Features
Come Together
When integrators, service providers, and manufacturers are all focused on the success of the custom installation industry, anything is possible.
From the Editor
Features
A Trip to the Other Side
At ISE 2026, I really enjoyed getting to explore the creativity of our adjacent industries — and they did not disappoint.
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AI, Evolved
I had the opportunity to attend 2026 CES in Las Vegas at the start of the year to work on the Official CES Show...
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The Sorry Optimist
Why a typically 'let's-lower-expectations' person is feeling good about the custom integration industry right now.
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Finishing Strong
With the end of the business fiscal year — and the end of the calendar year — now is a good time to make...
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I Read the Newsletter Today, Oh Boy
Thinking about how we consume delivered content — and how we create it for our audiences.
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Leadership Lessons From Lindor
Management takeaways from the all-star shortstop for the NY Mets.
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Roll With the Changes
There is no doubt that tariffs will have an effect on our businesses — integrator, manufacturer, distributor, and consultant alike.
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For the Love of Movie Theaters
A robust commercial cinema environment opens the doors to more opportunities for CI dealers.
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Annoyingly Inundated
We seem to have passed a threshold of overexplaining AI to the masses.
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Forget Me Nots
Wouldn’t you feel better knowing that every job you completed and customer interaction was stored deep in your DNA and able to be accessed...
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Discussing Daisy
Daisy is having one heck of a year, adding franchises in key areas across the country and enlisting a who’s who of industry luminaries...
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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.
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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...
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Pivoting While on Top
A great man once said, “Some people have a way with words, and other people…oh, uh, not have way.”
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Mind the Curiosity Gap
There is nothing inherently wrong with teasing out some tantalizing information and leading the audience to a deeper answer elsewhere.
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The Kids Are Alright
The CTA presents its research on Gen Z and how they interact with technology.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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Shining Those Forks
Although about a restaurant, 'The Bear' celebrates the same qualities that custom installation pros exhibit.
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Doing It Better
When a custom integration company takes over the role of another professional, it made the process — and the project — better.
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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.
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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.
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Inspirational Electronics
After attending CES 2023, I was overtaken by a somewhat surprising feeling for someone leaving Las Vegas — hope.
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Sharing Is Caring
Altruism is certainly alive and well in the custom installation industry.