Category: CEDIA 2022

NETGEAR Introduces New WiFi 6 and 6E Access Points and Services Designed Exclusively for the Residential Installer Market
Today at the CEDIA Expo, NETGEAR®, Inc. announced the launch of two new powerful access points (WAX628 and WAX638E) tailored specifically for the residential custom integration market. Sold exclusively through authorized integrators and custom installers these access points are bundled with four years of both NETGEAR Insight and the company’s ProSupport services.

High-quality wired and wireless networking products form the backbone of a smart home. Building upon an existing portfolio of products designed with residential projects and challenges in mind, NETGEAR developed its latest offerings to help integrators and installers continue to delight their residential clients. These new access points for the residential market include white-glove design and ProSupport services, as well as NETGEAR Insight – a comprehensive cloud-based management platform that enables installers to remotely manage their customer’s network from a tablet, smartphone, or laptop.

Benefits to Residential Installers

Working with NETGEAR, integrators and custom installers benefit from the company’s more than 25 years of networking innovation and technology leadership. Furthermore, integrators and custom installers can get access to network planning, design and post-sales support services provided by a team of Ethernet and WiFi experts.

“With this new, unmatched offering, we’re doubling down on our efforts to empower the custom integration market and set them up for success so they can focus on providing the best service to their clients,” said Doug Cheung, director of Product Line Management, SMB Wireless at NETGEAR.

Award-winning WiFi
- Dual-band (WAX628) and Tri-band (WAX638E) WiFi 6 and 6E access points – Lightning fast, cost-effective WiFi access points offer speeds1 up to 5.4Gbps for WAX628 and up to 7.8 Gbps for WAX638E.
- Robust WiFi 6 and 6E security – Enterprise-grade security features enable safe access and secure sub-networks with SSIDs and VLANs – all configured and managed via NETGEAR Insight.
- Mesh capability – Extends the reach of the WiFi network over greater distances without the need for Ethernet wiring to areas unreachable by cables.
- Backwards compatible – All previous generation WiFi endpoints can connect and take advantage of the superior coverage area.
- 100% more throughput – WiFi 6 Release 2 technology features the use of a 160 MHz channel which in turn results in 100% more throughput than offered by WiFi 6 Release 1 (80 MHz).
- Multi-Gigabit Speed with PoE – Includes a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port for creating a non-blocking connection to a PoE++ switch. Ideal NETGEAR switches to power WAX628 and WAX638E are the MS510TXM and MS510TXUP.
Both the WAX628 (available now) and the WAX638E (available soon) come bundled with four years of NETGEAR Insight for remote management and four years of ProSupport, which provides expert guidance to help with access point placement, AV and WiFi network design, and more. They are available exclusively through authorized NETGEAR integrators and custom installers. For more information on the full NETGEAR ecosystem targeting the residential custom integration market, visit www.netgear.com/residential.

More to Show

During CEDIA, NETGEAR’s booth will feature live demonstrations of the NETGEAR Insight remote management solutions.

NETGEAR experts will offer two Manufacturer’s Training classes as described below. Registration is required to attend:

Thursday, September 29, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Room: C144

NETGEAR Insight for Luxury Homes: A Service Based Partnership with Custom Installers
September 29, 2022
Pro Audio Technology Introduces SR-2408iw Versatile In-Wall and Aimable Loudspeaker

Pro Audio Technology (PRO), the leading supplier of high-output loudspeakers and DSP loudspeaker controllers, announces the SR-2408iw compact high-output loudspeaker for in-wall and in-ceiling installations where space is limited but performance is crucial.

Featuring a 1.5-inch ring radiator tweeter, two high-efficiency 4-inch midrange drivers, and an 8-inch long-throw woofer, the SR-2408iw is a very high-output yet versatile in-wall loudspeaker suitable for retro-fit or new construction. At only 4-inches deep, and with all-aluminum construction, the SR-2408iw is ideal for installations in yachts or elite home theaters (including DCI) as mains, sides, rears, surrounds, or as height channels for Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio installations.

The SR-2408iw can be configured with 0-degree straight-firing axisymmetric, or 40-degree asymmetric waveguides which aim the sound at a 40-degree angle to the loudspeaker main axis. This allows the sound to be “aimed” at the reference listening position while the speaker is mounted flush in a 2×4 architectural wall. The angled waveguide is ideal for residential rooms or yachts where space is limited and aiming speakers is particularly challenging. In more spacious installations, it can also be adapted using PRO’s pivot bracket allowing the installer to mount it to a surface and aim it at a specific listening position.

Despite its 4-inch depth, the SR-2408iw is capable of reproducing 45Hz – 22kHz, allowing the SR-2408iw to serve as full-range speakers in surround and distributed audio applications. An optional, paintable perforated metal grille is available.

“The SR-2408iw in-wall loudspeaker was developed to meet the speaker aiming requirement in Dolby-certified DCI theater that is to be installed on a world-renowned VIP’s mega-yacht,” said Paul Hales, Pro Audio Technology President, and Product Designer. “The all-aluminum construction makes it suitable for the harsh yacht environment and allows us to achieve surprising fidelity and output from a speaker only 3.5-inch deep.”

The SR-2408iw will be available in Q4 2022 and on display at CEDIA Expo 2022 in the Pro Audio Technology booth (#24035). For more information on Pro Audio Technology, please visit proaudiotechnology.com.

September 29, 2022
Screen Innovations Unveils Host of Design-Forward Screens, Shades, and Accessories for Outdoor and Indoor Applications

Screen Innovations (SI) demonstrates its dedication to the success of home systems integrators in the motorized shade and screen business by introducing a host of problem-solving new products at CEDIA Expo 2022. Always striving to make integrators’ jobs simpler and more profitable, SI drew inspiration from its network of systems integrators to develop technologies, products, and systems that overcome common challenges in the field effectively and efficiently, while bestowing end-users with beautiful, convenient, and fun smart home environments.

Whether it was an integrator’s wish for a simpler means of programming, a line of sleeker, smaller motorized shade and screen cassettes, or more affordable installation hardware and software, SI listened, quickly pivoting to engineer and design the ideal shade and screen solution.

“Despite a rocky, pandemic-ridden 2020 and ongoing supply chain issues, we never stop listening to our integrators and innovating products that make a real difference in their livelihoods,” says SI CEO Ryan Gustafson. “They are the reason we do what we do and our top priority has always been to develop the types of shading and screen products they want. They tell us what we can do to improve, and we take their suggestions to the design and engineering drawing board.”

SI’s CEDIA Expo 2022 exhibit in Booth #19061 will include a range of indoor and outdoor entertainment and ambiance-enhancing solutions, including:

NEW Solo 3 Outdoor Entertainment Pavilion Featuring Shades and Screens

A focal point of SI’s CEDIA 2022 exhibit is Solo 3, a re-envisioned line of design-centric motorized projection screen cassettes that discreetly blends into surrounding environments. The clean, sharp lines of the self-contained Solo 3 cassette complement trending contemporary and minimalist home designs.

Unlike most other motorized projection screen cassettes, Solo 3 is manufactured as a visually flawless unit without typical demarcations of the end caps. Units come powder-coated in white, black, or painted to match the surrounding surface. Alternatively, when mounted above the ceiling, the entire cassette beautifully vanishes into the structure of the room. The new Solo 3— available in 375, 575, and 675 cassette sizes— replaces SI’s legacy 3 and 5 Series motorized projection screen lines. The stylish design attributes of Solo 3 help systems integrators appeal to the discerning tastes of clients who want to enjoy an immersive, dynamic entertainment experience on a big screen without compromising room aesthetics.

NEW Moab “Mother of All Boards”

Installation and programming ease has always been top priorities of systems integrators; SI showcases within its 575 and 675 Solo 3 models a newly designed 485-based control board to facilitate faster programming of setpoints, rotation, and motor reset, automation of discovery and programming of keypads and remotes, and seamless integration with third-party control systems. This “Mother of all Boards,” Moab, features numerous inputs and outputs to support a wide range of 485-based automation and control configurations and simplifies the commissioning of screen settings with other control devices such as SI keypads. Built into the eye-catching, translucent housing of Moab, which may be purchased separately from Solo 3 for programming assistance, are 485- and dry contact ports, 12-volt triggers, and IR receivers. All programming can be accomplished using Moab without a computer or software.

Zen 2 Design-Inspired Outdoor Motorized Shade Cassette

The first décor-minded outdoor shading solution, Zen 2 boasts an elegant, customizable, architecturally friendly design that effortlessly transforms decks, gazebos, patios, and other outdoor areas into comfortable, stylish living spaces, expanding the usable space of any home. Zen 2 gives architects and designers an option that seamlessly blends into today’s home designs, thanks to a custom paintable, primed option for a perfect color match. Accommodating popular outdoor shading fabrics to 25 feet wide and 16 feet tall, Zen 2 includes everything needed for a complete installation. Another perk: Zen 2 installs in half the time of other outdoor shading systems, thanks to its unique snap-in tube and hidden bracket attachment.

NEW Nano 2 Adds Decorative, Installation-Friendly Features to Motorized Shading

Leveraging the popularity of its fashion-forward Nano line of motorized shading solutions, SI’s next-generation Nano 2 embodies a suite of revolutionary new features in direct response to requests from dealers, yet maintains the same sleek, modern aesthetic that made the Nano line a favorite among systems integrators, designers, and end-users alike.

An enhancement especially helpful to integrators, designers, and architects is Nano 2’s removable front cover which provides easy access to the motors, technology, and shading fabric inside the cassette. This feature enables any necessary leveling adjustments, maintenance, and fabric swaps to be handled easily without detaching the cassette from the window. The Nano 2 motor, power, and control cables can be removed from the mounted shading cassette for service. Other refinements enable smoother, quieter raising and lowering of the shade and quicker programming and integration with other 485-controlled devices and systems.

CEDIA Expo 2022 attendees can see demonstrations of Solo 3, Zen 2, Nano 2, Moab, and other innovative shade and screen solutions at Booth #19061. Systems integrators, designers, and architects can learn more about SI’s complete line of residential and commercial shade and screen products at www.screeninnovations.com.

September 28, 2022
Leon Speakers Celebrates 25 Years of Sound and Style with Limited-Edition Anniversary Series and More at CEDIA Expo 2022

Leon Speakers celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. In recognition of this important milestone, Leon invites clients, customers, and fans alike to join the celebration by unveiling an exclusive, limited edition trim package upgrade to its Ultima line of speakers, a new artist series of Ente SoundTiles, and other design-forward technology concealment and customizable AV solutions at CEDIA Expo 2022.

CEDIA 2022 Booth

The unique design of Leon’s 2022 CEDIA Expo Booth #18099 is a testament to the company’s boundless creativity. The intentional juxtaposition between the exterior walls and interior space of the booth lends visual interest and demonstrates the versatility of Leon’s evolving line of products. The bold exterior walls showcase Leon’s exclusive Anniversary speaker collection, all-new artist collaboration and its new Ente product, while the interior of the booth brings to life an inspirational high-design Leon Living Space theater that symbolizes the type of beautiful spaces in which dealers work.

Leon 25th Anniversary

Leon’s 25 Years of Sound + Style anniversary campaign draws inspiration from the concept of “Creativity Untamed”—a nod to Leon’s core values and to the lion imagery visible on a mural at Leon’s headquarters and in a brand new artistic collaboration with digital artist Chris Saunders. Saunders’ black-and-gold lion mandala is featured throughout Leon’s 25th Anniversary exclusives.

“Leon is so much more than just a speaker manufacturing company—it’s a way of thinking,” says Leon Speakers founder and president Noah Kaplan of the company’s 25-year commitment to creativity. “There’s always a way to be more creative, more imaginative, more artistic—to push the boundaries just a little bit further. And that’s not just part of our process, it’s what defines who we are.”

Anniversary Trim Package

Inspired by the colors and motifs of Saunders’ work, the Limited-edition Anniversary Trim Package includes a new luxe grille, premium cabinet finish, and trim customization upgrades across Leon’s Ultima speaker platform and Edge Media Frame. The grille, which Leon calls Check 1-2, is a dual-tone black woven fabric designed exclusively for Leon’s 25th Anniversary. It blends seamlessly with a one-of-a-kind charred shou sugi ban cabinet wood finish. Both are complemented by brass accent pieces that elevate select Leon speakers into one-of-a-kind statement pieces. The trim package will be available on the Ultima Series of Leon speakers including the Horizon, Profile, Detail, and Timbre, and also the A10 Subwoofer and Edge Media Frame products. CEDIA Expo attendees can see several of these solutions at the Leon booth.

Chris Saunders Artist Edition Ente SoundTile and Ente SoundTile Triptych

Saunders’ new soundwave-inspired Lion and mandala series artwork is on full display at the Leon booth as an Artist Edition Ente SoundTile in a new triptych format. This new Ente SoundTile series delivers reference-grade plug-and-play audio across three of Leon’s newly announced 12” x 36” vertical Ente tiles. Prints of Saunders’ collection will also be featured.

Leon Living Space Theater

Leon has collaborated with Calgary-based, FORT architecture to bring to life a design-forward, modern living space right on the CEDIA Expo show floor, blending a variety of textures and finishes that exemplify its customization capabilities of Leon. A highlight of the space is Leon’s latest collaborative effort, the LiquidView Window LV. Leon is working with LiquidView to bring to market a virtual window that provides homes and businesses stunning, 24-hour high-resolution views that synch to the location and time of day. Other featured products showcased in the Leon Living Space Theater include the Edge TV, Denza, and Timbre bookshelf speakers.

Just outside the Living Space Theater, Leon’s Terra outdoor collection is a must-see—featuring the brand new Terra LuminSound Bollard with 360° lighting and seven ultra-durable finish options to complement any outdoor environment.

People attending CEDIA Expo 2022 can see Leon Speakers’ extensive collection of design-forward technology concealment and customizable speaker solutions at Booth #18099. Systems integrators and designers can learn more about Leon Speakers’ complete line of innovative residential and commercial AV products at www.leonspeakers.com

September 28, 2022
WALL-SMART Showcases Custom Wall and Ceiling Mounts that Minimize the Visual Impact of Smart Home Devices

WALL-SMART showcases custom solutions for leading home tech brands, including Crestron, Control4, Legrand, Lutron, Savant, URC, and others, at CEDIA Expo 2022. Booth #24055, systems integrators can see several brands of keypads, touchscreens, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi access points, and voice assistants mounted beautifully and discreetly within a variety of wall and ceiling materials. Developed to preserve a home’s design and architecture, WALL-SMART’s wall mounts minimize the appearance of conspicuous home technologies, transforming them from eyesores into seamless, natural elements of the home environment.

WALL-SMART’s new wall and ceiling mounts are custom-designed and -engineered to the precise fit and finish of a specific home tech product. This attention to detail makes the device less noticeable, more convenient to use, and perform without compromise. Systems integrators can install smart devices discreetly into new construction and retrofit projects with confidence, knowing that the technology will blend in visually and function flawlessly.

New Mounts Purpose-Built for Products from Leading Home Tech Manufacturers

Debuting at CEDIA Expo 2022 are several new additions to the WALL-SMART product line, including custom wall mounts for the Beam soundbar from Sonos, several Ascend keypads from Savant, Pico remote and Alisse keypad from Lutron, Adorne keypads from Legrand, iPad tablets and iPad Minis from Apple; plus a ceiling mount for Savant’s new AI network powered by Juniper wireless access points.

To make it easier for systems integrators to mount keypads, touchscreens, light switches, and tablets flush with rigid, uneven surfaces like brick, plaster, and masonry, WALL-SMART offers a new patent-pending wall mount, the WSPL. This revolutionary mount achieves a level of installation beauty and simplicity that’s been historically difficult to accomplish in tough construction materials through other integration techniques.

Also displayed at the WALL-SMART booth are wall mounts for keypads and touchscreens from Basalte, Control4, Crestron, Elan, RTI, and URC; voice assistants from Josh.ai; Wi-Fi access points from Araknis and Ruckus, and security cameras from IC Realtime. Integrators can learn how these products can be flush-mounted within the drywall, as well as solid surfaces such as marble, wood, glass, tile, metal, and concrete.

Attendees can see WALL-SMART’s design-forward mounting solutions at Booth #24055. Additionally, systems integrators can learn more about WALL-SMART’s complete portfolio of innovative mounting hardware at www.wall-smart.com and view instructional installation videos at http://www.wall-smart.com.

September 28, 2022
Smart Home Solutions Showcased by Z-Wave Alliance at CEDIA Expo
The ZWave Alliance returns to CEDIA Expo 2022 with a refreshed Z-Wave Pavilion comprised of industry-leading Smart Home and IoT member companies eager to showcase the latest certified Z-Wave products, devices, and solutions across the interoperable ecosystem, now 4,000+ certified products strong.

Visitors to the Z-Wave Pavilion at CEDIA Expo 2022 will have the opportunity to engage with ZWave members including Alfred Inc., ASSA ABLOY, Masonite, Silicon Labs, and Zooz. Within the Z-Wave Pavilion, members will showcase the latest advancements in Z-Wave technology, including new products that highlight interoperability and compatibility – key pillars of the ZWave protocol. Here, attendees can meet face-to-face with Z-Wave Alliance members, receive dynamic product demonstrations, or tour the Z-Wave Pavilion to experience the power and possibilities of the Z-Wave ecosystem.

Additionally, the Z-Wave Alliance will host a power-packed panel discussion on the ‘smart home playground’ which will present exclusive information about the technologies, standards, and initiatives in place to shape the current connected home landscape. The session, The Platform Playground Revisited: Where Smart Home Protocols Stand in 2022, How Far We’ve Come, What’s Still To Be Done will take place on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 11:30 AM CT – 1:00 PM CT at CEDIA Expo 2022, live and in-person in Room D 174. Moderated by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, the smart home editor for The Verge, the panel discussion will feature fresh insights from the Z-Wave Alliance, Silicon Labs, Google, ASSA ABLOY, Building36 Technologies, and the Connectivity Standards Alliance.

“Between the recent launch of our multi-part, educational WHY Z-WAVE eBook series, the wide variety of members showcasing new Z-Wave technology solutions, and our must-see panel session, it’s safe to say there’s a lot happening in the world of the Z-Wave Alliance at CEDIA Expo,” said Mitchell Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance. “We’re excited to return to the show this year to meet face-to-face with the professional installers that continue to advance the connected home space and push the boundaries of what’s possible from an integrated system.”

Below is a list of new smart home solutions in the Z-Wave Pavilion at CEDIA Expo 2022 from ZWave Alliance Members and participants.
- Alfred Inc. alongside Wi-Charge, a leader in long-range wireless power solutions will showcase an accessory kit for the ML2 Smart mortise locks that quickly, safely, and seamlessly enables Alfred locks to be charged and powered from up to 30’ away.
- ASSA ABLOY [YALE] will showcase new solutions, reimagined with the latest smart home technology to provide convenient, everyday smart home access to any household. Product demonstrations will include the Yale Pro SL, the Yale Interconnected Locksets, and Yale NexTouch.
- Masonite is a leading global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of interior and exterior doors and will demonstrate the first residential exterior doors to integrate power, lights, a video doorbell, and a smart lock into the door system at the show.
- Silicon Labs will demonstrate their Z-Wave to Matter bridge solution leveraging their Unify SDK software solution. Additionally, Silicon Labs will showcase the latest Z-Wave 800-Series Family SoCs and Modules and MG24 Wireless SoC.
- Zooz will show the new Z-Box 700 Series Z-Wave Plus Smart Home Hub which comes equipped with all the latest Z-Wave technology including SmartStart, S2 Security, and the 700-Series Z-Wave chip. Additionally, Zooz will showcase two new Z-Wave smart home devices that leverage the 800-Series Z-Wave chip.
The following Z-Wave Alliance members will have Z-Wave products on display via the Interop Wall at CEDIA Expo 2022: Airzone, Alfred Inc., ASSA ABLOY [Yale], DEN Smart Home, Eaton’s Wiring Devices, Ezlo, Fibaro, HELTUN, Jasco, Johnson Controls [Qolsys], Leviton, Remotec, Resideo, Schlage, Sensative Inc., STARTIS IoT, TLJ, Zipato, Zooz, and Z-Wave.me.

For more information on the Z-Wave Alliance, please visit www.z-wavealliance.org.
September 28, 2022
Theory Audio Design Introduces Two High-Power 4-Channel IP Amplified Distribution Loudspeaker Controllers

Theory Audio Design announced the DLC-1000.4 and DLC-1500.4 distribution loudspeaker controllers. Ideal for any residential or commercial installation where high-power distributed or surround audio is needed, each model offers 4-channels of intelligent power (up to 1500W per channel), a full DSP matrix, and is TCP/IP controlled through a wired connection, or directly via its on-board Wi-Fi access point.

Theory’s product ecosystem is unique in that offers many of the performance qualities of professional audio products – effortless dynamics, high efficiency, and rugged durability – but with the sonic delicacy, detail, and resolution of the best high-end high-fidelity products. Add Theory’s intelligent full-system design approach, with automatically tailored loudspeaker DSP, and you get startling performance at tremendous value.

The DLC-1000.4 and DLC-1500.4 are designed to be at the core of every high-output Theory distributed or surround audio system. With channel-pair power-sharing of up to 1000W for the DLC-1000.4 or 1500W for the 1500.4, each DLC offers the flexibility to power any system size. Via their configurable outputs, the DLC models can power up to 16 Theory 16-ohm ceiling or pendant loudspeakers in Lo-Z mode, and the DLC-1500.4 can power up to 200 Theory architectural speakers in Hi-Z mode – or an optimal hybrid of both or in any quantity in between. This feature is especially beneficial in commercial spaces like bars, restaurants, retail environments, fitness centers, and spas where a combination of power, from quiet background to loud foreground audio, is required.

In hotels, education facilities, and corporate environments where there are multiple rooms of varying sizes, the DLC models offer complete flexibility in terms of available power. The S/PDIF master/slave functionality allows multiple DLCs to be used to cover all these needs and each loudspeaker controller only takes up two rack spaces. House of Worship requires reliable, high-quality amplification of voice, while also covering a large distribution area with many specialized speakers. The DLC Loudspeaker Controllers are up to the challenge, providing high-quality amplification and superior speech intelligibility throughout large spaces. For home cinema and surround sound systems, the DLCs are perfect to power large screen loudspeakers and subwoofers with up to 1000W (DLC-1000.4) and 1500W (DLC-1500.4) per channel into 4, 8, and 16-ohms, or 70V/100V hi-z systems.

“Because the DLC models can operate in both 8-ohm or 70V/100V modes, separately or in combination, and because all of our architectural loudspeakers have the same dual operation, systems of any size or complexity can easily be realized from these surprisingly powerful units”, said Paul Hales, president of Theory Audio Design. “And because our ceiling and pendant models can operate at 16 ohms, up to 16 speakers can be powered from a single DLC without the need to invoke the 70V transformers preserving ultimate sound quality. With up to 1500W per channel, there is power on reserve to drive the largest subwoofers or screen loudspeakers in big, dedicated rooms.”

The DLC models are safety and EMC-certified and compliant with ErP and EnergySTAR*. In early 2023, Dante-enabled versions of the DLC-1000.4, and DLC-1500.4 will offer even further installation flexibility and simplicity by adding Dante network audio and AES67 compatibility. A full list of DLC model specifications is available below.

CEDIA Expo attendees can see the DLC-1000.4 and DLC-1500.4 in Theory’s booth #24035. The DLC-1000.4 is available to order now. The DLC-1500.4 will begin shipping in December. For more information on Theory Audio Design, please visit theoryaudiodesign.com.

September 28, 2022
The Road To CEDIA Expo 2022 With NETGEAR

CEDIA Expo 2022 is coming to Dallas from September 29 to October 1. To get ready for the show, AVNation is talking to exhibitors and experts on the residential side of the AV industry about the latest innovations to make it to the show floor. We talk to NETGEAR’s Director of Product Marketing John Henkel about the solutions you will be able to find at booth 7008. We also discuss their commitment to the AV channel and 24-hour support across the globe.

All of our coverage of CEDIA Expo 2022 can be found here.

AVNation is a news outlet made by and for audiovisual professionals. Every one of our panelists, writers, producers and hosts have worn a hat or several within the AV industry. It’s this unique experience that gives us a fresh look at the industry as a whole and allows us to engage with end users, technology managers, IT managers and AV integrators in a meaningful way. Everything that AVNation does in events like CEDIA Expo and Integrated Systems Europe are in part made possible by our supporters and underwriters who provide financial support for AVNation. If you have questions about the shows or have a unique experience to offer please contact AVNation by clicking here. We are always looking for different viewpoints within the AV industry.

September 28, 2022
Access Networks Delivers the Products, Services, and Education Integrators Need to Design and Deploy Successful Solutions

Access Networks will showcase at CEDIA Expo 2022, Booth #18069, a wide range of innovative products, technologies, and the availability of next-generation expert configuration, monitoring, and support services. These new introductions strengthen the Access Networks line of networking solutions and help its Partners deliver optimal connectivity speed, coverage, and reliability in even the most challenging Wi-Fi environments. As a member of the Snap One family of brands, Access Networks’ offers its Partners the unique opportunity to build a complete connected home ecosystem on an enterprise-grade networking foundation. Further demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the success of systems integrators, the Access Networks team will also deliver a variety of insightful training sessions during the CEDIA Expo.

NEW Access Networks Basic Configuration Services

Access Networks continues to cater to the evolving needs of systems integrators by launching at CEDIA Expo 2022 a new service to streamline the deployment of reliable, stable, enterprise-grade networking systems. Created to help dealers consistently and efficiently deploy small- to medium-size networking systems, Basic Configuration Services utilizes over 15 years of experience and expertise of the Access Networks team to pre-configure parts of a networking solution that’s shipped to their partners or job sites ready to install.

The initial rollout of Basic Configuration Services will focus on delivering pre-configured networking solutions comprising Access Networks access points, switches, or Sophos firewalls. Dealers receive configuration services and industry-leading support historically provided for more complex projects requiring a Custom Core network; Basic Configuration Services provides a valuable subset of those services to the masses.

NEW Access Networks Partners with Parasol to Leverage Remote Monitoring Service

Home network performance has never been more important and Access Networks evolves its suite of products with the launch of Parasol’s direct-to-customer support now available as a part of its advanced Custom Core networking system. Parasol’s technology, which runs on Snap One’s OvrC platform, enables integrators to offer their customers much-needed 24/7/365 support and service.

Through the new partnership, customers benefit from an exceptional Wi-Fi experience and comprehensive support of their entire connected home, while systems integrators gain deep insights into the network; proactively troubleshooting with up to 90% fewer truck rolls, reducing demands on precious manpower and creating new streams of recurring revenue.

Access Networks Cloud-Based Network Management Solution, ARCC, Networks Fuels Operational Efficiency, Profitability for Systems Integrators

The cloud has singlehandedly transformed the systems integration landscape, making it easier for labor- and time-strapped systems integration firms to provide clients with exceptional service while improving their businesses with operational efficiency and profitability. To help systems integrators capitalize on the remarkable opportunities fueled by a cloud-based remote service management business model, Access Networks offers ARCC (Advanced, Resilient Cloud Controller) as it phases out its C120 and Zone Director on-premise, hardware-based controllers.

ARCC leverages the power of the cloud to accelerate remote managed services of Access Networks’ Custom Core and unmanaged home networks. It delivers all of the same plus additional network management features as the discontinued C120 and ZoneDirector controllers but with the convenience and efficiency of being fully addressable remotely via the cloud. Without the constraints of rolling trucks to customers’ homes to configure, manage and update networks, ARCC empowers dealers with greater business agility, cost reduction, recurring revenue opportunities, accelerated innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Access Networks Emphasizes Education with Course Offerings

Dedicated to providing systems integrators with the products, tools, and services to deliver customers exceptional Wi-Fi connectivity and achieve greater business success, two new sessions offered by Access Networks CEDIA Expo 2022 will explore how and why integrators should offer managed services and Wi-Fi 6 technologies to their customers.

CEDIA Expo 2022 attendees can visit Access Networks at Booth #18069 to learn more about its range of dealer support services for projects big and small, Basic Configuration Services, Custom Core systems with integrated Parasol remote support platform, ARCC cloud-based remote configuration, and management platform, site surveys and network testing tools. Also exhibited are Access Networks’ full line of wireless access points with Wi-Fi 6 outdoor options and its flagship Custom Core system. Access Networks’ IT experts will be on hand to answer questions about the features and applications of its products and services and to discuss how its recent partnership with Snap One can help make networking systems a stronger, more profitable part of a systems integration business.

To learn more about Access Networks, its enterprise-grade systems, and exceptional IT service and support please visit www.accessnetworks.com.

September 28, 2022
Crestron Expands Residential Audio Portfolio with Four New Speaker Solutions

Crestron Electronics today announces an expansion of their robust audio portfolio with four new products, including three additions to the Crestron Speakers made by Origin Acoustics Ultimate Series line as well as an all-weather model of Crestron’s Saros Surface Mount Speakers. Built natively for the Crestron Home® OS and for easy integration with custom systems, these new audio solutions pair seamlessly with Crestron’s DM NAX™ Audio-over-IP distribution platform and blend stylishly into any interior aesthetic.

Additions to Crestron Ultimate Series Speakers

Crestron first partnered with Origin Acoustics early in 2021 to bring next-level speaker options into any space in any home, so homeowners can select the speaker that best fits their lifestyle. Today’s announcement gives homeowners even more flexibility, as the Ultimate series now includes Crestron’s first Active Subwoofer, 3” in-ceiling speaker SKUs, and a brand-new dual tweeter version of the Crestron® Ultimate IC8 speakers.

The Crestron® Ultimate Active Subwoofer made by Origin Acoustics delivers deep, impactful sound for extremely low frequencies, ideal for home theaters or game rooms. Constructed from premium carbon fiber materials with a unique design, this 10” 400W subwoofer can be mounted on its side, upright, or on the wall. Greater flexibility is enabled with the optional wireless extender kit, which allows the sub to sit up to 50 feet away from its content source.

With 6” and 8” in-ceiling speaker options already available, Crestron’s new 3” Ultimate In-Ceiling speaker (IC3) is designed to deliver equally impressive sound from a much smaller footprint. A 100-degree conical dispersion lets the two-way, full-range IC3 produce excellent sound coverage throughout the space and its all-weather rating means it can be installed indoors or out, in both residential and marine applications. Best for new builds so it can disappear into the design of the space, the form factor of the 200W IC3 pairs perfectly with Crestron’s LED light fixtures so owners can enjoy a uniform aesthetic.

Further rounding out Crestron’s in-ceiling options is the addition of the Dual-Tweeter version of the Ultimate In-Ceiling 8” speakers which provides peak stereo output from a single speaker for demanding residential installations in small room applications like hallways and shower rooms. With weatherized construction, these solutions can also be installed for use in the patio, sauna, and swimming pool areas.

All-Weather Saros® Surface Mount Speakers

Crestron’s Saros Surface Mount Speakers are now built with an all-weather IPX6-rated construction, perfect for outdoor applications including gardens, bathrooms, saunas, or on yacht decks. Major improvements have also been made to the mounting mechanism to provide total flexibility for application location. Available in 6” and 8” SKUs, the 120W Saros Surface Mount Speakers support both LoZ and HiZ configurations and are engineered to achieve smooth, even coverage, high output, and clear, natural sound quality. These speakers are also designed to provide better frequency response as volume rises, making them perfect for entertaining in loud environments.

“The residential line of architectural and landscape speakers offers a no-compromise solution that scales across project sizes and application locations to deliver an unmatched home audio experience,” said Michael Short, Senior Director, Residential and Hospitality Marketing, Crestron. “Each of these new solutions is expertly engineered to deliver the level of performance, flexibility, scalability, and style that is sure to exceed even the most demanding expectations, especially when paired with our DM NAX distribution platform.”

Availability

The Active Subwoofer will be available in Q1 2023, while the IC3, Dual Tweeter IC8, and weatherized Saros Surface Mount Speakers will be available in late 2022. For more information on Crestron’s residential audio portfolio, please visit here or stop by Crestron Booth #16017 at CEDIA® Expo 2022.

September 28, 2022