Essential Install July 2023

JULY 2023

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

available at

Elegant HVAC for Smart Home Integrators

MUSIC ONLY SYSTEMS FINE DINING

HVAC INTEGRATION STAY COOL

GAMING AND SIMS

READY PLAYER ONE?

NEW PRODUCT

HDBaseT™ Matrix with Advanced Audio Integration We are pleased to announce the launch of three feature rich HDBaseT™ Matrix, the HMXL88ARC, HMXL66ARC and HMXL42ARC-KIT. Using CSC technology, these powerful HDBaseT™ matrix support 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 resolutions over distances of 40m over a single CAT 6 cable. The new HMXL42ARC-KIT, HMXL66ARC and HMXL88ARC come into their own with advanced audio features specifically designed for maximising the integration of all AV sources in the modern home. Enhanced audio routing is achieved through the integrated independent audio matrix. This enables the audio both from displays (via ARC) and all other sources to be embedded and routed through the system at the users discretion.

These ARC and audio routing features enable our installation partners the ability to create a truly immersive AV experience throughout the home.

NEW

HMXL88ARC 8x8 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

NEW

HMXL66ARC 6x6 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix

HDCP 2.2

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR J 26 x 8 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

HMXL42ARC-KIT

HDCP 2.2

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR J 20 x 6 Audio Matrix independently controllable from the video

NEW

4x2 HDBaseT™ CSC ARC Matrix including Receivers J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering distribution of video and audio over a single CAT cable J Advanced Colour Space Conversion (CSC) supports HDMI 2.0 18Gbps specification including HDR J 8 x 2 audio matrix that is independently controllable from video.

HDCP 2.2

NEW

UNCOMPRESSED

18Gbps

PRODUCT

OVER

Uncompressed 18Gbps HDMI Over HDBaseT™ Set The HEX18G-KIT HDBaseT™ extender set is an industry leading uncompressed HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDCP 2.2 solution utilising the

HEX18G-KIT

latest in HDBaseT™ technology. The HEX18G-KIT supports bi-directional IR, RS-232 and PoC up to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable.

NEW

HEX70ARC-KIT HDBaseT™ ARC Extender Set - 70m J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering uncompressed video and audio with zero latency J Extends HDMI 1080p up to a distance of 70m over a single CAT cable J Supports 4K UHD video up to 40m (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x

2160 @24Hz 4:4:4, and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0)

1080p up to 150m

HEX100CS-KIT

HEX150CS-KIT

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set -100m

HDBaseT™ CSC Extender Set - 150m

J Advanced HDBaseT™ technology offering CSC scaling with zero latency

J Supports ARC from display via HDMI and optical digital inputs

J Supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 70m

J Supports 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video up to 100m

Become a Certified Blustream Installation Partner

Interactive Online Tutorials We have re-designed our regular interactive online tutorials, focused on providing convenient, bite sized insights into the latest Blustream solutions and the day to day challenges we all currently face in our rapidly evolving market. During these unprecedented times, we have increased both the content and frequency of the sessions we are hosting to bring you the most comprehensive range of interactive webinar content available in the UK.

Register now: www.blustream.co.uk/advanced-learning-portal J

Our UK Address: The Service Station,

Tel: +44 (0)115 824 7000

J Video over IP vs HDBaseT - which should you back?

Melton Road, Hickling Pastures,

Email: sales@blustream.co.uk

J with 10 more courses to choose from...

Nottinghamshire,

Web: www.blustream.co.uk

Current Tutorials Available

J Specifying a Custom Pro Matrix with 18Gbps support

J CAT Cable Certification & Verification J When is 4K, Actually 4K?

Book now at J www.blustream.co.uk

LE14 3QG United Kingdom.

16 64 26

CONTENTS

July 2023

4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR

60 INSTALLER ACADEMY

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS

64 ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

16 TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

69 ESSENTIAL CEDIA

18 PULSE CINEMAS

71 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

Welcome to the machine?

If it’s hot, it’s here!

Another fantastic project completed 30 years of Sim2 celebrated

22 ESSENTIAL REVIEW The Hisense 120L9H

Contractual obligations

A truly Majik automated home

News and views from the association Full on functionality

FEATURES

52 INSTALL PIONEER

14 RGB COMMUNICATIONS

58 COMMENT FROM THE COAL FACE

20 ABB

Smart thinking, partnerships and products

Get close to Scot Krix

Safer buildings with wireless emergency lighting systems

Gavin Foot, Cinema Project Manager, Cyberhomes

Supporting All www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

44

52

38

20

Proud Media Partners of

There’s more to Essential Install 24 DbM

GAMING AND SIMS FEATURE

More distribution details

38 GAME PLAYER!

34 MUSIC SYSTEMS

Joe Carri, Director, Prestige Audio

Listen and relax!

42 IT’S IN THE GAME!

Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE

HVAC FEATURE

44 2BHEARD

26 ITS GOOD TO TALK

John Corbin, Director of Engineering, Intelligent Control

30 INTEGRATE FIRST — INSTEAD OF REPLACING Phillip Pini, Director, Residential Sales (UK), Crestron

31 ALLTRADE

Hooray for K-Array

46 SONOS EARA 300 What’s inside?

48 SMART THINKING Cyber security check list

Delivering every time

51 FINE SOUNDS A fine time to listen

Your AV Needs www.avoke.co.uk | av@avoke.co.uk

JULY

WELCOME TO THE MACHINE!

With all the hysterical nonsense on mainstream media recently about AI taking over the world and destroying the human race, EI felt it was high time to have a grown-up conversation about AI and it’s likely impact on the smart home and AV world.

First up a little thought about the term artificial intelligence, it’s too late now of course because the phrase has stuck, but when you think about it, it’s not actually that accurate. AI systems are not intelligent in the same way that a human can be, all they really do his ape pre-existing behaviour systems or content, learning in detail how they work and what likely outcomes are within a set of given scenarios. Machine learning is a more accurate way to think about it, helping us to understand what it really does. Having said that, there is an interesting philosophical argument to be had that there may be a point where AIs get so good at copying us, it is very difficult to tell the difference, so at that point is there less of a difference between artificial intelligence and real intelligence? At this point I would argue that there still is a very significant difference, AI is reliant on copying what humans have already done, so without being continually instructed and updated with new input it is destined to always be a tool and not an artisan. EI believes that in our sector this is the way to see the technology, as a tool and not a threat. Getting an AI to do much of the heavy lifting in terms of system creation, planning, and execution just provides more space within which to be ‘human’, adding those layers of inspiration and customer interaction that a machine can never do, and when it does is usually intensely annoying, AI operated call centre systems anyone?

The Machine Stops?

Is it up to humans, what happens next?

available at

IMPACT

Areas where AI is likely to have a big role is in the macro planning of new developments and so-called smart cities.

As population growth and increasingly crowded urban areas drive demand, large scale construction projects will use machine learning to design more efficient lower impact, better value housing. AI’s will also use data farmed from buildings to improve building design and construction and inform future policy related to construction and urban planning.

After construction use of grid data, smart meter data, weather data, and energy use can be used to study and improve building performance and optimise resource consumption. This all sounds great in theory, in practice we need more time to see just how this opportunity pans out.

In the smart home space, we are already used to building systems that are able to either react to outside stimuli such as light and the weather, but also predict what humans will want to happen in a given scenario, it is only a small leap to use machine learning to, potentially at least, get even better at this. Many people in the industry will surely already have been thinking about different types of behaviour that AI’s can learn and then feedback pleasing outcomes to their customers - only enhancing what our industry can offer.

There is a long way to go on this journey, we are only just at the start and it’s really difficult to predict what will happen in the future, but as long as we view artificial intelligence and machine learning as a tool and not as a threat, this should go a long way in controlling it’s development so it is a positive and not a negative.

We would love to hear from anyone in the industry that would like to offer comment or thought leadership on this subject, drop an email to dan@essentialinstall.com if you want to get involved!

JULY 2023

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

Elegant HVAC for Smart Home Integrators

MUSIC ONLY SYSTEMS FINE DINING

HVAC INTEGRATION STAY COOL

GAMING AND SIMS

READY PLAYER ONE?

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Beatrice Lee, beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

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 www.essentialinstall.com

SOCIALS /INSTALL_MAG /ESSENTIALINSTALL The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that everything is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.

In all matters, the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to Essential Install magazine are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

Proud Media Partners of

04 JULY 2023

BRING BLOCKBUSTER CINEMA HOME L-Acoustics leads the professional audio industry in the design and manufacturing of premium sound reinforcement technologies, delivering superlative and predictable performance across stadiums, performing arts venues, and nightclubs. L-Acoustics Creations uses the same scientific approach and proprietary tools in modeling and tuning a home cinema, party space, garden area, or multi-purpose media room. The result is even coverage, high fidelity and high SPL with minimal visual impact for exactly the movie experience the director intended.

Visit creations.l-acoustics.com to book an appointment in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.

creations.l-acoustics.com

THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONALS

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4K Multi-cast signal routing

Driver Ready Allows Third-Party Control, I.e., Crestron, Control 4, AMX and Telnet

Simple drag and drop control of input sources

USB KVM routing flexibility

Create and configure video-wall multi-view arrangements

Ultra-low latency

SDV Series

Transmit 4K@60 Uncompressed Signal over a 10G IP Network

SDV-CS8

SDV-C2-TX

SDV System Controller & Configurator

1G over IP

SDV-C2-RX

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Sales: +44 (0) 20 3137 9180 Technical Support: +44 (0) 20 3137 6690

Unit 7, Shepperton Business Park, Govett Avenue, Shepperton TW17 8BA, UK

NEWS

NEWS CONNECTED DISTRIBUTION ADDS ACURUS

Installers will shortly be able to bring their customers to Connected Distribution’s offices to experience the ‘Cinema In The Home’ concept

Connected Distribution has enhanced ‘Cinema In The Home’ offering with Acurus home cinema electronics.

Connected Distribution has secured exclusive UK distribution rights to the Acurus range of home cinema electronics, bringing this respected brand to UK installers for high-end cinema installations.

Acurus, a brand of Indy Audio Labs, is based in Indianapolis USA and has been manufacturing in

the US since the company was founded in 2008.

Acurus and sister brand, Aragon, were acquired

by IAL in 2009 and since then the product range has been developed to point where the Acurus processors are now among the most respected in the world, says the new distributor.

The product line up consists of two immersive audio processors, an eight-channel power amplifier, plus a five and seven-channel power

amp. The flagship Act 4 is a 20-channel immersive processor that utilises the Dolby Atmos and DST:X formats. The Muse is a compact 2U high processor with 16 channels, sufficient for all but the largest home cinema installations. Both processors can handle high resolution audio up to 24bit/192kHz, feature Parametric EQ and host of HDMI, digital and analogue audio inputs and XLR audio outputs for connection to power amplifiers. Control is via the large full colour touchscreen, which makes set up simple and there are drivers for popular thirdparty control systems such as RTI, also distributed

by Connected Distribution.

The matching 2U high M8 power amplifier outputs 200W per channel into 4-8 ohm speaker loads, with all channels driven. It has the ability to bridge any combination of channels, to give an output of 320W into 4-8 ohms. Configuration is done via a simple web interface and would be useful for, as an example, an 11.1 channel system whereby one amplifier is bridged to provide four channels of 320W for the LCR and subwoofer. A second M8 amplifier would power the surround and height channels. Indy Audio Labs has also created its own room tuning system called ASPEQT (Automatic Speaker Parameter Equalisation Tool).

Connected Distribution connecteddistribution.com

RGB COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH ADEPT AUDIO AND PURELINK GMBH RGB Communications, distributor of audio-visual solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Adept Audio, a manufacturer of high-quality audio products. This collaboration will allow RGB Communications to distribute Adept Audio’s innovative range of products to its extensive network of customers, further enhancing the company’s comprehensive audio-visual offerings.

Under this agreement, RGB Communications will serve as the exclusive distributor for Adept Audio products in the UK and Ireland. By leveraging a strong market presence and expertise, RGB Communications will facilitate the availability and accessibility of Adept Audio solutions to industry professionals within the region.

Adept Audio, powered by Origin Acoustics, are recognised for audio technology, delivering strong sound quality and performance across a range of applications. Its portfolio includes speakers, subwoofers and a patented, unique tool-less installation feature, designed to meet the demanding requirements of residential, commercial and hospitality installations. Adept focuses on 6.5in and 8in speakers, ensuring they all fit into the same cut out.

RGB Communications has also announced another strategic partnership with PureLink, known for its high-quality AV connectivity solutions, including PureInstall USB 3.2 USB-C cables

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@Install_mag

with E-Marker (PI6000) and a 2x1 4K 18Gbps Multiformat Presentation Switcher with KVM Set (PT-PSW-21KVM) designed to deliver strong performance and reliability.

By joining forces, RGB Communications and PureLink GmbH aim to provide customers with a wider range of AV connectivity solutions and deliver enhanced value through their combined capabilities. This partnership will enable both companies to leverage their respective strengths and deliver comprehensive AV solutions that meet the increasing demand for seamless connectivity

and exceptional audiovisual experiences say the new partners.

RGB Communications and PureLink GmbH are committed to maintaining and expanding their product lines, providing excellent customer service, and driving innovation in the AV industry.

RGB Communications rgbcomms.co.uk

Two new partnership for RGB Communications

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JULY 2023 07

GRAMERCY - image courtesy of illusion.es

the benchmark for luxury theater seating

the

HARV A triple-motorized incline mechanism allows the user to operate the footrest, backrest and headrest INDEPENDENTLY from one-another.

This allows the user to ensure maximum comfort by fine-tuning their preferred seating position.

Cineak.com |

Antwerp, Belgium +32 (3) 354 03 66 | Los Angeles, USA +1 (866) 458-0529

NEWS

DIZZTRIBUTION ALL IN A SPIN FOR EI LIVE! 2023 With registration for the show now open and anticipation building, Dave Wilson, Director at Dizztribution is first out of the blocks this year looking ahead to EI Live! 2023. It is safe to say, the distributor is looking forward to the company’s first outing at the UK’s only smart building and luxury AV show.

Dave said, “We are really excited to be coming to Stand 122 at EI Live! this September. We have been thinking about stand layout since December last year as it’s a lot to fit in. We will be on hand to answer any questions plus we are coupling in with the awesome Klein Tools and Superrod who will have a tool bar on a quarter of the stand which will be manned by the Managing Director, Malcolm Duncan himself. We will have guys across from Beale Street and Vanco and Villad’s the founder of SOWA sound will be across to talk about this amazing Danish design.”

Dave continued, “We will have new products from Beale Street Audio, Vanco and SOWA to show

you all as well as our other suppliers and judging by the graphics you won’t miss us! We will also be giving away everything on the Dizztribution stand in a prize draw so be sure to enter. We will also continue our #hearthehistory campaign for Beale Street Audio.

It’s going to be a wild few days!”

Stand 122 sits proudly beside the technical theatre. Dave concluded, “We are excited this is going to be our first trade show and hopefully we do our suppliers, clients and the great guys at EI Live! proud.”

EI Live! returns to its home of the Farnborough Exhibition Centre, 13-14 September, with a packed show floor, exciting programme in the Technical Theatre and of course all the networking and learning opportunities the show offers.

Register today and get the date in your diary!

Registration is now open for EI Live! 2023 and Dizztribution is ready to rock the show

EI Live! eiliveshow.com

AWE EXPO 2023 HIGHLIGHTS NEW SMART HOME TECHNOLOGIES The AWE Expo returned with lots of new products and upgrades

AWE welcomed over 150 industry professionals to its AWE Expo event on 16-17 May. Held at the recently updated show apartment in Epsom, attendees had the chance to explore AWE’s recently revamped Reference and Performance Cinemas, and also got an exclusive preview of the new music room.

AWE ran continuous demos throughout the Expo to highlight its newly upgraded reference and performance cinemas, allowing attendees to experience their enhanced audio-visual capabilities.

With significant improvements made, both cinemas offer an extra level of movie immersion, creating high-performance viewing experiences at differing price points. Notable additions in the Reference Cinema include the new high-end Marantz AV 10, a 15-channel AV processor featuring DIRAC live

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calibration and a ADEO MovieMask LR, a 4m wide side masking screen capable of aspect ratios from 2.4:1 down to 16:9.

The Performance Cinema has four new B&W ISW-8 12in in-wall subwoofers, powered by B&W CDA-2HD DSP amplifiers, delivering strong bass performance. Additionally, the new Marantz Cinema 50 provides upgraded processing with DIRAC LIVE calibration and powers the height speakers, with additional amplification coming from the new Marantz AMP 10.

The AWE Music Room highlights the opportunities of two-channel, with a range of Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers offering clarity and detail to suit different room sizes and price points.

Guests could also experience the preview of the brand new 2023 Hisense 120L9 Laser TV, with

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its 120in ambient light-rejecting screen. Look out for the Hisense review in this issue.

Elsewhere in the main AWE apartment, the world’s largest OLED TV, LG’s OLED97G29, was showcased along with the 2023 G Series and C Series TVs. The show apartment and cinemas are all automated with URC, an easy to install and highperformance control platform. AWE Expo visitors saw the first UK showing of the new URC TDC5100 handheld tabletop controller, a gaminginspired UI with hard and digital buttons and fast response processing that combines tactile button convenience with the flexibility that only comes from a touch-panel.

AWE Europe awe-europe.com

JULY 2023 09

The SOHO Range The All-Rack SOHO range has been designed for small office/home office installs where our standard 19" racks and accessories are not suitable. Overall, SOHO cabinets help optimize space and improve organization in small office or home office environments. Please note these cabinets are 10" in width as opose to the 19" industry standard.

Our cabinets come with the following: Removeable blank panel on the base and roof Fixing holes on the back panel Lockable front door, removeable side panels Fan vent on the roof 10 cagenuts and earth bonding cable included This SOHO range also consists of the following accessories: 1U Soho shelf , 3 way PDU, cat5e and cat6 patch panels

Hi, I’m Andy

The All-Rack brand is sold through a well established distributor network throughout the UK. Please contact sales@attock.net for further details or contact your usual All-Rack reseller

NEWS

EI LIVE! EFIXX PANEL DISCUSSIONS TECHNICAL THEATRE SESSIONS As part of a package of measures to help promote EI Live! 2023, eFIXX, the leading multi-channel media platform for professionals working in the electrical industry, will be hosting and presenting two key panel discussions taking place in the Technical Theatre to introduce vital areas of the smart home and luxury AV sector to the electrical community and those installers who want to learn more. The panel discussions consist of:

13–14 SEPTEMBER 2023

FARNBOROUGH EXHIBITION CENTRE

11.30 – 12.40 Wednesday, 13 September, 2023

11.30 – 12.40 Thursday, 14 September, 2023

Smart Home Installer Secrets: Discover insider tips for guaranteed smart home success from a panel of expert installers. Learn what truly hooks customers, which cutting-edge technologies are trending (and which to avoid).

Plus, get the scoop on the latest emerging applications that will take your smart home installation game to the next level.

Is Wireless the Future of Smart Home Installation?

Discover the future of wireless technology for smart homes through the eyes of the expert panel.

They’ll explore the question on everyone’s mind: can it match professional standards for reliability?

Plus, we’ll delve into the exciting new Matter wireless communication standard and its impact on the smart home industry.

Panellists Alex Sime - Neo Electrical Solutions Craig Gifford - Gifford Electrical Session Chair Gary Hayers - Editor – eFIXX

Panellists Ray Molony - Editor - Designing Lighting Global Peter Broome - Rako Lighting controls Michael Gorman Session Chair Gary Hayers - Editor – eFIXX With over half a million subscribers on its YouTube channel, the eFIXX platform is a strong partner to gain attention for EI Live! 2023 from those working in the electrical industry and related trades.

The deal struck between eFIXX and EI Live!

2023, will see the eFIXX team visit the show this year and create content live from the show floor, the platform will also be promoting the show to its audience in the run up which this year takes place at The Farnborough Exhibition Centre, 13-14 September.

Visit the EI Live! 2023 website, register for the show and sign up for the sessions

EI Live! 2023 eiliveshow.com

PROFESSIONAL AUDIO DESIGN INC. BECOMES AN OFFICIAL DOLBY SERVICE PARTNER Leading studio design and integration specialist, Professional Audio Design (PAD), has announced its new status as an official Dolby service partner.

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for the US-based company, as it expands its capabilities to offer enhanced audio solutions to its customers.

As a Dolby Service Partner, PAD gains access to Dolby’s cutting-edge technologies and expertise, enabling the company to deliver unparalleled audio experiences across various industries and applications. With Dolby’s industryleading audio technologies, PAD can continue to provide its customers with superior sound quality, immersive audio experiences, and enhanced content creation capabilities.

Dave Malekpour, President of Professional Audio Design (PAD), said, “We are delighted to become a Dolby service partner. This partnership opens up exciting new opportunities for our company to deliver exceptional audio solutions to our clients. Dolby is globally recognised for its innovation in audio technologies, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them to provide our customers with immersive and captivating audio experiences.”

As a Dolby service partner, PAD will offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. These services include:

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New status for Professional Audio Design Inc.

1. Dolby Atmos integration: it will provide seamless integration of Dolby Atmos technology into existing or new audio systems, allowing customers to experience immersive, threedimensional sound.

2. Calibration and optimisation: PAD’s certified experts will calibrate and optimize audio systems to deliver the best possible sound reproduction, creating an optimal audio environment for customers.

3. Training and support: the company will offer comprehensive training programs and ongoing

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technical support to help clients maximize the potential of Dolby’s technologies and solutions.

4. By partnering with Dolby, PAD aims to empower its international clients across various industries, including music production, broadcast, live venues and hospitality to unlock the full potential of their audio experiences. This collaboration reinforces PAD’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, providing its team with the tools and expertise to elevate its audio offerings and stay ahead in a competitive market. proaudiodesign.com

JULY 2023 11

NEWS

RITHUM WINS TECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR AT THE NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AWARDS The smart home tech manufacturer Rithum has won the leading category at the National Technology Awards: Tech Company of the Year.

In Rithum’s category were the electric vehicle charging company EVIOS, ufurnish – a digital furniture marketplace for retailers such as Dunelm and John Lewis – and an augmented reality tech company that turns speech into subtitles for people with hearing impairments, XRAI glass.

The win is a positive move for the smart home tech industry helping to thrust the sector into the limelight.

Collecting the award was CMO, Daniel Bateman, he said, “As a start-up it’s tough to compete with larger brands that inevitably have more marketing power, so winning this award is a huge pat on the back for the whole team and a great reward for all the hard work that’s gone into getting us where we are today.”

Rithum CEO, Ryan Ovens, added, “In the future we see all homes being smart, so to have a smart

home tech company win Tech Company of the Year really shows how the sector is making its way into the mainstream. A huge thanks to the judges, our partners, and of course the Rithum team for their dedication.”

Rithum rithumhome.com National recognition for Rithum

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE AV technology pioneer Peerless-AV has announced the appointment of Patrick Vater as Sales Manager – Germany. Patrick joins a growing team in Germany and will assist with increasing business in the region with a focus on managing and building relationships with resellers in northern and western territories.

The appointment supports Peerless-AV’s European growth strategy and ability to address regional market needs with improved customer service levels.

“Patrick is a valuable asset to the EMEA sales team and will be instrumental in furthering our market commitment and brand awareness in this vast economic hub,” said Keith Dutch, Managing Director – EMEA, Peerless-AV. “Our expanded team will provide even more reach into those territories where we see growth opportunities for our core ‘bread and butter’ mounting products as well as our emergent dvLED, Outdoor and Kiosk lines.”

PSNI Global Alliance, the global network of premier technology integrators and service providers, continues its global growth momentum with the announcement of new Certified Solution Providers (CSPs) to reinforce its worldwide influence for higher AV standards.

An 18-month period of growth has seen PSNI now established as the largest professional AV alliance in the world by territory and revenue, with the latest additions amplifying their presence across the world, from India and southeast Asia to Europe and the US. John Fuchs, Director of Membership for the alliance states, “Since 1986, The Alliance has been focused on aligning the very best of the AV industry, for the benefit of customers and their customers’ customers. Today, we enjoy a truly global footprint, and we are delighted to welcome our latest, proven certified solution providers.

“We receive hundreds of applications to the alliance, but only after a thorough test of criteria do we select businesses that bring obvious strengths and standards. With these latest additions, we have strengthened our global offering for other certified solution providers that can benefit from their expertise, knowledge and experience.”

12 JULY 2023

The seven new CSPs to join the alliance since April are: • AVITron. Formed in 1996, AVITron is one of the key players in the audiovisual space in the Philippines.

• Sigma AVIT. A specialist professional audiovisual service provider from India providing design, consultation, and system integration.

• OEC. Located in Boise, Idaho, OEC has been creating amazing interior workspaces for over 30 years.

• Cotive. Cotive is a system integrator for AV solutions in Germany, close to Frankfurt am Main, with over 30 years of experience.

• mevis.tv. Starting in 2001 and headquartered in Stuttgart, mevis.tv delivers innovative media technology that meets the highest demands.

• PRO Video. PRO Video in Berlin has been a pioneer in the world of media technology, conference technology, and broadcast for more than 30 years.

• VERREX. Founded in 1947, Verrex is an integration specialist with PSNI licensed offices in Boston, and New Jersey.

PSNI Executive Director, Chris Miller, said, “The addition of these new CSPs brings an added layer of expertise to their respected territory. Each brings its own specialist knowledge, whether that be in managed services, workplace design or advanced digital signage and we look forward to absorbing this knowledge into the Alliance.”

PSNI represents licensed service and integration offices in 61 countries spanning across six continents.

Affiliation with the alliance is a commitment to embrace standardisation, best-practices, global support, and client satisfaction as one unified voice in the audio-visual industry.

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Patrick Vater

@Install_mag

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Ultimate performance for your largest and most demanding projects.

01423 358846

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ESSENTIAL RGB COMMUNICATIONS

BRIDGING THE GAP IN HVAC INTEGRATION FOR TRUE HOME AUTOMATION Many installers are repositioning themselves as full ‘smart home integrators’. However, when it comes to integrating HVAC systems, they often encounter difficulties. Without seamless HVAC integration, can a home truly be considered fully automated? RGB Communications and Polar Bear Design have the answers.

Experienced integrators have come to realise that even if they are not directly involved in specifying or installing HVAC systems, they will be responsible for resolving issues that arise during the project’s final stages. These problems often stem from the approach taken by commercial HVAC contractors who treat a large residential project as if it were simply a commercial building with luxurious finishes.

14 JULY 2023

Integrators frequently find themselves needing to implement clever backend programming to mask these issues. At this point, the client must engage multiple contractors, and the management of problems and maintenance can quickly escalate, causing strain on client relationships.

The Polar Bear Design ecosystem tackles these challenges directly, providing integrators with a broader perspective and empowering them with innovative products and features previously unseen. We are confident that the disruptive nature of these products will lay a solid foundation for future innovation in this sector.

Notably, the Zentium - which has garnered two international awards in the technology and interior design fields - is instilling newcomers to this industry with genuine confidence.

The air conditioning market in the UK has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by various factors that have propelled demand across different sectors.

The increasing need for enhanced indoor comfort, advancements in technology, evolving architectural trends, and a growing focus on energy efficiency have all contributed to the expansion of the market.

The growing need for cooling solutions has resulted in a higher demand for integrated heating and cooling systems. However, this increased demand often comes with the

challenge of expensive control systems. In response, Polar Bear has developed the Zentium and Ursium products, which are specifically designed to address this concern and provide cost-saving benefits.

The Zentium and Ursium products are intelligently designed to incorporate an awareness of the interplay between heating and cooling. By seamlessly integrating both functions, these systems eliminate the need for separate and costly control systems. This integration not only simplifies the overall solution but also offers significant cost savings.

At Polar Bear Design, the ethos is centred around educating and empowering integrators to understand the fundamental challenges of HVAC integration. The Zentium and Ursium ranges not only address key differences between high-end residential HVAC systems and commercial installations, but understand the aesthetics and the essential requirements for intuitive controls.

The goal is to educate and equip integrators with advanced luxury products. Armed with these innovative solutions and support, companies can confidently transition into full-fledged home automation installation companies, capitalising on HVAC integration to generate revenue rather than serving as unpaid assistants.

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ESSENTIAL RGB COMMUNICATION

INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

The Polar Bear range is compelling in its own right, but its industry standing is boosted even further with important partnerships. The new Ursium Pro Thermostats from Polar Bear Design draw inspiration from Lutron’s Alisse keypad range, resulting in a product that offers clients a cohesive and complementary style. By collaborating with Lutron’s authorised finishing partner in the UK, Polar Bear Design ensures that the thermostat finishes match those of the Alisse keypads, catering to the needs of interior designers in the luxury sector.

The Polar Bear ecosystem will also soon have the facility to connect to the Lutron Lighting control solution using the LEAP integration protocol. This will allow for cleaner solutions to be made, minimising equipment and programming.

Both companies share a commitment to elegance and craftsmanship in their respective sectors of lighting control and HVAC control.

This partnership aims to seamlessly merge these two solutions, providing customers with a harmonious design aesthetic.

The new European styling of the Ursium Pro Thermostat boasts impressive features such as the ability to control two rooms from a single device, automatic management of both underfloor heating and cooling without the need for additional BMS controls, and seven programmable inputs conveniently located on the unit’s back. All of this is presented with a timeless design that includes a tactile Digital Crown and an IPS Colour Touch Screen, providing users with an unparalleled experience.

The European-styled frame of the thermostat is designed to fit a standard single UK back box, ensuring easy installation.

URSIUM PRO

With two independent room thermostats housed in a single unit, the Ursium Pro provides convenient management of heating and cooling systems in two separate areas. This allows for precise temperature regulation, ensuring optimal comfort in each room.

Equipped with both heating and cooling control capabilities, the Ursium Pro offers flexibility to adapt to changing weather conditions and user preferences. Whether it’s maintaining a cozy warmth during winter or achieving a refreshing coolness in summer, this thermostat has it covered.

One standout feature of the Ursium Pro is its built-in Edge BMS (Building Management System) with Heat Boost technology. This intelligent system optimises energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting heating and cooling settings based on real-time environmental conditions. This results in reduced energy consumption and lower utility costs.

The IPS touch screen display provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for easy programming and adjustment of temperature

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settings. It’s clear and responsive interface enhances the user experience, making temperature control a breeze.

With Modbus RTU capability as both a master and slave, the Ursium Pro offers seamless integration with other compatible devices and systems, allowing for centralised control and monitoring. Additionally, the secondary Modbus (aBUS) enables independent control of individual air-conditioning indoor units, further enhancing flexibility and customisation.

To cater to specific needs and applications, the Ursium Pro boasts seven programmable inputs that can be configured to accept temperature or digital inputs. This versatility enables integration with a wide range of sensors and devices, enhancing the overall functionality of the thermostat.

Designed to fit into a single UK back box, the Ursium Pro offers a streamlined installation process, ensuring compatibility with existing electrical setups and minimising disruptions during installation or upgrades.

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT WALL SENSORS

Collecting temperatures from spaces is an essential part of control for HVAC systems.

Whether it is adding multiple sensors for room averaging or a single discrete sensor for those clean lines. Polar Bear Design has released an innovative solution set from first fix through to the finishing touches.

The goal of a sensor is for it to be unobtrusive, so that means small and something that matches or blends into the background.

The new WL3 and WL4 sensors have a 6mm diameter mounting hole with a 12mm tip. This means very little is on show, but this would also traditionally make it difficult to install. That’s where the unique fix kit come in delivering an adjustable hollow screw that gives

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a perfect mount for the sensors and keeps it perpendicularly to the wall. The WL4 sensors also offer a cable protection capsule which is a unique way of pre-terminating the cable at first fix stage prior to the finishing. This capsules then protects the terminated cable with sealing o-rings to protect from dust and potential damage. At the time the sensor needs to be fitted, the capsule can be removed, and the preterminated cable can be simply plugged into the WL4 sensor, no soldering or difficult final fix terminations, just plug and go. The WL3 and WL4 sensors come in standard black and white, and the unique flat face design allows them to be finished so they disappear into the wall.

In addition to the standard plastic, the sensors can have the tips changed to metal and the same special finishes to those on offer for the Zentium and Ursium Pro Thermostats are also available.

Justin Wells, Founder of Polar Bear Design, concludes, “Controlling our home heating, air conditioning, lighting, and other systems should be as seamless as possible. Rather than having to search in hidden corners or cabinets, an appealing smart thermostat should be prominently displayed in the room, offering ease of use for everyone.

“Construction planners, architects, designers, and all those involved in creating smart homes and business environments, understand that attractive external designs coupled with practical features enhance sales opportunities.

When a heating, air conditioning, and lighting control system aligns with the building’s style, it becomes another positive element that contributes to the overall appeal. This is what we have created and can deliver to installers and their customers.”

RGB Communication rgbcomms.co.uk

JULY 2023 15

ESSENTIAL TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

CHERRY TREES BLOSSOMS WITH HOME CINEMA Together For Cinema’s latest cinema room at Cherry Trees brings joy to children and young adults.

Cherry Trees, a local Surrey charity providing respite care for children and young adults aged 0-19 with a range of complex disabilities including learning, physical and sensory impairments, recently received support from Together for Cinema (TFC) to create a remarkable cinema room.

The journey began when a local bathroom company’s MD mentioned the great work done

by Cherry Trees during a conversation with Ian Morrish, TFC’s Founder. Intrigued by the

opportunity to help, Ian contacted Cherry Trees and, after a meeting on-site, the commitment to support the charity was made.

“With Cherry Trees being a charity that’s local to me, I’ve been aware of the great work they do in our community for many years. However, it wasn’t until last July that I finally reached out to them,” says Ian. “The next thing I knew, we had committed to help. Eight months later, we have completed their new cinema room!”

Paula Rankin, Head of Care, Cherry Trees, admires the finished result

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TFC never works alone and needed the assistance of an experienced installer. “I knew I had a list of companies that would offer their time and installation skills, but nevertheless, I had to find the right one, preferably someone from the local area,” Ian explains. James Applin from Nethaus, who had expressed interest in supporting TFC, eagerly joined the project.

“About 30 seconds into my conversation with James, he exclaimed, ‘Yes, I’m in!’, and I thought ‘Great! We have an installer!’,” adds Ian. With James on board, a site meeting was scheduled at the end of September to discuss the project specifics and plan the installation process. During the visit, Ian and James met with Cherry Trees’ Chief Operating Officer, Clare Colborne-Baber, as well as members of the management and care team. They explored the room earmarked for the cinema and discussed the limitations and challenges they would face.

“Challenges are there to be overcome, and James had solutions for them all!” exclaims Ian, adding that one of the key aspects was maintaining the room’s multifunctionality while ensuring an immersive cinema experience.

By using a large wall for a fixed frame screen, they successfully managed to create a visually striking setup.

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ESSENTIAL TOGETHER FOR CINEMA To support the installation, TFC received a generous £5,000 donation from Silicon Laboratories UK. This financial contribution enabled the purchase of specific items that would otherwise have been challenging to secure and numerous manufacturers and suppliers also donated the necessary equipment, with Epson, Monitor Audio, QMotion, and Snap One particularly noteworthy for their significant contributions. “The collaboration and generosity of these companies, and many other partners that worked with us on this project, once again showcased the industry’s willingness to make a positive impact,” says Ian. The donated kit list for the cinema room installation included various essential components, with Masimo Consumer Audio providing a Denon seven-channel AVR, while Epson contributed an EB-L630U projector for high-quality visuals. Monitor Audio supplied speakers and subwoofers, QMotion provided automated blinds to enhance the viewing experience, and Snap One delivered a Control4 Core 1 controller and an SR260 remote, complete with battery and charging dock. Other companies such as Netgear, Nethaus, Peerless, Penn Elcom, and Webro also made valuable contributions, ensuring a comprehensive setup.

The installation process began on 9 May 2023, and was completed a mere three days later, on 12 May, enabling Cherry Trees to almost instantly enjoy their newly transformed cinema room.

Clare Colborne-Baber expresses her overwhelming joy with the new facility. “We were truly amazed when we first heard that someone was offering to come to Cherry Trees and build us a cinema room!” she says. “Initially, we were unsure if we had a suitable room, but that didn’t stop Ian and James, who worked their magic.

They have shown unwavering commitment to the project and displayed incredible generosity in creating this wonderful space.

“On behalf of everyone at Cherry Trees, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Together For Cinema, Nethaus, and the many companies from the industry who generously contributed equipment. We absolutely love our new cinema room, and we know it will bring joy to our children and young people for years to come.

“Having this new facility is incredible as we can tailor the cinema experience to meet the needs of our young people with suitable lighting, noise levels, and breaks if necessary, so that everyone can join in the fun. The children are particularly loving ‘Singing Hands’ and Makaton on the big screen with amazing sound effects – it makes such a difference to the experience and encourages everyone to really get involved!”

“Nethaus has been working in the Corporate Installation (CI) industry for 23 years, during which we have been exposed to highs and lows, witnessing many changes and trends,” James comments. “But sometimes, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this, I’ve felt the work we’ve undertaken lacked soul, and the meaning and impact we aspire to achieve. And then I met Ian at another trade show and thought to myself, ‘What a great concept! We’re doing what we do, but for a massively appreciative audience’. So, when Ian contacted me about the project with Cherry Trees, without any hesitation, I said ‘Yes!’ “My work with Ian and the team at Cherry Trees entailed figuring out how best to achieve a great picture and good sound for a truly deserving audience. The room wasn’t the easiest to work with, but we got there in the end.

I’m truly thankful to all the manufacturers who joined in making the room work. It has boosted my confidence in human nature, from Ian to the staff at Cherry Trees to the manufacturers who donated the kit, everyone involved has been amazing. It was a great experience and a highlight of our portfolio - not for bling and wow factor, but for the fact that it will bring smiles to kids who deserve it more than most of us will ever know. Thanks to all for the chance to be involved.”

The project marked TFC’s 38th installation of a cinema room for a good cause, bringing the total value of their community deliveries to nearly £940,000, if all installations had been paid for. It is estimated that the organisation will reach £1,000,000 worth of cinema room installations by the end of Summer 2023.

“It never ceases to amaze me how far we’ve come with TFC and the ‘ease’ at which we, as an industry working together, can gather the equipment to create these amazing rooms.

It goes without saying that we are immensely grateful to all those that helped make this happen,” concludes Ian. “I would also like to emphasise that we need venues to reach out to us, and to be told about the venues where we could help. With only one full-time staff member, TFC relies on having eyes and ears across the country to make us aware of these opportunities to make a difference. If you know of any such places, please do let me know.”

Founded in 1980 by a group of parents and doctors, Cherry Trees is a lifeline for the families of more than 100 children and young people who are regularly cared for here, whether it be after school for a few hours, a weekend or a longer stay.

Cherry Trees is a unique place, providing professional care in a safe, stimulating and fun environment, where every child is valued for who they are. It is a community that is dedicated to children and young people, enabling them to spend time with friends and enjoy new experiences and opportunities, while their families have a much-needed break from care themselves.

Cherry Trees is the key charitable supplier of short-break respite care in Surrey offering 24hour support, seven days a week for 48 weeks of the year to children from Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, and west London.

Together For Cinema togetherforcinema.co.uk

The space before it’s transformation

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JULY 2023 17

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

Installers gathered over two days to experience the stunning performance of Nero Gold 4S in the Reference Cinema

TRADE-IN AND POWER UP WITH SIM2 Massimo Zecchin, International Sales Director at Sim2, celebrates 30 years of the company and reveals some very special deals available from Pulse Cinemas.

Speaking at the recent Pulse Cinemas Open Days, Massimo spoke about 30 years of Sim2, what the company is currently offering in terms of products, but also some exciting opportunities to trade in older machines from any brand and gain the advantage of a brand new Sim2 including Nero Gold, Nero Gold 4S or Crystal 4 SH. The official offer is 15% discount for the end user when ANY projector is traded in. The offer is valid for the Nero 4S Gold, Nero 4S, Crystal 4 SH models and is available until the end of August 2023.

Massimo explained, “The event has been very good, like everything done by Pulse, a great distributor with a great facility and exciting experience centre. This is definitely the right location to celebrate this important milestone.

“30 years in the projection industry is like 100 years in the audio industry if we consider the development of the technology and the products. We have always bought innovation to the market, and we wanted to celebrate 30 years in partnership with our dealers who are able to breathe life into the innovations we work so hard on.”

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Massimo added, “The opportunity to meet our partners in the UK and listen to their feedback and comments is very important for Sim2, which is a smaller company, but because of this we are able to innovate, and be agile, bringing in new technologies that have created a good business over the last three decades.

Dealer partnership is what we care about the most.”

In terms of opportunity for dealers, Massimo argued, “What we see globally is that the home entertainment experience is something that consumers want more and more. The pandemic was a big tragedy, but it did force lots of consumers to stay at home and realise that entertainment in the home was something very important. Not just for themselves, but for entertaining, inviting all their friends to enjoy their system. We believe projection is the best for delivering the emotion of not just movies, but sporting events, and music concerts. Also with video games, it’s very exciting what can be achieved here.

“So, despite a mixed picture in the economy, there is opportunity if we focus on selling the ‘experience’. I always say people who want

to buy a product, can and will go on-line from the many platforms offering that, but what is important to us is to provide end users with a complete experience, a system that truly delivers the emotions and has everyone involved proud of the result. The dealers that are following this approach are growing the business, the dealers who are just selling products, could suffer a bit more.”

TRADE IN ANY BRAND FOR A NEW SIM2 PROJECTOR!

Currently Pulse Cinemas is offering a trade-in scheme which allows dealers to trade in either an existing Sim2 product or any other brand, to gain access to a new Sim2 Nero 4S Gold, Nero 4S or Crystal 4 SH projector.

Massimo explained, “Pulse has great staff who can explain all the details of this programme, speak to them and find how to access this exciting scheme. Since the beginning, Sim2 has always aimed to make products that can be long lasting, we want our customers to enjoy our products for many years, even decades with full satisfaction.

We are doing maintenance on products sold 20

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ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

years ago. We have lots of customers who still want to keep these products and are happy with their image quality, the colours, the excitement is still there. Of course, now the technology has really changed, so this why we want to offer customers a new generation of Sim2 so they can carry on enjoying great images for many years to come.”

The Pulse Cinemas demonstration facility allows dealers and customers full access to the whole Sim2 range. The Domino 4H in the Apartment Cinema, the DX-TV hidden projector in Reception, the Crystal 4SH in the Media Room, even the training room gets in on the act with a D-TV system and the Nero Gold 4S has pride of place in the Reference Cinema.

Massimo explained, “Pulse Cinemas has a great facility with a number of spaces fully equipped with Sim2 so dealers and their customers can experience all of what we can offer. The Reference Cinema is particularly exciting for us as it features the Nero 4S Gold Series, our flagship model in a special edition form. Featuring great colours and 6,000l,

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because to get great HDR you must have strong brightness, we wanted to offer a signature version of the Nero 4S. It offers some extra features, but most importantly it is made a totally different way. We hand select only the finest components for this version, and we have a dedicated team producing it with the ability to pause or start again if they are not 100% happy.

There is no time limit for producing the Nero Gold 4S, the goal is to arrive to a virtually perfect product. Part of this process is to simulate the conditions of the specific space the projector is going to installed in so we can be sure everything is correct before moving to site. There is no inventory for this range, it is produced specifically for each customer. So, to have the Nero Gold 4S in the Reference Cinema here at Pulse is something unique and very special. Witness the performance for yourself and we are very confident you will be impressed.”

Sim2 has had a long and fruitful relationship with HDR, one of the key deliverables for a modern home cinema.

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Massimo took up the story, “Sim2 is the very first company to have worked on a HDR display 17 years ago now. We were working with Dolby on this even before it became known as HDR and was based on some patents Dolby had acquired to do with image quality.

“This took a few years, there were many challenges, but 15 years ago we began producing screens with HDR. Then we moved all the experience into projectors which is definitely more difficult, but we did arrive at a place we felt comfortable with, and the first version of the Nero 4 launched in 2017 had HDR processing which was reviewed very positively at the time and we have kept on improving from there. We feel very confident in our abilities to deliver HDR.” So what is the opportunity facing dealers?

Massimo concluded, “Attention on our market has definitely increased, but even 20 years ago we were told projection was a dead business because you can get a large screen TV for a competitive price. However, we are still here because the projector is a leader in technology and remains the best way to get a qualitative experience. In comparison to large screen TV, the image is more pleasant, you can stay there for hours and still be happy and relaxed. But again, this is part of an experience, the projector is one part of, an important part of course, but it’s the whole experience, the seats, the sounds, the feel of the room that is vital, it should feel like an event, not ordinary, to get to this feeling, projection is still what people are looking for.”

Get in touch to find out more about this special time limited trade-in scheme, and make an appointment to come and witness just how good Sim2 is and the joy it can bring your customers.

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

JULY 2023 19

ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY LIGHTING FOCUS

SAFER BUILDINGS WITH WIRELESS EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS Peter Beckingham, Emergency Lighting Specialist at ABB, discusses how new emergency lighting solutions can help installers and building service engineers conduct safety checks more effectively.

Testing and inspecting emergency lighting is a vital component of any building’s health and safety regime. BS 5266, EN 50171 and EN1838 standards and guidance requires luminaires to be checked daily to maintain a record of their status.

Additionally, operators must conduct a monthly simulation of a mains power failure.

These tests aim to demonstrate that the luminaires can operate as designed on battery power alone. However, these essential tasks can be time consuming and expensive, creating challenges for operators and facility managers.

Fortunately, new technology means that the testing process is far less invasive. Smart (or ‘addressable’) monitoring systems, like ABB’s Naveo Pro enable live reporting, recording and updates. Operators can access this information remotely, meaning they can manage the status of luminaires across multiple sites without a site visit.

Further, these smart emergency lighting monitors just got an upgrade – with wireless Bluetooth variants released in February 2023.

Bluetooth-enabled solutions enable customers to install, monitor, maintain luminaire systems using a fast, easy-to-use mobile app.

The app can monitor a network of up to 200 emergency devices per gateway. Additionally, it

20 JULY 2023

provides users with a full digital floorplan display with real-time monitoring of a building’s entire luminaire system. Customers within industrial and commercial buildings, such as universities, offices, and hospitals, have already installed these wireless systems.

As well as enhancing overall safety, these systems have many advantages for building managers. For example, automated testing and real-time system monitoring decrease the likelihood of human error.

Remote monitoring also lowers maintenance costs and time significantly. An average emergency lighting system costs £18 per hour to maintain. However, comparing the cost of a conventional key switch (£3,204) to that of the Naveo Pro app (£432), yields savings of £2,772 per year.

Smart systems also offer savings in other areas, such as cabling. Installing new cabling and equipment in a building with 100 luminaries typically costs around £17,000. However, a Bluetooth Smart system will only cost around £12,800 – representing an average additional saving of £4,200.

Wireless technology represents an opportunity to revolutionise building safety. Over one million buildings stand to benefit from these addressable emergency lighting systems. Furthermore, regulations are moving in a direction that will soon see these systems being recommended with a sight to becoming mandatory. If operators ‘switch to smart’ today, they will not just reap the benefits, but ensure their building’s compliance with the standards of tomorrow.

ABB global.abb

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ESSENTIAL REVIEW

SHORT THROW, BIG THRILLS! Our trade-focused reviewer, Richard Stevenson,takes a long look at the Hisense PX1 Laser TV. Having been suitably impressed with the sheer value of Hisense’s PX1 ultra short throw projector, we had a chance to test the brand’s intriguingly named ‘Laser TV’. No, not a return to bulky rear projection TVs of old, but a combination package of a dedicated short throw projector and an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen.

The 120in Hisense 120LH9 tested here and the 100in 100LH9 use the same UST projector, a single-chip DLP unit with 4K pixel-shift and RGB laser source, punching an impressive 3000l. The ‘TV’ moniker comes in as the projection unit has an on-board Freeview tuner and PVR, Android TV smart features, Alexa, AirPlay2, and Dolby Atmos sound - all the niceties you expect on a premium 4K TV if not usually in a projector.

The specification is top drawer too, with multiple HDMI 2.2 ports including one with eARC, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 4K upscaling and compatibility with the full roster of HDR formats. It achieves 107% of BT2020 colour gamut, has 2x20W power for sound, and comes with comprehensive remote control. Just for good measure, as it will be sitting in front of the viewer, the aesthetic design is curvy and classy, and the whole system is 90% recyclable.

It also uses about a third of the energy of a 100in LCD TV.

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The ALR screen is a 16:9 ratio lenticular design. This has fine horizontal ridges with a reflective surface angled towards the viewer and a semi-light absorbing surface on the other side of the ridge. The upshot is that the light thrown upwards from the projector is reflected towards the user, while light from the room itself, including widows, reflections and room lighting is not. The screen looks mid-grey when the projector is off, which is arguably a much subtler look than the glossy black slab of a bigscreen TV too.

Build and set up are likely to present a couple of challenges during installation. The screen is built and the fabric is tensioned as normal, but the construction of the lenticular lens array within the cloth means a high degree of care is required to avoid damaging creases.

However, the mounting kit supplied is very slick as the brackets are height adjustable after the screen is installed to cater for the inevitable drill wander.

The second challenge stems from positioning the projector and screen. The projector is fixed focal length and fixed focus, meaning to achieve the required screen size image it needs to be precisely 30.3cm and 37.2cm from the wall for the smaller and larger screen sizes respectively.

For the 120in screen in particular, placing the projector on a typical TV cabinet of, say,

40-50cm tall will almost certainly mean the top of the image will be higher than the typical UK ceiling height of 2.3-2.4m.

The only solution is to lower the projector, and in AWE’s demo set-up, that meant around 25cm above floor level. Dedicated TV cabinets that low are few and far between, so AWE teamed up with Kinetik to create a custom cabinet designed for the purpose, the KLIFUST1CS, available in black, white and oak finishes with or without side cupboards. A little bespoke joinery or a very low coffee table would also cut it, of course.

The positive of the fixed focus, fixed zoom and single-chip DLP system eliminating the need for colour alignment, is that once the screen is up and the projector is positioned correctly, it is pretty much plug-and-play. The projector even comes with little feet cups you secure to the cabinet top to ensure that the image remains perfectly aligned with the screen - even with an enthusiastic dusting of the projector.

Given the 120in, Hisense’s 120HP is about a quarter of the cost of my Sony VPL-XW7000 and Screen Excellence Reference screen, the picture it produces is nothing short of stunning!

It is bright, vivid and crisply detailed despite testing in a fully lit room, in the daytime with a side window streaming in light, where the

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ESSENTIAL REVIEW aforementioned Sony would be barely visible. In my first experience with a dedicated ALR screen versus a normal projector and screen, the image difference in a well-lit room is night and day – quite literally. Dimming the lights or drawing the curtains continues to bump up the image brightness and contrast, allowing the full gamut of the Hisense’s punchy colour rendition to shine through.

If the customer is not into eyeball-searing room lighting or uses a conservatory as the lounge, they could absolutely use this set-up as a day-today TV. Moreover, the lack of window reflections from the screen is another plus point over a typical highly reflective LCD/OLED – very noticeable in my lounge where patio doors to the garden are directly behind the sofa.

The 120in diagonal screen gives a huge movie feel and 4K games properly come to life. Sports are breathtaking in HD, although upscaling SD Freeview content to 4K reveals the limitations of the source and scaling engine. The artefacts and fuzzy edges are far from offensive though, and even SD remains eminently watchable. Of course, detail resolution, image handling and brightness uniformity are not going to worry a premium, native 4K laser front projector and screen for overall home cinema impact and image quality, but it’s not that far off!

Onboard sound is less to write home about, but the projector’s shape and size do give the drivers more room than a typical flat-panel TV, so it certainly improves on basic TV sound. Again, for day-to-day viewing, that may be all the customer wants. Yet, there is always the option of an incremental soundbar sale, particularly as the Kinetik cabinet has a dedicated slot for one.

For the relatively affordable retail price, Hisense Laser TV makes a lot of sense against a similarly sized LCD/OLED screen, which would cost multiples of the price, and it is a real revelation for those that have not seen a laser projector and ALR screen combo before. The picture is excellent, easily watchable in a lit room and the operating system, smart features, neat remote control and built-in apps for all the big-ticket video services make it feel very much like a TV. The 120in version is quite a whopper for a TV, and I can only imagine the 100in version to be even brighter, even crisper, and arguably even more practical in most ‘TV’ installations.

I think the biggest challenge integrators will have in selling a Hisense Laser TV for the games room, spare room or even a bedroom, is getting the customer to realise how good a projector can actually be in a well-lit room.

Consumers just don’t know about this technology as yet, so a demo is pretty much essential and the LH9 series has an immediate and compelling musthave wow-factor.

When I had my home cinema room built, an ‘add-on’ tease of an affordable 100in screen installation in the room I use for e-sports would have been a no-brainer. Actually… there’s still time!

IP VIDEO DOOR STATION Modern IP video technology for new and retrofit buildings Easy installation via PoE Keyless access by App, RFID, keypad or fingerprint Smart Home & NVR compatible, e.g. Control4, Loxone, Crestron, RTI, Synology, URC DoorBird combines exclusive design with the innovative IP technology in the field of door communication. www.doorbird.com

Part of ASSA ABLOY

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JULY 2023 23

ESSENTIAL DbM

TRIUMPH WITH DBM AND TRINNOV Trinnov’s diverse team of over 60 passionate people across six time zones shares a deep commitment to audio excellence, bringing hundreds of years of audio engineering and musical experience and extending across all departments of the company. products for their projects. Dealers can explore the range of solutions from Trinnov at DbM’s HQ in Cambridgeshire, with the DbM Lounge featuring the Trinnov Altitude 16 processor.

“It’s great for DbM and Trinnov to be able to collaborate together to benefit the UK dealer network,” says Tom Garrett, International Sales Manager for Trinnov Audio. “DbM’s commitment to supplying excellent products and Trinnov’s mastery of immersive audio and digital acoustics offers a hard to beat package.”

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT THE TRINNOV STORY

Before launching Trinnov Audio in 2003, the founding partners began working on fundamental research into high spatial resolution audio in the year 2000, well before today’s immersive audio formats were even conceived.

The company name stands for 3D Innovation, derived from a combination of ‘Tri’ and ‘Innovation.’ With a passionate dedication to advancing sound quality, Trinnov brings more experience in the fundamental research and practical implementation of immersive audio than any other manufacturer.

Now represented in 70 countries, with over 10,000 high-performance installations worldwide, Trinnov is uniquely involved in all aspects of audio production.

24 JULY 2023

DBM AND TRINNOV JOIN FORCES In January 2021, DbM and Trinnov Audio cemented a distribution partnership that allowed DbM to provide its customers with access to the full range of home theatre preamplifiers and processors. “Trinnov is dedicated to providing the highest standard products possible, and it backs this up with continuous research and outstanding customer service,” comments Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at DbM. Trinnov products are included in DbM’s complimentary Design and Specification Service, which was created to make it quicker and easier for integrators to specify the right

The Trinnov Altitude 32 processor features a high channel count with huge processing capabilities to meet the highest technical requirements. It also features exclusive, patented technologies to unleash the full potential of immersive sound, regardless of formats and speaker layouts.

Following in the tradition of the groundbreaking Altitude 32 processor, the Altitude 16 brings Trinnov’s award-winning Speaker/Room Optimizer technology, immersive audio capabilities, active crossovers, and unmatched bass management flexibility to a new, slightly smaller form factor with tremendous value.

DbM distributedbym.co.uk

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ESSENTIAL HVAC

ITS GOOD TO TALK! John Corbin, Director of Engineering at HVAC integration specialist Intelligent Control, examines some of the most relevant trends and developments driving the HVAC sector.

As you might expect, we are definitely beginning to see more and more emphasis on renewable energy in mechanical and electrical specifications. The focus on solar and GSHP’s are definitely coming to the fore in lieu of the more traditional gas options that have been the mainstay in the past.

Now, this type of approach is great for newbuilds/major renovation perhaps too or properties with ample supplies in the range of 100A (single and three phase) or greater if they can be upgraded or a new supply added.

However, what about older properties?

My property has a MAX 60A, in 1986/7 this would have been sufficient with simple boiler radiators and central pendant lighting, but now a route to some sort of upgrade could be complex.

In truth my options are slim, with a small mains supply and the requirement for high temperatures for the existing radiators. These radiator solutions require the higher temperature hot water systems which are on offer from typical

26 JULY 2023

AC manufacturers and not so easy to achieve with newer ‘renewable’ energy sources.

Maybe some sort of hydrogen plant will come down in size for domestic use and provide the power needed - a friend of mine does have a booster immersion on his Air Source Heating System (ASHP), but how does that help on saving energy? For now at least, are renewables really the answer to greater efficiency?

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As a controls and integration specialist with many years’ experience, we do have a few salient tips for achieving genuinely effective control and achieve some efficiency savings.

It is a good idea to start with ensuring the mechanical services are balanced and setup for any wet Under Floor Heating (UFH) system.

Some operators in the market see this as a luxury that can be value engineered, but balancing and water flow are both very important. Ensure this has been carried out before ownership is taken and it is also

very important to ensure the AC has been thoroughly tested. Ask to see the certificate of completion before you begin the integration phase of the project.

It’s also really important to explain to all parties involved how the system actually works and how to get the best from it. These all add to efficiency and better usage. It seems a simple point, but misuse and not understanding ‘how’ the system works is often the root of many customer issues.

Another hugely important area is service. If this is part of what you are offering or even if it is the responsibility of a third party, there should be no delays in making sure equipment is running correctly. We ensure that we report any AC errors and other plant issues to the clients as soon as we are aware. I have one client who waited until it was actually hot before moving to repair the AC. Be proactive and take preventive action, the results are much better and the equipment will last longer to as it is never under undue strain or pressure.

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SMART

BUILDING

CREATING AN INTELIGENT ENVIRONMENT.

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ESSENTIAL HVAC

Another important area here is ‘value engineering’ as it does impact on energy usage and system HVAC separation. If the customer does not experience genuine peace of mind and this is not seen as our ultimate goal, they begin to question the set up and why they were not consulted on how it would operate properly.

This can be overcome with a conversation, often overlooked, and make sure there is one system that presents to the customer, one call if there is an issue and create the feeling that the system does what the customer asks, when they ask it.

Ask questions such as: What don’t you want me to do? Which rooms are we to omit from the controls?

Also if asked to, point out that removing elements from a proposed package, often only transfers or moves cost to another contractor who might also have been asked for the savings!

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The issue there then is who is responsible for the control’s integration, calibration and setup of these omitted items where responsibility has been transferred to another? Something to avoid for sure.

We often have a situation where another ‘cheaper’ system is selected, then we are asked later if we can integrate it as the supplier does not know how to. Tough one. There are several narratives on this. To make a system

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efficient it really should be thought of as one. When integrating the AC and UFH, the issue at the point of control simplifies. There is a thought that separate controllers offer a simpler client experience, and the interaction or interlock of the AC and UFH is left to the user with separate controls. In these projects, setting competing heat/cool options often occurs, integration later becomes harder, and the user has multiple places to make the change, not to mention the issue of increased wall acne verses a simple one point of control system.

Talking and good communication is also the answer when clients ask ‘why can’t I get it warm/ cold just right’. We need to manage expectations and explain, for instance, that sensors on walls work a lot better than ones buried 10cm under plaster. Talk about the controls and integration, talk about the AV platform the client is utilising for their HVAC and AV experience, make sure they understand the performance expectation and implications of one method over another.

Being able to dial into systems is of course hugely important in these endeavours.

Intelligent Control (UK) are North Building Technology (Commander) Gold Partners. North has an excellent web service called Commander Hub. Our team is linked to over 259 systems, and we have the full monitoring of plant, desired settings and alarms. This provides full background alarm and data logging for the client, we can also look as issues such as how solar-gain effects performance and have an explanation as to why.

If you have customers with a Commander system with us, I can upgrade the software and bring this up to date and added to Commander Hub. Process is simple, pop the lid off Commander and pass me the serial number, we can then determine it’s capability for the update.

JULY 2023 29

ESSENTIAL HVAC

HVAC: INTEGRATE FIRST – INSTEAD OF REPLACING Phillip Pini, Director, Residential Sales (UK) at Crestron, explains why replacement is not always the best option.

There’s something of a habit that developed over time when it came to integrating HVAC into smart home systems: Namely, the desire to replace a bevy of components with the latest bells and whistles and clever gadgets. While some parts of a HVAC solution can certainly wear out or become obsolete, it’s not efficient (or practical) to install new components for the simple sake of their newness.

In fact, I’d argue that if you let a proper building management system do its thing – actually integrating with it and accepting and managing the information that’s sent to and from it, you’ll likely have a far better (and less costly) outcome than replacing a raft of devices.

A properly commissioned and installed HVAC system is worth its weight in gold – effectively, you should never really need to touch it. It will deliver hot or cold air once it has been set up to achieve specific temps at specific times and adjust itself accordingly.

We also need to understand that an effective HVAC system is more than boilers and air handling units. While the term is common, ‘air conditioning’ is often misused – true air handling, the moving of air in a space to deliver heating or cooling, is vastly more efficient. It’s also certainly more than the smart thermostat

30 JULY 2023

that sits on the wall – although interacting with that device is what most homeowners might think of when they hear the term ‘HVAC,’ a properly designed system will require minimal contact with that interface.

As buildings and the technology within become more efficient, the correct way to think about HVAC is to consider the entire residence – and deliver a holistic solution. That requires a shift in mindset: Instead of thinking about HVAC systems in all their complexity as the solution to a home’s heating and cooling needs, think about that solution as climate control.

HELP FROM THE RIGHT WINDOW TREATMENTS

For example: realistically, the best forms of climate control you can put in a house are window treatments. We’ve had several fuel cost spikes in the UK over the past few years.

That triggered some fairly extensive consumer research, and the findings were fascinating – namely, that the impact of something as simple as a window covering was truly remarkable. With a fairly heavy curtain, one can reduce heat loss by up to 25% – even with an old, single-glazed window pane on the other side of that fabric.

Of course, windows (and doors) themselves are becoming more and more efficient – building practices and regulations help end the scourge of the ‘leaky house.’ Materials are constantly improving, tolerances have become much tighter, and all of that leads to increased energy efficiency. But using window treatments as part of an overall climate solution can reduce your energy consumption dramatically, keeping solar gain out as well as warm air in. When we add that functionality to our home automation systems – having the system sense that a room is warming and taking the step of closing the blinds via machine learning before the AC kicks in – we’ve gone a long way toward achieving that holistic approach.

The challenge, of course, is that the homeowner often demands control of everything in the home – while seeing nothing on the wall. We at Crestron are by no means HVAC experts, but we can provide the control and automation of those systems so that a residence’s interfaces are as unobtrusive as we can make them. By working in concert with HVAC professionals at the outset of any installation that involves climate, we can create systems with such robust automation that controls can become next to invisible.

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ALLTRADE DISTRIBUTION ADVERTORIAL

THE GLOVES ARE…ON! In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience and exceptional service are paramount, Alltrade Distribution has emerged as the industry leader in the realm of white glove delivery services. we understand the importance of deliveries and the impact they have on project timelines. That’s why we take pride in our in-house van network and long-standing and reliable drivers, ensuring that your deliveries arrive on time, every time.

Say goodbye to missed deadlines and hello to seamless installations with Alltrade.”

SNAP TO IT With a reputation for going above and beyond, Alltrade is redefining the art of delivering goods in the AV, smart home and security industry with utmost care, precision and professionalism, setting new industry standards. The company’s 14 branches across the UK enable Alltrade to extend the reach of its van delivery service to around 90% of UK postcode areas. Whether you need products delivered to your place of work, storage facility or site, Alltrade has it covered. The popularity of the company’s unique key holding service continues to expand, which is where Alltrade ensures secure custody of keys to storage facilities on behalf of installers, allowing for convenient and independent deliveries. With this service, installers can focus on their tasks without the need to be physically present during the delivery of items, as Alltrade takes care of this.

Steve Simper, Managing Director at Alltrade, explains, “We all know the frustration of projects missing deadlines due to the unreliable nature of national couriers. Countless installation professionals have experienced the setbacks and delays caused by these services, putting projects at risk. While UK national courier companies are the only option for most distributors, they come with several drawbacks that can disrupt your installations. At Alltrade,

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If offering the best and most reliable delivery service around is not enough, Alltrade is continuing to work with the best brands and suppliers. The recent news that Snap One has appointed Alltrade as an authorised distributor, stocking a selection of Snap One brands at all of its branches across the UK, serves to underline the growing reputation of what the company can deliver. Alltrade is now supporting integrators with quick and convenient access to Snap One brands Araknis, WattBox, Luma, Strong and Episode, as well as delivering Snap One category training at branches nationwide.

Speaking about the new deal, Mark Reynolds, Vice President and General Manager of EMEA at Snap One, explains, “This partnership with Alltrade is excellent for Snap One. No other distributor in the UK offers the branch and local delivery network that Alltrade does.

Together, we provide convenient access to our premium brands, giving integrators an exceptional service.”

Moreover, integrators can take advantage of Alltrade’s online ordering platform and next day delivery service for these newly added brands, as well as all of its other top brands and products. These now include Blustream, Sanus, Sonos, Ajax, Hikvision, Kordz, Lutron, Proofvision, Shelly, TP-Link and many more. The

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brand names keep coming, with more recent distribution agreements reached with AudioFlow and Rithum.

CONVENIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Alltrade’s 14 branches - based in Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Colchester, Glasgow, Hemel Hempstead, Leeds, Magherafelt, Maidstone, Manchester, Northampton, Nottingham and Reading - all have trade counters and knowledgeable staff.

The company boasts £4.5m worth of stock holding at any one time and you get free parking too.

That’s not all. Alltrade’s 14 branches also house dedicated training facilities. From audio visual and smart home solutions to networking, security, and integrated reception systems, the company provides comprehensive training for both the domestic and commercial spaces.

In recognition of its outstanding training programmes, Alltrade is the first Hikvision sub-distributor to become authorised as HSCA Video Intercom training centres. Alltrade was also chosen by Sonos to launch the Era 300 and Era 100 products - some of the first locations in the UK to demonstrate the new spatial audio products. All this is backed up by Alltrade’s dedicated technical support team.

Choose Alltrade for a seamless and hassle-free experience, ensuring your installations are executed with precision and efficiency.

Alltrade sales@alltrade.co.uk www.alltrade.co.uk 01273 765180

JULY 2023 31

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ESSENTIAL MUSIC SYSTEMS

MISTER NICE Why high-quality music reproduction is an essential part of the luxury dining experience. Andy Oattes, Country Manager UK & Ireland at Fine Sounds UK, digs in.

If you have read any of my previous pieces on ‘CI-Fi’, or more recently, my focus on ‘the Art of Slowdown’, you’ll know that I am not only a major proponent of the benefits of highquality music reproduction for the listener, but also from a sensible commercial point of view.

Providing great sounding solutions literally equates to better business sense, along with happier clients!

To evolve discussion on the subject, I wanted to talk about an obvious opportunity for installers that care about such things and also have access to brands that are aligned with providing the best quality solutions: Curating an audio experience for high-end hospitality, private members clubs and restaurants.

In mid-2022, I got together with a good friend and DJ/Producer from London, Gregorio Soave, and Luke Newland from Newland Solutions on an exciting project that allowed us to design exactly this level of high-quality audio backdrop, in the heart of London. A friend of Gregorio’s was opening a brand-new restaurant concept called Mister Nice on Davies Street, Mayfair. The client had an amazing vision for

34 JULY 2023

the restaurant, and it was an ideal opportunity to partner with McIntosh and Sonus faber to curate a stellar audio backdrop to enhance the client’s fine dining experience. From the outset, we were aligned with the client that we didn’t want any instance of the audio being distorted, or create the scenario where the system played loud, but with no finesse. We have all been in a restaurant or hospitality environment where the system becomes a huge distraction, right?

And we also all have experiences in some of the finest establishments where this is the case.

Result is a poorer experience for the paying customer, and often a need to talk at a much higher volume level. Not good for the voice, or for ‘private discussions’.

Following a site visit, we created a project scope with McIntosh providing the amplification back-bone with incredible amounts of power and dynamic range across five main listening areas: bar/entrance, upper restaurant, downstairs VIP area, cloakrooms and kitchen.

The key criteria for this system were power combined with dynamic range and detail, to match to appropriate speakers for SPL

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ESSENTIAL MUSIC SYSTEMS

coverage in each volumetric area. McIntosh was perfectly positioned to provide what the project required. Sonus faber Sonetto on-walls would allow a level of audio performance that suited the environment, together with an aesthetic that matched the classic New York deco meets modern French bistro vision that the client and the multiple award-winning designer, Victoria Vogel, had created. We included Sonus faber subwoofers for seamless bass extension in the restaurant and bar areas and Luke also worked closely on a brilliant content platform called Secret DJ, provided by the team at C-Burn Music. This provides a wonderful sonic backdrop built around the time of day to ensure very cool music content for bars and restaurants adjusting throughout the day/evening. I’d recommend anyone to explore this solution further for this type of project.

MUSIC AT MR NICE

Mister Nice as a Parisian influenced fine-dining concept that is connected to a very cool, and top five rated, private members club called Nikitas via a secret door. In this sense, Mister Nice is almost like a pre-cursor to a full evening of the finest food and drinks - and the food and drinks menu is fabulous! The downstairs VIP space within Mister Nice has an incredible wine collection, so we felt that the space was ideal for an ‘Art of Slowdown’ playback system.

Here we opted for a Vinyl-based system with McIntosh MT5 turntable, an McIntosh MA8950 integrated amplifier and a pair of Sonus faber Olympica Nova III floorstanding loudspeakers, which delivers an incredible sounding and unique playback experience.

Here the concept was that diners could listen to vinyl of their choice, with Gregorio curating a musical collection themed to a particular month or event. The entire system is designed on simple iPad control.

The end result of the project is an establishment with clientele that keep coming back to enjoy their dining experience. I have personally dined in the day-time and in the evening, and the system is compelling. The combination of great content, delivered to a very high-performance level does exactly what we wanted; it provides a sonic backdrop that doesn’t distract, but enhances the overall

36 JULY 2023

experience. As the lighting goes down and the evening progresses, Mister Nice succeeds in allowing customers to have warm and exciting discussions without ever feeling like they need to increase the volume of their discussion to compensate for the system. Essentially, the music adds to the already compelling atmosphere of the venue.

Luke sums it up perfectly when he says, “It’s the emotional connection of a system that my clients remember. Working on projects like this with like-minded people and businesses, genuinely helping people to connect with music, is what we do. And if we can create more projects like this, we’re all winning.”

Gregorio adds, “This project is a great example of how senses can be elevated and pushed while maintaining a symbiotic relationship, from the taste, smell, sight, touch and most importantly, the hearing, nothing has been left to chance. I’m proud to be part of such a high-quality experience, to be working with individuals that understand the importance of pushing boundaries, all of it reflecting my love for the arts.”

From my perspective, Mister Nice is a prime example where we can genuinely add tremendous value as an industry, and at a very fundamental level. The spark that ignited Mister Nice, was the passionate advocate in the form of Gregorio Soave, and the team came together in a shared vision for the power of music. The client is delighted and truly understands the value that we have all brought.

With any project of this type, it is essential that that installers work with brands that understand this concept, such as McIntosh and Sonos faber. The reason for this is that a concept such as this brings the client, installer and brand closer together than any other form of installation, so it becomes a partnership where all parties win. Our industry specialises in the supply and installation of luxury products, which sit perfectly in luxury environments.

I genuinely feel proud of how the right system design in the right location brings real joy to the client and the client’s customers, with Mister Nice being the perfect example.

If we look across London to the very many establishments opening, there is a huge opportunity to create more of this standard of experience. Amazing listening bars are popping up all over Major cities like Tokyo, New York, Berlin and so on. The common vision? Music connects people, and it helps people have fun.

And that is the opportunity for our space.

System • C-Burn Music solution with Secret DJ • McIntosh C53 pre-amplifier • 2 x MI128 • 3 x Sonus faber Gravis I • McIntosh MT5 Turntable • McIntosh MA8950 • Sonus faber Olympica Nova III

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Aster brings natural sound to the outdoors Pairing elegant Italian design with simple set-up, Aster from Sonus faber elevates sound quality and ambience on terraces, patios, gardens and more.

F I N E S O U N D S A R E T H E U K D I S T R I B U T O R F O R M C I N T O S H & S O N U S FA B E R

www.finesounds.uk info@finesounds.uk

I

HI-FI

I

CI-FI

Fine Sounds UK is a McIntosh Group Company.

ESSENTIAL HIGH PERFORMANCE GAMING AND SIMS

GAME PLAYER!

High-performance gaming systems and realistic flight, racing and golfing simulators are another huge part of the modern luxury AV world. Joe Carri, Director at Prestige Audio charts their rise and the potential for growth.

The realm of video games and their associated culture has been around for some considerable time. Arguably the very first video game was actually invented in 1958 by physicist William Higinbotham who created a very simple ‘tennis game’, akin to the classic 1970s game Pong to entertain visitors to the Brookhaven National Laboratory where he worked.

Later, Pong found its way into millions of homes as the arcade culture of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s boomed. Electronics manufacturers sought to provide a similar experience in the home with an ever more sophisticated family of games console providers such as Nintendo, Sega and Sony fighting for control of the market.

As in-home gaming developed, the luxury AV world looked to high-performance simulation technology to bring even more immersive experiences to gamers, so these days enthusiasts can enjoy an extremely high-level of performance in their chosen field of play.

The sophistication of today’s games, made for playback on high-performance games consoles or gaming PCs, give luxury AV installers

38 JULY 2023

another opportunity to surround their customers in immersive environments that are rich with trigger fast game play, eye popping imaging and incredible music and sound-effects.

High-performance gaming consoles such as the Xbox Series X are compatible with Dolby

Atmos and Dolby Vision, meaning the huge budgets poured into many of the world’s most popular titles do not go to waste as gamers experience performance in a different galaxy to William Higinbotham’s vision of a ‘simple tennis game’.

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Grow your outdoor audio business Set your clients up with incredible sound all year round, in the garden or on the patio, with outdoor speakers by Sonos and Sonance.

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ESSENTIAL HIGH PERFORMANCE GAMING AND SIMS themselves

These spaces also provide the opportunity

ingrained gaming culture is with many different

in a myriad of ways. We are called on to

for the design community to stretch their muscles

age groups and demographics. Forget the

do everything from a fairly straightforward

and provide some really imaginative and playful

common misconception in mainstream culture

integration of a games console into a home

schemes that reflect the spirited and adventurous

cinema room so the whole family can enjoy a

nature of what occurs in these spaces.

It is also worth reflecting on how deeply

of unsociable teenagers in their bedrooms as the most common type of gamers, gaming titles sell in huge numbers across all age groups.

A kid growing up on arcade culture in the 1970s is now in their 50s with money to spend on either rekindling their love of game play or continuing a lifelong obsession.

Gaming

systems

manifest

hugely immersive experience either playing

So, when it comes to filling our customer’s

against each other or on-line or a completely

most ambitious requests, it is all in the game

dedicated room populated solely by a

for installers fully switched on to the needs of

high-performing simulator allowing the user to

gamers and sim enthusiasts. Get in the game if

live out their most adventurous dreams.

you are not already!

THE NEXT LEVEL BOSS These days, of course, we can go even further and add a whole new level of in-home experiences as technology from the world of sporting and industrial simulation has been adapted to be placed into the home. We recently installed a high-performance golfing sim on an MDU project for the over 65s, so the scope is huge.

Equipment professionals

that can

was

used

to

now

provide

in-home

train

experiences that match the very best available anywhere. Want to drive your favourite car around Silverstone? No problem, want to play a round at Carnoustie on a windy day? See you on the first tee! These days a happy marriage between fast, efficient and highly accurate software has merged with high-performance in-house friendly hardware to produce whatever each customer requires.

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JULY 2023 41

ESSENTIAL HIGH PERFORMANCE GAMING AND SIMS

IT’S IN THE GAME!

Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE answers a few key questions around the growth of gaming and sims in the install sector.

How has this sector developed in recent years?

Gaming has been huge for decades, but what we are seeing changing is the demand for highend simulation rather than gaming.

Are there now more high-performance systems available?

Yes – there are solutions across a number of disciplines, with VR gaming showing a huge increase. However, sport-based simulation is increasingly appealing to those who wouldn’t necessarily consider gaming per-se, which is very often associated with first-person shootem-ups and alike.

What are the main concerns when trying to offer a high-end gaming experience when using one of the main mass-market gaming consoles?

The difference in sport simulation when compared with general gaming, is that the primary objective is to replicate as accurately as possible the real-life sport, with the purpose being for the simulator use to enhance the user’s skills, ability and technique. This obviously leads to enjoyment, but it is a different and more complicated design from how ‘fun’ can we make playing this game at what price. I can

use an analogy of loudspeakers, it is hard and somewhat expensive to accurately replicate the artist’s intent as recorded in the studio, but it is quite cheap and easy to shove a load of speakers in a box and give a big, impressive sound with loads of bass and treble.

With BPS, we can offer anything from a £23k professional fixed frame unit that can sit in any room, to a £70k full motion product that is still compact, through to a bespoke whole room immersive simulator from £250k upwards.

These can be tailored around the end user’s own car collection.

Is it gaming or sports-based simulators like golf that are taking the lead?

Gaming is very popular and shows like CES show how far you can take things, with people being strapped into full body rigs where they can run and turn on a platform, whilst wearing a VR headset and holding a gaming gun. I have never seen one of those outside of a show, but VR headsets are accessible to most now. For AWE, our connection is more with offering driving and race simulation with our partner Base Performance Simulators, although I believe golf simulators are also increasingly popular, although they do require a lot of space.

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ESSENTIAL 2B HEARD

IT’S K-ARRAY DAY! Matt Holland, Channel Sales Manager - Custom Installation, Residential and Marine 2B Heard, explains the company’s exciting role in bringing the K-array concept to the UK. K-array Audio Solutions is globally renowned as one of the most innovative high-technology professional speaker manufacturers in the world and was founded in Florence, Italy. Since its inception, K-array has been pioneering and innovating new audio solutions for live entertainment and the most demanding architectural designs, from corporate spaces, houses of worship and restaurants, through to media rooms, cinemas and multi-room audio in luxury residences and high-end marine projects.

K-array’s commitment to innovation has resulted in numerous patents and industry accolades, solidifying its reputation as an industry leader.

The story begins in 1990 when Alessandro Tatini and Massimo Ferrati founded an audio and lighting rental company that offered unique design solutions. Their solutions became legendary while working in theatres, cinemas and town squares and together they realised they could create lightweight speakers that would reduce the high costs, unloading and transporting normally associated with heavy PA systems.

Now based near Mugello, home of the famous motor-racing circuit, K-array has built on its successful professional audio expertise around the world and expanded its portfolio of solutions catering for virtually all markets and sectors.

Despite the broadening of the group’s business interests, K-array’s goal remains to create unique audio solutions with the highest performance.

Employing over 80 people, their headquarters centres on hospitality with Alessandro’s passion for food being a regular theme when hosting visitors for product demos, training and factory tours. Part of the visitor experience is the ‘K-Hall’ which not only serves as one of the most impressive manufacturer demonstration facilities in the audio world, but which is renowned for hosting regular free live concerts for local artists, bands and residents to enjoy.

K-array has a catalogue of over 300 audio solutions that harness a compact, lightweight and elegant design. They are best known for their astonishingly slim and compact line array loudspeakers that utilise what the company calls Pure Array Technology. In their own words, ‘We take pride that your view is not obstructed by our speakers. Sound quality becomes an invisible, multi-sensory experience capable of integrating audio in contexts where aesthetic compromises are not allowed. The sound comes in all its purity.’

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K-array’s slim solutions always push the envelope of extreme audio engineering: ‘The challenge is to reduce the size of the loudspeakers, while creating an enveloping sound experience.’

Perhaps the most astonishing thing about K-array’s product portfolio is the range of scale of venues and applications that they can be deployed into. Whether it’s a virtually invisible background music system for a small room, or an 80,000-seater concert, K-array has it covered. And anything in between!

Product highlights include the ultraminiature Lyzard speakers, the smallest of which measures just 22x37x11mm, yet when combined with a K-array compact subwoofer deliver sound of such quality and scale, listeners are left astounded.

When greater sound pressure is required, The Vyper range has become a go-to solution for architects, interior designers and clients alike. At just 40mm wide and 22mm deep and available in 0.26m 0.5m and 1m lengths, their room filling capabilities are incredible, and the 1m model can deliver a potent 120dB if required.

In addition to their unique form factors, their speakers can be ordered in any colour or one of the high-end premium finishes which includes 24ct gold-plated. K-array’s speakers are truly at home in the very finest interior spaces.

At the top of the tree for unique audio solutions is undoubtedly the Anakonda. As

the name suggests, this speaker is very snakelike and is, in fact, the world’s only flexible loudspeaker! At 2m in length, and able to be linked together to create a single speaker up to 64m long, applications are only limited by the system designer’s imagination.

It should also be noted that K-array’s speakers and subwoofers are all IP rated and can be specified for out-door systems. And for the ultimate weather protection, K-array’s Marine product range features a salt-resistant Cataphoresis surface treatment and marine specific mounting hardware and audio connections.

K-array is a dynamic and innovative company that continues to push the boundaries of audio technology. With its extensive range of products, industry leading educational program, and dedication to customer service, K-array has established itself as a trusted partner in the professional audio industry.

K-array is sold and supported in the UK and Ireland by specialist, premium audio distributor, 2B Heard. Driven by a passion for delivering unique, high performance audio solutions, our in-house team provide full system design services, designer and installer training, indepth technical support and on-site system optimisation as part of their K-array Certified Partner program.

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SMART THINKING

THE MAKING OF A NEW ERA Sarah Ryan, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Sonos, guides EI through the process of creating the company’s Era 300 speaker.

What can you tell us about the genesis of the product?

At Sonos we watch and engage with all the developing trends in music and technology - and build them into our products when we feel there’s a real benefit to the listener. Spatial audio is fast becoming a primary format for premium sound amongst leading artists, producers and engineers. For context, 85 out of 100 of Billboard’s Artist Year End Chart have released music in Dolby Atmos and there

46 JULY 2023

are over 760 Dolby Atmos recording studios in over 40 countries. Much like the shift from mono to stereo, spatial is the next evolution in listening - creating a sound experience that wraps you in music. We believe there’s a place for Sonos in every category, and the Era family is our next generation of smart speakers built for the future of immersive listening, and the time is right to create a speaker and out-loud listening experience that delivers against the promise of this format.

How long did the process take?

The Era 300 was principally a remote creation (due to the pandemic in 2020 the company had to implement a work-from-home order for all employees) but the teams at Sonos are well used to building and collaborating across the globe. The early phases of product development at Sonos are very iterative - and collaborative, normally the design, audio engineering and sound experience teams bounce concepts between their departments, working towards

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SMART THINKING creating prototypes and sound-like models which we can then start testing, listening to music and audio. This happens throughout an ongoing process - from the earliest models to the finished product.

What do you feel are the main differences between this product and any other Sonos speaker?

Given the Era 300 was built from the ground up to deliver the best spatial audio experience, we are confident it delivers an unmatched experience for listeners and creators alike.

Unprecedented for a single compact speaker, the Era 300 is a bold, revolutionary new speaker boasting six powerful drivers that direct sound left, right, forward and upward, delivering a breakthrough audio performance that places listeners at the very heart of their music and movies in Dolby Atmos. Secondly, made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and packaged in 100% sustainably sourced paper, it’s also the most sustainable speaker that we’ve built to-date, responding to the current challenges facing our environment. Era 300 is also engineered to reduce power consumption with under 2W, idle power consumption and a new sleep function. It’s also built for serviceability, by reducing the use of adhesives and transitioning to screws for easy disassembly and repair. There’s also additional new features included that supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth and line-in connectivity with a Sonos Adapter. We know Bluetooth in particular is a feature our customers have been asking for, so we are excited to make it easier than ever to play all the content they want. The Era 300 also has a new UI - including a volume slider and dedicated controls for previous, next, and play/pause, making it easier to control your music. Listeners can also temporarily deactivate their voice assistants by tapping the new speech bubble control or, you can also disconnect power to the microphone hardware by sliding the switch on the back of the speaker.

used as home theatre rears (with Arc or Beam (Gen 2) - you will get an incredible experience with increased volume, depth and clarity, a fully immersive 7.1.4 playback experience.

Are there any particular benefits you feel you want to highlight that the product delivers for the pro install community?

Yes, using USB-C gives the flexibility to offer both line-in and ethernet solutions from one port. You also have the ability to add additional connections as formats or technologies change in the future. We also have accessories such as wall mounts, floor stands and audio and ethernet adapters available, specifically for Era 300 (and Era 100) respectively and are available in black and white.

What part can the product play in a fully Sonos or hybrid home cinema system?

Movie fans can pair two Era 300 speakers with Arc or Beam (Gen 2) to create a supercharged Dolby Atmos experience. Beam, like Arc, receives and decodes the maximum number of channels in high-definition formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD (7.1.4) and plays back all audio streams across its five phased arrays, and applying time and frequencybased psychoacoustic techniques to provide separation between ear level and overhead audio. Arc has transducers to improve the width and precision of its speaker arrays as well as upfiring speakers that reflect sound off the ceiling to create a vertical soundstage.

What sort of future do you feel there is for spatial audio?

As with any new technology, the music industry is in its initial stage of educating and training creators on how to mix music in spatial audio.

Dolby Atmos has been around for over 10 years, but we’re now seeing an upward trend within the music industry that’s taking hold.

In the past year alone, four of the five Albums nominated for Grammys in the Immersive Album category were recorded in Dolby Atmos, today hundreds of studios worldwide boast Dolby Atmos mastering capabilities, with far more via independent producers using DAW plugins. The general awareness is limited but growing, especially now with streaming access on Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited offering more choices - over 80% of Apple Music Subscribers listened to spatial audio in 2022, while monthly plays in Spatial Audio have grown by over 1,000%. With the introduction of Era 300, we hope music lovers feel more connected to the benefits of immersive listening - with a full understanding of why this is such an incredible advancement that’s quickly becoming a standard for new releases and older catalogues. In the same way ‘surround sound’ transforms movies, drawing you into the dialogue, action and atmosphere, spatial audio creates a sound experience that wraps you in music. Listening on the Era 300 brings us closer to the music and content we love.

Can you tell us more about how the speaker is voiced using the Sonos panel - which includes audio experts from around the world?

Sonos worked closely with its community of leading artists and creators - including Sonos Soundboard members like Emily Lazar and Manny Marroquin - to meticulously fine-tune Era 300 so listeners can enjoy sound straight from the studio that’s true to the artist’s intent.

Producers and artists are using Era 300 as their consumer reference speaker when mixing Atmos tracks to better hear how their music sounds out loud - something they’ve been doing on headphones up until this point. Not only is this helping creators get more comfortable with the format by better understanding how their fans will experience the sound out loud, it’s also inspiring more experimentation. We want to deliver the music the artist creates in the most honest, authentic way possible to our listeners.

When used as a stand-alone music source, what particular benefits do you feel this product offers?

Era 300 delivers wide, immersive sound regardless of the music format. Even when playing stereo tracks, all of the speaker’s drivers are actively delivering sound sideways and forward. The up-firing driver is leveraged to deliver an added sense of spaciousness. All of this creates an immersive listening experience that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the room.

We also wanted to give customers the choice to connect in any way that works for them.

Knowing how important flexible connectivity options are for our customers, (both) of the Era speakers support WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and 3.5mm line-in via the Sonos Line-In Adapter.

Also the Era 300 is the first Sonos speaker to deliver multi-channel surround sound when

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JULY 2023 47

SMART THINKING

TACKLING CYBER CRIME Alex Talevski, Chief Technology Officer, Swann Security, examines the main issues surrounding cyber security.

What are the main threats that installers should be aware of?

These days, device connections in homes are ubiquitous. Consumers don’t necessarily think twice about cyber security when we connect another device to our home network. However, as we embrace advanced technologies, we also open ourselves to potential vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit.

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Typical vulnerabilities in domestic settings include; weak network security and passwords, malware and ransomware attacks, and social engineering or phishing attempts. Through these vulnerabilities, malicious actors can gain access to users’ networks, which can in turn provide a platform to access personal data and devices. Such attacks can threaten privacy, identity, data, devices and can even be used to expose physical home security through access to door locks, garages and disabling security systems. This can lead to significant losses in precious digital assets, identity, and finances. It is essential that installers conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement strong cyber security standards for clients. This includes securing the network, routers and devices with the latest protocols (such as WPA2/3), strong encryption (such as AES), strong passwords (long, complex and alphanumeric) that are regularly changed, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), isolated guest access and robust firewalls. Installers should also ensure up-to-date software is in place, software that secures the network, scans for threats, detects and prevents intrusion. It is also a good idea to schedule weekly reboots on PCs so that updates can be applied, also

disable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and where devices rely on ‘Cloud services’, only select those that are reputable, GDPR and NDAA compliant. Finally, installers must educate homeowners about best practices and encourage regular security audits and updates.

Can you tell us about any particular leaks/breaches of recent times that highlight the issues that we face?

Recent leaks and breaches such as the following illustrate the importance of best practices.

Smart home devices (2021): a major data breach exposed personal information, including email addresses, passwords, and location data, of over 100,000 Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart refrigerators, cameras, and thermostats. This breach highlighted the significance of securing IoT devices and the importance of changing default passwords, implementing robust access controls, and keeping firmware updated.

Widespread router vulnerabilities (2020): researchers discovered several vulnerabilities in popular home routers, including models from TP-Link, D-Link, and Linksys. These vulnerabilities allowed attackers to gain unauthorised access to

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SMART THINKING the router’s administration interface, intercept network traffic, and launch attacks on connected devices. The incident emphasised the need for regular firmware updates, strong router passwords, and secure Wi-Fi encryption protocols.

Ring doorbell camera vulnerabilities (2019): reports emerged of vulnerabilities in Ring doorbell cameras. Hackers were able to access camera feeds, compromise user accounts, and even harass homeowners through the device’s two-way audio feature. This incident underscored the importance of setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping devices up to date with the latest firmware.

Arlo baby camera vulnerability (2019): in early 2019, a vulnerability was discovered in the Arlo Baby Camera that allowed unauthorised access to the camera’s live feed. The vulnerability could potentially expose sensitive audio and video footage of the baby’s room. Arlo promptly released a firmware update to address the issue and encouraged users to update their devices to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.

Why do criminals attempt to hack domestic Internet systems, what do they hope to discover or gain?

Given the increased proliferation of smart home devices, domestic systems can be attractive targets. Some examples of why criminals would attempt to hack domestic internet systems are; • Obtaining personal data or identity can lead to financial gain such as demanding ransom for return of precious user materials.

• Compromising home devices to build large Botnets for Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that can overwhelm websites, networks and disrupt businesses.

• Gathering sensitive information for intelligence and espionage purposes.

• Conducting forms of blackmail and extortion • Exploiting devices to gain access to personal data or physical access.

Awareness campaigns: launch targeted awareness campaigns including online resources, webinars, workshops, and social media campaigns about cyber security risks, practical tips, and real-world examples.

We collaborate with industry influencers, community, and media outlets to amplify the campaign’s reach.

Clear communication: provide clear and concise documentation including detailed instructions for secure setup and steps to update firmware.

Installers should communicate with customers about the importance of cyber security during installation and provide them with relevant educational materials or resources.

Government regulations: governments can play a significant role in promoting awareness.

These can include mandating training for installers, establishing data privacy regulations, and providing resources for public awareness campaigns. Governments should collaborate with our industry to develop best practices.

Continuous updates: cyber security is a rapidly evolving field, so it’s important for installers and the public to stay updated on the latest threats and countermeasures through regular training sessions, webinars, conferences, and online resources.

Will these issues get more acute as we move towards an increasingly digital online world?

Yes. As we move towards an increasingly digital online world, security issues are likely to become more common due to ‘Growing Attack Surface’, with the proliferation of connected devices, the attack surface expands with more entry points for hackers to exploit. This includes not only computers and smartphones but also IoT devices, smart home systems and even wearables.

Cyber-criminals are also becoming more sophisticated and innovative in their attack methods. They continuously adapt their techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. As

technology and AI advances, new attack vectors, tools and technologies also emerge. With growing reliance on online systems and more sensitive data become digitised, the potential impact of a successful cyber attack becomes more significant. The collection, storage, and processing of vast amounts of personal data raise concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse. Data breaches and leaks can result in identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage. Finally, Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning present opportunities and challenges in the cyber security landscape.

While these technologies can enhance security defences, but they can also be exploited to develop more sophisticated attacks.

What is Swann doing to help in the fight against cyber threats?

As a consumer security company, Swann employs strict cyber security practices and standards throughout our product lifecycles.

Swann products are designed and developed in Australia and assembled to our strict requirements. Our products are GDPR and NDAA compliant.

Does artificial intelligence present any particular problems?

There is no doubt that AI presents both significant opportunities and challenges when it comes to cyber security. In a positive sense, AI can be used to perform automated security checks, model normal and abnormal behaviour, actively detect and prevent threats and make intelligent decisions. However, AI can also be used enhance attacks by analysing ‘normal’ behaviour, impersonating people (including their images, mannerisms, actions and speech) through use of Deepfakes, generating highly believable phishing attacks and generating fraudulent accounts. As AI capabilities continue to advance, it is crucial to develop countermeasures to prevent the misuse of AI while promoting responsible and ethical AI development and usage.

What can be done to raise awareness amongst pro installers and the general public?

Education programs: training and education programs tailored for professional installers should cover topics such as common threats, best practices for securing networks and devices and incident response. Similarly, initiatives aimed at the public should provide accessible and practical information on cybersecurity risks, privacy protection, and safe online practices.

Industry collaboration: collaboration between industry stakeholders, manufacturers, installers, experts, and government bodies. We must foster partnerships to develop guidelines, standards, and certifications that prioritise cyber security in the installation and use of smart home devices.

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JULY 2023 51

INSTALL PIONEER: SCOTT KRIX

The Krix M40 array installed at the Invision Experience Centre

GREAT SCOTT! EI profiles Scott Krix, speaker maker extraordinaire and founder of Krix, highly respected supplier of speaker systems to the domestic and commercial sectors. Part one this issue, come back for the conclusion in August.

What are your earliest memories of realising that music was going to be a very big part of your life?

I grew up with five brothers in a town named Loxton, a small town three hours east of Adelaide, the capital of south Australia. We lived on an old Second World War soldier settlers’ agricultural allotment, and my parents owned and farmed fruit orchards.

From a very early age, I was interested in electronics and audio, and spent many days scavenging parts from the orchard to tinker with.

I built my first electric motor in primary school, and then in high school, a 10W valve amplifier, which still sits on a shelf in our RnD department today. It’s not a pretty sight, but it works and taught me a lot!

Electronics, magnetism and mechanics always intrigued me in my younger years.

Physics was my favourite subject at school, and I taught myself to play various musical instruments, which led to my passion for music and sound.

52 JULY 2023

Tell us how you first became interested in Hi-Fi design?

After finishing high school, I completed an electronic engineering degree in Adelaide, where audio became my passion and obsession.

Beyond and during university, I continued to tinker and manufacture loudspeakers for myself and my friends. Realising my hobby had developed somewhat of a ‘cult-like’ status, I opened a Hi-Fi shop in a suburb of Adelaide, where like-minded individuals could browse, listen to music, purchase, and create their own Hi-Fi systems – just like my friends and I were doing. We named it the Acoustic Foundry.

Tell us about the early days at Acoustic Foundry?

The Acoustic Foundry clientele was of the younger set initially, university students and others who liked something a little bit different, and the brand grew from there.

We found our niche and began selling DYOS (design your own systems), a bit like a speaker kit. Our unique offering included laying the

speaker elements out in separate enclosures, switchable via a console with different filters for auditioning. Customers would bring in their own favourite tunes and test their music on the elements until they were happy with the speakers. The Acoustic Foundry, via Krix, would then complete the build of the loudspeakers to their final state within around seven days. The future was ours – we didn’t know where it would take us, but it was a great launching pad for Krix to test new products and ideas. We were simply having a good time. Who wouldn’t?!

How did the Krix Home Grown (HG) series come to be?

The Home Grown series, established in the mid to late seventies, was born from the three most popular DYOS systems.

We offered a range of three Home Grown models at different sizes, price points and some differing components. The Home Grown series was extremely popular; some are still loved and used by Krix customers today. Occasionally we see a pair that have been damaged, and we can usually repair them, even after 40 years.

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INSTALL PIONEER: SCOTT KRIX

flush with the front of the speaker. The audience side of the baffle was coated in acoustic absorbent material.

Tell us about your journey into pro cinema?

Krix entered the commercial cinema world in 1979. We were approached by the owner of a local cinema (The Capri), who passed by the Acoustic Foundry on his way to work daily. He was intrigued by the speakers, which I had built at university, displayed in the store’s front window. The Capri, a two-level, 1,000-seat auditorium, hosted the LCR (Tannoy Ardons) on the floor below the 30m wide and 10m high screen.

I designed and built PA-style loudspeakers, rear horn loaded and featuring dual 15in low frequency (LF) drivers. There were to be no subwoofers in the installation, so we were asked to create as much LF grunt as we possibly could.

Upon installation of the new speakers, we began the process of equalising the cinema.

A huge acoustic problem was discovered due to sound reflecting off the rear wall. To solve this problem, we built the world’s first ‘Infinite Baffle Wall’.

The baffle wall consisted of a rigid structure around the screen speakers and was mounted

With decades of experience, audio is in Scott’s blood

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There were significant benefits of this innovation.

• The LF portion of the LCR channels was now loaded in a half-space with a noticeable net increase in efficiency – theoretically up to 6dB. • The baffle itself eliminated rear wall reflections - which was the main objective of this structure.

• The acoustic absorbent material on the audience side of the baffle absorbed HF reflection from the perforated screen.

Screens are significantly reflective, increase with frequency, and are quite noticeable at high frequencies.

• The layer of absorbent material on the baffle also absorbed noise and reflections from the auditorium and other tangible noise that could originate from behind the screen, like air conditioning, plant noise and street noise.

It must have been a thrill to see your products roll out over cineplexes through the 80s and 90s, tell us how that felt?

It didn’t take long for the Australian cinema industry to hear about our new baffle wall innovation. Krix went on to supply almost the whole cinema industry within Australia over the next 15 years.

As the business flourished, we outgrew our suburban shop and relocated. We purchased a sizable block of land south of Adelaide and built a new workshop and office. We are still on that original block and have expanded by adding the block next door.

We invested much time into research and development to stay ahead of the field.

We developed our own Krix drivers and horn systems and managed to patent multiple products throughout these years.

As the Krix team did the bulk of the cinema installations during this time, we knew the nuances of installing other systems, and

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we prided our engineering and design on producing excellent loudspeakers that are practical and cost-effective to install – an ethos still with us today.

Are there any particular projects that you have been involved with, in terms of providing speaker systems for a pro cinema or a home, that stand out, and why?

A recent and memorable project that stands out is a collaboration with an Adelaide-based group of cinemas, Wallis, whom we have worked with since the mid 90s, and a more recent distribution partnership we have formed with Trinnov Audio.

Wallis was interested in upgrading their cinemas to offer something different and new. Atmos was becoming a ‘buzz’ in the commercial world, but the cost was prohibitive for several cinemas.

We could foresee that combining our technology with the Trinnov Ovation could produce something truly unique without the need for overhead ceiling loudspeakers.

We upgraded the cinemas by increasing the number of discrete surround channels and adding subwoofers to each group, concentrating on the side surrounds where the differences would be noticeable. Each group of surrounds and subwoofers were treated like a full-range loudspeaker, with the subwoofer being crossed over between 80-100Hz. We built this around Trinnov’s technology to time align, phase correct and equalise together, along with other features that the Ovation offers. The unique Wallis cinema experience is named Quake and has been extremely successful. The concept has been replicated in India and has been dubbed Kaptivate.

Come back next issue for part two!

Krix Krix.com

JULY 2023 55

COMMENT FROM THE COALFACE

GAVIN GIVES IT SOME This month it is the turn of Gavin Foot, Cinema Project Manager, Cyberhomes, to take on our tantalising installer-focused quiz.

Tell us a little about your company, what do you specialise in? Who is involved?

My name is Gavin and I am the Cinema Project Manager at Cyberhomes. My role is to work closely with our lead designer, Chris Morley, from the initial first steps in designing the cinema, right though to the construction and fabrication - delivering high end cinemas for our clients. Cyberhomes has been going for around 20 years, specialising in whole house automation and dedicated home cinemas, we have quite a few awards under our belt. We’re all very driven and like a challenge, plus like to push the boundaries a bit.

What are you doing today work-wise?

Currently installing a fully custom fibre optic ceiling in a penthouse apartment in centre of London, it’s looking good!

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Can you tell us about the projects you are working on right now?

Most of our projects are under NDA but we have a few whole house projects in development, including three high end custom cinemas in the design phase, two of them located in the Caribbean. We are currently preparing to fully build these off-site, and once complete and tested we will arrange the logistics to deliver to site, we like a challenge.

You recently completed a new showroom, can you tell us about that?

The guys wanted to create a more personal interaction with our clients by giving them a taste of what Cyberhomes is capable of in a friendly environment, our facilities allow us to discuss the clients project in detail, get to know them, show them examples of our construction techniques and work standards, then tailor a

cinema demo just for them, whether it’s the ultimate action film or a more subtle music or a live concert, whatever they prefer.

How do you feel the industry in general is going right now?

Cyberhomes own focus and interest from clients has come from our high-end bespoke cinema rooms and it is great to see a few more companies focussing in this area. I think it is the way forwards, our goal has always been to push the boundaries and make the cinema environment a more personalised experience.

What areas of the smart home and luxury AV sector need to improve and how?

Whilst the technical audio, video and acoustic standards are very important, I think there

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COMMENT FROM THE COALFACE should be more of an emphasis on the look, concept and style of a room appealing to interior designers and homeowners. Take, for example, a high-end kitchen, whilst it has to be practical with the latest gadgets, its often the look and feel of the room which wow’s clients.

Do you think training needs to be improved, if so, how?

Maybe more education for the construction of a room, best practices to reduce vibration etc, there are too many expensive rooms out there in our industry which aren’t up to scratch and resonate like a box of nails.

Is there a project you are particularly proud of and why?

Yes, we currently completed a high-end cinema where we fabricated a custom projector housing that curved into a coffer creating a unique look to the room, the whole room has bespoke curved panels mirroring and complementing the different aspects of the room, it’s one of those rooms which blends together in a simple way whilst also being very complex with huge attention to detail, truly bespoke.

Are there any brands or products you particularly like working with, and why?

I like Trinnov processors as they offer a very wide scope of control on the sound setup.

Plus Mcintosh power amplifiers as I like the clean sound and the horse power they deliver, not to mention the amazing blue dials creating that iconic look.

What is the best and the worst thing that has happened to you on site?

Away from work what are you interests/hobbies?

I love seeing the final stages of the cinema coming together and experiencing the design right though to the finished product, plus the client’s reaction when they see the final room.

Worst thing that has happened is coming to site after a weekend to see that another contractor has damaged your work!

In my spare time I follow the 49ers American football and when the weather is right I like sailing skiffs - anything to do with boats.

Custom American classic hot-rod cars too.

What is the most unusual client request you have had?

You have magic powers and get one wish concerning the smart home and luxury AV market, what are going to wish for?

We are currently designing a media room with integrated drop down beds and hidden magic tricks!

More installers taking pride in their work, if you’re going to do a job then do it properly and keep the site clean and tidy. Rant over.

How do you see the sector changing in the future?

From my own perspective I think you will see more dedicated home cinema company start ups or a refocus from existing AV companies due to the increasing pure demand of custom home cinema. Plus with the decline of after market car audio, I believe you will start to see experts in that field or similar industries start to move into a different audio sector such as home cinema.

Are there persons/organisations/ companies that have been particularly inspirational in your work life?

From my own background in bespoke high-end car audio, I’d say Larry Frederick, former Director of Product Development at Phoenix Gold, Diamond audio and Cerwin Vega.

Over the years he passed great knowledge of audio in training seminars back in the days when car audio was massive. Sadly, he passed away recently and will greatly be missed.

Favourite music and movies? What are you watching/listening to right now?

I do like 80s music and most of the time currently listening to the radio whilst on site working. Films have got to be the old classics; Top Gun, Rocky, I also like American gangster wise-guy classics.

You can invite three people (living or not) out for a meal/drink, who’s coming and why?

Jeremy Clarkson, I’d love to have a pint with as his mentality is the same as myself. Alexandra Daddario, pure crush, id like an opportunity to impress maybe! George Kittle, best tight end of all time in NFL. I could completely talk 49ers all day with him.

Cyberhomes cyberhomes.co.uk

A star light ceiling is one of the current work assignments

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JULY 2023 59

ESSENTIAL INSTALLER ACADEMY

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS David Fell, former system integrator with in-depth knowledge of technology, business development, and business strategy on a global scale, continues his ‘Installer Academy’ series exclusively for EI. This month, the importance of proper contracts.

In today’s world, the solutions we provide as an industry are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. The convenience and ease of managing your home’s systems through a central hub are unparalleled. However, as with any business, it’s crucial to protect your interests as a smart home contractor. That’s where contracts come in. Contracts are legally binding agreements that protect both parties involved in a business transaction. In the smart home business, contracts ensure that expectations are clear and that both the contractor and the homeowner are on the same page. Without a contract, misunderstandings can arise, leading to disputes that could have been avoided. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of contracts in business and how they can help protect your interests.

60 JULY 2023

WHAT IS A CONTRACT? A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. It outlines the terms and conditions of a business transaction, including the goods or services being provided, deadlines and payment terms. In the smart home industry, a contract should contain specific details about the work being done, the timelines for completion and the payment terms. It is also essential to include any warranties or guarantees that you are providing, as well as any liability limitations. The contract should also outline the responsibilities of each party involved and the consequences for breaching the agreement.

When creating a contract, it’s crucial to ensure it’s clear and concise. The language should be easy to understand and free from any technical jargon. It is also essential to have a lawyer review the contract before it’s signed to ensure that it’s

legally binding and that it protects the interests of all parties involved.

IMPORTANCE

Contracts are essential in the smart home business for several reasons. First, they provide a clear understanding of the expectations of both parties involved. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and misunderstandings, which can lead to disputes. Secondly, contracts ensure that both parties are protected legally.

If one party breaches the contract, the other party has legal recourse to recover any damages incurred. Finally, contracts provide peace of mind for both parties. The homeowner can be assured that the smart home contractor will complete the work as agreed upon, and the contractor can be certain that they will be paid for their services. Several types of contracts are commonly used in our industry.

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ENHANCED INTERFACES FROM YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

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ESSENTIAL INSTALLER ACADEMY

WHAT TO DO WHEN A CONTRACT IS BREACHED In the event that a contract is breached, it’s essential to take action immediately. The first step is to review the contract to determine the specific terms that were breached. If the breach is minor, it may be possible to resolve the issue through communication and negotiation.

However, if the breach is significant, legal action may be necessary. It’s important to have a lawyer review the contract and provide guidance on the best course of action. It’s also essential to document any communication or actions taken in response to the breach.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

The most common is a service contract. This type of contract outlines the services that the contractor will provide, the timelines for completion and the payment terms. Another common type of contract is a maintenance contract. This type of contract outlines the services that the contractor will provide for ongoing maintenance and support of the smart home system. A third type of contract is a warranty or guarantee contract. This type of contract outlines the warranties or guarantees that the contractor provides for their work.

peace of mind for both parties. The homeowner can be assured that the smart home contractor will complete the work as agreed upon, and the contractor can be certain that they will be paid for their services.

HOW TO CREATE A CONTRACT Creating a contract as a smart home contractor can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step is to determine the scope of work that will be completed. This should include a detailed list of the services that will be provided, the timelines for completion and

BENEFITS

Having a contract in place provides several benefits for both parties involved in a smart home business transaction. First, it ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding the work that will be completed, the timelines and the payment terms. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Secondly, contracts provide legal protection for both parties. If one party breaches the contract, the other party has legal recourse to recover any damages incurred. Finally, contracts provide

the payment terms. Once the scope of work is determined, you should create a contract that outlines these details. It’s essential to ensure that the language used in the contract is clear and concise, and free from any technical jargon.

It’s also important to have a lawyer review the contract before it’s signed, or at the very least have it reviewed by someone with experience with contracts, to ensure that it’s legally binding and that it protects the interests of all parties involved.

When creating and enforcing contracts in the smart home business, there are several legal considerations to remember. First, it’s essential to ensure that the contract is legally binding. This means that it must be written and signed by both parties involved. Secondly, it’s important to ensure that the contract protects the interests of both parties. This includes outlining the responsibilities of each party, any warranties or guarantees that are provided, and any liability limitations. Finally, it’s important to ensure that the contract is enforceable. This means it must comply with all relevant laws and regulations and be enforceable in a court of law.

EXAMPLES OF DISPUTES There are several examples of disputes that could be avoided with a contract in the smart home business. One common example is miscommunication regarding the scope of work. Without a contract, it’s possible for misunderstandings to arise regarding what services will be provided and when they will be completed. Another example is disputes regarding payment. Without a contract, it may be unclear when payment is due or what services are included in the agreed-upon price. Finally, disputes regarding warranties or guarantees can also be avoided with a contract.

If the terms of the warranty or guarantee are not clearly outlined in the contract, disputes may arise regarding what is covered and what is not.

CONCLUSION Contracts are essential in the smart home business. They provide clear expectations for both parties involved, legal protection, and peace of mind. It’s important to create clear and concise contracts that protect your interests and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. By doing so, you can hopefully ensure that your business transactions are successful and that disputes are avoided.

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

A TRULY MAJIK AUTOMATED HOME

Following a three-year redevelopment project, a single-storey, four-bedroom home in Lytham St Anne’s that enjoys a comprehensive Control4 automation system designed by Snap One Partner, Majik House, has been acclaimed the Winner of the Best Smart Home Project category at the 2022 Northern Design Awards.

Built in the 1950s, this striking 13,000ft² contemporary home offers a stunning, living space inside and out, including an Olympiclength swimming pool, a high-end gym, nine bathrooms and open plan communal spaces that adapt to the client’s needs at the touch of a button.

Ben Jurin Architecture was commissioned to create this ultra-high end, bespoke residence by a client who considered himself to be nontechnical. Ben was also new to the world of smart home technology and so turned to Snap One partner and automation specialist, Majik

64 JULY 2023

House, to advise on what could be achieved.

While the home largely keeps to its

They worked in partnership with Opus-Electrical

original footprint, every other aspect has been

on the design and delivery, project managing

enhanced as Ben Jurin Architecture worked to

the electrical installation and the activities

create a bold and contemporary, yet timeless

of contractors.

design that offers luxury living at its best. To

Jit Mistry, Sales Director at Majik House,

achieve this, smart home technology has been

explains, “Preston Pools referred Majik House

integrated throughout, all while respecting the

to the architect Ben Jurin who had never

architect’s core requirement that it remained

built a smart home before and wanted a very

unobtrusive and complemented the property

step-by-step understanding of what was

design rather than overshadowing it. This meant

required, therefore, the project grew over the

that everything needed to be discreet, seamless

build process.”

and, crucially, easy to use.

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

The home has an Olympic length swimming pool

To meet this need, the property uses Control4, utilising hand-held remotes and T4 touchscreens, to ensure the client can quickly and easily adapt any space to meet their needs. For example, the family only needs to interact with the control system when they wish to change a lighting scene, isolate the AV to individual rooms (zones) or join it up in ‘party mode’, when required.

Invisible speakers and subwoofers were deployed to deliver expansive sound without impacting the aesthetic. These are enabled by multi-room amps and an audio matrix from Snap One brand, Triad.

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Jit reveals, “We used Redline to help us design invisible speakers (Amina) with discrete but powerful bass using Velodyne and Ariston products. Habitech supplied all the Sonance in-ceiling speakers and garden series Sonance solution, the network was Snap One’s Araknis but Wi-Fi was Rukus.”

The home also features Lutron QSX Lighting control and Silent Gliss curtain motors with Blind Space tracks. Future Automation Under Bed TV Lift and all articulated brackets were also included.

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Lighting control proved to be a particular focus for the architect as the possibilities within the property became clear. Majik House were initially given a base lighting design to work from, but this expanded as the project developed and the lighting scheme throughout is now integrated into the fabric of the building, enhancing the clean and precise lines of the structure, all controlled by Control4. Elsewhere, automated curtains and shading, security and access systems are all integrated and controlled by the Control4 system.

JULY 2023 65

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

The exterior fire-pit and music zone is a particular favourite of the install team

Jit says, “The architect was excited at being able to control all the lights and to have a global scene for such an open plan space. Ultimately, we’ve created global scenes for the whole house – the customer has three scenes that he uses for different events and it sets the whole house, inside and outside.”

MORE CONTROL

The Control4 CA-10 primary controller along with the EA-5 are used to ensure a simple client experience, no matter how complex the programming behind the scenes. The system is built on a robust data and Wi-Fi network using the Araknis and Pakedge products from Snap One. The CA-10 also comes with OvrC from Snap One which allows Majik House to offer advanced remote management and monitoring and effectively maintain the system, without having to be overly intrusive with unnecessary visits to site. Majik House provides extensive warranties for the whole installation, including remote rebooting of technologies in the house, when needed and operating system software updates all managed through OvrC. “Because OvrC is embedded within Control4, it’s so easy for us to set up and then be able to reset devices, like satellite boxes,” adds Jit. “The client expects us to look after the system with a high level of customer service and with OvrC we can maintain it without any hassle at all.”

The customer says, “Having Majik House and Opus-Electrical involved in the project proved a huge benefit right from the outset.

Their approach was never that of a contractor, more a trusted and assured partner who would bring their experience and expertise

66 JULY 2023

to the table throughout. Whatever was asked of them, they provided solutions; not always easy, but solutions which would ensure Ben’s beautiful design of our new home was never compromised. They never tied us in knots with technology – just like the operation of the lights, the sound, the TVs, everything is just nice and simple. There’s no question, the involvement of Majik House has elevated our home beyond our expectations.”

Jit concludes, “My favourite area is outside in the firepit with the water feature and music from

hidden speakers in the hedge. The customer loves to entertain in summer with music on, all doors open, which creates one open space and brings the outside, inside.”

Looking ahead, the positive outcome of this project has also led to a strong relationship between architect and integrator, with the pair committed to working on two more projects together this year.

Majik Houe majikhouse.com

Merging inside and outside spaces was a crucial aim for the project

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ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

Essential Kit List

• Lutron QS Lighting control

• 100in Sony 4K screen

• Control4 EA-5

• Silent Gliss automated blinds and curtain tacks

Swimming Pool

• Control4 CA-10 • Araknis Network with OvrC

Living Area

• Pakedge IP power control

• Amina Invisible speakers

• Triad Audio Matrix

• Velodyne inwall subs and freestanding subs to produce 7.7.4 Dolby Atmos sound

• Triad multi rooms amps • Neeo Remotes for all rooms

• Sonance Visual Performance Ceiling Speakers with Artison in-ceiling subs Bedrooms • Future Automation under bed TV lift • Sonance Visual Performance Ceiling

• 100in Sony 4K screen

Rear Garden

• Wyrestorm 8x8 4K matrix

Christmas Room

• DS2 Gate station

• Amina Invisible speakers

• Sonance Garden Series speaker system 8.2

• 2N Fingerprint entry at 6 doors around the house

• Velodyne inwall subs to produce 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos sound

• Control4 T4 Touch Screens all areas

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JULY 2023 67

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ESSENTIAL CEDIA

THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION In the words of CEDIA members, hears why certification is important to them.

Krissy Budish, CIT: I was recently CEDIA CIT certified. I’ve been in the industry for six years and work in sales for Pioneer Music Company.

I searched for classes at trade schools and colleges and found that, outside of being an audio engineer, these types of courses just aren’t available. When the opportunity presented itself for me to become CEDIA CIT certified, I jumped on it. I went through the textbook and online modules and learned a tremendous amount. I don’t feel I would have gained this type of knowledge otherwise since I am not a field technician. It was important to me to become certified so I can learn and grow within this industry and better serve our integrators.

Jared Edwards: there is currently no other method a potential client has to delineate a highly skilled integrator from one who is not.

Certification says an integrator knows what they’re doing on a much higher level, which means jobs will be conceived, designed, installed, configured, and operated the right way. A more skilled staff also reduces service calls for a business and increases profitability.

Certification truly sets the employee up for career advancement and long-term success.

James Chen: certification is crucial to ensuring a standard is being met. Currently, CEDIA is the only internationally recognised body that holds ISO/IEC accreditation in our industry, a standard

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recognised by nearly all countries. ISO/IEC forms the foundation for safety and insurance.

If you are not at least CIT certified, you may not be operating within proper guidelines and could potentially leave yourself exposed. I would encourage all professionals working in the technology industry to look into certification through CEDIA. Certification can further protect home technology professionals from making critical errors, which may, in turn, simplify or eliminate the need for troubleshooting.

Andy Baker, CIT-SME, IST-SME, ESC-D: certifications show a person’s commitment to developing themselves and their career, which allied trades and clients are able to recognised. The CIT and IST’s ISO accreditation has the potential to create massive change in how our industry is not only recognised but valued. What’s more, the certifications are available globally for anyone seeking to work in our industry, which makes them even more attractive.

Owen Maddock, IST, ESC-D, ESC-N, ESC-T: I’m CEDIA certified because I want to do my job well and fill gaps in my knowledge. I’ve found that being certified adds weight and authority to what I’m saying when working with other qualified professionals on a build project – they’re often more likely to see it my way. Finally, it’s a point of difference between me and most of my competitors.

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Mike Ranpura, CIT-SME, IST-SME, ESC-N: one of the biggest benefits to CEDIA certification is professional development. Technology is ever evolving, and it’s important to know that you’re staying on top of changes in the market.

Certification also proves to your clients that you’re fully capable of carrying out work at their property and are competent in what you say you can do. Perhaps the best part about CEDIA certification, though, is that it’s available to everyone, not just CEDIA members. Our line of work is becoming very popular, and these certifications ensure anyone wishing to work in this industry learns how to do things the correct way.

Frank DeFilippis: certification separates true professionals from hobbyists. In order to properly service homeowners, certification is critical. ISO accreditation further solidifies this mission. Internationally recognised certifications bring CEDIA to a whole new level, and are a massive opportunity for all of us in the CEDIA ecosystem. Even if the homeowner is unaware of CEDIA certifications or ISO accreditation, with a little research, they can easily find out that this status is the gold standard in custom electronics installation certifications.

CEDIA cedia.net/education/certification

JULY 2023 69

With solid high end construction, the R6400 and R6600 Series are a high quality solution for all of your AV and IT requirements at an affordable cost.

Ideal for smaller installations or for home systems, these wall mount rack enclosures perfectly combine convenience and aesthetic with multiple features and a stylish finish.

● ● ●

Lockable door and removable side panels for security Optional castors and adjustable feet

60kg / 132lbs load capacity

● ● ●

Available in 2 depths (400mm / 18” or 600mm / 24”) 6U, 9U, 12U and 18U models

Smoked Polycarbonate or Vented Steel front door

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PRODUCTS

IMPROVING ON A CLASSIC HARMAN Luxury Audio has announced MkII Editions of JBL L82 and L100 Classic Series Loudspeakers featuring woofer, midrange and tweeter performance enhancements, revised crossover designs and premium bi-wire terminals.

MkII Editions of the JBL L82 Classic and L100 Classic loudspeakers were announced at the Munich High End show, offering passive Hi-Fi loudspeakers enhanced with JBL’s Performance Package as first introduced on the Black Edition versions of both models, improving them over their predecessors in the Classic Series range.

The Performance Package of the L82 Classic MkII and L100 Classic MkII includes an upgraded woofer design that benefits from improvements to its linearity, which helps reduce distortion.

The tweeter and midrange drivers have also been treated to refinements that deliver higher performance levels. Additional upgrades include a change to the crossover design to provide dual inputs for use in bi-wiring applications, while a new input terminal cup has dual sets of premium gold-plated binding post terminals for a secure connection to a variety of loudspeaker cable and connector types.

“The acoustic performance of our popular Classic Series loudspeakers is the stuff of legend, but legends aren’t born by resting on their success – they continue to evolve,” says Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio. “For our L100 and L82 passive Hi-Fi loudspeakers, the next step in that evolution is the MkII Editions featuring JBL’s Performance Package, which takes their award-winning sound to the next level for the ultimate listening experience.”

Harman Luxury Audio harmanluxuryaudio.com

The L82 Classic MkII and L100 Classic MkII, available Q2 2023 (RRP £1,999/€2,250/$2,400 per pair, and £3,998/€4,500/$4,800 per pair)

Smart home control in your hand

HIFI ROSE RS130 BLOOMS IN MUNICH At Munich High End 2023, HiFi Rose – the Korean digital audio specialist unveiled a new flagship network streaming transport designed to act as the ultimate digital audio source for any high-end Hi-Fi system. The RS130 boasts a host of new technologies in a brand-new chassis that shares design aspects with the popular RS150B design.

HiFi Rose designed the RS130 to completely block digital noise by supporting fibre optic ethernet and USB transmission, and employing an ultra-stable, high-precision OCXO clock. It’s also straightforward to accommodate thanks to the wide variety of input and output options, and with Rose OS built-in, it’s also easy to use and enjoy.

Key features include luxury industrial design characteristics, including front-mounted 15.4in LCD touch-screen, a sturdy aluminium chassis with ventilation built-in to the ROSE logo, new

ethernet network connectivity which supports SFP protocol for greater transmission quality and support for fibre USB transmissions. The unit also includes ultra-stable, high-precision OCXO clock built-in, linear power supply with high-capacity supercapacitors, dedicated SSD for audio caching built-in, allowing for clean signal generation and low latency and support for external master clocks via 50Ω and 75Ω terminals. Rounding out the feature set is an advanced internal design optimised to minimise noise and interferences, USB, Coaxial, AES/EBU, Optical, HDMI and I2S Output options, complete Rose OS operating system and Rose Audio Architecture and support for Tidal, Apple Music, Qobuz, Spotify, Roon Ready and Rose Tube services.

HiFi Rose eng.hifirose.com

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RS130 will be announced officially later this summer

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JULY 2023 71

13–14 SEPTEMBER 2023

FARNBOROUGH EXHIBITION CENTRE

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FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE CENTRE

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KEEP UP TO DATE

EILIVESHOW.COM

PRODUCTS

SINGLE ROOM BUNDLE FROM SNAP ONE Available voice integrations currently include AppleTV through Siri, with Xfinity coming soon.

Snap One has launched a new single-room control bundle to help partners tackle one-room installations and system expansions leveraging the new CORE lite Controller and Halo remote to deliver full functionality for any budget.

The CORE lite is a new Control4 system controller specifically designed for single-room use with ports including ethernet, one USB, one HDMI, one internal Zigbee antenna, three IR Out, one of which can be used as a serial port instead.

Additional user features include an HD menu, highresolution audio streaming with up to 12 native services and, with an active subscription, cloud services that include: remote access, notifications and alerts, Intercom Anywhere, cloud backups, and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

For Snap One partners, CORE lite provides access to the Control4 Online Driver Database with more than 20,000 unique drivers for device control, smart device integrations, and personalised automation. With OvrC Pro built-into CORE lite,

partners have remote access for network monitoring and management, device and system configuration, and a suite of diagnostic and troubleshooting tools. The controller is not sold individually and is only available through the Single Room Bundle.

To ensure every user has convenient, reliable access to their Control4 system, the Single Room Bundle includes the Control4 Halo remote. Customers can use the remote to control the CORE lite’s OnScreen menu, use the voice button for push-to-talk commands and use familiar hard buttons for common tasks, all on a 2.8in screen with hard buttons for simple navigation. Users can also use the popular Control4 app for mobile devices for advanced control and remote access.

The remote’s dual-band Wi-Fi antennas support 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks to improve reliability with three to five times stronger connections than previous remote models. When users press the new Voice button on the Halo remote, Control4 captures the user’s command with the embedded microphone and dynamically routes it to the proper voice service via proprietary technology.

Unclouded outdoor sound

Snap One snapone.com

EXPANDING USB CONNECTIVITY HORIZONS WITH LINDY Lindy’s USB Active Extension System offers a range of active extension cables designed to extend USB connections without compromising performance.

These cables incorporate built-in amplification and equalisation to maintain high-speed data transfer rates and reliable power delivery.

The Lindy USB Active Extension System provides several benefits, including extended reach, offering the ability to extend USB connections over long distances - providing flexibility in device placement. Active technology ensures that high data transfer rates are maintained, allowing for quick and reliable file transfers, multimedia streaming, and other dataintensive tasks. The active extension system also ensures that connected devices receive sufficient power, eliminating the need for separate power adapters or cables. The system is also designed for easy setup, with plug-and-play functionality requiring no complex configurations or software installation. The extension cables are compatible with various USB devices and support different USB generations, ensuring compatibility across different devices and systems and can be used standalone or as part of a modular system to extend USB connections to multiple devices.

Multiple units can be connected to achieve longer distances, offering a customisable solution and locking connectors ensure a stable and secure connection, minimising accidental disconnections.

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Streamlined Cable Management extends the reach of USB devices without relocating them, helping to keep cables organised and reducing clutter. The cables can be used with a USB hub to connect multiple devices simultaneously and offer USB 3.0 compatibility ensuring compatibility with modern devices and a foundation for future USB advancements.

Whether installers need to connect peripherals, transfer data, or power devices, these active extension cables have been created to provide seamless connectivity without compromising performance. With a range of extension lengths available, Lindy caters to diverse connectivity needs, from smaller office setups to larger conference rooms and challenging environments.

Lindy lindy.co.uk

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JULY 2023 73

PERSONALIZED LIGHTING CONTROL Lighting affects everything. Your well-being. Mood. Concentration. Creativity. Now, combined with the Savage Lighting line of light fixtures, the Crestron Home™ platform puts the power to control it in your hand. Control the color, intensity, and amount of light, whether synchronizing with your natural circadian rhythm or using our SolarSync™ sensor to match the color and intensity of the natural light outside. So, any time, any room, you’re always in the right light.

Learn more at crestron.com/ledfixtures All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2023 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

PRODUCTS

STORMAUDIO AND DIRAC GO LIVE ACTIVE Swedish digital audio pioneer Dirac and StormAudio, global player in high-quality, innovative and immersive sound processors and amplifiers, have announced the availability of the new Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (ART) add-on in all StormAudio processors.

Dirac Live Active Room Treatment leverages Dirac’s expertise in MIMO mixed-phase impulse response correction technology. It enables spatial optimisation, whereby all speakers in a sound system cooperate with each other to accomplish what passive acoustic treatments struggle to achieve, says the system’s creator. With decay times reduced by the algorithm, listeners should experience a clearer sound without boomy, smeared bass – digitally removing the limitations of the room.

In many listening spaces, like dedicated home cinemas or home entertainment rooms, the bass can present many problems affecting the overall listening experience. Often, the bass can take a long time to decay — or stop bouncing around the room — resulting in ringing or booming. Dirac Live ART has been created to automatically evaluate and adjust the bass characteristics of the entire system. It leverages the strengths of each speaker to make up for any shortcomings in other speakers or the acoustic properties of the room. DIRAC says this effectively turns passive speakers into active support units, strengthening the system overall.

StormAudio’s ISP platform was designed to be future-proof, with modular and flexible upgradeability by hardware and software. On this foundation, the ISP platform can fully support the powerful Dirac Live Active Room Treatment tool.

It is now available on all StormAudio processors and AVRs through the 4.5 firmware update. It is included at no additional fee on all products ordered after 1 January 2023 onward. Products ordered prior to 1 January require a license that can be purchased from Dirac’s website.

Dirac dirac.com Dirac Live Active Room Treatment module will remain an exclusive feature of the StormAudio product line until Q4 2023

Natural sound timeless art

WHO’S ZOOMING WHO? New functionality and control from 2N

2N says it is the first access control company to add adaptive face zooming to its video intercoms, improving security for customers.

Adaptive Face Zooming is now available on the 2N IP Style, the company’s flagship video intercom, and all of 2N’s answering units, as well as on user’s smartphones via the My2N app.

Adaptive Face Zooming is based on the camera in the intercom detecting the face in the frame and zooming in so that the user can identify their visitor on the answering unit or smartphone. This adds particular value when video intercoms are equipped with a wide-angle camera, which are becoming a more common feature on sophisticated video door entry systems. While wide-angle cameras give a perfect overview of the whole entrance, the visitor can occupy a relatively small space in the frame, making the face difficult to recognise, says 2N.

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When two people are in the frame, the video intercom adapts its field of view and automatically focuses on both visitors. If more people enter, the video intercom zooms out to focus all of the visitors in the frame – or back in if any visitors walk away.

If users need to zoom in even further – perhaps to confirm the details on an ID badge – there is also the pinch-to-zoom function, allowing them to zoom in even further.

The 2N IP Style already has the best camera on the market, claims its creator, so Adaptive Face Zooming only enhances the ability of the user to see what is happening outside the door.

Adaptive Face Zooming is not facial recognition technology – it only detects faces, it does not save them – so there are no concerns about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules covering biometric data. The protection of personal data has been a challenge for some forms of biometric access control, but it does not affect this new feature.

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JULY 2023 75

PRODUCTS

PLANT A NEW C SEED Prices start at $233,000.00. Available for order now, delivery Q1 2024

The C SEED N1 Outdoor TV makes its debut with a flair for the dramatic. What looks like sheer magic is in fact an astounding feat of advanced engineering, says the maker.

The N1 Outdoor TV takes 60 seconds to rise to its height of 3m and five MicroLED panels unfold in the next 25 seconds to create a seamless 165in or 137in display (IP65 rating).

The panels interlock to form a seamless TV screen that bursts into action with high pixel

power for ultra-high resolution images in any daylight environment, including direct sunshine.

For ultimate viewing comfort, the screen rotates 180º degrees, to be viewed between lounge area, swimming pool or jacuzzi.

The C SEED N1 Outdoor TV features MicroLED technology and HDR support. Its special physical screen surface coating helps to produce truest blacks and vibrant colours with practically no glare, claims the creator. C SEED’s

patented Adaptive Gap Calibration makes the borders between the screen panels disappear to provide a seamless visual experience.

The TV has two built-in 100W broadband coaxial speakers and integrated subwoofer in the column, with additional twin coaxial speakers in each wing. The necessary interfaces are designed with a wide soundstage in mind, from 5.1 up to 9.2 surround sound, making it simple to create the outdoor theatre experience. The soundbar is integrated into the frame design.

C SEED’s 4K MicroLED technology is described as a revolutionary leap ahead, providing twice the colour purity and a far wider colour gamut than conventional LED screens, creating fully natural colors, optimum peak brightness and most accurate grayscale images.

The N1 Outdoor TV is weatherproofed to withstand the elements, as the protection grade of MicroLED panel surface is IP65.

Engineered and produced in Austria, outdoor C SEED N1 4K TVs are available in titanium matt metallic color in 165in and 137in sizes.

C SEED cseed.com

STRIKE A NEW CHORD WITH BERTTI Chord Electronics has launched its most affordable ULTIMA-technology stereo power amplifier to date, BerTTi (£3,995). The new power amp also introduces the company’s nextgeneration ULTIMA topology to the Table Top (TT) range, home to the Hugo TT 2 DAC/pre/ head amp and Hugo M Scaler upscaler.

BerTTi is a fully balanced 75W stereo power amplifier benefitting from the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology.

First unveiled at HIGH END, Munich, 2023, BerTTi directly replaces its predecessor, the TToby and expands the British built ULTIMAtopology range amplifiers designed by Chord Electronics owner and founder John Franks.

Franks’ advanced ULTIMA error-correction technology monitors and immediately corrects signals before the output stage for astonishing accuracy, says the maker.

BerTTi features both balanced and unbalanced inputs, high-quality gold-plated loudspeaker outputs, plus a 10 A IEC power inlet. Further features include two modified power supplies for increased performance, plus an additional auxiliary power rail for the front end, which provides extra voltage to drive the custom-made MOSFETs. The new ULTIMA-tech BerTTi, when combined with the resolving power of the

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award-winning Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp, offers new levels of sonic performance from a small system. The addition of the Hugo M Scaler upscaler, with the ability to upscale audio to 705.6kHz, 16x CD’s native resolution, makes the three-box system truly class-leading claims the company.

BerTTi follows a line of highly advanced fullwidth ULTIMA-technology power amplifiers,

including the original flagship ULTIMA mono power amplifier (780W), the successive ULTIMA 2 (750W) and 3 (480W) mono power amplifiers, the ULTIMA 5 (350W) and 6 (180W) stereo power amplifiers and in May 2023, the new ULTIMA INTEGRATED. Chord Electronics chordelectronics.co.uk

BerTTi’s metalwork is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium and is available in Jett Black or Argent Silver

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