CEDIA Panels to Cover Voice Control, Kitchen Tech, IoT CEDIA has revealed the lineup for a new series of panel sessions that will be offered at CEDIA 2016. By RS Staff Published: August 25, 2016 ⋅ Updated: April 15, 2019 CEDIA has revealed the lineup for a new series of panel sessions that will be offered at CEDIA 2016. Six panels will bring attendees up to speed on key issues in the industry, such as partnering with architects, builders, and interior designers; the new opportunities 4K Ultra HD brings; and how voice control will change the game. “These hour-long panel sessions provide yet another platform for CEDIA 2016 attendees to explore new topics and hear from respected and sought-after experts,” said Vin Bruno, CEDIA CEO. Panels are moderated by key industry media and are free for all CEDIA 2016 attendees. The session schedule is as follows: Thursday, September 15 A Blueprint for Success: Former System Integrators Collaborate to Simplify Your World Moderator: Jason Knott, editor in chief, CE Pro 8:00 a.m. This group of former integrators has developed software tools, products, and services to ease your biggest pain points. Join them for a discussion on creating a seamless and effective blueprint for success. The Role of Voice Control in the Connected Home Moderator: Michael Artsis, CEO and host, BeTerrific 11:00 a.m. The growing popularity of voice control products—from Apple’s Siri to Amazon’s Echo, Google Now, and Microsoft’s Cortana—is creating a new market for home control. While awareness is high, there is confusion about how best to integrate voice into a home system. Learn the pitfalls of voice communications and what products work best in the connected home. Building for the Future: Home Technology Professionals Lead the Way for Builders, Architects, and Designers Moderator: Patrick O’Toole, owner and editorial director, Qualified Remodeler 2:00 p.m. Join executives from the National Association of Home Builders, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Houzz, and Coldwell Banker to discuss how home technology professionals can successfully partner with the design and build trades and how everyone can work together to clearly communicate the value of technology in ensuring “A Life Lived Best at Home.” Friday, September 16 Moving Into the Kitchen Moderator: Suzanne Kantra, editor, Techlicious 9:00 a.m. As goes the rest of the house, so follows the kitchen. Smart appliances offer a new opportunity for home technology professionals. Attendees will learn how to incorporate smart appliances into their offerings at this panel session. Internet of Things: When Everything is Connected to Everything Moderator: Michael Prospero, reviews editor, Tom’s Guide 11:00 a.m. There’s more to a positive “Internet of Things” experience than just a solid Wi-Fi signal. Find out how to stay ahead of new developments and deliver the experiences clients are really looking for. What’s New in Ultra HD/4K and Immersive Entertainment? Moderator: Caleb Dennison, AV and entertainment editor, Digital Trends 2:00 p.m. With more than 14 million 4K UHD TV sets expected to be sold in 2016, there is tremendous potential for big-screen sales opportunities to new and existing customers. Experts discuss how to explain to homeowners new Ultra HDTV technologies such as high dynamic range, wide color gamut, and multichannel audio, as well as what network capabilities are needed to deliver 4K content.