video_distribution_ei_front_August_2019_Print.pdf
1
16/07/2019
The essential magazine for the custom install industry
16:22
August 2019
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
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The Shifting Tide of Video Distribution
INSIDE
Demystifying the Impact and Future Role of HDBaseTâ„¢ and Video Over IP Platforms
PROJECTORS AND SCREENS A ROOM WITH AV VIEW
BRACKETS, RACKING, SUPPORT
TAKING THE STRAIN
DESTINATION DYNAUDIO
FASCINATING PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES
Ineva Designs Ad June 2019 final.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 16:14 Page 1
Why integrators specify
home cinema seating 3D renders included to support your sales process Premium European-styled designs, hand-made in Holland Extensive add-ons and custom options Demonstration models now on show in the UK
Call CAVD now on 01628 563344 to discuss your next seating project.
THE COSMO SEAT Custom AV Distribution Ltd Phone: 01628 563344
info@cavd.co.uk www.cavd.co.uk
Custom AV Distribution CAVDistribution & CAVDtechnical
pages 22-23
Some significant changes are coming to EI with more installer led content, case studies and interviews taking centre stage
From the
Editor’s Desk
Evolution of the best in the business Daniel J Sait, Editor-in-Chief
Some readers may already be aware that the magazine recently turned 10, a whole decade of top install info, case studies, interviews and insight. It’s at points likes these however, that its no time to rest on your laurels and it seemed like a great chance to take stock of where the magazine is and where we would like it to be in the next decade So, stand by for some big changes in the coming months, with a redesign and a reimagined approach to content within the magazine. Whilst some other publications seek to deliver what they think the market wants by aping what EI currently does, we will once again reinvent for the changing needs of the CI market. When the magazine was first launched, product info was a serious driver for wanting to read the magazine, this is still true up to a point, however as communications across the sector have improved, this has become less of a priority. Recognising this, EI will adjust to deliver more expert opinion, insight and interviews, providing readers with information and thought-provoking articles that they simply cannot get anywhere else.
Expect to see more interviews with some of the biggest names in the business, more case studies, more reviews, and a focus on understanding how content can excite and sell systems like equipment alone cannot. We are really excited about some of the new ideas we have for the magazine, which are already in the pipeline, but as ever we are a listening publication and would love to hear from anyone who has something they would like to say to the rest of the industry. Enthusiasm for what we do is one of the most valuable assets we have in this industry. Technical knowledge and putting your shoulder to the wheel to get the job done are all great traits that this industry has in abundance, however what strikes EI whenever we do an interview with an install company (shout out if you want to be featured in Day in the Life by the way) is the passion, the kick installers get out of delivering a great system.Believe me, this trait does not exist to the same level in many other sectors. It’s this same enthusiasm for the market that drives EI to continually evolve and adapt so that we match the sector for drive, quality, attention to detail and passion for the industry. We are looking forward to the next ten years!
Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com SALES DIRECTOR: Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com PUBLISHER: David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com CIRCULATION: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com STUDIO MANAGER: Ben Bristow, ben@allthingsmedialtd.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jon Appleton, jon@allthingsmedialtd.com
Essential INSTALL
MAGAZINE Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD. T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 Whist 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.
Essential Install | Contents
video_distribution_ei_front_August_2019_Print.pdf
1
16/07/2019
The essential magazine for the custom install industry
16:22
August 2019
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
The Shifting Tide of Video Distribution
INSIDE
Demystifying the Impact and Future Role of HDBaseT™ and Video Over IP Platforms
PROJECTORS AND SCREENS A ROOM WITH AV VIEW
BRACKETS, RACKING, SUPPORT
TAKING THE STRAIN
DESTINATION DYNAUDIO
FASCINATING PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES
August 2019
This issue…
REGULARS 1 From the Editor’s Chair
36 Essential Review
72 Training Dates
5 Essential News
38 Essential CEDIA
76 Essential Products
18 Essential OneAV
68 Day in the Life
A decade at the top
Peak Meridian reached?
All the big happenings in one place
Get set for summer
Keep it simple and see the light
Learn summit
Get hardware happy
The Smart Trilogy
22 Essential Habitech Dynamic duos
24 Case Study: Perfect Integration Le Rocher, Monaco
Projectors & Screens
Pending first audit.
56
More Morepowe pow
The TheNew NewSonos Sono OY19000_SONOS_AMP_400x60_UK-D02.indd 1 2 |OY19000_SONOS_AMP_400x60_UK-D02.indd August 2019
1
Essential Install | Contents
24
Case Study: Perfect Integration
FEATURES 14 Essential Blustream The best of both worlds
20 Top Tips
Getting audio right with Wayne Hyde
40 Essential Dynaudio
EI reports on a fascinating behind the scenes experience
Day in the Life
68
Essential Dynaudio
40
48 Brackets, Racking and Support
Some fine looking furniture
56 Projectors and Screens Image conscious decisions
65 Smart Thinking
Subwoofer placement parade
Brackets, Racking and Support
48
wer. More possibilities.
os Amp 22/03/2019 13:54 | 3 August 2019
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Appointment
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The world’s leading integrators of art and design celebrated at the world’s leading museum of art and design
HEADLINE SPONSOR
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AT THE
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T U O
by
Essential Install | News
Essential News Smart home happenings and automation announcements
Fibaro is ramping up its manufacturing capacity
Fibaro opens new factory and doubles production capacity Automation brand Fibaro has announced a new factory in Wysogotowo, near Poznań, Poland, doubling its production capacity to almost four million smart home devices per year. Featuring the latest in manufacturing technology, the new facility enables the company to rapidly take a drawing board concept to mass production, and then swiftly distribute it across the globe. The factory features advanced professional production machinery from Yamaha, Ersa and Nordson Asymtek, and operates in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards. Each Fibaro product is subjected to a rigorous multi-stage quality control process within the factory. Fibaro says it is proud to design and manufacture its products in Poland and the Central European location, it argues, gives it a logistical advantage over its competitors. The new factory also offers Fibaro employees a more comfortable and modern working environment, from which they can distribute to over one hundred global markets. Bartłomiej Arcichowski, Fibaro’s CTO says, “The dynamic development of the company allows us to implement exciting changes. The new factory has been designed to offer our employees a better working environment, to expand and speed up the manufacturing process and to allow us to be more efficient.” “Less than a decade ago we made the first Fibaro prototypes in a regularly flooded garage, and now we have just opened our fantastic new manufacturing facility. We have made a huge jump forward and it is a fantastic feeling to build the company from scratch and then to celebrate our success together’, adds Maciej Fiedler, CEO of Fibaro. Fibaro +48 723 236 638, fibaro.com/en/
August 2019 | 5
Finally, a Network that Actually Works Thanks to the power of Araknis Networking products and OvrC cloud management, you can outfit your homes with wall-to-wall Wi-Fi that’s managed remotely. Try our full line of Araknis products for a fast, reliable network ecosystem that’s easy to configure and update.
Access Points • Complete coverage • Fast roaming • Discreet form factor
Switches
Routers
• Full Gigabit throughput • PoE/PoE+ models • Sleek design
• Gigabit internet support • Wired & Wi-Fi options • Stylish blue LEDs
Araknis routers, switches, and access points come in multiple models to support installs of every type and size. See the complete Araknis & OvrC lineup at snapav.com/araknis.
+44 (0)1296 769015 aldoussystems.co.uk
Essential Install | News
Meridian gets set for Summer
Meridian is keen for its installers to learn more about how the products are created
Meridian Audio opened its doors in July to welcome over 40 technology integrators, industry professionals, and press to Meridian Live, a one-day event that provided visitors with the opportunity to experience a range of new product demonstrations and get an understanding of how they can introduce and sell Meridian products and its distributed brands. A highlight underlined by Meridian was the Reference Digital Theatre demo which provided attendees with the opportunity to hear the new Meridian DSP In-Wall Loudspeakers from the Architectural range and get a hands-on feel for some of the ‘insides’ of these speakers. Meridian says the new loudspeakers (DSP640.2 and DSP520.2), the latter of which is reviewed in this issue (pages 36-37) enable integrators to deliver the authentic, superior audio performance that customers want for their home cinema or media rooms. These models are the first to be powered by the new Meridian ‘Class-M’ DSP engine and to integrate Meridian’s Dynamic Hi-Res amplifiers, for high audio quality in a wide range of installation applications. This session also allowed visitors to get an idea of the performance that is available from distributed partners — Barco Residential, Display Technologies, and Cinema Acoustic Treatment Systems (C-ATS). Visitors also experienced the new Barco Bragi 4K LED RGB with native Cinemascope projector in the Media Room. More information on this in our Projectors and Screens feature beginning on page 56. A factory tour took attendees on a journey of Meridian, starting with a look back in time to the first ever products created by the company and some of the key technology launches over the past 40 years. The next Meridian Live event will take place in November. Meridian 01480 445 678, meridian-audio.com
Inside Invision UK’s Trinnov, Procella, JVC based Reference Cinema
Invision UK opens its new Reference Cinema demo facility
Innovation House, also home to other Midwich brands such as PSCo, is now also home to Invision UK’s new Reference Cinema demo facility. At a special opening event, many of those involved in the construction of the cinema were on hand to talk installers through the technologies contained within, before visitors were treated to a full demo. Those included Gerben Van Duyl, Director, Procella Audio and Paul McCambridge, Director Sales Europe at Xperi Corporation, owners of DTS. Gerben gave a passionate introduction to what Procella brings to the party, and Paul wanted the audience to understand the progress made on DTS:X with the new DTS:X Pro extension. DTS:X Pro is not a new format as such but sits on top of the existing format and offers new advantages including more channels, up to 30.2. Tom Garrett, International Sales Manager at Trinnov Audio, was also on hand and took the lead in the demo underlining the processing power that his brand brings to the cinema. The cinema features Trinnov Audio’s Altitude32 surround sound processor fully compatible with DTS:X Pro, the first surround processor for the domestic market to support up to 32 uniquely rendered DTS:X Pro audio channels. The Trinnov drives 26 Procella speakers in 11.4.8 configuration and visuals are supplied by a JVC DLA-N9X projector with a Screen Innovation Zero Edge screen. The audience enjoy the show seated in two rows of Cinema Module’s comfortable seats. Ian Mulry, Manager of Technical Sales and Customer Support, at Invision deserves lots of the credit for overseeing the project and pulling it all together. Ian will be the first point of contact when setting up visits to the space. More on how the cinema actualy performs can be found on our sister website essentialinstall.com and EI is also working on a full case study of the room. Invision UK 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com
August 2019 | 7
Hi-Fi sound quality in a CI package.
Multi Award-winning 24bit/192kHz audio processing with MQA decoder built-in
Control 4, Crestron, Lutron, ELAN & RTI integration
Tidal, Quboz, Deezer and Spotify streaming compatibility
Works with Amazon Alexa and AirPlay 2 Simple control and system expansion
Available from the UK Distributor
Web: https://anatech.co.uk Tel: 020 8977 8633
Essential Install | News
Essential people
Magda Pitera
Kevin Huysegoms
Miles Roberts
Tracey Barrow
Industry association, CEDIA, has announced Jeremy Burkhardt will be inducted to the CEDIA Fellows programme at CEDIA Expo 2019. The CEDIA Fellows programme honours long-time CEDIA members and volunteers who have contributed significantly to the association’s success. Jeremy is well known throughout the industry, currently as Chairman of Origin Acoustics, as well as former CEO, architect, and co-founder of SpeakerCraft. For over two decades, Jeremy has actively contributed to the growth and development of the residential architectural custom electronics industry. Jeremy served on the CEDIA board from 2006 until 2008. Jeremy will be recognised at the CEDIA Expo Opening Keynote hosted at the Colorado Convention Center on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. LILIN has added to its growing team with the appointment of a new Internal Sales Executive to service its distributor and customer base and develop sales of LILIN’s solutions through these dedicated channels. Magda Pitera has joined the sales team as an Internal Sales Executive, working closely with key distributors and installers to support and grow business throughout the UK. Steve Liddiard, CEO of LILIN UK , said, “I am pleased to welcome Magda to our team, she has integrated well with the rest of the team from her first day and already has a great rapport with the staff and customers. Magda is a huge asset to what is fast becoming a bright and forward-thinking sales team. She has a positive future, playing a pivotal part in the long-term success of LILIN.” TIG (Technological Innovations Group), audio visual sales agency, has announced that Kevin Huysegoms has joined the organisation as Sales Engineering Manager. A valuable addition to the company, Kevin is based at the TIG HQ offices in Belgium. Kevin has a key role in the TIG sales engineering team, ensuring that customers continue to benefit from first-class sales engineering, service and support; from the provision of webinars and training on the TIG range of brands, to helping project manage the implementation of the new TIG Experience Centres, which will launch in the coming months in both the UK and Frankfurt. Over the coming months, Kevin will also be heavily involved in building a suite of educational tools that complement the TIG brands and which will be designed to provide accessible, easy to use training for integrators and end-users alike. Miles Roberts has joined iFi Audio. Arriving from PMC, Miles brings 35 years of audio industry experience to further strengthen iFi’s management team. His career to date has encompassed roles in both consumer and professional audio. He started out as a technical engineer with Soundcraft in the early 1980s, subsequently moving to technical sales and management roles. He has experience of all aspects of professional audio, including studio production, broadcast sound in radio and television, postproduction and film mixing. Miles said: “iFi is a young, vibrant company producing a multi-award-winning range of ‘audio essentials’ to use in the home, on the move or in the studio. From vinyl records to the latest hi-res digital formats, these products make the most of music through a class-leading mix of great sound, useful features and innovative design. I look forward to further strengthening the company’s market channels in both consumer and professional audio, as well as offering support to its existing distribution network throughout the EMEA region.” Philips Professional Display Solutions has appointed Tracy Barrow as Key Account Manager, based in the north of the UK. Tracy has a strong track record and is a well-known face in the AV industry, having spent three and a half years at Optoma before her recent fiveyear term as UK Sales Manager at Peerless AV. Tracy’s new role will see her working closely with Philips Professional Display Solutions’ prime customers in Northern England and Scotland as the company’s growing range of solutions expands opportunities in both new and existing markets.
August 2019 | 9
Essential Install | News
John Begby, MD of the Paradigm/ Anthem/Martin Logan group (far left) welcomed a packed house of installers to learn more about the new innovations from the company
Pulse Cinemas welcomes dealers to ARC Genesis/Anthem day The team from Paradigm/Anthem, including new MD, John Begby, flew into Pulse HQ to spend two days explaining the benefits of this recently upgraded room correction software as well as some brand-new products from the Anthem range. During two separate events, one for the UK press and one for installers, the team gave a comprehensive overview of the advantages of working with this group which combines high-quality hardware and software all in one powerful package. On the dealer day, EI was in attendance to see John and the team give a full overview of Paradigm, Anthem and the most recent enhancements on the ARC Genesis room correction technology. The ARC Genesis version of this room correction software is now available on Mac and Windows operating systems, can also be used on Android and Apple smart devices and also boasts a more user-friendly UI. Other new features include the capability to phase-align speakers and subwoofers. Using its considerable resources including one of the largest anechoic chambers in the world, this family of brands creates reference performance curves for its speakers, which ARC Genesis can then apply out in the real world, compensating for the varied environments the speakers find themselves in. ARC digitally compares a room’s acoustic signature to that of the lab standard. It measures the response of each speaker relative to the listening area. It then uses its algorithms to eliminate the negative effects of the obstacles in the room. When ARC removes the obstacles, what’s left is the lab standard performance. The day was also a chance to find out about some new products from the Anthem family in the form of the MDX Series rack mounted multi-zone amplifiers, which are offered in 8- and 16-channel configurations (MDX-8, MDX-16). As well as all the usual quality associated with the brand, installers get the ARC Genesis platform built-in for each zone the amps are powering. More on these new products as we get full details of the UK launch. Pulse Cinemas 01279 647039, pulsecinemas.com
Grax gears up for trade show
A new trade show has been added to the calendar
Want to know what’s new in the world of AV, Security and Wireless? Trade distributor, Grax, says it has got it all under one roof with a major trade event set to take place later this year. Grax, major wholesaler of aerial, satellite and security products, is hosting the biggest event of its kind in the North West this year. Bringing together exhibitors and attendees from across multiple industries, Grax says this is a not to be missed opportunity to come and meet the manufacturers and see their latest products as well as network with other professionals. Grax understands that currently there is growing crossover between different installation disciplines and areas of business. Today’s opportunities and challenges require businesses to ensure they have the current product knowledge across disciplines to maximise their skill set. That’s why Grax has created this event for those involved in Aerial and Satellite, AV Distribution, CCTV, Door Entry and Access Control, Wi-Fi Networking and AV Mounts. Set across two great open space conference suites looking on to the pitch at the AJ Bell Stadium, Manchester, the event kicks off at 10.30am. With sixteen of the leading brands exhibiting and scheduled training sessions throughout the day, there should be something of interest for everyone. Brands on show will include Fermax, Global Invacom, Antiference, HDANYWHERE, Hikvision, Labgear, Promax Electronics, SAC Electronics, Sanus, Maxxone, Televes, Triax, Webro, SY Electronics, Grax and Whyte Technologies. Amongst other competitions and prizes to be won, by registering on the event page in Eventbrite, installers will qualify for a £500 prize competition when attending the show. Contact the company direct for the Eventbrite registration details or check out our story on www.essentialinstall.com Grax grax.co.uk
10 | August 2019
WE CREATE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CONNECTED WORLD A wave of digitisation is sweeping our world and increasingly shaping and altering how we act and live, our homes and workplaces, businesses, public facilities and spaces – even entire cities. Digital technologies are now omnipresent. Everything is communicating with everything else: people with devices, devices with other devices, buildings with people, and buildings with other buildings. It’s up to us to
In every system, multiple components interact in very important ways. Many of our products incorporate a number of basic AV and IT functions to perform a range of tasks, even over long distances. This is the philosophy that guides us – Combined Connectivity Solutions.
shape our digital future so it will yield the greatest benefits. At Lindy we’re convinced that, if we have the right ideas and persevere, we can protect the environment while enjoying safer, more rewarding lives. The basis
SHARING
EXTENDING
CONNECTING
CONVERTING
for doing so, and the intelligence behind it, can be summed up in one word: connectivity. This is the prerequisite for all communication. And we are working to forge connections and make the whole universe of content available anywhere and in any setting.
DISCOVER LINDY lindy.com
Essential Install | News
Martin Logan is now being distributed by PMC UK Distribution
PMC enhances UK distribution with Martin Logan PMC’s recently formed division, PMC UK Distribution, has announced it has become the distributor for the prestigious US brand of loudspeakers, Martin Logan. Martin Logan is one of the most respected US loudspeaker brands, having been founded in 1980 in Kansas, and now being exported to over 50 countries around the world. Commenting on the creation of PMC Distribution UK, divisional director, Ian Sutton said, “The expansion of PMC’s own product portfolio, across loudspeakers and amplifiers, plus the distribution of Bryston electronics and recent addition of AVM, necessitated a separation of the PMC manufacturing and sales divisions in the UK. It enables us to maintain and expand the focus on our home market, meeting the specific needs of the retail and installation sectors through the infrastructure of a dedicated distribution business.” On the addition of Martin Logan, Ian added, “The changing market in the UK, and move towards high-end custom installations, meant we needed to expand our offering in this critical market. Martin Logan, while known most famously for its flat panels, has a very strong and extensive range of lifestyle active subwoofers and installation speakers and is the perfect fit with our other brands and own brand offering.” PMC will commence operations with Martin Logan by implementing a three-stage introduction programme. Firstly, by strengthening the presence of the flagship Masterpiece series electrostatic loudspeakers through evaluation and fine tuning of the existing sales channels. New dealers will be appointed, and some existing dealer contracts will be reviewed where necessary. PMC UK Distribution will then turn its attention to the Martin Logan custom installation and SLM lifestyle models. The third stage will see the introduction of the Martin Logan Motion Series and high-functioning BalancedForce subwoofers offering ARC room optimisation technology. Further support for the UK market will come in the form of a new PMC website and UK focused websites for each brand, with a partner support section. PMC 01767 686 300, pmc-speakers.com
OneAV to distribute Patch App & Go test products
Patch App & Go, launched in January 2019, has already found fans within the industry.
OneAV has announced that the company is to begin distributing network testing products from Patch App & Go (PA&G). Commenting on the partnership, Andy Oattes, Sales Director of OneAV said, “We’re always thrilled to add more brands to our rapidly growing clientele, especially when the brand saves time and money! The idea was to bring a testing solution to our installer-base that provides simple, effective and easy to use functionality but in a very costeffective package. This is the type of kit that should be in every installer’s toolbox. “Patch App & Go have designed a tool that can reduce the number of people required to cable test in preparation for installing hardware in many settings and have released a handy app to make things even easier! Trade account holders can look forward to the usual benefits OneAV offers – such as credit accounts, trade discounts, and easy ordering.” OneAV argues that adding a PA&G tester to an installer’s toolbox will eliminate time-consuming network testing, reduce the number of people needed on each project and save time also. The PA&G Continuity Tester and Cable Tracer is a one-person device powered by any mobile device running on Android or iOS. After downloading the app to a device, testing or tracing four-pair LAN cables becomes a quick and easy process, says the distributor. The cable tracer works by inserting the Smart Remote Plugs into the ports of a Patch Panel. PA&G will then send a trace through the cable to the uniquely numbered Smart Remote Plug, notifying the user of the plug’s ID, and allowing the user to correctly label the link. Test up to 24 ports in quick succession before having to relocate the Smart Remote Plugs. Each tester is supplied with six Smart Remote Plugs, which are individually programmed from one to six. As you test Patch App & Go will display the wiremap results and the ID of the plug currently being tested. Other functions include mapping features, which allows you to trace unidentified network cables and the ability to save and export PDF test results. OneAV 01684 576 348, oneav.co.uk
12 | August 2019
Make way for the Micro-Dome!
This compact, tennis ball sized camera boasts an impressive range of features, including a 30M IR distance,1080P CMOS and built in mic. IP67 and IK10 rated, this vandal resistant chassis is suitable for external use. Available with either a 2.8mm or 4mm wide angle lens- in black or whitethe MR6822 provides a discreet, high-quality surveillance solution.
4mm lens
2.8mm lens
INVISION UK IS LILIN’S PARTNER AND DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE CUSTOM INSTALL SECTOR IN THE UK.
contact@LILIN.uk 01908 443 660 meritLILIN.com
Essential Install | Blustream
Video over IP and HDBaseT both have a roll to play in the future
Blustream keeps the info flowing Phil Davis, MD at Blustream, gives EI his company’s hot take on the emergence of Video over IP as a competitor to HDBaseT. It’s eight years now since the video distribution market exploded due to the introduction of HDBaseT. At the time, our industry was restricted to poor quality HDMI over dual CAT solutions that could operate to a maximum of 40m. The idea then of distributing 4K 18Gbps video, two-Way IR, PoE, Ethernet and RS232 over a single CAT cable was simply unthinkable. Undeniably, HDBaseT has successfully changed the face of video distribution, providing installers and integrators with the tools required to deliver unprecedented standards of performance and flexibility. Suddenly, integrating whole home video distribution and control became feasible and the market has been growing rapidly ever since. The introduction of 4K resolutions up to 18Gbps has been the biggest advancement this industry has witnessed in the last decade. It has, however, thrown up some weird and wonderful complexities that all manufacturers of sources, displays and distribution solutions are having to adapt to. The fun begins with the sources and their output resolutions. Leading
The Blustream IP200UHD-TX and IP200UHD-RX IP Multicast UHD Video Transmitters works over a 1GB Network
14 | August 2019
manufacturers of common sources are outputting a variety of different resolutions, essentially different ‘flavours’ of 4K. Installers now have new layers of complexity to consider when installing multi-zone, multi-source systems in homes or indeed commercial properties. As the popularity of HDMI distribution grows, so does the number of potential issues that need to be overcome. Resolution support, bandwidth capability and EDID compatibilities matter on an unprecedented scale.
Humble beginnings of IP distribution
Engineers at Blustream remember evaluating Video over IP in 2010 and at that time the performance limitations were a serious barrier to sales. During this period of the technology’s development, switching times could be as much as eight to ten seconds, resolutions were limited to standard definition, you had snow screens during switching and ghosting on moving images made watching sport practically impossible. Fast forward to today and in stark contrast, Video over IP has become a serious contender for almost any standard of AV installation. During the last four years key manufacturers like Blustream have been developing advanced IP solutions that are delivering fresh levels of flexibility and video scaling essential in today’s complex 4K marketplace. Toby Leader, Product Manager at Blustream, underlines that within 12 months of launch, our Multicast IP solutions were being installed across the world in
Essential Install | Blustream
The Pro 8x8 HDBaseT CSC Matrix supports 4K HDR, IP Control, PoE, two-way IR, 4 x simultaneous HDMI outputs, audio breakout with volume control
homes, yachts, cinema chains, department stores, airports, hotels and broadcast studios. Blustream has been staggered by the level of opportunity that IP technology has delivered for its brand and its installation partners. The ability to specify a system of any size and simultaneously scale the resolution of all components in the system is unprecedented and offers functionality just not available before.
Demystifying Video over IP
Some AV integrators currently approach Video over IP with caution. However, Daniel Adams, Blustream’s Technical Projects Manager, underlines the simplicity of the set-up process exploding the myth that IP distribution is a pig to learn and network qualifications are required to program switches. This might have been the case five years ago, but it could not be further from the truth now. With Blustream Multicast we enjoy challenging anyone to come and see how easy it is to configure and install a system in a matter of minutes. Our configuration software guides users through a semi-automated process for assigning IP addresses and configuring the EDID settings for all components in the system.
HDBaseT vs Video over IP
HDBaseT is still the undisputed industry benchmark for residential multi-zone video distribution. The delivery of 4K UHD from sources such as Sky Q from a convenient rack location will always suit the robust performance and advanced features such as audio return (ARC) and Ethernet distribution within the HDBaseT platform. Daniel and our in-house experts explain that as the market evolves Video over IP is quickly becoming important as installations become larger and more complex. For the first time AV integrators can quickly specify a system of practically any size and seamlessly program the receivers to output the dedicated resolution to suit the display. Advanced new hardware features such as audio breakout and USB for KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) distributrion will only further increase the number of installation applications for the Video over IP platform. But this isn’t a straight fight between two platforms. It’s not a war that will see one technology die away and the other rise as the only go-to solution for video distribution. Video over IP and HDBaseT technologies have their own specific strengths, meaning one technology does not suit every installation. At Blustream we recognise the importance of being at the forefront of both technologies as this knowledge and understanding gives us the expertise to deliver the best solution for every client on every job. Blustream 0115 824 7000, blustream.co.uk
Key source brands and their differing 4K resolution outputs
Differences in Resolutions Source Devices
Resolution
Frame Rate
Colour Depth
Chroma Sub.
Data Rate
HDMI Chipset
1080p BluRay player
1080p
24
8-bit
4:4:4 / RGB
2.22 Gbps
v1.4
1080p Satellite receiver
1080p
50 / 60
8-bit
4:4:4 / RGB
4.45 Gbps
v1.4
PS3 / XBox 360
1080p
50 / 60
Deep Colour
4:4:4 / RGB
5.56 Gbps
v1.4
Apple TV 4K
2160p
24
8-bit
4:4:4
8.91 Gbps
v1.4
4K Satellite receiver (Sky Q)
2160p
50
8-bit
4:2:0
8.91 Gbps
v2.0
4K BluRay Player
2160p
24
10-bit / HDR
4:2:0
11.14 Gbps
v2.0
4K Satellite receiver (Sky Q)
2160p
50
10-bit
4:2:0
11.14 Gbps
V2.0
PS4 Pro / XBox 1S
2160p
50 / 60
10-bit / HDR
4:2:0
11.14 Gbps
v2.0
Apple TV 4K
2160p
24
10-bit / HDR
4:4:4
13.36 Gbps
v2.0
K’scape / XBox 1X / Nvidia Shield
2160p
50 / 60
8-bit
4:4:4
17.82 Gbps
v2.0
Apple TV 4K
2160p
60
8-bit
4:4:4
17.82 Gbps
v2.0
TM
August 2019 | 15
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4K HDR SUPPOR TING
4K HDR up to 40m
PRO88HBT70CS
Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 40m) C U S T O M P R O
- Supports 4K HDR, IP Control, PoH, 2-Way IR, 4 x Simultaneous HDMI outputs , Audio Breakout with volume control J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification over HDBaseT™ J Supports 4K resolutions including HDR (4K 60Hz 4:4:4) to a distance of 40m
Our Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix offers unprecedented
J Smart Scale technology - automatic 4K to 1080p scaling
4K HDR performance for the custom installation market. The PRO88HBT100CS is a HDMI2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP2.2 Matrix utilising CSC technology to deliver HDMI, Bi-directional IR, PoH (PoE) up to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable (4K HDR up to 70m). The Matrix also provides advanced features including HDBaseT™ video down-conversion, 4 x simultaneous HDMI outputs, audio breakout with line level pre amp volume control and a web browser interface module for control and configuration of the matrix.
60Hz 4:4:4
HDCP 2.2
2.0
EDID
PRO88HBT100CS
HDR
4K HDR up to 70m
Custom Pro 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC Matrix (4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 70m) - Supports 4K HDR, IP & RS-232 Control, PoH, 2-Way IR, 4x simultaneous HDMI outputs, Audio Breakout with volume control J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification over HDBaseT™ J Supports 4K resolutions including HDR (4K 60Hz 4:4:4) to a 60Hz 4:4:4
HDCP 2.2
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2.0
EDID
HDR
distance of 70m J Smart Scale technology - automatic 4K to 1080p scaling
W NE
M U L T I C A S T
IP200UHD-RX/TX Multicast 4K UHD Video Receiver / Transmitter J Supports up to 4K HDR UHD video sources (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x 2160 @24Hz 4:4:4 and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0) J Advanced signal management for independent routing of IR, RS-232, USB/KVM, audio and video
4 K
U H D
V I D E O
O V E R
I P
HEX150CS-KIT
100m HDBaseT™ Extender Set Supporting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 (70m)
HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set Supporting HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4
W NE
HEX100CS-KIT
up to 100m (1080p up to 150m)
J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency J Supports 4K UHD video up to 70m (3840x2160 @60Hz 4:4:4 and @60Hz 4:2:2 including HDR)
C O N T R A C T O R
J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR support
S E R I E S
C44-KIT Contractor 4x4 HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit J 70m (4K up to 40m) Includes 4 x HEX70B-RX HDBaseT™ Receivers
AWARDS 2019
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The Service Station,
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Melton Road, Hickling Pastures,
Email: sales@blustream.co.uk
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Nottinghamshire,
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Tel: +44 (0)115 824 7000
LE14 3QG United Kingdom.
Become a Certified Blustream Installation Partner Register now at: www.blustream.co.uk/advanced-learning-portal J
02/07/2019 12:33
Essential Install | OneAV
Summer loving
Andy Oattes, OneAV Director of Sales, introduces some welcome summer-based promotional offers centred around the company’s supply of exterior AV specialist ProofVision. OneAV has yet another fantastic announcement to share with you just in time for summer. We have teamed up with ProofVision to make the summer of 2019 one to remember for your customers. With the beautiful weather finally setting in, who doesn’t want to spend as much time outside as possible? To celebrate the launch of the new 55in Aire TV with builtin amplifier, OneAV and ProofVision have created a deal you can’t afford to miss out on. From now until the end of August 2019, OneAV is offering a 10% discount on ProofVision’s new 4K 55in Ultra Bright ProofVision Aire TV – and to make it an even better promotion, the company is also providing a screen cover and IP control module at no extra charge. But first, let’s talk more about ProofVision’s new TV. ProofVision is renowned for high-quality waterproof TVs and the latest addition to its range is no exception. Continuing with all of its usual features, such as extreme temperature endurance, ProofVision has kicked things up a notch and built an amplifier into its already incredible 55in Aire TVs. So now you can look forward to all of this from your next Aire screen: • Created specifically for outdoor life, the Aire range of outdoor screens can be left outside throughout all four seasons of the year. Withstanding temperatures from -20 to 60°C, you don’t have to worry about the weather destroying the TV. • With a depth from just 69mm, the super-thin profile offers a bulk-free solution to your outdoor needs and with multiple video and audio inputs, you’re not restricted on what to watch. • Aire TVs are more than five times brighter than any ordinary TV which makes them viewable in direct sunlight without any reflection or glare. Also readable in sunlight thanks to the LED backlight.
18 | August 2019
• Anti-reflective screens and brightness that adjusts itself based on the conditions, together with a wide (178° viewing angle) make its screens perfect for the outdoors. • Built-in amplifier to maximise sound quality and eliminating the need to buy outdoor speakers. The built-in Aire 55in amplifier is 30W 8Ω. To put this into perspective, if you were sat five meters away from your screen, you could achieve up to 88dB. • Freeview ready further increasing the possibilities of viewing pleasure. • IP module for control of the screen over IP And if that’s not enough, OneAV is also offering a free IP module and a screen cover with every 55in Aire TV purchased in July and August, meaning you’re getting even more for your money. It’s the summertime and there’s one thing that everyone has in common; they want to spend as much time outside as possible. We’re huge fans of the team at ProofVision and their product offers extremely good value for OneAV’s installers and clients. Working with the team to deliver a celebratory promotion for the new Aire 55in just in time for summer, will help our installers deliver a quality solution with even better value, that can also drive speakers locally direct from the screen. The fact that we’re able to offer a free cover to help protect the screens alongside an IP module just makes this deal even sweeter. OneAV may not be able to provide the food, drinks, or even conversation starters for your time outside this year, but one thing it can do is help make the entertainment much more enjoyable. OneAV 01684 576 348 oneav.co.uk
10% OFF IN AUGUST
Upgrade your summer with the New 4K 55" Ultra Bright ProofVision Aire TV with built in ampliďŹ er + free cover Order today from OneAV.co.uk
Essential Install | Smart Thinking; Audio Top Tips
Beware fake stereo!
In a new series, audio whizz and Technical Manager at integration specialist, Custom AV Distribution, Wayne Hyde offers his insight into the tricky world of getting audio right. In this article Wayne raises the importance of speaker polarity.
To enjoy high-quality speakers properly, it’s important to get the basics right
In the grand scheme of wiring and terminating hundreds of cables for a complete smart home, the easiest part must surely be connecting a two-core bare wire into a loudspeaker? Because this is almost a ‘do it with your eyes closed’ task for an AV engineer, maybe an over-relaxed approach is what’s causing this issue to be so common. I’ve done it myself for sure! When the red cable goes to the black connector, instead of red to red and black to black, the speaker ends up playing out of polarity. It will pull when the other speaker that’s in polarity is correctly pushing. Of course, to produce any sound a speaker has a push and pull the air at many times per second. But they need to be synchronised. The effect, when this happens with a pair of ceiling speakers for example, is firstly a noticeable loss of bass and then also when you stand between both speakers, the stereo image is really messed up, it sounds all ‘phasey’. When you listen to a mono signal, such as talk radio, or a solo singer, it will appear to sound like fake stereo, instead of dead-centre. In fact, this is partly how pseudo stereo and similar effects are created in music production; by manipulating the phase of two signals.
Imagination
Now imagine if one or two speakers are out of polarity in a surround sound system. Let’s say 7.1.4, which is trying to accurately place Dolby Atmos or DTS:X objects up and around your head. As soon as one speaker is out, then the whole audio picture will fall apart. So how can you check your systems are ‘in phase’ or ‘in polarity’? Obviously taking lots of care at the wiring stage, but after this you can take time to test by listening. Try to practise in the office or showroom, changing the polarity and listening to the outcome, build up that skill. Second to this, you can buy a test kit. One option is the versatile Galaxy Audio Cricket kit, which has a transmitter box and receiver too. You can inject an in-phase clicking test sound at almost any point of the rack system and then check the result at the speaker woofer cone. Lastly, using a simple 3V battery at the hub-end. Connect red to + and black to – and look out for the speaker cone pushing and remaining outwards. Reverse the battery connections and the opposite happens. This test will tell you if the speaker has been connected wrongly before wasting time to remove it from the ceiling or wall. To learn all you need to know about this subject and other similar system saving techniques, you can book the Audio Tips training session with CAVD by emailing info@cavd.co.uk
20 | August 2019
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23/05/2019 15:30
Essential Install | Habitech
JVC's N7 projector is just one of a comprehensive and versatile range of cinema design options available from Habitech, usually overnight
Best dynamics on the screen and off the shelf Habitech product managers Jay Brand (JVC) and Craig Wheeler (Projecta and Panamorph) will help you design perfect picture dynamics for every installation
Auto Tone Mapping tech aboard JVC’s latest N series projectors delivers best-in-class HDR
22 | August 2019
Uniting JVC, Projecta and Panamorph for truly cinematic results, Habitech’s powerful brand chemistry delivers optimum big picture HDR in any format that fits. Jay Brand and Craig Wheeler join forces to explain how your business can benefit. OLED and LCD TVs may have contrast way beyond any projector, but they can never approach the cinematic pomp of, say, a JVC in all its dynamic glory. The challenge for cinema designers in today’s HDR-savvy market is to bring eye-popping scale and eye-popping dynamics to the screen. So we’ve made it easy. By teaming the projection world’s best HDR performance with the smoothest screen tech in the widest range of sizes and formats, we’re offering you the most dynamic results on screen and off the shelf.
Project HDR Most cinephiles agree that in the battle for big picture contrast, JVC’s D-ILA liquid crystal on silicon technology beats DLP and LCD hands down: check online for evidence. Today, the gulf is wider still thanks to JVC’s Auto Tone Mapping function, available on the new N series projectors. Auto Tone Mapping automatically adjusts settings for the optimum HDR image. It reads MaxCLL (Maximum Content Light Level) / MaxFALL (Maximum Frame Average Light Level) mastering info in HDR content to optimise brightness in every frame. This means that HDR images with different brightness can be viewed optimally without constant manual adjustment of the settings. For this breakthrough capability, alongside native 4K e-shift tech (for 8K on screen), JVC’s flagship DLA-NX9 projector has been awarded the very first THX 4K HDR certification. And because HDR capability is directly related to the contrast ratio of the projection system, the combination of tone mapping and intelligent lens aperture tech produces a peerless dynamic performance. The NX9 for instance will generate a whopping dynamic contrast of 1,000,000:1 from a native 100,000:1 ratio. Add in a new cinema filter, which exploits HDR’s wider colour space,
Essential Install | Habitech
Bespoke service
JVC’s flagship NX9 projector has been awarded the very first THX 4K HDR certification
What’s more, by arrangement with Projecta, we’re able to meet the most rigorous custom spec within your required screen type and performance parameters. We can, for instance, reduce or extend the width of the projection screen surface, case and frame; extend the black drop; remove the black borders altogether; paint the case, slat bar or frame in a different RAL colour; specify a silent motor or place the motor on the right rather than on the left. Whatever you need, we’ll make it happen.
Progressively smooth: Woven, Fibreglass, Projecta HD Progressive: the finest surface designed for 4K resolutions and above
HD Progressive screens offer you microscopically uniform surface granularity for consistent image clarity and colour fidelity throughout
and JVC’s Clear Motion Drive technology upgraded to support 4K60P (4:4:4) signals, and you’re looking at a high-end projection masterclass. Judge the NX9 for yourself, because we’ve just installed one in our Wisdom theatre at Basingstoke. You can benefit from JVC’s HDR-enhancing design for smaller projects as well through its DLA-N7 and N5 models. The N7 offers a dynamic contrast ratio of 800,000:1 from a native 80,000:1, and the N5, ratios of 400,000:1 dynamic and 40,000:1 native. The best thing of all for those purists still anxious about e-shift (even when frame rate, colour gamut and dynamic range contribute more to life-like optics) is that the new N models are native 4K designs. This means upscaling to true 4K (4096x2160) generating half a million more pixels than the regular UHD (3840x2160) chipsets deployed by many rival projectors. Folks, your dilemma disappears. When customers demand the best 4K HDR from UHD Blu-ray or streamed on Amazon and Netflix, choose the projection range that’s natively gifted to deliver it.
Big screen dream team
Then choose a screen that’s designed to resolve it. Supercharged with the surface science of DaLite through its acquisition by Milestone, our screen partner and Europe’s biggest specialist screen supplier, Projecta, has the tech to reflect evermore-miniscule pixels (8 million 4K, 33 million 8K, 133 million 16K) from a super-flat, microscopically uniform surface. Unlike fibreglass, woven fabric and conventional vinyl, which are too ‘bobbly’ for finer pixel counts, Projecta’s ‘HD Progressive’ screen vinyl is designed to deliver seamless optical fidelity from multi-mega pixel populations. Habitech offers you HD Progressive 0.9 surfaces and HD Progressive 1.1 perforated options on Projecta’s tensioned motorised surface-mount ‘Concept Elpro Electrol’ 16:9 screens, its tensioned motorised ‘Descender Pro’ in-ceiling models, and its ‘Homescreen Deluxe’ tensioned fixed-frame screens in 16:9 and 2.4:1. And if the project requires matte white surfaces, these are available for non-tensioned in-ceiling and surface-mounted screens. For best results in high ambient light conditions, Projecta’s Parallax surface in 16:9 and 2.35:1, features an advanced optical lens system which rejects rather than diffuses light. In all, there are over 140 SKUs ranging from 176 to 516cm available from Habitech and usually overnight.
Need a custom screen? We’ll supply to your spec.
Make the contrast count
And your final call should be whether to bring an authentic ultrawide perspective to your design with a Panamorph lens. This miraculous element not only restores around 70% of all movies to their original ultrawide format, it also reactivates pixels turned off by the black bars which appear on 16:9 screens, boosting projector performance and efficiency. The Panamorph Paladin DCR lens for example is designed specifically to exploit JVC’s enhanced native 4K resolutions, delivering a 38-40% lift in image brightness for spectacular results. When most 16:9 screens wider than three metres cannot easily be installed in UK homes due to height restrictions, the ultrawide option will muster the most immersive magic from Belfast to Bognor Regis.
HDR by nature
Jaw-dropping outcomes don’t happen by chance. We blend the big ideas at pixel level to generate the best dynamics on-screen and we work hard to support the same in business. Join us and we’ll prove that in partnership, HDR is everything. After all, we’ve built our reputation on highly desirable results.
Habitech 01256 638500, habitech.co.uk
August 2019 | 23
Essential Install | Perfect Integration, Le Rocher
Lighting and in particular exterior lighting is a major part of the project
A car lift and turntable control were part of the installation
24 | August 2019
A rockingly perfect project Perfect Integration delivered this amazing project in Le Rocher, Monaco, featuring a whole host of fantastic features and a drop-dead gorgeous cinema. Roughly translated, Le Rocher, means The Rock, and the team involved in the project needed to apply some heavy lifting to get this challenging project over the line. Michael Robinson, Project Director, Perfect Integration, explains, “The client bought an apartment within a CEDIA Award winning scheme in London, and said that for the first time, after many years of having various automation systems from various companies both in the UK and Europe, he was delighted to finally have one that worked properly and could be adapted to suit his exact requirements. “He soon after asked us if we’d consult for him on a project he had underway in Monaco, at what was going to be his forever home, as there was already incumbent integrators involved working under the architect, but now that he had experience of what could be done, he wanted us to ensure that they delivered the same for him down there.” Michael adds, “After numerous meetings on and off site, it soon became apparent that some of the local ‘specialists’ were simply not up to the job of delivering what the client was now expecting, so over time, they were either released from the project or their responsibilities reduced and our remit continued to grow.
“One of the things the client liked the most about his system in London, was the inherent flexibility but also our willingness to adapt both the GUI and functionality to his wishes, and he was happy to be a beta tester and gave us detailed and invaluable feedback. Throughout the two year plus design phase, the system design was refined continually both in terms of the systems we were delivering in full, and those being delivered by local contractors, but under our design responsibility.” The eventual scope of work was: joint design responsibility of the Lutron HomeWorks lighting control system, supply and installation by local lighting design company; joint design responsibility of the KNX HVAC Control system, supply and installation by local BMS company; joint design responsibility of the security systems including intruder alarm with perimeter protection and advanced CCTV system with remote monitoring capability. Perfect Integration also had overall design and supply/installation responsibility of the access control system including car lift and turntable control, overall design and supply/installation responsibility of networks and telecoms systems and overall design and supply/ installation responsibility of all audio visual and integrated control systems.
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Essential Install | Perfect Integration, Le Rocher
Special control features were added to combat the sometimes slow under floor heating due to thick marble floors
Project detail
Outdoor living is a major part of the property, it is Monaco after all
The integrated lighting on this project is probably the most important part of the scheme for the client. One of his most demanded and appreciated features is a ‘simple to use’, reliable and easy to maintain (adjust and update himself) lighting control system. Michael underlines, “The Lutron system allowed us to do this by having a native smartphone app, which provided the client the flexibility over his pre-configured scenes. Being a large property, with numerous keypads (and touch-panels), we designed the system around ‘shared’ scenes, which allows the client to update a specific single scene, but that scene can then be deployed to however many keypads and touch-panels that are linked to it. The lighting control system also incorporates the window treatments in the master bedroom, master en-suite and the study, along with the security shutters around the property.
Easily integrating with Crestron, the Lutron system also links to the AV systems providing some basic control over the audio systems from keypads, such as source selection, system on/off and volume up and down. Michael explains, “The integration with Crestron and subsequently the KNX climate control system, allowed us to integrate the climate systems with the lighting keypads, so towel rails and floor heating in certain areas can be boosted or switched on for a pre-set period of time from a single button press. “The spa area has a hammam with colour change lighting which goes red as it warms up, and the massage room has a stunning, backlit onyx wall that slowly fades during treatments. The outdoor lighting is particularly effective and can be easily adjusted to best show off the grounds depending where the client happens to be.” The climate control system, although provided by the local contractors, was designed by the Perfect Integration team, who worked hard to specify to an exact performance specification the hardware to be used by the local teams, and approve (or refuse) the suggested variations the local contractors put forward. One key feature within the climate control systems is the boost mode, which is needed as the temperature in autumn can change from 30°C one day, to 10°C the next. Using weather compensation and forecasting, it’s possible to switch the AC units to heat mode to quickly boost the internal temperatures as the underfloor heating takes hours/days to warm up fully due to the thick marble floors. Extensive networking with Firewalls and a high level of security, including hidden SSIDs and multiple authentication requirements including a user logging system that logs all users for monitoring by the integrator and security company, was also included. For summer party events, the client contacts the integrator to have them set an SSID and password for special events, which restricts the ability for users to interact with any of the services, but still offers his guest
August 2019 | 27
Essential Install | Perfect Integration, Le Rocher
The house offers an ornate opulent style
Discrete AV is located as key points around the home
28 | August 2019
an appreciated convenience. This changes on an event to event basis and is switched off between events, for increased security. The car-lift can be operated from the client’s iPhone app, but only once he is connected to a specific access point for enhanced security and safety. The telephone system was supplied and installed by Perfect Integration’s UK based Panasonic partner, and configured so as to act as a single system with both of the client’s other properties (in London and Netherlands). He has a single landline number and it rings whichever property he is in, and he can choose to make outgoing calls from any of the locations wherever he is. For the security system there is constant local monitoring of the system as well as high-level remote monitoring of the systems. The property has multiple layers of both physical movement and barrier detection as well as visual and thermal based detection, with both static, and dynamic algorithm based visual monitoring.
The systems run as standalone, but with the ability to be monitored and viewed from the integrated systems, so as to give the owner a useful overview of the property at all times, with visual cues showing up on the on-screen displays, to enable a better monitoring of the property. For the AV requirements of the property, there are 32 zones of Crestron audio, 16 zones of DM video, with control from wall mounted touchscreens, PIRs and handheld remotes with supplementary control from iPhone and iPad apps. Most principal rooms have Amina invisible speakers, with a pair of Bowers & Wilkins Diamond bookshelf speakers in the study and pre-wiring for floor standing Meridian speakers in the reception room. Bedrooms all have end of bed pop-up TV mechanisms, which were sunk into the concrete floors during construction to keep the cabinet heights to a minimum. Being on the tip of a peninsula, with 270° views of the med, outdoor dining and leisure is a number one priority for the client, so all external areas have discreetly installed outdoor speakers, with flush mounted speakers built into the terrace balustrade and veranda canopy, and a high output Sonance landscape system around the pool, with 12 speakers and four buried subwoofers. The pool house has a bespoke mirror TV with an ornate frame and looks really impressive above the backlit dark onyx bar. The heart of this system is the Crestron automation platform, which has dual redundant processors which are programmed so that each critical sub system runs on its own core. The GUI is easily customisable so that guest rooms can have limited control, but the house manager’s and client’s touchscreens and apps have whole house control and full alarm/security notifications. The kitchen has a touchscreen TV with a Crestron overlay so can be used as a central controller whilst watching TV or viewing the CCTV cameras.
HVAC Control the Sensible way
Sensible Heat offers a full backup service to resellers, including design advice, supply and commissioning. We can work with you to create a fully integrated solution – don’t worry, you won’t need to become an HVAC expert! Do the sensible thing and contact us now.
> Control any form of heating; radiators, underfloor etc. and any form of comfort cooling > wired or wireless schemes > Make each room a zone: better comfort and efficiency > iPhone / Android access via App > HVAC controls always provided with independent/ backup user interface > Building size or complexity of HVAC plant is no problem > Custom Control Panel for plantroom if required > Interfaces to AMX, Crestron, Control4, Savant, RTI with pre-written, proven “drivers” > Interfaces to most major aircon systems (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Sanyo etc.)
Sensible Heat are sole distributors of Honeywell Hometronic in UK and Ireland.
ADVANCED H E AT I N G CONTROLS
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11 St Nicholas Lane Lewes East Sussex BN7 2JY tel / fax 01273 475834 e info@sensibleheat.com www.sensibleheat.com 19/09/2016 18:26
Essential Install | Perfect Integration, Le Rocher
The cinema has a very special curved ceiling
The level of detail needed in the cinema was a real challenge
30 | August 2019
Detailed control The project includes a wide range of automated features, that can be customised from the touch-panels. These include time clocks, offering the client the ability to preconfigure (and adjust) the operating times for various devices, or to link them to sunrise or sunset. After sunset, most of the internal lights will come on 20% lower than in the daytime, to set the mood correctly, and the garden lights come on and fade off after bed time. There is also an over-ride for the fountain, if the client has guests over for an evening function, for it to run on till 2am and one for the pool and garden area that will detect if these areas are in use and delay its normal cycle to prevent people getting unexpectedly ‘irrigated’. En-suite PIRs have a selectable ‘Follow Me’ mode, allowing audio and video to ‘follow you’ from the bedroom into the en-suite. The awnings are controlled within the good evening/ good night mode and also linked to the fountains shutdown time, to make sure they’re retracted overnight. The awning can be over-ridden at anytime, unless the wind speed sensor deems it too windy, in which case they automatically retract. As the Cote d’Azur is prone to high winds, the wind sensor is also set to warn the caretaker, should a rating high enough to automatically close the awnings be detected. The caretaker will also have a warning flash up on his security monitors in the kitchen and his office, so he can pack away the poolside parasols.
Also included is a house reset; every day at 4am, the house will assess its state and reset itself back to a default position, so none of the rooms are left on for days. The house will take various interactions into consideration when testing the true/false state of a room’s occupation such as temperature, lights, shutters and AV. A really cool feature is the ‘Smart Source Select’, which when a source is selected like Apple TV, with multiple device instances, it will find the first Apple TV available and display that. The system will also check the source is available in that room, not locked or in privacy mode. Should you want to view a source that is in use, you can switch to that source by selecting it (if it is not restricted). The system will notify a user visually if all sources are unavailable. If the house is occupied and devices are not in use at 4am, each source will perform a hard reboot to ensure they are functioning correctly. If a source is asleep (not detected on DM), it’s ‘woken up’ when selected. This has improved the client’s user experience as of course many satellite decoders are prone to locking up. When the house is in certain modes, should the doorbell sound, the TV can be paused and an overlay of the CCTV camera on the gateway will appear. The client can then use their remote control to answer the call, open the gate or ignore the call. This feature can easily be disabled per TV by navigating through the menu or switching house modes. As for the alarms, should any of these sound, the CCTV automatically turns on in the caretaker’s room and the kitchen touchscreen TV. Also, in alarm mode, all touch panels will wake up and display a red screen with ‘Fire’, ‘Intruder’ or ‘Panic’ and the zone(s) where the alarm has come from. The client can view a floor plan of the property and see all sensors in real time, plus if a door is open and where/if a PIR has been triggered or if a window is open, or if there is smoke or heat somewhere. The home’s AV hardware is fully shutdown-able and restart-able, when the house is set to owner away mode, through the alarm configuration or the integrated control system. The high-energy using devices that aren’t required for the house’s functionality, will all shutdown. There are also lots of macro (user initiated) events which happen within and between the integrated subsystems. For instance boost mode for the climate control systems will automatically switch on if the temperature differential is equal to or greater than 4°C degrees, (set point of 22°C, current temp 18°C), it is also however manually settable as often during the changing seasons the client will have the heating off and then only in the mornings or evenings, switch it on. Michael adds, “A frustration with automated systems is often they restrict your ability to be flexible, so our solution allows a user to watch a source and listen to something else simultaneously. For example, during a party, the Formula One is on but you’d prefer to listen to your favourite playlist. Whilst watching the preferred source, clicking the ‘multi-task’ icon allows you to select a different audio source. Control over both sources is achieved by toggling ‘multi-task’.” Features offered over the home’s GUIs include being able to alter the background colour of any touch-panel (and then save and apply to one or all simultaneously). The user can also change the format of the clock and temperature on any touch-panel and again save and apply to one or all at the same time. The user also has the ability to simplify or change the side bar to something else such as heating and lighting only, for when their mother comes to stay, or to restrict users from interfacing with services.
RECEIVERS INCLUDED
REMOTE MONITORING
3 YEAR WARRANTY
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
BUILT IN BRITAIN
Essential Install | Perfect Integration, Le Rocher
This opera house themed cinema just drips luxury
The GUI’s primary services also adapt to each room, for example, the blinds pane changes for veranda, terrace and gym to display controls for the panel heaters, sun awning and spa fountain respectively. The left hand ‘action bar’ allows the client to quickly access common basic function, with a single touch. However, the client can expand this and can control every single lighting circuit, blind and shutter so that they have full control over their home and are never impeded by just having a handful of buttons that control a group of things. The user interface lets the client choose which rooms to group. The client can have as many groups as they would like. Once grouped, altering the volume displays volume controls and feedback for each room in that group. There are also pre-sets for each area to quickly group certain rooms.
Taking on the challenges
The only really major frustration experienced by the team was that they weren’t able to run more additional/ spare cabling around the house to as many locations as they would have liked for future proofing. This was due largely to the local electrical contractor only installing the conduits they felt necessary. Michael says, “Since the project started, the client has made various changes and upgrades and we have managed to adapt the project to suit, but none of this was easy and it often cost the client more than it would have had we been able to run the full amount of cables that we had planned. Michael also explains, “Due to the complex and high specification finish of the ceilings, we were in many places restricted in our ability to place even invisible speakers in the ceiling, so we needed to find alternative solutions. In one such instance, we placed the invisible speakers into a wall either side of the fireplace. Due to the wall thickness, we couldn’t use back boxes, but the downside to this was that the large wall cavity, despite being loosely filled with Rockwool, created a massive amount of bass, so we had to EQ the speakers heavily to get them right.” The client also wanted exterior audio, but wanted it fully integrated. Michael says, “We had to design and create specialised details for areas such as the terrace, where the speakers were formed into the ornate stone balustrade, which the architects said was impossible! We devised a way and commissioned custom hollow baluster columns, that were calculated to the optimum volume recommended by the speaker manufacturer and perform incredibly well.” The lighting system threw up some challenges too. Michael explains, “When we came to program the lighting control system which had been installed and commissioned by the local contractor, supposedly to our design, none of the lights seemed to be dimming when we chose different scenes, and closer inspection of their dimming enclosures showed that they had fitted switching modules and not dimmers! After a few nonchalant shrugs by them and a few stern emails from us and the client, they eventually changed them.”
32 | August 2019 Case Study.indd 32
05/08/2019 11:23
T EX E N SU IS
Smart Lighting Control & Audio Solutions Wiring Accessories • Circuit Protection
Sandbanks Road, Poole Harbour, Dorset.
LIGHTING & LIGHTING CONTROL Also in this issue…
Add the finishing touches with
Bespoke Plates
Cables & Cable Connections
Custom-made capacitive touch glass plates for smart lighting control & blind system plus external control functions: garage doors, electric gates, landscaped grounds and jetty. • Linea Duo CFX© frame in Satin Nickel with Black capacitive touch glass plate • Master 12-circuit controllers stylised from 16-circuit size plates • Larger plates enabled wider framing of control buttons • All switch functions individually etched with descriptive text • Complementary Hartland CFX© wiring accessories installed
Cedia Expo Preview
To us, every control project is… a special!
See us at 100% Design, 18 – 21 Sept, Olympia.
Sandbanks Case Study ...read more!
To get involved, contact Ian on 01634 673163/ ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
www.hamilton-litestat.com +44 (0)1747 860088 BRITISH
Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE
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31/07/2019 15:28
MANUFACTURER
Essential Install | Perfect Integration, Le Rocher
Essential Cinema kit list • Bowers & Wilkins: 3 x In Wall CWM8.3D Front LCR (bi-amped) • Bowers & Wilkins: 4 x In Wall CWM8.5D (Side & Rear Surround) • Bowers & Wilkins: 4 x In Ceiling CCM8.5D (Front & Rear Atmos) • Bowers & Wilkins: 2 x CT-SW15 (Front Subs) • Bowers & Wilkins: 2 x CT-SW12 (Rear Subs) • Bowers & Wilkins: 3 x SA-1000 (Sub Amps) • Storm Audio: ISP 3D.16 Elite Audio Processor • Rotel: 3 x RMB-1585 Power Amplifiers • Barco: Balder CinemaScope Projector • Screen Research: Reference X Mask, ClearPix 4K Screen • Crestron: DM 16x16 Video Distribution • Crestron: TouchScreen Handheld Remote • Lutron: HomeWorks QS Lighting and Motorised Curtain • Furman: PL-PRO-DMC-E
Le Petite Garnier Cinema Winner of the Smart Building Awards, Best Home Cinema Project Over £50K category this year, ‘Le Petite Garnier’ was designed in tribute to the famous ‘Le Palais Garnier’ opera house in Paris, a favourite venue of the client. The challenge was to create a cinema with the same ‘grandeur and opulence’ as the ‘Le Palais Garnier’, but also not compromise on the performance. No pressure there then. The brief evolved into delivering a high-performance, technically accurate, reference grade Dolby Atmos 7.4.4 cinema, without any compromises with all technology blending seamlessly into the design of the interiors. Deep reds, gold and black tones were chosen to reflect the desired design ethic, but also many of the fixtures and fittings delivered performance-wise in reducing reflections from the projector, consequently increasing the effective contrast ratio achieved on the projection screen. The fabrics, stretched over heavily absorbent foam, helped to reduce excess acoustic reflections and improve the acoustic performance within the space. The feature of the curved ceiling was also beneficial in multiple ways. Michael explains, “Firstly, the curved ceiling helps disperse the sound in an irregular fashion, offering us a benefit acoustically. Secondly, the limited ceiling void proved a key constraint when positioning the Dolby Atmos channels, however, whilst designing the curvature of the ceiling, we optimised speaker placement and with carefully considered product selection, we managed to focus the sound directly onto the listening positions. “Furthermore, the detailed design of ‘ceiling rose rings’, allowed us to disguise the location of the channels behind custom made grills, complimenting the discreet aesthetic of the ceiling design. Finally, the height of the curve allowed the projector to sit above the cornice detail, out of the fabric detail surrounding the lower portion of the room, into a subtly painted grill at the back of the room. With ducted ventilation and extracts, the projector’s sound within the cinema was cut down by about 50%.” The cinema also includes seven circuits of lighting and the client loves to be able to change the mood of the room.
34 | August 2019
• Furman: F1500-UPS • Kaleidescape: Stratos • Kaleidescape: Cinema One • Oppo: BluRay Player •F ortress Seating: Double row of bespoke designed seating • Apple TV, Sky and Local Satellite Boxes • Cisco Network Switches • Ruckus Wi-Fi • John Cullen Lighting • LEDFlex Linear LEDs • Acoustic Treatments & Fabrics
Michael adds, “The project being located away from our main office in a foreign country, offered a challenge with the level of detail required for the local trades, and with the reality that they often did no work, unless we were onsite to drive them. But our client was keen to deliver the project correctly, so they helped drive the local trades and accepted that the management and design costs would be higher to get the right finish.” The cinema features 11 speakers, seven behind the projection screen and red panelling on the walls, four Dolby Atmos height channels behind the circular custom grills on the ceiling and four subwoofers, behind the metal grills in the joinery. The Barco Balder Cinemascope projector is hidden in a ventilated acoustic enclosure at the back of the room, its positioning above the cornice made possible by the curvature of the ceiling. What’s really impressive here is that the team have created a high-performance cinema combined with such a challenging and precise aesthetic brief. No mean feat, it’s not easy to create a good cinema when all you need to worry about are dark walls and low impact furnishings, so the team deserve great credit for taking this on and succeeding – in fact you could say that about the entire project. Perfect Integration perfectintegration.co.uk
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16/07/2019 17:44:11
EssentialREVIEW Meridian DSP520.2 in-wall loudspeaker
Peak Meridian? This month our intrepid trade reviewer, Richard Stevenson, takes a deep dive into the Meridian DSP520.2 in-wall loudspeaker. Do they reach new heights?
Inspired by the design of the mighty M6 active floor standing loudspeakers, Meridian’s DSP520.2 is a unique, fully active in-wall design leveraging the brand’s extensive DSP expertise. Built into a sealed aluminium enclosure just 200mm wide and 100mm deep, the unusual driver compliment features an 85mm widerange unit for mid to high frequencies and a 140mm bass driver. The wide-range unit is powered by a 100W class A/B amplifier and the LF unit a 150W Class D amplifier, both drivers offering a very wide dispersion pattern to maximise the listening sweet spot. The DSP engine resolves the frequency response and time alignment across audio band, and offers a range of features and adjustments including Enhanced Bass Alignment and Centre Elevation to raise the perceived output height of DSP520.2s used below screens. Meridian’s DSP has always had something of a legendary status in the audio industry and here it delivers stunning headline figures of bass to 50Hz and maximum SPL of 114dB at 1m. It also offers upsampling, Meridian’s apodising filter,
36 | August 2019
EssentialREVIEW Meridian DSP520.2 in-wall loudspeaker
Performance Comprehensively raising the performance bar among in-wall loudspeakers that we have tested, the DSP520.2 is genuinely sensational. With most of the DSP controls set to default/off position, the sound is supremely open and revealing with an enviably wide soundstage and excellent dynamics; much more akin to a good freestanding cabinet speaker than an infinite baffle in-wall design. Sampling a range of music from Stormzy to Hayden, the Meridian created a hugely impressive sound with rare audiophile insight for an in-wall speaker. Turn up the volume and the DSP520.2 goes from impressive to frankly amazing. How Meridian’s DSP architecture manages to get such remarkably deep and tight bass out of a single 140mm driver in a compact sealed cabinet is something of a revelation. Experimenting with Boundary Gain, Loudness and Enhanced Bass Alignment, we eventually settled on the default settings as the best
even balance in our temporary install in a purposebuilt false wall. Pushed really hard (over 100dB at listening position) the 520.2’s LF response does begin to subtly fall back in the mix. The DSP clearly reduces power to the LF driver to stop it distorting at its physical limits. For high volume applications, adding a Meridian DSW DSP-controlled subwoofer would make for a very potent full-range system. Meridian’s DSP520.2 is a unique in-wall loudspeaker proposition ideal for high-end installs where audio performance is paramount. The active configuration is essential for Meridian’s clever DSP to perform its best but requires Meridian controllers (rather than amps) in the rack and mains power to each speaker. The mounting configuration, connectivity and app control all take some getting used to but firmly installed and set up correctly with the Meridian IP Control app, the DSP520.2s is a truly remarkable high-performance inwall loudspeaker.
FIFO buffering to reduce digital jitter and is High Resolution Audio and MQA capable. Continuing the unique theme, the two lone audio connections on the DSP520.2 are RJ45 sockets labelled SpeakerLink in and out. The input is connected directly to one of Meridian’s digital pre-amps/zone controllers using an ethernet cable or Meridian’s own thin/flat profile cables designed for the purpose. The output RJ45 enables daisy-chaining the same signal to other DSP520.2s. The cable only shunts the digital and control signals, eliminating the need and cost of running traditional speaker or analogue signal cables. Despite also offering an RS232 jack and IR control input on the front panel, the system’s downside is that you will need a Meridian zone controller to operate DSP520.2s thanks to the bespoke speaker connections and the
speaker’s DSP controls being housed in the controller app; Meridian IP Control. The basic Meridian 218 twochannel controller we used for this review adds £800 (SRP) to the DSP520.2’s already not inconsiderable cost of £2000 (SRP) per unit.
Installation
The DSP520.2 package includes an aluminium mounting frame, assortment of bolts, wire handle to aid lifting the speaker into place and a 4mm deep magnetic, paintable grille. You also get a short IEC extension cable for linking up inside a Meridian wall box. Typically mounted left and right in a stereo configuration, selectable by a rocker switch on the baffle, it can also be set for use with a centre channel or soundbar using the L+R setting. The supplied mounting frame gives plenty of fixing options including perpendicular tabs enabling it to be secured into a dedicated timber former or Meridian’s RF500 wall box for maximum rigidity. Of note, the drivers are off-set to one end of the cabinet meaning horizontal centre channel installation will be either cosmetically centred or acoustically centred on the screen. The main set up is handled through the Meridian IP Control app, which is only available on iOS. The app found our 218 controller in seconds and presents you with a key-pad based front end. The settings menu is on the controller’s IP address, offering a raft of information and adjustments. The latter includes trims for the controller’s analogue and digital inputs, bass, treble, phase and balance adjustment, Boundary Control and subwoofer mode. Loudness and Meridian’s Enhanced Bass Alignment can be toggled on or off. Configuration changes need to be saved before they are enabled in the controller, temporarily disabling output to silence if music is playing at the time. We installed a pair of DSP520.2’s in stereo configuration with a Meridian 218 controller and used the digital output from a streamer running Tidal Masters as the source.
August 2019 | 37
Essential Install | CEDIA
The value of good lighting aesthetics
On lighting, Steve Moore, owner of long-term CEDIA member SMC, says keep it simple, not stupid, just simple. Steve urges installers to see the light
Steve argues the best lighting designs are simple and elegant
As a diligent follower of technology, you probably read Mary Meeker’s definitive and panoramic technology presentations each year. She is the doyenne of Silicon Valley tech analysts, and concisely (across 300 slides!) describes trends and prognosticates. If there was a theme for Western markets this year, it was maybe ‘Enough already!’. Some key stats: There are now four billion internet users in the world, and 1.5B of those people use smartphones. Including you. 1/3 of the world’s most valuable companies are ‘tech’ outfits. Digital payments now account for more than 50% of all payments worldwide. Especially interestingly for those of us managing the spiralling technology incorporated in high-end residential projects, UK and US users average over six hours screen time per day (this has more than doubled in 10 years) most of which is on their mobile devices. And 88% of people view TV with two screens, 71% of those looking up content related to the programme they’re watching – player stats, IMDB etc. This, of course, is impacting how people use their homes and feel about their life. High-end homeowners started incorporating security, lighting control, and entertainment systems a couple of decades ago. The market expectation, and the amount spent, has continued to rise. But things have changed. It used to be the case that you needed tons of wiring to send music or TV to each room. Now many of us use Sonos, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, iPlayer or other networked systems, typically controlled via a screen. Expensive BMS systems are being replaced in smaller schemes by Nest or Hive – controlled by an app (in fact around a couple of million people use this sort of smart thermostat technology in the UK now, saving energy each day).
So what? How does this impact the control of lighting, blinds and curtains? Interestingly, as people use their smartphones more, we’re also seeing people asking for ‘less’ technology in the walls. Much less. For example, none (or nearly none). Lots of people – particularly our time-poor, design-conscious customers – have just had enough of screens! And who can blame them when there are some truly beautiful, gimmick-free controls around. Customers are asking for simple, intuitive control – consistent across their home (or homes) not all of which are wired for smart control. Voice isn’t a reliable solution for all users. People want a switch that looks and feels right – a beautiful object in its own right. Let’s be honest, most designers have always hated touch panels – or little plasticky keypads. There are obviously good ones out there, but in restrained, clean environments they’re probably not the right answer. Some customers are also a little scared of expensive touch-panel control systems, as they’ve had less-thanperfect experiences in the past. More than one property developer has talked, somewhat unfairly, about ‘touch screen fatigue.’ The good news is that, with the use of a simple network interface, integrators can control lighting scenes, operate blinds, shutters, parasols and awnings – even music – with simpler, more traditional switches. Of course, this may mean that a lighting or control system is still running behind the scenes, but ‘out of sight is out of mind’. And if it isn’t needed – in smaller rooms, say – the switches look exactly the same. The ranges now available can be specified with or without engraving, in almost any finish (to match door furniture, say) and are therefore favoured by interior designers. Users seem to like them for three main reasons: • they’re super simple, and very intuitive • they’re discreet • they feel really classy Specifiers value them for a couple of reasons: • they can have exactly what they want • they’re special – ‘just right’ for the carefully crafted home aesthetic Of course, dealers like them because customers are keen to pay more for something different, that’s just right for them. It isn’t called ‘custom’ installation for nothing. CEDIA 0 1480 213 744, cedia.co.uk
38 | August 2019
Essential Install | Dynaudio
40 | August 2019
Essential Install | Dynaudio
Dynaudio: Dedicated to sound
EI recently took a trip the impressive company HQ of Dynaudio. Famed for its two-channel master pieces, the company has more recently shifted into the CI space and is winning many supporters with its huge attention to detail and imposing audio performance. EI finds out how the products are made and just as importantly how they perform.
The Jupiter testing facility: One of the most impressive rooms in the whole of the AV industry
The Danes know a thing or two about design and this is immediately apparent even before you enter the building located near the pleasant lakeside town of Skanerborg in Denmark. Company HQ, including the RnD centre finished only one and a half years ago that houses the famous Jupiter testing space (more about that later), echoes the importance of cool exteriors and attention to detail inside that the company holds at its heart. Dynaudio has been here since it began in 1979 with the ambition of making the purest sounding speakers it could. The most recent incarnations of this aim have seen the company producing more integrated and home cinema options including the imminent arrival of its Custom Performance Series. A full introduction to these speakers and more, will come later in the day, but first its time to see what makes Dynaudio trick with a tour around its impressive production facilities with Roland Hoffman, Dynaudio’s Academy Director. Just as we enter the factory proper Roland points out the area where the company keeps examples of all the components it has created over the years not just as a record, but also should a legacy product get damaged or need replacing, Dynaudio can make sure the customer can keep enjoying their experience.
Roland underlines that the company goes to great lengths to produce the finest ring magnets to deliver precision movement to its speaker cones. Dynaudio produces no less than 80 different kinds right on the factory floor and as the company magnetises its own core material, it can regulate the exact amount of magnetism for each speaker design. Dynaudio uses larger and more powerful magnates than many brands as they offer more detailed, precise control. Cone material is one of the most important decisions to make when creating a speaker. Roland explained, “There is a huge choice of materials. Everything has pros and cons. Paper cones can be prone to humidity variations and thin metal can present colouration issues, so you probably need to do something in the cross over to compensate. Kevlar offers good damping, but lacks a little bass, you can stiffen it, but then that has disadvantages too. We avoid many of these issues by using our own unique material developed in-house.� The material in question is a magnesium silicate polymer membrane which delivers low mass, high rigidity and strong internal damping. Dynaudio cones also have a unique geometrically optimised shape created to offer smooth sound dispersion.
August 2019 | 41
Essential Install | Dynaudio
The coating on the tweeters is a closely guarded secret
Even the exterior of Dynaudio’s building oozes style and attention to detail
42 | August 2019
Another unique aspect to Dynaudio cones is the lack of a dust cap in the middle of the driver. Sticking with the more often used, hole in the centre of the cone with a dust cap glued into place method, can create compromises in the audio performance, which will need to be compensated somewhere in the design, probably in the crossover. Peter was at pains throughout the tour to point out that Dynaudio’s aim is to deliver audio in as pure a shape as possible, which is why the company creates single piece cones that the rest of the speaker is built up around. The voice coils are another crucial aspect of design. Peter again underlined that Dynaudio did not want to follow the pack here and has created it own approach. Peter explained, “A key issue with coils is the length. Longer the coil, the more range the speaker has, but if the coil is too large, the extra weight causes performance issues. Whilst most makers use copper, we use aluminium. It has half the mass, so we can have more windings before you encounter any weight problems, it gives us the performance we want.” Centring the voice coil bang slap in the middle of the structure of the speaker is another Shangri La destination for speaker makers. Dynaudio gets the job done by adding hair thin wires (0.25mm) which hold the coil in place whilst the glue dries. The wire is then removed after the drying process. Tweeter time and once again Dynaudio wanted to show how unique its approach is. The company uses a special coating (the exact composition of which is top secret) over a silk soft-dome tweeter to get the response that it wants. Keeping mass to a minimum is always desirable with any tweeter design, Dynaudio achieves that with its soft-dome approach, but also creates a tweeter with very small amounts of roll on/off and little or no resonance. A key reason for the soft dome approach for Dynaudio is the ringing frequency generated by harder materials, which again has to be compensated for somewhere else in the design of the speaker, and we are back tweaking the cross over again. The key message from Roland throughout the trip is that Dynaudio tries to put as few barriers as possible to the audio signal as it travels through the speaker. Some of what Dynaudio does means it takes more time to get to the end of the journey, the coating on the soft dome
tweeters needs to dry for up to nine hours in special cabinets for instance, but for this maker, the extra effort is definitely worth it. Another aspect of the approach that Roland was very keen to emphasise all the way through the factory is just how important uniformity of design and production is to Dynaudio. This is particularly true in home cinema performance because if every speaker does not match perfectly match its opposite number, the experience is compromised. So, Dynaudio goes to extreme lengths to make sure every single product in a range is exactly on-spec and will voice match its fellows. All the speakers are of course thoroughly tested before they ever see the light of day. Some of the most experienced workers in the factory operate the testing equipment as well as using their own experience to make sure this promise is delivered on. Dynaudio says that until each speaker gets its approved serial number sticker, it does not exist. Factory failures rank at just 1%. With all this innovation and skill flying about, you might think this was the most memorable part of the factory. Impressive as that is, what EI remembers most was the friendly atmosphere, and the smiles on the faces of the staff. Dynaudio must be doing something right and as we always say, happy people make better products.
Landing on Jupiter
One of the most imposing parts of the whole Dynaudio operation is its famous Jupiter room located in the recently opened RnD part of the building. This space age room is used to test, test and test again, so each speaker is right where the engineers want to be. To give it its technical title, Jupiter is a Free Field Impulse Measurement Room, it’s the largest one in Europe (hence the name) and offers a cube which is 13 metres in every direction within which to test all of the company’s designs to extreme accuracy. The Jupiter room’s most imposing feature is its speaker array which bristles with 31 microphones and in just 20 minutes from 60 different positions, can deliver a full assessment of any product the company needs it to. Conventional techniques can take hours, with technicians needing to adjust test speakers many, many times to get the same result. The result is that testing is a very time consuming experience so it’s difficult to get the time engineers would ideally like to test at each stage during the design process. Jupiter represents a huge investment for Dynaudio, but it saves a huge amount of time and means the company can test each design far more than it could without it. The size of the room allows the testing of each speaker to happen without any reflections from the space as the testing array can perform its function before any reflections reach it. Witnessing the room in action is like watching a scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey live as it happens. After the speaker has been raised up on a special platform, the massive array moves into position in total silence and begins its sweep – it’s deeply impressive and a little aweinspiring. A slightly different method is used for the install speakers which are placed in a special chamber in the floor to simulate a real world install. Jupiter is basically a time machine, Dynaudio’s very own Tardis, that allows the engineers the time they want to test every aspect of the speaker meaning the maker can control areas like off-axis performance as well as getting the voicing they want.
Dynaudio Custom Studio series LCR
Your space, your system, your way
You want discreet design and world-class performance? You’ve got it. The Dynaudio Studio series modular LCR speaker system is a unique way to create truly customized left, centre and right speaker channels – and to scale the system to match the room and work around existing wall studs. With technology derived directly from Dynaudio’s legendary home hi-fi and professional studio speakers, our Custom Studio architectural speaker range is engineered to give stellar performance, along with simple tool-free installation.
The Dynaudio Custom Studio series: engineered to entertain
dynaudio.com
Essential Install | Dynaudio
Listening time!
The day ended with a very impressive demo of the Evoke 50 and the Confidence 60 pictured here in the company’s main demo space
All the new integrated speakers sound impressive
44 | August 2019
Factory tour complete, it was time to check out the fruit of Dynaudio’s labours and its latest offering, the integrated Performance Series. In-wall and in-ceiling versions are available, with each designed to deliver advantages like a thin form factor (70mil) but without compromising on sound. The in-wall version has three models, the P4-W65 and its bigger brother, the P4-W80. Both are two-way models, the 6.5in P4-W65 has a 28mm soft dome tweeter and a 165mm mid/bass driver, whilst the P4-W80 has the same tweeter, but with a 200mm mid/bass driver. The trio is completed with a centre speaker design which has the 28mm tweeter and twin 130mm mid/bass drivers. The in-ceiling models are the P4-C65, (tweeter 28mm, mid/bass165mm, the P4-DVC65 (2x tweeter 28mm, mid/ bass 165mm) and the P4-C80 (tweeter 28mm and midbass 200mm). There is also an in-wall sub on the way, pencilled in for September launch. The idea was to deliver lots of performance for a strong price point and ease of install. The in-walls are a simple dog leg and screw connection method and the inceiling utilises the twist and fix method, so single person install is easy. In demo all the speakers are very full ranged, detailed and agile. They can also go very loud with no loss of quality, always a difficult performance curve to pull off and one that many customers really love. With audio this good, you could easily make the case for a 2.1 or 2.2 system being sufficient for quite a few rooms, particularly if budget is an issue. The ‘media room’ phenomenon is a growth sector and these speakers are good enough to deliver a serious boost to TV or projectorbased entertainment without the need for harder to install full surround sound. Having said that, fully specified home cinemas however will enjoy very competent performance from these new lines. We also got a look at the new on-wall Outdoor series which offers 6in and 8in versions in black and white with UV resistance, IP65 rating and the option of 70/100V operations. These variants are suitable for the patio/garden market as well as the marine sector and carry all the Dynaudio signatures of attention to detail and sound quality. The next demonstration was over in the company’s main demo room and it was time to experience some of the company’s free-standing products. Using mostly Moon electronics to drive the system, our guide for the day, Roland, explained that the team like Moon as it gives a very neutral performance and allows assessment of each speaker line to take place without any colouration from the electronics driving the speakers. First up, in a two-channel set up, the recently launched floor-standers, the Evoke 50 which features the allnew Cerotar tweeter, a design based on Dynaudio’s award-winning Esotar Forty anniversary tweeter and the powerful Esotar3 found in the new Confidence range. Underneath the 28mm soft-dome diaphragm sits the new Hexis inner dome which optimises the airflow behind the playing surface to smooth-out the tweeter’s frequency response and eliminate unwanted resonances. The speakers of course feature Dynaudio’s MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) in their diaphragms. The 18cm drivers in Evoke 50 and its cousin Evoke 30, borrow technology from Contour and Confidence to deliver low-frequency dynamics and better timing. The Evoke 50’s midrange driver is the same as in the popular Contour 60. It has powerful neodymium magnets, lightweight materials (including an aluminium voice-coil) specifically optimised for midrange duties. Fascinating to hear these speakers
perform right after seeing how all these components are conceived and made earlier in the day around the factory. Thankfully they don’t disappoint; the performance is very controlled and never overly bright. Plenty of detail is on show and these speakers will deliver strong performance in two-channel or cinema applications. The Evoke 30 is around £3200 and the Evoke 50 is £4400. Next up, the flagship floor-stander from Dynaudio, the imposing looking Confidence 60. This speaker bristles with Dynaudio tech offering the Esotar3 28mm soft-dome tweeter, twin 15cm MSP midrange drivers with Horizon Surrounds and two 23cm MSP NeoTec Woofers. The drivers are all new and part of the next generation of the company’s DDC (Dynaudio Directivity Control) sound-shaping technology which is designed to focus the sound waves radiating from the speakers into a tight vertical ‘beam’ that avoids reflections from floors and ceilings while maintaining a wide horizontal image. All this should deliver a very large ‘sweet spot’ and huge amounts of detail. Again, hype lived up to, these speakers find every last detail in movie soundtracks and music. Imaging and staging is excellent, in no small part because of the huge lengths Dynaudio goes to in making each speaker identical that we saw earlier in the day. Beaming of the audio is also controlled by a specially shaped baffle made from a unique material which avoids room reflections. The assembled listeners put the speakers through their paces as control was handed over to the group and every conceivable type of music, highquality and not so high, the speakers coped admirably. The final word here has to go not to EI, but to one of the installers on the trip. Peter Miller, Client Sales Manager at Cornflake, recalls, “I think the most impressive aspect of the visit is the steep engineering roots the Danes have regarding acoustic engineering, from the first electromagnetic driver to the first Acoustic university! “Dynaudio has not changed its design philosophy but merely improved its performance over 40 years, consistently delivering an effortless accurate sound, whether it’s a £300 in-wall speaker or the hi-end Confidence speaker costing over £60K! “Not being content with the generic anechoic measurement technique, Dynaudio have created the custom-built Jupiter room capable of measuring the speaker off axis. The measuring robotic arm has 31 high grade mics and is like nothing I have ever seen! Dynaudio push and strive for perfection with every speaker model that’s designed whether it’s for the studio, a living room or a portable cabin. Has to the best factory visit I’ve ever had, and there’s been a few over the years!” Dynaudio speakers are available in the UK from Custom AV Distribution. Custom AV Distribution 01628 563344, cavd.co.uk, dynaudio.com
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Essential Install | Brackets, Racking and AV Furniture
Accord Concept offers a bespoke furniture service for installers
Racking up success
Getting the best performing systems begins with how the hardware is supported and stored. EI takes a look at some of the latest options and opinions on the right approach. Part of the Connected Group, the Accord Concept brand offers a wide range of high-quality and often bespoke AV furniture options. There has definitely been a trend of late to see more products situated closer to where they are to be used instead of hidden away in a rack. In part this has been driven by a lack of space in smaller metropolitan apartment developments, but also because companies like Accord Concept can offer really clever and attractive designs which mean this option can not only be the best looking, but also the most practical. Of most interest here is Accord Concept’s bespoke design service which allows the installer to order any of the existing standard cabinets offered by the company, in any finish or colour combination from the portfolio. The company also offers a modular range which can be fully customised to different sizes and storage layout options, so each project can have only the cabinetry it needs perfectly suited to the room.
48 | August 2019
Accord Concept has a trade showroom in Ormskirk near Liverpool, but for those not in the area there is a full video consultation service which can be carried out directly with end users or the installer. Once the size and layout options are established, the company can produce a 3D render, allowing the customer to see their final combination. Once the design is agreed on, the furniture is created and delivered to site in eight to 12 weeks. The amount of options available totals an impressive 15,000 media furniture choices covering TV stands, multimedia cabinets, sideboards, coffee tables or even home office furniture. As well as bespoke colours, different finishes such as high-gloss, soft-touch, traditional wood, fabric or brushed alloy are all available. Other standard items shown on the company’s website as in stock are available immediately. Another bespoke furniture offering comes from Pulse Cinemas with its access to furniture and cabinet creation
Essential Install | Brackets, Racking and AV Furniture
Flexson has some handy solutions for the recently released Sonos AMP
via its exclusive relationship with interiors expert Stephen Clasper. A complete interior design service available to Pulse Cinemas dealers includes the creation of totally bespoke furniture including cabinets, tables, seating – anything needed to house the AV equipment and make the room more attractive and comfortable. The results possible through this relationship are best understood by checking out the media room demonstration area at Pulse Cinemas HQ which was created from scratch by Stephen and the skilled crafts people that he brings to the table. Stephen does not just understand interiors and furnishings, but understands the needs of AV equipment too and, so Pulse Cinemas argues, its customers get the best possible results. Mike Beatty, Pulse Cinemas MD, argues, “Stephen’s creations deliver environments that not only realise customer’s dreams of top performing audio visual and automation experiences but integrates them perfectly with how they want their living space to look and feel.” Joe Haddad, Marketing and Engagement Officer at manufacturer, Penn Elcom, has some views on recent trends. “We are seeing continued growth for 19in solutions in the home automation sector as consumer demand for racks and enclosures increases. As home automation devices become cheaper and more readily available, AV installers and hobbyists alike are looking for modern products that meet these new needs. As the trend moves away from housing devices in a cabinet or on shelves to obscured wall mounts and purposebuilt media rooms, we are now able to supply the ideal products for these methods. Technology has evolved to the point where it is quite normal for a home to have a sophisticated rack of devices that control their audio, visual, lighting, security, heating, cooling and more.” Joe adds, “The demands on traditional enclosures are becoming more complex as installers seek ways to reduce labour and time by improving accessibility, cable management and cooling directly in the rack itself. Being able to quickly access the rear and sides eliminates the need to remove devices in order to work on them and offers faster installation and integration of new ones. As a result, our enclosures are designed and built with innovative accessibility solutions and features that make them leaders in the industry.”
Penn Elcom has responded with products such as the R6400-RHF Double Hinged Wall Mount Rack Enclosure, a clever solution ideal for installations with space or accessibility requirements as well as in home systems. The enclosure is delivered pre-assembled and includes pre-welded threaded rack rails, removable side panels, three fan knockouts, and 19in cable knockouts on the rear and top of the rack. This model enables the full rack to securely swing away from the wall, giving access to the rear and sides, making it a simple job to run cables, replace equipment parts or perform maintenance. Penn Elcom has designed the bracket so that it’s reversible, opening on either the left or right hand side. Heavy duty hinges allow for the rack to be loaded up to 50kg/110lb, and the slam lock system creates an easy open and close function. Access to the rear of the rack can also be secured with an inbuilt key lock and as with all Penn Elcom racking, it’s designed with efficient cable management in mind, providing top and bottom 1U cable knockouts as well as full length internal square hole rack rails. No doubt Sonos is still one of the most popular systems out there, but getting decent margin from it can be tough. So, a welcome sight are Flexson’s range of mounts that can add flexibility to the positioning of Sonos speakers, but also extra margin. From wall mounts and TV partnering solutions and a variety of floor stands, Flexson offers solutions for Sonos Beam, Playbar and Playbase. All these can become options for the main speaker in a surround sound system, and whether integrating into an existing setup, or completing a new installation. The Flexson Cantilever Mount for TV and Sonos Beam or Sonos Playbar allows the two to move as one unit, or if enhancing an existing AV installation, installers can add a Sonos Beam or Playbar to an existing TV wall mount, using Flexson TV Mount Attachments. The brand’s Wall Mounts for Sonos Beam and Sonos Playbar offer another way to mount below a fixed screen TV. Flexson TV Stands, available for Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbar and Sonos Playbase, offer solutions for tablemounting speakers. Neatly ensuring the TV picture is unobscured by the Sonos products, these products offer a compact solution. By pairing two Sonos Ones (or Play:1s) via Flexson’s range of floor stands, two wireless rear satellite channels can be created at the optimum listening height. The Premium Floor Stands (available in both black/ walnut and white/oak) are designed to match the speaker and offer a higher-quality finish. Flexson’s two Adjustable Floor Stands for One or Play:1 offer the same opportunity, but offer greater flexibility. All of Flexson’s Floor Stands for Sonos One or Play:1, as well as those for Play:5, feature cable management, routing power cables so they are out of sight. With Flexson’s bespoke wall mount for the Sonos Sub, any surround sound setup can be completed with a subwoofer mounted in the ideal position for audio and aesthetics. The company’s Wall Mount for Sonos Amp offers a range of positioning options, including attaching to the rear of a TV via the VESA mount. Alternatively, installers can mount up to four Amps at once with the Wall Mount for four Sonos amps or use the Flexson Dock for four Amps for greater flexibility – either mount on the wall or invert it and bolt to the bottom of a cabinet.
August 2019 | 49
Essential Install | Brackets, Racking and AV Furniture
CYP has come up with a neat solution for less complicated racks
50 | August 2019
These days racks can get pretty complicated; CYP has come up with a solution to tackle that with its RAX multi-component racking system. Conforming to standard 19in rack depth and width sizes, RAX is available in two specifications – the 6U RAX-600 and the 3U RAX-300. Each able to house up to 15 components and constructed from pressed steel to offer a solid mounting platform, CYP says both RAX carcasses allow for the easy installation of its components, all of which can be powered by a range of dedicated power supplies (RAX-PSU-5V/RAX-PSU-24V/RAX-PSU-48V), and simply installed into their dedicated slots (two per rack system). As well as offering juice, these smart power supplies also offer individual power management, timed control and redundancy, all of which can be controlled by a dedicated WebGUI. As with any situation whereby multiple electrical components are powered in close proximity, heat can be an issue. The RAX system has dedicated fans with temperature monitors and fan speed control to deal with that. Available now, CYP argues its RAX system offers the perfect blend of simple installation, easy access for servicing, smart power and temperature control, as well as tidying up any equipment room too. RGB Communications is another distributor which has been on a bit of a charge lately in terms of adding brands. The latest is the entire range of Chief mounts and support products. A member of the Legrand Group, Chief is considered one the most respected manufacturers of audio-visual support products. The brand makes a welcome addition to RGB Communications’ line-up in the support and racking sector, which already includes names such as Middle Atlantic. Chief creates install-focused products suitable for both commercial and domestic sectors, with the line up consisting of high-quality mounts and accessories for TVs, displays, projectors and many other AV components. RGB Communications will be carrying considerable stocks of the whole range, however, a major focus will be the ranges of TV brackets created specifically for residential and commercial applications, including fixed wall, full swing on-wall, in-wall, ceiling, TV stands and tilting wall models. A brand that responds to trends, Chief has also been busy creating a whole range of solutions for exterior AV projects rated specifically to withstand the long-term effects of sun, rain, ocean air and humidity to deliver a safe installation, all while retaining the intended aesthetic advantages and freedom to interact with exterior entertainment or information delivery equipment.
RGB Communications says all Chief products are designed with features that increase the speed of installation without compromising on quality, delivering strength, flexibility and ease of use. Giving installers the ability to adapt and customise its mounts for each project, Chief has also created a wide variety of integrated accessories. Caroline Britt, MD at RGB Communications, comments, “As a distributor, we are committed to gathering together the best possible brands in each sector we look to support. Chief has a very strong reputation as an innovative manufacturer of high-quality products and is committed to keeping pace with the needs of the installer/integrator community. We are delighted to have them onboard and be able to offer yet another world class brand to our customers.” RGB also underlines its status as a Middle Atlantic distributor of 15 years standing and argues it has a better understanding of and higher ability to deliver the most value from this brand than any other distributor. RGB offers custom face plates, which provide the finishing touch to any rack, meaning that virtually any component can be installed in a standard 19in enclosure without modification. Cut to provide an opening for the face of the component that is being mounted, RGB says each unit provides a neatly-trimmed installation with a perfect fit and no gaps. RGB also offers a free component measuring service and a database of over 8500 template designs. Full training on the brand and rack building in general is also offered by RGB. Distributor AWE of course offers a range of options here and one of the key brands for the company is SANUS. This maker’s Component Series AV Racks are billed as professional products at a sensible price and are designed to save time and money as they come pre-assembled with a selection of blanking panels and vented shelves. The products also include back stops to ensure that equipment does not move during use and quick-release back and side panels provide easy access to components and wiring, while swivel casters and adjustable feet allow mobility and stable positioning. AWE says it stocks the complete SANUS 44U, 36U and 27U Component Series models in a variety of sizes to suit all installations. In addition to this range, the Stackable Skeleton Rack is also available via AWE, in the 20U and 15U models. The modular, stackable structure of the Skeleton Racks enables the products to be coupled into different height combinations. Featuring five mounts and including large and x-large full motion, tilting and fixed position models, and supporting accessories, SANUS is able to provide a suitable mount for many screen needs with the SANUS Black Series. With popular sizes constantly shifting, these mounts can support TVs ranging between 37in to 100in. Installation has been made easier, with quick release tabs that allow the TV to unlock instantly from the wall plate and by incorporating the SANUS ProSet adjustment feature, installers can adjust the TV after installation, ensuring it is positioned correctly. At the same time, installers are able to hide small peripheral devices within the smart components panel. The fixed mounts incorporate ClickStand technology to hold the bottom of the TV away from the wall for cable access without removing the TV from the mount. Featuring a low-profile design, the mount sits just 1.6in from the wall. A company that has also just announced supply of the SANUS range is Connected Distribution. This distributor places the emphasis on the new Advanced Full Motion
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Essential Install | Brackets, Racking and AV Furniture
The SANUS VLF728 has been created to make llife easy for installers and homeowners too
52 | August 2019
(S4) Wall Mounts designed from the ground up to deliver high-quality engineering and contemporary aesthetics, providing a sleek, discrete and strong solution for ultrathin TVs. “The Sanus engineers have worked with custom installers to create a range of three brackets which cover all TV sizes from 19in to 90in and fulfil all the requirements for today’s installations,” says Mike Bonnette, Connected Distribution’s Product Director. “They have re-engineered what a TV wall bracket should be and have designed them with an ultra-strong solid steel frame that provides maximum support for the TV. And with the stylish brushed stainless or black steel decorative covers, which conceal the wall fixing plate, the installation has a beautifully clean appearance to satisfy the most demanding of aesthetics.” The Sanus VSF716-B2 and VSF716-S2 (in black and stainless respectively) are single arm designs, for TVs 19in to 40in in size. They are designed to carry TVs weighing up to 15.9kg, swivel 90° left and right and sit just 46mm from the wall to accentuate the thin TV panel. TVs between 32in and 55in and up to 24.9kg are catered for with the VMF720-B2/S2, which provides 60° of left right swivel. And the largest screens, of up to 57.6kg and 90in diagonal can be mounted using the VLF728-B2/S2. With its extension of 71cm, variable VESA mount and 57° left/right swivel, it’s argued to be one of the most versatile large screen TV mounts available. Its twin arm construction, with hidden cable management that is common to all models, provides security and convenience for the installer and homeowner alike. All models come with a SANUS 10-year limited warranty and are available now from Connected Distribution.
Distributor OneAV has been picking brands of late, one being the deal to supply the Vogel’s range of mounts and supports. One product the company is particularly impressed with is the Next 7346 TV bracket, which OneAV says offers style as well as substance. Designed to endure, OneAV says the product has a clean bold look with graceful lines that creates a unique setting for a TV. It folds easily against the wall, leaving a minimal amount of space between the mount and the wall, has a large reach of around 28in and also turns up to 120°. OneAV argues customers will be able to turn their TV effortlessly and thanks to the minimal space between the bracket and the wall, their personal style will never be compromised either. Another supplier of the Vogel’s brand is Habitech and this company also points to the TV taming abilities of Vogel’s via the company’s OLED TV brackets. This distributor underlines that the VESA mounting holes for ultra-thin OLED TVs are positioned further down the back panel and cover a smaller area because the screen is narrow at the top with the componentry at the bottom. As a result, standard brackets sit proud of the TV. Vogel’s OLED mounts allow the screen to sit close to the wall and have been engineered with a smooth turning motion requiring the slightest fingertip movement, as well as an OLED screen protection system (SPS) so that the TV can’t hit the wall. Vogel’s OLED DesignMount (Next 7345) is suitable for 40 to 65in (100 to165 cm) TVs with a maximum weight of 30kg and has the same motion abilities as the Next 7346. At 45mm, Thin 546 is one of the thinnest full-motion mounts from Vogel’s and is suitable for 40 to 65in (100 to 165 cm) TVs with a maximum weight of 30kg. This unit can turn up to 180°.
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Essential Install | Brackets, Racking and AV Furniture
Vogel’s Next is part of the drive to provide support for today’s increasingly thin screens
54 | August 2019
Habitech’s distribution agreement with Middle Atlantic delivers access to the brand’s floor standing racks, pull-out and slide-out racks and wall-mount racks. The market’s broadest offering of gangable and stand-alone racks is available with a wide range of accessories including blank panels, vent panels, shelves, storage, connector panels, cable ladders, vertical and horizontal cable management, lighting and thermal management. Most floor-standing gangable racks range in capacity from 19 to 45 spaces, with the Extra Tall VMRK up to 54. Stand-alone racks range in capacity from 18 to 45 rack spaces. A full selection of space-saving slide-out rack styles is offered, pioneered by Middle Atlantic for discreet equipment access where a rear open aisle is not possible. All styles have robust weight capacities while some styles also rotate to further enable accessibility. Slide out racks range in capacity from eight to 44 rack spaces. Middle Atlantic wall mount racks are ideal for smaller installations or system distribution points. Many styles have hinged sections providing enhanced rear access to equipment and wiring. Wall racks range in capacity from two to 35 rack spaces, with the hybrid wall/floor mounted SR models up to 46 spaces. Invision UK offers access to the Peerless AV family (incorporating TruVue and Smartmount models) delivering a range of screen mounts suitable for residential or commercial use. Peerless mounts incorporate features to allow for simple yet versatile applications including integrated cable management, minimal wall plates, and vertical and horizontal adjustments for fine tuning. Invision also offers the range of commercial mounts from Peerless which include Videowall mounts (to compliment Invision’s videowall offering) and lockable wall mounts suitable for public space and marine installations. Invision is another supplier offering the Middle Atlantic brand and the company points to the popular Slim 5 Series rack frame system which is designed to meet a wide range of project requirements. Available in 12 standard sizes and any height from eight to 43 spaces, the Slim 5 series ships ready-to-assemble, offering strong steel construction with wide open access for easy integration. New for 2019 are custom shelves for Sonos
Amps designed in partnership with Sonos, equipped with shelf mounted lacing bars for cable management, clamping bars to secure the amps and an anodised faceplate, all in a single part number. The RSH shelf has the patented unique ‘face-after’ design, meaning installers can assemble tool-free, install the amps and pop on the faceplate after it is rack mounted. Keith Dutch, MD, EMEA, for Peerless-AV, takes stock of recent market development, “The mounts market has developed considerably over the last five years. The evolution of displays has obviously driven this, and there is no better example than the emergence and development of direct view LED (DvLED). Three years ago, DvLED was just coming on to the scene and now we are seeing LED walls in all manner of creative configuration possibilities and sizes. “For example, at Agua Caliente, a luxury casino, resort, and spa in California, a 112sqm curved LED wall has been installed in its new sports bar to stream larger-than-life sports games and horse racing live to viewers. With lots of curves, strange angles and shapes, this was a challenging installation. The Peerless-AV mounting solutions specified for the project are not only flexible with X, Y, and Z axis adjustment to overcome wall imperfections, align pixels and smooth any installation irregularities, but they are also very reliable and cost effective. The mounts were simple to install and gave the integrator, Advanced LED Displays, the flexibility they needed to make sure that the end result was seamless.” Keith adds, “The trend towards larger screens, giant LED video walls of all shapes and sizes, as well as interactive technology is having a tremendous impact on our business globally, particularly in casino gaming for immersive experiences such as e-sports. In terms of DvLED, we now have dedicated solutions for each major LED display manufacturer, as well as universal and custom solutions. Not only are these solutions quick and easy to install, but they are UL safety tested, quality assured, modular for easy transportation and damage prevention, and precision engineered with display-specific adaptors and mounting patterns.”
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Essential Install | Projectors and Screens
Lumene screens are new to the UK market (see page 60)
A room with AV view
EI takes a look at some of the latest development in the world of projectors and screens. Available in the UK from Pulse Cinemas, the SIM2 brand has a new lease of life in the home cinema market and one of the reasons is the power of the attractive HDR capable Nero 4S projector, which has been wining fans with installers and also with the specialist press. Standout capabilities on this machine include its maximum brightness at 6,000 lumens, a useful tool when looking for a beamer that can cope with dedicated cinemas as well as those projects where higher ambient light is going to be present. The 4S of course also has full compatibility with the brand’s own Live Colors Calibration software and offers different HDR settings created to match different sizes of screen. The connection suite includes three HDMIs, a DisplayPort option, ethernet, two 12V triggers, VGA/component D-Sub, USB and RS232. A major selling point so far has also been the success of its reimagined approach to rendering HDR. Also on-board is a new pureglass lens and high-precision optical system. Respected product reviewer John Archer had this to say after his assessment of the machine, “The huge performance improvements SIM2 has delivered with this S edition of the Nero 4 are apparent the moment you feed it a 4K HDR source. Straight away I clocked that the image’s typical brightness level looks palpably higher – something that instantly makes HDR feel more convincing, and more of a step up from standard dynamic range.
56 | August 2019
“Even more dramatically, the Nero 4S crafts remarkably extreme peak brightness levels, so that shots of direct sunlight, flickering flames, artificial lights and so on appear with a level of intensity that’s staggering.” Pulse Cinemas has also been eager to draw attention to the new FDM fixed screen options from Screen Research with décor mask technology. Currently on demo in the Media Room at Pulse Cinemas HQ, the technology allows the owner to enjoy the benefits of a fixed screen, but when not in use, have the space taken up with their favourite imagery or art work on a special cover which moves out of the way when it’s movie time. This option was already available on the higher-end masking screens, but is now available on the standard product too. Choosing the right brand and screen for each project can be a challenge. For its part, Stewart Filmscreen has introduced a reimagined web experience at stewartfilmscreen.com. Now customers can dig deeper into the company’s offerings with a clutch of new options, tools, and content. At the heart of the experience is the Screen Finder capability that allows users to find the right screen for each project. The site also introduces the Configurator Price Quote (CPQ) tool with built-in drawing and quote capabilities that speeds up the design process for integrators. Designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate,
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Essential Install | Projectors and Screens
the maker says its new site is packed with quick-access menus, original content, and stunning visuals. Visitors can sort through all 35 of Stewart Filmscreen’s options by filtering by screen type, image width, mounting method, masking options, or special features. Once a product is selected, visitors can learn more about each product and its ideal applications, see it in a gallery of real-life installations, and access a printable brochure. The brochure includes technical information, fabric options, and (for the first time) the base MSRP specific to that product. In addition to individual product pages, the site offers a screen material comparison tool of its 30 different screen materials. Anchoring the new site is the Screen Finder function. Screen Finder is designed to help visitors find the perfect screen. Fully enhanced, the dynamic tool walks users through a series of questions based on a few key project details to determine which product or products would be most appropriate for the specific venue. Stewart Filmscreen has also announced the reengineering of its successful Luxus Classic Model A, Retractable Below Ceiling Screen System, full details available from UK supplier, Custom AV Distribution. Patrice Congard, founder of Screen Excellence, underlines how hard his company has worked to deliver high-quality acoustically transparent screens to the market. The aim of course is to have the same performance for imaging as a solid screen, but also deliver the realism of behind screen audio. Patrice says these goals have been achieved by offering advanced woven projection surfaces, supported by luxury, custom-sized mechanical platforms. Patrice adds, “All this is dedicated to a truly high-end market - but we are now addressing a more budgetconscious market whilst still offering the same unique world-class performance. The Discovery line of screens uses exactly the same Enlightor Neo projection surface as the luxury Reference range, offering the same level of imaging quality and acoustic transparency. A simplified frame and limited size availability (no custom sizes are available) allows a significant cost reduction, resulting in a more competitive price point.” With the Discovery range, the brand wants to bring the level of performance that has established its strong position at the high-end to a much wider market, typically the sub £50,000 per installation sector. Now shipping, Discovery screens are available in six dimensions from 90in to 140in and two aspect ratios (1.78/1 and 2.40/1). The screens are available from Atlantik AV and Custom AV Distribution. Optoma says it is seeing growth from people who do not have large properties, converting garages and loft spaces to create space for a cinema experience. At the same time, with people wanting ever larger screen sizes in their living areas, sales of high-brightness projectors are growing. The company is hoping to capitalise on this with the launch of its UHZ65UST 4K UHD laser ultra-short throw projector. The unit’s bright, lamp-less laser light source has a lifespan of 20,000 hours and offers versatility for installation with its ultra-short throw lens projecting the 100in 4K UHD image from less than a metre from the wall or screen. In addition, it contains a NuForce Bluetooth soundbar that can be used independently as a speaker, smart functionality and voice control. Top install tip for ultra-short throw projectors is to use Optoma’s on-line distance calculator to determine where the projector and screen should be sited, then install the projector before the screen rather than the other way
58 | August 2019
around. By doing this and switching on the projector test pattern, it is possible to get the image onto the screen in precisely the right location. Optoma also argues in living spaces, consumers wanting the convenience of smart home integration are increasingly looking for projectors with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control like its UHL55, UHD51A and UHD51ALVe 4K UHD models which have IFTTT. This maker also has a projector especially tweaked for gamers with a very fast response time (8.4ms) in the HD29H. Distributor Habitech is just one of the companies to sing the praises of the JVC DLA-NX9, the first resi projector to achieve THX 4K HDR Certification. It features JVC’s 4K D-ILA device and the company’s impressive 8K e-shift technology to produce an 8K image. HDR content offers a substantial improvement in image quality with its expanded luminance range, wide colour gamut, 10-bit gradation, and other enhancements. THX 4K HDR Certification ensures that a display achieves all that HDR can deliver. A key feature of the JVC is the Auto Tone Mapping function, which automatically adjusts settings for the optimum HDR10 image. Using MaxCLL (Maximum Content Light Level) and MaxFALL (Maximum Frame Average Light Level) mastering information, Auto Tone Mapping automatically adjusts HDR images with different brightness so they can be viewed optimally. THX tests for tone mapping to ensure that all content is rendered with precise definition in the brightest and darkest areas. As for screens, Habitech is keen on the Projecta Parallax Ambient Light-Rejecting models available on a wide range of fixed frame screens in 16:9 and Ultrawide 2.35:1. Parallax 0.8 is an ambient light-rejecting technology that features an advanced optical lens system designed to reject rather than diffuse light. The new screen fabric comprises multiple micro-layers to achieve its ambient light blocking properties, which should result in punchier detail, colour and brightness in higher ambient light conditions and at wider viewing angles. Each micro-layer has a function in preserving the image that is reflected back to the viewer. The black layers boost contrast and absorb ambient light from the sides, while a special layer, shaped like a microscopic saw-tooth, blocks light from above resulting in brighter, high-contrast images in environments which suffer from higher light levels or poor light control. The Projecta Parallax fixedframe line-up includes seven 16:9 screens from 185281cm, and seven 2.35:1 models from 239-362cm. Distributor Invsion UK has just opened its own reference cinema demonstration facility in Bracknell, part of a major new corporate home which also houses members of the Midwich Group. The facility features the JVC DLA-NX9, so entrusting this major investment to this particular model probably tells you all you need to know about how confident the company is in what the projector can do. This impressive room also features Screen Innovations, another endorsement of the esteem with which that brand is held. Keep an eye out for a full case study on this room in the near future. Manfred Freiberger, International Sales Director/ Commercial Sales North America at Screen Innovations underlines that since the introduction of ALR screens in 2006, the market has gradually been morphing to more effectively migrate into spaces it could not occupy before. Manfred says, “Today, projection doesn’t happen in the dark anymore. At Screen Innovations, our focus is 100% on developing ALR screens for any environment. Winners of numerous industry-awards, we continue to
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Essential Install | Projectors and Screens
The Meridian Theatre room showcases all the top line AV the company now offers
60 | August 2019
grow our business regardless of trends in the electronic display industry. “Since the release of our Black Diamond, the world’s only true optical ALR screen rejecting light vertically and horizontally, our overall screen sales increased dramatically. Slate ALR screen material is designed for super large framed and motorized screens. Like Black Diamond, Slate rejects ambient light vertically and horizontally. No other screen fabric on the market has this ability. “ALR screens are a problem solver in homes and commercial environments. High-end quality, combined with attractive design and great value for money versus large digital displays, makes SI very competitive in the display market.” Some of the company’s signature products include Solo, the first battery driven motorised screen with a charge that could last up to two years, Solo Pro 2, which combines contemporary design in the smallest screen case possible, for sizes up to 160in, and the Zero-G motorised which drops a screen up to 6m from the ceiling before the ALR projection surface will be released. Installation company Cinema Build Systems’ Ultimate Screens range has been created to offer installers high performance 4K-ready, acoustically transparent screens, designed for very easy assembly and installation. Ultimate Screens promises competitive pricing devoid of hidden costs and fast, efficient, secure delivery from a UK factory. Featuring an innovative and easy four-stage assembly and installation, Ultimate Screens in fixed Wide, Slim and Edge bezel models allow the screen to be attached to the frame and tensioned in an on-wall position rather than from the floor, avoiding the risk of damage to screen and frame. More information is available from supplier Karma AV.
More news from this distributor as it has just been appointed as the supplier of Lumene, a leading brand of projector screens in France, part of the same group that owns Elipson and Tangent audio brands. The range spans manual, motorised, fixed frame and portable screens. The maker says its materials used are chosen with the utmost care, ensuring a high-quality, durable product. The brand works towards making sure optimal tension of the fabric is delivered and to ensure that it resists various levels of humidity and temperature. Moreover, the fabric is stretch resistant and has antioxidant characteristics. Lumene screens feature many different types of canvas, from HD Matt White Canvas to UHD 4K Canvas, 8K Platinum Canvas and Ambient Reflecting canvas that’s micro-structured to absorb a room’s ambient light, whilst reflecting the short throw projector’s light beam towards the viewer. The canvas also offers a high level of contrast and the best viewing specs possible in a particularly bright environment. Lumene screens also feature an acoustic canvas and a new silent motor with enhanced user experience and longer lifespan. Ultra slim frames now boast a 12mm thick screen. Barco Residential has recently been drawing attention towards the new Bragi Cinemascope projector, the latest addition to its CinemaScope projector family, which features the ability to natively deliver this classic cinema format. The beamer automatically scans for whatever format the image is in, capable of not just Cinemascope, but all other major formats as well. Other features include a new optical engine using custom designed aspherical glass elements and enhanced low dispersion glass lenses, a brand new light source desinged around HLD LED technology combined with regular LEDs.
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Essential Install | Projectors and Screens
AWE is making much of its developing relationship with Sony projectors
62 | August 2019
Barco says that HLD LED is unique in that it works around the ‘law of etendue’ (property of light in an optical system, which characterises how ‘spread out’ the light is in area and angle) to deliver a strong colour experience and high brightness while enabling new levels of resolution. Barco argues the technology provides colours that are more saturated, with the eyes being ‘tricked’ to interpret this as richer and brighter colours than what physical measurements would indicate. The maker says Bragi Cinemascope’s frame and core are built in aluminum and magnesium, making it a powerful and robust projector in a compact chassis. Together with a range of nine lens options and free rotation options (including ultra-wide on-axis or off-axis long throw), its built-in warping engine and a liquid cooling PID regulation system combine to give the model considerable installation and integration flexibility. This new model shares the Pulse hardware and software platform of its Medea, Balder and Loki siblings, ensuring a consistent feature set and user experience for installers across the different products. The projector is available now and comes in at a RRP of £27,000 + VAT. Barco residential products are distributed in the UK by Meridian Audio and the company also encourages installers to experience the Barco Medea model at its dedicated media room in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. This model is the brightest UHD laser projector at its price point and offers 5500 lumen for HDR playback and flexibility with a five-lens option. Meridian also delivers access to the Display Technologies family, offering a wide range of image solutions. Utilising a three knitted, white, wide viewing angle and acoustically transparent image surfaces, Display Technologies’ screens are designed and manufactured in the UK. The screens are designed to be installed with ease, allowing integrators to save time and money whilst delivering vibrant visuals for dedicated theatres and media rooms. Display Technologies can also provide an optional ‘POP’ surface with 1.2 gain to image brightness, and a ‘WOW’ input that provides 0.7 to maximise image contrast. To help create the complete home cinema set up, Meridian’s complimentary Design and Specification Service can assist dealers in planning their project
schemes as efficiently and accurately as possible. Get in contact for more details. Distributor AWE has taken full advantage of its recently enhanced relationship with Sony, highlighting the VPL-VW270ES/VW570ES series of projectors, which are designed to deliver full 4K detail with Sony’s latest 4K SXRD panels. The high brightness of 1,800 lumens (VPL-VW570ES) or 1,500 lumens (VPL-VW270ES) means ambient light can be challenged, whilst Sony’s Triluminos colour reproduces more tones and textures, and helps in fast-moving scenes. The VPL-VW570ES achieves high dynamic contrast using its advanced Iris and provides Picture Position Memories for a choice of formats. The Sony VPL-VW760ES laser projector features 4K native resolution, true 4K HDR upscaling capabilities, and ease of installation, says the supplier. The high dynamic contrast delivers strong images without compromising the compact and functional design, providing installation flexibility. Sony’s flagship home cinema projector, the VPLVW5000ES, is the brand’s go-to reference projector for large home cinema installations. Brightness at 5,000 lumens and native 4K clarity with high cinematic detail, colour, and contrast, this machine combines a laser light source with Sony’s 4K SXRD panel technology found in its professional cinema projectors. Helping consumers identify the display capabilities offered by Epson’s range, the company has grouped its high-end visual technologies under the umbrella term PRO UHD. The PRO UHD projectors offer a high dynamic contrast ratio up to 1,200,000:1, 4K-enhancement technology, 3LCD technology, full HD, UHD BD and HDR support. Building on the success of the previous models, the enhanced EHTW9400/W are capable of handling all 4K input devices. AWE offers access to the Draper family of fixed and tab tensioned electric screens featuring an innovative ambient light-rejecting fabric, Draper ReAct. This material enhances colour and contrast in situations where a complete room blackout is either not possible, or not desired. The Clarion fixed screens are available as standard in a range of sizes, from 92in to 133in, and there are also ‘Adaptive’ tab-tensioned electric versions ranging from 86in to 104in with virtually any other screen size available in both models to order.
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Essential Install | Smart Thinking, Subwoofer Positioning
I’ll be your substitute!
In the final part of this series, AV expert, Patrice Congard, tackles the issues around subwoofer placement.
Placing the subs in a cinema can be one of the trickiest tasks
Many installers are hesitant when it comes to positioning a subwoofer in a room. One current trend is to recommend four subwoofers, which is certainly not aiming at entry-level budgets. Now, if you are considering the solution of separating LFE and front channels like recommended in part two of this series, this further pushes the subwoofer count to eight! Don’t panic, let’s have a look at what the implications are. If you are using subwoofers according to the current mainstream recommendation, you will place either one against each wall, approximately in the middle, or one in each corner. These layouts have been designed for smoothing the frequency response, as mainly determined by room modes and the combination of early reflections. It is correct that averaged frequency responses measured with such layouts look smoother than with many other configurations. This is mainly due to a larger number of dips (nulls) in the response, as the more they are spread at various frequencies, the smoother the frequencyaveraged response.
Of course, the smoother the measured response, the more consistent it appears with respect to various measurement positions. However, averaged 1/3 octave measurements tend to hide the reality, which is a response built-up by multiple cancellations. Cancellations are occurring only in the decay of the sound wave, and do not have such a perceptible influence on the sound quality as an uneven response in the first wave. One issue with such layouts is the distance between the subwoofers. As reproducing the LFE signal, they are generating sound typically up to 120Hz, so a wavelength up to about 2.8m. If the distance between two adjacent subwoofers is larger than the half wavelength, then the subwoofer array will not behave as a single coherent sound source. This means that the four waves generated by the subwoofers will arrive to the listener ears at different times and will not add up as a single one.
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Essential Install | Smart Thinking, Subwoofer Positioning
Patrice Congard is founder and CEO of Screen Excellence in the UK and designer of the Audio Excellence product range
66 | August 2019
A typical practice to address this is to feed the subwoofers with individually delayed signals (either using multiple subwoofer outputs from the processor, or an external DSP crossover), and to adjust the signals’ delays so that they reach the listener at the same time. This can work for a single listener, but not for a second one as the distance between the various sound sources and the second listener will never be the same as for the first one. The other main issue is with the transient build-up of the first wavefront. In plain English, it means a sharp impulse, like a kick-drum or a cannon shot. The main speakers and the subwoofers located in the same plane are (supposedly) properly time-aligned, not producing any cancellation at the crossover frequency. However, the other subwoofers spread in the room are in a random time relation with the main speakers, hence most likely to produce phase cancellations at the crossover frequency in the first wavefront. This will be perceived as a lack of impact, even if the steady state response looks smooth on the averaged steady-state response. The most logical approach is to optimise the whole setup for the first wavefront to ensure a seamless impact when reproducing transient signals. The compromise in doing this comes when reproducing non-transient, sustained sound of constant pitch and level. If such sounds have a duration superior to the time for the wave to travel to the back of the room and the reflection to reach the first cancellation, then you’ll only hear this sound for this duration (typically, a few milliseconds), and then it vanishes when it’s not supposed to. Unfortunately, avoiding this means not having room modes. This can be achieved by absorption, which in the low frequencies uses a lot of space. Further, it can lead to a too ‘dead’ room. The main and most unwanted room modes are the axial ones, which take place along the depth, width and height axis of the room. In the height axis, the room modes are not a severe concern. With typical ceiling heights (between 2.5 and 3m) the vertical modes occur between 115 and 135Hz. This roughly corresponds to a resonance of the drywalls, hence providing a good absorption. If there is no drywall, it is not very difficult to absorb such frequencies with vibrating panels or resonators. In the width axis, a solution can be creating a line array of subwoofers spread across the room width. This array will behave as a single line source where wavefront will be of constant width, being the room width. In this case, the near field will be extended to the total room. Achieving such a virtual line source with an array of subwoofers requires only to meet two conditions: • The subwoofers must be spaced by a distance less than ½ wavelength (this makes it 1.6m for a crossover frequency of 100Hz, for instance) • The subwoofers must be identical, and generate the same output
Note that the lateral walls, if solid, can create a virtual subwoofer that is the mirror image of the nearest one. So, if the nearest subwoofer is less than 1.6m from the wall, this works Example: If the width of the room is 4.8m, placing two subwoofers at 1.6m (distance is to be taken from the acoustic centre of each subwoofer), they will be spaced apart by 1.6m. So, this will work as a prefect line-source up to 100Hz. If the room is wider, then you’ll have either to add a third subwoofer between the two, or to lower the crossover frequency. Now, this leaves us with a problem: the modes in the room depth axis. Typically, the room’s depth is larger than its width, making the first room mode frequency lower than for all other modes, and hence more difficult to absorb. The ideal situation would be that the sound travels from the front of the room and never comes back. Having a rear soft wall that will let the low frequencies go through would achieve that, but it is not really acceptable with respect to sound insulation. The other solution is absorption. Large bass traps with a specific tuning to the first room mode frequency can be considered. One solution is to build a large bass trap using the seats’ raiser for the second row, and / or the third row if there is one. This requires acoustic knowledge, but is achievable. Another solution is to use active absorption, by literally ‘swallowing’ the pressure when it builds up at the back wall. One way is called the ‘double bass array’. This consists of reproducing exactly the front subwoofers array against the rear wall. Each subwoofer at the rear is the same as its front correspondent and is located exactly in its mirror position. The rear subwoofer array is fed by a signal which is delayed and inverted in polarity in order to cancel the wave generated by the front array when it reaches the rear wall. Again, adjustment needs to be made as the output level of the rear subwoofers must be the same as the level of the initial wavefront when it reaches the rear of the room. Measuring accurately both the needed delay and gain can be made with an impulse response type of measurement. In practice, it appears frustrating to use the same subwoofers at the rear and at the front when the rear ones operate at a much lower level. One might be tempted to use lower power (and sized) subwoofers instead. However, if the resonance(s) function is not the same, some difference in phase response will impair the absorption, and it won’t work. If we are using a double subwoofer array for LFE, referring to part two of the series, , we need a second double array for the L.C.R channels bass extension, totalling eight subwoofers. Whether or not this is practical, realistic, or within budget is another story. It is just one solution that will bring the ideal performance. A practical and simple solution consisting of privileging transient response over steady-state response, in other words first wavefront integrity over room modes compensation, can already provide very good results.
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Essential Install | Day in the Life: The Smart Trilogy
The showroom is taking shape and delivers real impact
Three is a magic number
EI paid a visit to Borehamwood in Herts to check out the new showrooms, workspace and future plans of an ambitious trio of installation experts called The Smart Trilogy. The Smart Trilogy pulls on the expertise of three separate entities, but ones that have long pooled their resources to deliver top installation projects across the South of the UK and further afield as well. Quiet Interiors, specialist in acoustics and room treatment, is owned by MD Michael Arthur; whilst Pro Media Solutions is MD, Simon Colborne’s company concentrating on the automation and electrical installation side; and Seriously Cinema is owned by Richard Magnus, the AV expert in the group. EI spoke with Richard, who explains, “This new site was Mike’s shop originally, there was a cinema in here, but a while back, after several years of collaborating, we decided to put ourselves more on the front foot and build a space that showcased all of the abilities we have within the group and create the workspace and demonstration facilities that would put us on the next level.”
68 | August 2019
Richard adds, “We had built up a really strong and successful working relationship together over the last four years, but we wanted to tidy up how people in the market perceived our services and although technically we are still separate businesses, clients and professionals from related fields get to deal with one entity, hence the Smart Trilogy Group.” The strength of the group comes from having genuine experts in each area the company offers. Richard underlines, “We believe that having genuine specialists within the company makes us stronger. I guess I could learn a bit about control systems, but it’s not my passion and not my area. Simon is an expert, and Michael is a specialist in acoustics, in a way I could never be. We concentrate on being the best we can be in our given areas and that way, the end result is that much better.”
Essential Install | Day in the Life: The Smart Trilogy
Creating knock-out cinemas is one of Trilogy’s specialties
About a year ago the plan was hatched for the new showroom and work on it began in earnest around four months ago. The space is designed as a top performing demonstration area, but the team underline that it is very much a working space. Lots of planning and working on projects happens right in the showroom as it’s not just space for clients to come and see how good the systems are, but also for related fields, such as architects and interior designers, to visit and plan with the team what their customers’ needs are. “Our work comes from a variety of sources: word of mouth, existing relationships, social media, our website – a real mix,” says Richard. “We have and do use distributors’ demonstration spaces, but this is our space and gives us a chance to really showcase how we do things and who we are as an entity. It’s already paying off and generating work.” The Smart Trilogy works all over the UK and abroad too. In fact, a cinema has just gone in up in the Peak District and there is one due to start soon in Menorca. However, the group is keen for the new showroom to help develop work in the South of England, and it’s a great spot to do it with easy links to London and the major wellheeled suburbs and commuter towns that surround it. Being keen to offer specialists within its own group, the Trilogy extends this practice to everyone it works with. Richard explains, “We are a genuine one-call solution. Not only do we deliver all the services that we are experts in, but we have specialists that we work with for every other eventuality, from builders, to cabinet makers and carpet fitters. You name it, anything that our clients need, we can supply, but it has to be the right people and often we will structure the timing of a project, so we make sure we only use the people we trust to deliver. “Clients love that we can do everything, from the plastering to working on the plumbing if needed; we have a specialist for that. When you are installing an Oscar winner’s cinema, it had better be absolutely perfect and controlling every aspect of what happens, means we can, and have, done that.” Richard adds, “In this business, projects can be really challenging with clients that are very exacting. A recent install involved a beautiful Steinway Lyngdorf cinema in Berkshire with a 4.6 metre screen and a custom-made starlight ceiling with 2400 separate LEDs. The client was across every single detail, but at the end of the job, I got a wonderful email from them saying how amazing the
room is. Whatever the budget is for the project, we make sure we deliver the very best systems that the customer can have.” Richard explains that whilst the company has accounts with most distributors and manufacturers, and is always willing to listen if a customer has a specific request, there are a few brands that it does like to work with which include Steinway Lyngdorf, Lnygdorf, M&K speakers, Control4 and Anthem. Richard underlines that the rule is that each product used has to be the best in its category and at its price point. The trio is also finding success in the commercial space as the group’s make up enables it to reach out to a wide range of clients. Richard explains, “Michael has lots of contacts in the commercial space as companies are often in need of his acoustic expertise, but then of course we can offer our AV and automation skills as well. So many commercial spaces have poor acoustics and even poorer AV. Even spaces like nightclubs where you would think they would be across the audio, can be terrible. “I would love to get my hands on a nightclub and show them what can be done, we have the contacts and the products to do it. We often do trips to Ibiza and talk to technicians there about audio (yes, it is work, someone has to do it) and it’s great to swap info and learn more.
“Clients love that we can do everything, from the plastering to working on the plumbing if needed; we have a specialist for that. When you are installing an Oscar winner’s cinema, it had better be absolutely perfect and controlling every aspect of what happens, means we can, and have, done that.”
We recently went to a club called Heart, which is the best audio of that kind we have heard. When the bass dropped in there, we all looked at each other and said this is what we need to recreate.” The group’s secret weapon in many commercial, and indeed domestic spaces for acoustics is BASWA, a seamless acoustic system, created in Switzerland that has a smooth rendered marble surface, and controls reverberation without compromising the design. Clients can have beautiful interiors that are acoustically treated, all with the one simple product. The trio has gone a step further too, as it has collaborated with a manufacturer to create a special integrated speaker that will work with BASWA and The Smart Trilogy will have the speaker exclusively in the UK. Both are included in the showroom of course. Richard is also keen on a bit of two-channel audio. “If two-channel usually comes up, it’s during the conversation with the client. Often hi-fi fans have some preconceived ideas on what they like/need, so it’s nice to deliver a surprise, especially in the bang for buck stakes. That’s not to say you can’t get a cinema to play music well, you absolutely can and must get that side right.”
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Essential Install | Day in the Life: The Smart Trilogy
RoomPerfect is another favourite of Richard’s which delivers room correction software into the Lyngdorf and Steinway Lyngdorf families. Richard argues, “It’s great because it works in real rooms. You don’t need loads of treatments; it just works with the live room and the results are always good. We also like ARC Genesis correction and are fans of the Anthem brand in general.”
The showroom!
Two for one in the cinema room
The Smart Trilogy is all about pooling expertise
70 | August 2019
Work began in earnest four months ago and the idea was to pack as much of what the company can offer into the various different spaces. The first thing to mention is that the showroom is located in a building made from concrete blocks, which is great if the client wants a demo at reference levels, as the audio stays contained. The front area of the space has a lot going on, but one of the main features is a hidden 15K 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos system powered by M&K Sound speakers with Anthem and Marantz delivering control and power. Currently the system partners a 65in screen Sony Pro TV but will also soon be joined by a drop-down projector screen. Anthem ARC Genesis has been used in the space to optimise the sound. Other items to be added to the front of the space include specialist curtains from a company that supplies them to commercial cinemas. Again, this underlines the Trilogy’s knack for finding genuine specialists in every field. The curtains will help acoustically, but also add a touch more design and aesthetics in the space. The front of the showroom also contains some in-wall Earthquake speakers for two-channel demos and an Earthquake soundbar partnering another screen. The whole space, front and back, also showcases the wall fabrics and can demonstrate all the colours available. However, in the main cinema, the team wanted the AV to get maximum exposure, so the ‘blackest wall covering in the world’ was used. On to the main cinema and indeed the room is very dark, stealthily housing two cinemas, one centred around M&K Sound speakers in a 7.2.4 configuration, powered and controlled by Lyngdorf, and the other showcasing the Steinway Lyngdorf brand. Richard explains, “I really love M&K speakers, they are so good. The neutrality and dispersion are great and you don’t need loads of power to drive them. Electronics are of course important, and we work hard there also, but I think if you start with the right speakers, you can build from there. We have such a good relationship with the brand that there is a new speaker coming out in the next 12 months that we have had input into and I can’t wait for that to drop. As for the Steinway Lyngdorf Systems, the detail is incredible, and for the right client, when they hear it, nothing else will do.”
The M&K based system has access to a Kaleidescape system, a Panasonic DP-UB9000 UHD Player and an Xbox 1X, all captured on a Display Technologies screen. A JVC DLA-N7 projector delivers the images. Both systems also benefit from the custom-made starlight ceiling with 700 LEDs. The Steinway part of the equation differs in that, as well as using its own speakers, it has access to an Oppo Blu-ray player as well as the Kaleidescape system. The final pieces of the puzzle are three specialist home cinema seats supplied by Ineva Design, due to be added very soon. The whole space, and in fact the whole showroom, is controlled via Control4. Richard explains, “We could have made this room very ‘blingy’, but we wanted to create more of a blank canvas and just show the performance of the systems. We have had a Dolby engineer in here and he was very happy with the system. So much so, we are building him a cinema!” With the M&K system fired up, it’s clear the team have achieved a really impressive result. It’s great to hear a cinema with some character – Richard clearly loves his bass and this room has plenty of it, but fully under control. We were treated to an absolutely barnstorming performance of the Hans Zimmer Live in Prague DVD, which is a compilation of many of the famous film sound-tracks he has created, backed by a myriad of top musicians including Johnny Marr. It’s a disc that is definitely getting added to the EI collection. There is a huge amount going on in this title visually, and on the audio, and the system tames it all beautifully and delivers a really powerful and enjoyable experience. But the company’s cinema ambitions do not end there. Richard reveals, “We have a relationship with Elstree Studios, just up the road. We are planning to drop the mother of all cinemas in there within the next 24 months. The potential for that site, will be huge.” In the space beyond the main cinema, the showroom will also showcase the company’s ability to build a Pro Studio environment, as well as some attractive multi-room AV for the bathroom area. With past clients including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Prince William, Kate Moss, The British Film Institute, Damien Hurst, Larry Mullen (U2) and the Royal College of Music, and a full order book of killer sounding cinemas to create, this skilful trio have already achieved so much, but with this impressive new HQ, they look set to go on to even greater success. The Smart Trilogy 0345 230 0330, smarttrilogy.co.uk
Essential Install | Training Dates
AL LT R A D E INTRODUCTION TO ELAN DATES/LOCATION: August 21 (8:30am) Cardiff Branch, September 4 (8:30am) Reading Branch, September 18 (8:30am) Nottingham
ADVANCED ELAN CERTIFICATION DATES/LOCATION: August 21 & 22 (9:15am) Nottingham, September 11 & 12 (9:15am) Brighton & Hove, September 25 & 26 (9:15am) Nottingham
INTRODUCTION TO HDL DATES/LOCATION: August 21 (1:30pm) Cardiff Branch, September 4 (1:30pm) Reading Branch, September 18 (1:30pm) Nottingham
ADVANCED HDL DATES/LOCATION: August 15 & 16 (9:15am) Nottingham
LEVEL 1 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: August 21 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 19 (2pm) Reading Branch
LEVEL 2 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: August 28 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 4 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 26 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch
B EMCO K N X TRAINING KNX ‘TASTER’ COURSE DATES/LOCATION: September 11, October 16, November 13; Bemco, Wandsworth
KNX PARTNER (BASIC) COURSE DATES/LOCATION: October 7-11, November 2529, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 + VAT
KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES/LOCATION: September 23-27, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 + VAT
KNX HVAC COURSE: DATES/LOCATION: October 29-30, December 10-11, Bemco Wandsworth COST: £300 + VAT
All KNX Intro courses are free of charge
MORE INFORMATION »
Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk
CCTV OVERVIEW - HIKVISION DATES/LOCATION: September 5 (2pm) Reading Branch, September 10 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 11 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 19 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch
INTRODUCTION TO IRS DATES/LOCATION: August 14 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 5 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead Branch, September 25 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch
INTRODUCTION TO FIBRE DATES/LOCATION: September 4 (2pm) Brighton & Hove Branch, September 12 (2pm) Hemel Hempstead/Reading Branches, September 25 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch
CAT5E/6, THEIR CONNECTORS AND BEYOND DATES/LOCATION: August 29 (2pm) Reading Branch, September 18 (2pm) Bournemouth Branch, September 26 (2pm) Reading Branch All courses are free of charge
MORE INFORMATION »
For more information or to book call 0344 225 2700 / 01273 765180, e-mail training@alltrade.co.uk or visit alltrade.co.uk/training-sessions
CA I BASIC AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLATION (THREE DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: September 3, 4 & 5 – Watford, Hertfordshire; November 12, 13 & 14 – Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Member £525 / Non-Members £780
INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSE DATES/LOCATION: September 4 & 5, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear COST: Members £400, Non-Members £800
INTRODUCTION TO IRS (TWO DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: September 11 & 12, November 20 & 21; Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Members £270 / Non-Members £395
MAKING THE BOND (ONE DAY COURSE) DATES/LOCATION: September 10, November 19; Watford, Hertfordshire COST: Members £180 / Non-Members £265
MORE INFORMATION »
AW E S MA RT H O M E ACA D EMY WIRE FREE BLINDS WITH QMOTION DATES/LOCATION: October 15, AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom COST: £25
DESIGNING AN IMMERSIVE AUDIO HOME CINEMA DATES/LOCATION: October 16, AWE Smart Home Academy, Epsom COST: £240
MORE INFORMATION »
AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com, smarthomeacademy.co.uk
72 | August 2019
CAI 01923 803 030, cai.org.uk
Essential Install | Training Dates
CEDIA
I NV I S I O N
HOME CINEMA DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
COMELIT VIP DOOR ENTRY TRAINING
DATES/LOCATION: September 19-20 at 09:30 – 17:00 GMT, Alexander House, 3A Blenheim Road, Epsom
DATES/LOCATION: August 8, September 5, October 10, November 7, December 5, Comelit HQ, Welwyn Garden City
BOOT CAMP
LILIN – IP SURVEILLANCE FOR CI
DATES/LOCATION: September 23 at 09:30 – September 27 at 16:30 GMT, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots
DATES/LOCATION: September 10, December 10, Lilin HQ, Milton Keynes
COST: £299 Members, £449 Non-Members
COST: CEDIA Members £799 Members / £1,199 Non-Members
TECHNICAL SCHOOL DATES/LOCATION: September 30 at 09:30 – October 4 at 16:30 GMT, CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots
COST: £25
COST: £25
MORE INFORMATION »
Invision, 01359 270280, invisionuk.com
COST: £179 Members, £249 Non-Members
NETWORKING SCHOOL DATES/LOCATION: October 7 at 09:30 – October 9 at 16:30 GMT, AWE Europe, Epsom COST: Package price – £649 Members, £975 Non-Members; day price – £179 Members, £249 Non-Members
MORE INFORMATION »
CEDIA 01480 213 744, education@cedia.co.uk, cediaeducation.com
IVORY EG G K N X TRAINING KNX ADVANCED COURSE DATES: December 9-12 COST: £875 excl VAT
KNX SALES AND SPECIFICATION COURSE DATES: October 8, November 19
HABITECH COMMERCIAL AV INTEGRATOR (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 13, November 7
WYRESTORM – 4K HDR (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 10, October 22, November 27
WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD (1 DAY COURSE)
COST: £175 excl VAT
KNX HEATING COURSE DATES: October 22, December 3 COST: £175 excl VAT
KNX BASIC COURSE DATES: September 23-26 COST: £875 excl VAT
MORE INFORMATION »
Ivory Egg, 01243 572 700, ivoryegg.co.uk
DATES: September 11, October 23, November 28
ARCAM – PRODUCT TRAINING (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 3, October 17, November 12
INTRODUCTION TO COMMERCIAL AV (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 12, November 6 COST: £99.00 + VAT
WISDOM AUDIO PRODUCT TRAINING (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 24, November 5
DAHUA (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 4, November 13
PRONET – QUICK START (1 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 17, November 19 COST: £99.00 + VAT
PRONET – INTEGRATOR (2 DAY COURSE) DATES: September 18 & 19, November 20 & 21 COST: £150.00 + VAT
RUCKUS ICX SWITCHING (1 DAY COURSE)
R AKO RAKO FOUNDATION COURSE ‘INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING CONTROLS’ DATES/LOCATION: August 29, October 10, November 21, Rako, Rochester COST: Free
RAKO ADVANCED COURSE (LAPTOP REQUIRED) DATES/LOCATION: August 22, September 12, October 3, October 24, November 5, November 14, November 26, December 5, December 17, Rako, Rochester
MORE INFORMATION »
All courses are free of charge although spaces are secured with a nominal reservation fee. If you would like to book a training date please contact 01634 226666 or email sarah@rakocontrols.com
DATES: September 19, November 21 COST: £99.00 + VAT
All courses are free of charge unless specified otherwise
MORE INFORMATION »
Habitech 01256 638500, tanya.sworn@habitech.co.uk, habitech.co.uk
August 2019 | 73
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August 2019 | 75
Essential Install | Products
Essential products
A cavalcade of carefully crafted kit
Best voice control bar none?
Yamaha finds its voice with new soundbar duo Yamaha has a long history and strong tradition in this sector, especially for sound quality. However, the emphasis here is on functionality as the company is keen to underline the voice control abilities of these new models, the YAS-209 and YAS-109. These speakers also offer Wi-Fi connectivity to play tunes through Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Alexasupported services. Aesthetically, both models boast a fresh, ultra-slim look to discreetly place in front of the TV or mount on the wall without the need of an additional bracket. Yamaha says the YAS-109 features built-in subwoofers that deliver rich and deep bass in a compact size, while the YAS-209 includes a separate wireless subwoofer. Yamaha also collaborated with the Alexa team at Amazon to implement the preferred method for microphones, focusing on both quality and spacing. The Alexa feature provides volume lowering capabilities, which automatically decrease the volume of movies or music to help receive a voice command. The remote contains a dedicated button to initiate Alexa and Alexa can be muted or turned off completely. The soundbars incorporate Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoding, as well as DTS Virtual:X. Both feature Yamaha Clear Voice technology, which improves the audibility and clarity of dialogue. Connectivity options include HDMI input and output with ARC. 4K high dynamic range (HDR) video is supported for use with HDMI-connected 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc players or 4K streaming media players. Both soundbars support CEC, enabling audio control with compatible TV remotes. An optical input is provided for use with other devices without HDMI connections. The YAS-109 (ÂŁ299) is expected August and the YAS-209 (ÂŁ399) is expected September. Yamaha 0344 811 1116, uk.yamaha.com
76 | August 2019
Essential Install | Products
Sounds great: third gen Nait XS and Supernait integrated amplifiers deliver improved sound quality
Third gen of Naim Nait XS and Supernait unleashed Naim Audio has launched the third generation of its award-winning Nait XS and Supernait integrated amplifiers that offer performance upgrades and builtin phono stages, making them a good partner for turntables, streamers and CD players. Like their predecessors, both integrated amplifiers are designed and manufactured in Salisbury, UK. In the six years since the previous Nait integrated amplifiers were released, Naim Audio says its research and development team has worked on amplifier improvements resulting in upgraded power amplifier sections for both Nait XS3 and Supernait 3, delivering greater pace while retaining their musical performance. The new phono stages are based on classic Naim designs and, says the maker, are crafted from superior components, expertly measured and batch selected before manufacture for optimum consistency and quality. Other improvements include the second gain stage transistors which have been improved with greater power handling, so they no longer need to be protected by a cascode stage transistor. Removing the cascode means less amplifier stabilisation is required: this doubles the slew rate, reduces the group delay and delivers an improvement in sound quality.
The phono circuit topology comprises three stages: the gain stage, passive equalisation and final gain and active equalisation. This enables strong noise performance, extended RIAA equalisation beyond the audio band and more overload headroom. All RIAA equalisation capacitors are ‘through-hole’ mounted film designs, with low microphony and strong transient performance. As MM phono stages are 30dB more sensitive than other inputs, this also benefits the sound quality. The RIAA low frequency response is a custom curve in between the traditional and the IEC curve. This delivers a good bass performance with enough low frequency roll off to protect the critical mid-band from rumble induced intermodulation. Input impedance is 47kΩ in parallel with 100pF capacitive loading; the gain is a good match for 5mV moving magnet cartridges. The Nait XS3 and Supernait 3 also benefit from Class A headphone amplification, Alps Blue Velvet volume control, ceramic insulators for the power transistors and galvanically isolated microprocessor control section. Suggested retail prices are £2199 for the Nait XS3 and £3499 for the Supernait 3. Naim 01722 426 600, naimaudio.com
James Loudspeaker cooking on gas with new grilles James Loudspeaker’s new creations get a good grilling
The maker says its new grilles all but disappear into ceiling and wall surfaces while delivering award-winning performance. James Loudspeaker, maker of décor-friendly entertainment products for both residential and commercial applications, has introduced a Microperf grille to the company’s line of Small Aperture architectural loudspeakers. The new grilles use smaller perforations and offer a less obtrusive, almost invisible presentation that nearly vanishes into any décor while providing nearly identical frequency response and dispersion to the original grilles. The new Microperf grilles will come standard on all James Loudspeaker Small Aperture models and are available now. “The objective of this new grille design was to create a solution that is even more appealing to the architects, designers and homeowners who work with our network of integrators,” says Keith Parke, National Sales Director at James Loudspeaker. “Our Small Aperture lineup has been adopted as the definitive architectural speaker solution, and we are always striving to make even subtle improvements that bring added value to our customers.” Made in the USA, James Loudspeaker Small Aperture models incorporate high-performance proprietary aluminum drivers and are available in both three-way and two-way versions. Each speaker is housed in an aircraftgrade aluminum enclosure designed to minimise resonances and enhance durability even in high humidity. The maker says these speakers deliver superb room-filling full-range musical playback including clearly defined bass response, eliminating the need for bulky external subwoofer modules in most system designs. Designed for multi-room audio and home theater clientele seeking a premium performance solution, the maker says its Small Aperture models deliver higher output capability, true high-fidelity, superb off-axis performance, unmatched durability and aesthetic perfection. James Loudspeaker is available in the UK from Pulse Cinemas. Pulse Cinemas 01279 647 039 pulsecinemas.com
August 2019 | 77
Essential Install | Products
Some blinding new light control capabilities
Gearing up for tighter control Gira has made its System 3000 blind controller more flexible, expanding its capabilities beyond just controlling blinds. The modular system can be fitted out with a variety of modules, but thanks to a new update, the Gira System 3000 can now turn lights on or off, or dim the lights to an appropriate level. What makes this update interesting, is the fact that users will now be able to get modules that offer both blind control and lighting control from just one, simple-tofit unit. Gira is offering manual switches, blind or lighting timers, and motion or light level sensors. That’s in addition to all the smart functions that are supported, such as control through the Gira mobile app. Mark Booth, Managing Director, Gira UK says, “This new design feature is the result of complete integration of both lighting and blind control through simple extension. By doing so, we have been able to guarantee systematic operation that addresses the current market desire for Same hidden tech, new improved sound with the Mobius i series
Gira 0203 936 8090, gira.com
The i’s have it! Celebrating 10 years in the business, Amina has launched the Mobius i series (Mobius5i, Mobius5i S200 and the Mobius7i) which builds on the company’s achievements so far and underlines the argument that hidden speakers are no longer a compromise in sound quality. With the development of new proprietary high frequency transducers in combination with Amina’s patented Optidrive, Opti-damping and Reduced ResonanceExciter technology, Amina says Mobius speakers continue to perform well into the ultrasonic region and now provide higher sensitivity and increased low frequency extension, giving a more open and prominent sound in the vocal range and providing more linear performance throughout the frequency range. Amina says the Mobius5i is suitable for residential audio solutions, mid power multi-channel surround sound and high-end commercial installations. The speaker can be placed in-wall/ceiling with 2mm covering of plaster, or into cabinetry / millwork and covered with wood, leather, slate or even marble. This model can also be supplied with a highimpedance 100/70V transformer. This speaker is also available in a S200 variant delivering a slimline alternative. Sitting on top of the range is the Mobius7i which ups the ante performance-wise and is suitable for residential audio solutions, high power multi-channel surround sound and high-end commercial installations. This is also available with the same high-impedance 100/70V transformer as the Mobius5i. The Mobius i series is available now for shipment worldwide with RRP starting at around £800. Amina has also revealed that i variants of the Edge series will be released in the next few weeks to join the updated Mobius line. Also look out for an exclusive interview with company founder Richard Newlove in the September issue of EI. Amina Technologies 01480 354390, amina.co.uk
78 | August 2019
multi-functional, high-tech smart solutions that require zero effort with maximum results. Gira says all the System 3000 products have been designed to be easily programmed, with no special tools required as the set-up is done via the Gira Bluetooth app. Other features include a Gira System 3000 universal dimmer which allows the end-user to adjust LED brightness levels and colour temperature to suit individual needs. The universal LED rotary dimming insert Standard and the universal LED rotary dimming insert Komfort replace eight existing dimming inserts. The product range also includes the rotary auxiliary insert, three-wire, for LED dimmers. The System 3000 blind control customised time program is also available with an astro function for added convenience making it possible to dynamically adapt to changes in sun position and time of year automatically.
The New Sonos Amp The versatile amplifier for powering all your entertainment.
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Essential Install | Products
DAC to the future!
McIntosh is planning for an upgradable future
McIntosh understands that there’s nothing worse for a client than dropping £9,995 on a preamplifier, only for digital audio technologies to surpass what is offered by the model they’ve just bought. That’s why its new C53 preamplifier is the first with an upgradeable DA2 DAC. McIntosh already has a modular DAC, but this model is the first to feature the new DA2 DAC boasting expanded capabilities over its predecessor, the DA1, which McIntosh says includes improved dynamic range and lower total harmonic distortion. This is also the first of McIntosh’s modular DACs to include an audio-only HDMI ARC input, which means installers can now hook up a TV to the device before passing it through an amplifier. It’s not just TVs that can be hooked up to the McIntosh C53, however. In fact, with over 16 inputs, users can connect just about any device they could possibly own. Those connecting USB devices will see the added benefit of the new DAC, as it supports native DSD512/DXD 384kHz playback. Support has been maintained for Dolby and DTS multichannel formats, which are converted to two-channel, while the DA2’s coaxial and optical inputs offer 24-bit/192kHz resolution and its MCT input offers a secure, custom DSD connection for high-quality SACD playback when paired with a McIntosh MCT Series SACD/CD transport. To fully integrate the preamp with varying room acoustics, the C53 features an eight-band analogue equaliser with each band adjustable by ± 12dB. For late-night and personal listening, McIntosh’s High Drive Headphone Amplifier can power any pair of headphones, and it’ll also enhance the audio through its Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD). Especially useful to custom installers will be the Home Theatre Pass Through, which McIntosh says, ‘seamlessly integrates the C53 into a home theatre system’. In addition, those wishing to use it in a media room will find the C53 compatible with CEC communication, meaning users only need to use the one remote for controlling the TV’s power and volume, as well as that of the C53. While the C53 is the first preamplifier with the new DA2 DAC, McIntosh has stated that it plans to release the DAC on its own allowing users to upgrade devices with the DA1 DAC. Absolute Sounds 0208 9713 909, absolutesounds.com
Virtual improvements
The maker argues its virtually impossible not to enjoy the improvements to its system
Modus VR has updated its AV focused virtual reality planning and sales environment to deliver greater control and customisation for integrators and their clients. According to Modus VR Co-Founder, Ken Brueck, the new software improves every step of the design process, from offering new aesthetics options to an updated CAD export workflow, allowing integrators to design faster, improve the client’s virtual experience, and close more sales. “Media rooms and home theatres are more popular than ever, and with the new version of Modus VR, integrators can deliver a stunning virtual reality experience to clients that expedites the design process and increases sales opportunities,” says Ken. “The new software provides more flexibility and options than ever before, including an updated CAD export workflow, options for new virtual finishes and materials, support for new Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and improved organization of the virtual objects library.” With Modus VR’s new CAD export workflow, once a room is built in virtual reality, it can be exported as a CAD document faster than before. Using a simple UI, integrators can create as many different views of the space as they need, and also add a company logo and information to PDFs for a professional presentation. The new support for Windows Mixed Reality headsets further enhances the sales process by eliminating the need for external sensors and making setup and breakdown of a VR experience faster and simpler. Integrators will appreciate the availability of new virtual objects such as two new Epson projectors, SnapAV Signature Series racks, more default sizes for 16:9 projection screens, area rugs, ceiling fans and fibre optic ceilings. New finishes are available for floors and walls, including select wood flooring, various carpet patterns and polished concrete, while seating options now include a variety of leathers and microfibre. A new flexible couch and ottoman can be resized on three separate axis for complete control, with a realistic, reactive appearance that adds cushions as length is increased. Modus VR modusvr.com
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SUPPORTING THE UKʼS FINEST HOME CINEMA INSTALLERS
W: www.pulsecinemas.com
E: info@pulsecinemas.com
T: +44 1279 647 039