CEDIA 2017. This year’s event brings us to sunny San Diego for the largest U.S. gathering of home technology professionals and one of the biggest shows of the year for the residential AV industry, or #AVTweeps, as the social sphere calls the collective “us.”
Follow the #AVTweeps hashtag as well as #CEDIA17, #KMBClientNews, and #KMBClientWins, for all the excitement live from the CEDIA show floor and after hours events September 7 – 9, 2017. As we take to the social channels—and hit the show floor of the San Diego Convention Center—keep reading for the CEDIA news you need to know.
While we’ve been planning and preparing alongside our clients for CEDIA all year, as the show nears, it’s hard to contain our excitement. Alas, we can hold our silence no longer. Fortunately, we don’t have to! The news is distributed. The press kits are live. And the KMB CEDIA Overview is published below.
Make sure to follow @KMB_Comm on Twitter, “like” us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn to see the breaking news and live photos from the CEDIA show floor.
Read on for all you need to know!
Azione Unlimited
Azione Unlimited, the audio-video industry’s only education and buying group made up of custom installers, home technology professionals, and manufacturers, will have a wide-spread presence at CEDIA 2017, both in its membership and with the attendance of its president Richard Glikes.
Fresh from announcing the winners of the Azione Unlimited Motivational Contest via Facebook Live, Richard Glikes will be cheering on the Azione members nominated for the prestigious CEDIA Americas Award. Of the 14 U.S.-based CEDIA Award Finalists, nine of those nominated are active Azione members.
Winners will be announced at the CEDIA Awards Celebration in San Diego on September 6 on the deck of the U.S.S. Midway (an amazing bit of history that you absolutely should visit! One of our very own team members spent a lot of her teenage years on the carrier). Prior to the awards, Azione will host a members-only cocktail party on the San Diego Waterfront, giving members and opportunity to relax and mingle before the show floor opens Thursday.
D-Tools – #3035
D-Tools enhances the System Integrator platform annually to maintain its standing as the go-to, end-to-end tool for integrators, designers, consultants, and home technology professionals. This year brings a number of added features and upgrades designed to help integrators increase productivity, streamline business processes, and improve engagement with their customers. The new Mobile Quote 2.0 offers enhanced functionality, and a new cloud-based customer portal improves customer engagement, while more third-party integrations are just some of the many platform updates CEDIA attendees can experience live. The new Business Intelligence engine and the Project Wizard give integrators more of what they need to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
Experience the new features that help SI 2017 streamline business functions, allowing for an optimized work flow from quote to finish and witness a preview of D-Tools’ Cloud Platform during a Preview Party being held in D-Tools ‘ booth #3035 on Friday, September 8, at 3 pm.PT. R.S.V.P. for the reception and get a chance to win an iPad pro here.
Datasat Digital Entertainment – #3335
The acquisition of Datasat by ATI made exciting news at the end of July, and the announcement of a demonstration touting the combined power of ATI, Theta, and Datasat makes CEDIA attendance even more of a must for integrators. Long the reference standard for high-end home theater audio, Datasat products will be present in more than just the ATI booth: PMC, RBH, and the Dynaudio suite are also using Datasat’s acclaimed products, demonstrating how Datasat can boost performance and deliver an immersive and emotional entertainment experience.
Additionally, Datasat will be showcasing the RS210i and LS10 Digital Audio Processors, now with DTS:X onboard, in booth #3335.The RS20i is a versatile, customizable, and feature-rich processor that now supports DTS:X, a well as Auro 3D and Dolby Atmos, providing accurate sound reproduction in any environment. It also provides Dirac® live room optimization technology, the most advanced impulse response correction available. Calibration by Datasat’s engineers takes the sound in any application to the next level of immersion and excellence.
Experience Datasat during CEDIA in booth #3335.
Fortress Seating – #4600
Fortress Seating offers the most comfortable booth at any show, with stylish luxury seating in a variety of configurations and models. Remember, what you see at the booth is only a small representation of Fortress Seating’s offerings. Fortress models are custom-designed and built-to-order with the customer’s choice of accessories, fabric, and features, including motorized seats that adjust height for the perfect sightlines or the new Smart Chair technology that turns any seat into the smartest device in your home.
On display in booth #4600 during CEDIA, you can view the Smart Chair technology in action, the ever-popular front-row solution Lotus Chair, and the contemporary, European-styled Odeon, a Sheba Kwan exclusive. Also check out the exciting AirFlo, a sleek re-do of the retro sensation.
While you’re in San Diego, Fortress Seating recommends a visit to The LOT commercial cinemas with locations in La Jolla and Liberty Station. Recently outfitted with Bijou model chairs, you can’t watch a movie in more comfort.
Ihiji – #3329
Ihiji celebrates CEDIA 2017 with the introduction of a new RSM platform, a hardware appliance that is robust and flexible, third-party integrations and additions to the Ihiji Vendor Insights Program (VIP). Ihiji ProVue is the union of Ihiji’s two award-winning products, Invision and ServiceManager, focusing on a powerful yet intuitive solution for lifelong customer service and support of smart home and connected devices. The CEDIA launch of Ihiji ProVue allows technology professionals to remotely monitor, manage and support client’s technology in a completely refreshed user experience. The new APP-750 remote systems management appliance is designed to accommodate both Ihiji Invision and ProVue licensing plans, including the Invision Lite service level, which provides for remote management with no additional per-site monthly fees.
In addition, Ihiji Co-Founder, VP of Product, and 2016 CEDIA Training Volunteer of the Year Michael Maniscalco will lead five different Learning Labs and Workshops during the show.
Stop by Ihiji booth #3329 at CEDIA for more information.
Leon Speakers – #5300
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Leon Speakers bursts into San Diego (in a refurbished 1967 Airstream Trailer, no less) to unveil a variety of brand new products that both prove their commitment to the high-fidelity audio market and their passion for developing groundbreaking, custom AV solutions.
Leon’s SEVEN series is the company’s flagship speaker line that provides audiophile-quality performance in a minimalist, contemporary design. Using world-class, exclusive components and high-end, handcrafted materials, the new SEVEN series will offer models ranging from soundbars to architectural surrounds, to the brand new Timbre SEVEN bookshelf speaker.
To keep the celebration going outside of the Show, Leon’s President & Founder, Noah Kaplan, will participate in one of his signature “live painting” charity events, and the company will also host a private cruise around San Diego Harbor for their dealers and industry partners, which will feature a live “Leon Loft” performance by the popular Nashville duo, Johnnyswim.
Visit Leon in booth #5300 to see the SEVEN Series and more.
Meridian Audio – #4329
Meridian Audio has been crafting elegant, moving audio experiences since 1977, and with the introduction of two new controllers and more in CEDIA booth #4329 this year, they extend their decades-long reputation for audio excellence.
Proudly introducing the new 251 powered zone controller and the 271 digital theater controller, Meridian not only expands its popular 200 Series but also gives technology integrators the ability and confidence to deliver the most exceptional immersive home cinema and musical experiences to their customers.
Designed to integrate any analog or digital AV processor with Meridian’s renowned Digital Signal Processing (DSP) loudspeakers, the 271 controller offers premium performance options as streaming, especially the streaming of high-resolution audio, grows more and more popular.
The 251 is a two-channel, compact Powered Zone Controller that is enabled for high-resolution audio, including MQA, acting as an integrated amplifier. Offering support for Sooloos and Roon, the 251 is an incredibly flexible solution for integrators dealing with jitter, poor-quality sound, and messy codecs. Suitable for a wide variety of applications, the 251 pairs seamlessly with a broad range of analog speakers. A 4K streamer also makes its debut, plus more that’s not to be missed.
Hugo Fitzjohn, Meridian’s Technical Education Manager, will be educating attendees on behalf of CEDIA with the training session “Making the Most of Hi-Res in the Theatre” on September 7.
CEDIA attendees are invited to join the Meridian team in celebrating the company’s 40th Anniversary with a drinks reception and networking on September 8 from 3 to 5 PM, PST. To learn more about high-resolution audio, new products, and Meridian’s complimentary Design and Specification Service, stop by booth #4320 any time during show hours.
OneVision Resources – #3329
OneVision Resources, a leading provider of smart home service solutions, seeks to educate and enrich the CEDIA community with CEDIA workshops and the introduction of an e-book, The Insider’s Guide to Remote Systems Management: A comprehensive analysis of modern RSM Platforms for Technology Managers.
At CEDIA booth #3329, the OneVision executive team will, additionally, share insights into service-based business models. When OneVision launched its white label services in 2016, it revolutionized the smart home experience for integrators and consumers alike by providing instant, high-quality, 24/7 support.
OneVision will showcase its new and enhanced offering, the fastest, most cost-effective way to provide smart home clients with a world-class service experience. OneVision provides RMR marketing engines, ticketing software, advanced notification, and on-call management tools helping integrators generate recurring revenue while avoiding the burnout and frustration that often comes with the territory of providing exemplary service to customers.
Additionally, with the introduction of the OneVision Partner Development Group, OneVision is developing the first-of-its-kind playbook on how to convert any home technology business into a service-first company. These tools help OneVision Partners deliver an unparalleled service experience, which leads to improved profit margins and generates RMR through premium support memberships.
Stop by booth #3329 to see how OneVision is reshaping the industry with a service-first culture and offering.
RAYVA – #1537
Since RAYVA launched earlier this year after debuting its offering during CEDIA last year, the team has been reimagining home theater design and installation with turnkey, pre-engineered luxury home theater packages. This year brings an expansion of their turnkey theater packages, as well as additions to their design offerings, all with the goal of providing home technology professionals with a fast & easy way to sell and integrate home theater systems to earn generous profits.
RAYVA’s new Diamond and Titanium systems offer higher-end complements to the current Gold and Platinum systems, while the Illuminations and Origami designs are stunning new additions to RAYVA’s collection of exclusive, curated design options.
All RAYVA turnkey theater packages include professional acoustical design and engineering by the CEDIA industry’s top acousticians and AV experts, equipment calibration, and parts warranty per manufacturer specifications for each component. RAYVA also simplifies the sales effort by providing the support home technology professionals need to ensure a successful home theater installation. Dealers can earn a generous commission on the sale of the home theater as well on its installation because RAYVA’s turnkey packages provide them with a proven, repeatable, predictable process for the sales, design, and installation.
In turn, dealers can offer luxury theaters that immerse, entertain, and exceed their customers’ expectations.
RAYVA is also offering educational sessions at CEDIA, as well as the official launch of their new blog for home technology professionals, their customers, and anyone passionate about entertainment, and a “Show Us Your Plans” promotion. Read here for more information and visit RAYVA at booth #1537.
Stewart Filmscreen – #5329
This year at CEDIA, Stewart Filmscreen launches three new screens, while showcasing several other award-winning models. The Gemini™ dual roller ElectriScreen, designed to provide the best image in all viewing environments, as well as the Balόn™ Borderless and Cascade™ all make their residential debut, while others like Phantom™ HALR™ and Cima® serve to remind the integration community of what’s possible. Demonstrating an unyielding commitment to meeting the ever-increasing demands of the marketplace with a contemporary approach to screen design, Stewart Filmscreen will once again showcase its legendary quality and performance.
Attendees are invited to visit Stewart Filmscreen in booth #5329 at the San Diego Convention Center, September 7- 9, 2017 to experience the latest innovations in image fidelity and visual excellence. Additionally, The Next Generation of Stewart Filmscreen leadership invites CEDIA attendees to celebrate 70 years of innovation and excellence on Thursday, September 7, from 3 to PM for a party in booth #5329, where visitors can enjoy craft beer, creative cocktails, and stunning projection screens.
Torus Power – #4749
Torus Power will showcase the latest in power products and educate attendees about the difference isolation transformers can make in any application when sound quality and image fidelity matter. From two-channel listening rooms for the audiophile to home theaters and even pro audio applications like recording studios, Torus Power toroidal isolation transformers are designed to power, protect and improve the quality and performance of electronic systems.
In today’s listening environment, where high-resolution audio represents the pinnacle of performance, Torus Power isolation transformers elicit the best quality out of high-end components. Follow hashtag #HiResPower on Twitter and stop by CEDIA booth #4749 to experience what makes power transformers different from power conditioners, and find out how the award-winning TOT AVR, AVR and AVR2 lines, along with the WM Series, can improve image fidelity and audio quality in any system.
And also…
Home Technology Association
A new and forward-thinking third-party organization designed to complement CEDIA technician certification by independently certifying integration firms, the Home Technology Association launched last week. The HTA seeks to recognize the top 10 to 15 percent of integration firms in any region through a rigorous 60+ point evaluation and certification process.
The goal is simple: to educate and empower consumers to make more informed home technology buying decisions, and to then connect them with the most appropriate HTA-Certified integration firms to facilitate their projects. For more information, check out the podcast they participated in on Convergent AV, read the write-ups in CE Pro and Residential Systems, and then, shoot an Email to Josh Christian to learn more: [email protected].