March 2020
ertonline.co.uk
Smart home at ISE 2020: A focus on improved interfaces, personalisation and voice solutions
Whilst CES in January was the showcase for over a thousand vendors of smart home devices ranging from the core areas of security, monitoring, climate control, power control, lighting and hubs to more tangential areas such as toothbrushes, showers, pillows and pet litterboxes, the focus at ISE was on higher end whole home solutions such as those offered by Crestron and Control4. Whilst not all installers agree, the likelihood is that the rise of consumer DIY-install devices, such as those from Amazon, Nest and Hue will actually drive up rather than undermine their business: aware ness of the possibilities fuelling consumer interest, but frustration with compatibility and smooth operation leading to more engagement with installers. Control4 unveiled the latest update to its OS 3 interface, offering more flexibility
for
Innovative, smart solutions for the home proved popular with attendees
Despite being somewhat detached from the world of Pro AV, which was a huge theme again at this year’s ISE, projector solutions designed primarily for use in the home were also demonstrated at the show and attracted significant footfall – no doubt a reflection of the renewed interest so-called “Screenless TV” have brought to the industry. Shipments of Screenless TVs were up three per cent globally in 2019. Viewsonic showcased its X Series which boasts 4K UHD solutions with integrated smart functionality and LED lumens up to 2,900 (utilising
impressive second generation LED technology) and integrated Harmon Kardon audio and Wi-Fi connectivity. The X1000 4K “Soundbar Projector” attracted significant footfall.
It also demonstrated the M1 mini Plus – an ultra- light-weight (300g) smart home cinema projector which boasts integrated JBL-customised audio along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Optoma had a mock-home setup on its booth, showcasing its new model, the UHD42 – the world’s first 240Hz gaming projector featuring 1080p 240Hz ultra-smooth motion.
More consumer audio vendors seeking to capitalise on the installer channel opportunity
As high street retail continues to shrink, the home audio hardware industry is finding it increasingly difficult to showcase and sell its devices through mainstream channels.
Discussion with vendors at ISE again highlighted that their single biggest challenge is in finding potential consumers and creating a world where people aspire to high end audio solutions, particularly home theatre and multiroom audio solutions. ISE and CEDIA have become key events
in
their calendar as the installer community handles an increasing share of the premium home audio hardware business, including loudspeakers, soundbars, amplifiers and sound processors. Even some relatively mainstream consumer audio brands estimate that 10-20 per cent of their sales value is achieved through the CI channel, a share that they are seeking to grow.
Regular exhibitors which focus mainly on consumer audio such as McIntosh, Martin Logan, Meridian and Lenbrook were joined this time by luxury speaker brand, Devialet, which showcased its first product dedicated to the CI market, a model based on the 990 Phantom 600 Reactor speaker. This features additional connectivity. The trend towards unobtrusive audio solutions continues apace, with a wide range of in-wall speakers on show, in addition to the in-ceiling speakers which have become omnipresent at audio booths over recent years.
Samsung’s “Wall” drew attention – requires new speaker configurations as they cannot be placed behind the MicroLED screen; at least one vendor is working on a solution.
individuals
in the household to tailor the display to their own tastes and requirements. The update also enables the integration of Google Assistant to facilitate voice control of lighting, locks, thermostats and other devices. Crestron, meanwhile, introduced a control system which addresses the needs of smaller homes and apartments. The MC4-R 4-Series uses PoE. The company also emphasised its compatibility
with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and HomeKit as voice is considered to be an essential part of the smart home experience.
Intellithings was showing latest enhancements to its RoomMe presence detection system, which now recognises an individual’s smartphone (or selected smartwatches) in order to adjust the lighting, entertainment and temperature according to that person’s profile. This is marketed as being a step ahead of even voice control as it happens without any intervention from the user. It requires a sensor in each room which recognises
the Bluetooth signature of the devices being carried by the user and is compatible with many of the leading smart home DIY devices such as HomeKit, Wink and Hue.
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