Get reliable audio designed to withstand everything nature wants to throw at it with Episode Extreme and Surroundscape audio solutions.
GETTING IN TOUCH
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Kelly Byne, kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com
GROUP AD MANAGER
Claire Talty-Huelin, claire@allthingsmedialtd.com
CEO
David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com
STUDIO MANAGER
Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS susan@allthingsmedialtd.com
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
Over the past few years, homeowners across the UK have fully embraced the idea that their gardens, patios and terraces are just as much a part of the home as the kitchen or living room. No longer simply places for occasional summer barbecues, outdoor spaces are now being transformed into fully-fledged entertainment zones, complete with the same level of quality and technology we expect indoors.
Driven by lifestyle trends that put greater emphasis on wellbeing, leisure and flexible living, demand for high-quality exterior AV and automation solutions has surged. Outdoor TVs, landscape audio, smart lighting, heating and even motorised shading systems are becoming
essential ingredients in creating outdoor environments that can be enjoyed all year round, not just during a few sunny months.
This trend opens up an exciting opportunity for integrators. There is huge potential for extending existing customers’ systems beyond the four walls of the house, offering a natural upgrade that can dramatically enhance the overall experience. Equally, there’s a growing market of new customers who see improving their exterior spaces as a priority — whether that’s creating the ultimate outdoor cinema experience, designing a fully automated al fresco kitchen, or simply extending multiroom audio to the garden.
Importantly, respected brands are now delivering dedicated outdoor solutions. This means homeowners no longer have to compromise on quality when taking their systems outside. The same reliability,
performance and elegant design that customers enjoy indoors can now seamlessly continue outside, helping to create exterior spaces that feel like a genuine extension of the home.
The opportunities here are broad and growing. Whether it’s tapping into the luxury sector with bespoke outdoor cinemas or offering more accessible upgrades like weatherproof speakers and garden lighting controls, there’s a solution for every project and every customer.
In this special supplement, we explore some of the latest innovations, key products and real-world projects that demonstrate just how vibrant and rewarding this sector has become. There’s never been a better time to help your customers unlock the full potential of their outdoor spaces — and to grow your business by doing so.
BIG COUNTRY!
The UK market for exterior AV and automation presents a big opportunity says support specialist Sanus.
Despite the somewhat unpredictable weather in the UK, getting outdoors is big business. We love walking, hiking and cycling and we’re even the biggest market in Europe for convertible cars – so it seems the Brits aren’t the least bit phased by the prospect of enjoying time outside. And the same is true of outdoor entertainment, with a rise in outdoor living spaces, including specifically designed and constructed outdoor rooms with kitchens, bars and entertainment areas full of smart home technology.
“Sharing the big game, or watching a movie outside with friends around the fire-pit – it is the UK after all – is a trend we have seen increase significantly,” says Dean Carroll, International Sales Director – Consumer, Legrand AV. “Of course, installing electronics and mounting a TV outside presents challenges, but it’s one that the Sanus R&D team has worked hard to overcome with a range of outdoor mounts for screens and audio products.”
Exterior substrates can be very different to those found indoors and there are climate issues that need to be addressed. The Sanus exterior TV mounts are manufactured with a corrosion-
resistant coating to withstand the harshest of conditions and the mounting hardware is made from high-quality stainless-steel bolts and fixtures, providing a safe and secure installation.
Exterior screens also tend to be on the larger side, with products like Samsung’s ‘The Terrace’ at 75in and it’s also important to be able to manoeuvre the screen to adjust for the ambient light conditions to eliminate glare. The two models in the Sanus range can accommodate screens up to 95in in size – so futureproofed for larger screens as they are introduced – and can be tilted, in the case of the VODLT1 and offer full motion movement in the case of the VODLF125.
“And, from an audio perspective, our engineers have worked closely with Sonos over a number of years to develop products for use with Sonos speakers and soundbars etc. This includes an exterior grade mount for the Sonos Move speaker,” explains Dean. “This enables the Move to be used to enhance the TV sound outside, or simply to provide music via streaming services, making truly high-quality audio and video experiences outdoors a reality.”
Sanus sanus.com
GROW YOUR OUTDOOR BUSINESS WITH ADI | SNAP ONE
The UK has witnessed a big surge in the popularity of outdoor entertainment systems, transforming gardens into rich, immersive entertainment spaces that are perfect for socialising, rest and relaxation. Here, Snap One customers Angus Murray of New Wave AV and Chris Mitchell of Connected Installation share their thoughts on the sector and the key factors for installers to consider.
The expansion in outdoor business for integrators can be attributed to a powerful combination of factors. More and more homeowners are expressing a demand to enjoy their outdoor spaces, entertain with ease, and move seamlessly between indoor and ‘al fresco’ living. It’s clear that spending more time at home during the pandemic encouraged people to head outside whenever they could and connect with nature. That trend has continued with a growing appreciation for the health and wellness benefits that such increased outdoor connection can bring. People are also using their gardens more as personalised and private entertainment spaces to host parties, entertainment and events for friends and family.
“In recent times, we’ve seen plenty of growth in our deployment of smart technology for gardens,” says Angus Murray of Kent-based New Wave AV. “It’s got to the point where there’s not a single whole home installation over the last five years where we haven’t extended our system from inside the home to outside. Audio, lighting and control are all significant elements in this respect, helping us deliver
seamlessly integrated technology solutions that deliver a great experience for anyone using their outdoor spaces.”
Technology innovation has improved significantly to help installers take advantage of these opportunities and meet the aesthetic and performance challenges faced in this type of project. Having explored the various options on the market, Chris Mitchell from Connected Installation in Cheshire is now a big advocate of Episode Radiance from ADI | Snap One. This impressive all-in-one bollard-style music and lighting solution removes many of the pain points associated with outdoor installations, for both integrators and their clients.
“Episode Radiance is a great outdoor option,” explains Chris. “The client often wants lighting and audio for their garden. With Radiance we have a light that always works, in a style that all clients are comfortable having around their seating area, and that produces crystal clear sound.”
Angus agrees. “Episode Radiance is a fantastic solution. It gives us great flexibility and as a combined lighting and audio solution it really simplifies the installation process.”
The dual functionality of Episode Radiance is a big time-saver as it only requires one, easyto-fit two-conductor burial wire to produce highquality audio and the perfect ambient lighting for entertainment. As clients increasingly want a simple solution with minimal impact on landscaped gardens, Episode Radiance provides the ideal answer.
Installation is further simplified as the full range of bollards within Radiance are designed for 70v amplification. Selectable 70v tap settings allow for detailed tuning and balancing of the sound at each bollard, which means the individual volume can be set while the entire system is adjusted as a whole.
This simplicity doesn’t mean the units lack power, however. The bollard speaker allows for a 360o radiating sound signature compared to the more focused directional sound signature of today’s landscape product offerings. The subwoofer utilises a 10in long-throw woofer mounted in a completely sealed cabinet, and, for a lifetime of dependable entertainment, each model is finished in a UV protected finish and IP66 certified.
Chris adds, “When operating them, even at 50%, Episode Radiance delivers rich and detailed audio. It’s the perfect ambience as background music for a conversation, or simply to relax to and enjoy in the garden. It’s got a great, clear balance to it. At the same time, if you wish to turn them up a bit for a social gathering, they have a depth that makes them ideal for barbecues and parties.”
This performance flexibility is increasingly important in the design of outdoor audio systems. “Clients are zoning their garden spaces into different areas for cooking and food preparation, relaxing, play, partying and more. As integrators we need to respond with customised audio solutions that can provide the level of experience required,” says Angus. “Using the speakers that we now install outdoors, we can create zones of audio to suit the application, and control volume levels and sources much more effectively and flexibly using Control4. This trend is a great opportunity for integrators to provide better, tailored solutions. And as these environments become more sophisticated, so we can also look at controlling other garden elements beyond audio and lighting, such as, outdoor heating, automated awnings, fountains and more.”
NEW ADDITION
Recently joining Episode Radiance in the ADI | Snap One portfolio is the Episode Surroundscape Series. This new series is as an upgrade to the Episode Landscape range and offers high-performance audio in various weather conditions, with the flexibility to create a concert-like experience outdoors with reliable performance and easy installation. Episode Surroundscape features Satellite Speakers, Burial Subwoofers, a Hardscape Subwoofer, and mounting accessories. Satellite speakers have expanded tap settings, wide sound dispersion, and reformulated UV paint to reduce fading while the quick-connect mounting system features an integrated wiring block for fast and simple installation. There’s also improved reliability with a new aluminium design for the satellite speakers and stronger mounting options.
Meanwhile, Episode Extreme is ADI | Snap One’s innovative, purpose-built weatherproof speaker, designed to withstand the extreme conditions for water, wind and temperature. With an integrated rear enclosure that minimises water ingress, this speaker is perfect for outdoor decking areas which may experience high winds, above average rainfall and storms during the year, high salinity coastal or marine environments and saunas. Available in 6in and 8in sizes with replacement grilles in black and white, these speakers include an integrated rear enclosure, sealed directly from the factory to minimise water ingress while speaker grille pins can withstand Cat1 hurricane force wind conditions.
In developing these solutions, we share the same goal as our integrators and their clients –the ability to extend the living space outdoors for year-round entertainment and enjoyment. As more and more people seek to connect with their garden spaces so the market for outdoor entertainment systems in the UK will continue to expand. To capitalise on the opportunity existing Snap One customers can learn more about the Episode range https://dealer-emea. control4.com/. To find out more about ADI | Snap One and apply to be a partner please visit https://www.snapone.com/emea.
L-ACOUSTICS X SERIES TRANSFORMS OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE IN IBIZA
Concept Installations delivered this highperformance sound system for a luxury Ibiza villa, exceeding the homeowner’s requirements.
On the island of Ibiza, outdoor spaces provide a natural extension to the home, offering an idyllic retreat to make the most of the 300 days of sunshine that the Balearics enjoy. A highperformance sound system from L-Acoustics is helping one homeowner to do just this in a multi-functional ‘al fresco’ sanctuary which acts as the chosen place not just for relaxation, as they soak up the stunning views, but also for hosting parties for up to 100 guests at a time.
This spectacular villa project began as a garden landscaping scheme led by local design studio and architecture firm, Terravita, with the goal of bringing the client’s dream outdoor living space to life. Local integrator, Concept Installations, were initially engaged to work alongside Terravita to design and install lighting across the entire garden.
The focal point of the lighting project became the main pergola, an impressive open structure finished in precision-engineered black timber. Both an outdoor lounge by day
for enjoying the sensational views over the island, and a breathtaking pavilion for hosting social gatherings by night, the pergola is a multi-functional space that requires integrated systems to serve their purpose and be aesthetically discreet.
In collaboration with Terravita, Concept Installations delivered a solution that weaves light seamlessly into the pergola and connects the space to its evening backdrop. To amplify the experience further, the client required high performance speakers that could fill the area beneath the pergola with rich and dynamic sound, adding both depth and texture to the space. Concept Installations introduced the client to L-Acoustics, a brand that offered the perfect aesthetic match for the pergola and supported the range and fidelity of sound to match the client’s range of musical genres.
“He was blown away when he visited our showroom,” says Concept Installations, Director, Robert Cashin. “To be honest, we’ve a very modest L-Acoustics system there, but the sound it generates is amazing. The client couldn’t believe how well it performed. As a result, it was an easy decision for him to
bring the L-Acoustics sound to transform the experience of the pergola space.”
Supported by the L-Acoustics expert team of design and calibration specialists, Concept Installations utilised the company’s advanced Soundvision 3D audio modelling and sound design tools to optimise speaker selection, placement and performance. This ensured that the audio solution was designed and tailored for every conceivable purpose and function.
“Using Soundvision, we were able to show the client exactly the audio performance that we would deliver. I really love the way that L-Acoustics can help us do that,” Robert enthuses.
PRODUCT DETAIL
Four X6i loudspeakers with two SB10i subwoofers were specified for this dynamic outdoor space. The passive coaxial X6i loudspeaker features an elegant, streamlined design and matching finish that integrates discreetly into the pergola’s setting while providing clear, studio-like sound. When paired with a subwoofer, as in this application, it boasts a maximum SPL of 123 dB, frequency response down to 69 Hz and a wide dispersion pattern. Equipped with a single 10in driver and 27 Hz bandwidth limit, the high-powered SB10i is an incredibly small and efficient subwoofer, measuring only 540 x 540 x 170 mm and weighing a mere 15kg, to provide visually discreet, high-performance low frequency sound. An LA4X amplified controller
ensures this installation packs all the power needed while providing professional audio grade reliability.
The results have been spectacular. At this villa, the music is always on, adding a touch of magic wherever you are in the garden.
“This system delivers everything the client wanted and more,” Cashin concludes. “It has all the precision and detail he was looking for, and the power to scale up for party use as well. The client has already installed additional L-Acoustics speakers by the pool. He’s now
asked us to introduce the L-Acoustics sound into two additional pergola spaces, currently under construction. Like us, he’s fallen for L-Acoustics, wants more and is now on a new journey with the brand.”
Concept Installations concept-installations.com
L-Acoustics l-acoustics.com
The customer has fallen in love with the performance of L-Acoustics
GRAND DESIGNS FOR GARDEN SOUND
Integrators can rely on CUK’s product choices and design support for mid to high-end outdoor audio projects says MD Stuart Thomson.
The fact that outdoor audio accounts for a tiny percentage of the UK’s CI marketplace hasn’t stopped manufacturers from supplying a dazzling array of products designed to distribute high quality audio al fresco. So much so that the challenge of choosing between them is almost as demanding as the technical conundrums posed by free-air environments. With so many variables in play, there will always
be new design challenges, even for old hands at the outdoor game. We can help. CUK’s proven record of success in supporting commercial outdoor audio installations of all sizes, as well as upscaled residential projects gives us the means to support yours with product ideas and design services. Backed by versatile Powersoft amplification options and targeted at the midto-luxury market where the data shows that growth is strongest, CUK brands like Focal and Architettura Sonora will deliver extra creativity to your repertoire.
ALL WEATHER FOR ALL BUDGETS
For the mid-market, Focal’s Littora OD series offers an extremely competitive proposition. Coming from France’s leading high-end speaker designer, the compact range arrives freighted with all the technical prowess you’d expect, and with a level of design quality, aesthetic elegance, practicality and durability that’s rare in an outdoor sat/sub system. Equipped with proprietary ‘Iris IP Cone’ drivers and aluminium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome tweeters, switchable 8Ω/70/100V compatibility and IP55 protection, Littora OD SAT 5, 5-inch/2way in-ground satellites can be combined with the OD Stone 8, 8in/2-way on-ground stone speakers and/or OD SUB 12, 12-inch in-ground subwoofers in a choice of colours for beautifully discreet, high-performance sound in mid-sized garden spaces and for very modest budgets. Amazingly, given the pedigree, the Stone 8 can deliver full-range audio at £499 Ex VAT retail, and the OD 4.1 system of SAT 5s and SUB 12 retails for as little as £2,499 Ex VAT! This means durable, aesthetically superior design at killer prices for a huge range of outdoor audio projects rising in scale and ambition to the handover with our luxury Archittetura Sonora line.
Architettura Sonora’s stylish full-range ‘Cube’ speaker in natural black marble
CUK brands like Focal and Architettura Sonora will deliver extra creativity to your design repertoire
LUXURY OPTIONS
If you’ve yet to encounter Architettura Sonora, it has a peerless provenance, coming from B&C speakers, one of the largest and most prestigious professional loudspeaker transducer manufacturers in the world. AS is designed by engineers who really understand transducers and electro acoustics. Its outdoor systems feature sophisticated full-range dual concentric ‘point-source’ configurations of horn loaded Mylar diaphragm compression drivers and 6-inch long-excursion woofers, firing downward onto a proprietary acoustic lens for 360° sound dispersion. These are precisely engineered prodriver designs with hi-fi performance, built for high quality ambient sound in the home and perfect for wide, uniform coverage outside.
Architettura Sonora’s distinctive on-ground, Sphere, Cylinder, Cube and Cubino models and ceiling/floor Spherina models reflect fullrange time-coherent sound outwards with integrity for up to 10 metres in all directions, and they’re engineered with pro sensibilities to deliver high volume levels without distortion reliably over many years for commercial and residential applications. Matching full-range and subwoofer versions (supplied with or without internal crossovers) allow for the design of aesthetically consistent wide bandwidth systems for a variety of project sizes. And while most AS systems feature 6in long-excursion woofers, there’s support for deeper bass from the ‘Big Cylinder’ model, which deploys an 8in
driver, and the ‘Cube-400Ten’ with a 10-inch driver. In addition, a dedicated subwoofer model, the 12in Cube2LV is available, as well as 100V line options for Sphere, Cylinder, Cube and Cubino models.
UNIQUE AESTHETICS, NATURALLY
But great sound is just part of the story. To perfect Architettura Sonora’s signature aesthetic and acoustic results, the choice of models in different shapes, sizes and deployments is supported by the ability to blend high quality audio with a wide choice of natural stone or concrete enclosures, making AS designs a natural complement to any outdoor setting while providing the ideal non-resonant acoustic environments for its driver systems. These are either cast from concrete in black, grey, red and white or machined from the finest natural white/black marble or classic/ walnut travertine limestone. Particularly fastidious customers can order from a range of over 100 custom stones, as well as special ‘Klondike’ finishes for a ‘monogramed’ degree of exclusivity. The stones will of course have inherently unique qualities for a one-of-a-kind design appeal, which is enhanced by a choice of colours/materials for the trims and other metalwork. As a finishing touch, the aesthetic impact is boosted by integral LED mood lighting options for every model save the Cubino, Cube 2LV and Spherina Floor designs.
Nothing is mass produced, everything custom finished. The Architettura Sonora range brings something truly unique to your projects and allows your proposals and designs to stand out while meeting the demands for exclusivity and individuality from designers and customers.
COMPLETE SYSTEM SUPPORT
And when you’ve matched the speaker brand with the budget and application, we can help you to master age-old outdoor audio design challenges with further brand introductions. For instance, equalising SPLs from satellites at varying distances from the listening area is made easier with multi-channel amplifiers from Powersoft, built to drive any topology (70/100V or low impedance). Powersoft allows you to assign individual amplifier channels to specific speakers and deploy onboard DSP to ease the commissioning process. Built-in limiters will ensure the system remains protected even from the wildest of parties. And when subwoofer positioning can add a further layer of complexity in compensating for time and level differences, all of this can be handled by the management within the amplifier. Powersoft’s prodigious and versatile power density, sharing and EQ will also optimise the performance of other high-quality speaker systems available from CUK, such as TruAudio’s excellent OP Series of outdoor on-walls, and its innovative 10 and 12-inch ‘SubTerrain Pro’ subwoofers, fully accessible from the top to avoid the upheaval of digging them out to fault-find.
Challenged by free-air acoustics, outdoor audio represents a potential minefield for designers tasked with living up to customer expectations. Any number of unanticipated complexities can ruin best laid plans and reputations. CUK Group can help you to avoid the pitfalls and add value at all levels with a technical team dedicated to system design and commissioning using uniquely capable products custom picked for great sound and in a style your customers will love. Our experience means that outstanding all weather outcomes for the mid-market up can be easier to accomplish with CUK on your side.
To explore capabilities for your future projects and talk to us about help with system design and specification, please contact:
The full-range AS ‘Sphere’ in natural stone will blend beautifully with garden settings
Focal’s Littora OD series: high-performance sound in mid-sized garden spaces for very modest budgets
DBM DELIVERS IMMERSIVE AND HIGH-QUALITY OUTDOOR AUDIO EXPERIENCES
Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales at DbM and Jose Coelho, International Business Director for Ambisonic Systems, present the opportunities around exterior audio.
Whether it’s for relaxing by the pool, hosting a party in the garden, or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, outdoor audio is quickly becoming a key component of the modern home.
Audio has started to be recognised as being just as crucial as lighting in creating the ideal atmosphere in homes and gardens.
For a long time, outdoor audio meant little more than a Bluetooth speaker placed on a garden table, which has always confused us as it would never be considered sufficient inside the home. This has changed and now, as homeowners increasingly invest in high-end landscaping, swimming pools, outdoor gyms, and play areas, they’re beginning to see the value of audio as a key component.
Once the idea of outdoor sound is introduced to a customer, the mindset – and budget – begins to shift. Homeowners who would never think of using a cheap Bluetooth speaker inside are now considering larger, more refined systems for their gardens. They start to understand that, just like inside their homes, the outdoor audio experience can be immersive, high-quality and tailored to their lifestyle. This is the shift that has driven a significant change in our approach to outdoor AV.
Ambisonic and DbM find that the most effective way to showcase outdoor audio is through demonstration. While indoor showrooms are a staple of showcasing cinema rooms and AV systems, there are fewer options for showing off outdoor systems. That’s why we often bring our solutions directly to the client’s home – a simple 2.1 system does the trick.
Standing with the customer and the integrator in the space where they will be enjoying the audio is far more impactful than anything we can demonstrate inside.
SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED
Customers are generally blown away when they hear the clarity and detail of the highperforming outdoor system. They can’t believe such rich, detailed sound is possible in their garden. More importantly, they begin to realise that outdoor audio can be just as sophisticated as the systems inside their homes.
Of course, outdoor audio comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most important considerations is how to minimise noise spill into neighbouring properties. No one wants to create a disruptive experience for their neighbours, and this is where choosing the right speaker technology becomes crucial.
The Ambisonic range offers specific directivity patterns. These speakers allow us to direct sound precisely where it’s neededwhile limiting the sound spill into other areas. By using products that focus sound effectively, we can deliver high-quality audio without causing disturbance to those outside the targeted zones.
A key part of this is demonstrating the sound dispersion to the client. We show them how the volume levels drop off as they move outside the designated listening area, which gives them confidence that they can enjoy an amazing audio experience without worrying about their neighbours.
When designing outdoor systems, it’s important to approach the space with the same attention to detail as you would with an indoor system. It’s not about covering every square
meter of the garden; it’s about understanding how the client will use the space. Once we’ve identified these areas, we can tailor the audio system to match their needs through the DbM Design and Specification Service.
We typically offer three levels of audio performance:
1. Background: This is ideal for background music, providing moderate volume with great fidelity. It’s a more cost-effective solution and is perfect for clients who want to create an ambient atmosphere.
2. Entertaining: For those who want more volume – maybe for hosting gatherings or small parties – we add additional speakers and subwoofers to increase sound coverage and bass response.
3. Party: For clients who desire highperformance audio for large gatherings, we can scale up the system even further, adding more speakers and subwoofers to achieve full concert-level sound.
We also provide detailed wiring diagrams, as outdoor audio systems often require different configurations compared to indoor setups. This level of detail ensures that integrators can implement the design smoothly and that clients can visualise exactly how the system will work before installation begins.
We work closely with the integrators to ensure they fully understand what’s possible and how they can scale the system to meet the client’s needs. The goal is to offer a solution that balances budget with performance, ensuring the system delivers a high-quality experience no matter the size of the space.
To understand more about what’s possible with outdoor audio, watch the ‘I built the Dream Smart Garden’ video by Mrwhosetheboss www. youtube.com/@Mrwhosetheboss
For more information about DbM and Ambisonic, visit distributedbym.co.uk
Performance Without Limits
With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to help your clients elevate their outdoor entertainment with Ambisonic Systems—the pinnacle of high-performance outdoor audio.
Get in touch with DbM today to discuss how Ambisonic can enhance your projects and drive new business opportunities.
The main event in the
17–18 SEPTEMBER 2025 FARNBO ROUGH EXHIBITION CENTRE
The only dedicated AV & Smart Home Show in the UK
Rewarding excellence in the industry
Premium TV Mounts
SANUS sets the standard for mount technology
Innovative design and outstanding safety features make them perfect for all AV needs. Fast and simple to install, they offer a clean and stylish finish - while boasting unparalleled performance.
Sonos® Accessories
Get the perfect sound from your ERA 100 and 300 speakers or Sonos Arc soundbars with SANUS’ compatible mounts and stands. Our adjustable height stands, tilt/swivel wall mounts and our complementary sleek, subtle design provide the perfect positioning.
Premium Racks
PREASSEMBLED COMPONENT RACKS: strong and sturdy construction in heavy gauge welded steel. Available in 15U, 27U, 36U and 44U. STACKABLE SKELETON RACKS: can be floor or wall-mounted for maximum versatility. Available in combinable 10U, 15U and 20U sizes.
Specialties
From universal soundbar mounts and cable management solutions, to TV Media in-wall box, AV component shelves and projector mounts, SANUS has thought of everything to finish any AV install to perfection.
OUTDOOR AUDIO: A GROWING OPPORTUNITY AS SUMMER BLOOMS
James Drummie, Product Manager at AWE, asks ‘how does your garden grow?’
While the CI industry continues to navigate complex economic times, there’s a clear shift in how homeowners are choosing to invest in their spaces. It’s no surprise that during financially unpredictable times, people are prioritising lifestyle enhancements that offer long-term value at home. For homeowners who already have distributed audio indoors, or have invested in smart home technology, expanding that experience into the garden or patio is a logical next step.
TURNING PAST PROJECTS INTO FUTURE REVENUE
Installers are uniquely positioned to re-engage past clients and extend the systems already in place to outdoor areas. If the infrastructure is there – or even partially there – outdoor zones can be a natural upsell.
The garden is increasingly seen as an extension of the home and additional lifestyle space. Outdoor audio, then, becomes a premium extension of the wider smart home offering, opening the door to broader conversations – from multi-zone control and system design through to lighting and automation and even outdoor video. These are not isolated jobs, but rather, natural evolutions of existing systems. And they’re valuable ones at that.
There’s also a strong aesthetic component to these upgrades. Clients are looking for elegant,
discreet solutions that match the visual appeal of their outdoor environments. Performance, as always, needs to be uncompromising, but it must be delivered in a way that complements carefully landscaped spaces or architecturally designed patios, gardens and pool areas.
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR A DEMANDING MARKET
The right kit is essential and specialist outdoor audio ranges from leading brands such as Stealth, Polk and Bowers & Wilkins, provide installers with a range of solutions.
The Polk Audio Atrium series is ideal for projects where value, performance and durability are key. Built to withstand tough conditions without compromising on sound quality, the range includes compact all-weather loudspeakers and outdoor subwoofers that can be staked into the ground or wall mounted, giving installers the tools to deliver rich, dynamic soundscapes that work across a variety of outdoor layouts.
The Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 continues to stand out as a small, yet tough and flexible choice. Weatherproof and acoustically impressive, these speakers are a great premium solution. Designed to deliver solid, powerful bass in a cleverly designed sealed enclosure, it’s built to keep on playing year-round.
Additionally, Stealth Acoustics’ innovative StingRay range offers an architectural alternative for projects where aesthetics is paramount. With an IP68 waterproof rating and fully sealed
moulded construction, these speakers are water, dust and pest resistant, making them the ideal choice for outdoor entertainment or use in a wet or humid space like a pool room.
For versatile amplification, the Marantz MODEL M1 is a standout solution. This ultra-compact wireless streaming amplifier with HEOS built-in is ideal for projects where space is limited, without compromising performance. Whether used as a standalone unit for a simple outdoor zone or added into a larger system where additional amplification is needed, it delivers 2 x 100W of high-quality stereo output. With HDMI eARC, USB, RCA, and full hi-res music support, the MODEL M1 covers all bases. It’s also fully compatible with major control platforms like URC, also available through AWE, making it a great fit for CI professionals looking for simplicity and performance in one sleek package.
LEVERAGING YOUR EXPERTISE
Outdoor audio is a credible, scalable business opportunity – especially for those already delivering high-quality integrated systems. Whether that’s by positioning it as a natural extension of the work already done, or helping clients see what’s possible beyond the boundaries of the home and matching it with the right mix of expertise and product, there’s a clear route to sustainable profit.
In a challenging economic climate, that’s not just good business – it’s a smart strategy.
A step-up in design and value for outdoor audio
Durable, discreet and elegant design in light or dark colours blends seamlessly with any setting
Outstanding full-range sound quality outdoors
Two-way systems with proprietary ‘Iris IP’ drivers and 1” Aluminium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome tweeters
IP55 certification
8Ω and 70V/100V compatible
Blending elegant design with cutting-edge technologies, practicality and proven durability, the Littora OD speaker range delivers the full Focal listening experience to outdoor spaces.
Effortlessly discreet in two colours, SAT 5 satellites combine with SUB 12 sub and/or Stone 8 models to generate scalable higher quality sound for a huge range of outdoor audio projects while meeting surprisingly modest budgets. Predictable full-frequency Focal performance made for easy integration.
To explore capabilities for your future projects and talk to us about help with system design and specification, please contact:
