2018 POTY Awards Categories

Audio

• Acoustical Treatments

  Products for optimizing sound in the home theater or any room in the house.

• Audio Components: Amplifiers, Receivers, Tuners, Processors, and Audio Streaming Devices

  Audio components, amplifiers, receivers, tuners & processors, Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), turntables and more.

• Loudspeakers & Soundbars

  In-wall, on-wall, bookshelf, floor-standing, wireless, soundbar, Bluetooth-enabled and other speakers.

• Multi-room Audio Systems

  Audio distribution systems, wired or wireless, to route music to multiple rooms in the house.

• Subwoofers

  Free-standing, in-wall, wireless and other subwoofers.

Home Control and Automation

• DIY-Installed Whole-House Control/Automation Systems

  Systems that can automate and simplify the control of various smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, AV equipment and more, and that are designed to be installed by a do-it-yourself homeowner.

• Energy Monitoring Devices & Services

  Technologies that help users monitor and/or control their energy usage.

• Home Networking Components

  Devices that form the communications backbone of a smart home, including routers, wireless access points, etc.

• Power Management, Conditioning & Backup

  Power products that optimize the performance of electronic products, save energy, prepare a home for electrical problems, or provide other electrical-related benefits.

• Professionally Installed Whole House Controls/Automation Systems

  Systems that operate a number of different subsystems, such as lighting, thermostats, security and A/V.

• Remote Home Monitoring/Management

  Systems that enable users to monitor and control their home electronic devices remotely from a cell phone, PC or other mobile device.

• Smart Sensors

  Devices that can elicit appropriate responses from lights, motorized shading, heating/cooling equipment and more, based on environmental conditions such as ambient light levels, temperature, etc.

• Spa/Pool Controls & Water Management

  Technology that helps to control spas, pools, fountains, irrigation systems and other water-related products for savings, aesthetics, convenience or enjoyment.

• Thermostats

  Smart thermostats, temperature sensors and related devices for automating or managing the home's temperature.

• Universal Remotes & User Interfaces

  Devices used to actively engage with a home control system, such as universal remote controls, keypads, touch panels, mobile apps and other products.

Home Theater

• A/V Racks & Rack Accessories

  A/V racks meant to be hidden, as well as rack accessories such as thermal management.

• Home Theater Accessories

  Accessories for a home theater, including movie posters, popcorn machines, starfield ceilings, themed carpeting and other decorative items.

• Home Theater Furniture

  Theater seating and furniture for holding A/V gear or seating optimized for audio, video and other entertainment in and around the home.

• Home Theater Surround-Sound Systems

  Speakers designed to provide a surround-sound experience in a home theater.

• Media Servers/Storage Devices

  Devices that store and/or stream entertainment content to displays in a home theater or media room.

• Video Projectors

  LED, DLP, LCD and other types of projectors designed for use in a home theater environment.

Lighting

• Fixtures, LED, Fiber Optic

  Lighting products for ambiance, convenience or safety.

• Lighting Controllers and Accessories

  Systems that automate or simplify the operation of one or many lighting loads.

• Motorized Window Treatments and Windows

  Indoor or outdoor windows or motorized shades, drapes and blind controls, including motors, rollers, interfaces and shades themselves.

• Smart Light Bulbs

  Light bulbs that can be controlled and automated via various types of controllers.

Security

• Access Control (including Videophones, Door Locks, Gates, etc.)

  Video phones, door locks, motorized gates, smart garage-door control and other products that make access safer or more convenient.

• Security Sensors

  Sensors that can help protect the home from burglary, fire, water damage and other harmful effects.

• Security Systems

  Alarm systems, sensors, and other products that enable monitored or non-monitored protection.

• Surveillance Cameras

  Surveillance cameras for consumer use, including indoor and outdoor.

Video

• Flat-Panel Displays

  Video displays, including 3D, plasma, LED, LCD, 4K Ultra HD and other displays.

• Lifts & Mounts

  Mounts and motorized lifts designed for televisions, projectors and/or other technology gear.

• Projection Screens

  Video display screens for viewing front- or rear-projection images in home theaters and other residential environments.

• Video Components & Processors

  Video components, processors and distribution systems for home theaters and media rooms.