With a sleek design and premium sound, Era 100 Pro brings simplified setup with PoE+, versatile orientation via a pro-grade mount, and more customizable control with zones, a new software tool to manage larger scale installations
Santa Barbara, Calif. — November 14, 2024 – Sonos (Nasdaq: SONO) today announced that Era 100 Pro, its first-ever solution optimized for professional installation in light-commercial and residential spaces, is now available for pre-order and will ship starting January 28, 2025. Exclusively sold in pairs through select Sonos partners specializing in professional installation, Era 100 Pro will be available alongside Era 100 Pro Surface Mount (sold separately), which delivers flexible mounting for a variety of layouts and applications. Zones, a new software feature that makes configuring and controlling multiple speakers easier and more customizable for larger spaces, will be available via a Sonos app update on iOS and Android at the same time.
“Following our entry into the $2B light commercial audio market last year with Sonos Pro, our SaaS product for businesses, we are now making our hardware debut with Era 100 Pro, the first Sonos product designed specifically for professional installation,” said Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos. “With a focus on creating the best solutions for our installer community, we have built a strong team of industry veterans across product, engineering, sales and more to lead our professional developments. In collaboration with our global partners, we’re committed to furthering our commercial business and offering new, much needed solutions to this market.”
The solution has already received positive feedback from the installer community since its announcement in September 2024. rAVe [PUBS] named Era 100 Pro the Best New Audio Product as part of their 2024 Commercial Integrator Expo Awards, and Inavate named it an audio finalist in their 2025 Inavation Technology Awards, the winners of which will be decided next year.
Built for Professional Installation
With the rich sound, elegant design, and versatile control that Sonos is known for, Era 100 Pro has been specifically designed to provide a complete, end to end solution for professional installation.
“Crafting custom audio systems is no easy feat. Dealers, distributors and integrators are tasked with recommending, curating and installing the best audio systems for their clients, which vary across a wide spectrum of needs, uses, budgets and layouts,” said Chris Heintzelman, VP, Product – Professional. “Sonos is delivering a new choice with Era 100 Pro, the company’s first solution specifically engineered for professional installation. We prioritized simple setup, flexible configuration and reliable ease of use, so installers can complete jobs more efficiently and deliver timely installation to their clients.”
Power over Ethernet: With one single cable that delivers both power and data, Era 100 Pro simplifies the installation process by eliminating the cost and complexities of having to install AC mains at each speaker location, allowing more unique configurations in various locations. Era 100 Pro is optimized for PoE+ but can also be used with standard PoE. With Power over Ethernet, business owners can utilize wired-first networking for enhanced reliability, speed and performance, while also seamlessly integrating into an existing network setup.
Customizable with zones: Introduced alongsideEra 100 Pro, zones offers an easier and more customizable way to orchestrate and control larger scale installations. Users can configure speakers together into a predictable, unified entity, providing a more permanent experience that stays consistent throughout use.
Versatile Surface Mount (sold separately in pairs): Era 100 Pro Surface Mount boasts 30° pan and tilt ranges and 360° rotation, enabling installation in any orientation. Its indexed ball joint allows installers to achieve repeatable angles with precision, enabling fast deployment when mounting multiple speakers, while also ensuring the speakers won’t sag over time. Able to affix to virtually any surface, the mount can also accommodate hidden or exposed cabling, and has a locking base plate for theft deterrence.
Safety enhancements: Era 100 Pro has a built-in threaded insert and optional eyebolt that provides a secondary safety attachment point should building codes require it, helping the speaker withstand seismic events and avoid accidental damage. The hook receptacle increases stability when paired with the Surface Mount in non-portrait orientations.
Premium sound: Leveraging the same acoustic architecture as Era 100, Era 100 Pro provides high quality sound and impressive low frequency performance, unique within the PoE speaker category. With two 0.63 in / 16 mm silk angled high-frequency drivers and a 3.5 x 4.4 in / 90.8 x 111.9 mm carbon filled-polypropylene low-frequency driver, the speaker delivers rich sound across a wide 240° horizontal dispersion, giving broad coverage from a compact profile.
Sonos Pro compatibility (US only): Clients can controlEra 100 Pro and zones directly from the Sonos app or Sonos Pro dashboard via a tablet or computer, allowing a seamlessly integrated business solution without needing additional control units or components.
Sonos (Nasdaq: SONO) is the world’s leading sound experience company. As the inventor of multi-room wireless home audio, Sonos innovation helps the world listen better by giving people access to the content they love and allowing them to control it however and wherever they choose. Known for delivering an unparalleled sound experience, thoughtful design aesthetic, simplicity of use, and an open platform, Sonos makes the breadth of audio content available to anyone. Sonos is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. Learn more at www.sonos.com.
Specialists in large-scale digital art productions, WAVEFORM.exp turns to Digital Projection for a massive projection mapping project in downtown Denver, CO.
Residents and visitors of downtown Denver often stroll through the historic Civic Center Park, paying little attention to familiar landmarks like the courthouse or the golden-domed capitol building. However, on certain holiday weekends, as the sun sets, these monuments come to life, transforming into massive canvases for breathtaking, illuminated 3D art.
The Denver Civic Center Conservancy commissioned the illusionary specialists WAVEFORM.exp to create this mesmerizing spectacle. In turn, the WAVEFORM.exp team relied on the imaging expertise of Digital Projection and the precise color rendering and high brightness of its technology to bring the specially designed scenes to life. “Since its inception in 2020, our mission has been to merge art and technology in public spaces, transforming everyday structures into something magical and memorable, even if only for a moment,” says WAVEFORM.exp co-founder Sam Moritz. “We have found that imaging solutions from Digital Projection excel at accurately portraying the digital artform we create for these high-profile, public venues.”
An All-American Tribute to Art and Technology
One of WAVEFORM.exp’s first projects for the Civic Center took place just before the Fourth of July. The task: Create an exciting, loosely themed Independence Day narrative projected onto the elegant exterior archways and columns of the Civic Center’s iconic Greek Theatre. This city-sponsored event was open to the public and held in an outdoor space stretching 12 acres, allowing thousands of people to gather comfortably and watch as the scenery around them shifted seamlessly from one vibrant, colorful projected image to the next.
The 5-minute audio/visual show featured dozens of carefully designed 3D renders, celebrating both the holiday and the beauty of Denver and Colorado as a whole. “We crafted high-impact, attention-grabbing 3D content and used technology that works within the realm of projection mapping to stylize it specifically for the event,” says Pat Higgins, WAVEFORM.exp co-founder.
The Right Projection Rig for the Public Performance Gig
Creating unique content for Denver’s special Independence Eve event was only part of WAVEFORM.exp’s responsibilities for the celebration. “Equally important was selecting projection equipment that could deliver that content with maximum impact,” says Higgins. “The images we projected onto the Roman-style amphitheater needed to be bright, accurately reproduce color, and cover a surface spanning 188 feet across and 35 feet tall.” WAVEFORM.exp knew that a single projector couldn’t achieve this. Three Digital Projection M-Vision 23000 projectors were utilized to maintain the brightness and depth of the three-dimensional visual effects across the amphitheater. “You can have the best content in the world, but if the projector’s imaging capabilities are mediocre, the whole experience falls flat,” Moritz adds.
“Getting to The Greek” with a Trio of Digital Projection M-Vision Projectors
In an outdoor environment like this, “the sun is your worst enemy,” says Moritz. “That’s why we rely on Digital Projection.” Although the Independence Eve show was set to be presented at night, WAVEFORM.exp needed to impress the event coordinators by demoing the installation and content the night before, with their trio of matching Digital Projection M-Vision 23000 projectors.
“When the project’s key stakeholders saw the amphitheater transform into a magical, living piece of digital art, they were ecstatic. After two months of carefully designing the audio/visual show and projection system, it felt so rewarding to see it perform in person,” adds Higgins.
To protect the projectors overnight and ensure an all-weather show, WAVEFORM.exp chose to house all three units on custom-built shelving within their company van. “The compact form factor and low heat output of these projectors made this unconventional setup possible,” Moritz says.
Customer Service: The Cornerstone of Creative Imaging Expression
For optimal results and a fast, temporary installation, WAVEFORM.exp conducted all essential projection mapping calculations in advance over the course of two months, using equipment specifications provided by Digital Projection, which streamlined the installation process significantly. “When we arrived the night before the event to set up, the configuration, calibration, mapping, and precise positioning of the projectors all were complete in just four hours with little to no time to adjust the mapping during the night of the show,” Higgins recounts. With such a complex and time sensitive installation, Digital Projection was able to showcase their exceptional service and support.
The event was such a success, and the partnership between Digital Projection and WAVEFORM.exp proved so effective, that they have since collaborated on several more projection mapping projects. “DP’s hands-on customer service not only helped us get up and running quickly but also positioned us for success with several cutting-edge experiential projects in the works,” says Moritz.
For more information about Digital Projection and its extensive line of premium LED displays and projection systems, please visit https://www.digitalprojection.com/en-us/.
Los Angeles, CA (November 11, 2024) – The Home Technology Association (HTA) — recognized for setting the gold standard for home technology integrators — is proud to announce the expansion of its HTA Certification program to the United Kingdom. This milestone comes in response to demand from UK-based integrators seeking to distinguish themselves with the HTA’s mark of excellence.
UK integrators can now join an elite group of integration firms that provide first-rate technology experiences for homeowners and serve as technology design partners to architects, interior designers, and building professionals. The certification is a testament to a company’s technical proficiency, exceptional customer service, comprehensive aftercare, and sterling industry reputation.
“Since the HTA launched in 2017, we learned quickly that top integrators throughout the globe are looking to differentiate themselves from the ‘AV guys’ that have hurt the reputation of the home technology integration industry,” said HTA CEO Josh Christian. “We look forward to bringing the HTA Certification standard to the United Kingdom, helping qualified integrators there earn the business they rightfully deserve, and helping raise the stature and importance of integrators to the UK’s design and build communities.”
The HTA has already updated the HTA Certified integrator locator and calibrated their technology budgeting tool for UK users. When visitors use the HTA Certified locator or budgeting tool, it will automatically sense the country where the user is (for the UK, U.S., and Canada).
With this expansion, UK integrators, homeowners, builders, architects, and interior designers can now leverage the full suite of HTA resources. From educational articles, to the technology budgeting tool, technology checklists, a sales closer tool, and the HTA Design Partner program, the association continues to lead the way in supporting its HTA Certified integrators. This makes it easier for integrators to forge relationships with the design and build trades and provide better technology experiences for homeowners and related trades alike
The four founding UK-based HTA Certification integrators gave the following feedback:
“HTA assurance establishes we are who we say we are, we can do what we say we can do, and we have a track record of successful projects and happy clients to prove it. Only when companies are measured can they be compared, and HTA is the tool by which to be measured. We are proud to spearhead their adoption outside of the U.S. and Canada and bring their determined due diligence to a wider audience.” – Kevin Andrews, Founder and Creative Director of Ideaworks Ltd in London, England
“Advances in technology have ironically opened the market to companies who — regardless of their level of experience, skill, or knowledge — are quite easily able to gain access to equipment. There is no organization, group, or association where we can all come together to help keep these standards high, until now. We really hope by embarking on this journey with the HTA we can inspire other companies to step up and help us make this industry what it needs and deserves to be.” – Simon Fulstow, founder and managing director of SONA Projects in Cheshire, England
“After a tour of our Experience Centre, most homeowners’ reaction is, ‘I want all of this awesome stuff!’ but of course very few are able or prepared to pay for everything that’s on offer. The HTA budget calculator helps the homeowner decide where they want to focus their budget in a matter of minutes, which is a huge time-saver for both the integrator and the homeowner.” – James Ratcliffe, owner of Homeplay Ltd in Weybridge, England
“We are delighted to acquire the Home Technology Association (HTA) Certification.
This certification ratifies our 25 years of technical expertise, excellent customer service, the highest quality of delivery and an unparalleled reputation within the residential and hospitality sector. We are looking forward to being a part of the HTA.” – Steven Worrell, MD of Smartcomm Ltd in High Wycombe, England
Note to readers and editors: Some of the above quotes have been shortened. The unedited quotes, along with quotes from manufacturers, trade partners, industry reps, and North American integrators, can be found here.
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 who 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 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.
Make time for some digital housekeeping now, before the holiday rush.
As a storyteller, I’m always drawn to the narrative that companies use and am curious how it resonates. In our channel, narratives vary greatly but two things are consistent. Most are out-of-date and many don’t provide a compelling reason to engage with their company. Now is a great time to look at the prominent places people look to learn more about your business. Your “About Us” and “What We Do” descriptions on websites, social media channels, and YouTube, as well as your collateral, ads, and presentations, should share a consistent, current message.
Image: Afi Hermatova/Getty Images
Here’s the thing. Updating your “About Us” and “What We Do” is more than just a refresh; it’s an opportunity to redefine how potential clients perceive your business. These descriptions are often the first impression visitors have of your company, and they should tell a compelling story that resonates, engages, and ultimately converts. Here’s how you can turn these often-overlooked pages into powerful lead-generating tools.
Begin With Purpose, Not Product
When revising your “About Us” narrative, the first thing to consider is your company’s purpose. The traditional approach is to list what your company does or sells, but that’s not what hooks people. Today’s customers want to know the “why” behind your business. Why did you start this company? What problems are you passionate about solving? The key here is to make an emotional connection. People make decisions based on emotions first and justify them with logic later. Your “About Us” narrative should inspire trust and make people feel they are aligning with a company that has a meaningful mission.
Humanize Your Story
People connect with people, not faceless corporations. So, who are the faces behind your business? Highlight the founders, leaders, and key team members. Share their stories, passions, and even some personal quirks that make them relatable. When potential clients can put a face and a story to the name, it humanizes your company and builds trust. Incorporate professional but warm photos of your team and write bios that go beyond job titles — talk about what drives them in their work and how they contribute to the company’s mission.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: show, don’t just tell. Your “What We Do” narrative shouldn’t just list services or products; it should demonstrate how those offerings make a difference. Use case studies, client testimonials, and real-world examples to illustrate your impact. If possible, include data and metrics to show tangible results. And don’t forget visuals — photos, videos, and infographics can be incredibly effective in conveying what you do in a way that’s easy to understand and visually engaging.
Speak Directly to Your Ideal Client
A common mistake businesses make is trying to appeal to everyone. The result is generic messaging that doesn’t really resonate with anyone. Instead, get crystal clear on who your ideal client is and tailor your messaging to them [as discussed in this article]. Use language that speaks to their specific pain points, needs, and desires. When your ideal client reads your “About Us” or “What We Do” narrative, they should feel like it was written specifically for them. This doesn’t mean excluding other potential clients, but it does mean being intentional about who you’re trying to attract.
Reflect Your Brand’s Personality
Your brand has a personality, and your narrative should reflect that. Whether your brand is professional, playful, innovative, or traditional, your tone of voice should be consistent with your overall brand identity. This helps create a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints, from your website to your social media and marketing materials. Don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine through — this is what will set you apart from competitors and make your company memorable.
Keep It Simple, Yet Comprehensive
While it’s important to be thorough, avoid the temptation to overload your pages with too much information. Visitors should be able to quickly grasp what your company is about and what you offer without feeling overwhelmed. Break up text with headers, bullet points, and visuals to make the content more digestible. At the same time, ensure that you’re not leaving out critical information.
Incorporate Social Proof
Social proof is a powerful psychological tool that can greatly influence purchasing decisions. Include association badges, client logos, testimonials, and awards on your “About Us” and “What We Do” pages to build credibility. Case studies are another effective way to showcase your successes and how you’ve helped clients achieve their goals. When visitors see that others have trusted and benefited from your services, they’ll be more likely to trust you, too.
Optimize for SEO Without Sacrificing Readability
Your web pages need to be found in order to be effective, so don’t neglect SEO. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout the text but be careful not to compromise readability. Google’s algorithms are sophisticated enough to penalize keyword stuffing, so focus on creating high-quality content that is informative and engaging. Use meta tags, alt text for images, and internal links to further optimize your pages.
Include Clear Calls to Action
Finally, don’t forget to include clear calls to action (CTAs) on both pages. What do you want visitors to do after reading your story? Whether it’s contacting you for a consultation, signing up for a newsletter, or browsing your products, make sure the next step is obvious and easy to take. Your CTAs should stand out visually and be strategically placed throughout the page, not just at the bottom.
Test and Iterate
Your website is not a static entity; it should evolve as your business grows and as you learn more about what resonates with your audience. Regularly review your “About Us” and “What We Do” pages, and don’t be afraid to make changes based on performance data and feedback. A/B testing different versions of your pages can provide valuable insights into what drives conversions and what doesn’t.
The Bottom Line
Updating your “About Us” and “What We Do” pages is an investment in your company’s online presence and lead-generation efforts. By focusing on purpose, storytelling, and user experience, you can create compelling pages that not only inform but inspire and convert. Remember, this narrative is more than just content — it’s an opportunity to build trust, connect with your ideal clients, and differentiate your brand in a crowded marketplace.
Want to discuss how to develop a better narrative for your company or brand? Drop me a line. I’m here to help! [email protected].
A 25+ veteran of the residential tech & AV integration industries, Katye McGregor Bennett is the CEO of KMB Communications, a boutique communications firm that anchors the intersection of technology + design by connecting brands, buyers, and prospective audiences through creating compelling content and conversation that elevates and amplifies. In addition to co-hosting Design Uncut with Veronika Miller, Katye hosts two popular podcasts, Connecting Tech+ Design and AV Trade Talk. She is part of the DesignHounds influencer group and also serves on the NAHB Custom Technology Work Group, is a strategic advisor in the CEDIA, HTA, and AVIXA communities, a frequent contributor to Residential Systems, Connected Design and founder of the AV Yoga group.
[October 15, 2024, Ann Arbor, MI] — Leon announced today the release of the highly anticipated new Edge Flex Frame, a revolutionary framing solution designed to transform any ultra-thin TV into a stylish centerpiece. With meticulous attention to detail and a contemporary “shadow-box” design, Edge Flex Frame sets a new standard in TV framing.
As end-users increasingly seek design-conscious solutions for their living spaces, Edge Flex Frame answers the call. Its precision-engineered frame measures 2.75” in installed depth, ensuring a sleek and unobtrusive profile to provide a finished look for any space. For the ultimate audiovisual experience, match the exact fit and finish of any Edge Flex Frame with Leon’s FrameBar 44UX high-performance soundbar.
“We are so excited to introduce the Edge Flex Frame to the Edge family,” said Leon president and founder Noah Kaplan. “Our commitment to merging high-end design with functional technology is the driving force behind every Leon product, and we believe the Edge Flex Frame will open up so many new opportunities in the world of TV framing.”
Each Edge Flex Frame ships flat-pack with a SANUS LL11 slim-fit TV mounting bracket for quick, efficient delivery and a streamlined, secure installation process.
Edge Flex Frame Highlights:
Premium Design Finishes: The Edge Flex Frame is available in four curated designer finishes: Oak, Walnut, Matte Black, and Grain White. Featuring a “shadow-box” style reveal, Flex Frame’s thermo-laminated HDF molding and tight-to-wall installation combine aesthetics and durability to complement any decor.
Effortless Assembly and Installation: The Edge Flex Frame’s innovative bracket system ensures easy on-site assembly in as few as 30 minutes—with minimal tools required. With an ultra-fast lead time and flat-pack ground shipping, the Edge Flex Frame offers unprecedented convenience and speed.
Compatible with Hundreds of TVs: The Edge Flex Frame is engineered to fit any ultra-thin TV less than 2” deep, including over 700 leading TV models from LG, Sony, Samsung, and more. It seamlessly integrates into any space, offering a clean and polished look that can be enhanced with Leon’s FrameBar 44UX soundbar for a cohesive audiovisual experience.
Accessible Luxury: The Edge Flex Frame offers unbeatable value for a premium aesthetic and simple installation process, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
To learn more about the Edge Flex Frame and Edge Media Frame line, visit www.leonspeakers.com.
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About Leon Speakers
Leon brings a creative approach to technology by designing and manufacturing customizable speakers and technology concealment solutions that enhance the sound and style of any space. For 25 years, the company has been a leader in the conversation about merging design with technology, creating innovative products that serve both the Residential and Commercial markets. Learn more by visiting www.leonspeakers.com and by following @leonspeakers on social media.
