We are pleased to announce the launch of the rst HDBaseT™3 matrix product to the market
Using HDBaseT™3 technology, these powerful HDBaseT™ matrix support uncompromised 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 resolutions over distances up to 100m over a CAT6A. The new HMX88-18G and HMX44-18G come into their own with advanced audio features speci cally designed for maximising the integration of AV sources in the modern home. Enhanced audio routing is achieved through the integrated audio matrix. This enables the audio from displays (via HDMI ARC or Optical S/PDIF), and all other sources to be embedded and routed through the system at the users discretion. The inclusion of a 1Gb Ethernet channel allows for LAN serving to all HDBT outputs / zones as required, IR and RS-232 pass-through, advanced EDID management, and PoC provide the ultimate exibility.
The combination of these technology features enable our installation partners the ability to create a truly immersive AV experience throughout the home.
NEW NEW
HMX88-18G
8x8 HDBaseT™3 AV Matrix
• Uncompressed / unconverted 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 to 100m
Allan Lagasca, Global leader of Smart Industrials Segment Organization, STMicroelectronics
James Chen, Managing Director, Kordz
Motohide Naito, Development Director, AIM
Webro explainer
experts in:
experts in:
Video Distribution
Cable Infrastructure and Testing
Audio Experiences
Experiences
FOCUSED FOLLOW UP!
So, another EI Live! is in the books and what a great show it was once again.
Many thanks to all the exhibitors, visitors and behind the scenes sta that make it all happen. The show got EI thinking about what the best ways are to properly capitalise on a trade show visit.
There’s a curious moment that always follows a trade show. The bustling aisles, the hurried co ees, the handshakes and chance conversations all suddenly give way to something quieter: the journey home with a badge in your pocket, a bag of literature by your feet and a head full of half-formed thoughts. The inbox is already filling up but the question lingers — what now?
For many, the default answer is to hit the ground running. Fire o emails, book demos, keep the energy going. That’s important of course — opportunities fade quickly if they’re not given attention. But it’s only one half of the equation. The most e ective companies use this period not just to follow up, but to step back, filter the noise and ask a more strategic question: what does all of this mean for the bigger picture?
Trade shows are a curious mix of inspiration and overload. In just a day or two, you’re exposed to more ideas, technologies and conversations than you’d normally encounter in months. New
products demand attention, competitors reveal their latest thinking and you often find yourself bumping into a perspective you hadn’t considered before. If all that stimulus is channelled into nothing more than a list of meetings, the real value risks being lost.
This is where it pays to think in two categories: the literal and the mental. The literal is the practical stu — those cards you collected, the promises you made to send over information, the demos you want to schedule. But the mental category is more elusive. What trends kept cropping up in conversations? Which products were impossible to ignore? Were there common frustrations everyone seemed to be grappling with?
Collecting these mental notes and shaping them into a broader narrative can be transformative. Suddenly you’re not just following up — you’re creating a roadmap for the months ahead. Maybe that means investing in a new area of training, forming a strategic partnership, or changing the way you present your o er to clients. It’s the bigger strokes that keep a business moving forward and trade shows are one of the few times the industry as a whole reveals its mood.
So while the lanyards are still lying on the desk and the business cards haven’t yet disappeared into a drawer, give yourself time to look both ways: the immediate and the long-term. The show itself is the spark, but what happens afterwards is what keeps the fire burning.
GETTING IN TOUCH
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
GROUP AD MANAGER
Steve White, steve@allthingsmedialtd.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Kelly Byne, kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com
CEO
David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com
STUDIO MANAGER
Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com
ACCOUNTS
susan@allthingsmedialtd.com
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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 e ort 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.
A NEW GENERATION OF SOUND.
The JBL Modern Audio A/V receivers consist of five models based on a platform of fundamental connectivity with the latest features for video and music, with additional premium features as you move up in the line. All models feature similar technologies to focus on high performance sound including Class D amplification to power all channels, Dolby and DTS decoding and high resolution 192kHz 24-bit digital signal processing. With premium audio quality and a focus on ease-of-use, the MA Series models o er the flexibility of a wide range of input sources and listening modes so you can enjoy your content easily and quickly with the fewest number of steps, all from a product with a unique and modern appearance. Check them out at www.improducts.co.uk.
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SMART BUILDING AWARDS: WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
The winners of the 2025 Smart Building Awards have been announced, check out all the winners below!
This year proudly sponsored by Niko, the award winners were unveiled at EI Live! celebrating the very best in smart building, AV,
PRODUCT CATEGORIES
Best Cable Solution: Kordz – PR04 HDMI cable
Best Dedicated Touch Screen Controller: HDA – uControl Remote
Best Exterior AV Product: DbM – Ambisonic – Bollard Burial Speaker
Best Integrated TV Display: Picture Frame TV – Mirror TV
Best Inwall / In Ceiling Speaker: Lyngdorf Audio – D-60C
Best Lighting Control: Rako – DIN range
Best Matrix / Signal Management Product: HDA MHUB S16
Best Multi Zone Music System: Marantz – Model M4 (Entered and distributed by AWE)
Best Projector: JVC Kenwood – DLA – NJ900
Best Projector Screen: ADEO – Movie Mask (Entered and distributed by AWE)
Best Racking And Mounting Product: SONOS – Era 100 Pro Surface Mount
Best Standalone Speaker: Lyngdorf Audio – FR2
Best Software Release/Update: WeQuote – WeQuote update
Best TV Display Conventional: Hisense – 110 UX (Entered and distributed by AWE)
A POWERFUL NEW PARTNERSHIP
Denon, Marantz and Classé have rebranded HEOS Built-in as Powered by HEOS, including a refreshed identity, redesigned app experience and expanded platform capabilities.
With more than 50 Denon, Marantz and Classé products Powered by HEOS, that means freedom of choice and a system that can be as small as a single speaker, or as expansive as 64 products in 32 zones working together.
The new logo is inspired by radio waves and reflects the freedom of wireless sound and the effortless flow of music through a home. Its directional form is intended to capture how HEOS connects everything –streaming services, personal libraries and high-performance systems – into one unified listening experience.
HEOS was built by an audio company first, so premium performance has always been at the heart of the experience. It was designed to let users hit ‘Play’ and enjoy music everywhere, without confusing setups, glitchy apps, or compromises in sound quality.
Whether users are streaming their favourite playlist in the kitchen, a concert in their living room, or a film in their home theatre, HEOS is designed to make it easy.
Today, more than five million products are Powered by HEOS. From AV receivers to soundbars to wireless speakers, HEOS connects them all into one ecosystem.
HEOS has evolved through real-world experience. In December 2023, the company launched HEOS 3.0, a completely redesigned experience
home automation and related technologies—highlighting innovation, design and industry-leading solutions across product, project and company categories.
And the winners are…
COMPANY CATEGORIES
Best Training: ADI Snap One Installer Of The Year: Nucleus AV Distributor Of The Year: Alltrade Manufacturer Of The Year: L-Acoustics
PROJECT CATEGORIES
Best Whole Home Project: AVINU - Central London Mews
Best Commercial Integration Project: Ribble AV – Grand Hotel Belvedere
Best Home Cinema Project Over £50k: Cinema Luxe and ImmersiFi –Pinecroft Cinema
Best Media Room Over £50k: Nucleus – WOWHouse media room
Best Media Room Under £50K: Cinema Rooms – Tudor Building
Best Rack Installation: Media Powerhouse Ltd – The Blue House London
The app experience is further improved with Home Page customisations, centralised searches, room and speaker grouping presets
built on a new architecture. It delivered faster performance, greater stability and a music-first interface designed to feel intuitive from the very first tap.
HEOS 3.0 was born from listening to the community and responding with the most complete version of the platform yet. Since then, the brand has continued to develop HEOS by adding new music services, including high-resolution platforms like Qobuz, along with Roon Ready certification.
Denon denon.com
RGB COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS WITH FLATPANEL AUDIO
RGB Communications has announced a new strategic partnership with FlatPanel Audio , a company redefining loudspeaker performance and design flexibility. Under the agreement, RGB will distribute FlatPanel Audio’s advanced loudspeakers across the UK and Ireland, offering home cinema and commercial AV integrators access to nextgeneration audio solutions.
FlatPanel Audio is led by a team of industry veterans responsible for audio innovations such as Auto-Tune, Mackie Mixers and the first Distributed Mode Loudspeakers (DML). The company aims to empower AV professionals, architects and acousticians with solutions that no conventional loudspeakers at any price can deliver, says the company.
“We are excited to add FlatPanel Audio to our portfolio, their technology provides our integrators with a truly versatile solution, speakers that deliver exceptional sound performance and can be installed in ways that respect both the acoustic and aesthetic demands of any project. This partnership ensures our customers have access to unique sound wave technology that solves room
sound problems old-school loudspeakers make worse,” said Andy Atwell, Managing Director of RGB Communications.
FlatPanel Audio’s patented designs nearly double the coverage of conventional loudspeakers, delivering zero distortion and strong stereo in every seat, said the company. Their di use sound waves prevent room echoes, comb filtering and collapsed stereo, yielding crystal-clear, immersive audio even in highly reverberant spaces. For home cinema and architectural installations, this means integrators can achieve professional-grade sound without compromising on interior design, say the partners.
“DML technology o ers integrators and acoustic designers exceptional placement flexibility,” said veteran system integrator and FlatPanel Audio COO Bryan Cole. “Especially in reverberant spaces, our DML500 waves don’t comb filter or bounce o reflective surfaces.”
RGB Communication rgbcomms.co.uk FlatPanel Audio
flatpanelaudio.com
CEDIA ENSURES MEMBERS ARE PREPARED FOR EU RED
The European Commission has confirmed that from August 1, 2025, new mandatory cybersecurity requirements under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) came into e ect for all wireless devices sold within the EU.
Compliance with RED is now a market access requirement for selling products into the EU, including everyday smart home products like lighting systems, thermostats and smart speakers, underlining its importance for manufacturers, integrators and distributors across the supply chain.
Originally designed to ensure that wireless equipment met safety, health and electromagnetic compatibility standards, the RED has now evolved to tackle cybersecurity. RED now requires that connected devices are designed from the ground up with digital security in mind.
The RED Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 sets clear expectations for manufacturers, requiring that devices prevent misuse of networks and data, reduce the risk of unauthorised access, safeguard users’ personal information and ensure the safety of financial transactions, such as in payment devices or kiosks.
By introducing these requirements, the regulation aims to reduce the risk of devices becoming entry points for cyberattacks, data breaches, or privacy violations. This move reflects a growing e ort across the EU to improve digital trust and consumer safety in the fast-evolving connected device landscape.
An innovative approach to audio delivery
Find out more here: safeshark.co.uk/resources/ready-to-go-on-red/
This development marks another significant step toward a more secure and responsible smart home ecosystem, aligning closely with CEDIA’s ongoing commitment to raising standards across the industry.
As the connected device market continues to grow, the RED regulation reinforces the importance of cybersecurity by enforcing clear requirements that benefit
the entire supply chain, from manufacturers and integrators to end users. It reflects the EU’s focus on building a safer, more resilient digital environment, an approach CEDIA has consistently supported through advocacy and education.
CEDIA cedia.org
STEINWAY LYNGDORF TAKES OWNERSHIP OF NEXGENTEC
Steinway Lyngdorf has announced that SL Audio A/S (parent company of Steinway Lyngdorf) has taken ownership of the Nexgentec Audio brand and product portfolio—recognised for its Audio-over-IP solutions in the marine and luxury residential sectors. This strategic integration is designed to deepen Steinway Lyngdorf’s leadership in audio innovation and expands the company’s capacity to develop and deliver fully inhouse engineered solutions.
As part of this transition, the core team behind Nexgentec—Rico Vögeli, founder and CEO, and Boas Hochstrasser, CTO—have joined a newly established Swiss branch o ce of SL Audio A/S, where they will continue to develop and support the product line under the Nexgentec name. While the former Nexgentec Audio company has ceased operations, the new branch—SL Audio A/S, Skive, Branch Konolfingen—will serve as the foundation for the brand’s continued evolution. This structure ensures Nexgentec’s Audio over – IP solutions remain aligned with Steinway Lyngdorf’s standards for innovation, integration and engineering precision, says the company.
Nexgentec has earned a strong reputation in the high-end marine and residential markets for
its compact, energy e cient hardware, proprietary software and strong user control. These attributes have made Nexgentec a favourite among European integrators and align with Steinway Lyngdorf’s commitment to delivering sophisticated, highperformance audio experiences that integrate beautifully into architectural and lifestyle settings, says the new owners.
With Nexgentec having equipped many of the world’s leading superyachts—Steinway Lyngdorf will be able to deepen its focus on high-end marine audio. Sales channels will remain separate between the two companies but the shared knowledge base opens new opportunities across luxury residences, commercial environments, hospitality properties and private resort developments.
With Nexgentec’s integration, Steinway Lyngdorf says the maker will be able to bring this proven AoIP technology into its own engineering ecosystem.
TOGETHER FOR CINEMA REVEALS GIVINGBACK.TECH AT EI LIVE!
Together For Cinema unveiled a significant new industry initiative at EI Live! 2025, as founder Ian Morrish introduced GivingBack.tech, a selfmanaging website designed to help repurpose AV equipment for good causes.
Ian presented an update on Together For Cinema’s charitable achievements and outlined how GivingBack.tech will work when it launches in spring 2026. The platform will link donors such as manufacturers, distributors, integrators, corporates and universities with registered charities and Community Interest Companies looking for secondhand, discontinued or B-stock AV equipment.
“This is an exciting and long overdue medium that will make it much easier for our industry to give something back,” said Ian. “We are eager to share how the idea came about and our plans for the future.”
For more details, visit www.togetherforcinema.co.uk and www.givingback.tech.
Together For Cinema has long championed the positive di erence the AV industry can make in communities, and GivingBack.tech aims to extend that impact by creating a simple, structured way for equipment donations to reach those who need them most.
Together For Cinema togetherforcinema.co.uk
G E S ower istri tion nitsare non-sa ri i ial, eaningthe will rote t o r rod ts ro s rgesorlighting stri es lti leti es
sales@rgbcomms.co.uk or all stoda on 0148873366 13-14HeadlandsTradingEstate,Headlands
Martine Dodwell-Bennett, a highly experienced managing director and business consultant, joins Absen to head up sales in Europe
Working as part of Absen’s ProAV division, Martine will focus on driving revenue growth, expanding market presence and ensuring operational excellence in the delivery of major projects.
With over 25 years of experience, Martine is a proven sales and management professional. As the former Managing Director at 3Squared, she led the company in delivering cloud-based software solutions to infrastructure and train operators, readying it for a successful merger with other transport-sector software providers to create Velociti Solutions.
At Lutron Electronics, she played a pivotal role in driving growth and market expansion across Europe and Africa. As Director of Sales Channel Operations, Martine implemented two channel partner programmes, built high-performing teams, and drove sales and service excellence initiatives that delivered sustained growth across hospitality and corporate markets.
“It’s an exciting time to come onboard with Absen, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our teams across Europe and with colleagues in China to drive the next phase of growth,” said Martine.
here at Wharfedale Pro. He will be joining Marko and Marci within the Application and Solutions team, strengthening our global support for all our customers. It’s a pleasure to have him on board.”
Wharfedale Pro has welcomed Han Luis Cera to the International ‘Application and Solutions’ team. Based in the UK, Han joins as Application and Solutions Manager, strengthening the Wharfedale Pro International team. Han has extensive experience as a live sound engineer, primarily FOH and monitor engineering, as well as being the module leader in both digital production implementation and advanced mixing techniques. He is also a successful musician, composer and producer, whose work was featured in various BBC nature documentaries.
Danny Clarke, Sales Director at Wharfedale Pro, said, “Han’s extensive knowledge will be a valuable asset for us
Stephen Patterson, the former Sales Director of Europe & Africa for Biamp has joined Pu erfish Displays as the new CEO. Pu erfish Displays was established in 2004 and is best known for the spherical displays utilised in a large number of corporate environments, global public venues, as well as higher-education and visitor attractions. Stephen confirmed, “I have followed Pu erfish Displays growth with great interest, as they are a Scottish-based company and local to me. They tried to sell me a unit for my rental business 18 years ago. The opportunity to join such an innovative and creative business was simply too good to miss.”
Martine Dodwell-Bennett
Han Luis Cera Stephen Patterson (left) and Iain Mackay (right)
DESIGN & CONSULTING
With our experience of smart home integrations and BMS, we can bridge the gap between the AV and HVAC worlds, designing systems that take full account of how the client wants to use them. We o er a range of services from consulting to complete system design.
MONITORING & DIAGNOSTICS
All our solutions include advanced cloud-based monitoring for analysing system performance and fault reporting. Turn a reactive response into a proactive call to inform clients that their problem has been resolved, even before they knew they had one.
Multi-platform smart home integration tailors the experience to the client - whether that is elegant in-room controls, or virtually invisible sensors with App-based controls. All backed up with sophisticated installer tools.
NIKO BRINGS BELGIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP TO THE UK
As the demand for sophisticated home control continues to rise across the UK, Belgian manufacturer Niko is investing in expanding its presence and strengthening relationships with installers and integrators.
Known for its 25-year track record in home automation, the company is now putting extra focus on the UK market with a clear message: premium design, easy installation and reliable infrastructure can go hand-in-hand.
GROWING PRESENCE IN THE UK MARKET
Niko has been active in the UK for several years, but 2025 marks a renewed ambition to broaden its network of installers and specifiers. Just last week, the company was present at EI Live!, the flagship event organised by Essential Install magazine, where the Niko Rocker & Toggle for Niko Home Control were a major talking point. Visitors were enthusiastic to experience the premium switches first-hand, see live programming software demonstrations and discuss installation best practices with Niko experts.
Eric De Clercq – Marketing Manager, Guy Damen - Business Director Residential and Peter Vehent – Head of Product Marketing Residential
This presence at EI Live! underlines Niko’s commitment to the UK market and its installer community. By engaging face-to-face with integrators and showing the simplicity of its solution, Niko is making it easier than ever for UK professionals to deliver premium, reliable smart home projects.
DESIGN THAT INSTALLERS ARE PROUD TO PRESENT
At the heart of Niko’s UK o ering are the Niko Rocker and Niko Toggle for Niko Home Control – elegant push buttons that combine classic design cues with smart technology. Inspired by Niko’s heritage (the Rocker dates back to 1958 and the Toggle to 1928), these switches deliver a premium look and tactile feel that many UK homeowners now expect from their control interfaces.
The switches are available in a range of brushed aluminium finishes (black, grey, blue-grey, gold) and coated steel finishes (champagne and white), which give integrators options to match virtually any interior style. Dual status LEDs provide clear, subtle feedback and can even be colour-customised for specific functions or aesthetic requirements.
For installers, this means an interface that not only works neatly with Niko Home Control, but also adds visible value to projects by blending technology with timeless design.
SIMPLE INFRASTRUCTURE, FAST INSTALLATION
While the finishings may be premium, the underlying infrastructure is designed with practicality in mind. Niko services both buswired and wireless installations on 230V, which allow lighting, blinds, ventilation and other functions to be controlled through a single platform.
Installers benefit from time-saving features such as non-polarised bus wire insert connectors, removable connectors for phased installation, and loop-through terminals for quick daisy-chaining. These reduce wiring errors and speed up installation, even on complex projects.
Programming follows the well-known Niko Home Control principles, allowing integrators to configure everything from basic on/o control to dimming, motor control, and logic-based automation with ease. The configuration software guides installers stepby-step, minimising setup time and ensuring predictable results.
A COMPLETE SOLUTION WITH PREMIUM OUTPUT
Niko’s approach for the UK is to provide a solid wiring infrastructure as the backbone, with premium ‘output‘ devices, like the Niko Rocker and Niko Toggle for Niko Home Control, that homeowners interact with daily. LED feedback, multi-function buttons, and compact digital units create a polished end result that appeals to clients seeking a luxury finish without compromising on functionality.
For installers and integrators, this means delivering projects that are scalable, reliable and ready for future upgrades. All while keeping the wall box neat and wiring straightforward.
LOOKING AHEAD: MAJOR LAUNCH AT ISE
Installers attending ISE in early 2026 can expect big news from Niko. While details are still under wraps, the company will unveil a next-generation range of premium interfaces designed to take user experience to the next level.
Niko hints that this innovation is unlike anything currently available on the market – a bold step that will give integrators something unique to o er their clients.
THE BOTTOM LINE
For UK installers and integrators, Niko o ers a combination that is hard to ignore: beautiful interfaces that customers will love, infrastructure that makes projects more e cient and software that keeps configuration simple. With its renewed focus on the UK market, Niko is positioning itself as a key partner for professionals who want to deliver a premium, future-proof smart home experience.
Niko niko.eu
Stylish approach to design meets practical approach to installation
TO BRIGHTON AND BEYOND!
Together For Cinema’s London to Brighton ride raises over £25,000.
On Sunday September 14, Team TFC once again took on the 55-mile London to Brighton cycle ride, and what a day it turned out to be!
“Despite injuries and illness reducing our original group of 53 riders to 45, the spirit of determination never wavered and every single one of us that lined up at Clapham Common crossed the finish line on Brighton seafront,” says Ian Morrish, TFC founder. “With worsening weather conditions and plenty of challenges along the way, the ride became a true test of endurance, teamwork and collective purpose.”
Most importantly, the e ort translated into fundraising success. Donations exceeded £25,000, which will directly support Together For Cinema. That, in turn, means cinema room installations for children’s hospices and other community venues will continue to be delivered.
“The ride wasn’t just about the destination, it was about the community that came together to
make it happen,” Ian continues. Riders included AV industry professionals, friends of the charity, and long-term supporters. Many of them had never attempted such a distance before, yet they pushed through knowing the di erence their e orts would make.
“A special mention has to go to Ben Davies, who undertook an extraordinary personal challenge,” adds Ian. “In the three days leading up to the main ride, he cycled from York to London, then joined the rest of us for the London to Brighton ride itself. His determination and commitment single-handedly raised a remarkable amount and was such an inspiration to us all.”
Events like this highlight the unique way the AV industry pulls together in support of causes that truly matter. Whether through fundraising, working on the installations themselves, or raising awareness, the
community continues to prove its generosity and willingness to give back.
Looking ahead, plans are already being discussed for a new ‘challenging challenge’ in 2026. While details remain under wraps, the ambition is to build on the momentum of this year’s ride and engage even more participants and supporters.
“I, and the rest of the TFC team, are so incredibly grateful that the AV industry has understood what we’re trying to do and really got behind the cause,” Ian concludes. “Thanks to everyone for their incredible backing. It means we can, collectively, deliver moments of joy and respite to families across the UK.”
For more about Together For Cinema and its new venture, GivingBack.tech, visit:
www.togetherforcinema.co.uk www.givingback.tech
PULSE CINEMAS POWER PLAY!
This month we are delighted to reveal a trio of launches that underlines our unrivalled line-up of home cinema and smart home power players. New products from AVA, Trinnov and madVR Labs put Pulse Cinemas out in front.
madVR Labs has announced next-generation Envy Extreme MK3 and Core MK2 Video Processors as well as a major new software release. The Envy Extreme MK3 8K-48G, Envy Pro MK3 8K-48G and Envy Core MK2 8K-48G, deliver HDMI 2.1 with full 48 Gbps input and output support, with advanced GPUs and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support on the input and output up to 360Hz.
The Envy Core MK2 builds on the Core MK1 and includes a powerful NVIDIA 5060 GPU, a more robust CPU and doubled RAM. It is 8K-ready, with support for HDMI 2.1 and full 48 Gbps input and output bandwidth for the highest-quality signals today and in the future.
For users seeking full 8K input/output upscaling and processing and the most aggressive low-latency gaming, the Core MK2 Premium package unlocks these capabilities, adds other advanced features such as patentpending Dynamic Subtitle Overlay and doubles the warranty from two to four years—delivering a strong combination of power, performance and price. This move makes reference-level video processing more accessible.
Despite its competitive price, the Core MK2 o ers full HDMI 2.1 capabilities alongside patented HDR dynamic tone mapping, instant aspect ratio management, bi-directional
patent-pending Non-Linear Stretch (NLS+) for scope and 16:9 screens, AI upscaling and DeinterlaceAI, the world’s first AI deinterlacing engine in a video processor.
Like the Core MK1, the Core MK2 is well positioned to continue as a popular choice to pair with more modest projectors, UST projectors and high-end flat-panel TVs.
Replacing the Pro MK2, the Envy Pro MK3 features the NVIDIA 5060 GPU and HDMI 2.1 with full 48 Gbps support and advanced gaming capabilities, while enabling upscaling and processing for 5K and 8K with support for future AI algorithms. Positioned between the Core and Extreme, it o ers a premium case, extended warranty and future AI-powered features.
The Extreme MK3 o ers industry-first features including MotionAI (the world’s first AI motion interpolation without the Soap Opera E ect) Geometry Correction for aligned projection even with o -axis, curved or anamorphic lens setups without compromise, and there is also eligibility for future paid hardware upgrades and a five-year warranty.
Pricing and availability of upgrade options for customers with Envy Extreme MK1 and MK2 models to move to MK3 will be announced closer to product availability in autumn 2025.
UK pricing is available direct from Pulse Cinemas and Invision UK sta .
madVR Labs is also preparing a major software release for autumn 2025 that will introduce powerful new features to all Envy models, past and present. This update brings Dynamic Subtitle Overlay (DSO, requires Core Premium for Core owners) and new low-latency gaming modes. VRR support further enhances gameplay responsiveness, with VRR input available on Envy Core MK2 (Core Premium required), Pro MK3 and Extreme MK3, while VRR output is supported on all models manufactured since December 2020 (Core Premium required for Core owners).
Tailor-made for the install market, the ALTITUDECI has arrived
TRINNOV UNVEILS
ALTITUDECI
Built to be scalable, flexible and compact, AltitudeCI has been created to deliver premium immersive audio for projects ranging from highend media rooms to DCI-grade private cinemas.
AltitudeCI is the first processor in its class to o er native support for both Dante and Ravenna/AES67, o ering compatibility across consumer and professional audio infrastructures. This ‘best of both worlds’ architecture enables direct integration with Dolby Atmos and DCI servers via AES67, while managing output through Dante without the need for external converters.
AltitudeCI also brings Trinnov’s performance within reach for a wider range of premium installations: it introduces a modular licensing model that allows integrators to specify channel count in 2-channel increments. AltitudeCI is available in configurations from 8 to 32 channels, with a custom 64-channel version arriving in 2026. Upgrades can be activated remotely via Trinnov’s extranet, maximising long-term flexibility.
AltitudeCI includes Trinnov’s full suite of proprietary active acoustics technologies, including Optimizer, WaveForming and Remapping.
AltitudeCI is built with installers in mind. The streamlined 2RU chassis includes eight analogue outputs, ideal for active subwoofer WaveForming applications or 7.1 systems. HDMI support (4 in, 2 out) ensures compatibility with matrix-based video systems. AltitudeCI also has three independently configurable Ethernet ports, including two with SFP cages, supporting
robust network architectures with separated or redundant control, audio and service tra c.
System setup has been streamlined as well. The newly redesigned Altitude user interface features a guided calibration workflow, making Trinnov’s tuning tools more user-friendly while preserving expert-level control.
To complete the AoIP ecosystem, Trinnov now o ers an optional Dante input board for the award-winning Amplitude16 multichannel amplifier. This addition enables end-to-end AoIP signal flow from processor to amplifier.
To support integrators in specifying solutions based on the AltitudeCI platform, Trinnov will also launch a new AoIP design and pricing tool. By inputting basic project details— such as speaker and subwoofer counts, active crossover configuration and amplification bridging requirements—integrators can instantly generate a recommended AltitudeCI configuration and Amplitude16 amplifier requirements with transparent pricing.
HAVE IT ALL WITH AVA OS 2.0
Available right now, AVA OS 2.0 has delivered a serious upgrade for this already popular control platform for home automation and AV control delivered in attractive, ergonomic packages. As well as on its own attractive hardware, the AVA 2.0 platform is available on iPad, Mac, Windows and third-party in-wall panels. expanding where end users can experience its intuitive control approach.
Projects can now be configured and managed on macOS and Windows, in addition to directly on AVA devices themselves. For installers, this means faster deployment, better project oversight and the ability to work in the same desktop environments they already use daily. AVA OS 2.0 also debuts a new interface rooted in the clean, functional principles of mid-20th-century Swiss graphic design, the same visual DNA that shaped Apple’s approach to UI. The result is a crisp, elegant experience with clear hierarchy, strong readability and a polished visual clarity. OS 2.0 also expands the AVA user experience to iPad, Mac, Windows and Android tablets through the newly developed AVA app. On Android in-wall panels, the app can serve as either a companion interface or a full launcher, giving integrators freedom of hardware choice.
OS 2.0 makes project adjustments significantly faster. Installers can now modify or extend existing flows with less re-programming e ort and also replace devices in a system without disrupting the automations already in place.
AVA now supports more than 1,000 IP drivers, covering both new releases and legacy devices as well. This library is growing at record speed thanks to AVA’s deeply integrated AI development pipeline.
Pulse Cinemas pulsecinemas.com
madVR has some big news!
JOIN THE REVOLUTION?
Can a 17in sealed sub with several kilowatts of power be a REvolution in LFE power and sonic detail? Richard Stevenson puts his back into the review of SVS’s latest.
SVS has earned a reputation for delivering subwoofers that combine brute force with practical engineering. Maybe not the most festooned with features or options, but very strong where it counts most: delivering subterranean bass.
The mighty SB17 Ultra-REvolution sits squarely within that philosophy. Positioned between the brand’s ultra-compact sealed models and the giant units with bass ports big enough for nesting badgers, this model has been developed for projects where footprint, output and cost are all at play. The latter is interesting because before I had seen the RRP, I’d have guessed another 40% or so on its £3,350 retail ticket price. The build, fit and finish are all top-notch premium subwooferery.
At the heart of the SB17 Ultra-R is a bespoke 17in long-throw driver drawing on SVS’s experience with ultra-rigid composite cones and massive motor structures. The aim is to ensure the sub output stays clean even at ASBO-inducing pressure levels. Powering the driver is a Sledgeseries amplifier rated at 2800W RMS. Yes RMS, not ‘peak’. Peak is 6kW. No surprise then that the
DSP has sophisticated limiting to stop the driver unexpectedly departing from its own mortal coil.
The cabinet uses heavy-gauge MDF with extensive internal bracing to control resonances, all wrapped in one of two finishes that suit highend media rooms. Our sample came in the stealthy black oak veneer and full gloss noir is available at the same price.
Feet are iso-elastomer cones that garner mass-induced traction on hard floors and carpets alike – as you will immediately find out when you try to move the Ultra R Evo. At 75kg, it is precisely the same weight as this reviewer, making it 50/50 as to who or what was in control of room placement. Gravity mostly. Almost a third of the weight is the driver’s motor assembly alone, featuring an 8in diameter voice coil and magnet that could probably levitate a small car. Thankfully, the sealed design means placement should be a little more forgiving than a ported bass beast of similar stature.
Connectivity is straightforward, with twin line-level RCA and twin balanced XLR inputs, with complementary outputs for loop-throughs on every input. There is a 12V trigger, IR
input and a USB port for the SVS SoundPath wireless adapter. Rather funkily, there is a crisp little LED display on the rear, which you can handily invert to read upside down while bent over the main unit. This o ers some top-line functionality to get you started. All other twiddling comes courtesy of Bluetooth
Volume, low-pass, phase, polarity, gain and some tuning modes are standard fare, with six adjustable parametric EQ settings. There is no onboard controller integration or EQ measurement and auto-correction system, so to e ectively deploy the PEQ, you would need to be running something like REW software on a laptop with a calibrated mic.
THE RIGHT PHILOSOPHY
SVS’s philosophy here is that most modern AVRs and cinema processors that are likely a uent enough to partner this sort of sub are already going to boast sophisticated bass management and, most likely, the option of full bass EQ through the likes of Dirac Live, Audyssesy MultEQ XT32, or ARC. Fair point.
Omitting an EQ system and the relevant licenses also helps keep the REvo’s RRP down to a level where many brands would be o ering 12-inch/1-1.5kW subs, underlining this bad boy’s rather fine value chops. Given its impressive output on the first test run, you will likely not need two of them either, unless the installation room is truly cavernous.
Much like TVs default to an in-store demo mode with every setting set to 11 of the box, our SB17 Ultra-REvo delivered real-world explosive impact and all the subtlety of bingewatching Expendables movies. Huge LF waves that shake the entire room, the room next door and your neighbour’s three doors down the street are impressive and fun – for a very short period of time. Diving into the app then…
The dark-themed app opens with a large Home/Volume screen, providing instant access to several preset PEQs (Movie, Music, Custom and Default), as well as a drop-
down list of additional settings. These range comprehensively from the basics to the display settings of the rear LED panel and Room Gain Compensation. It’s logical and well thought out; the big digital volume display looks great and the gain slider is nicely touch-responsive.
Trimmed, dialled, phase corrected, levels set and positioned o -centre of the front wall (that was where it landed when I ran out of fight), the REvo turns from a blunt piledriver into a fast, sophisticated LFE monster that won’t shy away from RP22 reference SPLs of around 115dB in-room. Ooof, it is seriously potent! It loves big movies, big action and huge e ects, and manages to move a lot of air while retaining detail and note separation. That gives the e ects superb texture and a greater sense of realism.
Yet it can also be remarkably delicate and subtle. It adds low-frequency reinforcement to even lighter music with smoothness and warmth, and a potent slam to pop and dance that you can very much feel. Having listened to a few ported SVS subs in the past, the REvo is something quite di erent; just as potent, but tighter and equally as good with musical engagement and detail as it is delivering gizzard-wobbling LFE with epic movies.
For mid to large AV installations, the SVS SB17 Ultra REvolution o ers a winning combination of build quality, all-round performance and exceptional bang for the customer’s hard-earned buck. Care with placement and set-up is a must, particularly if you are not using any third-party auto-correction, but put in the time and the sonic rewards are great. One of the best ‘big’ subs I have had the pleasure to review, if not move.
The weight is worth it!
BEST STAND ALONE SPEAKER: LYNGDORF AUDIO FR2
The Lyngdorf Audio FR-2 is a freestanding speaker like no other – a compact, full-range loudspeaker purpose-built to be placed flush against a wall, where most traditional speakers are never designed to perform. In doing so, the FR-2 challenges outdated assumptions about speaker placement and unlocks extraordinary sound in real-world environments.
At the heart of the FR-2 is a vision: to deliver true high-end performance in living spaces without compromise. Traditional loudspeakers are designed for free-space placement, which often forces them into impractical positions –too far into the room, vulnerable to boundary e ects and visually intrusive. The FR-2 flips this on its head by embracing wall placement and turning it into an acoustic advantage. Its unique voicing, driver configuration and cabinet design are optimised for near-boundary use, delivering tight, accurate bass and remarkable imaging without the colouration that plagues conventional designs in this position.
When combined with Lyngdorf’s proprietary RoomPerfect calibration system, the FR-2 becomes a truly room-agnostic loudspeaker. RoomPerfect compensates for room anomalies, standing waves and speaker placement challenges, ensuring that what you hear is the performance the artist intended – not the room’s flaws. This transforms the FR-2 from an already innovative speaker into an exceptional one.
From an installer’s perspective, the FR-2 is e ortless. It’s compact, discreet and does not require complicated placement or isolation from boundaries. Whether in a dedicated listening room, open-plan lounge or even in a challenging architectural space, it simply works – and works brilliantly. The speaker is passive, allowing for integration into a wide range of AV systems and amplification setups, especially when paired with Lyngdorf’s own amplifiers or multi-room solutions.
Aesthetically, the FR-2 complements any interior. Its clean, minimalist design and 24 finish options make it equally at home in contemporary or traditional settings. The cabinet is constructed from MDF with internal bracing for rigidity, and the interchangeable grille o ers a sleek, seamless look.
But what truly sets the FR-2 apart is its category-defying approach. It does not follow the herd of rear-ported, free-space loudspeakers. It is a purpose-built, acoustically engineered statement that says you do not have to accept compromise in your living space to enjoy audiophile-grade sound.
The FR-2 is ideal for premium residential audio, lifestyle-focused systems and discrete high-performance two-channel setups. For custom installers, it eliminates common placement headaches. For listeners, it delivers spine-tingling sound, intelligently adapted to their environment.
No other freestanding speaker on the market has been so intentionally designed for how people actually live with speakers. The FR-2 proves that great sound does not need to dominate a room – it just needs to be engineered di erently.
WINNING DESIGN
The Lyngdorf Audio FR-2 is a freestanding loudspeaker designed from the ground up to be placed flat against a wall – a true rarity in high-end audio. Unlike conventional speakers,
which often require awkward in-room placement to perform well, the FR-2 embraces real-world usage and redefines what is possible from boundary-friendly design.
Its sound is detailed, dynamic and full-range, with a tight low end optimised for wall placement rather than hindered by it. This is achieved through expert voicing, unique cabinet geometry and a no-compromise driver selection. But the real magic happens when the FR-2 is paired with Lyngdorf’s proprietary RoomPerfect calibration system, which tunes the speaker to its environment with astonishing precision. Together, they create an immersive, musical experience that is remarkably consistent from room to room.
For installers, the FR-2 is a dream. It is passive, flexible, compact and requires no complex placement or acoustic treatment to shine. Its minimalist Scandinavian design, high-quality materials and easy integration into both stereo and AV systems make it as practical as it is beautiful.
In a crowded category, the FR-2 stands alone. No other freestanding speaker combines wall-optimised performance, room-corrected playback and true lifestyle-friendly design in such a compact, installer-ready form.
It is not just a speaker that fits in the room – it is one that belongs there.
Lyngdorf Audio
Charlie McClarron, UK Sales Director and Simon Schino, Sales and Operations Manager at Steinway Lyngdorf, celebrate the win
THREEPEAT CHAMPION
Best Standalone Speaker – 2023, 2024, and now 2025
That’s right. Lyngdorf Audio has claimed the Best Standalone Speaker title at the Smart Building Awards for the third year in a row – this time with the stunning new Lyngdorf FR-2.
Whether it’s the full-range Steinway & Sons Model A, the high-performance Steinway & Sons Model S Soundbar, or the compact powerhouse FR-2, one thing stays the same: Uncompromising sound. Award-winning design. Pure listening joy.
Ready to hear what three-time champions sound like? Discover the FR-2 and the full Lyngdorf lineup. www.steinwaylyngdorf.com
WINNER! LYNGDORF
AUDIO D60C
The Lyngdorf Audio D-60C is not just another in-wall speaker – it is a high-performance loudspeaker engineered to disappear physically while standing out sonically. Created with the same no-compromise audio principles as Lyngdorf’s freestanding models, the D-60C o ers full-bodied sound, true centre-channel performance and seamless integration, all from within the wall.
At its core, the D-60C is a three-way design with a high-sensitivity soft dome tweeter, dedicated midrange driver and dual long-throw woofers. This configuration allows it to handle complex audio material – from movie dialogue to music – with clarity, authority and control. The speaker delivers a wide soundstage, focused imaging and natural tonal balance, whether used in a surround setup or as part of a discrete high-performance stereo system.
Where the D-60C truly excels is in its role as a centre channel – often the most overlooked speaker in a system. Dialogue intelligibility is critical and the D-60C delivers with crystal clarity, even in acoustically di cult rooms. Its wide dispersion pattern ensures every listener in the room gets the same clear and balanced sound, not just those in the sweet spot.
Installers will appreciate the smart mounting system and shallow depth (less than 100 mm), allowing the D-60C to be fitted into almost any standard wall cavity or ceiling space. Spring-loaded doglegs make installation quick and secure, while the pre-construction bracket system ensures flexibility for new builds. It is also paintable and available with bezel-less magnetic grilles, helping it blend into any environment.
Design-wise, the D-60C takes the same minimalist approach as Lyngdorf’s other architectural speakers: no showy branding, just subtle, functional elegance. This is a speaker made to disappear visually – allowing the room design to shine – while delivering immersive, high-fidelity audio.
Of course, like all Lyngdorf loudspeakers, the D-60C is designed with RoomPerfect calibration in mind. When combined with a
Lyngdorf processor or amplifier, RoomPerfect analyses the room’s acoustics and compensates for wall proximity, asymmetries and furniture placement. The result is a balanced, full-range sound that seems to defy the speaker’s physical dimensions and placement constraints.
In a world where in-wall speakers are often compromised by necessity, the D-60C breaks the mould. It is built to perform at a reference level without demanding perfect room conditions. It is as easy for the installer as it is impressive for the listener. Most importantly, it proves that you do not have to choose between aesthetics and audio quality – you can have both.
For luxury homes, discreet cinemas, media rooms and smart multi-room installs, the D-60C o ers a perfect balance of design, performance and practicality. It is invisible to the eye but unforgettable to the ear.
WINNING DESIGN
The Lyngdorf Audio D-60C is a premium in-wall loudspeaker that redefines expectations in the category. Designed to disappear from view but deliver outstanding performance, it o ers the best of both worlds: minimal visual impact and maximum audio quality.
Its three-way design, with dedicated tweeter, midrange and dual woofers, delivers exceptional clarity, particularly for dialogue when used as a
centre channel. With wide dispersion and high sensitivity, the D-60C provides immersive audio that feels natural, balanced and expansive – not thin or directional like many in-wall designs.
Installation is straightforward thanks to a shallow mounting depth, spring-loaded doglegs and optional pre-construction brackets. The bezel-less magnetic grille can be painted to match any décor, making the D-60C ideal for high-end interior schemes where visible tech is not welcome.
But what truly elevates the D-60C is its integration with RoomPerfect. This proprietary Lyngdorf technology compensates for room acoustics and speaker placement, giving full-range, finely tuned sound regardless of environment. It means installers spend less time troubleshooting and clients get consistently spectacular results.
Whether used in a discreet cinema, multi-room system or lifestyle-led interior, the D-60C is the rare in-wall speaker that does not compromise. It sounds like a reference speaker but hides like a background one.
For clients who want high performance without the hardware on display, and for installers who want a reliable, elegant solution, the D-60C is the answer.
Lyngdorf Audio lyngdorf.steinwaylyngdorf.com
Charlie McClarron, UK Sales Director and Simon Schino, Sales and Operations Manager at Steinway Lyngdorf, picked up two awards on the night!
Introducing the award-winning D-60 C
Your home cinema’s new center of attention
Pairing perfectly with the Lyngdorf D-60, the D-60 C is built to deliver dialogue with power, precision, and presence. Behind its discreet in-wall design lies serious engineering: bi-amping, active crossover, and custom Lyngdorf drivers all working together for seamless integration and cinematic sound.
– Pre-mounted backbox for consistent performance
– Designed for pinpoint vocal clarity and wide sound dispersion
– Tuned for Lyngdorf MP processors with active crossover control
Whether it’s a whispered line or a full-throttle movie moment, the D-60 C makes sure you don’t miss a word – or a feeling. Designed to disappear. Built to be heard.
ALLTRADE TAKES THE WIN!
Between January 2024 and July 2025, Alltrade has continued to expand its portfolio with carefully chosen brands that strengthen the professional installer’s toolkit. Key new additions include 2N, AVF, Lithe Audio, Ruijie, Speaker Snap and V247. Each brand was selected to deliver performance, reliability and crucial margin protection against consumer-direct channels.
At the same time, Alltrade has increased stock and technical support for high-growth smart home and networking solutions from Blustream, Ubiquiti and TP-Link Omada, giving installers greater access to proven, in-demand technologies.
SUPPORT
Alltrade operates a nationwide network of 10 trade counters, each o ering local van delivery and its own regional stockholding. This decentralised model ensures that installers can source products quickly and reliably, wherever their projects are based.
The in-house technical support team provides free design assistance for AV and networking projects, including system specification, network planning and fault diagnosis. Alltrade has also placed a strong emphasis on proactive communication, ensuring customers are consistently informed about new product launches, upcoming training sessions and delivery schedules. This focus helps installers plan projects with confidence and grow their businesses.
TRAINING AND ENGAGEMENT
Alltrade continues to invest heavily in education and industry engagement.
The flagship Southern Trade Show celebrated its 12th year with record attendance, dozens of
manufacturers and live training sessions across AV, networking and smart home categories.
In March 2025, Alltrade launched their first-ever Northern Trade Show at the Concorde Exhibition Centre in Manchester, drawing over 230 installers.
Both events provide a national platform for product training, technical knowledge sharing and industry networking, ensuring that installers leave with practical insights and stronger supplier relationships.
A DISTRIBUTOR BUILT FOR THE TRADE
Alltrade is a trade-only distributor, focused entirely on supporting professional installers. The company does not sell to the general public and it never competes with its own customers. This allows the company to stay 100% committed to the trade, investing in people, stock and infrastructure rather than consumer marketing.
While some competitors have centralised operations or reduced service levels, Alltrade has doubled down on branch-led support with
national scale. Whether an installer visits their Magherafelt, Glasgow or Brighton & Hove branch, visitors receive the same high level of product knowledge, stock availability and personal care. They have also embraced data and automation to deliver more relevant, proactive service. From fast delivery to timely updates, every element of their operation is designed to make the installer’s job easier.
WELL DESERVED DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR
Over the last 18 months Alltrade has evolved with the market, leading with service, accessibility and genuine partnership. By expanding the brand portfolio, enhancing stock availability and maintaining a UK-wide local delivery infrastructure, the team ensures installers can access what they need, when and where they need it.
The trade shows, training programmes and technical support prove Alltrade’s dedication to helping customers grow. Alltrade is not standing still – it is shaping the next stage of the smart home and networking industry.
The Alltrade team celebrate the win!
Our dedication to quality, coupled with our network of nationwide trade counters and our USP of delivery on our own fleet of vehicles, ensures our customers receive the highest level of service.
With support from our award-winning sales and technical teams, we provide expert guidance to help you make the right product choices from our extensive range of brands to achieve the best results for your projects.
NUCLEUS AV: BEST INSTALLER AND BEST MEDIA ROOM OVER £50K WINNER
Nucleus AV has been recognised at the Smart Building Awards 2025 with two major honours: Installer of the Year and Best Media Room Over £50K. These accolades reflect not only the company’s reputation as one of the UK’s most respected AV integration firms but also its ability to combine design excellence with technical innovation.
Nucleus delivers best-in-class systems across the residential, commercial and military sectors. What defines the company’s approach is not just the calibre of what it installs, but the discipline and thoughtfulness with which every project is delivered.
Great technology should serve the space it occupies, never dominate it. Nucleus begins by understanding how clients want to use their environments, then works collaboratively with architects and designers to integrate systems seamlessly. Whether it is a Dolby Atmos media room, a heritage property retrofit or a defence training village, the focus is always on precision and purpose.
Nucleus holds itself to uncompromising delivery standards. Systems are engineered, built and fully tested offsite to reduce risk and ensure reliability. Racks are meticulously laid out, labelled and documented. The team works to aggressive build schedules without cutting corners and provides full client handover with structured documentation, training and ongoing support.
Nucleus does more than install systems – it actively shapes the future of integration. As the only UK member of the Crestron Global Dealer Advisory Board, the company helps steer product development and user experience. It regularly beta tests drivers and software for manufacturers and advises other dealers in the field when complex issues arise. Its priority is raising the bar for the whole industry, not just itself.
TECHNOLOGY
The company works with the most reliable platforms in the market and knows how to get the best from them. This year it is delivering an 82-building Ministry of Defence training village, complete with networked control, lighting, audio, video, surveillance and custom debriefing tools – all integrated as a single solution.
At WOW!house 2025, Nucleus became the first integrator to sponsor and deliver a Media Room, showcasing a hidden 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup with fully concealed equipment, automated shading, a motorised cocktail bar
reveal, and full Crestron and Lutron integration. The team also supported three additional rooms, linking them to form a fully functioning, real-time smart home across different design styles – a true “smart building”.
THE DATE NIGHT MEDIA ROOM
The Date Night Media Room, designed in collaboration with Alex Dauley for WOW!house 2025, is a landmark project that redefined how smart AV technology can exist within a high-end interior design setting.
The brief was simple: deliver a media room. Alex Dauley led the creative direction, and Nucleus partnered from the start to translate that vision into an immersive, elegant and technically complete space. The result was a warm, intimate and indulgent room that concealed a Dolby Atmos cinema-grade system behind soft fabrics and elegant joinery. Alisse keypads, AV concealment and architectural finishes were selected to blend seamlessly into Alex’s tactile design palette.
The project was delivered under extreme time pressure, just five days on site. To achieve this, the system was built and tested offsite, the structure prefabricated with a joinery partner, and the installation executed by a dedicated team working extended hours. Despite being in a temporary show structure, the system ran flawlessly for a month without a single fault, demonstrating exceptional engineering precision.
The system included KEF Ci3160RL-THX speakers, KC92 subwoofer, Anthem AVM 70 and MCA amplification, Kaleidescape Strato V, Sony OLED, Lutron HomeWorks QSX, a curved Lutron curtain track and full Crestron integration. Control was via Crestron touchscreen, remote and Alisse keypad, while a Future Automation lift revealed a hidden cocktail bar.
The motorised bar reveal was not just theatrical but fully synchronised with programmed lighting and shading to create a narrative moment, changing perceptions of what home technology can offer emotionally.
Senior Project Manager Miguel Soto and Durgesh Sinh, Founding Director of Nucleus AV at the Smart Building Awards
Networking in an event space presented a challenge; redundant WAN feeds and a Unifi network backbone ensured flawless connectivity.
The room became one of the most visited and photographed spaces at WOW!house 2025. Alex Dauley described the collaboration as “creative and seamless,” while guests were often surprised and delighted by the hidden bar reveal. For Nucleus, the project demonstrated how AV and interior design can elevate each other rather than compromise, proving that technology can be both invisible and impactful.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Clients return to Nucleus for clear communication, thoughtful design and robust engineering. Designers value the collaborative approach and ability to protect the aesthetic. Commercial and government clients trust the company for its documentation, resilience and discretion.
Nucleus delivers every project with consistency, integrity and attention to detail. Its ambition is not to be the biggest, but to be the most trusted, most capable and most forward-thinking installer in the field – a distinction confirmed by its Best Installer and Best Media Room Over £50K wins at the Smart Building Awards 2025.
Nucleus AV nucleusav.com
Installer of the Year
Best Media Room Over £50k’
WINNER! JVC DLANZ900
JVC’s DLA-NZ900 represents a monumental leap forward in high-end home cinema projection. As the company’s flagship model, it combines cutting-edge technology, industry-leading image quality, and uncompromising engineering to deliver an experience that rivals — and often surpasses — commercial cinema.
At the heart of the DLA-NZ900 is JVC’s latestgeneration native 4K D-ILA panel, enhanced with 8K e-shiftX technology. This proprietary system uses a four-directional shift to display true 8K resolution on screen, delivering exceptional clarity, texture, and realism — even on the largest projection surfaces. Unlike conventional upscaling, this is precision pixelshifting that visibly sharpens the image and reveals unprecedented detail.
A cornerstone of the NZ900’s performance is its outstanding contrast. JVC has long been recognised as a leader in black-level performance, and the NZ900 elevates that legacy. With a native contrast ratio of 150,000:1 — among the highest in the industry — it renders deep, cinematic blacks and bright highlights simultaneously. The result is an image with striking depth and dimensionality, bringing every frame vividly to life.
The NZ900 also features JVC’s BLUEscent laser light engine, delivering 3,300 lumens of brightness and up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. Unlike traditional lamp-based projectors, the laser light source o ers instant on/o functionality, consistent colour accuracy over time, and reduced heat output — all of which enhance the user experience and reduce long-term cost of ownership.
Colour reproduction is another area where the DLA-NZ900 excels. Supporting a wide colour gamut (100% DCI-P3) and incorporating JVC’s proprietary colour profile system, it delivers incredibly accurate and natural-looking images. HDR performance is equally refined, with dynamic tone mapping and full support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. The projector analyses HDR metadata in real time and adjusts tone mapping dynamically, ensuring highlights are preserved and shadow detail remains visible.
A high-precision 100mm HQ lens system, featuring an 18-element, 16-group all-glass structure with five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, projects high-resolution images to every corner of the screen, faithfully reproducing distortion-free 8K visuals.
The NZ900 also o ers extensive installation flexibility. It features a motorised 2.0x zoom lens with powered focus, zoom, and lens memory functions — ideal for switching between di erent aspect ratios. A wide lens shift range and advanced calibration tools make it equally suitable for custom installations and enthusiast setups.
Connectivity is state-of-the-art, with dual 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 8K/60p and 4K/120p signals with HDCP 2.3. Low Latency Mode enhances responsiveness for highframe-rate gaming, making the NZ900 a serious option for next-generation gaming platforms.
Ultimately, the DLA-NZ900 is not just a technical showcase — it’s a celebration of image fidelity and user experience. Whether in a dedicated cinema room or a luxury media space, it delivers jaw-dropping performance time after time. Trusted by enthusiasts, professionals, and custom installers alike, the NZ900 pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in home cinema.
WINNING DESIGN
• 8K e-shiftX Technology: 4-way pixel shift delivers true 8K resolution from a native 4K D-ILA panel.
• BLU-Escent Laser Light Source: 3,300 lumens brightness with 20,000-hour lifespan and instant on/o .
• Industry-Leading Native Contrast: 150,000:1 for deep blacks and cinematic image depth.
• 100% DCI-P3 Colour Gamut: Natural, accurate colour reproduction for lifelike visuals.
• Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG with realtime adjustment.
Rako’s new DIN range takes the win at the Smart Building Awards 2025!
Integrators and specifiers are increasingly looking to install smart lighting controls into their projects. One reason for this is a greater awareness of the benefits of controllable lighting in hospitality, commercial and residential settings. Rako’s lighting control system creates the perfect lighting scene for all scenarios, from the control of all light sources and automated window treatments to providing energy savings where spaces such as hotel rooms are unoccupied.
Addressing the evolving needs of integrators and specifiers in the smart lighting industry, Rako has expanded its product offering to include the DIN range. The new range offers a brand-new way to design and install Rako’s lighting control system. As a company seeking further growth and expansion, DIN rail is something often preferred by the commercial sector and in European installations, allowing Rako to enter new and diverse market areas.
For a product that is rarely seen and installed in a distribution cupboard, Rako chose not to use a generic DIN housing but to design from the ground up with an innovative, clean design, unique look and user-friendly 45-degree push terminals with LED readout for easy installation and operation.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the DIN range sits alongside Rako’s flexible RAK8 range, providing an alternative wired solution whilst offering a standardised installation method via DIN rail. Like all Rako products, the modules are interoperable, allowing the DIN system to link seamlessly with wired and wireless Rako products including the company’s three distinct keypad ranges: Classic, Modular and EOS. All keypads work seamlessly with the
DIN range, ensuring there is a perfect aesthetic solution to suit all project scenarios.
The DIN range, like other Rako products, also uses the WK-Hub, which allows third-party system integration using in-built drivers or IP commands.
To simplify installation and set-up for integrators and installers, Rako has partnered with Future Automation, which can supply bespoke enclosures with Rako’s DIN modules mounted and pre-wired off-site, supplied as fully populated units with all connections and terminals. Alternatively, individual DIN modules can be supplied by Rako and fitted by installers onsite, providing maximum flexibility. With either option, installation is simplified as installers and integrators can pre-programme the modules before going to site, saving time onsite and enabling them to design, specify and pre-programme systems in their own organised and controlled environment.
This new offering demonstrates Rako’s ongoing commitment to providing flexible solutions for different installation applications. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors at exhibitions including EI Live! 2025 and ISE 2025, the new DIN range is proving to be an exciting and welcome addition to the Rako product family.
WINNING DESIGN
Rako is constantly evolving its product range to optimise technology and simplify installation methods whilst maximising the user experience.
The company has always been responsive to the changing landscape of lighting and lighting controls. It adapted quickly following the widespread introduction of LED lamps in 2014
and the ban on incandescent lamps in 2016. In subsequent years, cloud-based systems have expanded to include remote access from anywhere in the world, enabling users to control their Rako system via the app and, more recently, by voice command.
Rako has also seen growing awareness of lighting that adapts to circadian rhythms and the human body’s sensitivity to light. To this end, the company has developed technology within its product range to adjust and control colour temperature smoothly and effectively, with a simple-to-use app offering user-friendly control. Energy efficiency is also a priority –Rako dimmer outputs are de-rated by 10% to reduce energy consumption as standard, with the system frequently used to achieve further savings through dimmed outputs.
In summary, Rako strives to develop products that meet the needs of end users whilst providing installers with solutions to suit all applications.
Rako rakocontrols.com
SOUNDBARS BOOST YOUR AUDIO CRED
Jason Knott, EI’s resident number cruncher, former CE Pro Editor and data solutions architect evangelist at D-Tools, sings the praises of soundbars.
It’s human nature to want the latest and greatest toys… the shiny new car, mobile phone, computer, etc. The same is certainly true in the smart home space. New categories of equipment, such as lighting, shades, automation and massive TVs, have sprung up over the past several decades to monopolise the home-technology limelight.
But through it all, the old mainstay category of audio, led by loudspeakers, has continued to be the bread-and-butter equipment category for many integration companies. Thus, the speaker category continues to be ‘sweet music’ to the ears and wallets of custom integrators worldwide. Indeed, many integrators can attribute demand from customers for a home audio speaker solution as a primary driver of new business. There is a reason that so many integration companies have the word ‘audio’ in their brand name!
But the loudspeaker category itself has also evolved and diversified. Years ago, if someone mentioned the word ‘loudspeaker,’ the only product that came to mind was a standalone freestanding or bookshelf speaker. While that subcategory is still vibrant, the advent of architectural loudspeakers -- consisting of in-ceiling and in-wall products -- followed by the development of soundbars and outdoor speakers has kept the loudspeaker category king of the hill.
In particular, the soundbar category is thriving. As one custom installation company owner once told me, “TVs have never looked better… but sounded worse.” Meaning, the built-in speakers in a large display TV just do
not cut the mustard in terms of their inability to produce the quality sound that should complement the stunning visuals.
But just how thriving is the soundbar market? Recently, D-Tools undertook the first-ever deep dive into the soundbar category specifically for the professional installation market, called the ‘Soundbar Market Insights & Trends Report 2025’. This covers pricing, margin, room locations, feature sets and market share, broken out by Active and Passive Soundbars.
Active Soundbars: Sometimes referred to as powered soundbars, active soundbars are single-chassis loudspeakers with builtin amplifiers, source inputs, digital signal processors and speaker drivers. Within the D-Tools Integrated Product Library, there are 22 manufacturers of active soundbars with 109 individual active soundbar models. Among the more prominent active soundbar manufacturers are Sonos, Samsung, Savant and Bluesound.
Passive Soundbars: These units are singlechassis loudspeakers that do not include internal amplification, source inputs or sound processors but usually have larger speaker drivers. This report aggregates data from 31 manufacturers of passive soundbars, with a whopping 264 individual passive soundbar models. Among the more prominent passive soundbar manufacturers targeting integrators are James Loudspeaker, Leon Speakers and Bang & Olufsen.
Remarkably, this relatively new speaker category of soundbars now makes up 10% of all loudspeaker sales via the custom installation channel, according to the data. Architectural
(in-wall/in-ceiling) speakers are still the mostinstalled types of speakers (39%), followed by freestanding/bookshelf speakers (27%). Also, outdoor speakers have continued to gain traction, representing 10% of all sales. Subwoofers make up 12% of speaker sales.
Getting back to soundbars, these units have long coattails. Some integrators might see the installation of a soundbar as a lost opportunity to install individual LCR speakers with the TV, but in reality it turns out that installing a soundbar sets up a golden opportunity to expand the audio portion of the project. Specifically, when a soundbar is being installed, that data shows that adding a subwoofer to the room to boost the bass output is commonplace. Similarly, architectural speakers are ideal companions to team with a soundbar, even if the single-chassis unit is touting its surround-sound capabilities.
So, what does all this mean in terms of revenues for UK integrators? According to the D-Tools Cloud data derived from actual sales, integrators sold £1.74 billion pounds in loudspeakers over the past 12 months. That is just from speakers. The associated equipment sales from audio sources, amplifiers, acoustical treatments and audio distribution solutions spike the revenue from the overall audio category much higher.
The lesson for integrators is not to forsake the tried-and-true, consistent demand that comes from customers for soundbars and loudspeakers overall, even while you explore other avenues of equipment revenue.
WHERE PRAGUE’S BREWING HERITAGE MEETS SMART LIVING
As an o cial master distributor for 2N, Alltrade makes the same class-leading access technology that transformed Prague’s historic Nuselský pivovar available to integrators in the UK.
With an extensive stockholding and FREE technical support and backup services, Alltrade gives integrators the confidence to deliver even the most complex multi-dwelling or mixed-use projects.
In Prague, a 17th-century brewery has become a modern neighbourhood with soul. Nuselský pivovar, developed by Penta Real Estate, blends newly built residences with carefully restored historic structures – 505 apartments alongside cafes, services, and a lively commercial area. This diversity brought a practical challenge: how to deliver secure, intuitive access control across heritage and contemporary buildings without confusion or compromise.
2N Telecommunications provided a single, design-led access ecosystem that respects the site’s character while meeting today’s expectations for convenience, safety, and smart management. The brief called for a solution that was unified and flexible, visually consistent, and easy for residents, property managers, tenants, and suppliers to use from day one.
At the main entrances, Nuselský pivovar features 2N IP Verso 2.0, the world’s most popular IP intercom, configured with a three-module frame, camera, and RFID/Bluetooth readers. The hardware presents a discreet, premium arrival experience that feels as at home on restored brick as it does on sleek new glass.
For service and delivery doors, 2N IP Solo simplifies courier and back-of-house access while maintaining tight control, keeping the public realm welcoming and the operational areas secure.
COHESIVE AND SIMPLE TO RUN
Inside the homes, the access experience adapts seamlessly to the architecture. Apartments in the new buildings feature 2N Indoor Compact units for crisp video calls and e ortless door control. In the restored historic blocks, 2N Indoor View compliments classic interiors without sacrificing modern capability.
Across garages, rooms, stores, and other controlled zones, 2N Access Unit 2.0 protects what should remain private, while the compact 2N Access Unit M integrates seamlessly into lift panels to govern floor-byfloor permissions.
Everything runs on My2N.com, an online platform that centralises device management and enables systemic access control. The platform makes everyday administration simple: grant or revoke permissions, update devices, issue one-time invitations, and resolve changes remotely. Residents can use the My2N App, which allows them to open doors through the patented Wavekey technology and accept intercom calls, even from far away.
“At Nuselský pivovar, we set out to show that access control can elevate, not intrude. With our ecosystem unifying access control, the whole estate moves as one. Modern, secure, and in tune with its architecture,” says CEO of 2N Michal Kratochvil.
2N worked alongside the development team from design through commissioning
to mapping user groups, permission levels, and traffic patterns. The result is a cohesive system tuned for real life, with fast adoption by residents and minimal training for sta .
UNIFIED ACCESS CONTROL
What makes the 2N approach stand out is the way form and function reinforce each other. A unified access control system reduces maintenance overhead and keeps pace with an evolving tenant mix, from families and short-term guests to retailers, cleaners, and suppliers.
Nuselský pivovar shows how contemporary access technology can elevate urban spaces. With a unified access platform spanning apartments, common and commercial areas, movement through the estate is simple and safe. Modern where it should be, quiet where it must be. It’s a living neighbourhood that honours its past while embracing the future.
By combining 2N’s unified, design-led ecosystem with Alltrade’s expert guidance, integrators can achieve secure, intuitive, and future-proof access control solutions that work seamlessly across modern developments and heritage settings alike. Reach out to your nearest Alltrade branch to find out more.
Alltrade alltrade.co.uk
THE MARVELISATION OF THOUGHT
How staying focused and pure of thought delivers better results at work and at rest.
There’s been a growing conversation among critics and audiences alike that much of modern film and television feels hollow, somehow less satisfying than it once did. Viewers emerge from a series or blockbuster with the sense that it was perhaps mildly entertaining in the moment but left little behind. The phrase the ‘Marvelisation of Cinema’ has been used to describe the trend, alongside another idea that resonates: storytelling entropy. Both point to the same problem, which is not that films are badly made from a technical point of view, but that they often lack focus, or a pure idea of what a story should be.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe, at its best, was an extraordinary achievement. It created a shared world that drew millions into a carefully interwoven story, building to a cultural high point with Avengers: Endgame. Yet the success of that model has tempted others and even Marvel creators themselves, to attempt to copy it, with varying degrees of success. The emphasis shifts away from telling a strong story in the present moment and instead leans towards setting up the next instalment, seeding memes, creating merchandise opportunities, or fuelling online chatter. The result is that the purity of the story is diluted. It becomes part of a content machine rather than a compelling piece of storytelling.
This matters, because good storytelling has always been at the core of how we engage with
entertainment. Without a gripping narrative, the cleverest e ects or the biggest stars cannot create an experience that lingers. For those of us in home cinema, that point is worth underlining. We design and deliver systems that allow people to immerse themselves in movies and television, to feel transported and absorbed. If the content itself loses that power, the wider industry su ers. Focused, e ective storytelling is not just an artistic principle, it is essential to the health of entertainment as a whole.
But the lesson does not stop at the cinema. In many ways, the same dynamic plays out across our working and personal lives. The modern world is full of distractions—constant notifications, competing priorities and the pull of thinking not about the task at hand but about the next thing. In this environment, it is all too easy to dilute our focus, just as studios dilute their storytelling. The result is similar: output that is serviceable, but rarely satisfying. A fine example that pulls the two worlds together both on screen and in life is Yoda’s criticism of Luke in the Empire Strikes Back, part of the first three Star Wars movies, which are often regarded as great examples of focused storytelling. The relevant part, “This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was
doing.” Good advice for every walk of life, not just storytellers and content creators.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
The solution is deceptively simple, but not easy. Concentrate on the thing in front of you. Pour energy into the present task, whether that is writing an article, designing a cinema room, or even just having a conversation. When the focus is singular and uncluttered, the results are sharper, stronger and more meaningful. Just as a great film tells this story first and lets the rest follow naturally, our own work improves when we stay present.
The truth is that audiences know when they are being given something authentic. In cinema, in business, in life, people respond when the focus is genuine. The noise of distraction and meta-goals might provide momentary visibility, but it rarely builds trust, loyalty, or longterm satisfaction.
So perhaps that is the takeaway from this period of storytelling entropy. Whether we are crafting entertainment or delivering it through the systems our industry installs, success depends on resisting distraction and regaining focus. By returning to core principles—clarity, presence and a commitment to doing one thing well—we not only create better results, but also rediscover the deeper satisfaction of work that matters.
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CAREER CRAFTERS: AV APPRENTICESHIPS
Industry veteran Vincent McAtamney, AV Installation Consultant and Teacher, takes an engaging and real-world view of how the industry builds the next generation of installers.
Ooh I heard it through the Grapevine, yeah…! Okay, a cheap opening line… but, our industry does talk, it does have a sense of community, of unity. Think about it, are our competitors really so? How often have the words, “Well you never really leave the AV industry” passed through the ether at shows and events? Yes, we have our ups, downs, our ‘why me’ moments but I hope that most reading this would agree that ‘our’ AV industry does have a roguish likability to it. Many have carved impressive careers and personal gain, it is, a bona fide industry developed far from its early days of DIY installers shaping what was to come.
In this article I’ll address industry friends and acquaintances in a personal tone. Through ‘the grapevine’ some know of developments happening in the field of industry training, in particular, apprenticeships. Some know that I have invested considerable resource, e ort and retraining in order to deliver these apprenticeships to both commercial and residential AV companies. On a side note, I’ve almost but not completely wiped out my o shore accounts re-buying vinyl that I so stupidly binned in my early 30s! There may or may not be a few musical references to follow…! Let’s clarify what AV-based apprenticeships are available to employers.
AV Technician Tier 5: Launched late 2023, this is suited to AV design, installation companies working within commercial/ pro/ events and studio sectors (not limited to but think AVIXA members as a guide). The course is available to all and requires completion of work-based assignments akin to 20% of the students’ working hours, hence, a considerable two-year commitment. The Tier 5 accreditation is academically recognised by all
employers. Furthermore, the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy provides funding to employers to cover the full costs of academic training for students starting at or under 21 years of age, and 95% funding for students starting at 25 years or under.
Smarthome AV Technician Tier 3: First launched in September 2019, this apprenticeship suits AV installers working within the residential and marine sectors (not limited to but think CEDIA members as a guide). Apprenticeship levy funding applies as above; students also are required to complete workbased training tasks and are mentored both one-to-one when needed and within a cohort. This course has just been cleared for launch under new 2025 revisions and with training providers, my colleagues, CareerCrafters and Endpoint Assessors Academy 4PM, I personally teach each student and am gathering cohorts as I write.
And you may ask yourself… well, “How did (Vince) get here?”
It shocked me when recently I mused that over 35 years have passed since I was first paid to place my hands upon a piece of audio equipment. This sped up significantly by the turn of the century when I took on more serious roles within the CI Sector. I fondly remember taking a shipment of Niles products for their UK debut at the CEDIA expo in Brighton! Yes, I am that old! How our industry has grown, as has our need to attract, develop and nurture talent, our next generation of designers, installers, commissioning engineers, principals, influencers.
Working mostly within residential and marine CI with some immersive content development experience too, I accepted a most intriguing
invitation by training providers CareerCrafters to become the teacher assigned to deliver the Tier 5 AV, and now Tier 3 Smarthome apprenticeships in the UK. On a final personal indulgence, I’d add that teaching has brought me more joy, fulfilment and worth than pretty much anything beforehand. That’s not to belittle or discredit a career – perhaps this is about timing, not for me, but our industry!
OUTREACH, ENGAGE WITH OUR NEXT GENERATION!
Above all else I have realised quickly that while the majority of company owners within the CI sector are keen to develop their workforce, recognising the importance of training and apprenticeships, we are somewhat behind other professions regarding our engagement with schools, technical colleges and work programs. One of my Tier 5 students told me earlier this week that he is so happy to have found the AV Industry, and that he didn’t even know it was ‘a thing’ (his words).
Secondly, the question I am most often asked is “Can you find me an apprentice?” As an industry there is no central platform to match would-be students with willing employers.
Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes…. I’d like to change this. At least influence change. You can help!
Let’s go through some tickboxes:
•Are there professional, accredited and worthy apprenticeships available to the AV industry?
Tick Yes: Both to commercial and residential AV providers.
•Do we, the industry, have a voice within this academic arrangement?
Tick Yes: I work directly with training providers
CareerCrafters whom are Ofsted accredited and it is me who delivers this teaching and mentoring – an AV guy taught to teach…! We have a voice.
•But how much is this going to cost me?
Tick Not a Lot: Courses are fully funded to students 21 and under, and are 95% funded to those aged 25 and under. Apprentices typically are hardworking and enthusiastic as they understand the gravity of this opportunity. It has never failed to impress me how keen these students are – a credit to their families and employers.
GOT YOUR ATTENTION?
So now I’m thinking my phone will be ringing o its hook with that earlier question, “Vin, can you find me an apprentice?” So how do I answer? I teach, inspire, guide? A student’s needs vary from building technical confidence and strengths to developing personal and professional skills and prowess. I teach; I need students to teach!
I have committed personally and professionally to undertake the mission of reaching out to schools, technical colleges and universities with the simple invitation: consider AV! Students are just not aware that our industry, to use student, Kian’s words, is ‘a thing’ – that meaningful, fun, rewarding careers can be had across many tiers suited to varying personalities and interests. We need to reach these at upper school/ careers advice level. CEDIA has many excellent resources to do just this, I recently reviewed many of our industry vendors’ training
programs. All are brilliant, we simply need new bottoms on seats, our next-gen.
Delivering apprenticeships with training provider CareerCrafters, promoting and complementing the work by CEDIA, AVIXA and others www.av.academy identifies as the landing place to all wishing to enter ‘our’ industry. Whilst this feature largely focuses on the young, I stress the mission statement to engage with ALL wishing to develop within the AV industry. This includes an overlooked sector of highly skilful mature workers keen to add a new, fulfilling chapter to their career. Do they even know we are in the room? AV Academy is open to all demographics, gender, age and backgrounds and is committed to:
•Teach, mentor and inspire our next generation of AV and smarthome technicians.
•Welcome new talent into our industry and provide sound advice and career planning.
•Promote, support and contribute to industry training, advances and mentorship programs.
SO, HOW DOES IT WORK?
On September 15th, www.av.academy was launched; its website, a statement of intent, purpose and invitation!
As I write, cohorts for the next intake of both apprenticeships, that’s AV Technician Tier 5 for the commercial/ pro AV companies, and Smarthome Technician Tier 3 for those in residential, are being formed. Contact me if you have sta keen to enrol. Our first Tier 5 intake is just passing 12 months with students excelling and progressing to Endpoint evaluation. My colleagues at
CareerCrafters guide each employer through the paperwork required to receive funding. We’ve worked tirelessly to make this easy and rewarding for employers and students.
Our goals include provision and management of a mentorship program.
I have realised that many within the industry fall outside of the funding criteria for apprenticeships. I’m moved that some students are making positive life decisions though circumstances and upbringings that have fought against them. I’m also mindful of a huge talent pool seated by established workers in other industries. Mentorship must become available to engage, inspire and secure as many of these bright stars as possible. The academy further wishes to echo the excellent work by our industry vendors and trade bodies –together we stand.
Gimme action, action, action, not words A call to action and timeline.
Apprenticeships: The final quarter of 2025 is focussed on securing cohorts for both apprenticeships starting early 2026. Interested? Please make contact.
Associates: The Academy will operate notfor-profit and requires support by way of an advisory board and associates to be announced in the coming weeks. Interested? Please make contact.
Recruitment: Mentorships and apprenticeships require work placements. This is where the matchmaking between students and employers needs to spark. AV recruiters, I’d be especially interested to explore a concept with you. If any students or employers are interested, please make contact.
Resources: Some learning modules lend themselves to site/ vendor-based training. Are you keen to open your doors to apprentice cohorts and share your expertise? Please make contact. www.av.academy
Most have extended warm wishes and words of support to this needed mission, some think I’m crazy! Maybe. Whichever side of the fence you sit, even if just to point out to me which songs were referenced in this piece, please do make contact.
Let’s do this!
AV Academy www.av.academy info@av.academy +44(0)7379986478
Where is the next gen of installers coming from?
TRAINING FOR GROWTH: WHY PRACTICAL LEARNING IS THE INTEGRATOR’S COMPETITIVE EDGE
Chris Pinder, MD of HDAnywhere (HDA), underlines that knowledge is power and in this instance does not just add to an installer’s level of skill, but profitability as well.
In the AV industry, training is often talked about as a technical necessity – learning the features of a new product or gaining certification to tick a box. But the most valuable training does much more than that. It equips integrators with the confidence, e ciency and commercial insight to build stronger, more profitable businesses.
That is why we at HDA believe the conversation about training needs to shift. It is not simply about what you know, but how you apply it to win projects, streamline delivery and meet evolving client expectations.
THE MODERN TRAINING CHALLENGE
Integrators face constant pressure to keep up with rapidly changing technology while also running lean, e cient businesses. Time is scarce, margins are under pressure and clients expect seamless smart home and workplace solutions delivered faster than ever.
Traditional training models, while important, can sometimes feel too detached from these day-to-day realities. What is needed is training that is directly linked to business outcomes – helping installers deploy faster, sell with confidence and protect profitability.
WHERE uCONTROL TRAINING FITS IN
This philosophy sits at the heart of the uControl Specialist Training Programme. Designed as a one-day course, it focuses on the skills and tools integrators need to succeed in the real world. Attendees learn not only how to specify and deploy the uControl system –often in under a day – but also how to overcome objections, integrate with popular devices such as Sonos and Rithum, and build a hybrid project model that balances high-end custom installs with repeatable mid-market work.
This approach turns training into a commercial accelerator. Every graduate leaves not just with a certificate, but with a new engine for their business: a control solution that delivers consistent performance, shorter installation times and stronger margins.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR THE INDUSTRY
As an industry, we must recognise that training is the bridge between technology and business growth. Certifications remain
valuable, but the next step is ensuring that training also empowers integrators commercially – giving them the confidence to take on new types of projects and the e ciency to deliver them profitably.
The feedback from our recent sessions reinforces this. As one new Specialist put it, “The simplicity of deployment and support from HDA gives us the confidence to o er uControl across a wider range of projects. It’s a great fit for the mid-market and exactly what we needed to grow.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The future of our industry depends on integrators who are not only technically skilled but also commercially resilient. That means training programmes must continue to evolve – blending technical depth with practical business outcomes.
At HDA, we see the uControl Specialist Training Programme as a step in this direction: training that is purpose-built for today’s installer, combining knowledge, confidence and a clear path to growth.
Because in the end, the best training does not just build skills. It builds better businesses.
TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS AND THE FUTURE OF INTEGRATION
Dawn Boland, Vice President, Customer Experience at ADI | Snap One, explains how manufacturers and distributors can help installers stay ahead.
From AI-driven surveillance to whole-home automation, the tools and solutions available to integrators are more powerful and complex than ever before. While this creates new opportunities for businesses and new experience for end-users, it also highlights a critical need: ensuring installers have the training, certifications and skills required to maximise product capabilities before, during and after installation.
Manufacturers and distributors sit at the heart of this ecosystem. By providing consistent training programmes, certifying expertise, developing industry partnerships and nurturing both technical and people-oriented skills, they play a central role in helping professionals stay ahead of the curve.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ONGOING EDUCATION
One of the most valuable investments manufacturers and distributors can make is in continuous education, as opposed to one-time product demos. Ongoing training ensures installers stay current on advanced features, updates and upgrades as they’re introduced. Hands-on workshops, virtual modules, and interactive labs give professionals the opportunity to experience new technologies in practical settings and to learn in real-time. When training is tied to real-world use cases, installers become more confident in the field, quicker in implementation and better equipped to troubleshoot and customise systems for
end-users. The result is fewer costly errors, reduced client frustration, and stronger trust between integrators and end-users.
By investing in ongoing education, manufacturers and distributors empower installers to deliver greater value and strengthen client trust while simultaneously driving long-term business success.
THE VALUE OF CERTIFICATIONS
Certifications serve as both a benchmark and a badge of industry credibility. For installers, they demonstrate mastery of technical skills, whether in network design, AV integration, or security system programming. For end-users, certifications provide reassurance that the professionals they’re hiring are qualified to handle complex projects with precision and reliability.
Manufacturers and distributors can strengthen the value of certifications by ensuring they are recognised, respected, and relevant. That means aligning certification programmes with industry standards while also updating them regularly to reflect new innovations and expectations. Certifications can also create career pathways for installers, giving them tangible goals to work toward and signalling to employers that they are ready for greater responsibility.
Additionally, manufacturers and distributors need to stay cognisant of industry challenges and potential barriers that can make achieving certifications di cult for installers. For example, the new Control4 Certified Technician program from ADI | Snap One o ers both online and in-person hands-on learning opportunities using a full suite of professional equipment and tools, including networking, lighting, security, surveillance, climate control, audio, and video.
By giving technicians the option to complete the training online or in-person, we aimed to significantly reduce the need to travel or disrupt ongoing projects and allow technicians to become certified over time and on their own schedule.
BLENDING TECHNICAL AND CLIENT-FACING SKILLS
Installers are often the face of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s brand, so their ability to communicate clearly, manage expectations and provide a seamless end-user experience is just as critical as their technical execution.
That balance requires intentional and thoughtful training. Programs that integrate soft skills development, such as communication, project management, and problem-solving, help installers build trust with end-users. When professionals can explain the ‘why’ behind a solution in addition to delivering the ‘how,’ they become indispensable partners. As installers build relationships with end-users over time, they can more confidently customise and recommend various products and solutions based on individual needs, habits, or interests.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE FUTURE
The integration industry is at an inflection point. As we look ahead to global events, smart home expansion, and increasingly complex security demands, the professionals who will succeed are those who embrace lifelong learning. Similarly, manufacturers and distributors must continue to provide the resources, certifications and development programs that help installers evolve alongside technology. Strong partnerships across the industry and supporting the success of team members, customers and supplier partners alike is key to elevating the industry across the board.
From programs designed for recent graduates entering the industry, to mentoring and stretch assignments that challenge experienced professionals, the industry must work together and stay committed to developing a generation of leaders who will pioneer the future of AV and security integration.
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Crestron, underlines the importance of training in the smart home industry.
A core philosophy at Crestron is based on the importance of training. Frankly, the best way for this industry to evolve and improve is through real, in-depth, focused training. It’s a major source of di erentiation between DIY solutions and the pro channel.
We want to give each of our dealers the ability to thrive as businesses. Training is an element that delivers that ability. Knowing how to specify, install and deploy the latest, most advanced solutions for home integration gives installers a big leg up on the competition and manufacturer training plays a critical role in helping them do that. It’s especially crucial as the solutions and devices become more sophisticated.
To deliver that training e ectively, we give dealers as many options as we can. We have hands-on training in our o ces all over the world. We have an entire Crestron Technical Institute for both online and in-person learners. We host our annual Crestron Masters events, which allow both programming and non-programming talent to come together to get industry-recognised certifications that add that layer of expertise.
We also work with industry bodies like CEDIA, which o ers an entire library of classes and best practices. But ultimately, when it comes to the product that we make, we have to be able to supply in-depth training, and our CTI certifications can serve as a mark of credibility and professionalism. That helps to reassure their clients that their projects are in expert hands.
An interesting facet of the evolution of smart home technology is the drive to simplify its configuration. From new products like Crestron’s Configure Pro to Crestron Home OS updates that allow end users more backend control, we’re always trying to streamline the setup process. One might think that means less training might be required on the dealer’s end, but that’s not the case.
Smart home systems are becoming increasingly complex. Dealers who open Configure Pro need a strong training foundation to understand what they’re looking at.
Our dealers design, install and deliver. To do that, they require an in-depth knowledge of the industry, client needs and the individual black boxes that make all this happen. This isn’t just an application on a phone. It’s hardware and software coming together to produce an experience in a home that only professionals can create. Our focus is on making their job easier, not making it accessible for others.
Training certification also opens doors to new business. It’s a point of di erentiation. When a dealer works in high-end residential smart home installations – or even commercial markets – technical excellence is non-negotiable. Training and certifications can act as a proof point for that excellence.
We want our clients to ask questions about the training their dealers have received, and we want our clients to understand how important that training is. When you hire anyone to work on your home, from an HVAC technician to a plumber, you should expect that individual to have the necessary training and certifications to achieve reliable results in a timely, professional manner. The same should hold true with smart home technology. of the entire industry.
Investing in training is investing in one’s own future, in one’s own business and in the industry as a whole.
FLEXIBILITY IS NO LONGER A LUXURY…
Understanding today’s displays
and
designing for the future, with Megan Zeller, Senior Business Development Director, Peerless-AV.
Large-scale, immersive installations such as dvLED video walls have shifted from being a novelty to an expectation in modern AV experiences. End-users are no longer simply buying ‘screens’, they are investing in versatile digital signage platforms that can adapt to a wide range of visual, spatial and experiential demands. Understanding that flexibility and planning for it is now essential.
Today’s displays are far more than communication tools. They’re adaptive canvases capable of high-resolution, dynamic content, seamlessly integrated with content management systems to support storytelling, branding and data visualisation. They can be deployed on curved walls, uneven surfaces and in unconventional spaces without the constraints that once limited designers. In other words, businesses can now design around their vision instead of compromising it.
This evolution also extends to the hardware that supports displays. With advances in dvLED mounting systems and substructures, installations that once required bespoke engineering can now be implemented with greater accuracy and ease, reducing installation time and cost while extending lifecycle value. Flexibility is no longer a luxury; it’s the baseline.
HOSPITALITY AS A CASE STUDY
Hospitality is one of the clearest examples of how AV is transforming guest experiences. Around the world, bars, restaurants and sports lounges are installing massive dvLED video walls paired with immersive sound to create moments guests cannot replicate at home. This increases dwell time, repeat visits and revenue.
Some brands have already embraced this opportunity. Others are still hesitant, relying on outdated display technology even as guest expectations rise. For these operators, working with trusted AV integrators and manufacturers is critical. An ‘always-on’ guest-first industry demands partners who understand the environment, can recommend the right solutions and deliver with minimal disruption.
dvLED video walls are becoming the new centrepiece of bars and lounges, not just for broadcasting sports games but also for hosting trivia nights, karaoke and community events. By creating interactive, shared experiences, AV gives people a reason to gather again, while opening up new revenue streams through advertising and upselling.
PERSONALISATION AND SCALE
With CMS partners, venues can now implement full content takeovers across multiple screens for themed events, conferences or branding partnerships. A hotel hosting a corporate meeting, for example, can customise every digital touchpoint - from check-in kiosks to bar displays - with tailored messaging that creates a cohesive, high-impact guest experience.
Demand for personalised, customisable AV continues to grow. Because every property has its own objectives and brand identity, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Multi-event spaces, in particular, require solutions that are both flexible and scalable. From a guest perspective, technology should be seamless, delivering wayfinding, real-time schedules, menus and entertainment without feeling intrusive.
SERVICEABILITY AND PEACE OF MIND
Behind the scenes, operators need mounting systems that are low maintenance and easy to service. Fast access to replace modules or resolve cabling issues minimises downtime and protects revenue. Remote monitoring capabilities are also increasingly important, allowing owners to check the health of their displays - especially LED video walls - in real time across multi-site resorts. This avoids unexpected failures and provides peace of mind.
STAYING COMPETITIVE
The hotel and hospitality market is growing, and AV integration is rising with it as brands seek to stay relevant and competitive. We’re seeing increased demand for both standard and LED video wall mounts that deliver ease of use, quick serviceability and flexible installation. Outdoor AV is also on the rise, with weatherrated displays, TVs and kiosks enhancing guest journeys in pool areas, outdoor lounges and rooftop bars.
At the Bow & Arrow Sports Bar at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, for example, more than 30 large HD flat screens plus a jumbo centre dvLED screen, supported by a Peerless-AV mounting system, ensure guests never miss a moment of the action. The project, shown in the image on the left, is a vivid illustration of how flexible, future-ready AV can elevate an environment, delight visitors and drive business results.
A touch of smart design
Meet Niko: your experienced partner in intelligent home control.
In a world of constant noise, Niko creates smart technology that quietly makes life better. It naturally blends into every home.
More than a century ago, Niko started creating quality electrical solutions for every type of building. For more than 25 years we have been bringing smart control and elegant design to residential projects across Europe.
Niko is the trusted partner for installers and architects who value quality, reliability, and timeless design, offering not only products but also training and hands-on project support.
Build smarter. Work with Niko.
FIVE STARS
Cory Lovett, Nexus 21 CEO, o ers five stylish mounting options to enhance performance and elevate AV designs.
OVERHEAD SOLUTIONS
Motorised lifts have long been the go-to for hiding TVs, but their evolution has kept pace with the consumer demand for larger viewing surfaces with slimmer profiles. Today’s lifts are designed with the muscle to move oversized displays, yet they operate with near-silent precision. This means a large TV can disappear completely into a so t, cabinet, or ceiling pocket and reappear at the touch of a button.
To provide integrators and end-users with installation and cosmetic versatility, there are a few di erent approaches to consider. First, is a drop-down lift like the Nexus 21 L-77i, which lowers a display from a concealed space above. For added flexibility, the L-77ix adds a motorised swivel, providing more positioning options. Second, the Nexus CL-65 flip-down model can be built flush into the ceiling, pivoting the TV from a flat horizontal position into vertical viewing mode.
For integrators, overhead mounting solutions like these provide the flexibility to align with any client’s design vision, whether the TV disappears seamlessly into the ceiling, glides silently out of a faux wall transition, or flips and drops down dramatically to impress guests. With today’s TVs becoming slimmer and lighter, overhead concealment is not only safer but also more achievable than ever.
WALL-SKIMMING MOUNTS FOR DESIGNER TVS
The rise of designer displays like Samsung’s The Frame has shifted homeowner expectations. Rather than hiding the TV, many want to keep it visible but integrated with the architecture. The challenge for integrators is to mount these displays so that they blend seamlessly into the environment, avoiding the ‘tech tacked on’ look.
For integrators, slimline motorised mounts provide a way to di erentiate projects. They turn a standard install into a polished architectural feature, one that not only satisfies the homeowner’s design goals but also creates an upsell opportunity that competitors may overlook.
MOTORISED PROJECTOR LIFTS
While large-format TVs are grabbing headlines, projectors remain a cornerstone of home cinema. What’s changed is their form factor. With projectors becoming lighter and more compact, concealing them in ceilings is easier than ever.
For integrators, projector lifts deliver both performance and elegance. They allow homeowners to enjoy a cinematic setup without the distraction of a projector hanging overhead,
and they preserve design integrity in multipurpose living spaces. As projector sales remain steady, these lifts represent an ongoing revenue stream with strong homeowner appeal.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT WITH CONCEALED AND DURABLE MOUNTS
Outdoor living has become one of the hottest trends in home technology. Families now expect the same level of sophistication outside as they do indoors, complete with high-performance AV, lighting and motorised solutions.
For integrators, these lifts enable year-round outdoor entertainment that feels as polished as any indoor installation. It’s a category ripe for upselling, as homeowners continue to invest heavily in maximising their outdoor spaces.
SWIVELLING ACTION EXTENDS END-USER ENJOYMENT AND PLACEMENT OPTIONS
Even when concealment isn’t required, flexibility is key. Families use large-scale TVs for everything from cooking shows in the kitchen to game-day gatherings in the living room. Being able to turn the display to face the right direction adds functionality without sacrificing design.
Be sure the lifts you select can be configured with a motorised swivel. For integrators, this versatility simplifies placement: the TV can be installed in the most logical or discreet location, while still being adjustable to suit di erent viewing scenarios.
THE INTEGRATOR ADVANTAGE
For integrators, the evolution of mounts is about more than aesthetics. It’s about expanding service o erings, increasing project value, and exceeding client expectations. Homeowners want displays that blend seamlessly into their environments, indoors and out. They also want the flexibility to use those displays for a growing range of applications.
By specifying motorised lifts and slimline mounts, integrators can deliver on these demands while adding revenue through higherend solutions. Mounts aren’t just accessories; they’re di erentiators that can define the success of a premium smart home project.
Match Distribution bringing a passion for technology, deep industry experience, and a bold creative vision to the Custom install market. Empowering professional installers with innovative, world-class brands to elevate every project.
Unify Shading joins Blindspace, Bridgee, Displine, Domex, and Russound in our standout portfolio.
Unify Shading are a cutting-edge brand offering beautifully designed, smart shading solutions that integrate seamlessly with leading control systems. Bringing versatility, style, and intelligence to any space.
FUSING AUDIO AND DESIGN TO DELIVER A MODERN SANCTUARY
DbM and New Land Group partnered to create an exceptional audio experience for a modern sanctuary in historic Oxfordshire. By integrating a selection of Meridian products, the team has elevated the living environment while seamlessly enhancing the home’s aesthetic appeal.
New Land Group was contracted to work alongside Donovan Construction, De-Draft Architects and Katie Groves Interior Designer on this stunning new-build property in Oxfordshire. The vision was to create a dwelling that is functional for the occupants while also showcasing sustainable and innovative technology and design. Having worked with the client previously on a home refit, New Land
Group was familiar with their likes and dislikes and set about providing the entertainment spaces with performance-led audio systems.
As an avid DbM customer, New Land Group knew that the distributor would have the right products to meet the client’s request for state-of-the-art technology. By working closely with the DbM team and utilising the complementary Design & Specification Service, it became clear that products from the Meridian portfolio would tick all the boxes.
The basement was designed to provide a multi-functional entertainment hub. This area features a home cinema, dance studio and nightclub. The custom-built cinema showcases how Meridian loudspeakers can elevate a room by providing an unmatched audio experience. The space features five Reference Series DSP750 in-wall loudspeakers and, from the Performance Series range, six DSP320.2
in-ceiling loudspeakers and two DSW600 inwall subwoofers.
As Meridian’s highest-performing architectural loudspeaker, the DSP750 produces a natural and lifelike sound with high fidelity and perfect tonal balance. Its high dynamic range, incredibly low distortion and outstanding signal-to-noise ratio combine to provide full-range audio with exceptional headroom and low listener fatigue.
The media room includes bespoke wooden cabinetry designed to work perfectly with the loudspeakers, installed in front of large windows that look out to the vast landscape. To provide audio alongside the TV screen, New Land Group installed a 3.2 audio set up using three DSP750 in-wall loudspeakers and two DSW600 in-wall subwoofers.
The playroom is enhanced thanks to a simple yet e ective AV set up that is perfectly suited for children’s entertainment. Installed in one corner
of the room and built into the wooden cabinetry beneath the TV is a DSP520.2 in-wall loudspeaker, used in mono mode to act as a soundbar. This is matched with a DSW.2 subwoofer in RAL 9004 Signal Black Matte custom finish.
The L+R mode of the DSP520.2 allows a single loudspeaker to be used on its own while still reproducing all the audio present in a stereo recording. Combining this with Meridian’s Image Elevation technology, which raises the perceived image location from an under-screen loudspeaker so that it appears to come from the centre of the screen, makes this the ideal soundbar solution.
The study is the setting for one DSP3200 bookshelf loudspeaker in RAL 9004 Signal Black Matte custom finish. This compact speaker provides the o ce space with a powerful performance well beyond what is expected for its size. It beautifully mirrors the curves of Meridian’s larger loudspeakers, therefore providing both audio performance and aesthetics.
EQUIPMENT LIST
3 ×DSP520.2
1 × DSW.2 (Select Colour –RAL9004 Matte)
1 × DSP3200 (Select Colour –RAL9004 Matte)
8 × DSP750
14 × DSP320.2
6 × DSW600
3 × 271 Digital Theatre Controllers
4 × 218 Zone Controllers
1 × 218 Rack Shelf
3 × Distributor 1
Lastly, New Land Group has ensured that the kitchen also benefits from outstanding audio, providing the occupants with a system suitable for everyday use. The 8.2 system features eight Meridian DSP320.2 in-ceiling loudspeakers and two DSW600 in-wall subwoofers, making it the perfect environment for cooking with the family.
“The result is a testament to the seamless fusion of luxury living and advanced home automation,” comments Luke Newland from New Land Group. “The technology has been woven into the fabric of the home with meticulous care, ensuring that every feature enhances the living experience without intruding on the space’s aesthetic or tranquillity. This new build is not just a house, it is a beacon of how traditional elegance and cutting-edge innovation can blend to create a home that is as welcoming as it is alluring, as sustainable as it is sophisticated.”
DbM
distributedbym.co.uk New Land Solutions newland.solutions
LUXURY AUDIO: FIVE TRENDS RESHAPING THE MARKET
Guy Hammett, Head of Home Audio, Futuresource Consulting, o ers insight into five key areas that will be big hitters in the high-end luxury audio market.
As the luxury audio market navigates a landscape of economic uncertainty, shifting consumer expectations, and technological innovation, new trends are emerging that redefine what premium sound means in 2025 and beyond.
Futuresource Consulting’s latest report reveals how brands are adapting to a more diverse, design-conscious, and digitally connected audience. Here are five key developments that are shaping the future of luxury audio.
ACTIVE LOUDSPEAKERS GO HIGH-END
This trend is not just about convenience—it’s about redefining the listening experience. With built-in amplification and DSP, active loudspeakers o er precision tuning and room adaptation, making them ideal for modern living spaces. Integrators are finding success with these systems in high-end apartments and media rooms, where space is at a premium but expectations for sound quality remain high.
Once considered the domain of lifestyle buyers, active loudspeakers are now making serious inroads into the audiophile space. Brands like Focal and Dynaudio are launching ultrapremium models—such as the $70k Diva Mezza Utopia—that combine high-performance audio with sleek, integrated design. This shift reflects a broader trend: consumers want uncompromised sound without the complexity of separates. For luxury buyers, convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive.
TARIFFS RESHAPE GLOBAL STRATEGY
Integrators and dealers should be aware of shifting availability and pricing. Brands are exploring alternative sourcing strategies, including domestic chip production and partnerships with non-tari ed regions. This could lead to product delays or spec changes, making communication with clients more critical than ever.
The introduction of new US import tari s is sending shockwaves through the luxury audio supply chain. While many brands manufacture locally in Europe or the US, rising component costs—especially for chips sourced from China—are forcing companies to rethink pricing, sourcing, and market focus. Reciprocal tari s are also impacting overseas sales. The result: a more fragmented global market and a renewed emphasis on supply chain resilience.
SOUNDBARS BECOME LUXURY SYSTEMS
These soundbars are increasingly being specified in luxury hospitality projects and high-end multidwelling units. With Dolby Atmos support and seamless integration into smart home ecosystems, they o er a compelling alternative to traditional setups. Designers appreciate their minimal footprint and aesthetic flexibility, while clients enjoy immersive sound without clutter.
Soundbars are no longer just TV accessories. In 2025, luxury soundbars are being positioned as fully-fledged audio systems. With spatial audio, custom finishes, and seamless integration into media rooms, these products are appealing to design-conscious consumers who want highend sound without the footprint of traditional stereo setups. This evolution is opening new doors for brands in the custom install and interior design channels.
DESIGN AND PERSONALISATION DRIVE DESIRE
This shift toward design-led audio is creating new collaboration opportunities between integrators and interior designers. Products like B&O’s Beosound A5, available in oak and aluminum finishes, are being selected as much for their visual impact as their sonic performance. Expect more crossover with fashion and furniture brands as audio becomes a central part of lifestyle expression.
Luxury audio is becoming as much about aesthetics as acoustics. Brands like Bang & Olufsen and Devialet are turning speakers and headphones into collectible design objects, o ering limited editions, seasonal colours, and fashion collaborations. This strategy taps into emotional value and lifestyle appeal, helping brands di erentiate in a crowded market. Personalisation platforms like B&O’s Atelier are also enabling consumers to tailor products to their tastes, an increasingly important factor for high-net-worth individuals.
NEW BUYER SEGMENTS TAKE THE LEAD
The luxury audio market is undergoing a transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences and a broader, more diverse audience. Futuresource’s latest segmentation identifies three distinct buyer personas:
Audiophiles, Lifestyle Customers, and Newcomers. Each group engages with the category in its own way. Audiophiles remain loyal to stereo separates and wired headphones, valuing precision and fidelity above all else. Lifestyle Customers prioritise design, ease of use, and seamless integration into their living spaces. Meanwhile, Newcomers, often younger and more digitally native, are driving growth in wireless speakers and vinyl, drawn by the tactile and nostalgic appeal of physical media.
One of the most significant shifts is the rise of female buyers, who now account for 43% of vinyl purchasers. This growing influence is encouraging brands to reconsider everything from product design and marketing language to retail environments. As the audience for luxury audio becomes more diverse, integrators and manufacturers who understand these evolving personas and tailor their messaging and solutions accordingly will be best placed to capture future growth.
As the luxury audio market continues to evolve, these five trends highlight the importance of agility, design thinking, and consumer insight. From active loudspeakers to gender-inclusive marketing, the future of highend sound is being shaped by a new generation of buyers and a redefinition of what luxury means in the audio space.
HEADS UP
Essential Install is an o cial media partner of the Futuresource Consulting’s event Audio Collaborative on Wednesday November 12. Readers are o ered a 10% discount, where we will be discussing all things audio at its premier audio in its 12th year in London Soho.
Join us for an insightful day of data-rich panels and presentations, plus invaluable networking opportunities. Essential Install readers get a 10% discount to attend the event, use GPD10 learn more on the o cial website futuresource-consulting.com
AUTOMATION AND POWER CONSUMPTION CONNECTION CREATES SELF AWARE HOMES
Allan Lagasca, Global leader of the Smart Industrials Segment organisation at STMicroelectronics, explains.
The domestic energy system is becoming more complex. Traditional areas of energy consumption – heating and domestic appliances principal among them – are still present. Add to these electric vehicles, entertainment and security systems, robotic appliances, and the fact that the home has also become a place of work, and the increased need for the home to be an energy ‘hub’ is clear.
Whether financially motivated or through a desire to reduce environmental impact – or both – smart technologies are becoming central to the monitoring and management of domestic energy consumption. In addition, many homeowners are turning to domestic electricity generation through renewable energy, most commonly the installation of solar photovoltaic panels.
In many cases, however, domestic renewable energy systems are insu cient to meet all of the energy needs of the household. Intelligently balancing the use of home-generated energy and dependence on the electricity grid is therefore essential. This dynamic management and optimisation of home energy consumption requires insight into the use of energy across the entire domestic environment, which can only come through integrated systems.
The evolution of the smart home will see numerous individual connected devices and appliances integrated into one system. While this integration will bring benefits, more e ective management and optimisation will be foundational.
Standardisation and interoperability delivered by protocols such as Matter and
KNX are essential in the vision of a truly connected home. The basis for that vision is to add value to the people living in the smart home, through added convenience, control and e ciency.
Interconnected devices and appliances are also key to more e cient energy management within the home. Sharing information about individual energy consumption will, when aggregated, allow energy optimisation across the entire home.
This optimisation will include the intelligent use of domestically generated renewable energy, along with that gathered from the electricity grid.
It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine an automatic domestic ‘sleep mode’ whereby upon detecting that the house is unoccupied, the smart home systems apply a low power setting to the entire home.
Robotic vacuums and lawnmowers could also be activated at this time – therefore being less obtrusive in family life – with domestically generated energy used to charge batteries for devices likely to be used when the residents return.
SEMICONDUCTORS AS ENABLERS
Semiconductors are the backbone of the intelligent home, with ultra-low power and wireless microcontrollers and Thread network chips enabling connected devices and appliances to communicate and manage energy usage more e ciently. By sharing real-time data on energy consumption, they help optimise usage.
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and other sensors allow a more accurate understanding of the state of the home, including occupancy, temperature, humidity and air quality. This data will enable the e ective and e cient management of smart home systems and the energy used.
Microcontrollers provide the ‘intelligence’ processing data from various sensors – such as thermostats, light switches and doorbells – and use this data to control smart home appliances and systems. When integrated with communication modules such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, microcontrollers allow smart home
devices to communicate with each other and be controlled remotely.
With more connected homes, Secure Microcontrollers provide the first line of defense against cyberattacks within smart home appliances. Secure boot, encrypted storage, memory protection units and digital signatures for device software updates all help to keep smart home systems secure.
Edge AI, where AI processing takes place within devices themselves – will enhance capabilities of domestic devices, optimising their own activity and providing more valuable data to the home management hub. For instance, smart doorbells and security cameras now feature improved object recognition, allowing them to di erentiate between people, vehicles and packages. Thermostats and lighting can more accurately detect occupancy and motion, making adjustments locally to save energy.
With an increasing proportion of smart home appliances and domestic energy consumption itself making use of batteries, battery management systems and therefore, battery management integrated circuits (ICs), have become essential. These ICs use accurate current, voltage and temperature data to increase battery runtime, lifespan and safety.
Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductors o er superior e ciency and reduced losses for power supply units and inverters, essential in integrating solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage and EV chargers into the home’s energy network with minimal energy waste. Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) will also help manage bidirectional energy flow, handling the complexity of feeding domestically generated electricity back to the grid.
We are entering the next evolution in smart home automation. With greater integration between smart home devices and systems delivered by standardisation and interconnection, the self-aware home will become an active and intelligent participant in energy e ciency and optimisation. Smarter energy use, whether sourced from the national grid or generated domestically, will bring the dual benefits of reduced environmental impact with enhanced e ciency for homeowners. It’s the definition of a win-win.
THE RIGHT CABLES & CONNECTORS
The evolution of wire matters more than ever in the smart home industry, says James Chen, Managing Director of connections specialist Kordz.
Today’s integrators face a set of challenges vastly di erent from even five years ago. The rise of 4K and 8K video, high-resolution audio, immersive gaming, multi-gigabit networking and intelligent, interoperable home systems means that cable is carrying more information, faster, across more devices than ever before. At the same time, homeowners expect their systems to be invisible, reliable and e ortless. For integrators, this makes the physical attributes, quality and standards compliance of cabling an essential factor for delivering exceptional experiences while streamlining workflow and protecting profitability.
QUALITY AND COMPOSITION
The physical quality and composition of the cable is paramount. Cabling, backed by professional installation, sets the rock-solid foundation homes and businesses need to handle technology today and for decades to come. While devices may change, the right cabling backbone ensures a building can accommodate future demands without costly overhauls. It also reduces service calls, improves system reliability and safeguards the bottom line.
To achieve this, integrators must look beyond packaging or price tags and instead evaluate the ‘guts’ of the cable—the engineering, materials and expertise of the manufacturer. Attributes such as compactness, flexibility, purity, durability and pull tolerance all a ect long-term practicality and performance.
Certification is another critical step, spanning bandwidth capacity, fire resistance and compliance with evolving industry standards.
INSTALLATION-FRIENDLY
Even the best cable has questionable value if it’s a nightmare to install. SlimCat, Kordz’ line of compact Cat6 and Cat6A cabling, is a prime example. Unlike bulky traditional networking cables, SlimCat is thinner, lighter and more flexible, making it easier to snake through tight spaces, bend around corners and terminate in crowded racks or retrofit environments. Its supple construction also reduces strain on connectors, improving longevity and performance while easing cable management for a cleaner finish. Look for cable designed with your workflow in mind.
PLAYING NICELY WITH POE
As Power over Ethernet (PoE)-enabled devices become more pervasive, the need for cabling that can reliably carry both power and data is essential. This dual-purpose cabling infrastructure not only supports a growing population of PoE devices but simplifies cabling installation and eliminates the need for a certified electrician. Always verify that your cabling is rated for PoE applications as you never know what needs to be integrated later on.
SHIELDING INTERFERENCE
Quality shielding is no longer optional; it’s essential. High-quality shielding preserves signal integrity across increasingly congested RF environments. For integrators, this means fewer mysterious dropouts, better overall system stability and reduced service calls. Choosing cable with advanced shielding is one of the simplest ways to safeguard performance in today’s technology-dense environments.
STAYING ON SPEC
Not all category cabling is created equal. While Cat5e may still function for basic applications, modern networks require Cat6 as a starting point, with Cat6A increasingly adopted to allow for future expansion. These higher-spec cables provide the bandwidth and headroom needed to support multi-gigabit networks, PoE devices, and the convergence of AV, automation and IT infrastructures.
The HDMI ecosystem is also undergoing its own seismic shift. The latest specification, HDMI 2.2, doubles HDMI 2.1’s throughput to a staggering 96Gbps—roughly 100 times the capacity of a high-performance internet connection. This leap enables new visual frontiers: true 8K and even 16K resolutions, ultra-high frame rates, expanded colour depth and immersive, uncompressed visuals suitable for everything from premium home theatres to precision-critical medical imaging.
At these speeds, even the slightest intrapair skew or poor shielding, can cause failure. HDMI 2.2 demands not just new materials but a complete reevaluation of cable design and manufacturing processes.
Future-ready every project. Installing higher-spec cables today protects your clients’ investment and positions you as a forward-thinking partner in an industry that evolves rapidly.
Despite the excitement around HDMI 2.2 and the latest Wi-Fi, one thing integrators need to know is that certified, field-ready products are still often many months – or years – away. Therefore, a measured approach, prioritising reliability, rigorous testing, reputation and trust, will yield better results than rushing unproven products to market. The best strategy for integrators is to plan carefully, install flexibly and manage client expectations. Overpromising in this environment risks reputational damage and is simply not worth the hassles it creates.
CABLES AND CONNECTIONS: BUILDING THE BACKBONE OF THE DIGITAL ERA
Motohide Naito, Development Director at cable specialist AIM underlines the importance of championing the cable in the eyes of consumers who link advancement with wireless technology.
The world of communication infrastructure is undergoing a period of profound transformation. From the early days of twisted pair copper carrying megabit Ethernet in the 1980s to today’s multi-hundred-gigabit optical channels, the relentless drive for greater capacity and higher reliability has shaped every stage of development. Yet while the public often associates innovation with wireless or cloud platforms, the quiet truth remains: the backbone of our digital world is still cable.
FROM ELECTRICAL TO OPTICAL –A HISTORICAL SHIFT
Traditional electrical signals, exemplified by standards like 10BASE-T and 1000BASE-T, once carried the promise of speed and connectivity. However, as demand for bandwidth soared in the early 2000s and beyond, the physical limits of copper transmission became ever more apparent. The industry responded with 10GBASE-T and later optical Ethernet
standards such as 100GBASE-SR4, which opened the door to a new era of photonics. For installers, this transition was not merely about adopting a faster medium, but about acquiring entirely new skills to handle fibre preparation, termination and testing.
THE INSTALLER’S EVOLVING ROLE
In modern high-end installations – whether commercial campuses, data centres, or smart residential environments – performance depends as much on site practices as it does on the technology itself. Careful cable routing, separation from power circuits and compliance with bend radius tolerances can make the di erence between stable operation and costly troubleshooting. Similarly, installers are increasingly called upon to interpret emerging standards, from Category 8 copper to OM5 multimode fibre, and to guide clients on what choices will remain resilient against future upgrades.
INNOVATION MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP
While standards bodies and manufacturers drive technological advances, true reliability is forged in the field. Innovation without on-site expertise risks underperformance. Conversely, even the most skilled installer cannot overcome the limits of outdated technology. The future of communication infrastructure will always depend on the intersection of ‘technological innovation × installer capability’. As a community, we must take pride in refining both dimensions – pushing technology forward while maintaining the craftsmanship and discipline required to deliver performance that endures.
WHAT’S NEXT – BEYOND TERABIT ETHERNET
Looking ahead, the industry is already preparing for terabit-class Ethernet, quantum communication and AI-driven networks that dynamically allocate bandwidth and reroute data. Such systems will place even greater demands on cabling infrastructure. Installers will need to be conversant not only with the mechanical aspects of fibre and copper, but also with the physics of optics, thermal management, and even cybersecurity implications of physical layer vulnerabilities.
A CALL TO THE INSTALLER COMMUNITY
As we move into this future, our conviction is clear: no matter how revolutionary the technology, its foundation must remain in trusted, reliable connections. Cables are not simply passive components; they are the invisible framework on which the entire information society depends. The responsibility of ensuring they are designed, installed and maintained to the highest standard lies with all of us: manufacturers, designers and especially installers.
By uniting innovation with craftsmanship, and by holding to the principle of ‘connecting reliably and accurately,’ we can build infrastructures worthy of the next generation. This is not only a technical requirement but also a responsibility to society, ensuring that tomorrow’s digital world stands on a backbone as dependable as it is advanced.
Decent Audio is the UK distributor for AIM
UNDERSTANDING HIGHERCLASS CPR CABLES
In the event of a fire, cables can either be silent heroes that help save lives or unwitting contributors to tragedy. This is why the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) exists — and why choosing the right cable classification has never been more critical. Webro Cables explains.
Since July 2017, all cables permanently installed in buildings across the UK and EU must comply with CPR standards, which assess their reaction to fire performance. The regulation establishes seven distinct classes: Aca, B1ca, B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca, and Fca, ranked by their fire spread rate and heat release characteristics.
Aca and B1ca: The premium tier with advanced materials for the most demanding applications.
B2ca: The superior choice for high-risk environments. This should be your minimum standard for hospitals, schools and nurseries, airports and locations where evacuation may be challenging.
Cca: The UK’s minimum standard for internal telecommunications cables, suitable for commercial o ce environments.
Dca and Eca: Basic compliance levels meeting regulatory requirements.
Fca: Entry-level classification with minimal fire resistance.
The difference between classes isn’t just technical jargon — it’s about real-world consequences. Higher-classification cables like B2ca and Cca provide maximum protection against fire spread. In a fire emergency, these extra minutes can mean the difference between successful evacuation and disaster. Higher-class cables are tested for smoke density, flaming droplets and acid gas emission. A cable rated B2ca s1a d1 a1 offers minimal smoke production and reduced acid emissions — critical for maintaining visibility and air quality during evacuation. B2ca and Cca cables undergo rigorous testing and factory audits, ensuring consistent quality. When it comes to finding the right cable supplier you need a trusted partner that can deliver the right solution in every application. Seek out a cable supplier that o ers a comprehensive selection of higherclass CPR cables. Ideally, the range should span all options from B2ca through to Eca classifications, covering every application from critical infrastructure to commercial installations. E ectively, you’re looking for a team of problem solvers with the technical specialism to guide you through the selection process. This
commitment is best demonstrated through ISO accreditations, along with memberships with industry bodies such as the CAI, CEDIA, KNX and HDBaseT.
Projects can sometimes be delayed when a CPR cable is required that isn’t a stock item. Established cable suppliers with extensive manufacturing partnerships will have the ability to source even the most obscure higher-class CPR cables for unique applications.
Dependable suppliers will provide you with round-the-clock access to a fully stocked warehouse, customised call-o capability and cut-to-length flexibility to reduce waste and optimise project costs.
Next-day delivery to get products where you need them fast should be standard practice.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
In terms of selecting the correct CPR cable for each application, the process should include the following aspects:
RISK ASSESSMENT FIRST
Evaluate the building’s evacuation challenges. High-rise buildings, hospitals, schools and underground facilities demand higher-class cables due to limited escape routes and vulnerable occupants.
FUTURE-PROOFING
Building regulations continue evolving towards higher safety standards. Specifying higherclass CPR cables today protects against future regulatory changes and retrofitting costs.
TOTAL COST
The additional investment in superior fire safety often represents less than 1% of total construction costs but provides immeasurable value in risk mitigation.
MAKING YOUR DECISION
When evaluating higher-class CPR cables, consider: What is the building’s evacuation profile and occupant vulnerability? Are there specific regulatory requirements beyond minimum compliance?
What are the long-term implications of your cable choice? How does cable performance align with overall project risk management?
WHERE HIGHER-CLASS CPR CABLES EXCEL
There are specific industry applications where higher-class cables come into their own:
Transportation Infrastructure: Airports and railway stations require robust performance for mission-critical applications.
All CPR-compliant cables must carry clear identification including CE/UKCA marking and Declaration of Performance (DoP) reference. You should insist on full traceability with comprehensive documentation for every cable supplied. Higher-class cables often incorporate advanced materials requiring careful handling. Cable suppliers’ technical teams should be able to provide installation guidance to ensure optimal performance and warranty compliance.
The construction industry continues evolving towards enhanced fire safety standards. There’s increasing adoption of higher-class CPR cables even where not mandated, as specifiers recognise the value of superior fire performance. Several European countries now require B2ca as a minimum standard for certain applications. By choosing higher-class CPR cables today, you’re future proofing against evolving requirements.
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MARK MY WORDS!
Mark Hardie, KNX Systems Integrator at Function Control Ltd, takes on our tantalising installer quiz.
Tell us a little about your company, what do you specialise in? Who is involved?
I work for Function Control Ltd in Edinburgh, founded in 2013 and I’ve been there since 2018. Currently, there are three of us in the company: Nick Laing the Director, myself and Chris O’Brien are the engineers. We specialise in KNX projects, mostly high-end residential, although we also carry out KNX commissioning sub-contracts for commercial projects like hospitals.
What are doing today work-wise?
Today I’m onsite in the Aberdeenshire area commissioning a large KNX heating and plant room control project alongside another integration company which is carrying out the rest of the smart home integration.
Tell us about the projects you are working on right now?
We have a few high-value projects, some new build, some renovation. All based on KNX with a bit of AV. Currently they are mostly in Edinburgh which is nice, as it saves on some travel time!
Chris has been working in a hospital in Newcastle for a few months, commissioning a KNX/DALI system.
How do you feel the industry in general is going right now?
I find it so di cult to judge, as we are probably the busiest we’ve been for a few years, but lead times on our projects can be one-to-three years from first meeting to completion, making timelines di cult to compare. From speaking to friends in the industry, everyone seems to be doing okay (or at least they say they are!) I think there’s a growing understanding of at least the basics of our industry from the likes of architects which translates into opportunities for us.
What areas of the smart home and luxury AV sector need to improve and how?
Getting the messaging out. Virtually no-one I know outside of the industry has heard of KNX. That said, if I say I work designing and installing smart home tech, the most common reply is, ‘like Nest and Philips Hue?’ so there is some awareness of the industry, even if it is the DIY
side of it. I know CEDIA is pushing forward with the ‘Smart Home Assurance Programme’, so I’m interested to see if that has any bearing going forward, albeit I don’t think it’s something that will have a huge impact in the short term. Some sort of regulation for the industry is probably a good idea, although I don’t profess to know how that would work in principle!
Do you think training needs to be improved? If so, how?
This is so manufacturer-specific. I think it must be di cult to design training to keep up with the pace of change. I do think that some form of smart home knowledge should be integrated into learning, particularly in electrical trades, apprenticeships and courses.
Allowing time for training when time is valuable can be a challenge, but it’s so necessary. So, on a slightly selfish note, more training north of the border! Some manufacturers (SnapOne and Alltrade for example) are starting to make the e ort though.
I really enjoy training, there’s always something you pick up even if you’ve been working with that product/protocol for years.
Is there a project you are particularly proud of and why?
There’s a couple, we had a self-build project from around 2019-2022 that was my first one that I got to do most of the design. Full KNX/Control4 and I carried out the lighting design there too. Our most recent project (the south Edinburgh smart home renovation) was probably my favourite though. The case study goes into more detail, but it was a full strip out and rewire, reusing some of the existing KNX parts. The project has been finished to such a high standard and the feedback from the clients was superb. This project was featured in last month’s issue, so check it out.
Are there any brands or products you particularly like working with, and why?
I’m KNX through and through, so there’s so many brands in that sphere, but I particularly like Zennio, they have some great solutions and their engineering and tech support is excellent. I’m also keen on Gira. I do have a soft spot for Control4 because I’ve been doing it since 2007 and it plays nicely with KNX.
Away from the smart home side, we’ve had a fantastic recent experience with Artcoustic Loudspeakers. Their product and service is superb and they have some great AV solutions. I’m partial to Blustream too – a couple of times a product of theirs has been a ‘Get out of jail’ card.
What is the best and the worst thing that has happened to you on site?
The worst was the phone call I got at 4pm to come back to the o ce before going home to tell me the company I worked for at the time had gone under and that I no longer had a job! I hadn’t been there long enough for redundancy pay either so that was a stressful few weeks before picking up another position. The best might have been the client who gifted me an old Linn system that had been upgraded, so he had no further need for it. That was a nice stereo system for a few years!
What is the most unusual client request you have had?
Nothing too out there, we’ve automated the water feature in a pool to react to voice commands as the switch was in a cupboard. We were also asked to see if we could integrate an automatic cat litter tray, but (probably thankfully) we couldn’t. I wouldn’t have wanted to get calls from the client asking us to come and service that!
How do you see the sector changing in the future?
There’s obviously a lot of talk around AI, but I personally can’t yet see exactly how it will a ect the smart home market. I think there’s definitely potential to streamline some of our processes and programming time and make life easier and quicker in that regard, but I hope there’s
always still a need for a human core at the heart of the project. I know we are much more likely to engage with a client if we’ve had a chance to meet face to face.
Are there persons/organisations/ companies that have been particularly inspirational in your work life?
I don’t know if there’s been anyone particularly inspirational, but I do have to give credit to the guys at James-Morrow for giving me my first job in the industry and Michael Seeland (Jung) for introducing me to KNX. My boss Nick and colleague Chris are pretty awesome too, which makes for a good working environment!
Away from work, what are your interests/hobbies?
Currently, I play softball during the summer and have taken up some tennis coaching and playing doubles earlier this year. I run a bit although that has tailed o a little compared to the last few years. I enjoy reading and pottering in the garden or doing a bit of DIY. My eight and 12 year old sons take up a lot of my time too.
What are your favourite music and films? What are you watching/ listening to right now?
We’ve just started Narcos on Netflix and I enjoyed 3 Body Problem recently. My comfort show is The Office (US), my absolute favourite series of all time are probably Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul
Music-wise, I’m a ‘90s Britpop era kid, but currently on heavy rotation are London Grammar, Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, Niteworks and Kathryn Joseph.
You can invite three people (living or not) out for a meal/drink. Who’s coming and why?
Alex Horne (Taskmaster) just for the party games and chaos he would bring, Anthony Bourdain (chef and author) – he strikes me as a fascinating person to talk to and I feel he’d know the best place to have a meal and Robin Williams for the sheer joy he’d bring to the table.
3 Body Problem is a recent streaming choice
Mixing KNX with Control4 is a popular choice for Mark
our 20
Celebrating
year partnership with Honeywell as specialist distributors to the Custom Installation market.
SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR PERFORMANCE DATA IN THE SMART HOME INDUSTRY
Peter Aylett of O cina Acustica and Cinema Buro and Chair of the CEDIA Standards Committee discusses the need, origins and vision for RP1 following its CEDIA Expo launch.
Where Did RP1 Come From?
For over a decade, there has been a fundamental gap in how performance information is shared in the smart home industry. About 10 years ago, Anthony Grimani – this year’s CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient –began championing a crucial idea: the need for genuine, transparent engineering data in our market sector. While spec sheets are common, their real-world meaning for professionals has often been questionable. A specification might claim “100 watts per channel” or “50 Hertz to 20K” frequency response, but without context and detail, these numbers do little to inform integrators on the best product for their project.
Things look very di erent in the commercial audio world. Visit any pro audio manufacturer at industry shows such as ISE, and you’re likely to be handed a comprehensive document containing raw engineering specifications. This is a business-to-business environment where technical facilities managers and audio professionals demand rigorous data.
The residential world, by contrast, grew out of the hi-fi and consumer electronics marketplace, where such transparency wasn’t prioritised and consumers often lacked the background to dive into detailed engineering facts.
What Is RP1?
RP1, colloquially referred to as “performance facts,” is a new recommended practice being finalised by the CEDIA Standards Committee. The inspiration behind the initiative is akin to the
nutritional information panels you find on food packaging. The idea is to highlight key attributes – those crucial pieces of data that allow for quick, informed decision-making – while still providing the ability to dig deeper into more granular details for those who need them.
The recommended practice asks manufacturers to provide clear, consistent engineering facts about the performance of their products, laid out in an accessible, standardised format. The goal isn’t to judge, rank, or review products, but to provide integrators with reliable facts so that they can make the best possible choices for their clients.
RP1 has been in the making for approximately six years, and the Standards Committee launched the first iteration at CEDIA Expo 2025, which is the industry review version of the RP1-1 loudspeakers recommended practice (the forthcoming documents –amplifiers, AV processors, projectors, screens – are already being worked on). The review period will begin in October and remain open for eight weeks, allowing the industry to process the information and provide feedback to the Standards Committee. Once these have been reviewed and the necessary changes implemented, the document will be properly published.
Why Do We Need RP1?
If the smart home industry aspires to enhance consumer trust and deliver predictable engineered experiences, then robust, standardised performance data is non-negotiable.
In the Integrator of 2027 white paper, we discussed the key processes that integrators need to complete: discovery, design, and engineering. It’s at that stage that performance facts are going to be the most disruptive of all the recommended practices because the data from RP1 will allow integrators to professionally engineer systems. This then justifies integrators charging for their professional services, which let’s face it, in an era where margins are declining, is getting increasingly important.
RP1 is about empowering our industry to become technical authorities and transform the way we communicate and evaluate technology. With this Recommended Practice, the industry will be able to deliver quantifiable, objective information to clients and partners, elevating the professionalism and accountability of CEDIA members globally.
Training and resources, including the recently announced Reference Audio Levels and SPL Capabilities white paper, will ensure that the knowledge and impact of RP1 extend long after the initial launch at CEDIA Expo.
RP1 is the first step towards a broader transformation in the smart home industry. One that values transparency, technical expertise, and professionalism. With this Recommended Practice, CEDIA aims to elevate the industry and lay the groundwork for future documents that will further empower both integrators and build trust with their clients.
For more information, visit cedia.org/standards-best-practices.
WINNER! CENTRAL LONDON MEWS W1
A deserved winner of the ‘Best Whole Home Category’ at the recent Smart Building Awards, this stylish project in the most fashionable of addresses was carried out with maximum e ciency and positive impact by AVINU.
Tucked away near London’s iconic Regent Street in the City of Westminster, this Mews property exemplifies how premium design can be seamlessly integrated with lifestyle home automation, having undergone a complete transformation, evolving the property into a design-led, fully connected smart home.
The AVINU team aligned the most appropriate technology for this project, ensuring it would be robust, elegant and easy to use. This included KNX for control of lighting, heating/air-conditioning and window dressings, using principally GIRA and Zennio products, Control4 for AV, Doorbird video-entry and an ISEO intelligent secure door.
Darryl Roberts, highly experienced and long-serving Managing Director at AVINU, explains, “The project was initiated by the client’s interior designer, who approached AVINU to develop a whole-home control strategy that would match the elegance and high standards of the wider renovation. The goal was to seamlessly integrate elegant ease of home control into a luxury family residence, while maintaining the refined aesthetics throughout the home. AVINU was engaged early to ensure that the smart technology strategy was developed in parallel with the architectural and interior design, along with the client’s lifestyle.”
An aspect of the project that really impressed the judges at the Smart Building Awards was the close relationship with the interior designer and ability to understand and deliver on the aesthetic ambition for the property, just as much as with the automation.
Darryl confirms, “From the outset, this was a design-led project. The property was stripped back to bare walls and reimagined with new heating, cooling, lighting, windows, doors and joinery, designed to marry function with classic style, ensuring every element contributes to the overall aesthetic and comfort of the home.”
Balancing modern and traditional design cues, the interior beautifully captures today’s quintessential ‘London Townhouse’ aesthetic. The transformation complements the building’s history and setting, featuring a sculptural staircase and characteristic large windows that nod to its original features.
A carefully curated neutral colour palette and use of natural materials enhance the timeless interior design, which blends contemporary accents with softer, traditional touches to create an understated yet luxurious atmosphere.
Darryl reveals a little more about the process, “Our design stage brought together all project contractors to help scope and define all aspects of the property’s services. Our drawings and cable schedules represented the blueprint throughout the project lifecycle, delivering clarity over deployment and functionality. During the early project phases, we had to address the limited space available for all containment of plant and connectivity. A strategy was developed introducing multiple control boards integrated into joinery, while still allowing access for service and maintenance.”
During the design phase the AVINU team also promoted the use of singular wall switch control, promoting the benefits of the KNX standard, removing additional wall furniture and yet still ensuring robust and ease of control over heating, cooling and automated window dressings. This enabled the removal of mounted thermostats, AC and blind controllers, further enhancing the look of the space. All of the e ort and attention to detail certainly paid o , as Darryl says, “Our customer feedback has been outstanding. Having held their hand from the outset, promoting clarity over choice, functionality and design, they have
also agreed to have a case study to showcase their wonderful home.”
The customer commented, “We are delighted to share our experience with AVINU, which recently completed the automation of our central London apartment. From the outset, their commitment to delivering high-quality service was clear and the outcome has far exceeded our expectations.
“The entire team at AVINU displayed remarkable professionalism, creativity and a genuine passion for their work. We were particularly impressed by the technicians Brad and Tom who handled the on-site installation.
They were not only highly skilled but also friendly, respectful and approachable, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the project. Their attention to detail and willingness to address our questions made the process smooth and enjoyable.”
The client also said, “The automation systems they installed have transformed our home into a more e cient, convenient, comfortable and fun space. From smart lighting, opening and closing of curtains and blinds and HVAC control to enhanced security features, every aspect of the automation works really well, enhancing our daily lifestyle. We truly appreciate the dedication and expertise of everyone at AVINU. If you’re considering a project like ours, we wholeheartedly recommend them for their outstanding service and results.”
Darryl also underlines the importance and impact of the project, “Working alongside others in our industry, namely MyKNXStore and GIRA, we have demonstrated to both clients and their project management team an innovative approach to current intelligent building design and delivery. Not only have we fullfilled our brief of design-led ease of lifestyle control, but have also introduced automation of services promoting energy e ciency from bespoke logic programming and occupancy sensors, reducing energy on lighting, heating and cooling when areas are unoccupied.”
An aspect of the project that was not entirely in the hands of the A VINU team was the home cinema due to an existing relationship with an AV friend of the customer who deployed the screen, projection and audio. However, it was AVINU who set it all up, introducing ease of control via the Control4 platform and the remote that was supplied and programmed.
Darryl adds, “And we also have a KNX gateway so our clients get lighting scene control depending on film or TV, along with the associated comfort area HVAC values and of course automated shading when required.”
Darryl also explains, “This media area was always part of the requirements from the outset. Having already supported the client and
team with other aspects of joinery integration, we were also able to support the AV chap with making sure his equipment integrated into the sitting area joinery. We did suggest he consider a short-throw strategy as we had su cient joinery depth to integrate and mitigate a ceiling mounted approach.
DESERVED WINNER
Ultimately, this project was a very deserving winner in the Whole Home Category of the Smart Building Awards. The pressure was on in this design-led project in a high-end residence, but the team surpassed the client’s expectations as the project exemplified how premium design can be seamlessly integrated with lifestyle home
automation, evolving the property into a fully connected smart home.
AVINU developed a design strategy to seamlessly integrate home control into a luxury family residence, maintaining the aesthetics throughout the home, using singular wall controls, promoting the use of KNX to avoid additional wall furniture, but ensuring robust and easy control. Control4 was used to provide ease of control over the audio-visual requirements for the project, ensuring each aspect of the home has the most appropriate interface and back end to deliver world-class results. Congratulations to AVINU!
AVINU avinu.co.uk
Matching control points to the aesthetic of the home was important
Essential Kit List
• Zennio 55 RTC controllers
• Gira Esprit surround frames
• Sanus racks
• Araknis networking
• OVrC IP management
• Wattbox power management/control
• Doorbird
• Control4 control and integration
• Luma CCTV
• KNX control backbone
• Gira Pushbutton Sensor 4 (in bronze)
• Gira X1
• Gira S1
HAVING IT LARGE WITH MONITOR AUDIO
Monitor Audio has announced an expansion to the Creator Series with the introduction of three new In-Wall large speakers, alongside a range of onwall and on-ceiling Mount Boxes.
The maker says the new large-format Creator Series In-Wall speakers extend the range for projects requiring greater output, scale and presence. Created for larger rooms, open-plan living spaces and dedicated cinema and media environments, the models have been created to deliver highimpact performance – with extended bass and dynamic headroom. The speakers also harness Monitor Audio’s acoustic expertise, across three performance levels to deliver accurate, room-filling sound with minimal distortion. A discreet design ethic maintains the Creator Series ethos of near-invisible integration without compromising on audio quality.
Each Creator Series In-Wall Large speaker incorporates core design innovations from the range, including the patent-pending Quik-Link, which enables pre-cabling and termination before the speaker is fitted. The speakers also come with Tri-Grip II dog-legs for a stronger, more secure fixing, alongside advanced metal-cone technologies. For added flexibility, a dedicated back box is available for each model.
As with all Creator Series speakers, there are three performance tiers available. W1L is a two-way arrangement featuring C-CAM (CeramicCoated Aluminium Magnesium) mid-bass drivers and C-CAM tweeter featuring UD waveguide I for dispersion control and improved imaging.
W2L is a three-way arrangement featuring RST II (Rigid Surface Technology) mid-bass and bass drivers, C-CAM tweeter featuring UD Waveguide II for even greater dispersion control and improved imaging, and a rotational mid-pod for LCR placement.
2N: SAFE AS HOUSES
2N has introduced the 2N Fortis, a wireless, battery-powered electronic lock featuring secure, keyless access. Coming in two variants, Handle and Cylinder, it is tailored for new residential and office builds as well as retrofits. Fortis smart locks complete 2N’s end-to-end access control solution, delivering convenience, reliability and enhanced security.
Fortis enables residents to unlock their apartments or o ces with a single RFID credential and, in the future, mobile credentials as well. This unified experience ensures seamless entry without the need for keys – from street to suite.
Installation is quick and e cient thanks to its wireless, modular design, which requires no cables or special tools and is compatible with most European doors. The result is a convenient retrofit option that cuts labour costs while expanding security to areas where cabling is not an option.
An outdoor-rated version of the Cylinder is also available, ensuring the same convenience and reliability even in exposed environments. For growing developments already using 2N intercoms and readers, adding additional locks takes only minutes, making the solution scalable and adaptable.
Everyday protection is assured through encrypted communication, a protected
W3L is a three-way arrangement featuring RDT III bass drivers, C-CAM mid-driver, MPD II Transducer, and a rotational mid-pod for LCR placement. With three highly distinctive models, covering Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 performance-levels at three price points, the In-Wall Large models bring straightforward installation and meet Monitor Audio’s ‘Performancefirst’ ethos – a distinctive characteristic of the entire Creator Series.
Monitor Audio monitoraudio.com
security core and durable construction, giving users confidence in their safety. Clear LED signalling also makes operation intuitive, guiding users through daily use and notifying them when the battery requires replacement.
Fortis is already a native part of the 2N access control ecosystem, fully integrated with 2N Access Commander for centralised management.
2N
2n.com
The Mount Boxes partnering the speakers provide integrators with the ability to position any Creator Series speaker in almost any interior
TRINNOV REACHES A NEW ALTITUDE
Trinnov Audio has launched AltitudeCI, a fully networked, Audio-over-IP (AoIP) processor designed specifically for the custom integration (CI) market.
Built to be scalable, flexible and compact, AltitudeCI has been created to deliver premium immersive audio for projects ranging from high-end media rooms to DCI-grade private cinemas.
AltitudeCI is the first processor in its class to o er native support for both Dante and Ravenna/AES67, o ering compatibility across consumer and professional audio infrastructures, says the maker. This architecture enables direct integration with Dolby Atmos and DCI servers via AES67, while managing output through Dante without the need for external converters.
AltitudeCI also brings Trinnov’s performance within reach for a wider range of premium installations: it introduces a modular licensing model that allows integrators to specify channel count in 2-channel increments. AltitudeCI is available in configurations from 8 to 32 channels, with a custom 64-channel version arriving in 2026. Upgrades can be activated remotely via Trinnov’s extranet, maximising long-term flexibility.
AltitudeCI includes Trinnov’s full suite of proprietary active acoustics technologies, including Optimizer 3D, WaveForming and Remapping.
These technologies are delivered via Trinnov’s exclusive software-based platform with 64-bit floating-point processing – powerful architecture that enables strong audio fidelity and future-ready expansion potential.
AltitudeCI is built with installers in mind. The streamlined 2RU chassis includes eight analogue outputs, suitable for active subwoofer WaveForming applications or 7.1 systems. HDMI support (4 in, 2 out) ensures compatibility with matrix-based video systems. AltitudeCI also has three independently configurable Ethernet ports, including two with SFP cages, supporting robust network
architectures with separated or redundant control, audio and service tra c.
The maker reports that system setup has been streamlined. The newly redesigned Altitude user interface features a guided calibration workflow, making Trinnov’s tuning tools more user-friendly while preserving expert-level control.
To complete the AoIP ecosystem, Trinnov now o ers an optional Dante input board for the award-winning Amplitude16 multichannel amplifier. This addition enables end-to-end AoIP signal flow from processor to amplifier. Trinnov trinnov.com
madVR LABS UNLEASHES NEXT GEN ENVY EXTREME MK3 AND CORE MK2
madVR Labs has announced the next generation of its Envy video processors – the Envy Extreme MK3 8K-48G, Envy Pro MK3 8K-48G and Envy Core MK2 8K-48G. These models introduce HDMI 2.1 with full 48 Gbps input and output support, advanced GPUs and groundbreaking features for both cinema enthusiasts and gamers, including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support on the input and output up to 360hz.
The Envy Core MK2 builds on the Core MK1 and delivers hardware advances, including a powerful NVIDIA 5060 GPU, a more robust CPU and doubled RAM. It is 8K-ready, with support for HDMI 2.1 and full 48 Gbps input and output bandwidth for the highest-quality signals today and into the future.
For users seeking full 8K input/output upscaling and processing and the most aggressive low-latency gaming, the Core MK2 Premium package unlocks these capabilities, and adds other features such as patent-pending Dynamic Subtitle Overlay, and doubles the warranty from two to four years.
Replacing the Pro MK2, the Envy Pro MK3 features the NVIDIA 5060 GPU and HDMI 2.1 with full 48 Gbps support and advanced gaming capabilities, while enabling upscaling and processing for 5K and 8K with support for future
AI algorithms. Positioned between the Core and Extreme, it o ers a premium case, extended warranty and future AI powered features.
The Envy Extreme MK3 replaces the Extreme MK2 and raises the bar for flagship video processing. Featuring the powerful NVIDIA 5080 GPU, it provides impressive processing power and headroom for today’s demanding algorithms and tomorrow’s exclusive AI-driven advancements. It also features HDMI 2.1 with full 48 Gbps input and output support.
The Extreme MK3 includes several industry-first features, MotionAI, the world’s first AI motion interpolation without the Soap Opera E ect; Geometry Correction for aligned projection even with o -axis, curved, or anamorphic lens setups without compromise; eligibility for future paid hardware upgrades and a five-year warranty.
madVR
madvrenvy.com
Trinnov has packed its more powerful tech into a CI-friendly package
Contact UK distributor Invision UK/Pulse Cinemas for pricing
STRAIGHT SHOOTING FROM ARTCOUSTIC
Artcoustic has introduced the SL C-4-1 Soundbar, a dedicated centre channel engineered for clear dialogue, wide dispersion and powerful dynamics. Although compact, the C-4-1 has the headroom and control that professional installers expect for premium projects.
At the heart of the C-4-1 Soundbar is a sophisticated five-driver array: four 3in longthrow midrange units flank a 2in high-definition ring-radiator tweeter.
The manufacturer says this layout delivers excellent speech intelligibility with pinpoint vocal accuracy and minimal distortion, even at elevated listening levels. High-frequency performance is notably extended, with response up to 40 kHz and a sensitivity around 98 dB (1W/1m, ±2 dB), giving a clean output and dynamics from a slim enclosure.
While conceived as a compact centre for home cinema, the C-4-1 is equally comfortable beyond the theatre. Rotate it vertically and it becomes a refined on-wall loudspeaker for media rooms and living spaces – ideal wherever the brief demands both performance and a discreet footprint.
Thanks to Artcoustic’s modular ba e system, the soundbar aligns neatly with
BLUES ALIVE!
Bluesound has introduced two new streaming soundbars, the PULSE CINEMA and PULSE CINEMA MINI. These all-in-one systems represent a top-to-bottom redesign of Bluesound’s soundbars, combining immersive audio performance, clean low-profile design and intuitive setup in two form factors designed to fit perfectly with any sized TV.
The PULSE CINEMA is a premium 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar featuring 16 speaker drivers, upfiring speakers and BluOS multi-room streaming, delivering sound for 55in TVs and up.
Meanwhile, the PULSE CINEMA MINI brings the same design and acoustic engineering to smaller-size spaces and secondary TVs, making it the perfect sound system for bedrooms, dens, or apartments.
Whether wall-mounted in a living room or placed beneath a bedroom TV, both soundbars eliminate the need for bulky receivers, complicated wiring, or multi-channel setups.
PULSE CINEMA is a 47in multi-room streaming soundbar built for cinematic performance, featuring 500W of total system power and a driver array that includes a dedicated centre channel, dual 4in woofers and dedicated upfiring speakers. The result is a 3D soundstage that enhances everything from films and games to music and sports.
displays and architectural elements for a tailored, built-in look. The shallow profile supports multiple installation paths, including on-wall, in-wall and free-standing, so installers can specify the same acoustic signature across diverse room concepts.
Aesthetics are as flexible as the acoustics. Customers can choose standard black or white, or any NCS 1950/2050 or RAL Classic colour to match the interior.
Artcoustic artcoustic.com
The product is also fully compatible with Control4, Crestron, RTI and other control systems and it is available in a sleek black finish with a dark grey fabric grille.
PULSE CINEMA MINI is a compact 33in soundbar delivering 280W of total system power and an immersive experience with angled drivers and dual 4in woofers. This model is ideal for tighter setups and installations. This also works with Control4, Crestron, RTI and
others and is available in a black finish with a dark grey fabric grille, or a white finish with a tan fabric grille.
Both models support HDMI eARC, optical and analogue inputs and o er flexible placement options, including automatic DSP-powered orientation detection that eliminates the need for manual tuning when wall mounted. Bluesound bluesound.com
BluOS, Bluesound’s multi-room audio platform is also on-board
The SL C-4-1 slots into an existing Artcoustic ecosystem and provides a clear step up in intelligibility and integration flexibility
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH FROM ARCAM
New from ARCAM are the A5+, A15+ and A25+, a trio of integrated amplifiers that build on the DNA of the outgoing A5, A15 and A25 with upgraded circuitry, refined components and intelligent power management, achieving enhanced performance.
Each amplifier incorporates ARCAM’s latest Bluetooth 5.4 platform, featuring Snapdragon Sound (AptX Lossless) for bit-perfect CDquality streaming, LE Audio and Auracast, which allows one-to-many wireless playback without the need for pairing.
Both the A15+ and A25+ now include HDMI eARC – a connectivity upgrade over their predecessors. The Class G-powered
A25+ also gains a precision-cut glass front panel that sharpens and brightens the display, complementing the ST25 streaming partner. It receives the most substantial update of the new threesome, with a new transformer featuring a dedicated winding for the digital and DAC circuitry, double linear regulation in the analogue power supplies and further power and mains filtering refinements to lower impedance and enhance overall clarity.
The transformer upgrades in both the A15+ and A25+ further reduce unwanted current within the chassis; meanwhile, the A5+ benefits from component refinements that cut PCB interference and lower power supply
impedance. The A25+ design also incorporates an ESS9018 DAC dedicated to SPDIF inputs, further improving audio fidelity.
Noise reduction remains a key engineering focus. By selectively powering down idle components, the overall noise floor is significantly decreased. For example, the DAC PCB is powered down when an analogue input is used; the Bluetooth and HDMI modules are powered o with the Autoswitch features disabled; and the trigger input is powered down when no cable is connected – all measures that contribute to a cleaner power supply environment.
ARCAM arcam.co.uk
THEORY AUDIO DESIGN EYES A GAP IN THE MARKET
Theory Audio Design has announced the ic5 high-output in-ceiling loudspeaker. Little brother to the ic6 (6.5in inceiling loudspeaker), the ic5 (5in in-ceiling loudspeaker) o ers what the brand is calling ‘astonishing performance’ from a smaller aperture.
A discreet and highly capable solution, the ic5 is ideal for residential or commercial installations, surround sound or distributed audio.
Due to its sealed design and optional all-weather grille, it o ers specifiers and installers a solution for outdoor applications, including marine. ic5 also o ers a maximum output of 108dB thanks to the advanced polymer compression drivers and 5in carbon fibre woofer.
For large, distributed installs, the ic5 includes a switchselectable 70V/100v transformer that can be driven directly by Theory’s DLC Series Loudspeaker Controllers.
“Theory customers have been waiting in anticipation for the ic5, but Theory’s brand promise is to not bring any product to market unless we know we can deliver the best performance available in any given product category,” says Marc Bertrand, CSO for Theory Audio Design. “The ic5 is finally here and I can say with confidence we have kept our promise. I can’t wait for Theory customers to hear its performance capabilities.”
Theory Audio Design theoryprofessional.com
The ARCAM A5+, A15+, and A25+ are available now
The ic5 will begin shipping worldwide later in September 2025.
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