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Is Pioneer Another Name for Innovator?

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Pioneer is Embracing the Smartphone LifestyleYears ago, the step-up component audio world was dominated by the big three: Yamaha, Onkyo, and Denon. Having joined Onkyo in 1985, I got to participate in what some people called the “meat of the market.” These brands hit the optimal “sweet spot” of volume and profitability and literally could be the difference between life-and-death for dealers.

And we knew it. Those were heady times, and often we let our egos run wild – turning our noses up at mass market brands such as Sony, Kenwood, and Pioneer. Well, I’m older and wiser now – the big three aren’t what they used to be – and I recognize smart and savvy moves when I see them…and Pioneer is impressing me. [Read more…] about Is Pioneer Another Name for Innovator?

Residential Systems Editor Glowacki Named to CEDIA Fellows Program; Blogs Wistfully about Industry Turmoil

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Photo of Jeremy Glowacki
Jeremy Glowacki, Residential Systems Editor-in-Chief

Residential Systems Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Glowacki, probably one of the smartest, classiest guys in the industry, revealed on his blog earlier this week that he has been elected to CEDIA’s “Fellows” Program. A honor only bestowed upon a handful of industry executives every year, Glowacki displayed honest surprise at his selection. And, in noting that the honor apparently comes with lifetime CEDIA membership – turned wistful in an emotional blog post about the current state of the industry in So Many Departures in So Little Time. [Read more…] about Residential Systems Editor Glowacki Named to CEDIA Fellows Program; Blogs Wistfully about Industry Turmoil

Monster Announces New Monster, New Partnerships, and Mini-Fashion Show

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New Monster Global VP of Marketing and Web, Tracy Benson
Tracy Benson
Monster’s New Global VP of Marketing and Web

At the CEA LineShow last week, Monster put on a press conference that, as usual, was quite a show. And the first surprise was that the event was kicked off by a new Monster – recently appointed Global VP of Marketing and Web Tracy Benson. Benson, a former Senior Director at Best Buy, wasted no time launching into the presentation by reminding reporters that Monster Beats “proved them wrong” when many said consumers would not pay more for a better, more richer listening experience. [Read more…] about Monster Announces New Monster, New Partnerships, and Mini-Fashion Show

Four Weeks Later, The OAC Group and Russound Call Off Agreement

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Russound LogoOnly weeks after reporting of the triumphant return of Oscar Ciornei to Russound, a company for which he was once COO earlier in his career, news comes to us that the parties have agreed to part company. A swift and surprising development – the company says the reason for the mutually agreed-upon separation was an emerging conflict with an existing client. However, we have received reports that suggest other issues may have also been a factor.

Only one month on the job, what went wrong?… [Read more…] about Four Weeks Later, The OAC Group and Russound Call Off Agreement

CEA Line Show Overview

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CEA Line Show LogoThe 2012 CEA Line Show wrapped up today and as usual, it was a combination of mind-numbing “me-too” posers, mixed in with a handful of some real, creative, innovators. The problem is, it took a lot of patience to wade through all of the literally hundreds of booths, and thousands of people to dig through muck…and find the gems.

See our show overview… [Read more…] about CEA Line Show Overview

Is Housing Finally Turning Up?

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Housing Prices PhotoSince 2007, the housing industry has been in a long, downward slump, with only a few positive bumps along the way providing some moderation. Today, however, we may be finally seeing some of the first “green shoots” of a possible turnaround in housing with two different and unrelated reports turning in positive numbers.

Is this the beginning of a housing turnaround?… [Read more…] about Is Housing Finally Turning Up?

Builders’ Construction Forecast Event for Media Has Powerful Data & Surprises

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2012 Mid-Year Construction Forecast Intro SlideOn Tuesday, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) held a webinar for the media called the 2012 Mid-Year Construction Forecast with presentations from some of the most powerful industry-related economists with fresh data and forecasts…and some surprises.

See new construction data and the latest trends it suggests will occur… [Read more…] about Builders’ Construction Forecast Event for Media Has Powerful Data & Surprises

THIEL Audio Appoints Scowcroft Associates as Rocky Mountain Reps

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THIEL Audio LogoTHIEL Audio announced today that it has appointed Scowcroft Associates as its sales representative for the Rocky Mountain territory effective immediately. Well-known and respected in the territory, Scowcroft Associates is also very experienced in the sales of mid- to high-end product lines.

[Read more…] about THIEL Audio Appoints Scowcroft Associates as Rocky Mountain Reps

Housing Starts – Start of a New Trend?

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Graph Showing Residential ConstructionThe Commerce Department on Tuesday released the latest report on the residential construction market – a key economic indicator for the custom integration market – and…as you might suspect with this uneven recovery we are in…the data showed yet another zag after last month’s zig. Total residential housing construction starts for the month of May were 708,000, down 4.8% from the revised April level of 723,000 units.

But the news wasn’t all bad… [Read more…] about Housing Starts – Start of a New Trend?

Third Time’s the Charm? Colorado vNet – Now 3vNet – Certainly Hopes So

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BREAKING NEWS

3vNet LogoColorado vNet, the high-tech control and home automation company that has had an up-and-down roller-coaster existence – dying twice, only to be reborn twice – and eventually given-up on and sold off…hopes that the old adage, “third time’s the charm” is true. CEO Mike Anderson announced today that he is re-launching the company with a new brand – now 3vNet – and a new attitude, telling us that this is not a makeover, but in fact a whole new company with new facilities, new engineering, and a new higher level of tech support the likes of which dealers haven’t seen in years.

See what the all-new  3vNet has in store to excite dealers & drive market share…

[Read more…] about Third Time’s the Charm? Colorado vNet – Now 3vNet – Certainly Hopes So