Essential Install | EI Live ! 2017 Review
WyreStorm launched its H2A series at the show
HEADLINE SPONSOR mounted , but also comes with its own stand . Loewe also had some top TVs on show , not least the stylish bild 5 . Cousin to the larger bild 9 , EI Live ! was the first UK outing for this Dolby Vision compatible screen which delivers on Loewe ’ s promise to offer top tech and attractive design . Available in 55in and 65in , installers can choose between the standard TV or with audio attached . The TV can be wall mounted , but also comes with a stand which gives the set the look of a piece of furniture as much as a piece of tech . For just the panel , the 55in comes in at 3K and the 65in at 4.5K .
James Drummie , AWE ’ s product manager and home cinema wizard , summed up the company ’ s show experience : “ Whether you are an industry veteran , or relatively new to the smart home market , EI Live ! provides unrivalled access to manufacturers , products and education . It really is a must-attend event for those professionals looking to grow their business . We ’ ll see you in 2018 !”
Distributor OneAV made its very first appearance at the show and appropriately had a UK first of its own with the first showing of the Fox and Hound duo kit , consisting of analyser and generator and carry case . The 18Gbps generator and analyser kit is suitable for commercial and domestic projects , allowing installers to confirm correct bandwidth , HDCP hook up , resolutions , timing , HDR metadata and audio delivery . The idea was to create a kit that provided just the features installers need on a regular basis , allowing the set to come in at a lower price point . Easy to follow hard buttons combined with clear and colourful screens should allow installers to check installations and troubleshoot quickly and fuss free ; the kit goes into full production this June .
Integrated security expert Lilin was showing a selection of its range and in particular the abilities of its IP based cameras to deliver not just security , but also automation via event based reaction and recognition . As well as creating tagged events which can be checked later or in real time , security tech is now delivering on its promise to become another link in the chain of automation . Features such as number plate recognition – and in the future facial recognition – are allowing connected cameras to trigger automation macros right across the property . The company also reports that it is currently working on Amazon Alexa integration .
Distributor Habitech was highlighting several key innovations including voice control via Simple Control and Amazon Alexa .
“ With the team busy most of the time , Habitech had a good show ,” said Timmi Thorsen , sales manager , Habitech . “ We received a great response to Simple Control , it seems there ’ s a real appetite for IP based control solutions with enormous flexibility , but without the big costs associated with traditional control solutions . And of course , the growing popularity of App-based IoT control platforms boosted visitor interest in ancillary products like iPort ’ s SurfaceMount with Buttons iPad mounting system .
“ Upstairs our ARCAM training course was fully booked , reflecting a phenomenal response to the famous brand , especially from cinema installers , who also loved our new Home Cinema Design Service which adds layers of Habitech support to their delivery of the perfect custom cinema experience to their clients .”
Habitech had a full line-up of UHD-ready hardware on show , including the Arcam ‘ FMJ ’ range of stereo and AV receivers , processors , players and power amplifiers . Simple Control is new to the Habitech line
Now Available !
NetworkHD TM 400 Series 4K over IP
Stunning , visually lossless 4K UHD with HDR and multichannel audio over an IP network
NHD-400-TX | NHD-400-RX
• Ultra low latency 4K UHD with HDR
• Ideal for residential or commercial
• HDMI 2.0a with HDCP 2.2
• Image scaling manages mixed 2K / 4K display installs
• Multichannel audio up to Dolby Atmos and DTS : X
• Powerful audio matrix routes separately from video to any decoder
• Compatible with NetworkHD Touch™ control app for iPad
• Bidirectional IR and RS-232 control of devices
• CEC one-touch play and standby
• Easy network setup using standard managed PoE switches
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May 2017 | 29