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Volume 9, Issue 15 — August 9, 2012
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Have Your Business Operations Improved This Year?
By Jay Faison
CEO, SnapAV Does your business operate at a higher level than last year? If not, it should. You have heard the overused phrase "spend some time working ON your business rather than IN your business"? I think the reason many phrases are overused is that they are true. I have been in your shoes, and I know it is hard to carve time away from the day to day to pressure to sell and get jobs installed. But, if you never make time for planning improvement, you won't improve.
Here are some ideas:
- Get with another dealer to share information, best practices and results. Make it less lonely out there. It doesn't even have to be in a different city. For example, I know three dealers in Columbia, SC that have drastically improved their businesses by sharing information and working together. They share vendor information, operational details and even job leads. They frequently work on jobs together as they all have their own specialties. Need some help meeting other like-minded dealers? Visit our booth at CEDIA and get your account rep to introduce you to some folks that they think might be a fit.
- Get a board of advisors. Many installers have great business people as customers who have become friends. Invite them to serve on an advisory board that meets every quarter for a two-hour lunch. Some of the semi-retired types are anxious to give their advice. Keep it professional — have financial statements and other information sent out before the board meeting. Have an agenda and be sincere in your desire for feedback.
- Set goals — and not just around sales or profit. How about doing such a good job that you get a referral from two out of three jobs? Or, find one way to save time every week no matter how small. Do it with your whole team. Put some carrots out there. We used to take an afternoon off as a company and race go-carts if certain goals were hit. Have fun with it.
- Block some time on your calendar. I always block some time (set up a recurring event on Outlook) on Fridays to review my calendar and just think about things. If you need to tweak your quoting system, or look into a new category, drop these projects into your blocked time. My experience is that if you don't protect these time slots you will almost always bump them. Working "on" your business is worth the time.
Jay Faison is the CEO of SnapAV.
Reprinted with permission. Originally appeared here.
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Cellular Signal Boosters: A Potential Profit Center for HomeAV Integrators
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist It's an interesting fact that cellular signal boosters are the highest-volume, highest-margin electronics category that virtually no one outside of the mobile channel knows exists.
Before I continue, let me just make this disclosure: I work for Hitfar Concepts Ltd, a Canadian distributor of Wilson Electronics, a major manufacturer of cell signal boosters.
I'll skirt my obvious conflict of interest by mentioning that there are several brands of booster in the channel in addition to Wilson, including Signifi, Spotwave and others.
For the remainder of this column I'm going to stay brand neutral, and talk only about the whats, whys and wherefores of the category as a whole, and how it can benefit AV Pros like you.
Cellular boosters take a weak signal, what your customers understand as "low bars" and, alternately, "crappy coverage" and amplifies it, making strong, reliable signal coverage in locations where the signal from the telecom carrier is too weak on it's own.
Available in both in-vehicle and in-building configurations, a typical system comprises an outside antenna, an amplifier and an inside antenna, to re-transmit the signal within the building or cab of a vehicle, wired together by a low-voltage professional.
A single booster supports multiple voice and data connections simultaneously, and are bi-directional, amplifying both the downlink (cell tower to device) signal and the uplink (device to tower) signal. In the case of boosters for in-vehicle, high quality boosters also incorporate a step-down sensor, which modulates the gain on the amplifier when the vehicle moves closer to a cell tower.
This is an important safety feature, as an unmodulated booster can create a feedback loop that fries and shuts down a tower.
So what does this have to do with AV, you ask? A couple of things.
First, home and commercial automation systems, including security systems, are increasingly dependent upon wireless data connections to the outside world. In installations where the cell coverage is poor, that means the systems you're installing need a booster for optimal data rates.
It's not even a case of cell coverage issues being restricted to rural installations, either. In-building boosters are a huge growth category in light commercial work. Construction materials including steel and concrete have an impact in in-building signal strength.
I've been involved with multiple projects in brand new offices in new commercial parks, the cell signal is weak, but if you walk out into the parking lot, your mobile device has full bars.
Second, your residential and commercial clients look to you, the AV Pro as their techno-wizard. If they're having cell reception problems, and you can offer them a solution, then they're happy and you're going to profit.
I'll tell you outright, every one of your clients needs improved cell signal. And in virtually all cases, they don't even know that a solution exists.
Booster installation is as simple as a category gets: You run coax from the antenna locations to the amplifier location, attach the power supply, fine tune the antenna locations, adjust the gain, test signal strength and you're done.
Major brand boosters are FCC approved and require no licenses. Major brands also offer plenty of training resources to get rookie installers up to speed, but like I said, installing them is easy.
If you're an AV Pro, then solving problems is in your blood. Do some research, reach out to a couple of vendors, and add cell boosters to your arsenal of problem solving profit centers.
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
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Share Article Back to Top Leviton Buys HAI – But, Stupidly, Keeps It a Separate Company
By Gary Kayye
rAVe Founder Leviton this week announced it has purchased Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) – giving Leviton customers access to HAI control system products. Exciting? Yes! Well planned? No.
"Leviton's acquisition of HAI represents a significant expansion of our offerings in the residential market, and furthers Leviton's commitment to providing customers with the latest technologies as affordable, easy-to-use solutions," said Daryoush Larizadeh, chief operating officer of Leviton. "Leviton and HAI are two established brands coming together to offer a complete whole home automation solution that customers can trust."
HAI will operate as a new, standalone business unit, branded HAI by Leviton, and maintain operations in New Orleans. The new business unit will be managed by Jay McLellan, current CEO and president of HAI, who will report directly to Daryoush Larizadeh. HAI product lines will soon be available through Leviton's U.S. and international channel partners and distributors. Leviton also plans to provide its builder and contractor network with the necessary training for installing HAI systems.
"We are proud to be part of the Leviton team, joining a company with a rich history and well-established brand," added Mr. McLellan. "Through the combined technologies from Leviton and HAI, we anticipate continued growth and innovation in the home automation space, providing homeowners with additional advancements for years to come."
This is a smart move for Leviton as it makes them a complete control system manufacturer now. But should they keep them as a separate company? I don't think so.
The Leviton brand is worth 10, no, 20 times more than the HAI brand. Leviton is a well established brand, but HAI is that set of letters that, unless you're already an HAI dealer, you don't really know what the company is. So I think Leviton needs to bring HAI in-house and roll its products into the Leviton brand completely. Keep its as a product line, not a separate company. Leverage the Leviton name since HAI's brand isn't as valuable.
Still not convinced? OK, here's part two of my argument then: Keeping them two companies does NOTHING to help the integration community. Nothing. The integrators will still have to deal with two separate support teams, place two separate orders and design systems using two separate designers – one from each company. So, to the CI, this provides no benefit.
This is unfortunate since, not only is the Leviton brand strong, but the HAI product line is good, even though it's not as well known.
Gary Kayye is the founder of rAVe [Publications]. Reach him at gary@ravepubs.com
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Where Does the CE Industry Go From Here?
By Norbert Hildebrand
Insight Media Here we are, entering the third quarter of 2012 and looking back at the results from the second quarter. As we all know, the worldwide economy is by no means healthy or even on a good track to recovery. Financial worries in Europe, very slow growth in Japan, China and the USA are the key hurdles on the way to a stronger world economy. None of the stronger economic regions is showing any signs of growth that could trigger more widespread economic growth.
As we expect with this overall assessment, the CE industry is not immune to bad results and many wondered how bad things would be this past quarter. As we have shown over time, there are two strong leaders, Apple and Samsung, in the CE world at this time, while the rest of the world is more or less in trouble.
The results for the second quarter are shown in the first graph. Apple is still the CE company with the highest profit, but Samsung managed to pull ahead of Apple in terms of revenue. All other companies are basically not profitable at this point in time. Sales growth is either small or even negative for these companies.
In the worst position this last quarter was Sharp with the highest loss of all CE companies. This result makes clear why the Hon Hai deal is so essential for Sharp, a vertical integration with Hon Hai and Apple gives them the hope to finally break into the only growth area of today’s consumer electronics – Tablets. Catching a substantial market share of tablets displays would give Sharp a boost in revenue growth and a return to more profitable business quarters. If and when that will happen is still up for debate and one of the key ingredient for this strategy to work seems to be the IGZO process. Meanwhile, Sharp is increasing its forecast for the operating loss in 2012 to 100 billion Yen. While blaming the diminished demand for TVs for most of its financial worries, Sharp is considering laying people off and as Reuters reports this number could reach 5,000.
On the other end, Samsung seems to be pulling ahead of Apple in the revenue area.
As shown in the second graph, Apple reported some mixed results in the second quarter of 2012. While they still managed very healthy revenue growth versus the same quarter last year, the drop off in iPhone sales are seen as the reason for a less than stellar quarter for Apple. This of course is only true if you consider a YoY quarterly revenue growth of 23 percent ‘less than stellar’ in this economic environment. Nevertheless, Samsung pulled ahead of Apple based on revenue numbers. If this triggers an earlier release of the next generation iPhone (iPhone 5?) or even a delay to incorporate even more features has to be seen. However, Apple has already announced iOS 6 for the fall and everyone expects this to go hand in hand with the release of the next iPhone. Certainly not a bad assumption based on Apple’s product release history.
While the overall company results are showing this trend clearly, other research seems to indicate a stronger positioning of iOS and Apple products in the USA. As Strategy Analytics points out, Apple managed to gain on Android based Smartphones in the USA. In total numbers this equates to a drop for the Android share of the Smartphone market from 61 percent a year ago to 56 percent now. On the other hand, Apple increased its market share from 23 percent a year ago to 33 percent today.
As pointed out by other analysts, these data are somewhat in contradiction to worldwide market data from other market research firms as Android still shows strong growth in the Smartphone market overall. Of course this is also a sign of a slowing Android adoption rate in the USA, as they believe the yearly Smartphone sales in the USA may have peaked. Let us review this aspect after Apple releases the next iPhone.
Overall the CE industry is not in good shape, most companies are still struggling with no immediate relief in sight. This is typically the economic environment where unexpected take overs can happen any time. Don’t be surprised if HTC was actually thinking about taking over Nokia.
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Share Article Back to Top This Matters: Sony's 2012 Sales Suck Worse and Sharp to Fire 10 Percent
By Gary Kayye
rAVe Founder According to a Reuters story just posted this week, Sony has slashed its earnings AND sales forecasts for 2012-2013. This is terrible timing as it comes barely a month before CEDIA Expo next month in Indianapolis. Apparently, Sony's Q2 2012 profit (April through June) dropped a whopping 77 percent (vs 2011) – nearly twice what they'd originally expected. Who do they blame? You guessed it — Apple!
You can read the Reuters story here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/02/us-sony-earnings-results-idUSBRE87109K20120802
Sharp Electronics also announced yesterday it was going to cut more than 5,000 people from its global workforce – that's nearly 10 percent. This is not good. Sharp says, like Sony, its Q2 loss was over $1.9 Billion and sales fell nearly 30 percent. Who did the company blame? You guessed it.
So, what's this mean for you? You'd better not count out the impact that Apple's having on your business. When it enters the market with a TV – and one that not only works seamlessly with every other Apple device in the world, but also everything integrated with AirPlay (e.g., receivers, amplifiers, speakers, etc), then the market for whole house audio systems and even control systems WILL take a hit. Bookmark this article if you don't agree with me and let's check in with each other a year after the intro.
Don't be stupid. You'd better plan for this and either diversify (by getting into the ProAV market, the digital signage market or the content creation market) or you'd beter develop a model where you're making at least 50 percent of your revenue by selling services, not products.
Seriously. Consider yourself warned.
Gary Kayye is the founder of rAVe [Publications]. Reach him at gary@ravepubs.com
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This Week From rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top The Kitchen of 2016: It’s Not Your Mother’s Kitchen… Eat, work, health, and play are the main subjects of this year's Future Technology Pavilion
Come 2016, your mom will hardly recognize the kitchen she had once known and loved (or for some, hated). Moving away from the concept of the “smart home,” in 2016 the completely intuitive home will be smartly designed and integrated to interact and react to the homeowner’s needs and wants.
A Kitchen Only a Mother Can Love?
Hardly. From diagnosing real time energy consumption of the various sub-systems in the kitchen, being able to answer incoming calls to controlling the lighting and audio distribution to other areas of the home, the kitchen of 2016 will be a common place the entire family will enjoy, not just Mom.
This year’s Future Technology Pavilion is to showcase these interactive technologies within the kitchen and many more areas of the intuitive home. As attendees move through the Pavilion they will discover first-hand how this kitchen of the future will function to make daily life in the kitchen a little easier.
Savant’s Apple-based integration and control technology will display how the homeowner can monitor energy-consumption of various systems within the kitchen from the convenience of an iPad. This system will also allow incoming phone calls to be taken while simultaneously being able to adjust the distributed audio throughout the home and the lighting.
In addition, Mosaiqq and 3M will showcase an embedded touch screen video wall that doubles as a kitchen backsplash. Life seems to be a little easier in the kitchen of 2016 and subsequently it is taking the “moan” out of home-moaner-ship.
But what will make it easier for you, the electronic systems contractor (ESC)? A new business opportunity? Definitely. This fully intuitive home will require the ESC of 2016 to broaden their knowledge of the network and offer integrated solutions to their clients. The Future Technology Pavilion will not only focus on the kitchen, but will give attendees a tour of four major areas of the home, “eat, play, work, and health.” The kitchen of 2016 is only one part of what you will be able to discover at this year’s CEDIA Future Technology Pavilion.
It’s time to get future focused and discover how the home is changing for your clients and your business.
Make plans to attend CEDIA EXPO 2012 and explore the opportunities for your business at the Future Technology Pavilion. Visit http://www.cedia.net/expo to register and learn more about what you can find at this year’s event.
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Share Article Back to Top What's Sam Runco Doing? The Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA) Association today announced that Sam Runco, an AV industry veteran and founding member of CEDIA has joined the WiSA Advisory Board to support the promotion and broad adoption of wireless audio speaker technology in the home. Fellow Advisory Board members include Aperion Audio, DEI Holdings, Inc. (parent company to Polk Audioand Definitive Technology), GGEC, Hansong Electronics Co., Klipsch Group, Inc., Meiloon Industrial Co., Pioneer Corporation, SHARP Corporation, Silicon Image and Summit Semiconductor.
Sam Runco has more than 30 years of experience in the home theater industry and is the founder of Runco International, a leader in products and services for custom HD home theater video displays. Runco is also the recipient of CEDIA's Lifetime Achievement Award and an inductee in the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame.
“WiSA-compliant speakers are the first to provide consumers with a superior quality, interference-free, wireless surround-sound experience while offering interoperability with other WiSA-compliant CE components,” said Sam Runco. “I am looking forward to help guide the implementation, interoperability, and evolution of this exciting wireless home audio technology.”
The WiSA Association is an industry group dedicated to promoting high performance wireless audio in the home theater market by delivering the industry’s first interoperability specification and compliance testing programs for manufacturers of high-performance wireless speakers, DTVs, Blu-ray Disc players, and other consumer electronics (CE) devices. Consumers will be able to outfit their home entertainment system with WiSA-compliant speakers and components from any participating vendor with the assurance that the devices will interoperate with each other and provide the highest standard in HD wireless surround sound audio.
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Share Article Back to Top Almo's Fall E4 Tour Hits Dallas and NY — Kayye to Bring Back Krystal Ball Almo Professional A/V, in partnership with InfoComm International, has now opened registration for the Fall 2012 portion of its E4 AV training and networking event. Almo will stop in Dallas on Sept. 13 and New York on Oct. 3, bringing more than 30 manufacturing partners displaying hundreds of new products. Almo will also offer a newly updated set of 13 educational sessions, many of which are worth CTS Renewal Units (RUs).
An overview of the Almo Pro A/V E4 AV Tour can be viewed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKp02YBhstI
The Dallas E4 educational schedule will be broken down into the following three educational tracks to help attendees navigate their way through the day:
Emerging Technology:
- Gary Kayye, rAVe [Publications]: Predicting A/V Futures with Kayye’s Krystal Ball LIVE (1 CTS RU)
- Alan and Jonathon Brawn, Brawn Consulting: The Art of “Techorating” with Displays for Commercial Applications (1 CTS RU)
- Alan and Jonathon Brawn, Brawn Consulting: Best Practices for Installing Large Format Displays (1 CTS RU)
- Don Hickey, Samsung Electronics: Interactive Display Tables with Natural Interfaces – The Future is Here
Technical Knowledge:
- Brian Menchew, C2G: Introduction to Master Antenna TV and RF Distribution (1 CTS RU)
- Tom Kehr, Infocomm International: Power Grounding Best Practices (1 CTS RU)
- Tom Kehr, InfoComm International: Designing and Specifying Displays Systems (1 CTS RU)
- Dave Gentile, NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.: Video Walls: A Start to Finish Guide for Success
Business Savvy:
- Alan and Jonathon Brawn, Brawn Consulting: How to Play in the IT Sandbox with A/V Installations (1 CTS RU)
- Tom Kehr, InfoComm International: On the Go Apps (1 CTS RU)
- Jay Jenkins, AMX: How Selling Configurable Room Control Solutions Can Increase Your Revenue & Margins
- Brian Rhatigan, Almo Professional A/V: Digital Signage Content Delivery Methods
- Jennifer H. Willard, CTS, Women in AV (WAVE): What is Mentoring and Why It's Important to You
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore multi-touch interactive displays and lampless LED projectors. They can learn the ins-and-outs of media players, see examples of signal distribution over long distances and coax, and learn first-hand how to create video wall configurations with control systems. They can also win prizes from sponsors worth a total of over $5,000.
The E4 Dallas event will take place on Sept. 13 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas while the E4 New York event is on Oct. 3 at the Meadowlands Expo Center. Both events run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are entirely free, including parking, to Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, go to http://www.e4avtour.com/
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Pacific Media’s Q2 Census Shows Mainstream Projector Market Grew Seven Percent Y/Y Pacific Media Associates (PMA) just released its latest research report on the worldwide projector market. The worldwide projector market totaled 2.3 million units in calendar Q2.
The second quarter is typically a seasonally slow one for sales of home entertainment projectors. That was not the case this year as Euro Football and the lead-up to the Olympics led to a buoyant quarter for 1080p projector sales throughout Europe. In the mainstream professional market, robust growth slowed in China but education tenders drove 20 percent+ year/year gains in the ASEAN countries.
High-end projector sales also registered solid gains during the quarter. The U.S. market, the leading country in the world for high-end projectors, hit a record-setting high in volume for the quarter. While already-high digitization rates are impacting the U.S. digital cinema market, high-end growth this quarter turned to traditional conference room and large venue projectors as this segment jumped 20 percent vs. the year-earlier quarter.
In the sub-1000 lumen brightness range, the worldwide total fell again compared with the year-earlier quarter. That decline was mainly due to lower shipments of modules embedded in mobile devices, though that trend is expected to reverse course sharply in the second half of 2012. Standalone projectors, including pico projectors and personal projectors, managed to eke out a small gain over the year-earlier quarter. This segment too is expected to pick up strongly in the second half of this year.
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Share Article Back to Top WiSA Gears Up for Strong CEDIA Showing We've been fans of the WiSA technology for just about a year now — in fact, we think it's the best wireless audio technology out there and that it should easily become the standard in HomeAV by 2015. Sharp, Klipsch, Pioneer, Aperion and a handful of other manufacturers have already adopted the WiSA standard.
What is WiSA? Well, the WiSA (Wireless Speaker & Audio) Association is an industry group dedicated to promoting the adoption of WiSA-enabled compliant products worldwide by fostering interoperability compliance testing between CE devices and high-performance wireless speakers.
At CEDIA Expo, the association will have a Sound Room where you'll hear nothing but wireless audio, including not only soundbars but also 7.1 surround systems that are 100 percent wireless. It's Sound Room #6. Please make time to go as we believe this WILL become the wireless standard in HomeAV.
To learn more about WiSA, go here: http://www.wisaassociation.org/Compliance/Overview.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top SnapAV Enters ProAV Market Following the continued downturn of the HomeAV market, SnapAV has launched a ProAV-only product line and dedicated commercial AV website.
SnapAV is a manufacturer of speakers, power conditioning products, cabling, screens and rack products and its new commercial website is here: http://www.snapav.com/t-commercialLaunch.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top Chief's New Rewards Site Gifts Certified Partners Chief has added a brand-new rewards site to its Certification Program.
Participants in the Chief Certified Partner Program earn Chief points when completing courses. Once they hit 600- and 1,200-point levels, they pick out rewards from among dozens of items including tools, travel accessories, fashion accessories, gift cards and more. Chief Certified Partners can see the full list after logging into their online accounts.
With more than 2,400 active users (more than 1,000 Certified Partners), the Chief Certification Program is designed to help dealers and installers improve business results, differentiate their businesses and enhance their overall mount and rack product knowledge. Course completion also earns industry renewal credits at no cost; the program is accredited for 11.5 CTS RUs from InfoComm, 8 CEDIA CEUs, 2 Digital Signage Experts Group Credits and 1 American Institute of Architects credit.
There are 21 courses available through Chief’s online program, with specialized training modules for a variety of needs and vertical markets such as corporate, residential and education. Chief continues to add to this list; recent additions include Automated Classroom, Elite Home Theater, Control Room and Training Room courses.
To sign up for Chief’s Certified Partner Program and start the free interactive training, or to simply find out more about the courses and their specific industry credit value, go to http://www.certification.chiefmfg.com
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BenQ Adds New Entry-Level Home Theater Projector BenQ has introduced an entry-level home theater projector, the EP5920. The EP5920 is an 1,800 ANSI lumen, 1080p projector that's specified with a 4500:1 contrast ratio and a 5,000-hour lamp. Using a single-chip DLP (with a six-segment color wheel), the EP5920's inputs include two HDMIs, a 15-pin VGA, composite, S-video, component, audio in/out mini jack, USB and RS-232 control.
The EP5920 is available now with a list price of $899. Complete specs are here: http://www.benq.us/product/projector/ep5920
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Share Article Back to Top Kramer Debuts HDMI Pattern Generator Kramer's new 840Hxl HDMI test pattern generator can generate 32 preset patterns, including several unique patterns incorporating motion, at 16 popular predefined resolutions — and, it has the ability to setup and store seven user-defined resolutions.
The 840Hxl can be used not only as a basic pattern generator, but also as an advanced HDMI troubleshooting device. The user can select the pattern, the resolution, the color depth and the color space of the output HDMI signal, either through the front panel buttons or the included computer software. The 840Hxl also has audio capabilities allowing the user to change the unit’s sampling frequency (44kHz, 48kHz, 88kHz, 96kHz, 176kHz and 192kHz) and bit depth (16 bit, 20 bit and 24 bit).
The 840Hxl has an HDMI output, five dual-function control buttons and two single-function buttons. It includes a USB port and RS−232 port for connecting to a controlling PC (PC control software is included). The unit has a two-digit display, power LED and an onboard EPROM option that saves the last unit settings.
Here are all the specs: http://www.kramerus.com/
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Share Article Back to Top Klein Tools Intros Universal Coax Stripper Klein Tools launched a unique Coax Combination Radial Stripper that strips both utility and standard cable sizes, including RG6, RG6-QS, RG59, RG11, and RG7. It also strips two levels (outer jacket and dielectric) in one step. The one-step, two-level (5/16” X 1/4”) stripping along with the sliding depth gauge take the guesswork out of repeatable cable end preparation. This stripper also eliminates the need for the installer to use his fingers as a backstop for sharp wire tips. High-carbon steel cutting blades automatically adjust to different cable diameters and a finger loop facilitates controlled rotation.
You can see the stripper (model VDV110095) here: http://www.service.kleintools.com/Tool/PRD/Product/VDV110095
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Debuts Less Expensive HDMI Twisted Pair Extenders Extron has launched the DTP HDMI 230 twisted pair extender for transmission of HDMI, audio and bidirectional RS-232 and IR control signals up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single Cat5-type cable. It's priced at about 15 percent less than the company's other longer-distance models. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an economical means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 230 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same single twisted pair cable.
The DTP HDMI 230 allows a direct connection from devices with an analog stereo audio output, such as desktop computers or laptops, and provides balanced and unbalanced audio output from the receiver. In addition, the DTP HDMI 230 continuously maintains DDC communication of EDID and HDCP between a source and display thus ensuring direct compatibility between devices.
The DTP HDMI 230 is compatible with Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 twisted pair cable and can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated with an HDMI matrix switcher to extend inputs or outputs to remote locations. It is compatible with signal resolutions up to 1080p/60 or 1920×1200 and supports HDMI specification features including data rates up to 6.75 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, HD lossless audio formats and CEC. For added flexibility, either the transmitter or receiver can be powered over the original twisted pair cable, allowing both devices to share one external power supply.
Details on the DTP HDMI 230 are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dtphdmi230&s=0
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Share Article Back to Top Artcoustic Ships New SoundBars The new Artcoustic Multi Soundbar SL and C-2 SL soundbars are now shipping. The Artcoustic Multi Soundbar SL is available in four sizes (1,039 millimeters, 1,230 mm, 1,357 mm and 1,499 mm). All of them have an operating range of 65 Hz to 40 Khz; left, right and center SPL (sound pressure level) at 1-watt is 87 dB (Max SPL 101 dB). The Multi Soundbar SL can be configured as either an LCR or mono loudspeaker.
The new C-2SL is a higher performance loudspeaker designed to be mounted either vertically or horizontally. It's 209 millimeters high and 67 mm deep, with widths from 1,115 mm to 2,500 mm. It shares the same array and characteristics as the 120-36SL with a 12-6 array (12 3" bass units, 6 1.5" tweeters), so it's designed to complement the company's higher output speakers (8-4 arrays and higher).
Go here for all the specs: http://www.artcoustic.com/Products.html
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Share Article Back to Top LINN's Kiko is Industry's Newest Wireless Home Audio System Kiko is a network-based audio system. Integrated with both a pre-amplifier and power amplifier, Kiko plays any audio from a PC or Mac using Linn’s Songcast app and streams Internet radio, podcasts and 'listen again' broadcasts. It also includes seven inputs including one RCA line and one 3.5-millimeter port, three HDMI inputs, a S/PDIF port, a TosLink port and an HDMI pass-through. It sends audio to two connected, bookshelf-like speakers.
Oh, and did we mention it's compatible with Apple's AirPlay? That means you can play music from any iOS or iMac that outputs AirPlay too.
It offers four channels of 33-watt RMS via an integrated amplifier and connection is made via Neutrik Speakon loudspeaker connections.
You can see all the specs and colors it comes in here: http://www.linn.co.uk/systems/see-the-range/kiko
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Share Article Back to Top Knoll Goes Wireless Knoll's new WTA-PACK "No-Wire" audio system claims a high quality audio signal that can travel through most walls and is reliable up to 100' (30 meters) and 150' (45 meters) outdoor (line of sight). Using Knoll Systems’ so-called “Klean Audio Technology” (KAT), this system features an analog input, digital transmitter paired with a unique, easy to position, 25-watts-per-channel receiver-amplifier. A line level receiver is also offered for instances where amplification is already available.
In addition to audio-only, the company now also has an HDMI version.
For more information, go to http://www.knoll.com
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Share Article Back to Top TruAudio Enters Thin Ceiling Speaker Market Claiming the thinnest in-ceiling speakers on the market, TruAudio's new THIN-CEILING (appropriate name, huh?) incorporates a pre-mounted ABS back-box for shallow and solid-wall installations. TruAudio says this series is the first speaker to incorporate a full 5" woofer and 1" tweeter with less than 2.5" (60 millimeters) in total mounting depth. TruAudio is known for its Ghost grill, a patented designed speaker housing that hides the entire frame once the grill is installed.
Get all the specs here: http://www.truaudio.com/products/4/Thin-Ceiling
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Share Article Back to Top CEDIA Announces New Fellows The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) has announced the 2012 inductees into its prestigious Fellows program, which honors longtime CEDIA members and volunteers who have contributed significantly to the association’s success.
The 2012 honorees join a group of 16 fellows inducted over the last three years. The 2012 inductees will be recognized at the annual Electronic Lifestyles Awards Celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom Sat., Sept. 8 during CEDIA EXPO 2012.
“The passion and dedication provided by the CEDIA Fellows has contributed to the growth of the electronic systems industry placing them into an elite group of CEDIA volunteers,” said Federico Bausone, CEDIA chairman. “We are proud to recognize their contributions that have helped shape the association and the industry.”
The 2012 Fellows include:
Ken Erdmann — Ken Erdmann has been an active member of CEDIA since 1993. Ken is a past chairman of the CEDIA Board of Directors and has served in many volunteer positions including Education Council chair, and as a subject matter expert for the Installer certification exam and Designer certification exam and review. Ken was also instrumental in the oversight of the building of core curriculum for CEDIA University. In 2003, Ken was honored as the CEDIA Volunteer of the Year and was selected as a Top Ten Instructor three times. Ken holds the CEDIA Installer and Designer certifications. Ken currently serves as the CEA/CEDIA R10 Residential Systems Committee co-chair and is an active member of the CEDIA Technology Council. Ken is also being honored as the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Eric Grundelman — Eric Grundelman is an industry pioneer, who began developing solutions to solve client problems in the early age of integration. Eric and his business partner have helped develop the business that has come be to known as custom integration. Eric continues to keep his hands in the middle of the technical side of the business and is a certified programmer for multiple systems AMX, Control4, Litetouch, Lutron, Savant and Universal Remote Control. He has also been trained as a certified field technician for Litetouch. Eric’s company, Eric Grundelman Inc., is a founding member of CEDIA and he has served numerous volunteer roles over the years. He is an accomplished licensed pilot, flying everything from Piper Cubs to Jet aircraft. He has been married for 10 years to his wonderful wife and they have a daughter and son.
Eric Lee — Eric Lee is the principal owner and partner in ICX, a custom residential installation and integration solutions firm located in Chicago, IL. He has a long and distinguished history in the custom installation industry, working as an installer, designer, programmer, and project manager on a wide variety of custom projects. Eric has served in many volunteer roles for CEDIA including four years as a member of the CEDIA Board of Directors, CEDIA University Dean, Content Action Team Chairman for the Electronic Systems Designer and the Electronic Systems Technician college tracks, as well as serving as a subject matter expert for the CEDIA Designer Certification Review and Exam. Eric designed, programmed, and managed the control system in the smart home at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry on CEDIA’s behalf. Eric is an avid scouter and is very involved with the Boy Scouts of America.
Joaquin Rivera — Joaquin Rivera has contributed to the Stewart Filmscreen Corp for over 12 years. Most recently, he was promoted to vice president of sales, with global sales responsibility for both the residential and commercial markets. Part and parcel to his success, Rivera has focused on the need to educate customers on the science of screen technology, selling value added products and building the heritage and superiority of the Stewart Filmscreen brand. His efforts have been recognized though several personal and company awards for continued sales and brand success including 50 Most Influential People in the industry, named CEDIA’s “Volunteer of the Year,” Dealerscope’s “40 Under 40” and led Stewart Filmscreen to 12 consecutive “inside track” awards as the best screen company organization in sales and customer support.
Steve Moore — Steve Moore trained as an architect, and has been designing electronic systems for residential and hospitality installations for over twenty years. The founding chairman of CEDIA in the UK, Steve has worked with companies such as Best Buy, Carphone Warehouse, Ford, HP, Virgin and many others. Steve set up SMC — a successful, 70-strong, high-end custom installation company based in London. SMC's team has recently installed systems in the award-winning Eccleston Hotel, and the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class lounge at London Heathrow. Clients include large city firms, hotel chains, upscale property developers and the likes of David Attenborough & Mick Jagger. In addition Steve founded digitalplumbers.com — a simple, networking-based installation and support service for ordinary people. Steve and his young family divide the year between Horsham, UK and Carcassonne, France. He loves cooking and hates flying.
Jeremy Glowacki — Jeremy Glowacki is a veteran magazine editor, having worked for numerous publications over his 19-year career. He co-founded Residential Systems in 2000 and still serves as its editor as well as editorial director of Systems Contractor News, Rental & Staging, and their websites, which are all owned by New York City-based NewBay Media LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and lives in Carmel, Ind., with his wife, two daughters and beagle-basset hound mix.
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Share Article Back to Top Brannon Young amd Shawn Lemay Named CEDIA's 2012 Volunteers of the Year CEDIA has named the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have exhibited outstanding, creative, innovative and visionary leadership to the growth and advancement of CEDIA. CEDIA awards an individual from the Associate Member category and the Electronic Systems Contractor Member category. These distinguished volunteers will be honored at the annual Electronic Lifestyles Awards Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 8 at CEDIA EXPO.
Brannon Young, Luxul – Associate Volunteer of the Year: Young has championed the process for Luxul to reduce the complexity of commercial networking solutions for the residential industry. His expertise in the field of IT/Networking has made him a valuable subject matter expert and instructor for CEDIA University. Brannon was instrumental in the educational development of two new courses that were built for the CEDIA University Technical college this year.
“Brannon brings a great amount of technical insight to the table and without his dedication to this project, the CEDIA University Networking Performance course would not have been completed on time and CEDIA EXPO attendees would not have had the opportunity to learn about this critical topic,” said Steve Rissi, CEDIA technical project manager.
Shawn Lemay, S & T Enterprises – Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) Volunteer of the Year: Lemay has also been instrumental in the development of IT/Networking education content, as well as the Technical and Designer curriculum for CEDIA University. In addition, Lemay assisted in the creation of the new Residential Networking Specialist Credential by helping develop the credential’s Job Task Analysis (JTA).
“What makes Shawn truly special is his ability to distill the critical information from such a large body of knowledge in the IT/Networking realm and present it to our members in a way that they can relate to and understand,” said Jeff Gardner, CEDIA director of technical training. “He has a great talent for getting to the core of the skills that will help our members become more efficient, successful, and profitable.”
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Share Article Back to Top URC Announces CEDIA Expo Training and Educational Event URC announced this month details of its training and educational activities for CEDIA EXPO 2012, to be held Sept. 5 – 8 in Indianapolis. URC classes will offer training on both URC’s Complete Control Product (CCP) line and the breakthrough Total Control whole-house line. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday each offer four courses. Wednesday, September 5, will be a unique day of URC training at CEDIA EXPO, with a comprehensive focus on getting attendees up to speed on URC’s Total Control whole-house system.
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!
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