INSTALLATION OF THE MONTH - September 2008
Artcoustic and Sensory - Let the Entertainment Begin
Not all homes have the space required to incorporate a high-end home cinema system and entertainment area. The luxury of such a room however, is that an audiovisual system can be calibrated to create an optimum cinematic experience. You also usually have two options when you decide to install a home cinema: a dedicated theatre room or an entertaining space which has other uses. The owner of this home chose the latter for him and his family. He not only wished for top quality display of movies but also wanted excellent sound quality, a place to entertain and play a game of pool.
When this client and his family moved into their new house, they set about turning it from an empty shell into their home. Part of this process involved converting a large room above the garage into a dedicated media and games room. Being completely isolated from the main house, with its own WC facilities made the room a perfect choice for a high performance home cinema system and entertainment area. The family wanted the room to be appropriate for both their entertainment and for socializing with their friends.
Rather than letting this extra space develop into a no-mans land of assorted bits and pieces, the client had loftier ambitions for this large room. With a vision of converting the room into a high-tech haven for audiovisual entertainment the client enlisted the expertise of custom installer, and audio visual experts: Sensory. With offices in the UK and France, Sensory’s expertise comes from years spent designing and delivering, innovative and integrated entertainment and communication solutions for luxury homes, super-yachts and commercial offices. This experience, and their unique approach to custom installation, means they are able to harness the power of state-of-the-art technology to create bespoke systems which deliver audio video, lighting, security and IT, simply and reliably.
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After enlisting Sensory, both parties met several times to ensure that the optimal solution would be provided. Sensory were certain they could provide a complete and comprehensive home system for control of lighting, audio and video where all the equipment had to complement the surroundings and blend in seamlessly with the architecture and interior design. It takes careful planning to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that nothing gets overlooked. The importance of having a close working relationship with the client can't be overstated on any project and it's especially important on extensive installations like this one. Therefore, Sensory was determined their solution for the client would be of the highest standard and easy to use.
Today, home entertainment and audio systems are an integral part of the design of many homes. Packed with the latest technology, they are smart, sophisticated pieces of equipment designed to fit with the look of contemporary living spaces. This is a concept that has influenced the design of the high end loudspeaker manufacturer Artcoustic. Sensory were adamant that Artcoustic loudspeakers were the best choice.
Artcoustic speakers were chosen firstly for their superb sound quality but also their ability to complement the interior with artwork options being chosen from the Artcoustic portfolio. The interior design of the room was very important and the music system had to be beautifully integrated. A pair of Artcoustic DF75-55 X2 loudspeakers elegantly sit on the walls along with a 50” Pioneer plasma screen that can be used with high levels of ambient lighting, allowing the family and guests to enjoy the system whilst still able to use the pool table at the back of the room. Artcoustic Diablo Monitor Speakers have been used as rear left and right speakers along with the DF Multi 50” to provide the centre channel. Although all the speakers look like framed pictures do not be fooled, they are a vital part of the home cinema system. This is high-performing audio that delivers powerful crystal-clear and realistic surround sound. For dedicated viewing, an 80” Screen Research electric screen along with an SIM DLP Projector that has been installed to provide huge life like images from SkyHD receiver and DVD sources and Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii games consoles.
A close up view of the screen and front speakers shows a more intimate view of the media room, with the large l-shaped sofa which wraps around the viewing area and acts to distinguish between the two halves of the room. With the screen lowered, staying at home on a Saturday night to watch a movie can be a surprisingly high tech and sophisticated experience. Sensory have provided the client with a very flexible solution.
One of the favorite things about the system is the convenience. The client wanted it to be hands-on and easily accessible. It’s simple, fully automated RTIcontrol system is a mobile wireless touch panel screen.The client can simply tell the system if he wants to use the plasma or the projector screen, then choose the source that he wants to use, leaving the system to automatically configure itself.
As the room already had in ceiling light fixtures installed, with wiring in place, Rako wireless dimmers were used to split the existing lights into three individual circuits, controlled from a wireless light which replaces the original switch, and the hand held controller. The system provides four individual preset scene configurations, with master raise and lower buttons. In addition to this dedicated media room located above the garage, three Sky satellite receivers are distributed throughout the property, and available through every television, with independent control from programmed all-in-one remote controllers. To support the client’s own personal computers, laptops and Sonos network music system, a gigabit Ethernet switch was also installed, providing networked internet access and viewing of the CCTV system.
Setting up a room dedicated to home entertainment is an opportunity to escape the rigid formality of the public cinema. Homeowners installing these systems want the best comforts possible and it is often the things that you cannot see that make all the difference to your comfort level. And for this client that was exactly his brief to Sensory. It was important to retain the uncluttered look of the interior. None of the equipment is intrusive and everything from the speakers to the wiring is tastefully concealed.
Sensory knew the client’s needs were the top priority and worked extensively to provide the optimal solution. Their understanding of the importance of state of the art high-end technology meant that Artcoustic was the perfect choice. Rarely are the demands of technology and interior design so masterfully blended as in this dedicated media and games room, a direct reflection of the cohesive way that Sensory’s team hard work. The result is a perfectly melded and intertwining flow of sound and design with every aspect custom tailored to the tastes and lifestyle of the customer.
Contact
Sensory International
01625 584540
info@sensoryinternational.com www.sensoryinternational.comNEW PRODUCTS
Spitfire 4-2-1 Cinema System – Spitfire 4-2-1 speaker system redefines reference cinema performance
The new flagship Spitfire 4-2-1 speaker system is available now from Artcoustic Loudspeakers. Featuring a high performance horn loaded tweeter together with 6 x 10” bass units, this model is capable of stunning performance, easily exceeding reference pressure levels with a maximum output of 122dB. Each loudspeaker is tri-amped with the PA1800 power amp to deliver 1800W per speaker. Partnered with the Spitfire Subwoofers, Spitfire Venues and PA1800 amplifier, this forms a speaker system designed for the very finest home cinema systems.
The Spitfire 4-2-1 system is the most installation friendly high performance system available. Reference performance is delivered in just 186mm of depth - including subwoofers. Installation is quick, easy and aesthetically clean and unobtrusive.
Spitfire 4-2-1 measures 800mm x 840mm x 186mm
Contact an exclusive Artcoustic distributor in your area for more information.
July 2008 - Artcoustic Open New UK Headquarters
Artcoustic UK are proud to announce the opening of their new UK Headquarters: a beautiful training and demonstration facility destined to lead the industry in audio education and design.
This brand new facility will showcase the company’s state-of-the-art high-end audio solutions to their exclusive dealers, consultants, architects, interior designers and end users. The headquarters features Artcoustic’s full range of products amongst top of the line furnishings ensuring a total Artcoustic experience in both residential and commercial room sets. The full range of Artcoustic products on demonstration with 9 full systems includes:
- A state-of-the-art dedicated reference Spitfire Cinema Room
- Commercial Spitfire Venue bar demonstration area
- Various sized plasma based systems with Artcoustic Packages
- Domestic systems ranging from the small 2 channel Diablo Target system to flagship DFF180-43 systems.
Facility will provide Authorised Dealers, Interior Designers, Architects and End Users with a Venue to Learn About and Experience Artcoustic’s Audio Solutions
This interactive demonstration facility will provide a convenient place to learn how high-end audio systems can be successfully integrated into a lifestyle environment without sacrificing one to the other. It will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the audio / lifestyle environment and also demonstrate the convenience and functionality of having the Artcoustic sound system in their private residence, home cinema, restaurant, hotel or corporate boardroom.
The facility caters for both commercial and domestic projects and can truly show the full range of possibilities that can be achieved with Artcoustic Loudspeakers.
As ever interior design and high end audio have come together via the Artcoustic team to produce a stunning new facility. “We always aim to present everything we do in the most desirable way possible” explained Paul Cummin, Artcoustic UK Sales Director, who has spearheaded this project, “We know that just having fantastic products is not enough, you have to show them in the best environments. Artcoustic as a company are leading the way in this area, we understand interior design and that selling our product is only made easier by presenting it in the right way. Our authorised dealer network already benefit from our ability to show their clients the end result via our extensive image library and marketing material. This new facility will ensure that we can keep them up to date with our full range of products and philosophy. Our aim is not only to show beautiful installations, but also to demonstrate that high performance loudspeakers are what Artcoustic is all about.”
All modern residential and commercial settings need an audio system solution, but there are so many products on the market that it is difficult to know what to select.
Artcoustic has the expertise to provide the specialist knowledge that is required, when it comes to selecting the ideal residential and commercial high end loudspeaker solution from a basic audio system to a complete multi-room solution. Artcoustic can work closely with their dealers, architects, interior designers and consultants to create a fully integrated home or commercial environment.
The new UK Headquarters marks another first for the industry, pushing the envelope of state-of-the-art audio technology and showcasing the perfect marriage between high-end loudspeakers and interior design. It will be the first of its kind to represent an integrated living space fully fitted with elegant furnishings and Artcoustic’s top performing audio systems.
If you think you already know Artcoustic, be prepared to open your eyes and ears! This facility is designed to prove that high performance systems and beautiful installations can and should go together. The range of possibilities is endless. A visit to this new headquarters is just the starting point.
The showroom is based in Chelmsford, Essex.
20 minutes by car from the M25
30 minutes by train from London Liverpool Street, (nearest train station Chelmsford)
30 minutes by car from Stansted Airport
The showroom is by appointment only – to arrange a visit please call 01245 400904 or e-mail salesuk@artcoustic.com. Artcoustic UK Showroom Unit 15 Eckersley Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SL England.
