Behind the Business
The State of the Industry 2023
With the rollercoaster of summer behind us, we take stock of where we stand.
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The Manufacturer/Project Manager Connection
CI suppliers can become true partners by enhancing education and collaboration opportunities for project managers.
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The Rise of Innovative Lighting in Smart Homes
Demonstrating the impact of lighting and shades in the home with the 2023 CEDIA Smart Home Award winners.
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For the Love of Demos
I don’t know how you all feel about giving them, but I love sitting through a demo.
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The Dangers of the ‘Not Invented Here’ Syndrome
Are you defending your own ideas in the face of better ones?
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A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
Events like CEDIA Expo provide excellent opportunities for you to share what you saw so that people outside of our industry see, hear, and...
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Managing Customer Deposits and Inventory
If you can keep track of these two key cash-flow components, you can amass a large sum of money to reinvest in the business.
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Misconceptions About Wi-Fi Networking
If you are still working with the networks already existing in your clients’ homes, it is time to take it over.
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Simplify Your Work, Not Your Theaters
AES67 is your secret weapon in the quest to streamline Audio over IP for high channel counts.
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Remember When…
The tech comes, the tech goes, but the memories and the feelings those experiences created remain.
Behind the Business
Federal Issues You’ll Want to Know About
A look at the areas of the federal government that have an impact on custom integration businesses.
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Being Present, Pleasant, and Supportive
Design professionals want to include tech and are eager to learn, but are still leery of the lingo.
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Working With the Big Two
How proper management of gross profit and payroll can lead to a more successful business.
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Working With Oasys
Go behind the scenes at the recently renamed buying group to find out how it is making an impact for its dealer partners.
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AI and the Proactive Personal Touch
We now have all the tools we need to create a truly personalized experience for our homeowners.
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Showroom Spotlight – Cinema Architects
At this South African dealer’s new experience center, architects, designers, and end-users get immersed in the potential that home technology offers.
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Design of the Times
Keeping up with the light-speed evolution of private cinema technology.
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The Lure of the Franchise
The attraction behind the concept of opening a business backed by a solid corporate entity that can cover all the knowledge the owner may...
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Home Theater Week: Rethinking Home Cinema Case Studies
Tales of teamwork and the realization of a client’s private cinema dreams can be a powerful sales tool and raise awareness for our services.
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Home Theater Week: The ADI Global Home Theater Product Guide
Check out the industry distributor’s best-selling home theater equipment.
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Home Theater Week: Stunning Theater, Simple Control
Cobb Home Innovations designs a high-end home theater that answers the owner’s demand for smart, easy control.
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Home Theater Week: Navigating Through Entertainment Seating
Not all seating is created equal.
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Home Theater Week: The Free-Rein Theater
A valuable client gives Cactus Sight & Sound the creative freedom to build a designer-pleasing home cinema.
Behind the Business
Educating the “Future of Tomorrow”
Kyri Androu of Electricus makes AV integration part of the curriculum for the college classes he teaches.
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The Art of Unlearning
Looking to innovate in your business? First learn to let go of old ideas.
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Showroom Spotlight – Beemer Smart Home
For this integration company, home is not only where the heart is — it’s also where the showroom resides.
CEDIA Show
Shades Week: CEDIA Expo Shades Preview
There is no doubt that this hot category will be represented on the show floor.
Behind the Business
Shades Week: Raising the Shades to Revenue
Motorized shades are the perfect complement to experiential AV. Here’s how to get started.
Behind the Business
Shades Week: Adding Instant Shade Expertise
Partnering with a professional shading company lets integrators painlessly – and profitably — expand their offerings.
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Shades Week: From Building Partner to Shading Client
Dell Smart Homes installs 41 Hunter Douglas shades in the renovated office of one of its trusted building partners.
Behind the Business
Shades Week: Shades in Action!
Two examples of the impact that creative automated shading systems can have on a residential space and a custom installation business.
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Threads: What You Need to Know Right Now
The compelling new social media platform is worthy of consideration.
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Shining Those Forks
Although about a restaurant, 'The Bear' celebrates the same qualities that custom installation pros exhibit.
Behind the Business
Real-World AI for the CI
Savant and Josh.ai break through the hype with new artificial intelligence–driven products that will have an impact on custom installers and their clients.
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The Power of AI and Virtual Design
Why you should be using this emerging tech to create sales and marketing assets.
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Identifying and Applying Profit Levers
Recognizing the areas where integrators should focus their attention and knowing when to act on them.
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Stop Selling Products!
The experience is what people want and will pay for — so stop selling shiny boxes, fun features, and beguiling benefits.
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Showroom Spotlight – Audio Video Integration
It is four on the floor as this San Rafael, Calif., dealer shows a quartet of different home theater options at various price points.
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An Intelligent Approach to Power Quality
How to help clients understand the many benefits energy management provides.
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The CI and the Side Hustle
Precision Media’s Brian Richards uses his professional talents to create a unique — and extremely successful — AirBnB destination.
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Can’t-Miss Courses at the CEDIA Conference
Start your CEDIA Expo 2023 planning with these education sessions.