VOLUME 27 NO. 11 | NOVEMBER 2026
FEATURING • Best of Show Awards at CEDIA Expo 2026 • Picking the Proper Theater Partner • The Benefits of WholeSystem Warranties
STATE INDUSTRY
THE
OF THE
2026
Review:
Revisiting Reviews
Taking a snapshot of where we are right now, with a look at how we got here.
11.26
16 COLUMNS
GEAR
FEATURES
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20 Best of Show Awards at CEDIA Expo
12 The State of the Industry 2026
Secrets of Success AI Can Help…If You Know What You’re Doing The opportunity is to make good marketing easier — not to skip the work that makes it good. By Katye McGregor Bennett, Founder & CEO, KMB Communications
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VITAL Business Tips Breathing Life Into Your 2027 Plan Try this exercise to help visualize and achieve your business goals. By Matt Bernath
10 Home Theater
Build It Like a Cinema, Not a Lounge A true private cinema isn’t just styled like a movie theater — it’s crafted like one. By Christiaan Beukes
11 Home Theater
Picking the Proper Partner, Part 1 What you should expect from your theater design partner. By Sam Cavitt
34 Going Forward
The Single-Policy Project Hardware is a commodity — your time is the product. A wholesystem warranty ensures you get compensated for it. By Manish Chauhan, CEO, SureBright
Taking a snapshot of where we are right now, with a look at how we got here.
2026 Winners Get a closer look at the 37 products that impressed our judges and took home the prize.
30 Review
By Anthony Savona
Revisiting Reviews – A Second Look For this month’s review, John Sciacca looks back on some of the previous products that he’s reviewed to see if his opinion of the product has changed over time. The list has been narrowed to items that are still available, so no recaps on TVs or soundbars that are multiple generations old. By John Sciacca
16 Grandma’s House, Expanded
A vast family-owned property gets a high-tech makeover from Cobb Home Innovations. By Anthony Savona
26 The Integration Guide to Smart
Security A look at some of the trends and features offered from current, integrated residential security devices. By Karen Mitchell
DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Letter........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
ON THE COVER Our annual State of the Industry report takes a look at where we are right now in terms of won projects and the types of products that were spec’d. Illustration by Malte Mueller/Getty Images. See the full story on page 12.
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NOVEMBER 2026
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Taking Care of Yourself
November 2026 Volume 27, Number 11
BY ANTHONY SAVONA
N
ovember is recognized as “Men’s Mental Health Month,” but for the purpose of this editorial, I’d like to change that to “Entrepreneur’s Mental Health Month.” As we look at the state of the industry in this issue, overall things look good — sales and projects are both up, which is great, but there is also a downside to that in terms of overworked staff and management burnout. And just because the overall outlook is good, results vary and not every business is booming; in fact, D-Tools’ Jason Knott warns of a softening in the upper-middle bracket (jobs in the $25,000– $50,000 range), which is where many suburban homeowner projects sit. Regardless of the pressures of business being too good or not good enough, it is imperative that you find the time and effective ways to take care of yourself. Recently, Founders Reports completed a survey (which you can read at https://bit.ly/47AenTU) of 227 entrepreneurs representing 46 countries about the stresses they face. They found that 87.7% of entrepreneurs struggle with at least one mental health issue, while 34.4% of entrepreneurs experience burnout and 50.2% of them struggle with anxiety. That near-90% number is staggering, but I am guessing that you are not all that surprised at the findings. Hopefully, if you fall into the category, you have someone to talk to about it, but, according to the survey, about a quarter (26.9%) of entrepreneurs feel lonely or isolated. Therein lies the worry. It is not uncommon for business owners to keep those feelings hidden to project an impression that everything is under control, but those feelings can’t stay hidden forever. I have spoken to dealers who have said they find comfort in sharing with other integration business owners through their buying groups or similar associations. Anne-Wallis Droter has written an article (which you can read at https://bit.ly/4i9xOIj) for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization website called “88% of Entrepreneurs Struggle with Mental Health: 8 Ways to Cope.” Though it was written in 2024, the information is still relevant today. In it, she offers advice on how to avoid burnout and how to lower stress in real time. Though I am not an entrepreneur, stress
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CONTRIBUTORS KATYE MCGREGOR BENNETT
Katye McGregor Bennett is chief strategist and CEO of KMB Communications and an avid podcaster. Podcasts include Connecting Tech + Design and AV Trade Talk.
MATT BERNATH
still finds me, and the part of Droter’s advice I regularly try to practice is “establish healthy boundaries,” which includes setting a regular time to turn off notifications, carving out time with loved ones, and blocking off time for focused work. Master the art of saying no is in there, too, and though I know I should do it more, I have a way to go on that one. A few years back I wrote a similar editorial for a November issue called “That State of You,” where I implored you to take time for yourselves to make sure you are at your best for your businesses. I asked you to send your escape methods to me at anthony.savona@futurenet. com, and it got the most responses of any of my articles. I invite you again to let me know how you manage your daily stresses and pressures. If I think it can help other readers, I’ll write about it here in a future issue, giving you full credit (if you want it; anonymous works, too). Keep doing those deep-breathing exercises, and we will meet back here next month!
Matt Bernath is a CE veteran with more than two decades in retail, wholesale, CI, and business coaching. In 2021, Matt and a group of partners acquired VITAL, and Matt now serves as the company’s president/CEO.
CHRISTIAAN BEUKES
Cinema designer Christiaan Beukes is celebrated for blending rigorous engineering with creative innovation. With more than two decades of experience, he has helped redefined the standard for what is possible in private cinema.
SAM CAVITT
Sam is the founder and chief vision officer of Paradise Theater. He has also founded and spearheads Cinema Connoisseur, an initiative to build a community of enthusiasts who embrace the world of private cinema and film.
JOHN SCIACCA
John Sciacca is a principal with Custom Theater and Audio, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In his free time, he blogs prolifically about the CE industry. cineluxe.com
MANISH CHAUHAN
Manish Chauhan is the CEO of SureBright. He helps retailers and custom integrators turn product protection into a growth strategy. Previously, he held engineering and product leadership roles at Amazon, Samsung, and Mitel.
Find me online... anthony.savona@futurenet.com residentialsystems.com twitter.com/resisys facebook/resisys company/residentialsystems
NOVEMBER 2026
Residential Systems (ISSN 1528-7858) is published monthly by Future B2B. 130 W. 42nd St, 7th Floor, NY NY 10036. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Residential Systems P.O. Box 254 Lowell MA 01853.
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SECRETS OF SUCCESS
AI Can Help…If You Know What You’re Doing The opportunity is to make good marketing easier — not to skip the work that makes it good. B Y K AT Y E M C G R E G O R B E N N E T T, F O U N D E R & C E O , K M B C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
“We can have AI write that.” That is a perfectly reasonable suggestion from a marketing client. My next question is: Have we decided what we actually need to say? Before anyone decides this is the column where the marketing person tells everyone to stop using AI, let me save you the suspense. It isn’t. I am all for making the work easier. I would simply suggest qualified humans remain involved in deciding whether the work is worth putting your name on. A recent EMARKETER article about Ogilvy’s approach to AI made an important distinction: “Use the technology to expand what people can do, while keeping people responsible for the creative direction and finished work. Efficiency should not come at the expense of quality.” Read that again. For integration firms and brands, I would bring that conversation closer to home. Before asking AI to market your expertise, make sure you are giving it some expertise to work with.
Start With Something Worth Saying Consider a hypothetical motorized shading project. You could ask AI to write a post about convenience, comfort, and beautiful living spaces. But what, specifically, would that tell someone about your company? Perhaps the homeowner wanted privacy without making a daily expedition around the house. The interior designer wanted the shades to disappear into the architecture. The builder needed decisions made before the ceiling details became expensive disagreements. Those are three different conversations. I would not squeeze them into one paragraph and call the audience “luxury.” Luxury is not a person. It cannot tell you what is bothering it. Instead, identify the persona of the audience you need to reach and the part of the project that demonstrates your value to them. Show how you coordinated with the designer. Explain which decisions helped the builder keep moving. Describe the everyday frustration you helped the homeowner resolve. Then bring AI into the work. Give the tool something your competitors cannot. Start with material that belongs to your business: approved project details, questions customers actually ask, explanations from your technical team, and examples of what makes your process different. Use only information you have written permission to share, and keep confidential client and project details out of AI tools not approved for that use. For a manufacturer, that might mean explaining why a product decision was made and what problem it addresses. For an integration firm, it might mean describing the coordination that happened before the finished room was ready for its closeup.
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The beauty shot deserves its moment. I would also like to hear about the work that made it possible. AI has a useful role beyond cleaning up those notes. Ogilvy describes using it to explore creative directions, challenge assumptions, and develop ideas — not simply produce more versions of the same thing. Try that approach. Ask for several ways to explain a complicated concept. Ask which parts of your draft are vague. Ask for questions an architect might raise, then take those questions to an actual architect. Treat a simulated audience response as something to investigate, not as a conversation you have already had. And please do not ask AI to “make this more professional” when what you really need is to make it clearer. I would rather read a useful explanation in your team’s natural language than another paragraph about an unwavering commitment to unparalleled excellence. We can probably let the excellence speak for itself.
Keep Someone Responsible for the Promise My biggest concern is not whether an AI-assisted paragraph sounds polished. It is whether anyone checked what the paragraph promises. AI systems can produce plausible statements that are untrue. Anthropic’s research has documented that behavior directly. A confident sentence is not verification. Imagine a draft that casually promises compatibility with every system, effortless installation, or support whenever a customer needs it. Before publishing, ask the people responsible for delivering those things whether the language is accurate. Your service team should not discover a new company policy in a social media post. Assign someone who understands the subject to review the substance, not just the spelling. Can you support the claim? Does the example reflect the work? Would the person reading this understand what you actually do? Then give the work a reason to exist beyond filling Thursday’s publishing slot. For your next piece of content, start with one real customer question and one verified example. Use AI to explore how to explain the answer. Have the right person review it. Publish with a clear next step and pay attention to the conversations that follow. That is the opportunity I would pursue: more room to develop useful ideas, with your expertise still present throughout the process. Need help putting AI to work without losing the judgment, personality, and experience that make your company worth hiring? Drop me a line at katye@ kmbcomm.com. Let’s make your marketing easier to manage and harder to mistake for someone else’s.
VITAL BUSINESS TIPS
Breathing Life Into Your 2027 Plan Try this thinking exercise to help visualize and achieve your business goals. B Y M AT T B E R N AT H
I hated my first five CPRs. I didn’t want to do them, I was frustrated by them, and the only reason I kept going was a mentor who wouldn’t let me quit. Today, it’s the first tool I reach for before anything that matters, from a team meeting to a multi-day event. It’s also the one I’d hand any owner sitting down right now to plan 2027. CPR stands for Context, Purpose, and Results. It’s a thinking exercise and planning tool that fits on a single page and takes about an hour. When you’re done, you’ll have three things: a list of what success looks like once it’s behind you; one sentence that explains why it matters; and a few words you’ll carry in your head the whole way through. Those few words end up doing the heaviest lifting, especially on the days the plan gets messy. My co-host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz had never heard of a CPR until we dug into it on a recent episode of The Flywheel Effect. By the end of the conversation, he was building one on the fly, and his first attempt produced two of the best lessons in this article. Here’s the twist: You build it backward, starting at the finish line and ending with the words you’ll memorize.
Start at the Finish Line The first step is Results, and you write them in past tense, as if the thing is already over and you’re looking back on it. “I hired a project manager who runs installs without me.” “I had three conversations with owners who have already solved my cash flow challenges.” “I took two full weeks off and the phone stayed quiet.” Results come in two flavors. Concrete results are the ones you can answer yes or no to. “Did I add a lighting vendor?” “Did I hit my margin target?” Ethereal results are about how you showed up. “I felt proud of how I led my team through a tough quarter.” “I was present at dinner.” Both belong on the list, and a good brainstorm usually lands somewhere between five and 20 of them, depending on how big the thing is. A onehour meeting might get five. A full year deserves more. Why past tense, and why bother writing it down? Because your brain finds what you tell it to look for. A network in your brainstem called the reticular activating system (RAS) helps filter what earns your attention. Tell someone not to picture a red Jeep, and they’ll spot three on the drive home. The Jeeps were always there. Now their RAS is tuned in.
San Diego: “To host a valuable, connecting, and memorable in-person intensive so that our members can learn and grow together while making new connections and taking space to breathe and become their highest and best selves.” Nobody is going to memorize that, and that’s fine. The value lives in the thinking it takes to write it. That last piece, the higher purpose, is impossible to measure. I can’t prove anyone left San Diego as their highest and best self. It sure is a fun target to aim at, though. Two tips will save you a lot of rewriting. First, keep negative references out. When Brent took his first swing at a Purpose Statement, playing the role of a newer integrator, part of it was about no longer buying through distribution. Your brain skips right past the “no longer” and holds onto “buying through distribution.” Say what you want, and say it plainly. Second, resist the urge to pile on. Brent’s first draft stacked three separate “so that’s” on top of each other, and every one of them was worthwhile. That’s what ambitious people do. The trouble is that a purpose trying to accomplish everything usually accomplishes very little. After a nudge, his tightened version read: “To find vendors that let me buy dealer direct so that I can improve margins and deliverability and build legacy wealth for my family.”
Pick Your Life Raft The final piece is Context, and it’s the only part I ask you to memorize. Context is one to three words that describe the state of mind you need to bring in order to achieve your purpose and results. My context for San Diego was presence, power, and acceptance. Presence because it’s one of my superpowers and my people needed me fully there. Power because our members came to receive something real, and I wanted to deliver it with conviction. Acceptance because it was our first in-person event, and something was going to go wrong. I also had to accept that each member would show up however they chose, open or guarded, and that part was theirs to decide. Context does two jobs. Some days it’s a sandwich board. You read it in the morning, and it tells the world how you’re showing up. Other days it’s a life raft. When the projector dies in the middle of a presentation, you return to your context, and you know how to respond.
Find Your “So That”
Your Turn
Next comes Purpose, the why behind every result on your list. The structure of a Purpose Statement is simple. To [what you’re doing] so that [why it matters] and [a higher purpose]. Here’s the one I wrote for our first in-person member intensive in
Block an hour this month. Write your 2027 Results in past tense. Find your Purpose. Pick the Context you’ll carry into the year. Expect the first few CPRs to feel clunky. Deep thinking is something we rarely make room for, and it takes practice. It gets easier, and then it gets powerful.
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HOME THEATER
Build It Like a Cinema, Not a Lounge
A true private cinema isn’t just styled like a movie theater — it’s crafted like one. BY CHRISTIAAN BEUKES
Walk into most private cinemas that disappoint, and you’ll spot a common thread: They’ve been built like lounges with technology added, rather than engineered as true cinemas from the ground up. There’s a temptation to treat cinemas like any other interior. Choose some luxurious finishes, add architectural lighting, install plush seating, and call it a day. On the surface, it may look spectacular, but as soon as the volume goes up, reality sets in. Bass energy causes panels to buzz. The sound leaks into adjacent rooms. The walls reflect audio in ways that make dialog muddy. Suddenly, that beautiful interior reveals itself as just what it is: a pretty wrapper with no substance beneath. The truth is that a cinema is more like a concert hall or recording studio than a lounge. Its performance depends not just on the kit inside it, but on how the very bones of the room are constructed.
Integrating Acoustics Into Construction One of the biggest differences between a true cinema and a lounge-withkit is that acoustics are built in, not applied afterwards. This means: • Wall systems: Instead of simple plasterboard partitions, highperformance cinemas often use layered systems with damping compounds, resilient channels, or isolated stud frames to prevent sound transfer • Ceilings: Rather than simple plasterboard, floating ceilings or isolated joists may be used to stop vibrations from traveling • Floors: Floating floor slabs or specialist underlay materials may be required to contain bass energy These aren’t optional extras; they’re fundamental to ensuring the room is quiet, immersive, and doesn’t disturb the rest of the house.
Speaker Mounting: Precision and Permanence Unlike lifestyle audio systems where speakers can be placed on stands or shelves, cinema loudspeakers need to be mounted with exact precision. Their orientation, height, and distance from the listener are critical. A few centimeters off, and the soundfield collapses. Mounting solutions must also be robust. Speakers generate significant vibrations, especially subwoofers. If they’re not securely integrated into the structure, they’ll shake joinery, rattle panels, and add unwanted noise. This is why early planning matters. Speaker cavities, baffle walls, and mounting brackets should all be designed into the architecture, not improvised at the last minute. Modern cinema systems produce enormous low-frequency energy. A well-designed system can reproduce the rumble of an earthquake, the
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roar of a jet engine, or the thud of an explosion with visceral impact. But that power has a dark side: It excites every loose object in the room. Without robust construction, you’ll hear buzzes from light fittings, rattles from doors, or sympathetic vibrations in cabinetry. These distractions instantly break immersion. The solution lies in engineering resilience into every detail: • Heavy, sealed doors with proper gasketing • Secure fixings for light fittings • Reinforced joinery that doesn’t vibrate when bass energy hits • Specialist isolation products where needed
Joinery and Decorative Elements: More Than Looks Bars, cabinets, and decorative features often form part of a cinema’s design, but if they’re not engineered properly, they become noise sources. A paneled bar might resonate with bass. A glass-fronted cabinet might buzz. Even seemingly solid decorative elements can betray themselves once the soundtrack kicks in. The best approach is to treat joinery with the same seriousness as the main structure: Use robust fixings and bracing; avoid thin, resonant panels; incorporate acoustic damping where appropriate; and coordinate door placement and hinge strength with the acoustic plan. This doesn’t mean stripping back to bare walls. It means designing decorative elements as part of the performance environment, not in spite of it.
The Architect’s Role For architects, this is where the collaboration with cinema designers becomes invaluable. Their role isn’t to become an acoustic engineer, but to understand that a cinema must be constructed differently than a lounge. That means: • Allowing the space in walls, floors, and ceilings for specialist build-ups • Coordinating with consultants to ensure speaker mounts, risers, and cavities are factored into drawings • Working with joiners to ensure decorative elements are robust • Helping clients understand that “invisible” build quality is what makes the visible elements shine Think of a home cinema like a performance car. The leather seats and chrome trim may dazzle, but it’s the engineering under the hood that makes it fly. The same principle applies here. A true private cinema isn’t just styled like a cinema — it’s built like one. That means integrating acoustics into the structure, mounting speakers with precision, controlling vibration, and engineering joinery to withstand the punishment of powerful soundtracks.
HOME THEATER
Picking the Proper Partner, Part 1
What you should expect from your theater design partner. BY SAM CAVITT
A private cinema project demands a great deal from every company involved: The architect establishes the space, the interior designer gives it character, the builder converts drawings into reality, the mechanical engineer makes the room comfortable and quiet, and the integrator brings the systems together. It requires the best efforts of an entire team to produce the desired experience. For an integrator choosing a theater design partner, this is the standard I recommend.
The Partner Should Make the Design Team More Capable The most important decisions affecting a private cinema are made long before anyone installs a loudspeaker. The dimensions of the room determine seating possibilities, screen size, viewing geometry, and the room proportions available for proper acoustic performance, among other things. Ceiling height must accommodate structural support, sound isolation, HVAC systems, loudspeakers, acoustic treatment, lighting, and finishes. These decisions and many more belong to several different members of the project team, making theater design a collaborative discipline from the very start. On Radiant Reveal, a private cinema we designed in Northern California, we became involved early enough to collaborate with the architect to help establish the space the cinema would require. That gave the team the volume needed to address sound isolation, sightlines, seating geometry, the requirements of a high-performance audio system, HVAC planning, infrastructure, and the architectural concept with room to work. As the design developed, extensive 3D modeling allowed architectural forms, acoustic treatments, lighting, loudspeakers, and construction details to be studied together rather than as separate layers. That early coordination changed everything, enabling the private cinema team to create a truly spectacular result. This is typical of the contributions a theater designer should bring to a project. Experience has taught us which questions need to be answered early, while the answers can still influence the design.
The Partner Should Help Coordinate the Room A sophisticated residence can have excellent architecture, excellent interiors, excellent engineering, and excellent technology. The cinema still depends on how those disciplines interact. The challenge often lives at those intersections. An architectural ceiling may have a strong visual concept while also needing to accommodate loudspeakers, lighting, sprinkler coverage, HVAC distribution, acoustic treatment, and access. A wall that looks simple on the surface may encompass a sound isolation assembly,
acoustic depth, loudspeaker locations, wiring paths, and lighting details beneath the finished decorative surface. Each discipline brings legitimate requirements to the same few inches of space. Our work on Radiant Reveal included unusually thick sound isolation doors that also formed part of the interior architecture. Acoustic detailing and finished surfaces increased their depth further. Lighting was incorporated into the doors, which meant the team also had to resolve how that lighting would maintain visual continuity through the hinge conditions. That kind of coordination is the essence of the theater designer’s work. The role of the theater designer is to understand the performance consequences while respecting what the architect, designer, engineer, builder, and integrator are trying to accomplish. The best solution often comes from helping those people see how their work connects inside the room.
The Partner Should Raise the Performance of the Cinema Coordination creates the conditions required to deliver the desired performance goals. A theater designer should bring depth of experience in room acoustics, sound isolation, seating geometry, sightlines, loudspeaker placement, projection, HVAC noise, comfort, and the integration of those systems into the architecture. Our experience has taught us that private cinema performance rarely comes down to one dramatic decision. It develops through many interdependent choices. Move the seating and the viewing geometry changes, and the acoustic response changes with it. Alter the screen size and projection requirements follow. Change the construction of the room and sound isolation, usable dimensions, door details, HVAC penetrations, and low-frequency behavior will all be affected. The faceted wall architecture in Radiant Reveal illustrates how closely design and performance can be connected. Those surfaces create the visual character of the room while also participating in the acoustic environment and concealing the loudspeaker system. Their shape, depth, construction, and finish could not be resolved independently of the cinema’s performance requirements. The theater designer must understand those relationships and know how to guide the team toward the desired experience rather than simply resolve a collection of specifications. That experience can also help an integrator have a more useful conversation with the client, one grounded in measurable performance goals, room conditions, and the experience the client wants to achieve. Next month, we look at the remaining properties that a good theater design partner should have. NOVEMBER 2026
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STATE INDUSTRY
FEATURE
THE
OF THE
Taking a snapshot of where we are right now, with a look at how we got here.
Illustration: Malte Mueller/Getty Images
By Anthony Savona
2026
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NOVEMBER 2026
FEATURE
I
t’s that time of year again where we have come far enough along to look back and search for the trends and ideas that will help shape our 2027. This year, we will start off with some size-of-industry data from the CEDIA report and then do our annual dive into data provided by our friends at Portal.io that looks at what products — and how much of them — were being sold this year. We also have a sidebar that features some research from the D-Tools report.
Market Size and Vibes The CEDIA “2026 U.S. Professional Smart Home Market Analysis,” the first report since CEDIA launched its own research division FIGURE 1: Overall Sales by Month 2026 vs. 2025 earlier this year, was produced in partnership with The Farnsworth Group and included 287 completed interviews using CEDIA member and partner contact lists. The interviews were conducted between May 26 and June 30, 2026. The report finds that the size of the custom installation market in the U.S. is estimated at $33.8 billion. Large firms (more than 20 employees) account for about 15% of companies but generate 43% of market revenue. By comparison, small firms (1-5 employees) account for 65% of companies, but just 29% of market revenue. In terms of product categories, the survey found home networking (15%), distributed audio (11%), and lighting/ shading (11%) at the top of the list. FIGURE 2: Top Category Sales 2026 In 2023, the last time CEDIA offered this report, the size of the industry was estimated at $29 billion, which points to a 16.55% increase over the three years. U.S. inflation rose at 9.94% over that same period, so it does indicate a sizable bump in our market value. The interviews also covered expectations from those surveyed, which resulted in almost eight in ten firms saying they expect revenue growth over the next year, while 4% anticipate a decline. In terms of business opportunities, respondents said that lighting (according to 17%), AI integration (13%), and product diversification (12%) are the topics to look out for. Speaking of AI, 58% of respondents saw an increase in AI-related customer requests, while 79% saw an increase in the use of AI in FIGURE 3: Second-Tier Category Sales 2026 their business systems. If you want to check out the full report — which is free for CEDIA with a look at the market through the lens of won proposals from dealers members and $999 for non-members — it is available at http://my.cedia. using the Portal.io platform. As the company does each year, the category org/Shop/. charts have been normalized for 2026; they include dealers who joined by the end of December 2025, so any growth comes from the existing dealer proposals, not more proposals from more dealers. Lee McDonald, director What Is in Won Proposals of vendor services at Portal, provides some perspective. For the sixth consecutive year, Portal has been kind enough to provide us NOVEMBER 2026
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STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 2026
The Middle Market Got Squeezed in 2026 By Jason Knott, Data Solutions Architect & Evangelist, D-Tools On paper, the custom integration channel is strong. According to the D-Tools “2026 Midyear Market Report,” drawn from tens of thousands of signed contracts and proposals generated in D-Tools Cloud, the industry posted a healthy median sales growth rate of 14% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2025. Average signed-contract value rose 10.4% to $16,595, and integrators closed 17% more contracts per company than a year earlier. That sounds glorious, doesn’t it? But underneath that topline data, the market seems to be splitting in two. More than one-third of integrators (34.8%) saw sales rocket up 51% or more in the first half of the year. Great news! However, nearly as many (33.4%) saw sales fall 21% or more. The remaining third were roughly flat. That doesn’t appear to be a market moving in one direction, but rather two markets moving in opposite directions at the same time, and the divide cuts straight through the middle of the price list. If you segment the data by average contract size and the pattern gets sharper. Entry-level integrators, averaging under $10,000 per contract, grew a median 24.6%. Large and luxury integrators, averaging over $50,000, grew 14.2%. The two extreme ends of the market are fine. It’s the middle that’s showing cracks: • Entry-Level (under $10,000): +24.6% median growth • Mid-Market ($10,000–$25,000): +10.2% • Upper Mid-Market ($25,000–$50,000): –16.1% • Large/Luxury (over $50,000): +14.2% Integrators concentrated in the $25,000–$50,000 upper-middle bracket posted a median decline of 16.1%. That segment is where the classic whole-home audio, video, and lighting package for an upgrading suburban homeowner often sits.
Why Is the Upper Middle Market Struggling? If we look more broadly beyond just the D-Tools integrator channel data to examine the macroeconomic data, there is plenty of evidence of how the upper-middle market segment is being squeezed. Housing: Looking at the housing market, single-family starts that
Median contract-value growth by market segment, H1 2026 vs. H1 2025.
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feed new-construction and major-renovation projects that typically land in the $25K to $50K range are forecast to fall to 904,000 in 2026, down from 941,000 in 2025, according to NAHB data. Moreover, housing permits are also declining, which is a leading indicator that suggests more softness ahead. Fewer new homes means fewer proposals. Mortgage Rates: As of the end of March 2026, nearly half of homeowners with a mortgage (49.9%) still carry a rate under 4%, and two-thirds carry a rate under 5%. Both of those figures are down from record highs in 2022, but still enough to keep people from listing their homes and taking on a 7% rate on something new. Household Mobility: The U.S. Census Bureau mobility data shows the share of Americans who moved in the past year has fallen to 11.8%, the lowest on record. Fewer moves results in fewer movetriggered remodels and system upgrades for the upper-middle market bracket. Homeowners are staying put and living with what they have. Remodeling: Financing costs compound the problem in terms of freeing up money for remodels. With high borrowing rates in place, homeowners are reticent to borrow against their home equity to fund a midsize integration project. That’s a barrier for a homeowner weighing a $30,000 lighting-and-AV upgrade financed through a HELOC. That hesitancy is showing up in general contractor data. The Farnsworth Group’s Contractor Activity Tracker shows 60% of contractors postponed or canceled jobs in the second quarter of 2026, up sharply from 31% just a year earlier. Material availability, scheduling, and budget pressure were cited as the leading causes. Integrators plug into that broader remodeling ecosystem, and when the general contractor’s project stalls, so does the AV package that would have ridden along with it. Consumer Spending and Sentiment: Roughly half of homeowners across every income bracket say the economy and inflation were their top concerns over the past year. Real disposable income grew just 0.6% in 2025, the weakest showing since the outright decline of 2022. Meanwhile, the savings rate ticked up as households pulled back on discretionary spending. That’s precisely the psychology that turns a planned $35,000 whole-home project into a scaled-back $18,000 one — or shelves it for another year. The D-Tools data hints that integrators are already adapting. There’s an increase in smaller entry-level contracts and a corresponding drop in the number of integrators booking $25K to $50K packages. That signals that some integrators are deliberately breaking large projects into smaller phases to reduce sticker shock. Others are diversifying into higher-margin categories like lighting and shading. The takeaway for integrators heading into 2027 isn’t that the market is bad, because the median numbers say otherwise. Likewise, the market “average” may not be your average, because literally the “average” is only one-third of the market. The D-Tools “2026 Midyear Market Report” is available for free at https://www.d-tools.com
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 2026
Figure 1 shows Overall Sales by Month, comparing 2025 and 2026 through August. Interestingly, the lines seem to mirror each other, with increases on one showing drops in the other — and vice versa — in the same time period year over year. The key takeaway is that 2026 starts at more than $100 million, and only goes up. “Looking at the overall dealer sales for the year versus last year over the same period, sales are up 27.5%, from $749.5 million to $955.8 million, and every month was higher than the same month in 2025,” says McDonald. “Every month from March on was also higher than any single month FIGURE 4: Lighting Fixture Category Sales 2024 and 2025 of 2025, and August was the highest month on the chart at $131.1 million. “On a per-dealer basis, each dealer closing business on Portal averaged about $79,500 a month in sold proposals, up 14% from about $69,800 last year. That growth came from bigger projects rather than more of them. Dealers closed about six proposals a month in both years, while the average sold proposal grew from $11,300 to $13,100. The number of dealers closing business each month was also up about 12%.” In Figure 2, we see sales of the top categories, including TVs, Speakers, and Lighting Control. “There was more shuffling in the top categories this year.” McDonald explains. “Speakers is still first in every month and is up 23% over the FIGURE 5: Projectors and Screens Sales 2025 same period last year. Lighting Controls is third, ahead of Receivers & Amps, and the gap between Lighting sales eased about 6%, and every top category was back up in August.” Controls and TVs was cut roughly in half, from $7.5 million to $3.6 million. With Lighting Fixtures targeted for continuing growth, we asked Portal Lighting Controls outsold TVs every month from January through April. to track its progress over the past two years, which is shown in Figure 4. Surveillance grew the fastest of the group at 39% — now even with “Lighting Fixtures continues to grow, up 52% over the same eight months Networking — and Control Systems grew 22%. Window Treatments, last year,” says McDonald. “Before August 2025, the category never topped which sits on the second-tier chart, now outsells both Signal Distribution about $1.5 million in a month, and since then it has averaged close to and Projectors & Screens, and would rank eighth overall. We kept the same $2 million a month, peaking at $2.7 million in March. The number of categories on each chart as last year, so the two years compare directly. proposals with fixtures on them is up 38%, so the growth is coming from “TVs had a strong summer. They took the lead back from Lighting Controls both more jobs and bigger ones.” in May and then jumped in June, and from June through August they were up Another category that bears watching is Projectors & Screens (Figure 30% over last year, compared with 12% from January through May. 5), which has been a staple in the industry for decades, but is now facing “In the secondary categories, shown in Figure 3, Window Treatments competition from larger direct-view televisions and video walls. holds the top spot again, up 52%, and it led the group in every month “Projectors & Screens is roughly flat this year, up 5%, while overall sales except February,” McDonald continues. “Lighting Fixtures moved into grew 27.5%,” says McDonald. “The two years trade places month to month, second, and every second-tier category grew over last year. Access Control with 2026 ahead in five of the eight months. August was the category’s had a big February, and that came from larger projects rather than more of best month of the year at $2.2 million.” them — the average Access Control project that month was about $4300, Overall, custom installation is looking like a solid industry to be a part against roughly $2400 the rest of the year. of, but, of course, results may vary. Does your past year resemble what we “Last year, every one of the top categories dipped in June, and overall see in the research? Are you noticing any trends that aren’t reflected here? sales fell about 13% from May. That didn’t happen this year. June was up Drop me a line at anthony.savona@futurenet.com and let me know how slightly over May, and seven of the top nine categories grew month over your year has been. month. The summer slowdown showed up in July instead, when overall For more information about Portal and its services, visit http://portal.io. NOVEMBER 2026
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Grandma’s House, Expanded A vast family-owned property gets a high-tech makeover from Cobb Home Innovations. By Anthony Savona
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ooking at it now, it's hard to imagine this Tennessee home as a simple dwelling, but that's how it all began for the family that still owns it today. What was once their grandmother’s modest home has now expanded to become a gathering place for the entire family, which has grown to fill it. “It is an old family retreat that has been handed down generation after generation,” says Hugh Cobb, owner of Cobb Home Innovations, which was the integration company brought in to handle all technology needs on the project. “They decided as three brothers to redo the entire home venue. It has the original family house, and they added a second building called the Pavilion that they use for family gatherings, and they have a pretty big family. They also rent it out for weddings and other events.”
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The Cobb Home Innovations team was originally brought on for audio/video prewiring and to create a sizeable home theater that could accommodate the family in the main house, but after the clients attended a session in the Cobb showroom, the job expanded to the whole property, including the Pavilion.
A Grand Opening Though the exterior of the home is impressive when you first drive up to it, the great room that greets visitors as they enter the front door is even more inspiring. With its high, woodpaneled ceiling, stone fireplace, and massive chandelier, it creates an impactful first impression, which is how Joyce Cobb, wife of Hugh and the interior designer on the project, envisioned it. At the center of the room is a 75-inch Samsung Frame television attached to a
NOVEMBER 2026
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GRANDMA'S HOUSE, EXPANDED
MantelMount 860 Pro Series mount that includes a heat sensor that will move the TV out of harm’s way if the fireplace gets too hot. Attached to the 860 is a Sonos Arc soundbar. “The client didn’t want speakers in the ceiling for aesthetic reasons, but we used MartinLogan in-wall custom speakers and two subwoofers to provide a 9.2-channel surround sound system,” says Cobb. Cobb Home Innovations did the lighting and shading throughout the home, including the great room and all seven bedrooms. Lutron shading is used throughout, hardwiring them in the majority of the locations and using battery power when wiring was not possible. “We used iPort wall tablets running Home Assistant for automation throughout the home,” Cobb explains. “The reason we used iPort is for simplicity, because that way the customer can add an app if he wants. Home Assistant is a self-serve system that you just drop into the existing smart home, and then it knows everything that is in there. It makes it very simple for the consumer. These are
“For lighting control, the owner chose to go with the Lutron Caséta Pro. You can only do 70 items on Caséta Pro, so we added a second hub, and now we can control 140 devices — and we're just about at the threshold of that!” —Hugh Cobb removable stations, so you can sit down with it and operate the TV, the cameras, the security…whatever you choose to do. Plus, it is easy for guests and those who rent the property to operate. “We have a mechanical room downstairs where everything goes into a central panel for networking, control, and shading. The theater room has a separate rack. “For lighting control, we were originally going to do Lutron Radio RA3, but the owner chose to go with the Lutron Caséta Pro. Now, the house is so big, and you can only do 70 items on Caséta Pro, so we added a second
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hub, and now we can control 140 devices — and we're just about at the threshold of that!”
Inside the Home Theater The home theater takes up a considerable amount of space on the lower floor of the home, but not all of it, as there are a few bedrooms on that level that share a wall with the theater. “We've soundproofed the heck out of that room because we've got bedrooms on one side,” says Cobb. “We did double-drywall with Dynamat-type material in between to deaden the sound.” Before you get to the theater, there is a welcome area that includes a popcorn station, a refrigerator, a sink, and a few cabinets — including one for the dedicated home theater rack. The entrance to the theater is unmissable, with its door handles that resemble an empty film reel.
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GRANDMA'S HOUSE, EXPANDED
The theater itself has 12 seats in two rows — five larger seats in the front and seven narrower seats on a riser in the second row. All are illuminated with toe-kick lighting strips. There is an open area on one side that has a small dining room table and a window that is covered in a blackout shade, but can bring in daylight if wanted. “For AV, we used a Sony projector and the MartinLogan Motion Series in-wall and inceiling speakers,” says Cobb. “One of our signature things is to put the subwoofers in the floor under the seats. We built chambers in the platform and tuned the crossover networks about 120 down, and then we tune that cavity at around 30 Hz. We have dual 8-inch subs in the floor, and we also put two 15-inch subs in the wall at the front of the room. We have six MartinLogans in the ceiling, plus three in the front and two in the rear.
“For control, we've got it simplified with the iPort and Home Assistant system where they can operate the Yamaha receiver and all the other audio-video gear. It's been a two-year process, and in two years technology changes, so we're adding in another remote. We just picked up AVA, so that is likely the remote we will add in there.”
Gather ’Round The job took more than two years for various reasons, including the fact that one of the
brothers was doing the woodwork himself, so the grand opening for the family kept getting pushed back until they were finally able to gather there this past Fourth of July — all 40 or so of them! The project has been a big success for both the family and Cobb Home Innovations, although you have to wonder what Grandma would think of what her home has become — and all that it can do! For more information, visit cobbhomeinnovations.com.
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FEATURE
RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS BEST OF SHOW AWARDS AT CEDIA EXPO 2025 WINNERS
Get a closer look at the 37 products that impressed our judges and took home the prize.
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esidential Systems has announced the winners of its annual Best of Show awards at CEDIA Expo 2026. The products were nominated by the manufacturers and a team of judges — who are all professional integrators — was employed to read through the entries (a portion of which is presented here), visit them on the show floor, and rate the products on a number of criteria, including value, impact, and how unique they are to the market. Congratulations to all the winners!
ADI Control4 Chime Pro Dual-Lens Video Doorbell The Control4 Chime Pro dual-lens video doorbell combines professional-grade surveillance, intelligent detection, and seamless smart home integration into an elegantly designed video doorbell. Purpose-built for professionally installed smart homes, it combines dual-lens video, AIenhanced detection, and native Control4 integration to deliver a more complete and reliable picture of activity at the entry. The Chime Pro's dual-lens architecture provides simultaneous vertical and horizontal coverage, helping to capture people, packages, and movement across the entire entryway, eliminates blind spots, and provides a complete view for front-door awareness. Learn More: www.adiglobaldistribution.us
ADI WattBox 900 Series 12-Outlet IP Power Conditioner When a power event occurs, the most important infrastructure device in the rack is often the one receiving the least attention. The WattBox 900 Series 12-outlet IP power conditioner with Surge Elimination Circuit (SEC) technology combines non-sacrificial surge protection, intelligent IP power control, and remote management into a single platform to delivers a new level of reliability for systems. Traditional surge protection devices degrade over time and often require replacement after significant surge events, creating hidden maintenance costs and potential risk to connected equipment. The WattBox 900 Series addresses this challenge with SEC technology, a nonsacrificial surge protection architecture designed to provide consistent protection throughout the life of the installation. Learn More: www.adiglobaldistribution.us/catalog/featured-brands/wattbox
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Apex Technologies Apex Cinema Hub Apex Technologies’ Apex Cinema Hub, Powered by Control Envy, is a live, fully interactive, shareable online demo that lets prospective customers experience their future home cinema control interface before a system is ever installed. Control is central to the homeowner’s experience of a high-performance cinema, yet during the sales and design process, integrators have traditionally had limited ways to demonstrate that experience. Screenshots can show what an interface looks like, and videos can illustrate how it operates, but neither allows a prospective customer to actually use it. The new Apex Cinema Hub interactive demo changes that. Using a smartphone or tablet, clients can navigate the Cinema Hub interface themselves and experience firsthand how intuitively it brings control of projectors, processors, lighting, content sources, and video playback together within a streamlined environment. Learn More: https://cinema.apex-tech.us/
ASCENDO Immersive Audio GmbH Panoramic Surface On-Wall ASCENDO Panoramic Surface On-Wall is a new loudspeaker built around a proprietary full-range composite radiating surface, developed first and foremost for the demands of immersive cinema. Panoramic Surface employs ASCENDO's proprietary full-range composite radiating surface rather than traditional driver layouts, angled enclosures, or conventional loudspeaker concepts adapted for surround and height applications. The loudspeaker behaves less like a conventional loudspeaker at high frequencies and more like a controlled
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acoustic surface, producing an exceptionally wide and continuous radiation characteristic extending to nearly 180 degrees into the highfrequency range, up to 20 kHz. Learn More: https://www.aia-cinema.com/products/panoramic-surface-on-wall
AWALL XWALL TITAN Noir Ultra AWALL’s XWALL TITAN Noir Ultra, powered by XGIMI technology, is a premium home cinema projector engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, deep black levels, precise color, and refined optical performance. Built on the TITAN Noir Max platform, the Ultra edition undergoes an additional level of performance selection and calibration. The XWALL delivers up to 8000 ISO lumens and up to 12,000:1 native contrast. Its Dual Intelligent Iris System dynamically manages light based on content, helping preserve deeper blacks while maintaining brightness in more demanding scenes. Dynamic Black Level Enhancement further improves shadow detail, contrast, and image depth, with dynamic contrast reaching up to 100,000:1. The XWALL uses an RGB triplelaser light source and supports a BT.2020 color gamut area ratio of up to 110%, with ΔE < 0.8 for highly accurate color reproduction. Professional cinema features include Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, HDR10+, Filmmaker Mode, HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping, 24fps playback, and 3D support. Learn More: https://awall.com
AWOL Vision AWOL LuxVision AWOL LuxVision is the flagship ultrashort-throw projector for premium home entertainment and home theater spaces, designed to redefine the next-generation UST experience with 4K 12 0Hz, high-brightness RGB laser, optical lens shift, and intelligent setup. Learn More: awolvision.com
Blustream PWR8VDC A professionally designed rack can quickly become a collection of power strips, transformers and USB adapters—adding clutter, consuming outlets and creating additional points of failure that are difficult to diagnose and nearly impossible to manage remotely. That is exactly why Blustream created the PWR8VDC, which takes lowvoltage power and turns it into a professionally managed part of the AV system. A single 1U device provides eight independently configurable DC outputs supporting 5-, 9-, 12-, 18- or 24-volts, along with eight managed USB-A ports. Instead of designing around a collection of individual power supplies, the integrator can centralize low-voltage power into one purpose-built platform. Every outlet can be independently monitored, metered and controlled. Dealers can see voltage, current, power, and energy consumption, remotely cycle individual devices, create schedules, and establish power-on/off sequencing. The built-in eight-channel Watchdog can monitor connected devices using ICMP or TCP and automatically restart an unresponsive product — potentially resolving an issue before the customer ever makes a service call. Learn More: https://www.blustream-us.com/8-way-smart-pdu-pwr8vdc
Coastal Source Ovation In-Ceiling Speaker The Coastal Source Ovation in-ceiling speaker is designed to adapt to a wide range of project requirements alongside delivering the performance, durability, and installation flexibility expected from Coastal Source. With multiple finish options, including a newly introduced black grille, alongside complementary accessories and mounting solutions, Ovation enables integrators to tailor installations to virtually any architectural style without compromising sound quality or visual design. At the heart of the Ovation speaker is a patented elliptical design that allows a significantly larger low-frequency driver to fit through a smaller circular ceiling opening. This yields an exceptional combination of powerful output, extended bass response, and discreet aesthetics. And instead of requiring numerous speakers to achieve even coverage, Ovation produces expansive, full-range sound from fewer installation points, which helps create immersive listening experiences and preserve clean architectural lines. Learn More: https://coastalsource.com/outdoor-audio/ovation/
Coastal Source VIA Intelligent Outdoor Lighting System Coastal Source's VIA Intelligent Outdoor Lighting System brings native Lutron Ketra and Rania Intelligent Lighting technology into a purpose-built outdoor platform that extends the same premium lighting experience beyond the home's walls. Developed through Lutron's Native by Design program, VIA allows architects, designers, and integrators to treat an entire property as a single, cohesive lighting environment. Purpose-engineered for exterior architectural and landscape applications, VIA combines tunable white light, rich color, precision dimming, and intelligent scene control within Coastal Source's lowvoltage Plug+Play architecture. Learn More: https://coastalsource.com/outdoor-lighting/via/
Crestron Configure Pro Configure Pro is a next-generation configuration platform designed to simplify and accelerate the setup and management of smart home systems. The primary purpose of the platform is to give professional integrators a faster, more efficient way to build, configure, and manage complex Crestron Home OS projects without the need for traditional coding. Configure Pro streamlines each step of the configuration process through guided workflows and intelligent tools. Installers can quickly build systems using a no-programming approach, with step-by-step setup, autocomplete features, and simplified thirdparty driver integration through text search. Advanced capabilities such as native keypad programming, conditional logic, and a visual sequence builder allow users to create sophisticated automations with ease. At the same time, audio and video setup is simplified through intuitive source routing, clearly labeled inputs and outputs, and built-in hyperlinks for quick navigation between system components and device interfaces. Learn More: https://www.crestron.com/Products/Featured-Solutions/Configure-Pro
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BEST OF SHOW AT CEDIA EXPO 2026 WINNERS
D-Tools Cloud D-Tools Cloud is bringing AI to the forefront for the industry with its new AI Assisted Workflows and MCP Server capabilities. The software’s new AI Assisted Workflows bring two connected AI tools, AI Quote Assist and Ask D-Tools (AI Chat), into the core of D-Tools Cloud to run sales, design, project management, and service operations. AI Quote Assist is built for the moment right after a sales call ends. An integrator uploads whatever the meeting produced — a transcript, an email thread, a voice memo, handwritten or freeform notes, even a floorplan — and the system synthesizes those raw materials into a complete, scoped project plan: phases, systems, product call-outs, and the assumptions and gaps the plan is built on. From there, one click turns that plan into a real, editable quote, with locations, systems and products already matched against the integrator's own Product Library rather than a generic catalog. Learn More: https://www.d-tools.com/ai-capabilities-in-d-tools-cloud
Dendo Systems Pty Ltd D60 RENKEI PoE The D60 RENKEI PoE Drapery Motor is a purpose-built Power over Ethernet motor for professional drapery systems. It extends native IP motorization from roller shades to track-based curtains, allowing the motor to be powered, controlled, commissioned, and monitored over standard Ethernet infrastructure. Conventional drapery systems typically require some combination of separate power cabling, proprietary control wiring, a radio bridge, or a centralized motor-power panel. The D60 RENKEI PoE connects directly to a standard IEEE 802.3afcompliant PoE switch. A single Ethernet cable (Cat5e or better) carries both power and bidirectional communications. The motor uses an internal energy buffer to store energy supplied by PoE and deliver it during movement, keeping the power budget requirement to only 3W per motor. Learn More: https://dendosystems.com/products/D60-RENKEI-PoE
DMF Lighting Artafex 1 DMF Lighting’s Artafex 1 is a 1-inch aperture downlight and adjustable fixture built to solve a problem that has limited the category since the first 1-inch products launched nearly a decade ago. A 1-inch aperture has always meant real tradeoffs: limited output, poor glare control, no tunability, and fixtures that required cutting into finished ceilings for service. Artafex 1 changes that math. The fixture is built around DMF’s 3-Stage Optic, a patent-pending combination of precision glass and silicone elements that is, to date, the only optic of its kind available in a 1-inch aperture. It delivers up to 750 lumens of static CCT output at 93 CRI with 2-step SDCM color consistency, well ahead of typical 1-inch performance, while still controlling glare from a nearly invisible trim. In Warm Dim and Tunable White configurations, the fixture delivers 500 lumens with 3-step SDCM consistency and CCT ranges of 3000K to 1800K or 4000K to 1800K. Learn More: https://www.dmfluxury.com/
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HK Lighting Radius Series The Radius Series brings a refined architectural presence to path lighting. Its batwing optical distribution radiates usable light outward across walking surfaces and low plantings, creating clear, navigable pathways with reduced glare while allowing the fixture itself to remain understated within the landscape. It is available in both solar and lowvoltage configurations. Radius Solar brings architectural-grade path lighting to locations where wiring is impractical or unavailable, offering the same low-profile silhouette and controlled optical performance as the wired Low-Voltage Radius. Designed to operate independently without compromising visual refinement, it delivers precise, glare-conscious illumination for pathways, planting areas, and architectural landscapes. Learn More: https://www.hkluxury.com/products/radius-solar/
Inscape Data LinkPower UPS1048V2 Pro LFP30 The LinkPower UPS1048V2 Pro LFP30 is a highcapacity outdoor 48V DC UPS system designed to provide reliable backup power for critical PoE devices, network infrastructure, security systems, and other equipment deployed in outdoor or remote locations. Built for applications where power reliability is essential, the system combines AC power conversion, battery charging, battery backup, regulated DC output, and remote power management into one rugged, contractor-grade outdoor solution. At the heart of the UPS1048V2 Pro LFP30 is a 30 Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack. With up to 260W of output power, the system is well-suited to supporting multiple network devices during utility power interruptions. Learn More: https://inscapedata.com/ups1048v2-pro-lfp30ah.html#gsc.tab=0
Jetbuilt Jetbot Drawings Jetbuilt’s Jetbot Drawings generates schematics, rack elevations, and floor plans in seconds directly from live project data. By eliminating one of the residential integration industry’s most persistent bottlenecks— engineering documentation—teams can move from project definition to professional documentation almost instantly. Jetbot Drawings operates within the same platform used to quote, manage, install, and service projects, eliminating duplicate work while extending the reach of engineering teams. For residential integrators, this means faster system validation during pre-sales, professional documentation without extensive drafting resources, and faster project delivery from proposal through installation. Learn More: https://jetbuilt.com/drawings
Just Video Walls Absolute Black Absolute Black is a new flagship MicroLED platform from Just Video Walls that is engineered to deliver OLED-quality picture performance while preserving the scale, brightness, and architectural freedom that have made MicroLED the display technology of choice for luxury residential and commercial spaces. Built around a
BEST OF SHOW AT CEDIA EXPO 2026 WINNERS
proprietary ultra-dark phosphor surface, Absolute Black LEDs occupy approximately one-tenth the visible surface area of conventional MicroLED designs, carry more than 50% improved panel uniformity, ultra-high frequency LED driving architecture, and approximately 99% DCI-P3 color reproduction. Learn More: justvideowalls.com/autograph/absolute-black
Kaleidescape Strato K Movie Player Strato K introduces Kaleidescape’s exclusive new 4K Cinematic format and unlocks native 8K playback. Taking advantage of its 8K processing power, 4K Cinematic features full chroma (up to 4:4:4), and much higher bitrates. 4K Cinematic movies include more image data for richer color, cleaner detail, and a more natural look. Like all Kaleidescape movie players, Strato K features lossless multichannel and spatial object-based audio delivering bit‑for‑bit reproduction of high‑resolution movie soundtracks, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for clear dialog and immersive, three‑dimensional sound. In addition to the new 4K Cinematic format, Strato K also features native 8K video playback. The product answers two core industry needs: real, perceptible image fidelity improvements and uncompromised, lossless audio in a streamlined, installable appliance. Many existing devices chase resolution numbers but compromise chroma, bitrate, or motion fidelity; Strato K explicitly addresses those tradeoffs by supporting 4:4:4 chroma, higher average bitrates, reduces artifacts, and improves motion stability. Learn More: https://www.kaleidescape.com/strato-k-movie-player/
KRIX UCX-118 The KRIX UCX-118 delivers uncompromising infrasonic performance in a compact, versatile enclosure. Featuring an 18-inch high-excursion driver, the UCX-118 extends deep into the lowest frequencies, reproducing bass that is not only heard, but felt throughout the room. Learn More: https://www.krix.com.au/product/ucx-118
Leon Speakers FrameBar Ultima The new FrameBar Ultima is the pinnacle of Leon’s FrameBar collection, bringing the reference-grade performance of Leon’s Ultima audio platform to the design of the original FrameBar. Custom-built to the exact width of the display, FrameBar Ultima pairs uncompromising acoustic performance with a level of fit, finish, and material choice designed for the most considered interiors. Developed for seamless integration with Samsung’s The Frame TV, Leon’s Edge Flex Frame for ultra-thin TVs, or Studio Frame for Sony BRAVIA, FrameBar Ultima is handcrafted to complement the display’s proportions and finish. Its custom-width construction creates a precise visual relationship between screen and soundbar, while more than 60 combinations of furniture-grade, perfectly matched finishes and Designer Grille Fabrics offer an exceptional range of ways to create a cohesive, highly personalized installation. Learn More: https://www.leonspeakers.com/framebar-ultima
Lucetta CI CROMOLUX Dynamic Lighting Gateway CROMOLUX is Lucetta CI’s dynamic lighting experience, designed to give integrators and designers precise, intuitive control over sophisticated architectural illumination. At its core, the CROMOLUX Dynamic Lighting Gateway uses calibrated profiles for Lucetta CI dynamic luminaires to simplify complex color mixing and deliver highly accurate Natural Whites. Rather than spending hours manually balancing multiple LED channels, integrators can focus on creating the desired lighting experience. CROMOLUX manages the technical color-mixing logic behind the scenes, helping achieve accurate CCT rendering from 1700K to 7700K with Lucetta CI RGBW luminaires. Learn More: https://lucettaci.com/product/cromolux/
Lunar Walls by Just Video Walls Lunar Phase Lunar Phase is a new cost-competitive, preengineered MicroLED product line created specifically for professional integrators. It is available in two performance tiers — Phase 3840 and Phase 7680. The flagship Phase 7680 combines a new Lunar UltraMotion native refresh architecture with proprietary Dark Phosphor technology to further improve image cohesion, low-brightness scan rate behavior, and perceived contrast, creating a viewing experience designed to look more natural—not just brighter. Lunar Walls has intentionally named the product after its native refresh architecture because we believe refresh rate has become one of the industry’s most overlooked contributors to perceived image quality. Rather than focusing on specifications in isolation, Lunar Phase prioritizes the overall natural look and feel of an image — including motion cohesion, grayscale stability, low-brightness performance, and the elimination of visible scan artifacts that can distract from the viewing experience. Learn More: http://lunarwalls.com/shop/configure?product=phase
Modern Atomics Large Texan Collider The Large Texas Collider PoE 15bt is a plenum rated, rack- or wall-mount PoE 802.3bt++ switch designed and engineered for high performance automated shading systems, motorized window treatments, and drapery systems. Designed by Modern Atomics, this power distribution unit delivers robust PoE bt++ 90-watt per port output, flexible installation options, and seamless automation integration. At its core, the Collider provides 15 Gigabit PoE++ motor ports, enabling long-distance motor runs up to 100 meters per port using STP cabling. Two Gigabit SFP uplinks support copper or fiber expansion, allowing integrators to scale across floors, wings, or entire buildings without redesigning network infrastructure. The unit also includes two 485 bus ports, one powered at 24VDC and one non powered, supporting control devices, data activity monitoring, and energy harvesting for compatible PDUs such as Reaktor or Neutron. Learn More: https://modernatomics.com/collider
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BEST OF SHOW AT CEDIA EXPO 2026 WINNERS
MolSmart MS-B032 32-Channel Ethernet Relay Module According to MolSmart, the MS-B032 is the highest-density single-unit relay module available in the professional home automation market — delivering 32 independent relay outputs and 32 digital inputs inside one compact DIN rail device. At a time when integrators are managing increasingly complex residential and commercial projects, the MS-B032 answers a fundamental question: How do you control an entire property from a single, reliable, network-connected module? Each of the 32 outputs is a dry contact NO/NC relay rated at 10A per channel, capable of switching lighting circuits, motorized shades, gate controllers, pool equipment, irrigation valves, and any other load that a professional automation project requires. Learn More: https://www.molsmart.com/produto/ms-b032
Monitor Audio WS3-W12 In-Wall Subwoofer The WS3-W12 is Monitor Audio's flagship pre-construction in-wall subwoofer, designed to deliver uncompromising lowfrequency performance for luxury residential home cinemas and high-end custom installation projects. At its heart is a bespoke 12-inch low-profile, high-excursion C-CAM (CeramicCoated Aluminium Magnesium) bass driver featuring Monitor Audio's RST II (Rigid Surface Technology II) cone geometry. Combined with a high-output motor system, the driver delivers fast, precise, and pistonic bass reproduction, producing the depth, speed, and control required to faithfully reproduce everything from the subtlest musical textures to the most dynamic cinematic effects. Learn More: https://www.monitoraudio.com/en/product-ranges/creator-seriesin-wall-subwoofers-amplification/ws3-w12-system/
Neptune All-in-One Outdoor dvLED Solution The Neptune All-in-One Outdoor dvLED Solution brings true large-format, dvLED performance to high-end outdoor environments. Every solution ships with the dvLED tiles, a bolt-down pedestal or wall-mounting system, cabling, receiving cards, and a Colorlight CM2KS v1.4 controller running Android 13. Also included are spare modules, power supplies, hub boards, and a maintenance tool. The Neptune All-in-One Outdoor dvLED Solution provides everything needed for a streamlined installation in one coordinated package. Available in three FHD sizes (108, 136, and 163 inches), the system scales to fit any architecture, while also delivering 1920 x 1080 resolution. Learn More: https://neptunetv.com/products/all-in-one-dvled
Origin Acoustics Entertainment Towers Designed specifically for large open-concept living spaces and luxury entertainment environments, the Origin Acoustics Entertainment Towers deliver immersive, room-filling sound that allows everyone in the room to enjoy the experience — not just the person sitting in the "sweet spot." A custom-engineered waveguide provides wide horizontal dispersion while maintaining clarity and tonal consistency across the listening
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area. Active bi-amplification with a digital crossover eliminates the compromises of traditional passive designs, while integrated lowfrequency drivers deliver powerful, full-range performance without requiring additional subwoofers for many applications.
Portal.io Projects Portal is moving beyond proposals. Software in the CI category tends to fail in one of two directions: generic business tools, which are built for every industry and leave integrators paying for complexity they'll never touch, or industry-specific tools that swing the other way: comprehensive, but so packed with screens and fields that dealers use a sliver of them and quietly give up on the rest. Portal.io’s new Projects app makes tracking projects across an entire company simple by focusing on pillars dealers care about: billing, procurement, and installation. It uses AI to consolidate proposals and change orders into one living scope of work that updates itself automatically. And all of this isn't bolted on: it lives inside the same platform dealers already sell through, so there's no new login, no re-entering data, and no gap between what you sold and what you're now managing. Learn More: https://www.loom.com/share/edd385447853476f90061af707b8e4f3
Rivista OS A luxury LED video wall may be the most spectacular display in a home — and the most complicated. Behind the image is traditionally a rack of specialized hardware: an HDMI matrix switcher, multiview processor, control processor, touch panels, splitters, extenders, and signage players. Each box adds cost, heat, cabling, programming, and another potential point of failure. Rivista replaces that conventional architecture with software. Rivista OS runs on a single Mac mini. The Rivista app runs on the iPhone and iPad the homeowner already carries. Together, they turn the LED wall into one responsive surface. There is no proprietary touch panel and no specialist scripting language to master. There is a phone in your pocket, and there is the wall. Rivista automatically discovers compatible sources and devices on the local network, identifies what they are, and brings them into the system. Integrators spend less time finding addresses, matching equipment, and manually constructing the control environment. Learn More: https://rivista.io
Skyworth C2 Canvas Art TV The flagship Skyworth CE1 Canvas Elite Art TV brings QD-Mini LED technology and the company’s OmniView Matte Screen directly to standard Art TVs. It boasts a 144 Hz refresh rate and over 400 full-array local dimming zones, and delivers 1000 nits of peak brightness for true HDR10+ and Dolby Vision performance. Furthermore, the inclusion of a built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos eliminates the need for a cluttered, external soundbar. The result is a hybrid of gallery-ready aesthetic design and high-quality performance. Learn More: www.skyworthusa.com/c2
BEST OF SHOW AT CEDIA EXPO 2026 WINNERS
Somfy Top-down Bottom-up 45 WireFree Zigbee Motor The Somfy Top-down Bottom-up 45 WireFree Zigbee motor represents a significant advancement in intelligent shading by combining specialized dual-direction shade movement with simplified installation and robust smart home integration. Purpose-built specifically for top-down bottom-up applications, the motor enables homeowners to independently position both the upper and lower portions of a shade to precisely balance daylight, glare control, privacy, and outdoor views. The TDBU 45 is engineered exclusively for topdown bottom-up operation and incorporates patented innovations that enhance precision, reliability, and long-term performance. Learn More: https://www.somfypro.com/products/-/e-cat/1246323/Top-down_ Bottom-up_45_WireFree_Zigbee
Sony Leon Studio Frame (for BRAVIA 9 II & 7 II) The Leon Studio Frame for Sony BRAVIA 9 II and BRAVIA 7 II is designed to seamlessly integrate high-performance display technology into the architecture of the home. Unlike solutions designed primarily for artwork presentation, the BRAVIA 9 II and BRAVIA 7 II remain focused on delivering accurate color, contrast, and fidelity to creator intent while transitioning into a design-integrated visual element when not in active use. Through exclusive access to the Sony Art Frame Gallery App, users can display more than 150 curated works of art, including selections from Sony's Alpha photography collection, The National Gallery, Singulart, and Leon's curated gallery, allowing the display to function as a digital art piece when not being used for entertainment. Learn More: https://www.leonspeakers.com/framebar-ultima
SurgeX CONNECT SurgeX CONNECT has been refreshed to deliver a more intuitive and easy‑to‑navigate cloud experience for AV integrators. The updated interface emphasizes site‑level and map views, allowing users to focus on specific spaces instead of viewing all devices at once, making system monitoring clearer and more manageable. User management has also been enhanced with customizable user groups, enabling administrators to easily assign users to groups that automatically inherit defined permissions and access to specific units. This streamlines administration and ensures users have the right level of access, anytime, anywhere. Compatible with SQUID, UPS Standalone, and PROTECT + CONNECT products, SurgeX CONNECT simplifies power management while maintaining a consistent experience across devices. Learn More: https://www.ametekesp.com/surgex/surgex-connect/surgex-connect
TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV TCL’s SQD-Mini LED flagship is the X11L Series, which features TCL’s new CSOT WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel, with its new TCL Deep Color System that includes Super Quantum Dots, a CSOT Ultra Color Filter, and precise color control via the Advanced
Color Purity Algorithm. The result is 100% of BT2020 color. The X11L has up to 10,000 Peak Nits — the maximum for HDR brightness rendering — for ultimate brightness in any room lighting. It also has up to 20,000 Discrete Dimming Zones. To match the upgraded image, the X11L Series boasts sound quality with built-in Audio by Bang & Olufsen. Learn More: https://us.tcl.com/products/x11l-series-4k-uhd-hdr-sqd-mini-ledsmart-tv-with-google-tv
Trinnov Audio AltitudeCI The Trinnov AltitudeCI combines native analog, Dante AoIP, and AES/EBU outputs with Trinnov's exclusive Optimizer and WaveForming calibration technologies. It introduces a new hardware platform, engineered for custom integration. Digitally focused, it features native Dante AoIP, AES/ EBU and AES67 integration, configurable between 8 and 64 channels in 2-channel increments. It includes built-in MCP server support, enabling compatible AI assistants to apply tonal adjustments during playback through simple, conversational requests. via compatible AI assistants such as Claude or ChatGPT. Its redesigned user interface improves navigation for advanced users and introduces a new calibration workflow that expedites implementation of Trinnov’s Optimizer and WaveForming technologies. A new four-element phantom-powered 3D calibration microphone automatically uploads its compensation file, accelerating setup. Learn More: https://www.trinnov.com/en/products/altitudeci/
WAC Group Outdoor X Track WAC Lighting has introduced the Outdoor X Track, engineered specifically for exterior environments, extending the flexibility of WAC track beyond the building envelope. The track brings a modular system-based lighting outdoors, built around a low-voltage platform. The Outdoor X Track adapts to layouts, spacing, and changing design needs. Flexible cuttable sections and flexible connectors allow lighting to evolve with the space. Flexible construction and outdoor-rated components are designed for long-term performance in demanding environments. Learn More: https://waclighting.com/product/outdoor-track/
WiiM Bar WiiM Bar is WiiM’s first soundbar and a new extension of the brand’s connected home audio ecosystem. Combining true 3.0.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS playback, intelligent room optimization, advanced dialog enhancement, flexible expansion, and an integrated 2.1-inch touch display, WiiM Bar features eight active drivers and four passive radiators. Three front-firing mid-woofers and three tweeters create a wide, detailed soundstage with clear vocals, while two dedicated top-firing height drivers produce the overhead effects essential to an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. The passive radiators reinforce low-frequency performance. HDMI eARC provides a simple connection to compatible TVs. Learn More: https://www.wiimhome.com/products/wiim-bar/
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A SUPPLEMENT TO
MAGAZINE IC REALTIME
THE INTEGRATION GUIDE TO
SMART SECURITY
A SECURE SYSTEM
A look at some of the trends and features offered from current, integrated residential security devices. By Karen Mitchell
C
all it a sign of the times. Smart security has become an integral part of the connected home for custom installers. “Several key trends are shaping our roadmap, starting with privacy and cybersecurity,” says Jeff Shaw, chief product officer, Nice North America. “As the number of connected devices in the home continues to grow, consumers increasingly expect solutions that protect their privacy and security without introducing new vulnerabilities. With EDGE, for example, face recognition happens inside the panel, so sensitive data stays private. “The second trend is convergence,” Shaw adds. “Security is becoming the foundation of the connected home rather than a standalone system. Homeowners expect to see who’s at the door, unlock it, and adjust the thermostat from one interface. The GC Touch 1.2 update, which lets users control locks from the doorbell video screen, is a small but meaningful example of this capability.” Another factor is growth beyond the traditional single-family home. “Large residential properties, light commercial sites, and new construction represent significant opportunities for dealers to expand their reach and capture new business,” Shaw notes. “Our extended-range sensors and build-
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er programs are designed specifically to help dealers pursue those markets and extend their security expertise into a broader range of projects. “Finally, we expect heightened awareness to push demand for systems that are easy to use and quick to install. If a system is intimidating, people won’t use it consistently. We think the leaders in the CI market will be platforms that make security effortless for homeowners and profitable for the professionals who install them.” Security has become one of the most common subjects for homeowners to raise with their custom integrators, according to Matt Sailor, CEO, IC Realtime. “Clients who once focused primarily on audio, video, and networking now expect guidance on cameras, intelligent alerts, remote access, and privacy,” he says. “They want a system that makes it easier to understand what is happening at home. “There are opportunities in both new construction and retrofits, but the planning conversation is different. In a new build, security belongs in the architectural and infrastructure discussions. Camera sightlines, cable routes, network capacity, power, and equipment ventilation should be considered before walls close. Those decisions determine how well the system works and how easily it can grow.”
SMART SECURITY
A Security Checklist for Remodels A remodel provides an opportunity to address the infrastructure that determines whether a security system will work reliably for years. “Bring the integrator into the planning process while cable routes, equipment locations, and camera sightlines can still be changed,” says Andrew Nassar, CTO, IC Realtime. “Plan cable paths for future needs,” he advises. “Identify the locations that may eventually need cameras or network access, even if those devices are not part of the initial installation. Where practical, run Ethernet and provide accessible conduit while walls are open. In a retrofit, assess existing wiring before deciding what can be reused.” Build a reliable network. “Hardwire cameras where feasible and plan adequate network and Power over Ethernet capacity,” says Nassar. “Give networking and processing equipment a properly ventilated location with suitable power. For devices that must use Wi-Fi, check coverage at the actual installation point. Include backup power and test what remains available during a power or internet outage. “Choose camera positions around coverage. Start with the approaches and entrances the homeowner wants to see. Evaluate viewing angles, nighttime lighting, backlighting, and potential obstructions. Coordinate locations with the designer so cameras fit the architecture while still capturing useful detail. In an existing home, avoid letting the easiest mounting point become the only design consideration. “Discuss what will be recorded, who can access it, how long footage will be retained, and what leaves the property,” notes Nassar. “Local processing and cloud storage are separate questions; a system may analyze video in the home while storing event clips remotely. Explain those distinctions clearly and agree on camera coverage before equipment is mounted. “Finally, plan for secure operation and handoff,” Nassar concludes. “Use unique credentials, keep firmware current, and configure network segmentation appropriately for connected devices. Before completing the project, verify recording, notifications, and clip retrieval with the homeowner. Document the system so it can be maintained and expanded.”
IC Realtime Bunker
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In an existing home, Sailor notes, the starting point should be an assessment of what is already there. “Are the cameras positioned properly? Is the network reliable? Which equipment can be retained?” he asks. “Where compatibility allows, adding intelligence to existing cameras can extend the value of an earlier investment. The growth opportunity is in making security more useful day to day with clearer information, fewer unnecessary interruptions, and faster access to the moments that matter. Homeowners need confidence that the system will work when they need it.”
The Latest IC Realtime’s latest introduction is Bunker, an edge-AI platform built around an NVIDIA Jetson-powered gateway installed in the home. “It works with IC Realtime and compatible third-party cameras to make video more useful through contextual notifications, natural-language video search, and awareness across multiple cameras,” Sailor says. “The goal is to help homeowners understand what deserves their attention. Bunker learns recurring activity at a property so it can distinguish routine patterns from events that depart from them. Notifications describe what is happening in plain language, and homeowners can search for relevant footage without manually reviewing hours of recordings.” Privacy is part of that architecture. “Bunker analyzes the live video stream on the gateway at the property; the always-on stream is not uploaded, while event clips are stored in the cloud for review,” Sailor explains. “It does not perform facial recognition or build biometric profiles. For integrators, compatibility with existing cameras creates opportunities to upgrade suitable installations. The platform also receives software updates, allowing capabilities to evolve after installation.” At Nice, the newest panel is the 2GIG GC Touch. “Launched in November 2025 as the next generation of the GC2e platform, it is now shipping, simplifies programming, and delivers a better user experience,” states Shaw. “We designed it for the mid-market with an expanded feature set, including a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen that replaces the previous 5-inch display. This new display combines a modern aesthetic with more intuitive navigation.” Core capabilities of the GC Touch include built-in Wi-Fi, dual-path cellular connectivity with support for both AT&T and Verizon, support of up to 128 wireless zones, and two-way voice communication with central stations. It also works with modern Z-Wave devices so that homeowners can control their locks, lights, thermostats, and garage doors from the panel. “We continue to improve the GC Touch through firmware updates designed to make everyday operation and installation easier,” Shaw says. “Firmware version 1.1 introduced several enhancements, including PIN code entry without requiring users to press ‘Enter,’ sensor chime voice annunciation, a 30-minute sounder disable option for panel testing, and repeater supervision support. The update also added a screen saver and photo slideshow, along with the ability to request over-the-air firmware updates directly from the panel. “At the premium end is the 2GIG EDGE panel. It’s thinner and more powerful, with on-the-edge processing that enables touchless disarm and face recognition analytics built into the panel itself, which keeps sensitive data private while giving users a distinctive experience. “We’ve also refreshed our sensor portfolio. The 345S Sensor Line offers extended range, longer battery life, and a smart encrypted/unencrypted toggle in a sleek, modern design. Dealers no longer need to stock multiple SKUs, which helps reduce truck rolls and improve efficiency. Our E+ Ex-
Nice 2GIG Touch touch panel
tended Range line provides reliable coverage for light commercial facilities and large residential properties. It includes indoor and outdoor contact sensors, motion detectors, glass break detectors, and smoke detectors, and it pairs with the EDGE panel.”
Getting Dealers Onboard “The newly revamped Nice University offers dealers curated training opportunities that meet individual learning needs,” Shaw says. “Nice University also provides dealers and distributors the chance to co-own the learning process by monitoring their company’s education progress.” Nice also invests in hands-on, in-person training for dealers. “For the GC Touch launch, for example, we took the panel on a roadshow to key U.S. markets, allowing distributors and dealers to experience the product firsthand through live demonstrations, training, and networking,” he adds. “Hands-on sessions walked dealers through installation and programming, helping them build the knowledge and confidence to deploy GC Touch efficiently while also providing resources and connections to help grow their businesses.” Training is only half the equation, however. “We also help dealers turn smart security into revenue,” Shaw notes. “Through the 2GIG Dealer Loyalty Program, authorized dealers can earn tier-based discounts of up to 10%, access valuable training and certification resources, receive marketing support, and gain exclusive partner benefits. The program is designed to help dealers maximize profitability, grow their business, and deliver industry-leading security and smart home solutions with confidence. “Finally, our product design itself supports dealer growth. Backward compatibility with legacy sensors, fewer SKUs to stock, and faster enrollment and troubleshooting all let dealers spend less time on installs and more time selling the smart home upgrades that build recurring revenue.”
According to Sailor, dealer education needs to connect system design, the homeowner experience, and the business model. “An integrator should be able to explain where cameras belong, why network reliability matters, how video is processed and stored, and what the homeowner can realistically expect from the system,” he says. With Bunker, practical demonstrations make that value tangible: finding footage through a plain-language search, showing a notification that describes an event, and navigating directly to relevant moments in playback. “Those are capabilities a homeowner can understand and use,” says Sailor. “And the business opportunity also extends beyond the initial installation. Compatible existing camera systems give dealers a reason to reconnect with past customers and evaluate an upgrade. Bunker’s subscription model creates a recurring-revenue opportunity alongside hardware installation and ongoing service. “Our view is that the strongest customer relationship continues after the final walkthrough,” Sailor concludes. “Helping homeowners use their systems, understand new capabilities, and adapt to changing needs gives integrators an ongoing role in the home.”
PRODUCT REVIEW
Revisiting Reviews: A Second Look By John Sciacca
One could argue that product reviews have been around since the dawn of man…
Forbidden Fruit
Original Review: “In the beginning…” Kudos: Tastes unlike anything else; gives Knowledge of Good and Bad Concerns: Discover you’re naked; loss of perfection; kicked out of Eden; eventual death
For this month’s review, I thought I’d look back on some of the previous products that I’ve reviewed and see if my opinion of the product has changed over time. I’ve narrowed this list to items that are still available, so no recaps on TVs or soundbars that are multiple generations old. Also, I thought it might be helpful to understand my review process a bit. Typically, I live with the product I’m reviewing for around two months. Usually, the first month is spent passively using it. That is, using it as a typical user would; listening to music, watching TV, letting it adjust lights/shades, etc. The second month is spent actively using it. Here, I’m digging into the experience, watching test patterns, listening to well-known tracks, taking a deep dive into the app, poring over the owner’s manual, etc. Usually, this second month produces a list of questions I send off to the manufacturer (or PR firm) so I can better understand some of the thinking that went into the product. If I do run into an issue during the review (which, honestly, doesn’t happen very often), I’ll reach out and try to get a resolution. Is it something with my setup/network? Is it user error on my end? Is my review sample defective? After the review is written and all questions
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answered, the product is typically boxed up (the worst part of the whole process) and returned to the manufacturer. However, sometimes they don’t want it back. Logistically, having to pay the return shipping and dealing with what is now used gear sometimes means the company doesn’t want it back. And, if it is a product that requires me to install it (cut it into a wall/ ceiling, or physically put it into my home), the understanding up front is that I will be able to keep the product. At the end of the day, my reviews for Residential Systems are always written through the lens of, “Is this something that I would sell or recommend that others sell?” And while I always try to get it “right,” and present you with the most accurate representation of how the product works, how I think it will hold up, and whether it would be a good fit for you to spec into a project, two months with a product is really a pretty narrow window to know how something will hold up in the long run. Also, you may have noticed that most of the reviews here at Residential Systems are pretty favorable, and there’s an easy explanation for that. First, I review 12 products a year, and editor-in-chief Tony Savona gives me a lot of latitude on what products I bring in to review. So, the vetting process is done before the product even arrives at my door. I choose things that I think are going to be cool and interesting. Those things I see at shows that CEDIA and CES that give “Wow!” moments. There are just too few review opportunities to “waste” on looking at something that doesn’t excite me or that doesn’t perform. That’s why you’ll rarely see me review an entry-level AVR or basic soundbar.
NOVEMBER 2026
Without further ado, let’s get to the re-reviews! I’ve included my original “kudos” and “concerns” as a quick review recap. Original reviews are available at residentialsystems.com.
Kaleidescape Strato 4K Movie Streamer
Original Review: October 2016 Original Kudos: Gorgeous 4K/60 interface; pristine audio and video quality; unrivaled entertainment experience Original Concerns: Waiting on UHD HDR/ Atmos library to expand
While my exact model of Strato, the original 2U model with 6 Terabytes of internal storage — serial number 007, thank you very much! — no longer exists, the experience with the current Strato C, K, M, V players is very much the same. (Though the Strato V adds Dolby Vision support, and the Strato K also handles 8K and Kaleidescape’s new Cinematic 4K format.) What’s really worth pointing out is that my OG, 10-year-old unit, has continued to benefit from all of the free improvements and software/ firmware updates Kaleidescape has pushed out over the years, continuing to do everything it did originally, as well as a ton of new stuff. And it can easily be expanded by adding more storage with a Terra server or more zones with additional Strato movie players. Through several network changes and upgrades over that decade, the Strato just does what it does, day-in and day-out. And in those
PRODUCT REVIEW
ten years, I don’t think I’ve rebooted it even a handful of times. The Kaleidescape gear just works, and that means delivering referencequality audio and video on demand. Also, my original “concern” about the movie library expanding has certainly been resolved, as Kaleidescape’s movie store offers the largest selection of disc-quality (and now better-thandisc quality) 4K HDR titles with lossless audio.
Control4 Halo Remote Controls Original Review: October 2023
Original Kudos: Siri voice control is great; slick look and nice hand feel; a platform with a future Original Concerns: Battery life; waiting on some feature rollouts
I know that there was a lot of commentary in the dealer community about Wi-Fi connectivity issues with these remotes, but I never experienced it. Not during my initial review period or in the three years since. I have both a Halo and Halo Touch, and they are my primary daily remotes (though they’ve recently been upended by the new Josh Edge Remote), and they both wake-up quickly, connect to my Control4 system, and work. Between the two, I think I prefer the regular, non-Touch, Halo. I have to spend less time “hunting” for buttons, and I don’t have to be as precise as when using the touchscreen. While I was initially really excited about the
AppleTV Siri voice integration, I find I rarely if ever use the voice control features, and it occasionally doesn’t work. If you want to use voice, just get Josh.ai. One thing I’m still disappointed with is the battery life. These remotes struggle to live 24 hours off the charger. If the remote is left on the couch, it is often dead, or close to it, the next evening. Since I have two of them, I just cycle between them; swapping the dead one out for a
fresh one on the charger. But for a customer, you will really need to impress on them to leave the remote docked and charging when not in use.
SixFive Fusion Landscape Audio/ Lighting System Original Review: June 2025
Original Kudos: Great value proposition; unique speaker/light combo; spacious sound Original Concerns: Can crackle/distort at higher volumes/bass; not suited for high SPL applications; longevity of exposed speaker drivers
I try and present my reviews in the most accurate, honest way possible, using 28 years of industry experience to intuit not only how the product works day one, but also how I think it will perform in the long run. And while my reviews aren’t meant to pander to manufacturers, I do hope that the manufacturer will be pleased with the review. I bring that up because SixFive took real exception to part of my review. Namely, this bit: “The top of the speaker has perforations in the brass — what SixFive calls a ‘sound resonating brass enclosure’ — and peering through the tiny holes you can see the two omnidirectional, 2.5-inch all-weather speakers underneath arranged 180 degrees to each other. I do have a bit of concern as to how these speakers — which are exposed to the elements, specifically rain — will hold up in the long run, with them positioned upward for water to drip directly down onto them. I went out and looked at them after a rain and could see water on the drivers.” So, a year-and-a-half later, after 24/7 days out in freezing temps, tons of rain, loads of humidity, and 100-plus-degree days, how have they held up? I’m happy to say that all eight of the speakers and the subwoofer are still working great! We still use the system quite a bit, as it provides great audio fill for the entire area around our pool. While I stand by my comments about them not being great for areas that require high SPLs — you get crackling and distortion if you push the volume too high — for comfortable listening, they are great. As I wrote in my review, “The music provides great ambience for the party, but the music isn’t the party.” Also, because I never purchased a timer or other automation for the SixFive’s lighting transformer, we almost never use the lighting portion. I turned the lights on the other night just to make sure they still worked — they do — and thought, “Man, that looks really nice,” so I think a timer is in my future!
Hunter Douglas PowerView Gen 3 Shades Original Review: December 2022
Original Kudos: Across the board improvements with Gen 3; PowerView app simple yet powerful; huge variety of shade styles/options; internal rechargeable battery eliminates clutter at window Original Concerns: Charging the internal batteries isn’t as convenient
Hunter Douglas offers more unique motorized shading styles and solutions than any other company, including the Aura illuminated shades, the elegant and multi-functional Pirouette A Deux, as well as fully customizable models for unique window shapes. I have a total of seven of the company’s Gen 3 shades, all Duolite models that offer both sheer and blackout fabrics on a single roller, and I love them. One of them was defective out of the box (there was an issue getting the internal, rechargeable battery to come out of transport mode), but since replacing that shade, they have all functioned perfectly. It’s really simple in the app to create timeclock-based scenes that automatically raise and lower the shades as desired during the day. While the new Gen 3 shades are quieter than the Gen 2 models, and have an option to use a “Discreet” mode that runs scenes at one-half speed to reduce noise even more, these are the loudest shades in my home. However, part of that is due to the way the Duolite models are constructed and not indicative of all Hunter Douglas motorized shades. Since the review, Hunter developed a solar charger system that adheres to the window and then connects to the shade’s charging plug. I have got three of them installed and I don’t believe I’ve had to manually charge the batteries since. However, the app never indicates that the shade is charging, or displays a battery level other than “Good” or “Bad.” I wish the system would send you a push notification when a shade’s battery dips to “Bad” so you would know you needed to charge
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PRODUCT REVIEW
it. Inevitably I don’t discover a shade needs charging until it is dead and no longer working, which is a bummer. November 2026
Vol. 27 No. 11
residentialsystems.com
Original Review: August 2023
FOLLOW US twitter.com/resisys facebook/resisys CONTENT MD, Content, AV Anthony Savona anthony.savona@futurenet.com Contributors: Katye McGregor Bennett, Matt Bernath, Sam Cavitt, Henry Clifford, Dave Donald, Tim Fitzpatrick, Jason Griffing, Anthony Grimani, Karen Mitchell, Lisa Montgomery, Todd Anthony Puma, John Sciacca, Lisa Slayman, Gordon van Zuiden Production Manager Heather Tatrow Art Editors Matt Lochrie & Rosie Webber ADVERTISING SALES Managing Vice President of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, go to residentialsystems.com and click on About Us, email futureplc@computerfulfillment.com, call 888-266-5828, or write Residential Systems, PO Box 254 Lowell MA 01853.. LICENSING/REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS Residential Systems is available for licensing. Contact the Licensing team to discuss partnership opportunities. Head of Print Licensing: Rachel Shaw, licensing@futurenet.com MANAGEMENT SVP, MD, B2B Amanda Darman-Allen VP, Market Lead Carmel King MD, Content, AV Anthony Savona VP, Global Head of Sales, B2B Dena Malouf Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech Adam Goldstein VP, Global Head of Strategy & Ops, B2B Allison Markert VP, Product & Marketing, B2B Andrew Buchholz Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance Head of Design, B2B Nicole Cobban FUTURE US, INC. 130 West 42nd Street7th Floor New York, NY 10036
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Lutron RadioRA 3 lighting and Palladiom Shades Original Kudos: Product line feels modern, refreshed, and luxurious; tons of fabric and color options Original Concerns: Limited keypad options; lacks advanced programming customization; Palladiom’s premium price; “delicate” battery ribbon cable
Lutron’s RadioRA 3 lighting just works. You press a keypad button, and the lights come on. You go to the app, the lights respond. I still think the Sunnata dimmers look and feel real cool, with the nine-LED lightbar and touch/ slide dimming control. They are modern and slick without calling attention to themselves. Lutron shades are some of the quietest around, and the Palladiom shades are claimed to be down to 35 dBA. This means you rarely hear anything short of the fabric moving, and more typically just see that the shades have “magically” moved to a new position without any fanfare. And like the lights, the shades just work, every time. The estimated battery life for Palladiom shades is between three and five years, and I don’t think I’ve had to do a battery replacement yet. Unfortunately, there is no way to check battery levels in the app, and instead you need to watch the shade itself for a blinking red LED to indicate low battery levels. Regardless, three-plus years in and the original four D-cell batteries are still working. (Typically, my shades go up/down once per day, at 8:00 AM and then sunset.) Lutron also regularly updates its app, adding improvements and new features. For example, there’s a nice tab at the top now that gives a quick snapshot of how many lights are on in the house, how many shades are open, and the home’s current temperature. I do wish that Lutron would open some of the customizable programming to RA 3, such as double-press actions and time-of-day actions, but these advanced features are still reserved for HomeWorks systems. The one thing I would change with the RA 3 system is my keypad selection. Switching from RadioRA 2, where I had six-button keypads with dimming, I figured I’d need a lot of buttons, so I got all four-button keypads
NOVEMBER 2026
(the most offered in Sunnata). However, I really miss being able to dim the load from the keypads, and wish I’d gone with the threebutton with raise/lower dimming.
Sony VPL-XW6100ES BRAVIA 8 4K Laser Projector Original Review: December 2024
Original Kudos: Greatly improved HDR handling; sharp, detailed image; great for gamers Original Concerns: Would love a blacker black; no 3D support
Full transparency: Sony did NOT just let me keep this $19,000 projector. As a Sony Diamond Dealer, I purchased a new projector directly from Sony following my review. Two years in, I’m still very pleased with this projector. While we only use it about once or twice a week, it always delivers a great, cinematic image. Because my screen size is only 115 inches diagonal (2.35:1), I don’t need a ton of light output, and I feel the Sony’s 2700 lumens does a great job with both SDR and HDR content. Would I still love a darker black? Yes. But I feel the Sony delivers a lot of black-level detail that could otherwise be lost with an overall lower floor, and it makes up for it with tons of detail, especially in images that aren’t just super-dark, along with bright highlights in dark images. I’d love to do a side-by-side with the JVC NZ800 — the closest competitor to this Sony — but I feel that ultimately both projectors have their own strengths and shortcomings, and users would be thrilled with either. Would I love to pair this with a madVR Envy processor? Also, yes, but I feel that Sony’s XR chip does a terrific job of tone mapping, and until I see the Envy connected to the XW6100ES, I’m still content to let it handle that job. A couple of things I’ve noticed over two years of operation: I use the lens memory feature frequently to switch between 16:9, 2.0:1, and 2.35:1 content. While the Sony does this well, over time I’ve found the settings can drift slightly, and I need to retouch the lens memory positions every few months. Another nit is that Sony doesn’t roll out firmware updates to offer any improvement post-purchase. Perhaps the XR chip just rolled out with perfect settings and no room for improvement, but you’d think that after two years there’d be some updates. My unit
PRODUCT REVIEW
shipped with fw 1.003, and two years later we’re at 1.004 to address a “rare bug that may occur due to a power flicker.” Finally, something I discovered well after my review: This projector (and I’m assuming all Sony 4K projectors) terribly fails several test patterns from the Spears & Munsil Benchmark 4K Bluray. On multiple test patterns (single-pixel checkerboard, dots black, 1:1 pixel vertical, 1:1 pixel horizontal, 1:3 pixel diamond), the projector exhibits horrible artifacts and crazy color shifting, producing a screen full of weird pinks and purple splotches. I’ve not seen any other display (projector, OLED, LED) perform this way. Thinking my projector was defective, I reached out to Sony, and their engineering team responded with, “The effect/artifacts you saw were a result of our factory panel alignment function. We perform a precise alignment (0.1dot) of the three panels (RGB) and aberration correction at the factory before shipment for the best moving image quality as well as appearance of white text (subtitles, credits, etc.). “This is Sony’s ultimate goal in our home cinema projector products, to provide the highest image quality for moving video. Between our training and engineering teams, we have reviewed tens of thousands of hours of video content and have not observed this effect in ‘realworld’ content, it can only be duplicated on these test patterns.” To echo what Sony said, I’ve never seen any issues when watching actual content, but it is surprising/disappointing that a $19,000 projector can’t “pass” these test patterns.
Trinnov Altitude 16 Surround Processor
at the pinnacle of surround processing, and I’m still thrilled to have it in my system. With its steady stream of free software updates, the Altitude performance just improves with age. Case in point: Trinnov rolled out WaveForming after I had my unit, and at this past CEDIA Expo they expanded the processing to allow for as few as two subwoofers placed in the front of the room, which is totally doable for me. Because my Altitude lives in our living room — not cosseted away in a rarely used theater space — it gets used literally every day. Any time our living room TV or projector is on, the Altitude is involved in processing the audio. So, having used it constantly for more than four years, I’ve discovered some quirks about the Altitude. Because it is essentially a purposebuilt computer, the Altitude never really powers off. Instead, it goes into a “Stealth” mode that goes to an unused input, darkens the screen, and turns off the triggers. This allows it to instantly wake up and be ready for operation. In Control4 programming, you can schedule a reboot to happen outside normal operation, in
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Similar to the Sony projector, Trinnov didn’t just let me keep my Altitude 16 review unit. However, to quote Don Vito Corleone, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, so I purchased the review sample. While there are multiple options now for getting 16 channels of surround processing, the Altitude 16 allows expansion up to 20 channels. And as I said in my original review, the Trinnov was always a bucket-list item for me, standing
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Original Review: June 2022
Original Kudos: Absolutely lives up to the hype; top-notch flexibility, configuration, and performance; enables any speaker system to sound its very best in any room Original Concerns: It’s expensive and complex; ideally a Trinnov-certified calibrator would perform optimization; audio delay when switching formats
my case every Sunday at 2:00 AM. However, I’d say maybe once every couple of months it “locks up” — inputs won’t change, audio won’t pass — requiring a manual reboot. This is a coupleminute power-down and boot-up process. The most irritating thing about the Altitude remains the lengthy delay — I’d say upward of 10 seconds sometimes — when it receives and loads a new audio codec. This means that we almost always have to restart to the beginning of streamed content to hear the opening audio. Trinnov says they are working to shorten this, but in the meantime, this is just something Altitude owners have to live with. Finally — and this one is really on me — even after four years, I’m intimidated to get “under the hood” and really dive into the myriad of calibration settings. The Altitude provides almost limitless options to make the audio as good as possible in your room, and without the formal training, it is a bit daunting, and I fear I’m apt to do more harm than good. Don’t get me wrong, it sounds great, but you always just know it could sound even better.
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GOING FORWARD
The Single-Policy Project
Hardware is a commodity — your time is the product. A whole-system warranty ensures you get compensated for it. BY MANISH CHAUHAN, CEO, SUREBRIGHT
It was a Friday night in November at a Napa Valley estate, six months after the final walkthrough, with 30 guests due in less than an hour. The owner tapped a keypad in the hall, expecting the house to come alive for the evening. Instead, everything went quiet. Lighting, audio, and climate control all dropped at once. When the integrator arrived the following Monday, it took just 20 minutes to pinpoint the fault. The culprit was a single network switch, quietly tying together three systems the client had always assumed were separate. Sourcing the replacement took a day, but the real struggle lay in the paperwork. Closing out the claims dragged into a three-week saga across three manufacturers and three portals. In the end, the integrator absorbed two truck rolls, plus the windshield time that came with them, and sent no invoice at all. Because when you intend to keep a client, that is simply what you do. Every one of those warranties performed exactly as written. And that is the problem.
What Integrators Sell Has Changed Fifteen years ago, a residential job was just a collection of products: a receiver, a pair of speakers, a projector, and a remote. When one failed, it failed alone. Coverage written one box at a time matched a world that broke one box at a time. Today, a high-end project is an interdependent system where a hundred or more devices work together on a managed network, with lighting, audio, shades, and climate control all leaning on the same infrastructure. System failures follow the exact same logic. A client whose switch dies does not experience a switch failing; they experience dark hallways, silent speakers, and shades that will not move — and they call the integrator. That is the mismatch. Your client buys a system, and you are accountable for a system, while protection is still written against the smallest replaceable part inside it. Manufacturers cover the failed component, the cheapest line on the invoice. The truck rolls, diagnostic hours, reprogramming, and weeks spent chasing administrators are the expensive part, and nobody covers them. In practice, that means you cover them. No industry stays anchored to component-level protection forever. Enterprise IT traded component warranties for service-level agreements once downtime cost more than the server, and elevator manufacturers moved toward uptime-based service contracts as far back as the early 20th century. The pattern holds across industries: Whenever value shifts from individual components to the performance of an entire system, the commercial model
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evolves alongside it. Custom integration crossed that line years ago, and protection is the last part of the business still sold by the box.
One Policy, Written Against the Project A whole-system warranty covers the installation instead of the inventory. It stays with the system as devices are replaced, and it does not care which of a hundred serial numbers failed. Now run the Napa call through that model and it becomes a completely different job. One call, one claim, one administrator, with no expired windows and no hunt for a lost receipt. The switch is replaced under the same policy that pays for the three hours of labor to bring lighting and audio back online. The house works by Sunday, and the integrator is paid for their work over the weekend instead of donating it. Faster restoration matters, but the biggest advantage for you is financial, and it cuts in two directions. First is reimbursement. Few trades treat warranty labor as a favor the way integrators do. A whole-system warranty changes that equation. Because the policy covers restoring the installation rather than replacing a single product, work once written off as goodwill becomes reimbursable. The second advantage appears right at the proposal. You build protection directly into the project, earning margin upfront just as you would on hardware, well before anything has a chance to fail. Because underwriting, policy administration, and claims stay with the provider, you collect that margin without inheriting the liability. None of this makes a whole-system warranty a cure-all. It does not pay for client-caused damage, it does not rescue a job that was poorly documented from the start, and it puts a line on the proposal that some clients will decline. What it does is stop the failure of one inexpensive part from turning into unpaid hours on your calendar.
The Part Nobody Can Shop Online Clients can compare equipment specifications across dozens of retailers in minutes, and the same processor you specified with care shows up online with free two-day shipping. When a system goes down, clients rarely remember who manufactured the switch. They remember who answered, how fast the house came back, and how little it asked of them. A whole-system warranty is what lets you stand behind it the decade after handoff without funding it personally. Test it on the next proposal you write. Put protection on the page beside the hardware, say what it covers in labor as well as parts, and watch the reaction. Most clients will not blink, because they already assumed you would be there.