Volume 9, Issue 2 — January 24, 2011

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Welcome to another issue of rAVe ProAV Edition!

Today we have an article from me on building value in your business so you can sell it eventually, plus an article from columnist Lee Distad on flat speakers in commercial audio. We also have a column from new rAVe blogger AV Dawn (Dawn Meade) about 3D. Welcome, Dawn!

rAVe NOW is heading to ISE in Amsterdam in a couple weeks. We'll be Tweeting, blogging, and shooting videos on the show floor so you can stay up to date. If you're going to be there (or want to make sure we don't miss something), give us a shout on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rAVePubs

Enjoy the issue!

–Gary Kayye, CTS

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Bailing Out

By Gary Kayye, CTS

As I get older, I find myself having conversations that, when I was a 22-year-old entering this market long ago, I couldn’t have imagined having.

Let me digress.

When I started in this market way back in the late 1980s, this was still considered a young industry. Sure, video had been around for more than a decade, but, truth is, the ProAV market was still a small, good ‘ole boy network of broadcast video, studio video and even former band members who decided to capitalize on their passion and start an AV dealership.

But, no one could have imagined what came next.

All of a sudden, projectors moved from being giant, convergence-laden, over-engineered optical wonders to high-volume, simple to set up boxes that every corporation, school and government agency wanted in their meetings rooms.

With all due respect to many of my industry buddies, even trunk-slammers made a lot of money selling projectors.

But, by the mid 1990s, the cream of the crop began to emerge. Those really good box-movers realized that you could shift your business model a bit and take advantage of a high-margin business known as SYSTEMS.

And, again with all due respect to some of my industry friends, many of these new systems houses were successful — in spite of the founders themselves. [Note to the reader: that last sentence may have to be read a few times to understand what I really meant].

Flash forward nearly 20 years and here we are today: a $60 billion or so industry known as ProAV.

Back to my first sentence: As I get older, I find myself having conversations that, when I was a 22-year-old entering this market long ago, I couldn’t have imagined having.

Many of my industry friends, more than not, are trying to figure out how to sell their companies and get the money for it they believe they deserve (and they believe it’s worth).

Trouble is, you see, it’s not worth what they perceive it to be worth.

Let me explain.

Back during the good ‘ole days, those ones I mentioned above, there were three big things that made for success in building a great, profitable dealership:

• Access: Not everyone had access to product. In fact, the most creative founders out there discovered new products and technologies and helped get them into the market, thus, making them the market pioneers. For example, SMART Technologies was barely known in 1988, a year after its founding, and those AV dealers out there who were the first to get their hands on the original SMART Board are now multi-millionaires. This story can be told over and over again by simply substituting the name Crestron, Extron, InFocus, AMX, Polycom, Electrohome, Barco and a handful of others, with that of SMART.
   
• Relationships: In addition to forming and maintaining relationships with these newly formed manufacturers so you had access and could sell their wares, you needed a knack for making and keeping relationships with your newly found clients, too. Back then, once you had a client, unless you messed up, you owned them. Breaking those tight-knit relationships was hard to do – unless you had #3.
   
• Exclusivity: Yep, back in the good ‘ole days, most manufacturers would give you exclusive geographical territories that you could sell to with no competition. Can you imagine that today? Wow! I’m not saying a monkey could have been successful back in the day, but having exclusive territories for a particular brand (e.g., Sony) or technology (e.g., electronic whiteboards), sure made it easier for you to have been successful.

Back to today: we have about 250 or so of these $10 million+ a year companies here in the U.S. all thinking about a how to sell out and retire. Some have kids to pass on the business to, some have employees willing to buy them out but many are left trying to find buyers. And, although the economy isn’t doing well, that’s not their real barrier in getting what they think they deserve.

It’s worth.

Back in the late 1980s, you could sell your company based on the products you had access to selling. In the 1990s, you could sell a business based on your database of contacts. In the early 2000s, you could sell your company based on the client list – who you had relationships with and installs you could demo.

But, now, the ONLY value proposition that’s real is recurring revenue – and many, many AV dealerships simply don’t have any of it.

What is it? Well, it’s that monthly check you receive from your clients for proactive service contracts, for remote maintenance services, for extended warranties or for keeping their digital signage network operating and filled with creative content.

Don’t get a monthly check? Then, how do you think you’re going to sell your company?

Seriously, anyone can get access to product now – check out eBay and Amazon.com. Anyone can get leads to sell to — you can buy them over the Internet in a matter of minutes. And, no one’s giving out geographical exclusivity anymore — trust me on that one.

So, what do you have? What’s your value proposition? What makes you think your company has any residual value beyond a name?

If you truly want to sell out and make some real cash, you’ve got to set up a recurring revenue plan – it’s as simple as that! I’ve been writing about selling services for more than 15 years and those articles have included all four of those aforementioned recurring revenue schemes for your business. But have you been reading? Are you doing anything about it? Or, do you only understand value in tangibles — things you can see, touch and sell.

If you’re not a business owner but work for one, pass this article on — unless, of course, you want to buy the company yourself, in which case, don’t show them — that way, the company still has no value and it’ll cost you less!
 

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A Contrarian's View of the 3D Craze

By AVDawn
rAVe Blogger

Okay, so I'm not generally one to buck industry trends entirely, but I have to say, I'm simply not on this 3D bandwagon. Since 2008, we've been inundated with 3D as the be-all, end-all of coming AV display trends. At the 2010 InfoComm, you couldn't swing a swagbag without smacking a 3D projector, 3D flat panel display, or 3D player for those displays. This month’s CES event headlines are also 3D heavy: "Tablets, Dual-Core Phones and 3D Cameras: 2011’s Hottest Gadget Trends" — "What to Expect from CES 2011: Androids, Tablets And 3D TVs" — "How Blu-ray Could Speed Up 3D TV Adoption" — and so on. In fact, 3D mania has even invaded kids' games and telephones, with 3D handheld video game systems and 3D screen smart phones on sale or on the way to store shelves. It's everywhere. So why am I bucking the 3D trend? Well, there are several reasons.

Been There, Done That

First of all, 3D is the "top trend" because, well, it's trendy. That is to say, it's the flavor of the week… a fad. The technology isn't new or groundbreaking. In fact, 3-D has been around since the 1950s. It was ‘an amazing, ground-breaking, realistic technology' back then… until it went out of style. In the early 1980s, it came back as 'an amazing, ground-breaking, realistic technology' with such movies as Jaws 3D, Amityville 3D and a host of craptacular sci-fi "epics" like Metalstorm, SpaceHunter and Treasure of the Four Crowns. Now, the rise of Avatar has reintroduced the American moviegoing public to the 'amazing, ground-breaking, realistic technology' that is 3-D. 

Is the technology truly changed and innovative?  Well, obviously we are far more advanced than we were in the 1950s, but in many ways, today's 3D is just a shinier, slicker version of classic 3-D. RealD Cinema, one of the most common 3D theatre formats (in my area, anyways!) is little more than an updated version of the polarization 3D methods used in most of the films released from 1952-1955.  Anaglyph stereography is what most people think of when discussing 3D – the kind where viewers wear red-blue or amber-blue lens glasses – but it too has existed since the 1950s.  And, while eclipse method 3D is one of the top technologies of today's new 3D boom, shuttering lens 3D glasses existed as early as 1922's Teleview Stereoscopic Motion Pictures! So much for ground breaking today, huh?

There is also the issue of content.  It is true that the number of 3D movies released more than  quadrupled between 2008 and 2010… but that means the number went from 7 films to 40, according to the MPAA.  40 films… out of how many released worldwide? How many were created in native 3D and how many were upconverted? How's that quality on the theatrically-released converted films? And on the non-3D films that get converted after the fact? Realistically, before spending the time and money on all of this new technology, will there be content available when the trend dies out in Hollywood? (Ask HD-DVD owners about the expense-vs-content issue!)

Dramamine, Anyone?

The next reason I'm not on board with the whole 3D trend is the fact that, by supporting this technology above regular old video, we risk alienating a sizable portion of our customers!  According to optometrists, 5 percent of people have severe visual disabilities that make viewing 3-D impossible. Up to 12 percent have some sort of problem with their binocular vision which impacts ability to see 3D, such as strabismus or amblyopia. Young children's eyesight is not developed enough to view 3D for long periods of time without the potential for damage, and people who suffer from motion sickness, epileptics, stroke victims, the elderly, pregnant women and even people who have been drinking are discouraged from use. Just imagine how many people that rules out! 

Warnings issued recently by Samsung, Nintendo and Toshiba regarding their new 3D products point out that even healthy adults can experience illness, fatigue, or a host of side effects that reads like a pharmaceutical commercial: "Side effects can include confusion, nausea, convulsions, altered vision, light-headedness, dizziness, involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching and cramps." Good heavens!  As an AV integrator, I don't want to have to put black-box warnings on all of my racks. 

3D: It's Hype-tastic!

Last, but by no means least, I'm not on the 3D bandwagon because of my old high school debate coach. What? Let me explain. Back when AVDawn was just SchoolgirlDawn, I was a fairly wicked speech-and-debate competitor. My specialty was Original Oratory – Informative or Persuasive speeches written and delivered on the topic of my choice. Then (as now) I would take a topic that tickled my fancy and just run with it. One day, Mrs. O'Halloran took me aside and said, "Look, that's a good speech but why do I care? There's a big difference between 'neat to know' and 'need to know.' Your topic is the former. Go find the latter and bring me a speech on that." I did, and I placed at the state championships that year, and I learned a lesson that can be applied to our customers' systems as well.

Is 3D a technology that our customers NEED to own and use?  Or is it simply one that is NEAT to own and use?  For most of my ProAV customers, the answer is the latter.  It would be neat to have 3D projectors in a board room or operations center, but it simply isn't necessary.  Given the nature of many things displayed in a commercial environment, it may even be worse than unnecessary — it could be detrimental. Imagine how a PowerPoint presentation would look, upconverted to 3D… or a spreadsheet. A standard web page… or a camera feed.  Ugh.

Now, there *is* a place for 3D. It is a GOD-SEND for modeling, for simulation, for education.  Government, military, healthcare and education clients will all benefit greatly from integrating this technology into their facilities. However, they won't want EVERY projector or flat panel to be 3D… only those in the simulation or modeling classrooms and labs.  For the board room, the regular old 2D displays will not be easily replaced.

Now, I don't generally play in the HomeAV market. 3D may be better positioned there for growth over the next few years. After all, many times, HomeAV is ALL ABOUT the "neat to have" — especially if the homeowner is a big video gamer. So, I could be dead wrong on the downfall of 3D on that count. Of course, in his 2011 predictions, Gary Kayye foresees the downfall of Home Theatre 3D in most cases. Who knows?  But I will say this, unless you are selling AV to a very specific market (gamers or those listed in the last paragraph), I can't imagine the 3D Craze lasting.

One Last Thing…

There is one caveat to all of this speculation.  At the moment, every 3D display or device I've seen at InfoComm or the Almo E4 AV Tour has been 3D only and required upconverting non-3D sources for display. If manufacturers got smart, they'd develop a 3D display that had an on-off setting to function as a regular unit or a 3D unit. This is how the new Nintendo 3DS works for handheld gaming, but it may not be practical for larger, non-lenticular 3D displays. Still, it could solve a lot of issues that could ultimately destroy 3D's viability in the market place.  Manufacturers, are you listening?

Dawn Meade, CTS, is the owner of Advanced Video Systems, Inc. and a rAVe blogger. Reach her at dmeade@avsav.comor on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/AVDawn

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In Commercial Audio, The World Is Going Flat

By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist

There’s an old saying common to many families that “anything that’s been done twice is a family tradition.” In ProAV installation it’s not too much of a stretch to state that what two manufacturers are doing is a trend. What is in question is whether or not flat speakers presage a revolution in both the speaker product category as well as how systems are designed in the same way that flat panel displays rapidly took over the world.

Flat speakers have been around for a long time, in one configuration or another, but they’ve recently begun to grow in prominence as a result of a couple of decision drivers that clients are concerned about these days: energy efficiency and budget control. We’ll explore the impact flat speakers have on those, but first let’s examine a couple of manufacturers and their offerings.

A few months ago, Extron announced its FF 220T, a speaker for 8 ohm direct or 70/100-volt systems. Like the extant 1’x2’ FF 120T, the 2’x2’ FF 220T uses Extron’s patent-pending Flat Field technology, which reduces beaming of mid and high frequencies directly under the speaker and offers a wide dispersion area. Another benefit of the self-enclosed design is that it’s easy to install in suspended ceilings, which are just as common in commercial environments as finished ceilings.

Another brand that’s heavily focused on commercial audio installs is Amina Technologies Ltd., a privately-owned, UK-based manufacturer of invisible loudspeakers. Primarily intended for finished in-wall and in-ceiling applications, the Amina AIWX Series In-Wall Loudspeakers are designed to be skimmed over with up to 3/16" of plaster or drywall compound, providing a totally concealed audio solution that still delivers full dynamic range without the visible presence of speakers. As well, there are models intended for suspended ceiling applications.

Common to competing flat speakers is the aforementioned improvement in dispersion and off axis performance, especially in the high and mid-range. The net result of course is a room that’s easier to tune and equalize, audio that delivers better intelligibility, and a better chance of the client and the client’s own customers having a satisfactory listening experience.

That sounds great, but is it the start of a revolution? Keith Vanderkley, Director of Sales for Amina Technologies explains that in the current economic climate, ProAV clients are concerned about getting the most value out of the dollars they’re spending. Oh, and they don’t want to spend too much, either. Speaker product that allows for a system design that requires fewer speakers and still achieves better audio coverage maximizes the value for the client, and allows dealers to submit an extremely competitive bid in a market where competition between ProAV dealers can be described as “fierce.” As he puts it, “Businesses, be they large corporations or small enterprises, have, like the consumer, learned to do more with less, to give and receive value for money, and to concentrate on what they need to survive. I think we have entered an era where more is less, where space is valued, and spending is done with more responsibility. “

At the same time, unique products help dealers differentiate themselves. The ProAV business is based on being a solution provider, and offering clients a solution that is both unique (at least in the client’s perception) and offers real solutions gives dealers a big competitive boost. It’s worth mentioning that flat speaker vendors are touting the “green” benefits of using them in large projects: after all, fewer speakers means less electricity, which means lower cost of operation.

Beyond that though, there are other valuable differentiating factors. Jerry Cameron runs Commercial Business Services, a Toronto-based commercial integration. He explains that flat speakers (his company uses Amina) have very powerful applications, such as high-end hospitality clients. “We do a lot of work for high end restaurants and lounges,” he says. “Those clients spend a lot of money on their décor and are extremely concerned about their aesthetics. It’s a very easy sell in applications where they don’t want to see speakers.”

There’s also appeal in more technical projects. Cameron states that in corporate applications like telepresence the more even distribution of audio in conference and boardrooms can eliminate feedback, improving the user experience.

Have we got a trend on our hands? Will flat speakers save and/or transform the speaker category? Maybe — stay tuned.

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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rAVe NOW OnDemand at ISE

rAVe NOW reporters will be at ISE in Amsterdam in a couple weeks, bringing you videos of product introductions and industry announcements, plus Tweets and blogs from the show floor.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/ravepubs

Check out our ISE portal here: http://www.rAVeNowISE.com

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CTS Exams at ISE in Amsterdam Next Month

Looking for another reason to make the trip to Amsterdam for Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), Feb. 1-3 at the RAI? You could sit for the CTS, CTS-D or CTS-I exams! Just steps away from the show floor and education classrooms, but hurry — the limited exam seats are first-come, first-served. To find out how to reserve your spot, go here: http://www.pearsonvue.com/infocomm/ise/

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NSCA Releases ProAV Industry's Financial Analysis Report

NSCA’s latest release of its biennial Financial Analysis of the Industry coincides with a more optimistic view of the economy and, consequently, predictions of new business ventures in 2011. The new 2010 report allows systems integrators to track and benchmark their past two years in comparison to industry peers to create a more realistic picture for 2011.

The report highlights three areas for 2009 and 2010: company background, balance sheet and summary information, and sales ratios. It is broken down by company size, gross profit, company age, region, focus and sales methods, which makes it easier for readers to measure financial performance. It also examines sales ratios such as range of sales, cost of sales and administrative expenses to manage.

Installations of telepresence and video conferencing systems, networked systems, and A/V applications are all expected to increase in 2011. So, contractors who use this report to compare their accounts receivable, inventory and assets to those of their peers will benefit from a clear path to success.
   
The 2010 Financial Analysis of the Industry is available to NSCA corporate contractor members at no cost. To download the report or other industry research, visit http://www.nsca.org/research.

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Sanyo Shows Short-Throw WXGA Projector with Interactive Whiteboarding

Earlier this month, Sanyo showed rAVe a new wide XGA ultra short-throw 3LCD interactive projector geared for the educational and corporate presentation markets that provides full functionality regardless of the surface on which the image is projected. Unlike existing interactive solutions that require whiteboards or other surfaces with built-in sensors, the PLC-WL2503 operates when any screen or wall surface is used to display the projected image. 2500 lumens brightness and a 500:1 contrast ratio insure picture quality and clarity, and an ultra-short throw lens creates images from 60 to 110 inches at a distance of no more than 47 inches from the screen. Available in January 2011, the PLC-WL2503 has a list price of $1695.99.

Want all the details? Go here: http://us.sanyo.com/dynamic/product/Downloads/PLC-WL2503_0111-19194903.pdf

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Crestron Ships Sonnex Multiroom Audio System

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Extron Ships HDMI and DVI Matrix Switchers

Just before the end of the year, Extron told rAVe the company had started shipping its DXP HDMI Series and DXP DVI Pro Series matrix switchers. Both HDMI 1.3-compatible matrix switchers support HDTV 1080p/60 and PC resolutions up to 1920×1200. HDCP compliant, both series allow for simultaneous distribution of protected content to one or more HDCP-compliant displays — solving all multi-resolution switching issues with HDMI and DVI signals. Featuring what Extron calls intelligent technologies that help integrators ensure compatibility between digital devices including Key Minder, HDCP Visual Confirmation, EDID Minder, and Automatic Input Cable Equalization and Output Reclocking, they are both available in I/O sizes from 4×4 to 8×8.

For complete specs on the DVI Pro Series, go here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dxpdvipro and for specs on the HDMI Series, go here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dxphdmi

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Da-Lite Launches Pico Projector Screen

Da-Lite Screen has an industry first – a tabletop Pico Screen.  The new Pico Screen was, obviously, designed with pico projectors in mind and is a lightweight portable projection system for business meetings, training, gaming and many other applications. Setup is as simple as removing the screen from the carrying case, pulling the two halves of the case apart and placing the screen on a table or stand.  There are no latches or feet to deal with. Fully expanded, the viewing area of the screen is a 30” diagonal HDTV format.  Since the screen maintains a constant height and is infinitely adjustable, an NTSC video format can be easily achieved to accommodate a variety of source materials. The Da-Lite Pico Screen is standard with Video Spectra 1.5 gain screen material. In the closed position, the screen case is only 19” long and weighs five pounds.

Here’s all the details: http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=19&pID=494

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Extron Intros DVI 110 Signal Regenerator

This month Extron launched the DVI 110 signal regenerator for single link DVI-D signals. The DVI 110 retimes and reshapes marginal or noisy DVI signals, such as those occasionally encountered on the output of consumer-grade graphic cards or notebook PCs, or when passive DVI couplers and wall plates are utilized within the signal path. The DVI 110 helps to eliminate noise and reduce jitter at the output of the source, ensuring a strong, stable digital signal, and improving system performance.

The DVI 110 is designed to be used in conjunction with the Extron DVI 101 or HDMI 101 cable equalizer to ensure optimal picture quality on a long cable run. It can also be used with DVI or HDMI products that are equipped with input cable equalization, such as the Extron SMX HDMI and DVI Pro matrix boards, or DXP Series, DMS Series, and DCX Series digital matrix switchers. It is HDCP compliant and is fully compatible with HDMI signals when used with the appropriate Extron DVI-HDMI adapters.

Complete specs on the 1”-high DVI 110 here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dvi110&s=5

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Middle Atlantic Releases Credenza Racks

According to Middle Atlantic, the new C5 Series Credenza Racks bring a totally new approach to installing equipment in cabinets and sideboards. Offering one-, two- or three-bay models, a contemporary style or traditional style design, and 11 standard finishes, the C5 Series include front and rear rail racks spaces, casters and thermostatically controlled 59CFM fans.

Want complete specs? Go here: http://www.middleatlantic.com/enclosure/sa/c5.htm

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VIZIO Adds 65" 3D LCD TV, 21:9 HDTV and Tablet PC

VIZIO just launched a 65” 3D edge-lit LED LCD HDTV (with Internet Apps) — you’ve probably seen it advertised already on TV. VIZIO’s 3D solution, however, is unique as it uses a battery-free 3D glasses technology (yes, “active shutter” technology). Called the XVT3D650SV, it started shipping in December at Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Club stores and online with a suggested member value of $3,499.99. This is going to make it hard for HomeAV integrators to justify $6000 60” HDTVs so you’ll likely see the prices drop on 60” LCDs by month’s end to around $4500 or lower.

In other VIZIO news, at CES they launched a 21:9 aspect ratio line of LCDs (well, two models at first) that are 3D capable. With a native resolution of 2560×1980, the two models are 50” (XVT3D500CM) and 58” (XVT3D580CM), claim a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and include Bluetooth integration for control and a host of other features via Wi-Fi. Part of the new Cinema HDTV line, these two 21:9 aspect ratio models can display 2.35:1 ("CinemaScope") movies without any black bars. As you know, well over 95 percent of all HDTVs are 16:9, or 1.78:1, and a resolution of 1,920×1,080 often referred to as 1080p Full HD.  Quite honestly, no one in high-end ProAV world likely cares about VIZIO launching a phone, but a tablet’s another story. Last week, they launched a Google Android-based tablet, known as VIA, that features a 1 GHz processor, with an 8" high-resolution capacitive touch screen, 802.11n Wi-Fi (nope, no 3G) and Bluetooth connectivity,

GPS, a MicroSD card slot for additional memory expansion, HDMI output with HD video playback, and a front-facing camera for video chats. It also boasts a unique three-speaker design for stereo audio in both portrait and landscape modes. Most notably, however, is that it’s preloaded with a control interface for their own VIZIO line of TVs, Blu-ray players and other AV gear – and it’s also capable of running any and all Android Apps.  If you want to learn more about any of these launches, go here: http://www.vizio.com/

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Almo Pro A/V Hires Gary Post as Territory Manager for Mid-Atlantic

Almo Pro A/V has hired Gary Post as a territory manager for the Mid-Atlantic sales region. Due to the division’s growth since its formation in June 2009, the addition of Post is the first of many new sales positions that Almo Professional A/V will fill this year.

Post most recently spent almost a decade at AVAD.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Haivision Hires Richard Brice as VP, EMEA

Haivision, a provider of end-to-end IP video and digital signage solutions, announced this month the appointment of Richard Brice as vice president, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Brice joins the company with deep technical knowledge and extensive experience in growing international operations. As vice president, EMEA, his responsibilities will include further strengthening of Haivision's presence across key markets.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Premier Mounts and TOTAL Marketing Join Forces

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AVI-SPL Selects InfoComm to Provide Live Events Training

InfoComm has been selected to provide live events training for nearly 200 employees in AVI-SPL's rental and staging division in the United States and Mexico. InfoComm was approached by the company following positive experiences using InfoComm's curricula and instructors for training AV design and installation professionals.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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ICE Cable Systems Announces New Commercial AV Division

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PMA's Latest Pico Projector Manufacturer Survey Shows Companies Expect 22 Million Units to Sell in 2014

Pacific Media Associates (PMA), market researchers that specialize in front projectors, has released the first findings from their just-completed annual survey, in which the manufacturers of projectors, optical engines, and components predicted that the worldwide market for pico projectors will reach 22 million units by 2014, up from about 700,000 units in 2010.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Troxell Communications Acquires CCS Texas Business

AEA Investors LP and Troxell Communications, Inc. have completed the acquisition of CCS Texas (Integrated AV Systems) in Houston, Texas. CCS Texas is a $58M AV Integrator serving the Texas and Louisiana markets. The acquisition was scheduled to close last month. Mark Kalinsky, the CEO and President of CCS Texas, will remain with the business and transition to the President of the AV Integration business.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Premier Mounts Appoints eMarketing Manager

Premier Mounts has named Christina Elmore as eMarketing Manager to develop and implement new strategies for Premier Mounts online business and online communications. Elmore was most recently Marketing Manager at Spinitar.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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Renkus-Heinz Hires New Engineers

Renkus-Heinz has expanded its engineering department with the addition of two new hires. Semi Tehrani, a hardware design engineer with more than 13 years experience in commercial and defense applications, has joined the electronics hardware development team. Mikhail Poddubny has joined the software team. Poddubny's background in high reliability software control applications for networked systems includes stints with Tradetronix in Newport Beach, CA and Moscow-based Center Telecom.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

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USAV Group Partners With NEC Display Solutions

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rAVe NOW at ISE

For the first time EVER at ISE rAVe NOW is covering the show! rAVe NOW, a service of rAVe [Publications] will provide free Social media coverage of the Integrated Systems Europe fair in Amsterdam. Coverage will include live Tweeting at the show (just follow @ravepubs on Twitter), shooting videos of ALL the new products launched at ISE and blogging LIVE from the show floor! But, not only during the show – the rAVe NOW portal will remain live until ISE 2012 – so the hundreds of videos, tweets and blogs the rAVe NOW team sends will be available to everyone in the world – whether they attend ISE or not! Thanks to a partnership with Chief, NEC Display and Extron, the rAVe NOW web portal will be live through January 2012!

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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV 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 ProAV 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).

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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.

Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market (we blow away ANY other Publication in the high-end home AV market.  We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com

To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com

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Copyright 2011 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – 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 contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.