Amazon says customers using the new Alexa experiences talk to it two to three times more often. Several features require Alexa+, which is included with Prime. For integrators, the key pieces are Home Map, the Echo Show 16’s smart home dashboard and a Zigbee/Matter/Thread hub in the $99.99 Echo Dot. Details come from Amazon’s announcement posts.

Alexa Home Map: a 3D control layer for the whole property

Per Amazon’s Home Map announcement, the feature renders the home and property in 3D, inside and out, with Echo devices, Ring and Blink cameras, Fire TV, lights, locks and thermostats shown where they are installed. Users can control core functions from the map, which updates in real time, showing light colors and active speakers. The exterior generates from the home’s address; interiors are scanned room by room with a compatible iPhone, and devices are placed manually.

With compatible Ring cameras, the map adds a 360-degree aerial view, animates people and vehicles outside and flags arrivals saved in Familiar Faces. A timeline rewinds the last 24 hours across all cameras. Some features require a Ring Protect Pro or Virtual Security Guard subscription.

Home Map rolls out in preview later this year on a dedicated iOS app, the Alexa and Ring apps, larger Echo Shows including the Echo Show 16, the Amazon Ember Artline with Fire TV and the new Alexa Tablets. Amazon did not say whether third-party control platforms will integrate with it.

Echo Show 16: a wall-mount smart home dashboard with Fire TV

Amazon says Echo Show is its fastest-growing Echo line, up more than 25% year over year. Per its Echo Show 16 announcement, the 16-inch full HD display has 10% more viewing area than the Echo Show 15 in a frame nearly 40% thinner. An optional Nanomatte screen cuts glare by more than 90%, Amazon says. The unit wall-mounts or sits on an optional stand.

A Smart Home Screen Style turns it into an always-on control dashboard with Home Map; other styles make it a family organizer or photo frame. Omnisense temperature and presence sensing can drive automations such as adjusting the thermostat or lights. It also adds Fire TV with a remote, eight micro woofers and two tweeters, and a 13MP camera with auto-framing and night vision for Live View.

The standard model is $499.99 and Nanomatte is $569.99, with $100 off preorders, now open. It ships later this year. Stands run $69.99, or $124.99 for swivel-and-tilt.

Echo Dot: a $99.99 Zigbee/Matter/Thread hub and eero extender

Per Amazon’s Echo Dot and Echo Studio announcement, the new Dot is the first with a built-in smart home hub, supporting Zigbee, Matter and Thread. It also includes an eero Wi-Fi extender that Amazon says adds up to 1,000 square feet to an existing eero network. Other upgrades include Amazon’s AZ3 chip, a fourth microphone, Omnisense temperature and presence sensing, and 50% more bass. The Dot ships now for $99.99; Kids editions start at $109.99.

Echo Studio with Home Camera: spatial audio plus room awareness

The flagship speaker keeps its woofer, three full-range drivers and Dolby Atmos, and adds Advanced Room Adaptation. The camera version adds Live View monitoring and visual recognition, such as reading a board game’s rules from its box. Amazon says big-screen video calling via compatible Fire TVs is coming soon. An LED lights when video streams to the cloud. It costs $249.99; the camera-free Echo Studio stays at $219.99.

Echo Time: a camera-free bedside clock with sleep sensing

Per Amazon’s Echo Time announcement, this spherical bedside clock has a 3.2-inch round touchscreen, hundreds of clock faces and no camera. An optional smart alarm uses Omnisense sensing, including ultrasound, to wake users during lighter sleep within 10 to 60 minutes of the set time, with no wearable. Amazon says it earned the National Sleep Foundation’s SleepMark. Sleep sensing is opt-in. Echo Time is $199.99; the Kids version starts at $209.99.

Alexa Photo Frame

Per Amazon’s Photo Frame announcement, this 10-inch anti-glare touchscreen frame syncs with Amazon Photos, where Alexa+ picks images by faces, season and sentiment and skips screenshots. Users can search by voice and attach voice notes, and family members can share photos directly to it. It costs $199.99 in black or $229.00 in birch or walnut, with 90 days of Alexa+ included.

Alexa+ and availability

Every device ships with the latest Alexa+, which Amazon says reasons more deeply, asks clarifying questions and handles multi-step requests. Conversations are organized into Cards that carry across Echo devices, the Alexa app and Alexa.com.

The Echo Dot, Echo Studio with Home Camera, Echo Time and Alexa Photo Frame are available now. The Echo Show 16 is in preorder and ships later this year, while Home Map arrives in preview later this year.

The post Amazon’s New Alexa Lineup: What Integrators Need to Know appeared first on CEPRO.

“Michael isn’t someone who simply understands where technology is going. He’s spent his entire career helping determine where it goes,” said Ryan Lampel, CEO and Co-Founder of Just Video Walls.

“There are very few people in this industry with his combination of vision, engineering expertise, and a proven track record of turning seemingly impossible ideas into commercially viable technologies. We’re not bringing Michael onboard to make incremental improvements to what’s already out there. We’re bringing him in to help create what’s next.”

Braithewaite’s legacy of innovation arrives at heated moment for video walls

The company says Braithwaite’s appointment marks a significant turning point for Just Video Walls as it expands its ambitions beyond the technologies and conventions that define today’s microLED market, though the company has chosen to keep those details under wraps for the time being.

In a press release announcing Braithwaite’s appointment, JVW has stated it is “investing in a new generation of technologies with the potential to fundamentally reshape what’s possible with large-scale visual systems.”

“We’ve never been interested in simply doing what everyone else is doing, only a little better,” added Lampel. “The opportunities ahead of us are far bigger than that. Michael has spent his career creating technologies that didn’t exist before, and that’s exactly the kind of thinking we’re investing in. We’re incredibly proud to welcome him to Just Video Walls, and I believe the industry is going to be very interested in what comes next.”

It goes on to say Braithwaite’s appointment brings the experience and inventive leadership to help turn those ambitions into reality.

Why integrators should take note

In addition to his earlier inventions Braithwaite has extensive experience in working with video walls and some of the most cutting-edge technology today. He has led some of the world’s largest video wall deployments across China, the UAE, and Japan. In 2024, he co-founded Modern Atomics, advancing Edge-AI-controlled power and intelligent PoE technologies.

Having engineered breakthrough technologies in power management, artificial intelligence, and large-scale visual systems, Braithwaite has spent nearly four decades challenging the boundaries of what technology can accomplish, so it will be interesting to see how he may continue that legacy of innovation at JVW, especially now as the video wall category heats up.

The post Just Video Walls Appoints Legendary Inventor Michael Braithwaite as Chief Technology Officer appeared first on CEPRO.

The 4.1 release is available immediately across the full product lineup—including the upcoming Island Pro Mini—via the web and mobile app. The new firmware also adds roughly three dozen additional fixes and enhancements, including PPPoE support.

Island OceanView

According to the Island team, OceanView was built around businesses and individuals managing many Island devices at once. The new feature delivers a single, real-time dashboard indicating network health, device activity, and security status across an entire fleet of Islands.

Columns can be customized to streamline the view; Islands are sortable by model, group, or status. Hovering over an alert displays message context to help determine further action.

“Integrators have been asking for this, and we listened,” said Tom Gallo, Island’s Chief Revenue Officer. “The team has built something elegant here—a way to spot issues as they occur and resolve before the customer is affected.”

Cross Connect

In addition to multicasting, Cross Connect adds new method for letting named devices or device groups initiate communication with other named devices or groups across LAN and VLAN boundaries. For example, a group of cameras may need to talk to a network video recorder on a different LAN, or a SONOS controller may need to talk to speakers on a separate VLAN.

Why integrators should take note

According to the Island team there are two factors set this implementation apart from similar features in the industry:

• Only named devices can connect, meaning everything else on the segments stays isolated, preserving the protection that network segmentation is meant to provide in the first place.
• Cross Connect is configured by device or group names rather than IP addresses and Island takes care of all routing, avoiding the complex setups typical of other firewalls.

The post Island Adds Multicasting, Dashboards and Cross Connect in Firmware Version 4.1 appeared first on CEPRO.

Home of the Year Project Profile

• Name & Location: Cashiers Retreat, Cashiers, North Carolina
• Integrator: Sunbelt Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
• Award: 2026 Home of the Year, Best Combo Design + Tech Project, Bronze

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, the Cashiers Retreat is a custom mountain estate of nearly 12,000 square feet of interior and exterior living space.

Integrator Sunbelt Technology worked with Summerour Architects, Jessica Bradley Interiors, The Berry Group and the homeowner to develop a smart home ecosystem that worked in line with the architecture and design of the home, refining the technology stack and placement continually as home plans evolved.

The question “Does this enhance the architecture?” became a mantra to the team as the project progressed, the answer to which helped guide system layout and function across lighting, shading, control, audio, video and networking.

A centralized platform built around the home’s architecture

Sunbelt designed a centralized smart home ecosystem around four main systems: Lutron HomeWorks QSX for lighting and shading control, Control4 for whole-home automation, Josh.ai for voice control and Just Add Power for video distribution.

Enterprise-grade networking, whole-home audio, and integrated generator fill in the remainder of the system’s functionality.

The HomeWorks platform alone manages 96 lighting loads with occupancy sensing and astronomical scheduling assisting in coordination alongside personalized scenes the homeowners can activate with a tap of a button.

Editing the layout to protect the ceilings

Preserving the home’s character meant adjusting the technology plan again and again over the course of construction, particularly with the lighting. Recessed fixtures were relocated or eliminated entirely to protect the integrity of the reclaimed timber ceilings. During this time, photometric analysis was conducted regularly in order to ensure the proper lighting effect.

Balancing light, glass and daylight

A balance of decorative lighting and concealed architectural illumination framed more unique elements, such as the glass catwalk, staircase glazing and outdoor living area. Designers, architects, builders, and technology professionals worked through those decisions together on site, making them the most collaborative elements of the home.

The home’s reclaimed timber, native stone, expansive glazing, and mountain views define the experience, with the technology working quietly in the background.

This project is part of our coverage for the 2026 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards. Presented annually at CEDIA Expo alongside the BEST Product Awards, the Home of the Year Awards represent the best of the best smart home innovations within the CEDIA channel. Check to see when the next submission window is open in case you have a project you would like to submit and don’t want to miss your opportunity.

The post Intelligent Lighting Illuminates Reclaimed Timber Ceilings at the Cashiers Retreat appeared first on CEPRO.

The L150 Classic follows the formula of the existing Classic Series, which draws its look from JBL models of the 1970s. According to HARMAN, the new flagship’s 15-inch architecture is intended to deliver the dynamic headroom and low-frequency output associated with JBL’s larger historic designs.

“It brings large-format JBL sound to a wider audience while remaining true to the engineering principles that define the brand,” said Kevin Kent, senior global product line manager at HARMAN Luxury Audio.

Drivers and Crossover

The L150 Classic uses three drivers crossed over at 310 Hz and 1.8 kHz. Low frequencies are handled by a 15-inch (380mm) Pure Pulp Differential Drive woofer on a cast frame. A 6.5-inch (165mm) polymer-coated Pure Pulp midrange, also on a cast frame, covers the band between the crossover points. A 1-inch (28mm) titanium dome tweeter is mounted to a waveguide with an acoustic lens, which JBL says widens the soundstage.

Both the woofer and midrange use JBL’s Pure Pulp cone material. JBL says the three drivers are tuned to work together as one coherent voice.

HARMAN did not include sensitivity, impedance, power handling, dimensions or weight in the announcement.

Cabinet and Room Adjustment

The enclosure has an angled profile with a sloped front baffle, which JBL says aims the drivers toward the listening position. It is a vented bass-reflex design with two front-firing ports, rated to 33 Hz.

Front-panel high- and low-frequency attenuators let users adjust the speaker’s balance for the room. With the low-frequency control at +2 dB, JBL rates extension to 30.5 Hz. The front ports and front-mounted controls may simplify placement and setup in rooms where the speakers sit closer to a rear wall, though HARMAN did not publish placement guidance.

The L150 Classic supports bi-wiring and bi-amplification through separate high- and low-frequency inputs.

Styling, Debut and Availability

The cabinet is finished in natural walnut veneer and fitted with JBL’s black Quadrex foam grille, which attaches magnetically. The look matches the rest of the Classic Series, scaled up for the larger cabinet.

The L150 Classic made its public debut at Audio Video Show 2026 in Warsaw, Poland, held Oct. 23–25. It will ship in 2027 at a suggested retail price of $9,999 per pair. HARMAN has not announced a specific ship date or dealer allocation details.

For integrators, the L150 Classic gives JBL dealers a higher price point in the Classic line for two-channel and music-room projects. The speaker’s full specifications and dimensions, not yet released, will determine how easily it fits typical client spaces and amplifier pairings.

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A closer look at THE MULE 10

Measuring in with a 10-inch platform, THE MULE 10 uses an ultra-light, stiff carbon-composite cone driven by a 4.5-inch voice coil. According to ASCENDO, the structure is rated to handle 2,500 watts with 5 kW peak power capability and is housed in a solid cast frame built for stability under extreme dynamics.

The enclosure itself (which sits under 4-inches deep) features thick solid aluminum front and back plates, internal bracing, and a magnetic black stretch-fabric grille for a seamless finish. Because of its size, THE MULE 10 is reportedly able to fit between standard 16-inch studs, making it ideal for discreet architectural integration.

Adjustable mounting brackets can also be placed on the top or sides and rotated for different orientations, so THE MULE 10 installs cleanly in walls and ceilings, as well. For even faster installs, it also includes keyhole wall hangers for on-wall applications.

In speaking on the new product, ASCENDO notes the sub can be used as a kick-bass extension for speakers intentionally rolled off below ~80 Hz; near-field bass with low-frequency sources close to the listening position; additional low-frequency sources for systems using Dirac Live ART; and home cinema and high-performance stereo installations.

Why integrators should take note

“Some of the most convincing bass isn’t necessarily the lowest bass, but the fast, physical hit that makes drums, dynamics, and transients feel real,” says Geoffrey Heinzel, ASCENDO co-managing partner.

“In addition to the essential deep bass from ASCENDO infrasubs and traditional subwoofers, our customers wanted a dedicated ‘kick’ solution that adds punch and presence without exciting the lowest room modes. That’s exactly why we built THE MULE 10 Kick Woofer.”

THE MULE 10 also puts an emphasis on near-field bass performance, giving integrators an option for a more physical, tactile listening experience without bloating the bass balance of a room.

The post THE MULE 10 Aims to Get Up Close and Personal in the Home Theater appeared first on CEPRO.

Taking part at Design Edge Midwest, November 4–5, 2026, the Collective will be bringing together CEDIA, KMB Communications, Leon Speakers, Mill Technology and Sonos as emissaries of the CI channel with the goal of educating interior designers on the benefits of using integrated technology on their products.

“Interior designers shouldn’t have to become technology experts to confidently incorporate technology into their projects,” said Katye McGregor Bennett, founder and CEO of KMB Communications, who is leading the Collective’s programming and activation.

“They do, however, benefit tremendously from understanding what’s possible, knowing when to bring technology into the conversation, and having the right partners at the table. We’re creating an environment where designers can ask questions, explore ideas, and build relationships that make their projects and their businesses even stronger.”

While at the show, the collective plans to engage with designers through education, hands-on product demonstrations and live discussions with integrators at the show.

Bringing technology-focused enrichment to designers

A centerpiece of the Collective’s programming while at Design Edge will be a series of five short talks, offered throughout both show days.

According to Bennett, these informal 10–15-minute sessions, catered to interior designers, will seek to address common challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and provide practical insights that can be applied to real projects by designers.

For instance, Technology Without the Tech Talk, will focus on helping interior designers better understand an integrator’s offerings and how to engage with qualified partners.

Meanwhile, Don’t Let the TV Ruin the Aesthetic of the Room!, will highlight practical solutions for integrating displays, speakers, and connected devices while preserving the designer’s vision.

Speakers for these talks will include Bennett herself, as well as other prominent figures in both design and CI channels including Andrea Harvey, CEDIA Dir. Of Design-Build Outreach, and Bryan Mills, president of Mills Technologies and a frequent educator and speaker for the interior design community.

Mills himself will be on hand to meet designers, answer questions, and connect with those interested in continued learning or potential collaboration on future projects.

Demonstrating design-focused technology in action

Beyond the Talks, Bennett says designers will find tangible examples of how technology can complement an interior with product demonstrations from Sony, Leon Speakers and Sonos.

An integrated demonstration wall featuring a Sony BRAVIA television, concealed backbox, articulating mount and Leon Mera Sound Sconces will illustrate practical ways to reduce visible technology and create a more intentional installation.

Leon Speakers will also showcase TV frame for a 65-inch Sony BRAVIA display, a Tonecase solution for concealing the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, Loom acoustic textile panels, Mera Sound Sconces and an Ente SoundTile.

Meanwhile, Sonos will feature Sonos27 and its range of sound solutions spanning whole-home listening, personal audio, portable speakers and professionally installed systems.

Why integrators should take note

Crossover opportunities for interior designers and integrators remain few and far between, with industry events like Lightapalooza being the rare few forums where both disciplines can interact with one another on level grounds sharing a mutual interest.

A few scant manufacturers outside of lighting and shading have made the crossover, however, with Leon Speakers (who is also taking part in this outreach) being a notable example, presenting regularly now at ICFF in New York.

Likewise, CEDIA has continued to scale its own outreach, with Harvey having been appointed to her position within the Association earlier this year.

The welcoming of brands like Leon as exhibitors at ICFF, highlight a milestone in awareness for the CI channel, however, as relatively recent developments, there still remains significant work to be done in developing robust channels that will allow the two disciplines to more consistently and productively interact with one another.

The role of the integrator in this outreach shouldn’t be downplayed either. Whether it’s through events like Design Edge, or through their own held local-area networking events, integrators at the top have proven repeatedly that constant outreach is necessary, not simply to convince, but to make aware, especially as misconceptions linger between trades.

More information regarding the Technology Design Collective

Integrators with professional trade partners attending Design Edge Midwest can send them to Booth #235 in the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, Illinois, to learn more about the Technology Design Collective, and custom integration as a while. Additionally, more information about the Collective and its initiatives can be found on its website: technologydesigncollective.com.

The post Technology Design Collective Works to Bridge the Design – Tech Divide in Illinois appeared first on CEPRO.

Chordas IV comes from a 35-year professional career includes over 25 years in the professional audio-visual and streaming technology industry for companies such as VBrick Systems, Optibase, Haivision, ZeeVee and Kramer.

He has significant experience in technology integration and customer-focused service delivery having worked directly with distributors, professional AV integrators, system designers, consultants, manufacturers and end-user clients.

In speaking on his decision to sell the 34-year-old custom audio-visual business, Serio said he wanted to find someone with a service-first track record that would be able to lead the business with the same passion and goals as he had.

“Joe Chordas, and his son Joe, the fifth, are already transforming the backend of the business with the latest technology and are actively expanding our roster of products and services. It’s an exciting transition that will provide new solutions for our clients,” added Serio.

The company has said Serio will be staying on with the business to ensure a smooth transition.

A word from the new leadership

In speaking on the new position, Chordas IV had this to say: “When I left corporate America, I decided to chart a new path in collaboration with my son – leveraging our entrepreneurial spirit and where I could use my experience and love for the audio-video industry to assist local consumers and businesses,” said Joseph Chordas.

“Bob has built a strong business with happy clients and enormous goodwill. We are fully committed to evolving the professional audio and video business by expanding our capabilities in the smart home market. We’ll also expand our services with an even wider selection of motorized shades, specialized lighting and video security – as well as by expanding our footprint into the corporate, education and government markets.

“Most critically, we are fully focused on maintaining the personalized service Perfect Vision & Sound are known for and ensuring every project reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to quality, precision and integrity.”

What’s next for Perfect Vision & Sound

The company’s current consumer and residential product line runs the gamut from home theatre design and installation, whole-home audio and TV and display installation to smart home integration, networking and infrastructure, outdoor AV systems, specialized lighting and motorized shades. Commercial solutions include conference room systems, training and education, digital signage and remote collaboration.

In a press release marking the occasion, the company stated that the new ownership comes as it is “prepping to serve a new sophisticated generation of Connecticut consumers and businesses.”

As part of the new ownership transition, the company is also moving from Canton into new offices, complete with a demo facility, in Farmington. Its new address is Perfect Vision & Sound, 195 Scott Swamp Road, Suite 110, Farmington, Conn. 06032; phone (860) 677-0075.

The post Perfect Vision & Sound Finds New Ownership in AV and Streaming Industry Veteran appeared first on CEPRO.

The fix is a finding a different point of entry for low voltage discussions. When low voltage is part of the design conversation from the beginning and not resigned to a punch-list, the numbers change and so does the buyer experience.

What happens when technology comes in late…

A late-stage low-voltage decision can create a domino effect and oftentimes lead to headaches and expensive changes later on in the project

• A buyer wants additional access points, but the network plan wasn’t designed for them
• A homeowner wants motorized shades, but the power is not where it needs to be
• A security camera is added after exterior finishes are complete which creates a wiring challenge

These problems come from making the technology decisions after the home has already been designed around something else, not the tech itself.

When low voltage is considered during the design phase, integrators can coordinate infrastructure, wiring pathways, equipment locations and power requirements before those decisions become expensive changes. It creates a more predictable process for the builder and a better end product for the buyer.

And what changes when low voltage work is moved upstream

On a recent 64-home production community, instead of the standard model of buyers seeing technology options near closing, we shifted our timing and brought our team into the design phase alongside the builder’s sales and design staff. This change in timing allowed us to introduce buyers to the technology early and present it as part of the home rather than an accessory. This immediately altered the buyer’s perception of the technology and allowed for a more informed decision.

The result was a higher take rate on technology packages, fewer post-close service calls tied to retrofit work and a smoother path from contract to move-in. None of that came from a flashier product lineup. It came from timing and our process.

This isn’t a one-off, either. Across builder partnerships, we’ve found a few things that can make a huge difference:

1. Buyers meet the tech team before the option sheet. A conversation with a person who can answer real questions outperforms a printed menu every time.
2. The experience is physical, not just paper. A model home with working systems sells technology far better than a spec sheet ever will.
3. The menu is designed in a collaborative setting instead of just seen on a pricing sheet. Clear tiers and bundled options outperform an a la carte list that asks buyers to build their own package from scratch.

Builders who take this approach can turn low voltage into one of their highest-margin option categories. Those who wait until late in the process can miss that revenue opportunity and also create a more complicated installation experience for the buyer.

What builders need to know about an integrator’s work

The timing pressure is real. Buyer expectations for connected homes keep rising and the technology underneath is consolidating. Centralized, PoE-based low voltage systems are becoming the standard build approach rather than the exception and current NEC updates are reshaping how this work gets scoped and licensed. By the time construction is underway, many of the decisions that affect low voltage are already difficult or expensive to change.

If your builder isn’t already asking you these questions, here’s what you need to be telling them on projects:

• At what point in the process does your team engage – during design, framing or after drywall?
• Will buyers see a working demonstration or only a price list?
• How is the option menu structured and who tested it?
• What’s your actual take-rate data and can you show it?

The takeaway

Low voltage isn’t an amenity to bolt on at the end. It’s a design decision that affects buyer experience, builder margin and install quality. The earlier it enters the process, the better it performs on all three. We have seen firsthand what changes when low voltage becomes part of the design conversation. For builders, bringing the integrator in earlier can mean better-planned infrastructure, fewer installation headaches and a technology package that adds value for both the buyer and the home. It is a win-win for everyone involved.

Sean Goldfinger is the Field Operations Manager at Acoustic Design Systems (ADS), a Las Vegas-based leader in commercial and residential home automation and security solutions. With nearly 60 expert technicians and 30 service vehicles, ADS specializes in providing revolutionary, custom-designed solutions to fit every lifestyle, including integrated room controls, audio and visual entertainment systems, security and monitoring systems, controlled access, acoustic panels, lighting and shade control, thermostat control and much more.

The post Bringing Low Voltage into the Design Phase, and Off the Punch List appeared first on CEPRO.

Home of the Year Project Profile

• Name & Location: Jude Showcase Home, Southlake, Texas
• Integrator: Elite AV and Lighting (Elite AVL), Southlake, Texas
• Award: Home of the Year 2026, Best Combo Tech + Design, Gold

Working in the interest of St. Jude, integrator Elite AV and Lighting (Elite AVL) came together with Atwood Custom Homes and interior designers Maria Mock and Julie Parrent to build a showcase home as part of St. Jude’s broader community support efforts. As part of this effort, Elite AVL was tasked with delivering as robust a system as possible while ensuring that as little of the cost as possible got passed off to St. Jude.

Elite AVL coordinated manufacturer and integrator support around a cohesive design. Control4 donated lighting products, Rio Grande and Sonance discounted the invisible-audio package, and Elite itself donated the custom LED lighting system. These generous donations allowed the team to expand the home’s technology package beyond the initial scope while preserving more resource for St. Jude.

Invisible audio meets oversized video at St. Jude

Elite treated the interior design established by Atwood, Mock and Parrent as the system specification. Sonance invisible speakers and an in-wall subwoofer provide distributed sound without introducing visual clutter, allowing the walls and architectural finishes to remain the focus.

The media room centers on a 115-inch Samsung Micro RGB display, while an 85-inch Samsung Pro display serves the living room and a 65-inch display extends video into the primary suite.

Custom lighting transforms home after dark

Lighting became one of the project’s most visible expressions of technology, despite the effort required to make the system itself disappear. Elite’s custom LED installation traces stair treads, washes the kitchen and bar, accents architectural coves and adds layers of illumination throughout the bath, laundry and other spaces.

The technical complexity remained behind the walls while the finished spaces gained another visual dimension after sunset.

One control layer for the entire residence

Elite absorbed much of the complexity required to make the Control4 system as intuitive and comprehensive as possible. This included programming and testing under a compressed schedule caused by delayed internet service.

Elite completed final commissioning on March 6, one day before public tours began. For visitors, the finished home presents warm lighting, large-format video, distributed audio and centralized control as natural parts of the environment.

Technology with a larger purpose

The project demonstrates how manufacturers, designers and integrators can contribute to a charitable build beyond simply supplying equipment. The technology may be nearly invisible, but the collaboration behind it is not.

This project is part of our coverage for the 2026 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards. Presented annually at CEDIA Expo alongside the BEST Product Awards, the Home of the Year Awards represent the best of the best smart home innovations within the CEDIA channel. Check to see when the next submission window is open in case you have a project you would like to submit and don’t want to miss your opportunity.

The post St. Jude Dream Home: Smart Technology Designed to Give Back appeared first on CEPRO.