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PRODUCTIVITY Inc. We’retransforming transforming our our knowledge knowledge base base to We’re to include include more more of of everything everything online, dovetailed dovetailed with with our our traditional traditional classes online, classes to to create create the the widest, widest, most most versatile mix of learning opportunities yet conceived. Launching in versatile mix of learning opportunities yet conceived. Launching in September, we’re we’re calling calling itit the the Habitech Habitech University September, University (Hab-U). (Hab-U).
For full course information and timings please contact the team: For full course information and timings please contact the team: www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk www.habitech.co.uk | 01256 638500 | sales@habitech.co.uk
Essential Install | Editor’s Comment
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GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
02 EDITOR’S COMMENT
Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
GROUP AD MANAGER
Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com
Interactive learning
04 EI LIVE! 2021 Check out all of the training opportunites available at this year’s show
PUBLISHER
David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com
ACCOUNTS
08 A MOVEABLE FEAST OF TRAINING Aico promote training and education with Mobile Units and dedicated online community
susan@allthingsmedialtd.com
10 PRODUCTIVITY INC Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD
Habitech’s knowledge resources
T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173
12 SY ELECTRONICS Innovators of AV
www.essentialinstall.com
SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL
14 GAME-CHANGING Sanus: TV mounts simple and trusted install process
16 FIND YOUR WAY HOME How Crestron Home revolutionises your business model
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.
18 BEMCO The king of KNX training
20 MERIDIAN AUDIO AND DBM Training tailored for you
22 BITE SIZED EDUCATION AWE educational top tips video
4 | December 2017
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
INTERACTIVE LEARNING The AV, smart home and home cinema sectors are valued by end users - not just for the fantastic products and concepts that are offered, but because of the knowledge and skills of the people delivering them. To outsiders the ability to create a rocksolid network, a dedicated cinema room or a whole house automaton system often seams like a strange kind of alchemy that only those with a special and hard-won level of knowledge could deliver. And this is true in many ways, whether that knowledge is gained through on-the-job experience and training from colleagues. It could even be through training offered by outside agencies such as manufacturers, trade associations and distributors, this knowledge is what makes this industry special. Plenty of other sectors can offer compelling or attractive concepts; sports cars, exotic holiday’s ect, but they require far less knowledge to deliver successfully at the point of sale and require less of a bond of trust between provider and client. So, if knowledge is power, that power is what makes our industry happen at all and nurturing it is a key component to success. This can be achieved in a myriad of ways, but a big component of training in this sector has always been delivered by the makers and distributors of the products and concepts that we sell. EI has always, on a regular basis provided round
ups and summaries of what is available to enable readers to keep up to date and where possible plan out their training. As everyone is aware, on-line training and easily accessible videos have become a big part of the training landscape over the last 18 months due to the COVID 19 situation. However, as many companies have discovered, these techniques done well are very effective and well suited to certain types of information delivery and perhaps the industry should have been doing more of this type of stuff even before the pandemic made everyone take stock. So, the team here thought it would be a good idea to create one of our Training Supplements and allow industry stakeholders to showcase their training offering with the focus on
02 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
video and on-line content. So here it is, some of the most forward-thinking training providers explaining what they have to offer and via this fully digital publication, allowing readers to watch the content too. We hope you enjoy this window onto a developing side of industry training, and that it leads to greater industry awareness and communication when it comes to developing the knowledge base that is so vital to the sector.
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Become an Aico Expert Installer
Register today at www.aico.co.uk/becomean-expert-installer
Aico’s award winning Expert Installer training is a FREE scheme designed to provide Installers with all the information they need to select and install Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarm systems. Modules include: Core Module - 60 minutes CPD Siting Sensor Types Installation
Testing and Maintenance Integration Standards and Regulations Gateway and Portal
All members of the Expert Installer training will be invited to join the brand new
This is an online, connected community built to support Expert Installers. Discover opportunities, interact, engage and share your knowledge to earn rewards. With monthly prize draws, you could win up to £500 and the chance to see the British Superbikes!
www.aico.co.uk | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk
CONNECT with fellow professionals LEARN new skills to earn points and receive prizes REWARD for the first 1,000 to join
RE ei liv FR GI es EE STE ho AT R w .co m
ONE GREAT EVENT ALL UNDER ONE ROOF The UK’s only dedicated AV and Home automation exhibition. EI Live! was created to offer a tailored trade event to best represent the priorities of those working in, and looking to enter the AV and Home automation industry. The show provides an easy to digest and dynamic show floor offering visitors the chance to interact with all the major suppliers and manufacturers serving the industry, keeping visitors fully up to speed with all the latest products and technologies in this fast moving industry. Whether you are an established operator / Integrator, are new to the industry or are looking to make the transition into the industry, EI Live has the people you need to speak to in order to make your business a success.
EXHIBITOR LINE UP FOR EI LIVE! Aico / Home Link, Aldous systems, Alltrade,
Future Automation, Gallo Acoustics, Great
PictureFrame TV, PMC Ltd, Rako Controls Ltd,
Amina Technologies, Anatech, Antiference,
British Audio Co, Grenton Smart Home, Gude
Aquavision Distribution, Artcoustic, Avoke
Systems Gmbh, Habitech, Hayden Furniture,
RDI, Totem, Redline Scotland, Retrotouch,
Ltd, AWE Europe Ltd, Bespoke Telecoms Ltd,
HDAnywhere, Hidden Wires, Hisense, IMP,
Blustream Ltd, CAI, CAVD, CEDIA, Cinema
Indigo Distribution, Into AV Distribution,
Build Systems, Connected Distribution, CYP,
Intrinsic Group, Invision, Karma AV, Kordz/
Device Smart, Display technologies, ELAN
Blustream, L-Acoustic Creations, Lektropacks,
(Blustream), Element One screens, Epson –
Lithe Audio, Meridian Audio Ltd, My KNX
TDI, Tindall Security, Together for Cinema, TV
Sound Booth, EZVIZ Ltd, Faradite, FS Cables,
Store, Netvio, OneAV Ltd, Penn Elcom,
Shield, Velodyne, Visualization and WeQuote.
RGB Lutron, RGB Communications, Sanus (Legrand), SAVANT, Sensible Heat, Sinemas, Snap
One/Control4,
Sonic
Syndicate/
Outsourced AV, Specifi, SY Electronics Ltd,
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Celebrating the best of the best in the AV and Home automation industry. Wednesday 29th September, the evening of the first show day. Full details and to book your ticket go to smartbuildingawards.com
04 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
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ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
TRAINING AT EI LIVE! You can become an HDBastT certificated expert installer or if you are a Snap One / Control4 dealer and want to enhance your sales or technical skills, EI Live! is the place to be.
BECOME A CERTIFIED HDBaseT™ INSTALLER AT
29-30 September 2021
PRESENTED BY
Course begins at 10am each day. Register now
BECOME A CERTIFIED HDBASET INSTALLER AT EI LIVE Get more out of your visit to EI Live this year by completing the Certified HDBaseT Installer Expert Training.
the elements of 5-Play integration and recommended installation guidelines. Once completed, all attendees will receive a personal certificate, official HDBaseT installer digital logo, certified HDBaseT installer T-Shirt and AVIXA development points. The Certified training will be held both days of the show and will start at 10am. Places will be limited so please register your interest ASAP.
Presented by the HDBaseT approved training team at Blustream, the 1.10 hour course provides a detailed introduction to HDBaseT technology and best practices for installation. Attendees will specifically learn about the science behind HDBaseT,
Register now
provides an in-depth look at the new
LIVE TRAINING SESSIONS
features available with OvrC.
SALES TRAINING Boosting your businesses potential with support and best practices from
PRESENTED BY
29-30 September 2021 Courses at 11am and 2pm each day. Register now
Snap One An introduction to Snap One and its main platforms; Control4 Smart Home OS 3 and OvrC Remote Management. This training
LIVE TRAINING SESSIONS For existing partners, Snap One will be hosting daily technical and sales training in a dedicated theatre. Each hourlong session will provide best practice guidance and actionable advice to drive
TECHNICAL TRAINING
will also explore Snap One’s strategic
Importance of Networking & RMM –
of its sales proposition and team structure.
Successfully installing in today’s modern
Partners will also receive and overview
smart home
of the Partner Portal, and the company’s
This session looks at best practices
industry-leading initiatives including the
for delivering a successful installation.
Certified Showroom Program and Design
Starting with RMM and an overview of the
& Build collaboration.
usability and power of OvrC, this training
business success. Partners can pre-
also covers networking procedures –
register for a place on either session
from router to WAP management – and
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categories as well as providing an update
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TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 05
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
SIGN UP FOR EI LIVE! 2021 We are looking forward to welcoming the install and AV industry back to the Farnborough Exhibition Centre. The Farnborough Exhibition Centre is the perfect space to showcase 21st century technology. Contemporary in design, the venue has been created to reflect pioneering, innovation and sophistication – all very fitting for our event. The building is pretty high-tech itself with advanced connectivity which means exhibitors are not held back in presenting their products and services in any way they desire. Hall 1 where EI Live! is held, if needed can connect 50,000 devices simultaneously, stream over 600 films in
HD simultaneously, download the entire Beatles discography (1,450 songs) on iTunes in 3 seconds or download the original Super Mario Brothers 65,625 times in a second. This venue offers the show the attractions of a London venue without the transport challenges of the capital, particularly as public transport can still be a challenge or concern for some. The venue is also surrounded by a large selection of great hotels from high-end luxury to sensible budget choices. The
06 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
community of local hotels have new StaySafe procedures in place to provide additional protection for event attendees as part of a response to COVID-19. There are of course thousands of free commercial vehicle friendly parking spaces right next to the venue. All the information you need is on the website. So, get over to the site, put the date in your diary and ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to boost your business for 2021 and into next year too.
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EI LIVE! TECHNICAL THEATRE KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Bursting with experts, tech talks and learning opportunities, the EI Live! 2021 Technical Theatre represents a massive opportunity to attend in person training for the first time, in a long time. With sessions covering a vast range of subjects and pulling in experts from across the industry, we are confident there will be
something for everybody, no matter your level of experience or expertise. Take a look at the sessions available by clicking the link below and you can begin to organise your time at EI Live! 2021 by registering here and now for the sessions you want to attend.
WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
THURSDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER
TIME
SESSION
DURATION
TIME
SESSION
DURATION
10.00 - 11.15
CERTIFIED HDBASET INSTALLER EXPERT TRAINING
1hr 15mins
10.00 - 11.15
CERTIFIED HDBASET INSTALLER EXPERT TRAINING
1hr 15mins
11.25 - 11.45
10,000 RACK BUILDS LATER, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
20mins
11.30 - 11.50
THE POWER OF PREDICTION (AI) IN SMART HOMES
20mins
11.55 - 12.55
LARGE FORMAT DISPLAYS – WHAT’S BEST WHERE, AND WHY?
1hr
12.15 - 13.15
OVERCOMING AUDIO PAIN POINTS
1hr
13.05 - 13.25
DSP VS EQ
20mins
13.30 - 13.50
PROS AND CONS OF DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
20mins
13.35 - 13.55
HOW TO PROGRESS ALONG THE ROAD IN BECOMING A SMARTER INSTALLER
20mins
14.00 - 14.20
CYP – TBC
20mins
14.05 - 14.25
ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO AV DISTRIBUTION TROUBLE SHOOTING
20mins
14.35 - 14.55
THE IMPACT BUILDING AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY HAS ON OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING
20mins
14.35 - 14.55
THE BENEFITS OF JOINEDUP DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS IN SOCIAL HOUSING
20mins
15.15 - 15.35
SWITCHED ON: LIGHTING FOR EYE AND BRAIN
20mins
15.05 - 15.25
GUDE – TBC
20mins
15.35 - 15.55
EDUCATING DESIGN & BUILD PROFESSIONALS USING THE 5 LEVELS OF A SMART HOME
20mins
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For a synopsis and book your session click here
TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 07
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
AICO PROMOTE TRAINING AND EDUCATION WITH MOBILE UNITS AND DEDICATED ONLINE COMMUNITY Education is part of Aico’s core ethos, and they strive to inform and promote best practice to everyone, from Electrical Contractors to members of the public and children, in order to deliver on their mission statement of engaging with communities for safer homes. Fire safety sessions to promote awareness of Fire and Carbon Monoxide within the home are vital to encourage active involvement from children and students, as well as residents. Since acquiring their first Mobile Training and Demonstration Unit in 2017, Aico have expanded their fleet to four bespoke units, that cover the length and breadth of the country. Aico take their Mobile Units on tour, travelling to various locations throughout the country to raise awareness in support of key campaigns such as Gas Safety Week, highlighting the dangers of
Carbon Monoxide and the importance of alarms. Each of the units are fully equipped for hands-on training, providing customers with a complete overview of Aico’s products and technologies and enables the delivery of their awardwinning Expert Installer training. After having the breaks on for the past 16 months, Aico’s state-of-the-art
08 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
Mobile Training and Demonstration Units are now back out on the road. Daren Newcombe of Plymouth Community Homes who utilised the Mobile Unit on Tuesday 15th June said, “We have specified and installed Aico alarms for the past 15 years and this is the third time we have had the Mobile Unit; this is an excellent opportunity for our engineers.
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“We always receive first class support from Steve Bulley who is our local Regional Specification Manager (RSM), who has extensive knowledge and is always there when we need him.” RSM for the South West Steve Bulley commented, “Plymouth Community Homes are a key partner of Aico in the South West. They are a fantastic organisation to work with, who always put safety and well-being at the forefront of all they do. I would like to thank Roger Hewit, Daren Newcombe and all the engineers for the attendance and support on the Mobile Unit.” Aico’s Mobile Units will be visiting various locations across the UK on a regular basis where RSMs will deliver training to contractors and students. To date, Aico’s Expert Installer training scheme has trained over 30,000 industry professionals in domestic Fire Alarm specification and installation and is FIA approved with many of the modules CPD accredited, enabling installers to earn
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CPD time. Delivered by knowledgeable Regional Specification Managers, Expert Installer training provides Electrical Contractors with updates on legislation, products and technologies and facilitates the sharing of best practice. This training also provides all of the information that they require to select, site, install and maintain Aico alarms to the highest quality. Aico are pleased to announce the launch of the Aico Installer Community, a connected online community built to support Expert Installers. This community will provide a platform for Electrical Contractors to discover opportunities, interact and engage with one another to share knowledge and earn rewards. The online community will provide opportunities for Expert Installers to network and connect with fellow professionals, participate in discussions and expand their knowledge. Members will be able to access the knowledge base within the community, view FAQs, howto videos and new technical bulletins.
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Challenges will facilitate learning and development and enable members to accumulate points to redeem rewards and be entered into monthly prize draws, including the chance to win an allexpenses paid trip to watch the British Superbikes. You will be eligible to join the community if you have completed your training after 1st May 2019. For more information on the Aico Installer Community and to register your interest, visit www.aico.co.uk/community. For further information on utilising the Mobile Training and Demonstration Units for training and education, please contact your local Regional Specification Manager by visiting www.aico.co.uk/rsm. Aico, an Ei Company, are the European market leader in home life safety, pioneering new technologies and offering high quality alarms, developed and manufactured in Ireland. All Aico alarms meet UK standards and offer a variety of sensor types to guarantee protection for every home, the cornerstone of which is delivering education, quality, service and innovation. In 2020, Aico expanded their Connected Home offering with the acquisition of leading Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider, HomeLINK. HomeLINK are a multi-award-winning high-tech software team within Aico that leverage cutting edge home integration and analytic technologies to address the needs of social landlords and their residents.
TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 09
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
PRODUCTIVITY INC. Habitech’s powerful new online knowledge resource means you can learn at your own speed without ever having to leave your seat says Justin Martin Lawrence. Today, everybody leans on the internet for work, for play, for socialising, and naturally for learning. It’s the go-to source for how-to info. If you want to see how to fit a door on a fridge, or a nylon spool to a strimmer, you go to YouTube. Nobody reads manuals these days. So we’re transforming our own knowledge base to include more of everything online, including document libraries, instructional vids, online webinars, live streaming, even remote hands-on training. The aim is to dovetail interactive video content with our traditional classes to create the widest, most versatile mix of learning opportunities yet conceived. Launching in September, we’re calling it the Habitech University, or Hab-U for short.
KNOWLEDGE BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS
From the very start, Habitech has understood that CI’s promise of awesome product performance and fault-free installation hinges on the support of high quality know-how. It’s no secret that better trained integrators make more money by avoiding the spiralling costs of system failure - not just the expense of sending a fixer, but reputational damage as well. By reducing the risk of downtime, a meaningful exchange of information is the key to every successful business relationship. For the supplier it builds confidence in its brands and products; for the integrator it reduces time on site, generates more powerful and reliable outcomes, and secures happy clients and future work. The virtuous ecosystem that sustains the entire CI food chain from the
10 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
customer down is rooted in great training, which is why the new Hab-U platform will boost rewards all round.
YOU CAN PLEASE EVERYONE
While everyone benefits from a rich training diet, the level of nutrition relies on matching content with the consumer. For instance, a sales course promoting the business advantages of a product line is unlikely to be as useful to an engineer as a hands-on nuts-and-bolts installation course. Conversely, the weeds of a networking seminar are less likely to appeal to a project or business manager. What Hab-U presents is a wide menu of online training goodness, from which every member of an integration team can pick, according to their role and without ever having to leave the home or office.
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This means that our business partners will avoid the time and expense of a trip to Habitech if all they need is a brush-up on the tech. You can simply choose the learning tools you need to fill knowledge gaps at your leisure. The entire curriculum is available, so managers can refresh their understanding of the latest advances in Wi-Fi and networking for instance, check product benefits or appreciate the practical challenges of installation, while engineers, (usually preoccupied with system architecture), are able to digest a product or brand backstory by clicking through to a vid on the portal. Not only do the more agile training advantages of Hab-U deliver a better targeting of information and cost savings to your business, they’re also available as back-up in high pressure situations. All too often staff shortages force dealers to send an untrained engineer to a job. Hab-U is designed to equip the team with the know-how required for a successful fix, at any time at the speed of a click or two. The idea is that everyone gets what they need with maximum efficiency and minimum cost.
CLICK THROUGH TO HAB-U
As an evolving open platform, Habitech University will help you develop your skills in lockstep with the industry and at a pace that suits you. From September, you’ll be able to click the training tab on the top nav bar of the Habitech website to explore all the training courses and a growing resource of ‘how to’ instructional webinars, product intro vids and spec sheets by brand. To book a course, click
the registration link on the training page and a member of our training team will get in touch to set you up on HAB-U and book in-person training if it’s applicable to the course. It is possible, however, to graduate from certain courses without ever leaving the office by completing a series of modules and assessments. Join live training streams from our inhouse team or from manufacturers such as Ruckus, Draytek and Naim via a zoom link. Even hands-on courses may be accessed remotely via web GUI and VPN to practice switch settings for instance.
NEW PATHS TO SUCCESS
While we put the finishing touches to the new syllabus, here’s a broad idea of what to expect. Join us live online or in person for the next Habitech ProNET networking courses, which have been raising the bar since 2012. The one-day Foundation course is the ideal way to get your head around the fundamentals of networking: cable and fibre types, routers and switches, Wi-Fi, planning the network, flat vs segmented networks, IPv4 and IPv6 broadband, adding resilience and speed, network health and testing. Meanwhile the advanced threeday ProNET integrator course covers
bandwidth management, load balancing, understanding VLANs and Virtual Private Networks before handing over to specialists from Draytek and Ruckus onsite for a hands-on tour of system set-up and capabilities. Other highlights from the menu include ‘Cinema Essentials’ for anyone new to home cinema or for integrators wanting to refresh their knowledge on audio/video basics and design best practice. ‘Cabling for Success’ covers the choices and techniques required to build future-proof infrastructures. ‘Naim and Wisdom - The Home of High-End Audio’ course sees two giants of the high-end audio world unite to define the parameters of integrated high-end system design, while the ‘Resimercial AV’ seminar guides your transition from residential projects to success in semicommercial and pure commercial spaces. Then there’s the ‘Home of Cinema Advanced Calibration’ day dedicated to audio optimisation through hands-on calibration with Dirac; ‘The Integrators guide to Complete Outdoor Luxury’, which explains how to ‘cover the ground with sound’ from cottage gardens to estates, and ‘Conference Solutions End-to-End’, which deals with the more advanced aspects of CAV deployment.
WHAT, WHY, HOW, NOW
Because the pandemic has put the world of work on a ‘remote’ footing, we’re developing our training outreach to match. You’ll benefit from easier online access to a much wider range of learning tools created to demystify today’s evolving design challenges, at a time that suits you. In a faster moving tech environment, Hab-U’s always-on enlightenment could be the smartest way to add productivity to your business. Habitech habitech.co.uk
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TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 11
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
SY ELECTRONICS LTD INNOVATORS OF AV Since 1983, SY’s innovative use of technology has provided a means of overcoming many of the problems encountered by AV system integrators and installation engineers. For instance, by creating new ways of dealing with HDMI signal issues, our products will ensure that you can deliver a satisfying solution to your customers.
SY PRODUCTS - PACKED WITH FEATURES At SY we understand the challenges faced by system designers and onsite installation engineers when trying to implement a complete AV Solution. That is why you will find many powerful tools and features built into various SY Products. Such as: • Scaling – Manage resolution and frame rates. • HDCP Control – No more HDCP issues! • Audio De-embedding – Feed external amplifiers.
• Control – RS232, Infra-Red, front panel buttons, CEC, contact closures.
SY TUTORIAL VIDEOS
• Full Diagnostics – Monitor and control various parameters including: Built in Volt Meter, HDBaseT signal & link status, cable length measurement, temperature measurement. • ‘PC Tools’ – Find the answers with this software: The diagnostic tools are invaluable for any installation. What signal format is being received? Resolution? Refresh Rate? Colour Depth? HDR? Audio format? HDCP?
• EDID Management – Ensure correct settings.
• iPoC - Only one PSU is required to
• Test Pattern Generator – Various types built-In.
power both Transmitter and Receiver units from either end.
12 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
We have developed a series of Technical Product Videos, demonstrating, and explaining the benefits of features that are found within SY products. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel where you will find a variety of videos, including a complete mini-series on the flagship ‘Slim 70 Pro’, our most popular HDMI Extender that uses HDBaseT technology to transmit 4K video signals to 40M or 1080p video to 70m. Not only that, but it has all of the functions
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mentioned so far, built into it. A mighty product that satisfies the needs of the professional installer.
PRODUCTS FOR RESIDENTIAL INSTALLS scaling, audio de-embedding, LAN control plus a whole lot more which you will see explained in the short product video, which shows how it will benefit you when you use it as part of your next AV project.
Check out the SP70PRO complete Video mini-series. The series is broken down into bite size videos, explaining each one of its features at a time. (You can play Part One by clicking the link to the left). In Part Two we delve into the Scaling feature, showing how it can help you to provide better system compatibility throughout your installation. After watching these short videos, you will be sure to gain an even better understanding and add to your existing knowledge of how HDMI works. Make sure to check out all the other topics too!
SY TECHNICAL SUPPORT
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ALL THESE WILL BE ON SHOW AT EI LIVE 2021 The AV Tech Multitool
WFH?, then you need this…
XCALIBUR - THE INNOVATION CONTINUES
Operating from our Head Office in Salford Manchester, our experienced technical consultants are on hand to provide realtime sales and technical support to help keep your jobs running smoothly. You can talk directly to one of our Technical Support staff. SY also have a sales office and demo facility to cover the Southern region, which is located in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
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SY-MS42-18G. A 4x2 HDMI 2.0 18G Scaler Matrix, with a compact design which hosts several useful features, making it ideal for use within light commercial and residential applications. This cost effective solution offers excellent Pro level features such as
At EI Live! 2021 we shall be delighted to be launching a brand new range of products that are sure to take the AV industry by storm! Watch out for more details to come over the next few weeks, as we release news of this new family of innovative devices that will give you even more of what you want. Send signals further, work smarter, use less power, control signals, use the built-in tools,
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packed with our class leading functions and features that you have come to know from SY. See all these products and more on Stand 6. For further information visit sy.co.uk or Tel 0161 868 3450.
TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 13
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
SANUS: GAME-CHANGING TV MOUNTS SIMPLE AND TRUSTED INSTALL PROCESS SANUS appreciates the importance of providing all types of customers and installers with enough information to easily decide which mount is right for them, giving them the confidence to install it. Product pages on the SANUS website include several videos, which could include a product features video, an installation video or a solution-specific features video. The latter is a broader look at which type of mount the situation requires – Full-Motion, Tilting or Fixed. Each of these videos are also excellent additions to general training packs for SANUS distributors and installers.
NEW VLT7 ADVANCED TILTING MOUNT Our first selection is an installation video for the new VLT7 Advanced Tilt 4D, a game-changing mount that has just been launched. This mount represents the next level of advanced tilt technology, allowing you to tilt the TV in four different directions. The VLT7 offers end users and installers a slim, stylish industrial design that achieves the ultimate experience in
performance, ease of installation, and the highest level of compatibility. This installation video includes an overview of what can be found in the box and the three easy steps of installation. It also includes a directive to visit the SANUS HeightFinder™. This is a handy online tool into which you can put your TV model number, select your SANUS mount and get precise measurements of where on the wall you should drill your holes in order to have
14 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
the TV at your desired height. Links to the HeightFinder are, of course, also included in the installation manual. The HeightFinder is perfect for installers, because it saves time and energy otherwise used on calculating the right spot to drill the holes, meaning the install is even more efficient.
Click here to watch the Advanced Tilt 4D Installation
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USEFUL FOR EVERY INSTALLER
OUT OF THE BOX EXPERIENCE
The aim of every SANUS installation video is to show how easy the installation process is, give some more details that will be useful during install, and of course to show more of the mount in action. Installation videos are great for independent installers who want to double check that they’ll still be getting the same simple and fast installation process they’re used to from SANUS, or just to refresh the memory if it’s been a while since installing a TVmount specifically.
Our second video takes a closer look at one of the elements that simplifies the SANUS installation process. Our out of the box experience has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that you only see the relevant components and screws as and when you need them – feedback shows that experienced installers really appreciate this – no need to take all of the pieces out of the box and lay them on the floor looking for the parts you need, which can be tricky if you’re in a small space or
have the client walking in and out of the room! Keep things streamlined, tidy and manageable without any extra effort on your part. This video also highlights the hardware packs that come with SANUS mounts. We include a large selection of hardware to ensure that the vast majority of TV models will be covered, but of course only a few of the screws will be used. For the rare TV model that may require a different screw, our Customer Care team is available seven days a week and will happily provide the needed hardware.
SANUS TRAINING VIDEOS These videos are just a short snippet from one of our longer training videos; we have a selection of training videos pre-made, from short product highlight videos to longer, in depth videos designed to deepen staff’s product knowledge and improve attachment rates. We can even work with you to
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create the perfect training video for your needs! These videos have proven to be popular with trainees who report that they feel much more confident in selling SANUS mounts once they know more about the product they are selling – and really believe they’re products worth backing.
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TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 15
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
HOW CRESTRON HOME REVOLUTIONISES YOUR BUSINESS MODEL Crestron’s training portal and How to videos teach you how to do more jobs with less effort. For decades, Crestron has been leading the smart home market. We started with offering integrators endless opportunities to customise and create the most stunning and breath-taking complete smart home solutions. To this day, you can still deploy the same Crestron systems in the same way you always have, using custom programming where ‘the sky is the limit’. But almost two years ago we introduced something revolutionary: the Crestron Home Platform; which is constantly expanding and evolving. Since the platform allows you to deliver projects
at speed, where custom programming and its accompanying effort, time and cost is not required - it offers the opportunity to expand your offering. You deliver to your customer an easy-to-use, intuitive, stunning user experience that operates as they want. Consistently and reliably. And because the platform is constantly evolving, with updates being pushed out continuously, the system you deliver today gets better over time, improving and expanding the experience you deliver, sometimes without even needing to go on site.
16 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
In essence Crestron Home allows you to do more jobs with less effort. Make more money by spending less time programming our ‘best in class’ hardware, all whilst delivering a customised and stunning user experience and solution to your clients. Gone are the multi-week programming efforts and countless hours of debugging projects. We’re talking a couple of hours to configure everything. And, thanks to our rigorous, ongoing testing, there are no bugs. If that isn’t revolutionary, we don’t know what is. And to top it off, you can use an iPad or a web app for the entire configuration and set-up.
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HEAR FROM OUR INTEGRATORS JUST HOW CRESTRON HOME WORKS FOR THEM: Durgesh Sinh, founding Director at residential UK integrator Nucleas AV, discusses the huge impact Crestron Home has had on his company’s bottom line.
Richard Heeley of UK-based home automation systems firm Jooced, talks about the key advantages Crestron Home software delivers to installers and homeowners.
Roundtable where John Clancy, Executive VP of Crestron Residential and a panel of expert integrators talk about designing and implementing the next generation of Crestron smart home technology using both brand new and existing technologies.
• Steps to upgrade existing systems
• Customizing quick actions
• Building a house
• And much more
TRAINING At Crestron we’re proud of our Crestron Technical Institute, where we offer in-person and online training for all our solutions, including Crestron Home. If you are already a Crestron integrator, make sure to visit here:
• Pairing devices
trainingapps.crestron.com/ OnlineCourse/62 To discover an entire training collection for self-paced learning that includes: • How to get started • Configuration training for everything from video, lighting, audio all the way to how to create bill of materials and engraving all from the set-up app.
If you’re not a Crestron integrator yet, you
Configuration screen. Use the Actions &
can check out this sneak peek of how the
Events screen to configure the behaviour
configuration app works.
of remotes and keypads, occupancy sensors, door locks, security systems,
Check out this sneak peek video
remote system events, media zone events, and quick actions. Scenes and other
Learn how to use the configuration screen
actions may be programmed to occur
to create and schedule events that are
when a button is pressed, or a system
triggered in the Crestron Home system.
event is triggered. It really is this simple.
Events can be triggered by a button press,
Learn more about the user experience of
occupancy event, alarm, time of day, and
Crestron Home with these how-to videos,
more. Tap the Customize & Schedule
showcasing exactly what your customers
button on the Setup screen to display the
will experience.
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TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 17
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
THE KING OF KNX TRAINING BEMCO, one of the larger independent electrical wholesalers in the UK and a specialist in smart home technologies, offers integrators and electricians the most extensive range of high quality online and ‘In-Person’ training on the market. With KNX becoming more and more popular in residential and commercial projects, its openness, robustness and suitability for different applications, makes it a significant business opportunity.
IN-PERSON TRAINING BEMCO’s Certified KNX ‘In-Person’ Basic and Advanced training is delivered by renowned KNX experts. The KNX Basic Course is a five-day course including an examination that will enable attendees to achieve Full KNX Partner Certification. For more information and to see the added value that Bemco brings to KNX Basic Training, check out the short video opposite.
• Certified KNX Partner (Basic) Course:13th-17th September 2021 18 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
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Essential Install readers can now receive a £100 discount on the price of the KNX Basic Training by using the code EI100 online at the point of booking via www.bemco-knx.co.uk.
Find out more about the KNX Basic Partner Course
Once completed, the KNX Advanced Training course, is a proven way to develop your confidence with KNX, build your skills and grow your experience.
• Certified KNX Advanced Course: 11th -15th October 2021
Find out more about the KNX Advanced Course
Bemco also offers a two-day KNX HVAC Specialist course that will broaden attendee knowledge of heating, cooling and ventilation issues. The course provides a wide range of practical exercises, helping to deepen understanding of KNX control and regulation and assist with the design and deployment of KNX for a range of HVAC applications.
After completing these courses, Bemco provides an unrivalled level of technical support and assistance with system planning, design and installation to help you manage and provide practical aftercare for your client’s system. Watch the video to learn more.
Find out more about the KNX HVAC Specialist Course
ONLINE TRAINING Additionally,
BEMCO
offers
an
Bemco’s online training courses are
learn how to build a KNX board, covering
all interactive in style and delivered
the assembly of DIN rail KNX components
online channel BEMCO SmartPRO for
by
experienced
and switches into an enclosure, wiring
those keen to grow their knowledge
and
integrators,
schematics, cabling and the creation of
and build their business in smart home
lighting circuits and output connections.
technology installations. Accessible at
KNX Gordon
trainers Fry
and
Jeremy Aston. The KNX Refresher training is ideal
The business opportunity for KNX
for those who may be aware of KNX
integrators is fully explored in Shading
#bemcosmartpro,
or attended some training previously
Control: The Advantages of KNX in the
focus on providing solutions, advice and
but are out of practice or in need of a
company of SOMFY specialist, Jeremy
resources to help contractors get to grips
confidence boost to enable them to
Aston. This course will cover all aspects
with the latest technology and seize the
take on a project. Delegates will be able
of shading control, the different control
market opportunity. BEMCO SmartPRO
to familiarise themselves with the ETS
options, shade types, dumb versus
is supported by Lutron (RA2 Select,
software and get up to speed with the
intelligent motors, phase/24v/230v/
Vive and Quantum), SONOS, RIng, Ajax
latest enhancements including KNX IP,
bus and SMI control alongside fabric
and Honeywell. The full set up using
KNX RF and KNX Secure.
specification and delivery.
these brands is available in BEMCO’s
In KNX Panel Building, custom installers and electrical contractors will
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To view the dates and register your interest go to www.bemco-knx.co.uk.
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Instagram @bemcosmartpro and twitter the
channel
will
‘Innovation’ showroom at the flagship branch in Wandsworth.
TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 19
ESSENTIAL TRAINING SUPPLEMENT
MERIDIAN AUDIO AND DBM: TRAINING TAILORED FOR YOU Meridian Audio and Distributed by Meridian (DbM) are committed to training that is properly aligned to the needs of the industry at a time that’s convenient for installers. We provide a varied range of content with much of this material available online through our YouTube channels to enable integrators access as and when they want it. From our flagship Digital Signal Processing (DSP) loudspeakers with integrated amplification, to discreet and powerful in-wall loudspeakers, Meridian engineers easy to install, high resolution audio systems for the home. DbM (Distributed by Meridian) is part of the Meridian Audio experience, partnering with pioneering brands that share their desire to achieve the highest level of media room and home cinema performance: Barco
Residential projection systems, Display Technologies projection screens, Cinema Acoustic Treatment System (C-ATS), Trinnov processors and Waterfall Audio’s speaker range. We recognise that not only is there a need to understand the technical side of these products - how they work and how they can be configured within a home cinema, media room or fully integrated home - but businesses also require the skills to sell these brands and
these solutions to their clients. That’s why we break down our training into two broad areas, Sales Training and Technical Training. The Meridian Audio Resources YouTube Channel offers a large and growing video library of ‘Webinar Replays’, ‘How to Videos’, ‘Quick Set Up’ ‘Meridian Technologies’ videos and much more that provide important information for installers who may be new to the brand or keen to grow their knowledge.
Meridian Audio Resources Youtube Channel
From a brand perspective, there are a number of resources here that can help installers communicate the Meridian
story to their clients. For example, they can find out how Meridian, the pioneers of Hi-Res audio, craft audio products
20 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
that perform like no other together with insights on the company’s extensive range of sublime audio solutions.
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Product introduction videos include the 258 Eight Channel Power Amplifier; the 271 Digital Theatre Controller; the 857 Two Channel Power Amplifier; the 210 Streamer; the 218 Zone Controller; the 251 Powered Zone Controller; and, the UHD722 HDMI Processor. These are complemented by an extensive selection of videos, explaining how to install, set up and configure a wide range of Meridian solutions. Topics covered feature setting up DSP Loudspeakers with a Display; a guide to configuring the 251 Powered Zone Controller; and a short video explaining how Meridian technologies work with Sonos, amongst many others. Meanwhile, for information on the free Design and Specification Service available from Meridian, integrators can visit: To complement the availability of online resources, Meridian and DbM both remain committed to the return of inperson events as a way to experience what Meridian and DbM solutions are all about. The popular series of Meridian and DbM Live one-day events held at the company’s Huntingdon HQ are set to return in 2022. In the meantime, this Autumn DbM will be taking part in the CEDIA Tech Summit series, showcasing brand solutions in London (8th September), Edinburgh (21 October) and Leeds (9 November). These will give integrators the chance to preview new products and attend product talks, demonstrations and join in technical training. A similar experience awaits visitors to EI Live in Farnborough (29-30 September) where DbM will be showcasing the latest technologies from its key brands. Here, Barry Sheldrick,
Director of Sales at Meridian Audio and
equalisation. When done right, DSP gives
Cedric Aubriot, CEO and founder of
manufacturers complete control over the
Waterfall Audio will host a discussion
audio signal, ensuring both efficiency and
as part of the Talks programme,
extremely high-quality sound.
entitled DSP vs EQ on Wednesday 29
Further insights on the DSP Meridian
September at 1.30pm. They will discuss
Digital Active Advantage are available
exactly what DSP enables an engineering
from tuning into this video on the
team to do within loudspeaker design vs
company’s DSP Loudspeakers:
To find out more about Meridian visit: www.meridian-audio.com. For further information on DbM and the brands represented by DbM go to: www.distributedbym.com.
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TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 21
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AWE EDUCATIONAL TOP TIPS VIDEOS AWE, the leading UK distributor of home technology products, boasts an in-house team of experts that knows a lot about how to make a home cinema or entertainment installation really great. Harnessing years of expertise the team have combined technical knowhow and best practice experience with an element of fun, to create a library of simple guides including real-world top tips. Bite-sized educational videos are available on-demand now, visit AWE Europe Ltd on YouTube.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A HOME CINEMA PROJECTOR Which projection technologies should be considered for your customers home cinema setup? We are discussing a few key technologies to help you know how to spec the right product.
TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR HOME CINEMA PROJECTOR SCREEN The projector screen is an important part of your home cinema projection setup, this video covers the four things you need to know when deciding on a projection screen.
TOP AUDIO TIPS FOR HOME CINEMA Four key things to consider when specifying to ensure you get the best performance from your home cinema audio solution.
22 TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL
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FOUR THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SPECIFYING A MULTI-ROOM AUDIO SYSTEM There are so many factors to think about when you are planning on installing a multi-room audio system. In this video, we will break this down into four basic bite-size chunks to simplify the process.
THE FOUR MOST USEFUL CONTROL INTERFACES FOR YOUR SMART HOME INSTALLATION What is the best way for a control system to interact with the smart technology in the home? In this video, we look at various control interfaces which offer great utility for the most popular smart home tasks.
WHAT MATTERS WHEN SPECIFYING A HIGH-END TV Choosing the right TV can be daunting, especially with the increasing amount of new screen technologies in the market. In this video, we look at the main features you should consider before making your decision.
FOUR THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN SPECIFYING SUBWOOFERS FOR A HOME CINEMA To replicate that real cinematic feel in your home setup you need bass. In this video we will cover both passive and powered subwoofers, what environment suits each type best and why placement is key to obtain perfect low-frequency levels.
FOUR THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SPECIFYING ROLLER BLINDS FOR YOUR SMART HOME Window shading has always been considered simply decorative but in a smart home, it can be so much more. In this video, we cover four aspects of installation and design that you need to know.
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TRAINING SUPPLEMENT 2021 BROUGHT TO YOU BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL DIGITAL 23
@eiliveshow #eiliveshow2021 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
EI Live! 2021, the UK’s national show for the AV and Home automation market sector. Not only are all the major CI distributors on show with over 400 brands to see and hear, the Technical theatre will also educate and inform with industry speakers daily.
MARKING IT’S 10TH YEAR!
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE
SEPTEMBER 29-30 2021 Register FREE at www.eiliveshow.com
