AWE opened its doors on the 27 and 28 October and invited installers, manufacturers and the media to be the first to find out about new p...
AWE opened its doors on the 27 and 28 October and invited installers, manufacturers and the media to be the first to find out about new products launches, new distribution announcements and experience the upgraded AWE cinema.
“The AWE Expo is always a popular event,†said Stuart Tickle, Managing Director or AWE. “Having hosted this type of event several times over the last ten years, we know what excites visitors, and this year, we made no exception. As always, we had several exciting announcements to make, but what we enjoy most, is the opportunity to talk to our dealers about their current projects. We were able to advise on which products would work best in these installs, and invite them to bring their customers to our HQ, to experience what our range of products can deliver.â€
As AWE’s product portfolio continues to expand, as does its line-up of screen offerings. Seen in the UK for the first time was Samsung’s
 82in. S9 UHD TV.  Moving along the screen line, AWE displayed Loewe’s new Reference UHD screens. The 75in. and 85in. models impressed visitors with its outstanding picture and sound quality. In addition, visitors got to experience Panasonics
TX-65CZ952 OLED TV. Not only can the new OLED screen offer a THX certified picture and a high dynamic range, but its design, which is inspired by high-end furniture design, makes the TX-65CZ952 a furniture piece in its own right. Some are calling it the best TV picture ever’, and most visitors to the AWE Expo seemed to agree.
Attendees were also treated to a demo of the new Access fit V ceiling recessed tab tension projector screens from Draper. AWE became the exclusive distributors for Draper screens in September this year, meaning this was the first opportunity for visitors to see the screen in action.
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AWE introduced several new brands into the portfolio at this year’s expo.[/caption]
The HEOS By Denon
range has been making waves in the industry, so many visitors were interested in seeing the new HEOS DRIVE multi-room audio system. As multi-room audio remains a top priority for homeowners, HEOS DRIVE provides four stereo zones of audio and wireless control from anywhere within the home. Customers were able to experience this in the AWE showroom, and also see how the system is controllable from the HEOS app, and via third-party integration applications.
Also on display was KEF’s range of speakers and subwoofers. These products feature a winning combination of high quality sound and aesthetically pleasing design. AWE has recently upgraded the living room area of its smart apartment to feature a range of KEF products, in Dolby Atmos configuration. Visitors to the Expo were able to see the two R500 floor standing speakers, two R50 Dolby Atmos-enabled models, one Ci4100 in-wall and two Ci200RR in-ceiling speakers, and one R400B sub woofer in action.
The new Philips Dynalite Antumbra Display showed visitors how stylish and easy to use lighting control keypads can be. Philips Dynalite’s pioneering and sensor-rich Antumbra Display includes discrete backlit buttons and a clear central LCD display, presenting multiple pages of functions and system information in one sleek wall panel.
At last year’s Expo, AWE unveiled its brand new home cinema. Since then, AWE has upgraded the cinema room with the very latest technology, to provide a jaw-dropping home cinema experience. Not only did visitors get the chance to demo Dolby Atmos, but they also experienced DTS-X, a UK first.
“Homeowners aren’t entirely sure on what Dolby Atmos and DTS:X can achieve, and by us having demos for both options, our dealers can bring their customers to experience and understand the benefits, and to then turn to you and say – I want that one!’†explains Stuart Tickle.
Within the cinema, Samsung 88" JS9500 9 Series Curved SUHD 4K Nano Crystal Smart 3D TV has been installed into the wall, alongside a KEF 7.5.4 THX speaker configuration which has been enhanced by a Denon AVR-X7200W 9.2 Network AV receiver, Marantz MM80777 power amplifier, and most impressively, the Epson EH-LS10000 laser projector, which produces stunning images on a Draper Silhouette’ tab tensioned electric screen.
Another highlight of the day was the HDanywhere 4K mHub 4x4 and 8x8 video matrix, which is installed in the AWE cinema. This new system supports object-based audio formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for the ultimate home cinema experience. HDCP 2.2 encryption allows any four entertainment devices in 4K ULTRA HD on up to four HDTVs, and sends faster-than-Wi-Fi networking to all additional Smart TV services.
AWE introduced several new brands into the portfolio at this year’s expo. Stuart announced that AWE is now the CI channel distributor for the SANUS
range TV mounts and AV racks, and UK supplier for essential audio accessories from SoundXtra
. AWE also confirmed that it will be distributing Draper
screens and recessed power and AV points from Syncbox
.Â
Also at the event, AWE was able to pass on some great news to one of its URC customers. Flying the flag for UK dealers, Just Add Popcorn was announced as a winner in the URC Unsurpassed Dealer Awards. Stuart Burgess was presented with the award for URC International Case Study by Stuart Tickle. The award was for a URC install that Just Add Popcorn completed in Battle, East Sussex.
 www.awe-europe.com