The Integration Conversation

Hosted by CEDIA, The Association for Smart Home Pros

Technology NewsInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

422

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

It takes some smart people to create a smart home. Luckily, CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals™, just happens to know about 30,000 of them. The Integration Conversation lets you tap into the minds of the people responsible for defining excellence in the industry as they create beautiful, technology-rich experiences in homes around the globe. Hosted by the community, for the community, each episode explores a new topic, from on-the-job insights and business growth strategies to emerging technology trends and collaboration with allied trades.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 5, 2026Episode 523 min

Inside the CEDIA Expo Education Conference with Jeff Mery and Shawn Hansson

CEDIA Expo 2026 is almost here, and this episode has the inside scoop on the education conference attendees can take advantage of. Mitch Klein talks with audio calibrator Jeff Mery (Bison HTA) and Shawn Hansson (Logic Integration) about the hands-on RP32 workshop, a follow-up to RP22 focused on verifying real-world system performance, plus Shawn's sessions on scaling a business and breaking into commercial work. They also talk AI, cybersecurity, power management, and why relationships built at CEDIA outlast any single product cycle. If you're still building your conference schedule, start here.

June 3, 2026Episode 428 min

Reframing the Smart Home Conversation

In this episode, Imogen Dent is joined by interior design writer and author Kate Watson-Smyth and Pip Evans with NV Integration to explore the relationship between design and technology and why collaboration between designers and integrators is essential for creating better homes. From hidden speakers and circadian lighting to common misconceptions about smart homes, the conversation unpacks how technology can enhance everyday living without compromising aesthetics. Kate shares her fresh perspective after attending her first technology trade show, while Pip offers practical advice on making smart home solutions more approachable, understandable, and valuable for homeowners. Together, they discuss why smart home technology isn't just for luxury properties, the importance of involving integrators early in a project, and how great design and great technology work best when they're planned as one seamless experience.

May 20, 202649 min

OLED to MicroLED: Navigating the New Frontier of Video

Recorded live at CEDIA's California Tech + Busines Summit, this episode dives headfirst into the rapidly evolving world of high-end display technology and what it means for integrators looking to stay ahead of the curve. Experts from Samsung, Sony, LG, and Barco come together to unpack the real differences between OLED, MicroLED, Micro RGB, projection, and direct-view LED — and explain how each technology fits into today's luxury residential projects. From dedicated home theaters and media rooms to gaming setups, art displays, and indoor-outdoor living spaces, the panel explores how to select the right display solution for the right environment while delivering exceptional client experiences. The conversation also tackles the business side of next-generation video: how to position premium products, educate customers without overwhelming them, avoid common pitfalls, and turn emerging display technologies into profitable opportunities. If you are trying to make sense of the future of display technology, or looking for practical insights you can apply to your projects right now, this discussion offers a candid look at where the industry is heading next.

May 6, 2026Episode 230 min

Design Meets Technology: Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Integration

What happens when great design meets rapidly evolving technology? In this episode, Rina Patel of Vastu Interiors and Josh Harvey of Barton Automation sit down to unpack the real relationship between designers and integrators and why collaboration is no longer optional. From future-proofing homes to navigating fast-moving tech trends, they explore how to create spaces that are both timeless and technically adaptable. The conversation dives into real-world challenges like integrating tech into design-led spaces, staying ahead of innovation, and avoiding the "obvious" solutions in favor of smarter, more creative ones. If you've ever wondered how to balance aesthetics with performance or how designers and integrators can actually work better together, this one's worth your time.

April 15, 2026Episode 139 min

Advocacy in Action

In the relaunch of CEDIA's Podcast, The Integration Conversation , Daryl Friedman sits down with CEDIA Chairperson Amanda Wildman to talk advocacy, leadership, and what it really takes to grow the integration industry. From hands-on beginnings in the field to shaping conversations on Capitol Hill, Amanda shares how advocacy goes far beyond policy by impacting workforce development, design-build relationships, and the future of the trade. They also dive into the importance of mentorship, attracting new talent, and why telling our industry's story has never mattered more.

January 15, 202633 min

The Evolution of DALI: From Hi-Fi to Custom Installation

This episode of The CEDIA Podcast is sponsored by DALI. Jeff Hayward speaks with Alex Foxon and Michael Munch from DALI, a renowned loudspeaker manufacturer with over four decades of history. Alex shares the origin story of DALI, detailing how founder Peter Lyngdorf's vision transformed from a small Hi-Fi retail company in Denmark to a globally recognized brand. The conversation highlights key milestones in Dali's evolution, including the introduction of innovative products, which established the brand's reputation in the high-end audio market.

September 25, 202521 min

Exploring Marvin Connected Home Automated Windows & Doors

This episode of the CEDIA Podcast is sponsored by Marvin. In this conversation, Mitch Klein, CEDIA's VP of Business Development, and Jim Flaherty, Director of the Modern Business Team at Marvin, discusses the company's foray into the connected home market, focusing on smart windows and their integration into home automation systems. He emphasizes the importance of partnerships with integrators and architects to enhance the homeowner experience. The discussion covers the technology behind connected windows, the benefits of automation, and the collaborative efforts needed to bring these innovations to market. Jim also shares insights on real-world applications and the future of connected home solutions.

February 7, 2025Episode 51637 min

2025 ISE Show Final Day | 516

In this episode of the CEDIA Podcast, host Walt Zerbe, Senior Director of Technology and Standards, leads a discussion on the latest trends from the ISC show. Michael Heiss, an industry consultant, shares insights on the integration of commercial and residential technology. Pete Trauth from Nirvana Home Entertainment introduces "Seco," a product featuring molded plastic squares that display low-resolution video while mimicking wood or stone finishes. Sam Woodward, now with Tait, discusses the importance of collaboration between AV and IT departments and the critical role of network infrastructure in live events. Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Tools and Products "SECO": "00:03:17" "SmartThings Pro": "00:09:30" "E-Paper Display": "00:11:08" "Micro LED on Silicon": "00:13:17" "Leaky Coax": "21:30" "Unreal Engine": "30:40" "Tate Navigator": "30:40" Companies and Brands "Samsung": "00:09:30" "Barco": "00:08:32" Events and Sessions "ISC Show": "00:00:07" Standards "EN 17206": "24:07" Videos and Talks "CEDIA YouTube Channel": "23:06" Miscellaneous "Super Bowl Halftime Show": "26:22" "Cydia": "00:36:42"

February 6, 2025Episode 51528 min

2025 ISE Show Day 2 | 515

In this podcast episode recorded at ISE 2025 in Barcelona, host Walt Zerbe and a diverse panel of experts discuss the latest trends in audio technology and smart home integration. They explore the convergence of software and hardware, the role of AI in enhancing user experiences, and the ethical implications of data collection. We emphasize the importance of standards for interoperability, the impact of lighting on health, and the growing market for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing audio solutions. The episode concludes with a call to embrace technological advancements to improve quality of life. Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Tools and Technologies "Nest Thermostat": "00:04:16" "Ecobee": "00:12:38" "AI Algorithms for Lighting Control": "00:19:32" Concepts and Terms "Surveillance Economy": "00:03:26" "AI in Smart Homes": "00:07:07" "Lighting and Health": "00:16:54" "Smart Home Technology": "00:20:30" Notable People "Tony Fadell": "00:04:16" "LaDonna Erickson": "00:16:54" "Andy Bull": "00:16:54" "Bruce Clark": "00:16:54" "Peter Diamandis": "00:22:01" General Observations "Audio Technology": "00:10:11" Videos and Talks "Stage Talks on YouTube": "00:18:22" "YouTube Video": "00:27:02" Links "CEDIA (Custom Design and Installation Association)": "00:28:12"

February 5, 2025Episode 41429 min

2025 ISE Show Day 1

In this podcast episode, host Walt Zerbe and guests Rich Green, Ben Goff, and Tom Dellicompagni share their experiences from the 2025 ISC show in Barcelona, Spain. They discuss the importance of staying open to new ideas and products, highlighting innovations like micro-LED panels and the Accendo Square Woofer. The conversation also covers the potential of AI and robotics in the industry, with Rich expressing skepticism about practical uses for humanoid robots. The episode emphasizes the significance of collaboration, innovation, and the evolving landscape of technology in the audio-visual industry. Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Tools and Technologies Ascendo Square Woofer**: "00:10:59" Silicon Valley Talk**: "00:05:24" Premium Theatrical Experience Course**: "00:06:14" Robotics Pavilion**: "00:15:27" Elon Musk's Optimus Robot**: "00:16:32" NAD Surround Sound Receiver**: "00:18:44" Bluesound Streaming Devices**: "00:18:44" Dante Network**: "00:20:33" OpenAI Research Assistant**: "00:26:05" Websites CTA (Consumer Technology Association)**: "00:22:27" OpenAI**: "00:26:18" People Mentioned Joe DeJesus**: "00:18:44"