Early-Bird Deadline: September 28, 2018
 Extended Deadline: November 30, 2018

Product Categories

Audio Product of the Year (multiple-winner category: Amplification, Preamplification, Source Components)

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved residential audio product that originates, amplifies, switches, reproduces and/or decodes audio content. Entries may include analog or digital devices and could include audio receivers, amplifiers, processors, sources and other audio-specific products, including digital, tube or solid-state components used to power loudspeakers and subwoofers, or amplify and manage source components such as streaming media players, servers and disc players. Potentially, multiple winners will be named for this category based on price and product type.

Automation Device of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved automation device for the home. Entries in this category provide stand‐alone or integrated automation enhancements and protection to the home. Examples include sensors, communicating door locks, flood protection, vehicle detection, communicating thermostats, indoor air quality, and other specialty automation devices. The winning product should embody state‐of‐the‐art ergonomics, coupled with cutting‐edge technology to make the human interface intuitive and functional.

Best Education or Support Program

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved education or support program. Programs can be live, online, in print or in any other media. Entries are evaluated based on the direct benefit to the professional installer. Entries are expected to cover common training and support opportunities including, but not limited to, revenue opportunities; sales/marketing; professionalism; product knowledge; industry standards; best business practices; and adherence to national, state and local installation code.

Disruptor Award

This award recognizes the product that has disrupted an existing product channel the most. Products entered in this category may include products entered into other product categories and should embody an ease of use and installation that have shifted the way the existing market operates. The winning product should showcase an open platform design, allowing its acceptance into numerous projects — both high‐end and simple.  

Emerging Technologies/IoT

This award recognizes the best Internet of Things (IoT) product and/or solution in emerging technology categories such as virtual reality / augmented reality, voice control, connected appliances, alternative energy, energy monitoring/management, facial recognition, or thermal imaging, etc.

Energy Efficiency Product of the Year

This award recognizes a residential product that focuses on sustainability and improving the environment. Submitted products should be environmentally friendly and empower a homeowner to reduce energy consumption, emissions and/or natural resources. Eligible products include engineering designs with exceptionally low current draw, as well as devices that monitor, log or control energy consumption, including smart thermostats, smart HVAC registers, automated shades, occupancy sensors and more. 

Human Interface Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved human interface product. Products entered in this category may include, but are not limited to, apps, keypads, touch panels, handheld remotes, gesture controls, and speech recognition. The winning product should embody state‐of‐the‐art ergonomics coupled with cutting‐edge technology to make the human interface intuitive, functional and user-friendly.

Installation/System Management Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved hardware and/or software tool used to install and/or service products typical of a new or existing home technology system. Entries may include, but are not limited to, remote diagnostic systems including remote power management, hand tools, design software, programming software, cable‐marking systems, signal test equipment and/or diagnostic tools. The winning product should demonstrate originality, ease of use, time‐saving capability and/or broad market application.

Lighting Control Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved residential lighting control product or system. The winning solution should provide tangible benefits to the homeowner, including ease of use, convenience, integration capabilities and energy savings. Entries may include distributed wireless products, hardwired or wireless lighting control products or systems, scene control devices, unique control designs, controlling techniques, wellness lighting, smart bulbs, and/or a manufacturer's communication protocol.

Loudspeaker of the Year (multiple-winner category: Architectural, Floorstanding, Bookshelf, Subwoofer, Soundbar, Center Channel, Wireless, Outdoor)

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved speaker, including, but not limited to, freestanding, in‐ceiling, in‐wall, soundbar, wired, wireless, outdoor and subwoofers designed for use in a home entertainment or distributed audio/video system. The winning speaker should have an aesthetically pleasing design, smart installation features, and display exceptional innovation and/or sound quality. Potentially, multiple winners will be named for this category based on price and speaker type.

Miscellaneous Home Technology Enhancements

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved home technology enhancements including smart appliances, central vacuum systems, gaming systems, and home furnishings such as home theater seats, massage chairs, IR extenders or furniture. Potentially, multiple winners will be named for this category type.

Multi‐Room Audio/Video Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved product in the distributed multi‐room/multi‐zone/multi‐source audio and/or video content category, including A/V-over-IP products. Entries may include switches, wireless, or hardwired multi‐room distribution products. The winning product should embody performance and ease of use.

Networking Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved IP hardwired or wireless computer networking product and structured wiring solution that provides solutions for networking PCs, handheld devices, security systems or media distribution.  Entries may include products that support multiple communication platforms as related to the cabling and infrastructure and wireless network within today's digital home. The winning product in this category should enhance wireless, twisted‐ pair, fiber optic, IP, communications, and/or the distribution of audio/video voice data content.

Rack or Mount Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved rack or mount used to install products typical of a new or existing audio/video or home automation system. Entries for this category may also include motorized interior or exterior automated window treatments, lifts or swivels, including floor or cabinet solutions. The winning product should combine aesthetics and an enhanced user experience with precise functionality and guaranteed long‐term operation. The winning product should also demonstrate efficient installation, aesthetic enhancements and enhanced user interface.

Security Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved non‐surveillance residential security product. Entries in this category may include wired, wireless, digital and/or analog‐based products designed to secure, or enhance the security of, residential properties. The winning product should demonstrate integration features with other subsystems, including ease of use, energy management and security enhancements that ensure peace of mind for the homeowner.  

Video Display Product of the Year (Display)

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved residential product that displays video content. Entries may include flat panel, projectors and other video display specific products. This can include oLED, Smart TVs, 4K Ultra High‐Definition, MicroLED videowalls, projectors and laser projectors.

Video Display Product of the Year (Screen)

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved residential product that displays video content. Entries may include retractable, fixed, curved and other types of screens.

Video Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved residential product that originates, switches, amplifies, reproduces and/or decodes video content. Entries may include analog or digital devices and may consist of processors, sources, STBs and other video‐specific products.

Video Surveillance Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best in innovation or advancement in design, features or benefits for new security video surveillance products targeted for the residential space. Entries can include video doorbells, fixed and PTZ analog and IP/network-based cameras, megapixel and 4K Ultra HD cameras, thermal and IR cameras, video management and analytics systems, DVRs/NVRs or cloud storage systems engineered specifically for surveillance, and miscellaneous surveillance products including housings, mounts, lenses, displays, wireless components, switches, etc.) 

Whole-house Control Product of the Year

This award recognizes the best new and/or improved integrated home control product. Products must interface with a variety of IP, wireless, proprietary and/or open communication standards. The winning product should combine seamless integration with numerous residential subsystems providing a homeowner with complete home control.
 

Questions/Help?
Please email moe@ehpub.com
(508) 663-1500 x235

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