Essential Install March 2018

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

March 2018

HDMI Distribution W I T H O U T

C O M PRO MIS E

INSIDE

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CLUBS, BARS & RESTAURANTS GOING OUT-OUT

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PROJECTORS AND SCREENS

PIXEL PERFECTION

SECURITY

SOUND THE ALARM

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Essential Install | Contents

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

March 2018

March 2018

HDMI Distribution WI T H OU T

C OM P R OM I SE

INSIDE

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CLUBS, BARS & RESTAURANTS GOING OUT-OUT

19/03/2018 15:02

PROJECTORS AND SCREENS

PIXEL PERFECTION

SECURITY

SOUND THE ALARM

In this issue…

May 9-10 Sandown Park Surrey essentialinstalllive.com

REGULARS

FEATURES

3 From the Editor’s desk

24 Habitech happenings

14 Blustream

5 Essential news

30 CE Pro Europe

27 Case Study: Zentec

10 Invision insights

32 Autonomous alliances

34 Security

12 CEDIA showcase

72 Training dates

40 Smart Thinking

16 Pulse press

75 Essential products

41 Automation platforms

Go pro

New visions

Commercial installs

Smart home happenings

Auto down under

HDBaseT states its case

Get secure

Learn to earn

Top tech tips

Total control

49 Projectors & screens

18 EI Live!

Illuminating content

10 reasons to visit

20 WyreStorm words Sign up to LiveWyre

22 HDANYWHERE headlines Techy taverns

Case study

Safety first

Saving our NHS

Divine devices

Brand new brands

Divine AV distribution

27

56 Clubs, bars & restaurants

Average net circulation October 2015 to October 2016

AV hotspots

68 Day in the Life: Ultamation

5,212

Projectors & screens

The ultimate install

49

Clubs, bars &…

56

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The Smart Building & Home Automation Trade Show

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MY

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The EI Live! show is the only

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9th - 10th May 2018 Sandown Park, Surrey Learn more at www.essentialinstalllive.com

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pages 24-25

From The

Editor’s Desk More bang for your buck Niamh Marriott, Editor

Hello wonderful readers and welcome to the March issue of Essential Install magazine where we have a treasure trove of techy treats for you.

There’s been a lot of talk recently about certain product failings in the consumer smart home market, with Amazon’s Alexa scaring its users with an unprompted creepy cackle, and Apple’s HomePod speakers leaving white marks on wood furniture.

The issue with Alexa is that voice recognition technology just isn’t there yet. According to users, the random laughing from the best-selling voice assistant either started without warning, or when saying a command to play music. Amazon responded quickly, acknowledging the eerie giggle was the device mishearing hear the phrase ‘Alexa, laugh’, but adding that it was a rare occurrence and that they were reconfiguring the language of the command to avoid this is the future. This glitch just shows just how much more development is required. Yes, there have been many strong contenders in the CI market, Josh.

ai for example is certainly on EI’s one to watch list, but if it remains quicker and simpler to press a button, touchpad or switch, you’re going to opt for the easy way.

Apple took a different approach and is responding to the criticism that its new smart speakers can discolour wooden surfaces, by either blaming the oils used on people’s wooden units or telling customers to move their product to an entirely new area. Really helpful advice…

Both these issues highlight the brilliance of the custom install market. The mainstream market is getting flooded by entry level smart home products that are cheap but fallible. If you want the best, don’t opt for the latest gimmick, go pro, and get the highest quality service and products. Custom installers can cleverly design an AV layout that is ideal for the environment and offer customisation, high-end and high-quality products that can make the experience magnificent. Oh, and they’re highly trained and can often provide support services post install. Definitely more bang for your buck.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com EDITOR: Niamh Marriott, niamh@allthingsmedialtd.com CONTRIBUTING JOURNALISTS: Jordan O’Brien, jordan@allthingsmedialtd.com SALES DIRECTOR: Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com ASSISTANT AD MANAGER: Jacob Brisley, jacob.brisley@allthingsmedialtd.com PUBLISHER: David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com CIRCULATION: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com STUDIO MANAGER: Ben Bristow, ben@allthingsmedialtd.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jon Appleton, jon@allthingsmedialtd.com Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD. T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 Whist we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

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20/03/2018 10:10

ticket sales open for 2018

The Smart Building Awards (sba) are back, upgraded for 2018 with some brand new categories and a sumptuous gala awards dinner to be held on may 9 at ei live! where the awards will be presented.

book today!

visit www.essentialinstalllive.com for more details call on 01634 673163.

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Essential Install | News

Essential News Smart home happenings and automation announcements

CEDIA will be kickstarting its tour in London on April 24

CEDIA announces 2018 tech forum tour With continued demand and strong attendance, CEDIA has announced that it will be hosting five tech forum events in 2018. Combining education, product displays and networking, these free to attend events are a must for all technology integrators, says the association.

CEDIA will be kickstarting its tour with a Tech Forum in London on Tuesday April 24. The one-day event will take place at CodeNode, the UK’s largest venue dedicated to technology events in the heart of London. Exclusively for the London event, CEDIA will be hosting a keynote session that will see the presenter focus on online trends for smart homes.

CEDIA is pleased to welcome AWE, Genesis, Habitech, LG, Lutron, Meridian, and RGB as Seminar and Exhibition Sponsors of the 2018 events; they will contribute to a seminar programme that will run throughout the day. Exhibiting Sponsors, Energenie, Focal, Gallo Acoustics, LILIN, OneAV, and Redline will also be showcasing their latest products to attendees throughout the day.

The tech forum dates for 2018 will be London (April 24), Bristol (May 22), Edinburgh (June 12), London (October 16) and Leeds (November 13).

CEDIA 01480 213 744, cedia.co.uk/cedia-events

Crestron cleans up at ISE

Crestron won 12 industry awards at ISE 2018

Crestron received a company-best 12 industry awards at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2018. Crestron was recognised in multiple categories by leading AV industry trade publications.

“Crestron is extremely proud and honoured to be recognised by the AV industry for a company-best 12 awards at ISE 2018,” says Fred Bargetzi, chief technology officer at Crestron. “These awards are validation of the hard work and ingenuity of the hundreds of engineers and visionaries in our R&D labs. They share a passion and relentless commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible and anticipate our customers’ needs.”

Crestron received the following awards at ISE 2018. From the Top New Technology (TNT) Awards, Crestron won: Control and Automation: DM-NVX-350, Unified Communication & Collaboration: Crestron Mercury, Unified Communication & Collaboration: Crestron AirBoard, Video Distribution Solutions: DMPS3-4K-350-C, Control Systems: TSW1060, Audio: DSP-1283, Loudspeakers: VECTOR SUBD18.

From the InAVation Awards, Crestron won Technology for Collaboration and Conferencing: Crestron Mercury. Installation Magazine Best of Show Awards awarded Crestron DM-NVX-350 and XiO Cloud and the AV Technology Europe Best of Show Awards awarded Crestron Mercury and DM XiO Director the top prizes.

Crestron 0845 873 8787, crestron.eu

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com News.indd 5

March 2018 | 5 20/03/2018 10:12

the gateway to genuine, immersive cinema at home.

immersive audio Decoders • Dolby Atmos™ (16 discretely-rendered channels).

• Auro-3D™ (supports Auro’s full 13.1 layout).

• DTS:X™ (all configurations of its 11.1 format).

trinnov Speaker/Room optimizer • Trinnov’s exclusive Speaker/Room Optimizer • Calibration wizard for initial setup & management • Process high-resolution 24bit/96kHz audio • Four-way active crossovers & unlimited subwoofers • Ready for audio over IP

expeRience trinnov at ouR immersive audio event Dolby, lonDon - 10th april

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Essential Install | News

Invision partners with SATEL

Satel manufacture wired and wireless electronic intruder alarm systems

Invision has announced a new partnership with Satel UK, a manufacturer of premium wired and wireless electronic intruder alarm systems. Offering integration with the most popular home automation systems, including Control4, RTI, Crestron and KNX, Invision will supply the INTEGRA range of integrated intruder alarms to home technology professionals, throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Invision are already supplying LILIN Surveillance, GJD Techsmart Detection and COMELIT Door Entry Systems to a growing number of residential installers. The addition of SATEL to our expanding portfolio of smart home security solutions is very exciting - our customers now have ‘one-stop’ access to a compelling product line-up”, said Karl Brett, sales specialist for smart home security at Invision.

Based in Gdansk, Poland, Satel is a privately-owned company.

Its security-focused products have been awarded numerous international awards in recent years, recognising their innovation and dedication to quality.

“We are delighted to partner with Invision to bring our integrated intruder alarms to the smart home market in the UK,” said Jaroslaw Zurawik, export sales manager at Satel UK. He added, “The opportunities for residential custom installers in the smart home space are vast and we are very impressed with Invision’s dedication and continued investment in this rapidly expanding market.”

“Home security products were traditionally only supplied through security companies but not anymore”, added Adrian Ickeringill, sales director at Invision. “We are seeing significant growth in our residential security business because our customers are now adding integrated security to their product offering, alongside home automation, audio/video systems, lighting control and energy management. It’s business opportunity not to be missed.”

Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com

Alltrade expansion creates dedicated CI division

The expansion has seen several Alltrade staff move into senior management roles

Alltrade’s continued growth in the CI and home automation sector has seen the company unveil exciting expansion plans for business through 2018. Changes include a new corporate structure with a specialist CI focus, several internal promotions and opening two new trade counters.

Effective immediately, the company has created two distinct divisions. One division will spearhead the company’s continued development in the CI sector, while the other will strengthen the company’s leading position in the distribution of IRS/Fibre equipment.

The expansion has seen several Alltrade staff move into senior management roles. Lee Harding has been promoted to the board of directors with the position of technical director for CI. Alltrade’s resident technical director Julian Hall becomes technical director for IRS, and Mark Bartlett becomes technical sales manager for CI. Alltrade MD, Steve Simper, said, “As we continue to expand into new areas a decision has been made to divide the business into two distinct technical areas to further enhance our customer service and support.

One area will be for the traditional signal distribution sector, commonly known as IRS, and the other will incorporate IT, networking, smart home and audio, and be referred to as CI. Our technical teams help us to stand apart from our competitors and we will continue to invest and train our already highly skilled staff across both divisions.”

On the strength of the continued success in the CI sector, Alltrade is opening two new Trade Counters in Reading and Bolton early 2018. The new Bolton branch is Alltrade’s first dedicated to the CI technologies.

This will bring the total number of Alltrade Trade Counters to seven, offering a good geographical spread across the UK. Each trade counter offers immediate access to Alltrade’s entire portfolio of products, knowledgeable staff and extensive installer training facilities.

Alltrade 0344 225 2700, alltrade.co.uk

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Essential Install | News

Essential people

Thom Goossens

Michaela Hirsch

Simon Deary

James Vickerage

Crestron has appointed Thom Goossens as regional sales manager for Crestron in the Netherlands. Thom has worked for the past 11 years at Canon, latest as business development manager and has a lot of experience developing new opportunities in existing and new market areas.

Thom said, “After experiencing the professionalism of Crestron as a partner and using Crestron products myself, the move to Crestron seemed logical. I am very excited to be joining the team in the Netherlands and further expanding the market there.”

AV technology company Peerless-AV has appointed Michaela Hirsch as its new sales manager for Germany. With this move, the manufacturer strengthens its DACH sales team to support an expanding customer base in this thriving market. Michaela’s responsibilities include growing Peerless-AV’s presence throughout Germany by working closely with channel partners and OEMs in project implementation, product training, event support and strategic planning.

Michaela said, “I’ve joined Peerless-AV at an exciting time. My first ISE with the company allowed me to present a world class range of AV technology products and solutions to German customers, and I’m looking forward to building the business for these and the many new developments to come.”

RMG has enlisted LED technology expert, Simon Deary, to join its leadership team as the Director of RMG MAX. Simon has extensive experience in the digital LED solutions sector, running LED industry pioneer group, LED Poison, and most recently holding the position of director of specialist products and technology at infiLED EM International Limited, whilst also running his own design, events and visual consultancy company, Son et Lumiere.

Commenting on his appointment Simon said, “It is a pleasure to bring new technology developments to RMG’s MAX LEDsolutions.

I have been working with the team in the UK and we have some incredible new IP to bring to market with MAX. RMG really understands technology and the direction of the industry, the team has been ahead of the curve for years. I have always been aware of the work they do and thought it’s somewhere I would like to work — and now I do!”

Maverick AV Solutions, has appointed James Vickerage as Business Unit Director to spearhead its UK team. James said, “I have long admired Maverick’s line up of vendor partners as well as the strong company culture. They are uniquely positioned to deliver these applications to resellers across the world. I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with customers to provide industry leading collaborative and digital signage solutions across the channel.”

WyreStorm, manufacturer of 4K UHD and HD signal management and control solutions for Pro AV and custom install, strengthens its position as a global technology leader with the announcement of recent additions to its senior management team. WyreStorm has appointed David Silberstein as director of technology, Vincent Philippo as VP international sales and Mark Shaughnessy as national sales manager for Pro AV.

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Essential Install | Invision

Protect and serve Karl Brett is Invision's smart home security specialist

Invision distribute LILIN’s range of IP cameras

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Once the front door is closed with a resounding click, coats are hung up and keys are chucked on the side, all people want is to feel protected and safe. This is where security products shine.

The smart home security market is expanding and evolving, creating momentum and opportunities like never before, and Invision are prepared.

The distributor already offers various security solutions to custom installers, so they can ensure home owners have protection, security and peace of mind. Invision have brands to cover a wide spectrum of different security applications which include Comelit, smart door entry systems, a highly configurable and infinitely expandable system which offers integrators the flexibility and design required for the demands of today’s door entry solutions.

It also offers GJD’s IP Detection, professional IP detectors for perimeter surveillance. GJD’s IP product range integrates with Control4, Crestron and RTI.

Another security brand available from Invision is LILIN, who have developed IP Cameras in order to make the transition from analogue to digital, and to provide a complete product line and a total solution for the system integrator. They use H.264 compression technology and apply it to all of the LILIN products including cameras, DVRs, CMX, Speed Dome and NVRs. The latest addition to Invision’s surveillance portfolio is Satel, a purveyor of wired and wireless electronic intruder alarm systems. Offering integration with the most popular home automation systems, including Control4, RTI, Crestron and KNX, Invision will now supply the brand’s Integra range of integrated intruder alarms.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:13

Essential Install | Invision

Satel is Invision’s latest security brand

Invision is showing its commitment to smart home security by setting up a dedicated division specialising in protective products and appointing Karl Brett as the company’s smart home security sales specialist. EI caught up with Karl, to find out why the distributor is protecting its prime place in the CI security sector.

Why security? What brands are included in Invision’s security portfolio?

GJD’s IP product range integrates with Control4, Crestron and RTI

Invision has been supplying security products to the residential custom installer for five years now, we started with LILIN IP Surveillance. Typically, surveillance was the job of the security contractor either working alongside the residential custom installer or independently, they would fit a stand-alone system and the client would have a set of controls for the surveillance system and one for the automation system. Working with our partners, Invision were able to deliver products that integrate the two systems enhancing the clients experience. We also trained, assisted specification and supported the residential customer installer to install the system. We have since added Comelit Door Entry, Tech Smart IP enabled detectors and illuminators from GJD and most recently Satel IP Alarm Systems.

Technology evolves so quickly so I am sure there is something new around the corner. However, we are just excited about the opportunities with our existing brands.

We believe we partner with the best brands available for the smart home today and with the recent addition of Satel, our range of products are diverse.

What’s the most importance aspect of security to consider when starting an install project?

Specification! Use the right camera for the environment, place the detector in the right location, have enough available storage for recording – if you get your specification right, your install will go smoothly. We recommend you do the training, test the product and of course have support of a good partner. My role at Invision is sales specialist for smart home security and I specifically support technicians, installers or end-users on our security products and services.

Why do you think security is so vital for the smart home industry?

Our portfolio offers surveillance, detection, door entry and alarm products, they have independent app access providing notifications if required, however their real strength is when they are integrated with a control system providing access to all elements of the system from just one place.

In the modern world we all want to feel secure in our homes and having an integrated security system can provide comfort that your home and family are protected. Visible cameras and/or the presence of an alarm are strong deterrents to would-be burglars.

The ability to trigger alerts based on events that occur at a property to a smartphone or tablet increases the importance of security systems to the end user as they are notified when incidents occur.

How are the products installed and what external support services are offered?

What do you think will be the next big trend in smart home security and why?

How do your products work and communicate with the end-user?

They can all be installed by the residential custom installer allowing them to take control of their project. We offer training, specification advise and post-sale support; education is important to us at Invision and we especially enjoy bringing new technologies to market. We offer training through our award-winning Training Academy on all our security brands, as it is vital to ensure an installer specifies the right products, in order to give the best possible end user experience. The brands we supply are all focused on the CI industry and in addition to the support and training we offer, there are also online tools such as the LILIN project planner that offer additional assistance on how to specify a project.

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Is your comprehensive security portfolio complete or is there a brand you’re still looking to source?

We feel a growing category within smart home security sector is alarms. Satel IP Alarms give us the opportunity to offer integrated intruder alarm systems to the smart home market. Traditionally, these products were often only supplied by security companies, however we are seeing significant growth in our residential security business and adding alarms to our portfolio gives us the complete security solution. The Integra range from Satel offers seamless integration with automation systems such as Control 4, RTI, Crestron and KNX. Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com

March 2018 | 11 20/03/2018 10:13

Essential Install | CEDIA

How to create a professional cinema in a residential property

Mark Withers, Cornflake

There’s nothing better than a super-sized cinema screen to rally the family together. Forget about enjoying dinner around the kitchen table, familial bonding increasingly takes place in front of a huge screen in a dedicated media room. In the second of this two-part series, Mark Withers, senior designer at CEDIA member company, Cornflake, gives his top tips for cinema success.

Take your time discussing the screen. Most clients need assistance when it comes to selecting a screen, which is fair enough as it is probably the most visible element of their specialist room and there’s an overwhelming array of options. We tend to use the moiré test to help explain the pitfalls of choosing the correct screen material to achieve the desired sound and picture clarity. If a client’s speakers are going to be located behind the screen, we always recommend upgrading from an acoustically perforated screen to a woven screen to help eliminate the visual perception that sometimes occurs when viewing a set of lines or dots superimposed on another similar set. The curse of the moiré effect is a good example of why you never see BBC TV news readers wearing striped shirts.

The heat is on

Wall fabrics can greatly improve the room aesthetics, says Mark

Heating should ideally be integrated into the system for quick access and control, so you can adjust the temperature if needed during a film without missing a moment of the action.

If you have space, consider storing equipment outside of the room. Whirring noises and hot boxes are always a big concern for designers as the noise and heat they create both adversely impact enjoyment levels. A dedicated rack with managed power is a simple solution.

Super high-end projectors can also be very noisy, whereas many smaller home-use projectors only generate about 22dB of fan noise which is hardly a concern. If you are specifying a pro projector it should ideally be housed in a small projection room with glass partitions (like at your local cinema) and if it’s a set-up for professional property developers, they’ll need to know how to lay out the room to achieve the optimal performance. Bear in mind that an average listening level for a film is around 90 decibels and the tolerance for a highend cinema system peaks between 105-120 decibels.

Projector problems

Aim to persuade the client to buy the best projector they can afford. Laser models offer numerous benefits, including reduced servicing as there are obviously no bulbs to change every 1000-2000 hours. If your clients are not convinced by the laser argument it’s worth recommending 3-chip DLPs over single chip versions. The triple chip will immediately eliminate the rainbow effect which some viewers are susceptible to.

Understand the space and maximise the experience for the amount of people likely to be using the room.

Creating one optimum seat will give everyone else an inferior experience. Tier seats to the correct height, leave enough space in front and behind reclining seats especially at the rear of the room where bass boom is a common problem, and remember to create safe walkways between and around each row.

If you need steps carefully consider their placement, length and height. Do you need low level lighting to illuminate the stairs without causing a distraction when the movie is playing?

Comfy and cosy

You’ll want cosy chairs too. A large U-shaped sofa with an ottoman at each end creates a relaxed, feet-up cinema experience, although you can go the whole hog and spec proper cinema chairs, if clients are seeking that look.

Velvet not only looks the part but affords fantastic acoustic properties, hence so many traditional cinema seats are covered in it. For optimum sound, the room should have a fitted thick carpet and soft materials on the walls. We tend to recommend darker décor schemes in pastel tones so that the walls and ceiling do not detract from the viewing experience.

Wall fabrics will greatly improve the room aesthetics.

The use of soft suede wall panels or stretch fabric heightens the feeling of luxury, whilst helping with acoustics as the material is less reflective than a solid wall.

Whether you decide to build a traditional cinema, a themed parlour, or a space-age galaxy, have fun. Cinemas have a knack of becoming the most popular room in the house. Families who watch films together, stay together!

Cornflake, 0207 323 4554, cornflake.co.uk CEDIA 01480 213 744, cedia.co.uk

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May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:14

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Essential Install | Blustream

Martyn Shirley, founder of Blustream, welcomes visitors to ISE 2015

Nothing but Blu skies ahead

Founded in Melbourne, Australia, Blustream was created by an ambitious team of AV product managers who had highlighted the market need for an AV distribution brand that could deliver both industry leading performance and reliability. This resulted in the company developing a range of HDBaseT, Video over IP and HDMI distribution solutions that are designed to deliver in any installation environment. EI caught up with Blustream’s Phil Davis to see what the company has been up to, hear about the new products launched at ISE, and to learn what technology Blustream is championing for future success.

Utilising a wealth of experience within the consumer electronics and multi-room AV industry, Blustream’s main aim is to deliver HDMI distribution products that offer

Blustream stand ready for action at ISE 2018

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more to the AV architect and installer, more in terms of product features and more in terms of value for money.

Working with a product development team that spans three continents, Blustream has the ability to gain vital market feedback with a global perspective, enabling the company to develop a range of products that boast a host of real-world features that, in turn, enhance the ability of AV products in any environment. As standard, all Blustream products offer 4K resolution support and all HDBaseT solutions provide bi-directional power over ethernet (PoE), ensuring the installer has a big helping of flexibility when installing a multi-room video system.

Blustream has been a pioneer of integrating audio return channel (ARC) via HDMI or optical into the HDBaseT signal, meaning installers using Blustream can confidently use TVs and local sources within a multi-room AV system.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:14

Essential Install | Blustream

Showtime

ISE 2018 stand attendance was a record for Blustream

Global reach

The company has regional headquarters located in both Melbourne and Nottingham in the UK. From both locations, its experienced product managers are on hand to provide real time sales and technical support to customers. With state-of-the-art testing and training facilities, Blustream’s products can be installed in any AV environment with confidence, and the company proudly delivers 24 hour technical support via phone, email or Skype.

Blustream has a vast HDMI distribution product range that includes matrix switchers, splitters, scalers, extender sets, presentation switches and cables, and are considered leaders in both HDBaseT and Video over IP. As an official HDBaseT adopter and proud alliance member, Blustream is firmly positioned at the forefront of this advanced technology. Through integration of the latest pioneering chipsets, its engineers have developed an innovative range of AV distribution products.

Installer first

The 2018 line up includes HDMI cables that deliver 18Gbps up to 100m

Blustream offers a variety of support services, believing training and support is absolutely its competitive advantage, and, according to Phil Davis, “the installers needs are at the heart of everything” Blustream do.

The company has three full time UK based technical support staff and offers project specification, on-site troubleshooting, next day advanced replacement service and bespoke software and firmware development.

Over the last three years, Blustream has embarked on an annual roadshows to support its loyal partners with industry leading training and updates from both Blustream and other key manufacturer partners. Its 2017 show boasted over 150 delegates across six venues throughout the UK and Ireland. March and April 2018 sees the team in Australia completing a coast-to-coast training extravaganza for over 250 partners.

As well as the roadshow, Blustream attend and exhibits at other events, believing one on one conversation at shows is key for installers. This year at ISE, the company launched several new products including new contractor series matrix solutions and new Dolby licensed audio down-scalers. The company launched and demonstrated the new Drag and Drop TV, which is a free interactive control solution for Blustream Multicast as well as a new Advanced Control Module (ACM) for Blustream Multicast.

Finally, Blustream unveiled new Video and Control boards for the Custom Pro Matrix. Visitors to the show received a hands-on demonstration and walk through of the technologies now adopted by the company.

Aiden Jones, technical director at Blustream explains the large product launch, “For the first time, our market is experiencing a significant price vs performance threshold.

With the significant increased investment required for 50/60Hz 4:4:4 multi-room systems, our integration partners and their customers need to be more confident than ever that they are specifying the most appropriate product for install in hand. Over the last 12 months we have developed a range of 4K extenders and matrix solutions that utilise the new technology standards in practical ways to maximise the price vs performance requirement.”

One to watch

Looking to the future, which technology will be the next big trend in our industry? Phil thinks that video over IP is growing at a crazy rate. “I remember evaluating video over IP in 2010 and the performance limitations were a serious barrier to sales,” says Phil. “At the time, switching times could be eight to ten seconds, resolutions were limited to standard definition, you had snow screens during switching and ghosting on moving images made watching sport practically impossible. In contrast today, video over IP has become a serious contender for almost any standard of AV installation.”

“During the last three years key manufacturers like ourselves have been developing advanced IP solutions that are delivering new levels flexibility and video scaling essential in today’s complex 4K marketplace,” explains Phil. “Within 18 months of launch, our Multicast IP solutions are being installed across the world in homes, yachts, stadiums, cinema chains, department stores, airports, hotels and broadcast studios. We have been staggered by the level of opportunity that IP technology has delivered for the brand. The ability to specify a system of any size and simultaneously scale the resolution of all components in the system is unprecedented.”

“At this stage HDBaseT still remains the undisputed industry benchmark for multi-zone video distribution,” Phil continues. “The delivery of 4K UHD from common sources such as SKY Q from a convenient rack location will always suit the robust performance and advanced features of HDBaseT. Video over IP is becoming increasingly important as installations become larger and more complex. For the first time, AV integrators can specify a system of practically any size and seamlessly program the receivers to output the dedicated resolution and EDID settings to suit the display.”

Blustream 0115 824 7000, blustream.co.uk

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March 2018 | 15 20/03/2018 10:14

Essential Install | Smart Thinking

KNX secure

Ivory Egg’s technical director Mark Warburton talks KNX, looking at how to ensure it is secure and that the system is properly connected and protected.

Over the last month I’ve done a few talks and presentations and it seems that the security of KNX and other IoT systems is still a concern for a lot of people. It’s great that people are aware of the potential risk when connecting a building to the internet, as one of the biggest risks is carelessness.

There are countless ways of making a KNX installation accessible from the outside yet secure and protected from those with malintent. However, let’s start with the method that is unsecure and definitely not recommended.

Assuming you are using the standard ports or multicast address on a IP interface or router, it is possible to open the same ports in the firewall, making the KNX system immediately accessible from the outside. However, as these are standard, and left the same on most installations, it doesn’t take much effort to identify them and potentially gain access to an installation. In fact, at the 2016 KNX Technical Conference, Friedrich Praus from FH Technikum Wien, presented that between August 8 and October 25 2016, 6163 KNX systems were identifiable online, completely accessible and unsecured.

Obviously, this approach is bad practice, especially given they have been deliberately put online in all likelihood to provide remote access for the integrator or the user.

16 | March 2018 Smart Thinking – Ivory Egg.indd 16

So, onto the more secure methods of remote accessing a KNX installation. The first thing to do is to create a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to create a secure tunnel into the system. Once the authentication had been used to connect, you are effectively local within the building, allowing you to make any changes needed or connect apps or visualisation.

One way of creating a VPN is to use a network router that has an embedded VPN server. We find that on most installations where systems are being installed in the home such as AV, CCTV and KNX, then it’s more likely the network will be fully managed by the integrator. On smaller installations or where the homeowner isn’t willing to put in a more advanced router than the standard unit supplied by the internet service provider, then another solution is needed.

In this case it’s possible to install a separate VPN server within the property. A great example of this is the Gira X1 which has an OpenVPN server embedded. The installation is quite simple with the only major complication being the need to open some ports on the router. However, unlike opening ports directly to a KNX interface or router, the X1 requires credentials to prevent unauthorised access. Via the X1 and the OpenVPN server it’s possible to not only allow access for remote control for the X1 app, but also access devices on the rest of the network such as the KNX system or a CCTV camera.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:16

Essential Install | Smart Thinking

KNX Data Secure and IP secure

Another step forward in ease of setup is the Gira S1. This works in a similar way to a VPN but instead of a tunnel it uses a secure website to encode all traffic in and out of the installation. Because the S1 makes the first connection out of the building, a secure path is created meaning there is no configuration required on the network router. By either running an application on a remote computer or logging in via the secure website, it’s possible to access the network devices within the home. The Gira Homeserver and X1 support the S1 meaning remote connections are made without first needing to connect a VPN. These are the methods currently available for securing a KNX installation however the KNX association have also developed two other methods for ensuring that KNX remains a relevant and robust system.

The first is KNX Data Secure which allows device objects to have a layer of security. Using industry standard security algorithms, the application data within a KNX telegram is encoded using keys shared between devices. This is supported as of ETS 5.5 so we are now waiting for manufacturers to catch up.

This will be a great tool for securing and encoded key information on the KNX Bus or eventually, making the entire bus unreadable unless you have the project with the keys.

The other method is KNX IP Secure. This approach takes the existing KNX IP telegram and wraps it in a security blanket, again using an industry standard approach. The primary application of this is to encode the communication between two or more IP routers that are being used to create an IP backbone. It can also be used to encode the traffic from ETS to an IP router or interface and in time we will see all IP communications being secure. Again, it is up to KNX manufacturers to develop and release KNX products as the KNX association have already done the work to make this possible. There will also be a requirement for third party systems that currently connect via IP Router or Interface to support KNX IP secure, but only time will tell how quickly this is adopted.

The reality is the likelihood of a system being hacked by someone with malintent, as opposed to someone seemingly hacking for the sack of it, is extremely low.

However, the above once again shows that the KNX association are ahead of the curve in ensuring that KNX remains relevant in this age of increasing security concerns and threats. As long as integrators continue to perform their role correctly, and ensure that they install systems in a safe and robust way, then we, as an industry, have nothing to worry about.

Ivory Egg 02038 543 555, ivoryegg.co.uk

Current KNX security options

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Smart Thinking – Ivory Egg.indd 17

March 2018 | 17 20/03/2018 10:16

Essential Install | EI Live!

10

reasons why you should visit EI Live!

EI Live! is back BIGGER and better than ever before.

EI Live!, the only smart building and home automation tradeshow in the UK, is back and ready to fulfil all your heavenly hardware needs. Visitors to the show can expect to learn all about the latest and greatest industry products, explore futurist theories and network with key industry players.

EI Live! will be presenting a plethora of smart thinking speakers as the show takes in a fresh format, creating learnings zones filled to the brim with opinion forming content and expert talks, keeping you up to date with all the autonomous know-how and smart home happenings in our industry.

As well as this super schedule of spectacular speakers, EI Live! has revamped the Smart Building Awards, with two brand new categories, and a delicious gala dinner. The winners of each award will be presented at the networking dinner, the evening of May 9. To book your table for this event, please get in touch with Claire Davison or Ian Kitchener on 01634 673 163.

1. To improve your knowledge of the industry and learn about new markets in the Smart Home Seminar 2. To view many exceptional exhibitors with brilliant brands on their stands at the show 3. To fully understand the dynamic of the industry by communicating with key players 4. To improve your positioning in the market and identify your main competitors 5. To look for new emerging technologies and uncover the next big thing 6. To get involved with the prestigious Smart Building Awards 7. To stay up to date with all the latest product releases and trends 8. To attend the UK’s only tradeshow for the custom install and smart building industry 9. To agree new business and to firm up relationships with existing colleagues 10. FREE parking all day AND a free bacon roll to all attendees!

REGISTER FOR EI LIVE! NOW

Need any more reasons to register? Read why first-time exhibitor Integrated Experience is champing at the bit to get on the show floor: “Integrated Experience is excited to exhibit at this year’s EI Live and highlight the value an authorised Crestron Service Provider can bring to home technology projects. We look forward to meeting with other home technology professionals to discuss how IE can support them in designing and deploying robust and flexible Crestron and Lutron Solutions.”

Don’t forget to check our website essentialinstalllive. com for all the information you’ll need to plan your time at EI Live! It’ll be updated regularly, with new surprises and announcements leading up to the show, and more information on the products, programmes and people attending the show on May 9 – 10 at Sandown Park.

Follow us on Twitter @EILiveShow.

www.essentialinstalllive.com

8

PRESENTED BY ESSENTIAL INSTALL MAGAZINE

18 | March 2018 EI Live.indd 18

To exhibit at EI Live! or to find out more contact Ian Kitchener ian@allthingsmedialtd.com or call 01634 673 163.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:15

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19/03/2018 11:06

Latest on the Wyre WyreStorm has been busy in 2018 and we don’t mind telling you about it!

Our LiveWyre brings together some of the biggest WyreStorm stories in bite-sized bi-monthly editions emailed straight to your inbox.

With topics covering product launches, trade announcements, events, case studies, installer features, product and technical resources and more, if you want exclusive access to the very latest WyreStorm news and content, you can find it on the LiveWyre. Here’s a snapshot of some recent stories catching fire on the LiveWyre.

Fantastic Five As of 1st January 2018, we’re now offering a full 5 year warranty on all new purchases in our Pro AV Solutions and Installer Solutions lines, as well as previous purchases still within their existing warranty periods to take them up to the full 5 year period.

Serious cover for serious peace of mind.

Welcome Midwich!

We’re thrilled to announce the UK’s market leading trade-only distributor of technology solutions in AV and IT channels as our new Pro AV sales partner for the UK.

New Signings to the Team

Vincent Philippo

VP International Sales

Mark Shaughnessy National Sales Manager, Pro AV

David Silberstein

Director of Technology

The transfer window might be closed, but it’s not too late to announce three important new signings to key senior management positions relating to Pro AV, International Sales and Product Development.

EI Mailer .indd All Pages Untitled-3 2

19/03/2018 11:07

Meet the Dealer: Nirvana Audio Visuals In first of our regular Meet the Dealer features, we sit down with Chris Shaw from Nirvana Audio Visuals for an insight into modern AV integration from the installer’s perspective.

Thinking of AVoIP? The New NetworkHD Technical Reference Guide Has the Answers.

Whether you’re new to AV over IP, thinking of specifying your first WyreStorm NetworkHD system, or installing a new NetworkHD Series solution, you’ll no doubt have some questions. Luckily, our new enhanced NetworkHD Technical Reference Guide has all the answers.

Missed Us at ISE 2018?

Fear not. Download our ISE 2018 review for a snapshot of what’s set to be hot from WyreStorm this year.

From Small Meetings Come Big Ideas

America’s #1 Sports Bar Goes NetworkHD AVoIP

The new SW-0401-HDBT lets you huddle without connectivity compromise with 4x1 HDMI/DisplayPort/VGA + Stereo Audio Over HDBaseT Presentation Switching with CEC Control.

The best just got better with a WyreStorm NetworkHD 100 Series upgrade handling the AV from 12x sources to 67x displays throughout the venue.

If you would like to receive LiveWyre, email us at marketing@wyrestorm.com and we’ll add you to our list.

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16/03/2018 19/03/2018 10:14 11:07

Essential Install | HDANYWHERE

Pints and perfect pixels

HDANYWHERE’S Chris Pinder

Nothing beats a good local pub. But as technology evolves, people are looking for more than a pint from their public houses, and more businesses are upping their AV game to bring in the punters. Yes, there are still far more pubs than sports bars in the UK but with Sky and BT commercial costing so much, many pub operators now want and need professional expertise to help them maximise their live sport investments. HDANYWHERE’s Chris Pinder talks shop and why so many commercial customers are looking for CI solutions.

Not every venue that shows live sports wants to remodel itself into a sports bar, or even have a video wall installed. The Dog & Duck down the road morelikely hankers for a simple system that doesn’t detract from its 19th century charm. And let’s face it, there are thousands of pubs just like this throughout the country.

They want the latest 4K content to be streamed easily for entertainment, but remodelling and installing whole new systems, TVs and audio, most won’t see the benefit of a retrofit. This is where HDANYWHERE’s discreet technology, one-brand, one-system approach is winning new business for HDA Pros.

We’re seeing a big uplift in pub projects using HDA, and we think we know why...

A single solution

A single MHUB can provide a complete solution for pubs to distribute 4K content to multiple TVs, with simple signal routing control available at the MHUB for when you need to go basic. This is as well as app control of the sources and displays for changing channel, volume and switching things on and off. No additional control system hardware is required. So that’s a big plus point on the value for money front. Add HDA cloud’s remote log into the mix, and the ease of which support can be delivered to the pub, so, if the Saturday staff are all in a fluster because they can’t seem to figure out how to get the big game on, the pub operator already has peace of mind – another major selling point.

CTS North East Limited have used HDANYWHERE products in several commercial installs. CTS’ Michael Winter explains, “We initially began using HDANYWHERE in our domestic installations and quickly replaced our commercial HD distribution provider shortly afterwards, this was largely due to the reliability and functionality advantages of HDANYWHERE’s MHUB System.”

“Commercially the MHUB system is an ideal solution for licensed retail, the nature of the environment is incredibly demanding so firstly reliability is of the upmost importance, the system has proven itself in multiple instances to function flawlessly at the highest level,” he continues. “We’ve implemented HDANYWHERE’s UControl application into many pubs and the feedback is always great, pub managers love the ability to reconfigure all their TVs without the hassle of searching for remotes or leaving the trade area!”

Speedy install

The invention of our universal remote app, uControl, is now included as a standard feature of every MHUB centralised multizone AV system, and this has had some brilliant consequences for HDA Pro’s operating in the light commercial sector. HDA hardware is a speedy install and can now hit the price point many more pub operators are willing to pay.

AV professionals, don’t miss out on this huge opportunity for your business.

HDANYWHERE 01684 575 324, hdanywhere.co.uk

22 | March 2018 HDAnywhere.indd 22

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:16

Become a

uControl everything.

The only matrix app that can control Apple TV, Virgin, BT, Sky & well pretty much everything.

Available on ALL MHUB matrix models.

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now with demo mode

PRO.HDANYWHERE.COM Untitled-5 1

15/03/2018 16:19

Essential Install | Habitech

Aquavision's Luxury 100in all-weather TV is the first available in a flush in-wall housing

Vision to Integrate

Aquavision, the world’s original custom TV brand, is expanding its fabulously flush look to all living areas.

Habitech’s Jay Brand profiles the new models...

Opposite: Aquavision's innovative new Kitchen range replaces cupboard doors with IP66 rated TVs, which lift to access storage

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Aquavision is just for wet spaces. Back in 1997, Aquavision’s launch product, the world’s first in-wall television, was also a waterproof design (the two ideas being sympatico) aimed at bathrooms, showers, saunas and pool rooms. But things have evolved.

The current range is still waterproof up to IP66, but today it addresses the desire for the seamless integration of TV screens with every space, including outdoor areas. When you think Aquavision, think beautifully discreet décormatching in-wall TV, literally anywhere.

AV18002 100in outdoor television

Below: the new Pinnacle 2 Smart TV option which combines TV and Internet browsing for bathrooms, kitchens, snugs and bedrooms

This 100in model will be the first outdoor television to be available in a flush, in-wall housing. It joins 32in, 43in, 55in, 65in and 85in designs in Aquavision’s Horizon outdoor range, incorporating Comprehensive Thermal Management (CTM) and Advanced Daylight Sensing Technology (ADST), which monitors and adjusts screen brightness to the optimum level. Based on the Elite 4K platform, its features include Aquavision’s signature 178° viewing angles, full IP control, discreet IR, DVBTS/ S2 receivers, 2x HDMI Inputs, multiple USB slots and compatibility with the world’s leading control systems.

New kitchen range

Aquavision’s first built-in kitchen range features TVs from 16in to 43in designed to fit a multitude of kitchen cupboard sizes. The ingenious part is that when installed they become the cupboard door, and they’re powered to rise above the storage space when access is required.

All models are IP66 rated with heated screens to prevent

24 | March 2018 Habitech.indd 24

misting, include features such as Discrete IR, RS232 and Full IP Control, and are available in the Genesis, Nexus and Pinnacle Smart TV platforms.

Pinnacle 2.0 smart television

In a market of 4K giants, this 1080p model looks a little out of place – until you realise the benefits of internet browsing through Android 6.0 Marshmallow connectivity and the practicality of its more compact size for smaller utility spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens and snugs. Sit the TV on a 4K matrix and an integrated down-scaler will maintain 4K matrix integrity. Other features include full IP control, RS232 and discreet IR. The world’s leading custom TV brand can satisfy your customer’s fetish for TVs and seamlessly discreet installation at the same time. With more versatility than ever, Aquavision is the easy way to add ‘wow’ to your installs and also your bottom line.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:17

Essential Install | Habitech

New Parallax 0.8 Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) surface and the DescenderPro motorised inceiling model with HD Progressive screen options

New Surface Science

Are you ready for 16K? Projecta will illuminate the way. Habitech’s Craig Wheeler tours the company’s new screen tech, engineered for mega resolutions and high ambient light.

Progressively smooth – weave, fibreglass and HD Progressive surfaces

You can’t deny the physics: for accurate reflection, smaller pixels need a flatter surface. This is why, as resolutions climb, conventional fibreglass, fabric and vinyl screens just won’t cut it. Their innate surface deformations cause pixels to bounce off in all directions generating pixel loss and ‘noise’ in the image. The everskyward pixel count (8 million 4K, 33 million 8K, 133 million 16K) calls for a new screen surface technology, which is microscopically uniform – flatter by far than the proverbial pancake.

133 million reasons to believe

Below: Projecta's new HD Progressive 1.1 Contrast surface

Projecta has responded with its mirror-like HD Progressive vinyl screen surface, designed to deliver seamless optical fidelity from multi-mega pixel populations. It’s optimised for a range of ambient light conditions and lab-tested to accurately reflect resolutions all the way to a whopping 16K – picture that! Available from Habitech today, the wide, uniquely capable HD Progressive line-up has versatility, performance and years of future-proofing built-in. Install and wait for the projection tech to catch up.

Compare and contrast

Shipping in April, the new HD Progressive 1.1 Contrast screen surface provides a deeper reproduction of black and an increased reflectivity to enhance brightness in moderate ambient light conditions. It’s mega-resolution ready and perfect for enhanced definition and contrast, especially in media room environments.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Habitech.indd 25

On a roll

When the room’s too bright for quality projection, the Parallax surface features an advanced optical lens system which rejects rather than diffuses light. It’s been a fixed frame option for a couple of years, but now Parallax is available for Projecta’s motorised projection screens. The new Parallax 0.8 ALR surface is an option on the Tensioned Elpro Concept and new Tensioned DescenderPRO models. When you get the call for mega-screen entertainment in a bright environment, but the budget won’t stretch to a colossal TV, think about installing a light-rejecting projection screen that simply disappears.

Easy and discreet

With Projecta’s new DescenderPro motorised screen, the magic of in-ceiling screen installation has never been easier to conjure. After the case is installed, the entire roller (including motor and screen surface) simply clicks-in. What’s more, the new case design offers a clean finish without gaps or visible screws when the bottom plate is attached. And you can choose the new motorised ALR surface option in addition to the high resolution HD Progressive materials. When it comes to home projection screens, it looks as if Projecta has thought of everything well in advance!

Projection screens by Projecta were used by Barco, Sony, Christie and JVC at ISE. Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

March 2018 | 25 20/03/2018 10:17

WE CRAFT AUDIO PRODUCTS THAT PERFORM LIKE NO OTHER Meridian has always challenged convention.

For more than forty years, we have pushed boundaries, disrupted norms and delivered products that have shaped our industry and redefined how people experience sound.

We are the Pioneers of High Resolution Audio.

meridian-audio.com

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19/03/2018 10:58

Essential Install | Case Study: Zentec

Automating the land down under Recently, Australian integrator Zentec wrapped up the largest and most complex residential installation the company has ever undertaken. Over the course of several years, and multiple development stages, Zentec has outfitted the home with three lighting systems, 50 automated window blinds, 17 television zones, a home theatre, 13 audio zones, three pool control systems, heating and AC systems, a security system with live camera feeds, door and gate control, and voice control via Amazon Alexa.

RTI’s control processors power the whole system

The house is equipped with three separate pool control systems

With so many electronic systems over a massive area of 43,000sqft (4,000sqm), simple control over the home’s technology was imperative. The homeowner requested a single system that could easily control every aspect of their residence across several different platforms, including a large touchscreen and multiple iPads and Android devices. Furthermore, they wanted the user experience to be consistent across each control point.

“This was a very demanding project from a control standpoint,” says Ian Corless, director of Zentec. “We needed a platform that could not only bring all of these systems together, but also one that was easily expandable as the scope of the project changed, and customisable to create the consistent control experience the homeowner was looking for. Our client had heard of home automation systems that delivered disappointing results, and had concerns over what they might have to live with. The pressure was on to exceed their expectations, and RTI provided the reliability and advanced functionality required to do just that.”

The home’s control system is powered by RTI’s XP-8, XP-6, and XP-3 control processors, each of which offers a choice of control options. IP drivers allow the processors to integrate seamlessly with a variety of the home’s

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Case Study – Zentec.indd 27

electronic systems, including an Elk/Ness M1 security system, Sonos multiroom audio system, Axis security cameras, and 11 Amazon Echo units. Two RTI ESC-2 Ethernet-to-serial converters are being used to provide serial control over the Jandy pool systems, Clipsal C-Bus lighting systems, blinds, and heating system. The 17 televisions are controlled via IR, while dry contact closure is used for the AC system.

March 2018 | 27 20/03/2018 10:18

Essential Install | Case Study: Zentec

Showtime! The family’s stunning home theatre

The client interacts with their home technology via 13 iPads and five Android devices running the RTiPanel app, and a 42in touchscreen in the kitchen featuring the Virtual Panel app for PCs. Used as the primary complete home control system, the kitchen touchscreen offers a full-site floor plan. iPads and Android devices provide individual room control and remote access over the home’s systems from anywhere with an internet connection.

The homeowner can view two-way feedback on the touchscreen and mobile devices, allowing them to view and adjust lighting levels, open and close the shades, adjust the temperature and monitor the security system.

With RTI’s Integration Designer APEX programming software, Zentec was able to easily provide a completely customised user interface with custom graphics that was consistent across all devices.

“This home put my 30 years of industry experience to the test and was a real career highlight for me,” adds Ian. “One of the more rewarding aspects was seeing the finished control system do exactly as we promised, with a customised control interface to match the client’s particular tastes. The RTI system provides the homeowner with a seamless control experience. Without it, operation over the home and its technology would be extremely complicated, not to mention time consuming, with so many systems to shut down when leaving and to turn on upon arrival.”

Zentec 0418 562 495, zentec.com.au

RTI kit list: • 1 x XP-8 control processor • 2 x XP-6 control processor • 1 x XP-3 control processor • 2 x ESC-2 Ethernet-to-serial converter • 13 x iPad RTiPanel licenses • 5 x Android RTiPanel license • 1 x Virtual Panel license

28 | March 2018 Case Study – Zentec.indd 28

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:19

Now Shipping!

HUDDLE WITHOUT CONNECTIVITY COMPROMISE Introducing the SW-0401-HDBT, WyreStorm’s new 4x1 HDMI/DisplayPort/VGA + Stereo Audio Over HDBaseT Presentation Switcher with CEC Control.

From small meetings come big ideas. Give huddle and modest meeting spaces the connectivity they need to inspire, communicate collaborate and innovate with the new WyreStorm SW-0401-HDBT multi-format 4-to-1 scaling switcher.

Featuring auto or manual switching of VGA plus stereo audio, DisplayPort and dual HDMI Inputs to HDBaseT Class A and mirrored HDMI outputs, the SW-0401-HDBT punches way above its weight.

Both HDMI inputs can be scaled up to 4K/30Hz from both HDBT and HDMI outputs, balanced audio enables connection to a local audio system and CEC power triggers to compatible screens allow them to be turned on or off by auto-detecting source status.

A powerful solution for increasingly common huddle and small meeting space applications, the SW-0401-HDBT presentation switcher from WyreStorm is one black box that lets you think outside it.

VGA DisplayPort 4K AND HD SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION | AV OVER IP | CONTROL SOLUTIONS

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WYRESTORM.COM

21/02/2018 11:02 12:48 19/03/2018

Essential Install | CE Pro Europe

CE Pro AV

CE Pro SMART HOME

EVENTS

CASE STUDIES

EUROPE

FEATURES

COMMERCIAL

ce-pro.eu/commercial

@CEProEurope

facebook.com/CEProEurope

Essential Install Magazine is jam-packed with everything you need to know about the custom install industry, but did you know there’s a place you can go online to get even more? CE Pro Europe is brought to you by the same people behind EI and offers breaking news, exclusive case studies, and comprehensive coverage of EUROPE some of the biggest events that affect our industry.

CE Pro

Since its launch in 2014, CE Pro Europe has broken some of the biggest stories of the industry. Readers have also been given in-depth and up-to-date information about subjects that it wouldn’t be possible to cover in the magazine.

This month EI wants to showcase its commercial online offering, Commercial Integrator Europe, a sister site to CE Pro Europe. Access to this commercial branch can be found on the CE Pro Europe website under the COMMERCIAL tab on the menu. The site provides daily updates on all things install in the commercial market, as well as spectacular case studies showcasing the best commercial AV installs. To give you more of an idea of what to expect, here’s three case studies recently covered on the site…

CASE STUDY: EM Acoustics provides the Big Picture for Imperial War Museum North

The multi award-winning Imperial War Museum North (IWMN) opened in 2002 at Trafford Park in Manchester and has since welcomed more than three million visitors. IWM North recently called on Pro Audio Systems in Bradford to upgrade the audio system of the museum’s star attraction, the Big Picture Show, which uses surround sound, projected digital moving images and photographs to create a fully immersive sensory experience that brings to life people’s experiences of war. James Byrom, the AV infrastructure manager at IWM North, says, “The Big Picture Show is the museum’s core visitor offer. Having recently upgraded to the latest HD technology for video, we needed to make sure that the audio was up to the same standard.”

30 | March 2018 CEPro Europe.indd 30

CASE STUDY: The Rolling Stones’ ‘No Filter Tour’ Uses disguise To Execute Contemporary Visuals

Rolling Stones tours provide the best that rock and roll has got to offer, but it’s also the location of some pretty impressive backstage technology. At least, that was the case for the band’s latest ‘No Filter Tour’, which utilised disguise media servers supplied by Solotech US. Roland Greil of Woodroffe Bassett Design, who served as screens director and disguise programmer, says, “The idea was to create a unique, contemporary and modern look for the show. To get this, four monolithic towers were created which hid all the technical components and were covered with LED walls. The band played underneath an elegant custom-built roof, and all the lighting fixtures were integrated into the structures, so no trusses or other rigging equipment was visible.”

CASE STUDY: Yamaha Technology Takes Centre Stage At Preston Guild Hall

The Preston Guild Hall and Charter Theatre complex was once an essential stop on any band’s UK tour, but its prominence has largely faded into history. That’s because as recently as 2014, the site was earmarked for demolition. The Rigby Group, the new owners, decided against demolition and instead has put the building under an extensive refurbishment, which included a major upgrade of the AV system utilising Yamaha processors and control. In the most recent phase, Autograph Sales & Installations was asked to supply an unobtrusive, but powerful multi-zone audio system for Level, a facility providing a wide range of entertainment and activities, including a multi-screen sports bar and nightclub.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:19

Rediscover Your Music CUSTOM INSTALL

CI Features include:

- 12v Triggers - Presets - IR inputs - Interrupts

- Fully-featured automation drivers - Audio inputs - USB Port for Service & Data - Rack Mounting

The Multi-Room HiFi you (and your customers) have been waiting for...

Multi-Room System of the year 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017

The Bluesound/BluOS Difference...

- Designed for CI and for the end-user - MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Certified - Hear it as the recording studio intended - NAD Electronics - 45 years experience delivering outstanding amplification & sound quality - Convenience features that users love:- App control, IR control, one-touch presets, headphone jacks and Bluetooth - CI features that installers love:- functional drivers, triggers, interrupts, presets, rack mounting and more - Unique product model - Vault 2 - features built-in CD Ripper, NAS Drive & Streamer - Feature-rich App provides fast time to music

CERTIFIED

Distributed and supported in the UK by Anatech Distribution, Unit 12, Teddington Business Park, Station Road, Teddington, London Borough of Richmond, TW11 9BQ

info@anatech.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 8977 8633 | www.anatech.co.uk

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27/02/2018 15:44

Essential Install | Autonomous Alliances

HDBaseT: The global standard for digital connectivity The audiovisual industry is experiencing a technological revival.

With the growth of consumer expectations for high-quality and real time audiovisual experiences, various markets are upgrading their AV installations. The HDBaseT Alliance states its case.

The medical field demands higher quality imaging, the transportation market needs real time digital signage on multiple screens, education sector requires a new digital approach to collaboration, and the list goes on. The more these markets become digitalised, the more the audiovisual industry needs to advance and enrich its offerings. In a time of increasing demand for quality, distance, interoperability and simplicity, across a myriad of markets, HDBaseT technology stands strong as the definitive standard for ultra-high-definition data transmission.

The cornerstone of HDBaseT technology is 5Play, the converged delivery of ultra-high-definition digital video and audio, Ethernet, control signals, USB 2.0, and up to 100W of power through a single, 100m/328ft LAN cable.

With 5Play, HDBaseT brings a rich feature set, increased reach, and better performance. HDBaseT eliminates cable clutter without compromising performance and highquality. It supports several native interfaces, providing a gamut of options for installers and integrators. With thousands of HDBaseT-enabled audiovisual products in the market today, HDBaseT offers a range of connectivity opportunities, addressing the needs and demands of different markets and applications.

The HDBaseT Alliance advances and promotes the adoption of HDBaseT for ultra-high definition, digital connectivity. Since its founding in 2010 by LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Valens, the Alliance has brought together the leading names in the consumer electronics, professional AV, industrial and automotive sectors. Today, the Alliance is comprised of more than 200 members, that constitute the leading names in the Pro AV and consumer electronics markets.

Over the years, Alliance members have introduced a variety of products to address the evolving needs of their customers, including extenders and adapters, matrixes and switchers, displays, projectors, AV receivers,

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and industrial PCs. In addition to members, the Alliance engages with a thriving community of installers, integrators and AV professionals. They are active members of the Alliance Installer Zone (hdbaset.org/ installers), an online portal with numerous resources such as whitepapers, best practices & do’s and don’ts, case studies, online expert courses and an interactive forum.

One of the main benefits of HDBaseT is interoperability, including backward compatibility, while future-proofing installations. HDBaseT products are certified by the HDBaseT Alliance, per the features they support. Installers and AV professionals can check the features supported in the Alliance website or in the available app, including checking compatible products. All HDBaseT-enabled audiovisual solutions share a common management system for end-to-end optimisation, simplifying installation and optimising connectivity.

HDBaseT allows the customisation of installations according to each project’s unique requirements. HDBaseT over fibre supports in-room, cross-floor and cross-campus connectivity over single mode or multi-mode fibre for longer distances. HDBaseT also supports Visually Lossless Compression to deliver 4K 60hz 4:4:4 content over a traditional category cable with virtually no latency.

HDBaseT has become the technology of choice for several use cases, such as digital signage and video walls, projectors, corporate settings, and more. It has been deployed in different verticals, from enterprises, hospitality and retail, education, government and more.

HDBaseT is the ultimate choice for any scenario where there is a need to transmit high-throughput content over long distances, and the growing community of Alliance members and installers are defining its evolution.

For more information please get in touch with Sandra Welfeld, Communications, HDBaseT Alliance sandra@hdbaset.org.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:20

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Essential Install | Security

The new Nest Cam IQ outdoor

Security can be controlled from the Nest app

Nest Hello Video Doorbell can detect a person, then send an alert and snapshot

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Playing it safe

A new wave of smart home security systems have hit the market which combine traditional burglar alarms with the ability to monitor, control and interact with a home solution from an app or touchscreen.

Whether it’s cameras, sirens, motion detectors, door locks, doorbells, gates or sensors, these devices can alert, communicate and inform on any intruder situation. EI gets smart to what’s out there.

First to the rescue, Nest has expanded into home security with its first system that includes the Nest Secure alarm system, Nest Hello video doorbell, Nest Cam IQ outdoor security camera, and corresponding software and services.

“Nest is delivering on the next phase of our strategy to create the thoughtful home,” says Marwan Fawaz, chief executive officer of Nest. “2017 was quite a year for us with the successful launches of Nest Cam IQ indoor and the Nest Thermostat E, and now we’re disrupting yet another product industry: home security.”

“When we looked at the home security market, we saw a similar landscape to when we entered the thermostat market,” says Matt Rogers, Nest’s founder and chief product officer. “Current home security offerings are a huge pain to live with – whether it’s bulky hardware, false alarms or loud and stressful countdowns. That’s why 43% of people with alarm systems don’t ever arm them. We set out to design a product that is just as effective during a security incident, as it is delightful to use daily.”

The Nest Secure alarm system can be monitored from anywhere and can send immediate notifications.

Customers have the option to add additional monitoring and deterrence by adding Nest Cams to their system, which are all controlled from the same Nest app.

Nest Detect sensors combine both motion and open/ close detection so they can be placed on either doors, windows or walls. They provide the option to temporarily bypass the alarm on the way out, with the press of a button, thanks to a feature called Quiet Open. And if someone forgets to turn on the alarm, Nest sends a Remind Me notification to arm it directly from the app.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:20

IAM “The CEDIA awards are a highlight of the year and a chance for us to measure our achievements against our fellow industry specialists.

Being shortlisted or winning a CEDIA award creates great PR opportunities for us.�

Ion Smith Cyberhomes Ltd, Oxfordshire, UK Member since 2005

Explore the benefits of membership today.

#IAMCEDIA

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Essential Install | Security

The Somfy One is smart enough to recognise pets

Somfy One has a unique privacy shutter

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On guard!

Nest Guard is designed to remain on guard, with battery backup and an optional cellular backup service, even if Wi-Fi is down or the power is out. Nest Hello Video Doorbell can detect a person, then send an alert and a snapshot, even if that person doesn’t ring the bell.

Nest Hello customers can engage with guests and strangers at the door from anywhere and have a natural conversation with HD Talk and Listen. Echo suppression and ambient noise cancellation ensure it’s easy to hear each other, even on noisy streets. A list of pre-recorded responses makes it easy to answer visitors with one tap from the app.

Featuring a brand-new design, Nest Cam IQ outdoor is a camera that can not only show what’s happening, but can deliver critical, actionable information via an alert. It’s the first security camera to have the Google Assistant built in.

Nest has been working with Yale, which brings 175 years of expertise in locks, to build a modern take on a secure deadbolt. The new lock can securely communicate with Nest Secure and other Nest products, even if the power is out or there’s no internet connection. The Nest × Yale lock will be available early next year.

Somfy is one of the emerging brands in the smart home security sector. Its flagship camera, the Somfy One, is an all-in-one system that houses a wide-angle, full-HD camera with night vision and a x8 zoom and two-way microphone. It provides alert notifications to users when motion is detected as well as live feed and recorded footage viewing through the Somfy app. The Somfy One has a unique privacy shutter that automatically shuts when users return home, so they cannot be spied on in their own house. This feature particularly impressed EI, after having a play around with the product at home. As a physical barrier, the privacy shutter immediately gives peace of mind. Set up and installation are simple, and the app is easy to navigate and use. The quality of the camera, particularly in night mode, was remarkable and it was impressive in being able to pick out a pet (a lurcher in this case) as a false alarm. It’s stylish, easy to use and can be accessed remotely which is super handy.” It is fully pet-immune and has an inbuilt motion sensor to avoid false alarms and a built-in 90 dB siren that triggers automatically when intruders are detected to scare them off.

The Somfy Outdoor Camera monitors the outside of a property, so combined with the Somfy One, users can benefit from installing one integrated Somfy system. Like the Somfy One, the homeowner can be detected before they enter the perimeter with the Somfy KeyFob, allowing both alarms to be disabled simultaneously so the siren is only activated in serious circumstances.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:20

Essential Install | Security

Dahua’s latest door entry range from Habitech

Invision’s latest partner is Satel

Alltrade now distributes Hikvision’s CCTV equipment

Habitech is highlighting two new Dahua Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Both the twomegapixel full HD Starlight cameras use specialised LPR algorithms to support plate cut-out, overview snapshot and video recording features, and are IP66 weatherprotected. The ITC237-PW1A has a powerful 4-8mm motorised lens and IR light, ideal for monitor ANPR distance at 4-8m; the ITC237-PU1A uses 10.5-42mm lens and IR light, ideal for long distance ANPR as far as 40m.

Dahua’s new DH-TPC-BF2120 thermal network mini hybrid bullet camera is a smart thermal/IR hybrid device equipped with strong day/night capabilities including heat sensors for penetrating complete blackout conditions. This compact hybrid will not only detect heat from vehicles and intruders, its accurate fire detection functionality boosts the level of building protection as well. Also launched is the new DH-IPC-HDW4431MP 4MP IR Eyeball Network camera, for under £100 trade. Equipped with IP67 weather and IK10 anti-violence protection, it’s bristling with Intelligent Video System (IVS) analytics.

Now available from Habitech is the new door entry range which includes the VTO2111D-WP and VTO2000A outdoor stations featuring wide-angle HD CMOS cameras with night vision and remote intercom via mobile app. The Stainless steel VTO2000A also offers an unlock feature via the app. Complementing the outdoor stations is the VTH1560B 7in colour TFT LCD indoor monitor with an eight-channel input, snapshot function during surveillance and call, PoE power, SD card storage and video record.

For the surveillance of large spaces requiring cameras in far flung positions, Dahua has just introduced its proprietary ‘extended Power over Ethernet’ (ePoE) system of cameras, network switches and network recorders, delivering IP video, audio, control and power over CAT between the camera and network switch (or NVR with embedded switch) at an impressive 800m range.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Security.indd 37

Invision have announced a new partnership with Satel UK, a manufacturer of premium wired and wireless electronic intruder alarm systems. Offering integration with home automation systems, including Control4, RTI, Crestron and KNX, Invision will supply the INTEGRA range of integrated intruder alarms to home technology professionals, throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Invision are already supplying LILIN Surveillance, GJD Techsmart Detection and COMELIT Door Entry Systems to a growing number of residential installers. The addition of SATEL to our expanding portfolio of smart home security solutions is very exciting - our customers now have ‘onestop’ access to a compelling product line-up”, comments Karl Brett, sales specialist for smart home security at Invision.

“We are delighted to partner with Invision to bring our integrated intruder alarms to the smart home market in the UK,” says Jaroslaw Zurawik, export sales manager at Satel UK. He adds, “The opportunities for residential custom installers in the smart home space are vast and we are very impressed with Invision’s dedication and continued investment in this rapidly expanding market.”

“Home security products were traditionally only supplied through security companies but not anymore”, says Adrian Ickeringill, sales director at Invision. “We are seeing significant growth in our residential security business because our customers are now adding integrated security to their product offering, alongside home automation, audio/video systems, lighting control and energy management. It’s business opportunity not to be missed.” In fact, Invision are so behind the need for smart home security that they have set up a dedicated division specialising in protective products.

Alltrade has become a key distributor for video surveillance supplier Hikvision’s CCTV equipment. The Hikvision range covers a broad portfolio of surveillance equipment including 4K IP PoE and 4K analogue cameras, thermal imaging systems, access control and video intercom devices, and the world’s first H.265+ specification DVR. The Hikvision camera range includes bullet, dome, turret, varifocal and PTZ models.

The Hikvision EasyIP 3.0 range offers security installers an easy migration path to IP technology with a host of features including 4K ultra-high definition resolution, advanced H.265+ codec and the revolutionary Darkfighter ultra-low light illumination technology. The EasyIP 3.0 range provides a highquality, low maintenance, cost effective security solution suitable for a variety of applications.

With CCTV and security being a growing sector for the CI industry, Alltrade’s well regarded project planning service is available at Alltrade Trade Counters across the country. Saving installers time and money, Alltrade will plan and specify CCTV projects on behalf of its customers to ensure the most efficient, cost effective installation.

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Essential Install | Security

Crestron’s remotes can operate as an interface

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Hikvision and CCTV training sessions will be available throughout 2018 at Trade Counters in Brighton & Hove, Cardiff, Hemel Hempstead, Maidstone and Bournemouth.

Training dates will also be available in the new Reading and Bolton Trade Counters from the summer.

Crestron can integrate with any third-party security system bringing all security elements such as alarms, door entry, CCTV cameras, security gates and intercom systems seamlessly together.

Crestron’s latest range of touchscreens and handheld remotes can operate as an interface using built in microphones, speakers and voice control and a full Crestron system can enable any TV to act as a CCTV monitor to enhance the sense of security. Crestron systems include a quad-view video processor, enabling homeowners to see visitors and what they are carrying from four angles at once, or view up to four different locations in the house at the same time.

While away from the home, the Crestron app can turn a smart device into the ultimate Crestron touchscreen, enabling whole home control including AV, lighting, shades, HVAC, security and other systems from virtually anywhere. In smaller projects, Crestron’s home automation app Pyng is an option because it quickly and easily configures and controls whole-home audio systems including door locks and security systems, without the need for programming.

EI spoke to Mitchell Klein, executive director of the Z-Wave Alliance, to discover the options for security in the Z-Wave product ecosystem. “Security continues to be a big driver into smart home adoption for consumers, especially as devices and the way users configure their home systems evolves to include new technology, such as smart speakers,” explains Mitch. “There are many options for Z-Wave security including sensors, touchpanels, locks and alarms, and all can connect to each other via a Z-Wave supported hub. There are also Z-Wave-enabled monitored systems from legacy brands like ADT and Vivint, and

DIY newcomers like abode, Scout and Ring. All of these systems are controllable via a system-wide app for local as well as remote control, and may be locally operated via dedicated panels and touch screens.”

“With hundreds of options to choose from, a Z-Wave home system can be configured to best meet the way a user lives and the level of security and monitoring they desire, all interoperable with over 2400 other certified Z-Wave devices on the market,” Mitch continues. “Most Z-Wave devices can be accessed through a hub or system mobile app and they send alerts directly to users when motion is detected, a door is opened, lock-tampering occurs, a system circumference is breached, or any notification is enabled; allowing them to quickly make decisions to protect their home.”

“We’ve made device security for Z-Wave technology a top priority – in April 2017, the Z-Wave Alliance voted to make the Z-Wave Security 2 (S2), a framework designed to create world-class defences against anyone trying to gain access to connected devices, mandatory in all newly certified devices,” concludes Mitch. “There are already over 100 S2 certified devices in the market currently, and we expect that number to grow substantially.”

Nest 0808 178 0546, pro.nest.com/uk Somfy 01332 402 88, protect.somfy.co.uk Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com Alltrade 0344 225 2704, alltrade.co.uk Crestron 0845 873 8787, crestron.eu Z-Wave Alliance +1 510 897 0200, z-wavealliance.org

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:21

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Essential Install | Smart Thinking

Smart homes could save NHS £2.5billion a year

Creating more modified homes, which encourage older people to keep mentally and physically fit for longer, could help save the NHS and social care system billions of pounds each year, according to a new report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The report, Healthy Homes: Accommodating an ageing population, calls for the government to introduce financial incentives for construction companies to build for older living. It also recommends that product suppliers and manufacturers step up efforts to develop retrofit technology to allow people to live in their homes for longer.

Many older adults downscale as they become less active, but this often exacerbates mobility issues and the onset of frailty, resulting in higher risk of falls or injury, and consequently non-elective visits to hospitals. Physical inactivity costs the NHS £10bn a year, with £2.5bn spent on care as a result of poor housing. Allowing vulnerable people to remain in homes with significant hazards is costing the NHS nearly £414 million per year in initial treatment costs alone.

Dr Helen Meese, lead author of the report and member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, explains, “About seven million UK homes are headed by someone aged over 65 years, who will undoubtedly need some form of assistive technology to help with everyday living, within the coming decade.

“Homes built with older people in mind, as well as retrofit technology for our existing housing stock, could not only allow people to live in their homes for longer, but also massively reduce costs for the NHS and social care system.”

Dr Helen adds, “Furthermore, constructing or adapting homes with older people in mind presents a huge opportunity for construction firms and technology manufacturers. Contrary to popular belief, our growing ageing population is becoming more tech savvy and this will only increase in the decades to come. Older customers account for over 50% of consumer spending in the UK, which reached £72bn in 2017.

“Yet demand for smart equipment and devices for older people has so far been slow, as many are poorly designed and aesthetically unappealing. Instead of creating products only for older people, manufacturers should focus on creating products that are flexible and span the generations. As a way of encouraging this, manufacturers and construction firms should be required to include older people, such as retired engineers and designers, in product design schemes.”

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Staying in one’s home into old age can improve health and wellbeing, and reduce the incidence of visits to hospital. Simple home modifications such as installing handrails, outside lighting and slip-resistant surfaces, which can cost as little as a few hundred pounds, have been shown to result in a 39% drop in injuries and a 26% drop in medical treatment. In addition to these simple modifications, the report also outlines the potential for new markets in smart technology to tackle our existing inadequate housing stock.

The report calls for construction companies to be required to include a significant proportion of older people in their product design teams and especially in national infrastructure projects.

The Healthy homes report recommends: • That the government establish financial incentives for construction companies to build ‘smart’ homes. A house that enables people to age well will reduce the cost of residential and hospital care in the long-term, saving taxpayers’ money.

• That the government should commit to modernising UK building design and construction regulations and create a kitemark for cognitive houses which use smart technology, to assess and manage an individual’s needs.

This will help stimulate industry to grow the market for age-friendly homes.

• Initiating new markets for technology to tackle our existing inadequate housing stock. There is an opportunity for society to drive demand for new markets in retro-fit technology, enabling people to live in their own homes for longer.

• That the Department of Health invest in nationwide ‘healthy living for life’ technology programmes through a re-assessment of the ‘personalised health and care 2020’ framework. Collaborating with the Academic Health Science Networks, it should invest in national programmes that focus on technology for prevention of ill health in old age.

The full report can be found at imeche.org/policy-and-press/ reports/detail/healthy-homesaccommodating-an-ageingpopulation

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:21

This Month’s Essential Supplement

Automation Platforms

Totally New. Total Control 2.0

Introducing the Next Generation of Control A truly personalised experience for your customers. Custom backgrounds, room images and icons. Next generation tabletop and in-wall touchscreens. A/V intercom for door station and camera integration. Voice control integration.

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Essential Install | Automation Platforms

Taking control Home automation platforms continue to develop. But what’s the best form of control, which devices are easy to customise for the individual customer, and how do platforms communicate with other effectively? EI takes back control to showcase the premium platforms ready to automate all.

Pulse-Eight’s neo video matrix range is made in the UK

Automation and control company Crestron designs, manufactures and supports products for a complete home automation system, offering solutions that ensure high performance and reliability. All Crestron technology for the home is built to work together, providing a personalised and worry-free system that is easy to use, easy to modify and upgrade, and easy to maintain. “Other systems that mix and match different technologies from different companies are prone to inconsistency and unreliable performance,” says Crestron’s Amy Amesbury.

“With Crestron there are no weak points.”

In addition, Crestron has its Pyng platform, which is controlled by an app and offers simple control. In just a few easy steps the Pyng interface can be fully customised by the integrator or end-user. Crestron

Pyng enables integrators to bring Crestron to a larger audience and because it’s a Crestron system, the entire Crestron product line is compatible with it.

Crestron Pyng works with a simple hub which connects accessories with the app and backs up the settings onto the cloud platform. Homeowners can then personalise scenes and settings. Pyng offers integrators a robust, yet simple platform to meet any project, from new homes to retrofits to system expansions.

Crestron has announced that Pyng will support integration of video control and all the benefits of Crestron DigitalMedia. The update will make it simple to configure and control the full Crestron smart home experience; control of lights, shades, audio, door locks, security systems, thermostats, and now video. “The addition of video and DM support elevates the power of Crestron Pyng to an entirely new level for homeowners and Crestron integrators, alike, making it possible to modify scenes, schedules, TV pre-sets, and much more,” says Michael Short, global residential marketing manager at Crestron. The new release will support display and source control, room and source selection, volume control for groups and other rooms, video routing and audio and video grouping. Pyng also supports a wide array of thirdparty products.

7” touch screen wall and desktop controllers with intercom

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd connect@awe-europe.com

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+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:45

Intrinsic-FP2.pdf

1

24/11/2017

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DESIGNED WITH INSTALLERS IN MIND

FREE DRIVERS FOR ALL DEMO SYSTEMS

GLOBAL ONLINE SUPPORT

FIELD TESTED BETA TESTED

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Essential Install | Automation Platforms

Control4 can interface with mechanised furniture

Pulse-Eight’s British made neo video matrix range all feature CEC control, whereby an end-user can operate their source products with just a standard TV remote control. The company has continued to expand this technology and now boast CEC-IP control, meaning that even boxes without CEC in them can be controlled.

Alongside the exclusive offerings for end-users, PulseEight’s matrix products offer an extensive range of testing tools, enabling installers to run key diagnostic tests, giving them the reassurance of quality and confidence in their install. Pulse-Eight products can be monitored by the free cloud monitoring portal.

End-users can control the matrix using mobile devices and the new neo:Tap virtual remote launcher is designed to give instant access to the TV Remote app on any NFC enabled device by simply tapping the device onto the neo:Tap. Control4 recently introduced the CA-1 automation controller. Specifically designed with comfort, security, and convenience in mind, the CA-1 is good for homeowners interested in security, lighting, and comfort home features. With a single button press, homeowners can arm their alarm, lock the doors, and turn out the lights. At an entry price of $350 US (£260.00 or € 380.00), dealers can leverage the CA-1 for residential projects, and MDU and home builders and hoteliers can use it to standardise automation connectivity.

Installer and supplier Nirvana Audio Visual specialises in high specification smart home systems that allow electronic devices to be controlled with the click of a button. This includes lighting, TVs, speakers, blinds and HVAC. All the systems are managed by Control4 which forms the pivotal point of the automated home, with the likes of CLIPSAL CBUS, Control4 and RAKO lighting systems all linking to the main home hub. Control4 can also interface with advanced heating control systems and drop down / mechanised furniture, for example TV lifts from a ceiling or raised from the end of the bed.

Director of Nirvana Audio Visual, Chris Shaw, comments, “Control 4 is a truly remarkable system that allows you to control AV. The system syncs with the WyreStorm automated video distribution programme and once an Action is triggered then Control 4 will perform the necessary tasks to turn on the TV in that area, assign the correct video source to that room, along with the associated audio and dim the lights ready to watch the content. Simple intuitive control ensures the homeowner doesn’t have to concern themselves with controlling all these independently, one simple action on a remote control/smart device or touchscreen makes all this happen at once.”

Simple Control is the first of a new generation a cloud-based IoT home control platforms which could shift the direction of home control away from proprietary, controller-based systems toward a more versatile app-based wireless control environment. Built around a powerful iOS control app and a comprehensive database, Simple Control replaces the proprietary control architecture of the last fifteen years with an ‘open’ app-based environment on familiar and ubiquitous iOS phones and tablets, mobilising IP control functionality that already exists. It recognises that virtually every new home entertainment device from smart TV screens and AV receivers, to light bulbs and controllers, heating systems and multi-room audio setups has an IP identity and connects to the cloud via a control app. Simple Control ties all the apps together with an intuitive user interface, providing preloaded and predesigned graphics, protocols and control codes for tens of thousands of devices. The two-way UI enables customers to engage with their audio, video, lighting, heating and security systems in the manner they prefer on the devices they already own.

Simple control is a cloud-based control platform

iOS and Android sytem control with free app

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd connect@awe-europe.com

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+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:45

Roam seamlessly between multiple access points XWS-1810 Wireless Controller Kit • Roaming solved between access points with RoamAssist™ • Simple central control and configuration of up to 16 Luxul access points • Dual Band access points

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Essential Install | Automation Platforms

RTI’s in-wall universal controller

Total Control 2.0 now has an Amazon Alexa voice control update

Simple Control is inexpensive to deploy in a choice of commercial subscription packages available from Habitech which offers the prospect of integrated whole house control of both IoT and AV devices, supporting Alexa, Nest, Hue, Fire, SmartThings, and many more, including other Habitech brands.

Available from AWE, the refreshed Total Control 2.0 home automation system from URC provides great flexibility, a highly attractive customisable aesthetic, and high-performance operation. Featuring a full graphical update, a new user interface and advanced logic, Total Control 2.0 enables integrators to create an intuitive and versatile solution for a homeowner.

With Total Control 2.0, installers can personalise the URC system using a fully customisable colour scheme.

They can also add attractive images to help define and flavour room, scene and background settings. Either single devices or scenes can take preference on the interface to meet the individual needs of homeowners and up to 100 scenes can be pre-programmed for immediate access to a specific command.

Total Control 2.0 boasts much faster speeds for both installers and end users than the previous system, with downloading to the system, loading new programming and response time all vastly improved. Installers can also make adjustments and edits much more quickly and pollinate across different control devices in the house with ease.

The Amazon Alexa intelligent voice control update for the Total Control 2.0 is designed to integrate Alexaenables devices, allowing homeowners to use basic voice commands to execute programmed commands with ease.

Using Alexa Smart Home Skills, this development opens a wide range of home automation and control possibilities with Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Amazon Fire TV. With simple, commands, homeowners can select TV preferences, activate wholehome music systems, raise and lower shades, adjust thermostats and much more.

Invision continues with its distribution of RTI, the control systems manufacturer which offers and user friendly devices for professionally installed electronic systems. The company has a wide array of handheld and in-wall universal controllers, central processors, audio

distribution systems, and accessories. Through RTI’s Integration Partner Program, the company has reached out to manufacturers across the industry to ensure that RTI products integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of components and systems.

First up is RTI’s C2K1 Custom Control Kit, which delivers powerful control and automation of AV, lighting and security. Designed with good flexibility, the kit offers customisation via Integration Designer APEX and includes a ProControl 24.z remote, which can now also be programmed via APEX. This remote has two-way control using Zigbee, it also transmits IR and RF. With its full colour 2.4in touchscreen display, five-way joystick and 48 backlit hard buttons, the unit offers strong bang for buck credentials. Using the Pro24.z with the XP3 processor allows end users to control the system via Zigbee giving a more reliable solution.

“I’m very excited by the release of APEX. It’s a fantastic step forward in the evolution of RTI’s Award Winning Integration Designer platform,” comments David Meyerowitz, category manager at Invision UK. “For dealers, APEX means easier customisation with the addition of resizable graphics and new Obsidian graphics template. This saves a lot of time making multiple graphics in different resolutions. The big advantage of APEX is the use of tags and auto programming. This means simple processes, that used to take quite a long time, are now automated making for a much faster programming experience. This gives dealers more time to focus on the user experience and getting the UI design right for the user’s requirements. There are more and more features to come from APEX so it’s a very exciting time to be an RTI dealer.”

Pro Control is a division of Remote Technologies, a manufacturer of innovative home control products for nearly 20 years. Combining advanced capabilities with good value, Pro Control programmable remote controls, control systems and accessories provide a good control solution for professionally installed entertainment systems.

A final offering from Invision is the P5 range of IP Din Rail modules, which provide a compact and easy to configure smart lighting and climate control platform with control system integration. It can simply be used with standard UK light switches and a free app.

Crestron 0845 873 8787, crestron.eu Pulse Eight 01202 413 610, pulse-eight.com Control4 01347 812 300, control4.com Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com

Wi-Fi remotes for single room or whole-house control

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd connect@awe-europe.com

46 | March 2018 Automation Platforms.indd 46

+44 (0)1372 729 995

www.awe-europe.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:45

HVAC Control the Sensible way

> Control any form of heating; radiators, underfloor etc. and any form of comfort cooling

Sensible Heat offers a full backup service to resellers, including design advice, supply and commissioning.

We can work with you to create a fully integrated solution – don’t worry, you won’t need to become an HVAC expert! Do the sensible thing and contact us now.

> wired or wireless schemes > Make each room a zone: better comfort and efficiency > iPhone / Android access via App > HVAC controls always provided with independent/ backup user interface > Building size or complexity of HVAC plant is no problem > Custom Control Panel for plantroom if required > Interfaces to AMX, Crestron, Control4, Savant, RTI with pre-written, proven “drivers” > Interfaces to most major aircon systems (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Sanyo etc.)

Sensible Heat are sole distributors of Honeywell Hometronic in UK and Ireland.

ADVANCED H E AT I N G CONTROLS

11 St Nicholas Lane Lewes East Sussex BN7 2JY tel / fax 01273 475834 e info@sensibleheat.com www.sensibleheat.com

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ONLINE STORE Contact us to get setup for online ordering

Polk Speakers

Penn Elcom Racks & Panels

Installation Cables

tdigroup.co.uk 01256 397770

CYP Solutions

NEW 2017 CATALOGUE Contact us for the latest catalogue & trade price list

19” Racks • AV Connectors • Cable • CYP • HDMI • Mains & Power • Screen Mounts • Telecom Connectors • Tools • Wall Plates

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Loki Cinemascope The new Barco Residential Loki Cinemascope laser projector offers the same Ultra HD enhancements as his Loki stablemate, coupled with a high-capacity 2.37:1 aspect DLP engine. This exceptional design allows a 2.40:1 film to be shown without requiring an anamorphic lens.

In partnership with Genesis Technologies and Meridian Audio, we help you create the very best home cinema and media room experience for your customers. 路 Motorized DCI notch filters 路 HDR10

To find out more contact neil@genesistechnologies.co.uk or design@meridian.co.uk

路 HDMI 2.0a 路 HDCP 2.2

www.barco.com/residential

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14/07/2017 09:13 12/04/17 09:55

Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

Supreme screens

When it comes to home cinema projectors and screens, what is vital for picture perfect viewing? Is it that the products ensure a dynamic and bright colour range, or boast a space saving design? Which screen material do installers recommend will give the greatest impact, and is there a novel method to store the screen? EI sees what’s on display.

Optoma’s UHZ65 laser 4K projector was unveiled at ISE

Optoma will shortly be launching an ultra-short throw laser projector, to respond to the rise in interest for space saving design by having the projector close to the screen, but its biggest news on the home projector front is its UHZ65 laser 4K projector, which was unveiled at ISE this year. The projector has already won a platinum award from T3, Home Cinema Choice recommended award and Best in Show (ISE 2018) Home Theatre Projector from rAVe. Using a high-quality laser light source gives the UHZ65 increased efficiency to maintain consistent brightness, superior colour performance, instant on/off and an extraordinary life span of up to 20,000 hours. That’s a life of about 14 years.

Capitalising on the fast switching speed of the DLP chip with XPR technology and advanced image processing, 8.3 million pixels are delivered to the screen without alignment issues, with four times as many pixels as 1080p.

This produces vibrant imagery and realistic colour performance.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Projectors & Screens.indd 49

The UHZ65 also boasts sophisticated PureMotion frame-interpolation technology. This advanced processing eliminates motion blur or image judder, even in high-speed action films or fast-paced sports.

It meets the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) requirements for 4K UHD and complies with the CTA High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible display standards.

It also supports HDCP 2.2, the latest evolution of copy protection so users can enjoy the fast-growing choice of 4K content.

Installation of the projector is simple with a vertical lens shift, 1.6x zoom and a host of connection options such as two HDMI ports and Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) for compatible phones and tablets. In addition, the UHZ65 can be turned into a smart projector by connecting an HDMI dongle like the Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV. It has two integrated 4W speakers and a S/PDIF audio output enables connection to external sound systems.

New for 2018, Screen Excellence have introduced Reference Advanced and Contrast Advanced screens.

Advanced is a new line that allows on-wall assembly of

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Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

CAVD’s latest screen offering delivers ease of use

Projecta’s ‘HD Progressive’ vinyl screen

Parallax 0.8 ALR is now available in the Tensioned Elpro Concept

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the projection screen, negating the need to build the screen on the floor of the home cinema. This makes the installation engineer’s job a lot smoother and helps to avoid the screen getting dirty or damaged. The process is also fast with quick and effortless tensioning along all four sides. Post installation, it’s easy to remove and rehang the screen for quick servicing of any items like loudspeakers.

It’s available from CAVD. Also available from Screen Excellence is MediaTime, a new retractable drop-down screen with acoustically transparent material offers a great solution for projection in media rooms. The Premium Enlightor Neo woven material provides strong contrast in a moderate ambient light environment. The motor mechanism is silent and unique to MediaTime, the tab tensioned ‘bat wing’ edges are completely hidden from the customer’s view.

Stewart Filmscreen debuted and demonstrated its latest offerings during ISE 2018. New products such as the dual-roller Gemini ElectriScreen, the newly enhanced Balόn Borderless, and the highly demanded Cascade models made their international debut.

Gemini is a dual roller system, allowing viewers to choose the best screen material for their unique application, bringing professional quality imagery to any environment. Day or night, from sports to movies, Gemini provides an exceptional viewing experience.

ISE 2018 marked the international debut of Stewart’s sophisticated Balόn Borderless, a new fixed-frame projection screen system that provides a contemporary ‘floating image’ appearance. Balón Borderless now also includes a LED Light Kit that provides integrators the option of attaching LED lights to the metal extrusion for backlighting and enhanced room ambiance. A bevelled frame structure allows the screen material to wrap around the frame and snap smoothly into place. Balόn Borderless uses Stewart Filmscreen’s EZ-Mount Bracket System to streamline installation and ensure a consistently level image. Flexible mounting options include both, EZ Mount and Telescoping Wall Mounts, adding to Balón’s unique versatility.

“Stewart Filmscreen offer commercial and residential solutions that provide great results by uniquely matching the screen to the projector and the intended environment,” says Shannon Townley, president and CEO of Stewart Filmscreen. “For example, Gemini gives viewers a truly cinematic viewing experience using light-rejecting Phantom HALR material for use when the lights are on, and a reference-quality StudioTek option when the room is darkened. We’ve delivered a flexible, functional, and superior solution to meet the practical needs of our customers. Meanwhile, our newly enhanced Balόn Borderless screen produces a contemporary floating image effect, offering both high performance and high style.”

Illustrative of Stewart Filmscreen’s contemporary new case styling and other product line improvements, the new Cascade large ElectriScreen system is elegantly engineered to fit in tight spaces and areas where access or ceiling height is a challenge. Installers will enjoy Cascade’s ease of installation, while customers will love the clean, contemporary look.

Projecta’s HD Progressive vinyl screen surface is designed to deliver seamless optical fidelity from multimega pixel populations. It’s optimised for a range of ambient light conditions and lab-tested to accurately reflect resolutions all the way to 16K. Shipping in April and available from Habitech, the new HD Progressive 1.1 Contrast screen surface provides a deeper reproduction of black and an increased reflectivity to enhance brightness in moderate ambient light conditions.

The Projecta DescenderPro is a ceiling recessedprojection screen that combines new installation features with a new motorised Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) surface option in addition to the high resolution HD Progressive materials. One of the most noticeable new features is the possibility to just click-in the entire roller assembly (motor and screen surface) after installation of the case. The new case design offers a clean finish without gaps or visible screws, after attaching the bottom plate to the case and is available up to 400cm wide.

Too much light in a room for quality projection? Now there’s a solution – Parallax for motorised projection screens. Parallax 0.8 ALR is now available in the Tensioned Elpro Concept and Tensioned DescenderPRO, so even an ALR material can be rolled out when projection is needed. Parallax is a projection technology that features an advanced optical lens system that rejects light, rather than only diffusing light. Until now, this ALR material was only available in a fixed frame projection screen, but now it can also be selected as a surface option in two popular motorised screens.

Parallax is made up of multiple micro-layers to achieve its light blocking properties and superior viewing angles.

Each micro-layer has a function in creating the brightly lit display. Layers that are black boost contrast and absorb ambient light from the sides, while a specially shaped layer blocks light from above.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:46

Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

Screen Innovations is best known for Black Diamond

Benefitting from the Texas Instruments partnership is the NERO4 UHD projector

Karma-AV distributes Ultimate Screens, which offers UK dealers a range of UK-made, 4K-ready, acoustically-transparent screens designed for easy installation.

Optimised for the dealer/installer by the combined experience of a custom design company and an AV distribution company, Ultimate Screens takes a fresh approach to UK home cinema screen supply by uniting the efficient delivery of advanced, easyto-install fixed-frame screens with competitive and upfront pricing devoid of hidden costs.

The Ultimate Screens range comprises fixed-frame acousticallytransparent screens in standard sizes and in both 16:9 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios. Bespoke Fixed Frame screens are also available on short lead times. In addition to excellent 4K-ready performance, Ultimate Screens offers installers a new and easy installation process. Most other brands require the screen to be attached to the frame and tensioned face down on the ground, risking damage to the velvet frame and screen material. The innovative Ultimate Screens design allows this process to be completed in simple stages after the frame is attached on the wall.

Invision has a wide choice of projectors and screens on offer, including SIM2, the Italian electronics company and worldwide manufacturer of home theatre products and high-performance large screen systems. During its production process, the smallest to the largest components undergo the most rigorous quality checks by SIM2 experts to ensure superior products with high reliability.

The SIM2 CRYSTAL 4 UHD HDR projector achieves strong picture quality through the partnership of the latest 4K UHD 0.67in DLP chipset from Texas Instruments and SIM2’s advanced video processing technology for a crisp, natural, and colourful viewing experience in UHD HDR format. A high-power 300W lamp enables SIM2 CRYSTAL 4 UHD HDR to provide up to 2.500 ANSI-lumens on-screen. The SIM2 CRYSTAL 4 UHD HDR features a stylish design enriched by a luxurious crystal finish by designer Giorgio Revoldini.

AWE distributes fixed and tab tensioned electric Draper projector screens

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Also benefitting from the Texas Instruments partnership is the NERO4 UHD projector. A new highpower 450W lamp enables NERO4 UHD to provide up to 5000 ANSI-lumens on-screen and to obtain the best projected image accuracy, a delicate balance is required between the light engine, the DLP chipset and the video processing electronics. It includes Perfect Fit, a fullyprogrammable zoom, focus and lens shift feature.

JVC’s DLA-X9900BE D-ILA projector lets viewers see the details even in the brightest highlights and darkest shadows with the new 4K e-shift5 technology that employs completely new algorithms to realise even higher definition and improved 4K picture quality. The projector is designed to deliver dynamic HDR images and has an all-new colour profile that is 20% brighter.

Screen Innovations (SI) manufactures projection screens and associated technologies and is best known for Black Diamond, its multi-directional ambient light rejection projection screen technology. Black Diamond absorbs all of the unwanted ambient light in a room, making it a highly versatile screen solution for a wide variety of applications. Available in custom screen sizes and configurations up to 150in and sold for a price that is often less than 80in or larger flat panel TVs, the Black Diamond screen is very well suited for cancelling out unwanted light spill. When reflected light from the screen bounces onto the ceiling and walls not only does that light end up returning back to the screen and washing it out, but it pushes the image towards the colour of projected light and the colour of the walls.

The visuals in AWE’s new home cinema are provided by an Epson EH-TW9300 projector, which boasts exceptional image quality by supporting 4K content and intelligently enhancing 1080p. Epson’s 3LCD technology delivers bright and rich colours accurately. The Epson EHTW9300 provides amazing picture quality for the ultimate home cinema experience.

With 4K-enhancement, 3LCD technology, and HDR support, this projector provides an image worthy of the latest and greatest films. The TW9300 produces 2,500 lumens of brightness, with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

The simple setup and motorised lens adjustment control ensure installation is smooth.

To complement the projection options, AWE exclusively distributes fixed and tab tensioned electric Draper projector screens to the UK market. Featuring an innovative ambient light-rejecting fabric, these screens are perfect for home cinema installations.

The new AWE home cinema boasts a 110in Draper Clarion fixed frame NanoPerf screen. The ClearSound

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Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

The visuals in AWE’s home cinema are provided by an Epson EH-TW9300 projector

AV Stumpfl’s INLINE Premium quality roll up projection screen

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Nanoperf surface is acoustically transparent enabling speakers to be located directly behind, and the slim black frame provides tension to the fabric, assuring a perfectly smooth viewing surface.

On the Clarion fixed frame version, a black Vel-Tex covered aluminium frame forms an attractive 3.8cm border around the screen. Without the need for snaps or tools, the fabric attaches seamlessly to the frame to form a perfectly smooth viewing surface. The Vel-Tex finish eliminates all reflections on the silver/grey screen which has the same 1.0 gain as a matt white screen.

Canon and RGB Communications offer one of the smallest native 4K (4096 x 2400) projectors. With this compact design, Canon achieves a weight for their 4K501ST of just 18kg allowing it to be installed with ease.

To help achieve high image quality, the Canon 4K501ST uses Canon’s heritage in high quality lens design, the AISYS Optical system and 3 x true 4K reflective LCOS panels to achieve great results. In combination with the projectors 5,000 lumens brightness and constant F2.6 aperture, the 4K501ST delivers consistent brightness throughout its zoom range. With a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, the 4K501ST delivers deeper blacks and truer colours providing an enhanced viewing experience, says the maker.

Along with Canon’s 4K Projector, RGB Communications also distribute the high-quality AV Stumpfl range of projection screens. For discrete installations where the client prefers a hidden screen for their cinema, RGB recommends the AV Stumpfl INLINE Premium quality roll up

projection screen. The INLINE provides high functionality and attractive design, with a noiseless motor courtesy of a special rubber mounting solution. The lower screen edge completely disappears into the casing to allow the screen to blend into the interior look of the room. Other features include QuickMount wall or ceiling mounting to help facilitate quick and easy installation and the recessed casing can be delivered and preinstalled.

EI caught up with Alan Garratt, senior national account manager at Casio UK to find out more about the latest addition to Casio’s lamp free range, the Large Venue Series XJ-L8300HN-UJ, which is designed to deliver sharp and detailed images with bright and vivid colour reproduction, thanks to its brightness levels of 5,000 lumens. 4K displays lend themselves to interschool collaboration, enhancing video conferencing and unified communications tools alongside a presentation or other class content. Great picture quality can be achieved for the live video.

“All of Casio’s range is lamp-free which not only negates the need to replace expensive light bulbs, but it can also save up to 40% of energy consumption against lamp-based projectors,” explains Alan. “The Large Venue Series XJ-L8300HN-UJ is able to support an ultra-high definition resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, thanks to its 4K DLP chip and has a built-in lens shift function which auto corrects the positioning of the image without reducing the resolution.”

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:47

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Essential Install | Projectors & Screens

VIZBOX Enclosures were chosen for the recently restored Mail Rail network

The latest addition to Casio’s lampfree range is the Large Venue Series XJL8300HN-UJ

“An alternative to lamp-based technology; Casio’s innovative Laser & LED hybrid light source ensures there’s no decline in brightness levels over time; whereas often lamp-based projectors reach just 50% of their original brightness at the end of their stated lifetime,” continues Alan. “This light source also demands less power than conventional lamps to achieve a comparable brightness and has become increasingly important to businesses and education establishments, particularly in recent years, as they’re keen to keep their carbon footprints to a minimum.”

It’s been a busy year already for VIZBOX, with a trip to ISE and some exciting new product developments. The company has an online Smart Designer which enables clients to see every single option available in bespoke projector enclosure design. Director of VIZBOX, Suzanne Powell, explains, “This speeds up the design process, but also pre-empts any requirements that the client did not think of or realise was possible. The result is a quicker design process and a perfect design for the client and the project.”

VIZBOX consulted with its partners and was able to design a range of standard projector enclosures. This means that the company now holds stock. Customers may now access stock right away, or have the benefit of designing. Suzanne adds, “Outside projection and video mapping, is becoming increasingly popular. As a proactive company, we now keep standard enclosures in stock. We respond to more urgent orders with a fast delivery solution to an ever-evolving market. “ VIZBOX Enclosures were the enclosure of choice at the recently restored Mail Rail - underground rail network which has opened to the public as part of the London Postal Museum. Josh Miller, director of integration firm DJ Willrich, concludes, “We have worked with VIZBOX on a number of challenging projects and they have been efficient and professional through all design, production and delivery stages. Our experience working with VIZBOX has been very positive and we will certainly be working with them again, when the next challenging installation arises.”

Optoma 01923 691 800, optoma.co.uk Custom AV Distribution 01628 563 344, cavd.co.uk Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk Karma-AV 01423 358 846, karma-av.co.uk Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com RGB Communications 01488 733 66, rgbcomms.co.uk Casio 0208 2089 453, projectors.casio.co.uk Audio Visual Material 01276 418 030, avmltd.co.uk

54 | March 2018 Projectors & Screens.indd 54

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:47

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Essential Install | Clubs, Bars & Restaurants

A 24 display, four sided video wall is centered over the main bar

Paint the town red

What speakers and screens make a bar brilliant, what clever modes of control make the experience of going clubbing more enjoyable? Get your glad rags on and take a peek inside these swell spaces as EI goes out on the town to find the most exquisite entertainment establishments and eateries filled with spectacular AV, lighting and smart control.

First to whet your appetite, Luxul has served up simple source switching at Texan bar and restaurant, The Concrete Cowboy. Owner Rico Taylor wanted a large scale install and called on integration firm XYZ Innovative Design to deliver a serious ‘wow factor’ venue.

To dazzle Concrete Cowboy’s guests, XYZ Innovative Design installed seven video walls, for a total of 53 ultraslim-bezel LED displays, in addition to a Vivitek highperformance, large-venue laser projector. Three 3x3 video walls can each function as one big display, nine individual

displays, or five individual displays with one 2x2 wall. A 24 display, four sided video wall is centered over the main bar in a rectangular pattern, with a 3x3 configuration on each long side and a three-display column at each end.

Sources for the video walls include nine DirectTV receivers, an Apple TV, music videos and clips from a video DJ, and a Vivitek NovoDS digital signage solution.

When displaying digital signage, the rectangular bar wall can be used in a wraparound 8x3 configuration, with text and video scrolling around all the displays in unison.

Recipe for success

Just Add Power’s transmitters and receivers are used for video distribution

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With so many displays, sources, and possible configurations, a primary challenge of the installation was creating a video distribution and switching system that could send source content to any display and would be easy enough for numerous employees to use with minimal training.

“For IP networking in complex systems such as this, Luxul was our solution of choice because it integrates so seamlessly with other manufacturers,” says Xavier VanHaasen, co-owner of XYZ Innovative Design. “In Concrete Cowboy’s video matrix, we paired Luxul with Just Add Power’s distribution solutions.

Together, they allowed us to get away from a traditional matrix and make installation extremely simple, almost plug and play.”

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:49

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Essential Install | Clubs, Bars & Restaurants

Three 3x3 video walls can each function as one big display or individually

For video distribution, XYZ Innovative Design installed Just Add Power’s (J+P) 3G+ Ultra HD over IP platform transmitters and receivers. Each display, and the projector, is equipped with a small J+P receiver on the back, while sources are connected to J+P transmitters. Designed with a modular approach to video distribution, the platform allows for the easy addition of displays, sources, and emerging formats in the future as Concrete Cowboy’s needs change.

Concrete Cowboy employees control the switch and manage displays and sources using an iPad running RTI’s RTiPanel app with a custom interface created by XYZ Innovative Design. They can change sources, the channel, video wall layouts, and more, all with one app.

Wine and Wi-Fi

For network routing, XYZ Innovative Design utilised Luxul’s Epic 4 (ABR-4500) Gigabit router, which allows for up to 512 concurrent device routing entries, in tandem with a Luxul AGS-1024 24-port Gigabit switch. For Wi-Fi coverage, the bar is equipped with two XAP-1510 wireless access points, which combine high output power and leading-edge 802.11ac 3x3 dual-band technology with beamforming to deliver data rates up to 1900 Mbps.

With more than one wireless access point, Luxul’s XWC-1000 wireless controller with Roam Assist technology was incorporated to provide easy setup and centralised deployment. Finally, Luxul’s XRM-DTZ1 Domotz Pro remote management system was deployed, allowing XYZ Innovative Design to easily manage and support Concrete Cowboy’s system and connected devices from anywhere, without having to roll a truck.

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“This was a very complex installation and Luxul’s PoE switches, with the Just Add Power transmitters and receivers, make everything very simple,” adds Xavier.

“Staff can easily distribute any source input to any display and minimal training was required to teach them how to use the iPad app. Rico is extremely pleased with how user-friendly the system is and the bar’s guests are floored by the spectacle.”

New York’s W Hotel has undergone a spectacular transformation. The lobby can now transform into a lounge to attract guests for cocktail hour and parties, with a dance floor and private cabanas lining the room. Styled as a tribute to Times Square, the space offers a lively atmosphere that can shift from daytime to parties with a custom DJ booth and features of the legendary landmark.

“The design of the living room at the W Hotel was leveraged from a design narrative that drew inspiration from its Time Square location,” says Fergal Hayes, project director for Capital Expenditures with Starwood Hotels, who contributed to overseeing the vision and completion of the W Hotel’s new lobby space. With Times Square as the motif for the W Hotel’s new lobby, a group of design teams working in cooperation with integration firm, Mode:Green, were tasked with capturing the New York landmark’s atmosphere and recreating it indoors.

Adding to the modern décor, neon lighting, vibrant signs, and graffiti were custom designed for the space and given digital life by Mode:Green: a digital countdown clock takes up a wall reaching 7ft tall, and the lobby lounge teems with vibrant sound from 32 independent zones and hidden, custom speakers. But it’s not just the bright lights that make the lounge so lively – the lounge has its own digital brain, capable of shifting its atmosphere for different guests and events.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:49

Exclusively from OneAV.

THE THINKING REMOTE. The highly-anticipated revolutionary Remote, home automation hub (the Brain) and Combo packages are available to order immediately.

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www.oneav.co.uk 12/03/2018 09:35

Essential Install | Clubs, Bars & Restaurants

The DJ booth is reminiscent of the ball in Times Square

Private booths can control their own audio zones

Hidden control

The wiring and speakers are all hidden among the décor, where an invisible automation system makes everything simple to control. Using a touchscreen, the staff can activate and adjust every light and speaker to create the right atmosphere from a selection of presets, including Happy Hour, Morning, and Fire Alarm, which shuts off the music and brightens the lights for a safe exit. Guests in the private booths also have control over their own audio zone, so they can pump the music from the custom New-Year’s-Eve-Ball inspired DJ booth or turn it down for a quiet conversation.

“Every project gets compressed towards completion, and Mode:Green completed the installation in a short amount of time and was quick to solve issues,” says Fergal. Mode:Green’s approach to creating a smart space like this involves detailed collaboration with the hotel’s teams, as well as the manufacturers. While unseen by guests, the technology is as important a fixture as the custom décor.

The lobby displays a digital countdown clock during the day

Form and function

New problems often arise while working in the balance between design and technological smarts; Mode:Green had to make last-minute changes to accommodate the space as it came to life. “At the end, last-minute changes of speakers being switched out from the original design to more appropriately fit the space were required, and Mode:Green reacted quickly to make it work in time for the reveal,” says Fergal.

The W Hotel’s Times Square lobby-lounge welcomed guests on the deadline for its opening, without a glitch, despite New-York-fast changes that had to be made in the final construction days. “Hotels face a new challenge to create lobbies that are immersive, social environments. It’s a design and, now, a technological challenge, but the result can differentiate a brand and nurture a crop of new, young guests who will become loyal patrons,” concludes Fergal.

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May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:49

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Essential Install | Clubs, Bars & Restaurants

A Yamaha CL5 digital mixing system was installed

Another advantage of the CL5 was that the house technicians, who were used to the existing M7CL, easily converted to the CL5, thanks to the uniformity of Yamaha’s Centralogic user interface and operating system. “The CL5 is an industry standard mixing console, so all users will be familiar with it. It takes Stadthalle Singen to another level of audio quality and versatility,” says Ulf. The excellent return on investment delivered by Yamaha mixing consoles has also been highlighted by the M7CL being retained as a standalone solution for outdoor or smaller events in other venues that are part of KTS.

Place your bets Like all regional venues, Stadthalle Singen, in the German town of the same name, plays an important cultural and economic role in the wider local area. Located close to the Swiss border, the venue hosts both entertainment and corporate events. Recently upgraded with a Yamaha CL5 digital mixing system, it is now even more attractive to both national and international users.

Owned and managed by Kultur und Tourismus Singen (KTS), Stadthalle Singen has attracted over 850,000 visitors to more than 2,400 events in the ten years since it opened. It features the Thügasaal (up to 690 seats), Small Hall (up to 270 seats) and Gallery (up to 203 seats), plus three meeting rooms and two seminar rooms.

Changing spaces

The theatre has been transformed into a high-end casino

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Thanks to an inventive, modular construction with movable floors, a flat space of 1700 m² can be created by combining the Thügasaal, Small Hall, main foyer and side foyer. This versatility allows a wide range of large events such as theatre, ballet, opera, musicals, rock, pop and classical concerts, congresses, fairs and corporate events to be hosted, as well as more intimate occasions like cabaret, lectures, readings, seminars, meetings and parties.

Recognising the increasingly complex events that Stadthalle Singen attracts, its Yamaha M7CL mixing console has been upgraded to a CL5 with Rio3224-D and Rio1608-D i/o units. “The modular room concept, with different spaces regularly being used in parallel, requires flexible signal distribution throughout the venue,” says Ulf Hahn of Praxl Licht- & Tontechnik GmbH, who supplied and installed the new system. “The flexibility and use of Dante were obvious reasons for choosing the Yamaha CL5, but it was also important that the console would be very reliable and widely accepted by artists and technicians.”

The historic Hippodrome Theatre in Leicester Square, London, has recently undergone a £40million investment which saw it transform into a high-end casino. The venue included a new restaurant, four private dining rooms, five bars and several lounges and events spaces. AUDICA Professional was widely used to ensure that customers visiting the refurbished building enjoyed quality sound that would enhance their experience.

The biggest challenge was to ensure the music being played didn’t affect visitor’s ability to have a conversation. The AUDICA MicroSeries speakers were therefore equalised and the frequency shaped so that the sound that goes from the dedicated amplifiers to the loudspeakers not only gives a large sound from the smallest possible enclosure, but also doesn’t overly impede vocal frequencies. So, the venue was able to play quality music without disturbing guests’ conversation.

The design brief stated it was key that the speakers didn’t impose on the aesthetic of the new interior. So, the company used its slim MICROlines in the main casino bar.

These merged perfectly with available space and lines of the bar’s design. Not only did this mean that the speakers fit with the décor of the building, they were also in the perfect position to provide the right ambience and sound level required.

Finally, the most important aspect of the AUDICA speaker range was that they were easy to install and reliable so would require very little maintenance. This meant the 40 zones throughout the building could be installed efficiently during the closing stages of the installation and would cause little visual disruption to the visitor’s experience.

Due to AUDICA’s acoustic and aesthetic engineering and understanding of the challenges faced when installing speakers in large multi-use facilities, the company was able to provide a quality sound solution to the venue.

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:49

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Essential Install | Smart AV Distribution

The smart choice

Established just over 5 years ago, in February 2013, Smart AV Distribution has grown rapidly from a small local TV and AV trade counter into a UK wide trade distributor of market leading brands to installation engineers near and far. With brilliant brands including Blustream and Monitor Audio, the company are set for success. Marketing manager Nicola Cole explains why Smart AV is the smart choice.

Smart AV Distribution are proud to be leading distributors for Monitor Audio, Blustream, Celexon and Onkyo, but we also distribute other top brands for AV racking, TV and speaker mounts, AV receivers, matrixes, splitters and switches.

Our customer promise

From your very first point of contact, our ever growing team of experienced staff will offer you unrivalled customer service and after sales support. From system planning and design assistance, to always going the extra mile to source the perfect product to suit your needs, we’ve got it covered. We ensure that we deal with the best suppliers to enable us to always give our customers the most competitive pricing around, right through to speedy delivery with our very own van delivery service. All of us at Smart AV pride ourselves on the level of customer satisfaction that we constantly strive to produce.

The Smart Shuttle van delivery service

One of our most recent innovations has been the launch of our flexible Smart Shuttle van delivery service which covers Hertfordshire, Essex and London. So, whether you need Monitor Audio in Malden or Blustream in Brentwood, you can rely on us to get it there fast. We offer free next day delivery on all orders over £200 (or £9.95 delivery on orders under £200). Alternatively, if you really are in a hurry, we have now introduced our SAME DAY service in which we can deliver within a two-hour window to really help your installers to get the job done.

Smart training sessions

Our services now include free training sessions on the latest available products. These are run by the relevant manufacturer’s own training staff, thus ensuring those that attend are equipped with the most recent and relevant information on design technology and installation, inducing confidence in their ability to supply their customers with the best products available on the market.

For more information visit savdistribution.co.uk/smarttraining-sessions

The smart partnership

As an established authorised independent Sky agent (ASA), Smart AV have formed a Sky partnership scheme, enabling you to offer clients a complete service, from initial enquiry to installation, thereby eliminating any need for the client to go directly to Sky. This also currently enables the client to choose classic Sky+ HD if they do not want Sky Q in their property, as Sky+ HD is now not available directly through Sky. The Smart Partnership brings benefits to both installers, with a commission-based reward scheme and to their clients, who can benefit from some exclusive subscription discounts.

For more information and to sign up to the Sky Smart Partnership visit savdistribution.co.uk/the-smart-partnership So, in conclusion, for the very best in top quality TV/ AV products, expert technical advice and assistance, and unrivalled customer service we really do believe that the smart choice is Smart AV Distribution!

Smart AV Distribution 01992 445 122, savdistribution.co.uk

66 | March 2018 Smart AV Advertorial.indd 66

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:50

MEDIA DELIVERY OF THE FUTURE 2018

Thursday th 26 April 2018 9.30am until 5.00pm The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Make sure you don’t miss out on what has become the industry’s number ONE independent show for signal reception and distribution, and is FREE for all visitors to attend.

www.evolvingconnectivity.com EI2018

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25/01/2018 10:23

Essential Install | Day in the Life: Ultamation

Team Fantastic!

EI travelled to one of the cultural hearts of the UK, the city of Liverpool to meet with the Ultamation team, finding an install company hitting a rich vein of success in several fields.

Ultamation enjoys an enviable home right in centre of the cultural and technology centre of the city, located in the iC2 building on the Liverpool Science Park, adjacent to the Liverpool John Moores University.

The team feel at home in this environment headed up

by Oliver Hall, who handles all the programming and is company MD, partnered with Stephen Nevison, MD of his own company, Intuitive Homes, who does most of the onsite installation work.

Oliver says, “It’s a great place to be here in the ‘knowledge quarter’ of the city. We use the office for programming and working on some other projects we are involved in, and we also pre-configure some of the kit before going to site, but we don’t keep much kit here, most is delivered direct.”

Recently the company has been working in several period homes which have received significant modern extensions

68 | March 2018

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com

Essential Install | Day in the Life: Ultamation

Having studied a mix of engineering subjects at uni, Stephen explains, “I did some work for an engineering consultancy, but to be honest, it was very boring, lots of calculations and not enough action, so I decided to make a change. I knew a little about AV and so I found out who my local install companies might be and found D & T out of Manchester. I approached the company and they felt I could do a job for them on the project management side of things, then the Crestron programmer left so I moved over to cover that. Eventually I wanted a little more control over what I was doing so set up on my own and met Oliver on that first Crestron job. I saw what he could do on the programming side of things and frankly knew I was never going to be as good as him.”

Oliver chimes in, “I thought exactly the same thing, so our skill sets are a really good fit and allow us to concentrate on what we are best at, ultimately delivering a better experience for the client. In the end that is what it’s all about, yes we like to make money, but to see the look on people’s faces when they see a completed project, that is a buzz you can’t get from anything else, we genuinely like making people happy.”

Stephen adds, “We do like to go to site very prepared however, we try and spend as little time on site as possible, this helps with the bottom line, but of course it’s just way better to have a clear plan and try and stick to it as much as possible.”

Oliver explains, “We have quite a sophisticated way of working out and planning each project, we can work out costs, plan different types of install within a given framework, whilst also giving ourselves the freedom to make each project as bespoke as the client wants.”

Platform wise, the team is a big Crestron supporter with Oliver achieving Crestron Gold Master Programmer Status.

The beginning

Oliver is doing some very interesting things with AR based control

From university Oliver joined games company Psygnosis, famous for producing the Lemmings desktop games series and later the Wipeout series for PlayStation. When Oliver joined, the home gaming sector was about to explode as Sony produced it’s Playstation platform and also purchased Psygnosis to produce a number of the launch titles, and eventually transformed into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

“It was a great ride” says Oliver, “I was there right at the start and it was exciting seeing that concept grow and develop. I ended up moving to London for seven years, however after a time I knew I wanted to return to my roots in Liverpool and build something of my own.

“I started building my own home automation platform, however, after a visit to one of the CEDIA shows in London, I realised there was no point in me trying to re-invent the wheel and this is where my relationship with Crestron began. The decision in the end was based on the people, it just clicked for me and it’s been a great relationship.

Howard Algar is still our rep and has been a great partner.”

The relationship between Stephen and Oliver began with a project that had gone a little ‘south’ and both were asked to assist.

Oliver recounts, “I arrived on site to find loads of un-opened boxes. I thought to myself, I am the programmer! This is going to be a challenge. However, Stephen was there, and we got the job done and our relationship built. The client for this project is still a client today, so that’s the best endorsement I can give our fledging relationship at that time.”

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com

Getting noticed

There are a few projects that have raised the profile of the company and perhaps chief amongst these is a project for a car mad client who wanted a ‘Tony Stark’ style man cave to show off his McLaren sports car.

The client already had a Crestron system, but wanted something a little beyond the standard to get maximum enjoyment of this car when he was not actually driving it. The result was a garage with a fully bespoke Crestron interface and also a fully automated turntable to show every angle of the vehicle and make entering and leaving easier too.

Working with world renown manufacturer of commercial automation systems Turck Banner, Oliver and Stephen needed to get the Crestron system talking to the turntable and the sensors controlling it, no mean feat as of course health and safety was a big concern moving a large piece of metal, around and of course the client did not want any damage to occur to his pride and joy.

“There are loads of safety aspects to this, like if you go near the car when its moving the system needs to stop or if the car is not in the right place, the turntable won’t activate. However, the coolest thing is probably the custom created interface, it is very ‘Tony Stark’ and the client loves it,” explains Oliver. “The FT’s How To Spend It column got a hold of this one and it created some nice publicity around what we could do. The project also won CEDIA and Crestron Awards in 2016.”

More recently the company has just finished a project at a property called the Edge Cottage. A theme that is running through a lot of the company’s work currently are existing period properties which have had significant modern, often open plan, extensions to expand the living and playing space the property can offer. This is just such a project and was completed in conjunction with a developer and interior designer team, both of which the company has created positive relationships with called Llama Group and Janey Butler Interiors.

The home now has a full Crestron system, AV in many of the rooms and a media room/home cinema. Some of the brands which have gone into the project are some regulars for the team including Bowers and Wilkins speakers, Anthem amplification and Kaleidescape movie server.

The media room enjoys the benefits of an 85in Sony TV, another regular for the team and a Triad soundbar takes care of the front three channels of audio in a 5.1 set up.

March 2018 | 69

Essential Install | Day in the Life: Ultamation

This Tony Stark style man cave created big waves of publicity

70 | March 2018

Crestron gives Oliver the framework he needs to create the backbone of the systems, with SIMPL Windows introduced over the top to add the more bespoke touches. Using this method allows the company to develop templates it can go back to, but always retaining the opportunity to go the extra mile too. With the Edge Cottage project, the extension had lots of speakers and needed to be precisely controlled into different zones, the control framework Oliver created for that, may well get used again.

This project also uses Crestron Sonnex as part of the music solution, a platform that the team feels perhaps does not get its due enough of the time, not the cheapest option, but the boys are fans of the quality and reliability delivered. Talking directly as it does to the Crestron DM platform also provides lots of visibility for set up and any tweaking or trouble shooting.

Products which the company uses, that potentially at least could cause trouble, includes Sky Q. The team like the interface however, as is always the case with installers and Sky, the delivery method is where the love affair ends.

Stephen comments, “We just feed it through the Crestron DM platform. Ironically this completely ignores what Sky feels is one of the main features of the new platform namely its wireless connectivity, but of course we need the reach and reliability, so it’s just better this way.”

The relationship between the two install companies and the developer has blossomed to the point where a show home has been created in a property owned by the developer, which shows off the respective skills sets of all involved from automation to AV and home cinema.

Located at Capesthorn Hall stately home, the showroom is located in some attractive outbuildings to rear of this beautiful example of British architecture. The building is a venue for weddings and other events and offers a really strong platform for both companies to flex their muscles.

Oliver argues, “With some concepts, it’s really hard to get people to see the value on paper, show it to them in the flesh and it’s a different story. Take TV reveals for example, we work closely with Future Automation on these and we have two in the show home. What can be a difficult sell, turns into an ‘I want that in my house’ moment, it’s so cool when you see what it can add to a room, design and AV wise.”

A current project includes just such an example with the client opting for two TV reveals one with panels which match the nearby kitchen and another one which has a large piece of art work which divides into two to reveal the TV. Stephen explains, “Future Automation were great on this, they really helped us deliver something impressive.

The mechanism has to be so precise and its spot on.”

Another current project is a full dedicated home cinema in Shropshire, an area the company would love to do more of as the team feel that the technology in that sector is particularly strong at the moment.

Oliver says, “We do like the Kaleidescape system especially the Premier version. It’s not easy we know, but it could be improved if the European store had the same number of movies as the US version and if somehow, a close to release deal could be struck, well that would really put home cinemas on a different level.”

The future, build it and they will come

Clearly in buoyant mood, the company has been on a bit of an expansion drive taking on two new members of staff since the beginning of the year, and with Stephen also thinking about acquiring a little more space at his HQ to provide more space for rack building and configuring.

However, there is a key area that the company also wants to expand upon.

Oliver takes up the story, “A part of the company that we don’t shout about enough is our driver store.

We started with mostly Crestron stuff writing modules for other products, Apple TV and so forth, but we also produce tools to help other Crestron programmers such as our Theme Creator pack. We also have a product called SIMPLified Light which is a tool to help with programming large systems and assist in getting important information out of Crestron SIMPL programs. We are re-writing that at the moment and I think it will do really well. We have other ideas for modules and we are definitely going to be pushing this side of what we do more.”

Oliver continues, “One project we are really excited about is adding some augmented reality to user interfaces.

The idea is that the user holds up their smart device and the device recognises the object it is looking at, say a TV, and on screen around a live picture of the device up pops the controls. The app for this will be able to work with any control platform, so we are hopeful it will be a success.”

This does look very cool in demo and is the first time EI has seen AR really work in a consumer AV environment outside gaming to any convincing level. The concept has already won ‘Most Unique Application (Residential)’ at the 2018 Crestron Integration Awards.

Towards the end of the interview Stephen’s phone begins to sing as a client has some questions over control of their TV, well in fact it turns out, someone who is house sitting for the client, either way it’s time to let the team get back to what they do best, and leave them to build the next stage of this go ahead team-up.

Ultamation 0151 331 5210, ultamation.com Intuitive Homes 0161 738 1076, intuitivehomes.co.uk

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com

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Essential Install-add.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

18/08/17 11:47 21/08/2017 09:38

Essential Install | Training Dates

AW E

C ED I A

FOUNDATION WORKSHOP DATES/LOCATION: Apr 3, Jul 3, Oct 9; AWE, Epsom

CABLES, CONNECTIVITY AND STRUCTURED WIRING WORKSHOP

FOUNDATION IN SMART HOME CONTROL WITH URC – MXHOMEPRO

BOOT CAMP

COST: £200

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 4, Jul 4, Oct 10; AWE, Epsom COST: £30

DATES/LOCATION: May 24, Jul 5, Sept 20, Nov 15; AWE, Epsom COST: £25

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 9; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS FOR INSTALLERS DATES/LOCATION: Apr 10; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

WHOLE HOUSE INTEGRATION WITH URC TOTAL CONTROL DATES/LOCATION: Apr 17, Jun 19, Aug 28, Oct 16; AWE, Epsom

HEALTH & SAFETY

COST: £60

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 11; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

HDBASET EXPERT INSTALLER

SAFE ISOLATION

DATES/LOCATION: Jun 7, Oct 11; AWE, Epsom COST: £25

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 12; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

AUDIO, VIDEO AND RF SYSTEMS DATES/LOCATION: Apr 13; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

MORE INFORMATION »

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com, smarthomeacademy.co.uk

BASIC WIRED AND WIRELESS NETWORKING DATES/LOCATION: Apr 23; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

BE MCO K N X 21st - 25th May 2018 9th - 13th July 2018

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 9-13; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

SMART HOME TECHNICIAN

HDMI & 4K VIDEO DISTRIBUTION WITH HDANYWHERE

11th April 2018 16th May 2018 13th June 2018

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 9; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 23; CEDIA Training Centre, St Neots Member and non-member costs available online.

KNX ‘TASTER’ COURSE DATES/LOCATION: Apr 11, May 16, Jun 13, Jul 18, Aug 15, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 5; Bemco Wandsworth COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

CEDIA 01480 213 744, education@cedia.co.uk, cediaeducation.com

KNX BASIC COURSE DATES/LOCATION: May 21-25, Jul 9-13, Sept 2428, Nov 19-23; Bemco Wandsworth

16th - 20th April 2018

COST: £750 +VAT

KNX ADVANCED COURSE

MER I D I A N

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 16-20, Oct 22-26; Bemco Wandsworth COST: £750 +VAT

MERIDIAN BASIC SETUP DATES/LOCATION: Apr 17, Jun 26, Aug 21, Oct 2, Nov 27; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

MORE INFORMATION »

Bemco 0208 874 0404, bemco.co.uk

MERIDIAN ADVANCED SETUP DATES/LOCATION: Apr 18, Jun 27, Aug 22, Oct 3, Nov 28; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

HOME CINEMA ESSENTIALS

I NV I S I O N For more info visit www.bemco-knx.co.uk

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 10, Jun 12, Aug 7, Oct 23; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

MERIDIAN SOOLOOS

RTI APEX PROGRAMMING (LEVEL 2) DATES/LOCATION: Apr 3

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 11, Jun 13, Aug 8, Oct 24; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

RTI APEX PROGRAMMING (LEVEL 2)

TWO-CHANNEL MASTERCLASS [CEDIA CERTIFIED TRAINING]

COST: £99

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 11; Walthem Abbey

DATES/LOCATION: May 1, Jul 17, Sept 18; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

RTI ADVANCED PROGRAMMING (LEVEL 3)

MULTI-CHANNEL MASTERCLASS [CEDIA CERTIFIED TRAINING]

COST: £99

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 12; Waltham Abbey COST: £149

DATES/LOCATION: May 2, Jul 18, Sept 19; Meridian HQ, Huntingdon

MORE INFORMATION »

MORE INFORMATION »

Invision 01359 270 280, invisionuk.com

72 | March 2018 Training Dates.indd 72

Meridian 01480 445 622, meridian-audio.com

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com 20/03/2018 10:53

Essential Install | Training Dates

AL LTRADE

HA B I T EC H

INTRODUCTION TO HDL

ARCAM – PRODUCT TRAINING

DATES/LOCATION: March 21 Hemel Hempstead Branch; Mar 28 Brighton & Hove Branch; Apr 5 Bolton Branch; Apr 12 Nottingham; Apr 19 Hemel Hempstead Branch; May 23 Brighton & Hove Branch; May 30 Bolton Branch

DATES/LOCATION: May 9, Sept 6, Oct 31; Basingstoke

LEVEL 1 UBIQUITI

DATES/LOCATION: Jun 5, Jul 17, Sept 5, Oct 17; Basingstoke

DATES/LOCATION: Apr 5 Maidstone Branch; Apr 11 Brighton & Hove Branch; May 10 Hemel Hempstead Branch, May 16 Brighton & Hove Branch; May 23 Bournemouth Branch, May 31 Maidstone Branch

LEVEL 2 UBIQUITI DATES/LOCATION: Mar 15 Hemel Hempstead Branch; Mar 28 Bournemouth Branch; Apr 4 Brighton & Hove Branch; Apr 17 Bolton Branch; Apr 25 Hemel Hempstead Branch; Apr 26 Maidstone Branch

INTRODUCTION TO SONOS DATES/LOCATION: Apr 5 Hemel Hempstead; Apr 10 Brighton & Hove/Bournemouth/Cardiff; Apr 12 Maidstone Branch All courses are free to attend.

MORE INFORMATION »

For more information or to book call 0344 225 2700, training@alltrade.co.uk or visit alltrade.co.uk

COST: Free

DAHUA COST: Free

PRONET – QUICK START TO NETWORK DESIGN DATES/LOCATION: May 8, Jun 19, Sept 11, Nov 7; Basingstoke COST: £99

PRONET – INTEGRATOR ADVANCED NETWORK DESIGN DATES/LOCATION: May 10, Jun 20, Sept 12, Nov 8; Basingstoke COST: £99

WYRESTORM HD DISTRIBUTION THEORY AND TROUBLE SHOOTING (INCLUDING HDBASET AND 4K)

DATES/LOCATION: May 16, Jun 27, Jul 18, Sept 26, Nov 13; Basingstoke

High Dynamic Range

COST: Free

WYRESTORM – NETWORK HD

CRESTR O N CRESTRON STUDIO FOR RESIDENTIAL LIFESTYLE DATES/LOCATION: Apr 9-10, May 7-8; Crestron UK

DATES/LOCATION: May 17, Jun 28, Jul 19, Sept 27, Nov 14; Basingstoke COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION »

Habitech 01256 638 500, habitech.co.uk

CTI-SG SMART GRAPHICS TRAINING DATES/LOCATION: Apr 11-12; Crestron UK

CTI-P101 FOUNDATIONS OF CRESTRON PROGRAMMING DATES/LOCATION: Apr 16-18, May 21-23; Crestron UK

DM-NVX DESIGN AND NETWORKING DATES/LOCATION: Apr 18-20, Apr 25-27; Crestron UK

CTI-P201 CORE SYSTEM PROGRAMMING DATES/LOCATION: May 2-4; Crestron UK

CRESTRON SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: May 9; Crestron UK All Crestron training courses are free.

MORE INFORMATION »

Crestron +1 888 273 7876, crestron.com

TRAINING DATES SET FOR 2018?

Get your training dates included in our training pages for upcoming issues.

Contact Niamh Marriott to add your training to the next issue.

Email: niamh@allthingsmedia.com, Call: 01634 673 163.

IVORY EG G K NX TRAINING 3 DAY TECHNICIAN DATES/LOCATION: May 21-23, Jul 23-25, Oct 15-17; Bosham COST: £750 ex tax

2 DAY PARTNER DATES/LOCATION: Apr 16-17, Aug 20-21, Dec 3-4; Bosham COST: £350 ex tax

MORE INFORMATION »

Ivory Egg 01243 572 700, ivoryegg.co.uk

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

March 2018 | 73

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Training Dates.indd 73

Essential INSTALL MAGAZINE

20/03/2018 10:53

ECA3189 ECA Member Ad 1 A4 WHITE with Bleed.pdf

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Shaping our industry. Enabling business growth. Getting you specified.

20/03/2018 17:26

Essential Install | Products

Essential Products

Opulent Offerings Of AV Automation Bluesound’s PULSE SOUNDBAR has reduced in price

On the pulse Bluesound has enjoyed both critical praise and commercial success with the PULSE SOUNDBAR since its introduction a little more than a year ago. With its new price of £799 (down from £999) for the black finish, and £899 for the white finish, the PULSE SOUNDBAR provides performance minded consumers with an affordable entry point to a strong sounding high resolution soundbar, a good fit with high definition TV. As the TV is the home entertainment hub in most homes, it’s also a starting component for a Bluesound wireless, multiroom music system.

The Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR is one of the first to feature high resolution network audio streaming. Through BluOS, Bluesound’s wireless multi-room streaming operating system, the PULSE SOUNDBAR enables the TV room to be the central hub of a whole-home wireless music system which can be controlled through an easy to use app available for smart devices.

With one of the world’s only certified wireless implementations of Dolby Surround Sound, audiophile-grade high resolution audio capabilities, and access to popular and niche music streaming services, the PULSE SOUNDBAR has been well-received for its versatility as an all-around performer for those who love home entertainment.

“The soundbar category continues to be strong performer industry-wide,” comments David Cain, Bluesound’s global vice-president of sales and commerce.

“By positioning the Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR at an even more affordable price point worldwide, it becomes a great entry point for consumers who want to enjoy high resolution sound for their high definition TVs.” The proprietary BluOS operating system has undergone continuous enhancements providing greater performance, control and flexibility, including an expanding number of compatible high-fidelity audio components and smart home control technologies, says the maker.

Bluesound 0208 977 8633, bluesound.anatech.co.uk

New York state of mind

Samsung’s latest QLED TVs were on display in the Big Apple

Samsung has launched its flagship line of 2018 QLED TVs and AV products at the 2018 First Look New York event at the American Stock Exchange building in Manhattan. The company unveiled its next generation of QLED TVs to about 1,000 attendees, and demonstrated new, improved features that enhance the TV-viewing.

During the keynote presentation, Samsung electronics president of visual display Jonghee Han and other Samsung executives explained how the 2018 flagship TV line offers an unmatched home entertainment experience, meant to remove barriers to setting up and displaying the TV, and streamlining access to content.

“With our 2018 TV line-up, we are changing the definition of visual display to Intelligent Displays,” says president Jonghee Han. “Designed for total immersion and to enhance the daily lives of consumers everywhere, all while being incredibly easy to use, the new QLED TV line-up provides users with the best viewing experience.”

President Han was joined on stage by executive partners from The New York Times, who discussed some of the new consumer benefits of the 2018 QLED TV lineup.

The First Look New York event featured an exhibition for guests to experience the 2018 product line-up and its features hands-on through a series of zones and displays.

Samsung samsung.com/uk/tv-first-look

May 9-10 2018. Free registration – essentialinstalllive.com Products.indd 75

March 2018 | 75 20/03/2018 10:53

A New Era O F

V I D E O

D I S T R I B U T I O N

CM100

RSU-6RU

The CM100 Control Module allows

Universal 6RU Rack Shelf Unit with

simple third party control of the Multi-

8x Vertical Blade Shelves

cast system using TCP/IP, RS-232 or IR

J Easy Installation J Vented front panel and shelves

4 K

U H D

V I D E O

O V E R

I P

IP100UHD-RX/TX IP Multicast UHD Video Reciever / Transmitter

Perfect for Complex Residential & Commercial AV Installations

J Easy to set up and install using our comprehensive wizard software of 100m over single CAT cable J Power over Ethernet to power

O

IP V

E

J Supports 4K UHD video up to 100m

HDMI distribution

with unlimited configuration options

V I D E O

HDR

(No network switch required)

(Requires 1GB network switch)

R

Blustream products J Supports HDR pass through

One-to-many

Matrix distribution

J Extends HDMI up to a distance

M U LT I C A S T U H D

PoE

O P E R A T I O N A L

V I D E O WA L L

HDCP 2.2

J Bi-directional RS-232 pass through J Advanced EDID management

One-to-one HDMI extender (No network switch required)

M O D E S

Video wall presentation (Requires 1GB network switch)

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF BLUSTREAM

SHOW 2017

See Blustream Live 5 - 13 May 2018, ExCeL London, Stand L370

For all the latest Blustream

TH 20product SEP 2017 animations EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE, SURREY

Blustream_EI_2018_March_VFinal2.indd All Pages Untitled-1 2

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J 18 Gbps Guaranteed J Supports 4K UHD video including 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 J Supports full HDR 10-bit, 12-bit and 16-bit colour depths J Optimised design for the toughest installation environments J Available in lengths from 0.5m - 100m

G IN M CO

G IN M CO

ON SO

ON SO

4K18Gbps SUPPOR TING

HEX100CS-KIT 100m HDBaseT™ Extender Set Supporting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 (70m)

60Hz 4:4:4

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency J Supports 4K UHD video up to 70m (3840x2160 @60Hz 4:4:4 and @60Hz 4:2:2 including HDR)

HEX70CS-KIT

70m HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit Supporting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4

70m HDBaseT™ Extender Set Supporting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 (40m)

G IN M CO

HMXL44CS-KIT

ON SO

(40m) - Includes 4x HDBaseT™ Receivers J Features 4x HDMI inputs which can be independently routed to 4x HDBaseT™ outputs

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency

J Supports 4K UHD video up to 40m (3840x2160 @60Hz 4:4:4 and @60Hz 4:2:2 including HDR)

J Supports 4K UHD video up to 40m (3840x2160 @60Hz 4:4:4 and @60Hz 4:2:2 including HDR)

W NE

C O N T R A C T O R

S E R I E S

C44-KIT Contractor 4x4 HDBaseT™ Matrix Kit 70m (4K up to 40m) Includes 4x HEX70B-RX HDBaseT™ Receivers

We are launching a series of regular

J HDBaseT™ Best Practice

interactive online tutorials, focused

J Advanced Multicast UHD

on providing convenient, bite sized

J New Product Launch

insights into the latest Blustream solutions and the day to day challenges we all currently face in our rapidly evolving market.

Introduction to the C44 & SC11HD-V2

HDCP 2.2

2.0

3D

A U D I O

EDID

PoE

WEB

GUI

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

Our new UK address: The Service Station,

Tel: +44(0)115 824 7000

J Multicast UHD

Melton Road, Hickling Pastures,

Email: sales@blustream.co.uk

J HDMI 2.0 Best Practice

Nottinghamshire,

Book Now J

At www.blustream.co.uk

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Web: www.blustream.co.uk

United Kingdom.

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Essential Install | Products

Opulent optoma

The HD27e can be turned into a smart projector by connecting an HDMI dongle

The HD27e, the next evolution of Optoma’s popular HD27 full HD 1080p home entertainment projector, is now available.

The new model offers brighter, bolder images, runs quieter and has a longer expected lamp life than its award-winning predecessor. Featuring ‘Amazing Colour’ technology, the projector looks to deliver accurate true-to-life colour reproduction.

Two HDMI inputs enable an easy setup, suitable for connecting a laptop, PC, Blu-ray player, media streamer or games console. Additionally, the HD27e weighs less than 2.9kg making it convenient for use on the go with the optional carry bag for a sports event, movie night or games marathon.

Kishan Mistry, product manager at Optoma says, “The new HD27e is a brighter home entertainment projector, combining fantastic features with exceptional colour accuracy to produce true-to-life visuals on a huge screen. The small chassis, simple set up and integrated speaker make this projector a good all-rounder for any home.”

Optoma’s Amazing Colour technology is designed to ensure vibrant, long-lasting and accurate colours to match any application or environment. Equipped with an enhanced colour wheel and multiple modes and settings to choose from, the projector gives users the freedom to select the best setting for the content. Each mode has been fine-tuned by Optoma’s expert colour team to ensure superior colour performance.

The HD27e can also be turned into a smart projector by connecting an HDMI dongle like the Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV to play games, stream videos and share photos on the big screen in the comfort of your own home.

For added convenience, the projector comes complete with an integrated speaker that delivers 10W audio. An audio output is also included, enabling connection to external sound systems. The gaming mode setting is designed to optimise the projector for lightning response times, maximum contrast and vivid colours.

Optoma 01923 691 865, optoma.co.uk

Wall of sound

The Ci5160REFTHX is part of KEF’s REFERENCE family of speakers

KEF has announced a new in-wall architectural loudspeaker, the Ci5160REF-THX, which the maker says has set a new standard for custom installation speaker design.

The Ci5160REF-THX is part of KEF’s REFERENCE family of speakers, attaining the most rarefied standards of design innovation, state-of-the-art engineering and performance. Like all KEF REFERENCE speakers, the Ci5160REF comes with the REFERENCE Build Certificate signed by the craftsman who built it. The new speaker also meets KEF’s ‘Extreme Theatre’ standard, as well as having THX Ultra certification.

At the heart of the Ci5160REF-THX is the 11th generation of the KEF’s signature innovation, the Uni-Q point source driver array. With a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter situated at the exact acoustic centre of a 125mm midrange driver, both act as a single source that floods the listening space evenly with a seamless and incredibly natural sound-field.

The Ci5160REF-THX also utilises a bespoke REFERENCE 160mm bass driver, optimised for use in-wall. With a massive vented magnet assembly and a large aluminium wire voice coil driving an exceptionally light, stiff and strong alloy cone, the low-frequency driver’s dynamics and power handling are particularly strong.

KEF’s engineers computer-modelled the ideal crossover networks before exhaustively auditioning every high-grade component to select those with the lowest distortion and the smoothest response. In addition, the high-frequency and low frequency crossovers are mounted on separate boards to minimise crosstalk. Taken together, these innovations offer a completely new level of freedom and flexibility for systems installers seeking top-of-the-line architectural speaker solutions capable of delivering the best possible sound quality, says KEF. Constrained layer damping; Acoustic Compliance Enhancement; the Z-Flex surround – these and other innovations are what account for the deserved global reputation of KEF’s multi-award winning loudspeakers. With over 40 years of continuous development, the maker says it is little wonder the KEF REFERENCE label has become the yardstick of high-end acoustic engineering, and with the Ci5160REF-THX, KEF is looking to make this level of state-of-the-art design available to homeowners and installers who desire the best of the best in a custom installation environment.

AWE 01372 729 995, awe-europe.com

Smart-e pants

Smart-e’s multipoint to multipoint HDBaseT matrix switcher

Smart-e has introduced the 4K-8x8-L, a multipoint to multipoint HDBaseT matrix switcher, supporting eight HDMI inputs with eight HDBaseT/HDMI mirrored outputs, in addition to eight audio inputs/outputs and ten infra-red inputs/outputs.

The highly versatile nature of the matrix makes it ideal for use in residential and commercial settings, while its small size allows it to fit easily into any available space.

The 4K-8x8-L is HDCP 2.2 compatible, making it a true 4K UHD matrix and future proofing any installation. HDBaseT outputs extend the signals up to 70m of Cat 6 cable, which together with remote powering of the receiver units make any installation quick and easy. Each dual output simultaneously transmits via both HDMI and HDBaseT connections, allowing for up to 16 displays in total from the matrix.

The 4K-8x8-L can be controlled either through IP, internal web browser, RS232 and front panel buttons allowing for maximum applicability to any potential control system. The addition of multiple infra-red ports provides a method of transmitting and receiving IR signals to and from the displays, allowing the 4K-8x8-L to cope with many different installation requirements.

Smart-e says the 4K-8x8-L is a great benefit to any home AV installation, allowing for a centralised, flexible control matrix that removes the need for untidy AV boxes scattered around the house. Rather than having individual boxes installed local to screens, all AV sources can be centralised by feeding them directly into the matrix, allowing control and video distribution to all rooms through a simple receiver unit.

The 4K-8x8-L is available direct from Smart-e and its distributor network.

Smart-e 01306 628 264, smart-e.co.uk

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Essential Install | Products

Monitor Audio debuts Vecta speaker line-up Monitor Audio is looking to combine versatility, style and audio performance with its cleverly-designed Vecta speaker for interior and exterior use.

With weather-resistant properties, the maker says Vecta V240 combines architectural aesthetics with innovation and high quality professional audio performance.

“Providing a high-quality audio experience, whether it be inside the home, a restaurant or gym, or in the outdoor areas of these venues – has become increasingly popular,” says Dean Hartley, Monitor Audio’s technical director.

“Thanks to our heritage in high end audio, we have developed a speaker that has been engineered to the highest possible standard, and will deliver an excellent audio performance wherever it is installed.”

The Vecta V240 is designed to offer versatility and simple installation using specially designed brackets and a single point automatic connection system. Vecta can be quickly and easily mounted horizontally or vertically, says Monitor Audio, as installers fix the bracket to the wall, and then simply drop the speaker in place and secure with a single screw.

Not only does this installation method save integrators’ time, but the manufacturer adds that it also simplifies the complexity of installing speakers at height or at difficult angles. An automatic connection system means that the install is sleek, with no wires visible.

To ensure clients receive the best audio, when mounted to the wall with the V-mount bracket, Vecta can be angled by 25° or tilted a further 32.5° (using the optional wedge) to direct the audio to the desired location.

Outdoor speakers of course need to be able to deliver in some challenging environments and for the Vecta V240, Monitor Audio has mounted dual 4in C-CAM metal cone drives to the curved baffle to help with delivering a controlled sound field.

This minimises ceiling or wall reflections when mounted under eaves or in a corner, while still being wide enough for superior coverage when wall-mounted.

The centrally mounted Gold C-CAM tweeter is horn loaded to ensure dispersion at the crossover point matches the mid-range, providing a smooth off axis frequency response. Monitor Audio says this approach results in a high-quality experience, with fewer audio black spots.

Developed with a curved tapered back cabinet in black or white, the Vecta V240 is designed to blend under eaves or in vertical corners and the speakers are cased in a high-density ABS enclosure with rust proof grille that is designed to withstand extreme environmental exposure.

The sealed box cabinet is free from air noise or potential ingress of water and dirt, which helps to maintain the IP55 environmental protection rating.

As with most Monitor Audio Custom Install products, the Vecta V240 is available with a lifetime warranty.

Turn the beat around

McIntosh’s new MT2 Precision Turntable is its most affordable turntable ever produced

McIntosh’s new MT2 Precision Turntable is its most affordable turntable ever produced, at a new low price point of £4,995. The entry-level MT2 Precision Turntable features an advanced electronic and mechanical design and the deck plays both 33-1/3 and 45 rpm records and is ready to use straight from the box, with all pre-sets taken care of at the factory.

Highly versatile, the MT2 comes with a pre-installed moving coil-type cartridge with an output high enough to enable compatibility with moving magnet inputs on partnering equipment, enabling flexibility with a range of devices.

The MT2’s cartridge design benefits from noise-free musical reproduction thanks to its high impedance and high output voltage. The cartridge features an alloy cantilever and an elliptical diamond stylus with high-quality tracking capability.

Its lightweight yet rigid tonearm is constructed from duraluminium with special damping materials. The noise free vertical bearings feature two precision-ceramic surfaces with damping fluid; the horizontal bearing is a gimballed sapphire design. The belt-driven solid black outer platter is made from a special dynamically balanced polyoxymethylene (POM) and is over 1in (25.4mm) thick. Its mass helps to both resist and absorb the external vibrations that can cause unwanted noise during playback; its large mass also provides the perfect flywheel action for stable playback speed.

The inner platter is made of CNC-precision milled aluminium. The platters rotate on a polished and tempered steel shaft in a sintered bronze bushing. The DC motor is driven by an external voltagestabilised power supply and is completely decoupled from the chassis, isolating the record from any mechanical interference.

The MT2’s sturdy plinth has a resonance-optimised and highly compressed wood base with a black lacquer finish, while the top and middle acrylic plates help absorb unwanted vibrations. A subtle green glow emanates from under the platter and the outside edges of the plinth for a touch of refined ambience and connection to the McIntosh design aesthetic. A clear, contoured dust cover is included.

McIntosh +1 607 723 3512, mcintoshlabs.com

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