CEDIA Communicates Magazine - Quarter 1 2022 - EMEA

COMMUNICATES

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CONTENTS

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36

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MEDIA ROOM MAGNIFICENCE

ISE EDUCATION

CIT CERTIFICATION

How BNC Technology blended simplicity and performance into an award-winning media room

Advance your knowledge, business, and career with CEDIA at ISE 2022

Recognising Certification How ISO accreditation will grow businesses and careers

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I AM CEDIA Meet the CEO of Mexican integration firm, Asimov Zero

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CEDIA/KOHLER PARTNERSHIP

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WHAT’S THE ‘MATTER’

Creating new opportunities for integrators in kitchen and bath

Insight into the new Internet Protocol and why we should embrace it

18

CEDIA PODCAST RECAP Why guardDog’s cybersecurity features are critical for protecting homes and businesses

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TIMING-AWARE NETWORKS

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BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS

Key requirements to achieving predictable and reliable preformance

Tips on staying competitive with technicial and management training for owners and employees

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FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE As I write this, I’m at the 100-day mark as CEDIA’s Global President and CEO — but I’m focused on the next 1,000 days. Or, to put it another way, CEDIA is focused on the future.

CONTACT 8475 Nightfall Lane, Fishers, Indiana 46037 USA Email: info@cedia.org Telephone: +1 800-669-5329 Unit 2, Phoenix Park St Neots Cambridgeshire, PE19 8EP, UK Email: info@cedia.org Telephone: +44 (0)1480 213744 www.cedia.net

FRONT COVER Macbee 621 DLF Prime Towers, Okhla Phase - 1 New Delhi, India 110020 macbee.in

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

You’ll see that reflected within the pages of this Communicates issue. Read our white paper on the growing application of timing-aware networks. See how our partnerships with Kohler and guardDog.ai are providing new avenues for integrators to connect with designers, builders, architects, and homeowners.

Learn about what our government affairs team is doing to futureproof your business environment. And peruse a quick read about why “Matter” matters.

We’re also focused on the future behind the scenes. By working with our talented staff and dedicated board of directors, we’re developing a three-year plan that will build on CEDIA’s ability to grow our initiatives in advocacy, connection, and education.

We’re engaging in community outreach to learn how CEDIA can better serve the CI sector, and we’re developing new streams of revenue to ensure a financially secure association that can put its resources back into the channel.

All of these initiatives are informed by the invaluable feedback I’ve received from so many of you. To all of you who reached out through email (ceo@cedia.org), took my calls, participated at inperson meetings in London, New York, and southern California, and who otherwise shared your opinions about CEDIA, I thank you. It’s honest feedback that tells me where we need to do better and where we’re on track.

Even with a focus on the future, we’re still keeping our eye on the ball for the near-term. And that’s why I’m so excited about the upcoming Tech Summits, ISE and CEDIA Expo. For many, they will be the first in-person events in two years, and for me, it’s a chance to meet so many more of our members to exchange ideas face-to-face.

Our industry has always been future-focused. Know that with your help, our association is too.

My best, Daryl Friedman CEDIA Global President & CEO

FIND US ON:

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NEWS IN BRIEF

CIT AND IST BOOKS GO DIGITAL The Integrated Systems Technician Book as well as the Cabling Infrastructure Technician book are now available as digital editions.

The IST book looks at the prewire (First Fix) and trim-out (Second Fix) phases of projects. Designed to help individuals prepare for the CEDIA IST Certification, it covers troubleshooting and verifying system functionality, following best mounting and installation practices, understanding the basic concepts of how audio, video, and communication and control devices work, and performing the basic configuration of various integrated systems and equipment.

The CIT book was launched in October 2020 and will help those wanting to sit for the CEDIA CIT Certification. It covers the essential tools, equipment, principles, and best practices to successfully install, terminate, and test the infrastructure required to support integrated technology systems.

GET INTO PROGRAMMING! CEDIA has launched a new, three stage Programming Specialist Pathway on The CEDIA Academy.

Designed to equip learners with the critical knowledge and skills necessary to successfully write programs, this brand agnostic course is a great foundation before taking specific manufacturer training and offers a high degree of relevant training, tailored to the needs and expectations of our industry.

Those taking the Programming Specialist Pathway will leave with the ability to explain the differences between control and automation, know the fundamental concepts of device-to-device (D2D) communication, have the ability to identify communication protocols and be able to define common control and network devices. If you’re interested in programming, then take it.

Find out more by visiting https://cedia.net/academy.

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HAVE YOU ENTERED YET? The deadline for the 2022 CEDIA Awards is fast approaching! Home technology professionals may submit their projects through April 22 and manufacturers may submit their products through May 6.

Project categories include: Integrated Home; Media Room; Home Cinema; Showroom; Auto, Marine or Aircraft; and Multiple Dwelling Unit Design. Product categories include: Best New Hardware; Best New Software; and Project Hall of Fame. CEDIA members can submit projects in multiple categories, and judges will determine the appropriate level for each entry once the closing date is passed.

Sub-categories include a new opportunity for recognition, Excellence in User Interface Design together with existing Excellence in Rack Cabling and Design; Excellence in Documentation; Excellence in Lighting; Excellence in Innovation; Life Lived Best at Home; and Technology Meets Design. The winners for these subcategories are selected from the winners and/or finalists in the main categories.

Additionally, winners of Home Cinema, Integrated Home, and Media Room categories will be considered for CEDIA’s Global Awards.

More information on the program, entry requirements, and an Insiders’ Toolkit is available at cedia.net/awards.

MAKING CONNECTIONS AT ISE 2022 The industry is gearing up for the biggest networking event in over two years as ISE makes its longawaited return from May 10-13, 2022.

We’re looking forward to meeting our members in-person once again, and we’ll be providing plenty of opportunities to network during the four-day event. Make sure you head over to the CEDIA booth and get involved - here are some of our daily networking highlights.

Don’t Miss…

•

•

CEDIA Connection Hour – We’ll be hosting a Connection Hour daily at 5 p.m. in the CEDIA Booth. This is an ideal opportunity to network with industry peers, meet other CEDIA members, and share your highlights from the day.

Networking Pods – A new concept for the CEDIA booth, networking pods will be positioned

throughout the CEDIA booth to provide a space for better face-to-face meetings in a relaxing yet business-focused environment.

Facetime with CEDIA’s CEO Our new CEO Daryl Friedman will be in the CEDIA booth throughout the show and during Connection Hour. Stop by and say hello!

•

NEW BUSINESS TOOLKITS CEDIA has teamed up with business guru Leslie Shiner to develop a go-to Business Toolkit, with workable actions that you can put into practice right away. Each topic provides a structured collection of advice on strategy and planning for the year ahead.

There are six White Papers available: •

Chart of Accounts

•

Understanding Labor Costs

•

Pricing Using Markup & Margin

•

Change Order Management

•

Breakeven Analysis

•

Creating a Financial Dashboard

The Business Toolkit is now available to download from The CEDIA Academy, free for CEDIA members.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

KEEP YOUR COMMITMENT TO LEVEL UP WITH CIT CEDIA kicked off its CIT Course Confidence webinars on March 17 to help learners prepare for the ISO/IEC 17024 accredited CIT exam. Additional webinars covering various topics will be held throughout the year. This free, online learning series is designed as a companion to the CIT Pathway online course. Attendees will have access to the guidance of a live instructor and plenty of time to ask questions.

Upcoming courses include: • • • • • •

March 31 - Electricity and Math April 7 - Tools April 21 - Construction Methods and Materials May 5 - Infrastructure Part I May 19 - Infrastructure Part II June 2 - Equipment and Hardware

For additional course information and to register, visit cedia.net/events.

CEDIA EXPO RETURNS TO DALLAS FOR 2022 EVENT CEDIA Expo leadership confirmed that more than 200 of the leading brands serving the custom electronics industry have secured exhibit space, representing in excess of 120,000 square feet for the 2022 edition to be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Dallas in Dallas, TX September 29 - October 1. Coming off the recent success of other Emerald events like KBIS, CEDIA Expo is anticipating a strong return to live events with over 350 exhibiting brands and more than 150,000 square feet of exhibits, sound rooms and highly engaging activations, making this the largest gathering in the channel in more than two years. Registration will open May 17 where the projected audience of 16,000 industry professionals can register to participate in over 200 education, training and content sessions offered during the show week.

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CEDIA COMMUNICATES

BOOTH:

UNCOMPRESSED

2P200

18Gbps OVER HEX18G-KIT

Uncompressed 18Gbps HDBaseT™ Extender Set J Advanced uncompressed, unconverted, distribution of bit for bit 4K HDMI video and audio over a single CAT6A cable

J including 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 UHD video

J Supports uncompressed distribution of the latest HDR resolutions including HDR10/10+ and Dolby Vision

J Supports all industry standard video resolutions including VGA-WUXGA and 480i-4K

TM

c UP TO

100m

HEX18GARC-KIT

4K 60Hz 4:4:4

Advanced HDBaseT™ Extender Set Uncompressed and Unconverted HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 100m J Advanced uncompressed, unconverted, HDMI over HDBaseT™ technology CAT6A cable J 2.3

J Supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) from display via HDMI, and standard ARC from HDMI and Optical (S/PDIF) digital inputs

4K UP TO

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HDBaseT™ ARC Extender Set 70m (4K 60Hz 4:2:0 to 40m), ARC, Bi-directional IR, Bi-directional PoC J with zero latency J Extends HDMI 1080p up to a distance of 70m over a single CAT cable J Supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) from connected display via HDMI ARC or optical digital input

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I AM

ROBERTO GALVEZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ASIMOV ZERO

“No matter the scope of the project, the goal remains the same: to create a tailored solution that meets the needs of the client.”

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN TECHNOLOGY? My passion for technology started when I was a child.

My father was a “techie guy” who built a career out of selling computers for IBM. He also made it a priority to have the latest gadgets in our home. I remember being the only person in my class with a colour printer and the pride I felt each time I handed in my homework. I am grateful to my dad both for sharing his passion for technology with me and for demonstrating a strong work ethic.

WHAT DOES YOUR EDUCATIONAL AND WORK BACKGROUND LOOK LIKE? DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO PURSUE THIS TYPE OF FIELD? When I entered college, I was undecided between two career fields: architecture and engineering. A few well-meaning family and friends of mine swayed me towards engineering, as architecture is not exactly a lucrative career field in Mexico. Ultimately, I was grateful for their advice because it led to my discovery of the smart home industry.

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CEDIA COMMUNICATES

My focus shifted about mid-way through college when my family encountered some economic hardship.

To supplement my income, I decided to start a vending machine business, which I continued to operate after graduating.

In my spare time, I investigated ways to break into the home technology industry, and even performed some odd jobs in the field. Eventually my hobby grew to a sustainable business, and I was able to dedicate my full attention to my true passion.

HOW DID ASIMOV ZERO GET STARTED? When Asimov Zero first started in 2012, lighting control was the only service we offered. As consumer interest and our expertise grew, we added networking, audio/video, and several other verticals.

The early days of Asimov Zero were full of hours spent learning about new products and solutions and building our network of partner brands. We made our fair share of mistakes in the beginning, but we always felt that being a company of integrity would take us far – and it has.

I AM

HOW DID YOU EXPAND INTO DIFFERENT MARKETS? There have been several instances where a client will hire us to work on their home and are so happy with the results that they decide to re-hire us to work on their business. We recently took on a residential client who also happened to own a large corporation in Mexico. He wanted indoor cameras installed throughout his 20-acre factory – a request far different than those we typically receive for residential clients, but one still within our wheelhouse.

I have learned that no matter the scope of the project, the goal remains the same: to offer a tailored solution that meets the needs of the client.

“

WHAT COMPELLED YOU TO JOIN CEDIA? I have always seen such great value in education, and CEDIA has helped us tremendously in that regard. I have even created individual education plans for each of our technicians. With a skilled workforce, we are able to bring higher quality service to our customers.

The CEDIA Awards have also been a benefit our team takes very seriously. Each year, our project managers dedicate a large chunk of their time ensuring our entries are thoroughly constructed and likely to stand out.

We have already started the submission process for the 2022 CEDIA Awards, and our entire team is super excited. Without giving too much away, I think the judges will

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG TECHNICIANS OR THOSE LOOKING TO ENTER THIS FIELD? Educate yourself, your technicians – even your customers! And stand behind the education you have so heavily invested in, even if it means listing higher prices than your competitors. This industry is not about selling products; it is about selling solutions. Anyone can buy equipment, but the difference that we provide is how we make it all work.

Educate yourself, your technicians – even your customers!

- R O B E R T O G A LV E Z

10

be particularly impressed with our creative problem solving for a client who requested invisible speakers in a solid-built wall. Let’s just say we had to create an “American wall” inside a Mexican home to make it work.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

Experience warm sound and discreet looks in the kitchen, by the pool or in an integrated home cinema

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CEDIA/KOHLER PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR INTEGRATORS The collaboration will benefit the industry at all levels from the tech pro to large integration firms.

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C E D I A PRO PEL

I

n February 2022, CEDIA formally announced a partnership with kitchen and bath product giant Kohler.

Kohler is a global leader in the design and manufacture of these products. The partnership, part of CEDIA’s Propel Program, stands to take the industry on a new and exciting path.

Because of Kohler’s primary focus on kitchen and bath, this first-of-itskind partnership will take integration to an area of the home that often gets overlooked in favor of more glamorous projects like home theaters and sleek home entertainment systems.

In reality, many people have smart technology in rooms all over the house.

Kohler, with its design-heavy focus, has been adding more technology to their products. New technology in more areas of the house means the need for knowledgeable integrators is on the rise. They’re the perfect solution to making homes smart, effective, and beautifully designed throughout.

What’s the Kohler/CEDIA Partnership All About?

The short story? The CEDIA/Kohler Partnership aims to bring opportunity to integrators in the home technology industry.

The longer, more interesting, story is how the partnership came to fruition. CEDIA Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Ian Bryant, had been having discussions with Kohler about “pain points” with products. One of the major challenges with smart technology is that manufacturers who build and sell the devices need professional support to integrate them effectively into the home or to ensure the home has the proper infrastructure.

and bathrooms, either. It happens with smart appliances, electrical, HVAC, and all the subsystems in a home. Bryant explains, “Nearly all aspects of the home have connected devices but not everyone who sells and installs these devices has the knowledge, education, or training to properly configure and integrate them into the home.”

We’ve all seen the “smart” tag placed on anything and everything and technology for technology’s sake is a problem. Both Kohler and CEDIA are committed to changing that by creating technology products and advocating for the professional channel integrating them to have impactful technology that builds a connected and living home.

The home technology industry specializes in cutting-edge tech and creating beautiful, functional, and livable residences. This means it’s uniquely positioned to be able to integrate Kohler technology into homes. The collaboration will benefit the industry “at all levels from the tech pro to large integration firms.”

For integrators, the partnership will mean getting their services in front of a new audience and potential clients. It could also mean adding specialty skills to their list of capabilities and diversifying already impressive portfolios of completed projects.

Bryant hopes it’s the beginning of a new set of integration connections, as well. “We hope more manufacturers will soon realize the integrator community and workforce are the missing piece to the puzzle to make their products not only integrate well into the home but provide meaningful and impactful changes for those living in that home,” he says.

The problem isn’t just in kitchens

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Are you installing home technology or considering offering smart home solutions? CEDIA's Tech Summits are the best place to learn what's coming next.

From top manufacturers showcasing their latest products to informative seminars, you can't afford to miss CEDIA's Tech Summits

leeds - 27 april 2022 edinburgh - 09 june 2022 london - 21 june 2022 Register for FREE at cedia.net/techsummits

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T WO-MIN UTE TEC H R EA D

WHAT’S THE ‘MATTER?’

U

nless you have been living under a rock these past few years, you have likely heard the word Matter thrown around in conversation accompanied by a few strongly held opinions. There is a lot to unpack, and in the interest of time, I will spare my own opinions (for the most part) and skip straight to the facts.

Matter, formerly known as CHIP, is a new Internet Protocol (IP) standard that began in 2019 by a large group of technology companies, including Google, Amazon, Apple, Samsung, and Zigbee, to name a few. It is an open-source standard, meaning the public can actively see and participate in its creation.

The Connected Standards Alliance (CSA) is the body at the heart of developing Matter. Their definition of Matter is, “A promise of reliable, secure connectivity. It is a seal of approval that devices will work seamlessly together – today and tomorrow. Matter creates more connections between more objects, simplifies development for manufacturers, and increases compatibility for consumers.”

Interoperability What Matter boils down to is a need for interoperability. The integration channel has historically worked through these challenges with control systems that can communicate over various protocols (IR, RS232/422/485, relay, voltage, IP/ Ethernet, etc.) to great success. The ultraluxury and luxury markets have enjoyed interoperability this way for some time.

Smart homes implemented without the knowledge of these systems have not seen the same success: the absence of a standard has caused inconsistent user experiences and frustration in the

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CEDIA COMMUNICATES

BY IAN BRYANT

mid- and mass-markets. There has been a race for a monopoly rather than an agreed standard. While protocols like Works with Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Samsung Smart Things, and others, have made strides, the fact that there are so many of them is ultimately the source of the problem.

Until now, there has not been a single standard to rule them all - a standard that could bring products from all brands together and allow for easy setup, configuration, and

use. Matter will work to solve this problem, and the effects will not only be felt in direct-to-consumer products but across the home technology industry at all levels.

Clearing the Air Just because Matter has been well-received by consumers does not mean it will be widely adopted by manufacturers. In fact, some manufacturers have been hesitant to mention it in their strategies at all.

On one hand, adopting the

Matter standard might open up their products to a wider audience who previously felt bound to a single brand.

On the other hand, once loyal customers may be tempted to try something new with confidence that, no matter their choice of brand, all of their smart home products will work together seamlessly.

To walk this line, some manufacturers may choose to offer a Matter gateway to connect Matter-embedded products into their ecosystems.

Whichever option manufacturers choose, they will most certainly need to adjust their sales and marketing pitches with a strong argument for or against Matter.

What Does this Mean for Integrators?

Matter could quite possibly be the light at the end of the disparate “connected home” tunnel. The DIY and DIFM (Do It for Me) markets will undoubtedly face the biggest impact, as Matter should simplify commissioning and setup on smaller, less complex home integration systems. Because the protocol uses IPv6, the limitations are only within the control system and unlikely to have negative effects on the high-end and heavily customized integrated home markets. Matter could even make for quicker and easier integration of devices into those larger systems.

What do I think is the most exciting part? Matter and the adoption of connected devices in general will create increased business opportunities for integrators at all levels, either through new business or operational efficiencies.

Fear not: the standard will not replace the big control systems, or programming, or run us all out of jobs. What Matter will do is create a much-needed baseline for the consumer market and a pathway to more advanced and custom integrated home systems.

Resources: https://csa-iot.org/all-solutions/matter/

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

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C E DIA P ODCAST

WHEN IT COMES TO CYBERSECURITY, GUARDDOG.AI IS A HOME’S BEST FRIEND

W

ith cybersecurity attacks, hacks, and ransomware issues popping up across the globe, the need for an accessible and proactive solution has never been more paramount. Enter: guardDog. ai. Available globally for homes, small businesses, and enterprises, guardDog uses AI-driven network overlay technology to find and protect against attempted cyberattacks in less than two milliseconds.

But why has cybersecurity come into such prominence and what exactly does a cyberattack look like? CEDIA’s Senior Director of Technology and Standards Walt Zerbe sought to answer these questions and more in a recent episode of The CEDIA Podcast.

Accompanying Zerbe on the podcast was CEDIA’s Director of Strategic Partnerships Ian Bryant, guardDog.ai Founder and CEO Peter

Bookman, and Adaptive Design Group Principal and guardDog Business Development Advisor Glenn Merlin Johnson.

Bookman explained that the difference between guardDog and other cybersecurity solutions on the market is its effectiveness at an entrylevel price point. Similar cybersecurity services tend to be consultingoriented, and generally out of reach for anyone outside of a Fortune 1000 company. guardDog’s services and products also do not require a user to possess cybersecurity expertise.

Unlike other complicated cybersecurity solutions, guardDog uses a “plug and protect” network overlay device (which they’ve appropriately coined “Fido”) to access its Protective Cloud Services (PCS) and combat threats with Autonomous incident Response (AiR) technology.

“What we mean by overlay is that the device is watching over the network like a member of the network, not as the network itself,” explains Bookman. “The countermeasures

“”

Unprotected homes have become the ‘Wild Wild West’ - GLENN MERLIN JOHNSON

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are done in a similar way: out of band, not from the router but from device-to-device.”

From the moment a Fido device is plugged into the back of a router, the network and its devices are protected, attacks are stopped, vulnerabilities are exposed, and threats are prioritized across approximately 5,000 square feet.

AiR gets even smarter over time by recognizing known threats and vulnerabilities and by staying upto-date on thousands of emerging threats, along with deploying the right countermeasures to stop exploits before they turn into a problem. It matches incidents it detects during frequent vulnerability scans of a network and its devices against CVE databases, and renders a unique proprietary threat score to measure attack surface health. guardDog also provides a cloudbased security operations dashboard for users which gathers feedback on the vulnerability of their devices. As Johnson reveals, these initial scores may be a shocking realization to some.

“The home has become the ‘Wild Wild West’ since the onset of COVID and remote work,” says Johnson. “CEOs, CTOs, CFOs—even IT department heads—traded their secure, enterprise-grade networks for zero visibility, and hackers are loving this new playground.”

Bookman also shed some light on the alarming accessibility of hacking kits and their ease of use.

“Unprotected homes have indeed become the ‘Wild Wild West’ but in a scenario where only the bad guys have guns and there is no sheriff,” says Bookman. “With guardDog, we’re leveling that playing field. We’re giving the sheriff a gun and ensuring he’s quick on the draw.”

Through Propel, CEDIA members get exclusive discounts on guardDog network security products and service plans, and gain access to exclusive client monitoring services. To learn more, visit cedia.net/propel.

CEDIA REVEALS RESULTS OF 2021 UK INTEGRATED HOME MARKET ANALYSIS

T

he UK Integrated Home Market Analysis identifies the size, shape, trends, and services of the sector.

Powered by CEDIA, the results show that the industry is performing well, bolstered by the impact of consumers spending more time in their homes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated current market size of £1.2 billion.

CEDIA partnered with global market research firm Ancrage Consulting, in affiliation with Butler University Lacy School of Business, to conduct this comprehensive study of the UK professional integrated home market during the latter half of 2021. The Market Analysis focused on company size, scope, and activities including... business functions, installation types, equipment choices, the size of the workforce, and technology areas that are proving most important for integration companies.

“Our UK Integrated Home Market Analysis reveals an industry in excellent shape and positive about the future after the challenges and the opportunities presented by the pandemic,” comments Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA. “Building on our last research project in 2017, this survey brings the industry strong comparative data on business growth and market opportunities as well as valuable information on important technology and brand buying trends.”

Key findings include: •

• •

•

Approximately 3,700 integrator companies operate in the UK with an average annual revenue of £386,000 and an average project size of £33,000.

On average, 86% of company revenue is drawn from residential projects.

Half of all integration companies anticipate adding a technical resource in the next 12 months.

The industry is bullish about growth projections for the future with 88% of companies forecasting revenue growth in the next 12 months

The UK Integrated Home Market Analysis was conducted between August and October 2021.

The analysis surveyed more than 100 companies throughout all levels of the UK market, including CEDIA members and non-members.

You can access the full report in the research library at cedia.net. Market intelligence is free to members and purchasable for non-members.

A HUGE THANKS TO ALL THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORTED THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE STUDY.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

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Photo 4 Credit: Retro Media Room M.E.G.A. AV Installations Ltd

DESIGNING TIMING-AWARE NETWORKS: A WIN FOR AV

BY DAVID ME YE R, C E DI A T E CH NICAL KNOWLE DG E MANAG E R

D

esigning distributed AV systems is a core competency for CEDIA integrators. Like many other subsystems, distributed AV continues to increasingly utilize the IP network. Networking is highly matured and will inevitably be a core part of any home system because it unifies the cabling and communications and has been proven robust. There are many things to consider, but the network requirements intrinsic to any networked AV system design underpins overall compatibility and performance.

Networking standards are composed of hundreds of documents from organisations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). We can credit their efforts over many years to evolving the technologies that afford us the high reliability and low latency we take for granted today. That said, most of today’s home networking applications are still primarily concerned with ensuring the integrity of delivered data, not necessarily with its timing — knowing precisely when data will arrive at its destination.

If there’s one thing AV streams increasingly have in common, it’s the need for synchronisation. Whether it’s for syncing picture and sound, or multiple channels or zones of audio, it’s necessary to build timely delivery into any distribution system. When that system is on the network, the timing capability needs of the network must also be considered and understood. Sometimes the demands might be for real-time applications for delivery

within a few milliseconds, with timing accuracy counted in mere microseconds. In other cases, it might not matter so much if there’s some modest delay, provided it is known and can be reliably predicted and synchronised according to expectations.

Whatever the case, applications for timing-aware networks are growing. Some network AV distribution systems already use a combination of standards-based protocols and proprietary technologies to achieve synchronisation over the network. Leading examples in audio distribution include Audio-Video Bridging (AVB) and Dante Audio, respectively. Meanwhile, standards are evolving to broadly transition networks to become inherently timing-aware and deterministic, namely with the IEEE’s Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards.

This is what CEDIA’s Designing Timing-Aware Networks for AV white paper is all about. It explores the basis, scope, and direction of synchronous and deterministic networks in the home. It examines what it all means and how the main standards interrelate, with insight into system design and implementation requirements that are key to achieving predictable and reliable performance. What it is not is not a guide to choosing a networked AV system, such as Dante Audio, AVB, or one of the plethora of AV-over-IP systems — that is a matter for manufacturers and integrators alike. However, knowing the fundamentals of when and how to design a timing-aware network on which to install such a system means that whichever is used, it can be optimized for best performance. And that’s a win all around.

To download CEDIA’s Designing Timing-Aware Networks for AV white paper, which is free for CEDIA members, visit cedia.net/resources.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

23

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

A MOMENT OF CLARITY WITH BOWERS & WILKINS CI

R

ichard Stevenson heads to AWE’s flagship Reference Home Cinema to hear Bowers & Wilkins latest CI800 Series Diamond range.

While Bowers & Wilkins 800 ‘Diamond’ D4 residential range launch grabbed the headlines, the brand’s CI800 install speakers draw on the very same technology, tuning and performance. The flagship CWM8.3 D shares the DNA of the mighty 803 floorstander, while the CWM8.5 D and CCM8.5 in-ceiling models have a spiritual partner in the 805 stand-mount loudspeaker.

That DNA includes the famous Diamond Dome tweeter – appearing here for the first time in a B&W install speaker Continuum midrange units and Aerofoil bass drivers. The tech behind these drivers has been in continuous development since inception, (that’s nearly two decades for the Diamond tweeter!) and has helped Bowers & Wilkins scoop a mighty collection of awards and accolades.

The Diamond design uses an exceptionally stiff and light tweeter diaphragm that delivers a ruler-flat frequency response out to 35kHz with vanishingly low distortion. The Continuum midrange cone has been evolving for the best part of a decade and gets a rather fetching and cinemafriendly dark finish for the CI800 Series. The Aerofoil bass driver will need no introduction to anyone with an ear to the Hi-Fi industry. Its innovative carbon/foam construction established new benchmarks for cone stiffness and pure pistonic LF behaviour.

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For the flagship CWM8.3 D in-wall, that driver compliment covers two 7-inch Aerofoil low-frequency units, plus a decoupled Diamond dome tweeter and 5-inch Continuum midrange driver in a central baffle that can be rotated for horizontal or vertical speaker installation. No surprise then that the spec-sheet reads much like its audiophile counterpart, with bass response down to 30Hz, 89dB/Watt sensitivity and smooth frequency response out to 35kHz. The smaller CWM8.5 D is a two-way in-wall speaker designed to deliver top-end performance in a more compact format. This speaker, and its partner CCM8.5 D in-ceiling model, feature a decoupled Diamond dome tweeter and a single 7-inch bass/mid Continuum driver. The in-ceiling models has both drivers mounted on a continuously rotatable baffle, offering enviable installation flexibility.

Each CI800 model has a dedicated MDF constructed back-box, complete with Bowers & Wilkins Matrix bracing structure and external speaker terminals, including a bi-wire option on the CWM8.3 D. This enables the back-box to be installed and hard-wired long before the plasterboard goes up. The speakers then bolt directly into the back box. Not a dog-leg clip in sight!

Using AWE’s ‘Reference Home Cinema Package A’ in its new demroom, the set-up comprises a trio of CWM8.3 D behind a 2.35:1 AT screen, four CWM8.5Ds for rear and back channels and a six-pack of CCM8.5 Ds in-ceiling – all installed with their corresponding back boxes. Power comes from three Rotel RB-1590 stereo and two RMB-1585 5-channel

power amplifiers, fed from Marantz’s outstanding AV8805A processor. Add in four Bowers & Wilkins CTSW15 15” inwall subs and a 200m drum of Kinetik KLIC-SP4 LSZH cable for good measure, and ‘Package A’ is complete.

With a system of this calibre, attributes like scale, dynamic range and sheer immersive impact go without saying. Those boxes are very much ticked here. Yet, what separates the great from the good is the finer details, and the Bowers & Wilkins CI800 system does that with the same effortless precision and natural balance of the 800-series residential models.

There is a fabulous cohesion to the mix as front-to-rear effects seamlessly pan up and around the room. That really delivers on object-based audio formats with the soundstage becoming even larger than AWE’s already sizeable demroom.

The Dolby Atmos test-disc clip from Unbroken is a litmus test of dialogue, effects and atmosphere. The Bowers & Wilkins CI800 system articulately crafts the conversation between the crew to bring out the tense emotions, surrounded by a myriad of creaks, rattles and noises from the plane. As the scene cuts to exterior shots, the sound explodes into action with the flak effects

positioned with pinpoint accuracy and Japanese fighter planes panning around the room.

I have never been a fan of trying to get an install AV system to sound like good hi-fi for music, but here I could be persuaded. Within a couple of tracks, I could easily wheel out a raft of reviewer superlatives and stock phrases that underpin 5-star reviews. Install speaker system demonstrations simply don’t get much better than this and the owner gets Bowers & Wilkins Reference bragging rights too.

With the CI hardware market often dominated by US speakers and dedicated install brand names below consumer radar, system sell-in to customers can be a struggle. Not so here, with AWE’s complete processor, amplifier and install speaker package hailing from aspirational brands with a rich heritage of audiophile performance.

Bowers & Wilkins CI800 speakers are very clearly direct derivatives of the multi-award winning 800 series and sound every bit as good as their luxury cabinet-clad siblings. Add in the exceptional easy installation and guaranteed sonic results thanks to the holistic speaker and back-box design, and the CI800 series is an appealing proposition all round.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

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BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH TRAINING

BY LESLIE SHINER, OWNER OF THE SHINER GROUP

M

any of us grew up believing a common misconception: we’d graduate from either high school or college, get a job, and then our studying days would be over.

No more cramming, no more exams, no more formal education. But that’s not how the business world operates.

To stay competitive, everyone has to continually learn. This is especially true regarding integrators. Don’t believe me?

Remember VHS players? Blockbuster Video? Once, these were mainstays; now they’re technology relics. The way to stay competitive today is with both technical and management training for owners and employees. Good training, on an ongoing basis, can pay significant dividends in your company.

Understand Adult Learners As a child, learning was very directed: everyone learned the same information at basically the same time. This doesn’t work for adults. Study after study has shown that the adult learner is motivated by the acquisition of knowledge and wants that information on an asneeded basis. The adult learner wants information specific to his or her needs, and wants the information in an easily understood format.

Adult students learn in different ways.

These include:

•

Some individuals learn best in a group setting. These people should utilize workshops.

•

Some learn best on their own.

This type could use manuals or online tutorials.

•

Others learn best with handson experience. For these people, online training programs or lab settings are the answer.

When considering training options, first determine what method your employee(s) prefer. Then, make available a mix of training options, so different learning styles are accommodated.

Employer Pushback!

Too many business owners are afraid to invest in their employees, assuming the employees will exploit the company paid training and then use that knowledge to jump to a different company! While that might happen, employees do not typically leave a good job for no reason.

It’s rarely about the money, it’s usually about the people or the processes.

Employees who feel appreciated will be less likely to leave and a well-trained employee will be a satisfied one.

Training Never Ends The business world is constantly changing, which requires your organization to make lifelong learning a necessity, not a luxury. You can take your business to the next level with employee and management training.

The investment in time and money will be recouped many times.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Author, speaker, and instructor, Leslie Shiner has over 25 years’ experience as a financial and management consultant. She is the owner of The ShinerGroup, a consulting firm helping integrators maximize profits and gain financial control.

Shiner has been recognized as a CEDIA Fellow, and has received the CEDIA Top 10 Instructor Award in multiple years.

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PROCESSORS OF CHOICE FOR WINNING PROJECTS

CEDIA Awards 2021 We would like to congratulate our partners for bringing back home seven awards in this year’s EMEA ceremony: Thank you for trusting us in developing those remarkable projects!

www.trinnov.com Distributed by - Invision UK Ltd, Vince Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4YT, Email : sales@invisionuk.com / + 44 01359 270280

T H E CAMELLIAS

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ndian integrator Macbee was given a simple and straightforward brief by its client for The Camellias - to create ‘the best home cinema in the world and do what it takes’.

MACBEE’S ON “WORL

“I think we delivered,” says Sawan Nichani, founder and CEO of the New Delhi-based company. It’s hard to argue with him, and four CEDIA Awards in 2021 are testament to that as this EMEA project emerged victorious in the Best Home Cinema Level III, Best Documentation, Best Dressed Rack, and Global Best Home Cinema categories.

Macbee was in charge of the entire project from start to finish and the goal was to create a unique, discrete, world-class private cinema with the largest screen possible and seating capacity for 45-50 people.

If that wasn’t enough, the client also wanted the space to double up as an auditorium for live performances – with room for an audience of 60-65.

All the cinema features had to be controlled from a single device at the touch of a button, and the room needed to be audio-video calibrated.

Macbee was given unrestricted access to the budget and told that the space had to offer an immersive experience like no other. A virtual reality version of the room was created, so the client could “step into” the space and anticipate the final design.

For the vast room itself, Macbee fitted a 550-inch floor-to-ceiling screen with additional seating placed on the side of the room for when the space was used for live music performances.

Macbee founder Sawan Nichani says the main challenges he and his team faced were logistical ones, such as how to ensure members of the audience were safe while they sat on recliners on the plinths in the darkness, or how to get the integrators to install a screen that was so high up and ensure the ceiling speakers were correctly mounted, angled, and calibrated. There were also acoustic difficulties to overcome, like preventing rattling from

I

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S TALENTS BLOSSOM LD’S BEST CINEMA”

“”

Macbee was given unrestricted access to the budget and told that the space had to offer an immersive experience like no other.”

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T H E CA MELLIAS

the air conditioning at such an extreme height.

“The challenges were different from those of a small room, which we’re used to,” Nichani says, but adds: “The client loves a big screen, so choosing the size was easy.”

Selecting the correct projector proved more difficult, however: “We wanted to have a proper light output – something which could handle HDR on that size of screen,” he explains. “We did a lot of tests and we finally decided on a Christie laser projector, which had just launched while we were designing the project.

We wanted really good contrast and the right black levels and organised a custom-made highcontrast lens. It turned out beautifully.”

A centralised control panel was made using custom Crestron software featuring an easy-to-use GUI. The panel was installed and the projector and equipment rack were placed in an individual room.

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The Camellias features a 32-channel audio setup that’s capable of playing Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X, and the home cinema system includes a Trinnov layout of 21.6.10.

“There are a total of 50 speakers in the room, including six sub-woofers,” says Sawan.

“The whole experience is just brilliant. When you listen to the audio system in such a large space, you can really hear what it adds.”

This world-class private cinema offers a truly immersive experience and doubles as a performance space, for events including stand-up comedy shows and live concerts.

“We had a vision, money was no object, so it was just about getting everything technically correct,” says Nichani. “It was a good experience. I’m proud that we managed to get it done.

The client was blown away.

They think it’s the best cinema in the world. And who are we to disagree?”

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

EQUIPMENT LIST Allen-Heath Apple TV Christie Crestron Display Technologies Kaleidescape K-Array madVR Penn Elcom Peplink Sennheiser Trinnov CONTACT Macbee 621 DLF Prime Tower Okhla Phase 1 New Delhi 110020 India Phone number: +91 992 502 4757 Website: www.macbee.in

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www.meritLILIN.com

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TH E A R A B I A N - C AS E ST UDY

“

The client briefed BNC to deliver the best of both worlds with this media room — a highpreformance TV and movie watching space, without the traditional look and feel of such an installation.”

T

he Arabian is a stunning project from Johannesburgbased integrator, BNC Te c h n o l o g y, which won the Best Media Room category Level II at the CEDIA EMEA Awards 2021 and triumphed as the Best Global Media Room across all CEDIA regions.

The client briefed BNC to deliver the best of both worlds with this media room – a highperformance TV and movie watching space without the traditional look and feel of such an installation, and with a multi-purpose space to meet the needs of a young family.

Located in the house, next door to the outdoor entertainment area by the pool, the room was initially designed as a TV space, so the client could watch content while overseeing his children. But, at night, or when the family wanted to transform the space, it needed to be turned into an immersive media room.

Minimalist design was key – the client didn’t want it to resemble a typical cinema room nor did they want to see bulky equipment anywhere in the space. The tech had to be integrated into the existing room design.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

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YOUR TITLE (MA S T ER PAGE)

This brought with it several challenges. Two of the walls in the media room were glass, which posed a massive threat to the success of the space with the amount of ambient light coming in from outside.

Due to the lack of soft finishes in the room, a thick rug was recommended for the space, and the ceiling was treated with specialist acoustic material to absorb reverberation but keep the room sounding natural.

BNC Technology recommended the installation of a 75-inch screen for daytime viewing and a motorised high-gain screen for the evening, or when the light was at a tolerable level. The customer didn’t want curtains, so blinds were the only option.

The client wanted all the speakers hidden, so a microperforated screen dropped down from the ceiling, covering the TV screen. Because the left, centre and right speakers were concealed behind acoustic fabric, they weren’t visible during the day when the kids were around, so were safe from little fingers.

When it came to speakers, conventional subwoofer placement was impossible, as the front cabinets which housed the equipment rack could not accommodate them without losing further space in the room.

This meant BNC Technology had to create an acoustically transparent ceiling and then mount all the subwoofers from it. Rear and surround sound speakers were all fitted in the ceiling, as wall space was not available. Removable ceiling panels were installed in sections, allowing access if required.

An Elite-16 Furman power conditioner was installed, which was dedicated to all the amplifiers and the processor.

A satellite protector was used for the decoder box and the UPS distributed power to the PDU, where each source or component within the rack had a dedicated PDU port for remote rebooting and power consumption monitoring.

The Barco projector was located over the seating area – a special hush box was created to prevent noise, and cold air was pumped in to keep the projector cool.

With all the electronics hidden away, the room looked ultraclean from a design perspective, which was one of the main objectives. At the same time, it offered all the great performance of a cinema, but without the look of a traditional cinema room.

Integrated tech created a clean, family-friendly design.

Great space and design BNC – and congratulations on the double award win!

EQUIPMENT LIST Apple TV Artcoustic Auralex Barco Emotiva Furman Strato CONTACT BNC Technology 65 Linksfield Road, Dowerglen Johannesburg, Guateng South Africa Phone number: +27 1102 37662 Website: bnctechnology.co.za

The home’s main bedroom was situated above the media room, so it was crucial to prevent additional vibrations from travelling upstairs.

To achieve this, BNT Technology decoupled the speakers from the existing concrete slab and angled them towards the listening position before the final installation.

SUS RE SUNTI OCCUM CUPTATUR RE EOSTIORUCOMNI COREM QUATUR

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“”

Minimalist design was key — the client didn’t want it to resemble a typical cinema room nor did they want to see bulky equipment anywhere in the space.

Behind every great cinema there is wisdom...

From the rack to the room Wisdom Audio’s beautifully discreet system architecture proves that it’s not what you see that makes high-end home cinema magical, it’s what you don’t…

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ISE EDUCATION Advance Your Knowledge, Business, and Career with CEDIA at ISE 2022

We’re getting excited for the action-packed return of ISE 2022. If you’re planning to attend, take advantage of CEDIA’s comprehensive professional development programme, delivered by industry experts from across the globe. Here’s a roundup of this year’s highlights.

Get Certified!

You can now take CEDIA examinations at the show, as well as earn the valuable ISO/IEC 17024 accredited Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) or Integrated Systems Technician (IST) certifications.

Certification exams take place on Friday 13 May | 10:00 – 13:30

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Calibration, Graduation!

Celebrating all things calibration, this duo will be a major highlight of CEDIA’s professional development programme: HAA Audio Calibration – Certification Training Monday, 9 May – Thursday, 12 May | 08:30-17:30 ISF Video Calibration Level 2 & 3 Certification Training Monday, 9 May – Wednesday, 11 May | 09:30-17:30 Gerald Lemay, Founder of the Home Acoustics Alliance will present HAA Audio Calibration Certification Training, starting with Level 1 Home Cinema Design Certification, which can be completed online ahead of ISE 2022. Participants can complete Level 2 Integrator certification on days 1 and 2, and Level 3 Advanced Integrator Certification on days 3 and 4. By the end of the course, participants can design and calibrate a highperformance system.

ISF Founder Joel Silver will lead the ISF Video Calibration training, which covers the principles of HDMI signal pathways and distribution including troubleshooting solutions. Training attendees will participate in labs to connect video sources to displays through audio video receivers and matrix switches. They will make the correct adjustments, using appropriate video patterns and reading from colour analysers for control, contrast, brightness, colour, tint, sharpness, gamma, colour gamut, and white balance.

The course takes inspiration from The British Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), which published and promotes the principles of inclusive design as it relates to the build environment: - Inclusive | so everyone can use it safely, easily and with dignity - Responsive | taking account of what people say they need and want - Flexible | so different people can use it in different ways - Convenient | so everyone can use it without too much effort or separation - Accommodating | for all people, regardless of their age, gender, mobility, ethnicity, or circumstances - Welcoming | with no disabling barriers that might exclude some people - Realistic | offering more than one solution to help balance everyone’s needs and recognising that one solution may not work for all “This intensive workshop will teach highly collaborative and interactive Design Thinking principles, which will enable you to develop ideas and solutions that embrace inclusive design practices within technology integration in the built environment. Inclusive design isn’t just for the physically and cognitively impaired but embraces a new approach to putting people before technology and considering the needs of every user - and potential user - of the building and how integrated technology might improve their lives.” Peter Aylett.

Back to Business

“

If you’re a level 1 graduate, you now qualify to take this hands-on training course where you will be using Spectroradiometers, Colorimeters, ISF software, and test pattern generators to complete your ISF Certification. It is the logical next step in delivering the visual intent of creative artists and directors to a client’s home video system.”

- J O E L S I LV E R Change your Mindset

ISE is the ideal time to focus on your business. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet, learn, and grow your network.

Talking business at ISE, respected industry business consultant and CEDIA Fellow, Leslie Shiner, is back by popular demand with a series of four short courses, exploring challenges with project management, job costing, way to increase profitability, and how training can grow your business: 20 Ways to Increase Profits Tuesday, 10 May | 12:00-13:30

Design Thinking and Inclusive Design Practice is an immersive, Powerpoint-free workshop in which participants can learn and practice an end-to-end Design Thinking process to become more human-centric and understanding of the user’s needs.

A Project Manager’s Guide to the Financial Stuff Tuesday, 10 May| 14:00-15:30

Industry experts Peter Aylett and Rich Green will be guiding attendees through the session which will challenge assumptions and redefine problems, with the goal of identifying alternative strategies and inclusive solutions.

Building your Business with Training Wednesday, 11 May | 14:00 – 15:30

Better Job Costing and Labor Control to Increase Profits Wednesday, 11 May | 12:00-13:30

Book in for a bite-sized business boost that will set you on a solid course for success in 2022!

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Setting Standards – New for 2022

Looking to the Future

RP22 Audio and Room Design Recommended Practice Workshop (Tuesday, 10 May | 14:00-17:00) is an intensive advanced training that introduces the new guidelines in RP22.

The CEDIA Tech Council will lead this special session, revealing insights from CEDIA’s recent future-looking project, The Integrator of 2027 (Wednesday, 11 May | 14:00 – 15:30).

The workshop focuses on the four objectively defined levels of performance that will define different levels of immersive experience. Presented by Peter Aylett and Rich Green, the course takes a ‘teach then do’ approach and will challenge small groups to apply guidelines to real-world rooms.

In this interactive session, the group will share their predictions about what technologies we’ll be embracing in 2027, take a look at how the market is changing, and discuss how integrators can be best placed to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

Access All Areas

Also new for 2022, CEDIA/CTA-RP28 HDMI System Design and Verification Recommended Practice (Thursday, 12 May | 12:00 – 13:30) is hosted by Jason Dustel of Murideo.

This course explores in detail the new standard and its implications for the CEDIA community. It’s a Recommended Practice that dives deep into making sure that what goes what goes in at one end via HDMI comes out exactly the same way at the other end by looking at the entire signal path and whether repeaters are in the chain or not.

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The CEDIA All Access Training Pass is available to both CEDIA members and non-members and provides unlimited entry to CEDIA education sessions during the show (excluding CEDIA Special Two-Day Courses). The pass is available for pre-booking at an exclusive Early Bird rate of €230 for members and €300 for non-members.

For the latest news or to book your CEDIA Professional Development at ISE 2022, visit www.iseurope.org/ cedia-education.

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HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE

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YOUR TITLE (MA S T ER PAGE)

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WHAT THE CIT MEANS FOR CUSTOM INTEGRATORS HOW ISO ACCREDITATION WILL GROW BUSINESSES AND CAREERS

I

BY DAVID WHITNEY, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CERTIFICATION, CEDIA

n January, CEDIA shared the news that the Cabling and I n f ra s t r u c t u re Technician (CIT) exam had earned accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17024:2012, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons. This is an honor for CEDIA – we’ve now been recognized by ANSI’s Accreditation Board as the providers of a valid, fair, and reliable personnel assessment, created and maintained in accordance with the most widely respected global standards. It also honors the work of the many volunteers who generously gave their time and expertise to create the structure of the certification program, the exam content outline, and the exam questions according to ISO requirements. More important than what this accreditation says about CEDIA or even our volunteers, though, is what it will do for the industry, for integration firms, and for individual CIT-holders.

The CIT is a foundational exam. It assesses technicians whose primary task is to perform basic infrastructure wiring for low-voltage technology systems in a residential or commercial setting. That means this exam applies to people working not

just in the custom integration field, but in any low-voltage trade, including commercial AV security, HVAC, etc. CEDIA’s certification staff and volunteers designed the CIT this way in recognition of a couple of basic realities. First, our members cannot be pigeonholed into solely residential applications – many integration firms offer a variety of services, including residential, light commercial, MDU, security, and more. Second, at this very foundational level – infrastructure installation – there is an enormous amount of overlap among low-voltage trades.

Moving our Seat to the Head of the Table Having an ISO/IEC 17024 accredited exam that applies to multiple allied trades maintained by their industry association benefits the home technology industry in two ways. First, it elevates the profile of the industry as an authority within its domain. The home technology association is where members of any low-voltage trade can come to get a globally-recognized certification in cabling and infrastructure; therefore, CEDIA is the expert on the matter.

CEDIA COMMUNICATES

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Second, it gives all members of a project team a common understanding of foundational concepts around cabling and infrastructure. When integrators sit down with security contractors, builders, HVAC pros, and plumbers, they can all share a common understanding of vocabulary, concepts, and best practices based on the CIT Exam content outline.

Growing Businesses and Careers The foundational nature of the CIT is also intended to help integrators grow their teams, and individuals advance their careers. The exam is designed to test whether candidates can use proper tools and techniques; follow instructions per project documentation; operate in a safe and professional manner on the jobsite; and understand the basic function of the wiring and termination components being installed. A CIT-certified individual should be able to work billable hours on a jobsite under supervision and is ready to advance to new skills and responsibilities. It’s not the terminus of a career path; it’s a gateway.

The CIT offers employers a standard, vendor-neutral benchmark that can be recognized across businesses. Any CIT they hire has

a specific, independently verified set of knowledge and skills.

Employers can also use the exam as a benchmark for their own staff.

It gives them an objective measure of their readiness to bill hours, advance in their careers, or crosstrain colleagues.

The CIT certification belongs to the individual who earns it, not the company – and it stays with them for as long as they maintain it through continuing education. That means the CIT is an asset to them throughout their careers. When applying for a job - or bidding on projects - it’s a differentiator that adds objective weight to any claim of competence. It’s one thing to have a skill on your resume – it’s another to have proof.

Advancing Toward Mastery Of course, for many, the CIT will only be the beginning. What’s next? CEDIA’s long-term goal is to create a set of stackable certifications that integrators can use to indicate their expertise and specialized knowledge. Our new Integrated Systems Technician (IST) certification is the next step in this path. This certification applies to technicians who can work independently to perform all

functions related to the pre-wire (First Fix) and trim-out (Second Fix) phases of a project, including troubleshooting common errors and verifying system functionality.

Any potential IST must first prove they’ve got the skills and knowledge of a CIT; CIT certification is a prerequisite to taking the IST exam. Like the CIT, the IST was built from the ground up to conform to ISO/IEC 17024. We’ll be submitting it for accreditation in the Spring of 2022.

The connected home marketplace is extremely attractive, and it’s only going to get more crowded.

Globally-recognized certification is a superb way to demonstrate pride in the industry’s professionalism.

It’s a declaration of who we are: a vetted, trustworthy industry with highly specialized expertise.

If you’re ready to begin your certification journey, or to ] build a certification benchmarking program for your staff, CEDIA has many resources to help. Visit cedia.net/certification to learn more.

“”

The connected home marketplace is extremely attractive, and it’s only going to get more crowded. Globallyrecognized certification is a superb way to demonstrate pride in the industry’s professionalism.

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Make it your own Selekt DSM: the most configurable streamer ever Performing beautifully at the heart of any existing system, and featuring near endless configuration options – from source-only, to integrated multi-amping, stereo or surround, and two levels of performance – you’re able to choose the best one for you, and only pay for what you need.

Book a demonstration of Selekt DSM at your local Linn Specialist.

www.linn.co.uk/book-a-demo CEDIA COMMUNICATES

THE LAST 5% WISDOM FROM OUR MEMBERS (AND SOME OTHERS, TOO) “The toughest part of a job? Sometimes it’s the last 5%.” Anon.

“I want to wear as many logos from industry brands (yes, even competitors!) as I can fit on my clothing and rucksack to help raise as much money as I can. I just really want to help Together For Cinema rollout special cinemas to as many children’s hospices and respite centres as possible.

Because I believe that places where children are going to spend some poorly days… possibly even their final days… should be as wonderful and as perfect as we can make them!”

Chris Pinder | Co-Founder of HDANYWHERE | On running the Marathon des Sables

“Technology cannot just be in this one pavilion [at IBS] anymore, it’s out there and it has been for a long time.”

Jamie Briesemeister | CEO and Co-Founder of Integration Controls | The CEDIA Podcast

“We are educating our members and designers about why they need an integrator, what that means, and some of the things they should ask.”

Pam McNally | VP of Marketplace | NKBA

“Not every child will become a doctor or a lawyer. Teach your kids that it is okay to work with your hands and build cool stuff.”

Keanu Reeves | Canadian actor

“As an industry, we’re growing up. We’re not just random people installing random things in a home. We have standards, education, and certifications that show the world we have the knowledge and ability to do our jobs.”

Amanda Wildman | Owner of TruMedia | The CEDIA Podcast

“It really is about growing their skills, training somebody in-house, and working with the right attitude.”

Chhaya Landschultz | Marketing Director at IndigoZest | The Integrated Home Podcast

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BRING THE NIGHTCLUB HOME For 30 years, L-Acoustics has been the choice of the world’s top clubs, music venues, and artists on tour. This powerful pedigree and unrivaled sonic signature are now available for specification in residential, marine, and other architectural environments. L-Acoustics Creations offers professional sound systems, from stereo to spatial audio. Our team of experts provides 3D acoustic modeling using proprietary software to design and tune a space for the ultimate party vibe.

Visit l-acoustics-creations.com to book an appointment in London, Paris, or Los Angeles.

You can also meet the L-Acoustics Creations team at ISE and CEDIA Expo 2022.

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