SVI - Inside CI
Transcription
SVI - Inside CI
SOUNDVISIONINSTALL SVI THE TRADE’S FINEST HOME ELECTRONICS RESOURCE ISSUE 93 AUGUST 2012 www.svimag.com £2.95 where sold INVISIBLE TOUCH Seamlessly heard but not seen, SpeakerCraft’s latest sound ideas provide pure aural pleasure… EXPERT AV ALL AT SEA ON THE CRESTON WAVE WITH AV SYNERGY’S AWESOME OCEANGOING INSTALL: WELCOME ABOARD THE DB9 TURKISH DELIGHT ON TOUR IN ISTANBUL WITH AV FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EXPERTS SONOROUS SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 2 SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 3 SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 4 10 16 30 THIS ISSUE 6 INDUSTRY NEWS All the AV and CI industry events currently making the headlines 10 WHAT’S NEW? A lot’s new, that’s what; including the cool new Roth Sub Zero soundbar, a sexy new Swiss soundsystem from Lenco, simply NCredible headphones from Monster and much, much more! 16 CASESTUDY: OCEANIC OPULENCE AV Synergy goes overboard on ocean-going Crestron excellence on an installation aboard the slickest boat afloat, the DB9… HOW VERY AUGUST 34 INSIDE CI Our regular rant-conteur returns as Not-FromNewcastle DAVE SLATER brings us his round-up of the month in install from deep Inside CI 36 TOUCHING BASE-T Everything you ever wanted to know about Wyrestorm and the singular industry storming single-cable marvel that is HD BaseT but were too afraid to ask… 37 INSTALLATION NATION The latest low-down on all the news, products, people and dates shaping the CI trade 40 AV WITH ATTITUDE: SCANDYNA Shallow it may be, but we turn our attention this issue to the importance of looks when it comes to absolute audio-visual excellence. Case in point… 20 CEDIA COMMENT Back to bring us up to date with all the latest Association announcements, MATT NIMMONS presents this month’s CEDIA insider 22 CLARITY OF THOUGHT Following the recent London launch of the all new Clarity Alliance, PHIL HANSEN brings us fresh ideas and insight on the future of the AV industry 42 PROFILE: APART AUDIO Celebrating 20 years of sound supremacy, we join APart in Antwerp for the launch of its allnew logo and masterly VINCI range 43 TRAINING DIARY Want to garner more grasp, expand your expertise and train your way to the top of the tree? Then let our guide help you find your way 24 FURNISHING THE FUTURE Looking to up your revenue and really kick the cash back into your business? You need to be able to offer your customers or clients that something extra. You need to offer them some essential AV furniture… 44 MOVERS & SHAKERS The directory of the leading lights in home electronics, alphabetised for your convenience 30 PROFILE: SONOROUS Back from the sun-baked banks of the Bosphorus, STUART PRITCHARD looks at the latest and hottest contender to enter the UK AV furniture and accessories market 50 INDUSTRY INSIGHT: CE-TEK Offering a warm welcome into our marketplace, we speak to ALEX BENNET from CE-TEK about origins, outlook and the company’s first release: the al fresco, unbreakable TV Shield 32 AV OVERVIEW: SPEAKERCRAFT Delivering an invisible touch that would leave even Phil ‘Buster’ Collins dazzled, we take a loving listen to the audio excellence of SpeakerCraft’s Seamless speakers Hello and welcome to, not just the latest, hotter than a BBQ in Hell, issue of the AV and CI industry’s undoubted number one read, read but b t also what hat the experts at the Met will be soon calling ‘the most glorious August on record’. That’s right, while the latter statement may just be the fancifully unsubstantiated daydream of a summer-sick mind, the former is more than justified when it comes to the overflowing factpacked paper goodness you now hold in your info- and entertainment-eager hands. Exactly what do we have in store this SVI? A cavalcade of companies, comment and kit from Crestron to Clarity, an array of awe-inspiring AV and install insight from APart and AMX, and a smorgasbord of sound and style from Sonorous to Scandyna. Add to this an AV Synergy superyacht case study, all the news, views and reviews from CEDIA, Invision and our man Inside CI, and there it is: an issue hotter than a flaming nymphomaniac. So sit back now under the oppressive August sun, perhaps with G&T in hand, and immerse yourself in the all-encompassing eye-on-the-industry that is SVI; because you’re worth it… I hope that isn’t subject to copyright. Coming up next issue we’ll be delving into the myriad delights of multi-room AV, dabbling with iPod and Android docks, and looking ahead to the double whammy of CEDIA US in Indianapolis and the IFA in Berlin. In the meantime I’m off to slip into my Speedos and have Bonnie and Chantell smear me in sun cream. See you next month! Stuart Pritchard Editor Trade Associations: 1st July 10 - 30th June 2011 - 4,303 PLEASE SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: SVI, 25 PHOENIX COURT, HAWKINS ROAD, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO2 8JY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER If you’re not in the trade, you don’t have to miss out on SVI subscribe today for just £29.95 a year. Please call: +44 (0)1206 505965 for more information. STALL SOUNDVISIONIN DYNALITE SEE THE A LIGHT ON THE COOLEST SHINING INSTALL IN KENT: CONTEMPORARY TE PRESENTING THE TRIUMVIRA PHILIPS DYNALITE TALENTS OF AWE, AND TECHNOPHOBE… SVI SVI S SORIE ACCES AC SOU NDV S ISIONINSTA ALL AREA LL BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHERWE BRING INEAR, INTERCO ECTS TO AROUND FROM INTERCONN AV ACCS F UND UP THE FINEST ROUND NICS RESOURCE HOME ELECTRO £2.95 where sold ag.com THE TRADE’S FINEST ISSUE 93 JUNE/JULY 2012 www.svim SAFE AS SES SMAR SM THOU DEFT, DEXTEROUS THE MOST TH AND DESIRABLE DIGITAL DEFENCES POSSIBLE AN’S B BECAUSE AN ENGLISHM HOME IS HIS CASTLE… EXPERT AV ALL AT SEA SVI is the UK’s premier trade title dedicated to serving the needs of the AV and custom installation industries. The sole business publication of its ilk to have a proven distribution afforded by ABC certification, you can guarantee your message reaches those it is intended to. For advertising and promotional enquiries please contact: ON THE CRESTON SYNERGY’S AWESOME WAVE WITH AV INSTALL: WELCOME OCEANGOING ABOARD THE DB9 TURKISH DELIGHT ON TOUR IN ISTANBUL WITH AV FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EXPERTS SONOROUS THE TRADE’S FINEST HOME ELECTRO ISSUE 93 AUGUST NICS RESOURCE 2012 www.svim ag.com £2.95 where sold 50 US YEARS OU FABULO mir d R Series Gets KEF’s Much Admire ver MakeoISIB rsaryINV ers A Golden Annive LE TOUCH Seamlessly heard but SpeakerCraft’s latest not seen, sound ideas provide pure aural pleasu re… Bonnie Howard +44 (0)1206 506 249 [email protected] Chantell Keston +44 (0)1206 506 254 [email protected] www.svimag.com 5 SVI INDUSTRY NEWS AWARDS APLENTY FOR FREESAT It’s fiesta time at Freesat, as the free-to-air digital satellite behemoth scoops the Best Training Award for Consumer Electronics at the Independent Business Awards in recognition of its commitment to training employees of its retail trade partners – the same accolade it scooped in 2011. Doubling up on the goings, Freesat was also victorious in the Special Representation category, with Steve Valentine recognised for his outstanding work as a Freesat representative. Steve was praised by independent electrical retailers in recognition of the support and advice he has given them over the last year. Will Abbott, Freesat Marketing and Communications Director said: “We’re delighted and proud of the achievements of both Steve and the whole team. Winning the Best Training Award for the second year underlines our belief in outstanding training, while Steve’s Special Representation Award rightly recognises his hard work, and Freesat’s on-going commitment to the independent retail sector.” A double double-whammy for the subscription-free satellite TV service, Freesat also won two awards last year, taking the Best Training Award for Consumer Electronics and the award for Best Advertising Campaign for Consumer Electronics. That award cabinet must be getting awfully cramped. www.freesat.co.uk Industry News New Sonorous MD Paul McCarthy The Who-What-Where-When-Why of AV MUSIC TO AV FURNITURE EARS Europe’s largest AV furniture manufacturer, Sonorous, has announced ambitious plans to grow its premium UK business. A new company, Sonorous (UK) ltd, has been formed and Paul McCarthy, formerly Commercial Director of Alphason, has been appointed Managing Director. Paul will work with co-director Barry Marsh and the existing team to spearhead Sonorous UK’s growth, with additional key appointments to be announced in the coming months. The company’s range of premium European made AV support furniture will be expanded for the UK market, creating a portfolio of products offering design, quality and real value to retailers. Commenting on this development, Murat Ongor Managing Partner of parent company Sonorous, said, “We are very excited with the dynamic growth of our sales and marketing activities in the UK and the formation of a dedicated UK company. The UK remains one of the most active CE and accessory markets in Europe and we are extremely well placed to develop our business in this region. As the UK market for AV furniture and accessories matures, we consider ourselves better placed than ever to serve and develop this market.” Setting out the company’s plans for the UK, Paul McCarthy added, “The Sonorous product offer is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the evolving UK market. With the move away from budget glass to more premium Co-Director and Radio Caroline DJ designer furniture, our range is Barry Marsh incredibly strong with high levels of functionality and finish. In addition, we have a very strong range of brackets and accessories, including some fantastic innovations such as our new Sound Bar bracket. We will be keenly focused on developing strong relationships with our retail partners and offering the highest levels of retail support. Our retail development team is already in place to deliver this and we are looking to significantly expand our presence on the High Street.” Established in Turkey in 2004, Sonorous is now a global player serving over 50 countries worldwide. They enjoy market leading position in France and Germany as well as in Turkey. All of Sonorous’ furniture is manufactured in their own state of the art factory in Istanbul. The factory complies with all ethical and technical standards and only uses wood from FSC approved sources. www.sonorous.com DOMINIC EFFECT FOR AGA Led Zeppelin obsessed, leading tech PR agency, Andy Giles Associates is delighted to announce the addition of Dominic Dawes to its dynamic team of PR professionals. Dominic joins AGA on 1st August from Haymarket Media Group, where he is currently Brand Editor for What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, the world’s leading media brand for consumer-facing audio and audio-visual product reviews. Said Dominic of the move to the Dark Side from Editorial to PR: “I am thrilled by the opportunity to join such a dynamic, professional and well-connected PR agency as AGA and to help it take its next, confident strides into the future. “My time at What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision has been a wonderful experience and I’ve learned an extraordinary amount alongside great colleagues. I will have entirely fond memories, but the opportunity to work with the leading specialist PR agency in the tech field, along with the chance to be a part of their ambitious plans for the future, was simply too good to ignore.” Prior to his employment at Haymarket Media Group, Dominic forged a successful career as a freelance technology journalist, contributing to a wide range of titles such as Stuff, Gramophone, Guitarist, Home Entertainment, High Life, and Hi-Fi Choice. In addition to his publishing expertise, Dominic is an accomplished guitarist who has played regularly with established musicians such as Yolanda Charles (Paul Weller, Robbie Williams), Jack Pollitt (Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Beverly Knight) and Nemo Jones (Faithless). AGA senior partner Andy Giles said of the addition: “AGA is a close-knit band of talented PR professionals, all of whom have enjoyed successful media careers as journalists and editors, and all of whom have a deep passion for consumer technology. Dominic is a perfect fit for AGA, and AGA is a perfect fit for Dominic; his experience at the helm of a market-leading digital and print media brand further enriches our client offering, and the fact that he can play the whole of Led Zeppelin IV without missing a note is the icing on the cake!” See? Obsessed… www.andygilesassociates.co.uk 6 www.svimag.com AMX UPS THE EMPLOYMENT ANTE SCHNEPEL TO FURNISH THE UK German AV Furniture brand Schnepel has announced a new partnership with Demagio to help the firm thoroughly furnish the UK market. In business since 1969, Schnepel concentrated solely on European markets until they found a suitable partner in the UK, which is exactly what they’ve found in Demagio, a company fronted by a man with a truly epic amount of experience in the AV furniture market, Antony Haase. Kai Schnepel, CEO of Schnepel GmbH has said of the partnership: “This is a beginning for Schnepel in the UK, and whilst we are under no illusions about the market as it stands today, we are in this for the longhaul. We are renowned for taking a long term view, and this is no exception. We see Demagio as a strategic partner, who has the ability to build the business in a manner suited to us, with very little pressure to be placed on either partner. Our products are sufficiently unique for us to have a point of difference, and the Demagio team understand our philosophies and are pleased to implement them in the UK market.” Antony also commented: “We were looking for a family owned, ethical company with true values, and when Schnepel agreed to partner with us we were delighted. We will endeavour to offer a good value, clean brand, with good opportunities for the retailer, and good choices for the consumer. In-built power sockets and remote control lifts, alongside some of the most unique finishes I have seen, make this a fantastic proposition that I hope our existing customers will buy into.” The Schnepel range starts at under £220 and peaks at £2000 with a marquee product in the X Line Exclusive with remote control screen lift as a stand-alone product available in many finishes. There are three main lines and each has its own place in the market, with the VariC range starting the programme, ELF as the mid-range line and X Line completing the family. Finishes include Concrete, Real Slate and, of course, very high gloss black and white, standing alongside real wood and coloured veneers. The choices are many, and Schnepel are sure there is a product for most people and most environments. T: +44 (0)1604 653 832 E: [email protected] www.demagio.co www.schnepel.com After a record breaking start to 2012, AMX Europe is further strengthening its position with a strategic new addition to its sales and marketing team. With a wealth of marketing communications experience, gained most recently at Pioneer GB Ltd, Nicolette Minnie assumes the position of European Marketing Manager. In joining the company, Nicolette will be responsible for the consolidation and execution of marketing strategy for AMX Europe; maximising the company’s presence across all communication platforms. Building on the momentum achieved to date, Nicolette will strengthen and support the sales strategy for the company’s portfolio of unified control and automation solutions, including the award-winning Enova range. “Nicolette’s appointment comes at an exciting time for AMX,” said AMX Sales Director, Jonathan Mangnall, “We started 2012 in an incredibly strong position, both in terms of our sales performance and our product portfolio, and we have continued to buck the economic trend by taking an unprecedented number of orders in both the first and second quarters. Innovations like the Modero X Series and the Enova range have been phenomenally well-received by the market. Nicolette will play a crucial role in helping us leverage this success and maximise the opportunities available to us, particularly within the education, corporate and residential spaces, where these products can deliver significant benefit.” In her new position, Nicolette will be responsible for marketing activity across Europe. “I am really pleased to have joined AMX and I am excited about the challenges the role will bring. The AMX brand is already well established within the marketplace, but I am looking forward to helping the company further increase both mind-share and market-share through the delivery of strong, consistent and engaging marketing campaigns.” added Nicolette. www.amx.com/eu AMX European domination for Nicolette Minnie ARMOUR REINFORCES WITH BIG RED Reinforcing the presence of selected products within independent retailers, Armour Home is announced that it is to team up with Big Red Sales Ltd, resulting in – what we’re calling – Big Red Armour… Chris Emerson, Armour’s sales and marketing director said of the agreement: “We are very pleased to have secured the services of Big Red Sales which will extend the reach of our sales operation through their network of highly professional sales agents. They are experts in their field and have a proven track record of success in this sector and will complement our own excellent direct sales team. With their help and their own defined accounts, I’m confident we’ll broaden the sales penetration of our product portfolio and see an increase in sales of our Alphason furniture, Q2 digital radios and the Q Acoustics Q-TV TV sound enhancement model.” Nick Alsbury, Big Red’s sales director added: “This should be a great deal for everyone involved and I do mean everyone, not just Armour Home and Big Red, but also retailers and consumers as well. Why? Because these are great products which people will want to buy if they are readily available to them. Making that happen is what Armour has asked us to do and we won’t let them down.” T: +44 (0)1344 893 932 E: [email protected] Armour’s Chris Emerson www.svimag.com 7 SVI INDUSTRY NEWS ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE Always seeking the betterment of both itself and others, Invision UK has announced the launch of its new dedicated Training Academy. Providing technical training courses throughout the year at locations in Suffolk, Berkshire and Cheshire, the new Academy aims to enhance dealer and installer product knowledge. Courses are available in areas as diverse as home networking, digital media distribution, Home Cinema design, and RTI programming. Whilst most of the courses last a day and come in at only £99 + VAT, the price list ranges from free webinars to longer – more in-depth courses that are priced accordingly. “It is incredibly important to us that our customers have an intimate understanding of the products we sell,” said Lance Escobar, Product Trainer at Invision UK. “Our courses cover theory as well as hands-on, practical training so that dealers can go to their customers armed with the highest quality of information. Feedback from delegates on previous courses has told us that customer meetings are far more productive as a result.” As training is such a crucial element of the support offered by Invision UK to its customers, it is provided by a dedicated team of specialists, each hailing from a strong technical background and understanding the verticals in which Invision UK operates. Focused on training dealers to the highest standard, these specialists offer unrivalled training in all products sold by Invision UK – helping dealers and installers to fully realise the potential of residential technologies. A particularly important member of the team, Peter Aylett, has trained hundreds of companies around the globe in the residential technology field and knows how best to deliver training that enhances knowledge, skills, and profitability. With over 20 years in the industry, Peter can also help users and specifiers find the most appropriate technologies for their needs as well as offer advice on improving existing systems. T: +44 (0)1359 270 280 E: [email protected] PROJECTING GREAT THINGS Top-end, top-notch manufacturer of innovative visual presentation products, Vivitek Corporation, and Vioso GmbH have signed a partnership agreement to promote Vioso’s top-selling Anyblend edge-blending software technology with Vivitek’s large-venue projectors. With the easy to use Vioso edge-blending technology, multiple-projector set-ups of up to six projectors are possible to show seamless, scalable, high resolution projection displays with all Vivitek projectors. Using a fully automated process, Vioso Anyblend can align and blends multiple projectors within minutes by using an additional camera, with outstanding visual quality results. The projectors have simply to be connected to any PC or laptop with Vioso Anyblend software installed and the application realises seamless pictures within a matter of minutes. “At Vioso we were especially impressed with Vivitek’s future vision and roadmap. Large-venue projection is a strategic competence for Vivitek and in our thorough joint product tests we were both excited about the quality solutions that we could jointly offer the market. Vivitek therefore chose Vioso’s Anyblend,” said Benjamin Fritsch, CEO at Vioso GmbH. “The partnership between Vivitek and Vioso will allow our authorised resellers to access not only first-class hardware, but also software solutions designed for creative use of front projection in various applications,” said Holger Graeff, General Manager EMEA at Vivitek of agreement, “Our channels complement each other, so both companies will benefit from the joint approach.” www.vivitek.eu www.vioso.com 30 ROCKS With businesses closing left, right and centre these days thanks to a triple whammy of a decimated economy, disgustingly duplicitous bankers and some small boy called George Osborne doing absolutely sweet FA to help the situation, it’s a rare treat to share in the celebrations of a company’s longevity. So, a large round of applause now please as AMX – the leading provider of unified control and automation solutions – marks its 30th year in business. “I know I speak for everyone at AMX when I say how grateful we are of our 30 year legacy,” said president and CEO, Rashid Skaf. “Around the world, award-winning AMX products are installed in hundreds of thousands of installations. I am especially proud of the company AMX has become and the innovations we have fostered over the years. I want to thank our customers, partners, friends and families for supporting our journey and look forward to what lies ahead in the next 30 years.” Let’s head back in time now in the SVI DeLorean to1982: shoulder pads, hair, cellphones and Wagon Wheels are big, Rubik’s Cubes, ego-control and a real sense on impending financial doom are small, and salesman Scott Miller is looking for that special, yet-to-be invented product. Seeking a way to use a wireless garage door opener to control a slide projector, Miller, from his sales experience, is convinced that people would gladly give up being tethered to a slide projector and appreciate the ability to move around a room during presentations to help keep attention. But little does Scott know, this concept would drive the vision of the company he and his wife Roslyn were about to found. Building the first run of MX20’s and sending several to customers with an ultimatum: ‘If you like them, pay me for them, if not, sent them back!’ 8 www.svimag.com With that, the AMX MX20 was born, launching not only a new business but an entire ground-breaking, always innovating industry. Today, as the AV industry moves towards an IP-centric model, AMX continues to lead the way with solutions that simplify networked installations and provide the ideal backbone for connected businesses and homes, highlighted by the Enova DVX and Enova DGX switching families. And just as AMX created the market for touch panels, it has now reinvented the user interface again by designing the world’s first panoramic line of touch panels: the Modero X Series. “This anniversary is especially exciting to all of us as we embark on a new journey with the introduction of the Enova family of products, setting a new standard for performance, affordability and ease of use,” said Skaf. “As is suggested in the name, Enova is the definition of innovation. Early response from customers has exceeded our expectations and I see this being the flagship line that will catapult us into the next 30 years.” To mark its three decades at the top of the cutting edge, AMX is launching a year-long celebration to commemorate the anniversary, with everyone invited to visit the AMX30 Facebook page to share well wishes, favourite memories and pictures. But more importantly, to honour its dealers, distributors, customers, partners and employee, all of whom, AMX proudly state, have been the most critical component for driving the company’s success. Many happy returns from all at SVI – life begins at 30! www.amx.com/eu SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 9 SVI WHAT’S NEW? KEF LIGHTENS ITS LINE Following on from the release of its stunning white visually vivacious and audibly awesome R Series adorning the cover of our latest issue, KEF has announced that its acclaimed KHT3005SE will now also be made available in a high gloss white finish in addition to high gloss black. Comprising four HTS3001SE satellites, with their original dewdrop design, one HTC3001SE centre speaker and a 250W HTB2SE subwoofer, KEF’s KHT3005SE system remains at the cutting-edge of audio innovation and aesthetic design, combining KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver technology and its ‘Tangerine’ waveguide, for improved sensitivity and sound dispersion. Packaged perfectly into a beautifully designed fully rigid aluminium enclosure and shaped to minimise internal resonance with KEF’s Sealed Suspension Technology, the KHT3005SE continues to stand alone in its class. KHT3005SE comes at a suggested retail price of £1000.00 (High Gloss Black or White Finish). www.kef.com/KHT3000SE What’s New? SVI’s round-up of all the very latest product news. If it isn’t here, it isn’t happening… ICE COOL AUDIO FROM ROTH Rolled out fresh from Roth comes the latest addition to the arsenal in the company’s war against rubbish sound: the coolly named Sub Zero. Joining its BAR 1 sibling this new soundbar continues Roth’s record in transform disappointing TV sound without breaking the bank, with ease-of-use also always mind. The Sub Zero comes armed with an optical input to make it simple to connect cable and satellite boxes, including Virgin TiVo and Sky+HD, as well as Freeview receivers. The Roth speaker also sports RCA stereo connectors for additional (or simply non optical-equipped) TV systems. Throw in the 3.5mm mini jack, which is ideal for connecting older style TVs as well as the latest smartphones, and you’ve got a comprehensively equipped soundbar. Especially geared at those not keen to encroach on their existing living space and tailored to fit with 32- to 42-inch screens, the Sub Zero eschews a separate subwoofer design, instead employing a ClassHD amplifier to power a pair of built-in ultra-bass drivers. The speaker driver array numbers eight in total, two of which are vector firing side drivers, delivering 10 www.svimag.com enhanced stereo as well as dramatic, wide-firing FX (Fractal Expansion) sound effects. Simple, yet effective touches finish off the Sub Zero goes on sale on July 9th and comes bundled with a Roth remote to enable sound adjustment directly from the listening position, a dimmable LED display, and an SRP of £149.00 (inc. VAT) which includes table stands as well as wall brackets. www.rothaudio.co.uk SWISS ARM US Largely unknown Swiss audio specialist Lenco always seems to take a lot of pride in its designs (from what we’ve seen so far) and the stylish, aluminium-clad iPD-9000 is a wonderful testament to its eye for aesthetics. But, let’s not be overly shallow and looks-obsessed as, when it comes down to it, beneath the flawless finish of the £229.99 system’s sleek metal skin, the real beauty does indeed lie within in the shape of a Sonic Emotion 3D chipset, giving a wonderful acoustic experience, filling the room with sound and removing any audio blind spots. The iPD-9000 offers a healthy 65W output, spread across two 10W side-firing drivers and a 45W rear-firing subwoofer. This configuration helps spread the sound around the room and enables it to escape the unit’s compact dimensions. Working with the full range of iPods and iPhones, which dock on the top of the machine and recharge at the same time, the remote controlled design also plays CDs, CD-R/RWs, and MP3-encoded discs. Elsewhere, you’ll find an FM radio with a 20 preset memory and RDS function, a beautiful blue back-lit LCD display, a digital volume control and an adjustable bass/treble control. Whilst, completing the package, is a composite video output to connect to the TV or monitor for movies or videos. www.lencouk.com DYNAMIC DUO A handsome new duo now from Marantz, designed to offer ideal home entertainment. Combining network capability and astonishing audio quality, the new £699.90 Marantz SR5007 is an ideal 7.2 channel hub for any Home Cinema system. It comes with the famous Marantz circular display and has a variety of networking facilities for audio streaming from PC and Android, internet radio, online services, and AirPlay from Apple iDevices. The SR5007 incorporates no less than six HDMI inputs – of which one is conveniently located on the front – making it immediately ready for amazing 3D images with compatible TV sets. Lower resolution video can even be up-scaled to the new 4k standard that offers a video experience far beyond todays Full HD, making it future-proof for years. Thanks to the latest Marantz audio technologies, it easily handles the most demanding of scenes in action films, as well as offering excellent quality music playback with 100W across each of its seven channels. To ensure users get the best possible audio with compressed files from iPod via USB, the SR5007 offers M-DAX2 – Marantz Dynamic Expander version2. This neat little addition also optimises the quality of MP3 files from either CD or the optional Bluetooth Receiver RX101. Everything sounds clearer, more detailed, and more alive. To finish off, the SR5007 comes with a whole range of convenient features such as: Setup Assistant, “auto room calibration” with Audyssey MultiEQ XT and Dynamic Volume Control, “Multi-Room” with multi-source flexibility, and “video-off” mode to ensure people can enjoy their music and movies in true dynamic Marantz style. It also has the specially developed Marantz Remote App for iPhone. All of which makes the SR5007 a true combination of style, power and ease. Its partner, the Marantz £499.90 UD5007 Networking Universal Disc Player, offers extraordinary flexibility with the ability to play audio and video content from discs and also, working as a digital streamer, from a home network and the internet, including YouTube and video on demand NCREDIBLE SCENES Proving that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, Monster and NCredible Entertainment have come together to create their new NCredible lifestyle products, the first releases in the ear-exciting line including the NTune On-Ear Headphones (SRP £119.95) and the Nergy In-Ear Headphones (SRP £49.95), both available now. All NCredible products combine Monster’s renowned performance and style with fun and common-sense convenience features, all in a stylish package designed for today’s youth and, apparently definitely not for editors pushing 40. Both new models offer total comfort and come precisiontuned to reproduce the subtle nuances of all types of music, from hip-hop, rock to house, and pop. The NTune on-ear headphones Netflix. Not only does it reproduce all the delicate audio details from CD and SACDs, but its superb 24fps Blu-ray quality also comes with BD-Live and DLNA to boot. 1.5 specifications, making it possible to enjoy music (incl. FLAC) and video downloads from a PC or network storage. At the core of the UD5007 is an advanced disc mechanism which has been newly designed for fast, whisper-quiet performance. Both HDMI and RCA analogue connections are supported, while 24-bit/192kHz audio decoders and custom analogue output stages deliver the impact and resolution music and movie lovers have long associated with the Marantz brand. All these exceptional features and the stylish looks make the SR5007 and UD5007 a powerful, versatile and beautiful home entertainment solution and, green to boot, both newcomers also feature decreased standby power and even an auto power-off circuitry. www.marantz.eu are designed from the ground up with a host of innovative Monster technologies to deliver superior performance, durability and style, making true professional quality audio available to everyone. Whilst, the Nergy in-ear headphones deliver a big sound for their compact size, thanks to a number of Monster audio innovations, including newly developed drivers. Among the innovations of the in-ear headphones is their unique Nergy ear buds, which snap together magnetically to create a necklace when not being used. Finally, adding to the cool credentials, both models feature Monster’s advanced ControlTalk Universal, which provides easy music playback control for most Android and Blackberry devices, as well as hands-free calling with many smartphones. www.monsterproducts.com www.svimag.com 11 SVI WHAT’S NEW? TV TIMES JOYTAB UNCONFINED It may surprise a lot of people to hear that the most popular OS worldwide is not Apple’s iOS but, dominating the US, China and India, taking at least half of all new smart device sales across Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, US and Australia and accounting for four out of five in Spain, the OS of choice is now Android. Open source to allow developers easier app assimilation, Android offers a lot more than the closed systems of iOS and Windows, which is perhaps why more and more home automation apps are being developed especially for Google’s OS. To this end, it may be time to put the iPad down on your next install and instead pick up something Ice Cream Sandwich flavoured (the name of Android 4.0), perhaps something in the remarkably well-priced shape of the Gemini JoyTAB 9.7-inch Tablet PC? Packing the aforementioned flavoursome platform, the JoyTAB features an Ultra Sharp IPS multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, a 1Ghz ARM Cortex processor, 16GB of storage (upgradable to 32GB with micro SD Card), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, HDMI output, USB, built-in speakers, built-in mic, 03.-megapixel front camera, 2-megapixel rear camera, built-in G Sensor, support for all main digital music formats and, of course, access to over 360,000 apps including all those essential install affairs. But what make the Gemini JoyTAB a particular attractive option over other available tablets is the price: the 9.7-inch model costs just £179.99… www.geminidevices.com Launching with both feet into the TV war, Sony has finally delivered its long awaited (and CES unveiled) Internet Player with Google TV, the NSZ-GS7. Hot on the heels of the recent launch of finger-pointing enthusiast Lord Alan of Sugar’s YouView box, the new Internet Player with Google TV makes Sony the first manufacturer to launch Google TV products outside of the United States, initially starting with its best buds in the UK. “Expanding the reach and interoperability of the powerful Android platform with Sony’s smartphones, tablets and renowned audio and video products, we are proud to continue our relationship with Google through the introduction of the new Google TV Internet Player,” said Gildas Pelliet, European Head of Marketing. “Entertainment content is available through so many channels and sites, and Google TV helps consumers easily find what they want to watch, listen or play with the freedom of the internet and using the familiar Chrome browser.” Offering the world of the web on the big screen, the Sony and Google alliance lets owners search for anything (literally anything) they can imagine with fast speed Google Chrome browsing, enjoy easy access to favourite websites, check-out YouTube in comfort and ogle the kind of content normally reserved for computers… you know what we mean. Including a dual-sided remote with a touch pad for cursor control on one side and a full keyboard on the other for searching, emailing and informing ‘friends’ and ‘followers’ of all essential social media updates, there’s even a voice search facility. A universal remote that controls your entire entertainment system to boot, it even has a motion sensor for playing games. Taking the tech flexibility to the current nth degree, users can even turn their Android smartphone or tablet into a remote with the free Media Remote app whilst, via Google Play, viewers have access to a wide variety of TV-optimised apps. All of which poses one question: Freeview who? www.sony-europe.com ON REFLECTION BANG TIDY Looking for a sleek, smart and stylish solution to streaming for your more demanding clients and customers? Well, Bang & Olufsen may have just offered up the ideal answer: Playmaker. Possibly the simplest way to stream digital music to a pair of high-end loudspeakers, combining the convenience of a digital music library – and a handheld device – with the uncompromising performance of any pair of BeoLab active loudspeakers, the new Playmaker gives music lovers the best of both worlds: outstanding audio quality from Bang & Olufsen’s extensive range of premium active loudspeakers and onetouch access to digital music collections; without the wires. Pair Playmaker to any duo of Bang & Olufsen active loudspeakers, and prepare to be amazed at just how good music stored on a smartphone can sound as Playmaker lifts digital music from the bottomless trench of humdrum up to rich aural panoramas. No extra amplifier is necessary and with its high performance Digital Audio Converter, Playmaker is hardwired to bring out the absolute best that digital music has to offer – and render it gorgeously. Working with both Apple AirPlay and DLNA, Playmaker is happy to stream whatever anybody wants to play from practically any smartphone, tablet, Mac, PC or media server. Ideal then for homes where people enjoy different kinds of music in different ways, everyone can stream from their own phone or other device, control volume and mute by the device itself, by the Bang & Olufsen remote control, or on Playmaker itself. And by adding more Playmakers to more rooms with Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers, sound can be sync’d throughout the house. As easy to set up as it is to use, the £399.00 (inc. VAT) Playmaker connects to a wireless network in just seconds, using either a Bang & Olufsen BeoSetup App or by pushing a button on the bottom of Playmaker to connect to a wireless router. www.bang-olufsen.com 12 www.svimag.com Looking for that little something extra when it comes to the not so humble television, then point your browser towards London-based PictureFrame.TV, a company that creates unique and affordable products which combine high quality televisions with beautiful frames, all finished with a highly reflective mirror glass. All options come individually handcrafted with a wide range of frames available for high spec LED televisions. Featuring the latest Smart TV internet apps, owners can instantly stream on-demand video from a variety of providers, catch up with all the latest TV shows, and download apps for YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to surf and update directly on the box. Whether the style of the room is classic and elegant or modern and eccentric, frames can be chosen in a variety of materials, patterns and colours to suit, from chic ivory wood to wild zebra prints. And for those looking for something very specific, a bespoke service is also offered where a piece can be made to a particular design or requirement, ensuring the television is one of a kind. Prices start from £1499 and go up to £4599 for our Flagship 55-inch Premium Framed Mirror TV. www.PictureFrame.TV SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 15:23 Page 13 www.svimag.com 13 SVI WHAT’S NEW? SIZE IS EVERYTHING Seemingly more prolific when it comes to rolling out cool new kit than ever before, Denon has continued to dazzle this month, delivering the stunning D-M39DAB. Building upon the success of its highly acclaimed predecessors, now there is even more Denon from this compact footprint, as the micro component system has been improved and upgraded to meet the needs of modern day audio fans. Now featuring an optical digital input to hook up digital gear, be it Apple AirPort express, the TV or set-topboxes, as well as its stunning stereo sound, this latest and most refined model provides a digitally transmitted play function for iPhone/iPod/iPad via the front USB terminal, which can also connect to any other USB sound device. The D-M39DAB’s compact size (measuring just 210mm wide and just 310mm deep) allows for easy installation on a bookshelf, in a bedroom or in the home office and, thanks to its beautiful sound and appearance, this high-class audio system – which is available as just the RCD-M39 CD receiver unit for £249.99 or with the SC-M39 speakers for £359.99 – easily blends into any home. Denon’s popular M-series offers high sound quality based on the ‘simple & straight’ concept. Circuitry is uncomplicated, signal paths are short, and all adverse influences on sound quality have been minimised. The circuit design and the way the chassis is built ensure that the sound heard is utterly faithful to the original performance. www.denon.co.uk TO SERVE & PROTECT Now here’s a fresh slice of clever for you – an affordable manner in which to ensure your flatscreen beauty remains such, whether indoor or outdoor: the TV shield. Introduced to the UK market for the first time for both residential and business customers, the TV shield completely encloses any plasma, LED & LCD TV screen keeping it safe and sound from both the elements and the clumsy moves of human-elephants – once a TV is enclosed in the TV shield it is completely protected from damage, theft, tampering and weather. Manufactured using lightweight and high-strength polyethylene (plastic that can withstand outdoor environments) and polycarbonate, the TV shield is superior to any enclosures currently available in the UK. The front panel of the TV shield is manufactured using an industry leading shatter resistant, optically clear polycarbonate which is the same material as used in police riot shields! The front panel has the ability to be locked helping to protect against tampering, vandalism and theft. An affordable enclosure solution that bypasses the expensive alternative of waterproof TVs available at up to 10x the price, what was once possibly considered an overly pricey project now becomes a viable one. Water, dust, shatter and tamper proof, the enclosure offers the ultimate protection for TVs from 19- to 42-inches (up to 46-inches in some LED TVs) and is available in two sizes to fit TVs from 19-26-inches and 30-42-inches. T: +44 (0)1298 872 233 E: [email protected] www.ce-tek.co.uk SEXY AND THE CITY It’s funny what people take inspiration from. Let’s look at Philips, for example – when it came to producing some sexy new headphones they took their inspiration from, apparently, some of the most vibrant cities in the world, resulting in the perfect combination of music and lifestyle: the CitiScape Collection. Which cities? Glad you asked… Consisting of three headband headphones and one in-ear: Uptown, Downtown, Shibuya and St Germain respectively, the cities in question are New York, London, Berlin, Shanghai, Paris and Tokyo (oddly, no mention of Birmingham), which is where they recruited their designers from. Clever. The range was to be effortlessly stylish and free from sound leakage (a common, embarrassing problem in headphones of a certain age) to allow complete sound immersion in even the loudest city environments. Part of the solution to seepage is the MusicSeal system where a double layer wall inside the ear shell seals the edge between cushion and housing, helping to block out background city noise as well as minimising sound leakage. All of the headband range also features memory foam ear cushions specifically selected for their acoustic properties and the ability to isolate unwanted noise. As well as MusicSeal, the CitiScape Collection allows easy switching from music to answering phone calls via the built-in microphone and controls while the 1.2m flat, anti-tangle, cable stays kink and knot free, remaining always stylish and streamlined. Top of the new range is the over-ear Uptown headband model featuring rigid aluminium architecture with super soft memory foam cushions and air quilted headbands, for superior comfort over longer listening periods. Escape the world around with Music seal for total privacy and replace city noise with high precision music from finely tuned premium 14 www.svimag.com 40mm drivers. The retro-looking Uptown range is available now in black with brown cushions, or brown combined with light grey cushions and with an RRP of £89. For a slicker, more casual look, the on-ear Downtown range offers style and comfort. Enhanced by a lightweight spring-steel construction that’s wrapped in heat-sealed soft foam, the Downtown range looks and sounds the part. As with the Uptown range, 40mm drivers provide clear, natural sound while MusicSeal technology creates the listeners own music bubble in the heart of the city. The Downtown range comes in brown, light grey and purple with an RRP of £59. When elegant simplicity meets Japanese pop culture you get the Shibuya headband headphones. Using lightweight plastic, a breathable headband and soft, supple auto-fitting cushion,s the Shibuya guarantees comfort whatever your head shape. Dynamically tuned 40mm drivers make bass sounds feel deeper and richer. And with on-ear isolating cushions listeners can enjoy the buzz of the city without the unwanted noise. The Shibuya range comes in a variety of colours including brown, blue, pink, purple and white all with an RRP of £45. Finally, as the in-ear pair in the collection, St Germain is funky yet elegant. With precisely tuned 10mm drivers, the subtle earphones create clear and natural sound. Smart style and functionality can be seen through the magnetic fluted ear buds that keeps them safe and tangle-free in your bag. The unique sliding cables make it easy to share music; while a choice of three sizes of ear caps ensure a perfect fit. Available in brown and purple with an RRP of £45. www.philips.com SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 15:23 Page 15 SVI CASESTUDY: AV SYNERGY Taking the keys to the seas, because you can tune a piano but you can’t tuna fish… OCEANIC OPULENCE A true luxury liner 16 www.svimag.com Indoor entertainment for when you tire of Monaco Envy is a terrible thing. The green-eyed god that causes normally rational, well-balanced people to indulge in all manner on unpleasantness over objects of desire, envy is never to be encouraged or promoted in any way. However, brace yourself now for all-new extreme levels of envy as we descend into drooling coveting craziness over the latest use of Crestron control onboard the ultimate slice of ocean-going sexiness, the DB9… An impressive super-yacht project which resulted in the integrator, AV Synergy, winning an award for Best Marine Project in the annual Crestron Residential Integration Awards 2012, the feature-rich 50m floating palace was originally built in Southampton as a new project for Palmer Johnson Yachts. A stunning vessel that combines strong lines with sleek sophistication, the interior of DB9 is extremely spacious, accommodating between 10 and 12 guests, and comes complete with two Jacuzzis, an outdoor swimming pool, an open air cinema with projector and even wella piano in the main saloon – all Crestron controlled. All at Sea As is common in the marine market, yachts are constantly upgraded and DB9 was no exception – the brief was for a revised, higher specification AV system, so AV Synergy’s solution was to specify a fully integrated Crestron system, designed to offer charter clients a fabulous experience without having to spend hours learning how to operate the system, so, clear, intuitive control was a must. The system incorporates a number of source devices, streamed to 15 separate areas, six satellite boxes, five Kaleidescape players, four audio streams from one Kaleidescape music player, two FM Tuners, ships passageway PC and CCTV. Within each of the TV areas there is an iPod Dock and Blu-ray player, video and audio distribution, as well as amplification and control, are all centrally rack mounted, whilst the streamed source devices were set up with a priority system to allocate the next available source. This feature was to help reduce the required menus displayed on the Crestron control interface, making it an easier system for clients to use. The system was originally specified before Crestron had introduced its DigitalMedia system but, happily, because of the lengthy build program DigitalMedia became available, resulting in AV Synergy pre-wiring the boat with CresFibre to ensure the upgrading was possible. Consequently, the two CNXPvid 8x4 systems distribute video to each room then converted back using the CMXRMCLV. This also provides infrared and RS232 serial control for the local source devices and TVs. The saloon and master cabin are equipped with 5:1 cinema surround sound and HD video using fibre HDMI convertors, and the stereo audio rooms are fed using a CNXBIPAD8 and Crestron CNXAMP16 x60. Crestron a Wave You find Crestron systems in all the best places, but when it comes to biscuittaking, this latest install from AV Synergy pushes the boat out. Welcome aboard the DB9… “For this Palmer Johnson vessel we designed an extensive AV package and selected a Crestron Control system to handle the amount of control required to realise our vision for the project,” said Darryn Jacobs of AV Synergy. “It was necessary to be able to control display screens and source devices in the main rack as well as localised plasma lifts, lights, blinds, CCTV, doorbells and a fully motorised awning. This in itself was a complicated system to execute but we also had to consider the fact it was all mounted on a boat and, therefore, a moving platform which is subjected to the most extreme weather conditions. Secure mountings and strain relief for cables were an important factor we had to consider to ensure reliability. Not only is this, but available space within marine installations is always a difficult restriction to overcome. The Crestron system was easy to install and adapted well to this difficult installation. “As a result we required four racks which needed to be located separately, due to space restrictions. This added further complications to the cabling and distribution of sound and video, so having the Crestron system and networking in place offered us, and the client, an increased sense of peace-of-mind as we were able to trust in the reliability of the Crestron technology.” Outdoor AV entertainment for when you really need to show off www.svimag.com 17 SVI CASESTUDY: AV SYNERGY Harbouring hidden secrets Sea-side Cinema System Synergy Within the build several changes were added, the first being an exterior cinema, which meant that not only were AV Synergy faced with the obvious elements of the weather to consider, but the housing of the equipment was also restricted for a permanent feature. AV Synergy designed the system to be simple to erect to ensure the crew had minimal efforts to set up for the customer. The other factor was the ambient light considerations. This was always going to be a night viewing only option. Ambient light from surrounding marinas and boats meant it needed a high brightness projector, so AV Synergy opted for a high quality RuncoVX3000D system. The other aspect which was required during the build was even more challenging: two fully waterproof LCD screens to pop up from the edge of a Jacuzzi. Not only did the screens need to be suitable for the marine environment, but the lift mechanisms needed to cope with large amounts of water. Other control features required were integration of the ship’s lighting and blinds, as well as a service call feature so that guest areas could page the crew mess. Most impressively, and showing the size of the yacht, a doorbell was integrated into the system to provide a chime over the AV Speakers in the crew mess and wheelhouse. Understandably, AV Synergy more than impressed the judges of the Integration Awards with this fantastic install – a project which truly highlights what can be achieved when a top class system is specified and installed professionally onboard possibly the sexiest thing on the seven seas. Feeling that sense of burning envy yet? Yes, well jel… as the kids might say. www.crestron.com www.avsynergy.co.uk CRESTRON TECHSPECS 3x CNRFGWA-418 3x CEN-RFGWEX 3x MLX2 3x WPR48 2x CNAMPX-16X60 3x CP2E The Coast Guard was keen to watch the end of the movie 18 www.svimag.com 8x TPS6X 1x TPS6LA 1x SPKL 2x C2N-SPWS300 2x C2N-TFM 4x CENI-HPRFGW KIT 2x CNX-BIPAD8 2x CNX-Pvid8X4 11x CNXRMCLV 1x CEN-TIA SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 19 SVI CEDIA CUSTOM INSTALLATION NATION CUSTOM INSTALLATION NATION Matt Nimmons, Operations Director at CEDIA, reveals details on how you can find out the latest industry developments from Silicon Valley, newly released white papers and discusses a new and exciting event: the CEDIA conference… Expanding our white paper We have added more resources to our wide selection of industry white papers, standards and recommended practices. Homeowners are increasingly dependent on their wireless networks to support more devices and handle more data than ever before. The latest white paper is entitled ‘Ten Steps to Creating a Robust Wireless Environment for Mobile Device Integration’. This document, which is the second in CEDIA’s Mobile Devices in Residential Systems Integration series, equips installers with a roadmap for creating a sure-fire Wi-Fi solution. The Inside Scoop from Silicon Valley CEDIA has announced a special evening event on Wednesday 1st August at the Charlotte Street Hotel, London, in the company of legendary US AV system designer and CEDIA member, Rich Green. In a talk entitled ‘The Inside Scoop From Silicon Valley’, Rich will host a presentation for residential custom installers, looking at the new innovations and technologies coming out of the US, and explaining how they can be embraced to drive revenues for CI businesses. The talk will take place from 6pm until 9pm and will cost £25 for CEDIA members and £50 for non-members to attend. The CEU Value is 1.5. Rich has been an active professional in the audio/ video industry since 1978. He travels the world as an instructor, consultant and public speaker in the fields of Future Technologies and Design. His system-integration company, Rich Green Design, LLC, serves the ambitious homeowners of Silicon Valley. www.cediaeducation.com/events Topics covered include: ■ Wireless Security and Encryption ■ Spectrum Analysis ■ Choosing the Right Wireless Infrastructure Meanwhile, for the UK installer, we have also released ‘Copyright Guidance Notes’. This document explores the ownership issues around the system source code and the respective rights of the installer and the client in respect of the code under UK copyright law. These new materials add to a wealth of management resources, white papers and recommended guidelines which are proving very popular. Already, more than 1200 downloads have been recorded since this area of the website went live. Other white papers include an introduction to HDMI as well as an overview of HDMI design and installation sequencing. CEDIA has also launched a guide to recommended home theatre practices and worked closely with the Consumer Electronics Association to devise new multi room audio cabling standards. CEDIA conference announced! CEDIA is pleased to announce the launch of a high level conference entitled ‘The Future of Home Technology’, which will take place at the Inmarsat Conference Centre in London on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th October 2012. ‘The Future of Home Technology’ will feature keynote sessions from respected leaders in the technology world, alongside sessions from global CI specialists and educators. As part of the conference programme, CEDIA will be announcing the results of its industry-wide research. In addition, delegates will have the chance to see products from the event’s sponsors on display in a special showcase section of the conference. More details on confirmed speakers and how to book your tickets will be revealed shortly. For full details of sponsorship packages, please contact the CEDIA office via email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1480 213 744. Located in the heart of the City of London, near Old Street station, the Inmarsat Conference Centre is a unique conference venue with a contemporary feel, offering outstanding facilities for delegates. www.inmarsat.com/conference_centre Help to better your marketplace Earlier this year CEDIA appointed Parks Associates, an international market research company, to conduct extensive industry research on the residential custom installation market within the UK. It is likely you will receive a link in the coming weeks to take part in the survey on behalf of CEDIA and it is vitally important that you get involved. Your participation in this market research is extremely valuable and will help better define the residential installation industry in the UK. The results will add value for all industry partners and identify trends and growth opportunities going forward. All contributors will receive a £55 CEDIA education voucher! You will also be automatically entered into a draw to win one of three VIP trips to ISE 2013. Closing date is 7th September 2012. To download whitepapers visit www.cediaeducation.com/resources/whitepapers or, for more information on all CEDIA events and initiatives, please visit www.cedia.co.uk or contact [email protected]. 20 www.svimag.com SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 21 SVI CLARITY COMMENT Cryptic times in London to bring AV Clarity to a nation Having launched on the 11th deep in The Crypt at St. Martin’s in the Field, PHIL HANSEN brings us his first official column on the hot new hope of the UK AV and Home Cinema industries: the Clarity Alliance… CLARITY OF THOUGHT Sometimes the best things take a while to come to fruition, but they are well worth the wait and Clarity is one such thing. The idea of transforming BADA into more of an industry wide association rather than a retail focused body was first floated around five years ago. But it was too soon, the timing wasn’t right, the industry wasn’t demanding it at that time. Fast forward to 2010: the recession is in full flow and things are looking somewhat tougher on the high street and people are starting to wonder what is it they want from their trade association and how can it be more effective at helping the industry? Many meetings and discussions later, Project Grass was formed by a group of dedicated individuals who volunteered to work on the creation of a new and inclusive association for the UK’s Hi-Fi and Home Cinema industry. In February 2012 Clarity was soft launched at the BADA Annual General Meeting to gauge reaction and steer it on towards a full launch in the summer. Then 11th July was the date – at a packed, glass-panelled, meeting room in the crypt of St. Martin’s in the Field, London, and just a stone’s throw away from the countdown clock for that other monumental UK event of the summer, everything about Clarity became, well, clear! All Becoming Clear Clarity is taking the best of BADA and the BFA (British Federation of Audio, the manufacturers’ association which closed a couple of years ago) and adding a whole lot more into the mix to create an association which will work for the good of the whole industry. Calling it an ‘alliance’ rather than an ‘association’ is a purposeful move in that, according to the dictionary, alliances are formed to “advance common interests or causes”. The common interest here is the desire to see more people buying more of our products and so Clarity has set its primary objective as: Clarity will exist as the public face of the specialist Hi-Fi and Home Cinema industry. It will raise the industry’s profile with consumers, while also working to benefit its members and the wider industry. Collectively and collaboratively, we can bring quality home entertainment into the mainstream. It has also made a pledge to: Get more people into more of our stores, so that they can experience just what drives our collective passion. We will do this through creative and innovative campaigns, while raising the standards of the wider specialist Hi-Fi and home cinema industries. It is this campaigning element of Clarity’s work that sets it apart from its predecessors. Yes it is true that BADA had tried campaigns in the distant past, but they were in different times and were conducted in the face of different challenges. Today’s challenge is the task of making people aware of our industry, its products and the real benefits they bring to people’s lives in terms of enjoying and getting the most satisfaction from their home entertainment systems. Never before has the specialist Hi-Fi industry had such a low profile 22 www.svimag.com with consumers and been faced with such a vast array of alternative technology products competing for the buying public’s hard earned pounds. As You ‘Like’ It Clarity will be running around three campaigns each year aimed at the unenlightened consumer (not the existing Hi-Fi savvy people), the purpose of which will be to raise awareness of an issue that they probably don’t even know exists. The first campaign to launch will be ‘Getting better quality sound from your TV’ and will highlight the undeniable, but not thought about, fact that while TVs are getting bigger and thinner and the picture is much better quality than it ever was, the sound is getting worse because of tiny loudspeakers. A visit to the local audio specialist will soon sort the problem out. The aim is not to sell a specific solution, technology or brand, but to make consumers aware that there is a dichotomy between picture and sound quality and that there is a shop on the high street that can help them. Once inside the shop, it’s up to the people there to seek out the right solution for that customer. It might be a soundbar, a 5.1 system or the opportunity to sell a fully-fledged multi-room AV distribution system. For the campaigns to be successful, the cooperation of all members of the Alliance is crucial. Social media outlets are going to be very important to us as, initially, funds for paid for media will be limited, so it’s vital that members ‘like’ and ‘follow’ the campaigns to help spread the word virally. Once we have successfully delivered the first campaign and there has been tangible evidence of more people asking about better sound for their TV, there should be more companies sitting up and taking notice of what we’re doing. That will swell the membership numbers and enable the subsequent campaigns to be higher profile with a wider reach. For the industry to get the help it needs, it really has to help itself. The word ‘alliance’ was chosen for a reason. See the light Clarity is open to any individual or any company working within the industry. Its members all have equal status with a ‘one member one vote’ system operating, whether you are a ‘man in a shed’ manufacturer producing one valve amp a year, or a multi-national producer of TVs with a turnover in the billions. The point is, and to coin a phrase, “we’re all in this together”. For details on membership, what the Alliance can do for you and why you really should take an active part in the future of our industry visit the Clarity website at: www.clarityalliance.co.uk. You are also cordially invited to follow us on twitter @clarityalliance and ‘like’ our facebook page at facebook.com/ClarityAlliance Along with his duties at the Clarity Alliance, Phil Hansen also runs Red Sheep, a successful marketing and PR consultancy operating within and outside the Hi-Fi industry. SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 23 Leaders in the design and creation of audio visual furniture and accessories Obelisk Range A pure luxury minimalist fully enclosed cabinet. High gloss black sides with a piano black toughened safety glass top permanently bonded to the cabinet creates this modern contemporary TV support which is both beautiful and durable. This cabinet incudes two infra red friendly black doors and ample storage space allowing you to keep your equipment and DVD collection hidden, and dust free. Whilst its soft opening action exudes the highest quality we deliver as standard in all our products. In addition to the enclosed cabinet, the gloss black legs enable easy access for cleaning and give the product a “floating” appearance. The Obelisk includes optional castors as standard to allow easy movement in the home during installation and cleaning access. Available in 800mm and 1100mm sizes. For more information visit our new website at www.iconictvstands.co.uk or call us on 0161 728 2297 Iconic TV Stands, Studio House, Invar Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Swinton, Manchester M27 9HF e: [email protected] TRADE GOLD AWARD WINNER 2012 www.svimag.com 23 SVI AV FURNITURE MUNARI MODENA COLLECTION Furnishing the Future AV furniture is big business; and in a business that needs to take every penny it can make to keep companies afloat, offering the right AV furniture is vital. To that end we’ve been busy rounding up some of the finest available… ICONIC TV STANDS OBELISK 1100 A pure luxury minimalist fully enclosed cabinet, finished in high gloss black sides with a piano black toughened safety glass top permanently bonded to the body, the Obelisk 1100 is a contemporary TV support which is both beautiful and durable. The cabinet includes two infra-red-friendly black doors and ample storage space allowing owners to keep AV equipment and even their DVD collection hidden and dust free, whilst the 1100’s soft opening action exudes the highest quality we deliver as standard in all our products. In addition to the enclosed cabinet, the gloss black legs enable easy access for cleaning and give the product a ‘floating’ appearance, and the castors allow easy movement in the home during installation and cleaning access. Suitable for flatscreens up to 50-inches, it’s as sexy as stands come. www.iconictvstands.co.uk 24 www.svimag.com Looking to up your revenue and really kick the cash back into your business? Of course you are, you’re not just in it for the love! Then what you need is to be able to offer your customer or client that something extra, that something stylish and sleek that serves to enhance the effect of the AB kit they’ve just paid out for, that something that’s not just a necessity but also a nicety that improves both audio and aesthetics. We speak, of course, of AV furniture – an essential piece of the AV puzzle, and a right old revenue generator to boot! If you’re looking for high-end bespoke furniture then look no further than Italian specialist manufacturer Munari, part of the BBG portfolio of brands. Given the long history of Italian design, Munari’s wares can even be considered to be the Ferrari of the AV furniture world – each are undeniably beautiful, yet built around function and incorporating the latest technology (though probably a bit more affordable); indeed, the Modena Collection actually takes its name from the birthplace of Ferrari. Features such as LED lighting and ventilation panels mix the aesthetic with the functional, ensuring that Munari furniture adds style as well as value to an AV system. Each piece of furniture is built to the customer’s specification and there are near limitless permutations of features and styles. Every piece of Munari furniture uses the finest materials, from tempered safety glass through to scratch-resistance melamine panels in combination with high quality components such as soft-close door hinges and convenient integrated power systems. With a choice of colours available to complement the choice of home decor, Munari represents the ultimate in home AV furniture. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ LED front lighting with on/off switch Integrated power block for AV components with single switch off action Ventilated rear panels to ensure AV equipment maintains optimal temperature Active Door front panel with beam-thru glass does not interfere with remote control signals Shock resistant, soft-motion push/pull front panel Adjustable internal shelf Concealed castors for discreet and easy movement SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 25 SVI AV FURNITURE HI-FI RACKS LTD AKORNER PEERLESS AV SLWS450 WALL MOUNT These splendid, specially-designed racks combine Hi-Fi Racks Ltd’s trademark elegance and excellent acoustic performance with new features and benefits, such as the Akorner’s innovative cable management system. Comprised of the Reference, the Wall and the XL, the Akorner range provides a great audio performance thanks to each unit’s sturdy construction and high tensile strength helping to absorb vibration. Each level is also isolated from the next tier by adjustable spikes, whilst the addition of Akorner’s optional isolation platforms will bring even better sound quality. Available in a range of sizes or to bespoke requirements, classically stylish, acoustically ingenious, let Hi-Fi Racks Ltd put unwanted noise colouration in Akorner… the management apologise for the Dirty Dancing reference. www.hifiracks.co.uk Take any viewing experience from ordinary to extraordinary with the Peerless-AV SLWS450 Universal Ultra Slim Articulating Wall Mount. Joining the Award Winning Slimline range it is the world’s thinnest articulating wall mount designed exclusively for ultra-thin displays. Only the SLWS450 mount positions a display this close to the wall (32mm when retracted), yet extends out to with sufficient reach to provide virtually any viewing angle for the largest screens. Dual-arm construction means it is robust enough to hold larger displays firmly in any position, and it comes with simple installation and intuitive adjustments to make an installer’s life easy, such as post installation roll of ±1° for that all important levelling without having to remove the screen. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Universal mounting hole pattern, fits up to VESA® 800 x 400mm ±1° of roll offers a simple way to horizontally level the display Up to ±72.5° of side-to-side swivel One-Touch Tilt™, +15°/-5°, enables ideal viewing angle without tools Dual-arm design enhances the stability of the articulating motion Arm retracts to only 32mm (1.24-inches) and extends up to 590mm (23.25-inches) from the wall ICONIC TV STANDS ACACIA 1100 Featuring an exciting combination of either high gloss walnut or high gloss black side, together with a piano black glass top-shelf, the Acacia 1000 is an undoubtedly contemporary cabinet. Featuring an infra-red friendly black door and ample storage space to keep your AV kit hidden from sight and free from the effects of dust, the Acacia also boasts soft opening action, exuding the highest quality. Suitable for screens of up to 50-inches in size, in addition to the enclosed cabinet, the open shelf space allows easy access to equipment, DVD collection, or works as the perfect place to position a soundbar. www.iconictvstands.co.uk SONOROUS ELEMENTS RANGE The top-of-the-line when it comes to effortless style in AV furniture, the Elements range can consist of one, two or three cabinets – depending on specific requirements – and with mixed and matched finishes to appeal to any tastes. Exactingly engineered from the highest quality components, there’s a flap door with a push to open mechanism, an internal top shelf, a hidden infra-red repeater system, cable management system and, unlike slices of flatpack hell, comes full assembled! Capable of coping with displays up to 55-inches and taking a max top load of 40kg, the Elements range is currently available in standard finishes of gloss black, gloss white, oak, and ‘Amazon’. www.sonorous.com OMP TV STANDS Far from being a mistyped text exclamation of shock or surprise, the trilogy of Omega, Maxview and Pudney that makes up the global group OMP has just announced the launch of its new TV furniture stand range. All with contemporary stylish design to accommodate any style of flat screen TV up to 60-inches, each model features shelving to neatly store AV equipment and comes constructed with toughened glass and high quality materials to ensure they’re utterly robust, built to last and an ideal solution to securely mount TVs. Alongside the launch, OMP are also seeking professional dealers and distributors to cover the stands and their whole range of premium products. So to request either a catalogue or more information on becoming part of OMP’s distribution network, email to the address below. [email protected] www.omp-global.co.uk 26 www.svimag.com SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 27 SVI AV FURNITURE GFK SPELLS OUT THE STATS Want to get a better picture of what’s happening out there? Then you’ve come to the right place as Richard Gregory, Account Director, Consumer Electronics, for GfK fills us in on the shape of the market and why pushing AV furniture could make or break a business (warning: may contain graphs)… British TV Sales have seen declines since the peak of 10 million unit sales in 2009. In 2012, GfK forecast a further decline of -9% against the 2011 sales total. Understandably, this brings continued pressure on our already hard hit retail environment. The reliance of TV sales has meant that retailers have broadened their product offering and increasingly rely on accessory sales. This is one area that can offer some potential opportunities. A key area for CE has been headphones, and we have seen continued double digit growth across the segments, bringing high margin sales to the struggling audio sector. Still in Audio, Soundbars have also grown substantially (over 100% in the last 12 months); a great upsell when the opportunity arises. Furnish Your Revenue Concentrating on the AV furniture market though, where overall sales volumes are down -16% on an annual basis, there are still substantial opportunities. As screens become larger and space in the living room, and elsewhere, is at a premium the need to attach panels to the wall should be a conversation every retailer has. Not only does this bring in the upsell of the TV wall mount, but also the discussion around installation services – both of huge importance to the retailer. The market, as tracked by GfK, shows wall mounts now accounting for over 63% of total sales volume, taking continued share from the furniture (table) area. If we look at the chart, we can see that attachment rates of wall mount to TV sales are generally static and surprisingly much lower in the growing large screen size area. Looking at this huge opportunity in greater detail, you will notice that 30% of all TV sales are above 38-inches, whereas only 4% of wall mount sales are in this area. GfK look at the maximum advertised screen size a unit can hold. Average prices for all areas of wall mounts have decreased. These are in line with the price declines in TV panels – apart from the smaller TV mounts, which have only seen a -1% decline in the last 12 months compared to a -12% decline in the panel price. Looking at the total purchase price of a TV and wall mount, the last chart sees that smaller wall mounts are now making up a greater percentage of the total purchase price. It is in the larger screen size area that we can see them making up comparatively less. At 12% of the total sale, this should be easier to stomach for the consumer when they are spending the £600 average price for a screen size over 38-inches, but could see an additional £80 on the basket spend for the retailer. The opportunities are clearly in the larger more premium area. If we saw attachment rates reach the 10% of the medium area, this would mean an additional 200,000 TV mount sales at the average £80 price – £16 million in extra revenue for the market; food for thought. www.gfk.com/uk PEERLESS STABILIS As we all know, 37% of statistics are made up, but there are now estimated to be over 30 million flat panel TVs in the UK, with roughly half sitting on a piece of furniture. The UK now has the highest penetration of large flat panel TVs in the world with more than 1 per household, which sounds great… except that additional stats say that there were over 9000 accidents and, worst still, four child deaths in the UK in the last 12 months as a result of falling TVs. As a result, mounting specialist Peerless-AV is calling on owners of large flat panel TVs to safely secure their equipment; and they’ve made it simple to do so. The Peerless AV Stabilis screen safety kit is an effective universal solution to secure a flat panel TV and protect families in the home. The kit has been manufactured and tested to prevent children pulling large screens forward on to themselves. The universal kit fits all LCD and Plasma screens from 32-inches to 60-inches with telescopic height adjustment. The kit rigidly clamps to all types and sizes of furniture and can be used to screw directly into a wall or cabinet. The rotational mounting plate allows screens to swivel while the rigid design also prevents the screen tipping backwards as well as pulled forwards. “Failing to adequately secure your TV can also result in a rather expensive mistake,” says Gordon Dutch, MD of Peerless-AV Europe, “Many people don’t realise that, more often than, not if your TV is knocked over by pets or children the insurer does not have to honour your claim. What’s more a TV safety screen kit acts as a deterrent in a burglary.” www.peerless-av.co.uk SONOROUS SUREFIX RANGE GE When it comes to pinning a flat panel anel to a wall or suspending a projectorr from a ceiling, the Surefix range has as the solution. When it comes to wallllmounts the options include Tilt, Fixed, xed, Omni-Move and Super-Slim, handling ing screens from 22-inches to 70-inches es and everything in between. Solid, sturdyy and engineered to perfection, Surefix covers overs all bases. Also within the range are two ceiling suspensions for screens up to 60-inches, along with a pair or projector supports for weights up to 14kg. Throw in a desk mount for screen loads up to 15kg and a pair of wall shelves and all eventualities are catered for. www.sonorous.com SONOROUS LB SERIES 1621 Fusing wood and glass in beautiful style, the LB 1621 features a high gloss finish wooden top with separate tempered glass door covered compartments for all AV kit. But the reason this puppy has been picked out of the comprehensive line up of Sonorous products is because of the cunning middle section – covered with Fabrique to allow remote controls to penetrate, the midsection also allows a set-up subwoofer to sit securely on the floor and, therefore, function properly. A nice touch that those should sell well to those who really appreciate their audio. www.sonorous.com 28 www.svimag.com SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 14:12 Page 29 Leaders in the design and creation of audio visual furniture and accessories Acacia Range An exciting combination of either high gloss walnut or high gloss black sides, together with a piano black glass top shelf, creating a modern contemporary cabinet. Our infra red friendly black door and ample storage space allows you to keep your equipment and DVD collection hidden, and dust free. Whilst its soft opening action exudes the highest quality we deliver as standard in all our products. In addition to the enclosed cabinet, the open shelf space allows easy access to your equipment or your DVD collection and on the acacia 1100 is the perfect place to position your soundbar. Available in 800mm and 1100mm sizes. In both gloss black and walnut side legs. For more information visit our new website at www.iconictvstands.co.uk or call us on 0161 728 2297 Iconic TV Stands, Studio House, Invar Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Swinton, Manchester M27 9HF e: [email protected] Bespoke Audio visual Furniture BDI at Optimum International offers the artistic and elegant designed Ola AV stand. The Ola brings real “curve appeal” to any home theatre setting. The sensual subtle curves are key to transforming an ordinary room, into an extraordinary one. The Ola features a substantial top panel and base that anchor the cabinet for large TVs, fitting a flat panel TV of up to 73”. Yet the solid design is offset by the fluid, curved glass doors that appear to wrap around the sides of the cabinet, adding depth and interest to the design. Though unique in design, Ola is also engineered for today’s electronic components, gaming and home theatre needs. Ola is ideal for larger home theatres, and offers ample space for a full array of electronics and media. The open centre compartment has an adjustable shelf that can be used with a speaker, media or additional components. The curved glass doors feature soft-close hinges for an elegant touch and are also IR-remote compatible, providing convenient access to components while keeping them discreetly out of view. Ola is available in Satin White or Chocolate Stained Walnut finishes, both with grey-tinted glass doors. ‘Award winning performance’ FOR Tonally Balanced; Good Detailing; well made; very easy to put together. AGAINST Nothing of Note — What Hi Fi October 2009. www.hifiracks.co.uk t: +44 (0) 1572 756447 [email protected] www.optimuminternational.co.uk Scan this code into your iPhone/Android Unit 24F Pillings Road, Oakham, Rutland, UK. LE15 6QF www.svimag.com 29 SVI PROFILE: SONOROUS TURKISH DELIGHT Offering quality AV furniture has never been more important in this depressed market (see GfK stats on page 28), so seeking out the best STUART PRITCHARD accepted an invite to Istanbul and the home of the new number one name: Sonorous… Over the past 12 years working on SmartLife and SVI I’ve been privileged to travel the world and visit countless AV and CI companies, meeting the brains behind the brands, chatting to their staff and enjoying/enduring countless factory tours whilst dressed like an Intergalactic-era Beastie Boy, but when it comes to AV furniture and accessories, one company that truly dazzled with its depth of range, insight, innovation, location and workforce is Turkey’s Sonorous. I popped over recently; and even enjoyed the factory tour… unheard of… Now launching in the UK under the guidance of ex-Alphason Commercial Director Paul McCarthy and audio aficionado Barry Marsh, the company started back in 2004 when five friends in Istanbul decided they’d had enough trailblazing within some of the world’s biggest multinationals and that they should form a business together, an AV furniture business that would marry their respective skills within finance, marketing, business development and R&D, combined with a thoroughly ethical approach to materials used and an exacting level of quality. A short eight years later and, regardless of a global economy that most would describe as less than buoyant, Sonorous’s products are now distributed to over 50 countries, and the company enjoys a reputation for both engineering quality and for leading AV furniture fashion that’s second to none. Sonorous Solutions From the factory floor on the outskirts of the Asian side of Istanbul to the showroom on the European, Sonorous’s operation is as slick as it is seamless. Employing around 150 people at the 7500-sq.ft production facility, the company already complies with EU Timber Regulations due to come into place in 2013, and has a quality testing procedure stricter than a German dominatrix, ensuring that every element is checked at every stage, even weighing the final packaged article at the end – if the box is even slightly over or under what should be, the whole thing gets carted off and taken apart to be rechecked. It’s this attention to detail that allows Sonorous to offer a five year guarantee on all its AV furniture, from the impressive ‘entry level’ pure metal TV stands to the likes of the stunning, high gloss finish, modular Elements The Sonorous showroom: pure AV furniture finery 30 www.svimag.com range (also available is an range of colours from the beautifully understated to the, let’s say, more attention grabbing!). Covering all bases, whether it’s metal, metal and glass, wood and glass, glass and glass, Sonorous offer a model to suit all eventualities in the safe and stylish storage and usage of AV kit. Or if it’s a wall-mount you require, then the epic Surefix line in fixed, tilting, super-slim and articulating variants is sure to fix any flat panel to any surface. Which covers AV furniture pretty much extensively; but when you’re already dominating that marketplace, why stop there? Offering all elements of AV save for the actual AV kit itself, Sonorous also deal in AV accessories. And when I say ‘accessories’ I mean any accessory you can think of. Accounting for 10% of the business, should you require HDMI cables, adapters and switches, IR repeaters, SCART leads, energy saving multi-block power sockets, passive TV 3D glasses, screen protectors for iPad and iPhone, LCD and plasma screen solution or, yes, even a remote control stand, Sonorous is now your one-stop shop. Location, Location, Location The final piece in the Sonorous solution, not only does it offer this allencompassing range of eco and ethical AV furniture and accessories, but ideally located at the bridging point of East and West, they can ship stock from Istanbul to anywhere in next to no time, meaning minimum stockholding requirements for distributors and dealers. Now fully present in the UK, if you want to raise your revenue, offer your customers more, and work with one of the most exciting AV furniture and accessory companies around, check out the full range at the website below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T: +44 (0)1704 320 002 E: [email protected] www.sonorous.com Representatives of a far-reaching range SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 14:13 Page 31 www.svimag.com 31 SVI AV OVERVIEW: SPEAKERCRAFT SEAMLESS INVISIBLE TOUCH SpeakerCraft’s new Seamless speaker range brings audiophile performance to ‘invisible’ in-walls for the first time… There’s more to SpeakerCraft’s new in-wall ‘invisible’ speakers than meets the eye (hence ‘invisible’). This should come as no surprise, given that they’ve been designed to be completely covered with plaster, paint, wallpaper and even decorative stucco. However, you’d be right to expect something extra from Seamless, given that SpeakerCraft invented the in-wall speaker category in the first place. The big development is that there’s no audio compromise with this line of hidden loudspeakers – Seamless FR1 speakers all feature full-range drivers which use a proprietary Live-Wall direct-radiating point source design for pinpoint stereo imaging and clarity. For the first time, integrators no longer have to sacrifice deep-bass performance from under-plaster speakers either, as there’s a matching Seamless subwoofer option too. When combined, you have a discreet multi-room solution able to satisfy even the most demanding of audiences. Ingenious design Established in 1976, SpeakerCraft has long been an innovator in architectural loudspeaker design. Over the years, the brand has consistently improved the sonic quality of its in-wall propositions, and strived to make them more aesthetically pleasing. With Seamless, the company has taken this ethos to an entirely new level. The design behind the Seamless FR1 is nothing short of ingenious. A vibrating diaphragm and motor structure are mounted onto an anodised aluminum frame. The custom designed motor and housing incorporates a large neodymium magnet and a 2-inch voice coil which floats in a heat-dissipating ferro fluid bath. The diaphragm itself is a multilayer sandwich with a woven fiberglass cloth held stiff with epoxy; the porous skin holds tight to plaster, paint and stucco. To guarantee structural integrity and long term reliability, both the motor structure and diaphragm are affixed to the aluminum frame using an aircraft grade adhesive! This extraordinary build quality continues through to the FR1’s crossover network which utilises best-in-class componentry, including ultra-fast protection circuitry ensuring the speaker is shielded from rogue voltage spikes, power surges and potential amplifier malfunctions. Easy install Installation is a breeze. At only 73mm deep, an FR1 speaker can be directly installed into standard plasterboard. If a project calls for installation in solid brick or concrete, there’s an optional Birch back box enclosure available. To ensure full-bodied audio performance, a matching Seamless Subwoofer is also available. This employs a high power long throw (fully-paintable) sub bass driver installed in a dedicated in-wall cabinet. The sub is powered by a separate 250W sub bass power amplifier. Offering full crossover control, the Seamless sub can be connected at either speaker or line level, giving maximum installation versatility. The resulting listening experience is extraordinary. Two-channel presentation is warm and wide, with clear stereo imaging – yet the sound appears to float, emanating from nowhere in particular. The subwoofer, meanwhile, ensures that there’s a decent lower bass extension, so the audio never feels thin or sounds muffled. A dual tweeter edition of the Seamless FR1 is due later in the year. Flagship installation The engineers at SpeakerCraft have designed Seamless to excel both in highperformance stereo and multi-channel home cinema configurations, to create the ultimate ‘totally invisible’ home entertainment experience. A Seamless system is currently being deployed as part of a showcase installation in London’s Warwick Square. A 5.1 configuration in a lounge area will deliver a completely unobtrusive surround sound experience, while two listening zones will each have a Seamless stereo pair working in conjunction with a multi-room audio system. Interestingly, for this premium install, only one Seamless pair have been installed in a plasterboard stud wall; the rest all sit in brickwork, using back boxes; even the sub has been installed into brickwork. Media coverage of what promises to be a remarkable installation, is expected later in the year, once the job is completed. New Profile SpeakerCraft has also been busy developing a new in-wall/in-ceiling speaker line. The AIM Profile speakers feature grilles attach by Neodymium magnets, which means the designs have no bezel or visible mounting flange. This translates to a considerable amount of time saved during the average installation. The grilles themselves can be removed to paint, which means there is no flange to cover on the speaker itself, and any mistakes made when cutting plasterboard are easily covered up. Installers have a choice of circular or square magnetic covers. With 22 models available in the SpeakerCraft AIM Profile range, you can be sure that there’s a model for every job. Once again, performance has not been sacrificed. The Profiles use the same high-quality directional drivers as those found on SpeakerCraft’s AIM models. www.speakercraft.com PRICING ASM60100 Seamless FR1 ASM60203 Seamless FR1 Birch Enclosure ASM60200 Seamless Subwoofer ASM60201 Seamless Subwoofer MDF Enclosure ASM60202 Seamless Subwoofer Birch Enclosure All priced are excluding VAT. £916.66 £125.00 £1,333.33 £250.00 £208.33 For further information contact: Aldous Systems on 01296 719582 www.aldoussystems.co.uk INTRODUCING THE BOOMTOMB SpeakerCraft’s unique vision isn’t restricted to interiors – the brand’s outdoor speaker business is blooming too, thanks to innovations like the BoomTomb. The BoomTomb is an in-ground, fully waterproof subwoofer which can be buried in a lawn or flower bed. The BoomTomb uses a long excursion 10-inch woofer and vents through a hooded port (the only visible part of the system). It’s powered by a dedicated 250W amplifier. The BoomTomb is the perfect sonic partner for SpeakerCraft’s popular Ruckus rock speakers or OG outdoor speaker lines. 32 www.svimag.com SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 33 SVI INSIDE CI INSI E CI Never standing still for too long, SVI’s man in motion, DAVE SLATER, takes a second to catch his breath and bring us bang up to date with all that’s hot and happening Inside CI… Well, here we are-half way through the year with the workload not easing up at all; it’s been planes, trains and automobiles this month with a trip out to Amsterdam for a press briefing from the ISE team on the forthcoming 2013 show. Perhaps the most exciting development announced by ISE, and the one with the broadest implication for the custom install business, was the launch of a Smart Building Conference. Supported by KNX and Connected Living, it’s designed to bring the construction industry closer to our world of integration. Apparently 34% of attendees to ISE 2012 said they wanted to see more building automation technologies, and it looks like they’re going to get their wish. In other good news, ISE’s number crunchers predict that the size of the ISE market is set to grow dramatically, reckoning that it will be worth €20.2bn this year, up from €17.9bn last year. I also got a chance to meet Marieke Bouman, the organisation’s new Conference and Events Manager. Marieke, who comes to ISE from IDG Netherlands where she was a Senior Events Manager, has plenty of related experience, having staged events for digital imaging, green initiatives, rail and automotive tech. At the press briefing, ISE announced a new charity programme, ‘SeeHearTouch’ which will equip children’s hospices with the Home Cinema and media technology. The development is directly related to the pioneering work carried out by ISE Sales Manager, Ian Morrish here in the UK (see SVI Issue 92, May). Under the auspices of SeeHearTouch, ISE says it will reach out to umbrella groups representing children’s hospices in a number of European countries, and solicit the support of manufacturers and distributors prepared to donate equipment to each project, as well as integrators willing to undertake design and installation work, with part of the cost of that work met by SeeHearTouch. The first project will be the Irmengard Hof, in Chiemsee, Bavaria, arranged in conjunction with Germany’s National Association of Children’s Hospices. ISE hopes to start additional projects in France and Benelux soon. ISE Sales Manager Ian Morrish and team make a difference having an acoustically transparent screen with back lighting to make the speakers behind the screen shimmer as you start the system then, as the projector warms up and the lights dim, the great picture is revealed. On firing up the system and putting it through its paces with some great clips of action from James Bond and Super 8, the room sounded sublime – all the acoustic treatment had made the room sound perfect together with the rumble coming through the cinema seating. Reet Pettitt With a change of direction it was off to see a company called Pure Theatre and their MD, Chris Pettitt. Hidden away in an industrial estate in Telford, Chris runs an engineering business that makes lift mechanisms and hidden electric screens. Pure Theatre has a great set-up where the small team do all the CAD design and manufacturing and, Chris informs me, they stock all the standard sizes. I love the simple design of the screens – with no need for a trapdoor, the screen drops through a slit and, as the projection screens are also being produced on-site, the printing of the black borders are very precise, making 16:9 format the perfect dimension. The projector lift mechanisms are also built to the highest standards and the Epson TW9000 projector used there looked just the part in Pure Theatre’s demo room, sitting nice and snug in the lift. With lift mechanisms starting off at £750, they will certainly fit your customer’s budget and also provide the ultimate solution for the hidden lounge type of cinema. Bond & Beyond Flat out With a one night stop over, it was back to London then a mad rush to Birmingham for another Inside CI road trip to visit more integrators, manufactures and installers. I am still being blown away by the quality of installs that are hidden away in houses, garages and custom outhouses. My first treat was at Home Cinema & Beyond where MD, Justin Edwards, showed me around the superb demo suite built in the rear of his garden, the first room boasting a plasma display with Artcoustic speakers to show off a 5:1 set-up. The rooms highlight Justin’s attention to detail, with the main cinema room As the saying goes there’s no rest for the wicked (and I must have been very wicked!), so it was back to site to try and finish a nice little install in London. Some 450-square foot of flat filled with great tech: a bathroom TV from ad notam, the new Wyrestorm lite matrix, a lovely black glass surround that fits around the new Panasonic Smart Viera… which just fitted through the front door and nearly killed me and a labourer whilst carrying it up what felt like 1000 steps to the flat. With such small places it is also key to do something a little special with the lighting. As such we decided to create inlays and soffits to make the bed and headboard look like they were floating. Shadow lines always help to create this type of illusion and we mixed traditional tungsten with warm white LED strips. When it came to the kitchen and lounge, being open plan we plumped for a Rako RF system – as the building is Grade II listed with restrictions included in the lease, we were unable to fully rewire the flat so the RF system worked a treat. Finally, as the flat sits in the middle of the building with nine other flats snugly fitted around it, we decided to try our media installation without putting in Sky HD and were more than impressed by all the apps built into the Panasonic, the entertainment available from iPlayer and Netflix and a selection of music streams, also adding in Apple TV for integration with the client’s iMac and iTunes account. The upshot? We now have a happy punter who just loves his new kit and 21st century digs. ISE’s Marieke Bouman and her, frankly, outlandishly large business card… Dave Slater is MD of DSE Group, incorporating DSE DIGITAL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0)1914 914 141 [email protected] www.dsegroup.co.uk 34 www.svimag.com SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 35 SVI PRFOILE: WYRESTORM Touching BASE-T Distributed by Invision UK, HD BaseT is fast becoming the latest buzzword in consumer electronics. Enabling a single LAN cable to replace multiple cables and connectors in the home entertainment and business environment, HD BaseT was developed in a similar collaboration to that of the HDMI cable, with co-operation between the likes of Samsung, Sony and LG. The objective of the HD BaseT Alliance consortium was to provide a ‘super cable’ to deliver video and data content throughout the home with potential for interconnectivity between different devices. Incorporated in June 2010 and heavily marketed at the recent CES show, HD BaseT is based on Cat 5e/6 Ethernet cable, optimized to deliver ‘5Play’ convergence of uncompressed full HD digital video, audio, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable and various control signals – replacing separate HDMI, LAN cable, power and control cables. Members supporting HD BaseT technology are playing a vital part in defining the future of multimedia transmission and data communication in the consumer electronics and content provider industries. Considering what is being achieved via a single cat5/6 cable on up to 100m run, HD BaseT technology is likely to have a major impact on the CI market. Matrix Revolutions As a market leader in HD Distribution and Control, Wyrestorm got involved with HD BaseT technology early on, and has subsequently worked on delivering both point to point and matrix solutions, launching with point to point extenders as early as October 2010. A range of matrix models arrived in February 2011, capable of delivering 4K video transmission, two-way IR and RS232, digital audio and 100 baseT Ethernet via single cat5/6 cabling up to 100m. As a progression in development, last month saw the launch of Wyrestorm’s new HDBaseT ‘Lite’ models – ‘Lite’ because they utilise the HDBaseT chip sets, although not all of the features of the full HDBaseT models. The new range includes a 4x4, 6x6 & 8x8 matrix models, capable of providing single cable transmission with 2-way IR control up to 70m. “By stripping out some of the features, we were able to bring the pricing and feature sets to a more affordable level,” says Wyrestorm EU General Manager Adrian Ickeringill. “However, we have not compromised on flexibility. We’ve added a simultaneous HDMI output that will allow the installer to use a Full HDBaseT Extender sets (allowing for addition of Ethernet along the cable) on each of the outputs, or convert to Fibre up to 5 killometres for a long run to an outbuilding, or over coax in an older installation where Cat5/6 is not practical to run.” In addition to its matrix solutions, Wyrestorm has also introduced a 70-metre point-to-point EX-1-UTP-IR-70 set which enables RS232 and two-way IR control via single cable along with the AV distribution. These are shipping with USB-to-jack cables to provide energy efficient and space saving power from screens. Wyrestorming As an early adopter and key partner within the HDbaseT Alliance, Wyrestorm now has over 11 different HDbaseT-licenced solutions, and a strong roadmap of continued development over the next twelve months with additional solutions for the installer market. “We’re continually impressed with both HDbaseT and Wyrestorm’s contribution to the new standard,” says Invision UK’s Chris Dawson. “Any installer who is yet to consider adopting HDbaseT needs to wake up to the possibilities fast or he’ll get left behind by the rest of the pack. This is the future of cabling and it’s happening now…” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T: +44 (0)1359 270 280 | www.invisionuk.com www.wyrestorm.com | www.hdbaset.org 36 www.svimag.com Keeping you apace with the very latest innovation in CI and AV, we turn this issue to the work of Wyrestorm and the single-cable supremacy of HD BaseT… Custom Installation Nation NEW MODERO: SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED Top-end traders in touchy technology and excellent automation solutions, AMX, has announced that, with immediate effect, it’s spankingly new 7- and 10-inch Modero X Series Touch Panels are available. The new smaller, widescreen models stand out not only for their instinctive approach but also their functionality, with features including a capacitive, multi-touch screen, high-definition video streaming, Bluetooth VoIP and USB external phone connections. The 10-inch adds a high definition camera for video chat and conferencing (in table-top and wall landscape models). And, demonstrating future readiness, the Modero X Series also support Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing two devices in close proximity to exchange data, such as between a smartphone and another NFC-enabled device. “95% of the success of a control system is the user interface,” explained Robert Noble, AMX Chief Technology Officer. “Individuals the world over have become accustomed to the use of command-based gesturing, tapping and scrolling to interface with their technology. The Modero X Series takes this method of interaction to new levels of intuitiveness, enabling the user to easily take advantage of the advanced functionality on-board. These touch panels are unlike anything else out there in the market.” As much as the 7-inch, 10-inch and other Modero X Series models are a radical departure from lastgeneration touch panels in technology, the same is true for their looks, their widescreen, frameless, edge2-edge glass design being unlike any other touch panel on the market whilst delivering a user experience like no other. AMX has already released the 20.3-inch and 19.4-inch panoramic models, available in table-top and wall-mounted options, whereas the Modero X Series 4.3-inch models will begin shipping in Q3 2012. www.amx.com/Xseries HIGH FIBRE DIET Cleerline Technology Group, the makers of the Planet Waves CI range of cables and solderless connectors, has launched a new range of affordable, easy to install Fibre Optic Cables for the custom installation sector. Branded Cleerline and available in Europe through leading distributors Amber International, the groundbreaking Non Strip Fibre (NSF) is a fast and safe alternative for custom installers that simplifies and improves the fibre termination process. Supplied in both single and multimode duplex options, Cleerline’s efficient cables incorporate an extra patent-pending coating around the fibre without the need for any adhesives to guarantee a polish-free ‘two-minutes-and-under’ time-saving solution. Unlike all other types of fibre cables, the NSF’s proprietary polymer coating integration removes the need for stripping the acrylate ‘buffer’ 250um coating. This allows the installer to quickly terminate mechanical splice style connections. It also eliminates the risk of glass scarring or imperfections caused by stripping when terminating either mechanical or epoxy style connectors. “These new Cleerline NSF cables revolutionise cable installation for the CI market,” said Mark van Zon, International Sales Manager at Amber International. “Fibre can now be used without expensive equipment or specialist skills. NSF cables are also great value for money, and supplied in a choice of lengths which make them very versatile, whatever the application.” With the single-mode reaching up to 12km, and the multi-mode up to an impressive 500km, the NSF fibre optic cable is ideal for use within any size home as well as larger commercial applications such as offices, gyms, schools and museums. Compatible with all common market connector systems for the standard 50/125 multimode and 9/125 single-mode fibres, the Cleerline NSF not only supports all broadband applications, but also complies with even the most stringent of industry standards. Cleerline’s own hingepatented AJW Connector ensures easy fibre insertion as well as providing the best resistance for both push and pull strain relief, when terminating the 3mm jacketed fibre. “We are receiving incredible feedback on the simplification of fibre termination,” said Rick Sant of Cleerline. “With Cleerline being easier to use than CAT5, we expect that we will begin to see fibre become the main cable used within residential and commercial environments.” www.amber-international.com www.svimag.com 37 SVI CUSTOM INSTALLATION NATION KINETIK ENERGY FUTURE SOUNDS IN LONDON The Kinetik Labs range for the residential custom installation sector continues to expand with the introduction of brand new in-ceiling speakers and cables, now available through Amber International, the residential CI distribution business for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. “We are pleased to announce that the new in-ceiling speakers and cables are now shipping,” said Cees van Wendel de Joode, Kinetik Labs Sales Manager at Amber International. “The Kinetik Labs brand has a deserved reputation for providing custom installers with products that deliver on both price and performance. As a result, advanced interest in the products is high and we are confident they will prove popular with dealers across the region.” In its Essential Series, the Kinetik Labs KISP range of in-ceiling speakers features a smartlooking design. The KISP-E160-LP incorporates discreet, low profile grilles, pivotable tweeters and has 4/8ohm switching as standard. There is also a stereo tweeter version featuring the same low profile grille and cut-out size, the KISP-E160LPS. The Contractor Series is an all new addition to the range with the KISP-C160LP providing a great sounding low cost option for those needing the latest sleek in-ceiling speaker design on a budget. The result is a broader choice of speakers to suit different installation and customer requirements which also blend more effectively with a home’s interior scheme and yet provide excellent sound performance. The new KLIC-SP2-200 and KLIC-SP4-200 are two and four core speaker cables which are supplied on 200m reels. They are on strong plywood reels for ease of use on site and meet relevant Building Regulations with both the core case and outer sheath being Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) compliant. Clear sequential metre marking and easy identification through the simple printed markers make these a clear winner for installers. Kinetik Labs embraces four key CI product areas focused on reliability, quality build and affordability. Alongside speakers and cables, Kinetik Labs incorporates a range of installerfriendly IR kits and versatile brackets for screen mounting. Kinetik Labs is available in the UK through AWE, and in the Netherlands via BMB. If you would like to become a dealer or a distributor in other territories for the Kinetik Labs brand, please contact Amber International. www.amber-international.com This just in: CEDIA has recently announced the launch of a high level conference entitled ‘The Future of Home Technology’, which will take place at the Inmarsat Conference Centre in London on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th October 2012. “The home technology landscape is changing rapidly,” said CEDIA Chair, Gary Lewis. “In this shifting marketplace, it’s important that companies involved in the residential custom installation industry are aware of the business threats and opportunities, and are sufficiently well-informed so that they can steer their businesses successfully in the years ahead. We will be welcoming very special, high profile experts from across the technology world to share their insights with the conference audience.” ‘The Future of Home Technology’ will feature keynote sessions from respected leaders in the technology world, alongside sessions from global CI specialists and educators. As part of the conference programme, CEDIA will be announcing the results of its industry-wide research. In addition, delegates will have the chance to see products from the event’s sponsors on display in a special showcase section of the conference. More details on confirmed speakers and how to book tickets will follow soon so keep a keen eye on www.svimag.com. Meanwhile, for full details of sponsorship packages, contact: T: +44 (0) 1480 213 744 E: [email protected] www.cediaeducation.com/events 38 www.svimag.com FOCAL POINT Leading French audio specialist, Focal has appointed Computers Unlimited (CU) as UK distributor for its highly rated range of multimedia products. The move will see the award-winning Bird 2.1 systems available in Britain for the first time. CU will also distribute Focal’s acclaimed XS Book desktop speakers and Spirit One headphones. Mark Tucker, Focal UK General Manager, said: “Our multimedia products build on Focal’s proud Hi-Fi heritage; we look forward to sharing their style and sonic excellence with many more British consumers, thanks to the opportunities offered by our partnership with Computers Unlimited.” Tony Jones, Business Manager at Computers Unlimited, added: “We’re delighted to be working with France’s foremost audio brand to offer this top-rated range of products to UK retailers and consumers. With more exciting launches to come, this is just the start of a strong partnership.” Bird is three 2.1 systems based around Power Bird, a central unit featuring 2x 35W amplification, wired and wireless connectivity, and the hidden bass boost of a six-inch, 80W subwoofer. The Power Bird can be used in flat, vertical or horizontal positions. It can be hung on the wall – aided by its integrated Polyfix mounting system – or even slipped under furniture. Power Bird is paired with three sizes of speaker: Little Bird, Bird and Super Bird; these too are highly flexible about where they sit – wherever music, TV or gaming needs an audio boost, the Bird will be there. Focal has designed the Bird 2.1 Systems to offer style and simplicity. For example, every Bird system supports wireless audio, with Focal giving users the choice of Kleer – built into Power Bird – or aptX Bluetooth connectivity via an optional receiver module. Apple AirPlay can also be used, by connecting an AirPort Express to the Power Bird’s optical input. Kleer supports uncompressed audio – users just add a tiny Focal USB or iTransmitter dongle to their computer or Apple iPad/iPhone, whilst Focal’s Universal aptX Bluetooth receiver opens up wireless audio to users of any Bluetooth-compatible smartphone, tablet or computer, including the latest aptXequipped Android devices. Each Focal Bird 2.1 system comes in black or white finishes. System 2.1 Little Bird costs £700; System 2.1 Bird is £800; System 2.1 Super Bird is £900. The Super Bird speakers also come with wall mounts as standard; optional black or white floor stands cost £150/pair. The Little Bird and Bird speakers have table/wall mounts included, again with optional black and white floor stands (£130/ pair). The Kleer and aptX transmitters cost £80 each. The Focal Bird range will be in UK retailers from late July; XS Book and Spirit One are on sale now. www.unlimited.com SIMPLY THE BEST The Crestron Residential Award winners have been announced for 2012, with eight integrators being rewarded for their outstanding projects completed in the past year. Guests were invited to an awards party at Crestron’s HQ in Cobham where the company celebrated the best in custom installation. “The standard of entries for 2012 was incredibly high,” says Robin van Meeuwen, Crestron UK Managing Director. “We have seen a great selection of projects since we started our Residential Awards five years ago, but this year we were truly amazed with the entries and how unique some of the projects are. We received a record breaking 59 entries across eight categories and had a tough time selecting the winners. We continue with this awards scheme each year to recognise the achievements of our integrators, as they play a vital part in our success. My thanks go out to everyone who took the time to enter the awards.” Robin was joined by Petra Van Meeuwen, Crestron Marketing Manager, Tanya Houston of Wildwood PR and Paddy Baker, editor of INSTALLATION (always shouting about ‘installation’…) to judge the entries. The team spent several hours deliberating and were delighted with the final outcome. Crestron celebrated the awards with a BBQ party in a marquee outside its offices. With the sun shining, drinks flowing and great food provided, the winners were announced. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Best Integrated Home System: T&T Automation, for Georgian Mansion Most Distinctive Digital Media Installation (on sea): Audio Vision Ltd for Maltese Falcon Most Distinctive Digital Media Installation (on land): Smartcomm Ltd for Lavish Family Home Brilliant Lighting Control and Design: Audio Vision for Longwood Manor Best High Rise Living: ClearSphere Ltd for New Bond Street Penthouses Best Marine Project: AV Synergy for DB9 Best International Crestron Home: Custom Controls for Dubai Villas Most Creative GUI: C3 Custom Code Crafters (Europe) for Xenon “The Integration Awards are a great way for us to get feedback from Crestron on our projects,” said Dave Chester, Custom Controls. “Whilst we always strive to deliver the best, it is reassuring to us and our clients that Crestron rate our systems so highly. This is the fourth year we have won the awards and it means more to us every year.” Also celebrating a win, AV Synergy’s Darryn Jacobs said of their award for the amazing DB9 installation (as seen on p16): “Wining Best Marine Project for the second year running is an enormous achievement for AV Synergy and when we consider that our company is by far smaller than many of the competition, we take great pride in receiving this award. It is great to be recognised for producing work to an extremely high standard, especially from a company like Crestron, one of the largest control manufactures in the world.” www.crestron.com CEDIA LAUNCHES PARKS PROJECT Colossal consumer of industry information CEDIA has announced that it has appointed international market research company Parks Associates to conduct significant and unique research on the residential custom installation market in the UK. Naturally, as a valued part of the CI industry, CEDIA invite all readers to come along and have their say, so to play your part in the project either contact CEDIA on the number below or – twice as simple – head to www.svimag.com and click on the link from there. The questionnaire takes around 25 minutes to complete and the results will be collated and used to help assess the size and scope of the sector, highlighting potential areas of growth and opportunities for all in the industry. The closing date for involvement in the project is 7th September, with results to be made available in October 2012. This is the first time a research project has taken place on this scale and CEDIA see the results not only adding value to businesses but also helping to shape growth going forward. T: +44 (0)1480 213 744 www.cedia.co.uk www.svimag.com 39 SVI AV WITH ATTITUDE: SCANDYNA AV WITH ATTITUTE: SCANDYNA If the rise of all things Apple teaches us anything it’s that, in this day and age, beauty is not only skin-deep. Just like in the SVI office, looks are everything; especially when it comes to captivating consumers and extracting their hard-earned. To that end: welcome back Scandyna… The consumer electronics market is broad and diverse, covering everything from computers to TVs, and from fridges to vacuum cleaners. Like many markets it has price, function, performance and aesthetic dimensions to it. Where there is a difficult retail environment, such as the current double dip recession, for example, the sales channel has to find new and innovative ways to attract customers based on pushing the boundaries on each of these dimensions – the same product you were offering last year will not be anything new to this year’s customer. To that end, there needs to be the “what’s in it for me” thought from the consumer’s point of view in the back of every retail manager’s mind when looking at what to stock and promote. Reducing the price is an easy sell, however eroding everyone’s margins in a race to the bottom is not what most retailers or installers want to get involved in, as it’s poor business sense. It damages the industry as a whole through poor support which cannot be afforded on small margins. It is far better to offer something else that the consumer might appreciate, for example customer service or speed of delivery. Bigger, Better, Bolder Adding functions is often easy for manufacturers and attractive for dealers; the consumer effectively gets more for their money. With today’s smartphone culture, people expect as many features as possible – even if they don’t necessarily use them. Really useful features add real benefits to the consumer and progress the industry as a whole – see for example the CEC control channel on HDMI links allowing a single button press on a remote to turn everything off, or the rise in IP based control of devices so that consumers can control them through an app on their smartphone or tablet PC. Improvements in performance are also always easy to point out: “It looks the same as before and does the same things… only better!” For the AV industry, this means a better picture through higher contrast ratios, higher resolution, greater colour range, higher frame refresh rates etc., or more realistic sounding reproduction, punchier and more exciting soundstage, greater finesse and detail. Aesthetics, on the other hand, often take a back seat in the development arena – how many boxes of consumer electronics are black oblong boxes? There might be a bit of a bezel added here or a brushed aluminium trim added there, but generally the vast majority of the electronics are the same shape and size. Manufacturers who buck the trend, therefore, tend to stand out and get noticed; and sales are often a wholly different proposition with a much more tactile element. The Look of Love We’ve seen the market start to polarise into products that stand out as a design feature, and also products that are disguised as something else or disappear completely. Take loudspeakers for example – many consumers do not want to see where the sound is coming from, so installed speakers are built into walls or ceilings and great lengths are gone to so that they either vanish or look just like pictures. Of course, at the other end of the aesthetic scale, very high performance speakers naturally stand out as a statement often due to their size, however they frequently also drop into the mould of the vast majority of loudspeakers as being an oblong box sat on the floor. Modern consumers are becoming much more design conscious and interior designers often battle with AV installers for space layout and design. Every now and then however, something comes along which combines performance with a novel aesthetic and manages to stand out from the crowd. Take for example the B&W Nautilus speaker, 40 www.svimag.com there’s just no mistaking this product – the shape was created in the attempt to engineer the best possible sound so that form followed the function. And one of the off-spins of this development effort was the classic Blueroom Minipod, which is still available today as the Scandyna Minipod. But, even with upgraded performance, some additions to the family, and some new functions, such as Bluetooth support, however, poor promotion and distribution over past years have seen the brand decline in the UK. However, now with new ownership, a new UK distributor, and some new products, the Scandyna range is back to offer an eyecatchingly different look to the loudspeaker, where form follows function in the design and both eye and ear are pleased. Sound & Shape that Scans As audio aficionados will no doubt know, the shape of the Scandyna cabinet means that internal reflections and standing waves are reduced or eliminated, allowing the Kevlar drive units to more faithfully reproduce the sound they are meant to. The designs, in a range of colours, are refreshingly different to regular box shape speakers and offer a range of placement options from standard shelf/stand mounting to wall mounted, and in the case of The Drop, can be suspended from the ceiling too. Distributed in the UK by Tascom International ltd, the Tascom channel policy is to support retailers and custom installers through good customer service, high levels of support and decent margins. Not requiring retailers to invest in high levels of stock, but rather reflect the fact that having units on display and demonstration improves sales figures, Tascom seek to reward and justify that investment by helping retailers attract new customers through the medium of offering both quality audio reproduction and a wonderfully unique aesthetic that will compel consumers to demand a demonstration. In an age where everyone needs to find an edge to attract new customers, stand out from the crowd, turn heads and turn demos into sales, quality of sound is still absolutely vital, but looks are more important than ever. www.scandyna-uk.co.uk www.svimag.com 41 SVI PROFILE: APART AUDIO PROFILE: | APART AUDIO Celebrating two decades of AV excellence in Antwerp, Audioprof’s APart Audio unveils a new-look logo and some seriously cool kit… Celebrating its 20th anniversary in fine style back in June amongst an audience of more than 200 international distributors, trade press and dealers, Audioprof chose the landmark year to unveil its all-new APart brand logo, along with accompanying marketing campaign and some sexy new products. Naturally, after the unveiling, a big party also ensued down in Antwerp, but what happens in Belgium stays in Belgium… “The seminar was such a success, and the birthday party was really a must!” said Geert Polfliet, marketing manager at APart Audio. “It is only thanks to our distributors, partners and the trade press that we have been able to grow in to what we are today, and the party was a nice way for us to say thank you for all of their efforts.” Going Logo Explaining why the company felt the time was right for a spot of rebranding, Geert continued: “After 3D Participations came on board in 2009, Audioprof made a new start. One of the first remarks 3D Participations had was that Apart had a brand name, but not really a good logo. The old APart logo was a little bit old fashioned and to prepare us for the future they advised us to change the logo. We are convinced that this new logo is more dynamic, and over the next months and years some new dynamics will be clearly visible throughout the entire company: from product development to order processing to the back office, right through the sales and marketing department.” The new APart logo also includes a new tagline ‘Sounds like the right choice’. “Our goal is to become the installer’s favorite choice in Audio,” explains Kris Vermuyten, Sales & Marketing Director at Apart Audio. “Over the last 20 years, Audioprof has evolved from being an installer, to an integrator and distributor, to a respected manufacturer in the fixed installed audio market of the APart-Audio brand. Our experience as an installer taught us what was missing when looking at the products available, so we thought about what could make the life of an installer easier without compromising on sound quality and reliability.” impedance of loudspeaker and speaker lines on low impedance, and the SVC4 multiple stereo volume control which can be used with a Hi-Fi amplifier to adjust the volume (or switch off) in four different zones. Naturally, we’ll be looking more at these products in greater depth in subsequent issues, but in the meantime follow the link below to find out for yourself and offer your clients and customers an AV option that truly sets you APart. Sorry. Together APart Alongside the new logo, APart also took the opportunity to dazzle guests with the launch of a completely new series of products called ‘VINCI’. Starting with the VINCI 5 and VINCI 7, these are reference bookshelf speakers offering outstanding performance and value for money. Together with these comes a new audiophile amplifier, the VINCI 2125, an active speaker known as the OVO5P that consists of an active and a passive loudspeaker to offer excellent musical quality, crystal clear voice reproduction and high sound level with 2x 20W output, the IMPMET impedance meter that measures the true 42 www.svimag.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: www.apart-audio.com SVI TRAINING CALENDAR One should never stop learning and as Benjamin Franklin put it: “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” With that in mind then here is our guide to the latest training events that could prove to be a real boon to your business… SVI Training Calendar sponsored by CEDIA. Please email your training dates to [email protected] or [email protected] CRESTRON DATES: CEDIA DATES: August 6th - 10th - Technical School & EST2 Exam September 3rd - Introduction to Residential CI and Integration September 4th - 5th - Home Cinema Design Workshop September 10th - Wired for Technology September 11th - Fibre-Optic Technology Workshop September 12th - Health & Safety Course September 12th - 14th - Technician EST1 Boot Camp September 24th - 28th - Technical School & EST2 Exam Contact: CEDIA UK, Unit 2, Phoenix Park, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8EP Contact: T: +44 (0)1480 213 744 E: [email protected] ACA-APEX DATES: AWE DATES: August 9th - CRIS Installer Training September 13th - CRIS Installer Training June 27th – 28th Philips Dynalite: Envision Project, Epsom Contact: Unit 21, Harmill Ind. Estate, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4FF T: +44 (0)1525 379 933 E: [email protected] Contact: AWE Europe Ltd B1 Longmead Business Centre Blenheim Road, Epsom Surrey KT19 9QQ T: +44 (0)1372 729 777 E: [email protected] ALDOUS SYSTEMS DATES: August 2nd - Introduction to Rako Lighting Control August 16th - Advanced Rako Lighting Control August 22nd - HAI 1 Installer Training Course August 23rd - HAI 2 Installer Training Course August 29th - A-BUS & Home Networking Installer Training Course August 30th - Introduction to Rako Lighting Control August 30th - BitWise Controls Installer Training September 12th - SpeakerCraft MODE Installer Training Course September 19th - HAI 1 Installer Training Course Contact: Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd Unit 3, Printers End Gatehouse Way Aylesbury Bucks HP19 8DB T: +44 (0)1296 719 582 E: [email protected] CONTROL 4 DATES: July 31st-– August 2nd August 14th – 16th August 21st – 23rd September 4th – 6th September 18th – 20th Contact: Control4 EMEA Limited 3 Green Park Business Centre Sutton-on-the-Forest York, North Yorkshire YO61 1ET T: +44 (0)1347 812 300 E: [email protected] August 7th - 9th - Introduction to Crestron August 8th - 10th - DigitalMedia Certified Engineer August 15th - 17th - Essentials of Crestron Programming August 15th - DigitalMedia Certified Designer August 16th - DigitalMedia Certified Technician August 21st -23rd - Programming for Certification September 11th - 13th - Introduction to Crestron September 19th - 21st- Essentials of Crestron Programming September 19th - DigitalMedia Certified Designer September 21st - Lighting Specifier October 23rd - Installation and Toolbox Contact: Crestron UK Ltd Munro House Portsmouth Road Cobham Surrey KT11 1TF T: +44 (0)845 873 8787 RGB DATES: September 6th - Savant - An Introduction September 12th - Savant Level 2 Advanced September 18th - Networking & Wi-Fi for AV Systems September 20th - Middle Atlantic Integrating the Rack September 26th - 28th - Savant Level 1 Contact: RGB Communications Ltd 2 Lowesden Business Park Lambourn Woodlands Hungerford Berkshire RG17 7RY T: +44 (0)1488 73366 E: [email protected] RAKO CONTROLS LTD DATES: August 2nd - Foundation Course August 16th - Advanced Course August 30th - Foundation Course September 13th - Advanced Course September 27th - Foundation Course Contact: Rako Controls Ltd Knight Road Rochester Kent ME2 2AH T: 01634 226 666 E: [email protected] www.rakocontrols.com HD CONNECTIVITY DATES: August 8th - Introduction to Multiroom HDTV Distribution System August 9th - Large-scale HD Distribution Systems, Advanced Day Contact: HD Connectivity Unit 23 Link Business Centre Malvern WR14 1UQ T: +44 (0)844 357 4455 http://trade.hdconnectivity.com/ INVISION UK LTD COURSES: RTI Webinar RTI Intermediate Programming RTI Advanced Programming Home Networking Networking Theory & Practise Digital Media Distribution Introduction to Lighting Control Helvar Lighting Commissioning Residential Lighting Design Wyrestorm Product & System Training Home Cinema Set-up & Calibration Home Cinema Design Contact: Invision UK Limited Unit 5 Woodlands Business Park Rougham Industrial Estate Bury St.Edmunds Suffolk, IP30 9ND T: +44 (0)1359 270 280 www.invisiontrainimg.co.uk Your Trusted Partner for Home Technology Training www.cediaeducation.com www.svimag.com 43 movers&shakers AUG 12_movers&shakers JULY 11 23/07/2012 09:26 Page 44 SVI CONTACT DETAILS Movers&Shakers Check out the latest contact details right here... ACA-Apex Limited Unit 21 Harmill Industrial Estate Grovebury Road Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 4FF T: +44 (0)1525 379 933 E: [email protected] www.aca-apex.co.uk Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd Unit 3, Printers End Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury Bucks HP19 8DB T: +44 (0)1296 719582 E: [email protected] www.aldoussystems.co.uk Suppliers of • Aldous Home Networks • BitWIse Controls • Channel Vision • Destination Audio • Forte A-BUS • Gefen • HAI • Rako • SpeakerCraft • TileVision Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Limited Head Office: Unit 4 Sussex House Business Park 274 Old Shoreham Road Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7EU T: 0844 225 2700 F: 0844 225 2800 E: [email protected] www.alltrade.co.uk Stockists and distributors to the installation and retail trades for terrestrial/satellite television/radio reception and distribution equipment both domestic and commercial. In-home audio/video such as SONOS, Current Audio, Blucube and Celexon. Solar PV systems, CCTV and structured cable networks including all allied cables, tools and accessories. Trade counters and affiliates nationwide. 44 www.svimag.com Alphason Designs Alphason House, Swan Lane Hindley Green Wigan WN2 4EY T: +44 (0)845 130 6686 F: +44 (0)1942 521 159 E: [email protected] www.alphasondesigns.com AMX Europe Headquarters Auster Road, Clifton Moor York YO30 4GD T +44 (0)1904 343100 E: [email protected] www.amx.com/eu Anthem AV Solutions Worth Farm, Worth Lane Little Horsted, Nr. Uckfield East Sussex, TN22 5TT T: 01825 750858 E: [email protected] www.anthemavs.co.uk The UK distributors for Anthem electronics, Paradigm speakers, SmX projection screens, Screen Innovations including Black Diamond projection screens, Clark Synthesis transducers and outdoor speakers, Live-Wall invisible speakers and Da Vinci DACs from Light Harmonic. Contact us for our 2012 Pricing & Systems Guide and to find out about our dealer support package. Arcam Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach Cambridge CB25 9QR T: +44 (0)1223 203 200 www.arcam.co.uk Asheridge Communications Ltd Unit A, Chiltern Commerce Centre, Asheridge Road Chesham, Bucks HP5 2PY T: +44 (0)1494 794 770 F: +44 (0)1494 794 772 E: [email protected] www.ashcomms.com Asheridge Communications are a European Distributor for AV and Home Automation Systems. Atlantik Solutions Hollybank, Pendleton Road Wiswell, Clitheroe Lancashire, BB7 9BZ T: +44(0)1254 822 773 M: +44(0)7771 925 722 E: [email protected] UK Distributors for Proficient, Screen Excellence, Signature & DreamVision. Atlas (Scotland) Ltd Units 1 & 2 Block 11, Glenfield Place Glencairn Industrial Estate Kilmarnock KA1 4AZ T: +44 (0)1563 572 666 Audioquest Hoge Bergen 10 4704RH Roosendaal The Netherlands T: +44 (0)1249 848873 T: +31 165 54 1404 F: +31 165 54 7175 [email protected] www.audioquest.com AVF Group Ltd Hortonwood 30 Telford, Shropshire TF1 7YE T: +44 (0)1952 670 009 E: [email protected] www.avfgroup.com Designers and manufacturers of innovative Wall Mounting Solutions and stylish TV Floor Stands. AWE Europe Ltd B1 Longmead Business Centre Longmead Business Park Blenheim Road Epsom, Surrey KT19 9QQ T: +44 (0)1372 729 777 E: [email protected] www.awe-europe.co.uk BBG Distribution Unit 3, Watford Interchange Colonial Way, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4WP T: +44 (0)1923 205 600 E: [email protected] www.bbg.eu.com BBG is a subsidiary of Peerless Industries Inc, and boasts an extensive portfolio of award winning, innovative AV accessory products including wall mounts, designer AV furniture, AV connectivity solutions and a Care & Cleaning range under the Peerless-AV brand. BBG is also the UK representative for premium European brands such as Elipson, Tangent & Jamo home audio products, Case Logic storage solutions, Norstone, Elite & Ateca AV furniture ranges and One-for-All universal remote controls. Blucube 12 Teddington Business Park Station Road, Teddington TW11 9BQ T: +44 (0)20 8977 8633 E: [email protected] www.blucubespeakers.co.uk The UK's best kept secret in quality audio and accessory products. Blucube loudspeakers are arguably the best price performing in-ceiling and weatherproof speakers on the market today. Established in 2007 and with thousands of pairs installed their reputation is growing. Call or email now for TRADE enquiries. movers&shakers AUG 12_movers&shakers JULY 11 23/07/2012 09:26 Page 45 Big Red Sales Ltd Malt Hill House Malt Hill, Warfield Berkshire RG42 6BN T: +44 (0)1344 893 932 E: [email protected] Sales Agents for: Yamaha, Vogels, Linsar, Off-The-Wall & Sennheiser. B-Tech International Ltd International Head Office Long March , Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 4NR T: +44 (0)1327 300 787 E: [email protected] www.btechavmounts.com CAVE Products Ltd Unit 11a New Horizon Business Centre Barrows Road, Harlow Essex CM19 5FN T: +44 (0)1279 420 529 E: [email protected] www.caveproducts.com International supplier of quality install cables, interconnects, cabinets and consumables. Cat5e LSOH in 8 colours! Bespoke manufacturing. Same day distribution within London M25. Managed, just in time deliveries to development sites. CEDIA UK Unit 2 , Phoenix Park St Neots, Cambs PE19 8EP T: +44 (0)1480 213 744 E: [email protected] www.cedia.co.uk The Chord Company Ltd Chord Company House Millsway Centre Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7RX T: +44 (0)1980 625 700 E: [email protected] www.chord.co.uk The Clarity Alliance Ltd c/o 14 Milton Road London SW19 8SE T: +44 (0)20 8150 6741 E: [email protected] www.clarityalliance.co.uk facebook.com/ClarityAlliance Clear Vision Systems 126 West Crayke Marton Business Park Bridlington East Yorkshire YO16 6XW T: +44 (0)1262 424 900 E: [email protected] www.clearvisionsystems.co.uk Supplying the EZ RJ45 range of tools and connectors from Platinum tools, myWALL stands and brackets, AV cables and AV installation tools and materials. Visit our site for more details or to buy online. Control4 Unit 3 Green Park Business Centre Sutton-on-the-Forest York YO61 1ET T: +44 (0)1347 812 300 E: [email protected] www.control4.com Computers Unlimited The Technology Park Colindeep Lane London NW9 6BX T: +44 (0)20 8358 95 93/94/98 E: [email protected] www.unlimited.com Crestron (UK) Ltd Munro House 78 Portsmouth Road Cobham, Surrey KT11 1TF T: +44 (0)845 873 8787 E: [email protected] www.crestron.co.uk Connectivity UK Unit 23, Link Business Centre Link Way, Malvern Link WR14 1UQ T: +44 (0)844 357 4455 F: +44 (0)844 357 6679 E: [email protected] www.hdmi-over-ip.co.uk www.connectivityuk.com Current Audio Available through Computers Unlimited The Technology Park Colindeep Lane London NW9 6BX T: +44 (0)20 8358 95 93/94/98 E: [email protected] www.unlimited.com Cytech Europe Ltd Hillbrow House Hillbrow Road, Esher Surrey KT10 9NW T: +44 (0)20 8133 8325 E: [email protected] www.cytech.biz CYP (UK) Ltd Unit 7 Shepperton Business Park Govett Avenue Shepperton TW17 8BA T: +44 (0)20 3137 9180 F: +44 (0)20 3137 6279 F: +44 (0)20 3137 6690 Technical Support E: [email protected] www.cypeurope.com Dali UK PO Box 639, Huntingdon PE29 9GS T: +44 (0)845 644 3537 M: 07799 866033 E: [email protected] www.dali.dk Demagio Suite 416, KG Business Centre Kingsfield Way, Dallington Northampton NN5 7QS T: +44 (0)1604 652832 E: [email protected] www.demagio.com Demagio and Schnepel have come together to bring a family of furniture, from budget to high end, many finishes and stunning quality. We have the complete range for retailers to allow your customers to choose price, design and amazing looks. Digi-Box.co.uk 4 Allied Business Centre Coldharbour Lane Harpenden, Herts AL5 4UT T: +44 (0)1582 466 100 E: [email protected] www.digi-box.co.uk DigitalTVinfo.com c/o PlasmaTVinfo.com Ltd Dorisima House, Ipswich Road, Brantham, Manningtree Suffolk CO11 1NR T. +44 (0)1206 391 001 E. [email protected] www.digitaltvinfo.com www.plasmatvinfo.com www.LCDtvinfo.com www.organicLEDtvinfo.com www.3DTVinfo.com, plus many more relevant domains. Your unbiased 'Single Point' INFO reference for Flat Panel Technologies and associated products. Created to assist manufacturers/distributors, retailers and consumers alike. Educating, Focusing, Informing with facts and knowledge, thus assisting both sale and purchase of vision and related products. DigitalTVinfo and associated sites provide you with relevant and important INFO. www.svimag.com 45 movers&shakers AUG 12_movers&shakers JULY 11 23/07/2012 09:26 Page 46 SVI CONTACT DETAILS Domestic & General Swan Court , 11 Worple Road Wimbledon SW19 4JS T: +44 (0)20 8946 7777 www.domesticandgeneral.com Draper Group Limited 7 Earlstrees Court Earlstrees Industrial Estate Corby Northamptonshire NN17 4AX T: +44 (0)1536 203 101 E: [email protected] www.drapergroupltd.co.uk European Communications Technology Ltd PO Box 4020, Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 8TX T: +44 (0)118 984 1141 M: +44 (0)7973 218550 E: [email protected] or [email protected] Fabriweld Tubular Steel Products Limited Gibbons Street, Harrimans Lane, Dunkirk, Nottingham NG7 2SD T: +44 (0)115 942 2264 F: +44 (0)115 942 2267 E: [email protected] www.fabriweld.co.uk FS Cables Alban Point, Alban Park Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL4 0JX T: +44 (0)1727 840 841 M: +44 (0)1727 840 842 E: [email protected] www.fscables.com Genelec in the UK: Source Distribution Unit 6, Pembroke Buildings Cumberland House Business Park London NW10 6RF Mr. Steve Fisher T: +44 (0)20 8962 5080 E: [email protected] www.genelec.com Elipson See BBG Distribution listing for details. EPOS Ltd 12 Avebury Court , Mark Road Hemel Hempstead Herts HP2 7TA T: +44 (0)1442 260 146E: [email protected] www.epos-acoustics.com Epson (UK) Limited Westside, London Road Hemel Hempstead HP3 9TD T: 0871 423 7766 F: 0871 222 6740 e-talk (chat): http://etalk.epson-europe.com or www.epson.co.uk/contact-us www.epson.co.uk 46 www.svimag.com Habitech Ltd Unit 21, Caker Stream Road Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QA T: +44 (0)1420 540 054 E: [email protected] www.Habitech.co.uk Hama (UK) Ltd. Unit 4 Cherrywood Chineham Business Park Basingstoke, HANTS. RG24 8WF T: +44 (0)845 230 4262 www.hama.co.uk Hypex Ltd Unit 7, Manor House Business Park 97 Manor Farm Road Wembley HA0 1BN T: +44 (0)20 8908 3111 E: [email protected] www.hypex.co.uk Icon Distribution T: +44 (0)845 603 1375 E: [email protected] www.icondistribution.net TV Stands UK Ltd Studio House, 40 Invar Rd, Swinton , Manchester, M27 9HF T: +44 (0)161 728 2297 peter@tvstandsuk. tv www.iconictvstands.co.uk Prism Media Products Ltd The Old School, 49 High Street, Stretham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 3LD T: +44(0) 1353 648 888 F: +44(0) 1353 648 867 MB: +44(0) 7554 996 281 www.imerge.co.uk www.xiva.com www.prismsound.com Based in Cambridge, England, Imerge is a global leader in hard disk media server technology. The company’s current product range includes the multi award winning, MS1-HD Media Server and XiVASafe ultra-secure storage system, plus the “XiVA” Music M8 ripping NAS system. Indi c/o The Satellite Shop 56a London Road Southborough Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 0PT T: +44 (0)1892 528100 E: [email protected] www.indi.co.uk Indi is a pedia style directory and information website for the independent industry with public and trade facing pages. We list dealers, installers, manufacturers, distributors and industry affiliates. Join today and help us complete the picture. Impact Screen Solutions Top Floor, 29 Cambridge Road Hove BN3 1DE T: +44 (0)1273 735 476 E: [email protected] www.impactscreensolutions.co.uk UK Distributor of NEOD Mirror TV’s and Screenline projection Screens Intelligent Controls (UK) Ltd 7 Newlands Park, Copthorne West Sussex RH10 3EW T: +44 (0)1342 717 748 M: +44 (0)7976 354 068 E: [email protected] www.intelligent-controls.co.uk Special systems integrators of heating & cooling systems, specialising in smart home building management systems. Fully open source integration to 3rd party systems. Invision UK Unit 5 Woodlands Business Park Rougham Ind Estate Bury St Edmunds IP30 9ND T: +44 (0)1359 270 280 F: +44 (0)1359 270 281 E: [email protected] www.invisionuk.com Jamo See BBG Distribution listing for details. JR Associates (John Reddington) Malt Hill House, Malt Hill Warfield, Berkshire RG42 6BN T: +44 (0)1344 891 248 E: [email protected] movers&shakers AUG 12_movers&shakers JULY 11 23/07/2012 09:26 Page 47 JVC (UK) JVC House, JVC Business Park 12 Priestly Way , London NW2 7BA T: +44 (0)20 8450 3282 E: [email protected] www.jvc.co.uk Magenta Research offers a wide range of solutions that enable the extension, distribution and/or switching of video, audio and serial signals over UTP or fibre. Our products boast the most interoperability, the best video replication and the longest distance reach, all while adapting to any conceivable installation footprint. Keene Electronics Ltd Old Hall Mill Old Hall Mills Business Park Little Eaton, Derbyshire DE21 5EJ T :+44 (0)1332 830550 E: [email protected] www.keene.co.uk Marata Vision 20 Greenhill Crescent Watford Business Park Watford, Herts WD18 8JA T: +44 (0)1923 495 595 E: [email protected] www.marata.co.uk KEF Audio (UK) Eccleston Road , Tovil , Maidstone Kent ME15 6QP T: +44 (0)1622 672 261 www.kef.com Kramer Electronics UK Ltd 2, Premus, Coldharbour Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8AP T: +44 (0)1296 330011 F: +44 (0)1296 330011 E: [email protected] www.kramerelectronics.com Kramer Electronics, founded in 1981, is a leading manufacturer of digital and analogue video, audio and computer signal management equipment. We manufacture a range of products including: distribution amplifiers, switchers, matrix switchers, scaler/switchers, format converters, CAT X transmitters and receivers, fibre optic cables, and other products for the Custom Install market. Magenta Research 128 Litchfield Road New Milford, CT 06776, USA T: +1 860-210-0546 Contact: Rob Muddiman T: +44 (0)7708 850582 E: [email protected] www.magenta-research.com Maser Communications (UK) Ltd United Kingdom - Europe Australia - New Zealand Unit 4 Axis Park, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hants PO14 1FD T: +44 (0)1329 236 000 E: [email protected] www.masergroup.co.uk A Belden Specialised DNA Partner. Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon PE29 6YE T: +44 (0)1480 445 678 www.meridian-audio.com MidwichHome Vinces Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4YT E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)1379 646 889 www.midwichhome.com Mount Technologies Ltd Eastgate Business Centre, Eastern Avenue, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0AT T: +44 (0)1283 564355 F: +44 (0)1283 509579 E: [email protected] www.mountech.co.uk Manufacturer of premium quality flat screen and projector wall and ceiling mounting solutions, commercial grade product including AV trolleys and AV furniture. Manufacturing in the UK allows us to offer the unique G-FIT fitment and connectivity guarantee. Bespoke design and manufacturing service is also available for your project specific requirements. Mountech also distribute: Genuine Sky accessories, One for All & Scansonic audio Monitor Audio Ltd 24 Brook Road , Rayleigh Essex SS6 7XL T: +44 (0)1268 740 580 E: [email protected] www.monitoraudio.co.uk The Multi-Room Company Unit B Staverton Technology Park Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6TQ T: +44 (0)1452 858260 E: [email protected] www.multi-room.com Off The Wall (UK) Limited 2, Heyford Court Hillam Road, Bradford West Yorkshire BD2 1QJ T: +44 (0)1274 302 830 E: [email protected] www.off-the-wall.tv OMP GLOBAL (Maxview Ltd), Common Lane Setchey, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE33 0AT Sales T: +44 (0)1553 813333 Headoffice T: + 44 (0)1553 813300 www.omp-global.co.uk OMP BRINGS AN EXCITING NEW GLOBAL BRAND TO THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS MARKET. OMP offers an extensive product portfolio incorporating style and simplicity into a wide range of very high quality consumer electronic accessories: TV Mounts, TV Furniture, HDMI Cables, Cleaning & Installation. • Wealth of knowledge, experience & expertise • Extensive portfolio • Direct contact & control with manufacturing operations • Research, design & development facilities • Superior UK customer service and satisfaction To learn about us and for product information please request a copy of our OMP catalogue on 01553 813333. Naim Audio Ltd Southampton Road, Sailsbury Wiltshire, SP1 2LN T: +44 (0)1722 426600 F: +44 (0)871 230 1012 E: [email protected] www.naimaudio.com Opus Technologies MirrorMedia Ltd 15 Southmill Trading Centre Southmill Road, Bishop’s Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 3DY T: +44 (0)870 3866333 F: +44 (0)870 3866111 www.mirrormedia.com Gallery Court, Pilgrimage Street London SE1 4LL NorStone See BBG Distribution listing for details. T: +44 (0)20 7089 1888 E: [email protected] www.opus.eu www.svimag.com 47 movers&shakers AUG 12_movers&shakers JULY 11 23/07/2012 09:26 Page 48 SVI CONTACT DETAILS Parrot UK Ltd The iBIC Building, Birmingham Science Park, Birmingham, B7 4EJ T: +44 (0)844 472 2360 E: [email protected] www.parrot.com Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones have an extensive range of hands-free systems for cars. Working in collaboration with the iconic designer Philippe Starck Parrot also design and market the exclusive ‘Parrot By’ range, consisting of the prestigious high-end wireless Zikmu stereo speakers and Zik headphones. Peerless-AV See BBG Distribution listing for quadral GB & Ireland The Croft, 24 Abbotts Walk, Stafford, ST16 1NU T: +44 (0)1785 748 446 E: [email protected] www.quadralgb-ie.co.uk UK / Eire distributor for the complete quadral portfolio inc: quadral, Aurum, Aurum Electronic. Quaduro Systems 13 Argall Avenue London E10 7QE T: +44 (0)20 8988 9908 E: [email protected] www.quaduro.com Tablet PCs for Home Automation and AV Control including the Windows based Quad-Pad 1 touchscreen computer. details. PMC Ltd/Bryston 43 Crawley Green Road Luton LU2 0AA T: +44 (0)870 444 1044 www.pmc-speakers.com Rako Controls Ltd Knight Road, Rochester Kent ME2 2AH T: +44 (0)1634 226666 E: [email protected] www.rakocontrols.com Premier Mounts Ltd Unit 3, The Moorings Business Park, Channel Way, Longford, Coventry CV6 6RH T: + 44 24 7664 4105 F: + 44 24 7664 4165 E: [email protected] www.mounts.com Redline (Scotland) Ltd Unit 5, Blenheim Court Hurricane Way Wickford, Essex SS11 8YT T: +44 (0)1268 858 222 E: [email protected] www.red-line.co.uk Distributors for Amina, Artison, Dianemo and Velodyne. Pulse Marketing Unit 4, M11 Business Link Parsonage Farm, Forest Hall Road Stansted, Essex CM24 8GF T: +44 (0)1279 647 039 E: [email protected] www.pulsemarketing.com www.homecinemagallery.com Red Sheep Communications 14 Milton Road, Wimbledon London SW19 8SE Contact: Phil Hansen T: +44 (0)7813 893 525 E: [email protected] www.redsheep.co.uk 48 www.svimag.com REL Acoustics ltd North road, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend CF31 3TP Contact: Kevin Starkie U.K Business Development Manager T: +44 (0)1656 768777 M: +44 (0)7903 038053 RGB Communications Limited 2 Lowesden Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 7RY Sales T: +44 (0)844 8800 765 Int: +44 1488 73366. Fax: +44 (0)01488 73377 www.rgbcomms.co.uk RGB is a technical audio visual distributor. In partnership with our vendors and customers, we specialise in providing quality technical products & expertise to custom installers. We distribute the following brands; Imerge media servers, Savant Apple based control solutions, Premier Mounts projector & flat screen mounts, Middle Atlantic racking, Sharp flat screen TV's, DesignScreenHD folding screens, Rainbow Fish HDMI over fibre optic cables, RBH speakers, Lutron lighting control, Draper screens & Ocean Air electric blinds. ripcaster The Forge, Main Street Checkendon RG8 0SP T: +44 (0)118 321 82 92 E: [email protected] www.ripcaster.co.uk Experts in digital Audio and Video streaming, Storage (NAS) and automated Ripping solutions. Call for advice and TRADE PRICING. Sanus Systems Milestone AV Technologies AMX 6th Floor, Salisbury House, London Wall, London. EC2M 5QQ T: +44 (0)207 043 2926 E: [email protected] www.sanus.com/us/en Sensible Heat Ltd 11A St Nicholas Lane Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2JY T: +44 (0)1273 475 834 E: [email protected] www.sensibleheat.com Glenn Kelly 530 Durham Road Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6HU T: +44 (0)191 487 5425 E: [email protected] www.signaturecs.co.uk SIM2 UK Ltd Steinway House, Worth Farm Little Horsted - Nr. Uckfield East Sussex TN22 5TT T: +44 (0)1825 750 850 E: [email protected] www.sim2.co.uk Sonorous UK Ltd The Design Studios No4 Cedar Farm, Back Lane Mawdesley, Ormskirk L40 3SY T: +44 (0) 1704 823 567 www.sonorous.co.uk E: [email protected] Specialising in high quality, Audio-Video furniture, stands and wall mounts. Continual investment in our design and manufacturing facilities enables us to offer functional, stylish products, backed with a 5 year guarantee. Manufacturing volumes and material sourcing allow us to combine value with quality. With over 700 design options, global sales, and UK & German warehousing and sales offices, we can offer high levels of customer support and seamless supply. movers&shakers AUG 12_movers&shakers JULY 11 23/07/2012 09:26 Page 49 Sonos Computers Unlimited The Technology Park Colindeep Lane, London NW9 6BX T: +44 (0)20 8358 95 93/94 E: [email protected] www.sonos.com Spectral Furniture Ltd Suite 509 KG Executive Offices Kingsfield Way, Dallington Northampton NN5 7QS T: +44 (0)844 880 5656 E: [email protected] www.spectral.eu www.just-racks.com Stardraw.com Ltd 78 York St London W1H 1DP T: +44 (0)20 7692 7117 E: [email protected] www.stardraw.com Fibre Optic & LED Lighting Woodside, Scremerston, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland TD15 2SY T: +44 (0)1289 332900 E: [email protected] www.starscape.co.uk Stilexo UK Ltd Dyffryn Business Park Ystrad Mynach Mid Glamorgan CF82 7RJ T: +44 (0)1443 819 500 T: +44 (0)1443 819 910 E: [email protected] www.stil-stand.co.uk Distributor for Exelium wall mounts. Studio5 AVB Limited T: 0843 523 5725 E: [email protected] www.studio5avb.com UK distributors for WATERFALL AUDIO, AUDEL, DOACOUSTICS, CLARUS CABLE, HIDIAMOND CABLE. TDI West Farm, Popham Winchester SO21 3BH T : 01256 397 770 E : [email protected] www.tdigroup.co.uk TDI are trade suppliers to manufacturers, retailers and installers in the A/V industry. Our range includes A/V interconnect leads, Audio Connectors, Telecom Cabling, Power Distribution, Patch Panels, Racks, CYP HDMI Switchers and many other accessories. Contact us now for the new 2011 catalogue Sugden J E Sugden & Co Ltd Valley Works Station Lane Heckmondwike West Yorkshire WF16 0NF T: +44 (0)1924 404 088 E: [email protected] www.sugdenaudio.com Tangent See BBG Distribution listing for details. Tannoy Ltd Rosehall Industrial Estate Coatbridge N. Lanarkshire ML5 4TF T: +44 (0)1236 420 199 E: [email protected] www.tannoy.com True Colours Distribution Ltd 10 Pinehill Road, Crowthorne Berkshire RG45 7JD T: +44 (0)1252 876 300 E: [email protected] www.true-colours.net UK-CF Victoria Works, Hillend Lane Rossendale, Lancs. BB4 7AG T: +44 (0)1706 235 210 F: +44 (0)1706 222 309 E: [email protected] www.ukcf.co.uk Vivid Audio UK Ltd The Old Barn Rosier Business Park Coneyhurst Rd, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9DE T: +44 (0)1403 782221 M: +44 (0)7950 274224 www.vividaudio.co.uk Vogel’s 1210 Park View, Arlington Business Park, Theale Reading RG7 4TY T: 0330 2020 981 F: 0330 2020 997 E: [email protected] www.vogels.com For sales enquiries contact Big Red Sales Tel: 01344 893932 Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK) Sherbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes MK7 8BL T: +44 (0)1908 366 700 http://uk.yamaha.com Want to make sure your company gets the recognition it deserves? To have your details added to our Movers & Shakers listings please contact Bonnie on: +44 (0)1206 506 249 Email: [email protected] Chantell on: +44 (0)1206 506 254 Email: [email protected] Anders+Kern UK Ltd Norderstedt House James Carter Road Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7RQ T: +44 (0)1638 510900 F: +44 (0)1638 510901 E: [email protected] www.anders-kern.co.uk We want your Tascom International Ltd. Exclusive UK distributor for Scandyna 1 Mars House, Calleva Park Aldermaston, Berkshire RG7 8LA T: +44 (0)118 982 0400 E: [email protected] www.scandyna-uk.co.uk RECRUITMENT ■ THE RIGHT CANDIDATE IS OUT THERE AND WE CAN REACH THEM ■ ONLINE RECRUITMENT - CHECK THIS OUT DAILY www.svimag.com www.svimag.com 49 SVI INDUSTRY INSIGHT INDUSTRY INSIGHT THE TV SHIELD Set to take the outdoor AV industry by storm, this issue we speak to ALEX BENNETT from innovative enclosure manufacturers Ce-Tek about their new product “The TV Shield”… WE BELIEVE YOU’RE NEW INTO THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SECTOR, COMING FROM A FAR MORE HEAVYWEIGHT BACKGROUND. CAN YOU BRIEFLY FILL US IN ON YOUR HERITAGE? Yes, Ce-Tek is a family owned business which has been operating for over 20 years and we predominantly operate in the oil and gas/petrochemical industry providing hazardous area enclosure solutions for the most extreme of environments. We are also involved in many industries like the rail network, renewable energy solutions and the food industry to name but a few. Because we have such a diverse range of capabilities we are able to offer fully customised solutions to any specification which the customer may have, this makes us the number one choice for enclosure solutions. SO WHAT DROVE THE MOVE INTO THIS MARKET? WERE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW REVENUE STREAM OR DID YOU JUST SPOT A GAP THAT NOBODY ELSE WAS FILLING? As mentioned previously we are able to offer customers a solution to protect whatever equipment they may have from the elements; so when someone asked us around 10 years ago if we could provide an outdoor enclosure to protect TVs as he saw a potential for pubs and clubs, we were delighted with the opportunity. Of course we managed to engineer a solution to meet his “hooligan proof” remit. This was constructed out of metal and proved so successful we incorporated a range of sizes of this product into our range. As you know the UK market is very competitive and although the metal TV cabinets were a fantastic solution they are not a low cost product (around £1000 upwards). We found we were getting a lot of enquiries from all sorts of sectors including the domestic market which were after a low cost solution. So after months of product development and research we discovered ‘The TV Shield’ which solves this common problem! After careful negotiations we partnered with ‘The TV Shield’ and helped them develop the product using our wealth of technical expertise and we are now the UK and Ireland sole distributor of this product, and will also be entering into Europe very soon... hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and of course the domestic market. Outdoor living is a huge and growing market and this product fits perfectly within this market place! I am hoping that this will become a “household” brand and will be a popular choice for everyone’s garden! AT THE MOMENT YOU HAVE TWO MODELS – 19-26-INCHES AND 30-47-INCHES SO IS THERE A STRUCTURAL REASON FOR STOPPING AT THIS SIZE, OR ARE LARGER MODELS PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE? Absolutely! I have just got back off a plane from the USA where I have helped develop a unit for up to 60-inch screens, this will be coming very soon, and we do not plan to stop there! AND WHAT MAKES IT SO INCREDIBLY RESILIENT? The product is engineered from highly durable and resilient materials. The back of the enclosure is made from polyethylene (no that is not the stuff your supermarket bag is made out of!), which is one of the toughest plastics available, the front cover is made from 7mm thick optically clear LEXAN polycarbonate which is the same grade material used for police riot shields! The hinge and the vents are made from marine grade high strength aluminium to ensure durability without making the unit too heavy, the large TV Shield is only 13kg! IS THIS JUST THE ONLY PRODUCT WE CAN EXPECT TO SEE ENTERING THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SECTOR OR IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A WHOLE NEW WING OF THE CE-TEK BUSINESS? The TV Shield has been such a hit we have already set up a separate division of our company with its own staff purely to take care of the demand! Our business is dynamic enough to make theses structural changes with ease so yes, watch this space! www.thetvshield.co.uk YOUR FIRST PRODUCT RELEASE IS THE RATHER CUNNING ALL-WEATHER, ALLRESISTANT TV SHIELD ENCLOSURE FOR TV SCREENS – IT HAS ENDLESS APPLICATIONS, BUT WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BIGGEST SALES FOR THIS COMING FROM? In short, I’m not quite sure! We are getting such a positive response from all areas of the marketplace: pubs, clubs, schools, sports stadia, public transport stations, SOUNDVISIONINSTALL SVI THE TRADE’S FINEST HOME ELECTRONICS RESOURCE ISSUE 93 AUGUST 2012 www.svimag.com £2.95 where sold INVISIBLE TOUCH Seamlessly heard but not seen, SpeakerCraft’s latest sound ideas provide pure aural pleasure… EXPERT AV ALL AT SEA ON THE CRESTON WAVE WITH AV SYNERGY’S AWESOME OCEANGOING INSTALL: WELCOME ABOARD THE DB9 TURKISH DELIGHT ON TOUR IN ISTANBUL WITH AV FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES EXPERTS SONOROUS LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF SVI ON AUGUST 24TH, FEATURING… THE MARVELLOUS WORLD ON MULTI-ROOM AV DOCKS OF DISTINCTION: THE PERFECT PARTNERS FOR IPOD & ANDROID SHOWS MUST GO ON: CEDIA US 7 IFA PREVIEWS ISSN 1478-1123 Editor: Stuart Pritchard Publisher: Matthew Tudor Design: Steve Streeting, Lee Francis, Donna Blowers, Ben Robinson & Hayley Pollard Advertisement Design: MS Typesetting & Design The SVI advertising team: Bonnie Howard T: +44 (0)1206 506 249 [email protected] Chantell Keston T: +44 (0)1206 506 254 [email protected] 50 www.svimag.com Contributors: Phil Hansen, Dave Slater, Matt Nimmons Design & Repro: MS Typesetting and Design T: +44 (0)1206 505 470 Circulation Manager: Mick Orrin T: +44 (0)1206 505 912 Subscriptions: To ensure you receive your copy of SVI every issue, go to www.svimag.com and simply fill in the online form Accounts Admin: T: +44 (0)1206 505 900 Published By: Aceville Publications Ltd, 21/23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester Essex CO2 8JY Not for correspondence Printed in England All contributions are submitted and accepted on the basis of a non-exclusive worldwide licence to publish or licence to do so unless otherwise agreed in advance in writing. Sound Vision Install recognises all copyrights and trademarks. Where possible, we have acknowledged the copyright holder. Contact us if we haven’t credited your copyright and we will correct any oversight. All contents © Aceville Publications Ltd While we make every effort to ensure that everything we print in Sound Vision Install is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. Please check any quoted hardware specifications with your supplier before purchase. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright Aceville Publications Ltd © SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 51 SVI AUG 2012 ad master_SVI JULY 2011 ad master 23/07/2012 11:54 Page 52