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Click above for more information Welcome to another edition of rAVe HomeAV! Finally! Whole-home control done using the iPod and SpeakerCraft is making this sound EASY! There are quite a few innovative announcements in the news this issue. Read about them all below. We have a couple of special announcements. First, you can read my article about how to incorporate service agreements into your business as we've linked to a recent CEPro article where you can read my advice. Second, we created a new AV Community with forums and everything else Web 2.0 to allow HomeAV, ProAV and all AV-related community professionals to network and share information. Also today, we begin a series of articles by moodSeer. This series, which we will bring you from time to time, discusses the role of IP in the home and how it affects you, the custom installer. Thanks, moodSeer! Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS
rAVe Publications Website Community Launched! Join rAVe's exclusive AV Community for HomeAV, ProAV and all AV professionals. Join the discussions in the forums, make connections in the business network, send and receive private messages over a private messaging system and even write your own blogs. The rAVe Publications website is growing and changing every day. Join the hub of the AV industry online today! Click here to read more and to register! http://www.ravepro.com/blasts/ravecommunity.htm
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Still Wondering How to Incorporate Service Agreements Into Your Business? Read Gary's approach in CEPro! Why Aren't Integrators Selling Service Agreements? 08.04.2008 — In 2007, the CE Pro Extended Service Plan Study gauged the extent of service agreement sales in the custom installation industry. The numbers were not pretty. The data shows that more than half (56 percent) of integrators do not even try to sell service agreements, with the remaining 44 percent selling them. The lack of offerings seems illogical, especially since the closing ratio among integrators who do sell agreements is about 66 percent (meaning that two out of every three clients buy one). The average price for a service agreement ranges between 6 percent and 15 percent of the total job cost, according to the study. The typical term for a service contract is three years. Gary Kayye of rAVe [Publications] recommends that dealers charge an annual fee of between 2 percent and 3 percent of the product cost. For example, in a $100,000 job, about $55,000 will be equipment costs. Three percent of $55,000 is $1,650. If the job includes IT/computer networks or a security system, he advises the annual fee to be higher. To read the rest of the article, go to http://www.cepro.com/article/why_arent_integrators_selling_service_agreements/K332
Contributed by Magic Home Entertainment IP in the Audio Visual World What does it all mean? Audio Visual Equipment and IP AV equipment today can be very complex. AV gear is not just receivers and speakers, but now you are need you to understand how components can communicate over a network. This shift over time has forced many custom installers out of their comfort zone and into what used to be the realm of computer experts. Some, unfortunately, have been forced out of business. Without a network, components can't talk to each other. For some installations this is no big deal. For others, whole house control is virtually impossible without an IP network. Like it or not, the number of home theater, home audio or home control systems that don't rely on some sort of networking is becoming fewer and fewer. Products are changing too. Not too long ago it was unusual to have an RJ-45 connection on the back. Today, it is unusual not to. You'll have to look at how the network architecture is implemented and decide whether it is something that will support your client's needs today and into the future. And, if you are considering digitizing music and distributing across the home, you'll want to make sure you consider your options carefully. IP and Audio Visual Equipment Enter convergence. Now we see how convergence just crept — or leapt — up on us. We are seeing more and more computer experts turning into AV installer. It all makes sense. As new convergence products hit the market they will be bringing to the consumer market what was only available to the corporate market in years gone by. The next phase in development is combining the skills of the well trained ear with those of the well trained network tuner to coax our industry to sing the same tune. Mastering IP distribution and communication will enable you to support clients whether they want the same tune in every zone or something a little different. Choose flexibility and choose a system that can grow with you into the future. Networked audio is here to stay and mastering both the fine turned ear and the fine tune network will put you in a position to excel. But, great skills are only half the recipe. You also need use great products that offer ease and flexibility and are engineered with convergence in mind. All these pieces will result in your clients' delight at how you truly make the complicated simple. Note From Magic Home Entertainment: About moodSeer MoodSeer is the premiere product of Magic Home Entertainment, a Colorado based company providing quality home audio products. The moodSeer product is the world's only luxury audio distribution server that allows you to discretely match your music with your mood. The technologically advanced product determines the mood of music. You simply select the mood you are in and enjoy. This sophisticated system is designed for the music aficionado. The moodSeer systems are currently available domestically and have received rave reviews from consumers across the United States. The moodSeer line will be on display this year at CEDIA September 4 – 7, 2008 at booth #355. For more in depth information mark your schedule to attend the moodSeer MPT class on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 2:00pm.
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Visit Crosspoint, your source for the trends of the future CEDIA Crosspoint is a new member benefit that will change the way you look at technology. Crosspoint is a web-based community that helps users anticipate and assess trends in the electronic systems industry. Through high-profile blogs, audio, video, a wiki, and forums, Crosspoint participants can supply and browse news, perspective, and feedback on emerging technologies. Crosspoint contributors include electronic systems designers and technicians, industry experts, and manufacturers. Open communication will help ESCs better prepare for opportunities created by new technology, and will help manufacturers take industry members feedback into consideration when developing products. Visit http://www.cediacrosspoint.com to browse and participate in this exciting new venture.
Only 5 Weeks Left to Register – CEDIA EXPO – September 3-7 – Denver, CO It's time for the event you've been waiting for all year – CEDIA EXPO! Register online at http://www.cedia.org/expo. Don't miss the exciting opportunities that this four-day tradeshow has to offer including; hundreds of education courses that will be taught in the five CEDIA University colleges (be sure to check out the FREE courses CEDIA is offering for the first time ever), full-day workshops, FREE manufacturer product training, new products and technology being unveiled, and the many special events CEDIA has arranged for you. Just in… 33 Manufacturers' Excellence Awards finalists announced! To read about each product visit http://www.cedia.org/awards – and peek at what you can expect to see on the tradeshow floor! Download the registration brochure to select CEDIA University courses, workshops, and seminars, plus manufacturer product training and special events. Learn more! http://www.cedia.net/l/5693/31207/ Click above for more information
It's Almost Here: Feature Issue of Electronic Lifestyles Each member will receive one complimentary copy. An additional 500 complimentary copies will available first-come, first-serve at CEDIA EXPO, and more will be available for purchase in the CEDIA Store at EXPO for a special discounted show rate.
Free Eight-Hour Course! Selling Integrated Systems Group Gerhardt, Lutron, and D-Tools will offer a free eight-hour course at CEDIA that covers the strategy and tactics of selling integrated systems. Normally priced at $495, this training can offer up to four CEUs if you attend both sections. The full day, Wednesday September 3 in Ballroom 2, is divided into two sections: I (Strategy) from 8AM to 12PM; and II (Tactics) from 1 PM to 5 PM. There will be refreshments during the course, and lunch will be provided. Immediately following the second session, you can enjoy enhanced refreshments and a chance to network with peers until 7 PM. You must register separately for each section, and seating is limited. For more information and to register, go to http://www.groupgerhardt.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=GG&Category_Code=E
DBL Extends up to $58.5 Million in Credit for Customers Distributor DBL is offering current customers increased credit lines, with an extension of $58.5 million in credit for 2,800 current DBL customers. DBL says the company has increased current customers' financing with value added solutions to accommodate the current growth trends within the consumer electronics industry. Basically, this will allow customers to increase the amount of products they stock (and of course, increase sales for DBL as well!) For more information, go to https://www.dbldistributing.com/
3D LCD From Epson! The more competition that enters the 3D market, the quicker this technology can get to mass market (and we are FINALLY seeing something beyond just Philips!) Now, another player is making a major play. It is Epson, announcing a high-resolution 3D LCD panel in development. Epson says the resolution is equivalent to QVGA and it uses an autostereoscopic 3D liquid-crystal display with a lenticular lens. Epson is boasting a 31-32.5 mm view width (or 1.22-1.27 inches). This sounds confusing, but please see the associated graphic with this story. Epson's point is that, the wider the view width, such as the conventional 62-65 mm width (also the distance equal to the separation between the eyes of an average person), the more you lose resolution and 3D information. Half the view width delivers more data in Epson's model.
Epson also says this technology offers smoother 3D and because it is a multiview system, it should, according to the company, provide superior 3D image reproduction because the image that is visible changes along with the observer's vantage point relative to the screen. To heighten the illusion of depth in stereoscopic 3D images, design engineers can increase the number of views so that the image can be viewed from various head positions. For more information, go to http://www.epson.co.jp/e/newsroom/2008/news_20080811.htm
Signature to Debut InCite HDMI Cables to CEDIA Signature Wire Corp. announced the company is showing for the first time at CEDIA the new InCite brand of DPL-certified HDMI cables. There are two InCite series — Gold and Platinum. The Gold, says the company, features high speed, 24 AWG TC OFC conductors with 24K gold contacts, black cable with mesh overlay, (UL) CL3-rated for in-wall use and are DPL Class B Certified. The Platinum features highest speeds, 24 AWG TC OFC conductors with 24K gold contacts, black cable with mesh overlay, (UL) CL3-rated for in-wall use, 3-, 6-, and 10-foot lengths available with expanded lengths (15-, 20-, 25-, and 35-feet) available Winter 2008. For more information, go to http://www.signaturewire.com/
Atomoo Wants YOU, to Have Recurring Revenue We've talked about pro-active service agreements for custom installation for a long time and finally, here is a solution that does just that! It will be interesting to learn the pricing models. Atomoo is bringing to CEDIA its new Managed Home solution, which lets you actively monitor and manage a client's network to be sure devices, such as computers, control systems, printers, firewalls, Internet access and security are operating properly. This is a real-time monitoring product that lets you monitor the health as well as the performance of networked appliances. It polls the system every few minutes and according to the company, allowin you to address a problem before the customer even knows there is one. Atomoo offers managed services training and personalized business coaching, and site-based subscription pricing. For more information, go to http://www.atomoo.com/
New Component Series AV Furniture Models Shipping From Sanus Sanus Systems announced the company is shipping two new models and two newly enhanced models within the Component series of its AV Foundations furniture line. The new products that are shipping are the CFA56 five-shelf audio cabinet and CFAV34 three-shelf AV cabinet, as well as the enhanced CFV69 and CFV47 video stands. All models feature new quick-release back panels for easier access to components for quicker system updates. They offer full-width wire management channels for concealing cables; deep shelf space; shelves that isolate vibrations and can be adjusted without tools; and removable carpet glides for maneuverability across the floor. Models also feature a built-in convection cooling system that allows warm air to escape through vents in the top of the unit as cool air is drawn in from the bottom. Enhancements to the CFV69 and CFV47 include the quick-release back panels, removable carpet glides and improved adjustable shelves. The CFV69 also features optional grill cloths for its center channel compartment, so speakers can be concealed. Models are available in cherry/black and new espresso/black finishes. List prices are: CFA56 $849.99; CFAV34 $599.99; CFV69 $849.99; and CFV47 $649.99. For more information, go to http://www.sanus.com/us/en/
Bass Introduces Great Looking HomeAV Seating Bass has a new line of home theater furniture called the Monaco. The company says these are made of premium leather and come in either motorized or non-motorized. They have tilt-out cup holders, finished rigid back panels and a choice of wood inlay colors. These are offered in single, rows, wedges, loveseat, and sofa configurations. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/6763dj
New In-Wall Delivery of Power to the TV HD Products will show at CEDIA its next-generation Total Solution from PowerBridge for HDTV, billed as an affordable in-wall solution for where no power outlets are available. This in-wall electrical solution provides code-compliant electrical power extension to wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. The kit consists of a recessed A/C receptacle installed behind the flat screen TV, direct wired, with electrical wire (Romex) directly to the power Inlet plug-in system. The company says the in-wall wire management makes for no visible wires for wall-mounted flat-panels. Designer plates are available in white, almond, ivory, and black. MSRP is $99.95. For more information, go to http://www.powerbridgesolution.com/home.html
SpeakerCraft Announces Multi-Room Control Using iPhone How cool is this? SpeakerCraft not only announced, but is shipping its new MODE/iPhone Interface, which allows the Apple iPhone or iPod Touch to be used as a wireless remote for control of all sources and routing, and accessed on the touch screen through the GUI. The system runs on the home's wireless network via a wired port on the user's wireless router. SpeakerCraft swears this is easy to set up and requires no programming. Yippee. SpeakerCraft also says a person can literally walk through their front door, press a single virtual button on the iPhone touch screen and have access to all of their system's control functions. This also allows an unlimited number of iPhones operating the system, and two can simultaneously operate in multiple zones. The interface should be familiar to iPhone users — it shares the look and feel of other iPhone functions and therefore presents little or no learning curve. The interface is generated through an embedded web server residing on a chip inside SpeakerCraft's ERS 1.0 Ethernet-to-serial adapter. The interface is accessed through the iPhone's Safari browser. This means you don't have to download or install an application on the iPhone itself. Again, Yippee. The ERS also contains a version of the interface designed to display and operate on a standard PC or Mac. This offers the user the option to control the system from the iPhone/iTouch or any PC on the network. The ERS 1.0 with the embedded software and related accessories has an MSRP of $1,000. For more information, go to http://www.speakercraft.com/#Home
Major Upgrades to New Wireless ZonePlayers, Multi-Room Music Systems, From Sonos, Including 802.11n Sonos released a major upgrade to the company's line of wireless multi-room music systems with the introduction of two new ZonePlayers. While we at rAVe appreciate the company's TiVo-style approach that the consumer doesn't need to know how it works, just that it doesÖ here is some info about the technology anyway for all you technies out there who do need to know. There are two new products — the ZonePlayer 120 and ZonePlayer 90. The 120 is the amplified version and the 90 isn't, but it can be connected to a home theater or stereo to make use of existing audio equipment. The new ZonePlayers incorporate SonosNet 2.0, based on the latest 802.11n wireless protocol. The Sonos mesh network technology that doubles the wireless range, as it is combined with MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) wireless technology which uses 3 antennas to send and receive music. And the range may have doubled in range, but Sonos shrunk them way down in size. The 120 measures just W 7.3 inches x H 3.5 inches x D 8.15 inches. The 90: W 5.5 inches x H 5.4 inches x D 2.9 inches. The ZP120 will retail for $499 individually. It is also included as part of the Sonos Bundle 150 for $999. The bundle includes two Sonos ZonePlayers (one 150 and one 90) amplified and non-amplified) and a Sonos Controller. It is expandable. The ZP90 will retail for $349 individually. Finally, Sonos announced a new software release, Sonos System Software 2.6, available on the new systems as well as to existing customers. Upon upgrade and registration, owners will get free music downloads valued at more than $200. For more information, go to http://www.sonos.com/
LG Announces First Blu-ray Disc Player With Instant Netflix Streaming to the TV In the third such move in a month, a new device was announced that can stream Netflix movies directly onto the television. Previous announcements included players from Roku and Xbox. Only THIS time, it's LG, and THIS time, it's combined with a Blu-ray player. LG and Netflix announced plans for the first Blu-ray disc player that will be able to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the TV. Shipping is planned for the fall. It will play HD Blu-ray, up-convert standard DVDs to 1080p and allow instant streaming of more than 12,000 choices from Netflix for no additional charge to Netflix subscribers. Using the LG BD300 (that's the model number) requires a wired broadband connection. Netflix members will use the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant queues. Those choices will automatically be displayed on members' TVs and available to watch instantly through the LG player. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds. With the BD300's accompanying remote control, Netflix members will be able to browse and make selections right on the TV screen and also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they will have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream. For more information, go to http://netflix.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=278
New Paradigm Monitor Series v.6 Paradigm announced an upgrade to the company's Monitor Series. Improvements over the v.5 are modified phase-coherent crossovers, redesigned magnetic grilles and a new finish. The company says they did a complete re-design of the Monitor v.6 grilles. The new magnetic grilles feature ultra-low diffraction with re-worked, reinforced placement of the magnets to ensure the grilles will stay centered over the baffle and not move unless removed. Products range from $149 to $699. For more information, go to http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/news/
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 gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial: Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison at denise@ravepubs.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. rAVe ProAV Edition was launched in February 2003. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, launched in February, 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Copyright 2008 – 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: denise@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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