CEDIA's Home Tech Pro Magazine - Quarter 3 2022 - Americas/Asia Pacific by CEDIA

CEDIA EXPO 2022 SNEAK PEEK Around the Globe with WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Be Engaged. Get Involved. STAY INVOLVED. Q3 2022

WELCOME HOME!

CEDIA’s magazine has gotten a bold new look! Home Tech Pro speaks to who works in the industry and what they do. It’s a place for home tech pros to read industry news, see award-winning projects, and learn what CEDIA is doing to elevate the industry.

3 1 CEDIA FINALISTSAWARDS2022 Presenting the finest work of CEDIA members around the world 08 16 25 48 I AM CEDIA Meet Jason Barth and Jamie Anderson of The Premier Group CEDIA EXPO 2022 PREVIEW A look inside the keynote, show floor, and host city 12 CEDIA members share what inspired them to advocate for the industry GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ROUNDTABLE 26 An update on CEDIA’s global initiatives to expand the workforce WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 52 What CEDIA stands for and why membership is imperative not just for you, but for the entire industry JOIN CEDIA 42 A walk through the U.K.’s first smart garden show experience THE SMART HOME GARDEN 36 How AVD Australia turned a home’s technology mess into a masterpiece ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE HOME 54 An update on one of the fastestgrowing technology trends in the residential space AUDIO OVER IP28 Global insight into the ongoing supply chain crisis SUPPLY CHAIN ROUNDTABLE 56 What it means and how to join others in earning CEDIA’s globally recognized certifications IST ACCREDITATION CONTENTS

COPYRIGHTCONTACT

Global

See you at CEDIA Expo, Daryl Friedman

FRONT COVER

Email: Telephone:Email:Cambridgeshire,UnitTelephone:info@cedia.org+1800-669-53292,PhoenixParkStNeotsPE198EP,UKinfo@cedia.org+44(0)1480213744

Indiana Design Center, 200 S Rangeline Rd Carmel, IN 46032,

2 FIND US

On a personal note, after many years of admiring CEDIA from afar (fun fact: we endorsed CEDIA curriculum in my former role at the Grammys), I am finally attending my first CEDIA Expo. In addition to going as a wide-eyed fan of residential tech, I’m also looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible and hearing your thoughts about CEDIA. So please say hello when you see me at the CEDIA booth or on the show floor.

And finally, our Integrated Systems Technician (IST) certification is now globally recognized. Thanks to the hard work and countless hours from our volunteers, professional staff, and Certification Commission, IST now joins CIT as ANSI/ ISO accredited. For those considering attaining these key certifications, you will immediately have the additional credibility of this international stamp of approval.

First, let’s start with the obvious, the magazine you’re currently reading. The renaming to Home Tech Pro perfectly captures who CEDIA is all about: the professionals around the world who utilize home technology to enrich our lives. You’ll be seeing more members of our global community in the pages of Home Tech Pro as CEDIA continues to focus on service to you, the professionals in the CEDIA channel.

THEwww.cedia.netPREMIERGROUP

Suite 118,

USA premier-group.com

Change continues at CEDIA as we focus on our core pillars of Advocacy, Connection, and Education. I could not be prouder to serve alongside my colleagues who are redoubling their efforts to provide a newly enhanced value to our community. So, if things feel different, that’s good!

8475 Nightfall Lane, Fishers, Indiana 46037 USA

All material in Home Tech Pro is the copyright of CEDIA and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the association. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of published content, CEDIA cannot accept responsibility for any factual errors that may occur or for the veracity of claims made by contributors.

IF THINGS NOTDIFFERENT,FEELYOU’REALONE.

Second, after the successful return of ISE earlier this year, I’m now looking forward to attending CEDIA Expo. The premier event for home tech pros is truly back in full force this year. For many of you, this will be your first large-scale event since before the pandemic, and the buzz is palpable. With over 300 exhibitors, 100 classes, 15,000 residential technology professionals all in one place, and the return of the CEDIA Awards, CEDIA Expo will have all the energy and excitement of the “before times.”

CEDIA President CEO ON:

Find out more at meridian-audio.com/XE DISCOVER DSP8000 XE FULL FORCE MERIDIAN THE NEXT GENERATION LOUDSPEAKER

Watch the discussion on CEDIA’s YouTube channel for all the specifics.

• The need for more diversity and inclusion in the industry

board seats will be available for the 2023-2025 term.

CEDIA is urging all members globally to cast their vote for the next group of individuals to serve on its board of Threedirectors.open

The group also discusses:

The CEDIA Board of Directors governs the association’s activities and is dedicated to furthering the CEDIA mission of building prosperity for its members and ensuring the growth of the industry through its programs and Watchinitiatives.your

• What the future holds for CEDIA as an organization, including updated priorities and value pillars

• Changes the organization is currently going through after the past few, particularly challenging years

Keep the conversation going by attending in-person events like CEDIA Expo or emailing Friedman at any time at ceo@cedia.org.

• In-person events in 2022, including CEDIA Expo

email this fall for ballot information and be sure to vote.

Current Board Chairperson David Weinstein and Vice Chairperson Jamie Briesemeister address the big, recurring question: How can CEDIA help members fill open positions?

CEDIA LEADERSHIP VOTING OPENS THIS FALL FOR 2023-2025 CEDIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 4

AN UPDATE FROM

All member types — from integrators to manufacturers to service providers and more — are invited to participate in the voting process.

Daryl Friedman, CEDIA President & CEO explains the global listening tours he took during the first 90 days in his role. Though there were some common concerns in all regions, he reports that the general consensus about CEDIA’s future is positive.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• New approaches to transparency

Campbell will be recognized globally at all three CEDIA Awards ceremonies, and presented her award in person on Sept. 29 CEDIA Expo. To register for the CEDIA Awards reception where Campbell will be honored with a video tribute, visit cedia.net/awards.

“Carol’s ability to engage, inspire and lead initiatives and business projects is reflected in her long list of achievements in the industry,” said CEDIA members Bill Skaer and Eric Schwartz, who nominated Campbell for the CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award. “Recognized by her peers as a relentless advocate for performance home technology, she remains on the cutting edge of where the industry is headed.”

CEDIA has named Carol Campbell as the esteemed recipient of the 2022 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award. This highly sought-after accolade honors an individual who has exhibited outstanding, creative, innovative, and visionary leadership in the residential technology industry.

If you’re looking to learn this fall, con sider joining us at CEDIA headquar ters in Fishers, Ind. for an in-person training

For a more in-depth look at Campbell’s career history and achievements, be sure to pick up the Q4 issue of CEDIA’s Home Tech Pro, out later this year.

leads to the ESC-N certification, will be running from Nov. 9-11. This ad vanced certification is for those who are looking to demonstrate mastery of design, installation, and configuration of the home network. Technicians who are prepared to take the ESC-N exam have experience with wireless home networking, including advanced net working techniques such as VLANS, QoS, and remote access.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at cedia.net/awards

Integratedexperience.Systems

and dedicated members – all qualities exemplified by Aylett in his 20+ years of volunteerism and participation in

PETER AYLETT NAMED 2022 CEDIA FELLOW

Technician (IST) school will run from Oct 24-28. The IST is the second step on your certifi cation journey after the foundational Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) certification. During IST class, you’ll focus on pre-wiring (First Fix) and trim-out (Second Fix) including how to troubleshoot common errors and verify system functionality. Networking Specialist school, which

CAROL CAMPBELL: A LIFETIME OF LEGACY

To save your spot for either class, visit cedia.net/events.

IN-PERSON CLASSES AT CEDIA HQ FALL 2022

As an organization driven by its mem bership, CEDIA has benefited from vi sionary leaders, passionate volunteers,

AylettCEDIA.will be recognized globally at all three CEDIA Awards ceremonies, and presented his award in person on Oct. 14 at The Brewery London.

CEDIA has announced 30-year in dustry veteran, Peter Aylett will be inducted into the CEDIA Fellows pro gram at CEDIA Expo 2022. Selected by the CEDIA Board of Directors, the CEDIA Fellows represent an individual who has helped shape the industry and significantly contribute to the associa tion’s success.

• Nov. 2022: New Delhi, India

CEDIA Tech Summits will be making eight more stops this year in the following locations:

• William Schnell, Marketing Manager for Residential Systems, Kohler

• Rene Rieck, Global Product Marketing Manager, Alexander Maier GmbH

Panelists included:

• Blair Piersall, Vice President of Sales, Savant Power

Watch both House of Power sessions on demand now in the CEDIA Academy at cedia.net/academy.

NEWS IN BRIEF

HOUSE OF POWER SERIES EXPLORES THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

On June 29 and July 13, CEDIA hosted its first ever House of Power series with panelists from leading residential power and technology companies from around the world. The group engaged in a roundtable-style discussion, hosted by CEDIA Senior Director of Technology and Standards Walt Zerbe, about current technologies, busi ness opportunities, how to approach these topics with clients, and ways to maximize reach with partnerships.

• Adam Weinstein, Senior National Sales Manager, Sonnen

• André Hänel, System and Tools Manager, KNX

TECH SUMMITS RETURN FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2022

• Dec. 8, 2022: Fort Lauderdale, FL

For more information and to register, visit cedia.net/techsummits.

• Anna Demeo, Ph.D., President, Savant Power

• Oct. 18-20, 2022: Tweed Heads, Australia

• Nov. 1, 2022: Irvine, CA

• Joseph Piccirilli, CEO and Managing Director, RoseWater Energy Group

• Sept. 8, 2022: Toronto, Canada

• Dec. 6, 2022: Tampa, FL

Following several successful events held in the first half of the year, the CEDIA Tech Summits are returning to close out 2022. “We love coming to these [Tech Summits] to support CEDIA and the industry. It’s also a great opportunity to get in front of our partners and meet new people in the industry,” says Ella Umney, Marketing Manager at Snap One.

• Oct. 18, 2022: Denver, CO

• Nov. 3, 2022: Woodland Hills, CA

The Power of National Distribution with a Local Touch PowerHouse Alliance Members are dedicated to providing: Bringing You Tomorrow’s Technology Today! Over 250 of the top Residential & Lite Commercial AV, Home Automation, Security and Networking / IT product lines Local personalized sales with product training in every market 55+ convenient one-stop solution warehouse locations nationwide Will-call pickup / Same-day & Next-day delivery Visit www.PowerhouseAlliance.com to locate a Distributor near you! **Vendors: Experience the Power of National Distribution by contacting Dennis Holzer dholzer@powerhousealliance.com or (412) 973-7974. ECD 4747 Westpark Drive Houston, TX www.ecdcom.com800-392-515677027 Next Level Distribution 15132 Park of Commerce Blvd. Jupiter, FL www.getnextlevel.com800-432-853233478 Next Level Distribution Midwest 3085 Commercial Ave Northbrook, IL www.getnextlevel.com847-656-8900v60062 Pioneer Music Company 14915 West 106th Lenexa, KS www.pmcav.com800-362-031566215 AlarMax Distributors 381 Mansfield Avenue, Suite 205 Pittsburgh, PA www.alarmax.com800-425-276015220 Mountain West 2889 South 900 West Salt Lake City, UT www.mwd1.com801-487-569484119 KOA Electronics Distribution, Inc. 7306 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Unit 1 North Hollywood, CA 91605 www.koaedi.com866-606-5229 21st Century Distributing 529 Dynamic Drive Garner, NC www.21stcenturydist.com800-849-064727529 Sierra Select 4320 Roseville Road North Highlands, CA www.sierraselect.com800-793-733495660 Ui Supplies 465 N. Franklin Turnpike Ramsey, NJ www.uisupplies.com855-326-895807446 Pro Audio Associates 14 Everberg Road Woburn, MA www.proaudioinc.com800-356-600401801 Davis Distribution 52 Quaker State Road Newell, WV www.davisdistribution.com800-746-533126050 YOUR TITLE (MASTER PAGE)

We were founded in 1999 when the industry was still largely an audio/video industry — helping wealthy customers set up house audio systems and home theatres. Everything was analog. There was no network. Control systems grew out of the desire to remove the clutter of remotes on the coffee table in the family room. Early on, we embraced home security and surveillance. As the network and Wi-Fi, lighting and shades, and other critical categories came along, we were early adopters of testing, refining, and ultimately offering these technologies to our customers in a consistent manner.

We’re continuing to grow our value proposition as a onestop shop for all things technology related. One thing that’s critical to us is that everything we do requires power. As the power grid has become more taxed, it affects the reliability of electronics systems. So, we’ve paid a lot more attention to the electrical standards on our projects from whole house surge protection and backup generator systems to component level surge and online battery backup systems. These all contribute to the lifespan and effective operation of our systems.

We see the biggest growth in the lighting category. A welldesigned lighting plan and proper fixture specification can make or break the look and feel of your home. It’s possibly the most impactful service we provide, and combined with an efficient lighting control system, can effectively change how you live in your home. ARE THE PREMIER GROUP

In the big picture, where would you like to see Premier Group go in the future?

“It truly takes a well-oiled machine to pull off what we do, especially on the large projects that have won the Integrated Home of the Year awards at the top level.”

How did Premier Group get started and how has it evolved since its founding?

I AM CEDIA

What does it mean to you that you have won multiple CEDIA Awards?

How long have you been a CEDIA member? What compelled you to join?

I created our founding documents and executed our operating agreement on 25th October 1999, and we were up and running. I think we attended our first CEDIA Expo that next year as “guests.” We joined CEDIA the following year in 2001. At the time, it was about the trade show, the camaraderie of the industry, and the direct access to the amazing manufacturers that support our craft. Since then, it’s been the ongoing insight, education, and support to promote and protect the industry. I’m excited about the future of CEDIA with the new leadership.

“ You can be smart, you can learn quickly, you can work long hours, but it really takes grit.

What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

Th e reward is happy clients. When we can provide them something, anything — whatever it is we uncovered as their biggest priorities from our initial exploration conversations — that exceeds their expectations. That’s my favorite part!

It means the world to our whole team. I don’t personally need the recognition, but I realize how important it is to recognize others. It provides me immense joy and pride to be able to lead a team that cares so much and works so diligently to be able to even be a finalist for these awards. We wouldn’t have won the awards we have without the entire group effort. Our industry can get overwhelming at times. It truly takes a well-oiled machine to pull off what we do, especially on the large projects that have won the Integrated Home of the Year awards at the top level.

You can be smart, you can learn quickly, you can work long hours, but it really takes grit! Grit is the perseverance and passion to meet and exceed your goals over the long term. It takes stamina, focus, and determination to make your vision a reality for yourself and/or yourFindcompany.aperson or company who shares those qualities and go work for or with them. You’ll reach and exceed your individual goals and be a part of something bigger than yourself. I know one thing for sure, you can’t do it yourself. I’m thankful every day for the team we’ve built and the success we’ve had. After 23 years, I still often feel like we’re just getting started!

VOLUME UP Sound United delivers the premier mix of brands and support programs that turn your sales and profit volumes up. Our high-performance products and expert field support ensure your integrations are as powerful and seamless as possible—so your customers are always excited to crank it up. To hear more about our latest programs and innovations, visit us at CEDIA 2022. CEDIA BOOTH #12009 SOUNDUNITED.COM/CEDIA

Current Marketing – Low-voltage licensing in Arizona

INVOLVED.STAYINVOLVED.GETENGAGED.BE TINDALLRACHELBY

Erdmann Electric, CEDIA staff member –Electrical licensing in Utah

Paul Epstein

MAXAWARE, Member of CEDIA Government Affairs Working Group, Former board member

Bill Skaer

iconic.systems – Electrical code issue for the City of Houston

Bill Skaer & Associates, founding CEDIA memberAlarm Licensing and Electrical Licensing issues in Texas

Andrew Ard

Ken Erdmann

Will Breaux

Erdmann: I’ve been in the business since 1978 and joined CEDIA as a full-time remote employee in 2019. When I first learned about CEDIA’s government affairs, I got really interested. I figured advocacy is why we survive as an industry: because of the work they do there, the work Darren does.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

What was the outcome of your advocacy?

What inspired you to advocate for the residential technology industry?

Epstein: In Arizona, the electrical board changed the language in the proposed law. Integrators were happy they could still use the fact that they were li censed. To get a low-voltage license in Arizona, you have to have proof of liability insurance and must have been in business for a year, so there are hoops to jump through. People worked together and the legislation made sense to the industry.

Breaux: The issues impact eve ry integrator and need attention from people in the industry. For the Houston issue, the timing was right with the Houston City Council meeting and the CEDIA Tech Summit in Houston, so I offered to speak up about it. I spoke in several sessions and in the group expo hall. It was important enough that everyone at that event and beyond needed to be aware of the state of the local industry.

DARREN REAMAN IS A BULLDOG AND A WATCH DOG. HE’S WATCHING EVERY STATE FOR ANYTHING NEGATIVE THAT WOULD IMPACT THE INTEGRATOR IN ANY WAY. WHEN HE SEES SOMETHING, HE’S BOLD. HE GETS HIS TEETH INTO IT AND GOES AFTER IT.

Ard: We’re working on alliances, as well as pushing away detractors. In Houston for example, we were able to come alongside a networking group and explain that what they were doing was not conflicting with electri cians. It added numbers, which gave greater weight in having the city council paying attention to us.

– KEN ERDMANN

Skaer: I first got a chance to work with Darren, as one of CEDIA’s key staff members, working with the ethics committee a long time ago. Getting to know him over a long period of time, I have learned so much about what’s going on in and around government affairs

A&Q

Epstein: We need representation in the government. In Arizona, they were attempting to make a change to what unlicensed people could do. Darren Reaman, Director of Government Affairs, brought it to my at tention, and it raised the visibility of Current Marketing in the market. Community dealers were totally unaware this was going on, just as I would have been if CEDIA didn’t bring it to my attention.

“” 13

Breaux: This one was a win. A normal city council meeting might have a one-page agenda with a list of speakers. This meeting agenda was more than three pages because of those who volunteered to testify. My three minutes of speaking time turned into a Q&A about technology. Council members appreciated the ability to turn a high-tech conversation into something everyone could understand. Since then, the Council has asked that I be on their special committee as a stake holder in the issue so I can help shape the permitting exemptions for our industry.

Ard: I can’t think of another in dustry I could go into that has more change and evolution. We’re try ing to keep ahead of the National Electrical Code changes and how that’s going to affect the work of integrators and the relationship with electricians. We’re moving toward an industry classification of integrator to better define the work we do.

Skaer: We needed them to change one word, and that needed to be an “or” instead of an “and.” It was a very heated discussion back and forth. When it came time for a vote, we won 140 to 10, which was stunning. That gives you an idea how important it is to be able to have your voice heard.

Erdmann: In Utah, the electrical board determines the scope of work for the electrical community. A few years ago, they proposed a change to restrict the ex emptions of non-electricians doing work to below 50 volts. The exemption would make it difficult for integra tors to continue their work. After Darren got us up to speed, we made phone calls, bombarded the electrical board, and filed public comments about the changes. They withdrew several recommendations they’d given about the legal exemptions. We also got a law passed before the state legislature defining what electricians and integrators are. The electrical board doesn’t have authority to make changes to these designations.

What do you think is important for people to know about CEDIA’s advocacy efforts?

Breaux: CEDIA Government Affairs is working for us and our industry around the clock. Darren had access to information before me and was extremely helpful in keeping me up to date on the latest info. We know these low-voltage issues are happening all over, and CEDIA has the resources to help us wade through the ever-changing landscape of governmental involvement in our industry.

Skaer: Everything we’re involved with legislatively is working for all of us. It’s not just CEDIA members. We want people to join us and be a part of it, because we’re working hard to keep them in business. If it’s $500 to join but you know you have someone watching your back legislatively all the time, that’s pretty cheap insur ance and absolutely enough to justify the investment in your CEDIA membership.

When you say CEDIA advocacy, you have to start with Darren. I call him the Energizer Bunny because he’s a constant worker. That guy is one of the best advocates.

Epstein: CEDIA is constantly monitoring what’s going on and staying on top of what’s happen ing in every state. It’s a member benefit that’s been invisible to members but impacts us all.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 14

– Andrew Ard “

Ard: Understand the benefits of CEDIA include more than just training. There’s somebody advocating for what we do in the industry and going to bat for us about leg islation and policies we wouldn’t know about without Darren’s advocacy work. By being involved the way I and others are, you learn what to look at and look for.

Want to know more about how to safeguard your busi ness and the industry from legislative changes? Attend the Advocacy Town Hall at CEDIA Expo on Thursday, September 29. Find out more and register now. Your voice can be the difference between being able to do what you love or being out of a job.

Erdmann: There’s no return to CEDIA on the money they spend on government affairs except the fact that it keeps the industry alive and CEDIA members in business. A lot of outsiders criticize CEDIA without understand ing that CEDIA is the sole reason they can continue to pursue their trade.

get

YOUR TITLE (MASTER PAGE)

Expo: Sept 29 –- Oct 1, 2022 SeptConference:28–-Sept 30, 2022 dallas, tx Register today! the QR code to started.

Big Thinking. Big Future. It all happens at CEDIA Expo, the only show dedicated to residential tech and the pros driving our industry forward. Together, let’s revolutionize the connected home of the future. It’s time to think BIG!

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Thecediaexpo.comfuture is BIG

CONTENT OVERLOAD

Durkin is the founder and CEO of en tertainment research firm, Enact Insight (formerly Guts+Data). Enact has gauged the demand for more than 1,000 movies and series released to theaters and major streaming services. Through their ongoing research, they have monitored consumer satisfaction with top platforms and the overall home entertainment experience.

16T CEDIA EXPO KEYNOTE

he proliferation of con tent, streaming plat forms, and hardware has stranded consumers in a fragmented landscape of sorts. Consumers today have a dizzying array of choices and a complex path to navigate.

Greg Durkin is seeking to peel back the layers on the entertainment evolution during his keynote speech at CEDIA Expo 2022, sponsored by Kaleidescape. Durkin will revisit historical industry trends, expose current patterns, and peer into the future, all while focusing integrators on ways they can support their customers.

“Simplicity is the new luxury, but the fragmentation of streaming platforms and marketing has become a frustrating bar rier for customers. It takes longer to find shows, manage subscriptions, and dis cover content they’ll enjoy,” shares Durkin. “CEDIA members are uniquely positioned to support consumers in navigating these challenges. It naturally ties into their moti vation to curate reliable, frictionless con nected home experiences. I look forward to sharing findings about this emerging and timely business opportunity with the custom integration community.”

ENTERTAINMENT EVOLUTION 2022:

CEDIA selected Durkin’s keynote to set the tone for the three-day CEDIA Expo Conference program, which will focus on giving integrators the tools and knowledge to advance their business es. The conference will unpack today’s most influential home technologies and pinpoint the opportunities they repre sent. Reflecting findings from the latest Integrated Home Market Analysis and The Integrator of 2027 white paper, this year’s conference lineup includes all-new tracks for the fast-growing lighting and wellness verticals. These tracks fit into a portfolio of 60 education sessions in all, including end-to-end pathways for CEDIA’s internationally accredited certifications, attendee-driven “Ask the Expert” sessions, and problem-solving business and management workshops.

YOUR19

From 2006 through 2015, Durkin was an executive at Warner Bros. Pictures where he helped shape and market such films as The Departed, The Hangover, The Dark Knight, Godzilla, and The Lego Movie. In his

(MASTER PAGE)

Durkin has an MBA from University of California, Berkeley, an MS in Applied Social Research from City University of New York, and a BS in Marketing from Villanova University. While at Villanova, Durkin made his

Durkin will deliver his keynote speech on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the on the 3rd Floor, D Ballroom – East & West Forks. CEDIA Expo will con tinue through Oct. 1 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center.

first steps into the entertainment busi ness as the night manager of an inde pendent video store.

“The professionals at CEDIA have spent months dissecting the trends, technology, and challenges defining the role of the custom integrator to design this year’s conference program, giving attendees a unique perspective on to day’s market and an exclusive glimpse into the future.” explains Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “There’s never been a more important time to attend CEDIA Expo.”

TITLE

Over his 24-year career solving entertainment marketing problems

Durkin has counseled filmmakers, studio executives, platforms, en trepreneurs, and investment firms. He’s also instructed hundreds of students on the subjects of mar keting and data analytics.

last few years at Warner Bros., Durkin started the Marketing Analytics de partment where he was instrumen tal in updating the movie marketing model. Prior to his tenure at Warner Bros., Durkin led entertainment teams at Harris Interactive (now HarrisX) and Alexander & Associates.

Globe Life Field(Texas Rangers) tour

Wild Bill’s Western Store–Authentic Western-wear

UNIQUE TO DALLAS:

With the third largest airport in the world (DFW), it’s safe to say Dallas is diverse. It’s also the largest landlocked metro area in the U.S. - perfect for an adventure during CEDIA Expo 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza–See where the JFK assassi nation occurred (free entry)

Dallas Museum of Art – Visit one of the largest art muse ums in the nation (for free!) in the largest U.S. art district

AT&T Stadium(Dallas Cowboys) tour

Dallas Arts District –Who knows what you could find in the largest arts district in the U.S.?

American Airlines Center(Dallas Mavericks) tour

EXPLORE THE CITY

Deep Ellum District – Explore the “live music capital of North Texas” and other cre ative arts

Crow Museum of Asian Art –Learn about the cultures and arts throughout Asia in this diverse collection

Cowboys Dance Hall –Live music & dancing

Reunion Tower –A local landmark and one of the buildingstallestin Dallas

FREE & FUNKY

Margarita Mile –Do you have what it takes to become a Rita Rockstar?

ALLDALLASABOUT DALLAS

MUSEUMS:

• Chili (without beans) is the state food • The frozen margarita machine was invented here • You can get your cocktail to go (even on Margarita Mile) • Bonnie & Clyde hailed from the outskirts of the city • The first integrated circuit computer chip (later the microchip) was invented in Dallas in 1958

SPORTS:

Jimmy’s Food Store ($)Authentic Italian (+ meat store) with vegetarian and vegan options, for a www.jimmysfoodstore.combargain

Fearing’s ($$$$) - This celeb restau rant boasts bold “Elevated American Cuisine” with live www.fearingsrestaurant.commusic

YOUR21 TITLE (MASTER PAGE) DALLAS - CEDIA EXPO

El Fenix Restaurant ($$)Delightful family-owned TexMex restaurant open since el-fenix-dallas-downtownwww.elfenix.com/location/1918

Photo courtesy of Hugo’s Invitados

Terry Black’s BBQ ($$) - One of the best BBQ joints in Texas www.terryblacksbbq.com

LuciaITALIAN ($$$)Small, cozy Italian restaurant with multiple courses and a changing menu www.luciadallas.com

Photo courtesy of Uchi

($$$$) - Steakhouse and raw bar serving a swanky menu www.townhearth.com

MEXICAN & TEX-MEX

XOXO Dining Room ($$$$)An experience of pink proportions with “modern American cuisine” and specialty cocktails in a “speakeasy” cocktail lounge www.xoxodallas.com

EATSALL

Hugo’s Invitados ($$)“Organic authentic modern Mexican” handcrafted with fresh www.hugosinvitados.comingredients

Taqueria La Ventana ($)Quick, casual street-style Mexican food with traditional ingredients and a sense of www.taquerialaventana.comhumor

Goodbye Horses ($) - A sports bar where “nothing is highbrow” www.goodbyehorsestx.com

Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse ($$$$) - A well-loved steakhouse experience (where you may see a Dallas Cowboy) www.nick-sams.com

Petra and the Beast ($$) - Upscale, experimental American food for those who love adventurous eating www.petraandthebeast.com

Terilli’s ($$) Family-owned- Italian restaurant and inventor of the pizza chip www.terillis.com

The Dinner Detective ($$$) - Self-proclaimed “largest” comedy murder mystery dinner show in the U.S. complete with tasty food and prizes www. thedinnerdetective.com

ALL TEXAS (+ STEAK AND BBQ OF COURSE!)

THE

TUPSCALEownHearth

ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCE

Uchi ($$$) - Delectable Japanese cuisine www.uchidallas.com

Knife ($$) - Recently named “Best Steakhouse” by D Magazine and founded by a nationally acclaimed chef www.knifedallas.com

Truck Yard ($) - Food trucks + live music + “dive-ish” bar garden = dog friendly adult playground www.truckyarddallas.com

The Rustic ($$) - A true Texas favorite with live music, laid back atmosphere, and good eats www.therustic.com/musicevents/#houston_downtown

Photo courtesy of Texas Ale Projectcourtesy of Yellow Rosa Cockteleria

20 ParliamentBUBBLES–Drink like a local at this craft cocktail bar www.parlia mentdallas.com Trinity Cider – Hard cider done dry www.trinitycider.com The Tipsy Alchemist – Where science and magic meet to make the perfect drink experience www.thetipsyalchemist.com 77 Degrees – A rooftop lounge experience to relax the night away www.77-degrees.com/dallas Yellow Rosa Cockteleria – A speakeasy setting that takes you on vacation while you’re still in the city www.yellowrosa.com FourBREWSCorners Brewery – Unique specialty brews www.fcbrewing.com Manhattan Beer Co. – Live music several times per week www.manhattanproject.beer Texas Ale Project – Tap room & beer garden www.texasaleproject.com Celestial Beerworks – Brews that support a good cause www.celestialbeerworks.com ODD Muse Brewing Company – Support local artists by enjoying satisfying drinks & local eats www.oddmusebrewing.com Photo courtesy of Trinity Cider Photo courtesy of Celestial Beerworks BUBBLES & BREWS

Photo

Shades and Lighting of a home ecosystem. Designed by Lutron.

Part

LIGHTSANCTUARYCREATES

luxury.lutron.com

PRODUCT PREVIEW

AiSPIRE, a new lighting brand from WAC, introduces RPS, a brand-new Remote Power Supply System for low volt age next generation lighting solutions. The Class 2 RPS can be surface mounted inside a mechanical closet or on a wall and can be powered by any common line voltage wall receptacle. Choose from a four-channel or an eightchannel system that feeds clean low voltage DC current to power a vast selection of high lumen lighting fixtures that use different currents.

Crestron [Booth 16017 ]

The ACX-BT3 premium Bluetooth controller is the ultimate solution for marine, powersports, and other ap plications where a Bluetooth-connected source is desired. With an IPX6 rating, the ACX-BT3 was made to withstand the rigours of marine and powersports applications. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the superb sound quality of aptX HD, the most advanced 24-bit Bluetooth 5.0 audio codec, plus 4-volts of pristine audio output. With its clean design and elegant appearance, the ACX-BT3 features an AUX input for the integration of a wired audio source.

After hundreds of updates (and counting) and twenty industry awards in its first three years alone, Crestron Home continues to evolve to deliver more value and possi bilities, seamlessly integrating with more and more Crestron products and technologies from industry part ners. Known as “the core of the con nected smart home,” Crestron Home OS provides unique and specialized control of everything, from circadian rhythm and Crestron SolarSync™ sensor settings, to complete and simple control of color for accen tuating spaces and art.

CEDIA EXPO

AiSPiRE [Booth 5009]

AudioControl [Booth 23068]

The automated window treatment category remains a strong growth pillar in the cus tom integration channel. The release of PowerView Gen 3 aims to fuel the category’s momentum by alleviating commonly cited challenges with window treatment installa tions — without compromising quality or experience. Leveraging dealer feedback and industry-favourite features from previous PowerView iterations, the Gen 3 system is built on a solid and tested infrastructure, newly devised to help dealers take on more shading projects, streamline installation, reduce truck rolls, maximise profitability, and ultimately increase homeowner satisfaction.

The new Luxor Wireless Linking Module lets contractors connect Luxor and Luxor Satellite Controllers faster to save time, labor, and money — without trenching or running wire. The Wireless Linking Module uses LoRa® radio, a frequency-driven tech nology that provides secure and stable long-distance communication beyond what Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can offer. This inno vative product connects a maximum of 10 controllers up to 3,000 ft. (914 m). It also offers installation flexibility with control ler and remote mounting options and two convenient setup modes.

23 PRODUCT ROUNDUP

Hunter Douglas [Booth 6027]

Kordz [Booth 23058]

FX Luminaire [Booth 7020]

At ISE 2022, Kordz launched its Ultra High Speed certified PRS4 HDMI Cable range as a robust, certified cabling solution that meets the demanding requirements of professional AV integra tors. Now, the company is bringing it to CEDIA Expo 2022. The new range of HDMI cables combines Kordz’ signature reliability with the full features and benefits of the latest HDMI standards across the whole range. It also fully supports eARC for immersive audio. Each Kordz PRS4 HDMI Cable is engineered and con structed to assure integrators of installation success and ease.

With its slim profile and remote junction box, GE CYNC Smart LED Downlight Fixtures are easy to install without a recessed can hous ing. The tunable white spectrum supports sleep/wake cycles and creates the perfect scene for winding down or waking up. With voice capabilities and out-of-home control through the Cync app, users get the added convenience of controlling their lights while away or when their hands are full — no hub or bridge needed.

MetraAV [Booth 10009]

PRODUCT ROUNDUP 24

Russound [Booth 12042]

Housed in the same rugged, all-weather multi-lay ered fiberglass enclosure as their stereo rock speak er cousins, the front-firing 5R8 Rock Subwoofers line-up is designed to easily add more bass to out door sound systems. Getting good bass response in an outdoor setting is more difficult to achieve in an open environment and these 8” dedicated subwoofers are designed to provide the extra lowend response. With an out-of-the-box low end of 50Hz, the 5R8SUB line can go down to an im pressive 40Hz when using the recommended DSP settings to maximize the efficiency of the output.

Savant [Booth 21057]

The flagship product in the MetraAV Big Dog Power lineup offers a big bark, with the all-encompassing 12-outlet (plus a 13th in the front) product and myriad feature benefits for integrators. MetaAV’s latest innovation combines features that integrators need into one power distri bution unit to deliver surge protection, remote control, smart home integration, rack temperature management, and more. Twelve in dividually controllable outlets on the PR-R13PI Smart Outlet PDU have power metering, self-healing, and au tomatic reboot capabilities for smarter and easier re mote management of connected devices.

The SAT-4K offers a seamless projec tion screen up to 15ft., 10in., and, like the TAT-4K, is also available as an op tion for Severtson’s new 4K thin bezel fixed frame projection screen solutions. Acoustically transparent, the entire sound stage can be placed directly behind the screen at the same horizontal axis, allow ing the vocals and the special effects to be completely in sync with the brilliant images on display. This will allow for a completely immersive audio and video experience.

Symbol Logic [Booth 6048]

Severtson Screens [Booth 10035]

URC [Booth 19002]

The MX-490 programmable, handheld remote can directly control every IR de vice in the home — TV, AV components, cable, and satellite boxes. It is ideal for use in home theaters, kitchens, or bedrooms. The remote features a 2-inch color LCD screen able to control up to 48 devices. When used with a com patible Complete Control base station, like the MRF-350 and MRF-260, the MX-490 controls integrated AV components through walls and cabinet doors or even from outside.

All-new Engineering Complete AV (ECAV) is a powerful yet affordable and easy-touse AV drawing suite using Microsoft Visio. ECAV’s process was developed from timetested real-world AV design and installation experience to provide unmatched design, wiring, engineering, and building phase documents. ECAV includes many automat ed features that empower residential and commercial system designers, integrators, and installation firms to create precise AV drawings quickly with very little setup, da tabase management, or training.

EDIA is a global member organization dedi cated to serving the home technology in dustry around the world. Our members are incredibly talented and make technological magic happen every day.

The Americas

26 TJ PAULTHOSSSKELETON

Orangepartnerships.Technical

AROUND THE GLOBE

Workforce development works hard to make connec tions and help local partners around the world face these challenges. Through building local networks, alongside local partners, CEDIA can help lead the industry through positive changes even when obstacles are daunting.

Like any other industry, developing a skilled and robust workforce can be challenging. Providing quality edu cational opportunities, ensuring new professionals can handle the expectations jobsites put before them, and retaining great workers are challenges everyone is facing.

In the United States, workforce development initiatives are largely focused on creating and sustaining educa tional

College, an ongoing technical edu cation partner, was the first in the nation to collaborate with CEDIA, ESPA, and local industry partners on de veloping student training for the systems integration field. Orange Tech is still successfully providing training using a CEDIA framework to prepare students for tech nical industry work.

DEVELOPMENTWORKFORCEWITH

• Career pathways (or perceived pathways) available in the field

TJ Thoss, Instructor – Enterprise Network & Electronic Systems Integration Orange Technical College, and CEDIA volunteer, says: “Working with CEDIA has been trans formative for our school. CEDIA has been so supportive in developing our program and getting it off the ground. We’re excited to continue our partnership.”

• COVID vaccine requirements

Orange Technical College, among other educational partners, is working to help build the incoming workforce early on and provide high quality training that sets stu dents up for success.

• Remuneration: young and/or inexperienced workers often expect a high salary despite lack of qualifications and working industry knowledge. Small businesses, which make up most of the industry, simply can’t keep up with these demands.

Australia and New Zealand represent a smaller but quite successful market. CEDIA Regional Consultant Paul Skelton recently hosted a local webinar announcing results of the first industry market research in his region.

Thoss mentioned that since Orange has implemented technical training:

• All eligible graduates have found gainful employment in their field

• Dedication & loyalty to the industry: home technology requires near constant learning to stay up to date with current best practices, which some are unwilling to do.

• Many students have jobs lined up before they complete the program

• Asylum Seeker Resource Center (professionals may require visas)

The UK

Our EMEA Education team recently met with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, who support 47 University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across England, attended by more than 20,000 students ages 14 and 19. Baker Dearing is interested in working with companies from specific in dustries, including the residential technology industry. Their goal is to help shape the UTC technical programs so they can better reflect employer needs in each area. CEDIA will assist in steering these technical training programs towards the needs of our members, with the aim of gen erating a steady stream of young talent into the industry.

There’s also a pattern of disparity between commercial and residential integrators. The commercial sector can af ford to pay more for workers with less experiences, which means many workers choose to go where the pay is higher.

Australia & New Zealand

• Returned & Services League of Australia for returned service members

There are several great resources for finding skilled workers that remain largely untapped even though there are government incentives that may offset hiring costs. Some organizations to start with include:

No matter where you are, you can become an advocate for workforce development in your area. Join CEDIA to help ongoing efforts in your area show the world what our industry can do.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 27

In the UK, CEDIA has formed a local working group of members who will guide how new materials are developed. This ensures they can effectively promote the fantastic local opportunities in the smart home technology indus try, how important credible education and certification is to the industry, and the high standards of work. Not to mention how CEDIA can support them on their journey.

• Disability Employment Services

Unsurprisingly, workforce development is a top concern. The new research (reports forthcoming this October) shows staffing shortages seem to be tied to four pri mary factors:

• Industry partners consistently reach out looking for upcoming graduates

NICK CARIPIS

MIKE RANPURA

ROBERT ZOHN

ROUNDTABLECHAINSUPPLY

HANK ALEXANDER

How have the global supply chain issues directly impacted the smart home industry and your business specifically?

Robert Zohn, President and Founder, Value Electronics: Shortages of consumer electronic equipment have caused delays in completing many AV, home network, and smart home projects. We’re purchasing more than we need so we have inventory in anticipation for future jobs. In addition, prices have also been moderately increas ing. Demand has greatly increased as fami lies continue to spend more time at home. Their interest in home entertainment im provement has grown exponentially, creat ing more difficulties, and causing setbacks for consumers who want to upgrade their smart devices.

Hank Alexander: I think we’ll eventually see the industry get back to more of a traditional product and pricing roadmap. Right now, es pecially in the panel business, things are very much out of whack. By this time next year, I expect prices will normalize and the traditional promotional periods (like Black Friday) will come back into play as key tentpole events for the industry.

Hank Alexander: The chipset shortage will likely be the biggest influence on this in dustry out of the pandemic. We’ve seen the first-hand effects of manufacturers having to rewrite their product roadmaps and de lay new introductions because they couldn’t get their hands on chipsets or because they had to rewrite firmware for the chips they could get. Our industry probably lost about 18 months to two years’ worth of innovation. Some brands are just now starting to catch up on those promised new products.

Nick Caripis, Founder, BNC Technology: The global supply chain shortage has defi nitely impacted our business, but not as much as most. Longer lead times and stock discontinuation play a role in not complet ing a project on time.

Robert Zohn: Shortages in SoC are the most relevant reason for all electronic equipment shortages. I’m very happy to see MediaTek open research and SoC manufacturing to the U.S. this year.

Hank Alexander, Director – HTSN, Nationwide Marketing Group: The supply chain challenges, specifically chipset short ages, have and will continue to impact the product roadmap likely for the next few years. It goes beyond the delays in getting product and the rolling impact on dealers’ on-hand inventory. We’ve seen added pres sure on warehouses and extended lifecycles for products that typically roll out after a year. For HTSN specifically, it’s forced us to go out and forge new partnerships across the distribution network so our members can have access to the products they need, when they need it.

What do you expect to return to the way it was before, and what do you think has changed irrevocably?

On the flip side, we’re living in a new era of client or customer engagement. The past two years have seen consumers truly discover how to self-educate, and they’re coming to us knowing exactly what they want. The chal lenge becomes how to get your business in front of them during that self-education pro cess. Custom integrators finally understand, or are willing to learn, how a website can mar ket their business and connect them with the design and build communities.

SUPPLY CHAIN ROUNDTABLE

Mike Ranpura, Director, Smart Life Audio Visual: The supply chain crisis has massively impacted the way we do business, and our day-to-day running. In the early days, we had to make the decision to purchase and hold fast-moving lines of stock in inven tory to ensure we had our usual lines of products to sell. As item lead times have gotten worse, we’ve started holding more inventory than ever before.

Robert Zohn: I expect we’ll see availability of equipment improve, but prices will likely continue their moderate, but steady increase as supply chain manufacturers face higher production and transportation costs.

Has the semiconductor chip shortage af fected your business? In what ways?

We’ve seen the first-hand effects of manufacturers having to rewrite their product roadmaps and delay new introductions because they couldn’t get their hands on chipsets or because they had to rewrite firmware for the chips they could get. Our industry probably lost about 18 months to two years’ worth of innovation. - HANK ALEXANDER

Nick Caripis: Communicate and see if there’s an opportunity to share stock and work together to make all of our customers happy. Other than that, we encourage our customers to wait for the product we’ve recommended. We don’t believe in rushing to install an in ferior product just because it’s the only thing

brownhensolutions.combnctechnology.co.zasmartlifeav.comavailable.

Most CE manufacturers have made progress in production and transporta tion to get the finished product supply and distribution channels better stocked and prepared for the strong market demand.

Hank Alexander: The supply chain is slowly but surely starting to self-correct. We’re probably looking at early 2023 before we can start talking about get ting back to “normal.” With regards to the chipset challenges, the runway is likely a little bit longer. We’ve heard of a few manufacturers securing land to build chip-making plants here in the U.S. The earliest they’ll be up and run ning is maybe 2024. Thankfully, the U.S. government recently passed legislation (the Chips and Science Act), so it seems some relief is on the way.

Nick Caripis: The way around this is to design systems with stock availability in mind or alternatively, let customers know of the long lead times and try push the project forward from a procurement perspective. We are very project-based and do a lot of long-term to mediumterm projects, so our customers are pre pared to wait for the correct quality or technically correct product.

Robert Zohn: Supply of most consumer electronics has just started to moderately ease up, which gives us the opportu nity to stock up, so we have inventory on hand for new jobs as they come in. Prices are still on a slow but steady in cline, and newly launched products are delayed and limited in availability.

What advice would you have for other integrators to help maintain positive relationships with clients at this time?

Mike Ranpura: Be extremely clear and set client expectations as soon as pos sible. Reiterate all the cool functionality they will be gaining once the system is up and running. Keep them informed of up dates from your suppliers so they aren’t in the dark about what’s happening.

Mike Ranpura: We’re very up front from the first conversation with new clients. We provide an estimated date but stress it’s still an estimate. Prior to the crisis, we would order equipment a few weeks before we needed it to en sure clients could benefit from the full

warranty period. Now, we order equip ment the moment the specification has been agreed and the contract has been signed. Clients have been surprisingly understanding, as delays haven’t just affected our industry.

How has your business addressed these issues with your clients to manage their expectations?

When do you see improvements to the current situation?

30 SUPPLY CHAIN ROUNDTABLE “ “

Want to learn more? Contact Hank Alexander, Director of www.htsngroup.orghank.alexander@nationwidegroup.orgHTSNStrugglingtotrainyourtechnicians and installers? Trying to streamline your business? Tired of hunting for quality — and affordable — training programs? WE CAN HELP. Our expanded partnership with CEDIA, leading vendor partners and other industry experts gives HTSN Members access to more than 5,000 hours of custom training specifically designed for the integrator community.

32 ARTISTIC INTENT AND THE ROLE OF THE INTEGRATOR

IAN BRYANT | TECHNICAL CONSULTANT

CEDIA PODCAST 33

hat does artistic or creative intent mean, especially in the technology integra tion industry? Films and music are engi neered by highly edu cated professionals. These engineers, artists, producers, cinematographers, directors, and other crew members have intentions for their work no matter the format.

SpecifyingPelz.

On the other hand, objective art is “created to be seen and interpreted by an individual. It can express certain feelings or thoughts that are not easily said or shown in words.” A couple of common examples include can vas paintings and sculptures.

Film takes the debate to a new lev el through character point of view. When a filmmaker chooses to show a specific

perspective, that point of view becomes subjective to the character because the character wants the audience to see some thing specific. On the other hand, there’s an inherent objective experience in music and performing arts because of the fact that it’s being produced. Each production requires a highly strategic consideration of how an audience will experience the art.

objective technical criteria that defines the level of experience in terms of artistic intent is central to the recommended practices CEDIA is developing related to private entertainment space design. Poppy Crum, former Chief Scientist at Dolby Labs, explains that “standards ensure consistency of experience.”

Theforms.world-famous

Objective or Subjective?

Creators often have both subjective and objective intentions in their creations, but the interpretation of art is a subjective experi ence. Even though you might have a similar feeling or experience as the person next to you, your perspective and viewpoint will al ways make it a unique experience.

“We don’t know what the director’s intent was, but we have a very good understand ing of the technical requirements of the room it was mixed in. RP22 is going to help us deliver those recommended practices in our industry,” says Bespoke Cinemas Owner Adam

“Our job as the CEDIA community is to take content and reproduce it as well as we possibly can. When we say well, what we mean as close as possible to the intent of the content creator, artists, and group of people who have a vision of what we’re go ing to consume.”

On a recent CEDIA podcast, Peter Aylett, Partner at Officina Acustica poses the ques tion about what our job is as an industry. His answer is definitely food for thought:

Geoff Meads, owner of Presto Web Designs and longtime CEDIA volunteer, explains that “the recording environment, be it video/au dio/music, is not an objective thing. It’s very much subjective. Some of the best and most well-regarded instruments and microphones are far from perfect, and they create a piece of art that’s really there to generate an emo tion. If you feel the kind of feeling that was obviously intended, that’s the best we can probably do.”

Technology & Education

As technology integrators, our role is to provide a system that can reproduce con tent at all levels of production value in the best way possible.

Art, including the visual and perform ing arts, are both objective and subjective. This is very old and passionate argument that changes perspectives even between art

Eden Gallery defines subjective art as “art that is created by the artist themself. The art is made based on personal feelings and emotions felt when creating it.” Having the emotional draw, sub jective art is unique to each person’s expres sions of themselves and has been around for quite some time.

Client Discovery

[IAN BRYANT] “

Over the years, the CEDIA channel has started to understand the importance and necessity of proper and thorough client dis covery. Well thought out client discovery conversations can help develop an under standing of how important art is for your customer. It also gives you an opportunity to educate and inform your client on possi bilities they may not know about.

Stay tuned to CEDIA for the release of the CEDIA/CTA-RP22 standard and to learn even more register for the RP22 workshop at CEDIA Expo 2022.

Objective criteria and the accompanying recommendations on how to achieve them allow installers to ensure the promised cli ent experience is delivered in an objective and measurable way. When we all embrace a common engineering-based language to describe performance, we move forward as an industry and become true professionals.

The integrator channel is maturing into a trade that provides experiences to the con sumer through technology and art which truly separates us from the other trades. We should take responsibility to provide the best possible experiences to our customers. In do ing so, we’ll preserve the artists’ intent that our technology systems reproduce through film, music, and art.

Paradise Theater President Sam Cavitt says, “I think we always have to keep our ears open. We have to make it personal to the client. There’s no trickery to this - it’s all about communication and seeing what the opportunities are to create something ex traordinary for them.” When we work with clients, we’re on a journey, not in a race to get the job done.

One of the most important reasons to learn and move away from being “glorified retailers of expensive boxes,” is so that “we can be more objective about what is it we’re trying to achieve,” Aylett notes. When we approach projects as an engineer, we take a logical and objective approach rather than “throwing expensive kits at it and hoping for the best.”

Even though there’s heavy discussion on the RP22 standard, video is also a strong focus. RP23 will be the next CEDIA/CTA standard to be released. In the meantime, there are many classes to take on the video side. I spoke with Joel Silver, President and Founder of the Imaging Science Foundation who was wrapping up a class with a group of post-production video engineers. He was teaching the same class to these students as he teaches to integrators, the only differ ence is the displays he uses. These engineers were taking his class to preserve the artists’ intent of the product they work on.

CEDIA PODCAST 34

YOUR37 TITLE (MASTER PAGE)

See the Difference

Kaleidescape elevates every component in your theater with higher fidelity source material for the ultimate cinematic experience.

Experience the Difference

Hear the Difference

ofCourtesyImage ParadiseTheater.TV

Audio bitrate 10x higher than stream ing services and lossless audio.

Video bitrate 8x higher than streaming services and 4K HDR.

Built-in automation to dim lights and close shades when you press play.

The Ultimate Movie Player

The AVD team spent the next eight months bringing this vision to life without interruption, even amid COVID restrictions and while the home remained fully occupied.

LIFESTYLEULTIMATE HOME

The brief was to create a simple and powerful user experience utilizing the best-in-class technology across all electrical and electronic sub-systems. The client also wanted the technology to meld seamlessly both into his family’s lifestyle and the home’s striking design and architecture. Above all, he wanted to ensure his home was safe and secure.

The client’s experiences with high performance life style products and assets meant his expectations were extraordinarily high. Luckily for AVD, he was also brand

After years of simply ‘dealing’ with the technology in his home, one client turned to AVD Australia to create the life he’d always imagined

A Delicate Balance of Tech and Design

In 2009, AVD Australia was contacted by a disgrun tled client who was experiencing ongoing issues with the technology in his home. The existing systems, previ ously delivered by a commercial integrator, were dispa rate, poorly specified, only rudimentarily documented, and programmed ineffectively—the sum of which was creating massive frustration for the end users. Over the next nine years, the client sought the help of AVD for bare minimum maintenance and upgrades but finally decided to give his home the technology overhaul it deserved in 2019.

BY JESSICA GUYON

functionality enabling a quick and easy overview only available with Savant. Controlling the comprehensive under layer of distribution hardware and integrated sys tems is Crestron (SIMPL). Through custom-built gateways and servers, AVD made this once un-integrate-able and disparate system a now seamless experience.

Even with the presence of such powerful tech nology, carefully placed wall controls, handheld remotes, and floor-plan based iPad controls keep the architecturally de signed wonder unscathed.

3737

Savant acts as the primary graphical user interface, leveraging the benefits of TrueControl II within the Apple iOS environment to create plan-based controls. The clean and intuitive interface includes “pinch and zoom”

At the home’s core, a Crestron PRO3 sits controlling the back end of the system with ease while a Savant Pro Host manages the simple yet powerful user interface on the front end. This was a bit of an unusual choice as systems integrators would normally suggest merging two primary control systems to be a folly, but this was the only way to deliver exactly what the client wanted.

agnostic with a nearly unlimited budget which gave them plenty of room to play.

Weaving Technology into Everyday Routines

To ensure his safe passage to the home gym, the team programmed floor lighting to illuminate a pathway without waking the rest of the home. Upon arrival, the temper ature, music, and TV are already set to his exact

Beginningliking.

at 7 a.m., the rest of the home is awoken gently as the blinds and curtains gradually pull back to let in leaks of sunlight. Throughout the rest of the home, the foun tains turn on, the doors unlock, the perim eter security beams transition from alarm to detection mode, and the family’s favorite news station plays on the TVs in the kitchen.

During the day, the home feels like an ex tension of the outdoors with expansive views

APAC CASE STUDY

Once the technology was in place, the AVD team worked closely with the family to uncover their daily routines. The client informed AVD that he begins each day with a 5 a.m. workout session before the rest of his family is awake.

of the Sydney Harbor on full display. In the evening, the environment transforms with whole walls of glass closing in to achieve a secure and snug environment. To top it off, the blinds automatically close, lighting is set to the pre ferred mood, and the family can choose from several preprogrammed scenarios for audio, video, HVAC, and security.

In reflecting back on the work of his team, Sandy Howard Founder and Managing Director of AVD Australia noted, “I’m proud of the way my team worked through difficult times to ensure our company was well represented, our client’s interests were respected, and the project was completed to comply with not only CEDIA’s standards, but our own internal standards, where compromise isn’t in our dictionary and excellence is everything.”

At the completion of the project, the client was eager to participate in the CEDIA Awards, and even suggested the title “Ultimate Lifestyle Home” for the way the way AVD considered the details of his preferred activities and routines to create a space that functioned exactly for him and his family.

A House Made Home

CONTACT AVD Australia Pty Ltd 344 Eastern Valley Way Chatswood, NSW 2067 –www.avd.com.auWebsite:+61PhoneAustralianumber:299062424 EQUIPMENT LIST YealinkUbiquitiSonnexSocomecSavantSangomaSamsungParasoundLogitechHikvisionFutureFoxtelDoorBirdCrestronCCTVBlustreamAppleAlmando2NAutomation 39

• Class being offered in Spanish

• Frank Santos, Vanco International

• Salon/Room number: D170, Thursday Sept 29 @ 2:30 – 4:30 pm

• 1 CEU

• Room Number D174, Wednesday Sept 28 @ 1 – 2 pm

• Systems Engineering Track, Seminar

• Manuel Suero, NTX S.A. de C.V.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE COURSES AT CEDIA EXPO

CASE STUDY: LARGE-SCALE LUXURY IN THE MODERN MDU

• Salon/Room Number: D168, Wednesday Sept 28 @ 2 – 4 pm

• Systems Engineering Track, Panel

• Session Number: CSA22

• 2 CEU credits

• Audio Track, Seminar

Multi-dwellingcredit

• Lina Maria Villa, Jacinto Studios

• Class being offered in Spanish

DISEÑO DE SALAS DE CINE EN CASA

COMO MEJORAR TU OFICINA EN CASA CON LOS COMPONENTES APROPIADOS DE AUDIO

• Session Number: CSB02

• 2 CEU credits

Lina Maria Villa le mostrará cómo la acústica y sus componentes desempeñan un papel importante para poder participar en reuniones/juntas a distancia con una alta calidad de sonido. Con una buena calidad de sonido, las reuniones son productivas y la comunicación es tan clara como si fuera en persona. Aprenda por qué esta característica es fundamental para evitar el eco y no perder el valor de las palabras.

En este curso, Manuel Suero hablará de las configuraciones de “ Home Theater” diseño de cine en casa y calibración , ademas cubrirá los puntos que son críticos para su proyecto y la presentación final para el cliente.

unit properties (MDUs) are in an amenities arms race, with community spaces diversifying to include spaces such as co-working offices, gaming simulators, and outdoor entertainment spaces, in addition to traditional luxury amenities. MDU projects overlap with custom integrators’ typical expertise, but also require some application-specific considerations. Using a real-world case study, Frank Santos will teach you how to articulate challenges, summarize considerations, and implement high quality audio delivery in an MDU project setting. Apartment complexes are coming to resemble luxury estates –will you be able to adapt to work on these new and exciting projects?

• Session Number: CSB18

• David Meyer, CEDIA

Join leading experts in an interactive deathmatch panel discussion about HDMI, HDBaseT, AV-over-IP, and optical fiber. This unique, unscripted session blends panel discussion with fully interactive classroom Q&A to compare transport technologies to help integrators choose the best solutions to meet performance objective and feature support. Will you join the deathmatch?

• Room Number: D174, Friday Sept 30 @ 1:30 – 3 pm

• Amanda Wildman, TruMedia

• Room Number: D174, Friday Sept 30 @ 3:30 – 5 pm

41 EXPO CAN’T MISS COURSES

• Wellness Track, Seminar

• 1.5 CEU credits

• Video Track, Panel

• Room number: D171, Friday Sept 30 @ 9-10:30 am

Have questions about how to partner with allied trades to complete projects? This is your chance to ask industry veterans and get answers that can help solve your problems. As a first come, first serve forum, hearing experts answer other questions can also help you figure out your own challenges in real time. Will we see you there?

• Business Track, Panel

• Michael Don Ham, RePure

• 1.5 CEU credits

• Session Number: CSA33

ASK THE EXPERT: PARTNERING WITH ALLIED TRADES

• Session Number: CSA04

• 1.5 CEU credits

WHY THE CI CHANNEL IS PRIMED FOR WELLNESS AND THE HEALTHY HOME MARKET

More than 80% of recent homebuyers and homeowners of all ages say they would pay more for a healthier home. Michael Don Ham will help integrators explore where science, wellness, and technology intersect so they can create healthy homes for clients. Learn how to talk with your clients about wellness, partner with other trades and professions, and communicate the importance of wellness in the home. Do you have a healthy home?

DEATHMATCH: VIDEO TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES

• Session Number: CSA29

HOMETHEINTRODUCINGSMARTGARDEN

As a turn-key solution, The Smart Home Garden exclu sively selects leading brands to provide a one-stop-shop for high-end outdoor living concepts.

The UK’s first smart garden show experience

The Smart Home Garden is a collaboration by lead ing Smart Home experts, Potters Home Digital, and RHS Chelsea award-winning landscape designer, Laura Anstiss of Oakmore Green; delivered in conjunction with trusted and professional partners.

The Smart Home Garden is the UK first to create such an awe-inspiring space, to exceed, excite and challenge what a garden can be. The result is the pinnacle of de livering breathtaking garden transformations, from con cept, build and handover. Changing the way you enter tain friends and family, summer or winter, day or night.

This partnership seamlessly blends high-end integrated technology with your garden to create an ambiance like no other. The Smart Home Garden is an industry first concept in the UK combining smart technology, awardwinning garden design, and meticulous craftsmanship.

From the show garden itself with fully functional out door kitchen, seating and entertaining area, and large smart office/garden room. The smart element of the gar den encompasses an automated eco lighting solution, fully discrete outdoor cinema, numerous hidden audio zones, automation of water feature, smart care of wa ter irrigation, motorized blinds and hidden panels and so much more. All simply controlled via the touch of a button, A singular smartphone app, or even your voice!

The Smart Home Garden experts provide entertainment systems that can be fully integrated into an out door space of any shape or size, and endless possibilities that enrich your garden and your lifestyle. By seamlessly blending tech within your garden, we supply power at your fingertips. With the touch of a button, you can bring your home to life. Inside and out. Start your unique smart garden experienceBook your Immersive Experience Tour now.

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Imogen Dent | Member Program Specialist, CEDIA

CEDIA VISITS THE SMART HOME GARDEN

Alex and the team have created something truly beautiful, and the technol ogy featured throughout sounds incredible, all while remaining discreet. Every detail has been carefully thought out, from the outside cinema to the hidden Sonance speakers.

Prior to our visit, I was un sure what to expect. I had been to many integrated homes and showrooms be fore, but never a dedicated smart home garden. Upon arrival at the event, I was immediately blown away by the space. The amount of hard work and dedication by the Potters team was overwhelmingly apparent.

Steve Carter, EMEA Business Development Manager, and I were fortu nate enough to secure an invite to the launch event for the Potters Home Digital Smart Home Garden in May.

I look forward to seeing where this project takes them, and for others to experience the Smart Home Garden for themselves.

UK CASE STUDY

I soon learned that their team worked closely with architects, landscape de signers, and many other professionals to bring the garden to life. Anyone who knows me and my role with in CEDIA knows this collab orative effort was especially important to me.

for themselves within the design and build industry, and the Smart Home Garden is only going to aid their efforts.

I am always amazed at the high standard of work and beautiful projects our members complete, and the Smart Home Garden is the perfect example of why. Potters Home Digital are really making a name

WE ARE THE GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION THAT SERVES THE HOME TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ADVOCACY We position the smart home industry as essential to homeowners, allied trades, and governments. CONNECTION We connect the professionals who connect our homes around the world. EDUCATION We develop content to share knowledge and raise the bar on industry best practice.

CEDIA works to monitor, track, and lobby on pending licensing legislation and regulations every day to ensure the appropriate exemptions or defini tions of work for a license represents the work integra tors do. It’s vital for jurisdictions to use forward-looking code language to support technology innovations and encourage technology adoption.

Here are some of the most important things that have occurred this legislative session.

A LOOK AT 2022 AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED

• Workforce development

• The National Electrical Code®

• Electrical licensing

• Connected devices

• Electronic waste

EDIA’s advocacy program is your voice for your business and your industry.

We track, monitor, and lobby on these industry issues:

Throughout the 2022 legislative sessions, CEDIA has tracked and monitored more than 680 legislative bills in all 50 states and 130+ regulations in 35 states.

Houston: Over the next year, Houston Public Works will be updating the Houston Construction Code in the 2021 Code Development cycle, which includes the Houston Electrical Code and Houston Residential Code. Many low voltage stakeholders will be involved in these discussions.

Indiana: Statewide electrical licensing legislation was once again introduced in the Indiana General Assembly. Senate Bill 395 had low-voltage exemption language CEDIA worked to obtain in previous versions of the electrical licensing legislation. The bill was referred to committee but did not receive a committee hearing.

Advocacy Opportunities at CEDIA Expo

CEDIA Expo will be held Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 in Dallas and there will be a number of CEDIA Advocacy opportuni ties throughout the show.

• Low-voltage licensing

CEDIA ADVOCACY:

Rhode Island: The Rhode Island General Assembly had House Bill 8164 and Senate Bill 2978, both related to electricians’ businesses and professions. Both bills were problematic and had numerous consequences for resi dential integrators and the home technology industry in Rhode Island. By adding broad terms such as “support systems,” “lighting,” and “control of electrical devices,” to the electrical and electrical contractors license defi nitions, this language would force residential integra tors to become electricians to complete any projects throughout the state even though they’ve been doing the work for years. Neither bill passed before the Rhode Island General Assembly session adjourned.

• Security licensing

Since the start of CEDIA’s Government Affairs Program in 1999, CEDIA has had legislative victories for the home technology industry in more than 22 states and numer ous municipalities.

• Alarm licensing

CEDIA also monitored licensing legislation for amend ments in a number of states, including bills in Maryland, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.

BY DARREN REAMAN | DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

2022 Highlights

Visit the CEDIA Booth to become informed about key issues in your state using CEDIA’s Digital Advocacy Tool which allows you to reach out to your local legislative leadership on issues important to your business and the home technology industry.

the legislative and regu latory processes, CEDIA ensures your voice is heard. Together, CEDIA works with its members to be “The Voice of the Home Technology Industry.” Join the effort by being a part of the CEDIA Grassroots Legislative Network.

Throughoutday.

Join a course on the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code®. This CEDIA Education session will cover the history the National Electrical Code® (NEC), how the NEC impacts integrators’ work, what you need to know about the new 2023 edition, and how those changes will impact your business and your work now and in the future.

Attend the CEDIA Advocacy Town Hall to get free breakfast and learn how to use your voice to influence poli cymakers. Discover ways to work with CEDIA to protect your business and hear from members who have advo cacy victories.

Darren Reaman (left) & Wayne Harrison (right), President of Chesapeake System Services

Make sure to stay up to date on ma jor changes coming to the 2023 edi tion of the National Electrical Code® so you can continue to thrive and serve your clients well. The changes will apply to technologies you install every

Get Engaged and Involved

For small business owners or stake holders, take the time to attend the town hall meetings held by your local government officials. Introduce them to important issues that impact your business and the home technology industry as a whole. Building these relationships in the district are benefi cial during legislative sessions.

It’s vital to take the time and get involved when you receive a CEDIA Advocacy Communication call to ac tion. Educating legislators is key, as is having members involved throughout the legislative process. Your voice and participation are necessary.

Twin Towns, Tweed Heads, NSW Australia

CEDIA Expo, Dallas

Wednesday October 19th

The Brewery London United Kingdom

The sponsors for the 2022 CEDIA Awards include: JBL Synthesis, KNX, LG Meridian, Monitor Audio, Snap One, Sonance, Sonos, Sony, Sound United, and Trinnov Audio.

For the first time in two years, the CEDIA Awards are kicking off in-person across all three regions around the world. Judged by a panel of esteemed industry experts, the CEDIA Awards celebrate pro jects, products, and individuals exemplifying innovation and excellence in the residential electronics systems

7:30 p.m. AEDT

AMERICAS

Thursday September 29

7 p.m. BST

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. CDT

EMEA

ASIA PACIFIC

projects, the CEDIA Awards also recognize outstanding individuals who have acted as volunteers and inspirations to those in the industry.

Forks Ball Room