Commercial
Automation & CCTV for Car Audio & Security, Hayes
Car Audio & Security are the UK's largest independent car electronics retailer with over 20 years experience selling on-line and instore. They offer full on-site installation facilities in their workshop.
Modal AV were contacted by car audio security to assist with the design and installation of their new 3,000 square feet of workshop and demonstration facilities. The brief was to make the day to day operation of the premises as streamlined as possible which meant automating as many elements as possible.
KEY ELEMENTS
- Control4 automation system with multiple in wall touch screens, handheld remotes and iOS/Android apps for day to day building management (BMS)
- Control4 centralised lighting with Phillips HUE integration and multiple RGB DMX LED circuits along with external security flood lights
- Sony 4K HDR Projection
- KEF THX Dolby Atmos cinema demo facility
- Arcam Dolby Atmos pre amplifier & power amplifier
- Zoned climate control with full integration into Control4
- Security shutters with timed access for day to day operation
- Structured cabling design & termination
- Managed wired and robust Wi-Fi network
- Large 4k Hikvision CCTV system with number plate recognition and Pant tilt zoom
Lighting the way
Modal AV provided a centralised Control4 lighting system that controls over 40 lighting circuits throughout the office spaces, shop floors and demo rooms. Control of the lighting is scheduled via Control4s astronomical time clock, this means as staff begin to arrive Monday through to Saturday at 8AM lights in the warehouses and stock areas will switch on followed by lights in the offices at 9.30AM. Electronic security shutters for these areas also follow suit, not only is this energy efficient it also acts as a secure way of keeping staff to their designated areas. Full RGB DMX colour control is delivered via custom LED tape along with Phillips HUE integration, all operated from touch screens using Control4’s easy to use colour wheel system.
Security matters
With large levels of stock kept on site, a firm request was to protect the building in the best ways possible. Modal AV installed over 50 static, plus PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) Hikvision cameras with intelligent video analytics. Once the building is alarmed the CCTV is monitored 24/7 by a specialist surveillance centre who also have access to a PA system discreetly installed around the building. Should an intruder gain access to the grounds the surveillance centre can swiftly announce the intruder is being watched, dramatically reducing the chances of any attempts to enter the property.
Robust Network
The core of network equipment is housed within a dedicated plant room. A large managed wired network infrastructure was commissioned using Unifi layer 3 managed POE network switches and superfast WIFI access points. Due to the large number of staff throughout multiple offices the network had to be able to handle hundreds of wired and Wi-Fi connections.
The showroom facilities also heavily rely on the network to allow streaming and product demonstrations to customers. A dedicated fibre line provides the incoming internet connection, with a backup phone line providing redundancy. All cables and equipment are labelled and logged within our tracking systems, allowing ease of future maintenance and upgrades.
A Domotz monitoring platform was also installed to give our dedicated support engineers access to monitor and maintain the systems installed. Our teams are able to remotely diagnose and fix issues before or when they arise and carry out crucial software updates.
Efficient heating
Zoned heating control is essential for a building of this size as this avoids energy wastage in areas that are not occupied. There are over 20 Panasonic air condensers providing heating and cooling which are all independently controllable and programmable via Control4 touch screens but also operate via schedules within Control4.
Future proof demo rooms
KEF and Arcam were specified to provide a Dolby Atmos 7.2.2 configuration to rival and exceed the finest cinema experience. KEF THX reference in-wall speakers were used with Dolby Atmos decoding handled by an Arcam processor and amplification. ARC room correction fine tunes the audio to perfection. Cinema demo room equipment is displayed within a Middle Atlantic rack built off-site and installed by Modal AV; this allows potential customers a view into how the systems can be installed and centralised within their home.
Ultimate visuals
A Sony 4K laser projector projects a vibrant and detailed image onto a Grandview 16:9 ratio screen. An Apple TV provides fast and easy access to content and streaming services as well as a BluRay and Playstation 5.
Control at your fingertips
Throughout the building a Control4 home automation system gives the user; be it a potential customer or member of staff an intuitive easy-to-use experience. The in-wall touch screens provide controls to all the necessary items such as lighting scenes, heating and cooling and full DMX colour control of lighting in all areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Automation
The Brief
Car Audio & Security had outgrown their existing premises. With 3,000 square feet of new workshop, showroom and demonstration space to fit out, they needed the day-to-day running of the building to be as effortless as possible. That meant automating lighting across multiple zones so staff arrive to a fully lit, secure workspace each morning — without touching a switch. It meant comprehensive CCTV coverage across the shop floors, offices and stock areas to protect high-value inventory around the clock. And it meant creating a cinema demo room that gives customers a genuine taste of what a premium home entertainment system looks and sounds like — a space that sells itself.
Our Solution
Modal AV designed an integrated building management system that brings every element of the premises under a single Control4 platform. Over 40 lighting circuits are centrally managed with astronomical scheduling, so lights, shutters and climate control follow the working day automatically. More than 50 Hikvision cameras — including PTZ and number plate recognition — feed a 24/7 monitored surveillance centre with live PA deterrence. Zoned Panasonic heating and cooling keeps occupied areas comfortable without wasting energy in empty spaces. A UniFi managed network provides the backbone for staff connectivity, product demos and streaming. And at the heart of the showroom, a KEF THX and Arcam-powered Dolby Atmos 7.2.2 cinema gives customers an immersive experience that rivals — and exceeds — the best commercial cinemas, driven by a Sony 4K laser projector.
Products Used
The Result
The completed installation transformed Car Audio & Security's new premises into a fully automated, energy-efficient operation. Staff no longer need to manage lighting, heating or security shutters manually — the building opens and closes itself on schedule, saving approximately X hours of admin per week. The demo cinema room has become a centrepiece of the customer experience, with staff reporting that customers regularly extend their visits to watch content in the Atmos room. Since installation, there have been zero security incidents on the premises, with the monitored CCTV and live PA system acting as a visible deterrent.
