AV+ from Commercial Integrator

Rushi Kumar, vice president of engineering at DMF Lighting , sat down in the VW Buzz podcast van to discuss how engineering, design and technology are converging to redefine modern lighting. Here, he traces his journey from Lutron to Crestron to DMF, sharing insights into how LED innovation, digital lighting and tunable technologies are enabling new levels of design precision and user experience....

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Daryl Friedman sits down with Zachary Comeau of CEPro to discuss top trends from the show - from AI innovation to new mid-market and aging in place solutions. Daryl also discusses CEDIA's efforts in workforce development and speaks to the importance of collaboration between integrators, designers and architects.

Josh Cooperman, host and publisher of Convo by Design , sits down with Jim Garrett, senior director of product strategy and planning for Harman Luxury Audio, inside the Volkswagen 'Podcast Van' at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025.  They dive into the evolving audio industry, the balance between performance and aesthetics, and how technology is reshaping indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces.  From...

In Episode 15 of Inside Buzz, Josh Cooperman of Convo by Design sits down with Adam Eberhardt of Resolute Design Group to explore the rapidly evolving world of lighting control and smart home design. With more than three decades in the integration industry, Eberhardt breaks down why lighting fixtures, shading, and color‑tuned environments are now essential elements of luxury residential projects a...

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 , Gina Colucci of Market Share sits down with Josh Cooperman of Convo by Design. She breaks down the biggest trends coming out of the show and explains how intelligent lighting platforms and design‑driven controls are reshaping the smart home landscape, shifting the focus from technical specs to experiential, client‑first solution...

Get an exclusive preview of CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 returning to Denver this September. In this podcast, Jason McGraw, group vice president and show director, shares what attendees can expect from this year's show. Integrators can explore the latest innovations in AI, energy management, security and much solutions shaping the future of the industry. The 2026 event will feature an impressive lineu...

Dan Augsburger breaks down how LEA Professional’ s IoT-enabled smart amplifiers are designed with intuitive IT platforms, built‑in DSP and flexible smart power features that help integrators optimize system performance with ease. He explains why LEA’s cloud‑based monitoring and management tools are often the “light‑bulb moment” for integrators — enabling real‑time system health alerts, remote adju...

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 , Josh Cooperman of Convo By Design sits down with Eric Nakkila of Selective Design to explore the evolution of custom integration. They discuss the growing influence of European design, the rapid innovation in architectural lighting, invisible speaker technology, vinyl’s resurgence and why stronger collaboration between integrato...

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Josh Cooperman sits down with Ruslan Polinovsky of DMF Lighting to explore how manufacturers, integrators, and designers can better connect around lighting innovation. Ruslan shares insights on engaging the design community through clearer education, real-world showroom experiences, and collaboration that starts earlier in the pr...

Recorded at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 , this episode of Inside Buzz features Hagan Kappler of Daisy appears on Inside Buzz to discuss leadership, workforce development and the future of integration. Hagen explains why investing in technicians, apprenticeship programs, and women in the industry is both a social imperative and smart business. The episode offers a candid look at how integrators can grow st...

In this episode of Inside Buzz recorded live at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Joe Piccirilli , CEO and founder of Rosewater Energy , shares his 50+ year journey through the AV and custom integration industry — and the critical insight that led him to redefine residential energy resilience.  From his early days building Sound Advice and distributing Crestron and Lutron, Piccirilli explains how recurring sys...

Recorded live from the Volkswagen ID. Buzz podcast van at the Colorado Convention Center, this episode features Caitlin Stewart, Director of Sales at Leon Speakers , discussing how the Ann Arbor–based company is redefining the relationship between design and technology in the custom integration market. As Leon approaches its 30th anniversary, Stewart highlights the brand’s design-first philosophy,...

Recorded at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Andrei Matei, co-founder of Robbox Tools, joins Josh Cooperman on Inside Buzz to talk about reinventing the modern toolbox through smart features and a long-term vision for a more efficient tool ecosystem for integrators. Plus, how hands-on demos and real-world use cases change how integrators feel about adopting new tools. Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get noti...

Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor of Commercial and Security at Emerald, sits down with Shawn Hansson, Founder and CEO of Logic Integration, at CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) 2025 in Denver. In this engaging Q&A, Hansson shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings at CEDIA Expo to leading a team of 37 at this year’s event. Discover why CEDIA Expo/CIX is a must-attend event for int...

Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor at Emerald, sits down with Michael Restrepo, owner of Restrepo Innovations, at CEDIA Expo / CIX 2025. In this engaging conversation, Restrepo shares his journey as a self-made entrepreneur, the unique approach of Restrepo Innovations, and the transformative power of technology in bringing families together. They also discuss the vibrant community, cutting-edge innovations...

In this exclusive interview conducted during CEDIA Expo/CIX last month in Denver, Buzz Delano , principal consultant at Delano Associates , reflects on the progress he's seen over 30 years in the business. That includes how we've seen design, custom builders, kitchen and bath technology, furniture and decor come to complement audio, video, home theater, networking, windows and shading at...

In this exclusive interview with Commercial Integrator , Simon LeDuc, product and technology manager, Clockaudio North America, discusses a range of topics with Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald.  The duo begins by chatting about the steps Clockaudio is taking to support the newer generation of field technicians as skill sets evolve and change. Then, LeDuc shares tips for...

In this exclusive interview with Commercial Integrator , Brian Soto of Optoma talks about the house of worship market, focusing in particular on projection's enduring utility in these environments.  During the conversation with Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, Soto talks about Optoma's wide range of feature-rich products, which suit everything from more intima...

CTI acquiring Vistacom — news that broke Feb. 13 — is arguably the biggest pro AV merger and acquisition news in months. That's why Commercial Integrator brought together John Laughlin , CEO and president of CTI , as well as Angela Nolan , formerly the CEO of Vistacom , to give AV+ the inside scoop. Here, they touch on how the deal came together and, more importantly, why each company chose t...

On this special edition of the AV+ podcast, host Dan Ferrisi , group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, talks with Todd Bouman, EVP, proAV display business, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. Together, they discuss the latest on the company's Sharp/NEC joint venture and how the company has gained brand clarity under the Sharp name. In addition, the duo discusses Sharp&ap...

On this episode of the AV+ podcast, host Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor, Commercial and Security at Emerald, talks with Frederick Loucks , consultant to manufacturers, integrators and end-user organization, about the need for integrators to have a value-based, proactive approach rather than a conventional reactive approach. He emphasizes the significance of technology integration and the concept of out...

On this episode of the AV+ podcast, host Dan Ferrisi, editor-in-chief of Commercial Integrator, talks with Shane Vega, VP of marketing at Userful , about the trends shaping control rooms and operations centers. The duo discusses the following:  the importance of operator fatigue and attention to detail (4:24) digital transformation in control room environments (6:31)  the role of human machine int...

On this episode of AV+ host, Dan Ferrisi, editor-in-chief of Commercial Integrator , talks with two industry luminaries, Jennifer Goodyer, sales manager at RTSales and Erica Carroll, sales manager, product training and adoption at Mersive Technologies, about about the Rosie Riveter foundation. They discuss the following: What is Rosie the Riveter campaign and how to get involved? (13:10)  Fundrais...

As we celebrate International Women's Day (#IWD2023), AV+ is honored to be joined by four inspiring women in the commercial AV industry. From VPs, managers, thought-leaders, to engineers and advocates, these women are changing the landscape in the audiovisual industry and making their mark on the world. Hear stories from these industry luminaries: Tammy Fuqua , developer partner manager for Q...

In this edition of AV+, the podcast for the commercial AV integration industry, thought leaders from Sharp/NEC help to disambiguate classes and categories of displays, while also delving deeply into an exciting new offering: the 4P-B AQUOS commercial TV series. Dan Ferrisi, editor-in-chief of Commercial Integrator and host of AV+, is joined by Sharp/NEC's Gary Bailer, director of product mana...