Features
Only the Best
There is one thing that has not changed in this industry — and that is the wealthy’s need to have the very best.
From the Editor
Features
All About AV
The custom installation industry is nothing if not ambitious. Looking back at the industry 20 years ago — filled with audio and video experts...
Features
Pivoting While on Top
A great man once said, “Some people have a way with words, and other people…oh, uh, not have way.”
Features
Mind the Curiosity Gap
There is nothing inherently wrong with teasing out some tantalizing information and leading the audience to a deeper answer elsewhere.
Features
The Kids Are Alright
The CTA presents its research on Gen Z and how they interact with technology.
Features
The Center of the Design-Build Universe
Custom installers are the glue that holds the modern home design-build team together.
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RMR: In or Out?
Snap One's recent customer service options generated some interesting industry discussions.
Features
Still the Center of It All
TV is on its way out, right? Gen Z likes to watch content on their phones and tablets, or so the pundits tell us....
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Breaking Through
Looking back, 2023 was a breakthrough year for the industry in a few key areas.
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For the Love of Demos
I don’t know how you all feel about giving them, but I love sitting through a demo.
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Remember When…
The tech comes, the tech goes, but the memories and the feelings those experiences created remain.
Features
The Lure of the Franchise
The attraction behind the concept of opening a business backed by a solid corporate entity that can cover all the knowledge the owner may...
Features
Shining Those Forks
Although about a restaurant, 'The Bear' celebrates the same qualities that custom installation pros exhibit.
Features
Doing It Better
When a custom integration company takes over the role of another professional, it made the process — and the project — better.
Features
Showroom Week: No Two Alike
Despite the similarities in gear, trends, and installations, no two showrooms are alike
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The Magic Eye of the Ears
Trying my best to hear immersive sound out of single Dolby Atmos-capable smart speakers.
Features
Bad Management in Action
If you do watch 'The Recruit' and you recognize any business practices shared with your own, it is time to rethink and retool.
Features
Inspirational Electronics
After attending CES 2023, I was overtaken by a somewhat surprising feeling for someone leaving Las Vegas — hope.
Features
Sharing Is Caring
Altruism is certainly alive and well in the custom installation industry.
Features
Surround Pro 2.0
The advances in tech have again pushed us to the point where immersive sound will be ubiquitous.
Features
A Tale of Two Shows
I recently had quite the week — starting it off in Dallas at CEDIA Expo 2022 and wrapping it up at the NY Comic...
Features
Maybe Even a Great Steer
After more than 65 years of serving the area, the Good Steer decided to close its doors for good on a recent Saturday. It...
Features
Dad, the First Voice Control
When I was a kid along with my four siblings, my dad definitely had voice control way before it was trendy. Or even invented.
Features
Unfairly Maligned
Every trade upsells their clients — a practice that seems to be acceptable to the community at-large — so it feels unfair for CIs...
Features
The Tale of Billy Joel’s Sigh
There is one tune that is always on the setlist, whether he likes it or not.
Features
Ready for Our Closeup
Kudos to the writers of 'The Afterparty' for recognizing that custom installers belong on the screen.
Features
Remembering Lisa
Lessons learned from the person who treated everyone in the room like a rock star.
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‘Get Back’…To Better Management
Could the Beatles have stayed together longer if only they had a good project manager?
Features
The State of You
While the State of the Industry may be solid, the State of You may need some care.
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Buckle Up!
With lots of new product introductions and collaboration between major players, it is a good time to be in the custom installation business.
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Seeing Blockbusters in Style
Finding inspiration from home theaters to go back to the commercial ones — but only if it is a Dolby Cinema.
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Is It Pro or Is It Home?
The differences between a professional post-production studio and a luxury home theater continues to shrink.