The CEDIA Expo just wrapped up at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. It is the largest annual gathering for the custom integration industry. At this conference, manufacturers debut the gear that will define residential AV, lighting, and smart home projects for the year ahead.
This year’s show floor was packed with new audio, video, lighting, shading, and whole-home control releases. Here is what stood out, and what it means for the systems we will be designing and installing this year.
AI Moves From the Spec Sheet to the Living Room
Artificial intelligence (AI) stopped being a buzzword at this year’s show and started showing up as an actual feature for homeowners. Savant unveiled a new AI Assistant Keypad Host, a smart keypad that puts conversational AI control directly into a wall-mounted device, alongside lighting, shading, and AV control in one unit.
Meanwhile, Josh.ai debuted ProStudio, an AI-powered automation tool built specifically for installers, designed to speed up how quickly a system can be programmed and customized on-site.
Both releases point to the same trend: AI in the home is shifting from marketing language to a genuine time-saver, both for the homeowner living with the system and the company building and installing it.
Video Gets Brighter, Bigger, and Sharper
On the display side, JVC showcased its flagship DLA-NZ900 and DLA-NZ800 8K D-ILA projectors. These are built for dedicated theater rooms that demand cinema-grade color and native 4K performance. Both projectors also support responsive 120p large-screen gaming.
On the flat-panel side, Sony expanded its BRAVIA lineup and showed off true RGB backlighting technology aimed squarely at challenging OLED’s hold on TV picture quality. For large-format needs, Neptune’s new all-in-one dvLED display pushes outdoor entertainment into a new scale entirely. It is built for luxury patios and outdoor living spaces where a standard TV just does not cut it.
Physical Media Is Not Dead. It Is Getting a Luxury Upgrade.
In a surprising but welcome twist, Magnetar unveiled the ULTIMA, a serious bet on physical media inside a luxury audio component. For clients who care about sound quality above all else, and there are plenty of them out there, it is a reminder that streaming convenience and reference-grade playback are not mutually exclusive.
Two-Channel and Whole-Home Audio Both Level Up
Audio had a strong showing on both ends of the spectrum. Klipsch introduced the RP-500PM, an out-of-the-box stereo system with room to expand and a great entry point for clients who want serious sound without a full custom build. On the luxury end, KEF launched its LS LUXE wireless speakers. The company also announced official control drivers for Crestron Home, making integration into existing Crestron systems far more straightforward for installers.
Lighting and Shading Get More Ambitious
Lighting and shading were everywhere on the floor this year. Lutron launched its Palladiom Drapery line, extending its high-end motorized shading portfolio. On the lighting side, DMF Lighting spotlighted its Artafex 1. It is a one-inch downlight spot designed to remove the usual compromises around output and glare in small-format lighting fixtures.
The most talked-about lighting news, though, came from Origin Acoustics. Its newest product marries ceiling lights with ceiling speakers, creating one new device. Installation is easier, and the combined design does not clutter the ceiling’s surface. Industry press described it as a potential “game-changer” for how ceiling-mounted technology can be deployed.
What This Means for Our Clients
CEDIA Expo 2026 confirmed a trend we have been seeing all year: the line between AV, lighting, and whole-home control keeps getting thinner. The best new products are not just better versions of what came before. They are products built to work together as one system, controlled from one interface and installed with less friction than ever.
For homeowners planning a new build or a system upgrade in the year ahead, there are more options at every price point. From expandable out-of-the-box stereo systems to fully custom whole-home platforms, they are all designed to feel effortless once installed.
Phantom will be evaluating several of these new releases for upcoming client projects, and we will share more hands-on impressions as we get them into real rooms.
Related Resources
- Invisible Integration: 2026’s Most Advanced Hidden AV Solutions for Ultra-Luxury Residences
- Game Day at Home: Building the Ultimate Bengals Watch Room
- How Much Does a Smart Home Cost in Cincinnati? (2026 Honest Guide)
- CES 2026 Debrief: The 7 Breakthrough Technologies That Will Define Luxury AV This Decade
- Showcasing the Future of Home Design: Our Presence at the Cincinnati Homearama Show Urban Edition
Getting Started
Curious whether any of this year’s new gear is a fit for your home? Call Phantom today at (513) 759-4477. We will schedule a free consultation and help you figure out what is actually worth investing in.
Phantom Sound. We help you enjoy your space!