Editor’s Note: This article is part a CE Pro series examining the forces that shaped the custom-integration channel in 2025. Throughout December, CE Pro will share perspectives from respected industry voices to help integrators close out the year with a clearer view of where the market is heading.
In 2025, homeowner expectations centered on technology that feels effortless, reliable, and intelligently integrated. Matt Kamp, vice president of product management at ADI, says systems that reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and deliver consistent performance—both for homeowners and dealers—emerged as the clear winners.
CE Pro: How did homeowner expectations or project demands shift in 2025?
Matt Kamp: Homeowners increasingly prioritized AI-enabled simplicity and reliability. The expectation was for systems that “just work,” with seamless integration and intuitive control replacing technical complexity. Technology needed to blend into daily life rather than call attention to itself.
CE Pro: Which categories surprised you in terms of growth or slowdown this year?
Kamp: Categories that delivered clear value, efficiency, and reliability outperformed expectations. Control, lighting, outdoor TVs, power management, and structured cabling proved especially resilient as dealers focused on solutions that optimize performance while reducing overhead.
CE Pro: What major product launches or acquisitions had the biggest impact in 2025?
Kamp: The launch of LUX Lighting by Control4 stood out, pairing elegant design with advanced automation for luxury projects. Updates to Control4 X4 OS and Connect simplified whole-home control, while EBMS gained momentum in commercial applications. SunBrite Solis also helped redefine outdoor entertainment with a more accessible performance tier.
CE Pro: How did AI adoption or workflow automation evolve across the channel?
Kamp: AI shifted from buzzword to practical tool. Platforms like OvrC and Connect enabled predictive monitoring, fewer truck rolls, and more intuitive homeowner control, creating efficiency for dealers and simpler experiences for end users.
CE Pro: What trend or technology failed to gain traction despite early interest?
Kamp: Traditional media distribution continued its decline as smart TVs and streaming platforms became the default. The shift reinforced the move toward IP-based distribution and integrated platforms that deliver flexibility without added complexity.
CE Pro: How did collaboration with builders, designers, or architects change this year?
Kamp: Collaboration deepened, particularly around purpose-built, design-forward solutions like LUX Lighting. Designers and architects increasingly favored products that complement modern aesthetics while
