Is Tweeter Dead?
Mega-consumer electronics retailer Tweeter may have officially closed its doors for good at 10 am, today! We called several stores and got no answer. In addition, two store managers who asked not to be named have told us that management has told them to close for good.
This shouldn’t come as a complete shock to everyone as they did declare Chapter 11 back in mid-2007 after citing the inability to get adequate financing to maintain cash flow in the competitive consumer electronics market. Then president and CEO Joe McGuire said that a Chapter 11 filing was the only alternative to shutting down as they attempted to, as he put it in June 2007, “address our financial challenges and work to secure our future.”
36-year old Tweeter, kept running while in Chapter 11 for almost a year and a half with over 100 stores nationally. Then, last month, Tweeter shut down its 94 Sound Advice chain of stores soon after the company was purchased for $38 million by Schultze Asset Management, LLC – a New York investment firm. That same month, Circuit City announced they were entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy as well.
Interestingly enough, Tweeter last paid CEDIA membership dues way back in 2002. And, although a few Tweeter employees have attended CEDIA Expo the past few years, it was few and far between. CEDIA’s educational focus has CLEARLY shifted since 2002 from product and technology sales strategies to service and support profitable sales strategies. Hmm… Interesting correlation, huh? Back to Top
Click above for more information USB 3.0 Announced, Said to Be 10x FasterUSB will have its first major upgrade in eight years — featuring a 10X speed upgrade from the current USB 2.0 standard. Today, USB 2.0 takes about 10 minutes to transfer a high-def video from a Blu-ray disc. With USB 3.0 — also called SuperSpeed USB — it will take about a minute. The first USB 3.0 devices won't show up until Q4 next year but at CES in January you will probably see it in demos around HD video cameras and hard drives. USB was first introduced in 1996 and last year more than 2.6 billion USB-enabled devices were shipped, says In-Stat. To read all about the new SuperSpeed USB 3.0, go to: http://www.usb.org/press/USB-IF_Press_Releases/SuperSpeed_USB_Devcon_Media_Alert.pdf Back to Top CEA Announces More Innovations 2009 Award Winners
The Consumer Electronics Alliance (the CES Show people) has announced their 2009 Innovations Award winners. In our last issue, we noted some of the more impressive consumer-oriented products out there. You can see that review by going to: http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2008/11/rhvol5iss22/index.html#in2
In this issue, we congratulate some of the higher-end winners:
Da-Lite’s HD Progressive Fabric: A JKP Affinity Screen material; HD Progressive has a 0.9 gain and 70 degree half angle. It produces true color and white field uniformity and offers excellent depth of modulation.
Samsung 46-inch Super Narrow Bezel LCD Digital Information Display: Samsung's 46" super narrow bezel DID panel for multi-screen applications opens new business opportunities for media providers, government agencies, financial institutions, and the transportation industry for advertising and command centers.
Crestron’s Adagio Media System with Advanced Image Processing: Complete integrated home entertainment system including multi-room audio distribution, HD video and 7.1 surround sound digital home theater and whole house control. Graphical onscreen display and PIP provide simple navigation.
LG Electronics Network Streaming Service Ready Blu-ray Home Theater System: LG Electronics' LHT974 offers consumers a convenient way to access multiple content sources through one system, including Blu-ray discs, BD-Live content and Netflix Instant Streaming.
Klipsch Energy ESW-M6 Mini Subwoofer: Energy's smallest and most sophisticated subwoofer to date, the ESW-M6 packs serious punch into a miniature 8-inch cube. In fact, its deep bass sound is comparable to much larger units.
Pro Series High Definition DVR (HR21P): The DIRECTV HD DVR Pro is the ultimate in high-end home-theater equipment for taking full advantage of DIRECTV's more than 130 HD channels.
Crestron iServer: Transforms any iPod into a dedicated home audio server at a breakthrough price. Provides USB over Ethernet, enabling automatic synchronization whenever changes are made to the iTunes library.
Rotel RSX 1560 Home Theater Receiver: 7.1 Home Theater Receiver incorporating Class D amplification and HDMI connectivity and 1080p/24Hz Faroudja video processing. 12V triggers and RS 232C serial connectivity for easy integration. 4U rack-mountable package.
Netstreams TouchLinX IP-Based Amplified Touchpad: TouchLinX TLA250 is ideal for zones that require audio control, but don't need full color touchscreen. Text-based OELD screen provides metadata, glass finished faceplate is designer-friendly; built-in 50-watt amplifier reduces costs/installation time.
Russound Collage: Collage is an IP-based multi-room system that utilizes the Home Plug Alliance's Power Line Carrier (PLC) technology to distribute media throughout the home by way of standard AC wiring.
To see all the CEA Innovations Winners go to: http://www.cesweb.org/awards/innovations/2009honorees.asp Back to Top Runco Announces VideoWall VW-100HD Runco, probably the most famous brand of luxury video projectors, announced last week its new VideoWall VW-100HD in-wall projection video display. Originally shown at CEDIA, it’s now shipping and it’s something that integrators need to look at as it’s not something consumers can get off the Internet. It offers new levels of versatility and convenience while achieving full 1080p picture on a sprawling 100-inch screen. Runco's native 16:9 VideoWall system is perfect for installations where an ultra-large screen is required, but front projection is difficult or impossible to deliver, particularly in instances where a high level of ambient light makes high-quality video from a front projector appear washed-out. The new VideoWall system is a completely self-contained in-wall projection video display system with a low-profile design that includes a rear assembly less than 32 inches in depth. And, Runco claims that the VideoWall system retains video contrast and brightness even when viewed in high amounts of ambient light. Runco says their Constant Contrast technology incorporates frame-by-frame contrast correction to provide stellar black levels within high contrast video content, enhancing the systems' contrast ratios in excess of 5,000:1 ANSI. The VW-100HD features Runco's SuperOnyx chipset, lots of connectivity including HDMI w/HDCP, DVI w/HDCP, Component (RCA), HD-15 (PC), S-Video, Composite and RS-232. It lists for $39,995 (that’s profitable!) and you can see it at: http://www.runco.com/inwall.html Back to Top StJohn Group Debuts Stealth-Looking Projector Still one of the coolest projection designs, StJohn Group has debuted another aesthetically-pleasing BlackWing One – a native 1920 x 1080, LCoS (reflective LCD) projector that integrates three .6” LCoS panels to get what they claim is 15,000:1 contrast ratio. Listing for $6500, the 1080p, 24fps projector is pre-calibrated to D65 (6500 Kelvin), rec 709 HD color space and includes HDMI 1.3 connectivity. It’s 1400 ANSI lumens, RS232 control — not IP-based, however, can be shipped in variety of custom cabinet colors — standard is shiny black — and, of course, offers 12v triggers. You can see the complete specs at: http://www.stjohngroup.com/cineversum.html Back to Top New Mini-Projector is iPhone-Sized Based on 3M's LCoS optical technology, the Adapt Mini Projector can project an image 15 to 127cm (diagonal). It's only 10 lumens at 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution but what makes this a "handy" projector is that it can store a presentation, photo show, or music videos. No need for an external device: it has a memory slot (SD/MMC/MS Pro) and 1GB built-in memory. To see it and read all the specs, to go: http://www.adapt-mobile.com/ Back to Top Pantel Launches Waterproof Mirror TV Pantel, a company best known for outdoor LCD televisions, has launched a Mirror Model TV line that’s LCD-based, is available in four sizes ranging from 17” to 32” and work in high-humidity environments like showers! I’ve seen these in person, and when input with native (in this case 720p) HD content, they looked great. These water-resistant TVs are OK for outside use but they were designed for bathrooms and saunas, as they cannot be in direct contact with a lot of water. Inputs include component, HDMI and video, they are native 720p, of course, include speakers and range in contrast ratio from 450:1 to 1500:1 and prices range from $1,299 to $2,999, depending on size. To learn more, go to: http://www.panteltv.com/ Back to Top VUDU Announces New HD-Movie-On-Demand Server VUDU has announced the new VUDU XL2, an internet-based HD movie server that’s aimed at the CEDIA install market – yea! Think of it as AppleTV for the CEDIA dealer at 1/10th the cost of the Kaleidescape server. The XL2 is, of course, 1080p capable, includes a terabyte of storage, an HD library of movies that is over 10,000 strong and it’s all housed in a rack-mountable enclosure with IP-based or RS 232 control. At $1299, this is something that you NEED to check out at: http://www.vudu.com/ Back to Top TiVo and Netflix Partner to Deliver Movies to Any HD TiVo Box According to TiVo’s own newsletter last week, they plan to partner with Netflix and offer over 12,000 movies delivered to ANY high definition TiVo still connected to a TV. Starting later this month, TiVo HD customers will be able to access most of the Netflix movie library without having to order them via the red Netflix envelope – it’s all done via network connection. A Netflix Unlimited membership, starting at $8.99 per month, is also required. If you’re a TiVo and Netflix subscriber, all you have to do is register at: http://www.tivo.com/mytivo/netflix-signup.html Back to Top ASPEN Media Products Announces Media Server with Built-in Blu-ray The AMP CL-2108 is Aspen Media Products’ follow-up to the CL-1058, with the addition of a built-in digital cable tuner, Blu-ray player, and added Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master decoding. The AMP Media Server uses Windows Vista and actually holds up to 860,000 photos, 144,000 songs, 335 hours of DVD-quality video and 144 hours of HD video – in one rack-mountable enclosure. Using an ATI Radeon graphics card, the CL-2108 includes both RS232 control as well as Network-based control, integrated DVI, HDMI, VGA and component ports and lists for $2199. Go check it out at: http://www.aspenmediaproducts.com/AspenMediaStore/ConsumerLine/CL2108/tabid/89/Default.aspx Back to Top Sherwood Ships New Blu-ray Player Sherwood America Inc., one of the world’s oldest manufacturers of high performance audio and video consumer electronics, announces that it is now shipping its first Blu-ray DVD player, aimed at what Sherwood says are consumers that have been waiting for affordability and optimum performance. Sherwood’s premier entry-level Blu-ray disc player, the BDP-5003, supports BD Bonus View (Profile 1.1), 1080p video playback at 60 Hz or 24 Hz as well as lossless audio from both Dolby and DTS through its HDMI output. The BDP-5003 is also fully compatible with the latest HDMI 1.3 standard, upscales standard DVDs and naturally plays virtually all of today’s disc formats. List price for the BDP-5003 is $299.95 and it hits stores this week. See all its specs at: http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_bdp5003.html Back to Top Neptune Debuts neptuneEQ Sporting eight analog input (XLR & RCA ports) and output channels, 10k-ohm unbalanced and 20k balanced impedance, 1-volt rms and a distortion of less than .0028%, the new neptuneEQ is a single-amp solution for many theaters. At $3,995, the neptuneEQ is designed, says the manufacturer, to compensate for poor room acoustical treatment by providing in-field, configurable settings for delays, balancing, subwoofer crossover and acoustic correction. Aimed as a solution for the audiophile buyer, it’s also becoming popular with the hang-and-bang home theaters – where you design and install a theater in a matter of days. To learn more about the neptuneEQ, go to: http://www.neptuneaudio.net/ Back to Top Proficient Audio Ships new PS Subs Proficient Audio has finally begun to ship the long-awaited PS-series subwoofers. Ranging in sizes from 8” to 12” cones, each model is housed in a black wood cabinet with chrome feet. The PS12 is a 12” long excursion treated paper cone woofer with a 250-watt amplifier. The PS10 is a 10” long excursion treated paper cone woofer with a 120-watt amplifier. The PS8 is an 8” long excursion treated paper cone woofer with an 80-watt amplifier. All three models include overload power protection, auto-power, and low frequency effects input capability. And, all three of them are shipping NOW! To learn more about each one, go to: http://www.proficientaudio.com/ Back to Top SnapAV Makes New LCR Speaker The new Episode HT-650 LCR is an $800 speaker that’s specified to have a rated sensitivity of 95db and a frequency response of 70Hz to 20 KHz. It’s housed in a bookshelf design that can also be mounted and includes dual-carbon-fiber midrange drive units, a 4.5-inch magnetic ribbon tweeter that can actually be shifted for either horizontal or vertical placement and two switches for boundary interaction. Snap AV is known for entry-level and mid-range AV integration solutions and this one should sell well as the quality is good and the design is their best yet! Go see it at: http://www.snapav.com/catalog/partdetail.aspx?partno=HT-650LCR Back to Top David Wiener Ventures Ships Art.Suono David Wiener Ventures (DWV), which calls itself an “internationally-acclaimed design house” has begun shipping the Art.Suono Wireless Music Enhancing Transmission System and iPod Dock. Art.Suono is a limited edition, luxury entertainment product for desktops and tabletops. It uses a proprietary wireless transmission technology, DWC-Wireless, that lets users transmit ANY audio source to ANY audio system (including the Ferrari Art.Engine, and future DWC systems). The audio source can be an iPod, a computer, a CD player, an MP3 player or satellite radio. It retails for $1499 and you can read more details on it at: http://www.dwcollection.com/artsuono/ Back to Top Krell Releases S-300i Integrated Amplifier/Switcher Krell Industries announced a new integrated amplifier that is amazingly priced for its feature set. The S-300i integrated amplifier combines a fully balanced Class A preamplifier circuit with a stereo amplifier rated at 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Its circuit design borrows the Current Mode technology used in Krell’s top-of-the-line Evolution amps and preamps. A massive 750 VA toroidal transformer and 38,000 microfarads of storage capacitance make the S-300i’s amplifier section one of the most robust ever incorporated into an integrated amplifier. An included solid aluminum remote controls the S-300i, the playback functions of a connected iPod or iPhone, and Krell CD, SACD, and DVD players. The S-300i’s back panel offers three unbalanced RCA inputs, a balanced XLR input, a jack for the iPod/iPhone cable, and high-quality WBT speaker cable terminals. Retail for the S-300i is $2,500 and you can see it at: http://www.krellonline.com/ Back to Top Marmitek Introduces GigaVideo580 for Wireless Satellite Transmission to 2nd TV The GigaVideo580 is a video transmitter to send the images from your hard disk recorder, satellite receiver or digital TV decoder to a second TV in your house. Most video transmitters operate on the 2.4GHz frequency band. The GigaVideo580 is an exception to this. It sends the audio and video signal via the 5.8GHz frequency band. The difference between video transmitters with a 2.4GHz signal and a 5.8GHz signal is that this last one doesn’t interfere with other devices in the house at the 2.4GHz frequency band (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cordless telephones and even microwave ovens). To read more about GigaVideo, go to: http://www.marmitek.com/en/index_consumer.php?subgroep=4&product=382 Back to Top BASS Ships New Digital Surround Frames for LCD TVs In styles called European, Avant-garde, Nouveau, and Da Vinci, BASS Industries has launched a line of frames for LCD TVs. As we all know, some families like the TV hanging on the wall to look like a TV hanging on the wall, while others want to hide it totally in a cabinet or by using a lift. The new BASS line of Digital Surround Frames is aimed at those in-between: the TV is OK on the wall, but can’t we dress it up a little? We are impressed with the selection and style and, although it’s not what you’d find in an art gallery, they work well with that middle group of buyers. Check them out at: http://bassind.com Back to Top Lutron Adds iPhone/iPod Touch Control If you use Lutron’s HomeWorks whole-house lighting control system, then you now have a new $199 touch-screen controller: the iPhone or iPod Touch. Following the trend of Apple iPhone App integration of high-end home products, Lutron’s iPhone user interface acts as if you were using Lutron’s keypads including all control communications. As we see more and more iPhone/iPod Touch-integrated controllers for home systems, there will be a market for AMX, Crestron or Extron to step up and integrate these all into one master iPhone control system software application that will allow you to control anything and everything in your home that’s networked. Watch for that some time in 2009. To read more about it, go to: http://www.lutron.com/ Back to Top CEDIA Announces New Executive Committee and Board, Both Full of Familiar Faces CEDIA announced changes to the organization’s executive committee and board of directors. Ken Erdmann, former vice chairman of the executive committee will now serve as chairman. The seat was recently vacated by Utz Baldwin, who has been named CEDIA’s new CEO. The full list of CEDIA’s new volunteer leadership team is listed here: Executive Committee Chairman Ken Erdmann Erdmann Electric, Inc. Springville, Utah | Vice Chairman Randy Vaughan AE Systems Home Automation & Entertainment Portsmouth, Va. | Treasurer Randy Stearns Engineered Environments Alameda, Calif. | Secretary Rich Green Rich Green, Ink Palo Alto, Calif. | Immediate Past Chairman Ken Smith Custom Electronics, Inc. South Portland, Maine | |
Board of Directors Federico Bausone San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico | Buzz Delano Delano Associates San Clemente, Calif. | Eric Lee Integrated Control Experts, Inc. Chicago | Bill Skaer Eric Grundelman, Inc. Mesquite, Texas | Randy Wilson Wilson Home Theater Systems Sherman Oaks, Calif. | Gordon van Zuiden cyberManor Los Gatos, Calif. | Jeff Zemanek Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Coopersburg, Pa. | |
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