Features
Another Green Solution
In the residential custom installation business we typically think of ourselves as experts in audio/video, lighting, computer, and home control systems. Now many of...
Features
Features
Upgrades Made Simple
Tell me if the following scenario sounds familiar. A client asks you to design an amazing home theater or media room. You dutifully draw...
Features
All Thumbs
I bought a new mobile phone the other day and, technically speaking, Im already behind the times. As much as I try to stay...
Features
Today in Tomorrowland
Disney's Innoventions Dream Home Features Technology That is (Mostly) Available Now.
Back to Business
The Future of Home Control
I recently visited Disney World to see one of its most enduring attractions: the Carousel of Progress. This revolving presentation clarifies how accelerating technology...
Features
Maximizing Media Center
This is the year that the CableCard-supported Microsoft Media Center platform coupled with a wide variety of Media Center Extenders options was going to...
Features
Speaking with One Voice
This year, IPRO is celebrating 20 years as an organization, while next year, CEDIA will be celebrating its 20-year mark as well. Isnt it...
Features
Mastering the Art of Word-of-Mouth Sales
How to Formalize a Referral Process to Generate New Business.
Features
AV Controller Evolution
If you were to vote on a piece of home theater equipment that has evolved more than any other, the AV controller would have...
Features
Behind the Business: OnQ/Legrand
Manufacturer Wants its Products to be Extension of a Homes Dcor.
Features
On-Demand Kids
I often worry that the on-demand media lifestyle to which many of us have grown accustomed will have a long-term negative impact on our...
Features
Comfortable and Quiet
As an acoustic design firm, we often face challenges related to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system designs for screening rooms. Some of...
Features
Behind the Business: Epson America
Manufacturer Looks to Broaden Front Projection Options in the Custom Install Channel.
Features
Prying Away Sticky Fingers
My job as vice president of sales and marketing is to preserve Niles brand integrity. One way that I accomplish this is by identifying...
Back to Business
Get XP While You Still Can
Business PC users are pretty much stuck with Windows. Yes, I also have a Mac and I love working on it with ProTools, Final...
Features
Getting Chummy with Chumby
I am always looking for network-connected devices that truly add value to our client’s broadband connected homes. Of course we all know about the...
Back to Business
Gauging Your Financials
Editors Note: Last month, Leslie Shiner answered questions about using QuickBooks on the financial side of your business. This month, Rich Riehl adds his...
Features
CEDIA Event Paves the Way
Readers of this column know that I usually write about networking topics that are relevant to the custom electronics integration industry and this column...
Features
GE Builds Authorized Integrators Network
If any company can overcome a tough economy, it is General Electric, which recently launched its Authorized Integrators Network (AIN) of dealers.
Features
To Be Like You
For the first time in my eight-year term as editor of this magazine, I have finally gotten my hands dirty like a true custom...
Features
Behind the Business: Banyan Electronics
The new, Omaha, Nebraska-based manufacturer was founded on the premise that the custom install market was not being served properly by its vendors.
Features
Telephone Etiquette Essentials
Those of you who live in Florida or visit here know that Floridians love their driveways. Weve got all kindsfrom stone to concrete to...
Back to Business
Earning a Place at the Table
It took weeks of calling and lots of patience to finally break through and get the go ahead for this important sales meeting. You...
Features
Why Were Not Done Yet
In our industry, its easy to miss something. However, one thing Im noticing is that the best people, organizations, and companies among us are...
Features
The Latest Blu Review
Back when the HD format war was raging, I wrote a few columns about the technical pitfalls that you might encounter when configuring early-generation...
Features
Give a Little
As the editor of a magazine representing this industry, one of my biggest frustrations in the past eight years has been the general lack...
Back to Business
Riding Business Waves
I had been pondering the growing mortgage crisis and how it was affecting our entire economy. I was trying to process stories I had...
Features
Recognizing Optical Illusions
As a change of pace this month, I thought it might be nice to have an object lesson of sorts. Lately, it seems like...
Features
Generation Why?
At the recent CEDIA Management Conference, a record 260 attendees converged on San Diego to discuss employee recruitment and retention and many other business...
Features
The Force of Ideas
I can still hear her now. Michael, whats the big idea?! Youve cut holes in the walls of every room of this house. Whats...
Back to Business
The Busy-ness of Business
Nobody likes red tape. Nobody likes spending hours reconciling bank statements and comparing a pile of purchase orders with a pile of packing lists...
Features
Fuze Media Systems
Readers of my column know that I have been a proponent of Media Center solutions for the home for a number of years. But...
Features
Automatic for the People
In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of A/V receiver and controller products that include automatic speaker setup and equalization...
Features
My Home Theater
My topic this month should be the slowing economy and the effect that it is having on the custom installation business. Instead, Ill save...