CE Pro April 2022 - 44

OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY
and concrete slabs, or even
frozen terrain. The nuisance
of burying cable is likely why
there has been a tremendous
increase in the use of wireless
outdoor audio technology.
Weather was listed as the
second-biggest headache
regarding outdoor installations.
For the first time, theft
of equipment was listed multiple
times by respondents
among the biggest concerns.
Unlike a project inside the
home, integrators often have
pieces of exterior gear left
outside unprotected during
the installation process.
With so many contractors
on a project, it can be easy
for speakers, amps and even
TVs to " grow legs " and disappear
overnight.
Maintaining waterproof
Somfy: Enables Broader
Outdoor Integration
The outdoor living market is thriving
for integrators and shows no signs
of abating. The initial stages of the
COVID-19 outbreak drove strong
growth to the category as clients
were reticent to have tradespeople inside their homes, but
more accepting of outdoor installations as they looked to
improve their wellbeing during the pandemic.
That demand has driven the outdoor market into
broader equipment categories than just audio and video.
For example, dealers can now integrate unique solutions
such as smart pergolas, automated screens and motorized
awnings into their installations.
Motorized pergolas are a really wonderful way to create
outdoor living spaces, and they can be customized for size
and design. The demand for inside/outside rooms with
exterior screens for bug protection, privacy, and shade
mitigation, can create a multi-living space.
But integration of an inside/outside space is often not
possible without Somfy motors using secure drivers written
to connect with third-party control systems such as
Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, Josh.ai and others.
All motors are not created equal. If integrators want their
solutions to integrate well, they should specify their shade
solutions with Somfy motors inside.
Somfy works very closely with all its partners and fabricators
to make sure there won't be a problem integrating
with the major control platforms. Dealers should simply
ask any device manufacturer if their product has a Somfy
motor. That's how they can be assured the components
are compatible with and will integrate with a third-party
control system. -Brittany Mier y Terán, Partnerships and
CI Channel Manager, Somfy
gear is another common
complaint, as is the lack of
standards in projects. Many
integrators discover the lack
of conventional wiring in
exterior audio and lighting is
new to them and can create
initial trepidation.
Among the other challenges
integrators indicate
give them issues are competing
with other trades for
the outdoor portion of the
job, especially in landscape
lighting and surveillance areas,
as well as proper sound
placement. Educating clients
about the budget expectations
is also a universal challenge.
Lastly, hiding wires
in outdoor environments is
a skill, beyond just buried
cable but also cable management
for displays. CE Pro
Cabinet-Tronix: Outdoor Cabinet Bar
& Fridge Is Center of Attention
Since 2002, Cabinet-Tronix has
been an industry leader for the
highest quality in mobile furniture
that hides flat screen TVs with
innovative lift systems. Awarded
Best Design by Houzz for 2022,
these sophisticated mobile units
are custom built in America to the
highest quality standards using
top-grade materials and flawless attention to detail.
Cabinets come in a wide range of styles, sizes and finishes,
built exclusively for indoor or all-weather outdoor
enjoyment, backed by an unprecedented 10-year warranty
and unparalleled customer service.
Recently, Cabinet-Tronix introduced its gorgeous
mobile outdoor TV lift cabinets, complete with bar,
refrigerator and charging unit. This weatherproof cabinet
is completely movable thanks to its built-in wheels
so customers can set it up anywhere to get the party
started. Carefully crafted to be the center of attention,
it's constructed out of Brazilian teak and will protect a
big screen TV (up to 65 inches) while being impervious to
mold, insects and moisture.
Cabinet-Tronix guarantees the Cabinet Bar will remain
fully functionable without warping, no matter how many
times a week your client uses it to watch TV or keep
drinks cold, whether poolside, on a patio or rooftop deck.
There's also a charging system inside the stainless-steel
storage door to connect mobile devices, laptops, tablets
or a portable speaker system. An optional soundbar or
360-degree manual swivel is also available for perfect TV
viewing at any angle. For more details, visit cabinet-tronix.com.
-Trace McCullough, President, Cabinet-Tronix
44 | CE Pro April 2022
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http://www.Josh.ai http://www.nix.com http://www.cepro.com
CE Pro April 2022

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