Systemline News

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Systemline Goes Wireless

European Pioneers of Multiroom Entertainment Introduce the Wireless Commander

Armour Home has announced the introduction of the Systemline Wireless Touchscreen, the first wireless control product from the UK based manufacturer. The Systemline Wireless Touchscreen is the result of intensive research and development and a significant investment by Systemline, a company which has notched up over 20 years experience in producing quality innovative solutions for the multiroom market.

The wireless Touchscreen is made up of three components. The Touchscreen itself, which is battery operated, suitable for over 4 hours constant use, or days on standby. The device sits snugly in the hand and has a high quality feel to it, with materials on all surfaces being carefully chosen to provide the class look and stylish feel the product deserves. It is available in a gloss white, or a high-gloss black.

Hidden inside is the technology that allows it to communicate wirelessly with up 8 zone receivers in order to supply flexibility over which area is being controlled. The technology is based on a known platform, but some 'tweaks' have been made by the Systemline R&D team to fully exploit this technology for the multiroom market.

The Touchscreen comes supplied with charging base station with a matching finish to the screen and will look at home on any coffee table or sideboard, with or without the Touchscreen docked. The wireless Touchscreen 'pack' also comes supplied a Systemline wireless junction box. This device is connected directly to the zone cards in the S6 controller or the Modular speaker allowing communication from multiple wireless screens. These are also available separately should the installer wish to add more zones than controllers.

Systemnet, the control software behind Systemline, is located in the wireless Touchscreen so the device works in a very similar fashion to current in wall touchscreens, and is programmed in the same way. It will add a new room selector menu that allows control of more than one zone from the device, for example, the ability to select which 'zone' (in reality which wireless receiver), the touchpanel is communicating with at any given time, and therefore offer precise control of that zone. Pressing the 'R' room selection hard key at any time will show the user the room currently selected for control.

NAD AV Control

Being released at the same time as the wireless Touchscreen is the new version of Systemnet, version 12.0, which for the first time includes two way RS-232 control of AV products, starting with the NAD AV receiver range. Systemnet v12 will offer control of source selection, volume control, and built in tuners of the new NAD T Series receivers and the NAD VISO FIVE. This will also extend to control of the DAB module when connected to the NAD T series receiver. Feedback of the volume level and the source selection will come back to the touchscreen via RS-232 and the two way RF protocol. The integration between NAD Systemnet is a very important step in the development of Systemline as this allows seamless integration of the multiroom audio and AV systems in the home.

As part of the Systemnet integration plan this integration module a joint cooperation by both the NAD and Systemnet teams. It is also available on any colour Touchscreen, not just the wireless, and is a benefit available to all old Systemline S6 or Modular customers, assuming the cabling topology will allow for this.

Systemline Maintains High Profile at ISE Show 2009

ISE 2008 saw the 21st birthday celebrations of 'Systemline', Armour's market leading multi-room control system. ISE 2009 will see the launch of yet more innovative products, substantially enhancing its product offering and proving, even in difficult times, that Armour continues to invest in new product development and initiatives to support its installers and distributors.

INTEGRATION PROGRAMME

The ongoing development of the Systemline "SystemNet" control system, means Armour will be launching the latest RS232 integration with, for example, 'KNX' for HVAC and Lighting, 'Clipsal' for one-way lighting control, 'Sky' for feedback on channel information and, with the latest improvement, 'Dynalight' control also for two-way HVAC and lighting. Each of these developments strengthen the flexibility of both Systemline Modular and S6, allowing integration with other Home Automation solutions via simple control on the elegant Systemline TouchScreen controls.

Each of the integration files will feature on the SystemNet software and provide "Drag & Drop" simple setup, without complex on-site programming.

WIRELESS TOUCHSCREEN CONTROL

To delight today's sophisticated consumer, flexibility of control is essential with modern multi-room systems. Systemline's elegant wireless TouchScreen will allow for seamless control of the 'S6' or 'Modular' system, including lighting, HVAC and A/V, either in collaboration with our in-wall TouchScreens, or where conventional controls are already in place. Their simple ergonomic design, with both hard key and touch screen control, will provide the "WOW" factor to any Systemline installation.

NEW SPEAKER LAUNCHES

With 'local' active speaker technology, Systemline Modular has always strived to deliver high quality audio performance, whilst conforming to the changing constraints in building regulations and construction techniques.

Armour Home is pleased to introduce at ISE 2009, the new Systemline ALM3 series of active in-ceiling speakers. An enhancement over the previous design, the new ALM3's benefit from switchable infrared, for flexibility on-site where a keypad may not be required. Superb sound quality is provided by Titanium drive units which deliver crisp clear sound. Complete peace of mind comes with its 'IPX5' moisture rating to meet the latest building regulations in certain markets.

When it is not possible to use either 'in-ceiling' or 'in-wall' speakers, then the elegant 'M-OW2' speakers are what you need. Their shallow depth 'on-wall' fitting, with an amplifier built into the wall bracket, couple with ingenious speaker design, to protrude less than 60mm from the wall. The M-OW2's use the latest 'BMR' (Balanced Mode Radiator) speaker driver technology to fill rooms with stunning quality sound, dispersed across an ultra-wide 120 degrees.

HOMENET ENCLOSURE LAUNCH

The Systemline 'HomeNet' range of network products have been a phenomenal success since they were introduced at CEDIA UK in 2007. At ISE 2009, Armour will launch new improved designs. Having worked with key integrators to establish their precise requirements from such systems on site, the new enclosures provide easier installation, a higher quality finish and greater flexibility for upgrades.

Changing building directives and increased consumer expectations means making a provision for 'Home networks' is becoming the 'normal' position in new build developments and making Systemline HomeNet the fourth integral home service, after Water, Gas and Electricity.

NEW RANGE OF KEYPAD DESIGNS

Whilst touch screen integration is important for the high end of installations, ultra simple visual integration between different wall switches is equally desirable for Developers, Architects and Home owners alike, to avoid conflicting or multiple designs appearing on the same wall.

Armour will be showing the latest in keypad designs for the Systemline Modular and S6 ranges, providing full integration into 'MK Euro' and 'Bticino' wallplate systems. Naturally, the keypad buttons are interchangeable to provide extra, on-site flexibility for source identification.

Systemline Introduce New ALM3 Speakers

The new Systemline ALM3 speaker has recently been introduced to replace the ALM2. Installation methods remain the same, as do the punch down terminations. To enable simple and efficient configuration of the SLM speaker we recommend all installers carry an LRN7 remote that's loaded with an installer .qrc file. This file can be deleted from the remote using the ARC7 editor. The SLM speakers can still be configured using the conventional method which involves removing R36 in expansion speakers and the use of address 2 in sub-zones. These procedures can be used in single source installs where the LRN7 is not part of the Single Source Starter Pack.

The new speaker model has the following improvements:

• Part L compliance
• Acoustic improvement with new drive unit designs and circuitry
• Switchable IR on/off to avoid the purchase of two model numbers
• Direct upgrades via QRC file including bass/treble adjustment

Training team in Hong Kong

Armour's training team have been hard at work again, this time travelling to Armour Hong Kong to support the international distributors keen to learn more about Systemline Modular and Systemline S6.

Trainer Neil Walton commenting about the training event has said "The course has been extremely successful! The attendees have been very enthusiastic and positive about the product and hopefully the great success of this trip will lead to many more international Modular training events!"

Multi-room Audio - is it the next fitted kitchen?

Going back as far as the early 1990s, Systemline has been marketing multi-room entertainment systems to the developer channel as an option for the homebuyer. However, due to the complex nature of running combinations of cables, the need to site equipment at a central point and the requirement for specialist programming, has meant inclusion of multi-room systems as an option has often proved a costly headache for the developer. Unsurprisingly, this has left them wary of including a multi-room option in their builds. A powerful reason for them to embrace home entertainment is to make a faster, more profitable sale.

A structured approach
Sales in the new-build sector need to be structured, easy to follow and create a 'wow' effect. The customer is choosing this home entertainment option versus alternatives of carpets, curtains, outdoor sheds etc. Multi-room entertainment needs to complement the house sale, adding additional revenue, or as an incentive to sell the home.

On large developments of 50+ homes, the structured approach involving set numbers of rooms and specific cabling is the only way to properly manage upgrades from both the installer and developer's point of view. It is essential that the addition of multi-room entertainment does not interrupt the build schedule at anytime.

Partnering with integrators and developers
It took the launch of Systemline Modular's Cat5 based multi-room system to change developers' perceptions, offering a flexible home entertainment solution on a simple wiring platform.

After investigating how multi-room products were sold into the developer channel, three key decisions were made. Firstly, develop a network of qualified, site-savvy integrators. Secondly, to sell only through the installer, and thirdly, to support the developer's showhomes in order to maximise sell-through. The partnership created with over 80 pre-wire integrators and their developers has helped to create confidence in multi-room systems.

Once cabling is in place and the showhome system is up and running, the focus switches to support for the showhome staff. Along with our integrator partners, our own personnel, including dedicated Showhome Merchandisers, assist with the launch and then maintain regular visits.

In the battle for sales, the showhome is the front line. Success or failure depends on the showhome staff selling the development. They need to be confident of how the system works, have answers to customers' FAQs and have support from both the integrator and manufacturer as back up. 90% or more upsales (optional extras) on pre-wire projects can be achieved when the showhome staff are confident about promoting and selling the simple tick box options. Systemline Modular's Bronze, Silver and Gold packages help simplify those options.

Current trends
More and more developers are embracing multi-room entertainment, even part-fitting systems as an integral part of their product. Customer expectations have also changed, with awareness of multi-room home entertainment growing constantly. In fact a growing trend for developers is to advertise the offer of multi-room audio, and even promote 'wired for sound' weekends - all of which enhances the awareness of potential homebuyers.

Conclusion
Developers see the positive response from end consumers when they adopt the concept of multi-room, and are enjoying the additional revenue from upgrades. Evaluating markets such as North America, reveals inclusion of multi-room entertainment and home networking has tipped the balance. Over 50% of new homes have either pre-cabling or at least some element of a part-fitted system as standard. Inducements, such as £10k cash back, fitted kitchens, conservatories etc., are among the limited options developers have for differentiating their offering from their competitors. So the option of a built-in home entertainment system, which really does provide the 'wow' factor and attract the home buyer, is indeed likely to lead to multi-room being the next 'fitted kitchen.'

Systemline Modular from Armour Home spearheads three recent prestige installations for CI and new build divisions of company

The award-winning Systemline Modular Home Entertainment system - the least intrusive multi-room system ever devised - has once again proved to the key factor in three recent prestige installations by Armour Home Electronics. With the nation slowly but surely coming out of deep recession, Armour Home's Integrated Systems, CI and Newbuild sectors are fast-becoming a leading player, with cutting-edge state-of-the art installation programmes for all development and installation projects.

Akbar's Restaurant, Middlesbrough

http://www.akbars.co.uk/restaurant.php?id=22

Arguably the most opulent restaurant in the town, Akbar's utilises the exceptionally flexible Systemline Modular multi-room entertainment system as the chosen custom installation for the background music in the main restaurant, wash-rooms, and a separate function room and also in the kitchen and office areas. Local sources allow the restaurant to link-in a PA system or, when required for live music, an electronic instrument.

The Boatyard, Worsley, Manchester

http://www.boatyardbardsley.com

Beautiful homes in a unique location, the Boatyard by Bardsley, set in the exclusive village of Worsley, offer a better quality of life on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal. The development has 8 zones of Armour Home Electronics' Systemline Modular Advanced in each of the 63 properties. All systems are discreetly installed for seamless integration in the homes.

Widmerpool Hall, Nottinghamshire

http://www.widmerpoolhall.co.uk

Set within 20 acres of secure, private grounds to which residents have unrestricted access, Widmerpool Hall's twenty-four luxury homes provide an elegant and sophisticated lifestyle in the midst of unspoilt Nottinghamshire countryside. To match, Systemline's state-of-the-art modular home entertainment system features in all properties offering discreet smart touch- keypad control.

Systemline Modular offers the ideal multi room system, with the ability to listen or watch whatever you want to, in any room of your home. The solution is a non-intrusive, discreet system - literally built-in to the fabric of your home in much the same way as central heating, lighting or plumbing. All that you would typically see are very discreet flush mounted ceiling speakers and elegant in-wall keypads rather than a mishmash of boxes intruding into your living space. Systemline Modular Home Entertainment systems comply with all required building regulations and are installed to the highest possible standards. In just 5 years, Systemline Modular has chalked up an impressive 10,000 installations in new-home developments throughout the UK and Eire.

10,000 installations in just 5 years

In just 5 years, Systemline Modular has chalked up an impressive 10,000 installations in new-home developments throughout the UK and Eire.

The 10,000th installation was carried out by Intelligent Homes by INit, based in Co. Down, Northern Ireland and, in recognition of this, a special presentation took place at the ISE show. INit's Connor McCarthy was awarded a Systemline Modular Wireless Touch Screen pack by Armour Home's Newbuild Sales Manager Adrian Ickeringill. Intelligent Homes by INit, works across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and has undertaken installations in Europe.

Systemline installations allow the whole family to be able to enjoy and control their favourite music, in any room throughout the home. It is a multi-room entertainment system with the freedom and flexibility to access and control audio and video equipment independently in every room - like a central heating control pad for pictures and sound. Everything the user needs is at his or her fingertips, via stylish, intuitive keypads or remote controls, while exceptional high performance audio is delivered through discreet speakers.

The award-winning Systemline Modular Home Entertainment system is the least intrusive multi-room system ever devised. Perfect for so many homes from single occupancy, one bed apartments, right up to six bedroom detached houses with large families.

With four packages - from a basic audio distribution system (Bronze) to the flagship Platinum - Armour's Systemline Modular is now heading towards becoming the industry standard installation for home entertainment systems in quality new-home development projects.

Systemline Modular - The Highly Desirable Cost Effective Incentive For New Home Sales

The award-winning Systemline Modular Home Entertainment system is the least intrusive multi-room system for homes ever devised. Perfect for so many homes from single occupancy, one bed apartments, right up to six bedroom detached houses for large families.

In just 5 years, Systemline Modular has chalked up an impressive 10,000 installations in new-home developments throughout the UK and Eire and is now heading towards becoming the industry standard installation for home entertainment systems in quality new-home development projects.

With this in mind, it is easy to understand why Armour Home, Systemline's UK distributor, is now making innovative and proactive Estate Agents throughout the UK aware of the benefits of its installation in new development properties for sale. It is becoming increasingly apparent that home technology is now considered an essential in the home - just as important as a high spec kitchen or bathroom and no longer a luxury item.

Systemline Modular installations allow the whole family to be able to enjoy and control their favourite music, in any room throughout the home. It is a multi-room entertainment system with the freedom and flexibility to access and control audio and video equipment independently in every room - like a central heating control pad for pictures and sound. Everything the user needs is at his or her fingertips, via stylish, intuitive keypads or remote controls, while exceptional high performance audio is delivered through discreet speakers.

In addition, and this is the key point, the inclusion of Systemline Modular has a high perceived value, yet low cost of inclusion in new homes. Modular by name and nature, the system can be installed cost effectively into a couple of rooms with upgrades, or throughout the home on higher-level properties. Customer expectations on higher priced properties make inclusion of such systems ever more apparent.

A ready installed high-tech 21st century home entertainment system is of benefit to all. Today's developers seek to maintain pricing on sites rather than having to discount and need to incentivize homebuyers with an added inducement to speed sales. A Systemline Modular installation is the most cost-effective way of doing this. Estate Agents need to be able to offer potential buyers that extra dimension. A Systemline Modular installation is the most cost-effective way of offering this. Finally - the new homebuyer demands a genuine benefit built in to his hew home. A Systemline Modular installation is the most cost-effective way of delivering this.

Armour Hotel Introduces The Systemline Media Interface

Single, Flexible and Simple Connection Panel for Every Hotel Guest's Devices - can be Customised to Hotel's Individual Styles, Room Shades and Logos

Armour Hotel has announced the introduction of the Systemline Media Interface, which offers hotel guests a unique and innovative 'home from home' experience when spending time away on business or pleasure.

These days' hotel guests tend to travel with a multitude of personal electronic devices such as laptops, iPods, portable games machines and mobile phones. The growing expectation guests have is to simply charge and connect these devices to the hotel television, enabling access to their own music content, movies and games. The Systemline Media Interface does just that - and offers an effortless 'plug and play' solution.

With flexible power options in mind, the Systemline Media Input plate can accommodate Euro data modules from the likes of MK Electronics. Two blanking modules allow for fitting of a UK, Euro or 110 US style power sockets into isolated back boxes, adding flexibility for international hotel guests. Alternatively, the plate can house data modules for computer networks into the hotel room. Offering individual branding options, the Systemline Media Interface can also be customised to reflect individual brand or corporate identity*.

Systemline Media Interface enables complete integration of guests' personal electronic devices via an in-wall panel. It then to the existing hotel TV system links via a single HDMI cable. Designed and developed by Systemline, the UK leaders in multi-room entertainment systems, the Systemline Media Interface is the result of extensive research by Armour Hotel a division of Armour Group PLC, a company with over 30 years experience in the consumer electronics market.

For today's business traveller, the ability to connect their laptop to the internet and collect e-mails is a necessity. The Systemline Media Interface makes this process simple. It is also possible for users to connect their laptop's video and audio connections to the hotel room's television; so when their work is completed, they can enjoy a film or listen to music already stored on their laptops. In addition, from a business angle, the Systemline Media Interface, with all its features, is the ideal solution for Board and Conference rooms.

Simple and easy to install, the media plate has been developed with a scratchproof design and comes with a two-year product warranty and the plate conforms to UL, CE & FCC Certifications. The Systemline Media Input plate can be easily mounted into the wall of a hotel room, or even a piece of furniture, both options concealing the wiring. For furniture options, Armour Hotel recommend "The Wall" - bespoke AV Hotel furniture which can house the input plate together with an in-wall iPod docking station and the latest in-room entertainment solutions.

Systemline Modular installed in striking Seren Park
Greenwich development

Armour Home's exceptional flexible Systemline Modular multi-room entertainment system features as the chosen custom installation in the outstanding new Seren Park multi-choice apartment development in Greenwich.

Seren Park sits adjacent to Greenwich Park and has unsurpassed views of Greenwich, the Thames and beyond. Arranged around a central courtyard, dual aspect apartments with private balconies exploit these most beautiful features and ensure nature is never far from site. Award winning architects Alan Camp are renowned for their beautifully appropriate designs. Their work illustrates a particular flair for the sensitive use of materials whilst enduring to create innovative buildings, both aesthetically and functionally. They have significant experience in housing design and work tirelessly to produce new and unique concepts for this sector.

To complement this excellence, the Systemline Homenet Cabinet comes pre-installed in each apartment. This houses the sophisticated technology that powers and controls the system and is also the starting point for the concealed cabling that delivers perfect audio and images throughout the home - at the touch of a button - plus distribution of TV data (home network and internet broadband services), satellite and telephone.

With four packages - from a basic audio distribution system (Bronze) to the flagship Platinum - Armour's Systemline Modular is now heading towards becoming the industry standard installation in quality new-home development projects.

The 10,000th Systemline Modular presentation at ISE features as a news story on the Get Connected website

Click here to see the article.

Systemline Modular listed building installation features on
Building Design News

Click here to see the article.

Home Cinema Digest reports on Systemline Modular at ISE

Including Systemline's Adrian Ickeringill and 10,000th Systemline installer Init.

Click here to visit the HCD website.

Systemline features in Essential Install ISE Review

Click here to visit the Essential Install website.

IE Residential features Systemline Modular development

Click here to see the article.

Systemline Intelligently Applied for Audi

Situated on a main route through Solihull, towards the South Warwickshire countryside, the Audi Dealership shares this area with other prestigious showrooms from BMW, Jaguar, Landrover and Honda. Cited as the largest Audi showroom in Europe (at the time of opening) every last detail had to impress.

The ground floor consists of new car sales, an Audi retail section, meeting rooms, collection bay and other public facilities including concierge greeting. Take the escalator to the first floor and, as well as a perfect aspect over the new car display area, you find a restaurant and used car sales.

Behind the scenes you will find conference facilities and a state-of-the-art service centre that resembles a high-tech hospital operating theatre.

The brief given to Armour and David Pearce Electrical, by Group owner Terry Lister was to provide an audio and visual experience to match what he has in his South Warwickshire Country residence. A showroom that did not just have piped music, but a showroom that could be turned into an entertainment venue for launch events and promotions.

Planning
After studying the plans and visiting the showroom, (which even part built seemed vast - larger than many sporting venues), the team realised there was no reason why we shouldn't give Audi Solihull exactly what Terry had at home. The concept of Systemline Modular 'Commercial' was born!

The genius of Systemline Modular is that DC power, audio signals and infrared commands, are sent to and from each room's discreet ceiling loudspeakers via low-cost Cat5 data cable. This means the cost of the cabling infrastructure, even for this vast project is kept to a minimum. This however, wasn't ever going to be a standard 8 zone System. The 8 zones for this system were not a 20ft lounge, bedroom, kitchen etc.

Instead they featured a showroom measuring approximately 100m by 50m and 20m high, with wet area service bays, restaurant and conference rooms.

The Solution
Starting with the 'smaller areas', these were simple. One zone each with in-ceiling ALM2.1 speakers. The conference room also included a local source input and video distribution. The restaurant was next on our list; one expanded zone with three pairs of ALM2.1 speakers. The collection bay was also straight forward, a pair of in-ceiling speakers and video distribution to a plasma TV.

The two service areas and the two car showrooms were perhaps the most challenging, due to their sheer size and volume. The new car showroom for example spans two floors.

The answer? Sonance Speakers. Each area was made a separate zone fed by a Systemline Modular ZAM 40, line out to 3 Sonamp 12s in turn sending high quality audio to 18 pairs of Sonance Mariner 52s. Control of this 'super zone' is via keypads; one is located in the General Manager's office and two are in the Service Manager's office. Video is delivered via Systemline Modular on a number of plasma TVs in the various showrooms in order that Audi promotional DVDs can be viewed. A co-axial system is also installed in order that either the same or a different video source and audio source can be played in any zone. The music in the service bays is also most important.

The staff's ability to both listen to radio stations of their choice and also vary the volume in each zone, means a relaxed yet professional environment is achieved. Important to Audi is that their customers aren't inconvenienced by mechanics re-tuning their car's radio stations.

Installation
The installation went smoothly, easily being scheduled into the build. Systemline, and its partners, (in this case David Pearce Electrical) have significant experience in working with developers on major projects such as these. David Pearce is a well established company working mainly in the Midlands, but with National coverage. They know, if you want to offer your clients a trouble free installation, then product knowledge is of paramount importance, so David Pearce had no hesitation in sending his engineer on Systemline training courses at the Armour Academy in Bishops Stortford. Because David Pearce were delivering the entire materials and equipment contract, they were on site every day and fitted in perfectly with the overall build schedule.

Experience from the project
At the follow-up meeting with the General Manager and David Pearce, all parties could not have been happier. Upon entering the showroom you are greeted by the concierge and immediately notice the rich music playing in the background, together with Plasma TVs giving visual movement amongst the 'automotive works of art' which are priced from £35k to £110k!

Walking around the showroom you soon realise that different music is playing in the different areas. This is vital so that the mood can be tailored to create each desired effect, or vehicle featured in a particular zone. For example a MusicServer allows the sales staff to select genres of music in the collection bay depending on what model of car is being collected. The music playing whilst a 25 year old footballer or IT entrepreneur is collecting his R8 will be completely different to a retired customer taking collection of their A8.

Conclusion
An outstanding success. The installation in this flagship site is being rolled out to a further six dealerships and Listers have now decided to include the system in both their Audi and Lexus showrooms.

Equipment Range
• Multi-Source Audio Hub Starter Pack
• Video Expansion Pack
• Speaker Firehood
• Multi-Source Keypad
• Learning Keypad
• 130W Power Supply for 6 Zones
• 3-output Power Input Module
• MultiSource Learning Handset
• 20W per channel RMS Zone Amplifier
• Mariner 52
• Sonamp RMF 12 channel power amplifier

Highbury Stadium

Location
Islington North London - to be completed Spring 2009

Development Type
Development of 740 apartments, on the grounds of the Old Highbury Stadium of Arsenal football club. Much of the earlier stadium has been restored and converted to apartments.

Developer
Vision 4 - A developer set up by Arsenal Football club

Installer
CTS

Description
All apartments have pre-wiring for different levels of the Modular system, from Single Source Bronze, through to the flagship Platinum touch screen control system.

65 of the Penthouse apartments have been fitted with upto 4 rooms of Multi-source Silver level Modular enabling 6 sources to be independently controlled.

Kings Meadow, Newmarket

Location
Kings Meadow, Newmarket

Developer
David Wilson Homes

Installer
AMI (Herts) Ltd

Description
Armour Home has had its Systemline Modular Home Entertainment System specified for the new Kings Meadow residential development in Newmarket, Suffolk. Kings Meadow offers some of the finest properties David Wilson Homes has ever designed, in one of the most exclusive developments created by the company. As part of the high specification requirement, David Wilson Homes is offering all house buyers the option of a Platinum Systemline Modular built-in multi room entertainment system from Armour Home Electronics. Systemline Platinum - the top of the range package - allows for multi source audio and video to be played in up to eight different zones. Residents who opt for Systemline Platinum simply plug in their hi-fi, TV, MP3 player etc into a wall socket and listen/view the contents in any chosen room using a stylish touchscreen keypad or choice of remote controls.

Malahide Village, Dublin

Location
Malahide Village in Dublin

Date of completion
2007

Developer
Gannon Homes

Installer
In Control from Dublin

Description
115 Apartments each fitted with 4 rooms of Bronze level Modular as standard, with wiring in place so clients can upgrade to Silver level systems on moving in.

"Of the customers purchasing property on the site, 95% have so far taken the option of Systemline Modular to date."

Armour AV equipment gives Bulgarian resort the competitive edge

Armour Home's unique Systemline Modular Home Entertainment System has been installed into the new White Fir Valley Resort in Bansko, Bulgaria by UK custom installer Touch of a Button.

The very first such installation of its kind in Bulgaria, White Fir Valley with its stunning mountain scenery and superb leisure facilities on its doorstep is set to become one of Bansko's leading residential resorts. And, with its state of the art audio visual systems, it's also one of the most sophisticated in the country.

Touch of a Button won the tender against stiff UK and Bulgarian competition to design, supply, deliver and install affordable, high-tech audio and visual solutions at the new resort, including broadband and telephone throughout the complex's apartments, bars and restaurants, conference room, offices, games rooms, reception areas and spas.

Whilst the size of the installation was a challenge, the real test was to fulfil the needs of a variety of different clientele depending on their usage of the complex, so flexibility was essential. These clientele include owner-occupiers of the apartments that require high-end bespoke solutions; owners who will rent out their hotel rooms requiring lower cost solutions; and business tenants of the commercial areas that need a robust solution. The common factor behind the technology and a vital part of the brief was to ensure the systems and equipment were so easy to use that any nationality could operate them without any training. Furthermore, the systems needed to be flexible to accommodate future requirements.

Although only formed in 2004, Touch of a Button's founders boast over ten years experience in managing global technology projects, whilst maintaining the small company ethos of impeccable client service. The company strictly manages its time, budget and quality by adhering to its proprietary Project Methodology, procedures and automation tools, all of which impressed White Fir Valley Resort's developers at the tender stage.

Using its extensive knowledge and experience in the AV industry, Touch of a Button designed and installed comprehensive audio and visual solutions at White Fir Valley resort using an extensive variety of Armour Brands including: Audica, AudicaPRo, Cinemax, Q Acoustics, Systemline, QED, Aquavision, Epsom, NevoSL, Sonance and ThemeScene.

The first port of call for Touch of a Button was the data & telecoms infrastructure which would make the AV systems possible. And here the first, most pressing challenge arose: there was no infrastructure. In fact, there were no services or suppliers to be found within several miles of the locality by which to connect. The only way round this was for Touch of a Button to implement a system that uses radio-relay firing services over from a local village.

But the hurdles weren't over quite yet.

Different countries have different building techniques and Bulgaria is no different. Touch of a Button had to familiarise itself with the differences between UK and Bulgarian methods of construction and ensure that either they wouldn't have a negative effect on the AV systems or, where they did, find a suitable and cost-effective solution. The ceiling construction is a prime example. In Bulgaria ceilings are made from concrete, making the use of in-ceiling speakers impossible. Instead, Armour in-wall speakers were chosen, but this had a knock-on effect to the type of amplifiers, IR pickups and control systems specified.

Throughout the process, Touch of a Button was quick to learn and find solutions that would meet the customer's brief and provide a satisfactory solution, be it in using different designs and / or alternative technologies.

Installation work started with the wifi and structured wiring for the data, telecoms and audio systems to work throughout the complex. From here, the individual systems were installed.

In the apartments, Armour's Systemline HomeNet enclosures act as a central hub from which all incoming services - including telecommunications, data, radio, TV and Systemline Modular multi room entertainment - are distributed around the home via Cat5 and coaxial cables. A neat, flexible solution to home networking installations, Systemline HomeNet has also been designed to be compact, taking up as little space in the property as possible.

Systemline Modular is a built-in multi room entertainment system which allows for single or multi source audio and video to be played in up to eight different rooms, although in this instance 250 apartments have been fitted with Systemline multi-source audio only. Residents simply plug in their existing home entertainment equipment into a wall socket and listen to the contents in any chosen room using a remote control or keypad, depending on the level of Systemline package chosen. Touch of a Button allowed for up to six wall fittings per apartment - including and in-wall i-pod docking station. Discreet mono, stereo and 5.1 cinema surround sound is all available through Systemline, played through unique in-ceiling amplified speakers which deliver outstanding high fidelity sound, yet remain discreet.

For the more discerning apartment owners, bespoke solutions have been supplied to meet individual requirements. These include splash-proof bathroom TVs, Audica Home Cinemas and programmable control systems.

To help home buyers select the option appropriate for them, Armour Home and Touch of a Button produced a brochure detailing the technology solutions available for each apartment, thus allowing the developer's staff to talk with ease on a subject they were not familiar with. It also provided customers with material they could take away and consider at their leisure. It was clear and precise with basic packages and upgrades to allow customers to select with ease their preferred solution. This brochure highlighted the quality of the apartments and the cutting-edge technology that was being installed as standard and increased their desirability.

White Fir Valley's leisure facilities - including the bars, restaurants, games rooms and spas - also benefit from the Armour AV systems. Touch of a Button installed a high quality centrally distributed audio system allowing for independent, zoned control of nearly 200 speakers. This enables multiple events to occur simultaneously in different areas.

Armour equipment is also in the £3m automated conference room that doubles as a High Definition Cinema. Touch of a Button provided simple audio and video connectivity (e.g. for a laptop and camcorder) for presenters at a lectern area and three metre wide High Definition projector system that incorporates BluRay Full HD DVD.

The complete AV installation at White Fir Valley Resort took two years in total to complete and involved up to 27 installers on site at any one time.

The result is not just a technologically impressive resort - after all, it's not the technology that the developer is interested in. The result for the developer comes in the form of the competitive edge his resort now has in a highly competitive marketplace - it has added a significant perceived value to the units without adding the equivalent amount in costs for the developer.