Savant Systems announced this week that it has purchased Artison, a specialty audio manufacturer of speaker systems. The company said that “Artison has earned a reputation for delivering…solutions that merge elegant, unobtrusive aesthetics with exceptionally detailed sound quality…” Is this a bold new strategy for Savant? Or just a reaction to the Control4/Triad acquisition?
Bad Heir Day – Prosecutors Demand 12-Years of Hard Time for Billionaire Samsung Heir
South Korea is buzzing at the news that prosecutors have demanded no less than a 12-year prison term for Samsung’s billionaire heir, Jay Y. Lee. Lee is accused of attempting to solidify his total control of the massive company through a sketchy scheme that included bribing the South Korean President, Park Geun-hye.
See more on these shocking revelations that may lead to problems for Samsung… [Read more…] about Bad Heir Day – Prosecutors Demand 12-Years of Hard Time for Billionaire Samsung Heir
Don’t Like Exposed Wi-Fi Antennas? Access Networks Hides Them
Access Networks announced on Wednesday a new way to hide wireless access points and wireless network range extenders throughout a home for those who, unlike some of us, do not appreciate looking at the antennas and flashing lights typical of these products. Their solution? A wireless access point enclosure with a magnetically retained, paintable cover.
See more on this simple solution from Access Networks… [Read more…] about Don’t Like Exposed Wi-Fi Antennas? Access Networks Hides Them
Uh-Oh, Data Shows TVs are Disappearing From Homes
For years now, the single greatest driving force behind the entire consumer electronics industry has been the vibrant, forceful growth in sales of television sets. Now, in a surprising new report, we learn that American consumers are beginning to wean themselves off of TVs. What that means for integrators, or for the industry, remains to be seen.
See more on this surprising new report on the decline of TVs in America… [Read more…] about Uh-Oh, Data Shows TVs are Disappearing From Homes
Samsung Starts Selling Harman Audio Brands in South Korea
This past Tuesday, Samsung Electronics began launching Harman audio brands in South Korea through their company owned locations. According to the Korean press, Samsung is “looking for business synergy” by combining its strength in distribution network, marketing, and world-class service, with Harman’s strength in manufacturing competitive audio products. It is an initiative, the local media says, that is expected to “have significant impact on South Korean audio markets.”
See more on Samsung’s Harman audio strategy in Korea… [Read more…] about Samsung Starts Selling Harman Audio Brands in South Korea
New Study Shows Surprising Resilience of Retail Shopping
In a newly released study of consumer shopping trends, which like many others is very favorable to online shopping, analysts are discovering surprising data favoring brick-and-mortar retailers. Even more surprising, the study results indicate a resurgence in a preference to buy goods in brick-and-mortar retail by younger shoppers. This shocking result runs counter to other studies and has caught some analysts by surprise.
See the surprising results of this new study on retail shopping preferences… [Read more…] about New Study Shows Surprising Resilience of Retail Shopping
T.H.E. Show Must Go On
One of the industry’s most successful luxury high-end audio shows, T.H.E. Show Anaheim, will take place at the Hilton Anaheim next month on September 22-to-24. Known to be a strong draw for audiophiles and other aficionados of luxury entertainment products, T.H.E. Show (The Home Entertainment Show) is a great place to see the best and the latest luxury high-end A/V and associated gear.
See more about T.H.E. Show, including why you may want to exhibit there… [Read more…] about T.H.E. Show Must Go On
Jeannette Howe Joins Transformative Engineering as VP of Sales
BREAKING NEWS
Specialty design and engineering firm Transformative Engineering has appointed Jeannette Howe to the newly created role of Vice President of Sales. The company notes that Howe’s background, including stints at “National Buying Groups, Trade Associations, and major retailers,” uniquely qualifies her for this role, which is an expansion of their existing sales team.
See more on this new appointment at Transformative Engineering… [Read more…] about Jeannette Howe Joins Transformative Engineering as VP of Sales
ATI Acquires Datasat Digital Entertainment
BREAKING NEWS
American amplifier manufacturer ATI (Amplifier Technologies Inc.) has acquired Datasat Digital Entertainment, a leading provider of digital surround sound technology for commercial cinemas and luxury home theaters, according to multiple sources. In a deal that sources tell us closed on Wednesday, ATI will take over and stay committed to both of Datasat’s primary market segments – commercial and residential.
See more of what we know on the ATI and Datasat deal… [Read more…] about ATI Acquires Datasat Digital Entertainment
Ted Green Talks Amazon, Microsoft Thermostats, & URC on ResiWeek
Strata-gee’s founder and editor Ted Green was a guest panelist on this week’s episode of AVNation’s ResiWeek podcast. ResiWeek is specifically targeted at the residential audio visual integration industry and weekly convenes a panel to discuss the top stories of the day, which in this episode, included a post from Strata-gee on Amazon hiring their own Geek Squad.
