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Guest Commentary: In-built Multiroom Entertainment - What Have We Achieved in Twenty One Years? (1/10/2008)

By Bob Abraham, Armour Home

Armour Home is celebrating twenty one years in home entertainment. Bob Abraham, founder of Systemline of Armour Home, reflects on the changes in the industry.

Back in the early 1980s multiroom entertainment systems didn't exist. When a home owner wanted such a system, it was very much a custom install job, resulting in existing hi-fi product being customised and, since these 'systems' pre-dated infra red (IR) as a control mechanism, massive amounts of multicore wires. Such a set up wasn't conducive to a long-term industry solution, so installers started looking for alternatives.

Remote control - a revolution!

1983/4 marked a major turning point with the introduction of IR products and CDs. Without IR, remote control was not possible - the control mechanism and the product had to be hard-wired. IR really revolutionised the industry and made multiroom entertainment systems more feasible.

IR revolutionised the industry.

The move from bespoke

The next development that helped reduce prices was the move away from bespoke systems. Armour believed that for the industry to become more than just niche, the focus had to be on developing off-the-shelf systems for the new-build market, and allowing them to be incorporated into the very fabric of the home with minimal disruption. We therefore started working on the Systemline concept in the 1980s, connecting multiple wires inside source components, and driven by mechanical relays. In 1987 Armour Home launched Systemline, the very first in-built multiroom entertainment system.

Changing infrastructure

The other key to the success of modern multiroom systems is that they must be easy to install. Back in the 1980s there was limited electrical structure in homes, so for multiroom entertainment, 64-core cables had to be installed throughout the house, and these were incredibly bulky.

The majority of current new builds however, have an extensive electrical and CAT5 cable structure. This means that standard cables can be used, which is easier and cost-effective; the use of a wiring template means the developer now has a choice of whether to use the manufacturer's recommended installer or their own; second fix is easier with less wiring; and lastly, termination is simpler as it is just another standard connection point.

Current new builds have an extensive electrical and CAT5 cable structure.

It's also good news for housing developers in that in-built multiroom systems can be sold as an optional extra - all of the cabling is already in place, whether the system is fitted or not, so there is minimal additional financial outlay.

Key developments

Product, of course, continues to develop, and a key item that has made multiroom systems all the more desirable is the iPod docking station. iPods have changed the nature of how we connect music to our home environment. The iPod docking station, unobtrusively built into the wall of a home, really has proved to be an incredible sales tool!

Touchscreen control has also been another major development. Touchscreens are very aspirational and have genuinely captured the imagination of the home owner.

Touchscreens have captured the imagination of the home owner.

Future expectations

In the coming years, I believe that as broadband develops, so music-on-demand and IPTV will transform the way people access music and TV. There will no longer be any need to store content in the home, and this will make multiroom systems even more desirable.

Another key development is the ability for multiroom systems to adapt to encompass other technology in the home, such as heating, lighting, etc. They may well give bespoke home automation systems a run for their money!

Conclusion

When the multiroom industry was in its infancy, the key issues for customers were ease of use, sound quality, cost, and installation, i.e. how easy or messy would it be. This hasn't changed a lot, but we've got a damn sight better at it, and the future looks good for the industry. In-built multiroom entertainment systems are desirable, affordable and easy to use - a winning combination!

Bob Abraham is the Business Development Director for Armour Home, manufacturer of the Systemline Modular multiroom entertainment system.

www.systemline.co.uk