From the demise of VIA International to the launch of Amazon Echo, CE Pro highlights some of the most important home-tech happenings of 2015. (Julie Jacobson / CE Pro)

Home automation leader Control4 has teamed with GreenSky to provide consumer financing for smart-home products and installation, including Control4’s own products and services, as well as third-party solutions.

Florida-based custom integration firm Five Smooth Stones has a dual focus on production homebuilders and converting DIYers via its two small-footprint retail stores.

Choose AV and Security of Wichita, Kan. turned a basement into a golf escape by installing a high-end golf system with A/V equipment and a home automation system.

Evaluating the CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis for home automation: For the first time ever, Control4 barely beats Crestron; Nortek’s Elan makes comeback; Savant dips.

Production home building, immersive home entertainment, more engaging home automation, the aware home and cloud-based networking top CE Pro's list of technology trends and opportunities for 2015.