Essential Install October 2022

OCTOBER 2022

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

The best of entertainment with Sony TVs The new OLED(QD-OLED) panel on the A95K delivers the brightest, widest OLED colours yet!

SECURITY

SAFE AS HOUSES

BRACKETS AND SUPPORT GIVE YOURSELF A LIFT!

PUBS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS HOLISTIC HOSTELRIES

NEW PRODUCT

HDBaseT™ Matrix with Advanced Audio Integration We are pleased to announce the launch of three feature rich HDBaseT™ Matrix, the HMXL88ARC, HMXL66ARC and HMXL42ARC-KIT. Using CSC technology, these powerful HDBaseT™ matrix support 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 resolutions over distances of 40m over a single CAT 6 cable. The new HMXL42ARC-KIT, HMXL66ARC and HMXL88ARC come into their own with advanced audio features specifically designed for maximising the integration of all AV sources in the modern home. Enhanced audio routing is achieved through the integrated independent audio matrix. This enables the audio both from displays (via ARC) and all other sources to be embedded and routed through the system at the users discretion.

These ARC and audio routing features enable our installation partners the ability to create a truly immersive AV experience throughout the home.

NEW

HMXL88ARC 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

NEW

HMXL66ARC 6x6 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

HDCP 2.2

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR J 26 x 8 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

HMXL42ARC-KIT

HDCP 2.2

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR J 20 x 6 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

NEW

4x2 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix including Receivers J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR J 8 x 2 audio matrix that is independently controllable from video.

HDCP 2.2

NEW

UNCOMPRESSED

18Gbps

PRODUCT

OVER

Uncompressed 18Gbps HDMI Over HDBaseT™ Set The HEX18G-KIT HDBaseT™ extender set is an industry leading uncompressed HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP 2.2 solution utilising the

HEX18G-KIT

latest in HDBaseT™ technology. The HEX18G-KIT supports bi-directional IR, RS-232 and PoC up to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable.

NEW

HEX70ARC-KIT HDBaseT™ ARC Extender Set - 70m J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering uncompressed video and audio with zero latency J Extends HDMI 1080p up to a distance of 70m over a single CAT cable J Supports 4K UHD video up to 40m (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x

2160 @24Hz 4:4:4, and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0)

1080p up to 150m

HEX100CS-KIT

HEX150CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set -100m

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set - 150m

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency

J Supports ARC from display via HDMI and optical digital inputs

J Supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 70m

J Supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 100m

Become a Certified Blustream Installation Partner

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

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

Our UK Address: The Service Station,

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39

20 44 68

CONTENTS 4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR Streaming comes of age?

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS

October 2022 FEATURES 14 AWE SPEAKS TVs Screen masters

If its hot, its here

16 PULSE CINEMAS

20 EI LIVE! REVIEW What a show!

A cracker of a case study

18 ESSENTIAL HABITECH

55 TOGETHER FOR CINEMA The latest news

Powering your Pro AV productivity

68 ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

56 CONNECTED DISTRIBUTION A cinema in your home

Two become one!

75 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

66 ESSENTIAL CEDIA Jools Browning, Director at BrownHen Solutions

Equipment elysium

Supporting All www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

14 32 62 Proud Media Partners of

SECURITY FOCUS

44 THE REMAKING OF MACCLESFIELD TOWN FC

32 REMOTE CONCIERGE AND VIRTUAL DOORMAN SERVICES Chris Edwards, Marketing Director, CIE-Group

36 SECURITY OF DEVICES, DEVICES OF SECURITY Phillip Pini, Director of Residential Sales (UK) Crestron

39 RESIDENTIAL AV-OVER-IP-SYSTEMS: RISK? Taft Stricklin, Sales Team Manager at Just Add Power

CLUBS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND GYMS 42 KRAMER SOLUTIONS ADORNE THE ERRIGLE INN

Lux Integrate, top of the league

48 SENSES WORKING OVERTIME! Graeme Harrison – VP and General Manager, Bluesound Professional

BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT 60 PEERLESS SUPPORT Tom Fenton, Senior Business Development Manager EMEA, Peerless-AV

62 THE ILLUSIONIST Ollie French, Commercial Director, Future Automation

A holistic hostelry solution

Your AV Needs www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

OCTOBER 2022

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

The best of entertainment with Sony TVs

pages 18–19

The new OLED(QD-OLED) panel on the A95K delivers the brightest, widest OLED colours yet!

SECURITY

OCTOBER

A GOLDEN AGE OF CONTENT? First up this month a very big thank you to everyone who exhibited or visited EI Live! 2022. It was great to see so many familiar faces again and also meet some new people, the show is such a great catalyst for building on existing relationships and forging new ones.

I also want to congratulate all of the winners from the Smart Building Awards, we will be featuring many of you in the coming months. Also a big thanks to everyone who entered and for making this year’s awards the biggest we have ever seen in terms of the amount of entries. We are already looking at a bigger venue for next year, possibly the event space that is available at Farnborough Exhibition Centre. The judging for the installer-based awards this year was particularly challenging, in many other years plenty of the projects entered would have won. The standard of entry was so high it was really tough narrowing it down to just one in each category. Thanks again for getting involved! we will try and feature as many of the projects that were entered in these pages and online as well as possible.

CONTENT CREATION

With the world of streaming content currently being dominated by the Game of Thrones: House of Dragon, and the Tolkien inspired Rings of Power, EI has been thinking this month about the shift in where and how content is made and what this means for the installer. More cinematic level content has to be a good thing.

Whilst installers have to be careful around the quality of some streaming content, increasingly it’s undeniable there are some real gems in there. In particular EI has been impressed with the sheer beauty of the world the producers of the Rings of Power

04 OCTOBER 2022

have created, really stunning imagery more than at home on the big screen. A more muscular, but no less detailed effort is on show from Game of Thrones prequel. It also underlines how powerful these new content creators are. A few short years ago it was the Hollywood studios that held all of the cards and their relationship with the major commercial cinema chains was the only real power play in the market.

High-quality content simply had to go to a commercial cinema before it could go anywhere else as this was the main way that content creators made their money, then some form of hard copy, then TV. That was the model for many years. Netflix, Amazon and others have muddied the waters by creating high-quality cinematic content that bypasses all of that, the old model is not broken yet, but it is showing signs of strain. Those involved will have to fight their corner, commercial cinemas will have to offer something really compelling, far too many offer a low quality experience, streamers wont have it all their own way, content quality rather than quantity would seem to be the way to go, not all of them have grasped that yet. Hollywood needs to catch up, still powerful but increasingly looking like the ‘legacy’ media player, not really a spot anyone wants to occupy in the future. One thing is for sure, that as long as we are careful, it should mean better cinematic content from from a wider choice of sources. Happy days.

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BRACKETS AND SUPPORT GIVE YOURSELF A LIFT!

PUBS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS HOLISTIC HOSTELRIES

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

PUBLISHER

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER

Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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

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

Proud Media Partners of

ISLAND PRESTIGE

BRING SPATIAL AUDIO HOME As major streaming services race to promote spatial audio and livestreamed concerts and festivals, L-Acoustics Creations offers immersive sound spaces and high-performance sound systems ideally suited to these exciting formats. AV professionals know that content is only as impactful as the technology used to play it. Designed by L-Acoustics, the world leader in premium professional audio, Island Prestige provides an unrivaled 360° spatialized experience. With a visionary plugand-play acoustic design, Island Prestige immerses the listener in music, movies, or gaming in luxurious comfort and style.

Visit l-acoustics-creations.com to learn more or book an appointment in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.

l-acoustics-creations.com

POUND-FOR-POUND THE BEST

HOME CINEMA DEMO ROOM We feel that our Home Cinema is pound-for-pound the best home cinema demo room in the UK. Consisting of a handpicked selection of the finest and industryleading home cinema brands that produce the ultimate visual and audio setting, Invision’s demo room will knock you off your feet.

Don’t just take our word for it, experience it now by booking your own demo.

Contact us for more information 01359 270280 | sales@invisionuk.com

NEWS

NEWS SMART BUILDING AWARDS: THE WINNERS! Back for 2022, the Smart Building Awards returned with an evening packed full of fun, food, a few drinks and, of course, the awards themselves.

The venue was packed out and the awards themselves broke records in every category in terms of the number of number of entries received.

Demand for tickets and a marked rise in the profile of the Smart Building Awards, means organisers are considering moving to a new larger venue for next year. More news on that soon.

Best security solution – Ring X Line Entered by distributor AWE. Best standalone speaker – DSP8000XE – Meridian Audio.

Best training – Indigo distribution.

Best TV display conventional – LG MSD3000 – Entered by distributor DbM. Distributor of the year – Aldous systems.

Manufacturer of the year – Meridian Audio.

Installer Awards Best Commercial Integration Project – The Parade – Vivid Audio Visual.

Best dedicated touch screen controller – URC TKP-8600 – Entered by distributor AWE. Best integrated TV display – LG G2 evo gallery OLED – Entered by AWE. Best in wall or in ceiling speaker – DSP730 – Meridian Audio.

Best home cinema project over £50k – Traditional Cinema – MAVEN. Best Home cinema project under £50k – Morzine Movie House – Seymour AV Design.

Best media room over £50k – Retro TV Room – MAVEN.

Best lighting control – Rako Lighting control.

Best Matrix signal distribution – neo X3 – Pulse Eight.

Best multi room zone music system – TDAI-1120 – Steinway Lyngdorf.

Best media room under £50k – F1 Media Room – MK Iconic Solutions.

Best Multi dwelling unit – Essoldo House – Marquee Home.

Best projector – SONY VPL-XW7000ES – Entered by distributor AWE.

Best rack installation – Northampton Main House AV racks – MAVEN.

Best rack or mounting product – Wall Mount for SONOS Ray – Flexson.

Best Whole home integration project – Auracaria House – VL Tech Pro.

INAUGURAL EI LIVE! EUROPE MOVED TO JUNE 14-15, 2023

New date for EI Live! Europe in 2023

After great deliberation, organisers have made the decision to move EI Live! Europe to 2023 in order to enable this first event to reach its full potential and provide the platform it needs to succeed and grow in the future.

Announcing and putting on a new show of this type in the same year was always an ambitious target.

However, the response to the initial announcement (almost half of the stands were sold soon after the concept was revealed) and the enthusiasm across the industry for a dedicated residential show in Europe, gave EI Live! Europe a positive start.

With such an important main partner as KNX association as one of the training providers, as well as securing the partnership of industry veteran Wim De Vos (Owner of the free industry online education platform HT University Online, and leading

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Special Recognition award – Chris Pinder.

Smart Building Awards: Winners 2022 Best cable solution – Slimwire MAX HDMI – HDANYWHERE.

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Think Quality

value-added distribution company, Genesis Home Technology Architects) to take the lead in providing the rest of the learning and training experiences at the event, we have a winning combination.

The show has also secured one of the top venues in Europe – The Passenger Terminal, Amsterdam. This venue delivers all the accommodation and facilities needed for the event in one easy to reach site.

Securing all of this has established the foundations that the event needs to move forward, but in a challenging market from a logistics point of view, many exhibitors who wish to attend told the show team that their debut at the show will have to be next year. This is due to several factors – the most prevalent being marketing/event budgets already being set for this year, along with the amount of trade shows that companies are attending.

Organisers are therefore delighted to confirm the new dates for next year’s exhibition will be June 14-15 2023, with June 13 as the KNX training and education day.

Stands remain available now, and as for the rest of the event, its full steam ahead with organising and providing the platform that this concept truly deserves.

Show organisers look forward to welcoming all of you in 2023 to The Passenger Terminal, Amsterdam.

GOOD 10G TO 100m

HNC 6A CAT 6A 600 MHZ

EI Live! Europe eiliveeurope.com

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OCTOBER 2022 07

Bring large screen entertainment home With the worlds most compact native 4K laser Home Cinema projectors Experience the ultimate big-screen viewing experience with the VPL-XW5000ES and VPL-XW7000ES. Immerse yourself in vibrant, punchy images with up to 3,200 lumens of brightness. You’ll enjoy crisp pictures full of lifelike colours, even in brightly lit living rooms, home cinemas or media rooms.

Discover more pro.sony/XW-Series

Distributed in the UK by:

www.awe-europe.com

www.invisionuk.com

NEWS

BANG & OLUFSEN AND M RESTAURANTS Bang & Olufsen announced a new partnership with award-winning culinary group, M Restaurants, with the brand’s third restaurant in Canary Wharf recently launched, joining established London restaurants in Threadneedle Street and Victoria Street.

Extending over the ground and first floors of the 220m high Newfoundland, M Canary Wharf will showcase Bang & Olufsen audio and visual technology throughout the glossy waterside venue, which takes inspiration from the vintage yachts found on the French Riviera.

“Our shared desire to deliver extraordinary sensory experiences makes M Canary Wharf and Bang & Olufsen ideal partners. We’re confident that the combination of fine dining, exceptional architecture, and our innovative AV solutions will position M Canary Wharf as a destination venue of 2022, and for years to come,” says Scott Anderson, Bang & Olufsen’s Market Director, UK and Ireland.

Inside the restaurant are 10 separate destination zones of audio that can play simultaneously or separately, comprising two Beoplay A9 speakers, three Beosound Shape modular speaker systems, two pairs of Beolab 18 wall-mounted speakers, one pair of Beolab 50 active loudspeakers, and two Beovision Eclipse 4K OLED televisions. Completing the line-up are 24 Celestial in-ceiling speakers, arranged in groups of two throughout the venue so

diners can enjoy Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound for the entire duration of their visit.

The custom install was designed by MADE Worldwide to be robust, easy to use, and efficient, with the ability to run day-to-day with minimum human interaction. MADE Worldwide also created a custom interface for M Canary Wharf, which is programmed into a tablet and can be used to control the audio throughout the entire venue remotely.

“We are proud of the project at M Canary Wharf and hope that our unique design initiative benefits the venue now and into the future,” says Ashley Bond, Director of MADE Worldwide.

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Bang & Olufsen bang-olufsen.com

LILIN ANNOUNCE ONEAV AS NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNER

BETTER

LILIN was pleased to launch its new distribution partnership with OneAV at EI Live! After meeting through LILIN’s sponsorship of Chris Pinder’s Marathon Des Sables fundraiser for Together for Cinema, LILIN and OneAV have found a shared interest in providing both quality products and excellent customer support, deciding to continue to work together as distribution partners to support LILIN’s continued growth in the custom install market.

OneAV has already undergone product training and the extended LILIN product range is available on the company webstore, with up-to-date stock levels that will allow installers to place orders with confidence – ready for use now! With locally held stock, OneAV are ready to assist customers with finding a NDAA compliant security solution; with established home automation drivers providing deep integration.

LILIN UK CEO Steve Liddiard is thrilled with this new partnership, he comments “I’m delighted to have OneAV on board as a stocking distributor – and that they’re going to be taking on the full LILIN product range. The team are enthusiastic, and we’ve prepared well to be ready to hit the ground running. We’ve also been discussing some interesting projects with HDANYWHERE – so keep an eye out for those!”

LILIN lilin.com oneav.com

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48G TO 40m 8K HDMI AOC Full 8K Ultra HD signal transfer 4-core SSF™ Fibre Optic Technology 5m - 40m lengths

New Partnerships forged at EI Live! James Trumper One AV and Steve Liddiard, LILIN

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OCTOBER 2022 09

NEWS

AVoIPoE DESIGN THINKING - A CATALYST FOR CHANGE A new roadshow showcasing the potential of AVoIPoE to enable flexible, energy-efficient AV and IT installations launched on 29 September. AVoIPoE combines the benefits of AV over IP and Power over Ethernet, allowing complete audio-visual systems to be created using standard network cables to carry audio, video, control, data, and power simultaneously.

Hosted at NETGEAR UK headquarters in Bracknell, the first AVoIPoE Design Thinking event centered around two interactive example systems: a PoE meeting room and PoE live production studio.

In addition to hands-on training and access to the latest hardware, participants will engaged with AVoIPoE experts, including product specialists representing ASUS, AVer, Genelec, NewTek, NETGEAR, Silvertel, SY Electronics, TASCAM, Thinlabs, Wyrestorm and Yamaha. Sponsors included Audiologic, the award-winning provider of professional audio solutions, and renowned technical solutions distributor, Visualization.

“We want to spark peoples’ imaginations and give a taste of how they can work more efficiently and reduce their carbon footprint through AVoIPoE,” explains Siya Fakher from roadshow organisers, Broadtek. “We’ve found the best way to bring the technology to life is to create spaces where participants and experienced trainers can explore, ask

questions, and discuss solutions. Once you’ve seen how easy and affordable it can be to install, power and control anything from large format displays to alarm systems and video cameras over a network, it’s hard to imagine going back to the limitations of traditional AV designs”.

The optional training element of the event is AVIXA certified, with successful participants earning CTS RU credits. A second AVoIPoE Design Thinking roadshow event is planned for Manchester in November, with further events in mainland Europe in the pipeline.

Attendance is free for solutions architects, technical professionals, and AV / IT systems integrators.

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AVoIPoE news.broadtek.eu

Spaces are limited and can be reserved through the AVoIPoE website

AUTOMATED SPACES EARNS ELITE GLOBAL DESIGNATION Automated Spaces is delighted to be named a CEDIA Member of Excellence

Melton Mowbray based Automated Spaces has been named a CEDIA Member of Excellence.

Automated Spaces, which provides smart home, home cinema and independent living solutions, has achieved this status by its dedication to residential technology design and installation services through continuing education, customer service, and community service and outreach. Automated Spaces has also met industry benchmarks in certification and craftsmanship. CEDIA Member of Excellence is the highest designation a member company can achieve from the home technology industry’s only accrediting organisation.

“It is truly an honour to be only the 10th company in the UK and the 15th globally to receive this designation. It represents an important and significant milestone for our company. As well as recognising our

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continuing commitment to provide our clients with superior solutions and excellence in our services. We are very proud to be in the upper echelon of our peers at the leading edge of our industry” Automated, Managing Director Alan Matthews states.

Automated Spaces was founded in 2016. It has worked with clients and partners both in the UK and internationally. The company’s range of services include professional design, installation and on-going support services for smart home, home cinema and independent living technologies. Automated Spaces also provides significant industry outreach efforts to help demystify smart home and independent living technologies, for both clients and construction professionals alike, at the company’s show home demonstration house in Melton Mowbray.

“Only a small percentage of members meet the rigorous CEDIA Member of Excellence requirements,” CEDIA Senior Vice President of Industry Engagement Giles Sutton comments.

“Automated Spaces and other Members of Excellence represent the core values that many CEDIA companies already share and demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and service quality.

The programme showcases Automated Spaces as one of the best residential technology design and integration firms in the industry.”

BEST

100G TO 20km Cleerline Fibre Duplex 50 / 125 Single / Multimode OM3

Automated Spaces automatedspaces.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2022 11

NEWS

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE Simon Schino has been appointed as Sales and Operations Manager at Lyngdorf UK. He will work alongside Charlie McClarron, the UK Sales Director, to support the UK dealer base, including demonstrations at the company’s new showroom in the UK opening soon. Simon has been in the industry since 2014 and has a passion for great audio and building lasting relationships with his customers.

Colin Greene, a former Apple executive for 13 years who led Apple’s US consumer business to multibillion revenues, has been appointed to the Q-Acoustics board of directors as a Non-Executive Director. His focus will be to assist the development of the business strategy and optimising the potential of the core owned brands of Q Acoustics, QED and Goldring across the world.

Colin brings 30 years’ experience in executive leadership roles within technology giants such as NCR, Intel, Dell and Apple.

Colin comments, “My north star is the quality of the people I work with, and the level of enthusiasm, passion and desire to do great things at Q Acoustics is unmatched. George and his team have created an amazing product and brand assortment and I feel honoured to be able to participate in their continued success.”

George Dexter, Managing Director, Q Acoustics adds, “Colin’s appointment comes at a very exciting time for the business with a strong new product pipeline and significant international opportunity to grow, particularly in the US where Colin’s experience and knowledge of the market will be invaluable. I can see Colin’s appointment as a ‘sea change’ moment for our business and brands and I cannot think of a better person to join our board to help us shape our future.”

Aquavision has announced that Ben Lancaster is joining the company to support customers in the UK custom install industry.

With a lengthy 25 years in the industry, Ben started out in Hi-Fi and CI with Grahams in London then Audiofile in Bishop’s Stortford, he then worked with various manufacturers including Meridian and Trinnov. This was followed by a time in brand distribution with Invision UK as well as Anthem AV Solutions and Pulse Cinemas.

12 OCTOBER 2022

Alastair Benn, Managing Director of Aquavision says, “We are thrilled to welcome Ben, who will be a great asset to our team. He has a grass roots knowledge or our product range as well as great expertise and respect in the industry”.

M&K Sound has announced that Martin Dew, formerly of Lucasfilm THX and NEC Corporation, will join the company’s permanent team as project manager.

Martin brings a wealth of sales, marketing and training experience to M&K Sound, having headed up retail training and, subsequently, global pro cinema licensing sales at Lucasfilm. in Marin County, CA. He went on to run North and South America sales and business development for NEC’s digital cinema division in Burbank, CA. Mayflex, distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has appointed Billy Hopkins in the role of account manager for Converged Technology with an emphasis on IP Security. Billy joins Mayflex from Hanwha Techwin Europe where he was based for the last three years as a National Account Manager and prior to that worked for IDIS for five years in both business development and technical roles.

Billy comments, “I’m very much looking forward to working at Mayflex and particularly to be able to offer customers such a wide choice of brands and support services to suit their technical and budget requirements.”

CEDIA, global association for the home technology, has announced that it has hired Christine DeJoy as Vice President of Communications. Christine has over 21 years of communications and public affairs experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. At CEDIA, Christine will be responsible for guiding a global communications strategy that includes traditional and new media to garner industry and consumer visibility while enhancing the organisation’s prominent reputation. This includes industry awareness efforts, media outreach, and building relationships with affiliated trade associations to promote CEDIA and its members to the widest possible audience.

Simon Schino

Ben Lancaster

Billy Hopkins

Christine DeJoy

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Building Better Networks!

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Visit habitech.co.uk to view the new ProNET range and join us at Basingstoke for the industry’s most accomplished network training. www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk

ESSENTIAL AWE

THE TVs YOU NEED TO WATCH

AWE has built its reputation on supplying the best, most pioneering brands in the CI market.

With TV technology taking some unexpected turns this year, Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE, explains why AWE is proud to work with the industry’s most exciting innovators.

At AWE, we’ve been in this game for over 80 years, so we have seen every major advancement in TV manufacturing during the company’s lifetime. However, I have been blown away by the incredible innovations we’ve seen come to launch in 2022. These are solutions that meet the real needs of integrators while satisfying the high expectations of customers too.

We know that it’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to professionally installed smart home technologies, especially as clients now look for solutions that can adapt with their

14 OCTOBER 2022

lifestyle. Clients want to invest in technology that can multitask, and today’s TVs often need to tick multiple boxes when it comes to flexible installation options.

So, this is where we get quite excited. We’ve launched several ground-breaking technologies into the CI market this year, but there are two TV’s that have really stood out for me – the Sony QD-OLED and the Hisense L9. Both exceptional problem-solvers, and super cool too.

MEET THE SONY QD-OLED

This outstanding TV is brand new and available now at AWE. It’s in a class of its own and ticks so many boxes – I challenge you not to be impressed.

Here’s why…

The Sony OLED (QD OLED) panel on the XR-65A95K delivers the sharpest OLED colours yet. Combined with Sony’s XR OLED Contrast Pro technology, this TV delivers up to 200% as much colour brightness as conventional OLED TVs. For colour quality, QD-OLED (quantum dot OLED) technology is in a whole new league!

The force behind this product is its revolutionary Cognitive Processor XR, which understands how humans see and hear and can reproduce the content in a way that truly feels real. Every detail is enhanced on this 4K TV, the self-illuminating OLED (QD-OLED) panel keeps constant luminance, so the billion+ shades from the XR Triluminos Max colour palette stay true from all viewing angles. For full sensory immersion, the screen is also the speaker. Acoustic Surface Audio+ combines large actuators, as well as left and right subwoofers, for truly immersive audio that matches exactly what’s on-screen.

These remarkable picture and sound technologies are wrapped up in a dazzling One Slate design. The television can be styled in two different ways to suit the surroundings. The front position style with One Slate design offers

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the most immersive experience possible, while the back position style sets the TV close to the wall – great if space is limited.

Gone are the days of losing the remote! A premium backlit remote is included and with Google Assistant you can use the built-in Voice Search to find new entertainment and control other smart home devices. With the supplied BRAVIA CAM, customers can also enjoy sound optimisation technologies, Gesture Control, video chats with friends and family on the big screen, and more.

With IP integration, this Google TV allows you to browse 700,000+ movies and TV episodes from across multiple streaming services, all in one place and organised into topics and genres.

BRAVIA CORE is also included, with hundreds of movies included. Gamers haven’t been forgotten – the QD OLED provides a competitive edge with ultra-responsive, smooth gameplay, made possible by the Auto Low Latency Mode in HDMI 2.1, a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and more specialist gaming features.

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This marvellous Sony QD OLED Smart TV is available in two sizes, the 55in retails at £2699 and the 65in at £3699 - both available at AWE now.

INTRODUCING PREMIUM HISENSE L9 LASER TVS

Media rooms have seen a huge surge in demand, so big screen family entertainment is high on a every installer’s agenda. Conventional projection is the most popular option for installers, but not everyone has either the money or space for a dedicated projection system or 100in TV. This is where Hisense comes riding into battle. We are really excited to partner with Hisense to bring their new Laser TVs to installers. The L9 models boast ease of installation and use, combined with a great quality 4K HDR picture at a superb price point.

It opens the door to a new end-user segment in our market, providing an amazing big screen experience for under £4,500! Sounds

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exceptional, right? Here’s how the clever folk at Hisense have achieved this impressive feat.

The Hisense L9 Laser TV comes in twoparts - an ultra-short throw laser projector and a 100in, or 120in, ambient light rejecting screen. So, customers get a large screen TV at a fraction of the cost of a similar-sized traditional flat panel, which currently top out at 100in.

It’s an ideal option for bright, multi-purpose spaces like media rooms, living rooms or games rooms – where you want that large screen experience but don’t want a dedicated, blackedout cinema room.

It works exactly like a normal Smart TV. It has a built-in Freeview tuner, integral streaming services - using Hisense’s very responsive VIDAA operating system, and integral 40W ‘Dolby Atmos’ speakers. Even the remote control looks like a normal TV remote.

Let’s talk picture quality. The projector is actually a single chip DLP projector and creates a 4k image using advanced pixel shift technology. What makes it different from other DLPs is that three lasers – one red, one green and one blue - produce the bright, punchy colours instead of a colour wheel. In fact, Hisense state that they can exceed the BT.2020 colour gamut!

Coming in at 3,000 lumens, the triple Laser engine offers consistent colour and brightness over a 25,000-hour lifetime. To ensure a bright image in most lighting conditions, there are two options of ambient light rejecting screen available - the 100in hard screen and the 120in soft screen.

The 100in is a fixed rigid screen, with no assembly required. It’s a Fresnel screen that pushes the light from the projector directly forward, whilst rejecting most other ambient light. This means that it can be used in any room even if there’s no light control.

The 120in is a soft screen that comes flatpacked and so requires assembly and, featuring a wide 150 degree viewing angle.

And installation? The Hisense L9 Laser TV requires precise positioning to ensure the highest viewing quality. Each of the projectors has a fixed focal length and the lens matches the screen. Care must be taken when positioning the height of the projector and its distance to the screen. To ensure this is adhered to for the best experience, Hisense offer a free installation option with every TV in a consumer’s home. Alternatively, AWE will be training and approving Hisense Laser TV Installers who will benefit from a contribution towards the cost of installer level installation.

There you have it, two fantastic options for media rooms and cinema rooms alike. These are just a couple of the latest TVs making an impact at AWE – to find out more about how we can support your next install or to book a visit to the AWE show apartment to view the full product range, visit www.awe-europe.com.

OCTOBER 2022 15

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

PULSE HELPS ALPS HOME CINEMA REACH NEW HEIGHTS This fantastic project by Seymour AV Design won Best Home Cinema Under 50K at the Smart Building Awards. Want to achieve the same level of success? work with Pulse Cinemas!

Tom Banks, Managing Director for Seymour AV Design explains, “We were contacted by the client directly, having seen our work on Instagram. It was towards the end of the third national lockdown, and he had decided to run his business from home for sustained periods of time and subsequently bought a chalet in Morzine, France.”

The main directive was to convert a windowless, awkwardly shaped room in the basement into a reference level cinema. This was a ground up design and build, including the sourcing of the lighting, furniture, carpets, artwork and, naturally, AV equipment.

Tom adds, “There were two main challenges.

One, due to COVID, we couldn’t visit the site until it was time to install everything. The second was the room itself. The client wanted us to divide the awkward shape of the room into a cinema room plus a rack/storage room. The decreasing angle of the room meant that the larger you made the cinema room, the smaller the screen wall became.

We had a target of 100in minimum screen size, so this, paired with maximising the projector’s throw ratio, required extreme precision. All this of course without being able to visit site!”

Pulse Cinemas played a major part in getting the project won in the first place and then achieving the high-standard the install team were aiming for, as Tom explains, “Firstly,

16 OCTOBER 2022

we were able to get the client to come down to the Pulse demo facility, which really was so important; partly because the client hadn’t really experienced what true home cinema was and secondly he had a small space that turned out to be almost identical in size to the ’small cinema room’ at Pulse.

“For him and his girlfriend to be able to sit in a space that will be almost identical to his, with his styling, and in the comfort of his home, really helped us get this job over the line. He explained after the demo that he had a ballpark figure in his head and that went out the window, once he had heard/seen the demo!

“It actually resulted in us almost copying the equipment like for like in his space as he loved the demo. He was so impressed, in fact, that when we were invited to watch a film with some local neighbours, he demoed the Gregory Porter double bass scene on his new Kaleidescape, Strato as that was his favourite clip from the demo seven months before!

Pulse Cinemas positivity did not end there however as Tom argues, “As helpful as the demo was to inform the client and show the value of key products, the real value of a distributor is after the equipment has been purchased! I’m a big believer that all the distributors have some great products and know how to sell those products. What we love about working with

Pulse is that they are there to help and solve problems thereafter.

“They offer a full design service, photography, calibration and a host of other marketing services. They even offered to come to site (on the French-Swiss border) if we needed anything. As is always the case with installs, you inevitably run into glitches or unexpected issues. It was crucial these could be dealt with as they arrived as we were only in France for the week.”

Tom explains, “We were able to call Pulse on one occasion and they were able to diagnose the picture issue we were having with the Sim2 and Kaleidescape, and get a fix immediately over the phone. For us, as a business, this is worth its weight in gold as we are able to move forward with an install in the timescale we anticipated without having to wait for someone to come back to us.

With this regard, a special thanks has to go out to Clive Vooght (now at RTI) who we also leant on throughout the process. Pulse had also made the intro to Clive, who at the time worked for himself and now runs the RTI training at Pulse.”

Kapes Patel, Pulse Cinemas COO, adds, “If you want this level of result and this level of support, just get in contact, its in our DNA to work this closely with our dealers and then tell the world about the fantastic result!”

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ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

PROJECT DETAIL

One of the first priorities was to work with the French building team carrying out works on the property to provide Seymour with every possible measurement of the room. SketchUp was used to build a 3D model of the room.

From there the team could see how things would work in scale, share design ideas with the client, and give detailed designs to the building team to build out the rooms, ready for the installation phase.

Tom continues, “We were keen to use technology that had good room E.Q capabilities given the potentially unforgiving nature of the concrete room. It was with this in mind that we specified an Anthem AVR, as their ARC room correction tool would be able to deliver as balanced a sound as possible. Using this we managed to get near-perfect bass response which we were incredibly pleased with.

“After discussing the room constraints with the client, we explained that a 7.1 system would be the best choice. As we were building a storage room, we had a stud wall in the middle of the room; this was therefore the obvious choice for the screen wall as we could build a baffle wall and hide the LCRs and sub behind an acoustically transparent screen.”

As the rest of the room was concrete, the plan involved dropping the ceiling in order to house the four rear/back speakers, specifying angledin ceiling speakers. This drop also allowed the creation of a coffer for the star ceiling. This is also acoustically transparent and treated in the first reflection. Seymour AV also worked with GIK Acoustics to design some bespoke artwork to help soften the room’s acoustics, treating the first reflections as well as the screen baffle wall and part of the rear wall. Absorption panels were used behind the acoustically transparent screen and the first reflections, as well as a combination of absorption and reflective panels on the back wall.

Tom says, “Given the limited space we had, we didn’t have the option to build a ‘roomwithin-a-room’ and treat it to our preferred level; but using the art panels we were able to improve the sound immensely and the four bespoke posters helped add some colour to the room’s muted grey palette.”

TIME CONSTRAINTS

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As a room, although windowless and well insulated from the rest of the home, it was not an ideal space given it was small and entirely made of concrete.

Tom says, “It is not usual for us to be given the opportunity to fully design a cinema room from the ground up, so we were excited to flex some design muscles. The fact the client was so happy with the results was a bonus, and we believe the design details such as the French panelling, Buster+Punch lighting, and the bespoke movie posters with acoustic treatment, really added to the enjoyment of the room. We added some surprise features, such as having a link from the remote’s home screen to a weather app so he can check the snow forecast for the slopes! He also loved that the lights dim as a film started and they slowly brighten when pausing/ending a film.

Tom concludes, “I feel the true evidence of this is that we are already working on a whole home automation, Lutron and media-room projector for the client’s brother. We feel this job exemplifies Seymour AV Design’s ability to problem solve and deliver a solution that exceeds expectations. Due to the constraints COVID placed on us, our knowledge, design skills and workmanship were put to the test. The fact that we were able to design everything with extreme precision, without setting foot in the property, is a showcase of our skills not only as designers but also communicators, which was important for an international project.”

Seymour AV Design seymouravdesign.com

Equipment List Cinema • Projector: Sim2 Domino 4 • AVR: Anthem MRX740

Tom explains the tight timing involved, “Once we arrived in Morzine, we had one week to install and commission the room, and thanks to the detailed plans and models we had initially provided to the building team, both the studwalls and the lighting circuits we had specified were in the correct locations. We were then able to install and commission the room to ours and the client’s expectations within the short time frame. After the client had sent several videos to friends and family, we were asked to stay and watch a film as he and I were both so happy with the result.”

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Extra features such as a weather report on the RTI remote make the space super bespoke

• Sub Amp: Paradigm X300 • LCR Speakers: Paradigm P80-IW • Back+Surr: Paradigm H65-A • Sub: Paradigm RVC-12SQ • Sources: Kaleidescape Strato-S, Apple-TV • Control: RTI T4x remote and XP-6s Processor • Lighting Control: Lutron RA2 select with pico keypads

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OCTOBER 2022 17

ESSENTIAL HABITECH

POWERING YOUR PRO AV PRODUCTIVITY Adapt your skills for a Pro AV market that needs the things you’re good at and reap the rewards, says Habitech’s Technical Sales Manager John Perry.

Networking competences are bringing the worlds of commercial and residential AV together.

Motivated by the need to stream from licenced music services, integrators from Pro AV and residential CI are now reaching for the same networking toolkit.

Today, for instance, you’re as likely to see AVoIP in homes as you are in retail, hospitality, clubs and bars. Truth is that post-lockdown, rising consumer expectations of quality and capability are speeding installers toward the same discreet design conclusions.

For small to medium sized commercial projects at least, technologies and skillsets are becoming interchangeable, which means you’re ready to tackle the Pro AV challenges that come your way as soon as you appreciate that the acoustic demands of commercial spaces are different from the ones you’re used to. There’s a learning curve to be travelled, but the journey will be easier with the pro team at Habitech for company. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

No question that the prospect of big new business is well within your grasp. Pro clients needing AV in ‘sensitive’ architectural spaces and high-end brand retailers for instance, will never want to see a loudspeaker; they’re looking for the discreet design skills that have defined your playbook since day one. Similarly, a new wave of ‘boutique’ businesses are seeking the seamless integration of high performance AV to differentiate their offer, and that’s where you come in. Opportunities abound, especially

because your clients don’t distinguish between pro and resi. As the line between home and work continues to blur, the CEO whose home you just transformed will want the same thing at their restaurant, office or retail premises.

They won’t appreciate that the enhanced scale of the project and its demand for different attributes - like higher Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) to overcome ambient noise - will require new methods and products to achieve the same flawless results. But that’s not a problem.

The good news is that you can embellish your residential repertoire with these tools when you partner with Habitech.

END-TO-END PROJECT SUPPORT

In recent years we’ve invested energetically to become as proficient at serving the Pro AV market as the CI sector, complementing a much wider product choice with a wealth of design experience gained from decades in key roles with major commercial brands. This means

that we can help you to ‘think professional’ with training on workflow, technologies and products to ensure that your preparation and your solution choices are optimised in a plan that you can present to the client. Whether you’re designing for subtle restaurant atmospherics, large reverberant spaces, SOHO environments, Unified Communications (UC) or high SPLs in nightclubs, Habitech’s experience and proven professional-grade product range will be at your service, value-added, end-to-end.

PROVEN PRODUCTS FOR EVERY APPLICATION Our Pro AV range embraces audio and lighting design, video, security, Wi-Fi, power management and conferencing solutions, as well as racks and the means to connect it all up, in fact, everything you’d need to deliver high performance custom AV in any commercial setting. For example, Nexo’s speakers and amps are purpose-built for high SPL applications,

Everything you need for high performance AV in any commercial setting

18 OCTOBER 2022

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ESSENTIAL HABITECH

whereas Sonance’s Pro series of 100V/8 ohm selectable in-ceiling, pendant and surface mount speakers - and its all-weather outdoor systems - are perfect for discreet wideband sound, especially when teamed with the proven capabilities of Yamaha Commercial Installation solutions including Dante-enabled processing and amplification. And when it comes to curating the perfect ambience for intimate dining, the subtleties of Lutron’s lighting and blind control will place you way ahead of trad CAV installers.

Then again, distributing light of the 4K kind to Samsung’s spectacular new QLED displays is as easy as AVoIP with Netvio’s brilliantly intuitive JP4 Series architecture alongside Wyrestorm’s established Network HD systems. For the best in Wi-Fi, scalable for high density deployments and budgets, choose from our versatile new ProNet range of Ruckus, Draytek, Cambium and Netgear network solutions behind WatchGuard’s plug-and-play firewalls. Believe me, your clients and their customers will love what our custom network designs can deliver. And when there’s a demand for conferencing solutions, we have that covered as well. For single or multi-person UC speech reinforcement in local or worldwide streaming scenarios within SOHO environments to huddle spaces to boardrooms and beyond, our powerful new product line-up, including Sennheiser, Vaddio, Yamaha and Wyrestorm, has all answers. In other words when you’re pulling those discreet, high performance design levers in Pro AV, we’ll help you to reach top gear with the knowledge of decades from our new team of seasoned pros.

BESPOKE DESIGN PLANNING AND EXECUTION

From the get-go we’ll create a system design for your project with the aid of simulation software. It will detail such things as optimum signal processing and power relationships, speaker type and distribution - supported by audio ‘heatmaps’ for each space - as well as video schematics, security camera positions and

Wi-Fi coverage. What’s more, we’ll back the plan to completion with our fabled technical support and training.

BEST PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Although pro install raises a different set of design challenges for residential integrators, including larger projects and spaces, ambient noise and speech intelligibility, you’ll discover how to master them on a full day’s training at Habitech. The ‘Introduction to Commercial Audio’ course handles the workflow disciplines you’ll need, and how to select the most appropriate solutions for music, speech and sound reinforcement. With this course under your belt, the more specialised ‘Commercial AV integrator’ course provides an insight into digital signal processing, amplification, control and microphone technologies for audio and integrating AVoIP technologies for video.

There’s plenty to explore, but as in CI, every commercial application has its own custom solutions. We’ll help you choose the best, and when you win your first commercial project, we’ll ship your products from our warehouse to the training room and show you how to set up and configure the system before it reaches the site.

At Habitech we don’t sell boxes. Instead, we offer you a full value added service that starts with the right product strategy and ends with satisfied customers.

ADD HABITECH TO YOUR CAV DESIGN TEAM

For instance, we worked with Lux Integrate, the CI arm of established resi retailer Bang & Olufsen Wilmslow, to transform the hospitality at Macclesfield FC with spectacular high quality video walls and evenly distributed wide bandwidth sound through an eight-zone AV network. This was Lux Integrate’s first largescale commercial venture, but we created the proposal that won them the job and stayed with them to ensure a great result for their client.

Sonance Pendants provide wide bandwidth sound in the main bar and gyms at Macclesfield FC

Similarly, we joined the team at Potters Home Digital to reimagine the entertainment experience at The Coachworks near Ashford, Kent, which mixes bars, ‘street food’ catering concessions, event and office spaces within several distinct social hubs. This installation involved Sonance all-weather Omnis and Mariners driven by Yamaha Commercial processing and Provisionaire iPad controlled streaming from online and local music libraries.

PHD Director Alex Jones, says: “the staff find the system effortless to use and have commented on the heightened level of audio detail available in each zone, even when the system is driven hard. “We’ve always enjoyed a close working relationship with Habitech, whose service through product range, supply and support is, in our experience, second to none.”

YOUR PARTNERS IN PRO AV PRODUCTIVITY

The message from this evangelist is that today, on every important level, your skills are as relevant to clubs, bars, restaurants and hotels as they are to home owners. All you need is a little help from your friends at Habitech, because with our Pro AV products, training, experience and support in place, the opportunities for your talents in commercial spaces are boundless.

For further information please visit habitech.co.uk or call the Pro team: 01256 638500

Super discreet Sonance Omnis are included in the solution for Potters’ install at The Coachworks

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OCTOBER 2022 19

EI LIVE! REVIEW 2022

ALIVE AND KICKING!

Put the dates for next year in your diary now!

After a triumphant return to the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, EI rounds up just some of the reactions to the UK’s only smart home and luxury AV trade show.

Phil Wildman, Technical Sales Consultant at Sy Electronics, offers, “Thanks to the EI Live!

Show organisers, who once again smashed it out of the park with the 2022 event. This was a fantastic show, which we were glad to be part of. We were able to show off the many benefits and extra functions that SY products possess, via both spoken word explanation and by using our show stand media displays.

“This type of show offers the chance to speak face-to-face with our customers, both old and new. Everyone likes to meet up in person, and once again we met up with many new system integrators, as well being able to parlè with our old friends. Our Xcalibur product range drew particular attention due to its unique feature set, along with our new range of extenders and switchers with USB connectivity.”

The industry’s key distributors are always a big feature of the show and Pulse Cinemas took an innovative approach, offering business and life coaching on their stand, as well as insight into the company’s exclusive Dream Engine VR experience - designed to enable installers and customers to gain a clearer understanding of how systems work and what they will eventually look like.

Company MD, Mike Beatty, says, “We had a great show meeting many old friends and making new ones. Our main thrust at the show

20 OCTOBER 2022

was to encourage installers to come and visit our recently revamped HQ, which offers world class demonstration facilities designed to inspire and drive sales. Our Open Day initiative has been a huge success, giving installers the opportunity to interact with our whole team and really understand how we can create next level home cinema and automation systems together. If you haven’t attended one already get in contact and choose your preferred date.”

Distributor Invision returned with a large presence at the event.

With Mark Taylor, Commercial Director, stating, “We were delighted to be back in Farnborough for this year’s EI Live! It was great to see so many integrators and industry colleagues

while showing them what Invision has to offer. I would like to thank EI, our manufacturer partners, and of course the team for making the show a success.”

Peter Alloway, Head of UK Business Development, adds, “I love a show! Nothing beats the opportunity to talk to our customers face-to-face and for them to get hands on with the products. This year, we had some of the first HDBaseT 3.0 products on our stand available from Pulse-Eight and to be able to show these new products first-hand is exciting and what our industry is all about. We’d like to thank everyone who supported us; it was great to see so many familiar faces but also to meet some new colleagues too.”

The stands enjoyed good high-quality traffic

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EI LIVE! REVIEW 2022

The AWE Village is now a well established and well loved part of the show. Stuart Tickle, Managing Director at AWE, comments, “It was good to be back at EI Live! with the AWE Village. Visitor quality was, as always, excellent and I was pleased to see my team chatting to people throughout. There was a positive vibe and it was great to see new exhibitors at the show this year.

To put into context how important we consider the show, the AWE Village consisted of dedicated areas of interest separated by brands, including distinct visual, audio and smart home control areas, plus dedicated viewing rooms for Sony and Epson projectors. We had a first showing of the LG Objet Easel TV as well as the Epson LS800 UST projector. It takes 15 of us and two full days to build the stand. The reason we go so large is because one of the biggest benefits to attend an exhibition is to actually see, hear or touch the latest versions of the kit you use, but also to discover the best of the things you don’t.

That cannot be done over a Teams call, website or YouTube video. As great as all those platforms are, and how easily accessible a vast amount of content is from your office or sofa, nothing beats being at a physical event to really understand what it is you may be specifying - let alone discovering the best of what you don’t.

That is also why we have invested so much into our show apartment at AWE HQ. We rate the show as very good and encourage any dealer with an interest in integration to visit in 2023.”

David Anderson, Managing Director of Avoke, was equally pleased with the show’s

Thanks to Aico, the headline sponsor for this year’s EI Live!

performance, saying, “Over on the Avoke stand we were delighted that so many installers took advantage of the training we offered on our network testers. Diagnostics is becoming more crucial to every install, and we were able to answer lots of questions and show our technical know-how and support. We have a promotion due to start on October 1 that we already have many pre-orders for.

“We were blown away by the response to our H-iFi offering. From streaming, to multiroom to stand-alone pre and power amplifier and speaker systems our Elipson and Tangent

offerings were not only admired but were being specified on the stand for upcoming installs.

With solutions from £100 to £6k we absolutely had something for everyone.”

Signal distribution is always of course a hot topic at the show. Aiden Jones, Technical Director at specialists in the field, Blustream, says, “It was great to see so many of our partners. Thank you for taking the time to drop by and see some of the new solutions that are coming soon! Big thanks to EI Live! and the team at Essential Install magazine!”

Home cinema is of course a big theme at the show, this year short throw projectors certainly made their mark

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OCTOBER 2022 23

EI LIVE! REVIEW 2022

The company T-shirt competition started as a bit of fun, but actually got pretty competitive!

UK innovators in smart sensors Faradite are regular supporters of the event. Company MD, Chris Turner, comments, “We had a fantastic time at EI Live! in Farnborough. It was great to catch up with so many people in the industry and see their exciting new products as well as meeting lots of people who are newer to the industry.

Matt Emberson, Marketing Manager at Faradite, adds, “EI Live! 2022 was fantastic.

We were so pleased to see the hall full of visitors and exhibitors alike. For us, it was a great opportunity to show some of our more recently released products like our extremely discreet Motion Sensor 360 - Pinhole. As this device is a rear mounted, almost invisible motion sensor, it was brilliant to physically show our customers how the sensor is installed and what the device looks like when installed. Most guests to the stand were in awe of just how discreet the device is when in the wall.

“We also used this opportunity to preview some very exciting products that are due for release in the coming months. Safe to say the feedback was overwhelmingly positive which has made us even more excited to release the products over the coming months. Considering the last few years, seeing our industry get together in person is something we will not be taking for granted. Roll on EI Live! 2023!”

24 OCTOBER 2022

Some of the industry’s biggest companies supported the Snap One offering, show presence and training at the event. Mark Reynolds, Senior Director EMEA, Snap One, says, “Snap One enjoyed an amazing show at EI Live! it was a great opportunity to showcase our latest innovations including OvrC, Triad PDX, WattBox and new features for Control4 OS3.

Our training courses, which ran across both days, were well supported and we had plenty of high-quality conversations with integrators. We are very pleased and look forward to another great EI Live event in 2023.”

The popular Aquavision truck stand was once again in attendance wowing the crowds with its installation focused TVs. Company Founder and MD, Alistair Ben, says, “Great show and as much as I try, I can’t think of anything that I would ask you to do different/better! It all just happened perfectly and even the security staff and H&S people so amazingly helpful which makes everything so much easier and less hassle al round. That is a huge compliment to the team. Put me down for the same stand next year please and looking forward to details of the Europe show!” (see this month’s news section).

The show is always happy to welcome associations from various parts of the industry that support the event and their members.

CAI were delighted to attend EI Live! once

again. Peter Sealey, CAI’s Chairman/Senior Executive and Kevin Dawson Assessment and Technical Executive were both in attendance to help and discuss everything membership and training related. Kevin comments, “A wellattended show where it was important CAI had a good presence. We are very happy to continue as active market partners to Essential Install and EI Live! and very much look forward to the next exhibition.”

Product launches are of course a huge feature of the show and amongst those offering new concepts was Connected Distribution.

Mike Bonnette, Product Director, explains, “Alongside the static display of our core brands, including Russound, Parasound, Yamaha and Earthquake Sound, our stand this year took on a different theme, with an active demonstration to show visitors the benefits of installing immersive, object based audio systems for their customers. Demonstrating audio in an open show environment is never perfect, but the reaction to the new Aurea range of cinema speakers was nothing short of fantastic. The Aurea offering, using speakers from a commercial cinema supplier, of a ‘Cinema In The Home’, as opposed to a home cinema, certainly resonated with the people who came to our stand and made our appearance at the show one we were very pleased with.”

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EI LIVE! REVIEW 2022

Samuel Arunta, Director at Versed Automation, proving that EI Live! was the place to be seen

Combing the power of several top performing brands, the DbM stand was a popular choice. “We thoroughly enjoyed our time at EI Live!” comments Katy Bradshaw, Director of Marketing for DbM. “The show gave us the opportunity to meet with a selection of new and familiar faces and discuss the range of products that we can provide to support them on their smart home installs. Visitors were excited to hear about our two new distribution deals with Amina and Sonos and how these fit into our existing brand offering that includes Barco, Cats, Display Technologies, LG, Meridian Audio, nexgentec, SMS Leddy, Trinnov and Waterfall Audio.

“We were also delighted to attend the Smart Building Awards at the end of day one of the show and celebrated as a team as two of our key brands, Meridian and LG, walked away with a

total of four awards, including Best Standalone Speaker, Best In-Wall or In-Ceiling Speaker, Best Manufacturer, and Best TV Display Conventional.” See this month’s news section for all the results from the SBAs! Another distributor enjoying the show was Indigo Distribution. Emma McQueen, Marketing Coordinator says, “As always, we had a fantastic time at EI Live! The show was a great success in terms of meeting new people, building relationships with our current customers and showcasing our brands that we partner with.

“This year we took along some of our new brands, which included; QMotion Shading, BasIP Intercom Solutions and Integra AVRs. EI Live! was a great opportunity to show people in person what these new products have to offer. As well as this, we took along our

speaker brand Klipsch, and gave some product demonstrations of the Behind-The-Screen Cinema System. We also brought our control brands ELAN and RTI, as well as Rako Lighting, Bond Bridge and Pulse Eight.”

Emma adds, “At the Smart Building Awards, it was announced that we won the Best Training initiative for our Sales Training Course. It was great to be recognised for this and made our time at EI Live! even better! Overall, a great two days at EI Live! 2022.”

Another stand that was busy throughout the show was Karma AV. Founder and MD, Ian Severs, recounts, “Yet again the UK’s only CI trade show proved to be an energetic source of business contacts and a great stage for our range of CI and home theatre products.

The Technical Theatre played to packed houses throughout the show

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OCTOBER 2022 27

EI LIVE! REVIEW 2022

“For instance, we chose EI Live! for the European show launch of Perlisten Audio’s THX Certified Dominus In-Walls, the world’s first, which attracted a huge amount of interest, along with our established JBL Synthesis range and Primare’s beautiful new SPA25 9-channel AV amp. There was also a great deal of recognition for Ascendo Immersive Audio’s high-end theatre systems and room-cancelling EQ technology as well as SVS’ proven subwoofer systems and System Audio’s WiSA enabled speakers. No question, we’ll be back next year!”

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Platforms that deliver support in project planning and execution are a huge topic at the moment and installer friend Specifi enjoyed the opportunity to spread word about its comprehensive package.

Steph Watson, Marketing Manager, says, “Thank you for having us EI Live! we had two very successful days. This was our second ever show, last year was all about getting our name out and showing installers who we were. However, this year, we got much more out of the show as more and more people recognised us and knew what Specifi was. This meant that we could spend more time building relationships with customers and hearing what new features they would like to see on the platform to make it even better.

“At the show, we were able to give live demonstrations of our AV Business Management Tool. Being able to have that face-to-face interaction is very important, and EI Live! was the perfect place to have this. We were able to show some of our new

28 OCTOBER 2022

features which included; our Customer Portal, Customisable Sales Quotes and QuickBooks integration. As well as our CRM functionality, Time Management features and more. Overall our time at EI Live! was a great success.”

Another product launch at the show came from Display Technologies (DT) addressing more cinema design challenges with the introduction of VMM-FS. DT’s VMM-FS (Freestanding Vertical Mirror Mount) is made for vertically mount a projector where its advantageous having the unit sat on a horizontal structure such as a shelf or cupboard; ideal in situations where space is limited, and in installations where structural vibration can be an issue, this precludes its use.

DT has addressed this issue by introducing the VMM-FS, a freestanding version of the

VMMv2 that de-couples from the wall and minimises vibration transfer. The VMM-FS can be positioned onto a horizontal surface or secured to an isolated base unit that avoids vibration created by bass energy and wooden floors etc. installation is simple and it only takes up slightly more space than a conventional VMMv2.

Managing Director of DT, Neil Davidson, comments: “This solution is designed to address one of the most important pieces of feedback we have received from our global customer base. Various constructions schemes in different countries made wall mounting the VMMv2 challenging. By decoupling the mount from the structure this opens the solution into many more projects for our partners.”

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ci140 & ci140sub on-wall L,C,R

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EI LIVE! REVIEW 2022

INSTALLER REACTION

The number of installers coming through the door was a clear endorsement of the show with numbers up on last year. Many familiar faces - but also many new visitors - underline the strength of the show moving forward. Once again, many exhibitors expressed their pleasure at the high quality of the visitor profile, a key deliverable that show organisers are keen to underline and keep delivering on.

The reaction of Louise Tarling, Founder of Louise Tarlin, was typical, “That’s a wrap. What a show! We honestly thought that we would get it done in one day and be away, but that just didn’t happen. We had so many suppliers and distributors to see, that we filled up the full two days of the show and still didn’t get to see everyone - sorry Jose from Origin Acoustics and Mike at Pulse, every time we went past your stands you were already chatting!

“These shows are great for keeping up to date with new developments in our industry, and we always come away enthused and super excited with ideas for new projects. It’s also great to be able to feedback directly to manufacturers about potential issues or suggestions for improvements on their products that they wouldn’t normally get to hear. But the best thing about the show - is all of the different people that we get to meet. Looking forward to EI Live! 2023!”

And just to prove the reach of the show goes beyond the UK, Morgan Irwin, flew in from Cape Town Home Cinema and says, “It was incredible to be able to visit EI Live! In a last minute, unexpected opportunity, Christiaan Beukes invited me to join him at the UK’s premier home technology trade show. It was great to see so many brands and products on display at the show. I am especially grateful that I was able to meet in person for the first time so many people. Great to meet Kris Gamble, David Coutts, Barry Pim, Nick Fichte, as well as having a great catchup with Chris Pinder!

Also great to get my first look at ASCENDO Immersive Audio GmbH and Perlisten Audio speakers. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trade-show visit without having a quick look around the Trinnov Audio display. Thank you to everyone for the great chats while at the show. It was really amazing to be able to see everyone!”

So, after a rip-roaring success of show, can you afford not to be at next years? The dates are already set there are easy to remember, the same dates as this year, so put 13-14 September in your diary right now, lock them out and make sure you attend, see you in 2023!

EI Live! gets a great big thumbs up from Phil Hardaway, EMEA Sales Manager, Nice UK

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OCTOBER 2022 31

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

What is the market potential for managed remote concierge services?

REMOTE CONCIERGE AND VIRTUAL DOORMAN SERVICES A growing solution for residential integration in the MDU sector explained by Chris Edwards Marketing Director, CIE-Group.

Remote concierge - sometimes also referred to as ‘virtual concierge’ or ‘remote doorman’ is a service that securely manages the entry of third-party visitors and deliveries to your premises remotely via a door intercom, CCTV or Access Control system. Ideal for applications such MDUs (Multi Dwelling Units) and shared co-working spaces, remote concierge services can often also manage resident payments, maintenance requests and room bookings, to provide an in-app single platform for residents, property managers and staff.

ease of usage. To have a live concierge (an onsite staff member in the building 24/7) will have extremely high annual running costs and HR management considerations.

A ‘virtual doorman’ facility can provide the same high levels of service to be deployed in a building as an amenity, providing service to the residents and security for your overall building. A remote concierge service can easily be deployed using industry-standard door intercom panels or access control readers throughout the building.

From Amazon, UPS, Deliveroo, Fedex, dry

What are the benefits to the property manager and residents of using remote concierge instead of on-site staff?

Why is there a requirement for Remote Concierge?

staff may not be possible or cost-effective. 24/7

The benefits of a remote or ‘virtual’ concierge are focussed on the reduction in costs and the

32 OCTOBER 2022

Our life has changed in the past few years; the amount of deliveries that are flowing into our buildings are increasing exponentially.

cleaning, service providers – a huge increase in ‘foot traffic’ requiring single-use or temporary access into the building. Staffing a multitenant building’s lobby or reception with a live concierge solves that issue, of course, as the doorman or concierge can provide checked or ‘filtered’ access into the property.

The concept of remote concierge has created an alternative service option for those properties where employing a full-time, on-site member of remote concierge will allow access into those buildings using a combination of access control devices at the entrance, a remote response team and a resident in-app experience.

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Security Solutions designed for Home Automation

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HomeLINK Environmental Sensors Monitor temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide to gain insights into indoor environmental conditions to create better maintained, healthier, energy efficient homes.

SmartLINK Gateway and App The SmartLINK App enables quick and easy installation of alarms and sensors with SmartLINK technology, while the Gateway is the central hub for data, extracting information from connected devices.

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The HomeLINK App With the HomeLINK App, residents are provided with a healthy home rating, handy advice on how to improve the quality of their home, and Fire and CO alarm testing reminders.

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

What does a remote concierge look like?

Access into a multi-tenant or MDU building usually starts via a door intercom system. The intercom system is our gateway to allow access into the building. When a courier, a delivery person or a guest comes to the building they face the intercom system, they hit the remote concierge delivery button which is integrated within the intercom itself and, in a few seconds, a member of the 24/7 remote concierge team will pick up the call. The ‘concierge’ will then vet the courier into the building by asking for proof of ID etc, before allowing that courier / delivery person into a building, hence solving the issue of access into the building. Once a delivery / a courier is in the building, the resident will be notified within their app that their package or, their guest or their service provider is in the building.

Remote concierge systems will usually only allow limited access levels in the building. So rather than allowing a courier to deliver a parcel all the way to an individual apartment, the virtual doorman may only have permission rights to open the lobby door, or the lobby and parcel store doors. Any route through the building which the courier has access to, may also be tracked by the remote concierge team using additional video surveillance cameras.

Does remote concierge provide business opportunities?

The UK market is prime for a solution for remote doorman systems such as Carson Living,

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because the hardware already exists in many multi-dwelling and multi-tenant properties.

The technology is already installed, smart intercoms are being installed as standard in multi-user buildings. But the ability to provide a one-app experience to residents, where the app doesn’t only answer intercom calls, but allows access offers an additional USP to a property in a crowded and competitive market. Users can send an electronic key to their visiting guests or service providers, or pay rent from within the app.

There is mass messaging for property managers, who can report a service request - all from the convenience of single smartphone app. Remote concierge does much more than just exist as an intercom app. Platforms such as Carson can be tailored to meet the individual needs of property managers, companies and residents.

• Property management software integration • Amenity reservations • Live camera view • Community messenger board feature • In-app branding

What does 24/7 remote concierge and access provide?

Remote concierge can provide a wide range of ‘virtual’ and remote support services which include: • 24/7 remote doorman services • Visitor management • Visual verification and ID checking • Receiving of parcel and food deliveries • Integration with door intercom and access control systems • Maintenance requests and appointment booking • Integrated payments

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OCTOBER 2022 35

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

SECURITY OF DEVICES, DEVICES OF SECURITY: A RECENT HISTORY

Phillip Pini, Director of Residential Sales (UK) at Crestron looks at some recent security trends.

Homeowners — and, by extension, the developers they serve — have, in recent years, become acutely aware of the need for security, both physical and digital. An example: I live on a street with 100 homes. At the beginning of the pandemic, two of those dwellings had video doorbells. Now, two and a half years later, some 57 homes have them (yes, I counted). It’s easy to understand why these devices are popular: they’re simple to deploy, and they provide a certain sense of security for those homeowners.

But the bulk of them are, after all, entry-level products. And as they become increasingly ubiquitous, the adage that ‘anything that can be hacked, will be hacked,’ becomes a greater and greater concern. That’s why firms catering to the luxury market must be ever more vigilant: we’re getting smarter, but the bad guys are, too.

• Best-in-class products that are shipped globally should adhere to the standards and protocols of the countries with the toughest legislation. The U.S. government has incredibly stringent standards for the products used by its military and intelligence agencies, so that makes for a terrific baseline for deployments in even the most luxurious homes. Think about access control, for example: all the third-party manufacturers we work with have a very secure language that they operate within.

• Default passwords should never be obvious — or repetitive. One very simple way to ensure that? Use every item’s unique serial number as the default password for that particular device.

(I can’t take credit for that idea, by the way — that must have been something cooked up by one of our smarter engineers; it’s so simple and elegant.)

surveillance footage and images will become

THE PROPER DEFAULTS

• Testing for potential vulnerabilities is ongoing, always. If there’s a potential weakness anywhere, you certainly want to find it before it’s discovered by a bad actor. And all thirdparty products must be carefully vetted before they even come close to being offered by a high-end nameplate.

surveillance technologies.

When it comes to higher-end devices — frankly, anything that sits on a network and could potentially have some kind of vulnerability — there are certain practices that best-in-class firms provide: • All security features, on every device, are ‘on’ by default. Take the device out of the box, turn it on, and security’s enabled.

Installers literally have to manually turn off any security element.

36 OCTOBER 2022

We’ve seen a great many incidents of doorstep burglary in the UK, especially as people availed themselves of online ordering during lockdowns. The growth of ‘smart lockers,’ boxes where delivery people can securely leave a package until the customer is ready to unlock the cabinet, will continue to grow in popularity.

Beyond that, cameras and CCTV systems are

becoming

ever-more

complex.

The

advancements in megapixels will continue, and clearer and clearer. Add that to a growing list of features that provide optimal security for the residences of high-net-worth individuals — night vision, heat detection, RF blocking technologies that could prevent a drone from effectively spying on a home — and you quickly understand the constantly evolving nature of Lastly, I think more and more people see the hidden benefits of robust systems, whether we’re speaking of physical or cyber security.

It’s more than protecting people and property — these solutions can also bring tremendous peace of mind.

WHAT’S NEXT

As the concept of ‘security of devices’ is ever evolving, so too are the ‘devices that provide security.’

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We invented subwoofers Now we’ve just reinvented them Once again, M&K Sound® has defined the meaning of deep bass. The new THX® Certified X+ Series subwoofers, including the 15-inch THX® Certified Dominus X15+, deliver even more of the legendary reference bass performance for which M&K Sound is widely acclaimed.

M&K Sound’s speakers and subwoofers can be found in all major film studios and many top recording venues around the world. That surely speaks for itself.

For more information, call the UK’s exclusive M&K Sound distributor Gecko Home Cinema on 01635 268114

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

RESIDENTIAL AV-OVER-IP SYSTEMS: ARE THEY PUTTING HOMES AT RISK? Taft Stricklin, Sales Team Manager at Just Add Power, examines a very now security issue.

Installers can advise homeowners on systems that will help protect their data and network from malicious activity.

Recent world events have spurred a drastic uptick in cyber security risks, especially with more people working remotely. According to Norton, more than half of all consumers have experienced a cyber crime, with one in three people falling victim to attacks in 2021 alone.

It’s no surprise, then, that installers and endusers are increasingly concerned about how an AV-over-IP video distribution system could open up a home to greater vulnerabilities. The risks, however, are very different than those posed by consumer-grade devices running on a simple home network. Let’s talk about what it would take to get into an AV network and the scenarios where there are real concerns.

HITTING THE SWITCH There are many complex layers within a professionally installed home AV network. In order for somebody to hack an AV-over-IP video distribution system, they’re going to need to hack the network directly. To accomplish that, they must gain access to the network switch. The walls of an AV switch are incredibly fortified when an enterprise-grade switch is selected compared to something off the shelf from a big box store.

The best network switches from companies like Luxul, NETGEAR, and Cisco are reinforced with enterprise-grade security technologies that are trusted by commercial network administrators working at the highest levels.

This becomes clear when looking at the laundry list of security measures that are built into these solutions. For example, the Cisco Business 350 Series Managed Switches - which are one family of switches recommended for smaller scale AV-over-IP systems, such as those seen in homes - lists among its features advanced network security applications such as IEEE 802.1X, port security, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) inspection, IP Source Guard, and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping, and detection and blockage of deliberate network attacks. Combinations of these protocols are also referred to as IP-MAC port binding (IPMB). In addition, AV-over-IP

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systems can be set up to be completely isolated so that they are never exposed to the world wide web. This is commonly seen in government applications, where every device, protocol, and configuration method is highly scrutinised. In a residential application, it can help to eliminate any traffic congestion on the network. These measures mean that essentially, to effectively hack the network, it would have to happen at the physical input. The hacker would have to be inside your home.

THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE Let’s imagine for a second a hacker made it that far and how that scenario would play out. There are two very real possibilities of what they might do; one situation is a nuisance, and the other is a more problematic and costly threat to recover from. More than likely if they’ve spent all that time and energy to break into your home, they’re not going to comb your network looking for the code necessary to mess with changing TV channels.

Instead, they’re going to search for homeowner’s data checking for account passwords, credit card numbers, and Bitcoin information. With the way AV-over-IP networks are set up, however, as explained above, it’s much easier to attain that information by other means, such as through the home’s computers. Put plainly, if someone has broken into a home, they aren’t normally even going to attempt to hack the AV network looking for high value information.

When it comes to professionally installed AV-over-IP systems, there is this misconception that it functions the same way as a streaming device homeowners can buy at the store. It’s important to stress the distinction between consumer-grade streaming devices and professional AV systems, especially because there is one very serious consequence of cord cutting today. Consumer-grade streaming devices, such an Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Firestick or TV Cube and even IP-capable displays, can be taken over via their Wi-Fi-based screen-mirroring capabilities.

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Using the screen-mirroring capabilities of these media devices, hackers can push inappropriate content to the display. A professionally installed AV-over-IP system utilising not only an enterprise-grade switch but also a closed codec eliminates this possibility.

ENCODING DATA SECURITY In the era where more and more systems are becoming open source, there are areas where a proprietary, closed system makes sense. AVover-IP is one such application. A closed codec helps to ensure that it integrates easily with the components and protocols it’s supposed to and protects against those it’s not. In addition to proprietary codecs, installers should seek out encoder manufacturers that prioritise the protection of data. The best system devices are those that never capture any data. And as the big data breaches in recent years have indicated, data is a high-ticket item.

The topic of cyber security is a conversation that installers should be prepared to talk about with their customers. However, not everything that’s on the network is going to be the same level of risk. Installers should be able to explain how an AV-over-IP system works, where the real dangers are, and how they can help prevent malicious activity such as eliminating inappropriate content from being pushed to displays. These days, it’s a conversation that installers should risk having.

OCTOBER 2022 39

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ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND GYMS

KRAMER SOLUTIONS ADORNE THE ERRIGLE INN Roger McMullan, Projects at Rea Sound, guides EI around this holistic hostelry solution.

Situated on the Ormeau Road, The Errigle Inn opened its doors on in December 1935. Built on the foundations of the ‘Old Ballynafeigh Inn’ or as was popularly known ‘The Miss Blacks’, the earliest definite record of a public house on this site dates back to the 1800’s. An inn with a strong place in the community, care was needed when it came to the AV solutions needed for this location.

The initial plans for a full building upgrade were finalised just before March 2020 – then COVID hit and paused the work. A new roof garden, decoration throughout and an AV upgrade were the plans - including new Kramer switching products.

Roger explains, “So this is a relatively large venue with 30 displays across five rooms and an outdoor space. There are 11 sources ranging from Sky boxes two media players and local laptop inputs. Because of the flexibility of the system the venue is able to have digital advertising running during the day and then switch too late sports at the top of an interactive panel.

“The system is designed across two network switches with fibre links, which enable us to have the majority of the equipment contained in the master comms room and a smaller secondary comms cabinet in the main function area.

As the venue sits across four levels the complexity of the wiring was carefully thought out and planned.”

The client needed reliability and the ability to easily switch and control visual sources to the displays. It was important also for the client to be able to allow for audio to be simply controlled through the same customised touch panel.

42 OCTOBER 2022

Roger reveals, “I think that the main challenge that we came across was the setting up of the network. There are so many parameters that need to be dealt with across the two switches, but this became a small headache. But as this was the first time we had done it this way it was only to be expected.”

THE DETAILS

Roger says, “We opted for the kds-6 AV over IP solution because of the flexibility and reliability.

We provided 11 encoders and 30 decoders to correspond with the number of inputs and outputs. Working closely with the design team at Kramer we opted for a brainware system for the control. Spending time to create the correct user interface on Kramer control was a must. We split the custom control programme into two areas; the first being graphic design and the interface the client would see and

then the technical programming side which followed after. With the additional FC-26 units we were able to learn IR codes enabling us to take full control of all satellite boxes. Because the client had their own iPad units, we simply downloaded the application and implemented our programme on the iPads.”

So why Kramer? Roger states, “We did have a number of options available to us for this project, however, we know the reliability of Kramer products and the venue knows the reliability of Kramer. Working with Ken Sclater and Andrew Martin at Kramer they answered our presale questions easily and also provided a video reassurance to our client for a specific query which was the IR control of the satellite boxes.”

The team also upgraded the audio control system within the venue using the Allen & Heath AHM64 digital matrix.

Kramer Kit List • AV - Control:Kramer KDS-EN6 • AV - Control:Kramer KDS-DEC6 • AV - Control:FC-26 Ethernet to IR • AV - Control:KC-Brainware-5

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ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND GYMS

THE REMAKING OF MACCLESFIELD TOWN FC The team at Habitech Pro helped local installer Lux Integrate to restore one of England’s oldest football clubs as a thriving sports/exercise and entertainment hub for the local community.

The Macclesfield Town complex is the brainchild Rob Smethurst, whose plan for multiple revenue streams includes an all-weather pitch, refurbished stands and floodlights, a thriving youth football academy, two private membership gyms and a sports bar/ restaurant, dubbed ‘Bar Twenty-Seven’. The club also sports the latest AV systems designed and installed by Wilmslow Custom Integrator, Lux Integrate.

Lux Integrate, which is the CI arm of established local retailer Bang & Olufsen Wilmslow, has been developing its residential business for several years in order to extend the value of its franchise sales, but the Macclesfield Town project is its first large-scale commercial venture. Lux Integrate’s MD, Jay Hussain, explains, “We’d completed a couple of little projects, mainly audio distribution, for local businesses prior to the Macclesfield Town job,

44 OCTOBER 2022

but this was to become our first big commercial challenge, and funnily enough, it came to us via a residential customer: our favourite ex-footballer, Robbie Savage!

“Robbie is part of the team working with Rob Smethurst to build the business at Macclesfield Town FC.” He contacted us with the idea of installing a couple of TVs and soundbars in the club’s boardroom. “But when we got there, Rob showed us the plans for larger scale AV distribution, supplied as part of a full refurb by a contractor.

Jay explains, “I realised the plan wouldn’t deliver what Rob needed, and with Habitech’s support, I suggested a few changes, upselling the idea of spectacular high quality video walls and evenly distributed wide bandwidth sound to go with them.”

“This would deliver the new experience that would get customers talking about the club and coming back in greater numbers. So, he asked us for a detailed proposal and virtually overnight my role changed from consultant to project facilitator in charge of design and installation. “I’d had this vision of sports bar AV done right and this was my opportunity to prove it.”

Jay argues, “In my opinion, too many sports bars skimp on the very thing that defines them: the AV! Many suffer from inadequate sound, patchy in level: too loud in some areas, almost inaudible in others. Invariably the screens are too small for the space and suffer from poor resolution, so customers have to squint to see what’s going on.

“For Bar Twenty-Seven, which is a large 20m x 10m area, we wanted to make a statement with a state of-the-art AV experience.

We used larger 2 x 2 video walls by Dahua, each comprising four 55in DAH-LS550UCM monitors, positioned in the restaurant areas away from the bar’s longer pitch side elevation.

Similar Dahua video walls are positioned in the two gyms, with all screens hooked up to Sky and Freeview through Wyrestorm’s NetworkHD 400 Series 4K AVoIP encoder/decoders.” Jay continues, “Between the video walls in the bar we hung ten evenly spaced Sonance PS-P63T 6.5in Pro Series pendant speakers from the ceiling. Stylistically they work really well with the exposed air conditioning pipes and cable trays.” Over several weeks we had the chance to test the audio in all conditions, and while it worked beautifully for high quality background music and voices, the intelligibility needed a

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ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND GYMS boost on match days as the live commentary was getting drowned out by the noise in the bar.

“So, we installed little Yamaha IF-2205 two-way 2 x 8in speakers in strategic positions to enhance the vocal frequencies, and the system works a treat, delivering high quality audio and video to drinkers, diners and spectators alike.”

THE VIP BAR

Bar Twenty-Seven forms one zone of an eight zone audio network, which runs on Yamaha Commercial’s MTX-5D matrix processor and three XMV amplifiers, with local control from seven Yamaha-DCP4V4SEU wall switches.

Another zone covers the VIP bar: a 15m x 8m space with wide pitch side views, which is used for dining and hospitality events on matchdays and throughout the year. Jay says, “As you’d expect it has a very tasteful designed interior, so we installed a total of fifteen ultra-discreet Sonance PS-C63RT 6.5in Pro Series in-ceiling speakers to blend in.”

THE GYMNASIUMS

Forming an important part of Macclesfield FC’s new business model are the refurbished gyms, which are used by the football squads and academy players as well as being open to public membership. Upstairs with a pitch side view is the ‘Stealth Gym’, dedicated to cardiovascular exercise, with an appropriately pumping AV system featuring seven Sonance PS-P83T 8in Pro Series pendants and another Dahua 2 x 2 video wall, while downstairs there’s a larger health club space having its own reception, free-weight area, a spin-class section and even a boxing ring. Jay explains, “For the spin class area, we used four Sonance PSS83T 8in ProSeries surface mount speakers, which tuck beautifully between the exposed pipework of the open ceiling architecture. Beneath a further Dahua video wall we installed enclosures concealing two Sonance PS-S210SUBT dual 10in Pro Series bandpass subs: it’s a very discreet solution for high quality full-range audio at any level. A total of twenty-two Sonance PSS63T 6.5in Pro Series surface mount speakers nestle in the ceilings of the reception, weights and boxing areas.”

“By contrast the adjacent changing rooms are altogether more tranquil, needing just the right level of background audio definition from 12 Sonance PS-C43RT 4in in-ceilings for the warm down. And for a little hospitality area outside, we used Sonance Landscape Series allweather satellites. This little install formed the final zone of our audio distribution at Macclesfield Town FC and used the last lengths from the fifteen drums of SCP CAT 6A and 100V line cable we needed for the job.” The challenges? Ray says, “The biggest challenge for any integrator is having to deal with your client’s changing vision for the space (which can often arrive in an overnight epiphany), and then having to ‘move the goalposts’ within the contractor’s schedule of works to make the adaptations. “Otherwise, the job was fairly straightforward, not least because Habitech, and particularly John Perry, were there with advice and assistance every step of the way.”

“I mentioned that this was our first big commercial job but having experienced how the Habitech team responds with design ideas, ideal products and ongoing support from the get-go to final commissioning and beyond, we no longer fear any commercial project, however large and complex.

“Not only was John Perry instrumental in creating the proposal that won us the job in the first place, he and the team, including Jane Anstead, Dave Bunnage and Winston Williams, stayed with us to ensure a great result for our customer.

“With other distributors you’re made to feel like a number, with Habitech you feel supported.

I’ve been in the industry for seven years, and in all that time I’ve not known a rival distributor get anywhere close to Habitech’s level of service.”

No kidding, if I could buy a box of screws from Habitech, I would.”

The results, Jay explains, “Rob Smethurst is delighted with the work and feels that the quality of the AV performance and the installation has made a big contribution to the new Macclesfield FC experience. On the back of this success we’re quoting for further large-scale commercial projects, but they’re under NDA so I can’t be specific. In any event we’ll be picking Habitech to play their part in our winning team on every matchday.”

Essential Kit List Equipment Sports Bar • 2 x Dahua 2 x 2 x 55in VIDEO WALL comprising 8 x • Dahua 55in DAH-LS550UCM Video Monitor • 10 x Sonance PS-P63T Pro Series 6.5in Pendant Speaker • 4 x Yamaha IF-2205 2-way 2 x 8in speakers VIP Bar • 15 x Sonance PS-C63RT Pro Series 6.5in Round In Ceiling Speaker Stealth Gym • 7 x Sonance PS-P83T Pro Series 8in Pendant Speaker • 2 x Dahua 2 x 2 x 55in VIDEO WALL comprising 4 x • Dahua 55in DAH-LS550UCM Video Monitor Spin Class area • 2 x Dahua 2 x 2 x 55in VIDEO WALL comprising 4 x • Dahua 55in DAH-LS550UCM Video Monitor • 4 x Sonance PS-S83T Pro Series 8in Surface Mount Speaker • 2 x Sonance PS-S210SUBT Pro Series Dual 10in • Bandpass Subwoofer Gym Reception/Weights/Boxing area • 22 x Sonance PS-S63T Pro Series 6.5in Surface Mount Speaker Restrooms • 12 x Sonance PS-C43RT Pro Series 4in In Ceiling Speaker Outdoor area • Sonance Landscape Series all-weather satellites Comms • 1 x Yamaha MTX5-D Scalable Fixed Architecture Audio • Matrix DSP Processor with Dante • 3 x Yamaha Multi Channel Installation Amplifiers • 7 x Yamaha DCP4V4SEU Wall Mountable Digital • Control Panel With 4 X Switches + 1 X Rotary Encoder • 30 x Wyrestorm NetworkHD 400 Series 4K AVoIP

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OCTOBER 2022 47

ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND GYMS

SENSES WORKING OVERTIME! Building business by creating delightful and immersive experiences through the use of sound. Graeme Harrison – VP and General Manager, Bluesound Professional explains.

As we move out of the pandemic, businesses of all types are trying to work out how to bring customers back into brick and mortar establishments. During the last two years, we have all got used to doing things online from the safety and comfort of our own home, including ordering goods and meals. During this period, we have also adapted to working from home and we now question the need to go back into offices. These three trends: online shopping, food delivery services, and teleworking were all in existence pre-pandemic, but during this period, their growth has been accelerated.

So, the big question is just ‘how do we encourage people back into public spaces?’

There is growing evidence that the best way to entice people out, is by creating surprise and delight, immersive experiences that are difficult, or impossible, to achieve at home. The key to creating such experiences is by activating as many of our senses as possible. The problem is that of our five senses, three of them - smell, taste and touch, have been seen as dangerous during the pandemic. This leaves only the sense of sight and the sense of sound that could be considered safe. The positive side of this is that

48 OCTOBER 2022

our industry focuses on these two senses - we are the audio-visual industry - so we are uniquely positioned to provide experiences based on these two senses alone.

Businesses throughout time have generally focused on just one of these senses, the sense of sight. Almost all companies have a visual logo, but very few companies are known for having audio logos, only Intel and T-Mobile come to mind. After all, both architects and interior designers think with their eyes not their ears. Studies have shown combining a congruent audio stimulus with an existing visual stimulus increases its effectiveness by 12 times. Equally, an incongruent audio and visual stimulus reduces effectiveness to only 14% of that of either the audio or the visual stimulus alone1. As the visual side of this equation is well established, the easiest way of amplifying the experience is by focusing on the audio side of the equation. At Bluesound Professional, we call this providing a strategic atmosphere, the process of building the sound side of the experience out thoughtfully and appropriately.

We manufacture the world’s first and so far only range of streaming audio hardware

specifically designed for use in commercial installations. The timing of this is especially pertinent as it coincides with the development of streaming business music services. It is not commonly known that the use of residential streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon, or Apple music, is illegal in commercial spaces, even if the business has the relevant performing rights organisation licences.

There is no legal way to play one of these residential streaming services in a business.

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HIGH-QUALITY END-USER CONTROL EXPERIENCE FOR HDBASET & AVOIP SOLUTIONS A full spectrum AV control platform using Apple & Android devices Seamlessly manages signal distribution, media sources, displays & audio devices Set-up & control established in minutes using Netvio 360

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ESSENTIAL CLUBS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND GYMS

Commercial spaces need systems designed specifically for purpose

In addition to this they are the wrong solution regardless, as businesses need the provision of carefully curated advertising-free streams along with the ability to schedule content with the ability to insert relevant messaging.

The residential streaming services don’t provide any of these capabilities and are therefore not fit for purpose.

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of dedicated business streaming audio services with SoundMachine and Tunify being two great choices for European installations. Traditional legacy download and first-generation streaming business music services will sell you music service dependent boxes for the replay of their music. There are two problems with these boxes, firstly their quality is low and their output unbalanced at residential levels meaning they are incompatible with commercial audio systems. The second, often bigger, problem is

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that these boxes are tied to one music service meaning if you wish to change provider you have to replace the replay hardware which is costly and inconvenient.

RAPID EVOLUTION

The business music streaming service landscape is rapidly evolving with existing services constantly adding new functionality and new services coming on to the market, the possibility of users wanting to change music service in the future is quite high. Bluesound Professional equipment is compatible with a wide variety of music services so that changing is a simple matter of logging out of one service and logging into another. This gives the customer peace of mind that their replay hardware is future-proof.

Our hardware also outputs balanced audio at commercial audio replay levels, thus being fully compatible with the equipment that it feeds into.

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Finally, it is important to recognise that coming out of the pandemic, businesses have had their work cut out simply to stay afloat, and so money is at a premium when it comes to upgrading their customer experience. The installation of a streaming audio player feeding an existing audio system allows businesses access to tens of millions of tracks rather than the few CD’s or radio stations that they previously used for their background music.

This enables a really cost-effective upgrade to the strategic atmosphere that they can provide, with additional facilities such as scheduling and messaging being easy and intuitive to set up in order to further improve the atmosphere.

The opening of new and additional outdoor spaces is on trend in order to increase capacity in a feel-safe outdoor environment. The use of networked IP65 rated PoE speakers allows for quick, easy and inexpensive audio provision into these new spaces without the need for a centralised rack of equipment thus freeing up space for, for example, an extra wine chiller or more display space in a retail environment.

In conclusion, we, as an audio visual industry, have a unique opportunity to help customers position themselves for success in the future by helping them to provide delightful, immersive experiences in order to differentiate themselves from their competition and to pull customers in through the door. It is our responsibility to talk to customers in a language that they can understand and relate to about how the services and equipment that we provide can help them to build their businesses for the future.

1 Sound Design: Using Brain Science to Enhance Auditory & Multisensory Product & Brand Development Prof. Dr. Charles Spence, University of Oxford, England

OCTOBER 2022 51

Food & drink provided from 3pm to close.

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ESSENTIAL TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2023!

Founder Ian Morrish, provides EI readers with another update in the development of Together For Cinema.

Summer started quietly but the last two holiday months have been extremely busy with lots of development, lots of planning and lots of progress. Since May there have been four new cinema completions, three full installations and a refurbishment, and we have one installation that is in progress - we are planning for our final installation in November. This will be eight completed projects for 2022, seven in children’s hospices and one in a Children’s Foundation.

By the end of 2022 we will have completed 37 cinema room installations at a normal ‘paid for’ value of £900,000.

2023 is looking good and we will hit the £1,000,000 mark. We are already talking to seven locations about cinema room installations – five at children’s hospices, a disabled centre for children and young adults, and the Resources For Autism centre in North London.

We will soon attend the AV User Group networking event in London and already have two interesting meetings lined. Needless to say we were again at the fabulous EI Live! show and we are grateful for their comprehensive and continued support delivering a stand with furniture as well as graphics and a table at the Smart Building Awards.

On the admin side we are now looking at three, seven and 10-year plans, budgets and forecasts, and lots of exciting things are scheduled in this.

2023 PLANS

For 2023 we currently have seven installations in discussion. As with all plans, we have to be subject to change and since our last report two have been postponed to 2024, but two more have come in so we’re still on our target of seven installations. The current installation plan is as follows: Butterwick Children’s Hospice, Stockton-onTees. Installer: TBC. Cherry Trees, East Clandon. Installer: TBC. Ellenor Hospice for Children and Adults, Gravesend.

Installer: TBC. Hope House Children’s Hospices, Oswestry.

Installer: TBC. Resources for Autism, London. Installer: TBC. Richard House Children’s Hospice, London.

Installer: TBC. Robin House Children’s Hospice, Ballach.

Installer: TBC.

Dougie Mac Children’s Hospice in one of projects completed this year

With seven installations we need seven installers and seven more projectors, screens, AVR’s, speaker packages, racks, control, lighting etc, so please do what you can to help and spread the word to those installers, manufacturers and distributors who might be able to donate.

Together For Cinema now has 47 industry sponsors at varying levels of commitment, and we are hugely grateful to every single one.

However, we need more sponsors and more revenue to maintain and further the level of what we do, how we do it and how we promote it.

We operate on a very tight budget with limited expenses and ‘do the best we can’ to make a difference and promote this difference to our industry and beyond. But there is so much more that we can do, and much of this ‘more that we can do’ needs funding.

For example, every install now needs certain items, and some of which we need to purchase at trade price. These were not considered 12 months ago but are now a ‘must install’ for every room. We have spent over £10,000 on these unbudgeted items and have made the budget work this year but we really do need to generate extra funds to cover these for 2023, and to make our cinema room deliveries as amazing as they can be. There’s little point in compromising on something so important that is so impactful to so many for so many years. Can you possibly up your level of sponsorship commitment?

Can you possibly consider becoming a firsttime sponsor of Together For Cinema? All our 2022 sponsors can be seen on our website at https://togetherforcinema.co.uk/our-sponsorsand-partners/, along with all the other partners, companies and individuals that help make Together For Cinema happen. As an industry united we are really making a difference and this good work must continue. Please help if you can.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Together For Cinema please email me at ian@ad-con.uk or call me on 07768 398007.

Packages start from as little as £500/year and you will receive a Together For Cinema sponsor pack and some social and trade media exposure. It’s in our interests to announce your commitment to Together For Cinema.

Together For Cinema togetherforcinema.co.uk

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OCTOBER 2022 55

COMPANY FOCUS: CONNECTED DISTRIBUTION

GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS ‘A CINEMA IN THE HOME’, NOT A HOME CINEMA Connected Distribution’s product director, Mike Bonnette, explains the difference and why the launch of the Aurea brand in the UK changes the home cinema landscape.

Designing speakers for cinemas is a wholly

Aurea is the domestic brand created by

different game to designing speakers for Hi-Fi

LW Speakers in 2015. But when we say

and home cinemas. In Hi-Fi and traditional

‘domestic’ don’t think about the usual on-wall

home cinema it’s about precision, accuracy,

or in-wall speakers sold by CI manufacturers

clarity and that indefinable thing, musicality. In

and distributors – these are scaled down

cinemas it’s about precision, accuracy, clarity,

(although in some cases not by much) versions

wide dispersion, intelligibility in the near-field

of the cinema speakers that deliver the same

and higher sound pressure levels. Cinema sound is very different from music reproduction as the soundtrack contains dialogue that tells the story, as well as music and special effects, and spans a vast frequency range, meaning the speakers have to work hard.

It’s something that Luis Wassman, founder of Madrid based LW Speakers, one of the world’s foremost suppliers of loudspeakers to the commercial cinema sector, knows only too well. He is a cinema industry legend, whose career started with the manufacture and supply of 35mm film projectors. In the early 1990s, when Dolby systems started to appear in cinemas, Luis diversified into speaker design to service the growing need for better quality audio systems to complete the package of projection and sound. He’s been designing and supplying

quality and dispersion characteristics of movie soundtrack reproduction as the LW Speakers products deliver in cinemas. When we met with Luis he was very careful to point out that Aurea speakers are not home cinema speakers, but are ‘cinema speakers for the home’.

What

Aurea

has

achieved

with

its

residential products is the goal of ‘intelligibility in the near-field’ in the same way it did for commercial cinema, allowing home users to experience their movies sounding like they do ‘at the movies’. This is the game changer for the install industry – now you can provide a truly genuine cinema experience in the home for your discerning clients.

The Aurea range is vast, covering every eventuality for home installation, from the diminutive neo range of compact enclosures that are perfect for media rooms (but also

speakers to the likes of BFI Imax, London;

adhere to the cinema design principles), up to

Odeon Leicester Square; and ten screens,

the almost professional sized Aurea 26 screen

including two Dolby Atmos and one Imax, at the

system and Aurea 21 Sub with its 21” bass

Odeon Milton Keynes; and hundreds of other

driver. These larger models are available with or

venues around the world ever since.

without built-in amplification and DSP control.

56 OCTOBER 2022

Perhaps more commonly installed in domestic settings are the Aurea In-Wall range, which are designed to fit in standard stud walls, behind acoustically transparent screens or fabric walls. If you came to EI Live, it’s this system that you experienced in our Dolby Atmos/DTS-X demonstrations, so you’ll know what it’s capable of.

Several specialist ceiling mounted co-axial speakers and wedge-shaped surround speakers complete the line-up. And the ability mix and match all the models in the Aurea range without compromising tonality or dispersion, makes it hugely versatile and suitable for all installations.

The amplification is key also to achieving that cinema sound experience in the home. Under the Aurea brand a complete suite of amplification products is available, which are identical to the amplifiers supplied to the commercial cinemas

by LW. These range from two-channel to 16 channel models with up to 12,000 watts in diminutive 2U chassis and prices that won’t blow your mind. And, to achieve the perfect performance characteristics, a dedicated DSP processor is available, enabling each speaker and the entire system to be configured to the cinema industry response curve. And, once again, this is the same system used in the cinemas - not a domestic system like the ones you can find in home cinema processors.

We’re stocking demonstration products from across the ranges to enable you to experience the speakers for yourselves.

Customer installations will be manufactured to order and we will be offering on-site DSP configuration assistance to ensure the perfect ‘Cinema In The Home’ results.

Take a look at Aurea and see for yourself how you can give your customers a true cinema sound experience in the home. connecteddistribution.com aureabylw.com

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ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND FURNITURE

PEERLESS SUPPORT Making the right support choices as early as possible in every project pays dividends says Tom Fenton, Senior Business Development Manager - EMEA, Peerless-AV. When it comes to mounting systems, it is important that the products are safe, secure, and as intuitive to install and easy to maintain as possible. Selecting the right mount, with the required functionality, will very often save time and effort on site and lead to a more productive and profitable installation. Choosing the correct support solution adds value by increasing the client’s ROI, drives additional engagement, enables the use of larger displays and allows bigger arrays of different shapes and configurations to be created in locations that were previously not considered possible.

Looking at dvLED developments over the past few years especially, we have seen all manner of installations and witnessed how technology and content requirements are evolving first-hand.

The accessibility of dvLED, as a viable alternative to LCD in the video wall market, has come on leaps and bounds. The world of standard VESA mounting points still does not exist in dvLED technology. However, the cost is decreasing, OEMs are investing, ultra-narrow pixel pitch is increasing, lifespans are improving, and LED is now more available in the channel. From a mounting perspective, the game is changing.

In the case of larger, more complex dvLED video wall installations, the mounting system often needs to be custom designed and precision engineered to address all manner of challenges such as wall imperfections, building construction and room layout. Firstly, there’s no

60 OCTOBER 2022

such thing as a flat wall. Secondly, the mounts don’t hang themselves. A substructure is often needed to provide a completely flat and level surface to hang the mount. It then takes time and patience using technology and hand tools to ensure the mount solution is hung level and plumb. We’re seeing demand for substructures that support suspended, curved, pedestal, pivoting video walls, moving doors and much more, which all need to be custom designed and built. This demand requires superior experience, and we are able to support every step of the way through our SEAMLESS dvLED Integration Program; coordinating stakeholders, consultants, general contractors, structural engineers, site contractors, installation teams and manufacturers with end users.

In terms of how and where our products are used; basically, any professional application where the end customer has a creative vision and wants to make maximum impact, whether for wayfinding, communication, entertainment or advertising revenue purposes. For example, stadiums and arenas, hotels and hospitality venues, corporate offices, car showrooms, museums, universities, retail shopping centres, casinos and sportsbooks.

An example of a recent unique dvLED install is the Savoy Auto Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, USA (pictured below). In addition to memorialising the history of the automobile with exhibits and events, the new 65,000-square-foot

institution leverages the latest dvLED display technology from LG and mounting innovations from Peerless-AV to deliver captivating video content and provide digital canvases for private events or sponsors to display messages and films. Three custom-built 2.5mm pixel pitch dvLED video walls are installed at the museum, with project management from Southern Digital Design. The first is a concave curved 18-by-31ft (5.4 x 9.4m) screen in the main theater that wraps around the rear of the rotating stage. The second convex curved 10-by-24ft (3 x 7.3m) screen is in the main hall and is tiled down 8° to provide greater visibility for guests. The third is a flat to wall 4-by-24ft (1.2 x 7.3m) marquee display mounted above the theatre entrance to invite guests inside and promote films and exhibits. To ensure that each dvLED display seamlessly blends in with the building’s architecture, LG and Savoy worked with Peerless-AV to design and install custom mounts. Through the SEAMLESS by Peerless-AV dvLED Video Wall Integration Program, PeerlessAV delivered start to finish project support. The team meticulously calculated the radius and the Z-adjustment on the mounting system for the giant concave display. For the custom convex video wall, the tilt made this even more complex.

Again, the adjustment on the mounting system made this install a straightforward success, resulting in breathtaking digital canvases that are perfectly aligned without visible seams.

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THE ILLUSIONIST How to maintain the illusion of a technology-free space in modern smart homes. Ollie French, Commercial Director of support innovators Future Automation, explains the magic.

Displays are a necessary fixture in almost every home. However, integrating them in a way that doesn’t interrupt a carefully curated space has proven a challenge for interior designers and architects.

Previous tactics deployed by designers such as painting walls behind the display darker, built-in cabinetry, or hanging artwork around the display do help to reduce the prominence of the screen when it isn’t in use. While these options can offer good results, they aren’t going to convince guests that you don’t have a brand new 85in display in your living room.

62 OCTOBER 2022

Designers are now looking to use designfocused displays into their projects, so they complement their project’s aesthetics.

However, achieving a perfect blend of design and technology requires innovative mounting solutions to convincingly hide a display in plain sight.

WHAT ARE LIFESTYLE TVS? ‘Lifestyle’ TVs aim to turn a display into a framed piece of artwork when it isn’t in use. Samsung’s The Frame and LG Signature series are now

commonplace in many modern smart home projects. Each offering attempts to recreate the look and feel of artwork with attachable frames, anti-glare screens, and built-in software to add convincing matte frames to photographs.

This shift in display design has been embraced by interior designers who can now give their clients a wall mounted TV where a piece of artwork would previously have been hung. It’s a more versatile option but is one that needs careful pre-planning to convincingly mimic a traditional piece of artwork.

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BEHIND EVERY GREAT DISPLAY INSTALLATION Discover why professional AV integrators, interior designers and architects choose Future Automation display mounts to elevate their spaces.

www .FUTUREAUTOMATION. co . uk

EXPLORE OUR WALL MOUNTS

Experience more with

Introducing Vogel’s

ELITE SERIES Replacing the hugely successful THIN series

Interface blends with back of the TV

Elegant cable inlay system

2D post installation levelling

Cable holder on interface

which sold over 2 million units

TVM5855 • 55 -100” • Max weight 75kg • 5cm distance from the wall • 69cm max extension Products available in white

Style & Substance all new lines Quick, Comfort and Elite in stock and available for next day delivery

recyclable packaging

Get your Vogel’s Products from Exclusive UK Importer Turnstone AV with next day delivery

Email: sales@turnstoneav.co.uk Telephone: 0330 2020 980

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND FURNITURE

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR CI PROFESSIONALS SINCE 2000

HOW TO CABLE MANAGE LIFESTYLE TVs

Keeping these new displays thin has necessitated placing the AV controls into a separate control box which is often connected to the main display via a delicate fibre cable. Concealing this AV equipment from view in areas without additional furniture can prove challenging when you have multiple inputs.

We’re now so accustomed to technology in our homes that the sight of visible cables will immediately identify an object as ‘smart’ in some way. This can somewhat spoil the illusion of having a beautiful piece of bespoke artwork hung on a blank wall if there’s a power cable hanging from the bottom of the display to the AV connection box below.

To save designers snaking long fibre cables across the room bracket, manufacturers such as Future Automation have created In-Wall Boxes which can be installed directly behind a display in a stud frame. This creates a void behind the display with enough room to install the external control box along with any other AV accessories that clients may request. Knock-out plates let you

install your power points inside the box to power all the necessary AV equipment.

Pairing this solution with a Pull and Swivel (PS) bracket from Future Automation makes servicing and upgrades simple. The PS bracket can be effortlessly pulled forward to reveal the rear of the display without the need to unhook the TV from the wall. Convenient cable management points along each arm of the bracket keeps the fibre connection safe from snagging or breaking as the PS bracket is opened or closed.

By eliminating all cables from view, the illusion of a technology-free space is maintained without the hassle of unhooking the display from the wall when it’s time to upgrade a piece of AV equipment.

FREEDOM TO MOUNT A DISPLAY AT A COMFORTABLE HEIGHT

Display mounting is often dictated by soft furnishings, sun glare, or architectural details.

In-Wall Boxes paired with PS brackets give you more flexibility to install a display exactly where you want it.

Removing the requirement to mount a display above a piece of furniture allows you to install your TV at a comfortable viewing height. Eyestrain and neckache can make for a less than ideal viewing experience if your display is mounted too high on the wall. As lifestyle displays in larger sizes become commonplace, their placement on a wall will be a vital component to achieve an ergonomic setup.

THE RIGHT RESULT!

Giving clients an uncompromised viewing experience that matches their design aesthetic is more sought after than ever before. With careful pre-planning and attention to detail you’ll be able to achieve a convincing technology-free space for your clients.

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OCTOBER 2022 65

CEDIA

Ultra-Short Throw DLP Laser Projectors

Replace any TV with an immersive projection image Ideal for bright rooms, the V-6000 Series produces 100” images just centimetres away from a wall or screen True 4K UHD HDR Pro Available in black or white

SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES Jools Browning, Director at BrownHen Solutions, CEDIA Member of Excellence, offers some insight into the live issues of supply chain delays and disruption.

How have the global supply chain issues directly impacted the smart home industry and your business specifically?

The global supply chain issues have been evident for many months and are now causing availability issues and price increases (although other factors, such as exchange rates, have caused price increases too). Indeed, it has been a surprise to us that the official inflationary predictions took quite so long to suggest that it would reach double digits because based on the evidence we were seeing,

66 OCTOBER 2022

even as far back as 2021, we were anticipating this quite some time ago. While price increases have had some impact, they are probably more a future concern for us with the possibility that it may stifle growth. The bigger impact has certainly come from availability of products, with some items delayed by as much as several months and in some cases, products becoming unavailable altogether. We are having to spend much more administrative time addressing this, and managing customer expectations has not always been easy.

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CEDIA

W5700 DLP Projector

Outstanding quality priced for entrylevel home cinema True 4K UHD

How has your business addressed these issues with your clients to manage their expectations?

The key to tackling this for us has been our communication with customers to ensure that there are no late surprises. We work with them (and sometimes other contractors working onsite) to provide proactive solutions. Solutions have included ordering well in advance (which may mean an earlier payment for the customer), changing the sequence in which we implement their home technology capability, and on some occasions, changing the solution altogether. In the background, we are having to work extra hard by monitoring availability and working even closer with suppliers to limit any tangible impact to our customers. In some cases, we are taking calculated risks in keeping a stock of items that normally we would order ‘as and

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when’ needed for a project. As well as risks relating to over-stocking, there is also a risk that the product has become outdated by the time we need it for a customer install.

What advice would you have for other integrators to help maintain positive relationships with clients at this time?

BenQ CinematicColor™ HDR-PRO™ Available in black or white

As well as the ongoing and transparent communication, demonstrate that you are doing everything to minimise the impact for them and to show that customer experience is at the heart of your business decision making. Many customers are likely to be experiencing similar issues in their line of work so may well have a surprising level of empathy with your situation.

BrownHen Solution brownhensolutions.com

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OCTOBER 2022 67

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

TWO BECOME ONE! Angus Murray, Projects Director, New Wave AV, introduces EI to its latest cinema triumph which combines surround sound and two-channel listening.

68 OCTOBER 2022

Angus explains, “This project came about when an

he achieved the performance levels and room

existing client discovered that their basement was

design he required at the budget that he had

leaking. Unfortunately, the leak was severe enough

allocated. The family came over for a demo at

that the whole basement needed reworking

our Experience Centre to understand what can

including a gym, wine room and their cinema room

be achieved and to get a better understanding

that had originally been installed in 2009. The

of the products that we specify.”

client took this opportunity to significantly rework

Angus explains that the customer wanted a

the whole basement to allow him to achieve a high

room that was very immersive so there was a lot

performance private cinema room.

of early design work around ensuring a suitable

“Due to our ongoing relationship with the

speaker configuration and screen size. Film was

client the project wasn’t difficult to win, however

a focus so a 2.35:1 screen was specified as well

the client was very focussed on ensuring that

as a Sony projector with suitable lens memory.

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R6225 SERIES

19” Convertible Wall Mount Rack Enclosure With Removable Shell Swap between secured enclosure and open form rack in moments

The freedom of an open frame and the security of a sealed cabinet The latest design in our 19” range offers rack builders and AV installers an enclosure with more freedom than ever before.

The R6225 wall mount enclosures provide total accessibility on demand as well as rock-solid security when needed.

The steel outer shell disengages to slide off independently from interior cables and devices to provide quick and convenient access to the rack anytime. When the shell is secured to the rack frame, security is assured with a lockable front door and high quality steel construction throughout.

Choose to go open form and make device installation and management a breeze - no more struggle trying to work inside awkward and difficult to access enclosures!

AVAILABLE IN SIZES 4U-12U Wall Mount Bracket Included

WATCH VIDEO: Cable access at top, base & back | Lockable and reversible drop-pin front door | Integrated cable management

Shop: PennElcomOnline.com

Catalogue: Penn-Elcom.com

THE RACK SPECIALISTS With over twenty years’ experience of working with racks of all shapes and sizes in a multitude of applications, we know a thing or two about racks and have a range of excellent solutions for all of your installation needs in stock and ready to ship!

Find out more at rgbcomms.co.uk

LANDE

PENN ELCOM

MIDDLE ATLANTIC

The Lande Set & Stack is a range of 19” intuitive wall mounted brackets.

Available in five heights, the racks come flat-packed for easy transportation and feature a sturdy, modular design to suite a range of installations.

Penn Elcom offer a great range of well-constructed racks that allow the installer to specify what they need.

Walls and doors can be added at any time, along with a wealth of accessories to personalise to the customers requirements.

For more sophisticated installations, Middle Atlantic offer an extensive range with great features, such as extendible and rotatable racks, highly configurable thermal management and customised cable-management solutions.

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

T: +44 (0) 1488 73366

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

A hands on-client had high expectations for the final result

The final speaker configuration was 7.2.4 using Triad Silver Speakers for the front speakers and Bronze Speakers for the Surrounds, Rears and Dolby Atmos channels. Four subwoofers were specified to even out the bass response across the room.

The client also wanted to use the room for two-channel audio so a separate amplifier and speaker system were specified solely for music.

Amplification for this aspect is delivered by a Naim Uniti Nova that also provides high res streaming via Qobuz and Tidal, the speakers are B&W 700 Series.

DELIVERING ON THE BRIEF Angus reveals, “The client was very engaged and hands on during the whole design process.

As part of our initial proposal, we produced a Technical Design Document that detailed the expected performance level for the room. This document highlighted that with the original budget we could not achieve the required SPL for the room, this information allowed the room budget to be reviewed and led to the front LCR speakers being up-specified.”

The client came to New Wave AV’s Experience Centre and auditioned the Triad speaker range and viewed the Sony projector and was very happy with both elements. He

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OCTOBER 2022 71

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

wanted to ensure ease of use for the room, so

Atmos cinema experience and a 2.0 listening

Control4 was specified, as the family had this

experience. We worked hard with the client to

control system throughout the house already.

ascertain whether one system could offer both

Control4 lighting control was enabled so that

solutions but, in the end, it was decided that

specific scenes could be triggered easily either within the app or on the remote control.

The build phase produced some challenges, but opportunities also. Angus says, “The remedial building works on the basement were very extensive which did mean that some of the installation issues often seen could be dealt with at the design stage. By working closely with the client and producing floor plans, RCPs and elevations the room was built to accommodate the kit specified and the performance level looking to be achieved. Access to the basement was sometimes difficult but beyond that there were no major hurdles to overcome.”

two dedicated systems would be the correct way to go. Once this decision was made it was about ensuring that the Dolby Atmos speaker configuration was installed as discretely as possible to ensure only the two-channel speakers were visible “The client’s favourite part of the room is the audio performance. He was particularly impressed with how the room performed after calibration on the Anthem AVR. Our favourite part is how well the acoustic treatment creates interest and adds to the luxurious feel to the room.”

With everyone very happy with the result, Angus concludes, “The unique element for

New Wave AV

this room is the combination of a full Dolby

newwaveav.co.uk

72 OCTOBER 2022

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

Non-Chinese

FCC NDAA Cyber-Secure Full surround sound and two-channel systems work in harmony in the room

Specified

Essential Kit List • Sony VPL-VW590ES projector • Cinema Build Systems Slim Screen • Anthem MRX1140 AVR • Triad Rack Amp 700 • Triad Rack Amo 300 • 3 x Triad Inwall Silver/6 LCR • 4 x Triad Inwall Bronze LCR • 2 x Triad Inwall Bronze/6 Sub • 2 x Triad Inwall Bronze/4 Slim Sub • 4 x In-Ceiling Bronze/8 Sat • Control4 EA1 & SR260 • Control4 Wireless Dimmer Keypads

01908 443 660

• Vicoustics Cinema Round, Multifuser and Audio Treatment

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contact@LILIN.uk OCTOBER 2022 73

AUDIOPHILE QUALITY, ACROSS THE LINE IN-WALL • IN-CEILING • SUBWOOFERS • LANDSCAPE • AND MORE Our new complete line of high-performance residential speakers, made by Origin Acoustics, is designed with your most discerning clients in mind. All made with premium materials. All extraordinarily easy to install. All built to work in perfect harmony with the Crestron Home® platform, and soon with DM NAX™ Audio-over-IP products, so they’ll be perfectly tuned the moment you power up.

Learn more at crestron.com/ResidentialAudio

All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2022 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

PRODUCTS

GET READY TO DOCK WITH LINDY The DST-Mini XT is Lindy’s feature-packed mini docking station. Housed in robust aluminium, this compact dock has been designed for those who need greater additional connectivity, in a portable form factor.

The DST-Mini XT can support a single extended display at 4K@30Hz through the HDMI or DisplayPort connections. Dual display setups are also possible with crisp Full HD 1080p. This makes this dock the perfect solution for any creative, data analyst or intense spreadsheet worker.

This docking station can unlock a world of connectivity for devices. Delivering DisplayPort, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card Slot, USB-C, SuperSpeed USB Type A ports (5Gbps) and a combined 3.5mm headphone jack. To deliver as much added functionality as possible, the right USB Type A port has both SuperSpeed data transfer and Battery Charging 1.2, meaning you can charge connected mobile devices.

Thanks to the USB-C PD 3.0, by connecting a USB-C charger to the DST-Mini XT you can expect up to 100W fast charging as well as bidirectional charging to any peripheral connected to the right USB-A port. With Battery Charging 1.2, this port delivers 5V and up to 1.5A for faster charging. Simply connect one USB-C cable and be confident that your laptop and connected devices

will be fully charged and ready to go. This docking station does not require any driver installation.

This allows for seamless large-scale implementation and a hassle-free experience.

Simply plug and play.

Lindy lindy.co.uk

Simplify flat panel installations with Chief.

The Chief PAC525 In-Wall Storage Box is designed to simplify flat panel installation by providing an organised, recessed space for routing excess Package one cables and for attaching surge protectors or power conditioners.

EPSON HITS A SIX!

No less than six new models from Epson

Epson has introduced six new home cinema projectors, made for film enthusiasts, sports fans and gamers looking for an immersive big screen experience. Ranging from entry level projectors with WXGA technology and a sleek new design, affordable 4K PRO-UHD projectors with built in Android TVTM, to the latest Epson EpiqVision Ultra Projector with 4K-PRO UHD and a laser light source, there is a projector for every budget.

First up are the EpiqVision Ultra EH-LS800B and EH-LS800W, Epson’s first super-ultra-shortthrow models providing closer positioning to the wall. Available in both black and white these projectors offer a solid blend of high brightness, image quality and versatility by leveraging Epson’s

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laser light source technology. Thanks to their close-to-the-wall location, and 4K PRO-UHD2 resolution giving a crisp and sharp image, these are easy to use and set up offering flexible image sizes from 80in to 150in starting from just 2.3cm from the wall. The projectors’ built-in Android TV deliver streaming, casting and smart controls and with their own sound BY YAMAHA speakers delivering a full audio experience.

Also new are the EH-TW6150 and EHTW6250 entry level 4K PRO-UHD projectors.

With a sleek new curved design at an affordable price, users can enjoy the latest movies, sporting events and gaming releases anywhere in the home with flexible placement via the vertical lens shift.

Both models make strong gaming companions with an under 20ms input lag rate for a fast and responsive gaming experience. The EH-TW6250 also comes with built in Android TV for streaming.

Finally, in the new line up are two multi-purpose entry level projectors which form a new ‘crossover’ range, ideal for the new flexible home working trend. The CO-FH02 and CO-W01 each have a compact design making them easier to carry between rooms and are ideal for education, home and office environments.

Epson epson.co.uk

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• Multiple

depth break away edge

• Drywall

and stud mountable

• Stores

a large variety of AV components

Available from

13–14 Headlands Trading Estate Headlands Grove Swindon, Wilts SN2 7JQ T. 01488 73366 rgbcomms.co.uk

OCTOBER 2022 75

Essential Install-add-2022-harv.indd 3

24/05/2022 17:59

Cineak.com | Antwerp, Belgium | +32 (3) 354 03 66

HARV HARV the the

the the HARV HARV

| info@cineak.eu

preferred seating position.

preferred seating position.

This allows the user to ensure maximum comfort by fine-tuning their

This allows the user to ensure maximum comfort by fine-tuning their

the footrest, backrest and headrest INDEPENDENTLY from one-another. the footrest, backrest and headrest INDEPENDENTLY from one-another.

A triple-motorized inclineallows mechanism the user to operate A triple-motorized incline mechanism the userallows to operate

A triple-motorized incline mechanism the userallows to operate A triple-motorized inclineallows mechanism the user to operate the footrest, backrest and headrest INDEPENDENTLY from one-another. the footrest, backrest and headrest INDEPENDENTLY from one-another.

This allows the user to ensure maximum comfort by fine-tuning their

This allows the user to ensure maximum comfort by fine-tuning their

Cineak.com | Antwerp, Belgium | +32 (3) 354 03 66

preferred seating position.

preferred seating position.

| info@cineak.eu

PRODUCTS

SONOS SUB MINI LAUNCHES Sonos has expanded its home cinema portfolio speakers like Beam, Ray, One, or One SL can with a new subwoofer designed to deliver bold focus on more mid-range and high frequencies. bass for smaller-sized rooms.

The unit can work with Beam, Ray or One. Sub Its creator claims the wireless Sub Mini sets a Mini features a round design that allows it to blend new standard in its category for powerful, balanced naturally into any home aesthetic without taking bass. Building on the award-winning design of Sub, too much space (or attention). Set up is easy, using Sub Mini has been created to deliver rich, clear the same method as all other Sonos products. low end in a more compact, cylindrical design.

Available in matte black and white, Sub Mini will be Sonos available globally starting from October at £429 sonos.com end user price.

Some highlights from the new product include dual custom woofers and advanced processing generating deep, dynamic low end with no buzz or rattle, helping users feel more immersed in every scene and song.

Within the acoustically sealed cabinet, both woofers face inward to create a force-cancelling effect that neutralises distortion.

Advanced digital signal processing maximises bass response and reproduces the full-toned low frequencies expected from a much larger subwoofer, while Users can also fine tune Sub Mini’s sound with Trueplay handling the low frequencies so paired

A NEW WAVE OF TIDAL CONNECTIVITY FOR THE LYNGDORF TDAI-1120 Lyngdorf Audio announces a new software update for the company’s smallest digital amplifier the TDAI-1120.

The update is available for every TDAI-1120 owner free of charge and extends its many music streaming functions with TIDAL Connect. Through TIDAL Connect, the platform’s lossless audio quality can be seamlessly experienced with the touch of a button, streamed directly over the network to the TDAI-1120.

The update also includes decoding for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). The MQA Core Decoder embedded in the TDAI-1120 unfolds an MQA file once to deliver better than CD-quality, typically 96 kHz / 24 bit. The integrated MQA decoder is an important addition to TIDAL Connect, as it allows playing higher resolution files, for example from the growing selection of Tidal Masters albums and playlists. MQA files can also be played via UPnP and Roon.

This update adds another music streaming option to the TDAI-1120’s built-in media player, which now includes: Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, DLNA Support (UPnP), Local file playback (USB), Internet Radio (vTuner), and Bluetooth.

TIDAL Connect was already introduced in Lyngdorf Audio’s flagship amplifier TDAI-3400 in 2020, followed by MQA in 2021. The same additions to the TDAI-1120 follow Lyngdorf Audio’s approach of continuously adding new features to its amplifiers and multichannel processors, keeping them up to date for both existing and new customers.

Forum Collaboration Suite. The Perfect Space to Collaborate.

Ensure participants have Package one the same meeting experience whether they are remote or in-person with the new Forum™ Collaboration Suite from Middle Atlantic.

Designed to solve the challenges of providing meeting equity and support the future of collaboration.

Lyngdorf Audio lyngdorf.steinwaylyngdorf.com Available from

The new software is available now and is easily accessible via the amplifier’s own app menu or by external upload from a USB memory.

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OCTOBER 2022 77

Our pledge to the custom install industry

Innovative, class-leading products

Premium support

Managed marketplace

Dedicated training

Minimum three-year warranty

Supported demo programme

*Lithe Audio - Wi-Fi Pro Product Range Only | *Sony-Home Cinema Range Only

www.committedtocustom.com

For more information, please contact your Invision account manager.

01359 270280 | sales@invisionuk.com

PRODUCTS

PSB SPEAKERS GOES ALPHA AND INTELLIGENT PSB Speakers has announced the Alpha iQ streaming powered speakers with BluOS, an all-inone audio system that sets a new benchmark for modern, tangle-free, audiophile-grade listening, says the maker.

Comprising two bookshelf speakers with builtin amplifiers and a network streamer based on the BluOS multi-room music platform, the Alpha iQ lets listeners enjoy PSB’s sound with more than 20 streaming services and hundreds of internet radio stations. The Alpha iQ has a wide array of inputs so users can connect source components such as a turntable, TV, disc player, or game console. Listeners can share their music over a home network with up to 63 other BluOS-enabled components.

Setting up and using the Alpha iQ is simple.

Plug the speakers into power outlets, then connect the Alpha iQ to a home network using the intuitive BluOS Controller app on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. Now the speakers are ready to play music from more than 20 streaming services supported by BluOS, including several that offer high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal. BluOS also provides access to hundreds of internet radio stations around the world, covering all musical genres.

The Alpha iQ has built-in two-way Bluetooth, with support for the high-quality aptX-HD codec for wireless streaming from any mobile device.

Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allows listeners to stream CD-resolution music from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect are both supported, so listeners can cue up music in the apps for those services, then transfer playback to the Alpha iQ. Users don’t have to clutter their living spaces with speaker wires to enjoy ‘true to nature’ sound from the Alpha iQ. The left and right speakers communicate via a wireless link that can cover most rooms in an average-size home, so that music stays synched and clear regardless of speaker placement.

PSB Speakers psbspeakers.com

Available in satin white and satin black finishes, the Alpha iQ has a sleek, modern design

IC Realtime develops new technologies and practical solutions to the newest challenges the video security world is faced with today, including enhanced object detection and tracking and even facial recognition

RECEIVE 3G FROM MONITOR AUDIO Platinum Series 3G perfects the art of high-fidelity sound, within a system package that exemplifies cutting-edge, acoustic innovation

Monitor Audio announced the launch of its Platinum Series 3G. Its flagship range encapsulates Monitor Audio’s desire to deliver accessible excellence.

Superior, innovative acoustic technologies, smart engineering and obsessive attention to detail ensures the Platinum Series 3G is capable of accurate, clear, and lifelike sound, from a design that will stay significant for a lifetime says its creator.

Platinum Series 3G launches within Monitor Audio’s 50th Anniversary year, and it has channelled all those decades of expertise into its development.

Platinum Series 3G offers a choice of four premium models designed to satisfy both twochannel or multi-channel home theatre system configurations. The series consists of the Platinum 100 3G stand mount, Platinum 200 3G midsized floor stander, and flagship floor stander,

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the Platinum 300 3G. Each speaker works independently in a high-performance two-channel system, or, with the addition of the Platinum 250 3G centre-channel as part of a high-performance AV system.

Each model in the Platinum Series 3G features the new 3rd generation Micro Pleated Diaphragm (MPD III) high frequency transducer. Developed

by Monitor Audio’s acoustic engineers when creating the company’s ‘Concept 50’ prototype, this tweeter was unveiled earlier this year for its 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The MPD III introduces technology that reduces distortion and flattens the frequency response, while the optimised waveguide provides highly controlled directivity, improving both soundstage and sensitivity. This all leads to a larger, clearer, and more consistent sound, allowing the Platinum Series 3G to create the ultimate immersive experience.

Other new acoustic features include the RDT III cone on all Platinum Series 3G midrange and bass drivers and the dedicated Mid-range driver utilised on the Platinum 200 3G and Platinum 300 3G models features several significant enhancements that help to create a smoother transition across the frequency range and deliver a more consistent crossover with the MPD III tweeter.

capabilities.

Package one • Less than 1% failure rate since 2006!

• Flexible software that is backwards compatible with all IC Realtime products • Exceptional 3rd party integration with control system manufacturers • Premium quality components, backed by long warranties

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Monitor Audio monitoraudio.com

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OCTOBER 2022 79

PRODUCTS

A NEW HUE Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), has unveiled a new range of Philips Hue smart lighting products and app features, from unique design options to complement home decor and create the right ambiance, to more immersive entertainment experiences for gaming and music.

The new Philips Hue Lightguide bulbs, with their striking and contemporary design, have been created to bring eye-catching modern style along with all the smart light

Also added, the new Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for PC brings a new light experience to PC gaming and to support an immersive gaming experience. To keep immersive entertainment setup simple, the current sync box mobile app will be merged with the Hue app in Q4 2022. Philips Hue is also making syncing lights with music available on even more devices including new functionality via Samsung’s SmartThings.

Also new, the new Philips Hue Mimic presence automation in the Hue app makes it appear like someone’s always home. It’s designed to safeguard a home with light and help give users peace of mind when away.

Philips Hue philips-hue.com

functionality of Philips Hue. Available in three shapes – large globe, ellipse, and triangular – the Lightguide bulbs house a distinctive inner tube that diffuses light in any colour, while their reflective, glossy finish makes them shine even brighter. Lightguide bulbs are designed to be a statement piece that will complement the decor of any modern home and blend with any favourite Philips Hue light scenes. To make them a real centrepiece, Lightguide bulbs can be matched with their very own specially designed pendant cord and metal holder. Sold separately, the fabric-wrapped cord and holder are available in black or white.

Moving from the contemporary to the traditional, the vintage-style Philips Hue Filament candle bulb will be available in White ambiance, making it possible to choose from thousands of shades of dimmable warm-to-cool light.

Lots of new products and functionality in the Philips Hue universe

BLUESOUND ANNOUNCES POWERNODE EDGE Bluesoundhas introduced the POWERNODE EDGE. This single-zone, wireless music streaming amplifier offered as the perfect entry point into ‘just add speakers’ Hi-Fi for the modern age, combining streaming sources, control, and amplification all in one sleek, yet affordable, device.

Audiophile-grade amplification packed into the POWERNODE EDGE makes it easy to connect a pair of passive speakers to create or extend a Hi-Fi system, says the maker.

Other options include adding the PULSE SUB+ wireless subwoofer for a powerful but compact 2.1 stereo system. Alternatively, the POWERNODE EDGE can power the rear channels of a Bluesound wireless surround sound setup, for the ultimate modern home theater experience.

A conservatively-rated 2 x 40W Direct Digital amplifier in the POWERNODE EDGE efficiently handles hi-res audio tracks up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports MQA playback, which allows music lovers to listen to the actual studio masters of favourite albums, as they were intended to be heard.

80 OCTOBER 2022

The POWERNODE EDGE is designed with a compact form factor to suit any décor. An included multi-orientation wall bracket allows it to be hidden in closets or behind sofas. Easy to spec and simple to stack, smart home installers will appreciate its 1U rack height and half-rack width, along with an easy-access touch control panel for everyday playback functions and configuration.

Over 20 natively integrated music services and thousands of internet radio stations are accessible directly on the POWERNODE EDGE, and controlled from the BluOS Controller app. To play from a personal music library, connection via Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or playback from an external USB drive is available.

Built-in AirPlay 2 makes for easy integration into the Apple ecosystem, while users of other devices can take advantage of the high quality aptX HD Bluetooth connection.

Bluesound bluesound.com

Add multiple Bluesound players around the home to create a high-performance, multi-room system using BluOS

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U NBE ATABLE! From the world’s leading architectural speaker brand, all the exclusive quality of the Visual Performance Series at an irresistible price!

The outstanding Sonance VP60R 6-inch 2-way is now priced for volume at just £89… a pair!

The latest high-tech driver and tweeter technology Optional square adaptor and square grille Incredible low frequency performance Elegant and modern styling Super low-profile grilles Easy to install

SAY GOODBYE TO SERVICE CALLS

The reboot has been reimagined.

Pair WattBox power products with OvrC, the industry’s #1 remote management platform, and extend device servicing from anywhere. Whatever the time of day (or night), WattBox power products automatically keep status of your devices so that if one goes unresponsive, it will reboot it automatically. It can also be programmed to power-cycle at a specific time each week, saving you time and money. Now available in EMEA.

From Snap One, the company that brings you Control4

Current partners can learn more on the Control4 Dealer Portal, to apply to be a partner scan here.

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