Volume 4, Issue 4 – February 27, 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welcome to this edition of rAVe Home! The first news item, a study by Harris Interactive, is quite revealing. If you believe it, then a huge number of consumers are ready for media center-type technology. The challenge for you is letting them know you're there and ready to work, because the study also indicates there is still plenty of confusion as to how to set these things up. The timing couldn't be better for the integrator to move in on these opportunities. Speaking of opportunities, how many are you losing to structured cabling companies? Check out my editorial in today's issue and see what I mean. Enjoy the issue! Why AV Integrators Should Do Structured Cabling By Gary Kayye, CTS There's been a lot of talk lately about wireless technology. One hundred percent adoption of wireless networking, wireless projection, wireless telephony and even wireless videoconferencing is all right around the corner, right? Well, not quite. So, the point is, wireless is appealing, but totally wireless is unrealistic. But, that's really not my real point. During the construction process of the typical space, the first low-voltage integration firm on a job site is the structured cabling company. As soon as the electrician starts his or her work, the structured cabling integration firm is onsite to wire up everything from the alarm system to the network. Many times they are specified by the architect and contracted directly by the GC (general contractor) to perform their craft of pulling all sorts of color-coded cabling in and around the building from floor to floor, all the while following the NEC (National Electrical Code) for low-voltage wiring. Let's suppose for a moment that that same structured cabling firm also offered VTC services or was a full-service audiovisual integration firm. And, the current job requires cabling throughout multiple dwellings. Enter AVX. Let's assume that AVX is the region's leading AV integration firm, providing all sorts of AV services. The company, of course, wants to and expects to be able to bid on those units. So, AVX contacts the GC and asks for the opportunity. Who do you think will win the job? The firm that's already on the job wiring up everything the GC asks on his terms and schedule or AVX, the outsider? This, in my opinion, is a big deal. Back in the so-called good old days, there were AV guys, PC guys, telephone guys and electrical guys. Not anymore. The internet, 1-800 call centers, Dell computer and companies such as CDW have changed the landscape and the reality of the AV world. Everyone can, and does, do almost all of it. Now, not only can you order projectors, but you can order entire AV systems off the internet as well. And, not bad ones either. But, the internet can't install cable. And, there aren't too many internet-based structured wiring companies. The fact is that the landscape of the AV world has changed. And the survivors have or will evolve. For example, the acquisition of Texel Corporation by Maryland-based SPL Integrated Solutions last year was a coup and a look into the AV integrator of the future: the true full-service firm (emphasis on service). Everyone's looking for the next big thing, including the IT companies. They are looking for the "service edge" just like everyone else is. They see the opportunity to transform themselves into full-service, low-voltage providers, not to mention that AV cabling is a lot more profitable than IT cabling. And, they're getting aggressive with it, too. More IT companies than ever before attended InfoComm 2006; heck, all the major trade show companies (InfoComm, NSCA, CES, CEDIA, et. al.) are rolling out the red carpet for them. What's your plan? Do you even have one? I realize this is probably the wrong time to be pondering this issue; heck, we're all so busting at the seams with all sorts of new business that we can barely keep up with the customers. But, look how fast things turned ugly in the early part of this decade….It can happen again. Consider the consequences this time around. Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications. Founded in 1955, Sound & Communications is the premiere magazine for AV systems integrators, contractors and consultants. To subscribe or read sample articles, go to http://www.soundandcommunications.com. Thanks to our sponsor D-Tools, worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate system design software. System Integration just got easier! Seeing is Believing … As excitement builds, the 2007 Electronic Lifestyles EXPO is only a few month away — April 18-21 (Tradeshow 20-21), at the Sands EXPO & Convention Center and Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. With registration in full swing — be sure to take advantage of the early bird special package rates:
Download the 2007 Electronic Lifestyles EXPO registration brochure. Dedicated to bridging the gap, mark your calendars now for CEDIA's 2007 Electronic Lifestyles® EXPO. This one-of-a-kind show is tailor-made to provide information on the most up-to-date, cutting-edge technological developments. Early bird registration ends Monday, March 12 — Register today and save! CEDIA Represents in a Big Way! CEDIA volunteers delivered education to approximately 400 convention attendees covering the profitability of home theaters and the "top ten" technology trends, and CEDIA participated in a panel discussion on structured wiring. CEDIA was also represented on the tradeshow floor in two locations. The collaborative efforts of CEDIA and NAHB were also evident by the recognition and acknowledgement of projects, initiatives, and partnerships underway between the two organizations. For more information contact CEDIA's Industry Outreach department at (800) 669-5329. March 2007 Events
For a complete list of CEDIA events please visit www.cedia.org/calendar
Click above for more information
Consumers Ready for Media Centers: Harris Interactive But consumers are still stumped when it comes to setup, security and interoperability, according to the report. And that's where smart CEDIA marketers could come in: it will just take some creativity to figure out how to reach that segment. For more information, go to http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1177 XM, Sirius to Merge Assuming it passes the antitrust sniff test, XM and Sirius plan to merge their satellite radio companies. This could only mean good news for the HomeAV channel because of all those consumers interested in satellite radio but not sure which service to choose. The two companies are also talking about some great new services: consumers will be able to choose their channels a la carte, and the plan is to also improve on services such as real-time traffic and rear-seat video. Assuming all boards, shareholders and regulatory agencies approve, the deal should close by the end of the year. For more information, go to http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1423 CE Pro Survey Says USA to be Up 15 Percent in 2007 They conclude this growth will be a direct result of awareness and increased interest in the products offered by manufacturers. This increase comes on the heels of a year in which the typical CE professional experienced 35 percent growth, creating median revenues of $1 million in 2006 compared to $737,900 in 2005. Median revenue for a custom installation company jumped 60 percent since 2003, when the average integrator made approximately $624,000 in income. The only factor cited as a limit to industry's growth is a shortage of qualified integrators. This report came out before the CEA/NAHB report, which indicates the home builder side may not be as rosy in 2007 in USA. For more information, go to http://www.cepro.com/ AV ToolBox Introduces HDTV Receiver Multiple profiles can be created and stored according to the best image according to programming. Closed captioning is supported as well as V-Chip parental content control. Automatic channel scan is standard, and individual channels can also be added manually. In addition, a Favorite Channel list can be created. The unit is controlled using an on-screen guide, and it also has an Electronic Program Guide. Displayed aspect ratios may be either 4:3 or 16:9, and a transmitted resolution display is provided so that the viewer can instantly determine when HD programming is being provided by the broadcaster. Output resolution can be set to 480p, 720p or 1080i in the YPbPr mode as needed. An optional indoor antenna, the ATSC-A50, is available for those persons living near the television transmitter with no line of sight obstructions. The unit is shipping now with MSRP of $199. For more information, go to http://www.avtoolbox.com/atsc-100.shtml New Standalone Network Surveillance DVR From AVerMedia The EB1304NET offers remote and multi-client access through Internet Explorer, remote PCs and PDA handhelds. Of course, it can work with the company's AVerDiGi CM3000 Central Management System with the ability to connect and monitor multiple video channels concurrently. The AVerMedia AVerDiGi EB1304NET is available now. The company says pricing is available on the company's website. For more information, go to http://www.avermedia-usa.com/media/022107.html New Vista Ultimate-Based Media Centers From S1Digital The Media Server Edition offers up to 3TB of storage in six hot-swap drive bays. Managed by a dedicated 3ware RAID controller, the Media Server can record multiple HDTV streams while simultaneously streaming content throughout the home using Media Center Extenders. The 3U rack mount chassis fits into standard 20-inch depth A/V racks. Other features include HD-DVD playback, 1080p HDMI video output and dual HDTV and SDTV tuners with recording of up to four TV channels at the same time. The FX Edition features a European design to make it a nice addition to the décor. The company says extruded aluminum heat sinks draw heat away from critical components via silent heat pipe technology. Other features include 1TB of internal storage, HD-DVD playback as standard or optional Blu-ray drive and dual HDTV and SDTV tuners with recording of up to four TV channels at the same time. ProLine Series products can be customized with add-ons to enable home automation capabilities, two-way control from Crestron, AMX and other touchscreens, and soon, integration with Russound and Nuvo multi-room audio systems. The Media Server Edition will be available in March 2007 and the FX Edition will be available by the end of February. Dealer pricing is available to approved resellers. For more information, go to http://www.s1digital.com/ IP Solution From Tenvera Allows Eight Connections on Fiber Optic Tenvera says their fiber optic technology allows HD movies to download in minutes, and reduces interference. For more information, go to http://www.tenvera.com/ Metalink to Demonstrate WLANPlus for Wireless HD-IPTV at IPTV World Forum Metalink will show HDTV over wireless LAN at what the company says is wire line quality. Metalink's technology allows delivery of IPTV throughout the home. And, it can be used for Residential Gateways, DTVs, HDTVs, Set-Top Boxes, Media Adaptors, Digital Video Recorders, etc. For more information, go to http://www.metalinkbb.com/site/app/pressReleasesItem.asp?itemID=252 The LED Tub for High Tech Bathrooms MSRP is $1,499. For more information, go to http://www.gnr8.biz/product_info.php?products_id=130
New Camcorder/Camera/Webcam/Player-Recorder From MediaREADY For more information, go to http://www.mediareadyinc.com/press_022607.php New Service Offers Mobile-to-Web Broadcasting Users set up a "channel," fill it with videos and photos, and then embed the entire channel of content on social network profiles, blogs, or any other site. Each channel has a unique email address, allowing family and friends to add new items on the fly. With each contribution, the channel automatically and instantly updates everywhere it is posted. Pickle users display their channels on other websites via the revolutionary Pickle Channel Player. This is very cool — consider a European vacation, during which travelers can post videos immediately, or parties or weddings, or any events. For more information, go to http://www.pickle.com/ Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry. Gary Kayye's rAVe was launched in February 2003. The rAVe Home Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launched in February, 2004. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com Copyright 2007 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.com Gary Kayye's rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |