AV Trade Talk

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

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!

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

AV Trade Talk: Exploring CEDIA Expo with Jason McGraw

In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett sits down once again with Jason McGraw of Emerald to dive deep into everything you need to know about CEDIA Expo and its host city, Denver, Colorado.

Jason shares insider insights on what makes this event such a cornerstone for the custom integration community, including:

The latest technologies and innovations in audio, video, lighting, control, energy management, and more.

The growing overlap of residential and commercial integration through the co-located Commercial Integrator Expo.

Must-attend sessions, keynotes, and networking events that make the show both a business builder and a community gathering.

Why bringing younger and newer team members, design-build partners, and even students can help alter the future of the industry in a positive way.

And of course, tips for making the most of your time in Denver—from iconic venues and local dining to after-hours parties, live music at Red Rocks Amphitheater, MLB Baseball at the ballpark, and all sorts of fun outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee, a first-time visitor, or just curious about how the AV industry connects and collaborates, this conversation offers valuable takeaways about maximizing trade show experiences and building stronger ties within the integration community.

Tune in for a lively, informative discussion that captures the excitement, energy, and opportunities that CEDIA Expo—and Denver—bring to the table, year after year.

 

#cediaexpo #avtradetalkpod #hometechnology

What does it take to provide proactive, meaningful health and wellness interventions? Up until now, that's been a real challenge. In this episode, recorded during ISE 2025 in Barcelona Spain, Katye chats with Kyle Steele of FutureCare Solutions Group and Global Wave Integration about a new, expanded service offering that can do just that. It was born from the notion that we can do better by harnessing AI and advanced sensor technology and brought to market with proven results, Kyle's passionate storytelling of how it all came to be and where it can go is captured in this fun chat. How can that be translated into a new or expanded service offering for those in the integration, healthcare, caregiver, and design-build communities? Tune-in and learn more!

Want to connect with Kyle to learn more about his offering?

[email protected]
[email protected]
OR
www.futurecare.ai
www.globalwaveintegration.com