by KMB Communications | May 11, 2021 | AtlasIED
Updated Atmosphere™ software offers enhanced customization of music delivery, support of bell scheduling, and streamlined post-installation service.
PHOENIX, AZ – (May 11, 2021) – AtlasIED—a global manufacturer of comprehensive audio solutions for commercial environments, builds off the successful launch of its Atmosphere™ digital audio system with a new 2.0 firmware update, available for free here, The updated version enables
several performance and installation enhancements, including stereo and subwoofer support, self-healing accessories, room combine, and bell scheduling. These and other updates offer integrators even greater opportunities to customize the delivery and control of audio to satisfy the unique requirements of restaurants, bars, hotels, school campuses, houses of worship, retail establishments, and other commercial environments. The new Atmosphere™ software supports the system’s original core technologies, such as touchless control and artificial intelligence, and utilizes the same product suite or digital audio processors, amplifiers, and graphical user interfaces.
Bell Scheduler
A top request of AtlasIED dealers, the integration of a bell scheduler evolves Atmosphere™ 2.0 into a turnkey digital audio system for school campuses, industrial environments, and other facilities. Building off the integrated message player of the original Atmosphere™ release, the new bell scheduler enables setup and delivery of multiple bells and ring lists to signify class dismissals, lunch breaks, and other routines. Schedules can be easily modified and bells added and deleted by end-users via the Atmosphere 2.0 software’s new Planner configuration tool.
Room Combine
In large spaces like hotel conference rooms, auditoriums, and banquet halls, it’s common to partition the area into several smaller zones for flexibility of use. Atmosphere™ 2.0 can deliver different audio to each individual zone or the same audio to two or more combined zones, as chosen by the end-user, with one primary controller per combined zones. Integrators can configure the zones within the Atmosphere™ software and provide end-users with a customized mobile app and wall-plates for simple, intuitive selection and control of the audio.
Stereo and Subwoofer Support
To provide a dynamic, multi-dimensional listening experience, Atmosphere™ 2.0 does the job through its newly added stereo and subwoofer processing and playback capability. With the new version, the Atmosphere digital audio processors seamlessly support stereo sources, stereo zones, and zones with subwoofers. Once the stereo and/or subwoofer zones are set up, proper controls are automatically linked and DSP objects are created, giving integrators the flexibility within the Atmosphere™ platform to easily and affordably expand from a mono audio solution to a more
engaging stereo speaker-subwoofer setup. Ideally suited for performance venues, from the smallest cocktail lounge to the largest auditorium, stereo and subwoofer support through Atmosphere™ 2.0 provides an immersive audio experience.
Self-Healing Accessories
Providing integrators and their customers peace of mind and long-term satisfaction, should any wall-plate accessory of an Atmosphere™ 2.0 accidentally break, there’s no need to spend time in the field to reprogram the replacement product. Instead, the system “self-heals,” instantly recognizing the newly installed wall-plate and loading into it all of the original customized settings automatically. Integrators can have the system back up and running in seconds, dramatically reducing time and resources typically required to service a digital audio system. The benefits to customers are realized through lower maintenance costs.
Continual Evolution of the Atmosphere™ Platform
“By advancing Atmosphere™ forward with the launch of our new 2.0 version, integrators are afforded even greater flexibility in the design of digital audio systems through the implementation of any or all of the system’s new suite of features,” says John Ivey, president at AtlasIED. “Since the initial launch of Atmosphere™ in September 2020, we have listened to our dealers, integrating many of their requests into the 2.0 platform. Through our commitment to the continual evolution of the Atmosphere™ ecosystem, the technology avoids obsolescence, providing customers with the most advanced solution for audio processing, control, and delivery, and creating new business opportunities for technology integrators.”
AtlasIED Hosts Virtual Q&A for Dealers on May 20
With so many features bundled into Atmosphere™ 2.0, it’s natural for integrators and end users to have questions. To provide a solid understanding of the updated system and its unique benefits, AtlasIED will host an interactive Q&A session on May 20 at 2 p.m. ET. Anyone can register for the event at https://bit.ly/3ezMqRk.
Enhancements Combine with Original Features
While Atmosphere™ 2.0 represents an exciting progression of AtlasIED’s digital audio platform, all of the innovative features of the original system remain intact. Atmosphere™ 2.0 enables each authorized user to manage the system from his or her own mobile device, lending a cleaner, more hygienic approach to control no matter which operating system is being utilized. Setup is simple: The controls of the Atmosphere™ 2.0 digital audio processor populate automatically when a user’s mobile device scans the DSP’s QR code. Per parameters programmed initially into the system by
the AV integrator, this QR code grants access to certain features; for example, allowing a manager to modify the schedule of outgoing messages, while staff is permitted to only adjust the volume level.
Leveraging this hands-off approach to control is a revolutionary ambient noise compensation technology. Built into each Atmosphere™ 2.0 DSP (two models are available) are multi-patented algorithms, which enable it to continually learn and adapt to changes in the environment. Through data collected and transmitted by an Atmosphere™ 2.0 ambient noise sensor, the DSP comes to recognize patterns like the need to raise the volume at a bar during happy hour to compensate for high levels of ambient noise. Unlike systems that rely on external microphones to monitor the environment, Atmosphere™ 2.0 uses artificial intelligence to analyze and respond to the predictable behaviors of its users, such as consistent commands issued from an Atmosphere™ 2.0 volume controller, as well as data sent from an Atmosphere™ 2.0 ambient noise sensor to the DSP.
The audio level isn’t the only setting that Atmosphere™ 2.0 adjusts automatically. Messages uploaded to the DSP as WAV files can be dispatched according to a pre-programmed schedule based on priority or when triggered by an Atmosphere™ 2.0 input device, such as a volume/source/zone selector. This level of automation affords AV integrators a digital audio solution that can be customized for exceptional operational convenience, efficiency, and performance. Adding another layer of customization is a built-in Tilter Filter™, which drastically simplifies tuning the audio for the specific room or zone with an easy-to-use feature that helps balance lows and highs.
Interoperable Components Boast Attractive Industrial Design
Products currently comprising the Atmosphere™ 2.0 digital audio platform include two varieties of digital signal processors (6-input/4-output AZM4 and 10-input/8-output AZM8; two amplifiers (400-watt AZA404 and 800-watt AZA804); six different plug-and-play accessories, including wall-mounted audio controllers (single- and multi-zone options); and remote audio inputs (RCA, Bluetooth, and XLR sources); and an ambient noise sensor. As many as 16 accessories can be daisy-chained to the AZM4 and AZM8 DSP. Plus, the entire Atmosphere™ 2.0 lineup has been engineered to integrate with AtlasIED loudspeakers; integrators can use the preloaded EQ files in an Atmosphere™ DSP to easily tune the speakers for the specific application and environment. Boasting a clean, modern, industrial design, Atmosphere™ 2.0 complements the aesthetic of most commercial environments.
About AtlasIED
AtlasIED has been a recognized leader in the pro-audio industry for over 85 years, developing innovative audio solutions for a wide variety of commercial environments. The company’s diverse, comprehensive, and ever-evolving solutions cater to the high-quality audio and communication
technology needs of markets globally, including transportation, healthcare, corporate, industrial, government, hospitality, education, and house of worship. Technologically advanced, expertly engineered, and highly marketable, AtlasIED’s products and systems deliver mass communication, high intelligibility announcements, IP-based visual and audio communications, distributed audio, background music, paging, and sound masking solutions to commercial projects of every size and scope, including those which are mission-critical. Family-owned, the company’s nine locations and a well-established network of experienced manufacturer representatives and distributors throughout the world ensure exceptional customer support and service to drive continued growth and advancement of the commercial audio industry.
For more information please visit www.atlasied.com, and follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
by KMB Communications | May 1, 2021 | News
Along with other ProSource vendors and members, SI contributes to a $20,000 custom home theater and makes a child’s entertainment wish come true.
Austin, TX (April 21, 2021) — Screen Innovations (SI), a premier manufacturer and supplier of design-forward optical screen and shade materials, has always given back to its community through charitable donations. Its most recent, the contribution of a 110-inch, 16:9 Zero Edge Pro
Slate acoustically transparent screen with LED kit for a custom theater installed in the home of a Make-a-Wish kid. An effort spearheaded by custom integration buying group ProSource, the soup-to-nuts theater features a wide variety of AV equipment from member companies including SI, as well as Origin Acoustics, Control4/SnapAV, Marantz, Sony Electronics, and others. Austin-based AV integrator Macauley Technologies donated its time and labor to complete the transformation of an existing bonus room into a full-fledge theater in five days.
“It was an honor and privilege to be involved with such a wonderful organization as the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. We were able to turn a child’s dream into a reality, creating a special space that Miles could enjoy with family and friends while he recovers from treatments,” says SI VP of Residential Sales Jason Russell. “As a Make-a-Wish kid, Miles could have asked for any number of things, but more than anything he wanted a “movie theater” in this house. We were happy to help make that happen by providing a larger-than-life projection screen.”
SI collaborated closely with the integration team a Macauley Technologies to customize a screen for optimal performance and seamless integration into the space. “It was a pleasure working with the Make-a-Wish Foundation on this 
project and giving back to our community. They let us do what we do best and make this a special room for Miles where he can watch all his favorite movies and play Xbox in a fun, immersive environment capped off with movie posters, theater seats, popcorn machine, and more,” adds Ian Shaw, Vice President of Business Development at Macauley Technologies.
Other organizations to which SI has donated in the past include Cure 4 the Kids, local food banks and blood drives, and support for the victims of the Australian wildfires.
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.
For more information about SI, please visit screeninnovations.com, on Facebook @screen innovations, and on Twitter @SIScreens.
by KMB Communications | Apr 26, 2021 | D-Tools
The latest release, version 16, of D-Tools’ award-winning System Integrator software delivers valuable new project and service management capabilities geared to boost productivity, operating efficiency, and bottom-line results
CONCORD, CA (April 26, 2021) — D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in data-driven software for system integrators, today announced the availability of System Integrator version 16, which adds powerful new project and service management capabilities to its award-winning, end-to-end business management solution.
“D-Tools software has been instrumental in our company’s success in not only standardizing our day-to-day operations but by positively impacting our profitability,” said Ed Ross, Director of Engineering at Fedora Intertech. “The D-Tools team listened to our feedback and requests, and the resulting new service and scheduling enhancements added to System Integrator will help us further streamline our installation and service management.”
The SI v16 release offers numerous productivity and time-saving advancements across the application, primarily focused on providing expanded customization and flexibility, resulting in improved workflow for and between the sales, project management, and service teams. These new capabilities will help system integrators deliver a higher level of customer service while at the same time improving operational efficiency and bottom-line results.
For a more detailed list of enhancements in SI v16, visit https://www.d-tools.com/whats-new-in-system-integrator-version-16.
To sign up now for a free, personal online tour, visit http://d-tools.com/live-demo-webinar/. A free 30-day trial of D-Tools can also be downloaded anytime at http://d-tools.com/hosted-free-trial-signup/.
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 audio visual or security system integrator’s business, including sales, comprehensive system design, project documentation, procurement, and installation and field service management. 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.
by KMB Communications | Apr 22, 2021 | Access Networks
Installed by integration firm SAV Digital Environments, business-grade network keeps tech-heavy home running smoothly.
When a family depends on smart devices to handle nearly every aspect of their home environment, a robust home network is an absolute necessity. Such is the case for the owners of this 3,500-square-foot, newly constructed home in Big Sky, Montana. Here, best-in-class electroni
c systems, integrated seamlessly with the contemporary design and architecture, are on call 24/7, simplifying the operation of everything from the lights, motorized shading, thermostats, and security devices to the distribution of audio and video signals to displays and speakers throughout the smart residence.
It all adds up to a very heavy stream of Wi-Fi traffic—and the need for an enterprise-grade networking system to manage the flow of data. To maintain the speed, stability, range, and reliability required of signal transmission in a smart home of this caliber, Bozeman-based integration firm SAV Digital Environments chose Access Networks.
“A smart home is only as good as its network, and if the network is weak, everything else fails,” says Derek Flikkema, Senior Technology Advisor at SAV. “With an Access Networks solution managing the flow of audio, video, and data, there is no weak link. No matter how many devices are connected to the Internet, no matter how much bandwidth is being consumed, no matter how much content is being streamed to displays and speakers, the networking backbone of this house handles it all without a hitch.”
Passing the iPad & Cutting Cords
“When a network is designed properly, comprises high-quality equipment, and operates to exceptional standards, a home is not only more efficient but can be a lot of fun,” Flikkema remarks. The owners of this luxury residence exemplify the notion. From any iPad they quickly connect to
a streaming service of choice; select a movie, TV program, or music; and direct the content to and or all displays and speakers. Guests can do the same, “often turning their parties into a game of ‘pass the iPad, where “everyone gets a chance to be the D.J.”
Another perk: Because the network so ably handles multiple streams of entertainment content, should the owners ever decide to forgo traditional cable and satellite service they won’t miss a thing. “This house is set up perfectly to facilitate cord-cutting and transitioning the family easily to solely streaming media,” says Scott Abel, Director of Quality and Customer at SAV.
Streamlining the Flow of Network Traffic
Directing the home’s heavy network traffic is an Access Networks C120 Controller. Based on parameters established by the technicians at SAV, the controller assigns each type of signal its own “lane” on the communications highway. For example, signals from online streaming services travel to the home’s wireless Sonos music system on one lane, while commands from the Crestron Home automation system travel on another lane to lights, thermostats, shades, and other components.
Using the configuration settings of the C120, SAV also assigned bandwidth priority to certain applications, like giving home office connections precedence over less important activities like music streaming. These settings help optimize Wi-Fi speed and prevent communication loops, where signals end up in the wrong place, Flikkema explains. “Unlike most residential networking controllers, the Access Networks C120 has these capabilities built-in, which significantly minimizes our design and engineering time, especially for large projects like this.”
Streamlining the setup further for SAV was Access Networks’ in-house design services. Working off the blueprints SAV sent them, the Access Networks design team created a heat map, a diagram indicating the best locations for the router, 
controller, switches, and access points (see Home Network Equipment List below). Four strategically located A610 Access Networks triple-stream wireless access points work around many obstacles which often create interference, such as the home’s interior design elements and construction materials. The end result ensures consistently stable connections throughout the residence.
SAV used this as a roadmap during installation and validated its work by testing Wi-Fi signal strength throughout the installation, giving the network their seal of approval once the owners had moved in and the furniture was in place. “That ‘aha’ moment for the family was realized when they could grab an iPad and stream music, command multiple smart devices, and have the whole house running smoothly,” Flikkema says. Thanks to stable, fast, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, living with technology feels as natural as flipping on a light switch.
Wi-Fi Networking Equipment
Access Networks C120 Controller
Access Networks A610 Wireless Access Points (4)
Araknis Gigabit Switches (8)
SonicWALL TZ300 Router
Other Smart Home Equipment
Crestron Home Automation System with handheld and wall-mounted touchscreens
Crestron Lighting and Shading Control
Crestron HVAC Control
Crestron AV Distribution
Sonos and Sonance Speakers
Sony and Samsung Displays
Ademco Security System
Axis Communications and Visonic Surveillance Cameras
by KMB Communications | Apr 21, 2021 | News
SI strengthens its reach and commitment to Florida-based commercial integration community, generates new sources of revenue by adding Sales Force & Associates to its sales channel.
AUSTIN, TX (April 21, 2021) — Screen Innovations (SI), a premier manufacturer and supplier of design-forward optical screen and shade materials, continues to strengthen its dealer network and explore new business opportunities with the addition of commercial AV manufacturers’ sales rep firm Sales Force & Associates. With more than 50 years of experience serving the needs of dealers in the pro AV industry through a solid portfolio of exemplary audio, video, and lighting products; technical and design training and assistance; and marketing support, Sales Force & Associates now represents SI’s entire projection screen line in Florida.
As SI’s “feet on the street,” and with a deep understanding of the commercial AV marketplace, Sales Force & Associates will help SI cultivate new dealers while introducing existing dealers to new vertical industries including corporate, higher education, medical, hospitality, government, and house of worship.
“Sales Force & Associates possesses all of the qualities we look for in a premier manufacturers’ rep of our full line of projection screens: a forward-thinking company with a great reputation, many years of experience, a solid network of high-quality integrators, and a commitment to serving the needs of the integration community,” says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson, “With the support of Sales Force & Associates we can broaden the awareness of SI solutions among both new and existing dealers in Florida, continuing to grow our presence in commercial environments and creating new sources of revenue for integrators.”
“Sales Force & Associates is honored to represent SI in Florida, and we believe our companies are well aligned to build meaningful long-term relationships,” adds Bobbi Brooks, Sales Force & Associates Managing Partner. “Our mission has always been providing our dealers with the most innovative, high-quality pro AV products on the market, and the addition of SI projection screens reinforces this company mission.”
To learn more about SI and its line of commercial projection screens, motorized shades, and technologies, visit www.commercial.screeninnovations.com. For more information about Sales Force & Associates, go to www.salesforcerep.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.
For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on Facebook @screen innovations and on Twitter @SIScreens.
