Opinion: After acquiring SnapAV, private equity giant Hellman & Friedman likely will follow up with 'transformational transaction' that disrupts home-technology landscape: Control4? Savant? Core Brands? Interlogix? PlumChoice?

Panasonic still paces the phone system/intercom category, but its margin is shrinking as Control4 gains traction.

The Pakedge brand continues to lead the home networks category, but Luxul keeps pace. Araknis leapfrogs Ruckus to slide into third.

The structured wiring category sees Wirepath (SnapAV) and Legrand coming in at the front. Leviton picks up some dealer share to come in third.

At ISC 2017, Core Brands touted Proficient Audio and Gefen; URC and RTI (Pro Control) showed security-friendly home-automation; Luxul and other CEDIA-oriented companies also chased high-volume security dealers.

Alarm.com, Honeywell and start-up Huny show whole-house audio integrated with security and home automation – a first for the alarm industry with potential to lure in traditional A/V dealers.