EI Case Study Review 2022

CASE STUDY REVIEW A N E S S E N T I A L I N STA L L P U B L I C AT I O N

2022

Full case study inside pages 2 & 3

ONE TOUCH CONTROL FOR THE ULTIMATE PARTY ANIMALS DPP CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY REVIEW A N E S S E N T I A L I N STA L L P U B L I C AT I O N

2022

Full case study inside pages 2 & 3

ONE TOUCH CONTROL FOR THE ULTIMATE PARTY ANIMALS DPP CASE STUDY

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

CONTENTS

GROUP AD MANAGER

1 INTRODUCTION

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

PUBLISHER

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER

Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

susan@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

We love case studies!

2 ONE TOUCH CONTROL FOR THE ULTIMATE PARTY ANIMALS DPP Smart Home and Electrical Solutions/AWE

4 AVANDE SELECT POPULATES GREENWICH PENINSULA Greenwich Peninsula, a major London development

7 A PERFECT CRESCENT Perfect Integration

www.essentialinstall.com

12 THE ONLY WAY IS OUTDOOR AUDIO

SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL

Control4 partner, Elements

14 THE REMAKING OF MACCLESFIELD TOWN FC Lux Integrate

Whilst 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.

18 NO COMPROMISE NORTHAMPTON Maven AV

22 WIMBLEDON’S ACE HOME CINEMA THANKS DBM’S WINNING COMBINATION Surrey Hills Home Cinemas

26 THE HUB ON VERULAM Pulse Cinemas’ new demo space

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

A CASE IN POINT One of EI’s favourite type of articles to create are case studies. Often they look great, but most importantly give our industry the chance to shine and show what can be achieved in the context of a real-world example that others inside and outside of the trade can relate to. When the whole team sits down to decide which supplements we will include for the next year, debate is often lively as we try and make sure we cover the crucial areas that readers would like to know more about. Sometimes, it is difficult as far as a year in advance to decide what the hot topics will be. However, when it comes to

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including a Case Study Review, the whole team is in agreement that this approach always serves as a great showcase for the sector. After that comes the tricky process of choosing the projects to include, no easy task, especially this year as some cracking projects have come across EI’s desk.

There have been some really great award winners this year from The Smart Building Awards and the CEDIA Awards too, many of which have already been featured in the printed version of EI and the website too.

This time around what struck EI as we went through some of the year’s greatest hits is how varied and healthy the sector is looking currently. Sure, there are always issues to consider, the political and financial situation in the UK still looks pretty unstable, however the CI sector

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has shown itself to be quite resilient to exterior forces – and so whilst still facing challenges in logistics and supply, demand and popularity of what we can offer will hopefully remain high.

Checking out the collection we have gathered here will show how installers are helping some of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects take shape, as well as underline the continued health of the home cinema sector. Cinemas are also showing up in other spaces such as high-end MDUs, shared residences and hospitality settings, another phenomenon reflected inside the supplement. So, relax, kick back and see if your favourite has made the cut. If you have a project you would like to share with the EI universe, let us know, we would love to feature it!

CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 01

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

ONE TOUCH CONTROL FOR THE ULTIMATE PARTY ANIMALS For one fun-loving couple in Maidstone, creating the entertainment space of their dreams was made simple thanks to integrator DPP Smart Home and Electrical Solutions, supported by products from AWE. THE CHALLENGE This client came to Dominic Parete, director of DPP, with a challenge to turn two unused rooms in his new home into one big multifunctional entertainment space. A selfconfessed ‘non-techie’, the owner wanted the space to pack some serious party-punch with high-performance AV that was easy and straightforward to operate.

“We were presented with two empty rooms - a blank canvas - which was a first for us,” says Dominic. “The client explained that as he was very non-technical, a simple control solution was essential. We chose URC for several reasons. For the client, URC is high-performing, reliable and easy-to-use. For us, we like working with AWE (distributor for URC in the UK) because we get great technical support, and we know the URC platform and products provide a great control solution. They’re also always reliably in stock.”

room, so the pressure was on. To get an idea of what really got the client excited, Dominic took the homeowner on a voyage of discovery to AWE’s showroom in Epsom.

The client had no idea what URC was, or even what a control system was. At AWE they could play around with URC touch screen control solutions and get a better understanding of how easy it was to use. They could hear the quality of different speaker options, giving them a clearer idea of how their entertainment space could

look, sound and operate. In terms of the cinema area, the client had been wary of projectors after being disappointed in the past. That is, until they met the Sony native 4K Home Cinema Projector which, for them, was love at first watch.

“Bringing our clients to the AWE showroom is usually where the process really takes off,” enthuses Dominic. “To experience the different technologies first-hand, in a real-life setting, can accelerate decision-making and instil excitement for the result.”

GETTING INTO THE GROOVE While working with a blank canvas provides a wealth of potential, it also has its challenges.

DPP were not only responsible for the integration but also the layout and design of the

02 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

ONE REMOTE TO RULE THEM ALL The homeowner wanted an entertainment space that could be adaptable, suiting his impulsive personality. The URC MRX-8 Total Control Advanced Network System Controller has the capacity to control up to 32 audio/ video zones or areas of the home, it is also expandable via LAN allowing for a vast number of connected technologies. This provided the flexible solution required, with plenty of options to ensure the client was well-covered for the future.

The finished space includes a cinema and games areas as well as a fully stocked bar. For its party-loving owners, it was important that they could easily change the room settings from chill-out daytime vibes to full party mode in the evening. The games area includes a Sony KD50X85JU 50in 4K HDR LED TV, Definitive Technology

speakers

and

independent

subwoofer, that can be used separately or in combination with the cinema area to create an all-inclusive party space.

To control all the functionalities in the room – including main lights, LED strip lighting, blinds, audio, projector – the couple can use either the URC TKP-9600 10in In Wall Touchscreen Controller, TRC-1480 2.4in Touchscreen LCD remote control with integrated voice-control or smartphone app. These options effectively replace the need for any other remote controls and without this centralised control the couple would require more than seven different remotes.

A bespoke ‘Party Time’ button activates the couple’s chosen settings for a pop-up party, whenever they like. At the tap of a touch screen, ‘Party Time’ triggers the LED strip lighting, which runs the length of the bar, around the coffered ceiling, screen and four wall columns, to go into a colour-changing rotation. The sound systems at both ends of the room will start to play music, the automated blinds by QMotion come down and the main lights are dimmed, enhancing the party atmosphere.

For watching movies, the couple can choose ‘Movie Time’, which dims the lights to ideal viewing levels. The backlit projector screen is activated to maximise the projector quality and all they need to do is get comfortable. For the client’s wish to have a simple control function, it is ‘mission accomplished’ by DPP!

AND THE BEAT GOES ON… For a couple that started off feeling clueless about technology, they have now embraced it.

The well-organised Sanus CFR2115B1 15U Component Series AV Rack is even displayed in full view next to the bar, making an attractive feature within the room.

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Dominic concludes, “The client has been blown away by the finished project, they love it - it’s even better than they expected. In fact, the DPP team were invited back for a party just last week! Experiencing everything as a guest was brilliant, this party room is going to be hard to beat!”

DPP Smart Home and Electrical Solutions dppsmarthomes.co.uk AWE awe-europe.com

Essential Kit List • Definitive Technology: UIWRCSII Reference in-ceiling / in-wall bipolar loudspeaker rectangle, UIWRLSII In-wall reference line source speaker rectangle, DI8R Round 8in in-wall / in-ceiling loudspeaker, IWSub10/10 Fullyenclosed in-wall subwoofer rectangle • Sanus: VMPR1B, Universal Projector Ceiling Mount, WC 22.7kg, VLF613B2 Super Slim Full-Motion Mount For 40in – 80in Weight Capacity 56kg • Kinetik: KISP-AFH2 Acoustic Fire Hood For 200mm Speakers • Marantz: SR8015(BLK) 11.2ch 8K AV Receiver, Black • URC: TKP-9600 10in In Wall Touchscreen Controller, TRC-1480 2.4in remote • Sony VPL VW590 4K Projector

CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 03

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

AVANDE SELECT POPULATES GREENWICH PENINSULA A major new development in Greenwich Peninsula, London, is benefiting from first-to-market enhanced smart home and entertainment services via the Avande Select portal, creating a new era of choice and advanced functionality for developers and homeowners alike.

In order to offer customers the very best

outlay in the initial build phase. Purchasers can

opportunity to enhance their new homes with

select what they need from the Avande Select

completely integrated cutting edge technology,

portal before they move in or at any point

Knight Dragon, the property developer in

afterwards. Installation is fast, fuss free and has

charge of this impressive redevelopment, chose the Avande Select platform.

This

approach

delivers

an

intuitive

on-line portal, unique to each building and each apartment where homeowners can log-on and purchase home entertainment and smart home tech direct from the experts. The entire transaction from payment, to installation, and ongoing support is between the homeowner

minimum impact on the aesthetics of each home.

GREENWICH PENINSULA: AMBITIOUS URBAN LIVING This project will deliver 17,000 new homes and create 12,000 new jobs. Aware of the power of nature and open spaces, planners will also provide 48 acres of green spaces.

and Avande, streamlining the provision of

This project is the largest regeneration project

advanced home technology as customers only

in modern times and, according to its creators,

select the technology that suits their lifestyle

offers a completely new way to live and work

and developers are protected from unnecessary

in London.

04 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY New residents will enjoy riverside living, can work nearby in the cutting-edge Design District and will be able to enjoy The Tide, the Peninsula’s cultural linear park - all nestling by the river Thames. The development will also see the creation of two new schools and these waterside homes will also enjoy access to world-class entertainment venues as well as over 40 independent bars and restaurants.

Fast becoming a cultural centre as well, the space already enjoys farmers markets, music festivals, and the Design District and NOW Gallery attract over three-million visitors a year.

Public artworks by Damien Hirst, Allen Jones and Morag Myercough can also be found inside the development.

The developers also underline comprehensive travel links as getting to and from Greenwich Peninsula is possible via tube, bus, river boat or cable car, plus there is car parking and plenty of bike racks. Located in central London, Zone 2 (Jubilee Line), Greenwich Peninsula is one stop from Canary Wharf and 17 minutes from Bond Street.

Also located within Greenwich Peninsula is The Hub, an experience centre where potential buyers can assess and learn about everything that is available to enhance their home life via the Avande Select portal.

Avande Select is involved in one of London’s most ambitions redevelopment projects

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, EASY TO IMPLEMENT Avande’s engineers have carefully selected the right combination of smart home and entertainment technology to offer homeowners a curated set of choices to suit their apartment.

Multi-room audio systems can bring enjoyment and the right vibe to any part of the home at any time. Customers can also select different levels of home cinema packages (Gold, Silver and Bronze) to make movie night something really special or make enjoying the big game a thrill for all.

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CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 05

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY All of these homes can also enjoy strong Wi-Fi networks to power all of the online activity users could ever want and also bring under control all of the entertainment and smart home options they have chosen for their apartment. Everything that is included within each home can be brought under the spell of every user via a specially created app which can be used across any smart device. The Avande Select team also offer a special consultation service which allows users to communicate directly with smart home and entertainment experts and advise on the right choices for each customer.

Greenwich

Peninsula

combines

every

positive aspect of urban living, and the Avande Select portal sits right at the heart of the choices residents can make to enhance their new lives at this most exciting of locations.

Avande Select portal.avandeselect.com

Homeowners can choose increased comfort and

styles to suit the tastes of each homeowner.

Essential Kit List

control with a special environmental package

Intelligent lighting can be partnered with its

• Sonos

which places precise control of temperature

natural bedfellow, automated intelligent blinds.

• Lutron

These systems bring benefits such as dealing

• Ajax

with unwanted glare, and also make a home

• Heatmiser

more efficient by harnessing natural light or

• Lithe Audio

keeping in warmth. Enhanced security systems

• Ruckus

and make practical or aesthetic adjustments.

are also available to suit each home and

• Hikvision

The intelligent lighting switches that control this

location, providing peace of mind whether the

• Digilux

technology can come in an array of colours and

user is home or not.

in the palm of every user. Intelligent lighting is also part of the offering, which offers users the chance to either automate their lighting to react to events such as returning home/leaving or allows them to dial into the system at any time

06 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

A PERFECT CRESCENT Perfect Integration used all of its experience and some high-performance brands to deliver this world-class relaxation and entertainment space to a beautiful, restored London crescent.

Chris Knight, Managing Director, Perfect Integration, gave EI the tour earlier this year.

This detailed and high-performance project was created as a private residents club, offering many types of relaxation to the owners of the apartments above, which are also provided with automation and entertainment systems by Perfect Integration.

Entering the space delivers a genuine ‘wow factor’ as it is immediately apparent that the level of finish and detail is right at the top of where the industry can go.

Chris explains, “We have had a long relationship with the developer responsible for the renovation of this attractive set of apartments.

Totalling around eight years now, the building was the winner of Best Multiple Dwelling Unit project at the 2020 CEDIA Awards. The basement where the members club is located was not suitable for residential users, so our long-held ambition was to provide a top class entertaining and relaxation space for residents.

“To fit in with the rest of the building, we really wanted to invest in the space and produce something really impressive. We used our existing knowledge about the residents and worked really closely with our suppliers including

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Habitech and in particular Wisdom Audio to deliver a space that mixes genuine luxury with high performance AV and automation.”

The first space that visitors encounter is the Billiards Room, which partners a high end billiards table with fully integrated AV solutions based around a Samsung The Frame 75in TV, three Sonance invisible IS10 LCR speakers, a James PT-1000 sub and James C806-BE surrounds - all driven by an Arcam AVR40.

The space is controlled with a Crestron TSW-1070 touchscreen, with a Crestron TSR-310 remote also available in the space.

Residential apartments above also have Crestron, so the transition from the living space upstairs through to the entertainment space feels seamless and a genuine extension of the apartments. This is a well-appointed space and has a slightly James Bond/Kingsman feel to it, which is only enhanced when paintings on the walls rise using Future Automation lifts to reveal (amongst other things) a drinks cabinet.

The action of the lifts combines well with some subtle lighting that really takes this feature to where it needs to be, it feels completely right for

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the space – adding some fun and drama. The AV performance in this space is also impressive, offering a mixture of music only and media room viewing options.

The next zone offers a luxurious and welcoming lounge area which echoes the period features of this Georgian crescent with aplomb.

A beautiful ceiling rose is complemented by a spectacular lighting pendant which the integration team re-engineered to not just shine down but also up into the ceiling rose as well, creating a really dramatic and stylish look. The whole scheme benefits from Lutron lighting, but in this zone its use is particularly effective in creating different moods for residents and their visitors. The Perfect Integration team used all of its experience with period features to integrate Sonance and James speakers into this space so residents can enjoy background music or something more full on without the interior design of the space being compromised.

Moving over to the gym, residents enjoying this area can call on some Sonance commercial speakers, which reflect the industrial look that has been used in this space. The wellness

CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 07

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

The lounge combines lighting and audio to great effect

and spa area also enjoys some integrated speakers to help enhance the experiences and treatments available. Challenges in this area included installing marine grade speakers in the sauna and a steam room, and again Crestron control is used effectively to deliver all of the experiences that residents can enjoy here. In the spa area, lighting that reflects natural light and circadian sensibilities is used to great effect.

HOME CINEMA HIGHLIGHT As impressive as the rest of the club is, EI was naturally eager to experience the cinema as the space had already built up a reputation for top end performance.

Before the cinema could be created, the basement had some extremely effective soundproofing structures and products installed - as

08 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

the cinema sits directly below where people live and sleep. Further protection is supplied by ‘the room within a room’ build approach so the cinema can be at reference levels and not be felt at all in the floors directly above. Diffusion and absorption products from Cinematech were also used in the creation of the space. A starlight ceiling was also installed, providing some added aesthetic appeal.

The cinema is built around a Wisdom Audio speaker collection and StormAudio processing.

The Wisdom Audio speakers are arranged in a 9.6.8 system. The Perfect Integration team spent a long-time modelling and working out the best configuration for the space. The bass in particular needed a lot of careful planning with six subs finally proving to be optimal. The room correction software on the StormAudio

processor (Dirac Live) was also used to optimise, but mostly for the lower frequencies. Chris says that the Wisdom Audio speakers proved to be so strong at producing a wide range of audio, the cinema simply didn’t need adjustment in the mid to higher ranges.

Complementing the audio is a JVC X9 projector, partnering a DT Screens (3.4m wide – 2.35:1 aspect ratio screen) both chosen as optimal for the size of this room (6.5m x 4.3m). The cinema enjoys a wide range of sources, allowing users to experience movies, as well as gaming and there are also settings within the processor to allow people to listen to music using the front speaker array only.

Chris explained that future plans include the possibility for residents to access their own sources from their apartments (such as Sky Q)

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY so they can jump right into their own content, set up the way the like it, as soon as they enter the cinema.

Chris also explained how important Steve Rutherford, International Sales Manager, Wisdom Audio, had been during the creation and fine tuning of the cinema. “Right out of the box the cinema has always been impressive, however with an installation like this, naturally, we wanted to go as far as we could performance wise and so a lot of time was spent in calibration, and we are really happy with the final results,” says Chris.

Steve was present the day EI visited and was clearly very proud of what has been achieved here. Entirely justified - as the cinema really does deliver. What’s particularly impressive is how the cinema combines power with subtlety, you feel completely relaxed and engaged no matter what kind of content in being played.

The reaction from residents has been extremely positive, revealing to many just how good a system like this can be for the first time. One resident has already asked to upgrade his own system in the apartment above based on what the main cinema has delivered. The cinema can be booked via the building’s concierge and the Crestron system driving the cinema (again) delivers a control approach the residents are already familiar with and so getting up and running is easy.

A really impressive set up here all round, each zone providing something different tuned perfectly to the activities taking place. However it has to be said the star of the show is definitely the cinema, just a really luxurious and high performance space it’s a joy to experience.

Perfect Integration perfectintegration.co.uk

Essential Kit List General • Lighting • Lutron HomeWorks QSX • Light fittings • Decorative wall lights, pendants and lamps

by Bert Frank • Architectural fittings by Orluna • Linear LED by Tagra Control • Crestron with bespoke user interface Security • Dahua CCTV with AI • Salto access control Cinema Equipment List • 9.6.8 Wisdom system • Wisdom Audio: 7 x Sage Cinema Line 2 • Wisdom Audio: 2 x L75i • Wisdom Audio: 6 x S90i subs • Wisdom Audio: 8 x ICS7A • Wisdom Audio: 11 x SA3 (3 x 500w) amplifiers • StormAudio: ISP Mk2 32 • JVC: NX-9 projector • DT Screens: Custom Screen (3.4m wide – 2.35:1 aspect ratio) • Kaleidescape: Strato S • Apple: Apple TV 4K • Humax: Humax Freesat Tuner • Microsoft: Xbox series X • Oppo: 4K Oppo UDP203 Blu-ray Player • Crestron: TSR-310 remote Billiards Area • Samsung The Frame 75in TV • 3 x Sonance Invisible IS10 LCR speakers • James PT-1000 sub • James C806-BE surrounds

• Arcam AVR40 • Crestron TSW-1070 touchscreen • Crestron TSR-310 remote Lounge • 4 x Sonance Invisibe IS8 speakers • James PT-1000 sub • Dim to warm lighting • Bespoke pendant with up-lighting to highlight ceiling Cardio Gym • 4 x Sonance P63 pendants • 1 x Sonance PS-S210SubT sub • Bluetooth receiver to allow Peleton and Hydrow to connect to speakers Weights Gym • 4 x James SA63-7 small aperture speakers • 85” Samsung LED TV • RGBWW LED lighting • Crestron TSW-760 touchscreen flushed into wall • Crestron HR-310 remote Wellness Area • 2 x Sonace Invisible IS8 speakers • Sonance Mariner in sauna • Sonance VP Extreme in steam room • Circadian Rhythm Tuneable white lighting with bespoke wall lights • Temp linked RGBW lighting in Sauna and steam • Crestron TSW-570P touchscreen AV Racks • 3 x Sonance DSP 8-130 power amps • Sonos Ports for musical source. Plan to add a Naim streamer • Middle Atlantic AXS slide out racks • Furman power conditioning • Ruckus network switches and Wi-Fi 6 APs

The cinema is loved by the residents

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CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 09

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

THE ONLY WAY IS OUTDOOR AUDIO With garden spaces increasingly being used year round as social spaces, Essex-based Control4 Partner, Elements is just one of the two-thirds of UK integrators who now install outdoor entertainment, according to the CEDIA Integrated Home Market Analysis Report 2021.

Set in a small village in Essex, this substantial period property has been sympathetically refurbished by its owners into a magnificent, modern family home. Having first been appointed to upgrade the existing interior Control4 system, which includes audio, TV, lighting and security control, Elements has now turned its attention to the extensive outdoor space which is being completed in stages.

“The client and his family spend a lot of time in the grounds and wanted music to enhance their experience and enjoyment of outdoor living for a variety of situations, be that an intimate chat on the patio, a pool party, a thoughtful meander around the grounds, a family dinner or all these things at once,” explains James Hollis, Integrated Systems Business Manager at Elements. “They wanted it to be ready to go whenever they were. To deliver that, we partnered with Snap One to design a customised solution that would be easy to operate, provide high quality sound for different

12 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

applications and be scalable for additional zones in the future.”

In designing phase one of the system with Snap One, Elements divided the vast space into five dedicated audio zones – two patios, a pool area, a temple walkway and an island set on a lake. Each space has the functionality to operate as individual audio zones or, collectively, to play synchronised audio throughout the entire garden. In the planning phase, Elements also worked closely with the in-house gardening team who helped design flower beds and topiary for speaker and sub-woofer placement to minimise their visibility.

Elements chose to work with the Episode range of outdoor speakers and subwoofers from Snap One. With multiple options available including individual Satellite Speakers, an allin-one Landscape Terrain kit, Surface Mount Speakers, Omni-Directional Speakers, Rock Speakers, Subwoofers and Soundbars – Episode provides a wide range of products

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

for every install, providing exceptional quality and great value. Constructed with all-weather components, Episode products can handle the elements (from -20 to 185°C) and still deliver a crisp, natural sound. They even feature a shape and colour designed to blend seamlessly into any environment.

Now completed, phase one features 26 Episode Landscape Satellites and two Episode Landscape 360-degree speakers - as well as five Episode Landscape Subwoofers to enrich the bass. In the pool area, which doubles as a night-time entertaining / party space, Elements installed a 10:2 system to deliver plenty of field volume. In the two patios and the temple walkway, four Episode Landscape Satellite speakers were carefully positioned and cleverly concealed by foliage with Episode Landscape 10in subwoofers partially submerged in 4.1 configurations. Four additional Episode Landscape Satellite speakers were installed in beds along the far edge of the garden to ensure a consistent blanket of sound. Episode Landscape Series 360-degree speakers are also installed on the island to deliver a wide dispersion and a uniform coverage without “hot spots.”

There is no delay between zones, so the client and his family can walk from poolside through to one of the patios, listening to the same tune without any audio lag. From the lake, they can hear the same music as when they walk the perimeter of the water. For added versatility, a recessed tap switch allows the system to be configured for 70V or 8-ohm systems, plus 3.75W, 7.5W, 15W, and 30W settings

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to enable the client to dial in the perfect volume level.

The solution is powered and delivered on Control4 using premium quality equipment from Snap One brands, including Triad AMS8v2 audio matrix switchers, Episode Amplifiers and Araknis network switches, all neatly housed in two Strong rack enclosures in purpose-built outbuildings. Underground fibre optic cabling links back to the main house to unify house and garden into one easily controllable system.

The homeowner can manage all connected technologies, indoors and outdoors, via their existing Control4 interface on touchscreens or mobile devices. Elements monitor and manage all the technology inside and outside the house using the OvrC remote platform.

“Episode was the perfect choice for this project. The audio quality and flexibility is great and, with the main house already being Control4 operated, we could seamlessly extend and retain the familiar, easy-to-use control platform for the client and their family,” adds

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James. “Episode Landscape Satellite speakers blend well with the surroundings and are robust enough to be cleaned by the gardeners’ power wash each day. This is an on-going project and will develop further as more areas of the garden are landscaped. For this reason, it was vital that the solution was scalable to add more zones in the future. It is already a large-scale outdoor integration, yet it is easy, and a pleasure, to use, update and monitor – ticking all the right boxes for me, the client, his family and friends.”

To learn more about Snap One visit snapone.com, Control4 Dealers can learn more

on

the

Control4

Dealer

Portal.

Information on Elements is available here elementscontracting.co.uk.

Essential Kit List • Episode Landscape 360-degree x2 • Triad One Zone Amplifier x1 • Control4 EA-3 x2 • Araknis 210 16port network switch x3 • Episode 70/8ohm 500x2 amp x4 • Triad AMS8v2 x2 • Episode Landscape 6” satellite woofer x26 • Episode Landscape 10” subwoofer x2 • Episode Landscape 12” woofer x3 • Episode Digital subwoofer Amplifier 500w x3 • Strong wall mount 16u rack x2 • Strong wall mount 12u rack x1

CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 13

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

THE REMAKING OF MACCLESFIELD TOWN FC There’s more to Macclesfield Town Football Club than meets the eye. One of England’s oldest clubs has become a thriving sports/exercise and entertainment hub for the local community.

Lux Integrate helped transform the space, find out how.

Town project is its first large-scale commercial venture. Lux Integrate’s Jay Hussain says, “We’d completed a couple of little projects, mainly audio distribution, for local businesses prior to the Macclesfield Town job, but this was to become our first big commercial challenge, and funnily enough, it came to us via a residential customer: our favourite ex-footballer Robbie Savage!

“Robbie is part of the team working with Rob Smethurst to build the business at Macclesfield Town FC. He contacted us with the idea of installing a couple of TVs and soundbars in the club’s boardroom. “But when we got there, Rob showed us the plans for larger scale AV distribution, supplied as part of a full refurb The new-look Macclesfield Town complex,

generously equipped health and social spaces,

by a contractor. I realised the plan wouldn’t

which is open to the public all year round, is the

the club also sports the latest AV systems,

deliver what Rob needed, and with Habitech’s

brainchild of club owner Rob Smethurst, whose

designed and installed by Wilmslow custom

support, I suggested a few changes, up-selling

plan for multiple revenue streams includes

integrator, Lux Integrate.

the idea of spectacular high quality video walls

an all-weather pitch, refurbished stands and

Lux Integrate, which is the CI arm of

floodlights, a thriving youth football academy,

established local retailer Bang & Olufsen

two state-of-the art private membership gyms

Wilmslow, has been developing its residential

“This would deliver the new experience that

and a large sportsbar/restaurant, dubbed ‘Bar

business for several years in order to extend the

would get customers talking about the club and

Twenty-Seven’. In keeping with new décor and

value of its franchise sales, but the Macclesfield

coming back in greater numbers. So, he asked

14 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

and evenly distributed wide bandwidth sound to go with them.

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

us for a detailed proposal and virtually overnight

away from the bar’s longer pitch side elevation.

my role changed from consultant to project

Similar Dahua video walls are positioned in the

facilitator in charge of design and installation. I’d

two gyms, with all screens hooked up to Sky

had this vision of sports bar AV done right and

and Freeview through Wyrestorm’s NetworkHD

this was my opportunity to prove it.”

400 Series 4K AVoIP encoder/decoders.”

“Between the video walls in the bar we

THE VIP BAR Jay adds, “Bar Twenty-Seven forms one zone of an eightzone audio network, which runs on Yamaha Commercial’s MTX-5D matrix processor and three XMV amplifiers, with local control from seven Yamaha-DCP4V4SEU wall

BAR TWENTY-SEVEN

hung ten evenly spaced Sonance PS-P63T

Jay explains, “In my opinion, too many sports

6.5in Pro Series pendant speakers from the

bars skimp on the very thing that defines them:

ceiling. Stylistically they work really well with

the AV! Many suffer from inadequate sound,

the exposed air conditioning pipes and cable

on matchdays and throughout the year. As you’d

patchy in level: too loud in some areas, almost

trays. Over several weeks we had the chance

expect it has a very tasteful designed interior, so

inaudible in others. “Invariably the screens are

to test the audio in all conditions, and while it

we installed a total of 15 ultra-discreet Sonance

too small for the space and suffer from poor

worked beautifully for high quality background

PS-C63RT 6.5in Pro Series in- ceiling speakers

resolution, so customers have to squint to see

music and voices, the intelligibility needed a

to blend in.”

what’s going on.

boost on match days as the live commentary

switches. Another zone covers the VIP bar: a 15m x 8m space with wide pitch side views, which is used for dining and hospitality events

THE GYMNASIUMS

“For Bar Twenty- Seven, which is a large

was getting drowned out by the noise in the bar.

20m x 10m area, we wanted to make a

So, we installed little Yamaha IF-2205 two-way

statement with a stateof-the-art AV experience.

2 x 8in speakers in strategic positions to

Macclesfield FC’s new business model are

We used larger 2 x 2 video walls by Dahua,

enhance the vocal frequencies, and the system

the refurbished gyms, which are used by the

each comprising four 55in DAH-LS550UCM

works a treat, delivering high quality audio and

football squads and academy players as well

monitors, positioned in the restaurant areas

video to drinkers, diners and spectators alike.”

as being open to public membership. “Upstairs

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Jay explains, “Forming an important part of

CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 15

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

with a pitch side view is the ‘Stealth Gym’, dedicated to cardiovascular exercise, with an appropriately pumping AV system featuring seven Sonance PS-P83T 8in Pro Series pendants and another Dahua 2 x 2 video wall, while downstairs there’s a larger health club space having its own reception, free-weight area, a spin-class section and even a boxing ring.

“For the spin class area, we used four Sonance PSS83T

8in

Pro-Series

surface

mount

speakers, which tuck beautifully between the exposed pipework of the open ceiling architecture. “Beneath a further Dahua video wall we installed enclosures concealing two Sonance

PS-S210SUBT

dual

10in

Pro

Series bandpass subs: it’s a very discreet solution for high quality full-range audio at any level. A total of 22 Sonance PSS63T 6.5in Pro Series surface mount speakers nestle in the ceilings of the reception, weights and boxing areas.”

16 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

Jay continues, “By contrast the adjacent changing rooms are altogether more tranquil, needing just the right level of background audio definition from 12 Sonance PS-C43RT 4in in-ceilings for the warm down. And for a little hospitality area outside, we used Sonance Landscape Series allweather satellites. This little install formed the final zone of our audio distribution at Macclesfield Town FC and used the last lengths from the fifteen drums of SCP CAT 6A and 100V line cable we needed for the job.

Perry, were there with advice and assistance every step of the way. I mentioned that this was our first big commercial job but having experienced how the Habitech team responds with design ideas, ideal products and ongoing support from the get-go to final commissioning and beyond, we no longer fear any commercial project, however large and complex.

“Not only was John Perry instrumental in creating the proposal that won us the job in the first place, he and the team, including Jane Anstead, Dave Bunnage and Winston Williams, stayed with us to ensure a great result for

THE CHALLENGES

our customer.

Jay reveals, “The biggest challenge for any integrator is having to deal with your client’s changing vision for the space (which can often arrive in an overnight epiphany), and then having to ‘move the goalposts’ within the contractor’s schedule of works to make the adaptations.

Otherwise, the job was fairly straightforward, not least because Habitech, and particularly John

“I’ve been in the industry for seven years, and in all that time I’ve not known a rival distributor get anywhere close to Habitech’s level of service. No kidding, if I could buy a box of screws from Habitech, I would.”

Lux Integrate lux-integrate.co.uk

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

NO COMPROMISE NORTHAMPTON A fine example of a whole house system by Maven AV, which covers every aspect of a smart home and delivers it at the highest level of quality.

Rob Simmonds, Director at Maven AV, explains, “The owner of this Grade II period property had been a client of ours for around six years prior to this complete refurbishment. Within this time, we had installed a few separate AV systems in areas of the property, but due to the nature of the building getting cables around discreetly

18 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

was proving ever more difficult. By this time, we had gained a good knowledge of the clients’ preferences and their future requirements so were able to come up with a complete cabling infrastructure as part of the build – which would cater for current systems, along with the capacity to cope with future technologies. A total of

34Km of cable was installed as part of the first fix wiring to form the backbone for a huge Lutron HomeworksQS lighting system, Control4 automation, video distribution, multiroom audio and data networking system with multimode fibre to all locations for future technologies and increasing bandwidth requirements.”

Working closely with the designers and architects, each room or area was themed and as such was approached as a totally sperate system design, however Maven wanted to achieve a consistent experience for the client throughout. In order for this to work with the interior design, the majority of TVs were hidden from view by automated artwork within picture-frames or automated brackets/TV lifts.

Speakers located in each room were colour matched with corresponding room colours and for audio timbre consistency, Artcoustic was heavily used throughout.

Rob says, “The technology actually starts from outside of the gates where CCTV cameras are located and presented on each touchscreen and TV as well as to each user’s personal device, a total of 19 cameras are present but this will increase to 38 once the entire project is complete. Once entering through either of the

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

gated entrances, which have Control4 intercom panels, each of the driveways have custom vehicle ground loops for easy exit at scheduled times of the day. Should the clients be driving any of their numerous vehicles; an ANPR camera will read the number-plate and open the corresponding garage door where said car is to be parked underground with the use of the car-lift.

“Once in the grounds, by entering via either the front door or the main entrance lobby you are presented with further Control4 intercom panels which relay a chime over the speakers in pre-set areas at scheduled times. In order to use the property’s original door bell-push we have a contact sensor within this linked to the Control4 door station entry panel which is disguised as a ‘confession booth’ styled fascia to maintain the intercom feature and the alternative CCTV camera located in the lobby is presented on screen. Once into the main entrance a grand piano, linked to the network, plays live concerts – the piano keys are automated so it really is a live performance and an audio output from this is then played through the audio distribution system to relay the music to all areas of the property.”

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Formal areas such as the Dining Room and Sitting room have discreet systems comprising of plaster-in-wall Amina speakers and a TV disguised as a mirror, only the Lutron keypads and remotes are the tech giveaway in these rooms.

The main living space comprises of the kitchen and day room. Each room has colourmatched Artcoustic 5.1 speaker systems and can be linked to work as one large space. Each of the Sony OLED TVs are hidden behind similar artwork and TV frames.

Rob reveals, “With the kitchen TV being located in a thoroughfare, an existing cob wall had to be reinforced with a concrete lintel to allow for the TV to be recessed and fitted with a Future Automation automated TV bracket which extends through the artwork frame to pre-set viewing positions – never been done before and I now know why! it’s not easy!”

The ‘TV room’ is off the corridor which is one of two main viewing rooms of the same spec in terms of audio; 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos using Arcam and Artcoustic. This 70’s themed room has Europe’s first Sony 98in ZG9 Full Array LED Master Series screen weighing in at 180KG, hung on a Future Automation pull-out

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bracket reinforced with steel-rod and chemical fixings. A custom themed and lacquered media cabinet houses three pull-out and swivel AV racks and the subwoofers and soundbar. All other speakers are located around the room at Dolby-standard positions and colour-matched to the room design.

Rob explains some of the design detail, “We customised three retro JVC sphere TVs and suspended them from the ceiling to recreate a modern (retro) nod to the 70’s classic flying ducks. We removed the CRT screens and replaced them with LCD monitors, each with its own Raspberry Pi to show a video loop of each duck.”

At the rear of this room, a large orange porthole (housing two colour-match Artcoustic speakers) leads through to a matching themed office with its own 5.1 Artcoustic system and is home to the four main AV racks distributing all audio and video sources to each of the 32 zones of audio and 21 video displays. One of the UK’s largest Kaleidescape systems (27 units!) is housed here and spread across many other areas for local players and distributed media content.

CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 19

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

A VERY COOL CONSERVATORY

One of the jewels in the crown here is the conservatory which is stunning and has to be stood-in to appreciate it’s size. Rob says, “In here we have a corner dedicated for TV viewing, with a TV again hidden behind a renaissance canvas and frame with its own Artcoustic soundbar and subwoofer. Along with this there are a further eight soundbars located around the high-level perimeter, fixed via custom designed and colour-matched brackets to ensure they overhang and tilt to the correct angle to project audio downwards. These are complimented with a further four twin-subwoofers disguised as marble blocks withing the stone columns.

A DJ input is located on the overlooking Juliet balcony for the ultimate party experience.”

Upstairs all Master areas have 5.1 audio systems with Future Automation rise and fall TV lifts housed with custom joinery. Bathrooms and ensuites have mirror TVs and ceiling speakers run throughout all communal areas and hallways. Guest bedrooms all have TVs and access to all global video sources as well as local media for privacy.

A 1920s themed cocktail bar is located in the basement with original vintage slot machines and a ‘Sassy Sally’ picture slide-show.

Along the Basement corridor you will find the temperature-controlled wine cellar, with a separate wine-tasting room – both catered for by the audio system. A short walk past the full-height cigar humidors you enter the games room. This has a full nightclub spec audio system from Artcoustic with multiple screens located behind the bar area along with a corner snug area with a sperate TV and audio system (which can be linked to the main area’s system) dedicated for playing retro games consoles.

The cinema is accessed through a lobby with choices of snacks which is also where the basement AV rack is housed. Pressing the ‘cinema’ button on the Lutron keypad activates the lighting along with turning on the cinema system. The idea in this room was to have a traditional look so a deep red theme is consistent throughout. The two day-beds form the front row with a raised rear row of four upright seats. The red velvet curtains retract on the Silent Gliss ‘Glide’ hidden track to reveal a 10ft wide 16:9 acoustically transparent projection screen which sits in front of an

array of six Artcoustic A6 cinema monitors, accurately angled so that the bottom row of LCRs are specific for the front row, and the LCRs above angled for the rear row. Three dual 10in subwoofers handle the bass with plenty of acoustic headroom. Artcoustic SL8-4s are positioned within Dolby reference guidelines for the sides and rears, and the four Architect SL4-2s complete this Dolby Amos 7.3.4 audio system. High end video performance is achieved with the Sony VW870 laser projector with all video sources sent at full resolution via a HDMI over fibre.

Maven AV maven.uk.com

Essential Kit List • 4 x Middle Atlantic SLIM5 43U racks with gang cable chase & fine floor skirted castor bases • Furman Power conditioning & surge protection • Draytek Vigor 2860 series VDSL Router • CAT6 Patch Panels • Netgear S3300 series (fibre) stackable Gigabit Network switches with POE+ with 10GB Uplink • Heatmiser NeoHub • Coolmaster HVAC automation bridge • Pakedge PDU’s

20 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

• APC UPS

• 3 x Kaleidescape Strato C Players

• Control4 CA-10 System Controller

• 4 x Kaleidescape Premier Movie Servers

• Control4 EA-5 Room Controller

• 9 x Kaleidescape M700 Player/Vaults

• Control4 IO Expanders

• 12 x Kaleidescape Mini Players

• 2 x Triad 16x16 Audio Matrix

• Wyrestorm NHD 400 Series 4K HDR Video over IP

• 5 x Triad 8 Zone Multichannel Amplifiers • 14 x Artcoustic 500w Power Amplifiers (for subwoofers)

• 9 x NHD 400 Series Encoders

• 5 x Denon X3700 AVRs

• NHD Controller

• SKY HD, SKY Q, Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire 4K

• 3 x Ruckus (fibre) stackable Gigabit Network switches with POE+ with 10GB Uplink

• Kaleidescape Terra Movie Server 24TB

• 22 x NHD 40 Series Decoders

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ADD A LITTLE EXTRA

INTRODUCING THE POWERNODE EDGE

Introducing the POWERNODE EDGE, your entry point into “just add speakers” hi-fi for the streaming age combining sources, control and amplification all in one sleek device. Driving the POWERNODE EDGE is a new closed-loop DirectDigitalTM amplification platform delivering 2 x 40W of power with zero-distortion and Bluesound’s latest generation quad-core processor. Complete your sonic oasis with access to 20+ popular music streaming services, built-in internet radio or the ability to listen to your own library of music through aptX HD Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, HDMI eARC and more.

Featuring multi-room capabilities with smartphone controls, audiophile-grade componentry capable of hi-res streaming up to 24 bit/192kHz and support for MQA, the POWERNODE EDGE is an intuitive audio system for music lovers on a budget. Available in both black and white finishes.

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

WIMBLEDON’S ACE HOME CINEMA THANKS DBM’S WINNING COMBINATION SURREY HILLS HOME CINEMAS Surrey Hills Home Cinemas uses DbM’s high-performance range to deliver home cinema and AV excellence.

With its latest installation, Guildford-based

“This was our chance to build the ultimate

integrator, Surrey Hills Home Cinemas has

home cinema and listening room for a client

created an exceptional cinematic experience

who’d always yearned for a magical, immersive

within a beautifully renovated contemporary

experience,” says Elliot Hicks from Surrey Hill

home in Wimbledon Village. Built on the audio

Home Cinemas. “We knew the space would

power and finesse of Meridian Audio’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) loudspeakers in a High-Power Array (HPA), a Meridian patented technology, this home cinema also benefits from the picture brilliance of Barco’s Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) compliant Freya+ 4K laser projector, a Display Technologies automasking screen, CAT-S acoustic treatment and a Trinnov Altitude 32 processor, all supplied

by DbM. Having longed for their own premium quality home cinema for 40 years, the client took the opportunity to build this dream room in a newly formed basement space on the property. Surrey Hills Home Cinemas

22 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

be used to enjoy a wide variety of content and needed to be able to perform to the highest standard, whether the family were watching Spielberg’s ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ or listening to a Chopin piano recital. Whatever the selection, our job was to place them at the heart of the experience with the best seats in the house.”

Audio performance was obviously key to meeting the client’s expectations and, after listening to competing brands in a range of demos, the client selected Meridian. The team at Surrey Hills Home Cinemas then designed an environment where every component was

were briefed to construct a cinema where the

specified and every detail considered to ensure

family could indulge their passion for action

the very best sound and video quality. The result

movies, but equally find a comfortable place

is an incredible 11.8.8 HPA immersive 3D

where they could relax and lose themselves in

cinema powered by the latest Meridian DSP

classical music performance.

loudspeaker technology.

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

High-performance home cinema was the order of the day

Eight DSP750 digital active architectural inwall loudspeakers pack a significant audio punch along each side and from rear channels while a further nine DSP750s power the Left, Centre and Right HPA performance. Three Meridian Audio DSP730 digital active architectural inwall loudspeakers were installed for the front left, centre and right height channels with an additional five DSP730s fitted to deliver in the overhead channels. Eight Meridian DSW600 digital active in-wall subwoofers give unbelievable depth, bass and resonance exclusively

in

the

low-frequency

effect

(LFE) channel.

The DSP750s and DSP730s combine power and fidelity to provide both discretion and outstanding reference quality audio. The DSP750 delivers a maximum output of 120dB and bass extension down to 30Hz while the DSP730 provides 115dB and bass extension down to 38Hz. The DSW600 can handle bassheavy music and movie soundtracks, delivering incredible, immersive audio with ease and perfect timing down to 24Hz. Meridian’s HPA technology optimises the output and coverage of sound when Meridian architectural loudspeakers are arranged in this type of close-proximity array configuration.

It ensures that high SPL targets can be achieved

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CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 23

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY across the entire listening region, without distortion. The HPA configuration ensures minimal interference and spectral variation between speakers, resulting in an even response so that every listener in the room can experience Meridian’s signature high resolution sound and fidelity. It also allowed the Surrey Hills Home Cinemas team to maintain the 100mm mounting depth while no extra equipment was required in the rack to support the additional channels.

Bringing all this audio together are a Meridian Audio Digital Theatre 271 Controller which effortlessly integrate the loudspeakers to bring the authentic, natural and ultra-clear Meridian sound to life and a Trinnov Altitude 32 Processor, capable of handling Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D or DTS:X formats. Meanwhile, a Meridian 218 Zone Controller acts as an endpoint for Roon, the high-quality streaming service so the cinema can be used as a Hi-Res listening room.

PICTURE PERFECTION The exceptional picture is provided by a Barco Freya+ DCI projector, featuring the latest in native

Barco provides some powerhouse imaging for this project

4K DLP chipsets from Texas Instruments and the acclaimed Barco Alchemy ICMP (Integrated

Meridian

impact. All loudspeakers connect with an

Cinema Media Processor). Installed on an XL

loudspeakers feature in 11 rooms, including

Elsewhere

in

the

property,

easy-to-use Sonos whole-house audio system.

Side Mirror Mount to save space in the cinema’s

a dedicated games room, gym and multiple

In the study, a pair of Meridian DSP7200

rear projection and rack room, the Freya+

living areas. Meridian DSP640.2 digital active

floorstanding speakers, finished in piano black,

offers great contrast and a wider colour gamut

in-wall loudspeakers provide left, centre and

provide authentic, high-quality sound of MQA

at 13,500 ANSI Lumens. Surrey Hills Home

right audio either side of an 83in Sony OLED

recordings over Roon that’s perfect again for

Cinemas have fitted a Display Technologies

TV in the media room, combining with DSP320

the classical music lovers in the house.

Dynamic 2TB masking screen, measuring

in-ceiling speakers, another Meridian Digital

4300mm wide and CAT-S sound diffusing and

Theatre 271 Controller and a Trinnov Altitude

Surrey Hills Home Cinemas

absorbing panels for acoustic treatment.

16 Processor to deliver terrific surround sound

surreyhillscinemas.co.uk

Essential Kit List • 9 x DSP750 for LCR HPA configuration (3 channels)

• Display Technologies Dynamic 2TB masking screen 4300mm wide, 1.78 ratio

• 3 x DSP730 for front LCR height channels (3 channels)

• XL Side Mirror Mount • CAT-S acoustic treatment

• 8 x DSP750 for side and rear channels (8 channels)

• Kaleidescape Terra server

• 5 x DSP730 for overhead channels (5 channels)

• Apple TV

• 2 x Digital Theatre 271 Controllers

• 8 x DSW600 for LFE (8 channels) • 1 x 218 for music listening via Roon • Trinnov Altitude 32 Processor • Barco Residential Freya+ DCI projector

24 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

• Panasonic UHD Player • Sky Q • Laserdisc • PS5 Playstation • Fortress Seating

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Sound For What You See

exclusive

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

PULSE CINEMAS CREATES HOSPITALITY SHOWCASE POWERHOUSE! The whole Pulse Cinemas team is excited to present a really special new install created for a very cutting-edge venue, the Hub on Verulam, a seriously cool hospitality venue created to add yet another demo and events space for our dealers.

Famed for its ancient Roman remains and beautiful cathedral, St Albans is a much sort after area to live and work in, or to commute the short distance to the capital. However, now the City has another claim to fame, it is home to what we feel is one of the best hospitality cinemas in the country, created for the Hub on Verulam by the Pulse Cinemas team. What is more, the venue is another world-class demonstration and events space open to Pulse Cinema dealers!

The venue itself boasts a huge array of attractions and events, offering an exciting place to eat, drink, attend pop up events and now to watch movies and sport in the highest quality possible.

Part of the plan in creating the venue, founded by local couple Alex and Hannah, was to show live sport, independent cinema, host community events and comedy in two screening rooms. The venue also hosts live music every month and hosts pop up events.

The Hub’s kitchen is open all day serving food, drinks and cocktails in the various parts of the venue which cover inside and outside spaces. Open to the public, the venue also offers membership which opens it to a range

26 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

of other benefits. The Hub on Verulam’s

for pre-screening drinks. This space offers the

cinema rooms host a busy monthly schedule

chance to watch independent and classic films,

of events, screening and workshops aimed

major sporting events and documentaries.

at quenching the community’s thirst for knowledge, entertainment and connection.

Simon Gibbs, Technical Sales Director at Pulse Cinemas, explains, “In this room we have designed, specified and built a high-performance

‘THE BOX’

7.2.4 Dolby Atmos cinema created to reflect

This compact cinema room provides an intimate,

the venue’s desire to offer different types of

luxury setting and enjoys its own private bar

content in the space. Consequently, this system

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY needed to be a good all-rounder and of course for a hospitality venue ease of use was also high on the agenda.”

Our team needed to dig deep into the Pulse Cinemas line up and come up with the perfect set of products to match the space with Sim2, Paradigm and Anthem some of the stars of the show.

Simon explains, “This space is really good opportunity to show what the Sim2 xTV 4K in ceiling projector can do. Obviously, the venue team needed to maintain the really cool aesthetic that goes right through the venue, so being able to specify a system that delivers highly impressive imaging, but a highly discreet install also, was a huge plus for the project and the customer. An Anthem MRX 1140 sits at the heart of the show, calling the shots and making sure the whole performance is delivered with aplomb. This brand so deserves its reputation of one of the most sought after AV companies in our sector, the products just deliver highperformance and reliability time after time.”

Simon adds, “Rounding out the main AV in this space we have an array of Paradigm speakers and a Screen Research 120in Diagonal CLF Screen partners the Sim2. We have also carefully treated the room and added to the aesthetic ambition of the space with wall and ceiling treatments for diffusion and absorption from Vicoustic.”

“At Pulse Cinemas we love to able to showcase what the Lutron brand can bring

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to a cinema and here is no exception. Lutron

hear the commentary or see the action properly.

Homeworks QS is on the case here and a

The terrace was a chance to show just what

complete range of RTI products delivers ease

could be done to deliver on those aims.

of use and control of the whole space.

THE TERRACE

Based around a 7.2.4 audio system and super-sized TV from LG for its versatility and brightness, the space again calls on Paradigm

The name of this space was inspired by one of

and Anthem to deliver the right impact at

the founder’s (Alex) desire to create the ‘perfect’

kick off.

environment for watching sport. The venue

Simon says, “In this space, the Anthem

wanted to do away with all of the hassles often

MRX 740 was optimal for the design, and we

associated with watching sport at a hospitality

partnered it with a series of Paradigm speakers

venue - such as having to arrive super early to

with Paradigm Sub Amps being applied to the

get a good spot, and even then struggling to

bass channels to get the system where it needed

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CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022 27

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY to be. Again, we employed Vicoustic treatments for their aesthetic qualities and acoustic delivery and Lutron Homeworks QS is also present.

Our automation and control platform of choice RTI acts the referee here, making sure the match goes off without a hitch. The super reliable Kordz cable brand is used in both cinemas to deliver the reliability and bandwidth needed.”

This area also enjoys tiered seating to deliver the perfect view for every seat and customers also enjoy the convenience of flip-down drinks trays.

Mike Beatty, Pulse Cinemas MD, sums up, “When the venue first contacted us, their screening room aims were rather more modest.

However, our team were able to demonstrate the benefits of increasing the specification and

ambition for both the spaces and the results are fantastic. What is more, our relationship with the venue means the space is open to Pulse Cinemas staff to bring dealers and customers to access the space as a demonstration and events opportunity. Get in touch if you want to know more!”

The Box Equipment List

The Terrace Equipment List

• Processor: Anthem MRX1140

• Processor: Anthem MRX740

• Projector: Sim 2 xTV 4K In QEC Ceiling UST Projector

• Screen: 100in LG Commercial Monitor

• Screen: Screen Research 120” Diagonal CLF Screen • Speakers: LCR Speakers – 3 x Paradigm P3, Surround speakers – 4 x Paradigm P80-IW, Atmos Speakers – 4 x Paradigm P80-IW, Subs – 2 x Paradigm Defiance X12 • Acoustic Treatment: Ceiling Acoustic Absorption treatment – Vicoustic PET panels behind fabric, Ceiling Acoustic Diffusion treatment – Vicoustic DC3 panels behind fabric, Wall Acoustic Treatment – Vicoustic PET panels behind fabric, Visible wall Treatment – Custom Vicoustic VMT Panels • Lighting: Lutron Homeworks QS Lighting • Cables: Kordz PRS3 Fibre HDMI

• Speakers: LCR Speakers – 3 x Paradigm P1, Surround Speakers – 4 x Paradigm P80-R, Subs – 2 x Paradigm DCS-208FR3 • Amplification: Sub Amps – 2 x Paradigm X-500 • Acoustic Treatment: Front/Rear/ Ceiling– Vicoustic PET panels behind fabric, Side Wall Acoustic Treatment – Custom Vicoustic VMT panels • Lighting: Lutron Homeworks QS Lighting • Cables: Kordz PRS3 Fibre HDMI • Control: RTI XP-6 Control Processor, RTI KA8 Touch Screen, RTI T 4x Remote • Support/Accessories: Future Automation Siding Door

• Control: RTI XP-6 Control Processor, RTI KA8 Touch Screen, RTI T4x Remote

28 CASE STUDY REVIEW 2022

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