Hello all. Welcome back to the week in Playback, and today I want to talk a little about this neat industry we got going on here—especially now that we’ve all had a chance to digest the pulse check that is CEDIA Expo.
The attendance numbers are in, and plenty of discussion has been had about the show, and what struck me the most about this year’s outing was that the people who showed up well and truly showed up.
If attendee and exhibitor responses have been anything to go by, it was that most attendees at the show were there to go buy (don’t worry that’s the only pun I got, I swear). Business, it seems, hasn’t really slowed down all too much. Quite the contrary. If the State of the Industry panel was anything to go buy, business has sped up significantly for those who attended CEDIA Expo.
What’s wild to me about that is if you look at the rest of the U.S. economy, things are a little less certain in places, and, honestly, it’s not like issues like tariffs and a lagging job market aren’t directly impacting integrators right now.
Is it lessons learned from 2008 financial crisis? Is it the insulation the luxury market tends to see when it comes to shakier economic times? I’ll let our readers be the judge of that since, at the end of the day, most of my views on this matter are formed from your boots-on-ground work. I’m just a mouthpiece.
Speaking of which, we should get on with the show. Welcome, once again, to the week in Playback.
The Week in Playback
Draper Nabs Major Stake in U.K.-Based Guthrie Douglas
Draper, Inc,
Draper, Inc. has acquired a majority shareholding in U.K.-based blind manufacturer Guthrie Douglas, known for its specialty shading systems used in complex architectural projects worldwide.
As part of the deal, Draper plans to invest in Guthrie Douglas’ growth across sales, product development and customer service while also introducing its products to the U.S. market.
Guthrie Douglas will continue operating independently under managing director Andrew Kitching, with Draper executives Chris Broome and CFO Jerry Crone joining its board.
Hisense Delivers Its Biggest TV Yet
Hisense
Hisense has launched its largest consumer display yet, the 116-inch U75QG, priced at $21,999 and available exclusively through Best Buy.
Positioned within the U7 Series but borrowing technologies from the flagship UX line, the model features the Hi-View AI Engine X processor, Dolby Vision IQ, over 3,000 dimming zones and gaming-focused specs including a 165Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM and FreeSync Premium Pro.
The TV also debuts a 6.2.2 CineStage X audio system co-developed with Devialet, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Running on Google TV with voice control, the U75QG represents Hisense’s latest push into premium large-format displays for residential AV.
Industry Optimism Shows Good Legs to Stand On
From left to right: Zachary Comeau, Executive Editor of CE Pro; Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA; Chris Whitley, Executive Director of Ellipsys; Hank Alexander, Director of Oasys, Nationwide Marketing Group; Jon Robbins, Executive Director of HTSA; Jim Pearce, President of ProSource; and Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of Azione, during the “State of the Industry” panel at CEDIA Expo 2025. Image/Emerald
At CEDIA Expo 2025, the annual “State of the Industry” panel highlighted renewed confidence across the custom integration channel, with buying group leaders pointing to strong project pipelines, rising optimism among integrators and the energetic atmosphere on the show floor as evidence of momentum after a volatile start to the year.
While labor shortages remain the industry’s most pressing challenge, panelists noted that tariff concerns have largely subsided, luxury projects remain steady and economic indicators are trending more positively.
Conversations also pointed to growing opportunities around AI, sustainability, and design partnerships as key drivers shaping the future of the industry.
They’re not Made for Museums, but These Speakers Wouldn’t Look out of Place in One
Devialet
Devialet has introduced the Phantom Ultimate collection, the latest generation of its high-end Phantom speaker line, featuring the 108 dB model ($3,800) and the smaller 98 dB model ($1,900).
Both leverage Devialet’s ADH amplification and other proprietary technologies while adding a new DOS3 software platform with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and expanded streaming support including AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Roon Ready.
Available in two finishes or a luxury Opéra de Paris edition with 22-carat gold leaf, the Phantom Ultimate 98 dB is shipping now, while the 108 dB version is open for pre-orders.
CEDIA Expo 2025 Cracks 14K Attendees
The CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 show in Denver was well attended and provided a wealth of educational and fun activities to show goers. Photo/Emerald
CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 drew nearly 14,000 registered attendees and 400 brands to Denver from September 3–6, according to organizer Emerald.
The four-day event featured more than 250 education sessions, keynotes and product trainings, along with 50 first-time exhibitors and a rise in design-build professionals.
Highlights included Smart Stage discussions on AI and sustainability, the Women in Consumer Technology Luncheon, a CEDIA Town Hall, and the Destination Outdoors exhibit. Organizers reported strong exhibitor and attendee engagement, with commitments already up 15% for the 2026 return to Denver.
Gramophone Cements Evolution with a Fresh Rebrand
Gramophone
Gramophone has rebranded its Maryland Kitchen Design Center as Gramophone Design Build to reflect its evolution from a kitchen and bath showroom into a full-service design-build firm offering renovation, interior design, cabinetry, licensed electrical services, and smart home integration.
The company, a multiple CE Pro Home of the Year Awards winner, says the unified brand allows for better coordination across design, technology, and construction services, streamlining installations and enhancing client outcomes.
An invite-only event on September 25 will celebrate the rebrand in Gramophone’s newly renovated showroom.
