AVNation TV

Category: CEDIA Expo 2024

  • Newcomer Modern Atomics Hits a Grand Slam at CEDIA Expo 2024

    Newcomer Modern Atomics Hits a Grand Slam at CEDIA Expo 2024

    Modern Atomics, a Singapore-based company, aims to provide innovative technology for CEDIA and ProAV channels, reducing costs, carbon footprint, and customer experience. With patents in Ai-based power, control, and distributed a/v products.

    Modern Atomics debuted at CEDIA Expo 2024, introducing two innovative products: the Reaktor DC22 power distribution unit (PDU) and the Collider 24-Port POE switch. Both received multiple industry awards, with Reaktor designed for motorized shades, capable of powering up to 22 shades while saving significant energy, and Collider offering a groundbreaking PoE switch with self-generating power. These products are seen as game-changers in the motorized shade industry.

    The launch highlights Modern Atomics’ technical innovation, led by experienced leaders who have worked with major AV companies. Their products simplify installation, save energy, and improve integrator efficiency, earning them praise from industry experts and recognition through prestigious awards.

    Led by co-founders Paul Bryson (CTO), Tim Marshall (CFO), and Michael Braithwaite (Chairperson), Modern Atomics lived up to the hype of the company’s grand launch, earning multiple awards and praise by industry leaders at CEDIA Expo 2024. Over the years these three gentlemen developed innovative technologies for NetStreams, and held key posts at AMX, ClearOne, Crestron and Screen Innovations. Earlier this year Braithwaite was recognized by Commercial Integrator Magazine as a Living Legend (#45). And this all came together at CEDIA Expo 2024.

    Modern Atomics’ Reaktor DC22 power distribution unit (PDU) nabbed a CEDIA 2024 Best New Hardware Product and both Residential Systems and TWICE Magazine Best of Show awards.

    Reaktor is the first PDU designed solely for motorized shades, powering up to 22 where others max at 8. Leveraging patent-pending technology developed by the company, Reaktor eliminates up to 99.75% of all the quiescent current*, saving up to 412 Kilowatt-hours yearly, and its built-in Ammeter shows how much current is being saved in real-time. Reaktor is compatible with low-voltage DC and high-voltage AC motors and works with popular shade and control brands. Requiring no conduit or electrician, and wall or rack-mountable, Reaktor saves installation space and cuts install time and costs by 50%. Reaktor began shipping this month. MSRP is set at $1,499. Specs: https://modernatomics.com/reaktor

    Praise by Industry Experts

    At Expo, Modern Atomics also introduced its Collider 24-Port POE switch for shades. This earned a rAVe Publications Best New Home Automation Hardware Solution award. “I did find a product … I truly would call it a game-changer. A company called Modern Atomics debuted a network switch with 24 ports – each capable of generating 90 watts of power, simultaneously – but the switch has NO POWER SUPPLY. That’s right, it generates its own power, internally. All you need to do is send ANY PoE signal to any port (Passive-PoE/Solar) and it will re-generate its own power and even hold the energy for up to 3 weeks. Yep, this is all true – and a game-changer.” – Gary Kayye, Co-Founder & Director, The rAVe Agency

    (Reaktor and Collider) “My buddy Michael Braithwaite is in the business of changing the world. In less than a year he come up with a new arsenal of products that will help integrators do magical things in the

    roller shade business. I am so proud to see the success of the entire team… These awards just illustrate what they stand for! The next chapter will be even more beautiful.”

    – Ryan Gustafson, Founder – Screen Innovations, Origin Acoustics, Shade Revolutions

    (Reaktor and Collider) “Definitely deserve the recognition. When I first saw the shade specific PoE power device I actually sat up in my chair… These kinds of products make a huge difference! I am thrilled to see the next edition of genius they create.” – Steven Brawner, Owner – ProAudio Carolinas and ProAudio Georgia, LLC

    (Reaktor and Collider) “Modern Atomics’ command of the shades category and technical prowess all come together in taking installs to the next level. Just as we have done on the control and user-experience side of the window coverings category, Reaktor is poised to do with power delivery. And this kind of technical innovation is exactly what the category needed.”

    – Zohar Shinar, CEO of Bond Control Platform

    (Reaktor) “With Reaktor, our dealers can get in and out of motorized shade projects faster and without the potential complexities or aggravation associated with how this was done in the past.” – Chris Gilray, President of independent manufacturer sales rep firm Phoenix Marketing

    (Reaktor and Collider) “It is not often we get to witness the advent of a new technology that changes everything about an entire industry segment. Modern Atomics’ Reaktor and Collider solutions will literally change the installation, profitability, and energy performance of the motorized shade category.” – Richard Frank, Modern Atomics board member and Account Director at the tech company’s PR-agency-of-record, Muto Communications.

  • Crestron’s CEDIA 2024 Powerplay: Smart Homes Get Smarter

    Crestron’s CEDIA 2024 Powerplay: Smart Homes Get Smarter

    Crestron is making waves in the smart home world, and if their showing at CEDIA Expo 2024 in Denver is any indication, the company is ready for all boats to rise with the waves. With a booth so massive it greets attendees at the show floor entrance, Crestron is flexing its muscles and showcasing a slew of innovations that have both tech enthusiasts and industry veterans buzzing.

    Programming!
    Programming!

    Crestron Home OS 4: The Brain Just Got Bigger

    At the heart of Crestron’s 2024 offensive is the newly unveiled Crestron Home OS 4. This major update to their smart home platform is packed with over 20 new features and integrations that promise to redefine what we expect from our living spaces.

    Crestron has made their Home OS faster and more responsive but also easier to configure. At the front of the booth was a timed programming contest was featured. Contestants had to see how fast you could piece together a system with a controller, TV, Apple TV, and lighting. As you can see here, I didn’t do too shabby.

    Smart Home, Smarter Decisions

    The standout feature? “Smart home conditional sequences.” It’s a mouthful, but what it means is simple: your home can now think for itself. Using “if-then, when” logic, your Crestron system can make decisions based on multiple factors. Imagine this: you fire up your favorite streaming app, and your home instantly knows it’s movie night. Lights dim, blinds lower, and the surround sound system kicks into gear — all without you lifting a finger. That’s only if you want it, though. Feel free to tell your Crestron system, “No thanks”.

    Fort Knox for Your Smart Home

    Security gets a major boost too. The new update offers enhanced user management for door locks, including integration with the Yale Pro 2 Deadbolt Lock. You can now grant specific access to family members or guests, making home entry both convenient and secure. Plus, with new pin code protection for touch screens, you can lock down control of specific rooms or grant temporary access to guests. Your smart home just became a secure home.

    Open Arms for Open Ecosystems

    Crestron is doubling down on its commitment to play nice with others. Native integration with Lutron Ketra lighting expands the palette for creating the perfect ambiance. For the pros, there’s the new Home SIMPL Integration Modules, allowing seamless integration of Crestron Home OS lighting with custom-programmed control processors.

    If you know Crestron programming, you know SIMPL and SIMPL #. Once you configure the system, feel free to bring in that file into the SIMPL environment. From there, customize to your heart’s content.

    AV Over IP Everywhere

    Crestron thinks it’s time to refocus on what really matters: high-quality AV experiences. They’re doubling down on AV over IP, and they’ve got the numbers to back it up. “We’ve shipped a million endpoints for our AVoIP solution — more than any other manufacturer,” Michael Short says. In fact, there was a golden NVX unit in the booth. It’s a not-so-subtle reminder that while others were chasing trends, Crestron was building an empire.

    LP over IP
    LP over IP

    The Vinyl Renaissance Goes Digital

    Here’s where things get really interesting. Crestron is unveiling a product that’s so cool, it might just make audiophiles and tech geeks buy into AV over IP: NAX endpoints that can send vinyl over IP. Yes, you read that right. Vinyl. Over. IP.

    “Everybody wants audio everywhere, but the reason vinyl matters is the nostalgia of it — the tactile feel and that experience of it,” Short explains. “Our new NAX endpoints make it super simple to take a turntable and get it onto your distributed network.” Want to spin your favorite LP in the living room and have it play throughout your whole house? Crestron’s making it happen.

    Crestron also showed off XLR, or professional audio, connections into NAX. Their demo featured a DJ turntable setup. Regardless if it’s a karaoke, DJ, or other pro-level audio, you can send it onto a Crestron AV over IP system and distribute that audio wherever there’s a network drop.

    The Bottom Line

    Crestron isn’t just participating in the smart home revolution — they’re leading it. With Home OS 4, they’re giving users unprecedented control and customization. Their CEDIA Expo demonstrates a commitment to education, innovation, and bridging the gap between analog nostalgia and cutting-edge tech.

    As we move further into 2025, all eyes will be on Crestron to see how these new features and products perform in the real world. But one thing’s for sure: whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner, a professional installer, or an audiophile clinging to your vinyl collection, Crestron’s got something that’ll make your home super smart.

  • Sony’s Projector Game Just Got Stronger: Meet the BRAVIA 8 and 9

    Sony’s Projector Game Just Got Stronger: Meet the BRAVIA 8 and 9

    Sony just upgraded the BRAVIA line at CEDIA 2024, and it’s all about taking your home theater to the next level. The tech giant unveiled two new powerhouse projectors: the BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) and the BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES). These aren’t your average projectors – we’re talking native 4K HDR with laser tech that’ll make your eyes pop.

    It’s All About the Chip

    Both projectors feature Sony’s XR Processor for Projector, the same brain that powers their 2024 BRAVIA TVs. This chip is no joke – it’s packing features like XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, XR Triluminos Pro, and XR Clear Image. All that means you’re getting contrast that’ll make your jaw drop, blacks so deep you’ll think you’re staring into the void, and colors that’ll make real-life look dull.

    Brightness for Days

    The BRAVIA Projector 9 is the heavy hitter, pumping out a whopping 3,400 lumens. Its little sibling, the BRAVIA Projector 8, isn’t far behind with 2,700 lumens – perfect for your cozy, cave-like home theater setup. And thanks to Sony’s laser light wizardry, these bad boys will keep shining bright for up to 20,000 hours before you see any dimming.

    Game-changing for gamers

    Sony’s not forgetting about the gaming crowd. Both projectors come equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports that can handle 4K at 120Hz. But here’s the kicker – they’ve got a minuscule 12ms input lag. That’s practically unheard of in projector land, and it means your gaming sessions just got a whole lot smoother.

    Easy, peasy install

    Sony’s throwing in some nifty features to make setup a cinch. Corner Keystone Correction and Lens Shift mean you can plop these projectors just about anywhere and still get a perfect picture. Plus, they’re surprisingly compact and lightweight, so you won’t throw out your back trying to mount them.

    The Cinematic Experience, at home

    Thanks to that XR Processor, these projectors are bringing the cinema to your living room. XR Dynamic Tone Mapping is constantly tweaking the brightness to make sure your HDR content looks killer. XR Deep Black is diving into those shadows to pull out details you never knew existed. And with XR Triluminos Pro, you’re getting over a billion colors – more than your eyes can probably handle.

    The BRAVIA Projector 9 takes it up another notch with its Live Color Enhancer. This feature is perfect for rooms that aren’t pitch black, keeping those bright scenes looking vivid without going overboard.

    The Bottom Line

    Sony’s new BRAVIA Projector 8 and 9 are pushing what’s possible in home cinema to new heights. With their killer combo of laser tech, gaming chops, and cinema-grade processing, they’re setting a new bar for what you can expect from a high-end home theater setup. The projectors also add to the arsenal for the BRAVIA line tech. If you’re serious about your movie nights (or gaming marathons), these projectors deserve a spot on your wishlist.

  • Resimercial on Display at CEDIA 2024

    Resimercial on Display at CEDIA 2024

    CEDIA Expo 2024 brought the home side of the AV industry back to its roots; audio and video. With a few spices in there like shades and lighting. But this year’s edition was full of more audio and video than we’ve seen in a long time. And lacking in what the show had been; Smart Stuff.

    Welcome to the dumb show

    For over five years CEDIA Expo’s theme could be summed up with the term Smart Home. This year, no more smarts. Hence, the dumb show moniker. It’s not that there wasn’t IoT, Smart Things, or even a hint of AI. It’s that those weren’t the selling points in the booths. Those that were showing off the ability to integrate were saying “of course it does that”. It’s a foregone conclusion. Of course, it’s smart. Next question.

    Pretty Pictures

    Sony Bravia CEDIA 2024
    Sony Bravia CEDIA 2024

    Sony kicked off the show early on Thursday morning with their announcement of a new Bravia line of projectors. This gives the Japanese manufacturer another hook using the Bravia name.

    They weren’t the only ones showing off impressive displays. TCL and LG used their OLED displays as the centerpieces of their booths. Now, I love me some OLED. The picture quality and color are the best thing since plasma displays. Prices have dropped drastically in the last two years. OLED technology has gotten sharper. It was a good sign to see so many OLED TVs.

    TCL OLED CEDIA 2024
    TCL OLED CEDIA 2024

    Companies like Quantum are also pushing direct-view LED into the home. The tech that started out as large displays in stadiums has found its way into the home. One reason is the ability to create large screens without hauling a 500-pound TV into someone’s conference room. Or living room. The other is the brightness factor. DVLED can get up to 3000 nits. One nit is equal to one candela per square meter. And 3000 of them is super bright. Bright enough to combat most any ambient sunlight that you can’t control.

    Control the Sun

    Should you want to control the sun we have shades. Shading has been bandied about in the CEDIA channel as another revenue sources for dealers. Like lighting, CI dealers haven’t really caught the shade bug yet. At least not in large numbers. So don’t wait for them. Go out and get them yourself. Work with manufacturers like Hunter Douglas, Draper, Screen Innovation, and others.

    Shades are good for more than just controlling the light. They can be used to be “green” as well. Controlling the sun means controlling the heat of your space. Shades also give you more control over privacy and they make any room just feel nicer.

    Theater Experience

    One thing about this year’s CEDIA was the number of audio and theater demo rooms. Trinov partnered with Barco, Perlisten Audio, madVR Labs, and Ocupada Acoustica to show off an impressive theater on the show floor. Pro Audio, Quantum, JBL, and L-Acoustics also had rooms that gave me some new movies to see but also made me wish I could have one of them all in my office or house.

    Pro at Home

    Origin Acoustics amps CEDIA 2024
    Origin Acoustics amps CEDIA 2024

    I have long been of the opinion that Resimercial is a real thing. The idea comes from a couple of areas. First, AV experts who work in people’s homes are also doing work in commercial spaces. And any space that isn’t a home is a commercial space. Second is the use of the same gear anywhere AV is needed.

    This CEDIA and CI Expo gave me even more fodder for this conversation. L-Acoustics, Crestron, Sony, Planar, and others were showing products. Just product. Is it a home or a commercial product? Yes. They don’t care where you’re going to put it. It’s the same gear.

    That is something that benefits all buyers of AV products. You don’t have to worry about a dealer of, let’s say L-Acoustics, putting in a “home” speaker in your conference room. Why? Because there isn’t such a thing. Same speaker goes in both spaces. As companies realize this you’ll see less and less delineation between what’s “residential” and “commercial” products. They’ll just be AV gear.

    CEDIA’s Future

    CEDIA and CI Expo are both headed back to Denver in 2025. My hope is that they get to expand on the common gear theme next year. Most exhibitors I talked with were busy the first two days, not so much on Saturday. That’s to be expected. The Smart Stage was a far cry better than in 2023 and I commend the team at Emerald for upping their game. For now, I’ll sit back, go through my notes, and see if there are any other threads I missed.

  • The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Russound

    The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Russound

    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    Charlie Porritt, CEO of Russound talks about their new controllers and more that they will have to showcase at booth 2524 during CEDIA Expo 2024.

    CEDIA Expo 2024 is coming to Denver September 5-7, coinciding with the second Commercial Integrator Expo. This presents not a look at the latest innovations in the residential space but the commercial side as well and where those interests overlap for the custom integration channel. AVNation brings you the coverage not just during the show, but the days leading up to it.

    Get all of our coverage leading up to the show right 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 InfoComm 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.

     

  • The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Pro Audio Technologies

    The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Pro Audio Technologies

    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    Paul Hales, Owner of Pro Audio Technology talks about the new models and speaker solutions they will have at their demon room as well as booth 1943 during CEDIA Expo 2024.

    CEDIA Expo 2024 is coming to Denver September 5-7, coinciding with the second Commercial Integrator Expo. This presents not a look at the latest innovations in the residential space but the commercial side as well and where those interests overlap for the custom integration channel. AVNation brings you the coverage not just during the show, but the days leading up to it.

    Get all of our coverage leading up to the show right 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 InfoComm 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.

     

  • The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Kordz

    The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Kordz


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    Benjamin Yeh, Operations Director at Kordz talks about the impact of quality cables on AV projects and what they’ll have at booth 3823 during CEDIA Expo 2024.

    CEDIA Expo 2024 is coming to Denver September 5-7, coinciding with the second Commercial Integrator Expo. This presents not a look at the latest innovations in the residential space but the commercial side as well and where those interests overlap for the custom integration channel. AVNation brings you the coverage not just during the show, but the days leading up to it.

    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 InfoComm 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.

     

  • The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Wall-Smart

    The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Wall-Smart

    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    Galia Ben-Dor, Co-CEO & Founder of Wall-Smart talks about their flush mount solutions and what they will be showcasing at booth 4105 during CEDIA Expo 2024.

    CEDIA Expo 2024 is coming to Denver September 5-7, coinciding with the second Commercial Integrator Expo. This presents not a look at the latest innovations in the residential space but the commercial side as well and where those interests overlap for the custom integration channel. AVNation brings you the coverage not just during the show, but the days leading up to it.

    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 InfoComm 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.

     

  • The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Airzone

    The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Airzone

    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    Victoria Garcia Massimo, Operations & Sales Manager for Airzone talks about providing a link between HVAC and AV control systems, and what they have in store for booth 1138 at CEDIA Expo 2024.

    CEDIA Expo 2024 is coming to Denver September 5-7, coinciding with the second Commercial Integrator Expo. This presents not a look at the latest innovations in the residential space but the commercial side as well and where those interests overlap for the custom integration channel. AVNation brings you the coverage not just during the show, but the days leading up to it.

    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 InfoComm 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.

     

  • The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Powerhouse Alliance

    The Road To CEDIA Expo 2024 With Powerhouse Alliance


    The video version of this preview can be found here.

    CEDIA Expo 2024 is coming to Denver September 5-7, coinciding with the second Commercial Integrator Expo. This presents not a look at the latest innovations in the residential space but the commercial side as well and where those interests overlap for the custom integration channel. AVNation brings you the coverage not just during the show, but the days leading up to it.

    Dennis Holzer, Executive Director for the Powerhouse Alliance talks about what’s new for alliance members and what to expect at booth 3228 during CEDIA Expo 2024.

    Get all of our coverage leading up to the show right 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 InfoComm 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.