Residential Tech Today

There’s a certain kind of lingo used by the folks running the CEDIA trade association that does not always align with the vocabulary that most of us use in our day-to-day conversations. While words like “education and training” and “marketing and communication” are straightforward, other terms like “advocacy” and “workforce development” may be less familiar. But, as I interviewed CEDIA CEO Daryl Friedman at the end of 2022, I recognized the significance of those terms and the trade association’s initiatives connected to them. When Friedman was researching the CEO role that he accepted at year ago at CEDIA, he was impressed by his future employer but felt that the organization was not doing a great job of trumpeting their initiatives and achievements. Specifically, he noted, while CEDIA’s education offerings seemed to…

There’s a certain kind of lingo used by the folks running the CEDIA trade association that does not always align with the vocabulary that most of us use in our day-to-day conversations. While words like “education and training” and “marketing and communication” are straightforward, other terms like “advocacy” and “workforce development” may be less familiar. But, as I interviewed CEDIA CEO Daryl Friedman at the end of 2022, I recognized the significance of those terms and the trade association’s initiatives connected to them. When Friedman was researching the CEO role that he accepted at year ago at CEDIA, he was impressed by his future employer but felt that the organization was not doing a great job of trumpeting their initiatives and achievements. Specifically, he noted, while CEDIA’s education offerings seemed…

Ian Bryant is a professional technologist focused on residential and commercial technology integration, emerging trends (wellness, power and energy, AI and machine learning, lighting, kitchen and bath, IoT, and connected appliances). He is the former senior strategic director of partnerships for CEDIA and currently holds a senior project manager role at Premiere SAV in Jackson, WY. On p. 18, Bryant writes about the power and energy discussions that were on the minds of many attendees at CEDIA Expo 2022 in Dallas. SurgeX Director of Global Sales Chad Russell has worked within the custom installation space since his college years and began mastering his direct-to-consumer craft in the booming Scottsdale market in the early 2000s. Throughout his nearly three-decade career, Russell has served as regional sales manager for both Kaleidescape and Crestron…

Distributed energy resources, such as wind, solar, and storage, are growth opportunities when considering power management options for the smart home. Added to those technologies are smart thermostats, battery backups, surge suppressors, and remote power management devices, all of which can provide incremental cost savings, operational benefits, and peace of mind to homeowners. Combined, these tools enable consumers to better manage the power into and throughout their home. Here’s what the numbers say about the current state and future of power management in the home. Smart Thermostat Market Market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 16.5% Source: researchandmarkets.com Estimated Monthly Savings Reported by Smart Thermostat Owners/Users Source: Parks Associates The residential sector accounts for about 21% of total U.S. energy consumption. Source: rpsc.energy.gov 45% of broadband households made energy-saving renovations or added major energy devices to their…

As a professional integrator, what value proposition do you present to clients when it comes to including power management technology in their smart home systems? If your power grid or the power in your home has issues, it can lead to a lot of problems with the reliability and function of a system. Power management is essential, whether it is IP controlled power solutions that provide us remote access to assist clients with troubleshooting issues or more robust systems that allow for battery backup of key systems within the home, stable power solutions ensure equipment functions optimally, and minimizes the risks from storms and power fluctuations. — Tony Fabrick, Xtend Technologies, Broadview Heights, OH Power for us is a foundational component. We think of it the same as we would the need…

When developing new products, Snap One looks for meaningful ways to help its smart home integration partners grow their businesses, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce installation complexity. Within that framework, the company has added several new solutions across the control, audio, surveillance, and networking categories, including a new Control4 remote control, linear lighting, outdoor audio/lighting, and access points, that are meant to solve installation pain points through tech innovations. Snap One has debuted its highly anticipated new line of Control4 hand-held interfaces, the Halo Family of Remotes. The Halo line was designed using feedback from Snap One Partners and includes new features and upgraded technologies while expanding on the sleek aesthetic introduced with the coveted Neeo Remote. The two new models — Halo and Halo Touch — include enhanced features like a…