Core Brands and Autonomic Controls to Serve as MVP Co-Sponsors of 2015 D-Tools Design Awards Program

Two industry-leading custom installation solutions providers, Autonomic and Core Brands, today announced that they are joining forces to support industry-wide design best practices, serving as MVP (Manufacturer Vantage Point) Co-Sponsors of the 2015 D-Tools Design Awards Program. Through the sponsorship, the winner of the “Best Overall” category will receive an ELAN entertainment and control system with ELAN gHR200 remote and an Autonomic MMS-2A streaming media solution.

The annual D-Tools Design Awards Program puts the spotlight on the best project designs and greatest success stories that demonstrate D-Tools platform proficiency and the positive effects it has had on both workflow and ROI. Winning entries will be selected from a diverse group of D-Tools users. The winners will be announced at CEDIA Expo in Dallas, Texas.

“We are proud to co-sponsor this very important design awards program with Autonomic,” said Core Brands Director of Marketing Bill Hensley. “ELAN introduced the world to IP based, entertainment centric smart home automation.  Autonomic introduced the world's first cloud-based media server, making whole-house audio more intuitive, enjoyable and sophisticated for users while creating a profitable business model for custom integrators. And now that the ELAN control platform is completely compatible with Autonomic streaming media solutions, it makes perfect sense for our two companies to join together to support the best practices objectives of the D-Tools Design Awards Program.”

Autonomic CEO Michael de Nigris added, “We’re honored to partner with Core Brands in support of the D-Tools Design Awards Program. By providing the ‘Best Overall’ winner with a Mirage Music Player and an ELAN system controller, we’re giving them the opportunity to create an expandable whole-home automation system, beginning with a staple: whole-home audio.”

The ELAN entertainment and control system is a versatile controller and OSD extender that integrates seamlessly with a variety of systems, including the Mirage Music Player. The controller is robustly configured with 3 IR outputs, 1 IR input, 1 bi-directional RS-232 input, 1 sensor, 1 HDMI output (720p/1080p) and 1 audio output.  Its built-in WiFi enables all of its functions to be IP controlled, and PoE enabled, it uses dramatically less energy than conventional controllers.

The ELAN system features integration of up to 16 zones of security; 2 door locks; media that can control 1 AVR, 32 displays and an unlimited number of ELAN zones; as well as controls for lighting (24 devices and up to 24 custom g! keypads), climate (3 stats), video (3 IP cameras), irrigation (16 groups and 256 zones) — plus the ability to add on a virtually unlimited number of ELAN and Core Brands attachments.

The Mirage Music Player MMS-2A delivers pure, reference quality high-resolution audio via a USB output as well as two independently controlled streams to support a multi-room entertainment system as large as an astonishing 96 zones when paired with Mirage Digital Amplifiers. A new generation of the world’s first cloud-based media server, the MMS-2A will store, sync, schedule, blend and stream an entire music collection along with the most popular online streaming services. The MMS-2A also delivers all of the features that have become the hallmark of the Autonomic brand, including access to the most popular streaming services (PANDORA® internet radio, Rhapsody®, TuneIn Radio, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Slacker, Napster, Deezer and Spotify), iTunes synchronization, cloud synchronization enabling access to personal music collections across multiple locations, three onboard AirPlay receivers enabling guest computer/device streaming, and Autonomic’s exclusive TuneBridge™ technology (patent pending), making iteasier than ever to listen to, discover and explore the universe of music.

An ELAN g1 entertainment and control system, ELAN gHR200 remote and Autonomic Control MMS2A media solution will be on display at both Core Brands’ booth #4128 and Autonomic’s booth #3119.

Sunfire Redesigns HRS High Resolution Subwoofer Series to Significantly Improve Listening Experience

Industry-leading luxury subwoofer and home theater audio brand, Sunfire, today announced the redesign of its widely popular, high-performance HRS Subwoofer series. Delivering a dramatically improved listening experience and a boost of serious power, the HRS Subwoofer series utilizes legendary Sunfire technologies to deliver the best and boldest sounding subwoofers from a small but stunning enclosure.

“Sunfire has once again raised the industry standard with the transformation of the HRS Subwoofer series,” Core Brands Audio Marketing Manager Matt Dever stated. “Engineered by Furman technicians, the HRS Series features an all new Toroidal Transformer designed to dramatically reduce noise levels, and improve the overall listening experience for everyone to enjoy.”

Available in 8, 10, and 12-inch models, the HRS series is the perfect option for any size home theater. Exclusive to Sunfire, the innovative Frequency Filtration Design™ (FFD) acoustic tailoring technologies greatly improves accuracy even at the highest volumes and lowest frequencies. The FFD™ also gives HRS subs a remarkable ‘sonic intelligence’ that lets the listener clearly hear and feel all the deep-bass details in their favorite music and movie soundtracks.

Creating breathtaking power with crystal-clear sound, the sub features a built-in 1,000-watt amplifier and advanced driver technology. The 1,000-watt RMS amplifier uses Sunfire’s exclusive Tracking DownConverter™ amplifier to deliver high levels of current with far greater efficiency than conventional amps, for huge, pure power reserves with minimal physical size and cool-running operation. Additionally, the new standby circuitry reduces standby power consumption like never before. If that weren’t enough, the amp’s soft-clipping circuitry also keeps the woofer from being dangerously overdriven or producing obvious distortion, without squashing the dynamic subtleties or compromising its impact during big action flicks.

Much of the HRS series’ powerful performance comes courtesy of the massive, extra-long-throw woofer. The woofer’s ability to make extremely long excursions enables it to displace large amounts of air, producing deep, bone-rattling bass. Additionally, the driver’s large, specially designed surround holds the woofer cone precisely in place as it moves, for the most accurate sound possible. 

For easy-installation and convenience, the HRS provides multiple connectivity options, including RCA inputs/ outputs, speaker level inputs, detachable power cord and international voltage selection for increased installation flexibility with consumer and professional components. This allows the HRS to fit seamlessly into new audio designs as well as existing configurations. Furthermore, line-level inputs and outputs, plus speaker-level inputs let you easily connect this sub to most audio systems, and its variable back-panel volume, crossover, and phase controls help you fine-tune the bass to any particular sound.

What’s more, the HRS now offers a collection of premium audiophile features like auto turn-on circuitry, gold plated connectors, soft clipping circuitry, variable crossover level and variable phase control. “The Sunfire HRS subwoofer is designed in an effortlessly stylish, high-gloss piano black finish that fits flawlessly into almost any room décor, making it the perfect foundation for every great home theater and audio system,” Dever concluded. 

The HRS subwoofers quality control levels have been raised to the highest in Sunfire’s history. Equipped with a one year parts and labor warranty, HRS subwoofers are available now through certified Sunfire dealers. To find a certified dealer near you, visit Sunfire.com/dealer_finder.

“Mixing-Console-Kings” Educate Customers in Interactive Demo Room Protected by Furman

When Dallas-based Sound Productions, renowned as the “Mixing-Console-Kings,” was designing its state-of-the-art demo room, the goal was simple: create a comfortable environment with an authentic live venue atmosphere. After just 90 days, the room was equipped and operational with some of the hottest sound, lighting and video products on the market, ready to be test driven by anyone who walked through the door. Everything was running smoothly, until it hit them: severe weather in the area could ultimately shut down the show. After little deliberation, they turned to Furman to protect their investment and keep all of the systems operating seamlessly. 

“Originally, we installed a power management system that we quickly lost confidence in. The system failed twice during brownouts, which were common this past spring due to unusually extreme weather in our area. Fortunately, the failures did not occur during business hours,” Sound Productions Vice President of Sales & Marketing Jeff Humphrey explained. “It was almost a year after opening the new facility when we finally decided to incorporate Furman products into the racks to deliver advanced surge protection and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup.”

The company installed the BlueBOLT-enabled Furman F1500-UPS, Furman P8 PRO-C and Furman M-8Lx power conditioners and a Furman voltage regulator into the racks of four live demo stations showcasing sound reinforcement, recording, contracting, and mobile DJ products. The room comes equipped with the top 10 hottest selling digital consoles, a complete QSC line array speaker system as well as five other major speaker brands, a broad range of lighting products and a full complement of mics and backline equipment to simulate a live sound environment. In the room’s FOH racks, four APB- DynaSonic MixSwitches are used in conjunction with two Presonus Central Stations which allow seamless switching while auditioning the various consoles and speaker systems, all of which is protected and conditioned by Furman. 

Kris Landrum, Engineer & Sales Team Member at Sound Productions

“Going into this project, we were very careful in the design,” Humphrey continued. “We wanted the demo room to operate seamlessly, and be an active tool for our sales team and clients rather than a constant work-in-progress hindrance I’ve seen in so many other facilities. I have witnessed many failed demos; you walk into a room and only half of the equipment is patched or even operational. We wanted to change that typical experience and set expectations higher, so we built a system that does not require any patching or un-patching. It takes little effort to test any given product, in any configuration even down to a specific component.”

This system set-up is extremely beneficial since Sound Productions allows customers to come in and demo products during normal business hours. With this policy, they need to make sure everything is working 100 percent of the time. “My right-hand-man, Kris Landrum (pictured above), arrives early every morning to run all of the diagnostics, prior to opening our doors,” Humphrey added. “He ensures everything is fully operational before he settles into his sales position, so customers can walk in at any given time to see, touch and hear the exact equipment they want at a time that is convenient for them.”

Additionally, since the system is running through the BlueBOLT-enabled Furman f1500-UPS, the Sound Productions team can monitor their system through the cloud-based power, energy, and network management platform from anywhere in the world. BlueBoLT allows them to remotely reboot connected equipment in order to address a myriad of common system issues, so Landrum can fix menial system disruptions prior to walking through the demo room’s door. “We’ve successfully used the BlueBOLT function on mobile devices and local computers and found it to be seamless and very intuitive,” Humphrey stated. 

Sound Productions’ value-add business model doesn’t stop with daily demos. The company offers free monthly educational workshops with content based on new technology, industry trends and customer demand. Workshops and lectures are presented by leading manufacturer representatives and industry professionals such as Ken “Pooch” Van Druten, Bo Brinck and legendary FOH engineer, Buford Jones to name just a few. “Educating customers is our mission; educated customers buy with confidence. They purchase the right gear for their given applications and are happier in the long-run,” Humphrey concluded. “Our new facility and the workshops we offer provide a one of a kind experience for our customers.”

At Home, Work, and Play: Arkansas Professional Couple Keeps It All Running Smoothly With Their ELAN Control System

When you’re the founder and president of multiple successful companies – including one involved in industrial manufacturing – you understand the importance of control. That’s why, when it came time to outfit their 10,000 square foot main home, surrounding property, and 2,000 square foot pool house with an integrated whole-home AV and control system, this Jonesboro, Arkansas, couple turned to Ryan Heringer of Sound Concepts and the ELAN entertainment and control system.

However, what started as a standalone whole-home AV and control installation, quickly expanded to include their son’s house, their retail business, and eventually, their airplane hangar.  “We often see this with clients who own multiple properties,” said Heringer. “They experience the seamless whole-home control offered by ELAN in one property and decide to extend the system to every part of their lives. This installation is a classic example of the smart home trend.”

The couple’s first priority was the main home’s AV upgrade – clearly geared towards the entertainment enthusiast – which now includes six Samsung TVs ranging from 46” to 65”; 30 speakers and subwoofers embedded in the ceilings of every room in the house; a M700 Kaleidoscape Disc Vault that can store 48 terabytes of DVD and Blu-Ray videos on a central server; a top-of-the-line Quad Window HD Digital Video Processor that allows the couple to watch up to four programs on one screen on any TV in the house; and a downstairs media room outfitted with a JVC 3D projector, a 100” Dragonfly screen with a stylish black velvet frame, an Integra 9.2 Receiver, seven flush-mounted speakers, and one Sunfire subwoofer. 

“From the home office to an enclosed patio, breakfast room and art gallery, each room in this home is highly tailored to the design preferences of the couple– it’s no cookie-cutter McMansion,” said Heringer. “However, while the themed rooms make the home a design success, it’s the seamless integration of ELAN-controlled AV technology throughout every one of these themed rooms that makes the home a functional success. The his and her master bathrooms, closets, breakfast room, art gallery and sun room, to name a few, are all outfitted with in-ceiling speakers, while the laundry room and enclosed patio feature Samsung LED TVs and in-ceiling speakers.” 

To easily control it all, including the home’s HVAC, lighting, and security, the couple uses both the ELAN g! mobile device app and an arsenal of ELAN remotes and control panels, which includes thirteen HR2 handheld remotes, twelve wall-mounted ELAN touch panels and one tabletop touchscreen controller.

According to the homeowners, the idea that the pool house’s AV technology could be controlled by the same system as the main house was a substantial selling point for ELAN. “When Ryan explained that, with ELAN, the same app used to control our main home could also be used to control not just the outdoor lighting, pool settings, and speakers but also all technology within our pool house, we knew we found our control system,” the homeowner explained. “If I’m in my office late at night, and I see out the window that the pool house’s lights were left on, I can turn them off using my ELAN app; prior to going to bed, I scan my ELAN app to ensure all lights are off, the security system is engaged, the saltwater fish tank’s settings are stable, the garage doors are closed, and the thermostats are set at my desired temperatures. ELAN provides me with the control I need to ensure my home is in order both while I’m home and while on the road.”

The next step in this evolving ELAN installation was the son’s home. “After experiencing all that ELAN offers in our home, our son decided to install an ELAN system in his recently purchased home,” continued the homeowner. “The ease-of-installation, the complete control over his entertainment system, and its affordability, all made an ELAN installation an easy decision.”

Once the homeowner launched a downtown retail business, the decision to equip the space with an AV system controlled by ELAN was, once again, another easy decision. “While at the store, I’m able to control the lighting, audio, and televisions with my ELAN mobile app or wall-mounted control panel. While away from the store – at home, at my other businesses, or traveling – I’m able use the ELAN security platform to monitor the store.”

The last piece of the control puzzle is still being put into place — the installation of an ELAN system in the couple’s airplane hangar. When complete, the ELAN system will control the hangar’s four-camera security, DVR, and alarm system, its television, indoor and outdoor surround sound, garage doors, automated door locks, HVAC, and lighting. “By outfitting their hangar with an AV system controlled by ELAN, the couple now has both a secure location to store their planes and a place to host parties and events,” emphasized Heringer. “Whether it be their main house, pool house, son’s house, retail storefront, or airplane hangar, this Jonesboro couple appreciates all that’s offered by an ELAN-controlled smart home. And while my recommendation guided their initial decision to choose ELAN, its expansion to their other properties is a true testament to the performance of the ELAN system itself.”

To download additional photography, click here. All photography is courtesy of Jennifer Barakat.

Gefen Becomes Part of Core Brands, Strengthening Portfolio of Solutions Offered to Growing Dealer Network

In a move designed to strengthen the synergies that already exist between the two organizations, Core Brands and Gefen today announced that, effective immediately, Gefen will join the Core Brands family of leading solutions offered to its growing network of residential and commercial integrators and installers.  The announcement was made by Core Brands President Joe Roberts and Gefen President Tony Dowzall. 

“As a leader in digital connectivity and innovator of A/V signal processing solutions for commercial and residential applications, Gefen is a natural addition to the existing portfolio of Core Brands solutions,” Roberts said today.  “Backed by an incredible heritage of groundbreaking practical innovation, Gefen provides intuitive connectivity products and solutions that bridge the gap between rapidly advancing technology and real-world applications. All of us at Core Brands look forward to collaborating with the Gefen team to become even stronger, well-rounded industry leaders. The incorporation of Gefen into the Core Brands family is going to expand the range of options we offer our customers and make it easier for them to transact more of their business through a single solutions provider.”

Amplifying these points, Dowzall stressed that Core Brands and Gefen have long enjoyed a close relationship as part of the same organizational structure inside Nortek. “Our two companies know each other well and complement one another in many important ways – both in terms of key industry verticals and common sales partners. This really is a perfect fit of philosophies, culture and values that are focused on a shared mission — delighting our customers with exceptional service and solutions.”

The integration of Gefen within Core Brands will also result in larger sales opportunities for many Gefen product lines, Dowzall emphasized. “In addition, because we will be part of a larger company with a greater amount of functional leverage, we will be better able to serve our customers at an even higher level.”