Volume 18, Issue 2 — January 20, 2021

rAVe HomeAV Edition — Volume 18, Issue 2

January 20, 2021 | Volume: 18 | Issue: 2

Want to hear, firsthand, from someone who’s already had the COVID-19 vaccine in their body for nearly five months? rAVe [PUBS] founder Gary Kayye was one of the Pfizer trial participants, and he just found out that he received the vaccine instead of the placebo. Because we know we can’t separate the reality of this virus from anything we do in the AV, UCC and Digital Signage industries, this perspective is important. Read about his vaccine experience here.

You’ll see Lee Distad’s name in this issue, as well. In his column, “Strange ReTales, Personal Networking Fails,” Distad writes about networking and new business connections. Does his example networking story end well? Read the story to find out.

After these two reads, as well as a third from Futuresource, take note of the product updates from Barco (new projector), Visionary (new AV-over-IP wall plates), Barix (new remote configuration for its IP Former device), Denon (new sound bar), RTI (new AV-over-IP system for HomeAV), LG (new Transparent Color LED film), Meyer Sound (new movie theater audio solution) and Extron (a case study for its video/audio processing and distribution products). And MSE Audio, who wins a prize for the shortest news story of 2021 so far. That last one is satire but all love; we, at rAVe, ADORE a good short story, so if it gets the job done…

— Leah McCann

COLUMNS

+ Strange ReTales, Personal Networking Fails [Lee Distad]

In more than one editorial I’ve made the point that new business opportunities come from who you know. And that if you want more things to come your way you need to know more people. That’s why it’s important to network: to meet new people and find opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise know about if you didn’t have that new personal connection.

+ I Got the Pfizer Vaccine in September; Here’s What You Should Know [Gary Kayye]

Yes, I received the actual vaccine rather than the placebo (21,720 people in the study received BNT162b2 and 21,728 received the placebo). My first shot was Sept. 4 and I received my second on Sept. 28; I am still in the trial for another 24 months. I thought I would put together my thoughts — as many of you will be eligible as soon as next week and might be either nervous or not sure what to do. Of course, this is an individual decision everyone must make on their own but I was hoping if I shared my story, it might make you feel better. If you have any questions, PLEASE reach out.

+ How the Pandemic Has Accelerated Demand for Premium Audio Products [Alexandre Jornod]

Consumers homebound due to the COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity for premium audio product demand to thrive. With movies and music consumption playing a central role in entertaining consumers during lockdown, having good audio quality at home has never been as important.