AV+ from Commercial Integrator

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.

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.

Kumar also discusses how AI and intelligent control systems are shaping the next generation of smart lighting, balancing automation with simplicity for homeowners and integrators alike.

Inside the Podcast Van With Rushi Kumar

"As an engineer, you’re always thinking about why something is done a certain way and how to make it better,” Kumar begins. “The key is converting that into something people actually want — a useful product rather than just a cool piece of technology.”

He notes that while the transition from incandescent to LED lighting emerged as necessary for energy efficiency, it initially came at the expense of quality. DMF’s goal, he says, has been to bring back the warmth and visual comfort of incandescent lighting while taking advantage of what LEDs make possible — such as smaller apertures, tunable white technology and cohesive linear integration.

“With digital lighting, designers can now fine-tune every fixture, match color consistency across products and create truly personalized spaces,” Kumar explains.

He also highlights balancing sophistication with simplicity in lighting control. While the industry has embraced apps and advanced automation, he emphasizes that usability must remain central. “Lighting control should be simple,” emphasizes Kumar. “Anyone’s parent should be able to walk in and turn on the lights.”

Looking ahead, Kumar sees artificial intelligence as a valuable design assistant — helping integrators and designers streamline planning, commissioning and even anticipate customer behavior. “AI will make systems smarter and more responsive,” he states, “but it’s still about enabling comfort and control, not replacing human intent.”

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 minimizing 'wall acne' to creating seamless, invisible tech solutions, Garrett shares insights on design integration, industry trends and the importance of collaboration. 

Discover how Harman and Samsung are redefining entertainment spaces as gathering hubs and why CEDIA is all about showcasing what’s possible. 

Tune in for a conversation about sound, vision and the experiences that connect us.

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 and how homeowners are thinking beyond traditional AV. 

Eberhardt also shares insights on educating clients, coordinating with architects and designers, and navigating shifting technologies like PoE shading, cloud‑based systems and network‑heavy homes. From multifunction entertainment spaces to wellness‑driven bathrooms, Eberhardt highlights the trends reshaping how people experience their homes.

Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities - floor space is filling up fast!

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 solutions.

Gina shares how she bridges the gap between designers, builders, and integrators by translating complex lighting technology into clear, design‑friendly language - helping teams collaborate earlier and more effectively. She also highlights how modern lighting control systems reduce wall clutter, simplify daily living, and deliver personalized, intuitive lighting scenes that enhance any home without overwhelming the homeowner.

Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities - floor space is filling up fast!

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 lineup of attractions designed to provide hands-on experience and deep industry insight.

- 20 dedicated audio demo rooms for immersive sound experiences
- A live skills challenge putting integrators' abilities to the test
- Extensive networking opportunities with manufacturers and peers

Registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens in early April. Curious about where the show might head next? Listen to the full podcast to catch exclusive details on the future host city and why Denver remains a key destination for the integration community.

#CEDIAExpo #CIX2026 #AVtweeps #CustomIntegration #SmartHome

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 adjustments and major cost savings by reducing unnecessary truck rolls. 

The conversation also dives into current market sentiment, including how tariffs and interest rates are affecting different project tiers, why high‑end jobs remain strong and how integrators are adapting. Augsburger provides insight into LEA’s manufacturing strategy, the engineering advantages of being based in Indiana, and the company’s commitment to working seamlessly with any control system or speaker brand to “raise the tide” across the industry. 

Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities - floor space is filling up fast!

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 integrators and designers is critical to the industry’s future. Nakkila also shares how manufacturers are navigating pricing volatility, tariffs and supply chain uncertainty — while delivering high-performance, design-forward solutions.

Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities - floor space is filling up fast!

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 project lifecycle. The conversation also covers how modern lighting solutions — like tunable white and digital retrofit capabilities — are changing the way designers and homeowners experience lighting.

Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities - floor space is filling up fast!

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 stronger through scale and collaboration. 

Stay in the loop! Sign up now to get notified when registration for CEDIA Expo/CIX 2026 opens or contact us to explore exhibiting opportunities - floor space is filling up fast!