Following the highly successful installation at Isola Bella Westfield in 2010, the owners asked Sound Division to install a state-of-the-art audio and video system for their new White House Express restaurant in Hendon, North London.
The new-look restaurant comes from the well-established, family run business which was previously located across the road. The move saw the introduction of a new concept of express Deli-style dining combined with a takeaway service. This new design required video screens to display everything from the football on Sky to the latest promotions using their own computer-generated imagery. The video needed to be backed up with a sound system that could provide either background music from iTunes playlists or feeds from any of the multitude of video sources. A sleek, modern look to all of the equipment was an essential requirement of the brief in order to be in keeping with the feel of the whole restaurant.
To provide a big visual impact Sound Division installed 3 large 1080p HD Samsung LCD ultra-slim TVs on stylish brackets that allowed them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding architecture. Behind the scenes a Kramer switching system provides the owners with the flexibility to send any of the video sources to any screen. For example, one half of the restaurant can view live TV while the screens in the takeaway section are showing messages about the latest dining deals on offer. A matching Samsung HD Blu-ray player was also supplied to provide yet more display options. To ensure the highest quality picture, all of the cabling used professional HDMI and VGA to send HD video around the premises.
The sound system is configured in two zones using a Cloud CX163 zoning mixer and the compact but powerful JBL Control 1 Pro monitor speakers. This two-zone configuration allows individual volume control of the takeaway and the restaurant areas ensuring the appropriate mood can be set for each area.
The owners were keen to open the new site quickly. To help ensure that they met their tight opening deadline Sound Division fast-tracked the installation and completed the fit-out in a single day by working around the clock.
After a few months of operation, manager Sam Kay is pleased with the system "It's simple to use and provides just the right atmosphere. We have total control and can set the mood just how we want. The picture quality of the HD screens is sensational. Sound Division have done a great job for us and been fantastic to work with".
David Graham, MD of Sound Division said, "It was a pleasure to work on this installation at this popular and well-known restaurant. It is great to know that the high standard of our system matches the magnificent quality of the White House's cuisine".
May 2011