AV Trade Talk

Blustream isn’t a new brand. But for many technology integrators in the U.S., it may still be one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.

In this episode of AV Trade Talk, host Katye McGregor Bennett and KMB’s Bob Archer sit down with Eric Randt, General Manager of Blustream US, to talk about the company, its growing investment in the U.S. residential integration market, and why choice is at the center of its strategy.

Rather than pushing dealers toward a single ecosystem, Blustream wants to give integrators more ways to design the system that best supports the experience their customer is asking for. That philosophy comes to life at CEDIA Expo 2026 through real-world demonstrations showing how Blustream works alongside leading control, audio, networking, and AV technologies.

Eric provides a preview of what attendees can expect at Booth #3211, including practical residential applications for Dante, AV-over-IP, intelligent power management, BLUNet, and an early look at the next-generation PROSync platform with 4K/120 and 8K capability. The company will showcase 14 new and updated products while demonstrating how an open, integration-friendly approach can give dealers greater flexibility as systems become increasingly connected and complex.

There’s also plenty of candid conversation about Eric’s history in the channel, why he bet on Blustream US, what it really takes to build a CEDIA Expo booth—and why taking one apart somehow happens exponentially faster.

If Blustream isn’t already on your radar, this episode explains why it probably should be.

Tune in, then visit Blustream at CEDIA Expo 2026, Booth #3211, to see the technology in action.

#AVTradeTalk #AVtweeps #CEDIAExpo #blustreamav #AVoverIP #Dante

The CE Pro All Star Band feature technology integrator industry members, including dealers, manufacturers, and even members of the KMB Communications team. The band will play at 8 p.m., Wednesday Sept. 2 at the Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom.

Paul Bochner from AHT New York Metro and Joesph Cali from Gryphon Audio LA discuss on AV Trade Talk the revival of stereo including the growing trend of "analog rooms."

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!

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:

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

Episode Description

You’ll hear about:

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of AV Trade Talk!

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!

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)

Taking a different approach to an age-old problem, Nyal Mellor, system designer for

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.

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!