Two Different Models
AV Retailer
- Product-led: the catalogue drives the conversation.
- You buy the equipment, then arrange installation.
- Best for single-room TV and soundbar purchases.
- Pricing is the main lever.
Custom Integrator
- Design-led: the system is engineered before anyone picks up a tool.
- Documentation — drawings, rack elevations, cable schedules — comes first.
- A single point of accountability from design through service.
- Best for whole-home control, lighting, shades, and networking.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Typical AV Retailer | Summit Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Product sales with installation available | Design-build integration, no retail floor |
| Manufacturer certifications | Varies by brand | Crestron Elite dealer, Lutron Platinum dealer |
| System design documentation | Usually none | Full engineered drawings, rack elevations, cable schedules |
| Lighting control | Limited or third party | Lutron HomeWorks and Crestron lighting |
| Motorized shades | Limited or third party | Lutron Sivoia motorized shades and drapery |
| Network infrastructure | Varies by brand | UniFi structured cabling designed as the system backbone |
| Ongoing support | Limited or third party | OneVision managed support memberships |
| Typical project scope | Single room or single product | Whole-home and estate scale |
When a Retailer Is the Right Call
- You need a single TV mounted in one room.
- You are buying a soundbar or a set of headphones.
- You already know the off-the-shelf product you want.
For any of these, a local retailer is a fine choice. There is no reason to bring in a design-build integrator for a job that a good storefront handles well. Our model earns its keep when a project spans multiple rooms, multiple systems, and needs to be documented and supported over years.