by Bob Archer | Jan 27, 2026 | KMB Communications, Kordz, News
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Kordz Explores the Human-Centred Future of AV, AI and Next-Generation Connectivity with Expert Panel in Latest Mastering Connectivity Podcast
Industry visionaries discuss exponential technological change, robotics, AI, autonomous homes, and the expanding responsibilities of AV integrators.
January 13, 2026 — Kordz, the professional-grade connectivity brand trusted by integrators worldwide, has released a powerful new episode of its Mastering Connectivity podcast, produced in collaboration with AV Trade Talks about our road ahead. Titled “Expert Insights into the Future of AV Connectivity,” this seventh installment explores the next decade of smart home technology, networking and systems integration and the critical need to keep humanity at the centre of innovation.
Hosted by Katye McGregor Bennett, the enlightening conversation brings together James Chen, Managing Director of Kordz, industry futurist and integrator, Rich Green, and longtime integrator–turned–Samsung executive, Kris Hogg. Together, they unpack how exponential advancements, from robotics and artificial intelligence to pervasive sensing and autonomous home environments, are reshaping the industry and redefining the integrator’s place within it.
A New Era of Human Connection
Green opens the discussion by noting that the future will not advance in a straight, predictable line. Instead, rapid breakthroughs in immersive displays, AI-driven engagement, robotics and quantum computing will fundamentally alter how humans interact with their technology and their surroundings. He describes emerging possibilities such as brain-implanted transceivers and edge-based AI capable of operating millions of times faster than human cognition, developments that no longer belong in the realm of science fiction.
However, alongside this acceleration, the panel emphasises the need for balance. As technology becomes more intelligent, autonomous and pervasive, it must remain grounded in human connection, wellbeing and emotional experience. Innovation should enrich daily life, not overshadow it; it should create environments that feel more intuitive, more personal, and more humane. The greatest opportunity, and responsibility, lies in blending powerful tools with the fundamental qualities that make us human.
“The integrator sits at the centre of this transformation, ensuring the proper humanisation of rapidly advancing technologies,” says Chen. “With the right knowledge and the right mindset, they can help ensure the future of technology enhances life—not overwhelms it.”
The Expanding Role of Integrators
As homes become increasingly intelligent and interconnected, the traditional role of “installer” no longer fits the reality of what modern clients require. Integrators are becoming long-term caretakers of digital ecosystems, responsible not only for system deployment but also for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, optimisation and security. As Green notes, billions of small, specialised AI agents will soon be embedded across the built environment, making decisions locally without relying on cloud infrastructure. Integrators will be responsible for orchestrating these agents, ensuring they behave cohesively, ethically and safely. A better understanding and utilisation of AI, along with robust, future-ready cabling infrastructures, therefore, will be key for integrators to embrace.
Guiding the Next Decade of Connectivity
The insights shared in this episode make one point clear: the future of AV connectivity is not just about speed, bandwidth or automation; it is about designing technology that elevates human experiences. As systems grow smarter, more autonomous, and more deeply woven into everyday life, integrators become the guardians of comfort, creativity, security and wellbeing.
By embracing AI, strengthening technical and human-centred skills, and approaching projects as long-term digital stewards, integrators will elevate their role in the built environment and shape a future where technology enhances life in profound and meaningful ways.
Learn More
To hear the full conversation and gather insights on how to prepare for the next evolution in home technology, go here for the podcast and the full article. For additional resources on a wide variety of connectivity topics, including other podcast episodes, articles and professional-grade cabling solutions from Kordz, visit kordz.com/articles.
About Kordz
Kordz is the connectivity brand for integrators, by integrators. A multi-award-winning global industry leader in professional-grade connectivity products, Kordz’ team of seasoned former integrators is on a mission to ‘Kordzify’ and optimise technology for professionals by designing, engineering and manufacturing products that deliver ease and profitability through a seamless installation experience with high performance results that today’s tech-savvy end-users expect. With a wide range of robust, fast and effective solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps integrators around the world meet the evolving cabling requirements of a diverse range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com
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by Bob Archer | Jan 23, 2026 | Blog, Daisy, KMB Communications
Is the world preoccupied with football … while highly unlikely, presidential politics and the National Football League (NFL) seem to be dominating the current news cycle.
Admittedly, certain members of the KMB Comm staff are perhaps a little distracted with his team returning to league prominence led by MVP candidate Drake Maye, but putting aside the talk of championship games it is time to focus on the residential and commercial electronics market.
Major Brands Make Major News in Home AV Market
Sneaking into people’s newsfeeds between the NFL coaching hires and politics has been a couple of interesting consumer electronics items. Starting this week’s KMB Comm Technology Week in Review off is a Residential Systems story on the latest NAD integrated amplifiers. Building off the success of the NAD C 3050 integrated amplifier, the new C 3030 and C 303S offer retro-inspired industrial designs that include VU meters and a classic NAD logo.
The C 3030 is rated to deliver 50-watts per channel, and it offers options such as aptX Bluetooth and HDMI with eARC. Residential Systems says the C 3030S incorporates the same features as the C 3030 and it adds the company’s BluOS whole-house streaming audio platform.
Here is the entire Residential Systems’ post.
CE Pro has a story on Daisy’s Hagen Kappler outlining what integrators will need to do in 2026 to experience a successful year.
According to Kappler, integrators that produce reliable revenues via disciplined system installations, predictable service models, and control their costs will bolster their businesses.
The entire conversation with Kappler can be found here.
NAMM Show Headlines Commercial AV Activities
Currently, the annual North American Music Merchants (NAMM) show, which takes place in Anaheim from Jan. 20-24 is grabbing the spotlight in the world of pro audio. Brands including Fender, Avid, Mackie, DiGiCo, Suhr, Friedman Amplification, and Apple are all in attendance.
Looking at some unrelated NAMM pro AV news, Commercial Integrator recently posted an item on QSC’s new Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform. The story says the Calif.-based manufacturer has expanded the product line with options that include the Q-SYS RoomSuite Modular Systems, Q-SYS Connect for Zoom Rooms, and MPA-Q Series network amplifiers.
The Commercial Integrator story goes into greater detail on all the new products within the line. That story can be found here.
KMB Comm Week in Review Look at National News
This is a residential technology story that is big enough to cross into a national news item. Picking the story up from eCoustics, Sony and TCL have announced plans to expand their relationship.
The story points out that Sony, the fifth largest TV manufacturer in global market share and TCL, a company that is trending to be the second largest TV manufacturer in global share are set to increase their partnership in which TCL will take over Sony’s home entertainment product manufacturing, including TVs and home audio.
As part of the agreement, TCL eCoustics reports, will hold a controlling 51% stake in the partnership to give TCL control. The complete story can be found here.
Concluding this week’s KMB Comm look at technology news, LinkedIn is reporting the streaming service Netflix now has more than 325 million paid subscribers. Through its subscription base, the story continues, the streamer is growing 16% year-over-year to $45 billion.
The problem, however the article points out is that growth is becoming more difficult for Netflix as the potential buyer of Warner Bros. Additionally, the LinkedIn post says that Netflix is planning on increasing its spending on original content by 10% to gain more U.S. original content viewing time.
KMB Communications hosts a podcast called AV Trade Talk. Listeners can check out the podcast to learn about the latest happenings in the custom installation electronics industry. To listen to the KMB AV Trade Talk Podcast, click here.
by Bob Archer | Jan 20, 2026 | D-Tools, News
CONCORD, CA – January 20, 2026 — D-Tools, the global leader in business management software for system integration firms, will be demonstrating an array of major advancements at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026. In Stand #2J500, the company will preview the upcoming release of its System Integrator (SI) version 24 (v24) and will showcase several new enhancements for its award-winning D-Tools Cloud web-based solution.
Both platforms help commercial and residential integrators manage every aspect of their businesses — including sales, system design, project documentation, procurement, installation, and service management. Today, more than 8,000 companies in over 90 countries rely on D-Tools’ award-winning software to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and boost profitability.
D-Tools offers the industry’s largest Product Library, featuring over 1,800 brands and more than 2 million products with integrator-level pricing. Over the past year, D-Tools has introduced exclusive pricing integrations with leading European distributors, including Habitech, Invision, Pulse Cinemas, Avoke, DbM, ADI-UK, Exertis, AWE, Northamber, Indigo, CAVD, Moss Technical and Ivory Egg. Additionally, Midwich will soon be onboard. Integrators can now create proposals and place orders in GBP (Pound Sterling).
D-Tools SI v24
The innovations in D-Tools SI v24 solidify this on-premises software solution as the worldwide leading core business management software serving the systems integration market for the past 27 years. Officially launches in March 2026, the new productivity features include:
- Multi-user project editing – More than one user can now edit projects simultaneously in the Project Editor interface, improving collaboration and the speed at which projects are created.
- Re-ordering of items in Project Editor – Users can now rearrange items in the bill of materials to an order of their liking vs. displayed in the order in which they were added to the project. This new feature will make it easier for users to keep related items together to decrease changes of missing necessary products.
- Export of Gantt View to Microsoft Project – Users will be able to export a Gantt View created in SI to Microsoft Project. This will allow them to share a project plan with outside collaborators who do not have access to SI.
- Mobile Install App – The SI Mobile Install feature will be available as a native app for both iOS and Android, enabling use of the software in the field without an internet connection.
D-Tools Cloud
The most recent update to D-Tools Cloud includes several major enhancements:
- D-Tools AI — D-Tools AI in D-Tools Cloud is designed to be part of the daily workflow by allowing users to quickly generate scopes of work, manipulate quote structures, search using natural language, and apply financial logic such as margin adjustments — all in seconds. D-Tools AI empowers teams to work faster, with greater precision, and less manual effort.
- Interconnect Diagrams — The new Interconnects feature is an intelligent wiring connectivity tool built directly into D-Tools Cloud. It provides a dynamic, visual, and interactive environment for mapping how devices are wired across a project — by system, phase, or room. With full integration into your BOM and product catalogue, it ensures design intent flows clearly from sales through to installation.
- Native Mobile App — The new native mobile app for D-Tools Cloud, available for iOS and Android, enables project managers and technicians to manage schedules and tasks, inventory, job notes, sales opportunities, and clock in/out directly from their phones — even offline. With either Field User View or Office User View, teams can receive and push notifications and send SMS messages to customers.
About D-Tools, Inc.
D-Tools, Inc. is a global leader in business management software for system integration firms. Its System Integrator (SI) and D-Tools Cloud platforms streamline sales, design, project management, and service operations. Serving over 8,000 companies in 90+ countries, D-Tools helps integrators increase efficiency and drive growth. For more information, visit www.d-tools.com or follow D-Tools on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Media Contacts:
For UK and APAC: Gordon Dutch, Re-Sauce — +44 (0) 333 404 6094 — gjd@re-sauce.net
- For the US: Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications — (406) 446-1283 — katye@kmbcomm.com
- For D-Tools Corporate: Tim Bigoness, D-Tools — (925) 270-4102 — timb@d-tools.com
by Bob Archer | Jan 20, 2026 | Kordz, News
(January 14, 2026) — Kordz, global leader in professional-grade AV connectivity, today announces the addition of a new control cable to its ONE Series. Debuting at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026, Feb. 3-6, in Barcelona, Spain, the ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable provides systems integrators with a single, installation-friendly solution for power and control in residential and commercial environments. Purpose-built for professional integration, the cable combines dependable power delivery and RS-485 communication within one streamlined design.
With support for a wide range of control applications, including lighting, shading, HVAC interfaces, sensors and automation processors, the ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable features 18AWG stranded conductors for Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) power alongside a 22AWG twisted pair for RS-485 data. This unified design simplifies cable selection and routing while delivering the reliability required for quality building control systems. The cable is suitable for use with widely deployed platforms and leading control brands such as Lutron, Crestron and Control4.
“Control infrastructure is foundational to reliable residential and commercial automation,” says James Chen, Managing Director of Kordz. “With the ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable, we’ve applied the same integrator-first engineering principles that define our ONE Series, delivering a durable, compliant and installer-friendly solution that simplifies control wiring without compromise. This is a product integrators have been asking for and we’re pleased to make it happen.”
Balanced strand construction provides an optimal blend of power handling and flexibility, enabling straightforward routing through conduits, risers and control enclosures. Installer-focused features, including industry-standard internal colour coding, metre-marked lengths, and an internal nylon ripcord—help reduce preparation time, particularly in large-scale commercial and multi-dwelling projects.
The cable’s IEC60332-1 flame-retardant PVC jacket and CPR Eca classification address basic flame propagation requirements, while compliance with AS/NZS S008:2010 and RoHS standards supports use across a broad range of residential and commercial environments. Packaged in the recyclable Kordz Reel Box, the cable dispenses smoothly and consistently, minimising waste and handling issues on site. Each cable is backed by the Kordz lifetime warranty, providing long-term confidence for integrators and end users alike.
Where to See Kordz at ISE 2026
The Kordz ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable will be showcased at ISE 2026, Stand #2F550, and will be available globally through authorised Kordz distributors. For more information and to find your nearest distributor, visit www.kordz.com.
About Kordz
Kordz is the connectivity brand for integrators, by integrators. A multi-award-winning global industry leader in professional grade connectivity products, Kordz’ team of seasoned former integrators is on a mission to ‘Kordzify’ and optimise technology for professionals by designing, engineering and manufacturing products that deliver ease and profitability through a seamless installation experience with high performance results that today’s tech-savvy end-users expect. With a wide range of robust, fast and effective solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps integrators around the world meet the evolving cabling requirements of a diverse range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com
by Bob Archer | Jan 20, 2026 | Kordz, News
(January 14, 2026) — Kordz, a global leader in professional-grade AV connectivity, is showcasing its latest integrator-first connectivity solutions at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026, Feb. 3–6, in Barcelona, Spain. With a strong focus on mission-critical HDMI performance and installation-friendly control cabling, Kordz is debuting new products, live demonstrations, and hands-on challenges that reinforce its engineering philosophy: robustness, reliability and faster, cleaner installs.
“ISE is where the industry comes together to see what’s next, and for Kordz, that means showcasing future-ready connectivity engineered for real-world installations,” says James Chen, Managing Director at Kordz. “From HDMI infrastructure built for absolute reliability to control cabling that simplifies system design, everything we’re presenting is driven by what integrators need most on the job site now.”
Ensuring HDMI Reliability for Mission-Critical Rack and Marine Installations
Headlining Kordz’ ISE presence is the R.4 48Gbps Rack and Marine Passive HDMI® Cable, engineered as the successor to the widely adopted R.3 18Gbps HDMI® Cable. Purpose-built for environments where failure is not an option, R.4 supports the full 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 data rate, enabling uncompressed 8K video transmission and the complete HDMI feature set, including eARC, VRR and QMS. Each cable is independently tested and is certified to the DPL Labs Enhanced 48Gbps Reference Standard, ensuring reliable real-world interoperability.
Designed specifically for dense equipment racks, the R.4 features compact die-cast connectors, a slimmer cable profile, and precise 0.3m length increments from 0.3m to 3.0m, supporting clean cable dressing, improved airflow, and efficient routing. A full metal internal casing combined with a class-leading 95% copper braid shield enhances EMI rejection in electrically noisy environments.
For marine and compliance-driven applications, R.4 incorporates a secure 2kg retention HDMI connector to resist vibration and movement, alongside a fully LSZH cable construction that meets IEC60332, IEC60754, and IEC61034 requirements for low smoke, zero halogen performance.
Adding More Control Cabling Options to the Kordz ONE Series
Kordz is also extending its ONE Series with the introduction of the ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable, purpose-built for residential and commercial building control systems. Designed to simplify cable selection and routing, the cable combines power delivery and RS-485 communication in a single run, reducing complexity for applications including lighting, shading, HVAC interfaces, sensors and automation processors.
Compatible with leading control platforms such as Lutron, Crestron, and Control4, the ONE Control Cable features an IEC60332-1 flame-retardant PVC jacket, CPR Eca classification, and compliance with AS/NZS S008:2010 and RoHS standards, supporting safe and reliable deployment across a wide range of environments.
Demonstrating Commitment to Excellence and Education
Beyond new product introductions, Kordz is bringing its engineering philosophy to life with compelling demonstrations and hands-on engagement at Stand #2F550. Running continuously throughout ISE 2026, the live showcases highlight real-world durability, long-distance performance and installation-ready design.
In a dramatic “Cables that hold their own” demonstration, Kordz validates the 20kg pull strength of its PRO4 Active Optical HDMI Cable by using it to suspend a full box of Cat6 cable while simultaneously powering a live TV. Despite its ultra-slim 4.7mm diameter, PRO4 delivers 48Gbps uncompressed bandwidth up to 100 metres, certified to the DPL Labs Enhanced 48G Reference Standard, proving that strength, flexibility and performance can coexist.
ISE attendees are also invited to take part in the popular Kordz Termination Challenge, where integrators race against the clock to complete clean, fully functional terminations and attempt to beat the current record time. The challenge provides hands-on engagement while reinforcing Kordz’ focus on precision-engineered products that work reliably – the first time.
In collaboration with CEDIA and ISE, Kordz will also welcome groups of students to the Stand #2F550 on Friday, guiding them through proper termination techniques and installation best practices as part of an organised educational initiative. By integrating student participation directly into the Termination Challenge and live demonstrations, Kordz is supporting skills development in a practical, accessible way—helping introduce the next generation of professionals to industry standards and real-world installation fundamentals.
“Kordz at ISE 2026 is about more than launching new products—it’s about demonstrating how thoughtful engineering and proper installation practices solve real-world challenges,” says Chen.
“Education has always been a core part of our philosophy, and we’re proud to support initiatives that help develop confident, capable professionals from the ground up.”
On the HDMI 2.2 Horizon: Kordz Unveils New Ultra96 HDMI® Cable Prototype
At ISE 2026, Kordz is also unveiling a finished prototype of one of the world’s first Ultra96 HDMI® Cables, the new Kordz PRS5 Passive Ultra96 HDMI® Cable.
Where to See Kordz at ISE 2026
All new products and live demonstrations can be experienced at ISE 2026, Stand #2F550. Products will be available globally through authorised Kordz distributors. For more information and to find your nearest distributor, visit www.kordz.com.
About Kordz
Kordz is the connectivity brand for integrators, by integrators. A multi-award-winning global industry leader in professional grade connectivity products, Kordz’ team of seasoned former integrators is on a mission to ‘Kordzify’ and optimise technology for professionals by designing, engineering and manufacturing products that deliver ease and profitability through a seamless installation experience with high performance results that today’s tech-savvy end-users expect. With a wide range of robust, fast and effective solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps integrators around the world meet the evolving cabling requirements of a diverse range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com
