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Each month the magazine delivers all the key news and views for those working in the planning and installation of specialised electronic systems including home automation, lighting, communications, security systems as well as single and multi-room entertainment systems.

Cover Story - Issue August 2007

Combining industry leadership and innovation

Whether you install in corporate offices, training facilities, home theatres, educational facilities, digital signage and information displays, entertainment and hospitality venues or on trade show exhibition stands, there is a very good chance that you will be handling a Chief product
This is a very special year for Chief Manufacturing which celebrates its 29th Anniversary as an industry leader in manufacturing total support solutions for presentation systems.

Making a difference
Chief says its commitment to responding to growing industry needs is evident through its full spectrum of mounts, lifts and accessories for LCD/DLP/CRT projectors and flat panel displays using plasma and LCD technologies.
Comments Melinda Von Horvath, sales and marketing director of Chief: We are probably best known for producing the first universal projector mount with roll, pitch and yaw adjustments in 1978 to make projector registration quick and easy. We continue to provide innovative mount features, including the first-ever seismic-rated wall mounts for large flat panel displays.
Chief is recognised in the Pro A/V industry for delivering not only quality products, but knowledgeable, helpful customer service. With this in mind, we recently launched a Design Center website aimed at architects and consultant and interior designers.
The website allows AV installers, engineers and architects to get up-to-date information, specifications and drawings on the largest line of mounting solutions worldwide for flat panels and projectors.
Installers can find state-of-the-art solutions and download related documents in minutes. The site also features a product specs tab with downloads for CAD drawings and technical manuals.

Why do installers appreciate Chief products?
Chiefs latest innovation is the new RPA Elite Series of Custom and Universal Projector Mounts, explained Ms.Von Horvath. We specially designed the RPA-Elite series to suit domestic homes, offices, schools and churches to blend artfully and function seamlessly in any environment. Custom models are available in black; universal models are available in black, silver or white. The RPA Elite takes projector mounts to a whole new level, Ms.Van Horvath commented.
If theres one thing installers appreciate its a simple installation job. RPA Elite (US Patents Pending) includes the same features as the RPA Series, such as independent roll, pitch and yaw, integrated cable management and All-Points Security. This has been packaged in a new slim, revolutionary design.
In addition, certain features have been added to further improve ease-of-installation for the installer, and simplify service for the end-user. The idea is to make installations as easy as possible.
How is this achieved? Well, by using nothing more technical than a basic No. 2 screwdriver, the MicroZone adjustment feature found in the RPA Series allows an installer to make a fast and precise independent micro-adjustment of roll, pitch, and yaw. It also allows simple post-installation yaw adjustment of flush-mounted projectors up to 12 degrees.
Similarly, the Macro Adjustment facility with Centris technology uses the centre of gravity to adjust the projector in easy, fluid movements, with just a touch of a finger. Once set, simply lock it into place with only three locking screws, observed Ms. Von Horvath.
Another useful item from a security point of view - is a Locking Lever designed to allow quick detachment of a projector from the mount for regular maintenance and easy access to the lamp and filter. It can also easily be reconnected when maintenance is complete and includes a locking system with three key choices for ultimate protection against theft.
Making installation faster than ever is a variety of Speed-Connect accessories from Chief which includes ceiling plates, extension columns and suspended ceiling kits.
Increasing the speed of installation is important to us which is why we have introduced the new Speed-Connect series of accessories focused on reducing installation time, reported Ms. Von Horvath.

The Midwich/Chief Connection
Midwich Limited is one of Europes largest audiovisual distributors employing 140 personnel and based in the heart of East Anglia. Midwich has been supporting the UK channel community with a distribution service for over a quarter of a century and represents many of the world's most desirable brands, including Chief products.
Established in 1979, Midwich was one of the first distributors to identify new technologies and emerging markets. Wholly-owned by Cuckoo Holdings, a non-trading parent company, the Midwich Group (annual turnover 140m) consists of Midwich and its sister company, True Colours Distribution.
Comments Darren Lewitt, division director for the Commercial AV and Consumer Electronics Divisions of Midwich: Chief the largest manufacturer in the world of AV-related equipment - has given us access to more than 200 top-quality products and we currently have 4,500 resellers registered with us.
As a company we have got to be flexible enough for resellers but we find its really a matter of influencing the engineers. You have to persuade the engineers that such-and-such a product is the one they should be using, he comments.
Engineers are the guys at the sharp end and often have to be adaptable at site installations. Were very happy with Chief and they are moving forward to develop other technical options for us. Despite being based in the Netherlands youd never know it. We conduct joint visits to installers and they are always flexible about this.