This post will present some of the top tech stories from CEDIA Expo 2022. You know, covering a trade show like Expo has always been a particular challenge for me. As someone who is always looking for a good story, going to a trade show with hundreds of exhibits is a bit like trying to take a sip of water from a fire hose. Nonetheless, I was able to discover several stories I found particularly interesting and I hope you’ll like them too.
Integrators
Netgear Launches New Wireless Access Points & Pro Services for Integrators at CEDIA Expo
NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGR), a billion-dollar provider of networking gear for both the consumer and professional markets announced two new powerful wireless access points – one WiFi 6 and another WiFi 6E – targeted for the residential custom integration channel. Along with these new models, the company is also offering powerful professional services, including remote monitoring and management capability and technical support such as placement guidance and network design services.
See more on the new Netgear products and services
[Read more…] about Netgear Launches New Wireless Access Points & Pro Services for Integrators at CEDIA ExpoSavant Adds Even More Value to Automation OS SaaS Subscriptions
Savant Systems Inc., a leading brand of smart home automation and control solutions, announced today that it is adding even more features to its software subscription model, further increasing its value to both end users and integrators. In 2021, the company converted its operating system to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription model, offering homeowners more value, as well as offering new opportunity for their dealers. Now, this SaaS subscription program is set to receive several new and upgraded features, bringing even more value to the program.
Learn more about the Savant SaaS subscription program
[Read more…] about Savant Adds Even More Value to Automation OS SaaS SubscriptionsVOXX Int’l Launches E-Commerce Platform Selling Premium Audio Co. Brands
VOXX International Corporation (VOXX), owner of Premium Audio Company (PAC) and many other brands, announced this week that it has launched a new e-commerce platform. This new platform is initially being rolled out at Premium Audio Company – the division that operates brands such as Klipsch, Jamo, Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer, Elite, Magnat, and Heco.
Learn more on Voxx’s top brands being sold through e-commerce
[Read more…] about VOXX Int’l Launches E-Commerce Platform Selling Premium Audio Co. BrandsFormer ProSource VP Andy Orozco Named Nationwide Senior VP of CI
Nationwide Marketing Group (Nationwide) continues to hit the accelerator pedal as it seeks to build upon its plans to expand the custom integration segment for the group, first indicated when it acquired another CI-centric group, Azioned Unlimited, back in October of 2021. Now Nationwide is announcing that Andy Orozco, a former top (and long-time) executive with ProSource, has joined the organization as its Senior Vice President of Custom Integration.
See more on Orozco joining Nationwide Marketing Group
[Read more…] about Former ProSource VP Andy Orozco Named Nationwide Senior VP of CICrestron Home to Hit CEDIA EXPO with ‘Deep Roster of New Solutions’
Creston Electronics announced today its plans for the upcoming CEDIA Expo show in Dallas at the end of the month. The company says they will have a big showing for their Crestron Home ecosystem and a “deep roster of new solutions” that integrators are going to want to see.
Learn more on the CEDIA Expo plans for Crestron Home
[Read more…] about Crestron Home to Hit CEDIA EXPO with ‘Deep Roster of New Solutions’Hunter Douglas Adds Innovative Power Options to PowerView Gen 3 Automation
Hunter Douglas, one of the leading makers of custom window treatments, announced this week a couple of really interesting new additions to their PowerView Gen 3 Automation line – a cool internal Rechargeable Battery, ideal for retrofit installations, and the PowerView+ Gen 3 Automation wired solution, perfect for new construction projects. The company says that these new options are both consistent with PowerView Gen 3’s principles of installation simplicity, performance reliability, and system scalability.
See more on these additions to the Hunter Douglas PowerView Gen 3 line
[Read more…] about Hunter Douglas Adds Innovative Power Options to PowerView Gen 3 AutomationFirst PrepTECH Grads Hit Dallas Market; Company Seeks More Sponsors
PrepTECH, a for-profit workforce service company that finds, vets, trains, and places new entry-level techs into the custom integration space, has had its first graduating class enter the industry in the Dallas market. A “pilot” or proof-of-concept initiative, the company says it was quite successful and a great learning experience for them – as well as for their participating students and the industry.
Now the company is looking to scale the concept.
Learn more about PrepTECH…
[Read more…] about First PrepTECH Grads Hit Dallas Market; Company Seeks More SponsorsHow You Can Thrive in the High-Performance Stereo Music System Segment
A Guest Post by Keith Dowd, Vivid Audio
Is it possible for a speaker company that doesn’t sell architectural speakers, or home cinema speakers, or soundbars, or outdoor landscape speakers – to grow and thrive in today’s market? I would argue that YES, it is very possible. And it is equally possible for dealers to thrive in the segment as well, if they are willing to take just a few simple steps. I make that argument based on my direct experience in the high-performance stereo music system segment in my role as U.S. Brand Director for Vivid Audio.
You might ask…how is this possible? Read on to find out…
[Read more…] about How You Can Thrive in the High-Performance Stereo Music System SegmentCrestron Supply Chain Town Hall Updates Frustrated Dealers; Did It Help?
This week, Crestron Electronics held a special Supply Chain Town Hall meeting with their dealers to conduct a deep dive into the root causes of their delivery delays, suggest what actions dealers can take, and offer a preview of what to expect in the future. The action was taken, the company says, in the name of transparency – a noble goal. But some dealers are asking what took so long – we are now 2½ years into supply chain issues and things don’t seem to be getting any better at Crestron. Or are they?