In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by Jason Knott, Data Evangelist for D-Tools, for a practical conversation about what’s new (and what’s coming next) with the D-Tools ecosystem—and how integrators can use these updates to reduce manual work, tighten workflows, and protect margins.

We dig into:

• D-Tools AI and how it can help generate scopes of work, restructure quotes, use natural-language search, and even apply margin logic in seconds

• Interconnect Diagrams that make wiring intent clearer—mapped visually and tied directly to the BOM and product catalog 

• D-Tools native mobile app and how it helps keep teams aligned on tasks, schedules, notes, and updates—especially when they're not behind a desk

• Company growth & expansion and why D-Tools remains the go-to operational backbone for integrators—used by 8,000+ companies in 90+ countries

To learn more, tune in to this episode of AV Trade Talk: AI, Automation, and the Integrator’s Bottom Line — with Jason Knott of D-Tools.

Want to learn more about D-Tools? Visit www.d-tools.com

(AV Trade Talk is all about the stories and insights behind the brands and people in the audiovisual—AV— industry)

Tune-in to this episode of AV Trade Talk: Introducing HYPERSUB and learn about the origin of the brand, the performance specifications the lineup is built to achieve, and where to go to get more info.

Want to check HYPERSUB out now? Visit www.hypersubwoofers.com

In this new episode of the Mastering Connectivity podcast series, presented by Kordz in collaboration with AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by tech industry leaders James Chen (Managing Director, Kordz), Rich Green (AV futurist and integrator), and Kris Hogg (former integrator, now with Samsung) for an eye-opening discussion about the future of AV connectivity, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the evolving role of the integrator.

🔗 Listen to “The Future of AV Connectivity: Expert Insights into What’s Next” and gain a clearer understanding of how exponential technologies—from autonomous homes to AI-powered environments—are transforming the built environment and elevating expectations for network infrastructure and human-centered design.

• The rise of edge AI, immersive interfaces, and sensor-based environments

• The technology integrators’ rapidly-evolving responsibility as digital stewards of smart homes and hybrid spaces

• The ethical implications of robotics, ambient computing, and predictive automation

• How to future-enable projects with robust cabling and connectivity strategies

• Why emotional intelligence, human connection, and user experience must lead technology design

“The integrator sits at the center of this transformation,” says Chen. “With the right mindset, they can ensure the future of technology enhances life—not overwhelms it.”

Whether you're designing next-generation smart homes or rethinking AV for immersive environments, this episode offers deep, practical insight into the skills, systems and human values that will define the next decade of connected living.

🎙️ Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve and explore more connectivity insights, episodes, and engineering resources at kordz.com/articles.

Thanks for listening, downloading, and supporting the AV Trade Talk podcast!

You’ll hear about:

• How SDI evolved from hanging TVs to delivering 20,000‑sq‑ft smart estates with lighting control, theaters, outdoor lifts, motorized shades, voice control and more.
  
  
• The origin story of VELLA HAUS: turning a last‑minute “no” into a thriving staging business that completed 77 homes last year—and the systems she uses to scale.
  
  
• Staging with real tech to create emotion and demand: framed displays, full theater seating with screens and speakers, landscape audio, and why these experiences become powerful AV lead generators.
  
  
• Education as a differentiator: helping builders plan for shade pockets, lighting, and infrastructure—so design and technology align from day one.
  
  
• The big announcement: VELLA HAUS has launched and is now accepting franchise applicants for a national luxury home staging franchise with protected territories—starting in Massachusetts—and a highly selective (≈1%) award process. Who they’re looking for and how to raise your hand.
  
  
• A peek inside SDI Boston’s experience center: a Listening Room for cinema demos, an Experience Room showcasing Lutron, Ketra, Leon, Coastal Source, outdoor living, and more—curated to inspire designers, architects, builders, and homeowners alike.
  
  
• Highlights from Katye’s CEDIA Expo Smart Stage panel on design‑tech collaboration featuring Toni Sabatino (Toni Sabatino Style), Caitlin Stewart (Leon Speakers), Frank DeFilippis (Sonos), and Alexa Centeno (VELLA HAUS), and what those conversations signal for integrator–designer partnerships.

Whether you’re a designer, integrator, builder, or realtor, this conversation offers practical ideas for teaming up, differentiating your projects, and creating unforgettable client experiences before, during, and long after the sale.

#avtradetalkpod

In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett sits down once again with Jason McGraw of Emerald to dive deep into everything you need to know about CEDIA Expo and its host city, Denver, Colorado.

Jason shares insider insights on what makes this event such a cornerstone for the custom integration community, including:

• The latest technologies and innovations in audio, video, lighting, control, energy management, and more.

• The growing overlap of residential and commercial integration through the co-located Commercial Integrator Expo.

• Must-attend sessions, keynotes, and networking events that make the show both a business builder and a community gathering.

• Why bringing younger and newer team members, design-build partners, and even students can help alter the future of the industry in a positive way.

• And of course, tips for making the most of your time in Denver—from iconic venues and local dining to after-hours parties, live music at Red Rocks Amphitheater, MLB Baseball at the ballpark, and all sorts of fun outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee, a first-time visitor, or just curious about how the AV industry connects and collaborates, this conversation offers valuable takeaways about maximizing trade show experiences and building stronger ties within the integration community.

Tune in for a lively, informative discussion that captures the excitement, energy, and opportunities that CEDIA Expo—and Denver—bring to the table, year after year.

#cediaexpo #avtradetalkpod #hometechnology

The future of audiovisual connectivity is here — and it’s doubling down. In Episode 5 of the Mastering Connectivity Series, produced in collaboration with Kordz, AV Trade Talk host Katye McGregor Bennett sits down with Kordz Managing Director James Chen and Operations Director Benjamin Yeh for an exclusive deep dive into the newly released HDMI 2.2 specification.

With a staggering data rate leap from 48Gbps to 96Gbps, HDMI 2.2 represents a seismic shift in AV performance and infrastructure requirements. But what does this mean for integrators, manufacturers, and tech-savvy end users? Our guests unpack the opportunities, the engineering challenges, and the road to certification that lies ahead.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Why HDMI 2.2 is more than just a spec update — it's a generational leap toward 8K, 16K, and ultra-high frame rate applications.
2. The critical role of new cabling and testing standards, and why Kordz takes a deliberate, engineering-first approach to product development.
3. What integrators should really be doing today to prepare — including how to design for upgradeability and avoid the hype trap of premature marketing claims.
4. Which industries will benefit first, from immersive gaming and VR to surgical suites and high-end simulation environments.
5. How to spot quality HDMI cable.

James Chen and Benjamin Yeh emphasize a powerful takeaway: HDMI 2.2 is a spec for tomorrow’s experiences, not today’s quick sales. Certification timelines, strict performance requirements, and precise manufacturing mean that planning and patience will win the day.

Whether you're an AV integrator, system designer, or technology enthusiast, this episode offers essential insights into the future of high-performance AV connectivity.

🎧 Listen now to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your projects are ready for the next frontier of ultra-high bandwidth, high-resolution video distribution.

Learn more at Kordz.com/articles and follow AV Trade Talk for more deep-dive episodes.

Joining host Katye McGregor Bennett this time are expert guests Nathan Holmes of WhyReboot, Eddie Shapiro of SmartTouch USA, and Benjamin Yeh from Kordz, a leader in high-performance cabling solutions, who break down everything you need to know about outdoor-rated and direct burial cables. We’ll dive into the environmental challenges installers face, common mistakes to avoid, and how innovations like the Kordz SlimCat range are changing the game for tech pros working in harsh conditions.

You’ll hear about:

• Why the outdoor networking market is booming

• The critical differences between outdoor and direct burial cables

• Real-world challenges from the field—and how to solve them

• Installation best practices to ensure long-term performance

• What makes a cable truly professional-grade

Whether you're an integrator expanding into outdoor spaces or a design-build pro looking to future-proof your projects, this episode will equip you with insights and practical advice to deliver reliable connectivity—rain or shine.

 Tune in, download, subscribe now, and visit Kordz.com to explore professional cable infrastructure solutions built for the elements.

Want to connect with Kyle to learn more about his offering?

In this fourth installment of the Mastering Connectivity Series, Sponsored by Kordz, Peter Aylett of Officina Acustica, David Meyerowitz of Trinnov, Lars Johansen of Perlisten Audio, and James Chen of Kordz discuss the extensive work required to design, build, calibrate, commission, and prepare The Ultimate Audio Demo for a major international event. It’s a fun and lively discussion about what it takes to get a demo of this scale ready to debut as well as the logistics of packing it all up and shipping the FULL kit to Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona, Spain, and back home again after the show.  

To learn more about the demo, visit: https://hub.trinnov.com/ise2025

To learn more about Kordz at ISE 2025 visit https://www.kordz.com/trade-show-and-event/integrated-system-europe-ise-barcelona/.

To learn more about the brands participating in this episode, visit the websites below:

Officina Acustica: https://officinaacustica.com/

Trinnov: https://www.trinnov.com/

Perlisten Audio: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/

Kordz: www.kordz.com

Thanks for tuning in! 

In this Third installment of the Mastering Connectivity Series, Sponsored by Kordz, Michael and Dr. Hailey Daly of Wired By MJD in Australia discuss what it took to design, build-out, install and commission both an award winning showroom and a dedicated home theater in a small space along a busy high street. They share some of the challenges faced and solutions they and the team came up with to bring their dreams to life.    

Download, tune in, and enjoy! More episodes will follow, taking a deeper look at the cable infrastructure industry and diving into the details that matter.

To learn more about Kordz visit www.kordz.com and to read about the story discussed in this episode, visit https://www.kordz.com/case-studies/case-study-kordz-powers-wired-by-mjds-award-winning-showroom-experience/. To learn about Wired By MJD, go to https://wiredbymjd.com.au/.

Why is this important? Smart Home Professionals, or Technology Integrators, are currently misclassified as a subset of the electrical trade within the SOC system. In the next revision to the SOC system, our community feels it is vital Technology Integrators are recognized with a separate SOC occupational code. A Technology Integrator’s skill set and training is more diverse than other trades, with specialized skills required to work with technology throughout the home. A vital step for the important work done by Technology Integrators is to establish a separate SOC occupational code in the SOC system revision, which is open for possible revision in 2028.

Tune in to learn more and if you are compelled, our industry would appreciate your support! The link below will open a pre-written/suggested letter that you can submit simply by clicking the button at the bottom. The work this industry does is important and this SOC will make a big difference for those in the field now as well as those coming into it. Thank you for supporting Technology Integrators and the AV Trade Talk pod! 

https://cedia.org/make-my-job-official/#support

In this second installment of the Mastering Connectivity Series, Sponsored by Kordz, integration and networking experts dive into how reliable and robust cabling is at the heart of any good Wi-Fi experience.      

Download, tune in, and enjoy! More episodes will follow, taking a deeper look at the cable infrastructure industry and diving into the details that matter.

To learn more about Kordz visit www.kordz.com.

 

CEDIA community members and #avtweeps are invited to fill out this form with their suggested availability, if interested in participating: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKGtdgrJnzG5cIaA3tbVbg07i3STiE4ovBMGuKRH8ldGJSkA/viewform. 

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of AV Trade Talk with Katye McGregor Bennett!

To learn more about Kordz visit www.kordz.com.

Please note: AV Yoga @ CEDIA Expo takes place Saturday, Sept. 9th @ 7:30 in the Colorado Convention Center but is only open to registered, badge-holding attendees of CEDIA Expo. If you meet this criteria, please join us by registering via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/av-yoga-cedia-expo-tickets-695029571157

Thanks for tuning in to AV Trade Talk!

Story brief: As a sales rep for SmartTech, the world’s largest home automation company, Cameron Caldwell’s job is to keep customers happy… and buying. That means the current bane of her existence is a rival company’s home AI device, the HomeTech Hub. Her customers want to use the HTH’s voice commands to control the electronics she’s selling them—and if she wants to keep selling to them, she needs to make sure that happens. Why can’t they just ask it the weather and be happy with that? While attempting to get tech support for one of her clients, Cameron finds something strange in a HomeTech Hub and is immediately curious. Is there something about the product no one’s supposed to know? But when people start dying, she knows something far more complex is going on, and she’s determined to find out what the technology the whole world has let into their homes actually does. As Cameron digs deeper into something she never thought would be possible, she starts to wonder what she’s gotten herself into… and whether she’ll be able to get out.

Friends gather to share stories of their favorite thanksgiving feasts, recipes, traditions, memories, and kitchen mishaps, as well as their time-tested tips for a great holiday. From prep times and ingredients, turkey and ham, to sides, desserts, and beverages, we cover it all in this episode, another in the AVFoodies Detour Series. Guests include Gina Sansivero, Chuck Espinoza, Jayson Savage, Christa Bender, Robert Keeler, Alison Maxson, and Dave Pedigo, with Katye McGregor Bennett and Vijita U.G. co-hosting.

🍺 Join us for another installment of our AV Foodies Diversion Series, where we discuss some of our favorite craft beer and the breweries behind them, the virtues of logging your brew experiences on Untapped and nitro, and, of course, we weave in a little coffee talk, too. Breweries mentioned include Modern Times, Dos Desperados, Dogfish Head, and more. Guest include Christa Bender, Shawn Tobin, Jonathan Brawn, Mike Gatopoulus, and Erica Williams. Vijita U.G. joins again as co-host.

When a custom home builder in Dallas, TX needed a high-performance home theater installed into a luxury show home in less than a month, he contacted Thoughtful Integrations, a tech integration firm well-versed in the process. Whereas home theaters with all the bells and whistles typically take several months to design, engineer, install, and calibrate, this one was done in a matter of weeks and with award-winning results. Tune-in to learn how they created a room that accommodates all ages and interests, including sports, movies, gaming, music, or any other entertainment choice. Brands mentioned include Rayva, Anthem, Triad, Sony, Kaleidescape, Control4, Screen Innovations, Jaymar, D-Box, Dolby, ISF, CEDIA, HTA, and builder J.Anthony Homes.

Feel good fodder: As families across the nation struggle with economic hardship, the holidays can be particularly difficult. To help make the holidays a little brighter, Access Networks is spearheading a fundraiser being facilitated by The Boys & Girls Club to provide children across the country with a pair of brand-new Nike shoes. There's a fundraising goal of 1,000 pairs of shoes between now and the end of December. That's a small sum to bring a big smile to someone in need, so, let's DO this, everyone! Bryce Nordstrand, CSO, shares details in this quick 'cast. Please, download, listen, and share. Thanks for your support!

#AVtweeps #AVGivesBack @AccessNetworks @katyemcgregor @Nike @BGCA_Clubs #HolidayCheer

For many, game meat is a healthy alternative to commercial or farmed varieties. In this AV Foodies Detour Series episode guests share some of their favorite types, cuts, how to make a great meal with game meat and what not to do. Hint: don't eat "gamey" smelling or tasing meat, do try sous vide, less is more when seasoning, and so much more. Tune-in, #AVfoodies, you'll learn something new, for sure!

Ah, the humble home garden. What was once a weekend hobby has become a COVID escape and success story, of sorts. Diverse and abundant harvests lead to creative home-cooked meals and something to share with neighbors, family, and friends. Perfectly-timed with the start of Autumn, we talk about different gardening styles, which veggies and fruits were most successful this year. We ALSO learn not only the British term for Zucchini but also what a Veggetti is, that an all-in-one toaster-oven-broiler-air fryer-and a dehydrator can all harmoniously exist in one unit, and that while Gina doesn't like single-purpose kitchen tools others find them very useful. Loads of laughs in this one and some solid tips and recipes, too. Tune-in, #AVfoodies, you'll learn (and laugh) a lot! #AVfoodies #AVtweeps

Hosts Katye McGregor Bennett, Vijita U.G.

Guests: 
Gina Sansivero, Noel Kennedy, Christa Bender

Making craft cocktails at home is an art, one with exceptional rewards. International award-winning bartender Jeff Savage of Botanist in Vancouver, Canada shares his take on the Cordial as well as some great tips and tricks only the pros know (like, how to make directional ice and why you'd want to in in the first place). Brother Jayson Savage, who those of you in the CEDIA channel may know from Sony, discusses the finer points of the NutraBullet's ability to crush a Pina Colada, while Barrie McCorkle (of D-Tools) takes us on a tour of his multi-page martini list then shows us how to make one of his faves, the Barrie Refresher. Shawn Tobin (of EmeraldX) brings it home with his go-to summer rum drink, made in group-worthy volumes, perfect for a party (socially distanced, of course). Heard of the Famous Tommy's Margarita? We talk about that, too. Tune-in, #AVfoodies, you're gonna love this one! #AVintheAM #AVtweeps

Creating effective WFH and e-learning environments quickly and with minimal onsite time is an art and one The Source Home Theater Installation and Design proudly offers to clients through the NY tri-state area. CEO Todd Anthony Puma shares how The Source integrates Crestron Mercury, Logitech, and other brands to make it happen. Download and tune-in, #AVtweeps, you'll hear some great tips!

You know that burger, the one that you dream of and hope to make at home some day? We talk about that with guests Shawn Tobin, Patty Wanzer, and Philip Leimbach, who share their recipes and tips & tricks. Tune-in, #AVtweeps and #AVfoodies!

#AVfoodies #AVbites @Views_by_V @swtobin @synigizesales @paleimbach @vinbrunonyc1 #AVtweeps #KMBpodcasts

Eh, yo, love homemade pizza? Ah, then, tune-in to this one, for sure. We talk about the Forno Bravo and Ooni pizza ovens and guests Mark Decker, Mark Fielder, Rob Keeler, and co-host Vijita U.G. share their favorite recipes, types, tips & techniques, and there's some talk about hydration, 00 vs. AP flour, pizza stones and steels, and the role corn meal plays. Yes, we even discuss the great pineapple debate. Grab a pen and paper for this one, whether a novice pizzaiolo/pizzaioli (pizza maker) or just one who loves a good pizza pie, you'll want to take notes. #AVfoodies unite!

#AVtweeps @views_by_v @katyemcgregor @TheMarkDecker1 #AVfoodies #AVbites #KMBpodcasts -- With mentions of @FornoBravo @OoniHQ

#AVtweeps @views_by_v @katyemcgregor @mark_okern @ nancyblanchard @buzcg @MeatChurch #AVfoodies #AVbites

We gathered some #AVfoodies for this 1st episode of #AVbites to talk about their favorite grilled food and grilling techniques, recipes, and tips & tricks. Hear Jimmy's Big Green Egg review, Rob's perfect burger, Dave's Sous Vide addiction, and Kaleo's newfound skills, Vijita's favorite restaurant burger, and Katye's thoughts on it all. Tasty insights are shared here, so grab a beverage and something to write with, you won't want to miss this one!

Guests: Vijita UG is co-host, Jimmy Paschke, Dave Pedigo, Dan O'Donnell, and Robert Keeler

#AVfoodies #AVbites @JimmyPaschke @1RobertKeeler @DHODonnell @davepedigo @Views_by_V @kaleoiini #AVtweeps