ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

LET THE LIGHT SHINE WITH VIOLET

VIOLET has announced the introduction of the SmartSwitch Lite, 7mm thinner than the current version, with advanced connectivity and smart features.

SmartSwitch Lite is a touchscreen control panel that replaces a traditional square light switch providing convenient control over smart lighting and audio systems. Features include a one device, two power supply approach as the device supports both 100-240 V AC and 12-30V DC which means it can either replace a traditional light switch or an existing ‘smart keypad’ powered by extra low voltage wire. This new version also offers a slimmer form factor, requiring a shallower electrical back box, meaning that installation is easier and customers with smaller back boxes can now benefit from what the SmartSwitch Lite has to offer. The unit also offers advanced connectivity with third-party lighting and audio devices over Wi-Fi, SmartSwitch Lite connects with Philips Hue and Sonos out of the box. For advanced users and installers almost any other system that uses HTTP requests can also partner the product providing access to services like Home Assistant and IFTTT with more out-the-box integrations on the way.

The product also offers ease of operation, a simple double tap of the screen to play/pause audio or hold it to turn the lights on and off, all without waking it. If more control is required, a single tap wakes the screen and displays the sleek interface allowing simple scene recall and audio adjustment.

So far, VIOLET has had a string of positive reviews on Trustpilot with a rating of 4.6/5.0 and one customer saying, “Really impressed by the Violet smart switch. Works flawlessly with my extensive Philips Hue lighting set up and the recent software update makes this smart switch versatile. Definitely recommended and will purchase again for a few more rooms in the future.”

Violet violet-ultra.co.uk

New lighting options from VIOLET

THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES AT HOME

The SUN@HOME range from LEDVANCE offers lamps and luminaires that use SunLike full-spectrum LEDs to increase well-being and performance. The dimmable LEDs provide rooms with the high quality light (CRI >95), similar to natural daylight, with colour that can be adjusted across a wide spectrum of 2,200K to 5,000K.

Peter Alexander, Head of Retail Sales UK and Ireland at LEDVANCE says, “Human Centric Lighting has been the most significant recent functional advancement in intelligent lighting, and our SUN@HOME range represents its next step. These products can make a real difference to personal routines, such as concentrationenhancing light during the day for working at home, and a high quality of light in the evening to prepare for sleep.”

The SUN@HOME range fluctuates lighting in line with the human circadian rhythm, a 24hour body clock that governs our natural cycles of activity and rest by managing hormone levels. Humans are known to be heavily influenced by variations in natural light throughout the course of the day. The SUN@HOME lamps and luminaires offer smart lighting solutions that counteract the listlessness caused by working indoors through their bright, white light during the day to increase concentration, improving performance and motivation. In contrast, the low blue light component of the full-spectrum LEDs improves sleep intensity at night.

Alongside their positive impact on wellbeing, SUN@HOME products can be easily controlled with the free LEDVANCE SMART+ WIFI APP or by voice command. The products can be integrated into the home network and controlled via Wi-Fi without any additional hardware.

The SUN@HOME luminaires also monitor the room climate with an innovative coating that disinfects ambient air by eliminating any pathogens that come into contact with it. This keeps the air free of germs, fungi and unpleasant odours to ensure room freshness and hygiene are preserved.

Ledvance ledvance.com PROVIDINGSOLUTIONS FORCIPROFESSIONALSSINCE 2000

R8010 R8010

SLIDE & ROTATE RACK SLIDE & ROTATE RACK

On-demand 360° access is here! Effortlessly slide and rotate loaded racks On-demand 360° access is here! Effortlessly slide and rotate loaded racks

Makes even tight and hard-to-reach racks a breeze to access Makes even tight and hard-to-reach racks a breeze to access

Would your life be easier if you could just slide your rack out or spin an enclosure to work on the sides or back anytime? Would your life be easier if you could just slide your rack out or spin an enclosure to work on the sides or back anytime?

This is the newly-updated R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack system - an enclosure with more freedom than ever before. It makes it simple to slide a fully-loaded rack safely out and spin it in either direction offering full 360° access. This is the newly-updated R8010 Slide & Rotate Rack system - an enclosure with more freedom than ever before. It makes it simple to slide a fully-loaded rack safely out and spin it in either direction offering full 360° access.

Instant 360° Instant 360° access built from access built from high grade steel for high grade steel for minimal flex under a minimal flex under a heavy or full load heavy or full load

Slides out 550mm / 22” Slides out 550mm / 22” 360° Rotating Plate 360° Rotating Plate Rear Cable Management Bar Rear Cable Management Bar

AVAILABLE IN SIZES 6U-24U AVAILABLE IN SIZES 6U-24U | | M6 OR 10/32 RAIL OPTIONS M6 OR 10/32 RAIL OPTIONS

● ● Slides out to 550mm / 22” and rotates 360° in either Slides out to 550mm / 22” and rotates 360° in either direction direction ● ● Secure in position with Slide Catch and Spin Catch Secure in position with Slide Catch and Spin Catch ● ● Folding cable management tray Folding cable management tray ● ● Security faceplate protects catches from use Security faceplate protects catches from use ● ● Full hole double rack rails with square holes for clip nuts Full hole double rack rails with square holes for clip nuts ● ● Quick assembly: under 30 minutes Quick assembly: under 30 minutes

SCAN TO WATCH FULL VIDEO: SCAN TO WATCH FULL VIDEO:

The Marantz MODEL 40n Integrated Amplifier will be available in Marantz Black and Silver Gold. MSRP is £2,199, and stock is available from March 2022

Marantz has introduced the MODEL 40n integrated amplifier created to set a new standard for sound quality while providing easy access to a vast library of digital music and podcasts. Featuring ‘exquisite’ design, the maker says the MODEL 40n has been engineered for those who appreciate excellence in craftsmanship and performance in all aspects of their lives. Marantz adds that the MODEL 40n is constructed from the finest materials, adding elegance and refinement to any room.

Marantz says audiophile performance is now available from a single unit which can be connected to speakers of the listener’s choice. The machine provides access to Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Tidal and TuneIn. The MODEL 40n also provides access to personal file libraries, up to PCM 192kHz / 24 bit as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz. Wireless connectivity options include Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with HEOS Built-In.

The MODEL 40n also offers analogue and digital inputs to accommodate any source, including Marantz Musical Phono EQ—a moving magnet phono stage for vinyl playback. The MODEL 40n features an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input making audio playback from a TV possible. A dedicated subwoofer output with crossover adjustments enables users to optimise bass.

The product has been designed to work as the primary hub for one or multiple rooms with HEOS built-in, digital or analogue sources can be shared around the home.

With advanced Wi-Fi technology, the MODEL 40n facilitates wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that is designed to be stable even in congested urban settings. For an intuitive user experience, the MODEL 40n comes with a remote control, and works with Siri, Alexa and Google voice command.

A new 70W watt per channel (8Ω) Class A/B amplifier stage has been developed that exceeds the performance of earlier models with similar power ratings.

Marantz marantz.com

ZAPPITI AND TRINNOV GO TO THE MOVIES

More demo options courtesy of to key home cinema players

Zappiti has announced a partnership with Trinnov Audio to deliver exclusive movie trailers for home cinema demonstrations.

Zappiti, manufacturer of 4K Dolby Vision media players, says it understands the power of a great home cinema demonstration. Its recent partnership with Trinnov Audio provides AV integrators and home cinema enthusiasts with a demo solution that showcases the impact of a high-quality performance. Through integration with Trinnov’s Altitiude16 or Altitude32 processor, Zappiti’s range of 4K DV media players have instant access to a generous package of highquality movie trailers chosen for their stunning and impactful images and audio, many of which originated from commercial cinemas. The Trinnovcurated movie trailer package is available to Zappiti customers as a free unlimited promotion.

“Nothing evokes the emotion of a professionally designed and installed home theater quite like a great movie trailer, says Rémy Pariselle, Zappiti Marketing Director. “Thanks to our partnership with Trinnov, Zappiti players can create the engaging, immersive cinematic demonstrations integrators need to inspire customers and cultivate home theater sales.”

“The Zappiti Pro 4K HDR player is a key component in my California-based Procella and Trinnov demo theater. In addition to simply watching movies, I use it as an active part of my demo script, showcasing reference-quality audio and video with an intuitive and highly functional interface,” adds Chuck Back, Managing Director, Trinnov Audio Inc.

Another feature of benefit to integrators and home cinema enthusiasts through Trinnovsupported Zappiti players is playback of all immersive audio formats, including the latest object-based audio technologies, DTS:X and DTS:X Pro. Trinnov’s Altitude processors are one of the first to decode and render all the information from DTS:X and DTS:X Pro soundtracks, and now, through its partnership with Zappiti, openly share this highly immersive audio content with Zappiti media players. For the first time, AV integrators and end-users can enjoy DTS:X Pro, a cinema-like sound experience, in their own home cinemas.

Zappiti zappiti.co.uk

19” RACK SPECIALISTS!

UK STOCK READY TO SHIP!

SEVENTEEN YEARS AND COUNTING!

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rgbcomms.co.uk

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RGB Head Office, 13–14 Headlands Trading Estate, Headlands Grove, Swindon SN2 7JQ

Distributor of the Year Finalist

MUSIC MATTERS TO CRESTRON

Crestron Electronics has announced the launch of two new residential audio products, an in-wall sub developed in partnership with Origin Acoustics, and the DM NAX 4-Zone Streaming Pre-Amplifier for high-performance Audio-over-IP (AoIP). The Crestron Ultimate In-Wall Subwoofer and the Crestron DM NAX Streaming Pre-Amplifier will both play major roles in filling out Crestron’s residential audio solutions, says the maker.

When paired with Crestron speakers from the Ultimate or Reference lines, the new Ultimate In-Wall Subwoofer helps create an immersive sound experience with deep, gratifying bass for demanding multiroom audio settings or home cinema applications, says the maker. Crestron adds that the Ultimate In-Wall Subwoofer is made with the highest-quality components as well as paintable grilles for a customisable aesthetic. Installation of each subwoofer is streamlined through an easy-to-use in-wall dogleg mounting system optimised to reduce interference with other elements present in the wall space.

The Ultimate Subwoofer pairs natively with DM NAX AoIP technology and Crestron Home ecosystem. The newest addition to the DM NAX line is Crestron’s first pre-amplifier, diversifying the range of choices for homeowners and integrators looking for residential AoIP distribution platforms. Slimmer in form (1RU) but similar in function to the DM NAX Amplifier, the DM NAX 4-Zone Streaming Pre-Amplifier natively integrates with Crestron Home, is interoperable with AES67, and Dante audio networking. It uses hardwired connections, and requires no custom network architecture or hardware, meaning it can be connected to existing amplifiers in retrofit jobs or new builds.

This interoperability and simple design allows integrators to use DM NAX to specify an entire house’s worth of audio systems with a single device.

With the flexibility, scalability, and interoperability of DM NAX AoIP, integrators can deliver complete control of the audio environment to users, allowing them to toggle between TV audio, streaming music, podcasts, alarms, doorbells, or paging and intercom usage to any speaker in the house.

Crestron crestron.com

The Ultimate Subwoofer is shipping from March 23, while the DM NAX 4-Zone Streaming Pre-Amplifier is available for pre-order now

MSE AUDIO LAUNCHES THEATRE SOUND DESIGNER

A new planning platform for home cinemas from MSE Audio

With its extensive catalogue of both active digital bi- and tri-amped systems and passive home theatre speakers, MSE Audio has announced the release of the Theatre Sound Designer. This online tool will enable audio designers to design theatres and media rooms with the right speakers to achieve high performance audio for any given size space, says the company.

MSE Audio has hundreds of cinema options available in on-wall, in-wall, Custom Box, and floor standing formats. The theatre designer provides specific product recommendations to guide the integrator through the product selection.

“The Theatre Sound Designer is our first step in providing more relevant application-based information to our partners,” says Ken Hecht, vice president of MSE Audio. “Using the Theatre Sound Designer will help our resellers to easily find the right loudspeakers to meet the installation, performance, and budget objectives of their customers.”

Theatre Sound Designer features dARTS digital speakers and PhaseTech CI and PC products. It will soon expand to include Induction Dynamics theatre options. The cinema/media room systems offered include a range of MSE Audio’s many patented and trademarked technologies that includes the dARTS in-room calibration system, the soft dome tweeter, Positive Clamping System, Unicel Acoustic Treatment to minimise sound wave interaction with the wall when using in-wall speakers, Absolute Phase crossovers for broad on axis response, patented Bass Extending technology, and patented RPF Flat Piston and glass fibre drivers.

To operate the Theatre Sound Designer, users answer a short series of questions about the cinema space: seating distance from the screen, sound level required, what type of speakers and subs and the number of surround speakers. By selecting the parameters that meets the project requirement, the designer will present the base options for the optimal loudspeaker/subwoofer audio design for the project.

MSE Audio mseaudio-int.mseaudio.com

MCINTOSH BUILDS FOR THE 8K FUTURE

McIntosh has launched the MX180, a future-ready 8K-capable AV Processor with a raft of advanced customisation and processing capabilities. Fully 4K compatible and perfectly prepared for future 8K content, the MX180 supports 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz on all seven of its Ultra High Speed HDMI ports (five inputs and two outputs).

Each HDMI port supports: HDCP 2.3; 4:4:4 Colour; Rec. 2020; Dynamic Lip-sync and 3D Video pass-through as well as enhanced features, including: Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM); Quick Frame Transport (QFT); Quick Media Switching (QMS) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

Numerous high dynamic range formats are supported, including HDR (static HDR), Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision (including low latency).

Outputs include 16 balanced audio outputs (enabling 15.1 or 9.1.6 surround sound speaker configurations) and the MX180’s two HDMI outputs can simultaneously output source material to two separate screens, or output different content from two different sources to two separate screens. One HDMI output features both Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality.

Other connections include a suite of digital and analogue inputs and outputs, plus a Moving Magnet phono input.

The MX180 is compatible with 3D surround sound formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D and comes with RoomPerfect room correction technology to measure and adjust the audio output to compensate for room acoustics.

The MX180 features some of the latest analogue to digital convertor technology, plus all analogue and digital devices can be custom named to simplify system operation.

Volume levels can be matched and bass and treble controls offer further control. A two-channel Zone B output also allows the device to send audio to a second zone.

The MX180 utilises the latest processing power tech to run cooler than previous McIntosh home theatre processors, and benefits from a robust and simplified setup program that allows customisation based on specific home theatre and speaker needs.

McIntosh mcintoshlabs.com

KARMA-AV SENDS A CABLE TO AUDIOPHILES

Karma-AV has introduced the in-akustik Reference LS-404 Micro Air speaker cables to the UK. Inakustic’s ‘Micro Air’ technology aims to minimise the physical filter effect of cables by deploying air as a dielectric to insulate concentric copper conductors, which are helically arranged according to a proprietary design. A thin layer of polyethylene protects the pure copper from oxidation.

Accordingly, the new Reference LS-404 Micro Air speaker cable uses air as the insulation surrounding a total of eight concentric copper conductors in a multicore architecture, arranged so that the magnetic fields of the positive and negative conductors overlap and neutralise each other. This specification reduces the inductance of the cable considerably, thereby promoting a faithful transmission of the audio signal over a broad frequency range and with precise timing. Consequently, the LS-404 Micro Air is particularly effective when connecting larger floorstanding loudspeakers.

The Reference LS-404 Micro Air is available with BFA bananas or with spades, or as an EasyPlug version. The surfaces of the BFA bananas and the spades are finished with a rhodium coating and are therefore extremely durable. Contact surfaces are manufactured from a single piece to minimise contact resistance.

Key features include; micro Air technology, air dielectric, concentric copper wire construction, 8-fold multicore architecture and single wire construction.

Karma-AV karma-av.co.uk

The cables are made in Germany and have a standard length of 2 × 3.0 m