Installation Categories: Home Technology Professional Companies

The CEDIA Awards program honors the top home technology projects designed and installed by CEDIA member home technology professionals. The competition offers a chance to be recognized within and outside the industry as a leader in your field.

Installations can be entered into multiple categories and are judged by industry technical experts. Additional sub-categories are judged by an Architectural Panel Judging Team, comprised of experts from the design-build industry and home technology journalists. Entrants compete and are recognized within their region — Americas, EMEA, or Asia Pacific — based on their primary location.

A winning entry should demonstrate technical excellence in all aspects of design, installation, and commissioning while meeting all applicable industry performance standards. The project should be well-documented and should be executed using recognized project management strategies. It should complement the aesthetic treatment of the environment in which it is installed and should be easy and safe for its users to operate. It should not expose its owners to security threats and should be easily expanded and adapted in the future. Finally, it should demonstrably enhance the lives of those who own and use it.

Winners receive coverage in prominent trade press, have an enhanced listing in the CEDIA Finder Service, are highlighted in CEDIA’s outreach to architects, builders, designers, homeowners, and mainstream press, and are featured in the CEDIA Awards Yearbook.

JUDGING PROCESS and Timeline

Installation awards open on Monday, March 13, 2017.
All entries are due Friday, May 12, 2017.
All entries will be evaluated and finalists will be selected by industry professionals. (Entrants compete and are recognized within their region — Americas, EMEA, or Asia Pacific — based on their primary location.)
Regional finalists announced the week of July 17, 2017.
Asia Pacific winners will be announced at the CEDIA Asia Pacific Awards event on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 (during the Integrate show week)
Americas winners will be announced at the CEDIA Awards Celebration at CEDIA 2017 on Wednesday, September 6 in San Diego.
EMEA winners and global winners will be announced at the CEDIA EMEA Awards event on Friday, September 29, 2017. (Global categories recognized will include Home Cinema, Integrated Home, and Media Room)

Categories

Auto, Marine and Aircraft
Entries for this category must be an auto, aviation, or marine installation. At least two residential home technology professional installed systems (e.g. music, video, lighting control, health monitoring, or security) are integrated together to provide enhanced entertainment, convenience, safety, health monitoring, and system reliability for the client.

Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives and design criteria for this installation?
2. Discuss all subsystems integrated in this project (AV, HVAC, lighting, security, networking, etc.).
3. List all automation events in this project.
4. Share all technical details and/or calculations made concerning the main power management for this project.
5. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
6. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price from other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount.)
4. Total lines 1-3 (total installation value).
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. AV floor plan (key AV components displayed on architectural floor plan)
2. Full system block diagram
3. Prewire/wire schedules
4. AV system schematic
5. Network system schematic
6. Equipment rack elevations and heat calculations
7. Room layout drawings (plan and elevations and all equipment locations)
8. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, furnishings, screens, motorized devices, racks, etc.)
9. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations, if applicable
10. Video post calibration reports, if applicable
11. Screen brightness calculations, if applicable
12. Audio post-calibration reports, if applicable
13. Verification and qualification of networking (recommended)
Photos
1. Four (4) photos showing the overall room and layout
2. Ten (10) additional photos (optional)
3. Photos of both the front and back of the rack, demonstrating the following:
  - Upgradeability
  - Serviceability
  - Thermal management
  - Wire bend radius
  - Signal and power separation
  - Wire labeling
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Home Cinema
A dedicated home theater is a room purpose-built for the enjoyment of movies, television, music, video games, or other types of audio/video entertainment. Rooms are specialized and isolated from the rest of the house, physically and acoustically.

Levels
- Level I: $50,000 & Under / £40,000 & Under
- Level II: $50,000 - $150,000 / £40,000 – £120,000
- Level III: $150,000 - $300,000 / £120,000 - £240,000
- Level IV: $300,000 & Over / £240,000 & Over
Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives and design criteria for this installation?
2. Share all technical details and/or calculations made concerning the main power management for this cinema.
3. Discuss the HVAC considerations and installation for this cinema.
4. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
5. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price to the customer of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price to the customer of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price to the customer billed by other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount).
4. Total lines 1-3 (total project value).
Documentation
1. AV Floor Plan (key AV components displayed on architectural floor plan)
2. Prewire/wiring schedule(s)
3. AV system schematic
4. Network system schematic
5. Equipment rack elevation and heat calculations
6. AV room layout drawings (plan and elevations, sightlines, all speaker locations, seating, projector viewing angle drawing, subwoofer room nulls drawing)
7. RT60 measurement
8. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, screens, motorized devices, racks, furnishings, etc.)
9. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations (pre-calibration calculations)
10. Audio post-calibration reports
11. Screen brightness design calculations (pre-calibration calculations)
12. Video post-calibration reports
Photo/Video Uploads

Photos
1. Proscenium shot (taken from back of room looking at screen)
2. Reversal shot (taken from front of room looking at seating)
3. 10 additional photos (optional)
4. Photos of the front and back of the rack demonstrating the following:
  - Upgradeability
  - Serviceability
  - Thermal management
  - Wire bend radius
  - Signal and power separation
  - Wire labeling
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Innovative Solution
Submissions must reflect a unique, innovative, or creative installation solution or use of technology that that meets the homeowner’s unique requirements. Any equipment, feature, or methodology may be submitted in this category.

Essay Questions
1. Describe the performance objectives and design criteria of this installation.
2. What key technical solutions were used to accomplish the requirements of this project?
3. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
4. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price from other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount).
4. Total lines 1-3 (total installation value).
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. Floor plan (key components displayed on architectural floor plan of the innovative solution)
2. Schematic drawings (AV and/or networking)
3. Room layout drawings for the innovative solution
4. Equipment rack elevation and heat calculations
5. Other custom or technical drawings to further describe the solution as necessary
6. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, furnishings, screens, motorized devices, racks, etc.)
7. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations, if applicable
8. Audio post-calibration reports, if applicable
9. Screen brightness calculations, if applicable
10. Video post-calibration reports, if applicable
Photo/Video Uploads

Photos
1. Photo showing solution
2. Photo showing the solution in use, as appropriate
3. Photo of the components in transition, as appropriate
4. Photo showing additional information about the solution
5. Back equipment shot, as appropriate
6. 10 additional photos (optional)
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, including all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Integrated Home
An integrated home must feature at least two residential home technology professional installed systems (e.g., music, video, lighting control, health monitoring, or security) that are integrated together to provide enhanced entertainment, convenience, safety, health monitoring, and system reliability for the client.

Levels
- Level I: $150,000 & Under / £120,000 & Under
- Level II: $150,000 - $300,000 / £120,000 - £240,000
- Level III: $300,000 - $450,000 / £240,000 – £360,000
- Level IV: $450,000 & Over / £360,000 & Over
Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives and design criteria for this installation?
2. List and discuss all subsystems integrated in this project (AV, HVAC, lighting, security, networking, etc.).
3. List all automation events in this integrated home. Include a "per-room" list plus whole-house functions.
4. Share all technical details and/or calculations made concerning the main power management for this home.
5. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
6. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price to the customer of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price to the customer of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price to the customer billed by other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount).
4. Total lines 1-3 (total project value).
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built)
1. AV floor plan (key AV components displayed on architectural floor plan)
2. Full system block diagram
3. Prewire/wiring schedules
4. AV system schematic
5. Network system schematic
6. Equipment rack elevations and heat calculations
7. Room layout drawings (plan and elevations and all equipment locations)
8. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, furnishings, screens, motorized devices, racks, etc.)
9. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations, if applicable
10. Video post-calibration reports, if applicable
11. Screen brightness calculations, if applicable
12. Audio post-calibration reports, if applicable
13. Verification and qualification of networking (recommended but not required)
Photo/Video Uploads

Photos
1. Four (4) Installation Photos of Your Choice
2. Additional Photos (10 optional)
3. Photos of the front and back of the rack demonstrating the following:
  - Upgradeability
  - Serviceability
  - Thermal management
  - Wire bend radius
  - Signal and power separation
  - Wire labeling
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent:
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Lighting Control and Installation
Entries into this category must demonstrate exceptional understanding of delivering excellence in both lighting control and the installation of a well-conceived lighting system. The project could include sustainable and energy-efficient lighting systems, with a variety of loads and control applications. The ability to automate and integrate will also be needed to be proven and displayed as a minimum for this category.

Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives for this installation?
2. How does the lighting design contribute to the sustainability and energy efficiency of the home?
3. How is the lighting integrated with other sub-systems?
4. List all automation events in this installation.
5. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price from other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount).
4. Total lines 1-3 (total installation value).
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. Reflected ceiling plan layout (device location drawing)
2. AV system schematic
3. Network system schematic
4. Aesthetic detail drawings
5. Load schedule
6. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, furnishings, screens, motorized devices, racks, etc.)
7. Circuit power calculations
8. Other custom or technical drawings to further describe the installation as necessary
Photo/Video Uploads

Photos
1. Four (4) installation photos of your choice
2. Front rack photo, as appropriate
3. Back rack photo, as appropriate
4. 10 additional photos (optional)
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Media Room
A media room is designed to serve multiple purposes and is suitable for family entertaining. The room may be an open floor plan, which can include other entertainment areas such as a bar, gaming, billiards table, or additional seating.

Levels
- Level I: $25,000 & Under / £20,000 & Under
- Level II: $25,000 - $100,000 / £20,000 - £80,000
- Level III: $100,000 & Over / £80,000 & Over
Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives and design criteria for this installation?
2. Share all technical details and/or calculations made concerning the main power management for this project.
3. Discuss the HVAC considerations and installation for this media room.
4. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
5. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price to the customer of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price to the customer of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price to the customer billed by other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount).
4. Total lines 1-3 (total project value).
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. AV floor plan (key AV components displayed on architectural floor plan)
2. Prewire/wiring schedule(s)
3. AV system schematic
4. Network system schematic
5. Equipment rack elevations and heat calculations
6. AV room layout drawings (plan and elevations, sightlines, all speaker locations, seating, projector viewing angle drawing, subwoofer room nulls drawing)
7. RT60 measurement
8. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, screens, motorized devices, racks, furnishings, etc.)
9. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations (pre-calibration calculations)
10. Audio post-calibration reports
11. Screen brightness design calculations (pre-calibration calculations)
12. Video post-calibration reports
Photo/Video Uploads

Photos
1. Four (4) photos showing the overall room and layout
2. 10 additional photos (optional)
3. Photos of front and back of rack demonstrating the following:
  - Upgradeability
  - Serviceability
  - Thermal management
  - Wire bend radius
  - Signal and power separation
  - Wire labeling
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Multiple Dwelling Unit Design
The entries into this category must demonstrate a real understanding of the deliverables of a multi-dwelling project. Key features include flexible design, scalable engineering, and a centralized system offering far more than typical systems in individual homes. The entry must include clear documentation and design objectives that allow the judges to ascertain how a quantity of small projects are drawn into one cohesive system. Looking beyond the development and making provision for the eventual owner’s needs will be crucial in this category.

Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives for this installation?
2. Discuss all subsystems integrated in this project (AV, HVAC, lighting, security, networking, etc.).
3. List all automation events in this installation.
4. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
5. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost
1. What was the invoiced price of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price from other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount.)
4. Total lines 1-3 (total installation value).
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. AV floor plan (key AV components displayed on architectural floor plan)
2. Full system block diagram
3. Prewire/wire schedules
4. AV system schematic
5. Network system schematic
6. Equipment rack elevations and heat calculations
7. Room layout drawings (plan and elevations and all equipment locations)
8. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, furnishings, screens, motorized devices, racks, etc.)
9. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations, if applicable
10. Video post-calibration reports, if applicable
11. Screen brightness calculations, if applicable
12. Audio post-calibration reports, if applicable
13. Verification and qualification of networking (recommended)
Photos
1. Four (4) photos showing the overall room and layout
2. 10 additional photos (optional)
3. Photos of front and back of rack demonstrating the following:
  - Upgradeability
  - Serviceability
  - Thermal management
  - Wire bend radius
  - Signal and power separation
  - Wire labeling
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent:
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Showroom
The Best Showroom will be awarded to a CEDIA member company for innovation and design of a custom installation showroom.

Essay Questions
1. What were the performance objectives and design criteria for this installation?
2. Please provide an overview of this showroom (size, budget, technical features, etc.).
3. What is the purpose of the facility, and who is the target audience?
4. What was the initial budget and final build cost for this showroom?
5. Detail any equipment obtained from vendors at reduced/zero cost for the demonstration room.
6. When did the showroom open?
7. What was the planned ROI for the demo room for the first three years?
8. What is the ROI of the showroom so far?
Documentation

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. Floor plan (key components displayed on architectural floor plan of the showroom)
2. Room layout drawings
3. Other custom or technical drawings to further describe the installation as necessary
4. Audio post-calibration reports, if applicable
5. Video post-calibration reports, if applicable
Photo/Video Uploads

Photos
1. Four (4) installation photos of your choice
2. Front rack photo, as appropriate
3. Back rack photo, as appropriate
4. 10 additional photos (optional)
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

Special Project
Submissions to the Special Project category must reflect a unique installation that falls outside of the scope of the average CEDIA home technology professional installation. Past entry examples include a pool house, locker room, dog rescue, bar, office space, recreational vehicle, etc.

Essay Questions:
1. What were the performance objectives and design criteria for this installation?
2. Discuss all subsystems integrated in this project (AV, HVAC, lighting, security, networking, etc.).
3. List all automation events in this project.
4. Share all technical details and/or calculations made concerning the main power management for this project.
5. Explain any compromises made from CEDIA and/or other industry standards and why those compromises were needed.
6. Share any additional customer requirements or technical challenges.
Project Cost:
1. What was the invoiced price of all equipment for this installation by your company?
2. What was the invoiced price of all labor provided by your company for this installation?
3. What was the invoiced price from other companies for this installation? (Please contact contractors that worked on this project to get an accurate amount.)
4. Total lines 1-3 (total installation value).
Documentation:

(All documents should be as-built.)
1. Floor plan (key components displayed on architectural floor plan)
2. Schematic drawings (AV and/or networking)
3. Room layout drawings for the innovative solution
4. Equipment rack elevation and heat calculations
5. Other custom or technical drawings to further describe the solution as necessary
6. Bill of materials (equipment list: key devices including but not limited to audio, video, control, HVAC, network, security, power management, lighting control, other control, furnishings, screens, motorized devices, racks, etc.)
7. Sound pressure level (SPL) calculations, if applicable
8. Audio post-calibration reports, if applicable
9. Screen brightness calculations, if applicable
10. Video post-calibration reports, if applicable
Photo/Video Uploads:

Photos
1. Four (4) installation photos of your choice
2. Front rack photo, as appropriate
3. Back rack photo, as appropriate
4. 10 additional photos (optional)
Videos

Two (2) project videos. Please note videos are not required, but are recommended. Automated features are ideal for video submission.

User Interface
- Include all unique user interfaces. If video is not possible, please provide a manual.
- User interface demonstration video, showing all operations
- User interface manual (PDF)
Consent
- Photography Release Form
- Homeowner, Estate, or Property Manager Release Form (primary point of contact for the project)

SUB-CATEGORIES

Must be a finalist/winner in another category

Best Dressed Rack (Judged by technical experts)
Best Documentation (Judged by technical experts)

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