CEDIA Expo Virtual was almost exclusively an online media event…rather than a real, in-person trade show. I know…duh! Yes, I knew this logically, but it hadn’t really hit me viscerally until I actually attended the event. But what that means for Emerald Exposition is that their expertise in fielding large scale, B2B, in-person events really doesn’t apply here. And that fact forced them to rely exclusively on CE Pro for almost the entire event, including content strategy, seminar production, and show performance.
News
Crestron Invites You to Leave the Now, and Head to What’s Next: Crestron NEXT
Creston, one of the industry’s largest and most respected brands of control and automation solutions for the residential and commercial channels, is holding their Crestron NEXT virtual event next week – and it looks extremely interesting. Taking place over two days – September 15 & 16 (yes, during CEDIA’s virtual show), there are two versions: residential and commercial.
See more on why you should plan on attending Crestron NEXT…
[Read more…] about Crestron Invites You to Leave the Now, and Head to What’s Next: Crestron NEXTRetail Sales Growth Slows in July, Up Just 1.2%
Only Electronics & Appliances Show Big Growth
In a new and troubling sign that the economy is not yet out of the woods, government data showed that for the month of July, retail sales barely crept up 1.2% overall. But there was one bright spot in the government’s report – retail sales of electronics and appliances jumped an impressive 23%.
See more on retail sales growth slowing…
[Read more…] about Retail Sales Growth Slows in July, Up Just 1.2%Long the Star of the Company, Sony Elects to Shift to a Supporting Role
According to a new report out of Japan last week, analysts say that Sony’s business is shifting towards more services and events – and away from the electronics business, the division that built the company. For decades, the brand Sony was practically synonymous with electronics…but that identity may be shifting as growth in other company divisions surpass electronics.
See more on Sony’s shifting categories…
[Read more…] about Long the Star of the Company, Sony Elects to Shift to a Supporting RoleAudio Research: Alone Again (Naturally)
A Guest Post on the Saga of an American Brand
Of all the success stories of the ‘70s high end audio boom, none was more unlikely than that of Audio Research Corporation (ARC). Based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, historically a fly-over region for hi-fi, led by a balding, bearlike founder, and offering electronics based around vacuum tubes – considered obsolete for a decade – ARC somehow survived and thrived.
Learn more on the saga of Audio Research…
[Read more…] about Audio Research: Alone Again (Naturally)New B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition With Aesthetic & Technical Upgrades
Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) today launched an all-new upgrade to their popular 600 Series line-up that they call their Anniversary Edition. With the Anniversary Edition, the line – one of B&W’s longest running and most popular series – receives both aesthetic and technical updates…a true win-win for new 600 Series buyers.
Learn more about the B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition speakers…
[Read more…] about New B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition With Aesthetic & Technical UpgradesB&W Shows Signs of Its Resurgence as an Innovative Audio Leader
In probably one of the most meaningful media presentations I’ve attended, executives at B&W presented the industry media with their forward-looking product roadmap for the remainder of 2020 – most of it under embargo. So while I can’t tell you much about the products they revealed, what I can say is that they made a strong case for the resurgence of B&W as a leading audio power.
Learn more about my thoughts on the B&W presentation…
[Read more…] about B&W Shows Signs of Its Resurgence as an Innovative Audio LeaderCreditor of EVA Automation Files Court Action to Force Them Into Bankruptcy
Says EVA Automation Owes Them $30 Million
Last week, several sharp-eyed Strata-gee readers forwarded the news that was initially erroneously reported that EVA Automation had filed for bankruptcy in Northern California. Actually, a search of court records revealed that a creditor of EVA Automation – Top Victory Investments Limited – has filed an action with the United States Bankruptcy Court in Northern California seeking to force EVA Automation into bankruptcy. EVA Automation, as most Strata-gee readers well know, is a former majority owner of Bowers & Wilkins (B&W).
See more on the action against EVA Automation…
[Read more…] about Creditor of EVA Automation Files Court Action to Force Them Into BankruptcyAppeals Court Rules Against Monster & Noel Lee; They Must Pay Beats $14+Mil
This long and complex series of intertwined legal actions between Monster LLC (and all other Monster related parties) and Beats Electronics LLC (and all other Beats related entities) seemed to be winding down. Back in 2016, I reported on the lower court ruling in favor of Beats who had filed several motions for summary judgment. It seemed as though this was the end, but in 2018, more actions ensued.
Now, 5 years in, have we reached the end?…
[Read more…] about Appeals Court Rules Against Monster & Noel Lee; They Must Pay Beats $14+MilAudio Advice Launches Free Home Theater Design Tool
Specialty AV retailer and e-commerce site Audio Advice today launched a comprehensive – and free – home theater design tool targeted for consumers looking to craft the perfect theater for their home. Featuring an interactive 3D interface, Audio Advice’s Home Theater Designer makes it fun and easy for consumers to create plans for an acoustically correct home theater system – including precise placement of speakers, TV or projector, and seating.