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Volume 9, Issue 22 — November 29, 2012
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Fundamentals Of Wire Use Estimation
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist For years now it’s been the trend for AV specialty retailers to move into custom installation. While in some ways it’s a natural fit, in others there’s a bit of a learning curve. Few AV retail guys have a background in design, installation, project management, or any other industrial skill sets.
As a result, it’s a common pitfall for AV dealers-turned-hybrid-AV retailers/installers to hemorrhage money through inefficient installation practices. Time is money, and as some dealers soon learn, money is also money. And going about things the wrong way will cost you too much of both.
Much installation work needs to focus on ensuring that tasks are being done efficiently, and that design work supports an efficient install schedule. One key task is accurately estimating the wire that a project will require.
It’s important to bring adequate amounts of wire for the job. Failing to do so will lead to delays and wasted time scheduling extra workdays. That picks insidiously at the project’s profit margin. On the other hand, overestimating wire requirements means that inventory dollars are tied up in half-used spools of wire. Until you find a home for it in other jobs that also costs money.
So, how do you estimate your project’s wire usage? Start with the scale plans of the jobsite on your desk, with the equipment locations marked, an architect’s scale, and a notepad. Measure the right angles it takes to reach from Point A to Point B. For each move from one floor to the next add nine feet for the vertical measurement. Then add a few percent extra to your estimate, just to be safe.
What’s a good percentage to add to the estimate? You can add five percent and then modify it as you learn from your projects. Ten percent is good, but probably excessive. My old boss and mentor confided while training me that he uses seven percent because “if you end up explaining it to the customer, it sounds like you put some thought into it.” The reason for building wiggle-room into your estimate is to compensate for the difference between the “as drawn” and “as built.” Or as I like to call it, “Hey, this structural beam wasn’t on the drawings! We’ll have to go around it.”
From there, calculate out all the required lengths for each cable type in the installation, and order what the project requires. After the pre-wire is completed, have a meeting where the designer, project manager and lead installer compare what was estimated and what the installers actually pulled. If the two numbers are close, HOORAY! If not, learn and move on.
Efficiency doesn’t make money (making money makes money, as my old boss used to say), but it does the next best thing: It saves you money.
Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com
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Positive Trend in the CE Industry
By Norbert Hildebrand
Display Daily Two weeks ago I discussed the results of Samsung’s and Apple’s third quarter results. This week I want to discuss the results of the not so fortunate companies in the CE Industry.
As we all have heard, Sharp is in bad shape with several companies including Intel and Apple rumored to be potential new investors in the company. While the Apple investment together with the earlier Foxconn investment plans are driven by their interest in display technology, the Intel interest is revolves around other parts of Sharp or is a pure financial investment. Either way, the stock price of Sharp reacted very positively to these rumors. Hopefully, a cash injection together with more display sales to Apple will help to turn the ship around. Sharp is missing from the following chart as they are not releasing quarterly data (there are only half yearly results posted).
Let us take a look at the results of the rest of the major players. The selected companies are chosen as major players in CE device sales, and historical reasons, are kept constant for better comparison.
First, the profitability versus revenue shows very little change compared to the previous quarters. The CE Industry remains a two class society with Samsung and Apple as they 'haves' and the rest as the 'don’t haves.'
The good news here is that all companies besides Sharp, Sony and Panasonic, produced a net profit. But Sony and Panasonic are only slightly negative and much improved over the same quarter last year.
As it looks right now, profitability requires substantial revenue in the CE industry. I know that there are plenty of smaller companies out there that are profitable and even some larger companies like Microsoft, Intel and Qualcomm are very profitable. However these companies are creating these profits from components and software not from device sales (the companies chosen for this comparison).
To get a better feeling of where the industry is heading, I compare the trends within each company in the attached bubble chart. You see the net-profit growth plotted against the sales growth vs. the same quarter of 2011 to eliminate quarterly fluctuations. The size of each bubble is determined by the absolute revenue in the third quarter of 2012.
To interpret this chart correctly keep in mind that 0 percent growth on either axes represent the same result as last year. If the company had a loss in last year’s quarter, 0 percent means they still have the same loss this year. Progress means you want to be in the top right quadrant. As we can see, all companies besides HTC are in the upper half of the chart, meaning their profitability has improved in the last quarter. Beside Apple and Samsung, Lenovo also manged to improve not only profitability but also sales.
So, why do I believe this is a positive trend for the whole CE industry? Compare this chart to the same graph for the second quarter of 2012. For your convenience I have the old chart attached below.
As we discussed the goal is to move to the upper right quadrant. You can see that most companies made good progress towards this goal.
By no means are we in a very positive business environment, but the overall trend is positive and if this trend continues, we will see more positive results in 2013.
Of course there is a threatening economic outlook with the European and US debt crisis combined with some economies slowing down. There may be more rough water ahead of us, nevertheless, the third quarter had a very positive trend that will hopefully continue for the next quarters. The industry needs some recovery after several quarters of suffering.
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Share Article Back to Top Moveover 3D Video, Here Comes 3D Sound
By Aldo Cugnini
Display Daily As Insight Media’s Chris Chinnock described last week in his column, several companies are now working on enhanced audio reproduction that goes beyond 5.1 channels. With 3D video, the developers maintain that a new “virtual” sound placement must be created to augment the 3D experience. Cinema technology providers Barco and Dolby are among the companies pushing forward with this 3D sound technology. How does this work, and do we really need it?
In order to reproduce a sound-image placement at an arbitrary position in a room, a speaker layout is needed in three dimensions — height, width and depth. This means that a Full 3D sound in space requires using at least eight speakers, positioned at the eight corners of a solid. When incorporating a center and LFE (low-frequency effects) channel, the smallest full 3D sound speaker layout is a 9.1-channel configuration. Barco goes further, as defined by the Auro 11.1 Format, that in addition is fully compatible with existing 5.1 systems, i.e., 11.1 or 9.1 can be down-mixed to a 5.1-channel package.
Dolby Laboratories has developed a similar system, called Dolby Atmos, launching in specially-equipped pilot theaters worldwide. Dolby Atmos is promoted as “delivering a more natural and realistic sound-field, which transports people into the story with a lifelike, sensory experience.” The system utilizes a hybrid approach to mixing and directs sound as dynamic objects that envelop the listener, in combination with channels for playback. Atmos also enables “adaptive rendering” to ensure that the playback experience is as close as possible to the creator’s original vision in any given environment, irrespective of the specific speaker configuration in the playback environment.
Dolby Atmos takes into account the entire content pipeline and brings together mixers, studios, and distributors, providing content creators with “a new creative freedom to tell their stories.” In addition, the system takes into account simplified movie distribution, with a single universally compatible package, regardless of theatre configuration; 5.1 and 7.1-channel downmixes are also provided.
For more on the Dolby Atmos solution, see these two video from ShowEast 2012 last week:
http://www.display-central.com/pro-av/the-dolby-atmos-cinema-processor-debuts-at-showeast-2012/
http://www.display-central.com/pro-av/the-dolby-atmos-sound-processing-solution-is-explained-at-showeast-2012/
A supra-5-channel system is not new, however. In work going back before 2005, Japanese researchers at NHK proposed a “High-Presence Audio Format,” intended to be used with Super Hi-Vision (now known as Ultra HD). Based on their work, international standardization of a 22.2 multi-channel audio format is underway. The researchers enumerated various requirements for such a system:
- Must be able to localize an audio image anywhere on the screen,
- Must be able to reproduce sound coming from all directions surrounding the viewing position,
- Must be able to reproduce a natural, high-quality 3D acoustic space,
- Must have an enlarged optimal listening zone,
- Must be compatible with existing multi-channel audio formats, and
- Must support live recording and live broadcasting.
Are these systems gimmicks, or do they truly advance the state-of-the-art? The real world is of course the ultimate immersive experience, with sights and sounds coming from all directions around you. An immersive sound field will always have a missing element if the the video does not similarly come from all around you — the so-called “holodeck” from Star Trek lore. But we as sensing creatures can be easily fooled by our environment, and even if there is no picture to accompany a sound that may come from above or behind you, the brain often “fills in” this missing information, especially if it is fleeting.
A more practical question is not whether the technology enhances the entertainment experience — many will agree that it does — but rather, at what cost, is the cost justified, and how does that get passed down to the consumer? One business model is that the cost is entirely borne by the producer/distributor, with the expectation that it will draw more audience. But this model was not used for 3D cinema, with some of the cost reaching the theatergoer. Let’s see how this one develops.
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Share Article Back to Top Notes from the Road: The Post-Election Legislative Outlook While the dust has begun to settle from the election season, work continues for the upcoming 2013 legislative sessions, which promise to be active. Continuing to build upon CEDIA’s legislative resources is more important than ever.
How CEDIA is Working for You
Following the elections, CEDIA staff have begun to analyze the political landscape of the state legislatures for 2013 and identify any changes in leadership and their impact on upcoming agendas and legislation. The importance of party control in legislatures cannot be overlooked. If one party controls both chambers of a legislature, they can use their majorities to shape policy in line with party philosophy.
We have also begun identifying CEDIA member businesses located in key state legislative districts, which is valuable information to provide legislators throughout the legislative process.
We’ve started to review pre-filed legislation, and in December we will meet with legislative sponsors in key states on past licensing legislation to evaluate its prospects for introduction in 2013. Based on previous state legislative activity, we are also registering to lobby in several states for 2013.
Leading up to the state legislative sessions in January, CEDIA will attend various conferences to help maintain and build relationships with legislators. These relationships allow us to educate legislators about our industry, advocate for supportive policy at each level of government, and provide better defensive action against harmful laws and regulations.
What You Can Do: Sign Up for the Grassroots Network
Nothing can replace the value of your participation in the legislative process. Help CEDIA protect your business by joining the CEDIA Grassroots Legislative Network. In order for your elected officials to understand the complexity of our industry, they need to hear your voice on matters affecting your way of life. When you sign up for the Grassroots Legislative Network, we’ll reach out to you when legislative issues arise in your state and request your assistance in our ensuing actions to protect your business.
Next month we will look at the states and issues we expect to be active in 2013. If you have any questions about CEDIA’s Public Policy efforts, feel free to contact me at dreaman@cedia.org. You can also learn more at http://www.cedia.net/public_policy.
CEDIA’s government affairs mission is to influence public policy to protect CEDIA members, the residential electronic systems industry, and consumers. Your membership dues allow CEDIA staff to monitor, track, and directly lobby state legislation on your behalf, which impacts your business and the residential electronic systems industry.
CEDIA staff and members work together to provide information to government officials about the residential electronic systems industry, and by doing so, help to ensure that members’ abilities to own and operate their businesses are not impeded upon.
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Recently From rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top Recent Report Reveals Potential Impact of Apple iTV On Home Entertainment: Details A Major Disconnect Between Current Internet-Enabled A new generation of “smart TVs" and other Internet connected devices are now rapidly entering the consumer electronics market which have the potential to dramatically transform home entertainment as we know it.
Led by such companies as Apple, Google and Amazon, these products have already redefined the basic tenets of television and web programming. Apple in particular has been cited repeatedly by business analysts and the tech press as rumored to be working on a new so-called “iTV." Purportedly, this device will seamlessly integrate both their mobile and home platforms with a variety of content and services, to create an entirely new kind of “anytime, anywhere” viewing experience.
If properly implemented, this concept could ultimately disrupt the home entertainment industry; in much the same manner Apple has already impacted the computer, music, telephone, tablet, publishing and retail industries. To understand the implications of this, Quixel Research and TFCinfo, recently conducted a comprehensive survey on this topic.
The report entitled “The Projected Impact of Apple iTV and Other Connected Devices on Consumer Entertainment” provides a comprehensive view into the preferences and predispositions towards connected devices, content and services, as well as the emerging attitudes toward Apple products and the hotly debated iTV concept.
“Given that Apple has yet to make a formal announcement about this product, the survey focuses primarily on determining the exact nature of its "value proposition"; rather than having respondents merely react, in a vacuum, to a price,” states Tamaryn Pratt, president of Quixel Research. “The results carry profound implications for not just electronics manufacturers and software developers, but entertainment companies and service providers, as well.”
Most consumers continue to use their TVs in the traditional manner, which means “watching” it rather than “connecting” with it. Increasingly, we are now seeing that consumers are looking to seamlessly connect their home entertainment products with their mobile devices and a variety of content and services, while realizing more capability from their televisions as well.
This research shows that there’s a major disconnect between current “smart” or Internet-enabled TVs and consumers. Despite thousands of available apps, digital content is only being streamed by 50 percent of these owners, on a daily or weekly basis, and more than 80 percent said that this content was being used solely for playing movies. This research, however, shows that this scenario would dramatically change if Apple introduces its anticipated iTV.
Some findings from this research include:- Intent to purchase an iTV is understandably high among Apple product owners (88 percent), and a remarkable 80 percent of all current flat-panel TV owners also indicate they would be either extremely, very or somewhat interested in purchasing one of the new Apple television (assuming that it includes the company’s traditional attributes–advanced design, innovative features, simple interface, convenient usability and easy connectivity to other Apple devices).
- Apple device owners outpace all others in expressing an interest to buy a TV with wireless web connectivity (80 percent), having access to cloud storage features (73 percent). and synching their TV to other devices (67 percent).
- Almost 80 percent of respondents are already using a “second screen” while watching TV. However, these devices may not be “connected” to the primary TV in the home. Among those responding, laptops are the most often used device in this scenario, and Apple owners show higher smart phone usage (87 percent) and tablet usage (66 percent) than non-Apple owners.
- Respondents are also beginning to move content from a second screen to their primary television, with 23 percent reporting they are moving content daily. However, the majority of respondents who move content are not willing to pay more to “throw” it from one device to another; although 41 percent are willing to pay more to move movies.
- 3D, voice and gesture command, touch screens and portability features on connected televisions do not resonate highly with any of the consumer groups measured and rate the lowest of all television features desired.
To get the report, go here: http://www.tfcinfo.net/5.html
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Share Article Back to Top SANUS and Safe Kids Worldwide Launch Joint TV Safety Initiative Designed to Create Awareness on the Dangers of Unsecured Flat-panel TVs Sanus and Safe Kids Worldwide announced this week a new multi-faceted partnership with the goal of educating consumers about the risk of unsecured flat-panel TVs tipping in the home as well as available TV safety solutions.
Unsecured flat-panel TVs can pose a risk to consumers, and more specifically to young children. Due to increasing size and new ultra-thin designs, today's flat panel TVs can easily tip when bumped or pulled, causing them to topple off furniture, potentially causing injury or even death.
A 2011 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report revealed that a child dies every three weeks from unsecured TVs tipping. In addition, an estimated 20,000 people were treated in emergency rooms in 2010 due to injuries caused by tipping TVs. Alarmingly, the issue is growing; this same report indicated that injuries from TV tip-overs have increased almost 25 percent from 2006 to 2010.
Safe Kids Worldwide will be engaging local coalitions for a grass-roots educational movement while Sanus has recently launched an educational site, http://www.tvsafety.org as well as a national safety awareness consumer ad campaign.
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Share Article Back to Top Panasonic to Eliminate 10K More Jobs Reuters is reporting that Panasonic is going to eliminate another 10,000 jobs by the end of Q1 2013. According to the Reuters story posted today, Panasonic's Chief Finance Officer Hideaki Kawai said that the 36,000 jobs they've eliminated so far just weren't enough. He told Reuters, "Our new boss has said businesses must achieve at least a 5 percent operating profit target within three years."
And, they can't do that without eliminating another 10,000 people.
Apparently, Panasonic needs a profit of $2.5 Billion by Q2 2014 (March 2014) and right now, they're forecast is to lose approximately $10 Billion in the current fiscal year, which ends March 2013.
To read the entire story, go here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/14/us-panasonic-cfo-idUSBRE8AD0D120121114
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Genelec to Introduce New Home Audio Loudspeakers, Subs at ISE 2013 At ISE, Genelec will introduce the G Series loudspeakers and F Series subwoofers, a new range of home audio products that the company says blends sustainable materials and energy saving features, along with high performance. These are Genelec's first products geared to the home audio market.
The models feature Genelec's new Power Management Technology to ensure they meet the coming ErP Energy Related Products (ERP) Directive. The speaker cabinets are manufactured from recycled aluminum so can be reused indefinitely.
G Series: There are four models in the G Series range, designed to suit different listening environments. Practical room response controls are standard on each G Series loudspeaker, enabling them to be adjusted for optimum performance in any environment. Genelec says the smooth curves of the Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) are not just for looks — they are essential elements in the acoustic design of the G Series loudspeakers.
F Series: The F Series subwoofers feature an unobtrusive, modern appearance. The different connectivity options provide a convenient connection to portable audio players, computers or home cinema systems through their line level outputs.
Genelec will show the F and G Series in Stand I-G90 at ISE 2013 in January.
For more information on Genelec's new home audio line, click here: http://www.genelec.com/products/home-audio-loudspeakers/
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Share Article Back to Top Clare Controls Intros ClareHome Builder Program Home automation company Clare Controls has introduced the ClareHome Builder Program, a new initiative aimed at helping dealers capitalize on the new demand for home automation by partnering with local builders.
The ClareHome Builder program creates a win-win-win opportunity for dealers, builders and homeowners, enabled by the company’s unique cloud-based system management methodology: dealers get a turnkey package, complete with dedicated hardware and software, cobranded sales/marketing collaterals and technical support.
Customers get high-end performance — both scalable and extensible — at an affordable price that is rolled into their mortgage. Like the builders themselves, homebuyers enjoy the confidence of dealing with a local company for installation and service, backed by national manufacturer’s support.
The automation package is based on the ClareHome System One, which includes a Linux-based ClareOS controller and a complete CobraNet Streams integrated multi-room audio solution—integrated in a standard, single stud bay enclosure. Clare’s authorized dealers can also use ClareHome’s cloud-based management capability to control project configuration, deployment and maintenance costs.
For more information on the ClareHome Builder Program, click here: http://www.clarecontrols.com/builders/how-it-works.html
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Share Article Back to Top Control Concepts and SurgeX Partner to Deliver Intuitive Control SurgeX is shipping Crestron and AMX control system interface modules designed by Control Concepts. Smart energy management is playing an emergent role in homes and businesses, and the new automation modules will provide intelligent options for power management, measurement and reporting. The partnership makes it easier for integrators and end users to manage their power through an automation system.
With the introduction of the Axess Elite and Axess, SurgeX gives integrators and end users a smarter and more efficient way to manage and monitor power. Anytime access to power draw, temperature, over/under voltage and power sequencing provides valuable information about system health and performance, and with the Control Concepts modules, SurgeX dealers can now control Axess and Axess Elite products and manage power seamlessly via AMX and Crestron automation systems, leveraging the familiar, user-friendly interfaces.
Three major points of functionality were sought with the new modules. First, they had to measure energy usage and collect important data about system health. Second, they had to report usage data and overall system performance with the same intuitive interface AMX and Crestron users and dealers were already accustomed too. Lastly, the modules had to allow remote management of IP-enabled SurgeX Axess products so integrators could make sensible adjustments for system troubleshooting and efficiency at any time through the control systems.
For more information about SurgeX, go to http://www.surgex.com and for more information about Control Concepts, go to http://visit www.controlconcepts.net
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Share Article Back to Top 3M Intros Pico Projector with Roku Stick Player 3M has launched a uniquely package pico projector with its new 3M Streaming Projector with a built-in Roku video stick. Capable of streaming movies and TV shows via the Roku service, the 4"x4"x2" projector is a 854×480 resolution, 1-chip DLP that outputs 60 lumens. Using a 2.5 hour battery, the 3M Streaming Projector is capable of projecting images up to 120" diagonal and also has an HDMI input for a computer or a Blu-ray player.
Here are all the details: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/ConsumerProjectors/Home/Product/StreamingProjector/
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Share Article Back to Top Panamax's Rack Ears Are Now Removable Panamax's BlueBOLT-enabled power conditioners, the M4315-PRO and M4320-PRO, are now shipping with removable rack ears.
The rack ears come pre-installed flush with the faceplate, but can be adjusted forward or backward for various installation options for maximum flexibility. Whether in a cabinet, in a console or on a shelf, the new design and slimmer 17" width allows you to maintain the aesthetics clients want while still using the equipment you need.
To learn more about BlueBOLT and the M4315-PRO/M4320-PRO, go to http://www.mybluebolt.com/products
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Share Article Back to Top Magenta Claims 500 Feet with New HDMI via Cat6 Product Magenta Research says its new HD-One DX500 and HD-One LX500 HDMI extenders can send HDMI signals 500 feet (152 meters) over a single Cat6 cable. The difference between the two being the HD-One DX500 supports the extension of 1920×1200 and 1080p HDMI video plus embedded audio, while the HD-One LX500 adds support for two-way RS232 and IR signals – 36.7, 38.0 or 58.8 kHz, user selectable. Both units are sold in a kit form that includes a transmitter, receiver and power supplies. The HD-One LX500 kit also includes a pair of IR dongles to ensure speedy installation.
For more information, go to http://www.magenta-research.com/ |
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Share Article Back to Top Torus Ships AVR2 Power Conditioner Torus Power's new flagship power conditioner is now shipping. The AVR2 Series of power conditioners include features such as surge protection; voltage stabilization; Web-based control that includes scheduling, monitoring and real-time control; and RS232 control. It also provides noise attenuation from 2 kHz to beyond 1 MHz.
AVR2 series provides multiple IP-addressable duplex outlet zones that can be separately turned on or off through the Web browser, and/or remotely scheduled. It offers individually addressable outlet zones (five individual zones in 15-amp and 20-amp models, and eight individual zones in 60 and 100 amp models.)
AVR2 series provide voltage stabilization that keeps equipment in the optimal voltage operating range (in North America +/– 5V, in Europe/Asia/Australia +/- 10V) of nominal operating voltage, regardless of fluctuations in line voltages. The front panel display shows voltage conditions (input/output voltage), current draw and IP address.
Here are the full specs: http://www.toruspower.com/north-american-custom-installed/
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Share Article Back to Top SpectraCal and X-Rite Team Up to Deliver Next Generation SpectraCal C3 Colorimeter SpectraCal and X-Rite are collaborating on a new SpectraCal colorimeter — the SpectraCal C3. The companies say this colorimeter will extend video optimization to a much wider range of viewers due to the price point of only $149.
SpectraCal and X-Rite have worked closely together for years on calibration products. Last year, for example, the two companies announced the SpectraCal C6, designed to meet the exacting demands of professional video calibrators.
Offered exclusively through SpectraCal, the C3 can be ordered immediately from SpectraCal’s web site, bundled with CalMAN 5 Tutorial for only $149. For more info on the C3, click here: http://store.spectracal.com/c3.html
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Share Article Back to Top AudioControl Hires MK Marketing For Expansion in Southern California AudioControl announced this month the appointment of MK Marketing to lead its sales representation in Southern California.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top CORE Brands to Introduce 25+ New Products at ISE CORE Brands LLC, a division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment, will introduce more than 25 new audio, control and power management products and system solutions at ISE 2013 in Amsterdam. The introductions will be made by the group’s BlueBOLT, ELAN, Furman, Niles, Panamax, Proficient, SpeakerCraft, Sunfire and Xantech brands at two different exhibits in the Amsterdam RAI Centre.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Premier Mounts Raises Money for Sandy Relief Efforts Premier Mounts combined efforts with its employees, friends, dealers and other contacts to raise funds for a donation to the Red Cross relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Leaf 20×20 Matrix Switcher Receives Control4 Certification Leaf, a custom brand of HD audio/video distribution and switching solutions, announced this month that its 20×20 matrix switcher, the LTHDMI2020E, is now Control4 Certified.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2012 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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