Three projects supported by ADI across the UK highlight how demonstration spaces are evolving from product showrooms to environments that showcase complete technology ecosystems.
At Harrods in London, The Faraday Club and Control4 integrator IndigoZest have created a luxury Cinema Luxe Lounge combining AV and lighting control with L-Acoustics, QMotion EMEA and other premium brands.
The installation places integrated technology in a realistic lifestyle setting, allowing visitors to experience how multiple systems work together as a unified solution.
A similar approach can be seen at Monitor Audio Group's new Experience Centre in Essex, combining distributed audio, AV, lighting and motorised blinds under Control4.
Delivered by The Cinema Company, the facility is also intended for training and demonstrations aimed at integrators, designers, architects and clients.
Meanwhile, the refurbished Arding & Hobbs building in South London uses Control4 as the control backbone for an AV system installed by integration specialist SCCI.
Its spaces can be rapidly reconfigured between meetings, hospitality, entertainment and large events.
Richard Reid, business development director at SCCI, said: “Control4 helps us shift the technology quickly and efficiently, managing the audio and video control in a way that is intuitive and easy to use for occupants, so it can adapt to these different room uses.
“It’s a fully adaptive environment which can match the mood, purpose and preferred working or social style of its users very, very quickly.”
As well as demonstrating the value of interoperability during the sales process, these projects also highlight how modern installations need to be sophisticated enough to integrate multiple technologies while remaining simple to operate.
They indicate how some manufacturers and integrators are rethinking demonstration environments as working examples of integrated technology, rather than traditional product showrooms.
Featured image: Cinema Luxe Lounge in Harrods, photo credit to Mark Hardy Creative