Dolby Labs set up a special demonstration room to give the industry press and, eventually, show attendees an opportunity to experience Dolby Atmos surround sound. The demo room was probably about as close to ideal as you can get on a noisy trade show floor. And the demo included new, special effects laden sound-fests.
Marketing
Burkhardt Builds Big Buzz…But is It Bull?
For months now, the industry’s poorest kept secret has been the reentry back into the intensely dense atmosphere of the custom integration industry by the colorful and spark-spewing starship Jeremy Burkhardt – one of the original founders of SpeakerCraft, which he left (forced-out our sources tell us – Burkhardt says he “retired”) in 2012 in one of the many Nortek reorganizations. At first just a rumor, Burkhardt a few months back began a series of “leaks” about his decision to launch a new company. Speaking mostly one-on-one, off-the-record with various journalists, dealers and reps…the buzz began to build – finally reaching its crescendo on the eve of the 2014 CEDIA Expo.
Just days before Expo, Residential Systems unveiled Burkhardt’s new venture , Origin Acoustics, to the world – followed a few days later by press releases to the rest of the media.
As Origin is revealed, does it exceed the pre-launch hype…or is it just bull?… [Read more…] about Burkhardt Builds Big Buzz…But is It Bull?
Private Equity Kingpin KKR Invests into Savant; Sets $215 Million Valuation
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Tuesday that private equity powerhouse Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR) has invested $90 million for a 35% stake in Savant Systems, LLC (Savant). While this is a minority stake, KKR is obviously bullish on the home automation supplier making what the WSJ says is an “eight-figure bet” that places a $215 million valuation on the home automation supplier.
See more on this news on a rapidly rising home automation supplier… [Read more…] about Private Equity Kingpin KKR Invests into Savant; Sets $215 Million Valuation
CEDIA Says Their EXPO is the Industry’s Launch Pad for New Technology
The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) said today that their annual tradeshow – the EXPO, taking place next month in Denver – will have over 150 exhibitors launching new products or introducing their businesses to the industry for the first time. Saying these companies “choose CEDIA EXPO as their launch point,” the trade group says that new product launches have already been announced in wireless audio, motion sensors, lighting solutions, TV & control mounts, and keyless entry.
See more on the custom integration industry’s big event just around the corner… [Read more…] about CEDIA Says Their EXPO is the Industry’s Launch Pad for New Technology
Dolby Atmos – Take Two
GUEST POST
My Take After a Dolby-Controlled Demo of
Both Commercial and Home Atmos Versions
Someone (even Google can’t tell me who) once said “Nothing is new, only rediscovered.”
Case in point: Dolby Atmos, now being touted as the Next Big Thing in surround sound technology. [See A Deeper Dive into Dolby Atmos and Atmos Attacks at CE Week] The two most definable points that are said to differentiate Atmos from earlier surround formats (height information and “sound objects”) are, in reality, surprisingly mature approaches to multi-dimensional sound reproduction.
But height may not be as important as you (or Dolby) may think… [Read more…] about Dolby Atmos – Take Two
If $100,000 Unexpectedly Dropped into Your Lap, How Would You Spend It?
Imagine for a moment that you won the lottery, or gained an inheritance, of a substantial amount of money…say, $100,000. How would you spend it? That was the intriguing question pollster Harris Interactive asked an online panel of U.S. Internet users. Would they buy a new car? Would they remodel their home to add a home theater? Would they buy a nice present for their spouse? Would they donate some or all of it to charity?
Think you know YOUR customer? Then you better check out this survey – the answers to the above scenario may surprise you. [Read more…] about If $100,000 Unexpectedly Dropped into Your Lap, How Would You Spend It?
Bodley Exits PPC to Start a Company Selling What? Why PPC, Of Course
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.
That realization led Bodley to leave Belden/PPC and start a new company – to sell PPC… [Read more…] about Bodley Exits PPC to Start a Company Selling What? Why PPC, Of Course
Wireworld Launches All-New Website
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.
See more on the clever design of this new website… [Read more…] about Wireworld Launches All-New Website
Put a Little Bounce in Your Sales with Spring Deck
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.
Is this a pipe dream? No…its Spring Deck – an all-new central resource for your sales team.. [Read more…] about Put a Little Bounce in Your Sales with Spring Deck
ProSource to Offer SVS Subwoofers
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…”
