Essential Install - December 2013 issue by Essential Install

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

December 2013 issue

DOWNLOAD THE FREE ESSENTIAL INSTALL APP ON ALL APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES NOW!

INSTALL

Performance Range Q Acoustics offers the very latest product design and best value of any range of custom solution speakers. An example is the ultra-low distortion achieved in the ‘Performance’ range by using an advanced ‘Nano Particle’ cone material. Closely related to the multiple award winning Q Acoustics products, the range perfectly reflects their ultra successful formula; market leading performance and superb value for money. To see the full range please visit: www.QAcoustics.co.uk To order please contact your Armour Home ASM or phone 01279 501111.

PROFESSIONAL IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

PERFORMANCE IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

6.5”

8”

6.5” speakers supplied in pairs

6.5” single stereo speaker supplied singly

6.5” Performance speaker supplied singly

6.5” Performance single stereo speaker supplied singly

NEW 8” Performance single stereo

Model Number: Qi65C Supplied with round grilles Stock Code: QI1110

Model Number: Qi65C St Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1150

Model Number: Qi65CP Supplied with round grilles Stock Code: QI1130

Model Number: Qi65CP St Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1170

Model Number: Qi80CP Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1210

Model Number: Qi65S Supplied with square grilles Stock Code: QI1120

Model Number: QI65S St Supplied with square grille Stock Code: QI1160

Model Number: Qi65SP Supplied with square grilles Stock Code: QI1140

Model Number: Qi65SP St Supplied with square grille Stock Code: QI1180

speaker supplied singly

WEATHERPROOF IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

WEATHERPROOF ON-WALL SPEAKERS

ON-GROUND SPEAKERS

6.5”

QI45 EW

QI65 LW

Model Number: Qi45 EW 4.5”driver & 0.5” tweeter Stock Code: QI3150

Model Number: Qi65 LW 6.5” driver & 1” tweeter Stock Code: QI3210

6.5” Weatherproof speaker supplied in pairs

Model Number: Qi65CW Supplied with round grilles Stock Code: QI1190

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6.5”

6.5” Weatherproof single stereo speaker supplied singly

Model Number: Qi65CW St Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1200

26/11/2013 15:07

Ultra Discreet: Thin bezel Shallow depth: less than 84mm

Easy access: Magnetic grille fixings

Easy to install: ‘Dog-leg’ fixings

8” woofer diameter

Advanced ‘Nano Particle’ cone material

NEW Model shown: Qi80CP

8” Performance single stereo Supplied with round grille

Nano Particle Cone Technology The advanced ‘Nano particle’ technology, incorporated into the cone material of the bass/midrange drive units of the ‘Performance’ series loudspeakers, delivers clear sonic advantages. Nano particles are incredibly small, typically 100 nanometres in diameter, (which means 2000 of them, laid side by side, would be the same width as a human hair). Added to a conventional high quality cone material, such as polypropylene, they diffuse throughout the mixture to form a new nano-composite structure. The resultant cone boasts enhanced mechanical properties such as improved stiffness, reduced mass and an incredible 75% higher tensile strength. These technical advances deliver a faster transient response and reduced cone break up, leading to exceptionally low distortion, transparent and dynamic sound.

www.QAcoustics.co.uk Armour Home, Stortford Hall Industrial Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 5GZ. www.armourhome.co.uk info@armourhome.co.uk

part of Armour Group plc

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26/11/2013 15:07

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Integrations

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Essential Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

December 2013 issue

December 2013 DOWNLOAD THE FREE ESSENTIAL INSTALL APP ON ALL APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES NOW!

in this issue...

Regulars 7 From the Editor’s Desk Get Set for 2014!

9 Essential News December’s information overload

19 #LiveInstall A new series with this dynamic online installer community

67 In-Depth Product Report: Anthem MRX Gen Receivers Tom Garrett explains the strengths of these capable introductions

69 Essential Training Get some knowledge!

73 Essential Products

27 Projectors & Screens

64 GeoOp

The big picture for home cinema

Find you way around this handy work organising software

39 A new Vantage point with Equinox

65 Ruckus Reaches Out

The latest in touch-screen control

Eddie Felmer, technical director, Northern Europe, on the new 11ac standard

41 Essential Q&A Iain K Poole of Kustomworks tackles the titanic tussle of the EI Q&A

42 Pulse Training Centre Take the tour of the this impressive facility

47 Case Study: London Home Cinema Company Steinway Lyngdorf takes to the stage

50 Essential WyreStorm Pro Install AV uses WyreStorm at the heart of a recent project

The latest titans of CI technology

52 Touch-Screens & Interfaces

Features

Get in touch with technology

20 Essential Habitech More high quality additions to the line up

22 Artcoustic in focus The art of looking good and sounding great

25 Antiference Special New Hybrid HDMI0401/1POE Matrix Switch

60 RTI & Invision A combination delivering first class control

61 Computers Unlimited Delivers CYP A partnership growing in strength

63 Crestron’s Chelsea Showroom Cliff Stammers assesses the importance of this recent opening

Essential News

Atlona solutions are specifically designed for today’s environments that depend on connectivity, advanced signal routing and content sharing.

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Whole Home Media Distribution

•

Home Theatre Design

•

AV Downmixing

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Scalable Solutions

TrueColours/Midwich Home E

Essential Contents

Projectors & Screens

Case Study

#LiveInstall

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Ruckus Reaches Out

Complete End-to-End AV Distribution Solutions Atlona AV Distribution Solutions Feature •

Full line of transmitters, receivers, switchers and wall plates

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Sales Support

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01252 876300 www.midwichhome.com www.atlona.com

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page 20

From the

Editor’s Desk Get set for 2014! First this month, a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all EI’s readers and industry partners. Your continued support in our mission to grow and inform the custom install sector is very much appreciated and we are looking forward to continuing that mission into 2014. It’s set to be a busy year ahead with the first big event being a yet again expanded ISE show. Taking place in its usual venue of the Rai centre in Amsterdam, on February 4-6, the EI team will be in attendance ready to bid you a hearty Hoi (that’s Dutch for Hi in case it wasn’t obvious) to the show and to this fine city. EI does not have a stand at the show as we like to maximise the time we have at the event, gathering as much info on companies and products as we can for those readers unable to make it to the event. We will however be fully available for any company or installer who wants a chat, just get in touch using the normal contacts and we can meet up. EI’s own shows will of course be back next year with Essential Install Live! South moving to two days at Sandown Park, June 11-12. This expanded event will also host the returning Essential Install Trade Awards on the evening of the 11th, also taking place at Sandown Park. As well as further developing the magazine (a slight internal redesign will offer yet more editorial pages for EI to deliver the maximum amount of info each month) EI will be expanding its online presence in 2014. EI’s twitter feed was something the team always wanted to be a major part of the EI offering. Admittedly a fairly late entrant to the twitter party, EI’s feed is now doing very well (over 1,000 memebers) and expanding all the time. Our aim is to get to 2000 followers by the middle of 2014, so if you don’t already and want loads of up to minute news on EI and the industry, follow us now @EssentialInstal. Another new major digital addition to the family is our App for Andriod and Apple. The App provides a fully interactive version of the magazine on your favourite device or platform providing enhanced features, such as fully live links and embedded videos. We have big plans for the App in 2014, so be sure and download your free copy as soon as possible.

A correction Finally this month, a correction from last month’s CI TV Feature. The article contained information about Pro Display, supplier of a range of CI solutions into the install TV market place including its Mirrorvision technology, which combines with LCD/LED TV to offer a high-quality mirror TV option. Although the company was correctly introduced, later in the article, the company was referred to as Pro Vision (distributor of CCTV equipment), so apologies for the mix up. More info on Pro Display’s wide range of commercial and residential CI options is available at www.prodisplay.com, or by calling +44 (0)870 7668438 EI has big plans for its digital feeds and products in 2014, so stay in touch by following us at @Essentialinstal and by downloading the free App

DANIEL J SAIT, editor, Essential Install

Editor in chief: Daniel Sait, dan@essentialinstall.com advertisEment manager: Claire Talty, claire@essentialinstall.com Publisher: David Kitchener, david@essentialinstall.com head of production: Sam Broad, sam@essentialinstall.com Graphic design: Benjamin Bristow, ben@theessentialgroup.eu Accounts: susan@theessentialgroup.eu Circulation: susan@theessentialgroup.eu

Essential Install magazine, Suite 4, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD. T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 Whist we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

Essential Install

PALLADIO LU X U RY C I N E M A S E AT I N G

w w w. h a b i t e c h . c o . u k - 0 1 4 2 0 5 4 0 0 5 4

Essential News

NEWS Desk Piled-high with custom install information INSATALLERS ROLL UP AT MERCEDES BENZ Some 150 of the UK’s leading CI installers came together recently at a launch event hosted by Habitech to improve information flows between suppliers and dealers. Mercedes Benz World at the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit near Weybridge, Surrey, formed a backdrop of high-performance engineering for presentations and products from AMX, Chief, Niveo, Palladio, Projecta, Pure Theatre, Ruckus, Sonance, Wyrestorm and Yamaha. Keynote talks included Ruckus’ technical director for northern Europe Eddie Felmer, on what to expect from the upcoming 11AC wireless standard, whilst Sonance chief designer Todd Ryan gave a design taster and demonstration of the new Sonance VP architectural speakers. Other big draws were a synopsis of AMX’s range of NetLinx control processors, Modero touch-screen control panels and Enova DGX Link signal transmission products. Habitech’s Daryl Brennan and Justin Martin Lawrence introduced the companion Flow 7 control touch-screen and Wyrestorm general manager Adrian Ickeringill showed off the new MX-PP-POH HDBT matrix. Niveo chief Arthur de Jager gave a run down of CI-dedicated gigabit Ethernet switches, PoE Access points, NAS, power supplies and PDUs while Yamaha introduced its Airplay enabled CXA5000 and MXA5000 11-channel home cinema pre-power. Competition winners Matthew Symons of Tillman Domotics; Ralph Simpson of Pure Home Technology; Amin Shafi of Finite Solutions (Manchester); Tim Dyer of Pod3 AV; Adrian Hicks of Channel 28 and Jonathan Hill of Active Audio Visual won a spin around the Brooklands circuit in a race-trimmed AMG sports car. CI products and presentations held pole position at Mercedes Benz World for 150 dealers

NEW 8” In-Ceiling Speaker Now Available Performance Range

More information: Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk

Featuring Nano Particle Technology

QAcoustics.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential news

AMX ADOPTS CORPORATE CHARITY AMX is one of several leading AV industry brands to adopt as its chosen corporate charity Sense, which supports and campaigns for children and adults with sight and hearing impairments. AMX will work in partnership with Sense to raise awareness and contributions through a company-wide programme of staff and corporate fundraising, said AMX Europe managing director Kevin Morrison. “We are looking to build a strong partnership with Sense so we can make a positive difference and aid their work,” said Kevin. “We will be encouraging all of our staff to get involved in some way. AMX is delighted to be associated with

such a worthwhile cause.” Sense head of corporate fundraising Sue Piper said: “We look forward to developing a close working relationship with AMX and its staff over the coming months to raise awareness and funds for deafblind children and adults.” Sense offers housing, educational and leisure opportunities and can tailor support to individual needs to try and ensure everyone lives as independently as possible. Initiatives include day services for skills training and Senserun houses where people live as independently as possible. More information: AMX +44 (0)1904 343100, www.amx.com

Crestron resi installers recognised, commercial integrators next

This year’s awards were the most competitive with a record 52 entries

The 2013 Crestron Integration Awards for residential projects, hosted at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, London, were the most competitive Crestron awards to date, drawing a record 52 entries this year. Winner of the best integrated home system was ClearSphere for a Hyde Park residence in a grade-I stuccofronted Georgian property that dovetailed technology into a restoration. Most distinctive digital media installation award went to 4KS for an exclusive St Tropez retreat involving the inventive creation of outdoor space showcasing Crestron DM. Best lighting control and design went to Custom Controls for a Derby family home, while best high-rise living was scooped by ClearSphere for its Bezier Penthouse. However the Next Level won a rare highly commended

gong in the category for the Lansbury, which took ClearSphere to the wire. Best marine project was won by Dawsons AV for Imperial Princess yacht. Best International Crestron Home award went to Ultimate Solutions for an Emirates property. Most Creative award went to GUI for Ultamation. Entries are no also open for the Commercial Integration Awards. Catagories are: Best Education Installation, Best DigitalMedia Installation, Best Corporate Installation, Best Hotel & Leisure Installation, Best Medical Installation, Best Lighting, Control/Energy Management Installation, Best Retail Installation, a new category Best Meeting Room (including Collaborative Technology). Winners will be announced at the ISE in February 2014 and to quality authorised Crestron dealers need to submit projects completed between July 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013. The deadline for entries is January 10, 2014, for more information visit the Crestron website. More information: Crestron +44 (0)207 3520028 www.crestron.eu

THERMOSTAT BANISHED FROM WALL BY ANDIVI

People will save more energy if technology is easy and fun to use, says CEO Danijel Mursic

10 Essential Install

Andivi has introduced a building management and home automation system that is designed to remove the thermostat from the wall and bring it to the user’s iPad. A key advantage of the system, called VIA, is ease of customisation to a building and functions, said Danijel Mursic, chief executive of the company in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The technology enables users to manage temperature, AC, lights and shades and to view the home in 3D or to save energy. “Building management systems have failed to solve several problems,” said Danijel. “They integrate too many devices, offer too many features and believe

they will add more freedom by adding more options. Quickly buildings become too smart and management too complex. We separated energy management from classic information management and built on simplicity.” Features include ability to set temperature, airconditioning, lights, shades and windows, monitor energy consumption, financial savings, CO2 footprint and save energy with a ‘one-tap building hibernation’, said Danijel. “We believe people will save more energy if we make it easy and fun to save, that’s why we created a simple product with an intuitive interface.” VIA project manager Zdenko Gacar said: “To achieve true hardware independence we decided to support all three major communication protocols: KNX, BACnet and Modbus. This means you can use VIA as a partner system to other subsystems that use different communication protocols or you can use VIA as a standalone system.” More information: Andivi www.andivi.com/en

THE BEST VIEW IN THE WORLD

Representing the next level of TV picture quality, LG ULTRA HD boasts a resolution four times higher than Full HD so that, even when viewed close up, it delivers an image that is so incredibly sharp and crisp, it gives you the best view in the world. And, for a limited period, customers can claim a free LG G PAD 8.3 Tablet when they buy an LG ULTRA HD TV.* www.lg.com/uk/ultra-hdtv

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25/11/2013 15:11

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Essential news

MERIT LILIN JOINS EXCELLENCE ROSTER

LILIN Group vice president Jason Hill is targetting seamless partnerships

Savant Systems has added Merit LILIN to its partners in excellence programme that ties up Savant’s control systems with best-in-class manufacturers in audio, video, lighting control, HVAC and security industries. “We want to ensure Savant users have a seamless experience with their LILIN IP video systems and that Savant integrators are able to choose from our cameras, recorders and encoding and decoding hardware,” said LILIN Group vice president Jason Hill.

“We are committed to becoming the preferred manufacturer in this product category for the CI market and compatibility with Savant is critical to achieving that goal.” Participation in Savant’s partners in excellence cooperative programme aims to help the seamless integration of Merit LILIN’s products within the Savant system environment. Savant’s director of business development Bob Ross said: “Savant is pleased to welcome Merit LILIN to our initiative and we are excited to bring seamless interoperability of Merit LILIN’s CCTV products to Savant’s network of integrators.” More information: Merit LILIN +44 (0)870 1205550 www.lilin.co.uk

MERIDIAN CUTS BOUTIQUE RIBBON IN CHELSEA A new boutique is to show off an award-winning line up of equipment from loudspeakers to streaming systems in a seriously moneyed part of London. Meridian West London Boutique in the heart of the Chelsea Design Quarter is set across dedicated zones for DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers, Meridian Reference Series and Meridian Streaming Systems. A technical and design consultation area and home cinema theatre will offer one-toone demonstrations from the team at Meridian Audio. Meridian West London director Robert Sullivan said:

“We are a world leader in high-quality audio and video reproduction and we are excited to be opening London’s first dedicated boutique. Meridian West London offers an exclusive retail space that will showcase some of the most advanced technology available on the market.” Fellow director Ian Grant said: “We are keen to highlight how Meridian’s systems can be incorporated seamlessly to fit any design aspirations. We want to demonstrate how to create the perfect harmony of exquisite sound in beautiful surroundings.” Meridian West London is the latest in an international group of boutiques. Meridian Hyderabad, the third such outlet in India, marked its official opening in September and there are now high-end designer Meridian retail Boutiques in Bangkok, Mexico City, Kuwait, Moscow, Fort Lauderdale, Singapore and Delhi. More information: Meridian +44 (0)1480 445678 www.meridian-audio.com

West London is the latest in an international group of boutiques from Mexico City to Moscow

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Essential Install

Essential NEWS

NEW BASE AND BRANDING FOR AWE

Alongside the move AWE is revamping corporate branding and its website

AWE has expanded into a new facility in Epsom, Surrey to allow for increased stock handling and provide a new space for customers, suppliers and members of staff. A dedicated training facility is being incorporated into the building with integrated equipment to improve on the company’s award-winning courses. Meanwhile a showroom is being built to display distributed products. “The entire building is undergoing a full refurbishment and will incorporate better facilities for training, showcasing products and wider business development,” said managing director Stuart Tickle. “Apart from the increased warehouse space, being based under one roof will offer a much better environment. “Alongside the move we are also revamping our corporate branding and working on a new website. The current company logo is recognised by many in the industry so redesigning it was a difficult decision to make. But there are several advantages to the new branding and we feel the time is right to progress to the next phase of the

company’s development.” The new website will offer improved functionality and a new stock-checking and ordering system alongside more informative product information and photography. More information: AWE Europe +44 (0)1372 729777 www.awe-europe.com

GLASS WITH CLASS COMES TO THE UK

Waterfall Audio aims to make glass sound as good as it looks

Xclusive Audio Visual has signed a deal to become sole UK distributor of the Waterfall Audio range of swishy, glassy audio visual product. Waterfall Audio hand builds high-quality loudspeakers at its base in the south of France. Glass features heavily in its designs, which have taken several years of research and development to attain high standards. Company founder Cedric Aubriot said his aim was always to make glass sound as good as it looks.

Waterfall Audio’s product range has recently expanded to include three floor-standing models, Krista Line, three wall-mount models, Ultra-Flat Line, one flush in-wall model, Hurricane In-Wall and three active subwoofers. A new range has been released to bridge the gap between home cinema and commercial theatres, dubbed the ‘Professional Custom Series’. Xclusive AV has many years experience of Waterfall Audio products, said Waterfall export sales director Nadine ChaixDewell. Launch offers will include rolling discounts for early take-up and dealer/client trips to the factory in Provence. “The proliferation of in-wall speakers is now becoming clinically obsessive and, dare we say it, common,” said Nadine. More information: Xclusive Audio Visual +44 (0)1424 431144 www.xclusiveav.com

SMART THINKING IN LONDON More than 140 visitors were in attendance at London’s Dexter House to check out the recent Smart Building Conference 2013 joint venture between InfoComm International and CEDIA. Top of the bill were talks from 20 industry experts including two keynote speakers: energy-industry blogger and consultant Dr Steven Fawkes and Jeremy Towler of the Building Services Research & Information Association (BSRIA). The conference then divided into residential and commercial tracks, hosted by CEDIA’s Matt Dodd and Allen Weidman of InfoComm respectively. To conclude, all delegates attended a presentation by Rick Holland of the Technology Strategy Board on how businesses can apply for a share of £4m funding from the UK government to promote collaborative R&D into the energy

14 Essential Install

management of buildings. Delegates took to Twitter including Adrian Lloyd-Owen of the Lucid Partnership, Stuart Burgess of Just Add Popcorn and Kris Gamble of Customised who tweeted ‘highly informative and great networking’. AWE sales director Paul Mott welcomed a big energy-savings focus while Orion Engineering business development manager Mark Attard looked forward to following up contacts. Integrated Systems Events managing director Mike Blackman said: “Our focus now shifts to the next Smart Building Conference in Amsterdam on February 3 – the eve of the next ISE show. We will take some of the themes explored in London and give them a European dimension.” More information: www.smartbuildingconference.com

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Essential NEWS

VADDIO AND D-TOOLS BOLSTERS BRAND AWARENESS D-Tools has announced that Minneapolis-based maker of PTZ cameras, speciality camera control systems and USB peripherals Vaddio has joined its manufacturer vantage point (MVP) programme. “Vaddio’s innovative products and partner-focused practices provide opportunities for integrators and resellers to win business and increase profitability,” said Vaddio

Integrators using the D-Tools platform gain free access to Vaddio product information

marketing and communications manager Kelly Perkins. “Integrators using the D-Tools platform benefit by having free access to Vaddio product information as they create their system designs, estimates and proposals.” The MVP programme provides a database of the most up-to-date product information to more than 4,400 users of the D-Tools System Integrator software platform worldwide. MVP partners help companies streamline design processes, making it easier for system integrators and installers to provide detailed and accurate proposals to their clients. “We are pleased Vaddio has chosen to return to the our MVP programme and that their product information will continue to be made available to our entire user base,” said D-Tools president Adam Stone. “Vaddio’s product line offers integrators a dependable solution they can recommend to their clients for a variety of audiovisual, video-conferencing and broadcast systems.” More information: D-Tools www.d-tools.com

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE Kala Lingham has joined Dynaudio UK as partner and 50% shareholder following its most successful 12 month trading period for many years. Kala has experience in high-end Hi-Fi, having worked at B&W, KEF and Musical Fidelity in roles such as director of business development, sales and marketing manager, public relations and international sales. Kala will help with business development, strategy, marketing and public relations to enable founding partner Bill Livingston to spend more time developing relationships with key retailers. Dynaudio’s new generation Excite loudspeaker range recently started shipping. Habitech has promoted Dan Richer to the post of dedicated programmer for AMX and welcomed the experience of Anthony Collis as technical service manager. Dan joined Habitech four years ago as a warehouse junior and sailed through training, achieving in five days what is usually expected in the first six months. Anthony ‘Rusty’ Collis joins Habitech with over 13 years’ experience in the AV and technology industries. He has worked for manufacturers and distributors in specialist retail and with commercial and high-end residential AV integrators. They report to managing director Jonathan Pengilley who said: “Such talented individuals will support and strengthen the range of our sales effort and customer care.” Peerless-AV has recruited Ian Abernethy as director of sales for the UK professional division where he will look after major distributors and customers. Ian worked with Peerless-AV while working at Samsung and will report into group sales and marketing director Keith Dutch, who said: “Ian brings

with him a massive amount of knowledge and experience from his time in the industry and joins us at a time of expansion into the wireless and kiosk business”. Legrand has increased its wiring devices team in London and the south east by appointing Paul George as area project manager. Paul will handle servicing and developing Legrand’s customer base in home automation systems, video and audio entry systems, Arteor and Synergy wiring accessories and industrial products. Working with custom installers, residential developers, M&E consultants, architects, interior designers and contractors Paul will advise on the most appropriate Legrand products for individual client projects. Paul has 25 years of electrical sector experience and spent the past 18 years with the UK distributor for Siedle door entry systems. SY Electronics is gearing up for growth with a large investment in new staff. Chris Kendall joins as business development director. Chris was managing director at Procon Technology for 18 years before its acquisition by AMX where he retained a role developing education business. Jin Khangura becomes UK and Ireland sales manager and will also embrace a training role. Ian Burridge is now research and development manager and has experience across many organisations, including BT, Procon, AMX and Snellings. Managing director Sirous Yazdanian said: “Chris’ background has an obvious synergy with SY, Jin will help our customers grow their businesses and Ian will be instrumental in SY bringing exciting new products to the market.”

Essential Install

Essential liveinstall

Live and Direct! In a brand new feature, members of the #LiveInstall community provide an insight on the CI industry’s present and future. Asked what thoughts the members had on what technology or equipment has caputed the attention this year, Kris Gamble, director of Customised and founder of #LiveInstall, says: “HDBaseT is a clear favourite now, with all installers using it as a standard for video distribution. Customers respond well to this technology being used to take advantage of their newly installed structured cabling. The release of Nuvo’s wireless system has also given installers a serious Sonos alternative, giving end-users a great experience backed up by superb audio quality. “Total home control and management is a request from most homebuilders and the introduction of HDL to the UK market has been the affordable option installers have been needing to fit the price conscious mass market. “Other discussed highlights have been Outclass Media Server for Apple TV distribution, Li-Fi and Lightwave RF.” As far as what the community is looking forward to next year, Kris says: “4K or Ultra HD are the buzz terms for installers of video systems. The prices will hopefully fall further in 2014. HDBaseT AVR’s would bring great benefits for connecting distant displays tens of metres away from video sources. “OLED displays will continue to be hotly anticipated and 2014 may see them being a more common sight in #LiveInstall’s. Building management systems and video over IP featured in the 2014 discussions also.” Kris also canvased members on the structure of the CI industry currently, asking whether the sector is getting more confined in the luxury end or is it catering for a wider market? Stuart Burgess of Just Add Popcorn, says: “The luxury market is fully aware of what we can do, but it’s mainly driven by the home owners request. We need more exposure to architects and developers. We also need to find ways into the mid-priced housing market using energy management and multi-functional points for ‘smart’ access behind the TV’s.” James Playle, Stortford Audio, also has a view, saying: “A lot depends on how many other consumer electronics manufacturers decide to provide an App - this is starting to cripple the lower end installs with the customer doing a DIY installation.”

OLED screens maybe a more common site in #LiveInstaller projects next year

Kris concludes that most savvy companies are operating in the middle and top end of the market, whilst being careful to offer the same level service to each. An interesting comment on 2014 was offered by Richard Kirkham of Avicci, who says: “No more Cat5e in new build properties, is 2014 going to be the year that Cat6, 6A or 7 become the most common cable types for smart home infrastructures and Cat5e becomes a legacy cable?”

Get involved #LiveInstall is an online installer led twitter community set up to offer an ‘access all areas’ view of smart buildings as they happen for the building industry, design community and consumers to learn more about smart installations. The group is currently working on putting together special networking events held at key supplier’s premises free of entry to members of the #LiveInstall community, the first of which are being created right now. Check out the community and find out more at www.liveinstall.co.uk or by following on twitter @LiveInstall. The group also has a presence on Enterprise Social Networking site Yammer.

Certainly the most athletic post from the LiveInstall twitter feed this month, Andy Wain from Electric Orange (@Sonosandcinema) makes contact with the other side

Essential Install

Essential HABITECH

I Spy with IP Habitech’s technical manager, Justin Martin Lawrence, integrates with the capable new ‘IC Realtime’ IP CCTV range. Since we started our ‘everything IP’ ProNet platform, we’ve been looking for a CCTV system that would fit right in. At the last CEDIA US Expo we found it: the IC Realtime demo blew us away. What Ruckus is to WiFi, IC Realtime is to CCTV: as capable and complete a solution as you’ll find anywhere in CI. It’s an IP CCTV system with ‘black ops’ functionality and performance designed for CI and already widely adopted by installers in the US. For a start it offers free-of-charge drivers for all major home control systems: C4, AMX, Crestron, Savant, RTI, Vantage, and overcomes the single use limitation of conventional IP cameras by offering high quality HD resolution – and I mean high quality – from multiple applications simultaneously.

Great Features As well as peerless integration potential, the range of 360° megapixel IP dome cameras and recorders, soon to be available from Habitech, offers a choice of NVR/ DVR recording - and easy monitoring without record – plus multiple views from compatible H.264 streams enhanced by configurable ‘hot-spot’ sensitivity. There’s even a micro SD slot for local backup and recording if intruder decides to rip out the connection with recorder.

Easy Installation Back from the camera, ‘The Breeze HD’ NVR is the simplest HD IP solution available. It’s ideal for any four or eight channel HD IP system that requires HD quality, simplicity and quick installation. IC-Realtime’s Breeze technology removes complicated IP setup by automatically configuring the IP cameras within two minutes of boot up. An integrated PoE IP switch also powers the cameras over the same CAT 5/6 Ethernet cable. At the camera, the cable is neatly captured by the vandal-proof camera housing: one connection, one cable, peerless IP CCTV performance.

Great margins

ICIP-D2000VIR - Habitech says the new IC Realtime range offers a peerless blend of powerful HD performance with easy IP integration and installation

IC Realtime in a nutshell »» Built for CI: easy integration with major control systems through FOC drivers »» Overcomes single use limitation of IP cameras: multiple applications simultaneously »» Choice of NVR/DVR recording plus independent monitoring without record »» High quality HD performance for multiple views »» Highly compatible H.264 streams »» Configurable hot spot sensitivity »» PoE support: easy installation through single cable »» Supports ONVIF standard for video quality imaging »» Micro SD slot for local backup and recording »» Apps for iOS/Android

The proposition for CI is as compelling at the business end. In a really competitive market, IC Realtime has managed to keep margins healthy while maintaining affordability and there are no internet sales. If you’re looking for an IP CCTV system that does everything, IC Realtime is an answer to a prayer. For a closer look, check out the new ICIP3000DVIR IP dome camera at www.icrealtime.com

The Breeze HD NVR

20 Essential Install

Essential Habitech

Everything is Possible with AMX Comprehensive Habitech support places the power of AMX integration and control at your service. Brand manager, Daryl Brennan, explains. If you’re installing home control, your customers’ satisfaction relies ultimately on the quality of the user interface. This is why we’ve been looking for a compelling control solution and why our new relationship with AMX is such an excellent fit for us and for you. We’ve partnered with the world’s most recognised control brand because, in terms of integration and capability, everything becomes possible when AMX is properly supported, correctly deployed and knowledgably programmed. And we’re backing our commitment to the brand and our customers with the tools necessary to help our installation partners specify AMX with confidence, supported by Habitech training, in-house system design, project drawings, system programming and interface design. Habitech is making the big investment because we see AMX as a key component in our ambition to become the complete value added supplier.

power. When multiple iPads are deployed, other systems require multiple costly processors. At the same scale, AMX environments need only a single processor, making it easier to stay within budget and enhance margin. Although our more labour intensive services (on-site support, programming, interface design, etc.) are chargeable, we take a measured view and commit to a fixed cost for a given project once the scope of works and schedule of services has been agreed. You don’t have the headache of managing costs that can quickly spiral beyond the original estimate. For the largest and most complex installations, we’ll upscale our support with additional independent AMX certified programmers to ensure the project remains on schedule.

In a nutshell AMX’s Enova DGX digital media platform takes reliable signal transmission and switching to a new level. Modular in design, it’s entirely scaleable and packed with innovative installer friendly features that meet the needs of mid to high-end residential installations. Specifically: »» Robust architecture with redundant power supply ensures reliable uninterrupted performance »» I/Os can be a mixture of UTP, fibre or HDMI in a single chassis »» NetLinx 3100 control processing enables connected devices to be managed, monitored and controlled »» InstaGate Pro provides reliable HDCP signal switching without any key constraints »» SmartScale independently converts any source signal to a digital video output which is perfectly scaled to each TV

Habitech says its partnership with AMX, backed up with full support, makes everything in home control possible

Unrivalled control versatility combined with flexible support means one thing: happy customers! Everything is possible. Why not include Habitech in your next control installation. Give us a call to see how we can help. For more info on IC Realtime and AMX, please contact Habitech: +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk

Powerful and Competitive AMX pedigree, innovation and overall credibility are well established in CI. What may be surprising is its competitiveness relative to other systems, particularly when it comes to more complex projects. For example its iPad licence far exceeds that of a typical processor-reliant App because the AMX licence converts the device itself into a fully functioning control panel requiring less processing

Essential Install

Essential Artcoustic

Art Attack! EI takes an in-depth look at the benefits of working with the high performance and aesthetically accomplished Artcoustic brand. Paul Cummin, UK MD of Artcoustic explains that the company was established by Kim Donvig (now CEO) in 1998. Kim had been working for a Hong Kong based manufacturer called Goldpeak, designing a pair of flagship loudspeakers for the Celestion brand. These were due to retail at around $25,000, delivering stunning performance, but lacked a little in terms of aesthetics. Uneasy about producing a speaker he could not envisage welcoming into his own home, Kim set about creating his own on-wall speakers that would sound as good as conventional designs, but with a more contemporary design. The speakers were an immediate hit giving birth to the brand we know today. An integral part of the service Artcousitc offers its install partners is the impressive, fully equipped showroom at company HQ in Chelmsford. Paul explains: “We designed and built our UK showroom about seven years ago. We realised early on that it is impossible to really excite clients from a brochure. Too many systems are sold on the technology and clients really struggle to relate to it. What gets everyone interested and excited is experiencing music and movies on a fantastic system. “Music and movies go way beyond the traditional ‘enthusiast’. Everyone loves music, a great film and the cinema. It’s a family experience, a fun experience, a thrilling experience. Our industry rarely shows that side of what we do, but this is the very reason clients come to us in the first place. The showroom enables us and our dealers to get beyond the technology and just make them realise what is possible in their own home.” Paul explains: “Many of our dealers regularly bring their clients along and between us all we work to get the best solution. The hit rate is exceptional. We have seven systems

set up permanently, from a simple multi room audio system to a state-of-the-art 9.4 cinema. As well as seeing things from the client perspective, the showroom allows us to demonstrate the versatility and quality that Artcoustic can offer. The showroom remains one of the best things we have done.” Paul explains: “The showroom is by appointment only, so don’t just turn up, but given a little notice we can accommodate and be very flexible. We have excellent system knowledge at Artcoustic, not just product knowledge and will help, as part of the installation company’s team, to work towards a solution that works for everybody. This starts with plans and a good understanding of the project, the brief, the room, the client’s family (how they will use the system) and ends up with us wowing them in the big cinema. For fear of cliché, it’s a journey and one that often ends in a decent sale.” Dealer support does not end there however as the company offers as much support as each installer needs. Site surveys, scale drawings, system designs, calibration, photography, shows and events are all included in the Artcousitc offering. These services are not forced on dealers, but they are all there if needed. The company has three staff on the road, so almost any corner of the country can be visited to offer technical assistance. Paul says: “It is also important that we understand the entire system so can help with most aspects, even if it’s nothing to do with the speakers. If we don’t know, then we know someone that does.” Another dealer focused initiative is the Artcousitc ‘Installation of the Month’ which helps with brand and installer profile.

Style and sonic performance meet in harmony with the Artcoustic approach

22 Essential Install

Essential Artcoustic

The SL series has at its core a line array which takes its design cues from live music systems

Paul says: “We started the Installation of the Month showcase over five years ago and every month make a feature of one of the best and most interesting installations by our dealer base worldwide. It serves as great promotion for those dealers as each one gets sent to 1,500 press contacts, as well as promotion via our website, Twitter, Flickr and Facebook pages. “From social media alone, most installs get seen by over 30,000 people! The appetite is incredible and each month seems to get better and better. We take the photos ourselves, so all a dealer needs to do is get simple snaps on their phone so we know the style and we do the rest. Importantly, it’s not essential that it’s a high spec project. A beautiful room with a Multi SL Soundbar and some Target SLs would have just as much chance of winning. It’s an international award, so it’s a really great achievement to win it.”

Art Nouveau The Artcousitc brand has an impressive line-up of versatile and accomplished speakers with one of the most recent introductions being the new SL series. Paul says: “This is a complete departure from our older models. We have surprised some dealers who thought they knew about us. The SL series is all about the line array design. This is taken from how live music systems have developed in the last few years. Efficiency is key. Where a soft or ripple dome tweeter in a good Hi-Fi speaker sounds beautiful, the efficiency is such that they are not suitable for the high dynamics of movie soundtracks. “One alternative is horn loaded tweeters, which give the efficiency and dynamics needed (commonly used in commercial cinemas), but at the expense of high frequency accuracy (try listening to music on a cinema system…nasty!). The third way is how live music has gone: line array.” Paul explains: “Using multiple mids and tweeters it is possible to get outstanding efficiency using ripple dome tweeters without losing that open and exciting high-end frequency reproduction. We start with a four-mid and twoThe Artcousitc showroom is a major plus for installers and clients and a great sales tool

tweeter configuration and go all the way up to 24-mid and 12-tweeters. This means a cinema could have 72 mid-range units and 36 tweeters just for LCR! “This delivers efficiency around 110db, so we can run at reference 105db 5m back in a room with under five watts of power! This results in any chosen amplifier not having to be pushed at any part of the soundtrack so almost zero distortion and a very clean and dynamic sound. Also, because we are not compromising the high frequencies, they sound equally stunning with music reproduction.” Artcoustic also designed most of the models as a sub/sat approach which gives the system a semi active configuration, with the hard work of the bass frequencies being driven hard by a dedicated amplifier and the subwoofer enclosure being placed in the correct position, whilst the satellite speakers can just concentrate what they are best at. This approach is designed to result in very little cabinet vibration and distortion, whilst still delivering a discrete, practical, thin loudspeaker. This amount of care and thought going into the performance of the speakers, underlines the company’s message that Artcousitc is not just an aesthetics driven company, but a performance driven one. Paul says: “This comes back to the showroom. Once you hear what Artcoustic can do, any ‘design over performance’ assumptions are gone. Once most dealers come here it’s like a light goes on. ‘Ah! I get it!’ they often say, ‘I have a project these could be perfect for.’ It’s not design over performance, it’s not performance over design. That’s what makes Artcoustic unique. It’s both. No compromise.” So with a company so driven by getting its performance right, is there an Artcoustic ‘sound’? Paul says: “There is. It’s dynamic, exciting, forward and demands attention. If you like laid back sound, these aren’t for you, but we think Artcoustic has the energy and presence of live music.” Having established that performance is key, the ‘look’ achievable with Artcousitc is very important and has much thought behind it. Paul says: “We have stayed away from most free galleries and poster type images as it doesn’t have the class clients expect. We have over 3,000 standard images and designs at www.artcousticshop.co.uk with plenty of abstract and interesting approaches more suited to interior design. On top of that, a very popular option has been the solid colour screens, so the speakers can really complement the interior. “We have become quite adept at mimicking popular paint colours such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. If the client wants to make their speakers very discrete or a real statement, Artcoustic is able to work with that.” So what’s next for this exciting and dynamic brand? Paul says: “From the beginning Artcoustic has never been a ‘me too’ brand. We aren’t going to just bring out whatever everyone else is. We have always been an innovator. We were the first company in the world to sell an LCR Soundbar with the DF Multi back in 1998, the first to develop a full range of on-wall speaker, the first to offer endless aesthetics designs and now the first to bring line array efficiency to domestic installations. There is plenty more innovation to come.” More information: Artcoustic: +44 (0)1245 400904 www.artcoustic.com

Essential Install

BUILDING BUSINESS WITH VALUE ADDED

SCP

PALLADIO

With great products, comprehensive technical support and rapid delivery, we’ll add value to your business… C A L L 0 1 4 2 0 5 4 0 0 5 4 , H A B I T E C H. C O. U K

Essential antiference

Antiference Innovation Dan Winterton, technical sales manager, Antiference, gives EI an insight into the company’s latest releases including the a hybrid HDMI0401/1POE Hybrid Matrix Switch. Essential Install (EI): Can you explain what is different/ unique about the HDMI0401/1POE Hybrid Matrix Switch? Dan Winterton (DW): “This new hybrid matrix offers the user the flexibility of four HDMI inputs and two outputs. One of the outputs is HDMI for a local TV and the second is full HDBaseT single CAT5e/6 output with Power over Ethernet (PoE). In addition the HDBaseT standard allows the same single cable to send Ethernet between the matrix and receiver. Two ports at either end allow for smart TV use or Internet browsing to take place remotely if required. The hybrix matrix is supplied as a complete kit with matrix, receiver, IR kit and remote control.” EI: What sort of projects is it suitable for? DW: “The product enables the user to share four sources between two rooms, one of which can be up to 100m away and is fed with a single CAT5e/6 cable. The receiver is PoE so no additional power source is required at the receiver end.” EI: Tell us more about the unique IR control over HDMI kit supplied with the Matrix DW: “This unit has IR control in both directions allowing the user to be able to control not only the sources from either room, but from the matrix end it is possible to control both TV sets if required (additional IR sensor pack required for TV control).” EI: Can installers also buy all the cabling they need for a matrix based install from you? DW: “Of course, Antiference has a comprehensive range of network cabling for HDMI installations with budget and quality HDMI cables, CAT5e and CAT6 cables.” EI: What design/technical advice is available from the company? DW: “The technical support team are on hand to offer

advice on product suitability at the system design stage and assistance during the installation if required. Please contact +44 (0)1675 465487 or support@antiference.co.uk.” EI: Also new is the DIGIMOD HD, can you explain a little more about this product? DW: “The DIGIMODHD is a welcome addition to the digital modulator range, which Antiference has been successful with now for nearly three years. As a useful alternative to HDMI distribution over network cables, this unit provides HDMI over an existing coaxial cable network. The DIGIMODHD generates a digital multiplex from a single HDMI source such as SKY, Blu-ray or CCTV, etc. This feed can be inserted into an existing digital TV network and received by a Freeview HD TV set or STB. The HD feed appears in the EPG with the other TV channels and can be named and inserted in a position in the channel guide which suits the user. Other features include additional input options and IP control.” EI: You have some more new products/initiatives on the way, can you tell us more about the new HDMI Modulator and Single Wire HDMI Distribution initiatives? DW: “Coming soon will be a multiple input DIGIMODHD to add several HDMI sources to a digital TV network. The new 50m single cable extender will be a useful new product as the ever demanding market requires neater, more efficient products. This device will convert a single HDMI source onto a single CAT5e/6 cable and extend the signal for up to 50m. IR control is also included enabling the control of the source from the remote location.” EI: What functions/benefits will these products bring the Antiference proposition? DW: “A greater range of products offers many more options for the user/installer to tailor the install to their particular needs. The range, now much more comprehensive, offers the user HD quality images around the home in many new ways.” More Information: Antiference +44 (0)1675 465487 www.antiference.co.uk

The new hybrid matrix from Antiference offers the flexibility of four HDMI inputs and two outputs

Essential Install

Antiference is renowned for making high quality, innovative products including domestic SKY™ accessories, HD distribution, CCTV & LCD TV mounts. Antiference also has ‘tried and tested’ commercial distribution equipment for multidwelling units, hotels and leisure facilities.

INNOVATIONS

HDMI0401/1POE HYBRID MATRIX SWITCH HDMI0401/1POE is the combination of a standard HDMI Matrix and a HDBaseT PoE Matrix, with 4 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output and 1 HDBaseT PoE output which gives you full flexibility for distributing your HDMI sources. Also Available: HDMIE100 – 100m HDBase-T HDMI extender HDMIE50SW – 50m single wire CAT6 HDMI extender

www.antiference.co.uk

For more information on the entire Antiference range of products go to www.antiference.co.uk or scan the QR code

This Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Essential Supplement

EssentialINSTALL

Projectors & SCREENS

Also Inside All the latest projector and screen news as well as top advice to achieve killer cinema performance

Essential Projectors & Screens

in association with

A Bright Future EI presents the very latest news from the world of high quality projectors and screens. Epson has some strong views on what really makes impact with end users and one of the items at the top of that list is colour brightness. The company explains that colour brightness is now a scientifically set global standard that measures a digital projector’s Colour Light Output (CLO). Epson says there are significant differences in colour brightness performance among different projector models and that colour should be measured separately to provide accurate performance information. The manufacturer says colour brightness specification allows installers to make a more informed decision as CLO measures the brightness of the colours in a projected image, not just the brightness of white. Epson recommends installers should look for two lumens specifications, one for colour brightness and a separate white brightness specification when comparing models. The manufacturer explains that digital projectors create colour in different ways, so it’s important to know how bright a projector’s colours are as white brightness doesn’t necessarily ensure good quality images or bright colour. Epson says installers should be looking for models that deliver a colour brightness and white brightness lumen measurement which are equally high for the best performance. For example, a projector with 3,000 lumens of white brightness may only have 800 lumens of colour brightness. Epson says not all projectors have both high colour brightness and high white brightness and claims some manufacturers may not want installers to know their projectors may be a third as bright when it comes to colour – or even less – so they may not provide the colour brightness figure. Thanks to 3LCD technology, Epson says its projectors have equally high white and colour brightness delivering extremely high quality and bright colours. More information on colour brightness can be found at www.epson.eu/CLO Neil Colquhoun, business sales direction, Epson UK, adds: “We’ve deliberately set out to demonstrate that Epson is the market leader when it comes to displaying the brightest images, because, to

paraphrase, ‘all projectors are not the same.’ “Using independent research we found that 98% of the market found Epson projectors showed the brightest colours, up to three times brighter than single chip DLP projectors. “We’re using this insight at the core of our projector development over the next few years. As the standard is fairly new, colour brightness or CLO information isn’t, as yet, published by every digital projector manufacturer. However, this is something that we’re trying to change.” 4K is of course one of the buzz words around imaging at the moment, but Epson advises caution. Neil says: “There is loads of talk about 4K at the moment, but Epson is holding fire on this new technology. We will not launch a product until we believe it matches our high standards on image quality, reliability and there’s sufficient demand in the market. For us, it’s not simply about being the first to market with the latest technology. It’s about ensuring that there is a genuine need that we can help fulfill. As soon as we feel that the image quality and content are there, we’ll go ahead and launch.” Epson projectors are available to the CI channel from Habitech and MidwichHome. Barry Sheldrick, UK sales manager, at Pulse Marketing has some sagely advice for getting projects right from the off. Barry says: “Before we even talk about the projector technology and get lost in the noise of 4K, the most important starting point is to work out how much light we need for the screen that we are using. The whole reason that

Pulse Marketing’s experts are on hand to advise on the best ways to achieve great performance no matter how challenging the space

www.epson.co.uk

EH-TW7200 • • • •

Full HD 2D and 3D projector Bright output - 2,400lm White and Colour Light Output Deep blacks - 120,000:1 contrast ratio Three Year Enhanced Warranty3

1 Compared to leading 1-chip DLP home entertainment projectors. Epson 720p projectors are three times brighter; Epson 1080p projectors are consistently two and up to three times brighter. Based on NPD data, July 2011 through June 2012. Colour brightness (Colour Light Output) measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4. Colour brightness will vary depending on usage conditions. For more information please visit www.epson.co.uk/CLO 2 Survey conducted by Futuresource Consulting Limited for the period from 2001 to 2012. 3 Terms & Conditions apply www.epson.co.uk/warranty

28 Essential Install

CMY

Essential Projectors & Screens projectors exist with differing levels of light output is because they are suited to different sizes of screen and ambient light levels. “ANSI Lumen figures are useful because, when combined with the screen size (and resultant surface area) we can work out the foot-Lambert value that we will achieve. FootLamberts are the most important measurement when it comes to screen brightness: A 1000 ANSI Lumen projector will give a bright image on a 2.5m wide screen in a dark room, but will have no chance of lighting up a 3.5m screen. So projectors are tied to a given range of screen sizes.” Barry explains: “When we help our dealers to specify a projection system, we are always trying to achieve a target foot-Lambert figure. This figure varies depending on the environment the projector is being used in, but broadly it breaks down as follows. Foot lamberts are a linear scale so 32 foot-Lamberts is twice as bright at 16 foot-Lamberts, which makes it easy to track relative light levels. A footLambert is, as its name suggests, the measurement of 1 Lumen per square foot of screen. Commercial cinemas need to offer a minimum of 16 foot-Lamberts in 2D viewing and the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) recommend 26 foot-Lamberts for a home cinema with good light control. In a room with very little light control and reasonable levels of ambient light, we need to aim for around 70 foot-Lamberts to deliver a watchable image. “As screen sizes increase, unless the projectors ANSI Lumen figure increase, the foot-Lambert figure will decrease: doubling the screen size diagonally results in a quarter of the brightness of the original screen size. “This is why it is important that when we look at how much ANSI Lumen a projector outputs, we do so against the size of screen and ambient light levels we are working in.” Aspect ratio is the next important consideration says Pulse and the company argues that since all the Runco projectors it supplies have an anamorphic lens option and many movies are shot in 2.35 & 2.40, this represents an opportunity for the dealer to increase sale value and deliver enhanced performance. The company urges caution when it comes to 4K citing the fact that currently there is no native content available, with up-scaling producing mixed results. Barry argues: “Until we have content, there is a lot more that goes into specifying the correct projector, screen and lens combination than resolution. A correctly specified (to achieve 26+ foot-

Lamberts) anamorphic 1080p projection system can deliver images so breath taking that the number of pixels are long forgotten whilst you are enjoying the movie.” Optoma recently held a dealer road show event to highlight its range of home cinema options and of particular interest was the new HD91 Full HD LED based machine. Optoma says the machine offers perfectly balanced colours and superior image quality on screen sizes of up to150in. The HD91 delivers full 3D capability, a wide colour gamut, high-quality colour saturation and outstanding brightness, says the maker. Advanced LED switching is included to provide increased image stability that Optoma says rivals the performance of three-chip DLP projectors and provides consistent brightness and colour performance. The maker adds that in many situations the perceived brightness of the HD91 LED projector can be up to twice the brightness of an equivalent lamp-based model. Utilising this phenomenon, known as the Helmholtz-Kohlrausch (HK) effect, where colour saturation causes the eye to perceive a higher level of brightness, the manufacturer says the HD91 produces intense colours enabling it to render screen sizes higher than its ANSI brightness specifications would suggest. Optoma says this effect also enables the HD91 to handle low levels of ambient light and that the LED engine means there are no warm up or warm down cycles to worry about or lamp replacement issues. Optoma adds that the light weight 7kg and compact size of the HD91 simplifies installation, whilst full lens shift and wide 1.9x zoom range ensure placement flexibility. Optoma’s official distributor in to the CI sector is Midwich. Also available from the Midwich stable is the innovative Hecto solution from LG. The unit uses ultra-short-throw solid state technology, along with a dedicated screen, to provide a full HD image of 100in.

LG has an innovative option with its Hecto combination of short-throw projector and fixed screen

EH-TW9200 • • • •

in association with

Full HD 3D projector Bright output - 2,400lm White and Colour Light Output Very deep blacks - 600,000:1 contrast ratio Five Year Enhanced Warranty3

www.epson.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential Projectors & Screens

in association with

Offering strong price comparison with super-sized TVs, the screen that accompanies the Hecto offers a gain factor of 1.04 and a special surface that not only harnesses the image provided from the UST base unit, but is also is designed to prevent hotspots. The deep black, fixed screen works with the 2,000 ANSI Lumens display projector to provide performance able to cope with high levels of ambient light. Connectivity comes from 3 HDMI ports and digital content can be streamed via a network/DLNA or Intel WiDi directly from a notebook or, thanks to the DivX HD player, directly from an external hard drive or USB stick. Featuring on last month’s cover of EI, JVC has just launched its latest range up-date, delivering high contrast ratios and 4K performance. Available from Invision and Habitech, the machines offer substantial improvements using a new D-ILA device and a new wire grid polariser. JVC has also included an intelligent lens aperture that can dial in deeper blacks. The latest version of the company’s up-scaling technology (4K e-shift3) means HD and SD images get a make-over, taking them close to 4K performance. The new line-up consists of the DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R and DLA-X500R models, all of which are 3D enabled and carry the 4K e-Shift technology. The affordable DLA-X35 will continue to be available. Flexible installation is promoted by a wide range of projection throw ratios with powered lens shift function of 80% vertical and 34% horizontal. Picture performance is further optimised by a new multiple pixel control (MPC) processor with eight-band detection, which offers four pre-sets plus an auto setting that selects the best up-conversion process by detecting the frequency of each pixel. Picture quality is also enhanced through a new ‘clear black’ feature that provides local area contrast enhancement and improved clear-motion-drive (CMD). Adrian Summers, sales specialist at Invision says: “JVC has put an incredible amount of time and effort into developing a range of features that deliver the smoothest, most highly detailed image. The result is amazing and I’m confident that these projectors are going to be in high demand.” SIM2 has recently launched the Crystal Cube, an entry level projector that combines style and performance in a single chip DLP design. Presented in a glass cabinet, which comes with a crystal finish, the Crystal Cube is designed for those who want their projector to look stylish as well as deliver full HD 3D performance. Implementing a 1080p DLP chipset from Texas Instruments and advanced proprietary processing, the Crystal Cube is also designed to offer crisp 2D pictures thanks to a 190W lamp that delivers up to 2500 lumens of light output. The black or white crystal glass isn’t just for show, as

New from SIM2 is the compact and attractive Crystal Cube offering a new entry level into the Italian maker’s family

it is resistant to light as well as high and low temperatures. The compact footprint means the projector fits into a Future Automation PD1 projector lift and combined with its 9kg weight it makes the model suitable for a wide range of applications. Two additions to the Grand Cinema line include the SUPERLUMIS, featuring a brighter lamp that is capable of 5000 ANSI Lumen, whilst being dimmable by 80% for setup flexibility. To cope with this new brighter lamp, the cooling system has been redesigned, resulting in a quieter performance whilst maintaining reliability. The SUPERLUMIS also features the Perfect Fit feature with a lens memory for zoom and focus to enable stand-alone anamorphic projection. Also new is the Fuoriserie, which is designed to take the SUPERLUMIS to a new level for high-end integrators. SIM2 says the model incorporates only the latest, finest, most carefully selected components, each one individually tested and brought together to create a product that achieves unprecedented image perfection. Complete control over IP for setup adjustment, fault analysis and software updates is available and each projector comes with its own colour analyser that enables a full calibration with a click of a button whenever it is needed. Add to this a full five year warranty that includes two enhanced services (including new fans and lamps on each) and SIM2 says it’s a very compelling package. Armour Home’s home cinema offering is now spearheaded by Vivitek in the shape of the 1180HD and 1185HD models. These full HD 3D home cinema projectors are designed for a wide

www.epson.co.uk

EH-TW9200W • • • •

Wireless Full HD 3D projector Bright output - 2,400lm White and Colour Light Output Very deep blacks - 600,000:1 contrast ratio Five Year Enhanced Warranty3

32 Essential Install

DO YOU WANT TO WATCH A MOVIE?

...OR DO YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE A MOVIE? IF YOU’RE NOT CHOOSING PROJECTION, THEN YOU’RE NOT CHOOSING HOME CINEMA! Large screen projection delivers the home cinema experience like nothing else. Are you experiencing movies as they were intended? • Larger screen sizes provide immersive home cinema at its very best! • Draper offers the most comprehensive selection of viewing surfaces in the industry as well as over 40 unique screen models to choose from!

• With the finest viewing surface selection tools available, Draper can help guide you in choosing the perfect surface for any application. • Draper’s new High Performance XS850E (currently available on Onyx screen models) rejects the ambient light found in many multipurpose rooms, offers great off axis viewing and high contrast in most light conditions.

+44 (0) 1536 203101 www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

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P33.indd 1

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Essential Projectors & Screens

in association with

The Vivitek H1180 is available from Armour Home

variety of dark or moderately lit environments, with the H1180HD delivering 2,000 ANSI Lumens of brightness with a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1. The H1185HD benefits from a higher brightness up to 2,500 ANSI Lumens as well as ISF mode for day and night calibration options. In addition, the Texas Instruments’ DLP DarkChip3 and BrilliantColor technologies are on board to deliver bright images with deep blacks. Connections wise the models offer two HDMI v1.4 inputs as well as VGA, S-Video, component and composite video inputs, as well as a 12v trigger. The lamp life has also extended up to 6,000 hours in eco mode and its position on the top of the projector also facilitates its replacement.

Landing on the right surface Draper has a massive variety of screen types and surfaces as well as offering advice and support. Picking the right surface for each project is of huge importance and the company has a part of its website dedicated to doing just that. The service works on two levels; one which anyone can access to get surface description and info on what sort of applications they are suitable for and an invite only area where a Pro Tool service can be accessed with full information and downloadable datasheets on each material. Draper is also keen to underline the level of experience and expertise offered by its staff. Steve Cook, for example, is a recent addition to the team, but has 30 years in the AV industry and acts as Draper’s liaison assisting installers, but also feeding back ideas for product development. Draper also provides assistance through its Mobile Toolkit, which includes searchable document libraries for all AV products, assembly map tools for its StageScreen and FocalPoint screens and the mobile Screen Surface Selector, which works across all smart phones and tablets. Draper divides its offering into families based on characteristics, which clarify how the screen will be used. Four families are available, OptiView (Self-supporting Surfaces), OptiFlex (Tensioned Surfaces), ClearSound

(Acoustically Transparent Surfaces) and CineFlex (Rear and Front/Rear Tensioned Surfaces). A recent launch was the ReAct MS1000V projection surface, part of the OptiFlex family, the material offers enhanced colour contrast even in ambient light, providing optimal colour rendition which is HD compliant. Ultimately, working through the website or with assistance from the Draper team, installers can ensure they are choosing the right model and surface for every project be it commercial, home cinema or multi-use. Elite Screens (available from Midwich Group) has recently introduced the PowerMax Tension, an electric roll-up screen. Featuring an unobtrusive aluminum casing with sliding wall brackets for easy installation/positioning, its 1.1gain matte white material has Elite’s flat tab tensioning. It has a fast-acting 14 rpm tubular motor with a 4.4 foot pound lift capacity and comes with an integrated IR/RF control system with a 12-volt trigger. The Euroscreen brand (available from Invision) has a recent introduction in the form of the Sesame 2.1, offering a recessed ceiling case for installation within a ceiling void. The screen also includes adjustable inner brackets, which allow for fine-tuning of the bottom dowel for flush closure when retracted. The white aluminium case has removable integrated external flange profiles for easy access. The case also features a concealed drop function of the complete screen section, which enables easy access to install case first and screen later. Invision says brackets, especially designed for Sesame 2.1, provides a trouble-free installation. The Screen Excellence brand is available from Atlantik AV Distribution and Karma AV offering its Enlightor 4K acoustically transparent film screen surface which is a woven-fabric with no visible weave or texture. The screens are ISF-certified for colour purity, enjoy a gain of 0.98, have zero moiré effect and do not compromise audio or video performance. The more affordable SLIM Series is also now available incorporating a slim 15mm velour border frame, but still utilising the Enlighter 4K screen material with black backing to help improve contrast and eliminate rear wall reflections. Stewart Filmscreen is available from Genesis Technologies. Regular training is available from Genesis to learn more about the benefits available from the brand. Recent applications for multi-use spaces with higher ambient

HIGH CLO MEANS EVERYTHING’S

BRIGHT

34 Essential Install

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back...

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Watch this space for more details For further information, call the team on +44 (0)1634 673163

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Essential Projectors & Screens light conditions and for the 4K future have recently been showcased. For multi-use spaces the all-in-one blackout shade, projection screen and vertical masking system called Transformer is available. Designed to be mounted in front of windows or glass doors, this three-part electric roll-down screen system is ideal for transforming bedrooms, game rooms and other multifunctional entertainment spaces into a home theatre. Also new is an addition to the CIMA line of fixed frame and electriscreen products, now offering CinemaScope (2.35:1 aspect ratio) SKUs. There are six standard sizes from 94in diagonal up to 137in diagonal, available in fixed frame and above or below ceiling electriscreens. Danish screen brand dnp, is distributed in the UK by Paradigm AV and offers the Supernova Core, which is a strong solution when dealing with home theatre environments that are not completely darkened. A recent project required such a solution for Norwegian installer Intrepid AV, and the company was able to specify a 128in Supernova Core 2.35:1 (cinemascope) optical projection screen with black velvet frame, configured with 08-85 screen material, which blew the customer away. The installer was impressed also, particularly with the screen’s ability to break the 15:1 image contrast barrier enhancing the dynamics of the picture. Available through Anthem AV Solutions, Screen Innovations (SI) has launched several new products. The Black Diamond Motorised screen will now be available in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and another addition to the same family is the Black Diamond Rear-Pro Film: a product with a wide range of commercial as well as domestic uses. This is a diffusion rear projection film that can be applied to any transparent surface to create a display. As part of the Black Diamond family, it has strong light rejection creating contrast levels ideal for exterior, high ambient light level applications or home cinema. SI has also updated its Performance Motorised screen to G4. This is the brand’s affordable solution for a motorised screen offering tab tensioning and 0-24in of extra drop as standard and is available in standard sizes up to 133in. DesignScreen is an innovative solution available through Redline Distribution. Designed to occupy one third of the wall space of traditional screens, the projection surface is concealed behind a customisable living room picture frame. The screens self-tension each time they are opened with up to 2.65m wide viewing area. Redline says installation is a breeze with no need for concealed cables or difficult to install casings. Something interesting for the commercial market place, the screens can transform into a whiteboard providing a space saving application. Available from Habitech, Projecta’s Descender Electrol range of motorised in-ceiling concealed systems (tensioned and nontensioned) and its HomeScreen Deluxe fixed-frame screens are designed to facilitate quicker and more efficient installations. Descender Electrol screens are of a two-part construction,

in association with

enabling the case to be supplied at the first fix stage, followed by the screen assembly and motor. The product is said to be 30% quieter than standard tubular models, and its casing is housed almost invisibly inside the ceiling with a sliding lid providing access to the motor and the screen. A wide choice of screen fabrics, black leader sizes, aspect ratios (including Cinemascope 2.35:1) and powder-coated case finishes (all available within short two week lead times) are available. The HomeScreen Deluxe fixed-frame screens come with low profile 8cm aluminium velvet covered frames and a Velcro attachment mechanism, which ensures that the surface can be retensioned throughout its lifespan. Habitech has standardised Matte White and acoustically transparent High Contrast Cinema Vision Sound fabrics with a wider choice of alternative surfaces available to order. For high-end installations, the fixed frame, multi-format Multi-Mask Imager screen, complete with motorised horizontal and vertical velour masking panels, is also available from Habitech. More Information: Epson +44 (0)871 4237766, www.epson.co.uk Pulse Marketing +44 (0) 8455 618 884 www.pulsemarketing.com Midwich Group +44 (0)1379 649200, www.midwich.com Optoma +44 (0)1923 691800, www.optoma.co.uk Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com JVC +44 (0)208 4503282, www.jvc.eu SIM2 +44 (0)1825 750850, www.sim2.co.uk Draper Group Ltd +44 (0)1536 203101 www.drapergroupltd.co.uk Atlantik AV +44 (0)1254 822773, www.atlantikav.co.uk Genesis Technologies +44 (0)787 9412280 www.genesistechnologies.co.uk Karma AV +44 (0)1423 358846, www.karma-av.co.uk Paradigm AV +44 (0)1234 843388, www.rearpro.com Armour Home +44 (0)1279 501 111 www.armourhome.co.uk Anthem AV Solutions +44 (0)1825 750 858 www.anthemavs.co.uk Redline Distribution +44(0)1268 858 222, www.red-line.co.uk

NOT ALL PROJECTORS ARE CREATED EQUAL 1

Essential Install

SIMPLY versatile systems

Arteor

From matching wiring accessories through innovative radio solutions, up to fully integrated building automation systems, we know what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about when it comes to control systems. All you need to do is know us.

Legrand... the name behind Vantage and Arteor building automation systems

T: +44 (0)870 608 9020 â&#x20AC;˘ E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk twitter.com/LegrandUK

youtube.com/LegrandtvUK

Essential vantage

Achieve perfect balance with Equinox Vantage introduces its new touch-screen concept to the CI world.

The Equinox range is designed to offer interfaces end users can relate to

Vantage (available from Asheridge Communications) is looking to catch the eye with its new Equinox range. Developed following extensive consumer research conducted by Legrand (Vantage parent company) the Equinox 40 four-inch and Equinox 73 seven-inch touch-screens have been designed to offer simple operation combined with a high level of functionality and stylish aesthetics. Legrand says these are the first CI products to feature a glass-to-the-edge LCD screen and the products feature light and presence sensors, enabling them to be programmed to respond to ambient light and/or detect the presence of the user making sure the display is always visible, even in the dark. Lead marketing manager at Legrand, Richard Hayward, says: “Many of the end users that are interested in incorporating custom install controls in their homes have not grown up with touch-screen technology and find the complexity of the user interface on some systems too difficult to use. “With the Vantage Equinox range, we’ve kept the user interface as simple and intuitive to use as possible and made it exactly the same as the Equinox Apps for tablets and smart phones putting the end user back in control of their environment.” The Equinox 40 provides a simple, single layer User

Interface (UI) that allows control of multiple functions, users can gesture and swipe through the individual functions to monitor and alter settings. The Equinox 73 provides a three-layer UI increasing the level of functionality. Designed to operate alongside the Equinox 40 as part of an integrated system, the Equinox 73 provides a multi room overview of each zone which could be the entire dwelling in an apartment, a floor of a house or a deck of a super yacht. Users can navigate through each of the three levels from a summary display home page, to a full screen on one function, to the edit mode where users can customise their system. Richard concludes: “At Legrand, we believe that home automation should be suitable for anyone, not just the techno-savvy, so we’ve designed the new Vantage Equinox units to be completely intuitive with a UI that is exactly the same on any device. Our research demonstrated that consumers want us to keep it simple and provide something that can adapt and grow with their changing needs so those have been the key development principles driving the design of Equinox.” Installers may have already had a sneak preview of the Vantage Equinox touch-screens at the Asheridge Communications stand at the Essential Install Live! South and North shows, but more information is available on the company website. More information: Legrand +44 (0)870 6099020, uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk www.vantagecontrols.com Asheridge Communications +44 (0)1494 794770 www.ashcomms.com

The Equinox family offers a wide range of choices for each application and project

Essential Install

BUILDING BETTER IP NETWORKS

ProNet is the first integrated platform of tools and training for high performance, reliable IP networking. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supporting three tremendously powerful and complementary brands to help you maintain control in the home and earn margin as well. ! Network switches ! PDUs ! UPS ! Routers ! Wireless access points

Training dates and venues: habitech.co.uk/training.htm F U L L R A N G E S I N S TO C K C A L L 0 1 4 2 0 5 4 0 0 5 4 , H A B I T E C H. C O. U K

Essential Q&A

BACK TO THE FUTURE MAN Classic cars inspire Iain K Poole, but it’s to the future the director of Kustomworks transports himself for a glimpse of CI to come through classics of another kind, sci-fi blockbusters like Avatar go on to win large projects only to fail to meet the client’s expectations. This, more often than not, goes legal and that’s when we are called in to put right what has been done wrong. A few bad apples puts the whole industry in a bad light.

To boldly go...Iain balances Minivan restoration with maximum creativity in CI design

EI: What are you doing right now (apart from filling this questionnaire of course)? IKP: We are just finishing our financial year end. This is our fifth successful year and we are fortunate to have kept going from strength to strength over the years. As such we have added more services to complement our original offering of just programming. EI: If you were not involved in AV, what would you be doing? IKP: I have a bachelor of science in electronics and communications but adore classic car restoration. I’m a die-hard classic gear head with a particular love of Minis. I’m currently restoring a 1977 Minivan (my first car) and a Mini 35 Special Edition, which I picked up for a steal 10 years ago. EI: What project are you most proud of in your career and why? IKP: One project I was incredibly proud of was my first ever Crestron DM Installation: We were asked by one of our dealers to consult on this project, which was over 30,000 square feet. So we provided installation diagrams as well as the programming and bespoke UI, which was user-based. This allowed the users to quickly access their sources anywhere in the property. The project went like clockwork. Although over 40 zones, we split the system into ground and first floor and only required a week on each floor to fully commission. EI: What is the worst thing (outside of your control) that has ever gone wrong on a project? IKP: We had been booked to start work on a large project and due to “awkward” neighbours next door to our client, they managed to keep stopping the whole build with endless complaints. The project is only just finishing now, nearly two years after we started. EI: What one thing could the industry collectively do to improve its standing and profitability? IKP: I would like to see a big clamp down on companies not equipped to install or program control systems. Over the last four years I have seen an increase in the number of people offering installation and programming services that

EI: You can invite three people living or dead out for a pint (not including family and friends) who and why? IKP: First Billy Connelly. I have watched and respected this great man for many years and would really like to sit down and have a non-alcoholic drink with him. Secondly Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. As young lads both me and my brothers were keen wrestling fans; yes we knew it was fixed but it was great fun. Finally Geoff Capes, whose career as a strong man I’ve watched. EI: You can watch only one movie and listen to one album for the rest of your life, what are they? IKP: If I had to pick one it would have to be Aliens Special Edition, which has 17 minutes of deleted footage and takes the film to new dimensions. One album I have not put down since I bought it is Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories, so it would have to be that one. EI: What is the next big thing in interface design/ aesthetics? IKP: Tough one, first we need to look at the problems with touch-panels that are currently on the market. We are limited in how amazing we can make the interface using the provided design tools. Compare a touch-panel to any smartphone and tablet currently available. They already have a cool factor, be they Android or Apple. They do it well and they do it fast. But clients’ expectations are moving towards this and some catching up is needed. A good way forward is to ditch traditional concepts of how we create user interfaces. People want to see fast and slick transitions; they want clean, modern functional designs; they want the panel to interact with them. EI: Tablets/smartphones: a genuine boost to the CI business or a necessary evil? IKP: They have opened the door to basic Home Automation, you can now get Apps for controlling various devices such as SKY, TV’s, Amplifiers and AVR’s. I have spoken to people who never really understood what I did but who now get it and realise not only how cool it is but how it can enrich your life. By controlling all the different technology we take for granted, people are now seeing it is possible to do their bit for the carbon footprint, for example. More information: Kustomworks +44 (0)1964 775012 www.kustomworks.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential Pulse Training

Get Serious About Cinema with Support from Pulse Marketing

The EI team recently took a trip to the impressive Pulse Marketing Training Facility to learn more about the resources offered to installers by this comprehensive facility. Witnessing the Pulse Training Centre take shape over the last year or so has been one of the most interesting stories EI has ever been involved with. Mike Beatty, Pulse MD, first revealed the plans to EI during a meeting at the company’s previous HQ, the plans sounded highly impressive, but could the company really pull it off? EI’s next encounter with the training centre took place soon after Pulse had moved into its new unit at 11 Business Link, Parsonage Farm, Forest Hall Road, Stansted, Essex. Although the offices were up and running, the rest of the unit was a blank canvas. At that time, Mike gave EI a tour of the site pointing out the yellow tape marking out where the various areas of the facility were going to be and EI could finally imagine how the facility would look and operate, however there was still a massive amount of work to get through to turn ambition into reality. Spin forward what felt like only a few short months and EI was the first trade publication through the door to witness the transformation into one of the most impressive CI learning centres in the UK. The team’s most recent visit only served to underline just what an achievement this place is and how installers, who are looking to get the most from their cinema projects, should make a visit a high priority. Entering what looks from the outside a fairly innocuous industrial unit, the ordinary very quickly becomes extraordinary as visitors enter the reception, which not only offers a welcoming bar and seating area, but houses much of the hardware that drives the centre. The reception area serves as a hub to connect all the various other parts of the centre with the fully equipped training room and ready to rock Pulse Cinemas offering eight seat and two seat versions all available on the ground floor. Also on this floor is the Pulse Games Room and Cinema, providing an insight into how

The fully equipped training room is the start on installer’s journey to improving their cinema installs

best to deliver the kind of multi-use spaces many customers now require. Upstairs houses the company’s main offices from where the company assists and informs its dealers in making the right choices for killer cinema performance. The centre is open to installers who want to come for training (talk to the Pulse team to book your course) but the centre is also available for installers to bring their clients and witness first-hand what can be achieved. EI has been at the centre

Visitors can also enjoy the delights of the plush two seater Pulse cinema

42 Essential Install

Essential Pulse Training

The reception area creates immediate impact as soon as visitors arrive

when clients have been given the tour and has seen just how impressed they are. No less impressed it has to be said than David Kitchener, EI’s publishing director, who was seeing the facility for the very first time. David said: “Wow this place really is impressive, I’ve never really seen anything like it before. It represents a serious investment on the part of the Pulse team and I take my hat off to them for what is a jaw dropping impact on first seeing the centre. I am sure that Carlsberg don’t do cinema training centres, but like the old marketing message goes, if they did, it would surely be like this one.”

High Performance Cinema One of the key initiatives taking place at the training centre is the Introduction to Cinema course, the most popular in the company’s syllabus. Mike explains that the course is aimed at improving the knowledge base of those new to cinema, as well as existing cinema operators. The course has been designed to teach the principals of cinema, rather than being product specific and covers a huge range of topics in an easy to understand and logical formula. Installers will be glad to know not only their minds will be nourished, as lunch is included on the one day course, attendees are also given an Excel spreadsheet based room calculator, which calculates room volume, screen size throw distance, foot lamberts of light on the screen surface and much more. The day finishes with an option of staying for an evening

meal and watching a movie in the show piece eight seater cinema. This is a really popular option because, as Pulse points out, many in the industry are used to watching five minute demonstration clips on their cinema creations, but rarely get a chance to enjoy a whole movie in a kick-ass cinema. Having had the chance to have a play, EI highly recommends this option. It genuinely is like being locked in the sweet shop over night for the serious cinema fan. The price for this course is £95.00 plus VAT per person and attendees will be given a £50.00 discount voucher which can be redeemed against their next Screen Research screen order. The course also offers Five Cedia CEU points. A preview of the training facility can be seen at the Pulse Marketing website. Pulse Marketing +44 (0)845 5618884 www.pulsemarketing.com

Introduction to Cinema Course: Subject Areas Room design and layout, equipment choices, loudspeaker crossovers, subwoofer placement, recommended screen size, calculating throw distances, projector light output, requirement vs screen size, anamorphic lenses, introduction to ISF calibration, acoustic treatment, contrast ratio explained, different, screen materials and gains, 3D - How and Why?

Installers can witness the fully operation eight seater cinema in all its glory as part of the Introduction to Cinema Course

Essential Install

“Wow, this place really is impressive, I’m sure that Carlsberg don’t do cinema training centres, but like the old marketing message goes, if they did...” David Kitchener, Essential Install Magazine

The Pulse team are on hand and ready to help you with your project!

@pulsecinemas T: +44 (0) 8455 618 884 www.homecinemagallery.com

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Essential case study

DECISIONS, DECISIONS... One of the biggest recent challenges for London Home Cinema Company was convincing a wary customer just how wonderful his custom install could be.

Main feature: Lights dim, the screen comes to life and the room exudes comfort, says Martin

Would the client change his mind and consider the finest home theatre system? That was the crunch question Martin Redwood posed when tackling not just a complicated installation but a customer in need of reassurance from the managing director of London Home Cinema Company. “We entered into discussions with our client around 18 months ago,” recalls Martin. “The brief was to modernise his home with the latest AV equipment in several rooms including a gym while it was being refurbished. He was an existing client, but with an old cinema in a dedicated media room installed by another dealer around 10 years ago. The system was very poor and pretty unreliable.” And that was the problem: “We had offered to try to sort it out in the past, but he was so disappointed in the system he did not think it worthwhile. We knew he had missed out on that magical experience of witnessing a properly set-up system and wanted him and his wife to realise what they could expect – would he change his mind and consider the finest home theatre system?” Martin turned on the charm and flexed his technical prowess to try and win over a client who was smart, but not tech savvy. Martin focused on the hub of all that client angst, the cinema room. In its current form, it was rarely used so the team initially proposed a simple home cinema set up to replace the old one. By this stage cabling was being laid

throughout the property. As the building works progressed Martin had another punt, suggesting the client consider making more of the cinema room. After all, he reasoned, the client was investing in perfecting the design and finishes of the rest of the house, why not make a better job of this room? This eventually led him to extol the virtues of the Steinway Lyngdorf system. But it wasn’t in the bag yet. What swung it Martin’s way was the demo: “Here was a system that would sound like nothing the client had heard before, with aesthetically pleasing speakers and the Steinway name. Although he was still unsure of the idea, I arranged a demonstration with Steinway Lyngfdorf’s UK distributor at the client’s home in Hertfordshire.” Home demonstrations can be tricky, shifting and configuring equipment often to tight time scales. Fortunately the distributor, Gecko Home Cinema, bends over backwards to help set up demos and offer advice during installation, says Martin. The client also appreciated installer and distributor coming together to bring the product to him. “We didn’t have a great deal of time to show off its true quality as the client was a busy man and time was valuable. After we ran through the system’s features and gave a comprehensive demonstration, however, he was enthralled. With the client now on board and happy with the Steinway Lyngdorf solution we redesigned the media room to accommodate the system.

HD distribution offers Sky HD sources, Apple TV, Blu-ray and CCTV on any TV in the house

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Essential case study “I went for Steinway because of its high volume with clear sound capabilities, which had always stood out at trade shows over the years. The design and branding also tick the boxes while the client understands Steinway is a high-profile name and expects the product to reflect this. It’s also great to be able to show off the speakers in the room, aside from the LCRs behind the screen.” But this was just one element of a whole-house overhaul to a property that was both sizeable and difficult to upgrade. The generous proportions of the home prompted the tech team to specify an HDMI over Cat6 matrix solution, with eight separate rooms enjoying HD sources from multiple Sky HD receivers, Blu-ray, Apple TV and a CCTV DVR. All of the connected components are controlled by a single RTI controller in the respective room, making daily operation simple and reliable. All of the new TVs, meanwhile, are connected to the network. So the combination of smart TV Apps and the additional services offered through Apple TV ensures the best multimedia experience for a client now brimful of technological confidence. “For the distributed music system we chose the Sonos solution. Although primarily a wireless system we designed the backbone to be located in the same area in the comms room, hard wired into the house network. This resulted in three Middle Atlantic equipment racks positioned within the room, with separate IT, AV and home cinema spread among them.” Back in the cinema room, the client requested the largest screen for his viewing distance. As Martin’s team had used an acoustic screen it specified the in-wall version of the LCR speakers to sit behind the projection screen. Two boundary subwoofers in each corner, surround speakers on the rear wall and the seating just in front proved a pitchperfect combination. “We used a JVC 3D projector, a product that we are very familiar with and for which we have many hours of experience calibrating. Other than the projector we used a Screen Research film screen and a Denon Blu-ray player. But it was important to balance technology with comfort and appearances. “To keep the room uncluttered we put the amplifiers and Surround speakers on the rear wall and seating just in front proved a winning combination

48 Essential Install

Compact but high performance Steinway speakers blend with the textural wall finishes

processor in the adjoining comms room, with an iPad taking care of system control. After looking into acoustic fabric wall coverings, the client’s wife was delighted to hear the Model S could handle a wallpapered finish. This was important: she wanted a pleasant, cosy snug to sit with friends rather than a room with a studio feel.” Ignore subtlety and aesthetics at your peril, warns Martin. A Sonos music system was used throughout the home, but amplifiers were tucked away discreetly in the comms room, while a mixture of ceiling speakers and Amina plaster-in speakers were used in rooms where decorative looks were most important. The HD distribution system is probably the best day-today solution for the client, reckons Martin. He can watch two Sky HD sources, Apple TV, Blu-ray and CCTV on any TV in the house. The gym meanwhile is used heavily, with two TVs, a Sky music channel and a well-toned sound system that enables keep-fit fanatics to pump up the volume while they pump iron. “Sonos works well for us and by matching it with good speakers and amplifiers you can specialise and tailor outcomes. CYP HD distribution over Cat cable is the neatest part of the project. HDBaseT technologies have really helped the custom installer: what was impossible two years ago is almost unbelievable in what can be done now – HD picture, power, network and control down one cable.” The initially wary client was not the only challenge. When it came to the install, Martin’s team was tested by the overall programming, which invariably takes longer than anticipated. Little things like the CCTV DVR not having the right resolution for the matrix also threw up teasers and meant it worked on some TVs but not all of them. “After a bit of head scratching we added a CYP HDMI scaler to deal with it. The client also added extra zones toward the end, specifically for CCTV and Sky feeds, which we accomplished with point-to-point CYP extenders. As ever, getting the first fix cabling right enabled additional functions to be added. “But now the project is finished, I have two favourite aspects of the

Essential case study install: one is the point when the cinema system is used. The lights dim, the screen comes to life and the room exudes comfort and cosiness. My other favourite element is simply watching the client flicking through sources on any of his matrix-connected TVs and controlling it all with consummate ease. “This marks quite a transformation from when it all started. The client is not a huge technology user but appreciates the ease of use the systems provide. The house refurbishment and installation are complete. The Steinway Lyngdorf room, however, is now the most popular space in the house.” Steinway is a prestige name and “it’s great to be able to show off the speakers in the room”

More information: London Home Cinema Company +44 (0)208 3701825, www.londonhomecinema.co.uk Gecko Inc Ltd +44 (0)845 2622882 www.geckohomecinema.com

The brief called for an uncluttered room that was more sumptuous than studio in look and feel

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CARLO GAVAZZI UK Ltd. Unit 7, Springlakes Ind. Estate, Deadbrook Lane, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU12 4UH Tel: 01252 339600 www.carlogavazzi.co.uk

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Essential WyreStorm

Pro Install AV Partners WyreStorm

When a six-bedroomed property was in-line for a sophisticated AV make over, WyreStorm was at the heart of the solution.

Pro Install AV turned to WyreStorm to get the job done

50 Essential Install

Pro by name, professional by nature. Pro Install AV, a consumer electronics integrator based in Essex, has earned a strong reputation for serving high-profile residential and commercial clients throughout the region. With more than seven years in the security and electronics integration industry, the company provides custom-made packages and expertise honed to the nth degree. The CCTV security systems it designs and installs are of varying complexity to blend seamlessly into almost every urban demographic you can imagine. Systems range from simple video surveillance packages for small shops and larger business premises, to projects in built-up or leafy areas. Packages use the latest haul in CCTV security technology, Video Analytics, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), High Definition cameras and IP (Internet Protocol) based equipment. The company recently bagged a job for a six-bedroom home in Surrey involving a whole-home custom electronic integration. Pro Install AV had to incorporate seven-zone HD video distribution switching integrated video sources. It had to blend in four stereo audio zones, three 5.1 audio zones, Crestron lighting control and automation with one centralised equipment location. Reputation is everything and Pro Install AV has good form. It uses only the most reliable, industry-leading manufacturers and equipment for projects. The WyreStorm HDBaseT MX-0808-HDBT 8x8 touch-screen Matrix and WyreStorm 100m HDBaseT bidirectional display receivers were chosen to drive AV switching and control to form the heart of the integration. “Compatibility and reliability are important considerations for any project, as is the speed and ease of the installation itself,” says the project’s lead integrator Sajid Qureshi. “We have been impressed with the variety of the WyreStorm line

up and the quality of the products. Excellent compatibility can be found across WyreStorm ranges and with other manufacturers’ products. “In addition, the support we received before and during this particular job from WyreStorm staff was excellent. All in all it was it was exactly what you would want from an installation.” The WyreStorm 8x8 HDBaseT matrix was used to transmit full 1080p HD video, HD audio, Ethernet and bidirectional control. This was done via IR from a centralised AV location to displays located up to 100m away using unshielded or shielded Cat5e/ Cat6 cable. Additional control was made achievable via RS232 including full compatibility with leading control systems. Sajid observes: “The WyreStorm HDBaseT matrix was perfect for achieving best performance in video distribution and integration required by the client for their budget. As the whole house was to be controlled via panels and a Crestron 3-Series control system, the compatibility of WyreStorm’s HDBaseT matrix with all connected devices was instrumental in achieving this objective.” Several HD sources include multiple SKY HD, PlayStation 3 consoles, a media server and CCTV. Transmissions are switched and distributed to displays in different zones via the 8x8 matrix and HDBaseT display receivers. Control of all sources and displays from any location in the house is possible with bidirectional IR and serial control integration with the Crestron system. The living room boasts a Panasonic 55vt50 flat panel and a 3M recessed in-ceiling screen with a trigger, as well as a JVC X30 3D projector on a motorised lift with trigger. A range of flat panels vary in make and size from 40in to 55in in the loft space, front lounge, kitchen and master bedroom. The home CCTV system meanwhile is integrated into the entertainment system, complete with a Redcare monitored grade 2 security alarm and intercom. Finally, Pro Install AV couldn’t resist leaving its calling card with one last classy flourish. A smart bathroom mirror TV allows the client to view any source connected to the WyreStorm HDBaseT matrix at the touch of a button from the comfort of the bath tub. This final stamp of luxury ensured that this WyreStorm-powered AV, CCTV and lighting total solution that not only met client expectations – it surpassed them. More information: Pro Install AV +44 (0)208 5144481 www.proinstallav.co.uk More information: WyreStorm +44 (0)1793 230343 www.wyrestorm.com

RGB.indd 1

02/12/2013 12:36

Essential touch-screens and interfaces

Stay in touch EI takes a look at the latest dedicated controller options as well as what’s on offer in the bespoke interface market.

Habitech is going with the Flow to offer a new flexible wall mounted touch-screen option

52 Essential Install

Habitech has launched Stream Flow 7, an HD touch panel of the Android variety, designed to enhance a wide range of systems in new and legacy installations. The panel is compatible with Control4, Crestron, AMX, Bitwise, RTI, Nuvo and Sonos, is equipped with a 1280x800 HD display and mounts in a wall box as small as UK single/25mm deep, but also has fitting options for double-gang UK and Double-J US wall boxes. The mounting design also allows for the panel to be offset from the back-box horizontally or vertically to avoid door frames or switches. The display is manufactured from scratch-resistant glass and is encased in a solid aluminium bezel. Available in a choice of satin or dark aluminium finishes, Flow7 runs Android 4.2 with a quadcore processor and 16GB RAM. There is also an integral front-facing camera together with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n for use with control system applications. The panel is powered by PoE, allowing a single CAT5/6 cable to be used in conjunction with a PoE switch or injector, which converts the supply to a high current safety protected 5V 2.1A system. In the event of a power failure, Flow7 reverts to its battery. The Wake Lock - Power Management App allows the unit to maintain power and continuously run applications for devices around the home. AMX argues its Modero S Series touch panel family is the ideal choice for residential projects. The range is designed to offer a new user interface combined with AMX functionality and reliability all at a competitive price point. Features include dedicated control, 24 bit colour depth, streaming video and a multi-surface mount solution that allows installation on practically any surface (table top is also available). The S Series is available in 10.1in, 7in and 4.3in models. Also available is the Modero X Series G5 touch-panels which offer a higher level of functionality and specification. On the outside the line remains basically the same as previous models, however functionality has been improved to include the ability to run Apps and browse the Web while

simultaneously utilising home automation capabilities. In addition to implementing a new G5 graphics engine, AMX has also quadrupled the processing power with a Quad Core Processor, which it says is the fastest in the industry. AMX says it has also improved life for the installer by adding the ability to deploy and update touch panel files from a network URL to simplify touch panel file management. AMX sales from Habitech are supported by training, in-house system design, project drawings, system programming and user interface design. Available via Invision, RTI has just introduced the KX-2 in-wall control panel. RTI says the KX-2’s elegant design maintains the perfect balance between programmable hard buttons and display size. At 2.8in, the LCD screen is designed to be small enough to blend in, yet provides the resolution necessary for displaying custom buttons, text and graphics. The unit offers a proximity sensor and an infrared output port for direct control of almost any AV component or lighting system up to 300 metres over Cat5e. The controller’s 12 hard buttons and graphic interface are fully programmable using RTI’s Integration Designer software and the integrated 10/100Base-T Ethernet port with PoE provides flexibility. When used with RTI accessories, the unit is capable of infrared routing, relay control, power sensing and advanced two-way communications via Ethernet and RS-232. Moving up the range, the KX7 touch-screen is a wallmounted product with a slim profile, framing a control interface that can be customised. The 7in LCD screen allows screen swiping for page navigation and the KX7 also has built-in infrared communication. Video inputs make it possible to view analogue video while an Ethernet connection enables functions such as viewing IP security cameras, surfing the Web and two-way control. This unit can also be combined with RTI accessories to achieve control and feedback from other devices. Composite, S-video and component video inputs provide video at up to 576p resolution and the KX7 is outfitted with both wired and wireless Ethernet. RTI has also entered the world of Apps with the RTiPanel, which is customisable using RTI software offering the same control experience RTI remote controls offer, running on the Apple iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone and Android devices. Available from Aldous Systems is the new Leviton OmniTouch 7 touchscreen offering capacitive interaction across its 7in HD screen. Featuring large,

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd AWE Europe Ltd Alexander House, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9AP sales@awe-europe.com tel: +44 (0) 1372 729 995 www.awe-europe.com

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Essential touch-screens and interfaces

recognisable icons, the screen allows users to arm or disarm their Leviton security system, alert emergency personnel, lock or unlock doors and view IP or analogue surveillance video. The device also features slider bars that adjust individual light levels from zero to 100%; control up to 64 thermostats to manage humidity settings and additional systems like irrigation, ventilation and window coverings. The unit also acts as an interface to Leviton’s Hi-Fi 2 Distributed Audio System or a compatible system. The device allows users to customise and incorporate their connected devices – such as additional lights, thermostats or cameras – with a swipe on the screen. Two digital MEMS microphones along with a built-in amplifier and speaker improve noise and echo cancellation. Available from AWE, the URC TKP-7000 in-wall touchscreen features a 7in, capacitive 1024 x 600 colour screen offering control of entertainment, lighting, heating and security. The TKP-7000 offers full graphic feedback from URC and compatible third-party devices and when combined with URC cameras, can display live video. Mal Fisher, technical manager at AWE, says: “Aside from its stylish design and intuitive GUI, the fact the TKP-7000 needs just a single Cat5 cable for installation is extremely useful, as it communicates via wired LAN and can also be programmed off the premises via the Internet. This provides the end user with fantastic customer service, allowing the installer to update remotely and if needs be, troubleshoot off-site for minimal disruption.” The unit features intuitive ‘swipe’ or ‘flick’ navigation menus and pop-up shortcuts allow the user to save up to six common devices and activities for easy one-touch selection. A customisable status bar, allows users to see all pertinent info (weather, time, door info and climate) and the rooms menu can temporarily link different rooms or areas of a Total Control

54 Essential Install

URC and AWE make for a powerful combination in the search for intuitive and attractive control

system for music listening, alongside a snapshot of what’s going on in every room/zone. Additionally, by tapping on a room - the TKP-7000 converts into a controller for that area. Power can be supplied via a single Ethernet cable connected to a PoE router/switch, or a PoE injector and the unit supports up to 255 devices (255 pages per device) with macros up to 255 steps. Jacob Herdus, technical support and AV engineer at install company, London AV Setup, is definitely a fan: “With their simple design, coupled with real world reliability URC touch-screens offer a lot to the CI market. They have done and continue to maintain a good balance between custom buttons on a GUI and always useful hard buttons. Programming of URC equipment as a whole is quick and intuitive, with a good factory database and the ability to handle advanced macros with ease. URC touch-screens bring simplicity when building complex systems with multiple components and having a reliable distributor such as AWE nearby to central London is a massive plus.” Mal concludes: “With an RRP of just £830 including VAT, this really does change the game in premium user interfaces and it fits well in both residential and commercial applications.”

Touch-screen control from Savant Since dropping production of its own touch-screens in favour of iOS devices, Savant (available from RGB) has introduced its TrueControl app for the iPad, which the distributor says runs much faster and smoother than most competing systems, due to being a client to a GUI hosted in a powerful Apple Mac mini running the Savant system. David Webster, chief technology officer at RGB, says: “The next step was the TrueControl II App, which is tailored

ts or p p x su nd atri w a M IP no YP v4 C torm over es l yr ntro W co

No programming required Custom code within 48 hours 60% Trade Margin iRemoteControl will provide you with turnkey iPad Control of your next AudioVisual Project for the fee of just ÂŁ395 (this special price provides control for up to three rooms & nine devices). Just fill in the configuration spreadsheet (it will take you no more than 30 minutes) and your Client's customised iPad app will be downloadable within 48 hours of configuration submission.

You can download the demo app from the Apple iTunes store. For detailed information please visit: www.iremotecontrol.co.uk e-mail: ei3@iRemoteControl.co.uk or ring our sales desk on +44 (0)7973 205158 to become an exclusive iRemoteControl dealer with assured margins and zero programming hassle!

Prices quoted exclude hardware and VAT. The above offer is subject to our standard T&Cs. E&OE.

Features in Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue of Essential Install

Digital Signage

Brackets, Racking & Support

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For more information regarding any of the above features please contact: Editorial: Daniel Sait - dan@essentialinstall.com | +44 (0)7814 859101 Advertising: Claire Talty - claire@essentialinstall.com | +44 (0)1634 673163 www.essentialinstall.com

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Essential touch-screens and interfaces for the smaller screen resolution of the iPod touch and iPhone, and then the TrueImage option for the iPad App was added. This allows the user to navigate and control their environment using actual photographs of the room, which can be touched, pinched and zoomed using familiar Apple gestures. “Uniquely upon touching light fittings in the picture not only do the actual room lights turn react, but the photograph morphs to show the room with the changed lighting levels. In fact if the room lighting can change colour then a simple press and hold on the iPad screen will display a popover that has sliders for red, green and blue levels that not only change the room lights, but morphs the room photograph to be matching colours too. Amazing!” Although the appearance of Savant’s iOS Apps are automatically generated from templates by the Savant RacePoint Blueprint programming software, it is possible for the dealer to customise graphics, layouts and functions. However, the default Savant templates use sliding ‘docks’ to select categories (like watch or listen) and to select services (like DVD or radio) in a way familiar to Apple users. David adds: “Anyone that has experience of legacy control systems will know that any changes to the touch screen usually need the programmer to implement them. This can be inconvenient and expensive, especially for minor alterations like changing the icons on buttons for favourite TV stations, or even changing the channel number whenever the EPG line-up gets the inevitable shuffle. “So Savant has added these features to their TrueControl App for the end user to do themselves - if they wish. They have also added the ability for them to load their own pictures as backgrounds and even create custom categories. The latter makes it easy to create new buttons in the categories dock with their chosen appearance and selection of activities, perfect for when granny comes to stay and needs simpler choices!” The TrueControl App also provides easy access and control of the Savant SmartView Tiling function which allow up to nine HD video sources to appear as tiled video windows on a single HD display.

Expert interfaces

Glide is the very latest interface platform available from C3

56 Essential Install

A phenomenon that continues to grow is the provision of ‘off the shelf’ GUI’s and interfaces which can come in a wide variety of standard or bespoke designs. One of the companies operating in this sector is Custom Code Crafters or C3. Rob Andrews from the company says: “At C3, we have a mantra that all of the interfaces we produce have to be easily controllable by anyone, not just those with a firm grasp of technology. Having a complete high-end automated solution is one thing, but it becomes worthless if the client has no idea how to control it.” Rob explains: “One of the most important things to consider is ‘what does the user need to be able to see and access at a given time?’ But also, more importantly ‘what does the user not need to see and access at a given time?’ Some interfaces bombard the user with information. Whilst this can be great if they know exactly what they are looking for, it can also be detrimental to the experience. “This can be further exacerbated by too many colours, too many fonts or simply giving the user too much control. Building on this philosophy, our latest user interface takes this to the next level. ‘Glide’ is available now for both iPad and iPhone using CommandFusion’s iViewer platform. It combines an extremely modern flat look and feel, with an easy to use and intuitive menu. The result is a user interface which works with an outstanding level of efficiency and clarity.” Rob says: “The concept for the template is built around three things. Simple iconography is used to highlight zones and devices which the user is able to control. These icons were created from the ground up and were constantly simplified and re-worked until we were sure they were both highly intelligible and great to look at. Clean, elegant typography really does work to give the template stunning clarity. It is amazing how the simple process of selecting the right font can give the whole design a higher level of comprehension. A subtle colour system has been added to change the background of the interface depending on which zone the user has selected. The user learns fast which zone they have control of depending on this simple colour change, it works fantastically well.” The company also has demos available to download so installers can see the platforms in actions. iRemote from Lears International creates control interfaces based on remote layouts already familiar to the client on their favourite Apple device (with Android coming soon). To get started, all installers need to do is fill in a simple config spread-sheet describing what’s involved and in as little as 48 hours iRemote can create the interface and the code. The company says that 60% margin is available on the products and free online updates over the first 12 months addressing details such as the correction of Sky channel codes for new or changed channel numbers are included.

The NEW Amina “build in” subwoofer Design to be heard & not seen. The perfect compliment to the Evolution Series of invisible speakers. e / inspired@amina.co.uk w / www.amina.co.uk t / +44 (0) 1480 354390

150w RMS / 36Hz - 140Hz passive band-pass

ALF80 Features in January’s issue of Essential Install

Digital Signage

Brackets, Racking & Support

ISE Preview

For more information regarding the above features contact: Editorial: Daniel Sait - dan@essentialinstall.com +44 (0)7814 859101 Advertising: Claire Talty - claire@essentialinstall.com +44 (0)1634 673163

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Essential touch-screens and interfaces

Kustomworks can provide a GUI’s based on stock icons or a completely bespoke interface created from scratch

The company already has a fully functioning iOS7 version and the next initiative will see V5 (end of Q4 2013) which will offer improved feedback (double checking that commands have been sent and the relevant devices have received them) as well as the ability to simply swipe back to the current input source. The new version will also offer Lutron HomeWorks QS implementation and a ‘Super Macros’ facility for mutlifunction control. There will also be Fine Tuning Remote - a secret swipe, which takes the techno user to a virtual remote allowing fine control of their AV kit. Kustomworks says it champions good user interface design and the use of modern graphics, which have been designed to fit the user interface correctly. Iain K Poole, director at the company, says: “You could have an amazingly well programmed system which does very complex functions, but if it doesn’t look stunning and the whole family cannot use it without reading a manual, then you have failed. Good interface design is intuitive, it keeps the choices simple and concise. “Over the years we have fine-tuned this part of our business and invested heavily into graphic design and user interaction, we go through rigorous testing with all our concept user interfaces at all levels, from children to grandma, to ensure all users of all ages ‘get it’.” Kustomworks has two simple approaches. The company can provide ‘stock’ graphics, which have been used on other projects. Normally two or three different stock image designs are on offer which are updated each year, however the company can also provide a completely bespoke approach. Ian says: “We can work closely with our integrator’s client to create a bespoke interface which is personal just to them. This ensures that the client is getting a truly original user interface. When we are talking about a prestigious house or yacht I find that the offer of this service is key and sets you above the rest. Some clients have even provided basic drawings and story boards showing how they want their system to work. “We then create concept artwork for the user interface using industry recognised software, in our case we love Adobe and as such work in illustrator and Photoshop, this ensures anything we create can be correctly scaled to any size and will be displayed without jagged edges or distortion. “All our work is then sent to the client More information: Custom Code Crafters +44 (0)1255 862850 www.customcodecrafters.com AMX +44 (0)1904 343100, www.amx.com

Kustomworks +44 (0)964 775012 www.kustomworks.co.uk Aldous Systems Europe Ltd: +44 (0)1296 719582, www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com

AWE Europe +44 (0)1372 729995 www.awe-europe.com

Lears International (iRemoteControl) +44 (0)208 4204333, www.iRemoteControl.co.uk

Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk

Touch Panel Control + 44 (0)207 1382789 www.touchpanelcontrol.com

58 Essential Install

for approval, the client can then get a feel for what the panel will look like at the correct size. We send either PDF’s to be viewed on a tablet or PC or we can send an image of the touch-panel at the correct resolution for the product it is to be loaded on.” Other services available include Custom Icon Creation, creating just about anything into a fully realised icon. Another exponent in this felid is Touch Panel Control (TPC). With an emphasis on providing AMX users the best in bespoke interfaces, the company’s TPControl offering now integrates across all Windows 8 platforms, including Windows 8 desktop and Windows RT tablets and with the introduction of the new Metro UI features, a user can ‘snap’ TPControl for Windows 8 to the side of the panel and run two applications at the same time, side-by-side. The company says iOS7 has introduced new features and enhancements and TPControl v2.4.2.0+ supports these changes, visiting the website will provide a smooth upgrade path. TPC says its AMX subpage support is fully integrated with its iOS App for Apple devices meaning installers can make full use of these attractive scrolling regions in their designs. The company’s TPCloud service provides management and deployment of devices within each remote AMX system offering ‘push’ messaging to apply updates to devices and send custom messages, sharing of tokens and management of projects and uploading of multiple TP4 files and profile settings.

RGB Coomunications +44 (0)1488 73366 www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Formerly HAI

OmniTouch 7

The new capacitive touch, glass front touchscreen from Leviton Security & Automation

A 7â&#x20AC;? touchscreen for control of your security, energy, and entertainment settings.

This touchscreen can be used as part of an extensive Leviton Security & Automation system, providing control of: Multi-room Audio, Security and Surveillance, Access Control, Energy Management and Lighting Control Designed for the OmniPro II, Omni IIe, Omni LTe, Lumina Pro, and Lumina automation systems.

www.aldoussystems.co.uk sales@aldoussystems.co.uk 01296 719582

Essential invision/RTI

Invision and RTI combine power and performance David Meyerowitz, sales specialist at Invision UK, introduces EI to some of the latest touch-screens from RTI. device and are starting to come back to the conventional handheld or in-wall controller as a primary control device and only using the iPad occasionally. The downfall with the iPad is in fact its portability. With the iPad able to be anywhere you can’t always guarantee your iPad is in the same place you left it.” EI: As well as the supply of the products themselves, what does Invision add to the RTI proposition?

The KX7 offers power and poise

EI: Can you explain the main features and functionality available on the new KX2 and KX7 controllers? David Meyerowitz (DM): “The capacitive touch-screens offer more accurate control, high resolution screens deliver clear text and graphics and the KX-2 features programmable hard buttons as well as touch-screen control. The KX-7 features composite video inputs and both are PoE Powered. EI: What improvements/changes do they offer on previous models? DM: Improved resolution and colour depth, capacitive touchscreens giving a more reactive surface, which allows swiping function on pages.

David Meyerowitz explains the advancements available from the RTI platform

EI: Tell us about the new RTI App, what does this offer the installer and end user? DM: “It offers the same intuitive control experience RTI remote controls offer, running on an Apple or Android smart phone or tablet device. Providing secure local or remote access to an RTI XP series control processor from any Internet connection, the RTiPanel allows for LAN control via Wi-Fi and WAN control off site. Users can view and adjust thermostats, monitor security systems and turn off lights, in addition to controlling their AV electronics, from the office, on vacation, or virtually anywhere in between.” EI: Has the move into the sector of tablets been a help to RTI, resulting in an ‘as well as’ situation rather than an ‘instead of’? DM: “Sometimes it’s an instead of. But as with any manufacturer, RTI needs to be able to integrate otherwise people will simply buy another product. The good news is customers are realising the limitations of the iPad as a control

60 Essential Install

DM: “We offer three levels of training on the products from a product introduction webinar, to full day training sessions on programing. We offer a higher margin pricing structure for accredited installers (those that have done training and purchased demo kit). Also we are a registered service partner with RTI so we offer repair services for the products.” EI: What technical support or programming assistance is available on the new products and RTI in general? DM: “We have a comprehensive training programme backed up by a technical regional & internal sales team who are all able to offer support and design assistance. We also use remote access software to take direct control over a dealer’s computer to help with any programing issues they may be having and if we cannot resolve any issue remotely we will attend site.” EI: Can you sum up why you feel installers should choose RTI over other control options? DM: “Greater choice of handsets and in-wall controllers, fully customisable graphics, cheaper price point, intuitive award winning programing software. Not available online!” EI: What is coming next from RTI in terms of upgrades or new products? DM: “More new remotes & in-walls controllers on the way (2014 release). Exciting updates to the programing platform, including, cloud capability for remote access, system storage, remote updating, on-screen display control interface, audio and video distribution solution (2014 release). “Also new Multiroom Amplifiers delivering IP Control, zone pre-outs added (AD-4x), input trim level adjustment (2014 release). There is also a new CX-7 Countertop Controller (based on KX-7) available early next year, which offers added video and audio inputs, integrated speaker and microphone.” More information: Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280 www.invisionuk.com

Essential computers unlimited

Perfect channel partners EI spoke to the teams at Computers Unlimited and CYP to find out how this dynamic partnership for HDBaseT and AV distribution benefits installers. Computers Unlimited (CU) has been a distributor of CYP Europe products for nearly two years now. In this time both companies have enjoyed developing a successful platform for delivering high-quality sales and support for the rapidly growing CYP brand. Richard Chatley, business manager for CYP at CU, explains how the relationship has developed: “Since our agreement started we have focused heavily on providing installers and integrators across the UK with comprehensive HDMI and HDBaseT training. This has significantly increased the awareness and confidence in specifying CYP solutions at all ends of the AV spectrum in the UK. Computers Unlimited offers the whole range of CYP problem solvers

“From large HDBaseT Matrix solutions for large scale residential and commercial installations through to retail accessories perfectly designed to complement our expanding SONOS sales, CYP has quickly become an integral part of our Digital Home business. With a roadmap of over 30 new products in the next three months and a whole host of new training courses and road shows planned for 2014, our positive momentum with CYP is set to continue.” Richard explains: “These events will deliver a ‘hands on’ experience of new CYP HDBaseT solutions and also provide a technical insight into the technology and support structures available to installers from CYP. CU stocks the entire range of CYP products and can provide next day delivery and support to trade customers throughout the UK. More information: Computers Unlimited +44 (0)208 3589594 www.unlimited.com, dhsales@unlimited.com

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Room at the Top

EI regular and expert Crestron programmer, Cliff Stammers, provides some thoughts garnered from the new Crestron demonstration suite.

Cliff argues Crestron is looking to genuinely merge lifestyle and technology with its new Chelsea experience

Recently there was a launch of something different for our industry. Something that, I believe, is approaching a significant change in attitude and approach to what we do. And, something I believe has been a long time coming. At the vanguard of that ‘something’ is Crestron UK opening a showroom to the public in swanky young Chelsea; a place where the concept of Custom Install will become a hands-on affair for everyone who crosses the threshold of this most impressive of shops. If you pay a visit to Crestron on the top floor of the shopping arcade at Chelsea Harbour, the first thing you’ll be struck by is the warmth of the entire layout - and this will stay with you for some time after you leave. Straight away it feels calm. In some way it feels beguiling. And here’s the key word: feel. This is the elusive ‘something’ to which I referred in my opening words and it’s the new angle that we should all be addressing. How does what we do make the client feel? How many times have you, as a Custom Install engineer, or a control system programmer, asked yourself that question? How often do your project schedules even give you enough time to ask yourself that question? Well, we have to consider this now. Crestron recognises this and what it has just pulled off in Chelsea is pretty much a game changer for most CI companies I would suggest. Notably, the first thing that strikes you about the promotional material relating to this launch is the very strong association with Louise Bradley’s Interior Architecture and Design practice, based on the Fulham Road. It is this company that has taken the Crestron ethos and softened it at the new showroom, virtually converted it in fact, from something angular and rigid into something warm and tactile. And it works extremely well. At the recent press launch, Crestron bigwigs Robin van Meeuwen and Randy Klein spoke of Lifestyle Technology and how this was a concept gathering pace within the Crestron framework. Well this has not been lost on many of us for a long time now and almost from the moment I stepped in to this industry at the end of the 90s, I recognised instinctively how systems needed to entice users into being bold about

their choices. Systems need to be friendly. People, generally, don’t like technology. We do: us lot in CI think technology is a blast – but we’re not selling to ourselves are we. We’re selling to people who don’t share our boyish regard for all things that judder and beep, we’re selling largely to households where three-quarters of the occupants will be children and/or female and where they don’t see the need for technology simply for its own sake. And so the idea is to make it more user friendly; and Crestron’s new showroom is a complete coup, as far as that is concerned. Everything the company currently manufactures is on display. I’ve focussed here quite heavily on the residential aspect to its operation, but mock up corporate spaces are in evidence too, with a makeshift office and boardroom exhibiting all the new Crestron / Microsoft Lync VC packages and with the ubiquitous Fusion suite of software Roomview and Energy Management facilities on show as well. And then there is Crestron’s lighting products – adaptable, flexible and easy to program. But mostly everything about the new showroom is very definitely and unashamedly, oriented towards the residential and marine markets. The focus of the whole project is significantly engaged upon making clients feel good about what they see and feel when they walk in to the place. Without wanting to place too much emphasis on this I do - in many respects - see this as being tantamount to nothing less than an aesthetic revolution. This is a blurring of the line between the rigidity of technology and the comfort and the spontaneity of everyday life. And this is a grey area that signifies some kind of Holy Grail in many walks of modern life. Apple sussed this years ago, how to meld electronics with lifestyle requirements and we’ve all been playing catch up ever since. But with the opening of the Crestron Showroom in Chelsea Harbour, this company has now signalled strongly how far it is prepared to go to consolidate that same philosophy and to steal back some of the ground taken by other major electronics manufacturers. Cliff Stammers of OXBERRY Ltd can be contacted on +44 (0)7801 298471, cliff@oxberry.net, www.oxberry.net @OxberryLimited

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Essential apps

GeoOP knows where its at GeoOP is an online solution for job costing and scheduling that is aiming to be a global leader in mobile job management. EI takes stock of this useful App. Accessible through mobile applications, GeoOP is designed to take full advantage of smart devices to replace manual, inefficient, paperbased and hard to manage workflow systems. Office and mobile workers with GeoOP, in real time on the spot, create, assign and schedule jobs and complete invoices, issue quotes and fully cost everything. The company says all this saves trade and service businesses time, increases their productivity, speeds up cash flow and raises customer satisfaction. Users say GeoOP provides transparent and efficient workflow management in an easy to use package

64 Essential Install

GeoOP integrates with business products such as Xero, Freshbooks, Unleashed, iAuditor, Navman and Snitch and currently has has over 4,000 paying users spread around the UK, USA and Europe. Its headquarters and development base is in Auckland with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and the UK. GeoOP is available through the Apple App Store, Google Play and from the GeoOP website. Businesses sign up for a free 30 day trial and are operational within hours. The company says return on investment by using GeoOP is significant with no joining, maintenance or upgrade costs. The team from Option One Communications (former Day in the Life interviewees) are keen users of the system. Liam Holley, director at the company describes the moment his company started using GeoOP as: “like a light being switched on.” Suddenly he and his business partner Lee Jacobs could both see all the information about the jobs they were completing and didn’t have to waste time organising things through unconnected systems. Total visibility of job status was cited as one of the most key features that GeoOP offered, dramatically improving the efficiency, productivity and bottom line of the business. With long experience in the communications and AV areas, Lee and Liam are both technologically savvy, but found they were frequently using a whiteboard to organise jobs and multiple phone calls to coordinate activity. The computer software they used to schedule work and complete invoicing was not integrated and unavailable remotely. Lee says: “It was a nightmare really. We used to scribble down information on bits of paper as jobs came in and we didn’t always know what the other person was doing. The parts list for some jobs was massive and we had to manually create estimates for each individual job – which could take hours.” Liam was recommended GeoOP by his brother who was an electrician and had used the system for his work. “It was like night and day,” says Liam. “Suddenly we

had total visibility in terms of what each other was doing. Everything was available remotely, which was important because we’re both on the road most of the time.” Since jobs were recorded and scheduled automatically, there was no need for the frequent phone calls and texts the partners had previously used to coordinate work. The GPS tracking and map integration offered by GeoOP was also very handy since both men travel about 25 miles around the vicinity of Bath and they are frequently going to sites they are unfamiliar with. “The push pins in the map report are also fantastic,” says Liam, “it’s really great to see the regions you work most in so you can set marketing for those areas.” Along with making the business more efficient, GeoOP has also helped to provide a better service to Option One’s customers. “GeoOP provides us with a standardised, preformatted template for estimates that we can send out automatically to customers,” says Liam. “It’s easy to use and gives the business a more professional look and feel.” Both Liam and Lee say GeoOP is very user friendly when it comes to adding parts to a job estimate and adjusting the margins. “Creating job estimates used to be really time-consuming,” says Lee, “larger jobs have an enormous number of parts and it could take us hours to work out a quote. Now it only takes about 10 minutes – when you do three or four big estimates a week, the time-savings really add up.” Summing up, Liam says: “Ultimately, the communication between the two of us is much better. So we’re better able to schedule jobs and coordinate our work. It’s just a smarter way of working which means we are free to focus on the core of the business and grow the company.” More information: www.geoop.com

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What’s the Ruckus! Eddie Felmer, Ruckus’ technical director, UK & Northern Europe, offers a note of caution about the new 11ac standard, billed by many as the future of wireless networks.

It’s early days with 11ac, so Eddie advises to let the market evolve before taking the plunge

In an increasingly wireless world, installers have had to embrace new technologies and although the performance of some wireless products has been rather hit and miss, Ruckus has gained a good reputation for consistency and reliability. Working with Habitech, the brand has applied its wide and successful experience in commercial network design to the task of making wireless effective in the home. Eddie explains: “Many of our clients in the enterprise sector were demanding installs with fewer access points, better coverage and more capacity. We realised that these attributes would also be useful in the residential sector, and that the technologies we created for commercial installs could be just as powerful in CI, where the demand for capacity is increasing.” The company has set about creating a range of products suitable for the home. Eddie says: “We’re supplying a range that delivers ease of set up with excellent reliability using a signal technology that self-organises and protects the signals for a solution, requiring no expert knowledge of networking but which achieves the performance that residential installers need. “Ruckus invests massively in our R&D programs. All we do is wireless networks, so the technology is in our company DNA, giving us the confidence not only to produce reliable products, but to see exactly where the market and the technology are heading.”

Setting the standard Undoubtedly, one of the big stories in terms of wireless technology has been the development of the 802.11ac standard, a new wireless platform designed to provide highthroughput networks on the 5GHz band and promising to increase dramatically the capacity of products and networks using the standard. Manufacturers have begun production of 11ac capable products and the first iteration provides a connection rate of 1.3 Gigabits per second. Eddie says: Ruckus is making powerful wireless networking technology easier to use and more reliable

“11ac is a significant evolution of the current 11n standard. Working in 5GHz means the technology can offer many more channels, less interference and as a result more capacity. The 11ac system uses 256-bit QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) as opposed to 128-bit QAM, which is typical in products available currently. Potentially, 256-bit QAM can offer a 33% increase in throughput, however this is achievable across limited range of 10-12 metres and requires very good RF conditions (low interference). The new standard will also eventually support up to eight MIMO (Multiple-Input MultipleOutput) streams, more than doubling the current three streams and will also support Multi-User MIMO that will allow simultaneous communication with up to eight client devices.”

A cautionary note However Eddie warns that even though 11ac sounds great on paper and is already receiving publicity, the new standard needs to be approached with caution, at least initially. The technology will become available in two separate roll outs. Beginning this year the first phase offers three spatial streams, 80MHz channels and 256-bit QAM capability, but in order to work, the standard requires the installation of new wireless access points and new compatible client devices. The second phase in 2H/2014 ups the ante, offering the full capability of 11ac with up to eight spatial streams, 80 and 160 MHz channels, 256-bit QAM and the boost in MIMO capabilities. Eddie explains that this second roll out will again require new wireless infrastructure and all-new client devices. “We are certain that 11ac will become the de-facto standard. However, for now our advice to installers is to use the current 11n technology, which should be sufficient for most domestic needs and wait until the new standard is properly embedded, along with more client products that can actually take advantage of the improved capacity. “Install too early and there’s a good chance you’ll be providing a system that cannot effectively be used by the client products going into the property. As the standard beds in over the next three years, the potential for a genuine upgrade with new access points serving a multitude of new client devices will become a reality. Inevitably there will be a wave of new products that can take advantage of 11ac, but right now, it’s early days.” For its part, Ruckus says it will have a program of 11ac products to meet the first phase from Q1 of 2014, its first offering being the ZoneFlex R700 802.11ac AP For more information and support talk to Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054 www.habitech.co.uk

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The DAY AFTER TOMORROW TODAY It has taken three years to arrive but the second generation of MRX Gen Receivers was worth the wait thanks to host of clever enhancements, insists Tom Garrett of Anthem AV Solutions.

ARC 1M system room compensation software has won awards as a standalone product

To check out the performance of the latest generation of the MRX Gen Receivers Tom advises: “Because the receivers excel at film and music I always use something powerful on both eye and ear when it comes to choosing a piece of music or film for demos. The opening five minutes of The Day After Tomorrow is an all-time favourite. That sweeping orchestral score followed by a bold action sequence offers great dynamics for the sub and eye candy for the display.” Just like all the best sequences, this one took plenty of working. The first generation of Anthem MRX AV receivers was launched three years ago and quickly gained a reputation for delivering strong audio performance with realistic power ratings, good integration and exceptional reliability, says Tom, itching to give the second generation yet another The Day After Tomorrow spin. For this latest generation of Anthem A/V receivers – the MRX 310, MRX 510 and MRX 710 - builds on the platform but adds enhancements such as IP control, 4K upscaling and pass through. It increases HDMI connections to eight inputs (seven on MRX 310) and dual outputs, ensuring improvements to proprietary room correction software ARC 1M and adding bi-amping capability. “These products are robust, with the new generation adding IP control to the RS-232 and IR control of the first generation. Drivers for the major control systems will also be available for the new MRX range. Set up of Anthem receivers meanwhile is flexible, with the ability to set up each source independently and to have up to 20 input configurations. “The ARC 1M software is also good for adding value. The set up process is quick yet can make a huge performance improvement. It also offers the ability to easily customise the sound performance to suit the client’s individual tastes from within the software. Finally, the new graph functionality provides a useful hand over document to show ‘before and after’ room-measurement graphs.” Set up may be quick and flexible, but Anthem AV Solutions is strong on technical support, offering a dedicated UK service department, on-site training and support.

Regional account managers often lend demonstration products and from the start of 2014, the company will run a dedicated Anthem MRX GEN 2 training course from a new experience centre in East Sussex. Other advantages for installers and customers include the iOS (Apple) and Android Apps, a boon if there is no control system fitted or if the specified control system is not yet commissioned or is being amended. The Anthem Room Correction (ARC) 1M system proprietary room compensation software meanwhile has won awards as a standalone product. “Simply put, it significantly improves the audio performance of the system by compensating for the effects of the room. It is very different to other systems used by competitor receiver brands because the analysis is run on a connected PC to give much greater processing power allowing for multiple microphone measurements. This enables peaks and nulls to be identified and corrected. “The new ARC 1M is specifically designed for the new MRX range and has more filters and tighter tolerances. It connects via Ethernet, allows the printing of personalised graphs directly from the software and has the ability to see the filters being applied. Running the new ARC 1M software is now much faster, with a typical set-up taking less than half the time.” But the crucial test is feedback from beta tests, which has to be good. Installers are not short of choice on receivers so the MRX family must stand out on performance, integration and function. Anthem says, fortunately, there are no unnecessary, expensive consumer add-on features, such as Airplay or Spotify and no unnecessary DSP modes such as ‘church’ 1-10, good news for beta and beyond. All the omens are positive, insists Tom: “The first generation of Anthem A/V receivers proved reliable in the field, while maintaining price points and desirability for three years. Installers can therefore specify the new MRX range in long-lead-time jobs confident the value and model will be maintained. There are other noteworthy features. “The new Anthem receivers and ARC 1M software have been designed in Canada at PARC, the Paradigm Advanced Research Centre, run by Paradigm, the parent company of Anthem. The first generation receivers has been in full development ever since its launch and the new design has been heavily influenced by all the customer feedback from the first generation. Anthem Anthem AV Solutions +44 (0)1825 750858 www.anthemavs.co.uk

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EI takes a look at two key brands from RGB Communications. High-class Apple mounting solutions from INNO and rock solid networks from Pakedge

Expectations, Exceeded. The model shown is from the ‘Magic’ series of INNO iPad mounts and contains genuine black Swarovski crystal elements

LIVING LARGE!

easier to integrate and operate, so classrooms or campuses, medical, hospitality, or digital signage projects, hit the right price points. Visit Atlona.com or talk to a Midwich Home representative.

AWE AND SAMSUNG SCALE NEW HEIGHTS IN CI TVs WITH THE STUNNING S9 CHECK INSIDE FOR THIS AND OTHER KEY AWE INSTALL OFFERINGS FROM URC, KEF, PHILIPS DYNALITE, DENON, KINETIK LABS AND LOEWE

Come and see us on Stands 53-55 at Essential Install Live!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Case Study from Zero 1, The CYP Difference and Wyrestorm’s modular approach

www.essentialinstalllive.eu

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EssentialINSTALL MAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

September 2013 issue

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HOORAY FOR AVRs:

THE BIG PICTURE:

EXCLUSIVE Q&A:

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY ABOUND

GET THE MOST FROM PROJECTORS AND SCREENS

MITCH WITTEN, CORE BRANDS’ AUDIO SEGMENT DIRECTOR SPEAKS

AWE_Cover.indd 1

INSIDE

or visit www.midwichhome.com

INSIDE

Sales Enquires – MidwichHome

01379 646889 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: A Day in the Life of SK Vision, a Carlo Gavazzi case study, the Future of CI with Bob Abraham, co-founder of QED and Systemline and all the latest Wyrestorm and Habitech news

24/06/2013 16:49

EssentialINSTALL

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

MAGAZINE October 2013 issue

SERIOUS SUPPORT:

HOTEL SYSTEMS:

ILLUMINATION!:

BRACKETS, RACKING & FURNITURE

EI PROFILES THIS GROWING SECTOR

THE LATEST IN LIGHTING

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MAGAZINE November 2013 issue

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

December 2013 issue

JVC MOVES INTO TOP GEAR

PEAK PERFORMANCE

THREE NEW HIGH-TECH PROJECTORS FROM THIS CI FAVOURITE KEEP THE BRAND RIGHT AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF HOME CINEMA.

Sonance VP boosts the quality of custom sound

www.essentialinstalllive.eu

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INSIDE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: THE LATEST NEWS FROM HABITECH, WYRESTORM AND DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE MAJIK HOUSE, CASE STUDY FROM CINEMA ROOMS AND ARTCOUSTIC AND SONY’S 4K REVOLUTION

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CUSTOM INSTALL TVS:

ESSENTIAL INSTALL LIVE! REVIEW:

HIDDEN GEMS AND SUPER SIZES

THE NORTHERN SHOW EXPANDS ONCE MORE!

DOWNLOAD THE FREE ESSENTIAL INSTALL APP ON ALL APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES NOW!

SONY’S 4K FUTURE: THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

31/10/2013 12:25

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Call the Essential Install team for more information, or to receive your free regular monthly edition on +44 (0)1634 673163 Essential Install_cover house ad.indd 2

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Essential Training

Essential Install Training Diary Every month Essential Install provides installers with a rundown of the key training events. If you have anything you would like to add to the diary, contact Daniel Sait on +44 (0)7814 859101 or email dan@essentialinstall.com

The Armour Home Training Academy – Course Dates Systemline Modular Introduction DATES:

10th Dec, 28th Jan, 25th Feb 11th March, Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ENTRY

DURATION:

1 DAY

COURSE FEE: £150 Description Systemline Modular is not available without completion of this course. We will discuss the advantages of a completely Cat5 wired system and how Modular is able to distribute audio with hi-fi sound using this well known data cable. Each component of Modular single source is discussed in depth and how they work together to complete a system. Each delegate will work on one of our training systems for a complete ‘hands on’ experience. Skills gained • Ability to sell multi-room audio systems

gives an enhanced user interface when controlling compatible sources such as the Audioserver and Arcam DAB tuners. Skills gained • Multi-source multi-room audio and video solutions can be offered to your clients • RS232 control and how this gives true feedback on display panels • Programmable IR handsets and IR macros to give you multiple commands from one button press.

Systemline S6.2 DATES:

4th Feb Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ADVANCED

DURATION:

1 DAY

DemoPad Advanced DATES:

15th Jan, 19th March Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ADVANCED

DURATION:

1 Day

Description

COURSE FEE: £200

The aim of this course is to build on your DemoPad experience and create projects with an enhanced user interface. You will create two-way interfaces with an AV receiver, displaying volume and sound mode and also creating a gauge control of volume. You will complete exercises in using a camera server, XBMC media player and dependent actions.

Ethernet Control of Systemline

DATES:

11th Dec, 29th Jan, 26th Feb 12th March, Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ADVANCED

Skills gained

DURATION:

1 DAY

• Ability to sell multi-room audio systems

Systemline Modular Advanced Plus

The aim of the course is that once completed you will be able to confidently configure a DemoPad project to operate typical AV and multi-room systems using one way control of IR, RS232 or IP devices. You will create a graphical user interface from scratch and work through practical exercises to control an IR, RS232 and IP device for a three source room. You will also learn about the need for fixed IP addresses, RS232 and using Global Cache devices which convert IP to IR, RS232 or contact closure.

COURSE FEE: £150

Systemline S6.2 is not available without completion of this course. This course enables you to enter the exciting world of multi-room audio systems. We will cover all aspects of delivering a system that enables your clients to enjoy the sound of their hi-fi system throughout the house. We will take you step-by-step through every aspect of wiring and installing the S6.2 system and then the practical ‘hands on’ workshop lets you configure a complete system yourself.

• Plan and pre-wire Modular systems using Cat5 Termination of Cat5 to speakers, keypads and RJ45 patch panels

Description

COURSE FEE: £150

• Specify, wire and configure Systemline S6.2

Description

• Troubleshoot common problems

This course develops the skills gained from 102 and lets the installer offer multi-source Modular systems. We will cover aspects of wiring Cat5 for multi-source audio and video and also what considerations are needed for controlling each AV source.

• Plan and pre-wire S6.2 systems.

DATES:

3rd Dec, 14th Jan, 18th Feb 18th March, Bishops Stortford

The LRN-7 and KPM7.1 are used in our practical workshop where you will configure a multi-source audio and video Modular system. Later we will introduce the Advanced TouchScreen Keypad, wireless commanders and discuss how RS232 control

LEVEL:

STANDARD

DURATION:

1 Day

DemoPad

Description

DATES:

4th Dec, 23rd Jan, 13th Feb 25th March, Bishops Stortford

DURATION:

1 Day

COURSE FEE: £150 Description

COURSE FEE: £200

For more information and to book: 01279 501111 // www.armourhome.co.uk/training

The aim of this course is that once complete you will be able to configure a DemoPad project to control a Systemline Modular system which uses the Ethernet 6 port hub. You will complete exercises in controlling the system using the published IP commands, learning and storing IR in the system and recalling these using IP commands, which are then applied in a DemoPad project.

T R A I N I N G

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to dan@essentialinstall.com

A C A D E M Y

Essential Install

Essential Training New dates

Amina Training 2014 Selling, Specifying and Installing Amina Invisible Loudspeakers

The Multi-Room Company training courses dates – July to September 18 Dec 2013 - Centralite: Lighting management with Elegance 15 Jan 2014 - Key Digital: Removing the HD distribution headache 22 Jan 2014 - Atlantic Technology: Five steps to home cinema 29 Jan 2014 - Russound: C Series. Advanced audio distribution 5 Feb 2014 - Key Digital: System integration with Compass Control 12 Feb 2014 - Centralite: Lighting management with Litejet 19 Feb 2014 - Leviton: Essential home wiring

January, 1, Huntingdon January 30, London February 2, Huntington February 19, (North TBC) February 27 Central London March 12, Huntington March 27, Central London More information: Amina +44 (0) 1480 354390, www.amina.co.uk New dates

The Multi-Room Company Training 2013/14

Control4 Training 2014 Control4 Training Dates: 7-10 January, 21-24 January, 11-14 February, 25-28 February, 11-14 March, 25-28 March All training is carried out at the company’s training facility in York: Control4, Unit 3, Green Park Business Centre, Goose Lane, Sutton on the Forest, York, North Yorkshire YO61 1ET More information and to book courses call +44 (0)800 1217702 or email tfallows@control4.com

Potential attendees are invited to contact Mike Bonnette for further details on: mike@multi-room.com or 01242 511133

Clarity Alliance Training 2013 The Clarity Alliance launches new training courses and individual membership levels AV Essentials - home cinema design and setup May 30, June 20, July 23, Aug 29, Sept 24, Oct 29 Network Essentials - Home networking for home cinema and Hi-Fi installations June 11 July 16, Aug 6, Sept 18, Oct 8, Nov 5 Audio Essentials - getting the very best out of two channel systems Dates to Be Confirmed

CAI Training 2013/2014 Basic Aerial Installation 26 & 27 November 2013 at Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 10 & 11 December 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire Making the Bond 14 November 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire Basic Satellite Installation 26 & 27 November 2013 at Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 12 & 13 December 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire Fibre Optics in Signal Distribution 13 November 2013 at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire 04 December 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire To book any of the courses above contact amanda.ward@cai.org.uk or call +44 (0)1923 803030

Registered Digital Institute Training 2013 Course: Registered Digital Institute 4G Interference and the solutions e-learning Dates – No dates Online e-learning course Course fee - £50 plus VAT for RDI members Description - This course is available for all RDI members to enable them to understand the issues associated with 4G, including the interference that it will create and to be able to confidently provide a solution for their customers when it begins broadcasting on the UHF channels in early 2013.

Network Essentials 11 June, 16 July, 6 Aug, 18 Sept, 8 Oct, 5 Nov Venues are flexible, depending upon the location of candidates, but will be held within a 30-mile radius of London either in: south west (near Heathrow), west (near Slough), north (Milton Keynes/Luton) or north east (near Stansted). The price is £100 per person for Clarity Alliance Members and for non-members the price is £200 per person. The price includes a full day’s training, lunch and refreshments, certificate of completion. For more details visit www.clarityalliance.co.uk call +44 (0)20 8150 6741 or email info@clarityalliance.co.uk

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Training Wired for Technology: June 18, September 17, November 26 EST2 Certification Exam: June 5, August 28, October 16 Designer Level 1 Certification Exam: June 5, August 28, October 16 Networking Theory and Practice: October 1 (three days) Birmingham City University Intro to Residential CI and Integration: August 27, October 15

Working at Height Refresher Course On-line module: Cost £60 plus VAT

Maintenance, Aftercare and Reoccurring Revenue Workshop: May 1, October 9, CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

4G Interference and Solutions On-line module: £50 plus VAT

Health & Safety Course: May 15, September 4, November 13

4G Technical Course On-line Module: Cost £50 plus VAT

CEDIA Technician EST1 Bootcamp: May 15 (three days), September 4, November 13

Flat Panel TV Installation Cost £50 plus VAT

Technical School and EST2 Exam: May 20, September 9, November 18 (five days)

DTT Freeview Installation and Accreditation Cost £50 plus VAT

Intro to CAD Design: Oct 23 Home Cinema Design Workshop: October 17

More details: RDI www.rdi-online.co.uk

Pulse Marketing 2013 Training 2013

All courses (unless otherwise stated) take place at CEDIA HQ, St. Neots, Call +44 (0) 01480 213744 or visit www.cedia.co.uk

Course: Introduction to Cinema ‘Introduction to Cinema’ is aimed at improving the knowledge base of both those new to cinema, as well as existing cinema installers. The price for this course is £95.00 plus VAT per person. For more information: Pulse Marketing +44 (0)845 5618884, www.pulsemarketing.com

Essential Install

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to dan@essentialinstall.com

Essential Training New dates

KNX (Ivory Egg) Training

Rako Lighting Training 2013

KNX Certification Course

Rako Foundation Course: May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 10, November 7, December 5

January 20-24, March 10-14, May 19-23, July 7-11, September-29 - October 3, November 10-14 This 5 day course takes place at Ivory Egg HQ, and finishes off with the required exam to become a KNX Partner. Essential Sales Training Programme Various Dates Gira HomeServer training January 16-17, March 13-14, April 24-25 September 22-23, November 6-7 ***NEW*** KNX Heating Training - February 2014 - 2 levels available Novice Day Feb 19 / Level 1 February 20 More information +44(0)1243-572700, info@ivoryegg.co.uk www.ivoryegg.co.uk

Rako Advanced Course: Aimed at installers with previous Rako programming knowledge May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 24, November 21, December 16 All courses are free of charge although delegates are asked to secure their place with a £50 reservation fee. To book a training date please contact Sarah +44 (0)1634 226666 or email sarah@rakocontrols.com

RGB Communications Training 2013 Savant Level 1 Core Training: May 20, June 24, July 24, September 18, October 23, November 20

Habitech/ProNet Training 2013

Pakedge: June 19, September 25, November 13

ProNet at Habitech HQ Alton: May 7

Savant Level 2 Advanced: May 29, October 9

ProNet Level 2 - An Introduction To Networking: Habitech HQ, Alton: May 7, June 4, July 2, August, 6, September 3, October 8, November 5, December 3

Savant - An Introduction - CEDIA CEU Accredited: May 1, June 5, July 2, September 3, October 2, November 6,

ProNet Level 3 - Advanced Router configuration and management: Habitech HQ Alton: May 8, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 9, November 6, December 4

Middle Atlantic - Integrating the Rack - CEDIA CEU Accredited: June 27, September 5, November 14

ProNet Advanced and Ruckus Wireless: Habitech Showroom North West Design Centre, Manchester: April 23, April 24

Networking & Wi-Fi for AV Systems - CEDIA CEU Accredited: June 18, September 24, November

ProNet advanced (day 2): Habitech HQ, Alton: May 8 Wyrestorm Training: March 13, April 12 Habitech HQ Alton, 21 Caker Stream Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QA Those interested should contact Lorna Jones: +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk

Invision UK Training 2013 Available Courses for 2013: - Elan g! Level one - Elan g! Level two - RTI webinar - RTI intermediate programming - Pro control webinar - Networking theory and practice - Luxul - Wyrestorm product and system training - Home cinema design All training (apart from online) takes place at Invision UK HQ, Alexander House, Unit 3 Hillside Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7EA.

Audio Essentials: June 6, December 10 Projection - The basics & beyond: June 20, September 12 All courses take place at company HQ in Hungerford, Berks. Contact details +44 (0)1488 73366, www.rgbcomms.co.uk, info@rgbcomms.co.uk

Eurosat Nationwide Roadshow 2013 Many manufacturers introducing advanced product lines to incorporate LTE filtering alongside a host of exciting developments within the visual entertainment market 03 September 3 - Holiday Inn London Road, Ipswich, 6pm to 9.30pm September 5 - Cinnamon Banqueting Suite, London NW9 7BP, 6pm to 9.30pm September 11 - Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, Exeter, 7pm to 9.30pm September 12 - St Leonards Hotel (Ringwood), Bournemouth, 7pm to 9.30pm September 18 - Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, 7pm to 6.30pm September 19 - Cardiff International Legacy Hotel, Cardiff, 7pm to 9.30pm Sept 25- Midlands Branch, Argyle House, Walsall, 2pm to 8pm Please contact your local branch for full details, visit www.eurosat.com for local contact details

Full details, dates and venues can be found on the Invision training website: www.invisiontraining.co.uk or call +44 (0)1359 270280

CYP Training 2013

To be included in the training diary, contact Daniel Sait on +44 (0)7814 859101 or email dan@essentialinstall.com

Course: Authorised Demopad training workshops, CYP Europe September 16 - CYP HQ - Shepperton October 8 – Dawnvale Design Centre - Oldham October 14 - CYP HQ - Shepperton October 29 - CYP HQ - Shepperton November 12 - Dawnvale Design Centre - Oldham November 14 - CYP HQ Shepperton November 28 - CYP HQ - Shepperton December 10 - CYP HQ - Shepperton Dec 12 - Dawnvale Design Centre – Oldham More information: CYP Europe, +44 (0)203 137 9180, email sales@cypeurope.com or visit www.cypeurope.com

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to dan@essentialinstall.com

Essential Install

Essential INSTALL

Live!

SOUTHERN SHOW

S A N D O W N PA R K ESHER, SURREY 1 1 - 1 2

J U N E

2 0 1 4

DUE TO INDUSTRY DEMAND OUR SOUTHERN SHOW HAS EXPANDED AND IS NOW 2 DAYS! DON’T MISS OUT... BOOK YOUR STAND www.e s se n t i a l i n s t a l llive. eu +44 (0)1634 673163

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Essential Products

NEW PRODUCTS A CANDY STORE OF CI CENTRIC KIT AMX WITH ICE, PLEASE? AMX has teamed up with ICEpower to launch a new multi-room distributed audio amplifier for environmentally sensitive installations that offers integrators more design options. The Alero Power Amplifier (ALR-AMP-8), with single-rack unit (1RU) height, is targeted at acoustically demanding installations and packs in a hefty audio punch thanks to technology from ICEpower, an independent subsidiary of Bang & Olufsen. When designing Alero, AMX asked its integrators which features were most important. Aside from high-quality sound, a smaller than typical footprint rated highly to make the system ideal for installation in already overcrowded equipment racks. Alero’s compact 1RU chassis offers several installation options in confined, unventilated spaces, meanwhile AMX equipped Alero with the same ICEpower switching

Alero’s compact chassis offers several installation options in confined, unventilated spaces

amplification technologies used by several of the world’s premium home audio and automotive audio manufacturers. To ensure a completely unified whole-home distributed audio switching and amplification solution, it complements the AMX Precis DSP Distributed Audio Matrix Switcher. Alero also features eClass D amplifier technology and reduces environmental impact by using less active power, less standby power and no external cooling source requirements to lower power consumption even further. More information: AMX +44 (0)1904 343100 www.amx.com/eu

SPIN THAT BIN Bluelounge has given a quirky spin to cable management with a flame retardant, cylindrical bin that houses clutter such as cables, mains blocks and routers. The pared-down design of the CableBin aims to ensure

Each bin has six hooks to hang surge protectors and routers in an optimal position

coordination with furnishings while concealing cables, helping to give a cleaner look to living and working spaces. It comes in light and dark wood finishes with a lid that doubles up as a handy charging station for portable devices. CableBin is built from high-density plastic to give peace of mind that cables and electronic devices are safely stowed. Each bin has a set of six adhesive hooks to hang surge protectors and routers in an optimal position inside the container away from the cables below. Bluelounge is an international studio that specialises in products that aim to solve everyday problems through design. Computers Unlimited is exclusive UK distributor of Bluelounge products. More information: Computers Unlimited +44 (0)7866 725702 www.unlimited.com

MERIDIAN LAUNCHES DISTRIBUTOR 3 Meridian Audio has introduced an easy-to-install way of seamlessly distributing audio from a central location to three additional zones. A zone can be built from a pair of DSP loudspeakers up to a full Meridian entertainment system with local sources thanks to the Distributor 3. The technology integrates Meridian DSP loudspeakers with users’ distributed home audio systems.

Distributor 3 eases audio distribution into more zones

Each zone can be fed an audio signal as well as control over an RS232 interface. Distributor 3 is billed as the glue enabling additional Meridian audio zones around the home and is intended to be used in tandem with a home control system. Meridian’s new Distributor 3 plays all of a user’s sources through any Meridian DSP loudspeaker allowing seamless integration with entire home audio systems. It also provides integration with home lighting and entertainment control systems. More information: Meridian +44 (0)1480 445678 www.meridian-audio.com

Essential Install

Essential products

BOSE GETS BOOKISH Bose Home Entertainment has launched systems enabling users to stream music wirelessly in any room and play it from the web or a stored collection. Bose vice president Phil Hess says: “SoundTouch Wi-Fi systems are unlike any home sound system. They let you stream your favorite stations, playlists or artists in the easiest way imaginable. We believe this will change music at home the way Bluetooth speakers changed music on-the-go. There’s a SoundTouch system for any room and they all communicate wirelessly.” Each connects directly to the Internet using an existing home Wi-Fi network to stream stored music, Internet radio or music services. Every SoundTouch system is designed to automatically receive software updates. Systems will first offer Pandora then others including Deezer and iHeartRadio. Three SoundTouch systems include the 30 Wi-Fi, around 25.4cm x 43.2cm x 17.8cm with exclusive waveguide technology and new proprietary woofer. The smaller 20 Wi-Fi, 17.8cm x 30.5cm x 10.2cm, can be placed almost anywhere, while the Portable Wi-Fi system has rechargeable lithium-ion

Every SoundTouch system is designed to automatically receive software updates

battery in a speaker no bigger than a book, 15.2cm x 25.4cm and less than 7.6cm deep. Later this year, the Wave music system will be offered in a SoundTouch version for the bedroom or kitchen, while early next year other products will include SoundTouch Stereo JC Wi-Fi music system to transform a living room with two tiny Jewel Cube speakers, an Acoustimass module for deep low notes and weather-resistant Bose outdoor speakers. More information: Bose +44 (0)1634 224258 www.bose.co.uk

SONOS PRESSES PLAY:1 ON TO MARKET

Minimalist design, premium materials and rock-solid construction characterises PLAY: 1

A compact, powerful wireless speaker has been launched by Sonos that streams music to any room in the home to offer high fidelity sound. The PLAY:1 smart speaker features hardware and software designed by Sonos and includes a customdesigned mid-woofer and tweeter to deliver deep and rich sound. Smart processing technology minimises distortion at full volume, while a wide field of sound delivers strong performance wherever the user is sitting in the room. Minimalist design includes a button on top of the cabinet that allows users to play and pause your music with a single

push and skip tracks with two quick presses. Meanwhile premium materials and rock-solid construction offers resistance to most humid conditions in the home. “Sonos was created upon the belief you should never have to choose between quality sound and an easy way to access all your music at home,” says chief executive John MacFarlane. “PLAY:1 makes getting started with Sonos even more accessible to music lovers than ever before.” The technology allows users to control music sources with the free Sonos Controller Apps for iPad iPhone, Android, Mac and PC. Installers can add more PLAY:1s or other Sonos wireless speakers around the home for multi-room or they can pair two PLAY:1 units for stereo sound. More information: Computers Unlimited +44 (0)208 3585858 www.unlimited.com

INVISIBLE, YOU TREAT ME LIKE I’M INVISIBLE

Plasterboard, glass, metal, MDF, ceilings or floating floors become large acoustic radiators

74 Essential Install

The Multi-Room Company has launched Revolution Acoustics, an invisible loudspeaker that responds to the needs of architects, interior designers and end-users. “SSP6 Multiducer technology is completely invisible, not even a grille can be seen,” says product director Mike Bonnette. “Revolution Acoustics has re-written the rulebook with technologies that effectively change the physics of sound propagation and how we interact with audio in buildings.” Unlike conventional cone speakers, which generate a diminishing conical wave, Revolution Acoustics products create hi-fidelity,

full-frequency sound. Planar sound wave distribution ensures no acoustic hot spots and its wide frequency response ensures no subwoofers are needed, simplifying the installation process and reducing the cost. Products can be installed in less than five minutes: there is no intricate plastering, complicated parts or other difficult tasks to perform - glue and screw is all that’s needed. Adhering transducers to the rear side of plasterboard, glass, ceilings, MDF, floating floors, fiberglass or metal transforms the surface into a large acoustic radiator. Products include intelligent embeddable amplifiers, RA 2.0. Mike says: “This product is perfect for installations where absolute aesthetic integrity has to be maintained, yet top quality sound is required such as high-end hotels, yachts, retail environments or minimalist homes.” More information: Multi-Room Company +44 (0)1242 511133, www.multi-room.co

A joint venture partnership of

INSPIRING. Discover how the worlds of technology and construction are converging. Network with thousands of fellow professionals from more than 130 countries. Be part of the best-attended systems integration tradeshow ever held.

Find out more. www.iseurope.org

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Essential products

HANG IN THERE B-Tech has launched an ultra-slim, double arm flat screen wall mount that folds down to stand proud of the wall by just 37mm. The tilt-and-swivel BT8221 is designed for screens up to 65in, weighing 36kg and has arms that extend to 560mm.

BT8221 gives tilt, swivel and extension and comes with a locking option for added security

An easy-tilt mechanism swings 15° in either direction and has three swivel-points - 180 degrees on the wall, 360 degrees on the centre point and 180 degrees at the interface to maximise versatility. Other features include a cable management system, cover plates and an integrated spirit level to aid accurate mounting. Managing director Matt Bennett says: “This wall mount is not only strong but slim and unobtrusive. “It retains the install simplicity that B-Tech products are renowned for and has a satin black finish, giving it a stylish, contemporary feel. It is a practical solution, giving tilt, swivel and extension and also comes with a locking option for added security.” More information: B-Tech International +44 (0)844 8000445 www.btechavmounts.com

JUMP WITH NO JITTER Arcam has replaced its rDAC with a model that offers a jump in performance, high levels of usage flexibility but minimal jitter. The irDAC, so called because it now includes infra-red remote control, is a stripped down version of the SuperDac

The irDAC is a stripped down version of the SuperDac D33 offering simple plug and play

D33 and has been engineered to offer users a simple, plugand-play device that delivers high audio quality. High-end features include isolation of the digital and analogue stages, ultra-low noise power supplies and a direct coupled signal path. Use of Burr Brown 1796 DAC and eight separately regulated power supplies ensures high performance. Meanwhile the irDAC has been built to produce a signal that is almost jitter free. It can be connected to several types of digital sources and connections including asynchronous USB and a direct iPhone input that takes the digital signal direct from an Apple device to optimise the sound. All of the inputs can be controlled through an IR remote that will also control PCs, MACs and iPod, iPhone or iPad via the HID control. More information: Arcam +44 (0)1223 203200 www.arcam.co.uk

CHECK OUT THE 12M VERSION Kramer Electronics has rolled out a wireless high definition transmitter/receiver set that sends HDMI signals wirelessly up to 12 metres. The KW-11 is targeted at professional video installations, presentations, multimedia applications, home theatre use and other short-range video and audio distribution applications. The HDMI system uses WHDI technology. It converts the HDMI signal into a wireless signal, which it transmits to the KW−11R. The KW−11R converts the wireless signal back into an HDMI signal. The units send the uncompressed video resolutions up to 1080p at 60Hz with zero latency.

The technology can be installed under a table or in a closet with no direct line of sight required. It features MIMO 5GHz technology and a secure AV link through its AES−128 encryption. Transmission of the wireless HDMI signal is compatible with any copy-protected HDCP content. EDID and CEC information is also supported. Installation and operation is done without any configuration by connecting the KW-11T with the AV source and the KW-11R with the display. The new launch is part of Kramer’s DigiTOOLS family of compact, high-quality systems. More information: Kramer Electronics +44 (0)1296 330011 www.kramerelectronics.co.uk

The tech can go under a table or in a closet and is targeted at professional video installations

76 Essential Install

Essential products

NEW ETHERNET CABLES STRIKE A CHORD

Use of the flagship Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet improves sound coherence

Three Ethernet cables have been launched to maximise the performance of DACs, transports and high-quality Ethernetenabled audio components. The cables from The Chord Company include the C-stream, a high-specification cable with OFC conductors. Each set of twin conductors are precisely twisted, with each pair featuring overwrapped foil shields. C-stream has 24ct gold-plated signal contacts and over-moulded plug surround. Indigo Tuned ARAY Ethernet does not rely on twistedpair conductor geometry and has been designed to carry data to an audio streamer. It employs a subminiature coaxial high-speed

cable for all critical signal paths. The signal conductors are silver-plated copper, the insulation is PTFE and the shielding comprises two layers of high-density braid. The flagship Chord Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet cable has been designed to offer the ultimate accuracy for highperformance systems. Sarum also employs a high-quality sub-miniature coaxial high-speed cable for all critical signal paths. The copper conductors are micro-polished, plated with silver and the insulated with gas-foamed PTFE. Sarum Tuned ARAY Ethernet has been as a straight connection between streamer and router, between streamer and pre-installed Ethernet cable and between streamer and Ethernet signal carried over mains. In each case music becomes much more coherent, transforming the sound of both WAV and FLAC files. More information: The Chord Company +44 (0)1980 625700 www.chord.co.uk

CYP STRETCHES SOUNDBAR FUNCTIONALITY At less than 2in deep and only 4.5IN tall the soundbar is good for bedroom and boardroom systems

CYP is rolling out its range of audio converters offering the necessary connectivity options to gain more functionality from soundbars. The six-strong line up aimed at Sonos and other proprietary systems gives multiple connectivity possibilities, enabling full integration of soundbars into any AV system. The AU-11CD gives users the benefit of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;breaking outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; an optical digital (up to 5.1 channel signal) or stereo analogue audio feed without affecting the integrity of the native HDMI AV signal. The AU-11HB converts the audio signal to output via HDMI and is when it is necessary to add audio products to an HDMI or HDBaseT matrix distribution system. The AU-D12, two-way Digital Audio Splitter, splits the optical digital signal yet maintains a reliable and loss-less audio signal transmission. The AU-D21 switch allows for an extra optical digital input allowing the simple selectable connection of an additional digital audio source. This is for installs with Sonos Playbars and allows the addition of an audio source to its single input.

The AU-D4, Analogue Audio Converter, for digitalonly systems converts an analogue source into an optical digital output, allowing The six-strong line up enables full integration of soundbars into any AV system. additional connectivity options such as adding an analogue-only source to a digital only soundbar. Finally, the AU-D41, four-way Digital Audio Switch, allows users to connect up to four optical digital sources and output to a single optical digital output without lag. More information: CYP +44 (0)20 31379180 www.cypeurope.com

new SONY projector VPL-VW500ES Native 4K resolution Supports HDMI 2.0 / 60p New RF 3D emitter Triluminous display, wider colour space Auto Calibration feature

T: 01923 495595

F: 01923 495599

E: info@marata.co.uk

www.marata.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts

Contact Directory Call +44 (0)1634 673163 to book your Essential Contact entry Access & Door control

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: sales@aldoussystems.co.uk W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk Accessories & Mounts

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

HD Media Partnership

T: +44 (0)1242 580688 E: HDPartner@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

MDA Designs

T: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: info@mda-designs.co.uk W: www.mda-designs.co.uk

Milestone

T: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: andy.graham@milestone.com W: www.milestone.com

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK

AVF Group Ltd

ProAudio Stash

Bryant Unlimited

RGB Communications Ltd

T: +44 (0)208 4044050 E: sales@bryant-broadcast.co.uk W: www.bryant-broadcast.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

B-Tech International Ltd

TDI

T: +44 (0)1952 670009 W: www.avf.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Essential Install

Enclosure Systems at Canford

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Accessories & Mounts (continued)

T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

T: +44 (0)1424 429641 W: www.proaudiostash.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Essential contacts Accessories & Mounts (continued)

Vision

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk

Vogel’s Products UK Ltd T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com Aerial Distribution

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk AMPS

Audio Visual (continued)

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

DLS Sweden

T : +44 (0)1555 667288 E : enquiries@dlsaudio.co.uk W: www.dlsaudio.co.uk

Elipson – exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

Enclosure Systems at Canford iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.com

T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK)

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1908 366700 W: www.uk.yamaha.com Audio Visual

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Alltrade: SONOS, Celexon T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Amina Technologies Ltd T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

Artcoustic Loudspeakers T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

Anthony Gallo Acoustics T: +44 (0)1555 666883 E: enquiries@anthonygallo.co.uk W: www.anthonygallo.co.uk

Aquavision – Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

MDA Designs

T: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: info@mda-designs.co.uk W: www.mda-designs.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

MidwichHome

T: +44 (0)1379 646889 E: midwichhome@midwich.com W: www.midwichhome.com

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

Essential Install

Essential contacts Audio Visual (continued)

av solutions (continued)

Pro Display

Smartcomm Ltd

Pulse Marketing

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

T: +44 (0) 1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uK

T: +44 (0)8455 618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Smartcomm Ltd

T: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uk

Smart-e Ltd

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.com

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

av solutions (CONTINUED)

Essential Install

Cables

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Alltrade: Coaxial, CAT5/6, Fibre, Speaker T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Armour Home Electronics T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Atlona

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.atlona.com

Bryant Unlimited

av solutions

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com

T: +44 (0)208 4044050 E: sales@bryant-broadcast.co.uk W: www.bryant-broadcast.co.uk

B-Tech International Ltd T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

Essential contacts Cables (CONTINUED)

Controls

ACA-Apex Ltd

FS Cables

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1727 840841 W: www.fscables.com

G.J. Electronics Ltd

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.com

Unicam Audio Visual

Habitech Ltd: Structured Cable Products (SCP) T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com Dimmer Switches

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Futronix Ltd

T: +44 (0)1883 373333 E: sales@futronix.com W: www.futronix.com

Solutions Group (UK) Plc T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd

TDI

T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk

Marata Vision

Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk

Rako Controls Ltd

Cables Management

T: +44 (0)1634 226666 E: sales@rakocontrols.com W: www.rakocontrols.com

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

D-Line (Europe) Limited T: +44 (0)191 2360960 T: +44 (0)191 2360979 E: enquiries@d-line-it.co.uk W: www.d-line.co.uk

Distributors

Audio Visual Material Ltd T: +44 (0)1252 510363 E: mnisbet@avmltd.co.uk W: www.avmltd.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts Distributors (continued)

enclosures (continued)

BBG Distribution Ltd

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd

Habitech

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek) T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

Fibre

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aerials & Cable Equipment Ltd True Colours

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.true-colours.net

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com enclosures

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Enclosure Systems at Canford T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

Essential Install

T: +44 (0)1242 511511 E: sales@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

Alltrade: Global, Fracarro, Televes T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

Satellite By Fibre

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satellitebyfibre.co.uk W: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

Essential contacts Fibre (continued)

Furniture & seating (continued)

Solutions Group (UK) Plc

Norstone - exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd

T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Fibre, Cable & Tools

Satsearch

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satsearch.co.uk W: www.satsearch.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

Fibre Installation & Repairs

Pulse Marketing

Satellite By Fibre

T: +44 (0)845 5618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satellitebyfibre.co.uk W: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek)

Furniture & seating

T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Ateca - exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

B-Tech International Ltd T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Vogelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Products UK Ltd T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com

Cineak

T: +32 3 3540366 E: info@cineak.eu W: www.cineak.com

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Habitech

Hardware

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com HDMI & HDMI Distribution

Alltrade: CYP, Triax, Antiference

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

MDA Designs

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: info@mda-designs.co.uk W: www.mda-designs.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Milestone

Asheridge Communications Ltd

T: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: andy.graham@milestone.com W: www.milestone.com

T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Essential Install

Essential contacts HDMI & HDMI Distribution (continued)

Atlona

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.atlona.com

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

HD Connectivity Ltd

T: +44 (0)1684 576 348 E: tradesupport@hdconnectivity.com W: www.hdconnectivity.com/trade

HD Media Partnership

T: +44 (0)1242 580688 E: HDPartner@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Smart-e Ltd

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

Solutions Group (UK) Plc T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Essential Install

HDMI & HDMI Distribution (continued)

Wyrestorm Technologies Europe Ltd T: +44 (0)1793 230343 M: +44 (0)7921 003954 W: www.wyrestorm.eu

Home Automation & multi-room systems

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: sales@aldoussystems.co.uk W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Amina Technologies Ltd T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

Armour Home Electronics T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Artcoustic Loudspeakers T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

Genesis Technologies

T: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: info@genesistechnologies.co.uk W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Habitech Ltd: NuVo Technologies; ControlFX, Vision HD T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

HD Connectivity Ltd

T: +44 (0)1684 576 348 E: tradesupport@hdconnectivity.com W: www.hdconnectivity.com/trade

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.co

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Essential contacts Home Automation & multi-room systems (continued)

Home Cinema

Legrand Electric Ltd

Amina Technologies Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd

Artcoustic Loudspeakers

T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

Marata Vision

Gecko Inc Ltd

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

T: +44 (0)845 2622882 W: www.geckohomecinema.com

MidwichHome

T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1379 646889 E: midwichhome@midwich.com W: www.midwichhome.com

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd

Marata Vision Pulse Marketing

T: +44 (0)8455 618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Smartcomm Ltd

T: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uk

Smart-e Ltd

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Uvem Limited

T: +44 (0)845 4561220 E: info@uvem.com W: www.uvem.com

Wyrestorm Technologies Europe Ltd T: +44 (0)1793 230343 M: +44 (07921 003954 W: www.wyrestorm.eu

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

SIM2 UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)1825 750850 E: info@sim2.co.uk W: www.sim2.co.uk

Smartcomm Ltd

T: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uk Home Theatre seating

Pulse Marketing

T: +44 (0)845 5618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts HVAC Control Systems

Lighting Control (continued)

Intelligent Controls (UK) Ltd

in Smart Homes, there’s a volved in a project from the when the integration of the nfrastructure is in place and nable to smart control. This heating and cooling sys-

RGB Communications Ltd

T: +44 (0)1342 717748 E: support@intelligent-controls.co.uk W: www.intelligent-controls.co.uk

) Ltd specialises in the Homes, to front end systems s using North® Products. that are able to control orth Zip® systems, which adjustment of underfloor conditioning systems. An to access controls remotely.

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

products can be integrated, he controls engineer at the ion of HVAC systems with us, BacNet, Lonworks®, IP, egration into smart systems. ed to standardise these or the AV Programmer.

T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk Mains conditioning & distribution

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Integrated reception system (IRS)

Isol-8 Teknologies Limited

Vision

T: +44 (0)208 8568856 E: nic@isol-8.co.uk W: www.isol-8.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk media servers

Lighting Control

Habitech

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Uvem Limited

T: +44 (0)845 4561220 E: info@uvem.com W: www.uvem.com

Armour Home Electronics T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

Futronix Ltd

T: +44 (0)1883 373333 E: sales@futronix.com W: www.futronix.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

Rako Controls Ltd

T: +44 (0)1634 226666 E: sales@rakocontrols.com W: www.rakocontrols.com

Essential Install

Mirror TVs

Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: sales@aldoussystems.co.uk W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Aquavision – Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Impact Screen Solutions

T: +44 (0)1273 735476 M: +44 (0)7515 995776 E: sales@impactscreensolutions.co.uk W: www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

MirrorMedia Ltd

T: +44 (0)870 3866333 E: sales@mirrormedia.com W: www.mirrormedia.com

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

Essential contacts Mirror TVs (continued)

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com PA Systems/Distribution

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk Pro Audio Manufacturer

Midwich

T: +44 (0)1379 649200 E: sales@midwich.com W: www.midwich.com Projectors, Projection Screens & Projector Lift Models

Audio Visual Material Ltd T: +44 (0)1252 510363 E: mnisbet@avmltd.co.uk W: www.avmltd.co.uk

Projectors, Projection Screens & Projector Lift Models (continued)

Impact Screen Solutions

T: +44 (0)1273 735476 M: +44 (0)7515 995776 E: sales@impactscreensolutions.co.uk W: www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk

JVC Europe Limited T: +44 (0)20 8208 7676 E: hdworld@jvc.co.uk W: www.jvc.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Pulse Marketing

T: +44 (0)8455 618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

SIM2 UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)1825 750850 E: info@sim2.co.uk W: www.sim2.co.uk

Draper Group Ltd

True Colours

Genesis Technologies

Vogel’s Products UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)1536 203101 E: joseph@drapergroupltd.co.uk W: www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

T: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: info@genesistechnologies.co.uk W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Habitech Ltd: JVC, Weis (screens) T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.true-colours.net

T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com Projector mounts

B-Tech International Ltd T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Peerless AV – Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Vogel’s Products UK Ltd T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com

Essential Install

Essential contacts Speakers/SUBS

Racks

ACA-Apex Ltd

Enclosure Systems at Canford

Amina Technologies Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Milestone

T: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: andy.graham@milestone.com W: www.milestone.com Satellite & UHF Distribution

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aerials & Cable Equipment Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511511 E: sales@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

Armour Home Electronics T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Artcoustic Loudspeakers T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

Alltrade: SONOS, BluCube T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Anthony Gallo Acoustics T: +44 (0)1555 666883 E: enquiries@anthonygallo.co.uk W: www.anthonygallo.co.uk

DLS Sweden

Antiference Limited

Elipson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Satellite By Fibre

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satellitebyfibre.co.uk W: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk

Vision

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk smart glass

T : +44 (0)1555 667288 E : enquiries@dlsaudio.co.uk W: www.dlsaudio.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

Genesis Technologies

T: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: info@genesistechnologies.co.uk W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Habitech Ltd: Sonance, DLS T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

MidwichHome

T: +44 (0)1379 646889 E: midwichhome@midwich.com W: www.midwichhome.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

TDI

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Essential Install

T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Limited T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Essential contacts Speakers/SUBS (continued)

Video

Control 4

Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK)

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

T: +44 (0)1908 366700 W: www.uk.yamaha.com

Trade Association for Content Delivery

Redline Sound Solutions

CAI

T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1923 803030 F: 01923 803203 E: office@cai.org.uk W: www.cai.org.uk

Smart-e Ltd

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

Training provider

CAI

T: +44 (0)1923 803030 F: 01923 803203 E: office@cai.org.uk W: www.cai.org.uk

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk Tools and Test Equipment

Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Limited T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Solutions Group (UK) Plc T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk Touch-screens & controllers

iRemoteControl

T: +44 (0)208 4204333 E: sales@iRemoteControl.co.uk W: www.iRemoteControl.co.uk

waterproof TV

Alltrade: Videotree T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Aquavision â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Redline Sound Solutions T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek) T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Essential Install @Essentialinstal

Be sure to follow us on twitter @Essentialinstal for the latest news.

Tv Cabinet Manufacturers

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek) T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Essential Install

mm_300x230+3mm_CL_MAY12 04/05/2012 12:02 Page 1

It’s a mirror. It’s a TV. With MirrorTV you’ve got both at the touch of a button. With a choice of over 100 frames to suit any interior. All bathroom models come with MirrorClear TM Technology to keep them mist free. Available with 6.4” to 65” (as well as custom built sizes) with the latest Full HD LCD or LED screens. Contact us on +44 (0)870 3866333 or e-mail sales@mirrormedia.com