AV Trade Talk

avtradetalk
  • 5.0 (2)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

AV Trade Talk explores the stories behind the brands and people in the audio-visual industry.

  1. 2D AGO

    Mastering Connectivity Ep. 8: Cybersecurity Is Now an Integrator’s Responsibility: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

    In this episode of the Mastering Connectivity Podcast, hosted by Katye McGregor Bennett and presented by Kordz, the conversation makes one thing clear: as homes become more intelligent, automated, and interconnected, integrators must expand their role beyond performance and convenience to include protecting the integrity of the systems they deploy. Joining the discussion are James Chen, Managing Director of Kordz; Kyle Steele of GlobeWave Integration; and senior cybersecurity educator Jeff Sonnleitner. Together, they explore why every connected device can introduce risk, how cybersecurity is becoming foundational to systems design, and what integrators need to do now to be better prepared. The episode also reinforces a bigger idea: even as technology advances rapidly, the responsibility of the integrator remains deeply human. Designing and deploying smarter homes must go hand in hand with protecting the people who live in them. 🎙️ 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!

    1h 14m
  2. CEDIA Awards Season Is Here: Bob Archer and Lisa Montgomery Share What Makes a Strong Entry

    APR 3

    CEDIA Awards Season Is Here: Bob Archer and Lisa Montgomery Share What Makes a Strong Entry

    In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by Team KMB’s Bob Archer and Lisa Montgomery for a candid, practical conversation about CEDIA Expo, award season, and what brands and integrators should be doing now to prepare stronger entries.  Drawing from years of editorial experience, judging, and award-entry development, the conversation covers what really matters, from documentation, photography, and word counts to differentiation, approvals, usage rights, and the long-term marketing value of a well-built submission.  If you are considering the CEDIA Smart Home Awards, CE Pro Home of the Year, Technology Designer Performance Home Awards, or other industry recognition programs, this episode offers smart, useful guidance on how to get organized and make your work stand out. You’ll hear about: Why documentation, strong photography, and using the full word count matter How to frame project challenges and customization so judges see what makes an entry different What to know about homeowner approvals, photographer rights, and usage terms before you submit or promote anything publicly Why award entries can become valuable marketing assets long after the judging is done Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

    31 min
  3. Krista Haughey on Leadership, Growth, and Knowing When It’s Time to Make a Move

    APR 2

    Krista Haughey on Leadership, Growth, and Knowing When It’s Time to Make a Move

    Episode Description In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett is joined by Bob Archer and special guest Krista Haughey for a candid conversation about career growth, industry leadership, and Krista’s new role at KEF. From starting out in the residential audio-visual industry in 1992 to becoming one of its most respected voices, Krista shares what she’s learned about building teams, navigating change, leading remotely, and knowing the difference between a job and a career. It’s an honest, insightful conversation about listening, humility, mentorship, and what it really takes to grow in the AV business. You’ll hear about: Krista’s move to KEF and what made the opportunity the right next step How the Women in Consumer Technology organization and CE Pro’s 40 Women to Watch are helping shape the conversation about women in leadership roles Lessons on remote leadership, team building, and protecting your time Why listening first may be the most underrated career skill in the business And, yes, a little talk about New Jersey, bagels, dogs, and wine, too Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

    26 min
  4. Rob Stott on the New Connected Design

    MAR 27

    Rob Stott on the New Connected Design

    Sometimes the return of a publication says a lot about where an industry is headed. In the latest episode of AV Trade Talk, Katye McGregor Bennett and Bob Archer sit down with Rob Stott to talk about the new Connected Design, the trends shaping the market, and why strong media relationships still matter. It is a candid, smart conversation about market maturity, the continuing convergence of design and technology, and the role media still plays in helping this industry communicate with clarity. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

    38 min
  5. AI, Automation, and the Integrator’s Bottom Line — with Jason Knott of D-Tools

    FEB 23

    AI, Automation, and the Integrator’s Bottom Line — with Jason Knott of D-Tools

    AI is everywhere right now… but what does it actually do for a busy integration business trying to quote faster, design cleaner, document smarter, and keep projects moving in the field? 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)

    27 min

  6. JAN 14

    Bob Archer and Nyal Mellor discuss the launch of HYPERSUB and how the brand serves the luxury home theater market.

    Taking a different approach to an age-old problem, Nyal Mellor, system designer for HYPERSUB and founder of Acoustic Frontiers, a Calif.-based technology integration firm, is applying his experience and science to residential low-frequency audio reproduction. Bob Archer hosts this episode to talk with Nyal about his experience and what drove him to develop the HYPERSUB line. As you'll hear, Nyal talks about a gap that existed in the market and need for higher-performing subwoofer systems that would better support reference home theaters. Working with Harbottle Audio, Mellor was determined to define the necessary parameters to achieve those reference levels of performance. 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

    19 min

  7. JAN 5

    Mastering Connectivity: The Future of AV Connectivity: Centered Innovation in an AI-Driven World [Sponsored by Kordz]

    AV Trade Talk: Mastering Connectivity Series, Episode 7 – The Future of AV Connectivity: Human-Centered Innovation in an AI-Driven World 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. Topics explored include: 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!

    1h 31m
  8. Introducing Alexa Centeno and the new VELLA HAUS luxury home staging franchise

    10/21/2025

    Introducing Alexa Centeno and the new VELLA HAUS luxury home staging franchise

    In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett sits down with Alexa Centeno, co‑owner of Systems Design & Integration (SDI Boston) and founder of the new VELLA HAUS franchise, to explore how premium home staging and home technology come together to sell faster, sell higher, and create lifelong clients. Alexa shares her journey from integrator to stager (without leaving integration behind), the moment a $10M project setback became rocket fuel, and why she’s taking her staging brand national. 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

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

AV Trade Talk explores the stories behind the brands and people in the audio-visual industry.

Information

  • Creator
    avtradetalk
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    AV Trade Talk

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