to - SVI Magazine
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to - SVI Magazine
ISSUE 33 MAY 06 WHAT’S NEW SVI SERVING THE SOUND, VISION AND INSTALL TRADE SLEEK POWER Yamaha's Digital Sound Projectors rule the roost! Decent Expo-sure Looking ahead to CEDIA's big event Creating a Bracket Uncovering the flat-screen mounting market Blok Party Wood is back and looking better than ever www.soundandvisionmagazine.co.uk IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE 5 FIRST GLIMPSE 26 EXPO-É Ruark's reinvigoration process continues unabated, with the release of the new Crusader. He's getting itchy feet already… JAKE STOW takes a closer look at his annual excuse to leave the office – the CEDIA Expo 6 EYE ON THE INDUSTRY Find out about every technological development before it arrives 15 OUT AND ABOUT Raucous entertainment at work? The Home Cinema Choice awards had it all... 32 INSTALLATION NATION 16 CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOK The world of custom install falls under our microscope once more Blok Furniture's new Audinni range proves enough to convince SAM FULLER of the timeless qualities of wood 38 STORIES FROM CEDIA Our monthly pick of the crop of the products on the AV launchpad 22 THE MOUNT DOWN Accessory sales are a fine way to boost your margins. SAM FULLER takes a look at some of the most straightforward to sell The sun is shining, the weather is sweet and the CEDIA Expo is just around the corner. This year's event promises to attract the biggest range of manufacturers yet, with more and more firms who've cut their teeth in the conventional home entertainment sector turning to the burgeoning CI market in an effort to expand their business. Diversification is the order of the day and while brands we once associated exclusively with Hi-Fi like Arcam and NAD are starting to embrace multi-room audio in the manner they once turned to multi-channel, automation giants like Crestron and AMX are broadening their offerings to include lighting control and video distribution respectively. It's an exciting time for everyone involved at the smart end of the industry and in the expansive halls of ExCel there will be more firms than ever attempting to grab a piece of the action. The team here have certainly embraced that philosophy and come June we'll be raising our game once again. Yes, highlighting our commitment to England's worldly cause and the custom install crowd, we'll be cosponsoring a sports café at the Expo, alongside our chums at KEF. So you'll have access to the two show essentials – coffee and high-definition coverage of the relevant World cup Games – courtesy of your dedicated SVI team. You can't say we aren't good to you. This should provide us with a fantastic opportunity to raise our profile, consolidate our position as the top trade title operating in our industry and promote your message to an even wider audience. Moreover, it will also give us a chance to launch our new look. For, much like that of Brazil's dazzlingly skilled and not so dazzlingly good looking Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, our name was becoming a bit of a mouthful. It had to be shortened, and with Ronaldinho already taken the SVI you see before you seemed the natural solution. We hope you like it; it'll certainly make our lives easier, and I can't see Motty stumbling over it... 30 COUNTRY LIFE City girl LISA WEBB took a trip to the South West to find Dawsons spreading the CI word in Dorchester 18 WHAT'S NEW A SPORTING CHANCE Hamish McNair-Wilson, Editor [email protected] 01/07/04-30/06/05: 4,309 30 22 26 32 MATT NIMMONS takes time out of his schedule to tell us what's been happening at our association 40 CONTACT BOOK Keep in touch with your colleagues via our comprehensive directory 44 TRAINING DIARY SIM2 have just added their dates to our training diary PLEASE SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: WHAT’S NEW IN SOUND AND VISION, 21-23 PHOENIX COURT, HAWKINS ROAD, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO2 8JY ©2005 Sanus Systems. All Rights Reserved. *Patent pending. Sanus, the Sanus logo, VisionMount, Virtual Axis, and The Union of Form and Function are trademarks of Sanus Systems. Great theater deserves a great setting. Plasma TVs are really making waves. So choose a mount worthy of the splendor of your plasma: a Sanus VisionMount™ wall mount. Its simple elegance gives you one of the strongest, most durable mounts with installation in minutes. And the Virtual Axis™* mechanism allows you to adjust the tilt with an effortless fingertip touch — even if your TV weighs 175 pounds. Wherever your plasma TV is destined to be, VisionMount can easily handle your installation and positioning needs. So you can spend your time reflecting on the real beauty of your home theater. VisionMount™ model VMPLb shown. Fits virtually any flat panel TV from 32" up to 60". Available in black and silver. www.sanus.com +31 40 26686119 WHAT’S NEW First Glimpse THE REINVIGORATION PROCESS CONTINUES. MEET THE LATEST ADDITION TO RUARK'S HERITAGE SERIES, A MARK III INCARNATION OF A MODEL KNOWN FOR PERFORMANCE BELYING ITS SIZE... THE LAST CRUSADER? Ruark have been building top notch speakers for 20 years now and have a bulging portfolio of great designs behind them. With many Hi-Fi fans retaining fond memories of their classic pairings, in recent years they've seen fit to introduce revitalised, Mk III versions of their Sabre and Talisman models. With these having been well received, it is entirely natural that the Crusader III joins them in the Heritage Series. The Crusader is traditionally known for its ability to produce sounds that belie its relatively compact stature and, with the addition of new and improved driver technologies and construction techniques, things have only been improved. A three-way design, each drive-unit has been developed to excel in its specific frequency range. The Crusader III's upper frequencies are handled by a highly evolved ribbon tweeter where the low mass of the aluminium ribbon allows an extended frequency response and natural reproduction of harmonics. Likewise, the 75mm dome has all the attributes necessary to provide exceptional dispersion and performance through the midband. At the lower end, bass frequencies are handled by a highly specified 180mm unit that provides exceptional control and extension. Each drive unit has its own partitioned cabinet, optimised for acoustic performance, whilst on the outside a particularly elegant design has been the order of the day. The net result of the process of reinvigoration is a stylish, even-handed speaker that should have the ability to win over anyone with a genuine interest in high-quality electronics. The speakers will sell for £2,800 a pair. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contact: +44 (0) 170 260 1410 www.ruark.co.uk 5 > SOUND & VISION EYE ON THE INDUSTRY Eye On The Industry THE WHO-WHAT-WHERE-WHEN-WHY OF AV... ATTENTION PLEASE! If you have news of any industry appointments or dismissals, achievements or crises, acquisitions or additions, and you’d like to see them in print, email the details to [email protected] ANNEXATION OF POLAND Sharp hope their Aquos series will dominate the LCD-TV market for years to come... TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE ARTS Globally renowned artist and composer Michael Nyman is the latest man in the know to embrace Eclipse's speaker systems. Nyman uses Eclipse speakers for performance level support during concerts where they operate as an extension of his piano. He also uses the speakers in his home studio. Nyman joins a growing rostrum of figures from the music industry to endorse the distinctive, organically structured speakers "The Eclipse speaker system is,” Nyman remarked, “quite simply, an acoustic extension of my piano. It gives me the benefit of absolutely faithful sound reproduction, without any modification of sonority or the instrument, reproducing and preserving the tonal qualities of the piano in their entirety." Famous classical guitarist John Williams is another to join the eggshaped revolution. He uses Eclipse speakers in a similar fashion, supporting his acoustic guitar during live concerts. These great testimonies are the latest from an industry that has truly embraced Eclipse's work. As a firm driven by sound engineers with a commitment to drawing the purest, most accurate reproduction of sounds from their source, this is a fitting endorsement of their efforts. For further information contact: +44 (0) 207 328 4499 www.eclipse-td.com Another celebrity snaps up Eclipse's finest wares 6 Sharp nailed its colours to the LCD-TV mast a long time ago and continue to be the major innovator in this area, pushing back the boundaries of expectation year on year. As a result, it is widely regarded as an industry leader, commands impressive sales and is continually growing in this area. The latest evidence for this comes in the form of Sharp's recent bid to expand its production in Eastern Europe. Currently in negotiations with the government of the Republic of Poland, the plan is to construct a manufacturing facility for LCD modules in the city of Torun in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship in the north of the country. This facility has been designed to meet the needs of the LCD-TV market in Europe, which is predicted to experience rapid growth in the not too distant future. The plans were unveiled at a meeting held at the Prime Minister's office in Warsaw last month. At the conference, Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz and Under Secretary of Economy, Andrzej Kaczmarek represented the government of Poland, and President Katsuhiko Machida attended on behalf of Sharp. Production here is set to begin in January 2007, while large-screen LCD-TVs will be produced at plants at Sharp Electrónica España S.A. (SEES) in Spain and Loewe Opta GmbH in Germany. Unit production volumes will gradually be increased in the future to cater for the expanding market. To get things up and running Sharp are expected to make an initial investment of approximately 44 million and employ a workforce of around 800 people. For further information contact: www.sharp.co.uk PLAYING GAMES The latest research from US market commentators in-stat offers an enlightening insight into the DVD and next generation digital media markets. Entitled Who's Blu? Next Generation DVD Players and Recorders, the full report is available for purchase on-line now. According to its findings, despite the imminent launch of both Blu-ray and HD-DVD-players, sales of DVD-player and recorder units will continue to grow. Indeed, 176.6 million units should be shifted in the global marketplace in 2010 according to in-stat; a significant rise from the 140.8 million units shifted in 2005 despite their apparent ubiquity today. In the coming year, Europe is expected to remain the most lucrative region and will account for the sale of 38.4 million units. But what of their forthcoming high-definition equivalents? FChris Kissel, In-Stat analyst, had this to say: "The future of this market though is all about high-definition DVD-players based on blue laser technology; however, the future may be farther off than we would like. These players will enter the market at premium prices, and as there has been no compromise between the HD-DVD camp and the companies that sponsor Blu-ray technology, a format battle seems inevitable. There will be some casualties, companies and consumers alike." The high-definition players are not expected to be cheap either. With the servo chipset, optical pick-up, H.264 decoder and royalties making up the majority of the cost, in-stat have estimated that the bill of materials for blue laser disc players will weigh in at over $400. Although most of the costs will inevitably decline during the forecast period, the format war should ensure royalties retain a premium price tag, keeping prices up. But which format will triumph? Unfortunately, they couldn't quite tell us that... For further information contact: www.in-stat.com GOOD OLD ARSENAL! SmartLife International's Advertising Manager, Richard ‘Dickie’ Davies, is doing his bit for charity this summer when he will be playing in a charity football match he is currently helping to organise. Richard's team, Eastbourne United, will line up against an Arsenal Ex-Professional and Celebrity XI, a team founded by former Arsenal stalwart, the late Bill Graves, back in 1991. The visitors from North London's squad comprises of a number of former Gooners, pros from other clubs and sportsmen, who will team up with a range of TV stars and showbiz personalities. The game takes place this summer on Sunday 13th August with all the proceeds going to CRY, a charity founded in 1995 to raise awareness of Cardiac Risk in the Young. Last year's event helped to raise £5,000 for the More Charity, but 2006's match promises to be bigger and better. With the mighty Arsenal Football Club, Football In the Community and Eastbourne United FC all actively involved, and the TA, Lifeboat and Sussex Ambulance supporting the event, things are looking good for Richard, his team and, in particular, their chosen charity. Richard is currently seeking sponsors for the event. Anyone interested in showing their support for this worthwhile cause should get in touch. For further information contact: [email protected] www.c-r-y.org.uk Smartlife International's Richard Davies will be lining up against the Gooners this summer HERE COMES THE SUMMER... Summer could be the new season to be jolly thanks to the innovation of accessories giant Vivanco. The firm is in the midst of launching a thoroughly original batch of products, which form a range it has labeled Outdoor Living. As the name would suggest, this diverse bunch of options have been designed for use in the garden, which is increasingly viewed by the consumer as an extension of their home. They stand out as something very different and present retailers everywhere with the opportunity to up their margins with the sales of some practical, considered and functional accessories. According to Vivanco's Product Marketing Manager, Ben Osborne: “The big problem has always been how to get key elements of the inside out, such as power, music, vision, heat and light. The Vivanco Outdoor Living concept simply brings the inside out – without fuss.” The Outdoor Living range from Vivanco comprises seven products including four sets of wireless speakers, a wireless audio/video sender, an innovative power source, cordless headphones and a special lightweight tent for TVs specifically designed to prevent outside glare. Three flagship products lead the range. The first is a pair of splash proof silver coloured 900 Mhz wireless speakers, which offer ultra clear stereo sound across distances of up to 30 metres. Simply hook the sender up to any piece of equipment in the home and top quality sounds sourced from it can be emitted around the garden. The second product is a clever, solar-powered, wireless speaker, which is ideal for those put off the idea by having to change the batteries every once in a while. Finally, for those who require a more direct solution, there is the PowerSpike – a waterproof, subtly styled power source, that can be stuck in the ground anywhere in the garden “We’re expecting a lot of outdoor parties where consumers will be watching World Cup TV coverage in the garden. Vivanco’s Outdoor Living will enable them to enjoy the games in comfort and style without any fuss,” Ben concluded. Margins of up 40% are available on the unique range, which comes dressed in eye-catching packaging and is priced between £14.99-£149.99. For further information contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 > SOUND & VISION EYE ON THE INDUSTRY EXPERT OPINIONS CALL TO ARMS When it comes to the finest sounds KEF certainly know their stuff, as they proved at the recent Audio Engineering Society’s Advances in Consumer Audio Technology for the Home conference programme sessions, held on April 6th-8th at New Hall, Cambridge. Here, three of the firm's boffins were called upon to deliver speeches, each of which was well received. Dr Andrew Watson, KEF’s Senior Acoustics Engineer, gave a presentation on Unobtrusive Audio: Current Trends and Design Considerations. “Audio companies aim to design products that satisfy the desire for high quality sounds at the same time as meeting the changing tastes and expectations of the consumer. The purpose of my talk was to give an overview of the different ways the industry is addressing the need for unobtrusive loudspeakers and present some of the technical considerations,” Andrew explained. Mark Dodd, KEF’s Head of Group Research, and Jack Oclee-Brown, Research Engineer, gave a presentation and paper on Surround with Fewer Speakers - an analysis of the technical background to KEF’s perception of sound fields, localisation of images and methods of generating a surround field from speakers at the front of the room. This is particularly relevant to KEF’s outstandingly successful KIT100 system, and offered some enlightenment, going a long way to show that with the right technologies less can be more. The presentations were supported by a demonstration set-up in the room next to the AES Conference room, which featured a KEF KIT100 system and a sample of the much-vaunted new 5.1 KHT3005 system. Audio remains a vital part of any home entertainment system worthy of the name, but is increasingly required to complement the accompanying video as well as its user's decor and lifestyle. This AES conference examined how forward-thinking home audio providers can successfully embrace these new paradigms in order to survive and prosper in the future. The conference explored the market place, industrial design and new high-definition formats. The two-day AES UK section conference presented a lively and informative programme of talks and seminars from respected engineers, designers, academics and market researchers, with plenty of opportunity for both formal and informal discussion. Mark Dodd is also set to participate in the AES Pro-Audio Expo & Convention held in Paris later this month. For further information contact: +44 (0) 162 267 2261 www.kef.com Warren East, CEO of ARM Holdings, has been appointed as a non-exec director at Cambridgebased Internet radio specialist, Reciva Ltd. Warren has assisted with the strategic development of the company since joining Reciva’s advisory panel in July 2005 and joins the board following the highly successful launch of the Reciva powered Acoustic Energy Wi-Fi Look, East! Internet radio and digital media player in December 2005, which uses ARM processor technology. Mr East adds considerable commercial expertise and extensive knowledge of business strategy to the team, having worked in a variety of significant roles for ARM since1994. Giles Hutchison, CEO at Reciva, commented: “Warren has consistently shown his commitment to us and I am delighted he has increased his involvement with the company by joining the board. I believe that Warren will make a significant contribution to Reciva’s development of worldwide Internet radio technology.” Clearly enthused by his new appointment Warren told What’s New: “Reciva is now well established as a leading technology provider for Internet radio products. I look forward to taking a more active role in the direction of the company during its rapid growth in the Internet radio market.” For further information contact: www.arm.com The cream of the KEF crop GO TO THE PARK Things are certainly looking up for the inaugural London Sound & Vision Show, set to take place at Heathrow's Park Inn in September. In good news for prospective exhibitors, organisers Chesterfield Communications are to launch a substantial promotional campaign to support the new event. This will include three months of magazine advertising, a print run of 250,000 privileged tickets, the use of 40 x 20ft motorway signs for a month before the show as well as radio and Satellite TV campaigns. There will be dedicated helpers available to every exhibitor on the day, spare trolleys, a pre-delivery facility and, naturally, a free social on the Saturday. Visitors, meanwhile, are being promised a value for money experience and benefit from their own hospitality area, an all day experts clinic, a well structured show, two free magazines and a programme worth over £10, a post show forum and a whole lot more. And for those who don't like to mix with the general public, Chesterfield Communications are planning to use the Friday as a dedicated trade day, during which you'll be able to conduct your business entirely free from interference. For further information contact: +44 (0) 182 974 0650 www.chestergroup.org 8 A DAB HAND Kevin Parslow has joined Intempo Digital, bringing with him a wealth of international experience following 20 years of hard graft in the field of consumer electronics and technology industry. Formally Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RadioScape, Kevin will capitalise on his DAB background to develop Intempo's range in the UK and Europe. As the firm's new Sales Director and European GM of Operations, he will be charged with growing the brand across the continent. "I have been watching Intempo's progress in the marketplace and am extremely impressed with the product innovation and development," Kevin explained. "I really admire the way the company looks at the market with an unconventional eye. Its entry into the speaker market with the iDS-01, a docking station and speaker system for iPods and MP3 players, has already begun outselling established brands, positioning Intempo as second in the UK speaker market. I'm relishing the challenge of developing the brand further using my experience to help grow and develop the business while allowing Intempo to concentrate on what it does best -innovation and creativity." "Intempo has a strong reputation for not following the traditional route other DAB manufacturers have taken, especially in relation to design," commented Intempo Digital Founder, Bernadette Spofforth "Intempo produced the first digital radio in baby pink back in 2004, before other technology manufacturers flooded the market with pink products to appeal to a female audience. Our radio collaboration with fashion designer Matthew Williamson was at the forefront of the emerging trend for more personalised homeware products, which now has seen other manufacturers following suit. We're thrilled Kevin is on board so we can profit from his business experience and strategic direction while we continue developing affordable, stylish, cutting edge technology which complements today's lifestyles." For further information contact: www.intempodigital.com PLUG YOUR BUSINESS Following its successful pre-Christmas and New Year TV advertising campaign, Euronics will be back on the box in the build-up to the forthcoming football World cup. Its new TV advertising will embrace the beautiful game by featuring Mr Plug, the face of Euronics, as a referee in a football stadium. In addition to promoting the benefits of shopping at Euronics retailers, Toshiba will feature heavily in the ad with a special product promotion. The campaign will air on Channel 4, ITV4 and a selection of Sky Channels from May 22nd to June 7th. It will be backed by window displays and in-store point-ofsale material, helping to significantly raise the profile of both Tosh and the retailers during a key season for sales. For further information contact: www.euronics.co.uk DTS made a real impact at CES 9 > SOUND & VISION EYE ON THE INDUSTRY HAPPY HAMMERS What has inspired FA Cup Finalists West Ham United's astonishing run this season? The coaching? The coming of age of their bright young stars? Partially, yes, but the word from inside the dressing room is that Marlon Harewood's DJ-ing skills have been as vital as his goals in getting the team fired up before games. As a keen music fan, the in-form striker always has something new on his iPod and has been using the i-deck from Rayleigh-based Hi-Fi specialists Monitor Audio to share it with his teammates. As a self-styled music maestro, West Ham's training sessions and pre-match preparations are usually set to the beat of whatever Marlon deems appropriate. And, with 10,000 tracks on his iPod, he has a fair old collection to pump out through the stylish stereo solution. Harewood commented: “I love my music and it is very important to me in all areas of my life. It plays a really big part to all of us before a match because it gets us all buzzing. I’m not really sure how I became in charge of it all, I think it’s just because everyone knows how much I love listening to music and as I am always playing new stuff to everyone from my iPod”. Harewood, together with Hammers manager Alan Pardew and coach Peter Grant, have been heard expounding the ONE STOP STOCK After a long development process the dream of Vivadi's CEO, Paul Roberts, has finally been realised through the release of the Saturn – a fully integrated, upgradeable, digital home entertainment solution. With the product finally completed and ready to ship, Paul has set his sights on recruiting the key individuals required to form a commercial team capable of handling the sales, marketing, distribution and financial functions of his growing company. It's a key period for Vivadi and the firm has also launched a recruitment drive, targeting premier dealers around the UK. The Saturn is aimed at buyers seeking a combination of digital age functionality and performance coupled with the presentation befitting of a modern smart home. For those unprepared to go the whole hog and plump for a 10 virtues of Monitor Audio's highly regarded docking station. “The best thing about using an iPod and i-deck in the dressing room,” the FA Cup semi final hero continued, “is it means we can constantly change what we listen to and can listen to the most up-to-date music all the time. In terms of music, I like a bit of everything really, which is another good thing about the iPod and i-deck - you can fit so much on there and split everything into playlists to suit your mood. For example I love Usher, Pharell, 50 Cent and artists like that who are good to listen to before a match, but then my little boy also loves listening to my classical music on the i-deck before he goes to bed.” Neil Farrow, Marketing Manager for ideck, commented, “As a Rayleigh-based firm, we’re delighted that our local Premiership team, West Ham, have embraced the i-deck. Hopefully the whole team will be motivated by listening to their favourite tracks before a game to continue their winning streak - and fingers crossed, be the last team standing! It’s well known that footballers love stylish, quality gadgets, so praise from Marlon Harewood is a real endorsement of i-deck’s superior sound quality and design flair.” The i-deck is now available in sleek black as well as in the original silver-grey. For further information contact: +44 (0) 126 874 0585 www.monitoraudio.co.uk custom installation, this could be the ideal option. Its elegantly styled freestanding unit combines an HD-ready plasma, a Media Center PC incorporating a DVDrecorder, a 400GB hard disk for music files and Personal Video Recording from the two built-in Freeview digital tuners, a Dolby/DTS 5.1 decoder together with powerful amplification and the option of a full set of complementary loudspeakers, with the subwoofer and centre speaker built into the cabinet. All this comes controlled by a simple, single remote control, while a wireless keyboard affords users the most convenient access to its built-in PC. This multifaceted solution is truly unique and can even be upgraded as Vivadi's technology develops. If you are interested in stocking it, get in touch. It will certainly catch the attention of buyers in store. For further information contact: +44 (0) 179 378 0033 www.vivadi.com Guess which of these men wasn't unlucky to miss out on a place in the England squad? CAST YOUR WEB Software specialist Cromwell Business Systems has developed a new piece of software designed to help retailers to make their websites more efficient. The Control Panel allows any company to monitor visitors to its website and map their journey with the utmost ease. This allows them to collate detailed information concerning which products people are searching for, the search engine they are using, where they start out, where they exit, the sales for the day, the number of visitors and much, much more. Jerry Kelleher, Internet Shop Manager for Vaughan’s website www.123electricals4me.co.uk is already reaping the benefits of the facility: “It is extremely useful and gives me instant access to statistics allowing me to keep an eye on what’s going on, as well as knowing how many people are logging on at any one time. Before we had it, we had much less control.” For further information contact: www.cromwells.co.uk The full package - Paul Roberts' dream is finally a reality BY GEORGE! In celebration of England’s involvement in the World Cup and to raise some money for a good cause into the bargain, Mordaunt-Short has joined forces with charity, British Blind Sport, to auction a pair of unique styled Performance 6s. The speakers normally sell for £3,500 a pair, but it is hoped that this one-of-a-kind edition will raise the bar when it goes under the hammer. The special pair come dressed in a blue-tinted, pearlescent finish and feature a subtle St. George’s Cross underneath the tweeter spike, positioned on the rear of the cabinet. The victorious bidder will also be handed a hardback book on the history of the range, signed by designer Graeme Foy. The auction will take place on eBay on the 9th-19th of June. All of the profits are to go to British Blind Sport. Sally Gunnell OBE, the charity's President, commented: “The charity works incredibly hard to give British blind and partially sighted people the same opportunities to access and enjoy sport and recreation as sighted folk. Hearing is a sense heavily relied up on by vision impaired people so it's rather wonderful that Mordaunt Short has offered to auction these very special P6 speakers on behalf of BBS.” The auction was announced at Millwall Football Club in the company of BBS's Junior Sportsman of the Year and club goalkeeper, Colin Doyle. For further information contact: www.mordauntshort.com Millwall keeper Colin Doyle is joined at the Den by BBS's Ryan Jones 11 > SOUND & VISION EYE ON THE INDUSTRY FIRST TO THE PUNCH Toshiba has started shipping HD DVD Players to US Retailers. The pictures they are provide are, according to the accompanying advertising campaign, "so real you can feel it". "As a leader in home entertainment, we are thrilled to introduce the first HD DVD players for the U.S. market," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group. "With the introduction of some of the hottest films on HD DVD we are confident that our HD DVD players will complement the rapid market penetration of high definition TVs." Toshiba's new HD DVD players, the HD-XA1 and HD-A1, are backward compatible so users can continue to enjoy their libraries of current DVD and CD software. In addition to playing high-definition visuals, the players also support improved sounds and boast advanced navigation and fresh interactive features. With this in mind, it shouldn't be too long before products start shipping to these shores. For further information contact: www.tacp.toshiba.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT The proliferation of B&O stores around the UK continues... IN WITH A BANG Bang & Olufsen is to open its 100th franchised store in the UK. Its location will be Shewsbury High Street, making it the first dedicated store in Shropshire. The cutting-edge shop is being built in the former Birmingham Midshires Building Society offices, which are currently being converted in a major redevelopment programme. Great care is being taken to protect what is a listed building. The Dealer Principal has been named as Roger Boyle, who will bring enthusiasm and experience to the post. For further information contact: www.bang-olufsen.co.uk PODCAST AWAY! Those wishing to keep up to speed with the very latest audio-visual technology news can now have it delivered directly to their ears courtesy of the AV Forums. Yes, the team have embraced the voguish podcast and are now releasing one for download every fortnight. These bring listeners up to date news and reviews from the worlds of home cinema, DVD and videogaming, as well as special features, interviews and show reports relevant to the AV and home entertainment industries. The podcasts are presented by Jason Bradbury of Channel 5's Gadget Show. The latest features exclusive news from Samsung in Hannover regarding Europe's first HD-Ready CRT TV and the first installment of a three-part LCDTV buyer's guide. With AV Forums' first two podcasts already racking up over 6,000 downloads, their profile can only grow, making them a useful tool for our industry. Their success has come as no surprise to Stuart Wright, Managing Director of M2N Ltd, the owners of AV Forums, who commented: “The hightech, early adoptive nature of the visitors to AV Forums meant that a podcast was a natural progression of the outstanding information service we already offer our members. We have received many glowing reviews from listeners praising the quality of the podcast, and we will continue striving to offer listeners the best possible service.” “Given that AV Forums generate more traffic than Empire Online and cnet.co.uk combined,” he continued, “the success of our inaugural podcasts comes as no surprise to us, and we expect the number of downloads to increase yet further as the service becomes more established.” For further information contact: www.avforums.co.uk 12 Dolby Media Producer will make its European debut at this year’s Audio Engineering Society Convention in Paris, which takes place this month at the Porte de Versailles. This professional suite of software disc mastering tools brings a new approach to mastering audio content both for today’s DVD-Video and DVD-Audio formats and for new high-definition disc media formats. Visitors to the Dolby booth will learn about authoring for current and new codecs, discuss audio for the new HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats and view demonstrations of the Dolby Media Producer suite. Visitors will also be able to learn how Dolby is working with HD broadcasters across Europe to provide thrilling 5.1 surround sound, giving viewers a more vivid, more involving HD experience. Following on from its successes in the 5.1 audio market in Europe, Dolby is working to ensure its technologies are at the heart of the latest generation of high-definition media, be that HD TV broadcasts, HD DVD or Blu-ray. Technologies featured will include lossless Dolby TrueHD audio – which is said to create studio-quality reproduction from HD discs. For further information contact: www.dolby.com. GROWING FORCE Having experienced record growth, year on year, electrical retail distributor Lawton has expanded its sales force serving the independent sector. Three new faces join the Lawton team Colin Hoad covering North London, Herts, Beds and Bucks, Richard Smith for the Midlands through to Norfolk and Suffolk, and Mandy Clarke becomes the new face of the team in Wilts, Hants, Surrey and Dorset. “I am delighted with the appointment of our three new area sales managers as they bring a wealth of sales experience to the company,” commented Neil Drain, Lawton MD. “We have built Lawton on the strength of offering the best service to our independent electrical retailing customers and expanding our sales team is essential to maintain that high-level of service as the company grows.” Colin Hoad's background lies in the independent motor trade where he gained an excellent grounding from shop floor level to business management. Richard Smith is already well known in the industry thanks to his work at Sanyo. Here he was tasked with building the company’s independent business across the country and in-store training. Mandy Clarke’s previous roles include White Goods Retail Manager at Allders department stores and a Regional Trainer with Hotpoint and she is looking forward to getting back on the road. It is an exciting time for all at Lawton and their latest three employees can't wait to get to work... 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Some people know how to throw a decent party, shindig or award show and some don't. Fortunately, having been invited down to a cinema in Soho for the Home Cinema Choice awards last month, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that the team behind this Future publication fall into the former camp. All the right elements were there: a relaxed sociable environment where folk could mingle with one another, chatting to those they were keen to catch up with and avoiding those they didn't want to see. The bar was open, the drinks were flowing and, naturally, came free of charge. And then there was the entertainment… A TRUE BLESSING A booming chortle, boisterous energy, the odd lewd comment, a beard that even the most committed Father Christmas impersonator would envy and sporadic exclamations of “Gordon's alive!” all quickly became part of the act, as celebrity guest presenter Brian Blessed took over the reigns. Attacking his role as the master of ceremonies with an unusual level of enthusiasm, he clearly wasn't just there to pick up a pay cheque. He regaled the assembled AV industry with hilarious anecdotes from his glistening career on television and his many triumphant expeditions, attempted to flirt with virtually every female present in his own inimitable fashion, sung the praises of the home entertainment industry for pushing back the boundaries of progress and handed out the odd gong into the bargain. Okay, so ardent professionalism may not have been the order of the day as the former Blackadder star mixed up or missed out the occasional award, but with Steve May and Jim Hill on hand to guide him no one actually claimed an accolade they didn't deserve... and HCC's many guests remained in stitches throughout. Big winners on the day included Sony - whose Aimee Lake was one of the victims of Brian's affections - Pioneer and Denon. It was no surprise to see SIM2 rule the roost in the high-end projector category, while Yamaha and Arcam certainly deserved the acclaim they received in the Receiver and Processor sections respectively. Velodyne added yet another award to their bulging trophy cabinet while CEDIA member, the Enfield-based Pounds Home Cinema, are to be congratulated for their victory in a hotly contested battle for the new Installer of the Year award. With the day's big business taken care of, it was time to round off a Friday afternoon in the best possible way – by heading back to the bar. With the place awash with key figures from around the AV and home entertainment industry, a healthy atmosphere was assured until the close of play when those still standing stumbled out. Personally I found myself whisked away into the night by Andy Giles' associates as they took the time out to explain why it should be a winning year for KEF next time around. And they even gave me a ring to see if I was still alive on Monday morning, which for me is definitely good PR! THE REVOLUTION'S HERE... They may have claimed the processor title last month, but next year Arcam will be looking to add another trophy or two to their cabinet. As one of the most respected UK manufacturers in our sector, it was only fitting to see the technology press flock to Covent Garden's The Hospital Club to catch a glimpse of two key products the firm hope will push them forward in 2006. The event had been put together by the firm's PR, Rob Follis, and all the company's top brass were present, including MD Charlie Brennan. Of course, food, drinks and the odd free gift were available for all in attendance, but the place everyone wanted to be was in the demonstration suite. Here, a home cinema system featuring a Pioneer plasma screen and some of Monitor Audio's finest speakers had been set up to demonstrate the abilities of the firm's latest contributions to this growing market: the DiVA DV137 DVD-player and the DiVA AVR350, a 7.1channel receiver. The former is also the firm's first universal disk player and offers, Brand Manager Geoff Meads told us, the “biggest jump” in technology the firm have found in DVD playback. “It's a revolution, not evolution,” he remarked, inadvertently quoting Alan Partridge. Benefiting from a latest generation Zoran Vaddis 888S core processing engine, it features the best scaling solution around at the moment and should certainly up the bar in the universal player market. It's taken Arcam a while to produce a solution so versatile as the firm didn't want to compromise the quality of its performance across the board. However, in the DiVA DV137 they have fulfilled their objectives. It will hit the market at £1,250 and, together with the DiVA AVR350, forms part of a devastating team. In addition to a high level of performance, the latter benefits from multi-room abilities and is ideally positioned to be a hit in the burgeoning installation market where Arcam have been finding a lot of business of late. All in all, it proved a worthwhile trip and the Ice Age clip we were treated to looked fantastic. My only complaint came in some of the demonstration material choices – country music? You can't be serious... AND THE WINNERS OF 2006'S HOME CINEMA AWARDS WERE... Plasma TV (under 42-inches): LG 42PX5D Plasma TV (over 42-inches): Pioneer PDP-506XDE LCD-TV (32-inches and under): JVC LT-32DS6BJ LCD TV (33-inches and over): Sony Bravia KDL-S40A12U Projection TV of the Year: Sagem Axium HD-D50H Best Budget Projector (under £2000): Hitachi PJ-TX200 Best Mid-Range Projector (£2000-£8000): Sony VPL-VW100 Best High-end Projector (over £6000): Sim2 C3X Lite Best Budget DVD player (under £150): Samsung DVD-HD950 Best Mid-Range DVD player (£150-£600): Marantz DV7600 Best high-end DVD player (over £600): Pioneer DV-989AVi Best DVD Recorder With Hard Drive: Panasonic DMR-EH60D Best Media Centre PC (up to £1000): Elonex Artisan Best Media Centre PC (over £1000): Lewis MC800 Best Speaker System (under £2000): Audio Pro Blue Diamond Best Speaker System (over £2000): Jamo D7PEX Subwoofer of the Year: Velodyne SPL-800R Best Receiver under £1000: Yamaha RX-V2600 Best Receiver over £1000: Denon AVR-4306 Amplifier of the Year: Denon AVC-A11XV Processor of the Year: Arcam AV9 Installer of the Year: Pounds Accessory of the Year: Pinnacle Showcenter Technology of the Year: Sony PSP DVD of the Year: Wizard of Oz – Warner Home Video 15 BLOK FURNITURE Chip Off The Old Blok Wood you? SAM FULLER assesses the merits of Audinni's unique new range of specialist AV furniture... The reactions to exhibitors at a major industry show is invariably a bit hit and miss: while there is always the chance your products will receive a rave reception, often manufacturers become frustrated as the crowds flock past. Of course, if your wares genuinely stand out then they are bound to catch the eye... and if they do, pulling in the punters shouldn't prove a problem. However, making that vital first impression, in an industry awash with similar products, isn't always easy. One firm that do manage to succeed where many of their contemporaries fail is Blok - one of the UK's most innovative furniture manufacturers. Down at Bristol's Sound & Vision Show, they launched two striking new ranges and, as a result, proved to be the talk of the town. The ranges on display at the Marriott were a new look Blok collection and a stunning, fresh addition with an entirely different branding – the Audinni range, Sound Furniture. Both stood out as very different, both created a stir for quite different reasons but both had one key thing in common: they used a material seemingly long forgotten in the specialist AV furniture sector: wood. Now, there can be no doubt that some people find the virtually ubiquitous translucent glass and glossy chrome finished furnishings attractive. However, many don't... and to capture the business of those with more refined tastes and prevent them splashing their hard earned cash on a cheaply cobbled together piece of kit down at their local Ikea, they need to be given a choice. That's exactly what the revitalised Blok and Audinni range provide, and if their launch down in the West Country was anything to go by, both should prove a startling success. Already we've seen a hint of what is to come. Thanks to a contact at Sevenoaks who fell in love with their furniture, it was soon being presented to affluent buyers from around the world courtesy of Harrods' sound and vision department, and such was the response that there are now between 10 and 15 pieces of it on display at this particularly high-profile outlet. With commendations flowing in, from the best known department stores to the most local Hi-Fi dealerships, those in the know have given both Blok and Audinni their blessing. back in black The team behind these winning ranges knows the furniture market inside out. In fact, Simon Gavin, is part of a family who have been in the business for three generations. To this end, he has an acute awareness of the aesthetic demands many are making in-store and has driven the production of ranges sure to pull in those punters that our industry had previously been turning away. With this vision supported by a dedicated team of designers, both Blok and Audinni's products speak for themselves. The former have been given a significant makeover since we last featured them, with the talented designers latching on to a growing trend. As a result, the various racks and cabinets in their collection are now available in a voguish, up-to-the-minute black. The all-new Audinni range, on the other hand, has something of a timeless aura. Built from a combination of real wood veneer and glass, its characteristic curves, smooth contours and oak finish make each model comfortable in any environment. There are options available for a number of needs, from AV cabinets to Hi-Fi stands. Described by its manufacturers as a “future classic range”, this shapely selection will help buyers to keep an array of components neat and tidy. In the furniture market wood has never truly gone out of fashion and it is still the finish of choice for millions of families around the UK, looking to build a homely yet modish interior. The Audinni range caters for all their practical needs, yet is smart, sleek and chic into the bargain. “In creating the Sound Furniture range we were trying to get away from those uninviting racks that look like an oil rig,” Simon Gavin remarked, “and the crowds at Bristol couldn't get enough of it!” moving up in the world At Sound & Vision many dealers saw the potential appeal immediately, and the orders are already looking healthy. Meanwhile Simon and two of his colleagues have been on the road a lot of late, fermenting relationships with resellers and building up their dealer base across the UK. Since the introduction of the original Blok range, back in April 2004, it's been a busy time for this business. Significant growth followed and as a result the firm has moved both onwards and upwards, out of its base in Essex and into a spanking new 30,000sq.ft facility in West Yorkshire. Having invested over £250,000 in both its plant and production equipment, the new ranges are supported with the right resources. Indeed, the company runs a tight ship and has already become known for its customer service, responding to its dealers' needs with unsurpassed efficiency. 16 The scale of the new premises is such that not only will both Blok and Audinni be able to cope with existing orders, but there will be plenty of room for fresh developments, expansion and growth. And why not? This is an ambitious player in the furniture market, constantly looking to evolve its business, and now it has the facilities, labour and skill available to do just that. Blok is, for example, already in talks with a major UK distributor with a view to building a unique range especially for them, which would provide another guaranteed, tried and tested route to market. The bespoke sector is one also being mooted around the West Yorkshire HQ and as the CI market continues to grow it will be no surprise if this company is a key player in the install arena in a couple of years' time. They've already expressed an interest in exhibiting at the CEDIA Expo and, as we know, custom installers and architects are crying out for good quality furniture solutions amenable to their clients' visions. These boys, we've no doubt, will be able to provide exactly that. With this in mind, all the signs of future success are evident. The team have shown an awareness of a changing market and are responding adeptly to it. However, they haven't forgotten the traditional, core values that remain of equal importance. High-quality construction is as manifest here as elegantly styled designs, and their wooden finish gives them that vital edge in a market currently being saturated with glass and metal racks. A unique insight into the wider world of furniture has lent Blok that imperative sixth sense - good judgement - and they're using it wisely. Their designers have clearly done their job, now it's over to you. With plenty of other exciting ideas in the pipeline, embracing the Audinni and Blok ranges could be the start of a beautiful partnership. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0) 1924 474 323 www.blokuk.com www.audinni.com 17 > SOUND & VISION ALL THE AV NEWS FIT TO PRINT What’s New? COMPILED BY SARAH ADCOCK WHAT’S NEW ‘S ROUND-UP OF ALL THE VERY LATEST PRODUCT NEWS THE IN CROWD Yamaha's RX-N600D home theatre receiver is an ideal model for any consumer who has whole heartedly embraced the digital age. Boasting 6.1-channels of sound, with 95W of power available for each, it's an adept performer that will add weight to any home entertainment set-up. However it's far more versatile than your archetypal receiver and can be used, in combination with Yamaha's new iPod dock or a PC, to play back MP3 files and a number of other digital audio options. And it also comes equipped with a USB port, allowing other portable music devices to be hooked up with the greatest of ease too. In another move that will delight the up-to-the-minute music fan, the RX-N600D can also offer Internet radio and DAB play back, putting a host of audio options at any user's fingertips. In essence, this allows the smartly styled, powerful receiver to replace a number of separates on your rack, with a high-level of performance assured at every turn. And, for those who'd like to extend its abilities to other rooms around their home, it is compatible with Yamaha's MusiCast system as well. With all these abilities packed in, the RX-N600D is sure to prove a popular choice. DOCK WATCHING Yamaha's YDS-10 is the latest docking station designed to allow the millions of iPod users in the UK to get the most out of their conveniently stored content. This particular option caters for the needs of all the up-to-date models in the Apple range; it's simply a case of slipping them in and the games can begin. Once docked, whatever is stored on the portable player will be easily accessed, via remote, through the user's Yamaha home theatre receiver of choice. All the necessary information to peruse the iPod's content can be displayed on screen, and users will be able to play, pause and advance the tracks as they wish, from the comfort of their armchair. As the latest batch of receivers have been equipped with MP3-improving technologies, the compressed files should sound unusually full and clear. A convenient solution, this is an ideal accessory to stock as it should help you to capitalise on a market that's truly in bloom. IT'S GOT THE POWER READY TO RECEIVE Yamaha's new RXV459DAB is one digital home theatre receiver to be reckoned with. This 6.1 option can serve up sounds of up to 90W for each of its channels, making it a superb solution for those who appreciate a truly impacting surround sound set-up. Despite handling a mighty 540W it can operate with all the subtlety required to really draw the most from those movie soundtracks and is comfortable handling all the key Dolby and DTS options. With Yamaha's renowned Quad-Field and Tri-Field Cinema DSP technologies included, a high-level of realism is assured. However, there is a lot more to the RXV459DAB than superb home cinematic performance. Also included is a DAB receiver, a front panel port for MP3-players and a Compressed Music Enhancer that ensures the latter's content sounds better than ever. Also comfortable if required to operate in a stereo system, the RXV459DAB is one of the most dynamic receivers on the market. The DSPAX759SE is a mighty amplifier that packs a 100W punch for each of its seven channels. With power and realism the order of the day, this is a digital age solution capable of adding impact to any home threatre set-up. High-quality components are evident throughout the design, which includes a 192kHz/24-bit Burr Brown DAC for each of its multitude of channels. Cuttingedge technologies such as the latest incarnation of Yamaha's Cinema DSP make for a soundscape every film buff should appreciate, particularly here in the UK as it has been specifically tuned for our audience. And, thanks to its YPAO system, it will even be able to account for the acoustics of the room it's deployed in. A dynamic model, it also includes a Compressed Music Enhancer. This uses digital signal processing to ensure that, should your client wish to combine it with Yamaha's YDS-10 iPod dock, the higher and lower frequencies of MP3 files generally lost to the listener are more evident than ever. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contact: +44 (0) 192 323 3166 www.yamaha-uk.com 18 WHAT’S NEW IT'S A KIND OF MAJIK The latest offering from the pioneering Linn is named The MAJIK system. The MAJIK CD-player, the MAJIK KONTROL preamplifier and the MAJIK 2100 power amplifier are all impressive components in their own right – but when employed in concert prove stunning. Each has been created to fulfil a specific role and each is equipped with a host of performance-enhancing features. The MAJIK CD-player benefits from Linn's groundbreaking SONDEK CD12, to guarantee a listener the best from their music collection. Also included is Linn's proprietary Switch Mode Power Supply, which runs more efficiently and quietly than standard alternatives and ensures that the workings of this high-quality separate don't detract from the sounds it delivers. The MAJIK preamplifier is no less impressive: six stereo analogue inputs have been included to give the device the ability to connect to and control various sources, including turntables and tuners. An independent record path has been included to allow for continued listening without interrupting a recording, whilst a phono-stage for MM and MC cartridges means this preamp can cater for every vinyl fan out there. Matching the CD-player, a Linn Switch Mode Power Supply is in place, facilitating unspoilt audio reproduction. Completing the system, the MAJIK power amplifier is based around Linn's proprietary CHAKRA technology, which delivers a superior, more controlled and more efficient performance than other options. The combination of these three dedicated separates is a HiFi system of the very highest order. Modular and expandable, MAJIK has the added benefit of being upgradeable, so that users can choose to further enhance its abilities and the quality of sound it delivers if they so wish. It will be on sale from selected retailers from May and should boost the reputation of its manufacturers further still. For further information contact: +44 (0) 141 307 7777 www.linn.co.uk BJORN AGAIN This month NAD is to release a thoroughly affordable integrated stereo amplifier that's set to bring a new level of performance to its price point. The C325BEE has been billed as a direct descendant of NAD's 3020, a true revelation when it was introduced back in 1979. Logically this amplifier was optimised for musical signals and specifically built to cope with the complex requirements of genuine loudspeakers. This made it unique in its abilities and the enthralling experience it became known for producing remains alive and well today. Developed under the guidance of Bjorn Erik Edvardsen once again, the C325BEE benefits from several innovations discovered in the development of NAD’s state-of-theart Masters Series. The result is a product with even less distortion, less noise, and, believe it or not, the ability to transmit more detail than any of its predecessors. Available in either titanium or dark grey, you won't find a more able integrated amp for the £250 its manufacturers are asking. The C325BEE is available now should be on show at the CEDIA Expo and is the ideal companion of NAD’s exceptional new DAB tuner, the C445, featured last month. For further information contact: +44 (0) 190 831 9360 www.lenbrook.co.uk LIFTED SEPARATES High-end electronics guru T+A has given its legendary K1 a fresh injection of ability, by adding a top quality CD-DVD mechanism. The firm, known for their commitment to the most accurate and uncoloured sounds, have embraced the world of vision too. As a result, in the K1 AV they have created a home cinema centre piece to be reckoned with. Incredibly sleek in its design, it is available in a number of finishes and would look the part on any rack of separates. In performance, it lends great sonic performance to CDs, radio broadcasts and movie soundtracks, whilst delivering a perfect picture to boot. Simple in operation, this elegant piece of kit is available through Transparent Distribution and is bound to catch the eye at next month's CEDIA showcase. For further information contact: +44 (0) 162 351 7000 www.transparentdl.co.uk FULLY FEATURED DM Technology's LM37DT is a 37-inch widescreen LCD-TV boasting an unusual array of abilities. Not only is it HD Ready, but it comes with an integrated Freeview tuner and a built-in DVD-player. With 600cd/m2 of brightness and a contrast ratio of 500:1, it's a decent performer that benefits from the image smoothing technology that is Progressive Scan. Also included in this handy one stop solution are a pair of NICAM/A2 Stereo speakers with an output of 15W a piece. With high-definition footage already hitting the airwaves and access to those Free view channels still an essential requirement for most viewers, the LM37DT has to be considered one of the most effective and compact home entertainment solutions around. For further information contact: +44 (0) 845 055 5911 19 > SOUND & VISION ALL THE AV NEWS FIT TO PRINT THE RETRO CHIC THE BIG APPLE With iPod sales continuing to grow unabated, the award-winning Cyrus Audio have decided to join the hoards of quality AV manufacturers helping to accessorise Apple's masterpiece. The Cyruslink Linkdock is a solution that has commanded the attention of the AV press in the last month as it combines sleek looks with unusually detailed sounds. It comes complete with a handy remote which puts users fully in control of their iPod content in addition to the volume, treble and bass, whilst the inclusion of an auxiliary line input allows it to lend its abilities to music from other sources into the bargain. Its line out, meanwhile, allows the Linkdock to hook up to another impressive new piece of kit from Cyrus, the LinkCentre. This system has also been designed for MP3-players which can be connected via USB. Powerful, attractive and impressive in the performance stakes, with this digital audio package hooked up and running those compressed digital music files will have never sounded so good. The Cyruslink Linkdock and LinkCentre are distributed in the UK by Elite AV and are available now. For further information contact: +44 (0) 845 055 5911 The Moda 16:9 range of AV furniture comes straight out of the OmniMount construction rooms and is a robust range that hides it well. An array of elegant finishes are available to the discerning buyer with classic finishes including maple and chrome, steel and glass or warm cherry and dark oak available to suit a number of tastes. What looks like a rather slender, retro-flavoured frame has the capacity to hold up to 113kg of kit – that's nearly 18 stone, one pretty substantial tub of lard, or the average weight of three 42inch plasmas to you and me! Each of the five models available is built to take a spanking new flatscreen display of choice, with prices starting at a wholly reasonable £300. Having been a roaring success already in their native USA, expect these attractive solutions to capture the imagination of the European market. They're available in the UK through distributor Midwich. For further information contact: +44 (0) 137 964 9200 www.midwich.com SEE THE LIGHT Mitsubishi Electric has launched its first widescreen, high-definition projector, the HD4000. A sterling addition to a burgeoning range of home cinema options, the HD4000 has been specifically designed to meet the increasing demands from professionals that use wide format laptops or for applications that require a 16:9 aspect ratio. A 4,000-hour lamp life, 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of 2,500:1, make this a serious performer that makes the most of Texas instruments' latest DDP3020 Digital Light Processing and BrillantColour technologies. The resulting images it produces are vivid in colour and bright enough to make a real impression. With the HD4000 weighing a paltry 2.9kg, it is an ideal portable solution for those not quite ready for the upheaval of a fully fledged install. It hits the market at £1,195. For further information contact: +44 (0) 170 727 8684 www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk HO'WAY THE DAB The cries of “stop press!” last month weren't quite vociferous enough to demand a late redesign of our DAB feature... and as a result a few deserving products had to miss out. However, one certainly worthy of a mention was harman/ kardon's maiden contribution to this market. Named the TU 970, this elegant separate delivers pure, undistorted digital services straight to whichever speakers the buyers chooses to hook it up to. The TU 970 boasts an attractive blue display, comes equipped with an FM and AM tuner with 30 presets a piece and can be connected to virtually any preamplifier or receiver. It sells for around £249.95 and remains one of the best performers on the market. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0) 170 727 8100 www.harmankardon.com. 20 SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN I30 “It has the kind of performance that products in the next price class upwards would envy, yet has sacrificed nothing in build, finish or usability in the process.” What Hi Fi? Sound & Vision Awards 2005 COMPLETE CONTROL Harman/kardon is to introduce an activity-based remote control. The TC 30 is an advanced, universal solution that allows users to command every component in their set-up, usurping the job of the multiple remotes most are accustomed to using... and often losing. With this up and running, even the most expansive of systems can be started by pressing a solitary button, ensuring convenience, efficiency and ease of use pervade the most complex of home cinemas. Even the most uneducated of technophobes should have no trouble mastering this little piece of ingenuity. Select 'Play DVD', for example, and the TC 30 can automatically turn on the TV, receiver and DVD-player and configure the desired settings of all necessary components in one simple movement. If your customer can read, they're in business! The TC 30 comes with a sleek, ergonomic design befitting of the modern interior. It boasts a colour LCD screen and logically grouped buttons, making it both attractive and functional. Any component that responds to IR control can be placed under its command, including PVRs, cable boxes, lighting systems, remote controlled blinds or the latest Sky HD box. In all, the TC 30 can master up to 15 components. Simple to program and configure, the TC 30 connects to a PC or Mac via a USB port using the supplied cable, where users will be guided through a step-by-step setup process. During this surprisingly straightforward procedure, users are also given the opportunity to personalise their button icons, text and backgrounds for the LCD screen, while the effective troubleshooting should take care of anyone experiencing difficulties. The TC 30 hits the market at £200 – a small price to pay for the convenience it affords. For those seeking to embrace a smarter form of integration and control, but without the means to go the installation route, this should prove the ideal offering. CD31 “If you want an elegant, superbly built top-end player, Primare’s CD31 is an excellent place to start. It sounds fabulous and is built to sky-high standards.” What Hi Fi? Sound & Vision Awards 2005 SPA21 “If you’re after the Holy Grail of home cinema amps – great sound with both music and movies – then the SPA21 is it. The queue to pay homage starts here.” What Hi Fi? Sound & Vision Awards 2005 www.csesolutions.co.uk 01423 359054 For further information contact: +44 (0) 170 727 8100 www.harmankardon.com www.harman.co.uk F or f ur t her i nf or m at i on pl eas e v i s i t w w w. p r i m a r e . n e t MOUNTING SOLUTIONS The Mount Down! It might not be the most glamorous of markets, but it's certainly a growing one. SAM FULLER shows us the best ways to accessorise a flatscreen TV... Every great flat-screen TV deserves a great mounting solution. And every buyer looking to make the most of their new purchase should be rewarded with one of these. Obviously there are those that may choose one of the popular, multiple shelved glass supports we've often featured and these certainly do a great job. There are those that simply pop their screen onto an existing shelf and let it be. However, for buyers drawn in by glossy, magazines depicting glamorous homes with plasmas and LCD-TVs adorning the wall, the right mount is the only real route to realising their dreams. There are a myriad available on the market right now and, at every show we attend, more companies seeking to raise that flat-screen to the wall seem to spring up. Many have built their business over in the States and have come across the pond looking to exploit the burgeoning European flat-screen TV market. However, in growth though it maybe, it is still a long way off its peak and this can only be good news for those preaching sermons on their mounts. It can also only be good news for retailers that are stocking them and installers that are deploying them. The increasing number of players in the market has made competition rife, and this has spurred on the innovators. Today there is a solution for every occasion, many of which enable the buyer to get more from their flat-screen than was previously possible. They are a natural add on product to sell that delivers both extra convenience for the consumer and extra margin for you. If you haven't embraced these products, maybe it's time you started. Not convinced? Take a look at our guide to a mushrooming accessory market... SANUS VISIONMOUNT VM3 The innovative VM3, like the rest of Sanus's VisionMount series, is newly available in the UK courtesy of Alphason Designs. This model boasts two extension arms and swivel points, allowing LCDTVs of 13-30-inches to be mounted in the most awkward of locations. Its SmoothLock technology ensures tilting and swivelling the screen is a breeze... and installation isn't too troublesome either. It hits the market at a paltry £79.99. Contact: +44 (0) 194 288 5600 www.alphasondesigns.com 22 CHIEF IC-SO-DA1 This flexible offering from Chief's new iC range is a tilt and swivel mount that provides 16.5inches of extension. The unique Centris Turn-Tite Technology encompassed in the design puts the user in control, allowing them to position and secure their TV at the optimum angle for every viewing. Moreover, once they've finished watching, the TV can be pushed back against the wall, keeping it out of the way and safe from harm. Contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 B-TECH BT7515 B-tech is an important player in mounts market and we've encountered them at many of Europe's top CI shows in the last couple of years. The BT7515 was among a number of new products launched in Dubai last month. A large flatscreen TV wall mount, it features a double articulated arm which offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the viewing angle. It can also be pushed back to the wall and caters for screens of up to 32-inches. Contact: +44 (0) 168 984 8535 www.b-tech-int.com VIVANCO WMS TFT 252 S For those working to a tight budget Vivanco offer a number of handy mounting solutions. The WMS TFT 252 S is a universal wall bracket for LCD-TVs, which offers both horizontal swivel and some vertical tilt. It will cope with a load of up to 15kg and screens of 10-30-inches. Simple to attach and functional in use, it sells for only £29.99 – an exceptionally low price considering the benefits it will bring the viewer. Contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 VIVANCO WMS 451 PL S Vivanco's WMS 451 PL S is a universal wall bracket that will cater for LCD-TVs or plasma screens of 22–34-inches. It will handle a maximum load of 45kg and offers a degree of adjustment for those that need to change the angle of their TV once it's in place. A TUV certified model, the package includes spacers for convex back screens and the fixings required to attach the screen to its bracket. It will sell for £79.99. Contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 OMNIMOUNT UCL-X OmniMount’s products are well respected in their native USA thanks to their state-of-the-art engineering... and they've been making quite an impression in the UK too, courtesy of distributor API. The largest of the range, the UCL-X, is a dual arm option that features a universal mounting plate capable of supporting plasmas of 42-63-inches. Add ease of installation, effective cable management and a slick finish to its quality construction and you have a product that's sure to prove popular. Contact: www.omnimount.co.uk AVF DESIGNER RANGE AVF have a history of producing winning mounting selections, and the Designer Range of their renowned Nexus products is no exception. Catering for LCD-TVs of 12-23-inches, the products are forged from a tough aluminium and come with a lifetime warranty. Flush, single and double arm options are available to suit a host of needs and come in a high-gloss, piano black finish, making them some of the most stylish, up-to-the-minute options available. Contact: +44 (0) 195 267 0009 www.avf-nexus.co.uk VOGELS EFW6225 The EFW6225 is a universal flat-screen mounting bracket designed for screens of 23-32-inches in size, and weights of up to 25kg. An ergonomic design, it boasts an arm which allows 40-degrees of horizontal movement and 30-degrees of vertical tilt, all with the lightest of touches. Attractive, well proportioned and great value at £149.99, this benefits from all the quality construction we associate with the brand. Contact: For UK: +44 (0) 192 320 5600 www.bbg.eu.com For Ireland: +44 (0) 289 147 7744www.zebradistribution.ie VOGELS EFW6345 Vogels' EFW6345 is the largest bracket in the 6000 series and will support screens from 31-42-inches in size, weighing up to 45kg. The original design offers 120-degrees of horizontal adjustment and 30-degrees of vertical tilt, guaranteeing the viewer on axis viewing of their screen from wherever they choose to watch it. A universal solution that takes a mere 20-minutes for a user to install, the EFW6345 sells for £349.99. For UK: +44 (0) 192 320 5600 www.bbg.eu.com For Ireland: +44 (0) 289 147 7744 www.zebradistribution.ie SMARTMOUNT SP850 The SP850 is a flexible pull-out swivel mount that features tilt and roll adjustment. Freshly redesigned, it makes the optimum use of viewing space available and keeps the installation process simple. Flat-screen TVs hooked up with this model can be positioned precisely at 0, 5 and 10degrees, while its arms – which offer up to 10.75-inches of extension can be retracted into a two-inch wall plate, to conceal all the hardware and cables. Contact: www.peerlessmounts.com TROY LCD436 Troy's range of mounts is characterised by both its performance and style, but it is versatile too. Racked with features that the firm hope will make it stand out, the LCD436 holds screens of up to a 34inches. It is easy to use, comes with a power pack holder for the smaller screens and keeps cables neatly tucked away. Carefully styled and well built too, this £70 solution is surprisingly affordable. Contact: +44 (0) 170 622 1133 www.troyinnovations.co.uk B-TECH BT8431 Launched at April's Install@PALME showcase, B-Tech's BT8431 is a large flat-screen TV mount designed to cater for the needs of hefty screens weighing up to 70kg. Any screen from 37-61-inches can be hooked on in a thoroughly simple installation procedure and secured courtesy of the handy locking bar. B-Tech's products are popular with systems integrators across the world and are definitely worth a closer a look. Contact: +44 (0) 168 984 8535 www.b-tech-int.com TECH+LINK TLCD2 The TLCD2 has all the build quality one associates with tech+link but weighs in at a paltry price point. Selling for a mere £39, this stylishly curved solution will support LCD-TVs of up to 20kgs. Finished in a smart silver it certainly looks the part and makes viewing a pleasure too, thanks to 140-degrees of tilt and 180degrees of rotation adjustment – movement appreciable for anyone who has struggled to find the right viewing angle. Contact: +44 (0) 173 277 9400 www.techlink.uk.com AVF NEXUS ARC AVF have described the Arc from their Nexus series as “the most dynamic product available in the UK.” Its contemporary styling certainly helps it to stand out from the crowd, and it offers significant swivel at both the screen and the wall too. Available now in a high gloss, piano black finish, it is aesthetically matched to the latest flat-screen TVs and is built in sizes that cater for anything from a 15inch LCD-TV to a 40kg, 50-inch plasma. Contact: +44 (0) 195 267 0009 www.avf-nexus.co.uk CHIEF IC-SP-UC1 Chief is one of the biggest names in the US mounting market and its iC range has just been made available in the UK, courtesy of accessories distributor Vivanco. The iC-SP-UC1 is a truly innovative swing arm solution that allows users to tuck an LCD-TV of up to 17-inches away, hiding it under a cabinet when it's not in use. Ideal for deploying in the kitchen, it is sturdy, secure and features Chief's patented StowAway Gliding Arm. Contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 23 MOUNTING SOLUTIONS UNICOL SRV Unicol's SRV is designed for LCD-TVs and features a swinging arm. Built for screens of up to 30-inches, this universal mount allows its screen to be pushed back against the wall when not in use and folded out by 6cm when it's required. Boasting both a tilt mechanism and swivel rotation, it is just one amenable solution from the range of over 12,000 that Unicol produce. It sells for £85. Contact: +44 (0) 186 576 7676 www.unicol.com CHIEF'S IC-SP-FM1 CHIEF's iC-SP-FM1 is an especially slender solution that should allow buyers to keep their smaller LCD-TVs tightly pressed to the wall. In keeping them flush it exploits the tiny profile of the modern TV, ensuring the optimum use of space. Easy to install for all, one only needs to tighten two screws to lock the TV securely to the wall plate. It will support LCDs of up to 20.5kg in weight and offers easy cable access. Contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 TECH+LINK TWM1 The TWM1, an exceptionally strong mounting solution from the tech+link catalogue, will support flat-screen TVs of up to a mighty 60kgs and 50-inches. Despite the scale, it offers viewers up to 15-degrees of tilt adjustment. Some side to side movement should also help them to secure the optimum view of their screen, whilst its slender profile will truly exploit the slender dimensions of the modern TV. Easy to assemble to boot, it sells for £119. Contact: +44 (0) 173 277 9400 www.techlink.uk.com OMNIMOUNT CL-M OmniMount's high-quality Wishbone series has been built with both the consumer and installer in mind. The CL-M is one of the smaller options in the range, but brings a great deal of flexibility to any user's LCD-TV viewing courtesy of the tilt, swivel and pan adjustment it affords. It allows the screen to be extended away from the wall, putting a multitude of viewing options in their hands with the utmost ease. The CL-M is available in a number of finishes. Contact: www.omnimount.co.uk 24 SANUS VISIONMOUNT VMAA18 An all-singing all-dancing model, the VMAA18 allows for tilting, swiveling and extended movement for any screen of 30-50-inches. Ideal for use in open plan environments or where flexibility is key, the screen can be kept flush to the wall when its not in use. Like the rest of the VisionMount series, this model benefits from Virtual Axis technology. Built from extruded aluminium and heavy gauge steel, it is a snip at £259.99. Contact: +44 (0) 194 288 5600 www.alphasondesigns.com UNICOL SSV The SSV from Unicol is a wall mount with a double swing arm, putting the optimum adjustment in its users' hands. Catering for LCD-TVs of up to 30-inches, it boasts 6cm of extension and ensures they can be held flush to the wall when not in use. The SSV is available in black, to match the latest batch of flat-screen TVs, is a universal model and sells for £125. Contact: +44 (0) 186 576 7676 www.unicol.com SANUS VISIONMOUNT VMPL50 Sanus's VisionMount series uses the firm's clever Virtual Axis tilting technology, which means a flatscreen TV can be tilted at a single touch. The VMPL50 allows for 30degrees of tilt and is built to handle LCD-TVs or plasmas of 3050-inches and up to 60kg. Built from solid, heavy gauge steel, it boasts a durable yet attractive powder coated finish and is as secure as they come. It sells for around £109.99. Contact: +44 (0) 194 288 5600 www.alphasondesigns.com E-VISION M4 Launched earlier this year, E-Vision's M4 boasts a 450mm arm extension with a 180-degree pivot from its wall fixing and a 75degree tilt mechanism. To keep cables tucked away, buyers have the option of some aesthetically matched aluminium trunking, available in 1metre lengths. Straightforward to install and high in quality, E-Vision's wares are available throughout the UK through CI distributor AWE. Contact: +44 (0) 137 272 9995 www.awe-europe.co.uk SMS WH 3D SMS, or Smart Media Solutions AB, are a leading light of Europe’s bracket industry. Based in Sweden, their products are distributed here courtesy of Audio Visual Material (AVM). They combine modern styling with unique safety features and functions, while their revolutionary unislides allow them to be used with virtually any screen. The WH 3D is built to support TVs of over 30kg, provides 70cm of extension and boasts a tilting mechanism too. Contact: +44 (0) 125 251 0363 www.smartmediasolutions.se TECH+LINK TLCD7 Tech+link's TLCD7 is an LCD-TV bracket that will keep a flat-screen TV as flush to the wall as possible. While some find the need for pivoting arm solutions, other buyers simply want to secure their TV tightly to the wall with the minimum of fuss. This bracket does exactly that, for screens of up to 32-inches. A universal option, it is forged from heavyweight steel, guarantees a secure grip and sells for only £39. Contact: +44 (0) 173 277 9400 www.techlink.uk.com FUTURE AUTOMATION FSH The FSH is a double arm swivel bracket from Future Automation, for screens of 26-32inches. It furnishes users with full swivel of up to 90 degrees in both directions. Available bushed aluminium or black steel, a full range of adaptor plates are available for Loewe and Bang & Olufsen screens as well as other standard screens. Described by its manufacturers as “the ultimate functional bracket,” the FSH is an ideal option for installers. Contact: +44 (0) 143 883 1094 www.futureautomation.co.uk E-VISION M10 E-Vision UK used Birmingham's Smart Home Show to launch its Spec M10 a couple of months back. A new, solid, attractive plasma bracket, the M10 has a 570mm reach with a 180-degree left-right pivot and a 45degree up-down tilt mechanism. It offers a lot of flexibility, comes with an optional one or two shelves and includes a thoughtful system of cable management. Contact: +44 (0) 137 272 9995 www.awe-europe.co.uk CHIEF IC-LP-TM1 Chief's iC-LP-TM1 is a universal mount that offers users 15-degrees of smooth, gravity-centred tilt, allowing them to precisely position their flat-screen TV. Once positioned, the screen can be locked in place at the desired angle without tools courtesy of Chief's trademarked Glide Lock. The iC-LP-TM1 can be installed in a straightforward four step process and will support flat-screen TVs that weigh up to a mighty 80kg. Contact: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 UNICOL SVC The SVC from Unicol is a hook-on wall LCD-TV mount that comes dressed in a modish black or silver. A universal solution, it allows users to hook their screens up to the wall where they will be held a mere 22mm away from it. Built for screens of up to 30-inches, it sells for £55 and comes complete with a full year's warranty. As one of the UK's biggest mounting manufacturers it has all the quality we associate with the brand. Contact: +44 (0) 186 576 7676 www.unicol.com 25 CEDIA EXPO PREVIEW EXPO-SÉ It's almost Expo time! JAKE STOW takes a look at what to expect from CEDIA's big event... If there's one thing that can be said for the worlds of AV and CI, it's that there's never a dull moment. No matter to which facet you turn, there's always the promise of innovation or a launch or show to attend. In fact, so hectic is our industry's calendar that to some it may seem like only yesterday that 2005's CEDIA Expo kicked off in Birmingham, providing the custom installation industry with a forum for its latest products and rising stars. In reality, of course, it's been almost a year since the International Convention Centre reverberated to the sounds of cutting-edge loudspeakers, basked in the glow of state-of-the-art flat-panel visuals and generally played host to the sort of smart automated technology that would get the most ardent technophobe salivating at the prospect of calling in the installers. And, we hardly need remind you, that fact means that it's almost time for us to do it all over again... There are plenty of hotels in the locality to put you up 26 The CEDIA Expo's inviting new venue Yes, CEDIA Expo 2006, known also as The European Home Technology Showcase & Training Event, is fast approaching and like any good publication with its finger on the CI pulse, What's New is here to prepare you for the sights and sounds to come. It's an ambitious undertaking in its own right: this year's Expo is promising to surpass all that's gone before, with more to catch the eye and ear than ever and a new venue to house it all in. Suffice to say, we couldn't possibly fit everything to come into a mere three pages, but for a comprehensive run down of the must-know details and must-see highlights, you've come to the right place... exCellent The 2006 Expo, the 10th of its kind, begins on June 19th, when the association's training events get underway. This is followed by the exhibition proper, which runs from June 20th to the Expo's conclusion on the 22nd. It has a lot to live up to after a spectacularly successful 2005. Last year's show drew in 50% more visitors than ever before, a total of over 4,500 making their way through the doors over the three days. Over 100 companies, including all the major names in custom home electronics, were in attendance, taking up two complete halls of the ICC. The quality of those that came to peruse their wares – a high percentage of whom were installers new to the event or industry, along with representatives from house builders, interior designers and architectural practices – ensured that a productive time was had by all. Indeed, 70% of the exhibition space for this year's event was snapped up in the days immediately following the 2005 Expo. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few months you'll already know that this year CEDIA has turned its back on sunny Birmingham and switched its attention to the big smoke. ExCel, located in London's affluent Docklands, is the venue for this year's exhibition and whilst some may bemoan the shift away from the UK's second city's more central location, the change in venue has been made for good reasons. With the aforementioned growth in visitor numbers and ever increasing interest from potential exhibitors, the ICC was deemed simply too small to cope with the requirements of this year's Expo. The move to ExCel has increased exhibition space by over 50% and with nearly all of the available capacity taken at the time of writing, it's clear that the decision to head to the capital was justified. This expanse of space ensures that there will be more than ever-from the worlds of home automation, lighting control, home cinema, multi-room audio, homenetworking and security-to take in as you stroll round. And, of course the team at What's New, along with our colleagues from SmartLife International, will be in attendance, happy to stop for a chat or to take on board any comments or thoughts you might have. We're also planning something a bit special this year, in conjunction with leading loudspeaker manufacturer KEF, more on which later... get in training But the new expanded exhibition isn't the only reason to head to ExCel. Expo 2006 gets underway on the 19th with the most impressive schedule of educational seminars ever. The programme runs for four days and consists of over 160 hours of training, an incredible 82% increase on last year's offering. A total of 24 brand new courses have been introduced, whilst a further 20 have been updated, guaranteeing that every last bit of the industry has been catered for. Those that sign up to the programme will now have the option to cover topics as diverse as Digital Rights Management, High Definition and Marine Installation, or, for beginners, a series of introductory half-day and one-day workshops are further welcome innovations. Nor have experienced hands been neglected. Anyone looking to add to their existing CEDIA qualifications can opt to go for Installer Level 2 certification – since this has previously been unavailable outside of the US, this will be an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to offer their customers even more expertise. Another innovation that's sure to attract attention is the launch of the CEDIA Awards. Open to all CEDIA members, a ceremony to take place at the Chairman's reception on the 20th will recognise installation work in a number of price categories, as well as naming the industry's best trade supplier. Entries have been coming in thick and fast, so the carefully selected panel of judges will have a tough time choosing the standout candidates. But, of course, it's the exhibition itself that attracts the most attention – and rightly so. The list of companies making the journey to ExCel come June 20th reads like a who's who of the CI industry and its related trades, making it a must-attend event for anyone with even a passing interest in home automation and systems integration. Who should you be looking out for? Well, visitors to last year's event cannot have failed to notice Crestron's sizeable stand and the company will be out in force again come June. Head to stand B5 where, amongst other things, you'll be able to check out a brand new range of touch-panels. Other highlights will be the entry-level Adagio entertainment system, billed as the perfect introduction to Crestron's Total Home Technology solutions, plus a host of other products from their extensive portfolio. Exhibiting their own entertainment solution, Asheridge Communications (stand A1) will be showing off the ZON range of multiroom audio solutions, together with the slightly less glamorous, but no less important, Fluke IQ 100 cable qualification tester, a unit which has proven a breakthrough in home cable testing. Not content with these fine offerings, the firm will also be showcasing an array of other products, including Purelink's range of HDTV distribution kit and the Hellermann Tyton Home Network solution. what a rip Stand C12 will play host to an invaluable tool for dealers, retailers and service providers: Ripfactory's new Ripstation Lite is a one-stop hardware and software solution created to convert CDs into any major format on-site and automatically load them to supported music players, saving time and effort and helping to provide the end user with a comprehensive digital audio library. Supporting products from the likes of Russound, Imerge, Request and Escient, it's sure to be a big draw. Another product to be supported by the Ripstation Lite is Digital Future Solutions' iDyl Multiroom Media Server and the company will be in place on stand G5 to show off its impressive capabilities. HD-enabled, the device can output to 17 independent audio zones and is also an upscaling DVD server, offering 1080P with 3:2 pull-down de-interlacing. Also on display will be a preview of a commercial grade iDyl that boasts a host of advanced features, including 3.2 TB of storage. Fans of high-end audio will want to head to stand C6 to pay the good people at Lenbrook a visit. Distributors of NAD's excellent products, they'll have this firm's Masters Series with them, a complete new line of components that includes the M15 surround processor, the M25 seven-channel amplifier, the M55 universal disc player, the M5 CD/SACD-player and the M3 dual mono integrated amplifier – all ideal for use in custom installations. Gain an education at the Expo And there will be far more to excite those enamoured with state-of-the art audio distribution and reproduction. Transparent Distribution will be out in force showing off a generous complement of products, including Waterfall's stunning glass loudspeakers and the wares of German Hi-Fi and AV manufacturer T+A. KEF Audio will be making their presence felt with an, as yet unnamed, custom installation product and no fewer than three new in-wall speakers. Models CiFDT, Ci380QT and Ci9000ACE were introduced in the last issue of What's New, but if you want a closer look stand E3 is the place to head. Not to be outdone, Monitor Audio (stand G8) will be in place Get your coffee courtesy of your favourite trade mag! GOOD SPORTS It just wouldn't be the CEDIA Expo without the What's New team on hand to take in the latest developments in our industry and to listen to any thoughts you might have about what we're doing right or how we can serve you better. But this year, in partnership with leading high-performance loudspeaker manufacturer KEF – a name familiar to everyone involved in CI – we're really pulling out the stops to bring the exhibition something special - its very own Sports Café... Okay, so it probably won't stand up to its Birmingham, Broad Street counterpart, but it will give you the perfect somewhere to stop by for a chat and enjoy large screen World Cup coverage in High Definition (as well as other footage, including Ducati Superbikes, for non-football fans out there), sip a cup of coffee or two and, of course, get your hands on a copy of the industry's premier CI and associated AV trade publication. As if that wasn't enough, both ourselves and KEF will be offering prize giveaways (details to follow soon), so staying away simply isn't an option. We look forward to seeing you there! 27 CEDIA EXPO PREVIEW CSE Solutions are another distributor with an array of high-profile companies in their stable. Look out for a range of products, including projectors from Infocus, displays from XScreen, video processing from Pixel Magic and multi-room AV solutions from Living Control, not to mention products from the likes of Lexicon, Rako, Liberty cable, Revel, Primare and AVRacks, all of which can be found on stand C4. And, for further AV furniture, make your way over to TCI Ltd (stand J2), who'll also be exhibiting their range of projection screens. If you're in search of an extensive range custom installation technology, Invision UK stand out, their portfolio of products including IPbased multi-room systems, architectural loudspeakers, audio/video servers, home cabling solutions, lift mechanisms for flat-screen TVs and even Internet-powered universal remotes. A look at their wares on stand B14 should prove an enlightening insight into the workings of the latest smart homes, as well as providing a small glimpse of what the company can supply. light fantastic Lighting control is an intrinsic part of many modern installation projects and as such will be well represented at the 2006 Expo. Lutron will be showcasing a raft of modern lighting enhancements and new technologies, including Sivoia QED – a sophisticated electronic drive for use with roller blinds – and flexible control solutions in the form of wireless tabletop keypads. Visit them at stand D6. Competitors Helvar will be showing off their reliable and cost-effective control solutions on stand C8, including their LCD TouchPanel and their new Imagine lighting router, a flexible new CSE Solutions will be keen to ensure you scope out InFocus's latest projectors... showing off their architectural speakers, including the new Climate 10 allweather model, plus a new range of advanced 6 1/2-inch and 8-inch inceiling models. visual contact If audio's not your thing, never fear. The visual side of the AV world will be equally well catered for at ExCel. Fans of LCD will no doubt be delighted to learn that Sharp (stand F8) are making the trip to Docklands and are bringing their new range of Aquos TVs along too. On display will be everything from the P70 Series to the firm's huge 65-inch LC-65GD1E HD model. Distributors of Sharp, AWE Europe Ltd will also be on hand, showing off products from the likes of Cineversum, Philips, Pioneer and Yamaha, so be sure to visit stands D7 and D8 to get up close and personal with some of the finest AV products on the market. There will be advanced control solutions a plenty on display product ideal for custom installers. Stand K4 will play host to yet more lighting kit, this time from Mode Lighting. This year the company will be expounding the virtues of the SceneStyle4, a self-contained four-channel scene setting dimmer designed to replace existing switches. The company's comprehensive Evolution Control System will also be on display. And of course there'll be much more to take in. From the likes of AMX, who will be unveiling a raft of new products aimed at residential applications, including two new stylish hand-held remotes and the smallest Modero touch-screen to hit the market, to A+K, the distributors of Stewart Flimscreen, Vidikron and Furman, who will have something to interest anyone seeking a route to high-quality visual entertainment. Other names to look out for? Pulse Marketing on stand F5, with kit from the likes of Definitive Technology, Future Automation, Screen Research and Kuban Kabinets, distributor Harman (stand H13) and AV manufacturer Marantz (stand J12). Holding everything together will, of course, be CEDIA themselves, ensuring that both seminar programme and exhibition run like well-oiled machines and that exhibitor and visitor alike get the very most from the occasion. The association will no doubt be intent to on recruiting even more support to the CI cause. After the increased interest from builders, architects and designers last year and yet more expected to head to London this time around, expect to see the importance of our industry to all these parties made apparent at every opportunity. The 2006 Expo is quite simply a must-attend event - whatever branch of the AV and CI tree you're sitting in-and this year promises to be another great one for CEDIA and the industry. Whether you're heading to ExCel to be educated, to take in the latest product innovations or to take the opportunity to do a little socialising, there's only one place to be come June 20th... FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0) 148 021 3744 www.cedia.co.uk 28 Your seat of ‘ExCeL’lence awaits Featuring more than 60 courses and over 160 hours of training, this year’s CEDIA Expo will be the most comprehensive ever! Raising standards, improving skills CEDIA is committed to raising standards and this is reflected in this year’s education programme, which focuses on all the skill sets necessary if you are involved in custom installation. There are 24 new courses on offer, with a further 20 updated courses. Seminar highlights include topical issues such as Digital Media and DRM, a completely revised Home Cinema Workshop, plus the introduction of Installer Level 2 Certification, on offer for the first time outside of the USA. CEDIA Expo 2006 is the only dedicated trade event for anyone involved in the residential custom installation market and will be taking place at ExCeL London situated in the heart of London’s Docklands. Request your FREE guide If you haven’t booked courses yet visit www.cedia-expo.com. Alternatively, to request a free copy of the Seminar Guide, email [email protected], or call +44 (0)1480 213744. Training | 19–22 June 2006 Exhibition | 20–22 June 2006 Location | ExCeL London NB. Seminar spaces are subject to availability CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) is the international trade association, which represents the residential custom installation industry and has a global membership of over 4,000 companies. CEDIA UK Ltd, Unit 2, Phoenix Park, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8EP Tel | +44 (0)1480 213744 Fax | +44 (0)1480 213469 Email | [email protected] Web | www.cedia-expo.com INSTALLATION FOCUS There's a flat-screen TV at every turn... but can you spot the speaker? Country Life CI is spreading out of the cities and suburbs and across the land. LISA WEBB takes a closer look at one countryside alliance actually worth reading about... It's not every day a client comes to you and offers you the chance to let you imagination roam free. Yet down in Dorset that is exactly what happened when Dawsons were invited to give Yew Tree Farm a 21st century style makeover. Fortunately, unlike in the average prime time TV show, this didn't mean leaving their interior design at the mercy of their next door neighbours' questionable tastes. No, in a compromise free process, Dawsons got to work with the owners to convert what was once an aging building into the epitome of smart living. The eventual bill for their project came to a whopping £400,000, but there are many more indulgent ways in which money could have been spent. However, venturing around the finished property it's easy to understand why this extravagant couple believe their money has been wisely invested. This once rather traditional abode in Dorchester may have been thoroughly transformed, but tucked away in its rural surroundings you'd never know it. Much as the CI world might be starting to spread its sphere of influence beyond certain affluent pockets of the South East, many still associate the most glamorous, cutting-edge smart pads exclusively with the city. However, those that have made their money there and moved on are as eager as any to get their hands on the latest lifestyle technologies... and, as a result, even down here in the West Country, installers like Dawsons are finding their business growing. With an expansive six bedrooms to fill with their finest kit, the Yew Tree Farm install was a project of some magnitude. A luxurious home cinema, extensive multi-room audio, integrated lighting, automated heating controls, the most advanced security and a high-tech pool area all made it onto the client's ambitious shopping list and today, what might have seemed like rather outlandish dreams at the time, have become a lived in reality. 30 THEATRE OF DREAMS Even in a home of this scale, it is wise to make the most of the space available, particularly if a lavish home theatre is on your client's wish list. Here the loft found itself the subject of a rather special conversion – and one that highlights the powers of an effective demonstration suite. The owners had initially decided to use the space for a rather more conventional playroom, where the most advanced technology would have been the lights above the pool table. However, a trip to Dawsons HQ later and a home cinema it was to be. “He was absolutely blown away and decided he had to have it in his own house,” Mark Buckfield explained. The powers of the demo proved too much for these big spenders to resist. Dawsons were afforded a fairly free hand in recreating the cinematic splendour of their demonstration room in the loft. Kit that made the final cut includes a floor-mounted Sharp DLP projector, the XVC10000. This broadcasts onto the 8ft Stewart screen, which when in use truly dominates the room. In addition to the movie server, the powerful projector can source images from a high-quality Lexicon RT10 Multi Region DVD-player, a Panasonic VCR, one of the eight Sky+ boxes in the home and a Playstation 2. In essence, pick up the nearest Crestron panel and any user has a truly dynamic home entertainment system at their fingertips. Artcoustic make their presence felt in virtually every room TAKING CONTROL This watery haven of leisure falls fully under Crestron's control Crestron has been the control system manufacturer of choice throughout this install and there is an abundance of the automation guru's kit dotted around the farmhouse. This has been seamlessly linked to a lighting system too, supplied courtesy of arguably the biggest name in this area, Lutron. A fully-fledged HomeWorks system has made the cut, affording the owners intelligent lighting control in every room, with a number of preset scenes always to hand and easily accessible through the slick touch-panels and wall plates. For the ultimate convenience at the end of the day there is even a bedtime button, which will turn off every light in the house with a single touch. One form of intelligent control often comes complemented by another and it will be no surprise to learn that in this uncompromising environment Dawsons have installed the full shebang. As a result each Crestron panel gives its user access to climate controls and a remarkably advanced security system. With eight CCTV cameras positioned around the property, the owners can check that everything is in order whenever they like, both on the touch-panels themselves or, for a more enlightening look, their flat-screen TV of choice. The alloted hub of this particular operation is a panel from - yes you've guessed it - Crestron, mounted in the kitchen's granite work surface. From here the owners can check when anyone is at the gates and let them in at the touch of a button should they wish. In fact, if they're feeling particularly generous they can even open up the garage for them to use. Perhaps the most unusual arena in which Crestron help this family to assume control is in the swimming pool. From anywhere around the home they can check the wet room and ensure it is ready to use. And this is no ordinary pool: it features a water slide, a water cannon and a counter-swim facility helping the users to improve their fitness levels... and naturally all of these fall under the command of Crestron panels, proving how dynamic they truly are. There is also plenty of entertainment at hand for those lounging by the side. A 50-inch Panasonic plasma TV beams images across the room and comes ably supported by four Artcoustic DFF12043 speakers. Now that's entertainment. VISION OF THE FUTURE As with most installations of this nature, here the relationship between the enabler and the buyer was ongoing. Thus, while the initial benefits of the project were being felt sometime ago, the advent of an amendable system of video distribution bought with it fresh demands from the homeowner. Having been more than satisfied with the work Dawsons had done, soon the same team was back on the farm, bringing all the benefits of a Kalaidescape system to the expansive abode. One of the most advanced solutions of its ilk, this has been programmed to operate in up to four zones. It has allowed the owners to collate, store and manage their entire DVD and digital movie collection on its hard drives with the utmost simplicity. As a result, in any of the specified zones which include the home cinema room and the swimming pool – a handy Crestron touch-screen will offer the viewer ART OF NOISE When it comes to sound, in the home theatre amplification is provided courtesy of products from Lexicon and Ecler. These power a 5.1 surround sound system built from speakers drawn from Artcoustic's catalogue. It includes two DF65-50s - the slimmest speaker in the Danes’ range - and these have been well dressed, so they look like decorative pictures hanging on the wall. The other three speakers have been cleverly hidden behind the acoustically transparent projector screen. Artcoustic speakers are proving increasingly popular with installers across the world and are highly regarded for their sonic performance as well as their inimitable aesthetics. More straightforward to install than a recessed speaker, yet often more attractive on the wall to boot, their range really does have it all. Here their five speakers have been deployed alongside a 350W M&K subwoofer, to add some oomph to an immersing set-up. Everything comes controlled courtesy of a 5.7-inch Crestron touch-panel, so accessing all the kit is made inordinately simple for all. Artcoustic's wares pop up all over this Dorset property. From the 5.1 surround sound set-up in the family room to the four diminutive Diablo speakers in the dining room, they are virtually an ever present... and Dawsons have made use of the wide range of speakers they produce to meet a number of different needs. immediate access to any of its content. Moreover, they can select their movie in the most convenient and enjoyable of ways, access its artwork, blurb and trailer, browse through their content in whichever manner suits them most... yes, all that before they've started watching. Once up and running, they'll have the ability to pause a movie in one room and continue watching it from that point in another whenever they like, even if that happens to be days later. The same movie can also be played in different rooms, from different points at the same time. Effectively, there is no limitation to the use of the content, and adding new DVDs to the system is as easy as pie too. Simply put in the disc in and this mighty player will do the rest. “After seeing the Kaleidescape System in action in our demonstration facility, the client was absolutely blown away,” Dawsons' designer Mark Buckfield explained. “He decided that this was a must-have for his own home.” Another name that makes the cut in the audio system is Speaker craft – the biggest global recessed speaker manufacturer – who can be found furnishing the bathrooms with welldispersed sounds. These are, of course, less vulnerable to water damage... although they're not quite as hardy as Boston's Grand Voyager outdoor speakers, which have been worked in to rock the terrace. With an Escient FireBall hard drive and a SpeakerCraft speakers fill Rotel tuner both remotely located, the family have the bathroom with sound access to 120 gb worth of digital music or their favourite radio station no matter where they find themselves. Meanwhile, they can even hook their iPods up to the system and recall their content around the home. In essence, they are privy to whole-house audio at its finest. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Artcoustic: www.Artcoustic.com Crestron: +44 (0) 208 439 7272 www.crestron.co.uk Dawsons: +44 (0) 120 276 4965 www.dhcav.co.uk Lutron: +44 (0) 207 702 0657 www.lutron.com 31 > SOUND & VISION WHAT’S NEW? INSTALLER Installation Nation COMPILED BY TOBY WATSON WET WET WET The latest options from the Aquavision range are available now from Marata. Completely waterproof, stylish and uber practical, these viewing solutions have been designed for in-wall, flush mounting anywhere in the home. Aquavision 3 brings users a number of new benefits, including an FM Radio tuner and a time programming facility. Two additional widescreen options have also been added to the range and, at 32-and 40inches in size, will bring a lot of entertainment to any bathroom they are deployed in. Also worthy of inclusion in kitchens, saunas and swimming areas, the fully specced screens boast an array of features including a picture-in-picture facility. Expect to see these making quite an impression at the forthcoming CEDIA Expo. For further information contact: +44 (0) 192 349 5595 www.marata.co.uk CUSTOM MADE CEDIA member Martin-Kleiser has turned to an experienced figure, well known around the industry, in attempt to grow its business. Ken Weller, who has previously worked at B&W, Crestron and, most recently, Kalaidescape, joins this highly regarded custom installer as its Head of Custom Services. Ken will be based at the Beaconsfield showroom and has been briefed to develop sales in the custom area and guide the market direction the firm takes This appointment comes at the conclusion of a period of reorganisation and consolidation at Martin-Kleiser. As the only retailer in their sector with Quality Management registration 150 9001 certification, the future certainly looks bright for Ken and his new employer. MD Steve Martin commented: “Marcus, Tony and myself are all very excited at Ken joining us, and hope that his enthusiasm and experience will drive us all forward and take the company to the next level. His appointment is certainly one of the most exciting developments since I have been with the company and I look forward to working alongside Ken.” For further information contact: www.martin-kleiser.net The Aquavision range means you can do more than sing in the shower... HANDS ON DEC The Digital Entertainment Console, known to those who like an acronym as the DEC Box, is available now from Transparent Distribution. Anyone who made the trip to Birmingham's Smart Home Show a couple of months back would have been given a few hints of its abilities as the Transparent team were present, expounding its virtues. A comprehensive solution, the DEC offers users a one-box route to THEIR digital storage needs, in addition to the high-quality reproduction of whatever is put through it thanks to the inclusion of high-grade components and a top-notch DVD mechanism. CDs, DVDs, digital photos and digital video footage can all be stored on its databanks and accessed with the greatest TAKE IT OUTSIDE Take the sound outside, courtesy of a tough new SpeakerCraft range 32 SpeakerCraft, the brand widely acknowledged as the original manufacturer of in-wall speakers, has decided to take its abilities to the great outdoors. Outdoor Elements is a new range of speakers created to provide highquality audio performance in all exterior applications. Offering fullbodied dynamic performance, these speakers can be placed under eves, around patios, near the pool or even in the shrubbery. Hook them up to a multi-room network and your client will be able to make their garden a of ease. Multi-room and multi-channel ready, it is fully up to speed with the HD era and can even be used to record from the TV, thanks to an appreciable Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Hooking up the DEC and accessing its content both prove a breeze too. Ideal for any client looking for the added convenience a server can afford, the DEC is priced at £1,999 For further information contact: +44 (0) 162 351 7000 www.transparentdl.co.uk genuine extension of their home. “Open-air applications require entirely different EQ curves and driver complements to create the same natural response experienced in an enclosed space,” Jeremy Burkhardt, SpeakerCraft’s President explained. “These loudspeakers provide the sonic performance homeowners demand.” There are a six models available, which come in a wide variety of sizes and performance standards, all of which feature aluminum grilles, pivoting bracket mounts and are 100% weather- resistant. Meanwhile, if there isn't room for a stereo set-up, try deploying the Wide Coverage Outdoor Elements DT which can play both channels from its solitary enclosure. Speakercraft products are distributed throughout the UK by CSE Solutions. Give the team a call to find out more concerning their availability in Europe. Don't worry, they're resilient enough to handle the British weather... For further information contact: +44 (0) 142 335 9054 www.csesolutions.co.uk www.speakercraft.com WHAT’S NEW Illuminaire can deliver the perfect ambience for high-end home theatre installations PIC3: Learn more about SIM2's very latest home cinematic options WELL SUPPORTED SIM2 has announced details of a dealer support programme designed to keep its partners up to speed with the technologies that lie behind the renowned projector manufacturer's key products. The programme has been designed for those wishing to develop an advanced understanding of the projectors and will cover areas including anamorphic projection. The training courses will take place at SIM2's UK HQ in East Sussex and should last the best part of a working day. They are open to SIM2 dealers who have demonstration products on permanent display. For the dates turn to our training diary page. Meanwhile, it you are looking to become an active SIM2 dealer we would advise you to contact your area sales manager. For further information contact: +44 (0) 182 575 0850 www.sim2.co.uk GET SMART! Smart-e is to launch a suite of three Accredited Training programmes at this year’s CEDIA Expo, aimed at improving the knowledge and abilities of those who work with their wares. The seminars will be appropriate for anyone involved in the design and installation of multi-room AV systems which use CAT5 cabling and offer you the chance to add another string to your bow. As a designer and manufacturer of AV and switching equipment, Smart-e hopes the scheme will help its partners keep up-to-date with an industry constantly in flux. The firm's MD Jon Lane commented: “Once Sky start transmitting HD programmes, we anticipate there will be a substantial increase in the demand for multi-screen entertainment systems in the home. Choosing the right combination of equipment, the correct cabling and installation procedures for highly technical equipment across several rooms, can be extremely complex and fraught with problems if not designed and installed precisely. These one-day training programmes provide a cost-effective and quick way of gaining the knowledge to install multi-room AV entertainment equipment successfully.” The programme will be in the hands of experienced professionals, and cater for individuals of every level. Successful participants will gain a certificate relevant to the level they achieve, benefit from extra discounts on Smart-e equipment and be included on the company’s website as an Accredited Smart-e Installer. The Foundation course (Smart-e Accredited Installer, Level 1) is aimed at those with little or no experience in the installation of AV entertainment systems. The Intermediary programme (Smart-e Accredited Installer, Level 2) is designed for professionals already working in the industry who are seeking to update technical knowledge, hone skills and improve CAT5 cabling installation practices. Smart-e’s Advanced course (Smart-e Accredited Installer, Level 3) will attract AV professionals who require a greater depth of knowledge for the design and installation of AV entertainment systems incorporating HD. For further information contact: +44 (0) 148 328 3365 www.smart-e.co.uk 33 > SOUND & VISION WHAT’S NEW? INSTALLER The refined surroundings of Ripfactory's new home IN HOSPITAL Ripfactory, a leader in content digitalisation for digital audio severs, has announced a move set to keep it on the right path - onwards and upwards. The firm has taken up residence in Belfast's historic Old Throne Hospital, a building that dates back to the early 19th century. Have been fully renovated and fitted out with the modern creature comforts the team requires, its software developers, support engineers and central administrative team will all be based here. With further room available for a dedicated training area and consultation facilities, there is plenty of space to cater for Ripfactory's growing business. The new HQ is positioned a mere 15 minutes from both of Belfast's airports, so if you feel the need to drop by, that shouldn't prove too problematic. For further information contact: +44 (0) 845 226 2791 www.ripfactory.com 34 RACKING IT UP Nineteen-inch racking is by no means the most glamorous type of product we encounter in the install world, but it's an essential one nonetheless. RaxX is a new, British-made rack mounting system to enter the market, bringing with it a fresh twist that could well win you over. By using uprights that fix directly to a wall and side arms that attach to its upright and the front panel of the rack units, it is an infinitely expandable concept. Designed for fixed installations, the RaxX system's starter pack consists of two 6U upright sections that are fixed to the wall using the screws and cavity fixing plugs supplied. Six 1U side arms complete the pack, which are fitted to the uprights with the supplied M6 bolts. The two key advantages of this system are its cost-effectiveness and remarkable flexibility. It can be expanded vertically and indeed horizontally, since each upright has two rows of holes, able to take the right side of the first row of products and the left side of the next row along. A highly versatile design, it is suitable for a plethora of applications. Its side arms are currently available in 1U and 2U, in lengths of 250, 400 and 600mm, with wall uprights of 6U, 12U and 18U. Custom sizes can be made to order, and a range of RaxXcessories is available, including a cable tidy, half-rack adapter and CD rack. The starter kit is priced at £47.59 and from this you'll be able to build a solution to meet your needs, even in the most expansive installation project. For further information contact: +44 (0) 192 323 4050 www.mtraudio.com RaxX allow you to build the expansive storage solution you require WHAT’S NEW CONQUERING SCOTLAND Crestron UK has been team building once again, with Peter Brown recently appointed as Sales Manager, Scotland. Based and working to the north of the border, Peter will be a key member of Crestron’s growing UK commercial and residential sales line up. Peter certainly seems up to the task, boasting over 15 years of relevant experience that includes work in the AV, telecommunications and networking sectors. “We are delighted to welcome Peter Brown to the Crestron team,” Sean Cleary, Regional Manager for Crestron North, remarked. “Peter has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the AV industry and hands-on experience of the Scottish customer base. He will be a great asset to the expanding Crestron North sales team.” Crestron North UK, is located in Doncaster, Yorkshire, and recently opened following the firm's significant growth across England. With this appointment the firm are taking their message even further afield, to the very tip of the UK. For further information contact: +44 (0) 130 280 2260 www.crestron.co.uk MUSIC TO OUR EARS Kaleidescape has quickly built itself a significant profile in Europe thanks to its innovative, trademark video distribution server. And now the US-based firm has bought the same ingenuity to the audio sphere. This month the company has unveiled a fresh set of products and services aimed at offering people the same convenience and benefits the existing system provides when it comes to their viewing, for their listening needs. These include easy access to music collections of virtually any size, and the new components can also be hooked up to those already on the market to form a complete, multi-room home entertainment solution. “With the introduction of music for the Kaleidescape System, we solve significant problems for both our customers and dealers. We make both movies and music available throughout the home using a single solution, and remove the complexity associated with having separate systems to install, control and maintain,” said Michael Malcolm, founder, chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape. “In addition, the Kaleidescape System delivers a combination of reliability, performance and ease-of-use that is unmatched in the industry.” Those familiar with the Kaleidescape System will be delighted to learn that the same intuitive user interface they know and love remains...which should ensure picking tunes to play is both a simple and enjoyable process. Once installed, the system also enables users to mix and match their music and personalise their listening experience in a number of ways. The new products can be added to any new or existing Kaleidescape System and include the necessary software, the player itself and a service guide. A single Kaleidescape Music Player has the power to cater for four fully independent music zones in the home, while any number of additional players can be added to equip the system for any extra rooms. The Music Player has a built-in disc reader, meaning it can be used to import CDs and DVDs, while the Music Guide Service provides the user with comprehensive information, including detailed album reviews and highresolution cover art. The clever system can, of course, source all of this automatically and even present individual listeners with personal recommendations. Naturally, tying it in with a control system from the likes of Crestron or AMX won't prove too taxing to the installer, all of which serves to make what was already one of the most progressive home entertainment systems on the market even better. For further information contact: www.kaleidescape.com 35 > SOUND & VISION WHAT’S NEW? INSTALLER HANG THEM HIGH THE RIGHT TOOLS Leading CI software developer D-Tools has signed an agreement with Zebra Distribution, the leading Irish distributor for the install market. “D-Tools is a superb addition to our portfolio” Worthington McGrath, Zebra's Managing Director, commented. “By adding this cutting-edge software solution to our current value added services, we are consolidating the solutions that we can offer to our specialist custom install and commercial dealers. We wanted to sell and support a specific software package that was recognised within the industry, and would enable our dealers to change and manage their businesses more efficiently…” D-Tools' International Sales Manager Seth Rubenstien seemed confident that the US-based firm have picked the right company to take their message to the Irish market: “Zebra distribution has been recognised on a national and international level for providing market leading products and solutions in Ireland for a number of years. Selecting a distributor of such repute with logisitics, training and support in place, provides the perfect solution for us.” “I am pleased to welcome Zebra and their dealers into the partnership of D-Tools,” Seth concluded. As an internationally recognised leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software, D-Tools certainly have a lot to offer to anyone involved in custom installation. For further information contact: +44 (0) 289 147 7744 www.zebradistribution.ie www.d-tools.com HELP IS AT HAND Pixel Projects has been named as an Authorised Crestron Installation Partner and, as a result, will supply value added services such as design, installation and programming services (as well as hardware) to integrators and installers working in the commercial and residential AV sectors. “The purpose of the initiative with Pixel Projects is to enable Crestron to fully meet the needs of smaller integrators” Robin van Meeuwen MD of Crestron UK, explained. “It will allow Pixel Projects to offer a full design, costing, engineering, programming, and maintenance support their products exude. Ideal for the home cinema installation arena, the smoothly finished CL F projector mount seen here is as amendable a solution as you'll find. Fully functional and up to the task, this ceiling bracket is a popular choice for those working with lighter, DLP projectors. It is strong, reliable and effective in hiding those ugly cables away and is, we're told, easy to install. It can also be cut to whatever length you require, making it a flexible solution to boot. For further information contact: +44 (0) 125 251 0363 www.smartmediasolutions.s www.avmltd.co.uk service to those dealers who wish to install our products but who do not yet have the in-house skills and requirements to be an authorised Crestron dealer.” Paddy O’Brien, Sales Director at Pixel Projects commented: “A lot of our trade clients work in AV related industries - for example video conferencing or the electrical contracting - and this further enables us to offer them the software and hardware support services they may require when installing an AV system.” For further information contact: +44 (0) 208 439 7272 www.crestron.com The Supporting Act Projection Screens, Mounts & AV Furniture at Net Trade Prices Please call for full literature, net trade price list and further info. Tel: 01604 811661 www.tcivega.co.uk 36 Smart Media Solutions, or SMS as they're known to their friends, are a leading European mounts manufacturer. With this particular market currently proving rather lucrative, UK distributor AVM has snapped up the exclusive right to represent them here in the UK. The Swedish firm are well known around the continent, thanks to the style, safety and functionality Crestron UK's main man, Robin Van Meeuwen POCKET THE DIFFERENCE For more than three decades Linn has been known as something of a pioneer in the home entertainment arena and the ingenuity we associate with them remains evident to this day. Take the KINIK control system the firm are about to launch. This exciting development will give users the ability to control their home cinema equipment from a pocket PC of choice. This innovative GUI offers the ultimate route to wireless control of the Linn KISTO system controller (and the Linn KINOS system controller in the near future) in addition to any other source components that have been connected. As long as the pocket PC has the ability to run Windows Mobile 2003 SE or Mobile 5, this advanced system of control can be enacted in minutes. With a handy interface ready to whirl, any Linn component with RS232 compatibility - and non-Linn sources including CD- and DVDplayers, satellite and cable receivers, controlled by KINIK via a Linn DEKODA IR translator – can be accessed with unusual convenience. KINIK provides instant twoway communication between its user and their system. The track, volume and source information can be accessed on the screen of the hand held device and tinkered with from anywhere within the range of a suitable router. Now that's what I call integration... For further information contact: +44 (0) 141 307 7777 www.linn.co.uk WHAT’S NEW FOR YOUR INFORMATION AMX has launched a revitalised corporate website, designed to offer users easier navigation, more information and fresh vertical market content. Fully equipped with new features and functionality, it should prove useful for AMX dealers, independent programmers, consultants and end users across the globe. Officially launched at the start of May, a trip to www.amx.com, now serves up a wholly different experience. “We wanted AMX.com to better meet the needs of our dealers, independent programmers, consultants and end users, so we actively solicited feedback from them via surveys and focus groups,” Rashid Skaf, AMX President and CEO explained. “Overall, these individuals wanted a site that was easier and more convenient to use, and that offered more product information to all audiences – so that’s exactly what we did…and more.” Need to get your hands on data sheets, manuals, literature, optional accessories, architectural and engineering (A&E) specifications, drawings, firmware files, photos, touch-panel resources, Microsoft Office Visio Stencils, video or 360degree product views? You can now! Meanwhile, there is now a tech center section offering immediate access to AMX technical data. With more marketing and press materials also amongst the recent additions, there is so much more to find here. Take a trip there – it certainly proved fruitful for us. It will also give you the opportunity to get to grips with VisualArchitect, AMX's recently released software, designed to save both dealers and programmers time and effort. “Without a doubt, the new website is a more effective communication vehicle for AMX,” Skaf concluded. “From the home page, which features dynamic content, to the promotional areas located throughout the site, visitors to AMX.com will know about the exciting things going on at AMX.” For further information contact: www.amx.com Make sure you book the right days off for ISE 2007! Style Safety Functionality Plasma Mounts / Projector Brackets / Accessories 7 3 KEEP UP-TO-DATE The organisers of the growing Integrated Systems Europe show have announced a change in dates for 2007's big event. This year this dynamic technological showcase returns to Amsterdam's RAI, where it will now take place between Tuesday 30th January and Thursday 1st February 2007. With an increasing number of exhibitors experiencing difficulties with the set dates due to its close promixity to other international events – including CES – this logical move has to be applauded. Exhibitor feedback was the major contributing factor which influenced the ISE organisers to make this change according to its MD Mike Blackman: “One of the key reasons why ISE has grown so rapidly over the last four years to become Europe’s largest trade show in this sector is through the total support and dedication of our exhibitors and sponsors. For commercial and logistical reasons, many of them were uncomfortable with the existing dates set and asked us to investigate moving back to the original pattern of the last week of January/ first days of February. With many exhibitors finding it difficult to organise shipping and the transportation of key equipment on the original show dates set the move made perfect sense. We value the significant contributions and support that we receive from our exhibitors. Indeed it is they who have helped the show become such a significant event and as a result we have taken the decision to meet their requirements by moving the show dates back by one week.” An intensive communications programme has now been implemented to inform exhibitors, sponsors and visitors of the new dates... with What's New SVI leading the way! For further information contact: www.iseurope.org 6 1 Plasma Mobile - MT1150/1450/2000 2 Plasma 3D - Flatscreen WH3D 3 Table Stand - Flatscreen THF 4 Plasma Floor 2000 - FHT1150/ 1450/2000 5 Wall Stand 1150 - ST1150 6 Transparent Shelf 7 Plasma Ceiling ST490/1150 1 2 5 3 4 AVM Over thirty five years AV experience audio visual material t:01252 510 363 / www.sms.smartmediasolutions.se www.avmltd.co.uk / [email protected] 37 > SOUND & VISION STORIES FROM CEDIA ExCelling Themselves CEDIA’s Operations Manager MATT NIMMONS brings us up to speed with the fast-approaching CEDIA Expo and takes a peek at the big consumer event of the summer, Grand Designs Live… ExCel's seminar rooms should be full from the June 19th... SEMINAR PLACES GOING FAST Places are filling up fast on the biggest ever Expo seminar programme, running from 19-22 June at this year’s CEDIA Expo. Installer Level 2 certification will be available this year, for the very first time outside of the US and extensive manufacturer product training will also be on offer. Due to restricted places on seminar courses, if you want to take part then make sure you book now to avoid disappointment. The newly released Expo Seminar Guide, incorporating the Expo booking form, features full course descriptions and timings for all seminars, workshops and forums taking place – altogether that’s 160 hours of high-quality training. Contact the CEDIA office on tel +44 (0) 148 021 3744 or email [email protected] for your copy now, or find out more online at the CEDIA Expo website www.cedia-expo.com. CEDIA AWARDS We are still taking entries for the inaugural CEDIA Awards. The closing date for the project award categories is 31st May. All CEDIA members should be logging onto www.cedia.co.uk where you can find out more about the categories and download an entry form – remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! The four top installations will be included in the forthcoming CEDIA Guide to the Integrated Home and will also be featured extensively in top trade and consumer publications. As well as recognising the best projects, there is an Award category for CEDIA members to vote for their favourite trade supplier - sure to be a hotly contested category! All winners will be announced on Tuesday 20th June at the CEDIA Expo Chairman’s Reception, held on the exhibition floor at 5pm. For more details on the Awards, visit the ‘members only’ section of the CEDIA website where you can both download an entry form and also cast your vote for ‘Best CEDIA Trade Supplier’. INTERNATIONAL RECEPTION The CEDIA International Reception will take place on Wednesday 21st June by invitation only. International exhibitors, press and visitors will be invited to attend this informal occasion; an opportunity for the international custom install community to network and get involved in the growing programme of education activities which CEDIA is planning to offer across zone one. 38 GETTING THERE ExCeL London, the home of this year’s CEDIA Expo, is easily accessible from all directions. It can be reached from any one of London's five main airports - London City Airport, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton – with links via underground and mainline rail services (a new £140 million DLR extension now links London City Airport and ExCeL London, via Canning Town). If you’re using the underground, then the Jubilee Line is recommended as the quickest route out of Central London. At Canning Town simply change to the DLR (upstairs on platform 3) for the quick twostop journey to Custom House for ExCeL Station. For visitors using Eurostar, there is easy access from Waterloo International Station via the Jubilee Line to Canning Town with a journey time of approximately 19 minutes. ExCeL London is located in zone 3 and London Underground tickets are valid on the DLR. When driving to ExCeL London follow signs for Royal Docks, City Airport and ExCeL. There is easy access from the M25, M11, A406 and A13. ExCeL London offers car-parking facilities for over 4,000 cars and is not in the Congestion Charge zone. For more information visit www.excel-london.co.uk. Stay away from the water! ACCOMMODATION If you’re interested in reserving rooms in nearby hotels where we have an allocation, then please use our recommended accommodation booking service Jigsaw Conferences. Call Jigsaw on +44 (0) 870 752 0433, quoting event code RCCED, or visit www.jigsawconferences.com/rcced.aspx for more details. The Novotel London ExCeL is the CEDIA Headquarters hotel for the event. GRAND DESIGNS LIVE MANUFACTURER PRODUCT TRAINING Free manufacturer product training will once again available at Expo on Tuesday 20th to Thursday 22nd June. There are 13 manufacturers offering training who are AMX, Asheridge, Datacolor, Kaleidescape, Lutron, Naim Audio, NetStreams, Niles, Philips, Pulse Marketing, Sim2, Universal Remote Control and Xantech. For more information on course descriptions and to book your place, visit www.cediaexpo.com or call +44 (0) 148 021 3744. REGISTRATION FOR EXPO The regenerated docklands should prove a worthy location for 2006's CEDIA Expo Online registration to attend Expo is open at www.cedia-expo.com. It only takes a few minutes and you’ll receive your entry badge in the post days ahead of the event. Save yourself queuing time at Expo by prebooking now! DESIGN PROFESSIONALS FORUM A key feature of the training programme at CEDIA Expo is the Design Professionals Forum, taking place on Tuesday 20th June at 11am. This will enable architects, interior designers and housebuilders visiting the event to explore issues around the integration of custom technology into the contemporary home. Chaired by Eleanor Young, Editor of RIBA Journal, the forum will feature highly visual presentations from Steve Moore of SMC, Dr Mark Gillott, from the University of Nottingham’s School of the Built Environment and Julian King from award-winning residential architects, Wilkinson King, looking at practical design and integration experiences, lifestyle research based around the groundbreaking Project:Life and issues of energy conservation and sustainability. A RIBA-approved CEDIA CPD course follows directly after the forum. For further details visit www.cedia-expo.com. The CEDIA-sponsored House of the Future, Today attraction for the forthcoming Grand Designs Live event (2-4 June, ExCeL London) is now taking shape thanks to the widespread and generous support of the CEDIA membership. Located at the heart of the GRANDInteriors Hall, the House of The Future Today is a three-room house that will act as a showcase for the modern, intelligent home which has been designed, built and equipped thanks to the time, skills and equipment provided by CEDIA members. During the course of Grand Designs Live, trained actors will put the various technologies through its paces as they move through different areas of the house, demonstrating the benefits of an integrated electronic lifestyle to visitors. Last year’s Grand Designs Live attracted over 40,000 visitors! We invite all CEDIA members to come and see the feature when the show opens on Friday 2nd June at ExCeL London – for more information, please visit www.granddesignslive.com. We’re expecting it to be one of the busiest and one of the most exciting CEDIA events of the year! Every CEDIA member will receive one complementary ticket to attend the event. CEDIA PARTY The social and networking highlight of CEDIA Expo has always been the CEDIA party and this year’s event is definitely proving to be a hot attraction, with more than half of tickets already snapped up. The headline act for this year’s CEDIA party are The Bears – a band renowned for rocking the socks off many exclusive party audiences with their eclectic play list. To avoid missing the opportunity to be part of the fun, go to www.cedia-expo.com to book your ticket now! Taking place on Wednesday 21st June, the Expo party will be held at The Fox, located to the right of the entrance to ExCeL London. As well as providing excellent facilities and food, there will be plenty of live TV screens, allowing football fans in the party crowd to enjoy all the action from the Argentina v Holland World Cup game. Tickets are for sale, priced £30, and can be bought online from the Expo website. Tickets include food, two free drinks and live music. 39 CONTACT BOOK •A Aanvil Audio T: +44 (0) 135 924 0687 www.aanvilaudio.com Abbey Road Cable See THE OPPOSITION GROUP Absolute Sounds Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8971 3909 Aca-Apex Ltd T: +44 (0) 152 522 0782 ACM Installations Ltd (South) Holed Stoned Barn Stisted Cottage Farm Bradwell, Essex, CM77 2DZ +44 (0) 870 242 3285 [email protected] Acoustiblok T: +44 (0) 162 284 0289 F: +44 (0) 162 284 2070 www.acoustiblokuk.com ACM Installations Ltd (North) T: +44 [0] 14 8237 7530 Acoustic Energy Ltd T: +44 (0) 128 565 4432 F: +44 (0) 128 565 4430 [email protected] www.acoustic-energy.co.uk Acoustic Partnership, The T: +44 (0) 870 047 0047 F: +44 (0) 870 047 0048 [email protected] Acoustic Solutions Ltd T: +44 (0) 132 734 2255 F: +44 (0) 132 734 2298 [email protected] www.acousticsolutions.co.uk ACOUSTAT (UK) LTD T: +44 (0) 208 424 8844 www.acoustat.co.uk Activ Distribution T: +44 (0) 163 529 1357 F: +44 (0) 163 529 1356 www:activdistribution.com email:[email protected] AKAI T: +44 (0) 113 251 1500 F: +44 (0) 113 251 1515 [email protected] www.akai.eu.com AKG The Dutch Barn, The Hyde, Woodcock Hill, Off Coopers Green Lane, St Albans, Herts AL4 9HJ T: +44 (0) 170 727 8100 F: 01707 278129 [email protected] www.harman.com Aldous Systems (Europe) Ltd T: +44 (0) 870 240 1162 F: +44 (0) 20 7691 7844 [email protected] www.aldoussystems.co.uk Allison Loudspeakers T: (859) 236-8298 F: (859) 236 7476 Alphason Designs Ltd Alphason House, Bolton Road, Atherton, Greater Manchester, M46 9AW T: +44 (0) 194 288 5600 F: +44 (0) 194 287 6955 [email protected] www.alphasondesigns.com 40 Alltrade Aerial & Satellite ltd. T: +44 (0) 845 075 0751 F: +44 (0) 870 770 9151 [email protected] www.alltrade.co.uk AMX UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 190 434 3100 F: +44 (0) 190 434 3101 [email protected] www.amx.com Anatek Audio T: +44 (0) 781 768 1402 www:anatek-audio.co.uk Anders+Kern UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 163 851 0900 F: +44 (0) 163 851 0901 [email protected] www.anders-kern.co.uk Ansar Audio Capacitors Ltd T: +44 (0) 169 167 9191 F: +44 (0) 169 167 9191 [email protected] Anthony Gallo Acoustics T: +44 (0) 870 350 1348 F: +44 (0) 870 350 1346 [email protected] www.anthonygallo.co.uk API (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 144 223 3853 F: +44 (0) 144 223 1860 Apollo Hi Fi Furniture Ltd T: +44 (0) 121 520 5070 F: +44 (0) 121 522 2055 [email protected] www.apollohifi.co.uk Arcam T: +44 (0) 122 320 3200 F: +44 (0) 122 386 3384 [email protected] www.arcam.co.uk Artcoustic T: +971 (0)502738220 [email protected] www.artcoustic.com Art Loudspeakers T: +44 (0) 129 231 9416 F: +44 (0) 129 231 9416 [email protected] www.loudspeaker-art.com [email protected] Art Systems Limited T: +44 (0) 115 9380 380 F: +44 (0) 115 9380 381 [email protected] www.artsystems.co.uk Ash Designs Ltd, T: +44 (0)116 279 6601 F: +44 (0)116 279 6602 www:gamepod.co.uk Atacama Audio Winston Ave., Croft, Leicester, LE9 3GQ T: +44 (0) 145 528 3251 F: + 44 (0) 145 528 3908 [email protected] www.atacama-audio.co.uk ATC Loudspeaker Technology Ltd. T: +44 (0) 128 576 0561 F: +44 (0) 128 576 0683 [email protected] www.atc.gb.net Audica UK T: +44 (0) 148 083 9239 F: +44 (0) 148 083 0582 [email protected] www.audica.co.uk Audiofreaks T: +44 (0)20 8948 4153 F: +44 (0)20 8948 4250 AudioControl.co.uk T: +44 (0)130 285 6330 F: +44(0)130 285 6330 [email protected] Audio Group (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 175 284 8816 sales@audiogroupinternational. co.uk Audio Note (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 127 322 0511 F: +44 (0) 127 373 498 [email protected] Audiosolutions Sales & Marketing T: +44 (0) 197 779 8844 www.a-audiosolutions.co.uk sales@a audiosolutions.co.uk Audio Technica Ltd T: +44 (0) 113 277 1441 F: +44 (0) 113 270 4836 Audio Visual World T: +44 (0) 208 455 3490 www.audiovisualworld.co.uk Audion International Limited T: +33 546 043282 F: +33 546 043693 email: [email protected] AVM Ltd T: +44 (0) 125 251 0363 www.avmltd.co.uk [email protected] AWE Europe Ltd B1 Longmead Business Centre, Longmead Business Park, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9QQ. UK T: +44 (0) 137 272 9777 F: +44 (0) 137 272 9757 [email protected] www.awe-europe.co.uk •B BADA T: +44 (0) 208 150 6741 [email protected] www.bada.co.uk Bandridge see BBG Distribution Ltd Barco UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 118 929 0105 www.barco.com BBG Distribution Unit 3 Watford Interchange Colonial Way, Watford Hertfordshire, WD24 4WP T: +44 (0) 192 320 5600 F: +44 (0) 192 320 5601 [email protected] www.bbg.eu.com Beamax Bleekveldstraat 7 B 3900 Overpelt Belgium T: 0800-9175 943 F: 0800-9175 945 Audiophile Club, The T: +44 (0)20 8882 2822 F: +44 (0)20 8372 3772 [email protected] www.audiophileclub.co.uk B.F.A. T: +44 (0) 142 871 4616 F: +44 (0) 142 871 4616 [email protected] [email protected] www.british-audio.org.uk Audiophile Base T: +44 (0) 189 261 9319 M: +44 (0) 771 576 3777 [email protected] www.audiophilebase.com B & W Group Ltd Dale Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN11 2BH, UK T: +44 (0) 190 322 1800 [email protected] www.bwspeakers.com Audio Partnership PLC T: +44 (0)20 7940 2200 F: +44 (0)20 7940 2233 Audio Reference T: +44 (0) 125 270 2705 F: +44 (0) 148 330 1412 [email protected] www.audioreference.co.uk Audio Synthesis T: +44 (0) 115 922 4138 F: +44 (0) 115 922 9701 [email protected] www.audiosynthesis.co.uk AUDUSA & Co T: +44 [0] 2082419826 F: +44 [0] 2082410999 [email protected] AVF Group Limited T: +44 [0] 1952 678855 F: +44 [0] 1952 606205 [email protected] www.avf.co.uk Avid T: +44 (0) 148 045 7300 F: +44 (0) 148 045 7057 [email protected] www.avidhifi.co.uk B & W Loudspeakers Dale Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN11 2BH, UK T: +44 (0) 190 322 1800 [email protected] www.bwspeakers.com B-Tech International Ltd T: +44 (0) 168 984 8535 F: +44 (0) 168 984 1087 [email protected] Bang & Olufsen UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 118 969 2288 F: +44 (0) 118 969 3388 www.bang-olufsen.com Beyerdynamic (GB) Ltd T: +44 (0) 144 425 8258 F: +44 (0) 144 425 8444 [email protected] www.beyerdynamic.co.uk Black Rhodium T: +44 (0) 133 275 5766 F: +44 (0) 133 220 0698 [email protected] Bose Ltd T: +44 (0) 870 741 4500 F: +44 (0) 870 741 4545 www.bose.co.uk Boston Acoustics Distribution (UK) Limited T: +44 (0) 128 565 0814 www.boston-acoustics.co.uk •C Calculus Software Solutions Ltd T: +44 (0) 845 125 9192 F: +44 (0) 173 286 5997 www.findesolutions.com [email protected] Canton T: +44 (0) 239 250 1888 F: +44 (0) 239 250 1999 [email protected] www.canton.de Cartridge Man, The T /F: +44 (0)20 8688 6565 Castle Acoustics Ltd T: +44 (0) 175 679 5333 F: +44 (0) 175 679 5335 CEDIA UK Unit 2, Phoenix Park St Neots, Cambs PE19 8EP, UK T: +44 (0) 148 021 3744 F: +44 (0) 148 021 3469 [email protected] www.cedia.co.uk Celestion Consumer Division T: +44 (0) 162 268 7442 F: +44 (0) 162 268 7981 www.celestion.com Chapter Audio Ltd T: +44 (0) 139 268 6797 F: +44 (0) 139 267 6795 [email protected] www.chapteraudio.com Cherished Record Co T: +44 (0) 157 936 3603 F: +44 (0) 157 936 3604 [email protected] Choice Hi-Fi T: +44 (0)20 8392 1959 F: +44 (0)20 8392 1994 [email protected] Chord Company Ltd, The Tel: +44 1980 625700 Fax: +44 1980 625070 [email protected] www.chordelectronics.co.uk Chord Electronics Ltd T: +44 (0) 162 272 1444 F: +44 (0) 162 272 1555 [email protected] www.chordelectronics.co.uk CKS Entertainment Systems Ltd T: +44 (0) 134 430 7788 F: +44 (0) 134 445 6710 cksgroup.co.uk/entertainment Claritycap Industrial Capacitors (Wrexham) Ltd T: +44 (0) 197 885 3805 F: +44 (0) 197 885 3785 [email protected] www.icwLtd.co.uk www.claritycap.co.uk Classe Dale Road Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2BH, UK T: +44 (0) 190 322 1800 www.classeaudio.com Clipsal Integrated Systems T: +44 (0) 162 850 8530 www:clipsal.co.uk Coles ElectroAcoustics Ltd T: +44 (0) 199 246 6685 F: +44 (0) 199 244 6583 [email protected] www.coleselectracoustics.com Colourgen Ltd T: 01628 588777 F: 01628 588716 E-mail: [email protected] www.colourgen.com dCS Ltd T: +44 (0) 179 953 1999 F: +44 (0) 179 953 1681 [email protected] wwwdcsltd.co.uk Comfort Home Controls T: +44 (0) 124 468 0675 www:comfort.org.uk [email protected] DBS AUDIO T: +44 (0) 128 472 3933 F: +44 (0) 128 472 3933 M: +44 (0) 777 618 8547 [email protected] ConnectAV Ltd T: +44 (0) 797 362 9174 F: +44 (0) 870 432 3443 [email protected] www.connectav.co.uk Control4 UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 134 781 2300 F: +44 (0) 134 781 2322 W: www.control4-uk.com Convergent-AV Ltd T: +44 (0) 1555 890120 F: +44 (0) 1555 890120 [email protected] www.convergent-av.co.uk CR Electronic Design T: +44 (0) 170 220 0111 [email protected] www.crdevelopments.com Crane Audio T: +44 (0) 870 444 1056 [email protected] www.craneaudio.com Creek Audio 12 Avebury Court, Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7TA T: +44(0) 144 226 0146 F: +44 (0) 144 224 3766 [email protected] www.creekaudio.co.uk Crestron (UK) Ltd Neptune House, 2 Portsmouth Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2LU T: +44 (0) 208 439 7272 [email protected] www.creston.co.uk Cromwell Business Systems T: +44 (0) 135 365 0900 F: +44 (0) 135 365 0930 C.S.E. Unit 9, Centre Park Holdings, The Airfield, Tockwith, York, YO26 7QF T: +44 (0) 142 335 9054 F: +44 (0) 142 335 9058 www.csesolutions.co.uk Custom Design (Newcastle) T: +44 (0) 191 262 4646 F: +44 (0) 191 262 4646 [email protected] Custom Sight & Sound T: +44 (0) 199 257 3030 F: +44 (0) 199 257 4030 [email protected] www.revox.de Cyrus Electronics T: +44 (0) 148 043 5577 F: +44 (0) 148 043 7715 [email protected] •D D&T Electronics T ++44(0)870 444 5929 F +44(0)870 444 5945 [email protected] www.dandt.co.uk Decibel Distribution Ltd T /F: +44 (0) 150 532 1351 M: +44 (0) 797 652 8537 [email protected] Deltron Components Ltd T: +44 (0) 172 428 0120 F: +44 (0) 172 428 0353 Demion Products T: +44 (0) 118 977 4085 F: +44 (0) 118 978 5507 www.demion.co.uk Denon T: +44 (0) 175 368 8499 Design e T: +44 (0) 124 337 7899 [email protected] www.Designe.co.uk DF Solutions Digital Future Solutions 7 Somerton Grange, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, N Ireland, BT51 3GB T: +44 (0) 287 035 8894 www.digitalfuturesolutions.co.uk david.perry@digitalfuture solutions.co.uk Dixons T: +44 (0) 144 235 3000 F: +44 (0) 144 223 3218 Dolby Laboratories T: +44 (0) 179 384 2100 F: +44 (0) 179 384 2101 [email protected] www.dolby.com DRDB T: +44 (0)20 7306 2633 F: +44 (0)20 7470 0062 DTS Europe 5 Tavistock Estate, Ruscombe Lane, Twyford, Berks, RG10 9NJ T: +44 (0) 118 934 9199 F: +44 (0) 118 934 9198 [email protected] www.dtsonline.com Dynaudio UK PO Box 1010, Maidstone ME14 4WZ T: +44 (0) 207 378 1810 F: +44 (0) 870 112 3947 [email protected] •E E.A.R./Yoshino Ltd. T: +44 (0) 122 320 8877 F: +44 (0) 122 320 8761 [email protected] www.ear-yoshino.com Eclipse T: +44 (0) 207 328 4499 F: www.eclipse-td.com ECT Ltd Projection screen and accessories T: +44 (0) 118 984 1141 F: +44 (0) 118 984 1847 [email protected] www.ect-av.com Elan Systems (UK) Ltd Unit 4, Pumpfields Road, Liverpool, L3 6BA T: +44 (0) 151 236 1832 F: +44 (0) 151 255 1194 [email protected] www.elanhomesystems.com Elite AV T: +44 (0) 845 055 5911 F: +44 (0) 871 661 8058 Eltax UK T: +44 (0) 132 786 0789 F: +44 (0) 132 786 1058 [email protected] www.eltax.com Eminence Speaker Europe Ltd T: +44 (0) 192 423 9999 Fax: +44 (0) 192 423 9988 email: [email protected] www.eminence-speaker.com Emotive Excellence T: +44 (0) 145 384 3682 F: +44 (0) 145 384 3682 EPOS Acoustics 12 Avebury Court, Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7TA T: +44 (0) 144 226 0146 F: +44 (0) 144 224 3766 [email protected] www.epos-acoustics.com ESLab Ltd T: +44 (0) 190 381 4618 [email protected] www.eslab.co.uk ETHOS Acoustics Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8842 0020 F: +44 (0)20 8842 0020 European Precision Moulding Ltd/Red Scorpion Industries T: +44 (0) 147 483 4345 F: +44 (0) 147 483 4340 Excel Audio Systems Ltd. T: +44 (0)20 8354 0820 F: +44 (0)20 8354 0834 [email protected] www.excelaudio.co.uk Expert Stylus & Cartridge Co T: +44 (0) 137 227 6604 F: +44 (0) 137 227 6147 •F Falcon Acoustics Ltd T: +44 (0) 149 375 1100 F: +44 (0) 149 375 1155 [email protected] www.falcon-acoustics.co.uk Ferguson Hill Studios T: +44 [0] 207 284 0969 www:fergusonhill.co.uk [email protected] Finlux UK T: 01793 870316 F: 01793 870318 Futronix Ltd. T: +44 (0) 188 337 3333/3334 F: +44 (0) 188 337 3335/3336 [email protected] www.futronix.info Futureglass 1a Anglia Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3RG T: +44 (0) 870 033 0300 F: +44 (0) 870 005 48184 www.futureglass.co.uk [email protected] Future Automation Unit 2 Kimpton Enterprise Park Claggy Road, Kimpton Hertfordshire SG4 8HP T: +44 (0) 143 883 1094 F: +44 (0) 143 883 3565 www.future automation.co.uk •G Games & Lifestyle Technology, direct line T: +44 (0) 20 7877 3373 switchboard T: +44 (0) 20 7929 2999 [email protected] Garden Light & Audio T: +44 (0) 189 261 9319 [email protected] www.glaa.co.uk Gecko Inc Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8603 0480 F: +44 (0)20 8688 2491 [email protected] Genco Systems T: +44 (0) 148 865 7788 F: +44 (0) 870 051 4190 www.gencosystems.demon.co.uk Glenfield Software T: +44 (0) 148 040 7700 F: +44 (0) 148 047 3734 [email protected] www.glenfieldsoftware.com Graff Electronic Machines Ltd T: +44 (0) 163 689 3036 F: +44 (0) 163 689 3317 [email protected] www.graffelectronics.co.uk G T Audio T: +44 (0) 189 583 3099 F: +44 (0) 189 583 2594 [email protected] www.gtaudio.com •H Hadcock G.F.C. (Manufacturer) T: +44 (0) 188 956 9166 F: +44 (0) 188 956 9166 HAMA PVAC Ltd T: +44 (0) 125 637 4700 F: +44 (0) 125 637 4749 Harbeth Audio Limited T: +44 (0) 144 448 4371 F: +44 (0) 144 448 7629 [email protected] www.harbeth.co.uk Fryer Sales & Marketing Ltd T: +44 (0) 239 269 0999 F: +44 (0) 239 269 0666 [email protected] www.fryersales.com Harman/Kardon The Dutch Barn, The Hyde, Woodcock Hill, Off Coopers Green Lane, St Albans, Herts AL4 9HJ T: +44 (0) 170 727 8100 F: 01707 278129 [email protected] www.harman.com Fujitsu General (UK) Co Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8731 3450 F: +44 (0)20 8731 3451 [email protected] www.fujitsu-general.co.uk Harvard Technology Group T: +44 (0) 845 450 1480 F: +44 (0) 208 263 6100 www.harvardtechnology.com Focal-JM Lab UK T: +44 (0) 845-6602680 [email protected] [email protected] Hermstedt Hifidelio Range See THE OPPOSITION GROUP Henley Designs Ltd T: +44 (0) 123 551 1166 F: +44 (0) 123 551 1266 [email protected] www.henleydesigns.co.uk Hitachi Europe Ltd Whitebrook Park Lower Cookham Road, Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 8YA T: +44 (0) 162 864 3000 F: +44 (0) 162 858 5000 www.hitachidigitalmedia.com Hypex Electroniques 20 Osram Road, East Lane Business Park Wembley, HA9 7NG T: +44 (0) 208 908 3111 F: +44 (0) 208 908 3110 www.hypexuk.com [email protected] •I Icon Distribution UK T: +44 (0) 845 603 1375 F: +44 (0) 130 271 1196 [email protected] www.icondistribution.net If designs T: 01484 606 900 [email protected] www:ifdesigns.co.uk IKON AVS Unit 238, Ikon Estate Droitwich Road, Hartlebury Worcs, DY10 4EU T: +44 (0) 129 925 0991 F: +44 (0) 129 925 0983 [email protected] www.ikonavs.com iLight Limited T: +44 (0) 189 287 0072 F: +44 (0) 189 287 0074 [email protected] www.ilightgroup.com Instore Electronics T: +44 (0) 127 466 0196 [email protected] Imerge Ltd T: +44 (0) 195 478 3600 F: +44 (0) 195 478 3601 [email protected] www.imerge.co.uk Infinity The Dutch Barn, The Hyde, Woodcock Hill, Off Coopers Green Lane, St Albans, Herts, AL4 9HJ T: +44 (0) 170 727 8100 F: 01707 278129 e [email protected] w www.harman.com Invision UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 135 927 0280 F: +44 (0) 135 927 0281 www.invisionuk.com Isoblue Ltd T: 01332 875700 [email protected] www:isoblue.com/products Isol-8 Teknologies See THE OPPOSITION GROUP 41 CONTACT BOOK •J Jamo UK See BBG Distribution www.jamo.com JBL The Dutch Barn, The Hyde, Woodcock Hill, Off Coopers Green Lane, St Albans, Herts AL4 9HJ T: +44 (0) 170 727 8100 F: 01707 278129 e [email protected] w www.harman.com JVC UK Ltd JVC House, JVC Business Park, 12 Priestly Way, London, NW2 7BA www.jvc-europe.com T: +44 (0) 20 8450 3282 F: +44 (0) 20 8208 3038 •K KEF Audio (UK) Ltd Eccleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6QP T: +44 (0) 162 267 2261 F: +44 (0) 162 275 0653 www.kef.com Keene Electronics Ltd +44 (0)870 990 9000 www.keene.co.uk Living Control T: +44 (0) 168 986 1188 F: +44 (0) 168 985 9915 [email protected] www.livingcontrol.com MJ Acoustics T: +44 (0) 870 744 5080 F: +44 (0) 870 746 9380 [email protected] www.mjacoustics.co.uk NEMKO Ltd. T: +44 (0)20 8646 8383 F: +44 (0)20 8646 8099 [email protected] www.nemko.co.uk Living Voice T: +44 (0) 115 973 3222 [email protected] www.definitiveaudio.co.uk Mode lighting The Maltings, 63 High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9AD T: +44 (0) 192 046 2121 www.modelighting.com New Media Image T: +44 (0) 239 245 1006 F: +44 (0) 870 167 4453 [email protected] Lockwood Audio T: +44 (0)20 8864 8008 F: +44 (0)20 8864 3064 [email protected] www.lockwoodaudio.co.uk Loewe (Linn Products) T: +44 (0) 129 247 1568 F: +44 (0) 129 247 1554 [email protected] www.loewe.de Lutron EA Ltd T: +44 (0) 207 702 0657 F: +44 (0) 207 480 6899 [email protected] www.lutron.com •M Mango Marketing Limited T: +44 (0) 193 282 9077 F: +44 (0) 193 282 7576 Web: www.mangomarketing.com Klegg Audio UK T: +44 (0) 870 075 5344 www.klegg.com Mana Audio Ltd. (Manufacturer) T: +44 (0) 140 783 0530 F: +44 (0) 140 783 0535 [email protected] http://mana.co.uk KM Acoustics Unit 8 Torafen Business Centre Panteg Way, Pontypool NP4 0LS Marantz Hi-Fi UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 175 368 0868 F: +44 (0) 175 368 0428 Konnectson UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 148 043 4441 F: • L+44 (0) 148 043 3312 Martek (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 135 925 3555 F: +44 (0) 135 925 3559 www.martekuk.co.uk [email protected] •L Lamba Plc T: +44 (0) 158 269 0600 F: +44 (0) 158 269 0400 [email protected] Lawton 22 Willow Court Sandwell Business Park Crystal Drive, Smethwick West Midlands, B66 1RD www.lawtontrade.com Lawton Trade Supplies T: +44 (0) 121 511 1128 F: +44 (0) 121 544 6877 [email protected] Leax Controls T: +44 (0) 207 501 0880 F: +44 (0) 207 501 8890 www.leax.co.uk Lektropacks (UK) T: +44 (0)20 8847 2776 F: +44 (0)20 8560 8050 [email protected] www.lektropacks.co.uk Lenbrook UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 190 831 9360 F: +44 (0) 190 832 2752 [email protected] www.lenbrook.co.uk Marata Vision T: +44 (0) 192 349 5595 F: +44 (0) 192 349 5599 [email protected] www.marata.co.uk Max Distribution Co Ltd T: +44 (0) 173 284 0845 F: +44 (0) 173 284 1845 [email protected] www.the-max.co.uk Maxell Europe Ltd. T: +44 (0) 192 349 4400 F: +44 (0) 192 349 4410 [email protected] www.eu.maxell.com Meiloon UK T: +44 (0) 190 820 0844 [email protected] www.meiloon.com.tw Meridian Audio Ltd T: +44 (0) 148 044 5678 F: +44 (0) 148 044 5687 [email protected] www.meridian-audio.com L.G. Electronics UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 870 607 5544 F: +44 (0) 175 351 7445 Metropolis Music T: +44 (0) 189 253 9245 [email protected] Linn Products Ltd Floors Road, Waterfoot, Eaglesham, Glasgow, G76 0EQ T: +44 (0) 141 307 7777 F: +44 (0) 141 644 4262 www.linn.co.uk Mitsubishi Electric Europe Travellers Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 8XB T: +44 (0) 170 727 8684 F: +44 (0) 170 727 8541 www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk 42 Monitor Audio Ltd. 24 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7XL T: +44 (0) 126 874 0580 F: +44 (0) 126 874 0589 [email protected] www.monitoraudio.co.uk Nexus Technologies Pty. Ltd [email protected] www.nexuscomparators.com NHT T: +44 (0) 151 236 1832 F: +44 (0) 151 255 1194 www.nhthifi.com Monster Europe Ltd T: 01923 431 634 Nottingham Analogue T: +44 (0) 177 376 2947 F: +44 (0) 177 353 356 Moth Group T: +44 (0) 123 474 1152 F: +44 (0) 123 474 2028 [email protected] www.britishaudio.co.uk NXT - New Transducers Ltd T: +44 (0) 870 777 5555 F: +44 (0) 148 084 6190 [email protected] www.nxtsound.com Moulded Cords & Cables - MCC T: +44 (0) 134 486 8200 F: +44 (0) 134 486 8208 [email protected] www.mcc-cables.com •O Multi-Room Company, The 4 Churchill House Churchill Road, Cheltenham GL53 7EG Tel: +44 (0) 124 253 9100 Fax: +44 (0) 12 4253 9300 [email protected] www.multi-room.com Multiroom Systems T: +44 (0) 870 855 0010 F: +44 (0) 121 200 1167 www.installautomation.com [email protected] Musical Fidelity Ltd. T: +44 (0)20 8900 2866 F: +44 (0)20 8900 2983 Musonic UK Ltd. T: +44 (0) 192 321 3344 F: +44 (0) 192 321 3355 [email protected] www.musonic.co.uk Myryad UK See BBG Distribution •N NAD Electronics See Lenbrook UK Naim Audio T: +44 (0) 172 242 6600 Nakamichi UK Ltd See FSM Audio National Instruments Corporation (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 163 552 3545 F: +44 (0) 163 552 4395 [email protected] www.ni.com/uk Neaco Ltd T: +44 (0) 165 369 5721 F: +44 (0) 165 360 0418 [email protected] www.neaco.co.uk NEAT Acoustics Ltd. T: + 44 (0) 183 363 1021 F: + 44 (0) 183 363 0022 Obelisk Audio Designs T: +44 (0) 179 450 1235 [email protected] O'hEocha (Ireland) Design Ltd The Manor House Baile an tSagairt Spiddal, Galway, Ireland T: +353 9155 8030 F: +353 9155 8065 www.oheocha.com Onkyo T: +44 (0) 149 468 1515 F: +44 (0) 149 468 0452 [email protected] www.onkyo.co.uk Optimum International 2000 Ltd T /F: +44 (0) 190 469 0089 [email protected] www.optimum2000.com Optoma Europe Ltd 42 Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Herts, WD18 8QZ, UK. T: +44 (0) 192 369 1866 F: +44 (0) 1923 691888 www.optoma.co.uk Opus Technologies T: +44 (0) 845 090 2266 F: +44 (0)20 7940 2233 [email protected] www.opus-technologies.co.uk Orelle Ltd. T: +44 (0)20 8991 9200 F: +44 (0)20 8997 4060. [email protected] www.orelle.co.uk Origin Live T: +44 (0) 238 057 8877 F: +44 (0) 238 057 8877 [email protected] www.originlive.com Overkill Audio T: +44 [0] 148 784 2911 F: +44 [0] 148 784 1341 Owl Video Systems Ltd T: +44 (0) 182 576 6123 F: +44 (0) 182 576 0246 www.owlvideo.com •P P&C Industries T: +44 (0) 122 387 0712 F: +44 (0) 122 387 2654 [email protected] www.hiway.co.uk/pcindustries Panasonic (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 134 486 2444 F: +44 (0) 134 486 1656 Partington & Co T: +44 (0) 147 470 9299 F: +44 (0) 147 470 9295 Paradigm Audio Visual Ltd T: +44 (0) 1234 843388 F: +44 (0) 1234 854477 email:[email protected] www.rearpro.com PATH IXOS T: +44 (0) 184 421 9000 F: +44 (0) 184 421 9099 [email protected] www.path.co.uk www.ixoscable.com Pear Audio Ltd. T: +44 (0) 166 583 0862 F: +44 (0) 166 583 0051 [email protected] Philex Electronics Ltd T: +44 (0) 123 426 3737 F: +44 (0) 123 426 7400 [email protected] www.philex.com Pickering Cartridges T: +44 (0) 190 464 2463 [email protected] pickeringuk.com Picture The Sound T: +44 (0) 700 044 3426 T: +44 (0) 7000 HIFICO F: +44 (0) 148 345 4992 Pink Triangle Partnership Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8694 9609 F: +44 (0)20 8694 7450 [email protected] www.pink-triangle.com Pioneer GB Ltd T: +44 (0) 175 378 9789 F: +44 (0) 175 378 9528 www.pioneer.co.uk Plasmatvinfo.com Limited Tel: +44 (0)1206 391001 Fax: +44 (0)1206 391096 PMC Ltd Flying Mole Bryston T: +44(0) 870 444 1044 F: +44 (0) 870 444 1045 [email protected] www.pmc-speakers.com PM Components Ltd T: +44 (0) 163 484 8500 F: +44 (0) 163 484 867 Polk Audio See Invision UK Precious Metals T: +44 (0) 148 382 7722 [email protected] Premier Mounts (Europe) Swallow House Shilton Industrial Estate Coventry, CV7 9JY T: +44 (0) 247 661 4700 F: +44 (0) 247 661 4710 [email protected] www.mounts.com Presence Audio T: +44 (0) 144 446 1611 F: +44 (0) 144 446 1510 Prima International Plc T: +44 (0) 113 251 1500 F: +44 (0) 113 251 1515 [email protected] prima-international.com Proac (Celef Audio) Highpoint House, Riding Row Buck Road Industrial Estate Brackley, NN13 7BH T: +44 (0) 128 070 0147 Projecta BV PO Box 191 6000 AD Weert The Netherlands T: +31 495 580 858 F: +31 495 580 845 email:[email protected] www.projecta.nl Prism Media Products Ltd T: +44 (0) 122 342 4988 F: +44 (0) 122 342 5023 [email protected] www:prismsound.com Prospero Recruitment Ltd T: +44 (0) 207 404 6383 F: +44 (0) 207 404 6323 rjgrays@prosperorecruitment .com www.prosperorecruitment.com REL Acoustics Ltd T: +44 (0) 165 676 8777 F: +44 (0) 165 676 6093 [email protected] www.rel.net Samuel Johnson Audio Ltd T: +44 (0) 141 810 2828 F: +44 (0) 141 810 2829 [email protected] www.SJAudio.co.uk Remote Media Ltd T: +44 (0) 845 458 3705 www.remotemedia.co.uk [email protected] Scandyna UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 147 362 6600 F: +44 (0) 147 362 6700 [email protected] Resolution Loudspeakers Tel 01202 487464 (intl 044 1202 487464) Schneider UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 161 374 0101 F: +44 (0) 161 374 0102 www.resolution-loudspeakers.co.uk [email protected] www.worldsbestloudspeakers.com www.suhtl.com Revolver Hi-Fi loudspeakers The Acoustic Partnership LLP Unit 8 Saltash Business Park Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LX Tel: 0870 0470047 Fax:0870 0470047 Email: [email protected] www.revolveraudio.co.uk Revox See Custom Sight & Sound RGB Communications Ltd T: +44 (0) 148 873 366 F: +44 (0) 148 873 377 www.rgbcomms.co.uk [email protected] See Hear Ltd T: +44 (0) 179 559 7590 F: +44 (0) 179 559 7591 [email protected] Sennheiser UK Ltd 3 Century Point, Halifax Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3SL T: +44 (0) 149 455 1551 F: +44 (0) 149 455 1550 [email protected] www.sennheiser.co.uk Sharp Electronics Ltd +44 (0) 208 734 2000 www.sharp.co.uk Silvernote T /F: +44 (0) 199 262 0905 www.silvernote.co.uk SIM2 UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 182 575 0850 F: +44 (0) 182 575 0851 [email protected] www.sim2.co.uk Pulse Marketing T: +44 (0) 127 965 5955 F: +44 (0) 127 965 6004 [email protected] www:pulsemarketing.uk.com Rip Factory The Old Throne Hospital 244 Whitewell Road Belfast, BT36 7ES T: +44 (0) 845 226 2791 F: +44 (0) 870 762 7547 www.ripfactory.com Pure Digital T: +44 (0) 192 327 7488 F: +44 (0) 192 327 0188 [email protected] www.pure-digital.com Ringmat Developments T: +44 (0) 127 720 0210 F: +44 (0) 127 720 1225 [email protected] www.ringmat.com SME Ltd T: +44 (0) 190 381 4321 F: +44 (0) 190 381 4269 [email protected] www.sme.ltd.uk P.W.B. Electronics T: +44 (0) 113 268 2550 [email protected] www.belt.demon.co.uk Roksan Audio Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8900 6801/6802 F: +44 (0)20 8900 0734 [email protected] www.roksan.co.uk SOLO Manufacturing T: +44 (0) 115 939 2345 F: +44 (0) 115 939 2111 •Q Quad Electroacoustics Ltd T: +44 (0) 845 458 0011 F: +44 (0) 148 043 1767 [email protected] www.quad-hifi.co.uk Quadraspire Ltd T: +44 (0) 122 533 3360 F: +44 (0) 122 533 8083 [email protected] www.quadraspire.com QED Audio Products Ltd T: +44 (0) 148 374 7474 F: +44 (0) 148 354 5600 [email protected] •R Recoton T: +49 223 498 4080 www.recoton.com Redline T: +44 (0) 131 555 3922 F: +44 (0) 131 555 3964 [email protected] [email protected] Rotel Dale Road Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2BH, UK T: +44 (0) 190 322 1800 www.rotel.com Roth Multimedia Audio See THE OPPOSITION GROUP Royd Loudspeakers Co. Ltd T: +44 (0) 195 229 0700 F: +44 (0) 195 229 0190 Ruark Acoustics Ltd 59 Tailor's Court, Temple Farm Ind. Est., Southendon-Sea, Essex, SS2 5TH T: +44 (0) 170 260 1410 F: +44 (0) 170 260 1414 [email protected] www.ruark.co.uk Russ Andrews Accessories Ltd. T: +44 (0) 845 345 1550 F: +44 (0) 153 979 7325 [email protected] www.russandrews.com •S Reference Point Computers T: +44 (0) 845 634 2032 F: +44 (0) 845 634 2033 Sagem Communications T: +44 (0) 156 477 2200 F: +44 (0) 156 477 7736 www.sagem.com Rega Reseach T: +44 (0) 170 233 3071 Samsung Electronics Ltd T: +44 (0)20 8391 0168 Simplysonos T: +44 (0) 800 731 7308 www.simplysonos.co.uk Songlines T: +44 (0)1424 813888 [email protected] http://www.beauhorn.com Sony UK Ltd The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0XW T: +44 (0) 193 281 6000 F: +44 (0) 193 281 7000 www.sony.co.uk Stil-Stand Stilexo Industrial UK Ltd Penalita Industrial Estate Ystrad Mynach, Mid Glam, CF82 7QZ T: +44 (0) 144 381 6777 [email protected] www.stil-stand.co.uk Stoneaudio UK Ltd T: +44 (0) 120 220 1735 F: +44 (0) 120 220 1315 [email protected] www.stoneaudio.co.uk Symmetry T: +44 (0) 172 786 5488 [email protected] SYN Factory U-vola Suspended Loudspeakers T: +39 (0432) 972 362 F: +39 (0432) 972 684 [email protected] www.synfactory.com •T T&A See Transparent Distribution T&T Communications T: 08706 093686 F: 01255 863909 Tannoy Ltd Rosehall Ind Est, Coatbridge, N. Lanarkshire, ML5 4TF T: +44 (0) 123 642 0199 F: +44 (0) 123 642 8230 www.tannoy.com [email protected] THE OPPOSITION GROUP T: +44 (0) 118 949 7656 F: +44 (0) 118 949 7657 E: [email protected] Thear Technology Limited (REVOX) T: +44 (0) 152 584 1999 F: +44 (0) 152 584 1009 Tivoli Audio 59 Tailor's Court Temple Farm Ind Est Southend on sea, Essex, SS2 5TH T: +44 (0) 170 260 1410 F: +44 (0) 170 260 1414 www.ruark.co.uk Townshend Audio T: +44 (0)20 8979 2155 Transparent Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0) 162 351 7000 www.transparentdl.co.uk [email protected] Trichord Research Ltd T: +44 (0) 168 457 3524 F: +44 (0) 168 457 7380 [email protected] www.trichordresearch.com Troy innovations Victoria Works, Hillend Lane Rossendale, Lancs, BB4 7AG T: +44 (0) 170 622 1133 F: +44 (0) 170 622 2309 www.troyinnovations.co.uk True-Colours Industries T: +44 (0) 771 019 6949 F: +44 (0) 870 120 5923 [email protected] www.true-colours.com Target Audio Distribution Ltd T: +44 (0) 144 225 9994 M: +44 (0) 973 147 441 TCI Ltd Projection House, 19 Townley Way, Earls Barton, Northants, NN6 0HR T: +44 (0) 160 481 1661 F: +44 (0) 160 481 1715 [email protected] www.tcivega.co.uk TDI Tremiver Ltd T: +44 (0) 125 639 7770 F: +44 (0) 125 639 8880 www.tdigroup.co.uk TEAC UK Ltd 5 Marlin House, The Croxley Centre, Watford, Herts, WD1 8YA T: +44 (0) 192 381 9630 F: +44 (0) 192 323 6290 Tube Technology T: +44 (0) 126 984 4771 F: +44 (0) 193 224 4455 [email protected] www.tubetechnology.com Turbosound Earphones - as above See THE OPPOSITION GROUP •U UAS Enterprises T: +44 (0) 870 066 0406 F: +44 (0) 870 066 0407 [email protected] www.uasenterprises.com UKD T: +44 (0) 175 365 2669 F: +44 (0) 175 365 4531 [email protected] www.ukd.co.uk Unicol T: +44 (0) 186 576 7676 Fax: +44 (0) 186 576 7677 www:unicol.com Sonus Systems Ltd T: +44 (0) 115 944 5027 F: +44 (0) 115 944 5126 Tech Link International Unit 8, Bat & Ball Enterprise Centre, Bat & Ball Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 5LJ T: +44 (0) 173 277 9400 F: +44 (0) 173 277 9344 [email protected] www.techlink.uk.com USD Limited The Old Surgery Park Road, Toddington Bedfordshire, LU5 6AB T: +44 (0) 152 587 7707 F: +44 (0) 152 587 7708 [email protected] www.usd.uk.com Soundations T: +44 (0) 870 350 1349 Technical & General T: +44 (0) 189 265 4534 Usher Audio Technology T: 886 2 2381 6299 F: 886 2 2371 1053 www:usheraudio.com Spendor Audio Systems Ltd. T: +44 (0) 132 384 3474 F: +44 (0) 132 344 2254 [email protected] www.spendoraudio.com Standesign UK T: +44 (0) 239 250 1888 F: +44 (0) 239 250 1999 [email protected] www.standesign.co.uk Stands Unique T: +44 (0) 193 341 2227 F: +44 (0) 193 341 2215 [email protected] www.standsunique.com Tektronix Ltd T: +44 (0) 134 439 2400 F: +44 (0) 134 439 2401 •V Top Stands Ltd Top Stands Ltd 11 Ayston Road, Leicester, LE3 2GA T: +44 (0) 116 289 3756 F: +44 (0) 116 263 0234 www.topstands.co.uk www.topstands.co.uk The Diamond Stylus Company Limited "Diamond Connection" Council Street West, Llandudno, Conwy, L30 1ED. T: +44 (0) 194 286 0880 F: +44 (0) 194 286 0653 www.diamondstylus.co.uk [email protected] Vibe Technologies Ltd T: +44 (0) 121 311 9090 F: +44 (0) 121 311 9001 [email protected] www.v-i-b-e.com Vieta UK T: +44 (0) 149 472 3444 [email protected] www.vieta-uk.com VPI (UK) T: +44 (0) 157 936 3603 Virtual Reality Audio Systems Ltd T: +44 (0) 127 722 7355 F: +44 (0) 127 722 4103 [email protected] 43 CONTACT BOOK Visonary AV Solutions Ltd T: +44 (0) 207 722 0067 F: +44 (0) 207 483 1444 www.plamsaS-direct.co.uk Vivanco UK Ltd. T: +44 (0) 144 240 3020 F: +44 (0) 144 240 3030 Visual Displays T: +44 (0) 207 222 9009 F: +44 (0) 207 233 2165 [email protected] www.visualdisplaysuk.co.uk Vivante Productions Ltd. (Software) T: +44 (0) 129 382 0509 F: +44 (0) 129 382 1965 [email protected] www.vivante.co.uk Vivadi Plc T: +44 (0) 179 378 0033 F: +44 (0) 179 378 0044 [email protected] www.vivadi.com Vogels See BBG Distribution •W Wavelength Distribution F: +44 (0) 162 276 1560 [email protected] www.sonicdesign.co.uk www.bocchino-audio.co.uk Wharfedale International Ltd T: (0) 845 458 0011 F: (0) 148 043 1767 [email protected] www.wharfedale.co.uk Wilmslow Audio Lt T: +44 (0) 145 528 6603 F: +44 (0) 145 528 6605 [email protected] www.wilmslowaudio.com Wilson Benesch T: +44 [0] 114 285 2656 F: +44 [0] 114 285 2657 [email protected]~ Waterfall See Transparent Distribution •X Xixin Ltd T: +44 (0) 158 240 0340 www.xixin.co.uk •Y Yello GB Ltd 32 Jordanvale Avenue, Whiteinch, Glasgow, G14 0QP T: +44 (0) 141 576 1772 F: +44 (0) 141 950 2737 Yamaha Electronics (UK) Ltd 200 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 7GQ T: +44 (0) 192 323 3166 F +44 (0) 192 381 0410 www.yamaha-uk.com Get In Training What’s New may not be an education in itself, but it can certainly point you in the right direction. Read on to find out where you might want to be in the coming months… Armour Home Electronics Crestron Systemline 4.4 from scratch: 13/06/06, 11/07/06 Systemline Modular introduction: 27/06/06, 18/07/06 Systemline Modular Advanced: 17/05/06, 14/06/06, 28/06/06, 19/07/06L Introduction to Imerge sound servers: 2/05/06, Installers Dates: 14/06/06, 02/08/06, 04/10/06, 06/12/06 Lighting Dates: 06/09/06, 01/11/06 Essentials Dates: 16-18/05/06, 27-29/06/06, 25-27/07/06, 15-17/08/06, 26-28/09/06, 7- 15/06/06, 20/07/06 Intermediate Dates: 11-13/07/06, 12-14/09/06, 24-26/10/06 SIMPL+ Dates: 30/05/06-01/07/06, 29/07/06-31/08/06, 10-12/10/06, 21-23/11/06 Commercial Design Dates: 13/06/06, 01/08/06 Residential Design Dates: 04/07/06, 05/09/06 Commercial Afternoon Workshop Dates 2006: I Media, 19t/05/06 - Touch panels, Introduction to RF distribution: 27/07/06 Introduction to Lighting control systems: 11/07/06 Home Computer Networks: 15/05/06 Sonance Navigator Harbor/K2 keypad: 25/05/05, 12/07/05 NEVO Sl remote control systems: 24/05/06, 7/06/06, 29/06/06, 6/07/06, 26/07/06 NEVO SL, NEVO Link, UpnP: 7/07/06 Helvar Digidim Lighting programming: 17/05/06, 11/07/06 Helvar Lighting Router Systems: 27-28/06/06 Essential CAD for Custom Installation: 13-14/07/06 Introduction to Lutron Homeworks: 12/07/06 Lighting design for residential projects: 26/05/06 Introduction to Home cinema systems: 18-19/05/06 For further information contact: www.armourhe.co.uk Yamaha AV receiver/receiver editor: 21/09/06, 25/09/06 MusiCast/Network/RXN600: 24/05/06, 7/09/06, 19/10/06 New Model/General: 19/07/06, 24/07/06, 27/07/06, 11/10/06, 9/11/06 YSP: 21/06/06, 13/09/06 For further information contact: +44 (0) 192 323 3166 www.yamaha-uk.com 9/11/06, 12-14/12/06 30/06/06 – Processors, 28/07/06 - Quick Media, 25/08/06 – ILUX, 22/09/06 - I Media, 20/10/06- Room view, 17/11/06 – Processors, 15/12/06- Touch panel Residential Morning Workshop: 19/05/06 – Intercom, 02/06/06 – Lighting, 16/06/06Adagio, 30/06/06- Video Distribution For further information contact: www.crestron.co.uk RGB i-school Kramer Electronics Training Day: 16-17/05/06 AMX Programming: 23/05/06 Rack Design and Build: 18/05/06 Networking and WiFi for AV Systems: 31/05/06 For further information contact: www.rgbcomms.co.uk/support/training.htm. SIM2 Dealer Support Programme (advanced standard): 18/05/06, 25/05/06, 6/07/06, 20/07/06, 27/07/06, 17/08/06, 24/08/06, 31/08/06, 21/09/06, 28/09/06, 12/10/06, 19/10/06, 26/10/06 nb: These dates are open to SIM2 dealers who have demonstration product on permanent display. For further information contact: [email protected] Any manufacturers or distributors wishing to have their training details included in this section should email [email protected] or contact +44 (0) 120 650 5959 44 Advertise your recruitment here free* or from as little as £100** RECRUITMENT elcome to the What's New recruitment section, a brand new tool for employers seeking the right person for their vacancy and employees looking to move onwards and upwards. Every opportunity that you see on these pages will also be placed live on our website, www.soundandvisionmagazine.co.uk/recruitment.php the moment the information becomes available, making it an extremely efficient vehicle for those seeking to expand their staff. To place an advert on this page, please contact Theresa on +44 (0) 1480 498953 or [email protected] W POSITION: AREA SALES MANAGER REGION: SOUTHERN ENGLAND SALARY: NEG + CAR Asheridge Communications Limited is a distributor of a diverse range of products that serve the AV industry, from cable markers through CAT5e test equipment to Multi-Room Audio and video distribution systems. Over the past year the range of products has increased along with sales, and as such a new role is being created to address these opportunities. The following are to be considered... Work Experience - A minimum of two years working the streets selling AV products, ideally to both Cedia and the Commercial AV market. Technical competence - Various products have a technical sell, so the candidate should not be afraid of this type of sell. Challenges range from demonstrating CAT5e testers though to Multi Room Audio Systems and Video, Voice and Data Distribution. Therefore a technical knowledge would be advantageous. Where lacking, training can be given. Self Starter - Due to Asheridge being an SME, the amount of hands on time management is minimal. As such the candidate needs to be self motivated and willing to work independently. Location & Travel - Ideally living in commuting distance to the office in Chesham, although it is anticipated that the candidate will spend 3 days a week visiting clients. Contact : Jonathan Rigby, Sales and Marketing Director Asheridge Communications Ltd , Unit A, 45Asheridge Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2PY Email: [email protected] Web: www.ashcomms.com POSITION: INSTALL & SERVICE ENGINEER REGION: SOUTH LONDON SALARY: NEG To coincide with our continuing growth, we are seeking to add to our technical team. This is an ideal opportunity for a keen, dedicated person to progress their career and to move into engineering from perhaps a projection or AV background. We are a small company located in brand new premises. With some exciting contracts coming up, we work with technology ranging from KINOTON and BARCO cinema equipment through THX cinema sound systems, Crestron controls and Digital projection systems from all major manufacturers. Our markets include high end cinema and preview venues, hotels, boardrooms and theatres. We are looking for somebody to join us at ground level and to grow with our company and our success. We offer training, both formal and on the job, “half day Fridays”, annual salary reviews and performance related bonuses, as well as respect for you as an individual and the chance to grow with the company. The person we are looking for will be keen, fit and eager to get a grasp of new technology. Based in South London, the position involves field and workshop duties, and thus a drivers license is essential. No two days are ever the same! Applications by email to [email protected]. More details are on our web site www.fproj.com POSITION: AREA SALES MANAGERS REGION: VARIOUS SALARY: NEG We are looking for professional individuals whose skill and expertise can make a real difference to our customers. Yello have built a quality portfolio of products that are sought after, and we need the person who joins us to have the right attributes to build the business for the long term future. Within the portfolio are Spectral and Just-Racks, hand built German furniture that has grown steadily over the past seven years within the UK. Our clients include large independent retailers and quality department stores. All of these clients rely upon the quality and service we have to offer them. Hitachi has award winning products and is very well known to all. Illuminaire is the latest recruit to our product stable, offering ambient lighting for home use, and has caught the imagination of those who have seen it. The successful candidates will have several years of relevant retail / trade experience, a positive attitude and be able to plan their business appropriately. We need you to be able to show a high degree of business planning, using journey plans, call plans, product knowledge and a high level of self discipline. As we are looking countrywide, please let us know if you are interested, and we can discuss options. It is imperative that you want to join the team to develop a longterm relationship with Yello & your clients, and we will reward you appropriately. Interviews will be held in Northampton in the coming weeks. If you are interested, then email your full CV to: Antony Haase Email: [email protected] 07815 884 903 POSITION: YOUR COMPANY HERE! REGION: NATIONWIDE COST: FROM £100 Advertise your vacancies here for as little as £100 and get free inclusion on our website and the electronic version of What's New! Call Theresa on 01480 498953 *Recruitment free with year’s commitment of advertising ** £100 per strip DIARY www.soundandvisionmagazine.co.uk London's ExCel will be the place to find us next month! Check our listings for Chesterfield Communitcations' latest shows... The Smart Home Show takes the CI message directly to the consumer Please send all correspondence to: What's New, 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, CO2 8JY Events 2006/7 It’s Show Time! JUNE 06 2-4 3-9 19-22 Grand Designs Live infocomm 2006 CEDIA EXPO 2006 ExCel, London www.granddesignslive.com Orange County Convention Center, Orlando www.infocomm.org ExCel, London www.cedia.co.uk JULY 06 20-22 27-29 INSTALL Asia CEDIA Australasia Expo Royal Paragon Hall, Bangkok, Thailand www.install-online.com/asia Gold Coast, Queensland www.cedia.com.au SEPTEMBER O6 1-6 13-17 22-24 22-24 22-24 IFA 2006 CEDIA US Expo Smart Home Show Hi-Fi & Home Entertainment Show London Sound & Vision Show Messe Berlin Colorado Convention Center, Denver Excel, London Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow Park Inn, Heathrow www.ifa-berlin.com www.cedia.org www.smarthomeshow.co.uk www.hifishow.co.uk www.chestergroup.org OCTOBER 06 5-7 21-22 Scottish Sound & Vision INSTALL India Home Entertainment Show Radisson SAS, Glasgow Andheri Sports Complex Mumbai Renaissance Hotel, Manchester www.chestergroup.org www.install-online.com/india www.home-entertainment-show.co.uk NOVEMBER 06 1-3 3-5 Integrated Systems India What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision Show/Best of Stuff Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Delhi www.is-indiaexpo.com Novotel Conventional Centre, Londoni www.whathifishow.co.uk JANUARY 07 8-11 27-28 30-01/02/07 International CES Northern Sound & Vision Integrated Systems Europe RAI Convention Centre, Las Vegas Radisson SAS Manchester Airport Amsterdam www.cesweb.org www.chestergroup.org www.iseurope.org FEBRUARY 07 23-25 Sound & Vision, The Bristol Show Marriot City Centre Hotel, Bristol www.bristolshow.co.uk LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF WHAT'S NEW FROM JUNE 12TH FEATURING... Be My Guide – Find your way around the CEDIA Expo courtesy of our handy exhibitor rundown Scan The Automator – With all eyes turning to the CI industry, we look at the automation options available World At Their Feet – Discover the last products to arrive in time for the World Cup Homegrown Success – Meet Ruark Acoustics, one of our finest loudspeaker manufacturers... ISSN 1478-1123 Editor: Hamish McNair-Wilson T: 44 (0)1206 505959 [email protected] Editor-In-Chief: Stuart Pritchard T: 44 (0)1206 505924 [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Jacob Stow Publisher: Steve Duffy [email protected] Art Direction: Lee Whiteford [email protected] Designers: Lewis Webb Advertisement Designer: Alison Williams Advertising Director: Theresa Jackaman T: 44 (0)148 049 8953 [email protected] Contributors: Darren Harvey, Toby Watson, Lisa Webb, Sam Fuller Design & Repro: Ace Pre-Press T: 44 (0)1206 797541 Circulation Manager: Mick Orrin T: 44 (0)1206 505912 46 Subscriptions: To ensure you receive your copy of What’s New every issue, go to www.soundandvisionmagazine.co.uk and simply fill in the online form Accounts Admin: T: 44 (0)1206 505900 Published By: Partridge Publications (2000) Ltd, Avenue Lodge, 60 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HN. Tel. +44 (0) 1273 719900 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. What's New in Sound and Vision 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 © Partridge Publications (2000) Limited While we make every effort to ensure that everything we print in What's New in Sound and Vision 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 Partridge Publications (2000) Ltd © 01/07/04 - 30/06/05: 4,309 30.01. - 01.02. 2007, Amsterdam, NL Get the best piece. Come to Holland. Exhibit at Europe’s No.1 Show for AV System Professionals. Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is now in its 4th year and has matured into becoming Europe’s single most important showcase of technologies and solutions for the AV Systems and Electronic Integration industry. The staggering success of the 2006 show where visitor numbers were up by an unprecedented 45% reflects the optimistic mood in this market. ISE 2006 attracted 10,970 visitors from 78 countries as well as hosting 330 exhibitors from 30 nations. Like to be a part of this? Join Europe’s largest Show for the AV Systems Industry and reserve your space now. ISE 2007 will take place from 30.01. - 01.02.2007 at the Amsterdam RAI. For further information on how to exhibit at next year’s show, contact ISE 2007 organisers on 0031 20 40 50 257 or visit www.iseurope.org Integrated Systems Europe is a joint venture partnership of: Network, discover, learn and do business. Crestron's Adagio for Music Lovers NEW Adagio delivers multi-room audio distribution with amplification and control in an affordable, simple packaged solution. Everything you expect from Crestron - but now more! - Audio distribution for 6 rooms - NO programming required! - Integrated 45 watt x 12 channel power amplifier - On-board AM/FM and Sirius Satellite radio tuners - Plug-and-play support for Adagio Audio Server and iPod - Built-in 2-series Crestron control engine Crestron UK Ltd. Netptune House - 2 Portsmouth Road - Kingston, KT1 2LU - Tel: +44 (0) 208-43.972.72 - www.crestron.co.uk