by KMB Communications | Jan 24, 2023 | Home Technology Association, News
HTA CEO Josh Christian connects trades via initiatives and thought leadership at KBIS and IBS 2023.
Santa Monica, CA (January 23, 2023) – The Home Technology Association (HTA)—the go-to resource for the most qualified and professional home technology integrators—has made great progress with ongoing initiatives that connect the home technology industry and the architect/designer/builder communities to mutual benefit. HTA CEO Josh Christian will further those initiatives as an instructor, moderator, and home technology industry ambassador during 2023 Design and Construction Week (DCW), which comprises the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) and the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS), January 31–February 2 in Las Vegas.
“At the HTA, we have been helping qualified technology integrators and design/build professionals connect for many years, most recently by launching our new HTA Design Partners program, a professional designation that identifies design-centric home technology integrators as a service to architects, interior designers, builders, and end users,” says Christian. “We will continue to beat the drum and close the gap between industries with HTA’s presence at IBS and KBIS. The alignment between HTA and both NAHB and NKBA is strong, helping all channels create more opportunities and more successful high-tech-home outcomes.”
Christian will conduct classes and speak on several panels across KBIS and IBS over the course of DCW, including:
KBIS – K&B Specialty Training, Voices from the Industry Conference: “The Technology Integrator – a Key Team Member for Designers” Wednesday, 2/1, 3:45-5:45 PM, N-254
Description: Homeowners increasingly demand more technology in their homes for safety, convenience, entertainment, and lifestyle. Managing the home’s technology systems has historically been a challenge for designers. As new technologies emerge, the challenges are increasing due to the potential aesthetic impact on your design, and how technology systems may affect other subcontractors. What technology systems are available now? When in your design process do the technology requirements need to be determined? Who should install and service the technology systems? This course will answer all the above and provide tools that will minimize technology-related headaches and instead increase your project’s aesthetics while adding smiles of satisfaction. Register:
https://kbis.com/conference/voices-from-the-industry-conference/#the-technology-integrator-a-key-team-member-for-designers
IBS, “Two-Story Talk: Builder Essentials for Home Tech Planning & Products” Thursday, 2/2, 10:00-11:00 AM, W-232
Description: Buyers increasingly demand more tech in their homes, but builders are struggling to find the sweet spot when it comes to their role in educating, selling, and delivering it. This session will examine both sides of the home tech coin—how to plan for its inclusion and what products are most in demand—so that you know exactly when to be involved, what to offer, and how to minimize headaches for your business while maximizing client satisfaction. First, learn how to determine your buyer’s home tech needs (and receive a ‘cheat sheet’ of system options you can use), when in the build process technology requirements need to be considered, and who should install. Then, we’ll turn our attention to the technologies themselves with a room-by-room home walk-through highlighting the various products/systems available and which are most in demand.
Josh will talk with experts Dan Ross, Managing Partner of Responsive Living (formerly with Savant), and Kris Barber, Director of Construction at Blue Heron. Register: https://vnext-admin.buildersshow.com/Search/EducationSession.aspx?id=2258407
IBS, “How Custom Builders Can Meet Their Clients’ Technology Needs” Thursday, 2/2, 12:30-1:00 PM, W-209
Description: Homeowners increasingly want more technology for safety, convenience, and entertainment in their custom homes. Yet, managing the home’s technology systems is a challenge for custom builders as technology usually impacts other subcontractors. Learn how to select the right home technology installer for your needs, receive a template that will assist you and your clients in selecting technology options, see an easy online tool for budgeting, and more. Register: https://www.buildersshow.com/Search/SpecialEvent.aspx?id=61670
At DCW, HTA is also excited to connect and support Home Technology Association Supporting Brands that are exhibiting at IBS 2023, including Access Networks (SnapOne, booth W2467), Ring (W2800), Sonos (W2577), and Savant (W2164). Many HTA Certified integration firms will also be present on the KBIS show floor, including Integration Controls’ Jamie Briesemeister, who will participate in a KBIS NEXT Stage panel “Designing for Short-Term Rentals” on 2/1, 2-2:45 PM at the North Hall Booth N169. KBIS attendees can sign up for the panel here: https://kbis.com/conference/kbisnext-stage-2.
“Home technology manufacturers and integrators being present at this show means a lot, and is a sign that the inroads we have made into the building industry are starting to come to fruition,” adds Christian. “Everyone in the home technology industry benefits, including the manufacturers, technology integrators, associations, and service providers.”
For more information on HTA’s new Design and Trade Partner Programs visit: https://htacertified.org/app/media/home-technology-association-launches-HTA-Design-Partner-program/.
To become an HTA Certified home technology professional, visit htacertified.org/apply.
About the Home Technology Association
The Home Technology Association (HTA) created the first and only standard of excellence for home technology integration firms. The HTA gives the best-qualified technology integrators a prestigious certification to differentiate these exceptional firms. HTA Certification is a badge of quality, designed to help homeowners get consistently first-rate technology experiences. Homeowners, builders, architects, and interior designers that hire HTA Certified integrators have peace of mind knowing they are working with truly professional firms that have passed the HTA’s rigorous certification process, which focuses on technical competency, first-rate customer service, aftercare support, and a positive business reputation.
The Home Technology Association is also the creator of the HTA Design Partner and HTA Technology Partner programs designed to elevate the role of qualified home technology integrators as technology design consultants that trade partners should include on all of their residential projects. In addition, the Home Technology Association actively collaborates with design and build trade associations such as AIBD, ASID, IDS, NAHB, NARI, and the NKBA. The HTA helps bridge the design and collaboration gap between the home technology integration industry and design and build professionals. This is accomplished via educational articles, webinars, classes, budgeting tools, technology assessment forms, a brand Resource Guide, and an integrator finder tool to help them incorporate technology into their projects easier. Learn more by visiting HTACertified.org and by following the Home Technology Association (HTA) on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & Pinterest.
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Media Contact
For interviews or media inquiries, please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
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by KMB Communications | Jan 23, 2023 | Kordz, News
Legendary manufacturers of reference-grade audio components, PMC and Trinnov, each lean on the exceptional build quality, connectivity reliability and AV performance of Kordz’s speaker and HDMI cables for their immersive entertainment demos at ISE 2023.
Hong Kong, China; Barcelona, Spain (January 23, 2023) – Proving that cables make a world of difference to the performance of superior audio systems, Kordz helps deliver to ISE 2023 attendees two unique immersive entertainment experiences. Legendary manufacturers of monitor speakers and audio processors, PMC and Trinnov, respectively, chose Kordz’s premium speaker cable and HDMI cable to best demonstrate the exceptional power and accuracy of their top-line multichannel audio solutions.
Experience Kordz at PMC Demo, Stand #2D250
For its live demo at ISE, which takes place at Stand # 2D250, PMC relies on Kordz ONE Series 12AWG speaker cables and PRS4 HDMI cables for full connectivity in its 22-square-metre, acoustically treated 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos cinema. The state-of-the-art entertainment mecca showcases the PMC Ci series surround-sound speakers and subwoofers. “I regard PMC as one of the standards and very best speakers made in the world,” says James Chen, Managing Director at Kordz. “It is an honour that PMC has chosen Kordz to connect their products and from an engineering point of view, we are very much aligned on our beliefs of providing well-constructed, well-engineered, and well-tested products.”
Experience Kordz at Trinnov Demo, Stand #2D150
Kordz also plays a vital supporting role at Officina Acustica’s 16-seat cinema, where a new multi-sub sound field management system from Trinnov will be showcased along with equipment from Krix, Sony, Screen Research and madVR. In this demo room, located at Stand #2D150, a combination of Kordz ONE Series 12AWG and 14AWG speaker cables will enable immersive audio reproduction from an extensive speaker array, while Kordz PRS4 HDMI cables support faultless 8K video performance.
“Systems integrators who stop by PMC and Trinnov demos, as well as our own exhibit at Stand #2F450, will be able to hear and see how Kordz cables empower AV equipment to perform at the highest level,” Chen continues. “Integrated AV components are only as good as the cable that connects them, and we’re pleased to be able to demonstrate this at not one but two distinctive ISE demos.”
Where to See Kordz at ISE 2023
ISE 2023 attendees can visit Kordz at Stand #2F450 to learn more about its range of high-performance, installation-friendly, professional-grade cabling solutions, including the debut of Kordz PRO SlimCat™, an all-new line of 28AWG Category 6 networking components that deliver all the power in half the size. While at the exhibit, integrators can also take ‘The Terminator’ cable challenge for a chance to win a variety or prizes and stick around for the Kordz 20th birthday celebrations. To learn more about Kordz’s professional-grade cabling, please visit www.kordz.com.
About Kordz
Kordz’s professional-grade products are designed, engineered and constructed to enable industry partners to focus on the big picture, not the little hurdles. The company’s extensive line of robust, fast and effective cabling and networking components deliver the seamless interoperability and digital experiences today’s tech-savvy end-users expect and dramatically simplify deployment for systems integrators. By offering a wide range of professional cabling solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps systems integrators around the globe meet the evolving cabling requirements of a wide range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at +1-425-328-8640 or [email protected]
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Jan 22, 2023 | CLARITY AV, Home Tech Expo, News
New business-to-consumer (B2C) event gives home technology integrators, manufacturers, and service providers the ability to connect with end users more closely.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA (January 24, 2023) – CLARITY AV International — the company behind the Integrator Network and who created and grew the popular Technology & Business Summits—which CEDIA acquired in 2018 —— announces a new event designed for consumers, The Home Tech Expo, happening Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Orange County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Southern California.
The Home Tech Expo will showcase real-world home technology in an in-person format that allows consumers to see, touch, and experience technology like traditional, custom integration “AV” as well as lighting, smart appliances, electric vehicles, wellness, outdoor entertainment, fitness tech, and more firsthand. This approach provides consumers with a better sense of what they may need or want in their own homes when it comes to technology and their lifestyle. The event will be directly marketed to consumers to attract and engage them, and PR, social media, and robust partner marketing will drive consumers to physically attend the event.
“Consumer searches on the Internet for Home Technology are overwhelming, offering consumers links to computers, gadgets, random electronics dealers, Amazon, and handyman websites, which narrows it down to hundreds of thousands of products,” says Mark Cichowski, creator of The Home Tech Expo. “There has not been a venue specifically for consumers to experience and learn about home technology until now. It’s time. The Home Tech Expo will become the go-to event for consumers seeking knowledge about today’s hottest tech and connecting with the brands and integration firms best suited to their needs.”
Cichowski goes on to say, “we developed The Home Tech Expo concept to address the growing complaint among home technology integration firms, manufacturers, and service providers that it is increasingly hard to connect with and effectively engage consumers.” He urges companies in the home technology industry to save the date and consider participating in the event. Inaugural price considerations and custom exhibitor packages are available.
For more information email Mark Cichowski at [email protected] or call (949) 472-4141.
About The Home Tech Expo
Taking place Friday, October 20, and Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Southern California, the Home Tech expo will showcase real-world home technology in an in-person format that allows consumers to see, touch, and experience technology firsthand, allowing them to get a better sense of what they may need or want in their own home when it comes to technology and their lifestyle. To learn more visit www.thehometechexpo.com.
Media Contact
For interviews, media inquiries, or more information about The Home Tech Expo please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing [email protected].
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Jan 19, 2023 | Listen Technologies, News
Mobile communication system will ensure participants can hear clearly and engage during ISE 2023 tours inside the Fira Gran Via
BLUFFDALE, UTAH – January 19, 2023 – Listen Technologies Corporation, the leading provider of advanced wireless listening solutions for 24 years, will provide ListenTALK, its versatile mobile communication system, to support Special Interest Group tours at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023. ISE is the world’s largest exhibition for AV and systems integration professionals. Listen Technologies is an ISE Technology Partner.
Special Interest Group tours will take place at ISE February 2, 2023. Approximately 160 ISE attendees are expected to participate in on-site tours throughout the day. Each tour group will visit approximately 13 booths in the Fira Gran Via. Tour leaders and participants will use ListenTALK to overcome the challenges distance, background noise, hearing loss, and language pose to clear communication. It is an all-in-one solution for assistive listening, language interpretation, and tours.
“ListenTALK is ideal for supporting tours at a major international event like ISE and we are delighted participants in Special Interest Group tours at the exhibition will experience the solution’s exceptional sound clarity, intuitive design, and ease of use in a real-world application,” said Maile Keone, president and CEO of Listen Technologies.
How ListenTALK Works
ListenTALK features a small, lightweight transceiver (combined transmitter/receiver) that users can wear around their neck and plug into personal, or venue-provided, headphones or headsets. To speak, users press and hold a button on the transceiver. Clear audio is transmitted to other transceivers paired to their ListenTALK unit. Users can hear as far away as 100 meters indoors and 200 meters outdoors.
Transceivers are easily grouped in a docking station or by tapping units together using near-field communication (NFC). Leaders in each group choose how their group communicates by selecting one of three communication modes: Listen only, respond, and discuss. Leaders can easily switch between communication modes.
In addition to guided tours, ListenTALK is ideal for transmitting language interpretation and simplifies simultaneous interpretation. It is as easy as creating a separate group for tour participants or audience members with the person who will be interpreting the message. Up to 30 simultaneous groups can be created, and languages can be interpreted in the same space in Europe.
Enhancing ISE Tour Experiences
At large exhibitions like ISE, noise and distance can present challenges to clear communication, especially during tours. With ListenTALK, tour guides do not need to shout so participants can hear them, or worry about audio dropping when they move about or turn a corner and are out of sight. ListenTALK also simplifies interpretation, so language is not a barrier to participation and engagement in tours.
Listen Technologies will provide 128 ListenTALK transceivers with 8 lightweight charging cases and various accessories, including headphones and microphone options for leaders, for use during Special Interest Group tours at ISE.
Important considerations for systems supporting multiple mobile tours like those at ISE are operating time (battery life) and charging capacity. ListenTALK features that ensure transceiver units are always ready and will function for the duration of tours include:
- Long battery life – ListenTALK transceivers charge quickly (4 hours from empty to full charge). The operating life is 7 to 8 hours for leader units and 12 hours for participant units.
- Dual functionality of transceivers – Every ListenTALK transceiver can send or receive audio. “Leader” transceivers are assigned by adding a red clip to the unit. When there is not enough time to charge leader units between tours, users can easily exchange the leader unit (remove the red clip) for another fully charged transceiver and designate that unit a “leader” by adding the red clip.
- Easy charging between tours – A ListenTALK charging case contains a full tray of 16 transceivers. Transceivers are easily dropped into spaces in the tray between use and will charge when the case is plugged into a power source. Users can see the charge level of each unit by pressing a button on the top of the tray.
Additional ListenTALK benefits include:
- Flexibility – ListenTALK can be used for one-way or two-way communication and tour leaders can easily switch between modes on the fly during tours.
- Security – ListenTALK operates on a low interference DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) band and includes encryption for secure and stable communications.
- Safety – ListenTALK transceivers can be sanitized between use with a disinfecting wipe. They also are compatible with standard earbuds and headsets (Listen Technologies will provide headsets for tour participants who need them).
To learn more about ListenTALK and other wireless listening systems from Listen Technologies, visit stand 3P750 at ISE or www.listentech.com.
About Listen Technologies
Listen Technologies enriches lives by providing assistive listening and communication solutions so everyone can hear clearly and share the same great experience. Listen’s innovative products serve those with hearing loss and enable inclusive experiences for all guests. Listen solutions are used in various venues and settings, including houses of worship, higher education facilities, performing arts centers, courtrooms, tours, and manufacturing plants. Our vision is to improve life’s experiences through sound by providing exceptional audio anytime, anywhere, on any platform. To learn more about how Listen Technologies delivers a better way to hear the world, visit www.listentech.com.
Media Contacts:
Kim Franklin
Listen Technologies
+1-801-542-7720
[email protected]
Marybeth (McLean) Roberts
For Listen Technologies
+1-951-553-3343
[email protected]
by KMB Communications | Jan 17, 2023 | KMB Communications, Kordz, News
Full-service communications agency helps Kordz drive greater awareness and adoption of its innovative cabling solutions within the systems integration community worldwide.
Red Lodge, Montana (January 16, 2023) — KMB Communications, a leading full-service public relations and marketing agency, announces that it has been named agency of record by Kordz, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance, installation-friendly residential and commercial professional cabling and networking solutions. Per the arrangement, KMB Communications will draw from its vast communications experience, deep understanding of the systems integration market and strong strategic alliances to bring greater awareness to the Kordz brand globally by executing a full suite of brand messaging, go-to-market strategies, and creative, insightful digital and social media programs.
“KMB Communications provides everything we need to build our brand communications and broaden our presence as a leading provider of professional cabling solutions,” says James Chen, Kordz Managing Director. “A one-stop communication resource, they can help us develop and deliver clear, concise, impactful messaging through all forms of outreach, including digital marketing, public relations, custom content and podcasting. Their full suite of services is exactly what we were looking for in an agency. We look forward to our partnership with the team at KMB Communications to expose more of the market to our unique, innovative professional cabling solutions and how they help integrators get a professional edge.”
Quickly approaching its 20th anniversary, Kordz kicks off its partnership with KMB Communications with a host of major product announcements, events, and business initiatives. KMB will develop a comprehensive communications program around the celebration, leading with Kordz’s knack for staying ahead of the technological curve by providing systems integrators a host of innovative cabling solutions to ensure reliable, high-performance connectivity for a wide range of applications.
“We are excited to be chosen by the team at Kordz to amplify and accelerate awareness of this unique brand as the systems integration industry looks for ways to achieve better performance and installation ease when deploying networks in homes and businesses,” says Katye McGregor Bennett, CEO of KMB Communications. “For the past 20 years, Kordz has solved the problems and catered to the needs of systems integrators, evolving their product line to keep pace with new standards, new technologies and new expectations from end-users. They are a pioneer in an industry that often gets overlooked yet is the very backbone on which all smart systems connect. We’re thrilled to help share their story and their passion for developing systems that make a real difference to integrators’ bottom line.”
About Kordz
Kordz’s professional-grade products are designed, engineered and constructed to enable industry partners to focus on the big picture, not the little hurdles. The company’s extensive line of robust, fast and effective cabling and networking components deliver the seamless interoperability and digital experiences today’s tech-savvy end-users expect and dramatically simplify deployment for systems integrators. By offering a wide range of professional cabling solutions backed by expert technical support, Kordz helps systems integrators around the globe meet the evolving cabling requirements of a wide range of residential and commercial environments. For more information about Kordz, please visit kordz.com and follow the company @kordzglobal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
About KMB Communications
KMB Communications is a full-service global communications agency focused on leveraging awareness and adoption of brands within the systems integration industry through strategic marketing, custom content creation, professional podcasting, creative video production and well-executed social media campaigns. With more than a decade of experience delivering engaging, insightful content for manufacturers, distributors, integrators and designers, KMB Communications has helped dozens of companies build brand awareness and broaden their presence within key target markets. For more information about KMB Communications, please visit www.kmbcommunications.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, and more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications at +1-425-328-8640 or [email protected]
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
“At the HTA, we have been helping qualified technology integrators and design/build professionals connect for many years, most recently by launching our new HTA Design Partners program, a professional designation that identifies design-centric home technology integrators as a service to architects, interior designers, builders, and end users,” says Christian. “We will continue to beat the drum and close the gap between industries with HTA’s presence at IBS and KBIS. The alignment between HTA and both NAHB and NKBA is strong, helping all channels create more opportunities and more successful high-tech-home outcomes.”
