Essential Install - November 2013 issue by Essential Install

EssentialINSTALL MAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

November 2013 issue

JVC moves into top gear

Three new high-tech projectors from this CI favourite keep the brand right at the cutting edge of home cinema.

inside

Also in this issue: the latest news from Habitech, Wyrestorm and Day in the Life of the Majik House, case study from Cinema Rooms and Artcoustic and Sonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4K revolution

Custom Install TVs:

Essential Install Live! Review:

Hidden gems and super sizes

The Northern show expands once more!

Sonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4K Future: The shape of things to come

INSTALL

Performance Range Q Acoustics offers the very latest product design and best value of any range of custom solution speakers. An example is the ultra-low distortion achieved in the ‘Performance’ range by using an advanced ‘Nano Particle’ cone material. Closely related to the multiple award winning Q Acoustics products, the range perfectly reflects their ultra successful formula; market leading performance and superb value for money. To see the full range please visit: www.QAcoustics.co.uk To order please contact your Armour Home ASM or phone 01279 501111.

PROFESSIONAL IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

PERFORMANCE IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

6.5”

8”

6.5” speakers supplied in pairs

6.5” single stereo speaker supplied singly

6.5” Performance speaker supplied singly

6.5” Performance single stereo speaker supplied singly

NEW 8” Performance single stereo

Model Number: Qi65C Supplied with round grilles Stock Code: QI1110

Model Number: Qi65C St Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1150

Model Number: Qi65CP Supplied with round grilles Stock Code: QI1130

Model Number: Qi65CP St Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1170

Model Number: Qi80CP Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1210

Model Number: Qi65S Supplied with square grilles Stock Code: QI1120

Model Number: QI65S St Supplied with square grille Stock Code: QI1160

Model Number: Qi65SP Supplied with square grilles Stock Code: QI1140

Model Number: Qi65SP St Supplied with square grille Stock Code: QI1180

speaker supplied singly

WEATHERPROOF IN-CEILING SPEAKERS

WEATHERPROOF ON-WALL SPEAKERS

ON-GROUND SPEAKERS

6.5”

QI45 EW

QI65 LW

Model Number: Qi45 EW 4.5”driver & 0.5” tweeter Stock Code: QI3150

Model Number: Qi65 LW 6.5” driver & 1” tweeter Stock Code: QI3210

6.5” Weatherproof speaker supplied in pairs

Model Number: Qi65CW Supplied with round grilles Stock Code: QI1190

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6.5”

6.5” Weatherproof single stereo speaker supplied singly

Model Number: Qi65CW St Supplied with round grille Stock Code: QI1200

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Ultra Discreet: Thin bezel Shallow depth: less than 84mm

Easy access: Magnetic grille fixings

Easy to install: ‘Dog-leg’ fixings

8” woofer diameter

Advanced ‘Nano Particle’ cone material

NEW Model shown: Qi80CP

8” Performance single stereo Supplied with round grille

Nano Particle Cone Technology The advanced ‘Nano particle’ technology, incorporated into the cone material of the bass/midrange drive units of the ‘Performance’ series loudspeakers, delivers clear sonic advantages. Nano particles are incredibly small, typically 100 nanometres in diameter, (which means 2000 of them, laid side by side, would be the same width as a human hair). Added to a conventional high quality cone material, such as polypropylene, they diffuse throughout the mixture to form a new nano-composite structure. The resultant cone boasts enhanced mechanical properties such as improved stiffness, reduced mass and an incredible 75% higher tensile strength. These technical advances deliver a faster transient response and reduced cone break up, leading to exceptionally low distortion, transparent and dynamic sound.

www.QAcoustics.co.uk Armour Home, Stortford Hall Industrial Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 5GZ. www.armourhome.co.uk info@armourhome.co.uk

part of Armour Group plc

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Innovation for Inspired I thinking of buying a cat5e extender? add value, add functionality, add customer satisfaction Wyrestorm AMP-001-010

to learn more about the AMPS ADVANCED FEATURES AND TRAINING COURSE visit www.wyrestorm.com

AMp NOW AVAILABLE! through your distribution partner

SPEAKER

MX0606-PP

70m/230ft

AMP-001-010

SPEAKER AVR

70m/230ft

AMP-001-010

70m/230ft

Key: RX-70-IR-PP RX-70-IR-PP Receiver

HDMI

Cat5e

Speaker Cable

ENA-001-010 SUB

SPEAKER

Key: TX-70-IR-PP

70m/230ft

AMP-001-010

70m/230ft

RX-70-IR-PP RX-70-IR-PP Receiver

HDMI

Cat5e

Speaker Cable

SUB

typical applications

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Integrations

AVAILABLE october 2013!

Modular Matrix One Matrix. Endless Solutions Introducing a new comprehensive range of modular transmission cards slotting into a customized Pro Plus 8x8 chassis for the ultimate in choice, specification and flexible installations alongside other models in the Pro Plus HDBT Lite matrix range

part number : MX-pp part number : MX-POH

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• near endless configuration options from an 8 or 16 module chassis.

• uncompressed 1080p, 36bit deep colour transmitted over hdbaset up to 70m/230ft with bidirectional control via ir & rs232

• custom configure a 4x8, 6x8, 4x5, 8x12, 6x14 or other matrix for any system or specification • integrated hdbaset audio device; fully cascadable with 2.1, dac and local audio input

• Routable RS232 sends control commands over a single RS232 channel to individual HDBaseT outputs for AMP or display control • combine with the amp-001-010 for a self-contained, total video and audio distribution solution

scan here to Learn More!

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Essential Contents

EssentialINSTALL MAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

November 2013 issue

JVC MOVES INTO TOP GEAR

THREE NEW HIGH-TECH PROJECTORS FROM THIS CI FAVOURITE KEEP THE BRAND RIGHT AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF HOME CINEMA.

November 2013 INSIDE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: THE LATEST NEWS FROM HABITECH, WYRESTORM AND DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE MAJIK HOUSE, CASE STUDY FROM CINEMA ROOMS AND ARTCOUSTIC AND SONY’S 4K REVOLUTION

CUSTOM INSTALL TVS:

ESSENTIAL INSTALL LIVE! REVIEW:

HIDDEN GEMS AND SUPER SIZES

THE NORTHERN SHOW EXPANDS ONCE MORE!

SONY’S 4K FUTURE: THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

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in this issue...

Features

16 Essential Habitech Investing in valued customers

18 JVC Set its Sights High 4K and many more developments on a new range of projectors

21 CEDIA Comment Rufus Greenway, director of Sound Environment, sounds off on 4K

22 Essential Televisions CI TV is on the march

34 Case Study: Artcoustic and Cinema Rooms

30 Sony Comment

Good looks and quality AV collide

Damien Weissenburger, head of presentation & communication business group, Sony Professional, predicts how the 4K future will evolve

32 Essential Amina Delivering the CI message to the design community

36 In-Depth Product Report: LG 84LM960V James Drummie, AWE product manager, explains the benefits of LG’s muscular 84LM960V large screen TV

47 Essential Wyrestorm Innovation on a stick from this CI stalwart

41 Essential Install Live! North Review Another successful CI showcase

48 Day in the Life: The Majik House

53 Todd Ryan Speaks

Tim Burrow celebrates 15 years in the business

Chief designer for Sonance chats with EI at the recent Habitech Expo

55 Essential Training Set a date with your training destiny

Regulars

58 Essential Products

7 From the Editor’s Desk

Top toys all round

Keeping the new products coming

9 Essential News EI’s very own town crier service

Essential Wyrestorm

Essential Install

Essential News

Essential Contents

Essential Televisions

Essential Products

Essential Amina

Case Study

Day in the Life

Essential Install

BUILDING BUSINESS WITH VALUE ADDED

SCP

PALLADIO

With great products, comprehensive technical support and rapid delivery, we’ll add value to your business… C A L L 0 1 4 2 0 5 4 0 0 5 4 , H A B I T E C H. C O. U K

pages 16 - 17

From the

Editor’s Desk EI’s continued innovation First up this month, many thanks to the over 500 readers that attended Essential Install Live! North last month, making the show such a big success, we hope you found the experience useful and that it has given you some ideas for future projects. The new venue went down extremely well with visitors and exhibitors alike. Not only adhering to the show’s principles of affordability and ease of access with loads of free parking, EventCity provides the room for the show to expand in the future. For a relatively new event space, EventCity has quickly found favour in the event business with its professional approach and the refreshingly friendly and helpful attitude of all its staff. In securing the show’s future at this space, Essential Install Live! North is coupling itself to one of the most up and coming event spaces in the North, demonstrated by EventCity’s recent appointment as the base for Download the Essential Install App for free, today! the Ideal Home Show. Inside this issue you will find a review of the show, but there is one piece of news emanating from the event that EI would like to share in this column and that is about the growing relationship between EI and the members of install on-line community LiveInstall. The magazine is a big fan of this growing community and its efforts to expand the reach of the custom install industry to the wider world. EI will now be providing LiveInstall a regular space in the magazine to promote its efforts and discuss issues within the install sector in general. Another first, available in this issue, is a major supplement on the opportunities available in the office and boardroom sectors. With companies now more than ever needing to invest in effective AV and communications equipment, if you are not involved in this sector already, then it is well worth taking a look. The supplement will be the first of many highlighting particular opportunities within the AV and custom install worlds that the magazine will offer. Offering an examination of key areas in supplement form, gives the magazine more room to explore interesting and potentially lucrative opportunities, providing another weapon in EI’s mission to bring you the most informative and useful publication that we can. But EI’s brand development does not end there! Another new initiative see’s the launch of our App. Available to download from all the usual sites for Apple and Andriod, the App delivers a really stunning way to view the magazine on smart phones or tablets and will enable EI to add in live links or videos and other digitally based functions not possible in the printed copy. Go and download you free App right now and start enjoying EI in an entirely new way. DANIEL J SAIT, editor, Essential Install

Editor in chief: Daniel Sait, dan@essentialinstall.com advertisEment manager: Claire Talty, claire@essentialinstall.com Publisher: David Kitchener, david@essentialinstall.com head of production: Sam Broad, sam@essentialinstall.com Graphic design: Benjamin Bristow, ben@theessentialgroup.eu Accounts: susan@theessentialgroup.eu Circulation: susan@theessentialgroup.eu

Essential Install magazine, Suite 4, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD. T: +44 (0)1634 673163 F: +44 (0)1634 673173 Whist we make every effort that everything printed in Essential Install magazine is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.

Essential Install

DUE TO INDUSTRY DEMAND OUR SOUTHERN SHOW HAS EXPANDED AND IS NOW 2 DAYS! DON’T MISS OUT... BOOK YOUR STAND www.essentialinstalllive.eu +44 (0)1634 673163

Essential INSTALL

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Essential NEWS

NEWS DESK PILED-HIGH with custom install information ICONIC MUSICIANS GET ICONIC SOUND TREATMENT FROM UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Nevermind: no compression or compromise on sound from Nirvana with new ultra high quality blu-ray audio

Universal Music has launched a new range of ultra high quality audio products for Blu-ray technology to enable users to hear the sound as intended by the artist. High Fidelity Pure Audio discs are playable through all Blu-ray devices including games consoles, with no compression and no compromise, said global head of new business Olivier Robert-Murphy. “High Fidelity Pure Audio allows music lovers to experience the work of artists in a way that has never before been possible,” said Olivier. “Once you hear it you can feel the full richness and depth of an artist’s vision.” A download voucher is included in the pack, which gives the consumer a digital download of the album in MP3 format at a standard resolution to ensure

they can also access their music on the move on devices that don’t support HD audio. Artists with releases on the format include iconic Artists such as Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Nirvana, Queen, The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder. There is also a large selection of classical and jazz music including Jonas Kaufmann, Rolando Villazón, John Coltrane and Oscar Peterson. Because of the increased size and bandwidth available on a Blu-ray disc, music can be offered in its purest quality without the compression required for 16bit CD releases and lower resolution digital formats. Different sound formats include PCM, Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio at 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound.

NEW 8” In-Ceiling Speaker Now Available Performance Range

More information: Universal Music www.universalmusic.com

NEW VIDEO-ONDEMAND LAUNCH FROM BFI British Film Institute (BFI) chair Greg Dyke has unveiled a video-ondemand platform targeted at lovers of independent and specialised films. Films such as the The Selfish Giant will form part of the BFI Player portfolio BFI Player will support the UK’s film industry by offering new distribution opportunities while making film accessible to a wider audience across the UK, said Greg. It was launched to coincide with the recent BFI London Film Festival. The technology is billed as a pioneering new way of taking cultural assets into the digital age. It will offer a mix of seven new channels or collections including cult cinema and, for the first time ever, the full 28 hours of rare Edwardian film footage from filmmakers Mitchell and Kenyon. BFI Player will go further than current video-on-demand platforms by offering deeper exploration of film content chosen and contextualised by experts at the BFI, all in HD quality. A mix of free and pay-per-view content that includes over 1,000 items such as hundreds of feature films, BFI Player will evolve as new partners come on board, with a second phase due to launch 2014. Greg said the launch was a defining moment in the BFI’s 80 year history, while BFI director of digital Edward Humphrey said audience behaviour had shifted to embrace digital platforms and BFI Player gave a foundation to support a digital future for film lovers. More information: BFI +44 (0)207 2551444, www.bfi.org.uk

Featuring Nano Particle Technology

QAcoustics.co.uk Sign up to the Essential Install Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/essentialinstal

Essential Install

01684 576 348 hdconnectivity.com/trade

ULTRAHD

Reinventing the HDMI Matrix HDanywhere™�Modular�is�a�customisable�high−performance�HDMI�matrix� switcher,�for�the�switching,�routing�and�distribution�of�high-bandwidth�signals� up�to�and�including�4K�Ultra�HD. A�truly�custom�installation-centric�system,�Integrators�can�bespoke�build�HD� distribution�systems,�with�I/O�matched�perfectly�to�the�individual�nature�of� every�project. Built for Integrators. Made in Great Britain.

hdc display

HDConnectivity.com 01684 576 348

Essential NEws

ISE 2014 SHOW TO FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2014 will boast a more comprehensive training and development element than previous shows, say its organisers. Focal points for the new professional development programme will include two new theatre spaces on the show floor. One is aimed at the residential systems side of ISE’s market, the other takes a commercial application slant. ISE 2014 will take place from February 4-6, next year in Amsterdam. The event is expected to draw more than 900 exhibitors and more than 45,000 registered visitors and is a joint venture of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) and InfoComm International. ISE managing director Mike Blackman said: “We are set to have a larger floor area than any predecessor shows, but we need to maintain the trend that has seen each edition of our show attract more visitors than the last. “While the market for AV and electronic systems integration in Europe continues to grow it is clear that in addition to our core visitor channel of C-level integrators and installers, we need to attract attendees from other groups as well.” ISE has identified three sectors for non-channel attendee growth: end-customers of commercial integration products and services; adjacent channels in the residential field such as architects and electrical contractors and the content creation and experiential design community. Content at ISE’s residential solutions theatre will be aimed at broadening the market for whole-house automation and intelligent building design. The commercial solutions theatre will focus on end-customer benefits of systems integration in hospitality, healthcare, education and corporate facilities. More information: ISE +44 (0)1372 454366, www.iseurope.org ISE 2014 is set to have a larger floor area than any predecessor shows

CURTAIN RISER FOR HOME CINEMA SPEAKERS

Collaboration will help installers create high-performance in-wall and in-ceiling theatres

KEF has teamed up with THX to roll out its latest suite of high performance home cinema CI speakers including inwall, in-ceiling models and installed subwoofers. Six new models feature KEF innovations including Uni-Q Driver Array technology, Tangerine Waveguide and ultrathin-Bezel designs. Around 500 THX laboratory tests were carried out to make sure the kit recreates movies and music with the same qualities as in the studio. KEF global CI product manager David Kroll said: “This collaboration will give our installers the tools they need to create in-wall and in-ceiling theatres that are as discreet looking as they are extreme in performance.” David said the new cinema speakers would make specifying and fitting a tonally matched, good-quality speaker system throughout the entire home and outside easier to achieve. THX audio certification manager Mike DelSanto said: “THX Ultra 2 is our most demanding THX loudspeaker standard and we’re excited that KEF will offer THX Certified models capable of such high-performance.” More information: KEF +44 (0)1622 672261, www.kef.com

new SONY projector VPL-VW500ES Native 4K resolution Supports HDMI 2.0 / 60p New RF 3D emitter Triluminous display, wider colour space Auto Calibration feature

T: 01923 495595

F: 01923 495599

E: info@marata.co.uk

www.marata.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential NEWs

ANTHEM AV SOLUTIONS JOINS CLARITY Anthem, whose products include the MRX processor, will improve representation at Clarity

Hi-Fi industry trade alliance Clarity has welcomed Anthem AV Solutions into its fold to help bolster the profile of specialist high-end home cinema within the alliance. Board director for recruitment Geoff Coleman said: “Anthem’s decision to join the alliance is further evidence that our work to promote the industry is being noticed and is viewed as important and relevant. “Promoting ourselves to new consumers is vital if we are to prosper and the best way to do so is as a collective. We are far stronger if we work together and it is encouraging to see Tom Garrett and the team at Anthem getting behind these objectives. We look forward to working with them.” Geoff said it is important that the membership of Clarity is representative of the make up of the market. Home cinema is an important part of the UK home entertainment and consumer electronics sector, accounting for a good proportion of sales through independent specialists. Meanwhile Anthem AV Solutions demonstrated commitment by collaborating at the alliance’s recent appearance at the Gadget Show Live. The event saw the launch of the Headphone Challenge campaign inviting visitors to tune in to high-quality headphones and then visit a specialist retailer.

While headphones are not directly related to the business of Anthem, whose products include the recently launched Anthem MRX processor, the company understands the bigger picture and was pleased to offer its support to the alliance, said Geoff. More information: Anthem AV Solutions +44 (0)1825 750858, www.anthemavs.co.uk

D-TOOLS UNVEILS IPAD QUOTING APP

The new App extends the D-Tools workflow to mobile sales and specification teams

D-Tools has unveiled a new iOS-based iPad companion App for its flagship product, SIX 2013, that adds mobile quoting capabilities. The capabilities enable commercial and residential AV integrators to generate quotes on an iPad then bring them into SIX 2013 for further project design and management. The companion App will extend the D-Tools workflow to mobile sales and specification teams. D-Tools’ iPad App enables integrators to access and integrate product category and package data from their SIX 2013 catalogue while working with customers in the field. Integrators enter client and contact information into the App then walk customers through various installation scenarios. The quote can then be imported into SIX 2013 for additional design work and synchronisation. Integrators can provide packages or pre-configured systems for inclusion in the quote, while labour and general pricing will be calculated to give the customer an accurate proposal, which can then be signed off for approval on the spot. President and founder of D-Tools Adam Stone said: “The iPad App release is just the beginning. We are already working on additional mobile capabilities that enhance our product roadmap. Since the release of SIX last year our new platform enables us to deploy new features.” More than 4,400 companies worldwide use D-Tools Systems Integrator Software to streamline the estimation, design, and project management processes associated with the installation and integration of low-voltage systems. More information: D-Tools www.d-tools.com

RTI SPINS OUT A NEW WEBSITE Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) has launched a new website with a redesigned look, easier navigation and enhanced features for dealers and end users. Along with the addition of individual login capabilities for providing further security to the dealer area, the website also features a two-way drivers store and project showcase section featuring case studies of RTI installations in a wide range of environments. RTI vice president of sales and marketing Pete Baker said: “A completely revamped design and new content sections should ensure visitors experience a simpler, more engaging online experience that puts a wide range of tools, information,

12 Essential Install

and enhancements at their fingertips.” The new site features a simplified Find a Dealer section with information on distributors. A new section, Showcase, highlights RTI control applications in residential, commercial and hospitality markets. A new two-way drivers store allows users to post drivers in a central location alongside RTIdeveloped drivers. RTI is also inviting dealers to submit details on how they used the company in recently completed projects for potential inclusion in the showcase section. More information: www.rticorp.com

AUDIO VISUAL & CUSTOM INSTALL CABLES CONNECTORS & ACCESSORIES Pyle Loudspeakers

Speaker Cables

ONLINE STORE

ProAudio Stash Racks

CYP Solutions

tdigroup.co.uk 01256 397770

HDMI Cables

CABLES • CONNECTORS • ACCESSORIES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL A/V INSTALLATIONS TRADE PRICE LIST 2013 / 2014

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NEW 2013 CATALOGUE Contact us for the latest catalogue & trade price list

19” Racks • AV Connectors • Cable • CYP • HDMI • Mains & Power • Screen Mounts • Telecom Connectors • Tools • Wall Plates

Essential INSTALL

Live!

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Essential NEWs

RDI-PROMAX DEAL TO HELP INSTALLERS

RDI members to benefit from the skills and expertise of new partners such as Promax

Registered Digital Institute (RDI) has tied up a new two-year strategic partnership with Promax to work on the latest test equipment and support RDI on at800 as more 4G masts are activated. RDI will use the Promax HD Ranger+ meter to support training and audit work for installers and auditors across the UK. Promax became a partner to offer its expertise to RDI members looking for latest products and instruments within the digital sector, said general manager Simon Humphries. “We are extremely proud to be partnering with the RDI,” said Simon. “The new organisation is forward thinking and very active and enthusiastic in its approach to our industry in these

trying times. We welcome the opportunity to help up-skill the industry and will work with the RDI in the coming months.” RDI chief executive Mike Davies said: “This type of partnership will allow us to keep our engineering database informed about the latest products to reach the market. By welcoming Promax to the institute we continue to grow our manufacturing membership portfolio. “The more diverse our membership base, the more our members will benefit from the skills and expertise that our new partners bring with them, so we can truly represent the industry as a whole.” More information: Promax UK: +44 (0)1727 832266 www.promaxelectronics.com

CARTELL BANGS THE DRUM FOR DISTRIBUTORS Cartell, the supplier of driveway alarms and gate openers, is treading the path into the international market. Parent company US-based Preferred Technologies Group is now accepting distributorships around the world to sell its products, which have been made in the US for 38 years. The technology is sold to security, home automation, landscape, construction, electrical, lighting and auto gate industries. Cartell alarms detect vehicles as they enter driveways and trigger lights, cameras or audible devices. Systems integrate with security, home automation or lighting and can allow home owners to exit their property without use of keypads, remotes or key fobs – a sensor beside the driveway detects approaching vehicles to trip automatics. One of the systems, the GateMate (CP-3), is a self-contained free-exit system with universal voltage (VAC or VDC) and the lowest stand-by current of any similar product in the industry (90-150 Microamps), suitable for powered and solar-powered gate operators. Cartell systems are based on magnetometer technology, eliminating false alarms caused by animals, wind and blowing leaves. Technology has an average field life of 12 to 15 years and a five-year warranty, offering distributors a virtually service-free product. More information: www.cartell.com

ESSENTIAL PEOPLE

Alan Goode joins Legrand

New at AMX, Scott Bahr

14 Essential Install

Electrician Alan Goode has joined Legrand as area project manager for London and the south east to promote wiring accessories and home automation ranges in the high-end residential sector. His career to date has seen him work in sales for wiring devices, home automation systems, nurse-call systems and cable management systems, with projects including the Channel Tunnel, Heathrow’s T5, hospitals, commercial buildings and military facilities. “Legrand’s Arteor and Vantage home automation systems and wide range of wiring accessories are ideal for the high-end residential market, combining sleek, contemporary aesthetics with high quality engineering and advanced functionality,” said Alan. “I will develop relationships with architects, interior designers, M&E consultants, contractors and developers.” Texas-based AMX has recruited Scott Bahr as its executive vice president for global sales where he will oversee sales in the USA and all markets outside, previously managed independently. Scott, who joined from Nokia where he was general manager of global channel sales, will report to president and chief executive Rashid Skaf, who said: “We are pleased to add someone with Scott’s experience and credentials. His success in building and leading outstanding sales organisations for industry leaders like Nokia and Dell will

strengthen our ability to serve customers around the globe. “His experience selling through indirect distribution and dealer networks direct to global enterprises and direct to commercial customers via online and retail outlets is valuable to AMX, as we expand to leverage all channels through which our customers wish to buy.” Scott said: “AMX has a history of global leadership in innovation and customer service. Its products are widely acknowledged as setting the standard by which all others are compared. This technology strength is complemented by a unique culture.” Adam Berditch has joined True Colours, the specialist technical AV division of Midwich Group, as technical streaming specialist to reinforce the company’s live media streaming market. Adam, who was business development manager at Osborne Technologies and an account manager at Sahara, will work with True Colours partners Exterity and BrightSign. Adam said he was looking forward to introducing the latest streaming media technology to an ever-expanding market. “Today’s technology market demands convergence of the AV and IT sectors,” said Adam. “In this new role I hope to close the gap between these technologies using the True Colours’ portfolio of IP Video Distribution and Collaboration Software and easing the introduction of networked products into our traditional AV account base.”

Artcoustic Denmark:

Artcoustic UK and Eire:

DK SHOWROOM (by appointment only) Tel: +45 32836060 artcoustic@artcoustic.com www.artcoustic.com

UK SHOWROOM (by appointment only) Tel: +44 (0)1245 400904 salesuk@artcoustic.com www.artcoustic.com

Essential Habitech

Investing in You Habitech MD, Jonathan Pengilley reveals his new model for distribution based on total service. Competition drives choice. Choice is good. The last thing you hear from an airline as you disembark is an invitation to reflect on the quality of the experience: the professionalism of the staff, the comfort of the ride and whether you landed within 50km of the capital. Any carrier can move you from A to B, it’s the service in between that decides whether you ever buy another ticket from them. The same applies to distribution. In a competitive and increasingly commoditised market, the decider is the service you receive: the buying experience, the after-sales support, the value added. Habitech is a value-added distributor motivated by your power to exercise choice. At the core of our culture is a commitment to service and we relish the opportunity to prove it. Notwithstanding the great range of products on offer, it’s people that make Habitech tick. If you’ve attended our training or product days, networked with us on the piste or shared in our annual pilgrimage to ISE, you’ll realise that we’re interested in building long term business partnerships. I can’t deny that the last 12 months have been good, actually astonishing, so we’re on to something, but I know we can always get better at growing your bottom line and ours. In 2014, we won’t be scouring the high street for 200 new contractors. Instead our objective is to raise the quality of service to you, our core CI dealers, by investing in products, people and systems. I know that if we can enhance our service, we can help your business to fly.

Investing in products Habitech will continue to build a one-stop platform of products that wins you business and saves you time and money in the long term. We want to ensure that everything you buy performs brilliantly and reliably in the homes of your clients, and, through recommendation, in those of their friends as well. For instance more of our dealers are choosing Ruckus wireless because it’s unbreakable and delivers reliable high quality every time. It isn’t cheap. but it returns value in so many other ways. We’re confident that like Ruckus, Habitech’s products will complement your work and reputation while avoiding expensive time-consuming call-outs. If we’ve done our job, you’ll only get the call when a delighted customer wants to expand the system to a new extension or holiday home.

16 Essential Install

Ruckus Wireless promises unbreakable, reliable high quality every time

Investing in people By investing in highly competent people we’re investing in your success as well. Behind everything we do - sales, training, systems design, programming, product service and support - is a team dedicated to your work in the field. Recently we’ve strengthened the effort with the appointment of Anthony Collis (aka Rusty) as service manager. His 20 years as an installer, specifier and engineer gives him the perfect global support perspective. You may have seen mastering engineer Giovanni Scatola profiled in the pages of EI. Gio’s understanding of sound will prove invaluable in supporting our new free-of-charge home theatre design service: tell us the size, shape and construction of the room and we’ll save you valuable time by supplying the specs and layout involving our stable of projectors, screens, speakers, amplification, seating, soundproofing, players and servers. We’re offering similarly progressive technical backup to our new AMX product line with the appointment of full-time programmer Dan Richer along with a menu of services including bespoke specification, quotation support, wiring plans, project drawings, cable schedules, system programming and UI design. There’s even a rack layout service. A small tariff is attached to the custom services, but free-of-charge we’re offering a number of AMX controlled

Essential Habitech

The completely versatile AMX brand adds weight to Habitech’s one-stop-shop credibility.

off-the-peg systems built around our core brands with integrated pre-defined GUIs and fixed functionality suitable for cinema rooms and multi-zone distributed audio systems. Also free-of-charge is a Wi-Fi design service. We’re putting all this in place to make your job easier, more effective and add value to our relationship.

to add value to what we do. Anyone who knows me will acknowledge my commitment to business based on trust, cooperation and satisfaction in a job well done. I recognise you have a choice and positively encourage you to use it. More information: Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054 www.habitech.co.uk

Investing in systems There are hidden costs to your business in dealing with new suppliers: admin, credit approval, time delays and so on. Have you ever analysed the effect on your bottom line of raising an order for, say, a cheap cable? We sell hundreds of HDMI ports every month, so why not buy a reliable cable from us at the same time? By building good stock levels for our fast moving SKUs and developing our on-line sales order systems to show real-time stock levels, we’re ready to respond 24/7 and geared for the next-day delivery of a vast number of reliable, complementary products.

Investing in you Tell us how Habitech can help you to grow your business. As part of our training programme, we’d be delighted to run a one-day business management course covering tax planning, raising finance and improving profitability. Let me know if you think we should run a seminar along these lines. We don’t want you to think we are trying to take over your business or teaching you to suck eggs, it’s just another idea that I hope will demonstrate our willingness to explore every opportunity

Habitech’s new theatre design service involves a large stable of high performance brands

Essential Install

Essential JVC

JVC shifting into top gear JVC has just released details of its new projector line up. With the company claiming the industry’s highest native and dynamic contrast ratings, the new models mark yet another significant step forward from this CI favourite.

Mature technologies, some developed in-house, allows JVC to continue to increase efficiency and performance

Steven Carter, product specialist manager JVC UK, explains: “This year we have introduced three new models and have made significant changes to their performance, these include increased native contrast, sixth generation D-ILA device, third generation optical engine, Intelligent Lens Aperture, 4K e-shift3 supporting 4K up to 60p input and enhanced black levels. “Flexible installation is also promoted with a wide range of projection throw ratios with powered lens shift function of 80% vertical and 34% horizontal (not max values at the same time).” Larry Sadoo, new business development manager at JVC explains that the package is not just about improved technical performance: “A full range of training is available through our approved distribution partners of Habitech and Invision UK and there will be some great demonstration unit offers and loyalty discounts available.”

Detailed performance Drilling down a little into the improvements achieved on the new line up (DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R and DLA-X500R), JVC reiterates the importance of its new imaging device, an upgraded version of the company’s e-shift technology, 4K source compatibility and a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture. The company underlines that it works hard to make sure these technologies are not merely isolated improvement offerings, but work in concert to support each other and deliver really noticeable improvements on previous models. With this trio of projectors, JVC says it continues to offer the industry’s highest native contrast performance, further

18 Essential Install

improved this year by a new D-ILA device and a new wire grid polarizer and with the user selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture, the machines can dial in even deeper blacks than before. The projectors are all equipped with 4K e-shift3, the latest version of the JVC’s in-house technology, which features a 4K signal input (60p) so that now both 4K and 2K sources can be displayed as 3840 x 2160 images. Up-scaling of course allows installers to present next generation imaging well before serious amounts of native 4K material becomes available, delivering next step performance ahead of wide spread new format adoption by content providers. All models also of course deliver full 3D capability.

Sixth generation technology Making the projection market a major part of its development focus has enabled JVC to continue to add improvements, build a dealer base and create mature technologies that can continually be improved upon. The latest line up for example is making use of sixth generation JVC D-ILA imaging devices. The manufacturer says the new device features a pixel gap that is 40% narrower than the previous chip for a smoother picture. Using the updated technology, the projectors can also offer a 10% improvement in light efficiency for a light output of 1,300 lumens and improved native contrast, which is also enhanced by a new, third generation wire grid optical engine. As a result, native contrast ratios for the new projectors are: DLA-X900R 150,000:1, DLA-X700R 120,000:1 and for the DLA-X500R 60,000:1. The heightened native contrast ratios can be further enhanced via the use of the user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture. When engaged,

Essential JVC

JVC says the Intelligent Lens Aperture produces deeper black levels while maintaining white levels superior to competing projectors using a dynamic iris. Top of the range, the DLA-X900R offers a native contrast ratio of 150,000:1

Shifting technology JVC’s 4K e-shift technology was originally developed to up-convert and scale 2D HD content to a 4K signal. With this new range’s 4K inputs, the projectors can now process 4K signals as well to deliver a further jump in performance. Picture performance is further optimised by a new Multiple Pixel Control (MPC) processor with eight-band detection. JVC explains that the MPC processor offers four presets plus an auto setting that automatically selects the best up-conversion process by detecting the frequency of each pixel. Another picture enhancing technology comes in the form of a new Clear Black feature that provides local area contrast enhancement and improved Clear Motion Drive (CMD). In turn, JVC says the new CMD uses a new LSI and new intelligent algorithm to deliver a significant improvement in motion artefacts on diagonal lines on 4K and 2K 2D content and 2K 3D content. The range enhancements do not end there however. Other key improvements for 2014 include two memory settings for pixel convergence that can be used to store correction settings for external lenses such as anamorphic or for curved screens. There is also a new Apple App that provides remote control of the projector, including picture settings (Android is coming soon) and on the top two models (DLA-X900R and DLA-X700R) Adobe RGB picture mode is available. For customers who are interested in obtaining the very best performance on the range, installers can call on the refinements of the flagship DLA-X900R, which is built using hand-selected hand tested components and has a 150,000:1 native contrast ratio and 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Also offering an opportunity to deliver performance enhancements, the DLA-X900R and DLA-X700R models also offer ISF certification and are designed to pass the 400-plus tests necessary to achieve THX 3D Certification. JVC says all its THX Certified Projectors include THX 2D and 3D Cinema viewing modes to provide the most accurate colour reproduction available in a pre-calibrated setting, ensuring content is rendered back just as its creator intended. If the installation requires a white model, the DLA-X500R

offers this option and JVC is keeping the current DLA-X35 model in the line up, which offers a strong entry level option and new quieter operation. JVC will also continue to provide the optional 3D accessories RF emitter PK-EM2 and RF glasses PK-AG3 and the spare lamp PK-L2312U. Asked to suggest some titles that will really show off the projectors in their best light, the JVC team suggest Oblivion, Pacific Rim, King Kong, Life of Pi, Phantom of the Opera and of course, JVC favourite, The Dark Knight. Also on the subject of demonstrations, Steven, says: “Choose content that’s appropriate for the customer, or invite them to use their own, make the demonstration a home cinema experience not just a discussion about individual components.” With installer’s projection options increasing all the time, EI wanted to know why JVC felt its offering was the most attractive. Larry argues: “JVC is a very supportive brand, dedicated to the custom install dealership, the product leads the industry with superb picture quality and performance. “JVC’s after sales service is also first class and combined with our distribution partners technical support, we are perfectly placed to give dealers the individual support they need to make home cinemas that will delight their customers.” EI was invited to be amongst the first to see the product in action over a two day dealer launch event at the company’s London HQ, in conjunction with its distribution partners Invision UK and Habitech. Consensus amongst dealers was that again JVC has managed to produce significant improvement on an already strong product offering. The new projectors will be available as from November, contact JVC or official distributors Habitech and Invision UK for more details. More information: JVC www.jvc.co.uk, hdworld@jvc.co.uk Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com

Essential Install

Essential CEDIA

A 4K FUTURE Rufus Greenway, director at CEDIA member, Sound Environment examines the prospects for 4K technology in the CI sector.

Rufus says opportunities will come with 4K technology

The market for flat screen TV’s has never been more competitive. All the major brands are squaring up to offer the latest and best technology in the form of the much lauded 4K resolution as the next major step. ‘Global 4K TV shipments will grow from just 62,000 units last year, to 780,000 in 2013 and 22 million units in 2017’, according to a Futuresource report from earlier this year. Lest we forget, this step towards 4K is a move that will help manufacturers try and finally make some profit out of screens again. Having said that, 4K screens do look fabulous. The images on the UHD promotional videos I have seen are good enough to eat. All we need is ‘smell’ to accompany the ‘sweating strawberries’ and we would all want 4K content in our living rooms. This latest progression in resolution has been in the wings for some time as 3D has floundered. Ironically, with the invention of large format 3D without glasses, which funnily enough requires the need for higher screen resolutions, the switch to Ultra HD may also bring a resurgence in 3D popularity. In my view, the war will be won by the company whose flat-screens can upscale the present HD content to 4K the best. For the custom installer, high quality video pass-through and upscaling system components will be significant drivers in the market. In the meantime, the two key issues for me are price and content. As with all new technologies, it goes without saying that the newest and latest always comes with a hefty price tag attached to it. The price will, ultimately, rebalance just as it did with plasmas. And let’s face it, the early adopters we deal with in custom

installation aren’t your typical run-of-the-mill consumer. Many of them will want the best and will be able and willing to pay for it. More problematic will be native 4K content. There’s nowhere near enough of it at the moment. And this is going to be key in driving consumer awareness and helping to boost sales too. At the pace things are moving, it’s only likely to translate into really significant growth from around 2015 onwards. But 4K is coming, make no mistake. It’s a big focus for screen manufacturers and a potential business upgrade opportunity for custom integrators who can help consumers enjoy a much sharper, higher quality and enjoyable TV and movie-watching experience. And keep your eyes peeled for a CEDIA 4K White Paper coming out in November 2013.

Connect with CEDIA The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) is the international trade organisation for the home electronic systems industry. CEDIA members specialise in the planning, design, supply and installation of automated electronic systems for the modern, intelligent home. Find out more about the benefits to CEDIA members by visiting the website. More Information: CEDIA +44 (0) 1480 213 744 www.cedia.co.uk Sound Environment +44 (0)20 31180002 www.soundenvironment.co.uk

Many manufacturers are seeing 4K as a chance to build margin back into the TV sector

20 Essential Install

Screens, rich in style and features

55LA620V

Feature-packed 55-inch TV • Cinema 3D • Freeview HD • Built-in Wi-Fi • 4 x pairs of 3D glasses

Invision Express is the UK’s leading trade-only distributor of plasma, LED TVs and projectors, providing custom AV installers with a one-stop source for residential display solutions.

F9000 series

90LE757

X9005 range

F9000 series for ultimate 4K viewing

The world’s largest 90-inch LED TV

X9 4K Ultra HD TV

• 3D full HD X-GEN Panel

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24/7 online ordering | live stock & prices | same day dispatch up to 5.30pm | timed delivery and drop-ship options | field-based technical sales team | pre and post sales technical support All trademarks are the property of their respective manufacturers. E&OE. Copyright © Invision Express 2013. Invision UK Limited, Alexander House, 3 Hillside Business Park, Kempson Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7EA. 3555-Q4-13

Essential TVs

Get Set for Success With increasing numbers of specialty CI focused TVs available and heightened interest in the install sector from the global TV brands, it’s been a busy time in the TV sector of late. EI channels some of the options. An interesting development from Aquavision comes with its new Touchscreen line. The Series 4 AquaTouch 32in and 40in TVs can be installed in homes/hotels/leisure centres or bathrooms allowing users to watch TV, surf the web, play games and access a PC, without the need of a mouse or keyboard. The sets have a two-point touch-screen well suited to Windows 8 and the AquaTouch features a capacitive touch sensing system similar to those on iPads and other tablets. However, rather than being on the outside of the screen, it is beneath it, which ensures it remains robust and is not affected by moisture, dirt, or dust. The sets offer full HD images, RS232 connection and infra-red codes to integrate with most home automation systems and are finished with a polished stainless steel surround and offer the maker’s heated screen technology to avoid misting. As well as for home use, Aquavision has identified hotel and leisure sectors as good matches for the screens, allowing guests to access services and improve guest communication to drive revenue opportunities for the site. Available in three finishes: Black, Polar White or MirrorVision, the sets are guaranteed to be forwards and backwards compatible with new and existing products. The range offers built-in Freeview tuner and the AquaTouch terminates in a micro USB for integration onto a choice of operating platform and comes with a 1.5m lead terminating in a standard USB connector. Two HDMI inputs, full Scart input and infrared codes for automation platform integration, add to the sets connectivity suite.

Brand new from Aquavision, the AquaTouch offers TV and Windows 8 functionality

A company in its second year of trading, PictureFrame.TV reports strong demand for its products and ‘can-do’ attitude.

22 Essential Install

Pro Vision was thrilled to have a bit of TV coverage recently for its bespoke TV solutions

A popular choice for mirror TV options, the company’s next innovation will come in the form of a Mirror TV Overlay System, which allows conversion for any flat screen into a mirror television. Due for release in 2014, the product is ideal for retrofitting to an existing TV or allowing the customer to pick any make and model of TV they want for a new install, the Overlay System utilises the same extensive range of frames from the company’s other products, as well as the three finishes of glass PictureFrame.TV offers. With prices starting from £1,249 for the 32in application and rising to £1,999 for the 60in application, the maker says the product offers excellent value for money. PictureFrame.TV will continue to offer its Mirror TV and Art TV products, allowing customers a variety of options to hide their television as well as its bespoke service, which allows for unique applications that may not be available off-the-shelf. Also in the specialist TV arena, Pro Display was delighted recently to have its product featured on the ITV show 60 Minute Makeover. The episode saw the transformation of a family home with Pro Display’s Mirrorvision technology taking centre stage in the living room offering the home owners the attractive combination of mirror/TV gaining real traction in the CI space. Pro Display can offer Mirrorvision TVs (LED Smart TV/ 3D) in 22in, 32in, 40in, 46in, 55in and 70in sizes. The company also offers Mirrorvision Overlay (Framed or Frameless) products in 22in, 32in, 40in, 46in, 55in, 65in and 80in. The company has also launched a ‘Highly Reflective Version’ which gives a more silver finish and for people wanting a full length mirror with a TV, Pro Vision can also make Mirrorvision up to 3150 x 1750mm.

TV Shield A4 Front.pdf

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12:19

CMY

/thetvshielduk

@tvshielduk

Untitled-1 1

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Essential TVs

ad-notam (available from Unicam) is another brand offering a highend and highly bespoke approach to TV

AGATH TVs available from Genesis Technologies offer a genuinely high-end solution for a whole range of environments

Another brand capable of some stunning specialist and mirrored TV solutions is the ad notam brand, available from Unicam. The distributor says ad notam provides simplicity for control, installation and customisation with the latest DFU model designed specifically on feedback from installers. The wide range of LED panels from 13.3in up to 84in come as standard with RS232 and IR control. The IR has pass through capability for controlling external devices as well as remote receiver input. Connectivity is covered with three HDMI inputs, component input and USB. DFU screens also retain ad notam’s useful feature of working within ventilation deprived environments with its decentralised architecture. ad notam is also certified by the main hospitality TV providers and the manufacturer points out that ad notam is a commercial A grade pro AV monitor specifically designed for its intended purpose. Unicam also says that ad notam offers a very wide variety of fitting solutions

ranging from typical on-wall mounting to flush and recessed finishes. The bracket systems specifically designed for the brand facilitate easy access for maintenance where removable glass can be mounted on screen, independently on/in wall or even where the screen is mounted on to the glass. ad notam’s is also keen to remind that it offers ‘direct on glass’ construction giving a gapless install between the screen and mirror/glass panel. Bespoke mirror options are available up to 3x2 metres with options such as custom etched lighting, heating foils, through glass control, set top box with both freeview and freesat HD tuners, set top box with IP TV utilising android operating system and through glass LED clock. Meanwhile, MirrorMedia says its range of wireless HDMI Smart MirrorTVs continue to offer a very attractive option, offering 32in, 42in, 55in and 65in panel sizes as well as a bespoke design service. The look can be completed with over 100 different frames styles and the set can be delivered with Smart technology, full HD 1080p wireless HDMI, discrete IR and a dedicated Ethernet port which provides BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Facebook and Google. MirrorMedia along with its standard range of MirrorTV and BathroomTV’s, says it has recently seen a surge in demand for the bespoke units, available with up to a maximum screen size of 65in inset within a 3x1.5m single sheet of safety laminated glass. Further high-quality CI choices are available with the AGATH brand available through Genesis Technologies. Specifically developed to be adapted to the environment, the screens offer a range of original and completely integrated solutions including in-wall or on-wall options. Screen sizes from 13in to 82in with custom mirror sizes and options to suit any application, the sets integrate with any control system and are IP rated for marine, bathroom and sauna use. Each comes with a specific back box designed to go in at first fix allowing seamless integration later. Genesis recommends partnering AGATH TV’s with Stealth Acoustics invisible speakers to create a stunning discrete media system. Jamie Pullen, sales manager at Genesis Technologies UK, says: “Since working with

4K TV

KD-84X9005 84” 4K LED TV 3840 x 2160 Pixel Resolution 3D Ready Supplied with RS232 Control Unit High Trade Margins

T: 01923 495595

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E: info@marata.co.uk

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Essential Install

Essential TVs AGATH, we have found that the top integrators in the UK have all adopted AGATH as their go to choice for a highend architectural TV solution. When it has to be right and adaptable to a bespoke requirement and work consistently with the control system of choice, it’s the only choice that is delivering every time.” The sets also have a hotel mode and are compatible with any kind of set top box. Combining furniture AV and specialist TVs is CoolVision’s calling and the company’s latest expression of this aim is Eidola, a furniture system designed to integrate with Coolvision’s glass TVs and AV systems. Eidola offers invisible technology with no wire and cable clutter. When the TV is switched off, the image area disappears leaving a glass finish within the furniture. The Eidola British made modular collection is available in a range of styles and unit sizes and the collection can be extended to include other furniture. Another useful partner for TV comes in the form of the TV Shield. A simple solution for protecting a TVs up to 46in in size from the elements or for protection in commercial settings. The sheild can accommodate LCD, LED and Plasma televisions from 19in to 42in (46in with some of the more slender LED TVs). When the unit cover is closed, it affords a clear, uninterrupted view of the display within; when the cover is open, the user also has an uninterrupted and clear view, with the added bonus of seeing the television within. Ultimately the Shield provides an interesting and cost effective route to an exterior based TV install.

Super Size Me! Always offering an interesting TV line up, AWE has increased its focus on the TV sector in recent times with two strong showings at the Essential Install Live! events this year, highlighting the opportunities offered with today’s super-sized high-tech TVs. Keen to offer a full suite of choices covering 4K or’ UHD’, AWE brings attention to four screens from its stable, which are fully set up for the 4K future. Anyone who has seen the Samsung S9 so far would be hard pressed not to be impressed with the sheer size and design of this monster of a TV. The 85in set is an LED UHD TV which is capable of delivering full 4K resolution, four times the detail of full HD in case you have not been paying attention. AWE argues that a lack of much native 4K material being available currently, should not dent the impact of the S9 significantly, due to its proprietary up-scaling engine which can convert HD or full-HD to near UHD-level. AWE says that

Precision Black Pro and LED Micro Dimming technology reproduces rich blacks, pure whites and vibrant colours and detail to every image to make sure the sets vast screen is used to full capacity. The significant investment necessary for ownership has also driven the manufacturer to offer its ‘Smart Evolution’ – a set of technologies that mean the set can be ‘reengineered’ to match whatever turn broadcasting standards take. The S9 also possesses the Samsung Smart Hub with S-Recommendation that provides programme suggestions, voice interaction and gesture control, as well as Apps, widgets and social features. If the client is not going for the full cinema effect, the set’s four flat panel speakers and integrated 120W 3-way amplifier can be called upon. AWE is also keen to highlight the capabilities of the Samsung UE55F9000 and UE65F9000, also offering 4K up-scailing, but at 55in and 65in sizes. Together with Samsung’s flagship quad-core processing engine, active 3D playback is also supported as is Samsung’s Smart TV system. Audio is offered through an inbuilt 70W amp and integrated subwoofer. A new level of interest in the CI sector is now being shown by LG as the brand is now available through AWE and Invision. A recent introduction comes in the form of the LG 84LM960V, an 84in UHD screen with full smart capabilities and a range of features designed with both TV and film in mind. Like most sets at this size and level of tech, the TV has voice/gesture control. This technology will not stop coming as the majors are keen on it, but particularly in the CI market, its popularity or indeed usefulness has yet to be really established. However, the set does offer the more interesting UHD up-scaling capabilities also offered on the Samsung S9 and LG’s own Smart TV platform. 800Hz MCI (Motion Clarity Index) processing helps to reduce motion blur on fast moving action scenes and also gives 3D imaging a boost. The set also uses localised pixel dimming to achieve a high range of contrast and deep blacks. Connection suite includes four HDMI inputs, three USB inputs and inbuilt Wi-Fi. The set can directly stream entertainment content from the likes of NOW TV and the manufacturer says it is the first to offer live streaming of Sky Sports and Sky Movies on demand and contract free as well as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and LOVEFiLM. The set does offer DLNA compatibility, but so far no RS232 or IP control. It is not impossible that this could change for future supersized sets, but for now the message seems to be, that the picture performance, price point achievable

Invision is purring about its access to the full Sony 4K range

26 Essential Install

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30/10/2013 16:21

Essential TVs and other capabilities of the screens are that attractive, that connectivity issues are lessened. EI can also reveal that there will be an impressive sounding 77in 4K OLED product available from LG in the UK this year. Invison has been widely trailing its supply of the Sony 4K range of TVs recently and the company is keen to underline that it also supplies the full ‘professional’ range of screens from Sony as these are handy for the CI market offering control over RS232 and Wake-on-Lan connectivity. Back in the dedicated home stable, the company is proud of its distribution of Sony’s X9005 4K TVs. Available as 55in, 65in, and 84in, the sets offer full 4K capability via the X-Reality PRO, chip which offers a similar picture enhancing technology for SD and HD as many of the other 4K introductions. Sony argues that its Triluminos display technology provides a wider spectrum of colours with a heightened impression of depth. The X9005 is also set up to offer an enhanced audio performance via Sony’s Magnetic Fluid speakers, which are designed to reduce distortion when the volume is high or low, should the install not be including a full audio set up to complement the set. Images, video and other files kept on a smartphone can be shared with others through a simple connection to the TV, while built-in Wi-Fi enables users to explore the web. In addition, the Sony Entertainment Network provides on-demand movies, music and TV shows. Invision is also claiming to now be the distributor with the widest range of 4K TVs. The Invision Express division of the company says it currently stocks the largest range of 4K television brands available to the CI channel including the Sony X9005 series, but also offering Samsung’s F9000 series of 55in and 65in TVs, the L9363 series of 58in, 65in and 84in TVs from Toshiba with details of sets available from LG to be announced very soon. Charlie Cann, marketing manager at Loewe UK (available from AWE) is keen to underline the steps his company has made to make his company’s range attractive to the installer. Technology wise there are imminent software updates for some of the new ranges which will add IP control, RS232 and hotel-mode for easy integration into home automation or AV systems. Charlie also argues that with a wide range of wall mounts, motorised stand solutions and audio set up’s, Loewe’s more customised approach lends itself well to the CI market. Key introductions to the Loewe range include the

Reference ID, a high-end set which offers the potential for completely bespoke personalisation. Loewe adds that state-of-the-art technologies ensure a life-like, razor-sharp picture, market-leading sound quality and in-demand technologies, such as Internet access and networking. Available in three screen sizes – 40in, 46in and 55in – with an initial choice of four colours for the aluminium frame and rear panel, plus six colour patterns for the speaker cover, other options include monochrome LED backlighting, which casts a soft corona of light around the Reference ID and the set’s matching floor-standing speakers. Further design options are available from this autumn, including the incorporation of wood and leather and by the end of the year Loewe will launch a full ‘bespoke tailoring’ service, enabling customers to include their own colours, materials and motifs to create a unique, personalised TV.

A complete CI friendly range An attractive looking range of CI solutions are available to installers from Tech2O with a TV for all the rooms in the house as well as the garden. Waterproof, bathroom, mirror, kitchen and weather resistant sets are all available. Still run by the close knit team who set up the company in 2008, the company is proud of its record of continuing to find ways to innovate and offer tech hungry consumers aesthetically pleasing sets taking care to listen to installer and customer feedback to help develop the product family. Tech2o televisions all come with a two-year warranty as standard and every TV meets industry waterproof classifications (IP Ratings) and EU safety regulations (CE and RoHS). The company says it offers a choice of innovative, bathroom and kitchen televisions – with more colours, more sizes, more options than any other company. Bathroom TVs naturally come with mist free technology in HD LED form factors and are supplied in sizes, from 15in up to 65in and come with smart TV operation, in-built Freeview HD tuner and an integrated Magic Eye IR Link system that lets the viewer watch and control SKY TV. A wide range of on-wall, in-wall options come with the Kitchen range which offers a similar feature set to the bathroom sets from 15in to 42in. Beautiful living room sets are also available and range from 15in to 65in including mirror finishes. The outdoor options are offered in 32in to 65in varieties, a nice option as the trend for high quality exterior AV continues. Get in contact to check out the full story on this attractive and CI centric product family.

More Information: Aquavision +44 (0)1442 872665, www.aquavision.tv

PictureFrame.TV: +44 (0)208 1446060 www.PictureFrame.TV

AWE Europe: +44 (0)1372 729777 www.awe-europe.com

Pro Vision +44 (0)870 7668438, www.prodisplay.com

Loewe +44 (0)207 3681100, www.loewe-uk.com/uk

Unicam +44 (0)871 2262886, www.unicamgroup.com

Tech2o +44 (0)1509 608006, www.tech2o.co.uk

Genesis Technologies +44 (0)203 2394120 www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com CoolVision +44 (0)1772 76006, www.coolvision.co.uk

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Essential Comment

Sony’s 4K future

Damien Weissenburger, head of presentation & communication business group, Sony Professional Europe, answers EI’s questions on Sony’s push for a 4K future. Essential Install: (EI) What would you say were the key products that installers should be aware of that can deliver 4K performance? Damien Weissenburger (DW): “There are a wide range of 4K products that Sony has launched over the last six months. In my division (Presentation & Communication) alone, we have launched six 4K large format displays and projectors covering both business to business application and home cinema. Our large format displays now includes a 55in, 65in and 84 in 4K range, our home cinema projectors have just recently expanded the line-up adding the VPL-VW500ES to the market leading VPL-VW1000ES and our simulation projector range has just added the SRX-T615 which has been demonstrated at IBC...on an 8K wall! All these products have received a very positive feedback from the market.” EI: What can Sony do to help explain the 4K future to end users when most have only just got used to HD? DW: “The 4K format has been driven by customer demand to see enhanced picture quality and immersion on increasingly growing average screen sizes in both business and consumer markets. It is our role, as a market leader, to respond to that demand. It is fair to say that every HD customer today is also likely to be a 4K customer tomorrow - for exactly the same reason

30 Essential Install

they moved from SD to HD. “Sony leads Damien Weissenburger is confident the this transformation 4K future is not far away by being deeply involved in all industries creating the ‘lens to living’ value chain. Back in 2011, Sony had started to launch its first 4K products through its consumer and professional divisions. Sony pictures was obviously one of our first ‘customers’ which made 4K an obvious reality in cinemas supported by the launch of Sony’s 4K Digital Cinema projection system. Through our AV/Media division, we have also been involved in this transformation with leading broadcasters. Worldwide sports events (like the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil) is likely to be an important milestone to make a wider audience see and feel the benefits of 4K. “It is therefore not a surprise that Sony has signed an agreement with FIFA TV to produce the coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals in Rio de Janeiro in 4K using Sony 4K technology and production services. “To accelerate 4K’s adoption in Europe, we have also recently opened the Digital Motion Picture Centre Europe (DMPCE) at Pinewood Studios. The DMPCE brings technology and talent together in an open and easily accessible centre and will provide training and resource-

Essential Comment sharing for film and production professionals looking to understand more about 4K technologies and workflow.”

Sony is of course very keen to see a 4K future offering the complete package from creation to playback devices

4K capable machines? DW: “In short, yes. During the transition to 4K as the market begins to embrace the technology more openly, the future-proofing and up-scaling potential of the current range of 4K products available on the market are important sales weapons. That said, I would also argue there’s a great deal to be said for the power of the 4K image, whether it’s native or up-scaled content – seeing is really believing when it comes to 4K.”

EI: Sony recently announced the world’s first 4K download service in the US, is there any information available on a time scale to bring the platform to the UK? DW: “As it stands, the 4K download service is a US based initiative. Sony will carefully monitor its acceptance and consider expanding it to other countries.” EI: Does Sony’s involvement in content creation give it an edge when dealing with creating products to deliver 4K? DW: “Certainly. Over decades and working closely with broadcasters, Sony has built a deep understanding of content creation and distribution. We have been at the heart of many industry standard transformations and 4K, as challenging as it sounds, feels now just like a natural technological evolution to our engineers. The recent recognition and awards of many Sony 4K products is just the perfect illustration.” EI: Do you think the really large corporations are now more aware of the CI market? DW: “Certainly. Large corporations are an increasingly important channel for the CI market, particularly as 4K adoption accelerates. At Sony, we’re already making inroads with 4K into the corporate and retail markets with our 4K Professional displays and HTML5 capable W800 series as well as our projectors, and as corporates increasingly look to future proof their technology and transform the quality of visual communications, we can only expect this rate of adoption to increase. The recent deal with Invision to supply Sony 4K screens) is testament to the opportunity for 4K in the custom install space and indicative of the direction the market is going.”

EI: What is the most impressive piece of 4K content you have witnessed? DW: “One of the most impressive pieces of 4K content that I have witnessed to date is the Muse Concert that was filmed in 4K at the Rome Olympic stadium this summer, it was simply incredible. The quality of the images displayed the colours so vividly it felt like you were there and really allowed you to feel the emotion of every face in the crowd.” (check out a clip at - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igd3v5xrct8) EI: Tell us about anything else to do with the 4K future that you feel significant for the CI market? DW: “People want bigger screens that deliver good resolutions and 4K is the perfect answer to this as it offers a more immersive experience. We’re already beginning to see how technology is transforming the business environment into a more interactive and empowering space to communicate and bring ideas to life and the opportunity for custom install is huge.” More information: Sony +44 (0)1932 816000 www.sony.co.uk

EI: How far down the road are we in terms of content creation, when will 4K movies, sports coverage be more widely available? DW: “For the most part we’re there. There are more films than ever being shot in 4K and Sony’s F65 has already been used on over 30 blockbusters since its launch including Oblivion and After Earth. With the introduction Sony’s F5 and F55 CineAlta cameras and new XAVC recording format, 4K adoption is fast filtering down beyond feature films to TV dramas, entertainment, documentaries and commercials, as well as broadcast and live production. “Marking an exciting tipping point for 4K content creation, this year we saw some of the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil delivered live in 4K as part of a 4K trial and the news that the 2014 FIFA World Cup will also be delivered in 4K.” The 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be filmed in 4K, penalty shootouts in UHD, are we ready?

EI: For the moment would you say the main sales weapon installers have (due to a lack of native 4K content) is the up-scaling and future proof capabilities of

Essential Install

Essential Amina

Direct Action

Working directly with architects like Hogarths has resulted in stunning installs like this Kensington home featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs

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In the company’s second article on working with architects and interior designers, Amina highlights how this approach is paying dividends. Last month’s article considered the importance of key influencers such as architects and interior designers to the CI industry. This article looks at ways of engaging with this community for mutual benefit. For Amina, it is a complex sales and marketing process with our direct customers being specialist AV installation companies. However, our indirect customers, end users who are making decisions on their homes and commercial properties, are influenced by those professionals employed from an early stage of the process to ensure the resulting property is of the highest standard practically and aesthetically. Despite the best efforts of the CI industry there is still a huge amount of ignorance amongst consumers and influencers, as to what is possible in terms of discrete technology particularly for the home. After a decade of marketing efforts and the sales of tens of thousands of speakers since the Amina team first invented the plaster over speaker in 2001, 95%+ of the population are unaware that invisible sound is an option. Amina has increasingly focussed marketing efforts on those key influencers who have the ability to create awareness in a broader market through creating a ‘pull’ from the end market as well as a ‘push’ through installers. The challenge is how to increase awareness of discrete technology? Amina believes that those who care passionately about aesthetics should be our ‘best friends’ and as such are key players for the future. An important part of the process for Amina is to take the message to the influencers and this is done in a number of ways. One of the most productive ways is to offer industry body approved CPD (Continuous Professional Development) seminars. Amina offers RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and BIID (British Institute of Interior Designers) approved seminars on ‘Understanding and Specifying Invisible Sound Solutions’. These are offered both on site, for larger practices and as open seminars which can also be combined with other seminars such as CEDIA’s ‘Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes’. This latter option provides the wide eyed excitement on the possibilities opened up by invisible sound and immediate access to the practical solution of how to move a project forward in terms of support product and installation. The real success of this approach is the way conversation opens up into discussing actual

projects, conversations that would not otherwise have taken place creating a valuable sale opportunity. In addition Amina focuses on going to where architects and interior designers are, rather than waiting for the influencers to find the product themselves. This approach includes attendance at exhibitions such as 100% Designs and Ecobuild. Amina recognises that attendees are not visiting the events to look for invisible sound, or even home automation, frequently not being aware of the options that exist. The art form is to engage effectively with attendees and few can resist the temptation to feel the speakers! Amina has secured several major projects including a prestigious hotel spa and high-end residential development as a direct result of initial contact made at such exhibitions. This approach needs a long term mind-set as business resulting from such engagements can take months or even years to materialise. The jaw dropping excitement at the idea of invisible sound, much less present at CI trade events, is very much in evidence at such exhibitions and a great way to start a relationship. Another direct approach successfully utilised is to work with industry databases identifying those projects where invisible sound is likely to complement residential or commercial developments where aesthetics are key. Once suitable projects are discovered, key influencers are identified and contacted. This approach has led to requests for CPDs, submission of drawings and plans for advice on speaker selection and positioning together with requests for demonstrations and details of Amina installation partners. Sometimes it is not the project that was originally targeted that turns out to be the one for which Amina is eventually specified, but without the relationship the opportunity would have been missed entirely. This approach takes patience, but is an essential element in growing the available market for invisible loudspeakers and CI solutions. Increasingly Amina is seeing successful installers, with whom we work, partnering with designers and architects and thus generating more than sufficient profitable business to cease any conventional direct marketing. More Information: Amina Technologies +44 (0)1480 354390 www.amina.co.uk

PALLADIO D O N ' T F O R G E T T H E S E AT S

Palladioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of luxury cinema seating raises the bar for comfort and value Starting at ÂŁ850 the Palladio range will complete the perfect home cinema experience for many more clients. Single seat and twin 'love seat' in finely upholstered natural brown or black leather Luxurious poly-sprung support Smooth, powerful, super-quiet motors Wide recline adjustment Fingertip control from inlaid panel Adjustable head rest Stainless Steel cup holder

F U L L R A N G E I N S TO C K C A L L 0 1 4 2 0 5 4 0 0 5 4 , H A B I T E C H. C O. U K

Contents study Essential Case

Cinema Rooms Makes a Splash! Home cinemas are the new swimming pools, says Cinema Rooms and speaker manufacturer Artcoustic, who partnered on this highly polished garage conversion project. It’s looking great at the moment, says Simon Gregory with a wide sweep of the arm. The director of Cinema Rooms in Essex is eyeing up more than his latest installation. Simon is looking at the future of home cinema in the UK, which is all good, he reckons. The latest installation from Cinema Rooms focuses on a converted double garage but according to Simon, private cinemas are somewhere else: “They are the new swimming pools in terms of client desirability. However, I do not think they are the preserve of dedicated rooms, any decent system should still be designed with the correct engineering principals.” This is just what happened in Loughton, Essex, to transform this converted garage, white, tiled and wholly inappropriate for cinema use, into a sumptuous nook that hits the right note with all the senses. Correct engineering principles are important to Simon, who is something of a purist when it comes to customer installations. Logical and consistent design is therefore a must. “We don’t think it makes much sense from a client perspective to use one style, such as in-ceiling, at a certain price point and then go in-wall at another or

floorstanding at another. The correct technical design is the same regardless of budget. We like to design with engineering principals and what’s correct rather than take the approach of ‘speaker A is better than speaker B’. “This just causes confusion. If it’s kept to engineering principals - ‘what speaker do we need to hit all the criteria of a credible system?’ then clients really respond well to it. This is why we use Artcoustic UK as our primary loudspeaker brand. The range ticks all the boxes for us. It really performs, which is vital from a confidence and credibility point of view.” Supporting installers is important to the brand, so Artcoustic was involved in planning and execution of the install early on. Doing it this way enabled the team to bounce ideas off each other at initial site surveys. Involving the manufacturer from the start also adds a weight of confidence for the clients too, says Simon: “They know they are dealing with a small cohort of people all trying to get it right for them.” There are other benefits to calling up Artcoustic at the earliest possible stage: “We used the company’s showroom and the client came over twice to discuss options. Once he experienced the cinema room I think we had it won. It is very difficult to expect a client to spend considerable money from a brochure and an excel spread sheet. “We find when they experience what is possible in their own homes we get a very good success rate. Often they spend more than their initial budgets. Artcoustic also offers

A large and consistent Artcoustic speaker range allows dealers to use the right product for the application, not just one that hits a price point

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Essential Case study The rear channels are Diablo SL with neat finishes from Skyfall and Dark Knight Rises imagery chosen by the client

good after-sales service, helping to calibrate the system and take allimportant photos. Paul Cummin at Artcoustic did the camera work and it is useful to have decent images of our installations.” Simon recalls the most challenging part of the install: the design. On the first visit to the client, who found out about Cinema Rooms from the website, the white echoing void that was the former garage was not promising. Liaising with the client led them to strip out existing cabinets to make way for the screen. Changes to floor, ceiling, walls, lights and fabric transformed the space. Of course the speakers form the heart of that new plush space and Artcoustic managing director Paul Cummin is confident he can deliver: “A large and consistent range allows dealers to use the right product for the application, not just one that hits a price point. Add to this pleasant aesthetics, bespoke sizes, prints and colours and we have something that works well for the dealers. “Pantone, RAL & NCS options have been very popular. We can offer as much support as the dealers ask and can design entire systems, help with drawings and project manage. We have a Flickr site showcasing work, including an Installation of the Month award with over half a million views this year and we are active on both Facebook and Twitter.” But it’s on site where Paul comes into his own with both client and installer: “When setting up systems we always spend at least 30 minutes just listening to two-channel music from our Spotify playlist. We suggest dealers subscribe and download to mobiles and iPads so it is always on site with them. This gives us a point of reference and helps to get the system’s bass tuned in nicely. “Only once we have music sounding great do we move on to films and it’s at this point we usually suggest the client chooses. We know the system is right, hand it over and let the client get involved. It’s at that point you see the big smile and any previous challenges all fade away.” Paul’s colleague and technical sales manager Tom Butler says: “Our Essex showroom is in constant use as dealers bring their

Equipment such as the Oppo Blu-ray player is smart but most clients aren’t interested in the latest technology, they just want to watch films

clients to experience what is possible. The hit rate is exceptional once Artcoustic is seen and heard. Take the new SL series, a huge departure from our older models. The showroom is a great way to let dealers who are less convinced see just how good they are now.” Simon has several allies, based on quality of product and service from the companies. This system includes Artcoustic loudspeakers, an Oppo Blu-ray player, Onkyo amplifier, JVC projector, Rako

lighting, RTI control and a Screen Excellence 4K screen. These, insists Simon, are some of the most consistently good products offering pictures and sound that are ‘amazing’. Singling out a favourite part of the project is dead easy for Simon: “The focus of the system is on the client enjoying movies and that’s what I love. It’s not about the equipment. We often see systems written about that are all about the kit. Yet the products are not the fun bit, the movies are. Most clients aren’t interested in the latest amplifier, subs or projectors. They want to watch films. “We like that, that’s our passion. And when the products all-but evaporate we know we have done a good job. No one thinks about the speaker and amps in a commercial cinema, they think about the movie. Loudspeakers positioned in the right place, behind the screen, the correct-sized screen and great sound and picture deliver that suspension of disbelief that is what cinema is about.” This reinforces Simon’s conviction that home cinemas are the new swimming pools and Artcoustic is well placed to benefit: “These are some of the few speakers that go well in dedicated cinemas, lounges, games rooms or TV snugs. The rear channels in this system are Diablo SL with neat finishes from Skyfall and Dark Knight Rises’ movie posters chosen by the client.” For Paul Cummin it’s harder to hit on his favourite aspect: “I can’t just pick one, but I think we have something special with the Target SL, it has really been a hit with dealers with its contemporary design and compact form. The 40-30SL 6-3 always surprises people, it looks so modest and discreet and then plays like a PA speaker. It’s a fun demo for us. “We have a strong line up of sound bars and having invented the category back in 1998, we are proud to still be seen as a market leader with our Multi SL. The Spitfire range meanwhile gives us an edge in private cinemas. Fortunately there’s plenty of innovate products being developed at Artcoustic. We don’t stand still and have never been a copycat, me-too kind of company.” More information: Artcoustic +44 (0)1245 400904 www.artcoustic.com Cinema Rooms +44 (0)1245 790855 www.cinema-rooms.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential In-Depth Product Report

Screen Test James Drummie, AWE product manager, explains some of the most important features of LG’s muscular 84LM960V large screen TV. Essential Install (EI): Can you take us through some of the key performance characteristics of the screen? James Drummie (JD): “The 84LM960V’s quad HD pixel resolution creates stunning images, with unparalleled levels of detail, even full HD upscaled to 3840 x 2160 looks incredibly special regardless of the content being played. The resolution is equivalent to eight mega pixels. This is four times that of the resolution of a full HD TV, which makes it pretty impressive. “800Hz MCI (Motion Clarity Index) processing helps to reduce motion blur on fast moving action scenes, while 3D images are sharper and more impressive. Utilising localised pixel dimming, the high range of contrast and deep engaging blacks look superb surrounded by the stylish silver brushed bezel and equally attractive chrome stand. This screen has LG’s Triple XD engine which helps produce fantastic colour and contrast.”

The set has featured on the AWE stand at both Essential Install Live! South and North

EI: Can you highlight some of the functionality which makes the product particularly suited to the CI market? JD: “With four HDMI inputs, three USB inputs and in-built Wi-Fi, the television can easily connect to a host of devices. The 84in set also utilises Smart TV technology and can directly stream the user’s favourite entertainment content from the likes of NOW TV and LG is the first TV manufacturer to offer live streaming of Sky Sports and Sky Movies on demand and contract free, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, LOVEFiLM and more. “DLNA compatibility ensures that digital content from a mobile or tablet device can be easily shared onto the big screen. Simple wall mounting allows this to be integrated into any installation easily.”

The 84LM960V is the latest in a new generation of super-sized screens looking to find a home in the CI market

EI: What training/support is available on the product? JD: “AWE Technical Services is on hand to provide support to custom installers in the way of site survey, technical delivery and installation. We have a fleet of specialist vehicles and equipment to deliver the product safely and efficiently to the install point.” EI: Do you think gesture control/voice (available on the set) will play well in the CI market? JD: “It is still in its infancy and almost a bit gimmicky at the moment. However, CI is all about integrating technology seamlessly into an environment, so allowing the customer to control a product via their voice or through gestures, is a logical step.” EI: What impact does UHD up-scaling offer? JD: “The LG 84LM960V has ‘Resolution Upscaler Plus’ technology, which does a great job of upscaling content, such as a 1080p signal and presenting it in 4K resolution. The results are excellent for an on-board scaler.” EI: What does 800Hz MCI (Motion Clarity Index) processing bring to the party? JD: “If you are into sport or fast moving action movies, then the processing helps reduce motion blur. If you really want to understand the benefits, let us arrange a demo for you to see it first-hand.” More information: AWE Europe: +44 (0)1372 729777 www.awe-europe.com

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Essential CINEAK & Promax

Relax, its CINEAK’s new ESCANA ESCANA is CINEAK’s latest statement in private cinema luxury.

The ESCANA is an evolution inspired by the existing FORTUNY design The ESCANA has a choice of wood veneers including custom options

High-quality home cinema chair manufacturer, CINEAK’s latest product addition, the ESCANA, features the comfort and ergonomics of a the company’s existing FORTUNY seat with a unique wood-inspired armrest design. CINEAK says the ESCANA theatre chair was created for the most luxurious home theatres and it’s concept is

unique in many aspects with the design combining leather upholstery, varying stitching finishes, ergonomic contours, real wood veneer and an independently controlled Dual-Motorised reclining or incline mechanism. The ESCANA comes standard with a manual articulating headrest, which allows the user to adjust the position of the supporting headrest when in the reclined or inclined position. The articulating headrest is also available as a motorised option. The wood choices for the armrest are oak or cherry veneer, solid wood or custom veneers. The ESCANA is also available with many of the company’s technology features, such as electronic lumbar support, heat and cooling ventilation systems. More Information: CINEAK +32 33540366 www.cineak.com

SIGNAL SAVIOUR Promax has introduced a new MPEG4 AVC/H.264 HD Modulator to its family of signal control solutions. The EN-206 home modulator converts HDMI high definition audio/video signals from TV satellite receivers, closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) or video players to a TV that uses the DVB-T (Digital Terrestrial Television) standard. Promax says programming the EN-206 modulator is very easy through the simple to use keyboard and display. The unit includes an RF combiner on which a channel modulated from existing antenna signals can be added The EN-206 home modulator is a new introduction from signal control and testing specialist Promax

easily. It is a passive combiner that works even if the modulator is off. Usefully, the unit can also be daisy-chained with other EN-206 modulators and with any other RF signal so that the number of channels in a SMATV system can be increased as desired. The EN-206 will allow audio/video signal input in TV distributions with applications in home entertainment, surveillance control, hotel digital signage and retail applications. The EN-206 offers an all-in-one solution integrating MPEG4 AVC/H.264 encoding and DVB-T modulating to convert input signals to DVB-T RF out in the frequency range of 30~960MHz. The signals source could be from satellite receivers, closed-circuit television cameras or Blu-ray players or an antenna and its output signal is to be received by FreeviewHD TVs or STBs. The EN-206 unit has one TV signal to RF output encoded as DVB-T Digital TV signal. Contact Promax direct to find out how this capable signal control system can assist in creating a whole range of solutions. More information: Promax +44 (0)1727 832266 www.promaxelectronics.com

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Our projection OF the future

Lift your viewing experience to new heights with the latest 2014 range of 3D enabled D-ILA Projectors from JVC.* Featuring an industry leading native contrast ratio of 150,000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1.**

Now in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth generation, our D-ILA Projectors have always set new standards. In this latest evolution we have achieved an even narrower gap between pixels, making images more precise and rich with contrast.

Not only is the range designed for ultra-high 4K resolution and is 60p ready. It also has the new JVC e-Shift 3 technology, this means it can shift sub-frames to achieve 4 times the pixel density of the original content, bringing you an even greater level of definition.

But perhaps most importantly, no matter what source you choose to input, be it 4K, 3D or Full HD, JVC D-ILA Projectors will deliver images of advanced quality with extreme realism and presence in your home cinema environment. But after all seeing is believing, for more information or to arrange a demonstration contact either:

Coupled with a newly developed userâ&#x20AC;?selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture that adjusts depending on the brightness levels from the video source. So whether the image is bright or dark our projector delivers with a vivid reality.

JVC

+44 (0)20 8450 3282 email: hdworld@jvc.co.uk

Habitect

+44 (0)1420 540054

www.habitech.co.uk

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280

www.invisionuk.com

* The 2014 range of JVC D-ILA Projectors consists of model numbers DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R, DLA-X500R. Visit www.jvc.co.uk for more details. ** Contrast ratio specifications are for the DLA-X900R.

JVC0027_HomeCinema_ad_A4_Final.indd 1

30/10/2013 16:43

Essential Install live! REVIEW

Success City! Taking place at its new home of EventCity in Manchester, the show was a resounding success. EI presents a few show highlights and thoughts from the show floor.

Habitech enjoyed a successful show with installers reportedly impressed with the NuVo/Ruckus demo

40 Essential Install

With visitors number well over the 500 mark and a brand new place to call home, Essential Install Live! North enjoyed its most successful show to date. Many companies chose to showcase for the first time in the UK or Europe making a trip to the show a major boost for those in attendance. EI was pleased to have the first UK trade viewing for the new Epson EH-TW9200W projector. Installers were able to get a full demo of the new machine, which boasts approaching twice the contrast ratio of previous models and now offers MHL connectivity for smartphone and tablet users. Visitors were also able to learn about the new frame interpolation in both 2D and 3D modes and the choices of wired or wireless connectivity. Business was also brisk in the Marata Vision demonstration booth with installers eager to get a first look at the Sony 4K VPL-VW500ES. Bringing 4K to a new price point, visitors were able to see the machine in action and learn about abilities such as the new RF 3D emitter, increased lamp life of 5,000 hrs and support for HDMI 2.0/60p. The Marata Vision team were also on hand to explain the attractive offers available, such as discounts on demonstration models and the 4K Sony player preloaded with 4K content which is also available with the machine. Another launch taking place at the show was the new range of Anthem MRX receivers available from Anthem AV Solutions. Tom Garrett, technical sales manager, Anthem AV Solutions: “Essential Install Live! North goes from strength to strength congratulations to all the team for the best event yet! The new venue works really well and there was a good flow of visitors throughout the day. Anthem AV Solutions were able to touch base with a lot of our Northern customers and we met a few new companies as well.” Tom explains: “Of particular interest was the highly anticipated new Anthem MRX receiver range that starts shipping towards the end of October. The show was a great opportunity to show dealers the improvements that include the new ARC 1M software, increased connectivity and improved integration. Also on our stand was the very stylish new Crystal Cube projector from SIM2 that delivers stunning pictures in a stylish projector with great cable management and the ability to fit in a Future Automation PD1 lift.” Keep an eye for more on both of these in the December issue of Essential Install.

Habitech also enjoyed a successful event. Sales manager, Timmi Thorsen says: “The fact that we met so many dealers from the North and Scotland made it a great show for us. It’s a valuable environment for hands-on demos and an excellent opportunity to gauge dealer response. “Many commented on the streaming quality of our Nuvo dem supported by a Ruckus backbone, which showed that you can stream successfully in a maze of competing Wi-Fi systems and visitors loved our new value-added approach to backing AMX with technical and design support. Sonance VP and the new Yamaha CXA5000 and MXA5000 home cinema pre-power also proved to be a big hit. I think the show really rewards the energy you put in and proves that the industry needs a northern showcase.” Invision bought many of its most popular lines to the event and Peter Alloway, UK sales manager, says: “The EI Northern event was a great success for Invision. The venue was spot on, with it all on one level with ample working space and ease of access, with plenty of parking. “Our dealers were keen to come and meet with Alan Briggs and Peter Biggin, our two most northern RSM’s. Other Invision UK product specialists were joined by Wim Voet from RTi, Alastair Benn from Aquavision and Adrian Ickeringgill from Wyrestorm. “We sure looked the part too, with the apple green carpet stretching across our stands to match the apple green polos the Invision UK team were sporting. Not that we could see the carpet much for customers! “It was great to see so many of our customers spend so much time with us and many referring to us as being the ‘bell of the ball’ (or perhaps that should be ‘apple of our eye’, given the colour scheme!) as our stand did not let up for pretty much most of the day. It was also a delight to meet with new customers.”

DECEMBER ISSUE FEATURES

We are celebrating the launch of our new website by offering an additional 5% discount off all products within our own brand range. Quote reference EIS/1 when placing your order.

Touch-Screens & Programming

Projectors & Screens For more information regarding any of the above features please contact: Editorial: Daniel Sait - dan@essentialinstall.com Advertising: Claire Talty - claire@essentialinstall.com www.essentialinstalllive.eu

Discount offer expires 31/10/13 T & C's apply

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High end, iPad/iPhone/Android compatible Remote Control Systems without the expense of a Programmer! iRemoteControl will provide you with turnkey iPad Control of your next Audio Visual & Lighting Project (including on-site support to take you through the simple installation process) for the introductory fee of just £395+VAT. The conﬁguration information will take you under 30 minutes to complete. Your customised app will be downloadable within 48 hours of conﬁguration submission. And you earn 60% margin on each Project. Contact us on: ei2@iremotecontrol.co.uk or ring Paul Kasler on +44 (0)7973 205158 for further information.

Prices quoted exclude hardware and VAT. The above offer is subject to our standard T&Cs. E&OE.

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01/11/2013 11:51

Essential install live! REVIEW

Invision impressed with its wide product range on show and is striking company themed livery

Picture Frame.TV showcased its growing range of bespoke TV offerings

42 Essential Install

Invision showcased RTi’s new T1-B+,T2-X, and the KX-2 in-wall touch-screen keypads, a whole load of options from Aquavision including the new AquaTouch touch-screen and the importance of its connectivity partner Wyrestrom. Niles speakers were also showcased as was the attractive iRoom iPad docking system and 4K screens from the likes of Samsung. AWE’s Craig Thorne, Philips Dynalite product manager, says: “I thought the new venue was great. It is easy to get to, had ample parking and with the show being held on the ground floor, there was no need to worry about traffic in and around the lift areas. “The quality of visitors was very high and we were delighted to have the chance to meet with a number of our existing clients, whilst also seeing some new faces. Essential Install Live! North allows us to branch out to new contacts. Being a south London company, this is sometimes difficult to achieve. There does seem to be a higher number of electrical contractors branching into AV. It is great that our industry is attracting new people and they all seem very keen to find out as much as possible about the market.” Craig explains: “The reaction to the AWE stand was very positive. The Samsung S9 was the star of the show, with LG, Philips Dynalite, URC and Kinetik Labs also receiving a great amount of attention. Many visitors to the stand were also interested to find out more about our Technical Services division.” Artcoustic now offers a huge range of options to installers looking for good looks and good sound quality. Paul Cummin, owner of Artcousitc UK, says: “We met some very high quality companies, who are doing some incredible work for their clients. We always want to work with the best installers our industry offers and the show was a great place to meet up with our existing supportive dealers and to meet a few new ones.” Paul explains: “We were showing the flagship 180-43 with two-big subwoofers and as one of the few stands actually playing music we got a great reaction. These look stunning and are a real attention grabber. When you see them you just want to hear them. It was a lot of fun!”

Aldous Systems also enjoyed a positive reaction as company owner, Jason Aldous, explains: “On the whole, we had a high calibre of visitors; either with the intention of continuing in the custom install industry or tentatively expanding their business from an electrical background into the custom install sector. We were well prepared for both eventualities because the ‘Your Connected Home’ concept can provide support to any level of installer. “It seemed to be equally split between people that we have met previously or already have an account with us and people that we haven’t had dealings with. Both of which were very valuable to us because we were able to reinvigorate current customers or build a relationship with new and potential customers and show them what we have to offer. The majority of people that we spoke to were very interested in the concept of ‘Your Connected Home’ and how it can be implemented.” Simple Audio also reports meeting a good mixture of old friends and new customers at the event, with a strong reaction to the company’s new iPad App to partner its music streaming products which impressed installers with their sound performance and slick, quality customer interface. Dan Winterton, technical sales manager at Antiference, echoed the positive reaction: “Our showcased products such as digital SD & HD modulators, modular plates and HDMI distribution products were well received. Our new Bluetooth speaker (Truelink) was also a popular product. “The Antiference team certainly felt the fresh look of the show brought new faces as well as some familiar ones and the numbers were encouraging too. At Antiference we are eagerly looking forward to the South show in 2014. We can be found in our now regular home on stand 60. First time exhibitors, Lears International, with the iRemoteControl range of bespoke and pre-configured control interfaces also enjoyed the event. The proposition feeds into the needs of installers who do not want to programme and is described as the first mid to high-end remote control solution that offers a pre-configured bespoke remote running on an iPhone, iPad or Android devices. The company says installation takes 30 minutes and margins are 60%.

01684 576 348 hdconnectivity.com/trade

Unencumbered�by�the�fixed�input/output� constraints�of�a�traditional�HDMI�Matrix,� HDMI�over�IP�from�Just�Add�Power�is�the� network-based�HDMI�switching�and�distribution� solution�changing�the�way�Custom�Installers� approach�projects�of�any�size.�

Loan HDMI over IP FREE for 30 days:

hdmi-over-ip.co.uk/demopack

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hdc display

HDConnectivity.com 01684 576 348

The evolution continues Flush mount, edge-to-edge touchscreen for improved gesture support

Programming can be updated over wireless network

Grip sensors keep the remote turned on while itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being held

New dock for improved battery charging

Accelerometer wakes the unit up and provides control via movements

Thinner, sleeker and more ergonomic.

Three wireless modes built-in (RF, Zigbee and WiFi)

For further information please call the Invision UK Sales Team on 01359 270280

Essential install live! REVIEW

The show’s new venue of EventCity was a hit with exhibitors and visitors alike

The company already has 150 installations and was keen to underline the level of support it offers including on-site support for an installer’s first project. The company was also keen to underline its quick development capabilities, offering compatibility with iOS7 very soon after its launch in mid-October. RGB was also extremely positive about the event. Reece Dyer, marketing executive, says: “Essential Install Live! North gave RGB a great platform to meet potential and existing dealers and to show off some of our exciting products. We came away from the event with many great leads. Event City was a fantastic location as a space to present and was also an easy place for visitors to get to. The day went very smoothly which is something you can always rely on with an Essential Install event and we are looking forward to exhibiting at Essential Install Live! South next year. PictureFrame.TV enjoyed the event showcasing its wide range of high-quality bespoke TV options including its new mirror overlay system to be launched in 2014. The product can be retro fitted to an existing TV or allow the customer to pick out their ideal set at the beginning of the install and still have the mirrored finish they are looking for. The overlay system utilises the same wide family of frames from the company’s other products, as well as the three finishes of glass PictureFrame.TV offers.

More information: Epson +44 (0)871 2226713, www.epson.co.uk Marata Vision +44 (0)1923 495595, www.marata.co.uk Anthem AV Solutions +44 (0)1825 750858 www.anthemavs.co.uk Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com AWE Europe: +44 (0)1372 729777 www.awe-europe.com Artcoustic: +44 (0) 1245 400904, www.artcoustic.com Aldous System (Europe): +44 (0)1296 719582 www.aldoussystems.co.uk Simple Audio +44 (0) 141 4405220 www.simpleaudio.co.uk Lears International (iRemoteControl) 0208 4204333 www.iRemoteControl.co.uk PictureFrame.TV: +44 (0)208 1446060 www.PictureFrame.TV RGB Communications +44 (0)1488 73366 www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Reduce your energy consumption with smart-house A modular concept for easy installation and flexible future proof home control. The smart-house system delivers complete solutions for home automation and allows you to be aware of energy consumption, providing diagrams as well as the logging of what has been consumed today and in the previous days, months or years, resulting in significant energy savings.

• Bus and power in the same cable • Diagnostic function • Easy configuration software • Energy monitoring and data logging

Get more details about us

CARLO GAVAZZI UK Ltd. Unit 7, Springlakes Ind. Estate, Deadbrook Lane, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU12 4UH Tel: 01252 339600 www.carlogavazzi.co.uk

Essential Install

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

2013 Over 270,000 customer surveys sent out More than 1,000 retailers rated Only 3 winnersâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Wyrestorm pumps up the Pro Plus

A host of high-spec features has helped create a new range of HDBaseT matrix systems for all seasons - both standard and modular packages to meet the needs of any integrator or application. Packages cover configuration sizes from 4x4 to 16x112 and most combinations in between

Expansion of the Pro Plus (PP) matrices means the range now features standard and modular custom solutions that cover configuration sizes from 4x4 to 16x112 and almost every combination in between. The entry-level model includes HDBaseT distribution of 36bit full 1080p HD video, HD audio, bidirectional control via IR or central RS232 over Cat5e/6/7 distances up to 70m. With control drivers available for all popular control systems and as one of the few products including duplicate HDMI outputs for connection to local AVRs, Wyrestorm says there is nothing standard about these matrices. The announcement of an upper-end to the Pro Plus range, however, sees Wyrestorm offer Pro Plus with a lower price to compete on cost effectiveness and functionality with rival kit. All models feature integrated cable testing via LED on TX output cards and Status LED on RX and a new IR cable for improved integration to third-party control systems. These include Elan and RTI, with more a convenient conversion of 12v IR systems to Wyrestorm’s own 5V methods. Updated models also incorporate QUICKSwitch technology to improve switching time between HDMI sources to virtually instantaneous fractions of a second. Multi-range compatibility across all Wyrestorm lines is a cornerstone of the manufacturer’s development strategy and the Pro Plus range offers integration with the company’s newly unveiled browser-based Enado user interface and the Wyrestorm AMP-001-010 digital amplifier/receiver. This combines distribution and bidirectional switching and control with enhanced audio for all display zones connected to a Pro Plus matrix. Meanwhile it provides the added potential to stream iTunes via the addition of an AirPort Express to the local input port of the AMP. An addition is the Power over HDBaseT (PoH) and addressable serial control for higher-spec models in the range and fully customisable digital/analogue transmission card configuration on the modular top-end models. Models feature all the strengths of the Pro Plus feature set, but with the addition of PoH to pass power along a single Cat5e/6/7 cable, thus negating the need for local power supplies at display zones. This offers considerable advantages in energy efficiency and a reduction in installation complexity, with less time required on site. Compatible with any PoH-enabled receiver in the Wyrestorm range, even the AMP can be used as a PoH pass-through device to deliver power to receivers at display

points. In terms of control, routed RS232 functionality offers fully addressable serial control for all outputs connected to the matrix, whether using a Wyrestorm receiver or digital amplifier. Each display zone can be controlled individually, collectively, arranged into groups or as a hybrid of all three for high quality in addressable control for premium residential or commercial AV projects. And for improved switching flexibility, Wyrestorm also offers the MX-PP-POH as a custom variation, through which matrices are custom built to exact user specifications. This tailors the distribution to the application and user requirements at a competitive price and features eight digital and analogue transmission cards including HDMI, DVI, VGA, Optical, HDMI in only, HDBaseT only. An RCA analogue stereo card allows easy connection of Sonos or Airport Express devices to a Wyrestorm digital amplifier or Matrix for multi-room audio streaming from single devices using existing infrastructure. Outputs can be cascaded via a HDMI card to expand systems to a maximum of 16x112 covering a distance of almost 8km. These are all centrally powered from the matrix PoH. All display zones offer fully addressable control options to ensure the system has the power and flexibility to meet and surpass any application requirement. The manufacturer says a strong counterweight to all this power and choice is the ease through which the Pro Plus Custom systems can be constructed. The Wyrestorm Virtual Rack is an online configuration tool that helps users make informed decisions about their bespoke matrix distribution. They can then select their matrix models and card combinations to suit the needs of their project, completing their personal information and selecting a delivery time before submitting the system to Wyrestorm. Users are then contacted personally to discuss their selection before confirming the order and building their system, with the whole process carried out as early as 10 days from online submission to delivery. The MX-0808-PP-POH and MX-0808-PP-POH-CUSTOM are available from November 2013, whilst the MX-1616-PPPOH and MX-1616-PP-POH-CUSTOM available from Q1 2014. More information: Wyrestorm +44 (0)1793 230343 www.wyrestorm.com

Essential Install

Essential Day in the Life: The Majik House

The Majik Man! EI caught up with Tim Burrow, MD of the Majik House, a high quality installation company celebrating 15 years in the business.

Tim Burrow, keeps the Majik flowing with his boundless enthusiasm for all things CI

EI sat down with Tim at Essential Install Live! North to learn more about the past, present and future for this innovative firm. Before starting the company in June of 1998, Tim served an apprenticeship in electrical engineering and gained useful experience working for 19 years as a subcontractor. However, Tim’s enthusiasm for technology eventually took him in a new direction. “My passion for AV really began when I had some B&O kit fitted in my home. Frankly the installer did not do a great job, so I refitted the system myself. Friends would come over and admire the system and ask if I could do the same for them. After helping a few families out, I began to realise there could be a future in this business.” Tim explains: “The very first project the Majik House won was with a local developer in equipping two multi-dwelling units, one consisting of 25 properties, the other nine. The developer was looking for a way to make these high-end properties in the Lake Windemere area stand out and we were able to oblige with systems such as Linn Knekt and Loewe TVs. With a conversion rate of 80% across the two properties it was a great start for us. It was also at this time that our senior engineer Paul Coyles came on-board who still leads all the projects today.” Tim adds: “Our next project was also of a significant size with 18 rooms of Linn Knekt, a company whose products and ethos we greatly admire to this day. This project was a great experience for us and the client as we were able to take them to the factory and get them ‘Linnjected’ with the knowledge that the products for their system were being built by a company with real pedigree.” With some serious projects already under its belt, the team knew that the company could not carry on being run from Tim’s house, so two years after it began, the next phase of development was instigated with a new dedicated office. However, in 2001 another milestone in the company’s

48 Essential Install

history was marked as the very first Majik House property was created providing a fully functioning demonstration experience for customers including Linn Knekt, Systemline Modular, projection systems and Lutron lighting. Finding success with the Majik House mark one, inspired Tim and the team to create mark two in 2005 where the company had the opportunity to create a two story experience and take its demonstration facilities to another level. Tim explains: “Floor one showcases all the different ways we can conceal or make more attractive the customer’s TVs and this three room part of the experience also allows us to demonstrate multi-room music as well as eight different types of speakers and the quality possible with HD distributed video. Downstairs also offers a bar area where we can offer guests a high-quality cup of coffee, or if a little later in the day, a glass of champagne.” “Upstairs we have a dedicated cinema room with D-Box motion chairs, a 2.5 metre screen and 7.1 surround sound. On this floor we also have a living room with 5.1 sound and a large screen TV, but the room can transform into a full cinema with the activation of a hidden screen. We also have a dining room where as many as 12 guests can be entertained and there is also a steam room with HD TV and music available. “We also like to take customers into the comms room so they can see the beating heart of the system and how much quality goes into the way we put the systems together.” Tim adds: “One of the things we love doing in the dedicated cinema room are movie nights for customers, who can bring their friends and watch a movie of their choice, a nice thank you for past customers, but also a great way of gaining future ones.”

Creating the work In a increasingly competitive market, Tim explains how the company keeps itself in the spotlight: “Recommendations was a huge part of our business at the start as it still is today. We never leave site until the customer is completely happy, as the old saying that you are only as good as your last job is still as relevant as it has always been. We also involve ourselves with the quality local press, such as Lancashire Life, which we have been featured in and who also provide networking evenings which are really useful and we also are very active on social media sites.” However, Tim reveals its building relationships with other trades which is also a huge driver for the company: “We put a big emphasis on developing really meaningful relationships with other companies that deliver the same level of quality as ourselves. We have relationships with three interior designers,

Essential Day in the Life: The Majik House

Tim has a particular passion for great lighting in all areas of a project

three architects, electricians, specialist security companies, flooring experts, high-end decorators, specialist plasterers and fabrication experts. Sharing leads allows us to not only create work for each other, but also allows us to sit in the middle of a project and act as the main point of contact for the customer so they have a one call experience that everyone can benefit from.” So once the work is created, how does the company chose which products to use? Tim says: “In the beginning, choosing which product to use was easier simply because there was less choice. We have brands that we like, Lutron and Control4 are a big part of what we do, but actually on the whole these days we are pretty brand agnostic, we choose products based purely on the performance, functionality and price point suitable for each project. “The clients also come with more knowledge these days of what is possible and what things cost. What they don’t understand is how difficult it can be to get all the disparate products and systems singing the same song, but of course that is where the real ‘Majik’ is and where we really come into our own. Also we do not limit ourselves to any one particular type of project. Yes we do get involved in significant projects

in terms of size and budget, but we also get involved in projects only costing around £1,000, we love showing people that they can have a great experienced even if their budget is modest.” So down the years are there any particularly memorable projects? Tim says: “Lots of companies like ours can point to impressive large scale projects, but the ones that really stick in the mind are when we have been able to provide assisted living systems. Allowing an elderly client to open their curtains, listen to some music and control their TV all without having to get up is really satisfying. We have also done some work for a children’s hospice providing relaxing music and AV for when they are convalescing, which really puts things in perspective.” So what about current projects underway? Tim says: “As far as right now is concerned, we have two 150-200K projects on the go, which are in the UK, but not on the mainland, which obviously presents some interesting logistical challenges, we also have two dedicated cinemas and some smaller jobs on the boil at the moment, so it’s a busy time.”

On with the show! EI was curious if anything in particular had caught Tim’s eye at the show: “The 4K stuff looks great, but once again we have a situation where the industry is ahead of the media available. However, the up-scaling capabilities of lots of the kit is impressive, so until native starts to arrive in larger numbers, it’s still worth investing in the technology now. I also thought the Aquavision products were looking good and we like the Picture Frame.TV stuff. Years ago we had to build stuff like that from scratch so those guys are providing some really useful solutions.” Interview completed, Tim heads of for another look around the show, commenting: “It’s great to come to events like this, no company is ever going to invent a new wheel, but we are always on the lookout for the next thing that will make the car go faster or look better.” More information: The Majik House +44 (0)1524 273578 www.majikhouse.com

Essential Install

The Music and Movie Server Solution

Only ReQuest: ...allows you to take your media everywhere with the ability to stream your music and movies directly to your Maestro equipped portable device. ...automatically dual encodes your music to give you a full sized high quality music file for filling your home audio system with rich sound while also giving you a smaller file for portable devices and streaming.

MP Plus

...synchronises your music to multiple iTunes libraries with our one-of-a-kind NetSync for iTunes library sync application. ...synchronises your music to multiple homes so your holiday home and yacht can have the same great selection. ...lets you monitor your system from anywhere with ARQLink.

F3 Server

www.aldoussystems.co.uk sales@aldoussystems.co.uk 01296 719582

Essential Aldous Systems & RGB

A ReQuest for Excellence Aldous Systems offers the ReQuest Ecosystem which delivers a solution for a wide range of home media set-ups.

The ReQuest system provides a comprehensive content storage and playback system

Comprising the central F3 multi-zone media server with the extra capability of MediaPlayer Plus, Aldous Systems says ReQuest provides a robust and versatile platform including multi-site options transferring media to as many different locations as the customer needs. The system can be controlled by Maestro for mobile devices over Wi-Fi or 3G delivering access to the brand’s server/ripper for lossless quality audio, DVD and Blu-ray. The system provides up to four audio outputs and HD audio can be played at 96kHz/24-bit FLAC. The F3 media server is also compatible with iTunes, offering one interface for all of the client’s media. Adding a MediaPlayer Plus gives the ability to stream HD video, delivering different streams to different rooms simultaneously and content can be ripped as .ISO format and stored on a RAID 5 NAS drive for content protection. The system will soon also be introducing 3D support. As well as providing high-quality music at home, the system can also deliver smaller files for portable devices and ReQuest can also stream music or films directly to handhelds or Chrome/Safari browser, including over 3G. Spotify, Netflix, YouTube and Internet radio are also supported. ReQuest can also work in tandem with automation platforms such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, AMX, URC, ELAN

and Vantage and installers can achieve full off-site monitoring using ARQLink. Aldous Systems also sells compatible NAS drives and Network switches, get in touch for more info. More Information: Aldous Systems Europe Ltd +44 (0)1296 719582, www.aldoussystems.co.uk

GO GO POWER RANGES!

RGB Communications has launched a new range of power solutions for commercial and residential projects.

The Power Ranges is a new line of power distribution products available from RGB

As delivering manageable, controllable and safe power is becoming more of a ‘must have’ rather than a ‘nice to have’, to complement its existing range of Pakedge power products, RGB now has a solution to meet a wide range of situations. The Power Ranges is a new line of power distribution products from RGB and offers the Geist as an entry level range of units offering straight forward power distribution housed in a rack-mountable, heavy-duty, durable, powdercoated case in a variety of switched or non-switched, horizontal, vertical and socket configurations. Next up is SurgeX which the distributor says offers an impressive list of end users across every sector including government, multinational organisations and the residential sector, delivering a complete line of AC power solutions that eliminate power surges using patented Advanced Series Mode technology. SurgeX is designed to maximise equipment life, reduce maintenance or down time and ultimately protect equipment from

catastrophic electrical events without the need for sacrificial or diversionary components. Since its introduction, RGB says no equipment protected by SurgeX has ever failed due to a surge-related event, which is why it is backed with a 10 year warranty. RGB says the SurgeX units are being regularly installed alongside SAVANT in class leading racking from Middle Atlantic Products. The company also expects to see SurgeX become the ‘must have’ power distribution unit for the majority of installs”. Topping the range is the performance Torus Power line. Suited to the most exclusive of installs, the distributor says Torus delivers exceptional power performance, boasting numerous advanced features such as mains isolation for improved audio and video performance, surge suppression, voltage regulation, LCD display and remote power monitoring and control. Torus Power is available for rack or free standing installation. More information: RGB Communications +44 (0)1488 73366 www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Essential Install

Modular Freestanding Video Wall Mount

BT8350

Scan here to view the video wall configurator

Fast-fit connectors and clever modular design makes installation quick and easy - perfect for temporary or rental video wall installations Buy this...

Modular Design Modular design allows for multiple configurations. Order to your specific requirements - anything from a 2x2 to a 70x7 configuration!

Reinforced Frame

3x3

Create these... 2x1

1x1 3x1

1x2

Strong, modular structure is coated in Epoxy powder which is both stylish and durable, perfect for repeated assembly.

2x2

3x2

1x3

2x3

Integrated Fast-fit Connectors 3x3

No loose fixings! Captive, fast-fit nuts and screws make assembly and disassembly quick and easy.

Optional Accessories

1x4

2x4

Mobile castors, bolt down kits and flying frame adaptors are also available.

Also available... BT8310

1x5

Pop-In, Pop-Out Video Wall Mount Shorten installation and service times with B-Techâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pop-in, pop-out mounting solution and reusable spacer system. Can even be ordered together with the BT8350 to create a freestanding, pop-in, pop-out video wall solution

B-Tech Audio Video Mounts

UK +44 (0)1327 300787 info@btechavmounts.co.uk

BELGIUM +32 (0)2 720 9271 info@btechproav.com

www.btechavmounts.com

GERMANY +49 (0)3322 4291712 info@btechdeutschland.de

SPAIN +34 616 414 694 info@btechiberia.com

1x6

1x7

Essential Interview

Design led Hot foot from the CEDIA US show, Todd Ryan chief designer for Sonance, took some time for a chat with EI at the recent Habitech Expo.

On a never ending journey for audio perfection, Todd Ryan chief designer for Sonance

Originally at the helm of his own high-end two channel speaker company (Ryan Acoustics), Todd joined Sonance in the early 90s at a pivotal time in the company’s history. It could be said that the first phase of the company’s existence had been dominated by the concept of hiding speakers, however with products like the D-Series in 1994, Sonance began to look for perfection in performance as well. The latest expression of this search is the Visual Performance (VP) Series. Todd explains: “The aim with the VP Series was to make a speaker that sounded great in people’s homes, not just in a listening room. One of the ways we achieved this was by reducing the amount of distortion produced by the speaker. “Using advanced testing equipment, which employs a laser to take extremely accurate measurements of how the speaker behaves (basically performing a CAT scan on the design), we were able to see how symmetrical the movement of speaker cones was and then adjust to gain the accuracy we wanted and in turn promote the pure sound we were after.” “Other companies have access to similar test equipment, but we believe no one else has the experience with install speakers to really make the measurements work to full advantage. It was a great time to update the VP lines. We were able to take the best information from the very latest test equipment and use all our considerable experience with CI drivers to produce a speaker that would show the listener something entirely new, even if they had heard the piece of music being played a hundred times before.” The final part of the design recipe is of course to listen to the speakers. Todd explains: “We performed extensive listening tests on every new model to get the sound I was looking for, which could be characterised as clean, honest and neutral. We listen to a huge variety of music when voicing speakers. We listen to a lot of simple music with just vocal and sparse instrumentation when we really want to climb inside the performance. However, it’s no good producing a speaker that only sounds good when you play Diana Krall. They have to be able to take every recording in their stride, so we listen to everything and anything to make sure the sound is where we want it.” Todd adds: “It’s relatively easy to make a speaker look good and sink into the background in a room, the real

difference we can make is in how they sound and we are confident that our models outperform anything else out there. Any average person will immediately hear the difference, you do not have to be an audiophile with golden ears, the difference is obvious.” So will Todd be taking it easy now the VP Series is shipping? Not a bit of it, he says: “Staying one step ahead of what people expect from our products is key to what I do. I want to continually push the performance of the speakers so that each time we refresh a line (which is a constant process) we really surprise and delight our customers with what can be achieved. Once one project is finished, we are always looking for the next challenge.” So how would Todd characterise the CI speaker sector at the moment?: “Multi-room music is what is really pushing the market right now, our in-ceilings are the biggest sellers and naturally as our most successful line, we have spent a lot of time making sure the performance is the best we can make it. As well as the sound quality, I guess it’s the convenience on a project that people like. Putting a speaker in the ceiling is usually less hassle than putting one in a wall.” What about the future of speaker design? Todd argues: “Materials could be a very interesting part of future designs. Lighter cones is an area designers might look at to offer more accuracy, but then lighter cones can create problems as well as enhanced performance. That is what makes this job enthralling, the work is never finished and I am always looking for next way to take our products to new places and new performance curves.” More Information: Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054 www.habitech.co.uk

The VP Series is the latest expression of the company’s desire to combine high audio performance with superior aesthetic qualities

Essential Install

BUILDING BETTER IP NETWORKS

ProNet is the first integrated platform of tools and training for high performance, reliable IP networking. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supporting three tremendously powerful and complementary brands to help you maintain control in the home and earn margin as well. ! Network switches ! PDUs ! UPS ! Routers ! Wireless access points

Training dates and venues: habitech.co.uk/training.htm F U L L R A N G E S I N S TO C K C A L L 0 1 4 2 0 5 4 0 0 5 4 , H A B I T E C H. C O. U K

Essential Training

Essential Install Training Diary Every month Essential Install provides installers with a rundown of the key training events. If you have anything you would like to add to the diary, contact Daniel Sait on +44 (0)7814 859101 or email dan@essentialinstall.com

The Armour Home Training Academy – Course Dates Systemline Modular Introduction DATES:

19th Nov, 10th Dec, 28th Jan, 25th Feb 11th March, Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ENTRY

DURATION:

1 DAY

COURSE FEE: £150 Description Systemline Modular is not available without completion of this course. We will discuss the advantages of a completely Cat5 wired system and how Modular is able to distribute audio with hi-fi sound using this well known data cable. Each component of Modular single source is discussed in depth and how they work together to complete a system. Each delegate will work on one of our training systems for a complete ‘hands on’ experience.

gives an enhanced user interface when controlling compatible sources such as the Audioserver and Arcam DAB tuners. Skills gained • Multi-source multi-room audio and video solutions can be offered to your clients • RS232 control and how this gives true feedback on display panels • Programmable IR handsets and IR macros to give you multiple commands from one button press.

Systemline S6.2 DATES:

4th Feb Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ADVANCED

DURATION:

1 DAY

Description The aim of the course is that once completed you will be able to confidently configure a DemoPad project to operate typical AV and multi-room systems using one way control of IR, RS232 or IP devices. You will create a graphical user interface from scratch and work through practical exercises to control an IR, RS232 and IP device for a three source room. You will also learn about the need for fixed IP addresses, RS232 and using Global Cache devices which convert IP to IR, RS232 or contact closure.

DemoPad Advanced DATES:

15th Jan, 19th March Bishops Stortford

LEVEL:

ADVANCED

COURSE FEE: £150

DURATION:

1 Day

Description

COURSE FEE: £200

20th Nov, 11th Dec, 29th Jan, 26th Feb 12th March, Bishops Stortford

Systemline S6.2 is not available without completion of this course. This course enables you to enter the exciting world of multi-room audio systems. We will cover all aspects of delivering a system that enables your clients to enjoy the sound of their hi-fi system throughout the house. We will take you step-by-step through every aspect of wiring and installing the S6.2 system and then the practical ‘hands on’ workshop lets you configure a complete system yourself.

The aim of this course is to build on your DemoPad experience and create projects with an enhanced user interface. You will create two-way interfaces with an AV receiver, displaying volume and sound mode and also creating a gauge control of volume. You will complete exercises in using a camera server, XBMC media player and dependent actions.

LEVEL:

ADVANCED

Skills gained

DURATION:

1 DAY

Systemline DemoPad

• Ability to sell multi-room audio systems

Skills gained • Ability to sell multi-room audio systems • Plan and pre-wire Modular systems using Cat5 Termination of Cat5 to speakers, keypads and RJ45 patch panels

Systemline Modular Advanced Plus DATES:

Description

DATES:

26th Nov, 4th Dec, 21st Jan, 12th Feb 25th March, Bishops Stortford

• Plan and pre-wire S6.2 systems.

DURATION:

1 Day

DemoPad

COURSE FEE: £150

• Specify, wire and configure Systemline S6.2

Description

• Troubleshoot common problems

This course develops the skills gained from 102 and lets the installer offer multi-source Modular systems. We will cover aspects of wiring Cat5 for multi-source audio and video and also what considerations are needed for controlling each AV source.

DATES:

12th Nov, 3rd Dec, 14th Jan, 18th Feb 18th March, Bishops Stortford

The LRN-7 and KPM7.1 are used in our practical workshop where you will configure a multi-source audio and video Modular system. Later we will introduce the Advanced TouchScreen Keypad, wireless commanders and discuss how RS232 control

LEVEL:

STANDARD

DURATION:

1 Day

COURSE FEE: £200

For more information and to book: 01279 501111 // www.armourhome.co.uk/training

Description The aim of this course is that once complete you will be able to configure a DemoPad project to control a Systemline Modular system which uses the Ethernet 6 port hub. You will complete exercises in controlling the system using the published IP commands, learning and storing IR in the system and recalling these using IP commands, which are then applied in a DemoPad project.

T R A I N I N G

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to dan@essentialinstall.com

A C A D E M Y

Essential Install

Essential Training The Multi-Room Company Training 2013

ACA-Apex Training 2013 Course Details: The CRIS Design, Engineering and Installer Training course is designed for Custom Installers and professional electricians or satellite and TV engineers looking to expand their skills and knowledge. Course Dates: June 13, August 8, October 10, December 12, To book call +44 (0)1525 379933, or email sales@aca-apex.co.uk www.aca-apex.co.uk. Courses are held at: Unit 21, Harmill Ind. Estate, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 4FF

All training is carried out at the company’s new training facility in York: Control4, Unit 3, Green Park Business Centre, Goose Lane, Sutton on the Forest, York, North Yorkshire YO61 1ET More information and to book courses call +44 (0)800 1217702 or email tfallows@control4.com

CAI Training 2013/2014 Basic Aerial Installation 26 & 27 November 2013 at Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 10 & 11 December 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire Making the Bond 14 November 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire Basic Satellite Installation 26 & 27 November 2013 at Gateshead, Tyne & Wear 12 & 13 December 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire Fibre Optics in Signal Distribution 13 November 2013 at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire 04 December 2013 at Watford, Hertfordshire To book any of the courses above contact amanda.ward@cai.org.uk or call +44 (0)1923 803030

Registered Digital Institute Training 2013

Leviton:

Essential home wiring

11 Sept 2013 Russound: Audio Everywhere. Comprehensive multi-room audio design 18 Sept 2013 Centralite: Lighting management with Elegance 22 Sept 2013 Key Digital: Removing the HD distribution headache Potential attendees are invited to contact Mike Bonnette for further details on: mike@multi-room.com or 01242 511133

Clarity Alliance Training 2013 The Clarity Alliance launches new training courses and individual membership levels AV Essentials - home cinema design and setup May 30, June 20, July 23, Aug 29, Sept 24, Oct 29 Network Essentials - Home networking for home cinema and Hi-Fi installations June 11 July 16, Aug 6, Sept 18, Oct 8, Nov 5 Audio Essentials - getting the very best out of two channel systems Dates to Be Confirmed Network Essentials 11 June, 16 July, 6 Aug, 18 Sept, 8 Oct, 5 Nov Venues are flexible, depending upon the location of candidates, but will be held within a 30-mile radius of London either in: south west (near Heathrow), west (near Slough), north (Milton Keynes/Luton) or north east (near Stansted). The price is £100 per person for Clarity Alliance Members and for non-members the price is £200 per person. The price includes a full day’s training, lunch and refreshments, certificate of completion.

Course: Registered Digital Institute 4G Interference and the solutions e-learning Dates – No dates Online e-learning course Course fee - £50 plus VAT for RDI members Description - This course is available for all RDI members to enable them to understand the issues associated with 4G, including the interference that it will create and to be able to confidently provide a solution for their customers when it begins broadcasting on the UHF channels in early 2013.

For more details visit www.clarityalliance.co.uk call +44 (0)20 8150 6741 or email info@clarityalliance.co.uk

Working at Height Refresher Course On-line module: Cost £60 plus VAT

Wired for Technology: June 18, September 17, November 26

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Training EST2 Certification Exam: June 5, August 28, October 16

4G Interference and Solutions On-line module: £50 plus VAT

Designer Level 1 Certification Exam: June 5, August 28, October 16

4G Technical Course On-line Module: Cost £50 plus VAT

Networking Theory and Practice: October 1 (three days) Birmingham City University

Flat Panel TV Installation Cost £50 plus VAT

Intro to Residential CI and Integration: August 27, October 15 Maintenance, Aftercare and Reoccurring Revenue Workshop: May 1, October 9, CEDIA HQ, St. Neots

DTT Freeview Installation and Accreditation Cost £50 plus VAT

Health & Safety Course: May 15, September 4, November 13

More details: RDI www.rdi-online.co.uk

Pulse Marketing 2013 Training 2013 ‘Introduction to Cinema’ is aimed at improving the knowledge base of both those new to cinema, as well as existing cinema installers. The price for this course is £95.00 plus VAT per person. For more information: Pulse Marketing +44 (0)845 5618884, www.pulsemarketing.com

Essential Install

CEDIA Technician EST1 Bootcamp: May 15 (three days), September 4, November 13 Technical School and EST2 Exam: May 20, September 9, November 18 (five days)

Course: Introduction to Cinema

Five steps to home cinema

Key Digital: System integration with 21 Aug 2013 Compass Control

4 Sept 2013

Control4 Training Dates: July 9-12, July 16-19, August 6-9, August 20-23, September 3-6, September 24-27, October 15-18, October 22-25, November 5-8, November 12-15, December 3-6

New dates

7 Aug 2013 Atlantic Technology:

C Series. Advanced audio 14 Aug 2013 Russound: distribution

28 Aug 2013 Centralite: Lighting management with Litejet

Control4 Training 2013

New dates

The Multi-Room Company training courses dates – July to September Date Brand Course

Intro to CAD Design: Oct 23 Home Cinema Design Workshop: October 17 All courses (unless otherwise stated) take place at CEDIA HQ, St. Neots, Call +44 (0) 01480 213744 or visit www.cedia.co.uk

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to dan@essentialinstall.com

Essential Training New dates

KNX (Ivory Egg) Training

Rako Lighting Training 2013

KNX Certification Course

Rako Foundation Course: May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 10, November 7, December 5

January 20-24 March 10-14 May 19-23 July 7-11 September-29 - October 3 November 10-14

Rako Advanced Course: Aimed at installers with previous Rako programming knowledge May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 24, November 21, December 16

This 5 day course takes place at Ivory Egg HQ, and finishes off with the required exam to become a KNX Partner.

All courses are free of charge although delegates are asked to secure their place with a £50 reservation fee.

More information +44(0)1243-572700, info@ivoryegg.co.uk www.ivoryegg.co.uk

To book a training date please contact Sarah +44 (0)1634 226666 or email sarah@rakocontrols.com

Habitech/ProNet Training 2013

RGB Communications Training 2013

ProNet at Habitech HQ Alton: May 7 ProNet Level 2 - An Introduction To Networking: Habitech HQ, Alton: May 7, June 4, July 2, August, 6, September 3, October 8, November 5, December 3 ProNet Level 3 - Advanced Router configuration and management: Habitech HQ Alton: May 8, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 9, November 6, December 4 ProNet Advanced and Ruckus Wireless: Habitech Showroom North West Design Centre, Manchester: April 23, April 24 ProNet advanced (day 2): Habitech HQ, Alton: May 8 Wyrestorm Training: March 13, April 12 Habitech HQ Alton, 21 Caker Stream Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QA Those interested should contact Lorna Jones: +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk

Savant Level 1 Core Training: May 20, June 24, July 24, September 18, October 23, November 20 Pakedge: June 19, September 25, November 13 Savant Level 2 Advanced: May 29, October 9 Savant - An Introduction - CEDIA CEU Accredited: May 1, June 5, July 2, September 3, October 2, November 6, Middle Atlantic - Integrating the Rack - CEDIA CEU Accredited: June 27, September 5, November 14 Networking & Wi-Fi for AV Systems - CEDIA CEU Accredited: June 18, September 24, November Audio Essentials: June 6, December 10

Invision UK Training 2013 Available Courses for 2013: - Elan g! Level one

Projection - The basics & beyond: June 20, September 12 All courses take place at company HQ in Hungerford, Berks. Contact details +44 (0)1488 73366, www.rgbcomms.co.uk, info@rgbcomms.co.uk

- Elan g! Level two - RTI webinar - RTI intermediate programming - Pro control webinar - Networking theory and practice - Luxul - Wyrestorm product and system training - Home cinema design All training (apart from online) takes place at Invision UK HQ, Alexander House, Unit 3 Hillside Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7EA. Full details, dates and venues can be found on the Invision training website: www.invisiontraining.co.uk or call +44 (0)1359 270280

Eurosat Nationwide Roadshow 2013 Many manufacturers introducing advanced product lines to incorporate LTE filtering alongside a host of exciting developments within the visual entertainment market 03 September 3 - Holiday Inn London Road, Ipswich, 6pm to 9.30pm September 5 - Cinnamon Banqueting Suite, London NW9 7BP, 6pm to 9.30pm September 11 - Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, Exeter, 7pm to 9.30pm September 12 - St Leonards Hotel (Ringwood), Bournemouth, 7pm to 9.30pm September 18 - Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, 7pm to 6.30pm September 19 - Cardiff International Legacy Hotel, Cardiff, 7pm to 9.30pm Sept 25- Midlands Branch, Argyle House, Walsall, 2pm to 8pm Please contact your local branch for full details, visit www.eurosat.com for local contact details

CYP Training 2013 Course: Authorised Demopad training workshops, CYP Europe September 16 - CYP HQ - Shepperton October 8 – Dawnvale Design Centre - Oldham October 14 - CYP HQ - Shepperton October 29 - CYP HQ - Shepperton November 12 - Dawnvale Design Centre - Oldham November 14 - CYP HQ Shepperton November 28 - CYP HQ - Shepperton December 10 - CYP HQ - Shepperton Dec 12 - Dawnvale Design Centre – Oldham

To be included in the training diary, contact Daniel Sait on +44 (0)7814 859101 or email dan@essentialinstall.com

More information: CYP Europe, +44 (0)203 137 9180, email sales@cypeurope.com or visit www.cypeurope.com

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to dan@essentialinstall.com

Essential Install

Essential Products

new products a candy store of ci centric kit DENON BEEFS UP THE BASE

Thin TVs often lack the solidity needed for strong sound, but the DHT-T100 is an audio ally

Audio problems linked to TVs becoming evermore thinner has prompted Denon to introduce a speaker base to offer a sound worthy of the modern TV’s high-quality visual standards. The launch of the single-unit DHT-T100 aims to bridge a growing visual-sound gulf: although visual quality is improving, thinner TVs of course often lack the solidity and depth required to produce natural deep bass, affecting audio performance. The TV speaker base has dual 2 x 5in oval shape drivers and dual ½in dome tweeters driven by a digital amplifier. To ensure substantial yet precise bass, Denon has included two reflex ports in the

REARGUARD ACTION FROM SCREEN INNOVATIONS

Black Diamond Rear-Pro Film has a light-diffusing rear-projection for transparent surfaces

Screen Innovations has added a new film-based projection screen to its Black Diamond multi-directional ambient light-rejecting screen technology. Black Diamond Rear-Pro Film, for residential and commercial environments, involves a light-diffusing rear-projection film that can be applied to any transparent surface to make a digital display. The technology creates contrast levels suitable for retail and in-window displays, exhibits and tradeshows, corporate lobbies, boardrooms, churches and home cinema. Black Diamond Rear-Pro Film is marketed as a viable alternative to flat panel TVs and other displays and is available in rolls or can be purchased laminated to glass or acrylic as a finished solution. A typical residential installation is an attic or garage wall for outdoor movies. “We developed this to be a blank canvas,” says president Ryan Gustafson. “Integrators can creatively use it for clients who have the space for a large-format rear-projection screen. This delivers a fully immersive experience, no matter where it’s applied or used.” Black Diamond Rear-Pro Film is 4K rated and available in .8 and 1.4 gains. It features a wide viewing cone and eliminates the need for a dark, dedicated entertainment space, thereby allowing two-piece projection to exist in high-brightness areas anywhere, anytime, says Ryan. Screen Innovation products are available in the UK from Anthem AV Solutions.

back of the unit, adding to the range of sound. Another key element is the digital signal processing technology to achieve the best audio reproduction. Dolby Digital Decoding and Virtual Surround Sound technology, mean home cinema lovers can enjoy room-filling surround sound from a single speaker unit. The DHT-T100 offers Bluetooth connectivity to mobile devices, such as Smartphones and computers. Denon engineers have also included aptX, which allows for lossless CD-quality music transfer through Bluetooth. The TV speaker base features five sound modes for clarity while a special night mode creates high fidelity sound late into the evening without disturbing the rest of the family. More information: Denon +44 (0)2890 279830 www.denon.co.uk

YET MORE FRONT FROM SONY Sony has launched its latest home theatre front projector with more than four times the resolution of HDTV. The VPL-VW1100ES 4K front projector is being billed as a leading SXRD-based large-format display for the home. It joins the 4K VPL-VW500ES and VPL-HW55ES full HD 3D home projectors announced earlier this year. Like its VPL-VW1000ES predecessor, the new projector is designed to bring the high quality, immersive images of a big-screen cinema experience into the home, says Sony Europe product manager Tak Nakane. “Our 4K projector line-up continues to raise the bar on what the home entertainment enthusiast expects from Sony,” says Tak. “Whether they want to enjoy the best picture quality or unrivalled sound, we have the right solution for every environment.” The VPL-VW1100ES 4K home theatre projector supports the evolving 4K ultra HD standards such as HDMI Specification Version 2.0 to accommodate 4K/60p content. As well as more than four times the resolution of HDTV it has 2,000 ANSI-lumens of brightness. It is suitable for screen sizes up to 300in and can achieve a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast. The technology also includes dual triggers, a 2.1x motorised zoom, expanded lens shift, an RS232 interface, control over IP and compatibility with leading home automation systems. Sony projectors are available to installers through Marata Vision. More information: Marata Vision +44 (0)1923 495 595 www.marata.co.uk

More information: Anthem AV Solutions +44 (0)1825 750 858 www.anthemavs.co.uk

The VPL-VW1100ES front projector supports the evolving 4K ultra HD standards

Essential Install

Essential products

INSTALLATION JUST GOT EASIER

CENTRO 8 simplifies installation and provides customisable GUIs to satisfy project needs

A new control processor for the DemoPad control system that aims to make installation easier has been lunched. Chief operations officer Kevin Kelly for Stampede Presentation Products (US distributor for the product) says the CENTRO 8 makes DemoPad a more attractive control package for dealers and end users by simplifying installation and providing highly customisable GUIs to satisfy the needs of each project. “DemoPad’s software allows installers to integrate all key AV elements into the control system, throwing up opportunities for additional sales of complementary hardware such as matrix switchers and IR controllers,” says Kevin. The CENTRO 8 control processor is a 19in rack-mount unit providing two-way communication and control of equipment. A processor board can communicate with Apple iOS and Android control interfaces and run

complex custom macros and schedules across a network with remote access. Sending control signals to Wi-Fi connected devices, it works well with TVs, amplifiers, projectors or blinds that are not IP enabled, which installers can integrate through alternative methods such as IR or RS232. The programmed custom interface is then uploaded and paired to a DemoPad end user App, allowing integrators to easily create bespoke systems for each customer and then upload complete control solutions to smartphones or tablets. More information: DemoPad www.demopad.com

SLIDE TOWARDS GLIDE URGES C3 Control and interface specialist, C3 has launched a new GUI template called Glide, that dovetails a flat design style with an easy-to-use and intuitive menu system. The result is a user interface offering efficiency and clarity for a launch that coincides with the recent unveiling of the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. Glide complements the new look of iOS7 and comes

bundled with a help manual, annotated JavaScript files, a theme library, over 100 icons and PSD files. The product concept is to ensure Glide thrives in its own simplicity but still offers flexibility for more advanced interaction to be added. More information: C3 +44 (0)1223 427700 www.c3.co.uk

LIKE PEBBLES ON A BEACH Two new high fidelity wireless music streaming products have been designed to work from networks, tablets and phones and turn any connected USB drive into a DLNA server. Cabasse is providing a comprehensive, yet simple

As with the Stream 1, Bluetooth connectivity is possible with smartphones or tablets. Similarly, embedded DLNA software enables the music on any directly connected USB drive to become instantly available across the network. Christophe says: “The addition of Stream 1 and Stream

streaming solution at a very affordable price, says international sales and marketing director Christophe Source to our range allows users instant access to their Cabasse. The first is a compact, standalone playback system music from computer, phone, tablet or USB stick anywhere with built-in speakers that follows Cabasse’s first network in the home.” music product Stream 3. More information: www.cabasse.com Stream 1, a pebble-shaped 14cm x 46cm x 32cm product, features Cabasse coaxial drivers for a wide dispersion of sound and plays music stored on a network, tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Bluetooth. It is controlled by the Cabasse App for iOS or Android. The similar shaped Stream Source, measuring a diminutive 4cm x 23cm x 14cm, has digital to analogue converters to take the signal from the network in file formats from MP3 to 96kHz FLAC and present them to the Hi-Fi for playback through the existing speakers. The pebble-shaped Stream 1 is controlled by the Cabasse App for iOS or Android

Essential Install 59

Essential products

D-DAY FOR SECONDGENERATION DEVIALET

Devialet 110 combines a preamplifier, stereo power amplifier and DAC in a sleek case

Distributor Absolute Sounds has announced new wallmountable audio hubs combining an advanced DAC, preamp and ADH power amp within a single chassis from Parisian company Devialet. Devialet 110, 170 and 240 offer high-performance audio in a slimline case. They follow the D-Premier, which made its debut three years ago and offer 110W, 170W and 240W per channel respectively. The 170 and 240 offer a more advanced phono stage for turntable users, while Wi-Fi connectivity is an option on the 110 and 170 but standard on the 240. Key performance technologies such as Devialet’s unique Analogue Digital Hybrid amplification are consistent throughout the range. A big change, however, is cost: the entry-level 110 costs 60% less than the forerunner D-Premier, the 170 has more power output and facilities but costs 40% less than the original while the top-of-the-line 240 replaces the D-Premier in price and specification. A further option, the Devialet 500, is due to be available in November and combines two Devialet 240s in an intelligent dual-mono or bi-amp configuration. Additional 240s, up to a maximum of eight, can be daisy chained to deliver a vast array of possible configurations. More information: Absolute Sounds: +44 (0)208 9713909 www.absolutesounds.com

MONITOR AUDIO COVERS ITS BACK

Monitor Audio has launched a range of speakers with integrated fully-sealed back boxes offering a direct route to discreet high-performance audio in almost any environment. Some 10 new models form the CP range, which crosses four performance levels for in-wall and in-ceiling options. Unlike openbacked designs where success is subject to the properties of the wall cavity behind, the new CP models maximise potential. In typical stud-wall and ceiling structures, installers can achieve strong audio quality and versatility, as well as a superior level of sound isolation between rooms and floors. New trimless bezels and discreet, paintable magnetic grilles allow the range to blend more seamlessly with walls and ceilings. All models from entry to flagship feature 25mm gold C-CAM dome tweeter. The entry-level CPWT150 and CP-CT150 in-wall and in-ceiling models feature a 5in MMPII bass driver, high frequency level adjustment (+3dB / 0dB / -3dB) and a pivoting C-CAM tweeter. The flagship three-way CP-WT380-IDC and CT380-IDC have a 4in C-CAM inverted midrange driver surrounding the gold dome tweeter. The entire mid/tweeter unit can be pivoted and directed towards the listening space and deliver a coherent response up to 30kHz.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Pioneer’s SC2023 brings dual independent HDMI output to the rapidly expanding AVR market

Essential Install

Pioneer has rolled out a power-packed audio visual receiver designed to sit at the heart of home cinema systems. The SC-2023 brings dual independent HDMI output and 4K upscaling support to the rapidly expanding AVR market. With 190W output per channel, the 7.2-channel receiver is designed to sit at the heart of a home cinema. The product, from distributor AWE, houses advanced Class D amplification technology, with short circuit pathways for strong sound quality. Integrated cooling improves performance without drawing too much power - the SC-2023 draws around 44% less current than traditional analogue amplifiers. The Pioneer unit also provides 4-16 ohm speaker support for increased versatility and a further quality boost. Connectivity options including iOS, Android, USB devices

More information: Monitor Audio +44 (0)1268 740580 www.monitoraudio.co.uk can be plugged in to immediately integrate with the receiver for instant playback of supported video and audio. The SC-2023 also features support for high-resolution music files, gapless playback, 4K ultra HD video and multi-zone functionality. It offers playback of audio files stored in the Direct Streaming Digital (DSD) format through its front USB port. AWE sales director Paul Mott, says: “Dual independent HDMI output will be a big plus for the installer, allowing increased versatility in installations where space or budget is limited but maximum functionality and performance is still required.” Worldwide Internet radio is available alongside the ability to stream smartphone content wirelessly via DLNA or Apple AirPlay. Pioneer’s free iControlAV2013 App on Android and iOS devices offers users more customisation and control. More information: AWE +44 (0)1372 729995 www.awe-europe.com

Essential products

NEW HARD-HITTING SOFTWARE FROM ELAN

ELAN 6.4 software includes drivers for full control of a large range of technologies

The ME95C with narrow bezel and infra-red sensor enables landscape or portrait orientation

Invision UK has announced an update to ELAN’s latest software release to deliver greater integration of household systems such as Wyrestorm, Texecom Premier and Coolmaster. The software, 6.4, includes drivers for full control of a large range of technologies and full support for Lutron international keypads, says Invision UK sales specialist Russell Hughes. “This update covers a massive range of tech and some of the best tech currently on the market including award-winning brands. Anyone who wants to centralise a bunch of household systems is going to struggle to choose anything but ELAN g!.” The Wyrestorm drivers enable a g! system to communicate with a Wyrestorm video matrix via Ethernet or RS 232. Texecom Premier Elite security panels integrate with g! using Ethernet or an RS232 serial connection. The driver supports arm and disarm functionality, auto arm and zone status. Where climate is controlled by Coolmaster aircon, the g! system can communicate with Coolmaster via RS232. Features include control of temperature schedule and fans. g! also supports auto device discovery and history view to

check past climate system activity. Finally, g! can now communicate with a Kaleidescape media server via Ethernet or RS232 and gives total oneway control over the Kaleidescape system with a full set of commands. It supports composite video stream, which shows the Kaleidescape interface on compatible g! interface devices. More information: Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280 www.invisionuk.com

SIZE MATTERS FOR SAMSUNG Samsung Electronics Co has unveiled the world’s largest Professional Edge Lit LED Display screen, measuring almost 100in. The company used the recent Technology Exposed event at Ascot to show off the 95in Samsung ME95C, the largest display screen on the market with Edge LED Technology, says Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland director of the display enterprise business team, Phillip Gaut. “It excels in a variety of display environments including retail locations, education, conference rooms and public spaces. The

technology incorporates a single, seamless screen to make an unforgettable impact on any audience.” The ME95C benefits from Samsung’s Premium Slim Design, providing an ultra slim, narrow bezel with a detachable Samsung logo and infra-red sensor to enable both landscape and portrait orientation. The ME95C also has a dynamic area dimmable edge back light, which ensures a high contrast ratio. Other features include a lightweight design. In spite of its 95in width, it weighs only 67KG, making it easier to install. The screen also saves 40% more power compared to equivalent products, reducing total cost of ownership. More information: Samsung Electronics Co +44 (0)1932 455000 www.samsung.com

NUVO GEARS UP FOR NEW VANTAGE DRIVER Vantage Controls has teamed up with NuVo Technologies to offer installers a driver for integrating their systems that reduces monotonous donkey work spent on programming. The NuVo Audio System takes out time-consuming and laborious programming from the installer’s workload by letting users select zones, manage sources and adjust volume settings. It is accessible to Vantage installers through the manufacturer’s Design Center software. Specifying the products used in the installation leads to improved functionality, while the resulting integration ensures users cannot see where one system ends and the other begins. “This new integration driver, in conjunction with Vantage’s new Equinox family of user interfaces and NuVo’s new Pro Player series, takes the multi-room audio experience to a new level,” says Vantage vice president for marketing Andrew Wale. NuVo Technologies’ vice president and general manager David Rodarte says: “We have worked with Vantage to allow for integration that is so simple for an installer to apply but even easier for a homeowner to love.”

The release of Equinox 73 enables Vantage’s integration with NuVo. Equinox 73 is an all-in-one LCD touch-screen offering the benefits of multiple traditional system interfaces with the simplicity of a single on-wall device, reducing the clutter of separate local interfaces for lighting, security and video. The Vantage System is available from Asheridge Communications. More information: Asheridge Communications +44 (0)1494 794770 www.ashcomms.com

The deal sees Vantage launch a driver for seamless control of the NuVo Wireless Audio System

Essential Install

Essential contacts

Contact Directory Call +44 (0)1634 673163 to book your Essential Contact entry Access & Door control

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: sales@aldoussystems.co.uk W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk Accessories & Mounts

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

HD Media Partnership

T: +44 (0)1242 580688 E: HDPartner@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

MDA Designs

T: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: info@mda-designs.co.uk W: www.mda-designs.co.uk

Milestone

T: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: andy.graham@milestone.com W: www.milestone.com

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK

AVF Group Ltd

ProAudio Stash

Bryant Unlimited

RGB Communications Ltd

T: +44 (0)208 4044050 E: sales@bryant-broadcast.co.uk W: www.bryant-broadcast.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

B-Tech International Ltd

TDI

T: +44 (0)1952 670009 W: www.avf.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Essential Install

Enclosure Systems at Canford

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Accessories & Mounts (continued)

T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

T: +44 (0)1424 429641 W: www.proaudiostash.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Essential contacts Accessories & Mounts (continued)

Vision

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk

Audio Visual (continued)

Aquavision – Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Vogel’s Products UK Ltd T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com Aerial Distribution

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk AMPS

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.com

Habitech

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

DLS Sweden

T : +44 (0)1555 667288 E : enquiries@dlsaudio.co.uk W: www.dlsaudio.co.uk

Elipson – exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

Enclosure Systems at Canford

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK)

G.J. Electronics Ltd

ACA-Apex Ltd

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd

Alltrade: SONOS, Celexon

Legrand Electric Ltd

Amina Technologies Ltd

Marata Vision

Artcoustic Loudspeakers

MDA Designs

T: +44 (0)1908 366700 W: www.uk.yamaha.com Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

Anthony Gallo Acoustics T: +44 (0)1555 666883 E: enquiries@anthonygallo.co.uk W: www.anthonygallo.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

T: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: info@mda-designs.co.uk W: www.mda-designs.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

MidwichHome

T: +44 (0)1379 646889 E: midwichhome@midwich.com W: www.midwichhome.com

Essential Install

Essential contacts Audio Visual (continued)

av solutions (CONTINUED)

PictureFrame.TV

Smartcomm Ltd

Pro Display

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

T: +44 (0) 1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uK

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Pulse Marketing

T: +44 (0)8455 618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Smartcomm Ltd

T: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uk

Smart-e Ltd

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com Cables

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Alltrade: Coaxial, CAT5/6, Fibre, Speaker T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Armour Home Electronics T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.com

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

Essential Install

Atlona

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.atlona.com

Bryant Unlimited

av solutions

T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

T: +44 (0)208 4044050 E: sales@bryant-broadcast.co.uk W: www.bryant-broadcast.co.uk

B-Tech International Ltd T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

Essential contacts Cables (CONTINUED)

Controls

ACA-Apex Ltd

FS Cables

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1727 840841 W: www.fscables.com

G.J. Electronics Ltd

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.com

Unicam Audio Visual

Habitech Ltd: Structured Cable Products (SCP) T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com Dimmer Switches

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Futronix Ltd

T: +44 (0)1883 373333 E: sales@futronix.com W: www.futronix.com

Solutions Group (UK) Plc T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd

TDI

T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk

Marata Vision

Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk

Rako Controls Ltd

Cables Management

T: +44 (0)1634 226666 E: sales@rakocontrols.com W: www.rakocontrols.com

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

D-Line (Europe) Limited T: +44 (0)191 2360960 T: +44 (0)191 2360979 E: enquiries@d-line-it.co.uk W: www.d-line.co.uk

Distributors

Audio Visual Material Ltd T: +44 (0)1252 510363 E: mnisbet@avmltd.co.uk W: www.avmltd.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts Distributors (continued)

enclosures (continued)

BBG Distribution Ltd

TDI

Habitech

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek)

T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

True Colours

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.true-colours.net

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com enclosures

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Enclosure Systems at Canford T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Essential Install

Fibre

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aerials & Cable Equipment Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511511 E: sales@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

Alltrade: Global, Fracarro, Televes T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Cave Products Ltd

T: +44 (0)1279 420529 E: sales@caveproducts.com W: www.caveproducts.com

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

Satellite By Fibre

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satellitebyfibre.co.uk W: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

Solutions Group (UK) Plc T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk Fibre, Cable & Tools

Satsearch

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satsearch.co.uk W: www.satsearch.co.uk

Essential contacts Fibre Installation & Repairs

Furniture & seating (continued)

Satellite By Fibre

Pulse Marketing

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satellitebyfibre.co.uk W: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

T: +44 (0)845 5618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

Furniture & seating

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek) T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Ateca - exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

B-Tech International Ltd T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

Vogelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Products UK Ltd T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com

Cineak

T: +32 3 3540366 E: info@cineak.eu W: www.cineak.com

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

MDA Designs

T: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: info@mda-designs.co.uk W: www.mda-designs.co.uk

Milestone

T: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: andy.graham@milestone.com W: www.milestone.com

Norstone - exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd

Hardware

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com HDMI & HDMI Distribution

Alltrade: CYP, Triax, Antiference T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Atlona

T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.atlona.com

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK

Eurosat Distribution Ltd

T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

G.J. Electronics Ltd

T: +44 (0)1303 814224 F: +44 (0)1303 814073 E: sales@gjelectronics.co.uk W: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts HDMI & HDMI Distribution (continued)

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd

Armour Home Electronics

HD Connectivity Ltd

Artcoustic Loudspeakers

T: +44 (0)1684 576 348 E: tradesupport@hdconnectivity.com W: www.hdconnectivity.com/trade

T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

HD Media Partnership

Genesis Technologies

T: +44 (0)1242 580688 E: HDPartner@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

T: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: info@genesistechnologies.co.uk W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Smart-e Ltd

Habitech

Solutions Group (UK) Plc

Habitech Ltd: NuVo Technologies; ControlFX, Vision HD

TDI

HD Connectivity Ltd

T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1684 576 348 E: tradesupport@hdconnectivity.com W: www.hdconnectivity.com/trade

Triax UK Ltd

iKON AVS

T: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: sales@ikonavs.com W: www.ikonavs.co

Unicam Audio Visual

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd

Wyrestorm Technologies Europe Ltd

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0)1793 230343 M: +44 (0)7921 003954 W: www.wyrestorm.eu

Home Automation & multi-room systems

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: sales@aldoussystems.co.uk W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Amina Technologies Ltd

T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

Essential Install

T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Home Automation & multi-room systems (continued)

T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

MidwichHome

T: +44 (0)1379 646889 E: midwichhome@midwich.com W: www.midwichhome.com

Essential contacts Home Automation & multi-room systems (continued)

Home Cinema (continued)

Pulse Marketing

Marata Vision

RGB Communications Ltd

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

Smartcomm Ltd

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uk

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Smart-e Ltd

Habitech

T: +44 (0)8455 618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

SIM2 UK Ltd

UkeuroAV

T: +44 (0)1825 750850 E: info@sim2.co.uk W: www.sim2.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: info@ukeuroav.com W: www.ukeuroav.com

Smartcomm Ltd

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Uvem Limited

T: +44 (0)845 4561220 E: info@uvem.com W: www.uvem.com

T: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: info@smartcomm.co.uk W: www.smartcomm.co.uk Home Theatre seating

Pulse Marketing

T: +44 (0)845 5618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

Wyrestorm Technologies Europe Ltd T: +44 (0)1793 230343 M: +44 (07921 003954 W: www.wyrestorm.eu

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk HVAC Control Systems

Home Cinema

Amina Technologies Ltd

T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

With the increase in HVAC integration in Smart Homes, there’s a need for the controls engineer to get involved in a project from the design phase. This would ensure that when the integration of the systems is required, all of the correct infrastructure is in place and that the components installed are amenable to smart control. This is particularly true in the integration of heating and cooling systems. John Corbin of Intelligent Controls (UK) Ltd specialises in the integration of HVAC systems in Smart Homes, to front end systems such as Crestron, AmX and NetStreams using North® Products. The North® products use open drivers that are able to control HVAC systems. John has integrated North Zip® systems, which enable local and remote temperature adjustment of underfloor heating, with interlocking control to air conditioning systems. An HTML-only web interface allows clients to access controls remotely.

Artcoustic Loudspeakers T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

However, not all heating and cooling products can be integrated, hence the need for the involvement of the controls engineer at the design phase of the project. The selection of HVAC systems with the necessary interface (such as ModBus, BacNet, Lonworks®, IP, RS232 or RS485) is critical to allow integration into smart systems. Intelligent Controls (UK) Ltd have worked to standardise these protocols into one Flat Command set for the AV Programmer.

Gecko Inc Ltd

T: +44 (0)845 2622882 W: www.geckohomecinema.com

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Intelligent Controls (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1342 717748 E: support@intelligent-controls.co.uk W: www.intelligent-controls.co.uk

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk Integrated reception system (IRS)

Vision

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts Lighting Control

media servers

ACA-Apex Ltd

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Uvem Limited

Armour Home Electronics

T: +44 (0)845 4561220 E: info@uvem.com W: www.uvem.com

T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Mirror TVs

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

Futronix Ltd

T: +44 (0)1883 373333 E: sales@futronix.com W: www.futronix.com

Ivory Egg (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: info@ivoryegg.co.uk W: www.knxshop.co.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

The Multi-Room Company Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511133 E: info@multi-room.com W: www.multi-room.com

Rako Controls Ltd

T: +44 (0)1634 226666 E: sales@rakocontrols.com W: www.rakocontrols.com

RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: info@rgbcomms.co.uk W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk Mains conditioning & distribution

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Isol-8 Teknologies Limited T: +44 (0)208 8568856 E: nic@isol-8.co.uk W: www.isol-8.co.uk

Essential Install

Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: sales@aldoussystems.co.uk W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Aquavision â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Impact Screen Solutions

T: +44 (0)1273 735476 M: +44 (0)7515 995776 E: sales@impactscreensolutions.co.uk W: www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

MirrorMedia Ltd

T: +44 (0)870 3866333 E: sales@mirrormedia.com W: www.mirrormedia.com

PictureFrame.TV

T: +44 (0)20 81446060 E: info@pictureframe.tv W: www.pictureframe.tv

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Redline Sound Solutions

T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Essential contacts PA Systems/Distribution

Projectors, Projection Screens & Projector Lift Models (continued)

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Pro Display

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com

Pro Audio Manufacturer

Pulse Marketing

Midwich

T: +44 (0)8455 618884 W: www.pulsemarketing.com W: www.homecinemagallery.com

T: +44 (0)1379 649200 E: sales@midwich.com W: www.midwich.com

Redline Sound Solutions

Projectors, Projection Screens & Projector Lift Models

T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

Audio Visual Material Ltd T: +44 (0)1252 510363 E: mnisbet@avmltd.co.uk W: www.avmltd.co.uk

SIM2 UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)1825 750850 E: info@sim2.co.uk W: www.sim2.co.uk

Draper Group Ltd

T: +44 (0)1536 203101 E: joseph@drapergroupltd.co.uk W: www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

True Colours

T: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: sales@true-colours.net W: www.true-colours.net

Genesis Technologies

T: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: info@genesistechnologies.co.uk W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Vogel’s Products UK Ltd T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Projector mounts

B-Tech International Ltd

Habitech Ltd: JVC, Weis (screens)

T: +44 (0)1327 300787 E: info@btechavmounts.co.uk W: www.btechavmounts.com

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

Peerless AV – Available from Invision UK

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Impact Screen Solutions

Vogel’s Products UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)1273 735476 M: +44 (0)7515 995776 E: sales@impactscreensolutions.co.uk W: www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk

JVC Europe Limited T: +44 (0)20 8208 7676 E: hdworld@jvc.co.uk W: www.jvc.co.uk

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

T: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: info.uk@vogels.com W: www.vogels.com Racks

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Enclosure Systems at Canford T: +44 (0)191 418 1177 E: sales@enclosures.co.uk W: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

Essential Install

Essential contacts Racks (continued)

Speakers/SUBS (continued)

Habitech

T: +44 (0)1420 540054 W: www.habitech.co.uk

Milestone

T: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: andy.graham@milestone.com W: www.milestone.com

Amina Technologies Ltd

T: +44 (0)1480 354390 E: inspired@amina.co.uk W: www.amina.co.uk

Armour Home Electronics T: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: sales@armourhome.co.uk W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Satellite & UHF Distribution

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aerials & Cable Equipment Ltd T: +44 (0)1242 511511 E: sales@aceonline.co.uk W: www.aceonline.co.uk

Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Limited T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Antiference Limited

T: +44 (0)1675 465487 E: sales@antiference.co.uk W: www.antiference.co.uk

Eurosat Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)208 2084444 E: sales@eurosatlondon.com W: www.eurosat.com

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Satellite By Fibre

T: +44 (0)845 6430144 E: sales@satellitebyfibre.co.uk W: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk

Vision

T: +44 (0)1604 662748 E: sales@vision-products.co.uk W: www.vision-products.co.uk smart glass

T: +44 (0)870 7668438 E: sales@prodisplay.co.uk W: www.prodisplay.com Speakers/SUBS

ACA-Apex Ltd

T: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: info@aca-apex.co.uk W: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Essential Install

T: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: salesuk@artcoustic.com W: www.artcoustic.com

Alltrade: SONOS, BluCube

T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Anthony Gallo Acoustics

T: +44 (0)1555 666883 E: enquiries@anthonygallo.co.uk W: www.anthonygallo.co.uk

DLS Sweden

T : +44 (0)1555 667288 E : enquiries@dlsaudio.co.uk W: www.dlsaudio.co.uk

Elipson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exclusively from BBG Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: sales@bbg.eu.com W: www.bbg.eu.com

Genesis Technologies

T: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: info@genesistechnologies.co.uk W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Habitech Ltd: Sonance, DLS T: +44 (0)1420 540054 E: sales@habitech.co.uk W: www.habitech.co.uk

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

MidwichHome

T: +44 (0)1379 646889 E: midwichhome@midwich.com W: www.midwichhome.com

Redline Sound Solutions

Pro Display

Artcoustic Loudspeakers

T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

TDI

T: +44 (0)1256 397770 E: info@tdigroup.co.uk W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Essential contacts Speakers/SUBS (continued)

Video (continued)

Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK)

Smart-e Ltd

T: +44 (0)1908 366700 W: www.uk.yamaha.com

T: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: info@smart-e.co.uk W: www.smart-e.co.uk

Trade Association for Content Delivery waterproof TV

CAI

T: +44 (0)1923 803030 F: 01923 803203 E: office@cai.org.uk W: www.cai.org.uk Training provider

CAI

T: +44 (0)1923 803030 F: 01923 803203 E: office@cai.org.uk W: www.cai.org.uk

Legrand Electric Ltd

T: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: uk-wdsales@legrand.co.uk W: www.legrand.co.uk Tools and Test Equipment

Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Limited

T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Asheridge Communications Ltd

T: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: crigby@ascomms.com W: www.ashcomms.com

Harry B Litherland & Co Ltd T: +44 (0)1253 607830 E: sales@hblitherland.co.uk W: www.hblitherland.co.uk

Alltrade: Videotree

T: +44 (0)844 2252700 E: sales@alltrade.co.uk W: www.alltrade.co.uk

Aquavision â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

Marata Vision

T: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: info@marata.co.uk W: www.marata.co.uk

Peerless AV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available from Invision UK T: +44 (0)1359 270280 E: sales@invisionuk.com W: www.invisionuk.com

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek)

T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Unicam Audio Visual

T: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: sales.uk@unicamgroup.com W: www.unicamgroup.com

Solutions Group (UK) Plc T: +44 (0)8456 444000 E: sales@solutionsgroup-plc.com W: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com

December Issue Features

Triax UK Ltd

T: +44 (0)845 6010578 E: sales@triax.co.uk W: www.triax.co.uk Tv Cabinet Manufacturers

The TV Shield (A division of Ce-Tek)

Touch-Screens & Programming

T: +44 (0)1298 872233 E: sales@thetvshield.co.uk W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Video

Control 4

T: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: emea@control4.com W: www.control4.com

Redline Sound Solutions

T: +44 (0)1268 858222 E: info@red-line.co.uk W: www.red-line.co.uk

Essential Install

mm_300x230+3mm_CL_MAY12 04/05/2012 12:02 Page 1

It’s a mirror. It’s a TV. With MirrorTV you’ve got both at the touch of a button. With a choice of over 100 frames to suit any interior. All bathroom models come with MirrorClear TM Technology to keep them mist free. Available with 6.4” to 65” (as well as custom built sizes) with the latest Full HD LCD or LED screens. Contact us on +44 (0)870 3866333 or e-mail sales@mirrormedia.com

www.mirrormedia.com

EssentialINSTALL

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Office &

BOARDROOM SYSTEMS

WORLD BEATING BOARDROOMS!

EI presents a definitive guide to the exciting and potentially lucrative world of office and boardroom installation.

Image Courtesy of Engage

All the latest solutions for your journey into the expanding world of business communication and AV

Touching Base

Super Size Me

Picture Perfect

Office touch-panel products

High impact large screen solutions

The rise of video conference systems

Supplementcover.indd 1

31/10/2013 16:13

AMX â&#x20AC;&#x201C; putting you in touch with your home

Home Theatre

Lighting Automation

Energy Management

The stunning, ModeroX series panoramic touch panel by AMX is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced control surfaces. Unique by design, this innovative panel features edge-to-edge glass together with multi-tasking and gesturing capabilities - the result of over thirty years of experience in making home automation beautifully simple. Lighting, entertainment, climate control, energy management - whatever you want to do with your home is now only a touch away.

amx.com/eu

0207 652 9450

amx talk

Essential OFFICE AND BOARDROOM SYSTEMS

OFFICE SPACE An expanding market for installers is the provision of office and boardroom systems as companies look to expand and improve on their AV and communications infrastructure. EI presents an exhaustive overview of the companies that can help develop your presence in or get you started in this lucrative sector. AMX has a significant presence in this market and a recent update came in the form of the new Modero S touch panel family, which is designed to offer a room scheduling functionality at a competitive price point. With dedicated

Crestron has several recent releases in this sector including its AirMedia content sharing platform

control, 24 bit colour depth and streaming video functionality, the panels also include red and green room availability indicators on either side. Modero S indicators feature a light bar for enhanced visibility and a simple scheduling interface is also included to view and create events right

at the touch panel rather than having to access via PC or mobiles devices. The Modero S will be available in 10.1in, 7in and 4.3in models in tabletop and wall mount configurations and will also be available with a multi-surface mount, which allows flexible installation. Secure mounting options are also available to discourage theft from lectern or table. The Modero X Series touch panels are also active in this sector and offer environmental sensors and controls that give command over lighting, screens, blinds and other environmental fixtures. The panes also offer control of volume, source switching or secondary displays. AMX also has products to control and maximise efficiency of meetings by making sure any comms or AV kit is ready for use and needs little set up or trouble shooting. Enova DVX All-In-One Presentation Switchers come in several configurations and sizes (6x2, 6x3 and 10x4) and manage all information sources to be sent to screens, speakers or laptops in the same room or in other locations. AMX systems also offer the client cost saving features, such as shutting down lights and environmental control when rooms are not scheduled for use. AMXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resource Management Suite software also allows support staff to centrally manage and monitor equipment and to eliminate

AMX offers a huge range of boardroom and whole office solutions

Essential Install

31/10/2013 12:32

Essential OFFICE AND BOARD ROOMSYSTEMS energy wastage by powering equipment down when not in use. AMX also simplifies the installation process with its Rapid Project Maker (RPM), a cloud-based software tool that allows a technician to easily configure a complete AMX system in less than an hour. Cluttered conference tables can also be a thing of the past with AMX’s HydraPort Cable Retractor Modules. Hidden away under the table, the modules house a choice of connecting cables that can be easily pulled out and retract at the touch of a button when the user has finished with their laptop or other portable devices. AMX also offers two HydraPort Dual USB Modules that offer the convenience of two USB modules in a single unit for connecting to a network

Polycom’s RealPresence systems offer a scalable and high performance video conferencing range

and/or charging devices. The units also use cables that are specifically designed to be rolled up in the unit when not in use without compromising signal quality over time. Crestron is another company with a major footprint in this sector and recent introductions include compatibility between Microsoft Lync Server (the software giant’s unified communications platform) and its own Crestron RL group collaboration solution for conference rooms. Crestron RL can combine its hardware with Microsoft Lync, to enable video, voice, interactive content sharing, presence and chat from personal devices or laptops.

Crestron RL brings Lync from the desktop to the conference room and in addition, links to all systems in the room and gives users control of the whole room from the same touchscreen. With just one touch of a button, anyone can walk into a conference room and instantly start a collaboration session over a wide variety of equipment like touch-screens or whiteboards. The system is also compatible with Crestron DigitalMedia and all other Crestron enterprise control solutions and products to offer a complete room solution. Crestron RL is a complete packaged solution, which includes the Crestron UC Codec for Lync, HD camera, microphone, 65in touch display(s) and a hi-res 10in tabletop touch-screen. Creston also offers its AirMedia, a new wireless HD presentation solution for small meeting rooms, featuring simple plug-and-play installation. AirMedia brings presentation, collaboration and content sharing capabilities to small conference rooms, huddle rooms, and offices that aren’t wired for an AV system, eabling workers to connect to an existing display over Wi-Fi and present HD content from their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The product is designed to offer an easy to install, inexpensive solution ideal for smaller spaces where an advanced AV system is not practical. Video Conferencing and voice communication is of course a major part of this sector and one of the main manufacturers is Polycom, which has a whole range of products to suit different requirements and price points. Keith Carter, vice president channel partners, EMEA, tells EI: “Senior executives expect high quality results from their video conferencing and VOIP services these days and systems have to be designed carefully making sure microphones and cameras are all positioned in the optimum spots for ease of use and quality results. “Our RealPresence Group series products are a great place to start if installers are new to the sector and provide a useful ‘good, better, best’ scalable range to suit a wide range

Polycom says high quality images and audio must come as standard in any video conferencing system

Essential Install

Boardroom Supplement.indd 4

Essential OFFICE AND BOARDROOM SYSTEMS of companies and projects at a competitive price point. “Installers more familiar with the domestic market will find lots of their skills will be transferrable and the techniques used do not change significantly if the job is modest or large in scale. The systems are not quite plug and play, but they are easy to install and happily long term income can be secured in this sector as service contracts are the norm.” Polycom offers a range of options, the installer can simply install the equipment and then Polycom will support the install, but Keith highlights that getting more involved can pay dividends: “There are opportunities for installers to get involved in large projects partnering large scale integration companies, who require subcontractors to take care of the AV parts of a project, or once more confident on the IT side of things, installers can take on whole projects themselves. “We always recommend installers to get in touch with us and come and see our kit in action at our experience centres, the flagship one of which is in London. Its important to get an idea of what the client will experience in order to really get to grips with the concept.” Installers can get certification on the products through a combination of online training and face to face practical sessions. If installers have not checked out the very latest in office comms in a while, Keith highly recommends getting up to date as the technology has really come on in recent years. In more detail, the Polycom RealPresence Group products break down into 300, 500 or 700 versions providing complete video conferencing hardware and software packages, designed to combine quality video experiences with a new simple interface together with the broadest interoperability and lowest total cost of ownership of any video collaboration system. Polycom offers multiple ways to control video calls including SmartPairing technology, which makes it simple to use a tablet to start and manage video calls. The optional Polycom Touch Control provides an intuitive graphical touch interface on a 7in, high resolution screen or clients can use

the simple remote control to navigate the easy on-screen interface. Intuitive menus, written in a natural conversational language, make it easy to start a call and help personalise the experience to get the most out of video meetings. To deliver a genuine ‘in the same room’ feeling, viewers can see their colleagues in 1080p HD and audio is not left out of the equation either via Polycom’s Constant Clarity technology, that is designed to dramatically improve the sense of realism. One element is conversational stereo, which makes it much easier to distinguish between multiple speakers, especially when they are talking at the same time. Additionally, the Polycom Lost Packet Recovery technology protects the whole experience by helping to ensure great quality, even when experiencing network issues. The RealPresence Group Series also offer broad interoperability. Being fully standards-based, users can call millions of other standards-based video systems and in addition, native interoperability with leading unified communications (UC) platforms means video calls easily fit with the way you users already communicate. RealPresence Group Series also offers TIP support for direct connection to non-standards-based Cisco environments. For boardrooms, lecture halls and other environments where only the best will do, the RealPresence Group 700 offers extreme video collaboration performance and flexibility. Simultaneous 1080p 60 video and content sharing heightens clarity and realism for more effective meetings. Powerful video processing and flexible input and output options make it ideal for rooms with complex requirements such as multiple displays, cameras and content sources. Polycom says the intuitive interface that comes as standard on all RealPresence Group products makes it easy for even novice users to control the system and get the most out of any video collaboration experience. For conference rooms and other meeting environments, the 500 version comes into its own delivering powerful video

NEC is one of the companies offering next step video conferencing facilities

Essential Install

31/10/2013 12:32

Boardrooms

Desktop connectivity solutions distributor of audio visual control and signal distribution products for intelligent workplaces, CI and education.

http://bit.ly/U9SHzL

• • • •

Multi-input and format HD switcher/scalers

Extenders Switcher/Scalers Matrix Switchers Connectivity

Training rooms

Meeting rooms

http://bit.ly/1bguFgS

Room Control Video conferencing http://bit.ly/GRSUrF

“2

www.avitdistribution.co.uk/ 0117 230 3520 http://avitdi/ @avitdistro

http://bit.ly/18SX0K3

DO YOU WANT TO WATCH A MOVIE?

...OR DO YOU WANT TO

EXPERIENCE A MOVIE? IF YOU’RE NOT CHOOSING PROJECTION, THEN YOU’RE NOT CHOOSING HOME CINEMA! Large screen projection delivers the home cinema experience like nothing else. Are you experiencing movies as they were intended? • Larger screen sizes provide immersive home cinema at its very best! • Draper offers the most comprehensive selection of viewing surfaces in the industry as well as over 40 unique screen models to choose from!

• With the finest viewing surface selection tools available, Draper can help guide you in choosing the perfect surface for any application. • Draper’s new High Performance XS850E (currently available on Onyx screen models) rejects the ambient light found in many multipurpose rooms, offers great off axis viewing and high contrast in most light conditions.

+44 (0) 1536 203101 www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

supplement.indd 1

31/10/2013 16:24

Essential OFFICE AND BOARD ROOMSYSTEMS

TVC in partnership with Demopad has just completed a state of the art boardroom project for a major Bolton-based retail group

collaboration performance in a sleek design that is easy to configure and use. Polycom says support for dual monitors and multiple options for sharing content make it an ideal fit for most standard-sized meeting rooms and single-cable connections for video and audio simplify setup, while the compact design allows for discreet placement. The main unit’s size also makes it ideal for mobile applications, whether moved to different locations within a building or used as part of a mobile video kit. RealPresence Group 300, combined with the Polycom EagleEye Acoustic camera, is designed to set a new standard for high quality video at a breakthrough price for smaller meeting rooms, huddle rooms and offices. Like its larger cousin, install is a single cable affair and sharing content is easy with the Polycom People+Content IP application. This version can also be static or be moved around for a mobile solution. Video conferencing is also offered by NEC. Guy Phelps, corporate sales manager, NEC Display Solutions, explains some of the trends: “Businesses today are looking to make their meeting room space as flexible as possible. The trend is to create two separate meeting spaces, separated by a removable dividing wall in order to create one larger space if necessary. A popular configuration here is for each room to have single or twin LCD screens supporting video conferencing, then a large installation projector which is used when the rooms are joined for more ‘town hall’ style events.” Guy explains there are several key areas to consider when planning these types of projects. If the screens are to be recesses this will add cost to dividing walls and more expensive brackets to access the screens will be needed, but aesthetically the project will be more pleasing. Guy adds:

“Consider the type of screen technology to be used – all screens output heat, but how a professional screen deals with heat dissipation will vary, thus adjusting the need for airflow around the unit.” Guy also adds that energy efficiency can be a sales driver: “A lot of companies are now are prepared to pay a higher upfront costs to purchase screens with more eco features, such as LED backlighting. These have the added benefit of cheaper on-going running costs and tend to be lighter in weight and slimmer in design, allowing installation savings to be made too, often offsetting the higher cost of the screen. “Most companies are looking to standardise on screen types or manufacturer. Most manufacturers have a range of screens from the 40-70in size to suit all meeting room needs whilst maintaining continuity of features and design. Recommended for use in the scenario above, NEC offers a mobile mount (PDMVC) for video conferencing for a dual screen configuration including a top-mounted camera and NEC displays from 46in to 65in can be mounted onto the trolley. NEC Display Solutions can also provide LCD displays in a range of sizes, multi-touch displays, meeting room projectors and video conferencing solutions for corporate meeting rooms.

Case Study Focus Getting in amongst some of the most recent success stories in the sector, Demopad has been very active in this market of late and the company points to a recent project carried out by Bolton based company and Certified Demopad Installer, TVC, in delivering a state of the art boardroom set up for successful retail business, Euro Garages, which operates over 200 sites including Shell, BP, Greggs and other franchises.

Essential Install

31/10/2013 12:32

Essential OFFICE AND BOARD ROOMSYSTEMS

Engage created one of the most advanced interactive offices possible including the world’s largest interactive screen

Essential Install

Boardroom Supplement.indd 8

As one of the first to sign up to the new Certified Demopad Installer scheme, TVC received hands on support from Demopad both in the design specification and GUI control system design and programming. With significant expansion plans in the pipeline, communication between branches and suppliers is key, with the boardroom being a vital ingredient. Company owners, brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa, both have Crestron and Demopad system controls in their homes so already knew the benefits of automation and easy to use interfaces. Chris Whitlock, contracts manager for TVC says: “Demopad and TVC is the perfect fit. We concentrate on winning the business and Demopad provide outstanding support to get the job done.” Time was of the essence for Euro Garages and the short lead times provided by the Demopad solution together with much lower programming costs was a key factor, says TVC. The install features a 9U rack from Pro Audio Stash with the new Demopad CENTRO-8 processor, CYP HDBaseT 5 PLay 8 x 8 Matrix, EL-41PIP Picture in Picture, EL-5500 Scaler and outputs to a Samsung 55in 8000 series TV and EPSON G-Series projector. Lighting controls are by RAKO in line dimmers and IP bridge with switching by RAKO

install will feature Sony video conferencing, Apple TV and Apple iPad in a Launch Port wall station. TVC MD, Matthew Brown says: “We complete Demopad control jobs every week and they were the only choice for us in meeting the client’s requirements. The support we receive is excellent and gives us the confidence to tackle any project.” Mike Cain MD at Demopad, says “Certified Demopad Installers such as TVC have committed to training and delivering excellence so we can invest our full support to both win new business and deliver quality solutions. A winning combination.” Another interesting project was carried out recently by Saville AV with the help of Sun-Light Solutions to complete a transformation of a TelePresence Suite at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in West Yorkshire, which acts as a catalyst to promote Business to Business and Business to Higher Education collaborations. The challenge was to enhance the boardroom and link the multifunctional space incorporating a TelePresence suite providing life-like, high definition, conferencing facilities with high-quality audio and video where environmental qualities, including lighting level and colour, are essential in allowing participants to meet their colleagues, customers and business partners across a virtual table.

and Demopad. The CENTRO-8 processor features schedulers/timers, digital inputs/outputs, 4 x Bi-Directional RS232 ports, four low voltage relays and HDMI and audio outputs. The CYP kit provides 3 x HDMI, 3 x SVGA, component and composite video feeds into the EL-5500 scaler, which outputs to the TV and to the EL-41PIP, the CYP HD Base-T Matrix output connects to the EPSON G-Series projector providing a choice of one large screen or four equal screens or one large and three small screens for simultaneous presentation queuing. CYP and Demopad worked closely together to provide seamless control possibilities and their collaboration is well demonstrated here. Euro Garages is very impressed with the solution and the fast response from TVC. Phase two of the

Saville AV partnered with Sun-Light Solutions to consult and deliver a lighting feature wall, as a back drop to the TelePresence Suite, mirroring the existing TelePresence wall with an eight metre by three metre translucent lighting wall. Deploying amBX DMX lighting control and a bespoke energy efficient RGB LED lighting circuit around the perimeter of the wall, the set up can provide everything from a subtle ambience to dynamic entertainment lighting to suit a wide range of occasions. With the flexibility of amBX lighting control and stateof-the-art LED lighting installed, the room can be instantly controlled and brought to life with lighting effects adding drama; intrigue and impact as well as the desired ambience. When a video conference call is required, the system automatically brings in the blue background creating a near

Essential OFFICE AND BOARDROOM SYSTEMS TV Studio like effect, totally enhancing the TelePresence images for the participants of the VC experience. The amBX lighting scenes were integrated into the AMX Audio Visual room control where the amBX Lightscapes can be selected from the AMX touch pad on the boardroom table. Facilities on the touch pad allows for users of the room to create custom colours by dialling up the desired colour using the RGB sliders on the touch panel, furthermore the brightness can be adjusted as and when required. Colin Firth, regional manager for Saville AV, says: “This is fantastic, it takes the TelePresence system to near TV like studio quality at the touch of a button, Saville’s can scale this up or down depending on a room size.” The amBX HouseLights Lightscape replicates moving cloud formations adding further engagement of users rather than the cold effect standard lighting has within a meeting room. If background music is desired then the lights can subtly react to the music. Additionally the lighting wall can follow to the on-screen presentation, be it PowerPoint or video content, immersing the users of the room. Engage is a company with lots of experience in this sector and a recent project involved creating the ultimate business suite for a City of London client involving a huge multi-touch, interactive wall. At an impressive 9.9m x 2.1m – 3m high including the base – the scale of the wall is highly impressive, comprising 24x55inch MultiTaction Cell displays, produced by MultiTouch Ltd, the wall is the biggest interactive multi-touch unit in the world and is able to function as one unit whilst interacting with tablet devices. MultiTaction multitouch cells are stackable and able to work together as one huge screen to process the touches of an infinite number of concurrent users. Engage, supplier of MultiTaction products, included integrated video conferencing facilities on the video wall so that the client can interact with guest speakers from anywhere in the world. “We know the importance our client places on delivering crucial and relevant presentations in an entertaining and engaging way,” explains Toby Price, operations director at Engage. “The installation of such a huge videowall as a central feature of what must surely be the most advance business suite of its kind, not only reflects that ethos but also creates an unforgettable visual impact.” Another major feature of the facility is the business sphere. Content, which is controlled by the presenter via tablet, is projected on to a curved surface. Using edge blending server software, three HD projectors combine to create a seamless image. A high-quality audio system is also provided. Engage supplied this as well as a presenter’s tablet as a means of navigation. Engage’s solution also includes the supply and integration of a wide array of additional technical equipment servicing three distinct working areas. Amongst these are the two Samsung SUR40 multitouch tables, utilising technology previously known as Microsoft Surface, but now called PixelSense. Engage was also responsible for providing the infrastructure, lighting control, DMX, uninterruptable power supplies, CMS server, show controller and all the components necessary for integration. “This has been an exciting and rewarding project from start to finish and I’m delighted that we were given the opportunity,” comments Steve Blyth, managing director

of Engage. “It’s not every day you get to build the world’s biggest multi-touch video wall and the result is nothing short of stunning. The feedback I’ve had so far suggests that our client and their customers feel the same.” Another recently completed project used AMX as its back bone and delivered a major AV and IT overhaul for John Laing, a specialist investor, manager and operator of public sector infrastructure assets. When, in 2012, the company moved into its new headquarters, the company turned to systems integrator Wirebird to deliver a unified control and automation solution. Occupying a prominent central London location, No.1 Kingsway has been completely rebuilt behind its original 1920s façade. John Laing set Wirebird the task of delivering the sort of point-to-point and multipoint telecommunications system that comes as close as possible to replicating a real meeting; whilst avoiding the user-experience problems that had plagued it in the past. “We used to have a problem with adoption. Staff had been fearful of the technology at their disposal and, as a result, our conferencing facilities were largely ignored. When we moved into our new headquarters building in July 2012, we had an opportunity to review how we facilitated conferencing. Our primary business objective was that the technologies should be user friendly and readily adopted. Put simply, it had to be easy.” Explains Dylan Jones, IT director, John Laing. By harnessing the simplicity of touch-screen control and the reliability of AMX, Wirebird says it has been able to deliver a true ‘visual collaboration’ experience. Tabletop 10in Modero X Series touch panels located in each of the eight meeting rooms allow participants to enjoy a simplified user experience, as well as the ability to manage their own in-room environment. With their projected capacitive multitouch display, these intuitive interfaces provide control of conferencing facilities and a range of preconfigured settings ensure that the system is optimised for ease of use. At the press of a button, the Polycom VC system, cameras and screens automatically activate, ensuring that those wanting to use this platform can do so easily and efficiently. Flush-mounted panels provide an intuitive room scheduling interface and the AMX application for iPad transforms John Laing’s tablet devices into viable secondary control interfaces by affording them real-time, touch control of automation functions. Outside each of these high-specification meeting rooms, flush-mounted 7in Modero X Series touch panels provide an intuitive room scheduling interface, allowing John Laing staff to book and manage shared rooms and other corporate resources. Integration between AMX’s Resource Management Suite (RMS) and Microsoft Exchange improves efficiency by streamlining the scheduling process, but also increases the utilisation of corporate assets, eliminates double bookings and improves productivity. The RMS solution also provides IT-like remote management over John Laing’s AV assets and building systems. AMX’s Enova DGX modular digital media switcher with a built-in central controller, provides the backbone behind the project automation solution. Using the power of the HDCP-solving Enova DGX 32, together with products from AMX’s range of DXLink transmitters and receivers, Wirebird

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Essential OFFICE AND BOARDROOM SYSTEMS has been able to effectively resolve AV issues for digital video distribution while enabling John Laing’s connected devices to be centrally monitored, managed and controlled over its IT infrastructure.

Having it large! As the world’s major manufacturers grow acutely aware of the need to impress in the workplace, screen options are increasing all the time. A prime example is the latest from Samsung, a monster 95in offering what is currently the world’s largest edge lit screen. Available from Midwich

Large format displays from makers like Samsung are a major part of the sector

starting from December, the ME95C is designed for impact in the boardroom or company reception area. Lee Harris, product manager at Midwich, says: “Samsung unveiled the ME95C at our Technology Exposed trade event in September and it was immediately clear it was a special piece of kit. Working in landscape, it provides a vast canvas on which to display anything from company videos in the boardroom to brand messaging in reception. While, in portrait, lifesize images make it the perfect marketing tool for retail and leisure markets. During the launch, Samsung hinted at the introduction of an even larger, 110in model to the market in the near future.” Larger interactive screens are also growing in popularity with up to 80in models available from Midwich by makers such as Sharp, Philips, iiyama, Elo, Samsung and NEC. Allowing the user to interact and engage any audience, these screens are the ideal solution to navigation and messaging in the larger workplace. Midwich can also offer video conferencing from specialists like Avaya and EasyMeeting delivering meeting in real time full HD allowing companies to cut down on travel time and carbon footprint. Lee adds: “With the likes of Skype and Apple FaceTime, people now see video communication as a part of modern life. However, in the workplace, when important meetings are being discussed or a crucial deal is on the line, it’s essential that to have a top-quality, reliable solution. Today’s video conferencing offering from Midwich provides the full spectrum – from high-end, fixed multiscreen boardroom solutions to portable hardware that can be moved from room to room when required.” Another consideration in today’s company installations is the need to address the growing ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) demand. Recently introduced to the UK market, Mersive’s Solstice software offers a simple, easy-to-use

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solution, allowing a multitude of portable devices such as smart phones, tablets and laptops to be effortlessly brought together over an existing network. Sony has strengthened its range of professional displays for the corporate market with two new 4K models and one large display with HTML5 capability. The arrival of the new models will broaden Sony’s offering and complement the 84in 4K LED display and HTML5 capable W800 series announced after ISE 2013. The new models are FWD-65X8500P (4K 65in), FWD-55X8500P (4K 55in) and FWD-65W855P (Full HD 65in). Sony says the models give customers more variation and greater flexibility when looking to buy display kit, delivering quality pictures and sound. The displays utilise the latest X-Reality PRO engine, which analyses, cleans and refines the images, carefully matching pixel patterns against its large database. It gives the user the best picture from any source – from high-resolution images and advertising material to low-resolution videos. Sony says its TRILUMINOS display enriches the viewing experience with an even wider palette of rich, ultra-real colours. It also achieves a wide colour gamut by integrating QD Vision’s Colour IQ (*1) optical component with Sony’s unique display technologies. This increases the depth of the image and makes colours more vivid. Designed specifically for the corporate presentation market and organisations with public display requirements, the W850 series is made to maximise audience engagement with unrivalled image quality and intelligent eco-conscious brightness. Sony says its new LED Backlight technology ensures the FWD-65W855P model is extremely detailed, delivering high contrast pictures and can also lower energy bills. The display also offers Light Sensor, an automatic feature which enables brightness to be adjusted to match the surrounding ambient light levels. Other key features include the ability to control displays via IP (WEBAPI) and RS232C (optional accessories CBX-H11/1 is required), A D-Sub 15 pin terminal alongside an HDMI port for connection to a PC and built-in Wi-Fi for browsing the Internet or receiving signage content. The slim bezel design, is in place to provide a low impact, professional aesthetic. All three products are compatible with TV SideView, an application that allows control of the professional displays using a smartphone or tablet. Supported on Android and iOS devices, TV SideView integrates social media, as well as the ability to throw web URLs to the display’s browser, view the TV manual and use a tablet as a universal remote. In addition, all displays come Skype ready with the addition of an optional accessory. Discussing the new professional range, Tak Nakane, display product manager at Sony Europe, says: “Broadening our range and the options we can offer our customers, is important to Sony. An 84in 4K Professional display isn’t going to fit every installation environment, so the addition of the 55in and 65in models gives our customers more choice and opens up a whole new world of Sony 4K professional solutions to them. We are now offering our customers a wide range of full HD displays, from 42in through to the new 65in. Never before has Sony provided so much choice for the corporate environment.” PSCo offers a wide range of products and experience in this market and has recently highlighted the options

Experience cutting edge technology at our

ASSESSMENT CENTRE

Our Assessment Centre in Reading has recently been relaunched to showcase our latest portfolio of new technologies. We offer the largest selection of large format display and videowall technologies available to view in one location, from leading manufacturers including Panasonic, NEC, Samsung, Sharp and our own PSCo Exclusives range. The Assessment Centre provides you and your customers with the opportunity to: 路 Make side by side technology comparisons 路 Assess functionality 路 Review features and discuss benefits 路 Test bespoke content Our experienced team are on hand to offer technical advice and recommendations to help you achieve more.

Experience this latest display technology first hand and make an appointment now. Call 0118 372 3302 or email sales@psco.co.uk You can also visit our website www.psco.co.uk

PSCo Exclusives is our state-of-the-art product range that complements our portfolio to create unique packages and solutions for our channel partners.

PSCo Technical Distribution, PSCo Rental and Newly New AV are all part of PSCo.

Essential OFFICE AND BOARDROOM SYSTEMS available from LG. The company now has available LG’s brand new 84in UHD LCD large format display and 55in LCD video wall display. Now available through its rental and technical distribution businesses, PSCo says the products further strengthen its business offering to channel partners by giving them access to the latest, most innovative display technology, including a 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) display and player. Additional value will be delivered through bespoke rental and sales packages. Jamie Bugler, sales manager IT solutions at LG Electronics, says: “PSCo has a great track record in encouraging creativity and pushing boundaries with ingenious display technologies and we’re excited to launch our very latest, high performance, professional display products through its sales and rental business channels.” LG has also appointed PSCo as an exclusive stockist of the 84WS70, the world’s first 84in UHD LED backlit large format display capable of playing 4K Quad HD content. The maker says a 1400:1 contrast ratio combined with automatic brightness adjustment sensor and accurate colour reproduction ensures delivery of content clearly, vividly and precisely. The sheer size of the screen makes it ideally suited to create maximum impact as it is almost big enough to accurately reproduce a life-size person when in portrait orientation. Equally in creative applications the display’s wide

viewing angles can make audiences feel drawn into a scene and part of the action. The 84in comes with an LG 4K media player to showcase content with maximum impact at the highest resolution. The LG 55WV70MS LCD is described as the perfect video wall solution to showcase dynamic multimedia content to audiences without distractions. LG says that what sets it apart from its competition is its ultra-narrow bezel of 5.3mm (bezel to bezel), the slimmest bezel on a 55in video wall on the market, its Shine Out technology and gloss front finish, which keeps brightness consistent in high ambient light. Like the 84in, the 55in offers wide viewing angles plus its 99mm slim display depth allows for greater installation flexibility in a wide range of target applications. “The two LG displays are a great fit with our current portfolio and really impressed us in terms of their unique features and high level of innovation,” comments Stuart Holmes, CEO of PSCo. “We will be supporting our channel partners with comprehensive technical support services and adding value with customised rental and sales packages for the new displays, including brackets, stands and players to help partners meet customers’ specific requirements and achieve more in their projects.” PSCo channel partners interested in viewing the LG 55WV70MS and LG 84WS70 can book into the Reading

PSCo offers the recently released LG 84in UHD LCD LFD

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Anders + Kern has a wide range of options for installers dealing in the office and boardroom sector

Assessment Centre for a demonstration. Projectors are of course another option for corporate environments and Epson provides some useful choices here. Epson’s EB-1400 series of interactive projectors come in two versions, the EB-1410Wi and EB-1400Wi, which both offer a complete digital solution for business meetings by combining the benefits of projectors, interactive whiteboards, flipcharts and other presentation equipment in one easy-to-use device. Delivering a 100in interactive projected image and providing a wide variety of input sources, Epson says these models help businesses increase productivity and cut installation costs, by eliminating the need for multiple pieces of meeting room equipment. This makes them useful for team meetings, brainstorming and presentations. The features of these models allow users to turn any surface into a 100in interactive screen and annotate on any projected image from a variety of input sources: computers, office networks, USB memory sticks, visualisers and many other smart devices via iProjection. With the interactive pens provided, multiple users can fully interact with computer software – in the same way they would with a mouse – and also annotate meeting notes. Once meetings have finished, notes can then be saved and shared to office networks and USB memory sticks, in addition to being sent to other users by email to ensure that all participants then have any updated information. With brightness of up to 3,100 lumens, Epson says images are crisp and vivid maximising audience retention. The EB-1410Wi and EB-1400Wi also feature a multilocation function. This allows up to four separate projection systems to be connected remotely, so users across different boundaries can work collaboratively and share images and presentations and also annotate the same image remotely from different places.

The route to success Offices of course cannot get by without reliable Internet access. One company who can help in this regard is Ruckus. The company says SMEs are typically sub-50 access point projects so installers should be looking to deploy a ZoneDirector 1100 controller and the mid-range Access Points model 7372 (dual band 2 stream). Ruckus says its WLAN systems brings power and simplicity together for large-scale indoor deployments, along with all the requisite capabilities demanded including seamless interoperability, advanced Wi-Fi security, massive scalability and robust WLAN management. The maker says its solutions combine one of the best centrally managed WLANs with advances in intelligent RF routing and Smart Wi-Fi meshing. Key technologies include patented smart Wi-Fi antenna array technology BeamFlex, which provides extended range and adaptive signal steering, for reliable performance, predictive real-time capacity channel selection resulting in up to 50 percent better performance and optimum signal path selection, interference mitigation and auto RF management, for a consistent user experience. The Smart Mesh Networking eliminates the costly and cumbersome task of pulling Ethernet cables wherever the client needs access points and the products also offer all the latest link layer encryption and authentication mechanisms. Ruckus says installation takes just a few hours and configuration takes just minutes. Anders + Kern (A+K) is a supplier with lots of experience and options to offer in this sector and says the market is witnessing more integration of AV with different types of content and sources, such as smartphones and tablet devices in office and boardroom contexts. A+K also says that the AV that is being installed is of a higher specification and that clients expectations are set by the AV they experience in everyday life, with high quality

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Essential OFFICE AND BOARDROOM SYSTEMS technology becoming more affordable, businesses are looking for the same experience. The distributor says that the main products clients are after include projection screens, projectors, LCDs, digital signage, video walls and audio and video conferencing with achieving unified communication an increasingly important requirement. A+K can offer over 20 years’ experience in the industry and advises that a boardroom or office solution needs to combine quality and flexibility. With employees increasingly using their own smart phones and tablets to share visuals and information, the AV equipment needs to be able to cater for different devices. A+K also advises to not fall into the trap of over specifying, find a system that only does what the client needs. Corporates regularly refurbish their boardrooms, so AV equipment gets upgraded every two to three years, so there is a need to be aware of and sensitive to these time scales. Product wise A+K offers a wide range of AV solutions for all types of boardroom and office environments, from video conferencing and projection systems to audio and room control systems. Whether the client requires a discreet display device for a meeting room or a fully integrated AV system for a board or conference room, A+K can advise on the most appropriate technology. The company can also support with system design, training, installation and service level agreements. AVIT distribution can offer a choice of help in this area as well. Connectivity panels for laptops and video conferencing solutions are a popular choice and the company’s Desktop Cable Tidy offers one power supply, six cable holes supplied with 1xHDMI, 1xVGA, 1x3.5mm audio, 2xRJ45 & 1xUSB(M-M), all are at 1.5m long and encased in a brushed aluminium box. The company also offers its pop up table top connector panel (45° angle) with modular configuration, which comes fitted with 1xUK power outlet and a choice of 4 PTN modular plates including VGA + Stereo Audio, VGA + Stereo Audio + 3 pin XLR, DVI + Stereo Audio, HDMI + Stereo Audio and

many more. AVIT also offers compact audio amps for tight office spaces complete with RS232/IR control. The AMPs deliver 2x20W stereo or dual mono or 40W bridged mode, 2xstereo inputs and 1 x Balanced Mic/Line. HD switchers and scalers are also covered in the line-up to tame and bring together all the formats now at use in offices and boardrooms. For control, the company offers its NXT-350 hybrid in-wall touch panel, which can control just about anything in the room with its built-in control ports and WACI engine. The NXT-350 also has line in/out audio for volume control and MP3 playback. In addition, the NXB100 Voice-Lift option can be added to allow for off the shelf Bluetooth headsets to be used as a microphone for the system. From the Invision stable, the RTI brand can come in handy for the office and boardroom sector with the professional-grade control products powerful enough to control the large systems needed in commercial contexts. A useful ally for office solutions comes in the form of the KX2 in-wall controller, offering the benefits of a high-end control device at an affordable price point. The unit features a 2.8in QVGA color LCD display with a customisable interface and hard buttons, which may be custom engraved, while multiple bezel options allow the KX2 to blend into any décor. The controller’s design is complemented by features such as direct IR control, integrated Ethernet with Power over Ethernet (PoE) and two-way control when incorporated into an RTI control system. The KX2’s ambient light sensor adjusts the unit’s back light level in accordance with its surroundings, while a proximity sensor automatically brings the controller to life when approached by a user. The graphic interface is configurable using RTI’s Integration Designer software and the device’s 12 hard buttons ship with a selection of common control tasks, or they can be custom engraved using RTI’s Laser Shark service. Taking performance up a notch, the KX7 has a control interface that can be custom tailored for every installation over its generous 7in LCD, which also offers screen swiping

RTI (available from Invision UK) has a range of solutions for offices and boardrooms

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The iRoom can be a useful office ally

for page navigation. The unit also has built-in infrared communication capability, allowing for direct control of electronics without a control processor. In addition, video inputs make it possible to view analogue video while an Ethernet connection enables viewing of IP security cameras, surfing the web and advanced two-way control. With iPads becoming common place within the work environment, a storage, charging and security docking system is a useful addition to many office and boardroom environments. Invision offers the iRoom, which the company describes as far more than just a dock providing motorised docking and release, programmable security code, continuous power supply, docking status notification. The unit can also be powered either by 230V & POE. A further accomplished operator in this sector is Draper, which offers a wide choice of options for video conferencing. The company’s Credenza Video Conferencing Camera lift is a ceiling solution that allows the placement of a video conferencing camera directly behind a motorised projection screen, synchronously raising and lowering it with the screen. Draper also offers its Video Conferencing Camera Box, which allows the camera to be hidden securely away in a wall space behind a hinged tempered glass door. Draper says the unit makes installing a video conferencing camera quick and

easy and includes lock and keys to protect the equipment. The box also offers five ‘knock out’ wire management locations for numerous cabling options. Another camera mounting product comes in the form of the Video Conferencing Camera Adapter Bracket, which enables the installation of a video conferencing camera into three of Draper’s most popular video projector lifts. All are designed to safely conceal the camera above the ceiling line when not in use and lower it quickly and quietly into position for conferencing. The brackets are available in two standard sizes, but custom sizes can be arranged. Draper also offers a huge range of screens specifically designed for video conferencing offering controlled viewing cones as well as high contrast and ambient light rejection properties. Installers can pair one of Draper’s dynamic viewing surfaces with the wide range of screen types available to achieve the right result for every project. Draper offers numerous ceiling recessed and wall mounted motorised screens operable by remote, wall switch, or automation system. The company also offers a massive range of video conferencing backgrounds to enable companies to project a professional image when on screen.

More Information:

AVIT +44 (0)117 2303520, www.avitdistribution.co.uk

AMX +44 (0)1904 343100, www.amx.com

Polycom +44 (0)1753 723000, www.polycom.co.uk

NEC +44 (0)208 8362000 www.nec-display-solutions.co.uk

Sony +44 (0)1932 816000, www.sony.co.uk

Crestron +44 (0)845 8738787, www.crestron.co.uk

Epson +44 (0)871 2226713, www.epson.co.uk

DemoPad +44 (0)8700 551100, www.demopad.com

PSCo Technical Distribution: +44 (0)870 2408484 www.psco.co.uk

Sun-Light Solutions + 44 (0)7887 634990 www.sun-lightsolutions.com

Draper Group Ltd +44 (0)1536 203101 www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

Engage +44 (0)207 2314949, www.engageproduction.com

Midwich +44 (0)1379 649200 www.midwich.com

Ruckus +44 (0)7921 264076, www.ruckuswireless.com Anders + Kern +44 (0)1638 510900 www.anders-kern.co.uk

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280 www.invisionuk.com

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