Systemline Modular Hidden Pleasure

Writen by Matt Hodkinson

Systemline Modular is a great product for accessing and enjoying your audio-visual entertainment throughout the home, and integrates well with Home Automation systems. More than this, Systemline Modular will blend into its environment by doing away with all those unsightly cables and boxes, hiding everything away from view, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful home. Here, I provide insights into my own experience of the system; from installation to the best part of all ... annoying the neighbours!

Cabling

Plan your run first Before you get started with cabling your home, allow me to teach you a lesson for free; one which I wish I had learned before I began. Plan your cable runs! I cannot emphasise enough, the importance of this step. By this point, you should have decided where you want your speakers and other outputs. The next thing to do is draw out a plan of your home, and add each cable you will need. Systemline Modular provide some great documentation on how to do this, and their support staff are very helpful in answering your questions.

Include all components

Be sure to include all your components in your plan. It sounds like a no-brainer, but dependant on the property type and size, there are varying degrees of simplicity. It can be easy to forget where that last cable ran to, so mark everything with tags (at both ends) and document everything you do for future reference.

Include 2-way runs where needed

Some components may need 2 runs from the same direction. Make sure that you have a run for each communication required. e.g. from speaker to hub and from keypad to speaker.

Cat5/6

The wiring of choice for Systemline Modular is CAT5 (or more recently CAT6). There are a few things to consider here:

New build

If your property is a new build, you're one of the lucky ones! The amount of work required is minimal, and I would encourage anyone to have a go. Whilst CAT5 and CAT6 do carry power to components, they are perfectly safe until hooked up to the mains.

1st fix wiring

Channeling through stud walls, ceilings and floors is a great way to understand the workings of the system, as well as preparing you for any maintenance later.

2nd fix

Adding faceplates and components happens at the 2nd fix stage. This is fairly easy with the supplied instructions and the right tools, but if you have any doubts (or just want the job done right, first time) get a registered installer in.

Retro-fit

Retro-fit installations can be a nightmare. As well as disrupting the decor of the happy home, CAT5 cables will sometimes need to be channeled through places that simply weren't designed for them. Do your research, and again, if in any doubt, get a man (or woman) in to do the job right. CAT5 cable doesn't like being bent double. If your run is difficult, take it slowly, and ensure you cause no kinks in the cable. Any breakage in the internal wires will make for poor or no sound when it's all plugged in.

Keep away from mains power

You want the very best audio and video quality when the install is complete, so keep your runs away from mains cable. Getting too close (as much as a few inches) to the mains wiring can cause interference for audio and video transmissions later.

Loop enough cable Make sure you loop enough cable for your components. A couple of feet extra will allow for an easier 2nd fix, and allow for any mishaps.

The Hub

The Systemline hub is the business end of the product. Here, your inputs and outputs are married up and managed from a single point. The hub also receives and acts upon all your IR and other control commands.

Inputs

You can use any of your audio-visual inputs with the Modular system. CD and DVD players, Media servers, all get plugged into the hub and played out to your output components.

Outputs

In-ceiling speakers compliment the system perfectly by blending into their surroundings. Simple to fit, just put a hole in the ceiling space (give adequate room, centred between joists), and hook up to the CAT5 or CAT6 cable. A number of "feet" drop into the void when a screw is turned, and are tightened against the ceiling board until secure. These speakers look great in any room. As well as sitting flush against the ceiling, the fascia and even the IR receiver, give a discreet but contemporary look. The Systemline "ZAM" is a zone amplifier, which can be used to implement third party speakers, or your own existing speaker products. It is slim enough to fit inside a cavity wall or ceiling space.

Local Inputs

As well as your main inputs, hidden away with your hub, you can implement local inputs to plug your favourite portable or other items into. The SIM module comprises a faceplate, which hooks up to your cable, and allows you to plug in any device via a jack input. Switch the speaker to local mode, and plug in your mp3 player or personal audio device, to play through your ceiling speakers or ZAM.

iPod Docking Station

Systemline Modular offer an iPod docking station, which sits flush in the wall, and can power your iPod whilst it plays your music. A great device, and discreet to boot!

Control

Control of the system couldn't be simpler. The Systemline remote controls are funky in their design, and interact with the ceiling speakers (or via the wall mounted keypads) to send signals to the hub. No additional items are required. Keypads can be mounted on the wall, and used to control the system in the absence of, or in addition to, a remote controller. As with all Systemline Modular components, they seem to blend into their surroundings, and do their job well. You don't need a keypad, if you prefer to use the remote alone. Other, 3rd party remotes can be used with Systemline Modular. One such product, which compliments the system well, is the Nevo SL remote. It's a substantial, touch screen, programmable remote control; with all the bells and whistles you could possible need.

Conclusion

I have had hours of fun, both installing, and using my Systemline Modular system. The addition of music to a room really does change the ambience, and make it a more welcoming place to be. The fact that every component is either hidden or blended in to the decor makes it perfect for even the fussiest homeowner.

Find out more about Systemline, and arrange a quote, with http://www.stylishautomation.com