The post Inside Buzz Ep. 17: Bob Schuppe of Resolute Design Group on What’s Next in Smart Home Integration appeared first on CEPRO.

“We want every design-build professional at CEDIA Expo 2026 to walk away with actionable insights, new industry relationships, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible,” said Douglas Weinstein, Editor-in-Chief of Technology Designer Magazine regarding the decision.

Taking place at CEDIA Expo annually, the Day of Discovery is an annual fixture of the show, allowing design-build professionals to get a curated look at many of the technologies the custom integration (CI) channel has on offer. For CEDIA Expo 2026 the Day of Discovery will expand to two full days of programming taking place September 2 – 3.

What’s in store for Day of Discovery 2026

Anyone can join the Day of Discovery activity by purchasing a by purchasing a Day of Discovery pass, which grants access to:

• Four curated CEDIA Design Build Track education sessions,
• Guided show floor tours beginning on both days at 1:30 p.m.,
• And exclusive access to the Technology Designer Magazine luncheon.

Participation is not restricted to profession. Architects, builders, designers, property developers, and system integrators are all welcome to participate in the Day of Discovery activities. The luncheon itself is free. However, seats are limited and do require registration with Technology Designer Magazine ahead of time, in addition to attendees needing a CEDIA Expo pass.

The luncheon itself will focus on a case study of The Phoenix House and how the Integrated Design Process (IDP) helped to rebuild the house into an award-winning performance home using intelligent building practices and smart home technology.

Weinstein will host the exploration alongside Architect Nick Bray, Builder Todd Best, Interior Designer Josephina Serra, and Technology Consultant Mike Freedman in a conversation about the design-build process and how the trades worked together on the home.

CEDIA free Design-Build education sessions schedule at a glance

In addition to the luncheon, Discovery Pass holders will be able to attend four free CEDIA Design Build education sessions over the course of two days. Here’s a quick rundown of the sessions on offer.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | “Invisible Innovation: Integrating Hidden Technology into Design”

Out of sight, but never out of impact. This session explores how cutting-edge solutions like hidden speakers, motorized lifts, architectural lighting, and concealed screens can disappear seamlessly into even the most elegant interiors.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. | “Om, Sweet Om: Designing Wellness Rooms with Intention”

Wellness spaces are increasingly requested in high-end residential projects. This session moves beyond aesthetics to address the technology, acoustics, climate, and human-centered design principles that make wellness rooms truly transformative.

Thursday, September 3, 2026

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | “Principles of Great Outdoor Entertainment Design & Installation”

Outdoor spaces are now fully integrated extensions of the home. This session covers immersive audio, landscape lighting, Wi-Fi coverage, all-weather displays, and everything needed to design and deliver exceptional outdoor entertainment environments.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | “Dreamhouse Team: Real-World Design–Build Partnerships”

Two established designer–integrator teams examine how their collaborations hold up under real project pressure — from design intent and rack location compromises to network planning and late-stage changes that affect both form and function.

Exhibit hall tours

The curated, guided exhibit hall tours on both days, beginning at 1:30 p.m., are designed to connect design-build professionals with the latest product innovations across intelligent lighting, energy management, designed to disappear technology, automated window treatments, and more.

Attendees must register directly with Technology Designer Magazine to participate in the guided tours.

What’s in it for integrators

Despite being primarily catered towards the design-build industry, the Day of Discovery has plenty on offer for integrators as well, giving them an opportunity to not only connect and network with design-build professionals but also get a better understanding of how their solutions can pair with architectural and design practices.

The luncheon offers a unique look at an emerging type of luxury residential property—the performance home— and how an integrator’s solutions play an integral role in developing these properties. The guided tour also offers a unique look into what technologies might be of most interest to design-build partners.

Day of Discovery registration

Registration for Day of Discovery 2026 is now open, with the Day of Discovery Pass being free for all Architects, Designers, and Builders. Registration for Day of Discovery must be done with Technology Designer Magazine while registration for CEDIA Expo must be done through the CEDIA Expo website.

The post Day(s) of Discovery 2026 Looks to Be Its Biggest Yet, Now Spanning Two Full Days appeared first on CEPRO.

Key Takeaways

• CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 is taking place September 1 – 4 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo.
• New updates to the show include revamped programming, new awards, skills challenges and after hours activities.
• Registration for the show is now open.

CEDIA Expo and CIX are back for their 2026 outing, and with registration having officially opened up, we figured we’d get this news hub established before the news cycle really starts to take off.

Taking place September 1 – 4 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo., CEDIA Expo/CIX is the largest tradeshow in North America for the custom integration (CI) industry. The event spans four days and multiple conferences that aim to deliver plenty of educational and networking opportunities in addition to hosting hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of live demo spaces for attendees to view, test and interact with the products growing system depth in the field.

Showrunners have already introduced multiple updates and changes to the 2026 show programming and activities compared to previous years, with CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 shaping up to be one of the most transformative years for the event in quite some time.

As in prior years, the show will also play host to CE Pro‘s BEST Product and Home of the Year Awards, with registrations for both those programs opening soon, so stay tuned if you are a manufacturer or integrator looking to have your product or project (respectively) recognized as the best the industry has to offer this year.

This CEDIA Expo/CIX news hub will play host to all the awards, discussions, updates, announcements and general news surrounding the show. If you’re watching from afar or planning on keeping up to date to make the most of your show attendance, this is the hub for you.

Update: Registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 is now open with early bird rates now active for both CEDIA and non-CEDIA members.

CEDIA Research Division to Present First Findings at 2026 Town Hall

CEDIA has announced the launch of an in-house research division with initial findings from the 2026 US Smart Home Technology Market Assessment to be presented during the 5th annual CEDIA Town Hall at CEDIA Expo 2026. The session will also preview upcoming research initiatives and outline CEDIA’s long-term strategy for its newly established research function, led by newly appointed Director of Research, Ryan Bardach.

The new division represents a significant evolution of CEDIA’s offerings within the industry, especially as it comes following the formation of a dedicated design/build outreach division at the association.

Read More.

From left to right: Zachary Comeau, Executive Editor of CE Pro; Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA; Chris Whitley, Executive Director of Ellipsys; Hank Alexander, Director of Oasys, Nationwide Marketing Group; Jon Robbins, Executive Director of HTSA; Jim Pearce, President of ProSource; and Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of Azione, during the “State of the Industry” panel at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025. Image/Emerald

How the CE Pro Editors Help Curate the Smart Stage

2026 CE Pro BEST Product Awards Now Accepting Submissions

Submissions for the 2026 BEST Product Awards have officially opened, with early bird pricing now active. CE Pro‘s BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards is the most prestigious award program for the professional AV and smart home installation market, recognizing the best technologies, products, and services for the custom integration (CI) industry.

Does your product solve problems and make work easier for installers? Then this is the program for you!

Read More or Submit Now.

Image: EmeraldX/2025 PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers

What Brings an Interior Designer to a CI Tradeshow?

As smart home technology becomes a more integral part of residential and multi-family design, events like CEDIA Expo/CIX are drawing increased interest from interior designers looking to better understand how these systems fit into their projects. For interior designer Natasa Obradovic, the show represents an opportunity to connect design intent with rapidly evolving technology.

“I was initially introduced to CEDIA Expo/CIX through NKBA and KBIS and attended out of curiosity, but it quickly became clear that it is an essential resource for expanding my knowledge as a designer,” Obradovic says.

Read More.

The CE Pro All-Star Band (performing here at CEDIA Expo 2025) will be headlining the new Battle of the Bands competition on Sept. 2, 2026.

Battle of the Bands Added to CEDIA Expo’s Opening Night Party

CEDIA Expo/CIX is shaking up its usual Opening Party formula, introducing an all-new Battle of the Bands competition and CE Pro All-Star Band performance that aims to infuse fresh energy into the entire CEDIA Expo/CIX experience.

This special event will feature live performances from industry bands, culminating in a crowd-selected Battle of the Bands champion. Then, the CE Pro All-Star Band will bring us home as the evening’s headliner.

Read more.

A New Education Track for the 2026 CEDIA Conference

For 2026 the CEDIA Education Conference will host six tracks centered around modern-day business challenges and functions as well as emerging topics and trends.

“We’ve built the 2026 CEDIA Education Conference to reflect the diversity of our industry,” said Paul Dolenc, Vice President of Education at CEDIA. “Whether your focus is technical excellence, business growth, or design collaboration, you will be sure to find targeted, high-impact learning in the halls of the Colorado Convention Center.”

Read more.

Photo courtesy of Emerald

CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 Registration Opens

This year, CEDIA Expo will be adjusting its schedule to accommodate Labor Day weekend to give attendees more flexibility to enjoy the holiday. As such, the Exhibit Hall will be open from Wednesday, September 2nd, through Friday, September 4th.

The show is expected to bring in over 300 exhibiting brands across lighting, security, audio, video, smart home technology and design. Twenty dedicated Sound Rooms have already been confirmed, with product demonstrations and in-depth Manufacturer Product Training sessions planned as well, creating what showrunners are describing as “a highly practical environment for learning, product evaluation and connection.”

Read more.

All the New Updates to CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 Integrators Need to Know

The CEDIA Expo/CIX team (of which CE Pro is a part) is working hard to make the 2026 edition of the event the best in recent memory, and they’re introducing a series of updates aimed at improving attendee flexibility, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing engagement across both the residential and commercial integration markets.

There are several important changes that attendees won’t want to miss, so make sure you’re in the know.

Read more.

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Image by metamorworks – stock.adobe.com

Home Security is Becoming a Category Integrators Can’t Ignore

Security is a fast-growing segment of custom integration (CI) not commonly talked about due to the unique technology and nuances within the systems that have allowed it to stand as its own separate business outside of the smart home, though, in recent years, client interest in security systems has seen in become more ubiquitous on projects.

Homeowners increasingly expect security to be fully integrated into their smart home ecosystems. Cameras, doorbells, environmental sensors and access control systems are now expected to work seamlessly with automation platforms, and those platform providers are ensuring just that, interweaving security functionality into core smart home aspects.

Read more.

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What Caught the CE Pro Editors’ Attention on the Smart Stage

The full Smart Stage schedule for CEDIA Expo 2026 is now live with the official programming for the stage highlighting sessions surrounding AI-enhanced control platforms, device protection on the home grid and scaling a light commercial business model, in addition to a new awards series being introduced to this year’s show.

Beyond core educational programming and business strategy, the 2026 Smart Stage also will play host to the BEST and Home of the Year awards, however, this year, the show is introducing a new series of booth awards aimed at highlighting the most creative and visually impressive exhibits presented on this year’s show floor.

Read more.

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Sonance CEO Ari Supran talks shop on AI tools for business at a smart stage session in 2025 that saw standing room only for crowds interested in learning more. Photo courtesy of Brand Definition

We’re Calling It: AI is Going to Be Everywhere at CEDIA Expo 2026

AI’s continued profusion of the professional smart home is getting a substantial nod as CEDIA Expo, the largest North American tradeshow for the channel, has announced more educational and hands-on opportunities to see AI in action will be present at the 2026 edition of the show.

“AI is clearly one of the biggest forces shaping the future of smart homes and integrated technology, and it will be a major focus of programming at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026,” said Jason McGraw, Group Vice President and Show Director of CEDIA Expo and CIX.

Read more.

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The Design/Tech Trends Driving Business in 2026

Technology is fast incorporating itself as an integral component of residential and commercial design, greatly accelerating adoption of “integrated design” philosophies on projects.

“Smart technology has entered the next phase of adoption,” McGraw adds. “Whether it’s new build or retrofits, home and business owners now expect enhanced connectivity and control. This expectation underpins each of these significant trends we’re seeing in 2026.”

Read more.

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Image created by Gemini

American Homes Set to Declare Energy Independence

Energy independence for homes really hit its stride in 2025, becoming a more tangible reality (and desire) from homeowners. From smart monitoring services helping shape consumption behaviors to smart energy management systems helping run net-zero homes, innovations in energy and power are reshaping what a home can do.

For context, when we say “energy independence,” we’re talking about a home’s ability to produce, manage and store its own energy in a way that minimizes dependence on the electrical grid, ideally allowing it to disconnect from the grid entirely, but those remain rare cases.

Read more.

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The post CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 News Hub: Your Ultimate Resource for North America’s Largest CI Tradeshow appeared first on CEPRO.

Speaking with CE Pro during the event, HTSA Executive Director Jon Robbins and Director of New Technology Initiatives Tom Doherty says this year’s conference format was intentionally designed to prioritize interaction between members and vendors rather than traditional keynote-driven sessions.

“We found that interaction is really the best learning experience, rather than having somebody dictate,” Robbins says, noting the conference structure was shaped heavily by member and vendor feedback.

The event featured expanded peer-to-peer sessions, networking opportunities and off-site showroom visits to locations including JL Audio, CinemaTech, LK Associates and Just Video Walls, the latter of which gave CE Pro a private tour of their Tamarac, Fla. facility a short drive from the HTSA event.

According to Doherty, HTSA members continue to place a premium on informal knowledge-sharing and operational discussions with fellow integrators.

“The primary value that these members get by attending is the exchange of information amongst each other,” Doherty says.

AI Discussions Shift Toward Real-World Workflows

One of the dominant themes throughout the conference was the increasing use of AI tools in day-to-day integration businesses.

Doherty explains that HTSA began introducing AI-focused education shortly after tools like ChatGPT entered the market, but conversations this year were notably more workflow-oriented.

“There are a lot more members that are doing and building some real use case, real day-to-day business workflows,” Doherty says.

The organization hosted optional AI sessions during the conference focused on workflow automation and advanced AI tool usage, including a multi-hour educational track led by Doherty and other industry participants. According to Doherty, nearly 100 attendees signed up for the sessions.

“They’re leaning into AI to figure out how to automate and enhance, make themselves more efficient,” he says.

Robbins added that workforce-related challenges around project completion and deployment continue to be one of the industry’s biggest ongoing issues.

Just Video Walls Makes Luxury Video a Bigger Conversation

The conference also highlighted growing momentum around luxury video walls and microLED displays through the Just Video Walls facility tour. HTSA attendees had the opportunity to tour the company’s headquarters in Tamarac, Fla., and CE Pro got an exclusive tour that included a wide-ranging conversation on the company’s model and the video wall market.

Company executives demonstrated a range of residential applications including ultra-wide cinematic displays, digital art installations and indoor-outdoor entertainment spaces while emphasizing the importance of dealer training, installation precision and long-term support in the category.

The Just Video Walls pitch is relatively simple: a highly specialized luxury residential maker of video walls, specifically designed for integrators serving luxury clients. In fact, the company can install video walls for end clients themselves (and they do help dealers with installations), but they won’t without an integrator.

The video wall market, according to the company, is fragmented and made up of a few big-name display brands that aren’t solely focused on the channel and what dealers need. With a technology that can be somewhat complex, dealers need all the support they can get.

“This is not something that I can go to Costco, get a mount, get a TV, and anyone with the ability to use a screwdriver can put on a wall,” says Skyler Meek, chief marketing officer at Just Video Walls. “There’s 1,000 ways it can go wrong.”

Company executives said Just Video Walls was founded specifically to solve many of the installation, calibration and long-term reliability issues integrators experienced during the early years of residential video walls. According to the company, many dealers could complete an initial installation successfully, but without proper mounting techniques, structural isolation and quality control processes, issues would often emerge weeks or months later, leading to callbacks and service problems.

Rather than competing primarily on price, the company said its strategy centers around dealer enablement, training and long-term support. Executives detailed a multi-stage quality control process that includes factory inspections, third-party verification and full pre-assembly of every wall at the company’s headquarters before shipment.

“The dealer doesn’t need the cheapest LED video wall,” Meek says.

What dealers do need, according to the company, is a video wall partner that gets it. Most integrators are small businesses and don’t have time to deal with the problems that many video walls bring. Just Video Walls goes as far as to send install teams to help integrators with the install and essentially take away all of the pain points. This also helps ensure that the company’s products are installed the right way.

The company also demonstrated its newer “Absolute Black” display technology, which it described as an effort to deliver OLED-like black levels and contrast performance in larger microLED installations. Executives additionally emphasized that video walls remain a highly experiential category that homeowners typically need to see in person before purchasing, making dealer showrooms and demos a critical part of the sales process.

“The installation is the product,” says Chief Revenue Officer Jim Koenig.

Lighting (Especially Dealer-Focused Lighting) Continues to Gain Momentum

Lighting also remained a major topic throughout the conference, both from HTSA leadership and participating vendors.

Robbins says HTSA continues to prioritize lighting initiatives alongside what the organization calls “modern workspaces,” referring to technology-enabled residential environments designed for hybrid work, education and communication.

“We feel like we were kind of at the lead of the industry on [lighting],” Robbins says.

Among the lighting-focused exhibitors at the event was Lucetta CI, the custom integration division of Elemental LED.

Paul Irwin of Lucetta CI and Elemental LED’s chief revenue officer, says integrators are increasingly becoming more comfortable with lighting technologies and moving beyond small pilot projects into larger whole-home implementations.

“Early on, we were seeing smaller jobs to kind of prove the model and get their feet wet,” Irwin says. “Now we’re seeing larger, more full-scale jobs across the entire home environment.”

Irwin compared the current state of lighting in the custom integration market to the early days of motorized shading, arguing that many integrators are still working through the learning curve around fixture specification, configuration and deployment. While lighting control has existed in the channel for years, configured lighting systems introduce additional complexity around power supplies, controllers and system design that many integrators are still learning to navigate.

According to Irwin, Lucetta CI’s strategy has been centered on simplifying that adoption process for integrators by focusing heavily on installation consistency, long-term reliability and reducing service callbacks. Like Just Video Walls, the company aims to prioritize its dealers and their relationships withs customers.

“The integrator needs to install it without error and without callbacks and service issues the first time,” Irwin says.

Irwin also stresses that succeeding in the CI lighting market requires more than simply selling products through integrators. He credited HTSA’s vendor curation efforts for helping members identify brands that are making long-term investments into the channel rather than opportunistically entering the market.

Conversations throughout the conference pointed to an integration channel that continues to mature operationally while expanding into newer categories like lighting, AI-enabled workflows and luxury display technologies. Rather than focusing solely on product launches, much of the discussion centered around how integrators can build more efficient businesses, strengthen partnerships and create more differentiated experiences for homeowners.

The post Integrators Double Down on AI, Video Walls and Lighting at HTSA Conference appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• Design Studio aims to revamp integrator workflows to be more interactive with homeowners while working on site.
• Platform combines multiple workflow tools and design services to help translate ideas into more compelling proposals.
• Studio will consist of paid-for services as well as free self-service tools for documentation and visualization.

Coastal Source is hopping on the design services and software train with the launch of Design Studio today. But more than offering a straightforward approach to system design, Design Studio is being structured as a multitiered platform that combines planning, pricing and documentation tools with in-depth design and visualization services to create an offering that can adapt to the needs and budgets of projects, with some free, self-service tools also being made available at the simplest end.

Attendees to Lightapalooza 2026 might already be acquainted with this, though, as Coastal Source was showcasing it at its booth during the exhibiting portion of the show.

What integrators can do with Coastal Source’s Design Studio

While Design Studio offers integrators planning tools, design services and consultations, a big emphasis of the platform is around visualization.

In speaking on the platform, Adam Domurad, Inside Sales Design Manager at Coastal Source says, “Outdoor projects are no longer just about product selection – homeowners want to visualize the experience much earlier in the process.” And that’s something that CE Pro has heard from dealers as well as part of our annual outreach for the Lighting & Shading Deep Dive (which readers will want to stay tuned for our 2026 edition once we release that next month).

While using the platform, integrators can create 3D visualizations meant to serve as comprehensive presentations featuring system layouts, fixture selections, estimated pricing, and installation details, all with the end goal of making it easier for homeowners to understand and approve projects.

Coastal Source itself describes the workflow as being geared towards more “interactive” engagement with homeowners while onsite. In many cases, Coastal Source says dealers will be able to develop and review project concepts collaboratively with homeowners in real time during live consultations.

Simplifying the integration of outdoor systems with existing interior projects

One trend CE Pro has been gradually picking up on is that outdoor living spaces are evolving to become fully integrated extensions of the home. The issue is that the vision for these integrations doesn’t always manifest at the time and place that it should, leading to multiple revisions throughout a project to accommodate.

Part of that challenge lies in the fact that dealers are increasingly expected to communicate complex lighting and audio concepts earlier and more visually throughout the sales process to justify the added cost associated with these upgrades.

In speaking more on the matter, Coastal Source said that it wanted to bring the same experiential approach it often employs in outdoor audio demonstrations for lighting.

“We’ve seen how powerful live outdoor audio demonstrations can be in helping homeowners emotionally connect to a space,” adds Domurad. “Design Studio brings that same experiential approach to lighting and outdoor system design, helping dealers communicate not just the technical plan, but the overall atmosphere and vision much earlier in the process.”

Free, self-service tools also being made available

While some of the more advanced features will be tied to a paid model, Design Studio will also include a range of free self-service tools and collaborative resources. This includes:

• A user-friendly Design Studio Express software for lighting and audio,
• Detailed 2D layouts,
• Bill-of-materials documentation
• Wiring schematics
• And even 3D project visualizations.

Coastal Source says the platform is built to support the varied workstyles and project needs, whether a self-guided approach is appropriate, or a more comprehensive, collaborative touch is needed.

Availability

To support adoption and encourage hands-on experience within the new workflow, active Coastal Source dealers will receive one complimentary premium Design Studio project package at launch, complete with 3D visualizations, engineering support, and detailed technical documentation.

Launch dates haven’t been released just yet, but Coastal Source dealers, as well as those curious about the new resource can visit the Design Studio page on Coastal Source’s website.

The post Design Studio by Coastal Source Aims to Help Dealers Paint Full Outdoor Experience appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• Loewe is entering an exclusive partnership for retail distribution in the Mid-Atlantic region with Gramophone and World Wide Stereo.
• The deal will see Loewe stellar OLED TVs sold through both firms’ retail storefronts.
• Flagship launches will be celebrated through two separate events held for each respective company.

Loewe Technology is continuing its North American expansion with some interesting news regarding two big names in custom integration (CI). As of May 12, 2026, Loewe has entered an exclusive partnership with World Wide Stereo and Gramophone for its stellar (that’s the product name, not a descriptor) OLED TV line to be showcased at each firm’s retail locations.

CE Pro readers will note that Gramophone and World Wide Stereo agreed to enter a “strategic partnership” in May 2024, effectively merging the two companies while both continue to operate independently. At the time, a significant focus of the deal was being able to expand on brick-and-mortar operations.

As of today, World Wide Stereo in Pennsylvania and Gramophone in Maryland operate seven showrooms in total across the Mid-Atlantic region.

What’s happening with Gramophone and World Wide Stereo under the Loewe partnership

As part of the Loewe partnership, Gramophone and World Wide Stereo will be the brand’s exclusive regional dealers to offer its stellar OLED TV line.

These flagship partnerships will be celebrated with launch events that showcases the display technology of the stellar OLED collection.

On Saturday, May 16th, World Wide Stereo’s new Experience Center in Wayne, PA will host an event coinciding with the PGA Championship’s arrival at the area’s legendary Aronimink Golf Club with guests experiencing live golf coverage on Loewe’s stellar displays.

On Sunday, June 7th, Gramophone will co-host an exclusive live viewing event at the Kent Island Yacht Club aligned around the iconic Monaco Grand Prix.

Both events will feature product demonstrations and consumer giveaways of the Loewe stellar OLED TV.

Loewe’s planned network of retail locations

As Loewe continues to grow its North American presence, the company has begun to place a significant emphasis on developing a carefully crafted retail strategy. The goal, according to Loewe is to help “showcase Loewe products in dedicated, brand-aligned environments.

Loewe states both Gramophone and World Wide Stereo were chosen based on their retail locations in addition to both offering “the finest technology, custom design and expert integration services that align naturally with Loewe’s uncompromising standards.”

“All over the world, Loewe seeks out retail partners with expertise in premium home entertainment and custom integration that complement our brand,” said Jeff Costello, General Manager, Loewe North America. “World Wide Stereo and Gramophone have established themselves as the ‘crème de la crème’ of luxury AV destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and their exceptional showrooms provide the ideal environment to demonstrate what the award-winning Loewe stellar line can truly do.”

That decision to partner with Gramophone may even be even more apropos, given recent news, considering the firm just bought a 70,000-square-foot complex with the intention of turning a sizeable chunk of it into showcases.

More information on Loewe’s stellar line

Introduced to the US at CES 2026, Loewe’s stellar OLED TV combines ultra-slim 4K OLED panels with advanced MLA technology, support for HDR formats and high brightness, contrast and color accuracy.

Currently, the line is available in seven screen sizes starting at 42-inch ($4,995), 48-inch ($5,995), 55-inch ($6,495), 65-inch ($8,995), 77-inch ($14,995), 83-inch ($22,995), and 97-inch ($45,000).

Each stellar OLED display is framed in brushed aluminum with select models featuring a distinctive concrete back panel in two finishes, integrated high-performance sound, and on-board recording storage making it as much a design element as a technological centerpiece.

Every television is designed, engineered, and manufactured at Loewe’s headquarters in Kronach, Germany, and individually color-calibrated for true-to-life picture quality.

The post Loewe Placing Major Stock in Brick-and-Mortar with Recent Retail Partnerships appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• Ring introduces the new Spotlight Cam (2nd Gen) and Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen), bringing 2K video resolution to more affordable tiers of its outdoor security camera lineup.
• The new outdoor cameras start at $169.99, with preorder availability open now and shipments scheduled to begin June 3, 2026.
• The launch reflects a broader smart home security trend toward higher-resolution imaging, improved nighttime visibility, and enhanced video verification features at lower price points.

Amazon-owned security brand Ring has introduced the next generation of its outdoor security cameras with the Spotlight Cam (2nd Gen) and Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen), adding 2K video resolution to lower-priced tiers of the company’s lineup.

According to Ring, the two new cameras are available for preorder now in the U.S., with general availability set for June 3, 2026. Pricing starts at $169.99, with the Spotlight Cam (2nd Gen) listed at $169.99 and the Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen) at $199.99.

The launch extends 2K resolution across Ring’s camera portfolio at what the company describes as a more accessible entry price point. For the custom integration channel, the announcement adds new options in the outdoor surveillance category for homeowners seeking higher video resolution without moving to the upper end of the product range.

What is different about these new Ring cameras?

The Spotlight Cam (2nd Gen) is positioned as a flexible outdoor camera with multiple power options. Ring said the unit features a dual-chamber battery design and is compatible with the company’s Quick Release Ultra Battery Pack, which is sold separately. The camera supports both Battery and Plug-in configurations.

In addition to its power options, the Spotlight Cam (2nd Gen) includes a 550-lumen spotlight and 2K video resolution. According to Ring, the higher resolution is intended to improve image clarity for faces and activity captured in the camera’s field of view.

The Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen), meanwhile, is aimed at larger exterior spaces such as driveways, garages and backyards. Ring says the camera combines 2K video with 2,000 lumens of floodlight illumination, positioning it for broader coverage and increased nighttime visibility.

What resolution upgrade do these new Ring cameras bring?

The product update marks an upgrade from 1080p in this segment of Ring’s lineup. The company says the move to what it calls “Retinal 2K” is designed to improve clarity across the full field of view in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

From an industry standpoint, the new models reflect the continued push by security and smart home manufacturers to bring higher-resolution imaging to more affordable price tiers. That trend has become increasingly relevant as video verification, image detail and deterrence features remain key selling points in residential security.

Availability and CEDIA-channel appeal

Ring said both models are available for preorder not only in the U.S., but also in Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. Regional pricing and availability may vary.

While the announcement focuses on retail availability, the new models may also be relevant for integrators working in light residential security and smart home projects, particularly where clients want recognizable brand products, outdoor lighting integration and improved image quality at a moderate cost.

Ring said the Spotlight Cam (2nd Gen) and Floodlight Cam (2nd Gen) are intended to broaden access to 2K outdoor video across the company’s portfolio. With preorder availability now open and shipments scheduled for June 3, the release gives the market two new outdoor camera options in the sub-$200 category.

The post Ring Expands Outdoor Camera Line With 2K Spotlight, Floodlight Models appeared first on CEPRO.

Takeaways

• Yamaha RX300A and RX500A serve as upgrades to existing mid-range receivers with features added to support digital connectivity and streaming.
• Receivers see a “trickle-down” of Yamaha’s more premium engineering in the form of vibration dampening measures.
• Both receivers include a built-in setup mic for room correction and equalization.

Yamaha is expanding its AV receiver lineup with two new models: the RX300A and RX500A. While both are being positioned as upgrades to the entry and mid-range home theater segment, a substantial part of that upgrade comes from features commonly reserved for Yamaha’s luxury line of AV equipment finding their way into these more budget-friendly models.

Yamaha’s luxury engineering finds its way into RX300A and RX500A

Before digging into the individual models, let’s look at the features both receivers come equipped with. Both models carry Dolby Atmos decoding, HDMI 2.1 with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz pass-through (setting the duo up for when 8K finally takes off), VRR and ALLM for gaming, but it’s the appearance of Yamaha’s Anti-Resonance Technology (A.R.T.) Wedge that sets them apart from similar models.

For those unfamiliar, the A.R.T. Wedge is a center-mounted fifth foot on the chassis, and it has long been a signature feature of Yamaha’s flagship AVENTAGE receivers. The purpose is to dampen vibrations generated by the power transformer, output transistors, and heat sinks that would otherwise degrade audio clarity.

Both receivers also ship with an included setup microphone that enables automatic room correction by measuring speaker output and room acoustics, then applying equalization and delay to optimize the system for the listening position. An on-screen guide helps walk installers through the setup.

RX300A gives a complete refresh to Yamaha’s classic 5.2-channel model

The RX300A is a direct successor to the RX-V385, Yamaha’s long-running 5.2-channel entry model, and the upgrade gap between the two is wider than the typical generational refresh.

The RX300A arrives with DTS Virtual:X decoding on top of Dolby Atmos and dual subwoofer inputs. The RX300A also features Bluetooth Multipoint, which allows it to shift between multiple connected Bluetooth devices, without it having to disconnect and reconnect.

The RX300A can run a 3.2.2-channel configuration with up-firing or in-ceiling height speakers for 3D audio formats or operate as a 5.2-channel system with virtual height processing for rooms where physical height speaker placement isn’t viable.

RX500A adds more channels, Wi-Fi to receiver lineup

The RX500A builds directly on the RX300A platform, stepping up to 7.2-channel amplification with the expanded channel count opening more speaker layout flexibility for Dolby Atmos. Additionally, the RX500A adds Wi-Fi and Ethernet for connectivity options.

Rather than DTS Virtual:X, the RX500A has full DTS:X, giving the RX500A a bit more format range as well.

The RX500A also supports Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, and TIDAL Connect, in addition to net radio.

Availability

The RX300A (5.2-channel) launches in June 2026 while the RX500A (7.2-channel) arrives in September 2026.

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During the HTSA Spring Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., executives from SoundVision and Audio Command Systems detailed how their organizations are actively building AI-driven tools aimed at improving efficiency, reducing friction and enhancing customer experiences.

For many integrators, the focus is not on replacing technicians or automating installations, but rather on streamlining the operational side of increasingly complex businesses.

Interested in hearing from thought leaders about how to leverage AI tools? Attend this Smart Stage session at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026: “AI for Integrators: The Tools that Save Hours Every Week,” at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. 

SoundVision Builds AI Into Service, Marketing & Project Management

At North Carolina-based SoundVision, CEO Mark DiPietro described a growing portfolio of internally developed AI tools designed to support service operations, automate administrative tasks and improve customer communication.

One of those tools functions as an AI-powered support assistant capable of helping customers troubleshoot systems while also directing users toward the company’s service membership offerings.

“It’s actually a sales tool too,” DiPietro said while demonstrating how the system recommends proactive service plans during support interactions.

The company has also deployed AI agents internally to automate project management workflows and monitor customer service responsiveness. According to DiPietro, those systems can summarize project management spreadsheets before meetings, notify employees about overdue tasks and escalate service requests that have not received timely responses.

“If they don’t do that, it literally tags it and then sends it to the service manager,” DiPietro says of the company’s customer response tracking system.

SoundVision is additionally leveraging AI to mine historical customer data for targeted marketing opportunities. One example involved identifying legacy lighting-control customers who may now be candidates for upgraded lighting fixtures.

“Being able to remarket to your existing client database is huge,” says Michelle Ferlauto, SoundVision’s COO.

DiPietro credited Ari Supran, CEO of speaker company Sonance, an AI power user and industry thought leader, with helping to accelerate his understanding of practical AI implementation in the integration space.

Audio Command Systems Focuses on Workflow Integration

Executives at Audio Command Systems described similar efforts centered around operational visibility and workflow consolidation.

According to Tom Clancy, the company’s executive vice president, the AI initiative at Audio Command Systems began as an effort to solve a longstanding operational challenge that will resonate with other integrators: too much critical information spread across too many disconnected software platforms. Like many others, ACS relied on separate systems for accounting, proposals, purchasing, CRM and field operations, making it difficult for employees to quickly access project history or operational data.

To address that issue, Clancy began building what he calls a “command center,” a centralized AI-powered dashboard designed to act as a “single pane of glass” for the company’s operations.

Rather than hiring outside developers, Clancy said he used AI-assisted coding tools to rapidly prototype and expand the platform himself. According to Clancy, the first iteration of the system came together “within basically three weeks” while he worked on it during off-hours. He described gathering direct feedback from team members across departments to identify the biggest workflow bottlenecks and operational frustrations employees encountered in their day-to-day work.

From there, Clancy said he used AI-driven development workflows and “vibe coding” techniques to build solutions around those problems, allowing the system to evolve quickly without the long timelines traditionally associated with custom software development. Now, the platform continues expanding as new operational needs emerge and additional employee feedback is incorporated into the system.

AI Becoming a Major Topic Across the Industry

The increasing interest in AI was a recurring theme throughout the HTSA conference itself, with multiple sessions centered around this very topic. This follows the trend of other industry conferences that are increasingly focusing on how dealers can leverage AI to streamline operations and become more efficient.

Like Clancy and DiPietro, there are now many AI power users across the industry, many of whom credit Sonance’s Supran with encouraging them to explore different AI tools.

HTSA’s Tom Doherty says many members are now moving beyond experimentation into practical business applications and workflow automation.

“What’s happening at this conference is there are a lot more number of members that are doing and building some real use case, real day-to-day business workflows,” Doherty says.

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HDMI technology enables uncompressed audio and video signals, ensuring gamers experience content exactly as intended. Support for advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos™ creates immersive soundscapes that bring game worlds to life.

On the visual side, HDMI technology supports resolutions up to 4K, 8K and even 16K, along with vibrant color depth and clarity. Whether navigating expansive open worlds or competing in fast-paced multiplayer environments, HDMI technology delivers crisp visuals with support for high bit rate color, dynamic HDR, and high refresh rates. Combined with broad compatibility across devices, HDMI technology remains the essential backbone of modern gaming systems.

Advanced HDMI Gaming Features

HDMI technology continues to enhance gaming experiences with features specifically designed to improve gaming performance. Features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) directly address advanced gamers by improving responsiveness and visual fluidity.

VRR dynamically synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother gameplay, especially during high-speed action or competitive play. ALLM automatically switches compatible displays into low-latency game mode, reducing input lag and ensuring player actions are reflected on-screen as quickly as possible.

Another important advancement is Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduces display latency by transmitting frames at a higher rate. This minimizes the delay between controller input and on-screen action for more responsive gameplay, giving players a competitive advantage and a more immersive experience overall.

Together, these features demonstrate how HDMI technology enables a performance-enhancing gaming experience tailored to the demands of modern gaming.

Portable Consoles and Big-Screen Connectivity

Portable gaming consoles have surged in popularity, offering powerful gaming experiences in compact handheld formats. HDMI technology allows these devices to transition seamlessly into full home entertainment systems by connecting directly to HDTVs.

With an HDMI cable connection, portable consoles can deliver high-definition visuals and immersive audio on large screens. This transforms personal gaming into a shared experience for family play, parties, or tournaments. Many portable consoles include docking stations with HDMI outputs, while others support third-party docks, adapters, or direct HDMI connections.

This plug-and-play simplicity highlights how HDMI technology has expanded portable gaming beyond the handheld screen, allowing gamers to enjoy cinematic-scale visuals and enhanced audio at home.

Maximizing Performance with Certified HDMI^® Cables

To fully realize the benefits of HDMI technology, using the right cable is essential. For today’s high-performance gaming systems, a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable is required. These cables support bandwidths up to 48Gbps, enabling higher resolutions and faster refresh rates.

Consumers should look for the official certification label on packaging to ensure authenticity and compliance. Certified cables undergo rigorous testing to guarantee they meet HDMI specifications and deliver reliable performance.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Ultra96 HDMI^® Cable from the HDMI 2.2 specification will support up to 96Gbps bandwidth, providing greater capacity for future gaming innovations and emerging ultra-high-resolution, high-frame-rate content.

HDMI technology continues to define and elevate the gaming experience, from advanced gaming features to future-ready innovations.

More info hdmi.org

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