Essential Install October 2023

ai169573857813_EI Denon 2023 cover copy.pdf 1 26/09/2023 15:29:39

OCTOBER 2023

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

AVR-S670H 5.2 channel 8K AV Receiver

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS

SOFTWARE, COMMISSIONING, INTERFACES DEALING WITH DATA

SHOWROOM SHOWCASE

MARTIN’S HI-FI

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.

32

22 46 72

CONTENTS

October 2023

4 FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR

28 ESSENTIAL CUK

7 ESSENTIAL NEWS

52 SMART THINKING

16 TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

58 INSTALLER ACADEMY

18 PULSE CINEMAS

62 COMMENT FROM THE COALFACE

20 ESSENTIAL CEDIA

66 ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

23 CEDIA MEMBERS

81 ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

People powered!

Hot happenings

EI Live! 2023 supports TFC Feel the difference

Maintaining standards!

Architect of success

24 ESSENTIAL REVIEW Paradigm XR 13

26 ESSENTIAL DBM DbM and LG go large

CUK adds value with Pavone Line Array or Point Source?

Protecting from cyber threats

Stuart Lillis, Director, Limitless Automation Stale Study To Stunning Home Cinema Unit appeal

FEATURES 14 AWE, DENON AND MARANTZ

AVRs for the Ultimate Home Cinema Soundscape

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

14 36 81 Proud Media Partners of

There’s more to Essential Install BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

SOFTWARE, PROGRAMMING AND INTERFACES

30 THE FIFTH DIMENSION

44 SMART HOME EVOLUTION

Ollie French, Commercial Director at mounting innovator Future Automation

33 SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Phillip Pini, Director of Residential Sales (UK), Crestron

47 REMOTE CONTROL

Iain Gordon, Director GES Digital and KNX UK Chair

Dean Carroll, international sales director, consumer, Legrand AV

48 ANOTHER LEVEL

34 ANTIFERENCE MEDIA & DATA CABINETS Award winners!

37 HAVE IT ALL WITH AVF

Snap One rises to the challenge

56 LASER PROJECTORS AND VIDEO PROCESSORS

Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at DbM and Bart Devos, Business Development Manager EMEA at Barco

First class support

38 MOUNT DEVELOPMENTS PUSH DVLED INTO MAINSTREAM

Thomas Fenton, Senior Business Development Manager – EMEA, Peerless-AV

72 SHOWROOM SHOWCASE Relax with Martin’s Hi-Fi

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

OCTOBER

PEOPLE POWERED!

ai169573857813_EI Denon 2023 cover copy.pdf 1 26/09/2023 15:29:39

OCTOBER 2023

THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE AV AND SMART HOME INDUSTRY

AVR-S670H 5.2 channel 8K AV Receiver

Several things this

working in the smart home and luxury

month bring EI to

AV industry.

focus on the people

This is our strongest suit. It also creates

power that keeps this

challenges of course; we need to keep the

sector at the cutting

momentum up in terms of recruiting and

edge and will secure

training new people, but when you get right

the future.

down to it, without the wonderful pool of

The last few months have seen EI make

knowledge that this industry now offers,

many visits to manufacturers, distributors

our sector would struggle for the attention

and installers to get the detail of what is

that it deserves.

happening at the coalface of the industry,

We are blessed with some of most

gather news, attend special events and also

interesting, exciting and socially relevant

take tours of the many updated or brand

products and concepts available today.

new demonstration facilities the industry

Combine that with the skill, knowledge and

now offers. It’s been really impressive stuff.

commitment delivered by our sector and EI

Another key aspect of recent activity

feels that the future is bright.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS

SOFTWARE, COMMISSIONING, INTERFACES DEALING WITH DATA

SHOWROOM SHOWCASE

MARTIN’S HI-FI

GETTING IN TOUCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP AD MANAGER

Claire Talty, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com

has been the build up to EI Live! 2023.

You may say that this is true of all

What has been so impressive this year is

sectors, of course the people are important,

the willingness of everyone concerned to

but in our sector more than most it is the

David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com

get behind the show and promote their

combination of technology and people

STUDIO MANAGER

attendance at the event if they are an

power that really delivers something special.

exhibitor, and also visitors chiming in on

People’s interaction with technology can

why they feel a visit to the show is a must.

often be disappointing and frustrating: trying

This show of support has created a buzz

to pay a car parking charge online, banking

around the event like never before.

apps replacing branches, and AI-based

PUBLISHER

Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS

susan@allthingsmedialtd.com Essential Install magazine, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD

EI has also of course continued to

telephone systems are just a few examples

produce as many insightful comment

where removing the human element fails.

articles and profiles as possible, featuring

Combing some of the best tech around and

T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173

some of the key people currently working

our people power lifts the sector above the

in the industry today. Our whole team is

ordinary and creates something customers

www.essentialinstall.com

always impressed by the commitment

value and come back to.

and inventiveness shown by those who lead our sector.

If you attended EI Live! this year, a very big thank you for your continued support. If

These three key areas show just

you would like your company or someone

how reliant we are on the knowledge,

that works in it featured in the magazine, just

enthusiasm and desire of the people

get in touch at dan@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 OCTOBER 2023

BRING THE CONCERT HOME

Music lifts your mood, underscores on-screen emotion, lets you relax or party till dawn, and powers your workout. Elevate every musical moment with pro audio solutions from L-Acoustics Creations. Whether indoors or outdoors, home cinema, home nightclub or listening lounge - the experts who serve the world’s top tours, festivals, and music venues can design a bespoke environment to truly bring the concert home.

Book a demo in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.

creations.l-acoustics.com

NEWS

NEWS SMART BUILDING AWARD WINNERS FOR 2023 ANNOUNCED! Award organisers are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s highly anticipated Smart Building Awards, which were revealed during EI Live! 2023. A massive thank you to the sponsors of the awards this year, the returning main sponsor of the night Sonos, and drinks reception sponsor Gaia International.

The panel of judges, comprised of industry experts and thought leaders, meticulously assessed an array of impressive submissions. A big thank you to all the judges this year; Melanie Malcolm – Bespoke Home Cinemas, Simon Gregory – Cinema Rooms, Richard Stevenson, EI Reviewer, Stephen Rhead – Sonos, Carl Nycz – Home IQ Ltd and Daniel J Sait, Essential Install Editor in Chief.

1000 SERIES ‘UTOPIA’ IW/IC MODELS

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

PROJECT CATEGORIES

Best Lighting Control EOS Portrait Keypad, Rako Controls Ltd

Best Media Room Over £50,000 Jungle Atmos Media Room Cyberhomes UK

Best Matrix Signal Distribution MHUB S: The Stackable Matrix, HDanywhere Best Projector VPL- XW7000ES, Sony Entered by AWE Europe Best Rack or Mounting Product Clear Flow Media & Data Cabinets, Antiference Best Security Solution Luma X20 Family, Snap One Best Software Release Solution Update OS 8.8 NICE/ELAN Entered by Aldous Systems Best Standalone Speaker Model A, Steinway Lyngdorf Best TV Display Conventional BRAVIA XR98X90LU 98”, Sony Entered by AWE Europe Best Cable Solution WEB-LED Webro Cables & Connectors Limited Best Dedicated Touchscreen Controller Nice EL-HR40 NICE/ELAN Entered by Aldous Systems Best Exterior AV or Smart Home Product Lithe Audio i01 Outdoor Active Surface Mount Speaker Best Integrated TV Display Lusiom, Videotree Best In Wall or In Wall or In Celling Speaker CI800 Series Diamond CWM8.3 D Bowers & Wilkins Entered by AWE Europe

Best Media Room Under £50,000 Disco Room Electric Orange Best Multi Dwelling Unit Riverstone Fulham: High-End MDU AV Prestige Audio Best rack Installation Silver Lining Storage Solutions AMARARAJA Best Whole Home Integration Project South Lodge Majik House Best Home Cinema Project Over £50,000 Senior Cinema, Riverstone Fulham Prestige Audio Best Home Cinema Project Under £50,000 Lake District Cinema Room Finite Solutions Best Commercial Integration Project The Collective Luuxx

COMPANY CATEGORIES Best Training Control4 Automation Programmer Snap One Distributor of the Year DbM

Audiophile technologies in five models for luxury stereo and home cinema applications

Manufacturer of theYear Rako Lighting Controls

Best Multi Room Zone Music System MZMA, HDANYWHERE

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 07

BRING YOUR DESIGNS TO LIFE

the benchmark for luxury theater seating

HARV - 3D NOW AVAILABLE

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

LENBROOK ANNOUNCES MQA ACQUISITION Lenbrook Corp has acquired the assets of MQA, enriching the company’s intellectual property portfolio with an assortment of significant patents and introducing two prominent audio codecs – MQA and SCL6.

“Lenbrook’s vision is of a thriving Hi-Fi industry where technologies that promote both consumer choice and the pursuit of the highest sound quality are deserving of investment and nurture,” says Gordon Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer of Lenbrook.

“We view this acquisition as an opportunity to ensure the technologies developed by the scientists and engineers at MQA continue to serve the industry’s interests rather than be confined to any single brand or company,” adds Gordon.

Founded from the insights and support of record industry executives, recording artists and audio engineering experts, MQA sought to provide creators with the means to efficiently preserve the detail and nuance of their works in high resolution recorded formats, which at the time pushed directly against the trend toward heavily compressed music.

“MQA is the only technology that considers the entire audio signal chain, from studio to listening room, to assure consistent quality of reproduction,” adds Greg Stidsen, Chief Technology Officer of Lenbrook. “The patents and research that underlie MQA represent significant contributions to digital audio quality due to their focus on time domain issues that have not been well understood until recently. We’re determined to continue to develop our marketplace and encourage the possibilities these technologies can achieve.”

Lenbrook has established a position as a stable and well capitalised organisation that takes a long-term view of investments and market development.

MQA had amassed over 120 licensees and several content partnerships, so Lenbrook’s primary objective in this acquisition was to provide certainty for business and technical developments that were underway prior to MQA’s administration.

As a result, Lenbrook retained a core group of engineers and developers and sales and marketing personnel including Andy Dowell, previously the Head of Licensing for MQA, who will continue to lead business development activities.

TAKE CONTROL

Lenbrook Corp lenbrook.com MQA will continue to support artists and creators in delivering their vision to listeners

SPECIFI IO PICKS UP AWARD AT CEDIA EXPO 2023 Specifi IO, the proposal tool with project and business management features, has won the Best Startup award at the 2023 CEDIA Expo. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from its release in 2021, Specifi was designed to help AV integrators produce professional quotes in less time, but with a difference.

Specifi was originally developed by Founder and Managing Director, Matthew Booth, for his AV distribution company, Indigo in 2017.

“It was really innovative and saved the dealers a lot of time,” Matthew says. Integrators became reliant on the tool and began expressing an interest in using it with other brands and suppliers.

From this, Specifi was born and Matthew invited 40 key suppliers and manufacturers in the UK and Ireland to list their products on the platform. After two years of success in the UK and Ireland, this summer saw Specifi launch in the US. The start-up SaaS company reported a tremendous response at this year’s CEDIA Expo. Exhibiting in the Launchpad, the Specifi team was invited to take part in the TechStarter Start-up competition, which saw all Launchpad exhibitors carry out a five minute, Dragon’s Den style pitch to a panel of judges, who are all industry professionals. Out of 13 companies, Specifi was delighted to be shortlisted into the final five and

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

then later crowned winners of the competition taking the title of Best Start-up 2023.

Continuing to set the bar, Specifi recently became the first AV proposal tool to incorporate AI Assist into its software. Integrators now have the ability to use AI to assist in writing the copy for their proposals.

Another industry first is the platform’s ability to share system designs with suppliers. Specifi also showed its Customer Portal which will be launched later this year - an extension of the existing CRM, this feature provides a place for the client (end-user) to keep track of all project details.

Specifi specifi.io The new Specifi Collaboration feature lets the integrator share a design with a chosen supplier contact for review

/Essentialinstall

HR40 Remote 3.1” HR Touchscreen Control media, lighting, shades, climate, security Touch / View / Voice

OCTOBER 2023 09

BRING THE PARTY HOME

The minimal opening system of the MOS36 delivers world-class audio within the most restrictive environments.

Easy to install, the speaker mimics the appearance of 4” designer lighting and is available in six custom finishes to blend seamlessly into the ceiling for a sophisticated uniform look while delivering amazing sound to any room.

Contact the Invision Sales team for advice, demos and full end-to-end support.

01359 270280 | sales@invisionuk.com | www.invisionuk.com

NEWS

CUK SETS MUSIC FREE WITH VSSL MUSIC STREAMING SYSTEMS

VSSL’s systems were on display at the CUK stand at EI Live! 2023

CUK Group has signed a deal to distribute exclusively the VSSL (pronounced ‘vessel’) brand of compact, intuitive ‘X’ range streaming amplifiers and ‘SX’ wireless speakers to residential and commercial integrators in the UK and Ireland.

A division of Utah-based Soundvision Technologies, VSSL’s scalable music streaming systems use the brand’s state-of-the-art Native Streaming technology to deliver the simplest audio listening experience in the home, says the distributor. Through intuitive operation, users are able to stream music from any mobile device and any music app or streaming platform to scalable systems of compact and stylish six, three and single zone ‘X’ range streaming amplifiers and ‘SX’ wireless speakers, soundbars and subwoofers.

Certified by Google, Spotify and Apple, VSSL has been designed to offer the entire family - even the most inexperienced - effortless access to their playlists from the apps they use every day, including Airplay2, Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in or Alexa Cast. Voice control is also possible through Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant. Control over more advanced functions such as EQ is available from the VSSL app.

Commenting on the move CUK MD Stuart Thomson says, “Given the importance of music streaming to families everywhere we’re delighted to add CUK-level support to a proven, reliable, scalable system that is easy to install and use. It offers your clients young and old the joy of the most intuitive high quality playback experience available.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with CUK Group” adds Yvette Kelsey, VSSL’s Director, International Sales and Strategic Accounts.

“We have been thoroughly impressed with CUK Group’s understanding of the audio and streaming industry and their customer service mentality has been apparent throughout this process. We’re fully confident that we will grow our VSSL brand together in the United Kingdom market while bringing the best service and latest technology to the Smart Home space.”

NATURAL AUDIO ORIGINAL ART

CUK cuk-group.com

PULSE-EIGHT ANNOUNCES AQUAVISION PURCHASE AT EI LIVE! 2023 Pulse-Eight, the UK-based, manufacturer of audio and video distribution products, has announced the acquisition of waterproof TV manufacturer Aquavision. The news was announced and highlighted at EI Live! 2023.

Aquavision is the originator of in-wall and waterproof televisions for indoor/outdoor use and consumer, commercial and marine applications.

The Aquavision range includes screen sizes up to 100in and offers compatibility with the world’s leading integration systems including Control4, Crestron, AMX, Savant and RTI. “I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Aquavision to our expanding family of world-class British audio visual brands.” comments David Baxter, Pulse-Eight Group CEO. “A pioneer and market leader for well over a decade, with access to additional investment and expertise from within the greater group, we believe that Aquavision is in

pole position to become the preeminent name in the waterproof screen market globally.”

Aquavision MD, Alastair Benn adds, “Joining the Pulse-Eight Group provides access to the resources required to take our brand to the next level. By tapping into the R&D and manufacturing expertise of Pulse Eight, the marketing and customer service skills of Gallo Acoustics, and the extended sales and distribution reach of the collective group, I believe Aquavision can truly realise its worldwide potential. I’m extremely excited about where the next chapter in our story will take us.”

Following the acquisition, Alastair Benn becomes Brand Director for Aquavision within the expanded group.

Pulse-Eight pulse-eight.com

@Install_mag

Blend natural sound with original art Each finish individual to your customer

The Aquavision brand has new owners in Pulse-Eight

essentialinstall.com

‘GOCCIA’ HANGING CERAMIC SPEAKERS

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 11

NEWS

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE Announced at EI Live! 2023, Ben Davidson has joined the team at AWE. Ben is a highly respected member of the CI industry and comes with 20 years of experience, initially working as a custom installer, he then held positions at Kaleidescape, Bowers & Wilkins and most recently at Monitor Audio.

“We’re delighted to welcome Ben to AWE and look forward to integrating him within our team to strengthen our position as a preferred distributor for custom installers. Ben’s primary focus will be to develop our premium brands and dealer base across both retail and CI, utilising his excellent industry experience,” says Stuart Tickle, Managing Director at AWE. Ben says of his appointment, “I’m excited to be a part of the AWE team, a company that I have held in high regard for many years. AWE doesn’t stand still and has built its reputation by working with the best brands in the industry and being genuinely great people to work with. I’m looking forward to stepping into my new role at AWE.” Kinly, AV solutions and services provider, has announced the appointment of Amy Amesbury, as the new Marketing Manager for the UK & Ireland region. With over 20 years of PR, communications, marketing and event management experience, Amy will be working with the wider marketing team to fulfil the global vision of CEO, Tom Martin.

The UK is a significant focus for Kinly with a lot of investment having been spent in the region in recent years. Moving into her new role, Amy’s priority will be to build on Kinly’s reputation as a respected and trusted leader in the AV industry, with a focus on sales enablement, demand generation, and vendor relationships.

Sales Director, Rob Benton, says, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Amy to Kinly. She is going to be key to the growth of our sales and marketing team as we continue to expand Kinly’s presence in the UK. “Through her unrivalled industry knowledge, network and experience, I have no doubt that she will be pivotal to the success of the sales organisation and our strategic plans moving forward.”

Amy adds, “I was attracted to Kinly because of the company’s keen focus on its people and how they work together. You can have the best

marketing strategy in the world, but it would be nothing without the team of people behind it working their hardest for success.

“As such, I’m looking forward to joining the Kinly family, supporting the sales team and collaborating with vendors to deliver the highest possible standard of AV for customers.”

Midwich Ltd has announced Kane Barker, Katie Ford, and Aaron Lawther have been promoted to directors.

Effective immediately, Kane will become Divisional Director, Katie will become Channel Marketing Director, and Aaron will become Director – Internal Sales. All three have been with Midwich for a combined service of more than 36 years and are positioned to further unite the three business areas to support the company in its future growth.

Kane Barker, Divisional Director of Midwich Ltd, says, “When I joined the company 17 years ago, I never would have imagined how far my career would develop. The business is constantly evolving and offering exciting new opportunities to work with our vendor partners, colleagues, and businesses across the Midwich Group to grow together as well as giving me the privilege of working alongside fantastic team members.”

Katie Ford, Channel Marketing Director of Midwich Ltd, adds, “I am honoured to be given this opportunity, and this success should be credited down to the wider team who are, without a doubt, the best marketing team in the industry. Over the last six years, they have gone from strength to strength to deliver real value to our vendor partners and customers, and I cannot wait to see what else we achieve together.”

Aaron Lawther, Director – Internal Sales of Midwich Ltd, says, “Since joining Midwich more than 13 years ago, I have worked in various roles covering the sales floor and commercial aspects of the business. During that time, I’ve had the luxury of working alongside some brilliant mentors who have helped support me in my career and, as a result, have helped me to achieve this opportunity today. We have an incredible team here at Midwich, one I’m truly proud to be a part of.”

Ben Davidson

Kane Barker

12 OCTOBER 2023

Amy Amesbury

Katie Ford

Aaron Lawther

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ENTER THE IMMERSIVE WORLD OF INFRASONICS

SMSG32, 32-inch Active Infrasonic Subwoofer

Beyond the audible range and the limits of traditional subwoofers, infrasonic frequencies add a new dimension to the experience of home cinema immersion. For years Ascendo Immersive Audio has been perfecting their delivery, overcoming huge technical and performance challenges to create a range of infrasonic subwoofers that generates pressure waves as low as 5Hz, reproducing the hidden frequencies and harmonics in your film and music content you don’t hear but feel all around you. In this way, Ascendo defines the difference between merely listening and being there!

Further information:

01423 358846, info@karma-av.co.uk, www.karma-av.co.uk

ESSENTIAL AWE

AVRs FOR THE ULTIMATE HOME CINEMA SOUNDSCAPE The AVR is the beating heart of a every high-quality AV installation.

The essential foundation of every professional home cinema installation, an Audio Video Receiver (AVR) is so much more than a component for processing audio and video signals. A high-quality AVR offers further mastering for greater definition, fine-tuning and dimension to enhance the user experience – and can provide greater scope for upscaling a client’s entertainment options.

At AWE, we offer a range of premium to high-end AVR options - including AWE exclusive models from Denon and Marantz – to ensure our customers can build the perfect home cinema for every client.

DENON – IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

A leader in high-quality audio equipment, what makes Denon stand out in a crowded market is the precision and detail produced by its sound systems. Denon has been at the forefront of audio engineering since 1910, setting the standards for high-quality audio products that are built to last and delivering the ultimate listening experience to music and movie lovers worldwide.

14 OCTOBER 2023

INTRODUCING THE DENON S-SERIES AVR-S670H – AWE EXCLUSIVE

The newest addition to the Denon AVR lineup is the superb S-Series AVR-S670H, an affordable 5.2-channel receiver, now available exclusively from AWE. Best suited for small to mid-sized home cinema applications, the AVRS670H is easy to set up and offers superb 8K video and high-definition surround sound featuring Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio decoders. This model also features an analogue FM tuner.

With its a competitive price point and outstanding features, the S-Series AVR-S670H provides a great introduction for clients that are new to home cinema or taking their first steps into the realm of surround sound and immersive home entertainment, by offering: • Denon audio performance with high quality DSP, finest digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) and a solid power supply delivering the energy to 5 or 7 amplifiers each capable of providing 145W (6 ohms/1%THD/1ch).

• Unmatched clarity of 8K video and the latest HDMI technology featuring HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 8K/60 and 4K/120 pass-through for the most life-like home theatre and gaming experience.

• HEOS integration offers seamless music playback, allowing users to stream and share music from their favourite online services such as Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, TuneIn internet radio and others. Further smart devices can get connected easily by AirPlay or Bluetooth. Bluetooth transmission allows BT-headphones to connect wirelessly to the receiver.

• Easy to setup, Denon’s award-winning Setup Assistant in high-definition video provides clear, step-by-step instructions making it easy to get started—and Audyssey MultEQ room correction technology optimises the listening experience in any room.

The introduction of the S-Series AVR-S670H is a great entry-point option within the comprehensive Denon AVR line-up currently on offer at AWE.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL AWE

IN-TUNE WITH THE DENON X-SERIES A premium option, the X-Series AVRs are tuned meticulously by a Denon Sound Master and possess the signature Denon craftsmanship and audio design. These excellent AVRs fill a space with refined sound supported with Dolby Atmos®, Dolby Surround, DTS:X®, Auro 3D and IMAX Enhanced.

The Denon X-Series models feature HEOS® Built-in technology to support a multi-room set-up, so users can stream music, podcasts or sports to HEOS devices, like Denon Home Wireless speakers, in other rooms of the home.

To cater for every installation, from a 9.4, 7.2 or 5.2.2 channel set up, there are three Denon X-Series models available from AWE:

DENON AVR-X2800H Fill medium-sized rooms with more refined sound using this 7.2 channel AV receiver with 95W per channel. The Denon AVR-X2800H consists of increased HDMI 2.1 connectivity with three 8K inputs, which leads to supporting higher video resolution and refresh rates. Digital radio is featured by the DAB model.

DENON AVC-X3800H Powering up to 180W per channel, the Denon AVC-X3800H 9.4 channel 8K AV amplifier delivers an enveloping 3D audio experience and amazing picture quality to satisfy the most discerning home theatre enthusiast. The X3800 will support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update.

DENON AVC-X4800H

This 9.4 channel AV amplifier, powering up to 200W per channel, delivers breathtaking 3D audio that perfectly matches highdefinition video up to 8K. With nine channels of amplification and up to four independent subwoofers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X plus IMAX Enhanced and Auro 3D, this unit envelops large rooms in theatre-quality sound. The X4800 will support Dirac Live upgradability with a future software update.

MARANTZ – THE ARCHITECTS OF AVR

Built upon decades of heritage and designed with timeless style, The Marantz CINEMA series of AVRs establishes new benchmarks for high-end performance. Consisting of a flagship preamp/processor with a matching

16-channel amplifier and four AV receivers, the CINEMA Series provides movie and audio enthusiasts with the most exceptional at-home listening experience possible at the respective price-points.

MARANTZ CINEMA60 – AWE EXCLUSIVE

The Marantz CINEMA 60 is a 7.2 channel 8K AVR with 100W per channel. It’s ideally suited for multi-purpose media rooms or smaller dedicated home theatre applications, and features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 8K Ultra HD and HEOS Built-In streaming.

With a wealth of inputs and outputs including pre-amp out to add more power and dual subwoofer outs, CINEMA 60 brings the immersive spaciousness, warm and rich tone and lifelike dynamics, all of which are legendary hallmarks of Marantz’s sound. CINEMA 60 also includes the new Marantz design featuring the iconic porthole, symmetry, and visual cues representing Marantz quality.

Thoughtfully selected connectivity options, flexible speaker and amp arrangements, and fine-tuning ability allow the user to make the CINEMA 60 their own – for true customisability.

To find out more about AWE’s range of Denon and Marantz AVR’s, or to book a visit to the AWE Show Apartment in Epson to hear the sound quality for yourself, visit AWE-Europe. com.

AWE Europe AWE-Europe.com

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 15

ESSENTIAL TOGETHER FOR CINEMA

Richard Heeley, Operations Director at Jooced (right) spoke about his involvement with TFC at EI Live! 2023

EI LIVE! 2023 SUPPORTS TFC Once again, EI Live! has underscored the unwavering support of the AV industry for Together for Cinema.

Manufacturers and integrators have wholeheartedly embraced the cause, recognising its potential to positively impact the lives of those who are most in need. Many of them have already made commitments to offer their support and resources, which means Together For Cinema has been able to hit its ambitious £1million worth of installations goal.

“During the event, we had the privilege of talking to many of our charitable and installation partners,” says Together For Cinema Founder, Ian Morrish. “Among those we had the opportunity to speak with was Richard Heeley, Operations Director at Jooced, a company specialising in home automation and the design and installation of cinema rooms.”

Richard shared the story of how Together for Cinema had approached him and his team, enquiring whether Jooced would consider installing a cinema room at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall. Both he and Tony Edwards, Jooced’s Managing Director, readily agreed that this was an exceptional opportunity to give something back to the community.

“Working in the custom installation market has been a fortunate experience for me,” says

16 OCTOBER 2023

Tony. “It allows me to engage with remarkable properties and collaborate with extraordinary individuals at the high end of the market.

Nevertheless, it is so gratifying to be able to offer our services pro bono to enhance the lives of children.”

Richard acknowledged that the custom installation market can sometimes be fiercely competitive, with everyone striving to secure contracts or deliver the finest cinematic experiences. However, Together for Cinema serves as a unifying force, breaking down these competitive barriers. He exemplified this spirit of collaboration by expressing his confidence that, if ever he was in need of assistance, he could reach out to numerous fellow installers who would readily offer their help, saying, “No problem, I’ll be there tomorrow. What do you need me to bring?”

“Participating in Together for Cinema’s mission has been an incredibly worthwhile endeavour,” he adds. “It leaves a heart-warming sense of fulfilment.”

It is worth noting that at time of going to press, Acorns Children’s Hospice is scheduled to have its official opening on October 9, 2023.

This event will mark another significant milestone in Together for Cinema’s ongoing mission to spread joy and comfort through the magic of cinema in hospices and care facilities across the UK.

WE DID IT!

The sun blazed overhead, the road stretched endlessly, and the miles were many, but a group of dedicated cyclists from Team Lycra – Together For Cinema’s own Ian Morrish, Matthew Mclernon from Lilin and Greg Stuttle, formerly of GJD- recently undertook the gruelling journey from London to Brighton, all in the name of a remarkable cause. It was a day filled with challenges, camaraderie, and triumphs.

Fifty-five miles. That is the distance these intrepid cyclists covered, facing the relentless heat and demanding terrain. Some might have said, ‘Downhill all the way,’ but they quickly learned that the road had a few surprises in store. Nevertheless, they pressed on, knowing that every pedal stroke brought them closer to their goal.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL TOGETHER FOR CINEMA Matthew, the driving force behind this feat, deserves special recognition for turning his vision into a reality. His dedication and determination inspired the group of like-minded individuals to take on the challenge. Greg played a crucial role as the chaperone, ensuring the safety and well-being of the cyclists throughout their arduous journey.

The team was not just united by their mission, but also by the vibrant shirts they proudly wore, thanks to the creative talents of Steve Liddiard, CEO and Jasmine Godfrey, Marketing and Key Accounts Manager from Lilin. These shirts not only protected them from the scorching sun, but also served as a symbol of unity and purpose.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chris Pinder of OneAV and HDAnywhere, the main sponsor, whose support made this ambitious endeavour possible.

Lastly, immense gratitude is extended to all the generous sponsors who have already donated. Each and every contribution will make a significant impact through Together for Cinema, an organisation dedicated to bringing the magic of cinema to those in need.

The trio’s journey reminds us that with determination, unity, and a common purpose, we can conquer even the toughest challenges.

Together, they did it, proving that the power of community and compassion knows no bounds.

The countdown to London to Brighton 2024 has officially begun, and the everdedicated Team Lycra is already committed to the challenge. If you share their enthusiasm and want to be part of this heroic team, get in touch with Ian by sending an email to ian@ad-con.uk.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 17

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS

PRIME TIME FOR SMART HOME CONTROL Pulse Cinemas brands offer something unique in the marketplace with continual innovation.

Interface with the AVA Home Remote and powerful new options from Kaleidescape.

The AVA Home Remote is the latest product to join our line-up and is THE revolutionary smart home and luxury AV remote control the industry has been waiting for.

If you are not fully familiar with the AVA Home Remote yet, this superbly designed ergonomic remote packs all the functionality end users need to control their whole home into a beautiful slim remote based on the Android operating system. Able to natively use any app available via Android, the unit can also be configured to be used in a single app, say an RTI smart home system, if that makes more sense for the customer and for the project.

In short, AVA is the world’s first Google certified remote that offers you and your customers the full power of the Google Play Store as well as compatibility with the most popular smart home control platforms.

The high-density touch screen with ultranarrow bezel, offers easy viewing and access to everything the customer needs to see and control and the cunningly integrated speaker and microphone, offer full voice activation, search and intercom functionality.

The robust, solid body is machined from a single piece of aluminium, feels very comfortable in the hand and protects the

18 OCTOBER 2023

screen perfectly should any accidents or drops occur.

AVA comes in two highly aesthetic finishes (Black and Silver), but AVA is not just a pretty face as the unit has all the power and speed today’s market needs and users demand.

AVA is powered by a 4-Core, 2Ghz processor, so no tasks are too heavy for the remote, simple commands or larger macro sequences are never a problem.

Install any of your customer’s favourite smart home apps or platforms and installers will witness a game changing experience.

Power is also long lasting as the 2200mAh battery can last up to six days on one charge when not connected to the docking station and charger.

The magnetic dock assures the remote is always ready for action and offers a pleasingly substantial feeling unit to partner and support AVA. Weighing a very generous 308 grams (11 ounces), the dock always stays put when users lift the remote. The innovative and neatly designed dock also hides the USB-C Plug completely offering further aesthetic advantages. Guiding magnets snap the remote into position with ease when it is time to return to the dock.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL PULSE CINEMAS More details soon on the AVA Cinema Remote

What is more, AVA recently launched a new version known as the Cinema Remote at the CEDIA Expo. We are waiting for full confirmation of all of the details, but this fantastic device adds to the AVA family in a really innovative way offering strong functionality and ergonomics in a similar form factor to its cousin. Stand by for more details and check out the FAQ section on the Pulse website for more information on AVA.

PRIME TIME KALEIDESCAPE!

The new Terra Prime Line of servers from Kaleidescape features an all-new board design with faster processing power and faster network. Kaleidescape underlines it is the only dedicated movie server with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. The new servers are available with either high-capacity hard drives or fast solidstate drives.

“Kaleidescape’s new Terra Prime movie servers support lightning-fast movie downloads and can serve more Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies concurrently to multiple screens,” says Tayloe Stansbury, Kaleidescape chairman & CEO.

for yachts and large installations. Terra Prime SSD downloads Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies in as little as four minutes and serves up to 25 simultaneous playback zones. Terra Prime SSD 31TB stores approximately 500 Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies and the 8TB model stores roughly 125 Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies.

or up to 10 simultaneous playback zones

KALEIDESCAPE TERRA PRIME HDD MOVIE SERVERS

4K movies.

Terra Prime HDD is a next-generation highcapacity movie server. It can download a Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movie in as little as eight minutes and serves up to five simultaneous playback zones (compact)

(full-size). Terra Prime HDD 88TB stores approximately 1,450 Kaleidescape highbitrate 4K movies and the 48TB stores roughly 800 Kaleidescape fidelity 4K movies. The HDD 22TB version stores approximately 350 Kaleidescape fidelity 4K movies and the 8TB stores roughly 130 Kaleidescape high-bitrate So, if you are looking for that killer product that makes your next project just that little bit more special, give us a call!

Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com

The AVA Home Remote was a big hit at our recent Summer BBQ and Open Day

KALEIDESCAPE TERRA PRIME SSD MOVIE SERVERS

Terra Prime SSD movie servers are the fastest and quietest movie servers available, ideal Kaleidescape has continued to innovate with faster speeds and more power

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 19

ESSENTIAL CEDIA MEMBER

GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR WITH ARCHITECTS Ben Ullmann, Business Development Manager LUUXX, and CEDIA member, talks building relationships.

When I joined LUUXX as Business Development Manager two and a half years ago, I was tasked with getting the company in front of architects.

Having done this in my previous role, I knew how important it was to be armed with CPDs to be heard by these professionals.

LUUXX is a proud CEDIA member – we are passionate about the association and know that the business wouldn’t operate as it does without us being a member. Luckily for me, this membership provides all the tools needed to be able to reach out to this audience. So, one of the first things that my boss did when I joined the company was to put me through the CEDIA Outreach Instructor Course (COI).

Once armed with the presentation skills I needed, and access to the CPDs on the CEDIA portal, I would spend some time each week, calling a select few architects. I would know about a project that they were working on, and we would say to them, ‘We want to work with you, we’ve got a CPD that we can deliver to you.

How about we come over, with lunch of course, and do a presentation that contributes to your RIBA CPD target and is relevant to your current projects?’ Or something to that effect!

Naturally, some said that they weren’t interested, but many said ‘yes, for the sake of an

hour, we might learn a few new trends we don’t know about or get some ideas about doing something a bit differently that we can relay back to our clients.’

When it comes to presenting the CPDs, I tend to lead with Designing the Connected Home, as it provides a nice overview of what can be incorporated in some of the schemes the architects are working on.

At the end of the presentation, I ask about live projects that the team is working on. I also let them know the other CPDs that are available and discuss the option to hone in on something more specific to a project. We get this booked in before I leave their office. This way, I walk away with the group excited that they’ve learnt something new and that they can delve deeper into a specific topic on another day.

This has been the approach we’ve taken over the last couple of years and it’s been really successful for us. We’ve now developed such strong relationships with these architects that as soon as they have a client mention AV or technology, they pick up the phone and get us in to meet with them.

However, you need to buy into CEDIA and the CPDs to make this work. You’ve got to understand the concept and persevere with

it. It’s not uncommon to make 10 phone calls and get nowhere, but eventually, someone will say yes. Once architects realise I’m not trying to sell them something, and that I’m actually trying to add value, they’re more receptive to hearing what I have to say.

Ultimately, you’ve got to keep going.

Once you’ve got your foot in the door, there’s the potential for you to develop a working relationship and access to every single project they’re working on. For every 10 practices I’ve presented to, I’ve established a working relationship with 60% of them. You then start to see these partnerships grow.

An example of this is an architect who I targeted soon after I started at LUUXX. I’ve gone on to present three CPDs to them over the last 18 months and now we’re their goto partner for AV. We’re working on several projects with them – the first one starts next month, and this is going to keep our team busy for years to come.

This is just one architectural practice, but it shows that by putting in the graft and being open to the CEDIA COI programme, you not only get a foot in the door, but you could very well get a seat at their table.

We know that if it wasn’t for the CEDIA Outreach Instructor Programme, we wouldn’t have the relationships and projects that we now have with these architects.

One of the architects I’ve built a relationship with said to me, ‘You’re like an extension of our team. You don’t work for us but as soon as we get a project that’s right for you, we pick up the phone and call you.’ How fantastic is that!

I’ve been able to build this credibility and professionalism with them on the back of the tools CEDIA has given me, and that’s really quite powerful.

The next CEDIA Outreach Instructor course is taking place on Tuesday 14th November at the CEDIA HQ in St Neots. To book onto the course, visit www.cedia.net/advocacy/cediaoutreach-instructor LUUXX Group www.luuxx-group.co.uk

20 OCTOBER 2023

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

Aurea Acurus

Acurus

Simplified Surveillance x20 Series Now Available In EMEA

Shop Now at dealer-emea.control4.com Become a Partner

ESSENTIAL CEDIA

STANDARD PRACTICE? Why everyone should be excited about the Immersive Audio System Design Recommended Practice [RP22], explains Walt Zerbe, CEDIA Senior Director of Technology and Standards.

The new recommended practice for immersive audio is redefining how we quantify system performance and educating customers on how to hold us accountable to the highest professional standard.

The CEDIA/CTA-RP22 Immersive Audio Design Recommended Practice (or simply, RP22) is a document that was designed to level the immersive audio playing field by focusing on system design and performance. This is the first time in our industry where system performance metrics are defined by four levels instead of vague “good, better, best packages” or “low, middle, high-cost models”. And the new definitions aren’t just for integrators’ benefit.

Shoppers today are more informed than ever, and rarely make purchasing decisions without first conducting some form of research.

From small purchases like a drill to large investments like a car, customers want to see reviews, read about interesting features, and compare a product or service to others in the market. So, why shouldn’t the customer of an immersive audio system have access to the same information about the professional they are looking to hire?

Yes, there are technical elements outlined in the document and yes, there are underlying skills an integrator will need to possess to understand and implement RP22. But ultimately, it’s about designing and delivering a level of performance for the customer and preserving creative intent.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

As professionals, we have a responsibility to deliver exceptional experiences at every level, starting at Level 1.

Level 1 addresses the minimum level of performance and could be accomplished with simply an AVR and bookshelf speakers, in the appropriate space of course, while Level 4 would be a state-of-the art experience.

Simply put, it’s about designing a system to deliver the chosen performance level for the intended space.

With RP22, manufacturers know their products are functioning as intended while customers understand the breadth of what they are paying for. Having clearly defined levels not only holds integrators accountable, but it also elevates our industry to the highest professional standard, so in the end, everyone wins.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR RP22 IMMERSIVE AUDIO DESIGN

“RP22 was created using a rigorous ANSIaccredited development framework and thoroughly peer-reviewed. Rather than the perspective of any individual, studio, format or manufacturer, this Recommended Practice represents a collective industry consensus that is beyond reproach,” - Ben Goff, Technical Director, Cinema Lusso.

“Being part of the working group was a real eye-opener. We had input from some of the best

/Essentialinstall

minds in the residential technology industry as well as film studios and professional audio.

The end result is a thoroughly comprehensive design document all integrators can use to deliver a more emotionally impactful end result, and thereby better serve clients at almost every price level,” says Owen Maddock, Owner, Cinemaworks.

“RP22 is a valuable document for anyone involved in immersive audio. RP22 brings cohesion to design guidelines and performance objectives when adopting today’s modern day audio formats to entertainment spaces. As a manufacturer, knowing the parameters outlined for each of the performance levels in RP22 will help us provide products to our dealers and integrators that can better serve these purposes,” adds Shawn Nageli, Staff Engineer, Audio, Snap One. “The residential technology, audio, and film industries all stand to benefit immensely from the knowledge and guidelines within RP22. It has the power to elevate hardware performance, improve system designs, and elevate knowledge and professionalism among custom electronics integration,” concludes Craig Eggers, independent consultant and former Senior Director, Home Theater Business Unit, Dolby Laboratories.

CEDIA cedia.net

OCTOBER 2023 23

ESSENTIAL REVIEW: PARADIGM XR 13

CAN CANADA DELIVER?

This month our intrepid reviewer Richard Stevenson travels to Canada, figuratively speaking, to check out the Paradigm XR 13 sub.

Canadian brand Paradigm has been making waves in the UK install and audiophile scene of late, and is set to make even bigger waves, bass ones, with the new XR Series subwoofers.

Available in 11in and the larger 13in model we tested, I already love the wilful offering of models that offer an inch larger driver than the market norms (10in and 12in) for a Spinal Tapesque ‘ours goes to 11’ vibe.

The XR series is a part of Paradigm’s flagship Founder Series range of freestanding loudspeakers, with plenty of cosmetic and technology cues shared between the two. This includes angular sided cabinets, the advanced bass driver technology and the finishes; satin walnut, rosewood or ‘subwoofer noir’ in satin or piano gloss. Our satin walnut review sample didn’t float my home cinema boat cosmetically, but customers with wood finish speakers may love them and black is a double option.

Continuing the Spinal Tap metaphor, the XR13 cabinet is far from Stonehenge monolith size and emerged from the packing crate considerably more compact than expected.

Coming in at under 50cm on all three major dimensions, the Paradigm rather bucks the trend of transatlantic flagship subs and will slip fairly discretely into almost any cinema install, even if the room is rather bijou.

Paradigm aims to get the biggest, tightest bass from the relatively compact cabinet with some clever engineering based around maximising potential output SPLs across the LF range and then using sophisticated EQ to deliver a smooth response in room. That EQ

24 OCTOBER 2023

comes courtesy of ‘sister-brand’, Anthem, and its much respect ARC software. That is supplied free, along with a pre calibrated mic, cables and stand with the sub. No additional licenses are required: simply load the ARC software onto a laptop, hook up the sub, and away you go.

The heavy engineering comprises Paradigm’s 13in Carbon-X driver, with its truly enormous ferrite motor almost the same diameter and depth as the cone itself, and a substantially braced cabinet built from some of the chunkiest MDF I have ever seen used seen in a speaker design. Despite its relatively sensible dimensions, this is a near 50kg sub.

The driver, based on the Founder Series’ ultra-high excursion LF units, uses Paradigm’s innovative Trilinear Suspension to keep the voice coil on the straightest path and has a smooth profile Carbon-X Unibody cone with bespoke ridged roll-surround. The amplifier is a 2,200W RMS Class-D power unit, with its DSP controls and comprehensive sound tuning options found in the Paradigm Subwoofer app.

Build quality is absolutely first class throughout, the hefty and exceptionally well finished cabinet not looking out of place in the most affluent of installs.

Around the back there is an equally high level of attention to design detail, including – hallelujah – recessed connections. For anyone who has ever designed an install to the millimetre, then realised the sub won’t go close to the wall due to four inches of IEC or XLR plug and cable sticking straight out of the back, this is at least an inch or so of help. The connection

count covers XLR and RCA LFE, stereo RCA line level and stereo speaker level inputs. Use right angle connectors and this will be a very svelte close-to-wall solution. The lack of loop outputs for additional subwoofers is arguably an oversight, but with AVR/Ps coming with ever more sub-out channels, it’s not a deal breaker.

UNIQUE APPROACH

Uniquely, Paradigm has installed an output level control in the form of a large, illuminated touch panel slider at the rear of the top panel.

It’s probably more wow factor for retail / freestanding customers than install systems, but it’s impressive to look at and equally impressively responsive in use. If the user wants to leap up and dial the sub gain up or down between differently balance music tracks without having to keep the Paradigm Sub app open, it could be useful. The LED illumination goes off after a few seconds from last touch to keep things discreet in cinemas too.

Yet, it does rather open the door to userbased mucking up of your finely tuned acoustic balance. Either way, like the app, the volume slider is easy to use and impressively executed.

The app itself connects seamlessly to the XR13 over Bluetooth and is supremely intuitive.

You get individual modes for RCA and XLR inputs covering Movie, Music and Night presets, the option to adjust the type of low pass filter (3rd or 4th order), 0-180 variable phase and deep bass enhancement should the XR13 natural output not already be calling building foundations into question. The app is open to

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL REVIEW: PARADIGM XR 13 end user settings calamity, but for cinema installs, where LFE level can be left to the processor/AVR, I would argue for not mentioning the app to the client as being probably the best bet.

And then there is the ARC EQ system. Unlike subs with built-in EQ that is ‘nice to have’ or ‘may’ improve sound over manual filter application, the ARC is an absolutely integral part of the XR13.

On a first test run without ARC, the sub managed several new records in the Stevenson Ranch cinema. That included knocking an upright BluRay case over at 5m away and the biggest 30Hz peak output I have ever seen, registering more than +15dB above response average. That is an astoundingly low resonant frequency, and very, very loud at well over 110db before things started get even marginally ragged, which really is ‘going to 11’ for a domestic sub. Sounded bloody awful, obviously. ARC is essential.

The ARC kit supplied has 3m cables for PC to sub and PC to mic, which had me laying on the floor in the middle of the room for the want of longer USB cables, but otherwise the mic, adjustable metal tripod stand and software are all faultlessly good. There is a neat simplicity to ARC that makes the likes of Audyssey Mult-EQ-X and Dirac Live look complex to navigate and, being the in-house brand, the software switches to sub measurement as soon as the XR13 is detected. Not 10 minutes of sweeps across eight room positions later, the ARC displayed results, suggested some target curves and calculated the EQ files to upload to the XR13.

Press upload, save results in case of user meddling and you are good to go.

The result is a frankly phenomenal transition from OTT boom-box to a tremendously powerful and articulate LFE engine with very little to touch it for sheer visceral entertainment at the price.

While peak output level get necessary trimmed down to only ‘fairly outrageous’, the in-room balance was incredibly flat from 20Hz to 100Hz+ as measured by ARC’s own software and latterly REW, as I didn’t believe the former and had to check. The monster 30hz bloom had gone, revealing a hugely potent and articulate LFE channel output that will appease even the most bass-hungry cinephile.

Crushing bass impact with razor sharp punch is the XR13’s post-ARC signature and it’s a thoroughly addictive audio and physical experience.

For customers that want their gizzards turned inside out with LFE without exciting the room into seismic resonance, I can’t think of a better sub and EQ system combo. Okay, if I were designing a system for media room that had to integrate cinema with audiophile pretentions in stereo, I may look elsewhere for sub with perhaps a little more finesse - but for sheer LFE might, muscle and deep bass control, not much comes close to the XR13 at the price.

Our findings open an interesting solution for higher end home theatre installs. With the likes of Trinnov, Denon and Marantz electronics offering quad sub integration, a full ‘four pack’ of XR13s would be a seriously appealing install. The LFE speaker system would be relatively discreet thanks to the XR13’s sensible size, relatively affordable thanks to the XR13’s under £5,000 per unit retail ticket, and would deliver massive, OMG-scale ultra controlled LFE - with absolutely no ‘relatively‘ caveat whatsoever!

MORE COLOURS. MORE FUNCTIONS. MORE FREEDOM. With IP Video Door Stations from DoorBird you will find the right solution for every project.

Easy installation due to compact components Easy wiring and start-up High quality products Future-proof through open API interface wwww.doorbird.com

IP Video Door Stations from DoorBird stand for the combination of exclusive design and smart technology.

Part of ASSA ABLOY

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 25

ESSENTIAL DBM

DBM AND LG LG always strives for innovation, providing ever-improving products to meet all viewing, listening and gaming needs.

THE LG STORY

For decades, LG has invested resources into its audio product development. At the same time, it listens attentively to its global consumer base to deliver higher quality audio experiences.

Building on these foundations, the Korean electronics giant partners with other innovating companies to incorporate their expertise into their projects.

The history of LG Electronics has always been surrounded by the company’s desire to create a happier, better life. LG’s philosophy revolves around people, sincerity and sticking to the fundamentals. It is to understand their customers and to offer optimum solutions and new experiences through ceaseless innovation.

DBM AND LG JOIN FORCES

The partnership with LG first initiated between the manufacturer and Meridian in 2017, when it established an agreement to bring high performance audio to more people across the world. During this time, its technology has

26 OCTOBER 2023

been used in LG soundbars, headphones and Bluetooth speakers.

Moving on from this agreement, a partnership between DbM and LG developed in May 2022, when LG appointed DbM as the distributor for its large format screen, the MSD3000. At the same time, DbM joined forces with SMS Leddy, a Scandinavian company that has design and manufactured a unique frame and mounting system for a screen of this size.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The incredible MSD3000 from LG is bigger by a huge 75in than any conventional TV display.

Perfect for bright environments, it features 3 in 1 surface mounted diodes (SMD) and fine pitch RGB LED technology to deliver a vivid, punchy image with bold colours and great contrast for large living rooms and open plan spaces.

Comprising of 72 individual tiles, the SMDs deliver a superb quality of picture at a wide viewing angle with absolutely no screen burn.

The MSD3000 is available from DbM in a simple, and affordably priced package that covers supply, delivery, installation and support with a long-term five-year warranty package.

It can be fitted into living spaces with a unique, free standing or wall mounted solution to provide an attractive aesthetic finish in contemporary interiors.

SMS Leddy is available as an on-wall, free standing or ‘wall floor’ option, providing a great option for cable management, which allows the system to match the client’s decor and also house additional equipment. With options of birch, oak, black and walnut finishes and three different mounting options, the SMS Leddy is a perfect partner for the MSD3000. It comes extensively pre-mounted for easy installation and is ADA compliant. distributedbym.com lg.com/uk

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

DELIVERING EXPERIENCES THAT GO BEYOND THE ORDINARY AND SUSPEND REALITY

• High Performance Brands • Innovative Solutions • Design and Commissioning Services Proud Distributor of

distributedbym.co.uk Book your experience at sales@distributedbym.co.uk

Contact us

ESSENTIAL CUK

Pavone: luxury seating, room design and acoustics knowhow in one

CUK ADDS VALUE WITH PAVONE New partnership with Pavone will support your business with over 25 years’ experience at the high-end of luxury cinema design says CUK MD Stuart Thomson.

We’re delighted to welcome cinema seating and acoustics specialist Pavone to our residential portfolio. If you’re planning or pitching for luxury level cinema and media room design projects, its unrivalled expertise will support your business in delivering the finest immersive experiences to your customers.

Pavone is UK-based but has worked for many years with integrators and developers to complete some of the most prestigious privately owned cinemas around the world. The team’s focus embraces all aspects of bespoke cinema design, leading with a brilliantly versatile lineup of luxury seating options, but also including acoustic layouts and interior design services for home cinema and media room spaces.

Driving the brand’s IP is Pavone’s Design Director, Steve Thorne. Having collaborated with eminent design houses throughout Europe he’s become an industry expert on cinema structures, seating design and acoustic technology, as well as the materials and techniques necessary to add the finishing touches to luxury cinema and media room environments. This uniquely holistic approach has imbued Pavone’s offering with an intimate understanding of the importance of seating to the experience of high-end cinema and its interplay with acoustics and room design for optimum performance. The exceptional

28 OCTOBER 2023

comfort and exquisite detail available from Pavone’s seating ranges is one element of the refinement that Pavone can offer to your design skillset in partnership with CUK.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? Steve and the Pavone team understand that in every scenario your customers’ experience of luxury cinema and media room design begins with the seating. The moment they relax into the comfort of a Pavone cinema seat, the sense of personal detachment from the everyday takes charge. Their first encounter with the fabled immersive qualities of high-end home cinema will make the experience memorably exclusive and bespoke, even before the lights go down.

Which is why Pavone’s modular pocketsprung cinema seats are designed to raise

‘THE STANLEY’

The Stanley represents the epitome of cinema seating design and comfort. The range is available in a single seat recliner or a daybed recliner, with console width options and unique carbon fibre 3D panelling. The consoles and arms are available in various quilted stitch designs, which can be made to complement the detail of any room. Each chair offers completely silent automation via LED cup holder control, which includes a USB connection point and cooler plate. What’s more, back and seat massage pads work with Pavone’s ergonomically designed memory foam with layered densities to provide the ultimate in comfort and support.

Its modular console design means that The Stanley seat can be linked with others to create a ‘love chair’ or any other required combination.

‘The Stanley’ recliner

comfort and quality to a new level of luxury.

Beautifully hand crafted, and with precision engineered movements, Pavone’s seats use the finest materials available to its craftsman, including

Italian

Napa

leather,

Nubuck,

Alcantara and luxury velvet. Each is offered in ten colours and three upholstery styles. They also employ various ‘organic’ marble inlays and carbon fibre ‘3D’ panels in seven finishes to enhance the look and feel of each model.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL CUK

‘THE ORSON’

The Orson is a unique ‘pod’ design with a seat that inclines within its own 3D carbon fibre shell to create a more intimate personal space. The arm rests and plinths are finished in a black, brushed stainless steel, while the seat has silent automation via a touch button system offering similarly luxurious levels of operation, comfort and support as The Stanley.

necessary to achieve the ideal media room experience for your clients.

produced in carbon fibre or marble to provide a beautiful yet durable surface for refreshments.

‘THE NIRO’ DAYBED

WHERE ‘BEING THERE’ BEGINS

‘The Niro’ is an individual wedge shaped daybed that can be extended to create a continuous arc of any width. Pocket sprung and upholstered in polyurethane foam of layered densities, the system has uniquely finished carbon fibre armrests, which can easily be added to provide space for comfort and convenience. In addition, each daybed comes with a carbon fibre back rest plate to ensure the optimum seating position at all times.

‘The Orson’ pod offers a more private viewing space

‘The Niro’ daybeds can be combined in an arc of any width

PAVONE MEDIA ROOM SEATING

‘THE HEPBURN’ DAYBED

Designed to transfer the ‘feel’ of a dedicated cinema room to more versatile media spaces, Pavone’s modular media room seating offers the quality and comfort you’ll come to expect from the brand, together with complete flexibility in layout, regardless of the shape or size of the room. For example, ‘The Lancaster’ is available as a sofa of any required width, or by using Pavone’s straight or wedged consoles, a bespoke media sofa design. The Lancaster’s decorative panels are available in standard or 3D carbon fibre and veneered marble, framed in stainless steel. The consoles have been designed to match the decorative panels in order to give each sofa a superlative finish. All Lancaster sofas have a daybed option with the addition of a Pavone pouffe to one of the chosen units. And of course, Pavone’s in-house expertise is available to assist with system configuration and acoustic treatments where

The flagship of the Pavone range is also the apogee of daybed design. Pocket sprung beneath layered density foam it comprises a large central unit with quilted detail flanked by two smaller daybeds separated by two wedge shaped consoles. Each console comprises of three sections, the middle of which can be

As part of our mission to add value to every relationship, the CUK Group can bring all the expertise and experience of Pavone to your cinema and media room design projects. Not just the very best in specialised seating quality and variety built to order with a typical 8-10 week delivery, but unrivalled understanding of room design and acoustics as well. And if your customer demands complete exclusivity in format, style and materials, Pavone will deliver as part of its bespoke project services.

Pavone has recently consulted with and supplied new cinema developments at Grosvenor Estates’ Grosvenor Gardens, London, and a new multiplex facility at St John’s Wood Barracks, St John’s Wood, London. It has display studios in the UK, Dubai, Portugal, as well as furniture at the new YDF London design store in Knightsbridge.

As a serious player at the apex of high-end design, Pavone knows what it takes to achieve the most exceptional cinema and media room immersion. So, when you’re offered the chance to design your next luxury cinema or media room, talk to us about involving Pavone. Together we’ll add value to your project by making the challenge easier to achieve, and with results that will delight your customers. After all, when the conversation in home theatre design has traditionally focussed on audio and video resolution, it’s easy to overlook what makes the experience truly personal and bespoke.

Room to relax: ‘The Hepburn’ is the apogee of daybed design.

+44 (0) 141 440 5333 enquiries@cuk-group.com cuk-group.com

‘The Lancaster’: versatile seating ideal for media rooms

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 29

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

THE FIFTH DIMENSION Ollie French, Commercial Director at mounting innovator Future Automation, examines how the ‘Fifth Wall’ (the ceiling) can transform the approach to product mounting.

Ceilings can often be the key to unlocking a design that maintains your design aesthetic when installing displays in your space. The untapped potential of this ‘fifth wall’ is often overlooked for display installations but could offer homeowners a flexible way to mount their TV. This is significant as many professionals are currently returning to urban centres where apartments are a lot more common as working schedules return to normality. These clients are now looking for innovative AV integration solutions that are better suited to apartments, which has caused a surge in display mounting products that don’t occupy valuable wall space, or block views outside.

Ceiling-mounted mechanisms like those available from companies like Future Automation are not only able to hinge the display out of the ceiling but can also telescope down to a comfortable viewing height and swivel up to 180°. These technically complex systems make it simple for clients to watch TV comfortably from anywhere in their space.

Ceiling-mounted display installations offer some advantages over traditional wall mounted display installations. Most notably, glare and reflections that are common on wall mounted displays can dramatically reduce image quality on bright and sunny days. However, ceiling mounted displays can be installed with the

windows behind the display to dramatically improve the viewing experience. AV integrators also don’t need to compromise on the layout of furniture to centre around a display mounted on a wall. They can also be intentional with the placement of fixed items like fireplaces and fitted cabinetry to maximise the usable space inside the room. All this is achieved while still offering an uncompromised viewing experience.

Combining an in-ceiling mounted display with accompanying plaster-over speakers creates an immersive theatre-like experience that is completely hidden from view when it isn’t in use. This is an exciting prospect for homeowners wanting a discreet yet uncompromising home theatre experience.

This option means the display can be revealed to wow guests for movie night, while quality time with the family can be free from visual distractions.

Cable management is also a carefully considered aspect of any professional AV integration project. Ceiling-mounted displays keep all cables hidden from view. This keeps floors tidy without requiring furniture to disguise a tangle of TV wires, while only requiring slightly more planning than a wall-mounted installation.

Premium ceiling display mounting systems even include a cover panel that conceals the rear of the display from view for a completely cable-free look. Options like the Ceiling Hinge

Range from Future Automation even let you attach your own trim panel to this outer panel so that it can be finished to match the surrounding ceiling for an even more discreet look.

This solution not only lets architects design spaces with larger windows to maximise views outside, but also offers interior designers more flexibility with their furniture placement and more wall space for artwork or ambient lighting. Ceiling mounted displays are becoming especially popular in luxury apartments where floor-to-ceiling windows and large open-plan areas are common. Installing a display in the centre of the space on a rotating mechanism means the TV can be viewed from multiple areas of the room without needing multiple displays.

As people continue to move back into cities and adapt to apartment living, innovative solutions like the Ceiling Hinge Range (CHR) from Future Automation are helping to enhance the urban living experience. By integrating technology seamlessly into our living spaces and making use of often-overlooked design elements like the ‘fifth wall’, we can enjoy all the benefits of modern entertainment without compromising on style or space. It’s an exciting time for urban living, with new technologies and creative solutions making it easier than ever to create beautiful and functional homes in the heart of the city.

Should installers be looking up for their next mounting solution?

30 OCTOBER 2023

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

d l i u b o t y d a e r d Flat packe

SELF ASSEMBLY MEDIA CABINETS

! d e t c i r t s e r s i s s e c c a e r e h w Perfect 450mm: 4U, 6U, 9U, 12U

600mm: 6U, 9U, 12U, 15U A range of accessories are also available including patch panel, surge protected PDU, cable management, plus blank & brush plates

www.antiference.co.uk

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

Penn-Elcom.com

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS Dean Carroll, International Sales Director, Consumer, Legrand AV, offer some thoughts on the future.

The smart home will continue to drive the future in the brackets and racks sector. This will only continue to advance at all levels (from entrylevel plug and play to high-end installation offerings) and our focus is to evolve with this growing category and offer simple mounting / add-on solutions to complement and enhance the smart home phenomenon.

Take for instance the rise in multi-room streaming services and how this has simplified the audio systems in many homes – no stacks of black boxes, big speakers and trailing wires anymore. We’ve noticed a huge uptake in demand for products like our stands and wall mounts for Sonos, Made for Amazon Accessories and In-wall Media Box solutions as these types of products have taken off.

Putting your streaming speaker on display on a matching stand can make it a focal point, and give it an almost sculptural presence in a room.

Lifestyle will continue to play a big part as TVs continue to get bigger and slimmer. With other emerging TV brands taking market share from Samsung and LG, larger TVs are becoming much more affordable for the average consumer (even in these challenging times). With limited

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

floor / TV Stand space, many are opting to mount their larger TVs on the wall to add a sleek, modern look and to reduce clutter. With the higher demand for installation, consumers are investing more in their mounting solutions and researching more than ever before on what advantages there are from the different mounting options, for example full-motion, tilting and fixed.

STAYING ATTACHED

The attachment sale opportunities for TV mounts are a great opportunity for installers.

Not only is it an additional sale, but the margins are substantially better than can ever be achieved by just supplying the TV! Continuing from the comments on ‘Smart Home’ and ‘Lifestyle’, obvious changes we have seen over the past years are with the major hardware brands selling their full smart home concept, locking-in the consumer to one brand, with direct marketing campaigns and trying to bypass retail. This is the reason why we continue prioritise this category and ensure Sanus is fully universal with all major brands on the market.

/Essentialinstall

With installers being in high demand, they are looking for the most convenient mounting solution to give them flexibility, a choice of solutions and ease of installation to allow them to maximise their time spent at each installation project. This is why Sanus continues to be the trusted brand for installers. Sanus is globally recognised as a TV mount brand which is focused on providing high-quality, easy to install mounting solutions for the home. Our products are manufactured to the highest safety and quality standards, and we proudly stand behind every product we make. Safety is our number one priority and that is why all our TV mounts are safety-tested and UL Certified. This gives the installer and end user confidence that they are choosing a really high-quality product.

And we continue to see requirements for additional products to support the ever-growing smart home category and this has had a huge spike in demand for our in-wall solutions for media boxes and the recently launched In-Wall Full-Motion TV Mount. And, due to the demand to hide-away as much clutter as possible and have a sleek modern look within the residential and commercial space, our AV racks are proving extremely popular.

OCTOBER 2023 33

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

Dan Winterton, Sales and Marketing Director, Antiference receives the award from Stephen Rhead, Professional Manager UK & Ireland, Sonos, sponsor of this year’s Smart Building Awards

ANTIFERENCE AWARD-WINNING MEDIA & DATA CABINETS The Antiference Clear Flow Self-Assembly Media & Data Cabinets were recognised at this year’s sold-out Smart Building Awards.

The whole team at Antiference were delighted to be recent winners of the ‘Best Rack or Mounting Product’ category at the Smart Building Awards 2023 for the Clear Flow SelfAssembly Media & Data Cabinets.

Dan Winterton, Sales and Marketing Director at Antiference, says, “The newly launched cabinets form part of a wider range of networking products including Wi-Fi access points and bridges, Ethernet switches and accessories offering a well rounded choice of solutions for the evolving needs of the smart home market.

“The launch of this range of products in June 2023 was met with some really encouraging interest in the industry as the market at this tme did not have a quality self-assembly media and data cabinet range on offer to the trade with so many size options available. With space so often an issue when installing a system and especially when fitting a quality professional installation which includes a media cabinet, we

34 OCTOBER 2023

wanted to provide a straightforward solution for these issues.”

Dan continues, “Ever tried to squeeze a 600mm deep cabinet through a loft hatch?

Do you ever find the van is already packed full before the job and there simply isn’t space for a fully assembled cabinet? Need to ship a cabinet via a courier? These are all real problems which installers face on a daily basis and are not always easy to solve.

“At Antiference, we have come a little way to helping get past some of these problems with the flat-packed, self-assembly cabinet range.

“The assembly is very simple and can be carried out in around 15 minutes, so avoids a time-consuming build process.”

Not only is the build very simple, says the company, but the quality of the product is outstanding with a sturdy construction and impressive powder coated finish, lockable glass door and clip on removable sides.

Dan continues, “These products are ideal for use in a data or media installation and a host of accessories are also available including equipment shelves, surge protected PDU, CAT6 patch panel, brush and blank plates plus a 240V cooling fan. The range offers either a 450mm or 600mm deep cabinet option with a choice of heights from 4U to 15U. “Whilst the range is already wide with options on cabinet sizes, we also have listened to market feedback and added a new model in a 6U 600mm (CF-R6L) as we are aware that some equipment is too deep for a 450mm cabinet and previously the 600mm cabinets started at 9U. You spoke, we listened! Watch this space for the availability of this new model.”

Dan concludes, “It is easy to see why this is a popular option to increase the standard of the installation whilst easing the process and why these products have been welcomed by the industry for a range of applications. So we are delighted our efforts were recognised by the Smart Building Awards panel.”

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

Protective Enclosures Company

The TV Shield is the ideal outdoor TV protection; it’s a uniquely designed, universal, and secure TV enclosure, suitable for almost any kind of Plasma, LCD, or LED flat-screen television.

The specially designed casing is a fantastic alternative to an expensive outdoor television, allowing you to watch, protect and secure most televisions in almost any environment, to enjoy your TV viewing outdoors.

Call: 01298 872233 I Email: sales@thetvshield.co.uk

www.thetvshield.co.uk

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.

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

COMPANY FOCUS: AVF

HAVE IT ALL WITH AVF Elevate your AV home residential projects with Multibrackets, the ultimate mounting solutions.

AVF introduces its new exclusive support brand.

In a world where cutting-edge audio-visual experiences are no longer confined to theatres, but rather, seamlessly integrated into our homes, the demand for impeccable mounting solutions has never been greater. Enter Multibrackets, a name synonymous with innovation, quality and sophistication in the realm of AV mounting.

AVF Group Ltd’s strategic move earlier this year at ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) to become the exclusive UK distributor for Multibrackets’ comprehensive range of AV products marks a pivotal moment in the industry.

This partnership brings forth an extraordinary collection of home residential and professional mounts, setting new standards and raising the bar.

With over four decades of global success in pioneering the TV accessory market, AVF embodies a legacy of expertise in wallmounting accessories. The company’s astute understanding of the diverse and exacting needs of professional installers has highlighted a gap in the market, one that Multibrackets is uniquely positioned to fill. By teaming up with Europe’s premier home residential and commercial AV peripheral supplier, AVF has forged a partnership that promises to be the go-to solution for all AV mounting requirements in the UK. Multibrackets, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, since its inception in 2000, has rapidly ascended the ranks, earning a reputation for unparalleled quality and innovative design. The company’s portfolio, boasting an impressive 1500+ SKUs, showcases the pinnacle of professional-grade products available today.

David Godfrey, Sales Director at AVF, is excited about this partnership. He says, “We understood that entering the Home Residential Installation Market necessitated a comprehensive product range. This is precisely why we partnered with Multibrackets, and we’re thrilled to bring Multibrackets products to the UK.” Listening attentively to the needs of installation professionals, Multibrackets has introduced ingenious solutions such as its Universal Long Reach Arm TV Mounts, offering full articulation and extending over a meter from the wall. The Pull-Down Full Motion variant allows screens to be gracefully pulled away from the wall, lowered and swivelled, making it the perfect choice for positioning screens above fireplaces.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

Multibrackets offers an array of wall mount

caps, manuals, and a special warranty with

options, including Motorised, Flex Arm, Swing

each product.

By combining Multibrackets’ range of top-quality Swedish-designed products with AVF’s excellent customer support, planning your next AV project becomes a breeze.

AVF maintains a state-of-the-art 5000+ square metre warehouse in Telford (Shropshire), with a further 5000 square metres of new Multibrackets warehousing in Stokholm (Sweden), facilitating bi-weekly deliveries into the UK. Elevating the customer experience, AVF has established a new Multibrackets showroom and trade counter at the company’s Telford headquarters, offering same-day dispatch across the UK on all orders, complemented by five-day-a-week customer service availability to address all technical enquiries.

Arm, In Wall, Outdoor, and more. Regardless of your project’s demands, Multibrackets ensures a solution that precisely fits the bill. Each product in the range undergoes meticulous design and rigorous testing, ensuring an installation and user experience that sets new standards of excellence.

In June of this year, Multibrackets introduced a unique product, the AV Cabinet TV-Lift 55in and 65in. It’s a high-quality piece of furniture that can hide and reveal your TV up and down with the push of a button. It’s designed to look modern and stylish and comes in different colours to match your home decor.

Quality is a top priority for Multibrackets.

Their product lines designed for professionals exude a commitment to quality and meticulous attention to detail. Multibracket products are made with strong materials like steel and anodised aluminium alloys and they go through rigorous testing. They meet the highest standards for safety and durability.

Plus, they exceed industry norms for things like how much weight they can handle. With three times the load for home residential products and up to five times for professional products.

Multibrackets even provides fittings, decorative

Innovative solution to solve real world issues come from Multibrackets

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 37

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

MOUNT DEVELOPMENTS PUSH DVLED INTO MAINSTREAM Thomas Fenton, Senior Business Development Manager – EMEA, Peerless-AV, examines a key area of partnership Until now, specifying, stocking, shipping and installing flat-to-wall dvLED video walls has been expensive, time consuming and challenging. Whether for a corporate reception, retail display, hospitality venue, entertainment or transportation setting, the new SEAMLESS Kitted Series Universal dvLED Mounting System (DS-LEDUNV) for latching displays from Peerless-AV resolves these challenges, making life easier for all parties involved in a

38 OCTOBER 2023

project, and saving valuable time and costs.

The main challenge in the dvLED market is that every OEM dvLED display has different size cabinets, mounting points and hardware.

Unlike LCD displays, there is no standard VESA pattern. As cabinet sizes become 16:9, Peerless-AV is standardising the mounting system with this unique and universal solution, that removes the need for dedicated adaptors and greatly simplifies installations as opposed

to Unistrut and extrusion solutions that have no flexibility or adjustability and require a more experienced installer.

What makes this system universal are the unassuming, yet fundamental quick-connect clamps. With assistance from the installerfriendly wall template, the lightweight aluminium mounting frame quickly and accurately attaches to the wall and the one-of-a-kind quick-connect clamps attach along the frame to facilitate fast,

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

FLIP 900R

SILENT MOTORISED TV LIFT SYSTEMS Maior from Italy offers architects, system integrators and customers the power to reimagine spaces with the greatest freedom.

• Highest quality and reliability • Compact and easy to deploy • Fully concealed ceiling mounted systems • Flush mounted ceiling models • Fixed telescopic ceiling-mounted systems • Floor and furniture TV lifts

For further information please contact CUK. 0141 440 5333 • enquiries@cuk-group.com • cuk-group.com

THE WORLD’S SLIMMEST 4K HYPER ILLUSION XT MIRROR TV

Get in touch to become a verified Videotree partner.

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

easy latching of dvLED cabinets. This results in a dramatically simplified installation. The clamps also include Y-axis (height) adjustment to make the whole process, from start to finish, uncomplicated.

Another challenge is that installing flat-to-wall dvLED video walls are not as straightforward as many assume. No wall is truly flat, and this is extremely important for all parties to acknowledge from the start of a project. Addressing this, the display adaptors and mount frame provide high-quality X-Y-Zadjustment, renowned in Peerless-AV mounting solutions; a necessity to overcome the issue of uneven walls and surface imperfections and ensure a flawlessly flat video wall finish.

Z-axis (depth) adjustment is one of the most important when mounting to imperfect wall surfaces and the DS-LEDUNV offers an industry-leading 3/4 inch or 20mm (+ / - 10mm). The X-axis (width) determines the horizontal movement of the cabinets so when

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

hanging to the frame they can be adjusted to latch softly to each other to ensure no damage to pixels. Whereas alternative mounts will have a keyhole slot for hanging cabinets, here the installer can gently butt the cabinets side by side and tighten together so there is no rubbing and to keep that tight, seamless result. Installers can make these small and simple adjustments at multiple points, on every row and behind every column.

When mounting the frame to the wall, installers can use the convenient wall template (or spacer), which provides accurate measurement and placement of the mounting system on the wall. The template comes three high which can be added to as the wall goes higher and the installer can easily snap off what they do not need.

Being a Kitted solution means the components can be picked and packed off the shelf. This makes stocking easier as all components, aside from extrusion. Extrusion is available in 6ft, 8ft and 10ft lengths and can be easily cut down to specific dimensions on site without specialist tools. The Kitted solution also facilitates a faster turnaround and shorter lead time to customers.

Drawings and instructions are included in the box, enabling installers to know the exact measurements of the install, helping to lay the template on the wall and reducing install time.

Currently, the system is available for Absen, Barco, iNFiLED, LG, Philips, Sharp/NEC, Sony, and Unilumin models, as well as similarly sized and configured cabinets from other manufacturers.

UNIVERSAL APPEAL

Furthermore, the universal design of the mounting system means that it does not require

/Essentialinstall

OEM commitment. If designing for a not so popular dvLED cabinet, Peerless-AV can replicate for any specific template and ensure it is in accordance with global standards. For this reason, the list of compatible products is likely to grow very quickly.

By introducing this new Universal dvLED Mounting System, Peerless-AV is helping dvLED become more mainstream, convenient, adaptable, agile and comparable to the LCD route to market. The market is under pressure to turnaround dvLED quicker, so this universal solution helps speed the process, regardless of the latching display model chosen.

For the installer, this provides peace of mind that they can source the product and install quickly so they can potentially go out and win more business since they are essentially delivering a faster service.

It is so important that the mount is considered at the start of the project planning phase. If left to last, there is risk of being stung with long lead times, which then causes project delays. The adaptability of the universal solution also means that if the integrator needs to source another product, they do not need to worry about changing the mount.

The DS-LEDUNV hugely reduces lead times to help support the market and enable OEMs to deliver their dvLED quicker. Customers do not want to hear that their project could take up to a year to complete. They want to hear that it can be done in weeks. Having the product available and stocked on the shelf with shorter lead times removes the concern for OEMs so that they can concentrate on having the right cabinet stock and Peerless-AV can then support according to their size and configuration.

OCTOBER 2023 41

Sanus Sanus Sanus Premium Premium Premium Mounting

Mounting Mounting Solutions and Solutions Solutionsand and AV Accessories AVAVAccessories Accessories

PICTURE LIFE SAFER • SMARTER • CLASSIER PICTURE PICTURE LIFE LIFE SAFERSAFER • SMARTER • SMARTER • CLASSIER • CLASSIER

WWW.SANUS.C

WWW.SANUS.COM WWW.SANUS.CO -@

COM - @SANUS_UK

OM - @SANUS_UK

Premium TV Mounts At SANUS, we setTV the standard for mount technology.

Premium Mounts

Using innovative design and outstanding safety features, At SANUS, we set the standard for mount technology. our mounts allow you to find the perfect position for all of Using innovative design and outstanding safety features, your AV needs. These mounts are fast and simple to install, our mounts allow you to find the perfect position for all of and they offer a clean and stylish finish to any AV set up your AV needs. These mounts are fast and simple to install, all while boasting unparalleled performance. and they offer a clean and stylish finish to any AV set up all while boasting unparalleled performance.

Premium Racks PREASSEMBLED Racks COMPONENT RACKS: strong and Premium

sturdily constructed with heavy-gauge welded steel.

PREASSEMBLED COMPONENT RACKS: strong and Available in 4 size options: 15U, 27U, 36U and 44U. sturdily constructed with heavy-gauge welded steel.

STACKABLE SKELETON RACKS: can be placed on the Available in 4 size options: 15U, 27U, 36U and 44U. floor or wall-mounted for maximum versatility. Available in STACKABLE SKELETON RACKS: can be placed on the 10U, 15U and 20U and combinable to create the ideal size floor or wall-mounted for maximum versatility. Available in rack.

10U, 15U and 20U and combinable to create the ideal size rack.

Sonos® Accessories ® Get the perfect sound from your Sonos® speakers. These Sonos Accessories

products have been designed to be compatible with your Get the perfect sound from your Sonos® speakers. These favourite Sonos products. The sleek, subtle design of our products have been designed to be compatible with your products beautifully complements their range. SANUS’ favourite Sonos products. The sleek, subtle design of our range of accessories includes new products designed for products beautifully complements their range. SANUS’ the Sonos Era 300™, Era 100™, Arc™ and Move™. range of accessories includes new products designed for the Sonos Era 300™, Era 100™, Arc™ and Move™.

Specialties SANUS has everything needed to complete an AV set up Specialties

- from soundbar mounts and cable management tunnels SANUS has everything needed to complete an AV set up to AV component shelves and projector mounts, we’ve - from soundbar mounts and cable management tunnels thought of every detail to ensure every set up is finished to to AV component shelves and projector mounts, we’ve perfection. thought of every detail to ensure every set up is finished to perfection.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER: SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER:

ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE, COMMISSIONING AND INTERFACES

THE EVOLUTION OF SMART HOME SOFTWARE Phillip Pini, Director of Residential Sales (UK), Crestron, examines the DNA of smart home evolution.

The changes that smart home platforms have undergone in the past few years border on revolutionary. From functionality to reliability to usability, the systems designed to be installed by professionals have seen tremendous advances — especially for an industry segment that’s still relatively new.

From our perspective, one of the most notable shifts is the move from custom programming to a robust OS that’s ‘ready to go’ out of the box. In order to make that happen, there are several boxes to tick to make the platform truly successful.

AN INTUITIVE INTERFACE

It’s an obvious key to success — but it’s vastly easier said than done. Can anyone learn to use the interface quickly, regardless of prior experience? If the interface is updated, have you ensured that the new version doesn’t confuse existing users? If you’re a global company, does the interface appeal to a broad spectrum of cultures? And can the interface be easily customised to meet a user’s individual preferences — without negatively impacting the fundamental look and feel of the platform?

PROVEN SCALABILITY

As companies such as Crestron develop new smart home operating systems, it’s critical that dealers and technicians can confidently use those platforms for their largest luxury

44 OCTOBER 2023

installations. Patience is key here — as a software developer, you may need to bring the system along with incremental improvements to functionality and power before embarking on a major overhaul. For our part, Crestron decided to use Crestron Home OS 4 to run our entire stand at CEDIA Expo and, as a result, created converts who’d been staunch defenders of the custom-only approach.

FEE-FREE UPDATES

Sure, bug fixes should come at no cost to the consumer. But by improving what the platform can handle, creating a more elegant aesthetic, and adding ‘quality of life,’ ease-ofuse upgrades without any extra fees for the end user is an excellent way to build and maintain customer loyalty. If your firm makes hardware in addition to software, it’s a way to help keep consumers interested in your ecosystem of devices.

CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT – AND RELIABILITY

Those updates mentioned above can’t be catch-as-catch-can. Because your platform likely controls a universe of systems — not just, say, audio or lighting — advances in both hardware and client expectations create moving targets for your development team. Those updates need to be as reliable as you can make them,

too — it’s much less costly to have something fail in the factory than the field and that’s why a robust testing scheme is so important.

THIRD-PARTY DRIVERS

By opening your ecosystem to those who’d like to add specific functionality for devices from other manufacturers, you’ve broadened your appeal to customers whose needs your team can’t meet themselves. If you don’t make it, someone else likely does, and allowing your platform to run that third-party device only improves the attractiveness of your software to a broader audience. The challenge here is quality control — you’ll need to be judicious about just who comes on board.

THE RIGHT FEEDBACK LOOP

Your development team is only as good as the information they’re working with, and there’s a good chance ‘they don’t know what they don’t know.’ By constantly keeping open the lines of communication between your company, dealers, installers and end users, you’ll have a stream of info about dislikes, preferences and new ideas for updates. Sifting through those suggestions is easier than you might think: It’s mostly a matter of volume. If many users or dealers are asking for a specific feature, it’s probably a good idea.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

HVAC CONTROL SIMPLIFIED Providing a design consultancy and installation service for all your clients HVAC control requirements

Whether it’s a simple app-based control of a basic Heatmiser/Coolmaster system, or integration with a full-blown Trend BMS, we have the solution and can help ease the integration path, including full design, installation and commissioning of plant rooms.

The Polar Bear Design thermostats, complete with seamless integration using our drivers deliver a luxurious solution for your client, with full support for complex 2-pipe set-ups and alarming.

www.janustechnology.co.uk +44 (0) 1223 833852 info@janustechnology.co.uk

OS 4 gives you more New Crestron Home® OS 4 delivers even more of what you asked for. A more intuitive, fluid, and refined UI. More personalization. More entertainment everywhere.

More ways to control and light your home.

More than ever, it’s the platform for an extraordinary smart home experience.

Learn more at crestron.com/home or visit us at ISE2024.

Grab your free ticket to ISE with our unique VIP code CRESTRON

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.

ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE, COMMISSIONING AND INTERFACES

REMOTE CONTROL Building smart homes remotely: the shift towards commissioning-based projects. Iain Gordon, Director, GES Digital and KNX UK Chair examines the market shift.

Smart homes have transformed the way we interact with our living spaces, offering convenience, energy efficiency, a touch of modern elegance and an element of wow-factor. The place this magic truly happens is in the software and programming code that breathe life into connected spaces and allow for the seamless integration of technology. With a focus on the end user experience and installer efficiency, the industry is undergoing a shift from extensive programming to a commissioningcentric approach, benefitting both installers and end users.

Picture this: a project located over 150 miles away, accessed via beautiful countryside roads, with a breathtaking view of the sea. As an integrator the temptation to embark on a road trip to oversee the work is undeniable. However, what if I told you that you could accomplish this without ever stepping into a car, therefore avoiding the logistical issues? That’s where the magic of ETS software and KNX features come into play.

These cutting-edge technologies enable you to craft and build an entire smart home system remotely, within the cozy confines of your workshop or office. With coffee and your trusty tools all within arm’s reach, you can assemble and fine-tune the system to perfection with the comfort and convenience of your own workspace. Once your masterpiece

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

is complete, you send the entire system in a carefully packaged bundle to be installed by the on-site electrician.

The major benefit of this approach is that commissioning takes precedence over on-site programming, streamlining the installation process and saving precious time and resources.

The system is thoroughly commissioned and rigorously tested by simulating the end user experience.

This simulation not only ensures optimal performance, but also allows for any necessary adjustments to be made before the final installation, guaranteeing a seamless and hassle-free experience for the end user.

Clear and comprehensive documentation at the commissioning stage is paramount. Detailed instructions and user-friendly guidelines are the cornerstone of remote commissioning success, guiding both installers and end users through the intricacies of the smart home system.

THE END USER’S DELIGHT

The ultimate goal of any smart home is to make the lives of the individuals who will interact with it on a daily basis simpler and more convenient.

This is where the magic of user interfaces comes into play. The interoperability of KNX means end users can choose from a wide array of beautiful keypads and control panels, sourced from over 540 manufacturers, with security

/Essentialinstall

certifications that protect installations against possible cyber-attacks. Personal settings can be easily configured, making it a breeze for anyone to harness the full potential of their smart home.

It’s a marriage of simplicity in approach and sustainability in delivery.

THE IMPACT ON THE MARKET

So, what impact has this shift towards less programming and more commissioning had on the market? Installers are now equipped with the tools and technologies to take on projects that were previously deemed logistically challenging. The geographical constraints are no longer a barrier. The end user, too, benefits from a simpler, more personalised smart home experience. As technology continues to advance, the future of smart homes looks promising, and it’s a journey worth embarking upon. By choosing a KNX UK integrator member to design and commission smart home projects, customers are not just selecting a service provider; they are opting for a structured, meticulous approach that ensures the best possible outcomes in a remote commissioning project. KNX UK is the National Group for the worldwide standard for smart building controls.

They represent KNX Certified manufacturers, distributors, integrators and training centres in the UK.

OCTOBER 2023 47

ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE, COMMISSIONING AND INTERFACES

TAKING HOME AUTOMATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL The professional home automation sector is a fast-moving one. Platforms that deliver the technology integration, control and the user experience are central to its success. Snap One talks about the changes taking place in this space and the benefits that control innovations are bringing to integrators and their customers.

For installers, control systems continue to evolve to make smart homes simpler and more reliable to integrate, manage and operate.

By reducing the complexity of programming, installers have enabled the industry footprint to grow faster, bringing the benefits of integrated smart home technology more quickly within the reach of many more homeowners.

The software development taking place with the operating systems behind platforms, such as Control4®, are delivering an experience which not only saves time for the installer in configuring and commissioning a system, but they also support an improved and more personalised user experience and a consistent level of aftercare service.

A SMOOTH SERVICE FROM START TO FINISH

Our Control4 Platform allows native access to cloud-based features in the OvrC® platform, our industry-leading, cloud-based remote management system. By enabling OvrC Pro on a Control4 Controller, integrators can provide

48 OCTOBER 2023

network monitoring and management for troubleshooting, rebooting, self-healing and handling software upgrades without having to visit site.

A key feature of OvrC is that there is no recurring software cost or sign-up fee, so integrators can easily incorporate it into customer service packages, resulting in no disruption or extra cost to the client. At the same time, they can develop effective service level agreements as a critical part of their business growth strategy with complete confidence.

With RMM tools, like OvrC, it’s possible for installers to automatically push OS upgrades out to a client’s existing system as part of an agreed aftercare service package. RMM provides a centralised database of client systems making a comprehensive aftercare service much simpler to administer.

Using OvrC also offers a great route in to project upgrades. By seeing how a customer actually uses the system an integrator has provided, gives a better understanding of where improvements can be made and the insights needed to suggest improvements.

We’ve been working on several innovations to support Partners with providing a consistently high level of service, solve problems, and maintain strong relationships with clients. As such, Pro Tools has been a key addition to OvrC. Pro Tools includes a series of familiar, helpful tools that installers use every day on projects, that have been rebuilt in the cloud to make it even easier to support clients remotely.

For example, temporary credentials for the Control4 App, clear/restore project, view logs, manage log levels and capture log snapshot.

EMPOWERING THE END USER

Ultimately, a smart home is designed to be more convenient, more comfortable and more enjoyable for the end user. It’s their home, and their investment, so it’s important that they also feel in control of the technologies within it – long after an installer has completed the handover.

At Control4, we recently updated our operating system to OS 3.4.0 with a new Customer Empowerment Suite. This includes new functionality and settings that make it easier for the end user to manage their Control4 smart home. For example, clients can create their own system notifications, add or remove secondary users, and have greater personalisation and remote functionality via the Control4 App, for example the camera page now supports multicam live streaming.

A fully integrated Control4 Smart Home can be customised to the client’s specification and lifestyle and meet their expectations by seamlessly integrating a wide range of technology onto the automation platform whilst providing an exceptional user experience.

Meanwhile, integrators can leverage the opportunity provided by software enhancements that enhance personalisation and improved remote access to take their customer service offering as well as their business revenues to the next level.

We’re only at the start of this journey, and it’s going to be really exciting to see the impact that new features, functionality and servicing capabilities have on our industry over the coming years.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL BRACKETS, RACKING AND SUPPORT

MHUB FOR THE EVERYDAY SMART HOME MHUB is a new category of matrix. The new ‘MHUB with uControl inside’ is HDANYWHERE’s integrated smart home hub for managing media, music and mood, room-to-room in multiple zones.

From an installer’s perspective, MHUB is a single-brand integrated smart home solution that’s quickly installed and manageable remotely via the cloud, now with the significant benefit of also including bolt-on in-room uControl smart remotes for midmarket luxury residential and light commercial projects.

The uControl processors built into MHUB allow you to control multiroom TV and audio, as well as lighting scenes in Rako, Lutron, Hue and KNX throughout a home from the uControl app, smart remote, Apple watch app or compatible 3rd party keypanels. You can even control smart power units, relays and mechanisms (smart blinds, motorised brackets, etc.) and combine them into single press or timed actions such as ‘all on’ or ‘all off’.

The new MHUB (4x4) 100A (the first with “uControl inside”) is therefore in an exceptionally unique position to, where required, deliver everyday smart home experiences without the need, cost and complexity of a 3rd-party control system.

HDA’s Justin Fothergill says, “Our new MHUBs are very different beasts, unique in the marketplace. At face value, it is a seemingly typical HDBaseT matrix with a nifty app. Under the lid, however, the capabilities stretch beyond virtually every other matrix available today. Look closer, and the switched-on integrator will see that by adding a uControl Remote, or indeed remotes, an MHUB is a complete integrated smart home solution cleverly disguised as an AV matrix - one that delivers 80% of the most-used control system functionality of high-end options.”

50 OCTOBER 2023

That’s not to say that HDANYWHERE disregards the ability to integrate with control systems. To the contrary, they continue to lead the market in offering deep integration with leading systems like Control4, Crestron Home and RTI, amongst many others, offering Advanced Drivers to expand the native connectivity and capability of these systems.

Readers may remember that HDANYWHERE was the first brand in the world to allow Control4 integrators to introduce ARC management into their projects, for example, and they continue to be the brand of choice for seamless I/O expansion and AV distribution in premium control system projects around the world.

“Our strategy is not to compete with leading control brands”, says Justin Fothergill, Brand Director at HDANYWHERE, “but rather to be a viable alternative when requirements are simpler but hard to meet with more complex, time-intensive (and expensive) control systems”.

The new MHUB (4x4) 100A builds on the incredible success of the outgoing MHUB U series but incorporates features based on the popular MHUB S series and changes to the requirements of current and future end-users.

Feature highlights are: • 18G 4K inputs (native) with 18G 4K outputs over 100m using TPC (Tipping Point Compression) • Auto downscaling from 4K to 1080P • 1 x HDMI Mirror Output • Analogue and Optical Audio extraction with analogue volume control • Audio outputs assignable to follow Zone or Source (Global) • Compatible with Expand IO Advanced Drivers for Control4, Crestron Home & RTi • uControl inside • uControl Remote Ready • HDA Cloud Remote Management • 5 Year Warranty (with cloud connection) Visit HDANYWHERE.com and uControl.world

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

MHUB

An integrated smart home hub, cleverly disguised as a matrix.

TWO NEW MHUB MODELS (4x4 & 6x6) 100A

HDANYWHERE.com/mhub

SMART THINKING

LINE ARRAY OR POINT SOURCE? EI regular Joe Carri, Director at Prestige Audio, examines the often tricky choice between different speaker choices for a home cinema project.

Making the choice between Point Source and Line Array speakers can be a tricky one in the world of high-performance home cinema, but mastering these skills is essential in ensuring each customer get exactly the right system for them and their space. Creating a highperformance system of any type requires not just the acquisition of knowledge, but the application of that knowledge across a wide range of situations to ensure the customer is always getting the best result.

One of the most crucial decisions we make when creating a world class home cinema is the type of speakers we use for each project. One of the biggest decisions to be made within this area is the choice between Point Source or Line Array speakers.

Point Source would probably be the most familiar, especially to the layman. These are made up of a tweeter and a mid-range driver often contained within a rectangular box and in the world of home cinema of course they are also often integrated into the wall itself.

Line Array are a different animal and are

52 OCTOBER 2023

made up of a long, usually thinner speaker, where mid drivers and tweeters are placed in vertical rows next to each other within a long rectangular enclosure. These also can be integrated into the wall of the cinema.

Both offer great performance when deployed correctly and calibrated to the room but have different characteristics and performance curves that mean the shape and size of the room, the customer’s preferences and how the cinema is going to be used, must aa be considered before we make our selection.

A SOUND DECISION

Before we delve deeper, we need to make sure we understand how sound works. The easiest example is to begin with the type of sound most people are familiar with which is stereo, where two main speakers and perhaps a subwoofer create a ‘sound stage’ for the listener to enjoy.

Sound mixers when working with a stereo signal will place the sounds inside the mix to replicate a band on stage. The vocals will be in the middle of the stage, the lead guitar to the

right, the drums just behind the singer and the bass usually off to the left. If the speakers are placed correctly and are at the same volume, the ‘sound stage’ (the apparent depth, height, and width of the audio) reaches the listener from its two separate delivery points at exactly the same time and same volume. This means that the arrangements within the mix the engineer created will be reproduced perfectly, producing the correct ‘imaging’ (the perception of where the different instruments are within the sound stage).

If the speakers are ‘off’ in terms of volume or placement with one being slightly closer to the listening position, the ‘imaging’ produced by the system will be affected and not deliver what the artist and mixer had intended. Sounds will move around within the sound stage and not be where they should be. This is because sound waves change as they move away from the speaker towards the listener. They get quieter and their dispersion pattern widens the further they move away, losing focus.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

SMART THINKING

A good stereo performance is hard enough, but with a home cinema of course we need to do this with more than just two or three speakers but reproduce highly accurate sound in a surround sound system that will have many more speakers and will need to cater for several rows of seating.

As we know, it is a serious challenge.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Understanding how sound behaves is fundamental in making this choice. Sound volume lessens as it travels away from a point source speaker at a rate of 6b for every time you double the distance between the speakers and the sound wave. If you take a conventional point source speaker that has a capacity of 90db at one metre from the speaker cone, that means by the time the sound reaches two metres from the speaker it has dropped to 84db, at four

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

metres it will be 78db and by the time it gets to eight metres it is 72db. This is a big drop in volume from the front of the cinema and one that customers will definitely notice because as a rule of thumb if a signal drops by only 10db, the human ear perceives that as the volume halving from what it was originally.

Line Array speakers offer a more focused performance as sound from this type of speaker behaves differently. Using the same calculation as for point source, a Line Array speaker will only loose 3db for each time you double the distance between the traveling sound wave and the speaker.

Most of the really important information in a home cinema comes from the front speakers, so we need to ensure that the audio spreads across the whole of the room without these perceptible drops in volume and this is even before you have considered the behaviour

/Essentialinstall

of the surround speakers. The key to all of this is balance.

The different characteristics of these speaker types mean that Point Source is usually better for smaller spaces and is a good choice when the customer wants to listen to high quality music reproduction as well as movies, as the imaging tends to be better with Point Source.

Line Array are more suited to larger spaces, with multiple rows of seats and for the cinema purist who is less likely to want their system to play back other types of content like music.

There are many other characteristics to keep in mind as well. Here we have just touched on the very basics of what we consider when specifying a home cinema. However, making this important choice early on puts you on the front foot to be sure.

OCTOBER 2023 55

ESSENTIAL PROJECTORS AND SCREENS

LASER PROJECTORS AND VIDEO PROCESSORS Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at DbM (left) and Bart Devos, Business Development Manager EMEA at Barco Residential, recently sat down to discuss the topic of laser projectors and video processors. Here’s what they had to say...

There’s a lot of talk about video processing and the need for using external boxes. There are definitely advantages to using a processor like Lumagen for more enhanced versions of tone mapping and video signal quality. Reducing jitter in the audio and video signal makes a huge difference to audio and video fidelity, both of which are immediately noticeable.

Having frame by frame analysis of the video content for correct HDR tone mapping is also essential to ensure that all content is rendered to the correct NIT value, something that the Lumagen does a superb job of.

But in terms of geometry and geometrical challenges, the platforms that are built into the Barco projectors are super-advanced and eliminate the need for adding a video processor to the set up.

This means that if you are working with a projector that is not parallel to the screen and you end up with trapezoid effects or otherwise, as long as the image is larger than the screen, you can use the Barco Pulse Platform Warp Engine to crop the image and fill it. This allows you to very easily manipulate the picture to take out any installation imperfections.

The other advantage with this is that you can place a projector completely offset from the

56 OCTOBER 2023

screen. With other projectors, you wouldn’t be able to stretch this as far as you can with Barco as there wouldn’t be enough lens shift available and you wouldn’t have the Warp Engine to correct the image on screen. We’ve got an internal calculator to work out how far we can put the projector off centre but the flexibility this gives integrators is incredible!

Ultimately, you’ve got the most powerful video processing in projection land in every single residential non-DIC projector. This is a game-changer, because a house is never square, and there will be times when the set location of the projector won’t work due to pipes or whatnot, and this is where Barco provides the flexibility to engineer around installation challenges.

There are a handful of integrators who comment that Barco projectors don’t start until around £25,000 and they can buy a different system for £5,000, which surely isn’t five times lower than the Barco system. Well in fact, Barco projectors are more than five times better than these other products because of all these added features – the installation is made so much better, the installers love the flexibility of it and the clients are blown away by the end result.

It highlights why you shouldn’t just compare

specs on paper – you’ve got to look at real world installation and performance.

DON’T LET PRICE BE A BARRIER

While we are on the topic of pricing, it is so important for dealers to be confident in presenting the correct projection solution for their client. We see customers who shy away from talking about systems that are £50,000 - £70,000 as they think the client will laugh at them or walk away. When it comes to Barco, we want our dealers to fully understand the benefits of its projection systems and they will then know that it’s really good value for these products because they are top quality and tick so many boxes for the clients. Price shouldn’t be a barrier to the dealer – if it is for the client, that’s fine, but you’ve got to give them the opportunity to see that these systems exist and how they can transform their home cinema project. So, don’t be embarrassed about selling expensive projection systems, as they are one million percent worth it. They will massively enhance the entire experience. To experience Barco projectors alongside other brands such as Meridian and Lumagen, book a visit to the DbM HQ to immerse yourself in true AV excellence.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

NEW

LEICA CINE 1 The Art of Home Cinema.

Feel closer to every scene with Leica Cine 1, the ultra-short throw laser projector that combines Leica precision optics with advanced laser technology to turn a room into a feeling.

Find out more at leica-cinematv.com

ESSENTIAL INSTALLER ACADEMY

PROTECTING YOUR CUSTOMERS FROM CYBER THREATS 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. This month looks at how companies can build trust and confidence through cybersecurity measures.

As smart homes become increasingly popular, so do the risks of cyber threats. In this digital age, protecting your customers from cyberattacks should be a top priority for any smart home company. With the rise of smart devices, there are more opportunities for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in a network and gain access to sensitive information. As a result, consumers are becoming more concerned about the security of their smart homes. To build trust and confidence with your customers, it’s crucial to implement effective cybersecurity measures. In this article, we’ll explore how smart home companies can protect their customers from cyber threats and the importance of building a strong cybersecurity strategy that prioritises privacy and security.

By taking proactive steps to safeguard your customers’ data, you can establish yourself as a trusted and reliable provider in the smart home industry.

Understanding the risks Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to the convenience and comfort they offer. However, as the number of connected devices in a smart home increases, so does the risk of cyber threats. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in smart devices and gain access to sensitive information, such as personal data and financial

58 OCTOBER 2023

information. They can also use these devices to launch attacks on other networks, creating a ripple effect that can cause widespread damage.

Smart home companies need to understand the risks of cyber threats and take proactive steps to protect their customers’ data. This includes implementing robust cybersecurity measures and developing a strong cybersecurity strategy prioritising privacy and security. Failure to do so can lead to significant financial and reputational damage for the company and its customers.

The impact of cyber threats on customer trust and confidence Cyber threats can have a significant impact on customer trust and confidence. A data breach or cyber attack can compromise sensitive customer data, leading to financial loss and reputational damage for the company. It can also erode customer trust and confidence, making them reluctant to use smart home devices in the future. Smart home companies must prioritise cybersecurity to build trust and confidence with their customers. By implementing effective cybersecurity measures and developing a strong cybersecurity strategy, companies can demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data and privacy. This can help to establish them as a trusted and reliable provider in the smart home industry.

Best practices for building a strong cybersecurity strategy Building a strong cybersecurity strategy is essential for smart home companies looking to protect their customers from cyber threats.

Here are some best practices to consider: • Conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment: This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities and assessing the likelihood and impact of a cyber attack.

• Develop a cybersecurity policy: This should outline the company’s approach to cybersecurity, including roles and responsibilities, incident response procedures, and training requirements.

• Implement technical controls: This includes measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to protect against cyber threats.

• Educate employees: Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility and all employees should receive regular training on best practices for identifying and responding to cyber threats.

• Regularly review and update your cybersecurity strategy: Cyber threats are constantly evolving and companies need to stay up-to-date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL INSTALLER ACADEMY Implementing effective cybersecurity measures Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is crucial for smart home companies looking to protect their customers from cyber threats.

Here are some measures to consider: • Secure smart devices: This involves securing each smart device with a unique password and ensuring that all firmware and software are up-to-date.

• Encrypt data: All sensitive data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest to protect against unauthorised access.

• Use two-factor authentication: This involves requiring users to enter a password and a second form of authentication, such as a fingerprint or SMS code, to access their smart home devices.

• Monitor network traffic: This involves monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and responding quickly to potential threats.

• Limit data collection: Smart home companies should limit the data they collect and store to only what is necessary and ensure that it is securely stored and deleted when no longer needed.

The role of privacy policies in bolstering customer trust Privacy policies are crucial in bolstering customer trust and confidence in smart home companies. A clear and transparent privacy policy can help customers understand how their data is collected, used and shared. It can also help to establish trust and confidence in the company’s commitment to protecting customer privacy. Smart home companies should ensure their privacy policies are clear, concise and easy to understand. They should also regularly review and update their privacy policies to reflect any changes in legislation or company practices.

Educating customers on cybersecurity best practices Educating customers on cybersecurity best practices is an essential component of protecting them from cyber threats. Smart home companies should provide customers with clear and concise guidance on how to secure their smart devices and protect their data. This can include: • Using strong passwords: Customers should be encouraged to use strong, unique passwords for their smart devices and change them regularly.

• Keeping software up-to-date: Customers should be reminded to keep all firmware and software up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities.

• Avoiding public Wi-Fi: Customers should be advised to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access their smart home devices.

• Avoiding suspicious emails and links: Customers should be reminded to avoid clicking on suspicious emails or links, as these can be a source of malware and other cyber threats.

The importance of ongoing monitoring and updates Ongoing monitoring and updates are essential for maintaining the security of smart home devices. Smart home companies should regularly monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and respond quickly to potential threats. They should also regularly update their software and firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities and ensure their devices are secure. Smart home companies should also have an incident response plan in place to respond quickly and effectively to any cyber threats or data breaches. This should include clear roles and responsibilities for responding to incidents, as well as communication protocols for notifying customers and other stakeholders.

Case studies of effective cybersecurity strategies in the smart home industry There are several examples of smart home companies that have implemented effective cybersecurity strategies to protect their customers from cyber threats. For example, Nest, a leading smart home company, has implemented two-factor authentication and other security measures to protect its customers’ data. Another example is Ring, which has implemented end-to-end encryption and other security measures to protect its customers’ video feeds.

These companies have demonstrated their commitment to protecting customer data and privacy and, as a result, have established themselves as trusted and reliable providers in the smart home industry.

Conclusion emphasising the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures for smart home companies In conclusion, smart home companies must prioritise cybersecurity to protect their customers from cyber threats. By implementing effective cybersecurity measures and developing a strong cybersecurity strategy, companies can establish themselves as trusted and reliable providers in the smart home industry. This includes securing smart devices, encrypting data, using two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring and updating software and firmware. Smart home companies must also educate customers on cybersecurity best practices and provide clear and transparent privacy policies to build trust and confidence. By taking proactive steps to safeguard customer data and privacy, smart home companies can establish themselves as leaders in the industry and build long-term customer loyalty.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 61

COMMENT FROM THE COALFACE

LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES Stuart Lillis, Director, Limitless Automation, takes on the tantalising prospect of our Comment From The Coalface quiz. Want to take your turn? Get in touch at dan@essentialinstall.com Tell us a little about your company; What do you specialise in? Who is involved?

We are a small company based just outside of Edinburgh, and we cater to everything smart home, but have a real passion for cinema, listening rooms and lighting control.

What are doing today work-wise?

Today was a nice little upgrade for an existing client who is an absolute petrol head. We tricked out their garage and outdoor spaces with some stylish Rako lighting, adding an extra touch of flair.

Tell us about the projects you are working on right now.

As a compact operation, we consciously limit the number of simultaneous projects to maintain the integrity of the customer experience. Currently, we are handling a few projects that fall under the ‘all in’ category, - encompassing cinema, lighting, music everywhere, television, networking, security, and access. These projects demand a substantial portion of our attention and effort.

62 OCTOBER 2023

You recently completed a new showroom; Well us about that.

Your ear is clearly close to the ground! We haven’t made a public announcement just yet, but I’m thrilled to share that we’re on the verge of unveiling a captivating new space.

This project is a result of a fruitful collaboration with a dear industry friend. For now, that’s all the details I can reveal, but stay tuned for more exciting updates in the near future...

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

For me, being a part of this industry right now is genuinely exhilarating. After years of compromise in the realms of audio and cinema, with compact ’smart speakers’ and soundbars, it definitely feels like customers are craving quality again, and it’s never been easier to deliver with the technology we have today and high res content on demand.

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

Share, talk, collaborate. The industry has already started to turn the corner here, but

it wasn’t that long ago that it was a pretty combative and cut-throat place. Social media has been the massive game changer for me. I love letting people peek behind the curtain.

There’s no secret sauce - we all do similar things, just slightly different flavours and standards - I firmly believe though that we all pull each other up as an industry and I always try to help when I can.

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

Ooh - this is a tough one. In such a fast paced industry it must be difficult for training providers to stay ahead of the game. For me, short bursts of online video-based content really helps engaging new talent and is easily accessible at a later date - we all need a tune up at a later date! Gone are the days of keeping a copy of ‘Huber and Runstein’ in the back of the van.

Is there a project you are particularly proud of?

For a long time it was a massive home that I completed over 10 years ago, that I’m sure still today is the largest ‘connected home’ in Scotland, but to be honest now though it’s

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

STANDiiT

INNOVATIVE EQUIPMENT SUPPORTS Multiple installations can be completed securely and to a high standard by a single person in a fraction of the time taken up by conventional mounts.

• ‘FIXiT’ ultra-thin fixed wall mounts • ‘TILTiT’ (25° tilt) • ‘TWISTiT’ (25° tilt, 180° swivel) • ‘BOXiT’ with pop-out’ rack for AV devices • STANDiT height-adjustable wall mount no drilling required

For further information please contact CUK. 0141 440 5333 • enquiries@cuk-group.com • cuk-group.com

Grow your Business with Sonos for Professionals Whether you want to design the ultimate home cinema, install a sound system in a business, or integrate speakers in a multi-unit development, Sonos makes it easy to create incredible listening experiences for every client and space.

sonos.com/trades

COMMENT FROM THE COALFACE a cinema that EI showcased in a case study recently. I haven’t put anything like this forward into the big bad world before and the positive feedback has blown me away.

It’s easy in a world of Instagram and TikTok to see these incredible cinemas all over the world and think of yourself as this little outfit in Scotland. It has opened my eyes a little and taught me it’s okay to pat yourself on the back from time to time.

Response to the recent case study has been strong

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

Lately I’ve been working a lot with Sonus Faber and McIntosh and absolutely love how these two brands complement each other – and the people behind these brands are awesome.

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

Where do I even start …

I started out in this game as a spotty teenager in Glasgow and had some clients with rather ‘colourful employment’. This led to some interesting situations, including being kidnapped for an afternoon until a payment dispute was settled, and another situation hearing over the radio a client had been taken into the care of Police Scotland whilst we were working in his home.

This could probably fill both best and worst but I’m going with best as we both found it hilarious. Years back, pulling an all-nighter kitting out a PA setup for a big modern church, I accidentally tripped the house lights. I had some Slayer playing pretty loud just to keep me

awake. Fumbling in the dark for the Fusebox, I bumped into the Church minister who had popped in to see if everything was alright.

Between the music and the blackout fumble we scared each other half to death, but laughed it off as soon as I got the lights back on.

What is the most unusual client request you have had?

Not as much a request as an expectation.

Whilst cutting out ceiling speakers in a client’s home, he told us he was popping out to the office for a few hours, which we were of course fine with.

About five minutes after he left, we realised he had left his young toddler at home, whom I assumed we were supposed to watch over.

Myself and the other technician were both just young trainees at the time with no experience caring for tiny humans. On realisation we both just stared at each other confused for an extended period of time before calling HQ for backup.

How do you see the sector changing in the future?

I’m hoping to see a lot more diversity.

Particularly on the engineering side of the industry. It’s been a sea of testosterone for a long time but its slowly changing.

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

I like to consider Roddy at Cinema Build Systems a good friend and find it incredibly inspirational that he has turned some great ideas into an incredible set of products and successful business. Probably more importantly though, not being scared to pivot from running a thriving install company to follow his passion.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

Away from work, what are you interests/hobbies?

I’m a little ADHD when it comes to hobbies, but the main one has always been music. That’s what got me into this game in the first place.

Listening, playing in bands, watching live, or just chatting music for hours - that’s where it’s at for me.

Other than that, most of my life I’ve done some sort of martial arts - lately I’ve been filling the role of the chunky guy at the back of the kickboxing gym.

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

Infinite budgets - every system is zero compromise. Not just for the tasty margin, but spending your days calibrating only reference cinemas and listening rooms - oh mammy daddy!

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

Music is tough as my Tidal is best described as schizophrenic. My favourite all time band is Opeth or Tool, but lately I’m freaking out on Carina Round, who I missed first time round.

Favourite movie - I probably couldn’t pick a favourite, but a few stand outs are The Lives of Others, City of God, There Will Be Blood, Grand Budapest Hotel and Goodfellas (of course).

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

Mike Patton (a singer for the stories), Bridget Christie (comedian for the craic), Tom Stade (comedian - more craic).

OCTOBER 2023 65

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

STALE STUDY TO STUNNING HOME CINEMA Stuart Lillis, Director, Limitless Automation guides, EI around this impressive home cinema that celebrates the power of transformation.

Stuart explains, “This was a fresh client for us,

Stuart adds, “This customer has a strong

Adding more detail to the approach for this

who found us through social media. It was a

technical background, which turned out to

room, Stuart continues, “Early on, we knew

wonderful experience getting acquainted with

be a delightful aspect of the process. It was a

that this room would be dedicated to a cinema

refreshing change of pace to discuss technical

experience, and we wanted to involve Cinema

details over afternoon coffee whilst catching

Build Systems right from the beginning. Working

up with the daily progress. Although the scope

closely with them, we ensured that every

of works remained relatively consistent, we

aspect of the room’s design and specifications

explored various options and concepts during

exceeded expectations. While our primary

give them a feel on how much these rooms cost,

the process. Fortunately, we were able to align

focus was on creating a top-notch cinema room,

and then a couple of revisions to tweak to their

things with the client’s preferences on the first

we also wanted to make it a relaxing space for

preferences and budget.”

attempt, which was a great success.”

the entire family.

the family, even though they already had some familiarity with us through our daily content.

“The process was relatively straightforward, though this was the client’s first dedicated cinema. After some discussions over the client’s preferences, we pulled together an estimate to

66 OCTOBER 2023

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

The room itself was a challenge with few straight lines to work with

“Knowing that the couple loved F1 and

Builds of this kind are rarely without their

out the baffle wall and utilising Cinema Build

would likely spend extended periods enjoying

challenges, and this space was no different.

Systems’ halo frames. These frames helped

the room, and with the wife expecting a baby, we

Stuart says, “Apart from facing a tight build

conceal all wall-mounted speakers and acoustic

designed it with their needs in mind. Given their

schedule and some component shortages, our

treatment behind fabric tracks, providing a clean

love for both F1 and movies, we planned for a

main challenges during the project were related

and seamless appearance.

16:9 ratio with 9:2:4 Atmos, Rako lighting, and

to the architectural aspects of the room.

Control4 for seamless control and automation.

“The room’s long and skinny shape presented

The goal was to deliver an exceptional cinematic

a design dilemma as we wanted to avoid cutting

experience that catered to their specific

into the room too much. To overcome this, we

interests and preferences.”

implemented a creative solution by building

“Additionally, we decided to hide the ceiling speakers within the ceiling coffer and also then covered them with fabric to ensure complete discretion and a polished look. The build itself posed a unique challenge as it was an unused and neglected study within a mid-century extension to a Victorian house. As expected, the room’s existing structure did not offer a single straight line or right angle.

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 67

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

“Aligning everything to achieve a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing outcome proved to be one of the most significant hurdles we encountered during the process.

“Stuart continues, “Despite these obstacles, our team was determined and resourceful, ultimately delivering a stunning dedicated cinema room that surpassed expectations while blending seamlessly with the existing architecture.”

Stuart also underlines some touches that made the project that little bit more focused on the customer’s needs, “As a fundamental principle, we always start from the experience

and work our way back to the black and grey boxes, and this project was no exception.

By placing the experience at the forefront and working our way back to the technical aspects, we were able to deliver a dedicated cinema room that was uniquely tailored to the clients’ desires and provided a truly exceptional viewing experience.”

In terms of his favourite aspect of the project, he has no hesitation in answering: “My favourite part – quite simply is the sound,” says Stuart, “I firmly believe that we made the best use of the client’s budget, and the results speak for themselves. The combination of components

from Anthem, System Audio, SVS, and Cinema Build Systems’ room treatment, including the new reactor panels, created something truly extraordinary.

There’s a certain feeling you get when you step into a room, and you can just tell that the acoustic treatment is perfectly balanced even before turning on the amplifier. And when the sound starts to fill the space, the dynamics are simply mesmerising. I believe it was Mozart that said, ‘The silence between the notes is as important as the notes themselves’.

Cinema Build Systems played a big part in getting the room right

68 OCTOBER 2023

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

1

fr e

Download Driver

2

3

FREE CONTROL4 CHOWMAIN SOFTWARE DRIVER x el

ic e

nce p

e r s i te u n

t il 3

1/1

2/

Add powerful enhanced functionality and High Definition Audio to your Control4 projects. Ideal for residential and commercial installations.

Connected URC HDA Smart Amplifiers work seamlessly with Control4 systems, courtesy of Chowmain Software.

All inputs matrixed to all outputs | Audio distributed over the network at 96kHz/24bit | Audio sensing on all inputs DSP processing – including 5 band parametric EQ, High Pass/Low Pass filters, mono summing and channel splitting, signal sensing triggers, and ducking/paging

• 16 channels @ 100W into 8 Ohms • 8-16 inputs • Audio sensing

• 8 channels @ 100W into 8 Ohms • 4-8 inputs • Audio sensing

• 70v stereo / 600W @ 8 Ohms • Balanced audio / microphone input • Audio sensing

• 2 channels @ 30W into 8 Ohms • PoE++ power option • Local digital in / subwoofer out

• Networked input / output module • PoE power option

• AVB network switch • Plug and play

Z50, 70 and 100 KNX Touch Panels

Custom configuration with any SIP based units

Now directly compatible with 2N, Doorbird, Comelit and Fermax video door-entry systems • Compatible with IP cameras (both protocols) • Remote control via Zennio Remote app (requires license) • Multi brand video door-entry communication (requires license) • Voice control via ZenVoice (requires remote control and voice control licenses)

• A/D inputs for presence detectors, temperature probe or dry contacts • Luminosity and proximity sensor • Available in white, gloss white, silver, and black finish

Get in touch and we will assist in creating tailored solutions for any of your projects Zennio UK Spaces, 100 Avebury Boulevard. Milton Keynes. MK9 1FH. United Kingdom e: info@zennio.co.uk w: zennio.co.uk

Follow us on

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY

Essential Kit List

• Lexicon DD8

• Control4 Core1

• Cinema Build Systems Halo Edge Screen

• Control4 Neeo

• Cinema Build Systems Halo Frames

• Sony VPL-VW590

• Cinema Build Systems Coffer Ceiling Solution

• Anthem MRX 1140

• Cinema Build Systems full acoustic treatment and stretched fabric solution, including reactor panels

• 3x System Audio SA legend 7.2 silverback • 6x System Audio Saxo 16 • 4x Revel C383

• Rako Lighting including EOS faceplate, 3 channels of coloured lighting and 2 white

• 2x SVS S3000 Subwoofers

• Ray lighting

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY - MARTIN’S HI-FI SHOWROOM

EAST ANGLIAN EXCELLENCE Elizabeth Gould, Director at Martin’s Hi-Fi, explains the ambition behind the company’s re-imagined and re-built home cinema demonstration space.

Elizabeth explains, “Our previous cinema was

loudspeakers, which are both discrete and

based on a 19th century French music hall and

powerful and are great for both movies and

it was a statement piece! This time, however, we

high-resolution audio alike.” Elizabeth continues,

wanted to provide a demo cinema room that

“Meridian is a great British brand, designed and

would appeal to clients that require more than

built in the UK, and their offering featured digital

just a cinema room. This is a room that people

signal processing (DSP) technology, containing

can imagine having themselves at home. A

the entire electronics including amplification.

social space that can be used for film watching,

“Having

music listening, gaming and socialising.”

technology effectively makes it sound larger

active

loudspeakers

The team started by stripping out the old room

than the loudspeakers actually are, providing a

with the aim of making better use of the space

powerful, effortless and immersive experience.

created and to improve the room acoustically.

These loudspeakers also have the added benefit

Elizabeth says, “The room was made

of reducing the size of the equipment AV rack

smaller, by creating a wall around some existing

requirements for the hardware as there are no

structural pillars. This allowed us to have the

power amplifiers to accommodate, also reducing

server cabinet in a new space, adjacent to the

rack ventilation needs.”

cinema, where it could be lit and fully viewable

The Dolby Atmos specification installed is

for customers. The existing wall panelling

a 7.2.4 configuration; consisting of seven wall

was removed and re-studded, incorporating

mounted speakers, (front LCR, sides and rears)

acoustic insulation. We also panelled the walls

with a front and back in-wall sub-woofer. Four

with Vicoustic VMT panels to enhance the

Atmos ceiling speakers complete the design.

Elizabeth reveals, “We chose to include a

sound quality within the room.

72 OCTOBER 2023

advanced

“With regards to the audio, after much

louvered acoustic fabric ceiling within the room.

consideration, we decided to go with the

Again, this has been specifically designed to

Meridian Audio in-wall and in-ceiling architectural

benefit both the acoustics and aesthetics. For

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

THE INTEGRATORS’ CHOICE FOR AUTOMATED BLINDS

QMotion offers seamless integration with all leading control solutions

• • • • • •

20 years warranty on the motor and control Native integration with Control4 and Rako Wired or Zigbee wireless 2-way control UK fabrication and support Manual override Wired or battery powered Roman Blinds available

Enquire about our premium automated shading systems for your clients www.qmotionshades.co.uk info@qmotionshades.co.uk +44(0)1908 047 980

@QMotionUK qmotionuk QMotionShades qmotionshades

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY - MARTIN’S HI-FI SHOWROOM

The room mixes high-performance with a relaxing atmosphere

this, we planned the angles of each louver and tweaked them until we were perfectly happy. As each louver incorporates lighting, we wanted to make sure that this didn’t shine too brightly in the wrong direction. The Cinema Build’s stretched fabric system that we used to cover it was colour matched to suit the room.

“Careful consideration was taken as to what projector and screen to specify. Having the choice of a great range of the best products available, we selected the JVC NZ8 laser projector, offering JVC’s 8K e-shift video technology, matched with a Screen Research Supreme acoustic fixed frame screen, ISF and THX certified. Finally, although of no visual or acoustic benefit, we’ve paid homage to the room as it was before by re-using a painting we liked of a music hall audience.”

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

One of the main challenges the space presented was that the room was designed to have a specific speaker layout, with inwall speakers and subwoofers, which was unfortunately hampered by a brick pillar found in an external wall after the work was begun.

The subwoofer placement therefore had to be reviewed and the design altered accordingly.

The small size and nature of the room limited alternative placements of the second subwoofer. Therefore the second

sub was

relocated to the rear of the room, which gave the team the opportunity to make use of the Trinnov-based management feature to base manage the rear sub with the surround and Atmos speakers. So, it turned out to be a bit of a blessing in disguise in the end!

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 75

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY - MARTIN’S HI-FI SHOWROOM

Elizabeth adds, “The cinema set up has been fully calibrated by our in-house team, with assistance from Meridian, who’s great in-wall and in-ceiling speakers have been carefully tuned to offer the best possible audio quality. The projector has also been calibrated for picture accuracy, giving stunning visuals, which we have recently tested on the new Barbie movie!

“The Trinnov calibration has allowed us to precisely align each of the Meridian speakers to create the perfect listening experience, along with the amazing ability of the JVC projector, offers the customer an experience, just as the director intended.”

Martin’s also adds that Pulse Cinemas has been a great support, helping with the stretched

76 OCTOBER 2023

fabric louvered, light washed ceiling. Martin’s also gained some inspirational ideas following a recent visit to the Habitech headquarters and Meridian too have been an immense support with the design of the active speaker system.

So how has the new space been going down with customers? Elizabeth says, “We’ve had many of our customers in to visit the room and their response has been overwhelming to say the least. They are enjoying the experience this room gives, both with the excellent sound quality and visuals, but also the feeling of relaxation and comfort too. It’s so easy to find yourself drawn into what’s on the screen that you forget where you are.

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

LUXURY CINEMA SEATING AND ACOUSTIC DESIGN

THE ORSON

With over twenty-five years’ experience at the high-end of luxury cinema design, Pavone’s unrivalled expertise will support your cinema and media room projects to deliver the finest immersive experiences to your customers in partnership with CUK Group.

• Five luxury seating ranges • Four finishes • Ten colours • Three upholstery styles • Acoustic and interior design services

For further information please contact CUK. 0141 440 5333 • enquiries@cuk-group.com • cuk-group.com

THE STANLEY

ESSENTIAL CASE STUDY - MARTIN’S HI-FI SHOWROOM “Personally, my favourite part is the feeling you get of relaxation, calm and being comfortable in the room and the ease of which the user can control the room using the RTI custom programmed remote. It’s an enjoyable space. Oh, and the crocodile!”

As for the main business benefits to be gained, Elizabeth says, “We hope to be able to spread the word of what we can do, what can be achieved in the home, and also just give

everyone a little bit of inspiration. It’s great to be able to show customers a small cinema room that they absolutely can have themselves. This room shows that you absolutely don’t have to have a large space with high ceilings to get the best sound. Variations of this room can be made, covering a whole range of price points.”

A recent visit really underlined what the company has achieved here. EI has to say it’s an excellence space and really lives up to

the ambition the team had to create a space that felt really relatedable, whilst being highperformance. You really do forget you are in a demo space at all and the system handles all types of content well.

Martin’s Hi-Fi martinshifi.co.uk

The system combines every element a homeowner could wish for and ease of use to boot

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 79

Unleash Unrivaled Audio Excellence Introducing the dARTS 5000 Series Loudspeakers and DCB410-SUB Floor-to-Ceiling Bass Array. Prepare to revolutionize your theaters and soundscapes with the award-winning dARTS Theater’s latest auditory innovation.

DCB410 Sub

5000 Series

• Crafted in the USA, these speakers bring powerful elegance with new cosmetics, encased in a sophisticated matte or gloss black finish.

Custom colors are also available.

• Featuring innovative AMT tweeters, the 5000 series reaches a scintillating 40kHz frequency and pumps out an impressive 124dB SPL of ultra-clear, room-filling sound.

• Dedicated room correction guarantees the same great sound in any room.

• With DSP-based crossovers, equalization, and time correction, we leave nothing in the path to dilute your audio. Your room will sound like the world’s top theaters - pure, undiluted acoustic perfection.

• The mighty DCB410-SUB transforms corners into bass powerhouses. This towering, 280 lb trapezoidal subwoofer boasts a linear array of eight 10-inch active woofers, equivalent to a colossal 28” woofer.

Experience the biggest update ever to the dARTS line with the 5000 Series.

Ensure true sound perfection with the DCB410-SUB line array and feel the sound as never before. The 5000 Series and DCB410-SUB bring audio excellence within your reach.

Predictable precision.

• Delivering tight, uncolored bass down to a remarkable 16Hz, feel the immersive, room-shaking bass, not just hear it.

• Paired with a robust mono-block amplifier, this subwoofer array injects 1400-watts into your audio setup, peaking at a staggering 123 dB.

sales@apex-tech.uk 0141 674 9856 Apex-Tech.UK

by

international@mseaudio.com +1 904-777-0700 darts.mseaudio.com

PRODUCTS

A GENUINE ROCK STAR ATTENDS EI LIVE! 2023 ‘The Rockstar’ modular cinema seat available from Cinema Luxe made its UK debut at EI Live! 2023.

Cinema Luxe proudly presented ‘The Rockstar’, a dedicated modular cinema seat, designed in-house from the ground up, to offer a more design-focused approach to the cinema seating market.

With angular lines and a floating-effect façade, The Rockstar has been created to offer a design statement being equally at home in a dedicated cinema setting, media room, or as part of a residential lounge set. The simple modular design makes it suitable as a stand-alone chair or to form part of a larger seating arrangement.

In-house UK manufacture allows the highest level of quality control and the ability to offer exceptional lead times of just four weeks within the UK. Cinema Luxe says a dual motor mechanism is seamlessly integrated within the head and footrest, offering customisable comfort, while a wireless charging point in each arm rest offers technology at the user’s fingertips.

The supplier says ‘The Rockstar’ is available in a range of carefully curated materials, chosen in line with current interior design trends and can be fully customisable on request.

The Rockstar is expected to be fully introduced in Q1 of 2024

Cinema Luxe cinemaluxe.co.uk

PRIME TIME WITH KALEIDESCAPE

Kaleidescape systems are available in the UK from Pulse Cinemas

Kaleidescape has announced the availability of its new Terra Prime movie server product line.

Terra Prime features an all-new board design with faster processing power and faster network – Kaleidescape says it is the only dedicated movie server with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. The new servers are available with either highcapacity hard drives or fast solid-state drives, says the maker.

Terra Prime SSD movie servers are the fastest and quietest movie servers available, ideal for yachts and large installations, says

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

the manufacturer. Terra Prime SSD downloads Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies in as little as four minutes and serves up to 25 simultaneous playback zones. Terra Prime SSD 31TB stores approximately 500 Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies and the 8TB model stores roughly 125 Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies.

Terra Prime HDD is a next-generation high-capacity movie server. It can download a Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movie in as little as eight minutes and serves up to five

/Essentialinstall

simultaneous playback zones (compact) or up to 10 simultaneous playback zones (full-size).

Terra Prime HDD 88TB stores approximately 1,450 Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies and the 48TB stores roughly 800 Kaleidescape fidelity 4K movies. The Terra Prime HDD 22TB stores approximately 350 Kaleidescape fidelity 4K movies and the 8TB stores roughly 130 Kaleidescape high-bitrate 4K movies.

Kaleidescape kaleidescape.com

OCTOBER 2023 81

WE ARE THE GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION THAT SERVES THE HOME TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY

ADVOCACY We position the smart home industry as essential to homeowners, allied trades, and governments.

CONNECTION We connect the professionals who connect our homes around the world.

EDUCATION We develop content to share knowledge and raise the bar on industry best practice.

Scan to discover more:

PRODUCTS

VIDEOTREE LAUNCHES AQUIOM OUTDOOR AND LUSIOM MIRROR TVS AT EI LIVE 2023 harshest outdoor conditions, including marine environments, Aquiom features an optically bonded screen that delivers exceptional clarity, says the company. With 4K UHD resolution, HDR 10, and a brightness of 2,000 nits, it ensures crystal-clear visuals even in direct sunlight.

Aquiom promises to redefine the outdoor entertainment experience, says Videotree.

Lusiom, described as the Perfect Mirror TV combines functionality and style seamlessly.

When not in use, it functions as a mirror, enhancing the aesthetics of any space.

Offering full 4K viewing with strong audio quality, Lusiom’s modular design allows for customisation and versatility. It’s designed to be the world’s slimmest mirror TV, setting new standards in elegance and technology.

The

Videotree

team

welcomed

all

attendees to visit the company’s stand Director of Videotree, Clare Munroe: “Aquiom and Lusiom represent a new era in innovation for the AV sector.”

at EI Live! to experience Aquiom and Lusiom first-hand. Visitors were able to see live demonstrations and partake in discussions

Videotree, a pioneer in cutting-edge waterproof television technology, was thrilled to announce the launch of its latest innovations, Aquiom and Lusiom TVs, at EI Live! 2023.

Aquiom, billed as the ultimate outdoor TV Aquiom, is a testament to Videotree’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Designed to withstand the

with the Videotree expert engineers.

Videotree videotree.com

A POWER PLAY FROM MCINTOSH McIntosh has announced the launch of its

with its innovative multi-layer carbon fibre cones.

new PS2K Powered Subwoofer. Meticulously

Previously, carbon fibre cones were made from

crafted with precision and passion, the maker

a single layer of the material that had a bit of

says the PS2K Powered Subwoofer is designed

flexibility, which could negatively impact sound.

to create new depths of low frequency that

The new multi-layered carbon fibre cones are

delivers an ‘unprecedented’ listening experience.

The PS2K Powered Subwoofer is supplied with four 13in woofers and with massive magnets at the heart of the subwoofer, the system uses McIntosh’s patented Low Distortion

High

Performance

now integrated into a joint with a voice coil that are very strong and can resist long extended excursion travel, creating extreme rigidity that forbids unwanted flexing.

In addition to its striking design, the PS2K features a variety of connection options that are compatible with virtually any installation.

The PS2K’s high black gloss finish, carbon trim and aluminium base, along with its included glide feet for hard floors and spikes for carpeting, complete the comprehensive picture.

McIntosh mcintoshlabs.com

(LD/HP)

Magnetic Circuit Design to significantly reduce distortion while increasing the driver’s power handling and efficiency. Each of the four woofers is driven by a dedicated 500W Class D amplifier, which unite together to unleash

The PS2K Powered Subwoofer is available from October 2023 with an MSRP of £52,000 / €60,000 / $50,000 USD

a total power output of up to 2,000W. The amplifiers are calibrated to minimise distortion and produce clear, tight bass with low distortion in even the most expansive listening spaces.

Users can now feel the pain and passion in their favourite songs and the nuanced sound effects in the latest blockbuster, says the sub’s creator.

More than just a tool to deepen the bass of sound, the PS2K Powered Subwoofer further pushes the pinnacle of McIntosh craftsmanship

essentialinstall.com

@Install_mag

/Essentialinstall

OCTOBER 2023 83

PRODUCTS

ADD SOME WIIM TO YOUR STEAMING APPROACH WiiM, the smart home streaming specialist exclusively distributed in the UK by Henley Audio, is entering the custom install (CI) space with its Mini, Pro and Pro Plus models.

The new WiiM MOD range takes this compelling blend of convenience, performance and stability into the professional CI market.

The WiiM MOD UK line initially comprises three entrants: the MOD S, MOD A60, and MOD A110. The MOD S single-zone streamer takes its cues from the Pro Plus, adding installerfriendly features, including rack mounting and support for common third-party integrations.

The ‘A’ in the MOD A line stands for amplifier, and the A60 and A110 offer integrated amplifier streaming smarts, meaning they can fully source and power a single zone.

“We worked superhard on our original consumer designs, so it’s gratifying to receive so much positive feedback from customers, dealers, and press alike,” says Gerry Holman, Director of European Sales at WiiM’s parent company Linkplay.

“That said, we do not, and will not, take the CI market for granted. We have worked equally hard to ensure our new line delivers everything professionals need for their latest projects.

There is, of course, more to creating a CI

including full specifications, were shared at the

product than making it rack-friendly and we are

show. Henley Audio will confirm UK pricing and

meticulously covering all of the angles.”

product timings before the end of the year.

The WiiM MOD S, MOD A60, and MOD A110 received their exclusive UK unveiling at

Wiim

EI Live! Further details on the WiiM MOD line,

wiimhome.com

Beyond 2023, WiiM plans further additions to the MOD collection during 2024

PERLISTEN AUDIO DEBUTS WORLD’S FIRST THX CERTIFIED DOMINUS IN-CEILING SPEAKERS with a patent-pending Directivity Pattern Control

(DPC)

waveguide

comprising,

respectively, a 28mm Beryllium dome tweeter and 28mm TPCD ultralightweight dome mid complemented by a 165mm TPCD woofer, and a 28mm silk dome tweeter and 28mm silk dome mid, complemented by a 165mm HFP pulp woofer.

The THX Ultra certified R2ic is a simplified two-way version of the R3ic, featuring an innovative new tweeter/waveguide DPC array A new first from Perlisten Audio

of 28mm silk dome tweeter, complemented by a 165mm HFP pulp woofer. For the R2ic, a rear enclosure is optional.

Karma AV is adding three new in-ceiling

The three-way S3ic and R3ic are THX

The advanced DPC waveguide in each

models to its Perlisten Audio lineup. Extremely

Certified Dominus Surround, while the two-way

new in-ceiling speaker has been modelled by

versatile as LCR, surround, height or wide

R2ic is THX Certified Ultra Surround.

Perlisten to control directivity with a reference

channel speakers, Perlisten’s new in-ceiling

All

models

feature

the

proprietary

line is optimised to provide cinema designers

technologies employed by Perlisten’s in-

with options for the controlled dispersion of

wall models and its floor and stand mount

high output/low distortion sound in the largest

loudspeakers, providing true timbre matching

private cinemas.

and complete design flexibility for high-end

The new S-Series and R-Series in-ceiling

Dolby Atmos, DTS-X and Auro-3D applications.

speakers are engineered using advanced

The new S3ic and R3ic are housed in a

Comsol acoustical modelling.

84 OCTOBER 2023

sealed aluminium enclosure and are equipped

axis at 30 degrees and a broader listening window of +/- 30 vertical and +/- 55 horizontal degrees, allowing for ideal coverage within most listening spaces.

Karma AV karma-av.co.uk

/Essentialinstall

@Install_mag

essentialinstall.com

Vyper | Ultra-flat aluminium line array element

k-array.com

time to show them what you're made of The Vyper range offers a visually discreet residential speaker solution, weather-resistant materials make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use while surface and recessed mounting allow them to integrate seamlessly into the environment.

SMART LIGHTING CONTROL rakocontrols.com

Picture courtesy of Jake Potter - jakepotter.net and Host St Ives - hoststives.co.uk