Essential Install November 2024

The Pinnacle of Image and Sound

PREMIUM AV DISTRIBUTION

UNIQUE SOLUTIONS DESIGN & SPECIFICATION DEMONSTRATION FACILITIES COMMISSIONING AND CALIBRATION

We specialise in home cinemas and distributed audio systems that deliver exceptional quality and unparalleled performance.

Our complimentary design & specification service provides integrators with a customised, expertly designed, and integrated AV solutions.

We specialise in designing high-end audio-visual systems for luxury homes and residential spaces.

PROUD DISTRIBUTOR OF

Providing expert calibration and commissioning services, we ensure your systems are set up for optimal performance and user experience.

November FC EI.indd 1 BACK TO THE FUTURE WHAT’S IN STORE? MATRIX AND SIGNAL MANAGEMENT MAKING IT ALL HAPPEN LIGHTING UP

Uncompressed 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 and 1Gb LAN

We are pleased to announce the launch of the first HDBaseT™3 matrix product to the market

Using HDBaseT™3 technology, these powerful HDBaseT™ matrix support uncompromised 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 resolutions over distances up to 100m over a CAT6A. The new HMX88-18G and HMX44-18G come into their own with advanced audio features specifically designed for maximising the integration of AV sources in the modern home. Enhanced audio routing is achieved through the integrated audio matrix. This enables the audio from displays (via HDMI ARC or Optical S/PDIF), and all other sources to be embedded and routed through the system at the users discretion. The inclusion of a 1Gb Ethernet channel allows for LAN serving to all HDBT outputs / zones as required, IR and RS-232 pass-through, advanced EDID management, and PoC provide the ultimate flexibility.

The combination of these technology features enable our installation partners the ability to create a truly immersive AV experience throughout the home.

NEW

HMX88-18G

8x8 HDBaseT™3 AV Matrix

• Uncompressed / unconverted 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 to 100m

• HDMI / Optical Audio Return, Audio Embedding & Breakout

• 2x dual HDMI output, Bi-directional RS-232, IR, PoC to RX

Recommended RX:

Receiver

Advanced HDBaseT™ Receiver supporting uncompressed and unconverted HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 100m

NEW

HMX44-18G-KIT

4x4 HDBaseT™3 AV Matrix Kit

• Uncompressed / unconverted 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 to 100m

• HDMI / Optical Audio Return, Audio Embedding & Breakout

• 1x dual HDMI output, Bi-directional RS-232, IR, PoC to RX

Supplied with:

RX18G - HDBaseT™3.0 Receiver

Advanced HDBaseT™ Receiver supporting uncompressed and unconverted HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 100m

RX18G - HDBaseT™3

Our award winning Video over IP Solutions

4K 60Hz 4:4:4 over 1Gbps Network

IP350UHD

Dante® enabled 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video over 1Gb network

• Extends HDMI and Dante® up to 100m over a single CAT cable

• Supports up to 4K UHD 60Hz 4:4:4

• Independent or combined HDMI and Dante® signal distribution

• SFP port for signal distribution over fibre

IP300UHD

4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video over 1Gb network solution

• Extends HDMI up to a distance of 100m over a single CAT cable

• Independent routing of IR, RS-232, USB/KVM, audio and video

• Supports all audio formats including Dolby Atmos® and DTS-HD™ Master Audio

• SFP port for signal distribution over fibre

over IP solutions for a range of applications

4K 60Hz 4:4:4 over 10Gb Network

IP510UHD

• SDVoE™ - 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 over 10Gbps Network with zero latency

• Selectable or simultaneous transceiver - ultimate flexibility

• Scaled output, Video Wall, Multi-View, 1Gbps LAN, USB / KVM

• SFP+, EDID Management, Bi-directional IR & RS-232, PoE+ UHD Video Transceiver over 10Gb Managed Network

4K 60Hz 4:2:0 over 1Gbps Network

IP200UHD & IP250UHD

4K video over 1Gb network solution - TX / RX

• 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 over 1Gbps Network with 1-frame latency

• Dante, Audio Embedding / Breakout, EDID Management

• SFP, Bi-directional USB / KVM, IR & RS-232, PoE

• Scaled output & Video Wall

1080p 60Hz over 100Mbps Network

IP50HD

HD Video over 100Mbps Network - TX / RX

• 1080p with 2ch audio over 100Mbps Network

• Audio Embedding / Breakout, EDID Management

• Bi-directional USB / KVM, IR & RS-232, PoE

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November 2024

4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR

Do directors even like 4K?

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS

If it’s happening, it’s here

16 TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

The one and only!

22 ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS madVR Envy Core: Deep Dive

24 ESSENTIAL CUK

Complete your cinema design vision

34 ESSENTIAL CEDIA ISE is crucial learning!

36 TOP KNOTT ‘Tis the Season’… Or Is It?

64 THAT’S TOO EXPENSIVE, MY CUSTOMER WOULD NEVER BUY THAT!

Pete Baker begs to differ

68 ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY: THE WHITE HORSE Ribble AV livens up opening time

75 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

Hardware heat

FEATURES

14 ESSENTIAL DBM

Impressive brands, top class support

26 SHOWROOM SHOWCASE Nucleus AV and The KEF Gallery

ESSENTIAL REVIEW SECTION

18 ANTHEM’S MRX SLM, FULL ASSESSMENT Slim pickings?

20 ARE FOUR SUBS BETTER THAN ONE? We find out with REL

MATRIX AND SIGNAL MANAGEMENT

38 AV-OVER-IP: THE HOME ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTION FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE

Michael Short, Senior Director of Marketing Operations and Residential, Crestron

39 REPLACE CHAOS WITH CONSISTENCY

Chris Pinder, Managing Director of HDANYWHERE

40 THE SMART PATH TO SMART HOME SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION

Taft Stricklin, Chief Sales Officer, Just Add Power ESSENTIAL LOUDSPEAKERS

44 LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE SPEAKERS!

Matthew Kamp, Snap One Senior Director of Product Management

45 ORIGIN ACOUSTICS

Jose Coelho, International Business Director, Origin Acoustics

46 MEASURING PROGRESS

Matt Holland, 2B Heard

49 THE AGE OF OPTIMISATION

James Drummie, Product Manager, AWE Europe

50 SPEAKERS, SPACES, AND BEST PRACTICES FOR AUDIO

Phillip Pini, Director, Residential Sales UK

53 MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER LOUDSPEAKER

Nick Fichte, Business Development Director, L-Acoustics

THE FUTURE OF INSTALL

56 SOUNDBARS – THE STEPPING STONE TO WHOLE HOME INTEGRATION

Stephen Rhead, Sonos Professional Manager UK & Ireland

58 HOME CONNECTIVITY IS UNDERGOING A REVOLUTION

Jordan Hobday, Senior Commercial Business Manager, NETGEAR

61 POISED FOR THE FUTURE

Cody Crossland, VP of Sales, Blackwire Designs

62 COMPANY FOCUS: SNAP ONE

Control4 promotes comfort and wellbeing

THE CONTENT CREATOR VS. TECHNOLOGY DILEMMA

The entertainment industry thrives on two pillars: the visionaries who craft compelling stories and the technological innovators who constantly push the boundaries of how those stories are experienced. But what happens when these two forces collide? As technologies like 4K and 8K imagery continue to advance, some filmmakers and content creators are finding themselves at odds with the very tools meant to elevate their art.

Director Barry Sonnenfeld’s keynote at CEDIA Expo 2024 encapsulated this tension. Known for his work on films like The Addams Family and Men in Black, Barry didn’t mince his words when he expressed his frustrations with today’s technology. He argued that higher resolutions, such as 4K and 8K, sometimes do more harm than good, especially when it comes to preserving the artistic intent of filmmakers. According to Barry, the crispness of these formats can strip away the magic of cinema, revealing too much—whether it’s the texture of an actor’s makeup or the imperfections of a set.

There’s no doubt that high-resolution technology can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, 4K brings an unparalleled level of detail to the screen, making scenes come alive with incredible clarity. This is precisely what the technology was designed to do: immerse viewers in a visual experience that feels as close to real life as possible. Yet, for some filmmakers, this fidelity can undermine their creative vision. A grainy, gritty aesthetic—often used to evoke mood or era—can be difficult to achieve when the camera picks up every

pore on an actor’s face or the slightest imperfection in a prop.

But is this tension a fundamental flaw, or just part of the growing pains associated with any major technological leap? Consider the success of Shogun. A 4K release of a classic story, Shogun managed to leverage the immense detail offered by modern tech while retaining its artistic integrity. Far from being hampered by the high resolution, the series’ creators embraced it, and the result was a visually stunning and Emmy Award-winning production.

What this suggests is that the technology isn’t the enemy; rather, it’s a tool that requires adaptation and skill to use effectively. Filmmakers who understand how to work with 4K and 8K technology can still achieve their desired look—whether it’s sleek and polished or rough around the edges. Techniques like adjusting lighting, makeup, and set design, or even using digital effects to soften the overall image, can help bridge the gap between artistic vision and technological reality. And of course, for capturing sport and events like concerts, higher resolution formats are great. Game creators love them as well.

At the end of the day, the debate between content creators and technologists isn’t new. The introduction of sound, colour, CGI—all were met with resistance at first, by some. And while it’s true that high-resolution formats bring their own unique set of challenges, they also offer potential for storytelling when handled correctly.

So, while some filmmakers may still struggle with the sharpness and precision of 4K and 8K, the possibilities they offer are undeniable. It’s all about mastering the tools at hand, just as filmmakers have done throughout the evolution of cinema and will do again.

GETTING IN TOUCH

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Kelly Byne, kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty-Huelin, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

CEO

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

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The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that everything is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

In all matters, the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to Essential Install magazine are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

Never Before… at This Price Point

Easily extend HDMI signals up to 40m with our brand new extender set at a new entry-level price point! Our HDBaseT kit features Power over Cable (PoC) and IR control for a seamless setup, solving distance limitations without sacrificing quality. PU-101PL-KIT 4K60 HDBaseT (40m) Extender Kit

For product support contact: sales@cypeurope.com or vist our website: www.cypeurope.com

EMEA CEDIA SMART HOME AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The winners of the 2024 CEDIA Smart Home Awards EMEA programme were announced at the Brewery in London, where over 300 professionals joined CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, to celebrate the industry’s success stories. Among the award winners were Aloud AB, MACBEE, and M.E.G.A. AV Installations Ltd, who all walked away with three accolades each; Rako Controls Ltd, who received two wins; and Peter Alloway; who was awarded Special Recognition.

Sponsors on the night included Monitor Audio (headline), Meridian (drinks reception), Sonos (after party), Habitech (entertainment) and Control4, LG Electronics, Lutron and Sonance (associate).

Check out some of the main installation winners below. All the winners are on essentialinstall.com.

INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES

Best Media Room Level I

Winner: Inspired Dwellings – Hand-Painted Cinema

Best Media Room Level II

Winner: M.E.G.A. AV Installations Ltd –Joy Division Room

Highly Commended: Blackroom – Millennium

Best Home Cinema Level I

Winner: Blackroom – Grey Haven

Best Home Cinema Level II

Winner: MACBEE – Elysium Cinema

Best Integrated Home Level I

Winner: Bureau of System Integration –Riviera Villas

Highly Commended: Audio Visual Control

Systems Limited – Pent Residency Integrated Home

Best Integrated Home Level II

Winner: De Opera Domotica –Storybook Home

Best Integrated Home Level III

Winner: MACBEE – 909

Best Integrated Home Level IV

Winner: KNEKTD – Seijaku

Best Integrated Home Level V

Winner: Aloud AB – Historical Private Residence

Multiple Dwelling Unit Design

Winner: Inspired Dwellings – Cavendish Square

Excellence in Lighting

Winner: Aloud AB – Historical Private Residence

Excellence in Documentation

Winner: MACBEE – 909

Highly Commended: Bureau of System Integration – Riviera Villas

Excellence in User Experience

Winner: Aloud AB – Effortless Home Control

Technology Meets Design

Winner: M.E.G.A. AV Installations Ltd –Joy Division Room

Global Integrated Home

Highly Commended: MACBEE – 909

Global Media Room

Winner: M.E.G.A. AV Installations Ltd –Joy Division Room

Take your listening experiences to new heights.

The all-new 8” ln-Ceiling Speakers by Sonos and Sonance feature completely new acoustic components, offering natural, room-filling sound with discrete installation.

Pre-order now at your distributor

MIDWICH GROUP UNVEILS NEW BRAND IDENTITY

Midwich Group has unveiled its new brand identity marking a new chapter in its growth, while reinforcing its dedication to excellence and innovation.

Built around its ‘waveform’ logo and vibrant colour palette, the new brand identity aligns with the Group’s values while providing a clearer definition of its role as a global network of businesses providing local expertise.

The continuous ‘waveform’ represents the idea of ongoing progress, collaboration, and connectivity, leading to the foresight the Group’s global network uses to deliver experiences that go beyond expectations. It also takes inspiration from the Group’s promise of ‘taking technology further’

The brand evolution will see Midwich Ltd (including Holdan, Invision, PSCo, Pulse Cinemas, and Square One), Midwich APAC,

ENTRIES OPEN FOR CRESTRON EUROPE INTEGRATION AWARDS 2024

Crestron has announced the resurgence of the Europe Integration Awards, recognising and showcasing achievements of dealers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. All dealers are invited to enter their most exceptional projects featuring Crestron technology on the award website.

The entry process is open to all authorised Crestron dealers who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry who have an office in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa (EMEA Region) and who work in the AV/IT sector are eligible to participate in the following categories:

• Best Crestron ecosystem project powered by XiO Cloud technology operations management platform, for projects that combine several Crestron solutions managed through XiO Cloud technology.

• Best Crestron content distribution and control project, for projects that use Crestron technology to distribute content and control (part of) the environment.

• Best Crestron collaboration project, for projects that focus on easier collaboration, in person and hybrid.

Midwich Portugal, and NMK adopt the ‘waveform’ logo and colour palette, providing familiarity for customers and vendor partners around the world as the Group sets the stage for future growth.

Joe Thompson, Corporate Strategy Director at Midwich Group, says, “Following Midwich Group’s evolution, we felt it was time to review our brand identity to make sure it reflects our role, story, plans and values more efficiently. As a result, we are thrilled to share our new branding, which we have been working on in close collaboration with our teams around the world.

“This is an exciting time for the Group and while our look and logo have evolved, our commitment to providing our customers and vendor partners with the high levels of service and support they are accustomed to remains at the heart of what we do.”

Midwich Group midwichgroupplc.com

• Best Crestron high-impact space project including intelligent video, for projects that use intelligent video solutions to make the most of boardrooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, and/or other spaces where people meet.

• Best Crestron Home OS Project for residential projects where Crestron Home OS makes life easier for the homeowner.

Entries will be judged by an independent panel of leading industry figures based on the following information:

• Overall quality of entry submission

• Did the solution solve the challenge?

• Application of Crestron products within the solution.

• Actual end user satisfaction (from the end user’s own words)

• Creativity and uniqueness of the project

• Visual score (based on review of imagery and videos)

Entries must be related to projects completed in the EMEA region between January 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. The deadline to submit is December 15, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CET. More information and an entry form can be found at crestron.com/Training-Events/ Europe-Integration-Awards.

Crestron crestronhome.com

The winners will be announced during ISE 2025

For more information or to see the Group’s new branding, visit the company’s website

RGB COMMUNICATIONS EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH HIKVISION

AV distribution specialist, RGB Communications, and global technology player, Hikvision, have announced an expanded partnership, with RGB now distributing Hikvision’s range of Interactive Flat Panel Displays (IFPDs) across the UK and Ireland. This addition enhances RGB’s portfolio, which already includes Hikvision LED displays and CCTV solutions, and strengthens the collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering high-quality AV solutions.

Hikvision’s IFPDs, now available through RGB, boast ultra-high-definition screens, advanced touch capabilities, and seamless system integration, making them an ideal choice for educational, corporate and public environments, says the distributor. Designed to enhance creativity and collaboration, these displays offer a powerful solution for the evolving needs of modern AV installations says the partners.

To help AV professionals maximise their investment, RGB Communications provides exclusive pricing for registered Hikvision IFPD projects. Customers who register with RGB will benefit from cost savings and personalised support from RGB’s expert team, ensuring a

smooth and valuable experience from project inception and completion.

In line with Hikvision’s commitment to sustainability, the company offers a free removal service for outdated technology and packaging with every IFPD project. Customers can enjoy a hassle-free transition as Hikvision takes care of the disposal of old projectors, cables and other obsolete equipment, reflecting its mission to

minimise environmental impact while delivering world-class technology.

This expanded partnership underscores the strong, ongoing collaboration between RGB Communications and Hikvision, reinforcing a dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction say the companies.

RGB Communications Hikvision rgbcomms.co.uk hikvision.com

Industry friends CAVD and Indigo Distribution have teamed up to represent Nakymatone invisible speakers and Black Nova keypads in the UK and Ireland markets.

CAVD and Indigo Distribution, distributors in the AV industry, will begin to work together in representing Nakymatone invisible speakers and Black Nova keypads in the UK and Ireland markets. This collaboration brings together two forces in the industry to further highlight groundbreaking technology, and state-of-theart solutions for integrators seeking to elevate their projects, say the partners.

CAVD has been representing Nakymatone since the brand introduced its speakers to the CI market back in 2015.

Indigo Distribution, known for its extensive portfolio of high-quality AV products and in-house technical support team, is excited to add Nakymatone’s invisible speakers to its brand portfolio. These speakers provide a unique option to Indigo dealers, seamlessly blending into any environment without compromising on sound quality. Integrators can now offer their clients an invisible, yet immersive audio experience, says the new brand’s new distributor.

To provide integrators with a firsthand experience of Nakymatone’s technology, the system can be experienced at the CAVD demonstration facilities in Marlow. Indigo Distribution will also be showcasing the speakers at the company’s HQ just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In addition, CAVD will welcome Indigo’s exclusive Black Nova keypads to the demonstration facilities in Marlow, offering integrators and their clients the opportunity to experience the brand firsthand. Black Nova’s sleek and intuitive designs complement any installation, offering integrators a stylish, functional, and completely customisable solution that integrates with leading control systems such as Crestron, Control4 and Lutron.

CAVD and Indigo Distribution state that they share a common ethos of providing integrators with the tools and support they need to succeed.

CAVD Indigo Distribution cavd.co.uk indigodistribution.co.uk

CAVD AND INDIGO DISTRIBUTION TEAM UP ON NAKYMATONE

The partners are well-positioned to deliver an increased AV offering responsible AV solutions to businesses, institutions and other sectors

By combining expertise and resources, the companies aim to show dealers the success they can achieve with these brands

GLOBAL MOUNTS GROUP ACQUIRES AUDIPACK

Global Mounts Group, the parent company of industry specialists Neomounts and B-Tech AV Mounts, has announced the acquisition of Audipack, a renowned manufacturer of high-end and custom-made mounting solutions.

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE

onemedia, one of the UK’s leading technical distributors, continues to reinforce its team with the announcement of three key appointments.

India Stone joins as account manager, working closely with SMART Technologies after the interactive display vendor recently signed a distribution deal with onemedia.

India is brand new to the industry and brings an acute enthusiasm to the role: “This is my first role in AV and I am so thrilled to be here. The whole team at onemedia has been so welcoming. The technical training and introductions I have received have been hugely beneficial and I look forward to supporting onemedia customers and the SMART team with their objectives.”

Along with India’s fresh enthusiasm, more industry experience has also come to onemedia as Terry Lin joins as Product Manager. Terry brings over 20 years of high-level experience to his new appointment following roles at AVM, Anders & Kern, Midwich and AED.

Terry will help to manage onemedia’s vendor relationships and support the sales, marketing and finance teams to take onemedia’s technologies to market.

Also joining onemedia’s growing team is Raisa Muraru, who will work with onemedia’s sales,

This strategic acquisition is designed to further strengthen Global Mounts Group’s position as a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of mounting solutions across multiple industries.

Audipack, established in 1982 and headquartered in the Netherlands, has built a reputation for its high-quality, innovative products, and custom solutions tailored to the professional AV market. With a strong commitment to precision engineering and customer-made design, Audipack has become a highly trusted brand in the industry.

Dick van Baarlen, CEO of Global Mounts Group, says, “The acquisition aligns with Global Mounts Group’s mission to offer the most comprehensive and innovative range, expanding the company’s portfolio to include Audipack’s specialised products and expertise.

“With Neomounts and B-Tech already known for their extensive ranges of mounting systems for AV and IT, the addition of Audipack’s high-end, custom-made and unique quick install

rental solutions will further enhance the group’s ability to support our business partners and end customers the best as possible.”

“We are happy Audipack will become part of the Global Mounts Group, allowing the company to further grow and develop. The strong combination of Audipack, B-Tech and Neomounts, as well as the versatile range of mounting solutions will complement each other and contribute to the further growth. It is a win-win situation for all,” adds Julian van den Berg, owner of Audipack.

Audipack will continue to operate under its own brand name, maintaining its strong identity while benefiting from the synergies and resources of the Global Mounts Group. As part of the Global Mounts Group, the companies can share distribution networks and further strengthen their international presence.

Global Mounts Group Audipack globalmountsgroup.com audipack.com

finance and admin teams to ensure seamless order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.

Another who is new to the AV industry, Raisa has proven credentials with AAT level 2 qualification and near completion of level 3. She impressed the onemedia management with her commitment, strong work ethic and ambition.

PPDS has appointed experienced LED ‘all-rounder’ Carles Forné to support southern EMEA region as new Solutions Manager LED

With 360-degree LED channel knowledge and experience – including sales, repairs, and distribution – Carles brings a unique and invaluable set of skills to support PPDS’ national and international network of partners and customers.

Accepting the newly created role of Solutions Manager LED for South EMEA, Barcelona-based Carles brings an invaluable set of specialist skills to PPDS. Continuing a fast paced and prosperous seven year career, Carles has amassed enviable knowledge and experience of all major LED manufacturers, including PPDS’ evolving portfolio of advanced Philips LED solutions, gained from various product management and service technician roles.

Reporting to PPDS Director of Technical Sales Support, Jan Van Tieghem, Carles’ new role as Solutions Manager LED for South EMEA will see him play an intrinsic role in developing and executing the company’s accelerated growth strategy and ambitions in Southern EMEA, with Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece among the territories he will cover.

Raisa Muraru

Terry Lin Carles Forne

L/R Dick van Baarlen and Julian van den Berg, celebrate the new deal

ENTER THE IMMERSIVE WORLD OF INFRASONICS

SMSG50, 50-inch Active Infrasonic Subwoofer

Beyond the audible range and the limits of traditional subwoofers, infrasonic frequencies add a new dimension to the experience of home cinema immersion. For years Ascendo Immersive Audio has been perfecting their delivery, overcoming huge technical and performance challenges to create a range of infrasonic subwoofers that generates pressure waves as low as 5Hz, reproducing the hidden frequencies and harmonics in your film and music content you don’t hear but feel all around you. In this way, Ascendo defines the difference between merely listening and being there!

Infrasonic models include THE 24 SUB (24-inch driver), THE 32 SUB (32-inch driver), THE 50 SUB (50-inch driver) and the THE 80 SUB (80-inch driver).

Further information: 01423 358846, info@karma-av.co.uk, www.karma-av.co.uk

GET SERIOUS ABOUT SOUND WITH DbM

DbM, the premium AV distributor, provides UK integrators with a range of loudspeaker brands, all displaying a real flair for seriously good sound. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, DbM is the partner you can trust to deliver the best loudspeaker for your needs.

The DbM loudspeaker product range includes solutions from; Ambisonic, Amina, Meridian and Waterfall Audio, catering to a broad spectrum of uses and situations. Here, DbM provides an update on the latest solutions from its four key speaker manufacturers.

AMBISONIC

THE LANDSCAPE RIBBON (LSR)

Ambisonics’ Landscape Ribbon LSR40, LSR60 and LSR80 loudspeakers pack a big audio punch from a compact size. Available either as an 8-Ohm solution, or with a high-quality, transparent 70V transformer on board, the LSR range can be free-standing or buried into the ground, and partnered with either a 10in or 12in subwoofer to best suit the application.

BOLLARD SERIES

All Ambisonic Bollard speakers feature the company’s high-performance round planar magnetic ribbon tweeter technology, and combines it with an integrated burial subwoofer to ensure superior high-frequency reproduction and clarity, with lower distortion at higher power levels. The targeted directivity and low dropoff of volume over distance give Ambisonic a serious advantage over rival speakers in the outdoor speaker market.

The ability to effectively zone areas in the garden and to reduce unwanted transmission of sound into the neighbouring spaces is a real game-changer in this field and, combined with exceptional fidelity, Ambisonic are really turning integrators’ heads.

The new Ambisonic Bollards are available in 6½in, 8in, and 10in versions, with integrated subwoofers of that diameter. These feature down-firing drivers in 4in, 5¼in, and 6in sizes respectively, topped-off with the Ambisonic ribbon tweeter to deliver 360° sound dispersion. The sub is ported from the same opening as the mid-range and tweeter for cohesive sound.

Bollard speaker sleeves are designed to withstand harsh outdoor elements, including moisture, heat and sunlight, while maintaining the aluminium’s attractive finish. The sleeve styles are available in three colours to complement their surroundings – Midnight Black, Stargazing Silver, and Champagne – All models are backed by a five-year warranty.

AMINA

SAPPHIRE SERIES

Amina focuses on crafting products that not only perform exceptionally, but also integrate harmoniously with any design aesthetic. The new range of invisible speakers, the Sapphire Series, embodies this commitment, representing a significant advancement in performance and versatility housed within a frame offering mechanical integrity.

The Sapphire Series features Amina’s latest innovation: the Symphony Cell composite panel. This new material, developed in-house, features a unique resin-impregnated cellulose pulp core that reproduces warm, natural tones while maintaining the clarity for which Amina’s products are known. Additionally, Amina’s new anti-warp composite skin ensures the panel surface remains stable during installation, plastering and operation, even in extreme conditions of heat and moisture.

The new Sapphire series features redesigned, more powerful exciters and upgraded electromagnetic components, enhancing overall performance. Both the panels and exciters benefit from advanced high-temperature-rated bonding techniques, significantly extending their application to challenging environments such as saunas, steam rooms and outdoor settings

MERIDIAN

ELLIPSE

Meridian’s first all-in-one, high-performance, streaming speaker, Ellipse, is a complete Meridian system in a compact form factor. It delivers the company’s renowned sound quality in any room and features twelve unique Meridian DSP technologies including the first implementation of ‘Meridian Bass & Space’ in a home audio product.

Ellipse represents a luxury lifestyle product that seamlessly combines aesthetics with performance. Its graceful curves and smooth, pebble-like finish ensure effortless integration into any decor, offering an engaging and tactile experience.

This product is easy to use – straight out of the box. With multiple control options, including the easy-to-use Meridian Control app and seamless integration with premium streaming apps, Ellipse fits perfectly in a wide variety of applications. Whether used stand-alone or integrated within automated smarthome projects, intuitive control is available via a range of interfaces. Designed and engineered specifically with the CI market in mind, Ellipse offers ease of installation, seamless control and IP integration with drivers for Control 4, Creston, Creston Home, Nice / Elan and RTI.

DSP9

The multi-award-winning Meridian DSP9 Digital Active Loudspeaker is a masterpiece of product design, audio engineering, technology and performance.

Advanced engineering was used to create the striking sculptured exterior lines and the sophisticated three-dimensional spaces within the cabinet to enhance performance. The elegantly curved exterior also minimises unwanted diffraction of the sound produced by the drive-units.

The DSP9 features all of the pioneering UK company’s latest engineering developments, including Atlas Software Core, Precision Sonic Transport, R1 Electronics Platform, Next Generation Drive-units and Force-balanced bass configuration, to deliver unrivalled power and performance.

With Meridian’s expertise in psychoacoustics and deep experience in Digital Signal Processing, the DSP9 boasts a suite of Meridian proprietary technologies, which are designed to ensure the loudspeaker delivers an exceptional listening experience in all environments.

DSP8000 XE

Meridian’s flagship loudspeaker, the DSP8000 XE, was the first Meridian loudspeaker to emerge from the company’s Extreme Engineering Programme, which was created to re-imagine every element of Meridian’s product platform, encompassing both software and hardware.

The cabinet design ensures performance is controlled and integrated across the entire frequency range. The active DSP design and unique audio architecture enable the DSP8000 XE to produce low-frequency output performance equivalent to a passive loudspeaker with a cabinet that is eight times the internal volume.

Meridian’s R1 electronics platform features a sophisticated command board, carrying the loudspeaker’s DSP as well as the circuitry controlling all the loudspeaker’s functionality. New Drive-units are implemented throughout to push performance levels to new heights.

Flexible connectivity and control are also significant features of the DSP8000 XE. Settings can be easily accessed via IR, USB,

RS232 or from other Meridian controller products, including the supplied Meridian B-link which adds Bluetooth connectivity.

WATERFALL AUDIO

NIAGARA XT SERIES

The Waterfall Audio Niagara XT Series of floorstanding loudspeakers deliver a richly detailed, natural-sounding, powerful audio experience. Contained within a unique, fullytransparent, platinum safety-glass enclosure, the Niagara XT Series comes alive in natural light, subtly reflecting and refracting sunlight throughout the day.

The speakers are equipped with JETSTREAM damping technology, developed in-house by Waterfall Audio to maximise performance and ensure the mechanical decoupling of the mid-bass driver from the glass structure. JETSTREAM allows for a deeper and faster bass with a smoother response in the mid and high range, optimised heat dissipation and superb control of the rear wave on the cone.

The top of the range Niagara XT3 is the ultimate choice for a clean, luxurious aesthetic with its unique glass horn tweeter design. Mechanically decoupled from the main speaker body, this tweeter reproduces medium-to-high frequencies in a fabulous, pure and expressive way. The Niagara XT1 and XT2 feature a stunning and unique signature wood horn tweeter. The XT1 and larger XT2 are each available in a Classic version with an oiled beechwood tweeter finish. An Exclusive option is offered with alternative wood finishes, such as walnut, to suit the particular interior tastes of the client.

PRO CUSTOM RANGE

The Waterfall Audio Pro Custom range offers a very high-performance cinema line up with an innovative installation process that literally creates the front baffle wall. Built to order, these speakers deliver breathtaking sound and are the answer for the most demanding movie enthusiasts. The dynamics and power available from Waterfall Audio’s own DSP amps are truly special.

For more information about DbM, visit distributedbym.com.

TOGETHER FOR CINEMA: A YEAR OF MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

As another remarkable year draws to a close, the impact of Together For Cinema (TFC) continues to resonate within the residential AV industry.

Established with the vision of bringing the magic of cinema to those who need it most, TFC has exceeded all expectations in 2024. This year marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of the Community Interest Company’s 50th cinema installation in children’s hospices and other deserving community spaces across the UK. Each project has been completed through a collaborative effort among industry professionals, manufacturers, and installers, all volunteering their time, expertise, and resources.

“Reaching our 50th installation is a testament to the generosity and unity of the AV industry,” says TFC founder Ian Morrish. “Every project we undertake is a collective effort and seeing the joy it brings to families reinforces why we do what we do.”

£1 MILLION CELEBRATION DINNER AT EPSOM RACECOURSE

May saw TFC celebrate a million pound’s worth of installations with the Million Pound Dinner at the historic Epsom Downs Racecourse. The event was a resounding success, bringing together nearly 300 guests from across the industry for an evening filled with joy, reflection, and generous giving.

Attendees were treated to heartfelt stories showcasing the profound impact TFC has made with its cinema room installations. The atmosphere was celebratory but respected the serious nature of TFC’s mission. “What was very clear, and humbling for me, was the industry’s continuing collective commitment,” Ian says.

A standout moment of the evening was the exceptional generosity of Alun Williams, owner of Future Automation. With overwhelming support from the guests, over £20,000 was raised in an auction, and Alun’s significant donation matched the auction revenue. This led to an incredible £45,000 being raised during the event. These funds will of course support future installations, bringing cinematic magic to even more deserving spaces, but will also allow the development of other projects that will benefit those in our community that are facing day to day challenges. The evening culminated in a rousing rendition of The One and Only with Chesney Hawkes, ‘ably’ supported his Chesneyettes, namely Mark Davis from GLO AV and Harry Hawkins from Flux London!

Mark Davis, GLO AV and Harry Hawkins, Flux London, sing along with Chesney Hawkes

“The night was more than a celebration of a financial milestone; it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together,” adds Ian. “The evening couldn’t have gone any better and I’m so grateful to all that attended and helped make it as successful as it was. The continued generosity and support of the industry propels us forward and strengthens our resolve to continue making a difference.”

ON TRACK FOR NINE INSTALLATIONS BY YEAR-END

Despite facing delays on one project and adding a refit, Together For Cinema is on track to complete nine cinema installations by the end of 2024. Highlights include completed projects at:

- East Anglia Children’s Hospices, Cambridge

- Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle

- Jak’s Den, Livingston

- Ronald McDonald House, Birmingham

- Robin House Children’s Hospice, Balloch

Upcoming installations at Once Upon A Smile in Manchester, Dorset Children’s Foundation in Boscombe, Ellenor Hospice in Gravesend, and Fresh Futures in Huddersfield are all expected to finish by year-end. TFC is deeply grateful to its installers for their dedication to making each project a beacon of joy and comfort for families in need.

LONDON TO BRIGHTON CYCLE RIDE: PEDALLING WITH PURPOSE

On September 15, 37 cyclists and one runner embarked on the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, collectively raising over £20,000 for TFC. Organised by Ian, the team comprised members of the residential AV industry united in supporting the cause.

Highlights of the event included:

- Chris Pinder running the entire 55-mile distance in nine hours.

- 12-year-old Freddie Wilkins cycling alongside his father, showcasing the spirit of family involvement.

- Strong industry sponsorships emphasising the importance of giving back.

Ian notes that the event underscored the industry’s commitment to making a positive impact on children and families in need, “The

cycle ride was not just a test of endurance but a demonstration of the collective spirit of our industry. It’s incredible to yet again see so many come together for a common goal.”

THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE SUPPORT

The success of TFC hinges on the support of the residential AV community. Manufacturers, distributors, installers and individuals have all played a part in this year’s achievements. As TFC gears up for the future, there is a continuous need for volunteers and partners.

Ian encourages those interested to get involved. “Every contribution, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there’s a place for you in this journey of making a difference.”

LOOKING AHEAD: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and profound impact for Together For Cinema. Through the dedication of the industry and an unwavering commitment to enhancing lives, TFC continues to transform spaces into sanctuaries.

“As we look forward to the coming years, our vision remains clear,” Ian concludes. “To harness the power of cinema and technology to touch hearts and create lasting memories for those who need it most. A huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed.”

For more information on how to support or participate in future projects, visit togetherforcinema.co.uk or contact Ian Morrish directly.

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

The Anthem MRX SLM redefines what an AV receiver can deliver in a compact form factor, offering installers a versatile solution for a range of AV installations. Our intrepid trade-focused reviewer, Richard Stevenson, turns the focus on this diminutive dynamo.

When rack space is at a premium, anything that takes up just 1U is a bonus. That is rarely a fully featured 5.1 AVR with a full suite of Dolby AV and DTS AV tech, and the very fine ARC Genesis room EQ system. Enter the Anthem MRX-SLM, with much of the tech from the brand’s larger MRX series AVRs only, well, SLiMer.

Those svelte dimensions offer several placement opportunities outside of the rack too. It’s neat looking enough to stand on a shelf location and slim enough to fit vertically behind a TV. I could easily see MRX-SLM acting as a stand-alone unit in lounges or man-caves, where the eARC HDMI connection can be the sole feed from a smart TV or something like an Apple TV 4K media player. Adding to that single solution appeal is Spotify Connect integration, AirPlay, Google Cast and Bluetooth.

Yet, with its own multi-zone capabilities, IP control and integration with Savant, Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, and ELAN out of the box, a small stack of MRX-SLMs could easily drive a multi-room AV set up from a rack too. Versatile!

Headline stats are 5x50Wpc or 2x90Wpc on the audio, and 4K video over its HDMI 2.0b (HDCP 2.3) connection, complete with Dolby Vision. Given the ‘robust’ pricing of some of Anthem’s MRX products, it even offers ridiculously good value.

In the box, the MRX-SLM comes with a vertical mounting plate, rubber feet for shelf placement, wireless antennas and basic remote control. The full-rack width facia is an optional extra, suggesting Anthem thinks the SLM is most likely to be freestyling it out of the rack. Being an ARC Genesis-enabled unit, it also comes supplied with a mic and, as ever, a slightly too-short USB-A to USB-mini cable.

The supplied remote control is super-basic and has no access to anything resembling a setting. I like it. For those itinerant fiddler customers who mess up your finely tuned

system as soon as you walk out of their house, this is perfect. Thankfully, the Anthem Remote app is clear, bright, informative and slick to use –and you can’t say that about many control apps!

Set-up and configuration are by IP or the ACR software running on a PC (or Mac etc.) using the ARC Genesis suite. That is free, very sophisticated and after some recent updates since I last used it, very pretty to look at. The app feels super-premium and compares favourably with other popular EQ systems that can cost, in full spec trim, nearly as much as the MRX-SLM.

Connectivity around the back of the unit is necessarily sparse due to the lack of real estate, and that comes with a major challenge for those with fat fingers and/or fat speaker cables. The five channels connect in a single plug-in Phoenix-style connector. That is 10 connections in a 50mm block with only room for copper up to 1.5sqmm and requiring the sort of screws that mean I have to wear two sets of reading glasses on top of each other.

Given the chunky Chord cables incumbent in our test system, this meant a not-so-speedy rewire with pink 16awg install speaker cable, and getting all 10 connections into that single block was something of a game. That was on a desktop; I would say trying to do that and keep cables neat behind a TV would require Olympic-standard cable management skills and the fingers of a pianist. Five separate stereo Phoenix connectors would have been a little easier than the single block, but I guess you will only have to do it once.

FAST START

Setup and advanced calibration are straight out of the ARC playbook and, as usual, seamless. Connected to wired ethernet, the MRX-SLM appeared immediately in the ARC software (and Anthem Remote app) and ARC gives you plenty of configuration scope from 5.1 to multi-room stereo. The single sub-out means only a single sub-EQ is possible from the MRX-SLM, but given the customer/installation target, we are probably talking single-sub or no-sub speaker systems anyway.

Measurement in my room from the sofa looked suitably familiar, with a painful suck-out at 90Hz and some lumpy base peaks on either side. ARC did its thing to create a far smoother pattern across the spectrum, and there are a host of other trims, curves and tweaks within the software for fine-tuning. Upload the data to MRX-SLM, and it’s all set.

User control is slick via the app, and I expect the remote will languish in the box. The front end of the app is a big, bold volume control and the ability to switch the ARC EQ on or off. Of course, you can dig into trims, bass, treble controls and switch inputs, but the app’s home page is perhaps the best on the market for beautifully functional simplicity.

Sound in 5.1 and ARC switched on (using Dali Phantom in-walls and B&W DB1D sub) is clear and sprightly, with exceptional dialogue clarity. No surprise, given its size, that it’s no home theatre powerhouse, but for the intended install scenarios, the MRX-SLM is right on the performance money. In stereo mode, the MRX SLM maintains clarity and precision, making it a great option for customers who also enjoy music listening as much as their surround sound.

Switching ARC EQ on/off is entirely room and system-dependent, but I preferred the slightly more aggressive and punchy sound of EQ off over ARC’s EQ smoothness.

In a market where performance often demands space, the Anthem MRX SLM stands out as a slimline AV receiver that doesn’t sacrifice quality for size. It’s a near-unique AVR that opens the possibility of clutter-free surround sound in a secondary room without the sonic compromises of a soundbar or a bigbox AVR upsetting the décor. While its small form factor and 1U height make for a neat rack, I can absolutely understand why Anthem doesn’t include the rack-ear fascia as standard: It’s just so well set up for a standalone system in a secondary or tertiary area - that the customer may not have even thought about until you suggest it.

For AV professionals, the Anthem MRXSLM is a compelling product that can add value to any installation project, either by keeping things very tight in the rack or opening the door for AV scope creep into other areas of the customer’s home.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR?

The more, the merrier. Are four subs better than one? With more AVRs sporting four discrete subwoofer outputs, can quad-sub performance outweigh the backache, cabling and visual carnage? Richard Stevenson dons the weightlifting belt to find out.

Four discrete subwoofer outputs are becoming the norm on high-end AVRs and processors, and flagship EQ systems from the likes of Audyssey and Dirac now offer individual measurement and EQ for each. Is this just manufacturer Top Trumps or are there genuine benefits in going for a x.4.x configuration?

Never afraid of ridiculous challenges, we called our good friends at REL and secured four S/812 subwoofers to find out.

Should audio guru Dr. Floyd Toole et al be relied on for audio wisdom, four individual LF-producing transducers spread around a rectangular room should prove sonically superior to a single unit. Cited benefits include more even bass distribution, minimising room nodes, greater dynamic range and placement flexibility. More to the point, is a four-sub configuration a solid value-add sale to those customers looking for the very best?

Physical space, accessible power socket, signal cabling and aesthetics are likely to present challenges to varying degrees. In my room, two subs at the front is easy, integrating two at the rear, less so. The main door is in the way of nearcorner placement and signal cabling across the room entrance would be a comedy trip hazard.

Thankfully, I had installed power sockets in the rear wall for just this eventuality and Rob Hunt at REL, knowing my room, brought along a pair of REL AirShip II wireless TX/RX systems.

The front layout hadn’t changed with two subs facing forward about a quarter way in from the side walls. The rears were facing forward, flush to the back wall, and about a third of the way in. You still wouldn’t want to rush into the room with a tray of wine glasses as the rear subs stick out into the walkthrough from the main door behind sofa.

Aside from assigning four individual subwoofers in the reference Marantz AV-10 pre-amp, the initial set-up was an old-school analogue. With EQ for the four LFE channels switched off, Rob balanced the levels and cutoffs to the main speaker system by ear. Much listening to known cinema soundtracks, Dolby Atmos music and even a bit of stereo in 2.4 was undertaken.

Latterly, the entire system was measured and equalised Audyssesy MultEQ-X and then Dirac Live Full bandwidth with Bass Control, reviewing the same content for each. That is a whole lotta faff - and all without a glass of wine.

ODDS OF 4:1

Of results predicted by audio gurus such as Floyd, I would say LF smoothness across the listening positions is the most obvious effect of stepping up to four subs. A quirky suck-out just in front of my sofa was all but gone, and you could shuffle around the seating positions with barely a change in bass balance. Most interestingly, Mrs S, who is adept at complaining that plates are falling off shelves in the kitchen two rooms away during big LFE effects, was strangely silent. With the same measured volume in the cinema room, there was significantly less bass escaping along the corridor and into the kitchen.

Interestingly the perceived LFE performance

difference between Bass EQ on and Bass EQ off, with either system tested, was notably less dramatic than with a single sub. Ironically, for the LFE channels alone, I would go with Rob’s baseline set-up without EQ as it felt slightly more edgy and punchier than the EQ’s version. Depending on the room, your audio mileage may vary.

One other notable sonic benefit, although I am at a technical loss to explain it, is that the four sub-systems sounded well-integrated into the whole sound mix at a far wider range of volumes than a single sub. I am forever ‘tweaking’ the gain on a single sub when the volume goes up or down, and the relative outputs of main

speakers and sub diverge when you move away from the measured EQ SPL (usually 85dB). With the four subwoofer system, the effect was very much smoothed out, even when flicking between music tracks with notoriously varied recording gain.

The two potential benefits that didn’t leap out of the test were greater dynamic range and placement flexibility. Having had some truly epic subwoofers do some amazing dynamic magic in my relatively small room, perhaps I simply don’t have the space to get any improvement in transient attack or scale from the quad set up. Of course, nudging up the LFE gain a little can have a similar effect, so in the spirit of thorough testing, the four RELs got pushed to night-club levels. It was a stupendous high-volume, highpower performance from the S/812 array, two of which (unspiked on carpet) moved several inches out of place.

As for placement flexibility, if placing four subs and dialling them into the room is more flexible than a single sub, the customer’s room must be the size of a village hall!

Of the potential sonic downsides, I encountered no obvious phase issues. The overall effect, with and without EQ, sounded smoother across more seats in the room and offered better integrated LFE across a far wider range of listening volumes than a single sub.

The cost and complexity of four subs are significant - adding circa £10k on the retail systems price as tested here. Yet, with more AV electronics and EQ systems offering four individually controllable LFE channels, the concept certainly has merit for well-heeled customers wanting the best in cinema sound.

MADVR ENVY CORE DEEP DIVE

Richard Litofsky, Co-founder & CEO of madVR, provides some insight into the reaction to the company’s latest launch, the madVR Envy Core, as well as the maker’s general impact on the high-quality AV sector.

“Frankly, it has been mayhem since we launched the Envy Core, like being caught in the middle of a stampede at a rock concert,” explains Richard, or Ric as some in the industry know him. He adds, “The reception has been even better than we could have hoped. We’re building enough product in the first batch to take us through the first three months — or so we thought — but that sold out in nearly three weeks. Clearly, there was pent-up demand for this version of the madVR concept. Some of this demand has come from the DIY market, but the demand from proinstallers has been fantastic as well. This has been an exciting build for us because, at the end of the day, we are AV fans and enthusiasts too. “I co-founded madVR Labs because the Envy is

the video processor that I have always wanted to have in my home cinema. Kicking back at the end of the day and enjoying some great content is why we do this!”

So, what was the concept behind introducing the Envy Core? “Up until now, the Envy Pro and Envy Extreme have brought high-performance video processing to the home cinema and AV worlds. We have had lots of success with this, but enthusiasts and integrators have been asking for a product that takes the ‘core’ abilities of the platform and delivers them in a compact and more affordable version — hence the name Envy Core. Integrators focusing on more modest home theatres and media rooms wanted a product that they could offer to their customers, while integrators focusing on highend theatres want to use the Envy Extreme in the main theatre, but also something smaller for other rooms around the house.”

Ric also points out a use case that might surprise a few, “We have seen a lot of interest in pairing the Envy Core with large-screen TVs. While some people may assume the Envy is destined to work mainly with projectors — and of course, they do this very well — increasingly, we are seeing them used with many large highperformance TVs and video walls.

“We often say that a display’s job is to paint the image on the screen, and our job is to prepare each and every pixel in the most optimal

way for the display to paint on the canvas. Ultimately, our job with the Envy products is to give installers and end users an easy path to the ultimate picture quality and immersion.”

IMAGE CONSCIOUS

So, what do we mean when we say a ‘better image’? What is the madVR product actually doing? Ric explains, “Since the Envy Core was created to deliver all our most popular abilities from the range, let’s concentrate on those. The Envy Core delivers our proprietary 4K HDR dynamic frame-by-frame tone mapping (check out one of our ‘with and without’ demos to see the impact here), and it really does unlock the real power of HDR, ensuring highly accurate colours and all the detail, both in the darkest and brightest areas of the image. Also provided is our instant aspect ratio handling — say goodbye to ‘lens memory’ and the inconvenience, slow operation, and potential focus drift issues that come with it.

“The Envy Core also includes intelligent subtitle management to solve the problem of subtitles appearing off the screen, delivers next-generation non-linear stretch both for scope and 16:9 screens, and powerful 4K upscaling to maximise all content, as well as specialised sharpening and detail enhancement. The unit also supports the largest 1D and 3D LUT calibration in the industry for reference-level results, which take picture quality to the next level.”

The award wining madVR team at this year’s CEDIA Expo

Ric is also keen to underline that all this power does not mean that the Envy Core, or indeed any of the products, are hard to set up or use. “Ease of use is very important to us. Our menus are designed to be very intuitive, and we continue to receive very positive comments from integrators on this aspect of the design. Power is, of course, nothing without control.”

A further key aspect of the Envy Core is the ability, like the other models, to allow integrators to remote connect into the system and check system health and performance with the customer’s prior permission. Ric emphasises, “This is a really popular feature with installers. Professionals can ensure that the customer is always getting optimal performance from every aspect of their viewing, with no truck rolls needed. And the end customer loves the convenience as well.”

Further enhancements to the Envy Core concept are available via the aftermarket Core Premium Package, available at the introductory price of just $995. Ric explains that this package is designed to deliver additional features and enhancements and doubles the warranty from two to four years from the original purchase date of the Envy Core. Basically, this option allows extra bells and whistles to be added to the unit. Ric also confirms that the Envy Core has started shipping in the USA and will start shipping to the UK in a few weeks.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Training is, of course, a big part of any company’s offering, and Ric explains, “We used to rely on online sessions for our new dealer training. We still do that in some cases, but it is now more of a guided install. This is thanks to our new Envy Academy Online, which is the company’s official dealer training. It contains over 50 bitesize online lessons that take integrators through every and any aspect of the madVR Envy. From the most basic to the advanced abilities of the system, it’s all in there, and it’s free and open to everyone, even end users. We are committed to training and education and want the market to understand how to best leverage the Envy for the ultimate cinematic experience at home.”

The company also has its ‘Certified for Envy’ programme. Industry professionals who complete the online Envy Academy Course and pass the exam are recognised as a ‘Certified for Envy – Product Specialist, Level 1’ and earn three CEDIA CEUs into the bargain.

Ric says, “Becoming certified really builds confidence. Not everyone passes the first time, but the exam is always a learning experience and helps those who embark on it to truly understand what the products are doing and how to get the very best from them.”

All of this performance and ease of access to the platform has resulted in many awards for the company. Most recently, the Envy Core won the 2024 CEDIA Best in Show award from AVS Forum and Projector Central, and the Best Products of 2024 award from CE Pro ProjectorCentral also gave the Envy Core its Editor’s Choice Award, calling it an ‘excellent unit offering great value’. The Envy Extreme MK2 won the 2024 Top Technology Award from CE Pro at ISE 2024, the AVS Forum ‘Top Choice of 2024’ Award, and was named TechRadar’s Best Indulgent Home Theater Gear of 2024. It also won five awards at CEDIA 2023, including the AVS Forum Best in Show Award for the main demo room experience.

Ric highlights another piece of recognition the company is proud of, “We are thrilled to be

included in the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in America. Inc. is a well-respected American business magazine that provides information and advice for business owners and CEOs, and each year the publication produces its Inc. 5000 list. “We were included on the list for the first time, and we firmly believe that it is our rapid rate of innovation that has allowed us to grow so fast.”

Ric enthuses, “To put this in a nutshell, the Envy Core and the rest of the range deliver the ultimate picture quality and immersion for customers, while greatly simplifying the use and operation of the system, and eliminating many headaches that integrators have to deal with otherwise. It creates a point of difference for systems that do and don’t have this ability, giving integrators an edge over the competition who are not forward-thinking. It greatly simplifies the process, enabling you to do your job better, but also with more ease. A genuine win-win for everyone.”

For more information on the madVR Envy Core and the rest of the range get in touch with your Invision/Pulse Cinemas representative or come and see the platform in action at our demo facilities. We know you will be impressed and want to include madVR benefits in all of your projects.

Pulse Cinemas Invision UK pulsecinemas.com invisionuk.com

Richard Liftosky, CEO and co-founder, madVR, speaking at CEDIA Expo

R/L: Richard Liftosky, CEO and co-founder, madVR, Michael Roberts, Invision UK, Mike Beatty, Pulse Cinemas, Joey Peacock - madVR Labs

COMPLETE YOUR CINEMA DESIGN VISION

Boost your cinema design options in any space and maximise performance with a uniquely powerful union of Display Technologies screen/projector installation solutions and C-ATS room treatments, now available from CUK, says MD Stuart Thomson.

Today the challenge to achieve an immersive balance of performance and aesthetics for a multiplicity of cinema design projects has become a lot more complex and sophisticated. In an era of rising channel counts and AV resolutions, SPL EQ, acoustics and RP22, designers need innovation to help them get the most from any space. Which is why we’re delighted to be strengthening our home cinema service repertoire with two new brands designed to do just that.

Operating as synergistic companies under the umbrella of SRND Group, an established supplier of AV hardware and design support for luxury residential and commercial projects, Display Technologies screen and projector installation solutions and C-ATS room treatments will together provide our customers with the means to maximise the performance of their projection and audio choices in the widest range of custom design challenges, making the end goal of ‘immersion’ much easier to achieve in rooms of any shape and size.

DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES

Display Technologies Ltd (DT) specialises in advanced projection and display solutions, and should be on the radar of every serious integrator.

It’s focussed on delivering tailored installation services that combine high technical performance and aesthetic design with a range that includes acoustically transparent (AT) projection screens for residential and commercial use, innovative projector mounts and mirrors, custom port hole solutions for discreet projector installations and effective airflow systems designed to cool audio/ video components.

DT delivers some of the best performing AT screens in a wide range of sizes and a choice of surface technologies (including ALR) which can be fitted to any frame, making it easy for a designer to get the exact solution they need. What’s more, its automated masking is the most precise available. DT also specialises in larger projector integrations through a range of mounts which supports easier and more accurate installation, even in the most challenging environments, and its Hush Boxes, Port Holes and cooling innovations ensure luxury levels of discreet, high-performance, lownoise system design.

SMARTER MASKING

Available in sizes up to 1170cm, DT’s 4-way, 2-way and top/bottom motorised masking screens employ the proprietary Mask Position

Logic (MPL) system. It enables the screen to calculate the exact mask location for any requested aspect ratio in the supported range (variable width 1.33 to 2.40:1; variable height 1.78 to 2.40:1). With MPL, setting mask presets is no longer required. In support, DT’s proprietary ‘Whispertec’ motor system is super quiet, running at a class-leading 30dB. Complementing the motorised products are two fixed screen models with simple throughframe screw fixings and front image surface fitting for easy installation: ‘Contempo’, with a micro-bezel surround, and ‘Frontier’, with a velvet surround.

VERSATILE PROJECTOR MOUNTS FOR SPACE CRITICAL APPLICATIONS

There’s as much creativity at the projector end. Alongside the DT Ceiling Mount, which is an adjustable, two-part mounting bracket designed for easy, low-profile installation, Display Technologies offers Vertical Projector Mounts in two sizes featuring high-performance optical mirrors (with 97% reflectivity), a universal projector interface, and flexible configuration to handle all installation scenarios where reduced install depth is a necessity.

Stepping up the aesthetic appeal for in-ceiling installation, DT’s Motorised Mirror Drop mounts incorporate a dual high-performance optical mirror system, which activates when the projector is operational. Only the mirror system, not the projector itself, is visible in use.

And where space efficiency is ultra critical, the DT Side Mirror is a projector mirror mount in two sizes for scenarios which demand that the projector lens be aligned parallel to the screen.

SILENT RUNNING AND COOLING

Meanwhile, a range of Hush Box projector enclosures in four sizes delivers effective noise dampening and offers a simple interface with the DT ‘Mistral’ air movement system, comprising the Mistral Commander 2-zone, PID controller and a choice of three in-line fan modules. Mistral cooling is also an advantage when mounting the projector in-wall through DT’s double and single-glazed Port Hole models, each featuring a magnetic faceplate and RAL colour finish options.

C-ATS ROOM TREATMENTS

Complete Acoustic Treatment System (C-ATS) specialises in compact, high performance acoustic treatment design services, control panels and accessories for residential and commercial room acoustic applications. It follows a custom approach for each project, which unites expert knowledge with highquality acoustic materials to create aesthetically pleasing, optimal sound environments using a unique “3-Rs of Acoustics” design methodology. Having an impressively shallow depth of just 50mm, specialised Reflection, Reverberation and Resonance control panels combine according to a custom plan for each cinema to create a comprehensive, repeatable, easy-to-install solution that offers maximum performance across all frequencies for a minimal loss of valuable interior space. With its minimal depth for space-efficient installation (and storage), and reasonable margin, C-ATS is custom made for resi integrators!

ALL THE DESIGN TOOLS IN ONE PLACE

In a unique offering to our customers, Display Technologies and C-ATS room treatments will deliver the custom tools needed to meet every design challenge, expanding your options for projection and maximising system performance. In other words, they will help you to complete your design vision for cinema projects large or small, conventional or otherwise. DT and C-ATS join JBL Synthesis, SIM2, Focal, Powersoft and Pavone seating lines at our new Ascot showroom and training centre.

To explore capabilities and talk to us about help with system design and specification, please contact: +44 (0) 141 440 5333, enquiries@cuk-group.com cuk-group.com

In-line fan modules in three sizes for effective, scalable system cooling

Hush Box projector enclosures in four sizes integrate with DT’s ‘Mistral’ cooling system to deliver discreet super-quiet design outcomes

With a space-saving 50mm depth, C-ATS Reflection, Reverberation and Resonance control panels combine in a custom plan for each project

DT’s 4-way, 2-way and top/bottom motorised masking AT screens employ Mask Position Logic (MPL) to calculate the exact mask location for any requested aspect ratio

GALLERY OF DELIGHTS

KEF recently opened its flagship showroom in the heart of the nation’s capital. EI presents a tour around this landmark platform for the brand and the AV sector.

Carried out by Nucleus, this project presented a serious challenge in terms of its scale and complexity. Nucleus was founded nine years ago by Durgesh Sinh. The company grew from an IT consultancy that Durgesh was a partner in and organically got involved with the CI market. Based in Borehamwood and servicing the surrounding areas and London, the company also on occasion takes on national and international projects. The team is made up of 10 experienced professionals able to take on any project the CI world can throw at them.

Durgesh explains, “Nucleus were introduced to key members of the KEF Team, who had acquired three floors of the central London property. The first floor had been converted into KEF’s London o ce, where the ground floor and basement were earmarked to build a showroom and experience space.

“The plan was to create a showroom, but instead of simply building rooms of kit on demo, we wanted to create a cohesive space that was fully integrated and installed in the same manner as it would be in a high end residential custom install, while still operating as a commercial space, and have the flexibility to be utilised as event space for KEF and collaborative brands. Like all projects, there

were construction issues and design decisions that lead to changes over the course of the project, from layout changes, to rack locations and everything in between.”

The space is divided into several distinct areas, each serving a di erent purpose.

MAIN GALLERY AND EVENT SPACE

The Main Gallery and Event Space serves as the primary welcoming area and multifunctional hub of ‘KMG London’. It showcases the KEF product line and doubles as an event space with a seating area for the Co ee Shop. Performance-wise, this space is equipped with a 10.8.8 Dolby Atmos system featuring KEF LS50 Meta, Ci200RR THX ceiling speakers, and KC92 subwoofers, driven by a Trinnov Altitude 32 processor and amplification. This setup delivers a versatile audio experience capable of high sound pressure levels for events, immersive Atmos playback and live performances, aligning with KEF’s high standards. The flexibility to reconfigure audio setups, along with multiple data, audio and video I/O points, enables a wide range of event and demonstration possibilities.

KEFé

The KEFé area is designed to function seamlessly with the overall audio experience while allowing for conversational ambiance. Equipped with four KEF ceiling speakers, this zone operates independently from the main system to maintain appropriate volume levels for a relaxing café environment. This strategic separation ensures that guests can enjoy music without the audio overshadowing conversation, enhancing the customer experience in this casual setting.

PODCAST STUDIO

The Podcast Studio is acoustically treated to create an optimal environment for recording and broadcasting. It features KEF LS50Wireless II bookshelf speakers and KEF Mu7 headphones for precise audio monitoring, with provisions for additional speakers if needed. Privacy and sound isolation are enhanced through automated acoustic curtains and a specialised door separating it from the Main Event Space. The studio also includes a Sony OLED display connected as an NVX endpoint, providing flexibility in video content management and broadcasting capabilities. Control is facilitated by a Crestron touch panel, ensuring ease of use and quick adjustments to suit various recording scenarios.

STAIRCASE

The Staircase, a transitional space between the ground floor and basement, is transformed into an immersive experience with a bespoke 10-channel Dolby Atmos setup using KEF Ci160RR-THX ceiling speakers. This installation goes beyond typical Atmos configurations, providing a unique auditory journey as visitors move through the space. The area is further enhanced by customisable lighting that adjusts colour and brightness, creating a captivating descent that ties together the thematic elements of the entire facility.

THE HUB

The Hub functions as a versatile training and meeting room, outfitted with a 77in Sony OLED display, Crestron Air Media for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) functionality, and various KEF ceiling speakers. These speakers can be compared side-by-side using a Crestron DM-NAX-8ZSA zone amplifier and an integrated AudioFlow speaker switch, allowing detailed performance evaluations. This room is designed to support multiple uses, from product training to corporate meetings, with robust video conferencing capabilities featuring a Huddly L1 camera and Polycom speakermicrophone devices, ensuring a professional and adaptable environment.

THE ATELIER

The Atelier is designed as a showcase for the various finishes available in KEF products, with background audio provided by two KEF ceiling speakers. It includes provisions for future data and AV outlets, ensuring the space can evolve

as needed. This adaptability is crucial for demonstrating the customisable aspects of KEF products, emphasising the brand’s commitment to both aesthetics and performance.

LIVING ROOM

The Living Room exemplifies a high-end media room that supports both Dolby Atmos and traditional two-channel Hi-Fi listening. It includes a setup with KEF in-wall and ceiling speakers, subwoofers and a Yamaha A8A AVR with AudioControl amplification. A custom Future Automation lift allows the display height to be adjusted, accommodating different speaker configurations. The room’s design emphasises flexibility, allowing quick swaps between speakers and amplifiers to demonstrate various setups. Control is streamlined via a Crestron touch panel and remote, catering to high-end audio enthusiasts and those seeking the ultimate listening experience.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE ROOM

The Ultimate Experience Room, or UER, is designed to deliver the pinnacle of both Hi-Fi audio and home cinema experiences. It operates in three modes: Reference Cinema, Ultimate two-channel listening, and a hybrid mode that integrates the two. The room features a 9.14.4 Dolby Atmos system with KEF Reference in-wall speakers, subwoofers, and a Trinnov Altitude 32 processor. Additionally, limited edition Muon floor-standing speakers are incorporated for the Hi-Fi modes, offering a distinct auditory experience. The advanced

integration of Trinnov Waveforming ensures optimal low-frequency control, making the UER a showcase of KEF’s highest capabilities in both performance and versatility.

THE CHALLENGE

Durgesh explains, “One of the primary challenges was designing a space that could seamlessly transition between its various functions: showroom, podcast studio, event space, training hub and coffee shop—without compromising performance. This required meticulous planning of the layout and AV infrastructure to ensure each zone could operate independently yet harmoniously when needed. Balancing acoustics for diverse uses, from quiet listening areas to high-energy live performances, was a complex task that necessitated advanced acoustic treatments and dynamic audio calibration.

“The need to future-proof the installation while maintaining high performance presented significant technical hurdles. The project demanded a scalable infrastructure that could accommodate foreseeable changes in technology and usage. This involved installing flexible data, audio and video connections throughout the facility, ensuring that new components could be integrated with minimal disruption. Achieving this level of adaptability required careful selection of versatile and robust control systems, like Crestron, that could handle the complexity of the multifunctional environment.”

Getting the acoustics and performance to the right standard was also no mean task.

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Durgesh reveals, “Each area of the facility had unique acoustic requirements, from the highly dampened podcast studio to the immersive Dolby Atmos setup in the Main Event Space and Staircase. Ensuring optimal sound quality across these varied environments required advanced acoustic modelling and precise speaker placement. For example, the stairwell’s unconventional Atmos layout needed custom content to fully exploit its potential, which was a challenge to implement within the standard Atmos specifications.”

Control also had to be spot on, as Durgesh comments, “A major challenge was integrating the various control systems into a unified, user-friendly interface. The facility’s diverse needs—ranging from lighting control with brightness and colour temperature adjustments to managing multiple audio zones and video endpoints—demanded a sophisticated and customisable control solution. Developing a seamless interface for Crestron that could manage DALI Type 8 lighting fixtures through a custom protocol bridge was a notable technical feat, ensuring that the complex lighting requirements were met without sacrificing usability.”

Great aesthetics across the space was also paramount. “Incorporating advanced technical features while maintaining a high level of finish aligned with brand values was another challenge,” says Durgesh. “This included hiding extensive cabling and AV hardware within the industrial luxury design theme of the ground floor and the contemporary high-end residential style of the basement. Custom solutions, such as bespoke bookshelf brackets for the speakers and discrete I/O points for AV connections, were essential to achieving the desired aesthetic without compromising on performance.”

The project included many diverse requirements including a podcast studio

Establishing a robust, segmented network that could support high-bandwidth applications, secure guest access, and reliable data capture for marketing analytics was also critical. Integrating this with the building’s HVAC, security and alarm systems into a single overarching control platform posed technical challenges, particularly in ensuring that the network remained secure and stable under varying loads and use cases.

High-end audio is also a feature of the space and implementing the systems, such as the Trinnov Altitude 32 for Dolby Atmos and the complex multi-channel setups, required precise calibration and tuning to achieve the desired sound quality. The project demanded careful coordination between different audio processing and amplification components to ensure that the immersive audio experiences met the high expectations set by KEF and its brand standards.

Lastly, the team needed to deliver a system that was not only high-performing but also easy to maintain and service. The solution required

careful selection of hardware and software components that were reliable and supported remote diagnostics and updates, reducing potential downtime and ensuring consistent performance across all areas.

By addressing these challenges with innovative solutions and meticulous planning, the project successfully delivered a multifunctional space that meets the high standards of performance, adaptability and aesthetics required by KEF and its target audience.

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

Taking on a project like this also meant getting the very best out of all the products and systems installed, so the cinema was professionally calibrated and tuned to achieve optimal performance. The audio calibration was conducted by David Meyerowitz , Technical Sales Manager International at Trinnov and the video calibration was handled by Ricky Jennings, Director and Owner at Kalibrate, both well-known experts in their respective fields.

Durgesh explains, “David from Trinnov meticulously calibrated the Dolby Atmos system, optimising levels and EQ to ensure that sound is accurately reproduced across the entire listening area. This process helps to neutralise the effects of room acoustics, resulting in a balanced and immersive sound field that aligns with KEF’s high standards. The calibration also fine-tunes integration among different audio modes, such as incorporating Hi-Fi two-channel (Muons) and reference cinema speakers, ensuring seamless transitions and cohesive performance.”

Trinnov’s WaveForming technology was employed to manage low frequencies using the 14 subwoofers in the Ultimate Experience Room. This technique ensures consistent bass response throughout the room, eliminating common issues like uneven or excessive bass, thus providing a smoother and more engaging listening experience.

Durgesh adds, “Ricky from Kalibrate focused on the video aspects of the cinema, using precision calibration to adjust the Envy madVR, including colour accuracy, contrast, brightness and sharpness. This ensures that the visual elements match the high fidelity of the audio, delivering a truly immersive cinematic experience. Ricky’s expertise guarantees that the projector’s output aligns perfectly with the room’s screen size and lighting conditions, enhancing image clarity and detail.”

Durgesh adds, “The combined efforts of David and Ricky ensured that both audio and video elements work harmoniously, providing a synchronised AV experience that maximixes the potential of the KEF products and associated hardware. This holistic approach ensures that whether it’s a quiet dialogue scene or an actionpacked sequence, both sound and visuals are presented with unmatched clarity and impact.

“The calibrations were tailored to the unique acoustic and visual requirements of each space within the project, from the Main Event Space to the Ultimate Experience Room. This customisation allows the facility to support a wide range of functions—from live performances and cinema screenings to professional podcast recordings—without compromising on performance quality.”

So, is it possible to pick a favourite aspect of an install like this?

Durgesh replies, “One of the standout aspects of the completed project is the Ultimate Experience Room. This space perfectly encapsulates the project’s ethos of pushing boundaries and delivering the highest levels of audio and visual performance. The room’s ability to switch seamlessly between a reference cinema, an ultimate two-channel Hi-Fi setup, and a hybrid mode that blends the two, offers a truly unique and personalised experience that showcases the versatility and potential of KEF products.

ADDING VALUE EVERYWHERE

Almost two decades of success in commercial and residential AV gives us the versatility to support your projects in residential, marine, retail, hospitality and beyond, in spaces large or small, no matter how complex the challenges.

A proven track record of brand and technology introduction ensures that the solutions provided are uniquely featured and backed by industry leading system and technical support.

In these ways we help our partners to stand out, flourish and grow.

More than the sum of the brands we proudly represent, CUK supports our partners with complementary services including system specification and design, RP22 design support, acoustic modelling, commissioning support, and training.

DESIGN & CONSULTING

With our experience of smart home integrations and BMS, we can bridge the gap between the AV and HVAC worlds, designing systems that take full account of how the client wants to use them. We offer a range of services from consulting to complete system design.

MONITORING & DIAGNOSTICS

All our solutions include advanced cloud-based monitoring for analysing system performance and fault reporting. Turn a reactive response into a proactive call to inform clients that their problem has been resolved, even before they knew they had one.

Multi-platform smart home integration tailors the experience to the client - whether that is elegant in-room controls, or virtually invisible sensors with App-based controls. All backed up with sophisticated installer tools.

The intricate calibration work by David from Trinnov and Ricky from Kalibrate elevates this room beyond a typical demo space— transforming it into an immersive environment that genuinely captivates and inspires.

“The integration of Trinnov’s waveforming technology for precise low-frequency control, along with the impeccable video calibration, ensures that every detail of sound and vision is presented at its absolute best. What makes this room particularly special is its ability to

provide a ‘wow’ factor for every visitor, whether they are seasoned audiophiles or newcomers to high-end AV systems. The Ultimate Experience Room is not just about showcasing technology; it’s about creating memorable experiences that connect emotionally with the audience.

“Ultimately, the ability to offer a flexible, top-tier audio-visual experience that can adapt to various needs while consistently delivering outstanding performance makes this space my favourite part of the project. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved and serves as a true representation of what high-end AV can achieve.”

The final word goes to client, Sarah Yule, General Manager KEF Music Gallery, London,

Essential Kit List

Cinema Room (Ultimate Experience)

• KEF Ci5160REF Meta THX x 3

• KEF Ci3160REF Meta THX x 6

• KEF Ci250RRM THX x 4

• KEF KC92 x 14

• Trinnov Altitude 32

• Trinnov AMPLITUDE 16

• Sony VPL-XW7000/B Projector

• Future Automation PD3.5-740Projector Lift

• MadVR Envy Extreme MK2

• Stewart Stealth Roll Down Acoustic Transparent Screen with Side Masking Anamorphic (16:9 native) 1

“This was a very unique and complex brief. A space that has many purposes and is at the forefront of technological possibility. Nucleus handled this complex task with pragmatic confidence and patience, delivering a worldclass solution that is future proof and worthy of the excitement everyone involved genuinely feels. Their work has been prompt, detailed, honest, and of the highest quality. Every detail has been carefully planned to be on brief and in-fitting with interior design. They have brought true expertise and excellent solutions.”

Nucleus nucleusav.com

Cinema Room Music Mode

• KEF Muons freestanding x 2

• Soulution 511 mono x 2

• Preamp Burmester 088

• Streamer - Lumin P1

• Turntable - Thorens TD124DD/ Cartridge/Amp

• NAS Drive with Roon

• Sources

• Apple TV 4K x 2

• Sony BluRay UBPX800

• Nvidia Sheild Pro

• K-Scape - Strato Player and Server 22TB

• Brightsign Atmos Player

MY FIRST ISE EXPERIENCE: WHY CEDIA EDUCATION MATTERS

Tom Mason, Business Development Manager at Jooced Bespoke Luxury Technology, underlines the importance of Integrated Systems Europe.

When I joined Jooced Bespoke Luxury Technology a little over a year ago, I came from a completely different industry in manufacturing and engineering, so moving into AV was a big change for me. My role at Jooced is in Business Development, and whilst I’m a tech enthusiast, I had a lot to learn. Thankfully, Jooced is a CEDIA member, and I wasted no time in reaching out to see what they could offer to help me get up to speed.

That’s how I ended up at ISE for the first time in 2024. I had only been with Jooced for about six months at the time, so everything was still very new to me, but what an experience it was. While I was used to B2B trade events, ISE was something else entirely - it was more dynamic, more expansive, and so much more than I had expected.

I was excited to see all the latest technology, of course, but what really stood out to me was the education. I quickly realised that ISE isn’t just about checking out the newest products; it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference was fantastic, and I found the education sessions to be a great way to step away from the busy show floor and focus on building my skills.

There are so many courses available, and I was surprised by how relevant they were to someone like me, coming from a completely different background. Whether you’re interested in financials, technical training, or something else entirely, there’s something for everyone. For me, education is key, especially in an industry as fast-moving as ours.

Looking ahead to ISE 2025, I already have a wish list of courses that I want to attend. I’m still relatively new to the industry, but after attending the 2024 show, I’m even more excited about what’s to come.

For anyone considering attending ISE, my advice is simple: make time for CEDIA education. Yes, it’s amazing to see the latest tech and trends, but it’s equally important to invest in your own development. ISE gives you the chance to do both, and that’s what makes it such a unique and valuable experience.

JOIN CEDIA AT ISE 2025

Taking place February 4 – 7, 2025 at the Fira Barcelona, Gran Vía, CEDIA will be supporting its key pillars of advocacy, connection, and education with a wealth of activity at ISE. The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference will once again return, with nearly 60 hours of sessions, panels and hands-on courses. A special highlight this year features the return of the full-day Design Thinking workshop, one of CEDIA’s most popular offerings.

Additionally, the CEDIA Smart Home Technology Stage will host free-to-attend events every day throughout the show. With dozens of free talks, the CEDIA Annual Meeting, and ISE’s Stand Design Awards, the Smart Home Technology Stage will offer an abundance of valuable information, engaging discussions, and learning and networking opportunities. For more information, visit cedia.org/smarthome-professionals/connection/integratedsystems-europe/.

‘TIS THE SEASON… OR IS IT?

Jason Knott, EI’s resident number cruncher, ex CE Pro Editor and Data Solutions Architect Evangelist at D-Tools, examines the challenges of the end of year season.

The upcoming holiday season is generally busy as integrators aim to complete projects, but January can be a great opportunity for a ‘Do It For Me’ offering.

The final few months of the year often find integration companies busier than ever as they aim to complete ongoing projects so their clients can enjoy the technology during the holidays. No one wants a technician trudging around their hallways when family and friends are usually visiting. But are November and December really busier than the rest of the year? Not really.

According to data drawn from 116,062 proposals and 47,0645 signed contracts created in D-Tools Cloud in 2023, there is very little seasonality to the smart home industry. In terms of proposals, integrators will on average produce between 13 and 14 proposals per month. In terms of installations, integrators sign between six and seven contracts per month on average. For the most part, business is steady throughout the entire year; however, there are some curious minor fluctuations.

Looking more closely at proposals, there are a few months that are slightly higher than others, with May being the peak month with an average of about 15 proposals being generated per integration company. April is the second highest month when clients are asking for

quotes. Surprisingly, January is the third most popular month for proposals.

Those spring months being the busiest make sense; namely because the weather is warming up and it would be the logical time for customers who desire to have outdoor technology installed in their gardens to seek out an integration company. The growth in the outdoor market over the past decade has been substantial. Outdoor audio solutions that can encircle the garden with music are great for entertaining or just relaxing. Outdoor display technology—both televisions and projectors–extend the cinema experience from inside to the patio, deck or poolside. Motorised solutions that control shades/awnings, bug screens and projection screens are becoming more common. Outdoor wireless access points are becoming a necessity for the connected lifestyle. Landscape lighting used to be the realm of the landscaper or DIY homeowner, but integrators now have expertise in lighting design to illuminate plants, sculptures, fountains, walls, and walkways to make the yard visually appealing at night. Lastly, for those UK integrators who are doing security, outdoor video surveillance cameras are no longer shunned but embraced by many clients.

Looking at installations, the busiest month is once again May as well as March and January,

with nearly eight projects per month. January again… really? It is the depth of winter, so the weather is generally bad. In the UK, taxes are due on January 31 so people typically don’t want to spend money with a pending tax bill, and most consumers are paying off their holiday bills. Why is January busy for both proposals and installations?

The answer may lie in the project size. When we look at the average installation value month by month, January stands out for having the lowest average price point by far. The average installation revenue in January 2024 was £12,245. That is well below the £13,983 monthly project size average for the rest of the year… 12% lower to be precise.

The logical conclusion is that January is when consumers are looking to have their smart home technology gifts installed. Technology has become a trendy gift, with purchases of big screen TVs, video doorbells, surveillance cameras and smart thermostats under the Christmas tree. But most consumers quickly realise they do not have the ability to install those devices, and they seek out professionals to install and connect them.

The conclusion is that January is a good month for integrators to promote ‘Do It For Me’ month to their potential clients.

Complete your cinema design vision

4-way, 2-way side and top/bottom motorised masking screens use Mask Position Logic (MPL) to calculate exact mask location for given aspect ratio

Vertical on-wall projector mounts featuring high-performance optical mirrors (with 97% reflectivity) for reduced install depth applications; sidemirror models for mounting parallel to screen; motorised mirror drop mounts for in-ceiling installation

Hush box projector enclosures in four sizes integrate with ‘Mistral’ air movement system

For the smallest to the largest cinema spaces, Display Technologies offers you the ability to expand your hardware choices, maximising the performance of your projection system in any design scenario.

Its range includes proprietary masking projection screens, innovative projector mounts and mirrors for discreet installation, custom port hole solutions, ‘hush boxes’, and effective airflow systems.

To explore capabilities for your future projects and talk to us about help with system design and specification, please contact:

0141 440 5333 • enquiries@cuk-group.com • cuk-group.com

AV-OVER-IP: THE HOME ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTION FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE

Michael Short, Senior Director of Marketing Operations and Residential, Crestron, offers insight into the future of controlling and delivering signals.

The home network has never been more powerful. The last 25 years have been nothing short of remarkable, as we watched dial-up connectivity give way to the wide adoption of broadband connectivity — and with that came the potential for a multitude of connected systems to enhance our lives.

Not the least of these has been the dramatic advancements in the field of AV: The amount of content that’s available on any number of devices is astounding. We’re able to achieve something that’s been a company goal, especially in residential integration: The ability to provide ‘entertainment everywhere.’

Accomplishing that goal in as satisfying and reliable manner as possible — while keeping the solutions we’re creating as flexible, intuitive, and scalable as we can — has been helped immeasurably by the development of AV-over-IP solutions. We’ve been refining our line of DM NVX AV-over-IP products since their introduction in 2017, and there have been several ‘must-haves’ that we’ve baked into every device. We’re of the opinion that any AV-over-IP solution has to include the following features:

• The ability to deliver content to any screen, anywhere, at near-zero latencies — it’s got to act as a ‘real-time’ solution. While that’s very important for residential installs, the need for low latency becomes even more pronounced in certain government and commercial applications, from command centres to sportsbooks.

• The ability to unite video, audio, USB connectivity, and control on a single platform with brilliant imagery and immersive audio. AV-over-IP solutions should be able to handle any streaming source and deliver all of it on the same Cat cabling that underpins the rest of the network.

• Meeting security standards for demanding government or enterprise deployments — with the certifications to prove it, such as FIPS, JITC, and NIAP. If it’s secure enough for these applications, it’ll certainly be a secure part of the home network — something that’s important for clients who handle confidential info via their home office.

• Scalability that allows you to leverage an existing 1G network infrastructure with both hardware and software. Should your home network ever need to grow, you should be able to add as many endpoints as you choose to scale content deployment.

• ‘Future-ready’ design, with firmware upgrades and add-ons that keep you current with the best features and functionality, no matter what year you purchased your device.

The fundamental building blocks (in addition to cabling infrastructure, of course) of an AV-overIP system are reliable, flexible, high-performance encoders and decoders. Once those are in place, speakers, displays, streaming amps, and

more can be added to create a robust AV-overIP whole-home solution. By introducing edge devices into the mix — solutions that allow for the connectivity of everything from Bluetooth signals to turntables — you can create a system that delivers content anywhere in the home from any source.

There’s another key element here — from our perspective, anyway: Customers need an open ecosystem that enables them to leverage the best technologies on the market to create impactful and interesting spaces. When they’re limited to only one manufacturer or platform, clients can feel like their hands are tied.

We firmly believe that all of these elements have led us to the milestone we’ve just celebrated: Shipping one million DM NVX AVover-IP devices. With the introduction of our latest solution, the DM-NVX 384 (which features USB-C connectivity, multi-input switching, support for higher resolutions, and more), the team is looking forward to the next million. As technology continues to evolve, we will stay at the forefront of bringing the right protocols and integrations together on this platform. As resolutions get better, we will support them as well. DM NVX technology was designed for continual evolution and improvement, and we’ll continue to do that to deliver the flexibility and scalability customers expect.

REPLACE CHAOS WITH CONSISTENCY

Chris Pinder, Managing Director of HDANYWHERE, offers some insight into the evolution of seamless entertainment experiences.

Steve Jobs famously said, “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work backward to the technology.” This principle rings especially true in today’s smart home landscape.

For discerning homeowners ready to invest in smart technology, the goal is clear: to achieve an exceptional entertainment experience in every room. Professional-installed systems are designed to not just impress, but to enhance your everyday life, creating a home where every room seamlessly connects to a central entertainment hub. Imagine enjoying effortless access to your favourite content without the hassle of juggling remotes or dealing with messy

cables—just pure, uninterrupted enjoyment.

A ‘matrix’ is merely a tool, a means to an end for professional installers to deliver a better experience. Think of it like a central heating system—just as you wouldn’t want a separate heater in every room, why settle for individual boxes, streaming devices and tangled wires? A matrix can transform chaos into consistency.

Unfortunately, the industry has muddied the waters with terms like ‘matrix’ and ‘matrix switcher’. While they may sound impressive, they don’t resonate with the everyday consumer. Instead, wouldn’t it be more effective to refer to it as a central media hub or centralised entertainment system?

Remember, you’re not just selling equipment; you’re offering an elevated, luxury experience. A well-designed central media hub provides homeowners with:

• A Streamlined Experience: Bid farewell to tangled cables and multiple remotes. Everything is at your fingertips, effortlessly accessible.

• Clutter-Free Living: Enjoy an organised space, free from the distractions of various devices scattered throughout your home.

• Maximised Content Subscriptions: Optimise your streaming services with a single interface, eliminating the hassle of repeated logins.

• Minimal Faff: Simplify your life with straightforward, reliable access to your entertainment—no complicated setups needed.

By embracing clear, relatable language, we can make this technology approachable and highlight its true value. Professional installers have the tools and the skillset to revolutionise home entertainment experiences from a tangled web into a seamless delight. Forget the ‘matrix’ and let’s embrace the central media hub.

THE SMART PATH TO SMART HOME SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION

Taft Stricklin, Chief Sales Officer at Just Add Power, plugs into the answers.

In the world of smart homes, signal distribution systems are highly desired for creating an interconnected environment where devices communicate with each other seamlessly. From distributing high-definition video across multiple rooms to enabling low-latency gaming experiences, signal distribution plays a vital role in ensuring smooth functionality. As technology advances, these systems have adapted to accommodate the increasing complexity of modern home networks, transforming how signals are routed and displayed. This discussion explores the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in signal distribution for smart homes, focusing on how to achieve seamless connectivity.

One of the most significant advancements in recent years is the widespread adoption of AVover-IP technology. AV-over-IP enables audio and video signals to be transmitted over a home network rather than relying on traditional source to display cabling. There are many benefits; chief among them is increased flexibility and scalability. Homeowners can centralise their entertainment systems, distributing media across multiple rooms and displays without the need for complex wiring setups. It also allows for high definition 4K content to be sent over a network and become more accessible, enhancing the overall user experience by making it more streamlined and efficient.

Another essential element to today’s smart homes is the advances being made in the integration of smart TVs and audio systems. Features like the audio return channel (ARC) allow users to easily link their smart TV with external audio systems, simplifying the process of managing multiple devices in different rooms. With ARC, smart TVs function as both display and audio sources in multi-room distribution systems, delivering a seamless, high-quality experience for users who want synchronised audio and video throughout their home.

We can’t talk about signal distribution without talking about latency. Incredible improvements have been made to provide ultralow latency performance. This is particularly relevant for gaming, which is a central entertainment feature in many smart homes. With ultra low latency devices, gamers can finally enjoy the benefits of AV distribution and also attain the lag-free experience that is crucial for both casual and competitive gaming. They can enjoy high-speed, real-time performance regardless of the location of their gaming setup within the home.

While technological advancements have improved signal distribution, several challenges remain. One major challenge is network bandwidth management. With more devices connected to home networks than ever before — including smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and audio systems — homeowners must ensure that their network can

handle the increased load. AV-over-IP solutions, while highly flexible, place significant demands on network resources, and issues like lag, buffering, or reduced video quality can occur if bandwidth is not adequately managed. This is particularly problematic in homes with multiple users simultaneously streaming content or gaming in different rooms. Using a signal distribution system that operates over a Local Area Network (LAN) can significantly alleviate bandwidth issues. This approach effectively separates the AV distribution from the home’s internet bandwidth. As a result, homeowners can enjoy high-quality AV experiences even in environments where multiple devices are simultaneously active. This dedicated LAN setup ensures that streaming, gaming, and other AV applications can run smoothly without bandwidth concerns.

Compatibility issues also present challenges. Although 4K displays have become more common, many homes still have older 1080p devices in use. Ensuring that signal distribution systems can seamlessly accommodate both 1080p and 4K content is essential. While many systems offer this capability, it requires careful planning to avoid issues like downscaling or resolution mismatches, which can result in poorquality video or audio. Additionally, balancing the various formats and resolutions of media content across different rooms adds complexity to the setup process.

The stackable 16x16

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The Steinway & Sons Model S Soundbar redefines soundbar performance, delivering extraordinary clarity, outstanding musicality, and exceptionally powerful bass. Made from machined solid aluminum panels, available in immaculate high gloss black with gold details, and with signature strings at the sides, the Model S Soundbar is as beautiful as it is timeless, built to last for decades.

UPGRADE PATHS

Another ongoing challenge is the cost of upgrading existing infrastructure to fully support AV-over-IP and other advanced signal distribution technologies. Older systems designed for traditional wired setups may require significant upgrades, including new routers, network switches and cabling, to support the demands of a modern smart home. For homeowners looking to enhance their AV distribution capabilities, these upgrades can be costly and time-consuming.

Security concerns are increasingly important in smart homes where AV systems are connected to the broader home network. As more devices, including signal distribution systems, become internet-connected, the risk of hacking or unauthorised access grows. Ensuring that AV-over-IP systems are secure from cyberattacks is crucial to maintaining privacy and preventing potential breaches that could compromise not only the entertainment system but also other connected devices within the smart home. This is another instance where using a signal distribution system over a LAN is superior, as the AV devices are not connected to the internet and don’t provide an access point.

To ensure seamless signal distribution in smart homes, several best practices should be followed. A strong, reliable network is essential for AV-over-IP and other signal distribution systems to function properly. Installers should ensure that they deliver high-speed internet, robust routers, and managed network switches capable of handling the demands of multiple devices simultaneously. Investing in a high-capacity network infrastructure helps avoid issues like lag and ensures smooth transmission of high-definition content across the home. With multiple users and devices competing for bandwidth in a home, it is important to prioritise network traffic. Routers with advanced traffic management capabilities can prioritise video and audio streams, ensuring that bandwidth is allocated efficiently to prevent disruptions. This is particularly important for homes where streaming 4K video gaming, and video conferencing are common activities. For best results, choose a signal distribution system that operates on a Local Area Network that is completely separate from your internet network to eliminate security and bandwidth issues.

Another critical aspect is compatibility. Whether mixing 1080p and 4K displays or incorporating both wired and wireless devices, installers should select systems that allow for flexible integration. Products that support both older devices and the latest technology are ideal, as they enable future upgrades without requiring a complete system overhaul. AV systems should be designed with scalability in mind, allowing for the easy addition of new devices or formats as they become available. This approach not only extends their investment but also ensures that homeowners can adopt new advancements without significant reconfiguration or cost.

To address current and future cybersecurity concerns, firewalls, encryption, and regular software updates should be employed. Additionally, homeowners should be educated on best practices for securing their home networks, such as using strong passwords and avoiding default security settings. Of course, regular maintenance and updates are essential. Firmware updates can introduce new features, fix bugs and patch security vulnerabilities, ensuring that the system remains reliable and secure over time. Choose a signal distribution system that allows you to install the firmware updates as needed, avoiding products where the firmware is pushed out to your devices, as this can cause security and compatibility issues.

Matrixes and signal distribution systems are the backbone of seamless connectivity across today’s smart homes, whether for entertainment systems, gaming devices, or smart TVs. While AV-over-IP technology has significantly improved flexibility, scalability and performance challenges related to bandwidth management, device compatibility, and security must be carefully managed. This will require investments in high-quality network infrastructure, optimising bandwidth usage, ensuring device compatibility, and prioritising security. Installers that address these will be able to create a much smarter and much more exceptional AV system capable of delivering a seamless, high-quality experience throughout the homeowner’s smart home.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE SPEAKERS!

Matthew Kamp, Snap One Senior Director of Product Management, explores matching the right solutions to the specific desires of the client.

When designing a loudspeaker setup for home cinemas, multiroom audio, or outdoor music experiences, the primary goals are to create an immersive experience for end-users and to ensure clear, dynamic sound tailored to each environment. Each space has different acoustic demands and requires a thorough understanding of the customer’s wants along with a specific balance of sound quality, aesthetic design, and functional adaptability to optimise sound performance and meet the expectations of the customer. Understanding the customer’s desires is the first step to ensuring you meet their expectations.

The latest audio solutions have evolved far beyond the relatively simple two-speaker setups and leverage multiple speakers strategically placed to fill areas with sound. This updated approach has enhanced overall audio quality while allowing each speaker to operate at a lower volume. For example, in outdoor audio, more speakers allow for more even coverage so that the volume of one speaker has to be turned up loud to ‘reach’ a specific area. This, in turn, minimises noise pollution, stopping sound from spilling into bordering spaces, and designing a tailored audio experience that can be adjusted to the specific needs of every unique space.

Multiroom audio solutions are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility and convenience. These systems allow different audio zones throughout a home, with each room capable of playing different music or

synced playback throughout the entire house. The ability to incorporate video and audio with the introduction of AVoIP systems, such as Snap One’s Binary MoIP and Episode MoIP amplifiers, allows for cleaner rack installs, as well as more flexibility, and scalability.

For outdoor spaces, specifically, the environment introduces challenges such as weatherproofing and wider sound coverage, and the big focus continues to be on reliability and easier installability and servicing. Integrators need to keep an eye out for and select outdoor speakers that are durable, weather-resistant, and designed to project sound over larger, open areas.

The increased consumer demand for flexibility and customisation throughout all speaker applications has been the main driver of these changes. Consumers expect their audio systems to fit their ever-evolving lifestyles and manufacturers are meeting those

needs by creating speakers that can be easily repositioned, swapped, and scaled without too much rewiring or intrusive construction. Additionally, when faced with a tricky installation, such as a pipe in the wall, leveraging complete custom options can make addressing these situations much more streamlined.

In terms of aesthetics, the days when speakers were large, bulky, and only offered in a handful of colours are over. Today’s expansive colour and mounting options mean manufacturers can offer speakers that maintain a cohesive space while providing high-quality audio without becoming a distraction.

Finally, many speakers now integrate with lighting, increasing versatility and enhancing the ambiance of their environments. This is particularly important as compatibility elevates audio from simply being a functional element to being a crucial part of a design aesthetic.

THE ORIGIN OF SUCCESS

Jose Coelho, International Business Director at speaker specialist Origin Acoustics, offers some insight into leadership in the custom installation business and navigating the main challenges to achieve success.

Throughout my career my most popular presentations have often centred around the unique challenges of running a successful CI business. No matter where in the world I am, the same issues arise. Today’s economic landscape makes effective leadership essential, and as consumer demands evolve, leaders must not only adapt but also inspire their teams to embrace change and innovation.

After witnessing numerous companies in our industry struggle or even go out of business, I have developed a presentation to address these challenges. Its goal is to foster best business practices and add longevity. This article brings the essence of that presentation to a broader audience, aiming to support a healthier, more resilient industry.

UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES

Many integrators underestimate the demands of running a business. We love our tech, enjoy getting hands-on with the latest gadgets, and often enter this industry as enthusiasts. But enthusiasm isn’t enough to build a sustainable business. A significant portion of companies that survive do so in a perpetual state of financial distress, always on the lookout for the next project to stay afloat. Living in this state of ‘survival mode’ is exhausting and unsustainable.

LACK OF FINANCIAL PLANNING

Many CI companies worldwide do not track profitability on a per-project basis. Even when they do, site revisits and call-outs—which are often unbilled—are rarely accounted for. It’s

essential to remember that turnover alone isn’t everything; cash flow is king. Before taking on a job, ask yourself if your finances can truly support the project.

Staff training also poses a substantial cost. Most control systems have a steep learning curve and require ongoing commitment to training. Without a clear grasp of per-project profitability, it’s challenging to invest effectively in staff development and stay competitive.

Our industry is defined by rapid technological advancement. While this innovation drives opportunity, it also presents reliability challenges. Staying informed on technology trends is crucial—not only for strategy but for enhancing customer experience.

MAXIMISING EACH PROJECT

Knowing your customer is key to increasing profitability. Ask yourself: did you optimise each sale? Did you leave money on the table? Selling on emotion and truly listening to customer needs rather than focusing solely on wants can often reveal upsell opportunities.

BUILDING RECURRING MONTHLY REVENUE

Most integrators still lack Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR) frequently send technicians to site without charging. Reasons for this range from low confidence as a profession— no electrician would waive a call-out fee— to wanting to please ‘important clients’. Implementing maintenance contracts is essential. Beyond the added revenue, these contracts present valuable opportunities to reconnect with clients and generate additional sales. Your clients trust you with significant

control over their homes and businesses; they will often be open to paying a monthly fee for peace of mind and ongoing service.

AVOIDING THE HARVESTER EFFECT

Small companies are often preoccupied with securing new business, which is, of course, vital. However, they rarely look back to evaluate past projects—missing chances to improve, upsell, upgrade, or support existing customers. Don’t adopt a ‘harvester’ mentality; make that second pass to cultivate relationships and additional revenue with your established client base.

A HOBBYIST INDUSTRY

Owning a custom installation operation remains a lifestyle business for many. According to CE Pro, 11% of companies in this field are one-person shops, with another 19% employing only two to four people. The love of our work is commendable, but it often means that business acumen is lacking. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to professionals who can manage areas you cannot or should not be handling yourself. For instance, hiring a qualified accountant to oversee your finances allows you to focus on generating quotes and winning new business—far better than staying up late in January organising receipts!

DUE DILIGENCE WITH SUPPLIERS AND CLIENTS

Just as you assess whether a project is financially viable, choosing reliable suppliers is critical to your business’s stability. I often say, “When everything goes well, every company seems excellent. True quality shows only when things go wrong.” Ultimately, if a project fails due to supplier issues, your clients hold you accountable; they paid and trusted you to select and install the best solutions.

I’m passionate about the custom install industry. The dedication, innovation, and attention to detail within this community are truly inspiring. This is an industry we’ve built together, and we work daily to ensure its continued success. The points outlined above aim to foster a sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable industry for all. Let’s continue building a vibrant future for the custom install sector, one smart decision at a time.

MEASURING PROGRESS

Matt Holland from 2B Heard, distributor for the innovative line of K-Array speakers, takes a look under the hood of progress in the sector.

I’ll start, maybe controversially, by saying that loudspeaker technology hasn’t progressed beyond small, incremental improvements in the last 20 years. The last ‘new’ speaker technology being flat vibrational panels, patented by NXT, although, some would say that this was technically a prior art, just unrefined. It did lead to innovation, and the invisible speaker category, whilst still niche by market share, is now a widely accepted solution.

Similarly, array-type speakers (most commonly line arrays), have become more common because computing power now allows us to quickly and accurately predict and optimise performance. And that’s the key: our computers, tablets and phones, in combination with DSP, make it easy to design speakers and amplifiers, source components, simulate room acoustics and predict speech intelligibility in a space optimising sound quality.

It’s worth giving a nod to Floyd Toole, whose work on predicting listener preference based on measurements of speakers in rooms can guide us to designing better systems for customers. His book, Sound Reproduction, is highly recommended and his evidencebased conclusions are widely accepted by the audio engineering community. I have noticed somewhat of a renaissance of the objective approach to audio system design and product selection in the residential world. If you want to take this scientifically engineered approach, you’ll need to ignore marketing spiel and hype and hunt down products where reliable measurement data exists that align with your design goals. Very few residential marketfocussed manufacturers provide this data, but at least industry bodies are working to change this, by creating standards that brands can adhere to and giving system designers confidence in what they specify. I recommend following the progress of CEDIA/CTA RP1 Performance Facts and hopefully we’ll see the tide turn.

WHAT’S NEW?

Audio over IP (AoIP) is an obvious one. This is a technology fully adopted by the professional and commercial audio markets who primarily use the Dante protocol. We do see proprietary AoIP being used in residential systems, usually as part of the control system, but the slow adoption of an agnostic protocol like Dante or an open one like AES67, means many of us are missing out. Thankfully, I’ve seen more talk about AoIP over the last couple of years, and some residential AV processors now feature it - so you can forget analogue cable rack-porn for your next cinema system and send every audio channel, lossless,

over a single CAT cable! It’s a neater, quicker to implement and higher resolution solution. Acoustic simulation software is something I and others are using more in residential system design, and presenting heatmaps, for example, within a client proposal can be a great sales tool. As we’re dealing with many projects featuring large multi-use rooms, tricky acoustics, constraints on loudspeaker placement, outdoor areas, or that just require high SPL and lots of bass (!), the ability to verify predicted performance as part of a system proposal is a powerful thing. Again, you’ll need to select products for which technical data is published to make these performance predictions, as the software relies on it.

Sticking with software tools, most of us now take advantage of proprietary tools to optimise sound in home cinemas, and this is an area that continues to innovate - particularly bass management and minimising the effects of the room at low frequencies. It’s also great to see that more integrators are using audio measurement software tools like Room EQ Wizard (REW). Not only is this increasing individuals’ knowledge of sound performance parameters in our industry, it’s also helping to deliver better sounding systems - not just cinemas, but two-channel and multi-room as well. Don’t be afraid to take a laptop and microphone to commission a client’s system. They’ll think you are a true audio guru too, and might even pay you extra!

Bringing immersive audio into the home, beyond what a cinema offers, seems to be a growing trend - often borrowing technology used in pro-audio. ‘Spatialising’ audio content is possible in several ways, either by using an AV processor, or going bespoke and employing a specialist immersive audio company. As highperformance speakers are now available in small form factors, we can include them into

residential designs with minimal visual impact and deliver a fully immersive experience. And if you’re struggling with AV rack space, you can find amplifiers with as many as 32 channels in a 1RU chassis.

DSP technologies now enable us to steer sound precisely and achieve installation placement or audience coverage that would otherwise be impossible. This type of technology was first seen in line arrays having the ability to adjust their vertical coverage angle, but now we have multi-array speaker systems that can not only steer the sound in two axes, but create multiple, separate beams as narrow as a few degrees, or as wide as over 1,200. These products are commonly deployed in auditoria, or large atrium spaces, but there is no reason the residential market can’t adopt them. For example, in a highly reverberant room, we might want to keep all audio off the walls, ceiling and floor with a perfectly tailored dispersion pattern, or we might consider an outdoor audio system where sound must be kept within a certain area to avoid disturbing neighbouring properties.

What does the next 10 years look like technology-wise? Well, unsurprisingly, I think it will be a continuation of the slow evolution of what we already have. Consumers in the luxury space are prepared to spend big when they receive genuine innovation and value. That innovation can come from non-residential sectors, so don’t be afraid to look at what pro audio is doing. Consumers still see enormous value in getting huge performance from smaller and smaller speakers, so that’s an area I see continuing to grow. There are also green shoots appearing with respect to the merging of technologies: a prime example being combining light with sound in a single product. So, for loudspeakers, you could say, ‘the future is bright’!

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THE AGE OF OPTIMISATION

James Drummie, Product Manager at industry distributor AWE Europe, argues installers have never had it so good when it comes to specifying and installing a perfectly tailored loudspeaker solution for clients.

According to market research by FutureSource, the global professional loudspeaker market was worth $2,454.5 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to $3,374.4 million by 2032.

The research pinpoints some of the key factors that are driving this growth, including increased demand for professional audio speakers in commercial settings, innovations in wireless digital technology, better integration possibilities, and a thriving music production and recording industry.

It seems that loudspeaker installation has virtually no limits - with a huge choice of hardware solutions and the advancement of optimisation software, we’re in a golden age of professional audio.

ACHIEVING A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE

In today’s modern home, creating a cohesive audio experience can be a challenge. Gone are the days when a home had a single audio system centred around a stereo in the living room. Now, homes often feature a variety of entertainment spaces, each with its own distinct requirements—whether indoors, outdoors, or even in the car.

Installers face the complex task of ensuring that the audio from these various systems sounds coherent, regardless of the different environments and configurations. From internal spaces like media rooms and personal listening

areas to external zones such as patios or gardens, the goal is to maintain an integrated audio signature that feels consistent as you move throughout the home.

With high-end audiophile brands, this task becomes more manageable. For example, the Bowers & Wilkins range of loudspeakers and audio systems are designed to handle the diverse needs of today’s audio environments without sacrificing sound quality. Whether you’re installing a stereo system in a living room, a multichannel setup in a media room, or outdoor speakers for an al fresco experience, Bowers & Wilkins’ speakers are engineered to deliver a matching acoustic signature across all environments.

This consistency is what makes these highquality systems ideal for the varied spaces found in modern homes – and it’s also a key factor in making professional installation a standout choice for clients.

Multi-room audio streaming and processing software, such as HEOS, takes it a step further by joining the entire audio systems together, throughout the house. Connecting multi-zone amplifiers like the Marantz Model M1 and M4, or Denon and Marantz AVRs, installers can provide an effortless audio transition between spaces, while maintaining a uniform sound experience, even with vastly different practical needs. For example, different rooms in a house—living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms,

and outdoor areas— each have distinct audio needs, and the ability to tailor audio set-ups and ensures optimal sound quality in every space.

And - with another giant leap towards the age of audio optimisation - I must mention Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. DSP, as found in Denon AVR’s for example, allows precise calibration of sound in any space and helps to synchronise multiple speakers or zones, compensating for acoustical challenges like complex layouts, reflections, delays and a mix of materials that contribute to uneven coverage. By analysing a room’s acoustics, it can automatically adjust frequency response and equalisation to ensure audio remains crisp, clear, and evenly distributed.

HEARING IS BELIEVING!

Listen up – your client can’t hear what a loudspeaker sounds like from a spec sheet.

There’s really nothing like taking your client to experience the quality of the audio solutions available before they make a commitment to invest. Often – as we find here at AWE – this experience can lead to a client increasing their audio budget or even the scope of work.

Take your client for an audio demo – this could be a manufacturer showroom or a distributor demo space – let them hear for themselves and you might be surprised by how quickly a project goes from media room to multi-room.

SPEAKERS, SPACES, AND BEST PRACTICES FOR AUDIO

Phillip Pini, Director, Residential Sales UK, Crestron, examines how to get the best audio performance for your customers.

Loudspeaker technology always seems to be marketed with superlatives: ‘most brilliant soundstage,’ ‘unmatched dynamic range,’ ‘bass you can actually feel,’ and so on. There’s some truth in those claims, though — speaker manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Some examples:

• More and more manufacturers are really wringing great audio out of very small packages. From three-inch in-ceiling apertures (like Crestron’s outdoor-rated Ultimate IC3) to drivers not much bigger than a miniature chocolate bar, there are very small options with excellent frequency response out there.

• Audio-over-IP is bringing great flexibility and scalability to distributed audio systems. Now that network cabling can also serve as speaker wire, installations are becoming easier.

• PoE also provides expanded options for speaker placement (such as our Audioover-IP Saros Speaker, for example) and powered speakers, by definition, come with amplification that’s perfectly matched.

Most of those examples apply to whole-home audio solutions. But of course, there will always be demand for the ‘statement’ speaker; usually

part of an audiophile’s two-channel system, they can be big, sculptural pieces designed to impress with both look and sound. Interestingly, though, those speakers are often part of a listening room, a purpose-built space to optimise audio. The result? The space that a loudspeaker occupies, its placement, and all the other factors of the listening environment are literally an extension of the loudspeaker itself. They exist to make the system sound great.

If we were to take two identical speakers and place them in vastly different environments — say, one in a space full of plush couches and draperies, and the other in a glass-walled room with no upholstery — they would, obviously, sound vastly different.

So the challenge becomes: How do we make the speaker sound terrific, no matter its environment?

WHAT’S YOUR PREFERENCE?

In a recent Crestron Smarter Spaces podcast, Peter Aylett, partner at Officina Acustica and chair of CEDIA/CTA R10 and Workgroup 1, spoke about the work CEDIA has been doing that resulted in RP22, the association’s Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice. While the practice defines what performance variables should be expected at four different levels of audio systems, Peter does understand the subjectivity that can get

baked into buying a loudspeaker. “While there are definable metrics that can be applied to different speakers, when you get to the topof-the-line models, that’s really when personal preference comes in,” he says.

Peter uses a car analogy as an example: “You can find a Ferrari, McLaren, and AstonMartin model that all have similar acceleration and handling attributes, but ultimately, it comes down to the one you’d prefer to drive.”

But if we take Peter’s analogy a step further, the feel of that car can vary wildly from purposebuilt track to country road.

BEST PRACTICES

While RP22 aims to create the best possible immersive audio experience for home cinema and media room applications, it also applies to the rest of the home.

“If you think of a dining room, you think of a place to eat,” says Peter. “But dining rooms are also places to socialise. They’re places to have conversations; they’re places to sit around the table and be present with people. And if you follow a lot of the acoustic recommendations in RP22, you are going to design a space that’s acoustically very comfortable.”

“Modern architecture is so biased towards lots of concrete, lots of glass, lots of hard surfaces, and that’s often true in a dining room,” he says. “It is just a cacophony of sound. It’s terrible. The beauty of RP 22 is that although we’ve written it primarily for such things as multi-channel movie and Dolby Atmos music reproduction, everything in it is just good common-sense engineering for audio.” In short, it’s a guide to help the integrator get the best possible sound from a speaker in any application.

But it’s also a tool for helping the client understand how design decisions can impact their systems. “If a customer is insistent about having a glass wall in a media room, a dealer now has a document which they can point to and communicate the audio compromises that will be made if that feature is a must-have,” says Peter.

Yes, there’s a lot that an integrator can do to mitigate a poor environment — from diffusion solutions to DSP devices — but having concrete, black-and-white evidence regarding the impacts of that environment on loudspeaker performance is a welcome tool.

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MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER LOUDSPEAKER

Nick Fichte, Business Development Director, L-Acoustics Home & Yacht, looks at how, more than ever, we are embracing music in our lives, and explores the implications for professional home integrators and the spaces they create for their clients.

We’re listening to music more than ever before. Recorded music industry revenue more than doubled from $13.1 billion in 2014 to $28.6 billion in 2023, the 10th consecutive year of growth. In the UK alone, people spend an average of 20.7 hours each week listening to music, another figure that’s increasing yearon-year. Music is more accessible and popular than ever in the home, with subscriptions to music streaming services increasing, vinyl sales at their highest point since 1990 and even CD sales rising for the first time in two years in 2023, according to figures from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association1

This increased engagement with music isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle shift with profound implications for our well-being. Scientific research consistently shows that listening to music can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow, decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and raise serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood. Music is also proven to make us feel better by boosting the brain’s dopamine production.

This love of music is also good news for the continuing growth of our sector. CEDIA’s 2023 Professional Smart Home Market Analysis2 revealed an industry valued at £2.9 billion, with home cinema projects representing an estimated £314 million and flexible, multifunctional media rooms accounting for a healthy £234 million of this total value. The analysis pointed to anticipated growth of 36% in each category in 2024.

As our relationship with music evolves, so too does the technology that delivers it. The home audio landscape is no longer confined to traditional stereo systems or dedicated home cinemas. Today’s homeowners are seeking versatile, multi-functional spaces that can adapt to various needs and activities.

Modern homes are increasingly featuring flexible spaces that serve multiple purposes. We’re seeing clients ask for spaces that can act as an entertainment hub, going from casual music listening to immersive movie nights or dynamic party spaces with DJ decks or karaoke. Spaces that can serve as a wellness sanctuary for yoga, meditation or fitness are in demand, as are outdoor extensions to entertainment,

bringing high-fidelity sound to gardens and patios for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Our industry is uniquely placed to deliver the benefits of easily accessible and controllable content everywhere in the home – both inside and out. The challenge to creating multifunctional spaces is balancing performance with aesthetics. Modern professional sound systems can be fully concealed within walls or ceilings, delivering powerful, high-quality sound without visual intrusion. This approach allows homeowners to enjoy immersive audio experiences without compromising their interior design vision.

But the versatility and performance that clients demand go beyond hardware. The true magic happens when loudspeakers are paired with sophisticated planning software and expert calibration. Advanced 3D modelling and sound design tools allow integrators to optimise speaker placement and performance for each unique space. This scientific approach ensures that every experience, from the gentlest piano sonata to thunderous cinema car chases, is perfectly tailored to your environment.

Integrators working in the luxury residential and marine sectors can access not only the natural, powerful sound of the L-Acoustics product range, but also Soundvision, our proprietary 3D modelling software, and our

calibration services. These tools and the L-Acoustics specialists who work closely with integrators on their implementation bring an unrivalled level of expertise and scientific precision to loudspeaker performance in the home. The results are amazing, immersive, and flexible audio environments for multiple purposes and functions.

Now, with the recent launch of HYRISS (Hyperreal Immersive Sound Space), and our completely re-designed showroom in Highgate, we are empowering integrators to show their clients and design contacts a completely revolutionary solution. HYRISS redefines how we experience spaces through sound. It combines our cutting-edge hardware, software, and services to create an adaptable, high-quality and cohesive sound environment that is suitable for a wide range of different applications.

The modern home is no longer just a collection of rooms; it’s a canvas for creating immersive, adaptable experiences. By embracing these technological advancements, homeowners can craft spaces that truly enhance their lifestyle, bringing the power of sound to every aspect of daily life.

Visit our showroom in Highgate and experience for yourself the future of music in the home and yacht. It’s more than just another loudspeaker.

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SOUNDBARS –THE STEPPING STONE TO WHOLE HOME INTEGRATION

Stephen Rhead, Sonos Professional Manager UK & Ireland, explores how the evolution of the soundbar could be the gateway to more profitable future installs.

Let’s set the scene. The home cinema market is growing and the business potential for installers is huge. Recent CEDIA research pinpoints home cinema as one of the key drivers of growth for the professional residential AV industry in the UK*.

But in addition to this, market research from Fortune Business Insights projects that the global home cinema market, which was valued at $14.48 billion in 2023, is projected to reach

$31.5 billion by 2033**. This is interesting, because this research is based on consumer buying habits rather than AV industry data. And what it tells us, is that the trajectory for home cinema technologies looks positive from both a professional and consumer outlook.

Why does this matter for professional installers? Well, as we know DIY is often the gateway to professional installation. But more than this, the products that are driving this growth are also notable – compact 3D sound systems, headphones, and soundbars. This says a lot about how consumer habits are changing and adapting to a more flexible home cinema experience.

WHY THE SOUNDBAR?

A soundbar can serve as an excellent stepping stone for larger-scale professional installation projects by introducing homeowners to enhanced audio quality in a compact, userfriendly package.

And it’s a simple sell-in. As a standalone unit, a soundbar provides a significant upgrade over built-in TV speakers, offering clearer dialogue, improved bass, and virtual surround sound. In the case of Sonos, additional features include speech enhancement (to overcome the mumbling moments), night sound (for audio clarity and precision even at low volumes) and our new sound motion technology (hear every frequency with outstanding accuracy).

Additionally, a soundbar can give users a glimpse into the potential of high-end audio processing, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS. At Sonos, we’ve just released the Arc Ultra, our most powerful soundbar ever, boasting a mind blowing 9.1.4 spatial audio experience, by itself. With Arc Ultra, clients can experience cinemaquality sound with minimal installation. This instant improvement in audio quality can spark interest in expanding the system further.

As a first step, you could add rear speakers, subs, and the other key driver of growth, headphones.

AN EASY ADD-ON

Often overlooked as part of a home cinema solution, headphones are going to be a big part of your future installs. Those in the know are already specifying headphones into every home cinema project as standard.

Home cinema audio is usually installed in shared spaces such as living rooms or media rooms. High-quality headphones provide a personal, immersive listening experience, without disturbing others in the room. And it provides peace of mind that you won’t wake the kids or neighbours when watching movies late at night!

Sonos soundbars, including Arc Ultra, support TV Audio Swap to enable clients to instantly listen to their home cinema audio through Sonos Ace headphones, without compromising on performance or the spatial audio experience.

The flexibility of being able to seamlessly switch from loudspeaker to headphones will appeal to families, multi-generational homes, and MDU clients alike.

SCALABLE INTEGRATION

From soundbar, to headphones, to whole home automation. Many soundbars are equipped with features that integrate well into smart home systems and support multi-room audio. This makes it easy to ‘scale-up’ and build out a more complex system, adding components like subwoofers and rear speakers, or integrating with a whole-home control solution.

The ‘Works with Sonos’ program enables third-party devices to seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem. By incorporating products from other brands - such as lighting control, smart security, and home automation – you can expand a Sonos setup into a fully integrated, smart home experience. This

compatibility allows these third-party devices to be controlled through the Sonos app or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This program ensures that clients can scale their system to a professionally integrated customised experience that goes beyond a soundbar.

HOME CONNECTIVITY IS UNDERGOING A REVOLUTION

Jordan Hobday, Senior Commercial Business Manager, NETGEAR, explains why and underlines the reasons installers should take note.

As the demand for robust, reliable home internet continues to surge, fuelled by the proliferation of smart devices, online gaming, and the shift towards remote work, the next generation of Wi-Fi technology—Wi-Fi 7— promises to deliver unparalleled performance. For installers of technology, staying ahead of these advancements is crucial to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

THE DEMAND FOR SUPERIOR CONNECTIVITY

Today’s households are more connected than ever. From electric vehicles in the garage to smart devices in every room, the modern home requires a stable and far-reaching internet connection. More people are working from home, video conferencing and accessing cloud applications while families opt to stream high-definition content to multiple rooms. This increase in demand necessitates a network capable of handling multiple highbandwidth activities simultaneously without lag or interruption.

ENTER WIFI 7, THE FUTURE OF HOME NETWORKING

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest evolution in wireless networking technology, designed to provide faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. This new standard is now being supported by a growing number of devices, including the recently launched Apple iPhone 16. At Netgear, we’re at the forefront of this transition, introducing access points aimed at installers, that are fully Wi-Fi 7 enabled.

Our new WBE710 Insight Manageable Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Access point improves data throughput across multiple bands and reduces network congestion, surpassing older access points in speed, latency and capacity. It was introduced in August and provides installers with remote management of their customers’ home networks. For small businesses they can use the optional centralised cloud management tool with no additional hardware needed. Both the WBE710 and sister solution, the WBE750, offer advanced features such as additional SSIDs for a granular approach and load balancing options.

WHY INSTALLERS SHOULD CARE

For installers, understanding the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 is essential. Consumers and small businesses whose teams are primarily working from home are increasingly reliant on their home networks and want to ensure that whether they’re watching a 4K movie in the loft or hosting a virtual meeting from the garden office, their Wi-Fi connection will not let them down. Gamers, in particular, demand minimal latency and often prefer hardwired connections. The WBE710 not only meets these demands but also includes built-in security and privacy features, providing peace of mind for users.

THE GROWING THREAT OF CYBER ATTACKS

And security is important because with the advancement of internet technology comes an increase in cyber threats. According to

research by Bitdefender, home network devices experience an average of 10 attacks every 24 hours, highlighting the critical need for robust security measures starting at the router level. In 2023, the highest number of vulnerabilities were found in TV sets (34%), smart plugs (18%), digital video recorders (13%), and routers (12%).

Netgear access points serve as the first line of defence against these evolving cyber threats. They come equipped with WPA3 encryption for the highest level of Wi-Fi connection security and MPSK to provide admins with better Wi-Fi network access control and a higher level of security over groups of users. Where relevant, installers can create safe and secure sub-networks with multiple SSIDs and VLANs and use our Netgear Insight to configure and maintain the security of a customers’ network.

FUTURE-PROOFING HOME NETWORKS

Looking ahead, our goal is to provide solutions that cater not only to businesses and the high-end of the residential market, where we already have a strong presence, but also to the mid-range sector. We have designed dedicated AV switches such as the M4250 Series, which make AV over IP an ‘Out of the box experience’, and an ideal complement to our Wi-Fi 7 access points to achieve the perfect home theatre solution. We are introducing routers and access points with broad coverage and high speeds at more accessible price points to serve the needs of any residential project.

For installers, the ability to recommend and install future-proof solutions is a significant advantage. The technological landscape is evolving and so are the solutions that can be specified. Wi-Fi 7, for example, represents a significant leap forward in home networking, offering the performance, reliability, and security that modern households demand. But connectivity can’t be compromised by the risk of security breaches. Adapting to these advancements allows installers to ensure they deliver the best possible service to their customers, helping them navigate the complexities and enjoy all the benefits of the increasingly connected home.

POISED FOR THE FUTURE

A stronger network will be the foundation for immersive home entertainment and control, says Cody Crossland, VP of Sales, Blackwire Designs.

One of the critical shifts in the future of smart home installations is the transition from copper to fibre. While copper has long been the standard, fibre offers several advantages that make it the clear choice for future-proofing installations. Fibre is already being used in data and AV signal transmission because of its superior bandwidth and distance capabilities. In luxury homes where clients demand highperformance AV systems and robust networks, fiber ensures that installations will remain relevant for years to come.

The limitations of copper are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in large homes where long cable runs are necessary. Logistically, fibre offers easier termination compared to some high-end copper options like Cat6A and Cat7, which can be more complex to install and require expertise. Fibre supports greater distances and facilitates higher data rates, which will be essential for 8K video, VR, and other high-bandwidth applications. Running fiber allows flexibility in upgrading systems without the need for major rewiring, ensuring that installations stand the test of time and remain adaptable to new technologies as they emerge.

THE RISE OF VIDEO WALLS IN RESIDENTIAL

Traditionally seen in commercial environments with products like Samsung’s The Wall or Sony’s Crystal LED, dvLED video walls could provide an interesting play in high-end homes. While projectors have long been the standard for creating a cinematic experience, dvLED video walls offer an alternative to two-piece systems. The benefits such as brighter images, no need for bulb replacements, and modular construction allowing a variety of sizes — could be attractive to customers. Their modular nature also allows for easy maintenance, as individual panels can be replaced without overhauling the entire system, reducing costs and downtime. While the cost of these video walls would need to come down significantly to be feasible, they could be the ultimate entertainment setup luxury homeowners are looking for. They have, after all, been chasing the cinemaquality experience for decades. This could be a much more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional projectors. With no need for throw distance calculations or ceiling-mounted projectors, integrators can

create sleek installations that rival or surpass the quality of commercial theatres..

But again, this shift also highlights the need for stronger network infrastructure. Video walls handling ultra-high-definition content will require, at minimum, a robust 10GbE network to manage the data load.

AI-DRIVEN AUTOMATION AND USER EXPERIENCE

AI has the potential to revolutionise both the design and operation of smart homes. One of the key areas where AI could make a significant impact is in the automation of the installation process itself.

Imagine a world where integrators could use an AI-powered tool to streamline proposal generation and system design. Instead of manually selecting components, wiring schematics, and layouts, AI could generate a complete proposal based on input from the client and best practices for the specific space. The speed and accuracy of AI would allow integrators to turn around quotes and designs in minutes, rather than days or weeks, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

For example, if a client requests a Dolby Atmos 7.4.2 media room, an AI-driven platform could quickly suggest the best layout for speakers, recommend the necessary acoustic treatments, and provide a bill of materials — all while accounting for the specific dimensions of the room and the client’s budget. AI could also assist in generating wiring diagrams, ensuring that all components are connected in the most efficient way, reducing the likelihood of errors during installation.

Beyond the installation phase, AI will also transform the way homeowners interact with their smart homes. Voice-controlled systems like Josh.ai are already leading the way in providing natural, intuitive interfaces for smart home control. Homeowners can issue commands like, “I’m feeling energetic,” to automatically adjust the lighting, play a workout playlist, and set the temperature to create the perfect environment. This level of interaction removes the need for control apps or remotes, making smart homes truly user-friendly.

Furthermore, AI could enable more sophisticated automation without requiring extensive custom programming. In the current model, integrators often need to ask homeowners detailed questions about their daily routines and preferences to create ‘automation’ scripts. These scripts require many hours of programming to automate the client’s system. With AI, the home could learn and adapt to the homeowner’s behavior, providing a more personalised experience. For instance, the home could automatically adjust the thermostat, lock doors, and dim lights when the homeowner leaves for work, all without needing to be programmed to do so.

There’s no crystal ball to foretell exactly what the future will look like, but undoubtedly, it will be defined by a stronger, faster network. Video walls and AI show the potential to enhance the installation process and user experience. Integrators should be well-positioned from the get-go to meet the evolving demands of the luxury market, delivering smarter, more futureproof homes that offer both high performance and ease of use.

Video walls and super sized screens could have a strong future

CONTROL4 TECHNOLOGY PROMOTES COMFORT AND WELLBEING IN STUNNING FAMILY HOME

With so many of us spending large amounts of time indoors, whether working in the office, from home or enjoying family time, the negative impact of reduced levels of natural light and fresh air, combined with limited opportunity for movement, can have serious implications for our health.

Architects and interior designers are considering health and wellness in the design of our workplaces and our homes as they seek to positively impact our physical and mental health and encourage holistic living. Design strategies can involve simply encouraging natural light and ventilation or choosing interior design options that complement how a space will be used. However, smart technology can also make a significant contribution, helping to generate conditions for optimum wellness and comfort.

Smart home integrators can collaborate with the design team on a project to create easy-to-use, unobtrusive systems that offer a whole host of wellness and comfort benefits. Nowhere is this more the case than the stunning Fieldfare House, a five-bedroom contemporary family home nestled in the Northamptonshire countryside. Surrounded by grazing fields and woodland, this new-build property was designed from the start to embrace its beautiful surroundings, while prioritising occupant comfort and wellbeing, and technology from Snap One brand Control4 is helping to achieve just that.

“Our brief was a light-filled, modern multigenerational design and we are making massive use of glazing to connect with the outside and bring the outside in,” says Ross Jones, who owns the property and has been fully engaged in the design and installation process. “We also wanted to be able to be outside more and we

want to encourage the kids to be outside more; we’re always talking about connecting with the woods and the soundscape.”

While indoor/outdoor living brings multiple benefits, with natural light and air known to boost vitamin D levels, improve productivity, regulate body clocks, and even boost serotonin levels, it also creates challenges in terms of solar gain and brightness levels.

The right technology can solve these issues, however. In the case of Fieldfare House, Control4’s Vibrant Linear Lighting has been used by integration company Studio Electronica to provide accent lighting that enhances a space without harshness, while Daylight Agent allows occupants to automatically adjust the lighting based on the natural light coming into the home to complement their circadian rhythms.

The lighting control is also interfaced with automated blinds, recessed into the ceiling, to ensure occupants can maintain comfort levels throughout, all at the touch of a button. For example, it may be that blinds are programmed to come down during the height of the day in summer to reduce solar gain, whereas in winter they stay up to maximise daylight.

In this way, Studio Electronica is reducing the level of visual noise in the property, removing the need for multiple switches and cords. The use of daylight simulating lighting is also delivering brighter light in the height of the day and warmer light in the mornings and evenings, all based around the astronomical clock. This offers huge benefits in terms of wellness, from encouraging productivity when occupants are working in their home offices to gently reminding children that bedtime is approaching and encouraging healthy sleep patterns.

Interfacing the lighting control with the blind control at Fieldfare House offers additional benefits in terms of security.

“Being able to use the astronomical time clock to keep some sort of regular light, and then also using the Mockupancy occupancy simulation to be able to see when there’s no one home is a huge benefit. We’re using Control4 Daylight Agent to mimic the colours of sunlight throughout the day,” explains Tom Lehman, technical director at Studio Electronica.

A SYSTEM FOR EVERYONE

As a multi-generational home, it’s perhaps no surprise that some members of the family were more wary of the addition of residential technology than others. But, smart technology is helping all occupants live independently and safely.

Ross says of his older relative: “We can control the lighting and think about the lighting design to help her at night when she needs to get up. There’s also an intercom between the panels as well. So, we can do a video call from the main house with her and check in in an unobtrusive way.”

For all the family, being able to spend quality time together is key and a media room has been designed with this in mind. The perfect space to de-stress, relax and enjoy family time.

“We wanted the family room / snug for watching TV but also include a motorised cinema screen with great audio. We wanted to make the usability of the cinema as simple as possible with, for example, a ‘one switch’ command when turning on the projector. We also have music throughout the house which is also a powerful mood-enhancer and easy to control, so it can be personalised for different rooms and tastes at different times,” says Ross.

Tom adds: “Music is really important as a way to heighten serotonin levels and make you feel relaxed and reduce stress, so having it everywhere, why wouldn’t you? We put music at everyone’s fingertips. It’s great for relaxation.”

A key concern with home technology for many consumers is what happens if it stops working. Occupants need to be able to turn on lights, let people in and close their blinds. Here, the rise of remote support and maintenance is a game-changer.

Tom concludes: “That’s where Control4 is really leaps and bounds ahead of the competitors, because we’ve got baked in secure remote access to the system through Snap One’s OvrC platform to make changes, carry out diagnostics, receive proactive alerts and fix issues quickly, sometimes before they even become a problem. OvrC is the perfect choice for long-distance projects like Fieldfare.”

A new CPD entitled ‘How an Automated Home Can Care for the Family and the Planet’ from Control4 is available for designers. The course explores how smart home technology can improve health and wellness, but also promote a more sustainable home by giving homeowners better control over their energy management and providing more opportunities for them to reduce operational carbon.

More information on Snap One is available at snapone.com. Further details on Studio Electronica can be found at studioelectronica.co.uk. Lighting design at Fieldfare was by Lumison Lighting Design. More information at lumisonlighting.co.uk.

THAT’S TOO EXPENSIVE, MY CUSTOMER WOULD NEVER BUY THAT

EI regular, CI veteran and owner of marketing expert company The BIG Corp, Pete Baker tackles the tricky issue of price.

Over the past few months, I have had the great pleasure and opportunity to attend several dealer events and trade shows, in the USA and Internationally. One of the comments I have received repeatedly from integrators regarding various products was, “That’s too expensive, my customer would never pay that much”. It is important to mention that the products were not thousands of dollars higher than a competitive product currently being offered by the dealer. Rather, they were $50-$100 dollars more, for a product under $500 dollars. This was quite shocking to me for several reasons: 1) They had no idea who their new client might be; 2) The benefits offered by the higher price product were either never considered or ignored.

I fully understand that price is a concern and budgets must be considered, having designed and sold low voltage systems for over 20 years; however, I am also a firm believer in discussing

unique benefits offered by professional grade products. By professional grade solutions, I am referring to products that are only available through professional integrators who are trusted authorised dealers and resellers for the products. At the end of the day, you will be judged on the ultimate performance, ease of use and satisfaction of the solution you provide to your customer. Many of the professional grade solutions have unique benefits, which are not available in direct-to-consumer products. Additionally, if they can buy the product directly, this may decrease the value of hiring you.

In the consumer electronics industry, the consumer is constantly barraged with marketing for direct-to-consumer products. This will not go away anytime soon; in fact it is increasing and we are seeing a higher transition into Do-It-Yourself ‘smart home’ products from very big name and consumer trusted companies. In this regard, it

is very common for a consumer to come in with a pre-conceived idea of the brand of front door camera, streaming audio solution or many other products that they want for their new system. So, how do we compete against online and retail direct-to-consumer sales, and market the value of using professional grade solutions in project designs?

1) Discuss the professional research done by you and your team in selecting your product offering:

As a professional integrator, many of us invest significant amounts of time and money to research and evaluate products. This effort occurs in several different ways: reading industry publications, visiting trade shows and dealer events, education and training (in person and online), and talking with other industry professionals.

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Research and education is a very important element in our profession, which can and should be discussed with potential clients. For example, I have said to prospective clients on countless occasions something along the following lines: “That is a great brand and product. I can understand why it would be attractive to you. Part of my responsibility as a professional in the AV/CE industry is to continuously research and evaluate products. My team and I invest countless hours annually to visit trade shows, participate in training and test and evaluate products to determine the most reliable products which will deliver the best value and performance for our clients. Based on our extensive research, I do not believe this will be the best solution for you and I want you to hold me personally responsible for your ultimate enjoyment of the system after we complete your installation.” Whenever I said this to a potential client, they always appreciated and respected my professional advice and product suggestions.

2) Promote the unique benefits offered by your products:

The professional grade products offered to professional integrators often come with unique benefits not found in cheaper or direct-toconsumer products. These unique benefits should be discussed with each potential client and could actually help you to win the project. A few examples may be as follows: A) Better 3rd party integration with a control system or other product integrated into the system; B) Better performance. For example: maybe your surveillance system will offer better night

vision or perimeter protection (fewer false alerts), maybe your streaming solution will offer hi-res audio; C) The speakers or other products you are offering may have a better warranty or; D) Possibly the outdoor speakers are made by a company that ONLY makes outdoor speakers and they are exceptional in this specific product category. I love finding companies and products like this, where they have a very unique specialty or expertise in ONE product category.

Discussing unique benefits offered by products in your portfolio can absolutely be the reason why the customer chooses you instead of your competition. I have witnessed this countless times in my role as a professional integrator. Consider for example the surveillance solution you offer. Usually if a consumer requests a surveillance solution, they have a very good reason why they want a surveillance system. Maybe they had issues in the past or safety concerns. If you discuss better night vision so they can see bad guys better at night, this may provide that consumer with better comfort and security and that has great value. Or simply discussing the difference with compressed audio, compared to hi-res audio and how it doesn’t need to cost much more to enjoy better quality audio in their new system. They may say they don’t care about sound quality, they just want tunes in their house. Using a simple comparison to hi-res video compared to old cable TV, or maybe VHS compared to Blu-ray can often be a helpful analogy. Another analogy I have used is buying a nice car and putting bad gas into it; since they are investing a nice distributed audio system they should use great fuel: hi-res audio to fully enjoy their new

sound system. More importantly, if you discuss these elements and your competitors do not, that could be the reason they choose you instead of your competitor.

3) Don’t sell with your wallet:

When I hear someone say, “That’s too expensive, my customer would never pay for that,” I can only imagine they are really saying, “That’s too hard for me to sell and remain competitive”. This comment completely ignores who the new, potential customer is and what benefits may be valuable to them, not to you.

It is a very important exercise to evaluate every product in your portfolio and carefully identify the key and unique benefits offered by those products. As an independent sales rep, I can discuss unique benefits offered by any product in my portfolio and you should be able to as well.

Please understand that I am not suggesting or promoting over-selling any consumer. Rather, I am encouraging you to carefully consider your product offering and find ways to offer unique benefits to potential customers. When you offer exactly the same products as your competition, it can simply come down to price and make it much harder to win the project. Of course, there are many other elements in the buying decision process by each of us as consumers: the company, the person, price, confidence in the ease of use for the proposed solution, etc… But unique benefits play an integral role as well.

Give this a try in your next meeting with a potential client and I am confident you will be surprised by the positive outcome you will experience! Happy selling!

CROMER’S CROWNING GLORY: THE WHITE HORSE

Ribble AV undertook a fantastic project, developing the AV and automation systems at The White Horse near the popular coastal town of Cromer, North Norfolk. KNX, Artcoustic, Control4 and Anthem all contributed to the transformation of this much-loved local attraction.

While the prize for Best Commercial Integration Project at the recent Smart Building Awards was claimed by Snap One for the Joali Being Resort, we must confess a real soft spot for this excellent project by Ribble AV, particularly as it was the company’s first fully commercial project and has led to more work for the same customer.

Tom Helm, Managing Director of Ribble AV, explained in his award entry, “The White Horse is a bar and restaurant in Cromer, Norfolk. It has just undergone a significant refurbishment after one of our residential clients purchased it. We were approached to provide lighting and HVAC

control, audio, video distribution, a network with guest access and CCTV.”

The brief from the client was that the operation had to be simple enough for any staff member to use. All of the tech needed to complement the high-end interior and deliver visually discreet, high-quality audio, but without excessive volume due to complaints from a disgruntled neighbour who had already filed complaints with the council. Don’t you just hate it when people move next door to a pub and then complain about living next door to a pub! The system also needed to accommodate and distribute the feeds from two Sky boxes to three screens.

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A brilliant balance of high brightness, contrast, colour and practicality will deliver peerless HDR performance to projects large and small.

SIM2’s acknowledged leadership in perfecting High Dynamic Range (HDR) as the ‘real revolution in video imaging and home cinema performance’ can now be utilised in almost every custom application, not just the luxury, award-winning integrations for which it is justly famous. Today, SIM2 offers you the opportunity to enhance the great majority of your projects with a single high-quality brand.

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Tom says, “After seeing the renders of the interior design and the amount of glass on the ceiling, we knew we had to select some form of on-wall speakers. Therefore, Artcoustic seemed the obvious choice because their speaker design fit the space perfectly. Working with our partners at Artcoustic and being aware of the noise constraints, we specified 16 Evolve 1 speakers and 6 Sub Z subwoofers (hidden in bench seating) across the restaurant and bar, which are the smallest speakers in their range.

“We powered these with an Anthem MDX16 so that we had simple control and audio switching. We could also rely on ARC room correction to achieve the best possible sound. Overall, the end result for the audio ticks all the boxes for delivering great, consistent sound wherever you are seated in the restaurant and definitely looks the part!”

Tom adds, “We also installed a pair of ceiling speakers in the bathrooms that play audiobooks; this was an unusual request that worked extremely well. All streaming is handled by Sonos Ports, as they integrate perfectly with the venue’s licensed music streaming subscription.

“We knew that the TVs in this venue would be off more than on due to the restaurant setting, so we specified Samsung Frame TVs that display seaside-themed artwork throughout the day. Distribution is handled by an HDA MHUB.”

With over 50 circuits of lighting, five zones of heating, and a zone of air conditioning throughout the venue, KNX was a strong choice as the backbone of much of the project. All LED strip circuits were handled with DALI to keep things simple and ensure smooth dimming.

Tom explains, “We provided the staff with four editable scenes for different times of day and events, which are operated from a backof-house keypad or bar Control4 touch panel. However, with the client wanting super simple control of everything for the potentially high turnover of staff, we utilised contact closure outputs from the alarm panel straight into the KNX system. This means that when the first member of staff opens up and disarms the alarm, all the lights and music are turned on, and everything switches off when the last member leaves and sets the alarm. Therefore, the staff only need to manage the music source, volume, and TV channels.”

Challenges arose not just from the technical demands of the project, but from logistics as well. Tom reveals, “With the project being so far away in Norfolk (we are based in Preston), it made sense to choose products that we fully understand and know will just work. Hence the use of KNX for all the BMS and lighting, Ruckus for networking, Control4 for control, Anthem for amplification, and HDA for video distribution. We also ensured we had multiple ways to remotely access the system via router VPN, KNX VPN using a Gira S1, and Control4 OVRC.”

Tom concludes, “I’m confident we fully met our client’s brief and even surpassed expectations with the final outcome. The bar is open seven days a week, and we’ve had zero teething problems since opening. The client has

now bought another bar, Bernie’s in Cromer, and has already instructed us to carry out all the works on that one as well. This is a testament to the success of this project.

“Overall, this was an incredible project to be involved with, and it was our first full commercial project. It certainly wasn’t easy, and blood, sweat, and tears went into it, but I couldn’t be prouder of how the finished

result turned out and the level of installation we achieved, with all work being carried out in-house by our small team of four. Ultimately, our scope was really quite vast, and I believe our hard work and excellent results deserve recognition.”

Ribble AV ribbleav.uk

Essential Kit List

• 16 x Artcoustic Evolve 1 speakers

• 6 x Artcoustic sub Z subwoofers

• 3 x Artcoustic PDA1000 amplifiers

• Anthem MDX-16

• 2 x pairs of Sonance Mariner 64

• 2 x KEF Ci160CRds

• 6 x Ruckus R550 access points

• Theben and Zennio KNX actuators

• Gira Pushsensor 4 keypad

• HDA MHUB 4×4 100A

• Control4 CORE3

• Control4 10in T4 touch panel

• Control4 Halo remote

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• It operates solely with KNX bus power, eliminating the need for external power. With just the KNX bus connection, it allows us to:

• Power and individually control the 16 ballasts, which can be grouped into 16 DALI groups or controlled individually. All this without the need for external power!

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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

WIIM CI MOD A80

The WiiM CI MOD A80 is a state-of-the-art stereo amplifier made for the custom install industry. Featuring a sleek form factor and frontpanel touch controls, perfect for rack mounting, it also boasts the same proven WiiM Home operating system and app, giving installers access to a discrete solution that can easily be stored in a media room, as opposed to the existing in-room WiiM products.

Its creator says the CI MOD A80 produces unparalleled audio quality thanks to the built-in ESS DAC paired with a TI TPA3225 Class-D amplifier, ensuring every detail of the music is reproduced with precision and clarity. Enhanced wireless connectivity, with built-in dual-antennae, as well as its improved circuitry, components, and thermal design, deliver stable performance even in the most demanding environments. With the separately available mounting plates, it’s easy to fit two CI MOD A80 amplifiers side-by-side within a 2U 19” rack space.

WiiM says the company is committed to offering high-quality, feature-rich, and affordable audio and smart home products. With an innovative voice-compatible user interface, audio streaming technology, wide selection of music service integrations, patented

smart home solutions and regular feature updates, WiiM looks to deliver products that enhance consumer's lives through musical enjoyment. These factors have proven popular in the wider consumer market, where, in recent years, WiiM has seen a boom in popularity thanks to its extensive feature set and keen price positioning throughout the whole product range. The new WiiM CI range, which also features a rack-mountable streamer – the WiiM

CI MOD S – transfers the existing experience into more installer-friendly hardware.

The WiiM CI product line is sold exclusively through custom installers via a focused network of distributors in the UK and Ireland, with stock expected during November 2024.

Henley Audio WiiM henleyaudio.co.uk/wiim-ci wiimhome.com

ROCK-SOLID PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN FROM CASPIAN SERIES 4G

Caspian Series 4G comprises the Caspian Integrated Amplifier and Caspian Streaming Amplifier, described as two leading-edge products that combine impressive sonic performance with true flexibility and versatility.

Expanding on the reputation of Roksan’s Caspian series, both products are born of Monitor Audio Group’s Transparent Design Philosophy. The company says this results in exemplary high-resolution audio performance, but also intuitive user interfaces and an understated, elegant industrial design.

The Caspian Streaming Amplifier is designed with the modern user firmly in mind. Streaming capability is via the BluOS platform for high-resolution multi-room convenience. Whilst the implementation of Euphoria, Caspian’s power amplification architecture, Rapture DAC technology and an advanced pre-amplifier and phono stage all combine to deliver high-performance sound, no matter what source is used.

The Caspian Integrated Amplifier has been created to deliver total performance through its innovative Euphoria amplification architecture and advanced analogue connections, offering a high-quality presentation of music via any source. The Rapture DAC technology, for improved digital to analogue signal conversion,

allows for a near perfect signal transfer, and ensures that the Euphoria amplification delivers total performance from whatever source a user connects, says the product’s creator, says the maker.

A key technology for both, Roksan’s Rapture DAC technology delivers a differential current-conveyor topology, which allows more information to be extracted for strong analogue reproduction.

The maker argues this approach has several measurable advantages over the traditional approach to digital to analogue reconstruction using op-amp ICs. The current-conveyor has superior gain-bandwidth characteristics essential for faithful high-resolution audio reproduction. Moreover, despite being discrete (no off-theshelf solution exists) it relies on a single circuit element for gain matching. Therefore,

it can be utilised effectively in a discretecomponent level solution.

Both Caspian Series models are hand-built at Monitor Audio Group’s Headquarters in Rayleigh, Essex, United Kingdom.

Roksan roksan.com

Caspian Series 4G is available now

WiiM is looking to build its profile with installers

UNDENIABLY MERIDIAN

Discover Meridian’s all-in-one, high-performance, streaming speaker Elegant, Simple, Powerful.

Designed and engineered specifically with the CI market in mind, Ellipse offers ease of installation, seamless control and IP integration with drivers for Control 4, Crestron, Crestron Home, Nice / Elan and RTI.

WORKS WITH

GET IN TOUCH

info@meridian.co.uk

+44 (0) 1480 445678 meridian-audio.com

UPGRADE YOUR D-TOOLS TOOL KIT

D-Tools has introduced the latest update to its end-to-end business management software. System Integrator (SI) v22 introduces numerous productivity features designed to improve workflow efficiency, reduce manual tasks and enhance an integrator’s overall workflow, says the platform’s creator.

New capabilities in SI v22 include International Pricing localised for Canada, UK, Australia/New Zealand. This update ensures that pricing is automatically adjusted for these regions, reducing the risk of errors and making proposals more competitive and relevant.

Customer Portal Enhancements include multiple signatures and countersign and expanded notifications. This means all relevant parties can sign off, streamlining the approval process and reducing delays. The ability to counter-sign enhances trust and legal compliance, providing a robust framework for documentation. Also included is Gantt Chart Enhancements adding a new Successors Column to better manage task dependencies, and the ability to add lag times to tasks for more realistic scheduling and resource planning. Also onboard are Reports Improvements such as custom cover pages and more detailed scopes of work in proposals as well as Automated Resource Assignment that enables users to automatically assign resources to projects, tasks and service orders.

The update delivers the ability to Change Order Improvements allowing users to gain greater control over project costs with the ability to lock or unlock individual model/ unit costs within change orders. QuickBooks Improvements include the ability to export purchase order receipts directly to QuickBooks Online as bills and Mobile Install Enhancements allow users to view previous versions of documents and have the option to

delete or replace them with current versions, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.

Lastly included in the update is SI Homepage Customisation for setting a custom URL for quicker access to key resources.

D-Tools d-tools.com

BIG SOUND, BIG VALUE FROM SYSTEM AUDIO SIGNATURE RANGE

Available from Karma AV, the System Audio Signature Speaker range blends high performance with practicality, says the supplier.

The brand is perhaps brand best known for its multi-award-winning active wireless designs, this five-strong line-up of passive floor, stand and wall models have been created to elevate the excellent levels of audio performance, design quality, install practicality and value synonymous with the long-established Scandinavian marque.

Built for high efficiency and power handling from slender room-friendly designs and intended for easy system configuration and room integration, the range includes the floorstanding three-way Signature 40, the wall or shelf-mounting two-way Signature 10, the superslender two-way Signature 6 on-wall, the twoway Signature 5 stand mount, and the Signature 8: a compact 600W dual 8in subwoofer with an opposing ‘balanced-array’ driver design.

Signature 10 and 6 include fixed wall mount brackets (the 10 with vertical or horizonal mounting options), which integrate with System Audio W.5 brackets for angled mounting.

For Signature, the company has designed a new 25 mm (1in) soft dome tweeter, which uses a low-mass membrane of woven fibres. Its neodymium magnet has an internal chamber that allows the tweeter to be used at a lower crossover frequency, while its patented DXT acoustic waveguide delivers strong dispersion in-room. In addition, two new 5.5in bass/mid drivers have been custom made for Signature, optimised for smaller/larger enclosure size. Both employ a proprietary low-mass (1 gram) / low distortion glass fibre diaphragm in conjunction with long-stroke motor systems

that allow the membrane to move 40% more air than a traditional speaker of the same size, resulting in deeper, more defined bass from smaller space-friendly cabinets.

System Audio Signature speakers dovetail together in space-efficient stereo and multichannel systems, which complement décor while filling rooms large or small with powerfully immersive audio.

Karma AV karma-av.co.uk

The System Audio Signature Range is available in attractive white or black satin finishes

A TRIO OF TASK MASTERS FROM SANUS

Sanus is introducing three Advanced Full-Motion Wall Mounts featuring the company’s new 4D + Shift technology, providing a competitive advantage for installers and an ultra-flexible mounting solution that includes the ability to raise and lower the screen, post installation.

Shift technology enables TVs that are already mounted to be raised and lowered by up

to 200mm facilitating wall mounting around an existing power outlet on the wall, or the ability to reposition the screen if a miss-measurement was made during installation. This feature also allows the screen to be raised to add a soundbar below. Vertical shift is easily actioned by adjustment of a screw, or on the VLF828 model, by twisting a handle that can be found behind the screen.

BRING ME THE HORIZON!

Marantz has introduced the Marantz Horizon and Marantz Grand Horizon, billed as ‘a new statement in wireless speaker design’.

They are described as two luxurious wireless speakers crafted for passionate, discerning listeners who demand both exceptional sound and timeless elegance.

Both integrate recognisable elements such as the brand’s circular porthole motif. Here, the porthole is reimagined as the core element of each speaker’s circular form. Combined with arranged lighting and elevated trim materials that highlight Marantz’s characteristic architectural symmetry.

Each model is wrapped in Marantz Radiance 360o Seamless Ecofiber, a bespoke, sustainable fabric made from recycled ocean plastics. The three-colour fabrics have a glowing, luxurious feel thanks to embedded gold lurex elements. Each is complemented by an aesthetic natural marble base, an American walnut tripod floor stand is available as an optional accessory, while wall brackets will also be available for both.

Both speakers are powerful singlespeaker wireless solutions created to fill even substantial rooms with full-range sound, says the maker. Each model is designed around a

configuration of high-frequency and midrange drive units that radiate outwardly from a single central subwoofer.

Key to this sound is Marantz RiseTM amplification, based around responsive and thermally efficient GaN FET technology and offering 310W of output in Horizon and 370W in Grand Horizon. This core propels an array of high-quality Marantz GravityTM drive units, each of which employs powerful neodymium magnets bought together to deliver a combination of accuracy, responsiveness and low distortion. The Horizon consists of a 165mm (6.5in) subwoofer, two 25mm (1in)

The VSF817, VMF822 and VLF828 mounts cater for screens from 19in up to 90in and a maximum weight of over 56kg. Each one features 4D full-motion manoeuvrability and the tried and tested Sanus features such as Virtual Axis, FluidMotion and ProSet.

The smallest of the three, the VSF817 can accommodate screens from 19in to 43in and offers an extension of 43cm, plus a +/45-degree swivel and +5/-7 degree tilt option. Shift technology allows for a vertical movement of 100mm and the screen mounts 1.8in from the wall.

Catering for screens between 32in and 65in, the VMF822 will Shift by 150mm in the vertical plane, while extending 56cm and providing a swivel of +/- 59-degrees and +5/-10-degree tilt capability. Its slim profile mounts the screen just 1.9in from the wall.

The VLF828 is the largest with the ability to mount TVs from 42in to 90in just 2.4in from the wall, while retaining a 71cm extension and +/- 46-degrees of swivel and a +5/-15-degree tilt operation. By twisting a handle behind the screen, the Shift adjustment of up to 200mm can be made.

Sanus sanus.com

silk-dome tweeters and three 50mm (2in) full range drive units. Grand Horizon delivers a 200mm (8in) subwoofer, three 25mm (1in) tweeters and four 76mm (3in) midrange drive units.

HEOS included means they can access content from streaming providers including Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify and TIDAL. AirPlay2 and Bluetooth are also included, and physical connected sources are well catered for.

Marantz marantz.com

Three finishes are available: Midnight Sky, Moon Ray and Marantz Champagne and units ship in January 14, 2025

The new models are fully tested, UL compliant and come with a 10-year warranty

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE LYNGDORF AUDIO FR-2

Lyngdorf Audio has launched the FR-2, a high-performance floor standing loudspeaker that has been designed for close placement against the wall to ensure visually and acoustically ideal room integration. The speaker has been tuned for best sound performance close to a wall, while the shallow cabinet shape and the choice of colours and fabric covers allow a space-saving integration in modern homes.

The FR-2’s drive units are integrated into an unusually shallow speaker design that takes advantage of room acoustics instead of working against them. The woofers are located as close as possible to the wall behind the speaker leading to an ideal impulse response in the low frequencies and resulting in a surprisingly tight and powerful bass, says the maker.

The FR-2’s two high-performance 6.5in / 18cm woofers are equipped with a rigid, vented die-cast basket, an extra-strong and large magnet and a very light aluminium cone, while the soft-dome tweeter also uses an extra powerful magnet. The maker says this provides the highest efficiency and a high maximum volume level while keeping the distortion low. The very linear impedance (around 4 ohm) allows any amplifier to perform at its best. The bass reflex port is placed downward facing, which hides it from view and acoustically always

keeps the same ideal distance to the floor boundary and wall corner.

As well as being unusually shallow, the speakers have attractive rounded edges, are available in three modern satin-matte colour options, and two optional exchangeable fabric

POWER AND PRECISION FROM LINN

Linn has announced the global launch of two all-new passive loudspeaker models – 119 and 150 – alongside a newly refined Selekt DSM: Classic Hub for 2024.

119 is a modern, high-performance and compact loudspeaker; 150 is its larger, floor-standing sibling. With 119 and 150, the goal was to create fundamentally entertaining loudspeakers, but with refinement, sophistication and neutrality, so that they would play any source material equally well – and equally enjoyably, says their creator.

They are fitted with premium drive units, delivering a linear performance and excursion capability. Drawing from what Linn learned during development of its flagship 360 loudspeakers, drive units are mounted at the very front of the baffle, with no grille, to minimise occlusion and improve excursion.

Optional black or silver, mild-steel pedestal stands are available for mounting 119 speakers. 119 is rear-ported for enhanced bass performance. 150 features downwardsfiring ports for a more omnidirectional bass performance and to minimise interaction with walls. With 119 and 150 having two- and threeway designs respectively, it is now easier and

more attainable to upgrade to the performance of Linn’s proprietary Exakt technology.

The Selekt DSM Classic Hub features an integrated headphone amp with 1/4in jack output, to bring versatility for personal listening sessions. Classic Hub also has RCA outputs dedicated to providing bass reinforcement to a subwoofer. Smart buttons are steel, a largeformat display extends along the front fascia, its feet are stainless-steel, and the Linn logo is UV-printed on the chassis sleeve for a sharp

Lyngdorf Audio lyngdorf.steinwaylyngdorf.com

finish. The chassis itself is a rigid design; with clean edges and chamfered transitions.

A broad range of connectivity ensures that Classic Hub can receive and deliver audio from any source imaginable, says the manufacturer, with a high-performance, integrated, analogue-to-digital conversion stage accepting anything from turntables to CD players, and a host of digital connections allowing connection to video streaming devices, games consoles and Blu-ray players.

covers from Danish specialist Gabriel. The speaker can either stand on the floor or use the optional wall mount.

The FR-2 also marks a new era for establishing Lyngdorf Audio’s in-house cabinet production and lacquering in Denmark

Classic Hub is available in black or flat silver finish and the 119 & 150 come in Satin Black, White, Walnut or Oak finishes

Truly versatile choice of complete highperformance architectural systems.

Turnkey solution involving patented technologies and the most advanced electronics and loudspeakers.

All JBL Synthesis products offer the performance data required for CEDIA RP-22 recommended practice.

Two Certified JBL Synthesis systems will be showcased at our new Ascot demonstration facility.

With a lineage that can be traced back to the earliest days of cinema sound, JBL Synthesis has become a global leader in immersive home theatre audio, offering some of the most advanced multichannel systems available in the world.

Today it provides a truly versatile choice of complete high-performance systems comprising matching architectural speakers and electronics for discreet, dynamic, object-based immersive sound in a wide range of projects including the largest dedicated private cinema and media rooms.

To explore capabilities for your future projects and talk to us about help with system design and specification, please contact: