Inside Integration

Welcome to Episode 52 of the Inside Integration Podcast! Chris and Jayson are back to celebrate a milestone: one full year of podcasting! But that’s not all – big changes are on the horizon. This episode marks the end of a journey as Inside Integration moves to its own dedicated feed and YouTube channel. Follow the new podcast feed and subscribe to the new YouTube channel at @InsideIntegration .

Welcome to the future! Chris and Jayson kick off 2025 with the first Inside Integration episode of the year. This week, they dive into their plans for CES, an exciting Lightapalooza tour, and the tech innovations shaping the CI industry. From quirky gadgets at CES to major updates from Sony and TruVision, this episode is packed with insights for integrators and tech enthusiasts alike. Plus, hear a...

Welcome to Episode 50! Jayson and Chris mark this milestone by looking ahead to 2025, unpacking the trends and challenges likely to shape the custom integration industry. They’ll cover topics like: Emerging technologies changing the smart home space. Evolving market demands for residential and commercial AV. Practical advice for integrators to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re strategizing f...

Chris and Jayson are back with a holiday episode that’s part reflection, part ramble, and entirely unscripted. We dig into the usual Christmas chaos—family traditions, wrapping disasters, and a whole lot of sarcasm. Somewhere in there, we also manage to talk about the future of the podcast, plans for technician-focused workshops, and what 2025 might look like for the integration industry. If you’r...

In this special Festivus-inspired episode of Inside Integration, Chris and Jayson let loose with an honest “airing of grievances” for the custom integration industry. From frustrating customer service experiences to the relentless race to the bottom, they call out the challenges dealers and manufacturers face daily. But it’s not all complaints—Chris and Jayson offer insights into how the industry...

s the year winds down, Jayson and Chris dive into the holiday chaos of the integration industry, reflecting on deadlines, big changes, and the whirlwind of the season. This episode is filled with humor, candid insights, and a look at what’s to come in 2025. From industry shakeups to heartfelt gratitude for a year of podcasting, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Join us as we zombie-...

In this special episode of Inside Integration, Jayson and Chris take time to honor the life of their friend and colleague, John Bolin, who recently passed away. John was a cornerstone of the custom integration industry, a Sony brand ambassador, and a true historian of broadcast and audio-visual technology. This episode is a mix of memories, gratitude, and reflection on his extraordinary career. It...

In Episode 45 of the Inside Integration Podcast, Chris and Jayson serve up a Thanksgiving special that’s equal parts humor, nostalgia, and genuine gratitude. Between tangents about mashed potatoes (arguably the MVP of the holiday) and heartfelt thanks to the people who keep this industry moving, this episode has something for everyone—except maybe cranberry sauce fans. From industry partnerships t...

Chris and Jayson dive into the world of trade shows in this episode of Inside Integration. From CEDIA Expo to CES and beyond, they discuss whether these events are worth the investment for attendees, exhibitors, and integrators. Hear personal stories, learn about the ROI of industry events, and discover strategies to make your time at trade shows worthwhile. Plus, a deep dive into the value of reg...

In this episode of Inside Integration, Chris and Jayson dive into the impacts of last week's election on the custom integration (CI) industry. With new tariffs, changing labor policies, and potential shifts in the housing market, what can integrators do to prepare for an uncertain future? Drawing from the lessons of the 2008 recession and the recent pandemic, Chris and Jason share strategies to he...

In this episode of Inside Integration, we’re rolling down the road with Lucetta CI’s Keith Ziebert and Amy Dorado as they wrap up an epic Topgolf training tour across the U.S. Keith and Amy share stories from the road, insight into the hands-on linear lighting trainings they’ve led, and a few pro tips on how to manage a relentless travel schedule (hint: avoid the fajitas if you’ve had them 24 time...

In today’s episode of Inside Integration, we’re going solo for a deep dive into a project that’s stayed with me for over two decades. Recorded from the road, I recount one of the most ambitious (and headache-inducing) projects of my early career—a Midtown Manhattan penthouse outfitted with technology most of us had never seen before. From challenges with a 103-inch plasma on a lift to navigating a...

In this episode of Inside Integration, Chris and Jayson break down the growing trend of industry consolidation and why it’s crucial for rep firms and integrators to understand the shifting landscape. With Phoenix Marketing’s recent move to become a national rep firm, they discuss the impact on regional reps, product distribution, and what this consolidation means for the future of custom integrati...

In this episode of Inside Integration, Chris and Jayson take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they discuss the top 5 benchmark products that defined the CI/AV industry over the last two decades. From the iconic Denon AVR-3805 receiver to the groundbreaking Pioneer Elite Kuro Plasma TV, these products set the standard and continue to influence the industry today. They also throw in an honorable...

In Episode 38 of Inside Integration, Chris and Jayson break down the powerful role of AI in the custom integrator world. From enhancing smart home solutions like Josh. AI, to enabling integrators to speed up proposals and streamline marketing efforts, AI is making a significant impact. We discuss how AI can simplify operations, improve customer experiences, and what’s on the horizon for integrator...

In this episode, Chris and Jayson break down the changing role of showrooms in the custom integration industry. They discuss how integrators are creating multi-functional spaces that go beyond home theaters to showcase smart lighting, shading, and audio solutions. Jayson also shares highlights from his recent showroom visits in the Pacific Northwest, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at so...

In this solo episode, I take a deep dive into the top challenges custom integrators will face in 2024. From supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled labor to evolving customer expectations and keeping up with the latest technology, we cover it all. Drawing on over 20 years of experience as a custom integrator—both in the field and now as a rep—I’ll offer practical tips to help you naviga...

In this special road-trip edition of Inside Integration, co-host Jayson and Russell Warnhoff from Sony are recording on the go as they travel together to the Bravia 9 Projector demo at Definitive in Bellevue. They discuss all things Sony Bravia projectors and the latest innovations unveiled at CEDIA 2024. The team dives into the new Bravia 8 and Bravia 9 projectors, HDMI 2.1 advancements, gaming f...

Join Chris, Jayson, Jesse, and Robert as they recap the highlights from the 2024 CEDIA Expo in Denver. In this episode, the team reflects on the best demos, new product reveals, and the overall positive energy at this year’s event. Expect lots of insights, industry trends, and even a few funny stories from their time at the show!

In this unique episode, recorded during our commute to CEDIA Expo 2024, Chris, Jayson, Gerald, and Jesse bring you a lighthearted and informative discussion on their expectations for this year’s big event. Hear about the demos they’re most excited for, what they’re hoping to see from new products, and how they navigate the quirks of travel—all while on a moving train! Expect lots of laughs, some u...

Join Chris and Jayson on a unique road trip episode of the Inside Integration Podcast, where they take you along for a day of dealer visits in Eastern Washington. As they drive through the scenic landscapes, they discuss exciting new product additions, including MadVR, and how these innovations can elevate your high-end home theater installations. Get insights into the importance of quality demos,...

Join Chris and Jayson on this episode of Inside Integration as they explore Bluesound’s latest additions to their Node lineup, including the Nano, Node, and Icon. These compact yet powerful devices are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, making them ideal for both high-end home theaters and versatile multi-room audio setups. They’ll break down what makes these new products stand out, su...

In this episode, Chris and Jayson discuss CEDIA’s groundbreaking effort to establish a new occupational classification for technology integrators within the Department of Labor. This move aims to differentiate technology integrators from other trades like electricians, giving the industry the recognition it deserves. They dive into the implications for professionals in the field and why this initi...

In Episode 29 of the Inside Integration Podcast, Chris and Jayson chat about the latest in the custom integration world. We’re getting ready for the CEDIA Expo and discussing what we’re most excited about. We’re also celebrating Sony’s big wins at the King of TV shootout with their A95L OLED and Bravia 9 Mini LED. There’s been a major shakeup in the video display market that’s worth talking about...

Chris and Jayson prepare for CEDIA, covering the latest from MadVR and BlueSound, and address the recent Sonos app issues. Broadcasting from Jayson’s garage, they also share their sarcastic take on high socks and movie theater experiences. Tune in for industry insights, cynical banter, and what to expect from top brands like Sony, Sonance, and Screen Innovations at CEDIA.