Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/255439
For instance, the firm's new Playmaker audio bridge receives music wirelessly from a mobile device and transmits the tunes through a set of high-performance speakers. And for the videophile in the entertainment room, the new Bang & Olufsen Immaculate Wireless Sound system lets theatri- cal sound connoisseurs or interior designers posi- tion speakers "virtually anywhere," says Hal Clark, director of design and engineering at Commercial Electronics. "Even the subwoofer is wireless." He explains that every room is acoustically differ- ent and requires specific subwoofer placement for the best performance. "Wireless gives us the ability to place the speaker wherever it makes the most sense. As professional system designers, we appreciate being able to optimize the configuration for the best performance and esthetics." Bang & Olufsen isn't the only company riding the wireless wave. Clark says ELAC, another high-end speaker maker, now offers wireless sound systems as well. Looking at the visual media side of the AV equation, Clark points to Kaleidescape's new Cinema One as an example of the latest in home entertainment solutions. Cinema One downloads, stores and plays hundreds of HD movies and music albums, simplifying media col- lections. "It enables you to masterfully browse what you want – by list, genre, artist, director, even cast members for instant experiences," Clark says. Commercial Electronics prides itself on identify- ing each client's specific needs and tailoring solu- tions to meet them. As Clark puts it, "We approach our customers with solutions for their lifestyles rather than begin conversations with the features and benefits of a particular new box." Blending In La Scala is one company that believes in working closely with interior designers to ensure the audio visual elements in the home work seamlessy with the design to create an esthetically pleasing environment. "Our purpose is to understand the vision of the project and work closely with all the influencers," says Mike Chorney, VP of La Scala. Chorney refers to Trufig as one company that is making a difference. Its flush-mounting cover plates integrate technology and devices and have been designed for esthetic-conscious architects and design- ers. "Trufig can be installed into a variety of surfaces including granite and solid surfaces so that it won't compromise the flow of the space," explains Chorney. In keeping with this idea comes the Sonance Architectural series speakers that sit flush with the wall. Chorney expects demand for the series to explode in 2014 as the speakers come in a variety of sizes to suit the architectural context, whether it is for in-ceiling lighting schemes, ceiling vents, or an interesting architectural feature of the room. When it comes to the evolution of technol- ogy, Chorney adds that customers today require a seamless transfer of content and La Scala is meeting that demand, using products such as Apple's iCloud. This allows the user to download data to multiple devices, and while digital sound doesn't quite have the warmth of analogue, Chorney believes this will soon change. "A lot of our clients have multiple homes and are always on the go. They want the ability to control their homes from wherever they are in the world, or purchase and download music and access it from any of their devices." La Scala builds each and every interface to be easy to use and responsive, so that all the home functions can be controlled with the touch of a button. Fast Forward What will AV equipment and architectural product makers think of next? Experts predict more wireless options in the future. As well, novel acoustic wall and ceiling systems will enable superior sound performance in a wider range of locations. Notably, while private sector companies are the primary users of audiovisual conferencing solutions today, public-sector organizations may embrace them down the road. Builders, designers and architects should stay tuned to these advancements to meet customers' AV needs. n february 2014 /39 audio Visual Systems p38-39AudioVisual.indd 39 14-01-23 11:42 AM