Category Archives: AV Cabinets

AV Cabinets, Community, Customer Experience, Theater & Media Seating

It’s A Wonderful World Wish Day for 7-Year-Old James, who Receives His Own Dream Home Theater and Gaming System

Image May 8, 2023 Salamander Designs Leave a comment

Thanks to the Passion and Teamwork of JDAV, George to the Rescue, Make-a-Wish and Salamander Designs, Boy Sees His Dreams Come True on The Big Screen.

Every once in a while, a story comes along that warms you deeply from the inside and makes you smile bigger than you thought possible. And this is one of them. Fittingly, this story also happened to air recently on NBC on World Wish Day, Saturday, April 29, 2023, on George to the Rescue.

13-season NBC TV show “George to the Rescue” was looking to do a first time-ever collaboration show with the Make-a-Wish. Since 2010, George to the Rescue (GTTR) has been NBC’s Emmy-winning human interest and home renovation series that elevates the human spirit while celebrating and showcasing the power of community. Featuring George Oliphant’s design-build transformations, the series has supported countless individuals, families and organizations in need.

Watch full episode

For this special episode, GTTR and NBC contacted Gabriel Karlis, CEO of JDAV Design, an AV Integration & Technology company, to design a home theater and gaming room for a family that had two young children, James and Rose, that have both been diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy. And JDAV Designs and Salamander Designs stepped up to help make that happen, bringing together a passionate, big team to fulfill a big screen wish.

With no boundaries to his imagination, James made a wish for an accessible home theater and gaming room that would allow him to play games with friends and enjoy movie nights with family. GTTR host George Oliphant brought in a team of experts and designers to renovate the Popelka’s living space, and create a new, immersive theater room to provide them comfort, excitement and entertainment for years to come.

The integration firm, JDAV Designs, is a top integration company that serves New York, New Jersey and Florida. Their generous team took the lead to design and deliver the complete cinematic system with smart controls for all of James entertainment. This new room features a remarkable variety of leading audio and video systems that all come together for James and his family.

“Our goal at JDAV was to design a Home theater gaming environment that would accomplish James’ wish and also provide a level of control and future independence using voice control technology,” shared Gabriel Karlis, CEO of JDAV Design.

The JDAV team designed a Samsung short throw projector that’s fully integrated into the Salamander Designs Custom Credenza that, together, project a video image on a 120” Screen Innovations screen. Salamander donated the Ultra Short Throw Projector Cabinet in a beautiful black oak finish. It houses the projector and also other components to serve as a centerpiece for the system. They selected a Sonos 5.1 surround sound system, and the team also incorporated an automated Lutron lighting and shading system and a smart thermostat for comfort. All aspects of the new room are fully functional through voice recognition technology controlling the music, video, gaming, lighting, shades and HVAC thermostats.

Now James has seamless access to being immersed in movies, TV shows, video games and any entertainment that he wants. Adding to the joy, his wish was revealed to him on his seventh birthday! And, along with his sister Rose, they enjoyed a day full of fun that was capped off with a special concession stand full of goodies.

“JDAV is proud to have had the opportunity to use our expertise and experience in our field to create a special environment for the Popelka’s family,” added Gabriel Karlis. “We are grateful to be a part of this and help make James’s wish come to true. We hope everyone will take the time to join us in watching this special episode.”

George Oliphant of GTTR shared, “With JDAV, Salamander Designs elevated this George to the Rescue/Make-a-Wish exceptional collaboration. The beautiful, functional media credenza really brings James’ immersive entertainment space together. It was an honor to team up together while granting a deserving child’s wish. We hope the Popelka family’s gratitude, positivity, resilience and togetherness inspire all who watch the program.”

“Being able to donate something to make a child’s dream a reality is one of the most rewarding things we do,” said Scott Srolis, SVP of Sale and Marketing for Salamander Designs. “In the full spirit of ‘World Wish Day,’ we are honored be a part of James’ wish and provide a Salamander Cabinet for his new theater and gaming system. We hope it will bring great enjoyment to him and his family, and we are extremely proud of our Dealer JDAV, who brought us into this heartwarming project and freely contributed their time and expertise.”

See the full reveal from Season14, Episode3 here on George to the Rescue’s YouTube.

It’s also available for streaming on Peacock.

Try Salamander Entertainment Furniture Today – See Our New Look Book for Inspiration

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AV Cabinets, Awards, Company Happenings

Salamander ranks #1 for 14 years straight as Top AV Furniture Brand – CE Pro Annual Brand Analysis

July 13, 2018 Salamander Designs Leave a comment

CE Pro Brand Leader for AV Furniture

Ranked #1 for 14 years straight

The 2018 CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis report shows Salamander is ranked again as #1 as leading AV furniture brand. This is the 14th consecutive year Salamander has taken the top furniture position, which has been consistent for us each year since the inception of the CE Pro Annual Brand Analysis.

Custom, convenient, elegant and covered by Limited Lifetime Warranty – these are just some of the most desirable features homeowners seek for their daily entertainment and comfort solutions. And Salamander offers them all. As the trusted brand of choice, our cabinets, TV mounts and other furniture solutions are built to last with quality craftsmanship, premium designs and exceptional details. Our furniture can adapt to your needs today and far into the future.

And in the Top Ranking for Seating

In addition to being #1 in the furniture category, Salamander is in the top-rankings in this CE Pro Analysis in the seating category. With seating solutions that fit every interior and room in the home, our wide selection has not gone unnoticed, and this in-depth study reflects just that. Choose from custom individual, modular and theater row seats that all bear our exceptional quality and durability.

The Numbers are in – and Clear

The numbers associated with each manufacturer reflect the number of CE Pro 100 dealers using that brand. Salamander is ranked with 52% and has more than double the percentage of its closest competitor. These numbers are closely monitored according to CE Pro, “because these are the most successful companies in the industry”. Many professional integrators look to the brands that are being used by these companies as a signal of success.

Having been consistently recognized in these categories for furniture and seating, we hope our current and future customers are even more confident that Salamander delivers a best-in-class experience. And, one that is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty for many years of enjoyment. We are the AV and entertainment furniture brand that you can trust and depend upon.

Try Salamander Today

If you’d like to try our entertainment furniture and seating solutions or speak with a local professional about a customized solution just for you, please visit an authorized dealer or contact us for our recommendation.

AV Cabinets, Customer Experience, Furniture, Uncategorized

Making sure you get your Salamander in perfect shape

October 31, 2017 Salamander Designs 3 Comments

Ensuring that your cabinet comes through the shipping process in perfect condition is part of our job and Salamander’s commitment to quality (and the joy of its customers).

Many of our goods are large and complex in shape and form and won’t simply “fit in a box”. What to do? Well, if you’re Salamander – you design your own custom cartons and design ways of packaging and securing your products. Which, in short, is exactly what we’ve done.

Wrapped, packed, padded, protected and wrapped again – packaging for shipment is a science we’ve mastered.

This return shipment traveled from Connecticut to California and then back to Connecticut. It’s clear that these cabinets were fully secured and protected for their long voyage – the palette took a good hit though!

Making sure our goods get to you in perfect shape is no joke and it doesn’t happen by accident.

Making sure you get what you ordered and that it is delivered in perfect shape – is just one of the reasons why Salamander Designs is coming up on its 25th year in business.

AV Cabinets, Salamander Difference

Attention to Detail: Salamander Designs Packs, Protects & Ships

October 19, 2017 Salamander Designs 2 Comments

Take a good look at this shipping carton that came back to Salamander from one of our dealers. Chances are that you’ve received cartons that look similar.

When we see shipping cartons that look like this one; we can’t help but wonder the story that our “assault victim” could share.

Fragile goods need to be treated preciously if they are to arrive at their destination in one piece. Our goods are inherently fragile and so the Salamander shipping team needs to go the extra mile in terms of anticipating what type of abuse our goods will receive when they leave our loading dock.

Fork lifts, truck loading, material handling equipment – are potentially able to deliver the type of abuse we’ve all seen in the old American Tourister luggage commercial.

Remember the commercial that featured an angry gorilla beating the bejeez out of a nice new suitcase don’t you? It wasn’t a pretty sight, and we can only imagine the cringing that went on when the product development people at America Tourister saw their pride and joy being soundly thrashed by the angry Gorilla.

Well, being the Salamander-y types we are, we figure that type of treatment is in store for our cabinets, credenza’s and stands when they leave the “nest” and so we ensure that they will arrive at their new home in sparkling new and flawless condition.

How do we ensure that our goods will arrive in good shape?

We plan, we design, we anticipate – and we test… a lot. Its no mistake our goods arrive in perfect shape.

It’s why unwrapping one of our goods, is akin to a Holiday treat, its just that much fun and satisfying.

Perfect – This is how our goods look when they leave Salamander.

AV Cabinets, Tradeshows

CEDIA 2017

August 18, 2017 Salamander Designs Leave a comment

MILAN – White Diamond Texture

White diamond texture Milan is a sleek modern design, with a future forward three-dimensional diamond pattern.

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SONY CREDENZA – For Ultra -Short Throw 4k Projector

A simple installation eliminating the need to open walls or ceilings to run cabling. All supporting components, including a speaker system may be enclosed in the credenza to provide a beautiful, integrated solution.

See More Detail | Download Sell Sheet

ZURICH- Linear Texture, Opium Brown

This sleek, streamlined design features a horizontal pattern on opium brown wood with a black glass top.

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AV Cabinets, Awards, Company Happenings, Uncategorized

Salamander Designs is CE Pro 100 Top Furniture Brand for the Ninth Consecutive Year

June 7, 2017 Salamander Designs 1 Comment

CE Pro Brand Leader for AV Furniture

The 2017 CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis is out, and we’re extremely pleased to share that for the ninth consecutive year, Salamander Designs has been named the top AV furniture brand in this annual report by CE Pro Magazine. CE Pro magazine is a leading trade publication for professionals involved in the custom electronics business.

In addition, a significantly expanded lead in the furniture category, we ranked 2nd in home theater seating. If you’re a Salamander customer or dealer, thank you! You helped us achieve this important designation from one of the most respected trade publications in our industry.

CE Pro Brand Leader for Furniture and 2nd for Theater Seating

Salamander comfortably leads a category featuring 23 manufacturers mentioned by CE Pro 100 dealers. Salamander, along with CinemaTech and Fortress increased their respective dealer totals from the previous year, while BDI and Sanus held serve. No other brands had double-digit dealer counts.

The numbers associated with each manufacturer reflect the number of CE Pro 100 dealers using that brand. These numbers are closely watched, according to CE Pro, “because these are the most successful companies in the industry”. Many professional integrators look to the brands that are being used by these companies as a signal of success.

About CE Pro

CE Pro magazine is the leading trade publication for professionals involved in the custom electronics business. Its readers specify and sell technology-related products to homeowners, homebuilders and SMB (small/medium business) owners. Formerly a monthly magazine, CE Pro is now published and distributed 17 times per year. Launched in 1994, CE Pro was the first publication to address the home systems integrator channel and is widely recognized as the best publication in the category.

About Salamander

Salamander Designs is a leading manufacturer of premium quality, highly customizable furniture for residential and commercial audio/video integration. Our premium, custom AV furniture lines include the Chameleon Collection, Archetype System, Synergy System and theater/lounge seating solutions. We also make a wide variety of accessory products that enhance and complement our furniture. Most products are built to order in the USA and quick ship within days. Our AV Basics line offers a pre-configured, high quality selection of value-packed cabinets and seating producs. Contact us online or call (888) 650-5289. International callers, dial (860) 761-9500.

AV Cabinets, AV Dealers, Furniture, Salamander Signature

Signature Salamander: Transformation / Mood / Vision

November 8, 2016 Salamander Designs Leave a comment

All great art design starts with a vision/inspiration. Couple an artistic vision with an outstanding furniture design and you have a timeless classic.

Connie Kolman, an artist who uses a one-of -kind technique she created, was commissioned by AudioArt of Sudbury, MA to blend high-end audio and distinctive art. Inspired by nature and provocative colors, Connie applied her technique on glass panels which then were mounted on side panels and doors for a striking result. This particular pattern is called “Sahara Twilight”. We call it classic design married with artistic beauty: Signature Salamander

AV Cabinets, Furniture

New Product Category with Innovative Low Profile Wall Cabinets

August 31, 2016 Salamander Designs 2 Comments

At a mere 12-inches in depth, Salamander Low Profile Cabinets are the most sleek, elegant furniture solutions for integrating technology into any room or décor

Introducing the Low Profile Wall Cabinets as part of their Chameleon collection. Measuring only 12-inches deep and available in an array of styles and configurations, these shallow depth additions to the Chameleon lineup make it easy to conceal A/V electronics and wiring in an elegant, low profile cabinet—achieving the discreet look that discerning consumers and interior designers demand.

Salamander floor-standing shallow depth cabinets are designed to be easily affixed to the rear wall for added safety and stability, particularly when using the optional integrated TV mount that ideally positions almost any size flat panel display without the need to drill into finished wall surfaces. Each cabinet is constructed on a lifetime warrantied extruded aluminum frame that enables easy customization for just about any application. The chassis is also future-proof, accepting retrofit-able accessories to accommodate the evolving needs of each user.

“Innovation has always been a hallmark of what we do here at Salamander Designs, and the Low Profile Wall Cabinets integrate audio/video technology into the home like no other furniture solution on the market,” explained Salamander founder and President Salvatore Carrabba. “Salamander has long been respected for addressing the evolving needs of the marketplace—and these shallow cabinets enable our dealers to elegantly install A/V systems within the smallest, most discreet footprint possible.”

The Low Profile Wall Cabinets are available in triple and quad-width sizes and can be configured to suit any need, such as an integrated center channel loudspeaker for visually unobtrusive home theater applications. Also optionally available are integrated 3U vertical racks to accommodate smaller rack-mountable components. Most critically, Salamander Low Profile Wall Cabinets provide A/V specialists with a sleek, premium solution that will help differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. Salamander Low Profile Wall Cabinets will be available in October, 2016 with US MSRPs starting at $2499.