Each video zone contains a Samsung smart TV that has all the latest apps and streaming capability so it can be used in standalone mode without the need for any AV Rack equipment to be present. We chose Samsung Frame TVs for the Artwork feature and to bring that luxurious feel when the TVs are off. TVs supports Airplay 2 for iOS devices and has a local Chromecast/Google TV for streaming direct from Android devices. The HEOS Amp/Soundbar also allows users to stream audio direct.

Using the RTI controllers, users can watch TV, stream video/audio and access the AV Rack shared devices. These video streams are sent over Digital TV RF and accessible via Channels. The clients don’t need to remember any channels though, as these are all programmed in macros that make it seamless to their experience. This all makes it easy for users to access all the content they need in a simple user interface or local RTI remote/keypad.

TV Lifter

The Aft Deck TV Lifter was custom made by Horizon Yachts. There is a local control switch for manual control. The RTI System piggy backs this through 2x relays. Relay 1 cuts the power to the local switch. This must be done as if both RTI and the local switch were to attempt control at the same time it would not work. Relay 2 operates the up/down control actions. Macros for this function use both relays together in one simple operation to the client and other RTI macros.

Audio

All volume control and grouping are managed by Denon HEOS multi-room audio amplifiers and soundbars. All video zones that have wired speakers receive TVs audio output via analogue audio, to the local HEOS amp’s analogue audio input. For the main saloon & master cabin these TVs output their audio via HDMI ARC direct to the soundbar. All HEOS amps are located with a short distance from their respective zone/TV and not in a central location. These are most often below the TVs in cabinetry or nearby storage cupboards. All amps and soundbars are hard wired to the network to eliminate any wireless issues.

Using HEOS, all audio inputs are available to all other zones over IP. This way all zones can have the flexibility to group two, or all zones together using whatever source they choose. As a result, audio-only zones can follow adjacent video zones and through a few quick buttons presses in the GUI or HEOS app.

Streaming music is a breeze as HEOS has in-built services that are logged in permanently e.g. Spotify, Tidal etc. If anyone wish to stream their own device’s music they can use the HEOS App, Chromecast or Airplay to their desired zones. If the yacht has no or limited internet a USB hard drive with music is accessible for these scenarios, ensuring music is always available and not internet dependent.

Wireless & Networking

The current lifestyle places a high emphasis on wireless connections, and many of the systems run only on Wi-Fi. It was very challenging to obtain consistent & strong Wi-Fi signals on-board the yacht due to the compressed nature of many systems, steel construction and interference introduced from other systems.

We chose the Araknis architecture because it provided robust performance and the best value for money. Its central management via OvrC cloud integration helped simplify the process of control, programming, and troubleshooting, as it is both powerful and easy to use, either locally or remotely.

The yacht has been broken into two networks separated by VLANs. An AV network and ship services network. The VLANs are configured to allow AV network devices access to the ships network but not the other way around. This is completed using an Araknis Router located under the bridge. This is the end of scope to networking. The WAN side is handled by others.

Maretron Control

The Maretron system controls all things aboard like air conditioner, water maker, lights, pumps, tank levels and more. This was outside of our scope of works but during the 3 week install/commissioning phase we were asked to incorporate it as best we could into RTI.

Using the Maretron dedicated app and URL Scheme we created links for users to quickly switch to the Maretron app. On the bridge we installed the software required for the crew to use/view Maretron on the Bridge PC.

After further investigation Maretron have released a NMEA 2000 product and Maretron API, allowing RTI driver development. We proposed future upgrades through driver development and the owners have showed interest. However tight timeframes for the initial install prevented us from even attempting to work on it for handover.

CCTV & Security

The yacht has 7 cameras installed that are connected to a Hikvision 7600 series NVR under the bridge. These cameras cover all areas of the exterior and the main saloon. The NVR transports its video signal to the AV Rack modulator via a HDMI extender where it can be distributed to all TVs throughout the yacht. Alternatively, the cameras are available for viewing on the bridge PC via iVMS-4500 software or via the Hikvision native app on mobile devices, tablets and main deck touchscreen. A quick URL Scheme link to the Hikvision app has been added to all GUIs as a shortcut.