For some windows, motorized shades don’t make sense; it could be that the windows are too narrow for motors or are located where they are seldom if ever used. Well, Draper At Home has introduced UpLift, a line of manual window shades that operate without cords or chains. The cordless design eliminates the risk of […]

It’s that time again — the Readers’ Choice Awards nominations are officially open. Every year, we hand out the rAVe Readers’ Choice Awards live on the InfoComm show floor, and 2025 in Orlando will be no different. But first, we need your nominations. You’ve got until May 1 to tell us who or what deserves […]

CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, returned to Washington, D.C. for its second annual Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill. Joined by their board of directors, manufacturer CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world, CEDIA advocated for key policies impacting the smart home industry while emphasizing the important work of technology integrators. Throughout […]

I’m sure some rAVe readers know me as “the guy with all the aphorisms.” To be fair, not all of them are aphorisms — some are metaphors, others are sports analogies. But I digress. Not every saying I bust out — here or in person — is a favorite. Some I don’t particularly care for, […]

HARMAN Luxury Audio Group has announced the JBL Synthesis SDP-80 home cinema surround processor. Building on the foundation of the SDP-75, the new SDP-80 adds HDMI 2.1 connectivity, offering 8 HDMI 2.1 inputs and 2 outputs. It supports 48Gbps bandwidth, enabling 8K resolution at 60 frames per second and 4K at 120 frames per second […]

AVPro Edge has launched the STILE app, giving users control over the AVPro Edge MV-41 multi-viewer processor and all connected sources via iOS and Android devices. Designed to manage multiple sources and displays, the STILE app allows users to switch between inputs and display up to four sources per monitor. With a simplified setup process, […]

Epson has introduced the new Epson QS100 4K PRO-UHD HDR Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector, designed to project images up to 160 inches from less than 6 inches away from the screen. Aimed at home entertainment enthusiasts, the QS100 delivers 4,500 lumens of color brightness (IDMS rated) and 4,500 lumens of white brightness (ISO rated), […]

Nice has named Jeff Shaw as its new chief product officer. Shaw brings more than 20 years of experience in product management and marketing. He previously served as head of product management for luxury solutions within the Nice Home Management Systems business unit and, before that, as vice president of control products for Nice North […]

Lutron introduced new products to its Athena commercial control system, including smaller architectural downlights, new wireless keypad styles, and an updated dashboard. Athena is the latest generation system from Lutron, designed to simplify lighting and shading control while enhancing architectural flexibility. New features include: Ketra and Rania D2 Downlights: The newly launched D2 architectural downlights […]

Prati Italia, an upscale contemporary Italian restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, recently upgraded its audio system with the SoundTube DSM-16 Dante System Manager, showcasing the benefits of a Dante-enabled Power over Ethernet (PoE) audio solution in a restaurant setting. Owned by Chef Tom Gray and his wife, Sarah Marie Johnston, Prati Italia’s original audio system, installed […]

HARMAN Luxury Audio Group announced that the JBL Synthesis SMA Series amplifiers are now available in North America. Designed for residential cinema applications, these amplifiers feature built-in DSPs for custom loudspeaker tuning and system configuration, a custom integration (CI)-focused user interface, balanced XLR inputs, and binding post speaker terminals. The SMA-4750 and SMA-8300 are Class […]

Hunter Douglas has released new data from its Custom Integrator Program (CIP), providing insights into buying trends in the custom integration (CI) channel. The findings show that roller shades account for only 41% of integrators’ unit sales and 39% of their total revenue, indicating that integrators focusing solely on these solutions are missing out on […]

BenQ and Carl’s Place have announced a collaboration featuring the BenQ AK700ST projector and Carl’s Place Curved Golf Enclosure Kit. Bundled as part of the Carl’s EYE XO2 Curved Golf Package, this partnership delivers a premium golf simulation setup designed to provide unmatched realism, elegance, and immersion for indoor golf enthusiasts. The Carl’s EYE XO2 […]

Savant has announced its native integration with ClimateMaster’s heat pump systems, bringing the convenience and efficiency of Savant’s full climate control experience to the Savant App. Homeowners with a ClimateMaster heat pump system can now take advantage of Savant’s HVAC scheduler, allowing them to create customized climate control routines for each zone. These schedules can […]

Meyer Sound has introduced ASTRYA, a new flagship self-powered cinema screen channel loudspeaker series designed to deliver reference-quality sound with built-in DSP technology for precise audio reproduction. Leveraging research from Meyer Sound’s Bluehorn technology, ASTRYA offers predictable and extremely linear phase response, ensuring ultra-precise time alignment. Its high driver density and concentric mid-high driver design […]

There’s an old expression I’m sure you’ve all heard that goes, “It’s not what you say but how you say it.” No one likes receiving bad news, and sometimes there’s no alternative: You just have to give it to them straight. That said, there’s always room for nuance. I’m going to bring up a very […]

Salamander Designs has introduced the Manhattan Media Cabinet, the latest addition to its Chameleon Collection. Designed for HomeAV and ProAV integrators, the cabinet combines premium finishes with practical AV storage solutions, including equipment storage, wire management, ventilation, and customization options. The Manhattan Media Cabinet is available in two finishes: Walnut Maro Ebony It also offers […]

IMAX Corporation has unveiled an AI-driven live streaming technology designed to enhance the visual quality of live events, optimizing content in real time across broadcast and streaming platforms. The innovation is powered by IMAX VisionScience, the company’s proprietary AI-based visual enhancement platform. Unlike traditional quality monitoring, which compares a source file to its final output, […]

Nice North America has appointed Donnie McVicker as its new chief sales officer (CSO), the company announced. With more than 15 years of experience in sales leadership, McVicker brings a strategic approach to business growth, team leadership, and customer engagement that aligns with Nice’s commitment to expanding its market presence. McVicker previously held key sales […]

Lighthouse Design Studio, a firm specializing in high-end outdoor lighting design, is expanding its services to the CEDIA channel, aiming to partner with custom integrators on luxury lighting projects. The company says it will provide integrators with direct sales support, system design, product sourcing, and post-sale services, including installation supervision and management. Lighthouse frames its […]

WORK PRO has expanded its Integra series with three new models — Integra 16S, Integra 4SA, and Integra 8SA — all set for release in May. The Integra 16S is a DSP matrix that builds on the features of the existing Integra 8S but doubles the number of channels, offering 16 inputs and 16 outputs […]

Blackwire Designs has expanded its product lineup with the addition of Level Home smart lock solutions, including the Level Bolt Connect Pro Pack, the Level Lock+ Connect Pro Pack, and the Level Keypad. The Level Bolt Connect installs inside a door, allowing homeowners to keep their existing hardware while adding hidden smart lock functionality. It […]

iLOQ has introduced a new battery-free, keyless smart-locking solution, replacing mechanical keys with secure cellphone-based access. This system eliminates the risks associated with lost or stolen keys and lowers total cost of ownership by removing battery costs and maintenance required for other electromechanical solutions. iLOQ has designed its system for easy deployment, allowing quick installation in […]

One day, I was on the road, making targeted cold calls. When I walked into one of my stops, the guy working at the parts counter immediately recognized me as a sales rep. Before I could even introduce myself, he said something to the effect of, “We’re corporate, and our head office is in New […]

The Brooklyn Paramount Theater has been transformed into a concert venue, reviving its historic legacy as a cultural landmark. Once known for premiering Paramount Pictures films and hosting icons like Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, and Ella Fitzgerald, the theater later became a 1,200-seat multi-purpose arena and the home court for the Brooklyn Kings basketball team. […]

Alfred International has introduced the Interconnect Kit, a solution that enables any Alfred smart deadbolt to function as a code-compliant interconnect lock with single-motion egress. Designed for both retrofit and new installations, the kit allows property managers to enhance security while meeting fire and building code requirements. Traditionally, property managers have faced a trade-off between […]

Bond has announced that its Bond Bridge Pro now integrates with Mecho, a manufacturer of motorized window shades for commercial applications. The integration allows users to control individual Mecho shades, create groups and schedules and operate them using virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Hey Google. The Bond Bridge Pro provides smart control for […]

As the saying goes, “The devil is in the details.” At the same time, a popular aphorism states, “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” I take issue with that aphorism because there are more exceptions to it than examples. In reality you’ve got to make money to make money, then take a disciplined […]

Innosonix has introduced the Micro Maxx µMA04/POE, a 4-channel PoE++ amplifier delivering 120 watts per channel at 4Ω with the option to bridge two channels for 240W at 8Ω. Designed to streamline installations, it provides power, audio and data through a single Ethernet connection. Key features of the µMA04/POE: Built-in DSP with a 32-point EQ, […]

AVPro Edge has introduced the Fresco 8K video wall processor and the MX 4×4 8K matrix switch, both designed to manage 48 Gbps bandwidth. The AC-MX-44X is an HDMI matrix switch built for commercial and residential integrators, with applications in esports, unified communications and collaboration (UCC) and home theaters. It is now shipping. The Fresco […]

Apex Technologies introduced the Apex Power Hub, a network-connected power management solution designed to give integrators real-time insight and control over customers’ power infrastructures. The Apex Power Hub provides real-time power quality data to any web-enabled device and allows seamless control and automation of rack-mounted UPS devices from Innovolt, large-format UPS solutions from 360 Power […]

ISE 2025 delivered an unforgettable showcase of innovation. The show floor buzzed with cutting-edge technology, major product launches and plenty of unexpected surprises. As always, the rAVe [PUBS] team was on-site, visiting every booth to capture the latest innovations — more than 2,446 videos, along with photos, podcasts, and hundreds of product news stories. You […]