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Europe's leading residential technology trade magazine
Newsletter - 5 February 2008 - Lighting
With our feet still sore from walking the seven halls that the fifth Integrated Systems Europe filled last week in Amsterdam, this issue is dominated by news from the event. The seven halls housed 481 stands in 38,500 gross square metres of exhibition space and at the close, the official attendance figure was announced as 22,199 visitors. It was busy! Although ISE also covers commercial technologies and solutions, there were plenty of products and exhibits aimed at the residential installer, and there is some interesting crossover between these sectors. For example, you couldn't miss Panasonic's 150 inch plasma television. This huge display is aimed at commercial applications, but based on its experience with the 103 inch model where a third has gone into residential installs, Panasonic is expecting some success in the home cinema market. We also noticed increasing support for the KNX (formerly EIB) control standard from residential manufacturers, including announcements from AMX, Systemline and Stardraw. If you'd like to know a bit more about this potentially very significant protocol, our articles archive offers an introduction and an update. We'd like to welcome all of our new subscribers who signed up at ISE - please don't be shy about giving us your feedback - and our congratulations go to Wim Schaap of SmartHome Projects in Hilversum for winning our draw for an Apple iPod touch. If you didn't get to see everything you wanted to, or didn't attend ISE, we have compiled an ISE 2008 news archive and the HiddenWires@ISE 2008 supplement is available as a PDF file. Our feature this month is Lighting, and is sponsored by Lutron. We have three articles covering the Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS, an industry opinion piece on how building regulations are affecting CI lighting installations, and our Going Green column continues with a look at energy-efficient lighting. In addition, Glenn McClelland of Armour Home provides our guest commentary with his thoughts on staying successful in an uncertain market, and Gary Sasaki and Chris Pedersen of Digdia give us their view on the Blu-ray vs HD DVD format war post CES and the Warner Brothers announcement that it's going to drop HD DVD. If the New Year has made you feel that you'd like a new challenge, why not take a look at our recruitment service. We currently have vacancies for sales, marketing and technical support personnel. Finally, we'd like to welcome Monster as a Silver sponsor.
Articles Feature: Lighting Sponsor: Lutron The world's leading designer and manufacturer of lighting controls and architectural lighting control systems for residential, commercial and institutional applications. Product Article: Lutron GRAFIK Eye QS - Straightforward Natural and Artificial Light Control By John Niebel, Lutron (3/2/2008) Going Green: Strategies and Technologies for Energy-Efficient Lighting John Lilley, USD (3/2/2008) Industry Opinion: The Effects of Building Regulations on the CI Lighting Industry By Yasmin Hashmi, HiddenWires (3/2/2008) The view from CES: Will Blu-ray Win? By Gary Sasaki and Chris Pedersen, Digdia (3/2/2008) Guest Commentary: Don't Panic! By Glenn McClelland, Armour Home (3/2/2008) [go to articles page]  News Sponsor: Armour Home Electronics Delivering the world's finest custom installation, furniture and hi-fi products, and celebrating 21 years of Systemline multi-room home entertainment systems. Priority news: Systemline goes 'beyond multi-room' by adding EIB compatibility (4/2/2008) Chief Launches the Cinematic CM2C40 Automated Ceiling Lift for High End Installations (27/11/2007) Weibel Lift appoints Thomas Edison as the sole distributor in Spain for its projector and television lifts (15/1/2008) Top stories for ISE 2008: Weibel Lift AG will pre launch the new MINI Projector lift (18/12/2007) Vantage announces WebPoint 2.0 giving remote access to all Vantage controllers (19/12/2007) DMi Presentation to Launch Escient Vision Series AV Media Servers (18/12/2007) SpeakerCraft debuts MODE Free, a new MODE keypad with RF system control in Europe (19/12/2007) Adapt Control Solutions continues its international growth (20/12/2007) Chief Launches the Cinematic CM2C40 Automated Ceiling Lift for High End Installations (27/11/2007) Chief Introduces the Next Evolution of In-Wall Swing Arm Mounts (27/11/2007) Crestron features system integration products (27/11/2007) Philips upgrades Pronto remotes to enable advanced two-way multi-room control (11/12/2007) Imerge to Launch New MP1000 Networked MediaPlayer (18/12/2007) D-Tools System Integrator SI5 Available Now (17/12/2007) Smart-e shows new range of AV distribution matrices (4/12/2007) Unicam demonstrates the Audio Authority's full HDCP compliant HDMI distribution system (20/12/2007) Lutron launches its latest lighting control technology including new seeTouch International HomeWorks keypads (21/12/2007) in-akustik presents its AmbienTech product line including AmbienTone invisible speakers and AmbienTrack cable conduit systems (28/12/2007) AMX Continues to Set the Standards in Both Products and Training (3/1/2008) Peerless to Show New SmartMount Articulating Arm Wall Mount Models (14/1/2008) Chief Announces Short Throw Projector Mounting Solutions (14/1/2008) RBH Sound Previews New SX Series Speaker Line-Up (14/1/2008) Furman Brings Elegant New Design to Elite-10E i and Elite-16 PF E i for 230V Markets (15/1/2008) Q Acoustics Introduces 'Disappearing' Home Cinema Speakers (17/1/2008) For the rest of this edition's news click here, for categorised news click here. [go to news page]  Training Ingenium and Smart3 offer BUSing courses in the UK [go to training page]  Recruitment Invision UK seeks Regional Sales Manager for North/Midlands area Aventure Europe seeks Regional Sales Executives for the UK and Southern Ireland Aventure Europe seeks UK Sales Person to head new Installation Products Division Aventure Europe seeks Sales & Marketing Administrator Aventure Europe seeks a keen, enthusiastic person for Technical Support Unity Audio seeks UK Sales Executive for hi-fi range of speakers Computers Unlimited is seeking Channel Development Managers who are passionate about audio to promote the Sonos wireless music system [go to recruitment page]  Books etc Save up to 30% on the titles in our book store: Digital Video Essentials HD DVD/PAL Combo - Test and demonstration materials Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems (2008 Edition) Audio/Video Cable Installer's Pocket Guide [go to books page]		Weibel's patented precision projector lift overcomes all of the problems normally associated with traditional scissor projector lifts. Opus - a whole-house entertainment solution providing stunning quality music and video throughout the home. Extremely easy to install and service with an unrivalled dealer support programme. DMi D&M Installation - dedicated to sales and technical support within the custom install industry, supplying Escient, Marantz, Denon and Boston Acoustic products and support across the range. SpeakerCraft's European logistics unit gives distributors the added benefit of seeing their orders shipped quickly and efficiently throughout Europe, without the normal hassles involved with importing products. Monitor Audio loudspeakers represent the epitome of British design and quality, demonstrating Monitor Audio's devotion to music and film sound reproduction. Dynalite Europe supplies technology solutions for lighting control and home automation applications. Dynalite's distributed intelligence system is equally suited to large and small installations. HiddenWires-supported events: The Connected Home 2008 14 March 2008 Olympia, London, UK Smart Home Show 10-13 April 2008 NEC, Birmingham, UK SIB International 5-8 April 2008 Rimini Expo Centre, Rimini, Italy HDi Show 2008 10-13 April 2008 Crocus Expo, Moscow, Russia PALME & Install Middle East 2008 27-29 April 2008 Dubai International Convention Centre, Dubai, UAE PALM & Install China 2008 29 May - 1 June 2008 China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing, China PALME & Install Asia 2008 8-10 July 2008 Suntec Singapore, Singapore [go to events page]

This edition's news in full:

AMX Harnesses VoIP Technology to add Telephony to its Control Systems (5/2/2008)

Niko's new Pure, Intense and Original ranges of control products offer style and design (5/2/2008)

Niko adds 7 inch touchscreen and feedback module to its home automation range (5/2/2008)

Niko shows new range of daylight control, motion and smoke detector systems (5/2/2008)

Niko shows new access control products (5/2/2008)

Runco shows VX-22i projector featuring CineWide with Autoscope (5/2/2008)

NaimNet delivers three audiophile music servers (4/2/2008)

AMX provides control of KNX-based systems with KNX NetLinx Communications Gateway (4/2/2008)

Lutron unveils GRAFIK Eye QS lighting system (4/2/2008)

Epson unveils EMP-TW2000 home cinema projector and EMP-TWD10 home entertainment centre (4/2/2008)

iLight highlights new eight channel feed-through relay and Classic Plus range of lighting control panels (4/2/2008)

dnp adds the Supernova Epic home theater screen to its series of front projection screens (4/2/2008)

Helvar previews its 458 dimmer (4/2/2008)

Middle Atlantic Products announces European compliance and availability of thermal management solutions (4/2/2008)

Stardraw adds enhanced support for EIB and DMX (4/2/2008)

Systemline goes 'beyond multi-room' by adding EIB compatibility (4/2/2008)

AMX adds affordable solutions for simple room control and audio/video switching (1/2/2008)

NuVo Introduces Stylish New Metallic Trim-Plates for Use with Its Grand Concerto Whole-Home Audio Systems (1/2/2008)

Sony adds the lower-priced VPL-VW40 1080p SXRD projector to its range of BRAVIA Home Theatre Projectors (1/2/2008)

Liberty Wire & Cable Introduces New DigitaLinx HDMI Products and ConnecTec Audio Solutions (1/2/2008)

Universal Remote Control Introduces MX-980 and MX-810 Remotes for Home Theaters and A/V Systems (1/2/2008)

Harman Consumer Group Participates in Integrated Systems Europe 2008 (1/2/2008)

Audio Design Associates Demonstrates New TS-5000 Touch Screen (1/2/2008)

Screen Research Upgrades LeWing Home Cinema Screen Lineup (1/2/2008)

Vogel's Professional introduces wall supports for close-to-wall mounting (1/2/2008)

SIM2 Introduces Grand Cinema HT3000 HOST Modular Full HD Home Theater Projector (1/2/2008)

BMB launches Universal Remote Control's MX-810 and MX-980 RF/IR Remotes with Colour Screen icons (31/1/2008)

Sharp demonstrates 1080p HD-ready AQUOS LCD TV models with web-based capabilities (31/1/2008)

NAD Introduces New C355 High-Performance Stereo Integrated Amplifier (31/1/2008)

Sunfire Goes Bi-Polar with Innovative Surround Speaker (31/1/2008)

NetStreams and Polk Audio showing new product lines at ISE (31/1/2008)

NaimNet chooses ISE for European Launch (28/1/2008)

Savant Expands Excellence in AV Program to Include Apple Development Community (28/1/2008)

Hitachi Unveils New Line of Ultra Thin LCDs (28/1/2008)

Gennum Showcases ActiveConnect HDMI Connectivity Solutions (28/1/2008)

Gefen and Pulse~LINK Introduce HDMI Over Coax Product for High Definition Video Connectivity Throughout the Home (28/1/2008)

HANA Demonstrates Integrated Home HD Networking (28/1/2008)

Home Gateway Key To Supporting Consumer Electronics Devices In The Digital Home (28/1/2008)

Lagotek shows iPhone control of its HIP Home (28/1/2008)

The iDom Group claims bigger is better (28/1/2008)

Cables To Go Announces New HDMI and DVI 360-Degree Rotating Connectors (28/1/2008)

LINN developes the future of music with Akurate DS source (28/1/2008)

MoCA extension offers PQoS and 175Mbps net throughputs for home entertainment networks (25/1/2008)

OMEGA project develops user-friendly gigabit home network (25/1/2008)

Russound's New RFR-E5 Two-Way RF Remote Puts Control and Convenience in One Feature-Rich Package (25/1/2008)

Aquavision Unveils 57" In-wall Waterproof TV (25/1/2008)

Planar targets custom channel with new PD8150 and PD8130 1080p projectors (25/1/2008)

Big future for large LCD TVs (24/1/2008)

AMIMON'S WHDI Receives HDCP Certification From Digital Content Protection (24/1/2008)

Get the bigger picture with SIM2 at ISE 2008 (24/1/2008)

Projecta introduces Multi-Mask Imager bringing home cinema to a movie theatre level (24/1/2008)

Epson unveils ground-breaking projector technologies (24/1/2008)

New ZVOX wall-mount home theater system requires no external speakers, subwoofer or speaker wires (22/1/2008)

Sunfire Bows New Theater Grand Processor for Luxury Home Theaters (22/1/2008)

T+W Marketing shows premium home cinema systems (22/1/2008)

Vogel's new products bring a personal touch to mounting solutions (22/1/2008)

Birthday Celebrations at Systemline - 21 Years of Excellence! (22/1/2008)

Aventure Europe announces new HC-500 Home Controller from Control4 (18/1/2008)

RTI Launches Latest MRP-64 and RKM-1 Multi-Room Control Devices (18/1/2008)

VizionWare Introduces Hi-Wirez 3400 Series Active HDMI Cables (18/1/2008)

airSOUND Launches In-Wall and In-Ceiling Single Point Stereo Speaker System for Custom Install (18/1/2008)

DMi Launches Trio of New High End AVRs from Denon and Marantz (18/1/2008)

CINEAK to offer its Fortuny deluxe chair with oak wood veneer armrests (17/1/2008)

Niles iRemote TS offers control of IntelliControl ICS distributed audio and video system together with home theatre automation (17/1/2008)

Xantech introduces XOD Series of outdoor speakers (17/1/2008)

Peerless shows SmartMount pull-out swivel mounting solution (17/1/2008)

Q Acoustics Introduces 'Disappearing' Home Cinema Speakers (17/1/2008)

Fujitsu Announces Closure of Visual Display Business for the Consumer Market (15/1/2008)

SpeakerCraft debuts a super thin enclosed ceiling speaker (15/1/2008)

SpeakerCraft debuts new in-wall bass engines (15/1/2008)

Furman Brings Elegant New Design to Elite-10E i and Elite-16 PF E i for 230V Markets (15/1/2008)

Weibel Lift appoints Thomas Edison as the sole distributor in Spain for its projector and television lifts (15/1/2008)

RBH Sound Previews New SX Series Speaker Line-Up (14/1/2008)

Chief Announces Short Throw Projector Mounting Solutions (14/1/2008)

Peerless to Show New SmartMount Articulating Arm Wall Mount Models (14/1/2008)

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