Imagine a world where your home's technology whispers its magic without a single visible sign—yet debates rage on whether true 'invisibility' is even possible or desirable. Dive into the heart of audio innovation at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, where big ideas are reshaping how we live with sound.
In the buzzing heart of CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025—an event spotlighted on Commercial Integrator's site (https://www.commercialintegrator.com/?s=cedia+expo%2FCIX)—Jim Garrett from Harman Luxury Audio Group sat down with Convo by Design's Josh Cooperman inside the sleek Volkswagen ID. Buzz Podcast Van. Their chat delved deep into the audio industry's pulse, exploring design integration and the transformative power of tech on our indoor and outdoor worlds.
Garrett, who serves as senior director of product strategy and planning at Harman Luxury Audio (https://www.harman.com/), steers the course for premium brands including Arcam, JBL, JBL Synthesis, Revel, and Mark Levinson. This year's expo stood out for Harman, as they shared a massive booth with their parent company, Samsung—the largest on the floor. This partnership highlights a growing trend in the industry toward creating seamless, interconnected ecosystems that work together like a well-oiled machine.
"They'll lay it all out for you," Garrett shared about integrators' feedback. "They'll rave about what they adore—and point out exactly how to make it even better." This candid input from system installers is crucial for Harman, helping them tweak designs to tackle real-life setup hurdles. "It's a collaborative win," he noted. "They can't succeed without us, and we thrive because of their insights."
This dialogue also shines a light on one of Garrett's top goals: balancing top-notch sound quality with elegant looks. But here's where it gets controversial—should technology truly vanish from sight, or does its presence add a layer of authenticity? "Tech should enhance without stealing the show," Garrett explains simply. For beginners, think of it as the difference between a clunky old TV dominating your living room and a sleek flat-screen that blends into the wall—functional yet unobtrusive.
Garrett talks about the industry's push to eliminate what he calls "wall acne"—those unsightly control buttons, speaker grilles, and panels that mar beautifully crafted interiors. It's like how lighting has evolved from heavy, protruding fixtures that screamed "I'm here" to subtle, recessed designs that provide ambiance without the bulk. Harman is leading the charge with slimmer, concealed loudspeakers that are practically undetectable, ensuring your home's aesthetic remains pristine while delivering stellar performance. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about hiding tech—it's about elevating the entire space to feel more harmonious and inviting.
The discussion naturally shifted to the great outdoors, where entertainment is booming. Garrett points out how Harman teams up with Samsung's rugged, weather-resistant Terrace displays and JBL Professional landscape speakers to create immersive audio-visual setups that integrate seamlessly into gardens, patios, and beyond. Whether you're inside or out, these spaces are morphing into communal hotspots rather than solitary viewing areas—a shift accelerated by the pandemic's push toward more home-based socializing.
And this is where opinions might diverge: Is turning every corner of our homes into an entertainment zone a dream come true, or are we risking over-reliance on tech that isolates us from the real world? Garrett muses, "Many folks haven't experienced true excellence because they've never been exposed to it." That's why events like CEDIA are vital—they educate on the possibilities in performance, design, and user-friendliness, bridging the gap for newcomers.
For both Cooperman and Garrett, the core message is unmistakable: In today's era, technology transcends mere sound and visuals; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences, subtle integrations, and meaningful connections that bring people together.
Catch the full engaging dialogue between Jim Garrett and Josh Cooperman right here!
What do you think? Do you believe tech should be invisible, or is a bit of visible flair important for modern homes? Is the push toward outdoor entertainment a positive evolution, or could it lead to more screen time than we need? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's spark a discussion!
Editor's note: This piece was first published on our affiliated site, CEPRO.com (https://www.cepro.com/news/harmans-jim-garrett-talks-design-innovation-and-the-expanding-definition-of-home-entertainment-at-cedia-expo-cix-2025/623377/), and has been refreshed with updates tailored for the commercial AV community.
