SVI - Inside CI

Transcription

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