by KMB Communications | Jan 26, 2023 | Kordz, News
Special presentation by Kordz cabling expert brings understanding to confusing fire safety standards, clarifies roles and responsibilities of integrators and manufacturers, and provides best practices to follow for safe, reliable connectivity.
Hong Kong, China; Barcelona, Spain (January 26, 2023) – Dedicated to providing systems integrators with the premium cabling products, tools, and support they need to deliver exceptional connectivity to their customers, Kordz will present at ISE 2023 an informative educational session on why and how to comply with current European and UK fire safety regulations when specifying and installing cable in commercial and residential environments. Covering all aspects of cable selection and implementation that can impact the financial liability of an integrator’s business, the safety of clients, and the protection of buildings against fire damage, Kordz resident cabling expert and International Product Manager, Kevan “Cable Kev” Sproston, will impart wisdom on the history behind Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and EN 50575 regulations, roles and responsibilities of manufacturers and integrators, and best practices integrators should follow to achieve full adherence to the latest fire safety standards.
A presentation that integrators can’t afford to miss, “Cable Fire Regulations: What you and your business need to know,” will be held February 3rd at 2–2:45 p.m. on the Smart Home Technology Stage (Stand #2F350). To register for this important presentation please go to https://www.iseurope.org/ise-2023-conference-programme/smart-home-technology-conference.
“Compliance with fire regulations is a crucial yet often overlooked part of cable installation. Confusion over the evolving standards, compounds, and ratings only complicate matters,” says Sproston. Adds James Chen, Kordz Managing Director, “Not all cables claiming compliance are actually compliant and that’s a big problem if something goes wrong. We want to help professionals know how to protect lives, as well as their livelihoods, by choosing the right fire-rated cable and following best practices for compliance.”
The course will unravel the mystery behind the specs, provide an understanding of current European regulatory requirements and guidance on how to comply. Integrators who ignore these important regulations invite significant risk to their business and their clients who expect safe, reliable work from their contractors.
Key discussion points include:
- The history of CPR fire regulations
- The roles and responsibilities of those involved with cables from the installer to the manufacturer
- An understanding of the fire safety standards, compounds and ratings
- Steps toward compliance that protect your business and clients
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 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’s 20th birthday celebrations. To learn more about Kordz’s premium 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 katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Jan 26, 2023 | News
SI’s FlexGlass rear-projection screen offers integrators a highly durable, flexible, and bendable screen material that’s less expensive and easier to install and ship than typical rigid glass projection screens.
Austin, TX (January 26, 2023) — Screen Innovations (SI), a leading manufacturer of optical screen and shade materials, demonstrates at ISE 2023 in Stand #2K500, the installation versatility of its FlexGlass rear-projection screen material. SI’s FlexGlass re-invents rear-projection screens by providing integrators with a surface that’s durable yet bendable boasts a low profile of just 2-1/2 millimeters thick, and is available in sizes up to 30,785 millimeters wide by 2,616 millimeters tall.
These features make FlexGlass a highly versatile rear-projection screen, supporting applications including digital signage, projection blending, short-throw projection, and as a traditional rear-projection surface. Completely bendable, FlexGlass can be configured in a number of ways, such as an S-Shape against a curved wall and even a 360-degree circle. FlexGlass is designed and engineered with ambient light-rejecting properties and to eliminate hot spotting that can often occur with rear-projection installations. Engineered from the same material as bulletproof glass, FlexGlass is extremely durable for use in any environment.
Plus, due to its flexible composition, FlexGlass can be rolled up for shipping for delivery to the job site, minimizing the cost and labor typically incurred when shipping and handling a standard rigid rear-projection screen.
“We thought of everything when developing FlexGlass, says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson. “It suits any rear-projection application, offers unique configuration options, features state-of-the-art screen technologies, and is simpler and easier to ship and install than its competition.”
FlexGlass is just one of many SI screen solutions showcased at ISE 2023, including Solo 3, SI’s new designer line of stylish indoor and outdoor motorized projection screen cassettes; and legacy favorites, such as Black Diamond and Zero-G.
FlexGlass in the Field
Exhibiting the remarkable versatility of FlexGlass are two distinctly different installations of the product. FlexGlass was recently utilized on the set of “Star Trek: Picard” as the main console on the bridge of the series’ U.S.S Stargazer. Able to curve to fit the parameters of the set design, FlexGlass afforded an installation-friendly solution that was also able to maintain bright, vivid imagery despite high ambient light levels. Applications of FlexGlass will be even more prominently displayed during Season 3. Read about the project here and see an image of the Stargazer consoles comprising FlexGlass here.
The bendability of FlexGlass came in handy once again in a project spearheaded by the systems integration firm Wipliance. In this case, FlexGlass was used as a “virtual reality window” to display to prospective buyers of luxury high-rise condo units the outdoor view from any of the upper-level residences. As the centerpiece of the developer’s sales center, the 183-inch FlexGlass screen and the images presented on it helped seal many deals. Read more about it here.
Where to See Screen Innovations
ISE 2023 attendees can witness the design and configuration attributes of Screen Innovations’ FlexGlass screen at the collaborative Technology Integration Partners exhibit, Stand #2K500. Systems integrators can learn more about SI’s complete line of residential and commercial shade and screen solutions at www.screeninnovations.com.
About Screen Innovations
Innovative shades & projection screens, making life beautiful, convenient & fun
Dedicated to developing the most innovative and design-forward projection screens, window coverings, and outdoor shading and screen solutions for home and corporate environments, Screen Innovations engineers and hand-builds every product it sells in its 75,000-square-foot factory in Austin, Texas. Always putting the customer first, SI listens, learns, and delivers a wide variety of design-forward products, services, and online tools. Committed to doing its part to limit the company’s impact on the environment, SI follows LEAN manufacturing principles and monitors production processes closely to minimize waste wherever possible. For more information about SI please visit screeninnovations.com and follow the company on social media platforms Facebook @screen innovations, Twitter @SIScreens, Instagram @siscreens, and LinkedIn screen-innovations.
Media Contact
For interviews, reviews, or more information please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Jan 26, 2023 | Blog, Podcast
Air and water quality in the home is something that should be front-of-mind for us all. Thankfully, companies like RePure have brought solutions to market that make it easy to do it right. Learn what they do, how they do it, and how to improve air and water quality by utilizing their products and resources in this episode of Connecting Tech+Design with RePure President, Michael Don Ham — who is also WELL AP certified, a member of the WELL Faculty, and a Fitwel Ambassador. For interior designers, architects, and technology integration professionals, this episode offers valuable insights as well as new market opportunities. Download and tune in today! To learn more about RePure, visit www.puretech-alliance.com and www.linkedin.com/company/52175681/admin, and to connect with Michael Don Ham, go to www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-ham.
by KMB Communications | Jan 24, 2023 | Leon Speakers, News
Demonstrating the remarkable versatility and design-friendly characteristics of Leon Speakers’ extensive line of beautiful and functional residential and commercial solutions are several recent installation projects. The following case studies provide a glimpse of how Leon inspires an eye-pleasing blend of and design and tech in myriad AV applications.
After purchasing an impressive five-story, fixer-upper in the heart of Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood back in 2015, Adrian Grenier, known for his role as Vincent Chase in HBO’s TV series “Entourage,” began the arduous process of completely transforming the space from the ground up while preserving its original charm. As someone passionate about the environment, he had sustainability top-of-mind for every aspect of the design process; Leon customized a home audio solution that checks every box: premium sound, style, and sustainability. Some of the Leon products featured include: Profile Ultima tower speakers, Horizon Ultima soundbar, Axis in-ceiling speakers, Edge Media Frame, Aaros ultra-thin subwoofers, and Terra outdoor speakers.
Read more about this project here: https://blog.leonspeakers.com/blog/handcrafted-sound-sustainability-for-adrian-greniers-brooklyn-brownstone
Vintage Audio for Muscle Shoals
Leon crafted custom AV solutions with a vintage vibe for the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. A unique blend of modern technology and a 1970s aesthetic authentically tell the story of the iconic recording studio.
Read more about this project here:https://blog.leonspeakers.com/blog/vintage-audio-for-muscle-shoals
Six Floors of Custom Audio for “Million Dollar Listing’s” Ryan Serhant
As someone who has made his way to celebrity by mastering New York’s luxury real estate market, real estate broker and star of the popular Bravo series “Million Dollar Listing,” Ryan Serhant has an acute eye for the inner workings of a perfect residence. Well aligned with Serhant’s penchant for posh, Leon worked its design magic to infuse the spacious 8,000-square-foot residence with visually discreet yet audibly powerful AV. Speakers designed with custom grille fabrics, hardwood finishes and colors that complement the home décor and fill every space with high-fidelity audio. Some of the Leon products featured include: Horizon Ultima Soundbar, FrameBar, Timbre Bookshelf speakers, Tonecase Bars and Terra LuminSound outdoor speakers.
Read more about this project here: https://blog.leonspeakers.com/blog/2022/3/14/six-floors-of-custom-audio-for-million-dollar-listings-ryan-serhant
Case Study: Team Building with Slack
For Slack, the startup that makes team collaboration software for businesses, it was important to create a high-impact experience center that would leave a lasting impression on visitors touring its new San Francisco headquarters. Leon developed a high-performance custom audio system that seamlessly integrates with a 286-inch LCD video wall. Leon products featured include: Horizon Hz700 soundbar, ACS8-400 subwoofers, Profile Pr700 sidemount speakers, and Detail Ds700 on-wall surround speakers.
Read more about this project here: https://blog.leonspeakers.com/blog/case-study-slack
About Leon Speakers
Leon brings a creative approach to the AV industry by designing and manufacturing customizable speakers and technology concealment solutions that enhance the sound and style of any space. For almost 25 years, it has been a leader in the conversation on merging design with technology, creating innovative products that serve both the residential and commercial markets. Learn more at leonspeakers.com or by following @leonspeakers on social media.
Media Contacts
Press Contact: Katye (McGregor) Bennett
KMB Communications
(425) 328-8640
katye@kmbcomm.com
Company Contact: Carolyn Ceccoli
Sales & Marketing Director at Leon Speakers
(734) 926-4092
cceccoli@leonspeakers.com
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 katye@kmbcomm.com.
# # #
“Compliance with fire regulations is a crucial yet often overlooked part of cable installation. Confusion over the evolving standards, compounds, and ratings only complicate matters,” says Sproston. Adds James Chen, Kordz Managing Director, “Not all cables claiming compliance are actually compliant and that’s a big problem if something goes wrong. We want to help professionals know how to protect lives, as well as their livelihoods, by choosing the right fire-rated cable and following best practices for compliance.” 
