CEDIA Communicates Spring 2015 by CEDIA EMEA

SPRING 2015

COMMUNICATES

CEDIA Awards Uncovered Setting the Technology Trend Recurring Revenue

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

Contents

MUSIC IN THE STREAM Heather L. Sidorowicz talks us through the available music streaming services

60 SECONDS WITHâ&#x20AC;Ś

10-11

Sawan Nichani, Founder of MacBee, India

AWARDS UNCOVERED The ins and outs of the CI event of the year

TURN UP THE VOLUME A rundown of the latest speakers on the market

22-23

16-20

BLIND CONTROL The future is bright for blind control

SETTING THE TREND CEDIA at the May Design Series

26-27

PARTNERS IN DESIGN Dean Keyworth offers advice on collaborating with Interior Designers

POWER OF CHANGE Discovering the DNA of profitability for your business

30-31

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

Welcomeâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Śto the Spring issue of Communicates, your industry resource for the latest news and stories. This year, we celebrate 10 years of the CEDIA Awards. As we take a look back over the last decade, it is encouraging to see how the industry has evolved, and the part that CEDIA has played in increasing awareness and professionalism in the market. As we head into the second quarter of the year, it is positive to see that membership continues to increase. CEDIA is supporting this growth by announcing three training and networking events within the EMEA region. Education remains strong in the UK too, with new courses being launched, regular Tech Forums being held around the country, and the launch of online education. Outreach education is also important to CEDIA, and it is for this reason, that we are hosting a number of seminar sessions at May Design Series, have introduced a video guide, aimed at consumers, self-builders and developers and are working with the NHBC on a Smart Homes Report for housebuilders. This issue is packed full of CEDIA related information, as well as articles from industry professionals, and product launches. We hope that you find it an informative read.

Wendy Griffiths Executive Director, CEDIA EMEA

Contact Follow us on:

Website : www.cedia.co.uk Email : info@cedia.co.uk Telephone : +44 (0)1480 213744 CEDIA Unit 2 Phoenix Park St Neots Cambridgeshire PE19 8EP, UK Company registration number 3353936

All material in Communicates is the copyright of CEDIA UK and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the publisher. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content published, CEDIA cannot accept responsibility for any factual errors that may occur. CEDIA cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors. Front cover image: MDfx, UK. CEDIA HTP member

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

NEWS IN BRIEF

FORWARD THINKING: SMART METERING DISCUSSED For some time now, the general consensus of the UK public has called for cheaper energy pricing with automated control. As a response, DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) has launched the 2020 Smart Meter roll out, mandating smart meters across every household in the UK. Whilst the main impact will fall on the energy providers, enabling them to not only collect a lot of data on a homeowner’s usage, but to also reduce cost on the billing cycles for them, this could also mean big changes for the CEDIA market space. These devices will allow us to use the meter as a “sensor point,” collecting key pieces of data information (LED light energy consumption, HVAC) and turning this information into a logical function within a smart home. There will be two fundamental requirements to grid these smart appliances network within the home. The first being a ZigBee enabled device, and the second, a home area network (LAN or HAN). For more information on the Smart Meter roll out (2020) or to read the full article from the DECC, please visit www.gov.uk.

REPORTING FROM CEDIA As CEDIA continues to develop relationships with key industry partners, its latest project involves the commission by the NHBC to produce a report into the Smart Homes Market.

STAYING CONNECTED Following the success of the CEDIA Tech Forum last year, the Association is hosting four regional events in the UK in 2015, combining education and training in a one-day format. The events include eight 90 minute product training sessions hosted by CEDIA Trade Supplier members Aldous Systems, Armour, AWE, Cave, HDanywhere, Lutron, LILIN, RTI and Wyrestorm. Held in two separate rooms, two sessions will run simultaneously throughout the day between 9.30am and 5.30pm. The day will conclude with a Connect with CEDIA event in the evening, providing attendees with the opportunity to network with peers and CEDIA representatives. The Connect event will feature a ‘State of the Industry’ discussion, which will allow both members and non-members to discuss key developments within the Smart Home industry, highlighting the introduction of mass market products and what effect this will have on the industry. If you missed the first Tech Forum in Bristol, make sure you book onto one of the other confirmed events taking place over the next few months. 27th May 2015 – London 25th June 2015 - Edinburgh 30th Sept 2015 - Manchester www.cedia.co.uk/cedia-events

The NHBC is the standard setting body, leading home construction warranty and insurance provider for new and newly-converted homes in the UK. The report that CEDIA is working on will provide housebuilders with an introduction to the smart home, and will focus on the importance of ensuring a reliable and stable infrastructure. Readers will be directed to CEDIA’s selection of free literature, including its Smart Home Recommended Wiring Guidelines document, whilst learning more about the products and solutions available for the home in today’s smart technology market.

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! CEDIA has filmed the first in a series of video-guides. Its latest initiative will involve a sequel of videos, created to educate consumers, design professionals, housebuilders and developers. The series will be kick started with “A guide to smart home cabling requirements for the modern home.” After covering the basic understanding of home automation and potentials of integrating these technologies within the everyday home, this video predominantly focuses on CEDIA’s wiring guidelines, pushing the all-important message of ensuring the correct infrastructure in the early stages of installation. Currently in the final stages of editing, the video will shortly be available.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

SETTING THE STANDARD

WELCOME TO CEDIA

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)ÂŽ, CEDIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R10 Residential Systems committee and InfoComm International has announced the publication of ANSI Standard J-STD-710 Audio, Video and Control Architectural Drawing Symbols. This new standard defines a common set of blueprint icons that represents all facets of pre-wire and installation of electronic systems, products and devices in residential and commercial environments.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome its latest members. Thanks for joining the world of CEDIA. 1Install, UK Alltrade, UK Audio One Private, UK Automize, UK Avicci, UK Barco, Belgium

The recently published standard is available free of charge at www.cedia. co.uk/whitepapers. CEA, CEDIA and InfoComm will also soon release icons that can be used in Microsoft Visio, AutoCad, and other drawing programs.

Bryanston Research, UK BSI Ltd, Ukraine Casadigi, India CIE-Group, UK Clavia, UK Contec Intelligent Housing, Israel Core Technology Projects, UK

NEW EDUCATION COURSE

Creation AV, UK

CEDIA has responded to recent industry developments by launching a new education course entitled 3D Audio and Immersive Sound for Home Cinema.

Crestron France

This one day course provides key information on the new and immersive 3D audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D and DTS:X. Attendees will learn the design criteria and installation requirements for the three new audio formats, in a fast paced and dynamic educational day. Speaker configurations and acoustic design issues are a main focus point. Decoders and amplification will also be discussed as are wiring considerations for new installations.

Euronetwork, UK

The first training session will be held on Friday 12th June at CEDIA HQ in St. Neots. To find out more, and to book a place, visit www.cediaeducation.com/courses

CEDIA TRAINING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS CEDIA launched its online education platform earlier this year, and is now offering over 100 online courses and webinars which will help members further their technical, business and marketing knowledge. The online courses will also help those who are currently CEDIA certified and need to collect Continuous Education Units (CEU) to maintain their certification. In an attempt to make it an even more attractive offer, CEDIA is allowing its members to redeem their Education Vouchers against these courses. For a limited six month period, one voucher can be used against TWO online courses. If you have a voucher and would like to use it for online training, please email education@cedia.co.uk. For a full list of available courses, visit www.cediaeducation.com/resources

Electric String Limited, UK Electrical Technolo-G, UK Grand Information Technologies, UAE HTI, UK illumin8 Lighting, UK iNELS, Czech Republic Interconnection, UK I-Vizion, UK JBA Electritech, UK Jones Designs, UK Kewtron, UK Lamont Consultants, UK Lider Tech Sp. Z O.o., Poland Lighting By Design, UK Loxone UK M.E.G.A. AV Installations, UK Mango Vision, UK Midnight Integrated Systems, UK Pinchpoint, UK Remote Living Designs, UK Roger Dubois, France Seven Amps, UK Silicon Line GmbH, Germany Small Cloud, UK Sound & Vision UK Synergy Smart Homes, UK System Integrator, Croatia TCH Advanced Integration, Cyprus Webstract, UK

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

MUSIC IN THE STREAM Heather L. Sidorowicz

President of US integration firm Southtown Audio asks what is the right streaming service for our clients? My name is Heather, and I am a streamer. I have been streaming music, for years, and I do it for hours daily. Steaming music has changed my life. Yes, a dramatic statement, but a true one. We all know that music makes you feel better, whether it be transporting you back in time or just a beat that keeps you going throughout the day. For that reason, I strive to give my clients that same great experience; to allow them to not only play music, but great music through a great system throughout their home. After all, isn’t it our responsibility to enlighten end-users on what streaming services exist, and to encourage them to move towards the better streaming services? What does better constitute – better audio quality or better experience overall? The iPod took off not because it was a step up in listening, and not only because it gave better access to music, but because of its simplicity. In the states, Pandora is king, and out of the top five services, it is the worst in audio quality (192Kbps) and has the least amount of tracks available – a mere million. Licensing constraints mean that Europeans who want to try Pandora are likely to have to wait a few years yet, but if and when it does make it over, here’s what you need to know. Pandora is about music discovery; enter the name of your favourite artist and their ‘Music Genome Project’ finds songs with a similar algorithm to create a personal station for you. The more you ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ a song, the more tailored the algorithm becomes. It is a brainless way to listen to

music, just not a great way to listen to specific songs/albums - should you be into that sort of thing. Pandora now has 85 million active listeners. Spotify, the King in Europe, is now reporting they have over 60 million users according to The Verge. Although they dominate Pandora when it comes to track availability - 30 million, many of them are Karaoke versions and bad covers. When I searched ‘Living on a Prayer’ by Jon Bon Jovi, I received the same named song by Jon Joni. That said, Spotify is a fantastic option for creating that perfect playlist or playing full albums of many artists, and streaming at 320 Kbps, they are giving you better quality than Pandora. Rdio, a service similar to Spotify, is estimated to now have 32 million users in 85 countries with 20 million songs. Rdio, founded by Janus Friis, cocreator of Skype, only streams at the same bitrate as Pandora (192Kbps). Deezer’s 16 bit/ 44.1 kHz CDquality audio is a high-quality option and gaining hold with their 16 million users and 35 million tracks. Currently, in the US, Deezer is exclusive to Sonos. Can you really hear the difference between Pandora’s 192Kbps and Deezer’s CD-quality on a Sonos Play One? However, if we, the home technology installers, are installing the system, surely we are using Connect Amps with better speakers where there would be a noticeable difference.

Tidal has been making waves recently. Although they may only have just over a half a million subscribers, they do boast an impressive 25 million tracks, which is comparable to the big players. Similar to Deezer, the difference is the quality. Tidal is streaming FLAC at 1411Kbps – a lossless format. The service, owned by Jay-Z, preaches about more money for the artists. Personally, while I do not believe in stealing music, I also do not believe these artists are standing in soup lines. Do our clients yearn for highresolution audio quality? For years, audiophiles were screaming about the audio quality in iPods and MP3 players, while the rest of the world gobbled up more music than it had ever known. The mass-market has been willing to exchange quality for quantity and accessibility. Can you make money by teaching your clients these technologies exist? Absolutely. Do not concern yourself with the loss of a dualtuner sale, think of the larger market that streaming is cracking open. Streaming is here to stay, and we are sure to see the competition increase, driving high-quality audio and lower prices. Multi-room audio is becoming a luxury available to all with hybrid systems, allowing us to put a wireless speaker in places we could not before. Combine them with great sounding speakers in other rooms, and the entire idea is just more accessible than ever. Our job is to improve the client’s quality of life with technology, to become their technology partner, and to do this, we have to understand, and sort through the tools. We do have a responsibility to push good audio, but we cannot lose sight of the user experience along the way.

FOLLOW HEATHER : @Tech_Chi

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

CEDIA AWARDS

Hall of Fame AS WE CELEBRATE TEN YEARS OF THE CEDIA AWARDS THIS YEAR, WE TAKE A LOOK DOWN MEMORY LANE…

The CEDIA Awards began in 2006, when 4K screens or Auro 3D were unheard of. Yet, at this stage, CEDIA members were already impressing the judges with technologically advanced projects. Ten years down the line and CEDIA is still blown away by the innovative projects that are being entered into the scheme. The CEDIA Awards provides an opportunity for industry experts to share their successes and to be recognised on a global scale by fellow industry professionals, by the press and by the public. 2006 - The CEDIA Awards was born. CEDIA held an informal ceremony at the CEDIA UK EXPO, where six awards including “Best Stand at CEDIA UK EXPO” and “Best Installation over £100,000” were picked up. 2007 - T&T Automation’s “Project C” won Best Integrated Home over £100,000 for its “sophisticated” and “aesthetically well resolved” entry. 2008 - ‘Gadget-girl’ celebrity, Suzi Perry presented the industry awards for CEDIA’s growing list of 12 categories. SMC won the award for its project “Cemetery House” which featured an audio-visual system which could ‘wake the dead’! 2009 - Mehernosh Pervez of Sound Decisions Ltd, India and winner of Best Integrated Home over £100,000 said “I think CEDIA is the industry platform to showcase our work and it’s a great honour and very encouraging to have this Association by your side, helping you always to reach higher and setting bigger goals ahead.” 2010 - MR Domotica scooped a prize for its project ‘Rural Media’ based in the Netherlands, where one simple touch of the wireless Crestron touch panel closed the blinds in an ahead-of-its-time automation process.

2011 - Henri Intégrateur Domotique impressed the judges with ‘Villa des Amis,’ a property in France which featured lighting, whole-home audio, video, security, and control of all electronic devices, extending across all four floors of the property. 2012 - A Hollywood-inspired home cinema was put forward by Cinema Architects in South Africa. The creative challenge listed a 3m metre micro perforated Harkness Projector Screen, a High Definition Panasonic Home Cinema Projector and Paradigm Sound System within its kit list. 2013 - CEDIA celebrated its awards in the majestic grounds of the Tower of London, where over 300 guests gathered to await the results of 16 categories, including “Best Marine Installation” and “Best Integrated Home over £250,000”. As a result of winning an award, Complete Home Control stormed national titles with its stunning ‘Birch House’. 2014 - CEDIA produced a 116 page year book, the largest to date. Over 150 entries from across the EMEA region were considered for the industry’s most sought after accolade. TV and radio comedian, Jon Culshaw hosted the ceremony which took place at the Old Royal Naval College.

2015 - It is now your turn to make history and play your part in Smart Home history by scooping the industry’s ultimate award.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

60 SECONDS WITH…

Sawan Nichani Who are you? Sawan Nichani What’s your company and where is it based? MacBee, Based in New Delhi, India How did you get into the industry? After a decade in the music industry, producing and recording, I got into designing systems for studios based on Macs. This led to a couple of high-end homeowners facing issues with their networks, media servers and home theatres. I started reintegrating and fixing some installs, and a few years later, my business is focused on custom integration for high-end homes. What’s your favourite project and why? My favourite project is a home theatre that I recently did, where I had complete freedom to choose any equipment I wanted, in a given substantial budget. Since the space had its limitations, the client pushed us to fight for every inch, trying to get the maximum screen size, and seating capacity, yet keeping it technically correct and meeting all CEDIA Recommended Practices. We delivered on this! It was a great learning experience. Which custom installation technology do you consider the most important today and why? Networks are the most important part of any install today. If you have a deep understanding of how the IP works, you will have great performing installs. You hosted a training session at ISE for CEDIA this year. How did you enjoy the experience? I was nervous for the first 15 minutes, and then got in the groove! Training makes you learn more. It was an amazing experience.

How long have you been a CEDIA member? I have been a member for two years, but I have been attending CEDIA training for the past 4 years. What do your consider your biggest achievement as a CEDIA member? The knowledge, the exposure and the resources. What would it mean for you to win a CEDIA Award? Sometimes our efforts as custom installers and system designers make a big difference in a customer’s life, sometimes they don’t. But this award is a sign that we are shooting for the right goal. It would be more than an honour! CEDIA is returning to India this year to host a training and networking event following two successful events previously. What are your thoughts on these events? These events are creating a buzz in the industry here. It’s actually making people aware that this business is not just moving boxes, it’s so much more. With each event, there is growth of the professionalism in the industry. I feel that we should have these events more often! What’s the biggest issue for custom installation businesses today and how can they deal with it? The biggest issue today – here in India – is that every plumber, electrician and contractor has access to the same equipment as us, which they can sell to the customer and claim to be installers. Without proper knowledge and the knowhow, they actually end up giving bad experiences, which in turn, reflects on everyone trying to do it right. I get more fixing jobs and frustrated clients now than ever before. The only way to fix this is

“

Networks are the most important part of any install today

by creating more awareness about CEDIA certified professionals who follow industry standard guidelines. It should become a basic necessity to be a certified installer before they can get access to the equipment from a given distributor. It won’t happen overnight – but it will eventually. If there was one thing you could change in the industry what would it be? Bring more awareness amongst industry professionals to invest in their education and start following standards. If you weren’t in the custom installation sector, what would you like to be doing and why? I’d probably be producing music. FOLLOW SAWAN : @S4W4N

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

MARKS THE SPOT FOR 3D AUDIO Steve May reports Dolby rival DTS has revealed its next gen audio format, and it sounds like music to an installer’s ears. Expect a whole lot of noise about the 3D audio revolution now that DTS has waded into the fray. A long standing evangelist for immersive sound, the Californian-based outfit has just unveiled DTS:X, an object-based rival to Dolby Atmos - and it’s already sounding like good news for custom installers. What makes the DTS proposition profoundly different to Atmos (and the increasingly forlorn Auro-3D) is that there’s no prescribed number of audio channels or speaker configuration to accommodate. Instead, the DTS:X renderer remaps to whatever layout you care to provide (within reason), within a hemispherical layout. This makes it a pain-free option if you’re retrofitting an existing home theatre or upgrading an existing 5.2.4 (or thereabouts) layout. Metadata in the DTS:X bitstream points sonic objects within whatever speaker configuration it’s been told you have. Not that you’ll get away with spacing fewer speakers than before. Compatible high-end hardware will typically support an 11.2 array.

The DTS:X soundtrack itself comprises the DTS Core element, plus DTS-HD MA and DTS:X residuals. The latter includes all the object metadata used to reconstruct a lossless object-based playback. Naturally, DTS:X is backwards compatible with DTS-HD Master Audio, and will remap stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 content using a so-called Neural:X spatial reformatting engine. This is an evolution of the brand’s previous Neo:X and Neural Surround modes. “All I know is that it sounds amazing on existing DTS- HD Master Audio titles,” enthuses Dave Casey, Senior Program Director for DTS:X. It also offers something that Dolby Atmos doesn’t; it can treat the entire dialogue track as an independent object, and allow it to be manipulated within the mix. In a movie scenario, this means a listener can boost the dialogue level to suit specific listening conditions, alternatively it can allow viewers of sports programming to mute or toggle commentaries, or maximise the crowd noise from one end of the pitch. This sleight of ear makes it particularly appealing to broadcasters.

DTS:X is built upon MDA (Multi Dimensional Audio), an open platform for object-based audio that’s available to content makers license fee-free. This appears to be a workflow Trojan horse that positively encourages material to be mixed in a format that dovetails with DTS:X. Intriguingly, there are DTS:X iterations for both theatrical and in-home use. The technology effectively marks a return to the commercial cinema space for DTS, after it flogged off its Jurassic Park theatrical audio arm, which in turn begat Datasat. Carmike Cinemas, one of the largest operators in the US, has already announced a DTS:X upgrade for theatres this summer. At present there’s no word of any commercial DTS:X installations for Europe or the UK. Home hardware support is going to be wide and deep. Compatible AV receivers are promised from Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Integra, Yamaha and Pioneer. Higherend processor back-up comes from names that will make installers trump in delight: Steinway Lyngdorf, Theta Digital and Trinnov Audio. DSP solutions are being developed by Cirrus Logic, Analogue Devices and Texas Instruments.

DTS:X is also very much part of the new high-res audio revolution, supporting lossless encoding for the highest audio quality possible. When bitrates need to be managed, DTS:X can operate in a high-quality loss mode. Expect 24-bit/192kHz for multichannel and 96kHz for object mixes. Of course, there’s no talk yet of compatible software. The company will say only that its authoring tools are currently being evaluated by ten studio partners. Given DTS’s dominance in Blu-ray audio, it’s a fair assumption that those Hollywood heavy hitters who have yet to show any real enthusiasm for Dolby Atmos, will end up announcing something before the end of the year. FOLLOW STEVE : @SteveMay_UK

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

WHAT ’S YOUR FAVOURITE

CEDIA SUBJECT?

EXCLUSIVELY FOR COMMUNICATES, CEDIA SPEAKS WITH SOME OF ITS MOST RECENT STUDENTS TO FIND OUT WHICH COURSES HAVE BEEN THE MOST BENEFICIAL. David Housley of Cyberhomes votes Home Cinema Design Workshop (attended 19-20th January 2015)

At Cyberhomes, we have a policy of continuous development for our staff; therefore, CEDIA training programmes are extremely important. Most significantly for me, CEDIA’s Home Cinema Design Workshop covered cinema design concepts and how to manage the first stages of client liaison for a full and thorough brief. We have since implemented the knowledge and advice learned of these key elements to form part of our “Cyberhomes Best Practice Guide”.

CEDIA’s Wireless Residential Networking course has extended my networking capabilities, which I have already applied to client projects within the workplace. It has also enabled me to understand the theory behind applying situations to real life scenarios instead of looking at it on paper. When diagnosing faults, I now understand why things haven’t worked in previous situations and that’s invaluable. I now plan to attend the Advanced Residential Networking course in October to continue learning and extending my knowledge of this subject.

David Duthie, Arc Scotland Ltd votes An Introduction to Designing & Installing Audio, Video & Home Cinema (attended 18th March 2015)

This introduction training course proved extremely helpful in my understanding of the main elements involved in custom design and installation. Even though I am very new to this industry and am not from a computer background, the course and explanations were broken down to make learning technical subjects understandable and fully explained. I aim to become a fully qualified smart home installer and I realise CEDIA education is the best place to start.

I attended CEDIA’s Home Cinema Design Workshop to understand more about the key principles of cinema design and to deliver this effectively to our customers. I came away from this workshop having learnt all the information I was looking for and more. I found the two days to be structured and delivered at a manageable speed with great course content, which is why this session gets my vote.

Daniel Newton of iHomes Cheshire votes EST2 Technical School (attended 2nd March 2015)

Tom Jarvis of Visualization Limited votes Wireless Residential Networking (attended 26th March 2015)

Paul Newsome of Intelligent AV votes Home Cinema Design Workshop (attended 19-20th January 2015)

This EST2 course offers a great knowledge base for the CI industry by covering technical aspects, from networking and home theatre, to RF Systems. The training team clearly have years of experience and a vast fountain of knowledge. Paired with enthusiasm and a genuine interest in helping others develop, this course was a joy to attend. I would summarise my experience at CEDIA’s EST2 Technical School as great training on great subjects, awarding myself and my company an internationally recognised certification by the end of it.

I was particularly impressed by the knowledge and obvious experience of our tutor who was very clued up on all subjects, making the course interesting and informative. I was particularly impressed by the useful demonstrations with sound, vision and networking and could not advise a friendlier environment for easy and detailed learning.

David Rae of David Rae Electrical votes An Introduction to Designing & Installing Audio, Video & Home Cinema (attended 18th March 2015)

Have these comments inspired you to attend a CEDIA training course? If so, why not visit www.cediaeducation.com to find the course that is right for you.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

INTER N AT I O N A L NE WS

I D N

CEDIA UPS ITS GAME IN INDIA

Over the past two years, India has been one of the most successful international markets for CEDIA. Having hosted two previous events in the country, the number of members increased dramatically. CEDIA now has 34 local members, which is an indication of India’s custom installation industry’s commitment to delivering top quality, professional projects for customers. Since this surge of members, CEDIA has been supporting these companies, both in and out of the country. CEDIA met up with a number of its members at ISE early this year, where the team had positive conversations about the smart home industry, and the activities which CEDIA has been working on. One member in particular has been extremely active in promoting CEDIA, and at ISE, hosted a training session for the association. Sawan Nichani, founder of MacBee (the first company in India to design its own home automation software, BeeMote) delivered a specialist education session on video calibration.

‘Get the Picture? – Introduction to Video Calibration’ provided attendees with an overview of the complete professional calibration process. Previously, CEDIA partnered with the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) Mumbai Regional Chapter to host a Home Technology Conference. The conference focused on how design professionals can integrate technology into their projects and saw around 30 architects and interior designers at the event. This was a great outreach activity, and bridged the gap between CEDIA members and the design community. CEDIA has been pushing its message, and the work of its members via advertising and editorial. What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision covered two impressive projects from Sound Decisions and Trescent Lifestyles. This type of editorial allows CEDIA to highlight the professionalism of its members, which is beneficial to the installer, the brands used on the projects, and CEDIA itself. CEDIA is pleased to announce that it will be returning to India later this year, to provide education to its members and the wider industry. The association will be present in New Delhi from the 14th to the 18th September, where it will host a five day training and networking event at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi.

Advert in May issue of What Hi-Fi?

CEDIA is the International Trade Association for the Home Technology Industry

Whether you are building a new home, remodelling, updating your electronics or just need some help from a specialist, CEDIA members are your trusted home technology partners. Visit www.cedia.org to find a CEDIA professional in your area using the free online Finder Service. Company

City

Phone

Company

City

Phone

Madhav Enterprise

Ahmedabad

91 28 1292 6644

Lakozy Impex & Services

Mumbai

91 22 2369 7001

Vinshek Marketing

Ahmedabad

91 79 2685 7539

Radio Ga Ga

Mumbai

91 22 24141323

ARN Systems

Bangalore

91 80 4145 9999

Sound Decisions

Mumbai

91 22 2677 2339

91 22 6696 3641 91 17 2498 1685

Cinerama

Bangalore

Trescent Lifestyles

Mumbai

91 22 2493 9473

Simphony

Chandigarh

Yograj Services

Mumbai

91 22 2207 1207

Speedfreaks

Chennai

91 98 4090 4059

NEO Home Automation

Mumbai

91 98 2105 3395

Tejas Innovative Solutions

Chennai

91 44 4214 7999

Anusha Technovision

New Delhi

91 22 6576 4366

Achme Communication

Coimbatore

91 42 2256 3666

M.N. Corporation

New Delhi

91 11 6468 7451

Soundroom Lifestyle Technologies

Hyderbad

91 40 4029 3004

MacBee

New Delhi

91 88 0083 5127

Galaxy HiFi

Mohali

91 172 462 4005

Lakozy Delhi

New Delhi

91 11 4683 8373

AVI Sound Consultancy

Mumbai

91 22 6600 5000

AVXellence

Pune

Boom Audio

Mumbai

91 22 6770 6262

Tech Innovance

Pune

CCI Intertrade

Mumbai

91 22 6635 1888

Absolute Sound

Surat

91 98 2513 3320

Entelechy Automation

Mumbai

91 22 4225 8200

Audiovision

Tirupur

91 93 6001 1328

91 20 2616 5000 91 84 1100 0497

Home Technology, Professionally Installed

CEDIA will be confirming training course details in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email education@cedia.co.uk.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

The CEDIA Awards 2015… AWARDS PARTICIPATION

AWARDS PARTICIPATION

D E R E V O C N U AWARDS PARTICIPATION

PR COVERAGE

Get involved

Discounted Training

ith the hotly anticipated CEDIA Awards ceremony just around the corner, CEDIA provides a rundown of what to AWARDS PR PR Discounted expect on the night,COVERAGE explaining the ins and outs of the event that PARTICIPATION COVERAGE Training is listed in the diaries of custom install professionals. WHO?

Get involved

PR COVERAGE

Discounted Training

WHAT?

As the Association for the custom install market, CEDIA has hosted its awards scheme for ten years. Every year, CEDIA members from across the EMEA region (the UK, Europe, Russia and the CIS, Middle Get Industry East, India, Pakistan and Africa) put their involved Resources best projects forward with the aim of being recognised for their high quality system design, installation and integration.

Get involved

Discounted Training

Industry Resources

The prestigious awards ceremony stands firmly as one of the biggest events in the custom install calendar, recognising and promoting high quality system design, installation and integration within the smart Industry Discounted home industry.

Resources

Stand Space

Since 2006, CEDIA has awarded a total of 121 winners in categories covering Best Integrated Home, Best Yacht Installation and Best Training Initiative. Last year, the scheme attracted over 150 impressive entries from 16 different countries; the winners included a mixture of Home Technology Industry Discounted Professionals and Trade Suppliers. Resources Stand Space

In 2015, CEDIA will be announcing the winners of eighteen different categories, for both trade supplier and home technology professional members. CEDIA will also be recognising and celebrating the contribution of individuals to the work of CEDIA, and the development and growth of the residential custom installation industry with its Special Recognition Award. WHERE? Attendees to this year’s CEDIA Awards will walk amongst history’s most magnificent animals and natural phenomena at the Natural History Museum in London. This world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre welcomes CEDIA and its guests to be enthralled by the 80 million specimens on display, whilst celebrating the industry’s most impressive

Discounted Stand Space

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custom installation projects of 2015.

WHY?

The night will commence with a drinks reception before moving into the Hintze Hall for the presentation, under the watchful eye of Dippy, the iconic 26-meter Diplodocus cast.

As well as celebrating excellence in residential custom installation, the event provides CEDIA with the opportunity to support a charity. This year, CEDIA has announced WaterAid UK as its nominated charity.

WHEN?

WaterAid is an international charity dedicated to transforming lives by improving access to safe water, improving hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. With a progressive and sustainable ethos, WaterAid works with local partners to help invest in the future of local communities to ensure the good work continues.

This year’s event is being held on Friday 3rd July. Tickets are now on sale for the CEDIA Awards black tie event, including a sit down dinner and drinks. Early bird tickets are priced at £140.00 per person for members and £175.00 per person for non-members. Please visit www.cediaawards.org for further information, including the price for a table of ten guests. The early bird discount is available until 22nd May 2015.

As the chosen charity, WaterAid UK will receive £5 from the sale of each CEDIA Award’s ticket. HOW? Of course, none of this could be achieved without the support of sponsors. AMX, Rako, Kaleidescape, Pulse Cinemas, Origin Acoustics and LILIN are all supporting the event this year. AMX will hold an exclusive sponsorship of the pre-dinner drinks reception.

For more information on the CEDIA Awards, please visit www.cediaawards.org

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C A S E S T U DY

FROM RETAIL TO CI

Ashley Shorey-Mills, General Manager at Hughes Smart Home talks through a recent residential project and explains the key factors to completing a housing development project successfully.

Hughes Smart Home was launched in 2013, after Hughes spotted the opportunity to expand into the smart home sector. Two years down the line, and our recent success has been a large housing development project in Suffolk. Still fairly new to the industry, we are learning as we go along, but through past projects, we have been able to identify the key factors to completing a project successfully, and put these into practice on this project.

to meet again to discuss how we could work with them on this project.

Meeting the client and developing a relationship

We visited their home a few weeks later, and then met on site to discuss the project - a conversion of a historic listed building into over thirty apartments. This was our opportunity to prove to the client that we had the knowledge and skills to take on this project. We studied the plans, and advised on what technology could be installed in the apartments.

We met the client by chance at the Suffolk Show, an agricultural event in May 2014. While the conversation was initially regarding their interest in Sonos for their own property, it soon moved on to the fact that they were planning a housing development project. We took this opportunity to explain what Hughes Smart Home does, and having very quickly developed a rapport, we agreed

The client was particularly impressed with how we had approached the project, as we took the time to meet up on several occasions, talk through each stage with them and werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pushy in trying to win the project. We developed a relationship of trust, as we had provided the appropriate advice and guidance and had demonstrated that we could achieve. Thanks to this process, we won the project.

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Planning is essential Once we had the go ahead, we explained the importance of planning. From attending CEDIA training and downloading resources such as the Smart Home Recommended Wiring Guidelines, we are aware of how vital it is to get the infrastructure put in place at the beginning of a project. We provided the client with the guidelines on what was required for the infrastructure of each apartment, including cabling, signalling and positioning. Our plans were put into practice, and we worked with the builders and electricians to ensure every room was set up with the appropriate cabling. Over the next few months, we visited the site on numerous occasions to keep up to date with how the project was progressing and amended as required. We agreed positioning of cable points, positioning of services and the amount of cables. We met with the client in early autumn to discuss the specific products that we would be looking to install in the apartments. We had an open discussion, which included us suggesting what solutions would be suitable, and the client selecting what they wanted and at what budget for each apartment. We were able to make further suggestions and demonstrate the benefits that the extra spend would bring to the homeowner, and also the value to the housebuilder. A win-win for everyone. We continued to visit the project throughout the process, before starting to install the goods this year. Due to the forward planning, we were able to cut in-ceiling speakers and add wall mounts, with the cabling already in place behind the walls, exactly where it was specâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Turning problems into solutions As with most projects, there were a few stumbling blocks. We had the odd issue where plans had not been stuck too, but due to enough preparation, we were able to work with the developer to solve issues with ease. This was down to the fact that the education of infrastructure and technology had been evident throughout.

WE HAD DEVELOPED A RELATIONSHIP OF TRUST, AS WE HAD PROVIDED THE APPROPRIATE ADVICE

Successful end result and follow up business The first show apartments have been completed and the feedback from the sales team has been fantastic, as they have been able to use the technology as part of the sales process. This has helped sell the benefits of technology right from the start. The aim is that people will buy the apartments with our products already installed, but even if not, they will be made aware of us as the key supplier and will come to us for technology, kitchen appliances and anything else that they require. We believe that this is down to the relationship and involvement that we had with all parties from day one. The overwhelming message from this project is that getting clients to understand and invest from the start in technology and infrastructure, means that when it comes to installing products, of any type, it is a far simpler and easier process for all involved. www.hughes.co.uk

FOLLOW HUGHES : @HSmartHome

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TRAINING & EVENTS CALENDAR May 2-10 Grand Designs Live 2015 ExCeL, London

Introduction to Smart Home Technology

CEDIA Outreach Instructor

Wigan, Greater Manchester

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

12-13

17-19

19-20

Residential Networking

Home Technology Showcase

May Design Series

CEDIA Outreach Instructor

Lighting Design Package

Wigan, Greater Manchester

Weybridge, Surrey

London

Warsaw, Poland

Epsom, Surrey

26-28

Smart Home Technology CPD Event

CEDIA Technician EST1 Bootcamp

CEDIA Tech Forum

Rack Building & Wiring Fundamentals

Victoria, London

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

London

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

June 1-5

2-3

9-10

Vision Show

RIBA Roadshow

Residential Networking Specialist Exam

Essential Install Live! South

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

Olympia, London

Southampton

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

Sandown Park, Surrey

16-18

3D Audio & Immersive Sound for Home Cinema

Lighting Design Package

IET Seminar

CEDIA Outreach Instructor

London

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

Technical School & EST2 Exam

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

Wigan, Greater Manchester

24-25

Introduction to CAD Design

Home Cinema Design Package

CEDIA Tech Forum

CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

Edinburgh, Scotland

July 3

14-17

CEDIA Awards 2015 Ceremony

THX Video Calibration Levels 1&2

Natural History Museum, London

Book training at www.cediaeducation.com/courses

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Jane Ollis, Managing Director of RIFT Research & Development asks the question -

Are you getting credit where credit is due? Could you be one of the millions of small businesses in the UK missing out on an openly available Government incentive? Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is the UK’s largest funding source for businesses who are innovating, so delivering an improved product, process, device, material or service – a problem solved. Both Trade Supplier and Home Technology Professional members have submitted entries in the CEDIA Awards Best Custom Solution and Best Innovative Product categories.. This is a good indication that CEDIA members could be entitled to tax credits. It is for this reason that CEDIA has developed a relationship with RIFT, who have successfully worked with small businesses to claim back Tax Credits for technical developments, with an average claim of £46,000. Who is RIFT? As a family business working collaboratively with HMRC since 1999, RIFT is a recognised and established team, well versed in this scheme. If you have activity that qualifies, RIFT will help your business secure what could be a game changing amount of money. This is a Government subsidy, just sat there, waiting to be claimed. It can deliver a huge reduction in your corporation tax or give you a cash injection. Many business owners don’t realise that business development activities they are already carrying out qualify for this scheme. RIFT is 100% successful in helping our clients evaluate and claim money back, or gain tax relief on advances and innovations they have made all with no upfront fee and minimal disruption to your business.

Reasons for CEDIA members to stand up and take notice R&D Tax Claims If you have designed an innovative and unique product solution for your business or a client, then you could be entitled to a tax refund.

The most important phrase in HMRC’s definition of R&D for this form of tax relief, is as follows: “The advance in science and technology must involve resolution of a scientific or technological uncertainty”

PAYE Tax Rebate If you or your employees drive their own vehicle to different sites, RIFT can also help you with this. CEDIA members are entitled to a discount for a percentage based fee charged for all successful claims.

Find out if RIFT Research & Development can help you and your business. Please visit www.riftresearch.com or call +44 (0)1233 653002 for more information.

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TURN TURN UP UP THE THE UP THE VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME

Speakers are a fundamental element for any smart home installation. Installers have the wide range of options, including loudspeakers, in-wall and in-ceiling, bookshelf and floor standing speakers. Here, CEDIA gives you a rundown of the latest new products on the market. ALDOUS SYSTEMS

SPEAKERCRAFT More revolutionary than evolutionary, SpeakerCraft AIM Series 2 has been 100% re-crafted to support sophisticated installations, demanding sonic performance, and advanced objectbased surround audio platforms such as Dolby Atmos®, Auro-3D®, and DTS:X®. The recrafting effort addresses every aspect of the speaker, from front to back, resulting in a sound solution you’ll have to hear to believe. AIM Series 2 adapts technology that was once only utilised in large sound reinforcement experiences, and introduces the adjustable pivoting ARC Tweeter Array™ that is nothing short of groundbreaking. By incorporating multiple tweeters in a line array, AIM Series 2 delivers focused high frequencies further into the listening area than standard tweeter configurations. The ARC Tweeter Array lowers the crossover point to increase the sound pressure level at the critical mid-range frequencies so that acoustically, listeners enjoy a much larger sweet spot. www.aldoussystems.co.uk

ALLTRADE -

BLUCUBE With the ongoing success of Sonos multi-room audio, Alltrade has expanded its architectural loudspeaker offering with a complete range of BluCube in-wall, in-ceiling and weatherproof loudspeakers. BluCube has been designed to offer brand-name performance and reliability at the fraction of the cost, and is an ideal match for Alltrade’s comprehensive Sonos offering to the trade.

The entry level BluCube CCL in-ceiling loudspeaker is a value-oriented 6.5in 2-way coaxial speaker packed with features including magnetic grilles, low profile fittings and +/- 3dB equalisation. The BluCube CXC range steps up the performance and versatility with a six-strong line-up of models, including single speaker stereo, circular and rectangular speakers featuring 6.5in and 8in mid-bass drivers. The flagship CXCL models are high performance design with outstanding efficiency and power handling, boasting features such as Kevlar drivers, dual voice coils and auto-protection. BluCube speakers are 8ohm or 4/8ohm switchable impedance making them the ideal partner to the Sonos Connect Amp. www.alltrade.co.uk

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AMINA TECHNOLOGIES Amina Technologies has launched the new ‘i’ series upgrade to its flagship audiophile AIW750 Invisible Loudspeaker. Plastered in to walls and ceilings, the AIW750i is designed to recreate high definition audio without interfering in any way with the aesthetic design of a home. The i version now features two of the company’s Excelsior class exciter, designed using the latest virtual domain computer intensive software modelling techniques to deliver super linearity of response only dreamt possible in the very best audiophile products. The AIW750i features two separate panel loudspeakers per channel of audio. One, physically larger panel, is focussed on producing the lower audio range. The second physically narrower devices reproduces the mid and high frequencies. This separation of functions enables the combined device to reproduce high power, very low frequency sounds, whilst at the same time creating a spatially open and incredibly fast and detailed response. The 750i also features a revolutionary refinement of the company’s opti-damping technology resulting in a beautifully smooth and refined sound free from exaggerated sibilance that characterise lesser products. www.amina.co.uk

AWE -

KINETIK The Kinetik range of speakers, which is available through AWE, includes the in-ceiling KISP-E130 LP model which provides top class performance and affordability.

GIRA The new Gira RDS flush-mounted radio simply sits in the wall as light switches or socket outlets do. This prevents annoying cables and keeps work surfaces and counters free. The loudspeaker has a completely new design concept to give the radio a pure, voluminous sound, and excellent stereo quality when the optionally available Gira supplementary loudspeaker is connected. Its capacitive sensor field and the high-quality display for information and station-specific data make the intuitive operation especially convenient and easy. www.gira.de

HABITECH -

SONANCE Built for finer integration, America’s original and bestselling custom speaker range, Sonance gives you so much more than great sound. When it comes to innovation, quality, variety and longevity, no custom speaker brand can rival the force of engineering that is Sonance. Today, with over 500 SKUs across nine Sonance product lines, Habitech can offer you the most complete blend of great sound with architecture inside and outside the property, to help you turn the conversation away from selling speakers to the more exciting and lucrative possibilities of integrated design in every living space imaginable.

The compact, low profile speaker boasts a two way array design which includes a 130mm Polypropylene driver and 19mm tweeter. This centralised pivoting silk dome tweeter can be angled 30 degrees in any direction from the centre, thanks to its ball and socket design. This allows users to direct sound exactly where it is needed for any surround sound setup. An attractive ultra-low profile circular grille provides a great, neat finish, attaching magnetically, so that installation is as quick and easy as possible for the custom installer. With dynamic sound, pristine clarity and attractive aesthetics, the Kinetik KISP-E130-LP is the clear choice for all installers seeking a reliable and quality build at affordable prices. www.awe-europe.com

For instance, the Sonance Architectural Series offers 3½” (100mm) in-ceiling speakers that match perfectly with downlighters round or square. Combinations of sats and bandpass subs provide exemplary sound quality with beautiful aesthetics so you can talk about overall ceiling design, combining the audio and lighting elements as part of the room concept and budget. For excellent versatility, performance and concealment combined the Visual Performance Series offers a size, shape and quality level for every application. www.habitech.co.uk

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INVISION UK -

ORIGIN ACOUSTICS Improving the way you experience sound has been the focus of the Origin team for over three decades. The Director Collection’s incredible performance is a direct result of their passion and commitment. Although a loudspeaker is much more than the sum of its individual parts, the quality of those parts is still a critical component in the speaker’s design. Every single element of an Origin speaker is carefully chosen with one goal in mind, to create the most awe inspiring sonic impression possible. The Director Collection is filled with these innovations, from the patented tweeter design to the tool-less mounting system, from the unique woofer surround to the pivoting mid/tweeter assembly, these speakers sound better because they are better. One of the greatest benefits of the Director Collection is its incredible dispersion. The pattern of sound is wider than any other ceiling speaker on the market. This means better coverage and greater flexibility in speaker placement. In addition, the speaker’s unparalleled pivoting ability allows for the sound to be focused at the listening area regardless of where the speaker is positioned. These two elements are the final step in delivering incredible sound quality to the ear of the listener. www.invisionUK.com

PULSE MARKETING -

TRIAD

The Triad InRoom Bronze LR-H speaker, which is available through Pulse Cinemas is designed for Dolby® Atmos enabled systems. It is two systems in one - a traditional forward-firing InRoom Bronze LCR speaker and an upward-firing height speaker in one cabinet. These speakers have two sets of binding posts, one for the traditional speaker and one for the upward firing Dolby® Atmos-enabled speaker. An unlimited array of custom veneer finishes and custom paint matching are available to blend with the environment.

KEF The KEF Ci200RR-THX in-ceiling speaker is part of the Extreme Home Theatre range of custom install models from KEF. Featuring KEF’s patented Uni-Q driver design and tangerine waveguide, this model creates an immersive soundstage that envelopes the entire room. Also utilising KEF’s ingenious Ultra-Thin Bezel (UTB) design, the Ci200RR-THX is discreet enough to install into any room. Hide your speakers, not your sound. For the ultimate in Extreme Home Theatre, KEF’s formidable custom installed THX models have the same jaw-dropping acoustic capabilities of our class-leading floorstanders, with all the drama and emotional intensity of full theatre sound quality. Certified to THX Ultra 2 standards, the range comprises of the Ci200RR-THX, Ci3160RL-THX & Ci5160RLTHX. These advanced high output speakers can be complimented by one of the world’s first THX Ultra2 in-wall subwoofers, the sensational Ci3160Rlb-THX. Together they set a new standard of audio excellence for any space, however demanding. www.kef.com

Dolby recommends using a minimum of four Dolby® Atmos-enabled speakers whenever possible, two in the front and two in the rear. The use of four speakers makes the placement of overhead sounds more accurate and precise. www.pulsecinemas.com

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MERIDIAN Meridian introduced the concept of the Digital Active DSP Loudspeaker more than 20 years ago and has been at the forefront of loudspeaker technological breakthroughs ever since. The DSP8000 is Meridian’s flagship loudspeaker, and the Special Edition makes its performance even more awe-inspiring than before. One of the few loudspeakers available that can reproduce the sound of a full-size grand piano at realistic volume and with realistic dynamic range, the DSP8000SE takes this landmark loudspeaker even further with the full range of Special Edition enhancements. The Special Edition DSP Loudspeaker Range is the result of Meridian’s ongoing research into how we, as humans, “hear” sound. These findings dictated improvements that have led to the loudspeaker’s lifelike performance. Quite simply, the Special Edition DSP Loudspeakers, and matching centre channels, are the best sounding loudspeakers Meridian has ever created. www.meridian-audio.com

RADIONIC DISTRIBUTORS -

JAMO

The Jamo IC 608 LCR FG is a 3-way in-ceiling loudspeaker. These speakers are based on the best materials and the most advanced technologies available. With this unique in-ceiling speaker, you can create a great surround sound experience when the installation requires an in-ceiling solution. The IC 608 LCR FG’s advanced technology makes it the perfect choice for front, centre and rear-channels in a first-class home theatre solution. With its low-profile magnetic grille, the IC 608 LCR FG is designed to blend seamlessly into the ceiling so all you notice is the remarkably detailed, great sound. The Jamo IC 608 LCR FG in-ceiling loudspeaker is packed with high-performance features, including DTT (Decoupled tweeter Technology) to eliminate unwanted vibrations that colour sound, HCC (Hard Conical Cone) technology for clear, detailed sound with virtually no distortion, as well as WaveGuide tweeter faceplate controls dispersion pattern for open, dynamic sound and centre plug replaces traditional dust cap, for cooler, more stable sound reproduction. A paintable magnetic grille attaches easily and to blends invisibly in any room, while an adjustable tweeter and impedance level allows you to tailor the sound to the room. www.radionic.co.za

REVOX The age-old dream of complete freedom of design can be achieved with the Re:sound I invisible series of speakers from Revox. These speakers, which are just a few millimetres thick, are installed behind plaster, paint or wallpaper and transform walls or ceilings into hidden sources of sound. Through the special, two-dimension emission characteristics of the Re:sound soundboard, the harmony-rich sound can be heard equally well throughout the room, irrespective of where you are. Nothing disturbs the flawless lines of the white wall or the soft sheen of the polished parquet. www.revox.de

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RGB -

REVOLUTION ACOUTICS Complementing RGBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of conventional architectural speakers, Revolution Acoustics is changing how people interact with sound, solving the legacy issues with point source speakers at last, and doing so in the new form factor: Invisible. Unlike other invisible speakers, the Revolution Acoustics speaker does not require a subwoofer. The Revolution Acoustics transducers can be applied, with ease, to almost any substrate (panel) in less than 3 minutes, instantly causing the material to become a massive high fidelity audio radiator. There is no need for arduous installation efforts requiring carpentry, plaster over coats, special finishing or paint. This system provides invisible audio, which is literally out of sight, with performance to match. www.rgbcomms.co.uk

WATERFALL Since 2004, the Waterfall ELORA speaker has been very successfully used in many projects embodying the same Waterfall principals: Elegance, design and performance. Beautifully sculptured with a thick double sheet of glass and solid aluminium body, the new onwall ELORA EVO LCR speaker can be installed below a flatscreen TV, with a mere 8cm thickness (wall brackets are supplied for easy installation). Based on Waterfallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patented Heatstream technology, ELORA has an astonishing high power handling. Used as a centre speaker (horizontal position), it is also available as a left and right speaker (vertical position). It is then the perfect partner for home cinema solutions in a 5.1 or 7.1 set up, together with the other speakers from the range or just simply a 2.1 solution with a Waterfall Audio subwoofer. The ELORA EVO speaker offers 60% increased internal volume. The option of a metal shelf stand is available for bookshelf or table positioning, either horizontally or vertically. www.waterfallaudio.com

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INTER N AT I O N A L NE WS

C RI

BRINGING EDUCATION

TO SOUTH AFRICA At the end of last year, CEDIA announced the new Board of Directors for CEDIA EMEA, which now includes Christiaan Beukes from Sphere Custom Design. Having a board member based in Cape Town has allowed CEDIA to understand the local market further, and respond accordingly. Over the last few months, CEDIA has been continuing to raise awareness of the Association and the industry in South Africa. Most recently, it provided comment on home automation trends for South African Home Owner Magazine, and supported this with an advertising campaign. The increased awareness, and past events held in South Africa, has resulted in CEDIA reaching 23 members. With an aim to support existing members, and welcome new companies into the CEDIA family, the Association will be

CEDIA EMEA Board of Directors now includes Christiaan Beukes from Sphere Custom Design.

heading to the Southern Hemisphere in July this year with a training and networking event. This will be CEDIA’s seventh education event in South Africa, and promises a choice of theory and practical based training courses. CEDIA will initially be touching down in Cape Town on the Monday 27th July for the first day, before moving to Johannesburg, where it will be based from Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st July. During this time, CEDIA will host a number of training courses, including its Home Cinema Design Workshop, Cables and Connectivity, IP and Networking, Auro 3D / Dolby Atmos, Lighting Design and HDMI 2.0 plus offer certification. A Connect with CEDIA networking session will be held in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. These evening events provide attendees with the opportunity to network with peers and CEDIA representatives. PLACE

COURSES

Cape Town

Home Cinema Design Workshop Connect with CEDIA CPD - Designing Future Ready Homes CPD for Architects Cables and Connectivity IP and Networking 3D Audio and Immersive Sound for Home Cinema HDMI 2.0 Home Cinema Design Workshop Lighting Design Certification Exams – Residential Network Specialist, Designer & EST2 CPD - Designing Future Ready Homes CPD for Architects Connect with CEDIA

Johannesburg

home automation

You’re in control H ome automation is becoming more and more of a reality in South african homes as owners appreciate the ease and comfort of knowing they can monitor their home, and manage all of their appliances, at the push of a button. Global trends in home automation are seeing a rise

esther moloi discovers the global trends in home automation, which are all about integration and connectedness in more integrated systems. according to ivan potter of ilED, the current trends are linked to the internet of Things (ioT). “Technology advances have led to small electronic devices being embedded in virtually every electrical device – our fridges, lighting, electrical plug sockets, smart TVs; all of these appliances are

picture: Elan Systems Sa

The South African Smart Home market is currently thriving. Despite the never-ending saga with the electricity provider, Eskom, who is unable to generate enough capacity to power the country, homeowners are still seeing the benefit of having smart home technology installed – whether it is for security, entertainment, or consumption monitoring reasons.

april 2015

163

Editorial in South African Home Owner Magazine

CEDIA will confirm further details, including event venues shortly. For further details of the programme and to book a place on the event, please visit www.cediaeducation.com/courses or email education@cedia.co.uk.

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BLIND CONTROL

According to the latest CEDIA survey, blind control is an increasingly popular element of Smart Home projects, with 46% of all respondents having provided a motorised window treatment solution in the past year. CEDIA Communicates talks to the main players in the market to find out if the future is bright for blind control.

“Blind control is a great and growing opportunity,” says Joseph Burke, Sales and Operations Manager at Draper Group Ltd. “This is the age of the Internet of Things, and being able to control everything in the home. Window coverings are definitely a part of that. People want and need to be able to easily control their window coverings to get the best use out of them.”

Erica Chesterfield, Residential Market Specialist at RGB Communications agrees. “Blind control is definitely growing, but I know that it’s still not reached its full potential. Window treatments are aesthetically pleasing as well as functional which is why we’ve been working with a lot of interior designers at the decision stage.”

“It’s an important new revenue stream for installation companies and offers a new level of engagement on projects with owners, interior designers and architects,” adds Lutron’s Guy Martin. “In our view, as with electric car windows, once seen as a luxury, motorised window blinds will be expected in the home of the future.” For Petra van Meeuwen, EMEA PR Manager at Crestron, “creating the right interior and exterior environments for clients doesn’t just stop at controlling lighting.”

“By integrating blind and shade control, systems can be created which take advantage of both natural and artificial light to maximum effect – and e n e r g y efficiently too! Blind control can be used in conjunction with lighting to enhance the feel of a space, whilst also saving money on unnecessary luminaires being used where natural light is available.

It’s an important new revenue stream and offers a new level of engagement

Incorporating blind control into a custom installation can help complete scene setting. For example, in the early morning, lighting can gradually turn on, blinds can be raised to allow for natural lighting or lowered to keep the house cool and the radio can turn on. Blind control can also be a great tool when you are traveling as this can be managed remotely from your Crestron application on your iPhone.” “One of the main reasons why automated shade control should be included in the controls plan is comfort”, according to Scott Burgess from Ivory Egg. “With intelligent shading, angling of louvres or opening of a blind means that the occupant can enjoy more natural light when it is available during the day. This is not only good for wellbeing, but allows natural heat to be accumulated in the home, which is especially useful in winter.” Shades can be closed again to retain heat at night, for example, or louvres can be angled to keep glare away from items that can be damaged by sunlight, such as, artwork, carpets and furniture. This is also useful where a darker environment is preferred, such as a media room, to eliminate glare and reflections when watching TV. Automated curtains and blinds opening and closing can be controlled at an individual level, by room or even building-wide at the touch of a button, with motorised control.

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So, what are the challenges facing installers keen to embrace blind control?

into a lucrative market, even if they have no prior knowledge of selling or specifying in the product category”.

“AV installers are used to dealing with the controllable hardware in installations,” says Erica Chesterfield. “From my experience, they don’t have much involvement dealing with subjective materials, such as, soft furnishings, fabrics or coordinating with the interior designers. By offering an all-encompassing service, from technical site surveys to soft furnishing meetings to discuss fabric choices, RGB enables the installer to keep control of the project (and margin) without having to outsource or operate outside of their comfort zone.”

Flexibility and innovation matter as well.

Peace of mind is definitely seen as a key requirement by Crestron too. “We offer a total package – everything guaranteed to work well together, certified to stringent quality standards,” explains Petra van Meeuwen. “By taking advantage of Crestron solutions, installers know they can offer anything their clients can imagine – and lighting and blind control is just one element, allowing an environment to be completely adapted to the needs and preferences of the homeowner. Lighting scenes can be programmed to work in harmony with blinds, adapting the light level according to the natural light being provided from the windows. We also support our partners by providing a rich programme of training to ensure they stay fully on top of the game and ready for anything the future throws at them.” “We understand that investing in top quality automated shading also needs to include excellent service,” adds Stuart Tickle of AWE, UK distributor of the Silent Gliss range into the integrated home sector. “Through AWE, dealers can arrange for a Silent Gliss representative to provide an extensive range of services including quotations, technical advice, fitting support and maintenance if required. This allows them to tap

“Some people just want a simple wall switch and others want to use a remote control, so we provide those options. Some people want more, though,” comments Joseph Burke. “We make it possible to easily have the window coverings tied into home automation systems and we also provide things like solar sensors and timers. These controls let you automate the window coverings to react to prevailing conditions, based on the amount of sunlight, or according to the time of day.” “Sensor-driven blinds that respond to sun, temperature, and radiation, synchronised movement and continuous feedback and adjustment are becoming a real possibility” comments Scott Burgess. “KNX is the one solution that seamlessly integrates into the overall building management system.” “Lutron provides a comprehensive range of hardware and integration that cover most window shading opportunities,” says Guy Martin. “Some of our USP’s include near silent operation and hem bar alignment which are easy sells for the installer. We also have a software program called the SCT (Shade Configuration Tool) which guides installers through the ordering process and a comprehensive range of fabrics and samples to enable dialogue with the home owner or specifier.” Blind control offers broad appeal to the homeowner. It can enhance comfort, ambience, security, and if, intelligently controlled, it can also help to save energy. From an installer’s perspective, it also offers the opportunity to add value to an integrated home scheme, and a route to building a better, more productive relationship with the specifier.

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Recurring Revenue Todd Anthony Puma Owner of New York-based installation company ‘The Source Home Theater’ explains how a recurring monthly revenue business model is changing his business. Networks can be remotely monitored through an app. credit: Pakedge

We’ve been hearing a lot about RMR (recurring monthly revenue) in recent years, and while I always understood the upside, the benefits of RMR really hit home with me a few weeks ago when I was on a job site at a client’s home with the security firm. I started talking to the security firm owner and we went to grab a bite to eat together. While talking about the client and business in general, I asked him how important RMR is to his business. He couldn’t have been more excited about it. He gets a few dollars every month from every project he has installed. Multiply that by the hundred or so projects he does a year and the decades he has been in business and he’s getting tens of thousands of dollars a year in ‘guaranteed’ revenue.

Think of all of the benefits this gives you as a business owner: • RMR can carry you through the tough times. When the recession hit in 2008, many AV installers went out of business because cash dried up. Security firms like the one I describe above were able to scale back a little bit and carry through on some smaller work and thousands of dollars a month in RMR. • It provides some regular, steady income so cash flow is more predictable and expenses can be covered more easily. • It increases the value of your business, as the revenue is predictable and recurring. Investors or potential acquirers shy away from businesses that are too reliant on one person or on generating new business constantly. Showing a steady, predictable stream of revenue increases the reliability and value of the business.

So how do we integration pros work this into our business? There are several ways today, but it takes a bit of a change in how you sell and how you staff. The challenges lie in : • Selling the client on getting another regular monthly bill. They already have all of their bills from the satellite TV or cable company, telephone or broadband provider, electric and gas utility, etc. • Detailing the specifics regarding what is covered and not covered in the service contract – number and frequency of site visits, remote service calls, firmware updates and turnaround time for all services. • Maintaining the back office infrastructure to send bills and collect payments every month. • Increasing and deploying staff to provide the services that clients expect from a contracted service provider and to meet the commitments spelled out in the service agreement around service calls and response time.

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Top: RMR will drive improved cash flow for your business. Middle: Network monitoring is a key RMR service. Credit ihiji Bottom: Cloud based monitoring and management offers many benefits.

Some of the key services to offer to clients to get started in recurring revenue are: • Network Monitoring: With all of the remote monitoring tools out there, it is pretty straight forward to sell a client on a package from Ihiji, Pakedge Bakpak, or Crestron’s mycrestron.com and then monitor their network while earning a monthly fee. • Service contracts: Many installers are already incorporating service contracts into their business model. Not only do these contracts provide recurring revenue, but often they result in greater client satisfaction because regular maintenance and firmware upgrades leads to less down-time and few failures in their system. • Networking: Take over a client’s network, either at work or at home (or both), and be their outsourced IT vendor. This will take a significant shift in business model, requiring more IT pros on staff, but the regular income stream and broader product offering can really help your business In the US, adoption has been slow but steady. Larger installers with the staff to handle the service calls, the back office infrastructure and the legal support to develop the agreements have been quicker to adopt a recurring revenue model. What we have found at the The Source Home Theater is that the best policy is to take it slow and add services one at a time. Master one service with a few select customers before rolling it out broadly. Maybe offer system monitoring first. Then, rollout another service to a small group of customers and when you work out the kinks, roll it out more broadly. We’ve found networking or IT services are the next best thing to offer. Service contracts for equipment can be the most tricky because these are the most likely to require delivery costs and to create confusion with a client on what is included and what is not. But RMR certainly has the potential to transform your business in much the same way as it is changing ours. Take it one step at a time, and it can be the best investment your business will ever make. FOLLOW TODD : @ToddAnthonyPuma

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SETTING THE TECHNOLOGY TREND - AT THE MAY DESIGN SERIES -

EDIA is exhibiting at May Design Series this year, with the aim to educate and advise design professionals about the benefits of incorporating technology into their projects. Attendees are encouraged to visit CEDIA on stand L150 for the best advice, guidance and resources available to the design community, and to attend any of its six seminar sessions which will be held on each day of the show. As home technology continues to penetrate the mainstream market, CEDIA is determined to emphasise the importance for interior designers and architects to work collaboratively with its members to ensure a smooth design and implementation process, with guaranteed results. CEDIA will be available on stand L150 to discuss and advise design professionals about the benefits of incorporating technology into their projects. A plethora of resources which are useful to the design community will also be available to take away. Attendees are encouraged to visit the dedicated show

floor theatre where CEDIA will be hosting six seminar sessions on each day of the show. These sessions will feature two presentations from CEDIA, including its ‘Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes’ RIBA and BIID accredited CPD, which explores the future of households with correct implementation of futureready technologies, and a session on Designing LED Lighting. CEDIA’s Home Technology Professional members, Kensington Audio Visual, Brilliant Lighting and Ideaworks will lead their own accredited CPD courses over the three days. These sessions will run alongside six manufacturer programmes, which will be hosted by CEDIA Trade Supplier members, including Amina Technologies Ltd which will also host its own accredited CPD session, Crestron, Habitech, Invision, LILIN and Lutron. There will also be three sessions from CEDIA Home Technology Professionals, who will discuss award winning projects and illustrate how interior design and technology work hand in hand.

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Sunday 17th May Monday 18th May

10:45 – 11:30

Kensington Audio Visual - Working with Audio Visual Companies - A Designer’s Insight

11:45 – 12:45

Meridian Audio - Designing Integrated High Performance Audio Systems

13:00 – 13:45

CEDIA - Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes

14:00 – 15:00

LILIN and Invision - Surveillance, Remote Access and Control for Today’s Smart House

16:15 – 17:00

CEDIA - Designing with LED Lighting

10:45 – 11:30 11:45 – 12:45 13:00 – 13:45 14:00 – 15:00

Brilliant Lighting - Inspiration Lighting Design - the art, science and magic of light Lutron - Between On and Off in a Solid-State World: achieving success when dimming LEDs CEDIA - Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes Habitech - Aesthetics Technology Face To Face Digital - 21st Century Brains in a 15th Century Body - Making a Grade 1 Medieval Hall efficient, productive and enjoyable to live in CEDIA - Designing with LED Lighting

15:15 – 16:15 16:15 – 17:00

Tuesday 19th May

10:45 – 11:30 11:45 – 12:45 13:00 – 13:45 14:00 – 15:00 15:15 – 16:15

Ideaworks - Glimpse of the future – the 5–10 year view Crestron - Design Meets Technology CEDIA - Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes Amina Technologies - Understanding and Specifying Invisible Sound Solutions James + Giles - A Cooler Shade of Green – How to integrate technology, architecture and great interior design

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INTERN AT I O N A L N E WS

C AN

CEDIA RETURNS TO FRANCE

France is a growing market for CEDIA, with the Association now reaching 30 members. Being a non-English speaking country, CEDIA is conscious of the importance to provide resources in French, and as such aims to regularly translate useful documents.

CEDIA has translated two popular resources into French - its HDMI Installation Best Practices white paper and the Smart Home Recommended Wiring Guidelines. The HDMI white paper focusses on best practices in HDMI distribution, including topics such as how to pull HDMI cables and perform basic HDMI tests. The paper also gives an overview of common interoperability issues. Since its translation, CEDIA has received multiple downloads from the French market. The Smart Home Recommended Wiring Guidelines is available for free to all industry professionals in France. The document brings clarity on the types of cabling infrastructure necessary to support the technology typically required for the modern home. This is the most popular resource that CEDIA currently offers its members, and the French version is continuing the successful trend. A few months ago, CEDIA spoke to some of its members in France to get feedback on why they are part of the CEDIA family. Raphael Tissot from Crystal Technology commented: “The main reason I continue to be a CEDIA member is to have trusted partners

in the industry, with whom we can share experiences and grow our business.”

Antonia Davin, MultiZone said: “Being a CEDIA member signifies and legitimises our expertise and opens up opportunities to share and gain new technical knowledge with our peers through the CEDIA network. Our membership reassures our customers and allows us to assert our professionalism when we’re presented with a new project request. CEDIA membership is a symbol of top quality!”

THANKS TO OUR PARIS EVENT SPONSORS

In less than two months’ time, CEDIA will be visiting France to meet up with local members, and provide them with training courses. CEDIA will be hosting a two day event from the 30th June at the Mercure Hotel, Paris and invites members to save the date. CEDIA is pleased to announce that this event is sponsored by B&W Group, Crestron and SIDEV. These Trade Supplier members will each be presenting a 90 minute product training session on day one. This will be followed by a CEDIA CPD course aimed at architects, and then a ‘Connect with CEDIA’ event in the evening, where new and existing members are invited to join CEDIA representatives for a networking session. Day two will be split into CEDIA training sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. More details will be available shortly.

More details on the venue and courses will be available shortly. For more information, please email education@cedia.co.uk.

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PARTNERS IN DESIGN

A collaborative relationship between the smart home installer and the client’s interior designer is critical to the success of many projects. CEDIA Communicates caught up with Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design, Dean Keyworth, from London-based interior design practice, Armstrong Keyworth who offered five pieces of advice on how such partnerships can be achieved and prosper.

1 Form versus Function As a judge for the CEDIA Awards, and in my work as an interior designer, I have seen some technically amazing Smart Home installations. Whilst certainly deserving of plaudits for innovation and function, they are, in many cases, let’s say, aesthetically challenging. Remember for an interior designer, and for the end client, the look is extremely important, so be flexible with how speakers and other equipment can be stylishly stored or even hidden. Don’t be afraid to compromise.

2 Resist the temptation

to over egg

If a designer gives you a relatively simple brief, please don’t try to overly up-sell the client. Where there are huge budgets, then it can be OK, but, increasingly, the client has a beady eye on the bottom line. The result is that they either get extremely annoyed with large quotes that are completely out of proportion to the project, or they end up cutting the designer’s budget to allow for over-specified technology which does not make for a happy designer. Work with your interior designer to understand the parameters of the project clearly before quotation to ensure that we’re working together and not fighting each other on a project.

5 Timing On a smaller job where the designer is co-ordinating the whole project, it is vital to have two way communication on project timing. The designer needs to keep you informed about any changes to the schedule and you have to be very clear about what needs to be in place for your guys to finish. I have seen an installer trying to fit an in-shower TV while the plumber was still working on the taps – not a happy combo!

3 Keep it simple More than once, I have seen Post-It notes attached to very expensive mood lighting controls, explaining what they are for because the client can’t remember which setting is which or household staff haven’t been briefed on how the system actually works. If there is a problem, it is often the interior designer who oversaw the project that gets the irate call. Please keep the interface and the system as simple as possible or spend as much time as you can training everyone in the house on how to use it.

4 Mind your language It may have come to your attention that some interior designers are less tech-savvy than others! Some, I admit, are much more interested in the curtains than any sort of cabling, but others (like me) do get very involved in the infrastructure too. So, please do not assume that we’re all the same. Try to gauge how switched on the designer is and adapt the jargon you use accordingly. It might be frustrating for you initially, but if you are very clear and make yourself understood at the start, problems are less likely to occur later in the project.

CEDIA is keen to promote greater understanding and engagement between our profession and interior designers. How do you think installers could work better with designers? Tweet us your thoughts @CEDIA_EMEA.

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THE

POWER OF

SMALL CHANGE

Jon Peterman, Business Advisor at ICON Business Solutions provides advice on discovering the DNA of profitability for your business Business owners often think that they need to take dramatic steps to improve the profitability of their business. Many believe, for example, that if they want to double their profits they need to double their sales. Still, others think that they need to take on many more people, thus bringing with it many more headaches. This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be the case. The difference in the DNA of a chimpanzee and a human is only 2% but what a difference that makes. 2% one way and you are spending the rest of your life learning how to crack open a nut, 2% the other and you can fly a rocket to the moon. You may be surprised to find that the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful business is surprisingly similar.

So what is the DNA of profitability in a business? Broadly speaking, there are five factors that we can look at to improve the profitability of a business. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start to build these areas up one by one. 1. Leads: This is any realistic, potential customer to your business. Someone who might realistically buy from you. 2. Conversions: This is the percentage of leads who actually decide to buy from your business. They actually reach into their pockets and buy. 3. Average Sale: This is the average amount of money a customer spends with you whenever they buy something from you. 4. Transactions: This indicator is the average number of times in a recorded period (for example, a year) that a customer will purchase from you. 5. Margins: It is no use having a huge turnover and no profits. Therefore, this indicator is the net profit you achieve on your turnover. Most business owners are aware of these concepts, but many cannot tell you what the data is for their businesses. I have found that simply measuring these elements on a consistent basis can increase the profits in a business and will always surprise a business owner who has not had the diligence of measuring them.

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Having measured the factors, how can we get them working for our business? Here is an example: STARTING POINT

Leads (1)

100

x Conversions (2)

25%

= New Customers

x Average Sale Value (3)

£20,000

x Transactions (4)

= Turnover

£500,000 20%

= Net Profits

£100,000

The Power of Small Change! If we now increase our 5 factors by 10%, let’s see where that takes us:

PLUS 10%

100

110

25%

27.5%

Average Sale Value (3) x

£20,000

£22,000

Transactions (4)

1.1

£500,000

£732,050

20%

22%

£100,000

£161,051

x Conversions (2) = New Customers x

= Turnover x Net Margin = Net Profits

That’s all well and good but my business is different! Many business owners (normally those who can’t tell you what the above factors are for their business) say that it would not work for their business, but in reality I have never seen a business where some form of this won’t work. It is always possible. Here are a few points to remember:

Some business owners believe that it all has to be very expensive, that you have to spend considerable sums on advertising to get more leads. This is not the case. I have seen situations where the spend has actually gone down. The advertising was simply ineffective and not tested and measured. In today’s world of social media this is truer than ever.

> Test and Measure:

STARTING POINT

Leads (1)

Work this out now for your business and see the potential results from the Power of Small Change.

> It doesn’t have to be expensive:

x Net Margin

The 10% scenario represents an increase in net profit (money in your pocket) of £61,051. Not bad by anyone’s standards.

You cannot change what you haven’t measured. If you know the return on investment for any form of marketing you know whether it is worthwhile continuing with it or not. If you don’t know the profit margin on a project how can you improve it the next time? Surprisingly, whilst increased sales are normally good for business, often they are not. Instead they can cause a myriad of other problems such as, increased overheads, cash flow problems and operational, HR or production issues. It is always better to model the changes before you carry them out to see what the impact will be on your business and, indeed, your life.

Conclusion

The good news in all of this is that in order to dramatically improve the profits and cash flow in your business, sometimes it only requires a few tweaks and not a major overhaul.

About ICON ICON Business Solutions was founded in 1998, and after seventeen years, the unique consulting systems developed have helped over 7,500 global SME’s achieve their goals. The mission of ICON is to use their proven consulting systems to help business owners achieve their goals with confidence. Jon Peterman has already worked with a number of CEDIA members, so has the expertise to help trade suppliers and home technology professionals. For more information on ICON, contact Jon at: EMAIL: jonpeterman@iconbusinesssolutions.com

| MOBILE: +44 (0)7528 725459

| TWITTER: @JON_PETERMAN

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TOGETHER as an industry Ian Morrish, founder of Together for Cinema, provides an update on the charity Together for Cinema was laucnhed in 2009, with the aim of completing 25 installs by 2020. Please give us an update on where you are with the scheme? Six years on from the seeds of Together For Cinema being sewn, and I am pleased to report that we are on track to have 25 cinema rooms completed in 25 different children’s hospices within the United Kingdom. As of now, we have completed 13 installs, and two more are due for completion by the end of summer 2015. This will take us up to 15, meaning that we will need to complete 2 a year over the next 5 years.

How has the industry got behind you to show their support? The support from the industry has been staggering. So far, almost 70 manufacturers and distributors have donated product and 13 installers have given up their time to project manage and install. Beyond the product and time donations, there are several other companies that have offered their services at no charge and are integral

to the success of Together For Cinema. • CEDIA: for their continued support and assistance in promoting Together For Cinema and advice on which installers to approach. • Integrated Systems Europe (ISE): for their support and promotion of Together For Cinema, and also for allowing me to work this around my day to day role as Sales Manager of the ISE show in Amsterdam. • AWE: for storing and distribution of donated products. • Pulse Marketing and Big Hug Creative: for their help in setting up and managing our website.

• Wildwood PR: for on-going PR and promotion of the cause and the individual installations. • The AV Trade Media: Without the media, very few people would know about Together For Cinema. I appreciate the continued exposure these publications give to the scheme.

What’s been your most memorable moment so far? On a personal level, it was sitting with my wife and two boys at Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice near Cardiff for the opening of their new cinema room. After a few words from various people, we sat down as a family and watched several movie clips and a short Ty Hafan appeal video with several other families, most of which had a poorly child. For me, this was a moment of

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for our last seven installations and has recently told me that they will supply whatever we need.

huge emotion and made me realise how lucky my wife and I are to have two fit and healthy young boys. A slightly less personal moment was when, after the first cinema room installation at Donna’s Dream House in Blackpool had been completed and was starting to be promoted, I realised that we as an industry could do this again, and again, and make a real difference in doing so. With the support that had been shown, it was an exciting realisation that this could be the first of many installations of this type.

What’s the best feedback you have received after completing a project? With a trip to the cinema quite often being impossible, one of the most positive pieces of feedback has been the fact that we’re bringing the cinema experience to the children. Many of the families have never watched a film at the cinema, so this is a wonderful thing that we’re able to do as an industry. I have had numerous letters and comments from families who are blown away by the new cinema room. As for feedback from the industry, Adrian Summers from Invision commented at the opening of the cinema room at Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green ‘I was honoured to be a part of the install and from a personal point of view, it was probably the most humbling experience I’ve ever had.’

What projects have you got coming up this year? The two new cinema rooms that will be completed this year are at Naomi House in Winchester and Keech Children’s Hospice in Luton. Naomi House is a purpose built children’s hospice that provides a homely environment to children and young people with lifelimiting conditions. They provide individualised specialist care and much needed respite for the whole

family, enabling them to feel refreshed, rested and supported through the good days, difficult days and last days. Naomi House supports families from seven counties in southern England – Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Surrey, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. www.naomihouse.org.uk Keech Children’s Hospice provides emotional and practical support for adults and children diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Their aim is to help patients enjoy the highest quality of life, while also providing vital support for their family and friends. They are one of only a handful of UK organisations offering adult and children’s services on the same site. The children’s service cares for children across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes. www.keech.org.uk

Are there any installers or suppliers who you want to give a special

• Kensington Home Technology: All installers deserve a mention but this particular installer deserves a very special mention as they are now working on their third installation. Iain Brown of Kensington Home Technology has embraced the idea of helping ‘make it happen’ and simply can’t do enough to help. He has installed cinema rooms at Chestnut Tree in Arundel, Helen House in Oxford and is now working on Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Winchester. A big thank you from me, Iain.

Have you found it interesting seeing the installation side of these projects? Yes, absolutely. I have been surprised at the amount of time spent in pre-install work. Be it prewiring, the consideration of speaker placement or heat issues determining the location of a projector screen, it has been interesting to listen to the installers plan the install. All the installers have shown great care and consideration over every step of the install and this has been much appreciated by all of the hospices that we have worked with.

mention to? • Epson: A hugely generous donation of 20 top end home cinema projectors. • RGB Communications: Donated most of the equipment and installed the cinema room at Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Cardiff. RGB has also donated Middle Atlantic racks for another ten of our installs. • Monitor Audio: Has donated speakers for four of our installs, and is always willing to help. • Redline Distribution (Velodyne): Has donated a sub-woofer for ten of our installs and is our official sub supplier!

How can someone get involved with Together For Cinema?

• Kaleidescape: Has donated their Cinema 1 unit for nine of our installs, and is always happy to help, particularly as they donate to a similar charity in the US.

By getting in touch with me and letting me know how they feel they can help. As Together For Cinema has no money, and is basically a scheme that has to work around our normal jobs, we are always on the lookout for assistance. Please call me in my office at +44 (0)1372 454366 or email at ian@ad-con.demon.co.uk to discuss further.

• Dataflow IT: Has supplied screens

FOLLOW : @Together4Cinema

• Arcam and Yamaha: Between them, they have donated products for nine of our installs and are now the ‘go to’ companies for our AV receivers.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making history join us at the CEDIA Awards

Friday 3rd July | Natural History Museum, London Tickets on sale now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; early bird prices available until 22nd May Book: visit www.cediaawards.org or call +44 (0)1480 213744