How Can I Not Write About Apple?
By Norbert Hildebrand
Insight Media Analyst  With the official first sale of the iPad 2 last week, how can I not write about the iPad 2 and its influence on the mobile electronics market?
The iPad was the first mass market tablet computer that changed the world of mobile computing – and it did it in just a few months. Now, just nine days after the surprise announcement by Steve Jobs of the new and improved iPad 2, it is ready to reach consumers' hands. I believe the iPad 2 could now usher in a significant shift in the personal computing space as well.
I remember a statement from some IBM spokesperson that the total number of PCs to be sold would hover around 5 (I am greatly exaggerating to make a point here). Why did he make a statement like that? His point was that people like to be entertained and why would you by a computer that you have to program to do anything? We all know that he didn’t figure on the countless hours put in by Microsoft and other software firms to develop useful programs that allowed people to do something with their computers. Of course he also missed out on the whole Internet thing that seems to be the key driver behind today’s computing devices.
While it is easy to look back and smile over such great misjudgments, it is not that easy to look forward and predict what the future will hold for the computer industry as such. Today we have Apps, something that came out of the blind spot for most people. When you look at the Apps that are announced by Apple for the iPad 2, especially iMovie and Garage Band, it is almost unbelievable what functionality $4.99 can buy you today.
Here is the point I am trying to make. In all our assessment of devices – be computers, tablets, TVs or anything else; we seem to be focusing on specifications and price more than anything else. In fact we should be thinking of what the average consumer is going to do with the device. Would the smart phone be as successful without the Apps? Maybe somewhat, but by no means would it be as successful if "Angry Birds" had not come along. This is what Apple is so good at, seeing a new use mode in devices before anyone else does.
In the next few days we will be swamped with an equal amount of iPad 2 reviews either ripping it to shreds over sub-par components, like camera sensors for example, or praising its overall performance and stability. The result depends on the author’s position towards Apple more than anything else. Apple – you got to love or hate them.
I believe most of these reviews are missing the point. As long as the Android and Windows universe can’t match the user experience, product stability and App availability of the iPad 2, it will be a winner. This will be true regardless of the processor speed or camera resolution.
Last week, a Samsung VP hinted that they will review their own Galaxy 10.1 tablet design, which was announced at the beginning of 2011 for release as soon as Android 3.0 is available. He stated that ‘Apple made it very thin.’ On the first look this statement is a little odd. How will the thinness of a product (the difference is less than a 1/8 of an inch) have such an important effect on market success? It depends on what the user wants to do with the device. For the early innovators the bragging rights over the best looking device is certainly an important factor (Apple is number one here), while the ease of use and available functionality is the key driver for the mainstream user (I am referring to Apps here).
 Anyone who wants to play an important role in this market has to take a good look at Apple today; when it comes to the Tablet they have pretty much done everything right so far.
For a more detailed view of the tablet market, its players and devices see our next Mobile Display Report coming out on March 15th.
Norbert Hildebrand is an analyst for Insight Media. Reach him at norbert@insightmedia.info Leave a Comment  
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Networking Best Practices
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist  One of the burning issues today is the way that the line between AV and IT is narrowing into non-existence, if it hasn’t already. It’s hard to think of an AV product category that doesn’t already have offerings that are networkable. It’s not enough to be an AV nerd anymore, now you and your company need to become IT Ninjas.
The single most compelling reason to come to grips with network technology is simple: the Threat of Substitution. With AV working over the networks, the only thing stopping IT companies from moving in and eating your lunch is your own expertise and ability to do what the clients want.
With that in mind, and as a very introductory primer for AV Pros who are beginning to get their heads around installing networks here are some Do’s and Don’ts.
Do:
Pull the Right Wire: This is less of an issue now that Cat6 is more prevalent (and cost effective) than it was even a year ago. Regardless, there’s still a lot of Cat5e inventory out there, and when dealing with video distribution it must be remembered that while Cat5e will pass 1080p just fine, Cat6 is needed for HDMI’s 1080p True Color specification. As a result, the wire specified will depend on not only the video distribution hardware, but also the source an display equipment used, and the end performance result desired.
Go Enterprise: There’s no option. Unless you really like making unpaid service calls store-bought networking equipment is unacceptable. Specify enterprise level routers and switchers.
Run Discrete Networks: Owing to the amount of bandwidth they use, most video distribution products require their own network, separate from any other in the project. Bundling everything onto one network is asking far too much. Even for fairly simple connectivity on a small project, break out the networks.
Label The Network Cables: While you should be color-coding your cable runs, you also need to indicate what each cable’s precise function is. Use a standardized code and use either a sharpie or a label maker.
Run Lines Everywhere: Don’t count on wireless to save your bacon. The key to functionality is redundancy. Think not only about where the equipment is going to be today but where it might be needed next year.
Validate Every Line: It only takes one bad pair in a network cable to cause errors. In a project with hundreds of lines tracing it after the fact is a nightmare. After terminating your cable runs, installers need to use their cable testers to validate every line in the project, and sign off on a checklist. On big projects double or triple check the checklist.
Don’t:
Run Ethernet Cables Parallel To Power Cables: Electromagnetic interference will crush the network. Keep network lines as far from power lines as possible. If you do have to cross them, intersect them at a 90-degree angle.
Be Inconsistent In Color-Coding: You should have one color of wire jacket for each kind of network subsystem, and each category of device that you’re integrating. If you mix them up, troubleshooting the system later will be a nightmare.
Use Strange Cables: Cable bundles should be loosely packed, and turns shouldn’t be sharp. Focus on a gentle curve when changing the direction of your cable.
What About Fiber Optics?
If your company is not already working with fiber, and have expertise with it, just running fiber as a future-forward add on isn’t a great idea. While I’ve heard of some integrators laying down fiber “just in case, they’ve got to know what they’re going to need. Do they need single mode? Multi-mode? Without a clear picture of the future hardware that might be connected to fiber, it’s money not well spent. The best solution is to partner up with a vendor of fiber equipment and get educated.
Like everything else in custom installation, successful networking isn’t complicated, it just requires a thorough understanding of the material required, and proper care and attention to detail.
Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com
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Start Your Outreach Efforts Today  What have you done to build relationships with industry partners this year? Connecting with architects, builders and interior designers can be a great way to open the doors to new business opportunities.
One way to reach this market is to offer an opportunity for your local industry partners to learn about home technology while also earning continuing education credit. CEDIA’s Registered Outreach Instructor (ROI) program enables CEDIA members to present relevant and timely education to industry partners.
To become an ROI, you must be a CEDIA member and you must pass the “Train the Trainer” course. The next ROI “Train the Trainer” class will take place Friday, March 25 at the Lutron Experience Center in Irvine, CA.
CEDIA’s ROI courses focus on facilitating successful collaboration between architects, builders, interior designers and ESCs. Currently, CEDIA is an approved provider of continuing education for eight industry groups, including the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Designers, and the National Association of Home Builders.
Visit www.cedia.org/outreach/become_roi.php to learn more about this program or to register. Questions? Email Peggy Ward at pward@cedia.org
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Get a Free Copy of the CEDIA Benchmarking Survey When Your Company Completes the Survey  CEDIA is conducting its fifth Benchmarking Survey, and all CEDIA electronic systems contractor (ESC) members in the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to participate. In 2009, the average project size for ESCs was $32,000 and the median annual number of projects was 30. How does your company compare? With the challenges all businesses face in today’s market, utilization of industry research and benchmarking data can help you make better decisions for your company. The survey will open March 28, 2011 and closes May 2nd, 2011. Participating companies that complete the survey in its entirety will receive the following benefits for free:
- The 2011 Benchmarking Survey Results Report
- Exclusive attendance at the 2011 CEDIA EXPO Benchmarking Survey Review Course
- Access to the 2011 Benchmarking Survey Report Review Webinar
- 10% discount on your 2012 CEDIA Membership
- Discounted registration to the 2012 Management Conference
- 50 Idea Bank Points
Your company must be a CEDIA member and you must register by March 21 to participate. If you would like to participate, register your company at www.cedia.org/benchmarking or contact Erica Shonkwiler at (317) 735-4070 or eshonkwiler@cedia.org Back to Top
What Did You Miss CEDIA Management Conference 2011?  Check out what you missed at this year’s CEDIA Management Conference with the help of rAVe NOW’s bank of videos, blogs, and social media updates. CEDIA’s Management Conference was held March 9–12 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego and saw a successful turnout. The conference focused on helping industry companies build strategies for thriving in an evolving business environment.
Click here to see rAVe NOW coverage of Management Conference: https://www.ravepubs.com/CEDIAMC Back to Top 
HDBaseT Alliance Membership Rising  HDBaseT, the alliance formed to promote and standardize HDBaseT technology for whole-house HD content, announced the addition of 23 companies to its membership base.
HDBaseT promotes itself as the only all-in-one, HD connectivity solution using an existing cable and connector. Using a 100m/328ft, Cat5e/6 LAN cable with standard RJ-45 connectors, HDBaseT simultaneously distributes to so-called 5Play feature set (1080p HD video, audio, Internet, 100W power, and controls) in a home or even a commercial application via Cat5.
Contributor members now include: Bel Stewart Connector; Quantum Data; Extron Electronics; Silver Telecom, LTD; Microsemi; Tyco Electronics; and Pulse Electronics.
Adopter members include: Crestron Electronics; Lastar, Inc; CWIN Technology; Legrand; Elka International; MiniFrame, Ltd.; Gefen, LLC; Smart Home Engineering Corp (SHE); Grandbeing Technology Co., Ltd.; SURE-FIRE Electrical Corporation; Hank Electronics; Transformative Engineering; Himax Technologies; Vaux Electronics; Intersil Corporation; and Kordz.
For more information on the alliance, go here: http://www.hdbaset.org/
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rAVe Shoots Over 230 Videos at Digital Signage Expo  We were at the Digital Signage industry’s premier trade show a couple of weeks ago and not only did we Tweet out about everything we saw at the show, but we shot over 230 videos on new digital signage products and technology. Thanks to our sponsors NEC Display, ALMO Pro A/V and CQ Media, rAVe NOW covered every corner of the DSE 201 expo in Las Vegas last week. To simplify your ability to track all the new gear, as well as to guide you in an experience that’s the next-best thing to being at the show yourself, we’ve put everything online in a custom DSE show portal website that includes all the Tweets, blogs and videos we shot in one place.
To see the DSE rAVe NOW portal, go here: http://www.ravenowdse.com/
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InfoComm Opens Registration for 2011 Show  InfoComm 2011, to be held June 15-17, 2011, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., is now open for registration. With more than 950 exhibitors, InfoComm 2011 will be visited by more than 32,000 ProAV professionals, technology managers, CIOs and procurement personnel from 90 countries. More than 300 education sessions will offer the essential training that AV professionals rely on to stay current with a constantly changing industry.
To register for the 2011 show, go to: http://www.infocommshow.org/ Back to Top
Stampede Gets Capital from HSBC Bank Then Buys Spire Global  Less than a week after receiving a 75 percent increase in working capital from their bank (HSBC), Stampede turned around and purchased Spire Global, the exclusive distributor of Sony video conferencing products in the United States. Spire is also the exclusive master distributor for Compunetix video multiparty control units and MediaPointe video streaming technology. The company also distributes Mirial desktop video conferencing products.
Stampede says that Spire will continue to exist as a dedicated business unit. Stampede will maintain a dedicated Sony video conferencing sales force, with the Spire Global staff to act as product experts to the Stampede sales people and existing accounts. Product and training classes specific to Sony video conferencing will be offered to dealers at all of Stampede’s upcoming Big Book of AV dealer shows and through Stampede University.
You can see the entire announcement on our site here: https://www.ravepubs.com/rave2011/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=264&Itemid=165
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Cloud-Based Remote Support System Company ihiji Gets Investment Funding  ihiji, creator of invision, the cloud-based remote support system that gives dealers the ability to sell proactive maintenance support programs to homeowners, has secured a successful round of financing that it plans to tap for continued research and development. Although the company refuses to disclose how much money was invested, this does potentially validate the model of service as a product.
In 2010, the company was accepted into the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) program, granting it a technology-rich base to operate from, along with strategic counsel and a nationally recognized top-tier talent pool in which to tap as needed. Earlier this year, Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA) chose ihiji as the primary vendor for remote monitoring. The company was also named as one of the Rising Venture I.T. and Web Companies at the 8th Annual Rice (University) Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship I.T. and Web Venture Forum.
Want more info on them? Go here: http://www.ihiji.com/
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Crestron Ships New Entry-Level 9" Touchpanel  The new TPMC-9 Tilt Touchpanel is a 9”, widescreen (16:9) that, although Crestron labels it as “value-priced” it’s still capable of GUI customization, capable of displaying cover art, control Apps and scores of other dynamic content. Crestron also says the TPMC-9 also offers a slew of cool new media and communications tools like widgets and high-definition streaming video for IP/Web security cameras that instantly enhance whole home and building automation systems. The open standards-based Core 3 OS will run Flash, HTML5 and the latest H.264 high definition video formats.
Want more details? Go here.
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Chief Debuts Kontour  Last month at DSE, Chief announced the launch of a unique line of desk and wall monitor arms called the Kontour Series. Kontour mounts are designed with a forged aluminum body and can hold monitors weighing up to 40 pounds (18.14 kg). Variable mounting options allow installers to choose between desk and wall mounts with varying extension up to 24” (61 cm). Advanced models also include Extreme Centris with -10 degrees to +75 degrees of fingertip tilt that lends itself well to sit-to-stand workstation applications. A hassle-free cable management system easily conceals cables beneath hinged channel covers in the K1 Series. Easy Access loops keep cables tidy in the K2 Series.
To see the entire line, go here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/search_results.aspx?view=initial&quick=k1d100 Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Debuts UPS with Individual Outlet Control  Middle Atlantic Products is introducing a new line of UPS systems that provide true individual outlet control, both remotely via RS-232 and IP, and locally using Middle Atlantic Power Manager, a web-based interface for local monitoring and control.
Calling it the first UPS with 100 percent individual outlet control in the ProAV and HomeAV markets, Middle Atlantic says this system allows users to control each of the eight outlets independently, unlike other systems that only support control of outlet groups.
This capability allows users to restrict unauthorized use of outlets for additional security, and when integrated with a control system via RS-232, can support up to eight-stage sequencing in any combination, with any delay; no separate sequencer is necessary.
Complete specs are here: http://www.middleatlantic.com/
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Extron Debuts Fiber Optic Cables, Connectors, and Tools  Extron recently added pre-terminated and bulk fiber optic cables, cable termination tools, field-installable connectors, and test equipment to complete its line of fiber products.
Combined with the existing line of extenders, matrix switchers and distribution amplifiers, these new products give Extron what they are calling the most comprehensive line of fiber optic products in the industry and enable transmission of video, audio, and control over extreme distances. Bend-insensitive, plenum-rated bulk cable and factory-terminated cable assemblies in various lengths are available in both OM4 multi-mode and single-mode versions. For bulk cable, the Fiber Optic Termination Kit and Quick LC fiber optic connectors enable fast and reliable termination in the field. To ensure system-wide reliability, use the FPM 101 fiber optic power meter in conjunction with either the FLS 850 Fiber Optic Light Source for multi-mode cabling or the FLS 1310 Fiber Optic Light Source for single-mode solutions to measure optical power and loss throughout the fiber optic infrastructure. These new accessory items round out and complement the extensive line of fiber optic products from Extron, which includes switchers, matrix switchers, signal processors, extenders, and distribution amplifiers. These new accessory products incorporate many features that specifically address challenges often encountered in AV environments. Check it all out here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=focctpr Leave a Comment
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 IMAGE Screens of Germany Debuts Manual Masking HD Screen
Starting at $3500, StJohn Group, the exclusive U.S. Distributor for IMAGE Screens, launched an interesting “manual masking” HDTV screen earlier this month in the form of a screen that can be ordered in sizes up to 196” diagonally (that’s 16 feet) and have side panels that mask from 16:9 to 2.70:1 aspect ratios (depending on model). Deep black masking panels are claimed to give a higher perceived contrast ratio and can be ordered acoustically transparent for customers who want to position speakers behind the screen. Available screen fabrics include solid vinyl and five varieties of acoustically transparent screen materials, including several 3D  options.
For more details, go here: http://www.image-screens.com/ |
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Extron Ships HDMI Audio De-Embedder  Extron launched a unique HDMI tool recently in the form of the HAE 100, an audio de-embedder that extracts the audio from the HDMI signal and provides outputs for analog stereo and digital S/PDIF audio. The HAE 100 supports data rates up to 6.75 Gbps for compatibility with HDMI 1.3 Deep Color. It is HDCP compliant and compatible with HDTV 1080p/60 or computer-video resolutions up to 1920×1200. The HAE 100 is equipped with several integrator-friendly features, including a buffered HDMI video output with EDID Minder for simplified EDID management between the input source and the display, plus input cable equalization and comprehensive LED status display.
For more details, go here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=hae100ad
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Panamax/Furman and LiteTouch Combine Operations  Power management company Panamax/Furman today announced that the company will be combining LiteTouch, a manufacturer of lighting control products, with its operations. Both companies are subsidiaries of the Home Technology Group of Linear, LLC.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top
ClearOne Reports 2010 Financial Results  ClearOne Communications, Inc. recently reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, revenue increased 37 percent to $12.6 million from $9.2 million in the same quarter of last year. Gross profit during the fourth quarter of 2010 rose to $7.5 million, or 60 percent of revenue, from $5.6 million, or 61 percent of revenue, for the prior year period. Adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter of 2010, which excludes $2.2 million of legal expenses accrued in connection with the indemnification of a former ClearOne Officer, was $2.3 million. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $609,000. Net income during the fourth quarter of 2010 was $817,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared with $699,000, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2009.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top
Da-Lite Hires Alan Keller  Da-Lite Screen Company has hired Alan Keller to its sales consultant team. He will be responsible for clients in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top
THIEL Adds Sales Rep Firms  Thiel Audio announced the appointment of two independent sales rep firms — JMS Marketing for Michigan and Steve Greene Marketing, Inc. for the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.
To read the complete press release online, click here. 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 2011 – 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. |
This is one of those "how to boil a frog" stories — you know, try to put a frog into boiling water, and he’ll jump a mile, but place him a nice cool bath and gradually increase the heat, and you get him every time. Now imagine the subscriber TV space is trying to get consumers to pay for content that over-the-air broadcasters have been providing free for decades. I’m old enough to remember the pre-cable days (yes that really dates me) when hoards of door-to-door sales folks were unleashed on neighborhoods with the promised nirvana of pay-TV. No more commercials, was the mantra and not four, but a whopping 30 channels of programming including full-run movies every night, all for less than one dollar a day. For the record, John Walson started one of the first cable systems in the U.S. at a cost of a $100 hook-up fees and just $2/month.
And that’s the whole point. IPTV offers the return to ad-based TV programming, now on the viewer’s terms: unlimited choice via video streaming with the promise of well crafted ads, tailored to a specific demographic. The advertisers now know exactly who they are talking to, and specifically what message I want to see — to motivate a transaction. In fact, a transaction I can initiate right on the screen, as I continue to view the progra, if I wish.
