Cedia's Tech Council Podcast

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" Vi

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

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**: "

In this episode of the CEDIA Podcast, host Walt Zerbe, senior director of technology and standards, explores the latest advancements in video technology with guest Michael Heiss, also known as "Captain Video." They discuss key topics from CES, including HDMI 2.2 and the Lip Latency Indication Protocol (LIP). Michael explains the significant improvements in HDMI 2.2, such as increased bandwidth for higher resolutions and frame rates. They also delve into AI's role in enhancing picture quality and the importance of understanding new technologies. The episode emphasizes continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends.   Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction to the Podcast (00:00:01)   Lip Latency Indication Protocol Overview (00:00:07)   An explanation of the Lift Latency Indication Protocol and its purpose in reducing sync errors. Introduction of Hosts (00:00:57)   Walt Kirby introduces himself and guest Michael Heiss, highlighting their excitement about CES. Reflections on CES (00:01:18)   Discus

In this podcast episode, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Directror of Technology and Standards and host of he CEDIA Podcats talks with Jim Hunter, and Rich Birra discussing their experiences at CES, focusing on the evolution of smart home technology, AI, and the impact of new innovations. Jim, attending his 29th CES, notes a decline in attendance and quieter atmosphere compared to previous years. Rich highlights changes in the show's layout and the rise of localized exhibits. They explore the concept of "matter" in smart home devices, AI's role in health and wellness, and the importance of data ownership. The conversation underscores the need for user-friendly technology and effective support systems to enhance consumer experiences. Here a few Key Points: Experiences and observations at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Evolution and changes in the CES event over the years Innovations in smart home technology and connected devices The role of AI in enhancing user experiences and health applications Challenges and implications

In this episode of the CEDIA Podcast, hosted by Walt Zerbe, Senior Director of Technology and Standards, the speakers share their experiences from the CES show in Las Vegas. They discuss cutting-edge innovations such as invisible speakers using MEMS technology, a customizable smart water system called Viomi, and the Mudra Band, a neural wristband for gesture control. The conversation also explores the potential of projection mapping in interior design, the integration of SmartThings in home appliances, and the ethical implications of rapid technological advancements. The episode highlights the transformative potential of technology in enhancing everyday living and home design.   Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic: Tools and Products Odd Fly** (Invisible Speaker): "00:02:10" Viomi** (Whole House Smart Water System): "00:05:56" Mudra Band** (Neural Wristband for Gesture Control): "00:06:54" Apple TV**: "00:07:57" X Real** (AR Glasses): "00:12:12" SmartThings App**: "00:17:20" Samsung SmartT

In this podcast Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast talks with Mitch Klein, VP of Business Strategy at CEDIA, Rich Green, owner of Rich Green Design, and Gordon Van Zuiden, Daisy branch partner in Silicon Valley and a Daisy ambassador where we talk about what we saw and experienced during the first day of the 2025 CES show.  SPOILER ALERT:  This show is VERY different than the last few years! Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topics: Tools and Products NVIDIA RTX Blackwell Series of Chips**: "00:06:36" NVIDIA Nemo**: "00:07:45" Intuition Robotics**: "00:13:35" Tom Bot**: "00:14:06" Uber**: "00:15:07" DoorDash**: "00:15:07" LG's AI Technology**: "00:15:51" Swan Cameras**: "00:21:05" BMW AI**: "00:22:27" Withings Smart Mirror**: "00:24:14" SmartThings by Samsung**: "00:26:09" Homey**: "00:27:25" Facial Recognition Technology**: "00:39:06" Palm Vein Technology**: "00:40:12" Liquid View Windows**: "00:38:14" Events and Presentations CES (Cons

In this podcast Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast talks with Andy Bull, Director of Design at Lighting Audio Video Projects, David Warfel, Founding Designer from Light Can Help You, and Gordon Petrie, Co-Founder of Eclipse Lighting Design about lighting trends, tips, new products, and a host of other things.  Be sure to check out, "Let's Talk About Design part 1", and, "Lighting and the Physiology of the Body." Other links: The Oddballs Lighting Competition Lightswitch work at the Morton Arboretum   Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)   The hosts introduce themselves and the podcast, setting the stage for the discussion on lighting design. Healthy Lighting Discussion (00:02:07)   The conversation shifts to healthy lighting, emphasizing its growing importance and relevance in lighting design. LED Lighting Limitations (00:03:17)   Andy Bull discusses the limitations of LED lighting, particularly the lack of infrared light ess

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Rob Sutherland of Inspired Dwelling, Eddie Shapiro of SmartTouch USA, Wendy Griffiths, Jon Rehwaldt and Paul Dolence of CEDIA about the new tiered memberships that CEDIA is rolling out and the Learning Management System (LMS) CEDIA is about to deploy called, "CEDIA Online Learning".  Stay tuned for new information on the CEDIA website. https://cedia.org/smart-home-professionals/membership/2025-cedia-member-benefits-and-pricing/ https://cedia.org/en-us/smart-home-professionals/education/online-learning/

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Dr. Hailey Daly of Wired by MJD, Shannon Marsh of eQ Technologies Pty Ltd, and Steve Thomas of GEOHAVEN about ethical technology design within our industry.  We talk about accepting ULA's on our customers behalf, agreeing to data collection on devices and a whole plethora of related items. Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction to the Podcast (00:01:20) Walt Zerbi introduces the podcast and the topic of ethical technology design at the Australian Tech Summit. Panelist Introductions (00:02:19) Dr. Haley Daly, Shannon Marsh, and Dave Thomas introduce themselves and their roles related to the discussion. General Discussion on Ethics (00:03:07) The group reflects on the broad topic of ethics before diving deeper into ethical technology design. Ethical Obligations in Technology (00:04:30) Haley discusses the complexities of ethical obligations and the responsibilities of manufacturers and installe

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Jake Fuller, owner of Automated Audio Visual, Brendon Reid, Managing Director of Automation Associates, and Christian Lambros, General Manager of Len Wallis Audio Video about their experience at the 2024 CEDIA Tech Summit in Newcastle Australia.   Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00) The speakers introduce themselves and the podcast as "CDS." Event Overview (00:00:54) Walter Zerbe welcomes listeners and discusses the successful Tech Summit in Newcastle, Australia. Networking Experiences (00:02:32) Speakers share insights on the value of networking and in-person conversations at the event. Educational Sessions Highlights (00:04:15) Jake discusses the educational sessions and their importance for industry learning and collaboration. Ethics and Technology Discussion (00:05:15) Walter highlights a session on ethics, technology design, and the industry's visibility. Education Pathways Developm

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Darren Reaman, Director of Government Affairs at CEDIA, Trent Frazier, Assistant Director, Stakeholder Engagement Division, DHS/Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency otherwise known as CISA, Callum Wilson, with SafeShark, Michael George and Chris Boots with with AMJ insurance about global cybersecurity issues, government programs and the need to get insurance.  All I can say is WOW!  This is a must listen cast! The CEDIA Podcast Show Notes links on Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity Awareness Month | CISA U.S. Cyber Trust Mark | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov) Secure by Design | CISA Secure Our World | CISA The European Commission’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Radio Equipment Directive (RED) - European Commission (europa.eu) Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure 2022 Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Darren Reaman, Director of Government Affairs at CEDIA, Michael Cogbill, Owner and Principle of Rev 2 Consulting, and Ken Erdmann, Director of Technical Education Programs at CEDIA about CEDIA's campaign to get a listing on the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) on the federal statistical standard for a Technology Integrator to make is an official occupation. This supports workforce development, advocacy, and education initiatives among other things.  We also talk about limited energy language changes in the National Electrical Code (NEC) which is a major change (and a good one) from using the term low voltage.  These efforts are due to Ken and Michael having a seat representing CEDIA on code panel 2 of the current NEC revision. By the way, all of these efforts have international ramifications - this isn't just a USA thing. Links: https://hosted-page.civiclick.com/5940 CEDIA State Captains P

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with LaDonna Eriksen, Founding Partner at Construction Education Consortium, Andy Bull, Director of Design at Lighting Audio Video Projects, and Bruce Clark, Founding Lighting Sherpa with Kaleidolight Lighting Design about how light affects our bodies.  You won't believe how important lighting is to our physical and mental health.  This is an ever evolving area that you need to know about.   Sponsor:  Meridian Audio:  https://www.meridian-audio.com/ Informative links:   More-Ede M (2024) The Light Doctor: Using Light to Boost Health, Improve Sleep, and Live longer https://thelightdoctor.com/ Circadian Books: The power of light to change your world for good:  https://ageoflightinnovations.com/about/ Light!: Your Essential Survival Guide (Light! Practical Guides for Health and Happiness) https://www.amazon.com/Light-Essential-Survival-Practical-Happiness/dp/B0CNKDTH9V Physics of different luminai

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Greg Schaller of Design Lab, Gonzalo Herrero of DyS Tech SRL, Devan Pascal of Light & Green, Michael Heiss, of M Heiss Design,  Jake Fuller of Automated Audio Video, and Rich Green of Rich Green Design about their experiences to date at this years CEDIA Expo.

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Nathan Holmes of WhyReboot, Eddie Shapiro with SmartTouch USA, Roberto España of Aktiva, Sebastian Garza of Grupo Mai, Jon Stein of Restrepo Innovations, and Andy Bull of Lighting Audio Video Projects about their experiences to date at this years CEDIA Expo.

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Eddie Shapiro of Smart Touch USA, Matt Manalis of eXpirence ONE & Livigy, Dwaine Ambrose of Guardian Protection Services, Andy Bull of Lighting Audio Video Projects, John Stein of Restrepo Innovations, Rich Green of Rich Green Designs, and Pete Trauth of Nirvana Entertainment about their experiences to date at this years CEDIA Expo.

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Barry Sheldrick, Director of Sales and DbM at Meridian, about the company's history (which I bet you'll learn things you didn't know about Meridian), products, and technology. We also touch on what you'll see at the 2024 CEDIA Expo at their booth (C1305), which, among other products, will be showing and playing the Ellipse compact speaker. Meridian will also be debuting new on-wall and in-wall speakers. Meridian was gracious enough to be a sponsor of the CEDIA Podcast. Meridian Audio: https://meridian-audio.com/  

In this podcast Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and Host of the CEDIA podcast talks with Peter Aylett of Officina Acustica, Roddy Abbot of Cinema Build Systems and Nic Black of Sigma Design Company about the conundrum between all of the other design trades and home owner wishes and how they would negatively affect the function of the room.  There's a great discussion across lots of subjects including first hand experiences where challenges were presented and how these designers mitigated them.

In this podcast Amanda Wildman, co-founder and co-owner of TruMedia moderates a panel with Pete Trauth of Nirvana Entertainment, Matt Manalis of Experience One and Paul Skelton of CEDIA about the importance of having certifications and hiring certified employees.  This discussions get deep into why certifications matter and how they can help your business be a better business. To watch the video, it can be found here:  https://youtu.be/6FUxWcq907I?si=z95kiktJt-pLD22K