distributor Invision UK, talks about the importance of integration for the future of security.

Across the year spanning between July 2019/ july 2020, 348,291 household domestic burglary cases were reported in the UK to the police1. Even though there was a 28% decrease between March and May, (during lockdown) – the easing of restrictions in June saw an increase in recorded incidents in 20202. With high burglary figures, protecting your home and family is top priority - so how do we ensure that as installers we are increasing the longevity of security while assisting our customers to stay safe?

Homeowners expect more for their money, with traditional intruder alarm systems often a reluctant expense where value is not immediately apparent. Often, it is not a purchase which excites them like the latest iPhone or a new car, it’s an investment but one that is entirely necessary to protect both their property and family.

System integrators have both an opportunity and responsibility to enlighten their customers about the various aspects and possibilities of a security system, considering all different technologies, to provide the perfect solution while delivering maximum protection for the home.

The security industry is increasingly developing environmental detectors to add an additional layer of protection for the home, beyond the simple intruder detection. These include; smoke, heat, water / flood and carbon monoxide detectors which are often being added to security systems as standard.

If system integrators are going to offer security systems to their customers, then the two obvious questions arise regarding integration. Is there an intruder alarm system which integrates with X? Should we integrate an intruder alarm system? The answer to both questions is of course, yes.

SATEL INTEGRA is the popular choice of many integrators because of the sheer volume of integrations available for it - Control4, Crestron, Crestron Home (due Q2 2021), KNX, RTI, Fibaro and Comfort Click. This hybrid intruder alarm system gives integrators the

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opportunity to offer their customers the holistic solution they increasingly request. For example, a wired or wireless solution for detecting intruders, smoke, heat, water leaks, gas leaks and more with control and notifications in a single ecosystem incorporating lighting control, AV control et al. If homeowners are engaging with you to deliver a smart home control system then their expectations are already confirmed - one system to rule them all, a single interface where they can do everything. Therefore, the question of should you integrate the security system answers itself.

Another product range that integrates well is LILIN’s STARVIS cameras. Using Sony STARVIS sensors, these cameras provide a clear image in ultra-low light environments and integrate with RTI, C4, Crestron, AMX, Savant, Satel and Fibaro. This allows the user to control their security programmes and build in other actions without having to use multiple apps.

Security manufacturers have also added considerable smart home functionality to everyday systems like intruder alarms.

These include intruder alarm systems which support touch screens with customisable user interfaces, wired and wireless 230V switching as well as both temperature and lux detection which all contribute to automation and control

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around the home. This is a continued trend both the security and smart home industries are witnessing of a convergence - integrators in both camps are often being asked to offer the full package of smart home control and security, and manufacturers are responding.

The future of the security sector is in integration.

Integrators

and

end-users

increasingly expect intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and of course smart home control systems to work in total harmony. For example, an outdoor motion detector in the garden picks up an intruder, the smart home system switches the garden lights on automatically, the camera on the patio starts recording footage, the siren starts sounding 100dB and the owner receives one notification on their phone informing them of the entire situation.

The combination of a high-class alarm system with versatile automation is a perfect solution for the most demanding customers whose expectations go beyond basic functionalities.

Data taken from Police.uk crime data July 2019 – July 2020

1

Data taken from Police.uk crime data March 2020 – July 2020.

2

MARCH 2021 29

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE Tilak Rana, Technical Sales Manager at AWE, examines the state of play in the security sector.

With everyone spending more time in their homes, it comes as no surprise that they are starting to see how important security actually is.

If I take my own experience as an example; in the last two weeks, I have noticed someone coming onto my driveway and trying to open my car doors three times. Because of this, I have upgraded my security from one Ring video doorbell to a floodlight cam above the door, as well as upgrading the lighting around the property to provide a clearer image on the camara.

Even though we are spending more time in our homes, being able to say that you feel safe there is very important - so systems such as Ring play a huge part in this.

I’d say that most projects that I have recently seen feature a mix of IP cameras or door entry solutions integrated into a homes automation system. They also include alarms that are typically independent from their control systems (due to insurance purposes). I have also noticed that a lot of DIY alarm systems are now being used, for example Z-Wave devices or the Ring Alarm, which can be monitored at a small monthly or yearly cost.

30 MARCH 2021

I personally think that these DIY devices have opened the eyes of a lot of end users. In

pretty much every single front door. This shows the current level of interest in home security.

the past, people assumed that these options

As an authorised Ring dealer with AWE,

were expensive or required a lot of work to be

you get referrals from us for enquires in your

done to install them. The DIY range of products

area. So, it’s very easy to get potential job leads,

have shown end users that you can get a good

and thanks to the product offering from Ring,

security system in place without breaking

there is a variety of solutions at different price

the bank.

points, meaning that there is a system to suit

The difficulty comes in making sure they

every client.

choose the right product for their needs, and this

My advice to any integrator who hasn’t yet

is why it’s important for them to get a professional

ventured into home security is to get started and

on board. Integrators haven’t pushed DIY

the best place to begin, is attending training.

products too much in the past, as there was no

There are many courses and a variety of brands

real benefit to them. But with the Ring X Line, for

that deal with these systems.

example, these products have been developed with professional installation in mind.

The AWE Smart Home Academy has an Introduction to Ring X Line course running at

With regards to the market opportunity

the moment and an Advanced course for those

for integrators, now is the time to jump on the

dealers who want to know how to best set the

security bandwagon. Walking down a street in

products up. Both courses are free and have

the area that I live in, I can see a smart doorbell on

multiple dates running at the moment.

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FINALLY NO COMPROMISE “What we’ve achieved with this is something that I never thought we could get to…I think it will be a long time before any of our competitors can equal this level of performance…if ever” Todd Ryan Chief Speaker Engineer.

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SMART THINKING

SAIL TOWARDS SUCCESS When practically all the major phones and tablets already support Wi-Fi 6, why would you design for anything less?

32 MARCH 2021

A 30-year veteran of the AV/Installation business and Essential Install regular, Pete Baker, President of The BIG Corp, Global Sales Rep and Business Development agency, asks; are you ready to pivot?

In 1884 in a small town in Hassroun, Lebanon an eleven-year-old boy, Thannous Michael Saadi made the brave decision to leave his beloved country with his uncle to work in a soap factory in Egypt. Having lost his mother at the age of nine, he had been living with his father. While Thannous loved his father, a spirit of adventure began to stir. At 17, Thannous got word that a group of Lebanese people were heading to the US, he decided to set off to explore the world and boarded a ship. Over the course of the next few years, he travelled across the country, visiting 45 of the then 48 states. At the age of 19, he again boarded a ship and cruised the Caribbean; eventually arriving in the Bahamas. He briefly returned to Lebanon to marry his childhood sweetheart and soon returned with her to the Bahamas. One of their sons, Useph Baker, was my father. Thannous would eventually change his surname from Saadi to Baker and adopt the English version of his first name Anthony.

At the time of his death, Anthony Baker had created a successful empire in the Bahamas including numerous commercial real estate properties and a popular hotel. His original store, founded in 1894, is still in operation.

His ability to pivot and adapt, not only to a new country, culture and lifestyle, but also regularly exploring new business opportunities was integral to his success.

In business there have been countless famous ‘pivots’ that have successfully changed the trajectory of a company. One example is Airbnb. The initial concept behind Airbnb was to provide a housing solution for conferences; air mattresses were used for beds (hence the name). The trio behind Airbnb soon discovered it was not sustainable. However, when they

changed their focus to travelers looking for a cheap authentic place to stay, the wheels started to turn on something much bigger.

Airbnb is now valued at 30 Billion US dollars.

As we now embark on a new year ahead, what changes will you make in your life and business to create future prosperity? Maybe you won’t leave your country, although I know many friends worldwide who consider this option daily for economic, political or safety concerns.

You more than likely will not be changing your name either. However, we are all challenged to consider, how can we grow? How can we depart from the comfort of the status quo? What are the changes we can make to pivot?

The entrepreneur in me is regularly considering what changes I should make to my business to remain relevant, create future opportunities and generate further success.

Here I will offer some smart and practical ways to pivot in the year ahead.

1) CLEAN UP YOUR IMAGE

Companies with good ideas and poor branding go nowhere. Your brand clean up can start with your logo, tagline, and business cards. It should be clear and resonate across ALL marketing related to your business. This is especially important on your website.

Consider the fact that the average click off rate for first time visitors to a website is seven seconds! If someone visits your website for seven seconds, will they know why they should work with you instead of your competitor? The website should be visually pleasing, responsive, and very direct about who you are, what you do and why a prospective customer should work with you.

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SMART THINKING Don’t forget about your brochure. If you do not have a brochure, there is never a better time to create one. I created my first brochure in Microsoft Publisher, (and I am not a graphic designer)!

2) COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR EXISTING CUSTOMERS (MORE)

Many consumers have been considering enhancements to their homes during the current lockdown. This certainly includes technology improvements. Are you sending out newsletters (brochures) to your customers showcasing the exciting new technologies in our industry? Again, this does not require expertise in graphic design tools. Many email blast platforms are free or very reasonably priced, offering great tools to quickly generate professional email marketing campaigns.

If you don’t want to blast emails out to your customers, pick up the phone and call them!

Check in and share the news about exciting new products. Categories like wellness, home schooling and home office enhancements are hot right now. The world is shifting to a more virtual approach and it is important to explore how your products can help enhance that experience.

3) DEVELOP NEW REVENUE REFERRAL STREAMS

I am constantly thinking about new revenue streams and ways to build my brand. For example, I benefit from the articles I publish by spreading awareness of my brand. You can also benefit in this regard by contacting your local newspaper or town newsletter to ask if you can contribute an article about technology. You can increase awareness and visibility of your brand by exploring new methods to get your name out to a target audience.

Producing articles on subjects you are passionate about is certainly one way to gain visibility, but there are countless other ways to accomplish this such as email blasts and/or physical mailers.

Joining architect, interior designer or builder associations is also a great idea. Earlier last year I invested the time and money to become a CEDIA Certified Outreach Instructor. With my new training and certification, I am authorised to deliver technology training and education to the previously mentioned groups. Maybe this is

4) REVIEW THE PRODUCTS YOU ARE OFFERING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

As with AirBnB, maybe you will discover that you need to widen your focus to include other target customers with a synergy that matches your expertise and some of your current product offerings. Much has been explored in the past about residential integrators expanding into light commercial. The trend in the last year is for manufacturers to modify their product offering to include solutions for home offices, retrofit applications, small starter systems for home automation and smart home technology.

My wife and I became empty nesters last year and moved into a new home, with zero technology wired into the home. We did retro fit some technology, but also had rooms that required wireless solutions. Many friends and relatives of mine are downsizing and moving into condos, MDU’s, or apartments. With these moves, the need for technology is still there.

Do you have solutions created to target this audience? Maybe now is the time for you to consider offering some solutions.

You may also review your product offering this year and decide it is time to make some changes to ensure better efficiency in the deployment process, maybe due to a reduced staff. Consider adding additional product categories to address the rising interest in health and wellness or other popular categories our world has shifted to during this pandemic. When I was an integrator, central vacuum was included in nearly every project. I have not heard much about central vacuums over the past decade, but recently saw it mentioned in an industry publication as a key element to improve IAQ (Indoor Air Quality).

I also noticed that security and surveillance is expected to be the second fastest growth category for 2021 – exceeded by networking for the obvious reason that many people now working virtually from home. What new products or categories will you embrace in the year ahead?

How can you create opportunities to sell more to each of your customers and increase your ‘wallet share’ with them?

I do not have plans in the year ahead to change my name or the country I live in. However, like my Grandfather would, I do have numerous plans in action for the year ahead to ensure continued success.

SHIPPING

something to consider for your market as well?

Did you know AirBnB started out a very different business

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MARCH 2021 33

ESSENTIAL CEDIA

CABLE GUYS Andy Baker, Baker Stone Systems, recounts his experience taking and passing CEDIA’s Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification exam.

It was just the other day when my wife received a notification that in the next few months she would become eligible for her UK State Pension, that made me start thinking about the future and what it holds.

Now, admittedly, she is just three months older than me, so I expect my letter will arrive pretty soon!

Arriving at pension age seems almost as strange now as it did back in 1972. That is when I started an apprenticeship with Post Office Telecommunications, which back then, was the state owned and run UK telecoms provider.

However, many of the fundamental things that I learnt during that time (including how to save for a pension) are as relevant now as they were then.

Of course, I didn’t simply learn about pensions and how to save for them — I learnt some technical stuff as well during the three-year apprenticeship, and much of that knowledge has stuck with me to this day.

So, it’s not every day that an in-depth knowledge of Erlangs (yes, they are a thing) comes in useful, but the rote learning of cable colour codes — blue, orange, green, brown, slate (otherwise known as grey) — is still completely relevant today and is one of the first things that I explain to any new employee. The

basic maths and physics that I learnt at school also comes in handy on a regular basis, whether it’s when scaling from drawings or using Ohm’s law to calculate the impedance of a particular set of loudspeakers or what size power supply is needed on a project. Even understanding those pesky inches that our North American friends insist on using can be done with some basic maths knowledge.

I’ve been reminded about a lot of that ‘stored’ information over the last few months as I have been helping to put together CEDIA’s Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification exam, as part of CEDIA’s Certification Commission. The CIT certification is the first one developed by CEDIA that will be ANSI/ISO Accredited and it has been globalised to such an extent that people have taken — and passed — it from all over the world.

Now we have an exam that has the same stature globally and anyone who passes it has proved they know the basics.

Yes, the CIT certification is the first and yes, it is primarily aimed at those who are new to this great industry, but it is from this foundation that CEDIA will build further certifications and the expectation is that everyone who wants to progress to further certifications, and even different career paths within our industry, will have that firm foundation to build on.

The next certification will be the Integrated Systems Technician (IST) exam with new Networking and Cinema Design certifications to follow as volunteer time allows.

CEDIA Certification may be new to you, but the concept of firm foundations on which you can build your knowledge and your business should be ‘hard coded’ into your planning for the future. This is why everyone should get involved and take the CIT exam. I know people with decades of experience who couldn’t quite recall all the right answers and some who have been surprised at how much they actually knew.

If there are gaps in your knowledge, CEDIA has totally revamped its foundational education offerings to help achieve the knowledge base required for the CIT and IST certifications, as well as broadening delivery methods to include online self-paced modules, and hybrid combinations with some hands-on practical labs, both bite-sized and comprehensive. Alongside creating an exam structure that is accessible and relevant anywhere, the training to get there now meets that need too.

You can learn more about the CIT certification, its requirements, and the hybrid learning pathways that support it at cedia.net/ certification.

If only exams completely relevant to the work I did daily had been available in 1972, who knows what I’d be doing today?

Baker Stone Systems bakerstone.com

Other recent graduates from CEDIA’s Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) course

34 MARCH 2021

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ESSENTIAL CABLES AND CONNECTORS

ARE YOU 8K READY OR EVEN 4K COMPATIBLE? Andy Atwell, Sales Director at RGB Communications, examines the present and future readiness of the AV infrastructure.

With more 8K screens released at CES this year, we have to make sure that we are ready for the technology - even if we are still specifying 4K screens for installations. With 8K, the data bandwidth required is up to 48Gbps. Therefore, what are the cabling options available so that we can realise the full potential of 4K displays now, yet be ready for 8K in the future?

Due to the bandwidth required to carry 8K data, the HDMI organisation has introduced a new standard – HDMI 2.1. The previous HDMI standard was 2.0, which supports 4K and is capable of carrying up to 18Gbps of data as long as a certified Premium High Speed cable was utilised. To utilise HDMI 2.1 to its highest specification, the new Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is required.

To confuse things a little more, the HDMI plug/socket arrangement is exactly the same for both standards, meaning that you can use either cable type in an installation. However, you can only use an Ultra High Speed cable for both 2.1 and 2.0 configurations. Therefore, with the introduction of 8K display devices becoming more of a reality, it would make a lot of sense to start installing Ultra High Speed cables in your installations, especially if the cables are to be routed into walls etc.

A key point to whole-home AV distribution is the distance data needs to be carried from, say, the source tucked away in a rack in the plant room to the guest suite at the furthest point away. The current expectation is that passive Ultra High Speed HDMI cables will have an

38 MARCH 2021

effective length of five metres, meaning a point-to-point connection is limited. Therefore, we have to look at alternative options for multi input/multi output systems.

THE MODERN MATRIX

To be totally 8K ready, we (currently) have to discount HDBaseT and 1G AV over IP technology. Both systems are capable of delivering extremely high-quality images but have, by the very nature of the technology, to use significant compression to be able to run 4K signals, let alone 8K. Where a 10G network is employed, the recent development by SDVoE of a compatible 10G AV over IP technology is an excellent alternative. However, it is still very expensive by comparison. Possibly an option for commercial installations, residential customers are more likely to be concerned about the cost, requiring an alternative. This is where AOC technology comes in.

FIBRE WINS OVER COPPE

AOC or Active Optical Cable is a recent development that combines the distance of fibre with the high bandwidth requirement of HDMI 2.1. Capable of at least 48Gbps, good quality AOC HDMI cables are capable of running data up to distance of 100 metres, which is generally far enough for most residential projects. As the name suggests, these cables require power to convert the HDMI signal to run along the fibre. There are many examples on

the market that use the minimal power output from an HDMI source for this. However, these examples tend to have a limited bandwidth of 20Gbps, which clearly will only transmit 4K video. So how do we become 8K ready?

Available in fully-assembled lengths up to 100 metres, Metra’s Velox Active Optical Fibre HDMI Cables are one solution for long distance 8K or 4K runs. Metra, (manufacturing AV-specific cables since the turn of the century), applied its HDMI expertise and technology to develop a product that not only delivers the full 8K spec over 48Gbps bandwidth, but also ensures compatibility between the source and display.

A four-channel design running 18Gbps per channel, the Velox cable range also supports other elements of the HDMI 2.1 specification, including Dynamic HDR and Ethernet. CL-listed for in-wall installation, the plugs are plated with 24K gold for the corrosion resistance, making a strong connection every time. Powered by a supplied USB cable, all colour subsampling is supported, including 4:4:4, 4:2:2 and 4:2:0, deep colour, and HDR, allowing the full range of 8K and 4K specs to be supported. Crucially for installers, the Velox AOC range are all DPL Labs certified, meaning that they have been independently tested and approved to meet the full HDMI 2.1 specification.

So our suggestion would be that if you haven’t tried these cables yet, you really should!

Of course, any AV distribution system is only as good as the sum of its parts, meaning that were you needing to go via a switching matrix, that would also need to be fully compatible with 8K HDMI 2.1 to achieve the ultimate performance.

However, that is an easier component to change in the future, whereas ripping cables out of walls is a significantly harder, more disruptive and expensive job.

So why not start preparing for the move to 8K now and fit the cables that you know you are going to be using further down the line? We are pretty sure that your client will thank you.

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BANDWIDTH

THE NEXT BIGGER THING Perpetually rising bandwidth demands from IoT, WF6 and content streaming mean that multi-gig capability is now the first base for home network designers.

This means CAT 6A minimum for Ethernet. Anything less will quickly be choked off, and your business could be next. In which case you’d be mad to risk your good name for a few pennies saved per metre on CAT 5 or 6, especially when the cable’s locked in the walls and impossible to upgrade.

In the age of multigig pulling CAT6A is a no brainer but choose carefully. Traditional UFTP and FFTP cables are great for high crosstalk environments but they’re thicker and more difficult to terminate, adding unnecessary cost to every install.

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ESSENTIAL CABLES AND CONNECTORS

PROJECT SUCCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE EDUCATION Steven Rissi, CEDIA Senior Director of Technical Education examines the state of play in the cables and connection sector.

Cabling and infrastructure is arguably the most important part of an integration project - yet it frequently receives the least amount of attention. I mean come on! Who wants to talk to a client about the total run length of twisted pair cable when you can demonstrate the realism and immersion created by a stunning 120in HDR image from a laser projector and dynamic sound from the 11 speakers and multiple subwoofers in a 7.1.4 audio system? However, the reality is that these amazing technologies will only perform optimally and reliably when supported by a well specified, correctly installed and properly terminated infrastructure. The infrastructure is the foundation of every communication, control, and entertainment system and requires a strong level of knowledge and skills that are specific to the successful completion of the tasks related to its deployment.

Unfortunately, many businesses follow the practice of training new staff members by having them spend time with senior staff.

While on the job training is extremely important in a skills-based role such as this, the outcomes will vary widely depending on many factors and often bad practices are perpetuated and handed on year after year. By empowering technicians with supplemental education that is based on global industry standards, employers will improve their workforce and subsequently their profitability through increased efficiencies, better reliability, higher quality and thus create outstanding client experiences!

The CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook has been developed by subject matter experts with extensive experience performing this work and is designed to support new technicians in gaining the knowledge and practicing the necessary skills to begin a successful career in the integration industry. Also, (because this book was written by installation technicians, for installation technicians), it contains extensive explanations

40 MARCH 2021

of the various communications and generalpurpose cabling and terminations along with recommendations to improve efficiency and tips about pitfalls to avoid. In addition to supporting those new to the industry, the book provides a wide scope of information related to all aspects of installing premises wiring in a building and can provide even experienced technicians with a better understanding of the standards and best practices that should be followed to ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability.

The book has also been developed to meet the needs of a global audience. While there are many code variations between regions, this text provides a strong baseline of recommendations that can be universally applied, while providing suggestions for further education on locally specific topics. It has also been reviewed by industry experts from across the globe to support inclusion of a wide scope of applicable verbiage and regional terms to help improve the context of explanations and reinforce understanding.

Learners using this text will explore critical domains of knowledge including construction methods and materials, cable basics and premises wiring, tools and fasteners, termination and testing, and more. Throughout the document, key aspects related to the physical installation of cabling will be covered such as bend radius, pull tension, hole size and maximum run length. The textbook is also filled with colour illustrations to enhance comprehension and act as a reference for termination procedures and recommended practices.

Therefore, for anyone interested in furthering their career, the CEDIA Cabling and Infrastructure Technician textbook will provide a solid foundation and pathway for professional development. And for those responsible to their clients for ensuring successful deployment of the infrastructure, this manual will provide a roadmap for the continued success and growth of the business.

CEDIA www.cedia.net/books

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ARE YOU 8K READY OR EVEN 4K COMPATIBLE? ®

THE ULTIMATE HIGH SPEED HDMI

With more 8K screens being released this year, we have to make sure that we are ready for the technology, even if we are still specifying 4K screens for installations. With 8K, the data bandwidth required is up to 48mbps.

Therefore, to make sure that 8K signals can be distributed around a building, copper cables will have to make way for a better solution, such as fibre.

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ESSENTIAL CABLES AND CONNECTORS

SDVOE BANDWIDTH BEATER? What is SDVoE AV distribution technology and why do you need to know about it? Kevin Cray, Technical Product Development Director, CYP Europe, explains.

The future of AV distribution is all about three things – Bandwidth, bandwidth and, er, bandwidth. The evolution of video signal quality has meant that even the most readily available sources require huge amounts of bandwidth to display at their native quality. For example: •

SKY Q: 4K 50Hz 4:2:0 10bit = 11.14Gbps

•

Digital Signage: 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 8bit = 17.82Gbps

•

Movie Players (eg. Blu-ray or 4K AppleTV etc): 4K 24Hz 4:4:4 12bit = 13.36Gbps

•

Games Consoles: 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 12bit = 13.36Gbps To push these ultra-high-definition signals

down a 1G pipe is going to need some heavy compression or serious encoding, and anyone pretending this does not affect quality is simply wrong. The only real discussion is by how much is the quality effected and whether this is acceptable or not to the client. Alternatively, to push this amount of data through a 10G pipe requires nothing more than letting it freely pour through the system.

Using

current

technology,

which

AV

distribution systems can even pass these signals (without scaling down and thus losing all the benefits)?

• • •

1G AV over IP = No, no, no and no HDBaseT 1 or 2 = No, no, no and no SDVoE = Yes, yes, yes and yes

So, if you want to run at the highest possible quality from our most common AV sources, SDVoE, which is essentially 10G AV over IP plus a lot more that you will see later, provides the best solution - not only the highest level of compatibility but the least encoding and compression on the market.

SDVoE is presently the only system that offers full 4K 6G HDMI 2.0a compatibility at distance. It also integrates perfectly with 10G networks, thanks to its hardware being based on the same platform. So when you require the best signal quality and highest compatibility, what should you choose?

In high value residential installations where quality is key or when corporate systems want large formats displays/video walls or projection systems, SDVoE meets the tough criteria.

SYSTEM FLEXIBILITY

For years, a fixed frame matrix was the only choice for multiroom AV system and whilst some fantastic fixed frame models are available, these all suffer from the simple fact that the input/outputs are fixed, whether it be a 4x4, 10x10 or 16x16. These products normally end up with inputs or output not being

The SDVoE recently launched its own system design support

42 MARCH 2021

used and worst still, we cannot add additional I/O for future requirements without replacing the fixed form main matrix hardware.

This is where AV over IP systems have a major advantage. You only buy the number of transmitters and receivers the system needs, and you can easily add new sources or displays as required by just adding more. If your residential customer suddenly wants an extra TV in their new garden gym or your corporate client needs to add another source, AV over IP makes it simple.

The advantage is true of both 1G and the 10G SDVoE systems, which is why this technology has grown in popularity in recent years.

So what are the advantages of SDVoE over 1G AV over IP? The main answer is flexibility, with SDVoE’s ability to offer multiview arrangement on any receiver. SDVoE provides a separate second stream dedicated to just sending a scaled multiview sub picture to an RX (receiver), which can be joined by up to 15 more TX (transmitter) transmission multiview sub streams to create individual multiview arrangement on any RX. Options range from a simple Picture in Picture view to a 16 panel multiview and pretty much anything in-between.

Nothing in the market presently offers this level of matrix flexibility. Grab the camera feed from the front door and pop it over the main image or create the perfect multiview arrangement for that city trading room. The flexibility ensures possibilities for any application.

SDVoE also goes further when it comes to the latest video technologies. We have already pointed out it wins on bandwidth and offers full 4K 6G HDMI 2.0a compatibility but what about speed? SDVoE is fast, very fast and in more ways than one.

Latency: Whilst in development, SDVoE spent time thinking about latency. What is the most critical type of installation where latency absolutely must be incredibly low? If you are having an operation in hospital and robotic or microsurgery is being used, the surgeon is more likely to be looking at a screen to operate and control the surgical equipment. Latency in these situations can be life critical and SDVoE truly destroys the competition here.

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ESSENTIAL CABLES AND CONNECTORS

Video games use increasing amounts of bandwidth and the rate is only going up

SDVoE has a ridiculous latency which can be as low as 0.03ms. To put that in perspective, recording studios that are the best in the world often talk about getting latency down to 10ms in order to ensure no musician (not even that annoying drummer you know) could ever complain about latency. In comparison, SDVoE is over 300 times faster at delivering a full AV signal than what the most professional recording studios aim for!

FAST SWITCHING How fast is fast when we are talking about switching times? Traditionally, a great switching time would be thought to be around three seconds and indeed this is good but hard to achieve. Switching time is not just governed by whatever the matrix system is doing but also how different the two source signals are, combined with how much time the display itself takes to resync when the source signal elements are all different.

If one source is outputting 4K 60Hz YUV 4:2:0 12bit and the one you switch to is outputting 1080p 50Hz RGB 4:4:4 8bit, then every single element of both sources are different, and the display must adapt and adjust its internal settings and scaler to cope. This is traditionally at least as much time as the fixed I/O matrix hardware takes to switch. When you add them both together, we commonly end up with source switching times of around six seconds. Therefore, we have two elements we need to improve to increase switching time between sources - the matrix hardware and the potential differences in source timings.

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SDVoE deals with both. Like a lot of the most expensive matrices on the market, SDVoE introduces scaling at the outputs (RX’s). This is great as all you need to do is confirm what specification the display is and set the scaler to match, ensuring the highest resolution and improved switching times. All signals are now outputted to the display in one format, so the display itself does not need to alter anything, halving the switching time. Now all we need to do is speed up the matrix hardware and again SDVoE has the perfect answer, which is Genlocking. If you synchronise all your sources together and ensure the video heartbeats are all aligned and in sync, then suddenly you can achieve almost instant switching time. Put the two together and you can achieve the holy grail of matrix switching times, which is, when you

switch from two completely different hardware sources it just feels like changing channel on a TV (its actually faster than this but it’s the feeling your customer gets that counts).

This is why SDVoE is fast becoming the gold standard for the best-in-class AV installation, whether its corporate or high end residential.

At CYP, we have been working closely with the SDVoE Alliance since the technology was announced. As well as having a range of TXs, RXs and controllers etc, we also run training courses about the technology, which are free to attend. Check out our website for up and coming dates along with our YouTube channel for previous courses. If you want to install the best AV distribution system for your client, you need to know how SDVoE works and the possibilities it offers.

Viewing habits are putting a greater strain than ever on bandwidth

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MARCH 2021 45

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: TSP & NORDIC SMART SPACES

AN AMINA BASED SMART HOME SAGA TSP & Nordic Smart Spaces create beautiful music at Icelandic ocean villa with Amina and Savant.

Nordic Smart Spaces, a wholly-owned subsidiary

“But this seaside villa was designed and built

of Boston-based TSP Smart Spaces, is a

with tremendous attention paid to every detail,

technology integration firm located in Reykjavik,

with particular focus on the interior of the home.”

the capital city of Iceland. Nordic Smart Spaces

The ocean villa was outfitted with the finest

have recently leveraged nearly three decades

furnishings and appointments - including over

of experience to design and install smart home

20 motorized shades and custom draperies.

and whole-house entertainment systems in a

Featuring floor-to ceiling glass throughout

seaside villa, overlooking the North Atlantic

much of the living space, the villa became

Ocean just outside of Reykjavik.

something of a cocoon from the wild weather

EI has always had a hankering to visit Iceland,

48 MARCH 2021

rolling in along the Icelandic coastline.

fascinated by the country’s unique history and

To accommodate the homeowner’s desire

cultural make up, so jumped at the chance to

for the cleanest look throughout the interior, the

feature this project in its magical location.

Nordic Smart Spaces team deployed 20 Amina

“This is not a massive luxury mansion like you

Edge5 invisible loudspeakers, complemented

would expect to see in the Hamptons,” explains

by five Amina ALF architectural subwoofers

TSP Smart Spaces President Michael Oh.

(four ALF120s and a single ALF80), creating

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It’s official...

Lyngdorf makes the world’s best surround processors “The Lyngdorf MP-50 processor and SDA-2400 amplifiers are now in a class of their own.” Widescreen Review “The Lyngdorf MP-60 delivers the best performance I’ve heard from any processor to date and I’ve heard them all.” AVForum “After living with the MP-60 for quite some time, I’ve come to the conclusion is the best processor money can buy.” Home Cinema Choice “With RoomPerfectTM, the MP-60 produces the best sound quality heard for the lowest cost so far. You get SOTA surround sound performance for much lower cost than with other top tier contenders.” Widescreen Review “I can categorically state that I have never heard such pristine home cinema audio outside the mixing suites at Skywalker Sound.” Home Theatre Forum “In my opinion the MP-60 exists in a class of its own with performance that is best described as perfect.” AVForum

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: TSP & NORDIC SMART SPACES

a high-resolution, full range entertainment system with zero impact on décor. The Edge5 speakers were used in the open-plan living space that includes a living room, dining room and kitchen. They were also deployed in each of the bedrooms and the study.

THE Edge5 INVISIBLE LOUDSPEAKER Hand-built in the UK, Amina says its Edge5 creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience unlike any other invisible loudspeaker, and the exceptional dispersion characteristics of the Edge5 enable it to fill large spaces with beautiful, detailed sound using fewer drivers. Amina also argues that integrators and associated contractors appreciate that the Edge5 uses a high-quality, fire-resistant panel material that allows for a seamless fit into plasterboard walls and ceilings - without

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the need for a full wet-skim, all in the easy-tohandle, lightweight form factor that Amina has become known for.

ICELAND EFFORT “Because invisible speakers are a more complex installation proposition than a conventional loudspeaker with a grille, we have found that it is vital for the technology integrator to be involved early on, to be a part of the design process and to develop strong working relationships with the other trades onsite, especially the plaster & paint guys,” Michael explains. “You want to make sure you have access to the required space inside the walls and ceilings and cooperating with the other trades ensures an incredibly refined finished product.”

The Amina ALF120 is a passive (not powered) transmission line horn-loaded design, using an array of four 4in drivers to create a

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very efficient, discreet subwoofer. This design enables Amina to generate extended, detailed bass response from a slim enclosure; engineered to disappear inside walls or ceilings, delivering bass energy into the space via a discreet, narrow slot. The ALF120 can play down to 27Hz at 111dB, making it a strong subwoofer for this dynamic, full-range whole-house entertainment system. The ALF120 is also suited for home cinema applications. “The ALF120 is a large module to secure behind a wall or ceiling— we used damping materials to eliminate any resonances and suspended the enclosure on sturdy rails lagged to the concrete,” Michael says. “Architectural subwoofers are a project, but the result was well worth it.” A smaller cousin to the ALF120, the ALF80 is bandpass design that requires less space and can provide precise, extended bass at high levels using a small circular vent into the room.

MARCH 2021 51

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: TSP & NORDIC SMART SPACES

MUSIC EVERYWHERE

The Icelandic villa features smart home functionality from Savant, including the maker’s Pro Audio 4 50W amplifiers driving the Amina Edge5 invisible speakers. The Savant Pro Audio 4 also features built-in streaming and synchronized multi-zone distribution so that homeowners can enjoy individual zones or grouped zones for festive gatherings without there being a timing error between them. The system can be controlled via the Savant Pro App and/or the Pro Remote X2. “When music is playing throughout the living space, you really have no idea where the sound is coming from.

There are no visual cues, no aesthetic awareness, just an immersive listening experience that is quite stunning,” Michael explains. The system features amplification with onboard DSP

52 MARCH 2021

capability, enabling the Nordic Smart Spaces team to fine tune the speakers and subwoofers in each zone to perfection.

Michael adds, “The client wanted whole home control on a mobile app and based on a few other of the design decisions made early on, Savant was the only logical choice.”

Other elements of the project include DALI lighting, which is very popular in Iceland, as is KNX for lighting control, so the team combined those two elements. Basalte controls were also highly desired by the homeowner, which was also able to use the KNX backbone.

Michael also explains, “Savant has excellent KNX integration capabilities, especially in the last couple years and their Lutron integration capabilities with QS platform is top-notch. 2N came as a result of using Savant, it’s a very good

door entry system with great integrations with Savant. Lutron shades were the best option for the large window sizes and matched the acoustic requirements (silent shades).”

COOL CUSTOMERS LOVE THE PERFORMANCE

“Amina invisible speakers are a well-engineered, beautifully manufactured solution that is perfect for those clients who want a superior entertainment experience without any imposition on décor and interior design,” Michael concludes. “In addition to offering refined loudspeakers, Amina supports integrators through the design and installation process with a knowledgeable and passionate team—these folks really strive to help us deliver the best finished product for our customers.”

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: TSP & NORDIC SMART SPACES

Essential Kit List 2N Access Control System Camera and Door Entry Unit 2N Fingerprint Reader Amina ALF120 Subwoofers Amina ALF80 Subwoofer Amina Edge5 Invisible Loudspeakers Basalte Keypads KNX-Based Lighting System Lutron HomeWorks QS Processor Lutron Sivoia QS Shades Savant Pro App Savant Pro Audio 4 Savant Pro Remotes

IP VIDEO DOOR STATION Modern IP video technology for new and retrofit buildings Easy installation via PoE Keyless access by App, keypad and RFID fob Smart Home & NVR compatible, e.g. Control4, Loxone, Crestron, Synology

www.doorbird.com

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MARCH 2021 53

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

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

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

Includes two sets of arms for the perfect installation.

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

PRODUCTS

A GUDE DEAL Technological Innovations Group (TIG) is pleased to announce that it is now able to offer Power Distribution Units (PDU) from GUDE that integrate with Crestron Home systems. This means users can now remotely control and monitor smart space devices in residential settings.

As an official partner of Crestron, GUDE has developed and now offers drivers that allow the company’s IP power strips to be integrated into Crestron Home, the advanced operating system for managing smart home systems.

GUDE has worked with certified Crestron Master programmers at Ultamation Inc to develop the Crestron Home compatible drivers for their PDUs, which offer seamless and simple controls to manage one or multiple rooms, remotely or on the premises.

In practice this means that the owner of a remote power switch from GUDE can use Crestron Home on their mobile device in order to switch on, switch off or reboot devices such as media players, satellite boxes or routers. Users can also easily see the current status of the connected devices, receive automatic alerts in case of irregularities and check and control energy consumption.

Once in operation, the advantages of Crestron Home in conjunction with a GUDE remote power switch are multiple, including fail-safe power cycling

of connected devices that helps applications to get back on their feet when they have hung up. This is either automatic via watchdog monitoring or by remote access via Crestron Home.

Additionally, it’s possible to add sensors to the PDU to monitor temperature, humidity and air pressure. This allows critical conditions to be avoided in advance, through preventive measures.

Integrated energy meters in the IP power switches also allow for precise measurement of power consumption and enable energy saving strategies to be included in the integration.

TIG is supplying the GUDE PDUs to integrators throughout the EMEA region and can offer them alongside a full range of compatible Crestron Home products.

TIG tig.eu A new option from TIG and Gude

SWITCH TO SMARTSWITCH LITE? Smart home solution from Violet

Violet has announced SmartSwitch Lite , a new touch screen light switch for convenient Philips Hue and Sonos control. SmartSwitch Lite is the size of a standard UK light switch and offers a new way for Philips Hue and Sonos owners to conveniently and quickly control their lights and audio.

“The light switch location as a control point is completely ingrained in us socially, so it makes sense that we smarten it up a bit,” says Ryan Ovens, Founder & CEO at Violet. “Using your phone for basic adjustments as you move around your home is just simply inconvenient: finding it, unlocking it; finding the app etc. Sure, there’s voice control, but it’s not a silver bullet and there are many situations it is not suitable. With SmartSwitch, all the family

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members and visitors can intuitively control what they need to from the location they are used to with just a touch or two.”

Violet SmartSwitch Lite features include QuickTap – when the screen is in standby, simply tap the screen to toggle the lights without waking it, Wake the screen with a longer press to access Hue scenes if you want a quick adjustment and Swipe up to access Sonos control to quickly play/pause/skip/ adjust volume.

SmartSwitch Lite is available to pre-order now and is expected to ship in March, at a discounted price point of £127 (usually £159). For more information on SmartSwitch Lite visit the company’s website.

Violet was founded in 2020 by Ryan who has a decade of experience delivering luxury smart homes. Violet was formed to bridge the gap between luxury systems and consumer IoT smart homes and SmartSwitch is an attempt to do just that, says Ryan.

Violet violet-ultra.co.uk

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MARCH 2021 55

The safest wall mounting solution for your large TV THIN 550

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PRODUCTS

STAY FLEXIBLE WITH LITHE AUDIO Lithe Audio has designed a new passive lowprofile ceiling speaker to provide a solution for installers who are looking for slim speakers to fit where space is an issue – without compromising on sound quality. Hitting a sweet-spot between depth and quality is a challenge when designing ceiling speakers.

At 67mm deep, the Lithe Audio IP44-rated passive low-profile speaker is ideal for wherever a ceiling cavity may be slim – such as bathrooms, garden rooms, dropped ceilings, pitched roofs – and delivers excellent sound quality, says its creator.

The speaker is a lightweight 1.04kg, with a cut-out diameter of 210mm, and comes with a frameless 230mm magnetic grille which can be painted to blend into the ceiling colour and easily removed for cleaning.

“We’re already getting positive feedback from installers about this speaker,” says Amit Ravat, CoFounder of Lithe Audio: “They’ve been looking for a quality solution to installing speakers in thin ceiling cavities, and as designers in this area we’re happy to be able to provide a solution that delivers slim speakers without compromising on sound quality.”

As with all Lithe Audio ceiling speakers, the maker says it’s easy to install and looks attractive

with or without the grille. The new model is available from this March.

The speaker’s full spec offers a 6.5in Polypropylene Cone, a 0.75in Titanium Cone tweeter, impedance is at 8 Ohms and power at 30W RMS. Sound Quality is quoted at THD+N 0.009%, 77Hz-20kHZ, sensitivity is (1W/1m): 90d, the speaker weighs 1.04kg and the dimensions are (W x D): 230mm x 67mm.

The model also comes with a two-year warranty.

Lithe Audio litheaudio.com

A new option from Lithe Audio

STAY TOGETHER WITH SAVANT Savant has introduced an integration with Zoom’s

In addition to Savant Scene integration,

audio/video conferencing platform, Zoom Rooms.

Savant’s Zoom Rooms integration has been

As part of Savant’s smart living ecosystem, users

designed to deliver the ‘highest quality video

will enjoy a more productive video conferencing

and audio experience, leveraging the lifelike

environment and will be able to personalise the meeting experience.

With Savant’s Zoom Rooms integration, a Savant Scene and applicable audio/video services can automatically launch each time a meeting is started. And once the conference has concluded, Savant will return the room to its prior state.

clarity of a big screen TV and high-performance loudspeakers along with a variety of premium cameras and microphone packages’ from Savant Recommended Partners such as Logitech, Huddly and Beyerdynamic.

The Zoom Rooms conferencing solution from Savant has applications beyond the home office.

This technology can be a tool to enhance the remote education experience, helping students ‘better engage with instructors through a more visceral, lifelike experience’, according to Savant.

Gathering with family and friends will become easier and more comfortable using a wide angle camera, high-quality speakers and a large, highresolution video display.

The is

Savant

available

Zoom

now,

Rooms

including

integration

pre-configured

camera and speaker packages available from the Savant store.

Better, faster more immersive meetings

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Savant savant.com

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MARCH 2021 57

PRODUCTS

ROON EVOLVES Roon Labs, global music discovery and streaming platform, has made significant improvements with its latest software release. Roon 1.8 has been created to bring an immersive new experience that delivers more from the Roon features in a powerful and beautiful new way, say its creators.

In its latest release, Roon says the UI becomes a captivating gallery of music for users to browse and explore any collection on a much deeper level. Roon argues the new edition presents a fresh, modern design with bold typography that looks visually stunning and is a pleasure to use.

But the changes made are more than skin deep.

Each of Roon’s newly designed layouts, from the new home and artist screens to the composer and genre pages, are curated just for each user.

The new vertical scroll makes it quick and easy to find music, no matter what device is being used – meaning the Roon experience is consistent and seamless across desktop, tablet and smartphone.

Roon 1.8 also brings powerful new browsing capabilities and recommendations that understand a music collection ‘like no other’. By combining Roon’s deep metadata and learnings from how Roon’s community of 100,000 listeners use the platform, suggestions are made with uncanny insight and are tailored to each individual listener, claims the platform.

This new update also delivers improvments to some of Roon’s most popular features including Roon Focus, as well as improvements to the way classical music is presented and searched for.

The updated Home screen in 1.8 also includes an all-new dashboard of listening habits over time, broken down by top artists, albums and genres.

This can be switched to show data for the last week, month, year or all time. Users also get a calendar view of what music they have been listening to over the last four weeks, and clicking on each section offers even deeper insight into listening habits down to the minute.

Roon roonlabs.com

Roon 1.8 is now live!

LUTRON LAUNCHES POWERFUL HOMEWORKS QSX PROCESSOR Lutron Electronics has launched the HomeWorks QSX processor, the latest addition to the company’s flagship whole-home solution.

Lutron says it has made the largest ever investment in HomeWorks, with the new QSX processor bringing heightened connectivity and reliability, streamlining the installation and upgrade process for integrators and customers.

The maker says the update comes with a stream of benefits, including the ability to backup and restore project databases from the cloud to avoid project file loss, increased processing power and memory to manage larger, more complex projects.

In short, Lutron says HomeWorks QSX makes the platform easier to design, install, activate, program and service.

“The new HomeWorks platform sums up the ‘Lutron Difference.’ It’s a game-changing addition to our international portfolio of products and solutions,” says Nate Hagemeier, Senior Sales Director Europe and Africa at Lutron.

Key system enhancements include increased processing power and memory to manage larger, more complex projects and support future capabilities and compatibility with all existing HomeWorks wired QS and wireless RF devices.

Always up to date –customers will have the latest capabilities, device support and security updates, the product securely connects to third-party products with built-in Connect Bridge technology

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and streamlines upgrades from existing HomeWorks QS systems by carrying databases forward. The new unit also delivers backup and restore project databases from the cloud – helping to ensure you never lose a project file. The high-wattage LED+ DIN module with RTISS-ICM withstands the most severe electrical stresses including LED in-rush, bulb blowout and short circuit.

“We’ve made our largest ever innovation investment in HomeWorks,” says Nate. “Lutron is setting the stage for the next decade of integrator success with this new line-up of products and with a new range of keypads coming soon to Europe.

There’s never been a better time to be part of the Lutron family and grow your business with Lutron.”

Lutron lutron.com

The Homeworks QSX Processor offers a serious upgrade from previous version

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MARCH 2021 59

PRODUCTS

FOCAL 1000 SERIES SETS NEW INTEGRATED SPEAKER STANDARDS Focal has presented its 1000 Series – a range of in-wall and in-ceiling speaker and subwoofer options with high levels of performance and install flexibility. Three years in development, this flagship range embodies the essence of Focal: speaker science, technology implementation, and French design and manufacturing.

Made in France in Focal’s workshops, the 1000 Series offers a discreet alternative to traditional Hi-Fi and home cinema set-ups, with no performance compromise. Each speaker is an ‘innovative, flexible design – with both the installer and end customer in mind’ comments Focal.

Focal says the new series raises integrated speakers to ‘new performance levels’, through use of flagship speaker technologies – including Beryllium tweeters; ‘W’ cones – as featured on Focal Utopia home speaker range. The range also allows for combination of Focal’s traditional and integrated speakers and offers a flexible design with the wall speakers featuring adjustable driver – angle them in any direction towards the optimum listening position. The speakers are also described as simple to fit using Focal’s patented ‘Easy Quick Install’ system, for tool-free integration. The wall speakers can be paired with one, two, four or

six subwoofers (while using only one channel of amplification), to match the room size and SPL levels desired. Speaker cables are provided for speaker/sub connectivity. The speakers also boast magnetic, ready-to-paint grilles for the visual integration and the in-wall speakers offer strong performance despite being less than 10cm deep. For even greater flexibility, optional on-wall frames will be available soon. Premium in-ceiling models use same form factors

as popular Focal 300 Series, allowing for install upgrades.

The range includes 1000 IWLCR Utopia, 1000 IWSUB Utopia, 1000 IWLCR6, 1000 ICLCR5, 1000 IW6, 1000 ICW6 and the 1000 ICA6.

Focal focal.com

The Focal 1000 Series is available now

KEF BACKS UP BASS KEF says it has created new technologies that successfully prioritise design and sound in equal measure meaning powerful bass is no longer solely the domain of big-shouldered, massive subwoofers.

Thanks to these KEF technologies, the KC62 Uni-Core Force-Cancelling subwoofer has changed expectations of subwoofer design forever, claims the maker.

With a compact and sleek design, the KC62 subwoofer has been created to deliver impressive depth and accuracy in equal measure. This is a result of the patentpending Uni-Core technology which delivers ultra-compact size and big performance, which sits at the heart of the innovative KC62.

To simultaneously deliver high-quality performance and the benefits of force

This new sub from KEF is rammed full of new technologies

cancelation, Uni-Core combines the two through a single motor system with the voice coils concentrically arranged. This allows the cabinet size to be reduced by over a third whilst equalling or exceeding the driver excursion of a much larger subwoofer.

The speaker also includes P-Flex Surround, a patent-pending driver surround. It resists the acoustic pressure inside the cabinet without limiting sensitivity in the same way traditional surround designs do. To achieve this, it is uniquely pleated in such a way that is inspired by the Japanese art of paper-folding earning itself the nickname Origami Surround.

This design resists the internal air pressure without adding excessive mass, allowing the driver to move as required by the audio signal.

The result is a deeper bass extension and a more accurate, detailed bass reproduction and distortion reduction.

Finally, the speaker contains another patentpending technology, Smart Distortion Control Technology, a sensorless, motional feedback system created to help correct even the slightest abnormalities that may occur.

KEF uk.kef.com

60 MARCH 2021

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EXPERIENCE GREATNESS A revelation in display technology, Samsung’s ‘The Wall’ blends MicroLED light with AI optimisation for flawless HDR results on an awe-inspiring scale. Habitech introduces the ultimate in custom screen luxury…

The Wall forms part of our new suite of demonstration rooms at Basingstoke. Please contact the team to arrange a visit. www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk

The ONE team for Smart Installers.

To learn more about these brands or speak to our specialist team call 01256 378550 or email exertisone@exertis.co.uk