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Smart Home World Magazine April 2026 - Smart Home Expo Special

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BRINGING ELEGANCE TO LIGHT

Elegance manifests in various ways, with its true essence rooted not just in exquisite materials or precise craftsmanship but in the feelings it inspires. Enter Lux by Control4 , a collection of keypads, dimmers, switches, and outlets designed to enhance luxury spaces.

Lux showcases a refined aesthetic that seamlessly blends style and functionality, appealing to discerning owners. It provides an extensive selection of design options, including premium metal faceplates and a variety of architectural finishes and colors. The distinctive buttons not only improve usability but also enhance the overall look

With metallic plate choices like Antique Bronze, Chrome, Satin Nickel, and Venetian Bronze, you can create stunning designs. Ultimately, this combination of beauty and functionality creates a lasting sense of sophistication and

GolfSlim Portable ImpactWhite 350 Series Screens

R e v ol ut io n ar y eng i nee ri n g

The chassis of the BEC IC Series are as new as they are unique in their design: they feature a high-quality and unique honeycomb membrane system built into an extremely compact housing.

Un compromisi n g

s li m d es i g n

Due to their extremely compact design, the speakers of the BEC IC Series are ideal for wall mounting. Two horizontally adjustable brackets are included per speaker. D iscree t mount i n g

The conventional voice coil is replaced by a multi-layer PCB that drives the entire surface evenly thanks to two neodymium magnets. I nt elli g e n t dri v e

Un limi t e d

a pplic at i on p oss ibili t i e s

19.60 inch (IC 50 IC 70), 998 mm / 39.29 inch (IC 100 IC 120),

With a width of just 37.5 mm / 1.47 inch and a depth of 23 mm / 0.90 inch and a length of only 498 mm / ), 698 mm / 27.48 inch ( ) or 1,206 mm / 47.48 inch ( the loudspeakers of the BEC IC unobtrusively into any room.

The BEC IC Series loudspeakers are the unique solution for almost all sound reinforcement ap plications, elegant and discreet in appearance, powerful and superior in performance. The so l ut i on fo r th e

Thanks to their extremely compact design and unique performance, the speakers can be harmoniously inte rangement in the living room, home cinema rooms, integration into a complete house sound system, use in conservatories, horizontal or vertical mountinggive your ideas free rein.

Preview

Everything you need to know about the 7th edition of Smart Home Expo 2026. This year, the show returns bigger and bolder, bringing together 450+ brands along with a vibrant lineup of conferences and hands-on training sessions. Take a closer look at what’s in store—then register and be part of the experience.

Industry Insights

Is the Smart Home Ecosystem truly scaling new heights, or is it still driven by momentum and market buzz? This feature brings together insights from leading industry associations and brand experts, offering their perspective on the growth, challenges and prospects.

Interviews

At Smart Home Expo 2026, some of the industry’s most forward-thinking smart solution brands come together to showcase their range. This exclusive section captures their perspectives on evolving market demands, their core offerings, and the new launches they are set to unveil at the show.

• Sumant Bhatia, General Manager, Havells India LTD

• Rishabh Jain, Managing Director, Audio and Beyond

• Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS

• Rohan Khera, Head, LDS Marketing, Sony India Pvt Ltd

• Rajeev Singh, MD, BENQ India & South Asia

• Sharad Kapoor, Director & Head, Yale Retail SAARC

• Arshad Lakdawala, VP, Sales & Marketing, MZ Audio Distribution, India

• Takshay Bansal, Joint Managing Director, Dorset Group

• Arjun Agarwal, CEO, Cinerama Pvt Ltd

• Sanjay Chawla, Director, Kripa Electronics (India) Private Limited

• Manmohan Ganesh, Chairman & Managing Director, PRO FX

• Vineet Mehta and Shekhar Mehta, Vinshek

CONTENTS

• Saurav Chowdhary, Director, Smato Technologies

• Sunil Khera, Founder & CEO, Aero Digital

• Jayanth Jain, MD & CEO, GM Modular

• Vijay Sharma, Managing Director, Optoma Technology India Pvt Ltd

• Muskan Salgia, Vice President, CasaDigi

• Jay Nihalani, Founder & CEO, Sound & Vision

• Satish Kumar Kakani, CEO/Founder, Morion Automation Private Limited

• Ansh Ahuja, Director, EverGlow

• Ayub Kazia, CEO and Co-Founder, Modo Technologies

• Parth Shah, Co-Founder, Smart Node

• Dispal Sakaria, Founder, Lafit Lighting

• Shitij Khatter & Ashish Kesarwani Partner, Audio Nirvana

• Dhiren Shah, Managing Director, Quba Architectural Products

• Manoj Manchala, Director, Miantic AV Distribution Pvt Ltd

• Neha Agarwal, Secretary, KNX National Group India and Director, Techvault

Case Studies

Mr Light Illumination Experience Centre in Sultanpur, New Delhi, is an 8,000 sq. ft. immersive space showcasing lighting as an intelligent, adaptive element within real-world environments.

Design Studio brings together refined aesthetics and seamless automation, enhanced by a retrofit smart solution from Robo Homes to create a home that balances comfort, convenience, and home technology for this contemporary home.

Product Preview

LUX Switches are redefining luxury automation within the Control4 ecosystem with design-led innovation

Among the most awaited events on our industry calendar, Smart Home Expo 2026 returns with an energy that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Each year, the anticipation builds, but this time, it’s clearly on another level. With over 450 brands coming together, the Expo is no longer just about scale; it’s about the depth of engagement it offers. What I find particularly compelling this year is the strong focus on learning. At the Expo, there are international experts leading training sessions, and meaningful knowledge-sharing discussions where professionals and brand leaders exchange real-world insights and experiences.

As I worked on this special edition, one question kept coming up: how much of the smart home ecosystem’s growth is real, and how much is driven by hype? Our Industry Insights section explores this in “The Growth of the Smart Home Ecosystem,” bringing together perspectives from global associations and leading brands. The viewpoints are honest and grounded, highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges shaping this evolving space.

Alongside, our interview section offers a closer look at the people driving this change. Conversations with brand leaders reveal not just what they plan to showcase at the Expo, but how their offerings are evolving in response to shifting demands and expectations. Put together, this issue captures a moment of transition—an industry that is expanding, experimenting, and steadily defining its future.

If there’s one place to witness this shift firsthand, it is at Smart Home Expo 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay updated.

Chief Editor: Swati Balgi swati@smarthomeworld.in

Assistant Manager - Sales: Monika Agnihotri monika@smarthomeexpo.in

Marketing Head: Sandeep Singh sandeep@smarthomeworld.in

Tech Journalist: Sunny Sawant sunny@smarthomeworld.in

For More Information Contact Us: +91 81690 58048

Published by: WORLD MEDIA & EXPO LLP.

Ecostar, 603, Vishveshwar Nagar Road, Churi Wadi, Goregaon (East) Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063

SWATI BALGI

Home means belonging.

Home means foundation.

CEDIA puts you next door to a vibrant community of likeminded individuals. CEDIA creates meaningful experiences that bring this community together, forging valuable relationships that last a lifetime

Here, you'll find peers ready to collaborate, share insights, and grow together

Think of CEDIA as one mentor with the experience of thousands of your peersfostering your talent and passion with unparalleled knowledge, training and resources. Our education and certification programs are tangible ways to build opportunity and earnings while lending instant credibility with homeowners and other professionals.

Home means protection.

Like a home provides shelter and security from a world that's constantly shifting and evolving, CEDIA ensures the industry we are collectively passionate about stays at the forefront of this evolution.

We advocate for the interests of our members to allied trades and governments, ensuring the vital work you do is acknowledged and respected.

CEDIA provides a home for smart home professionals to connect, create community, build skills, and champion an industry that we all love.

As your home, we're committed to offering belonging, foundation, and protection so that you can better provide it for others.

www.CEDIA.org member@cedia.org

28•29•30 APRIL 2026

Smart Home Expo 2026, India’s most influential and trend-setting smart home technology expo, returns with its highly anticipated 7th Edition from April 28–30, 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Bigger, bolder, and more dynamic than ever, the show has grown exponentially into a one-of-itskind platform, where innovation, design, and technology will be showcased under one roof. This year, Smart Home Expo 2026 has stepped up its own benchmark where the brands are showcasing a powerful mix of breakthrough innovations, next-gen solutions, and gamechanging trends across residential and commercial spaces.

As India’s largest smart home technology expo, the event offers an interactive environment where visitors can go beyond observation and truly experience an immersive, high-energy showcase. On display are cutting-edge Home Automation, Smart Lighting, Audio-Video solutions, Smart Home Security, Consumer Electronics, Smart Building Technology and Smart Home Technology. Plus, with live, hands-on demonstrations and fully functional setups, leading brands will create an engaging, practical experience for visitors. Smart Home Expo 2026 promises an electrifying, handson journey into the future of smart living solutions.

Spanning over 15,000 sqm of exhibition space and featuring 450+ leading brands, the expo brings together the entire ecosystem under one roof. This expo is exclusively curated for trade professionals, including system integrators, architects, interior designers, and consultants. The expo offers a focused environment to explore the latest innovations shaping intelligent spaces.

Smart Home Expo 2026 is supported by a strong lineup of partners across key categories, reflecting the scale and industry relevance

of the event. Havells India joins as the Title Partner, Electronics Mart India Limited (EMIL) as the Powered By Partner, and KNX National India as the Technology Partner. Together, these partnerships reinforce the expo’s focus on smart technology, innovation, and design across residential and commercial spaces. The Platinum Partners include Sonos, Cinebels, PRO FX, Miantic, Vinshek, Smato Technologies, CP PLUS, Cavitak, and KEI. The Premium Partners lineup includes Aero, RTI, Marantz, Basalte, GM Modular, BenQ, Epson, Optoma, Focal Powered by Naim, Devialet, Yale, MZ Audio Distribution, Klipsch, Theory, Loewe, Smart Node, James Loudspeaker, Dorset, Sony, Casadigi, Schneider Electric, Audio One, Gallo Acoustics, Godrej Locks, Rako Controls, Sonus Faber, JBL, DigiLux AI, Krix, L-Acoustics, Sound & Vision, MDT, Moorgen, EverGlow, JR Automation Technology, ELAN by Nice, LAFIT, Quba, Modo, Origin Acoustics, Sonodyne, Raylogic Control Systems, Absolute Sound, Dahua Technology and Unwired Connect.

This broad partner ecosystem reflects the depth of the show across categories such as audio-video, smart controls, lighting, security, automation, and connected living. The Knowledge Partners include Indian the Indian Institute of Interior Designers - Mumbai Regional Chapter (IIID-MRC), Lighting Designers Association of India (LIDAI), Council of Architecture, CEDIA, and International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), while Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Z-Wave Alliance, and Electronic Security Association of India (ESAI), INBAC Association, and IGBC have come on board as Supporting Associations. Together, these associations and industry bodies strengthen a larger ecosystem around the expo, bringing greater visibility to standards, design, interoperability.

IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS OF SMART HOME EXPO 2026

KNX Pavilion

The KNX Pavilion this year is more impactful than any previous edition. Visitors can expect to see 22 brands, covering various segments like lighting, HVAC, energy management, security, and shading, all running seamlessly from multiple manufacturers on one single open protocol. That real-time interoperability, with no proprietary lock-in, is what makes the KNX Pavilion a truly unique experience.

This year, there are several new International and National brands to the KNX Pavilion, such as GVS, AYPRO, Atios, LogicMachine, Mean Well, Interra, Inspinia, TheBen, ILevia, Bab Technologie, Integron, ABB, ControlTronic, Cue Home, Goldmedal, NetX Automation, Schiender Electrc, Digilux-ai, Future knx, HMS-Intesis, Steinel, and Weinzierl.

Several of these brands are entering the Indian market for the very first time through the KNX Pavilion, which speaks volumes about the credibility this platform has built and the confidence the global KNX community now has in India.

Be sure to visit the KNX Pavilion and join their training sessions, where innovation meets expertise and the future of smart spaces begins.

LIGHTING CONNECT

Lighting Connect announces its strategic partnership with the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Lighting Designers Association of India (LiDAI). Established in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, the IALD is a prestigious global organisation representing the field of architectural lighting design.

This collaboration offers a unique platform for lighting professionals to engage in insightful conversations and explore cutting-edge technologies set to redefine the lighting landscape. We warmly invite you to be part of Lighting Connect 2026, a premier event running alongside Smart Home Expo 2026, where innovation and design converge to shape the future of lighting.

AV India Expo

In today’s modern homes, audio-video technology is no longer a luxury, it’s an essential part of the living experience. From whole-home speaker systems to fully immersive home theatre setups, the evolution of residential AV has transformed how we enjoy entertainment in our personal spaces.

At our upcoming event, we’ll dive deep into the world of residential audio-video, exploring the latest innovations, emerging trends, and the technologies that are shaping the future of home entertainment. Join us for an insightful session as we uncover how cutting-edge AV systems are enhancing comfort, connectivity, and the overall home experience like never before.

THE SMART SPACE AWARDS 2026

The prestigious Smart Space Awards 2026, held in collaboration with the IIID Mumbai Regional Chapter, stands as a key highlight of the Smart Home Expo 2026. Featuring eight distinct categories, the awards are thoughtfully divided into two professional segments, Architects & Interior Designers and System Integrators.

Each year, the awards attract an ever-growing pool of participants, including top architecture firms, acclaimed interior designers, and forward-thinking system integrators, all competing to showcase their visionary work. Focused on the seamless integration of smart technologies, these awards honour the pinnacle of creativity, innovation, and intelligent design in modern living and working spaces.

Join us in celebrating excellence and shaping the future of smart environments. Winners will be felicitated during the Smart Home Expo 2026

CEDIA Workshops at Smart Home Expo 2026

CEDIA will host two advanced, hands-on workshops designed for industry professionals seeking deeper expertise in immersive audio and system performance.

Led by internationally recognised experts Adam Pelz and Peter Aylett, these workshops are tailored for integrators, consultants, and design professionals with a strong foundation in AV, delivering advanced knowledge essential for creating world-class private cinema and audio environments. These workshops are tailored for integrators, consultants, and design professionals with a strong foundation in AV, delivering advanced knowledge essential for creating world-class private cinema and audio environments.

On April 26–27, the Immersive Audio & Acoustic Design Workshop (RP22) will take place at Jio World Convention Centre. This session focuses on the engineering principles behind high-performance immersive environments— covering system architecture, loudspeaker placement, low-frequency design, and acoustic strategy. Through a teach-and-apply format, participants will work on real-world scenarios to create performance-driven design solutions.

On April 30, the Audio System Measurement & Verification Workshop (RP32) offers an intensive, practical approach to measurement and calibration. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with professional tools, learning how to capture, analyse, and interpret acoustic data, while developing structured workflows for accurate system verification and reporting.

Smart Building Summit

As the global Building Automation System sector moves toward a future rooted in sustainability, energy efficiency, and healthier living environments, these themes are becoming essential pillars of the green economy. In alignment with this vision, we are proud to present the Smart Building Summit 2026, co-organised with the INBAC Association and IGBC council.

This must-attend event will showcase the most advanced and forward-thinking technologies set to transform the building automation landscape. If you’re looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, Smart Building Summit 2026 is where innovation meets opportunity.

Industry Associations share their perspectives on their role in supporting Smart Home Expo 2026. From contributing deep domain expertise and market insights to shaping industry dialogue, they highlight the value the platform brings. They also offer their views on the expo’s significance and the opportunities it creates for visitors to explore innovations, gain knowledge, and engage with the evolving smart home ecosystem.

CEDIA is proud to support Smart Home Expo 2026 as a knowledge partner, bringing global expertise and a strong focus on education and professional development to the platform.

As the global association for smart home professionals, CEDIA plays an important role in elevating the quality and credibility of the smart home industry as well as providing a place to build community and gain knowledge, whether through insights into the latest products and technology or by accessing valuable education to develop their knowledge and skills. Smart Home Expo is an extension of everything we stand for.

At Smart Home Expo, our primary contribution lies in delivering high-value knowledge through curated workshops, conferences and panel discussions. These are designed to address real-world challenges faced by integrators, designers and technology professionals, while also equipping them with practical skills and global best practices.

Additionally, as a show that provides invaluable insight for architects and interior designers to understand what is possible in smart homes, the technology and complexity of designing such systems

support CEDIA’s strategy of informing the design and build community about the importance of understanding their clients’ technology needs and involving a smart home professional at the early stages of a project.

My view on the Smart Home Expo is that it is the perfect event for business owners to engage in crucial peer discussions, while gaining valuable insight into industry and technology trends to help guide their business strategy. By bringing their engineers and technicians to this fantastic event, they are supporting their career development by giving them access to invaluable training, such as the two specialist workshops we are running. These flagship sessions, Immersive Audio and Acoustic Design Workshop (26&27 April) and CEDIA RP32 Audio System Measurement and Verification Workshop (30 April) will be taught by Peter Aylett, who chaired the working group behind RP22 and Adam Pelz, who chaired the working group that developed RP32Their involvement ensures that attendees receive first-hand knowledge from the very experts who have shaped industry standards. From our perspective, Smart Home Expo has become one of the most important platforms for the industry in India. It brings together a diverse ecosystem of manufacturers, integrators, design & build professionals and consultants under one roof. For visitors, the expo offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations, experience new technologies firsthand and build valuable industry connections.

Overall, CEDIA sees Smart Home Expo as a powerful catalyst for industry growth. By contributing education, global standards and professional expertise, we aim to support the continued evolution of the smart home market while delivering meaningful value to all attendees.

Smart Home Expo has become an important meeting point for the global smart home and building automation community, particularly in regions where the adoption of connected technologies is accelerating rapidly. As an industry alliance focused on advancing interoperable smart home standards, the Z-Wave Alliance sees events like Smart Home Expo as an opportunity to bring together manufacturers, system integrators, developers, and channel partners to exchange ideas and explore how connected technologies can deliver real value in homes and buildings.

Our role in supporting Smart Home Expo centres on sharing industry expertise and helping educate the market about the importance of open standards, interoperability, and long-term reliability in smart home ecosystems. As the

organisation responsible for stewarding the Z-Wave standard, we work closely with hundreds of member companies worldwide to ensure certified devices from different manufacturers work together seamlessly and securely. That perspective allows us to contribute insight into the evolving needs of the market—from device interoperability and certification to scalability and security in connected environments.

One of the most valuable aspects of Smart Home Expo is the opportunity it creates for dialogue across the ecosystem. Visitors can see emerging technologies firsthand, understand how different platforms and devices interact, and engage directly with the companies developing these solutions. For professionals in architecture, real estate development, installation, and technology integration, that exposure helps bridge the gap between innovation and real-world deployment.

From our perspective, Smart Home Expo provides an excellent platform for education and collaboration, helping industry stakeholders better understand how interoperable technologies can scale across residential and multi-dwelling environments. We’re pleased to support the event and contribute to the Alliance’s perspective as the industry continues to grow and mature.

Sakhee Chandrayan, Founder & President, INBAC Association & VITAL - India’s first Smart Building Certification

As the Knowledge Partner for the Smart Building Summit, an integral segment of the Smart Home Expo, the INBAC Association is honoured to support this distinguished industry event. Our principal responsibility is to advance educational initiatives, increase industry awareness, and cultivate a resilient ecosystem that promotes efficient, safe, healthy, and connected buildings.

We provide extensive expertise in Building Automation Systems (BAS) and open communication protocols. INBAC operates as a techno-social community committed to fostering interoperability and standardisation within India’s market. With modern smart spaces generating substantial data, our proficiency enables seamless integration of multiple sub-systems, ensuring reliable data flow and optimal building performance. By endorsing open standards, we empower stakeholders to jointly create sustainable environments prioritising energy efficiency, environmental conservation, and security. Additionally, our association leverages

insights from our diverse membership to facilitate crucial public-private partnerships and productive dialogue among government officials and industry leaders concerning global benchmarks and regulations.

We regard the Smart Home Expo as the focal point of India’s smart technology movement, a collaborative platform where innovative ideas, technology, and design converge to shape the future of intelligent spaces. As the largest smart tech event for residential and commercial settings in India, the Expo is essential for ongoing industry development and serves as an influential driver of innovation.

For attendees, the benefits of participation are substantial. The Expo brings together over 450+ prominent brands, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in home automation, smart security, audio-visual systems, and lighting solutions. Visitors gain unique access to live demonstrations and practical applications, illustrating how smart technology can be implemented and scaled across homes, hotels, and large commercial buildings.

Whether participants are system integrators seeking to stay abreast of technological advancements or architects, builders, and consultants developing modern connected environments, the Expo delivers vital networking opportunities, inspiration, and experiential learning to support leadership in the advancement of Digital India’s smart infrastructure.

LiDAI was formed with a focus on raising the stature of the Lighting Design Profession in the construction industry, with a strong mandate to improve the quality of the lighting design itself and to aid designers with the knowledge about new technology, trends and research. In its 5th year, LiDAI has grown and the community has now begun to integrate with other design stakeholders and spread the message of good lighting

design and its impact on the spaces we occupy and live in. For the association, the Smart Homes Expo provides an appropriate platform to further enhance this message with the design community at large, while also getting insights into new technology and product offerings. Over the last three editions, LiDAI has supported the Expo with curated content on how lighting design can enhance our spaces - both internally and externally, while also offering innovative methods for using controls and how that helps in modulating light in our environments.

This year, we would like to challenge the more innovative manufacturers and resellers in the Smart Homes business to think about how to make their devices, especially the human interfaces, more intuitive, costeffective and robust while also discussing the positive aspects of the use of AI in the design and product development industry.

Linus Lopez BE MA

As a sustainability expert and ESG specialist working across multiple sectors, my association plays a key role in bringing a holistic sustainability perspective to platforms like the Smart Home Expo 2026. Our primary contribution lies in bridging the gap between smart technologies and sustainable development by ensuring that innovation is aligned with long-term environmental and social goals.

We bring domain expertise in areas such as green building practices, climateresilient design, resource efficiency, and ESG integration. This allows us to contribute meaningful insights on how smart home technologies can go beyond convenience and automation to actively support energy efficiency, water conservation, improved indoor environmental quality, and reduced carbon footprints. Our involvement also helps stakeholders understand how sustainable materials and systems can be seamlessly integrated with smart solutions to create

future-ready built environments.

The expo serves as a valuable platform for interaction and collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, including developers, architects, technology providers, manufacturers, and sustainability professionals. It presents an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and understand how different sectors are approaching the challenges of climate change and urbanisation through innovation.

From my perspective, one of the biggest advantages of the expo for visitors is the ability to gain practical, real-world insights into the application of smart and sustainable technologies. It enables participants to experience firsthand how integrated solutions can enhance building performance while contributing to broader ESG objectives. Additionally, it fosters awareness about the importance of adopting a holistic approach—where smart technologies and sustainable materials work together rather than in isolation.

Overall, platforms like Smart Home Expo are instrumental in accelerating the transition towards climate-resilient and sustainable living. They not only showcase advancements but also inspire stakeholders to adopt smarter, greener practices that align with the evolving demands of the built environment.

The Indian Institute of Interior Designers, IIID MRC, is proud to support Smart Home Expo 2026 as a Knowledge Partner, strengthening the relationship between design, technology, and the evolving needs of contemporary living environments.

Our association with Smart Home Expo reflects a shared vision of integrating design thinking with technological innovation. Today, smart homes are no longer limited to automation; they represent a holistic approach where technology enhances comfort, sustainability, security, and lifestyle. Through IIID MRC’s involvement, we aim to ensure that design sensibilities, user experience, and spatial intelligence remain central to conversations around smart living. As Knowledge Partner, IIID MRC is actively contributing to the curation of the knowledge program, panel discussions, and the awards jury. A carefully structured jury comprising architects, interior designers, lighting designers, and technology integrators evaluated entries from across the country.

On 28th April, IIID MRC will lead the knowledge engagement during the threeday conclave, hosting two panel discussions before lunch and one post lunch, featuring leading architects, designers, and technology specialists. These conversations will explore

the intersection of architecture, interiors, and smart systems, encouraging collaboration between designers and system integrators to create intelligent yet aesthetically refined spaces.

A key educational component will be the Continuing Education Program (CEP) and workshop on “AI in Interiors,” aimed at helping design professionals understand how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming the design process and the way spaces are experienced. The CEP session will take place from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, offering a focused learning platform for architects and designers.

To further strengthen participation, Mehul Kamdar from IIID MRC will coordinate and manage approximately 100 attendees from the Nashik, Pune, and Thane chapters. These participants will attend the CEP program during the first half of the day and subsequently explore the exhibition to experience the latest innovations in smart home technologies.

For visitors, Smart Home Expo 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the latest advancements in home automation, integrated technologies, and smart living solutions. It serves as a dynamic platform where architects, interior designers, developers, technology providers, and endusers can interact, exchange ideas, and discover new possibilities for future-ready living environments.

IIID MRC believes that such collaborations are essential to shaping the next generation of spaces where design excellence and technological intelligence seamlessly come together.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY 1 - 28, APRIL 2026

11:00am - 11:15am

Inauguration

11:15am - 11:30am

The Business of Smart Homes: Where Are the Real Opportunities?

11:30am - 12:15pm

Brains of the Home: Choosing the Right Automation Platform

12:15pm - 01:00pm

Smart Homes Today: Hype, Reality & What’s Actually Getting Installed

01:00pm - 02:00pm

Lunch Break

02:00pm - 02:20pm

Rethinking Smart Homes Through a Designer’s Lens - Powered by CEDIA

02:20pm - 03:00pm

Security That Thinks Ahead: Smart Locks, Sensors & Predictive Intelligence

03:00pm - 03:30pm

When Design Leads Technology: Reimagining Smart Homes from the Drawing Board (Powered By CEDIA)

03:30pm - 04:15pm

From Blueprint to Smart Living: Designing Automation-Ready Homes (Curated & Moderated By The Ideal Home & Garden)

04:30pm - 06:00pm

Smart Space Awards

CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY 2 - 29, APRIL 2026

11:00am - 11:40am

The Art & Science of Calibrating Rooms (Powered By CEDIA)

11:40am - 12:20pm

Designing for the Ears: The Role of Immersive Audio & Video in Modern Interiors - Powered by CEDIA

12:20pm - 01:00pm

Designing High-Performance Home Cinemas in Compact Spaces

01:00pm - 02:00pm

Lunch Break

02:00pm - 02:20pm

Opening Remarks: Lighting Connect

02:20pm - 02:30pm

Honorary Awards: Lighting Designers

02:30pm - 03:45pm

Workshop: Problem Solving in Practice

03:45pm - 04:00pm

Schneider Brand Presentation

04:00pm - 04:45pm

Debate - Collaborative Lighting: Where Design Meets Integration

04:45pm - 05:00pm

The Way Forward - Closing Remarks

CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY 3 - 30, APRIL 2026

11:00am - 11:15am

Building Smart at Scale: How PropTech Is Shaping the Next Generation of Indian Real Estate

11:15am - 11:45am

The Foundations of Smart Buildings: Connectivity, Energy & Control Systems (Powered By INBAC)

11:45am - 12:05pm

Net-Zero and Smart: How Certifications Are Driving Energy-Positive Buildings

12:05pm - 12:50pm

Future-Proofing Commercial Spaces: Balancing Sustainability, Health, and Profitability (Powered By IGBC)

12:50pm - 01:00pm

Honorary Awards: Commercial Segment

01:30pm Onwards

KNX India

PITCHVUE 4K

The Growing Smart Home Ecosystem

Is the smart home ecosystem genuinely expanding, or simply riding a wave of buzz? Smart Home World brings together perspectives from industry associations and top brand experts, analysing what’s really driving this rapidly evolving landscape, and where the true opportunities lie.

Is the smart home ecosystem truly growing, or is complexity holding it back? In this feature, Smart Home World goes beyond the surfacelevel narrative, bringing together insights from leading industry associations and brand experts to decode the realities of this fastevolving market.

Market Research Companies projects a clear picture of growth, which is not the challenge; the smart home sector is on a strong upward trajectory. Adoption continues to gain momentum, fuelled not just by first-time users but increasingly by existing consumers who are

expanding and upgrading their ecosystems, signalling a maturing and evolving market.

Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO, Parks Associates says, “Smart home growth continues, exceeding expectations for yearend 2025. Video devices led category growth has increased 7 percentage points for video doorbells, 6 points for smart cameras, and 4 points for floodlight and spotlight cameras.

This growth reflects a broad range of product

introductions across price tiers, along with the integration of more advanced features, including AI-driven functionality.

As the market moves into 2026, maintaining growth will require balancing entry-level and premium offerings while meeting a higher baseline for features. AI is emerging as a standard expectation rather than a differentiator.”

She further adds, “Interoperability is improving through Matter, enabling consumers to use their preferred platforms more easily. However, platform competition is increasingly shaped by AI strategy. Amazon’s consistent approach has supported its leadership position, while Apple has been constrained by delays in AI rollout.

Consumers are raising expectations for AI performance and data security. Competitive differentiation will depend on delivering reliable, accurate intelligence alongside seamless and easy-to-use experiences.”

Elizabeth Parks
President and CMO, Parks Associates

Three leading brand heads offer their perspective on how their solutions are evolving to meet changing market demands, and the ways in which they are addressing key challenges around integration, reliability, and user experience.

What are the biggest challenges you face in scaling smart home adoption – productrelated or ecosystem-related?

The biggest challenge in scaling smart home adoption is ecosystem complexity, not individual products.

A growing issue is the way many IoT devices are positioned as core infrastructure, when in reality, they are often disposable edge devices. Consumer-grade IoT products may deliver quick wins, but they are typically dependent on cloud services, short development cycles, and the financial health of the manufacturer. When a vendor exits the market or discontinues a platform, devices can quickly lose functionality or become unusable altogether, creating risk for homeowners, developers, and integrators.

A true smart home scale depends on recognising the difference between infrastructure and peripherals. Core systems, including control platforms, networking, power management, and security architecture, must be built on long-term, professionally supported foundations. Edge devices can evolve, but the underlying platform must remain stable, secure, and supported for years, not just product cycles.

Fragmentation compounds this challenge.

Loosely integrated devices, inconsistent software updates, and unverified integrations all increase the likelihood of failure over time. This is why certified integration ecosystems are critical. They ensure devices are thoroughly tested, maintained, and updated as platforms evolve.

There is also a skills and execution gap. Modern smart homes are software-driven environments requiring professional design, robust networking, cybersecurity awareness, and lifecycle planning. Adoption scales fastest when systems are deployed by skilled integrators who select reputable manufacturers and design for experience, longevity, and trust, not just initial functionality. Ultimately, smart home growth will be driven less by the number of connected devices and more by durable platforms, credible vendors, and ecosystems designed to still work long after installation day.

How can the industry address issues around after-sales service and reliability? As a brand, what advantages do you provide?

After-sales service and reliability must be designed into the platform, not managed reactively.

The industry is moving towards serviceled smart homes, where cloud-backed architectures handle remote monitoring, diagnostics, security updates, and operating system improvements throughout the system’s lifecycle. This reduces downtime, limits site visits, and ensures systems improve rather than degrade over time.

Control4 was built with this lifecycle approach in mind. Through Control4 Connect subscriptions, systems receive ongoing software updates, security enhancements, and platform improvements that keep installations current and secure long after deployment. OvrC extends this further by

Adam Merlino
Vice President and General Manager-Asia Pacific, ADI

enabling integrators to proactively monitor networks, power, AV systems, and connected devices remotely, often resolving issues before homeowners are even aware of them.

Reliability is also reinforced through certified integrations. While Control4 remains open and device-agnostic, certified drivers ensure third-party products are thoroughly tested for stability, security, and long-term compatibility. This dramatically reduces the risk associated with unverified integrations and protects system performance as platforms evolve.

Our advantage lies in delivering a unified

Control4 ecosystem, combining control, networking, audio visual, surveillance, and power management, supported by professional tools, subscription services, and rigorous certification standards. Just as importantly, we invest heavily in integrator training and enablement, because even the strongest platform depends on the quality of its deployment and ongoing support.

The result is a smart home experience that is not only powerful on day one, but reliable, secure, and serviceable for years, building the confidence needed to accelerate adoption at scale.

What are the biggest challenges you face in scaling smart home adoption—productrelated or ecosystem-related?

Scaling smart home adoption today is no longer primarily a product challenge; it is an ecosystem challenge.

From a technological standpoint, the industry has made significant progress. Devices are more reliable, more affordable, and increasingly user-friendly. However, consumers do not adopt technologies; they adopt experiences. And too often, that experience is still fragmented.

One of the main barriers is that the market’s attention remains largely focused on individual products. Single devices are easier to understand, easier to sell, and often more accessible from a price perspective. However, this approach limits the perceived value of smart home solutions. The real benefit emerges only when devices are part of a connected ecosystem, working together to deliver tangible outcomes such as comfort, security, and energy efficiency. As awareness grows, this product-centric mindset will naturally evolve toward a more holistic understanding of the ecosystem’s value.

A second major challenge is interoperability. The market remains highly fragmented, with multiple standards, platforms, and levels of integration. While initiatives like Matter are an important step toward unification, achieving a truly seamless, cross-brand experience is still a work in progress. End users expect simplicity: one interface, one logic, one coherent system.

When this expectation is not met, adoption slows down.

At Nice, we have always approached this challenge with a mindset of openness. It is part of our DNA. Our products and platforms are designed to integrate, not isolate, enabling compatibility with broader ecosystems while maintaining a consistent and high-quality user experience. We believe that openness is essential to scale.

Beyond technology, there is also a structural challenge linked to the professional ecosystem. The transition from traditional installations to connected, software-driven systems requires a new set of skills and a different mindset. The industry still faces a shortage of trained professionals, and bringing them on board is not always straightforward. This makes education and training a critical lever for growth. Installers are evolving from product specialists into solution and experience providers, and they need the right tools, support, and guidance to succeed in this transition.

Finally, there is the overarching need for simplicity. As systems become more advanced, the user experience must become more intuitive, not more complex. This applies to every stage: selection, installation, configuration, and everyday use. Technology should not be visible; it should simply work.

This is why we believe the industry must evolve from the concept of “smart home” to what we define as Smart Living. It is not about adding more connected devices, but about creating environments that seamlessly improve everyday life.

Ultimately, scaling smart home adoption will depend on the industry’s ability to move beyond isolated products and deliver integrated, usercentric ecosystems that simplify complexity and ensure seamless interoperability. At Nice, this vision has long been at the core of our strategy. We have built our portfolio around openness and integration, continuously investing in technologies that connect the home inside and out, while elevating the overall user experience. By combining ecosystem thinking, innovation, and a strong

Juan B Mogollon Group CEO, Nice

focus on simplicity, we are not only addressing today’s challenges but actively shaping the future of Smart Living.

How can the industry address issues around after-sales service and reliability? As a brand, what advantages do you provide?

After-sales service and reliability are not standalone topics, but an essential part of the overall customer experience.

In the smart home industry, the relationship with the customer does not end at the moment of purchase or installation. On the contrary, that is where the real journey begins. Systems evolve, user needs change, and expectations increase over time. This is why the industry must adopt a truly customer-centric approach, where every phase, from discovery to installation to long-term usage, is designed as one continuous, coherent experience.

In an ideal scenario, the need for after-sales intervention should be minimal. This is why the first priority must be simplicity. Smart home solutions should reduce complexity, not introduce it. From installation to daily use, every interaction should be intuitive, seamless, and frictionless. When systems are designed correctly, they require less support and deliver a more consistent experience over time.

At the same time, after-sales should evolve from a reactive function into a proactive and continuous dialogue with the customer. At Nice, we use communication not only to resolve issues, but also to educate users, collect feedback, and anticipate evolving needs. This ongoing dialogue enables us to improve our solutions and stay aligned with market expectations continuously.

While mass-market products may offer quick access and initial simplicity, they often fall short when it comes to long-term performance, system stability, and data protection. True differentiation lies in the ability to guarantee durability, consistency, and trust over time.

This requires continuous investment in rigorous testing, internationally recognised certifications, and robust cybersecurity frameworks. As homes become more

connected, protecting data, ensuring system integrity, and preventing vulnerabilities are no longer optional.

At Nice, this is a core part of our commitment. With 13 R&D centers worldwide, we invest significantly in developing solutions that are not only innovative but also certified, secure, and built to last. This allows us to deliver consistent performance over time, offering a level of reliability and protection that goes far beyond basic connectivity.

At the same time, we are moving forward with a straightforward product convergence roadmap to build more integrated and userfriendly ecosystems across access control, sun shading, security, audio/video, and smart home categories. By cutting down on fragmentation and making sure devices work smoothly together, our reliability becomes not only about preventing issues but also about providing peace of mind through secure, consistent, and future-proof experiences.

I believe that the brands that will lead this industry are those that can combine technological excellence with certified quality, strong cybersecurity, and a deep understanding of the customer, transforming smart systems into trusted, long-term companions in everyday living.

What are the biggest challenges you face in scaling smart home adoption, productrelated or ecosystem-related?

Interoperability remains a key challenge across the industry, with many standards and ecosystems to choose from. This fragmentation can create compatibility issues and confusion for both homeowners and integrators. However, Crestron works hard to help mitigate this by offering a flexible platform. The Crestron Home OS natively supports a wide range of partner solutions. Meanwhile, our extensive Driver and Extension ecosystem allows many third-party technologies to be brought into a single, cohesive experience.

Another industry-wide challenge is the perception of smart home solutions that might be faulty or not perform as expected. DIY products are often an important entry point, which helps to grow the category and build customer awareness of what smart home

technology can offer. However, some of these solutions often fall short of delivering a truly connected and seamless experience. While they may not always deliver the full experience a homeowner ultimately expects, they shine a light on what’s possible and show them what their limitations are with those solutions. That often becomes the moment when they may look to seek out a professional integrator. And this opens the door to them relying on our industry to provide a more reliable, scalable, and personalised smart home experience.

How can the industry address issues around after-sales service and reliability? As a brand, what advantages do you provide?

Crestron’s after-sales service and product reliability are foundational, not an afterthought. Our solutions are built to last. These are enterprise-grade systems designed for mission-critical installations, where performance and dependability are essential. Our products undergo robust testing, and we stand firmly behind the quality of everything we deliver.

Support is a crucial part of our True Blue commitment. We maintain strong relationships with our dealers and trust them to support their clients. And our customers are always backed by Crestron’s award-winning True Blue support team. Our team provides direct, expert-level assistance from people who deeply understand our systems and the environments where they operate. Ultimately, Crestron earns trust through reliable products, a strong integrator ecosystem, and unmatched long-term support.

Interoperability:

The Industry’s ‘Turning Point’, if ecosystem complexity is the challenge, interoperability is the direction the industry is rapidly moving toward. Leading associations, such as the Connectivity Standards Alliance and the Z-Wave Alliance, share their perspectives on how standardisation and collaboration can shape a more connected and cohesive smart home ecosystem.

How is Connectivity Standards Alliance Advancing Interoperability?

The Alliance and its members are behind Matter, the open-source, royalty-free smart home and connectivity standard. Matter aims to unify smart home devices and increase their compatibility across various ecosystems, backed by major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, and dozens of other leading smart home and technology brands around the world. Matter simplifies IoT device development by providing a unified approach to connectivity, enabling devices to communicate and interact regardless of manufacturer, and enabling true choice for consumers of their platform of choice and smart home brands.

The Alliance took an open-source approach to Matter’s development, leveraging best-inclass contributions from market-tested smart home technologies. This accelerates the protocol’s development and delivers benefits to manufacturers and consumers faster.

Matter’s greatest strength lies in eliminating ecosystem lock-in — users can mix devices from different manufacturers without worrying about compatibility issues. This

flexibility extends to future purchases, as Matter certification guarantees interoperability across supported platforms. Consumers are no longer forced to choose devices based on ecosystem compatibility, opening up significantly more product options

In a little over three years, Matter’s development and momentum is staggering for a new, global technology standard. Matter now supports all major categories of smart home devices and billions of devices are shipping globally with Matter support. Consumers are taking advantage of the use cases and interoperability and we’re seeing the approach paying dividends as the adoption of smart devices in people’s homes and the use cases they enable is spiking.

The commitment from the hundreds of companies involved in Matter remains as strong as ever, with more companies joining the effort all the time as we expand the scope and use cases. This group is working all the time to improve the overall experience, add new features, make bringing Matter products to market easier and quicker, and raise awareness in the market and among consumers. We are committed to a multipletimes-per-year release schedule, a mix of minor and major updates, and we’ve been successful in sticking to this schedule since Matter first launched in the late fall of 2022. Each new release of matter is designed to reinforce the standard’s core goals: secure local control, reliable interoperability, and simplified development across brands and ecosystems.

What is your outlook for the smart home market over the next 3–5 years, and what role will global standards like Matter play in shaping its growth?

This year and into 2027, the Alliance and its members are focused on the standard’s

Tobin Richardson President and CEO, Connectivity Standards Alliance

continued evolution. This includes filling in the product categories, adding new ones, adding new features and capabilities, fostering new use cases, and expanding where Matter can have an impact. We see big opportunities for Matter in areas including energy management and sustainability, professional home and building, multi-dwelling buildings, commercial and industrial applications, and digital health and wellness.

A major trend shaping the next phase of smart home growth is the advancement of AI and voice control, which are transforming residences into more intuitive environments. Systems are leveraging context-aware automation for predictive maintenance alerts and personalized user profiles, going far beyond simple commands. AI-enabled experiences across connected devices and ecosystems will now be possible, with Matter providing the foundational dataset to train the models, and consumers will benefit by having the flexibility to run these new experiences locally, at the edge, or in the cloud, or a combination of all three. These experiences will make people’s lives better. It’s still early, but we’re seeing a lot of positive developments in this space.

Continued industry collaboration and innovation is key. Matter, along with our new standard Aliro and Zigbee, have proven that global open standards are the right approach to breaking down barriers, moving technology forward, and fostering innovation. Standards benefit consumers, but also the entire value IoT value chain as they are able to focus on building and innovating on top of them — unlocking new possibilities and having a positive impact on the world.

Closing Statement:

The Alliance’s strategy is both structural and expansive: by anchoring the IoT industry to Matter as a universal, open, and royalty-free standard, we are systematically dismantling the proprietary silos that have historically frustrated consumers and limited market growth and innovation.

With a consistence and robust release cadence, a powerful, global certification program, and industry-wide backing from over 900+ member companies, the Alliance is building the foundational trust layer for the entire IoT ecosystem and intelligent, LLMpowered world over the coming decade.

How is Z-Wave contributing to improving interoperability and reducing fragmentation in the smart home ecosystem?

Z-Wave’s approach to interoperability is rooted in something the organization has prioritized since day one of the Z-Wave Alliance: rigorous certification. In that respect, Z-Wave is contributing to improving interoperability by sticking to the playbook that has helped the technology succeed globally. For over two decades, certification has not been simply a checkmark for Z-Wave, it’s a requirement.

Every Z-Wave device that enters the market must first pass a comprehensive certification process that validates a number of key aspects such as interoperability, security, and adherence to standardised command classes. Additionally, as new and exciting features (such as Z-Wave Long Range) are added to

the standard, certification processes and requirements are also updated.

Strict adherence to the certification program is one of the core reasons Z-Wave has been able to scale into a global ecosystem featuring thousands of certified products and devices from hundreds of different manufacturers across multiple silicon providers. For customers, whether those be integrators, service providers, installers, or consumers, that level of dedication translates into predictable, reliable performance and devices that behave as expected, regardless of brand.

As the market continues to evolve and expand into more complex, multi-device and even multi-protocol environments, Z-Wave will continue to prioritize certification. With such an established base, a key benefit of the Z-Wave technology is that new products do not enter the market in search of a platform, they plug directly into one that already exists. To this end, the Z-Wave Alliance regularly revisits its certification programs and specifications to support new device categories, new security requirements, and emerging use cases.

What is your outlook for the smart home market over the next 3–5 years, and what role will global standards like Z-Wave and Matter play in shaping its growth?

As we look towards the next several years, the wireless standards that support the smart home will play an increasingly critical role in

enabling the data-driven home. As AI moves deeper into residential homes and commercial environments, platforms such as Z-Wave are uniquely positioned to reliably and securely collect the sensor data that these intelligent systems depend on.

At the same time, globally recognised standards will continue to function as the backbone for the industry’s forecasted growth. It is these standards that create and drive the interoperability and consistency required for devices from across a diverse ecosystem of companies and manufacturers to work together seamlessly and securely. By working to reduce overall friction for both developers and end users, these globally recognised standards cultivate an environment where innovation is permitted to thrive and accelerate. Put simply, AI systems are only as effective as the data they receive. Without secure (i.e. encrypted) and reliable data, those systems

fall short of their true potential. In this scenario, Z-Wave’s strength with particular evident. With over two decades of real-world performance and a proven cadence of updates, new features, and innovation, Z-Wave is more than capable of delivering the reliability and resilience required for large-scale, sensordriven environments.

In an era defined by AI, the standards that will succeed are those that already combine key core elements such as reliability, cybersecurity, and seamless integration. In the context of Z-Wave’s role within AI systems, the technology empowers the extraction of more meaningful insights from the surrounding environment. Advanced insights lead to greater outcomes that improve convenience and enhance safety within the home. It is the core attributes that have defined Z-Wave for the past 20+ years that will ultimately help power the future to come.

Training and Best Practices: Training and certification play a critical role in ensuring smart home systems are not only installed correctly but also perform reliably over time. As solutions become more complex and software-driven, skilled professionals are essential to design, integrate, and maintain systems that meet evolving client expectations. A strong foundation in best practices and continuous learning ultimately translates into better performance, consistency, and trust in smart home deployments.

How critical is professional training and certification in ensuring successful smart home deployments?

Training and certification are essential to ensure smart home systems are installed correctly, perform reliably, and meet client expectations

CEDIA’s globally recognised certifications are designed to demonstrate proven competence in the knowledge and skills required to deliver high-performing systems. Technicians must pass proctored exams, commit to a code of ethics, and maintain their skills through ongoing education, ensuring they stay current in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

CEDIA Certification ensures:

• Credibility & trust – Certification signals to clients and partners that the integrator meets recognised industry standards.

• Technical competence & best practices –Installers are trained to design, install, and troubleshoot systems correctly the first time.

• Reliability & performance – Certified professionals understand infrastructure (like networking), which is critical to system stability.

• Consistency across projects – Standardised training reduces variability in outcomes and supports repeatable success.

Is the current talent pool of installers and system integrators sufficient to meet the growing demand? If not, what steps is CEDIA taking to address this gap?

The smart home industry continues to experience rapid growth, and many CEDIA

members report ongoing challenges in finding qualified technology integrators to join their team. To help address this gap, CEDIA has implemented a multi-layered workforce development strategy, with the CEDIA Foundation playing an increasingly central role.

Established in 2024, the CEDIA Foundation was created to support education, certification, and career development through scholarships and grants. In 2025, the Foundation launched the 100 Techs in 100 Days initiative, a fasttrack program designed to recruit, train, and place new technicians into the workforce at no cost to participants. The program was an overwhelming success, with multiple graduates securing employment upon completion.

In addition to training new talent, CEDIA provides resources to support local workforce development efforts. The NextGen Toolkit is available free to the industry and includes a professionally produced videos targeted towards young people, ready-to-use presentations, graphics, one-sheets, and outreach materials to help members engage their local schools and communities to raise awareness of career opportunities.

Finally, CEDIA is working to broaden awareness of the industry by engaging adjacent trades and increasing consumer-facing outreach and SEO efforts, helping more people discover and pursue careers in smart home technology.

In conclusion, we say, as experts across associations and brands highlight, interoperability, robust infrastructure, and certified integration are becoming critical to delivering reliable, scalable solutions. Efforts led by organisations like the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Z-Wave Alliance, and CEDIA are helping lay the foundation for a more unified and professionalised industry. At the same time, brands are shifting toward lifecycle-driven approaches, focusing on longterm performance, service, and user experience. As AI and data-driven intelligence continue to evolve, the real measure of success will be how seamlessly these technologies integrate into everyday life. Ultimately, the future of smart homes lies in making complexity invisible and delivering environments that are not just connected, but truly intuitive and dependable.

Daryl Friedman
CEDIA Global President and CEO

UNTANGLE THE CORD.

The world is complicated enough. Your lighting automation should not be. Unwired Connect delivers smart drivers, intelligent controllers, and a full accessories ecosystem, built for the wireless era, without the complexity.

Delivering End-to-End Smart Solutions for Modern Homes

As a trusted leader in India’s smart home segment, how is Havells Crabtree evolving its automation portfolio to address rapidly changing consumer expectations and lifestyle needs in India?

At Havells Crabtree, our evolution is deeply anchored in how Indian lifestyles are transforming, towards convenience, energy efficiency, and seamless digital experiences. We are moving from device-based automation to experience-led ecosystems.

This shift reflects a stronger focus on intuitive, user-friendly interfaces—whether through touch, app, or voice—making everyday interactions with technology seamless. At the same time, hybrid ecosystems are emerging, combining the reliability of wired systems with the flexibility of wireless solutions. Design is becoming equally critical, with systems blending effortlessly into modern Indian interiors. Importantly, solutions are now

Sumant Bhatia shares how Havells Crabtree is evolving its smart home portfolio to align with changing Indian lifestyles. From experience-led ecosystems and intuitive interfaces to future-ready, AI-driven automation, he outlines the brand’s approach to connected living. The conversation also highlights recent innovations, upcoming launches at Smart Home Expo 2026, and how integrated, scalable solutions are driving adoption across both premium and mid-market segments in India.

addressing both luxury homes and aspirational mid-segment buyers, all while being built on future-ready platforms that ensure long-term relevance and adaptability.

The goal is simple: one ecosystem, multiple entry points depending on user need and budget.

At Smart Home Expo 2025 last year, Havells Crabtree introduced Apogee, a premium

modular switch and automation solution. How has the market responded to range any key insights to share.

The response to Havells Crabtree Apogee has been extremely encouraging.

Key insights:

• Strong traction in premium & luxury residential projects.

• Customers appreciate the designfirst approach combined with robust automation.

• Increasing demand from architects and system integrators looking for a differentiated offering versus traditional modular ranges.

It has helped Havells strengthen its positioning in the premium space. Apogee is also acting as a bridge between aesthetics and intelligence, which is exactly where the market is heading.

Could you highlight the newest additions to your automation ecosystem, particularly in the areas of smart switches, control interfaces, and IoT-enabled solutions, etc.?

Our recent innovations focus on building a comprehensive ecosystem, while we launched the new ranges for smart switches like Apogee, this year has seen a complete refresh of our Signia smart platform with a vastly improved offering. Our range of Signia Smart + Switches in its new avatar comes with excellent new features such as fast device onboarding, selfdiagnostics checks and compatibility with Samsung SmartThings ecosystem.

Our enhanced range of Control panels for KNX has been introduced and has received a

good response. The biggest launch has been the introduction of Curtain automation kits. These have received a lot of appreciation from our System Integration partners. These selfsufficient kits offer a full curtain motor and track solution out of the box. The universal 5-wire motors are available with different track sizes and can work with most curtain controllers available in the market. The kits also come with an RF remote controller for additional comfort.

With the industry moving towards intelligent living environments, how is Havells Crabtree preparing to add these upgrades, such as AIdriven automation, predictive controls, and unified smart solutions?

The next wave of growth will be driven by intelligence, not just connectivity.

At Havells Crabtree, we are actively working towards:

AI-driven automation that learns user behaviour (lighting, climate, routines) Predictive controls based on occupancy, time, and usage patterns, Deeper integration into unified smart home platforms rather than fragmented apps, Enhanced data privacy and security frameworks, which are critical in India We see the future as “invisible automation,” where systems anticipate needs rather than wait for commands.

What new range do you plan to launch at Smart Home Expo 2026? Plus, what other product ranges will be showcased at Smart Home Expo 2026?

This year, our approach will be very applicationcentric, and we will be showcasing our

solutions for Hospitality, Residential and commercial segments.

Some of the new Products that are in the process of being introduced will be on display. A completely new range of control panels for wired automation called “XCELLENT” will be launched along with some other new introductions like the Fenora & EAVE Series of Control panels.

We will also showcase how our portfolio scales from mid-market homes to ultra-luxury residences and hotels.

Having participated in multiple editions of Smart Home Expo, how would you describe your overall experience? In your view, how do such expos contribute to fostering innovation, building partnerships, and accelerating the growth of the smart home ecosystem in India? Our journey with the Smart Home Expo has been extremely rewarding.

Such platforms play a critical role in:

• Driving awareness of smart home technologies among end-users

• Enabling collaboration between brands, architects, and integrators

• Accelerating innovation through real-time market feedback

• Showcasing India’s transition from luxury automation to mainstream adoption

For us, it’s not just an exhibition, it’s a strategic platform to shape industry direction and build long-term partnerships.

Audio and Beyond Showcases the Evolution of Smart AV and Connected Living

Could you highlight the new products or technology solutions that Electronics Mart India Limited plans to launch or showcase at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, Electronics Mart India Limited will highlight a strong portfolio of next-generation smart home and audio solutions. Key showcases include Lithe Audio, known for its all-in-one wireless ceiling speakers that combine amplification, streaming, and seamless integration, making multi-room audio simpler and more elegant.

• In the automation space, the focus will be on Atios KNX Bridge and Atios Smart Core. The KNX Bridge enables smooth interoperability between KNX systems and modern smart ecosystems, while the Smart Core acts as a powerful central controller, offering intuitive control, scalability, and enhanced system performance for smart homes and buildings.

and Beyond.

Rishabh Jain shares how Electronics Mart India Limited is gearing up for Smart Home Expo 2026 with a compelling showcase of advanced audio, automation, and connectivity solutions. The portfolio brings together immersive home theatre systems, intelligent control platforms, and robust networking technologies, designed to deliver seamless, integrated smart living experiences. With a strong emphasis on innovation, performance, and design, the company aims to present future-ready solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern residential spaces.

Together, these solutions reflect a commitment to delivering integrated, user-friendly, and future-ready smart living experiences.

In the AV and home theatre segment, what are the key innovations or product ranges currently offered in your portfolio?

In the AV and home theatre segment, our portfolio is built around innovation, design, and versatility. We offers Gallo Acoustics, known for its aesthetic appeal that blends seamlessly into family living spaces, along with its Profile Series designed specifically for dedicated home theatre rooms.

Our in-house Pure Acoustic range offers one of the widest selections of speakers, catering to virtually every audio requirement. We also showcase VSSL amplifiers and active soundbars that simplify multi-room audio with modern streaming capabilities.

Additionally, Lithe Audio provides discreet, all-in-one audio solutions, while Velodyne subwoofers deliver powerful low-frequency performance tailored for any theatre setup.

Supporting all of this is Alta Labs, ensuring robust networking and Wi-Fi infrastructure for a seamless smart AV experience. Together, these solutions allow us to deliver complete, high-performance home entertainment ecosystems

Your portfolio includes many global brands. What new or innovative solutions from these brands do you plan to display or introduce at the expo?

We are excited to introduce a completely new range of speakers from Pure Acoustics, designed to cater to diverse audio needs with enhanced performance and versatility. Alongside this, we will be showcasing the latest amplifiers from VSSL, focused on seamless integration, high-quality streaming, and effortless multi-room audio experiences.

These new offerings reflect our continued focus on bringing innovative, user-friendly,

and high-performance AV solutions to the market.

How do networking and connectivity solutions from Alta Labs, Metra AV, Structured Cable Products, and Ethereal enable reliable and seamless smart home and AV installations?

Reliable networking and connectivity form the backbone of any smart home or AV installation. Alta Labs offers a comprehensive range of networking products, including enterprisegrade access points, routers, and switches, designed to deliver high-speed, stable, and scalable Wi-Fi coverage across residential and commercial spaces.

• Complementing this, Metra AV, Structured Cable Products, and Ethereal provide robust infrastructure solutions—ranging from high-quality cabling and structured wiring to signal distribution and connectivity accessories—ensuring minimal signal loss and maximum reliability.

Could you share more about the audio solutions and speaker technologies you offer for premium residential and luxury home theatre environments?

For premium residential and luxury home theatre environments, our audio solutions are designed to deliver both exceptional performance and seamless design integration. Gallo Acoustics, a favourite among architects

• Together, these solutions enable seamless integration, consistent performance, and future-ready smart home and AV installations.

and designers, stands out for its distinctive aesthetics combined with outstanding sound quality, making it ideal for blending effortlessly into any living space.

• Its versatility allows it to be used across various areas of the home without compromising on performance. For dedicated home theatre rooms, the Profile Series has been a revelation— offering powerful, immersive sound while maintaining a refined and installationfriendly design.

• Together, these solutions enable us to create high-performance audio environments that are both visually elegant and acoustically superior.

Could you tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped you connect with the smart home and AV ecosystem?

This marks our fourth consecutive year of association with Smart Home Expo, and it has consistently proven to be a valuable platform for us. It provides the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, partners, and technology enthusiasts under one roof.

The expo offers meaningful insights into evolving trends in the smart home and AV space, helping us stay aligned with global innovations while understanding the specific needs of the Indian market. It also enables us to showcase our solutions, build strong relationships, and contribute towards delivering advanced, future-ready residential technologies to customers across India.

CP PLUS Transforming Homes into Intelligent, Secure Ecosystems

How do you see the smart security and home automation market evolving in India, and what are the key trends driving adoption?

India today stands at the edge of a profound transformation where homes are no longer passive spaces, but intelligent ecosystems that respond, learn, and protect. The smart security and home automation market is evolving from aspirational luxury to an essential layer of modern living, driven by rising urbanisation, increasing digital literacy, and a heightened awareness around safety.

What is particularly striking is the shift from isolated devices to integrated experiences. Consumers are no longer seeking just cameras or alarms; they are embracing unified platforms where surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and automation converge seamlessly. This evolution is further accelerated by AI-led analytics, enabling systems to not just record but interpret human and vehicular

Aditya Khemka shares how the brand is redefining smart security with designled, intelligent solutions tailored for modern and luxury homes. Highlighting advancements in AI-powered surveillance, full-colour imaging, and integrated automation ecosystems, he discusses key industry trends and shifting consumer expectations. He also explores the move toward unified, proactive security experiences and offers insights into the innovations and solutions that will be showcased at Smart Home Expo 2026.

movement in real-time, thereby reducing false alarms and enhancing situational awareness.

Another defining trend is mobility and remote accessibility. With app-based monitoring becoming ubiquitous, homeowners now expect real-time visibility and control, no matter where they are. Additionally, the push for “Made in Bharat” technologies and

compliance-driven security frameworks is instilling greater trust in indigenous solutions. At CP PLUS, we see this convergence as an opportunity to not merely secure homes, but to redefine how India experiences safety: intelligent, intuitive, and deeply personal.

Could you highlight some of the latest CP PLUS products or technologies that are most suited for high-end residential automation?

At the premium end of residential automation, the expectation transcends functionality. It demands an optimal combination of intelligence, elegance, and effortless control. CP PLUS addresses this evolving aspiration through a carefully curated portfolio of smart, design-conscious, and deeply intuitive solutions.

A defining highlight within this ecosystem is our new generation of Wi-Fi-enabled PT cameras, such as the CP-Z43Q and CP-Z45Q,

each engineered to bring together highresolution imaging, intelligent tracking, and seamless connectivity. Along with our other indoor models, such as CP-E45Q, these cameras deliver sharp 4MP clarity, support H.265 compression for efficient storage, and offer advanced features such as human detection, motion tracking, and two-way communication.

What truly elevates these solutions for luxury homes is their ability to deliver full-colour night vision, wide pan-tilt coverage, and integration with platforms like Google Home - transforming surveillance into an interactive, always-aware experience. Complementing this is our broader ezyHome ecosystem, allowing homeowners to manage their entire security environment through a single, intuitive interface.

At CP PLUS, we are not just introducing devices; we are curating intelligent living experiences, where technology blends invisibly into architecture, and security becomes an extension of lifestyle itself.

Tell us about your latest advancement in Cameras?

The evolution of surveillance cameras has

moved far beyond megapixels. It is now defined by intelligence, efficiency, and contextual awareness. At CP PLUS, our latest advancements are rooted in this very philosophy.

Our new-generation cameras are powered by AI-driven video analytics, enabling precise human and vehicle detection, thereby significantly reducing false alarms. This shift from motion detection to smart detection ensures that users receive alerts that truly matter. Additionally, innovations in fullcolour imaging now allow cameras to deliver vivid visuals even in low-light environments, enhancing identification capabilities at night. On the performance front, we are leveraging advanced compression technologies such as H.265 and our proprietary innovations to optimise bandwidth and storage, ensuring that even high-resolution footage can be stored and transmitted efficiently.

We are also witnessing the rise of hybrid connectivity models, including Wi-Fi and 4G-enabled cameras, which eliminate infrastructure constraints and enable deployment across diverse residential settings. In essence, the modern CP PLUS camera is no longer a passive recording device; it is an intelligent sentinel. It observes, analyses, and responds.

Transforming surveillance into a proactive, insight-driven experience.

What are some of the solutions that you would recommend for Luxury homes?

Luxury homes demand a security philosophy that is both comprehensive and discreet, where technology blends into the environment while delivering uncompromising vigilance. At CP PLUS, we approach such spaces through a layered, intelligent ecosystem that harmonises aesthetics with advanced protection.

At the core of indoor surveillance, solutions such as the CP-E45Q offer refined, unobtrusive monitoring with 4MP clarity, intelligent motion tracking, and two-way communication that’s ideal for intimate interior spaces where both awareness and privacy must coexist.

For expansive outdoor zones, terraces, and perimeters, advanced full-colour PT cameras like the CP-Z43Q and CP-Z45Q deliver dynamic coverage with motorised pan-tilt movement, human detection, and vivid nighttime visibility. Their ability to provide full-colour imaging even in low-light environments, complemented by IR support, ensures that no detail is lost, whether in daylight or deep night.

What elevates these solutions for luxury residences is not just their individual capability, but their orchestration. Integrated with smart video door phones, door locks and centralised app-based control, they create a seamless security envelope - accessible remotely, responsive in real time, and aligned with modern lifestyles.

In essence, luxury security today is no longer about visible deterrence; it is about invisible

intelligence. With CP PLUS, every layer of protection is thoughtfully embedded into the living experience, ensuring that elegance is preserved, while safety remains absolute.

What products, technologies, or brand solutions will CP PLUS showcase at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026?

Building on our strong showcase at the previous edition, CP PLUS is poised to present an even more immersive vision of smart living at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026.

Visitors can expect a comprehensive display of our AI-powered surveillance ecosystem, featuring next-generation cameras, intelligent video analytics, and enhanced full-colour imaging technologies. Alongside, our smart home portfolio, including video door phones, intrusion detection systems, and door locks, will demonstrate how security can seamlessly integrate into everyday living.

A key highlight will be our focus on indigenised innovation: solutions designed, developed, and manufactured in Bharat, tailored to local requirements and global standards. We will also showcase advancements in app-based control platforms, enabling users to manage their entire security ecosystem through a unified, intuitive interface.

Beyond products, our exhibit will reflect a larger narrative: the convergence of security, automation, and intelligence. It is not just about devices anymore; it is about creating environments that are aware, responsive, and future-ready.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

Our association with the Smart Home Expo has been both enduring and enriching. Over the years, the platform has evolved into a vibrant confluence of ideas, innovation, and collaboration that’s been bringing together the finest minds in smart living and security.

For CP PLUS, it has served as more than just an exhibition. It is a strategic engagement

platform. It allows us to showcase our latest innovations while simultaneously understanding the evolving needs of system integrators, channel partners, and end users. The direct interaction fosters meaningful dialogue, enabling us to co-create solutions that are both practical and future-ready.

The Expo also plays a crucial role in strengthening our partner ecosystem. By engaging with integrators and installers on the ground, we are able to demonstrate the scalability, ease of deployment, and interoperability of our solutions - empowering them to deliver superior value to their clients.

In many ways, the Smart Home Expo mirrors the very essence of our journey. Collaborative, forward-looking, and deeply connected to the pulse of the industry. It is where ideas meet execution, and where partnerships evolve into shared visions of a smarter, safer India.

Redefining Projection with BRAVIA, XR Processing and Laser Innovation

Could you give us an overview of Sony’s current projector portfolio, including home, professional, and cinema-grade projectors?

Sony’s current projector portfolio spans two primary segments, home cinema and professional and business, unified by its proprietary SXRD imaging technology and a strong shift toward laser light sources.

In the home segment, the BRAVIA projector lineup, including models such as BRAVIA Projector 7 and 9 and the VPL-XW series, is focused on native 4K resolution and HDR performance. Powered by the XR Processor for Projector, these models deliver dynamic tone mapping, deeper blacks and enhanced colour reproduction, bringing a truly cinematic, creator-intent-led experience into home environments. They are designed for enthusiasts and custom home theater installations, with features such as 4K/120Hz gaming and long-life laser illumination.

Rohan Khera shares insights into Sony’s latest projector innovations, spanning immersive home cinema experiences to high-brightness solutions for professional and large-venue applications. He highlights how the portfolio is built on a foundation of proprietary imaging technologies, advanced processing, and seamless system-level integration. The conversation also explores how these solutions align with evolving smart home ecosystems, while delivering enhanced visual performance, flexibility, and scalability across both residential and commercial environments.

In the professional and business segment, Sony offers a wide range of projectors designed for corporate, education and large venue environments. These models prioritise high brightness, reliability, and flexible installation, with resolutions ranging from 4K (VPL-F Series) to WUXGA (VPL-PHZ51/61) and XGA (VPL-CXZ10). Engineered for continuous operation and seamless AV integration, they are well-suited for auditoriums, simulation and visualisation use cases.

What are the latest innovations or technological advancements in Sony projectors that distinguish them from competitors?

Sony’s latest projector innovations are built around a combination of proprietary imaging, advanced processing and system-level integration across both home and professional segments.

At the core is SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display), Sony’s proprietary LCoS-based technology, which delivers true native 4K resolution without pixel shifting. This enables higher contrast, smoother imagery, and virtually no visible pixel structure, resulting in a more natural, film-like viewing experience.

The introduction of the XR Processor for Projector brings Sony’s advanced TV processing capabilities into projection. Features such as XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, and XR Clear Image work together to enhance HDR performance, improve shadow detail, and deliver sharper, more refined visuals across varying content.

Sony has also fully transitioned to laser light sources, offering higher brightness stability, reduced maintenance, and better performance over time. This evolution has enabled more compact and efficient native 4K projector designs.

In addition, Sony continues to emphasise colour accuracy and creator intent through technologies like XR Triluminos Pro and support for IMAX Enhanced content, leveraging its unique ecosystem across content creation, mastering, and display. More recently, gaming capabilities have been enhanced with support for 4K at 120Hz, low input lag, and Auto Low Latency Mode, making Sony projectors increasingly versatile for both cinematic and interactive experiences.

How do your projectors integrate with existing smart home and AV ecosystems? Are they compatible with multiple platforms or designed for specific setups?

Sony projectors are designed to be highly integrator-friendly, enabling seamless integration into existing smart home and AV ecosystems rather than operating as standalone smart devices. They support leading automation platforms such as Control4, Crestron, Savant, and AMX, allowing unified control of the entire home entertainment environment, including lighting, audio systems and screens, through a single interface.

With built-in IP control over Ethernet, Sony projectors enable advanced capabilities such as two-way communication, real-time status monitoring, and remote diagnostics. Features like Crestron Connected and Control4 SDDP

further simplify integration and device management.

Importantly, Sony projectors are built with a system-integration-first approach. Instead of relying on embedded apps or voice assistants, they are designed to work as part of a broader AV chain, offering greater flexibility and long-term compatibility. This allows for intuitive automation scenarios, from singletouch “movie mode” experiences in homes to centralised monitoring and scheduled operation in commercial environments, making them equally suited for residential and professional installations.

Could you share details about any new projector models or solutions you plan to showcase at upcoming events like Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we will be showcasing our latest BRAVIA Projectors 7 and 9, alongside a range of advanced consumer and professional display technologies that highlight Sony’s leadership in immersive visual experiences. One of the key highlights will be an innovative solution that enables viewing of 3D images and videos without the need for active or passive glasses, offering a more natural and engaging visual experience. Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo and how platforms like these

help the industry at large. This is our first association with Smart Home Expo, and we see it as a valuable platform to engage with a highly relevant ecosystem of customers, system integrators, architects, and designers.

It provides us with an opportunity to showcase our technologies and solutions in the right context, while also enabling meaningful interactions with key stakeholders. Platforms like these play an important role in driving awareness, fostering collaboration and advancing the adoption of integrated, experience-led solutions across the industry.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo and how platforms like these help the industry at large.

This is our first association with Smart Home Expo, and we see it as a valuable platform to engage with a highly relevant ecosystem of customers, system integrators, architects, and designers.

It provides us with an opportunity to showcase our technologies and solutions in the right context, while also enabling meaningful interactions with key stakeholders. Platforms like these play an important role in driving awareness, fostering collaboration and advancing the adoption of integrated, experience-led solutions across the industry.

BenQ Showcases the Future of Cinematic Living at Smart Home Expo 2026

BenQ is a leading brand in displays. Could you tell us about the new range of products you will be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At BenQ, we have always believed that the future of home entertainment is genuinely cinematic. Not incremental upgrades to screen size, but transformative visual experiences that belong in the home.

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we will be showcasing our latest home cinema projector lineup, including the W2720i, W4100i and W5850, each built for true cinematic fidelity in residential spaces. Alongside these, we will also present our newer compact lifestyle projectors, the GV50 and TK705i/STi, which address a very different need: flexible, multiroom entertainment that moves with the consumer.

What I find most compelling about this year’s

Rajeev Singh shares how the brand is redefining home entertainment through its latest home cinema and lifestyle projectors. From true 4K visuals and cinematic colour accuracy to flexible, multi-room experiences, he explores evolving consumer preferences and integrated smart home environments. He also highlights how these innovations are shaping modern living and what visitors can expect at Smart Home Expo 2026.

showcase is that it goes beyond individual products. It is about demonstrating how projection technology is reshaping the role of the screen in the modern home. The living room, the bedroom, even outdoor spacesprojection fits naturally into all of them, and that is the story we want to tell at the Expo.

What are the key features and innovations of this new range, and how do these products enhance the entertainment experience for users?

The shift we are seeing in home entertainment is significant. Consumers are no longer looking for marginal improvements. They want experiences that feel genuinely cinematic, true to the filmmaker’s vision rather than simply a larger version of what they already have.

Our latest home cinema projectors are built around that philosophy. They deliver true 4K resolution, advanced HDR performance and

industry-leading colour accuracy, all calibrated to cinematic standards. The goal is to ensure that what viewers see at home remains faithful to what the creator intended.

We have also invested heavily in removing the friction that has historically made home theatre setups complicated. Integration with Google TV, seamless streaming access and intelligent image optimisation means the experience is as effortless as it is immersive.

The result is a 120- to 150-inch cinematic screen within the home. That is a genuinely different category of experience from conventional television. Once you have seen it, it is difficult to go back.

How have customers and professionals responded to your recent product launches or solutions in this segment? Tell us about some of your popular ranges.

The response has been very encouraging, and what it reflects is a broader shift in consumer behaviour rather than just product interest.

Across markets, we are seeing a clear preference for large-screen visual experiences, particularly among premium consumers, home automation integrators and designconscious homeowners. Our home cinema

series, especially the W2720i and W4100i, has driven strong interest in this segment. These are projectors designed for dedicated home theatre environments and living-room cinema setups, and the appetite has been substantial. At the same time, our GV series lifestyle projectors have found a very different but equally enthusiastic audience. Younger consumers, urban dwellers, people who want entertainment that adapts to their space rather than demanding a fixed setup - the GV series speaks directly to them.

What this tells me is that the future of home entertainment will not be defined by a single screen in the living room. It will be defined by multiple cinematic experiences integrated naturally throughout the home.

Apart from the new range, what other products or solutions can visitors expect to explore at your stall during the Expo?

Our booth at Smart Home Expo 2026 is

designed to show visitors the full picture rather than individual devices in isolation. Beyond the product showcases, we will demonstrate how BenQ projectors integrate with the broader smart home architecture: premium audio environments and intelligent lighting setups. The goal is to help visitors experience holistic entertainment spaces firsthand.

We will have solutions on display ranging from dedicated home theatres to lifestyle projection setups for living rooms, bedrooms and outdoor spaces. Each of these environments tells a different story about how projection fits into modern home design.

I think this is what differentiates BenQ’s approach at events like this. We are there to demonstrate what is possible when visual technology is embedded thoughtfully into how people actually live. A homeowner who walks in without having considered a home cinema projector experiences one in a fully

integrated smart home environment, and leaves with a completely different perspective. That is the outcome we are looking for.

BenQ has been part of the smart home ecosystem for several years. How do you view platforms like Smart Home Expo in promoting innovation and awareness in the industry?

Platforms like Smart Home Expo serve a function that goes well beyond product showcases. They are genuine catalysts for the industry.

What makes them valuable is the convergence they enable. Technology innovators, system integrators, architects and end consumers, all in the same space, engaging with the same ideas. For a brand like BenQ, that environment is invaluable. It allows us to demonstrate how visual technology evolves alongside smart living trends, and to learn from the partners shaping what intelligent homes will look like in the years ahead.

There is also an adoption dimension that should not be underestimated. Awareness drives uptake, and platforms like this accelerate both. A homeowner who might not have considered a home cinema projector walks in, experiences one within a fully integrated smart home environment, and leaves with a completely different frame of reference. That is the kind of impact that only a platform like this can deliver, and it is why we value being part of it.

Yale Strengthens Smart Home Security Ecosystem with Next-Gen Innovations

Yale offers a diverse portfolio, from Smart Locks and Smart Cameras to Video Doorbells, Wardrobe Locks, and other smart accessories. Could you highlight the key features and innovations from each of these ranges?

The Yale’s portfolio presents a comprehensive smart security ecosystem created to meet diverse household requirements using the Yale home App. Each range is designed to address specific security needs while integrating seamlessly into a modern smart home ecosystem.

The Zuri Smart Locks, available in Antique Bronze and Black finishes, offer multiple access methods including fingerprint, PIN, RFID, built-in Bluetooth, and a mechanical key. The Luna series offers unparalleled aesthetic and design, along with high security unlocking options through facial recognition, through its Pro + model and added features like palm

Sharad Kapoor, Director & Head, Yale Retail SAARC, outlines how Yale is advancing connected home security through a comprehensive ecosystem of smart locks, safes, cameras, and accessories. From innovations like the Zuri and Luna series to AI-enabled video doorbells and integrated alarm systems, Yale continues to blend technology, convenience, and reliability. At Smart Home Expo 2026, the brand is set to unveil new solutions that further enhance seamless control, intelligent monitoring, and everyday security for modern homes.

scanning and an inbuilt video doorbell in the Luna elite + model. Kyra Pro range, with its slimmest design, further expands our digital locking options. Our earlier models, like YDM 7116 and YDM4109 range, still stand the test of time, providing high durability with functionality.

Complementing the locking solutions are YSS Smart Safe and smart security box for safeguarding personal belongings amid total control using Yale home mobile app. Yale also extends smart security outdoors with Video Doorbells equipped with AI-enabled motion detection, real-time alerts, and instant visitor notifications for remote monitoring.

Completing the ecosystem are Smart Accessories, including a Bluetooth module and Wi-Fi connect bridge and more accessories for easy integration with video door phones. Seamless integration with platforms such

as Alexa and Google Voice Assistant ensures connected, convenient, and intelligent home security.

Also, our IDS alarms work with both WiFi and GSM and AC and DC relays. The communication range is solid, up to about 500 meters, which covers most residential and even some commercial spaces.

What new product ranges do you plan to launch at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we will be unveiling new additions across our smart door locks and digital safes portfolio. One of the key highlights is the Yale YDL325, specifically designed for interior doors, providing connected technology and convenience through Yale home app.

This will join our existing wide range of premium smart locks, which includes Zuri,

Kyra Pro, and Luna Elite+, along with Smart Safes, Video Doorbells, and other solutions. The Expo offers visitors a firsthand opportunity to interact with these latest innovations and experience how they integrate seamlessly into the trusted Yale Smart Home Ecosystem.

We also plan to introduce the new IDS intrusion Alarm System’s extended range of sensors to expand the ecosystem to offer more security. Furthermore, we’ll add to global Linus locks and also the YDM series Digital Door Lock with exciting new finish options for every interior.

All in all, there’s a lot we look forward to, for us to present and for our customers to consume, at the Smart Home Expo.

Apart from the new launches, which existing product ranges will you be showcasing at the Expo?

Our Smart Locks will feature premium lifestyle locks, including the elegant Zuri and Zuri S in Antique Bronze and Black finishes, the YDL325 for interior doors, the newly introduced Luna Elite+, and the sleek Linus L2, which blends contemporary aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. We will be showcasing the YDAL series of digital locks for aluminium profile doors and the smart code handle for profile windows. This will help consumers to choose options considering today’s door architecture.

Could you tell us more about the new variants in the Zuri Smart Lock range? How do these products enhance home security and convenience for users?

The Zuri Smart Lock is a comprehensive solution that brings Yale’s expertise and advanced security features within reach of everyday consumers. With built-in Bluetooth, It offers five unlocking methods: fingerprint access (supporting up to 100 users), PIN codes (up to 100), RFID tags (up to 100), a manual mechanical override key, and complete control through Yale home app.

These features deliver enhanced convenience while ensuring strong security through remote monitoring, seamless app connectivity for family-wide access, guest PIN codes, and integration with broader smart home ecosystems. One of Zuri’s unique highlights is its Antique Bronze finish, which has been specially developed to suit Indian design preferences.

Could you share your experience participating in Smart Home Expo so far and your association with the platform?

Yale’s experience at the Smart Home Expo has been truly rewarding. The platform enables us to directly showcase our innovations and allow visitors to experience how technology can make everyday life simpler and more secure. We believe a home is more than just a physical space—it is a sanctuary where families leave stress and dangers behind and feel safe. Providing that sense of security is central to everything we do at Yale. Events like the Smart Home Expo help us connect with people who value and seek this protection.

By engaging with visitors, demonstrating our products, and highlighting how smart technology enhances everyday living, the Expo supports our mission to simplify security and safeguard homes across India.

Bringing Global Audio Excellence to India

Could you briefly introduce MZ Audio and its role in bringing premium global brands to the Indian Market?

At MZ Audio Distributions (India), we specialise in bringing world-class audio and visual technology to the Indian market, with a strong focus on premium and high-performance brands. Over the years, we have built a robust distribution network that connects global manufacturers with a well-established channel of dealers, system integrators and experience centers across the country.

Our role goes beyond conventional distribution; we actively work on brand building, market positioning, and enabling our partners with the right training, technical support, and competitive strategies. This ensures that international brands are not only introduced to India but are also successfully adapted to the unique demands of our market.

You have a very extensive portfolio, including Marantz, Art Sound, UandK Sound and Q

Arshad Lakdawala

Sales & Marketing, MZ Audio Distribution, India.

Arshad Lakdawala shares insights into the company’s journey of bringing premium global audio brands to India, building a strong bridge between international manufacturers and the local market. With a focus on high-performance sound, designled solutions, and immersive home cinema experiences, he discusses the expanding portfolio, evolving consumer demands, and the latest innovations set to be showcased at Smart Home Expo 2026.

Acoustic. What are the latest offerings from these bands?

Starting with Marantz, the brand has recently introduced some very exciting products; the focus has significantly evolved towards highend separates, especially for serious home theatre enthusiasts and custom installations. The latest lineup with the AV 10, AV 20, and AV 30 processors reflects this direction, offering scalability, performance and flexibility at different levels.

The flagship Marantz AV 10 is a true reference-grade processor, designed for uncompromising home cinema setups. It offers 15.4-channel processing, full 8K HDMI capability, Dolby Atmos and 3D audio formats, along with HEOS multi-room streaming, making it ideal for large, immersive theatres where performance is the top priority.

Moving a step below, the Marantz AV 20 is positioned as a high-performance yet slightly more accessible solution. It delivers

13.4-channel processing, retains full 8K HDMI support and uses advanced DSP architecture for precise decoding and sound tuning. It’s a perfect balance for premium home theatres that demand flexibility without going all the way to the flagship level.

The latest addition, the Marantz AV 30, further expands the ecosystem by making high-end separates more accessible. It offers 11.4-channel processing, supports all modern immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, and includes advanced room correction options such as Audyssey with optional Dirac upgrades. With 8K connectivity, HEOS streaming, and a modular approach with external amplification, it is ideal for modern media rooms and scalable installations.

What’s important here is that Marantz is not just launching products, but building a complete ecosystem of processors and amplifiers that can be mixed and matched. This gives system integrators and customers the flexibility to design anything from a compact premium theatre to a full-scale reference cinema, something that is increasingly relevant in the Indian smart home market.

We are also very excited about our association with UandK Sound, which is a rapidly growing

brand in the high-performance home theatre and custom installation (CI) speaker segment. UandK Sound’s latest offerings are strongly focused on cinema-grade audio solutions for both dedicated theatres and integrated smart homes. Their flagship Reference Series is designed in collaboration with film industry sound engineers and is aimed at premium, large-format home cinemas, delivering extremely high output, precision and dynamic range.

Alongside this, their Cinema Series, including ranges like M6, M8, and S Series, offers advanced multi-channel speaker systems with technologies such as AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeters, ensuring exceptional clarity and detailed high-frequency performance. These are ideal for serious home theatre setups where both performance and installation flexibility are critical.

Additionally, their broader portfolio includes Home Series speakers (M3, M4, M5, i Series) and powerful subwoofers and amplification solutions, allowing complete system design from entry-level setups to THX-level cinema experiences.

ArtSound continues to strengthen its position in the custom installation and architectural audio space. Their latest range emphasises

discreet in-wall, in-ceiling and outdoor solutions, designed to deliver high-quality sound while seamlessly integrating into living environments, something that is increasingly important in today’s design-driven projects.

With Q Acoustics, one of the most exciting recent introductions is the 5000 Series, which marks a major step forward in both acoustic performance and design. The range includes models such as the 5010, 5020, 5040, 5050 and 5090 centre channel, making it a complete solution for stereo as well as home theatre applications. What really stands out is the new C³ (Continuous Curved Cone) driver technology, which delivers smoother frequency integration, lower distortion, and improved bass control, resulting in a more natural and detailed listening experience.

Additionally, the 5000 Series benefits from technologies derived from Q Acoustics’ flagship Concept range, including mechanically

isolated tweeters and advanced cabinet bracing, which significantly reduce resonance and enhance clarity and imaging. Combined with a clean, contemporary design and premium finishes, the 5000 Series offers an ideal balance of performance and aesthetics, making it highly relevant for modern Indian homes where both sound quality and design integration are equally important.

Overall, what’s exciting is that all these brands are not just launching new products, they are evolving with changing consumer lifestyles, where design, connectivity and performance go hand in hand.

Yes, this year has been particularly exciting for us as we have expanded our portfolio with several premium global brands, each bringing something unique to the Indian market. One of the key additions is Bang & Olufsen in collaboration with Origin Acoustics, where we are introducing their Celestial (inceiling) and Palatial (in-wall) speaker ranges. These products are designed to deliver highend audio performance while remaining completely discreet, perfectly aligning with the growing demand for luxury architectural audio solutions in modern homes. Alongside this, we have also partnered with Bec Akustik, as it brings a very unique and technically advanced approach to sound reproduction. Backed by over 25 years of German engineering, the brand has developed ultraslim, line-array-based loudspeakers using flatpanel and magnetostatic technology, which is quite different from conventional speaker design. What makes Bec Akustik stand out is its ability to deliver wide sound dispersion, consistent audio even outside the sweet spot, and extremely discreet form factors, making it ideal for modern architectural and high-end installation projects. Their portfolio also includes powerful subwoofers, compact amplifiers, and scalable speaker systems, allowing integrators to design anything from minimalist invisible setups to full-fledged immersive theatre environments with excellent clarity and control and Elipson, we are introducing a brand that combines rich heritage with elegant design and natural sound performance. Known for its Prestige Facet series, Elipson offers a complete range

of speakers suitable for both stereo and home theatre applications, delivering balanced and immersive audio. Alongside this, their iconic Planet series adds a strong design element, making Elipson a perfect blend of aesthetics and high-quality sound for modern living spaces, both of which strengthen our offering in the high-fidelity and design-oriented speaker segment, combining European craftsmanship with refined acoustic performance.

Any new brand you have collaborated with? If yes, tell us about the range they are offering.

We have also brought in Morel, a globally respected name known for its handcrafted drivers and high-performance loudspeakers, catering to both audiophile stereo systems and home theatre applications. In addition, Adept Audio further enhances our custom installation portfolio with solutions focused on performance-driven, scalable audio systems for integrators. Overall, these new collaborations allow us to offer a much more comprehensive ecosystem from invisible architectural speakers to high-end audiophile systems, ensuring that we can cater to every segment of the evolving Indian smart home and home cinema market.

What products, technologies, or brand solutions will you be showcasing at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we are set to showcase a comprehensive range of cuttingedge audio solutions and premium global brands, reflecting the direction in which the Indian smart home industry is evolving. A key highlight will be Marantz, where we will be demonstrating high-end prepower combinations and the latest Cinema Series, showcasing true reference-grade home theatre performance for immersive experiences.

Alongside this, we will be presenting Bec Akustik with multiple solutions from ultraslim architectural speakers to advanced line-array systems, demonstrating how high-performance audio can be seamlessly integrated into modern spaces. We will also feature Elipson’s design-led hi-fi and home theatre speakers, along with Bang & Olufsen by Origin Acoustics, Adept Audio, Morel and Episode speakers, each bringing unique strengths across architectural, lifestyle and performance-driven audio segments.

Our focus this year is to present complete, real-world solutions from invisible speakers to reference-grade cinema setups, demonstrating the latest technologies and integration possibilities. We are putting together what we believe will be one of the most engaging and immersive booths at the show and we are truly looking forward to presenting it in a big way. I am confident that visitors will find our showcase to be among the very best at the expo this year.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

Our association with the Smart Home Expo has been both long-standing and extremely rewarding. Over the years, the platform has evolved into one of the most important meeting points for the smart home and AV industry in India, bringing together system integrators, consultants, architects, and technology partners under one roof. For us at MZ Audio Distributions, it has consistently served as a strong platform to showcase new technologies, launch global brands, and

demonstrate real-world solutions in a live environment.

More importantly, the expo has played a crucial role in helping us build meaningful relationships with system integrators and channel partners across the country. It gives us the opportunity to understand market requirements firsthand, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future projects. Many of our successful partnerships today have either started or been strengthened through interactions at the Smart Home Expo. It’s not just an exhibition for us, it’s a key driver in expanding our network and staying closely aligned with the evolving needs of the Indian smart home ecosystem.

Redefining Access with Smart and Customisable Solutions

Could you provide an overview of the range of digital and smart access solutions offered by Dorset?

Built on a legacy of over three decades, Dorset brings deep expertise into the world of digital and smart access solutions, designed to deliver a seamless blend of security, convenience, and modern technology. Our portfolio includes a comprehensive range of digital door locks and smart access systems tailored for residential, hospitality, and commercial applications.

We offer an extensive variety of access modes, including Face Recognition, Palm Vein recognition, Fingerprint Recognition, PIN Access, RFID cards, mobile-based access, and mechanical override, ensuring maximum flexibility, advanced security, and user convenience across use cases. Features like integrated video surveillance, Google Assistant, Alexa, Wi Fi enabled, and Smart Watch integration.

Bansal

Joint Managing Director, Dorset Group

Takshay Bansal shares how the brand is redefining smart access solutions by seamlessly integrating advanced digital locking technologies with refined design. With a focus on customisation, intelligent security features, and multi-layered access ecosystems, he highlights how evolving user needs are shaping smarter residential and commercial spaces. He also offers insights into the brand’s latest innovations and what visitors can expect at Smart Home Expo 2026.

Our solutions are designed to cater to diverse door applications, including wooden and glass doors, with offerings across rim locks, mortise locks, advanced push-pull systems and digital furniture locking systems for drawer and wardrobes. These options not only enhance ease of use but also elevate the overall design language of the space, helping with the Home Automation requirements.

A key focus for us is the integration of aesthetics with performance. Our latest innovations bring a fusion of design and technology, making security a seamless and non-negotiable part of modern interiors. With customisable elements and thoughtfully designed accessories, our solutions go beyond functionality to become an integral part of the space.

At Dorset, we continuously evolve our portfolio by experimenting with the latest technologies and features, ensuring that our solutions not only meet but anticipate the growing

demands of smarter, safer, and more designconscious environments.

How is Dorset shaping the next generation of digital access solutions through its latest innovations?

Dorset is shaping the next generation of digital access solutions by focusing on the convergence of technology, design, and adaptability. Our latest innovations are not just about adding features, but about rethinking how users interact with security in their everyday spaces.

With solutions like F-LUX, we are introducing a new perspective, where digital locks are no longer standardised products but customisable elements of a space. By allowing flexibility in conventional metal handles, finishes, and formats, we are making design an integral part of security rather than an afterthought.

At the same time, we continue to strengthen the core of our solutions with advanced access modes such as Palm vein recognition, Face Recognition, fingerprint, PIN, RFID, mobile connectivity, and emerging technologies, supported by intelligent features like dual authentication, intrusion alerts, and seamless user management.

Our approach is future-focused, building solutions that are intuitive, scalable, and ready to integrate into evolving smart environments, while maintaining the reliability and robustness that Dorset is known for.

What new product ranges do you plan to launch at Smart Home Expo 2026? Apart from the new launches, which other product ranges will you be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026?

Every edition of Smart Home Expo has been an opportunity for Dorset to showcase innovation

and this year is no different. At Smart Home Expo 2026, we bring our latest advancements in security solutions, continuing our commitment to smarter, more connected living.

At Smart Home Expo 2026, while we will be introducing new advancements in our digital locking portfolio, F-LUX & Lodging Systems will be a key highlight of our showcase, reflecting Dorset’s vision for the future of smart and customisable living.

F-LUX stands out as the world’s first fully customisable digital lock, allowing users to choose from a range of handles and finishes to seamlessly match their interiors.

It is equipped with advanced access modes such as 360° fingerprint recognition, Bluetoothenabled mobile access, and mechanical key override, ensuring both convenience and reliability.

In addition, features like lift-to-lock functionality, universal handed operation, emergency exit, and app-based administrative control make it a highly intuitive and user-friendly solution designed for modern lifestyles.

Alongside this, our Lodging System is designed for hospitality environments, enabling secure and seamless room access through electronic hotel locks. With features like audit trails, emergency access, and support for MiFare cards, it ensures efficient, secure, and scalable access management for hotels and managed spaces.

In addition to these highlights, we will be showcasing our comprehensive range of digital door locks, mortise-based smart solutions, and architectural hardware, presenting a complete ecosystem for smarter and safer spaces.

What is Dorset’s vision for creating a cohesive and intelligent access ecosystem across residential and commercial spaces?

Dorset’s vision is to move beyond standalone products and build a connected access ecosystem, one that seamlessly brings together security, convenience, and control.

We aim to integrate multiple layers of access, from main door entry to internal spaces, through a unified approach that combines digital locks, architectural hardware, and smart access solutions. This ensures consistency

in performance as well as a seamless user experience across residential and commercial environments.

A key focus is on interoperability and user-centric design, enabling solutions to adapt effortlessly across varied use cases, whether homes, workplaces, or specialised environments like hospitality.

Our entry into lodging systems for hotels and managed spaces is a step in this direction, allowing for more efficient, secure, and scalable access management.

Supporting this ecosystem is Dorset’s strong nationwide service network of 258 trained professionals, ensuring timely assistance, reliable after-sales support, and a consistently smooth experience for users.

Ultimately, Dorset is working towards creating environments where security is not just present, but intelligently integrated, effortless, and aligned with evolving user needs.

Dorset has been associated with Smart Home Expo for several editions. Could you

share your experience and your views on how platforms like Smart Home Expo contribute to the growth and awareness of the smart home industry?

Dorset’s continued association with Smart Home Expo has been both enriching and impactful.

The platform brings together key stakeholders, i.e. Home Automation Integrators, Architects, Interior Designers, Space planners, etc., from across the smart home ecosystem, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and knowledge exchange. Events like these play a vital role in increasing awareness about evolving technologies and their practical applications.

They also help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by enabling direct interaction between brands, industry professionals, and end users.

For Dorset, it is an opportunity to showcase our advancements, understand market needs, and contribute to the growing adoption of smart and secure living solutions in India.

Elevating Listening Experiences with World-Class Audio Brands

Could you briefly introduce Cinebels and its role in bringing premium global brands to the Indian Market?

At Cinebels, we celebrated our 25th year in home audio in 2024, and are one of the pioneers in home audio in India. Founded in 1999, Cinebels builds on its parent company Cinerama’s 70+ year heritage in projection and sound manufacturing for professional cinemas. At Cinebels, we partner with key brands across audio verticals, focusing sharply on providing the best audio solutions for our end customers and partners.

With strength across retail, distribution, and service, we bring industry-leading audio brands from around the world to the home of the Indian consumer.

You have a very extensive portfolio, right from Onkyo, Klipsch, WiiM, Pro-ject Audio

Arjun Agarwal shares insights into Cinerama’s journey in shaping India’s premium audio landscape through its Cinebels division. With a legacy spanning decades, the company brings globally renowned audio brands to Indian consumers. In this interview, he discusses recent product launches, new brand collaborations, and the growing relevance of high-fidelity audio, along with the role of Smart Home Expo in strengthening industry partnerships and expanding market reach.

Systems and Integra, to name a few. What are the latest offerings from these brands?

Cinebels currently distributes a curated portfolio of nine globally coveted brands. Marking a milestone year, Klipsch and Onkyo celebrate their 80th Anniversary with a host of

new launches, showing that both brands’ R&D capability, commitment to their heritage, and ability to make products relevant to today’s consumer are alive and well. In particular, we are thrilled to launch Klipsch’s latest powered monitors, the Five II, Sevens II, and Nines II, and Onkyo’s all-new Muse and Icon series of HiFi components. Integra, Onkyo’s sister brand, is ready to launch an all-new range of DSP amplifiers in May, which are tuned to work out of the box with Klipsch’s outdoor speakers.

WiiM is a brand making waves worldwide. At this show, we will be giving a glimpse of their new streaming speakers, the Sound, Sound Lite, and WiiM Sub Pro, as well as their award-winning range of streaming amplifiers, headed up by the amazing WiiM Amp Ultra.

Any new brand you have collaborated with? If yes, tell us about the range they are offering.

At the Smart Home Expo 2026, we are very excited to launch Heco and Magnat, two legendary German brands, and Pro-ject Audio, world leaders in turntables and HiFi. Pro-ject in particular comes to us at a key

time in the vinyl resurgence. With over 100 SKUs, and turntables ranging from 50,000 to 18,00,000 we will be able to provide vinyl novices and veterans alike something for their taste. Further, though little known in India, Pro-ject has an amazing line of HiFi separates and speakers, and we see great potential for this range as well. Heco and Magnat both provide premium speaker offerings, and we are particularly excited to launch Heco’s Direkt Premium stereo speakers and the Magnat Signature series, both of which will be India for the first time.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

The Smart Home Expo has become the premier destination for audio companies to connect with system integrators and partners. With a world-class team and organisation, booth standards that are taken higher year after year, and attendance from countries all over the world, this is our 4th year, and we could not be more excited for the show.

KEI Strengthens India’s Premium AV Ecosystem with Global Brand

Could you briefly introduce Kripa Electronics (India) and its role in bringing premium global brands to the Indian Market?

Kripa Electronics (India) Pvt. Ltd., established in 2005 and headquartered in Mumbai, has built a strong presence in India’s audio-visual (AV) industry as a distributor of high-end audiovideo and home entertainment solutions. Through its KEI HiFi division, the company acts as a vital bridge between global technology brands and the Indian market, making premium international products accessible to consumers, dealers, and system integrators. Beyond distribution, it offers nationwide reach through an extensive partner network, technical expertise via design consultation and training, and reliable after-sales service through multiple service centres. This end-toend approach has helped elevate the highend AV and home entertainment ecosystem in India.

Sanjay Chawla

Director, Kripa Electronics (India) Private Limited.

Sanjay Chawla highlights the company’s role in advancing India’s premium audio-visual landscape. Through its KEI HiFi division, the company brings leading global brands to the market while enabling seamless integration across home entertainment and smart living solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, technical expertise, and partner support, KEI continues to deliver high-performance AV experiences tailored for evolving luxury lifestyles in India.

What are the latest product offerings from global brands such as Totem Acoustic, Fyne Audio, Primare and JVC?

The portfolio reflects cutting-edge innovations from leading global brands. In the visual segment, JVC leads with its D-ILA NZ Series

projectors, offering the world’s best 4K imaging home cinema. In Audio, Fyne Audio has introduced the F500S and F501S Series (2025–26) with next-generation IsoFlare™ drivers, alongside Special Production models and the S-Trax Super Tweeter for enhanced high-frequency performance. Primare continues to focus on design-friendly worldclass and home cinema electronics with its I-Series amplifiers, Prisma streaming platform and SPA Cinema Series.

Audio plays a significant role in enhancing the smart home experience. As an expert, what are the brands you would recommend for luxury homes?

In luxury smart homes, audio must seamlessly integrate performance, design, and scalability. Brands like Totem Acoustic and Fyne Audio are ideal for high-end listening and home theatre setups, delivering immersive sound with

precision and depth. Primare complements these systems with elegant, future-ready electronics and integrated streaming capabilities, while JVC enhances the visual dimension with true cinematic projection. For architectural and discreet audio, Origin Acoustics and Adept Audio offer in-ceiling and in-wall solutions that blend seamlessly into interiors. Outdoor and large-area applications are well served by Ecler and Fonestar, while Tonewinner provides complete home theatre systems. High-quality connectivity is ensured by Inakustik, which plays a critical role in overall system performance.

Any brands you have collaborated with? If yes, please share details.

Kripa Electronics has established strong collaborations with a wide range of globally recognised AV brands, acting as their official distribution partner in India through KEI HiFi. These include speaker brands such as ELAC, Fyne Audio, and Totem Acoustic; electronics brands like Primare and Advance Paris; and projection leader JVC. The company also partners with Tonewinner for home theatre systems, Origin Acoustics and Adept Audio for architectural audio solutions, and Ecler and Fonestar for professional and commercial

installations. Additional collaborations include Dune HD for streaming solutions, along with its in-house brand Kasper, developed to cater to the domestic market.

What products, technologies, or brand solutions will KEI showcase at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, KEI HiFi will present a comprehensive, experience-driven showcase focused on complete luxury smart home AV solutions. The display will include premium loudspeaker systems from Fyne Audio, Totem Acoustic, and ELAC, alongside immersive home theatre setups featuring JVC’s D-ILA projectors and Tonewinner AV processors and amplifiers. Architectural and invisible audio solutions from Origin Acoustics and Adept Audio will demonstrate seamless integration into modern interiors, while multi-room audio systems will highlight intuitive control across various zones. The showcase will also feature professional and

outdoor audio from Ecler and Fonestar, highperformance electronics from Primare and Advance Paris, streaming solutions from Dune HD, and premium connectivity from Inakustik. Additionally, Kasper will present value-driven solutions tailored for the Indian market, with a strong focus on live demos and integrated system experiences.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

KEI has maintained a strong and growing association with Smart Home Expo, leveraging it as a key platform for industry engagement and brand visibility. We started as visitors, then became participants and this year we have our biggest booth ever. SHE skips huge crowds and topline numbers to instead bring exactly the right type of stakeholders needed – real integrators and real architects/interior designers.

Curated AV Solutions for Immersive and Scalable Installations

Could you briefly introduce PRO FX and its role in bringing premium global brands to the Indian market?

PRO FX Tech Limited has been a pioneer in India’s high-performance audio-visual and home automation space for over 25 years. Our role has evolved from being a distributor of premium global brands to becoming a category builder - bringing world-class AV experiences to Indian consumers and shaping demand in a fast-growing, aspirational market. We partner with some of the most respected global brands and combine that with deep market understanding, technical expertise, and a strong nationwide service network. This enables us to not only introduce advanced technologies into India but also ensure they are implemented, experienced, and supported at the highest standards.

You have a very extensive portfolio, right from Denon, Polk, KEF, Hegel, Revel, Theory,

Manmohan Ganesh offers insights into PRO FX’s journey in building a robust ecosystem for high-performance audio and home automation in India. In this conversation, he highlights the company’s diverse brand portfolio, recent expansion into professional audio, and the technologies shaping immersive AV experiences. He also shares how design integration and evolving consumer expectations are influencing both residential and large-scale commercial projects.

and Sonodyne. What are the latest offerings from these brands?

We believe PRO FX today offers one of the most comprehensive and curated AV portfolios in India, spanning globally respected brands such as Denon, Polk Audio, KEF, Hegel, Revel, Theory Audio Design, Sonodyne, Chord Company, among others.

What stands out is not just the breadth of

brands, but the continuous innovation cycle across them. These brands are consistently advancing in areas such as immersive audio, high-resolution streaming, architectural integration, and performance-driven system design. As a result, our offering is always current, relevant, and aligned with global trends - ensuring Indian customers have access to the latest in AV technology without lag.

Any new brand you have collaborated with? If yes, tell us about the range they are offering.

As part of our strategic expansion, PRO FX has recently entered the professional audio segment with brands such as Peavey and Crest Audio.

This marks an important step in our evolution - from a predominantly residential AV company to a holistic audio solutions provider.

With this addition, we are now equipped to address a wider spectrum of applications including auditoriums, large-format venues, hospitality spaces, houses of worship, and event environments.

This expansion allows us to participate in larger infrastructure and experience-driven projects, while leveraging our existing strengths in system design and integration.

What products, technologies, or brand solutions will you be showcasing at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we will be presenting a curated showcase that reflects both innovation and integration.

This includes:

• Design-forward lifestyle audio solutions.

• High-performance architectural and commercial audio from Theory Audio Design.

• A new category of invisible speakers from Nakymatone, Canada, enabling complete aesthetic integration without compromising sound quality.

Our focus is to demonstrate how technology can seamlessly blend into modern living and commercial environments - delivering immersive experiences while respecting design sensibilities.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

PRO FX has been associated with Smart Home Expo for the past three years, and we view it as the most credible and professionally curated platform for our industry in India.

The expo brings together a highly relevant audience - system integrators, consultants, architects, and technology partners - creating a strong ecosystem for collaboration and knowledge exchange. It provides an excellent

environment for experiencing solutions in a meaningful way, beyond just product display.

We are pleased to be a part of this platform and look forward to continued engagement as the industry evolves and expands.

Crafting Intelligent Living: Vinshek’s Vision for Integrated Smart Homes

Could you briefly introduce Vinshek and its role in bringing premium global brands to the Indian market?

Vinshek is a leading name in premium smart home and AV solutions in India, backed by over 39 years of industry experience. We specialise in introducing globally renowned, design & tech-led brands to the Indian market while enabling system integrators, architects, and partners with the right technology, training, and support. Our approach goes beyond supply—we focus on delivering complete, future-ready solutions that bridge global innovation with local market needs, ensuring world-class smart living experiences.

What are the latest product offerings from global brands such as Sonance, James, ELAN, RAKO, etc.?

Our portfolio features advanced solutions from leading global brands. Sonance and

Vineet Mehta & Shekhar Mehta

Founders, Vinshek

Vineet Mehta and Shekhar Mehta of Vinshek discuss how the company is redefining India’s premium smart home and AV landscape. With over three decades of expertise, Vinshek brings globally renowned brands to the market while enabling seamless integration across audio, lighting, and automation systems. Their solutions-driven approach focuses on performance, design, and user experience, delivering intelligent, futureready living environments.

James deliver high-performance architectural audio, ELAN enables seamless integration across smart home systems, RAKO offers premium lighting control solutions, and Future KNX brings design-driven, user-friendly KNX automation with a focus on simplicity, flexibility, and seamless smart living.

How are brands such as RAKO and EAE contributing to creating more intuitive and connected living environments?

Brands across our portfolio contribute to simplifying smart living in unique ways. Sonance and James enhance everyday experiences through immersive, highquality audio, while ELAN enables seamless integration and centralised control across multiple systems. RAKO’s user-friendly lighting solutions allow effortless customisation of ambience, and Future KNX brings advanced KNX-based automation that ensures smooth communication between devices.

Together, these solutions create smarter, more responsive environments that enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and overall user experience.

Audio plays a significant role in enhancing the smart home experience. How do premium audio brands like Sonance and Waterfall Audio complement the broader home automation ecosystem?

Audio is an integral part of any smart space. Sonance and James deliver discreet, highperformance architectural audio that blends seamlessly into interiors, while Waterfall Audio combines exceptional sound with striking glass-based design aesthetics. Integrated with ELAN’s control systems, alongside RAKO’s lighting and Future KNX automation, these solutions allow users to manage their entire environment, audio, lighting, climate, and more—through a unified interface, creating a truly immersive smart living experience.

Any new offering from Nice launched this year that is relevant to the Indian market?

Nice continues to expand its automation solutions with a focus on smart access control and integrated home management. Recent offerings emphasise enhanced connectivity, app-based control, and improved compatibility with broader smart home ecosystems— making them highly relevant for the evolving Indian market and easy to integrate with platforms like ELAN and KNX-based systems.

What products, technologies, or brand solutions will Vinshek be showcasing at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, Vinshek will showcase a comprehensive range of smart home and AV solutions, including highperformance architectural audio from Sonance and James, integrated control systems by ELAN, elegant lighting solutions

from RAKO, and advanced KNX-based automation by Future KNX. Visitors can expect live demonstrations that highlight seamless integration, intuitive user experiences, and the synergy between multiple technologies.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

Smart Home Expo has been a valuable platform for Vinshek over the years. It has enabled us to connect with a wide network of system integrators, industry professionals, and partners across India. The event not only helps us showcase innovations from brands like Sonance, James, ELAN, RAKO, and Future KNX, but also strengthens relationships, fosters collaborations, and provides valuable insights into emerging market trends.

Curating Design-Led Technology for India’s Luxury Smart Homes

Could you briefly introduce Smato and its role in bringing premium global brands to the Indian Market?

At Smato, we see ourselves as more than just a distributor; we are selective curators of design-led technology. Since our start in 2019, our mission has been to bridge the gap between world-class global brands and the sophisticated Indian luxury market.

We don’t believe in being ‘brand collectors.’ Instead, we handpick a portfolio of partners that share our philosophy of integrating highperformance technology with architectural aesthetics. We currently represent a prestigious range of brands, including Basalte, Amina Invisible Speakers, Architettura Sonora, Dali, CANVAS H-Fi, etc. Our role is to provide these brands with a complete ecosystem for success in India, utilising our flagship experience studios and an extensive network

Saurav Chowdhary, Director, Smato Technologies, shares insights into the company’s role as a curator of premium, design-driven global brands in India. He discusses Smato’s unique approach to blending high-performance technology with architectural aesthetics, along with the latest innovations from partners like Basalte, DALI, Amina, and Architettura Sonora that are redefining luxury smart living.

of high-end dealers to ensure they reach the right audience

Ultimately, we act as the strategic partner that ensures a brand’s global prestige and performance are translated perfectly for the Indian consumer.

What are the latest product offerings from global brands such as Basalte, Architettura Sonora, Amina and Dali?

This is an exciting time for our portfolio, as several of our key partners have recently launched products that fundamentally change how we think about home integration and high-fidelity sound.

We are seeing a major shift at Basalte toward making the home truly intelligent rather than just automated.

• AI & ChatGPT Integration: We are now

integrating AI into the entire Basalte ecosystem. This allows you to literally talk to your home using natural language - whether in English, Hindi, Gujarati, or Kannada. Soon, updates to premium touchscreens like Ellie will allow full voice control with zero additional programming. Most importantly, this is backwards compatible, so our users and clients can benefit from these upgrades.

• Matisse Keypad: This is a beautiful new addition inspired by the French artist Henri Matisse. It’s a push-based keypad that balances classical elegance with soft lines. Notably, it is Basalte’s first wireless keypad (available in both KNX and Casambi), making it a versatile choice for both new builds and retrofits.

• Miro Pro Remote: We’ve also introduced the Miro Pro, which is a complete reinvention of the luxury remote. It features a larger, bolder screen and backlit buttons, blending modern luxury with an incredibly intuitive tactile experience.

• We’ve recently signed CANVAS Hi-Fi, a Danish brand that represents a beautiful blend of high-end engineering and bespoke design.

• Architectural Integration: It matches the exact size of your TV (available for all 55”

to 85” models) and can be floor-mounted, wall-mounted, or placed on an elegant floor stand. With 13 finish options—including Danish Kvadrat fabrics and wooden slats— it’s as much a piece of furniture as it is a high-fidelity system.

• Technical Excellence: It features highend speaker construction, advanced room correction, and BACCH 3D crosstalk cancellation.

DALI has just launched the SUB V-16F. It is the first DALI product to be THX Certified Dominus, the highest performance tier available. With a 16-inch driver, it’s a bloody powerful addition to any cinema. They have also launched the new SONIK Series, which represents the most significant evolution of their accessible HiFi range in over a decade. Building on the OBERON legacy, the seven-model SONIK series brings technology from the flagship KORE series - specifically the patented SMC™ magnet system and Clarity Cone™ drivers - to a much wider audience. It delivers ultra-low distortion and a level of realism in music and film that was previously reserved for much higher price points.

Architettura Sonora, in collaboration with Margraf Innovation Lab, has introduced the

IPOGEO ‘Back to Nature’ line. This finish, currently exclusive to the CUBE_400 TEN, uses marble to literally ‘breathe’ sound. Additionally, their Klondike Collection offers a sophisticated multi-layered metallic coating over their signature concrete and stone bodies.

Celebrating 25 years, Amina has launched the Sapphire Series, setting a new benchmark for invisible audio. Using Symphony Cell technology, these speakers produce warm, natural tones while remaining completely hidden behind plaster, wood, leather, or even marble.

Audio plays a significant role in enhancing the smart home experience. How do premium audio brands like Amina, Architecture Sonora, Dali, and CANVAS HiFi complement the broader home automation ecosystem?

Beyond just ‘playing music,’ premium audio acts as the sensory soul of a smart home. These brands complement the automation ecosystem by solving specific lifestyle and design challenges:

• Eliminating Architectural Annoyances: A major hurdle in smart homes is ‘techclutter.’ CANVAS Hi-Fi solves this by matching the exact size of the TV and

eliminating the need for an external ‘black box’ subwoofer (down to 30 Hz), while Amina disappears into the walls and ceilings entirely. This allows the automation to be powerful without compromising the interior design.

• Expanding the Sensory Architecture: Automation shouldn’t stop at the door. Architettura Sonora allows us to extend the smart ecosystem into the landscape. By using natural materials like marble and terracotta, the speakers become acoustic sculptures that integrate with outdoor lighting and sensors to create a seamless, automated environment.

• The Emotional Layer of Scenes: When you trigger a ‘Movie’ or ‘Relax’ scene, it’s the high-fidelity performance of DALI’s SONIK series or CANVAS Hi-Fi’s BACCH 3D crosstalk cancellation that makes that scene feel immersive. High-end audio ensures the experience matches the precision of the automation.

What products, technologies, or brand solutions will Smato be showcasing at the upcoming Smart Home Expo 2026?

This year at the Smart Home Expo, we are creating our most ambitious and immersive

showcase to date. We will be live at Booths F20 and F05, where we are creating a fully immersive environment to showcase the future of intelligent living.

Here is a preview of the breakthrough solutions we’ll be featuring:

The Basalte Intelligence Ecosystem:

At the heart of our exhibit is the complete Basalte experience. We are moving beyond simple control into true ambient intelligence:

• AI-Powered Ellie: See the world-first integration of ChatGPT within the Ellie touchscreens, allowing for natural language control in any regional languages.

• New ‘Matisse’ Keypad: We’ll be debuting the Matisse line—Basalte’s first wireless keypad—offering a stunning blend of French-inspired design and smooth, intuitive touch.

• Miro Pro Remote: Get hands-on with the latest reinvention of the luxury remote, featuring a bolder, backlit interface.

• Adelante: Experience the luxury video door phone that redefines the entrance to the home.

• High-Fidelity & Designer Audio:

• DALI Flagship Cinema: In Booth F05, we are pushing the boundaries of acoustic engineering with a dedicated high-end home theater and stereo setup featuring DALI’s premium loudspeakers for breathtaking precision.

• CANVAS Hi-Fi: We will showcase multiple setups of this Danish luxury soundbar, demonstrating how it matches your TV size exactly and delivers deep bass (down to 30 Hz) without needing a visible subwoofer.

• Architettura Sonora & Amina: We’ll be displaying the sculptural Cylinders, Cubes, and Spherina series from AS, alongside Amina’s Sapphire Series, which stays completely invisible behind premium wall finishes.

• 1Sound: We are also featuring 1Sound, bringing professional-grade audio performance to our high-end setups.

The Foundation of Automation:

To ensure these front-end experiences are flawless, we are showcasing the robust backbone that powers a reliable smart home:

• EAE Technology: Full-scale KNX home automation solutions, demonstrating both powerful backend control and elegant frontend interfaces.

• FS Cables: The literal foundation of the system, featuring high-performance KNX and speaker cabling designed for the most demanding luxury projects.

Visit us at Booths F20 and F05 to see how we harmonize these global technologies into a single, seamless experience. Come prepared to be pleasantly surprised by what the future of living looks like!

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo over the years and how the platform has helped connect with system integrators and partners.

We have been proud leading sponsors and partners of the Smart Home Expo since 2022, and it has truly become a cornerstone of our growth strategy in the Indian market. For us, the Expo is more than just a trade show; it is a vital annual gathering where the entire industry comes together to appreciate and celebrate the incredible work being done in India.

The platform has been instrumental in allowing us to network deeply with our existing partners while forging new alliances with forward-thinking system integrators. It serves as a unique bridge that makes end customers more aware of industry-wide advancements, helping them understand how complex global technologies can actually simplify their daily lives. By bringing together architects, designers, and tech experts under one roof, the Smart Home Expo creates a powerful synergy that ensures luxury and intelligence go hand-in-hand, reinforcing our role as a strategic curator for the next decade of growth.

the luxury door phone for Basalte Home

The first look, the first moment at your doorstep. You know you have arrived at a remarkable place.

Welcome home! Your door phone is no longer a necessity. It is a design statement, perfectly integrated into your Basalte Home.

AERO Display Solutions Blends Technology, Design, and Innovation

Can you share the journey of AERO Display Solutions and how it has evolved over the years to establish itself as an industry leader?

AERO Display Solutions, founded in 2019, was not built as just another display company; it was created to challenge the way the industry thinks, designs, and delivers visual technology. Backed by decades of deep-rooted industry experience, AERO entered the market with clarity, conviction, and a vision far ahead of its time.

In a space largely driven by commoditisation and price wars, AERO chose a different path, elevating displays from mere products to immersive, design-led experiences. By seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with aesthetics, customisation, and precision execution, the brand quickly carved out a distinct position in a highly competitive landscape.

Sunil Khera brings innovation and design to the forefront at Smart Home Expo 2026. AERO Display Solutions will showcase a diverse portfolio, from India’s first Outdoor TV to its Pitchvue all-in-one LED walls, envisioned for luxury homes. The lineup includes Mirror TVs, Leather TVs, Round TVs, and Framevue, along with Bizvue Digital Kiosks and Smartvue (IFPD).

In just a few years, AERO has transformed into a trusted innovation partner for corporates, luxury residences, retail environments, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Its strength lies not only in what it builds, but in how it thinks, solution-first, experience-driven, and future-focused.

Today, AERO stands as a symbol of speed, vision, and execution excellence, proving that true leadership is not defined by how long you’ve been in the market, but by how boldly you redefine it.

Could you provide an overview of your core product categories and the solutions you offer across different sectors?

Our core portfolio spans a comprehensive range of advanced display and visual communication solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of both commercial and

a significant role in advertising and media environments, as well as events and exhibitions where immersive visual impact is critical. The portfolio also caters to luxury retail chains, premium residential spaces

• Close collaboration with architects and interior designers.

• Focus on minimalism, symmetry, and aesthetic harmony.

• No two HNI projects are the same and

performance, innovation, and design aesthetics?

In today’s rapidly evolving visual technology landscape, the display industry is often perceived as highly commoditised, where competition is driven largely by pricing and

content with physical environments

• Flexible and curved LED solutions enabling creative architectural integration

• Mirror TVs and hidden displays, redefining how screens exist within a space

• Emerging experiential formats such as holographic and immersive installations

for luxury homes.

The lineup also features aesthetically integrated offerings such as Mirror TVs, Leather TVs, Round TVs, and Framevue, each designed to seamlessly blend technology with interior design.

Complementing these are advanced commercial and interactive solutions like the

premier destination for brands operating at the intersection of technology, automation, and modern living.

For AERO Display Solutions, the association with Smart Home Expo has been more than just participation; it has been a strategic catalyst for brand evolution, market visibility, and meaningful industry engagement.

GM Modular Unveils a Smarter, More Connected Living Experience

GM Modular is a trusted brand in Smart Switches, Home Automation, and Smart Lighting. Could you tell us about the new range you will be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we are excited to present an expanded and more refined version of our smart home ecosystem. This includes our next-generation smart switches with enhanced touch responsiveness, a more intuitive user interface, and improved aesthetics that blend seamlessly into modern interiors.

We are also introducing advancements in our smart lighting solutions, along with upgraded automation controls that focus on simplicity, reliability, and a more connected living experience. The idea is to offer solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also easy to adopt in everyday life.

Jayanth Jain shares how GM Modular continues to evolve its smart home ecosystem with a strong focus on intuitive technology, refined design, and seamless integration. From next-generation smart switches and advanced lighting to enhanced automation controls, the brand’s latest innovations are geared towards creating more personalised, reliable, and connected living experiences, bringing together convenience, aesthetics, and performance for modern homes.

What are the key features and innovations of this new range, and how do these products enhance the overall smart home experience for users?

The focus of this new range is on making smart living more intuitive and accessible. We have worked on improving response times, ensuring smoother app and voice control integration, and enabling more stable connectivity across devices.

One of the key improvements is in personalisation. Users can now create more flexible scenes and automation routines that truly adapt to their lifestyle, whether it is lighting moods, appliance control, or scheduled operations.

At the same time, we have paid close attention to design. The products are sleek, minimal, and crafted to complement contemporary spaces, so they enhance not just functionality but also the overall look and feel of a home.

Could you elaborate on the latest innovations and upgrades in your home automation offerings?

Our latest upgrades are centred around creating a more unified ecosystem. We are focusing on better interoperability between devices, stronger app performance, and easier setup processes.

We have also enhanced our automation capabilities to support more dynamic scenarios. This means users can create smarter routines that respond to time, usage patterns, or multiple triggers, rather than just simple commands.

Another important area is reliability. We have strengthened our systems to ensure consistent performance, which is critical for users who rely on automation in their daily routines.

Apart from the new range, what other products or device categories can professionals expect to see at your stall during the Expo?

In addition to our latest smart home solutions,

visitors can explore a wide range of our offerings, including modular switches, smart door solutions, lighting systems, and lifestyle electronics.

We will also be showcasing our integrated approach, where different product categories work together as part of a cohesive ecosystem. This is especially relevant for architects, designers, and system integrators who are looking for complete solutions rather than standalone products.

GM Modular has been associated with Smart Home Expo for several editions. How has your experience been, and how do you see platforms like these contributing to the growth and awareness of the smart home industry in the future?

Our experience with Smart Home Expo has always been very positive. It provides a great platform to connect with industry professionals, understand evolving market needs, and showcase innovations in a handson environment.

Events like these play a crucial role in building awareness and trust in smart home technologies. They allow people to experience products first-hand, which is often the turning point in adoption.

Going forward, we believe such platforms will continue to drive collaboration, inspire innovation, and accelerate the growth of the smart home industry in India.

Optoma’s Vision for the Next Era of Immersive Home Entertainment

Which flagship models or series would you recommend for a premium home cinema and immersive smart home experience?

For a premium home cinema experience, we recommend the UHR90DV, our flagship 4K UHD triple laser RGB projector designed to deliver true cinematic performance at home. With technologies like Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode, it ensures content is experienced exactly as intended, with stunning clarity, contrast, and realism.

What truly sets the UHR90DV apart is its ability to deliver vibrant, lifelike visuals with exceptional brightness, even in ambient lighting conditions, along with an expansive 96% BT.2020 colour gamut for rich, true-to-life colours. Combined with Optoma’s advanced image processing, it creates an immersive viewing environment that seamlessly complements high-end smart home setups.

Vijay Sharma shares how Optoma Technology India Pvt Ltd is redefining the home entertainment experience through next-generation projection technologies and design-led innovation. With a strong focus on premium home cinema, immersive visuals, and seamless smart home integration, he highlights key flagship solutions and previews upcoming launches at Smart Home Expo 2026, offering insight into the brand’s evolving approach to delivering cinematic experiences within modern living spaces.

Are you planning to launch any new products or projector ranges at Smart Home Expo 2026?

Yes, we are excited to introduce multiple new products at Smart Home Expo 2026, including the UHZ58 and PK52, each designed to address different segments of the evolving home entertainment landscape.

The UHZ58 is tailored for home cinema enthusiasts, featuring dual laser technology, 4K UHD resolution, and up to 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage. With HDR10+ support and advanced image processing, it delivers a rich, immersive viewing experience with impressive clarity and colour precision, all within a compact design.

Complementing this, the PK52 is positioned as an entry-level laser projector, bringing the benefits of 4K UHD resolution, high brightness, and vibrant visuals to a wider audience. Designed for everyday entertainment, it offers a perfect balance of performance, reliability, and ease of use, making big-screen viewing more accessible for modern homes.

Besides the new launches, which existing products will you be showcasing at the Expo?

Alongside our new launches, we will be showcasing a well-rounded portfolio spanning luxury home cinema as well as professional AV solutions. This includes our flagship UHR90DV, along with the FHDC135, which is well-suited for both high-end residential spaces and professional environments requiring seamless, large-format displays.

For premium home cinema, we will highlight

models like the UHC70LV, designed specifically for luxury homes, along with the Wave 320UK, UHD35+, and lifestyle-focused projectors such as TOMA-U and OMA-S, offering flexibility across different home entertainment setups.

On the professional side, our showcase will include the ZK810T for large venue applications and the N-Series professional displays, alongside the WHD211 wireless transmitter and receiver, demonstrating seamless connectivity and integration within modern AV ecosystems.

How do your solutions integrate with home automation and smart lighting systems?

Our projectors are designed to work effortlessly within a smart home environment. They can be calibrated so that the moment the projector is switched on, the room automatically shifts to the user’s preferred setting, with lights dimming to a cinema mode, the screen rolling down, and the curtains closing to create a complete viewing experience without any manual steps.

On the audio side, support for eARC ensures there is no compromise in sound quality. When connected to high-end sound systems, it allows seamless transmission of audio signals without any loss, delivering a rich and immersive sound experience.

In addition, our high-brightness projectors,

combined with advanced image processing, perform reliably even in varying ambient lighting conditions. This makes them wellsuited for integration with smart lighting setups, while maintaining consistent and vibrant visual performance.

Could you tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo and how platforms like this help the home automation industry grow?

For Optoma, Smart Home Expo has consistently been a valuable platform to showcase our latest innovations in home cinema and visual solutions to a highly relevant audience. It allows us to engage directly with system integrators, partners, and design professionals, helping us better understand how our technology fits into evolving smart home environments.

Platforms like Smart Home Expo play a key role in accelerating industry growth by bringing together the entire ecosystem in one place. They not only enable brands like ours to demonstrate real-world applications of our solutions but also help drive awareness around integrated, high-performance home entertainment, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what smart living can deliver.

Seamless Living, Smartly Delivered: The New Automation Ecosystem

CasaDigi offers a wide range of automation solutions for Luxury Homes and Hotels. Could you provide an overview of your product portfolio and the key solutions you offer?

CasaDigi is a home automation brand that provides end-to-end solutions for some of the most high-end luxury homes across India and globally. While the primary interface for end users is a mobile App, it is supported by a powerful, intelligent platform, backed by custom-designed hardware developed and provided by CasaDigi.

The system also integrates seamlessly with third-party interfaces, including remotes, butler call buttons, and security systems, creating a cohesive and intuitive control environment. Complementing this is the sister brand, DigiValet, which focuses on enterprise solutions across hotels, residential communities, offices, and hospitals.

Muskan Salgia discusses how CasaDigi is advancing luxury automation through integrated, end-to-end solutions for homes and hospitality spaces. She outlines the brand’s intelligent platform, seamless third-party integrations, and user-focused design approach. The conversation also covers new innovations being showcased at Smart Home Expo 2026, along with insights into evolving lifestyle-driven automation and the growing importance of intuitive, designled smart living experiences across premium residential and commercial environments.

What new smart solutions is CasaDigi launching at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, CasaDigi is showcasing its latest integrations with thirdparty control systems, including advanced remote solutions such as Moorgen remotes. It is also expanding into lifestyle and wellness-led integrations, further enhancing how systems support everyday living beyond traditional automation.

One of the most exciting highlights is the launch of the newest Experience Centre in Indore, designed in collaboration with reD Architects. The space features a range of new integrations and capabilities, offering a closer look at how CasaDigi brings design, technology, and user experience together into one seamless ecosystem.

Apart from the new launches, which existing product ranges can visitors expect to see at your stall during the Expo?

Apart from the new launches, visitors can experience the entire CasaDigi platform on display, including the hardware, music and entertainment modules, and the entire app ecosystem. This also includes the much-talkedabout Butler Module, a key differentiator of the platform.

Visitors will get a first-hand look at the intuitive user interfaces CasaDigi is known for, interact with the team, and get a glimpse into the design and experience of our recently launched Experience Centre.

Could you share your experience participating in Smart Home Expo and your views on platforms like these?

We’ve always had a very positive experience at

Smart Home Expo. It brings together brands and dealers from across the industry, allowing us to connect with a wide network in a short span of just three days.

It’s a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and showcase what CasaDigi can do. The event is not only well attended by industry professionals but also sees strong participation from the design community.

Each year, we come away with new insights and connections, making it one of the most important industry platforms for us. It’s an event we continue to believe in and look forward to being a part of this show.

Setting New Benchmarks in Home Cinema and AV Integration

Could you provide an overview of Sound & Vision, along with the AV integration solutions you specialise in?

For 26 years, Sound and Vision has operated as a value-added distributor, dedicated to elevating the standard of bespoke home cinemas and immersive audio-visual environments across India. Our core philosophy is rooted in empowering our network of integration partners. We specialise in equipping, advising, and educating our dealers to design and deliver uncompromised, reference-grade cinematic experiences that adhere strictly to the most rigorous international guidelines, such as CEDIA’s RP22 and RP23 standards. By providing our partners with the world’s finest AV products and solutions and over two and a half decades of deep technical expertise, we ensure that the end-user ultimately receives a breathtaking, sensory-rich experience that bridges the gap between professional studio quality and luxury residential integration.

Jay Nihalani shares how the company is elevating India’s luxury home cinema segment through world-class AV technologies and reference-grade integration. With a strong focus on highperformance audio, advanced video processing, and immersive cinematic experiences, he highlights collaborations with leading global brands and evolving industry standards. He also offers insights into cutting-edge innovations and experiential showcases planned for Smart Home Expo 2026.

You have brands like Artcoustic, SIM2, Screen Research, and Lumagen. Could you tell us about their latest product ranges launched in the Indian market?

We are incredibly proud to represent these pinnacle brands in India, each bringing groundbreaking advancements to the market this year:

• Artcoustic: We are rolling out the phenomenal new Spitfire Q Series (including the Q8-5 and Q4-5) alongside their advanced bandpass subwoofers like the SUB4-12. By utilising professional linearray technology, they deliver staggering Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) and dynamics without sacrificing their signature sleek, customisable aesthetic.

• SIM2: We are thrilled to introduce SIM2’s new 2025–2028 range. This includes the DOMINO 4H and CRYSTAL 4SH lines, as well as the flagship ULTRANERO 4. These laserhybrid projectors set a new benchmark for HDR image management, colourimetry, and sheer cinematic brilliance.

• Lumagen: As the absolute gold standard in video processing, Lumagen’s latest offerings, including the Radiance Pro 5000 series and the cutting-edge ArtisaN 8K, are transforming visual fidelity in India. Their industry-leading Dynamic Tone Mapping (DTM) and Non-Linear Stretch (NLS) capabilities ensure every frame is optimised to perfection.

• Screen Research: To ensure our visual fidelity doesn’t compromise audio transparency, we continue to deploy their state-of-the-art acoustically transparent

fabrics. They provide the perfect canvas for our projectors while allowing speakers to be perfectly positioned behind the screen for true acoustic realism.

What new product ranges or innovations do you plan to launch at Smart Home Expo 2026?

For the 2026 Expo, we are moving beyond traditional demos to launch a complete, experiential ecosystem. Right on the show floor at the Jio World Convention Centre, we are constructing a massive 30 ft x 22 ft x 12 ft flagship reference demo room.

Within this space, our primary innovations will centre on demonstrating the absolute limits of modern video processing and projection. We will officially showcase the powerful synergy between Lumagen’s ArtisaN 8K processor and SIM2’s newest HDR laser projectors. Attendees will experience firsthand how proper Dynamic Tone Mapping and Non-Linear Stretch can elevate standard content into a truly immersive, reference-level HDR visual event. On the audio front, this innovation is driven by a full 11.8.6 immersive audio array, powered entirely by Artcoustic. This setup features a strategic

deployment of Q8-5s and Q4-5s, anchored by a massive low-frequency foundation using SUB4-12 and SUB3-12 subwoofers.

Apart from the new launches, which other product ranges will you be showcasing at the Expo?

Our visual innovations will be matched by an equally uncompromising audio foundation and an extensive product showcase. Inside our purpose-built demo room and across our display, we will be featuring:

• The Artcoustic 11.8.6 Immersive Audio Array: A live demonstration of our strategic deployment of Q8-5 and Q4-5 speakers, supported by the immense low-frequency foundation of the SUB4-12 and SUB3-12 subwoofers.

• Artcoustic Mikro Slim Column Array: We are thrilled to host the world premiere of these all-new speakers right here in India.

• Michael Barr Audio Technology (MBAT): Representing the absolute pinnacle of highend audio, MBAT crafts some of the world’s finest and most exclusive loudspeakers and amplifiers. We will proudly have the world’s most powerful amplifier on display at the expo.

• SIM2 UltraNero4: SIM2’s new flagship projector will be actively demonstrated

on a massive 206-inch diagonal, 2.40:1 acoustically transparent screen from Screen Research inside our demo room.

• Screen Research Fabrics: The complete range of state-of-the-art acoustically transparent screen fabrics offered by Screen Research will be available for attendees to explore.

Could you share your association with Smart Home Expo and how platforms like this contribute to the growth of the industry?

Our association with the Smart Home Expo is driven by a shared commitment to elevating the standard of luxury integration in India. As the industry matures, it is no longer enough to simply read specification sheets; integrators, architects, and end-users need to feel the difference that true high-end engineering provides.

Platforms like the Smart Home Expo are vital catalysts for this growth. By allowing us to build fully treated, acoustically engineered rooms on the show floor, the Expo provides the perfect stage to educate the market. It fosters a space where professionals can experience the very bleeding edge of AV technology, ultimately raising the benchmark for what is expected in Indian homes.

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Morion Automation Showcases End-to-End Smart Ecosystem for Modern Spaces

Can you provide an overview of Morion Automation and the solutions you offer in home automation and smart building integration?

Morion Automation is a pan-India distributor and solution provider specialising in KNXbased home and building automation, along with advanced audio-video and smart living solutions. We focus on delivering reliable, scalable, and future-ready systems by partnering with globally recognised brands. Our offerings include lighting control, HVAC integration, shading solutions, multiroom audio, indoor air quality solutions, and seamless user interfaces, along with strong technical support and after-sales service for system integrators across India.

Tell us about your latest offerings from brands like MDT, Tense, 1Home, Displine, Blauberg Ventilation, and Earthquake?

Satish Kumar Kakani highlights Morion Automation Private Limited’s growing influence in advancing KNXbased automation and smart building integration across India. Backed by a strong portfolio of global brands, the company is focused on delivering scalable, future-ready solutions. Its offerings seamlessly integrate automation, audiovisual systems, and indoor environmental technologies, creating intelligent, efficient, and connected living and working environments.

We are introducing a strong portfolio of innovative solutions tailored for the evolving Indian smart home market:

• MDT Technologies: A wide range of KNXcertified products, including

• actuators, sensors, glass push buttons, advanced logic modules, and solutions for large-scale automation projects.

• TENSE: Minimalistic, premium KNX switches and touch panels that seamlessly

blend with modern interiors while offering intuitive control experiences.

• 1Home: Integration platforms enabling seamless connectivity of KNX systems with Apple HomeKit, voice assistants, and remote access solutions.

• Displine: Elegant and durable tablet mounting solutions designed to integrate control interfaces beautifully into residential and commercial spaces.

• Blauberg Ventilation: Advanced Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems focused on improving indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

• Earthquake: High-performance audio solutions delivering powerful and immersive sound experiences.

Are you planning any new launches at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we will be showcasing several new and advanced solutions:

MDT: Introduction of GRMS (Guest Room Management System) solutions, VRV integration modules, new-generation touch panels, and advanced sensors.

• TENSE: Launch of refreshed keypad designs with enhanced aesthetics and user experience.

• 1Home: Introduction of a new touchscreen

range along with advanced remote programming capabilities, including KNX logging and diagnostic functions for improved system monitoring and maintenance.

• Earthquake: Official introduction of Earthquake high-performance audio solutions under Morion Automation, expanding our portfolio into powerful sound systems.

These launches reflect our focus on bringing deeper integration, better user experience, and more intelligent automation to the Indian market.

What are the product ranges and brands you plan to showcase at the Smart Home Expo 2026?

We will be showcasing our complete ecosystem featuring:

• KNX automation solutions from MDT

• Designer switches and interfaces from TENSE

• Smart control and integration platforms from 1Home

• Premium tablet mounting solutions from Displine

• Energy-efficient ventilation systems from Blauberg Ventilation

• High-performance audio solutions from Earthquake

Together, these offerings represent a holistic approach to smart living—covering automation, user interaction, entertainment, and indoor environmental quality.

Could you share your association with Smart Home Expo and how platforms like this contribute to industry growth?

Smart Home Expo has been an important platform for us to engage with system integrators, architects, designers, and technology professionals. It plays a vital role in driving industry awareness, fostering partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of smart technologies in India. Such platforms help showcase innovation while enabling meaningful conversations across the ecosystem.

EverGlow Showcases High-Performance LED Displays

Could you give us an overview of EverGlow, Screens’ current product portfolio, including home, commercial, and professional projection screens?

EverGlow, screens have five main product categories. We start with the Aura series, which includes COB Technology and is used in Luxury home theatres, Corporate offices, command centres, etc. The second product in our portfolio is the LUXA Series, used in commercial spaces such as Auditoriums, Hospitals, Educational Institutes, Airports, and Real Estate projects.

A feature of the Aura series is that the Pixel pitch can range from P1.25 and P0.9 down to P0.78. The Aura Series features a 20000:1 high contrast ratio, 22 bits, 7680 Hz, 91–95% DCI-P3 coverage, brightness ranging from 600 to 2500 nits and low power consumption (125W/m²). This low consumption aids energy efficiency

Ansh Ahuja, Director, EverGlow, sheds light on the brand’s rapidly evolving portfolio of active LED display solutions spanning luxury home theatres, commercial environments, and large-scale outdoor applications. He speaks about the finepitch P1.9 Aura Outdoor COB display, LUXA Series and commercial outdoor screen series called Spectra. At Smart Home Expo 2026, they will unveil newage display solutions tailored for modern smart environments, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, integration, and the future of connected visual ecosystems.

and helps maintain heat management at 10 degrees. All EverGlow Screens are real pixel screens, not virtual ones sold by some competitors. This concludes our indoor series product portfolio

We now turn to our outdoor product portfolio: the Aura Outdoor series, which

incorporates COB outdoor technology and serves entertainment or work purposes. Then we come to our commercial outdoor screen series called Spectra, which is used again in auditoriums, hospitals, educational institutes, airports, and real estate projects. Lastly, our Vertex series includes all flexible screens used indoors and outdoors.

This helps customers create various designs of their choice using the screen’s capabilities. We don’t use or supply projector screens; we are a leading Make in India active LED brand.

What are the latest innovations or technological advancements in your screens that set Everglow apart from competitors?

In response to the growing demand for Outdoor Home LED Screens, EverGlow is proud to introduce its fine-pitch P1.9 Aura Outdoor COB display, delivering an impressive

brightness of 5000 nits for exceptional visibility in any lighting condition.

Building on valuable insights from leading architects and design consultants, we are also expanding our Indoor Aura Series with an innovative new offering. This product features customisable textured finishes, such as wood, veneer, tile, and stone, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with sophisticated interior aesthetics.

Immersive LED screens are rapidly becoming a centrepiece in high-end experience centres and premium real estate sales lounges, redefining how spaces engage and captivate audiences.

How do your screens integrate with modern AV and smart home systems? Are they optimised for specific projector technologies or compatible across multiple platforms?

The EverGlow team reviews the complete project requirements and offers the ideal solution. Our screens and controllers can integrate with automation software and various AI technologies, which can be showcased on the LED screen.

Could you share details about any new products or solutions that will be showcased at upcoming events like Smart Home Expo 2026?

We are getting exciting new home products with a mechanism that will really work well for

Indian customers. Moreover, we will showcase large-format screens with software ideally suited for luxury home theatres. To learn more, visit our booth at the Smart Home Expo 2026 to experience them firsthand.

Tell us about your association with Smart Home Expo and how you think platforms like these help the industry at large.

Our association with the Smart Home Expo reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in the smart technology and display solutions space. As an

active LED screen manufacturer and solutions provider, EverGlow LED sees this platform as an excellent opportunity to showcase how advanced display technologies can seamlessly integrate into modern smart environments, enhancing communication, automation, and user experience across residential and commercial applications.

Platforms like the Smart Home Expo play a vital role in driving industry growth. They bring together manufacturers, integrators, architects, and technology enthusiasts under one roof, fostering collaboration, knowledge

exchange, and innovation. Such events not only help businesses like ours connect with the right audience but also enable us to stay aligned with emerging trends, evolving customer expectations, and technological advancements.

We believe that these interactions ultimately contribute to building a more connected, efficient, and future-ready ecosystem for the smart living industry as a whole. We’re excited to be part of this dynamic platform and look forward to engaging with industry peers and customers alike.

Bridging Devices, Platforms & Possibilities in the Smart Home Ecosystem

Could you give us an overview of Modo Technology’s product portfolio in smart home automation and security solutions?

At Modo Technologies, we believe smart homes are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity for the future. Our product portfolio is designed to cover every aspect of smart home automation and security, with a strong focus on delivering a unified ecosystem.

One of the biggest challenges in the current smart home market is fragmentation, multiple apps, incompatible systems, and complex integrations. At Modo, we address this by offering a complete, end-to-end solution through carefully selected, industryleading brands. Our portfolio spans smart lighting, security systems, automation controls, sensors, smart locks, and energy management, ensuring seamless interaction across all devices within a single ecosystem.

Ayub Kazia, Modo Technologies, discusses how the company is redefining smart living through a unified, end-to-end ecosystem. By addressing fragmentation and enabling seamless integration across devices and platforms, Modo is simplifying automation for modern homes. At Smart Home Expo 2026, the brand will showcase innovations shaping the future of connected living.

Could you tell us about the latest launches or innovations from brands like Aqara, Govee, Lockin, Loxone, and SwitchBot, and how they are shaping the smart home ecosystem?

We are continuously working with leading global brands such as Aqara, Govee, Lockin, Loxone, and SwitchBot to bring the latest innovations to the market.

At the upcoming Smart Home Expo, we will be showcasing several breakthrough technologies that redefine how smart homes are designed and experienced:

• Aqara Multi-State Sensor, Enhances environmental and activity detection with greater precision and versatility.

• Aqara Studio, a powerful platform that bridges wired and wireless automation, enabling integrators to manage everything within a single interface.

• Lockin V7 with Aura Charge is a game-

changing innovation in smart locks, offering continuous power without the need for battery replacements, solving one of the most common pain points in smart homes.

• Govee Smart Lighting Advancements is introducing enhanced dynamic lighting solutions with improved customisation and user control.

• Dreame Smart Ecosystem Expansion is bringing high-performance smart appliances into the home automation space, setting new benchmarks in quality and integration.

How do your latest products integrate with existing smart home ecosystems? Are they compatible across multiple platforms or optimised for specific systems?

At Modo, ecosystem compatibility is a core priority. Every brand we distribute is selected based on its ability to integrate into a unified smart home experience.

We have partnered with Homey, an industryleading platform that enables seamless integration of multiple brands into a single system, eliminating the need for multiple hubs and applications across the home.

In addition, all the brands we are showcasing are aligned with Matter, the latest universal smart home standard. This ensures compatibility across major platforms, allowing both end users and system integrators to work within a simplified, flexible, and future-proof environment.

What new products or innovations will you be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026? Which of your existing ranges will also be on display?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, Modo Technologies will be introducing and expanding several key brands in the Indian market:

• Launch of Govee, Lockin, and Dreame, addressing key gaps in smart lighting, smart locks, and smart appliances.

• Full showcase of the Aqara smart home ecosystem, covering automation, security, and control systems.

• Presentation of the Modo Lighting range, designed to help system integrators seamlessly incorporate smart lighting into both new and existing projects.

Our focus is not just on products, but on delivering complete solutions that are practical, scalable, and easy to deploy.

Could you share more about Modo Technology’s association with Smart Home Expo? How do you view the value of such platforms for the smart home industry?

Modo Technologies has built a strong and long-standing relationship with the Smart Home Expo. Over the years, our participation has significantly contributed to our growth, and we continue to scale our presence with each edition.

The expo serves as a vital platform for the industry, bringing together innovators, integrators, and businesses under one roof. It provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and build meaningful partnerships that translate into long-term business growth.

Smart Node Simplifies Smart Living

As a leading homegrown smart home brand, what solutions or technologies has Smart Node developed specifically for the Indian market?

At Smart Node, our approach has always been rooted in how India lives. Homes here are diverse, dynamic, and often evolving. So we focus on building solutions that are reliable, adaptable, and easy to use.

We have developed a complete ecosystem covering lighting, security, and control, designed to work seamlessly within Indian electrical conditions and infrastructure. Our systems are built to be stable even with voltage fluctuations and network inconsistencies.

More importantly, we simplify the experience. The goal is not to add complexity, but to make everyday living more comfortable and intuitive.

Alongside this, our ecosystem is supported by

Parth Shah, Co-Founder of Smart Node, shares how the homegrown brand is building intuitive, reliable, and design-led automation solutions tailored for Indian homes. With a strong focus on seamless integration, local infrastructure, and user-friendly experiences, he discusses the brand’s evolving ecosystem, latest innovations, and what to expect from their showcase at Smart Home Expo 2026.

infrastructure hosted on Indian servers, which helps us maintain better control over system performance and data handling within the country’s regulatory framework.

Could you tell us about the new solutions Smart Node will be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026?

This year, we are introducing our Cosmos Keypads and Digital Door Lock range, both

designed with a strong focus on usability and design.

Cosmos Keypads bring together tactile control with a refined aesthetic. The idea began with a simple gap we noticed; there were hardly any well-designed metallic keypads in the Indian market. In spaces where every detail is carefully chosen, control interfaces often felt like an afterthought. Cosmos was our way of changing that, crafted to fit standard Indian electrical boxes while offering a more premium, thoughtful interaction with everyday functions. Alongside this, our digital locks are built for everyday convenience and security, with integration into the home automation system to enable a smoother and more connected experience.

We are also continuing to strengthen our DALI lighting solutions, offering more precise control and better integration for modern spaces.

Apart from the new solutions, which existing solutions will you be displaying at the Expo?

We will be showcasing our complete range of home automation solutions, including:

• Smart panels and touch interfaces

• Mobile and voice-based control systems

• Integrated lighting and curtain automation

Security and surveillance integration

Our focus at the Expo is to demonstrate how all these elements come together as one seamless system rather than isolated products.

What are your latest innovations in Lighting Automation and Security Solutions?

In lighting, our work with DALI has allowed us to offer more precise control over brightness, scenes, and energy usage. It gives designers

and homeowners the flexibility to create the right ambience while maintaining efficiency. Alongside this, Cosmos Keypads enhance the lighting experience by offering intuitive, tactile control with a refined interface.

On the security side, we are integrating access control, surveillance, and alerts into a unified experience. The idea is to make security feel effortless, where everything works quietly in the background but is always accessible when needed.

Could you share your experience and association with Smart Home Expo over the years?

Smart Home Expo has been an important platform for us. It brings together the right mix of professionals, especially system integrators and channel partners.

Over the years, it has helped us not only showcase our work but also understand how the market is evolving. Each edition gives us valuable insights and meaningful conversations that shape how we move forward. It has also played a significant role in our B2B network growth, helping us build a strong channel base of 250+ partners and consistently connecting us with the right people.

Lafit Lighting, Redefining Illumination Through Integration

Could you give us an overview of Lafit Lighting’s current product portfolio?

Lafit Lighting operates at the intersection of design and engineering. Our portfolio spans precision indoor luminaires, façade and landscape lighting, profile systems, and fully integrated smart lighting solutions, developed specifically for premium residential, hospitality, retail, and large-scale architectural projects.

What distinguishes our approach is that we build lighting systems, not standalone products. Every fixture is conceived with optics, thermal management, driver performance, and control compatibility already resolved, so the result is a cohesive, high-performing installation rather than a collection of parts. Across over 10,000 SKUs and a network of 500+ partners nationwide, we’ve built a portfolio designed to meet the demands of the most specification-driven projects in India.

Dispal Sakaria, Founder, Lafit Lighting, is redefining how lighting is conceptualised in modern environments, shifting the focus from standalone fixtures to fully integrated systems. Under his leadership, the brand has carved a niche at the intersection of design and engineering, delivering high-performance, intelligent lighting solutions. With an emphasis on interoperability, precision, and humancentric design, Lafit Lighting continues to shape the narrative around smart, responsive illumination in India’s evolving architectural landscape.

What are the latest innovations that set Lafit apart?

Our innovation is centred on three pillars: performance, intelligence, and human-centric design.

On the performance side, we’ve advanced our LED platforms significantly, focusing on lumen maintenance, thermal efficiency, and deep dimming (0–100%) with flicker-free operation. Our optical systems are engineered for precision beam control and low glare, with UGR <16 across key product lines.

On the intelligence side, we’ve moved toward modular luminaire architecture, products that are inherently flexible in configuration and easy to maintain, which is a meaningful advantage in high-specification projects. Tunable White and RGBW systems with circadian lighting capability are now standard

across our premium range.

The broader shift is philosophical: we no longer think of our products as fixtures. They are responsive nodes within a smart environment, and every design decision reflects that.

How do your solutions integrate with modern smart home ecosystems?

We follow a deliberately open, protocol-driven approach. Our solutions are compatible with DALI, KNX, DMX, and Casambi (BLE), which are the globally accepted standards that professional system integrators actually work with. We don’t build toward closed ecosystems, because our clients, integrators, architects, and developers need scalability and futureproofing above all else.

In practice, this means a Lafit installation can sit within virtually any professional automation

platform, support centralised or app-based control, and be expanded or reconfigured without replacing the lighting infrastructure. That interoperability is a genuine differentiator in India’s smart lighting market, where most brands still operate within proprietary boundaries.

What will Lafit be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, we’re presenting our next-generation portfolio with a clear focus on intelligent, design-led lighting. The centrepiece will be Morphix, our complete modular lighting range engineered around three fixed modules and multiple mounting configurations, giving architects and designers a single, highly adaptable product family for diverse applications.

Beyond Morphix, we’ll be showcasing advanced Tunable White systems for human-

centric environments, high-performance façade solutions with dynamic control, and precision low-glare indoor luminaires across hospitality, residential, and commercial categories. All products on display are fully automation-ready, compatible with DALI, KNX, Casambi, and DMX, demonstrating what seamless integration looks like in practice.

The experience at our booth is designed to go beyond product display. Visitors will see lighting working as a layered, responsive design element, which is ultimately what we’re trying to shift the conversation toward.

What does the Smart Home Expo platform mean for Lafit and the industry?

Smart Home Expo is one of the few platforms in India where design intent and technology

capability genuinely converge. For us, it’s not just an exhibition, it’s an opportunity to engage directly with the system integrators, architects, and developers who are shaping how intelligent environments get built.

More broadly, platforms like this are critical to maturing the smart lighting market in India. There’s still significant education needed, around protocols, integration standards, and the difference between consumer automation and professional-grade systems. Events like Smart Home Expo accelerate that conversation and raise the collective benchmark.

Our participation reflects where we’re headed as a brand: deeper into the specification ecosystem, and more invested in shaping how lighting is understood, not just sold.

Quba Designed for Performance, Trusted for Reliability

Could you walk us through Quba’s range of digital security and smart home solutions, including Digital Door Locks, Safes, and Furniture Locks?

Quba offers a comprehensive portfolio of digital security and smart access solutions designed for modern homes and commercial spaces.

Our digital products represent a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design, delivering enhanced security, seamless convenience, and premium aesthetics that elevate the overall customer experience.

Our key product categories include:

Digital Door Locks: Equipped with advanced AI capabilities such as push voice commands, 3D face recognition, 3D palm recognition, and video calling with two-way communication.

Dhiren Shah shares how the brand is advancing digital security with a comprehensive range of smart access solutions for modern homes and commercial spaces. From AI-powered digital door locks and advanced safes to intelligent furniture locking systems, he highlights a focus on innovation, design, and seamless integration. He also offers insights into the latest technologies, Make in India innovations, and what visitors can expect at Smart Home Expo 2026.

These locks also support biometric, PIN, RFID, and mobile app access - ensuring flexibility, security, and ease of use.

Digital Safes: Robust, tamper-resistant safes designed for homes, offices, and hospitality applications. Features include

Wi-Fi connectivity along with password and biometric access for enhanced protection.

Digital Furniture Locks: Smart locking solutions for wardrobes, cabinets, and drawers, ideal for both residential and institutional applications. Our product philosophy is centred on ease of use, high security, and seamless design integration.

Hotel Locks Solution: Quba’s digital hotel locks enable secure, contactless access via RFID and mobile. They offer centralised control, audit trails, and easy staff management. Built for durability, with auto-locking and encrypted security for hotels.

Allied Products: Our other smart products, such as “Qeye” Wi-Fi Video Doorbell and “Qview” portable Wi-Fi screen provide convenience and security to our customers while keeping them on-the-go.

How do your latest products integrate with

existing smart home ecosystems? Are they compatible across multiple platforms or designed for specific systems? Please elaborate.

Quba’s latest product range is developed with a strong focus on compatibility and futurereadiness.

We proudly promote our “One Home, One Solution” approach, enabling users to manage all app-enabled smart devices through a single unified application, accessible via smartphone or portable smart screens.

Our solutions are designed to ensure seamless compatibility and flexibility across environments. They support smart device linkage across multiple operating platforms and enable integration with leading smart home ecosystems through transmitterreceiver modules and gateway-based connectivity. Additionally, they can function effortlessly as standalone systems or as part of fully integrated home automation setups, offering users a scalable and convenient experience.

This ensures maximum flexibility, scalability, and convenience for our customers.

What are the standout features or technological advancements in your latest product lineup that differentiate Quba in the smart home and security segment?

Quba stands apart through a strong focus on innovation, usability, and reliability:

Multi-access technologies: Face Recognition, Palm Recognition, Video Calling, Biometrics, PIN, RFID, Mobile App, with Wi-Fi connectivity and Mechanical Override.

Advanced sensing technology: Highprecision face and palm recognition for faster and more accurate authentication

Built for Indian conditions: Durable and robust construction suited to diverse environments

User-friendly interfaces: Designed for effortless use across all age groups

Premium design aesthetics: Products that seamlessly align with modern interiors

Our continuous investment in innovation, product reliability, and after-sales support reinforces long-term customer trust.

What new products or innovations will you be showcasing at Smart Home Expo 2026? Additionally, which of your existing ranges will be on display?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, Quba will be showcasing:

• Make in India innovations featuring advanced technologies are being introduced for the first time in the Indian market

This includes a prestigious European Design Award-winning product, “AURIS” – 7 Way Access Digital Pull Handle”, which is packed with superior security features such as Face Recognition and Video calling. Being available in 3 different designs & 4 different finishes, makes it the first in the category of digital pull handle.

Our Make In India portfolio also includes India’s First Customizable Digital Door Lock called “ACE” – 3 Way Access Digital Lock, which adds to the aesthetic and elegance by allowing customers to choose from more than 50 different options of mortise handles, making “Quba” a complete customer-centric brand.

• Next-generation Digital Door Locks with enhanced AI capabilities and upgraded design aesthetics

• Advanced Digital Safes with heavy-duty security features for superior protection

• Innovative Furniture Locking Solutions designed for modern modular living

Additionally, our existing best-selling product range across all categories will be on display, offering a complete view of the Quba ecosystem.

Could you tell us more about your association with Smart Home Expo? How do you view the

importance of such platforms for the industry? Quba values its association with Smart Home Expo as a premier industry platform that brings together key stakeholders.

Such platforms play a crucial role in:

• Showcasing innovation and emerging technologies

• Strengthening strong channel and distribution partnerships

• Engaging with architects, designers, and system integrators

• Understanding evolving market trends and customer needs

We view this exhibition as a significant opportunity to strengthen our market presence and contribute to the growth of India’s smart home ecosystem.

Audio Nirvana: Crafting World-Class Listening Experiences

Can you provide an overview of Audio Nirvana and the solutions you offer?

At Audio Nirvana, we specialise in curating world-class audio environments. We are a premier distributor of high-end audio and home cinema solutions in India, representing a portfolio of global legacy brands. Our expertise lies in delivering bespoke stereo setups and state-of-the-art private cinemas that prioritise “faithful reproduction.” We provide architects and system integrators with the tools to create spaces where sound is as much a part of the design as the aesthetic itself.

What are the latest offerings from brands like McIntosh, Sonus faber, and Rotel? Can you tell us about their latest product ranges available in the Indian market?

We are introducing several groundbreaking products that cater to both dedicated listeners and smart home enthusiasts:

Shitij Khatter & Ashish Kesarwani Partners, Audio Nirvana

Shitij Khatter and Ashish Kesarwani, outlines Audio Nirvana’s offerings in high-end audio and home cinema, from bespoke stereo systems to immersive private theatre solutions. Representing a portfolio of global luxury brands, the company works closely with architects and integrators to deliver “faithful reproduction” within thoughtfully designed spaces. In this interview, he highlights key product ranges, new launches, and the growing demand for premium, design-led audio experiences in India’s evolving luxury residential segment.

McIntosh: We are highlighting the CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier /Audio Matrix. This is a game-changer for distributed audio, allowing for unmatched control and flexibility across six independent zones, making it an essential component for luxury multi-room installations.

Sonus Faber: Besides making the finest traditional floorstanding loudspeakers, Sonus Faber also manufactures Ci-Fi, which is the

acronym for Custom install- hi fidelity; A term coined by Sonus Faber. The Arena 1, 2, and 5, along with the Arena S10 subwoofer, bring the legendary “Natural Sound” of Sonus faber into a custom-install format, providing a powerful, immersive experience that disappears into the room’s architecture.

Michi (by Rotel): We are proud to debut the New Michi Prestige Series, featuring the X430 Integrated Amplifier and the Q430 CD Player. These components represent the pinnacle of Michi’s engineering, offering authoritative power and transparency in a more accessible, refined form factor.

Linn: We are also showcasing the New Klimax Solo 500 Amplifier. This monoblock power amp features Linn’s proprietary Adaptive Bias Control and Utopik power supply, offering incredible “grip” and precision that can drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease.

Are there any products or recent innovations you are highlighting for premium home theatre?

The Sonus Faber Arena Series is our primary highlight for premium home theatres this year. By combining high-performance transducers with a sophisticated in-wall/in-ceiling design, it allows us to create a 3D soundstage that rivals commercial cinemas without compromising the interior design of a luxury home.

Will you be launching any new products or solutions at Smart Home Expo 2026?

Yes! Visitors can expect the official Indian debut of the Michi Prestige Series. We believe the X430 and Q430 will set a new benchmark for high-end stereo performance in the Indian market, and the Expo is the perfect venue for their unveiling.

Apart from new launches, which other

products and brands will you be showcasing at the Expo?

In addition to our electronics, we will be highlighting our partners in infrastructure and support:

Bassocontinuo: This Italian brand represents the gold standard in high-end audio furniture. Their racks are not just beautiful; they are scientifically engineered to eliminate vibrations using a modular approach and materials like carbon fibre.

Melodika: A Polish manufacturer that we highly recommend for high-quality audio cables and installation speakers. They offer a “no-voodoo” engineering approach, delivering

exceptional signal purity and durability at a price point that makes high-end audio more accessible.

Could you share your association with Smart Home Expo and how platforms like this help grow the AV and smart home industry?

The Smart Home Expo is vital because it brings the entire ecosystem of designers, developers, and integrators under one roof. It shifts the conversation from “individual gadgets” to “integrated lifestyle solutions.” For Audio Nirvana, it’s an opportunity to educate the community on how high-performance audio, when planned at the architectural stage, can significantly enhance the value and experience of a modern home.

Transforming Spaces with Next-Gen AV Solutions

Could you briefly introduce Miantic AV Distribution and its role in bringing premium global AV and smart home technology brands to the Indian market?

Miantic AV Distribution is a next-generation technology company focused on bringing the world’s most advanced audio-visual and smart home solutions to the Indian market. Our role extends far beyond traditional distribution; we act as a strategic bridge between leading global brands and India’s evolving ecosystem of integrators, architects, and luxury developers.

At Miantic, we carefully curate premium international brands that align with our core philosophy of performance, design, and innovation. We don’t just supply products; we enable complete solutions through technical expertise, system design support, training, and robust after-sales service.

As demand for intelligent, immersive living spaces grows in India, Miantic is building

Manoj Manchala outlines how Miantic AV Distribution Pvt Ltd is redefining the role of distribution by bringing world-class AV and smart home brands to India with a solutions-first approach. With a strong focus on system integration, design-led technology, and immersive performance, the company continues to enable nextgeneration living experiences through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge innovations showcased at Smart Home Expo 2026.

a strong foundation for high-performance AV and smart automation, delivering global standards with deep local insight and reliability.

Your portfolio includes leading brands such as RTI, AudioControl, Black Nova, Tyba, Ascendo, ZeroDB, M&K Sound, SpeakerCraft, Cerasonar, and Blustream. Can you briefly tell our readers about their latest offerings?

At Miantic AV Distribution, our portfolio represents some of the most innovative and performance-driven brands in the global AV and smart home industry. Each brand continues to push boundaries with solutions designed for modern, intelligent living environments.

RTI is advancing its control ecosystem with a strong focus on sleek touch panels and highly customised user interfaces, enabling seamless and intuitive smart home experiences.

AudioControl has introduced the new

Hyperion Series, featuring high-performance multi-channel processors and amplifiers engineered for exceptional precision in both residential and cinema applications.

Black Nova continues to redefine user interaction with its Blackjack Keypad, now available in new premium finishes that beautifully integrate technology with architectural design

Ascendo remains a benchmark in immersive audio, offering high-SPL cinema speakers and subwoofers designed for reference-level performance in luxury home theatres.

M&K Sound is expanding its legacy with new in-wall subwoofers and further development of its acclaimed 500 Series, delivering studiograde sound in residential environments.

SpeakerCraft is enhancing its architectural speaker range with new in-ceiling series and durable all-weather outdoor in-wall speakers for versatile applications.

Cerasonar continues to lead in invisible audio technology, offering fully concealed speakers and subwoofers that deliver exceptional sound without impacting interior aesthetics.

Could you highlight the new products or technology solutions that Miantic AV plans to launch or showcase at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, Miantic AV Distribution will showcase a comprehensive range of new products across its portfolio, with a strong emphasis on performance, innovation, and system integration.

From Kordz, we will be presenting their latest range of control cables and new-generation HDMI cable series, designed to deliver reliability and high-performance signal transmission in demanding AV environments.

A key highlight will be AudioControl’s latest and most advanced audio processors, setting new benchmarks in processing power and sound performance for home cinema applications.

From M&K Sound, we will be unveiling their all-new in-wall subwoofer—being introduced globally for the first time—alongside the continued expansion of their renowned 500 Series.

What are the latest product offerings from RTI and Black Nova that enhance the overall smart home experience and system integration?

RTI continues to evolve its user experience with a strong focus on interface design and usability. At the expo, we will be showcasing their touch panel, offering a refined, responsive, and highly customizable control solution for modern smart homes.

Black Nova, on the other hand, is introducing new premium finishes for its Blackjack Keypad, further enhancing its architectural appeal. In addition, their new demo kit is designed to empower dealers with a more effective presentation tool, enabling better customer engagement and faster decision-making.

Could you highlight the key showcase highlights from Miantic at Smart Home Expo 2026?

At Smart Home Expo 2026, Miantic AV Distribution will present a strong lineup of next-generation audio and architectural solutions, with a clear focus on performance, design integration, and innovation.

A major highlight will be the latest offerings from AudioControl, featuring their new generation of high-performance audio processors and home cinema amplifiers, designed to deliver exceptional clarity and control.

We are also proud to present a global highlight from M&K Sound, with the unveiling of their new in-wall subwoofer—showcased for the first time worldwide—bringing powerful bass performance into a fully architectural format. In the architectural audio segment, Garvan Acoustics will introduce their small aperture speaker solutions, ideal for living spaces and background music, combining minimal visual presence with refined sound quality.

Additionally, at XSCACE, we will showcase their latest metal frame subwoofer, engineered to perfectly complement their slimline speaker series—offering a seamless blend of performance and design.

Overall, our presence at the expo reflects Miantic’s commitment to delivering cuttingedge global technologies that enhance both acoustic performance and the aesthetic integration of smart living spaces.

KNX Pavilion 2026: Showcasing the Next Chapter of Intelligent, Interoperable Buildings

The KNX Pavilion has become an important attraction at Smart Home Expo. What unique experiences, technologies, or demonstrations can visitors expect to see this year?

The KNX Pavilion this year is more impactful than any previous edition. Visitors can expect to see live, working KNX ecosystems that includes lighting, HVAC, energy management, security, and shading, all running seamlessly from multiple manufacturers on one single open protocol. That real-time interoperability, with no proprietary lock-in, is what makes the KNX Pavilion a truly unique experience.

What’s most exciting this year is the significant increase in brand participation, including several international manufacturers making their first-ever entry into the Indian market through this pavilion, a strong validation of India’s growing position in the global smart building industry.

Neha Agarwal

Secretary, KNX National Group India and Director, Techvault.

Neha Agarwal, Secretary, KNX National Group India and Director, Techvault, shares insights on the KNX Pavilion at Smart Home Expo 2026, one of the show’s key highlights. She discusses this year’s live, interoperable smart building ecosystems, featuring seamless integration of lighting, HVAC, energy management, security, and shading on a single open protocol. She also highlights increased global brand participation and reflects on how KNX continues to shape India’s evolving smart infrastructure and design-driven adoption of intelligent building standards.

Any new brands that will be displayed at the KNX Pavilion?

Yes, and this is something we are genuinely proud of. This year, we welcome several new International and National brands to the KNX Pavilion, GVS, AYPRO, Atios, LogicMachine, MEAN WELL, Interra Systems, Inspinia, Theben, Ilevia, Bab Technologie, Integron and some last year’s participants like ABB, CONTROLtronic

GmbH, Cue Home, Goldmedal Electricals, NETxAutomation, Schneider Electric and Weinzierl.

Several of these brands are entering the Indian market for the very first time through the KNX Pavilion, which speaks volumes about the credibility this platform has built and the confidence the global KNX community now has in India.

Any training session or knowledge sharing workshop you are planning at Smart Home Expo 2026? If yes, can you pls elaborate on the same?

This year, we consciously moved away from a dedicated workshop format. KNX as a protocol is now well understood, its scalability and open standard are fairly established in the industry. What professionals need now is deeper exposure to the brands, products, and innovations available within the KNX ecosystem globally.

So the focus is on maximising engagement directly on the floor. At every booth, a brand expert will be present to guide visitors through products, innovations, and realworld integration possibilities, making it personalised, practical, and far more valuable than any single workshop.

With the rapid growth of smart homes and intelligent buildings in markets like India, how do you see the role of KNX evolving in the region over the next few years?

The Indian market is maturing rapidly, and KNX is perfectly positioned to lead that growth. It is the only technology that sets a unified standard across every segment, like residential, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare, scaling equally well from a single apartment to a large commercial complex. The most encouraging shift is that architects, consultants, and developers are now specifying KNX at the design stage itself. That change, from selecting a brand to selecting a standard, is a very strong indicator of where the Indian market is confidently heading.

Having participated in multiple editions of Smart Home Expo, how has your experience been so far, and how do you think platforms like these contribute to industry awareness, education, and business opportunities?

Our experience has been extremely positive, and we are genuinely grateful to Smart Home Expo for the visibility and platform it provides. This is one of India’s largest technology events, bringing together manufacturers, integrators, architects, and global brands across smart home, audio-video, lighting, security, and building technology, all under one roof.

For KNX, this platform allows us to showcase the best innovations and brands the global KNX ecosystem has to offer. Every edition, KNX grows stronger and gains wider recognition. We thank Smart Home Expo for consistently providing us with this stage, and we look forward to making every edition more impactful than the last.

A Tech-Driven Approach to Architectural Lighting

Conceptualised under the leadership of Amit Rohra, Founder, and Hitesh Rohra, Creative Director of Mr. Light Illumination, the Experience Centre located in Sultanpur, New Delhi, represents a shift in how lighting is conceptualised, demonstrated, and deployed within modern built environments. Moving beyond the traditional showroom model, the space is designed as a technology-led platform that showcases lighting as an intelligent, adaptive system, integral to architecture, user experience, and energy management.

Spread across 8,000 sq. ft., this experience centre is structured as a series of immersive

application zones that replicate real-world environments. Each zone is engineered to demonstrate how lighting systems interact with architectural elements that highlight surface textures, defining spatial geometry, and dynamically influencing ambience. The layout enables visitors to experience lighting not as a static layer, but as a programmable variable within the built environment.

Smart Lighting Infrastructure & Control Systems

At the core of the Experience Centre is a fully integrated lighting ecosystem that combines

diverse fixture typologies with advanced control technologies. The installation includes concealed linear lighting, recessed luminaires, grazing fixtures, precision spotlights, and decorative elements, each connected through a unified control architecture.

The system is designed for real-time interaction. Users can modify lighting parameters such as intensity, colour temperature, and scene composition via touch interfaces and mobilebased controls. This allows instant visualisation of different lighting scenarios, from functional task lighting to complex, multi-layered ambient settings.

Control protocols are built on DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) and Casambi, ensuring high levels of precision in dimming, zoning, and scene management. Additionally,

select zones incorporate AI-enabled lighting controls, featuring occupancy sensing, daylight-responsive adjustments, and predictive automation. These systems continuously process environmental data and user inputs to optimise lighting output— enhancing both energy efficiency and user comfort.

Multi-Brand Integration & Technology Showcase

A key highlight of the centre is its multibrand integration strategy, bringing together a portfolio of global and domestic lighting manufacturers into a single, interoperable ecosystem. Brands such as Delta Light, ENDO Lighting, LEDS C4, Simes, Vibia, Masiero, Italamp, Mr. Light Illumination, Plus Light Tech, Filix Lighting, and Holectron are featured

across various application zones.

The product mix includes:

• Architectural systems: Linear profiles, downlights, track lighting, wall washers, and grazing solutions

• Decorative luminaires: Pendant systems, chandeliers, and design-led lighting installations

• Connected technologies: Wireless control platforms, app-based interfaces, and AIintegrated lighting solutions

This integration demonstrates how disparate lighting components can function as part of a cohesive, networked system. Use cases such as automated scene-setting, energy optimisation, and circadian lighting are actively showcased, illustrating the role of lighting in enhancing both operational performance and occupant well-being.

“In addition, the centre showcases smart and connected lighting solutions, featuring

app-based controls, wireless systems, and automation-ready interfaces compatible with DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) and Casambi. These systems support dimming, scheduling, and scene-setting, while also demonstrating emerging AI-led capabilities such as adaptive lighting tuned to circadian rhythms, energy optimisation through usage analytics, and seamless integration with broader building management systems— positioning lighting as an intelligent and responsive layer within contemporary architecture,” explains Amit Rohra, Founder, Mr. Light Illumination.

Interactive Experience & Application Testing

The Experience Centre functions as a live testing environment, allowing users to engage directly with lighting systems. Through interactive panels and mobile applications, visitors can experiment with different configurations and observe system responses in real time.

Dedicated consultation areas further extend this functionality by enabling project-based simulations. Architects, lighting designers, and clients can evaluate different lighting strategies, test product combinations, and refine system configurations within a controlled setting. This approach supports data-driven decision-making and reduces the gap between design visualisation and on-site implementation.

Outcome & Industry Relevance

The Mr. Light Illumination Experience Centre, shaped by the vision of Amit Rohra and Hitesh Rohra, sets a new benchmark for smart lighting demonstration in India by positioning lighting as a connected, intelligent infrastructure rather than a standalone element. It highlights

the convergence of design, automation, and data-driven technologies in shaping nextgeneration built environments.

By integrating advanced control systems, AI-based automation, and a diverse product ecosystem, the centre offers a scalable model for future-ready lighting design. It underscores the growing importance of interoperability, user-centric controls, and energy-efficient systems in the evolution of smart homes and commercial spaces.

As the industry moves towards more responsive and adaptive environments, the centre provides a clear, technology-focused vision of how lighting will continue to evolve, becoming smarter, more integrated, and increasingly central to the overall building ecosystem.

Skillfully Integrated Smart Home Technology

Design Studio brings together refined aesthetics and seamless automation, enhanced by a retrofit smart solution from Robo Homes to create a home that balances comfort, convenience, and quiet luxury in a contemporary urban setting.

Set within the premium residential enclave of L&T Powai, this 3 BHK apartment with a builtup area of 1,250 sq ft is a refined expression of modern living, where design sensibilities and smart technology come together in a seamless, understated manner. Designed by Ar. Satish Naik and Ar. Rupali Naik, Design Studio, the home reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury, where elegance is subtle, materials are tactile, and every design decision is rooted in comfort and usability.

At first glance, the home impresses with its calm, cohesive aesthetic. A carefully curated palette of browns, whites, and greys flows consistently across spaces, creating a sense of visual harmony. However, beneath this composed exterior lies a highly intelligent,

future-ready ecosystem that enhances everyday living through automation and connectivity.

A Home Designed as an Experience

The spatial journey begins at the entrance foyer, where thoughtful design elements immediately set the tone. Oval-shaped mirrors create a sense of depth, while earthy Italian marble flooring anchors the space with understated richness. A sculptural circular console adds a contemporary edge, hinting at the layered design narrative that unfolds within.

The living room is both elegant and immersive. A striking artistic wallpaper featuring a

contemporary female portrait introduces a bold focal point, while fluted wall panelling and integrated lighting add texture and dimension. The ceiling, enhanced with colourchanging fibre optic lighting, brings a dynamic quality to the space, allowing it to shift moods effortlessly.

The TV unit, finished in ivory and brown laminates with subtle PVD accents, blends seamlessly into the design language. Adjacent to this, the dining area offers a more intimate yet equally refined setting, anchored by a stone-top dining table and a functional crockery-cum-bar unit. Clean geometric wall treatments further enhance the modern aesthetic.

Private spaces continue this narrative of understated sophistication. The guest bedroom balances greys, whites, and browns with a textured accent wall and a retained four-poster bed that adds character. A smartly integrated study and wardrobe system ensures

both functionality and visual clarity. The master bedroom adopts a more minimal approach, with soft beige and grey tones, asymmetrical wall detailing, and cohesive furniture design, creating a calm, restful environment.

The third bedroom serves a dual purpose, as a pooja room and a guest room, demonstrating thoughtful space planning. A Murphy bed ensures flexibility, allowing the room to transform effortlessly based on need, without compromising on its spiritual or functional intent.

Smart Automation: Designed Around the User

“While the design language is subtle, the technology powering the home is both robust and forward-thinking. The client’s brief focused on simplifying daily routines and enhancing comfort through automation, without disrupting the home’s design integrity,” explained Ar. Rupali Naik, Design Studio.

Robo Homes addressed this through a retrofit solution using Raylogic, eliminating the need for extensive rewiring. This approach was particularly aligned with the client’s preference for minimal structural intervention while still achieving a fully integrated smart home environment.

The automation system brings together multiple functions like lighting, fans, air conditioning, curtain motors, and television into a single, unified platform. Residents can control these systems via a mobile app or voice assistants such as Alexa, creating a truly connected living experience. From scheduling daily routines to setting personalised moods, the system enables intuitive and effortless control.

Lighting Reimagined Through Technology

One of the standout aspects of this project is its approach to lighting automation. Instead of relying on specialised smart fixtures, the system transforms standard Havells lighting into intelligent solutions using compatible dimmable drivers. This allows the homeowners

to retain their preferred lighting aesthetics while still benefiting from advanced control features.

Initially, the client had considered a fibre optic “starry ceiling” installation. However, after experiencing the automation demo, they opted to integrate a more versatile lighting system that could adapt dynamically to different moods and scenarios. The automation touch switches were also customised to match the existing switch plate finishes, ensuring visual consistency across the home.

The result is a lighting environment that is not only functional but also experiential, capable of shifting seamlessly from soft ambient settings to more dramatic, layered compositions.

Seamless Integration of Entertainment & Networking

Beyond lighting and automation, the project also integrates entertainment and networking systems in a cohesive manner. The music system, powered by JBL speakers, is connected using Wi-Fi protocols and IR blasters, allowing

it to be controlled alongside other smart systems. Voice integration through Alexa further enhances usability, enabling residents to manage both entertainment and lighting through simple voice commands.

A strong networking backbone supports this entire ecosystem. The home is equipped with advanced Wi-Fi 6 access points from Syrotech, offering dual-band connectivity with highspeed performance and the ability to support up to 150 concurrent users. Long-range (LR) access points are deployed in the living areas, while Lite versions are used in bedrooms to ensure consistent coverage.

An 8-port PoE switch (up to 120W) ensures efficient power and data distribution across devices, reinforcing system stability and performance.

User-Friendly & Future-Ready

A key focus of the project was to ensure that the technology remains accessible and easy to use. The Raylogic app allows homeowners to create and modify lighting moods independently, reducing reliance on integrators. While there may be an initial learning curve, the Robo Homes team provided dedicated support to help the client navigate and optimise the system.

Importantly, the solution is designed with scalability in mind. As technology evolves, the system can be upgraded through firmware updates, ensuring compatibility with future innovations. Additional features or devices can also be integrated without requiring major infrastructure changes.

A Balanced Approach to Smart Living

Interestingly, while the home incorporates advanced automation and networking, certain elements such as home theatre systems, digital locks, and biometrics were intentionally excluded or kept for future provision. The client’s strong background in security meant that surveillance solutions, handled independently using Hikvision systems, were already well addressed.

This selective integration highlights a key strength of the project: technology is implemented where it adds real value, rather than being included for the sake of it.

In conclusion, we would say this residence is a perfect balance between design and technology. By combining thoughtful design, intelligent automation, and a robust technological backbone, the project sets a benchmark for future-ready urban homes in India.

TECH INSIGHTS

Architect/Interior Designer: Design Studio

Systems Integrator: Robo Homes

Automation System Used: Raylogic (Retrofit Solution)

Lighting: Havells

Security Cameras: Hikvision

Speakers: JBL

Networking Devices: Wi-Fi 6 Access Points – Dual Band (Syrotech 3000AX), 8-Port PoE Switch (Up to 120W, Syrotech)

SMART ANDROID CONTROL PANEL

Ensures stable, wide-range connectivity with low power consumption and minimal interference.

Integrated with WIFI, Bluetooth and Zigbee(gateway) for remote and local control, including TUYA devices and scene automation.

BUILT - IN SPEAKER

WALLPAPER

Custom wallpapers & personalised screensavers for a tailored interface

RADAR SENSING & NIGHT LIGHT

Built-in 1W light. 1–3m detection range for automatic activation. Turns screen on when you approach and activates light with a wave.

SCHEDULE

Set the Device to automatically turn on & off.

KEYS

8 buttons with lighting, which can customise different functions, scenes, keys, switches and volume adjustments.

PROTOCOLS SUPPORTED

PLATFORMS SUPPORTED

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Disrupting The Standard: Why Lux Is Redefining The Control4 Landscape In India

LUX Switches is redefining luxury automation within the Control4 ecosystem with design-led innovation. The article highlights its rapid adoption and shift from traditional systems.

The luxury automation market is undergoing a significant shift. While traditional systems were once the default, Control4 has seen the tide turning firsthand toward more designforward, integrated solutions.

In a major market move, several high-end projects originally specified for KNX have been successfully converted to LUX switches integrated with Control4, and the momentum is undeniable.

The 500% Momentum

The response has been extraordinary. Last month, sales for LUX switches surpassed projected monthly targets by a staggering 500%. This surge is a clear signal that there is

a growing demand in the market for a perfect blend of bespoke aesthetics and the robust reliability of the Control4 ecosystem.

Why the Market is Switching: Considering the feedback received from

architects and customers has been overwhelmingly positive, centred on two key pillars:

• Striking Appearance: The visual appeal of LUX is immediate. It offers a level of sophistication that complements modern luxury interiors, making it the preferred choice for designer-led homes.

• Precision Engineering: From an integration standpoint, the innovative magnetic snap-on fixing is a game-changer. It ensures a perfect, flush alignment every time, providing a highquality finish that integrates seamlessly with Control4 hardware.

Exclusive Smart Home World Expo Offer To celebrate this record growth during the Expo month, an exclusive incentive is being launched for the partner network. We are offering special commercial terms for all new project registrations throughout the event period. Experience the “LUX effect” firsthand. The era of compromising between complex engineering and elegant design is over.

(From the Desk of Sundara Vadanam,

Ventures Pvt. Ltd., India Distributor for ADI-SnapOne)

Contact our team today to explore the LUX collection for Control4; Emails: order@m2msmarthome.com or Call 9578072459

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