by KMB Communications | Sep 13, 2022 | News
SI’s refined Solo 3 motorized projection screen cassettes blend seamlessly into indoor and outdoor environments, offering a multitude of customization, integration, and installation options.
AUSTIN, TX — Screen Innovations (SI), a leading manufacturer of screen and shade solutions, redefines big-screen home entertainment with Solo 3, a re-envisioned line of design-centered motorized projection screen cassettes that discreetly blends into surrounding environments. The clean, sharp lines of the self-contained cassette complement trending contemporary and minimalist home designs.
Unlike most other motorized projection screen cassettes, Solo 3 is manufactured as a visually flawless unit with no typical demarcations of the end caps. Units come powder-coated in white, black, or painted to match the surrounding surface. Alternatively, when mounted above the ceiling, the entire cassette beautifully vanishes into the structure of the room. The new Solo 3— available in 375, 575, and 675 cassette sizes— replaces SI’s legacy 3 and 5 Series motorized projection screen lines. The stylish design attributes of Solo 3 help systems integrators appeal to the discerning tastes of clients who want an immersive, dynamic entertainment experience of a big screen that won’t compromise the room’s aesthetics.
Installation and programming ease is equally important to system integrators; the 575 and 675 Solo 3 models accomplish this, thanks in part, to the inclusion of a newly designed intelligent brain known as Moab. “Mother of all Boards,” this advanced 485-based control board enables faster programming of setpoints, rotation, and motor reset; it automates discovery and programming of keypads and remotes; and provides seamless, customizable integration with third-party control systems.
Designed and engineered by SI, Moab features numerous inputs and outputs to support a wide range of 485-based automation and control configurations and simplify the commissioning of screen settings with other control devices such as SI keypads. Built into the eye-catching translucent housing of Moab, which may be purchased separately for programming assistance, are 485- and dry contact ports, 12-volt triggers, and IR receivers. All programming can be accomplished using Moab without a computer or software.
While Moab is tucked neatly and securely inside the Solo 3 575 and 675 motorized projection screen cassettes, systems integrators can easily access it, as well as the internal motor, cabling, and screen material, through Solo 3’s unique removable fascia. Even when the Solo 3 cassette is mounted, systems integrators can quickly access the internal components to program, level the projection fabric and readjust settings.
Solo 3 is suitable for a wide range of applications, as the cassette accommodates SI’s many projection screen materials: This includes short-throw screen material for small spaces, Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) materials for rooms tackling an abundance of natural and artificial light, acoustically transparent screens for concealing speakers, and twin-view which presents images on both sides of the material for a 360-degree view.
Like SI’s celebrated Zen 2 and Nano 2 shading solutions, the Solo 3 cassette may be preinstalled during construction (with the cassette and tube as separate pieces); this noteworthy, deconstructed design makes the Solo 3 lighter and easier to handle, requiring less muscle, manpower, and time to install than previous models. The Solo 3 375 cassette may be powered by a rechargeable lithium battery for applications where running wires is more difficult than typical projects. The lithium battery can be charged manually via SI’s revolutionary recharging wand, or energy harvested by a forthcoming integrated solar panel. Solo Outdoor will be available later in 2022.
“We’ve taken the best features of our most popular indoor and outdoor screen and shade systems and applied them to our signature Solo 3 motorized screen assembly,” says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson. “Thanks to all the feedback from our dealers and customers, we hit the nail on the head with this total refresh, which gives systems integrators, designers, architects, and builders an easy, effective, and revolutionary way to bring big-screen entertainment anywhere, inside or outside the home. The home entertainment trend shows no sign of slowing, and Solo 3 strives to help our dealers capitalize on this burgeoning market.”
Where to See Solo 3
Solo 3 will debut during CEDIA Expo in Booth #19061. As a focal point of the booth, a 575 Solo 3 cassette with 160-inch Slate projection screen fabric demonstrates the brawn and beauty of this innovative motorized projection screen solution. It joins SI’s other design-forward solutions, including Zen 2 outdoor motorized shading and Nano 2 motorized indoor shading. Systems integrators can learn more about SI’s complete line of residential and commercial shade and screen solutions at www.screeninnovations.com.
About Screen Innovations
Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds all its screen and shade solutions at its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Dedicated to developing the most unique and innovative screens and shade for the custom residential and commercial markets, the company offers a wide variety of design-forward products that suit any viewing environment. As a leading manufacturer of screen and shade solutions, Screen Innovations is focused on the implementation of new technologies into its products and providing its dealers with the services and tools they need to differentiate themselves and grow their custom installation businesses.
Media Contact
For interviews, editorial appointments, or media tours, please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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by KMB Communications | Sep 12, 2022 | News
SI’s worldwide team of systems integrators influences the development of several key products and technologies showcased at CEDIA Expo 2022, enabling simpler, more beautiful, efficient, and affordable shade and screen installations, both indoors and outdoors.
AUSTIN, TX — Screen Innovations (SI) demonstrates its dedication to the success of home systems integrators in the motorized shade and screen business by introducing a host of problem-solving new products at CEDIA Expo 2022. Always striving to make integrators’ jobs simpler and more profitable, SI drew inspiration from its network of systems integrators to develop technologies, products, and systems that overcome common challenges in the field effectively and efficiently, while bestowing end-users with beautiful, convenient, and fun smart home environments.
Whether it was an integrator’s wish for a simpler means of programming, a line of sleeker, smaller motorized shade and screen cassettes, or more affordable installation hardware and software, SI listened, quickly pivoting to engineer and design the ideal shade and screen solution.
“Despite a rocky, pandemic-ridden 2020 and ongoing supply chain issues, we never stop listening to our integrators and innovating products that make a real difference in their livelihoods,” says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson. “They are the reason we do what we do and our top priority has always been to develop the types of shading and screen products they want. They tell us what we can do to improve, and we take their suggestions to the design and engineering drawing board.”
SI’s CEDIA Expo 2022 exhibit in Booth #19061 will include a range of indoor and outdoor entertainment and ambiance-enhancing solutions, including:
NEW Solo 3 Outdoor Entertainment Pavilion Featuring Shades and Screens
A focal point of SI’s CEDIA 2022 exhibit is Solo 3, a re-envisioned line of design-centric motorized projection screen cassettes that discreetly blends into surrounding environments. The clean, sharp lines of the self-contained Solo 3 cassette complement trending contemporary and minimalist home designs.
Unlike most other motorized projection screen cassettes, Solo 3 is manufactured as a visually flawless unit without typical demarcations of the end caps. Units come powder-coated in white, black, or painted to match the surrounding surface. Alternatively, when mounted above the ceiling, the entire cassette beautifully vanishes into the structure of the room. The new Solo 3— available in 375, 575, and 675 cassette sizes— replaces SI’s legacy 3 and 5 Series motorized projection screen lines. The stylish design attributes of Solo 3 help systems integrators appeal to the discerning tastes of clients who want to enjoy an immersive, dynamic entertainment experience on a big screen without compromising room aesthetics.
NEW Moab “Mother of All Boards”
Installation and programming ease has always been top priorities of systems integrators; SI showcases within its 575 and 675 Solo 3 models a newly designed 485-based control board to facilitate faster programming of setpoints, rotation, and motor reset, automation of discovery and programming of keypads and remotes, and seamless integration with third-party control systems. This “Mother of all Boards,” Moab, features numerous inputs and outputs to support a wide range of 485-based automation and control configurations and simplifies the commissioning of screen settings with other control devices such as SI keypads. Built into the eye-catching, translucent housing of Moab, which may be purchased separately from Solo 3 for programming assistance, are 485- and dry contact ports, 12-volt triggers, and IR receivers. All programming can be accomplished using Moab without a computer or software.
Zen 2 Design-Inspired Outdoor Motorized Shade Cassette
The first décor-minded outdoor shading solution, Zen 2 boasts an elegant, customizable, architecturally friendly design that effortlessly transforms decks, gazebos, patios, and other outdoor areas into comfortable, stylish living spaces, expanding the usable space of any home. Zen 2 gives architects and designers an option that seamlessly blends into today’s home designs, thanks to a custom paintable, primed option for a perfect color match. Accommodating popular outdoor shading fabrics to 25 feet wide and 16 feet tall, Zen 2 includes everything needed for a complete installation. Another perk: Zen 2 installs in half the time of other outdoor shading systems, thanks to its unique snap-in tube and hidden bracket attachment.
NEW Nano 2 Adds Decorative, Installation-Friendly Features to Motorized Shading
Leveraging the popularity of its fashion-forward Nano line of motorized shading solutions, SI’s next-generation Nano 2 embodies a suite of revolutionary new features in direct response to requests from dealers, yet maintains the same sleek, modern aesthetic that made the Nano line a favorite among systems integrators, designers, and end-users alike.
An enhancement especially helpful to integrators, designers, and architects is Nano 2’s removable front cover which provides easy access to the motors, technology, and shading fabric inside the cassette. This feature enables any necessary leveling adjustments, maintenance, and fabric swaps to be handled easily without detaching the cassette from the window. The Nano 2 motor, power, and control cables can be removed from the mounted shading cassette for service. Other refinements enable smoother, quieter raising and lowering of the shade and quicker programming and integration with other 485-controlled devices and systems.
.Where to See Screen Innovations
CEDIA Expo 2022 attendees can see demonstrations of Solo 3, Zen 2, Nano 2, Moab and other innovative shade and screen solutions at Booth #19061. Systems integrators, designers, and architects can learn more about SI’s complete line of residential and commercial shade and screen products at www.screeninnovations.com.
About Screen Innovations
Innovative shades & projection screens, making life beautiful, convenient & fun
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens, window coverings, and outdoor shading and screen solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of design-forward products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms Facebook @screen innovations, Twitter @SIScreens, Instagram @siscreens, and LinkedIn screen-innovations.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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by KMB Communications | Sep 12, 2022 | News
Beautifully engineered, Screen Innovations’ Zen 2 motorized shading solution turns outdoor areas into stunning year-round living spaces.
AUSTIN, TX — Screen Innovations (SI), the CEDIA industry’s fastest-growing manufacturer of motorized and manual window coverings, brings beautiful motorized shading to the outdoors with the easy-install, design-friendly solution, Zen 2. Developed to blend into outdoor environments and install in half the time as other motorized shade systems, Zen 2 boasts an elegant, customizable, architecturally-friendly design that transforms decks, gazebos, patios, and limitless other outdoor areas into comfortable, stylish living spaces.
“Systems integrators across the country indicated greater consumer interest in having a comfortable space outside to relax and entertain friends and family. Zen 2 caters to this trend by allowing homeowners to simply push a button to enclose an area with a beautiful shade that offers protection against the elements and insects,” says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson. “It dramatically extends the enjoyment of the outdoors, complements its surrounding environment, and adds valuable square footage to any home— everything the systems integrators’ customers are requesting.”
The Zen 2 motorized cassette accommodates a wide selection of outdoor shading fabrics, up to 25 feet wide and 16 feet tall, is available in several designer colors, or can be primed to paint for a perfect color match with the surrounding surface. Plus, Zen 2 installs in half the time of other outdoor shading systems with its unique snap-in tube and hidden bracket attachment. The cassette may be preinstalled and the tube snapped into place, affording a simple installation process. Zen 2’s zipper track system provides integrators twice the freedom of other track systems, simplifying the specification and installation process.
Zen 2 integrates with the latest smart home control systems through wireless Zigbee 3.0, RTS, or wired 485-based connection; this enables the movement of the shades to be choreographed with lighting, AV equipment, and more. Home systems integrators can use SI software to synchronize the movement of multiple shades and to open and close to several preset positions.
“After interviewing many integrators, we realized simplicity of installation is a top priority, next to design. Without question, Zen 2 streamlines integrators’ time and effort, while capitalizing on the growing demand for outdoor living areas.” Gustafson continues, “We truly feel that if integrators, designers, and homeowners are happy with a product, we’ve hit a home systems homerun.”
Where to See Screen Innovations at CEDIA Expo 2022
CEDIA Expo 2022 attendees can see a Zen 2 demonstration at Booth #19061. It joins SI’s other design-forward solutions, including Nano 2 indoor motorized shading and Solo 3 motorized projection screen cassettes. Systems integrators, designers, and architects can learn more about Zen 2 and SI’s complete line of residential and commercial shade and screen solutions at www.screeninnovations.com.
About Screen Innovations
Innovative shades & projection screens, making life beautiful, convenient & fun
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens, window coverings, and outdoor shading and screen solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of design-forward products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms Facebook @screen innovations, Twitter @SIScreens, Instagram @siscreens, and LinkedIn screen-innovations.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Sep 7, 2022 | D-Tools, News
Sony’s new partnership with D-Tools provides Sony dealers with direct access to real-time product pricing in D-Tools Cloud via TechData, helping to expedite and improve the estimating, design, and procurement process.
Concord, CA. (August 23, 2022) Sony and D-Tools, Inc., today announced an exclusive partnership that provides direct access to Sony’s product specifications and real-time pricing through TechData, exclusively from within the D-Tools Cloud environment. This direct integration allows dealers to deliver accurate product pricing and information to expedite and improve the estimating, design, and procurement process.
“When it comes to our dealers, Sony Electronics aims to make the process of doing business with us easy and fast,” said Jeff Goldstein, Head of Sales for the Custom Installation Channel at Sony Electronics. “This new integration between TechData on behalf of Sony and D-Tools will help us achieve our goal of including our products into proposals even easier. We are excited to continue our relationship with D-Tools and look forward to offering our dealers new tools to streamline the procurement process.”
“This integration with Sony and TechData is an incredible, major asset for Sony dealers all over the country,” said Barrie McCorkle, Director of Supplier Programs at D-Tools. “Our partnership provides streamlined workflow and efficiencies with extreme accuracy for each of their projects.”
D-Tools’ cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, is a powerful and easy-to-implement multi-OS, web-based SaaS solution that drives sales and increases profitability from any web-enabled device. D-Tools Cloud offers sales pipeline management, on-the-fly estimating from any mobile device, intelligent visual quoting, interactive system design presentations, product procurement using supplier-authorized dealer-specific pricing, and a full project management suite of capabilities.
Sony’s integrated dealer-specific pricing via TechData in D-Tools Cloud provides the following valuable benefits to system integrators:
- Instant access and a seamless means of quickly connecting to their unique pricing—including promotional pricing or standard base pricing
- Ability to deliver accurate quotes while expediting the generation and throughput of proposals, allowing them to close business faster
- Assurance that product and pricing information on purchase orders is always up-to-date
- Delivers a friction-free and highly efficient sales process – real-time proposal generation, e-sign capabilities, mobile payment processing
- Offers a data-driven, collaborative system design process for clearer communications across teams and with clients
- Instantaneously and significantly expands the list of products available to D-Tools Cloud users
Sony dealers interested in learning how to leverage D-Tools Cloud can register for an extended free trial of the platform, courtesy of Sony, by visiting: https://www.d-tools.com/d-tools-sony-free-trial.
To learn more about D-Tools software offerings, visit www.d-tools.com.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate business software that caters to the unique and diverse needs of systems design and installation firms. The company’s on-premises software, System Integrator™ (SI), and cloud-based platform, D-Tools Cloud, are robust solutions that help manage all aspects of an integrator’s business, including sales, comprehensive system design, project documentation, procurement, project management, and on-going servicing. Today, nearly 7,000 companies in over 90 countries use D-Tools’ award-winning software to streamline business processes, leading to improved operational efficiencies and increased profitability.
Find product updates and related information by following D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
D-Tools Media Contacts
Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, (925) 270-4102, timb@d-tools.com
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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by KMB Communications | Aug 23, 2022 | Apex Technologies, News
With HDANYWHERE, US home technology integrators can remotely monitor and manage video distribution systems, eliminating the need for truck rolls and saving integrators time and money.
ATLANTA, GA (August 23, 2022) — Apex Technologies US—distributor of cutting-edge high-performance European AV brands—announced today that it has been named as the exclusive US distributor of HDANYWHERE (HDA). HDA is a unique platform that allows home technology integrators to reduce the amount of traveling they need to do by giving them the capability to remotely monitor and manage the HDANYWHERE video distribution platform and matrixes—all based in the cloud.
Dealers simply register units to their own HDA cloud portal and no matter where they are, they can use the account details on a particular unit to see info on that unit, monitor the unit, and even do pre-emptive checks on firmware updates. It’s the management of units that sets HDA apart, however, and helps prevent integrators from having to get in trucks and go to the site.
Via cloud-to-unit communication integrators can remotely change EDID, scaling, and reboot units if needed. If there are still issues after these remote steps have taken place, the integrator can raise a ticket on that unit, which will send the error log stored on the video matrix straight into HDA’s support system, where the company’s technicians will have visibility into the unit to remotely support the dealer before anyone has to visit the install site.
“That’s completely unique in the marketplace as of now,” says James Trumper, HDA Owner. “Partnering with Apex allows us to bring this capability to the US market, and we are thrilled to be working with this class-act group and to start making a difference in the lives of integrators all over the country.”
Another unique aspect of HDA is it has its own control platform. Via any unit, every associated display and source can be controlled with HDA’s free uControl app. This app typically would be used for setup if someone is using the HDA system with a third-party control system, like Control4, RTI, and Crestron Home. Video switching is simple, so integrators can make sure all TVs are receiving all sources even before any outside control system is set up. Additionally, each IR endpoint is able to be ‘hijacked’ so the integrator can control TVs and source devices using popular control systems.
“We believe in the HDANYWHERE product and think it’s the perfect complement to our growing roster of top-tier luxury European AV manufacturers,” says Ryan Donaher, Owner of Apex Technologies US. “The product itself not only presents a truly unique offering to home tech integrators via remote monitoring and management, but it’s a fantastic product in its own right providing the type of quality that is on par with our other offerings. We are thrilled to start selling these systems in the US!”
Visit apex-tech.us to learn more.
About Apex Technologies US
Founded in 2020, Apex Technologies US distributes cutting-edge European audio-video manufacturers at the highest end of the market. Brands include Meridian Audio, Display Technologies, TPI Cinema, Light Walls, NexGenTec, All In Sports, CATS – Complete Acoustic Treatment System, and HDANYWHERE. Apex works tirelessly behind the scenes from project conception through to installation and beyond to ensure that its partners can go about their business with ease. Visit apex-tech.us to learn more.
About HDANYWHERE
HDANYWHERE endeavors to make centralized entertainment more mainstream and to change the relationship people have with AV for the better. In recent years HDANYWHERE has released more affordable multiroom video and audio systems, designed for more project sizes, from apartments to mansions, small pubs to big bars. HDA has evolved quickly to become a complete single-brand AV solution provider in residential and light commercial markets. Much more than HDMI distribution, they unify room-to-room entertainment with video, audio, and control. For more information visit hdanywhere.com.
Media Contact
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
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