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Also this year, an informative group of presenters added to the multi-dimensional conference. CEDIA's Utz Baldwin, La Scala's Marilyn Sanford, Lutron's David Weinstein and others discussed the future of technology and the growing need for understanding, designing and implementing sustainable and energy saving devices and systems. Apple also supports Savant and the CEDIA channel and two gentlemen from Apple presented, showing their support of Savant by their presence.
Another exciting announcement was the Savant’s New York City Design Center. Scheduled to launch in October of 2009, dealers can use the Design Center as a showcase for prospective clients.
Over 6,000 sq-feet designed into two apartments in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, the design center will be fully-automated with Savant Gear in a lifestyle-oriented environment. It will include a, home theater, media rooms, a conference room, and more. Conveniently located across the street from the Apple Store the synergy is unmistakable. The design of the space will be accomplished by world-renowned & Emmy-nominated Interior Designer Thom Filicia.
Other prominent brands that will be featured throughout the space are: Miele, Sub Zero, Lutron, McIntosh, Steinway Lyngdorf, and many others.
The year's dealer conference was also the launch of Savant's “Rosie Awards”. Said vice president of sales, Ben Jamison, “This inaugural red carpet awards launch is going to become a Savant Dealer conference tradition and this is one way the company can acknowledge some of the best work out there.”
He went on to add that “everyone has been so impressed with these first year submissions and it had been an incredibly difficult decision to decide with so many impressive installations to choose from.” And the winners are:
1. Best “In-wall Touch Panel Free” Installation: Home Media
2. Best Installation under $50,000 (Savant gear): SmartHome Solutions, Inc.
3. Best Replacement (control system) Installation: Cyber Home Networks
4. Best Installation $50,000 and up (Savant gear): Components Electronic Systems
5. Best iPhone/iPod Touch Integration: HomeBase Systems, Inc.
6. Best System 12 Installation: Rich AV Design
7. Best System 24 Installation: Entertainment Alternatives
8. Best Integrated Home: Audio Video Specialists
9. CEO’s Choice Award: Smith-Whitman, Inc.
Savant Integrator of the Year Award - President’s Choice: Ambient Technologies
After the awards, Paul Hughes of HomeBase Systems, Inc. the “Best iPhone/iPod Touch Integration” winner said to CustomRetailer, “I am thrilled to be able to win the Rosie for iPhone/iPod touch integration, this is a big category in my business and it's just going to become more important as time goes by...an award like this really says something to the customer about the quality of our work.”
There were far too many new products, features and announcements to list them all here. Stay tuned as CustomRetailer will be reporting on these in the months ahead.
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