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A home cinema can look perfect on paper and still fall apart the moment the soundtrack gets busy. So we went to CAVD’s Marlowe Showroom to spend a full training and demonstration day with Krix, the Australian loudspeaker specialist whose commercial cinema background shapes everything from design philosophy to installation method. If you care about repeatable performance, intelligible dialogue, and dynamics that do not turn harsh, this one is for you. 

We talk through why Krix deserves more attention in the UK custom installation scene, then get into the engineering that makes the range feel different. That includes the patented infinite baffle wall concept, built to improve efficiency and reduce unwanted rear reflections, plus the brand’s refined horn and waveguide approach aimed at keeping the classic cinema punch while widening the sweet spot for every seat. We also map out the product families in plain terms: the MX Series for dedicated private cinemas, and the LX options, like the LX7 LCR, designed for media walls and living spaces where depth is tight but expectations are not. 

From there, the focus moves to bass done properly, with passive and active subwoofers scaled from compact solutions to serious dual 18-inch designs, and then to what actually happened in the demo room. With Krix MX20 speakers, multiple cyclonic subs, an AudioControl Hyperion processor, Origin Pro amplification, and a JVC DLA-NZ900 projection chain, we share the moments that stood out: crystal-clear speech, seamless movement, and LFE that stays powerful yet controlled. We finish with the integrator-to-integrator talk you rarely get in a product launch: shallow UK ceiling voids, baffle wall construction, cable management, RP22, CEDIA, and why a training-first dealer network like the proposed Cinema Circle could raise standards across the board. 

If you enjoyed the mix of home cinema speaker engineering, installation technique, and honest industry debate, subscribe, share it with a fellow integrator, and leave us a review.

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Smart home tech is easy to talk about and hard to truly show, unless you can step into a space where everything feels natural. Today we’re sharing a fast, practical Inside CI News Brief that spotlights three real-world showcase projects where Control4 integration helps technology disappear into the experience, from heritage architecture to luxury retail and hands-on training environments.

First, we look at how ADI supports the channel by bringing respected integrators and well-known brands together in collaborative smart home demonstration spaces. The point is not just product display, but real-world evaluation and practical learning: places where you can test how audio, video, lighting, and control actually behave when users walk in, press a button, and expect the room to respond.

Next, we head to London’s Arding and Hobbes Building, reimagined as a vibrant hub for work, leisure, and community. With Control4 as the backbone, the clubroom shifts between informal business lunches, parties, and sports viewing, while staying intuitive for occupants and discreet within the interior design. We also visit Harrods in Knightsbridge, where the Faraday Club Cinema Lux Lounge delivers an immersive home cinema lifestyle installation through integrated AV and lighting, crafted with premium partners and a clear focus on how the space is felt.

We wrap with the Monitor Audio Group Experience Center in Rayleigh, Essex, built as a multi-zone showcase and education hub with distributed audio, sophisticated DMX and colour-tunable lighting, and unified control throughout. If you care about smart home integration, luxury AV, and what makes demonstrations genuinely persuasive, subscribe, share this briefing, and leave us a review so more integrators can find the show.

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Monitor Audio has just given its mid-range Silver Series a full refresh, and if you care about reliable performance in real rooms, this is worth a closer look. We break down what the new Silver Series 8G actually changes for custom installation, home cinema, and two-channel listening, from the core acoustic engineering to the practical details that matter when you’re speccing and fitting a system.

We walk through the seven-model line-up, including traditional stereo options, a dedicated centre channel, an AMS height module for Dolby Atmos, and a new On-Wall speaker designed for discreet installations. Monitor Audio says the range scales cleanly from compact 5.1 packages all the way up to full Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 layouts, with consistent voicing across rooms and system types. That promise of matching tone and dispersion is a big deal for integrators who need predictable results across varied seating positions, reflective surfaces, and real-world placement constraints.

On the engineering side, we cover the latest evolution of Monitor Audio’s C-CAM driver technology paired with RST3 cone geometry, the updated CCAM Gold Dome Tweeter with UD Waveguide 2, and the new Silent Flow port technology inspired by owl feather airflow patterns to reduce turbulence and port noise. We also touch on upgraded crossover networks, cabinet bracing via through-bolt driver tensioning, and installer-friendly outrigger feet borrowed from the Platinum Series 3G, plus finishes including sustainable engineered European walnut veneer.

We finish with the essentials: the full model list, UK pricing from £450 to £2650, and August 2026 availability. Subscribe for weekday CI news, share this with a fellow installer, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

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A foldable 105-inch on-wall LED TV is not a concept you hear about every day, and it is just one of the signals that Stealth Acoustics is rethinking what “discreet AV integration” can look like. We break down the brand’s plans for CEDIA Expo 2026 and what they could mean for busy integrators who need to balance performance, aesthetics, and real-world installation constraints.

We dig into the direct view LED push, including a 114-inch extreme retractable LED TV with a 1.5 mm pixel pitch, a 136-inch fixed-on-wall LED TV with a finer 0.9 mm pixel pitch, and that attention-grabbing 105-inch foldable option with a customisable front. We also cover the new indoor direct view LED fixed line, designed to bring Stealth’s patio theatre expertise indoors with wall-mounted LED displays and integrated soundbars, offered across multiple sizes and pixel pitch options. If you are tracking fine-pitch LED, premium home cinema, and the shift away from projection in brighter rooms, this update is packed with practical detail.

Audio gets a serious upgrade too: Stealth is introducing a family of six multi-channel digital amplifiers in two, four, and eight channel formats, pairing built-in DSP with integrated room correction, and adding Dante connectivity on all but one model. We also cover the expanded low-frequency line, including slot-ported in-wall subwoofers engineered to complement invisible speakers, plus a mud-in version for an even more seamless finish. Rounding it out is Stealth Design Studio, an online tool that converts anything from full drawings to quick sketches into visual system layouts showing coverage, dispersion, and equipment positions.

CEDIA Expo 2026 runs 2 to 4 September in Denver, Colorado. Subscribe for weekday updates, share the show with a fellow installer, and leave a review so more people in custom installation can find the news.

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Only 280 pairs worldwide, hand-built to order, and updated in ways that actually matter to modern high-performance systems: we dig into the 80th Anniversary limited edition Klipshorn and explain what’s changed, what’s stayed sacred, and why integrators should pay attention. This is a loudspeaker with a lineage going back to 1946, but the anniversary model aims to translate that heritage into today’s expectations for clarity, control, and real-world room results.

We walk through the engineering decisions behind the redesign, including the move to a two-way configuration with an active crossover and external DSP. We talk about why phase and time alignment matter in horn-loaded designs, how onboard EQ and gain trims help installers tailor the sound to placement and room conditions, and what those practical controls mean for repeatable commissioning. We also cover the new high-frequency horn and large compression driver derived from the Jubilee, plus the role of the folded horn bass cabinet and 15-inch woofer in delivering deep, controlled low-frequency impact.

Beyond performance, we look at the details clients will notice: tigerwood veneer, brass inlay, sandcast aluminium horn components, and bookmatched pairs with mirrored grain. We also touch on the heritage extras, including museum membership and a 180-gram vinyl release from the Klipsch Tape Archives, plus how the Klipshorn fits into the wider Klipsch and Onkyo 80th Anniversary Heritage System and its pricing. If you care about premium hi-fi, custom installation, or the intersection of legacy design and modern DSP, this one is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a fellow integrator, and leave a review, what do you think makes a “heritage” product genuinely worth it today?

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HDR is getting brighter, smarter, and more competitive and the next logo on a TV box could genuinely change what your clients see on screen. We unpack Samsung and Prime Video’s move to bring HDR10+ Advanced to the home for the first time, starting with Samsung’s 2026 TV line-up and selected Prime Video titles rolling out globally from August 2026. If you work in custom installation, specify home cinema systems, or just care about premium streaming picture quality, this quick briefing gives you the practical context without the fluff. 

We explain what HDR10+ Advanced actually adds to the existing HDR10+ format: more detailed dynamic metadata designed to preserve creative intent while letting modern displays use their peak brightness and processing power more effectively. We dig into the two headline upgrades enhanced overall brightness (using extended statistical metadata for better highlights and tonal accuracy) and AI-driven tone mapping (aimed at keeping shadow detail intact while boosting impact for sport and action). We also look at intelligent motion smoothing that adjusts dynamically so films stay cinematic but fast scenes feel cleaner. 

Then we place it against the obvious rival: Dolby Vision 2. Both formats aim to exploit ultra-bright screens and deliver more accurate highlights, shadows, and motion, but they diverge on ecosystem and philosophy. HDR10+ Advanced stays open and royalty-free, while Dolby Vision 2 remains proprietary and tied to Dolby’s mastering tools and certification pipeline, with broad manufacturer adoption. For a handy reference, we also point you to HDR10plus.org/advanced for more details. 

Subscribe for weekday briefings, share this with a colleague who specs displays, and leave a review if these updates help you stay ahead. Which HDR format do you think will win in real living rooms?

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Onkyo hits 80 years old and uses the moment to do something more interesting than a simple retro reissue: it lays out a clearer path into streaming-first hi-fi and desk-friendly audio. We walk through the headline anniversary releases revealed at Audio Advice Live 2026, and why they matter to busy integrators, installers, and anyone building a modern listening setup that has to work across music, TV, and everyday life.

First up is the Muse Series Y50 network integrated amplifier, a deliberate blend of classic Integra-inspired styling and contemporary performance. We talk through the design details, the front display with track information and VU meters, and the practical side of living with it via the Onkyo controller app. Then we get into the spec that will drive system decisions: 250 watts into 4 ohms via a Class D amplifier, broad physical connectivity including HDMI, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, and MM/MC phono, plus streaming support such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Googlecast, and QPlay. There’s also a new room calibration system built specifically for the Muse series, aimed at optimising sound in real rooms rather than ideal ones.

We also cover the Creator Series 80th Anniversary powered monitors, GX30 ARC and GX10DB, designed for creators, gamers, and homeworking desks. With Class D amplification, advanced DSP, bi-amp drive, USB‑C, Bluetooth 5.3, optical, and a subwoofer pre-out, these compact active speakers are positioned as a bridge between classic craftsmanship and next generation performance, with HDMI ARC on the GX30 ARC for straightforward TV and console integration. If you want quick pricing context, we share the stated US retail figures too.

Subscribe for weekday CI news, share this brief with a colleague, and leave a review if these fast updates help you stay ahead. What feature matters most to you right now: room calibration, HDMI ARC, or USB‑C on powered monitors?

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A new AV receiver launch can sound like spec-sheet noise until you look at what actually changes for real living rooms and real installs. Today we dig into Marantz’ second-generation Cinema home cinema receivers and why the Cinema Series 2 updates matter for custom installation pros and anyone building a serious home theatre.

We walk through the full line-up, from the flagship Cinema 50 Series 2 to the Cinema 60 Series 2, the European-only Cinema 60 DAB Series 2, and the Slimline Cinema 70s Series 2. The big engineering headline is a new 32-bit 8-channel DAC architecture across every model, aimed at better timing accuracy, sharper stereo imaging, and more convincing surround cohesion. We also cover what it means that the range is now Dirac Live ready, and how modern room correction can help tame bass problems and uneven seating positions without turning setup into guesswork.

Then we get practical: gaming support now includes 1440p pass-through, AMD FreeSync, and 4K 120Hz gameplay, while streaming gets an updated HEOS platform and a promised firmware update for low-latency Bluetooth LE audio. For installers, the tools are a standout, with Web Control 2.0 for browser-based configuration, CI mode with HDMI Diagnostics 2.0 for faster fault-finding, and real-time channel level monitoring to speed up commissioning and troubleshooting. We finish with release dates and pricing, including UK pricing starting at £950 and arrivals beginning 15 August, with the Cinema 70s Series 2 following 15 September.

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Radio RA3 is a staple in luxury residential lighting and shading, but homeowners now want one clean interface for the whole house. Today we break down Rithum’s new full Radio RA3 support and what it changes for integrators who want a single, unified control experience without adding complexity or wasting time on duplicate programming.

We explain how Radio RA3 lighting and Sivoia shading appear natively on the Rithum Switch, alongside climate control, multiroom audio, SIP intercoms, and CCTV. The big practical win is sync: Rithum pulls scenes, circuits, zones, and shades directly from the Lutron processor and stays aligned even as you tweak names, dimming curves, or zone layouts during commissioning. We also dig into the new capabilities the plugin brings to Radio RA3 projects, including fine dimming, shade positioning, dynamic scene selection, and macro scenes that combine lighting, shading, temperature, and audio into a single action.

Hardware matters too, so we cover how Rithum Switch and Rithum Switch Pro fit a standard UK/EU back box and include the processor built into every switch, meaning no separate hub or controller is required. With Lutron calling the partnership a natural fit for high-end homes where reliable automation is expected, and the Rithum Pro plugin available now, this is a timely update for anyone specifying smart home control, touchscreen keypads, and whole home automation around Radio RA3. Subscribe for weekday briefs, share this with an integrator friend, and leave a review with the one integration you most want next.

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A luxury venue inside a restored 17th-century building sounds romantic until you have to hide modern audio across suites, a restaurant, a bar, retail areas, and a rooftop terrace, and still make it simple enough for staff to run without stress. Today’s Inside CI News Brief breaks down how Muse House in Zurich tackles that exact problem with a unified Sonos pro AV approach designed for boutique hospitality.

We walk through the refurbishment context, why the audio brief demanded both high performance and discretion, and how integrator SAT Multimedia, with support from distributor Stylus, delivered consistent coverage across very different spaces. You’ll hear the practical system choices: Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers placed throughout the building, Arc Ultra soundbars for in-room entertainment, and outdoor speakers powered by Sonos AMP units to keep exterior zones on the same platform.

From there, we dig into what matters most for day-to-day operations: multi-zone audio control for staff, guest-only access via in-suite iPads, and integration with the venue’s KNX smart building system so audio sits neatly alongside lighting, climate control, and concierge services. We also share feedback from MuseHouse’s head of hospitality, Lucas Hasler, on why ease of use and recognisable workflows make the difference in real hospitality environments.

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