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SPOTLIGHT ON NEW TECH TALENT: MEET WINSTON EXPLORING HOME ROBOTICS: THE NEXT BIG THING THE POWER OF SERVICE: WHY MAINTENANCE MATTERS SPRING 2026

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CONTENTS

INTEGRATION FOR GOOD

WHEN DESIGN MEETS TECHNOLOGY

CEDIA AWARDS ROUND UP

How smart home technology can change lives beyond luxury

A new era of collaboration with design build pros

A look back at the 2025 winners, and the 2026 program launches

HOME ROBOTICS

I AM CEDIA

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

WORKING WITH ARCHITECTS

The next frontier for technology integrators

Thorsten Köhler discusses his journey into the industry

Practical advice for the modern integration business

Tom Webster provides integrators with collaboration advice

SAFEGUARDING HOMES

SERVICE THAT SELLS

MEET WINSTON

MARKET RESEARCH

CEDIA’s commitment to privacy and cybersecurity

The value of support and maintenance contracts

How the CEDIA Foundation brings in new talent to the industry

CEDIA launches first ever European insights report

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CONNECTION IN EVERY CORNER A truly connected home is never just about the devices inside it. It’s about the cohesion behind them. Reliable networks, secure systems, and well-designed infrastructure are essential, but so is something equally powerful: connection among the people who bring these homes to life. Integrators, designers, architects, and builders each bring a piece of that puzzle. When those pieces align early and intentionally, the result is a home that feels complete. That concept was at the heart of CEDIA’s inaugural support of Smart Home Day on November 3. The day recognized that a smart home is not defined by any single discipline, but by the way our expertise comes together. In 2026, CEDIA is placing an even greater focus on

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.org

strengthening the relationships that make integration successful. At ISE, you will see this emphasis reflected throughout the Smart Home Technology Conference along with many other important topics, including power management, energy and sustainability, home cinema and immersive audio, AI and tech trends, and so much more. The show is the perfect blend of education, innovation, and networking, and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Finally, this year’s focus on connection also means inviting new people into the conversation. One such voice is Winston Guerrero, featured on our cover. Winston participated in the CEDIA Foundation’s 100 Techs in 100 Days program and has now launched his professional

FRONT COVER

Winston Guerrero, one of the CEDIA Foundation’s 100 Techs in 100 Days, embarks on his new career journey with Boston-area integration firm, SimpleHome. Photo by Aileen Taylor Photo.

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

journey with Boston-area integration firm, SimpleHome. His story is a testament to what happens when ambition meets opportunity and when new talent is welcomed into a supportive community. Because when more people find a passion for smart home technology – whether they’re newcomers, design-build professionals, or consumers – our industry is better for it. As we head into the new year, I encourage you to stretch beyond your usual circle. Reach out to someone new, share your expertise with those just discovering our industry, or take a chance on an emerging integrator. The relationships you spark today may become the collaborations that define tomorrow. That’s the power of connection. And that’s the future we’re creating. Sincerely, Daryl Friedman

CEDIA: T H E A S S O C I AT I O N FOR SMART HOME PROFESSIONALS™ 2

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CEDIA Global President & CEO

FIND US ON:

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*Source: Omdia. Unit shipments, 2013-2024. Results are not an endorsement of LG Electronics. Any reliance on these results is at the third-party’s own risk. Visit https://www.omdia.com/ for more details.

NEWS IN BRIEF BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER AT CEDIA CEDIA is calling on passionate members to step forward and help shape the future of the smart home industry. Volunteers power many of CEDIA’s most important initiatives, from developing innovative education programs to strengthening our global network of professionals. Your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm can have a real and lasting impact. As a volunteer, you will collaborate with peers, exchange best practices, and gain new insights that can elevate your business and career. Many volunteers say the connections they make, both professional and personal, are among the most meaningful benefits of getting involved. Most volunteer roles run from January to December, but we gladly welcome new participants at any point in the year. Once you join, you’ll also be eligible to receive an award for your service at the CEDIA Smart Home Awards. www.my.cedia.org/connection/volunteering

INDUSTRY EXPERTS BEGIN IST JOB TASK REVIEW The Integrated Systems Technician (IST) Job Task Analysis Task Force launched in late October with 12 industry volunteers charged with refreshing the role definition for the IST certification program. Over the coming weeks, this group will evaluate and update the profile of what an IST-certified technician should know and do — from infrastructure wiring and equipment installation to systems troubleshooting and client communication. This effort aligns with CEDIA’s certification governance, which bases each credential on a Job Task Analysis and ensures the IST meets the global ISO/IEC 17024 standard. The updated profile will be shared in an industry-wide survey in January, inviting input from practitioners worldwide and helping ensure the credential stays current and relevant. www.cedia.org/certification

GUIDANCE ON EVOLVING SMART HOME TECHNOLOGIES AND STANDARDS CEDIA white papers take a deep dive into applications, recommendations, and advice on a wide range of industry topics: from software and hardware to best practices, standards, and formats. The white papers are heavily researched and crafted thoroughly by industry experts to break complex subjects down for professionals.

Human-Centric Lighting Part 1: Why We Need It

Reference Audio Level and SPL Capabilities

This white paper is part 1 of 3,

This white paper explores what

taking a deep dive into the science

reference audio level means both

of photobiology as the basis for

for commercial and home consumer

why humancentric lighting is so

content, the many facets of

important. Topics include the

loudness perception, and clarifying

composition of light, how light

the SPL recommendations as set out

affects human physiology, and

in RP-22.

the developing standards for how

Recently, CEDIA introduced two new

to optimize light at different times of

white papers.

day and night.

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cedia.org/education/white-papers

N E WS I N B RI EF

BUILD YOUR FUTURE BY RENEWING TODAY Renew your CEDIA membership by January 30 to continue unlocking exclusive benefits that support your professional growth and business success. Renewing ensures uninterrupted access to industry-leading education, certification pathways, technical resources, advocacy efforts, and a global network of professionals shaping the future of the smart home industry. New this year is the Manufacturer Representative membership category – formerly part of the Industry-Related Professional (IRP) class – designed specifically for rep firms looking to deepen relationships, increase visibility, and stay ahead of emerging trends. IRP members will continue to benefit from dedicated resources, community connection, and opportunities tailored to organizations supporting the channel. Members also enjoy valuable partner discounts, access to technical documentation and standards, and opportunities to engage in events, training, and leadership initiatives throughout the year. Maintaining your membership keeps you connected to thousands of like-minded professionals across the globe.

TRANSFORM YOUR EXCELLENCE INTO COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE CEDIA has relaunched its Member of Excellence Program, which provides a comprehensive designation. Independent verification across seven categories proves you’re not just claiming excellence, you’re delivering it.   Gaining Member of Excellence should matter to your business as it allows you to win desirable projects, command higher margins, differentiate permanently, and attract top talent.

•

DEDICATED – Because consistency builds credibility. Your years of trading history and CEDIA commitment prove staying power.

•

CERTIFIED – Because expertise earns trust. Your team’s active certifications prove verified expertise.

•

DISCIPLINED – Because a strong foundation keeps your business moving forward. Your clean financial record proves business stability.

•

COMMITTED – Because great service doesn’t end at installation. Your customer care plans prove long-term service commitment.

•

DETAILED – Because precision drives performance. Your project documentation proves professional design processes.

•

COLLABORATIVE – Because shared knowledge helps shape the future of our industry. Your CEDIA volunteering proves industry leadership.

•

CELEBRATED – Because your work sets the standard. Your award recognition proves exceptional results.

www.cedia.org/renew

Simply submit the required documentation for independent audit. If approved, you can begin marketing your achievement to potential clients and partners. www.cedia.org/smart-home-professionals/ membership/member-of-excellence

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NEWS IN BRIEF

RP-1: SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR PERFORMANCE TRANSPARENCY For over a decade, there has been a fundamental gap in how performance information is shared in the smart home industry. This is why the CEDIA Standards Committee worked on a new recommended practice called RP-1. This recommended practice asks manufacturers to provide clear, consistent engineering facts about the performance of their products, laid out in an accessible, standardized format. The goal isn’t to judge, rank, or review products, but to provide integrators with reliable facts so that they can make the best possible choices for their clients.

Peter Aylett who sits on the Standards Committee. “With this Recommended Practice, the industry will be able to deliver quantifiable, objective information to clients and partners, elevating the professionalism and accountability of CEDIA members globally.”

RP-1 is the first step towards a broader transformation in the smart home industry. One that values transparency, technical expertise, and professionalism.

“RP-1 is about empowering our industry to become technical authorities and transform the way we communicate and evaluate technology,” comments

SMART HOME DAY SHONE A LIGHT ON THE POWER OF COLLABORATION On November 3, 2025, professionals across the world came together to celebrate Smart Home Day, an initiative led by CEDIA to elevate awareness of the smart home integration industry and, just as importantly, the people who make it thrive. Smart Home Day also highlighted the important and ever-evolving relationship between integrators and design and build professionals.   One of the most successful events that took place on Smart Home Day was the RIBAJ Designing the Smart Home of the Future Conference in London. Architects and interior designers attended the briefing, which explored how architects and smart homes professionals can collaborate to create homes that are not only intelligent but intuitive, beautiful, and deeply personal. Speakers and panelists hosted sessions entitled, How to Bridge the Gap Between Smart Home Technology and

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Design; IO House Case Study; Client-Focused Delivery of a Smart Home Through a Smart Partnership; and How to Collaborate and Deliver Client-Focused Smart Home Technology. Around the world, CEDIA members engaged with Smart Home Day by opening up their showrooms for events and actively promoted the day and the benefits of smart home automation via social media.

Home Robotics: The Next Frontier for Technology Integrators By Rich Green, Rich Green Design, CEDIA Instructor

Companies like Unitree and Apptronik are leading the charge, developing robots capable of performing domestic tasks such as cleaning, serving drinks, and even gardening. Meanwhile, Intuition

The world of home robotics is evolving at a breathtaking pace. What was once the stuff of science fiction is now on the verge of becoming an everyday reality, with humanoid robots entering the consumer market at a range of price points — from $6,000 to $150,000. And the cost of advanced home robotics is dropping, making these technologies accessible to an expanding audience.

Robotics’ ElliQ is a prime example of ethical deployment, prioritizing care with a robot that assists those in the healthcare and independent living sector. Tesla and Amazon are also investing heavily in humanoid robots, signaling that major players see enormous potential in the residential sector. One of the biggest questions facing the industry is how these robots will be deployed and integrated into homes. As robots become more affordable, capable, and available, surely the demand for expert installation and ongoing support is likely to surge. The answer may lie in the complexity of setup, network connectivity, and the need for robust cybersecurity. Integrators are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between cuttingedge home robotics and the realities of the connected home. The truth is that these home robots are not plug-and-play devices. They require careful configuration, secure network integration, and ongoing maintenance.

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For example, with robots connected to home networks, cybersecurity is no longer optional – it’s essential. The risk of hacking or misuse is real. As my good friend, cybersecurity expert, and fellow CEDIA instructor Jeff Sonnleitner pointed out to me recently, “every robot has a camera that can collect and share data, and that makes us all vulnerable, unless precautions are taken.” Homeowners will need assurance that their devices are secure. The rise of home robotics will clearly have significant implications for home architecture and interior design too. Robots may require dedicated spaces for charging, battery replacement, and pathways for unobstructed movement. Multifloor homes, kitchen layouts, and garden navigation all present unique

navigate complex layouts, and ensured seamless connectivity with the home’s automation system. The result: a hands-off cleaning solution that delighted the homeowner and set a new standard for smart living.

challenges. To ensure homes are

In another case, I’m aware of an

robot-ready for this new era of

integrator who worked with a family

automation, architects, designers,

to deploy a social companion robot

and clients will need to involve

for an elderly relative. Beyond

integrators to advise on these

installation, the integrator provided

significant requirements.

ongoing support, network security,

CEDIA Members Using Robots

and training, ensuring the robot could safely assist with reminders,

As an example, Massachussetts-

entertainment, and emergency

based CEDIA member, Level Up

alerts. The family reported that the

Automation, worked with iRobot

relative felt happier and a sense of

on the soft launch program of its

companionship with the robot which

Terra RLM garden robot on multiple

certainly helped to improve their

projects. What was clear from

peace of mind.

their experience was that robots need time and thought from the integrator, concerning the issues of placement, function, infrastructure, and special safety considerations to avoid harming animals, children, or falling into the swimming pool. Robots also require service and maintenance to stay operational.

The robots are definitely coming. For our industry, CEDIA members are not just potential robot installers. They are instead trusted partners, problem solvers, and the secure, reliable support service for their clients who want to adopt this type of solution. As robots become vital members of the household,

Another CEDIA member in California

integrators will be at the heart of this

recently partnered with a luxury

transformation, helping homeowners

home builder to install a fleet of

navigate the complexities of the

cleaning robots in a multi-level

robotic home. The challenges are

residence. The integrator designed

real – cybersecurity, interior design,

custom charging alcoves on each

and ongoing maintenance – but so

floor, programmed the robots to

are the rewards.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rich Green has been an active professional in the AV design and installation industry since 1978. His system-integration company, Rich Green Design, serves the ambitious homeowners and businesses of Silicon Valley. His clients have included Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, Tony Fadell, Jim Clark, Gordon Getty, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Luciano Pavarotti. Rich sits on the Advisory Board of CEDIA, where he served as a three-term board member. He founded the CEDIA Technology Council and served as Secretary on the Executive Committee. Rich travels the world as an instructor, consultant, and public speaker in the fields of Future Technologies and Design. Rich is a CEDIA Fellow and was more recently awarded with the CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

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I AM CEDIA 10

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Thorsten Köhler (middle) collecting his trophy at the CEDIA Smart Home Awards EMEA.

I A M CED I A

I AM

THORSTEN KÖOHLER Die Zwei - Heimkino GmbH

What was your journey into the smart home industry? I came into the smart home industry with a background in computer science. I spent a couple of years working in IT consultancy and IT project management and then moved into an IT management position, which altogether, added up to about 20 years in the corporate world. Eventually, I decided to turn my hobby and passion, which is home cinema, into my profession. I stepped out of my corporate career and started to build up Die Zwei – Heimkino with my business partner, Stefan Becker. Tell us a bit more about Die Zwei – Heimkino. We are a very new integration company, having only started in 2020. We are based in Hamburg, Germany, but we operate internationally.

Die Zwei - Heimkino GmbH award-winning project, Flotopia.

We pride ourselves on doing things a bit differently from traditional AV integrators, largely due to my background in IT. We use a lot of technologies from the IT world, such

showroom is a 40-square-meter room with a fantastic cinema

as remote monitoring and AV-over-IP solutions, as well

setup and a small bar area.

as the structured processes that you find in corporate IT

We specialize in high channel installations, so we installed

environments. This approach influences everything from

a 13.16.6 setup that features our own speaker brand,

how we manage projects to how we interact with clients.

beckersounds, including sixteen 21" subwoofers in a Double

Regarding the team and our setup, we want to keep

Bass Array (DBA) Waveforming setup. DBA was invented in

the internal team as just Stefan and myself. As we operate

Germany, so we have a lot of experience in this technology,

internationally, we contract construction companies that

having used it for over 10 years. The room also features a

are local to the project, but we do everything else, and we

Christie projector, a curved 184" acoustically transparent

do 90-95% of it from our workshop. Rather than basing

screen, a madVR video processor that does the geometrical

ourselves at the projects for several days, weeks, or months

correction for the curve of the screen, and seven Powersoft

on end, we get everything assembled, programmed, and

amplifiers that provides us with 56,000 watts of amplification.

tested at the workshop and ship it to site when ready. It’s then pretty much a case of plug and play. This means that

That’s an interesting choice of equipment as you have

we usually only head to site three times per project for just

opted for some pro AV brands. Is this something that you

a few days, which results in a more streamlined process

often do?

and the option to work on projects anywhere in the world. Do you have a showroom at your office?

Yes, Christie projectors are our first choice as we have special expertise in high-lumen projection, which is something that consumer projectors cannot deliver on larger screens.

We have a showroom that I built as an extension to my

With regards to amplification for our beckersounds speakers,

private home. We invite our clients to visit this space to

we use a pro AV brand called Powersoft, as these amplifiers

experience our home cinema solutions first-hand. The

can deliver a lot of power over an extended period of time.

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I AM CEDIA

How do you find your customers? Much of our customer base comes from word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals, which I believe is a testament to the quality of our work and the relationships that we have built. Networking at industry events and maintaining a visible presence in the smart home community also helps us connect with new clients. I’m also involved with some home cinema internet forums, and interestingly enough, this has been a source of new clients and projects for us. Some people say that forums

“

We saw the awards as an opportunity to have our work recognized by industry experts and to benchmark ourselves against the best in the business.

can be a waste of time, but we’ve managed to build a good reputation online, and clients have reached out to us from there.

to win a CEDIA Smart Home Award for a client project. We are now planning for next year and hope to be able to enter

Why did you become a CEDIA member? We joined CEDIA right from the beginning of the company in 2020. The main driver in doing so was that we wanted to

our showroom into the awards program. What other CEDIA member benefits do you utilize?

win a CEDIA Smart Home Award. We saw the awards as an

I am a volunteer for the RP-23 working group. I thoroughly

opportunity to have our work recognized by industry ex-

enjoy being a part of this group as the topic is of great interest

perts and to benchmark ourselves against the best in the

to me, plus it provides me with the opportunity to network

business. We wanted to enter because it motivates us to

with a fantastic group of knowledgeable professionals and

maintain high standards and push the boundaries of what

engage in interesting discussions.

we can achieve for our clients.

I have also completed the Design Build Program to allow me to present CPDs to architects and interior designers.

So, you joined in 2020, but when did you first enter the

We believe that the room design is of equal importance

CEDIA Smart Home Awards?

to the technical design for a great movie experience, so

We entered the very next year in 2021 with our first project, and it got nominated as a finalist, which was very exciting and motivating. We entered another project in 2024, and again, were listed as a finalist. But in 2025, we entered a fantastic home cinema project in Austria and were awarded Best Home Cinema Level III. I’m really proud of this award.

working with interior designers rather than against them is something that is key for me. We go to ISE every year and enjoy networking with CEDIA and the industry at this show. I find it invaluable to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.

We are a very small company and have only been in business

What technology excites you the most?

for five years, so to have been recognized each time, and

One of the technologies that excites me most is video

for us to now have won an award, is a great achievement for

walls. Our background has always been in high-brightness

us. And I believe that we are the only integrator in Germany

projection, and we appreciate the vibrant images and impressive brightness levels that come with high nit displays, particularly when it comes to HDR and tone mapping. However, projection systems involve a compromise – as you increase brightness, you also raise the black floor, which affects the overall quality. Video walls deliver flawless sharpness, true blacks, and extremely high brightness. That said, they do present some installation challenges, especially when it comes to audio. Since you can’t position speakers directly behind the screen as you would with an acoustically transparent projection surface, we have to arrange speakers around the screen instead. This can be tricky, especially when it comes to achieving DBA/Waveforming placement, which isn’t straightforward with LED walls. Nevertheless, I’m excited to find a project where it would make sense to have an LED wall installed.

The Flotopia project was awarded Best Home Cinema Level III

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https://diezwei-heimkino.de/

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Listen Again.

CEDIAAWARDS

The 2025 CEDIA Smart Home Awards winners were honored by the industry at three regional ceremonies held across the Americas, Asia Pacific, and EMEA.

The 2025 events welcomed guests to “The Enchanting World of Smart Living,” and brought together industry leaders from across the three regions to celebrate remarkable achievements in design, innovation, and technical excellence to recognize those driving the future of smart home technology.

2025 14

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“Our entire community should feel immense pride, not only in the remarkable achievements being awarded, but in the passion and dedication that drives our industry forward,” said CEDIA Global President and CEO, Daryl Friedman. “The caliber of projects and talent recognized truly reflects the incredible growth of our industry across all three regions. Our members continue to raise the bar — delivering exceptional design, integration, and innovation that define the future of smart living. It’s inspiring to see how their work not only enhances homes but also strengthens CEDIA’s global reputation for excellence.” Integrators, manufacturers, and individuals were celebrated for their outstanding

achievements, innovative product launches, impressive projects, and dedicated volunteer work. Standout moments included ZIO Group, LLC from the Americas region winning three awards, including Global Integrated Home; Wavetrain Cinemas from the Asia Pacific region also being awarded three trophies, one of which was the Global Home Cinema award; and IndigoZest Ltd from the EMEA region not only winning their first ever CEDIA Smart Home Award, but walking away with three on the night. The business categories proved hugely successful, with wins from the likes of ETC Florida, Ryelec Automation, and Beyond Alliance. Other notable wins include Nicky Moss, who won a Special Recognition Award in EMEA and Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Rich Green. To view the winning projects, visit cedia.org/awards.

C E D I A S M A R T H O M E AWA R D S

AMERICAS

The CEDIA Smart Home Awards Americas winners

INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

BEST HOME CINEMA

Winner: Global Wave Integration – Brentwood

EMERGING BUSINESS

Winner: Cantara – The Auteur

EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING

Winner: Datamatix, Inc.

BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL I

Winner: DesignLab – Casa MM

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS – INTEGRATOR

Winner: AKTIVA – Raskoski Home Honorable Mention: Smartlab – RH5 BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL II

Winner: SmartTouchUSA – River House BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL III

EXCELLENCE IN RACK BUILDING & DESIGN

Winner: ZIO Group, LLC – Modern Lakefront Intelligent Estate EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

Winner: Cantara – Hushed Horizon

Winner: ETC Florida – Moving to the Future

BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL IV

TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN

Winner: ZIO Group, LLC – Modern Lakefront Intelligent Estate

Winner: DesignLab – Casa MM

BEST SINGLE ROOM SOLUTION

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

Winner: Global Wave Integration – Brentwood EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION

Winner: HAAS Home Technologies – Behind the Systems: A Documentation of Seamless Integration Honorable Mention: SmartTouchUSA – River House Honorable Mention: ZIO Group, LLC – Modern Lakefront Intelligent Estate

BEST SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Recipient: Chris Gilray, Phoenix Marketing Group LLC

Winner: ETC Florida EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS – TRADE SUPPLIER

Winner: OneVision Resources EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTER INNOVATION – INTEGRATOR

Winner: Daisy – Millennium Systems Design - Powered by Daisy Honorable Mention: Daisy – Daisy Los Gatos (The Daisy Mini Mansion) Honorable Mention: The Premier Group – Ovation Experience Center EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTER INNOVATION – TRADE SUPPLIER

Winner: IC Realtime – IC Realtime Experience Centre

BEST NEWCOMER

Recipient: Hagan Kappler, Daisy BEST TECHNICIAN

Recipient: Andrew Gandini, TSP Smart Spaces

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C E D I A S M A R T H O M E AWA R D S

C E D I A AWA R D S The CEDIA Smart Home Awards Asia Pacific winners

ASIA PACIFIC

INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES

TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL I

Winner: Rylec Automation – Double Bay Project

EMERGING BUSINESS

Winner: LUXOR Integration

EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION

Winner: Integrate Unlimited

– Veluxa Cinema

Winner: Kayder – Brick to Beach

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS – INTEGRATOR

BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL II

EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING

Winner: Ryelec Automation

Winner: Wavetrain Cinemas – Serenity Cinema

Winner: Ryelec Automation – Back of the Moon Project

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS – TRADE SUPPLIER

BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL III

EXCELLENCE IN RACK BUILDING & DESIGN

Winner: Wavetrain Cinemas – 007 Bahama Hideaway BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL I

Winner: Liquid Automation – Superyacht Vertigo - AV Refit

Winner: Kayder – Brick to Beach

EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL II

Winner: Kayder – Harbour View

Winner: Ryelec Automation – Double Bay Project BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL III

Winner: Kayder – Harbour View

Winner: ADI | Snap One Asia Pacific EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTRE INNOVATION – INTEGRATOR

Winner: LUXOR Integration EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTRE INNOVATION – TRADE SUPPLIER

Winner: Integrate Unlimited

EXCELLENCE IN NETWORKING

Winner: Liquid Automation – Superyacht Vertigo - AV Refit

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

BEST SINGLE ROOM SOLUTION

BEST SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Winner: Denote – Blue Note

Recipient: Dee Bubeck,

TECHNOLOGY BEYOND THE HOME

Winner: Liquid Automation – Superyacht Vertigo - AV Refit

Crestron Electronics BEST TECHNICIAN

Recipient: Michael Daly, Wired By MJD

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C E D I A S M A R T H O M E AWA R D S

EMEA INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES

TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN

BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL I

Winner: IndigoZest Ltd & Cinema Luxe – Buzzards Road Home Cinema

Winner: CinemaWorks –

EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION

Beside the Seaside BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL II

Winner: Blackroom – Apex Cinema Project

Winner: IndigoZest Ltd & Cinema Luxe – Buzzards Road Home Cinema

Winner: IndigoZest Ltd –

BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL III

Buzzards Road Project

Winner: Die Zwei - Heimkino GmbH – Flotopia BEST HOME CINEMA LEVEL IV

Winner: MCBEE – RR Cinema

EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING

Highly Commended: Aloud – Scandinavian Loft EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL I

Winner: Audio Visual Control Systems Limited – Bahari Haven

Winner: Audio Visual Control Systems

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION

Limited – Bahari Haven BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL II

Winner: Automated Spaces – Project College Care Kent

Winner: Mosaic Audio & Visual Ltd – Fitzroy Square TECHNOLOGY BEYOND THE HOME

Winner: Automated Spaces – Project College Care Kent

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS – TRADE SUPPLIER

Winner: CAVITAK Highly Commended: ADI | Snap One EMEA Highly Commended: Rako Controls Ltd EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTRE INNOVATION – INTEGRATOR

Winner: Beyond Alliance Highly Commended: Finite Solutions EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTRE INNOVATION – TRADE SUPPLIER

Winner: L-Acoustics INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

BEST NEWCOMER

Recipient: James Solomon-Clarke, TSR Electrical Ltd

Winner: Aloud – Scandinavian Loft BEST INTEGRATED HOME LEVEL III

The CEDIA Smart Home Awards EMEA winners

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

BEST SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Recipient: Harsh Patel, CAVITAK EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS – INTEGRATOR

BEST TECHNICIAN

Winner: Beyond Alliance

Recipient: Chris Brooker, LAVA

Highly Commended: Henri

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Recipient: Nicky Moss, Cost of Cancer

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C E D I A S M A R T H O M E AWA R D S

GLOBAL INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES

Marvin – Marvin Connected Home

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

Murideo – Murideo STIX GLOBAL INTEGRATED HOME

Winner: ZIO Group, LLC – Modern Lakefront Intelligent Estate GLOBAL HOME CINEMA

Winner: Wavetrain Cinemas – 007 Bahama Hideaway

Steinway Lyngdorf – Lyngdorf FR-2 Speaker

ADVOCACY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Paul Vivian (Australia)

BEST NEW SOFTWARE

CERTIFICATION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Lutron Electronics –

Winner: Stuart Robertson (Australia)

Lutron’s Natural Light Optimization (NLO) for Roller Shades

NEW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jason Adam (Australia)

MANUFACTURER CATEGORIES

OneVision Resources – ProVision

BEST NEW HARDWARE

PRODUCT HALL OF FAME:

AudioControl –

ADI | Snap One – WattBox

AudioControl Bijou 5100D

Winner: Nathan Holmes (America)

DMF Lighting – Artafex Linear

StormAudio – StormAudio ISP Platform

DMF Lighting – Artafex PhaseX

Josh.ai – Josh Micro

WORKFORCE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Faradite – Motion Sensor 360 - Plaster In

Nice North America – IT-REFERENCE 20i Discrete Symmetrical Power Filter, 20 Amp (IT-REF 20I)

STANDARDS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

HK Lighting – ARTOAL16 Adjustable Accent Light madVR Labs – madVR Envy Core MK2 8K

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Nice North America – M4315-PRO OneVision Resources – OneVision Sonos, Inc. – Sonos Amp

Winner: Adam Keplinger (America) VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Ron Callis (America) FELLOWS

Winners: Patrick Hartman & Joe Wallace LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Winner: Anthony Grimani

The 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards Program Has Launched Do you want to be standing on the CEDIA Smart Home Awards stage next year with one or more trophies in your hand? If that is your target, now is the time to start working on your submission, as entries are open for the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards program. All members, including integrators, individuals, manufacturers, and distributors, are invited to participate.

INTEGRATOR CATEGORIES BEST HOME CINEMA BEST INTEGRATED HOME BEST SINGLE ROOM SOLUTION BEST ASSISTED LIVING PROJECT BEST OUTDOOR SPACE TECHNOLOGY BEYOND THE HOME EXCELLENCE IN DOCUMENTATION EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING EXCELLENCE IN NETWORKING EXCELLENCE IN RACK BUILDING AND DESIGN EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

BUSINESS CATEGORIES EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS - INTEGRATOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS - SUPPLIER EMERGING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTRE INNOVATION – INTEGRATOR EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENCE CENTRE INNOVATION – SUPPLIER

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES BEST NEWCOMER BEST SALES REPRESENTATIVE BEST TECHNICIAN

MANUFACTURER CATEGORIES BEST NEW HARDWARE BEST NEW SOFTWARE PRODUCT HALL OF FAME

To find out more about these categories, download the awards toolkit from www.cedia.org/awards.

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Practical Artificial Intelligence for the Modern Integration Business Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed the landscape for integration businesses, offering practical solutions that enhance efficiency and creativity. James Ratcliffe, Founder of Homeplay, shares his experiences and advice on harnessing AI for realworld business impact. Adopt an AI-First Mindset Like many of us, when I first found out about ChatGPT, I was pretty blown away by it. And since then, I have to say, I have become an AI fan – something that is clear to see with the number of subscriptions I have! I think most people think that AI is simply ChatGPT and the kind of image or video creation that you see on social media channels. But there is so much more out there. To throw yourself fully into the AI world, you need to adopt a mindset that asks, “Can AI do this for me?” for every task or challenge. By regularly exploring whether an AI tool can solve a problem or improve a process, businesses can unlock new levels of productivity and

to be an expert prompter; you just have

Now, thanks to one of my favorite AI

to talk to it like you were talking to

platforms, Lovable, I just copy and paste

someone else in the room.

the information into the webpage, and it produces a beautiful looking document that is presentable enough to send straight to the client – and it does all this within seconds. I believe that the proposals I have generated using AI have impressed clients with their quality, setting my business apart from competitors. Of course, there is an element of personalization that you need to get to this level first. So, at the beginning, I provided Lovable with relevant context, such as my company website and a sample fee proposal, so that it understood my brand and the requirements. It responded by proposing a draft, which I then refine through conversational feedback, adjusting elements like layout and color to better fit my preferences. This iterative process continued until the outcome aligned perfectly with my vision. Once satisfied, I was able to save the final version and now this is what I use for each fee

Solving Installation Challenges Here’s a great example for integrators. I use an agentic platform called the Comet Assistant browser by Perplexity to help address complex installation challenges. Remarkably, this tool has helped us diagnose and resolve issues on projects. We had a client with a Starlink and BT line wired into the same router. It kept failing and we couldn’t figure out why. I asked AI to have a look at it, and not only did it find the fault for us, but it also did an amazingly thorough job of it. And that’s just one example of how we can use AI on our projects. What I’d love to see happen in the future is for AI to reliably automate tasks such as programming a control system from a bill of materials. When people hear the word AI, they sort of glaze over, but if you have the right mindset, understand that AI is not a onesize-fits-all solution, are curious enough about the different tools, and then learn how to harness them, AI really will be

creativity.

proposal, ultimately streamlining the

Efficiency and Professionalism

the practical, collaborative nature of

the practical possibilities that AI offers

AI tools dramatically reduce the time

working with AI tools to achieve tailored,

modern integration businesses.

spent on routine tasks and enhance

on-brand results efficiently.

the professional appearance of outputs. I am a huge fan of using AI tools to automate proposal creation, turning raw data into polished, on-brand documents with minimal effort. It just

process going forwards. This highlights

Voice Dictation Another tool that made the above task – as well as many others - easier for me, is Wispr Flow, which allows me to

makes everything look so much better

speak rather than type. Since using it, I

and takes very little time.

have found that speaking to AI is more

I’ll explain how my process for fee proposals has changed. I used to

give that to clients as a fee proposal.

natural and productive than typing, as I talk to it as if I’m talking to a human.

manually input data into a budget

There was a term being used a year or

calculator and then format the results

so ago called prompt engineering, but

into a semi decent Word document and

I don’t agree with this. You don’t have

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game-changing for your company. It’s time to embrace change and explore

About the Author James Ratcliffe, Managing Director at award-winning CEDIA member, Homeplay, started the business in 2006 through his passion for home technology. If he’s not advising clients on their home technology systems, then he’s busy researching and testing new products, or refining the company’s procedures. James currently sits on CEDIA’s Board of Directors.

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INTEGRATION FOR GOOD How Smart Home Technology Can Change Lives Beyond Luxury

Director at Imperium recalls. “An unexpected connection through a housing developer led to a meeting with the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Although initial discussions didn’t come to fruition, two years later, QEF approached us to help design a technology solution for their new neurorehabilitation center in Leatherhead.” The brief was clear but challenging. Integrate technology that could empower individuals with acquired brain injuries to regain their independence, all within the tight budgetary constraints of a charity. “We had to balance the need for robust, reliable solutions with the realities of

a charitable organization’s finances,” hen you think of smart

working on such a project in the UK

Chris explains. “Ultimately, we opted

home

integration,

with the Queen Elizabeth Foundation

for a Crestron-based system, more

images of ultra-prime

for Disabled People (QEF) offered a

residences, state-of-

rare opportunity to use their expertise

the-art cinema rooms,

and jaw-dropping automation spring to mind. Yet, beyond the glitz and

for genuine good, providing assistive technology to those recovering from life-changing injuries.

often found in luxury homes, because reliability and ongoing support were paramount. When you’re helping people with disabilities, technology failure isn’t just an inconvenience. It can be life-altering.”

glamour, there are projects quietly

This project was a departure from

Navigating the unique requirements

revolutionizing lives for those who

the Imperium team’s regular portfolio.

of a project like this was no simple

need it most. For the team at Imperium,

“It found us, really,” Chris Thorne,

feat. The diversity of needs, ranging from physical disabilities to sensory impairments, meant there was no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Voice control, using platforms like Amazon Alexa, offered new possibilities, but the team had to consider scenarios where clients could not speak or had overlapping disabilities. “Technology can do most things, but in the end, budget and practicality mean you can’t cater for every single need,” Chris notes. The challenge was to maximize impact across a spectrum of users. These sorts of projects can be transformative, both for the clients and for those delivering them. “We’re so used to working with advanced technologies, it’s easy to take them for granted. But in a project like this, even simple automations such as controlling lights, heating, or curtains by voice can become genuinely lifechanging,” says Chris. For many, the

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ability to manage their environment

systems. Whether it’s a luxury home or

independently brings not only physical

a charity project, regular maintenance

ease but also a significant boost to

is essential to ensure reliability.” The

mental health and morale. “It is hugely

Imperium team found themselves

rewarding to see our work make such

providing free support visits to keep

a tangible difference.”

everything running smoothly – a labor

When integrating technology, the

of love, but one that’s crucial for the

focus should always be on making

people depending on the technology.

life simpler for the user. Chris

“From an ethical position, it’s the right

highlights that, whether for luxury

thing to do. Sometimes you must look

homes or life-changing assistive

beyond putting money in the bank,

projects, the key is to understand

and instead, focus on giving back.”

how people will interact with their environment. Overly complex systems risk becoming barriers rather than enablers. Integrators need to work closely with users to ensure that the technology is intuitive and genuinely meets their needs, reinforcing the idea that even the simplest solutions can deliver profound benefits. Delivering integration for good comes with its own set of commercial realities. While the feel-good factor is

“”

IT IS HUGELY REWARDING TO SEE OUR WORK MAKE SUCH A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE.

strong, sustaining this kind of work isn’t straightforward. Chris admits that, following the QEF project, his

Driven by a genuine organizational passion for the project and charity, Chris and his team formed a lasting bond with Queen Elizabeth Foundation.

Chris’s

personal

commitment included serving as a trustee for 18 months, underscoring the impact the collaboration had on him professionally. This project stands as a shining example of corporate social responsibility, demonstrating how specialist knowledge and resources can have a transformative

C H R I S TH O R N E

company actively pursued similar

effect on people’s lives. With over 25 years in the industry, Chris regards this work as a career

opportunities, collaborating with

highlight – an opportunity to leverage

industry groups and other charities.

provide relevant information. “I would

everyday expertise and advanced

“We spent a lot of time trying to build

recommend to any integrator to take

technology to deliver truly meaningful

momentum in this sector, but it’s a

on a job like this, but more often than

change. Chris reflects. “We were able

difficult space to be commercially

not, these projects come to you rather

to use our knowledge and resources

sustainable, as funding is always an

than being actively sourced.”

to genuinely improve lives. That’s what

issue.” Chris stays in communication

Another vital, yet often overlooked,

with CEDIA to help raise awareness of

aspect is maintenance. “People

this untapped sector – and uses their

underestimate

experience with the QEF project to

management required for these

the

integration for good is all about.”

ongoing www.imperium.uk

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How to work with Architects

NARRATIVES Architects love a good story and often create narratives to both generate and assess their designs. My advice to smart home professionals is to tell the story of your integrated technology in everyday use and also in special circumstances – from the average winter weekday evening to a packed house in summer party mode. The different user requirements that our houses need to accommodate – empowered by integrated technology – is wide and

By Tom Webster

varied. Writing a set of these “use narratives”

Webster Harding Architects Ltd.

can easily understand and collaborate with.

that your systems cater for will create common ground that architects and clients

THE ANALOG/DIGITAL BALANCE Architecture is a great generalist profession, and architects have broad and sometimes seemingly contradictory interests. In terms of technology, we might be both early adopters and relative Luddites, enjoying the power of smart digital technology as much as the physical experience of mechanical and analog mechanisms. There’s a real joy in the experience of turning a well-weighted dial or flicking an exquisitely engineered switch. With this in mind, integrators need to ensure that there is a focus on well-considered and haptically enjoyable interface design as the gateway to your system designs – this will be appreciated by architects. The nature of the interfaces in a smart home is key to the quality of the user experience.

FLEXIBLE SPACES Against a backdrop of significantly increasing construction costs, global economic woes, and supply chain uncertainty, architects have a huge challenge in meeting client expectations of value for money, even in the most budget rich projects. A growing trend in architecture is to use spatial flexibility to deliver value. Consider “cost per use” as a metric in determining the makeup of the spaces in buildings. A room that has a single use only, such as a dedicated home cinema room, could be a much better value proposition if it is given additional use or uses. That room

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then becomes multi-use and flexible. This, of course, means that your integrated technology has to facilitate a multitude of modes for lighting, AV, ventilation, thermal comfort, atmosphere, etc. Ideally, this needs to be done without compromising the quality of user experience in each of those modes. Apply this philosophy to a whole building and perhaps we can have multimodal buildings that offer flexibility of use, shaped equally by architecture and by integrated technologies accessible throughout every room.

VIRTUAL ASSETS With the BIM revolution, architects have a tool that offers unprecedented levels of detail and co-ordination during the design process. BIM’s co-ordination capabilities offer the perfect way of delivering a successful marriage of architectural design and integrated technologies from the get-go. Offering your systems as data-rich virtual BIM assets is hugely useful for architects. It also goes a long way in guaranteeing that integrated technologies are properly

About the Author Tom Webster is an Auckland-based, UK-born architect. As the co-owner of Webster Harding Architects, which he set up in 2020, Tom specializes in creating custom-built residential and commercial spaces that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. He has been the host of Grand Designs New Zealand since 2022, where he guides viewers through unique and ambitious building projects across the country.

understood and represented amongst the larger client, consultant, and construction teams, and throughout the project process from design to post occupancy.

THE POWER OF CPDs What’s the best way to interact with and influence architects on a personal level? The requirement for architects to complete continuing professional development (CPD) as part of their registration presents a brilliant opportunity for interacting. Offering a lunchtime CPD to architectural practices is a surefire way to introduce your business and the latest integration technology to an interested audience hungry for knowledge and CPD points. Even better, offer a round of sandwiches as part of the package and you will be guaranteed a friendly and attentive audience. www.websterhardingarchitects.com

For those integrators who are interested in presenting CEDIA CPD/CEU content, visit www.cedia.org/advocacy/design-build-outreach/

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

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A New Standard for OLED Excellence

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The 2025 LG OLED family represents a major leap forward in picture performance. All three models — M5, G5 and C5 — have earned TÜV Rheinland’s prestigious “True Visual Experience with Indoor Lighting” certification, making them the first OLED TVs to achieve this recognition. Each set achieved “Perfect” scores for black levels, contrast, colour accuracy, and their ability to maintain stunning image quality in real-world living-room lighting. These advances build on LG’s longstanding position as the world’s leading OLED brand, trusted by millions for premium performance and longterm dependability.

When choosing a new TV, independent testing matters — and LG shines here too. Which?, the UK’s leading consumer advice organisation, has awarded Best Buy status to LG’s G-series and C-series OLED models, recognising their category-leading picture quality. Just as importantly, LG TVs have earned the Which? Award for The Most Reliable TV Brand, reflecting consistently high owner satisfaction and long-term durability across the brand’s television range.

The 2025 Line-Up The LG OLED M5 is the wireless OLED evo model in LG’s main line-up, featuring the Zero Connect box, which is capable of transmitting 4K video and audio at up to 144 Hz without the need for traditional cables. The result is a clean, minimalist aesthetic that lets the picture take centre stage. Available in sizes up to a breathtaking 97 inches, it’s the ultimate choice for those seeking a cinematic, clutter-free experience without sacrificing performance. The LG OLED G5 (along with the M5) takes the crown as LG’s brightest and most advanced OLED yet. Built for those who demand the very best, it uses next-generation technology that produces exceptional brightness and intensely vivid colour, all while preserving the deep blacks that make OLED famous. Its Gallery Design allows it to sit flush against the wall, turning the TV into a modern design statement as much as a showcase of cutting-edge technology. Then there’s the LG OLED C5, the model that strikes the perfect balance for most homes. It delivers outstanding 4K HDR picture quality, smooth motion, strong gaming features and a price point that makes premium OLED performance more accessible. It’s powerful enough for enthusiasts, yet approachable enough for everyday viewing.

Together, these accolades mean that choosing an LG OLED is not just about enjoying a stunning screen today — it’s about investing in performance that remains dependable for years.

Choosing Your Perfect OLED Each model in the 2025 line-up serves a different kind of viewer. The M5 is ideal for anyone who wants a stylish, cable-free setup that blends seamlessly into a modern living space. The G5 is the flagship option for true picture-quality enthusiasts and design-minded homeowners who want the very best. And the C5 appeals to those who want exceptional performance without the flagship price tag — a versatile, feature-rich TV that excels in almost any room.

The Bottom Line If you’re ready to elevate your home entertainment to a new level, LG’s 2025 OLED range delivers everything you could hope for: spectacular picture performance, beautifully refined design, and the reassurance of multiple Which? awards for quality and reliability. Whether you choose the wireless freedom of the M5, the flagship brilliance of the G5, or the balanced excellence of the C5, you’ll be bringing home a TV designed to impress for years to come.

FIND OUT MORE AT LG.COM

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Safeguarding Homes in the Digital Age: CEDIA’s Commitment to Privacy and Cybersecurity

By Jeff Sonnleitner, Network Specialist and Information Security Instructor, Moraine Park Technical College

The rise of smart homes has trans-

stress enough about the importance of

formed the way we live, offering unpar-

educating clients about the ongoing re-

alleled convenience and comfort. Yet, as

sponsibilities of maintaining their digital

our living spaces become increasingly

security. Integrators should not disap-

connected, the importance of privacy

pear after installation, only to reappear

and cybersecurity has never been more

years later for an upgrade. Instead,

pronounced. The question of how best

they have a duty to help protect cli-

to protect our homes has become

ents and their information, fostering a

one of the most pressing concerns for

relationship built on trust and vigilance.

professionals and homeowners alike.

I monitor the network in my home,

The proliferation of smart devices

which includes 52 connected devices.

means that the average residence

During one week in November, my

can be just as vulnerable to cy-

network scanner blocked 487,350

ber threats as a business or public

unauthorized attempts to access the

institution. Unsecured networks,

system, successfully averting every

weak passwords, and uninformed

threat. This example serves as a pow-

users open doors to intrusions, data

erful reminder that security must be

theft, and even the manipulation of

an ongoing conversation between in-

physical systems within the home.

tegrator and client. Integrators should

For integrators, the challenge is two-

look at including regular cybersecurity

fold. Not only must they stay abreast of

check-ins in their service packages.

the latest technological advances, but they must also understand and com-

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

municate the evolving risks to their cli-

Cybersecurity in both homes and

ents. Even seasoned professionals with

businesses continues to evolve, but

decades of experience and numerous

the industry is still largely reactive.

certifications cannot afford to become

The primary defenses are intrusion

complacent. The digital landscape is

detection and intrusion prevention

dynamic; new threats emerge as quick-

systems, which remain mostly sepa-

ly as new solutions are developed.

rate but show a clear trend towards integration. Advances in AI are set to

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CLIENT AWARENESS AND

bridge this gap, enabling systems to

ONGOING PROTECTION

detect and prevent threats in real time.

Effective cybersecurity in smart

Quantum computing promises a

homes is not achieved through a

game-changing leap in digital security,

simple “install and forget” approach.

offering rapid data processing and

Even the most sophisticated systems

robust encryption. While such advances

can be compromised by seemingly

are on the horizon, integrators today

innocuous actions, such as a new

face the practical challenge of up-

device being added to the network

dating legacy systems – sometimes

without the integrator’s knowledge.

more than a decade old – to ensure

Awareness is such a big thing. I can’t

clients receive the latest protections.

SECURING THE SMART HOME

concept of a secure home, offering

Network security in smart homes is

a clear overview of what effective

not just about integrator expertise;

privacy and cybersecurity look like

there are a range of products that play

in practice. It will cover essential

vital roles in protection. Firewalls form the first line of defense, with leading companies offering robust solutions. User-friendly software-based firewalls like Microsoft Defender allow quick activation and customization, such

considerations, such as proper installation techniques, the importance of changing default passwords, and the need for consumer education. CEDIA is developing a long-term

as blocking specific websites for

strategy to elevate education and

children. Hardware-based firewalls,

standards across the field. Plans

while more robust, require a greater

are underway to produce additional

learning curve and careful configuration

white papers and recommended

to match each home’s unique needs.

practices, making it easier for

Some companies offer preconfigured firewalls, but these are often designed for the public rather than individual environments, making

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

it essential to understand how to

In his role as a Program Instructor for over 24 years (currently retired) at Moraine Park Technical College, Jeff Sonnleitner has developed curriculum for a wide range of courses, including systems networking and integration, network installation and technical support, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and several industry certification programs. Jeff holds an impressive array of certifications, including being a Coursera Administrator for the Google IT Tech Support Certification, a VMware Cloud Infrastructure and Services Certified Instructor, a Microsoft Certified Professional in Security, a Cisco Wireless Security Specialist, and a US Department of Defense Ethical Hacking Specialist.

For integrators, the responsibility is

adapt them for effective protection. twofold: choosing the right security

integrators

stay

informed.

One of the most significant steps will be the integration of a dedicated cybersecurity module into CEDIA’s Residential Networking Specialist certification. This addition will ensure that the next generation of

products and ensuring both they

integrators is equipped not just with

and their clients stay up to date with

technical expertise but with a nuanced

best practices and evolving threats.

understanding of privacy and security

The pace of change in cybersecurity

as fundamental aspects of their craft.

will only accelerate. The greatest

Through these initiatives, CEDIA

vulnerability often lies not in technology,

is leading the charge to redefine

but with people. Continuous education

what it means to live securely in an

for both professionals and clients remains paramount. As the field rapidly evolves, today’s solutions can quickly become obsolete, so it’s crucial to foster a mindset of vigilance and lifelong learning. By making

age of digital innovation. By sharing practical resources and investing in advanced training, CEDIA is helping to build a future where the benefits of smart home technology can be fully

cybersecurity an integral, ongoing

enjoyed, without compromising on

priority, integrators and homeowners

privacy or security. For integrators,

alike can ensure that their systems

this is not merely a technical challenge,

remain protected in the face of ever-

but an opportunity to shape the

changing risks and technologies.

safest, smartest homes of tomorrow.

CEDIA’S STRATEGIC RESPONSE Recognizing the complexity of the issue, CEDIA has placed cybersecurity at the forefront of its agenda. This commitment is reflected in several key initiatives designed to empower integrators with the knowledge to protect client homes. Step one is the development of a comprehensive “secure home” guide, scheduled for release in early 2026.

To take the next step in strengthening your cybersecurity expertise, explore CEDIA’s cybersecurity courses at cedia.org/ online-learning

The guide aims to demystify the

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G LOBAL WIN N ER | M OD ER N L A KEF R ON T I N TE L L I G E N T E STATE

AWARDS CASE S (#1 & 2 OF INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT TRACE INTEGRATOR COMPANY: ZIO GROUP, LLC PROJECT: MODERN LAKEFRONT INTELLIGENT ESTATE

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his modern lakefront home in the United States began with a vision grounded in restraint. The client wanted the best in home technology, but insisted it be invisible. Every edge had to be clean. No clutter. No distractions. Just balance between light,

form, and comfort. Integrator, ZIO, became involved early, supporting the family’s existing home while planning was underway for the new one. That trust laid the foundation for what would become a six-year collaboration involving 130 design changes, extensive coordination with trades, and a pandemic that challenged progress at every turn. Throughout, the architectural intent remained the guide. Spaces flow openly, shaped not by walls but by light. Cove

STUDY 1 F 3)

lighting, built seamlessly into ceiling details, became the defining feature of each room. With input from the architect and interior designer, ZIO specified trimless, square fixtures and flush-mounted speakers to maintain the clean ceiling lines. Voice control was essential. The homeowner wanted to walk into a room and say what they needed. Josh.ai enabled that, letting them adjust lighting, shades, and entertainment without lifting a remote. Control4 unified the experience behind the scenes, drawing together audio, climate, and security into a single, accessible system.

“”

THE MODERN LAKEFRONT INTELLIGENT ESTATE FROM ZIO GROUP DEMONSTRATES EXCEPTIONAL ENDTO-END EXCELLENCE FROM DOCUMENTATION TO EXECUTION, WITH PARTICULARLY OUTSTANDING AUDIOVISUAL DELIVERABLES.

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G LOBAL WIN N ER | M OD ER N L A KEF R ON T I N TE L L I G E N T E STATE

Lighting scenes were thoughtfully layered throughout the home. Soft glows mark the transition from day to evening. In shelving units designed for both the living room and main bedroom, concealed linear fixtures provide depth without visibility. Every controller and cable are hidden. Every light is serviceable, but unseen. The project was not without its complications. Ceiling details evolved over time, requiring continual redesign. Shade pockets had to be rebuilt and repositioned, sometimes more than once. But the team remained focused on the outcome, working closely with the builder and joiner to ensure every element fits the wider narrative. What emerged is a home that feels composed and calming. There are no keypads shouting for attention, no racks of switches or wall clutter. The technology doesn’t interrupt. It responds. The homeowner’s experience is now fluid and immediate. Lights rise and fall with voice cues. Music follows them through each space. And when they need to disconnect, the home fades into stillness just as easily.

AWARDS Americas Best Integrated Home Level IV – Winner Global Best Integrated Home – Winner Americas Excellence in Documentation – Honorable Mention Americas Excellence in Lighting – Honorable Mention Americas Excellence in Rack Building & Design – Winner

ZIO Group, LLC United States zioconnects.com Member since 2003

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“”

THE LEVEL OF LIGHTING THAT WAS DESIGNED AND DEPLOYED, ALONG WITH THE LIGHTING APPROACH SHOWED THE JUDGES THAT THIS INTEGRATOR IS WELL VERSED IN LIGHTING AND IS TAKING FULL OWNERSHIP OF THIS AREA OF DESIGNING, SPECIFYING, AND INSTALLING LIGHTING SYSTEMS.

Begin your journey home at www.cedia.org/join

When Design Meets Technology: A New Era of Collaboration Technology has moved from the periphery of home design to its very core. The Technology Meets Design judging panel discusses how architecture, interiors, and smart systems are finally learning to speak the same language. When interior designer Dean Keyworth

Beyond Luxury

of Armstrong Keyworth began his career, a

For decades, smart

conversation about technology rarely appeared in

homes were the domain

a design meeting. “There might be a chat about

of the very wealthy: large

where to put the television,” he says with a laugh.

properties filled with

“But now there’s an entire chapter in my new book

complex control systems

on smart home technology. It’s become integral to

and cinema rooms that

the conversation around luxury interior design.”

required an owner’s manual.

Dean was joined by Susie Rumbold, Sam Brunsden, Peter Warren, Tom Webster, and Toni Sabatino on this year’s CEDIA Technology Meets Design judging panel. Together they represent every angle of the modern home – architecture, interiors, construction, and the increasingly vital layer of intelligent systems that ties it all together. Their collective view is that the industry is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. “Technology can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of a space,” adds Toni, principal of Toni Sabatino Style. “It’s not just about control; it’s about comfort, energy awareness, and celebrating design through light and sound. When thoughtfully integrated, it highlights the materials, art, and architecture we work so hard to perfect.” “Technology is no longer a bolt-on,” says Sam. “It should be treated as a fundamental design layer, like mechanical, electrical, or plumbing. You can’t

Dean Keyworth

Armstrong Keyworth Ltd

That perception, says Susie, is fast disappearing. “It goes beyond highend residential now,” she explains. “There’s a trickledown effect. You’re seeing elements of smart design

Susie Rumbold Tessuto

in rental developments and mid-market projects. It’s becoming expected, and that’s the real shift. The challenge is keeping it usable; technology only succeeds when it feels effortless.” Toni agrees, noting that the perception of technology as an indulgence is fading fast. “We’re seeing it move from luxury to lifestyle,” she says. “Smart lighting, shading, and energy monitoring are becoming standard expectations, even in smaller or multi-family developments.” Peter, who develops homes under the EAB Homes banner in the United Kingdom, has seen that expectation first-hand. “Whether we’re selling at £1 million or £5 million, every buyer assumes there’ll be some technology in the house,” he says. “The difficulty is balancing budget and expectation. People love the idea of smart features but are often surprised when they discover what they actually cost.” For him, the solution lies in future readiness. “At the

build a home without

very least, we make sure the wiring infrastructure

considering how

is there,” he says. “Even if clients can’t afford full

it will connect and

automation immediately, they will have the option later.

perform digitally.”

Readiness is value.”

Clients want to invest in their lifestyle. Technology that supports accessibility and aging in place ensures the home evolves gracefully with its occupants.

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Smart Home Awards 2025 EMEA | Technology Meets Design Winner - IndigoZest and Cinema Luxe - Buzzard Road Home Cinema

Designing for Every Life Stage While technology is frequently associated with convenience, the panel agrees its real power lies in adaptability. Homes can now evolve with their occupants, accommodating everything from hybrid working to aging in place. Sam from Dyntec, who sits on the advisory board of the International WELL Building Institute, highlights how certification frameworks are expanding to

Today, lighting panels and keypads are designed beautifully. They’re tactile, elegant, and can complement the room’s aesthetic. We’re finally at a stage where technology contributes to the visual story rather than interrupting it.

include digital wellness and senior living. “It’s about infrastructure that supports life changes,” he says. “You might design a home for a young family today, but 10 years from now it could need in-home care facilities. If the systems are in place – connectivity, monitoring, control – you can support that transition without rebuilding.” Susie shares a similar observation from her interior design studio, Tessuto. “We often work with clients who are planning long-term residences. The brief now includes lifestyle questions: How do you consume entertainment? Do you travel frequently? Will you need assisted living features later? These conversations help us create a specification that can adapt. Flexibility is everything.” Dean adds that routine itself influences design. “A young couple might have unpredictable schedules, while retirees tend to have consistent habits. Technology can respond to both. Automated lighting

The Invisible Infrastructure Every member of the panel points to networking as the unsung hero (and frequent villain) of the modern home. “It still amazes me,” says Peter, “how many clients come to us saying, ‘I just want the internet to work properly.’ In new builds with reinforced concrete or thick insulation, you can have zero phone signal and patchy Wi-Fi. A beautiful home is useless if it’s not connected.” Sam agrees. “Audiovisual has become IT. Everything sits on a network – lighting, shading, heating, entertainment. If that backbone isn’t designed properly, nothing

and shading can align to routines, adjusting naturally

else functions. A good

over time. It’s incredibly powerful when it works with,

integrator understands data

rather than against, human behavior.”

infrastructure as well as

“Preparing a home for the future is part of responsible design,” says Toni. “Clients want to

design aesthetics. It’s the new electricity.”

invest in their lifestyle. Technology that supports

Dean nods. “There’s still

accessibility and aging in place ensures the home

an education gap among

evolves gracefully with its occupants.”

designers. We need to

Tom Webster Webster Harding Architects Ltd.

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understand how

everyone drops their guard, the results are incredible.

much space a rack

The client wins, the process runs smoother, and the

requires, what

project feels cohesive.”

cooling it needs, and

“The best homes happen when design and

where access panels

technology teams stop protecting their turf,” says

must go. Without

Peter. “It’s about communication, open-mindedness,

that knowledge, we

and remembering that everyone is working toward the

frustrate the integrator.

same goal.”

It’s about crosseducation between our

Redefining Professionalism

disciplines.”

A decade ago, many integration firms operated more

Toni highlights

Peter Warren EAB Homes

like trade contractors than consultants. Sam believes

another layer:

that’s changing. “We’re seeing a rise in specialist design

“So much of the

consultants who don’t sell equipment,” he explains.

conversation now

“They operate like MEP (mechanical, electrical, and

is about network

plumbing) engineers, producing specifications and

reliability. People think Wi-Fi is magic, but it’s

drawings for tender, ensuring the design matches the

infrastructure. A well-planned backbone is what makes

client’s brief rather than pushing a particular brand. It’s

automation truly invisible.”

a sign the industry is maturing.”

Bridging Aesthetic and Technical Worlds

at the table with the architect, engineer, and interior

Historically, interior designers and integrators

designer from day one,” she says. “They bring technical

approached projects from different planets: one

expertise that can shape the concept. When that

focused on appearance, the other on performance. The

happens, the client ends up with a product that truly

panel agrees that collaboration is now dissolving those

reflects their needs and budget.”

Susie supports this model. “Integrators should be

boundaries. “It used to be all about big black speakers and ugly

Dean adds, “The role of education cannot be overstated. Designers don’t need to become

white docks stuck on de Gournay wallpaper,” says

technologists, but they should understand the basics:

Susie. “That’s gone, thankfully. Today, lighting panels

spatial requirements, ventilation, and maintenance

and keypads are designed beautifully. They’re tactile,

access. It’s the same respect we show lighting or HVAC

elegant, and can complement the room’s aesthetic.

specialists.”

We’re finally at a stage where technology contributes to the visual story rather than interrupting it.” For Sam, success depends on timing. “Too often, I’m

Overcoming Misconceptions Despite progress, misconceptions persist – both among

brought in after the interiors are finalized. By then, the

professionals and homeowners. “One of the big ones,”

equipment room is too small, or the ceiling grid doesn’t

says Dean, “is the idea that everything is wireless.

work for the lighting layout. Bringing consultants in

People think you can just do it over Wi-Fi. You can’t.

early, at the same time as mechanical and electrical engineers, saves everyone headaches later. It’s not about competing priorities; it’s about coordination.” Peter, who frequently mediates between the two worlds on site, sees personality as part of the challenge. “Developers, designers, and integrators all come with stereotypes – the tech people seen as nerds, the designers as fussy about finishes. But when

You still need serious cabling if you want reliability.” Susie laughs. “And clients always forget about access. Underfloor heating is a great example. People think there’s no equipment, then realize they need large manifolds and

Great design isn’t about adding more. It’s about making life simpler, calmer, and more connected. When design and technology are truly aligned, you don’t see the systems. You just feel the difference.

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panels. The same goes for technology. If you want it to be invisible, you have to plan for where it lives.” For Sam, the biggest misunderstanding is assuming technology

Sam Brunsden Dyntec

Smart Home Awards 2025 Asia Pacific | Technology Meets Design Winner - Ryelec Automation - Double Bay

and design are at odds. “That’s old thinking,” he says.

respond automatically to sunlight or temperature.

“Invisible speakers, recessed projectors, beautifully

People won’t need to think about it because it’ll just

engineered switch plates – there are so many ways to

happen, creating comfort and efficiency without

make it elegant. The earlier we collaborate, the easier

intrusion.”

it is to integrate seamlessly.” Toni observes that many clients still see smart

Dean points to emerging artificial intelligence. “We’re heading toward unified control, where you simply

systems as complicated or unnecessary. “I ask them

talk to the home or wear a device that understands

if they’d buy a car with roll-down windows,” she

context. But that only works if everything behind the

says. “Technology has matured. Streaming updates

scenes is engineered correctly.”

and intuitive interfaces have made it accessible, not intimidating.”

Sam sees hardware shrinking. “When I started 20 years ago, equipment racks filled entire cupboards. Now we’re halving them

The Convergence of Creativity and Control

every few years. Edge

Across continents, this convergence of design and

computing will make them

technology signals a new mindset. In New York,

smaller still. Integration

Toni’s kitchen-centric philosophy celebrates open-

will get simpler, but

plan spaces where lighting and automation enhance

expectations will rise.

daily rituals. Her belief that technology should serve

People aren’t impressed

wellbeing echoes throughout her work, where lighting

by automation anymore;

and control enhance the joy of everyday rituals.

they’re impressed when it’s

In London, Susie’s process-driven interiors rely on

invisible.”

technical precision to deliver emotional comfort. In

“The goal is not more

New Zealand, architect Tom Webster uses integrated

gadgets,” says Toni.

systems to balance sustainability and cinematic

“It’s about homes that

experience.

anticipate our needs,

Wherever they work, the lesson is the same:

enhance wellbeing,

technology belongs in the design conversation from

and make daily life feel

the start.

smoother. The best

As Susie concludes, “Great design isn’t about adding more. It’s about making life simpler, calmer, and more

Toni Sabatino

Toni Sabatino Style

technology disappears into design, leaving only comfort and beauty behind.”

connected. When design and technology are truly

For Peter, the greatest innovation may be cultural.

aligned, you don’t see the systems. You just feel the

“We’re finally recognizing the value of collaboration.

difference.”

For years, projects went wrong because people worked in silos. Now the word I keep coming back to

A Future of Effortless Living

is communication. When everyone’s on the same page

Looking ahead, the panel predicts a future where

(client, designer, integrator, builder, etc.), the handover

systems fade entirely into the background. Susie

is silent. No calls, no complaints. That’s when you

envisions homes that quietly self-regulate: “We’re

know it worked.”

already seeing shading and climate systems that

home tech pro

THE VALUE OF SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS in Smart Home Projects

During an interview, Katie Sparrevohn, CEO & Founder of London AV Solutions, and Sarah Bradsell, Aftercare Manager at SMC, shared their perspectives on the importance of support and maintenance contracts, their challenges, and the opportunities they present for growth and client satisfaction.

setting clear boundaries and expectations, such as ensuring contracts are in place from the outset, which define the ongoing costs and service levels. The aftercare team must be aware of their response obligations, and clients need to know what support they’re entitled to.” Sarah points out the difficulties of informal arrangements, where the team can end up doing unbilled work out of hours, leading to frustration for both staff and clients. “By establishing proper contracts, we aim to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring that both financial and operational aspects are managed effectively. The journey to a seamless aftercare operation is not easy, requiring perseverance and a willingness to set and maintain fair boundaries,” adds Sarah.

Service that Sells Katie

Sarah

The real hurdle is not just the investment of time and money required to establish a robust aftercare offering, but also the mindset shift needed to appreciate its true value. Many integrators, Sarah observes, fail to grasp the financial

There is a fundamental gap within the industry regarding

rewards. “I think a lot of integrators don’t understand the

aftercare, with many businesses being quick to deliver on

financial benefit to them. It can be really powerful if you do

the initial promise but often disappearing once the final

it well. But not enough integrators are prepared to make

invoice is paid, leaving clients without ongoing support.

that investment.”

“To address this issue, we treat aftercare as its own distinct

“Two of our largest ever projects came from an aftercare

department rather than an add-on to existing roles. We

contract,” Katie confirms. But this success didn’t happen

have someone who is dedicated solely to aftercare, who

overnight. “We had to slug away at that aftercare contract

is physically present at a desk, managing tickets, emails,

for probably four or five years with a system that was just

and calls consistently,” comments Katie.

not working, but we just kept going, and when the time

There’s a formal sign-off process for jobs entering the

was right, we became the contractor for the entire building

aftercare team, ensuring that only properly completed

project. And this house had seven different building projects

and snagged projects are accepted. Katie acknowledges

ongoing at the same time, so it was a great win for us.”

the challenge of finding enough resources and scale

With stories like this, it’s no surprise that Katie has made

to execute this approach, noting that without a robust

the aftercare element into its own business.

process, aftercare quickly becomes chaotic, leading to

Sarah adds: “There are many additional revenue pipelines

client dissatisfaction and widespread negativity. For Katie,

that come from having continuous conversations with

aftercare is an all-or-nothing commitment: it must be done

contracted clients. This invariably leads to other upgrades

properly and professionally, or not at all.

in their home over time, or to other properties that they

SMC, where Sarah works, has been running aftercare

own, or referrals to neighbors, friends, and family. We’re

contracts for a long time, having invested considerable

working on three projects in the same street because the

time, money, and care to make the process run smoothly.

client next door has been told by the initial client, ‘Oh, SMC

She recognizes that there is significant client demand for

is pretty good at maintaining my system, maybe you’d

ongoing support but stresses the importance of structuring

be interested in an upgrade.’ And then they’ve told their

aftercare as a profitable venture. She says: “This involves

next-door neighbor.”

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A Proactive Approach Both Katie and Sarah have developed robust, structured approaches to service contracts, each reflecting a strong commitment to proactive support and clear client

Two of our largest ever projects came from an aftercare contract.

communication. Katie’s model prioritizes proactive maintenance as the cornerstone of their aftercare. She explains: “We offer a range of tiered service plans, including options with or without out-of-hours support, and even bespoke, highly customized packages tailored to clients’ unique requirements. The focus is on regular, scheduled maintenance to extend

KATIE SPARREVOHN

system lifespan and minimize emergencies, with callouts charged separately.” Remote support is also explicitly structured into their plans: clients purchase a set number of remote support

and minimizes disruption for clients. Our bespoke remote

hours, ensuring that all assistance – whether on-site or

monitoring also links directly to our ticketing system, so all

remote – is billable and valued. Katie is clear that the entry-

issues are captured, diagnosed and often resolved before

level plan is a baseline, and if a client is unwilling to invest

the client is even aware.”

in even that, they are not the right fit for the business. The

Maintenance checks are standard and can be as frequent as

goal is to deliver such comprehensive, proactive remote

weekly for certain properties, depending on client demand.

support that physical callouts become rare exceptions.

Crucially, all remote work is tracked and billed – there is no

Sarah’s process at SMC closely mirrors Katie’s with its

provision of free remote fixes, ensuring the company’s time

emphasis on proactivity and includes a strong technical

and expertise are properly valued. Sarah’s service contracts

layer of remote monitoring and diagnostic capability. Sarah

are also underpinned by clear Service Level Agreements,

says: “We install remote PCs and PDUs on-site, enabling

guaranteeing response times. This clarity around what clients

us to diagnose and often resolve issues without needing

can expect, and what they are paying for, makes it easier to

to visit the property, which streamlines the whole process

sell the value of contracts.

CEDIA Smart Home Awards 2025 EMEA – Excellence in Support & Maintenance Winner: Audio Visual Control Systems Limited - Bahari Haven (Kenya)

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When and How Aftercare Is Introduced in Client Conversations Identifying the right moment to introduce maintenance and aftercare to clients is an ongoing challenge. It can be a tough sell, especially when clients have already invested a significant sum in their system and are then presented with a substantial additional cost for maintenance. Sarah believes in having these conversations as early as possible, ideally as the project nears completion or even sooner. “I introduce myself to clients and explain the critical role of maintenance in ensuring system longevity, cybersecurity, and ongoing performance. I use relatable analogies like comparing AV maintenance to servicing a high-end car to help clients understand why

Transparency about potential ongoing costs is key...clients are more receptive when expectations are set early. SARAH BRADSELL

aftercare is necessary,” she explains. Transparency about potential ongoing costs is key, and she finds that clients are more receptive when expectations are set early. Katie observes that the timing and reception of aftercare discussions can vary widely depending on the client. “Sometimes clients themselves initiate the conversation about aftercare, seeking assurances that

transition to an aftercare plan. There are two elements of education that need to be addressed here. First, integrators themselves must recognize the

support will be available after installation, making it

advantages of establishing a dedicated aftercare

easy to introduce the topic at the outset. Other times,

support department within their business. By setting

we have to bring it up during the broader sales process

up structured aftercare, integrators not only create new

to ensure there are no unwelcome surprises about

revenue streams through ongoing service contracts but

future costs,” comments Katie.

also enhance client satisfaction and loyalty by providing

Fo clients who are more budget-conscious, the

proactive, reliable support.

conversation can become a sticking point, especially

Second, integrators need to educate clients on the

when they’re relying on the initial warranty period

risks of not maintaining systems – such as cybersecurity

and may not immediately see the benefit of proactive

vulnerabilities and incompatibilities with new software

maintenance. In such cases, Katie keeps track of when

updates – emphasizing that the entire system needs to

warranties end and follows up to encourage clients to

be managed cohesively.

CEDIA Smart Home Awards 2025 EMEA – Excellence in Support & Maintenance Winner: MCBEE - RR Cinema (India)

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23-24 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEC BIRMINGHAM, UK

BIG NEWS IN THE AV & SMART HOME SECTOR! EI Live! the UK’s top trade show, teams up with ECN Live! for an all-new event experience. This unique collaboration promises unparalleled insights and opportunities in a unified venue. The residential AV and home automation industries have relied on EI Live! as a primary event for 14 years, but as the market grows and overlaps with electrical contracting, there is an opportunity to bridge these industries. To address this, EI Live! is re-locating to the NEC Birmingham for its 2026 event and will run alongside ECN Live! This joint exhibition creates a collaborative space for AV and smart home professionals to engage directly with electricians and electrical contractors, fostering synergy across these interconnected markets.

GET INVOLVED

Call the show team on +44 (0) 1634 673163

EILIVESHOW.COM

Meet

Winston 1 of 100 Techs in 100 Days

When Winston Guerrero first spotted the hidden technology behind a friend’s automated home, something clicked. After a decade repairing medical devices in high-pressure, fast-moving environments, he realized his skills could translate into a new frontier: the professional smart home industry. That’s where the CEDIA Foundation’s 100 Techs in 100 Days program came in – a donor-supported training initiative designed to give aspiring technicians the tools, knowledge, and confidence to launch a career. For Winston, completing the program became a springboard to a new role with Boston-area integrator and CEDIA member, SimpleHome.

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well-prepared for the pace of our industry. What will his first few weeks on the job look like? Winston’s first few weeks on the job will be focused on getting familiar with our company’s operations, resources, and team. Initially, he will spend time learning about our sites, reviewing our documentation, and understanding the core processes that drive our

In this Q&A, Winston shares what drew

How did the CEDIA Foundation’s 100

him to the program, what excites him

Techs in 100 Days program help you

most about his new career, and how the

prepare for a career in the professional

CEDIA Foundation’s training continues to

smart home industry?

their workflows, and gaining hands-on

support him on the job. We also spoke

The program helped me tremendously.

experience in the field.

with SimpleHome’s COO, who took a

It covers the essentials: tools, fasteners,

This immersive approach will allow

chance on an industry newcomer and

construction

job-site

Winston to learn directly from

discovered the value of fresh talent.

professionalism, and more. I still go back

experienced team members and begin

to the modules to stay sharp and refresh

applying the knowledge he’s acquired

what I’ve learned.

to real-world situations. Throughout this

Winston Guerrero,

materials,

Installation Tech, SimpleHome How did you find out about CEDIA’s 100 Techs in 100 Days award and what motivated you to apply? I first saw the 100 Techs in 100 Days program on CEDIA’s LinkedIn. Earlier that summer, I’d been at a friend’s outdoor gathering and started noticing all the hidden technology around the home, then realized the entire place was automated. Having serviced medical devices for nearly a decade, I was immediately hooked. I figured the AV world must have its own version of AAMI,

work. During this period, he will be shadowing senior technicians, observing

time, he’ll receive continuous support What are you most looking forward to

and guidance to ensure he’s on the right

in your new role?

track and can gradually take on more

I’m excited to grow into a knowledgeable,

responsibilities as he becomes more

skilled integrator who can confidently

confident and skilled.

install and service the complex systems we handle at SimpleHome. I’m lucky I’ll be surrounded by extremely talented integrators and technicians here, and to learn from them every single day.

Mark Rosa, Chief Operating Officer, SimpleHome

so I did some research and found CEDIA.

What stood out about Winston that

After exploring their page, I saw the

made you confident in hiring him?

program, applied, got accepted, and

His enthusiasm and passion for our

dove in. I completed it and honestly, I

industry made it clear how genuinely

loved every part of it.

interested he is in this field. He also showed strong adaptability, flexibility,

Have you always been interested

and the ability to be mobile, qualities

in working with technology, or did

that are essential at SimpleHome.

What does it mean to you that your

interest?

How did his background or training

connected with new talent through

I’ve always had a passion for technology.

prepare him for this role?

I’ve spent 10 years servicing medical

He comes from a high-pressure

We’re excited to have access to such

equipment and studying Biomedical

technology support environment

a strong pipeline of new talent. We’ve

Engineering Technology. But receiving

where he repaired analyzer machines

supported CEDIA since the early days

this award opened my eyes to the

in hospitals. That role required constant

and have seen firsthand how they

smart home industry and really pushed

travel, quick problem-solving, and the

uphold high industry standards. Being

me toward building a career in home

ability to react to last-minute needs

able to tap into that network is both

technology.

– making him extremely nimble and

valuable and inspiring.

receiving this award spark a new

company is one of the first to be the CEDIA Foundation?

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G LOBAL WIN N ER | 007 BA HA M A HI D EAWAY

THE ART AND INNOVATION BEHIND A SECRET AGENT CINEMA

cinematic retreat inspired by James Bond’s Island escapes, this Queensland home cinema balances escapism with refined engineering to create the ultimate private screening room. Set deep in regional Queensland,

Australia, the 007 Bahama Hideaway is far more than a home cinema. It’s a masterclass in immersive design, responding to a client brief that blended performance, narrative, and the unique challenges of tropical architecture. The homeowner, a self-confessed James Bond

INTEGRATOR COMPANY: WAVETRAIN CINEMAS PROJECT: 007 BAHAMA HIDEAWAY

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enthusiast, imagined a space that would feel like one of the secretive island retreats so often depicted in the franchise films. It needed to seat ten to twelve guests,

“”

THE 007 BAHAMA HIDEAWAY TURNS A HOME CINEMA INTO A TROPICAL ESCAPE FOR 10–12 GUESTS. INSPIRED BY JAMES BOND FILMS SET IN THE BAHAMAS, THE SPAC E COMBINES COMFORT, STYLE, AND IMMERSIVE SOUND TO CREATE A CINEMATIC ADVENTURE.

deliver breathtaking sound and visuals, and still feel like part of the wider home, which was designed as a relaxed, coastal paradise. Wavetrain Cinemas, brought in to lead the full design and integration, quickly discovered the site would pose logistical and architectural challenges. The cinema sits beneath a guest bedroom and beside a multi-story void. There was little ceiling height to work with and no tolerance for noise bleed or visual clutter. The region’s heat and humidity also meant traditional materials and systems could not be used. Rather than compromise, the team reengineered the space from the ground up. A floating floor system and acoustic shell provide near-total isolation. HVAC was redesigned to keep the room cool without introducing vibration or

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G LOBAL WIN N ER | 007 BA HA M A HI D EAWAY

airflow noise. Timber flooring was selected for durability and ease of maintenance, with acoustics balanced through diffusers and carefully tuned surfaces. The experience is effortless. Lighting scenes gently shift as you enter the room. With one command, the screen adjusts, the system wakes, and the room transforms. Everything is concealed. Speakers, cabling, even the ventilation system disappear behind textured wall panels and cabinetry, leaving only the performance. A ceiling-mounted camera allows remote servicing from anywhere in the world – essential given the home’s remoteness – while the room’s soundproofing is so effective, you can host a full-volume concert without disturbing someone in the kitchen. Visually, the palette is a restrained nod to Bond’s cinematic hideaways. Warm timber tones, clean architectural lines and low-glow lighting evoke a sense of tropical ease without descending into pastiche. For the homeowner, this room is more than a place to watch films. It’s a retreat. A ritual. A daily experience that offers clarity, stillness, and complete control.

AWARDS APAC Best Home Cinema Level III – Winner Global Best Home Cinema – Winner APAC Excellence in Documentation – Finalist

Wavetrain Cinemas Australia www.wavetrain.com.au Member since 2005

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home tech pro

MARKET RESEARCH INSIGHTS 2025 KEY FINDINGS EUROPE WHAT PROPORTION (%) OF YOUR BUSINESS IS SPECIFIED BY THE FOLLOWING?

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT CHALLENGES YOU ARE FACING IN YOUR BUSINESS?

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S ANNUAL REVENUE FROM RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS (IN EUR)?

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL PROJECT SIZE (IN E

29.5%

CEDIA has delivered market intelligence 28% studies in Workforce/ Direct By Labour The client years, and more recently 64% the USA and UK for several 22.5% Shortages YOUR COMPANY’S ANNUAL REVENUE WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL PROJECT SIZE (IN EUR)? in WHAT India,IS Australia/New Zealand, and Canada. Yet the Increasing Property FROM RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS (IN EUR)? Operational Developer 17% Costs European landscape has remained largely unmapped. 29.5% 30

28%

10.5%

28.3%

22.5% conducting its inaugural 17%European Thanks to CEDIA 16.5% market research, we’reInterior able to share fresh perspectives Less than €250k to €500k to Designer 8% 10.5% on the region. €250k €499k €999k 9.5%

Architect

YOU SEE ROWTH TIES IN YEARS?

€250k to €499k

€500k to €999k

Other

€1m to €3m

More than €3m

Less than €10k

€10k to €20k

€20k to €40k

€40k to €60k

58%

24%

23%

17%

15%

12%

systems

shading

networking

10.5%

10%

EACH OF THESE

24%

23%

12%

51.8%

In-House Team

33% 25% 10.5% Online

41.1%

Distributor

Assistive Technologies

Manufacturer

Security systems

10%

38.9%

57.6%

70.6%

85.9% %

Design 0% 25% services

Media 75% rooms 100%

Media rooms

Outdoor AV

RMR services

30%

12.9%

7% development for their staff. 40+

22.4% Less than 5

9.4% The European market is well established, with the 20-39 majority of participants (80%) having worked at their for more than 10 years. HAT IS THEcompany TYPICAL ANNUAL NET SALARY FOR THE

Increase by 6-15%

Battery Storage/ EV Charging

Decrease by 6-15%

2% Other

Energy Management

Not Applicable

We Do Not Off RMR services

Outdoor AV

External Provid

Home Health

Technologies Manufacturer

12%

Increase by more than 30%

18%

Increase by 6-15%

Decrease by 6-15% VR/Immersive Gaming

Stay about the same (+/- 5%)

OTHER %

Stay about the same (+/- 5%)

FOLLOWING ROLES (INCLUDING TAXES)?

58%

3.5%

12% 25 33

Increase by 16-30%

IF YOU PRO OPPORTUN TRAINING P

WHERE DO YOU SEE AREAS OF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS?

In-House Team

Increase by more than 30%

9.4% 20-39

Home networking

HOW DO YOU EXPECT YOUR COMPANY’S Online REVENUE THE NEXT 12 % TO CHANGE % OVER% MONTHS? Distributor Renewables/ Wellness/ Assistive

60%

on these systems. It’s great to see that companies are

12%

Lighting and shading

Other

HOW DO YOU EXPECT YOUR COMPANY’S REVENUE TO CHANGE OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? 7% 22.4% 40+ Less than 5

2-5 6-10 10-20 to More than focussing on internal training ensure professional years years years 20 years

15%

Audio systems

24%

Design services

17%

HOW MANY RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS DO YOU COMPLETE PER YEAR? Manufacturer and distributor training top the charts,

Ageing Less than in Place 2 years

ciation here ship

3.5%

Other

50%

4.7% HOW MANY 2.4% RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS DO YOU which is unsurprising with the constant introduction COMPLETE PER YEAR? of new products and integrators needing to train up

18% 15%

Security systems

More €60

19%

More than €60k

OF YOUR TOTAL YOUR COMPANY BEEN OPERATING IN THE CATEGORIES? Other Dedicated Integrated RESIDENTIAL 11.8% RESIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY DESIGN AND Energy home cinema control systems REVENUE FOR INSTALLATION BUSINESS? Not Applicable / Management EACH OF THESE 15.3% We Do Not Offer This WHICH INDUSTRY EVENTS DO YOU TYPICALLY ATTEND? CATEGORIES? Dedicated Integrated Audio Lighting and Home 50

Other

€40k to €60k Challenges

36%

products) The research shows that the projects that participants The data shows the wide range of annual revenue are on, are on the higher end of the 0% 20% 30% working 40% 50% 60%still70% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 0% for10% these businesses. Almost a third report less than 250K WHAT market. IS THEThere isn’t much activity happening in the more IF YOU PROVIDE euros, while another third state PROFESSIONAL 1m - 3m euros. DEVELOPMENT affordable part of the market. BREAKDOWN OPPORTUNITIES TOThe YOUR STAFF, WHICH results show that theYOUR biggestTOTAL avenue of business OF TRAINING PROVIDERS DO YOU USE? is direct from the client. Architects and property The data mirrors results worldwide, with workforce, RESIDENTIAL WHAT IS THE developers are important allies for integrators as they are product pricing, and operational costs being the three REVENUE FOR BREAKDOWN also HAS a source of new business. main reasons for business challenges. APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY YEARS

control systems 24.7%

41% never ember

€20k to €40k

euros, while another third state 1m - 3m euros. (Access To

External Provider home cinema

Wellness/ Home Health

€10k to €20k

42%

The research shows that the projects that participan are working on, are still on the higher end of the market. There isn’t much activity happening in the m affordable part of the market.

Less than €250k

8.1%

Less than €10k

16.5%

Builderfrom this market Other Here are some highlights 6% The data shows the wide range of annual revenue for Supply these businesses. Almost a third report less thanChain 250K research project:

24.7

22.4%

44%

€1mBusiness to More than €3m €3m

8.1%

52%

New

9.5% Product 24.7% Pricing 22.4% Increases

28.3%

Manufacturer which is unsu of new produ on these syst focussing on development

1812% % 15% Other

Ageing in Place

Decrease by 16-30%

ME EMPLOYEES DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE? ISE is the key event for many within the industry. It is great to see that this show continues to be at the top 60% of Decrease by more than 30%

Decrease by more than 30%

participants’ diaries. It is useful to see which other shows are of interest to integrators throughout the year.

18%

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER

EAD/SENIOR TECHNICIAN

€46,250

€42,957

10-20

22.4% 10-19

20+

SALES 4 REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEMS DESIGNER

€43,333

10%

20%

30%

PROJECT MANAGER

€33,868

for the year ahead.

€43,833 There are a lot of single€50,850 run companies

home tech pro

N PROJECT REVENUE IS RESIDENTIAL VS COMMERCIAL?

10%

20%

30%

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL ANNUAL NET S There is optimismFOLLOWING in these results that the market wi ROLES (INCLUDING

increase or stay the same. Very few respondents exp their revenue to decrease - this provides a great outl for the year ahead. Download the full report

www.cedia.org/advocacy/market-intelligence/ 3

CEDIA MARKET RESEARCH INSIGHTS – EUROPE 2025

within the European market. There aren’t many larger businesses (20+ employees), but the data is fairly equally spread between 2-20 employees. CEDIA MARKET RESEARCH INSIGHTS – EUROPE 2025

40%

22.4% 10-19 ADMINISTRATIVE is optimism these results that the market will CEDIA MARKET RESEARCH There INSIGHTS – EUROPEin2025 38.8% ROLE 38.8%expect increase or stay the same. Very few respondents 5-9 5-9outlook their revenue to decrease - this provides a great

CEDIA MARKET RESEARCH INSIGHTS – EUROPE 20 SYSTEMS SA

JUNIOR TECHNICIAN

€29,175 5

PROGRAMMER

LEAD/SENIOR TECHNICIAN

€42,957

€46,250

REPRES

SYSTEMS DESIGNER

€43,833

€43

EUR)?

than 0k

nts

The smart home landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it, the expectations of homeowners, developers, and technology professionals. As someone who has spent many years in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformation.

It is for this reason that I’m excited about

improvement and partnership, ensuring

the launch of the CEDIA Smart Home

CEDIA integrators are seen as providing

Assurance Program.

the thought leadership at the heart of

Program offers a structured, reliable

Candidates must be CEDIA members,

certification system. It is an initiative that

hold either a CIT or IST certification, and

not only makes it easier for specifiers

possess a valid CSCS or ECS card, such

and volume homebuilders to have the

as the Home Technology Integrator card.

right tech installed in their new homes,

This demonstrates that those certifying

Demand for home technology continues

but it also creates an opportunity

smart homes are truly at the top of

to grow. The number of connected

for integrators to build relationships

their field.

devices in a typical home are projected

with property developers and certify

to increase fifty-fold by 2030, yet many

and support the next generation of

builders and developers find themselves

connected homes.

training courses, so keep an eye on the website for more details.

Unlocking New Opportunities

www.cedia.org/smart-home-assurance-

for Integrators

programme-assessor

just hardware. They need assurance that

The program introduces a new role

the money they spend to incorporate

for CEDIA members: the Smart Home

technology will be worthwhile, and

Assessor. This isn’t just a title; it’s an

the devices their residents bring with

opportunity to expand service offerings

them (and will buy in future) will work

and build lasting relationships with

seamlessly and consistently, even as their

property developers. Builders and

About the Author

homes and lifestyles change.

developers pay a low fee for the review

Steve Moore trained as an architect

Smart Moves – The Role of Technology in New Homes, underscore the value of this approach: 63% of respondents would prefer a CEDIA-certified professional to handle their technology installations, and nearly half are more likely to choose a home accredited by CEDIA or a similar body. We already know from Rightmove,

We are hosting a number of regular

these systems. They need more than

Findings from the consumer report,

ill pect look

the smart home ecosystem. Join the Program

comes to installing and supporting

40%

What the Assurance Program Delivers At its core, the Smart Home Assurance

navigating a complex maze when it

025

Introducing CEDIA’s Smart Home Assurance Program

of their wiring plans, and assessors are paid for their expertise as they witness site installations and ensure compliance with program standards. It’s a chance to

and has worked in the world of building technology for 40 years. He set up SMC in 1993, designing and installing bespoke entertainment,

nurture some valuable new relationships

security, lighting, environmental

and generate a little additional revenue

control, and communication systems

while delivering real value through third-

for private clients and premium

party certification, quality assurance,

homebuilders. He is a Non-Exec

and ongoing support.

Director for various proptech and IoT

Zoopla, and others that people are more

Beyond the initial certification, assessors

likely to buy a home with fast internet

may be called upon to provide

connection. Taken together, this is a

troubleshooting, technology upgrades,

clear call to action for integrators and

and consultations – helping homeowners

developers to work together, leveraging

and property managers get the most

recognized standards to deliver what

from their investments. The program

homebuyers want.

encourages a cycle of continuous

companies. Steve helped bring CEDIA to Europe in 1994 and is still involved in training and outreach. CEDIA Fellow / Lifetime Achievement Recognition. Steve is also a recipient of CEDIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and a CEDIA Fellow.

home tech pro

“

T H E A R T C H A L L E N G E S T H E T E C H N O L O G Y, A N D T H E T E C H N O L O G Y I N S P I R E S T H E A R T. ~ JOHN LASSETER, FILM DIRECTOR

THE LAST 5% THOUGHT-PROVOKING TAKEAWAYS

According to the CEDIA x NKBA | KBIS research report, Technology Integration in Kitchen, Bath, or Whole Home Design Projects: 68% said homeowner interest in integrated smart technology has increased over the past two years

75% of smart-tech integration projects are initiated by homeowners, rather than by designers or builders

The leading reasons homeowners want smart integration are convenience (83%) and security (74%)

home tech pro

“ I’ve always been drawn to the emotional atmosphere that music creates — how great sound moves from a single source, travels through cables and gear, and finally comes alive through a pair of speakers. I’m starting to accept that my path led me to this point for a reason and that I truly belong here. It’s certainly a dream come true. ” - ROM PRAGASA | Account Manager at Origin Acoustics, 100 Techs in 100 Days Recipient

“ Mentorship and workforce development are essential to the continued growth of the custom integration field, and programs like SkillsUSA play a key role in connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. ” - ERIC RASMUSSEN | CEO of Intuitive AV, CEDIA Volunteer

“ Integrators don’t need to install windows — that’s not the expectation. Their value comes from integration, control, and enhancing the homeowner’s experience. ” - JIM FLAHERTY | Director at Marvin, The CEDIA Podcast

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