Strategy in TECH...
A Who’s Who collection of significant panel and display manufacturers in Japan says they will collectively invest ¥20 billion ($193 million) into a test production line for OLED panels using a new manufacturing process that promises to move the industry closer to mass production of what many feel is the next-generation video technology. If all goes well, the consortium will be mass-producing large quantities of relatively inexpensive OLED panels by 2018.
When Belden bought PPC at the end of 2012, Eric Bodley thought this was going to be great news for both PPC and its Perfect Path line, where since 2009 he had led the charge in establishing the cable and satellite connector company’s locking HDMI connectors into the custom integration channel. And while he would argue that this acquisition by Belden was, in fact, a good thing for PPC, he soon came to realize that there was a challenge for him that was difficult to address.
Wireworld, Inc., a specialty cable and interconnect manufacturer, announced this week that it has launched an all-new website. The new website has a completely updated and attractive design and is chock full of detailed information with color illustrations and photos on their extensive line of high quality cables and interconnects.
Last week, Strata-gee was the first in the industry to report the financial second quarter results for Nortek, Inc. and while the overall news had many positive points – the results for the now-separately reported AV group was quite negative, driving the overall company into a net loss of $46.2 million. Our story hit pretty big, and drew a lot of “eyeballs” from around the industry.
Imagine this – your sales team heads out to meet with prospective clients for your integration business somewhere in your service area. In a meeting, the client likes what they hear, but wants to see just exactly what the salesperson is referring to.
Like magic – presto changeo – your salesperson whips out an iPad and instantly pulls up a sharp, colorful image of the key components being proposed. What’s that you say, Mr. Prospect? You’d like to know how many HDMI inputs this unit has? Another click and a pdf of a manufacturer’s product cut-sheet opens up to detailed specifications – ah, there’s the answer.
Oh wait! – your salesperson exclaims – let me show you this short video made by the manufacturer that demonstrates a key feature that would be perfect for you. A colorful video plays instantly and smoothly, without any “buffering” hesitation.
ProSource, a national retailer buying group, will add SVS subwoofers to its product line-up, the company announced on Tuesday. According to a published statement, “SVS is being tapped to energize subwoofer sales for independent retailers…”
Azione Unlimited, the retail buying group, announced this week that they have added Kaleidescape to their roster of vendors supporting the organization. According to their vendor listing on the groups website, this now brings their roster to 40 vendors with direct relationships, as well as more available through distributor partnerships.
Quick: What’s the most misused term in audio next to “subwoofer”?
You, yeah, you in the back there – did you say “hi-res”?
No more calls, folks, we have a winner!
[Read more…] about Dazed and Confused About Hi-Res Audio? Here’s Help…
Nortek Inc. released yesterday the financial results for their fiscal second quarter and first half showing a solid overall sales gain of 13.9% to $718.6 million, up from $630.7 million in the same quarter last year. Sales increased at a more moderate pace for the first half, coming in at $1.266 billion or 10.1% higher than the $1.149 booked last year.
But in a bit of a surprise, the company chose to break out the results of their AV division separately – clearly exposing what many had suspected for a couple of years now – this division is in serious trouble. Even more surprising, in a filing with the SEC, the company revealed that Sean Burke, Group President of the Technology Solutions Group is leaving the company “to pursue other interests.”
In a telephone interview today, new Thiel Audio CEO John Wittman told us that the company “struck a chord with me personally,” virtually compelling him to take over as CEO after the owners’ invited him to look at the company last winter. Over the course of an interview that went on for more than a hour, Wittman candidly shared his thoughts and perspectives in an enthusiastic and – to the degree he felt appropriate – open manner.
