ProSource Insider Fall 2017 by ProSource

Fall 2017

Member Spotlight: ListenUp at 45! — The People — Compelling Commercial — Staying Relevant

ProSource Town Hall Dinners: Members Talk Value! ProSource at CEDIA 2017 The Media Turns to ProSource Members ListenUp founders: Walt Stinson, Mary Kay Stinson and Steve Weiner.

FROM THE

PROSOURCE

By David J. Workman CEO/President ProSource

TECHNOLOGY INSIDER GROUP Managing Director CAROL CAMPBELL (323) 309.7673 • carol@TechnologyInsiderGroup.com

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief MAUREEN JENSON (310) 806.1507 • Mjenson86@gmail.com Managing Editor DOUGLAS WEINSTEIN (714) 865.5106 • doug@TechnologyInsiderGroup.com

CREATIVE

CEO CAT TOOMEY (317) 514.5546 • cattoomey22@gmail.com Graphic Design • LEIGH MILLER

PROSOURCE™ 109 River Oaks Drive, Suite 100 Southlake, TX 76092 CEO/President DAVE WORKMAN (817) 428-5212 • Dave.Workman@Prosourceinfo.com Director of Finance & Operations JESSICA PASKON (817) 431-2240 • Jessica.Paskon@Prosourceinfo.com Director of Membership SHERRY DANTONIO (562) 810-1706 • Sherry.Dantonio@Prosourceinfo.com Director of Business Development ANDY OROZCO (954) 562-3312 • Andy.Orozco@Prosourceinfo.com Director of Field Management TIM BASHFORD (513) 319-8228 • Tim.Bashford@Prosourceinfo.com Director of Marketing Communications KATHLEEN MARINI (708) 548-4273 • Kathleen.Marini@Prosourceinfo.com Published by:

Creating a Healthy Business Dialogue In our feature article in this issue of Insider, Town Hall Dinners – Come And Get It!, Lani Godfrey, ProSource’s Southeast District Manager, perfectly articulates the importance we place on communication and open dialogue. “The dinners are about creating healthy business dialogue and feedback for how we facilitate success on all sides in the CI industry.” I believe that when we are talking together, listening to each other, and working together for mutual benefit, it goes without saying that we all walk away from the table a better businessperson, a better person in general. As we round out 2017, a year that has seen “In many unprecedented growth, we must keep in mind ways, effective that it is our collective power that continues to communication begins yield fiscal results for our members and our vendor partners. It is the power to help each other, with mutual respect, learn from each other, and grow our businesses communication in a healthy, forward thinking process. Because that inspires, and success is, after all, built upon the processes we encourages others deploy in our everyday business lives. to do their best.” And speaking of success, I know you’ll — Zig Ziglar enjoy our cover story about the amazing folks at ListenUp. Their unique business model is reflected in their continued successes in not only the CI channel, but as a brick-and-mortar retailer as well as an incredible force in commercial applications. We’ll also be featuring one of ListenUp’s recent installations in our Great Installations article, as well as projects from Crowne Audio and Admit One – prepare to be impressed! I know you’ll enjoy our CEDIA recap – we had a tremendous show and were able to sit down and have some meaningful discussions with many of our members and vendor partners. I particularly enjoyed being part of the Stream the Studio Keynote Session. I was joined by some very impressive names in the digital audio world, and we each discussed our particular areas of expertise. One thing is for certain, streaming audio represents some tremendous opportunities for our industry on which we must capitalize. And you won’t want to miss 15 Minutes with Tim Bashford, ProSource’s Director of Field Management. Tim offers some great observations and business acumen that is a direct reflection of his importance to our team. Zig Ziglar observed, “In many ways, effective communication begins with mutual respect, communication that inspires, and encourages others to do their best.” I know for a fact that you have our undivided attention and we always welcome your input. A healthy business dialogue is only the first step in gaining perspective, and understanding, and a sense of awareness regarding our strengths and our weaknesses. Let’s continue that dialogue. From our team to yours, have an outrageously successful end to your year. FALL|2017

Fall 2017

DEPARTMENTS 3F ROM THE PROSOURCE by Dave Workman 6 NEWS Welcome New Members; The New PRO and Power Members; ProSource Members Are Winning Awards; Welcome New Vendor; CTA Mark of Excellence 2018 Awards – Deadline Approaching; ProSource Spring 2018 Events 12

40 PRODUCT SHOWCASE The latest offerings from our valued vendor partners

Revel in stunning 4K HDR laser clarity. The new VPL-VW885ES is Sony’s most compact 4K laser home theater projector yet. Its highly efficient laser light source delivers 2000 lumens of brightness, infinite contrast and over 20,000 hours of maintenance free operation. Sony’s proprietary True 4K SXRD panels allow the VPL-VW885ES to project a stunning 4096x 2160 image with unmatched clarity. The VPL-VW885ES’s compact chassis enhances install flexibility and simplifies upgrades from older, non-4K HDR compatible projectors.

FEATURES 12 P ROSOURCE TOWN HALL DINNERS AND DISTRICT MANAGERS ProSource members share the valuable learning experience that the Town Hall Dinners represent 2 0

For the full cinematic experience, the VPL-VW885ES supports vertical stretch for 4K signals, allowing a third-party anamorphic lens to be installed, a first for a True 4K projector at this price point.

ROSOURCE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA 36 P Some of the finest installations from ProSource members make the pages of TWICE and online

For a limited time, qualified buyers can choose ten 4K movies1 to enjoy with the purchase of a qualifying Sony 4K projector 2 and a Kaleidescape Strato 4K movie player. Offer valid through March 31st, 2018.

On The Cover: ListenUp recently completed a large commercial project for CoBank that included Crestron automation, audio/video, voice and video conferencing, scheduling software and more at the company's Denver headquarters, as well as remote locations in Atlanta, Omaha, St. Louis and Spokane.

Available in the United States. See www.kaleidescape.com for details. A Kaleidescape Movie Store account is required. Network services, content, and the operating system and software of this Product may be subject to individual terms and conditions and changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.

©2017 Sony Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony and the Sony logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Kaleidescape is a trademark of Kaleidescape, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Screen image simulated.

20 C EDIA 2017 PROSOURCE REPORT The people, the parties and Dave Workman, keynote panelist! 26 M EMBER SPOTLIGHT ListenUp highlights 45 years of success

For more details, visit sonypremiumhome.com or contact your Sony Manufacturer’s Representative.

Qualifying models: VPLVW365ES, VPLVW665ES, VPLVW675ES, VPLVW5000ES, VPLVZ1000ES, VPLVW285ES, VPLVW385ES, VPLVW885ES. If you already own a qualifying Sony 4K projector, then purchase a Kaleidescape Strato movie player by March 31st, 2018 to receive the ten 4K movies. If you already own a Kaleidescape Strato movie player, then purchase a qualifying Sony 4K projector by March 31st, 2018 to receive the ten 4K movies.

38 1 5 MINUTES WITH… Tim Bashford, Director of Field Management

36 FALL|2017

NEWS

“We are delighted to welcome so many new members that bring a tremendous amount of value to the ProSource organization,” says Sherry Dantonio, Director of Membership. “Each member contributes to our overall success by sharing their experience with other members at our Town Hall Dinners and at the upcoming Summit.”

Welcome New Members!

We’re proud to announce ProSource’s newest custom integrator members: AC/DC Systems, LLC Kihei, HI

Elite AV Las Vegas, NV

Alpha Dog Security, LLC Saint Johns, FL

EOC Audio, Inc. Wheaton, IL

Apex Audio Video Austin, TX

First Priority Audio, Inc. Pompano Beach, FL

Armor Systems & Security, Inc. Venice, FL

Fischer Technologies, Inc. Eagle, CO

Audio Integrations, Inc. Las Vegas, NV Creative Systems USA, LLC Collegeville, PA Custom Installation & Design, Inc Hurricane, UT

HAAS Home Technologies Austin, TX Imagine More Windsor, CO Mero Concepts Cedar Park, TX Pair Electronics Co, Inc. Greenville, NC

Premium Digital Control & Automation Hollywood, FL

Your Customers Deserve the Best

Rampart Security Systems Orlando, FL Showtime Audio & Video Sunny Isles Beach, FL Spectrum Technology Integrators Deerfield Beach, FL Spycom Technology Solutions Lancaster, PA Texas Home Theaters Spring, TX

Give your customers an audio solution they’ll love with Autonomic. Our eSeries network-based products work with popular streaming services and control systems, so listeners can enjoy music without the hassle of jumping between apps. This deep integration even allows for music--rst features like native search functionality, volume and room grouping, and more. Autonomic puts you in control, which means your customers get a better listening experience.

Shop the complete Autonomic line at snapav.com/Autonomic 6

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NEWS PROSOURCE MEMBERS ARE WINNING AWARDS!

The following members received industry accolades during the previous six months:

EH HOME OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2017— ANNOUNCED IN AUGUST AND PRESENTED AT CEDIA 2017

CEDIA ANNOUNCES 2017 BEST NEW PRODUCT WINNERS AND PRODUCT HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Gold – Unique Space/Mastersuite Futurian Systems, Grapevine, TX Silver – Best Traditional Smart Home $150K+ Futurian Systems, Grapevine, TX Bronze – Before and After Professional Audio Consultants, Milburn, NJ Bronze – Best Traditional Smart Home less than $150K+ Atlanta Audio & Automation, Atlanta, GA

BEST NEW HARDWARE PRODUCTS Future Automation CHRST - TV Ceiling Hinge & Swivel with Telescope Samsung Electronics America, Inc. The Frame Sony Home Entertainment and Sound XBR-77A1E 77˝ BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV

CEDIA ANNOUNCES 2017 AMERICAS HOME TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNERS BEST INNOVATIVE SOLUTION Admit One Home Systems, Edina, MN BEST LIGHTING CONTROL & INSTALLATION ZIO Group, Winter Park, FL BEST SHOWROOM Starpower, Southlake, TX

2017 CEDIA PRODUCT HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ELAN Home Systems ELAN Via! Touch Panel Ihiji Ihiji Invision

Make a Statement This Season

CONGRATULATIONS to the ProSource

new Associate PRO Member and our additional member elevations! OUR NEW ASSOCIATE PRO MEMBER: ELECTRONICS EXPRESS, INC., NASHVILLE, TN POWER MEMBER ELEVATIONS INCLUDE: • Crowne Audio Video, Lake Mary, FL • Zio, Winter Park, FL

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Bring crystal-clear, 4K picture to the great outdoors with the new 75" Veranda from SunBriteTV. Full-shade Veranda TVs are comparable in price to similar indoor TVs, yet are up to 30% brighter and completely weatherproof. To make a statement, you need the best-selling outdoor TV ever.

Shop the all-new 75" Veranda at snapav.com/SunBriteTV

NEWS

Welcome to Our Newest Vendor, Pioneer! UPCOMING SPRING 2018 EVENTS The ProSource Summit March 3-6, 2018 Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center 2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, TN 37214 The ProSource Spring Meeting April 16-20, 2018 La Cantera Resort & Spa 16641 La Cantera Parkway San Antonio, TX 78256

2018 MARK OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS DEADLINE TO ENTER IS DECEMBER 1, 2017 The 2018 Mark of Excellence Award winners, presented by the Consumer Technology Association's (CTA) TechHome Division and CE Pro, will be announced in January 2018 at CES in Las Vegas. https://www.cepro.com/article/cta_mark_excellence_award_2018 The awards recognize some of the best residential and commercial custom installation projects performed by professional integrators, as well as top consumer technology products and services that are primarily targeted at the custom installation channel. Each year, manufacturers, distributors and systems integrators enter to compete for the coveted awards. Manufacturers, there are 21 different product categories you may submit for, including lighting control, home control, energy efficiency, displays and more. Meanwhile, custom installers can select from 15 categories to submit projects ranging from whole-

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house automation, security and home theater. Nominations are also accepted for the CTA TechHome Integrator of the Year. Remember, if you enter a product submission, the product must have been released within 12 months prior to the award announcement date or planned to be released within the next six months after the awards announcement date. Each category has a judging team of systems integrators, manufacturers, members of the trade press or industry consultants. Each entry is given a numeric score. The top scoring entries in each category will be named finalists. Good luck!

MAIN FEATURE We asked a few members who have attended Town Hall Dinners to share some insights and thoughts with us.

ProSource Town Hall Dinners-

COME AND GET IT!

ProSource Members Share The Valuable Learning Experience that the Town Hall Dinners Represent. “The vision and goal behind the Town Hall Dinners is one of engagement between our premiere members and our key vendors. The dinners are about creating healthy business dialogue and feedback for how we facilitate success on all sides in the CI industry.” — Lani Godfrey, ProSource District Manager, South East Region

• S heri Griffin of Home Theater Design Group, with offices in Dallas and Cabo, Mexico, has been in business 20 years with 2017 revenue projected to top $4M. •T odd Wilcox of ProConvergence in Flower Mound, Texas, a ProSource member since 2014, has 2017 revenue projected north of $2M. • Wes Bradshaw of Sunbelt Technology in Atlanta, has been in business for 12 years and has 18 employees. •B ob Dodge of Automated Living in Morris Township, New Jersey has been in business for over three years with projected sales for 2017 exceeding $1.5M. •T om Farinola has owned Costa Mesa, California-based Atlantic Stereo since 1994 and projects revenue in excess of $2.5M for 2017. ProSource Insider: Tell us about the benefits you take home from attending a dinner? Sheri Griffin: The opportunity to sit down and discuss high level thoughts, things we’re seeing in our market. Connect with folks from ProSource, give them real-time feedback, especially current things happening with vendors. We get to hear what’s going on nationally with ProSource and their other members.

projects and these partnerships allow me to take on more work than I can sometimes manage with my current staff. I also help other members when they need my help with a project. Tom Farinola: It provides us with a chance to get to know fellow members and create a harmonious relationship. We get a chance to discuss issues relevant to our businesses and talk about common solutions to common problems. ProSource Insider: How are you utilizing ProSource as a catalyst for success? Sheri Griffin: We’ve been a ProSource member for 10 years. Having somebody more intimately involved in your business is such a positive force. ProSource facilitates better interactions with our vendors and we learn so much, both technically and business-wise.

Sheri Griffin

Todd Wilcox: We get to spend time with other integrators in town in a spirit of partnership. We learn a little about the successes and the challenges each of us face. We spend time with ProSource gaining valuable insight on industry trends and near-term opportunities to drive our business. We also get a chance for some indepth time with one of the group’s vendor partners.

Wes Bradshaw: Meeting with our peers and discussing everything from the successes of opening up multiple locations to the frustrations in finding talented technicians has helped us realize we’re not alone in our daily struggles.

“Meeting with our peers and discussing everything from the successes of opening up multiple locations to the frustrations in finding talented technicians has helped us realize we’re not alone in our daily struggles. ” — Wes Bradshaw

Bob Dodge: The Town Hall meetings are a great way to network with other local dealers. Networking allows ways for me to partner with other members on large The Town Hall dinner NYC/NJ sponsored by Origin Acoustics and URC.

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MAIN FEATURE Todd Wilcox: By utilizing the group’s vendor partners wherever possible. They have assembled some excellent programs that allow us to compete with the industry giants. Wes Bradshaw: ProSource started as a buying group for us when we were having trouble with a local distributor getting better prices based on our volume. Having a Todd Wilcox floor of $1M revenue and being in the group helped us get better pricing and now we’re receiving checks that cover our dues and give us another source of revenue. We also have vendor programs we’ve used like online marketing and we’re now looking into financing for our clients. Bob Dodge: Being a member of ProSource provides me with access to great programs for products and services. These programs could only be achieved by being a member of the best buying and networking group in the industry. Being part of ProSource gives me a strong voice with the vendors. Tom Farinola: I use my relationship with ProSource all the time. From expediting shipments, to return or warranty issues, to business strategy, to keeping tabs on what is going on in the industry at large. District Manager Rick Huggins has been a consistent partner in our business. ProSource Insider: Name a couple of things you’re doing to succeed in the CI channel.

ProSource Town Hall Dinners Cont.

It used to be simple: An inexpensive wireless router would instantly outfit your home

Todd Wilcox: The two things we focus on are providing a comprehensive solution at a competitive price and an intense focus on customer service.

with reasonably consistent Internet access. Today, the automated residence has rapidly evolved into a complex web of Internet-connected devices continuously communicating with each other.

As we have become increasingly dependent on these devices as a part of our daily lifestyle, the demands on the home network have changed. A robust network offering uninterrupted

connection is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.

“Being a member of ProSource provides me with access to great programs for products and services. These programs could only be achieved by being a member of the best buying and networking group in the industry. Being part of ProSource gives me a strong voice with the vendors.”

Introducing Access Networks Wireless powered by Ruckus

— Bob Dodge

Wes Bradshaw: I believe you have to be willing to adapt to technology and change quickly. Another goal is to hire the best available people who will be there for our clients when designing, installing and supporting their solutions. Bob Dodge: I focus on automation in my projects. The big box stores and online-only dealers don’t provide advanced automation for lighting, shades, HVAC control, etc. My partnerships with members allows me to provide a wide variety of services. I also focus on best-in-class products and provide constant monitoring and fast responses to any service issues. Tom Farinola: Problem solving. The nature of the integration business is constantly evolving, so you have to budget time to hone your processes and plan your business strategy accordingly. And it’s critical to learn to collaborate with vendors – whether it’s pricing, features or reliability, you have to build trust and a collaborative relationship.

New products to include: Wireless Controller

Access Points

• • • •

Includes 8 licenses & 4 years of Access Networks support Similar dealer cost to Ruckus ZD1200 Dealer protected margins Specifically created for the Residential market

1 outdoor and 3 indoor models Not available online Similar dealer cost to existing Ruckus models Standard, Unleashed and Cloud versions

The Premier Network Solution Provider in the Industry With Over A Decade of Custom Residential Network Experience, Partnering with Access Networks Makes Our Team Your Team.

Sheri Griffin: Moving on new technology more quickly than larger retailers. We are much better equipped to train and educate our staff and spend more time with the end-user to build great relationships to better serve their needs, and as a result, increase referrals.

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www.accessca.com

MAIN FEATURE ProSource Insider: Tell us what inhibits success in the CI channel. Sheri Griffin: Getting recognized – big-box retailers advertise, many people don’t even know our industry exists. Todd Wilcox: Chasing the wrong opportunities that consume our resources and the ability to find and retain talented installers. Wes Bradshaw: Not having the tools and/or people in place to support growth. We’ve grown exponentially for years and are constantly reviewing our business plan in case we need another employee or software upgrade. Bob Dodge: Tight credit lines with vendors. Competing with on-line websites such as Amazon, as well as unauthorized on-line dealers. Tom Farinola: Manufacturers that have equipment and software issues that do not inform the field in a timely manner and vendors who really don’t understand that the CI channel needs to be profitable. ProSource Insider: What top brand vendors do you partner with and how do they help you grow your business? Sheri Griffin: Core Brands and their ability to recognize and reward dealers. They have people who interface with the design build community and recommend us as the local go-to professional.

“I use my relationship with ProSource all the time. From expediting shipments, to return or warranty issues, to business strategy, to keeping tabs on what is going on in the industry at large. District Manager Rick Huggins has been a consistent partner in our business.” — Tom Farinola

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ProSource Town Hall Dinners Cont.

Todd Wilcox: Sony - great brand and products, a great program and a team focused on the CI channel. Control4 - A platform we have grown with since we both started in 2005. They continue to innovate on making the product better. Core Brands - A wide variety of products and solutions with a great program. Expert Warehouse It’s great to buy from someone on the team where we all benefit from their success. They work really hard to find programs and opportunity buys to make us profitable. Wes Bradshaw: Control4 is one of our primary partners. Jim Patten is our Rep and we really respect him. Control4 makes us want to be the best dealer we can and continues to provide us with the tools to provide a superior automated system. Sony is another great partner. Chris Cowdrey gives us a roadmap over the weekends to know what the next week’s rebates look like and highlights any big changes. We always tell our clients Wes Bradshaw we know when to buy your TVs and can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. That’s a nice offering that they can’t get with Amazon or a big-box retailer.

MAIN FEATURE

ProSource Town Hall Dinners Cont.

Bob Dodge: Sony! Sony! Sony! They partner with us to offer best-in-class products at great margins and programs. Sony’s logistic partner, Tech Data, offers great resources and the information I need to plan my projects. Origin Acoustics is also a great partner with great innovative products with constant deep discount opportunities for improved margins. Easy to reach support from the Origin staff and my Rep is very responsive and knowledgeable. Tom Farinola: Crestron, IC Realtime and Access Networks provide us with top-shelf products and stand behind them with great training and post-sales support. They listen! In closing, the Town Hall Dinners are a great forum for discussion. They have become an integral part of the dialogue ProSource prides itself on. If you haven’t attended one of the Town Hall Dinners, please contact your area District Manager and make plans to attend.

HEARD ON THE STREET

The ProSource District Managers: Robert Dodge – NorthEast Region, Tim Bashford – Director, Field Management, Nicole Riddle – Midwest Region, Samantha Summerville – Central Region, Lani Godfrey – SouthEast Region, Rick Huggins – West Coast Region.

I’m often asked, ‘What are some best-practices that you’ve heard about that may help me improve my business? Has anyone tried such-and-such technology? How do we get more members to join the ProSource group?’ I’ve seen a common trend with the most successful dealers - they are always asking questions on how they can improve their business. ProSource’s local Town Hall Dinners are a great way for these dealers to share ideas and continue their success. — Rick Huggins – West Coast Region

OUR DISTRICT MANAGERS WEIGH IN ON WHAT THEY’RE HEARING ACROSS THE COUNTRY. The thing that impacts our systems and components the most is power (surge and under voltage), specifically SurgeX and their solutions that control and regulate voltage, as well as battery backup as it pertains to impacting large-scale infrastructure in the residential market. Members that are selling more graduated power components are rolling less service trucks, and having to execute less and less remote resets, thereby decreasing client calls and service outages. — Lani Godfrey – SouthEast Region Many dealers are looking in-depth at their business practices and working to incorporate a recurring revenue stream via their service offerings. Client selection is also critical to ensure the business relationship they are starting is going to be profitable and grow their business. Since referrals are a major part of their businesses, many dealers tell me ongoing service plans keep their clients happy, and also increase referral opportunities. — Samantha Summerville – Central Region The main topics I’m hearing about and discussing with our members are new programs that are being offered by our vendors - consumer finance, warranties and recurring revenue opportunities, credit card processing, how to effectively market the company brand, and website

design. My takeaway is that our members are constantly re-evaluating their business processes and continually managing their brand identity. — Nicole Riddle – Midwest Region Shading is surging - dealers have become more comfortable demonstrating, quoting and installing shading solutions. The result has been tremendous profit for this very popular solution. The Samsung Frame TV is one of the hottest products on the market. The TV hangs on the wall like a picture frame with custom art displaying on the screen when idle. When the TV is in use, it offers a phenomenal 4K picture. URC Total Control 2.0 has been completely revamped - new customizable graphics, new touchpads and keypads, simple programming, and URC’s deep support of the group has many dealers talking about this new product line like never before. Sony’s new VPL-VW285ES has the best performance/value on the market for big, beautiful 4K/HDR pictures for under $5,000. Origin Acoustics’ new Valet audio amplifier is simply WOW! It hides the Amazon Dots in the ceiling under Origin’s own speaker grille and turns them into a whole-house music solution by providing internet audio and voice control for an amazing wholehouse music experience. —Bobby Dodge – NorthEast Region

NEW HORIZON INTERACTIVE FIT™

THE FIRST SOUNDBAR WITH BUILT-IN STORAGE Combine high-performance audio with storage space for small AV components like Apple TV®, Amazon Echo Dot®, or Leon’s OTO MCA 200 amplifier—discreetly concealed behind a custom-width grill.

*Ships with custom width grill to match any TV

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CEDIA at

CEDIA 2017 ProSource was in full attendance at CEDIA 2017 and the Insider team was there to cover it. ProSource’s Rick Huggins-District Manager West Coast Region, Stephen Paczkowski, Expert Warehouse and Sherry Dantonio, ProSource Director of Membership, at the ProSource booth CEDIA 2017.

Dave Workman: Stream the Studio™ Keynote Session at CEDIA 2017 ProSource’s CEO and President, Dave Workman, was part of an illustrious panel at CEDIA that discussed many aspects of streaming hi-resolution audio. One of the most talked about and best attended panels, moderator Marc Finer, Senior Director of DEG (Digital Entertainment Group) discussed the advanced features now being contemplated by the music industry, as part of a new “studio quality” Hi-Res Audio subscription streaming tier that is being developed for today’s passionate digital music enthusiast. Joining Dave on stage were other audio industry heavy hitters: Russ H. Crupnick - Managing Partner, MusicWatch, Inc. Mike Jbara - CEO, MQA Ltd.

Ty Roberts - Chief Technology Officer, Universal Music Group Enno Vandermeer - CEO, Roon Labs Said Marc Finer, “Given all that’s going on today, the music industry has come to realize two important points: first and foremost, you can now enjoy better sound — in fact, studio-quality Hi-Res Audio — without sacrificing any convenience. Plus, the streaming music market, which has over 150 million users worldwide, has grown so rapidly, there are now a number of types of digital customers.” In short, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, it’s become a very segmented music business which according to Finer “can provide the kind of listening experience and advanced user features that appeal to passionate music fans.”

The ProSource CEDIA Party!

Carol Campbell, Technology Insider Group; Dave Workman, CEO and President ProSource and Dave Kelley, Kelley Global Brands.

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Nicole Riddle, ProSource-District Manager Midwest Region, and Kevin Wolff.

CEDIA

Dave Workman: Stream the Studio™ Keynote Session at CEDIA 2017 Cont.

Part of the DEG’s mission is to promote standardization. To help consumers know they’re consuming the “real deal”, two logo marks have been developed which signify true hi-res quality. The DEG brought together the Recording Academy P&E (Producers & Engineers) Wing, the RIAA, the major music companies, and the independent music ProSource’s CEO and President, Dave Workman association to create a and moderator Marc Finer discuss the business definition for Hi-Res Music opportunities of streaming Hi-Res Audio. and a logo. A second logo has also been developed by the Japan Audio Society and been promoted aggressively by both the DEG and the Consumer Technology Association. This logo instantly identifies the more than 100 different types of devices that are Hi-Res Audio compatible. “The DEG’s biggest motivation is ‘enlightenment’. According to Finer, “The CEDIA channel needs to better

understand the concept of consumer segmentation, particularly as it relates to music and the differences in usage requirements for each member of the family.” Add to this the latest consumer research and technology developments that are shaping the music market at large and it was a jammed packed Keynote session. As Finer summarized, “Providing CEDIA members this information is both critically important and empowering. It can enable them to become more successful and serve as a key contact between the customer and the industry.” Panelists brought their unique position on the future of high-resolution audio streaming. Dave Workman addressed the opportunities for the ProSource member, “The opportunities in Hi-Res Audio can dramatically impact the custom integration business. Our industry is built around what can be accomplished. Bob Cole of World Wide Stereo has deployed Roon throughout his showroom. Bob’s concept is to take it to a full audio experience and make the execution in his showroom flawless. The competitive threat to our industry is the experience and solutions becoming commodities. The threat is not from other integrators. The ProSource member has to get a dominant share of this new audio experience.”

GUARANTEED IN STOCK AND IN HAND.

The ProSource CEDIA Party! Lawrence Davis, Portal Supplier Services; Steph Casimiro, Technology Insider Group; Rob Sample, Director of Training Paradigm Electronics; Shannon Gustafson, Sales, Screen Innovations; Ryan Gustafson, Founder and CEO, Screen Innovations; Russell Warnhoff, Channel Director, Screen Innovations.

HARMAN Luxury Audio is committed to the needs of the custom installer. Now to further complement the exceptional sound of HARMAN products, all Revel Architectural Loudspeakers and Rough-in Brackets, select JBL Control Loudspeakers, select Crown CDi Amplifiers and all JBL Synthesis SCL Loudspeakers are guaranteed in stock and will come with free 3-day shipping. These products also qualify for advance defective exchange with overnight shipping to ensure that no installation is slowed down. Contact LuxuryAudioGroup@harman.com for more information on the program or how to become a dealer.

The ProSource party in full swing.

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©2017 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Revel is a registered trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. JBL Synthesis is a registered trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. Crown is a registered trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. JBL Professional is a registered trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

CEDIA

• Identify the goal • Take time to understand how these stakeholders are working with the client • Communicate constantly • Set reasonable expectations

40 years of innovation ARIA

ProSource vendor partner, Jay Miller of Acoustic Innovations, spoke to CEDIA attendees about the importance of the design, build and integrator relationships during the “CEDIA Talks” presentations. A new concept, CEDIA Talks is modeled after the TED Talks consisting of industry experts discussing for 20 minutes their areas of expertise. Jay discussed the importance of discovering the “common thread” of the client’s goal when working with the other design/build disciplines. He discussed a variety of key points, perhaps paramount were the following points:

CHORUS

Acoustic Innovations’ Jay Miller Addresses CEDIA Attendees

HDR Defined

KANTA NEW

ELECTRA

And perhaps most importantly, concluded Jay, “Build the conversation to develop a pleasant working experience. People are so hungry for knowledge and they want your products and services. You don’t have to oversell, that’s where the CEDIA professional can shine.”

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UTOPIA

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© 2017 Atlona Inc. All rights reserved. “Atlona” and the Atlona logo are registered trademarks of Atlona Inc. All other brand names and trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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w w w. f o c a l . c o m Distribution by Audio Plus Services

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ListenUp In 1972, Walt Stinson and Steve Weiner founded ListenUp with one goal in mind: to offer the very best in sound. Over the years that goal has grown to include providing the finest video and home automation, as well. From its modest roots as a small storefront in a Denver residential neighborhood to a company with over 100 employees and stores in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque and Portland, ListenUp has established a reputation for being at the forefront of the home entertainment revolution. Maureen Jenson talked to ListenUp General Manager Ben Larkin about the company’s ProSource connection, assembling a top-notch team and the long and winding road to building a major national retail brand. By Maureen Jenson The exterior of the Colorado Springs ListenUp store.

Maureen Jenson: How long have you been a ProSource member and why did you join ProSource as opposed to some of the other groups? Ben Larkin: We co-founded Assured Systems buying group in 1983. It later merged with HES. We joined ProGroup in 2002. ProGroup merged with HES and joined AVB in 2013, so you could say we’ve been around since the beginning. We joined General Manager, Ben Larkin. ProGroup because the members’ strengths complimented our business and the vendor programs were better than other buying groups, particularly in the area of video. We joined during the change from analog TV to high definition. The video partner programs helped us to take maximum advantage of the HDTV transition. Through the years, ProSource has grown into an e-commerce powerhouse and the group deals and e-commerce expertise has helped grow our Internet business. MJ: How many employees do you have? And what is the best way to assemble a top-notch team?

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BL: We have around 100 full-time employees. We’ve found the best way to assemble a top-notch team is to grow from within. That way employees learn our business values from the beginning and have a greater commitment to ListenUp. We’re proud of the longevity of our employees. We just had one employee retire after 40 years -- and he still comes into the office 3-4 days a week. Many of our employees in sales and technical position average over 15 years with Founders Walt Stinson, Mary Kay Stinson the company. Having and Steve Weiner. a business that invests in our employees’ education is also a plus. ListenUp will help to pay for any employee’s school expenses, especially if that education helps the employee make a bigger contribution to the company. ListenUp also makes a big investment in product and manufacturer training so that our technical team can stay on the cutting edge of technology. And, finally, given the size of the organization, there is room for almost every employee to advance within the company. MJ: How have you structured your business to meet the needs of the commercial market?

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ListenUp Cont.

A recent ListenUp project where residents (and lucky guests) can access cable and satellite video, Apple TV, Sonos streaming music, and even the pool’s heating and filtration controls outdoors via iPads and iPhones.

BL: Commercial has been a part of our business from the beginning when the company began in 1972 and we’ve had a separate commercial department since the mid-70’s. We initially got involved in the commercial market when we helped local radio stations improve the sound of concert broadcasts from a local club. This helped to get the ListenUp name out to the Denver market when we had no money for marketing. The commercial business grew to where we worked with other concert venues to provide best-in-class sound and even local stadiums like Mile High Stadium in Denver, and Folsom Field in Boulder at the University of Colorado. In the late ‘70s we also started working with local restaurants and businesses to provide better sound. We discovered a real synergy between commercial and residential. The commercial market didn’t really emphasize sound quality, even though there was a real need for it. So we took the knowledge we used from designing great home systems to providing better sounding commercial systems. Many of the lessons we learned from the commercial market helped us enter the custom home market at a time when there really wasn’t much equipment designed for custom installations. Our commercial department provides solutions for a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, offices, medical facilities, schools, churches and more.

MJ: How would you advise other integrators around the country, who perhaps haven’t had the commercial success you have, to grow that aspect of the business... how can they get the big jobs? BL: Residential integrators should be able to leverage their resources and skills into small scale commercial jobs quite easily. Purely residential integrators are accustomed to having salespeople turn a list of product over to an installation team who manage the installation on the fly. This doesn’t work in the commercial realm where the emphasis is on advanced planning and coordination with other stakeholders. To reach the commercial big leagues, it is necessary to build a team of planners (project managers and engineers) who can participate competently in the project process. This requires a significant investment that needs to be weighed against the goals and resources of the company. There is no low hanging fruit in the large scale commercial integration business which is almost always won at lower margins in a bidding process against large, competent commercial integration firms.

The Denver, Colorado store features a variety of spaces to discuss client needs.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ListenUp Cont.

MJ: Speaking of big jobs what are some of the best types of commercial jobs for profitability and why? BL: The best commercial jobs are those you can undertake with existing resources and skills whether audio, video, and control or all of the above. These include bars and restaurants, small businesses, and corporate boardrooms. Many “fast track” commercial jobs are under the radar for commercial integrators, who often require longer lead times. Quick responsiveness with a bid and the ability to meet a pending deadline are often the key to landing these jobs.

A sophisticated environment for listening at the Boulder, Colorado store.

YOUR ECLECTIC VINYL COLLECTION, THE WEEKEND PARTY PLAYLIST, THE MUSIC POWERING YOUR WORKOUT.

All of it is your sound, and it matters to us. Making it sound right matters more than ever. For decades, here in the U.S. and abroad, sound has been our passion. Each of these brands provide a unique approach at bringing sound to life. And it’s a privilege to bring them together into a single entity we call Sound United.

The conference room space at the Boulder, Colorado store.

SOUND UNITED IS YOUR SOUND — LISTEN. www.soundunited.com

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ListenUp Cont.

MJ: Tell us about why you have partnered with some of your vendors? What do they do to make your life easier? Please go into detail on some of the support you receive. BL: Just about all of the ProSource vendors have been terrific partners and very supportive of growing our business and taking care of issues. Our vendors have been great in developing special closeouts or ProSource-only products. Sony has revitalized our video business by building margin back into video, while LG has helped us grow into new product categories like OLED.Â The one thing that can be said of just about all of our ProSource vendors is they do listen to us and incorporate our feedback into their strategic plans. Through events like the ProSource Annual Meeting and the annual audio and video committee factory visits, we are able to get our input across and our vendors really do listen to us.

Adam Frazier, Manager of Smart Home Systems explaining a system design in ListenUpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Denver Technical Project Center.

MJ: Any good anecdotes with vendors? Any good save-the-day stories and shout-outs to exceptional guys and gals? BL: Kevin Zarow, from D&M and now Sound United, is one of the straightest shooters in the business and is constantly working on our partnership. He is always willing to take the long-term view about what is best for our business and his. He has done an excellent job of managing all of his business channels, while giving the group unique buys.

The Evolution of Perfect Sound Paradigm celebrates 35 years as a world-class innovator and artisan manufacturer of high performance loudspeakers. We have no plans to slow down now. We continue to add to our growing portfolio of patented technologies and our roster of cutting-edge audio products, with well-reviewed designs for nearly every application. Paradigm has become the speaker brand preferred by audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. Our worldwide family of owners are dedicated repeat buyers. When the Pepsi Center updated 80 of their flat-panel TVs, they turned to ListenUp to mount them with specialized brackets from the Chief Fusion Series.

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paradigm.com

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ListenUp Cont. MJ: In today’s instant society do you think newbies in our industry have the patience and understanding to really grow a business? What advice would you give them?

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BL: It takes a real commitment to invest in the business and the vendor relationships for the long-haul. I’m not sure that a lot of “newbies” in our business understand that, but if they do, they’ll be rewarded. If they’re willing to stay ahead of the technology curve, invest in their employees and practice good, conservative business principles, they’ll be fine. MJ: What advice would ListenUp give its younger self if this was 1972 and the company was just starting out?

Residence and design studio for Andy Rogulich. Pictured above with ListenUp Senior Sales Consultant Shawn Mills (standing). This ListenUp-designed studio won Mix Magazine’s Mastering Studio of the Year earlier this year.

BL: Expect ups and downs in the business due to the economy and industry trends and be prepared to weather downturns. PS

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NEWS FEATURE

ADMIT ONE HOME SYSTEMS, MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Challenge: Add A/V technology to the lower level of an Eagan, MN, residence, including a kitchen/ bar dining area and TV/entertainment space, while maintaining the home’s “clean and cozy” aesthetics.

PROSOURCE MEMBERS IN THE MEDIA

— Solution: Admit One worked closely with a design firm to ensure that the architectural detail accommodate equipment placement and dimensions. All tower equipment, additional speakers and other tech were well hidden or minimized to avoid cluttering the home’s clean design lines.

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS! As part of the coverage for the TWICE special home-themed edition in October, the editors turned to the custom integrators of the ProSource buying group and said, “Show us your stuff!” That they did, as the following homes show, with examples of recent home installations that raise the category to a fine craft, if not architectural art. Eat your heart out, DIY! LOGIC INTEGRATION, DENVER, CO

CROWNE AUDIO, LAKE MARY, FL

— Challenge: Install an easy-to-use, all-in-one interface for whole-house automation and unobtrusive high-end audio throughout a 14,000-square-foot home in Castle Pines, CO.

— Challenge: Expand and upgrade existing home theater room and incorporate Dolby Atmos audio for homeowner in Bella Foresta, FL.

— Solution: Each family member was given a unique but intuitive iPad interface and user code to control lighting, climate, doors, locks, intercoms, audio system and parent controls from their tablet. Project cost: $604,000.

— Solution: Crowne designed the new room on a CAD system; installed Acoustiblok soundproofing material within the walls during framing and outside prior to drywall; and ran Tributaries Series 8 cable to all speakers. Crowne equipped the new home theater with B&W’s 802, HTM2 and CCM8.5 floor-standing, center and in-ceiling speakers. They’re powered by a pair of McIntosh MC152 stereo amps and a 300W MC303 three-channel amp, and are fed from an Oppo Blu-ray player controlled from their tablet.

The family’s lower-level home remodel included a kitchen/bar dining area.

Admit One’s client requested high-performing A/V that was easy to operate but neatly tucked away and out of sight. Project cost: $15,000 Reprinted by Kind Permission of TWICE Magazine and TWICE online http://www.twice.com/

Logic Integration created a wirelessly-controlled outdoor living space (shown above) with 16 4K video zones, 19 audio zones, 12 HD surveillance cameras, HVAC control, and an 18-speaker audio system with in-ground sub-woofers “to feel the music” while swimming. A concert-worthy QSC line array audio system with dedicated amplifiers and DSP processing was installed by Logic Integration in the great hall to provide clean, bass-in-your-chest sound without any dead spots.

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Shown here are the home theater’s entranceway doors, as suggested by Crowne Audio. Project cost: Undisclosed.

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15 MINUTES

with TIM BASHFORD Director, Field Management ProSource Insider : Tim, for those unfamiliar with your background, tell us a little about what you did prior to joining ProSource and your history after you joined ProSource. Prior to joining ProSource, I worked at Hitachi for 12 years, starting as a trainer and then moving into sales. Two lessons I learned at Hitachi and that I rely on in my role at ProSource is the ability to be very flexible and the importance of the Purchase Order. While our DMs don’t actually write POs, we do influence member purchases and the relationships they have with our vendors.

meetings, to the Member Business Review, each touch point offered starts with “The Member First” approach. We increase efficiencies with our member-only Portal, facilitating quick reviews of purchases and rebates. We just added Expert Warehouse to the portal.io platform to shorten the proposal and ordering timeline. We provide guidance to the members to improve their revenue through the annual Business Review process so the member can maximize vendor program benefits. Lastly, the members overcome mutual challenges by working together in Support Group Programs and Solutions.

You’ve taken on a new role with ProSource. Give our readers an overview. ProSource is unique in the group space with the five District Managers working with our members day in and day out. The DM is the face of ProSource and should be relied upon as the first point of contact by our members. My job is to mentor and guide the DM team. I’m essentially the coach that guides each DM in bringing value to the members and vendors.

What are some of the hot product categories or service opportunities you think members should be focusing on? Shades and lighting are obviously really hot, along with high performance audio gear. Great sound matters! There is also a groundswell for recurring revenue streams generated via service agreements. I tell our members to focus on group brands that simplify purchasing and improve profitability.

What are the top challenges you see for ProSource members and how is ProSource addressing those challenges in support of the members? Members wear many hats – administrators, salespeople, public relations, networking in the design build community – so lack of time is a real challenge. ProSource offers many platforms for idea sharing to help members better manage their businesses and streamline processes. From our Town Hall Dinners to roundtable discussions at Summit, CEDIA

Okay, look into your crystal ball and tell us where you see luxury integration heading. Voice recognition and motion sensing control devices are going to develop rapidly and beyond our imagination. Embrace them now. Ultra-secure networks are a must. And remote system management is the proverbial win-win for members and their clients. Generally speaking the economy in our space is strong. But you know it is a cycle and what goes up will come down. Manage to that reality.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE THE LATEST FROM OUR VALUED PARTNERS Seamlessly stream high resolution music between any combination of Naim networked products including Mu-so, Uniti, and Classic series throughout multiple rooms in your home

Sony VPL-VW285ES Projector With a groundbreaking price point under $5,000, full compatibility with the latest 4K HDR standards and a compact, install-friendly chassis, Sony’s new VPL-VW285ES projector makes true 4K SXRD projection more accessible than ever before.

Harman Lexicon DD-8+ Multi-Channel Amplifier The Lexicon DD-8+ is an advanced multi-channel amplifier with network controlled matrix routing and multi-channel digital signal processing (DSP); that provides a pallet of sound shaping controls and system configuration tools.

Naim Audio Uniti Atom Streaming Integrated Amplifier The Uniti Atom is a compact wireless multi-room streaming integrated amplifier with a host of inputs and capabilities. Airplay 2, aptX HD, Chromecast, Tidal, Roon,  Spotify, iRadio, UPnP, 32/384 & DSD 120, Bit-Perfect Zones, and ARC are all supported. Includes a unified App with wireless updates support.

Leon Speakers Horizon FIT Soundbar Featuring a revolutionary approach to integration, the new soundbar provides high-fidelity audio with dedicated storage space to discreetly house small AV components such as Apple TV, Roku, and Leon’s own OTO-MCA modular amp, behind a custom-width grille.

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Focal Kanta #2 Loudspeaker Kanta’s #2 three-way tower has a mid-line cost with a global pedigree, leveraging beryllium, composite flax drivers, time alignment and 100% vertical design and production integration delivering a sonic performance and modern visual appeal that will delight your clients.

Use your naim app to control music everywhere in your home Luxul WS-100 and WS-200 Wireless Router Kits Both router kits contain high transmit power routers and access points providing maximum Wi-Fi coverage, continuing the Luxul message of “Simply Connected”. The WS-200 (pictured) features Luxul’s MU-MIMO (Multiuser MIMO) AC technology, offering best-in-class wireless bandwidth coverage.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE THE LATEST FROM OUR VALUED PARTNERS JVC DLA-X590R and the DLA-X990R Projector The DLA-X590R delivers stunning picture detail and an unprecedented value thanks to JVC’s exclusive 4K e-shift5 technology. It accepts native 4K 60P (4:4:4) content through Full Speed 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 compatible inputs and up-converts existing 1080P sources to 4K precision. The DLA-X990R (pictured) is JVC’s upgraded premium custom install projector, built with hand-selected and hand-tested components. The projector delivers 2000 lumens and an industry leading 160,000:1 native contrast ratio for strikingly clear images.

Acoustic Innovations 25th Anniversary Curated CINETheater Collection Three new curated designs, the CINERialto, CINERitz, and CINECirque, provide the inspiration for an ultimate night at the cinema. All feature sound transparent fabrics covering engineered acoustic assemblies, theater columns built with furniture-grade finishes that present laser cut steel grilles with bronze or pewter patina, that adds architectural balance and acoustic diffusion by breaking up the wall surfaces inside the theater. Options include LED lighting, matching millwork base and crown, and of course Acoustic Innovations world-class theater seating.

Atlona AT-HDR-EX-70-2PS HDBaseT transmitter/receiver kit and AT-HDR-H2H-44M 4K HDR 4x4 HDMI to HDMI Matrix Switcher The new HDBaseT transmitter/receiver kit for 4K and HDR features HDCP 2.2, 4K/UHD @ 60 Hz, and transmission up to 230 feet for 1080p and 130 feet for 4K HDR. The new 4K HDR 4×4 HDMI to HDMI Matrix Switcher (pictured), route 4K/UHD HDMI signals with HDR metadata and full P60 support. Plus, HDMI audio de-embedding is available on each output.

Stewart Filmscreen Gemini™ Projection Screen System Stewart Filmscreen’s new Gemini™ is a twin roller projection screen system with dual aspect ratios to accommodate HDTV (16:9) and CinemaScope (2:35) viewing experience. Watch sports by day or movies the way Hollywood intended at night.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE THE LATEST FROM OUR VALUED PARTNERS Beale Street Audio™ Speakers Now a brand of Vanco, Beale Street Audio™ offers its renowned line of Sonic Vortex® powered architectural speakers that produce deep, rich bass and effortless clarity, unlike anything you have heard in a small enclosure.

Vanco Active High Speed HDMI® Cables with Ethernet and Evolution HDBaseT™ 4K@60Hz, 4:4:4 Chroma, HDR Extender Vanco’s Active High Speed HDMI Cables with Ethernet pass Full 4K@60Hz, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and High Dynamic Range. The directional cable with active chipset is the perfect solution for longer runs. The Evolution EVEXHDB2 (pictured) is the only 5-Play HDBaseT product that passes HDMI 2.0a/b specifications including: 4K @60Hz, 4:4:4 Chroma, HDR, and HDCP 2.2 video, audio, IR and RS232 Control, POH power and Ethernet.

CAROL CAMPBELL Managing Director

MIKE ANDERSON AVidea Group

JOE BARRETT Barrett’s Technology Solutions

STEPHANIE CASIMIRO Designer Marketing Solutions

BUZZ DELANO Delano Associates

DAWN DICKSON Solutions Vending International

VERONICA ESBONA InGear PR

DEENA GHAZARIAN TargetPath

STEVEN GREENBERG Innovation Insider

DOUGLAS WEINSTEIN Managing Editor ROBERT HEIBLIM BlueSalve

SHUBERT HO Salt & Iron

SAM HORN Author

JOE KANE JK Productions

ARE YOU READING FRANKLIN KARP Audio Video Systems

GEORGE MCKECHNIE Axiom Home Tech

MIKE MCMASTER Wilshire Media Systems

JAY MILLER Acoustic Innovations

THE INSIDER CONTRIBUTORS

Future Automation PS Bracket Range The update PS Bracket Range now features 4 articulated wall mounts to cater for screens from 40” - 110” with up to 100° of turn. The range also now features 3 cross compatible In Wall Mounting Boxes (pictured) for single stud fitting, with room for accessory mounting and cable management.

Universal Remote Control 2.0 Upgrade Total Control 2.0 is a comprehensive upgrade to URC’s flagship automation and control system. It features nextgeneration user interfaces, amazing graphic customization and quick programming.

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Origin Acoustics Origin introduces Valet Amplifiers, purpose-designed to combine Amazon Echo Dot voice control into any multizone system to create an interactive voice control network.

MAUREEN JENSON Editor-in-Chief

LINDA PASSARO Next Phase Network

SUSAN PECHMAN The NPD Group

JOE PICCIRILLI RoseWater Energy

ANDREA REINER Innerspace Electronics

ROSS RUBIN Reticle Research

PAUL SABBAH Stamford International

MARILYN SANFORD LincEdge

LISA SCHROEDER Mother’s Bistro & Bar

THE INSIDER? YOU SHOULD BE!

Join the thought leaders throughout the Technology industry who share their expertise and experience in our weekly The Insider e-newsletter. Original content delivered to your inbox every Saturday, covering everything from social media to brand management to marketing strategies to customer relations to industry news and analysis to innovations and trending technology. We even have a recipe section for the foodies out there.

Concise. Informative. Actionable.

ANDREA SMITH Journalist

ANGELA SPEZIALE Repuvue

PAUL STARKEY Vital MGMT

KATEE VAN HORN Bar The Door

ED WENCK CEDIA

MIKE WOOD Noyd Communications

ANN ZELLER Zeworks

VANESSA ZITZMANN 21st Century Distributors

PRODUCT SHOWCASE THE LATEST FROM OUR VALUED PARTNERS Klipsch Designer Series of Architectural Speakers The new Designer Series uses an exclusive tool-free, fully automatic, self-adjusting installation system designed to simplify and reduce installation times up to 75% (pictured). Integrators simply cut a hole, attach wires, press the speaker into the hole and Skyhook adapts to the surface thickness with a preset clamping force that eliminates the possibility of breaking the dog leg or cracking drywall, while locking the dogleg in place for an ultra-secure, ultra-fast installation.

SunBriteTV® Veranda Series 4K Ultra HD Full Shade Outdoor TV - 75" Stop using an indoor TV to finish your screened-in porch or patio install. With the 75-inch Veranda from SunBriteTV, you get a weatherproof, 4K TV that is brighter, safer, reliable, and more profitable to you. Designed for full-shade applications like a screened-in porch or covered patio, the Veranda series provides the benefits of an outdoor TV at a price you’ll love.

SurgeX enVision Power Conditioning System With the SurgeX enVision you now have the ability to identify preexisting power conditions, get instant analysis of data and insight into resolutions of potential issues with the SurgeX enVision.

Access Networks Core2 and Core3 systems and Access Point Enclosure Access Networks unveils next generation networking solutions. New Core2 and Core3 (pictured) systems provide integrators with versatile enterprise-grade networking platforms featuring nearly limitless scalability and Live Monitoring services tailored for residential applications. Also new is the oneof-a-kind Access Point Enclosure, designed to conceal unsightly wireless access points in optimized locations throughout the home within ceilings or walls.

Integra ‘Research Series’ DRX-R1.1 AV Receiver Coming Soon! Unparalleled performance from Integra’s ‘Research Series’ DRX-R1.1. THX Certification, 11 discrete channel output, a 4K / 60Hz / 4:4:4 video, 18Gbps compatible HDBaseT transmitter built in, and uncompromising control and integration capability.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

You make it happen.

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The custom installation business pulls you in a hundred different directions. Samsung 5-Star Solutions is designed to help you. To learn more, visit our dedicated custom installation site. Connect with Samsung: www.samsung.com/custominstall

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