Hi-tech home entertainment isn't just for homes - get your car or yacht kitted out too

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I spent a fascinating day at the CEDIA custom install exhibition in London's Docklands yesterday, writes Andy Clough.

The world of custom installation is big business these days, and I've seen the annual CEDIA show grow from its early days by the sea in Brighton, via a short stint in Birmingham to its current home at the Excel centre opposite The 02 Dome.

Traditional hi-fi and AV companies such as Arcam, Naim, Meridian and Denon are rapidly embracing the expanding market for home automation and multiroom systems, as customers realise they can have their home cinema system integrated with the lighting controls, automated curtains and security systems.

There were some intriguing entries in the CEDIA Awards this year, not least a £40m yacht, an eco house and a Cadillac Escalade, the latter kitted out with a full AV system to the tune of £120,000 by Prestige Audio (above).

More traditional installations were judged in the Best Home Cinema and best Integrated Homes categories. To find out more about the winners, and other highlights at the show, see the stories below.

Technorati Tags: custom installation, home cinema, in-car

Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.