Savant plans to extend into the mass market, as the race for the brand that can really open up the home automation market increases.

Once linked solely with high-end home automation based entirely on Apple's Mac operating systems, at CEDIA 2013 the company demonstrated Wi-Fi-connected light switches and keypads, as well prototype Linux controllers-- steps that Savant hopes will tap into a wider market.

Now, in 2014, the next steps: first, this spring Savant will launch a more affordable Linux-based home automation system.

And second, they've hired a new CEO to take them to the mass market. Of course, Savant's vision of a mass market is more like BMW's vision for the BMW 3 Series...more upper mid-level than the really low end consumer market.

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) starts shipping the CX7, an "always on" control panel designed for hard-wired installations on countertops or even under a cabinet.

It features an adjustable 7-inch multi-touch capacitative touchscreen with analog audio and video input, stereo speakers, wired and wireless ethernet, and proximity and ambient light sensors.

Users can use the CX7 to view and listen to sources such as satellite TV. Wired 10/100 Base-T and wireless ethernet provide 2-way control and feedback as well as access to the internet, network security cameras and programming.

When running cables is not an option, Peerless-AV suggest you stream HD content wirelessly with their new HD Flow™ Pro Wireless Multimedia Kit (HDS200).

To be shown at ISE 2014, this professional wireless workhorse streams Full HD 1080p and passive 3D signals up to 131ft (40m) to an HDTV, projector or any other display. For new installations and retrofits alike, this kit is a project-saving tool for professional AV integrators for both commercial and residential applications.

Savant starts shipping the wifi-based Savant Universal Remote (SUR-0500), a self-configuring number able to control distributed audio, lighting, climate control and other features within homes or small commercial buildings.

First revealed back at CEDIA Expo 2013, the Universal Remote supports a menu of screen for controlling services throughout the home or workplace, and since it uses wifi it requires no line of sight-- meaning users don't need to point or aim it at anything.

In hopes to make audio control "as easy as turning on the lights" Bang & Olufsen launches BeoSound Essence at CES 2014-- a circular music control remote installers can either mount on walls or tabletop backplates for use around the home.

The remote part amounts to a 5cm rotating aluminium ring acting as a volume dial with play/pause, track selection and power controls on top. It connects to what B&O calls "a hide-away box," which in turn takes care of AirPlay streaming, DLNA streaming, Spotify Connect, QPlay and other streaming services from PCs, NAS and mobile devices.

You read about it here first: Google may have just created the next social media channel that may drive business for residential integrators.

Google Helpouts puts consumers instantly face-to-face with someone who can help, through a new service that marries the video of Hangouts with the payment processing of Google Wallet, the identity management of Google+, and other Google service features

When YouTube tutorials or vendor videos just won’t do, when the need calls for a face-to-face, Helpouts brings an expert service with the push of a button. The expert can offer suggestions, watch how you’re doing, and take you through your project step-by-step.

These experts can also choose to charge for their time. The consumer checks out using Google Wallet (kiss 20% good-bye in commission fees). Your clients can also rate you and leave reviews when the Helpout is over.