The Official Magazine of ISE 2012 - Amazon S3

CEDIA Education: new courses, new topics
There will be few visitors to ISE who are unaware of CEDIA - the
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA)
- which is the international trade organisation for the home
electronic systems industry. CEDIA members specialise in the
planning, design, supply and installation of automated electronic
systems for the modern, intelligent home. They can install
anything from multi-room audio and home cinema systems to
complete home networks and sub-systems which intelligently
control lighting, security and HVAC.
One of its most important functions is to provide training to
the industry – training not only for those who are already in the
industry, but also for those who are new to it.
“In the fast developing world of technology, professionals
must constantly update their skills to keep up with this growing
industry,” notes Matt Dodd, CEDIA’s Education Chair,
“whether it’s learning to
speak IP, dealing with
project documentation,
or managing projects
for maximum profit.
CEDIA’s education
programme sets
the benchmark for
high quality design,
installation and business
management skills in
the residential custom
installation sector across Europe.”
Once again, ISE will see CEDIA offer a range of training and
education opportunities – many of which are brand new for ISE
2012. “Choosing and Using Control Systems”, “Embracing the
Cloud”, “The Art of Project Documentation”, “Practical Media
Delivery over IP Technologies”, “Developing Profitable Business
Processes”, “Delivering 3D” and “Introduction to HVAC systems”
will all make their ISE debuts among the total of 14 courses on
offer – more than double the number offered at ISE 2011.
All of the courses are presenter-led, with the large majority at
either three hours or 1.5 hours duration.
The programme kicks off on Tuesday 31st January with
a day long “Home Cinema Design Workshop”, presented by
Geoff Meads, managing director of Presto Audio Visual. That
morning also sees “An Introduction to Residential Custom
Installation” delivered by Michael Blake, managing director
of Bespoke Installations. In a parallel session, Simon Buddle,
technical director at SMC, will present “Choosing And Using
Control Systems” which will examine how users like to interact
with technology as well as explaining how to select the correct
user interface for any given situation.
The Tuesday afternoon sees three parallel sessions. Matt Dodd –
who combines his volunteer position on the CEDIA Board with
a day job as technical director at integrator ThinkingBricks – will
be discussing how to develop a strategy for recurring revenue
streams from maintenance and aftercare. Those interested in
what the future might hold for home electronics are likely to
be intrigued by Peter Aylett’s session entitled “Technology And
Consumer Trends”. Aylett is a director of consultancy firm Home
Technology Associates. He’ll follow that with “Embracing The
Cloud”, promising to give attendees a clear understanding
of what the Cloud is, what it does – and what it can mean to
CEDIA members’ customers.
The Wednesday morning sees Geoff Meads returning to the
lectern to deliver what will certainly be a well-attended session that
promises to unravel the mysteries of IP. In parallel, Dave Pedigo
– who is senior director of technology for CEDIA Americas –
will host “HDMI Troubleshooting”. At the same time, another
session sees Simon Buddle, technical director at SMC, addressing
the dry but critical issue of project documentation. Delegates
will be given a CD with sample drawings and documentation.
After lunch on the Wednesday, Gordon Van Zuiden of
cyberManor returns to the topic of IP – this time, looking at
the practicalities of media delivery over IP.Matt Dodd is back
on stage to deliver a session entitled “Developing Profitable
Business Processes”, while Peter Aylett reprises his “Technology
And Consumer Trends” discussion. Wednesday afternoon also
sees Peter Aylett on his feet again, looking at the implications of
the Cloud.
On the Thursday morning, David Robinson, managing
director of Sensible
Heat, will provide an
“Whether it’s learning to speak IP, dealing
with project documentation, or managing
projects for maximum profit, our
education programme sets the benchmark.”
Matt Dodd, CEDIA
introduction to HVAC
systems, while Dave
Pedigo returns to discuss
the delivery of 3D.
“The ISE 2012
Education Programme
offers delegates access
to a broad range of high
quality courses taught
by industry and subject
experts,” says Dodd, “covering design, technical and business
management training as well as the chance to take the entry level
EST 2 Certification.”
After its successful debut in 2011, another major highlight
of ISE will see the running of CEDIA EST2 Certification in
English, French and Spanish on the Thursday of the show.
CEDIA education offers a structured Certification
programme, allowing integrators to meet examination standards
at four industry recognised levels and describe themselves as a
CEDIA Certified Professional. Currently, CEDIA members in
the UK and Ireland must employ at least one CEDIA Certified
professional as a condition of membership.
EST2 (electronic systems technician) is the baseline technical
certification for the industry. The three other Certifications are
EST3 - for experienced installers and site supervisors; Designer
Level 1 – for experienced integrated system designers; and Home
Cinema Design Specialist, which is currently the highest level of
CEDIA Certification, for experienced designers of engineered,
reference level home cinemas.
“Attending these courses and taking this examination will
provide the training and insights members require,” points out
Dodd, “enabling them to develop their skill-sets and prosper in
the residential custom installation sector.”
“In this era of rapid innovation and change, custom
installation businesses are under pressure to evolve and stay in
touch with the technological advances that will take us forward
as well as the core business skills that will help us develop
individually and as companies,” says Dodd. “With this in mind,
we have devised a varied and exciting seminar programme for
ISE 2012 that will give insight across multiple tracks. We expect
every session to be fully subscribed.”
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