Inside Integration

HDMI 2.1 is back in the news, so naturally… we’ve got thoughts. In this episode, Chris and Jayson break down the latest headlines about HDMI 2.1—what’s new, what’s not, and what actually matters for CI dealers in the field. Spoiler: a lot of it sounds impressive until you’re 90 minutes deep into a support call. From cable claims to compatibility chaos, we’re talking about the signal chain pain tha...

It’s TV showdown time. In this episode, Chris and Jayson wade into the deep waters of dealer opinions, display drama, and brand loyalty that runs way too deep. From panel performance to price point preferences, we're digging into the tech, the talking points, and the petty arguments that come up way too often in group chats. Which one would you defend with your life (or at least your line card...

Welcome back to Inside Integration with your favorite integration insiders, Chris and Jayson!! 🤓🔥 Episode 75 is a reel-y special one (get it? 😉) because we’re casting our lines 🎣 into the deep waters of dealer feedback, industry vibes, and maybe even a few… complaints 😱💥 Whether you're a CI 🛠️ professional, an audio aficionado 🎧, or just an algorithm enthusiast who likes to post confidently...

What are you really selling in custom integration? In Episode 74, we explore why client experience is what truly matters. From the first walkthrough to the final handoff, it is about how the system feels to live with. Chris breaks down how to frame proposals around moments, not models, and how the most successful integrators focus on lifestyle over specs. Whether you are designing a theater or a l...

Chris and Jayson dive straight into the chaos of modern-day expertise—or lack thereof. In this episode, they unpack the rise of loud voices with light resumes, the problem with performative knowledge, and why too many folks in CI wait to care until the pain hits home. It’s a sharp, no-BS conversation about responsibility, credibility, and keeping the industry honest. Buckle up.

Chris and Jayson sit down to recap the chaos, camaraderie, and caffeine of another packed season of tech summits and road shows. From the Pacific Northwest to everywhere in between, the guys trade war stories, talk travel burnout, and reflect on the latest waves of industry news (with minimal hot takes). It’s a bit aimless, a bit insightful—and totally on brand. Buckle up. This one’s more road tri...

Chris and Jayson dig into the latest wave of drama in the AV world—lawsuits, acquisitions, and the slow fade of independent brands. What starts with Harman’s acquisition of the Massimo portfolio quickly turns into a bigger conversation about consolidation, product nostalgia, and what dealers are losing as the industry streamlines. They revisit the gear that shaped the early days of integration, fr...

Chris and Jayson are back together for Episode 70 of Inside Integration . After a solo show that drew some surprising feedback, the guys get back to what they do best—breaking down the real-world grind of the CI channel. They cover everything from firmware weirdness and support horror stories to the chaos of juggling a full line card. Add in some tangents about tattoos and tech hot takes, and you’...

This week, it’s just Chris riding solo while Jayson hauls gear across the Pacific Northwest. What started as a short check-in turned into a deep dive on two major CI debates: Ubiquiti vs. Arraknis for home networks, and the ever-persistent control system question—Control4, Savant, RTI, URC... who’s winning hearts and projects? Plus, Chris opens up a call for feedback: What tools and processes actu...

Chris and Jayson take on the debates that divide every integration shop: zip ties vs. Velcro, Milwaukee vs. Makita vs. DeWalt, and whether pass-through RJ45s are genius or garbage. The choices that start arguments—and never get settled.

Chris and Jayson trade stories about the early mistakes that shaped their work in AV — bad soldering, last-minute fixes, and the kind of on-site problem solving you only figure out by doing it wrong a few times. They talk about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how much of the job used to be learning as you go. If you’ve been around long enough to see a few of your own disasters, this one’s for you...

Chris and Jayson talk through the gap between what content can be and how it's usually delivered. They dig into the rise of cinematic gaming, the impact of quality storytelling, and how tools like Kaleidescape and MadVR fit—or don’t fit—into real-world systems. They also call out the compromises that happen when high-end systems rely on low-end gear, and why audio still doesn’t get the attenti...

In this episode, Chris and Jayson unpack a framework borrowed from futurist Zach Kass to describe three types of people you’ll find on any team: the Gloomer, the Zoomer, and the Bloomer. What started as a philosophical conversation turns into a real-world breakdown of how different mindsets play out inside a CI business. Expect some laughs, a few hard truths, and a surprising number of Saturn refe...

Chris, Jesse, and Jayson are back from a Samsung event where Gary Vee dropped some big ideas—and not all of them landed. In this episode, they break down what it actually means to find your niche in the custom integration space, why “home technology” isn’t a message, and how to build a brand that feels like you instead of a stock photo. They cover what good marketing looks like when you’re not fak...

Fresh off a high-octane Samsung dealer event in Austin, Jayson returns with stories of massive panels, AI-powered everything, and a sneak peek at what's coming down the pipe for integrators. He and Chris dig into Samsung's full-court press on the CI channel—from the new Frame Pro to AI appliances that are smarter than your average fridge. They also unpack a surprisingly mind-expanding keynote on t...

Chris and Jayson are back—well, two-thirds of the crew. Jesse’s off somewhere remote with a bowl of poi, so it’s just the two of them holding it down this week. No prep, no filters—just a real conversation about how 2025 is shaping up and what it means to be in the middle of big change. They get into the shift from Sony to Samsung, what it feels like when the familiar gets flipped, and how to stay...

Chris, Jayson, and Jesse take on FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) in the CI industry. From misinformation to dealer hesitation on new tech, we dig into what’s really happening and how to navigate it. We also introduce new Inside Integration swag, including the Buffet Badger stickers. If you know, you know. What’s Inside: The real impact of FUD on the industry The legend of the Buffet Badger and...

In this episode of Inside Integration, Chris is joined by special guest host Jesse to break down why perception is everything in the CI industry. From battling stereotypes to shifting the way manufacturers' reps are seen, they get real about the power of first impressions and authenticity. They discuss the challenges of overcoming assumptions, the role of authenticity in sales, and why the percept...

Something about this one just feels... off. Maybe it’s the state of the industry, maybe it’s the way the rep game is changing, or maybe it’s just too much poutine, but Chris, Jayson, and Jesse sit down in Dana Point to talk through it. They get into the weird tension between business and relationships, what happens when manufacturers make decisions that don’t sit right, and why the CI world isn’t...

What makes an integrator actually leave the office, job site, or beach house to attend an industry event? In this episode, Chris and Jayson dig into what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to dealer events, manufacturer trainings, and trade shows. Is it the venue? The education? The free drinks? The promise of exclusive product insights? They break down what truly gets people to show up, share...

If you had to pay full price for the systems you design, would you still spec the same gear? In this episode, Chris and Jayson take a hard look at how integrators approach system design—are they truly selling the right solutions, or just pushing what makes sense on paper? They break down the difference between selling what you believe in versus selling what makes money, the shift toward lifestyle-...

In this episode of Inside Integration , Chris and Jayson dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the shifting landscape of custom integration. Is traditional AV taking a backseat to lighting, shading, and other low-voltage solutions? They break down how integrators are seeing revenue skyrocket—not from AV, but from strategic moves into adjacent markets. They also explore industry trends, the c...

Chris and Jayson go deep on the state of media in the CI world. Are trade publications actual journalism, or just paid PR machines? We call out the reality of industry reporting, the unfiltered conversations happening in private channels, and whether true investigative journalism even exists in this space. What’s inside: Why CI media outlets operate the way they do The fine line between reporting...

Join Chris and Jayson as they recount their experience at Lightapalooza, the lighting industry’s must-attend event. This week’s episode covers the cutting-edge products, memorable demos, and the trends shaping the future of custom integration. Whether you missed the event or just want to relive the excitement, we’ve got you covered. What’s inside: The highlights from Lightapalooza Vendor spotlight...

This week, the Inside Integration crew—Chris, Jayson, and Jesse—hits the floor at Lightapalooza 2025 in Dallas, Texas! In this special episode, the team breaks down their favorite sessions, including a crash course on DMX lighting controls, shares trade show tales (and pet peeves), and reviews the must-have brisket from Ferris Wheelers BBQ. Plus, learn why Buc-ee’s is the crown jewel of Texas road...