The Apple iPad WILL Impact the HomeAV Market!
By Gary Kayye, CTS Since THE DAY that Apple launched the iPad, I’ve received at least a handful of emails every day asking my opinion on the iPad and its potential impact on the control system segment of our market – most specifically, the touch panel segment of the control market.
Let’s get this out of the way: I’m a HUGE Apple fan. I think that they have humiliated, embarrassed and just plan kicked butt over Microsoft over the past half-dozen years. But, I am also a realist – although I CLEARLY see the iPad’s future and where it will fit into both the HomeAV and even the ProAV space, I am going to put this review of it in perspective. Likewise, I have to say this: don’t worry about any other future tablet-like device having much of an effect in AV as the Windows-based products out there now and coming out this Spring are a pack of losers.
So, let’s think logically here. It’s easy to throw out an “it’s a game changer” statement that just about every member of the press in our market has used to talk about unique technology over the past three years. Or, I could make the claim that Crestron and AMX better get ready for a huge impact on their businesses. But, to do either is doing a disservice to the integrators and systems designers who read rAVe as well as those specific manufacturers.
Why?
Well, first of all, although it may be a “game-changer” in many ways, it won’t happen as instantly as a truly game-changing product (think iPod) has. In addition, although it would be EASY to develop an App that would, literally, replace just about every desktop touch panel use of AMX and Crestron panels (in fact, Crestron already launched their iPad App last week – although, truth be told, it looks IDENTICAL to their iPhone App blown up to iPad size) it’s not going to be an overnight sensation. You guys out there are just plain slow to adopt new stuff.
And, take a look at all the unique iterations of touch panels in our market and the many form factors they have taken. We have plain old touch panels, but in many cases, we’re using touch panels with buttons surrounding them to act as Macro functions or commonly used guide buttons. And, we clearly don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to user-interfaces in our market – look at the plethora of touch screen sizes, colors and options out there now! So, simply adding a control App to the iPad will not create explosive growth of the iPad into the AV market on its own. A lot of other things have to line up just right for this to happen – not to mention the amazingly slow adoption rate of new technologies in the HomeAV market by you, the integrators of AV technology. Oops, I mentioned it, twice!
All that said, I do see a wave of change on the horizon of control. We’ve already seen a dynamic shift in control integration thanks to simplified/packaged control options like Extron’s TouchLink and MediaLink lines, Logitech’s loved and hated Harmony Series and Crestron’s new ADMS stuff.
So when it comes, don’t stand by and NOT look at the opportunity a product like the iPad will present. There will be Apps that WILL offer opportunities for control of homes that make sense. You WILL see them from AMX, Crestron, Control4, Logitech (eventually), Extron and even Apple may even make them too! Don’t shun this opportunity to further simplify our already over-complicated market… Back to Top |
Cash for Clunkers: AV Style
By Linda Seid Frembes
rAVe Columnist First there was the hubbub about Cash for Clunkers where people could get up to $4,500 on a used car if they bought one with better gas mileage. Now there’s talk of Cash for Caulkers – tax breaks for people who replace old furnaces and appliances for more energy efficiency ones. So what about old AV? We all have some. And if you’re an integrator, you probably have much more than most people.
So now that your piles of gear are collecting dust, is there a way to maximize any return on it? The short answer is: Yes! I spoke with Bob Buchanan, president of AVForSale, a firm in Atlanta that offers turnkey solutions for inventory management. In other words, they help companies sell their old AV.
Bob and his crew have roots dating back a decade ago while working for Caribiner International. He transitioned to his own firm when the company needed to liquidate an 85,000 square foot warehouse full of used AV gear. He had one year to clear out the warehouse and hopefully provide some return on investment. “eBay was young at the time but we tried it anyway. The amount of success was amazing,” he says.
Eventually the business grew via word of mouth and they began picking up more customers. Today, AVForSale has 400+ suppliers who are system integrators or rental & staging companies. “Historically, most system integrators don’t do a great job managing their inventory. They may need 10 projectors for a job but buy 12 for the price break. And overages on an install aren’t realized until months after when, at that point, the manufacturer doesn’t want it back. Also, there are always leftover items like cables and other accessories,” he explains. “That leftover gear is piled on a pallet with the thought it will be used for another project, but that never happens.”
The rental and staging gear comes from two different uses. The first group is from the hotel market where cosmetic issues abound. The other is rental & staging equipment that is taken on location and back, and see much more use and abuse than used hotel AV.
Smaller companies often ask for valuations whereas larger suppliers just want to get rid of the stuff and get something (anything!) back for it. “We try to manage expectations. In the current economy, used gear is selling at 25-30 percent less than before. The street determines the price, and there are fewer people looking right now,” he adds.
Total cost to the supplier is 35 percent of the sale price, which represents the cut taken by eBay and by AVForSale. Ninety percent of what AVForSale sells is listed on eBay. And for those who say “Well, I can list it myself,” Bob says, “We’ll get more money for your gear because of our reputation and the 1.4 million hits on our eBay store every month. We also understand that you can’t just copy and paste the manufacturer’s specs. We try to create context by explaining what comes in a full system versus what you are getting from us.”
They also have automations built-in when receiving products, making the process very efficient. It enables them to move several thousand items a month. How small is too small? AVForSale will sell one projector but it has to be worth it to the supplier since that’s who pays the shipping cost to get it to Atlanta.
So here’s a quickie list if you want to get started cleaning out your warehouse or your basement of old gear and put some money back in your pocket. Before any gear brokers/used AV resellers start typing the “Hey, I can’t believe you didn’t include us on this list!” email, please note that this isn’t mean to be a complete list. It’s meant to show a smattering of places where people can buy used gear. There are many others. It’s called Google. Use it.
Now, go forth and sell!
Linda Seid Frembes is a rAVe columnist who covers AV technology, installs, market trends and industry news. Linda has worked with high profile AV manufacturers, trade organization, systems integrators, rep firms and dealer/distributors in the industry including John Lyons Systems, Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW), Northern Sound & Light (NSL), and InfoComm International, among others. Reach her at linda@ravepubs.com
Back to Top Olympics' TV Goes 3D
By Steve Sechrist
Sr. Editor/Sr. Analyst, Insight Media Since the 1939 Olympics in Hitler’s Berlin, the worldwide event is a natural draw for new broadcast technology transition. And, like color TV and the more recent HDTV that followed some 40 years later, technology transition for the broadcast industry is often slow in coming, due in part to the expense of ramping up the required new infrastructure. Then there’s that pesky issue of content, broadcast standards and QC (Quality Control) to deal with — not to mention getting the new TV sets into the homes of consumers. Still, 3D broadcast from the unlikely Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia (chosen site for the 2014 Winter Games) is a safe bet, given the 4-year Olympic cycle and the fact that part of these ongoing 2010 games are already showing up in limited 3D feeds both locally in Vancouver, BC and elsewhere. Case in point, Panasonic, probably one of the strongest corporate proponents of the new display technology, opened its Olympic 3D Pavilion in Vancouver BC on the same day as the Opening Ceremony. The 3D venue features Panny’s giant 103-inch 3D plasma behemoth with 1080p images for each eye (120fps.) The company said that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will produce the 3D video highlights to be shown in the Panny pavilion. Visitors will see the latest in 3D products from the company, including a 50-inch 1080p plasma set with a home-theater system and 3D-ready Blu-ray Disc players-all in an effort to move the mindset of consumers toward the new standard in broadcast television. Panasonic’s USA CTO Eisuke Tsuyuzaki summed it up this way: "We’ve successfully moved from black and white, to color, to high-definition television. But immersive, totally realistic 3D imagery has been the final frontier [and] with Panasonic’s new line of Full HD 3D products, which will be launched in North America this Spring, we will conquer that as well." The company is the official A/V sponsor of the Games, and for that honor, Panasonic’s DVCPRO HD recording format is the "official" video format for this Olympics. Panasonic will also contribute video-production and broadcast equipment for the event. Want more? OK, try going to this Olympics in 3D web site. It offers a look down (Google Earth-like) view of the event on your PC (or streaming TV) and gives you full control of your 3D experience, plus the latest Olympic news, Twitter feeds and more — all in 3D! Interestingly, as if to demonstrate the speed of new technology adoption, the 2010 Olympics is the first ever to deliver all video feeds in HD, according to Panasonic. And if our prediction is correct and 3D video broadcast dominates in 2014, that "all HD" video feed distinction will have lasted just one 4-year cycle. We’ll see. Steve Sechrist, a senior editor and analyst at Insight Media, is a 13-year display veteran with experience in business development strategy, competitive market analysis, and technology writing. He is responsible for the editorial management of Insight Media's Large Display Report and Mobile Display Report. Contact him at steve@insightmedia.info Back to Top Is Your Business Breaking into the Retrofit Market? The retrofit market is expanding exponentially; new technologies are making it easier than ever to utilize the existing home infrastructure. Add in the current economic climate and it is easy to see why the retrofit market is gaining popularity among homeowners and ESCs alike. Many professionals in the electronic systems industry are adding retrofit services.
CEDIA can help you learn the best practices in retrofitting with the February 25 Power Hour webinar “Using a Home’s Existing Wiring for Retrofit Installations” available at 12:00 p.m. EST. Discuss and learn about high-quality retrofit installations using existing coaxial cable and Romex within the home.
Adapting to the retrofit market may sound intimidating, but it does not have to be with guidance and education from CEDIA. Offering these services can open a new revenue stream.
Professionals in the design and build industry can also gain valuable knowledge of the retrofit market by attending “Making Home Technology profitable in a Retrofit Market” on February 24 at 12:00 p.m. EST. This webinar will be presented jointly with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and will introduce the various applications home technology has in retrofit projects.
Plus, as an added bonus, both of these Power Hour webinars are being offered free of charge. Take the opportunity to explore this emerging trend.
To learn more about Power Hour webinars or to register visit www.cedia.org/powerhour/.
If you are interested in learning more about emerging trends in the industry, visit CEDIA Crosspoint. At CEDIA Crosspoint you can read blogs, participate in forums, and join private discussions with manufacturers. Join the conversation at www.cediacrosspoint.com/. Back to Top Upcoming Power Hour Webinars Making Home Technology Profitable in a Retrofit Market
February 24 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Free to All!
CEU Value: 0.5
Using a Home's Existing Wiring for Retrofit Installations
February 25 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Free to All!
CEU Value: 0.5
Growing Sustainable Business Practices
March 2 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Free to CEDIA members!
CEU Value: 0.5
Offering and Conducting Energy Audits
March 11 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Free to All!
CEU Value: 0.5
Back to Top It's Not Too Late to Register for CEDIA Management Conference 2010 Management Conference will be held March 3-6 in New Orleans, LA and will focus on people, strategy, execution and profit, the four key decisions that all growth companies must get right.
Visit www.cedia.org/mc for additional information on courses and other offerings at CEDIA Management Conference 2010 or to register for the event.
To download the rAVe subscriber discount coupon visit www.cedia.org/pdf/MC_Sponsor_rAVe.pdf. Back to Top Join rAVe on Facebook and Twitter | | | | | |
Are you?
Become a fan of rAVe [Publications] on Facebook or follow our rAVe Twitter feed to stay on the cutting edge of news in the AV industry. | | |
| | | | |
Back to Top Philips Pronto Interfaces with Sonos Sonos is a popular multi-room audio system, and yet historically, a closed system when it comes to control. Now Pronto will interface with Sonos to enable all imported Sonos functions via Pronto controls, including their two hand-held controls (TSU9300 and TSU9400) for home theater control, and two tablet style panels (TSU9600 and TSU9800) for total home control.
The series features Pronto's flush mounted display which allows these control panels to fit in with any home design. The user interface on each remote is fully customizable to align with the end user's preferences, and the flush mounted display means that the screen is not recessed, but instead flows smoothly with the casing.
The four remotes all feature wireless control, and the TSU9800 offers wired network connectivity.
For more information about the Sonos interface, go to: http://www.pronto.philips.com/ Back to Top 2010 Meets 1970 with the Stingray iTube – A Tube-Based Amp with an iPod Dock Manley’s newest addition is a throwback-looking amp (totally tube based), but it incorporates an iPod dock inside the front of it. Dubbed the Stingray iTube, it’s identical to the Stingray, originally launched in 1997 –but adds the iPod dock right out front. The iPod is integrated into the Stingray iTube as the 4th input source. The Manley iTube has been certified by Apple and Manley is making a big deal of their “officially sanctioned as a Made for iPod product.”
It’s very cool looking and specs are impressive: http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/stingrayitube.html Back to Top Artcoustic Launches New Line of Home Cinema Speakers Artcoustic has introduced a new speaker designed for what they say is professional studio and high-end home cinema applications. The new speaker, the Spitfire 4-2-1, claims to have reference pressure levels with a maximum output of 122 dB in a form factor that is less 7.5” deep. Each loudspeaker is sold with the Artcoustic PA-1800 power amp, which when tri-amped supposedly delivers 1800W per speaker (Artcoustive told rAVe that the 4-2-1 can actually be bi-amped, too).
The Spitfire 4-2-1 will list for $4460 (includes both the speaker and the AMP and you can get all the specs at: http://www.artcoustic.com/products.aspx Back to Top Waterfall Audio Shows Glass Speaker If nothing else, it looks cool. The new Niagara is defiantly a glass tower with a speaker mounted inside it – specified to have a frequency range of 1500Hz to 28,000Hz (literally, that’s how they wrote it) and can drive as much as 500 watts. Weighing in at 176 pounds, this is not your average speaker.
Learn more at: http://www.waterfallaudio.com/ Back to Top Denon Launches Blu-ray Receiver Combining a Bu-ray disc player and an AV receiver, Denon launched the S-5BD – a 5.1 receiver (no amp spec yet) that includes Dolby TruHD, DTS-HD Master Audio processing, an SD memory slot and a USB port for iPod connection (or any USB music player). Listing for just under $1800, the S-5BD is networkable and includes support for the nearly completely ignored BD-Live feature in Blu-ray players.
You can see all the specs at: http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5210.asp Back to Top Sonance Ships iPod/iPhone Dock – Makes it a Media Server This is a cool product from Sonance. The FS 23 is a wall-mount or desktop docking station for the iPod or iPhone that truly allows it to be a media server. Although limited in resolution by the output res of the iPod or iPhone, it does have on-screen navigation (you use a supplied remote and navigate via your TV or projector) that’s similar to the iPod and let’s you play music, TV shows and Movies from your iPod or iPhone. Connect the dock to your computer and you can even download iTunes content to the iPod or iPhone from the on-screen menu. Think of this as an alternative to an AppleTV – but with a lot less resolution. But, if your content is on an iPod or iPhone, especially music, it’s perfect.
Sonance also offers an optional wall plate-based amplifier for the system to drive it up to 300 feet via Cat5e wire (component, digital audio and analog audio as well as control).
To learn more, go to: http://www.iportmusic.com/products/product2.php?series_type=free-standing&product_name=FS-23 Back to Top Kordz Takes on Monster Although you haven’t heard of them, tiny Kordz, an Australian-based HDMI Wire marketer, they aim to take on Monster Cable with their launch into the US market this week. They claim they fill a niche between low-end home theater cables and high-end (what they call “high-end priced”) cables with a line of mid-range priced wire. Hmm, sounds very familiar…
You can check them out at: http://www.kordz.com/ Back to Top Sony Releases Blu-ray Remote for the iPhone – It's an App Designed by Sonoran, Sony’s Blu-ray disc player iPhone App is designed for all current and future generation Blu-ray players from Sony (including the PS3). It’s a typical touch screen as it has both a fully-functional (translation: way, way too many buttons) remote OR you can use it multi-touch and swipe style like the iPhone or iPod Touch. But, what’s really cool is it streams back at the iPhone/iPod Touch the disc’s information, including image, location, actor bios, time code, etc. You can also use it to jump to the beginning of a disc whenever you see the “LOADING…” and it seems to want to stay there as well as skip all the Blu-ray crap commercials you don’t want to watch!
It’s free and you can get it here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bd-remote/id346527109?mt=8 Back to Top Crestron Launches iPad App Last week, Crestron announced an App that transforms the Apple iPad into a full Crestron touch panel. A tap on the Apple tablet screen provides real-time control of Crestron control systems, lighting, shades, room temperatures and more, from any location (it literally looks identical to their iPhone App blown up to iPad screen size). Just like the iPhone and iPod touch Crestron App, the iPad communicates with a Crestron control system via the 3G, 3GS or EDGE cellular networks or Wi-Fi.
You cannot download it, yet, as the iPad doesn’t ship until late March or early April. 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 2010 – 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. |