Essential Install | ISE Review
StormAudio showcased its new AV cinema range updated with the release of version 2.6 , adding auto on / off , mini driver support , keypad connections and event programming . It also improved the Spotify experience . The newest RTI driver features lots of two-way commands , including automatic detection of players , metadata retrieval and music player controls . The upcoming URC beta driver will feature numerous one-directional commands . Both brands are distributed by Anatech .
Celebrating a freshly inked distribution deal with Pulse Cinemas for the UK , the new StormAudio brand from the creators of Auro3D made its ISE debut . Offering a highquality approach to cinema amplification , the company highlighted its 16-channel integrated immersive audio processor . Named the I . ISP 3D . 16.12 , this is the company ’ s first combination integrated amplifier / AV processor , boasting built-in compatibility with Auro-3D , Dolby Atmos and DTS : X , as well as UHD 4K video . The creators of the brand have been saying all three codecs will live happily side by side and so are making good on their word by including all three .
The I . ISP 3D . 16.12 delivers configurable speaker management and can drive configurations from 5.1 to 13.1 . The unit has a scalable modular architecture and incorporates four-balanced XLR outputs , making connection to external amplifiers or powered subwoofers straight-forward . Built into the I . ISP 3D . 16.12 integrated amp / processor is StormAudio ’ s immersive audio processing ( ISP ), StormOptimizer room calibration and StormRemote web-based monitoring tools . The I . ISP 3D . 16.12 is also equipped with eight-HDMI inputs and twooutputs with UHD 4K and HDCP2.2 and HDMI2.0 support .
StormAudio ’ s family also includes four preamp / processors ( from 16- to 32-channels ), plus three power amplifiers ( 8- to 16-channels ).
EI also had a good chat with Sam Woodward , customer education leader , Europe and Africa at Lutron electronics .
It ’ s a busy time for the company , as Sam explained that Lutron is about to open its new experience centre in London : 6,5000 sq ft of prime CI real estate right next door to Liverpool St Station . The centre will feature residential and commercial lines and will be very much a hands-on chance to experience Lutron .
Sam explained : “ We want to target installers , but also ‘ creatives ’ from the worlds of interior design and architecture and get them excited and engaged with what we do and can deliver for them . Other companies have solutions , we have experiences and we really want to get that across . We are also moving our training centre into the new building , targeting installers and other trades too .”
New courses will include the fundamentals of lighting , looking at the nuts and bolts of how systems work , but also considering , what is light ? How does it work and affect people and situations to make it easier for installers to understand and create strong systems . Other introductions will include an LED ‘ Deep Dive ’ day , taking a close look at the technology , exploding some of the myths and looking at how it works and how to make it work for installers .
Lutron was also showing quite a bit of new functionality , offering integration with Sonos and HVAC systems too via its new Palladiom Thermostat .
Sam said : “ We are known for controlling ‘ pleasantness ’, we already control natural light / light , so heating is not a big stretch ; our new thermostat helps us achieve that and it ’ s a great looking product too . It does not look techie , it has attractive , large big buttons ; interior designers love them . The range also comes in a big choice of finishes .
“ As for Sonos , yes sometimes the user wants the full experience of the App , however sometimes they just want to click play or skip on the wall ; we are giving them that always there , always on experience .”
The company also showed off its Alexa integration with simple control phrases such as ‘ Alexa turn the lights on ’, as well as the ability to create macros . The company also announced that from March , the Lutron Connect Bridge will support Apple HomeKit , enabling homeowners to control Lutron systems using the Apple Home App , Siri , or third-party HomeKit Apps . The Amazon Alexa , Apple HomeKit and Sonos are available on both the HomeWorks QS and GRAFIK RA 2 systems .
Control4 was also underlining its voice control credentials , being the first to deliver Alexa functionality to the UK . It ’ s also very proud of getting rid of some of the ‘ clunkiness ’ of voice control , promoting a natural way of interreacting with the system .
Brad Hintze , director product marketing at Control4 , told EI : “ Voice control does not suit every situation , you have to build in the functionality that people want . If they are relaxing at home close to their dedicated or handheld device , not so much , but when coming in with shopping bags and children to cope with , then it starts to get interesting ; getting the lights on , waking the house up , etc . You need to think in scenes as that is how consumers think .”
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44 | February 2017