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Just Released!: AtlasIED’s Atmosphere™ Platform sets a new standard for digital audio systems.
Touchless control, automation, and artificial intelligence offer AV integrators and end-users an intuitive, effortless way to deliver audio to restaurants, bars, hotels, school campuses, houses of worship, and other commercial environments.
The new Atmosphere system is modular, scalable, and customizable, giving integrators a solution for a wide variety of applications—from the smallest cocktail lounge to the largest luxury hotel. But what really sets the new platform apart from other digital audio systems is the innovative technology built into its digital signal processors, graphical user interfaces, programming software, and controls, as well as its breadth of interoperable products. The Atmosphere platform doesn’t require days long training to program and deploy, and offers users a simple, modern system interface that takes minutes to learn to control.
Learn more: www.atlasied.com/atmosphere
IBM Watson Center Gets Ultra-High Resolution Radiance LED Video Wall Upgrade
One of the largest research organizations in the world, IBM has pioneered breakthroughs across many promising technologies. Spearheading these innovations is the Thomas J. Watson Research Center: the headquarters of IBM’s Research Division. Researchers at the center often need to present findings in executive and client engagement meetings which take place in their impressive 240 seat auditorium, envisioned by neo-futuristic designer, Eero Saarinen. So, when the technology juggernaut wanted to update their main auditorium display in the Thomas J. Watson Research Center, they selected a massive Digital Projection Radiance LED Video Wall.
World-Class Industrial Design with Dynamic LED Visuals
Collaborating with HB Communications, a new state-of-the-art presentation and production system was developed to compliment the fine-pitch LED video wall. Tim Hutton, Senior Account Executive at HB Communications describes the process as very in-depth:
“One of the main challenges for this application was meeting the client’s technology requirements while preserving the architectural integrity of the auditorium. The front wall consisted of wood paneling which IBM wanted to retain so an ingenious solution was needed. Multiple high-resolution pictures of the wall were taken and combined into a single background image which perfectly emulated the wood paneling when displayed on the Radiance LED Video Wall.
The result was a dynamic and immersive LED display, measuring 34 feet wide by 16 feet tall, installed to match an architecturally significant curved wall.
“The Radiance LED Wall Brought Our Vision to Life…”
When the installation was finished, IBM’s guests and staff were “stunned”, according to Lorraine Herger, Former Director of Research Integrated Solutions at IBM. “The Radiance LED wall brought our vision to life with image quality exceeding our highest expectations. We were extremely impressed and grateful with the level of dedication and meticulousness that the DPI installation team showed in order to provide us with this wonderful experience.”
Screening Room Sequel Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
This sophisticated and sexy screening room makes a splash with pops of red and gorgeous hand-carved wall panels. Principal Designer @ J.W. McCarter & Associates, Joseph W. McCarter, experienced the unexpected pleasure of creating this wonderful space not once, but twice, when several years after completion it was partially destroyed in a flood.
The subtle Asian inspired design of this lovely screening room incorporates hand carved teak wall screens imported from Bali, paired with back-lit silver mica diffusers that create a soft, warm glow to set the perfect scene for viewing a favorite film.
Alternating, decorative wall panels upholstered with beautiful cherry blossom motif fabric provide visual interest and acoustic dampening.
The screening room walls are upholstered in luxurious velvet to further enhance sound quality and create a truly exceptional viewing/listening experience.
Uber comfortable, black leather “Lexington” incliners by Fortress Seating provide the ultimate in custom home theater seating. This screening room offers a custom seating configuration that combines loveseats with individual recliners to make it easy to get comfortable in your own leather recliner, or to sit with your special someone in a cozy love seat. Full house up front? No worries. 
This screening room offers additional bar-height seating in back with convenient access to the custom snack bar. Dim the lights please!!
J.W. McCarter & Associates
Encinitas, CA.
J.W. McCarter & Associates is a luxury interior design firm that approaches interior design projects with an uncommonly wide lens that extends beyond the structure. In our design process, we include the terrain, light, and scale of the space to thoughtfully curate designs that are beautiful from any angle.
At J.W. McCarter & Associates, we approach each client’s home as a whole, taking into consideration the architectural structure of the space, outside views of the surrounding landscape, lines of sight within the space, and most importantly, the way the client will use the space.
By thinking of a home comprehensively, we create cohesive spaces that connect unique design elements from the exterior to the interior and from room to room.
To view projects similar to this and more, feel free to visit https://josephmccarterdesign.com
Tied Down By Lengthy Wire Run’s?
We have you covered.
Along with e-PoE, they also include the latest PoC (power over coax) technology. You can run power & data concurrently over coaxial cable (with IVB-EOC102 baluns). When distance in excess of what E-PoE can support (2624ft) is a factor, power over cable is an alternative to push distance boundaries even further. All IC Realtime E-PoE switches are built to support harsh environmental factors and wide temperature fluctuations.
Achieve up to 3280 feet of distance per camera using IC Realtime’s PoC baluns (IVB-EOC102). Power over Coax (PoC) technology allows you to transmit data using an IP protocol over coaxial media. Define possibilities on your terms with IC Realtime.
Integra & Elite + Works with SONOS
Installation, configuration, and use of a whole-home distributed audio solution from Sonos is not only straightforward and time-efficient for \the custom integrator, but operation by the end-user is also easy, minimizing service calls down the road. Integra and Elite have taken the lead in building an industry-unique relationship with Sonos.
The Works with Sonos badge on select Integra and Elite AVRs certifies that they will seamlessly connect with the Sonos Home Sound System.
Elite or Integra AVRs can easily blend into an existing Sonos network, or Sonos can be added to the same network as an existing Integra or Elite home theater system. Up to three Connects or Ports can be configured to work independently with the Main, 2nd and 3rd Zones of Integra and Elite AVRs, with Volume Pass Through, which allows the Sonos app to control the AVRs’ volume, instead of using the variable output of the Sonos devices. Now, whenever a customer wishes to enjoy music from the Sonos streaming services in one, or two or three different rooms, the Elite and Integra AVRs will power on if in the Standby mode, switch to the correct input, start playing music, and allow full volume control—all via the easy-to-use Sonos app!
Works with SONOS YouTube video links:
Josh.ai Joins First Buying Group with Azione Unlimited
Josh.ai continues expanding the power, and now availability, of artificial intelligence in the home through a partnership with Azione Unlimited, an industry leading educator and buying group. Azione’s membership of custom installers, home technology professionals, and manufacturers will now gain access to Josh.ai’s proprietary voice control products and privacy-focused approach to home automation.
In evaluating the decision to join a buying group, Josh.ai is starting with Azione for its people, programs, and promotional opportunities.
The organization is a natural fit with so many high caliber Josh.ai integration partners and dealers already on its roster. Through this partnership with Josh.ai, Azione expands its high-end residential solutions and innovative offerings for members to present to their potential clients.
“We’ve long admired Azione since the early days of Josh.ai, often speaking at their summits about voice control, AI, and the future of our industry,” said Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai. “Now that we have surpassed 500 certified dealers, the timing feels right to start engaging with buying groups. We have the utmost respect for the dealers, manufacturers, and programs at Azione, and feel fortunate to be joining their ranks.”
“When it comes to futuristic thinking and conceiving products for tomorrow, Josh.ai is the consummate brand,” said Azione Unlimited President Richard Glikes. “Azione Unlimited prides itself in bringing exclusive categories such as Josh.ai to our captive network of industry-leading dealers across North America. Partnering with Josh.ai is an extremely exciting opportunity for our organization, our members, and this industry as we learn from each other and grow.”
Enhanced Klipsch Architectural Speakers Install Securely in Seconds
Klipsch recently enhanced its already easy- and quick-to-install architectural speakers to further address the challenges of uneven surfaces.
The Klipsch Professional Series Minimal Footprint, Designer and Custom lines of architectural speakers were originally introduced 2017 with exclusive SkyHook by Swarm™ technology, a fully automatic, self-adjusting installation system designed to simplify and reduce installations by up to 75% for integrators.
New, proprietary SkyHook Cinch® technology has been added to this already revolutionary installation mechanism to ensure a flush fit in retrofit projects with uneven ceilings and walls. Once the speaker is installed, a quick quarter turn of the SkyHook Cinch’s magnetic teeth engage and cinch the speaker baffle to the mounting surface, creating an easier and faster installation than other architectural speakers.
To learn more, visit Klipsch.com/custom.
Introducing Leon’s New Tonecase FIT Universal
Leon’s patent-pending Tonecase FIT Universal is a streamlined mounting system that attaches any Sonos soundbar directly to the TV, concealing it behind a custom-width grille for a design-friendly look. Developed with versatility in mind, the Tonecase FIT Universal comes in 3 models that offer adjustable depth to accommodate any Sonos soundbar, including the Beam, Playbar, and Arc. TcFIT-U mounts directly to any TV up to 98” diagonal using one of Leon’s undermount brackets, and the entire unit is covered with a custom-width fabric grille that comes standard in black with the option to upgrade to a collection of designer grille fabrics. In addition to Sonos soundbars, the TcFIT-U can also house a variety of soundbars from other manufacturers as well.
Retractable Universal Mount 4K HDMI® Adapter Ring
SKU: 29879
Description: Mount this retractor with color coded HDMI adapters to any flat surface, like a lectern or table, to provide connectivity options to the HDMI display in a collaborative space.
Retractable Table Box Mount 4K HDMI® Adapter Ring
SKU: 29880
Description: Mount this retractor with color coded HDMI adapters in a Wiremold® AVIP®, Extron® MAAP®, or FSR® IPS® table box to provide connectivity options to the HDMI display in a collaborative space.
Conference Room Video Hub
SKU: 29974
Description: Connect up to four devices, two HDMI and two USB-C, to a conference room display for screen sharing at up to a 4K video resolution
Chief:
Large Capacity Height Adjustable Flat Panel Cart – LPE1U
Ideal for interactive applications, mounts with electric height adjust capability create better accessibility to technology in the boardroom and the classroom. The height adjustable solution provides 26” (660 mm) of vertical lift.
Easy to install. Easy to adjust.
Fusion™ Side Camera Shelf – FCA850
The FCA850 allows designers to place conferencing cameras to either side of the display for optimal viewing.
Compatible with XTM1U, LTM1U, MTM1U, LTA1U, MTA1U, XSM1U, LSM1U, MSM1U, LSA1U, MSA1U.
Fusion™ Extra-Large Pull Out Accessory – FCAXV1U
The Fusion™ Extra-Large Pull Out accessory can be used with Fusion™ Extra-Large Micro-Adjustable Fixed and Tilt wall mounts, to add up to 11.54″ (293 mm) extension from the wall.
Compatible display mount models are XSM1U and XTM1U.
Optionally install Chief storage solutions such as the PAC526 in-wall box or on-wall CSPR component storage panel to secure AV equipment behind the display.
Da-Lite:
Screen Surface Selection Calculator
Perhaps you’re new to the industry…Or you specify screen surfaces irregularly…Maybe you’re just new to the ALR conversation…You simply want to double-check your AV math…One NEW tool from Da-Lite answers all these user needs to get a projection system right – from your trusted source. With only a few critical inputs – room size, screen dimensions and projector details, see how these values impact screen surface selection in a specific environment and ultimately, the end users viewing experience when considering the Da-Lite screen surface technology catalog.
Tensioned Advantage (w/Closure Door)
The Tensioned Advantage® ceiling recessed electric screen series is designed with ceiling trim in place, to conceal the rough opening eliminating the need to complete additional trim work once the screen is installed.
Its two-stage installation option affords the screen case to be installed during the rough-in construction stage, and the screen surface assembly during the finishing stage.
Sliding installation brackets allow mounting flexibility for easy attachment of the screen housing to the structure above the drop ceiling.
Optional closure door provides a polished look in any room.
Parallax with Parallax Pure 0.8
The Parallax Fixed Frame features Pro-Trim(R) finish to absorb light surrounding the viewing area. When paired with Parallax Pure 0.8 – a True Optical ALR surface for standard throw projectors, this surface rejects up to 96% of ambient light, providing flat panel quality images up to 120” diagonal but without the glare and reflection of flat panels.
Middle Atlantic:
LundHalsey VISIONLINE 24/7 Command & Control Console 
Designed for 24/7/365 Command and Control Environments
Pre-configured and ready for ‘quick-ship’ the LundHalsey 24/7 control room console is supported by a robust frame providing perfect cable management, integrations for active equipment and class leading industrial design.
-Offered in 3 widths in Fixed Height or Electric Height Adjustable.
-Customization is also available for your unique designs and applications through our dedicated Design Center Team.
Vaddio:
AV Bridge 2×1 – 999-8250-000
Vaddio’s simplest lecture capture device yet! We call our AV Bridge 2×1 the classroom-in-a-box solution because it enables simple distribution, production, and capture of high quality networked Dante audio, analog audio, and two HD video sources.
Device Controller – 999-42300-000
The Vaddio Device Controller is a color touch panel designed to easily access web-based user interfaces of dozens of Vaddio connected devices like PTZ cameras, EasyIP peripherals, AV bridges and more.
Featured Resimercial solutions for light commercial applications.
Chief Fusion Mounts
Chief’s Fusion tilt wall mounts were developed based on feedback from installers in the field. Favorite Fusion features include Centerless shift, Centris tilt, ControlZone leveling adjustment and ClickConnect latching. Benefits include increased stability, fast installation, easy cable management and security. The installer-inspired Fusion tilt mount solves top flat panel installation problems, offering flexible adjustments for large displays with a low-profile display mounting solution.
Da-Lite Wireline Advantage
Designed for large venues, the Wireline Advantage screen uses thin steel cables up to 29 feet instead of black drop to lower the screen to an appropriate viewing height for a clean, aesthetically pleasing presentation. The Wireline Advantage screen features simple in-ceiling installation with sliding brackets and ceiling trim built into the housing. The extra step of concealing the rough opening with ceiling trim is eliminated. Sliding installation brackets make it easy to attach the screen housing to the structure above the drop ceiling. Advantage tensioned screens ensure the smoothest surface possible for high quality image projection.
Luxul ProWatch Coming Soon!
Today’s home networks host a myriad of connected devices, and homeowners’ expectations for them all to work seamlessly have never been higher. Luxul’s new ProWatch cloud management solution allows you to meet these expectations by remotely monitoring and managing every device on your clients’ networks, getting real-time notifications of status and quickly resolving issues. With cloud management, you can access your customers’ Luxul networks and connected devices at any time — from anywhere — in map or list views via an intuitive web interface. Site-level indicators provide the online/offline status of connected devices and the availability of firmware updates, while customizable alerts notify you of issues via text or email. Using cloud management, you can configure devices remotely, perform firmware updates on select Luxul routers and wireless access points (AP), and remotely power-cycle PDUs and PoE switches that fall offline. By allowing you to handle these simple system management tasks without rolling out a truck for a service call, the solution lowers operation costs while delivering a better experience for customers. The result is next-level customer service and an improved bottom line.
Middle Atlantic Products BGR Series
Middle Atlantic’s BGR Series floor-standing enclosure is designed specifically to solve AV integration and servicing challenges. Its patented breakthrough design provides incredible strength without extra weight. The result is a lighter, UL-certified solution that can be loaded with up to 3,000lbs of equipment. Making every rack unit count, it also uniquely features a slimmer top and bottom. This provides an extra rack unit of useable space for more components but in the same standard rack height. In addition, the BGR Series incorporates Middle Atlantic’s patented Lever Lock™ system.
With solutions for every space, project, and price point, Nuvo Series Two, Four, and Six Speakers are manufactured with quality components and materials for unprecedented performance in any space. Offering impeccable sound quality that satisfies even the most discriminating audiophile, a comprehensive selection of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers install easily and seamlessly blend into any room.
On-Q Enhanced Plastic Enclosures
Now made in the USA, the plastic enclosures feature a new reversible hinged door with toolless installation, a free integrated trim ring, added structural rigidity, and other design enhancements that help you save valuable time and money while providing a clean, centralized location for a home’s wired and wireless services. Made from UL-rated ABS plastic, you can secure wireless devices such as wireless routers or access points in the cabinet without degrading network performance.
Legrand Shading and Residential Controls
QMotion Qadvanced Shades
Motion Qadvanced Shades are available in sizes as large as 13 feet wide by 15 feet high — the largest shades on the market, fabric dependent. Offering a clean, sleek aesthetic in a variety of colors and styles, they feature virtually soundless operation in hard-wired or battery-operated versions and a patented design using torsion springs to reduce energy consumption. Simple to install, the hard-wired shades use standard Cat cables for both power and communication and include a ZigBee HA 1.2 radio inside the motor, eliminating the need for extra shade motor bridge devices. Battery-operated versions feature internal batteries; without external battery packs or wires to hide, installation is quick and simple. QMotion’s automated roller shades can be controlled via remote, mobile device, or the company’s exclusive manual override feature.
Vantage Human-Centric Lighting (HCL) System
Vantage’s HCL system features load control, user interfaces, and Design Center programming software that come together to provide precise dimming for tunable light fixtures utilizing the Lumenetix® araya5 light engine. Control is provided by the DMX-DALI-GATEWAY and InFusion Controller II, which is programmed to match the daily sunrise/sunset seasonal shift throughout the year that best supports people’s natural circadian rhythm based on the location of each installation. For a complete human-centric experience, the controller seamlessly integrates with QMotion advanced automated shading solutions.
We recently caught up with Barry Schurr, Chief Operating Officer of Harrison, New York-based Osbee Industries to talk about the new 8K and Gallery Series TV products and how to show them off to your design-build colleagues.
LG: Barry, what’s your impression of the 2020 LG TV line-up?
Barry: As a new Pinnacle Program dealer, we’re really excited about this year’s products. Across the board the 2020 LG TVs are smarter and sleeker, with advanced processing, exciting new features and, of course, stunning new designs. One of the big upgrades is the new Alpha 9 Gen 3 processor which offers improved AI-driven upscaling and video processing. There is now better interaction with the built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and the proprietary WebOS continues to get smarter and improve.
We can now program customizable alerts so you can follow your favorite sports teams to let you know about upcoming games or content aware tools that can tell you what the actor is wearing on screen – these are exciting features that we can easily demonstrate and puts LG at the frontier of how people want to interact with their TV. They want their TV to work for them, not the other way around.
We obviously are explaining to our customers and designers that 8K is the preferred format for all of the obvious reasons: great picture, the ability to upscale your existing library, being future-ready as the world moves into 8K content. Our clientele isn’t really interested in second-best, so we always lead with 8K. And now that the NanoCell 8K TVs have a wider range of sizes, we now have a better/best approach as we look at the different spaces in any given residence.
Both the signature ZX 8K OLED and the NanoCell models feature Dolby Vision IQ which adapts HDR performance to the ambient light of a room and the far-field microphones in the bezel listen for voice commands instead of having to speak into the remote.
The other thing that I would talk about as it relates to the design-build community is the LG OLED GX Gallery Series. The GX line of 4K Smart TVs offer the super-slim, wall-hugging design of the LG OLED Wallpaper TV but without the necessity for the soundbar. All of the TV’s components are within the display but it still hangs flush to the wall and extends out only 20 mm, with no gap and no visible mount. The GX still has all of the ports, components and speakers built into its super-slim chassis.
TEAMUP+ Series from DigitaLinx & Liberty AV Solutions
Introducing the 4K60 18g 4×1 Multi-format Presentation Switcher Extender becomes Versatile 5×1 when using optional HDBT RX.
Digitalinx 4×1 Multi-Format Matrix Presentation Switcher (DL-SC41U-TX)
Connect with TeamUp+ Series by DigitaLinx. Introducing the 4×1 4k/60 Multi-format Matrix & Presentation Switcher (DL-SC41U-TX). This unit includes 4 Video inputs, 2 HDMI, 1 Display Port, & 1 USB-C. Great as a standalone Switcher or integrate a Display, PC, Control & USB 3.0 Mic/Camera to this unit with optional (DL-SCU-RX), HDBaseT Receiver and it becomes a 5×1 Presentation/Switcher.
Ideal for software-based video teleconference rooms, BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) with no need for a dedicated Conference system… the computer is the dedicated conference system. The 4×1 TeamUp+ Series Multi-Format Presentation Switcher/Extender with HDBaseT & USB (DL-SC41U-TX) can also be controlled via front panel buttons or by API commands using RS232 or Ethernet. This unit offers Web server / GUI that is built in and features A/V and USB Switching control, automatic display control and input EDID management.
DigitaLinx HDBaseT Receiver (DL-SCU-RX)
With built-in system automation, these devices automatically power up TV or Projector via RS232, up/ down relays for Projector screens with use of the DigitaLinx HDBaseT Receiver (DL-SCU-RX) with no need for separate system control. So, when you’re ready for a simple solution to the Conference room you’ve been thinking about and want to be able to also control shades, the projector, or other devices, look no further because just like two peas in a pod, you now have the DL-SC41U-TX and DL-SC41-RX at your disposal.
Liberty AV can optimize the installation of these devices with premium, certified, Liberty AV Optical, HDMI and Category cables and our sister company, WESCO Broadcast and AV can provide all of the quality, distributed brands needed to complete your install, including speakers, cameras, and more. Ask about our eKitting all of these great components in one, convenient kit for time and cost-savings at the time of deployment.
Every-AV-Thing Connecting Source to Display
Learn more at https://secure.libertycable.com/product_details.php?pitem=DL-SC41U-TX or Reach out to Liberty AV’s knowledgeable customer service team at 800-530-8998 or via orders@libav.com for ‘Every-AV-Thing Connecting Source to Display’
Monitor Audio IA40-3 Installation Amplifier
The IA40-3 Amplifier is the latest addition to Monitor Audio’s award-winning range of Custom Install audio solutions. The discreet amplifier is a highly versatile unit featuring digital, analogue and bluetooth inputs with Dolby Audio (Dolby Digital) for maximum flexibility. Designed for easy installation, the amplifier’s customizable brackets allow it to be positioned in multiple locations: on a wall, cabinet, stand or the back of a television.
With 40W of power over three channels, or 60W over two channels, the IA40-3 will drive speakers or passive soundbars to deliver a lively and precise sound.
Ideal for smaller environments, the IA40-3 works beautifully when paired with Monitor Audio bookshelf or stand-mount speakers in a bedroom, study or sitting room. And, in a kitchen, bedroom or loft room, the IA40-3 will perfectly power in-ceiling speakers. But, best of all, if there is a television in the setup, the IA40-3 can be mounted on the ba
