CEDIA 2019 was held in Denver, CO and it was busting at the seams with shiny new smart technology. We had the privilege of chatting with some of the movers and shakers in innovative automated design. Our stimulating series of on the fly interviews include American Lighting, Coastal Source, and Lutron Electronics.
The second interview from CEDIA is all about outdoor acoustics from Coastal Source. Here is our chat with Franco Dascanio on the inception, evolution, and latest offerings from their award-winning company.
Acoustic Architects: Tell us a bit about the history of your company.
Franco Dascanio: We started as a design-build company in the Florida Keys where I was born. Our team consisted of engineers, landscape and structural architects, general contractors, and AV Integrators. We did turnkey installs for high-end estate properties and resorts for about 50 years.
When did the company become Coastal Source as we know it?
In 2003, we started Coastal Source. Just to build better landscape lighting and outdoor audio products for our own projects in the Florida Keys, South Florida, and the Caribbean. After about 8 years, we had a lot of clients who have houses all over the world. Those clients were in love with the products we were making for them in Florida. And they began asking for them for their homes in other locations. Then requests started coming in from other AV integrators. The demand allowed the company immense growth. But because the products were built in the Florida Keys, they had to be shipped out. We couldn’t scale it well. So we needed another approach.
Is that when you partnered with the Zimmerman Family?
Exactly, the Zimmermans had the manufacturing infrastructure, marketing team, and all the contacts to support the growth we were experiencing as well as to expand the business. We partnered with them in 2008 and focused on the research and development to build unique and superior products.
What sets you apart from other audio designers?
We are not being different just to be different. We focus on the harsh setting of outdoor environments. With technology that goes in the ground, many issues can arise. Our patented technology and cabling allow us to do distributed audio, power, cooling, lighted furniture…anything you could want for your outdoor living space. We want to own the backyard. And our new Line Source outdoor high-performance speakers won the “best product of the year award” from CEDIA.
What was your inspiration for the new product?
I spent four to five years designing the 3-way speaker. It turned out great and is our number one selling speaker even though it is our most expensive. Our clients loved it. And it was the smoothest and loudest out there, but the feedback was, “I want more power and I want it louder!” However, at the same time, they had to contend with their neighbors. So we developed the Sub/Zero Bass Steering System to deliver the rock-n-roll sound in their yard with very little noise pollution.
What do you appreciate most about working with Acoustic Architects?
We appreciate the opportunity to work with Acoustic Architect’s staff of professionals. The team’s sales, engineering, purchasing, and technical expertise make them a pleasure to do business with.
Responsive Living, the term coined by Acoustic Architects founders, Aaron Flint and Spencer Hauldren, is the concept of seamlessly enhancing the client’s unique lifestyle using smart home technology. Responsive Living allows you to interact with your space via touch input, voice command, and predictive automation, placing you in full control of your home.
If you would like to learn more about distributed audio for your outdoor living space, feel free to connect with us. We will be happy to schedule a demo with you.
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