|
Volume 9, Issue 24 — December 27, 2012
|
| | |
| | |
How To Close More Deals
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist Depending on who you ask, business in the residential AV channel are up and down. Believe it or not, some AV install dealers say business is good.
Yet at the same time, even in my own city, more AV install dealers have closed their doors in the past five years than in the previous ten, including some surprises — dealers whose businesses spanned decades.
They say a rising tide lifts all boats. In a booming economy, you can make a tidy living picking the low hanging fruit from the tree. Certainly in the years leading up to 2007 I saw a half dozen newbie AV install companies open their doors and say, “We’re integrators!”
Without exception they’re all gone now.
It’s as easy for salesmen to get lazy as it is for owners to not check their spending when times are good.
But when the market is soft, salespeople have to sharpen their skills, and have to do some actual work.
If you’re seeing fewer qualified prospects, then it’s not rocket science that you need to close more of them in order to sell as many or more projects than you did before.
We’re not talking corner used car lot closing, either. I’m talking about three crucial steps in the sales process that, amazingly, salespeople often forget to follow faithfully.
I know, because I’ve been just as guilty as anybody else of taking shortcuts.
Yet just like in sports, flawlessly and repeatedly executing the basics typically puts more points on the board than fancy lay-ups.
Go prospecting. “Hunters” are salespeople who have a knack for going out, cold calling and drumming up business. “Farmers” are salespeople who do better serving business that’s been put in front of them, whether it’s handling existing clients or dealing with people who walk in the door in a retail setting.
When business slows down, farmers need to learn to be hunters, even if it’s not their strength; sorry to have to break it to you.
Successful prospecting is its own column entirely, but in brief, do the following:
Make a list of who you’re going to approach; builders, designers, architects, retail stores, whoever. Then work that list from top to bottom. Don’t stop until you’ve knocked on every door. You’ll get more deals that way than leaning up against a counter in your showroom waiting for it to happen by accident.
Qualify like you mean it. Nothing is more important than qualifying prospective clients. Not just learning what they think they need, but also uncovering hidden needs, hot buttons that will lead to buying signal and sometimes even oblique signals that lead you off on a profitable tangent you hadn’t initially sensed early on in the discussion.
If there’s anything at all that I can feel justified in tooting my own horn about, it’s the fact that I really listen to what clients say, and find needs that they didn’t even know they had until I showed them something that they now can’t live without.
True stories: I’ve routinely found $20,000+ projects in customers who were casually asking about TV sizes. In one case a phone call looking for a $3,000 Bose unit turned into a $500,000 whole-home job.
I’m done bragging. The lesson here is look beyond appearances, and look for possibilities.
If you follow up, you’ll be one of the only salesperson who does. No one, no matter how good they think they are, closes every prospect on the first meeting. Salespeople need to be proactive, collect contact information from their prospects and follow up diligently.
Mine your list of prospects regularly. If he says he’ll be back tomorrow, call him the day after. If they won’t be ready to make a decision for six months, call him back in three. Use your head, read the situation and take the time between now and then to build rapport, make sure that he knows you’re the one for the job, and be diligent about keeping your promises to follow up.
This almost never happens, by the way. When I’m shopping for a big-ticket item, and I’m not ready to buy, I always test salespeople by asking them to follow up with me. I’m not even leaving it up to them; I’m asking them to do it.
On average, four out of five salesmen don’t do it. Ever.
Who do you think ends up getting that business?
That’s right, the one who calls me back.
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
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
3D and 4K Are Kissin' Cousins
By Chris Chinnock
DisplayDaily There is no doubt that the big news (and hype) from CES 2013 will be around 4K or UHDTV panels, monitors and TVs. They deserve to be recognized and promoted, but I suspect they will be over hyped. The hype bubble will burst when consumers realize they want one, but they have pay a huge premium for this resolution. Even the manufacturers acknowledge that they won’t be selling many UHDTVs in the next couple of years – but they just can’t stop the marketing machine that will promote this next big thing.
Remember how 3D was the next big thing at CES 2010 and a pretty big thing at CES 2011? Many professionals, consumers and journalists have formed an opinion about 3D (good, bad or neutral), and there is not a lot of discussion, hype or buzz around this topic today in the U.S. (that’s not the case outside the U.S.). Nevertheless, there is a lot more activity going on in 3D than most realize. While much of the activity is focused on content creation, 4K will give the technology a big boost too.
At CES, I will be focusing on 3D and 4K developments, primarily. I will also be creating video news articles at the event, so if you want to set up a meeting, please email me.
One event you need to be aware of is a special conference being put together by The International 3D Society and 3D @ Home Consortium called “3D’s 20/20 Vision.” For those interested in 3D, these sessions offer a great opportunity to learn about 3D and interact with some of the best innovators in the industry. The sessions are listed below (I’ll be moderating the 3D: Eye Can See Clearly Now – The New Prescription session)
3D’s 20/20 Vision Overview – January 8, 2013 – N262
1-1:30 p.m. The Big Picture: 2013 Preview
1:30-2:15 p.m. 3DTV World View 2013
2:15-2:45 p.m. The Summer Olympics London: 3D’s Historic First
2:45-3:15 p.m. 3D Consumer Connection – The CE/Content Partnership
3:15-3:45 p.m. 3D Anywhere, Anytime – Theatrical to Tablets
3:45-4:25 p.m. 3D: Eye Can See Clearly Now – The New Prescription
4:25-5 p.m. From HD to Ultra Hi-Def to Auto Stereo
Register: http://cesweb.org/Conference-Program/Conference-Tracks.aspx
See full agenda: http://www.display-central.com/3d/i3ds-and-3dhome-sponsor-3d-conference-at-ces-2013/
But as the title of this article suggests, 3D loves 4K. Have you noticed that the new crop of 84” UHDTVs for consumers all offer passive polarized 3D, while the HiSense 4K TV offers active 3D (with 3840×2160 resolution per eye!)? These offer outstanding 3D images, folks.
I also expect to see glasses-free 3D displays using 4K panels. StreamTV Networks has a press conference on Monday and tells us they will be showing 50” and 60” models that will be offered at affordable prices. I will be very curious to see the image quality. In addition, the company is discussing setting up special Ultra-D 2160p transcoders at broadcaster head-ends to deliver formatted content directly to the TVs for optimal image quality. I suspect this is a version of a 2D plus depth format, but we will let you know more later.
And this is the tip of the 4K and 3D iceberg. Keep checking our Display Central web site as we post stories and videos from CES 2013. |
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Korean Panel Makers Change TV Priorities: OLED vs. 4Kx2K
By David Hsieh
DisplaySearch Korean TV panel makers are in the process of adjusting their priorities. The adjustment is mainly due to difficulties in commercializing AMOLED TV, but also to the fact that the outlook for 4Kx2K (ultra-high definition) TV is becoming more promising.
Since the beginning of 2012, when both Samsung and LG Display demonstrated 55” AMOLED TV at CES, both have been claiming they will mass-produce large size AMOLED TVs panel within the year. However the commercialization plan has been delayed repeatedly. At the same time, aggressive pricing of some large size LCD TV on Black Friday and the resulting sales shows that, for many end users, a larger and cheaper LCD TV is more attractive than a high-end, slim, and fancy OLED TV. The emphasis on AMOLED TV has been reduced, and the new focus is on the high definition.
A fundamental challenge for AMOLED TV remains manufacturing yield. Pilot production indicates that 55” AMOLED TV panel straight yield (without repair) is in single digits due to instability in the large backplanes (using LTPS or oxide TFT). Total yield (after repair) is estimated to be less than 30 percent. Finally, frit encapsulation is too fragile for large area TV, and is resulting in reduced panel life.
Because of the high manufacturing costs, 55” AMOLED TV set prices are expected to be in the $10K range, a very high price compared to comparable LCD TVs. Also, due to the lifespan and reliability issues, after service costs are not predictable. There may be a need for a large advertising and education campaign to highlight AMOLED’s advantages compared to LCD TV.
After IFA 2012, Korean panel makers lost some confidence in AMOLED, and began to feel that they could not justify a further investment into capacity expansion for AMOLED. At the same time, the visual quality of 4Kx2K became clearer to consumers. For panel makers, 4Kx2K LCD TV seems to be easier to manufacture than 4Kx2K AMOLED TV.
The ways in which Korean panel makers are adjusting their AMOLED and 4Kx2K TV panel development priority are shown below.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Big Change in 2013 LCD TV Panel Supply
By David Hsieh
DisplaySearch Since Q2’12, the LCD TV panel market has witnessed a shift in screen sizes, with new models focused on 28”, 29”, 39”, 43”, 48”, 50”, 58” and 60” displays. The rise of the new sizes has become the hottest topic in the LCD TV market. According to the Quarterly Large-Area TFT Panel Shipment Report, these new LCD TV panel sizes accounted for 12 percent of total LCD TV panels shipped in Q3’12, up from 5 percent in Q1’12 and 8 percent in Q2’12. We forecast that the share of these new sizes will stabilize in Q4’12 before passing 15 percent in 1H’13, based on panel makers’ shipment plans. We expect the new sizes to change the LCD TV panel supply in 2013.
Changes in the product mix of the LCD TV panel makers will be driven by some of the panel makers are moving to produce the most efficient sizes, regardless of the market demand. After a period of losses, panel makers will prioritize profit margins to survive. So, while the end market might prefer 32” which is comparatively cheaper, panel makers may have to cut 32” panel allocation in order to produce 39”, which has a higher panel price and in better production efficiency.
2012-2013 LCD TV Panel Shipment Plans
Source: Quarterly Large-Area TFT Panel Shipment Report
The largest change will be in 32”, the supply of which will fall from 94 million in 2012 to 79 million in 2013. The decrease is due to a product mix shift in Gen 6 and 8 fabs, with panel makers planning to produce more 39” on Gen 6 and 46” or 55” on Gen 8. Meanwhile, 26” will be replaced by 28/29”, which will be increased by 7 million. Both 39” and 50” sizes are quite popular in many regions, and panel makers plan to ship 15 million 39” panels and 12 million 50” panels in 2013, substantial growth from 2012. Capacity on Gen 6 and 7 lines will be allocated to produce the 39” and 50”, respectively. Finally, panel makers are determined to expand the larger size LCD TV market, with 50” and larger panel shipments expected to increase from 20 million in 2012, to 34 million in 2013. Such growth would also be critical to consuming a large amount of LCD capacity in area terms.
For LCD TV panel buyers, it will be very challenging in 2013 to secure panel supply in certain sizes, while preventing inventory to accumulate in other sizes, as the end market demand might be quite different. Allocation as well as inventory control will be higher priority than panel pricing, while availability of some sizes will be more important than panel technology or quality. The value chain relationships between panel makers and TV brands might be more complicated in 2013, as TV brands might have to qualify new panel suppliers quickly and adjust allocation of the existing suppliers in order to secure supply of certain sizes.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Barco Buys Majority Share in projectiondesign In what could be a shake-up on many levels of the projection market, Barco, today, bought a majority stake of projectiondesign. projectiondesign, a Norway-based projector manufacturer owned primarily by Herkules Capital, sold 61 percent of its stock to Barco, based in Belgium. The remaining shares of projectiondesign will be held by minority shareholders including projectiondesign's president Jorn Erickson – who, we have been told, will remain in charge of projectiondesign.
So, why is this a shake-up?
Well, for one, Barco has struggled in the projection market of late. They've simply dominated the LED market, but have not been able to keep any sizable market share in the meeting room, portable or education projection markets. In fact, they haven't been a top 5 manufacturer in any projection category (other than digital cinema) for nearly four years.
Also, projectiondesign is an OEM manufacturer for a few major brands based here in North America. Barco may decide to cut those ties and keep the projectiondesign line for themselves — as an OEM or continue under the projectiondesign brand — or both.
Finally, this gives Barco not only ProAV market share in projection, but also in the home cinema and home theater markets.
This will be one to watch carefully. And, expect more consolidation of projection brands in 2013 as we know of at least two other brands that are up for sale.
Below is the press release from Barco.
_________________________
Barco acquires majority share in Norway’s projectiondesign®
Barco, the Belgium-headquartered global leader in digital visualization, announced today that it has acquired 61% of the shares of projectiondesign®, a Norway-based leader in projection technology, from private equity fund Herkules Capital. The remaining shares of projectiondesign® are held by minority shareholders.
The combination of Barco and projectiondesign® creates a market leader in projection solutions for both large- and mid-venue markets. The transaction advances Barco’s strategy to expand into the mid-segment of its target markets and to strengthen its number one position in high-performance projection technology.
Projectiondesign®: state-of-the-art projection technology
Projectiondesign® develops and manufactures compact projectors for a variety of professional markets including training and simulation, visitor attractions (museums, theme parks), scientific visualization, collaboration rooms (Corporate AV) and control rooms. The compact projectors are equipped with high-quality optics, high resolution and LED illumination, and feature quiet operation. The company custom-designs and develops all optics, hardware, software and industrial design for each projector model in-house. Founded in 2001, projectiondesign® is headquartered in Fredrikstad, Norway, and has 17 international offices. Projectiondesign® employs about 200 people and achieved sales of approximately €57 million in 2011.
Increased market share in the mid-venue market
“Projectiondesign® is a very well respected leader for projectors in the below 10k lumens range for professional markets. The company enjoys an enviable reputation for combining innovative technology with leading design,” comments Eric Van Zele, Barco’s CEO and President. “This investment clearly underscores our determination to pursue global growth in all mid-segment markets. With projectiondesign®, we will expand our portfolio to offer state-of-the-art solutions for the Simulation, Virtual Reality and Corporate AV markets as we continue to leverage our global sales coverage and our channels in Asia and Latin America in particular.”
Highlights
• Complementary product portfolio
Projectiondesign®’s product portfolio of compact, high-quality projectors rounds out Barco’s portfolio of business, large-venue and simulation projectors.
• Complementary technology
Barco’s focus on 3-chip DLP technology and high-brightness solutions for the large-venue market fits well with the focus of projectiondesign® on developing 1-chip DLP solutions for the mid-venue market. This collaboration between two industrial players will open up further growth opportunities in the mid-venue market.
• Complementary geographic footprint
Projectiondesign® has a strong presence in Northern Europe while Barco has strong sales coverage in Asia, Latin America and Europe. By joining forces with projectiondesign®, Barco will also increase its coverage in North America.
• Matching culture and values
Projectiondesign® and Barco share a similar entrepreneurial culture and both companies place high value on innovation and customer satisfaction.
About projectiondesign®
Projectiondesign® is a Norwegian company that designs, manufactures and markets a range of high- performance projectors and supporting systems for professional, business and consumer applications. Among its core markets are high-resolution scientific visualization, visual training and simulation, medical imaging, broadcast and post production, public media and entertainment. Projectiondesign® is located in Fredrikstad, Norway, with representatives in more than 17 offices throughout the world.
About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,700 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 1.041 billion euro in 2011.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
Latest Projector Industry Forecast from Pacific Media Associates (PMA) Shows Bright Spots for 2013 and Beyond Pacific Media Associates (PMA) has released its latest industry forecasts for the worldwide projector market. An 18 percent growth rate — to 11.3 million units worldwide — is expected for the projector industry in 2013. And, there are some especially bright spots in several industry segments which are expected to contribute significantly to this growth.
Solid state illumination (SSI) projectors are expected to outperform the overall market, though growth continues to be hindered somewhat by ongoing budget constraints in the U.S. and Western European education markets. Despite that, PMA anticipates strong future growth for this segment based on the expectation that several additional manufacturers will begin selling SSI projectors beginning in 2013.
While the D-Cinema conversions for major cinema chains worldwide is slowing, a crop of new lower-cost models geared at smaller, independent theaters and other public venues will continue to move this segment forward at a better pace than previous forecasts showed. This is especially true in China, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
The PMA forecast for the worldwide home theater market is also positive, with the expectation for solid growth in future years, as home theater projector trends will be positively impacted by major sporting events such as the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, 2016 Euro Football in France, and the 2016 Winter Olympics in Brazil.
Another area of strong anticipated growth is in the New Era Integrated projector segment, for models built-in to other host devices, such as cell phones, cameras and camcorders. PMA has forecast a very strong 68% growth rate for this segment, to over 1.4 million units worldwide in 2013, and expects unit volume to again more than double in 2014.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Belden Buys PerfectPath Parent for Over $500 Million Bloomberg is reporting that Belden, Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers of cable, has acquired PPC, parent company of PerfectPath wire for $515.7 million.
Terms of the complete deal aren't being disclosed, but PPC is a 65-year old company that claims to have wired over 100 million homes in the US is known in the HomeAV market most recently for their PerfectPath line of HDMI wire.
According to Bloomberg, PPC had sales of $238 million in fiscal 2012 and were profitable. Belden expects 2012 calendar-year sales to be nearly $2 Billion.
Here's the entire story: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-11/belden-buys-ppc-for-515-7-million.html |
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Recently from rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top LG's New Smart TVs to Debut Next Week Entering next week's CES, Korean-based LG hopes to steal some of Samsung's thunder with its own set of Smart TVs with two new TV series – the 47" and 55" GA-7900 series (the company's new flagship line) and the 42", 47", 50", 55" and 60" GA6400 series. Both sets will include Smart TV apps such as Netflix, HBO Go, YouTube and Internet browsing through GoogleTV. The flagship GA-7900 series is also rumored to have a new scaling technology that looks to rival that of the best HDTVs out there — those made my Sharp Electronics.
All the TVs are going to be native 1080p and are integrated with Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
The full specs aren't available yet, but should be after CES.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
Sonos Adds Playback From iDevices Sonos customers no longer need PCs in order to take advantage of multi-room audio — the latest Sonos Controller app update allows for playback of music stored on iDevices.
Available in iPad and iPhone versions, version 3.8.3 of the app plays audio from the devices directly on the system, without need for Airplay turnarounds or docks. It also handles a number of online music sources, such Amazon Cloud Player, Spotify, Rhapsody and Last.fm. A familiar drag and drop interface handles playlists.
The app is compatible with Sonos component running on v3.8 firmware, as well as the Sonos Play:3 and Play:5 systems. The company gives no mention of a similar update for Android devices, but we imagine one is in the works.
Here are the details: http://www.sonos.com/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Stealth Acoustics to Intro Next Generation of High-Performance, Invisible Speakers at ISE Stealth Acoustics will launch its next generation of high-performance, invisible speakers at ISE 2013.
The new LRG Series offers improved audio quality from a thinner speaker to present dealers with the most attractive invisible speaker option available on the market.
Featuring a newly designed, low-profile high-power woofer for solid bass response down to 30 Hz, the LRG series is a full inch thinner than previous models, allowing simple, completely concealed installation within wall or ceiling cavities as shallow as 65 millimeters (2.5") depth.
Stealth has also completely re-designed the speaker face to make it stronger and lighter yet able to provide superior acoustic performance. This proprietary radiating surface, called "Fidelity-Glass," generates more delicate highs, a deep and solid bass output and overall better response.
"Today’s multi-channel surround sound and whole-house audio systems require multiple speaker locations. The result can be an ever growing number of speaker grilles, boxes and hardware that compete with the décor of the living space," says Steve Olszewski, VP Stealth Acoustics. "Using all our 10 years' experience as the leader in invisible speaker technology, we’ve developed the new LRG range to combine audiophile quality with total discretion. Installers can now provide dynamic full range audio from concealed speakers, placed precisely where the customer demands it."
Visitors to ISE will also see how the LRG Series is simple to install. The paintable active diaphragm face is bonded to the frame of the speaker panel, creating an active area surrounded by a stable mounting frame which attaches directly to standard wall structures. This enables installation in either the wall or ceiling with on-site finishing options, including latex paint, light wallpaper, fabrics and selected texture coats.
The LRG series is available in a comprehensive range of size and output options. These include premium, full range (LR4G), three-way full range (LR3G), two-way full range (LR8G), two-way single stereo (SLR8G) and compact, two-way full range (LR6G) versions. Stealth also provides 100-watt and 120-watt sub-woofers together with high quality monaural and 8-channel amplifiers to complete the range.
Stealth Acoustics says it will also be using ISE to unveil a world-first in speaker design, but you’ll have to wait for ISE for that news…
Here are all the details: http://stealthacoustics.com/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
NAD Intros New Seven-Channel Amp Next week, NAD Electronics will debut its new T 977, a seven–channel amplifier (replacing the NAD T 975) at a list of $2,799. The T 977 is specified to deliver 140 watts of continuous power out of each of its seven channels. NAD rates its receivers with a 4-ohm load, with all channels driven simultaneously, over the full frequency bandwidth (20 Hz – 20 kHz), and at rated distortion.
The T 977 employs NAD's PowerDrive which claims to nearly double the effective power on transients by adding a second high-voltage rail to a well regulated, high-current power supply. The result is an "overdrive" that can nearly double the continuous power on a short-term, dynamic power basis. A soft clipping feature limits high frequency energy during clipping to protect the loudspeaker from damage. Any amplifier that is overdriven (asked to generate levels beyond its undistorted capabilities) will produce distortion (clipping). The result is not only very harsh sound but can often damage speakers, especially tweeters. The selectable "soft clipping" feature on NAD amplifiers, including the T 977, transforms the music waveform as the point of clipping approaches, resulting in much clearer reproduction and simultaneous protection of speakers, according to NAD.
The T 977 is a GreenAV receiver in that it saves energy via an automatic standby mode, during which it only draws 0.5 watts of power. It was developed with system integration in mind as it includes a programmable 12V trigger input and individual gain adjustments for each channel.
Here are all the specs: http://www.nadelectronics.com
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top PSB Speakers Intros New Sub PSB Speakers has introduced a new subwoofer, dubbed the SubSeries 125, offering a 125-watt amplifier and an 8” woofer with polypropylene cone. The new SubSeries 125 has increased power over its predecessor, the SubSeries 1, producing 125 watts of continuous power, 160 watts of "dynamic" power and 320 watts of peak dynamic power. The enclosure is only 9 5/8 inches wide by 14 1/8 inches high by 15 5/8 inches deep and it weighs 24 pounds. The slotted port design yields a bass extension that's only 3dB down at 35Hz, with useful low frequency output down to 31Hz.
The SubSeries 125 will ship in February and lists for $449. Get more information here: http://www.psbspeakers.com/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Emotiva Adds Entry Level Home Theater Preamp and Surround Processor Emotiva Audio Corporation introduced this month an affordable new preamp/surround processor, the UMC-200.
The UMC-200 includes Emotiva’s new EmoQ Gen 2 enhanced multi-channel automatic room correction, which the company says automatically adjusts your home theater system to match room acoustics for easy setup. All you have to do is plug in the included calibration microphone and let EmoQ set up the system. All adjustments can also be set manually too, including a flexible quadruple bass management system, eleven user programmable fully parametric equalizers per channel and configurable speaker crossover points and slopes. There are outputs for both balanced and unbalanced subwoofers, and the ability to bi-amp the main front channels.
The UMC-200 offers four HDMI inputs, which Emotiva says are equipped with quick switching technology. It has a Video-On-Standby feature that can send audio and video to a TV even when UMC-200 is switched into standby mode. Last Video Memory lets users continue to view the last selected video input while listening to an audio-only source.
The UMC-200’s 7.1 multichannel surround sound decoder capabilities include DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS Neo:6, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and Pro Logic IIz. Audio connections include four pairs of stereo analog inputs and a separate 7.1 channel set of pure analog direct inputs for connecting an SACD player or external surround source, plus a full assortment of digital audio inputs (including two Toslink, two Coax S/PDIF inputs and 24-bit/192-kHz decoding). An optional Bluetooth module, which includes support for the latest apt-X high-quality audio CODECs, facilitates wireless connectivity too. Audio outputs on the UMC-200 include a full set of 7.1 main outputs, a balanced subwoofer output, a separate stereo down-mix output and two fully assignable stereo zone outputs.
The UMC-200 is available now for $699 list. For more information, go to http://shop.emotiva.com/products/umc200
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top SnapAV Ships HDBaseT Extenders SnapAV is introducing a line of BINARY HDBaseT extenders that the company says can send HD video (up to 4K resolution), as well as audio, IR, power and RS232 control signals over Cat5e or Cat6 up to 230 feet. They say the extenders can even transmit HDMI video (including HDMI with 3D) with Deep Color (36 bit) and HDCP 2.0, as well as support Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master and LPCM audio formats.
In addition, SnapAV's extenders support the POC (Power Over Cable) option in HDBaseT so you can send power over the same Cat5e/6 cable that extends your video, audio and control signals, eliminating the need for a power supply next to the receiver.
Here are all the specs: http://www.snapav.com/p-1326-b-500-ext-230-rs.aspx
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Key Digital Introduces Champion Series HDMI Cables Key Digital introduced today a new line of HDMI cables, called the Champion Series Hi-Fi Commercial PRO HDMI Cables, designed specifically for commercial applications. The cables range from 1.5 feet up to 75 feet.
The Champion Series cables are equipped with the latest HDMI features, including 4K resolution support, 3D, HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel. They also support next generation of digital audio bit-streams including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio. They also offer what Key Digital is calling IQ Control technology, a configurable Control line over HDMI that supports any two of the following: CEC, ARC, IR or RS232.
To see all the specs, click here [PDF]: http://keydigital.com/Downloads/Champion/2012_Champion_HDMI_Cables.pdf |
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Sanus Ships PowerBridge In-Wall Power and Cable Management System Sanus is now shipping its ELM806 PowerBridge, an in-wall power and cable management system that allows users the ability to hide power, video and other cables discreetly behind the wall and out of plain sight.
The ELM806 PowerBridge features:
- In-wall power connectors ensure simple snap connection without the need for an electrician
- Perfect for wall mounts, creating more usable space behind a mounted TV
- Recessed, in-wall installation provides cable management to conceal component cables for a flawless finished look
- Hardware and template included for easy installation
To see all the specs, click here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/elements/accessories-miscellaneous/ELM806
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Extron Introduces Long Distance HDMI Twisted Pair Extender Extron's new DTP HDMI 330 is a long-distance transmitter and receiver set for long distance transmission of HDMI, audio and bi-directional RS232 and IR control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an effective means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 330 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same twisted pair cable.
The DTP HDMI 330 is compatible with CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT7 twisted pair cable and can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated with an HDMI matrix switcher to extend inputs or outputs to remote locations. It supports signal resolutions up to 1080p/60 and 1920×1200 and supports HDMI specification features including data rates up to 6.75 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, HD lossless audio formats and CEC. For added flexibility, either the transmitter or receiver can be powered over the original twisted pair cable, allowing both devices to share one external power supply.
Here are all the specs: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=dtphdmi330
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Screen Innovations Hires Katye Bennette as Director of Marketing and PR Screen Innovations (SI) announced this month the appointment of Katye (McGregor) Bennett as its director of PR and marketing. The appointment is part of the company’s aggressive growth strategy in both the residential and commercial markets, and is in addition to the recent appointment of industry veteran Howard Borsa as director of commercial accounts and several new products to its lineup.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Graham Hallett Joins Global Caché Board of Directors Global Caché, a manufacturer of of IP and Wi-Fi connectivity products for the control and automation market, announced today that Graham Hallett has joined the company's board of directors and will assist in sales and product strategy as the company continues its rapid growth. Hallett was most recently president of Xantech Corporation and will work closely with the executive team in developing channel and product strategy. With 30 years' experience leading world class organizations, including Harman International, McIntosh Labs, and Onkyo, he has specialized in forming, expanding, and supporting international sales and support channels, as well as growing revenue and organizations.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top RTI Appoints Clint Forberg as Eastern U.S. Sales Manager Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) announced this month that it has named Clint Forberg as the company's eastern United States sales manager. Forberg had served as RTI's director of training for the last six years before being promoted to his new role with the company, where he is responsible for the sales and marketing activity of RTI's control solutions in the eastern U.S.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Women in CE to Honor Five Women Leaders With 2013 Legacy Awards Women in Consumer Electronics (CE), an industry organization that promotes the advancement of women in the CE industry, today announced the recipients of its 2013 Legacy Awards. The 2013 honorees are top-level executives from the nonprofit, publishing, retail, training and marketing sectors. In addition, the organization will be recognizing Best Buy's Women Leadership Forum (WOLF) with the Carol Campbell Inspiration Award. The winners are: Tara Dunion, senior director at the CEA; Marcia Grand, vice president and publisher of TWICE; Mindy Grossman, CEO and director of HSN, Inc.; Helen Heneveld, founder and president of Bedrock Learning, Inc.; and Marla Suttenberg, owner of Sapphire Marketing, LLC.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Eleven Distributors Form Catalyst AV Nationwide Distribution Network Catalyst AV, a new nationwide distribution network comprised of 11 independent distributors that serve the residential and professional AV channels in the U.S., has announced its formation.
Operating from 16 locations across the US, the Catalyst AV network serves more than 10,000 professional integration companies. According to board member Mike Hench the group is committed to maintaining sustained inventory levels to assure next-day (and where applicable same-day) delivery in the continental U.S.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top D-Tools' SIX SP1 Upgrade Now Available D-Tools, Inc. announced this month the release of SI SIX Service Pack 1. The update will add software enhancements, such as the ability to work offline and new custom layouts, as well as an all new Knowledge Base and Documentation Wiki.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Control4 Intros OS 2.3 Software Control4 is now delivering the Control4 Operating System v2.3 (OS 2.3), which provides a new lighting user interface, new features enabling customers to personalize their own experiences, new applications for commercial installations, plus feature enhancements and updated certified drivers to boost performance and interoperability.
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. |
|
|
|