FEATURE
grates into professional automation systems. Amp Genie: Amp Genie delivers touch-free AVR control. As the world’s only signal-sensing automatic AVR remote, it bridges any audio source with any supported AVR for instant, seamless playback. No remotes, no menus — just music. Launch an app, speak a command, or drop the needle on a record, and Amp Genie automatically configures your system for stereo sound. Offering a low-cost alternative to expensive universal remotes and control systems, Amp Genie delights clients and professional installers with its simplicity, reliability, and exceptional performance. Apex Technologies: The Apex Technologies portfolio spans cinema-grade entertainment systems, immersive and dynamic LED-based lighting that enhances ambiance, and advanced power quality solutions that optimize the uninterrupted enjoyment of home technology and modern lighting. With a consultative approach, Apex Technologies collaborates closely with integrators to craft bespoke designs for cinema, specialty lighting, and power quality infrastructures. Arlington: Arlington Industries was founded in 1949, and in its early years served the electrical industry as a regional supplier of zinc die-cast fittings. The company was acquired by its present owners in 1956 and has become a leading manufacturer of traditional metallic and non-metallic fittings and connectors, while remaining an industry leader in the development of unique and innovative electrical and communications products. Arlington is committed to new product development, and the company has introduced more than 500 new or unique products in the last ten years. After multiple plant expansions, its Scranton, Pennsylvania, facility encompasses five acres under roof. ASCENDO Immersive Audio: ASCENDO took 2025 by storm with proven audio innovation and performance. Not only did the company introduce THE28 SUB SQUARED, which took home top honors (like our own Best of Show award at ISE 2025), but it made waves for ASCENDO’s unique 28-inch composite sandwich cone that has the cone area equivalent to a 32-inch round subwoofer. The company also introduced what are now the world’s largest subwoofers, THE64 and THE100 infrasonic models, and continues to set the standard for infrasonic bass in home cinema. Finally, ASCENDO recently introduced THE HALO speaker, which delivers the audio excellence of the company’s flagship BLACK SWAN in a flat, round cardioid design. Audio Advice: In addition to hosting another successful Audio Advice Live event in August, the integration company made two big moves in the back half of 2025. First, it expanded into the Nashville market with its new location in the fast-growing area of Franklin, just south of Nashville, hiring former Imagine Audio Video executive and Bravas general manager Ed Simonton to lead that location. Then Audio Advice announced its acquisition of The Sound Room, a leading St. Louis-based audio, video, and home automation company founded in 1983 by David Young. AVPro Global Holdings: AVPro had a busy year with product introductions, but its biggest news hit at the end of May with the announcement that the company had acquired Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), adding the automation company to its roster of brands that also includes AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, ThenAudio, and Murideo. Later in the year, RTI released the ISR-AB Advanced Base remote control, which offers a builtin Wi-Fi access point and programmable control buttons, plus a Find-My-Remote feature. AWALL: Florida-based video display manufacturer AWALL is on a roll, expanding its presence with both dealers and end-users. Not only did its MicroLED display turn heads at CEDIA Expo, earning a Best of Show Award from Residential Systems, but it is also part of a permanent installation at the hightech retail store tmr:w located in Times Square in New York City. Azione Unlimited: The buying group’s busy year included the significant ex-
ASCENDO
pansion of its educational initiatives, which launched new learning opportunities across multiple disciplines. More recently, it launched the Azione Collective, a women’s circle dedicated to fostering connection, mentorship, and empowerment within the Azione community that is led by Nicole Riddle, director of membership at Azione Unlimited. Blackwire Designs: Blackwire Designs was recognized by Residential Systems with the Best of Show award at CEDIA 2025 for the new VideoWall Pro driver, which streamlines the installation and control of video wall systems with native integration for the Control4 platform. Compatible with leading AV-over-IP systems, it provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface that eliminates the need for complex custom programming. In 2026, the company plans to deepen partnerships with leading names in the residential industry and continue driving innovation, finding smarter ways to make installs more efficient and cost-effective. Bond: One of the surest ways to identify when a company is doing things “right” is when they are chosen by brand after brand to partner with. That defines what has been happening for Bond. The list of partnering brands has grown significantly, with dozens of motorized shade manufacturers now in the Bond universe, along with a similar number of ceiling fan brands. The adoption rate for Bond will continue to expand into 2026. Bowers & Wilkins: Partnerships were the name of the game for the high-end audio manufacturer, which announced a limited-edition speaker series in conjunction with Abbey Road Studios and continued its relationship with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, becoming its official audio partner. It also released the Px7 S3 and the Px8 S2 wireless headphones. CEDIA: CEDIA has made remarkable progress in raising awareness of the custom integration channel across government, consumer, and design & build audiences. On the advocacy front, CEDIA’s annual Hill Day in Washington, D.C., engaged legislators on tariffs, workforce development, and licensing — and supported a major policy win, with 529 savings plans now eligible for trade education and certifications like CEDIA’s. The association’s first-of-its-kind consumer campaign is helping members connect directly with homeowners and elevating industry visibility. Meanwhile, the CEDIA and NKBA|KBIS research, along with Smart Home Day, are deepening relationships with the design & build community and showcasing the growing demand for integrated smart home technology. Cleerline Technology Group: The Cleerline Technology Group introduced two new fiber installation accessories for residential and commercial integrators: the LC multimode and single-mode UPC connectors, which are available in 2-packs, and updated versions of the LGX-compatible rack enclosures that feature improved cable management. It also debuted the SSF-2x8POE-RUGGED, a 2×8 switch that is engineered for extreme environments. It includes two SFP Gigabit ports with eight ports of Gigabit Ethernet and can deliver eight ports of PoE+ (30W per port). Coastal Source: 2025 marked a transformative year for Coastal Source. Through its Native by Design partnership with Lutron, the company unveiled VIA — a DECEMBER 2025
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