Integrated Systems Europe Day 1 - A Sign Of The Times

Day 1 at Integrated Systems Europe and something that's becoming apparent is that screens or displays are becoming more and more integrated into our backgrounds.  Something that would have wowed us had we seen it in the original Blade Runner is now available.

For example digital signage was prominent on many booths especially the Samsung Displays exhibit.  These LED displays are used in place of fixed signage and can be interactive, reprogrammed or change throughout the day or evening depending on whats going on in the area.  It didn't catch many peoples attention, and that's one of the things which surprise me - We are in an age where its just taken for granted that these digital, weatherproof signs are taken for granted.

Also on exhibit all around the expo were huge colourful LED / OLED walls and partitions,  featuring rich full colours and seamless transitions.  Again many people didnt even stop to look but it's part of the landscape now.  From a home technology and audio visual standpoint it points to being close to having interactive full colour digital walls in our homes and offices to display data, art or things like kitchen walls showing recipes, lounges with walls that show our photo albums and even provide the light or ambience.

Some of the signs and displays were pretty high resolution, perhaps not a good enough image to use in home cinema, but a media room or casual gaming environment would be fine.  I guess as the price of the technology comes down and gets better we can hope to see some of these types of displays start to be integrated into homes, offices, hospitals etc...  

Integrated Systems Europe Day 1 - Klipsch

I'm here at ISE in Amsterdam Day 1 of the Exhibition, It's Huge and by that I mean I got totally lost a number of times and stumbled upon whole areas I didn't even know were there.  One thing that was very evident in the show is that architectural speakers, and by that I mean speakers that fit inside a niche or hole in your ceiling, in your wall or even in your furniture/woodwork are very popular.  These in-ceiling and in-wall speakers are perfect for home cinema and multi room audio applications.  The speakers remain hidden and no wires can be seen or cones to be popped or tweeters to be dented.

We use our Nuvo range of speakers in almost all of our installs they are a great way of adding extremely good sound to the majority of your home, distributed audio is still our number one seller, we use them with Sonos and Nuvo amplifiers.

We are also a big fan of Klipsch speakers, especially for very high end home cinema and that's why I was drawn to Klipschs booth at ISE.

““We have been working diligently on a robust line up of speaker solutions that save integrators time and money, and provide their customers with the best sound experience” ”

— Rob Standley, Vice President and General Manager at Klipsch Group.

It was one of the larger (and coolest looking) booths from the speaker companies , dedicated to their custom range of speakers designed for professional installation by a residential integrator (posh words for an Audio Visual (AV) installer).  It was an impressive booth and showed their commitment to this segment of the market.

The stand was also busy, It seems that many installers and end users are looking more and more for a built-in solution without the clutter of floorstanding or bookshelf speakers.  Building an audio system or theater room into a property is fast becoming one of the most requested upgrades and Klipsch have a rock solid reputation for good sounding, loud speakers (some may say a little brash but we like their high end range for cinema).

It's great to see this level of dedication from a company with such heritage.  For me there's a slight bewilderment at the shear array of options and price points but they have to have it all covered and it probably will be the installer choosing or at least recommending the models and not the customer.

I look forward to using some of their new range in installs, it's not to everyones taste and not for every home theatre or media room we design in Thailand, but for some its a good fit and one of the better booths at ISE I thought.

Integrated Systems Europe - Holland

I'm off to Holland via the UK for ISE 2018 - The worlds largest AV Systems Integration Show.  Looking forward to meeting our suppliers and finding some cool new home technology to bring to Thailand.  I will be doing some blogging if I see anything really cool, Particularly interested in some of the bigger TV's that are coming out (OLED etc...) and the 4k Projectors as we have some going into home cinemas soon and I can't wait to get my hands on them.

Integrated Systems Europe is the world´s largest AV systems integration show. The annual four-day event, takes place at the RAI Amsterdam – The Netherlands, from 6-9 February.

As the European destination for the international AV and systems integration industry, ISE 2018 will showcase the latest cutting-edge technology, products and solutions being produced for both channel and end-user professionals. In addition, attendees can enjoy an expansive education and personal development programme produced by AVIXA and CEDIA. This will be complimented by a packed schedule of conferences, keynote speeches and exciting show-floor features

ISE showcases the most advanced integration technologies,  which you can find in seven dedicated technology zones.

The ISE exhibition floor is sectioned into different technology zones, giving attendees a concentration of relevant exhibitors in designated areas. This makes navigating around the sizeable show floor, with almost 1,200 exhibitors, more straightforward.

The seven technology zones are: Audio & Live Event Technology, Digital Signage & DooH, Education Technology, Residential Solutions, Smart Building, Unified Communications and XR Technology.

AUDIO AND LIVE EVENT TECHNOLOGY
The audio chain, from microphones and headphones to loudspeaker systems and networking, is an ever-prominent force at the show. As, too, are the visual ingredients necessary for making live performances truly unforgettable. Shows are getting bigger and more extravagant as the focus shifts from recorded performances to live. At the same time, the show – particularly the Audio & Live Event Technology Zone at ISE – has firmly established itself as the key destination for professionals operating in this strand of the AV market.

DIGITAL SIGNAGE & DOOH
Digital signage has been the fastest growing market segment at ISE in recent years. It is, therefore, no surprise that the Digital Signage & DOOH Zone at ISE showcases how state-of-the-art digital signage is used extensively for advertising and information delivery. The retail, transportation, healthcare, corporate, education, leisure, and hospitality sectors are just some of the areas where digital signage plays a significant role. At ISE, see digital signage in action and understand how it can boost your business.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
The Education Technology Zone at ISE tells the story of how AV technology is helping to drive innovative teaching practices. We are experiencing a revolutionary period in education; learning has never been this multi-dimensional before, nor has it been so well supported by the latest technologies. For educational institutions, businesses, private tutors and professional development specialists, ISE provides a shop window to the latest technology derived educational tools and solutions.

RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS
With the backing of joint-partner CEDIA, ISE is extremely well positioned as a leading voice in Residential Solutions and home automation. Residential Solutions and its associated technologies have always been a fundamental, core element of the show. The category’s development is particularly apparent in the Residential Solutions Zone at ISE, where attendees can discover the real-world benefits of home entertainment, building automation and energy management systems in a residential environment.

SMART BUILDING
ISE really is a feast for smart building technologies, solutions and insight. Not only does the show host the annual Smart Building Conference, but the Smart Building Zone at ISE provides a category-specific area of the show floor for those interested in this segment of the AV and systems integration industry. Visitors to this zone will find manufacturers, suppliers and integrators, covering a range of technologies, including: air conditioning, lighting and shutter control, security systems, heating, ventilation, monitoring, alarming, water control, energy management, metering, audio and household appliances.

UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
In the Unified Communications Technology Zone at ISE, attendees will find the latest in UC products and solutions designed for this dynamic market sector. If you are looking to equip your multi-site businesses, boardroom or office with the latest in communications and collaboration technology, then ISE provides the perfect showcase. If you are a UC technology installer or integrator, the show gives you the perfect opportunity to see what’s available to your customers.

XR TECHNOLOGY
In response to the growing importance of augmented, virtual and mixed realities in AV, a brand-new 500sqm XR Technology Zone has been added to the show floor. It can be found in the Park Foyer, at the rear of Hall 8. The centrepiece of the XR Technology Zone will be provided by Holovis. Using a dedicated 30sqm rig, Holovis will highlight the latest in a wide range of B2B immersive technologies, highlighting the business opportunities they present for ISE attendees and exhibitors. An XR Theatre, hosting a range of XR workshops and presentations throughout the show, will be positioned at the rear of the Park Foyer.

Office Build Update - January

We've been working hard on the office this month, the toilets are finished, the ceiling work is nearly completed and all of the brickwork and concrete work are almost finished.

The red brick wall is going to be our feature wall, likely we will have a range of Roth, Sonos and Nuvo products demonstrated here, the Home cinema is off to the side and is going to be very cool.  We have a new line of cinema equipment coming soon and can't wait to show off all the home theatre goodies we have. 

The ceiling is gypsum and we decided to add some additional bracing to the building to add rigidity.

We cant wait to add some of our exceptional Nuvo speakers into the ceiling space.  Architectural speakers are always our first choice for multi room audio.  They hide away discretely in the ceiling, no wires to trip over and no fingerprints or pushed in speaker/tweeter drivers.

First Alert - Smoke Alarm with built in Mic and Speaker

First Alert used CES 2018 to launch their latest product a 3-in-1 Smoke Alarm, Microphone and Speaker that can be connected to your choice of Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apples Homekit.

It's quite a clever idea seeing as most people will want smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms in most of their rooms anyway, why not build a smart speaker and microphone into them.

Onelink Safe & Sound – Meet your family’s new best friend. This 3-in-1 device delivers added convenience and enjoyment to every household. The Onelink Safe & Sound is the first announced smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm with a superior home speaker and ability to process voice commands. The device features exclusive voice and location technology to alert users to the type of danger and its location. The wireless interconnection feature automatically activates other Onelink alarms in the home when an emergency is detected. In addition, the Onelink Safe & Sound has a host of features that put it in a category of its own:
Onelink Safe & Sound with Amazon Alexa – Need Something? Just ask Alexa – built directly into the new Onelink Safe & Sound. Users can simply ask Alexa to play music, hear the news, check the weather and control other smart home devices with the Onelink Safe & Sound.
Onelink Safe & Sound with the Google Assistant – Simply say “Hey Google,” to trigger the Google Assistant that’s built directly into the new Onelink Safe & Sound. Users can have their own personal Google right on their ceiling and ask it questions or tell it to do something. From controlling devices in the home to providing information about your day, the Google Assistant simplifies life and can help accomplish tasks, play music and more – all via the Onelink Safe & Sound smoke and CO alarm.

Onelink Safe & Sound with Apple HomeKit – Using the Apple Home app or Siri, simply and securely control Onelink Safe & Sound as well as other HomeKit accessories right from an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Set up scenes, access the Onelink Safe & Sound remotely, or have things happen automatically. The Onelink Safe & Sound will also support Apple AirPlay 2 upon availability. AirPlay 2 enables multi-room audio and Siri control for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users, all through the Apple Home app.

Onelink Connect – In keeping with its reputation for safety and reliability, First Alert enters a new category with its Wi-Fi mesh tri-band solution, which delivers faster, stronger, more reliable internet throughout the home. The Onelink Connect system includes three nodes which can be placed throughout the home. The nodes are in constant communication with one another via a dedicated backhaul, preventing congestion and directing maximum internet speeds to the locations where it’s needed most. The resulting network blankets the home with consistent Wi-Fi coverage, enabling users and devices to get online – and stay online – faster and easier.

Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm – Experience the convenience and peace of mind of smart alerts on your phone, wireless interconnection with other compatible Onelink alarms and a customizable nightlight, all with the Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. The sleekly designed alarm works with Apple HomeKit and works with Alexa and the Google Assistant actions, so users can choose their preferred platform to integrate the alarm in their connected home. Both hard-wired with battery back-up and battery-operated versions will be available, with easy adapter plugs to make installation a breeze.
 

Alexa controlled Home Theatre Projector from Optoma

Optoma's latest projector - the UHD51A - has Amazon's voice assistant technology (AKA Alexa) built into it, it's the first home theatre projector to feature native Alexa compatibility.

It will go on sale for just under $2000 in April for $1,700 and can be directly controlled via Amazons Echo, Dot or Fire range of Alexa voice command home technologies.  Simply install the Optoma skill to your Alexa and you can speak directly to your projector.

For example you will be able to say "Alexa, Turn on/turn off the projector" and
"Alexa, Change input to HDMI 2".  Because it''s built in natively you don't have to fiddle around by saying "Alexa, Ask Optoma to xxxx".

Now onto a bugbear of mine, they are marketing this as a 4k projector - It's not.  It can achieve an almost 4k like image by a "Pixel Shift Upscaling Engine" which is likely to be some sort of wobulation technology.  Basically it paints the picture in 2 or more runs, it's not real 4k. 

Lets Talk About... "The Wall"

The Consumer Electronic Show of 2018 otherwise known as CES 2018 has come to an end, CES is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association and is used by many companies as a launchpad for their new products.

This year saw another slew of Amazon Alexa and Google Home aligned products but it was also a really interesting year for TV.  Now that the manufacturers have stopped fiddling about with Gimmicky 3D and Curved sets they have got back on track with bringing us the thinnest, biggest and best looking TV's again.

OLED screens and QLD are indeed beautiful, however they are both expensive technologies to produce, especially in larger sizes.

Enter "The Wall" by Samsung, in it's current iteration it is a 146" TV featuring microleds which is a cost effective and more scaleable advanced version of LED that promises to look as good as OLED/Quantam Dot.  The screen is 4k High Definition with HDR and would look great in any size Home Cinema.

It's bezel-less format means that in theory you can stack them vertically and horizontally - I guess to produce a wall of display, in your home. shop, business etc...  It's still really a concept but Samsung insist it will be on sale, no price released yet but it won't be cheap.

New Philips Hue App is coming, soon....

The new Philips Hue App to control the smart bubs in your smart home is coming in Q2 2018.  We have a video showing you what you can expect below.  Exciting times, we love the look and feel of it and the shiny video does a nice job of showing you how easy it's going to be to control your smart lights.

We particularly like the new room controls, looks like it makes much better sense in terms of controlling that rooms lighting scenes and mood.  Also joining bulbs into groups seems to be a little less tricky judging  by the video.

All in all we can't wait to get our hands on it, although to be honest we spend most of our time speaking to our lights with Alexa nowadays!

Poor Smart Home Robot :-(

A Smart Home Robot invented by LG to help users control their Smart Homes has taken a bit of a beating in the press this week after it failed to follow the commands of LG's Marketing Chief who was Demoing the Robot to the Press at the CES Show in the USA.

"Cloi" is meant to be the centrepiece of LG's proof of concept regarding how AI can help in the home and the kitchen.  It stood there blinking, seemingly confused, whilst it ignored multiple consecutive commands.

Across social media the robot has been blasted for his disastrous debut, making us feel rather sorry for him (her?).

We've all suffered from stage fright at some point, and it's a big ask to put a voice assistant on a stage with speakers, PA systems, microphones and a crowd.  It's great to see LG putting time and effort into designing and developing robots to assist in the future smart home though.

Philips Hue - Update and new Computer Sync

Philips Hue launched a big update to their app and bulbs today after announcing it at the Consumer Electronic Show in the USA.  This promptly broke their servers for a while so if I was you I wouldn't update my app and bulbs for a few days yet.

Building on their Smart Home success this will also offer the ability to sync your computer with games and movies that you are playing or watching on your PC.  It will work through a Windows10 and MacOS app called Hue Sync.

This app monitors whats on your screen and automatically changes the mood and dynamics/colours of your lights.  Imagine watching a scary movie and the lights dim as the movie scene gets darker, glimpses of candlelight flicker in the back of your room mimicking the film unfolding before you.  Sounds cool, and you get to dial in how intense you want the effect to be.

There is also a new implementation of the Philips Hue app for Android and iPhones, featuring a modern style that makes navigating to scenes and rooms much easier.

Philips Hue also mentioned that they will be releasing their first outdoor lighting and fixtures and hinted there may be a security element to some of the outdoor lamps.

The Hue ecosystem is going from strength to strength, I'd still like some hard switches, directly available from Philips, so if you are listening....

Also you can now sync your Razer gaming products with your Philips Hue lights.  See the cool video below.

Home Cinemas of the Rich and Famous - Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry, who was Chandler Bing as one of the stars of Friends- the Sitcom that ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 - has his LA home up for sale for a cool $13.5 million.

The iconic Hollywood Hills mansion was originally built in 1962. Overlooking the Sunset Strip it features floor to ceiling Windows to admire the expansive city views.

Updated by Whipple Russell architects who said about the project "The challenge was to create indoor and outdoor living experiences that retained unobstructed views to the horizon line and sky. Our intent was to preserve the integrity of a mid-century classic while rejuvenating the structure with our contemporary uses of color, wood, light and water. The aim was calm elegance and functionality, married with touches of 21st century whimsy as seen in the choice of sculptured art. Water is fully integrated into the design, from the infinity pool, and reflecting ponds, to the wet-edge waterfall along the walkway to the theater. The only spaces not in the original footprint are the Master Bedroom, which floats out at the edge of the property, and the Home Theater that is tucked in beneath it sharing a wall and windows with the pool.

It's all very swish but what we are really interested in, is the home cinema.

The Home Theatre sits underneath the house with 2 inch thick glass windows looking into the swimming pool, very cool.

It's had an update recently with a Wider screen and more modern furniture in the latest pictures but it's obvious Matthew really enjoys his Home Cinema.

New Year - New Office

Happy New Year everyone, we hope 2018 is going to be as great as 2017.  

Our new office is taking shape, we've got a ceiling going up in the toilets and a final matt black coat on the metalwork before we lay the concrete floor.  We are really looking forward to showcasing all the latest in Smart Home technologies here in our Phuket HQ. 

2018 will also see a satellite office opening up in Chiang Mai and us offering our Audio system and Home Cinema expertise as Consultants and Designers for UK based projects.

We will also have some news regarding Networking services that we will be offering a little later in the year.