Out of Osaka, Japan we learn that Sharp Corp. is about to embark on a major restructuring of its business that will likely change the company in fundamental ways. Plans call for closing domestic factories – a first for Sharp – staff cuts, and a possible exit from a major business segment for the company. Sharp is also seeking to raise capital, something that is not easy for a struggling company.
New Research Says by 2020 Almost 50% of All U.S. Homes Will Have 4K TVs
New research from Strategy Analytics predicts that shipments of 4K Ultra HDTV are about to take off thanks to new lower prices and homeowners’ growing need to replace aging flat-panel sets. In fact, they predict that almost one out of every two homes in America will have 4K Ultra HDTV in the next five years. The U.S. market will lead the world in 4K adoption.
See more on this interesting new 4K forecast… [Read more…] about New Research Says by 2020 Almost 50% of All U.S. Homes Will Have 4K TVs
AudioControl Unveils Completely Redesigned Website
Seattle, WA-based AudioControl announced this week that it has completely redesigned its website seen at www.audiocontrol.com. Much more than just a new color scheme or updated fonts – AudioControl rebuilt the entire site from the ground up with all new graphics, navigation, and in-depth information.
See more on the AudioControl website upgrade… [Read more…] about AudioControl Unveils Completely Redesigned Website
Sonos/D&M Lawsuit Takes a Surprising & Slightly Dark Turn
BREAKING NEWS
Earlier this month, we reported that D&M Holdings U.S., Inc. (D&M) [and Denon Electronics] had responded to the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Sonos, Inc. (Sonos) this past October by asking the judge to dismiss or throw out the case. Now, in a surprising twist of events, D&M has followed this initial left jab with a right uppercut that may result in Sonos’ attorneys getting knocked out of the case altogether – whether the judge dismisses it or not.
See more on this surprising – and slightly unusual – turn of events… [Read more…] about Sonos/D&M Lawsuit Takes a Surprising & Slightly Dark Turn
Major Changes at Tivoli Audio – DeVesto’s Out; Interim CEO Announced
Big changes are afoot at Tivoli, the quirky audio products manufacturer that had a goal of providing nicely designed, easy-to-use, high quality audio products sold largely direct-to-consumers at reasonable prices. Founded by well-known industry personality Tom DeVesto, Tivoli had, for some time, remarkable success selling an almost retro-designed table radio…at a time when most companies had abandoned that category.
Now, big changes are at play – with DeVesto out and a new Interim CEO appointed by the Tivoli board.
See more on these dramatic changes at niche-player Tivoli… [Read more…] about Major Changes at Tivoli Audio – DeVesto’s Out; Interim CEO Announced
AudioControl Launches All-New Architect 2660
As promised at last month’s CES, AudioControl is now shipping the latest model in its popular Architect line – the 2660. Sure to be a workhorse amplifier that will be the backbone of many system installations, the Architect 2660 brings a lot of channels, power, and flexibility to the table.
Learn more about the 2660 here… [Read more…] about AudioControl Launches All-New Architect 2660
NAD Offers Buyers of Select AVR & Pre/Pro Models a Free 4K Ultra HD Upgrade
NAD Electronics announced today that purchasers of select NAD audio/video receivers (AVRs) and preamp/processors (Pre/Pros) will receive a certificate for a free 4K upgrade module expected to be delivered later this year. The company says this is a $600 value and will ensure that customers can buy these products now with confidence that they won’t be left out of the latest technology revolution, 4K Ultra HD performance.
See more on this new program and learn about the upcoming module… [Read more…] about NAD Offers Buyers of Select AVR & Pre/Pro Models a Free 4K Ultra HD Upgrade
New Research: Smart Homes Market Will Grow to $58.7 Billion by 2020
New market research on the smart home market says the global consumer market will grow to be valued at around $58.7 billion by 2020. Market researcher MarketsandMarkets predicts that recent developments in the channel will fuel a 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2015 to 2020 leading to the creation of a significant consumer market.
See more on this new research…What ‘new developments’ are they referring to?… [Read more…] about New Research: Smart Homes Market Will Grow to $58.7 Billion by 2020
SpringDeck Adds More Rep Firms to National Salesforce
SpringDeck, LLC announced today that it has expanded its national sales force with the addition of five more sales representative firms. The company had previously announced last month their first representative appointment of Aim High Audio.
See more on SpringDeck moving rapidly to set up their national sales network… [Read more…] about SpringDeck Adds More Rep Firms to National Salesforce
Despite Scary Sales Slide, JVC Kenwood Posts Big Profit Gains
JVC Kenwood Corp. released their financial results for the first 9-months of the current fiscal year (ending March 31st) and the company points to a tremendous swing in profits as proof of the positive impact of their painful, multi-year business restructuring efforts. The company completely turned around a negative profit trend – booking an operating profit, an ordinary profit…and a ¥500 million ($4.2 million) improvement to a modest net loss.
