European Custom Installer

CES 2020 sees LG launch a range of soundbars featuring Meridian digital signal processing (DSP) technologies, including the SN SN9YG and SN11RG as well as the flagship SN11RG, a 7.1.4 channel system with two wireless rear speakers.

The SN11RG uses the two wireless rear speakers to deliver forward and up-firing sound, with advanced signal processing allowing for 360-degree acoustics. All new models include Meridian Bass and Space, a technology the company says increases the width and scale of the soundstage beyond the physical dimensions of the product. It also supports stable and accurate low-frequency reproduction.

Meanwhile Meridian Image Elevation technology increases the perceived height of the lead instrument or vocal, making it especially important for soundbars positioned below a screen. In turn it creates a more lifelike listening experience. Furthermore, the majority of the 2020 lineup supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for dynamic and immersive audio.

Platinum Tools announces the Stub-End Coax Cable Stripper RG59/6 (p/n 15046C), a means for installers to find the stub end of a coax cable in retro coaxial installs with restricted terminating space.

“A common scenario in retro coaxial installs is finding the stub end of a coax cable protruding on the inside of a wall outlet or MDU box,” the company says. “Using a standard coax cable stripper is difficult due to the restricted terminating space. We have the solution-- use the Stub-End Coax Cable Stripper.”

Savant partners with USAI Lighting to debut Daylight Mode, a system to align lighting schemes to match the natural circadian progression based on time-of-date, something the company says can promote healthy living.

Users can personalise Daylight Mode to suit individual lifestyle and situational changes, with the Savant App suggesting a circadian curve highlighting time-of-day settings for colour temperature and lighting intensity throughout the day. The Savant app adjusts lighting for related factors such as geography, time zone and season, and users can further personalise lighting by adjusting timing, intensity and colour temperature settings.

KEF announces the KEF Reference finish selection for 2020-- a lineup introducing a Silver Satin Walnut finish and an expansion of bespoke Kent Foundry Edition finishes to the Reference 4c and 2c centre speakers.

The Silver Satin Walnut finish utlises a silver satin, tone-on-tone design encompassing the drive units within a solid, brushed aluminium front baffle. Pair-matched walnut, real wood veneered cabinets complement the overall design. The Foundry Edition finishes adorning the 2c and 4c centre speakers pay homage to the Madstone beginnings of the company, with Blue Ice White hinting at the original blue of the original KEF logo. Meanwhile Copper Black combines the latest Reference technology with an aesthetic evoking such pedigree.

Together, the 2020 finish selection for floor, bookshelf and centre channel models consists of Piano Black, Silver Satin Walnut, Kent Edition Copper Black and Kent Edition Blue Ice White.

Screen Innovations (SI) launches a re-engineering of the Solo projection screen family-- now up to 3.5m wide in AC, DC and wireless lithium rechargeable options.

One of the signature features of the new SI Solo 2 motorised cassette is a decorator-friendly design. Cassette sizes start at 90m in depth and height, making them 17% smaller than the original. The Solo 2 also employs a longer-lasting rechargeable lithium-powered motor. The battery lasts for up to 2 years on a single charge and, in case of recharging, users do not need to pull out a ladder to reach and disassemble the motor casing.