The Innovators Guide: CEDIA Best New Products Meet the Best New Products from the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards
The Innovators Guide: CEDIA Best New Products Meet the Best New Products from the 2026 CEDIA Smart Home Awards
The prestigious CEDIA Smart Home Awards recognize outstanding achievements across the global smart home technology industry. Each year, the Best New Hardware and Best New Software categories highlight products that stand out for their innovation, value to the industry, and ability to enhance the homeowner experience. Through a combination of online and in-person judging, an expert panel carefully evaluates each entry before selecting the finalists. This year, 23 products were chosen. In the pages ahead, discover what impressed the judges and explore solutions that can elevate your next project. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 Best New Product award winners!
AUDIO
ASCENDO Immersive Audio GmbH Best New Sub-Woofer
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2016
ASCENDO THE28 SUB SQUARE PRO Passive Sealed Shallow
THE 28 SUB SQUARED redefines cinema bass with 32-inch class output from a compact 28-inch shallow design. It delivers true infrasonic energy you feel in your body while also producing fast, punchy midbass above 120 Hz—combining kick and depth in one system. With extreme linearity, massive headroom, and precision control, it integrates seamlessly into advanced bass arrays for unmatched scale, impact, and clarity in any high-end theater.
www.aia-cinema.com
HOME THEATER
AudioControl Best New Audio
Available in: Americas & EMEA
Member Since 1993
Hyperion APR-16
The AudioControl Hyperion APR-16 home theater processor offers both breathtaking sonic performance and unprecedented system configuration flexibility, enabling system designers to create exceptional bespoke entertainment systems perfectly tailored to any space. Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of AV pros, the Hyperion APR-16 merges AudioControl’s legendary audio expertise with best-in-class video and networking technologies from AVPro Edge.
www.avproglobal.com/pages/audiocontrol-brand-home-page
AUDIO, VIDEO
AudioControl Best New Audio
Available in: Americas & EMEA
Member Since 1993
Hyperion Axis10 10-Channel eARC AoIP Processor
As smart TVs are more often utilized as the primary source in a home entertainment platform, the revolutionary Hyperion Axis10 10-Channel eARC AoIP processor is the ultimate solution for integrators. The Axis10 extracts high-bitrate immersive Dolby Atmos & DTS-HD audio directly from smart displays and embedded applications, delivering content over Dante/AES67 networks. Axis enables clean, scalable audio integration without the need for a traditional AV receiver at the display location.
www.avproglobal.com/pages/audiocontrol-brand-home-page
AUDIO
Coastal Source Best New Outdoor Speaker
Available in: Americas
Member Since 2013
Coastal Source Ovation™ In-Ceiling Speaker
The Ovation™ In-Ceiling Speaker brings Coastal Source’s signature sound to covered outdoor spaces with powerful, full-range performance in a discreet form. Its patented elliptical design fits a larger driver through a smaller grille, while weatherproof construction ensures long-term durability. Built to Defy the Elements™, Ovation blends performance, resilience, and style.
www.coastalsource.com
LIGHTING, SHADING AND WINDOW TREATMENTS
Coastal Source Best New Lighting & Shading Solution
Available in: Americas
Member Since 2013
VIA™ Intelligent Outdoor Lighting System VIA™ is Coastal Source’s newest outdoor lighting line, integrating Lutron® Ketra and Rania technology to deliver tunable white light and vibrant color in outdoor environments. The collection includes articulating and fixed bullet lights, along with path lights, all built from solid brass for durability. Designed for lowvoltage systems with Plug+Play™ installation, VIA is part of Lutron’s Native by Design program, extending intelligent lighting into landscape and architectural applications.
www.coastalsource.com
ACCESSORIES, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS, AUTOMATION, CONTROL SYSTEMS
Crestron Electronics Best New Installation Accessories
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 1991
Crestron Cevo Mini Remote The Crestron Cevo Mini Remote is a sleek, handheld controller designed for the modern, streamingfirst smart home. Crafted with premium materials, it features a precision-crafted aluminum edge, seamless glass panel, and soft matte back for a luxurious feel. Fully integrated with Crestron Home® OS, it simplifies access to streaming platforms and personalized scenes. The Cevo Mini Remote combines elegance, performance, and convenience, redefining what a media remote can be.
www.crestron.com
ACCESSORIES, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS
Crestron Electronics Best New Smart Home Software
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 1991
Crestron Configure Pro
Configure Pro is a next-generation configuration platform built for speed and efficiency. It provides intuitive tools and enhanced features to simplify even the most complex projects. Configure Pro has an elevated user interface and streamlined appearance that mirrors the Crestron Home® OS end-user app, making navigation and system management effortless.
www.crestron.com
LIGHTING, SHADING AND WINDOW TREATMENTS
DMF Lighting Best New Lighting & Shading Solution
Available in: Americas
Member Since 2019
Artafex 1
Artafex 1 is the world’s first one-inch architectural downlight capable of supporting complete residential lighting designs. Delivering up to 1,000 lumens through the industry’s only 3-Stage Optic in a one-inch fixture, it eliminates glare without compromise. Powered by DMF’s PhaseX digital lighting platform, Artafex 1 offers tunable white, 0.1% dimming, and full serviceability from below the ceiling, redefining what a small-aperture fixture can do.
www.dmfluxury.com
HOME THEATER
Harman International Best New Audio
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 1989
ARCAM Radia AVA35
The ARCAM Radia AVA35 is a nine-channel AV amplifier featuring ARCAM’s signature highefficiency Class G amplification, stereo-grade DAC architecture, and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D decoding. With Dirac Live ART, Room Correction, and Bass Control, Matrix Channel Assignment, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.4, and Roon Ready streaming, it brings ARCAM’s musical philosophy to immersive home cinema.
www.harman.com
LIGHTING, SHADING AND WINDOW TREATMENTS
HK Lighting Best New Lighting & Shading Solution
Available in: Americas
Member Since 2019
HK Luxury In-Grade Series
HK Luxury’s In-Grade Series combines precision with compact, durable design. Available in 1-inch and 4-inch models, each delivers full optical control and Dark Sky compliant options. All fixtures feature marine-grade brass construction across a variety of trim options. Compact and discreet, each fixture installs cleanly into hardscape, softscape, and architectural elements with uniform, glare-controlled illumination and durable, marinegrade brass construction.
www.hkluxury.com
LIGHTING, SHADING AND WINDOW TREATMENTS
HK Lighting Best New Lighting & Shading Solution
Available in: Americas
Member Since 2019
HK Luxury Radius Series HK Luxury’s Radius Series brings architectural refinement to path lighting, delivering precise, glare-conscious illumination through a lowprofile form that remains visually understated in the landscape. Available in both Solar and Low Voltage configurations, the series supports a range of residential applications, from independent solar performance where wiring is impractical to higher-output, controlsystem integration where expanded illumination is required.
www.hkluxury.com
AUDIO, HOME THEATER, VIDEO
Kaleidescape, Inc. Best New Visual Technology
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2003
Kaleidescape Strato K Movie Player
The world’s highest-fidelity movie player, Strato K, introduces Kaleidescapes exclusive new 4K Cinematic™ format and unlocks native 8K playback. Taking advantage of its 8K processing power, 4K Cinematic features full chroma (up to 4:4:4), and much higher bitrates. 4K Cinematic movies include more image data for richer color, cleaner detail, and a more natural look. Strato K features lossless multichannel and object-based audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
www.kaleidescape.com
AUTOMATION, CONTROL SYSTEMS
Lutron Electronics Best New Lighting & Shading Solution
Available in: Americas
Member Since 1992
Aviena Keypad
The Aviena Keypad by Lutron brings handcrafted elegance to the smart home. Made of solid brass with Signature Metal finishes, its mechanical toggles deliver precise control of lights, shades, and scenes. Seamlessly integrated with HomeWorks, Aviena combines timeless design with advanced performance in one tactile, intuitive interface.
www.luxury.lutron.com
OTHER
Lutron Electronics Best New Smart Home Software
Available in: Americas & EMEA
Member Since 1992
Lutron Shades Visualizer for Lutron Luxury Experience App
Introducing the Lutron Shade Visualizer – an interactive digital tool that simplifies automated shading design. Explore styles, fabrics, and mounting options in realtime, and see how light transforms space. Play with design and make shade decisions confidently with immersive visuals – all within Lutron’s Luxury Experience App.
www.luxury.lutron.com
AUDIO, HOME THEATER
Perlisten Audio, LLC Best New Home Cinema Speaker Range
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2020
Perlisten Audio X5w On-Wall Speaker Introducing the Perlisten X-Series: ultra-slim, elegant on-wall speakers that deliver flagship performance without taking up floor space. Crafted from solid aluminum with advanced waveguide technology and vibration-isolation mounts, the X5w creates a stunning floating effect while offering exceptional clarity, controlled directivity, and bass down to 60Hz. Perfect for immersive home theaters or refined stereo systems.
www.perlistenaudio.com
HOME THEATER
Samsung Electronics Best New Visual Technology
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2016
Samsung 130” Micro RGB TV
The 130” Micro RGB TV is a landmark innovation that sets a new standard of brilliant, hyper-realistic color at scale. With a breakthrough micro-sized backlight, it achieves 100% of the BT.2020 color area. Paired with a first-of-its kind 130” bold design, it fully redefines what a TV can be.
www.samsung.com
AUTOMATION, CONTROL SYSTEMS
Savant Systems, LLC Best New Smart Home Software
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2007
Savant AI
Savant AI introduces experiential intelligence to the smart home — a personal concierge that engages users through natural conversation in 48+ languages, surfaces the full potential of their installed technology, and recommends and delivers the right experience for every moment. Accessible via voice remotes, touch panels, and mobile devices, Savant AI doesn’t just respond to commands — it turns desire into experience.
www.savant.com
AUDIO
Sonance Best New Soundbar
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 1989
SBXL-100 Soundbar
The Sonance SBXL-100 delivers commanding, large format audio to match today’s extralarge displays. At 82.68 inches wide, 250 watts of powered sound, full-range frequency response, and app-based DSP setup combine to create an immersive home entertainment experience without a dedicated subwoofer. ARC/eARC HDMI, fabric magnetic grille, and flexible wall or tabletop mounting. Audio as impressive as the screen it serves.
www.sonance.com
AUDIO
Sonance Best New Architectural, Invisible & Standalone Speaker
Available in: Americas, EMEA, Asia Pacific
Member Since 1989
Visual Experience Ultra Thin-Line
The Sonance VX52R UTL Ultra Thin-Line Speaker delivers premium Visual Experience Series performance from a remarkable 1.41-inch mounting depth. CDX Crossover technology, VX Sinusoidal Waveguide, and a redesigned driver architecture ensure wide dispersion, neutral voicing, and extended frequency response from 55Hz to 20kHz. Compatible with all 6” VX accessories and built for the most demanding shallow depth applications. Installation constraints, finally solved.
www.sonance.com
HOME THEATER
Sony Consumer Integrated Systems Best New Visual Technology
Available in: Americas
Member Since 1989
BRAVIA 9 II TRUE RGB TV
The BRAVIA 9 II TRUE RGB TV is Sony’s brightest and most colorful TV, engineered to deliver exceptional picture quality across a wide range of viewing environments. A new TRUE RGB backlight independently controls red, green, and blue LEDs to produce richer colors, deeper contrast, and smoother detail than conventional LED TVs. Combined with Sony’s most advanced anti‑glare technology and wide viewing angles, the image remains vibrant and clear from any angle. (Available screen sizes: 65” to 115”)
www.sony.com
AUDIO, HOME THEATER
StormAudio Best New Home Cinema Speaker Range
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2018
EVO One
EVO One is StormAudio’s fully digital immersive processor for compact installations below 16 channels. Combining immersive decoding, simultaneous AES/EBU and AoIP connectivity, native Dante integration, 20 PEQ per channel and complete Dirac Live calibration in a scalable 8, 12, or 16-channel platform, EVO One delivers StormAudio performance for compact digital immersive systems without compromise.
www.stormaudio.com
OTHER
Symbol Logic Best New Business Software
Available in: Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2010
ECAV 6
By
ECAV is a purpose-built drawing suite for technology professionals, designed to accelerate accurate system documentation. Backed by 26 years of refinement, it delivers a practical, workflow-driven approach to project documentation.
SymbolLogic Design • Wire • Engineer • Build | AV Drawing Software
www.symbollogic.com
AUDIO, HOME THEATER
Wisdom Audio Best New Hardware Product
Americas, Asia Pacific, EMEA
Member Since 2006
Sage Cinema VCA16 Sage Cinema VCA16 is a behindscreen line-source loudspeaker featuring Wisdom Audio’s patentpending Perfect Array™: a single curved planar magnetic HF driver paired with a curved woofer array. It delivers wide, consistent audience coverage, strong pattern control down to lower frequencies, minimal SPL change over distance, and reduced floor/ceiling reflections—without complex signal processing.
www.wisdomaudio.com
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