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Volume 9, Issue 9 — May 10, 2012
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Substance Over Quantity: Where is YOUR Value? Open the page of any Saturday newspaper (I think they still have those…) and you will see many examples of the problem that is facing our very industry and threatening our margins. It seems that these days, people just don't care about how well products are made. Features are glare out at us; each week things get "faster" or have "more mega pixels" or are just…"better."
In our fast pace world, price and perceived features win most of the time. Very few customers will pay for quality, the vast majority purchasing inferior goods made overseas.
Since I'm a Canadian I can use the example of a snow shovel. (Eh?) When I went to buy one last year, I couldn't even FIND a decent shovel. Sure, there were lots of options, colors and styles, but none that were really constructed to last. What I ended up buying was a plastic piece of junk that won't endure more than two years of service. After using the shovel for a winter, I already see major signs of wear — that thing likely won't make it through next season. But who cares, right? It was $9.95 — just buy another and throw this one away!
OK… so what does this have to do with AV, you say? Our beloved AV gear is becoming disposable. People would rather buy one low quality item five times rather than buying something that will last 10 years. The line between "consumer grade" and "professional grade" equipment is narrowing. As that line gets thinner and thinner our profit margins are also shrinking as the pricing model is built for volume sales.
So what do we do?
Although it is easy to find more examples of how everything is wrong, let's make an important observation here. Things are not going back to the way they were! It would be nice, but it just isn't going to happen. Waiting for this is like hanging onto your vintage brick style Motorola cell phone just in case this new "digital" craze dies down and everybody starts demanding analog phones. Ridiculous, isn't it?
In an ever changing landscape, we need to realize that we ARE the value. Equipment can come and go, but there is always someone needed to figure out how it can be deployed to create a seamless environment. To upgrade systems when different requirements come along through technological innovation. To replace the monitor when even though you advised the customer against it since he purchased an inferior model. The trick is to figure out what client base you are serving, and serve them well. I'm not suggesting you lower your standards, but there is definitely money to be made in the AV industry, even in low margin market conditions with "disposable" gear.
Of course, there are people who won't find these types of services worth the cost. To that I say,"so what?" Don't waste your energy trying to convince someone they NEED your service. If they just want a projector and a screen, either figure out a way to make it worth your while or pass on the job.
In closing, we all have our MacGuyver moments… I'd love to hear your stories about how you were able to maintain profitability while being forced to work with less than desirable gear. Leave a comment or get ahold of me at https://ProAVSchool.com
Dustin Baerg is a member of the rAVe BlogSquad.
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Favorite Jobsite Tools
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist The right tools and the skills to use them are at the heart of AV and control installation. Professional installers take their tools seriously, and those of the male persuasion are often inclined to add to their tool kits at every opportunity. One of my former co-workers was so fond of his tool collection (he lugged three suitcase-sized tool boxes with him to job sites) that when tool vendor catalogs arrived in the mail we would tease him at every opportunity. “Hey Mike,” we’d yell. “Your PORN just arrived!”
There are certainly plenty of specialized tools that are particular to our industry, and I’ve often lamented that at industry trade shows tool vendors often get very little press for their booths and wares compared to display makers, speaker companies and automation brands, an injustice that I always seek to rectify when I’m covering a trade show.
In that same spirit, in this column we’re going to spotlight some tools for installers that are neither new, nor exciting (despite really liking tools I stop short of labeling them as “sexy”), yet are indispensable and quite possibly overlooked by some installers.
Keeping the jobsite clean and tidy is an often underrated best practice. In a world full of slovenly contractors one sure way to gain positive word of mouth from your clients is to be fastidious on the jobsite. These tools will help you do that:
Hand vacuum cleaner: It’s entirely likely that the brand of electric drill you favor has a whole line of hand tools that use the same rechargeable battery. If so, there’s likely a hand vac available. Buy one, keep it in your tool kit and clean up your debris after sawing drywall and boring holes.
Drop sheets: They’re not just for high traffic areas; in retrofit installs you should put all of your equipment boxes on them when you’re unpacking product.
Painters Tape: More than one installer I know uses it when roughing out on-wall TV and speaker locations, and use it on the corners of furniture that they’re working near.
Then there are tools that actually get the job done. The following tools are indispensable.
A digital multimeter: If you invest in a rugged, expensive one, it will last you forever. Multimeters can be used to pin-point the exact issue with a circuit, whether it be a fault, distance, bad output or input and should always be in your tool kit.
4-inch high quality wire snips and 4-inch precision needle nosed pliers: It’s actually quite astonishing how much you can get done with just these two tools.
A high grade ratcheting, self-adjusting pair of wire strippers: Treat yourself to an expensive pair. Don’t think you need to spend the money? Use a crummy pair and a good pair one after the other and you’ll be convinced.
Precision screwdriver set, often known as jeweler’s screwdrivers: From adjusting DIP switches to terminating phoenix connectors, a good quality set makes all those little jobs easier.
Multi-bit high quality screwdriver with Robertson, Philips, flat, torx, and hex bits in multiple sizes: Don’t be stingy; buy a high grade one from Klein Tools, or another premium brand.
A utility knife, like an Olfa or similar box-cutter: A sharp knife is a tool you don’t always need, but when you need it, you really need it. It’s essential that it’s easy to make safe, and that you do so after using it.
A ladder: Ladders aren’t just for small guys and satellite installers. There is always a need for a ladder, especially when going to a site you have not been to before. Some ceilings are very high; some things are “just out of reach” others “need to be moved higher for reception.” You never know when you will need one and that’s why you should always have one in your truck.
Now that you know (or have had your knowledge validated) how crucial not just tools, but good tools are to getting the job done there’s you’re justification to go to the hardware store or the websites that cater to installers and treat yourself to some new ones!
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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Share Article Back to Top LCD TV Panel Inventory in China is Increasing, But Still Healthy
By Vera Wang
DisplaySearch China is the largest LCD TV market in the world and Chinese TV makers are buying many panels from Korea, Taiwan and of course China. Since the North American and European TV markets slowed down a few years ago and demand from China started to drive the global industry, attention has been shifting to the LCD TV panel inventory in China, and furthermore, the panel strategies of the so-called five big brands in China – TCL, Hisense, Skyworth, Konka, Haier and Changhong.
In China, seasonality in the TV market is strong, and TV brands tended to build inventories before the Western New Year, Chinese New Year (late January or early February), Labor Day (May 1st), and National Day (October 1st) Golden Week holidays to fulfill demand, especially for a massive geographic market with varied transportation quality. These inventory builds have as strong influence on LCD TV panel makers’ shipment performance. While the inventory builds are good for panel makers, there is always concern over whether the sell-through results justified the inventory. Chinese set makers bought a high volume of panels for the 2012 Labor Day Holiday, but according to some observers in China the sell-through results were not good. The worries of over-stocking in China rise.
In our MarketWise – LCD Industry Dynamics report, we developed a special index to track the state of panel inventories in China, by comparing monthly panel shipments to Chinese TV brands to monthly LCD TV shipments by those brands into the Chinese market.
Source: MarketWise – LCD Industry Dynamics
Our analysis shows the inventory level is still healthy even though the Labor Day sell-through was not as good as expected, due to the following points:
- In April, as global TV brands were preparing new product launches in regional markets for the upcoming London Olympics, LCD TV panel shipments to China were constrained and less than previously forecast. Panel shipments to China are likely to stay flat.
- Our research indicates that panel shipments to China will be flat or slightly decline in May, then build gradually in preparation for the October 1st holiday promotion.
- Due to pre-promotional efforts and stronger demand from rural cities, the LCD TV sales result is likely to come in at low single digit growth for the May Day Holiday.
- Sunning and some other Chinese retailers have extended the promotion period after the May Day holiday, so we expect that the inventory will fall from the current level.
- If Chinese TV makers control panel purchasing in the coming months, panel inventories may not reach a risky level, and the supply/demand result will be much different from the pattern in 2H of 2011. Unlike last year, the gap between panel and set seems to indicate that Chinese TV companies are maintaining reasonable levels of inventory.
This was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.
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Share Article Back to Top This Week from rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top CEA-CEDIA Committee Approves Home Theater Video and Smart Grid Installation Standards The CEA and CEDIA R10 Residential Systems committee today announced new standards to enhance the home theater experience and to provide the industry with an understanding of the issues related to smart grid devices.
The updated CEA/CEDIA-CEB23-A: Home Theater Video Design standard will help professionals design, install and calibrate home theater systems to meet consumers’ growing needs and maximize the home theater viewing experience to meet or exceed the commercial theater experience.
The approval of the new joint CEA/CEDIA-CEB29: Installation of Smart Grid Devices standardwill provide a basic understanding of many of the issues related to the proper installation, protection and connection of smart grid devices.
The updated CEA/CEDIA-CEB23-A: Home Theater Video Design and the new CEA/CEDIA-CEB29: Installation of Smart Grid Devices are available in the CEDIA Marketplace at https://www.cedia.org/marketplace or from CEA at https://www.ce.org/Standards/Standard-Listings/R10-Residential-Systems.aspx
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How Does 40 Percent Off Sound? 40 percent off sounds pretty awesome right? Especially when we’re talking about that kind of massive savings on your CEDIA EXPO registration. It’s true CEDIA has adjusted the pricing structure for CEDIA EXPO 2012, if you register before July 13 you will be eligible for 40 percent off tradeshow access, a la carte education, and even the Members Only Education Pass.
The savings really add up. As an added bonus, attendees who register July 13 will be entered to win a complimentary hotel upgrade to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Registration for CEDIA EXPO 2012 will open on May 30 at www.cedia.org/expo.
Pricing is not all that’s new at this year’s CEDIA EXPO, check out some of the offerings that have been specifically designed with your business in mind.
Security Solutions Pavilion:
According to CEDIA’s 2011 Size and Scope of the Residential Electronic Systems Market, ESCs are looking to expand business in the areas of web cams/IP video cameras and security alarm systems.
So whether you are already dabble in the business of security or you’re looking for a new business opportunity, CEDIA is bringing you a brand new pavilion with the solutions you want to learn about. The Security Solutions Pavilion, sponsored by SDM Magazine is a brand new area on this year’s show floor. Talk with the experts about security and find out if this venture is one your company is prepared to take.
High Performance Experience Rooms
Most people in this industry geek out over the high end audio products, even if it’s not something clients request on a normal basis. CEDIA has created a new area for these products, High Performance Experience Rooms. These dedicated rooms will allow you to have a true and intimate experience with some of the most sophisticated audio and video products in the industry. Truly experience powerful audio and video performance from companies such as Polk Audio, McIntosh Labs, D&M, Datasat Digital Entertainment, Meridian Audio, Steinway Lyngdorf, and Wisdom Audio.
Future Technology Pavilion
The Future Technology Pavilion is returning to the show floor for a third year, but as a completely new and integrated and intuitive home. You will have the opportunity to see the functionality of the initiative home as it interacts and reacts to the homeowner’s needs. This show-stopper is a must see.
Learn more about CEDIA EXPO 2012 at https://www.cedia.org/expo.
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Share Article Back to Top Sony Ships 4K Resolution Blu-ray Player Dubbed the BDP-S790, Sony's latest Blu-ray player is a 4096×2048 (4K) player capable of upscaling content to 4K resolution or even displaying native content (via Internet streaming) at 4K resolution.
Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming, a dual core processor, Blu-ray Disc playback (including 2D to 3D conversion), 4K upscaling, two HDMI outputs, Skype capability, 16-bit video processing and IP noise reduction (which Sony claims improves internet video playback) are all features touted by this $250 Blu-ray. In addition to all the HD standards, it's also capable of 24p output and other aspect ratios. This way you can duplicate all the film aspect ratios or convert all content to 16:9 format and even convert 24p to 60Hz for completely flicker-free movie watching.
Here are all the specs: https://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666436490#specifications
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Russound FINALLY Ships Bluetooth Wireless Adapter Russound's lllooonnnggg awaited BSK-1 Bluetooth Source Kit, a wireless audio kit for enabling all portable Bluetooth-equipped devices to stream content to any multiroom audio system regardless of brand, has started shipping. Russound says the BSK-1 is specifically designed for residential and commercial system integrators but also says in its press release that it's also for, "consumers who refuse to trade performance for price" — so, it's apparently for EVERYONE.
The BSK-1 features a two-piece design comprising of a Bluetooth transceiver and separate audio interface receiver with built-in active balanced line drivers for maximum signal clarity; this design enables the units to be placed up to 300 feet apart.
Features:
- Enables Bluetooth audio streaming – like Apple AirPlay does, but using Bluetooth instead
- A two-piece design with built-in active balanced line drivers, eliminating the requirement for external audio balun transformers
- Audio receiver and Bluetooth transceiver may be separated by up to 300 feet using a single CAT5 cable
- Bluetooth wireless range capable of receiving device signals up to 100 feet away when installed in line-of-sight applications
- Allows for custom device naming and security pass code support with BSK-1 programming application
- 12-volt trigger input and output offers control of audio video equipment
Here are all the specs: https://www.russound.com/product_detail.php?i=3280
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Share Article Back to Top Key Digital Offers Audio Management Solution via HDMI Matrix Switcher Key Digital announced this week a new solution for the problem of managing audio via its KD-HD8X8BT Digital IQ HDMI Matrix switcher.
With the proliferation of a wide variety of audio formats and the increased demand to be able to utilize all of these various formats, it is becoming increasingly difficult to both manage all of these formats and preserve the best audio quality for the consumer. Key Digital's new KD-HD8X8BT 8×8 HDMI matrix switch can help integrators with these issues.
For example, let's assume you use KD-HD8X8BT in three zones with different characteristics:
- Zone with a flat screen TV with built-in stereo speakers. For this zone you will need HDMI with a stereo audio signal.
- Home theater zone with the latest 7.1 channel AV receiver, speakers, and flat screen TV
- Home theater zone with an older non-HDMI 5.1 AV receiver capable of Dolby Digital with flat screen TV
KD-HD8X8BT can help with these zoning requirements through the EDID control feature.
For Zone 1, the installer would make sure that L/R stereo audio is available from every source. On output 1 you would program that output to insert PCM stereo into the HDMI signal instead of any other audio format. The PCM stereo is created and outputted in place of L/R stereo inside the switcher.
For Zone 2, you would pass the HDMI signal (containing authentic audio) with its highest quality available audio format. For sources sending DTS-HD, DTS-HD would be the preferred audio format for this zone. The flat screen TV can be connected to the HDMI output for the AV receiver associated with this zone.
For Zone 3, the HDMI output is programmed to insert Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The PCM coaxial output will provide Dolby Digital to the AV receiver. This zone will only have audio available from the AV receiver and speakers, the flat screen TV will ignore the Dolby Digital audio and display only video.
To see all the specs of the KD-HD8X8BT HDMI matrix switcher, click here: https://www.keydigital.com/items.asp?ItemCode=KDHD8X8BT&Company=KEY
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Share Article Back to Top Sonance Adds Hardscape Subwoofer to Landscape Series Sonance has started shipping its all new “Landscape Series” HS10SUB 70-volt Hardscape Subwoofer, designed to be incorporated into outdoor furniture or planter boxes.
The HS10SUB features a sealed non-corrosive enclosure that is constructed from a brown-textured HDPVC (High Density Polyvinyl Chloride), while the 10” (254mm) polypropylene cone driver with rubber surround delivers a frequency response of 35Hz – 100Hz ±3dB. According to Sonance, this speaker is able to deliver scalable "high quality audio" in challenging hardscape environments. The sealed (HDPVC) enclosure is installed above the ground and can be built into outdoor furniture or underneath vented planter boxes.
The HS10SUB can also be used in conjunction with the existing LS10SUB in-ground subwoofer in larger systems, where an installation requires a combination of landscape and hardscape products to achieve an even sound stage.
To get all the specs for the HS10SUB, click here: https://www.sonance.com/products/speakers/detail/625
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Share Article Back to Top Optoma Intros 2500-Lumen Home Theater Projector Optoma has announced its newest home theater projector, the HD23, which will only be sold by Best Buy starting later this month. The HD23 is a 1920x1080p projector (DLP) that's priced at only $999 and has a specificed contrast ratio of 5000:1. It includes two HDMI inputs, a VGA port and even a component video port. The 6.4-lb. projector's lamp is rated to last up to 4,000 hours in standard mode or 3,000 hours in "bright" mode and includes a rapid shutdown feature.
So, what do you think? Comment below and let us know and. Check out the specs here: https://www.optomausa.com/products/detail/HD23
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Share Article Back to Top Bang & Olufsen Intros New TV with Built-In Apple TV Slot Bang & Olufsen, known for its speakers, just announced its first-ever TV, the BeoPlay V1. The LED-based (edge-lit) 1080p display is available in 32-inch and 40-inch models, and has some pretty cool features, such as a light sensor built onto the front that dynamically changes the display's brightness and contrast ratio based on the conditions of the viewing environment. It has built-in audio (aimed at "liberating the viewing experience from the wall" by limiting wires), including Class D ICEpower amplifiers, and also has a slot for an Apple TV2 inside the connection panel on the back.
Other specs include five HDMI inputs and a 120Hz refresh rate. There's also a colored sleeve you can slide behind the speaker grill to change the look of the TV (in gray, green, yellow, pink and black). It ships with the Beo4 remote, which Bang & Olufsen says can be easily used to control all your devices, as well as a floor stand. The 32" and 40" models list for €2,399 ($3,170) and €2,899 ($3,831), respectively.
For more information, click here: https://www.beoplay.com/Products/BeoplayV1
To see the complete specs, click here: https://www.beoplay.com/Products/BeoplayV1/TechSpec
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Share Article Back to Top RTI Releases ESC-2 Ethernet-to-Serial Converter Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) just announced that the company is now shipping its ESC-2 Ethernet-to-serial converter that expands the RTI XP series control by adding two additional bidirectional serial ports over Ethernet.
The ESC-2 works with RTI's Integration Designer programming software for setup and multiple modules can be utilized for virtually unlimited control of serial devices. Two RJ-45 jacks allow standard Cat5 cabling to be used between the converter and the device being controlled. The ESC-2 is then connected to the local Ethernet network with a standard Cat 5 cable for full two-way control, as if the device were wired directly to the control processor.
The ESC-2 lists for $149. Complete specs are not available because it's not on the RTI website yet.
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Share Article Back to Top Yamaha Adds Apple AirPlay to High-End Receivers — Plus, They're Green! Yamaha recently added two new network models to its RX-V series AV receivers — the 7.1-channel RX-V573 and 5.1-channel RX-V473. Both models feature Apple AirPlay compatibility with Apple iOS devices, featuring direct connectivity to iPads, iPhones and iPods, as well as the company's proprietary YPAO system calibration. System control is via the Yamaha AV controller App, which includes native iPad and tablet versions, for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices, or via an included IR remote or the network. Both are also capable of delivering audio from Internet radio and DLNA-certified devices.
Yamaha will announce additional models in the popular RX-V series later this month.
The RX-V573 has seven discreet assignable amplifiers that enable a system to deliver 7-channel surround sound in one zone, to bi-amp and double power to main speakers, or to provide audio to Zone B. The RX-V573 also has a Virtual Presence Speaker function for achieving full CINEMA DSP 3D surround without front presence speakers.
The RX-V573 and RX-V473 both have multi-language on-screen displays that overlay onto HD and 3D video signals to depict system control and set-up prompts. Data, such as song titles, from connected iPods, iPhones, iPods or USB drives is shown on the receivers' attractive on-screen displays. Connected iPods, iPhones and iPads will also charge automatically for later use on the go.
Additional features include:
- ECO Mode that reduces the model's power consumption by 20 percent. The model has extremely low power consumption in standby mode and Auto Power Down can be set for 2, 4, 8 or 12 hours
- YPAO system calibration that ensures more accurate room measurements by confirming the subwoofer is fully responding before making audio adjustments
- A subwoofer level adjustment that enables listeners to increase the bass without changing the system's crossover point
- A High speed HDMI switching function that remembers the settings of all connected sources (EDID-like), eliminating the time it normally takes to adjust to each when they are selected
- Four convenient SCENE Mode buttons that automatically power on the appropriate components and make system adjustments for specific entertainment options
See all the specs here: https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v573_black_u/?mode=model
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Share Article Back to Top Eragy Announces New Family of Energy Management Applications for Control4 Systems Eragy has introduced a new suite of energy monitoring and management Apps specifically aimed at Control4 integrators because they offer energy monitoring of any of their control systems. These include:
- Eragy Energy LITE: A new $49 App that works in tandem with a TED 5000, eGauge, or BLI power sensor and requires the Eragy Energy driver. This App provides all the features of Watt’s On FREE plus real-time whole house energy monitoring and basic energy cost information.
- Eragy Energy PLUS: This App is basically an update you have to pay for. This $199 App works in tandem with a TED 5000, eGauge, or BLI power sensor and requires the Eragy Energy driver and an Eragy subscription ($96/year).
- Eragy Energy PRO: This $399 energy management App works in tandem with an eGauge power sensor and requires the Eragy Energy driver and an Eragy subscription ($96/year).
You can see all the details of each app here: https://4store.com/?q=node/37
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Share Article Back to Top CEDIA Announces CEDIA EXPO 2012 Opening Keynote CEDIA has announced that Dr. Michio Kaku will give the Opening Keynote Presentation at CEDIA EXPO 2012.
Dr. Kaku is an internationally recognized authority on physics and predicting trends based on the latest research in science. His book Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100 was recently named one of the “Top 25 Tech Books” by VentureBeat. This book also spent five weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
His keynote presentation, The Intuitive Home of 2016: What’s After the Smart Home, will center around the concept that most smart homes are not smart, but well-designed homes installed by smart electronic systems contractors (ESCs). Dr. Kaku will discuss how the smart home is set to evolve into the fully intuitive home with the help of next-generation future technology such as IPv6, RFID devices and artificial intelligence.
We think this is a can't-miss keynote – Physics of the Future is one of rAVe founder Gary Kayye's all-time favorite technology books.
The keynote will take place on Wed., Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Wabash Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center and is free to attend.
CEDIA EXPO 2012 will be held Sept. 5-8 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Registration will open May 30 at www.cedia.org/expo.
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Share Article Back to Top Sharp Names New Chairman and CEO Sharp Electronics Corporation has named Toshiyuki Osawa as its new CEO and chairman of the board. Osawa replaces Kozo Takahashi, who has transferred to a new Sharp assignment.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Panamax/Furman Promotes Ryan Conway to Western Regional Sales Manager Panamax/Furman announced this month that Ryan Conway has been promoted to the position of western regional sales manager of custom install (CI) sales. In his new role, Conway is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic sales plans to promote the company's BlueBOLT cloud-based power and energy management platform across the Rocky Mountain States, from Montana to New Mexico, and west to the Pacific coast.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Crestron Hires Scott McClintock Crestron announced this month the appointment of Scott McClinktock as its regional market development manager for the western region. McClintock joins Crestron from Hunter Douglas where he was regional sales manager. McClintock will expand the total market demand for Crestron residential control and home automation solutions by fostering relationships with interior designers, architects and home builders. McClintock will also develop new customers and expand market segments, including lighting control.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Stampede Courses Approved for CEDIA CEUs ProAV distributor Stampede announced this month that all of its online courses offered by Stampede University have been approved for Continuing Education Units by CEDIA.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Simon Spears Promoted to Director of International Sales for The AVC Group Simon Spears has been promoted to the position of international sales director at The AVC Group, effective immediately. Spears is now responsible for sales of all five brands of The AVC Group (ELAN, Niles, Xantech, Sunfire, and ATON) everywhere outside of North America.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Crestron Expands Southeast Office Crestron announced recently the expansion of its southeast office in Roswell, GA to provide additional training opportunities and sales resources to their dealers and partners. The 1,500 square foot expansion helped increase the number of workstations in the DM® training facility to accommodate the growing demand for DigitalMedia™ training certification classes.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Monitor Audio Joins D-Tools MVP Program D-Tools announced this month that Monitor Audio has joined the D-Tools Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program. Monitor Audio, a British owned and managed global specialist in hi-fi loudspeaker design, incorporates stereo and surround sound systems and a range of sonically matched architectural speakers.
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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