Sound and Vision: Elevating On-Board Entertainment on Superyachts

For superyacht owners, the quest for the ultimate entertainment experience is an insatiable pursuit. Steve May delves into the luxurious world of marine audio and visual technology, exploring how companies are transforming on-deck entertainment to truly immersive levels.

The Catalyst for Change

For one enthusiastic yacht owner, it was a Taylor Swift track that ignited the desire for a sound upgrade. The song cardigan found its way onto the ship’s speakers, and as the owner compared various sound systems, it became evident that his existing setup—a configuration designed for DJ parties—was simply inadequate. Enter L-Acoustics and its cutting-edge Syva speaker array—a match made in audio heaven.

Nick Fichte, business director for L-Acoustics home and yacht division, recalls the moment vividly: “You could hear the song all over the boat. The owner had it playing nonstop while testing our system against the old one.” Even Fichte, who identifies as “not a Swiftie,” couldn’t help but appreciate the sound quality that ultimately convinced the owner to invest in a significant upgrade.

Fixed vs. Deployable Sound Systems

Getting the audio just right on deck is no trivial matter for yacht owners. Typically, there are two primary methods for delivering sound: fixed and deployable systems.

• Fixed Systems: These are integrated into the yacht’s architecture during initial construction or subsequent refitting. Often consisting of low-profile speakers discreetly placed in bulkheads and ceilings, these systems are convenient and low-maintenance. However, their performance can be limited, producing audio that often lacks depth and range.

• Deployable Systems: Designed for high-capacity performance, these systems are generally bulkier and can be stored when not in use. They are perfect for occasions like beach club parties or live DJ sets. While their audio capabilities are superior, they do require more effort for setup and storage.

“As boats grow larger, deployable systems become increasingly popular,” explains Fichte. “Crew members will set up loudspeakers and subwoofers, allowing owners to create an atmosphere for live music or DJ performances.”

Innovative Audio Solutions

L-Acoustics stands out for its innovative use of sleek hardware that avoids the bulk of traditional audio systems. Their Syva series is particularly noteworthy, comprising:

• Syva: A slimline speaker mimicking concert-grade sound, measuring 130 centimeters and weighing 21 kilograms.
• Syva Low: A subwoofer designed to handle mid to low frequencies with remarkable performance.
• Syva Sub: Dropping down to 37Hz, this powerhouse is capable of hitting a staggering130dB.

Complementing these speaker options, London-based integrators, Ideaworks, focus on a blend of fixed and deployable systems tailored for the marine environment.

The Video Landscape

Audio is just part of the equation; video technology also faces challenges in open environments. Standard 4K TVs are often inadequate for bright sunshine, with weatherproof models costing up to ten times more.

Rex Barrett at Ideaworks notes, “As part of an outdoor cinema project, we learned that even the brightest projectors struggled in daylight. Images were only viewable after sunset—the window for acceptable contrast is quite small.”

An innovative solution comes from Seable&Co with CineSea, a foldable LED display that also functions as a daybed. This multi-functional feature ensures versatility without compromising space or comfort, and offers impressive brightness levels of 3,000 nits, made for full outdoor use.

Luxury Folding Screens

C SEED has become synonymous with high-end leisure technology through its folding screens. Their updated N1 MicroLED screen is designed for effortless installation and effective use under full sunlight. This IP65-rated screen distributes brightness evenly across its panels, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience, whether on the upper deck or around the pool.

The Art of Integration

Videoworks, an industry leader, is at the forefront of crafting integrated entertainment solutions. Giovanni Varone reports a rising demand for sophisticated audio-visual systems that reinvent outdoor spaces. Their recent projects exemplify this trend, featuring stealthy installations that blend seamlessly with the yacht’s aesthetic.

A notable venture involves integrating lighting systems with audio for a vibrant ambiance. When the party vibe kicks in, lighting transforms, enhancing the atmosphere with a dynamic shift in colors, announcing the celebration to the world.

Tech Transformation in Lighting

Doug Wood from Ideaworks emphasizes the impact of technology on lighting design. Using pixel tape integrated into the yacht’s structure, sophisticated light shows can be controlled via an app. This capability can turn ordinary settings into breathtaking visual experiences with ease.

As the pursuit for cutting-edge audio-visual experiences intensifies, superyacht owners are choosing to elevate their entertainment setups, proving that once you’ve experienced audio and visual excellence, it’s hard to look back.

This deep dive into the world of superyacht entertainment underlines not just the shift towards more sophisticated audio/visual systems but also the relentless innovation that drives it. From discovering the perfect sound system to integrating luxurious visual displays, the journey embodies the passion of yacht ownership.