How we rate products...

All products evaluated by Inside CI are accessed on their performance and suitability for the Custom Install trade. Do they deliver according to their stated goals, and make an integrator's life easier and not more difficult? And will they deliver a great user experience? All aspects are considered.

Consideration is given to clarity of documentation and ease of installation. When it comes to audio visual performance, we look for both the depth of control and calibration required to stand apart from the crowd. In most instances products will have been evaluated in our own testing facilities, although occasionally logistics and timing may dictate that products are appraised at a manufacturer or distributor's venue.

Inside CI Four Star Recommended Product
To warrant a four star Inside CI accolade, a product must deliver on its prime objective. It must not disappoint in terms of raw performance and control options, and it must offer ease of installation and reliability. An Inside CI Four Star Recommendation is your guarantee that kit delivers an above average performance, but it may come with minor caveats as detailed in the review.

Inside CI Five Star Recommended Product - Best Buy
Five star certification is our highest accolade and means a product is considered a contender for Best in Class. To warrant this badge equipment must offer exemplary performance and installation options, and can be specified or sold with confidence. While there may be minor caveats, overall performance is guaranteed to be good enough to warrant wholehearted recommendation.

Not all products reviewed will be awarded Inside CI accolades. This is not to imply that they are in any way defective, merely to signpost that they deliver within expectations. Value or uniqueness could still make them a great buy when specific requirements must be met.

Inside CI's product assessment team comprises Inside CI Editor Steve May and Inside CI Publisher Dave Slater. Dave has unrivalled experienced within the custom installation business, while Steve is a veteran of the UK specialist AV press. Inside CI Awards must not be reproduced without permission. Full unrestricted usage and IP rights are available.