European Custom Installer

Middle Atlantic commits to offering more solutions and support in the EU with both local inventory and shipments of region-specific power plugs for the High Power DC Power Distribution series.

First seen back at ISE 2019, the high-power capacity solution promises maximum power to support more devices. It also eliminates messy, space-consuming power supply units (aka wall warts) from AV design. Available in 200 and 300W models, both units offer high current capacity to an industry-leading quantity of outputs-- up to 24 devices-- in a 5, 12, 24 or 12/24V split unit. EU customers can select models with appropriate power plugs, be it BS 1363 (UK), CEE 7/7 (Schuko), SEV 1011 (Switzerland) or IEC C14 for fast and simple ordering.

JBL Professional launches the DSi 2.0 series cinema amplifiers, offering "class-leading" power output, state-of-the-art DSP and advanced networking capabilities for the JBL cinema loudspeaker range.

As the first JBL-branded cinema amplifiers, the DSi 2.0 series builds on the Crown DSi series amplifiers. As such, the range combines the DSP from the Crown CDi DriveCore series amplifiers with a high-power design to deliver superior efficiency, reliability and audio fidelity. The DSi 2.0 series includes three power configurations-- 350, 700 and 1200W-- with 6 models (the LA4, LA4-D, MA4, MA4-D, SA4 and SA4-D) available in analog and analog-plus-digital versions with Dante/AES67 and SNMP connectivity.

French home automation startup ProKNX launches what it claims is a unique, offline voice control system for the home-- Aragon, an internet-free voice assistant residing inside a flush-mounted box.

According to the company, so long an existing home automation system is in place, customers simply need to install an Aragon device in each room where voice control is desired. The system works with Snips (now Sonos) and does not require any cloud services, meaning the device is not dependent on an internet connection and users to do not need an associated account.

ProKNX says security is one of the biggest concerns of homeowners regarding voice assistants. However Aragon follows a privacy-by-design model, meaning it does not record or store conversations, and the software runs directly on the device. Software updates are also under user control, and as such never imposed. As for the device, it has a small form factor and fits inside a flush-mounted, in-wall box compatible with a wide range of switch fronts from a variety of different manufacturers.

Crestron announces the wireless Horizon EX keypads and dimmers, a line of wall-box controllers with matching dimmers and keypads providing an advanced custom control solution as part of the Crestron smart home.

Horizon EX universal dimmers have no minimum load requirement, and offer more reliable LED dimming. Available in black, white and almond in configurable 1, 2, 3 or 4 gang boxes, the lineup features designer aesthetics, four different button styles, interchangeable custom top and button trim pieces (faceplates sold separately) and wireless communications.

CEDIA announces Michael Sherman, owner/director of Henri, the French CEDIA Member of Excellence company, is the recipient of the 2019 CEDIA Young Professional of the year award.

The award recognises Sherman as an emerging leader making an impact on the home technology installation industry. It elevates and celebrates the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of industry professionals under the age of 40.