Click above for more information Welcome to another edition of rAVe HomeAV Edition! In this issue, we have an editorial about using your manufacturers' co-op dollars for something with a better ROI than advertising — education! Also, InfoComm is coming up. While obviously a ProAV show, we think it's a good show for HomeAV integrators to attend to see what the new technologies are. We also think it's a good idea for you to consider adding some commercial work to your portfolio if you don't already. The HomeAV market is getting hit worse than the ProAV market in this recession: government and education markets are going to get money from the economic stimulus plan, churches have more money because church attendance is up, and the digital signage market is exploding. In fact, if you are interested in digital signage, consider signing up for our latest edition of rAVe: rAVe DS [Digital Signage] by clicking here. Finally, we are getting more and more excited about pico projectors, and today we cover the first one (from AAXA Technologies) that has internal memory. Are they bright? No. Is the picture quality good? No. Are they super portable and ridiculously convenient? Absolutely. In a package this small, consumers are definitely willing to forego picture quality a bit. It's still relevant to you HomeAV integrators because your customers are always going to be looking at new ways to entertain themselves and you want to supply those ways proactively, before they go to Best Buy. Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS Back to Top Click above for more information Don't Use Co-op for Advertising!!! Use It for Education
Gary Kayye, CTS Does anyone really ever find an AV dealer in the Yellow Pages anyway?
Heck no! So, why advertise there?
I was curious, so I spent a few days trying to track down the culprit of the Yellow Pages advertising craze of the 1990's that seems to have crept into the new Millennium. Yes, HomeAV dealers still seem to advertise in the Yellow Pages even though the ones I spoke to couldn’t name a profitable sale they actually made from a client finding them there. Yet, even in the local phone book here in North Carolina, there are three, giant (well, as giant as Yellow Pages ads go with 2, 4 and 6 point type) ads from HomeAV dealers who all, collectively, agreed that they don’t see a benefit from it. Where’s the ROI?
So, why do they do it?
Well interestingly enough, all three gave the same response: they had to use their co-op funds for something.
I’ve got an idea that I hope you will agree might be a better use of co-op funds. Use it for Education. I can’t imagine a single manufacturer refusing to let you do that – and if they do, write me, I’ll call them myself and harass them about it (and write about it). It’s a much better use of these sorts of funds as the long-term payback is huge!
Are your favorite manufacturers doing this? If not, ask them to. CEDIA, InfoComm, CEA, NSCA and many of the other industry associations and third-party independent educational providers have educational programs that are not only financed via manufacturers dollars, but they also contribute both scholarships and allow their dealers to use Co-op funds to attend them.
But, don’t stop there, take the next step and develop your own, in-house educational program and use co-op funds and manufacturer’s rebates to support them. I assure you they will have a measurable ROI that you can’t deny. Back to Top Click above for more information CEDIA EXPO 2009 September 9-13 (Pre-conference activities begin September 8)
Tradeshow Floor Open: September 10-13
Atlanta, GA – Georgia World Congress Center
When the market is booming, CEDIA EXPO and CEDIA University provide the best possible insight into technical and business practices, new technologies, and ways to make your company and/or career grow. That being said, it is during the most challenging times that CEDIA membership becomes even more important. The keys to success, and even survival, are found in jobsite efficiency, diversity of product and service offerings, creative marketing, and successful relationships with other stakeholders such as architects and interior designers.
CEDIA provides its members with valuable tools that help to guide them in various areas key to their success. EXPO is a great opportunity to take advantage of the many offerings CEDIA provides that can directly translate into a more lean operation and a measurable bottom line. Attend CEDIA EXPO 2009 and make your company strong enough to prosper in any economy.
Visit www.cedia.org/expo for the latest news and to request your free information. Registration opens Monday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific).
Back to Top CEDIA's Electronic Systems Technician Boot Camp Now Available on East Coast in Addition to Indianapolis Offerings April 29 – May 1, 2009
Digital Sales Group/david, LLC – Westbury, NY
CEDIA, in partnership with david, LLC and Digital Sales Group NY, is offering the popular Electronic Systems Technician (EST) Basic Residential Boot Camp in the new Westbury, NY training facility April 29 through May 1. This comprehensive three-day session is ideal for technicians with one year or less of experience in the residential electronic systems industry. Participants will experience the same quality training at the New York facility that they would at CEDIA’s Training Facility in Indianapolis. This event marks the first time since 2002 that electronic systems professionals will be able to experience CEDIA’s EST Basic Residential Boot Camp away from the Indianapolis facility.
Additional CEDIA events to be offered at the Westbury, NY training facility this Spring and Summer include an Electronic Systems Business (ESB) Night Class Package, which is each Wednesday night for five weeks, and the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) certification review and exam.
EST Residential Boot Camps are also still available at the CEDIA’s Indianapolis Training Facility. Basic Boot Camps are scheduled in Indianapolis April 21 through April 23, 2009 and May 18 through May 20 as well. May’s Basic Boot Camp will be followed by Advanced Boot Camp May 21 through May 23, 2009. Both of CEDIA’s popular Basic and Advanced Residential Boot Camps are half price through June at the Indianapolis Training Facility only. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your skills as a technician at a reduced rate. For more information on CEDIA University events and dates, please visit www.cedia.org.
Back to Top Where's Your CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles® Award? Now is the time for your company to receive the recognition that it deserves. CEDIA's Designer Awards, Electronic Systems Contractor & Electronic Systems Technician of the Year Awards, and CEDIA’s Manufacturers’ Excellence Awards are great ways to enhance your company's image, reward hardworking employees, and stand out amongst your peers!
Entering awards online has been made convenient and easy. You can begin your entry at any time, save your information, and continue your entry form at a later date. The guidelines and entry forms are posted online at www.cedia.org/awards.
Award Deadlines:
Designer Awards – Friday, May 1, at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Manufacturers’ Excellence Awards – Friday, May 8, at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific)
ESC & EST of the Year – Friday, June 5, at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific)
If you have any questions about the CEDIA Awards Program, email awards@cedia.org.
Reserve your Fall 2009 Dealer Listing in Electronic Lifestyles® magazine today.
Want to reach a wide audience and promote your company across the US? Contact Katey Schenk at kschenk@cedia.org or (800) 669-5329 to place your Fall 2009 Electronic Lifestyles® magazine dealer listing. The deadline for dealer listing forms is July 20, 2009. Visit www.cedia.org/elmag for more details and to download the media kit.
Back to Top Click above for more information Hitachi Admits Price Fixing — Pays $31 Million Fine According to USA Today, Hitachi has pleaded guilt to price fixing and has agreed to a $31 million penalty. Most of the Hitachi LCDs were sold to Dell Computer and didn’t directly affect consumer prices, but following Sharp, LG and Chunghwa Picture Tubes plea agreements in 2008, Hitachi agreed to settle out of court, too.
The USA Today story can be found here: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-03-10-lcd-price-fixing_N.htm?csp=usat.me
Back to Top Global Open Standard for RF Control Proposed ZigBee Alliance and the RF4CE Consortium (founded by Panasonic, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung, and Sony) will deliver a standardized specification for radio frequency-based (RF) remote controls.
RF remotes are faster, more reliable and provide more freedom to operate devices from greater distances removing the line-of-sight barrier of today’s infrared (IR) remotes. With this agreement, effective today, the ZigBee Alliance will move into the broad consumer products arena as part of its long-term integration and growth plans. To read more, go to: http://www.zigbee.org/
Back to Top CEDIA AND CEA Standards Committee Creates Home Theater Standards Document The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® and the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA)’s R10 Residential Systems committee announced it has approved CEA/CEDIA-CEB22: Home Theater Recommended Practice: Audio Design Bulletin. This new guide provides a baseline for the design and installation of residential spaces to be used for high-performance home theater or multi-channel music playback. While the focus of these two applications is home theater audio design, many of the practices are applicable to multi-purpose, two-channel and other acoustic spaces. Following this bulletin will allow Electronic Systems Contractors (ESCs) to deliver full performance for the equipment and the room allowing consumers to enjoy the best possible listening experience.
“CEB 22 is a model recommended practice enabling ESCs to design a home theater for maximum performance. This document is the first in a series of bulletins regarding high-performance home theater design,” said Dave Pedigo, CEDIA senior director of technology. “The creation of these documents will ultimately foster better theater design throughout the industry while easing the burden of ESCs to prepare for certification exams.”
To get it, go to: http://www.ce.org/standards/1401.asp
Back to Top InfoComm 2009 Registration OPEN There’s a trend of HomeAV Integration firms getting into the ProAV market a bit – especially with Digital Signage Apps (i.e., doctor’s offices, dentist waiting rooms, etc.). In just a few minutes, you could be registered to attend the largest and most comprehensive ProAV event in the world! To register, go to http://www.infocommshow.org click on the Register Now button in the top right corner and follow the instructions — it's quick and easy! And, be sure to enter VIP Code MZAN3 when registering online for your chance to win $500 in cash! Good economy or bad economy, you NEED to attend InfoComm. Make plans now to join your peers and colleagues this June and discover why InfoComm is the premier event for the AV industry. You can't afford to miss this opportunity to see the latest advances in the industry, all in one short week. For more information, visit http://www.infocommshow.org.
Back to Top ONKYO Debuts World's First Receiver with New Dolby ProLogic IIz Standard, Plus Two More Receivers As the first installment of its 2009 product line-up, Onkyo has introduced three new home theater receivers, including the world's first to offer Dolby's new ProLogic IIz processing – which can produce sound effects above the listener's head. These models, which range in price from $299 to $599, also include processing from Dolby, DTS, Audyssey and Faroudja. The TX-SR607 features six HDMI inputs, and is the first AV receiver we’ve seen with a front-panel HDMI input.
With the debut of the new TX-SR607 receiver, Onkyo says they have the distinction of becoming the world's first manufacturer to launch a 7.2-channel home cinema receiver featuring the all-new Dolby Pro-Logic IIz mode. DPL IIz introduces a vertical aspect to the sound field through the addition of left and right-channel front height speakers mounted above the main speakers. Based on the initial positive reactions to demonstrations of this technology to dealers, Onkyo anticipates good demand for expanded height channel capabilities in future models.
These new models are well equipped for all types of HD audio and video source components, with HDMI repeaters plus Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio processing in the TX-SR607 and TX-SR507. The entry-level TX-SR307 has HDMI pass-through switching on three inputs, while all three models support 1080p, Deep Color, and x.v.Color. The Onkyo TX-SR607 and TX-SR507 are the first to use the company's new proprietary rear-panel universal port, which simplifies the connection for Onkyo’s forthcoming HD Radio Tuner and iPod Dock that will be available in late spring. The 5.1-channel TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 have 65- and 80-watts per channel amplifiers respectively, while the 7.2-channel TX-SR607 is rated at 90 watts per channel, has dual subwoofer line-outputs, upconverts all analog sources to HDMI via Faroujda DCDi technology, and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready.
The Onkyo TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 will be available in March, and the TX-SR607 in April with suggested retail prices of $299, $399, and $599 respectively.
To read more, go to: http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/txsr3-607.html
Back to Top EXTRON Ships CVC 300 — Component Video to RGB Extron has announced availability of the CVC 300, a new universal, high definition component video to RGB converter. It accepts all standard definition and high definition analog component video formats, from 480i and 576i to HDTV 1080p/60 and 1920×1200, and transcodes the incoming component video signal for output as RGBHV or RGBS. The CVC 300 is ideal for use in applications that require the integration of devices with component video output, such as DVD players, DTV tuners and DVRs, or game consoles, into RGB-based A/V system designs.
The CVC 300 supports interlaced or progressive scan video with bi-level or tri-level sync, detecting and maintaining the relative timing of sync signals during the component video to RGB conversion process. It also accepts RGB signals for sync conversion to RGBHV or RGBS.
To read all the specs of the CVC 300, go to: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=cvc300
Back to Top Chief Releases In-Wall Power Extension Chief Manufacturing has announced the release of the new PB1 In-Wall Power Extension System, shipping in April 2009. The company says the PB1 is a sleek solution for getting power where you need it, while managing cables and keeping them out of sight. For a clean installation, simply route cables in the wall from behind the flat panel display down to the floor level. Features include:
• Remote connection to outlet or power conditioner
• Power routing via 14 gage Romex wiring (not included)
• Integrated cable ports for low voltage wiring inside the wall
• Available in four colors (black, white, almond, ivory)
Want more information? Go to: http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?AccessoryID=1070
Back to Top Want ORIGINAL Theater Seats from a 1930's Theater? Eagle Lodge in Hillsborough, NC has been disassembled and is being rebuilt – but with new seats. They are selling their old seats (we’ve included a picture of them here). They are wood with leather cushions — not in perfect condition, but they are original!
If you’re interested, contact: Speed Hallman at speed_hallman@unc.edu
Back to Top Chief Debuts New MountBuilder Online Configuration Tool Chief Manufacturing, the industry leader in projector, monitor and flat panel TV mounting solutions has released the latest version of MountBuilder. rAVe took the time to test-drive it this week and we were blown away with both its simplicity and power. But, one specific feature you going to love is called “Spec Packet.”
MountBuilder can now assemble a "Spec Packet" containing all related, downloadable files for the parts in the configuration. Users can preview and select which files they would like to have included – such as product manuals, technical drawings, brochures, catalog pages, CAD drawings and more – and MountBuilder will automatically gather the files together and compress them into one, convenient .ZIP file archive for download. Now users have easy, one-click access to all available documentation and collateral for the parts in their configurations.
And, MountBuilder users can now share their configurations with other people by accessing the new 'Share Configuration' button on the final menu. This new feature saves a custom part configuration as a web link that users can easily email to friends or colleagues, or post to their website. When users click on the link, the fully assembled configuration appears in their browser, along with the pre-built parts list.
Check it out yourself at: http://www.chiefmfg.com/mountbuilder/
Or, watch this unique product tutorial video: http://webimages.chiefmfg.com/videos/MBintro.html
Back to Top D-Tools Launches Version SI5.5 The latest version of D-Tools award-winning System Integrator software, SI5.5, is now available. This significant upgrade focuses on adding to D-Tools’ powerful project management capabilities with detailed project scheduling, resource and task management tools, and client and contact management.
D-Tools System Integrator is currently used by over 2,500 companies to streamline the design, estimation, and documentation processes associated with the installation and integration of low voltage systems.
Adam Stone, President and Founder of D-Tools, says "The software continues to evolve as we add functionality that our customers have told us are extremely important to their project workflow, and in this economy it is more important than ever to gain better control of project time and costs. We feel that this is one of the most significant product releases in the company's history, and we expect that these new features will deliver outstanding value to our customers."
D-Tools System Integrator 5.5 enables systems integrators and custom installation professionals to create detailed projects managed with automated proposals, scheduling, pick lists, purchase orders, drawings and additional documents that streamline the integration of audio and video products.
By using a single, shared, data-driven project file, system integrators and custom installers can better communicate all project details amongst team members, clients, and other trades. Users can download free product information from D-Tools’ comprehensive database of tens of thousands of products and their accessories, giving them the distinct advantage of designing systems using the most current product information, while saving hours of product research time.
To read more, go to: http://www.d-tools.com/DToolsHome/D-Tools/Partners/TDC.html
Back to Top SANYO Shows Totally New HD Projector The new PDG-DHT100L is SANYO’s high-end DLP-based bright HD projector, at 6500 specified ANSI lumens and a 1920×1080 native resolution. Although this projector is aimed at the large meeting room market (i.e., auditoriums or churches) it’s actually perfect for high-end home cinema applications as it’s spec’d at 7500:1 contrast ratio. As this projector is likely to be mounted, one nice feature — that all high-end projector manufacturers are moving towards — is the addition of an active maintenance filter that cleans itself. It’s Ethernet-ready, is available with interchangeable lenses and ships immediately.
The PDG-DHT100L has a twin color wheel system that offers increased color reproduction and light output efficiency, and comes with two different user-changeable color wheels that are optimized for either high brightness or rich color reproduction. The projector ships with the color wheel that is optimized for higher brightness. A second color wheel that is optimized for rich color reproduction is included in the package. Either of these color wheels can be easily changed for intended applications by users. Also, a built-in Color Matching function corrects variations in color reproduction when using more than one projector for edge blending applications.
Finally, the most unique feature for this $22,000 projector is the picture-by-picture capabilities – in addition to picture-in-a-picture. This allows for two sources (for example, a 720p HD source and a Nintendo Wii) to be connected and viewed simultaneously on the same projected image – a feature that’s historically only been available in the $40-50K range.
See the entire product details at: http://us.sanyo.com/News/SANYO-Introduces-High-Brightness-True-HD-DLP-projector-with-Picture-by-Picture-Capability
Back to Top First Pico Projector with Onboard Memory Released Forget about its weight (6 oz.) and 640×480-pixel resolution — the real news is that the P1 pico projector from AAXA Technologies offers 1 GB of memory, a microSD slot and an onboard media player. This means the P1 can decode most media formats and play them straight from the projector. Additional features include a built-in speaker, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. The battery lasts 45 to 60 minutes, depending on use.
You can also buy a $15 AAXA P1 iPod A/V cable so you can adapt audio and video files to an Apple iPhone, iPod and iTouch.
You can see it for yourself at: http://www.aaxatech.com/
Back to Top Crestron Launches iPhone App: CrestronMobile Now available as a free download from the iTunes App Store, Crestron Mobile for iPhone keeps you Crestron-connected, wherever you are. An intuitive graphical interface enables seamless control and management of climate, lighting, shades and security systems. View room and device status and adjust control features in a primary residence, vacation home, and office in real time, communicating via the 3G or Edge cellular network (or Wi-Fi, where available). Crestron Mobile on the iPhone talks directly to the home control system without any third-party software or external servers. (A control module is required for communication, and must be uploaded to the Crestron control system the by an authorized dealer.) Any updates or changes to the control program are automatically sent to the iPhone when the app is launched, and new locations are easily added by opening the "Connections" page on the iPhone. Crestron Mobile is compatible with the original iPhone, iPhone 3G and the iPod touch. For the installer, Crestron Mobile for iPhone is fully integrated with Crestron programming software including SystemBuilder, VT Pro-e and SIMPL. The app appears as a symbol in the Crestron data library, which can be dragged and dropped into the control program and uploaded to a Crestron 2-Series control system. Custom GUI designs and program settings are implemented exactly the same as any other control module at no cost.
For more information about Crestron Mobile for iPhone™, go to http://www.crestron.com
Back to Top HomeLogic Shows their iPhone App HomeLogic this week launched HomeLogic Mobile Control, a fairly feature-rich new Apple iPhone and iPod touch application for instant-on, whole-house control. As part of the launch, the company also created a fully functioning free, networked demo for live nation-wide user interaction.
The HomeLogic Mobile Control application turns any iPhone or iPod touch into what they are calling a “house-in-a-pocket” wireless controller offering unlimited access and control to every automated system in the home from anywhere in the world. Out-of-the-box, and the company says with no programming or adjustments needed for standard features, the application can immediately interface with any existing HomeLogic control system for monitoring and managing security, cameras, climate, lighting, multi-room audio / video, and pool and spa settings. The application works with either the EDGE or 3G networks, giving the iPhone flexibility in the cellular mode with both battery life and processing power. The combination includes fast response with low power overhead for basic control functions and a major boost of speed through 3G when needed for video applications like checking the NannyCam or viewing potential security intrusions.
For iPhone users who own a HomeLogic system, the installed Mobile Controller software recognizes the user’s home system out-of-the-box. For those who do not yet own a HomeLogic Whole House system, HomeLogic is hosting a fully operational demo system that users can easily log into to see the capability of the software firsthand and in real-time. The demo allows users to control real working cameras, temperature, alarms and an entertainment system.
For complete information on downloads, installation and customizations, users can go to http://www.homelogic.com/iphone/getting_started.html
Back to Top RocketGui Announces iPhone App for Both Crestron and AMX — In One App OK, I promise this is the last iPhone App for this issue! But, RocketGui, known for their programming services for Systems Integrators, has launched an iPhone App that controls BOTH Crestron and AMX systems from the same App. Not much else to say other than that.
To see it, go to: http://www.rocketgui.com/
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 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 2009 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 376 – 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. |