CEDIA 2024: Home System Installers Expanding into Commercial Sector

CEDIA 2024: Home System Installers Expanding into Commercial Sector

In the ever-evolving world of audio-visual technology, a significant shift is underway – a growing convergence and overlap between residential and commercial integration. This trend is evident as more than 50% of integrators are now working on projects that span both sectors, reflecting increasing demand for unified platforms and scalable, flexible AV solutions that serve luxury homes and smart offices.

This year, the CEDIA Expo and Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) have merged into a single event, CEDIA Expo/CIX, emphasizing the integration and market convergence of residential and commercial AV technologies. Exhibitors at these shows present a wide range of integrated technologies covering audiovisual equipment, networking, security, lighting, and more, all adaptable to both residential and commercial environments.

The trend towards convergence is also evident in the growing number of residential integrators expanding into light commercial work. Jason McGraw, the group VP and CEDIA Expo-CIX show director, noted an increase in residential integrators moving into light commercial work, particularly in hospitality, bars, restaurants, medical offices, and houses of worship. David Phelps, head of the Display Division at Samsung Electronics America, observed that residential integrators are looking to diversify their business by turning to commercial work. Shannon Humphrey, president of SoundTube, noted that residential integrators are moving into commercial work often at the request of their residential customers.

Samsung's premium residential TV lineup was highlighted at CEDIA, including the glare-free OLED S95D Series and The Frame. Meanwhile, SoundTube showcased its complete residential ecosystem of Dante-enabled products at CEDIA, offering the same flexibility and scalability for home installations as it does for commercial applications. The company's Dante ecosystem features centralized control through a single interface, seamless integration with home automation systems like Control4, Crestron, and QSC, and compatibility with over 4,000 Dante-enabled products from more than 600 manufacturers.

Smart lighting, motorized screens, and window shades are increasingly being handled by systems integrators versus electricians. This shift towards integrated solutions is a response to the changing needs of clients who desire flexible, immersive, and interconnected spaces that can serve various uses and volume demands.

The CIX show floor features a diverse collection of new and returning exhibitors, including lighting and shade manufacturers, digital signage, and LED display manufacturers. The Commercial Integrator Expo expanded its show floor by more than 50% for 2024, signaling a growing interest in this sector.

In conclusion, the AV industry sees residential and commercial integration as increasingly interconnected, driven by technology advances, changing client needs, and market developments that favor multi-use, scalable, and interoperable AV systems. This trend is supported by industry reports and event narratives from 2025 showing how AV integrators and manufacturers are responding with hybrid solutions suitable for both markets. As the lines between home and office continue to blur, it's clear that the future of AV integration lies in its ability to deliver seamless, integrated solutions that cater to the evolving needs of clients across both residential and commercial sectors.

[1] Industry Report: AV Industry Trends 2025 [2] CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025 Event Narrative [3] CIX 2024 Press Release: Expanded Show Floor Announcement

1. The integration and market convergence of digital signage and other AV technologies are highlighted in the CEDIA Expo/CIX, manifesting the growing demand for unified platforms that can serve both residential and commercial sectors.
2. The trend towards interconnectivity is visible in the rise of automation systems, with more residential integrators diversifying their business by venturing into light commercial work, such as hospitality, bars, restaurants, medical offices, and houses of worship.
3. Events like CEDIA and Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) reflect the industry's focus on offering flexible products, such as Samsung's residential TV lineup and SoundTube's Dante-enabled ecosystem, which cater to both home and commercial installations.
4. As technology advances and client needs evolve, integrators are moving towards integrated solutions for features like smart lighting, motorized screens, and window shades, shifting these installations from electricians to system integrators.
5. The Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) has expanded its show floor significantly for 2024, indicating a growing interest in the sector and the increasing importance of catering to the needs of clients across both residential and commercial sectors.

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