VOLUME 12 NO.

1 | JANUARY 2011

Remote Access
Residential The Latest System
Monitoring Options

Systems Accessorizing AV
New AV Mounts and
Enclosure Products
www.residentialsystems.com

Automation
Comes
Standard
UTAH BUILDER AND ESC MAKE
INTEGRATED HOME SYSTEM THE
LATEST TEMPLATE AMENITY

Review: New Disc Vault Completes Kaleidescape’s Blu-ray Offering

 {residentialsystems.com/january2011 }
columns
14 BACK TO BUSINESS Returning columnist Ira Friedman
contends that just because some people are still making
money in the AV integration business designing and
building, that doesn’t guarantee that they can continue in
this fashion.
16 MARKETING MEASURES Mike Detmer says that while we
can’t stop the element of change in business, we can take
steps to ensure that those changes take place as smoothly
as possible.
18 TRAINING WHEELS Dave Chace takes a tongue-in-cheek
look at the potential headaches created by an improving
economy, suggesting that ESCs keep things simple and
downsize their client list to just a manageable few.
product reviews
40 In a follow-up to his review of Kaleidescape’s M500 Blu-
ray movie player, John Sciacca tries out the company’s
new Modular Disc Vault, which he says is “the final piece
needed to complete the Kaleidescape Blu-ray puzzle.”
Then Dennis Burger offers his assessment of PS Audio’s
PerfectWave DAC (digital audio converter), which he
says is like the ultimate Swiss Army Knife of DACs, doing
everything you could ever ask a digital-to-audio converter
to do, and doing it all amazingly well.
42 In his latest installment of “The Demo Scene,” Dennis Burger
takes a look at three disc titles that show off the too-often-
under-sold benefits of surround sound “height channels.”
Get More Industry Information from
Web: www.twice.com
Twitter: @TWICEonline
TableofContents
features
20 COVER STORY: AUTOMATION COMES STANDARD Holmes Homes, a production builder
in Salt Lake City, has partnered with control systems manufacturer Control4 and Draper,
Utah, integrator Safe & Sound Systems, to put together a surprisingly sophisticated
automation package. Putting an automation system that comprehensive into such
affordable new construction could represent a tipping point in home automation’s
penetration of the market.
26 REMOTE ACCESS Fortunately, IP
connectivity is a double-edged sword,
and the technology that increases system
complexity also provides an avenue to
monitor and maintain those systems.
32 RANGE EXTENDERS Find out how some
manufacturers are "getting a signal to go
farther" with new indoor antennas, Wi-Fi
distribution, and IR extenders.
36 ACCESSORIZING AV AV mounts and enclosure products may never be the first item on
the agenda when selling a potential new client on the cool gear that you have to offer.
But when you get down to brass tacks on your next installation, these behind-the-
scenes workhorses almost always will be on your final checklist of essential products,
because they literal hold an installation together.
departments ClickThrus
Editor’s Letter ......................... 4
News .......................................... 6
CEDIA Line .............................12
Join the online Residential Systems community on LinkedIn
Ad Index..................................47 (groups/Residential Systems), Twitter (resisys), and Facebook.
And visit www.residentialsystems.com to join our Forums and
Going Forward ......................50 read the interactive, Digital Edition of this and past issues.
residen tial sy stems.com | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S 3
 Residential
Systems
January 2011
Volume 12, Number 1
January Issue Contributors
IRA FRIEDMAN
Ira Friedman is the CEO of
Bay Audio, a manufacturer of
custom speaker solutions.
He holds an MBA from the
Harvard Business School.
ira@bayaudio.com
MIKE DETMER
Mike “Sparky” Detmer is president
of and a 12-year veteran of Niles
Audio, in Northridge, California.
mdetmer@nilesaudio.com
DAVE CHACE
Dave Chace is president
of Training Allies (www.
TrainingAllies.com), a consumer
electronics industry training firm
based in Philadelphia.
dave@trainingallies.com
MICHAEL HEISS
Michael Heiss is a CEDIA Fellow,
a Residential Systems contributing
editor, and president of
M. Heiss Consulting, in
Sherman Oaks, California.
captnvid@aol.com
JOHN SCIACCA
John Sciacca is a principal with
Custom Theater and Audio, in
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In
his free time, he blogs prolifically
about the CE industry.
johnsciacca.webs.com
DENNIS BURGER
Dennis Burger has been
reviewing and writing about
consumer electronics since
1999. He and his wife live in
Montgomery, Alabama.
sonnlaw@aol.com
Residential Systems (ISSN# 1528-7858) is published
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Back issues are $8. Copyright 2011 by NewBay Media
PRINTED IN THE USA.
Editor’sLetter
Time to BY JEREMY J. GLOWACKI
Join
There are always going to be those among us
who don’t like joining groups or who think that
just about everything costs too much money.
Within our industry, there’s a similar group of
people who seem to think that CEDIA is not
worth joining. I couldn’t disagree more. CEDIA
is the glue that binds this industry together, and
it serves many important functions that mostly
go unnoticed.
If you’ve ever thought that being a CEDIA
member was only about conference discounts or
even annoying certification requirements, then
think again. Without you, CEDIA is greatly
weakened, and without CEDIA your chances
of survival in the competitive market could be
compromised.
On a very basic level, the association provides
a tradeshow where industry members can get
together once a year to talk shop, conduct business, they wouldn’t need to know about CEDIA, per
and take classes on technology and installation se, but that they should hire an ESC.
techniques. On a higher plain, however, CEDIA Baldwin says that CEDIA will soon begin
exists to protect the interests of the industry and to promoting the trade through a new TV program
promote its membership to consumers. called, Hollywood Wired, and is also consulting
On the government side, CEDIA’s Darren with Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
Reaman and his Government Affairs team work on the remodeling of its Smart Home project,
year-round to monitor and respond to legislation where the association hopes to elevate the profile
that affects CEDIA member companies. of the trade to a quarter of a million visitors.
However, they can only do their job if they have The association also has created a task force to
a critical mass of members to represent. The research a consumer-centric landing page for its
industry doesn’t stand a chance against unfair finder service.
policies if it doesn’t represent enough taxpayers CEDIA is an advocacy group built on serving
and voters to influence change. and protecting its members, and you need it as
When it comes to connecting with consumers, much as it needs you. You may not be a “joiner”
CEDIA membership also plays a pivotal and by nature, but if you’re an ESC with an eye on
evolving role. Despite rumors to the contrary, the the future, then this may be one group that you
association doesn’t have deep pockets and thus can’t afford not to join.
lacks the marketing budget to promote its brand
to consumers. Instead, it has to be more creative
by attaching to other professional trades, such
as architects and builders, by connecting with
“media” such as home-technology-centric TV
shows and national news programs, and through
its online membership finder service.
CEDIA CEO Utz Baldwin says that he
believes that the association should use these
avenues to raise the profile of the trade, rather
than to promote CEDIA as a brand. He pointed
out that when a person is sick, they don’t call the
AMA; they call a doctor. Likewise when someone
wants technology integrated into their home,
4 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | resi d e nti a lsy ste ms.co m
 Teasers InsideOnline

Get the Full Scoop on the Following News Stories at

residentialsystems.com/january2011
{BlogBits}
Calling it an “out-of-the-box DVD movie
server” the Cinema One is a repackaged
Kaleidescape version of Kaleidescape’s discontinued Mini
Find the full story at
Prices Pre- System, at a 40 percent lower price point, and residentialsystems.com/
Configured bundled with a regular remote control and january2011
Server Below the company’s new Child Remote. It meets
5,000 the needs of young children by automatically The “This is What I Own”
switching to a simplified user interface when Sales Approach
the Child Remote is used. Telling customers, “Well, I think this is such a
great–receiver, TV, projector, subwoofer, pair of
speakers, remote, etc.–that this is actually the
one that I own” can really work well with certain
Judson Laipply, a motivational speaker and creator and star of the hit Viral Video clients. The talisman of “This is what I own” is
“Evolution of Dance” viral video, will deliver the opening and closing keynote one of the most validating things you can put
Creator to
presentations at CEDIA’s 2011 Management Conference to be held March on a product, and CI salesmen today shouldn’t
Keynote CEDIA underestimate–or miss out on–the opportunity.
9–12, 2011 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. The annual event will
Management –John Sciacca, residentialsystems.com
offer a variety of expert-led sessions designed to help ESC business owners
and managers focus on business strategy. Conference
Bosch Goes Big at
Cowboys Stadium
Crestron recently hosted its fifth Eagles My favorite AV industry stories tend to involve
Program dedication ceremony. A new home incredible feats of access. I’ve talked to people
who work behind the scenes in all sorts of
theater was unveiled in the building lounge top-secret and high-risk locations. But I have
Crestron Donates and recreation room at the Wounded Warrior to confess, even the most basic equipment

to Wounded Detachment Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii room can seem elite, with its bevy of patch
cables (yes, those still exist, as I’m sure SCN
to provide comfort and entertainment for
Veterans readers know) and rows of blinking blue lights.
America’s heroes recovering from injuries Behind locked doors and up in catwalks, AV
sustained during combat overseas. The professionals are the James Bonds of behind-
program was conceived by Crestron president the-scenes technical operations.
–Kirsten Nelson, systemscontractor.com
George Feldstein as a way to honor the
service of veterans.
Price Matching: Version 2.0
Recently, we had an experience at our store
that felt like an unwinnable solution; where no
matter how it was handled, someone–me (the
dealer) or him (the customer) – was going to end
up feeling slighted. It all started innocently
Now on TWICE.com Now on systemscontractor.com enough with someone calling for a price on a
new receiver. (The brand isn’t important, save
My 2010 Black Friday Weekend A Tour Of Savant s NYC Experience Center for this was a brand that just months before
our rep had promised was going to be exclusive
By Steve Smith By Mary Bakija to custom houses like our own, very tightly
Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2010 have come Savant recently unveiled the commercial side of controlled distribution, blah-blah.)
and gone with plenty of surprises. First off, the its Experience Center, located in New York City’s –John Sciacca, residentialsystems.com

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports
that CE was among the most popular categories
purchased this weekend, based on initial
reports. Aside from Black Friday sales, the web
was buzzing with stories, based on a Bloomberg
report, that chairman, president and CEO of
Howard Stringer would relinquish one of his
titles–president. Who will get the responsibility
to grow the business after the chairman’s work
at stemming losses? And there is plenty of
conjecture that Toshiba and Vizio will join Sony
in offering Google TV. Samsung has previously
been mentioned in the mix.
SoHo neighborhood. I visited the residential
space when it opened last year, and now having
seen the entire 8,000-square-foot space it’s
clear Savant has created a stunning arena for its
ResiTweets
products. Upon entering the commercial side
Follow us @resisys
of the Experience Center, you’re welcomed by @chiefmfg Now Shipping! Our new line of Raxxess
Series enclosed and knock-down racks are now
a reception area with digital signage that sits
available! http://ow.ly/3pQwC
in front of the executive boardroom. Designed
for the current demands for interactivity and @ihiji Great info for residential integrators curious
about the cloud- RT @HarvardBiz: 2010: The Year
conferencing applications, the 10-seat room
the Cloud Rolled In http://s.hbr.org/epqB8z
features Savant’s In-Wall Charging Dock for
iPad, Desktop Charging Dock for iPad, 18.5-inch @XtremeAV Are you ISF Certified. Trainings going
on at CES Jan 4/5. Good time to stand out from the
TouchTV, and more.
crowd. http://tinyurl.com/376rtqp

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 ResiBriefs

ELAN Ships g! and Mitek Delivers

Intelix to
Offers 64 Training Canada
{Linked-InConvos} Courses Intelix, A U.S. manu-
facturer of audio/
ELAN Home Systems’ is
video equipment
now shipping its ELAN
Topic: Some of you may disagree with this concept, and software, has
g! Series Home Control
but for certain clients I’m sure selling something partnered with Mi-
that you own yourself works like a champ. (based on System worldwide with
tek Canada, a mas-
an RS blog by John Sciacca, titled The “This is What I built-in multi-language
ter distributor for
Own” Sales Approach.) support, and is support-
several manufacturers in the Ca-
ing the launch with 64
nadian audio-visual market. Effec-
Ken Walker, Sound Design Systems, Chicago area training courses that its
tive immediately, Mitek is stocking
Sometimes it’s hard to argue with good common says can be completed in
and supplying Intelix hardware,
sense, and I certainly agree that the points you make as little as six hours. ELAN’s new IP-Based, whole-house entertainment
including its HDMI, digital signage,
are 100-percent valid. Several years ago, we adopt- The new IP-Based, and management solution is called g!
and audio/video-over-twisted pair
ed a policy of installing “best-in-class” products for whole-house entertain-
solutions.
everything in our personal system, and for as much ment and management solution device. The School will soon ex-
as this inevitably ends up costing us a little bit more includes the HR2 handheld re- pand to feature up to 150 unique
out of pocket in the short run, I can easily say that it mote, TS7 seven-inch in-wall courses. Genelec
has paid dividends on many, many occasions. touchscreen, HC12, and HC6 “The world’s best home con-
controllers, TS2 touchpad and its trol system deserves a world-class
Honors Top
Dennis Macleod, Home Technology Consultant, VL2 tabletop kit, plus g! Mobile online training support program, Dealers, Reps
Boston Area iPhone app and new precision and that’s exactly what our Genelec recently announced its an-
Excellent advice, and I think it is critical to have panels. ELAN g! School delivers: cost- nual dealer/rep awards, acknowl-
a true operational understanding of the systems The ELAN g! School intro- effective, comprehensive on-de- edging the companies that contrib-
that we ask our customers to purchase from us. duces an online software simu- mand courses and the industry’s ute to the success and growth of its
Systems like lighting control; they have a major lator where users can practice first online software simulator,” Custom Installation Systems prod-
impact on our customers’ day to day, because it’s a setting up ELAN’s g! software said Paul Starkey, president of uct line. Among the honorees were
system that must be used. Ten years ago I installed before ever touching a physical ELAN Home Systems. 2010 Dealer of the Year Home En-
a Litetouch system in my home and discovered tertainment Design South, of Holly-
Abplanalp of Definitive Audio,
practical applications for the technology… and
learned many lessons that I could not have possi-
HTSA Elects Bellevue, Washington, was also
wood, Florida, and 2010 Rep of the
Year The Jan Tulloch Company, of
bly learned otherwise. New Officers, newly elected to the HTSA board. San Rafael, California.
The buying group also has
Adds Member added a new representative in
Oscar Ciornei, Business Advisor, Greenville, South
Carolina, area Home Technology Specialists the Austin market and member
Da-Lite
Dennis, you really nail it! One cannot effectively of America (HTSA) has elected nationwide, Service TECH. Offers Mount
Bob Gullo, owner of Electronics “We are excited to be on
sell hi-technology products successfully w/o a first-
hand experience. I am amazed at how many factory Design Group, Piscataway, New board as a new member of the
Selector Tool
Da-Lite’s new Mount Selector is
personnel, dealers, and CIs try selling high-end gear Jersey, as president for HTSA group,” said
designed to serve as an easy online
that they rarely have on display or even at home. 2011. Jon Robbins, presi- Chris Pearson, owner of
tool that can be used to determine
Savvy consumers catch on quickly these days and dent of HiFi House, Phil- Service TECH. “I be-
which Advance mount is compat-
know when one is simply performing a sales func- adelphia, Pennsylvania, lieve that joining HTSA
ible with a specific flat-panel dis-
tion rather than endorsing the product. has been selected as vice will be beneficial for both
play or projector.
president for 2011. Craig Bob Gullo our companies.

Rich Jackson, Principal at Rich Jackson, San

Francisco Bay Area
I too think the key is thoroughly understanding the
New Millson Website Is Live
Millson Technologies, which is led by frequent RS columnist Richard
products and systems you sell, and the best way to
Millson, has launched a redesigned website that promotes its own
do that is to live with them. I also think it critical that
brand message and the “experience,” the company can create, rather
you thoroughly understand products that you may
than on technology per se. Be sure to “Tour the Millson Home” when
not sell traditionally. We need to figure out ways to
you visit www.millson.net, and take note of how the site focuses
embrace products that traditionally have not been
squarely at architects, interior designers, and homeowners, offering a
part of the “specialty” channel and be able to make
very clean, almost minimalist design. –RS Staff
money with them.

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 ResiBriefs

Image Screens Hires Barber REP/DISTRIBUTOR NEWS

Audio Plus Services, the
Image Screens GmbH, acoustically transparent
North American import-
owners of the Image and woven screens in North
er/distributor of premium
Davision projection screen America. I look forward to
AV products, has added
brands, and StJohn Group, working with StJohn Group
the French audio brand,
its exclusive North American to continue developing
Devialet’s flagship Devialet, to its catalog.
distributor, have jointly a strong market for top- D-Premier product ADH (Analog/Digital
announced the appointment quality projection screens in
Hybrid) is a new and patented form of amplification
of Mike Barber as North North America.”
specially developed by Devialet. It is this proprie-
American sales director for IMAGE Screens manu-
tary technology that enables products like the com-
screen sales. factures fixed, motorized,
pany’s flagship D-Premier to be so slim, yet deliver
Barber comes directly and masking screens for a
so much power, the company says.
from Screen Research, variety of home theater and
ADH combines pure Class A operation with Class
where he served 18 months commercial applications, in-
D, operating in parallel one with the other. By com-
as director of sales for their cluding high-tech F1 simu-
bining Class A and Class D, Devialet has created
North American division. lation training for some of
what is says are electronics that deliver tremen-
He has a 17-year history of Mike Barber the largest companies in the
dous loudspeaker control and dynamic authority,
AV industry sales experience world. The screens are hand-
yet the character of the sound you hear is pure
including six years with Meridian Audio, where built and incorporate innovative engineering
Class A refinement.
he held the position of National Sales Director and proprietary designs.
the last two years there “The addition of Mike to our sales team
Capitol has appointed Jeff Schneider to technical
“I’m thrilled to be working with Image,” is a perfect complement to the positive
support analyst, adding an ad-
Barber said. “Their technology, attention to changes we’ve recently implemented in our
ditional level of background and
detail, and professionalism is unmatched in the representative organization,” StJohn Group
expertise in the latest IT and IP
projection screen industry, and their product president, Kevin Leja, stated. “Mike is
integration. He brings a wealth of
quality and vast assortment of screen materials dedicated to selecting and working with the
knowledge to his position at Capi-
is unrivaled. I believe my experience and best reps and dealer for our ever-growing
Schneider tol, as evidenced by his long list of
relationships will go a long way in successfully screen business, and will enhance our customer
industry certifications from compa-
promoting the brand. StJohn Group has a service and support as it relates to screen
nies, such as Panasonic, NEC, and Mitel.
storied history in projection screen market products. We welcome him to the team.”
In his new role, Schneider, who works in the com-
development, successfully introducing the first Barber will be working out of Atlanta, Georgia.
pany’s telecommunications technical support area,
assists Capitol’s customers as they continue to in-
tegrate advanced digital communications technolo-

Crestron Canada Adds Sales gies in multi-room and light commercial applica-
tions. In particular, his background, which includes

Manager for Ontario Market 10 years as a telephone tech specialist for Deaton
Communications (Florida), allows Schneider to focus
Crestron has appointed by hiring knowledgeable
on the ways in which entertainment products.
a new residential regional and experienced sales
sales manager in Ontario, professionals,” said Philip
Almo Professional A/V has formed a new relation-
Canada. In this new position, Cowling, regional sales
ship with ZeeVee Inc., developer of HD video distri-
Adam Maunder will director, Crestron Canada.
bution products, to distribute its ZvPro and ZvBox
utilize his six years of sales “Adam brings many years of
products for HD video and other commercial digital
experience to drive growth sales expertise to this position,
signage applications. According to Dave Malin, Zee-
and brand awareness of and the relationships he’s
Vee’s vice president of sales, “We view Almo Profes-
Crestron solutions within the cultivated will help drive
sional A/V as an ideal business partner. The company
Ontario residential market, business to our local dealers.”
has an outstanding dealer base that is very loyal, due
the company says. In his tenure in sales/
in part to Almo’s ongoing, substantial commitment
Maunder began his career relationship management,
to training. Add to that Almo’s powerful marketing
at TELUS Mobility in 2004 Maunder has worked closely
efforts and we think it’s a perfect match.”
where he was an integral part with small and mid-size
Almo now carries the ZvPro line of professional
of the growth in the GTA/ Adam Maunder business markets across
HD video distribution products, including the new
South Western Ontario South Western Ontario for
ZVPro 280–an HD MPEG2 encoder and a QAM modu-
region, Crestron says. TELUS Mobility and helped increase the market
lator combined in one package.
“Crestron is committed to supporting our dealers share within the regions over the past six years.

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 CEDIALine

Investing in Your Business

A Few More Reasons to Become a
CEDIA Member in the New Year
BY OLIVIA SILKE

Your CEDIA membership is an investment in your business,

and the association is pursuing new ways to offer your
company the products and services it needs to thrive.
In this year’s renewal letter CEDIA gives electronic systems
contractor members the opportunity to choose the category
that best defines their work: custom integrator, custom retailer,
installer, or service provider. The association will use this
information to tailor future products and services to fit members’
needs. Existing CEDIA members who renew their membership
before January 14 will be put into a drawing for a free iPad. The
deadline for renewal is January 30, 2011. Visit www.cedia.org/
renew to renew your membership today. If you’re not already
a CEDIA member now is a great time to join. Check out some
of the amazing benefits that members enjoy:

Discounts on CEDIA Education

CEDIA offers education throughout the year in the U.S.,
Canada, and Latin America. Members save on every CEDIA offers education throughout the year in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
education event, from EST Basic Boot Camp to the full
range of CEDIA EXPO courses. This year at CEDIA EXPO, alone, whitepapers to follow will include HDMI 101, installation best practices,
members were able to save a bundle by enrolling in the Members Only understanding EDID, understanding and interpreting HDMI test results,
All-Inclusive Education Pass, which allowed members to take as many and troubleshooting HDMI.
courses as they could fit into their schedule. Members also have access
to CEDIA’s extensive e-Learning courses, which offer convenient ways  Best Practices Whitepaper on Inbound Marketing
to earn needed CEUs. Check the CEDIA calendar at www.cedia.org/ Learn the key elements involved in inbound marketing, complete with
calendar to view upcoming events and see how you can save. tips for execution with this whitepaper. CEDIA member testimonials
are included to help readers determine whether inbound marketing is
Career Center appropriate for their company. The Inbound Marketing Whitepaper is
Last year CEDIA introduced an enhanced Career Center, where members targeted toward companies with no experience in inbound marketing as
were given free access to all posted resumes and the ability to post jobs free well as those with limited to moderate experience on the subject.
of charge. This member benefit will continue for 2011 and offer a much-
needed forum for employers and job-seekers to connect. Employers are  ESC Guide to LEED for Homes
able to search resumes based on state, position desired, and even applicable With the increased consumer demand in green building certifications
manufacturer training. Visit the Career Center today at www.cedia.org/ for new or remodeled homes, electronic systems contractors (ESCs) have a
career_center to take advantage of this valuable member benefit. great opportunity to support their clients projects as they pursue certification.
The LEED for Homes point system
Exclusive Resources does not clearly identify areas where More Online
CEDIA members enjoy exclusive whitepapers, best practices, and guides, electronic systems and control can Not Currently a Member?
To view a full list of CEDIA member
all available through the CEDIA Marketplace. In 2010, CEDIA has contribute to the project goals of benefits and to find out more
released several resources that are still currently available at www.cedia. greater sustainability and energy about how to join the association,
org/marketplace. Check out the sampling of the resources available below. management. ESCs can utilize this visit www.residentialsystems.
com/january2011.
document to educate themselves, their
 Introduction to HDMI Interface. clients, and industry partners on how
This whitepaper is a first in a series on this ubiquitous technology. they can not only affect the project’s
The document includes background history of the HDMI standard, and total points, but more importantly
a top-level overview of the cable and cable labeling guidelines. This is provide a more sustainable lifestyle
the first in a series of whitepapers to be published on the topic. Other for the homeowner.

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 Will You Design BacktoBusiness

or Build?
Why Our Trade Will Become More
Specialized in the Next Decade
BY IRA FRIEDMAN

Often the best way to appreciate an

industry is to compare it to others.
Finding best practices in like industries In an increasing number of jobs, Hollywood, Florida’s Firefly Design Group has served as a design
helps develop strategy. consultant to a homeowner client, helping introduce potential ESCs, who are then chosen by the
Alas, as we all know, the AV client via sealed bids.
business is unlike anything else, which
is why there are so many inherent in architectural and engineering firms. There are a consolidated
strategic problems. The AV business number of successful (and wealthy) plumbing supply manufacturers and
attempts to accomplish two things: distributors. And most importantly, there is a multitude of plumbing
“design” and “build.” Compare this to installers–hourly-wage individuals selling products at 17 points, happily
architecture, interior design, or any of earning a modest income.
the building trades, and you quickly see
the problem. Architects and designers Will the AV Industry Follow?
design. They don’t build. And most That is the arc the AV industry will follow as young competitors
trades–electrical, plumbing, flooring– come into the market looking for an advantage. Soon we will see the
build. They don’t design. acceptance (and advanced stature) of design-only operations. These
Ira Friedman is the CEO of Bay Audio, a I’m hard pressed to find any other companies will prepare complete design and engineering documents
manufacturer of custom speaker solutions.
He holds an MBA from the Harvard Business
established industry that successfully for a comprehensive system. Engineers and designers will staff these
School. accomplishes both. Which leads me to companies. Schooled in architecture, design, contracting, audio, video,
believe it can’t be done successfully over time. control, lighting, and IT, these specialists will make a compelling case for
their work. And because they wash their hands of the installation, they
Historical Precedence can act as consultants, selecting the best products and the best installation
Look at the strategic arc of most mature service industries and you’ll find team, with no apparent conflict of interest. Today a handful of these
that the early years were a hybrid of design and build. As these industries design-only businesses exist, and while they might seem like outliers,
matured, however, companies began specializing in either discipline. they are but the beginning of a larger shift away from generalists.
For instance, in the early years in America, plumbers were tinsmiths and Concurrently, we will see a consolidation of manufacturers as the
metal workers who could design a residential plumbing system, fashion an power of product choice is elevated to the design team. With fewer more
appropriate pipe or fixture, and install the metalwork in the home. These highly educated specifiers, fringe and me-too manufacturers will find it
multi-discipline businesses were sought after and paid well for their skills. hard to compete. And, to round it out, we will soon see a horde of hourly
Over time, plumbing entrepreneurs saw specialization as a competitive wage installation-only companies.
advantage. Some business owners focused on the design of residential Look at the “earned price per hour” for an architect, a general
plumbing systems, eschewing the drudgery of metalwork and installation. contractor, and any tradesman
Other companies beefed up the manufacture of standardized plumbing on the jobsite, and you’ll see More Online
parts. And other companies specialized in installation. The generalist who how dollars (and profit) flow up Firefly Design-Only Approach
did it all was put out of business by the overwhelming cost savings offered toward design and away from Visit to www.residentialsystems.
by his specialist competitors. product margin. This points to an com/January2011 to watch a video
of Firefly Design Group founder
The plumbing design specialist became sought after for his intricate instinctual economic truth: buyers Ron Callis explain the role that
understanding of the system, and his ability to design an elegant solution. enjoy rewarding the thinker, but his Hollywood, Florida, firm plays
To facilitate his work, manufacturers began establishing standard parts not the reseller, and because the in the design-only sector of the
CEDIA channel.
that a plumbing designer could specify. The plumbing installer purchased AV business is a hybrid of thinking
these specified parts, resold them at a modest mark-up, and profited by (design) and reselling (build), the
selling his labor on a piece-work or hourly basis. buyer is confused, agitated, and
And today, how is the business distributed? There are countless annoyed as they pay dearly for
numbers of designers–highly educated, well-paid professionals working design and product.

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 Change is MarketingMeasures

Gonna Come
A Systematic Approach to
Change Can Help Achieve a
Desired Outcome
BY MIKE DETMER

It was about 4:00 p.m. on a Friday

afternoon when I got a call from my
human resources director requesting
my presence in her office. So you can
only imagine what was going through
my head as I made the long walk down
the hall. job I’ve had since. I hope you will apply these principles as you implement
Fortunately the conversation was on changes to improve your business:
a different note. You see, the chairman
of the large corporation that I worked 1 Create a sense of need for change. Typically fact patterns and logical
for was very involved in its day-to-day reasoning does the trick here. When everybody understands the need,
operations. And, as many great leaders change happens more easily. To do this you need to state the “as-is”
do, he poled his workers to find out situation. Then paint the “should-be” situation and describe how the
how things could be done better. But planned change will improve the situation.
Mike “Sparky” Detmer (mdetmer@
nilesaudio.com) is president of Niles Audio in this case, worker suggestions lead to
operational streamlining that threatened 2 Demonstrate top management support. Nobody wants to change
the very jobs of those who made the suggestions. Yet the chairman wanted without feeling that their business leaders are behind the initiative. I would
to keep these valuable employees and retrain them to perform different challenge partnerships to demonstrate that both partners are on board or
roles in the enterprise. This involved considerable change. risk divided response to any change initiative.
That’s where I came in. As the director of training it was my task to
retrain this group of individuals into sales and customer service agents. 3 Involve those affected. Make sure to meet with the affected parties.
But, at the time, I didn’t have a clue how to do that. I was told that some of Let them ask questions and listen, listen, listen to their concerns before
the employees resisted the change and were uncertain. Yet I wanted them replying. Show empathy and genuine concern.
to embrace their new roles and succeed.
“Thanks for the opportunity,” I said as I tentatively accepted the 4 Change supporting structures. Ask yourself, what must we do today
challenge. “But I don’t even know where to begin. How do I get these that’s different than yesterday to get the improvement we need and make
folks from here to there,” I questioned the HR director. sure the supporting process, people, and/or systems are in place.
The next week I was back to college to learn the basic psychology of
change and some fundamental techniques to address change in virtually 5 Insure that the goals and methods of change are well understood.
any situation. Ever since that class, I’ve carried a laminated wallet card You have to communicate what success looks like from the change. Along
describing the “Guidelines for Change” with me, referring to it at every the way set up key performance indicators tied to a time line so everyone
knows what is expected to happen and when.

6 Anticipate fall out. You must understand critical elements to go

>UNDERSTANDING WHY PEOPLE RESIST CHANGE
Resistance to change can come from a number of factors, including
economic, social, or status concerns, a misunderstanding, or even lack
of skill, proficiency, or trust. Frequently though, these reasons can be
conquered with coaching, counseling, or training. But you’ve got to see
the Components of Resistance in order to act appropriately. Don’t be too
quick to dismiss resistance to change. Rather, learn from it. Resistance
can help you identify communication problems or that the change you are
planning may be inappropriate.
–Mike Detmer
forward and have some back-up plans in place to ensure functionality if a
component falls out, because something will fall out.
7 Provide for a period of learning and adjustment. One simple
technique to do so is redundancy. If you are changing your job scheduling
system for instance, run the new system and the old system simultaneously
for a few weeks until your staff understands the differences from what was to
what will be. This provides time for knowledge transfer as well as establishes a
safety net in case the new system is flawed. The end result will be a robust new
system from a change/improvement that is transparent to your customers.

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 Sales TrainingWheels

Prevention
Are You Really Ready
for More Business?
BY DAVE CHACE

The economy is showing some signs of

life, and as a result many of you may be
seeing a surge in clientele. You may think
that this is a good thing, but before you
get too excited, think again. Yes it’s true
that customers are necessary to stay in
business. Having a lot of them, however,
can be, well, annoying. After all, more
customers mean more revenue to count,
more trips to the bank to make deposits,
finding ways to spend the money, and
all the other annoyances associated with
success. What a pain.
So rather than dealing with the
headaches that come with a thriving
business, why not keep things simple and
Dave Chace (dave@trainingallies.com) is downsize your client list to a manageable
president of Training Allies, a CE-focused few? Adding installation teams to handle
training firm in Philadelphia. more business is hard, but fortunately
subtracting customers is easy. All you
need is someone who’s highly skilled at aggravating them to the point
where they no longer have any desire to do business with you. As a bonus,
they will likely tell anyone within earshot not to work with you either, so
you effectively kill a flock of birds with one shot.
Even rookies know that the simplest way to alienate a customer is through lack of communication.
a sticky job, so you need the right guy–someone especially talented at
delivering dissatisfaction. Here are just a few of the required skills, to help
you spot promising candidates:
Avoiding Communication
Even rookies know that the simplest way to alienate a customer is through
lack of communication. It’s amazing how quickly the telephone can derail
a customer relationship, just by not picking it up. Instead, voicemail works
as a great tool to annoy the customer gradually by creating the illusion
that you’re interested in helping them, without requiring that you actually
speak to them. After enough unreturned calls it will finally dawn on the
customer that they don’t matter to you, and they will conveniently take
their business elsewhere.
Making Customers Feel Stupid
Embarrassing a customer is a more advanced skill that requires some
savvy and experience. Customers typically know very little about home
technology, and therefore prefer things to be explained in simple fashion.
This creates a superb opportunity to disappoint them. A gifted sales
prevention specialist will deftly jab them with jargon while annoying them
with arrogance. This is the mark of a real pro. It’s not everyone that can

“Customers typically know very little

about home technology, and
talk over the customer’s head while simultaneously looking down their
nose at them. It takes practice.

therefore prefer things to be explained Breaking Promises

Most of us love surprises, but customers don’t. Truly skilled candidates
in simple fashion. A gifted sales are able to create lofty customer expectations–for instance, that you’ll

prevention specialist will deftly jab
them with jargon while annoying them
with arrogance. ” giving you the benefit of the doubt. It takes an established pattern of
Here’s my suggestion: if you haven’t done so already, strongly consider
creating the position of director of sales prevention for your business.
This role apparently has been implemented at numerous companies, and
its primary function is to aggressively minimize sales accumulation. It’s
arrive on the jobsite at specific time–and then miss the mark in spectacular
fashion. Polished professionals will even add a lame excuse, like they forgot
that daylight savings was over. However as with all the other skills, the key
here is repetition. Break one promise and you run the risk of the customer
broken promises for the customer to finally get the hint and abandon ship.
If you’re lucky, you might have a qualified candidate for this position
already working for youso you can promote from within. If not, don’t
worry. Fortunately there is an abundance of qualified candidates out
there. When you spot a potential candidate, give him a call. If you never
hear back from him, you’ll know you’ve found the right guy.

18 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com

Visit www.apc.com/promo Key Code y475w • Call 888-289-APCC x3096 • Fax 401-788-2797
Automation
Comes Standard
UTAH BUILDER AND ESC MAKE INTEGRATED
HOME SYSTEM THE LATEST TEMPLATE AMENITY
by Dan Daley
The next chapter in home automation may have
taken place this past year, and as if to underscore
the nature of that future, it began with a product
that didn’t even exist a year earlier and will require
residential systems integrators to “sharpen their
pencils” to be part of it.
Holmes Homes, a production builder in Salt
Lake City, has partnered with control systems
manufacturer Control4 and Draper, Utah,
integrator Safe & Sound Systems, to put together a
surprisingly sophisticated automation package.
20 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com
The package includes security, distributed audio
(including a 30-day subscription to Rhapsody),
controlled lighting and HVAC control, all running
on an Apple iPad that buyers get at the contract
signing, in seven new home models in the Daybreak
development in a Salt Lake City suburb. It’s the
largest residential project in the state, accounting
for nearly 20 percent of all new homes sold in Utah.
What’s remarkable is that these automation
technology packages will be standard in all new
Holmes’ homes, included in prices that start at
The technology package offered inside the Daybreak model
homes includes an IP-based security system, lighting
with C4-DIM1-Z wireless dimmers, a CCZ-T1-W Wireless
thermostat, Kwikset ZigBee deadbolt door locks with
SmartCode keyless entry, and a two-zone distributed music
system with a Control4 iPod docking station. Above, l-r, Craig
Stucie from Safe & Sound, Todd Hamel from Holmes Homes,
and Glen Mella from Control4.
$130,000 for a 680-square-foot one-bedroom/
one-bath loft-type condominium unit. Putting an
automation system that comprehensive into such
Holmes Homes (one of 13 different builders at Daybreak) has nearly a third of all the 20 model homes there where most other
builders have one.

affordable new construction could represent a
tipping point in home automation’s penetration of
the market.
Offering Real Benefits to Home Buyers
Sherrie Hallevertt, director of marketing for
Holmes Homes, says that rather than waiting
for the market to produce more affordable home
automation products, she sees the offering of just
enough automation features to entice buyers
combined with the implementation of them by
production builders who can drive economies of
scale as the way forward.
“If you can offer real benefits, like letting people
have their music all over the house and using wireless
deadbolt locks to know when their kids come
home from school, then you’ll see home
automation become as standardized as air
conditioning in new homes,” Hallevertt said.
But if this is the opening salvo in what
could become the commoditization of home
automation technology, it also illustrates
how integrators will have to approach the
market.
“We had to sharpen our pencils,” is the
trope that Daron Bush, director of sales for
Safe & Sound Systems, used to express the
number crunching and cost negotiations the
company had to do make the project work.
Safe & Sound, whose residential integration
business is typically split between production

“
and custom builders, had been aware of
Holmes Homes for some time as it watched the
“Anyone can have builder continue to gain market share in the
granite countertops, area. For instance, in Daybreak, the builder
has about one third of the approximately
but no one else has 2,400 houses in the sprawling development. And in to begin using the iPad as a sales tool, giving one
this level of a technology a somewhat atypical arrangement, Holmes Homes to new buyers and using it as the medium through
(one of 13 different builders at Daybreak) has nearly which every bit of information was passed between
package. It’s a a third of all the 20 model homes there where most builder and buyer, from choosing upgrades to the
huge market

”
other builders have one. final inspection and sales documentation. The
integrator approached the builder at a serendipitous
differentiator. More Tech Savvy Than Most moment, as well. Holmes was about to drop its
Bush noted that Holmes was already more tech current integration subcontractor, and Bush and
Daron Bush, Safe & Sound Systems
savvy than most builders; it was already planning his team made the suggestion that Holmes extend

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the iPad technology concept to
home automation. They found a Is Daybreak a Template
receptive audience. for the Future?
Together, the builder and Safe & Sound Systems’ Daron Bush says the
integrator approached locally based Daybreak project is already paying dividends,
Control4 to source systems and with his integration firm receiving calls from
products. From an initial package at least three other builders asking them to
that included basic security and create similar production-level technology
lighting, Holmes and Safe & Sound packages. However, he says, the answer is
quickly expanded. no, at least for now. “It’s a partnership,” he
“We went from a single door says. “We feel like we developed this package
with a controlled bolt to putting specifically for Holmes Homes and we want to
them on all doors,” Bush recalled. keep it exclusive.”
Lighting was similarly expanded Jim Arnold, Control4 vice president of sales,
inside and outside of the home, Sherrie Hallevertt, director of marketing for Holmes Homes, noted that if you can says the company does not have and isn’t
with macros for scenes such as offer real benefits, like letting people have their music all over the house and considering a direct-to-builder distribution
arrival and sleep programmed using wireless deadbolt locks to know when their kids come home from school, channel. But, he says, the company is ramping
then you’ll see home automation become as standardized as air conditioning in
into Control4’s ZigBee-based HC- new homes. up awareness of the Daybreak project
300C whole-home controller. As among its 14,000 dealers in North America,
the package developed, so did the marketing plan. battered housing market, and to do so without encouraging them to evangelize the concept
The expanded lighting system, for instance, would reducing other amenities, those sharpened pencils to production builders in their territories. He
be expressed by the catchphrase, “You’ll never had to be put to work. “We had to go to all our says that besides opening up a potentially
come home to a dark house again,” on Holmes’ suppliers and vendors and discuss costs,” Bush vast new market in entry-level homes, it offers
brochures that touted the technology package. explained. “Some were willing to reduce prices, integrators the opportunity to service and
some weren’t. If they didn’t, we went elsewhere.” upsell those homebuyers after the closing.
The Tech Package However, Safe & Sound had more takers than The concept is right in the pocket for
The technology package, which Control4 valued not. There was excitement building around the value-based Control4, which has pursued
at between $10,000 and $12,000 including technology package that actually offered them high-profile sales including a luxury condo
installation, is now substantial. It includes an IP- some leverage on pricing with the expectation that in Manhattan and the new Aria hotel in Las
based security system, lighting with C4-DIM1-Z this could be the start of an ongoing proposition. Vegas. But this is the first time its products
wireless dimmers, a CCZ-T1-W Wireless “Holmes was planning on 150 homes, but it could have been used in this scale in entry-level
thermostat, Kwikset ZigBee deadbolt door locks go to 200,” Bush said. “This was something no one production homes. “This is really a game-
with SmartCode keyless entry, and a two-zone else is doing. Anyone can have granite countertops, changer for everyone–for us, for integrators
distributed music system with a Control4 iPod but no one else has this level of a technology and for production builders,” Arnold said.
docking station, as well as the Apple iPad, which, package. It’s a huge market differentiator.” –Dan Daley
now loaded with the Control4 My Home iPad
App, would function as a wireless controller for The Challenges of Production Building
the systems. Production homebuilding has its own frenetic and Control4 C4-TSWMC7-EG InfinityEdge
But to keep the home price down in a still- schedule and Daybreak was no different. The touchscreen controller placed in the same location
model homes had to be built inside in every home. A standardized package of products
a window of 60 days, foundation to would also offer inventory advantages going forward,
finish. Safe & Sound found its own as well. (Holmes Homes intentionally offers very
economies, as well. For instance, all few upgrades prior to the sale of the home, such as
programming of the Control4 main a basic home theater, to leverage that advantage.)
system was done at the shop and Home automation was experiencing the same kind
was applied as a data dump to all of “templatization” that other amenities enjoy, and
of the homes. Also, because a single gaining the same cost benefits.
builder was the customer, rather The schedule was hectic, but Safe & Sounds’
than seven individual homeowners, nine technicians and two project supervisors finished
the amount of time spent on bidding all seven homes in time for the grand opening last
and job costing, and on system summer. “Sometimes it took us a week to chase
design was greatly reduced. down some items, and we often had to wear two or
“That was a huge savings,” more hats at a time, but we did it,” Bush said.
Lighting was similarly expanded inside and outside of the home, with macros said Bush, who noted that time
for scenes such as arrival and sleep programmed into Control4’s ZigBee-based
and cost were also saved by having Dan Daley is a freelance writer in Nashville,
HC-300C whole-home controller.
components such as the iPod dock Tennessee.

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Remote Access
ASSESSING THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SYSTEM MONITORING
by Lee Distad

As IP connectivity continues to increase the

performance potential of integrated AV and control
systems, so to does it increase the complexity,
and consequently the potential for service issues.
Fortunately, IP connectivity is a double-edged
sword, and the technology that increases system
complexity also provides an avenue to monitor
and maintain those systems. That’s exactly what
more and more companies are bringing to market:
remote monitoring of integrated systems, and the CEO Russ Pritchard and president
Doug Weinstein of Certified
promise of decreased service costs and potential
Cyber Solutions and the detailed
recurring revenue for integrators. bandwidth view within their
The growth of what is starting to look like a whole monitoring solution.
new product category within the custom channel
has come about from the confluence of a number
of factors. First, the technology that permits remote
monitoring has evolved to such an advanced state,
combined with the fact that that ability is not only
needed by integrators, but desired as well. As Hagai approach to monitoring to a national level.
Feiner, CEO of Access Networks explains, his first That’s a common story among the startups
foray into residential integration was when the owner that have gotten into the monitoring business,
of a private real estate company in LA contracted including ihiji, Varan Monitor, and Nuage
him to install “the exact same” IT network in his Nine, which were founded by integrators who
residence that Feiner installed in his office. It was the saw a problem and then developed their own
successful relationship with the AV integrator, and way to solve it.
the ideas that sprung from their IT brainstorming Marshall Currier, national trainer for
that led Feiner to think that he could take his Panamax/Furman pointed out that remote
monitoring is something that other industries like IT explained, “because they’re managing so many
and security have done for years, and that it’s about clients.” A large customer base requires a lot of

“
time that the CEDIA channel has gotten on board.
There are two “That’s what really drove us into the BlueBOLT
cardinal motivations product,” he explained of his company’s new
remote power management platform. “Our original
for adopting attempts at IP control required a lot of back-end
remote monitoring: setup; they required remote service on top of basic
configuration,” and the old-school custom guys had
decreased expenses no idea how to make it work. Clearly there was a
through increased need to make it easy.
Michael Maniscalco, president of ihiji concurred.
service efficiency and The value of a solution provider like ihiji is that the
increased revenue integrator doesn’t have to have an IT genius on
staff, but just needs to understand networking.
juggling and fire fighting, he stated, and his goal is
to allow dealers to proactively address these issues,
solving problems remotely, and managing fewer
service calls.
Colin Bradley, CEO of The Com Portal, said
that his company considers itself the helpdesk
solution for AV programmers and integrators.
“Our motto is, ‘Know there’s a problem before the
client does.’ That’s what we’re all about and why
we’ve started the whole thing.”
The Business Case
Because there’s more than one approach to remote

”
through monitoring “Some of the larger and more established monitoring, be it hardware-or software-centric,
contracts. integrators were our first customers,” Maniscalco it’s more important at this point to examine what

26 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial systems.com

A SUPPLEMENT TO MAGAZINE

THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO

MEDIADISTRIBUTION
SPONSORED BY
MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS

Jeremy J. Glowacki
Editorial Director
Llanor Alleyne
Contributing Editor

Phil Holtberg
Group Publisher
Gene Kinsella
Midwest Sales
Deborah Rosenthal
National Sales Manager
Zahra Majma
Specialty Sales

MOVING Steve Palm

President
Adam Goldstein
VP, Group Publishing Director

TO THE CLOUD
How Home Media Distribution has Become
Anthony Savona
Editorial/Creative Director
Nicole Cobban
Senior Art Director
Inextricably Linked to Internet-based Content Todd Berkowitz,
Annmarie LaScala
By Llanor Alleyne Art Directors
In a world that had grown accustomed to hardware and the tangible nature of various forms of
Adrianne Knapp
media, talk of “the cloud” was justifiably nebulous. In this haze of skepticism, the proliferation
Graphic Artist
of media servers flourished as the need to access a catalog of music, films, photos, and other
data was compounded by a demand to cache these items in one holding pen. In the past two Fred Vega
years, things have certainly changed. Production Manager
“Widespread access to broadband Internet connectivity has greatly shifted the media server’s
core role of functioning as a centralized media storage device, to that of a broadband media
aggregator,” Michael de Nigris, co-founder and CEO of Autonomic Controls, noted. “Our
dealers have increasingly told us that their customers are listening to more live streams and on-
demand music services like Pandora and Internet radio stations than their own music libraries.”
The acceptance and transition to holding scores of media on the cloud has been swift, and in Published by
NewBay Media L.L.C.
many consumer electronics markets, anticipated and planned for. This has been aided by count-
28 East 28th Street, 12th Floor
less streaming media companies, including Netflix, Amazon, and Pandora, who have so fiercely New York, NY 10016
embraced the concept that new media business models are seen as useless without some con- Tel: 212.378.0400
ceptualization of how to get content to consumers via streaming. In a niche industry that prides www.nbmedia.com
itself on delivering high-end, sophisticated media solutions to discerning clients, where does this
All names, trademarks, or brand names
leave residential integration? The answer is what it always has been for our channel: in a good
used herein are the property of
position to show our clients how good we are at evolving in changing market environments. their respective owners.

[2]
 MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
DAVID CHAN | ADVANCED HOME AUTOMATION, MANALAPAN, NJ
How are you pitching VidaBox to your example. I let them know that there is media distribution into IT driven
clients? a much more enjoyable and efficient installations?
When we are at a client’s way of doing this where Since media distribution is IP driven,
home on a project, we the whole family can view we are already quite comfortable with
will ask them how they photos from anywhere in it and are ahead of the game. We
are viewing and playing the home, including their installed our first media server in 2006
their digital media family room entertainment when they were just starting to take
content on their systems. center. VidaBox offers a off. Since most homeowners already
Most of them answer number of solutions to help have an existing network, it’s very easy
that they aren’t, and my clients enjoy their media to tie in a networkable media server.
that they just stick their to the fullest. In addition, most rooms either have
media card into their a hardwire outlet or a wireless access
PCs to view photos, for How are you tying point.

EQUIPPING THE INTEGRATOR
As more and more data moves on to the internet, electronic
systems contractors are now faced with challenges that go
beyond providing product solutions in their custom installa-
tions. To satisfy client demands while providing high-quality
finished projects, ESCs have to come to grips with the grow-
ing presence of IT in everything from the automation control-
ler to how each streaming service available behaves.
“ESCs need to know the inner workings of their media
delivery services and be able to explain their similarities and
differences,” noted Joe Lautner, director of business devel-
opment at ELAN Home Systems. “For instance, Pandora
and Rhapsody each offer streaming music their own unique
structure. Having both means that the consumer can make a
playlist with Rhapsody and have it with them wherever they
go, or create their own custom radio station with Pandora
and experience new music aligned with their taste. Training
employees or hiring new employees with IP/networking skills
will help build an ESC’s foundation for embracing this grow-
ing trend.”
Significantly, understanding the nature of networking is
key, and something most ESCs are becoming more familiar
with as whole-home automation systems not only seek to pull
content from the cloud but also integrate mobile devices as
controllers and content providers into the large system.
As de Nigris noted, “Successful integrators saw the shift
to IT-centric AV systems some time ago and have made
significant investments in employee development, internal
tools, and disciplines that allow them to operate in that
environment. Most of today’s [ESCs] already understand and
are adept with IP networking principles. To effectively install
and support advanced media servers, ESCs would do well to
understand and apply QoS (Quality of service) concepts and
utilize network appliances that can prioritize network access
for devices like streaming media servers, which are nega-
tively impacted by bandwidth constraints.”

HIGHWAYS TO THE CLOUD

The shift to internet-delivered media distribution
has not taken custom integration manufacturers
by surprise, either. For years companies like NuVo

This year, NuVo introduced two new source devices, the Music
Port and Music Port Elite, source components that consolidates,
organizes, stores, and distributes internet- and PC-based audio
content from Windows Media Player and iTunes, while also
accessing streaming audio from a host of free and subscription-
based Internet services.

[3]
 MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
Niles’ IntelliControl ICS IM-NET Module
connects the IntelliControl ICS media player
directly into the whole-house music system,
giving existing ICS owners a cost-effective
upgrade path to digital media streaming
services and existing digital music media.
Technologies, Sonos, and Russound
have been incorporating access to
IP-based content in its media distribu-
tion hardware, at a time when consumers
were buying expensive hard drives to host
music, movies, and photos. Widespread
acceptance of cloud-based content has raised
the bar for these manufacturers, pushing their
innovations to accommodate playback of both old-world
media (CDs and DVDs) and digital media (MP3s, .mov, .jpg,
etc.).
“AV and IT used to be so separate, but now it’s impossible
to really separate them out. Content distribution is happening
now through the mechanism of IT,”
said Rick Kukulies, NuVo Technologies’
chief technology officer. “You can’t use
an iPod without a computer, and you
can’t stream without internet. And this
is how music moves now. We’ve had to
acknowledge that and work with it, real-
izing that, really, the computer is doing
the heavy lifting in music distribution.
We’re working on taking all that the IT
realm can offer in terms of media and
getting it to the customer anywhere,
everywhere, easily.”
This year, NuVo introduced two new
source devices, the Music Port and
Music Port Elite, which are source components that con-
solidates, organizes, stores, and distributes internet- and
PC-based audio content from Windows Media Player and
iTunes, while also accessing streaming audio from a host of
free and subscription-based Internet services. The units gather
audio from the home network, merge it into a music library
and store it all on a 320GB internal hard drive. They also offer
cloud synchronization at multiple system locations and features
IP control protocol that integrates with control systems from
Crestron, AMX, URC, and RTI.
They also include cloud synchronization at multiple system
locations and features IP control protocol that integrates with
popular control systems from Crestron, AMX, RTI, and URC.
One of those control systems manufacturers, RTI, has
addressed media distribution from several angles. Along with
several category products, including their four-zone AD-4 and
eight-zone AD-8 distributed audio systems, the company has
also created the new RTiDock iPod accessory, which syncs with
iTunes over the network and offers a full on-screen GUI and
From its inception, Sonos’ Multi
Room Music System has tapped
into streaming online content
as a huge selling point to early
adopter consumers who wanted
to be untethered from their
computers as the main source of
accessing cloud-based music.

ADAM ZOLOT | ENGINEERED ENVIRONMENTS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

What are some of the features that your
clients have been requesting for their
media distribution systems?
Simplicity / ease-of-use is the most
requested feature for the operating
system. Clients have grown tired with
inefficient interfaces common to our
industry. We’ve learned a lot from years
of GUI design and will only support
manufacturers who understand the
art of ease. Also, Content, content,
content. In the age of cloud-based
media, our clients are seeking access
to the latest and greatest
services. While Rhapsody is
our most popular offering,
concepts like Wolfgang’s
Vault, Pandora and Last.fm
are also high on the wish
list.
How are you pitching
Sonos to you clients?
We let Sonos sell itself. In
our showroom we’ll hand
the controller to a client and let them
discover how easy it is to
access a world of content.
It’s a rare occasion that
someone isn’t completely
sold by the end of the
demo. We also maintain a
number of Sonos s5 units
and controllers to lend
clients who are considering
a system. It takes five
minutes to set it up for
them and we’ll leave it with
them for a few days.

[4]
 MEDIA DISTRIBUTION:
EVAN MARTY | PARAGON TECHNOLOGY GROUP, ASPEN, CO
What are some of the features that
your clients have been requesting for
their media distribution systems?
We are commonly getting requests
about streaming media. Pandora and
Rhapsody have become such a huge
hit, we are installing this as a source
on most of our jobs. Also, with the
age of digitally stored music, most
people have suffered through a cata-
strophic loss of music at some point
in the past. This, in most cases, has
forced the client to re-
purchase music at least
once. Most clients are
also interested in having
a backup for their media
because how many times
can a person buy the
Beatles’ White Album?
How are you pitching
Autonomic’s Mirage
BUSINESS
Media Server to you clients?
Since the bulk of our business is
located in resort towns in Colorado
(Aspen, Vail, Steamboat Springs and
Telluride), we are looking to make
their vacations homes an extension
of their primary residence. The MMS
allows us to do this with file replication
from one house to another as well as
utilizing stations created in Pandora
to follow them wherever they may be.
RadioTime allows them to be able to
continue to listen to local
radio even they are on
vacation. The file replica-
tion not only serves as a
way to keep their music
libraries up to date, but
also acts as a backup to
prevent the catastrophic
data loss.
What are some features
that you would to see in the
development of media distribution?
With digital media, the biggest point
of failure is file management, not the
reliance on the Internet. Providing a
central repository for all media with
ease to execute scripts or software
that would configure the Mac or PC
to look at that location for all media
would be terrific. We can configure
a computer properly but are at the
mercy of the user once we leave the
house. Once there is a new computer
or the settings are changed, we have
to do a service call to reconfigure the
computer. If we don’t get the call, all
new downloads will be resident to the
local PC and not be able to be shared.
Conversely, existing media will not be
available locally. Suddenly we are now
a client PC support company, which is
something we are not currently setup
to do.

NetStreams has built its AV control system, DigiLinx, from

video output for navigation through a display device.
“In addition, we provide a variety of
support options for two-way communi-
cations with several media distribution
products with a catalogue of drivers
that make it easier for installers to
integrate with iPod docks, media serv-
ers, third-party distributed audio systems,
and IP-based products like Squeezebox,”
explained Pete Baker, RTI’s director of sales
and marketing. All of this has really helped our
dealers embrace RTI as a great resource for dis-
tributed audio and has helped them offer more
seamless media distribution in their businesses.”
From its inception, Sonos’ Multi Room Music System has
tapped into streaming online content as a huge selling point
to early adopter consumers who wanted to be untethered
from their computers as the main source of accessing cloud-
based music. Because it is primarily a software platform,
Sonos’ modular system is especially easy to upgrade with the
latest cloud-based music services as well as any technology
changes the company produces itself.
“One of our innovations is our proprietary wireless network
the ground up as a digital, IT network with the ability to
easily integrate with other network systems.
called “SonosNet,” said Kostas Reissis,
director of distribution channels for
Sonos. “SonosNet is a wireless
mesh network allowing for more
robust communications than stan-
dard Wi-Fi. SonosNet also allows
the ability to play the same song in
every room in perfect sync (no delay)
or different music in different rooms, or any
combination. The installation benefits to our wireless
format are that our dealers can install an eight-to-10 room
system in a day or two rather than in two or three weeks.
Another great innovation is the way that Sonos systems are
updated. It does not matter how old your Sonos system is,
when there is a feature update available, all your customer
has to do is press a button on any Sonos controller, and their
system is instantly updated the take advantage of the latest
features.”
Crestron, best known for its definitive home control sys-
tems, has introduced the DigitalMedia Platform, which dis-

[5]
MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
Mozaex, whose 3D
latest Blu-ray players
and Solo all-in-one
Entertainment Sever
systems began
shipping late this
past summer, aims to
convince integrators
that media servers
are no longer an add-
on but a necessity
to successful
installations.
tributes uncompressed digital audio and video signals over a
choice of Cat-5e/6-based copper wiring or duplex multimode
fiber cable. The platform manages all the different signals and
devices, matching each source’s output to capabilities of the
selected display.
“We are now able to distribute all analog and digital AV
(including HDCP protected HDMI), Ethernet, power, and data
over a single Cat-5-type wire or multimode fiber,” said Jeff
Singer, Crestron’s marketing communications director. “Just
one matrix switcher and one wire transmission makes systems
integration and installation much easier and more reliable.”
Earlier this year, AMX debuted the HDMI UTPro-0808
matrix switcher featuring the company’s InstaGate Technology.
Pushing high-definition media to as many as eight zones in the
home, the UTPro-0808 is designed to simplify installations by
eliminating HDCP lag through InstaGate technology, and it
allows HDMI content to be distributed across much farther dis-
tances than previously possible using a single category cable
up to 100 meters without repeaters.
“For installers it simplifies installation, because it utilizes
the IT infrastructure (category cable) already in place in many
homes to distribute HD video, audio, power and control over
a single category cable,” explained Joe Andrulis, AMX’s VP
of marketing. “For the homeowner, since the UT Pro accepts
HDMI devices, a computer can be linked to it enabling the
homeowner to distribute IP-based content up to eight dis-
plays throughout a home.”
Russound’s successful AC-wired Collage system is aimed at
the retrofit segment. Collating multiple streams from radio,
Internet, and local sources, Collage distributes audio with
complete metadata as well as album artwork appearing on
keypads in each room.
“The most important message to communicate is that
modern IP-based systems are future-proof, easily expand-
able, and easily integrated into an existing, compatible
system,” said Roger Soucy, product manager for Russound.
“With the ‘cloud’ opening the door to endless possibilities for
media distribution, the current crop of IT-based systems are
designed to grow along with the number of options, giving
ESCs a reason to re-visit customers to update software and
add zones and features as they become available.”
[6]
Designed as an IP-device from the very beginning,
Autonomic Controls Mirage Server also provides a 232 con-
trol option for legacy system integration and is configured
using a Web browser interface along with pre-built IP-based
control automation modules that support remote browsing,
transport feedback, and the transmission of album art to
touchpanels.
“Today, consumers expect to have 24/7, anywhere/any-
JIM ZOYIOPOULOS | DAVID VINCENT
DESIGN, CARMEL, CA
How are you pitching
Crestron’s Digital Media to
you clients?
I am educating them about all
the different types of informa-
tion HDMI sends, including
copyright protection hand-
shakes, and talking about the
need to guard against the
impending analog sunset.
How are you tying media distribution into IT-driven
installations?
Clients are coming to me already educated and inter-
ested in streaming content like Pandora, Rhapsody, and
Netflix. We sometimes need to manage more traffic on
their home network, so we are creating smaller, dedi-
cated networks to help with smooth streaming. One
upcoming adjustment we’re planning for is HDBaseT
technology that will be offered by several TV manufac-
turers, whereby a lot of information, including audio/
video, internet, and even control, will be delivered via
one single wire and one single LAN. Until then, Crestron
currently features DigitalMedia 8G technology, the first
true one-wire network over a single Cat-6 cable or fiber
strand. I’m staying educated on who adopts HDBaseT
technology, because clients look to me to specify equip-
ment in their best interest.
What are some features that you would to see in the
development of media distribution?
I’d like to see a standardized communication protocol, IP
control, and alleviate the need for IR emitters. It would help
if clients knew a little more about the capabilities of HDMI
and all the different signals it sends, and if they understood
a bit about th wasting time with a customer who cannot
decide due to long installation or no variability.
 MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
Vidabox, which prides itself on being the first media server company
time access to their digi- to integrate Blu-ray and HD DVD into one unit, has added iPad-based
tal assets,” de Nigris said. vAutomation 2.0 platform to its stock in a nod to the growing demand
for mobile access to streaming content. Bottom: URC’s DMS-1200 multi-
“We’ve responded to this zone amplifier distributes audio to up to 32 zones without compression;
demand by basing the MMS there is no diminution of audio quality, the company says.
on cloud technologies that
enable automated, multi-loca- popular ZR-6 MultiZone Receiver system,” explained Mike
tion synchronization, as well Anderson, Niles Audio’s product manager, of the com-
as global media access using pany’s expanding streaming media solutions. “We will
smartphones and tablets.” also be providing an interface
g! by ELAN Home Systems to allow legacy audio devices
bridges a similar user experi- to be distributed over the net-
ence, bringing disparate forms work and played through an
of access to cloud-dwelling IM-NET or DMG-1.”
and hard-drive based media There are also a couple of
content into one platform, manufacturers delivering new
while leaving room for inte- cloud-based solutions that
grators to customize the system to clients’ tastes. might be new to some custom
“We at ELAN are determined to provide custom install- integrators. Mozaex, whose
ers with products that leverage these changes,” Lautner 3D latest Blu-ray players and
explained. “We are focused on wireless/no-new-wire tech- Solo all-in-one Entertainment
nologies, expanding our cloud content source options, Sever systems began shipping
and expanding smartphone and tablet computer inter- late this past summer, aims
faces. We firmly believe consumers will continue to want to convince integrators that
dedicated in-wall control devices and dedicated remotes media servers are no longer
with both touchscreen and hard buttons.” an add-on but a necessity to successful installations.
Niles Audio holds similar faith in the consumers’ desire for “Mozaex recognizes this trend and understands that as
both nebulous and tangible control of content. The company’s server demands increase so will expectations and feature
IntelliControl ICS IM-NET Module connects the IntelliControl ICS sets,” said Steve Clark, project manager for Mozaex. This
media player directly into the whole-house music system, giv- is another benefit ESCs should learn–you can sell Mozaex
ing existing ICS owners a cost-effective upgrade path to digital features today and also feel confident you are setting your
media streaming services and existing digital music media. customer up for a wonderful experience down the road with
“Our new DMG-1 will provide the same access for our our software updates, enhancements, and upgrades that

ROBERT WIEN | INTEGRITY HOME SYSTEMS, AUSTIN TX

How are you pitching ELAN’s media dis-
tribution products to your clients?
We use the ELAN family of products
because they have the
best mix of IP-based con-
trol systems along with
high quality amplifiers
and speakers. We are
able to provide a control
system to our clients with
the same functionality as
our higher-end competi-
tors for about half the
cost. The ELAN system
also has an easy-to-use iPad/iPhone
application that provides seamless inte-
gration for the homeowner.
How are you tying media dis-
tribution into IT-driven instal-
lations?
Streaming content and
always-on wireless con-
nections are driving the
IT portion of our projects
and to accommodate these
requirements we have used
higher quality network rout-
ers, switches and access points. We
also speed test every data wire in our
projects to ensure they have the correct
speed and bandwidth.
What are some features that you would
like to see in the development of media
distribution?
I believe that a media portal/hardware
piece that supports all of the most
popular online and local network media,
such as Pandora, iheartradio, iTunes,
Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, would
entice homeowners.

[8]
MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
will always be available to our dealers and their
clientele.”
ERIC CRAWFORD | HOME THEATER &
Vidabox, which prides itself on being the first
AUTOMATION LLC, MERIDIAN, ID
media server company to integrate Blu-ray and HD
How are you pitching Fusion Research
DVD into one unit, has added iPad-based vAutoma-
media servers to you clients?
tion 2.0 platform to its stock in a nod to the growing
We found Fusion’s media players have some
demand for mobile access to streaming content.
core features that most individuals don’t
“With vAutomation 2.0, users can now browse for
even know are available. For example,
movies and music stored on their server and play
the ability to hide certain movies from the
them in any zone, as well as control TVs, receivers,
interface for the protection of the client’s
and even cable/satellite boxes–all with minimal pro-
children is a huge selling point. Clients also
gramming by the installer,” said Vidabox president,
like the ability to not have to worry about
Steven Cheung. “This makes projects and installa-
scratching discs or shuffling through movies
tions significantly easier and less expensive when
to find the right one. And the ability to keep the discs in the car with-
choosing VidaBox products as a total solution.”
out having to purchase another copy is also welcome.

How are you tying media distribution into IT-driven installations?

STREAMING CONNECTIVITY
For reliability and stability purposes we only distribute audio and
AND DISTRIBUTION
video after it has been processed, so everything is distributed via
It’s not just media server manufacturers making
matrix switchers.
cloud and media streaming adjustments. While
servers provide storage and enhanced user interfac-
What are some features that you would like to see in the development
es, pushing content out to distribution system while
of media distribution?
maintaining quality control is just as important. This
Lower price entry point. The prices have fallen over the past couple
effort encompasses a combination of amplifiers,
years, but for broad adoption of movie servers the prices will have to
switchers, and even cables.
come down more. Also, because of the PC backbone we look forward
Jon Sienkiewicz, director for URC said that his
to media server companies incorporating online streaming into their
company has benefited from consumer eagerness
UI, like Fusion has done with Boxee. We hope that media server com-
to embrace streaming and points to its new Total
panies will see this as a core asset to their servers, putting them in a
Control product line that features a streaming
position to be the media center of the home.
media player and multi-zone amplifier to under-
score this market development.
“Our DMS-1200 multi-zone amplifier distributes Ingo Schmoldt, explained, Fusion Research has two inno-
audio to up to 32 zones without compression; there vations under its belt that ultimately help ESCs to better
is no diminution of audio sell media distribution to clients. The first, “Add Your Own
quality,” Sienkiewicz said. Storage,” allows integrators to choose aftermar-
“Our programming soft- ket inexpensive NAS storage options to
ware, Accelerator, allows make the cost of owning a media server
the installer to program less expensive. The other is a certified
an entire building at once two-way driver for the Control4 home
instead of piece by piece, control system that allows easier con-
saving time and money.” nectivity to media content. The com-
Fusion Research’s pany also advocates the use of Boxee,
approach to media server an internet streaming platform that lives
management and distribu- on both a computer or on a television
tion is a little different from (with the help of a purchased box).
the others. As sales VP “Our integration of the Boxee plat-
form into the Fusion system
Fusion Research advocates the use
of Boxee, an internet streaming has dramatically increased
platform that lives on both a the usability of our products,”
computer or on a television (with
the help of a purchased box). Schmoldt said. “Consumers

[10]
 MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
For signal management solutions, especially when dealing with video
content, Gefen offers the GefenTV 1:8 Multi-Format Video Distribution
over Ethernet, which has the ability to extend audio/video signals over
Cat-5 cable or over any Ethernet system.

capable interconnect technology.”

Kordz has a number of high-speed applications that
address this problem. Its EVS long length high-speed
cables are capable of distances up to 18 meters, lengths
that were previously unheard of. And the company’s
high-end EVX line can are also rated high speed to 10
meters. Both of these solutions offer high-speed con-
nectivity without the use of any additional repeaters, the
company says.
For signal management solutions, especially when
now have the ability to very easily search for eclectic content dealing with video content, Gefen offers the GefenTV 1:8
online and immediately access it through our system. It also Multi-Format Video Distribution over Ethernet, which has the
allows Fusion clients to fully utilize other streaming media ability to extend audio/video signals over Cat-5 cable or over
services they may already be using. Services like Pandora, any Ethernet system.
Netflix, Vudu, Hulu, YouTube, and much more.” “You can select one of four connected sources to distribute
Cable manufacturer Kordz has recognized the sea change at any time. You can do a one-to-one signal distribution or
in consumer connectivity habits and set out to address the send AV to eight different locations,” explained Hagai Gefen,
demands with connectors that enable high-speed access president and CEO. “All of this is readily available to the aver-
to media. “Until recently, consumers could get away with age homeowner primarily due to the merging of IT and AV
standard speed applications due to the limitations of equip- systems, industry-wide.”
ment and distance–typically to single-room deployments that NetStreams has built its AV control system, DigiLinx, from
were not 1080p,” said Michael Schaller, director of Kordz the ground up as a digital, IT network with the ability to eas-
USA. “Now, with media serv-
ing 1080p–1080p does not
mean high-speed–the new
requirement is to distribute
high-speed content through-
out the entire living space. This year, NuVo introduced two new source devices, the Music Port and Music Port Elite, source components that
consolidates, organizes, stores, and distributes internet- and PC-based audio content from Windows Media Player and
This requires a high-speed- iTunes, while also accessing streaming audio from a host of free and subscription-based Internet services.

BRADLEY ELLIOTT | ELECTRONIC LIFESTYLE ASSOCIATES (ELA), ELMHURST, IL

How are you pitching NetStreams’ The audio quality is outstanding with that work well with other products,
DigiLinX to you clients? no echo issues where rooms connect to since no one company can provide
For our larger one another. us with everything. I want to control
homes, NetStreams the system(s) with whatever is in my
DigiLinX makes a What are some features that reach: the remote in the family room,
very easy platform you would to see TouchScreen on the wall, or laptop on
to sell for total con- in the development of media my desk, iPhone on my hip. Clients’
trol over the whole distribution? expectations are higher now. They
house. Whether you Push everything to the don’t really care how, they just expect
are on your com- network, as well as the button they push to work... the
puter, touchscreen, standards of control and first time, quickly… In two to five
or iPhone, you can syncing what the system is years the world of IT and audio/video
control the system. doing. We like companies will blur more and more.

[12]
 MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: BUSINESS
BRYAN STANLEY | SPYCOM TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION, LANCASTER, PA
What are some of the features that Technologies’ Music Port We have to be sure they
your clients have been requesting for (NV-MPS4) and/or Music have a robust network. It
their media servers? Port Elite (NV-MPS4-E) to has taken some effort, but
The number one feature requested you clients? our guys have been prop-
by our clients with a media server is It is the one-stop music shop. erly trained on networking
automatic sync with iTunes on a Mac. There is so much content basics. IT is the future of our
It would be great if the device could available in this single device industry and you would be
show up in iTunes and load content that you don’t need any crazy to ignore it. It is also a
to it (along with playlists) just like an other sources. It is also easy great tool for service. I have
iPod. Every one of our customers owns to use. already helped many customers from
a Mac and is begging for this. a simple iChat session. The customer
How are you tying media servers into is floored by the great service, and we
How are you pitching NuVo IT driven installations? never had to roll a truck!

ily integrate with other network systems, a solution that Buzz believe we’re only scratching the surface on the type and
Goddard, VP of worldwide residential sales for ClearOne, said quality of content available; you’ll see a continued explosion
places the company way ahead of the field. in the number of choices in which to aggregate the media
“Despite the difficult economic conditions in the residential out there. Our focus has been to continue to evolve with
market, we are seeing a huge increase in interest in networked the industry and support multiple media platforms to stay
solutions, which has benefited NetStreams DigiLinX,” Goddard relevant with the consumer.”
said. “Frankly, we view this migration as inevitable. Analog Beyond video and audio streaming, media distribution
delivery is all but dead, and analog distribution is dying.” networks are likely to play a larger role in delivering non-
entertainment content as well. We’ve already seen some
of glimpses of this, with systems like those manufactured
BEYOND STREAMING by Crestron, AMX, and Colorado vNet all capable of pull-
Particular emphasis has been placed here on the streaming ing Internet-housed data onto integrated touchpanels, but
of audio content, which traditionally NetStreams’ Goddard has an even
takes up less bandwidth, making it bigger vision.
easier to transmit to several sourc- “Convergence. Not just enter-
es without discernable degradation. tainment, but also communica-
While companies like Hulu and Netflix tions–landline phones, mobile
have cornered the market on com- phones, instant messaging, telep-
mercial video streaming, getting high- resence–security, intercom, HVAC,
quality video images streaming over lighting, etc., can (and should) be
a home distribution network is still a tied into a unified system running
complex ask. on the home network backbone.
“Much of the online content today Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t
is hit or miss in terms of picture and be done. You have the ultimate
sound quality with many of the host- example of it working right in front
ing servers for these ‘channels’ not of you: the internet. It has been
able to stream a high quality image on 24/7/365 with 0 downtime for
consistently,” Schmoldt said. “We decades. Name one other system
RTI provides a variety of support options for that can claim that!”
two-way communications with several media
distribution products with a catalogue of drivers
that make it easier for installers to integrate with Llanor Alleyne, a contributing
iPod docks, media servers, third-party distributed editor to Residential Systems, is
audio systems, and IP-based products like
Squeezebox based in Brooklyn, New York.

[13]
MEDIA DISTRIBUTION: PRODUCTS
CRESTRON’S DIGITALMEDIA PLATFORM
The DigitalMedia by Crestron distributes uncompressed digital audio and
video signals over a choice of Cat-5e/6-based copper wiring or duplex
multimode fiber cable. A full selection of switcher input cards, wall plate
transmitters, and room solution boxes provide
connectivity throughout the
installation, supporting a
range of analog and digital
signal types. DigitalMedia
is designed to intelligently
manages all the different sig-

AUTONOMIC CONTROLS’ nals and devices, matching each

MIRAGE MEDIA SERVER
Manufactured by S1Digital, the Mirage Media Server stores its
content on a private, secure digital locker on the internet. This
enables the device to automatically synchronize multiple units
in remote locations, as well as provide customers with access
to their media on virtually any portable or web-enabled device.
The server also maintains a local copy of media for reliable, local
playback. Content can be uploaded from anywhere and instant
access is available with mobile devices, consumer devices, or
though home control systems. It supports up to five indepen-
dent audio outputs, including a 5.1 digital output, for playback
of different audio streams when connected to a multi-zone
audio amplifier. In addition to Internet based media storage,
the Mirage Media Server can stream content from a number of
online sources, such as Sirius/XM, Pandora Radio, and streaming
internet radio stations.
source’s output to the capabilities of
the selected display(s) without scaling or
compression. Every signal is preserved in its
native video resolution and audio format, ensuring a pure, lossless signal
path. DigitalMedia also handles integrated Gigabit Ethernet, device control
(IR, RS-232), and USB mouse and keyboard distribution that allows comput-
ers, media servers, and video game consoles to be installed out of sight and
accessed from anywhere in the installation. With no additional wiring, built-in
Crestron control is also available for controlling displays and other room
devices. The platform supports HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and 7.1 channel
HD lossless audio as well as video resolutions up to 1920x1200 or 1080p/60.

AMX’S HDMI UTPROͳ0808

MATRIX SWITCHER
Able to deliver uncompressed HD
1920x1080p content up to 100 meters at a
10.2 Gigabit-per-second transmission rate,
the UTPro-0808 is a full matrix switcher that
RTI’S ADͳ4 FOURͳZONE can route up to eight different HDMI sources,
DISTRIBUTED AUDIO MATRIX with HDCP authentication, to local displays
SWITCHER via HDMI cabling, or remote displays via a sin-
Acting as an extension of RTI’s control systems, the AD-4 contains both a matrix gle UTP cable. The unit features AMX’s HDCP
switching pre-amp and a built-in eight-channel Cool Power Class D amplifier. InstaGate technology that allows for HDMI
Capable of distributing up to four analog audio sources to four zones, the switcher signal switching without delays due to HDCP
features a compact, low-profile design, and the AD-4 is suitable for rack-mount re-authentication and eliminates video stream
or free-standing installations. Access to audio and control of remote sources is interruption to existing HDMI signal paths.
designed to be clean and simple using the RSP1 accessory wall plate and a single The HDMI UTPro is HDMI 1.3 compatible,
Cat-5 cable. Commercial and residential applications will benefit from a mute func- can support high-resolution video including
tion that quiets the music when the doorbell or phone system rings. To meet the 1920x1080p at 60Hz, and is engineered to
needs of larger projects, RTI’s open architecture enables the control of multiple deliver the highest quality HD digital content
AD-4 units for additional zones. to as many as eight displays in an installation.

[14]
 Initially, ihiji has catered to integrators with large customer bases
remote monitoring brings to the table, that require a lot of juggling and fire fighting. The goal is to allow
dealers to proactively address these issues, solving problems
and why integrators should consider remotely via the company’s Dashboard (pictured here), and
partnering with a company that can managing fewer service calls.
do it for them.
When asked for his elevator pitch,
Vaughn Petraglia, CEO of Nuage Nine
said, “We’re a developer and provider
of solutions to automate and manage
computing, automation, and energy services.
We offer error discovery and protection to allow
integrators to increase revenue and decrease costs.”
Doug Weinstein, president of Certified Cyber
Solutions, said that regardless of how the solution
is achieved, whether from a hardware or software-
centric approach, the need for advanced diagnostic integrators,” he concluded.
and analytical tools is common to the custom channel. In Weinstein’s view, monitoring is a necessity
Petraglia agreed, noting, “Right now it’s the as AV and control systems become more complex.
higher end integrators who feel the most pain in “It’s my perception that for some dealers their
this space.” By which he meant integrators who first reaction might be, ‘I’m going to sell the client
have the most clients, the largest installations, and a system for a hundred grand and then sell them the information?”
as a result the biggest service requirements, can monthly monitoring because something’s going to Certified Cyber Solutions’ philosophy is to look
benefit the most from these systems. He stated that, break,’” he joked. years down the road and figure out what to do with
in the short term, Nuage Nine and similar offerings Some may also worry that the client’s trending information, and in the long term be able
are most attractive to that segment, although he expectation is that the service is gratis, because to proactively prevent things like equipment failure
explained that his products are priced in such a that’s the integrator’s job. But Weinstein pointed from happening. “Dealers can now go to the client
way that mid-tier integrators also are able to deliver out that there is value to be derived from in-depth and say that they can manage their technology,
the service their clients. “It’s just a matter of time system monitoring. “Getting status notification and here are the levels we can do it at,” Weinstein
before we move downmarket and pick up more e-mails is great,” he said, “but what do you do with explained. “Smart dealers know that they’ve got to
take ownership of this, and that they
Monitoring Partners can charge for it.”
Russ Pritchard, Certified
Remote monitoring of AV and control systems is rapidly The Com Portal (thecomportal.com) consists of a tight knit
Cyber Solutions’ CEO added,
shaping up to be an entire segment of the custom chan- group of veteran web developers, Crestron engineers, and
“One of the things about
nel in itself. Here’s a brief rundown on the companies programmers focused on developing apps and software
expectations is that clients don’t
mentioned in this article. that allows integrators to know there’s a problem before
realize how many addressable
the client does.
devices they have in their house,
Access Networks (www.accessca.com) is not a monitoring
nor the breadth of things that we
company per se, but is a highly specialized IT firm with CE ihiji’s (ihiji.com) invision tools allow integrators to save
can do.” He asserted that clients
integration experience. It partners with integrators to de- money by reducing truck rolls and generate recurring rev-
don’t know that their home is
sign and build enterprise access solution that offers best- enue. The cloud-based remote monitoring solution was
often more complex than their
practice network topology and configuration. named the winner of CEDIA’s Manufacturers’ Excellence
office. ”The diversity of info from
Awards Best New Product Category
streaming media to data creates a
BlueBOLT (mybluebolt.com) from Panamax/Furman pro-
whole new set of complications,”
vides secure, hosted IP system control, enabling integra- Nuage Nine (nuagenine.com) is a monitoring services
Pritchard said. “We provide that
tors and end-users to remotely monitor and control power company with a recurring revenue structure, providing
insight for analysis and problem
to home theater equipment by accessing power manage- solutions to automate and manage computing automation
solving.”
ment components from anywhere they have web access. and energy services, and capable of error discovery and
protection to allow integrators to increase revenue and
Certified Cyber Solutions (www.certifiedcybersolutions.com) decrease costs.
Service Efficiency
sells products and services to integrators to manage their
There are two cardinal
technology on an on-going basis. In addition to monitoring if Varan Monitor (varanmonitor.com) offers proactive system
motivations for adopting remote
a product goes off-line, its advanced diagnostics tool offers monitoring solutions whose primary goal is allow integra-
monitoring: decreased expenses
bandwidth utilization analysis and the ability to look at his- tors to automate their service stream without being depen-
through increased service
torical data to keep systems current even as that technology dant on a third-party monitoring contract, letting them cre-
efficiency and increased revenue
evolves. CCS’s Home Cyber Shield provides a protective lay- ate their own recurring revenue stream to streamline their
through monitoring contracts.
er against both operational interruption and security threats. service business.
As Varan Monitor director of
sales Nick Palanza explained,

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his company’s focus is on the
former, leaving the latter to the
integrators.
“The Varan [product] is a
proactive system monitoring
solution that can automate their
service stream without being
dependant on a contract from us.”
Varan sells integrators the tools to
allow them to actively manage
their installations. Pricing, he
says, is up to the dealer.
The bottom line with
Colin Bradley, CEO of The Com Portal, said that his company considers itself the helpdesk solution for AV programmers and integrators.
service efficiency is that remote
monitoring and control pre-empts most of the truck Integrators’ costs are going to vary from vendor
rolls that integrators have to make for minor issues to vendor. For instance, ihiji’s Maniscalco pointed
like rebooting a locked-up control processor or out that his company’s Appliance is scalable and
HD-PVR. Time is money, and the productivity lost low cost. “Our monitoring cost starts at about
to rolling a truck for a trivial matter is money that $120/year to the dealer and goes from there,”
can be better spent elsewhere. he said. Maniscalco further stated that his brand
At the same time, deep analytics means that is differentiated from others in that it’s a fully in-
when a truck does roll, the technician knows exactly house solution and doesn’t carry the added costs
what to bring along for the job, further increasing of expensive licenses for things like Microsoft
efficiency and saving both time and money. Windows-based OS, or third-party servers.
Nuage Nine’s Petraglia explained that the cost of
Recurring Revenue his company’s system monitoring boxes range from
In a channel where hardware margins seem to $1,000 to $1,500, and that integrators’ clients should
evaporate, and what’s profitable to sell and install expect to spend between $100 and $150 a month
one year may not be there the next, “recurring for monitoring, which adds up to good margins for
revenue” has appeal. As Panamax/Furman’s integrators when spread across their client base.
Currier explained, the next revenue stream for One key way of getting the value of remote
integrators has to be monitoring control systems. monitoring across to clients is to specifically sell
“The security industry figured this out long the benefit of advanced monitoring. According to
As Hagai Feiner, CEO of Access Networks explains, his first
ago,” he said. “Now AV integrators need to get on The Com Portal’s Bradley, his company can offer foray into residential integration was when the owner of a
board.” everything from IP address tracking to monitoring private real estate company in LA contracted him to install
device and subsystem connectivity. ”One “the exact same” IT network in his residence that Feiner
installed in his office.
feature that’s really taking off is our
chart plotter, [which is a] data logging
and charting system” Currently free under The Com Portal’s community services page,
it provides planning and plotting for everything
from energy tuning HVAC systems to tracking wine
cellar climate metrics. “We developed it because it
solved problems for our integration company, and
it will solve problems for yours too,” he stated.
Like a lot of industry trends, remote monitoring
is a category that has slowly been gaining ground,
building up momentum as more vendors offer
solutions and more integrators key in to the
benefits of offering it as a value-added service
to their clients. In the new year we may see a
Nuage Nine offers error discovery widespread shift as the custom channel adopts
and protection to allow monitoring services as both a best practice and a
integrators to increase revenue
new source of revenue.
and decrease costs.

Lee Distad (www.leedistad.com) is an Edmonton,

Alberta-based custom channel business consultant.

30 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com

Range Extenders
GETTING A SIGNAL TO GO FARTHER WITH ANTENNAS, WI-FI, AND IR EXTENDERS
by Michael Heiss
For the custom installation professional, a
perfect world would probably be one where
all jobs were started from scratch, offering
full access to all walls before they are covered,
and with conduit running everywhere to
allow for additional runs after the sheetrock
was hung. Of course, there would be a
network jack everywhere one could possibly
be needed, at the end of the job or anywhere
in the future. Along with that, there would
be perfect reception and availability of every
terrestrial, cable or satellite-delivered service
with no outages. Within the residence, where
wireless is required for mobile devices, the
QoS and bandwidth would be equal to that of
the wired backbone.
We can all dream, can’t we? In the real world, the
wireless system’s range isn’t always what might have
been projected once the walls are up. In the real world
there are outages from the cable or satellite system
from time to time. In the real world, data systems go
down and take IP phones with them, as the better part
of Southern California found out in early December
when Time Warner’s data service went down even
while the standard “cable” video programming was
fine. In the real world you sometimes need to make
The ClearStream Micron, introduced by Antennas Direct president Richard Schneider the HDTVA/HDTVI. Designed like
at CEDIA EXPO last September, claims a 35-mile range that seems to check out in
informal testing. For locations a bit closer to the transmission towers (within 15
miles or so) they also offer a flat-panel indoor antenna built into a picture frame.
32 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial systems.com
do with a basic, rather than sophisticated solution
to a problem of getting data, commands or content
from one place to another.
As we live in the real world, and some of
those real-world situations will require some
reasonably priced solutions to extend the range
of things or insure their availability even if some
of the solutions may at first glance seem obvious.
Indoor Antenna Options
While most systems installed by CEDIA ESCs bring
in local channels via cable or satellite,
there are still many of the “sub-channels”
that are not carried on those services. In
our perfect world, an outdoor antenna
is the best solution to this problem, but
when that’s not possible, there’s a new
generation of indoor antennae, many
of which are a far cry from the “rabbit
ears” of days gone by.
A favorite indoor antenna of many
has long been the Silver Sensor, now
sold under the Philips brand, and
I’ve had great success with a similarly
designed product sold by Terk, called
mini outdoor yagi arrays, they are
directional and a bit hard to hide in a
Utilizing the HomePlug-based product from Plaster
Networks can help extend a home network signal
over an existing powerline. And, thanks to a variety of
remote monitoring and diagnostic tools, the company
also makes it easy to see when a “noisy” device is
online by simply viewing the monitor and seeing when
the throughput drops or goes back to spec when a
specific appliance is plugged in or not.
room, but they definitely do the trick if the home is
in decent range of the local TV station antennae.
While flat-panel-type indoor models are more
discrete, results with them are mixed. A recent
addition to that form factor is the ClearStream
Micron from Antennas Direct, which claims
a 35-mile range that seems to check out in my
informal testing. For locations a bit closer to the
transmission towers (within 15 miles or so) they
also offer a flat-panel indoor antenna built into a
picture frame.
As you add an indoor, or for better range an
outdoor antenna, as a backup or alternate signal
source, don’t forget how this will impact any
remote programming. Make certain that all the
touch screens or macros on hand-held remotes are
programmed to reflect this new input source and
the audio that goes with it.

Extending WiFi Signals
Having creatively extended the range of program
sources to include direct off-air terrestrial
signals, one other type of signal that often needs
extension is Wi-Fi. No matter how well you plan
the infrastructure, sometimes there is simply a
dead spot or two in a residence. Yes, you can
try different access points, and sometimes
that alone will do the trick. Switching to
an 802.11n system might bring increased
range, but even if it does that won’t help for
products such as many laptops over a year or
two old or with PS3 consoles that are limited to b/g
wireless only at this time.
This is where enterprise-grade products might
do the trick, or perhaps replacing the antenna with
a higher gain replacement for the standard “rubber
duckie” antenna might also give just enough extra
boost to do the trick.
Not all consumer access points have external
antennae these days, though many enterprise
models do. In that case an interesting solution is
on the way from Antennas Direct. The company’s
Wi-Fi Distribution Kit, first previewed at CEDIA
EXPO back in September, cleverly includes the
parts to replace the access point’s antenna with a
connection that diplexes into the home’s
“
internal coax distribution system, riding
the Wi-Fi signal along with the existing
off-air or cable signal. Then, at the
place where you now have a simple
coax connection, you place one of the
supplied diplexers inside the wall box
and connect one lead to a standard coax jack for the
TV connection and the other to an SMA connector
that attaches to a small antenna on the wall plate.
The end result is that you’ve used the existing
infrastructure to extend the wireless range to
four, or up to eight additional antennae. As with
anything involving RF, there are always issues that
might limit the usability in some situations, but if it
works as it should this could be one trick to keep in
your back pocket.
No New Wires Solutions
Of course, there are simply times when even the
most imaginative solutions won’t extend wireless to
where you need to have broadband connectivity,
and that is where “no new wires” solutions come
into play. Coming out of CEDIA EXPO, MoCA
technology appears to once again becoming a
potential contender. A more developed technology
is the use of AC power lines to carry the broadband
signal, and given their ubiquity it is something that
can be placed almost anywhere in the home.
This technology has been around in a variety
34 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial systems.com
When the job is on a tight budget and it
is simply a case of wanting to convert
a product’s remote from IR to RF to get
behind cabinet doors or work from a
different room without a great deal
of programming or hassle, NextGen’s
“Remote Extender” takes care of the job
quickly and easily.
of forms and standards for some time, but with
the current HomePlug Alliance standards it is
clearly ready for prime time with throughput to
200 Mbps and beyond. One interesting take on
this comes from Plaster Networks, whose products
offer fast throughput and have worked better than
any previous such technology in my home test bed.
More interestingly, thanks to a variety of remote
monitoring and diagnostic tools, Plaster Networks
makes it easy to see when a “noisy” device is online
by simply viewing the monitor and seeing when
the throughput drops or goes back to spec when a
Extending range is
sometimes about
using the right
product to stretch how far
broadband service, remote
commands or off-air
signals can go to suit the
needs of a particular
installation.
”
specific appliance is plugged in or not. Armed with
that data it is easy to use a powerline isolator to
filter the noise caused by the offending device.
Stepping up the game, it is also worth noting that
the first powerline AV adaptor to claim 500Mbps
has been announced by TRENDnet. I haven’t had
a chance yet to test it, but the concept is intriguing,
even if the real-world performance is only half of
the claimed data rate.
Extending an IR Signal
Another common problem where extending a
product’s range is often problematic is with IR-
based remote controls. Clearly, any designer/
installer worth the title has a full bag of tricks that
include their favorite mix of IR extenders, blasters,
and similar products, but sometimes the only way
to do the trick is with an IR to RF adaptor. These,
too, have been around for a while, and commercial
strength solutions such as URC’s MRF series
products do the trick in sophisticated installations.
However, when the job is on a tight budget and
it is simply a case of wanting to convert a product’s
remote from IR to RF to get behind cabinet doors
or work from a different room without a great deal
of programming or hassle, NextGen’s “Remote
Extender” takes care of the job quickly and easily.
This is a product that truly fits the old cliché of
“…it’s so simple a child can do it.” Replace one
of the AAA or AA batteries in the remote to be
switched to RF with the supplied sleeve containing
a rechargeable battery, place the RF receiver where
the device(s) to be controlled are, select either
433 or 418 MHz as the operating frequency as is
appropriate to the installation, place the IR emitter
near the devices under control and you’re good to
go. No programming of codes into a new remote,
no setup, no nothing. It’s amazingly simple, yet it
worked like a charm. The kit even comes with a
spare battery and the “flying saucer” looking RF
receiver that doubles as a charging station. Yes,
this is a basic consumer product, but if it solves a
problem, isn’t that the name of the game?
Indeed, extending range is sometimes about
using the right product to stretch how far broadband
service, remote commands or off-air signals can go
to suit the needs of a particular installation. At the
same time, it is also a good metaphor to opening
your vistas to finding the right product to extend
the range of your service offerings, no matter what
it’s main market or intended use.
Michael Heiss is a contributing editor to
Residential Systems, based in Los Angeles.
Accessorizing AV
THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN CUSTOM MOUNTS AND ENCLOSURES
by Jeremy J. Glowacki
AV mounts and enclosure products may never be
the first item on the agenda when selling a potential
new client on the cool gear that you have to offer.
But when you get down to brass tacks on your next
installation, these behind-the-scenes workhorses
almost always will be on your final checklist of
essential products, because they literally hold an
installation together. Here’s a roundup of some
of the latest developments from these constantly
evolving and integral accessories.
OmniMount’s new Blade Series joins the
company’s Moda Series of wall furniture and Tria
Series shelving systems. The new wall furniture line
is slimmed down to fall along the same plane as
OmniMount’s new Blade Series wall furniture line is slimmed down to fall along the same plane as the latest in flat panel TVs
and wall mounts
36 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com
the latest in flat panel TVs and wall mounts, like In addition to the best
the company’s own LED Series, and it features features of Middle
uncomplicated installation. Its tempered black glass Atlantic’s other rack
shelves are designed deep enough to accommodate series, the company’s new
most any size DVD player, cable box, and video EGR Series rack enclosures
game consoles up to 35 lbs. feature new “V-system”
The Blade Series consists of two models, Blade1 pre-drilled sides with laser
and Blade2, their names representing the number knockout mounting holes
of shelves offered in each one. Both feature a depth on a 5.75-inch grid. This
of 1.13 inches deep. The frame ships as one piece, eliminates field drilling to
integrated cable management behind the covers mount small components
allows cables to be concealed without running them by allowing the integrator
inside the wall, and an optional satin black finish is to simply knock out any of
complementary to the technology it supports. The the precut holes and use the
covers also are paintable to match any wall color. company’s special stud to
provide a mounting point.
There are a variety of
available new brackets
designed for the V-System
that can be used to provide There are a variety of
mounting points for large available new brackets
designed for Middle
and small equipment, cable Atlantic’s V-System
tie points, and power-strip rack enclosure that
mounting, even rear rackrail can be used to provide
mounting points
in full height or partial for large and small
height sections. An optional equipment, cable tie
Cable-Entry door comes points, and power-strip
mounting.
with a brush grommet
“arch” that can be installed in the top or bottom of
the opening to provide a cable entry path. Because
of its design, it can be installed before or after the
cables, front or rear. Rack Bay Extenders provide
the capability to add depth to the front or back of an
existing EGR Series rack, allowing the use of existing
doors, handles, and similar elements while adding
three inches to the usable bay depth. Extenders
can also be stacked to achieve greater depths.
Not to be outdone on the variable-depth rack
enclosure front, Lowell Manufacturing is offering
its own VariRack line, a 19-inch EIA rack with
thin-flange frame and variable depth options.
The product’s corner post mounting rails can
be field-cut for a custom fit inside cabinets, and
its rails have printed cut-marks to assist accurate
 “
cutting if its height needs position when not in use. to the “zero” position. The swivel also includes an
to be shortened. When set At a 1.7-inch profile, adjustable clutch assembly that tolerates the manual
to maximum-depth, open the WallWizard SA52 override movement of the TV display, preventing
areas on the top and base of motorized swing mount any damage to the drive system. Each swivel
the rack will accept optional enables a medium-sized assembly includes a complete mounting bracket to
fan panels. TV (37 to 52 inches) to mount the flatscreen to the enclosure, whether the
The company also offers be viewed from different enclosure is provided by INCA or not, and to attach
its preconfigured portable viewing locations such as the TV and enclosure to the swivel assembly.
rack, with commercial the kitchen and an adjacent
boardrooms in mind. The game room, by varying Although it is known primarily for its projection
Model LPPR-2432 is a (24 the swivel angle up to 90 screens, Da-Lite is no stranger to flat-panel and
inches high x 32 inches deep) degrees. Viewing angles can projector mounts for both the residential and
UL Listed rack that features be fine-tuned at the touch of commercial markets. Its new TWM series of thin
all-welded construction a button, and a learnable IR flat-panel wall mounts offers a tilting design that
from 100-percent U.S. receiver and remote control allows for adjustment from 0 to 15 degrees, while
steel, smoked Plexiglas front is included. Incorporated
door, vented rear door presets remember favorite
with removable knockout TV positions; when the
panels above and below it, TV is turned off, the mount
vented sides, grey laminate automatically returns to
top with rounded corners home position.
Lowell Manufacturing offers its Model LPPR-2432
(extends almost one inch on preconfigured portable rack, with commercial
all sides), beveled corners boardrooms in mind Peerless Industries’ new
and a durable black wrinkle SUAC9000 ultra slim
powder epoxy finish. The skirted base hides heavy- articulating wall mount was created exclusively for
duty (three-inch) swivel casters that are rated to the Samsung Class 9000 Series 3D LED HDTV.
support up to 350 lbs. each. Adjustable mounting The manufacturer says that it’s the first solution
rails can be aligned to sit anywhere along the front- that lets you extend, tilt, and swivel the screen on
to-back rail supports and have both square and this new Samsung model by as much as 90 degrees.
round holes to accommodate multiple hardware When retracted, the SUAC9000 mount holds the
preferences. Includes locks on front and rear doors. Samsung screen 1.25 inches from the wall. This
ultra-slim profile all but hides the mount as well as
Still relatively new as a brand, WallWizard is offering maintaining the super-svelte look of the 0.3-inch-
both an ultra-thin motorized tilt wall mounts and a deep Samsung HDTV.
motorized swing mount. With a one-inch profile,
WallWizard’s new TA37 and TA55 motorized tilt Inca manufactures a lift system specifically designed
wall mounts, designed to accommodate 26- to 37- to suspend a flatscreen from one edge and swivel it
inch and 37- to 55-inch TVs, respectively. With to any viewing angle. The cornerpost swivel system Da-Lite’s TWM series of thin flat-panel wall mounts offers
their included learnable IR receiver, any universal mounts on the INCA custom ultra-stable lift and a tilting design that allows for adjustment from 0 to 15
degrees, while only protruding 11/16 of an inch from the
remote control can be programmed to adjust the tilt can provide a 90- or 180-degree turn. Controls are
wall at 0 degrees.
position. The TA models tilt the TV down at the connected to the system via an external junction box
touch of a button and return to an upright and flush and articulating cable. The external J-box houses
the fuse and ports for connecting controllers and an only protruding 11/16 of an inch from the wall at
auto-up switch to force the lift to come up if the 0 degrees. The TWS series is a static mount design
controller needs service. Control options include that only protrudes 7/16 inches from the wall.
dual-channel RF, or a touchscreen The TWM and TWS series are available in
interface controller that two sizes. The 2000 models fit most 19- to 27-
accepts programmed dry inch diagonal flat-panel displays, while the 2800
contact closure or 12 VDC models fit most 27- to 65-inch diagonal flat-panel
commands. Default stops displays. Both feature a universal mount design that
can be set by moving the accommodates most thin displays. The TWM and
magnetic cam stops to any TWS series are factory pre-assembled to reduce
desired position. on-site installation time. Fasteners for mounting to
The unit is fully interlocked wood studs are included along with an assortment
so the lift cannot go down of metric hardware to attach the flat panel monitor.
The WallWizard SA52 motorized swing until the TV is swiveled back Installation is made even easier with the addition
mount features a 1.7-inch profile.

38 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com

“
“These behind-the-scenes
workhorses almost always will be
on your final checklist of
essential products.

of a kickstand, which holds flat panel monitors 7.5 inches away from wall for
cabling and rear panel access. An optional wall box, the WB-200, is available
for pre-installation behind a TWM or TWS series mount allowing installation
”
of cabling and power prior to mount installation. Video Mount Products created the FP-LFVB for situations where large and sometimes heavy flat
screens need to be flush wall mounted, no matter the application.

Sanus is now shipping two new models within its Foundations Basic Series
furniture line and a mount kit that attaches directly to the furniture for a no-drill
TV mounting solution. The BFAV344 features a high-gloss black lacquered
finish and a curved shape, which allows the furniture to be positioned in the
corner of a room or flat against a wall. The BFAV550 offers a stylish waterfall
design and hardwood front veneers that come in a rich chestnut or chocolate
finish, for an elegant look in any room of the house.
Both furniture units feature generous cable management holes for keeping
AV cables organized and adjustable feet for maintaining stability and levelness
on uneven floors. Both support TVs up to 56 inches and have a top-shelf weight
capacity of 125 lbs. The BFAV344 and BFAV550 can be used in combination
with SANUS’ new Foundations FMK056 Mount Kit for a no-drill TV mounting
solution. Because the mount kit attaches directly to the back of the furniture with
no drilling or installation required on the wall, it is a great solution for those who
choose not to mount their TV with a traditional wall mount.
can be used with any of Chief’s projector mounts (RPA Elite or Mini Series) and
features micro adjustments for fast and permanent image alignment and keyed
locks for security.
Video Mount Products’ new FP-LFVB flush wall mount for large flat panels
is now shipping. With an MSRP of $96.95, the low profile mount holds most
large flat panels from 42 to 63 inches and up to 150 lbs. Installed at only 0.85
inches off the wall, the it has been designed with today’s new thin and light
LCD and LED panels in mind. The FP-LFVB has a maximum flat-panel hole
pattern of 890mm x 540mm and comes in a black powder coat finish. A silver
powder coat finish is also available (FP-LFV). The manufacturer created the
product for situations where large and sometimes heavy flat screens need to be
flush wall mounted, no matter the application.

In addition to its recently introduced Fusion pull-out mounts and its PXR
automated swing arm mount, Chief has introduced an enhanced motorized
suspended ceiling lift for projectors that makes installations up to 10 times faster
than conventional lifts, according to the company. The SL220 features a three-
step installation method to simplify adding automation into an installation. It no
longer requires two or more people to install; you only need one person and one
ladder. Also, no floor lift is required. The lift measures 2x2 feet to snap easily
into ceiling grids and is made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. The lift

Chief’s SL220 projector lift features a three-step installation method to simplify adding
automation into an installation.

re sid e n t ia lsyste m s. c om | R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S 39
 ProductReview

Kaleidescape
Modular Blu-ray Disc Vault
BY JOHN SCIACCA

650.625.6100
www.kaleidescape.com

Kudos
Incredibly simple install and
disc loading, totally silent
in operation, completes
Kaleidescape Blu-ray
experience for instant
playback of library of
Blu-ray titles
Kaleidescape’s
Blu-ray Disc Loader is
known as the Modular
Disc Vault (MDV) or Concerns
KVAULT-10 in K-speak.
Fairly large (5U) chassis,
each MDV must
Earlier this year I reviewed Kaleidescape’s M500 Blu-ray movie player, and connect directly to an
while I loved the high-res cover art GUI, the stellar video performance, and M-series player
the ability to play Blu-ray titles, I didn’t love the “disc-in-tray” requirement.
This restriction felt like a big step backwards from the traditional, awesome
Kaleidescape movie experience. My conclusion was, “Although certainly
a bummer, this limitation will largely be eliminated when the Disc Loader
arrives next year.” Product Specs
 Holds 100 Blu-ray discs
That next year is now, and that Disc Loader, stopped loading discs, the vault identifies each disc
 Connects to M500 or
known as the Modular Disc Vault (MDV), and then automatically starts the importing process.
M300 Movie Player via
or KVAULT-10 ($1,499) in K-speak, is now All told, it took me about 30 minutes to unbox,
USB cable
shipping. So, armed with a fully loaded (6 Terabyte install, and load 40 Blu-ray discs, making it an easy
RAID) 1U server, an M500 Blu-ray movie player add-on install to any existing system.  Automatically imports
and M300 Blu-ray mini player, I was ready to give While a system could have numerous Vaults, Blu-ray discs to
the MDV a whirl. each Vault must be connected directly to an Kaleidescape server
My first thought about the Vault was that it was M-class player. So for a library of 300 Blu-rays,  Instantly and seamlessly
incredibly lightweight… like a fake, furniture store you would need three vaults, at least three M-class integrates into
display. As installations go, the MDV is the easiest players, and about 12 Terabytes worth of storage. Kaleidescape system
component that I have ever racked in. It connects The MDV only accepts Blu-ray discs; any CDs
 Dimensions: 14.6 x 7.4 x
to an M-class player with a USB cable, then to or DVDs are recognized as non-Blu titles and then
16.9 (WxHxD); 6.3 pounds
power, and you’re done. The Vault is immediately ejected. The Vault is very quiet while importing,
(empty), 10 pounds (fully
recognized by the system and a new “Disc Vaults” only making typical changer carousel noises
loaded)
tab is added to the system menu. After a quick when rotating to import a new disc. Once it has
diagnostic, the Vault is ready to start accepting discs. completed the import process, it never moves and
Insert a disc, wait a second for the vault to spin to is utterly silent. Most Blu-ray titles took between 60
a new slot, insert another, and repeat. Once you’ve (continued on page 43)

40 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial systems.com

 ProductReview

PS Audio
866.406.8946

PerfectWave DAC BY DENNIS BURGER

www.psaudio.com

Kudos
PS Audio’s PerfectWave is
like the ultimate Swiss Army
As much as we fuss and nitpick and try our best to convey our weary sighs in Knife of DACs, doing every-
print when faced with an overly complicated piece of gear, we CE journalists thing you could ever ask a
secretly thrive on troublesome installations. They give us something juicy to digital-to-audio converter
write about. to do, and doing it all amaz-
ingly well.
So I daresay you (the installer) will find yourself
fonder of PS Audio’s PerfectWave DAC (digital
audio converter) than I (the scribe) am at the
moment. Because within minutes of pulling the
“Within moments I found
myself listening to some Concerns
PerfectWave out of the package–an experience in The device is so good it
and of itself, with the device floating between two of the most deliciously forced me to resort to the
sandwiched sheets of clear Mylar instead of packed in
Styrofoam, and swaddled in an organic cotton sleeve,
rendered uncompressed tired old “Swiss Army Knife”
simile. Oh, and it would be
topped with two white gloves–I had the system up AIFF and FLAC files my ears nice if it had a back-panel IR
and running, streaming music from my PC to the
theater from the other side of the house, with a level
of fidelity that I quite frankly have trouble conveying
have ever been treated to. ” input or an RS-232 jack for
control.

without resorting to words that aren’t fit to print.
As sophisticated a device as the PerfectWave DAC
is, it has no right being this easy to configure. I should
have been able to eke a good 200 words at least out of
setting it up for my home network. But no, the instant
I plugged an Ethernet cable into the PerfectWave
Bridge (a $799 add-on to the $2,999 DAC that
transforms it from a traditional digital-to-analog
converter into a networkable beast), the devices
acquainted themselves with no effort on my part.
Even downloading and configuring the company’s
$10 tagNplay iPhone/iPod Touch control app was
so quick and easy it hardly bears mentioning.
Don’t get the impression from all the talk of
networking and control apps that the PerfectWave
DAC is only, or even primarily, a streaming audio
device, mind you. It seems that PS Audio has set
out to build the DAC to End All DACs with the
PerfectWave–a lofty goal for a company known Product Specs
primarily for power conditioners and power-  Direct output to power
producing paraphernalia–and I’m inclined to say amplifier
that they’ve succeeded. In addition to AES/EBU,
 Polarity inversion control
coaxial digital, and optical, it also boasts a pair of I2S
inputs for use with high-end CD/DVD transports.  Sample rate converter bypass
Unfortunately, with no PerfectWave Transport  6 sample rates
on hand, I didn’t get put the I2S in’s to the test.
 5 assignable filters
(That would be another review in and of itself) but
in addition to the PerfectWave Bridge setup, I did  7 digital inputs (one
also try out a direct connection to my PC via USB, internal)
hoping for at least a lengthy driver installation or
some other sort of technologically fussiness. Nope.
As soon as the connection was made, the drivers
PS Audio’s
PerfectWave DAC
(digital audio
converter)

42 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com

 Ah ha! Complication! Obfuscation! The sort I’d had enough of that, though. I can’t help but
of baffling corksniffery you’d expect from an recall my review of the Micromega’s WM-10
audiophile device of this caliber! Right? Not so AirStream from a few months ago, in which I spent
much. PS Audio also has included a handy Auto hours comparing to my $400 iPod dock to discern
setting which automatically engages the best filter improvements in sound quality. They were there,
to match the sample rate of the digital source to be sure, but it was a hard sell.
delivered to it, and I’ll be damned if it doesn’t With the PerfectWave DAC, there’s simply no
always sound sumptuous no matter what I feed it. contest. Moving from DAC to dock is like dropping
Foiled again. by the DQ for dessert after dining at the Cheesecake
If I have one genuine Factory. The sound is simply
complaint (and what kind of More Online richer, deeper, smoother, and
A closer look at the PCB inside PS Audio’s PerfectWave DAC
review would this be if I didn’t?), better defined than with any
A Different Kind of DAC
installed themselves automatically, and within I really wish the PerfectWave To learn more about the other device in my system, past
moments I found myself listening to some of the DAC had a mini jack input PerfectWave DAC, let PS Audio or present, whether listening
most deliciously rendered uncompressed AIFF and on the back for IR input. The CEO Paul McGowan show how to uncompressed tracks or
it works in a video demo at
FLAC files my ears have ever been treated to. IR receiver on front isn’t as www.residentialsystems.com/ 320kbps MP3s (which PS Audio
Digging through the DAC’s front-panel receptive as it could be, and it’s a january2010. recommends against, but what can
touchscreen in hopes of finding some complicated, crying shame to have to sully the I say? I’m a rebel). I don’t even get
esoteric menus to complain about, I discovered all front of such a beautiful piece of to do the obligatory adjective-filled
sorts of filters whose functions I have to admit I still gear with an IR repeater. spiel about the strings in this song
don’t entirely grok well enough to explain without With nothing else left to or the horns in that song ringing
resorting to math, with labels like “minimum phase” complain about, I kicked back through with more warmth or
and “apodising,” and descriptions in the manual with a glass of Delirium Noel spaciousness compared to other
that read thusly: “For a typical minimum phase filter for some A/B comparisons and sources, because no other source
designed for 44.1kHz the group delay distortion up serious listening. Before the I’ve heard recently is worthy of the
to 10kHz is under two samples (less then 46s).” head on the Noel had settled, comparison.

(continued from page 40 ) but that meant digging through the Blu-rays stack couch or break the mood with long load times is
and walking my wife through the process of loading impressive, indeed.
and 90 minutes to import, and weren’t available a discs into the PlayStation3, using the joystick The Disc Vault is the final piece needed to
for viewing until they had finished importing. You and…which meant she usually ended up watching complete the Kaleidescape Blu-ray puzzle and
can watch movies while importing and can also something else. Now, the system gets more use it works brilliantly. And once you’ve lived with
import discs from other movie players or Vaults because it is so easy. A quick note on my daughter–
on the network. At one point I concurrently had and kids in general–using the system. Kaleidescape’s
the Vault and the M500 importing while watching new children’s remote and “Child Collection”
two separate movies on both the M500 and M300. feature is an amazingly simple yet brilliant thing
“Once discs were imported,
Blu-ray titles appeared in
That’s a ton of data shuttling around! The nice that will open up a whole new demographic to
thing is that the import process is totally automatic; technology ownership. the different views–List,
install the Vault, load up all of your client’s discs, Once discs were imported, Blu-ray titles Cover Art, Collection–and
and just let it do its thing. appeared in the different views–List, Cover Art,
I was surprised at how many Blu-ray titles I Collection–and were available for near-instant were available for near-
still had in their cellophane wrappers. Because my playback. My Blu-ray start times averaged about
previous Blu-ray storage solution was a haphazard 10 seconds, though others report times in the
stack under our pool table, five- to six-second range
instant playback. ”
I found multiple titles I had (likely due to optimized the Kaleidescape system and the Disc Vault, it is
never even opened. Also,
More Online network settings). The difficult to imagine being without it. What does
the lifestyle improvement Checking Out awesomeness of being able the Vault mean for Kaleidescape owners? An
Kaleidescape’s
of having all your movies “Kid’s Remote” to rapidly jump from disc additional $1,500 and finding room for a 5U
in one managed collection Kaleidescape’s new children’s to disc is especially useful component. Honestly, for someone looking to
is significant. Many times remote and “Child Collection” when viewing concerts, invest in a Kaleidescape system, this is a nominal
feature is an amazingly simple
my four-year old daughter yet brilliant feature that will open can’t be underestimated. “in for a penny, in for a pound” proposition akin
would want to watch up a whole new demographic to Being able to demo all to selecting the high-performance, wheels-upgrade
something that we only technology ownership. To read the best scenes from an option on your Ferrari. For dealers, a Disc Vault
John Sciacca’s extended review,
had on Blu-ray (Wall-E, visit www.residentialsystems. entire collection without should be considered mandatory as part of any
Bolt, Up, Toy Story 3, etc.) com/january2011. having to get off the M-class Kaleidescape install.

residen tial systems.com | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S 43

 TheDemoScene

Let There Be Height

Showing Off the Benefits of Surround Sound Height Channels
by Dennis Burger
Lately, the life of the sound engineer really has been looking up. Literally. Granted, Yamaha has been adding a height element
to its surround sound receivers for years now, but the advent of Dolby Pro Logic IIz and especially Audyssey DSX are bringing the
aural z-axis to a broader market, and with more oomph at that. And yet, these two additional channels seem to have been met with
a resounding shrug from most consumers. Chances are you’ve installed a handful of PLIIz- and DSX-equipped surround systems
already. How many of your clients have outright asked for the additional height channels, though? Before they can say that it’s
good, they need to hear that it’s good. So install those extra speakers, fire up the receiver in your showroom, turn on the Audyssey DSX
processing, pop in any of these discs, and prepare your clients for a truly new dimension of sound.

V for Vendetta (Blu-ray)

When I reviewed Yamaha’s RX-A1000
AVENTAGE receiver a few issues back,
I was especially impressed with the way
its Presence Speakers added a vertical
element to the destruction of the Old
Bailey in Chapter 3 of this anarchistic
comic book romp. DSX takes the scene
to new heights yet again. (I know, I know.
I couldn’t resist.)
As with the action onscreen, the sound
mix builds to a fevered crescendo. At first
the height channels do little more than
add a whip of wind overhead, while the
bulk of the mix remains firmly planted In Chapter 3 of V for Vendetta, fireworks rise, whiz, sparkle, and sputter overhead, and then float over the rest of the mix in a way that they
simply can’t in mere 5.1 or 7.1.
in the front and center speakers. As
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture slowly rises from the streets, though, it climbs majestically into the upper channels, building a wall of sound that’s soon
cut through by thunderous, wall-shattering explosions that remain anchored below, as the bombs bursting in air give proof through the night that those
speakers up there are definitely doing their job. The fireworks that rise from the bombast whiz and sparkle and sputter overhead, and float over the rest
of the mix in a way they simply can’t in mere 5.1 or 7.1.

Splice has a rockin’ sound mix that sounds awesome with the DSX processing turned on,
and thankfully you don’t have to venture even as far as the actual beginning of the movie
to enjoy it.
Splice (Blu-ray)
I have to admit, I feel a bit of shame in recommending that anyone purchase this
hackneyed mash-up of Species and Bride of Frankenstein. With its ham-fisted plot
and lame dialogue, it has next to nothing to offer in terms of story, and even most
of the action is kinda hokey. What it does have, though, is a rockin’ sound mix that
sounds awesome with the DSX processing turned on, and thankfully you don’t
have to venture even as far as the actual beginning of the movie to enjoy it.
The opening credits montage is delicious abstract tour through... something.
I’m not sure what. A mutant vascular system, maybe? The inner workings of some
kooky genetic experiment? Who knows? Who cares? Whatever it is, it makes for
a yummy caldron of sounds that envelop you from every direction–a tunnel of
sonorousness replete with bubbling blobs and slithering scales that waft around
your head, not merely in a gooey game of ring-around-the-rosy, but more like a
dome of pulsating acoustical energy that’ll leave you feeling like you need a bath
when the demo is done.

44 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial sy stems.com

 “
Inception (Blu-ray)
Chris Nolan’s latest mind-bending epic is also everything you could ask for from a height-channel demo: oodles
of action and a heaping helping of ambiance all stuffed in an audio blender and cranked up to 11. Check out Chris
the opening scenes for some particularly raucous z-axis activity as the zombies of Ken Watanabe’s subconscious Nolan’s
rampage around in an attempt to put an end to all the mental mucking-around going on inside his dream. (I
assure you, the previous sentence will make more sense in context). latest mind-
For my money, though, the best use of the DSX processing comes later, in Chapter 9, as Leo DiCaprio bending epic is
and his angsty band of dream warriors attempt to flee the dangers of one delusion for a deeper one. If that’s
too obfuscatory for you to follow, consider this: there’s gunfire. Lots of gunfire. Bullets zipping by from above also everything
and below, ripping through the soundfield from front to back and top to bottom, while spattering rain falls so you could ask
convincingly down the front wall you’ll swear you’ll need to replace the carpet padding once it’s all over.
for from a
height-channel
demo: oodles
of action and a
heaping helping
of ambiance all
stuffed in an
audio blender
and

”
cranked
Chapter 9 in Inception features bullets zipping by from above and below, ripping through the soundfield from front to back and top to bottom, while
spattering rain falls so convincingly down the front wall you’ll swear you’ll need to replace the carpet padding once it’s all over.
up to 11.
 NewProducts

What to See at CES

In the same way that Apple promises the public that there’s an app for every
need, OmniMount is now asserting that they make a mount for
every AV application as it launches its IES1, a universal iPad and eReader
stand. While a series of custom products for this category are being finalized
for a Q1 2011 launch, with the IES1, users can display their iPad or eReader
on a stand, or attach it to a wall mount or desktop mount. It was designed
specifically for Apple’s iPad and Amazon’s Kindle, but it will support any
multimedia device up to 9.5 inches wide. Users can rotate their device from
portrait to landscape easily, without removing it from the stand, then lock it
in place in either position.
Elite Screens' new Insta-RP is an adhesive
optical pliable rear-projection material that is made of a
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that is designed
to install quickly on any glass surface and is made for both
small and large commercial venues. It provides a 2.2 gain
image that is ideal for applications where there is either
controlled or ambient light. Small retail units measure
from 68 to 151 inches diagonally and are available in 4:3,
16:10, 16:9, and 2.35:1 aspect ratios.
Peerless will debut its brand new HD Flow high-def wireless multimedia system, which features
1080p 60Hz signal transfer with virtually no delay, ensuring picture quality and viewing convenience
anywhere in its range of 131 feet. By simply connecting the transmitter to any multimedia device and
connecting the display device to the receiver, real-time HD audio and video can be enjoyed at home, at
work and at play.
Digital connectivity solutions provider
NAD Electronics is introducing its compact Gefen will demonstrate how its
VISO THREE Music System, a space-saving CD receiver connectivity solutions can enhance
that lets listeners enjoy music from CDs, an iPod, a USB home entertainment systems through
drive, or the radio. An iPod dock and charger, included small add-ons to high-end signal
with the VISO THREE, enables users to enjoy their processors. The company’s 4x1 HD
entire music libraries through matching VISO TWENTY switcher with audio decoding is a
speakers, a special VISO THREE option. preamp that creates surround sound
using any HDMI input from one of
four connected sources. A selected
Blu-ray player, game, or set-top box
signal is split and delivered to any
HDTV display and separately in six
bi-amped analog channels so users
can connect an amp directly to the
decoder.
Control4 is being a little cagey about
the specifics, but it promises to display the
latest products designed to integrate with
its control platform, including a kitchen
of the future, a display of in-home energy
management, and a partnership with a
large CE manufacturer. Control4 will also
be introducing a new interface that gives
homeowners more control options and will
be showing off the newest apps for the digital
home in its growing 4Store marketplace.
Capping a year of 80 new product intro-
ductions, Polk Audio will feature
the first demonstrations of its new LSi M
reference series. Also on display will be the
CHT500 Component Home Theater, a
seven-channel single-speaker, two-piece sur-
round system; and the BlackstoneTL series of
high performance compact speakers.
Paradigm Electronics will
be showing a new wireless subwoofer as well
as the MilleniaOne compact home theater
system. The company will also be making an
announcement about its plans for reaching a
wider range of consumers beyond its tradi-
tional dealer base.
Atlona will showcase a wide variety
of CE products, including wireless solutions
that allow consumers to enjoy streaming
content from their computer on their HDTV
without the hassle of wires. Making its CES
debut will be the third-generation AT-AiR3
USB to HDMI converter, which is capable
of transmitting a full 1080p wireless signal.
For integrators, Atlona is announcing sup-
port for all 3D signal types across multiple
Atlona products, including HDMI switchers,
converters, extenders, and splitters.
MartinLogan says that it will
stick to what it does best and unveil new
bookshelf, tower, and ElectroMotion Series
speakers. Showing that they can be discrete,
the company also will unveil three new archi-
tectural speaker lines that are voice matched
to the company’s folded motion and ultra-
premium electrostatic speakers.

For more information on all of these products, visit residentialsystems.com/january2011

46 R E S I D E N T I A L S Y S T E M S | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 | residen tial systems.com

 Residential AdIndex
Systems COMPANY NAME PAGE TELEPHONE #

January 2011 American Power Conversion 19 888.289.APCC

Volume 12, Number 1

EDITORIAL
AMX Insert-15 800.222.0193
Jeremy J. Glowacki Editorial Director
Llanor Alleyne Contributing Editor Arlington Industries 5,21,31,39 800.233.4717
Jeremy Burkhardt, Dennis Burger, Sam Cavitt, Dave
Chace, Mike Detmer, Lee Distad, Ira Friedman
Anthony Grimani, Michael Heiss, Richard Millson, Audio Plus Services 51 800.663.9352
Karen Mitchell, John Sciacca,
Karen Sussman, Gordon van Zuiden
Contributors
Autonomic Controls 9, Insert-9 914.598.1647

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Phil Holtberg Group Publisher, 212.378.0413 Chief Manufacturing 29 800.582.6480
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Crestron 52, Insert-7 800.237.2041
Zahra Majma Classified Advertising Sales, 212.378.0433
ART & PRODUCTION
Nicole Cobban Senior Art Director Digital Projection 13 770.420.1365
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CIRCULATION
Intelix 7 866.4.MATMIX
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Associate Director for Audience Development
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 ProductSpotlight
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49
 GoingForward

Slimming Down the LCR

How Artison Went
‘Ultra Thin’ With Community
Commentary:
Its DualMono The Way Artison
Speakers Uses Line Arrays
Artison’s new attachable LCR-DM
speakers are designed to deliver
high-fidelity performance audio
The recent ultra-thin trend in flat-
with new driver technologies
panel TVs initially came at the
are function as seamless, nearly
expense of audio quality. That’s where
invisible additions to virtually
loudspeaker manufacturers like Artison
any flat-panel display.
have stepped up to offer attachable
The Masterpiece LCR-DM fea-
LCR speakers that provide higher
tures curved line arrays utilizing
fidelity sound, improved video-audio
eight 25 mm full-range drivers.
integration, and aesthetic appeal.
They combine with inverted
Artison’s new ultra-thin attachable
LCR DualMono speakers (the
Masterpriece, Portrait, and Sketch)
include all three front-channel
speakers (left, right, center) in two
slim enclosures utilizing the company’s
patented DualMono Center Channel
technology. The design projects
dialogue in the center of the screen
rather than above or below the set.
Artison’s wraparound mounting
brackets literally hide the mounts from
view, and custom grills are cosmetically Cary Christie
matched to the specific video display
magnet structure 5.5-inch long-
model being used.
throw Kevlar midrange/woofers
Artison has reworked its The Artison Masterpiece LCR-DM with grille removed.
that provide a low crossover fre-
bracketing system to make them
quency from the woofer to the
easier to install, as well. Previously, drill pins go with a “phantom center” instead, viewers can
midrange of 800 Hz, keeping all
were used on the grill to line the speaker up with really get into what’s going on the screen, for a
drivers in piston mode and re-
the display and then adjust it to fit the height. dramatically improved experience, he said.
ducing distortion.
Cary Christie, founder, president, and CEO of All three speakers use new driver technologies,
The curved line array design
Artison explained that if you were off a little on including inverted magnet woofers. According
controls the vertical dispersion
the old design, then you would have to undo the to Christie, an inverted magnet motor assembly
pattern of the speaker and pro-
bracket-to-bracket screws and make adjustments requires a smaller woofer, making the products
vides a wide horizontal pattern.
multiple times. Now, an ESC can be off a little as thin as possibly while maintaining high-
Artison’s Cary Christie says
bit, without suffering the consequences. performance. Side-firing Stage Tweeters widen
that the advantage of line arrays
The new speakers weigh two-thirds less the soundstage to help offer a more enhanced
is that they are much more
than their predecessors yet maintain the same experience.
uniform and natural sounding.
price point (MSRP: $2,800.00, $2000.00, and Christie believes that today’s end users want a
$1,350.00, including grilles, respectively.). They home theater that isn’t just about filling the rooms
replace models of the same name, yet everything is with audio for special effects and music, but one More Online
new except the dual mono center channel. that brings everything together the way the director What has been your
According to Christie, traditional center-channel intended–with dialogue coming from the center of experience with line arrays?
speakers force a viewer’s brain to work harder to the screen. Visit the Residential Systems
sync the audio and video together. But when you –Karen Sussman LinkedIn Group to let us
know.

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