by Bob Archer | Jul 13, 2026 | Apex Technologies, Blog, KMB Communications
It used to be that home theater was the signature system of the technology integration market. That was then however, and today the market is driven by lighting technologies, including fixtures, lighting control and shades.
Given the obvious differences between the home theater and lighting categories, it would be easy to say these solutions have nothing in common. As the saying goes, “au contraire,” as both home theater and lighting systems can suffer from problems related to low-quality power.
Some of the problems poor power can introduce to a home include the limiting of system performance and system life. Conversely, the investment in clean power enables products and systems reach their performance threshold, while extending product life.
Clean Power Points of Interest:
- A study finds the U.S. lighting category is expected to grow from almost $7 billion in 2025 to more than $19 billion by 2032.
- Modern home electronics are vulnerable to issues related to poor or inconsistent power
- Modern home systems utilize microprocessors that are sensitive to fluctuations in electrical power
- Apex Technologies US’ four-point approach to clean power: Protection, regulation, isolation, and control
- The investment into quality power is small compared to the investment in premium lighting fixtures and other components
Why Clean Power Matters
For those that believe lighting is only a fad or trend, let’s reassess that opinion. Lighting is not going away. On a global level, a study from MarketsandMarkets states the lighting category is expected to grow from $9.86 billion in 2025 to more than $17 billion by 2030.
In the U.S., research from Data Bridge Market Research estimates the lighting category will grow from about $6.80 billion in 2025 to just over $19 billion in 2032.
To protect the investments homeowners are making in these new, advanced lighting products and systems, Vince Luciani, power products specialist, Apex Technologies US, emphasizes that clean, consistent power is the best way to protect and enhance these solutions.
Looking at the recent history of the lighting market and its evolution, Luciani notes that at one time, lighting systems were not complicated. Modern lighting systems he says have evolved and those complexities make these solutions more vulnerable to power issues.
“Lighting used to be simple: Power flowed through a switch directly to a light fixture. The system was reliable, tolerant of power disturbances, and could last for decades,” comments Luciani.
“Today’s lighting systems are far more complex. LED fixtures are often powered by centralized drivers and controlled through touchscreens, voice assistants, sensors, and automation systems. Commands pass through multiple processors and data networks creating many more potential points of failure than traditional switched lighting.”
Because modern LED lighting systems utilize sophisticated drivers and control processors, some of the issues dirty or inconsistent power can cause include voltage fluctuations such as voltage sags, brownouts, and voltage swells, as well as sustained over voltages, surges, and harmonics. Additionally, low-quality power can cause EMI/RFI noise that causes flickering fixtures, and it can produce unsavory elements like color inconsistencies, random reboots, and communication failures.
Unfortunately, says Luciani, when these problems do develop, homeowners fault the lighting products and systems.
“Many homeowners blame the lighting system when the actual culprit is unstable power,” he points out.
“In reality, the most advanced lighting products are often the most sensitive to power quality issues. Incandescent bulbs were very forgiving and covered up the same power disturbances that have always been present.”
Power is Critical in Modern Homes
To combat low-quality power Luciani recommends a four-step approach: Protection, regulation, isolation, and control.
Luciani admits that there are several means to address clean power that are already popular in technology integration industry, but the above suggested four-step method to power augments these solutions to make them more comprehensive. Adding voltage regulation and isolation to whole-home and point-of-use surge protection can keep voltages consistent and isolate products from cross contamination.
Supporting the four-step approach that Luciani outlines, he advises that dealers should continue to specify IP addressable control products to help solve problems that aren’t power related.
“The benefits [of the four-step approach] are immediate and long-term,” underscores Luciani.
“Lighting systems operate more consistently, dimming performance improves, flicker is minimized; communication reliability increases, and equipment life is extended.”
Getting back to the point of the commonalities that home theater and lighting share, Luciani reiterates the same power issues that affect systems such as AV and networks, also impact lighting.
As homes become increasingly connected, he continues, the reliability of every subsystem within the home depend on the electrical foundation of these homes.
“Clean power is no longer an audio/video luxury—it has become a whole-home infrastructure requirement,” stresses Luciani.
“Log onto a customer’s router and count how many IP addresses are being used. Each one of these devices—in addition to many others in the home—contain a microprocessor that is susceptible to power quality issues that can disrupt daily life if they malfunction.”
Analyzing the investment into clean power he adds pales when compared to the costs of other components within a smart home and that investment protects all the systems within the home.
“When compared to the cost of premium lighting fixtures, centralized drivers, control processors, programming and labor, the investment in proper power protection is relatively small, yet it protects every component in the system,” asserts Luciani.
“The better question is whether it makes sense to invest heavily in sophisticated technology without protection the power source that everything depends upon. Clean power improves reliability, extends equipment life, reduces maintenance costs, and helps homeowners get the full value from their lighting investment.”
To learn more about Apex Technologies US and its product lines, as well as other KMB Communications’ clients, check out this link here.
by Bob Archer | Jul 10, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
Following a week of soaring heat, World Cup soccer, and the 4th of July holiday festivities, the electronics industry has quietly settled into its summer schedule.
With the month of July now in full swing, it won’t be too long before the residential technology integration market gears up for the CEDIA Expo in Denver on Sept. 1-4. Until that run up to the annual trade event however, the team at KMB Communications will continue to keep an eye on the technology-related websites to put the spotlight on anything that is noteworthy.
This week’s technology news roundup comes from LinkedIn, eCoustics, Sound & Video Contractor, and Residential Systems magazines. The topics these publications include a rough week for the Minions; a change of attitude on AI’s place in corporate America, Netflix struggling to retain viewers, Dynaudio to leave the U.S., and CEDIA to host RP32 workshops at CEDIA Expo.
KMB Communications Tour of Residential Technology News
The first item in this week’s look back comes from eCoustics. The website is reporting the European audio company Dynaudio will close its U.S. subsidiary, and according to the story, despite increased U.S. sales, operating as a Danish company in America, the economical obstacles presented by the current climate are too much for the company to endure.
The next news story is courtesy of Residential Systems. The publication states the trade organization CEDIA will host a RP32: Audio System Measurement and Verification Workshop at CEDIA Expo 2026.
Residential Systems says the RP32 session will be presented for the first time in North American, and it will be led by Adam Pelz, owner and president of Bespoke Cinemas; Matt Poes, owner of Poes Acoustics, and Tom Dellicompagni, owner of Dellicompagni.
One more residential item for this week’s KMB Communications look at tech news. This Netflix item posted on LinkedIn during the beginning of the week and the social media platform picked up the news from Bloomberg.
For fans of streaming media content, this post examines a problem that Netflix is having with users disengaging with its content after a single season. The post says that Netflix’s own data found that season two of “Beef” lost more than 70% percent of its audience and the “Night Agent” lost about 50% of its audience.
The post concludes that Netflix is now focused on finding out why the first-season popularity of its content is not carrying into following seasons.
A Week’s Worth of National Technology News
Over the last couple of years besides trending current events, no one thing has had more of an impact on the economy than AI. Getting more granular with this statement, the impact of corporate America’s investment in AI to replace human labor, has put thousands of people out of work, but the tides could be changing.
Linkedin posted a story on the biggest names in AI pulling back from previous opinions about what the technology will do to the labor market. Summarizing the post, it appears that at this point the job market isn’t imploding—it’s not changing—and the post points out that companies such as Ford are bringing engineers back after discovering its goals for AI aren’t working.
The conclusion is that corporate America is looking to strike a balance between human labor and AI tools.
Showing how rapidly the commercial display market is evolving, SVConline recently featured a story that cites a report from TrendForce that suggests that Apple is aiming to move beyond DCI-P3 to the BT.2020 color space.
TrendForce, a market intelligence and consulting company, says in its report, which SVConline picked up, “TrendForce’s latest AMOLED technology market report reveals that Apple plans to gradually adopt OLED panels capable of achieving 95% coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut across future MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and iMac product lines.”
SVConline notes that 95% of the BT.2020 color gamut looks identical to 100% BT.2020 to the human eye because it possesses naturally occurring colors found in the real world. This is known as “Pointer’s Gamut.”
Closing out the KMB Communications Technology Week in Review is the low box office opening for “Minions & Monsters.” Citing a story from Variety, a LinkedIn post says the latest movie in the franchise pulled in just over $61 million over the five-day, July 4th holiday period, falling short of a projected $80 million opening.
The story adds those numbers pale to the opening of “Despicable Me 4” that earned $120 million over the same July 4th period back in 2022.
To learn more about KMB Communications’ clients, including their latest products, click this link.
by Bob Archer | Jul 10, 2026 | News, Nexus 21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Hinterland Supply and Nexus 21 Align to Deliver Turnkey Motorized TV Cabinet Solutions for AV Integrators
Design-forward cabinetry and industry-leading lift technology combine to simplify installation and elevate indoor and outdoor AV experiences.
Troy, MI, and Phoenix, AZ – July 6, 2026 — Hinterland Supply Co., a design-driven manufacturer of bespoke custom and ready-to-order TV lift cabinets, and Nexus 21, a leader in premium motorized TV lift and mount solutions, have aligned to deliver a turnkey solution that simplifies installation while elevating both the aesthetic and functional performance of hidden TV systems.
For AV integrators, the partnership addresses a growing demand for solutions that seamlessly blend technology with design, without adding complexity to the installation process. By pairing Hinterland Supply’s ready-to-order cabinets with Nexus 21’s proven lift systems, integrators gain a reliable, ready-to-deploy solution that removes much of the guesswork traditionally associated with concealed TV installations.
“We’ve focused on simplifying the process,” says Trevor Kennedy of Hinterland Supply. “Integrators are already managing multiple facets of a project. By handling the engineering—everything from airflow to weight capacity—we make these solutions easier to sell and deploy.” Plus, with premium materials and expert craftsmanship, the Nexus 21-enabled cabinets complement the modern décor of both interior and exterior environments.
Labor-Saving Solution Born from Real-World Need
Hinterland Supply began building preconfigured TV lift cabinets in 2017, driven by the need for a more efficient, installation-friendly solution. Offered in a range of standardized sizes, while still allowing for customization, its expansive catalog of indoor and outdoor cabinetry is thoughtfully engineered around critical lift variables, such as display size, weight, internal dimensions, and thermal management.
Paired with Nexus 21’s motorized lift systems, including the widely adopted DL-65 Series, the result is a fully integrated solution that delivers smooth, quiet, and dependable performance. Renowned for their durability and exceptionally low failure rates in the field, Nexus 21 lifts address key concerns such as noise, cycle longevity, and long-term reliability, factors that are essential for both integrators and end users.
Built to Last, Inside and Outside
One of the most compelling aspects of the Hinterland Supply–Nexus 21 alignment is its ability to address outdoor AV applications, where environmental challenges can significantly impact system longevity. Hinterland Supply has invested heavily in engineering cabinetry that performs in demanding outdoor conditions. Using specialized hardwoods such as IPE, known for its natural resistance to moisture, rot, and extreme weather, the company produces cabinets designed to withstand decades of exposure.
Beyond material selection, Hinterland Supply approaches cabinet construction with a building-science mindset. Cabinets are designed with internal airflow systems that allow materials to weather evenly on all sides, preventing warping and premature degradation. Rather than relying solely on seals or weather stripping, the company incorporates ventilation and structural strategies that enhance long-term durability.
Designed for Sightlines, Serviceability, and Flexibility
For larger displays that would otherwise sit too high for comfortable viewing when extended from a cabinet, Hinterland Supply also offers “contractor box” solutions—weather-resistant enclosures designed for below-grade installation. These drop-in systems provide a clean, turnkey approach that maintains optimal viewing height when the TV is fully extended.
In addition to durability and design, both companies prioritize ease of service, an often-overlooked but critical factor for AV professionals. Hinterland Supply cabinets are engineered to provide full access to internal components, with front panels that can be removed cleanly and efficiently, eliminating the need for visible access points or invasive disassembly.
The cabinet construction also accommodates a range of AV components, including soundbars, amplifiers, and source devices, making it easy for integrators to build complete entertainment systems within a single enclosure. This flexibility supports both simple installations and more advanced, fully integrated AV environments.
Uniting Technology and Design
As client expectations continue to evolve, the ability to deliver solutions that are both technologically advanced and design-forward has become increasingly important. Hinterland Supply’s focus on aesthetics, often collaborating with interior designers to stay aligned with current trends, ensures that its cabinets function not just as concealment solutions, but as statement pieces within a space.
This aligns closely with Nexus 21’s approach to product development, which emphasizes not only performance and reliability but also seamless integration into the surrounding environment, be it a modern living room interior or a casual outdoor entertainment area.
“Our goal has always been to deliver lift systems that integrators can rely on without hesitation,” says Cory Lovett, CEO of Nexus 21. “When you pair that level of performance with cabinetry that’s been engineered just as thoughtfully, it creates a complete solution that saves time on-site and elevates the final result for the client.”
New Opportunities for AV Professionals
The combined solution opens new opportunities for integrators to expand into design-forward projects, collaborate more closely with architects and interior designers, and deliver differentiated offerings in both residential and light commercial markets.
With production timelines typically ranging from three to four weeks, Hinterland Supply’s manufacturing capabilities also support the fast-paced nature of many AV projects, enabling integrators to meet deadlines without compromising on quality or customization.
For more information, visit www.tvlift.com and https://hinterlandsupply.co/
About Hinterland Supply Co.
Hinterland Supply Co., based in Rochester, Michigan, was founded in 2017 to provide professional AV integrators with bespoke custom and ready-to-order cabinetry engineered to accommodate motorized TV lift systems. Owned and operated by Trevor Kennedy, the company was created to provide a simpler, more design-forward solution for both indoor and outdoor applications.
By bridging the gap between design and technology, Hinterland Supply fills an important niche in the AV integration industry, delivering high-performance TV furnishings that complement the aesthetics of modern luxury homes and light commercial environments. Visit hinterlandsupply.co to see the full catalog of TV lift cabinetry.
About Nexus 21
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Nexus 21 is a leading manufacturer of precision-engineered motorized systems. Renowned for their ultra-quiet, reliable, and installation-friendly solutions, Nexus 21’s products are designed to seamlessly integrate technology into living spaces. Serving integrators, architects, builders, and designers across more than 75 countries, the company offers a comprehensive range of pop-up, drop-down, and flip-down lifts tailored for both residential and commercial applications. Committed to quality and customer satisfaction, all Nexus 21 products are proudly made in the USA and backed by an industry-leading 10-year full-replacement warranty. For more information, visit www.tvlift.com and follow Nexus 21 on social media:
Media Contact:
For reviews, interviews, or more information about Hinterland Supply or Nexus 21, contact Katye McGregor Bennett of KMB Communications by emailing katye@kmbcomm.com or calling 406-446-1283.
by Bob Archer | Jul 1, 2026 | News, RoseWater Energy
RoseWater Energy Consultative Sales Training Helps Systems Integrators Grow Power Management and Smart Home Sales
Interactive sales training co-hosted by RoseWater Energy and LK & Associates teaches systems integrators how to uncover homeowner needs, position power management as a foundational smart home category, and build larger, more profitable projects through consultative selling.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — RoseWater Energy recently partnered with manufacturers’ representative LK & Associates to host an interactive consultative sales training program for systems integrators at the ShowKase by LK & Associates located inside the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach, Florida. Rather than focusing on installation techniques or product specifications, the three-hour session taught attendees how to uncover homeowner needs, communicate value more effectively, and position power management as a foundational element of modern, luxury homes.
RoseWater Energy Expands Business Training Beyond Technical Education
Presented by RoseWater Energy CEO Joe Piccirilli, the course reflects the company’s broader commitment to helping integrators grow their businesses by improving the way they engage homeowners, uncover needs, and position technology solutions. Approximately 16 industry professionals participated in the highly interactive session, which blended consultative sales techniques, audience participation, and real-world role-playing exercises.
“One of our goals at LK & Associates is to provide systems integrators with education that helps them become more successful business people, not just better installers,” says Seth Kaplan, principal of LK & Associates. “Joe’s presentation was one of the most engaging sales programs we’ve hosted because it gave attendees practical skills they can apply immediately, not only when discussing power management, but throughout the entire sales process. The interaction, role-playing, and real-world examples kept everyone involved from beginning to end, and the response from our dealers made it clear this is the kind of training our industry needs more of.”
“The custom integration industry was built by installers,” adds Piccirilli. “Many professionals become exceptionally skilled at designing and installing systems, but few have ever received formal sales training. Retail organizations have long recognized that selling is a discipline that requires continuous practice. Our industry deserves that same investment.”
Consultative Sales Training Helps Integrators Sell More Than Products
Unlike traditional manufacturer training centered on a single product category, the RoseWater Energy course begins with approximately 90 minutes of brand-agnostic sales fundamentals. Participants explore topics such as first impressions, effective customer greetings, qualification techniques, active listening, and needs discovery before applying those principles through realistic customer conversations. Only after those fundamentals are established does the discussion shift to power management.
“What stood out most was that this wasn’t a product presentation disguised as sales training,” says Mark Goldstein of LK & Associates. “Joe spent the first half of the session teaching consultative selling fundamentals that apply to every technology category. By the time the discussion turned to power, attendees understood how to have a conversation centered on the homeowner’s priorities rather than technical specifications. That’s what gave them the confidence to introduce an entirely new category into their projects.”
Throughout the training, Piccirilli encouraged attendees to position power management as a foundational element of every smart home rather than another line item on an AV proposal. “We encourage integrators to introduce power alongside networking, lighting, shading, and other core systems from the very beginning of the conversation,” he explains. “If a homeowner tells you their wine cellar, wellness room, home office, or luxury appliances are important to their lifestyle, the conversation becomes about protecting performance, maximizing longevity, and creating resilience, not simply protecting electronics.”
According to Piccirilli, positioning power as its own category also creates stronger business opportunities. “When power is treated as just another accessory to an AV system, it often cannibalizes the overall project value,” he explains. “When it’s presented as the foundation that supports every technology investment throughout the home, customers understand its broader purpose.”
Power Management Sales Begin with Homeowner Needs, Not Technical Specifications
For Lauren Roberts, co-owner of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Good Sounds Home Theater, the course fundamentally changed the way she views both sales and power management. A second-generation leader of the family-owned integration firm, Roberts came to the training with years of experience in luxury residential projects as well as a previous career as a retail sales trainer. While she was already familiar with RoseWater Energy and Joe Piccirilli’s reputation within the industry, she said the course exceeded her expectations.
“The first half of the training was valuable because it wasn’t about selling RoseWater; it was about selling, period,” Roberts says. “Joe took concepts that people often overcomplicate and simplified them into conversations that feel natural. The biggest takeaway was learning to speak in terms the customer understands instead of overwhelming them with technical details.”
The second half of the course reshaped her perception of power management. “I always viewed RoseWater Energy as a provider of ultra-high-end products that would be difficult to sell,” Roberts explains. “What I hadn’t fully appreciated was that you’re really selling peace of mind. That alone completely changed my perspective. The training helped me realize that RoseWater Energy HUBs don’t just protect AV equipment. They protect the homeowner’s investment, eliminating uncertainty, and ultimately buying back their time by preventing headaches before they happen.”
Continuous Sales Training Builds Long-Term Business Success
Piccirilli emphasizes that the session represents just the beginning, not the end, of a continuous learning process. “I challenge people to participate in training, not simply take a course,” he advises. “Sales is a profession. Like any profession, it requires practice. Bad habits are easy to develop, and research consistently shows that skills decline without reinforcement. The goal is to keep practicing until these conversations become second nature.”
The sales training session also laid the groundwork for future advanced workshops, with LK & Associates planning follow-up role-playing sessions to help participants continue refining their consultative selling skills.
RoseWater Energy Brings Sales Education to CEDIA Expo 2026
The sales curriculum also serves as the foundation for several educational sessions RoseWater Energy will present during CEDIA Expo, Sept. 1-4, in Denver, where Piccirilli will continue helping integrators strengthen both their technical knowledge and their ability to communicate the value of foundational power management.
By investing in sales education alongside technical training, RoseWater Energy and LK & Associates are demonstrating that consultative selling can be as valuable to an integration business as technical expertise—helping dealers confidently introduce new categories, strengthen customer relationships, and grow the overall value of every project.
To learn more about RoseWater Energy’s educational programs, consultative sales training, CEDIA Expo courses, and resources that help technology integration professionals confidently position power management and build stronger businesses, visit www.rosewaterenergy.com.
About RoseWater Energy
RoseWater Energy understands that Power is the Foundation® for any smart home. The company designs and manufactures a complete solution providing both power conditioning and consistent energy, as well as surge and lightning protection for the main power source, solar input, and standby power, along with analytics and remote monitoring in a redundant industrial-grade system made for large, high-end residences and commercial environments.
Committed to building Simply the Best® energy management system on the market, RoseWater Energy HUBs work 24/7 and are always providing clean power in any situation – including during normal grid operation as well as grid spikes, surges, brownouts, or power outages. RoseWater HUBs are built with full power conditioning functionality and zero-transfer-times between power sources. These unique features enable technology integration professionals to reduce or eliminate a plethora of unnecessary and expensive client service calls due to power issues and instead, provide peace of mind. White-glove support ensures a successful outcome. RoseWater will work with authorized integration firms to help design, build, integrate, and manage a custom Power Plan™ specific to the needs of each project. For more details visit www.rosewaterenergy.com.
RoseWater Energy 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 | Jul 1, 2026 | Blog, KMB Communications
The July 4th weekend marks a huge point in the American calendar and the KMB Communications calendar. It’s a weekend in which Americans can relax for a few days and spend time with family and friends celebrating the nation’s independence.
Like most Americans this week the KMB team is taking a few days off to celebrate the holiday, but the team wanted to take an abbreviated look at the week’s technology news.
Admittedly, it is a slow week in the world of technology, and it’s even perhaps a bit of a lull period as the residential technology market begins to gear up for the CEDIA Expo show that will take place this year in Denver on Sept. 1-4.
So, while you are enjoying your favorite ice-cold beverage and grilled food, take a few minutes to not only read the KMB Communications Tech Week in Review, but also the KMB Comm-icles June 2026 Monthly Recap, which just posted.
KMB Communications Tech News Nuggets
Because of the holiday week, we’ll take a brief tour of the tech news of the week starting with a LinkedIn post on the news that Comcast is spinning off its NBCUniversal media property.
The post states that Comcast’s spin-off of its NBCUniversal and Sky properties will separate its broadcast and media properties, and upon the news, Comcast stock increased by almost 10%.
Over in the world of commercial audio, AVNation has posted an item on the pop star Lorde’s return to major touring arenas. The story points out that Lorde first introduced her audience to immersive audio with an L-Acoustics L-ISA system that included K2 arrays back in 2018.
For her new Ultrasound tour, she’s using L Series loudspeakers from L-Acoustics that were supplied by Clair Global. The AVNation item has a full rundown of the gear the “Royals” singer is using on her latest tour.
The final KMB Communications Tech Week in Review story for the July 4th holiday period comes from AV Nirvana.
Recently, the publication toured the PMC Studio London facility. The Dolby Atmos immersive audio production studio includes an 11.1.6 monitoring setup. Within this immersive speaker array are PMC MB3 XBD studio monitors, PMC8-2 subwoofers, PMC6-2 nearfield monitors, and CI Series loudspeakers.
The post includes several videos that covers everything from a tour of the studio, as well as a PMC factory tour, and PMC’s take on home theater.
KMB Communications also offers podcasts. To check out the AV Trade Talk Podcast, click here. To listen to the Connecting Tech + Design Podcast, which focuses on the design side of the home technology market, check out this link.
