http://www.soundandvisionmagazine.co.uk/index1.php/site/index/ en elizabeth.sharp@svimag.com Copyright 2008 2008-07-03T13:26:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/join_the_party/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/join_the_party/#When:13:26:00Z GEAR4 has unleashed the StreetParty Blu...Joining GEAR4's range of Stereo Bluetooth-enabled devices, the StreetParty Blu wireless speaker system has a depth of just 24mm. It can be paired with a variety of mobile phones, laptops and MP3-players, and can deliver quality audio via its 8W speakers, at a distance of up to 10-metres. Capable of running off regular AA batteries or an AC supply, this portable player features a fold-out stand and is available now for £29.99 inc. VAT. Contact: http://www.gear4.com News 2008-07-03T13:26:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/time_to_train/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/time_to_train/#When:14:19:00Z If CEDIA Expo has whet your appetite for knowledge, book your training today, courtesy of our up-to-date listings...ACA-APEX The one day CRIS installation courses include a product overview, system design, installation practices, termination techniques, audio distribution systems and mood lighting. Training costs £75, which is refundable against the next order for a full CRIS system. 11/07/08, 12/07/08, 01/08/08, 02/08/08, 05/09/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)1525 379 933 or email info@aca-apex.co.uk AMX AMX's own training courses are available to all and free for dealers. They offer you an opportunity to make the most of their automation systems and products... North (York): AMX Installer: 14-15/08/08, 09-10/09/08 AMX Designer: 13/08/08, 08/09/08 AMX Programmer I: 07-09/07/08, 18-20/08/08 AMX Programmer II: 14-15/07/08, 22-23/09/08 AMX Programmer III: 18-19/09/08 RMS Configuration & Programming: 16-17/07/08, 24-25/09/08 TPD4 UI Design: 31/07/08-01/08/08, 23-24/10/08 South (London): AMX Installer: 30/09/08-01/10/08, 04-05/11/08 AMX Designer: 29/09/08, 03/11/08 AMX Programmer I: 06-08/10/08, 10-12/11/08 AMX Programmer II: 27-28/10/08 AMX Signal Management: 02-03/10/08, 06-07/11/08 RMS Configuration & Programming: 29-30/10/08 TPD4 UI Design: 09-10/10/08, 18-19/12/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)1904 343 100 http://www.amxuk.co.uk Armour Home Electronics AHE offers the highest quality of product training at its recently constructed, dedicated training facility in Bishop's Stortford. Its extensive range of courses is open to all and conducted by CEDIA-certified experts... Systemline S6: 29/07/08, 18/08/08, 12/09/08 Systemline Modular Introduction: 10/07/08, 21/07/08 Systemline Modular Advanced: 11/07/08, 22/07/08 Home Cinema Workshop: 01-02/07/08, 30-31/07/08 NEVOPro: 04-05/08/08, 19-20/08/08 MediaMax Workshop: 03/07/08, 23/07/08 Networking Skills Workshop: 17/07/08 Project Management: 21/10/08 Foundation Custom Installation: 06/08/08, 24/09/08 For further information visit: http://www.armourhe.co.uk/training AWE Training will be offered at AWE's HQ in Epsom, Surrey, unless otherwise stated... Philips Pronto Level 2 Certification (Training): 15/07/08, 19/08/08 Philips Pronto Level 3 Certification (Training & Test): 08/07/08, 09/09/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)1372 729 777 http://www.awe-europe.co.uk CEDIA Unless otherwise stated, these courses are held at CEDIA's dedicated facilities at its St Neots HQ... Designer School and Certification Exam: 03-07/11/08 Project Management School: 10-14/11/08 For further information visit the events section of http://www.cedia.co.uk Crestron Automation pioneer Crestron hosts regular training courses throughout the UK... Cobham: Essentials: 05-07/08/08, 16-18/09/08 Intermediate: 19-21/08/08, 11-13/11/08 Simpl+: 02-04/09/08, 25-27/11/08 Crestron Foundation Course: 09-10/07/08, 13-14/08/08 Systembuilder: 08-09/07/08, 12-13/08/08 Residential Product Training: 01/07/08, 02/09/08 Commercial Product Training: 05/08/08, 07/10/08 Crestron Lighting Controls: 22-23/07/08, 26-27/08/08 Doncaster: Essentials: 15-17/07/08, 12-14/08/08 Residential Product Training: 09/07/08, 06/08/08 Commercial Product Training: 08/07/08, 05/08/08 Crestron Lighting Controls: 19-20/08/08, 18-19/11/08 Livingston: Essentials: 08-10/07/08 Crestron Lighting Controls: 15-16/07/08, 16-17/09/08 Dublin: Essentials: 15-17/07/08, 16-18/09/08 Residential Product Training: 05/07/08, 20/08/08 Commercial Product Training: 04/07/08, 19/08/08 Crestron Lighting Controls: 22-23/07/08, 14-15/10/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)845 873 8787 http://www.crestron.co.uk Invision A dynamic custom installation orientated distributor. Digilinx training sessions are held at Invision’s Bury St Edmunds head office training room. DigiLinX (101) – Intermediate: 23/07/08, 14/08/08 DigiLinX (102) – Advanced: 04/09/08, 26/11/08 ReQuest Music Server and iQ Audio Distribution System (401/402): 13/08/08, 15/10/08 Introduction to Netstreams Product Range (501): 24/07/08, 24/09/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)1359 270 280 http://www.invisionuk.com Opus Training includes Opus 300 and 500 system design, and commissioning an Opus system. Sessions cost £50 plus VAT and are refundable against first or next order. 09/07/08, 16/07/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)20 7089 1888 http://www.opus.eu PSCo This latest training course will take place at specialist AV distributor PSCo's state-of-the-art demonstration suite. Infinite Plasma Training Academy: 16/07/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)870 240 8484 http://www.psco.co.uk RGB Communications i-school RGB's i-school is held at the distributor's dedicated, state-of-the-art training and demonstration centre located within its Hungerford HQ... AMX Essentials: 07-08/07/08, 04-05/08/08 AMX Programmer I: 06-08/08/08, 15-17/10/08 ClearOne Technical Specialist: 15/07/08, 12/08/08 Networking & Wi-Fi for AV Systems: 17/07/08, 10/09/08 Rack Selection and Configuration: 24/07/08, 21/08/08 Multi-Media Signal Distribution: 30/07/08, 26/08/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)148 873 366 http://www.rgbcomms.co.uk/support/training.htm The Multi-Room Company Training will take place at the Multi-Room Company's Cheltenham facility... What Multi-Room Can Do For You/Russound Introduction: 04/08/08, 01/09/08 Structured Wiring and Home Networking: 01/07/08, 05/08/08 Home Cinema: 02/07/08, 06/08/08 Centralite Lighting Control: 03/07/08, 07/08/08 Russound Advanced R-Net: 04/07/08, 08/08/08 For further information contact: +44 (0)1452 858 260 http://www.multi-room.com USD Focusing on Nikobus products, and Niko lighting and home automation systems, this free training is held by UK distributor USD from 10am-4pm and is limited to six people per course. USD Training Day: 11/07/08, 25/07/08, 08/08/08 For further information contact Rob Nicholls: +44 (0)1525 877 707 Rob@usd.uk.com Any manufacturers or distributors wishing to have their training details included in this section should email elizabeth.sharp@svimag.com or contact +44 (0)1206 505 959 News 2008-07-01T14:19:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/exceeding_expo_tations/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/exceeding_expo_tations/#When:10:00:01Z With much of the industry recovering from what was an energetic CEDIA Expo, we take a quick peek at what went on... Drawing attendees from the AV and custom installation trades, the three-day event featured industry heavyweights such as AMX, Armour Home, AWE, B&W, Chief, Crestron, CSE, Future Automation, Helvar, Invision – along with new division Invision Express – Kaleidescape, KEF, Lutron, Monitor Audio, Rako Controls and Sim2, to name but a few! Education was once again high on the agenda, and the show kicked off on Monday 23rd June with a dedicated training day. In addition to continuing to follow the popular career-track approach, this year saw the re-introduction of a business owner's career track, and for the first time, training and Certification for Home Cinema Design specialists was on offer. If the traffic at our stand is anything to go by, exhibitors were kept very busy over the course of the three-day event and the general atmosphere was one of 'business as usual' in the face of the apparently deepening economic woes. It's clear that Expo remains a perfect arena for doing business, making contacts and taking a look at the latest innovations. For full details of who was in attendance, take a look at our Expo preview and don't forget to watch out for our upcoming show report. News 2008-07-01T10:00:01+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/a_new_design/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/a_new_design/#When:13:52:00Z Joining the sleek Design Audio Series, TEAC has launched the new SP-X2i speaker system...Featuring ultra-thin, aluminium Honey-comb Diaphragm NXT speakers, this slender package continues TEAC's tradition of incorporating advanced NXT technology into its products, ensuring a smooth and rich sound quality, whilst the 4-inch, 15W active subwoofer delivers impressively clean bass. Available now, the SP-X2i comes complete with a range of iPod adapters, as well as S-Video and video cables, and has a suggested retail price of around £99.95 inc. VAT. For further information contact: +44 (0)845 130 2511 http://www.teac.co.uk News 2008-06-30T13:52:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/hip_to_be_square/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/hip_to_be_square/#When:13:43:01Z Prepare for the arrival of Sonoro Audio's Cubo...Clad in a choice of no fewer than 10 finishes, the Cubo music system is an all-in-one CD/MP3-player, DAB/FM radio and alarm clock. Seven high-gloss lacquered finishes are available, including striking pink, green, silver, black and red, plus more traditional cherry, maple and walnut natural wood finishes, affording this curvaceous, German-designed unit some undeniably dazzling looks. Beyond the stylish exterior, the technology within is equally impressive. Delivering a superbly natural sound, the Cubo benefits from a full-range speaker on the top panel and an integrated bass-reflex tube, whilst its compact dimensions make it as suitable for use on a nightstand at home as in an office environment. Should your customers make use of the alarm clock, the soft amber backlit LCD display can be dimmed. Equipped with a 3.5mm iPod/MP3-player input, portable music players can be connected with ease, while the DAB/FM radio with PLL tuner has the capacity to store up to six preset stations. At the heart of the unit, a slot-loading CD-player is suitable for listening to purchased CDs as well as CD-R and CD-RW discs, and boasts a 20-track memory. Available this summer via specially selected retailers, the Cubo has an estimated price of £269. For further information contact: +44 (0)1923 205 600 http://www.bbg.eu.com News 2008-06-30T13:43:01+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/monster_mash/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/monster_mash/#When:13:20:00Z Monster Cable claim victory at the Plus X awards...Honoured in the 'Design' category were their impressively-built 'Beats by Doctor Dre' active noise-cancelling headphones, produced in collaboration with the titular hip hop artist and producer. Scoring in the 'Innovation' category meanwhile, was the company's Advanced HDMI cables, with their different speed-rated versions, use of high quality components and gold contacts apparently winning over the judges. Picking up an 'Ease of Use' gong was the Monster 'Advanced HDMI High Speed 3-Way Switcher', most likely due to its infrared remote learning function, ability to enable simple selection of up to three different 1080p sources and versatile, compact design. Finally, rounding off Monster's haul was the iCarCharger 200, which garnered both an 'Innovation' and an 'Ease of Use' award for its simultaneous playback and charging of almost any iPod model and integrated 3.5mm jack, providing a superior means of transferring audio output to an in-car sound system than on any FM transmitter. For further information visit: http://www.monstercable.com http://www.plusxaward.de News 2008-06-30T13:20:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/cedia_awards_2008/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/cedia_awards_2008/#When:10:46:00Z Fresh from the dazzling black tie event at London's Vinopolis, ELIZABETH SHARP reports back on the winners of the CEDIA Awards 2008...Designed to give the awards the dedicated focus they so richly deserve, the Moroccan-themed evening proved quite a success with 250 people in attendance, including Channel Five's The Gadget Show presenter Suzi Perry, who was tasked with announcing the winners. With more members than ever entering this year's awards, hailing from countries as diverse as Portugal, Spain and France, the process was made more accessible, thanks to the availability of foreign language entry forms. In order to ensure that the integrity of the awards was maintained, judging was conducted on an anonymous basis, and in recognition of the superb quality of submissions that were received, highly commended accolades were awarded to the particularly noteworthy. The winners were those projects which demonstrated an outstanding design, seamless integration, imagination, a keen use of technology, and that all-important 'wow' factor. Take a look at the winners listed below and it's not difficult to see why they have been deemed deserving of the Association’s highest honours. So, without further ado, we proudly present the winners of the CEDIA Awards 2008... Best Home Cinema Installation under £20,000 TOTAL AUTOMATION CINEMA WINNER: FINITE SOLUTIONS A single remote was to be used to control all devices in this mixed use room, including lights, fireplace and window treatments, as well as the cinema. LAVENDER GARDENS FINALIST: BEYOND THE INVISIBLE CAMBRIDGE PARK FINALIST: D&T ELECTRONICS MAGNUM HOME CINEMA FINALIST: DONEO Best Home Cinema Installation £20,000 - £100,000 HOME CINEMA LYON WINNER: DARK SIDE OF THE ROOM A large garage in Lyon was filled with high-end electronics and converted into a home theatre capable of comfortably seating up to seven people. RISE AND FALL CINEMA FINALIST: FINITE SOLUTIONS THE DIAMOND CINEMA FINALIST: GRAHAMS LAKE VIEW PROJECT FINALIST: T&T COMMUNICATIONS KARAOKE HOME CINEMA HIGHLY COMMENDED: LASERVISION Best Dressed Installation DANISH HOUSE WINNER: T&T COMMUNICATIONS As part of the renovation and extension of an expansive property in Denmark, the UK-based team were tasked with integrating as many of the various house sub systems as possible. CAMBRIDGE PARK FINALIST: D&T ELECTRONICS HILL HOUSE PROJECT FINALIST: SMC LONDON APARTMENT P FINALIST: D&T ELECTRONICS Best Integrated Home Under £100,000 THE DARLANDS PROJECT WINNER: SMARTCOMM Boasting a definite 'wow' factor, a modern contemporary interior was created in this traditional London home. CHAMPS ELYSEE PROJECT FINALIST: AUDIRE LONDON APARTMENT P FINALIST: D&T ELECTRONICS NORTHERN LIGHTS PROJECT FINALIST: DEFINITIONS LOW FELL INSTALLATION FINALIST: DSE GROUP WIMBLEDON FAMILY HOME FINALIST: SMC CLERKENWELL ROAD PROJECT HIGHLY COMMENDED: JAMES & GILES Best Integrated Home £100,000- £250,000 MAISON BOVARD WINNER: HENRI INTEGRATEUR DOMOTIQUE In order to facilitate energy conservation, this house in France needed to have intelligent installations. CHANDOS STREET FINALIST: D&T ELECTRONICS FINALIST: GRAHAMS THE NEW HOUSE CADOGAN SQUARE FINALIST: ISIS THE OLD WATERWORKS HIGHLY COMMENDED: FINITE SOLUTIONS Best Integrated Home Over £250,000 CEMETERY HOUSE WINNER: SMC The client’s dream was to create a house that reflected his character and challenged conventional ways of thinking, and the result is an incredible home situated in a cemetery. ASTON MARTIN PROJECT FINALIST: LAIRDKING WILTSHIRE HALL FINALIST: MARTIN KLEISER HILL HOUSE PROJECT FINALIST: SMC VILLA QUINTA VERDE HIGHLY COMMENDED: GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES Best Marine Installation SUNSEEKER TRI-DECK WINNER: DAWSONS AV MARINE The brief was to design and install the most technologically advanced Sunseeker ever, using the latest and greatest products available in the AV industry, whilst maintaining the consistent look and feel of Sunseeker International's vessels. THE MALTESE FALCON FINALIST: AUDIO VISION Best Multi Dwelling Installation WHITE FIR PROJECT, BULGARIA WINNER: TOUCH OF A BUTTON Affordable, high-tech audio and visual solutions were required in all 350 apartments, three bars, two restaurants, conference room, offices, games rooms, seven reception areas and spas of this extensive Bulgarian complex. SPINNINGFIELDS DEVELOPMENT FOR PERSIMMON HOMES, MANCHESTER FINALIST: D&T ELECTRONICS TANALACH DEVELOPMENT, EDINBURGH FINALIST: HOMETECH INTEGRATION Best Special Project NEW RIVERHEAD WINNER: DIGITAL HOMEDIA THE OLD RECTORY STUDY LIFT FINALIST: INTERCONNECTION Best Trade Supplier BOWERS AND WILKINS In addition to these project winners, a CEDIA award was also presented to the Best Trade Supplier – a category decided via an online vote of Electronic Systems Professional (ESP) members, hosted on the CEDIA website. Voters were asked to select the company that had provided the best quality products, services and support throughout the year, and this year the accolade went to internationally renowned speaker manufacturer Bowers and Wilkins. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0)1480 213 744 http://www.cedia.co.uk Top Story 2008-06-30T10:46:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/boys_toys/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/boys_toys/#When:10:13:00Z Appealing to a broad consumer base is key to maximising your business, says BADA’s Phil Hansen…Maybe that’s a bit strong, but it is certainly a male dominated industry, with estimates putting the male/female split of purchasers at something like 95% to 5%. When you then consider that it’s only something like 5% of the UK population who buy ‘real’ Hi-Fi, that figure equates to around 1.2-million males. Given that the UK Hi-Fi industry is worth something in the region of £200-million per year*, then each purchaser spends an average of £165 annually. Not a lot, is it? It is essential that we explore the opportunities with consumer groups not usually associated with our industry if we are to grow and prosper in the face of declining sales in our traditional markets. There won’t be many answers in this piece as each one would take its own article and far more space than permitted for this column, but hopefully there’ll be enough questions raised to give you food for thought. Maybe we’ll explore some specifics in future articles. First of all some facts: 50.5% of the UK population is female. Almost 50% of the millionaires in the UK are female. Women’s spending power is increasing faster than men’s. Technology products have traditionally been designed by men for men, but the demographics of the typical tech-savvy consumer are changing. According to Ofcom, the use of the Internet by 25-35 year old females is 20% higher than that of males in the same age bracket. It is for these reasons that we are seeing an increasing number of high-profile brands adapting their product and marketing approach to cater for the female consumer. Apple, Intel, Nokia and Samsung are just a few of the technology producers who have acknowledged the importance of the female market in their product design and communications activities. There’s potentially a huge and largely untapped market for the Hi-Fi industry to court here, but what we need to learn to do, is to focus on the benefits rather than features, and find a way of communicating in plain English without the techno-babble that males pretend to understand. A rough poll of my female friends shows they are just as interested in music as men, appreciate good sound quality just as much and would like to have the best experience they can afford with their home entertainment. What they didn’t want was to be bamboozled with technology – they want a product that’s simple to use, looks good and works well. Getting the product and marketing paraphernalia to conform to those requirements is down to the manufacturers; selling it to them is up to the retailers. So, we need to take a step back from our tried and tested techniques that work well with our traditional male market and look at ways of appealing to the woman who wants a good quality home entertainment system. Perhaps we should be looking at our shop windows, in-store presentation, staff appearance, advertising materials and verbal approach? market research The female market isn’t the only lucrative opportunity for our industry. There are many other groups that spring to mind for further exploration. Here are just two: Grey and Legacy. Firstly, 19-million members of the population are over 50-years old (that’s 40% of all adults) and this demographic is the holder of 80% of the disposable wealth in the UK. According to SAGA, that disposable income pot is worth a staggering £175-billion, which is 30% more than the under 50s hold. The so-called ‘grey’ market are the first generation to have been continually advertised to throughout their lives and are therefore ‘advertising aware’ – i.e. not easily swayed by advertising. Indeed, Age Concern says that three quarters of ‘grey’ market consumers don’t relate to advertising at all. One thing that is known is that older purchasers take more time researching their purchases, so approaching them with clearly stated product benefits and facts will aid the decision making process. So, we need to find ways of convincing them that our offering is worth taking a look at. What stands in our favour is their generational appreciation of quality – “they don’t make ‘em like they used to!” They are pre-MP3 and the throw-away society, and quality has a value to them. An emphasis on quality is crucial here, together with an appreciation of the available wealth of this consumer group. Where are the wealthy older people in your catchment area and what are you doing to target them? a fresh approach Secondly, existing customers are possibly one of the most important assets any business has. It’s a cliche, but it costs far more to gain a new customer than retain an existing one. Up-selling is one of our industry’s real strengths. We all strive to prove the worth of the next product up in the range, so why not use this skill in conjunction with your customer database to bring back existing and maybe rarely seen customers and show them what their next purchase should be? This group of consumers is the best known – their location, demographic, purchase history, likes/dislikes are all easily recalled from a CRM (customer relationship management) system (which can be as simple as a spreadsheet or as comprehensive as a dedicated computer programme). Theoretically, they are the most predisposed group of customers you have; if they were happy with the service they received last time they shopped with you, then getting them back through the door shouldn’t be too arduous a task. Just remember to make things fresh, offer different and better products and don’t over communicate with them – they won’t want to upgrade every three months! In times of economic strife (whether the media are hyping it up and making it worse is open to debate, but not here – I have my views on that and I’m sure you do also), it’s important to start looking beyond our traditional market and to seek out new opportunities for revenue generation. *GfK Phil Hansen is Operations and Marketing Manager for BADA, the British Audio-Visual Dealers Association and also runs Red Sheep, a successful Marketing and PR Consultancy operating within and outside the Hi-Fi industry. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0)20 8150 6741 or email info@bada.co.uk Comments 2008-06-30T10:13:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/set_the_themescene/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/set_the_themescene/#When:12:10:00Z Invision UK enters new distribution agreement with leading projector manufacturer ThemeScene Peter Alloway, Invision UK’s Sales Manager said “It’s fantastic to have Optoma onboard. They are a very successful company with great technology behind them and ThemeScene projectors are a leading brand synonymous with quality in a growing market sector” And keen to get off to a flying start, Invision UK’s sales team has already completed phase one of the rigorous ThemeScene training schedule. Stuart Acey, Channel Manager for Optoma Europe commented, “Over the past 2-years we have seen home cinema projectors become more widely accepted as an alternative or even an addition to a plasma or LCD TV home entertainment system. Another development is that the entry level 720p and 1080p projectors have become more affordable over the past year, allowing more consumers to experience true cinematic High Definition pictures in their living rooms, just as if they were sitting in their local cinema”. For further information contact: +44 (0)1359 270 280 http://www.invisionuk.com News 2008-06-11T12:10:00+00:00 http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/great_expo_tations/ http://www.svimag.com/index.php/site/great_expo_tations/#When:10:43:00Z With CEDIA Expo 2008 almost upon us, ELIZABETH SHARP takes a quick look at some of the innovations that await visitors to London’s ExCeL…From its humble roots as a showcase for multi-room audio systems and home cinemas, Expo now features the very latest home automation technologies and has become a draw for professionals from fields such as architecture and interior design. The essence of the show, however, remains the integration of electronics within the home, an impressive example of which can be found on SpeakerCraft’s stand. Appearing on stand C5, the pioneering in-wall speaker manufacturer has announced that their award-winning MODE multi-room AV control system will now be compatible with the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch, thanks to a new interface. Courtesy of an embedded web server located within SpeakerCraft’s ERS 1.0 Ethernet to Serial adapter, the interface will allow the aforementioned Apple products to act as wireless remotes that can control all sources and routing via an intuitive GUI. Apple compatibility with the company's MZC/MODE multi-room system will also be possible, though SpeakerCraft's RSA 1.0 RS232 adapter will be required. Staying with versatile wireless solutions, industry heavyweights Crestron will be unveiling their latest innovation in touchpanel design and control technology for the very first time in the UK on stand B8. Joining it will be the ever-popular TPMC-8X Wi-Fi touchpanel and the compact TPS 4L, while additional highlights will include the company’s lighting control solutions for the European market, the iLux, CAEN and CLXI range. Visitors to the stand will also have the chance to check out the European CAMEO Keypads and the award-winning Adagio AIP Media System. a touching display Another company that has chosen Expo as a launch pad is Opus, who will be showing off the striking WCU600 touchscreen keypad on stand E5a. Designed for seamless control of the Opus 500 multi-room system (and additionally compatible with a number of third party lighting and other smart home products), it is able to display video from DVD, TV or CCTV sources and the on-screen menus of audio/video servers, iPod docks and more. Opus will furthermore be unveiling their Integrated Partner Programme (IPP), which will provide assurance to dealers and end-users that the drivers designed to integrate other smart home solutions with Opus' systems have been tested and documented. Stand D10 is where visitors will find Lutron Electronics’ entire range of artificial lighting controls, including their new Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS lighting control technology. Also featured will be the company’s renowned HomeWorks system, alongside the new seeTouch International keypad range and latest Rania RF keypads and lamp dimmer options for controlling it. Sophisticated QED blinds, curtains, roman blinds drives and new QS technology from Sivoia, plus the new Lyneo 0-10 dimmer, will also be putting in an appearance. Lighting control manufacturer Dynalite Europe Ltd is going to be introducing its new range of controllers over on stand H20, all of which will look to perform economically and combine practical applications with leading design. Examples include the low-cost Residential/Hotel Room Controller, the scaleable Modular Load Controller and the New Revolution mini Touchscreens, together with Dynalite's new low-profile, UK/European-compatible user control panels. future projections AWE Europe, the best trade supplier to the UK CI market (as voted by CEDIA members 2007), is due to exhibit the new Cineversum BlackWing Three – a truly superb full-HD projector with smooth, cinema-like motion and an optional anamorphic lens. Hands-on demos of the Philips Pronto range will also be available and supported with free daily training with courses, including Pronto Level 2 and Advanced ProntoScript programming. Further training will be on offer in line with two major new distribution deals, which AWE will be officially launching at Expo. Having won last year’s CEDIA award for ‘Best Stand’, we suggest you stop by stand D14/15 and see what AWE have to offer. On stand H5, JVC is due to be demonstrating the latest development in its award-winning range of True Black D-ILA projectors, the DLA-HD100 Cinema Widescreen System. This 2.35:1 system was designed specifically for the DLA-HD100 by T+W Marketing, in response to requests from the custom install market. The result is a system that is easy to set up and capable of stunning performance. Also on show will be the world's slimmest LCD TV (with built-in tuner), the Super Slim LT-42DS9BJ. Making its first appearance at Expo is Loewe’s new Connect range on stand F10. This series of premium LCD displays can provide direct access to networked media, allowing custom specialists to provide a unique, flexible and high-quality multi-room AV solution that grants end users access to their music, photo and video collections around the home with first-class picture and sound quality. Also making its public debut is Loewe’s all-new multi-room audio distribution system. Comprising a main-zone audio/video unit, a remote audio client with amplifier and remote control and an all new passive loudspeaker, this new system can provide wireless or wired access to centrally-stored music throughout the home. Envirovision will meanwhile be displaying their full range of HD-Ready, waterproof bathroom televisions on stand D2. Boasting on-board Freeview tuners as standard, the 19-inch model will be available in two versions: the 19EA series supplied with separate high-quality waterproof ceiling mounted speakers, and the 19IA with its integral waterproof speakers. Supplied in an extensive selection of finishes, including mirrored, brush polished stainless steel, black, gold or mirrorscreened, additional options will include a Sky remote control link and a multisystems remote control link for connection to other devices. A budget version will also be available for kitchens. take a stand Audipack are exhibiting at Expo for the first time this year on stand F15a, heralding the UK launch of a number of new products. These include the Spektra range of brackets for LCD and plasma panels, and the new Clo X Arm fully-motorised bracket for LCD plasma screens up to 65-inches in size. The latter will allow displays to be angled up and down or from side to side remotely, to achieve the optimum viewing angles for the user. The remote control facility also includes a memory function, for instant recall of certain positions whenever required. The company is also due to be demonstrating its range of projector and flat-panel lifts, in addition to fold-down systems for both the home cinema and super yacht industry. Another first-time Expo exhibitor are Spectral, who will be found on stand C22, unveiling the Catena – a new premium modular furniture system. Designed for specification by installers and contractors, Catena aims to complement contemporary living and workspace designs. Dedicated audio modules can be added, resulting in an all-in-one, high-end home entertainment system. Sporting glass-clad looks, additional cabinet modules can be wall-mounted or floor-positioned, with a range of screen mounts and accessories ensuring further flexibility for a variety of install specifications. A range of eight glass finishes will be available, together with optional cabinet veneers to blend with existing decors. Future Automation will be exhibiting its remarkable range of moving panel mechanisms on stand D6, along with its full range of manual and automated wall mounts, plasma lifts, and projector drops. The extensive range of Bang & Olufsen and Loewe compatible products will also be on show, alongside a dedicated area which will showcase new electronic advancements and a revolutionary new plasma lift system, set to offer previously unseen functionality and space-saving advantages. New products will include the launch of Future Automation’s new projector mechanism, along with the first UK showing of its electric bi-directional swivel brackets. sound of success Amina will demonstrate their Plaster In-Wall range of invisible loudspeakers on stand E25. These revolutionary speakers do exactly what they say: plaster over them, and they become invisible. See nothing – just hear fantastic sound. They can be fitted in ceilings, walls and even behind wood panelling. A leading designer and manufacturer of specialist flat-panel loudspeaker systems, Amina has been supplying high-quality, room-filling sound to the domestic, retail and commercial markets for over six-years. From Home Cinema to Broadway theatres, bedrooms to boardroom AV systems, the company has the ultimate discreet audio solution for architects, interior designers and design-conscious clients. On stands B5 & A5, you’ll find the first European showing of custom and home electronics supplier BMB Electronics BV’s new 6.5-inch REVOLVE Series of TruAudio Speakers. Designed to complement their existing 8-inch models, the in-ceiling LCR and surround speakers can perform as the front left, centre, or right speaker and, as with all of the LCR models, can be rotated to point towards the listening area. Models in the line-up include the budget EV6-LCR.3, the 150W REV6-LCR.1 and the REV6-LCR.2, which boasts a 6.5-inch carbon fiber woofer and a 3/4-inch titanium swivel tweeter (no midranges). Those keen to investigate the latest developments in the speaker world should also endeavour to swing past stand G5, where Monitor Audio will be debuting their Radius HD line of compact satellite and subs speakers. The units that make up the successor to the company's Radius series now include luxury finishes, stylistic redesigns to make them appear more slender and a refinement of the Metal Matrix Polymer (MMP II) and Ceramic-Coated Aluminium Megesium (C-CAM) technologies that drive them among their improvements. Look out also for the Radius HD One, an all-new, self-contained surround sound units for use with LCD and plasma screens. DF Solutions, a UK-based manufacturer, is showcasing their market-leading iDyl and VNode multi-room media server solution on stand H4B. They are also demonstrating their next-generation Blu-ray server, set for release in the autumn. Sitting at the heart of today’s digital home, the iDyl is a combined DVD/video server, and (up to) 17-output audio server, with enhanced functionality. Independent multiroom video is achieved by installing one or more Video Nodes. This offers a unique, simple-to-use, affordable solution with the scalability to cope with the largest of projects. the air’s electric UK AV distribution equipment company Smart-e Limited will be unveiling a new distribution matrix on stand J5a. The Smart-e SNX-888+ is the first matrix to combine local and remote inputs and provide a flexible, cost-effective and tidy solution in a single 1U box. Smart-e will also be highlighting the latest upgrades to their popular compact residential matrix range. Known for its ‘one cable’ signal transmission via CAT5 (and above) cabling, Smart-e's distribution and switching equipment can transmit HD-compatible TV, video and audio signals, inline power and control instructions down one cable, up to a distance of 300-metres. Audiobility will be showing off a demonstration of the MIT Cables One Wire install system, in the form of a sound and vision display on stand G22. One Wire is easy and quick to use, as no soldering is required. Instead, One Wire uses MIT’s patented Network Modules to give a wider bandwidth of frequency through the cable, allowing for very long cable runs with virtually no signal loss. Digital television technology test equipment and systems will be the theme of Alban Electronics' display at stand A7, featuring PROMAX digital television signal measuring equipment and DTT signal monitoring systems. Alban Electronics also offer analogue programme to COFDM multiplex modulators, “QPSK to COFDM” transmodulators and analogue and digital test pattern generators. The company says that digital television signal distribution systems offer many benefits over analogue systems, and that it can now extract programmes from satellite TV or terrestrial TV and convert them into a UHF digital multiplex. These DTT signals can then be treated as per standard off-air signals and viewed on standard iDTV sets or Freeview boxes with picture quality virtually guaranteed. at your service One stand that you absolutely, positively must come by is ours! Yes, the entire team from your favourite trade publication will be appearing at stand H23, and for anyone who is not familiar with this illustrious organ, here’s why you should check us out. Not only is SVI the only officially audited B2B magazine in the industry, our striking design is as legendary as our informative content, such as up-to-the-minute news stories, commentary, product releases and show information. As you’re currently reading our special Expo supplement we’re sure you figured that last part out! As an added bonus, we will also be joined by our sister publication SmartLife International - a must for anyone interested in all things luxury. There is, of course, much more to see at CEDIA – the best advice we can give is to put June 24th in your diary and visit London’s ExCeL centre to see for yourself. Opening Times Monday 23rd June: Training only: 10.00-18.00 Tuesday 24th June: Expo: 09.30 – 18.00, Training: 10.00 – 18.00 Wednesday 25th June: Expo: 09.30 – 18.00, Training: 10.00 – 18.00 Thursday 26th June: Expo 09.30 – 16.00, Training: 10.00 – 18.00 Registration for Expo carries a charge of £12 for CEDIA members and £18 for non-members. Pre-registration closes at 5pm on Friday 20th June with the cost for entry on the door being £20 for CEDIA members and £25 for non-members. To register for the event and to book any seminar places, visit http://www.cedia-expo.com. Show News 2008-06-09T10:43:00+00:00