by Bob Archer | Apr 10, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
Is Disney and its Disney+ service getting its mojo back? It’s probably a topic for another KMB Comm blog, but with the recent releases of its “Daul Maul: Shadow Lord” and “Daredevil Born Again” series, it seems Disney is back.
In addition, arguably the best series from the Netflix Marvel Comic Universe (MCU), “Punisher,” is getting a reboot with the upcoming release of “Punisher: One Last Kill.”
This streaming media update is good news for those that don’t follow the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), which are both gearing up for their respective playoff seasons, or Major League Baseball (MLB) and its regular season.
Moreover, in less than two weeks the most popular sports league in the U.S.—the National Football League (NFL) will hold its annual college football draft and that will dominate TV viewership numbers.
In the meantime, however, let’s focus some of this week’s noteworthy tech news stories.
KMB Comm Residential News Tidbits
Since the tech week in review started with news about media, let’s look at a LinkedIn story on investor Bill Ackman and his firm Pershing Square attempt to merge Universal Music Group (UMG) with a “U.S.-based acquisition vehicle.”
The deal, according to LinkedIn, is worth about $60 billion or about $35 a share. The deal would also force the music group to list its shares in the U.S., which analysts theorize could produce about $17 billion over the next five years.
More KMB Comm media news, this post comes from AV Nirvana. The enthusiast website states the high-performance home entertainment company Kaleidescape is growing its Movie Store through the addition of content from Angel Studios.
AV Nirvana says that Angel Studios focuses on value-driven storytelling fueled by content that is designed to impact consumers on a personal level. Angel Studios’ content includes Sound of Freedom, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin, and the Tuttle Twins.
Another item posted on LinkedIn comes from Parks Associates.
The research company’s “The Connected Consumer” newsletter says the average U.S. Internet household has a download speed of 500 Mbps or faster and pays about $72 per month for Internet service. U.S. homes also receive 2.5 additional services, and Parks points out that over the past five years self-reported download speeds have more than doubled across the U.S. as fiber continues to grow in implementation.
The excerpt from a white paper co-written by TechSee, called, “Seeing the Unseen: Delivering Connectivity with Confidence,” looks at how Wi-Fi coverage, poor router placement affects service quality and impact consumer confidence.
Some of the other interesting points from the white paper include 40% of smart product owners report problems with their devices losing connectivity, and the loss of connectivity was the most common problem for product owners.
Rounding out the residential news stories for the week is a CE Pro post.
On April 7, the website posted a story on the Audio Collective Group becoming the exclusive U.S. distributor for M&K Sound. The story points out the M&K product line features a choice of on-wall and in-wall speakers for home theater that includes a THX Certified Dominus architectural speaker.
More News from the Week
Over in the commercial AV side of the technology integration industry, SCN’s AVNetwork website features a story on the state of Pro AV in 2026.
Reflecting to 2025, the story stays the Pro AV market was migrating from singular hardware decisions and gravitating to networked, software-friendly, IT systems. The story continues that as 2026 progresses, the migration into IT-based solutions has deepened.
AVNetwork.com cites AVIXA trends such as security, AV/IT/AI convergence, interoperability, sustainability, and immersive displays as “defining themes” for the year.
Closing the week out is a story from Yahoo Finance that says Apple has approved a third-party driver for its Silicon Macs. Citing a story from Tom’s Hardware, the post suggests the news could provide Nvidia more opportunities in the AI market.
Yahoo Finance points out that Apple is well known for its closed ecosystem, which is a selling point for many users. The problem the story continues, is that while the closed ecosystem offers better performance, security and user experiences, the market is moving so quickly with AI advances, the closed ecosystem has shown to be an issue.
The surprising Apple news that it has approved a driver from AI startup Tiny Corp enables NvidiaGPUs to work with Silicon Mac computers as part of external setups. Because of the speed AI advancements, the story adds Nvidia may become the company it works with as, as experts see the company possibly willing to work with other manufacturers.
In addition to the KMB Comm Technology Week in Review, the PR firm also produces its own podcast called AV Trade Talk. Click here to check out the latest AV Trade Talk episode with Kordz, as an expert panel discusses why integrators must now take on cybersecurity.
by Bob Archer | Apr 10, 2026 | Kordz, News
Building on its global growth strategy and commitment to supporting professional integrators worldwide, Kordz has expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through distribution partner, Miantic, which has just extended operations beyond India into this fast-growing market.
Following more than a decade of market leadership in India, Miantic’s expansion introduces a proven, value-added distribution model to MENA, focused on technical support, dealer enablement, and consistent product availability. As a result, residential integrators across the region now gain localised access to Kordz’ award-winning portfolio of professional-grade connectivity solutions, including HDMI, networking, speaker, USB-C, and control cabling.
As demand accelerates across MENA for luxury residential projects and high-performance AV systems, the partnership addresses a critical need for reliable, installation-focused infrastructure. While Kordz already serves the region’s commercial sector through its partnership with Mindstec, Miantic’s expansion specifically strengthens support for the residential integration channel.
“Following a decade of success in India, expanding into MENA is a natural next step for Miantic,” says Abhishek Mathur, Sales and Marketing Director – MENA of Miantic. “This expansion is built on the principle of delivering ‘Predictable Reliability,’ and there is no brand that embodies this better than Kordz. In a market defined by high-end architectural innovation and luxury living, the integrity of the underlying infrastructure is critical. We are proud to represent Kordz as a cornerstone of our portfolio, ensuring that integrators across the Middle East have access to some of the world’s most installer-friendly, trusted and reliable connectivity solutions.”
The partnership combines Kordz’ engineering-led product design, developed by integrators for integrators, with Miantic’s deep technical expertise and hands-on approach to dealer support. Together, they aim to streamline installation workflows, improve system reliability and elevate performance outcomes in residential environments across MENA.
“This expansion strengthens our ability to support integrators in one of the world’s most dynamic and design-driven regions,” says James Chen, Managing Director at Kordz. “Miantic has demonstrated a strong commitment to technical excellence and customer support, and we’re excited to extend that approach to the MENA residential market. It ensures that Kordz’ promise of Connectivity Assured is delivered with the local expertise professionals rely on.”
By aligning global engineering with regional support, the collaboration positions Kordz and Miantic to meet the evolving demands of MENA’s residential AV market, where performance, reliability and installation efficiency are essential.
To explore Kordz’ range of professional-grade connectivity solutions, visit kordz.com; for MENA distribution, visit miantic.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 | Apr 8, 2026 | Blog, Kordz
If you install connected AV systems, smart home products, control platforms, surveillance, lighting, shading, networking hardware, or any other technology that lives on a client’s network, you are already part of the cybersecurity conversation, whether you meant to be or not. And that’s exactly why the latest episode of the Mastering Connectivity Podcast, hosted by Katye McGregor Bennett in collaboration with Kordz, is such an important one.
In Podcast Episode 8, “Why Cybersecurity Is Now an Integrator’s Responsibility: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare,” the conversation gets honest about a major shift happening across the custom integration industry. The old mindset that cybersecurity belongs solely to an IT specialist no longer reflects the reality of today’s connected environments. Homes are more computerized, more automated, and more dependent on networked systems than ever before. That changes the role of the integrator.
Joining the discussion are James Chen, Managing Director of Kordz; Kyle Steele of GlobeWave Integration; and senior cybersecurity educator Jeff Sonnleitner. Together, they explore what this expanded responsibility really looks like in practice and why the issue has become too important to ignore.
At the heart of the discussion is a simple but consequential truth: every connected device can introduce risk.
That includes the devices clients never think twice about. Not just routers and access points, but endpoints, displays, control interfaces, and all the smart products that increasingly define how a home functions. If those products are not designed, installed, configured, updated, and supported properly, they can create vulnerabilities that affect the larger system. For integrators, that means cybersecurity is no longer a separate layer added later. It is becoming part of the foundation.
That may sound intimidating, but the episode doesn’t treat it like doom and gloom. In fact, one of the strongest takeaways is that this shift also represents opportunity.
For integrators willing to learn, adapt, and raise their standards, cybersecurity presents a chance to become even more valuable to clients. It opens the door to deeper trust, better system design, smarter conversations during discovery and planning, and stronger long-term service relationships. In other words, this is not just about risk mitigation. It is about professional evolution.
That matters because the smart home market is maturing. Clients are asking more from their technology. They want convenience, yes. They want beauty, performance, and seamless user experiences, absolutely. But they also want confidence. They want to know that the systems being installed in their homes are not introducing unnecessary risk to their privacy, safety, or day-to-day lives.
This episode makes clear that integrators do not need to become full-time cybersecurity analysts overnight. But they do need to recognize the new reality: they can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as someone else’s responsibility. Awareness, better practices, stronger partnerships, and a more proactive mindset are now part of the job.
There is also a deeper, more human point running through the conversation, and it is one worth paying attention to. As homes become more autonomous and technologically advanced, the work of the integrator becomes more consequential. The systems being installed are not abstract. They shape how people live, communicate, relax, work, age in place, and protect the people and spaces they care about most. That gives this conversation a practical urgency, but also a human one.
And frankly, that is where the best conversations in this industry tend to land.
Technology is moving fast. Responsibilities are changing. Expectations are rising. The integrators who acknowledge that shift now and prepare for it thoughtfully will be the ones best positioned to lead.
This episode is a worthwhile listen for integrators, manufacturers, and channel partners who understand that connected technology does not just need to perform well. It needs to be deployed responsibly.
Listen to the latest episode of the Mastering Connectivity Podcast here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-5e2vg-1a933f7.
Stay ahead of the curve and explore more connectivity insights, episodes, and engineering resources at kordz.com/articles.
by Bob Archer | Apr 7, 2026 | KMB Communications, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nice, IDAExpo+ 2026, Booth #1307
DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE
Nice Debuts MCX Commercial Door Operator Platform at IDAExpo+ 2026
Purpose-built for durability and reliability, the new MCX platform delivers continuous-duty performance, simplified installation, and flexible configuration for demanding commercial and industrial environments.
LAS VEGAS, NV — April 2026 — Nice announces MCX, a new commercial door operator platform designed for demanding applications across warehouses, loading docks, and industrial facilities. Attendees of IDAExpo+ 2026 will be among the first to see the platform in person, with Nice showcasing MCX at booth #1307. The platform launches across three models — the MCX-J jackshaft operator, the MCX-H jackshaft hoist, and the MCX-GH heavy-duty jackshaft hoist — and will be available through the Nice authorized distributor network.
“MCX is a major step forward for Nice in commercial door operators,” says Scotty Coristine, Product Manager at Nice. “It delivers the performance high-cycle environments demand while simplifying installation and reducing complexity for our partners.”
MCX replaces a fragmented lineup of voltage- and handing-specific models with a single platform architecture. All operators accept 120V through 240V single- or three-phase input with automatic voltage detection, eliminating manual configuration and reducing installation errors. For higher-voltage applications, the same platform supports 460/575V through an optional transformer kit, removing the need for dedicated high-voltage SKUs. Field-reversible handing further reduces the number of variants distributors need to stock and installers need to carry.
The operators are built on a microprocessor-based control system with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, supporting over-the-air firmware updates and end-user access through the Nice G.O. app. All programming and setup are performed at ground level via the high-resolution MCX Control Station, reducing installation time and eliminating the need for ladder-based adjustments during commissioning and service. Onboard fault logging and diagnostics are included as standard features. A modular accessory system, including electromechanical brakes and other field-installable options, allows configurations to be customized at the point of need rather than stocked as separate SKUs.
For retrofit and replacement work, optional mounting plates are designed to match common legacy GDO footprints. All MCX models share the same firmware, programming interface, and app integration.
Visit Nice at IDAExpo+ 2026
IDAExpo+ 2026 attendees can see the new MCX commercial door operator at Booth #1307, where product experts will demonstrate installation advantages afforded by its unique, dual-voltage, modular design. For more information and to see the entire line of Nice residential, commercial and industrial garage door operators, please visit https://www.niceforyou.com/na/solutions/door-openers
About Nice
Founded in the early 1990s, Nice is a global leader in Smart Living Solutions, offering a complete range of integrated solutions for gate automation, garage doors, solar shading systems, parking systems, wireless alarm systems and home security, for residential, commercial and industrial applications; smart and connected systems for residential and commercial applications, for the security, access control, AI (Artificial Intelligence), comfort & wellness, control and power/AV sectors. Nice has embarked on a strategic path of expansion and extension of its portfolio of connected solutions and platforms to offer a wide choice of customizable solutions and ease of use for the end user. This is complemented by strengthening and expanding in markets with high growth potential, as well as a renewed branding activity to compete in new market segments. Today Nice can rely on an organization of over 2,000 people on 5 continents, boasting a wealth of different skills and cultures, as well as 14 R&D centers and 13 production plants serving its partners and customers in over 100 countries worldwide.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, LLC, a subsidiary of Nice, is one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, providing integrated smart living experiences. They offer seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security & automation, perimeter access and protection, including hostile vehicle mitigation, sunshade solutions, power management, and entertainment. Based in Carlsbad, CA, at the heart of Southern California’s innovation corridor, the company drives innovation through a network of advanced R&D and manufacturing centers across the region, with major operations in Kent, Olive Branch, and Montreal, Canada. Supporting professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners, the company offers award-winning programs, hands-on technical support, field training, and CEU-certified education initiatives designed to help accelerate business growth. Nice North America lives out their mission of creating environments where individuals truly feel unbounded, safe, and free through smart solutions – an impact exemplified by its support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program for wounded veterans – and strives toward building a brighter and more sustainable future.
Nice North America Media Contacts
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com.
Nice North America Corporate Contact: Anggie O’Farrell, Marketing Communications Specialist, anggie.ofarrell@niceforyou.com, (619) 761-0623.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
by Bob Archer | Apr 7, 2026 | KMB Communications, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nice, IDAExpo+ 2026, Booth #1307
DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE
Nice Unveils Next-Generation Garage Door Operator Portfolio at IDAExpo+ 2026
Nice Linear 661 and heavy-duty 800 Series lead a modular lineup spanning residential and commercial applications, purpose-built for fast installation, quiet operation, dependable performance, and smart connectivity in a sleek, compact design.
LAS VEGAS, NV — April 2026 — Nice will showcase its next generation of garage door operators (GDOs) at IDAExpo+ 2026, taking place April 14–17 at the Sahara Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Designed with both installers and end-users in mind, the new platform, showcased at Booth #1307, introduces a smarter, more streamlined approach to residential and commercial garage door control, delivering dependable, long-lasting performance; simplified, turnkey installation; and a sleek, modern housing featuring integrated LED lighting, backup capabilities and flexible connectivity options.
At the core of the new lineup is a fully developed, modular product family that gives dealers and installers greater flexibility across a wide range of applications. With models supporting DC, Wi-Fi, and non-Wi-Fi configurations, Nice provides a comprehensive offering that adapts to both connected and traditional installations. Importantly, the platform is designed to evolve with customer needs, allowing a seamless upgrade path from non-Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi functionality via the wall station. This approach not only simplifies product selection but also positions Nice as a strong alternative to other brands, particularly for projects where flexibility and future-proofing are critical.
NEW Heavy-Duty GDOs
Debuting at IDAExpo+ is the Nice 800 Series (Linear821 and Linear861), GDOs designed to lift larger, heavier garage doors than previous models. They join the proven 661 and 621 models, which were the first in this series of smart, Nice-branded GDOs that combine refined industrial design with exceptional value.
NEW Space-Saving, Wall-Mounted Jackshaft Solution
Expanding the lineup’s versatility is the Nice 1461J Residential Jackshaft Operator, a compact, wall-mounted solution engineered for modern garages with large doors and high ceilings. At a market-leading 4.5 inches wide, the 1461J fits into narrow spaces that other jackshaft operators can’t, while simplifying installation. Its space-saving design integrates LED lighting, control unit, cable monitor, and electronics into a single, efficient system, offering both aesthetic appeal and installation efficiency.
Together, the 600 series, 800 series, and 1461J jackshaft operator represent the foundation of the Nice next-generation GDO portfolio, offering installers an extensive lineup that addresses a wide range of garage door designs and installation scenarios.
“As garages incorporate more connected technologies, Nice continues to focus on what matters most: dependable operation, simplified installation, and privacy-respecting features that avoid unnecessary complexity or subscription requirements,” says Mark Mattson, Senior Product Manager at Nice. “The new generation of operators delivers on that promise with quiet, reliable performance, long-lasting components, modern appearance, and a streamlined installation process.”
Key Advantages of Nice GDOs Showcased at IDAExpo+ 2026
Faster, Easier Installation
For dealers, reducing installation time and service callbacks is critical to profitability, and the new Nice garage door operators deliver. Operators across the line come with limits preset, simplifying installation. With interchangeable chain and belt rail options, any operator head works with either configuration, reducing the number of SKUs dealers need to stock while maintaining flexibility across installations.
Additionally, the inclusion of an integrated battery within the operator, rather than as an add-on, delivers longer life than competitive solutions and enables installation even in environments where power is not yet available, making these systems especially well-suited for new construction projects.
Quiet Operation
Powered by DC motors with soft start and soft stop, the Nice GDO portfolio delivers smooth, quiet operation, an increasingly important quality indicator for today’s homeowners. The 1461J mirrors this experience with jackshaft operation that minimizes vibration and noise while delivering exceptional lifting power for demanding applications.
Smart Convenience
Connectivity is a defining strength of the new platform. With built-in Wi-Fi and the companion Nice G.O. mobile app, users can control and monitor their garage doors from anywhere. The app enables real-time notifications, scheduling for doors and lights, and secure access management for users. The new GDOs also integrate seamlessly with control platforms like Alexa and Google Home, as well as Alarm.com and Nice premium security and smart living systems powered by ELAN OS.
For installations where Wi-Fi is not initially required, the system’s architecture allows for easy upgrades through the wall station, ensuring long-term adaptability without replacing the core operator. This flexible approach reinforces Nice as a competitive, forward-thinking alternative in the category.
Visit Nice at IDAExpo+ 2026
IDAExpo+ 2026 attendees can see the expanding portfolio of Nice residential and commercial GDOs firsthand at Booth #1307. Here, Nice team members will demonstrate installation and product advantages, smart connectivity, and the sleek industrial design that defines this new generation garage door operators.
For more information and to see the entire line of Nice residential and commercial garage door operators, go to https://www.niceforyou.com/na/solutions/door-openers
About Nice
Founded in the early 1990s, Nice is a global leader in Smart Living Solutions, offering a complete range of integrated solutions for gate automation, garage doors, solar shading systems, parking systems, wireless alarm systems and home security, for residential, commercial and industrial applications; smart and connected systems for residential and commercial applications, for the security, access control, AI (Artificial Intelligence), comfort & wellness, control and power/AV sectors. Nice has embarked on a strategic path of expansion and extension of its portfolio of connected solutions and platforms to offer a wide choice of customizable solutions and ease of use for the end user. This is complemented by strengthening and expanding in markets with high growth potential, as well as a renewed branding activity to compete in new market segments. Today Nice can rely on an organization of over 2,000 people on 5 continents, boasting a wealth of different skills and cultures, as well as 14 R&D centers and 13 production plants serving its partners and customers in over 100 countries worldwide.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, LLC, a subsidiary of Nice, is one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, providing integrated smart living experiences. They offer seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security & automation, perimeter access and protection, including hostile vehicle mitigation, sunshade solutions, power management, and entertainment. Based in Carlsbad, CA, at the heart of Southern California’s innovation corridor, the company drives innovation through a network of advanced R&D and manufacturing centers across the region, with major operations in Kent, Olive Branch, and Montreal, Canada. Supporting professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners, the company offers award-winning programs, hands-on technical support, field training, and CEU-certified education initiatives designed to help accelerate business growth. Nice North America lives out their mission of creating environments where individuals truly feel unbounded, safe, and free through smart solutions – an impact exemplified by its support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program for wounded veterans – and strives toward building a brighter and more sustainable future.
Nice North America Media Contacts
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications at (406) 446-1283 or katye@kmbcomm.com.
Nice North America Corporate Contact: Anggie O’Farrell, Marketing Communications Specialist, anggie.ofarrell@niceforyou.com, (619) 761-0623.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
