Beyond the Spec Sheet: What RP-1 Means for Loudspeaker Performance
CEDIA’s newest Recommended Practice, RP-1, introduces a more consistent, engineering-focused way to understand and compare loudspeaker specifications. For integrators, designers, and audio professionals, the shift is significant: moving beyond incomplete spec sheets, ambiguous wattage claims, and marketing-driven performance numbers toward objective data that can be used to predict whether a loudspeaker is suitable for a given system, room, and performance target.
This launch session will provide an accessible but technically grounded overview of RP-1 and its most important takeaways for the residential integration community. Attendees will learn how the recommended practice organizes loudspeaker Performance Facts across passive and active products, why voltage-based data, SPL capability, impedance, sensitivity, directivity, bandwidth, distortion, and environmental specifications matter in real-world design, and how these measurements connect to better product selection, amplifier matching, and system engineering. The session will also show how RP-1 supports the broader CEDIA standards ecosystem, including its relationship to RP-22 and the push toward more predictable immersive audio outcomes.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
• Explain the purpose of RP-1 and why standardized loudspeaker Performance Facts matter for residential system design.
• Interpret core RP-1 data categories, including sound level capability, voltage-based specifications, impedance, sensitivity, directivity, bandwidth, and environmental factors.
• Distinguish meaningful SPL and electrical performance data from legacy ratings or marketing claims.
• Apply RP-1 takeaways when evaluating loudspeakers, matching products to project requirements, and communicating performance expectations with clients and project teams.
Speakers
Related Sessions
Blueprint to Connectivity: Design & Engineering Drawing Essentials for Integrators
As technology becomes a fundamental part of every built environment, i…As technology becomes a fundamental part of every built environment, it’s essential that designers and architects understand how to accurately represent low voltage systems on construction documents. This class will provide a practical introduction t…As technology becomes a fundamental part of every built environment, it’s essential that designers and architects understand how to accurately represent low voltage systems on construction documents. This class will provide a practical introduction to the newly updated J-STD-710 standard symbol set designed to bring clarity and consistency to drawings that include AV, networking, lighting control, and other integrated technologies. In this sessio…As technology becomes a fundamental part of every built environment, it’s essential that designers and architects understand how to accurately represent low voltage systems on construction documents. This class will provide a practical introduction to the newly updated J-STD-710 standard symbol set designed to bring clarity and consistency to drawings that include AV, networking, lighting control, and other integrated technologies. In this session, you’ll learn: the purpose and value of using low voltage symbols and plans in design, engineering, and construction documentation, how to interpret and apply the updated J-STD-710 symbols in your drawings, best practices for coordinating with integrators and other stakeholders during the design phase. Real-world examples of how clear documentation improves outcomes, reduces change orders, and enhances collaboration. Whether you're working on residential or commercial projects, this course will give you the foundation to confidently incorporate connected technology into your plans—and improve communication across every stakeholder in the project.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
This Old House: Upgrading Legacy Homes for Modern Living
Older homes have character, history, and charm — but they weren't bu… Older homes have character, history, and charm — but they weren't built with smart lighting, whole-home audio, or high-speed networking in mind. This panel explores the unique challenges and creative solutions that come with retrofitting legacy pro… Older homes have character, history, and charm — but they weren't built with smart lighting, whole-home audio, or high-speed networking in mind. This panel explores the unique challenges and creative solutions that come with retrofitting legacy properties for modern technology, from working within existing architecture and avoiding costly structural changes to setting realistic client expectations and pricing retrofit projects profitably. Wheth… Older homes have character, history, and charm — but they weren't built with smart lighting, whole-home audio, or high-speed networking in mind. This panel explores the unique challenges and creative solutions that come with retrofitting legacy properties for modern technology, from working within existing architecture and avoiding costly structural changes to setting realistic client expectations and pricing retrofit projects profitably. Whether it's a mid-century modern in the hills or a historic estate, integrators who master the retrofit will never run out of work.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
Technology for the Homebound
This one hour educational presentation covers the technology ecosystem…This one hour educational presentation covers the technology ecosystem for homebound patients, including sensor networks, voice and switch access, environmental controls, medication and fall monitoring, telehealth integration, and privacy preserving …This one hour educational presentation covers the technology ecosystem for homebound patients, including sensor networks, voice and switch access, environmental controls, medication and fall monitoring, telehealth integration, and privacy preserving monitoring strategies. The session balances clinical goals (safety, adherence, independence) with installation realities (interoperability, wiring, power, network resilience) and includes real world c…This one hour educational presentation covers the technology ecosystem for homebound patients, including sensor networks, voice and switch access, environmental controls, medication and fall monitoring, telehealth integration, and privacy preserving monitoring strategies. The session balances clinical goals (safety, adherence, independence) with installation realities (interoperability, wiring, power, network resilience) and includes real world case studies and retrofit vs. new build decision criteria. Evidence and design patterns from ambient assisted living research and industry practice inform recommended workflows. Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
