European Custom Installer

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA announces the availability of the first results of its partnership with Sonos-- specifically the Symfonisk-brand shelf speaker and table lamp/speaker combo.

First launched at Milan Design Week 2019, the Symfonisk audio ranged is designed to "democratise the home sound system." Like other Sonos speakers, the Symfonisk offerings support wifi and AirPlay 2 connectivity, and pair with both the wider Sonos ecosystem and, in case of the table lamp/speaker, the IKEA Tradfri connected light bulb system.

Legrand-owned Vantage Controls looks to provide installers with an end-to-end human-centric lighting (HCL) system through a collaboration with LED luminaire maker WAC Lighting.

Primarily focusing on luxury residential environments, the collaboration between the two companies combines advanced lighting control capabilities from Vantage and the Luminetix araya5 light engine built into WAC tunable low-voltage LED lighting fixtures.

The Vantage controller is programmed to match the sunrise/sunset schedule shift throughout the year in order to best support the natural circadian rhythm, as based on the location of the installation. Scenic presets can override programming at any time through a button press to match daily tasks, be it studying or winding down. The platform is compatible with DMX or 0V to 10V protocols, providing single-button control no matter the technology behind the LED source.

Toshiba launches a selection of four 4K TVs for 2019-- the UL7A, TL7A, U5LA and VL5A, all claiming to offer both "leading-edge" technologies and "added values" to a wider range of customers.

The higher-end options are the UL7A and TL7A, both available in 49- and 55-inch sizes and featuring an ELED (Edge Emitting LED) panel with support for Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR dynamic metadata. The UL7A adds a pair of enhanced 42W speakers, the result of a collaboration with Onkyo, but otherwise the two models are essentially identical.

CEDIA announces Jeremy Burkhardt will be inducted to the CEDIA Fellows programme at CEDIA Expo 2019. The CEDIA Fellows programme honours long-time CEDIA members and volunteers who have contributed "significantly" to the association.

Burkhardt is, of course, well known as the chairman of Origin Acoustics, as well as the former CEO, architect and co-founder of SpeakerCraft. He has a history in the industry spanning over two decades, starting off as a custom installer before becoming an independent AV retailer. The experience lead him to realise deficiencies in products and installation practices, bringing about the creation of SpeakerCraft. The company grew into  the largest architectural speaker maker and brand in the industry before it was sold to Nortek for a record $58 million in 2004, and Burkhardt remained CEO until his retirement 2012.

DIY home security vendor abode releases an update on Google Assistant integration enabling full support for the voice assistant, allowing customers to fully control abode alarms through Google Assistant-enabled devices.

Previously abode Google Assistant integration was limited to controlling lighting, switches and plugs. The updated integration, on the other hand, provides voice control of all aspects of the abode system, including lighting, locks, streaming cameras, door and window sensors and garage door openers, as well as arming and disarming the system.

Customers can disarm the abode system using the commands "Ok Google, arm abode to away mode" and "Ok Google, disarm abode." Disarming the system via voice also requires a 4-6 digit verification code. When home, customers can ask Google Assistant for the status of the abode system, and issue a voice command to change alarm status.