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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 45 Audio Visual Systems Madison acknowledges that this trend is partly driven by retro-loving folk who defiantly boast about retaining their vinyl record collections; but it is also driven by people who simply prefer the tactile attributes of physical media as well as an appreciation that 'outdated' technology such as CDs and Blu-ray is resilient and delivers quality visual and auditory value. Madison says, "In the residential realm at least there is a palpable return in the popularity of physical media. Our focus at Commercial Electronics is on ste- reo and speakers to cater to a big uptick in demand for two-speaker stereo setups in designated listening areas – even for people who have multiple speakers and various streaming services elsewhere in their homes." Companies such as Sony provide players that satisfy high-tech lovers as well as retro enthusiasts. For example, Sony's 4K Ultra Blu-Ray Player UBP-X800 enables users to enjoy a 4K High Dynamic Range viewing experience (with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound), and thanks to its Hi-Res Audio with DSEE HX it boosts the frequency and dynamic range of CDs to near high-resolution quality. "We have a variety of such machines, and with the Sony selling for just $399.99 customers can improve their home entertainment experience without breaking the bank," Madison says. Finally, Mike Chorney, president at La Scala Home Cinema, says, "High-end digital streaming systems are being incorporated into audio components, and yet it's not unheard of for people who own such machines to also own turntables for their vinyl record collections. "I don't buy into the argument that people who cling to old technology are snobs; rather, they want flexibility in their delivery of home entertainment." As such, Chorney notes that his company has provided more high-end audio systems for playing physical media over the last two years than in the previous 11 years combined: "Let's face it, for all of the advances in technology, the sonority and warmth of vinyl records is not easily replicated." But in other realms, advancements are being made at such a rapid clip that Chorney and his team go out of their way to be one step ahead. "Our commit- ment to education is fierce, and our managers are always attending trade shows and meeting with key industry leaders," he says. Such diligence has enabled La Scala to predict and take advantage of how AI enhances the AV world. "This is especially evident in Smart homes," he says. "AI's ability to think and make choices is taking the clunkiness out of communicating with home systems. Today, these systems can respond to, and act upon, complex request streams, not just one. Cumulatively, this will contribute to the shift of residential environment systems becoming an expectation instead of a want." Ultimately, smart technology could result in societal gains far removed from home entertainment. Chorney explains, "The main problem with the push by various governments for EVs to replace gasoline-powered automobiles is that the sheer number of electric vehicles would require massive amounts of new power generation – which would be prohibitively expensive. "So instead, organizations such as BC Hydro are looking at ways to repurpose energy rather than create more energy, by studying exactly how power is used in residences and at what times. And the way to do this is to deploy smart panels and breakers to residences and monitor them. Eventually, it could well be that energy waste in every home is minimized and diverted towards home EV charging sta- tions, and in other instances the power of an EV could be used to run certain home appliances in the event of a power outage. The prospects are many, and it's an outcome of smart technology in residences shifting from a want to a necessity." A Atmosphere Audio Processing and Control Systems Publisher: Dan Chapman | 604.473.0316 | canadawide.com/award The only media proper ty in Canada ser ving all five design/construction fields: architecture, construction, engineering, interior design and landscape architecture. Get well-researched stories four times a year on the people, projects and issues driving these industries. CONTACT US FOR MARKETING OPPORTUNITES Award Quarter Page Ad.indd 1 Award Quarter Page Ad.indd 1 2024-05-22 2:48 2024-05-22 2:48

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