by KMB Communications | Feb 22, 2021 | Blog, Podcast
Author and AV industry pro Kat Wheeler talks about her new book, There is no cloud, and what it took to get it published (during a pandemic, no less).
Story brief: As a sales rep for SmartTech, the world’s largest home automation company, Cameron Caldwell’s job is to keep customers happy… and buying. That means the current bane of her existence is a rival company’s home AI device, the HomeTech Hub. Her customers want to use the HTH’s voice commands to control the electronics she’s selling them—and if she wants to keep selling to them, she needs to make sure that happens. Why can’t they just ask it the weather and be happy with that? While attempting to get tech support for one of her clients, Cameron finds something strange in a HomeTech Hub and is immediately curious. Is there something about the product no one’s supposed to know? But when people start dying, she knows something far more complex is going on, and she’s determined to find out what the technology the whole world has let into their homes actually does. As Cameron digs deeper into something she never thought would be possible, she starts to wonder what she’s gotten herself into… and whether she’ll be able to get out.
by KMB Communications | Feb 18, 2021 | AtlasIED
New AtlasIED microsite provides a wealth of information to help technology decision-makers understand and implement improved audio and communications solutions in K-12 educational settings.
PHOENIX, AZ – (February 18, 2021) – AtlasIED—a global manufacturer of comprehensive audio and communications solutions for commercial environments, has launched a new microsite designed as a resource for school administrators, safety directors, and technology stakeholders who want to learn about solutions designed to assist in executing emergency preparedness plans, enhance the delivery of routine information, support successful student outcomes, and reduce teacher fatigue.
AtlasIED’s new Tech for Safer Schools microsite is a helpful tool for technology decision-makers, offering solutions to real-world challenges facing K-12 schools. The site identifies specific hardware, software, and complete, scalable communications platforms for classrooms, buildings, campuses, and entire districts, that seamlessly integrate with existing building systems such as security, access control, and fire alarms. Additionally, the FAQ & Resources section offers informative blogs, case studies, and a collection of answers to questions commonly asked by K-12 administrators about technologies to support building-wide safety plans, common school-day processes, and classroom instruction.
Often those who are tasked with finding the technology to upgrade legacy systems such as intercom, PA, and classroom audio amplification aren’t aware that these systems can marry in a more unified and future-resistant network-based system. This microsite aims to educate those in the difficult position of outlining modernization efforts so they can understand and ask about the technologies that may work best for their districts. It also walks them through the process of potentially identifying gaps in existing processes to strengthen the systems that support them.
Visitors of the site are invited to input information about their current communications needs, from which AtlasIED can recommend specific solutions, suggest a proper system design, and connect them with the appropriate experts for additional assistance.
“Having a unified, intuitive, and effective communications system is vitally important to educational facilities to ensure the safety of students and staff and create a comfortable learning environment. As a provider of a broad range of audio and communications solutions, AtlasIED is committed to helping school administrators develop and implement successful communication technologies and systems to align with their existing processes and strategies,” says Michael Peveler, VP of Sales at AtlasIED. “AtlasIED has offered a variety of proven audio and communications systems for many years, but until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated site that explores the topic and introduces school administrators to options and applications dedicated to their needs.”
Visit www.techforsaferschools.com to learn more about school communications technologies and connect with an AtlasIED expert who can assist with identifying the best solution for your specific needs.
About AtlasIED
AtlasIED has been a recognized leader in the pro-audio industry for over 85 years, developing innovative audio solutions for a wide variety of commercial environments. The company’s diverse, comprehensive, and ever evolving solutions cater to the high-quality audio and communication technology needs of markets globally, including transportation, healthcare, corporate, industrial, government, hospitality, education, and house of worship. Technologically advanced, expertly engineered, and highly marketable, AtlasIED’s products and systems deliver mass communication, high intelligibility announcements, IP-based visual and audio communications, distributed audio, background music, paging, and sound masking solutions to commercial projects of every size and scope, including those which are mission critical. Family-owned, the company’s nine locations and a well-established network of experienced manufacturer representatives and distributors throughout the world ensure exceptional customer support and service to drive continued growth and advancement of the commercial audio industry.
For more information please visit www.atlasied.com, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Feb 10, 2021 | Access Networks
A combination of exceptional technical skills and years of sales experience helps Jurow leverage new growth opportunities for Access Networks.
Los Angeles, CA (February 10, 2021) – Access Networks, the premier enterprise-grade networking solutions provider for the modern smart home, continues to strengthen its presence as a leader in the industry with the recent promotion of Ben Jurow to Vice President of Sales. Chosen for his exceptional technical acumen, years of sales experience, and commitment to the evolution and growth of Access Networks, Jurow will direct the company’s inside and outside sales teams, foster relationships with manufacturer rep firms, lead dealer support and service programs and strategies, and help shape and inspire the development of new networking solutions. Jurow also joins Access Networks’ Executive Leadership Team, providing perspective and guidance toward even greater contributions to the smart home industry.
Previously, Jurow held several key sales leadership roles at Access Networks. “Through those experiences, Ben honed his sales skills and developed a deep understanding of the nuances of home networking and the importance of providing our integration partners with the best experience possible,” says Access Networks CEO Bryce Nordstrand. “He’s able to apply these qualities to this new leadership role, pushing us all forward to bigger and better things.”
Before joining Access Networks, Jurow held various sales positions with a home automation manufacturer and was a systems programmer at several integration firms. “His passion for products, sharp technical knowledge, and exceptional client relationship skills are a winning combination and suit our company culture perfectly at Access Networks,” Nordstrand continues.
“I’m excited and honored to take on the role of Vice President of Sales where I can use my talents to develop strong working relationships with new and existing dealers, increase sales, and explore new business opportunities,” says Jurow. “I understand that networking can be a complex system to configure and install for some integrators, and as part of Access Networks’ mission will strive to smooth out and simplify the process, leading success for our integrator partners.”
To learn more about Access Networks, please visit www.accessnetworks.com, on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Access Networks
Access Networks is the premier enterprise-grade networking solutions provider for the modern smart home. We design and maintain sophisticated network solutions based on a simple premise: keeping our customers connected. Access Networks assists custom integrators by working to specify, select, source, and configure the networking gear before it is shipped to the project site. From design and deployment to service after the sale, we are here to ensure our network solutions meet the bandwidth demands of today’s AV and control components and enhance the overall technology experience.
by KMB Communications | Feb 9, 2021 | Wall-Smart
Home builders, architects, designers, integrators, and consumers will appreciate Wall-Smart’s new lineup of flush mounts that seamlessly & stylishly recess devices into walls and ceilings.
BUFFALO, NY (February 9, 2021) – Wall-Smart, the leader in the design and manufacture of innovative mounting hardware that conceals technology products within wall and ceiling surfaces, will showcase several new additions to its wide range of products at the International Builders’ Show’s virtual experience, taking place online February 9-12, 2021.
Though this is the company’s first time exhibiting at IBSx, Wall-Smart is a long-standing and highly-regarded brand in the custom audio-visual marketplace and the recipient of a number of prestigious awards. Wall-Smart’s mounting solutions provide builders, architects, designers, technology integrators, and their clientele a way to seamlessly integrate popular technologies such as tablets, touchscreens, light switches, voice assistants, security cameras, and networking equipment into new construction and retrofit projects in an aesthetically pleasing manner using standard construction techniques.
“Technology has become a necessity for most households, but that doesn’t mean the home environment must suffer from ‘wall and ceiling acne’,” says Wall-Smart Co-CEO and Founder Galia Ben-Dor. “This is the philosophy on which Wall-Smart was conceived and bases the design of every product developed. We think every home should be as beautiful as it is smart, and our new solutions give builders, architects, designers, technology integrators, and their clientele even more ways to achieve this objective with ease and simplicity.”
New Mounts Customized for Seven Leading Home Tech Manufacturers
Each of Wall-Smart’s new wall and ceiling mounts is custom designed, engineered, and fabricated for a specific home tech product. This attention to detail ensures not only a seamless, completely flush appearance, but also optimal convenience of use and quality of performance. New to the Wall-Smart line are mounts for leading devices, including Control4 T4 touchscreens, Crestron 70 Series touchscreens, Savant Echo low-voltage keypad, Araknis Wi-Fi access points, IC Realtime IPMX-W40F and W20F security cameras, Honeywell 6290W home security keypad, Legrand Adorne light switch, Apple iPad Air4, and more.
Streamlined Security and Surveillance
According to the 2019 edition of NAHB’s study, What Home Buyers Really Want, 46 percent of recent and prospective home buyers want a security camera in their home. Historically, however, cameras have been difficult to hide without hindering their ability to capture video. A new mount from Wall-Smart drastically downplays the appearance of IPMX-W40F and IPMX-W20F security cameras from IC Realtime without any impact on performance. The body of the camera tucks inside a specially designed Wall-Smart mount, leaving only the lens exposed and trimmed nicely with a faceplate.
Creatively Constructed Home Control
Touchscreens are quickly becoming a mainstay in modern smart homes as a means of control, communication, and access to the Internet and video like real-time images captured by security cameras. To grant homeowners quick and easy access to these features, touchscreens are best positioned in high-traffic areas. To minimize their appearance in areas like kitchens and foyers, Wall-Smart has introduced new mounts for Control4 and Crestron touchscreens, accommodating sizes of 8 and 10 inches and 5, 7, and 10 inches, respectively. Versions for installation in new construction, retrofit, and solid-surface wall applications are available, as well as a retrofittable low-profile bezel in black, white, or unpainted so as to be custom-painted to material-matched to the adjacent surface. Wall-Smart bezels feature imperceptible perforations to enable clear, uninhibited audio transmission for intercom and voice control via the touchscreen.
Seamless Switches
For construction and remodeling projects that call for low-voltage light switches, Wall-Smart expands its offerings with mounts for the Savant Echo keypad and Legrand Adorne keypad. Both have been designed for new construction, with a solid-surface option for the Savant Echo.
Tucked Away Tablets
Lastly, Wall-Smart debuts new construction and retrofit mounting options for the Apple iPad Air4 tablet. Because tablets are meant for portability, this mount boasts a quick-release feature and built-in POE to USB converter to keep it fully charged.
Quick and Easy Installation During and After Construction
Comprising moisture-resistant, chemically treated MDF, Wall-Smart’s design-forward mounts install similar to that of any drywall application. The mounts recess into standard stud bays and ceiling joists for a flush appearance. Finished with drywall or a low-profile, paintable bezel, the mounts enable technology to become a seamless part of the surface, significantly minimizing its visual impact on the home environment.
Wall-Smart mounts can be used in any home construction or remodeling project, installed into virtually any surface, including drywall and plaster, as well as concrete, brick, wood, marble, glass, and metal. Installation in new construction follows standard Level 4 drywall procedures. Retrofit installation typically takes less than five minutes and does not require a drywall expert. The mounts can be ordered directly from Wall-Smart or from its partners for any technology that’s specified for the residence, further simplifying the deployment process. And should a device require maintenance, repair, or replacement, it can be easily removed from the mount.
Where to See Wall-Smart Mounts
To see Wall-Smart’s extensive portfolio of technology concealment solutions for the design-build community, visit buildersshow.com/wallsmart. Go to wall-smart.com for more information about its extensive line of flush mount products and instructional installation videos, the company itself, or its partnerships.
About Wall-Smart Ltd.
Wall-Smart is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom flush ceiling and wall mounts for high-end home electronic devices, including tablets, touchscreens, Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, voice assistants, and more. Dedicated to providing cutting-edge, creative, and cost-effective concealment solutions for technology in new and existing homes, Wall-Smart inspires homes that are both technically advanced and exceptionally beautiful. A wide range of products, combined with simple installation, and fast, hassle-free shipping, poises Wall-Smart as a valuable smart home resource for home systems integrators, home builders and contractors, architects, and designers.
For more information about Wall-Smart, please find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
by KMB Communications | Feb 9, 2021 | Wall-Smart
Designed to recess voice assistants, tablets, touchscreens, light switches, security cameras, networking gear, and other devices flush with wall and ceiling surfaces, Wall-Smart mounts deliver aesthetically-friendly smart home tech-concealment solutions.
BUFFALO, NY (February 9, 2021) – Wall-Smart is a leading brand that designs and manufactures innovative mounting hardware concealing common household electronics within wall and ceiling surfaces. The company will showcase its wide range of products at the International Builders’ Show virtual experience, taking place online February 9-12, 2021. Though this is the company’s first time exhibiting at IBSx, Wall-Smart is a long-standing and highly-regarded brand in the custom audio-visual marketplace and the recipient of a number of prestigious awards.
Wall-Smart’s mounting solutions provide builders, architects, designers, technology integrators, and their clientele a way to seamlessly integrate popular technologies such as tablets, touchscreens, light switches, voice assistants, security cameras, and networking equipment into new construction and retrofit projects and also solid surfaces in an aesthetically pleasing manner using standard construction techniques.
Eliminate ‘Wall Acne’ for Smooth Wall and Ceiling Surfaces
Whether it’s a thermostat, light switch, iPad, surveillance camera, Wi-Fi access point, or control touchscreen, for instance, technology plays an increasingly important role in the functionality and enjoyment of today’s homes. Unfortunately, the same amenities that deliver convenience, comfort, and efficiency can clash with a home’s architectural and interior style. Developed with this in mind, Wall-Smart’s easy-to-install mounting solutions provide the construction, remodeling, and design community with an effective way to deliver modern conveniences to their customers without sacrificing aesthetics, implementing new installation processes, or extending project timelines.
“Technology has become a necessity for most households, but this doesn’t mean the home environment must suffer from ‘wall and ceiling acne’”, says Wall-Smart Co-CEO and Founder Galia Ben-Dor. “This is the philosophy on which Wall-Smart was conceived and based the design of every product we develop. We think every home should be as beautiful as it is smart, and our vast portfolio of concealment solutions allows builders, architects, and designers to achieve this objective with ease and simplicity.”
Sell Smart Homes with Style
With nearly a decade of experience serving the needs of technology integrators and brands, Wall-Smart is expanding its scope to include the construction and design industry. Customized for some of the world’s leading home technology manufacturers, including Apple, Honeywell, Lutron, Crestron, Control4, and Savant, Wall-Smart’s mounts help builders, specifiers, contractors, and designers differentiate themselves by offering best-in-class technology that blends beautifully with the home environment. Wall-Smart’s ever-expanding portfolio of concealment solutions is continually refined as new electronic products are introduced, ensuring that no matter how technology progresses, it can be seamlessly integrated into homes new and old.
Installation Follows Standard Construction Procedures
Comprising moisture-resistant, chemically treated MDF, Wall-Smart’s design-forward mounts install similar to that of any drywall application. The mounts recess into standard stud bays and ceiling joists for a flush appearance. Finished with drywall or a low-profile, paintable or material-matchable bezel, the mounts enable technology to become a seamless part of the surface, significantly minimizing its visual impact on the home environment. Retrofittable white and black finished bezels are available, too.
Available for new construction, retrofit, and solid-surface applications, Wall-Smart mounts can be used in any home construction or remodeling project, installed into virtually any surface, including drywall and plaster, as well as concrete, brick, wood, marble, glass, and metal. Installation in new construction follows standard Level 4 drywall procedures. Retrofit installation typically takes less than five minutes and does not require a drywall expert. The mounts can be ordered directly from Wall-Smart for any technology that’s specified for the residence, further simplifying the deployment process. And should a device require maintenance, repair, or replacement, it can be easily removed from the mount.
A Winning Combination of Form and Function
Wall-Smart customizes each mount for a perfect fit and optimal performance of a specific smart home device. Never does a mount impede the audio quality of concealed speakers or the reception of verbal commands to flush-mounted voice assistants, for example. For mounts designed for tablets, Wall-Smart builds in a POE to USB converter, assuring that the device is always fully charged.
“Wall-Smart mounts enable us to offer something completely unique to our customers and home builder partners—high-performance smart home systems that disappear into the woodwork,” says Greg Montgomery, VP Technical Operations at TYM Home Technology Design, of Herriman, Utah. “Thanks to the wide variety of mounting options, we’ve been able to install touchscreens, voice assistants, and light switches in the toughest of surfaces, like a stone backsplash, for instance. As such, we’re able to give our clients a seamless look that exceeds their expectations.”
Where to See Wall-Smart Mounts
To see Wall-Smart’s extensive portfolio of technology concealment solutions for the design-build community, visit buildersshow.com/wallsmart. Go to wall-smart.com for more information about its extensive line of flush mount products and instructional installation videos, the company itself, or its partners.
About Wall-Smart Ltd.
Wall-Smart is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom flush ceiling and wall mounts for high-end home electronic devices, including tablets, touchscreens, Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, voice assistants, and more. Dedicated to providing cutting-edge, creative, and cost-effective concealment solutions for technology in new and existing homes, Wall-Smart inspires homes that are both technically advanced and exceptionally beautiful. A wide range of products, combined with simple installation, and fast, hassle-free shipping, poises Wall-Smart as a valuable smart home resource for home systems integrators, home builders and contractors, architects, and designers.
For more information about Wall-Smart, please find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
