CE Pro Names Top 5 Home Tech Opportunities for 2013

The Top 5 Home Technology Opportunities for 2013 are:

1. Wireless Audio
Sonos has dominated the wireless audio category forever, both in DIY and integrator channels. Throughout 2012 we saw a huge number of product introductions in this category, and at CEDIA Expo in September, virtually all of the major audio companies – and lots of small newcomers—showed some kind of wireless audio solution. 2013 should be a banner year for wireless audio, both for multiroom and surround sound.

2. 4k Ultra HD Displays
LG and Sony each launched their 84-inch 4k Ultra HD displays just recently, and plenty more will follow from other manufacturers in 2013. We believe the difference between 4k and 1080p is so clear, it could generate more manufacturer investments in the industry, more foot traffic in stores, and more margin for dealers than 3D or smart TVs or 1080p.

3. Motorized Shades
It used to be that motorized shades were wildly expensive, challenging to spec and install, difficult to wire and install, and simply an afterthought for dealers who were more focused on A/V and traditional home automation. Furthermore, there were only a handful of viable vendors for our channel. This year, however, the options exploded with more wireless, affordable, and simpler-to-install products from several new providers.

4. Enterprise-Grade Networking
With more high-resolution streaming content, more videoconferencing and more wireless stuff in the house, consumers need high-performance home networks and professionals to install and manage the networks. In-home networks dominated the dialog this year in CE pro circles. CEDIA set up a new certification for the category, and CE Pro readers counted it as a top money-maker in 2012. At CEDIA 2012, a plethora of companies launched new enterprise-grade networking solutions, including wired, wireless and remote management.

5. High-End Headphones
Headphones are no longer the strict domain of mass-market retailers and online stores. Custom installers are now getting into the action, thanks to channel-friendly vendors providing high-performance products and tools to sell them. Headphones represent one of the best attachment-sales opportunity for specialty A/V shops.

Integrators: Do you have success stories or comments about our top 5 trends? Please share them in the comments below or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Manufacturers: Do you have products in any of these categories? Please contact your CE Pro sales rep or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).