CEDIA Expo 2024 Show Highlights by John Sciacca

–– Sepember 13, 2024 ––

One of the first questions anyone asks you at CEDIA Expo is, “So, what’s the best thing you’ve seen?!” But since there are SO many great things spread across so many different categories, this is really a bit like asking, “So, what’s your favorite movie?”

But there are definitely things that stood out and resonated more than others. It’s those items that stick in my mind and make me think about them long after the demo that makes my highlight reel. If you missed CEDIA this year, these are my “Best Of” picks from the show. If you were there and think I missed something cool, please let me know about it!

Most Up and Coming

A couple of years ago, I’d never even heard of Dante or AES67, audio-over-IP standards. Then last year StormAudio made a big splash with its ISP Evo processor, a fully digital 11.6.6-channel system utilizing AES67 and a single Cat6 connection between processor and network switch to feed the Grimani Systems amplifiers. Cut to this year, and Dante was a topic of conversation in many booths. The benefits go beyond greatly simplifying and decluttering the rack, as the network topology also eliminates common issues like ground-loop hums and allows features such as remote setup, calibration, and monitoring. The Dante ecosystem is also huge, offering wide compatibility between more than 4000 Dante-enabled products from over 600 manufacturers!

The coolest and most complete Dante integration I saw was in the SoundTube booth, which had the theme “Dante Comes Home.” SoundTube showcased a complete residential ecosystem of Dante-enabled products from the STNet-Switch II PoE switch to the DSM-16 Dante System Manager, to a variety of IP-enabled PoE-powered speakers available in architectural recessed, surface mount, soundbar, pendant, and outdoor styles. To ensure sound quality, the speakers are bi-amped with crossovers, EQ, and time correction performed in the digital domain prior to amplification. SoundTube also says it offers seamless integration with control systems like Control4, Crestron, and QSC. With this, you could wire an entire audio system with Category-rated cable from end-to-end for a clean installation with full local and remote system management.