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Bluesound’s Gender Bending Soundbar

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Close-Up photo of PulsePulse – A High-Performance Soundbar

Historically, the consumer electronics industry is broken down into basically two types (genders) of products. A product is either designed for the masses with affordability and popular technologies – think wireless Bluetooth streaming speakers for less than $50; Or, serious, high-performance specialty AV products – think a component home theater system with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X/Auro3D built-in for more than $20,000. Like East not meeting West – never the twain shall meet. Until now…

Meet Bluesound’s Pulse Soundbar – a true industry gender-bender… [Read more…] about Bluesound’s Gender Bending Soundbar

New Size & Scope Survey Results Released at CEDIA 2016

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CEDIA study cover pageAs is their normal practice, CEDIA released selected results from their 2016 Size and Scope of the Residential Electronic Systems Market survey in their booth during CEDIA 2016. The presentation this year, like last year, was made by Dave Pedigo. However, unlike last year, this year Pedigo has been put in charge of market research, a post that has been open since Erica Shonkweiler left some time ago.

Last year, we reported on the some of the surprising results from the survey. Some of those results were so surprising, they were unbelievable – and even Pedigo agreed with us that some didn’t appear proper. This year? Some of the results, if accurate, could be troubling.

See the results CEDIA shared with members at CEDIA 2016… [Read more…] about New Size & Scope Survey Results Released at CEDIA 2016

Savant CEO Changes in Unexpected – and Unexplained – Shakeup

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Savant logoLate yesterday afternoon, a strange press release came our way. This release was strange for a couple of reasons – first, for what it was announcing – Savant’s founder Robert Madonna was returning to the CEO role, replacing “outgoing” CEO William Lynch. Second, it was strange because it gave no reason for this dramatic change of CEOs; and, third, it was strange because of where it came from – a PR firm that the company hasn’t been using for a couple of years.

What’s up at Savant? See more on this unexpected turn of events… [Read more…] about Savant CEO Changes in Unexpected – and Unexplained – Shakeup

CEDIA Attendance Flat Again – CEO Says It’s Good News

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Photo of crowd from CEDIAThis week, CEDIA released their attendance figures for CEDIA 2016 (formerly the CEDIA Expo) which closed last week in Dallas. The total number of attendees was said to be 18,750 or flat with the 18,700 that attended last year.

See why CEDIA management tells us this is a positive result… [Read more…] about CEDIA Attendance Flat Again – CEO Says It’s Good News

Crestron Pursues Deeper & More Innovative Integrations with Partners

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Photo from Amazon keynoteCrestron Embraces Sonos, Amazon, & Others

At CEDIA 2016, one of the top themes we identified was companies seeking more and better integrations with other companies’ technologies. In most cases, this expressed itself with companies seeking to have their product lines properly interface with the major control companies. But at CEDIA this year, Crestron took that concept to new heights and in a new direction with their enthusiastic embrace of newcomers to the CI channel…Sonos and Amazon Alexa.

See more on Crestron’s innovative integration solutions… [Read more…] about Crestron Pursues Deeper & More Innovative Integrations with Partners

Russound Formally Launches 70V Line at CEDIA 2016

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To Help Integrators ‘Expand Your Marketplace’

Photo of XZone70V streamerAlthough previewed to the media last month, dealers and the media finally had the opportunity to physically see and touch the all-new Russound 70-volt light commercial line in the flesh at last week’s CEDIA 2016. The line, which the company intends to continue to develop and expand, launched with three models in the line, including a music streamer/amplifier, a volume control wallpad, and an outdoor speaker.

See more on Russound’s new marketplace expanding 70v line… [Read more…] about Russound Formally Launches 70V Line at CEDIA 2016

7 Top Trends at CEDIA 2016

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Photo of CEDIA16 show floorWith CEDIA 2016 now over, those of us in the media are left to try and uncover the underlying themes in order to help our readers wrap their heads around just what this particular CEDIA (formerly referred to as the Expo) was all about. But this show is big enough that no one member of the media can possibly visit all booths, talk to all exhibitor executives, and experience all new models. So each of us have our own version of the themes of the show.

Read more below, to see our take on CEDIA 2016… [Read more…] about 7 Top Trends at CEDIA 2016

LG Launches 77″ OLED, Spectacular in Image and Price

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LGs logoLG Electronics launched a new 77-inch OLED display with a stunning image…and a price point to match. Unveiled for the first time at CEDIA, it was not only an impressive product, it was equally impressive that LG chose CEDIA 16 for its unveiling – a sign of real commitment to the channel for a premium product such as the LG Signature OLED TV OLED77G6P.

See our first impressions on this remarkable LG OLED display… [Read more…] about LG Launches 77″ OLED, Spectacular in Image and Price

B&K is Back…Well, Sort Of

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Photo of Barry Wosk
Barry Wosk, President of B&K

One-time darling of many independent audio dealers and integrators, B&K Components, Ltd. had disappeared from view back in 2010. In fact, Strata-gee (then the Alert) broke the news about its impending demise just after the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta in October 2010. The bank was in the process of taking over the company and amplifier manufacturer Amplifier Technologies, Inc. (ATI) swooped in to purchase the remaining assets of the defunct company.

Now, the brand is back under new ownership – an ownership with all-new ideas to building a new company under the B&K banner. And who are these guys? Well, for starters, they’re Canadian, eh?

See more on the radical transformation of this brand… [Read more…] about B&K is Back…Well, Sort Of

Will This Be A Different CEDIA?

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Keynote crowd at past Expo
A past CEDIA crowd

Copious numbers of jet planes have made, and are still making their way to Dallas, each carrying within their fully-loaded bellies, hoards of passengers on their annual pilgrimage to the Mecca of technology – the event formerly known as Expo, now known simply as CEDIA 2016.

But will this be a different CEDIA?… [Read more…] about Will This Be A Different CEDIA?