CLARITY CALLS

CLARITY CALLS Never one to shy away from a stat, PHIL HANSEN crunches the numbers that point the path to successful Hi-Fi sales…

One of the best-known UK Hi-Fi reviewers has a unique way of

scoring products on his online Hi-Fi magazine. Really great pieces of kit are awarded either a Groovy or Deeply Groovy rating, which is a lovely nod in the direction of good old-fashioned vinyl. Or perhaps that should say the latest and greatest music medium that’s taking the world by storm!

There really is nothing like a resurgence in 100-year-old technology to get the kids going, and this one has definitely grabbed their attention. Yes, you can walk through Trafalgar Square and see a good number of youngsters using old Pentax ME Super cameras, as they rebel against digital, and even the humble Compact Cassette is threatening to make a return (heaven help us!) but it’s the vinyl that’s really come back with a vengeance.

SPIN CITY

Music consumption is going through the roof, thanks to the various streaming services that now account for over 50% of total UK music listening (figures from the BPI). And the rise in use of streaming services is simply phenomenal – 51% up in 2017 compared to 2016 resulting in over 68bn streams during the year. That’s a lot of music!

So where do the other formats figure in this virtual world that is lacking in tangibility? The rise in music consumption of around 9.5% for 2017 ‘v’ 2016 is the biggest increase since 2000. It is fuelled largely by streaming, but also by the resilience of physical formats according to the BPI. The CD is still holding its own, at around 31% of the music purchased, but this figure is declining - from 56% in 2012. Vinyl, on the other hand has gone from just 0.3% in 2012 to 3% in 2017 – not big numbers, granted, but in percentage increase terms it’s huge.

There were 4.1m vinyl LPs purchased during 2017, which is a rise of nearly 27% compared to 2016, but the staggering figure is the 1892% increase since 2007. It’s now at its highest level since the early 90s, with 40,000 albums released on vinyl in 2017. Vinyl represents nearly 10% of all physical music purchases.

Vinyl sales are up and, as such, sales of slick turntables (obviously), such as Elipson’s new Carbon Black flagship turntable

Will this help Hi-Fi sales over the next year, or are most music consumers using inferior quality streamers (e.g. their phones) and turntables (e.g. the £90 special from the supermarket)? We probably all know the answer, but what a great opportunity this presents to educate and get people to buy-up to something decent.

VINYL DESTINATION

First on the bill at the Clarity Conference this year was the BPI, who shared more details with us about the trends in music consumption. We’ve been building a relationship with the BPI over the past few years, as our worlds are intrinsically linked and intertwined, being that there is a correlation between the sales of vinyl and the sales of turntables. And that brings us nicely on to our friends at GfK. The market data specialists have been plotting a rise in turntable sales that pretty well mirrors the software increases reported by the BPI. Of course, high-end turntables will always be niche – most of the purchasers of vinyl wouldn’t even consider spending £000s – but where we have a real opportunity to get the Hi-Fi word out there is with those early adopters of the £90 specials, that are probably beginning to break now. There’s never been a better time for the Hi-Fi sector to preach to the vinyl converted.

MILLENNIAL FULCRUM

But how to do it? One of the best piece of business advice I was ever given was, “You’ve got to fish where the fish are.” And, as many of these new vinyl purchasers are millennials, that means going online and more specifically using the social media outlets they live their lives through – Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and the like. These may be somewhat alien to us, but if we want to reach out to our new audience we need to embrace them. As the trade association for the industry, Clarity’s job is to support those working in it and we would be happy to run a course to teach retailers the mechanics of reaching out to the millennials. Drop us a line if you’d like to participate and we’ll make it happen if there’s enough interest.

info@clarityalliance.co.uk.

Along with his duties at the Clarity Alliance, Phil Hansen also runs Red Sheep, a successful marketing and PR consultancy operating within and outside the Hi-Fi industry.

NEW RTI RICHES

Launched at CEDIA’s recent Expo, featuring fully customisable 8-inch or 11.6-inch widescreen highresolution LCD displays with integrated capacitive touchscreens, the KA8 and KA11 touchpanels from RTI provide simple, intuitive control over all electronic systems. The sleek devices are easily wall-mounted or can be used with an accessory stand for tabletop installation. Ambient light and proximity sensors automatically adjust the screen brightness and LED backlight according to the environment’s light level, while built-in Ethernet with PoE and dual-band Wi-Fi enable video from IP security cameras, enhanced two-way feedback, and remote programming updates.

Also new, in partnership with Pulse-Eight, RTI’s next-generation video distribution solutions, the VHDUx 8 x 10 matrix switch and VHT-Ux extender set, utilise the latest Class C+DSC HDBaseT technology to deliver ultra HD 4K HDR with 4:4:4 chroma sampling over a single category cable. The result is a visually lossless video image with incredible colour depth and contrast, all possible over distances up to 328-feet with 18Gbps bandwidth and no latency. The solutions also feature built-in diagnostics and monitoring

capabilities. Additional video distribution products on display will include 4 x 4 and 8 x 8 HDBaseT matrix switches, HDBaseT extenders, and an HDMI 18Gbps 4K downscaler with audio de-embedding.

rticorp.com invisionuk.com

Custom Installation Nation

The nuts, bolts and ingeniously advanced technologies of AV and CI perfection…

TOP GIRA

Get smarthome savvy with Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, and their recently launched Gira S1 Remote Access Module and Gira X1 Compact Smart Home Server combined with Alexa voice control and Sonos wireless sound system. Answering demand for ‘smart solutions’, Gira intuitively creates a working brain within a building that convenes to lifestyle, personal preferences and daily routine.

The cornerstone of the intelligent home, the Gira X1 compact Smart Home Server allows users to switch lights on and off, raise and lower blinds, as well as manage home temperature settings for optimal comfort, from anywhere in the building or remotely. And makes automating and visualising a single-family home with a KNX system more convenient, easier and economical than ever before with remote access, control and monitoring for the height of security.

Designed to seamlessly communicate with Alexa, the Gira X1 now means Alexa can control a property’s lighting and blinds through the power of speech, along with various settings which are activated by short verbal commands. It is also operable via any smart device, tablet or phone through the Gira X1 App.

Gira X1 will also be compatible for Sonos from October onwards, allowing users to listen to their music in the best sound quality.

gira.com

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

Undoubted overlords of Ultra HD Over IP, Just Add Power, have launched the new VBS-HDIP-3G 509POE Daisy Chain Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Receiver – the latest in the company’s its award-winning 3G Series. The receiver allows installers to add multiple network devices at the endpoint or to add more receivers for highly customised installations. The port also passes PoE to connected devices.

“The 3G Ultra HD-Over-IP series offers incredible flexibility, ease, and performance by giving integrators the ability to build an entirely customised 4K distribution system that answers the exact requirements of any installation,” said Taft Stricklin, sales team manager at Just Add Power. “This new daisy-chain receiver expands on our evolutionary approach and fulfills the latest requests from integrators. With an onboard PoE network port, the receiver makes it easier for customers to expand the system without requiring Wi-Fi or another wire pull. It is now very easy to turn a legacy network into an Ultra HD Over IP network without losing the functionality previously put in place.”

The new J+P VBS-HDIP-3G 509POE daisy chain receiver distributes Ultra HD and 4K video over a single Cat-5e cable without the need for fibre. With the onboard pass-through network port, any PoE device can be connected; a network soundbar, IP TV control, or a single display location can be expanded into a video wall. The receiver also easily expands the number of PoE devices that can be added to the system by connecting a PoE switch to the port. As result, installers have greater network flexibility that is no longer restricted by the number of cable runs permitted – any system can be expanded quickly and easily when end-users want to add onto their AV experience.

With the receiver’s integrated scaler, video sources can be watched at any resolution, including 4K and Full HD (FHD). It also boasts control end points with RS-232 and IR together with enhanced video wall capabilities with rotation. As with all models in the J+P line-up, the receiver integrates seamlessly with FHD infrastructure, allowing integrators to mix and match J+P devices to build a future-proof 4K system that suits any application requirement.

justaddpower.com

TECHSMART GETS SMARTER

Visionary distributors of cutting-edge connected home kit, Invision, have announced that the award-winning GJD TechSmart devices now support direct integration with Lutron and Rako home automation drivers.

The TechSmart range consists of proximity detectors, precision laser sensors, Infra-Red and White-Light LED illuminators, which integrate perfectly within Lutron and Rako lighting control systems. The new integrations will facilitate greater efficiency, creative applications and flexible home automation solutions.

Mark Tibbenham, GJD’s Managing Director commented: “We are extremely pleased to be able to connect with the well-respected smarthome brands of Lutron and Rako. The new integrations allow Custom Integrators to easily connect TechSmart devices with Lutron and Rako to enhance smart home systems by providing efficient lighting, temperature control, perimeter detection and early intruder warning alerts.”

Every event that a TechSmart device generates, such as a motion alert or a low light level, can now simply trigger a smart customised action within Rako and Lutron controllers. This new integration functionality is embedded in the GJD firmware and very simply configured from its web interface. For Lutron, just enter the Lutron Phantom Keypad ID and Button number, for Rako, just enter Room number and command to recall.

For Lutron and Rako lighting systems, you can programme bespoke effects including the dimming of a single light, a complete scene or even a complex lighting sequence – all in response to a TechSmart activated event.

GJD are also featured in Invision’s new Smart Home Security product guide, which can be requested electronically or in print by emailing marketing@invisionuk.com.

invisionuk.com

RINGS A BELL

Offering a new peace-of-mind solution, the new Intercom Anywhere (complete with equally new iOS and Android apps) from Control4 lets homeowners talk with anyone at the front door and activate a home automation scene with the touch of a button from anywhere in the world.

With Intercom Anywhere, Control4 homeowners can receive video intercom calls from a Control4 Door Station, enabling them to see and communicate with visitors at the front door or gate, whether they’re home or away. In addition, homeowners will see who’s at the door prior to answering the call, and can simultaneously activate a home scene such as turning on lights, opening the gate, or unlocking the door or garage in response to who has arrived. Homeowners can also quickly activate alerts such as sounding an alarm, locking all doors, or turning on all interior and exterior lighting for additional safety measures.

Modern video doorbell products allow the use of mobile phones to see and talk to visitors at the door, but only Control4 Intercom Anywhere supports additional customisable programming. For example, while in an Intercom Anywhere call, the user can turn on lights, unlock the door, open the gate or garage, disarm or trigger the alarm, or any other action uniquely enabled by the Control4 automation system.

The system also provides new ways to communicate among family members as family members can make calls from Control4 Touch Screens within the home to a family member’s mobile phone or vice versa. The babysitter or child not answering the landline phone at the house? Use Intercom Anywhere to dial directly to any or all Control4 Touch Screens for a video-call to get connected, fast. Want to call the family to dinner? One tap and you can broadcast the call to dinner throughout the house.

Control4 offers a complete audio/video intercom system with sleek video door stations and dedicated interactive video touch screens with premium audio and video quality. Whether at home or away, homeowners can now receive incoming audio and video intercom calls on their mobile devices or call from their mobile phones to Control4 Touch Screens installed throughout the home.

control4.com/o/intercom

INSI E CI

Despatched to Berlin to bring back the very bratwurst of cutting-edge tech, DAVE SLATER, feeds us his intel from IFA and deep Inside CI…

When IFA opened its doors to the media at the start of September, it was 8K TV that captured the headlines. Next generation UHD displays, with their 7680 x 4320 resolution, stunned visitors.

One of the big reveals was the world’s first 8K OLED TV from LG Display. This 88-inch mega panel offers great levels of fine detail as well as amazing colour vibrancy and characteristic deep blacks. Samsung used IFA to unveil their fullyThe stunning new generation of Sonos Amp Beosound’s beautifully impractical Edge realised range of 8K panels, which will go on sale later this year. Samsung has clearly decided to take an early lead in the nascent market and claim the high ground with channel. Line inputs support turntables, CD changers, and other audio OLED-rival QLED. But is this too much too soon? Everything hinges on how components. When wirelessly connected to an Amazon Alexa-enabled device, effective the AI upscaling is on these new models, but we can certainly see like a Sonos One or Beam, the Amp is controllable with voice commands. 4320p driving interest in 75-inch TVs over the next few years. 8K was conspicuous by its absence from the booths of Sony, Panasonic OS EVOLUTION and Philips, all of whom continued to major on high-performance 4K UHD I read with interest that Crestron has announced a major revamp of its Pyng models. Elsewhere, Sharp made a great play on 8K, with a spectacular range smarthome control platform, with the release of Pyng OS 2 this October. of LED LCD 4320p models, covering 60-, 70- and 80-inch screen sizes. Debuting on the new rack-mountable CP3-R 3-Series control system, Pyng OS ON THE EDGE DigitalMedia products, AV receivers, local sources, set-top boxes and remote Another amazing product at the show, bridging the gap between a work of controls. The CP3-R will offer a full range of control ports for home art and a speaker, the Beosound Edge is a marvel to look at and to use. The automation, home cinema, multiroom video and MDU applications. The coin-shaped wireless speaker has proximity sensors which bring the Crestron Pyng OS 2 will be available as an update for all existing Crestron aluminium interface to life when you are near – from there it’s a simple tap to Pyng Hubs shortly after the CPR-3 product launch. The system integrates stop, start or skip songs. If you want to increase or decrease the volume you audio, video, lighting, motorised shades, climate control, door locks and simply rock the speaker backwards or forwards. sensors, with no programming needed. Support for cloud-based services,

Sonos unveiled a new generation of Sonos Amp at IFA, designed to enables client systems to be maintained remotely. integrate a Sonos wirelesss system with conventional wired speakers. The 2 supports full integration of video control and distribution including announcement indicates a doubling down on the smarthome custom install TAKE A HINT channel for the brand. Twice as powerful as its predecessor, the new model Finally, US Hi-Fi specialist, Parasound, has unveiled a new stereo amplifier, the supports Apple’s AirPlay 2, a host of streaming services, and includes an HDMI Halo Integrated 6. Known to its friends as the Hint 6, it features a John Curl port, with ARC, for TV connection. Designed to fit standard AV racks, the designed 160W class A/AB power amplifier stage and boasts a number of second-generation amp can power up to four speakers with 125W per audiophile refinements over its predecessor. Beneath the lid is a customdesigned 1.1 kVA toroid power transformer; the pre-amp stage borrows from the upcoming P 6. Usability tweaks over the original Hint amp include a dimmable display, volume level memory and second optical digital audio input. Unchanged is a high-current headphone amplifier, a direct input that bypasses the pre-amp section, fully balanced XLR in/out connections, and 12v trigger and IR integration. The phono stage offers variable loading for MM and MC cartridges. The amp introduces a Burr-Brown analogue resistor ladder volume control with ball-bearing supported aluminium knob. There’s also an updated USB input, which supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256, an and improved phono stage, with higher gain for lower output cartridges.

Dave Slater is MD of DSE Group, incorporating DSE DIGITAL.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sound & vision: a view to die for and an audio system to soundtrack it

BIG CITY SOUNDS

Genelec and Crestron take pride of place in a stunning London apartment AV system…

The impressive 31-storey Canaletto tower in London’s thriving EC1

district is one of the city’s most desirable locations. Designed by renowned Dutch architect Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, the building features a striking curved steel and glass façade, making a unique statement on London’s skyline. One Canaletto resident has chosen to equip their elegant apartment with a host of Genelec loudspeakers linked to a sophisticated Crestron-based AV entertainment system to provide precise audio clarity throughout the stylish space.

In the living area, the owners have created a 7.0 sound system with three Genelec 8351s in the front, and four ceiling-mounted Genelec 8340s at the rear of the viewing area offering discrete side and rear channels for 7.0 playback or diverged sounds for 5.0. The speakers deliver an outstanding reference quality experience, which maximises the powerful AV and entertainment system. “We opted for Genelec firstly because we wanted a high-quality, technically superior surround sound solution to optimise our entertainment system, and secondly because many of our favourite film, video game and music producers use Genelec monitors to create the content that we consume”, explained the owner. “Using Genelec ourselves enables us to experience the content as it was intended by the creators and makes the whole experience feel even more authentic.”

SPACIAL AWARENESS

The living room system posed a particular challenge due to the large amount of reflective glass surfaces. To counter this, the Genelec 8351s and 8340s were calibrated using Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM™) software, which minimises intrusive artefacts resulting from hard surfaces. Andy Bensley from Genelec’s UK distributor, Source Distribution was responsible for calibrating the system. He explained that GLM was a crucial element in ensuring that the system worked with the space and not against it: “The ability to tailor the system’s HF response in relation to all the reflective surfaces allowed the reproduction to be detailed without being overly bright,” he noted. “Coupled with GLM's ability to compensate for differing arrival times at the listening position, we had the means to deliver an incredibly coherent and immersive system for the client in a challenging acoustical environment."

Elsewhere, a total of 16 AIC25 in-ceiling speakers have been installed throughout the flat. Their sleek design integrates seamlessly with the minimalist Nordic interior design of the flat, while still delivering a precise Genelec sound. All speakers are part of the Crestron home network and connected to a Mirage MMS-2A audio server for Tidal Master audio. Everything is controlled via iPhones and iPads, with the ability to switch individual rooms on and off, change sources on mobile devices, and select songs at will. In the master bathroom and snug, the speakers are also used to play back Apple TV audio.

OVER & ABOVE

“The Genelec AIC25 in-ceiling solution offered excellent sound quality in a discreet design package which works extremely well throughout the apartment and integrates very well with the Crestron home network,” remarked the owner. “Furthermore, the amplifier modules slotted very easily into the Crestron AV rack in the utility room, making for a neat and efficient solution all round. Our AV system is actually quite complex and sophisticated, but it’s the exquisite Genelec sound reproduction that really brings it to life and enables us to experience our favourite music, movies and video games just as the creators intended.”

genelec.com

SVI MINI CASE STUDY: MERIDIAN SUSSEX

APPEAL

A centre of

Smarthome design and installation firm, Progressive Home Technology, has completed an integrated, high resolution audio project for a prestigious new-build property in Hastings, East Sussex, built on Meridian Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology.

The client was seeking premium quality audio to enrich the family’s home entertainment experience. Listening to great music from multiple sources was the priority alongside enjoying movies to reference standard in the high-tech media room. At the same time, it was important that the technology complemented the beautiful interior aesthetic and integrated seamlessly with the Control4 system in the house. With its reputation for delivering authentic high resolution audio performance that was easy to install and integrate, Meridian proved the natural partner.

SOUND & VISION

In the media room, Progressive Home Technology specified the latest LG 65-inch OLED TV with a Kaleidescape Premiere Movie System, delivering highquality Blu-ray content here, and to other TVs in the house, complemented by Meridian Special Edition DSP7200 loudspeakers for exceptional LCR audio. Meridian’s Special Edition DSP5200 Rear Speakers deliver exceptional bass and full-range audio performance along with two Meridian DSW Subwoofers. Meridian’s 861V8 Surround Controller enables the set-up to provide 7.2 channel THX Certified cinema sound for an immersive audio experience.

The elegant design of the Meridian Special Edition DSP7200 loudspeakers, finished in piano lacquer white, makes them perfect additions to the modern interior setting whilst still providing outstanding performance and flawless sound. Containing four powerful, integrated 150W amplifiers, the DSP7200 loudspeakers eliminate the need for an amplifier in the rack, reducing power and Meridian 861V8 Surround Controller Meridian HDMI Audio Processor Meridian Special Edition DSP7200SE LCR Speakers Meridian Special Edition DSP5200SE Rear Speakers Meridian DSW Subwoofers (2) Meridian Media Core 600 Meridian Control 15 Touchscreen The Director Model D3400 Kaleidescape Premiere Movie System LG 65EF950V OLED 65-inch 4K TV Lumagen RadiancePro 4K Video Processor Furman Reference Mains Conditioning Control4 Home Automation Processor Control4 Touchscreens and Philips Dynalite Intelligent Lighting System

Masters of music Meridian make a premium audio statement in a stunning Sussex home…

Wireless Remote Controls

advanced AV thermal management requirements, as well as increasing the space available to the homeowner.

“While the loudspeakers were chosen primarily for quality, the aesthetic influenced the striking layout of the room, which was designed around the loudspeakers,” says Liam McLaughlin, Director of Progressive Home Technology.

SYSTEM ADDICT

Elsewhere, Meridian’s Sooloos digital media system has provided the backbone for multi-room audio, providing lossless CD ripping and playback and Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio streaming. The system is fully integrated with the client’s existing AVID turntable set-up to enable him to indulge his vinyl passion and enjoy music to the highest quality through the Meridian DSP loudspeakers. The Sooloos system serves seven audio zones in the property, six from a Meridian Media Core 600 into an Audio Control Director amplifier which provides pristine audio to the kitchen, dining room, snug, bedroom, bathroom and gym. Meridian’s Sooloos integrates with the homeowner’s network for simple, hassle-free installation, making it easier than ever before to browse and play content from both the owner’s personal music libraries and internet streaming services. “We recommended Meridian for all the digital connections in the home,” comments Liam McLaughlin. “The active DSP design helps to save important space in the rack, easing venting requirements in what is a compact storage space. Thanks to Meridian we can get high resolution audio into the system when few other systems could offer a solution of comparable quality. Integration with the Sooloos system also influenced the choice, but the key requirement and deciding factor was for the best looking and the best sounding equipment within the overall budget.”

meridian-audio.com

Above: Meridian Control 15 Touchscreen Meridian digital connections made for easy install