Essential Install Live! South In Full Swing!

Just a few of the highlights drawing attention on the first day of the show included show sponsor Monitor Audio showcasing its growing family of speakers created with the installer in mind.

Installers have been checking out the new ‘All Weather’, ‘Super Slim’, ‘Garden Systems’, Extreme Environment’ and aesthetic solutions.

Visitors have also been able to get the lowdown on the new ‘Soundframe’ products available without frames and full size picture grilles.

Installers have also been getting to grips with the CW8/CW10 compact subwoofers that can be tucked behind furniture on room boundaries.

Another of the show’s sponsors, Atlona has been offering insight into its UHD-PRO3 Series of HDMI to HDBaseT matrix switchers, the AT-UHD EX-100CEA Extender Kit with digital audio return and a wide choice of switchers and distribution amplifiers.

The company has also been providing full information on its new distribution deal with RGB Communications to deliver its domestic portfolio in the UK.

The brand has also been showing its Atlona Management System software (AT-SW-AMS), a resource for Atlona’s IP-controllable products in the residential, commercial, education and government markets.

Another manufacturer keen to show its support by sponsoring the show this year, is Blustream.

The brand has had lots to talk about as this year’s event including its 2nd generation of HDBaseT Matrix and extenders, which now include HDCP 2.2, Line Level volume control and a Web GUI (Including Apps).

The company has also used the show to launch Blustream Multicast, a new advanced UHD Video over IP distribution system. Designed to take advantage in the growth of video distribution over IP, Blustream says Multicast offers full 4K UHD support, unlimited potential configurations and easy to use configuration software, at competitive prices and fully supported.

TRIAX is using the show to launch its 4K UHD Home Distribution Hub featuring a three-year guarantee.

The new kit has been created to make multi-room entertainment easier to install with all necessary components included for a peace of mind installation. The matrix is HDCP 2.2 compliant and is compatible with previous HDCP versions for viewing on legacy 4K displays.

The Hub features the new HMX441 Matrix, four super slim receivers, four remote controls, five IR emitters and four IR receivers which enable UHD content from four HDMI devices to be viewed and controlled simultaneously at four locations without the need for additional subscriptions.

Another launch at the show comes from Antiference with its DMHD01R Conexer single HD modulator which offers an HDMI loop out for the local TV set or integration into a hybrid system with a matrix and IR pass to enable control of the source device.

Antiference says the IR control function has never been seen before in a product like this. Antiference has also unveiled the HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2) full 4K UHD Trucolour Neo HDBase-T matrix with full CEC control.

This new matrix kit with POE receivers offers an innovative solution to HD distribution as it features an on-board control system and can control any device including the matrix from the TV’s original remote control (CEC support required).

Another show launch comes from Artcoustic showcasing the brand new SL and Spitfire mk2 range of products, due for release later this year. This new range simplifies the family, making it easier than ever to specify Artcoustic into projects.

Details have been closely guarded until the show, so you will have to come down to check them out today if you want to amongst the first to see and hear them.

Fresh from winning at the Smart Building Awards last night, Videotree has been celebrating by displaying the advantages of its waterproof Lifestyle and Mirror televisions alongside brand new Outdoor TVs, available in a range of finishes.

Videotree TVs come with optional IP connectivity and STB integration, ideal for use within the home, hire, health, leisure and hospitality industries.

Major Distributors Make Their Mark

New products from Habitech have included the Dahua range of UHD IP cameras and NVRs, offering high-quality surveillance through 4K UHD resolution, installer controlled smart analytics, easier PoE installation and smartphone Apps.

The capabilities of the Key Digital and Wyrestorm HDBaseT matrixes, the range of Sonance speaker and iPort control products, Ruckus’ controller-less ‘Unleashed’ APs for rapid Wi-Fi deployment, luxury modular lighting systems from Vantage or MODE and the new Cleerline fibre/balun and SCP/Weidmuller cable infrastructure for multi-gigabit networking, have been some of the main attractions.

Habitech has also been demonstrating its cinema prowess with a demonstration of an Atmos system created using Yamaha amplification and Sonance speakers synchronised with JVC’s X9000 projector fitted with a Panamorph Paladin 2.4:1 lens on a 4m ultra-wide Projecta screen. Also making a show debut is Habitech’s new ‘Firenzi’ theatre seating.

Brands form the Invision family have also been well represented including Paradigm, a manufacturer of high performance audio products with its Classic Collection offering high performance products for music and home theatre.

A newer brand to the stable, Comelit has been showcasing its residential automation, audio-video and door access control equipment.

From the AWE family, KEF has been on hand to support AWE with its own impressive cinema demonstration featuring a KEF 5.2.4 Atmos system with R Series and Ci models. The KEF Ci Series models have also been on demo along with KEF LS50.

AWE has also been showcasing its ‘Controls Zone’ products from URC, including the small and compact TKP-5500 in-wall touchscreen and single zone TRC-820 remote. The focus for Philips Dynalite has been the range of Antumbra Displays, while HDanywhere is showing its range of video matrixes.

Aldous Systems has been showcasing SpeakerCraft AIM 2 Series speakers and Project Q, a new quote provision service designed specifically for installers to save time and money on turning potential projects into real business. Security and automation solutions from Leviton have also been attracting lots of attention.

Monitor Audio, HDL, Sky, Demopad, Blustream, Sonos, Triax, Atlantic Technology, Cabasse, Parasound, Pulse-Eight, Russound Lode Audio, ZeeVee, Arteor, Vantage, NuVo, Artcoustic, Basalte, Gira, Revox and Theben, SpeakerCraft, LG, Leviton, Dahua, Wyrestorm, Sonance, Ruckus, Vantage, Mode, Yamaha, JVC, Paradigm, Comelit, Just Add Power, KEF, Sanus, Gefen, Savant, Atlona, Amina, KEF, URC, Epson, Marantz.

The show is open from the rest of the day until 4PM, full details can be found here so there is still time to make the trip and check out all the sights and sounds of the show.

The free seminars continue throughout today; find the schedule here.

Stand by for a full show report on CE Pro Eu and in Essential Install Magazine