Features
Doing It Better
When a custom integration company takes over the role of another professional, it made the process — and the project — better.
From the Editor
Features
Showroom Week: No Two Alike
Despite the similarities in gear, trends, and installations, no two showrooms are alike
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The Magic Eye of the Ears
Trying my best to hear immersive sound out of single Dolby Atmos-capable smart speakers.
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Bad Management in Action
If you do watch 'The Recruit' and you recognize any business practices shared with your own, it is time to rethink and retool.
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Inspirational Electronics
After attending CES 2023, I was overtaken by a somewhat surprising feeling for someone leaving Las Vegas — hope.
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Sharing Is Caring
Altruism is certainly alive and well in the custom installation industry.
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Surround Pro 2.0
The advances in tech have again pushed us to the point where immersive sound will be ubiquitous.
Features
A Tale of Two Shows
I recently had quite the week — starting it off in Dallas at CEDIA Expo 2022 and wrapping it up at the NY Comic...
Features
Maybe Even a Great Steer
After more than 65 years of serving the area, the Good Steer decided to close its doors for good on a recent Saturday. It...
Features
Dad, the First Voice Control
When I was a kid along with my four siblings, my dad definitely had voice control way before it was trendy. Or even invented.
Features
Unfairly Maligned
Every trade upsells their clients — a practice that seems to be acceptable to the community at-large — so it feels unfair for CIs...
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The Tale of Billy Joel’s Sigh
There is one tune that is always on the setlist, whether he likes it or not.
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Ready for Our Closeup
Kudos to the writers of 'The Afterparty' for recognizing that custom installers belong on the screen.
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Remembering Lisa
Lessons learned from the person who treated everyone in the room like a rock star.
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‘Get Back’…To Better Management
Could the Beatles have stayed together longer if only they had a good project manager?
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The State of You
While the State of the Industry may be solid, the State of You may need some care.
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Buckle Up!
With lots of new product introductions and collaboration between major players, it is a good time to be in the custom installation business.
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Seeing Blockbusters in Style
Finding inspiration from home theaters to go back to the commercial ones — but only if it is a Dolby Cinema.
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Is It Pro or Is It Home?
The differences between a professional post-production studio and a luxury home theater continues to shrink.
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Subtle Home Improvement
I am writing this the day after the chaos of having an entirely new roof put on my home. I started it yesterday, but...
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The Home of the Future Is Here Today
Current home control is pretty darn close to what’s been promised.
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Stream a Little Stream with Me
With the major services all offering some content with 4K video and immersive surround formats, consumers have good reason to upgrade.
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Hire Education
According to industry sources, the main problem we’re facing is finding qualified employees to add to our staffs.
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Stressful, Crazy…and Wonderful
I have a tendency toward introversion, so solitude isn’t the worst thing in the world for me, but now I find myself missing the...
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Plan, Then Plan Again
Switching plans always brings with it a level of stress and anxiety, but also gives us a creative opportunity to rise to the occasion.
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Opening Up
Now is the time to think about what your business will look like as we navigate the new-yet-familiar post-pandemic world.
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The Power of Patience
In this hunt for self-improvement, the thing that has had the biggest effect on how I live and work is the effort I put...
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The New Essentials
For those of us in self-quarantine during this pandemic, we are learning who really are essential personnel in a true crisis.
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How We Got Here
Whenever I get the opportunity to network with any industry pros — integrators, owners, marketers, product managers — I enjoy hearing their origin stories;...
