Essential Install - February 2014 issue

EssentialINSTALLMAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry February 2014 issue

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QX16/2 and QX16/4 PE

these are high performance and exceptional quality installation speaker cables with a water and Uv resistant PE outer sheath.

they are designed to deliver excellent levels of performance in most outdoor installations with no additional conduit required.

Performance Active HDMI

the QEd Hdmi cable is specifically designed to work with modern high performance projectors or display screens at high speed up to 15m. to do this it incorporates the latest active filter technology, which means the cable can be readily installed within walls or ceilings without the need for any extra power supplies or bulky electronics.

QXCAT6 UTP

the cat6 UtP range of high performance network cables with a flame retardant Pvc outer sheath is available in 4 different colours. Each cable is designed to cope with demanding distribution applications over UtP. they transport high bandwidth control, Ethernet and Hdmi 1080p signals to multiple displays over distances up to 100m with performance up to 250mHz. Suitable for HdBaset™ applications.

QXCAT6 FTP Screened

Get all the features of QXcat6 UtP with the addition of an aluminium mylar screen for excellent noise rejection.

QED Professional is a range of high quality cables and accessories designed to give the same performance and value as our award winning domestic QEd Hi-fi cables. all our cables are certified to meet the highest installation and 'new build' industry standards, ensuring better reliability and higher performance to both the installer and consumer.

all our cables and connectors are held in high inventory within the UK and benefit from next working day delivery on orders made before 2pm.

to order or for more details, please visit www.qed.co.uk

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QX16/2 and QX16/4 PE // OutdOOr BuriaBle Speaker CaBle

PErformancE activE Hdmi // hdmi CaBle

cat6 UtP & ftP ScrEEnEd // Cat6 CaBle

QX16/2 and QX16/4 PE

these are high performance and exceptional quality installation speaker cables with a water and Uv resistant PE outer sheath.

they are designed to deliver excellent levels of performance in most outdoor installations with no additional conduit required.

Performance Active HDMI

the QEd Hdmi cable is specifically designed to work with modern high performance projectors or display screens at high speed up to 15m. to do this it incorporates the latest active filter technology, which means the cable can be readily installed within walls or ceilings without the need for any extra power supplies or bulky electronics.

QXCAT6 UTP

the cat6 UtP range of high performance network cables with a flame retardant Pvc outer sheath is available in 4 different colours. Each cable is designed to cope with demanding distribution applications over UtP. they transport high bandwidth control, Ethernet and Hdmi 1080p signals to multiple displays over distances up to 100m with performance up to 250mHz. Suitable for HdBaset™ applications.

QXCAT6 FTP Screened

Get all the features of QXcat6 UtP with the addition of an aluminium mylar screen for excellent noise rejection.

QED Professional is a range of high quality cables and accessories designed to give the same performance and value as our award winning domestic QEd Hi-fi cables. all our cables are certified to meet the highest installation and 'new build' industry standards, ensuring better reliability and higher performance to both the installer and consumer.

all our cables and connectors are held in high inventory within the UK and benefit from next working day delivery on orders made before 2pm.

to order or for more details, please visit www.qed.co.uk

tHE SoUnd of SciEncE SincE 1973www.qed.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL

QED PROFESSIONALINSTALLATION CABLESISSUE 1

for YoUr frEE coPY of

tHiS BrocHUrEcaLL 01279 501111

ordEr codE: ZB0268

YoUr free QEd Pro caBLE BrocHUrE

nEw

nEw

LOWJITTER

COMPATIBLE

1080PFULL HD

&

ACTIVE FILTERTM

TECHNOLOGYRTMR

available in grey, red, blue and green

nEw

nEw

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RegulaRs

7 From the editor’s DeskThe biggest news in the history of Essential Install!

9 essential NewsTake the temperature of the CI sector

17 #liveInstall latestNews from the coal-face of the install industry

32 Day in the lifePip Evans of NV Integration takes time out to speak to EI

63 essential Training Head for success with our training guide

66 essential Products A pick of perfect product partners

FeaTuRes

18 aWe and uRC Take amsterdam Control platform makes big impact at the ISE

20 Habitech Takes Time Focus on how IC Realtime cameras take security to the next level

23 essential Ise Review The biggest and best review of this CI showcase

38 step by step from PulseHow this distributor adds value to every install

41 Case study: Hobbs Pit: PixelsNorman Garland, company MD, tells EI a horror story

44 essential artcoustic Kim Donvig, company CEO, takes time for a Q&A

46 essential RgB Communications The power of Pakedge and Savant combine

48 essential HVaC The highs and lows of environmental control

54 auro 3DThe future of cinema sound?

55 asheridge Communications: MoCaInnovative networking

57 essential lightingIlluminating the way to successful projects

EssentialContents

FEBRUARY 2014IN THIS ISSUE...

Essential Install4

55

57Essential Lighting





Habitech Cover.indd 1 26/02/2014 12:18

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EssentialContents

41Case Study

Essential Products 66

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32Day in the Life

48Essential HVAC Auro 3D 54

Atlona AV Distribution Solutions Feature

TrueColours/Midwich Home Essential Install Magazine AdvertTrim Size – 380mm (w) x 60mm (h)

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Essential Install 7

From the

editor’s desk

Editor in chiEf: daniel sait, [email protected] advErtisEmEnt managEr: Claire talty, [email protected]: david kitchener, [email protected] hEad of Production: sam Broad, [email protected] dEsign: Benjamin Bristow, [email protected] accounts: [email protected] circulation: [email protected]

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.

thE biggEst nEws in thE history of EssEntIal Install!

major Expansion and move into Europe announced!EI is delighted to announce some absolutely massive news for the Ci industry! the Essential Install stable of products including all

magazines and shows are now part of new pan european publishing house called All things media (Atm).

this new company is a partnership between the EI group of products and eh Publishing, stateside heavy hitters in the AV and

Ci worlds and owners of the hugely powerful brands Ce-Pro and Commercial integrator.

months in the planning, this new venture has been carefully constructed to provide the Essential Install brand the platform

needed to penetrate the european market as well as raising its game in the Uk. the deal will also see the arrival of the Ce-Pro and

Commercial integrator brands into europe for the very first time.

the hugely exciting new entity will provide readers with loads more information in many different forms, online, in print, with live events

and though social media to gather the information needed to be successful in the domestic and commercial custom install worlds.

in turn, the industry will have a powerful new partner to reach a whole range of markets in a wide choice of ways, representing

a publishing powerhouse never before seen in the european market.

eh Publishing Ceo, ken moyes, says: “We were looking for the right partner to make the move into the european market and

have found the perfect match in the Essential team. their experience and existing market presence gives us a great platform from

which to further develop existing products and introduce Ce-Pro and Commercial integrator to a european audience. We are really

excited about the potential this new company offers the industry.”

When the business plan for the Essential brand was formulated five years ago, the dream goal at

the end of the first five years was to have the Uk’s number one domestic install magazine, successful

live events and be ready to expand into the commercial markets in the Uk and across

europe. Well thanks to some long hours and the continued support of the

industry, we are there and then some, with this hugely exciting new venture!

details of what form these new launches will take and how the Essential Install

brand will expand in the coming months and years will be available very soon, so

stay tuned for more information.

if you have any questions at all, just give one the team a shout on the

usual contacts.

DANIEL J SAIT, editor, Essential Install

There are more ways than ever to interact with EI so get in touch

EssentialINSTALL

MAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry

February 2014 issue

DOWNLOAD THE FREE

ESSENTIAL INSTALL APP

ON ALL APPLE AND ANDROID

DEVICES NOW!

IC REALTIME PUTS THE ‘EYE’ IN IP

TOP RANKING CCTV BRAND BLENDS HIGH PERFORMANCE

WITH THE POWER TO INTEGRATE...

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anywhere

ULTRAHD4K

Modular�is�a�high−performance�HDMI�matrix�system,�for�the�switching,�routing�and�distribution�of�high-bandwidth�signals,�up�to�and�including�4K�Ultra�HD.

Integrators�can�use�a�mix�of�native�HDMI�and�HDBaseT�class�A�or�B�(Pro�or�Lite)�technology�within�the�same�chassis�to�create�systems�that�are�perfectly�matched�to�the�size�and�spec�for�the�project.�All�Modular's�display�receivers�are�powered�from�the�head-end�via�PoE�or�PoH�for�genuine�single�cable�installation.�

4K here, 4K there... 4K HDanywhere.

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EssentialNEWS

Sign up to the Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstal Essential Install

RDI (Registered Digital Institute) has welcomed

into its fold the well-established custom install

equipment manufacturer and cable supplier

Asheridge Communications.

The RDI and Asheridge, part of the

Teleste group, agreed a partnership would

benefit the institute’s future connected

home plans. These involve the promotion of

custom install products direct to the institute database and RDI approved retailers.

RDI chief executive officer Mike Davies said: “The RDI believes this tie in will

directly benefit our members on training and development provision. It will also

ensure members are kept at the forefront of emerging market and product news.

“It’s important for the institute to move into new and emerging markets,

particularly with the future of the connected home. Partnering the right

companies will help not only our installation and retail members through the

creation of a connected home pathway, but also the digital sector.”

Asheridge sales director Jonathan Rigby said: “Effective and reliable delivery

of high speed video and data in the house is becoming ever more important.

The time is right for us to join forces and educate the UK market on the most

effective solutions based on the equipment we already supply to domestic and

commercial installers, Telco and FTTH operators across Europe.”

More information: Asheridge Communications +44 (0)1494 794770

www.ashcomms.com

9

Equipment manufacturer Asheridge is the newest RDI recruit

NEwS DESKPiled high with custom install information

rdi and asheridge focus on

emerging marKets

AVnu Alliance, the industry consortium that certifies Audio Video Bridging (AVB) products

for interoperability, is boasting a first after welcoming its latest member, Crestron.

The addition of the provider of control and automation systems marks the first

AVnu Alliance member to create solutions for smart home and commercial buildings

and furthers the progression of AVB in professional AV and residential markets.

The alliance, with 65 global members, is seeing accelerated momentum

for AVB across markets including professional AV, automotive and residential.

Member companies are working together to drive AVnu-certified devices,

claiming high performance, reliability and flexibility.

“Our commitment to standards makes us the perfect candidate to join the AVnu Alliance

to ensure interoperability among networked AV devices and provide the highest quality

streaming AV experience,” said Crestron director of architecture and design John Pavlik.

AVnu Alliance president Rick Kreifeldt said: “Crestron understands the

importance of having pieces of a complex system work together. As a leader in

residential and commercial automation systems they will lend knowledge to the

alliance and extend our commitment to the AVB ecosystem.

“The AVnu Alliance is fostering a new networking ecosystem of interoperable

devices by working with industry leading members such as Crestron,” said Rick.

AVnu Alliance certified products include the Extreme Networks Summit 440

switches and the group is seeing growing momentum in all market segments.

It is testing AVB-enabled networking devices at its appointed testing house,

University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory.

It also has many products in the certification process. AVnu Certification is

available to alliance member companies.

More information: Crestron +44 (0)845 873 8787, www.crestron.co.uk

aVnu alliance recruits first home

automation firm

THE SOUND OF SCIENCE SINCE 1973

PROFESSIO

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QED PROFESSIONAL

INSTALLATION CABLES

ISSUE 1

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Call 01279 501111

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Sign up to the new Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstal Sign up to the Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstal Essential Install

CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association)

has unveiled a new website for its ninth annual awards that celebrate

excellence in residential custom installation.

Content of the new site, www.cediaawards.org, will include access to

a new online entry process. The site went live in February, mirrors the look

and feel of the consumer-facing site and is more user friendly.

The latter aspect is important, as the awards are open to members across

Region 1 including the UK, Europe, the CIS, Middle East, Africa, India and

Pakistan. To highlight the benefits of entering, CEDIA has included coverage

from consumer and trade titles and testimonials from past winners.

This information is targeted at new members who are not aware of the

CEDIA Awards. An archive section dates back to 2008, providing a well-

rounded view of what can be achieved from taking part.

Meanwhile the streamlined online entry will enable members to draft, edit,

review and then submit their completed entry. The website also mentions the

branding and sponsorship opportunities for manufacturers and distributors.

CEDIA will generate exposure for brands in the lead up to the event,

on the night itself in front of 300 industry guests and afterwards through

high-profile editorial, advertising and the Awards Yearbook.

The awards are open only to CEDIA member companies and the

ceremony will take place on July 11 at a venue to be confirmed. Visit

www.cediaawards.org

More information: CEDIA +44 (0)1480 213744, www.cedia.co.uk

11

new awards weBsite from cedia

Control4 Corporation is boasting nearly 60 global brands in consumer

electronics, security, lighting and HVAC that have adopted the Control4

Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP).

The growing momentum for the Control4 platform and its SDDP technology

represents a broadening interest from manufacturers to play a deeper role in the

connected home as automation in the house becomes mainstream.

New SDDP licensees include brands such as HARMAN International,

the premium global audio and infotainment group; TiVo Inc, a global leader

in the advanced television entertainment market and Epson, the well-

known projector brand.

Other companies including Denon, Dish Networks, Integra, LILIN,

Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba America Information

Systems and Yamaha have already licensed SDDP technology for some of

their products.

Control4 SDDP software technology is now integrated with hundreds

of leading manufacturers’ products, ranging from flat panel TVs, projectors

and disc players to AV receivers and set-top boxes, thermostats and

security cameras.

The technology enables device interoperability and integration with

Control4 systems for a seamless experience. The home automation

system automatically finds and adds SDDP-enabled devices to the

platform, reducing complexity and installation time for Control4 dealers.

“By creating an ever-expanding ecosystem of high-profile, SDDP-

enabled consumer device manufacturers along with our worldwide

network of thousands of Control4-certified automation specialists, Control4

is positioned to reach and serve more consumers to deliver exceptional

connected home experiences.”

TiVo vice president of sales and marketing Doug Bieter said: “Control4’s

SDDP software and network of over 3,000 high-end custom installers

gives our current and potential customers the team they are looking for to

easily and confidently integrate TiVo into their smart homes.”

More information: Control4 +44 (0)1347 812 300, www.control4.com

Big names adoPt control4

sddP tech

EssentialNEWS

SimplyControl

A complete

end-to-end

user interface

and control

option for any

WyreStorm

AV Matrix

h a b i t e c h . c o . u k

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EssentialNEWS

FSC, Tru has launched a brand new website to promote its home

automation cable range.

www.trucables.com is now live, packed with extensive product

information and cable specifications on a whole range of products for

home and building automation.

Tru cables has been developed to bring installers the ultimate level of connectivity,

says the maker and the Tru range covers most popular applications for integrating

electronic systems into the home or building from AV, entertainment, building control

to lighting and security solutions.

The latest series of home automation composite cables are included,

containing multiple cables such as Cat-5E, Cat-6, digital coaxes and more

within a single jacket for easy routing.

Lighting cables for most popular lighting systems including Mode, Trend, Lutron

and Simmtronic are included in the TruLighting range, while TruSecurity contains

cables for access control, alarms and internal and external security.

The manufacturer says these high quality products use only the best

materials to ensure consistent, high performance making sure Installers get

the most out of any equipment.

Read the Tru cable blog for the most up to date news of the company’s latest

products and news in the industry.

Created with the user firmly in mind, the new website is described as sleek,

stylish and designed using the latest technology so the site is compatible with both

browsers and mobile devices.

More Information: Tru Cables +44 (0)1727 840841

www.trucables.com

new weBsite for fsc tru

The recently opened Meridian west London Boutique

in Chelsea hosted a two-day open event in February to

headline a new kit launch.

Meridian used the event to connect with its retail partners

to preview the introduction of the new Special Edition DSP

Digital Active Loudspeakers in-store.

Events will continue throughout March and April and provide

an opportunity to experience the new Special Edition DSP Digital

Active Loudspeakers, enjoy in-depth demonstrations and hear

from Meridian engineers.

Meridian bills the new equipment as its best ever

loudspeaker systems and the event marks the 25th

anniversary of the introduction of the world’s first digital

loudspeaker. The Special Edition series of DSP Digital Active

Loudspeakers provides the most revealing, lifelike and

powerful performance of any Meridian loudspeaker to date.

To achieve the highest performance possible, the

Special Edition loudspeakers required many entirely

new design implementations to the award-winning

DSP8000, DSP7200 and DSP5200 models.

All Special Edition loudspeakers feature new

Meridian designed short horn loaded tweeter with a

Beryllium dome and new mid-range and bass driver

mechanical clamp rings.

They also include new wideband, high resolution

analogue electronics and new DSP implementing

the performance improvement of ‘EBA’ technology

across the entire frequency range.

More information: Meridian

+44 (0)1480 445678

ww.meridian-audio.com

meridian unVEIls its Best-eVer sPeaKers

Special delivery: Meridian’s DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers

SALES MANAGER JOB ADVERT

The Multi-Room Company is expanding and is in need of a �eld sales manager to look after its range of custom installation electronics and accessories.

The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual who is able to work on their own initiative to build and maintain relationships with existing customers and develop new ones. They will be good at multi-tasking, working on multiple projects at the same time and most importantly be highly skilled at communicating the bene�ts of technical products, to ensure the maximum number of sales conversions.

Knowledge of the CI industry, from an installation or distribution background, is essential; as is the ability to help with customer system specifying and site support.

Salary: Good basic plus commission on salesLocation: Field based with occasional visits to the Cheltenham head o�ce

Requirements:Proven CI industry experienceExcellent IT skills – Outlook and Excel Good verbal and written EnglishPresentation skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsCar owner Please submit your CV and covering letter to: Mike Bonnette at The Multi-Room Company [email protected]

Closing date for applications: 14 March 2014


Peter Orre held high-powered posts at Hewlett Packard and Apple

Peter Orre has been made the new managing director at

Loewe to seek out new customer groups and sales markets.

The 59-year-old Swede worked for more than ten years

at Hewlett Packard in Munich, most recently as marketing

director. Before this he held various management positions at

Apple in America and Europe, where he developed design.

Peter said: “Loewe has set high standards in both performance and design.

The strength of Loewe’s brand offers tremendous potential. By pooling our

strengths we will access new customer groups and sales markets with the right

product ideas, technology partnerships and marketing initiatives.”

Loewe’s new owners, Gesmar-Larsen, Kalmund and Sepmeier, aim to

make the brand more attractive to a broader-based, younger, design-oriented,

technophile target group in key territories including Europe, Russia and China.

The company will draw upon the sophisticated development expertise

that Loewe has already notched up in combining TV and audio products

into compelling ‘digital lifestyle’ entertainment solutions. Loewe products

will continue to be designed, engineered and assembled in Germany.

Chairman of the advisory board of New Loewe Jan Gesmar-Larsen

said: “Peter is a seasoned, top-class manager who will press ahead with

further realigning and rejuvenating of the Loewe brand.

“He has in-depth knowledge of German and international premium

technology markets and great familiarity with trends and customers’

needs. He will draw on this expertise to develop new Loewe products

that will inspire the market.”

More information:+44 (0)20 73681100, www.loewe-uk.com/uk

new man at new loewe

targets sales

Future Automation has become

the latest company to join the

growing army of members of the

D-Tools MVP Partnership Program.

As part of the agreement,

information about Future Automation

products will be available on the

D-Tools product database for D-Tools

System Integrator users to specify

into their system designs and client proposals free of charge.

Future Automation is a market leader in flat screen mounting solutions and

high-tech automation devices. It designs and manufactures lift mechanisms,

wall mounts, art lifts and ceiling drops for televisions and projectors.

Future Automation manager Rob Luxton said: “we are happy to team up

to provide mutual clients with our latest and most comprehensive product

information for use in their electronic systems design, proposal, and specification.”

D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program helps to provide

system integrators with the most up-to-date product information to over

4,400 companies using D-Tools System Integrator software.

President and chief executive officer of D-Tools Adam Stone said: “As

a premier provider of motorised solutions for clients worldwide, Future

Automation delivers creative results to seemingly impossible applications.

“It is now easier than ever for system designers, integrators and others

in the field to incorporate these elegant enhancements into their designs

and proposals.”

More information: Future Automation +44 (0)1438 833577

www.futureautomation.co.uk

future automation tees uP with

d-tools

Future Automation products will be listed in the D-Tools database for System Integrator users

EssentialNEWS

• Designed around a standard double gang faceplate, sync-box is easily adapted around any environment.• Sync-box is completely adaptable to your power & AV needs. Based around the standard euro module system, units clip in with ease.• All power & AV connections are fully recessed when in position.• With a unique cover plate, sync-box leaves a beautiful finish flush to the wall.

Contact us on +44 (0)1892 838860for more information.

Sync-box is the only recessed powerand AV socket solution for use withthe installation of all AV and flatscreen entertainment products.

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 off ers the most comprehensive selection of viewing surfaces in the industry as well as over 40 unique screen models to choose from!

• With the fi nest 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 multi- purpose rooms, off ers great off axis viewing and high contrast in most light conditions.

DO YOU WANT TO WATCH A MOVIE?

...OR DO YOU WANT TO

EXPERIENCE A MOVIE?

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

P14.indd 1 27/02/2014 12:58

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EssentialNEWS


The partnership offers new lines in award-winning IP-Based HD surveillance kit

Invision UK has signed

a strategic distribution

agreement with LILIN

enabling the former to sell and

support LILIN’s product line.

LILIN designs and manufactures IP

video security products and has developed a line up of award-winning

products, from megapixel cameras to network video recorders that can

be integrated with third-party control systems including Control4, Savant

Systems and URC.

Integration with these systems provides a smart and convenient solution

for the homeowner. New drivers for RTI, Crestron, AMX and ELAN G will be

released in February, said Invision UK business manager Mark Taylor.

“The LILIN product range perfectly fits the Invision UK product

portfolio,” said Mark. “Together, Invision UK and LILIN are delivering a

unique and strategic product for our customers, providing them with a

high-impact addition to their product portfolio to grow their business.”

LILIN group vice president Jason Hill said: “Invision UK looks like

the perfect partner for us to reach all the UK-based custom integrators

and raise awareness of our IP video equipment. LILIN has committed

to becoming the preferred manufacturer of HD cameras and recording

systems to the global CI market.

“Our end-to-end HD surveillance solutions are perfectly suited to the

high-end residential, leisure and entertainment sectors as they are simple

to operate, easy to integrate and do not rely on PCs or software.”

More information: Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com

inVision uK

signs deal

with lilin

BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) has confirmed it is working on Blu-ray

discs with UHD/4K support having recently approved a draft extension to

the standard.

The Blu-ray standard, which is currently limited to HD video, is not

good enough for the UHD TVs that were seen at the recent CES show in

Las Vegas and any of the trade shows to take place in the last year.

UHD streaming of select content is available on the likes of Netflix, but

such services require high-bandwidth Internet connections. According

to reports in the USA the technical blueprint for UHD Blu-ray should be

available by end 2014.

work involves 17 companies, including Sony, Technicolor, Dolby, Fox

and Disney. Meanwhile the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem

(DECE) consortium also plans to add UHD support to cloud-based

distribution service UltraViolet, with potential for high dynamic range and

related features.

“The 4K (ultra HD) is on our roadmap and this will need to be a

standard since it needs to work on a variety of devices and platforms,”

DECE general manager Mark Teitell was reported as saying recently.

“we’re also looking at high dynamic range, colour space and frame

rate. It’s likely to be a combination of those attributes that will represent

the next generation. we are looking at what we need to do and will take

the best combination.”

More information: Blu-ray Disc Association www.blu-raydisc.com

roadmaP for Blu-raY disKs

with uhd/4K

affordable, intuitivealways on and always

accessible

platform-independentiOS, Android, Blackberry

Windows, MacOS

diagnose systems remotely

add system-wide updates and new features

design, configure and program simply, from

anywhere

On AnyScreen

Anywhere

h a b i t e c h . c o . u k

Take control of your home from your iPadwith Total Control

Provide your customer with the ability to control all of the electronics in their home from a single device that’s part of their everyday life. Utilising the MRX-10 network controller (pictured) your customer can control their TV, stream their entire music collection, adjust home lighting, heating or even see who’s at the front door via CCTV, all from their iPhone or iPad. Just some of the amazing capabilities of Total Control. The range also includes a choice of handheld WiFi remotes and in-wall keypads meaning they’ll have total control of their home, from anywhere. An off-site programming feature means you can easily provide excellent customer service, regular upgrades, maintenance and peace of mind for your customer.

Other products in the Total Control range include WiFi remote controls, network amplifiers, network controllers and switches

Apple iPad not included and must be purchased separately. Total Control app is available from the App Store. URC Total Control is in no way endorsed by Apple. Apple and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Corporation.

AWE Europe Ltd | Alexander House, 450A Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 [email protected] | tel: +44 (0)1372 729 995 | www.awe-europe.com

Distributed in the UK by AWE Europe Ltd

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total control idevice-new-footer.pdf 1 26/02/2014 17:01:39

LiveInstall were in Amsterdam last week, representing

the industry alongside the large group of LiveInstall’ers

who made it there, keeping a watchful eye on a number

of exciting developments and products and tweeting our

thoughts alongside the many others who were using our

hashtag. When the dust had settled after a hectic week, the

organisers were happy to announce a huge total attendance

of 51,003, which is a 15% increase on the previous year;

proof, if any was needed, of the direction in which our

industry is rapidly heading. Perhaps the most noticeable

impact of this growth was on the selection of seminars,

which were so popular that they overflowed and people

could be seen standing outside the residential theatre trying

to catch a glimpse of the presentations.

Although the show was thriving with the boosted

numbers, it was fantastic to notice that there is still a strong

sense of community amongst the industry. This is an aspect

that LiveInstall was proud to contribute to and one that

we will look to expand on for future shows. See you all in

Amsterdam for ISE 2015!

Energy SavingWith the flooding in England currently a constant source of

gloomy news stories, global warming is as ever the problem

that just won’t go away. So there’s no better time than the

present to start considering how homeowners can reduce their

energy usage and the size of their carbon footprint. Efforts in

this area are not just about easing guilty consciences though;

consumers should always be aware of the cost saving benefits

of control systems that help to conserve energy. This is an

aspect that we, as smart home installers, could potentially do

more to promote. We witness first hand on our Twitter feed

exactly what is deemed

exciting enough to be

put in the #LiveInstall

virtual shop window.

The vast majority of

this is understandably

entertainment-oriented,

with very little focus

given to energy saving

and the green home.

Given the nature of

our industry, perhaps

it is time to take more

responsibility and help

to put a bit of style into

saving the environment.

Our collective integration

skills could be vital in

helping to make these

features a standard part of every smart home. Why not start by

tweeting us about your next environmentally-friendly install?

Packaged Smart HomesRecently we noticed the launch of the Face to Face Digital

ready-to-wear collection. These #LiveInstall’ers have taken

a step that many smart home install businesses have

considered by presenting their service to consumers as

a collection of packages. They are clearly defined in both

product and price and simplify the options available to

consumers in what is often considered a crowded and

overwhelming market. The packages recommend that

electricians follow the CEDIA wiring guidelines, an integral

step towards the standardisation of smart home cabling in

every home. This is a result that could be achieved much

faster with a conscious industry-wide effort to promote the

guidelines to all cogs in the wheel of home building.

What is #LiveInstall to you?Noah Derrington, executive director, Smart Nest UK, says:

“#LiveInstall is as much a culture and a community as it is a

social media handle. It is a powerful means to connect with and

share within a group of like-minded peers. It is an open platform

with no hierarchy and a shared sense of purpose. The defined

goals of the #LiveInstall community are to raise standards,

collaborate, share ideas and promote the industry in order to

create new opportunities for the installer community.”

More Information on the #LiveInstall community can be found

by following @LiveInstall or visiting www.liveinstall.co.uk

Essential#LiveinstaLL


This #liveinstall was captured by @avmvisual at the ISE2014 Residential Theatre, Home Cinema presentation by @spherecustom

GET SERIOUS AbOUT ENERGy SAvING Kris Gamble brings EI up to date on the latest news and views from

the #LiveInstall community of installers.

This #liveinstall is from Visual Sounds Ltd, @visualsoundsltd, which saw collaboration with @digital_plumber and @_avicci

EssentialAWE

Sign up to the Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstalEssential Install

URC TKP-7000 Touch-ScreenURC’s TKP-7000 has been created to provide the technology

todays consumers want, coupled to the need for sensitive

design. An attractive in-wall touch-screen, AWE says the

TKP-7000 doesn’t compromise the look of a room and adds

first class performance to the mix.

Featuring a 7in 1024 x 600 capacitive-touch colour

screen, the new URC TKP-7000 is an intuitive control device,

adding complete management of all entertainment, lighting,

heating, security and more. The unit offers gesture-based

control of music lists, source selection and volume. With full

graphic feedback from both URC and compatible third-party

devices, the TKP-7000 can also display live video for security

monitoring when combined with URC cameras.

Like the rest of the Total Control range, the TKP-7000 can

be programmed off the premises via the Internet. AWE says

this provides the end-user with first-class customer service,

allowing the installer to update remotely and if needs be,

troubleshoot off-site for minimal disruption.

URC TRC-1080, TRG-100 & TRG-200 Remote ControlsURC also unveiled a brand new remote control, which works

exclusively with its Total Control home automation system.

Featuring a backlit high resolution two-inch LCD screen,

the TRC-1080 is designed to be eye-catching and work

well in the hand with its sleek ergonomic design. Thanks to

pick-up sensor technology, the remote control automatically

wakes up from standby when lifted from its piano black table

top charging cradle. With an uncluttered button layout, the

remote benefits from four colour coded

buttons, allowing fast access to interactive

TV services and Blu-ray/DVR functions.

Also introduced at the ISE 2014 were

the new TRG-100 and TRG-200 remote

controls. Utilising advanced gyroscopic

technology, these controls work with

the URC MRX-20 Advanced Onscreen

Network System Controller, allowing end-

users to summon an onscreen overlay and

control features for the entire property, by

simply moving and pointing at options.

18

Visitors to the ISE were able to get to grips with the URC TKP-7000

URC KEEPS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTRL AT ISE 2014As the dust settles from yet another successful ISE, AWE, the UK

distributor for URC, looks back at the products launched at the show

where industry professionals were able to experience first-hand, the

advanced features available with URC’s range of whole house control

systems. Products highlighted include the aesthetically advanced

TKP-7000 and the no-nonsense TRC-1080 remote control.

EssentialAWE


Extra Vegetable Sonos ModuleURC also demonstrated further functionality and

compatibility to its Total Control system, which now works

with an increased variety of third party products and

streaming services. A long awaited and much requested

feature, the recent integration of Extra Vegetables’ new

2-way Sonos module into the URC system comes as

welcome news to URC dealers.

As Sonos continues to be popular with end-users and

play a part in the CI sector, providing a flexible way to

distribute music around a property and delivering other

benefits, such as ease of installation and upgrade paths,

URC was keen to provide a trusted link between the two

systems. Additionally, Sonos offers support for popular

music streaming services including: Spotify, Napster, last.fm,

Deezer, MOG and TuneIn. Extra Vegetables has also created

other modules for two-way control of DIRECTV, Roku,

Popcorn Hour/Popbox and Dune HD in conjunction with the

URC platform. All are said to be easy to install and work with

URC Accelerator, requiring little setup as they automatically

connect to Total Control, displaying customised graphics on

URC touch-panels, remote controls and iOS Apps right from

the off.

Additional URC AccessoriesWith security playing a vital role in whole house automation,

URC has designed a range of surveillance cameras that can

be integrated with its Total Control system. Visitors to the

URC stand saw the new CAM-DC1 and CAM-DCO cameras,

which are described as stylish, compact and easy-to-install.

Furthermore, ISE exhibitors also had the chance to find

out more about the new MRX-4SEN Sensor Extender and

six new sensors that expand the power of the Total Control

system and enable exciting new control possibilities.

Installers were able to learn how individual sensors

observe the presence of video, light, audio, current,

voltage or contact closure. Status is conveyed through the

compact MRX-4SEN to the MRX Advanced Network

Controller to trigger actions or advanced macros.

Another URC product shown at ISE was the MRX-2

Network Base Station. Built to bridge the digital divide

between control of the client’s legacy components and the

IP network, the MRX-2 acts as a Total Control sub-base

station. The system receives commands from an MRX-10

and reissues them via IR, RS232 or relays. Each MRX-2

includes one relay, one sensor port, two RS232 ports and six

IR ports. The advanced connectivity of the MRX-2 allows it to

connect to virtually any device or component. Visitors to the

stand were also able to learn about the advantages offered

by AWE’s new UK HQ, with its specially created demo and

educational facilities. The new facility will get a grand opening

when the AWE Expo is held on March 31.

More Information: AWE +44 (0)1372 729995

www.awe-europe.com, [email protected]

19

URC and Extra Vegetables combine to offer compatibility with third party platforms such as Sonos

The URC offering includes compatibility with smart phones and other portable devices

EssentialHABITECH


A couple of months ago we broke the news about our plans

for ICRealtime and the reaction from integrators has been

spectacular. The range of IP CCTV cameras, companion

recorders and accessories, now on the Habitech site,

demonstrates that if you are networking security in the home

or even integrating legacy analogue camera systems, the ICR

toolbox is about as complete and competent as you’ll find.

Look at the facts.

Award-Winning PerformanceICR has pedigree. Since its formation in 2006, the company

has sold over 4.5 million cameras and recorders. It’s the

leading provider in the North American Home Automation

sector, beating over one hundred companies (including Axis

and Panasonic) to be voted the number one brand by US

trade title CE-Pro magazine. The products are feature rich,

reliable, intuitive and highly competitive and as our site will

confirm we’ve selected a wide range of the best IP cameras,

recorders, lenses and accessories. Alongside the peerless

1080p performance, time-saving PoE connectivity and choice

of technology on offer, it was ICR’s powerful cross-platform

compatibility that really impressed us at the last CEDIA US

Expo. This brand is easy to control and integrate by design.

Easy-to-ControlThe high performance Linux OS is as robust as they

come and the GUI is super quick and easy-to-use making

deployment and customer training seamless. All ICR’s

IP devices and recorders can be managed through the

remote CMS software, which is compatible with Windows

and MAC – and it’s free-of-charge! Just like the operating

system, ICR’s mobile ICRSS App on Apple iOS, Android and

Windows Phone provides multisite accessibility across ICR

technologies and devices, delivering powerful control to you

and your customer.

Easy-to-IntegrateIC Realtime has the ability to integrate with leading Alarm

Receiving Centres (ARCs), other VMS vendors and home

automation systems, allowing you flexibility when augmenting

and enhancing existing security installations as well as

designing new ones. ICR’s IP cameras and recorders

integrate with most third-party VMS platforms such as

Genetec, Lenel, Milestone and Nuno and all IP recorders

are Onvif compliant for use with other IP camera brands,

if they’re already installed. Especially outstanding for our

home control customers is the compatibility with the leading

automation brands: Control4, AMX, Crestron, Savant, RTI,

Vantage, etc. through free-of-charge drivers and easy-to-

access snapshots and video streams. What’s more, both

the NVRs and cameras provide secondary streams to allow

for lower bandwidth applications (remote monitoring or

integration with control systems that do not support H.264),

while full HD is simultaneously available through the primary

stream and HDMI.

20

IC REALTIME PUTS THE ‘EyE’ IN IPHabitech welcomes the highly capable ‘IC

Realtime’ CCTV range to its ProNet stable of

IP brands. Technical manager Justin Martin

Lawrence zooms in...

ICIP-D2000

ICIP-D2000VIR

EssentialHABITECH


Unified IPAlthough the traditional IP

Camera URL can be used

in applications and drivers,

a very useful feature of

the NVRs is that they

provide every camera

stream through a unified

IP address and span

subnets. If you have

existing IP cameras on

a network and wish to

integrate new ones using

the inbuilt PoE switch, the

NVR automatically detects

these and supplies video

streams through simple URLs

on a single address.

Made for CIIn typical Habitech style we’ve gone the extra mile and

pre-configured the NVRs specifically for CI installations. This

means that out-of-the-box, the system can immediately

be connected to an HDMI matrix and DHCP network for

quick integration with a control system. Simple-to-follow

documentation with drivers on our website makes it a synch

to get the system up and running in minutes.

And the downsides? We haven’t found any yet and

we’ve dug deep. ICRealtime is the perfect complement to

our growing ProNet platform of IP brands, as capable and

competitive a solution as you’ll find anywhere in CI, complete

with excellent margins and the customary Habitech product

service and support.

IP CamerasHabitech offers the choice of 14 IP cameras from the

compact, vandal-proof and very affordable ICIP-D2000

1080P model to the ICIP-P20X3M-IR-WD, a flagship product

with 3MP resolution, full PTZ ability, 20x Optical Zoom and up

to 70m IR Range. Interspersed are specialist indoor models

such as the ICIP-3000CCD-W, an advanced box CCD

camera with built in Wi-Fi, 3MP sensor, invaluable where

cabling is absent or difficult.

All IP Cameras are• Onvif (Ver 2) compliant

• H.264 compliant

• PoE capable

• SD slot equipped for local backup and recording

NVRsChoose from no fewer than five NVRs across three ranges

starting with ‘The Breeze HD’ models in four and eight camera

versions, which offer full HD quality, simplicity and plug-and-go

installation. All the camera ports are PoE and the IP cameras

are configured automatically within two minutes of boot up, so

‘The Breeze’ really is a ‘breeze’ to install. Next, the ‘Gamma HD’

is a 32 Channel NVR designed to a higher level of specification,

which delivers 128Mbps recording capability over 32 inputs.

Topping out the NVR range and ideal for large-scale HD IP

deployment, the ‘Matrix HD’ is an Enterprise class NVR, with a

capacity of 128 channels at D1 (25fps), 64 channels at 720P

(25fps), 32 channels at 1080P (25fps). And if you’re upgrading

an existing analogue system by adding HD IP cameras in key

areas, the ‘Agile HD’ is a 32 channel hybrid recorder, delivering

16 analogue channels at full D1 (25fps) and 16 IP Channels at

1080P (6fps). As with all IC Realtime standalone NVRs there are

no camera license fees or recurring charges!

IC Realtime• Wide range of affordable IP Cameras, NVRs and

accessories

• Built for CI: easy integration with major control systems

through FOC drivers

• High quality HD performance for multiple views

• Highly compatible H.264 streams

• Configurable hot spot sensitivity

• PoE support: easy installation through single cable

• Supports ONVIF standard for video quality imaging

• Micro SD slot for local backup and recording

• Software is intuitive, feature-rich, easy-to-use, seamless

across all platforms

• Apps for iOS/Android/Windows mobile

More information: Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054

www.habitech.co.uk

21

ICIP-D2000

ICIP-D2000VIR

The ICIP-P20X3M-IR-WD is just one of a 14 strong range available through Habitech

‘The Breeze HD’ NVR is an easy to install and capable partner to IP camera networks

Untitled-1 1 12/02/2014 10:06

EssentialISE REVIEW


The show always provides an opportunity for the leading automation platforms to

do battle and present their advancements for the coming year.

Crestron rose to the challenge with gusto putting particular emphasis on its 4K

solutions showcasing 4K DigitalMedia switching and video distribution devices.

Robin van Meeuwen, VP of Crestron International, says: “4K displays are quickly

establishing a strong foothold in both professional and consumer markets. However,

up until now, video distribution technology was not available to transmit 4K content

throughout a home or business, to multiple rooms, or over long distances.

“When it comes to emerging video distribution technology in the digital arena,

once again, Crestron is taking the lead, this time with the first complete 4K solution.”

Visitors were able to see a live 4K switching demo from a variety of sources to

different Crestron 4K Certified displays, using new products including the DMC-4K-

HD Input Card and DMB-4K-I-HD Input Blade which enables 4K HDMI input to 8X8,

16X16, and 32X32 DM switchers and the DMB-4K-I-HD input blade which allows

4K HDMI input to 64X64 and 128X128 DM switchers. Also put through their paces

were the Type 8 Output Cards which deliver 4K DM output from 8X8, 16X16 and

32X32 DM switchers and the DMB-4K-O-C outpu4kt blade which promotes 4K DM

output from 64X64 and 128X128 DM switchers. The output can be connected to a

DM receiver or directly to any HDBaseT compliant device. Also shown was the DM-

RMC-4K-100-C which provides a one-box interface for a single 4K display device

as part of a complete Crestron DM system. In addition to lossless audio and 4K

video, the DM-RMC-4K-100-C provides Ethernet, RS232 and IR control ports.

Visitors also got a look at the HD-XSPA which brings in 4K video from a matrix

switcher through a Crestron DM input port and four local HDMI inputs. With a built-

in high-performance eight-channel amplifier, Crestron says the product makes it

easy and affordable to include top-quality 7.1 surround sound in a home cinema as

part of a whole-house distribution system. This meaty component delivers 140W/

Ch. at 8 Ohms, with a dedicated subwoofer channel for powering a passive in-wall

subwoofer. The HD-XSPA can also provide a two-channel down-mix to feed back to

a distributed audio system or two assigned amp channels (leaving 5.1 for surround).

In addition, Crestron DigitalMedia matrix switchers, ranging from the 8X8 model to

the newest 128X128 edition, were shown as being ready for 4K support. Both models

support 4K signals and extension of uncompressed, HDCP-protected HDMI content

up to 100 metres via HDBaseT. Transmitters may be mounted in a single gang wall

box, are available with black or white faceplates and can also be rack mounted.

Control4 used the event to

showcase enhanced integration for

security cameras for residential and

commercial spaces. Control4 says

adoption of surveillance cameras

and network video recorders (NVRs)

is growing at a rapid pace, a trend

that makes security automation one

of the industry’s most promising

growth areas. Consequently,

enhanced interoperability with

surveillance cameras has been key

for the platform, spearheaded by

Simple Device Discovery Protocol

(SDDP) recognition of five of the top

security manufacturers. In addition

to new SDDP driver support for two

23

ISE 2014 again broke attendance records with 51,003 visitors making it to the event

Contact RIPCASTER on 0118 321 82 92 for Trade Pricing

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IT’S SHOWTIME!EI presents a showcase of just some of the

highlights from this year’s event which saw

launches and innovation galore.

GENERATION 2 HAS ARRIVED!MRX 710 / 510 / 310A / V R E C E I V E R S

No Trade O�s: High-End Performance AND Ease of Integration

Seven channels of power on MRX 710 and 510, fi ve channels on MRX 310.Advanced load monitoring keeps a constant eye on output. ARC 1M an enhanced version of our award-winning room correction system now connects via Ethernet, includes a higher level of digital signal processing and o�ers an option to print ‘before and after’ room-measurement graphs. We’ve doubled the HDMI connections, increased HDMI switching speed and included 4K upscaling and pass-through. Remote control apps for Apple and Android! IP and Serial control drivers for full integration with automation. Easier to read on-screen menus and improved status displays. Bi-amp your front L/R channels on MRX 710 and 510. Optical and coax as well as analogue inputs now send music to Zone 2. And that’s just for starters …

INCLUDES

Distributed in the UK by Anthem AV SolutionsTel 01825 750858 E-mail [email protected]

Sign up to the new Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstal

EssentialISE REVIEW


brands of NVRs and more than 1,500 models of surveillance

cameras, Control4 has developed new IP camera driver-

creation tools that are designed to simplify installation and

provide new features to deliver a robust and accessible

remote security monitoring experience.

To make deployment and integration of surveillance systems

less time consuming and more feature-rich, Control4 has also

provided camera manufacturers with a newly published camera

proxy API, which will enable security manufacturers like Channel

Vision, Lilin, Planet, QNAP and Snap AV to develop Control4-

certified drivers that will take full advantage of the capabilities

of each of the models they manufacture. The new level of

integration also promotes easier implementation of features such

as facial and license plate recognition and advanced motion

detection into a Control4 eco-system over drag and drop

Composer Pro. The company also says that setup will also be

more efficient because Control4-certified cameras will no longer

require a static IP address.

In addition, all of Control4’s mobile Apps will support the

h.264 video streaming capabilities, utilised by the many security

cameras to deliver video quality at 80% or more bandwidth

savings, increasing the usability of remote monitoring. All of

the enhanced functionality, new tools and interoperability with

cameras via SDDP will be available with the release of Control4

OS 2.5.3, scheduled for just after the ISE.

AMX also had a strong show, offering many office

and corporate based solutions. “ISE has always been an

important show for us but this year it exceeded even our own

expectations,” explains Kevin Morrison, managing director

and vice president, AMX Europe. “Our new Booth was

incredibly well received and, with its end-user focus, proved

to be the perfect platform on which to showcase the real

world applications of AMX technology.”

A neat, affordable and easy to install boardroom/meeting

solution was demoed in the form Enzo. Designed specifically

for collaboration via a screen or projector/screen, AMX

says Enzo is the simplest, fastest way to present and share

information during a meeting allowing users to easily access

content and documents stored on USB, web or in the cloud.

Allowing people to jump right into a collaboration session

with no set up and use familiar services such as dropbox, the

system works from just one unit which uses PoE and all that

is needed on the control side is a mouse and keyboard.

To facilitate a simplified scheduling experience, AMX also

introduced into Europe Quick Response Scheduling (QRS) for RMS

Enterprise that provides a convenient and cost effective option

for viewing specific room schedules from any mobile device, by

scanning the QR code mounted near the room entrance.

On the touch-panel side of things visitors were able to

see the new 7in and 10in Modero ‘S’ Series models, plus

the 4.3in version (which ships in March 2014). Designed

to complement the sleek design of the Modero X, the new

Modero S Series range is suited for more cost sensitive

installations and room scheduling applications and also

comes with a new Any Mount Kit, enabling mounting into

single and double gang wall boxes.

25

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EssentialISE REVIEW


AMX also used ISE 2014 to announce that its Enova DGX

range is now fully capable of supporting 4K and Ultra High

Definition (UHD) content and to showcase the latest version

of its configuration tool; Rapid Project Maker (RPM) Version

2.0 which simplifies room configuration and management with

support for dual rooms and multiple in-room control panels.

Savant available in the UK from RGB Communications

is a system that has been gaining traction of late and

the show witnessed some further functionality additions.

Technologies showcased included the Wi-Fi-based self-

configuring Universal Remote Control, the SmartLighting Wi-

Fi lighting control system and multi-room media distribution.

The maker says the Savant Universal Remote has been

designed for the modern media room, providing intuitive

control of an entire audio/video system along with connected

devices such as distributed audio, lighting, climate control

and other features within a residential or commercial setting.

Similar to Savant’s existing user interfaces, the unit is self-

configuring once connected to the network, eliminating the

need for programming. The controller supports a menu of

screens for controlling services throughout the home or

workplace and because it utilises Wi-Fi connectivity, users

can control devices without pointing or aiming.

Savant’s SmartLighting Wi-Fi 802.11-based lighting

control products are designed to provide a versatile solution

that can be used as both a stand-alone lighting control

platform or as part of a Savant automation system. Featuring

a dimmer inside each double gang Wi-Fi-connected

keypad, Savant has created a customisble solution for both

new construction and retrofit lighting control that can be

integrated without rewiring. Also now available are a family

of multi-room media distribution products composed of

three video distribution systems (8x8, 8x6, 8x4), an audio

distribution system (32x20) and two

HDBaseT receivers to accommodate a wide

range of installation options. This family of

devices compliments Savant’s Wi-Fi-based

introductions giving installers a versatile

platform for commercial or residential work.

The event also provided an opportunity for

the platform to underline its KNX integration

as well as iOS and Android user interfaces.

Control specialist URC (available in

the UK from AWE) showcased a variety of functionality

and compatibility to its Total Control system including Extra

Vegetables’ recent two-way Sonos integration module. The

protocol specialist, in collaboration with URC, has created

further modules for two-way control of DIRECTV, Roku,

Popcorn Hour/Popbox and Dune HD. All modules are

described as easy to install and work with URC Accelerator,

requiring minimal dealer setup as they seamlessly connect to

Total Control, displaying customised graphics on URC touch-

panels, remote controls and iOS Apps straight out of the box.

The URC Total Control App was able to display its

full compatibility with iOS7 and Total Control is now also

compatible with a range of third party IP and analogue

cameras, from manufacturers such as Wirepath Surveillance,

IC Realtime, Panasonic and Axis. AWE staff were also

excited at the prospect of being able to bring to bear all the

advantages of the company’s new HQ offering new demo

and educational facilities. An open day in the form of the

AWE Expo will be held on March 31, to showcase the new

set up, contact the company for more details.

Control was a key theme on the Wyrestorm stand as

the company showcased its much anticipated automation

platform, Enado.

The new control interface combines hardware and software

to provide installers with an affordable and easy to use/implement

for end-to-end control and support of HD AV distribution systems

and related electronics. Designed to provide an intuitive user

interface, the system operates over a browser-based platform

meaning any Internet enabled device can control the system. To

the end user, Wyrestorm says Enado acts as a traditional App,

easily accessible via any iPad, Android device or smartphone;

but behind the simplicity of the Enado interface is a robust,

innovative and powerful product designed to be installed without

programming. The Controller is a 1U 19in rack mounted unit that

features 16 assignable IR ports, 8x Integrated IP ports, an array of

contact closures with built-in secure Wi-Fi for connection to any

local Internet enabled devices. Enado can also sit on a traditionally

secured LAN and be used to control devices in large buildings or

indeed anywhere in the world.

Enado’s software includes a straight-forward (no-

programming), browser-based Configuration Tool, backed by

a comprehensive IR database. A built-in device editor and IR

learner, means new devices preview on the presenter’s control

device (using the latest IP decoding technology), so they can

focus on the audience rather than the display status.

No control round up would be

complete without a look

at the RTI

26

AMX had a strong show offering insight into many of its light commercial solutions

Savant is one of the fasted growing platforms around and had a strong ISE


stable and this ISE saw the

spotlight fall on the CX7 Countertop

controller. A wired user interface

for reliable ‘always on’ control

suitable for domestic or commercial

settings, the unit can be mounted

on a countertop or under a cabinet.

The CX7 offers an adjustable tilt 7in

multi-touch capacitive touch-screen

LCD, analogue audio and video

inputs, stereo speakers, wired and

wireless Ethernet, proximity and

ambient light sensors. The unit

also features wired 10/100 Base-T

and wireless Ethernet, which provides two-way control and

feedback, access to Web pages, video from network security

cameras and convenient programming. A built-in camera and

microphone offer intercom capabilities in the future. The CX7

features multiple power source options, such as the included

power supply and Power over Ethernet (PoE). Built-in high-

output IR provides direct control of devices without the need

for a separate control processor. RTI products are available in

the UK from Invision.

CYP had a busy show which included adding to its extensive

HDBaseT range. With a line up now consisting of over 50

products including its latest 16 x 16 and 8 x 16 HDBaseT

modular matrices, CYP says its latest HDBaseT product additions

offer greater connectivity and more advanced ‘break-out’ options.

New introductions include the multi-format modular matrix

which offers 16x16, 8x16 and 16x8 combinations of any

required signal format. The matrix can be configured with

HDMI, HDBaseT (4Play & 3Play Lite), DVI and VGA input

and output boards and also delivers RS232 pass-through, IP

control, DVI monitor output and dual removable internal power

supplies that allow for easy inspection and maintenance.

A major part of HD Connectivity’s activity at the show

surrounded the expansion of the offering from the

HDanywhere brand including new module options and a

larger, stackable 8×8 chassis size to HDC’s British-made

matrix series.

Designed and built in the UK, Modular is a customisable Ultra HD

4K compatible HDMI matrix switcher that uses a patented

system of interchangeable input/output (I/O) module options

to enable installers to create HD distribution systems

matched to the needs of each project.

The 8×8 chassis has allowed the line up to enhance the

spec to accommodate Ultra HD

4K/60 resolutions and a more

future-proofed backplane.

Installers are able to specify which

signal transmission technology is used

for each TV location and modules

include HDMI, HDBaseT Pro and

HDBaseT Lite Out and now HDBaseT

IN, all of which can be mixed and

matched in a single system.

Movie Magic Kaleidescape was particularly keen

to draw attention to the capabilities

offered by its App providing new and intuitive ways to

search for content and get the maximum enjoyment from

any collection. The company is also promising to continue

to innovate with its control interfaces and App, perhaps

exploring what more can be done with recommend data

available from sites such as Rotten Tomatoes.

The recently launched Cinema One was also a key part

of the show and the company is excited that its concept is

now available at a new price point. Cinema One lets viewers

enjoy their movies in true bit-for-bit Blu-ray and DVD quality—

whether imported from CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc or downloaded

from the Kaleidescape Store. Cinema One stores up to 600

DVD or 100 Blu-ray quality movies and the company told EI

that it is taking a serious look at creating some extra storage

for the machine, but as yet no details are available.

Home cinemas of course need screens and one

company offering some fresh ideas at the show was Screen

Innovations (SI). To add to its Black Diamond technology

which provides performance for high-ambient light

conditions, SI now offers Slate, which is designed to allow

projection to excel in a bright environment at any budget.

The maker says the technology eliminates the need

to settle for white or grey screens by rejecting 65% of the

room’s ambient light. Slate is made in the USA and is a

flexible multi-particle optical screen offered in standard sizes

up to 200in 16:9; larger sizes are available on request. Slate

is available in Motorised, Zero Edge and Fixed

Frame screen

27

T: 01923 495595 F: 01923 495599 E: [email protected] www.marata.co.uk

Native 4K resolutionSupports HDMI 2.0 / 60pNew RF 3D emitterTriluminous display, wider colour spaceAuto Calibration feature

VPL-VW500ES

new SONY projector

RTI chose to highlight the new versatile CX7

Kaleidescape hinted that extra storage capacity is in development for the Cinema One

EssentialISE REVIEW

EssentialISE REVIEW


formats. SI is available in the UK from Anthem AV Solutions.

Draper was also on hand to offer some inventive new

screen offerings with the creation of TecVision Engineered

Surface Technology. Available in five formulations to start,

TecVision features white surfaces with gains ranging from 1.3

to 1.9 over very wide viewing cones and grey surfaces with

strong performance under higher room light levels.

“There are few companies in

the world who are experts in designing projection screen

surfaces,” according to Draper company president John

Pidgeon. “Most screen fabrics are made by firms whose

primary business is manufacturing textiles for other purposes.

We’ve made a major investment in equipment, expert

personnel and research time specifically to offer this line of

revolutionary new surfaces unmatched by any other screen

manufacturer in the world.”

Bob Mathes, AV market manager for Draper, adds:

“Rather than using ‘mass-production’ methods in order to

minimise costs, TecVision screens are individually produced;

each and every screen surface is individually formulated,

programmed and manufactured with multiple checks for

quality, consistency and uniformity from start to finish.”

Arcam held a special event to mark the launch of

the AV950, a brand new AV pre-processor which the

company says sets a new benchmark for audiophile quality

performance in home cinema installations.

“The AV950 has been designed to provide the finest

sound in home cinema,” says Arcam’s MD, Charlie Brennan.

“It delivers a level of sonic detail and emotional connection

that takes the listener to the very heart of the cinematic

or musical experience. Installers will also appreciate the

unit’s compatibility with current and emerging technologies,

such as, 4K, the range of control options available and the

product’s inherent reliability. Quite simply, this is Arcam’s

highest performing pre-processor ever.”

The video and audio stages on the AV950 feature integral 4K

and 3D video capability and also allow standard and up to seven

HD sources to be up-scaled to any resolution, where required.

The AV950 includes auto set-up with room correction and

can be integrated within whole house control systems through

RS232 or IP. For simple systems, Arcam offers a free of charge

iOS control App. 12V triggers and standard IR control options

are also available. FM / DAB / DAB+ capabilities are joined

by Internet radio and the ability to interface with uPnP audio

servers. The USB port supports memory devices as well as

digital audio from an iPod, iPhone or iPad. An on-board power

supply unit can supply Arcam’s range of rSeries accessories

enabling installers to easily add an Arcam rBlink for playback via

high-quality aptX Bluetooth playback.

Multiple PossibilitiesIf recent history has taught anything in the multi-room music

category, it is that systems must evolve or die and fully

cognisant of that fact, NuVo had some interesting news in

the shape of increased integration potential with a number

of drivers for third-party automation systems. Available now

are drivers from Vantage, AMX, Crestron, BitWise, RTI and

Control 4, with more expected this year. The company says

the move offers simple inclusion into a whole-house system

for new projects or retro for existing customers.

“Pursuing compatibility with automation partners and

ensuring that integration is easy to implement is part of our

commitment to both dealers and end-users,” says NuVo’s

vice president of technology, Rick Kukulies. “These drivers

have been developed in order to elevate the user-experience

and provide high-performing, completely integrated audio

systems in projects where both NuVo and third party systems

are employed.”

The company was also at pains to point out the flexibility

available with its platform offering multiple interchangeable

player options including hardwired professional series player

options which power three zones from one single rack-

mountable unit. The new P3500 Player will play up to three

different streaming sources independently in three zones and

provide up to 200W per zone. The P3500 can be used alone,

in conjunction with NuVo’s P3100, or in a system with NuVo’s

single-zone wireless players. The NuVo platform is available

in the UK from Habitech.

High Networth Networking was of course a huge part of the show and one of the

companies showing its latest innovations was Pakedge (available

in the UK from RGB). Pakedge offered an overview of its NP36

Network Patroller, a device designed to facilitate the BakPak

Cloud Management Service which offers full off-site diagnostics

and control of automation systems and components.

Already a popular brand in the US, the company’s footprint

is growing in the UK as installers warm to the convenience and

level of remote control the BakPak system offers.

BakPak provides full remote access to customers’

networks via an iPad, iPhone or Android device or web

browser. Working in conjunction with the NP36 Cloud

Appliance, installers can automatically discover then

configure and manage Pakedge products and other

manufacturers’ devices on the network. Installers can

review diagnostics, uptime and downtime, manage network

appliances, store and back up customer data and perform

remote system reboots across multiple projects 24/7. Full

project and system visibility is possible in an at-a-glance

view from a single dashboard, without the need for port

forwarding or DynDYS. The App enables installers to

remotely power cycle the Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports

on Pakedge switches and power distribution units. Installers

can also establish pre-defined alerts to SMS, email or mobile

push notification in the event of a fault to speed up trouble-

shooting and repair. Installers can store all their device profiles

and settings on their mobile device for immediate access or

back them up to the cloud.

Available in the UK from Invision, ICE Cables presented

its Clear Series 2 HDMI Cables. Installer friendly features

28

The capabilities of the NuVo platform including the P3500 player were highlighted

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Harness�the�flexibility�and�scalability�of�Ethernet�networks�to�overcome�the�fixed�input/output�constraints�of�legacy�HDMI�Matrices�to�always�achieve�the�right�size�system.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery.HDMI over IP 2G from Just Add Power -the original pioneers of HDMI Networks.

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EssentialISE REVIEW


include a compact head design, GRIP

connector with locking technology

and the ability to handle 1080P/60

HZ up to 100 feet (30 meters) without

baluns. The line is comprised of pre-

terminated cables in lengths from .5

meter to 30 meters and replaces the

company’s original Clear Series.

ICE Cable’s unique GRIP connector

attaches to female HDMI connectors

with up to 15lbs of pull-force, reducing

disconnected cables and service

calls. The compact size of the head

(measures 10 MM by 19 MM by 21MM)

contributes to easier side-by-side and

stacking connections and takes up less

space behind equipment. Clear Series

2 achieves 1080P/60 HZ in runs up to 100 feet without the use

of a balun, ideal for direct connections from Blu-ray DVD players

and DVRs to a TV.

Peerless AV was underlining the AV part of its brand name

at the show, by not only showcasing some handy mounting

solutions, but also highlighting some AV products as well.

European MD, Gordon Dutch gave EI the tour and was keen

to underline that the company was really hitting the accelerator

in terms of introducing more AV solutions to its line-up.

The new HD Flow wireless multimedia kit forms part of

this strategy which offers a wireless solution for a wide range

of applications delivering full HD 1080p to hard to reach

locations without wires. The company says this solution

provides streaming for digital and analogue signals from

multiple sources up to 40m through floors, walls and ceilings

and can also multicast to up to four displays. Suitable for

commercial and domestic use, the unit can also provide

some useful options in the rental and staging sectors.

Featuring simple plug and play setup, HD Flow has five

inputs and operates over the open 5GHz band, creating

an interference resistant private network over its stated

40m (131ft) range. Peerless AV says the product can also

broadcast its own integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) signal with

unnoticeable latency and without an additional wireless router.

Speaker’s CornerNo CI show is complete without some speaker innovation

and offering some this year was KEF announcing the addition

of five new custom installation speakers to the Ci Range.

KEF’s says the latest suite of Q and Reference Series Ci home

cinema speakers and installed subwoofers set another new

benchmark: custom installed speaker systems with the acoustic

performance of audiophile quality freestanding Hi-Fi speakers.

The new tall

rectangular range

is engineered for

serious music

and home cinema

system front, left,

centre, right and

side applications.

The Ci4100QL

in-wall speaker

boasts a 100 mm

(4 in) Uni-Q array with three MF drivers of the same size.

KEF’s ‘sit anywhere’ Uni-Q driver array, which places the

tweeter in the acoustic centre of the bass/midrange cone,

allows both the tweeter and woofer to act as a single point

source, dispersing the sound widely and evenly throughout

the room. For larger spaces, the Reference Series Ci3160RL-

THX is a high output music and home cinema driver in which

a 165 mm (6.5 in) Uni-Q array is complemented by a pair of

165 mm MF drivers.

For high-quality sound, the Ci5160RL-THX extreme

output speaker is built around the same 165 mm Uni-Q

flanked by four 165 mm MF drivers. Both the Ci3160RL-THX

and Ci5160RL-THX are housed within a rigid aluminium front

baffle with a metal grille supplied – an optional black or white

cloth grille is also available.

KEF worked in partnership with THX on this latest range and

the speakers had to endure approximately 500 THX laboratory

tests to ensure that they performed at the highest standard to

qualify for THX certification and the THX Ultra2 certification.

In addition to the newly announced THX models, the

range includes two in-wall subwoofers; one with four

compact 100mm (4in) extended response bass drivers

(Ci4100QLb), the other with three powerful aluminium

165mm (6.5in) bass drivers (Ci3160RLb).

As well as highlighting the advantages of the rest of its

hidden speaker range, Amina introduced a dual channel

variant in the new iQ series. The product extends the iQ

developer product range, aimed at bringing invisible sound

to residential and commercial developers and broadening the

appeal of Amina products into multi-room audio applications.

Amina says iQ2 offers a cost effective solution for applications

such as bathrooms and dressing rooms where one physical

device is more than sufficient to cover such a space, but

where stereo reproduction is still required. The company is

also upgrading the whole iQ series of products to use entirely

Neodymium exciters, making the products lighter and easier

to install whilst offering improved audio reproduction.

Using the company’s vibrational surface technology,

Amina says the iQ series provides high clarity room filling

sound with an even frequency response from 112Hz-20KHz,

all at a price point competitive with good quality ‘dinner plate’

ceiling loudspeakers.

The family now has three members, the iQ1 and iQ3 single

channel products and now iQ2 stereo two-channel variant.

30

KEF launched no less than five new install speakers at the ISE

Amina used the ISE to launch a dual channel variant in the expanding iQ series


All have a front panel size of 16inx12in and a speaker depth

of 1.6in. The iQ1 is suitable for bedrooms and other ancillary

rooms, the iQ2 for bathrooms and the iQ3 for reception rooms

and all spaces where higher clarity, louder music is desired

including surround sound applications in MDU’s.

With digital signage playing an increasingly large part in

the event, BrightSign took the opportunity to introduce its

4K Media Player. The company claims the player is the first

to deliver a true end-to-end 4K solution that accepts H.265-

encoded content and delivers 60 fps output via HDMI 2.0. The

company says each of these characteristics is necessary to

deliver a true 4K solution and it is the first to deliver on all fronts.

Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign, says: “Our BrightSign

4K player complies with the new standards to preserve video

quality from encoding to output and support the complete 4K

ecosystem, start to finish.”

BrightSign says for content to remain 4K native and be

delivered at the highest quality, video must be captured on

a 4K-capable camera, encoded and decoded using the

new H.265 compression standard at 10 bits/channel and

fed to the display via HDMI 2.0 to preserve the original 60

fps frame rate. The manufacturer says any broken link in

this chain adversely impacts quality. Elemental Technologies

supplies the encoding horsepower required to deliver a 4K

viewing experience and BrightSign says Elemental is the

first to implement the HEVC specification with the capability

of processing 4Kp60 H.265 content in real-time. The

company’s award-winning work in HEVC video processing

helps BrightSign create the high-quality viewing experience

available with its new player.

Also promoting 4K solutions, Atlona showcased its new

AT-PRO-MXM-8 and AT-PRO-MXM-16 customisable, card-

based, modular matrix switchers. Designed for multi-room

AV signal processing and distribution, single-point control

for multiple digital and analogue signal types the units offer

a flexible foundation that allows for future system expansion

and upgrades. Available in an 8x8 or 16x16 configuration

to accommodate larger and more demanding installations,

the products are custom-configurable with expansion input/

output cards that satisfy a wide range of applications or

system requirement. For maximum compatibility, the devices

offer universal cards that support legacy signals including

DVI, VGA, composite, component and S-Video, as well as

balanced audio embedding. Additional expansion cards

offer advanced connectivity options for full support of

Ultra HD (4Kx2K) and DisplayPort. To boot, the switchers

offer simplified control of connected devices and third-

party control systems via IR and RS232, while Ethernet

connections contribute to simpler setup thanks to GUI and

TCP/IP control.

More 4K capability came from Smart-e, with the launch

of its digital 4Konnect range of modular products, each

incorporating a number of 4K UHD transceiver modules for

the 5-Play connectivity of Ultra High Definition video, audio,

control, Ethernet and Inline power, capable of transmission

over 100m of CAT6 cable. The maker says the compact size

of each module means they can be integrated into a wide

range of current and future Smart-e equipment. All modules

can be externally fitted by installers, providing flexibility of

on-site upgrades and future-proofing. Smart-e says robust

and extensive testing procedures during manufacture

provides reassurance and reliability, whilst each module has

independent input and output processing capabilities and

once connected to a Smart-e product, supports UHD Video,

IR, RS232, 100BaseT Ethernet and remote power (POH).

31

More information

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

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

Control4 +44 (0)1347 812300 www.control4.com

Kaleidescape +44 0)1344 317970, www.kaleidescape.com

Peerless AV +44 (0)1923 200100, www.peerless-av.co.uk

Habitech +44 (0)1420 540054, www.habitech.co.uk

RGB Communications +44 (0)1488 73366

www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Draper Group Ltd +44 (0)1536 203 101

www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

AWE Europe: +44 (0)1372 729 777

www.awe-europe.com

KEF +44 (0)1622 672 261, www.kef.com/html/gb

BrightSign +44 (0)1223 911842, www.brightsign.biz

Atlona +44(0)1252 876300, www.atlona.com

Wyrestorm +44 (0)1793 230343, www.wyrestorm.com

Smart-e +44 (0)1306 628264, www.smart-e.co.uk

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270 280, www.invisionuk.com

CYP Europe +44 (0)203 1379180, www.cypeurope.com

HD Connectivity +44 (0)844 3510190

www.hdconnectivity.com

BrightSign is one of the companies leading the charge towards 4K

EssentialISE REVIEW

EssentialA DAy in the Life: nV integrAtion


In collaboration with interior design company, Staffan Tollgard

Design Group, NV Integration operates from a 3,500 square

foot showroom which showcases a range of technologies,

fully in harmony with their surroundings. This approach is

right at the heart of what the company looks to deliver to the

customer.

Pip’s journey into CI began by training as a sound

engineer, which in turn led to work with a local install

company and then a larger firm in London. Pip’s early

experience shaped the way he wanted to go when eventually

he struck out on his own: “I felt that AV companies could be

a little abrasive when it came to dealing with other parties

involved with a project. In CI we get excited about the

equipment and forget it is going into someone’s home who

whilst they want the end result, do not want it to compromise

on the design. Working with a client’s vision of how their

home should look enables us to make sure they can have the

best of both, the right performance and the right look.”

Right from the off the company involved itself in major

projects, with one of the first consisting of a whole home

automation/lighting system in the East End of London. Pip

explains that this client is now embarking on a basement

cinema and taking the roof off the building to create a new

upper floor. As well as the cinema, the client will also be

installing bespoke mirrored TVs in a gym, which the company

finds fit its philosophy very well.

Pip explains: “Clients and interior designers love the

mirrored TVs, it speaks strongly of what we are trying to

achieve in that they look great both on and off and the AV

performance is there too.”

Achieving the level of integration the company wants also

means calling on experts such as conceal and reveal experts

Future Automation. Pip says: “In the showroom we have

a fully hidden cinema which uses a custom built lift for the

Runco projector. Working with Future Automation means we

can always achieve the look and performance we need and

the company’s creations give us the reliability we need.”

Current workRight now the company is involved in some major projects in

London including a Crestron system going into a Georgian

town house in Chelsea.

Pip explains: “As well as Crestron DM, this project is

having a complete Lutron Home Works QS system with

Sivoia shade control. However, working on a Grade II listed

property presents lots of challenges. We can’t touch the

ceilings, so we need to be creative with the in-wall speakers

to get the right sound. This sort of property can also present

issues with cables runs and PIR sensors, but our experience

and ability to melt the technology into the background,

means we have ways to overcome the challenges.”

Pip adds: “We predominantly use Crestron for these

types of projects as it really delivers the control and reliability

we need for our customers. However, where suitable we

also use Control4 and are in the process of becoming

Savant accredited installers. We think the new OS due for

release is looking particularly good on this platform and

we love the native integration with the Apple world and the

speed of the system.”

Another current project consists of a hidden-house new

build in Hampstead, which from the outside appears to offer

just one floor but in fact offers two further floors below ground

level. This project is having a full Crestron automation system

which besides all the usual suspects is controlling every

mechanical and electrical service in the property including

actuated windows, doors, shutters and even smart glass. In

32

NV Integration can cope with modern or period interiors with equal panache

BETTER By DESIGNEI met with Pip Evans of NV Integration at the company’s Belgravia

showroom and discovered a custom install business carving a niche

for itself by forging partnerships with the interior design community.

EssentialA DAy in the Life: nV integrAtion


the basement the company has also designed a high-end

cinema system.

Pip explains: “We have given the client a few different

options in relation to the room layout; also as the basement is

constructed with solid concrete walls, we have had to consider

acoustic treatment to combat this unforgiving environment.

“This client wanted a light and minimalist look, so creating

the treatments we needed were not easy, but we came

up with a few innovations to achieve the right result. One

solution we have employed uses a curtain with an acoustic

lining that covers one of the cinema’s 11 metre walls when

the lights are down and the systems is in use, but stows

away when the room is off. This is right at the heart of what

NV Integration look to achieve, allowing the client to get the

performance, but also the look they want.”

Delivering great cinemas is a key part of the company’s

work and to add to its abilities NV Integration recently

attended the Pulse Marketing Cinema Design Course.

Although the company does work outside of London, Pip

explains that the core of the work is in central London and

in fact many of the projects are walking distance from the

showroom, great for customer support.

Keen to give EI the guided tour of the showroom, Pip

says: “We were involved with the project right from the start

and planned out exactly what we wanted to include so we

could show how the technology works with, not against high-

end interior design.

“Sonance invisible speakers are hidden in the walls, the

best sounding hidden speakers in our opinion and we also

have technology integrated into room sets such as the kitchen,

bedroom and living room areas. We have a hidden TV in the

living room area and a 5.1 surround system as well as the

integrated cinema using the drop down lift I mentioned earlier.

“As the projector is fitted with an anamorphic lens,

the cinema also uses a Screen Research screen with

blackout bars for widescreen or cinemascope aspect

ratios, presenting a Kaleidescape Premier Line system. In

the kitchen we have another hidden TV and AV system this

time using a moving panel to bring the TV into use. In the

bedroom we have in-celling speakers which were chosen as

they are the same diameter as the light fittings in the ceiling.”

Currently all the automation is run using a Control4

backbone with Lutron HomeWorks QS, but the showroom

has been designed so the company can change this aspect

should it be required as well as develop other areas of the

space to offer different options to customers.

Pip explains: “We are really pleased with how the

showroom is working for us. It’s in a great location and really

allows customers to learn that they can have the technology

they want, without compromising on the look and feel of

their home. Coming into a high-end space like this, gets

the creative process started by demonstrating key features,

making it such a great place to begin their journey with us

and the interior designers working here. We can also use

the showroom to put on events for potential customers or

the design community and recently gave a talk to 50 interior

designers about designing smart homes.”

The upper floor of the showroom is where the company

handles much of its day-to-day running. Again working

closely with the design community is underlined as this is the

same space where all the designers from the Staffan Tollgard

Design Group work.

Pip says: “Being in the same room as the interior

designers here is a great plus. It means we are in constant

contact ensuring nothing gets missed and information is

easily relayed between us, the client and designer.”

The rest of day sees Pip dashing off to a site meeting

near the Kings Road and then diving headlong into a large

proposal for a stately home refurbishment. There can be few

companies which have found a way to mix the world of AV

and design so harmoniously, consequently EI makes for the

exit safe in the knowledge, the company’s clients are going to

get the best of both worlds.”

More information on NV Integration is available at

www.nvintegration.co.uk, by calling +44 (0)207 205 2325

or via email [email protected]

33

The company’s Belgravia showroom is a major asset showcasing fully integrated technology

EssentialIn-Depth proDuct report


Essential Install (EI): Can you take us through some of

the key performance characteristics of the product?

Andy Tait (AT): “Datasat Digital Entertainment is at the

cutting edge of cinema technology and it’s our job to make

sure that our customers - and ultimately cinema goers -

benefit from the best possible sound and visual experience.

Because of this business ethic, drive and passion; we made a

conscious decision to bring the great sound that is produced

in cinemas through our commercial audio processor into the

home market and thus the RS20i was born.

“This is a 16 channel, high-end audio processor with Dirac

room correction technology incorporated into the unit as well

as having a third octave and parametric EQ, high and low

active crossovers for every channel, individual channel delays

as well as global delay. The unit also boasts full automation

capabilities as well as being a Creston certified unit. In

addition to this, the unit also has all the main Dolby and

DTS codec’s inside and now with the inception of a Auro 3D

codec in Q1 of 2014 – I can safely say that our processor sits

in a class of its own.”

EI: Can you explain how the technology has transitioned

from the pro world to the home cinema market?

AT: “The unit has improved D to A converters, a custom

designed linear power supply, the addition of bass

management as well as additional decoders for Dolby

TrueHD, Dolby PLIIx & PLIIz, DTS NeoX.”

EI: Can you highlight some of the functionality that

makes the product particularly suited to the CI market?

AT: “Automation and remote control via RS232, Ethernet and

GPIO. Dirac room optimisation only available via the installer

and the flexibility of pre-sets. Installers can customise to suit

the customer’s needs and can also gain remote access for

diagnostic reasons.”

EI: Can you tell us more about the Dirac Live room

optimisation function?

AT: “The aim of the technology is to fine-tune the output from

each speaker so that it is perfectly balanced for the acoustic

behaviour of the room where each speaker is situated.

In-depth room measurement and algorithms build a picture

of the environment, which enables the technology to create

compensations for sound interference and distortions.

Ultimately, room optimisation corrects the impulse response

of sound at the speaker.”

EI: How do the 20 memory profile settings help the

installer?

AT: “The essential elements of the home cinema audio

can be quickly and easily saved. Elements such as room

equalisation, sound levels and input and output set-ups are

captured for every type of content that you wish to enjoy

through the home cinema system – movies, music, HDTV,

games or live events. These memory pre-sets can be easily

recalled at the touch of a button and can be transferred to a

memory stick for safe storage and retrieval.”

EI: What training/technical support is available on

the product?

AT: “Dealer training for RS20i setup and implementation of

Dirac Room Optimisation.”

EI: What features does the product have to make it able

to adapt in the future?

AT: “With the expansion bays on the back of the unit we are

able to (with a simple card upgrade) enable the product to

play all decoding technologies without having to replace the

unit. Software updates also keep the unit up to date with all

recent developments by our engineering team.”

34

The unit can be fully integrated into third party automation and control systems

COmmAND A DATAAndy Tait, director of engineering Europe Datasat, provides an

under-the-hood look at the Datasat RS20i, the home cinema audio

processor with its roots in professional cinema.

EssentialIn-Depth proDuct report


EI: Bass is often the hardest thing to get right in a

cinema, how does the RS20i help?

AT: “Connections for up to four subwoofers. Either 4 x mono

subwoofers or 4 x position specific subwoofers. Separate

bass management filters for screen and surround speakers

from 31Hz to 160Hz.”

EI: Auro 3D audio technology is now available on the

product, can you explain what it brings to the home

cinema experience?

AT: “Auro-3D is an immersive sound format, adding both

height and overhead channels to the traditional 5.1 or 7.1

layout to create a compelling 3D sound experience. Auro-

3D has already been adopted by cinemas and filmmakers

worldwide. Auro-3D content can be mixed natively in up to

13.1 discrete channels: the technology suite also includes

an up-mix technology to expand 2.0, 5.1 or 7.1 content into

Auro-3D.”

)See EI’s special report on Auro 3D ion this issue)

EI: How do dealers upgrade existing RS20i units for

Auro 3D?

AT: “Auro-3D can be added to existing RS20i via a

firmware update.”

EI: What other Datasat products is Auro 3D Available on?

AT: “Datasat has just released the LS10, which is a 13.1

home theatre surround sound processor. Auro-3D decoding

will be available as an option in the LS10.”

(See this month’s product section for more on the LS10)

EI: Does the unit integrate well with third party product

and/or home automation platforms?

AT: “Crestron integration is available and a remote control

protocol document is available for custom automation. AmX

and SAVANT also have protocols. Also with its very own

detailed automation platform, the RS20i is a great automation

tool for either master control or to be controlled. Customers

have used the RS20i as the control system for a dedicated

room to control lighting and masking of the screen - with

great effect.”

EI: What control options are available? Dedicated

remote/App, etc.

AT: “Full remote control from standard VNC client software,

easily available for tablet and smartphone.”

EI: Do you have any favourite pieces of music or film

clips that shows the product of in its best light

demonstration wise?

AT: Master and Commander (the surprise attack scene).

This is a detailed scene with lots of power and bass, that

the RS20i handles with great ease and detail as well as the

steering of that powerful bass.”

EI: Do you have any reaction available on what installers

think of the product?

“With Datasat RS20i we now have the possibility to integrate

all the sound medias (SD, HD, EQ, etc.) in one product and

that with a performance, quality and flexibility we have not

seen before.”

Claus Glaesner CEO, Home Theater Professional’s, Denmark.

“The RS20i’s is not just one of many processors available on

the residential market, but a completely unique product which

has a completely different approach to the market. This is the

first time ever that a non-consumer company has released

a ‘pro-level’ processor born from the commercial cinema

market. That said, Datasat - who has a lot of experience and

years of success in the commercial cinema market offers a

real cinema processor to residential customers.”

Oleg Lyugin, Techinterior Ltd, Russia.

“The RS20i is the most versatile, best-sounding audiophile

processor in existence. The RS20i explores uncharted territory

in multi-channel reproduction. The system is designed to

portray soundtracks and music as though you were sitting

at the original mixing desk, it is a true reference, true-to-life

design and there is nothing like it at any other price.”

Core Audio Technology

The Datasat RS20i is available in the UK from Genesis

Technologies

more information: Genesis Technologies

+44 (0)7879 412280, www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

35

The RS20i has made a successful transition from the pro theatre market to home cinema

The maker says the unit has everything it needs to adapt to future developments

EssentialWyrestorm


WyreStorm wowed and wooed visitors at this year’s Integrated

Systems Europe (ISE) 2014 with HDBaseT technology and the

unveiling of NetworkHD HD over IP and Enado control systems.

More than 50,000 technology fiends descended on the recent

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2014 show to check out new AV

and control systems shown by exhibitors including WyreStorm.

“It’s good to be a part of the growth of ISE year on year”,

says WyreStorm general manager Adrian Ickeringill of February’s

show in Amsterdam. “With an ever-more competitive market,

WyreStorm continues to strive to differentiate ourselves with

smart distribution and control solutions.

“This year we expanded our HDBaseT offering to over 37

products, receiving valuable feedback on our newly available

HDBaseT Modular Matrix chassis and transmission cards and the

award-winning D Class AMP-001-010 HDBaseT Digital Amplifier/

Receiver. We unveiled the NetworkHD HD over IP and Enado

control solutions, with anticipation mounting for spring launches.”

Adrian insists ISE, which attracts visitors from across the

globe; is a key date on the WyreStorm calendar for meeting

up with its growing network of international distributors from

more than 40 markets. Not only can the team showcase the

company’s new offerings, but see how it can improve service.

“It’s good hear positive responses from our sales partners

to our new products and on the evolution of the brand. It’s also

great to meet with installers supporting WyreStorm from so

many different markets and learn how they are integrating our

products in projects worldwide.”

The rapidly expanding South African market demands a

flexibility that can be hard to achieve with typical distribution,

even with the feature-set of HDBaseT, says Ivan Potter, from

WyreStorm’s South African distributer iLED who feels WyreStorm

has addressed this well with a customisable matrix solution.

“The WyreStorm modular chassis enables us to custom

build each matrix to match our clients’ requirements. This is a

game changer in our market. Reduced stock holding and the

ability to build to order are really exciting.”

Meanwhile Habitech’s Timmi Thorsen says: “The new line

up from WyreStorm at ISE takes HDBaseT to the next level with

superb stability and feature sets promoting modular flexibility

and scalability, which is exactly what the CI world is looking for.

“The stand-out product for us is the Enado interface

because it allows us to present all these virtues to our

integrators in a complete labour-saving, web-based control

package. It is simple to use and programme from anywhere and

offers dealers and their customers powerful, user-friendly and

versatile control in the home.”

WyreStorm’s global product manager James Meredith sees

the early adoption of HDBaseT technologies as key to its growth

by enabling WyreStorm HDMI distribution products to quickly

gain a reputation for ease of installation and excellent stability. The

company plans to do the same in 2014 for integrated system

control and IP video distribution with Enado & NetworkHD.

“Enado will revolutionise system integration by removing the

high overhead and often unreliable two-way drivers that are best

handled by dedicated Apps and instead focus on powerful,

easy-to-use control,” says James.

“This features base technology that substantially improves

and simplifies installation configuration and support, which is

designed to open new customers to our installers and drive

profitability throughout the life of the system.”

Also causing a stir at ISE was the announcement of the

company’s first HD Over IP solution, NetworkHD. Gerrit Ryan

from Australian WyreStorm distributor AudioProducts says

NetworkHD range will enable him to tackle a broader range of

projects that he already supplies into, making it a good addition

to the line up.

WyreStorm’s James Meredith explains: “NetworkHD HDMI

over IP technology removes many limitations of matrix systems.

With an almost unlimited number of sources and displays and

a unique web-based configuration experience, NetworkHD

simplifies and speeds installation of large systems by utilising

Bonjour auto-discovery of system components.

“To add to the high-quality AV distribution, NetworkHD also

features KVM USB, RS232 & IR pass-through, while delivering a

simple-to-configure, install and support HD distribution network.”

More information: WyreStorm +44 (0)1793 230343

www.WyreStorm.com

37

Enado NetworkHD control solutions could revolutionise system integration, reckons WyreStorm

ISE BREAKER: WYRESTORMWOWS EUROPE

Systems such as the MX-0808-PP-POH turned techno heads at this year’s ISE event

EssentialPulse Marketing


Design and SpecificationSupport is one of the reasons that our dealers work with us

on more and more projects. Over the years we have worked

hard to offer the best support possible, both pre and post

sales, here are just a few examples of what we can offer.

We can help with all of the design and specification for the

room, ensuring that the correct products are chosen, taking

any guess work out of the equation. We take into account

the viewing angles when specifying the screen to make sure

that the system has the correct screen size and, from that

point, we will know the screen surface area.

Combining the screen surface area with the expected

level of ambient light in the room, we can choose the Runco

projector that best suits our ANSI Lumen requirements.

It is a similar story when it comes to the loudspeakers.

Once we have calculated the room volume, we can

suggest the correct number of subwoofers and the ideal

placement along with the LCR’s (based on SPL vs distance

requirements) and the right power amplifiers to drive the

whole system.

The Best Dressed CinemasBecause Pulse can also supply cinema seating and

acoustic panels, we can also help with acoustic design

and complement the interior design with custom seating,

bespoke to each project. The quotations we provide are also

38

Pulse can supply full CAD designs to plan the perfect cinema

CINemA SuPPORTeRSPulse Marketing prides itself on the support that it offers installers.

Barry Sheldrick, UK sales manager, explains some of the services on

offer to take cinemas to the next level.

After training installers can experience for themselves the level of quality possible in Pulse’s own eight seat cinema

EssentialPulse Marketing


tiered to give three price points, Silver, Gold and Platinum

which gives a great deal more opportunity to up sell when the

dealer is presenting the proposal to the client.

These quotations are supplemented by full CAD drawings

showing the viewing angles, sight lines, speaker placement,

elevations and seating layout. These are incredibly useful and

can save our dealers a great deal of time when specifying

cinema as a part of a large house project.

Get Pulse Trained The support is backed up by our very popular training

course created after years of operating at the pinnacle of

the uK home cinema market. Designed to bring a complete

home cinema novice up to a confident and competent level

of understanding, our Introduction to Cinema course also

attracts 5 Ceu points.

This five hour course has been designed to teach the

principals of cinema, rather than being product specific and

covers every area installers need to create the right performance.

We also invite the attendees to watch a movie with us

after the training in our amazing eight seat cinema. This really

cements the knowledge learned throughout the day and helps

the infectious enthusiasm for cinema grow, it is this enthusiasm

that helps with selling cinema more effectively too.

We have seen the size of the cinema projects that our

dealers who have attended the training grow massively as

they are more confident and better able to articulate just

howgreat a well-designed cinema can be. education is a vital

part of the support we offer, it also gives our dealers more

confidence and trust in us as a supplier to deliver on our

promises to them.

Intro to cinema course: Areas Covered Room Design and Layout

equipment Choices

Loudspeaker Crossovers

Subwoofer Placement

Recommended Screen Size

Calculating Throw Distances

Projector Light Output Requirement vs Screen Size

Anamorphic Lenses

Introduction to ISF Calibration

Acoustic Treatment

Contrast Ratio explained

Different Screen materials and Gains

3D & 4K- How and Why

more Information: Pulse marketing +44 (0)1279 647039,

www.pulsemarketing.com, [email protected]

39

Pulse helps create detailed quotes for each project

Support and training from Pulse Marketing allows installers to sell up and take on more expansive and high performance cinemas

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EssentialCase study


HoBs PiT is a new white-knuckle ride to the ‘dark side’ that

cost more than £500,000 to build at Pleasurewood Hills

theme park in Suffolk.

It is the brainchild of world renowned special-effects

expert Rob Ostir and voice actor Corey Burton. Both, who

work on US theme parks such as Disney World and movie

blockbusters like The Chronicles of Narnia, focused their

creative energies on the theme park in Lowestoft last year.

HoBs PiT uses actors and special effects to tell a grisly

tale of cannibalism and murder among a group of trapped

miners. The attraction gained instant street cred after the

BBC slapped a too-scary-for-children 12A certificate on the

ride and The Times newspaper gave it a fun factor of nine.

Too creepy for kids, the walk-through and seated journey

in an old mine shaft nevertheless attracted thrill seekers from

the world of CI. Pixels, the UK distributor of the US-based full

HD, digital sign and kiosk media player BrightSign, was one

of the first to jump aboard.

The 165-second ride came courtesy of Sean Alexander,

a professional entertainer and illusionist who designed and

managed installation of the attraction. Sean approached

Pixels last February with an outline spec for AV and sensory

effects for the attraction, which immediately struck a chord.

Scheduled for completion within a mere four months, the

themed ride hinged on 12 BrightSign HD120 high definition

media players with various hardware interfaces and custom

script programming, all proposed by Pixels. The order

was made in April 2013 and a month later all equipment,

programming and documentation was delivered on time and

ready for installation.

Pixels managing director Norman Garland takes up the

story and must be a sucker for punishment. This is not the

first time Pixels has been involved with a project of this type

at a leisure venue. The company has supplied BrightSign

equipment many times to systems’ integrators and builders

for all manner of entertainment environments. HoBs PiT,

however, was somewhat different.

A lot of BrightScript programming was needed to control

and operate special interface boards between the BrightSign

players and hydraulic valves, solenoids, power switches

and motion sensors used throughout

the attraction, says Norman. Pixels also

encoded and tested the HD media clips

specially prepared for HoBs PiT by Sean

for a project as complex as the end result

was scary.

“It was essential to have the hydraulic

valves, relays, sensors and switches

specified for use in the HoBs PiT

installation,” recalls Norman. “These were

41

The HoBs PiT ride uses BrightSign media players to generate HD video and audio and to control the ride’s scares and effects.

HOLD TIGHT, HOLD TIGHT!CI specialists turn up in the most unexpected places such as a

recently opened cannibal scare ride in East Anglia. Pixels’ managing

director Norman Garland lived to tell the tale

Effects hinged on BrightSign HD120 high definition media players with hardware interfaces and custom script programming

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EssentialCase study

interfaced to BrightSign players with special circuit boards

made by HMS Electronics in the USA. These made it possible

for our software engineer to write and test custom BrightScript

programs for BrightSign media players before delivery.”

Once installed, only minor changes to timing sequences

were needed to complete the process, says Norman, who

chose BrightSign solid-state media players for reliability,

programmability and cost-effectiveness. Some PC-based

and custom-designed media players are more expensive and

require separate, costly show-controllers to produce a similar

solution, adds Norman.

Other AV equipment included LCD projectors and

screens, used for best quality display of the BrightSign

players’ media outputs. All the LCD devices used in

the installation are reliable, cost effective and proven.

Furthermore all the custom BrightScript programs were

tested with samples of the solenoids, hydraulic valves, power

switches and sensors before installation.

“From a visitor’s stand point the favourite part is the truly

scary and gory effects generated by the BrightSign players

– definitely an adults-only experience and not for the faint-

hearted,” says Norman, who has checked out the video,

audio effects, hydraulics and lighting, but has yet to step foot

in one of the controlled cars.

So much for public feedback: “From a technical stand-

point our favourite part is how well the BrightSign players

have been adapted to this application,” adds Norman.

“BrightSign players are designed for digital signage. Pixels

adapted the most basic BrightSign player to perform as a

complex show-controller while concurrently playing high

definition video and high

quality audio.”

Another satisfied

customer was

Alexis Camelin, the

general manager of

Pleasurewood Hills:

“This ride is unique to

the UK. It’s the first dark

ride to combine a walk-

through and seated

scare experience with

lots to scream at in an

old mine shaft.”

More information: Pixels

+44(0)1582 515253

www.pixels.uk.com

One of the hydraulic control boards: valves and solenoids are controlled by a single BrightSign HD120 media player.

Actors, special effects and clever use of technology, such as HD video clips, tell a grisly tale of cannibalism and murder among a group of trapped miners

T: 01923 495595 F: 01923 495599 E: [email protected] www.marata.co.uk

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Essential Install44

EssentialArtcoustic


Essential Install (EI): What are you doing right now?

(apart from filling this Q&A of course)

Kim Donvig (KD): Lots of things are happening right now,

lately I have been very busy with a live audiophile DJ session

here in Asia, touring with our latest but not-yet-launched

Stealth Precision 2-channel speakers and the Stealth T-60

valve amplifier. This has been a great way of testing and

fine-tuning these new products. Some of the actual live sets

can be downloaded on SoundCloud, check out https://

soundcloud.com/kim-donvig.

EI: Tell us how and why you first got the idea for the

Artcoustic concept?

KD: The idea came to life 20 years ago while working for

Gold Peak Group in Hong Kong as head of design and

acoustics. I was introduced to the NXT and NCT concept

and was experimenting with new ways of creating more

‘wife-friendly’ loudspeakers. But as much as I was excited

about what the flat concept noise cancellation companies

had to offer, I was disappointed with the sound quality. They

just didn’t sound good enough. So instead I started to look

into ways of using conventional transducers, but with a flat

panel form factor and this was basically the early foundation

for what Artcoustic is today.

EI: What install project where the company’s products

have been used are you most proud of and why?

KD: There is not one specific installation I am more proud

of than others, but I am proud of being the pioneer of

flat cinemas. Artcoustic was the front runner in designing

cinemas around plasma screens, engineering speakers

with matching sizes to the fast-growing screen market.

This included the first ever L, C, R Speaker in the world,

the Multi, which I designed back in the late 90s. Now every

loudspeaker company has got one, unfortunately the patent

I made was not very well written, but that’s life, we choose to

look forward and not in mirrors.

EI: Can you explain the technical approach to sound

taken by the different main products in the company’s

arsenal? Why do you favour certain technologies and

what do they add to the offering?

KD: Artcoustic has over the past two years made some

bold moves towards designs and technology rarely seen in

domestic loudspeakers. We have made a shift from full-range

speakers with integrated sub cones to a high SPL sub sat

configuration, the SL series, which is based on Line array

technology. This gives us far more flexibility in both design

and engineering. We also feel we offer far more flexibility

to the integrator, with a speaker model for almost any job

thinkable, but at the same time easy to install and calibrate.

With the SL series we achieve several very difficult tasks,

such as high SPL up to 130dB, controlled vertical dispersion

and extremely low distortion, all without using horn-loaded

drivers. This gives us a sound with attack, speed and

transient response second to none.

EI: How do you go about designing new speakers, where

does the inspiration come from and what is the starting

point?

KD: Music is always the starting point, all sorts of music.

Deep down I am a jazz man but I also DJ Deep House

and Deep Tech in clubs and bars around the world. This

extreme contrast gives me an edge in how I perceive sound

and what should be required from a modern loudspeaker.

A good speaker should be able to reproduce all kinds of

music, both acoustic and electronic and both at high and

low levels. Unfortunately not many do. My inspiration is

always in live sound, I find that most Hi-Fi speakers lack

the transient response and sound pressure level to really

reproduce live sound and especially in larger rooms. I

would be tempted to take it a step further and claim that

a loudspeaker will have to fulfil most of the requirements

expected from a purpose-made PA speaker in order to

actually do the job with satisfaction.

EI: Does your Danish background give the products an

edge or character distinctive from other brands?

KD: I guess so, maybe not so much my Danish background,

but more the fact that I come with a design-driven approach.

Winsome ways: Kim’s design-driven approach has helped him hone the super-slick form factor of Artcoustic’s 32-model line up of speakers

GIVE IT A SPIN, KIMHe DJs techno music and is the creative force behind Artcoustic,

here Kim Donvig is focused on what inspires the company’s creations

and what is next for the Artcoustic brand.

Essential Install

Our speakers are of the more minimalist Nordic-design-

looking type, with an almost timeless approach. This gives

us freedom to focus on new engineering breakthrough ideas,

but within the strong Artcoustic form factor.

EI: Explain the company’s approach to what it can offer

aesthetically?

KD: Without a doubt, Artcoustic has pioneered the idea

of disguising speakers behind printed screens and other

exotic fabric types, though I often regret I ever started

that trend. As exciting as this is, it has also proven to be

hugely complicated and we have spent years perfecting

this technology. But this also gives us a much needed

edge in the already crowded loudspeaker market and there

aren’t really any other companies with such a wide range of

interior-friendly speakers. Artcoustic boasts a 32-model line

up, where most of them can be ordered with thousands of

screen and cabinet colours including our ever-growing art

portfolio. There really isn’t anything like Artcoustic; as we say

‘Your Choice - Your Design - Your Artcoustic’.

EI: Installers have a huge choice in what speakers they

can use, why should they chose Artcoustic?

KD: Beside reasons mentioned above, the new SL and

Spitfire Series has been designed and engineered as a

modular system. All our models sound very much the

same, based on the same drivers and crossover, but the

biggest difference is the sound-pressure level. This gives

the integrator a freedom no other loudspeaker brand can

offer and still within the same size and form factor. You can

pretty much use the same size speaker in listening spaces

ranging from 3m x 5m up to very large areas such as public

cinemas and screening rooms. That in itself is a huge

breakthrough in loudspeaker design

EI: What is next for Artcoustic?

KD: The new radically different looking Stealth Precision

speaker is coming soon and we are working on a full line of

wireless products called the Connect Series, all very exciting

products at each end of the market. Beside that we are

constantly looking at new ways of improving our existing

products and never sit still.

EI: What is your all-time favourite Artcoustic Product?

KD: Difficult question, but if I should point at a specific

model as a little star among the others, it has to be the

6-3 SL module. This configuration constantly manages

to surprise us: the loudness combined with clarity and

transient response is truly amazing and will fulfil most

demanding applications.

EI: Do you have any favourite music or movies to use

when testing/designing speakers?

KD: I mainly use music with difficult instruments, such as

upright bass, which has a tendency to create problems in

the upper bass. Lower mid piano music is an important tool,

especially for tuning the mid. I enjoy music from the Swedish

Esbjorn Svenson Trio, Niels Henning Orsted Petersen, Chris

Minh Doky, all of which contain high-quality recorded male

and female vocals. For electronic music I listen to and DJ

names such as Claptone and Danish duo Lulu Rouge.

More information: Artcoustic +44 (0)1245 400904

www.artcoustic.com

45

Recent bold moves in technology, rarely seen in domestic loudspeakers, enable Artcoustic to offer more flexibility in design and engineering, says Kim

EssentialArtcoustic


EssentialRGB


As the worlds of AV and IT continue to converge, increasing

numbers of the products distributed by RGB are dependent

on network connectivity either for control or audio video

content. This is especially true of Savant’s advanced control

systems as they are natively IP based and use wired and

wireless networks to achieve the fast and smooth user

experience which they are renowned for.

In fact since all iOS devices are Wi-Fi only and Savant can

employ these extensively as user interfaces, both handheld

and permanently mounted in walls, the performance and

robustness of the entire system is 100% reliant on the quality

of the wireless network.

For this reason RGB recommends that for any Wi-Fi

installation used for AV or control (not just Savant) and that

needs more than three Access Points (APs) to cover the

working area, installers should always should use a wireless

controller to manage them.

The benefits of managed Wi-Fi are many and include;

centralised configuring and monitoring, automatic self-healing

Wi-Fi, smart adaption for changing priorities and a smooth

and seamless roaming experience for the end user.

While there are several managed wireless network

systems available to AV integrators, most have come from

the professional IT industry and were originally intended to be

deployed in corporate networks by knowledgeable network

engineers. However, because AV integrators are often not

familiar with the inner most intricacies of how networks

behave, we believe there is an easier solution in the form

of the new Pakedge C36 Wireless controller. Like all of the

company’s products, the C36 has been created by Pakedge

to provide advanced and powerful features that are simple

to use. When used with up to thirty of the Pakedge W6 or

W7 series APs (for single or concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi

respectively) RGB can help installers specify and supply a

complete high performance managed wireless system. The

Pakedge APs are available in four form factors; the unique

low profile in-ceiling model (not a bulky on-ceiling type), wall

mount, rack mount and weather resistant outdoor model,

are all available providing a flexible and adaptable family to

achieve reliable coverage in a huge variety of situations and

different types of housing stock.

The recently announced W8 series of APs adds the

new IEEE 802.11ac standard for the highest Wi-Fi speeds

currently possible. The theoretical maximum speed of

1.3Gbps is even faster than wired Gigabit networks and by

operating in the 5GHz band only, 802.11ac avoids the speed

46

New high performance 802.11a/b/g/n dual-band concurrent access point with auto-channel and user power control adjustment by dBm

COmPLETE COnTROLDavid Webster, chief technology officer of RGB Communications,

explains how network control is right at the heart of the company’s

automation offering combining the power of the Savant platform with

the reliability of Pakedge connectivity.

EssentialRGB


sapping congestion and interference of the 2.4GHz band

used by most of today’s Wi-Fi devices. This approach is ideal

for customers who are looking for the most future-ready

wireless network possible and will give installers an edge over

competing products and technologies.

For smaller AV projects, perhaps just using a few Wi-Fi

devices such as the new wireless lighting keypads and

dimmers from Savant (available in the UK from RGB later this

year), then a single AP might be sufficient. However, using

a low-cost consumer AP with poor performance and low

quality, would be a false economy if connection problems

(often exacerbated by the device being built-in to a solid

wall that may attenuate radio signals) result in the lights not

coming on (or off) when the user presses the button!

Of course wireless components are only part of the

customer’s network that needs to be managed. Assuming

that users will not be capable of, or interested in, configuring

their networks themselves, with the necessary advanced

features such as VLAns and QoS to support all their needs,

then there is an opportunity for integrators to provide such a

service for them, maybe with a Recurring monthly Revenue

(RmR) attached.

However, to remotely monitor all the network devices very

simply, requires a new approach such as that offered by the

new Pakedge nP36 network Patroller. This is a site

based appliance that detects and reports automatically

via the company’s Bakpak cloud based service to the

dealer, so ably demonstrated by the Pakedge team

at the recent ISE show. The set up allows installers to

view device health, power cycle devices, control PoE

ports and AC sockets as well as receive configurable alerts

via email, SmS, or smartphone (Android or iOS) notification.

The Bakpak system is an ideal way to save on support

and maintenance costs and to reduce site visits offering

green advantages to the business, but also delivering a

continuity of service that clients will greatly appreciate.

Importantly, once the nP36 is purchased, there are no on-

going subscriptions or licensing fees and even third-party

devices can be added for a fully unified network management

experience from anywhere in the world.

Ultimately, if your AV project success (and profit) depends

on building strong, reliable and manageable networks, then

talk to us and learn how control solutions specialists can

invest in Pakedge; the only manufacturer to have a complete

architecture of advanced, high performance wired and

wireless network products that are especially created for

AV applications and preconfigured to be easy to use by AV

integrators.

more information: RGB +44 (0)1488 73366

www.rgbcomms.co.uk

47

New wireless network controller for a unified, secure wireless network, with smooth roaming and free from hassle and downtime

Essential Install48

EssentialHVAC


John Corbin of Intelligent Controls (UK) Ltd, expert in the

provision of integrated environmental control and HVAC

partner to many CI installers, is very up-beat about the market:

“Last year was a great year for us at Intelligent Controls. As

a North Approved System Partner (major building control

manufacturer), we are able to supply and fit any of the great

library of North interfaces, which includes air conditioning

systems such as: Mitsubishi AG150, Daikin, Panasonic,

Toshiba and Hitachi, lighting systems from Helvar, Lutron,

Legrand and Phillips as well as heating control systems from

Trend, HeatMiser and many others. Equally, the North system

is able to provide full control of under-floor heating, boilers and

pumps without the need for third party systems, saving both

install costs and time engineering interfaces.”

John explains: “The most popular interface we provided

last year was Mitsubishi air conditioning. The interface allows

third party control of all indoor units, including adjusting

temperatures, operating modes and turning the units on and

off. All of North’s interfaces provide an intelligent link between

heating and cooling systems, to prevent them ‘fighting’ and

wasting energy. They also allow full integration to AV systems

such as Savant, Crestron, AMX and Control4.

“We are able to configure the North system to provide

Apple/Android tablet and phone compatible web pages for

end users to easily access all parameters, from light levels to

temperature and blind control. There is also a room display

module, available in various finishes.”

As well as getting fully involved with a project in terms

of installing the HVAC element, Intelligent Controls are able

to offer integration consultancy to ensure the HVAC system

can be accommodated into the plan. For either of these

services installers can contact John direct at

[email protected]).

John concludes: “It’s important to get us in early and

ensure the specification for the HVAC allows for integration

beyond matching protocols. Intelligent interoperability is easy

to achieve, but requires some forethought and knowledge of

the chosen systems. That is where Intelligent Controls come

in. Our experience is invaluable and will save both money and

time on your projects!”

Environmental control specialist, Heatmiser has a

brand new system available called Heatmiser Neo which is

designed to replace an existing thermostat, giving the end

user easy control over and remote access to environmental

control from a smartphone. Neo is multi zone, using existing

zone valves and is also well suited for under-floor heating with

up to 32 rooms supported.

Martyn Kay, director, at Heatmiser, says: “We have been busy

at Heatmiser designing what we feel is the most sophisticated,

stylish control system, giving ‘control from anywhere’ functionality

directly on a smartphone or tablet. Heatmisers’ Neo System has

been purposefully designed to ensure that upgrading is as easy

as possible and surprisingly affordable.”

The platform controls heating and hot water simply by

connecting the neoHub to the home network and installing

the required number of wall mounted neoSats for display

and direct control of the system as well as over the newly

developed neoApp. The company says the neoApp’s intuitive

design ensures programming and override commands

are quick and easy for anybody to use and can make

changes from inside the home or when the client is out and

about. Different profiles can be created for the weekend,

work patterns, months or seasons. The system will also

automatically activate the heating if the frost set temperature

is reached; keeping the property safe and dry without wasting

any unnecessary energy. The neoApp also allows zone control

to adjust different areas of the property independently.

Keen to find friends in the install world, the company

has released its communications protocol and has released

a new neoAPl so that developers can write new modules

for neoStats. The company also offers free training at its

Blackburn offices and full phone support.

Extra Vegetables is one company which has taken up

the offer of creating a bridge between the system and the CI

world in developing a two-way driver between Heatmiser Neo

and Control4.

Jane Scotland, commercial director for Extra Vegetables,

takes up the story: “Extra Vegetables have been providing two-

way integration between Control4 and the popular Heatmiser

UH-1 and Heatmiser Wi-Fi heating control products for some

time. The addition of the Heatmiser Neo driver extends the

options available to Control4 dealers and their customers.

“Heatmiser Neo is an ‘Internet of Things’ ‘Cloud Connected’

heating control system. Neo is equally at home controlling a

single zone or a large scale multi room heating system. As befits

a European designed system, it can also control separate hot

water systems and its reliable mesh based interconnectivity is

designed to cope with European walls.”

Jane explains: “Designed from the outset with connectivity

and integration in mind, customers can use both the

Heatmiser Apps and their Control4 system to manage the

heating in the home from wherever they are in the world. The

Heatmiser Neo thermostats are a sleek, unobtrusive, modern

design and are available in white or black to suit any interior.

“The Heatmiser NEO offers a number of advantages.

The Control4 integration communicates directly with the

Neo Mesh Link hub over IP to provide fast and reliable

communication. Scheduling can be managed both on the

native Control4 interfaces and Heatmiser Apps with two-

way communication between both. Heatmiser Neo also

introduces the concept of heating profiles and these can be

recalled via Control4 custom programming.”

Jane also explains that URC Total Control integration is also

planned for Q2 of 2014 for Heatmiser Neo which will enable Total

Control installers to benefit from a similar level of integration.

Jane argues: “Heating Control is increasingly seen as an

HOT TOPICEI takes stock of the main considerations when including HVAC in

any project.

BMS – but not as we know it!

> Hometronic wireless system,easy retrofit, minimal disruption

> Control any form of heating; radiators,underfloor etc.

> Make each room a zone: better comfort and efficiency

> Remote access via telephone or web> iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch access> Building size or complexity of HVAC plant

is no problem> Interfaces to AMX, Crestron, Control4,

Netstreams DigiLinx, Savant, RTI> Interfaces to most major aircon systems

(Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Sanyo etc.)

Sensible Heat offers a full backup service toresellers, including design advice, supply andcommissioning. We can work with you tocreate a fully integrated solution – don’t worry,you won’t need to become an HVAC expert!Do the sensible thing and contact us now.

Sensible Heat are sole distributors ofHoneywell Hometronic in UK and Ireland

11 St Nicholas Lane Lewes East Sussex BN7 2JY

tel / fax 01273 475834 e [email protected]

www.sensibleheat.com

sensible heatA D VA N C E D

H E AT I N G

C O N T R O L S

2014sensiblead_reseller_w90xh270_02_2012sensiblead_reseller_90x270_01.p

They’reback...

Award Categories: Distributor of the Year

Product launch of the YearManufacturer of the Year

Training Course of the YearBest Domestic Install

Best Light Commercial InstallBest Home Cinema

Watch this spacefor more details

For further information,call the team on

+44 (0)1634 673163

P49.indd 1 26/02/2014 15:57

ntelligent ontrols

01342 717748www.intelligent-controls.co.uk

Installer assistance for control platform& HVAC products

Proven cost savings for integration systems

Carbon footprint reduction

Simple to use intelligent interfaces

Easy to operate web interface allowing user to control their entire environment

any living spaceIntelligent & energy efficient control of

Quote ‘It’s all about numbers’when you call on

P50.indd 1 26/02/2014 13:50

EssentialContents

Sign up to the new Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstal Essential Install 51

EssentialHVAC


essential part of any home control project. Warmth, comfort

and convenience are of fundamental importance to many

customers. Custom installers are seldom HVAC experts

so need reliable solutions that are easy to integrate with.

Heatmiser Neo is an ideal solution for Control4 installers as it

provides two-way feedback and control via Control4 and the

Heatmiser Neo App.”

Sensible Heat is a popular choice for installers looking for

a partner in the HVAC sense and the company has been busy

developing new ways to help integrators get the right results.

Company MD, Dave Robinson, says: “There are some

exciting new additions to our Honeywell Hometronic range

which improve the aesthetics of the system and also now

allow us to access a wider range of projects at the smaller

end of the spectrum; smaller houses and apartments and

also simpler projects that don’t need a full control system,

but would like HVAC control with

remote access.”

Dave explains: “The EvoTouch

Zoning Manager, which is a ‘little

brother’ to the existing Hometronic

Manager, has now been upgraded

to a colour touchscreen and now

supports 12 heating zones (up

from eight zones previously)

which now makes it viable

for medium-sized properties.

You could also use it as an

independent user interface for

part of a larger property, you can

mix and match Hometronic Manager and

EvoTouch in a single installation as required.

Just like the Hometronic Manager, the Evotouch works with the

standard Hometronic peripherals and is fully supported by our

WebManager and Web Interface products, so works with all our

existing range of drivers for Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant etc.”

Dave explains that the EvoTouch comes a new web

portal device, which operates from new Apps (both Android

and iPhone), allowing remote control of heating at a lower

cost. Also new is the unique Honeywell wireless Radiator

Controller, which has now been completely updated, with a

sleek new design, swivelling backlit LCD display and several

new features. The product is deal for retrofit projects with

radiators, the Radiator Controller allows houses to be zoned

per room without disruption, in most cases without any

involvement from a plumber.

KNX integrationRTI (available in the UK from Invision) announced last year

that it had become a member of the KNX Association,

giving a commitment to ensure dealers have tight integration

between the company’s line of control solutions and KNX-

compatible devices including HVAC systems.

“The demand for KNX

compatibility

is very

Heatmiser neo is compatible with Control4 and more drivers are planned including for URC

The new EvoHome Zoning Manager for Honeywell systems is available through Sensible Heat

Honeywell Wireless Radiator Controllers are a good retro fit and affordable option

EssentialHVAC


high, especially in Europe, where it is a very popular control

protocol and we are excited to say we’ve taken the next step

by becoming a KNX Association member,” said Pete Baker,

vice president of sales and marketing for RTI, at the time of

joining. “By becoming a member of the KNX Association,

we’re demonstrating the importance of having full control

and two-way communication with KNX-compatible devices,

ensuring that RTI can provide dealers with effective control

solutions in any residential or commercial project.”

In other news which may yet have a bearing on the

UK market for HVAC, headlines were made recently when

Google purchased a company installers may or may not

be familiar with called Nest Labs. The deal was for an eye

watering $3.2 billion, yes billion, so clearly the company

is highly valued by the Internet giant. Nest manufactures

and supplies a series of home control products, attractively

designed (not surprising as iPod creators Tony Fedell and

Mat Rogers, are behind the company) which have enjoyed

big success in the US market. A key product has been its

smart thermostat which can be controlled from a smartphone

and uses its intelligent features to ‘learn’ a customer’s habits

and adjust the heating accordingly. The user adjusts the

temperatures as desired for a few days and within a week

the Nest is said to be able to build an efficient programme

and be left to the task on its own. The system also offers

an auto ‘away’ mode. The unit is as easy to install as a light

switch says the maker and can save as much as 20% on a

homes’ heating bills. Control is also available on tablet and

smartphone via an App.

Speaking at the time of the purchase, Nest CEO Tony

Fadell said: “We’re thrilled to join Google. With their support,

Nest will be even better placed to build simple, thoughtful

devices that make life easier at home and that have a positive

impact on the world.”

The last part of that statement is important as the

company has already launched in the UK. However, currently

the maker is only supplying its intelligent smoke alarm

product in the UK and not the thermostat. The only response

EI could get from the Nest was that the product would be

available ‘soon’. If that means next week, next month or

next year, is not entirely clear, but if launched over here, it

could have some impact. In the US the company does sell

to the public as a self-install, but also has trade accounts for

installers, so it would be reasonable to assume that the same

model would be repeated in the UK and with the muscle of

Google behind it, the company could find some traction on

this side of the pond.

52

More information:

Intelligent Controls +44 (0)1342 717748

www.intelligent-controls.co.uk

Heatmiser +44 (0)1254 669090, www.heatmiser.com

Extra Vegetables +44 (0)20 8144 9354

www.extravegetables.com

Nest +44 (0)808 169 2307, www.nest.com/uk

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270 280

www.invisionuk.com

Sensible Heat +44 (0)1273 475 834

www.sensibleheat.co.uk

If and when Nest comes to the UK, what impact will it make?

Working for you every month...

Call the Essential Install team for more information, or to receive your free regular monthly edition on +44 (0)1634 673163

INSTALLMAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry June 2013 issue

LIVING LARGE! AWE AND SAMSUNG SCALE NEW HEIGHTS IN CI TVs WITH THE STUNNING S9 CHECK INSIDE FOR THIS AND OTHER KEY AWE INSTALL OFFERINGS FROM URC, KEF, PHILIPS DYNALITE, DENON, KINETIK LABS AND LOEWE

HOORAY FOR AVRs:FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY ABOUND

THE BIG PICTURE:GET THE MOST FROM PROJECTORS AND SCREENS

EXCLUSIVE Q&A:MITCH WITTEN, CORE BRANDS’ AUDIO SEGMENT DIRECTOR SPEAKS

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The essential magazine for the custom install industry October 2013 issue

PEAK PERFORMANCE Sonance VP boosts the quality of custom sound



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INSTALL MAGAZINE

The essential magazine for the custom install industry October 2012 Issue

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING

ESSENTIAL CI SPEAKERS:THE BEST ANSWERS FOR INTEGRATED AUDIO

ESSENTIALLIGHTING:EI ILLUMINATES THE LATEST LIGHTING LAUNCHES

ESSENTIAL INSTALL LIVE! NORTH:A REVIEW OF OUR NORTHERN SHOW

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:All the latest news from Unicam, Wyrestorm, D-Line, CINEAK and a creative cliff top case study from Maven

JVC launches the latest incarnations of its successful projector line up offering increased contrast ratio, 3D performance and 4K resolution.

EI turns the spotlight on these powerful new beamers

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The essential magazine for the custom install industry November 2012 Issue

ACCESS ALL AREAS WITH ATLONA ATLONA ADDS VALUE TO THE CUSTOM INSTALL CHANNEL WITH ACCOMPLISHED

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TVS AND MONITORS:PUT YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE WITH THE LATEST SCREENS

KAPARI CASE STUDY:CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME AMX BASED INSTALL

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The latest news from Habitech, D-Line, DLS Sweden, Wyrestorm and the CAI

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:All the latest news from CYP, Habitech, Eurosat, Wyrestorm and a Day in the Life of the Pleasure Home

TAKE A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE WITH RGB

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The essential magazine for the custom install industry February 2013 Issue

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EI takes a look at two key brands from RGB Communications. High-class Apple mounting solutions from INNO and rock solid networks from Pakedge

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:A Day in the Life of SK Vision, a Carlo Gavazzi case study, the Future of CI with Bob Abraham,

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Untitled-1 1 28/11/2013 16:40

EssentialTechnology: Auro 3D


Since ‘surround sound’ was introduced to home cinema,

its approach has in essence not changed, arranging

speakers to create a linear field of sound which is then

directed at the audience.

A company with a history in commercial theatre and

more recently making the move to the home market, Auro

Technologies, has introduced Auro 3D, billed as nothing less

than an audio revolution. The demonstration took place at

Genesis Technologies’ HQ as part of a product launch for the

new Datasat LS10 home cinema processor (see this month’s

product section) which at this point is the only UK domestic

product to be carrying the technology (along with Datasat’s

other home cinema products including the flagship RS20i).

The Auro Technology team was out in force to underline just

how important the company feels this new approach could

and should be.

So what is Auro 3D? well basically it adds channels which

allow sound to be delivered from special ‘height’ speakers

in addition to the normal speakers found in a surround set

up. The idea is to create a 3D sound field that behaves

much more naturally and mimics how we hear sound in the

natural world. Within an Auro 3D set up, sounds can come

from in front, the side, behind and above as well as moving

seamlessly through the sound field.

However, there are obstacles to overcome in order to

implement Auro 3D. Installers need to leave behind the

speaker configurations of the past and embrace a new way

of setting up. Extra speakers to take advantage of the extra

channels are of course needed. Surround speakers and

sub-woofer/s are placed around the listening area in the

normal way, then the same configuration of ‘height’ speakers

are placed high up on the walls and lastly for the full effect

or the ‘Voice of God’ as the developers call it, a speaker is

placed on the celling directly above the listening area. So,

implementing the new technology into a new theatre is no

real problem, however for established projects, the speaker

layout would need to be re-designed. Installers could either

see this as a problem or an opportunity to offer a new

experience to all their existing customers. Configurations that

can take advantage of the new technology can come in 9.1,

10.1, 11.1 and 13.1.

What about content? Of course all of this would be

pretty futile if there was no content available with the Auro

3D algorithm. However, the developers are confident on this

score citing the release of 23 high profile movies into theatres

and onto Blue-ray this year with as many as 45 more in the

process of signing up. Auro Technologies also points out that

its approach can take legacy discs and give them an audio

make-over to deliver an enhanced experience. Not Auro 3D

proper, but the company argues, still an improvement of

what would be experienced through a normal Blue-ray and

surround set up.

Taking a seat in the impressive ICE Cinema demonstration

suite, home cinema supremo for Genesis, Neil Davidson,

put the new technology through its paces. Some specially

created audio content was used including a countryside

scene with singing birds and tractors and a sequence

where a helicopter flew over-head. The demo also used a

scene from WWII actioner Redtails. EI has to say the demo

was impressive, with the sound feeling a lot less ‘forced’

particularly in busier scenes, creating a genuinely natural feel

and very immersive experience. The conclusion would have

to be that Auro 3D is a genuine and significant step forward

in audio technology, however this does not guarantee its

success. As we know in the AV world, nothing is simple,

particularly where movie studio politics are involved, so there

is many a slip between a technology that should be given

a chance and one that actually gains wide-acceptance.

Auro Technologies points out that it feels confident it can

get the industry on-side pointing to its deal with Barco

in the pro cinema world to deliver the technology into 80

cinemas world-wide already with a further 300 installations

confirmed. The system has also been adopted by several

post-production facilities, like Skywalker Sound and The Dub

Stage. However, there are competing technologies. Dolby

Atmos also has plenty of titles and theatres (330 approx.)

signed to its immersive format. Auro 3D however has beaten

Dolby to release home orientated versions of its technology,

so might have a slight edge there.

The future is never certain in AV, particularly when it comes to

formats, however one thing is for sure, audio will at some point

make the leap to a more immersive and natural approach.

More information: Auro Technologies +32 (0)1431 4343,

www.auro-3d.com

54

Auro 3D is looking to make the move from pro-cinema into the home

A JOURNEy INTO SOUNDEI was recently treated to a demonstration of a new approach to

audio, which its creators believe will change forever the way an

audience experiences sound.

Auro 3D surrounds the listener with height speakers and ones directly above

EssentialAsheridge


Jason argues: “MoCA

technology is the fastest

and most reliable way

of getting high speed

Internet around the home without installing any new wires.

Using existing Coax (TV aerial network) without any alteration

required to the layout or distribution amplifier, MoCA signals

pass from port to port on the distribution amp in the loft, so

no changes are needed to how the house is wired.

“The MoCA range offers the real speeds households

need at on average 170MBps, where other technologies

like Powerline quote 300 and 500 MBps, this just an ‘up to’

speed and not ever achievable in the real world.”

MoCA was designed by Entropic, global player in

semiconductor solutions for the connected home, specifically

as a standard for moving HD video streams and high speed

data around multiple points in a home (max 16 points).

Jason explains: “Connected adapters work to form a Mesh

Network with data taking the shortest direct path between

adapters, e.g. from a NAS drive to a smart TV. Wi-Fi and

Powerline are point to point devices, that send all data to all

points and then the receiving devices have to sift through the

packet headers in order to work out which data is meant for

them. MoCA uses PQOS – Parameterised quality of service to

achive a much more targeted and reliable performance.

“Powerline cannot match the speed and reliability of

MoCA and can only transmit to a maximum of two receivers

and was only built for basic data movement (email and web

surfing) where MoCA was built for the high speed demands

of HD video and IPTV.”

MoCA’s approach is also far better suited to the future

argues Jason: “4K2K will be the great divide – As 4K services

rollout then the amount of video data will be much greater.

Even with the new HEVC codec, MoCA will be the only retro

fit solution that can move multiple streams of video around

the house without issue.”

Wi-Fi extension Many so called modern homes have just a single Wi-Fi

access point that is struggling to cope with covering all of

the property. As the number of devices that are trying to

share the network increase (tablets, smart phones, hand held

gaming, smart TV’s, plug in Wi-Fi repeaters, smart home

gadgets, etc.) then of course performance is going to suffer.

Jason says: “Range issues - dead spots at the points

of the house further away from the router – upstairs, back

garden as well as weak signals impacting on what can be

done with video streaming or online gaming, are just a few of

the issues end uers are going to face.

“By using the Coax network, installers can add Wi-Fi

access points around the house to create multiple Wi-Fi

access points all on the same SSID and password so mobile

devices can move seamlessly through the home to any

location. Separate Wi-Fi networks can also be setup, e.g.

main house, children’s bedrooms, smart home devices, etc.

A Wi-Fi access point at each main viewing point is the ideal

solution, to support tablets and laptops in that location with

the best bandwidth and quality of service.”

Jason adds: “MoCA brings wired, shielded (PL

used unshielded mains cables), that is not effected by

neighbouring networks (Wi-Fi is now saturating homes with

often 10 other networks visible and conflicting with each

other) to the back of every TV in the home. So smart TVs

and PVRs can use the same cable that brings the pictures,

to bring the data in the fastest most efficient way possible

without tearing up the house to add a CAT5 network. From

each TV point, a full speed Wi-Fi access point can be created

to give maximum quality of service and bandwidth to Wi-Fi

devices in that room.”

With the huge growth in smart devices, Asheridge argues

a big opportunity is coming for installers.

Jason says: “Consumers are spending a lot of money on

new devices and products, but pay no attention to the one

thing that makes them all work – the Wi-Fi router. Most homes

have the same basic router that has been gathering dust for

three or four years. In field trials we found users who said they

were using 5GHz Wi-Fi because their new iPhone or iPad

supported it. When we inspected the router, we often found

that it was an old model that didn’t even support 5GHz!

“So as we move forward, much more emphasis has to

be placed on improving the infrastructure in the home as

we hammer it ever harder with more devices and bigger

bandwidth requirements. MoCA is the answer to the real

problems that households face.”

Asheridge Communications +44 (0)1494 794770

www.ashcomms.com

55

At the core of the MoCA family is the Ethernet over Coax adapter known as the Echo box

MOCA IN MOTIONJason Dando, business development and projects manager,

Asheridge Communications, tells EI why MoCA offers a powerful and

affordable signal taming solution.

Working for you every month...

Call the Essential Install team for more information, or to receive your free regular monthly edition on +44 (0)1634 673163


The essential magazine for the custom install industry September 2013 issue



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The essential magazine for the custom install industry October 2013 issue

PEAK PERFORMANCE Sonance VP boosts the quality of custom sound



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The essential magazine for the custom install industry November 2013 issue

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

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The essential magazine for the custom install industry December 2013 issue



The essential magazine for the custom install industry June 2013 issue

LIVING LARGE! AWE AND SAMSUNG SCALE NEW HEIGHTS IN CI TVs WITH THE STUNNING S9 CHECK INSIDE FOR THIS AND OTHER KEY AWE INSTALL OFFERINGS FROM URC, KEF, PHILIPS DYNALITE, DENON, KINETIK LABS AND LOEWE

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This Month’s Essential Supplement

Also InsideContributions from RGB Communications, Control4, Helvar, Legrand, Lutron, QMotion, Rako Controls, Sun-Light Solutions, AWE and Invision UK

EssentialINSTALL

Lighting & CONTROL

EssentialLIghTINg CONTROL


Legrand believes the four main drivers delivering growth to

the lighting control sector are; energy saving to reduce the

environmental impact, energy saving to reduce costs as energy

prices rise, advances in lighting and control technology that are

creating a golden age of creative lighting design/specification and

demographic changes that have altered the way that people use

their homes and the way they want to interact with them.

Legrand says that every manufacturer is doing everything

possible to ensure its products have a role to play – whether

through installation benefits or post-installation energy

savings and monitoring capabilities. What’s even more

impressive says the company is that the systems are

becoming easier to install and more intuitive to use.

Richard Hayward,‎lead marketing manager, at Legrand,

says: “It’s imperative that there is investment in lighting,

especially as lighting is the key area of automation for

residential properties. Yes, automation and multi-room music

are viewed by many as the core of smart technology, but

they are still just an option – something that is nice to have

if budgets stretch to them. All homes though require lighting

and by harnessing intelligent lighting solutions, an array of long

lasting benefits, ranging from energy saving through to safety

features for assisted living and onto to enhanced security

solutions, can be easily and cost effectively unlocked.

“The key areas for lighting spend are in the kitchen, living

room and other family areas. Today’s developers are already

investing heavily in these areas of the home, with many

specifying up to six circuits of lighting in order to provide the

necessary platform for smart solutions.”

Richard also underlines the importance of creating the right

atmosphere: “Mood lighting can make or break a room, especially

in areas where money has been invested on interior design. Believe

me – the wrong lighting can absolutely ruin a £30,000 kitchen.

“True smart lighting that can achieve, comfort, security,

energy efficiency and full control is best achieved when the

lighting design and control is considered by the developer

and designed into the home. Can you imagine smart lighting

control not being designed into a new commercial building?

Homes are no different and the same considerations will be

compulsory as our energy needs become more critical.”

Control is of course an important driver. Richard argues:

“The ubiquitous touch-screen devices that we have all

become so attached to are used to make every element of

our lives easier so the fact that home owners can now control

lighting from their smartphones and tablets is a key factor in

driving innovation in the sector.”

Legrand itself is supporting the sector with continued

innovation including a new version of the Arteor 10in touch

screen which provides customisable screens for multiple

users, new LED dimmer drivers and energy monitoring

devices as well as the recently introduced Apps for Andriod

and iOS. Legrand has a dedicated training facility at its

Birmingham HQ to assist dealers in making the most of

lighting control and the whole Legrand family.

David Webster, chief technology officer at RGB

Communications argues that wireless lighting control

options are becoming more popular, particularly for retro fit.

David says: “Current wireless lighting products tend to

58

ILLUMInATIOn fOR THE nATIOn

EI presents the latest news

and views from the world of

lighting and light control.


ILLUMInATIOn fOR THE nATIOn


use either a proprietary Rf technology or adopt an existing

wireless network standard. A good example of the former

approach is the new Lutron Grafik Ra 2 system now available

from RGB, which uses the companies’ proven ClearConnect

wireless technology to provide a robust two-way control

system in the 866MHz Rf band. While Savant have recently

started shipping in the USA their new SmartLighting wireless

wall box dimmers based on established Wi-fi 2.4GHz

technology, with international 230V versions set to be

available from RGB later this year.”

David explains: “The Grafik Ra 2 system uses wireless

GrafikEye QS dimmers, Rf softswitches, occupancy/

vacancy sensors, tabletop or wall keypads and Sivoia QS

no-wires blinds to provide a comprehensive wireless lighting

and shading solution that’s ideal for smaller residential or

commercial applications. Easy to design, install and program

the Grafik Ra 2 system can be used stand-alone, with

universal remotes or integrated with all major control systems.

The optional Lutron Home Control+ App allows users to

control and monitor a Grafik Ra 2 system from anywhere via

an iOS or Android device to provide convenience, ambience

and energy savings. full training on the design, installation

and use of the new Lutron drag and drop programming

software will be offered by the RGB Academy.”

David adds: “Lutron’s proprietary approach has the advantage

of being independent from a third party Wi-fi network and can

operate locally without one. As such it may appeal to property

developers or to commercial installations where access to an

existing Wi-fi network may not be possible or desirable.”

However, as Jim Carroll, Savant’s executive vice president

corporate strategy and business development, argues: “Wi-fi

is the worldwide standard for residential and commercial

wireless networking and this will affordably deliver the control

capabilities our customers want by leveraging the network

that already exists in their home or business.”

Savant’s SmartLighting system can be used with or

without a Savant control system present, but with full

integration it will allow wireless dimmers/keypads to not only

control lights but other functions too. Savant products are

exclusively available in the UK through RGB.

Lutron had a significant presence at the recent ISE event

and showcased many of its wired and wireless window

treatments.

Catching many installers’ eye at the event was the new

battery powered roller blind solution, Sivoia QS Triathlon, which

works with Lutron Pico wireless remote controls and can be

integrated into Lutron’s HomeWorks QS total home solution.

Lutron says Sivoia QS Triathlon offers installers and end users

reliability, power-efficiency and performance in one, affordable

package, with an impressive battery life of three years. The

product solves the issue of getting power to hard window

surrounds and can come in a variety of sizes right up to 2.5

metres. The units are easy to fit with just two screw points

completing the task. Lutron also showcased a standalone

Serena version that works equally with a Pico wireless control

and is a good solution for blinds in a single space. To wet the

appetite of interior designers, Lutron can also offer its Design

Collections, a compilation of over 1,500 fabrics and materials,

supported by a Design Collections fabric App on iPad. Also

worth noting for the retro-fit category is Lutron’s energy-saving

Energi TriPak solution which is described quick and easy to

install, requires no programming and is a cost-effective solution

for almost any single space application. Lutron products are

available from RGB and Armour Home.

RTI (available in the UK from Invision) recently announced

that the company has teamed up with Lutron to develop a

solution that allows installers to integrate select Lutron RadioRA

2 wireless lighting system components into RTI’s control

systems, while programming the devices natively from RTI’s

Integration Designer programming software. RTI says the Clear

Connect Interface Module (CCM-1) reduces programming time

and lowers costs for installers, while providing users with a

single interface for their automation system.

With the CCM-1, installers can integrate Lutron’s RadioRA

2 components into any RTI system with an XP series control

processor, including the new XP-4 with an on-screen display

control interface and the super-charged XP-8s. The XP

processors’ astronomical clocks provide the convenience of

time-based events, allowing for automatic light dimming and

turn-on. Users also have access to Lutron control through

the RTiPanel App on Apple or Android.

Philips Dynalite (available in the UK from AWE) has

introduced a new addition to its Antumbra range of user

interfaces. The AntumbraTouch, is described as a stunning

panel that redefines the concept of minimalist chic, with

numerous features hidden beneath its glass design including

presence, light and temperature sensors.

Via field effects technology, the panel automatically

detects presence using a body’s magnetic field to wake

Dramatic impact and easy control are offered with Savant’s lighting options

Lutron control is now available via the RTI platform


up the panel with the wall-wash effect that Antumbra has become known

for. An internal light sensor will ensure the wall light wash effect is adjusted

to the appropriate level, when the user moves away, the lighting will fade.

The panel also responds to a user’s selection with audio feedback and a

built-in temperature sensor automatically can adjust the air conditioning when

integrated into the network system.

A single panel can have many different button combinations allowing for a

consistent look throughout an install. Each button is configurable through the

Envision commissioning software to perform a range of functions, including

lighting, HVAC and blinds. AntumbraTouch is available in a range of finishes

which can be selected to suit the end-user’s requirements, blending with

architectural features and décor.

“Alongside the exciting new AntumbraTouch, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve

restarted our award-winning Philips Dynalite training programme which combines

Philips Dynalite System Designer and Envision project training,” comments Craig

Thorne, product manager at AWE. “As before, we’ll be offering all these courses to our

registered dealer network absolutely free of charge. The benefits of our expertise and

brand new resources will ensure our training is better than ever in 2014.”

Dedicated platforms Joining the growing number of automation systems with their own dedicated

lighting control platforms, Control4 launched a new family of wireless lighting

control products for integration with its own automation systems last year.

Suited to commercial or residential projects (retro fit or new build) the range

is designed to offer a broad choice of energy saving lighting solutions including

adaptive phase dimmers and combination keypad/dimmers, 0-10V dimmers for

LED applications and configurable keypads for control. The control panels come

in a diverse palette of colour and finish options, offer custom backlit engraved

buttons and programmable status LEDs supporting customisable colour hues

for at-a-glance feedback. Additionally, each new switch, dimmer and keypad

includes an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the brightness of status

LEDs and button backlighting.

The company says with its system creating and automating personalised

lighting with virtually any mix of lighting load types is simple and controlling

them from the Control4 MyHome App on a mobile device is even simpler.

The platform allows easy creation of scenes for different applications such

as returning home, entertaining, or going away, which work in unison with other

parts of an automation project such as AV or security.

Main components include the Control4 Wireless Adaptive Phase Dimmer which

is made to eliminate much of the guesswork associated with choosing the right

dimmer for a project and alleviates the need to replace the dimmer when the load

type changes in the future. The Wireless Adaptive Phase Dimmer is compatible

with a broad range of dimmable load types including most LEDs, incandescents,

halogens, electronic low voltage (solid state) transformers, magnetic (iron core) low

voltage transformers, fluorescents and compact fluorescents.

The Wireless Configurable Keypads can be configured with two to seven

custom-engraved, LED backlit buttons, using four different button sizes, for a

total of 37 possible configurations. The Wireless Keypad Dimmer transforms a

standard light switch or dimmer into a fully customisable keypad and dimmer,

combining the dimming capabilities of the Control4 Wireless Adaptive Phase

Dimmer with the flexibility of the Control4 Wireless Configurable Keypad. The

Wireless 0-10V Dimmer provides in-wall control of four-wire 0-10V dimmable

fluorescent ballasts and LEDs and the Wireless forward Phase Dimmer delivers

an economical solution for dimming forward phase compatible loads, including

incandescents, line-voltage halogens and magnetic transformers. The Wireless

Switch provides on/off control for virtually every type of load, whilst the Auxiliary

Keypad provides an economical solution for three-way control of a load.

Helvar is keen to draw attention to its iC Colour Control concept which

offers a selection of enhanced products for which the ‘iC’ badge denotes

colour control capabilities. Standing for Intelligent Colour, the first phase of

releases focuses on delivering DALI Colour Control compatibility and Helvar in


Mood lighting systems, recalling a pre-programmed scene at thetouch of a button, o�er sophistication, ease of use and energysaving, controlling all light sources and curtains and blinds,including dimming of LEDs. With seamless integration to homecinema, multi-room audio, security systems and with 'holidaymode' functions the Smart Home dream becomes a reality.

Retro�ttable wireless modules allow systems to be installedwith the minimum of fuss and expanded later while CAT5 wiredoptions cater for the largest of projects. With wireless/wiredbridging even combined systems are possible. Controlled fromstylish wall-pads, hand-held remotes, iPhone/iPad apps or evenautomated sensors or timed commands, the user has the powerof control.

Put simply, Rako o�ers everything a Smart Home needs fromlighting control but with unprecedented ease of installation.

wireless | wired | combined

for further information please call 01634 226666or visit www.rakocontrols.com

total lighting controls



the form of the Designer iC and a

two-channel 35W LED Driver. The

range will build to offer a complete

colour enhanced lighting control

solution, including support for

tablets, smartphones and further

multi-channel LED drivers.

DALI Colour Control enables

users to pick a colour in one easy

step, decreasing programming time

and the system only needs one DALI address reducing the

cost of a full scale DALI colour controlled lighting system.

Leviton recently announced the expansion of its line of

architectural lighting control systems with the introduction of

the Sapphire 7in Wall Mount LCD Capacitive Touch Screen

Controller. The system is designed to provide an easy-to-

use, customisable graphical interface for controlling lighting

and features an 800 x 480 WVGA backlit screen with 24-bit

colour display, 130° x 110° viewing angle and a low-profile

design in multiple finishes to blend with interior décor.

“Leviton’s new Sapphire LCD Touch Screen takes lighting

control to a new level of functionality and simplicity,” says

Richard Westfall, vice president and general manager,

Leviton Lighting & Energy Solutions. “The system integrates

a sophisticated, full-featured capacitive control console with

the ease of effortless drag and drop screen design. Sapphire

gives our customers the flexibility of a customisable user

interface with the convenience of native control over scene,

room and enterprise lighting management.”

Sapphire’s PC-based editor enables the intuitive addition

and configuration of user interface pages for each control

grouping within a room or facility. Once a page is added,

Button and Slider Controls are dragged and dropped onto

the page or tab. Installers can set up administrative functions,

establish channel and group-level control functionality, set

fade levels and fade time-outs, combine and separate room

control and brighten or dim light levels. The system’s Button

Control types include Toggle, Press/Release Preset and

Scene. Leviton products are available in the UK from Aldous

Systems.

Rako Controls is finding many install fans with its

provision of mood lighting controls with both wired and

wireless solutions for new and retrofit applications. More

complex projects may suit the wired network with centralised

RAK units, or possibly combined systems giving a mix

of both. Rako says its ability to offer wireless, wired or

combined options means it can offer the best possible

approach for any project and gives the safety net should

cables be forgotten, or extra wall-plates be needed after

walls are sealed.

With controls for

all lighting types, Rako

concentrates on the

challenges of dimming

LEDs, offering products

for direct control of lamps

as well as trailing edge,

0-10V and DALI options for

dimmable drivers. The maker

also offers lamp testing

in its lab facilities allowing

designers to be certain of dimming

performance before installation

and with control options ranging

from keypads, remotes, tablets or

smartphone Apps, there is a control

option for everyone.

Rako says it strives to not only

provide first class products, but

support as well with high class

technical and sales support promising

there is always someone able and willing to help at the end

of a phone.

free customer training is another key benefit Rako offers

its installers, running several courses every month. With

dedicated foundation and hands-on advanced training

facilities at its headquarters in Rochester, Kent, dealers can

familiarise themselves with the full product range.

The Rako team was also out in force at the ISE showcasing

its updated iPhone, iPad and Android App with a revised user

interface, personalised room, scene and channel naming - with

images. Those users with timeclock units can now also set

timed events from within the App. Also on display was Rako’s

new wireless 16-scene dimmer – the new generation dimmer

with more scenes is now easier to install with its wall mounting

bracket, single ended wiring and the simplified set-up button

eradicates the need to use a magnet.

Rako was also proud to reveal its new blind and curtain

range – from roller blinds to roman blinds – the products offer

features like precise alignment, positioned control, software

configurable end-stop, programmable speed control and soft

start/finish all with quiet motors.

Invision also recently released details of a new Rako

driver for the Elan system enabling full two-way IP control of

Rako lighting and blind/curtain control via a Rako IP bridge

product. Control is achieved for both wired and wireless

versions of Rako and the Elan system also has integration

with the Rako timeclock module.

Sun-Light Solutions, UK distributor of amBX solutions,

is keen for installers to learn about the all new, digital, multi-

room, amBX Light-Scene Engine available to the residential

and commercial install sectors. amBX Light-Scene Engine

delivers a new IP based, multi-room lighting control engine

and has been designed and developed to transport intelligent

and intuitive lighting control to new levels. Built on the

established amBX lighting control technology and abstracted

design model, Light-Scene Engine delivers fresh possibilities

for interactive lighting and drops simple amBX Apps and user

interfaces from AMX, Crestron, Control4 and DemoPad into

the hands of the user.

This extended and scalable system is well suited to controlling

lights within multiple spaces in the home, meeting rooms,

classrooms, teaching spaces, bars, clubs and restaurants,

offering multi DMX universe support for the larger systems.

Two versions will be available. Light-Scene Engine Ambient

will offer control of static colours including white with the ability

to recreate sunrise, sunset, morning sun etc all from multiple

colours within a pallet. Ambient Light-Scenes such as fireflies,

fire, Lounge Moods, Woodlands, Ocean and Tropical offering

engaging movement of multiple colours around a space. This

version is designed for controlling white lights and adding

control of coloured lights such as RGB, RGBW, RGBWA around

The Elan Control platform now has a driver for Rako lighting

The AmBX system offers a whole range of mood and control choices for commercial or residential settings



multiple spaces within a building or property, such as whole

homes or a suite of meeting rooms, classrooms or offices.

The Light-Scene Engine AV will offer all of the above, but

by using an audio and video input selector, the addition of

Audio2Light scenes can be created such as RnB, Modern,

Soul-night, Romance, Clubbing, Classical, well suited for

media lounges, conference room, bars, clubs, VIP lounges,

restaurants, reception areas, dining areas and houses of

worship. furthermore Video2Light scenes can be created which

are good options for the cinema room, event spaces, clubs,

digital advertising and reception areas adding a touch of drama.

The new amBX Apps can be used on PC, iPad, MacBook

for remote control of the lighting scenes for stand-alone

systems. Also available is the new remote engine manager

for rapid fixture, space, universe, light-scene set up from any

location on the Internet. Remote management of the new

processors is also available for diagnostic purposes.

Key features offered by the new system include simultaneous

and multiple light-scene control for individual spaces, full

ambient, dynamic and interactive lighting control, full control of

intelligent white, RGB, RGBW and RGBA lights (DMX) and direct

audio and video to light control effects.

The system also offers a choice of 256+ Light-Scene choices

available and up to 256 selectable colour palettes per Light-Scene.

Sun-Light Solutions also offers a growing range of LED

lighting fixtures for differing scenarios, DMX drivers, PSU’s,

solutions for disguising the LED flex, translucent back lit

solutions as well as lighting design and concept drawings.

The Natural ApproachWith installers increasingly calling for ways to control natural

light as well as artificial, new UK launch QMotion is looking

to offer something compelling in this sector with its range of

automated wireless shading systems. Established already in

the US, Ian Claxton, director at QMotion UK, says: “QMotion

UK is now ready to set a new benchmark for automated

wireless free window treatments in the European market by

making the full QMotion range readily available.”

The main focus at the ISE was on the QMotion roller

shades which offer the advantages of no hard wiring to

the blind site as well as compatibility with building or home

automation control systems. Whether over dry contacts,

RS232 or RS485, QMotion says its products can deliver.

The company also demonstrated its new Drapery Track

system and Honeycomb collection that carries forward

patented technology and award-winning dual control features

of its wireless roller shade products. The company says

Honeycomb provides versatile usage with advanced fabrics

that supply a thermal barrier to ensure shading solutions

are fully compatible all year round. Also showcased was

the QMotion QLink, a product which offers a linked shading

system for multi-window coverage.

Other interesting features offered by the range is a manual

override for dual control, control can also be achieved with a

dedicated remote or over iOS or Andriod devices.

The company also says fitting is simple with a compact

shade tube and bracket construction, allowing installers to fit

window treatments efficiently without the need of re-wiring and

exposed wires or Rf antennas on display. The QMotion wireless

motorisation with fingertip control technology has a simple set up

after installation that can be programmed to learn the window’s

height in one step and deliver personalised alignments. The

system also includes a built-in safety stop braking system that

prevents the shade from passing over the top when rising.

Training in now available in the support area of the

QMotion UK website including product and installation

guides as well as step-by-step videos. All distributors receive

demonstrations of the products as well.

More Information

RGB Communications +44 (0)1488 73366

www.rgbcomms.co.uk

Control4 +44 (0)1347 812 300

www.control4.com

Helvar +44 (0)1322 222211, www.helvar.com

Legrand +44(0) 870 6089000, www.legrand.co.uk

Armour Home +44 (0)1279 501 111

www.armourhome.co.uk

Aldous Systems (Europe): +44 (0)1296 719582

www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Lutron +44 (0)207 7020657

www.lutron.com

QMotion +44 (0) 845 450 1606

www.qmotionshades.co.uk

Rako Controls +44 (0)1634 226666

www.rakocontrols.com

Sun-Light Solutions +44 (0)7887 634990

www.sun-lightsolutions.com

AWE +44 (0)1372 729 995, www.awe-europe.com

Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270 280, www.invisionuk.com

QMotion has now launched its range of automated blinds in the UK and across Europe

EssentialTraining

Essential Install 63Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to [email protected]

EssEntial trainingEvery 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

[email protected]

Training Dates

For more information and to book:01279 501111 // www.armourhome.co.uk/training T R A I N I N G A C A D E M Y

102: Systemline Modular Foundation

DATES: 25th Feb. 11th March, 29th April, 13th May, 3rd June Bishops Stortford

LEVEL: ENTRY

DURATION: 1 DAY

COURSE FEE: £150

LEVEL: Entry

DURATION: 1 Day

COURSE FEE: £150 (+VAT)

BENEFITS:

• After completing the course you will be able to supply Systemline Modular Single Source, Multi Source and TunePlay.

• Enter the world of the pre wire market and discuss new solutions that developers are interested in.

• Expand your client base by including an affordable, easily upgradable multi room audio system.

• Pre wire hundreds of properties for a fraction of the cost of traditional distribution systems.

DESCRIPTION:

• Systemline Modular is not available without completion of this course. We will discuss the advantages of a CAT5 wired system and how Modular is able to distribute audio using this well known data cable. Using the single source and multi source, multi zone system you will learn how to pre wire with

future upgrades in mind. Every product in the Systemline Modular range will be covered including, Systemline TunePlay. TunePlay enables the user to gain control of each zone, control iTunes via their Apple iPad/iPhone and listen to the music stored on their PC. There will be a “Hands on” approach and we will cover a lot of terminologies used by custom installers in todays world.

SKILLS GAINED:

• Ability to sell multi room audio systems.

• Plan, pre-wire and upgrade Modular systems using CAT5.

• Termination of CAT5 to speakers, keypads.

103: Systemline Modular Advanced Plus

DATES: 26th Feb, 12th March, 30th April, 14th May, 4th June Bishops Stortford

LEVEL: ADVANCED

DURATION: 1 DAY

COURSE FEE: £150 (+VAT)

DESCRIPTION:

• 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.

• 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 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.

NEWSystemline Product GuideDownload here:www.armourhome.co.uk/sysbrochure

Essential Install64

EssentialTraining

Do you have training dates you would like included in Essential Install? Send your information to [email protected]

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA)

CEDIA Technician EST1 Bootcamp: Feb 12, May 28, sep 25, nov 25 Health and Safety: Feb 13, May 30, sept 29, nov 24 Structured Cabling Workshop: Feb 18, april 8, Oct 14 Technical School and EST2 Exam: Feb 24, June 2, sept 29, nov 24 Residential Networking: Feb 25, March 11, June 3, July 8, nov 25 EST2 Certification Exam: Feb 28, May 30, Oct 3, nov 28 Designer Level 1 Certification Exam: Feb 28, May 30, nov 28 Networking School: March 11, July 8, Oct 21 Advanced Residential Networking: March 12, July 9, Oct 22 Wireless Residential Networking: March 13, July 10, Oct 23 Intro to Residential CI and Integration: March 18, June 10, sept 16, nov 13 Introduction to CAD Design: March 19, Oct 16 CEDIA Structured Cabling Assessor: March 20, June 12, sept 23, nov 18 Wired for Technology: March 25 CEDIA Certified Presenter: March 26, July 16, nov 12 Let’s Make Money: april 10 CEDIA Outreach Instructor: april 23, June 18, Oct 15, Dec 10 Residential Networking Specialist Exam: May 30 Home Cinema Design Workshop: June 11, aug 26

More Details: CEDia +44 (0)1480 213744, [email protected] www.cediaeducation.com/home

CAIBasic Home Networking & Connectivity 11 March 2014 at Watford, 20 May 2014 at Watford, 29 July 2014 at Watford, 30 september 2014 at Watford, 25 november 2014 at Watford

Introduction to IRS 19 & 20 February 2014 at Watford, 23 & 24 april 2014 at Watford, 16 & 17 July 2014 at Watford, 24 & 25 september 2014 at Watford ,12 & 13 november 2014 at Watford

Fibre Optics in Signal Distribution 26 February 2014 at swansea, 12 March 2014 at sheffield, 8 april 2014 at Watford, 17 June 2014 at Watford, 20 august 2014 at sheffield, 2 september 2014 at Watford, 18 november 2014 at Watford

SMATV & IRS Networks – Design & Build 5 & 6 March 2014 at Watford, 11 & 12 June 2014 at Watford, 17 & 18 september 2014 at Watford

to book any of the courses above contact [email protected] or call +44 (0)1923 803030

Clarity Alliance

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.

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

Registered Digital Institute

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.

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

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

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

Flat Panel TV Installation Cost £50 plus Vat

DTT Freeview Installation and Accreditation Cost £50 plus Vat

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

Pulse Marketing

Course: Introduction to Cinema

‘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

Amina

Selling, Specifying and Installing Amina Invisible Loudspeakers

February 27 Central london, March 12, Huntington, March 27, Central london, april 16: amina Huntingdon, May 22: Central london, June 18: amina Huntingdon

training will last approximately five hours and include a light lunch. to book email to [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1480 354390. training costs will be £75.00 + Vat for 2014 dates onward. Payment is required up front in order to book your place.

attendees will recieve a voucher on the day of training, entitling them to £100 + Vat off their next order, valid for 6 months.

The Multi-Room Company

april 2, May 28: Key Digital; System integration with Compass Control april 9, June 4: Centralite; Lighting management with Litejet april 16: Leviton; Essential home wiring april 23, June 25: Russound; Audio Everywhere. Comprehensive multi-room audio design april 30: Centralite; Lighting management with Elegance May 7: Key Digital; Removing the HD distribution headache May 14, June 18: Atlantic Technology; Five steps to home cinema May 21: Russound; C Series. Advanced audio distribution

all the courses will be hosted at the Multi-room Company’s Cheltenham offices by product director, Mike Bonnette and are free of charge to attend.

Call +44 (0)1242 511133 or email [email protected]

Control4

Control4 training Dates: 11-14 March, 25-28 March

all training is carried out at the company’s 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 [email protected]

New dates

New dates


Habitech/ProNet 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

EssentialTraining


Invision UK

Available Courses for 2013:- Elan g! level one

- 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

RGB Communications

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

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, [email protected]

Rako Lighting

Rako Foundation Course: May 9, June 6, July 11, august 8, september 5, October 10, november 7, December 5

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

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

to book a training date please contact sarah +44 (0)1634 226666 or email [email protected]

Essential Install 65

Eurosat Nationwide Roadshow

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

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

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

KNX (Ivory Egg)

KNX Certification Course

January 20-24, March 10-14, May 19-23, July 7-11, september-29 - October 3, november 10-14

this 5 day course takes place at ivory Egg HQ, and finishes off with the required exam to become a KnX Partner.

Essential Sales Training Programme Various Dates

Gira HomeServer training January 16-17, March 13-14, april 24-25 september 22-23, november 6-7

***NEW*** KNX Heating Training - February 2014 - 2 levels available

novice Day Feb 19 / level 1 February 20

More information +44(0)1243-572700, [email protected] www.ivoryegg.co.uk

ACA Apex

CRIS Installer Training Course

Feb 13, april 10, June 5, august 14, november 13, December 11

this one day course is free of charge For more information and book call +44 (0)1525 379933 or visit www.aca-apex.co.uk

New dates

Essential Install66 Sign up to the Essential Install twitter feed www.twitter.com/essentialinstal

NuVo Technologies has boosted custom installers’ options for configuring wireless multi-room music systems with a new

high-power, rack-mounted three-zone audio player.

The P3500 Player for the IP-based NuVo Wireless Audio System will play up to three different streaming sources

independently in three zones and provide up to 200W of power per zone.

When connected to the NuVo G100 Wi-Fi Gateway, the P3500 can be used alone or in a system with NuVo’s single-zone

wireless players or existing three-zone player, the NuVo P3100. The system lets listeners play streaming and networked music

sources using Apple or Android devices as the control.

“The new player makes it easier for installers to satisfy a wider variety of needs and still give their customers all the

convenience and flexibility of a wireless system,” says chief technology officer Rick Kukulies.

“We designed our system to handle the highest resolution audio sources of any multi-zone Wi-Fi-based system. The

amplifiers in the P3500 will let customers show just how good this system sounds at any volume level.”

The NuVo Wireless Audio System can operate as a standalone multi-room system with up to 16 separate zones, or

installers can configure it to operate as part of larger home control or home automation system made by other companies.

More information: +44 (0)1420 540054, www.nuvotechnologies.com

The new P3500 player from NuVo Technologies is for its Wireless Audio System

NEW THREE-ZONE PLAYER FROM NUVO

Arcam has launched a pre-processor that

aims to set a fresh benchmark for audiophile

quality performance in high-end home

cinema installations.

“The AV950 has been designed to

provide the finest sound in home cinema,”

says managing director Charlie Brennan. “It

delivers a level of sonic detail and emotional

connection that takes the listener to the very

heart of the cinematic or musical experience.

“Installers will appreciate the unit’s

compatibility with current and emerging technologies, such as 4K, the range of control options available and the product’s

inherent reliability. This is Arcam’s highest performing pre-processor ever.”

The video and audio stages on the AV950 feature integral 4K Ultra HD and 3D video capability and allow standard and

up to seven high-definition sources to be upscaled to any resolution. The AV950 includes auto set-up with room correction

and can be fully integrated within whole-house control systems through RS232 or IP connection.

For simple systems, Arcam offers a free iOS control App. 12V triggers and standard IR control options. An internal tuner

provides a fully integrated FM/DAB/DAB+ radio solution.

Worldwide access to radio stations is provided through the network connection, which also interfaces to uPnP audio

servers. The USB port supports memory devices as well as digital audio from an iPod, iPhone or iPad.

More information: Arcam +44 (0)1223 203200, www.arcam.co.uk

HOME CINEMA HIGHLIGHT FROM ARCAM

Installers will appreciate the unit’s compatibility with emerging technologies

EssentialProducts

NEW PRODUCTSA CANDY STORE OF CI CENTRIC KIT

EssentialProducts


AWE, has boosted its ultra-high definition portfolio with the addition of two Samsung UHD

screens. The UE55F9000 and UE65F9000 are proving a resounding success in the high-end

consumer marketplace, says the distributor. Sitting at 55in and 65in respectively, these screens

bring the same 4K resolution to the CI market as their bigger brother, the large scale S9.

“We’ve had the advantage of stocking the fantastic Samsung S9 and LG 84LM960V

for several months now. While they still remain the flagship models for both brands, it’s also

important for us to offer 4K screens of differing sizes,” explains Stuart Tickle, company MD.

The Samsung UE55F9000 and UE65F9000 also offer voice/face recognition, gesture control

and micro dimming, which lowers light levels in dark areas of the picture for deeper black levels

and contrast.

Together with Samsung’s flagship quad-core processing engine, active 3D playback is also

supported alongside the inbuilt Smart TV system.

More Information: AWE +44 (0)1372 729777, www.awe-europe.com

AWE HAS ExPANDED ITS RANGE OF SAMSUNG TVS

Denon has announced its first standalone USB Digital to

Analogue Converter to improve digital audio quality.

DA-300USB DAC boasts the same Advanced AL32

Processing and high precision 32-bit, 192kHz digital to

analogue conversion technologies that deliver the high

sound quality of Denon’s flagship CD/SACD players.

The DA-300USB enables audiophile playback of

computer music libraries and streaming audio from any PC

or Mac via a user’s Hi-Fi. It improves sound quality of other

digital audio devices such as

media players, CD and DVD

players, TVs and set-top

boxes, Apple TV and games

consoles.

USB-B input enables

computer stored music files

or streaming audio from

Internet music, video and

film services to be processed

and played via the DA-

300USB. The computer recognises the DA-300USB as an

external soundcard, bypassing its own lower-quality audio

electronics.

Any digital audio format that can be played from the

computer’s own media player can be processed by the

DA-300USB including MP3/MP4, AAC, ALAC, WAV and

FLAC HD (up to 24-bit, 192kHz) and DSD (the native file

format for SACD; in 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz resolution).

The 17 x 17 x 5.5cm DA-300USB can be positioned

horizontally or vertically, using

a supplied clip-on stand, to

fit in easily with any desktop

audio or Hi-Fi system.

Orientation of the display

changes with horizontal or

vertical positioning of the

unit.

More information: Denon

+44 (0)2890 279830

www.denon.co.uk

DAC WITH NO PLAYBACK FLACK

Users can playback computer music libraries and streaming audio from any PC or Mac

Invision UK is to distribute Furman’s CN-3600 SE surge protector and power sequencer with SmartSequencing technology

enabling AV kit to be powered on or off without risk of damage.

The technology combines robust control capabilities via the SmartSequencing technology, advanced AC protection, AC

noise filtration and optional compatibility with local power management. It is equipped with an RS232 port and command set

for integration with control systems.

The eight EIC power outlets are arranged in four pairs: three of the pairs can be controlled by RS232 to provide local power

cycling of equipment via a control system particularly useful for Sky boxes. A future addition will be the RS232 to Ethernet

adapter to allow remote power cycling as well as remote power and energy management via Furman’s new ‘Bluebolt’ platform.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer this impressive solution to our dealers,” says Invision UK sales specialist Chris Dawson.

“The ability to power on and off without any damage risks is obviously a crucial one, and Furman’s CN-3600 SE is the leading

solution on the market.”

More information: Invision UK +44 (0)1359 270280, www.invisionuk.com

DAMAGE LIMITATION FROM INVISION

SmartSequencing enables complex AV kit to be powered on or off without risk of damage

Essential Install68

EssentialProducts


Geneva has blended its trademark

minimalist design with full-range audio

quality to embrace every element of

home entertainment.

Model XXL is a complete home

theatre and music sound system with

DAB and FM radio, Apple AirPlay

and Bluetooth streaming, housed in a

slender cabinet. The model connects

home theatre and music players,

smartphones and tablets with a discrete

seven-speaker sound system.

The slim-profile XXL comes in red,

white and black lacquer finishes and at

just over a metre in length is designed

to host flat TV screens up to 65in. A

full-length grille conceals storage space

for cable box, game console, Blu-ray or

DVD player.

The seven speakers in five acoustic chambers are driven

by DSP-tuned amplifiers generating a total of 589W. With

seven analogue/digital inputs including 3 x HDMI 1.4 and

advanced 3D audio processing, it captures TV, film and game

surround sound from a choice of source components.

Its high-fidelity audio performance will also get the most

from phones, tablets and PCs and a range of radio options,

all contained by a minimalist design in the classic Geneva

style. System control is through an easy-to-use handset and

a clear LED display.

Engineered in Switzerland, the Model XXL is Airplay,

Bluetooth, FM, DAB/DAB+, speakers and amplifiers all in

one. The design aims to generate the full-range quality and

presence of today’s home cinema and music sources, but

avoid the clutter of boxes and wires.

More information: Geneva +44 (0)843 5236344

www.genevalab.com

Model XXL offers home theatre sound and wireless streaming in a single cabinet

AUDIO MEETS TV IN GENEVA

Meridian celebrated 25 years of Digital

Loudspeaker innovation at the International CES in

Las Vegas at the start of this anniversary year.

Meridian used the show to mark a quarter of

a century since the launch of the company’s first

digital loudspeaker and the first digital loudspeaker

in the world, the D600, unveiled in 1989.

Products ranged from the D600 to present-day

kit and included the new-launch Special Edition

series of DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers. They

feature a beryllium domed tweeter, new electronics

and driver clamp rings to deliver Meridian’s highest-

performing DSP Digital Active Loudspeaker.

Also on show were the G55 and G57 Power

Amplifiers. Meridian is re-introducing 5- and 2-channel

amplifiers, enabling their surround controllers like the new G65 - also on show - to drive third-party passive loudspeakers.

The G65 is designed to operate with the HD621 HDMI Processor.

This separates out high-definition video and audio, increasing the quality of both. The launch of the G65 marks the 20th

anniversary of the Meridian 565, the world’s first Digital Surround Controller.

Meridian also exhibited the latest in its expanding line of personal audio products including the recently-launched Prime

Headphone Amplifier and new Prime Power Supply.

More information: Meridian +44(0)1480 445678, www.meridian-audio.com

MERIDIAN POPS THE CORKS FOR 25 YEARS

Picture this: Meridian’s Prime Headphone Amplifier & Prime Power Supply was on show


EssentialProducts


Datasat Digital Entertainment has launched the LS10 boasting fully

immersive 3D sound with speaker configurations up to 13.1 when using Auro-

3D Technology.

The processor delivers the clean, precise and realistic sound that

filmmakers and artists intend and focuses on features such as Dolby

TrueHD, DTS Master Audio and DTS Neo:X. The LS10 is also available as

an option with Auro-3D.

This enables both upmixing of standard content and decoding of native

Auro-3D content, for up to 13.1 discrete channels of surround sound.

In addition to enhancing the latest movie and music releases the Datasat LS10 enhances the enjoyment of game

playing and streaming sports to become the cornerstone of a cutting-edge home entertainment system.

Key features include 15 channels to enable configurations up to 13.1 with stereo sub-woofers, 10 band parametric EQ

per channel for precision control, eight HDMI audio and video inputs and IR Remote and Network Control via VNC for iOS

and Android devices.

“Datasat works in conjunction with movie studios and filmmakers worldwide to maximise the use of digital surround sound

on their movies and our audio technology drives movie theatres worldwide,” says group chief executive officer Ciaran Doran.

“With our close relationship with Auro Technologies, the Datasat LS10 offers integrated support to the Auro-3D

immersive sound format for home audiences to experience blockbuster movies such as Elysium and Ender’s Game as they

were originally intended.”

More information: Datasat +44 (0)1189 349 199 www.datasatdigital.com

NEW HOME CINEMA PROCESSOR FROM DATASAT Datasat works with movie studios and filmmakers to maximise use of digital surround sound

Optoma unveiled a new full HD 3D projector that harnesses ground-breaking LED

technology at Sound & Vision, the recent Bristol Show.

Head of product management Justin Halls says of the HD91: “A huge

advantage of this new projector is that it uses the latest LED technology,

which offers consistent brightness and colour performance, maintaining its

out-of-the-box image quality throughout its lifetime.

“The perceived brightness from the HD91 can be twice that of an equivalent

lamp-based projector. This means it can comfortably handle low levels of ambient

light with less impact on image quality than traditional lamp-based systems.”

Justin adds: “It will not have the inconvenience and cost of frequent lamp changes. It also doesn’t need lengthy warm-up

and cool-down cycles due to its almost instant start-up and shut-down times. And because LEDs need less cooling than

traditional bulbs, it is almost silent when it is running.”

The 7kg compact size of the HD91 simplifies installation while full-lens shift and wide 1.9x zoom range ensures flexibility.

Cinema, TV and gamer buffs will be able to experience 3D digital cinema quality in their homes for Blu-ray, games and TV

through the new HD91 projector.

The fourth generation of Optoma frame insertion technology gives advanced motion control processing that eliminates

motion blurring or image judder.

More information: Optoma +44 (0)1923 691 800, www.optoma.co.uk

The latest LED technology offers consistent brightness and colour performance

OPTOMA PROJECTS ITS NEWEST IMAGE

LG Electronics unveiled the world’s first 21:9 aspect

ratio curved ultra HD TV at the recent International

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The 105UB9 premium TV is also the company’s first curved

ultra UD model. It is officially the largest curved TV ever made.

Its cinematically proportioned 21:9 CinemaScope screen

enables users to access viewing information on the side of

the screen without blocking any of the on-going action. It

boasts an 11 million pixel (5120 x 2160) screen resolution.

To realise the TV’s curvature, new technology was

introduced to resolve issues such as maintaining structural

integrity and delivering uniform colour and brightness across

such a large screen. Until now, OLED panels were preferred

for curved displays because they generated their own light.

LG Display overcame the challenge of uneven

backlighting by refining its Thin Film Transistor (TFT) pixel

circuit technology to prevent colour leakage and to ensure a

superior viewing experience from virtually any angle.

“LG Display has kept its dominant position in the display

market with innovative and differentiated technologies,” says

senior vice president Yong-kee Hwang. “With a resolution

of 11 million pixels, the 105-inch curved LCD panel is

proof of our continued leadership in the next generation

display market, offering exceptional world-class value to our

customers.”

More information: LG Electronics +44 (0)844 8475454

www.lg.com/uk

LG BOASTS A WORLD-FIRST TV

DUE TOINDUSTRYDEMAND OURSOUTHERN SHOWHAS EXPANDEDAND IS NOW 2 DAYS!

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RS2014A1.pdf 1 25/09/2013 16:07

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Essentialcontacts


Access & Door control/security systems

AcA-Apex ltdt: +44 (0)1525 379933E: [email protected]: www.aca-apex.co.uk

cave Products ltd t: +44 (0)1279 420529E: [email protected]: www.caveproducts.com

control 4t: +44 (0)800 1217702 E: [email protected]: www.control4.com

ivory egg (uK) ltdt: +44 (0)1243 572700E: [email protected]: www.knxshop.co.uk

legrand electric ltdt: +44 (0) 870 608 9020 E: [email protected]: www.legrand.co.uk

BrAcKets, rAcKs, suPPort & mounting ProDucts


Antiference limitedt: +44 (0)1675 465487E: [email protected]: www.antiference.co.uk

AVF group ltdt: +44 (0)1952 670009 W: www.avf.co.uk

Bryant unlimitedt: +44 (0)208 4044050E: [email protected]: www.bryant-broadcast.co.uk

B-tech international ltdt: +44 (0)1327 300787E: [email protected]: www.btechavmounts.com


BrAcKets, rAcKs, suPPort & mounting ProDucts (continueD)

enclosure systems at canfordt: +44 (0)191 418 1177E: [email protected]: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk

g.J. electronics ltdt: +44 (0)1303 814224F: +44 (0)1303 814073E: [email protected]: www.gjelectronics.co.uk

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

Harry B litherland & co ltdt: +44 (0)1253 607830E: [email protected]: www.hblitherland.co.uk

HD media Partnershipt: +44 (0)1242 580688E: [email protected]: www.aceonline.co.uk


mDA Designst: +44 (0)844 9099898 E: [email protected]: www.mda-designs.co.uk

milestonet: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: [email protected]: www.milestone.com

Peerless-AV t: +44 (0)1923 200100E: [email protected]: www.peerless-av.com

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

rgB communications ltdt: +44 (0)1488 73366E: [email protected]: www.rgbcomms.co.uk

ContaCt DirECtoryCall +44 (0)1634 673163 to book your Essential Contact entry

Essentialcontacts

Essential Install72

tDit: +44 (0)1256 397770E: [email protected]: www.tdigroup.co.uk

the tV shield (A division of ce-tek)t: +44 (0)1298 872233E: [email protected] W: www.thetvshield.co.uk

Visiont: +44 (0)1604 662748E: [email protected]: www.vision-products.co.uk

Vogel’s Products uK ltdt: +44 (0)330 2020980 E: [email protected]: www.vogels.com

ADVAnceD tV

sync-boxt: +44 (0) 1892 838860 E: [email protected]: www.sync-box.com

AeriAl DistriBution


AmPliFiers/Pre AmPs AnD AVrs

iKon AVs t: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: [email protected]: www.ikonavs.com


yamaha music europe gmbH (uK)t: +44 (0)1908 366700 W: www.uk.yamaha.com

AuDio VisuAl solutions


Alltrade: sonos, celexont: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk

Amina technologies ltdt: +44 (0)1480 354390E: [email protected] W: www.amina.co.uk

Artcoustic loudspeakerst: +44 (0)1245 400904 E: [email protected] W: www.artcoustic.com

Anthony gallo Acousticst: +44 (0)1555 666883E: [email protected] W: www.anthonygallo.co.uk

Aquavision –Available from invision uKt: +44 (0)1359 270280E: [email protected]: www.invisionuk.com


Dls swedent : +44 (0)1555 667288E : [email protected]: www.dlsaudio.co.uk

elipson – exclusively from BBg Distribution ltdt: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: [email protected] W: www.bbg.eu.com

enclosure systems at canfordt: +44 (0)191 418 1177E: [email protected]: www.enclosuresystems.co.uk





marata Visiont: +44 (0)1923 495595 E: [email protected]: www.marata.co.uk

Essentialcontacts



the multi-room company ltd t: +44 (0)1242 511133E: [email protected] W: www.multi-room.com

midwichHomet: +44 (0)1379 646889E: [email protected]: www.midwichhome.com

PictureFrame.tVt: +44 (0)20 81446060E: [email protected]: www.pictureframe.tv

Pro Displayt: +44 (0)870 7668438E: [email protected]: www.prodisplay.com

Pulse marketingt: +44 (0)8455 618884W: www.pulsemarketing.comW: www.homecinemagallery.com


smartcomm ltdt: +44 (0)1494 471912 E: [email protected]: www.smartcomm.co.uk

smart-e ltdt: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: [email protected]: www.smart-e.co.uk



ukeuroAVt: +44 (0)1303 844000 E: [email protected]: www.ukeuroav.com

unicam Audio Visual t: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: [email protected]: www.unicamgroup.com

cABles & cABle Accessories


Alltrade: coaxial, cAt5/6, Fibre, speaker t: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk


Armour Home electronicst: +44 (0)1279 501111 E: [email protected] W: www.armourhome.co.uk

Asheridge communications ltdt: +44 (0)1494 794770 E: [email protected]: www.ashcomms.com

Atlonat: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: [email protected]: www.atlona.com

Bryant unlimitedt: +44 (0)208 4044050E: [email protected]: www.bryant-broadcast.co.uk



eurosat Distribution ltdt: +44 (0)208 2084444E: [email protected]: www.eurosat.com

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


Essential Install74

Habitech ltd: structured cable Products (scP)t: +44 (0)1420 540054E: [email protected] W: www.habitech.co.uk


KeyFibre network components, s.l.ut: +44 (0)7917 831971E: [email protected]: www.keyfibre.com



solutions group (uK) Plct: +44 (0)8456 444000E: [email protected]: www.solutionsgroup-plc.com


triax uK ltdt: +44 (0)845 6010578E: [email protected]: www.triax.co.uk


cABles mAnAgement


D-line (europe) limitedt: +44 (0)191 2360960t: +44 (0)191 2360979E: [email protected] W: www.d-line.co.uk

controls/Dimmer switcHes



Futronix ltdt: +44 (0)1883 373333 E: [email protected]

W: www.futronix.com





rako controls ltdt: +44 (0)1634 226666E: [email protected]: www.rakocontrols.com


DistriBution comPAnies

Audio Visual material ltdt: +44 (0)1252 510363 E: [email protected] W: www.avmltd.co.uk

BBg Distribution ltdt: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: [email protected] W: www.bbg.eu.com



Essentialcontacts





true colourst: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: [email protected]: www.true-colours.net


FiBre oPtics solutions/rePAirs


Aerials & cable equipment ltdt: +44 (0)1242 511511E: [email protected]: www.aceonline.co.uk

Alltrade: global, Fracarro, televest: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk

Asheridge communications ltdt: +44 (0)1494 794770E: [email protected]: www.ashcomms.com





satellite By Fibret: +44 (0)845 6430144E: [email protected]: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk

satsearcht: +44 (0)845 6430144E: [email protected]

W: www.satsearch.co.uk



Home cinemA seAting & AV Furniture

Ateca - exclusively from BBg Distribution ltdt: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: [email protected] W: www.bbg.eu.com


cineakt: +32 3 3540366E: [email protected]: www.cineak.com




milestonet: +44 (0)207 0432926 E: [email protected]: www.milestone.com

Essentialcontacts

Essential Install76

norstone - exclusively from BBg Distribution ltdt: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: [email protected] W: www.bbg.eu.com







custome instAll/AV mAnuFActurers


FttH networKs


HDmi & HDmi DistriBution

Aldous systems (europe) ltd t: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: [email protected]: www.aldoussystems.co.uk

Alltrade: cyP, triax, Antiference t: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk



Atlonat: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: [email protected]: www.atlona.com





HD connectivity ltdt: +44 (0)1684 576 348E: [email protected]: www.hdconnectivity.com/trade

HD media Partnershipt: +44 (0)1242 580688E: [email protected]: www.aceonline.co.uk


smart-e ltdt: +44 (0)1306 628264 E: [email protected]: www.smart-e.co.uk


tDit: +44 (0)1256 397770E: [email protected]

W: www.tdigroup.co.uk

Essentialcontacts




wyrestorm technologies europe ltdt: +44 (0)1793 230343 m: +44 (0)7921 003954W: www.wyrestorm.eu

Home AutomAtion & multi-room systems


Aldous systems (europe) ltd t: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: [email protected] W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk




genesis technologiest: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: [email protected]: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk


Habitech ltd: nuVo technologies; controlFX, Vision HDt: +44 (0)1420 540054E: [email protected] W: www.habitech.co.uk

HD connectivity ltdt: +44 (0)1684 576 348E: [email protected]: www.hdconnectivity.com/trade

iKon AVs t: +44 (0)1299 250991 E: [email protected]: www.ikonavs.co

ivory egg (uK) ltdt: +44 (0)1243 572700 E: [email protected] W: www.knxshop.co.uk






rgB communications ltdt: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: [email protected] W: www.rgbcomms.co.uk


smart-e ltdt: +44 (0)1306 628264E: [email protected]: www.smart-e.co.uk



uvem limitedt: +44 (0)845 4561220E: [email protected]

W: www.uvem.com

Essentialcontacts

Essential Install78

wyrestorm technologies europe ltdt: +44 (0)1793 230343 m: +44 (07921 003954W: www.wyrestorm.eu

Home cinemA



gecko inc ltdt: +44 (0)845 2622882W: www.geckohomecinema.com






sim2 uK ltdt: +44 (0)1825 750850E: [email protected]: www.sim2.co.uk


HVAc control systems

intelligent controls (uK) ltdt: +44 (0)1342 717748E: [email protected]: www.intelligent-controls.co.uk


integrAteD recePtion system (irs)


ligHting control systems




Futronix ltdt: +44 (0)1883 373333 E: [email protected]: www.futronix.com





rako controls ltdt: +44 (0)1634 226666E: [email protected]: www.rakocontrols.com


mAins conDitioning & DistriBution


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 sys-tems. 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. 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.

Essentialcontacts


isol-8 teknologies limitedt: +44 (0)208 8568856 E: [email protected]: www.isol-8.co.uk

meDiA serVers

Aldous systems (europe) ltd t: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: [email protected]

W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk


uvem limitedt: +44 (0)845 4561220E: [email protected]: www.uvem.com

mirror/sPeciAlist custome instAll tVs

Alltrade: Videotreet: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk

Aquavision –Available from invision uKt: +44 (0)1359 270280E: [email protected]: www.invisionuk.com

impact screen solutionst: +44 (0)1273 735476m: +44 (0)7515 995776E: [email protected]: www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk


mirrormedia ltd t: +44 (0)870 3866333E: [email protected]: www.mirrormedia.com




redline sound solutionst: +44 (0)1268 858222E: [email protected] W: www.red-line.co.uk


unicam Audio Visual t: +44 (0)871 2262886 E: [email protected]

W: www.unicamgroup.com

PA systems/DistriBution


Power socKet


ProFessionAl AV systems

midwicht: +44 (0)1379 649200E: [email protected]: www.midwich.com

Home cinemA ProJectors

Audio Visual material ltdt: +44 (0)1252 510363 E: [email protected] W: www.avmltd.co.uk

Draper group ltdt: +44 (0)1536 203101 E: [email protected]: www.drapergroupltd.co.uk

ProJectors, ProJection screens & ProJector liFt moDels

genesis technologiest: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: [email protected]: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk


Habitech ltd: JVc, weis (screens)t: +44 (0)1420 540054E: [email protected] W: www.habitech.co.uk

Essentialcontacts

Essential Install80


impact screen solutionst: +44 (0)1273 735476m: +44 (0)7515 995776E: [email protected]: www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk

JVc europe limitedt: +44 (0)20 8208 7676E: [email protected]: www.jvc.co.uk

marata Visiont: +44 (0)1923 495595E: [email protected]: www.marata.co.uk





sim2 uK ltdt: +44 (0)1825 750850E: [email protected]: www.sim2.co.uk

true colourst: +44 (0)1252 876300 E: [email protected]: www.true-colours.net


sAtellite & uHF DistriBution


Aerials & cable equipment ltdt: +44 (0)1242 511511E: [email protected]: www.aceonline.co.uk

Alltrade Aerial & satellite limitedt: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk

Antiference limitedt: +44 (0)1675 465487E: [email protected]

W: www.antiference.co.uk



satellite By Fibret: +44 (0)845 6430144E: [email protected]: www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk



smArt glAss


sPeAKers/suBs

AcA-Apex ltdt: +44 (0)1525 379933 E: [email protected]: www.aca-apex.co.uk

Aldous systems (europe) ltd t: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: [email protected]

W: www.aldoussystems.co.uk


Essentialcontacts



Alltrade: sonos, Blucubet: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk

Anthony gallo Acousticst: +44 (0)1555 666883E: [email protected]

W: www.anthonygallo.co.uk

Dls swedent : +44 (0)1555 667288E : [email protected]: www.dlsaudio.co.uk

elipson – exclusively from BBg Distribution ltdt: +44 (0)1923 205610 E: [email protected] W: www.bbg.eu.com

genesis technologiest: +44 (0)203 2394120 E: [email protected]

W: www.genesistechnologies.co.uk

Habitech ltd: sonance, Dlst: +44 (0)1420 540054E: [email protected] W: www.habitech.co.uk






yamaha music europe gmbH (uK)t: +44 (0)1908 366700 W: www.uk.yamaha.com

trADe AssociAtion

cAit: +44 (0)1923 803030F: 01923 803203E: [email protected]: www.cai.org.uk

trAining ProVision

cAit: +44 (0)1923 803030F: 01923 803203E: [email protected]: www.cai.org.uk


tools AnD test equiPment

Alltrade Aerial & satellite limitedt: +44 (0)844 2252700E: [email protected]: www.alltrade.co.uk





tV Protection DeVices


Essentialcontacts


Be sure to follow us on twitter @Essentialinstal for the latest news.

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Keep up to date with show newsfrom @EILiveSouth #EILive

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Documents

Essential Install - February 2014 issue