An updated version of the ECS-T Certification Exam is now available from CEDIA, following input and guidance from Americas and EMEA volunteers ensuring the content is relevant for a global audience.

The ECS-T exam is intended for technicians with 2 years of experience, and represents proficiency in the technical knowledge forming the foundation of the residential electronic systems industry. The exam covers lighting control, and features expanded networking content in addition to pre-wire and trim out, integrated control systems and audio/video systems.

“It is considered best practice to update professional certification exams every few years to ensure they stay relevant,” CEDIA says. “The ESC-T exam was last updated in 2014 and with the changing landscape of our industry, it was important to revise the exam.”

Two continents, six days, over 1,200 premier Crestron programmers, 42 unique training classes and more than 200 sessions... Crestron completes the second and final part of Crestron Masters 2018

The industry training event is an invitation-only annual conference that offers Crestron Certified Programmers the opportunity to stay on top of the latest Crestron technology and industry best practices through a wide array of training classes, networking and sharing knowledge with other industry professionals.

The 2018 three-day training summits, held in USA and Europe, were attended by over 1200 premier Crestron Programmers, of which 228 were Master Technology Architects, filling 42 unique training classes and more than 200 sessions. With many courses to choose from, participants could focus on their particular areas of interest.

AVIXA appoints Chris Lavelle as Senior Director of Development Europe. Lavelle takes on the role having spent 9 years as Regional Director for UK and Ireland.

He will lead the team based in Munich and the UK, and will spend significant time visiting members and allied associations throughout Europe and the Middle East. Lavelle is tasked with overseeing continued market growth in the region and carrying out AVIXA’s ongoing mission to serve as an industry hub.

Following the bankruptcy of legendary guitar maker Gibson, Hong Kong-based TPV Technology gets the worldwide license for the Philips brand in audio and video products and accessories.

Until recently Gibson Innovations was responsible for sales, marketing and distribution of certain Philips-branded audio and video products and accessories worldwide. These include headphones, Bluetooth speakers, audio playback speakers and DECT cordless phones. TPV (and its TP Vision unit) already held the Philips license for a number of devices, namely TVs, mobile phones, tablets and monitors, outside of N. America.

Sonos and Denon owner Sound United reach a settlement over claims the Denon HEOS multi-room audio range infringes on Sonos patents. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

The legal dispute between the two companies started back in October 2014, when Sonos sued Sound United over what it claimed was infringement of "at least four" patents. In December 2017 a jury ruled in favour of Sonos on 3 of the claims, and ordered Denon to pay $2 million in damages dating from the 2014 HEOS launch through December 2016.

Influential LG Group chairman Koo Bon-moo passed away, following a year-long battle with a brain disease, the company announces. He was 73 years old.

Koo Bon-moo took the reins of the company formerly known as Lucky Goldstar back in 1995. As third generation leader he was responsible for turning what was the fourth largest S. Korean conglomerate into the giant we know today, thanks to shrewd investments in LCD and lithium-ion battery technologies, not to mention a push towards international expansion.