Lenbrook America held a media event last week in Manhattan where they announced the birth of a new brand of multi-room wireless (and wired) music streaming systems called Bluesound. Bluesound is designed to be positioned above brands like Sonos in terms of price and performance…but tuck underneath some of the higher-end solutions such as those offered by NAD and others. The company hopes to create a profitable step-up market for higher priced, better performing solutions in the digital domain – as once existed in the analog realm years back.
Pivot Point
The Miracle of…Birth – The Birth of the Bluesound Brand
Last week, I witnessed a miracle. The miracle was…a birth. It was a birth like no other, as every proud parent believes is the case with THEIR child. There was a proud Papa…and a large assembled family…brought together to celebrate the event.
This birth, like any birth, was wondrous. And…for the parents…this was an event full of hopes and dreams of what their “bundle of joy” will become. At this joyous event was a group of observers, like me. But not like me.
Was this birth – the birth of Bluesound – truly “miraculous”???… [Read more…] about The Miracle of…Birth – The Birth of the Bluesound Brand
Restructuring Causes Yet Another D+M Executive to Become Available
As D+M Group (formerly D&M Holdings) continues to work on improving their efficiencies through restructuring and consolidation, well-known industry executive Stephen Shenefield leaves the company to pursue new opportunities. Shenefield originally joined the company to help with the re-invigoration of their Boston Acoustics brand, but went on to see his involvement expanded into related products under the Denon nameplate as well.
See more on this new development… [Read more…] about Restructuring Causes Yet Another D+M Executive to Become Available
Promising Newcomer AudioXperts Abruptly Ceases Operations
BREAKING NEWS
After only a little more than one year in operation, AudioXperts – a new specialty brand of audio electronics targeted at the luxury consumer market – has closed down operations. According to AudioXperts President Eli Harary, the company was forced to shut down last Friday after a key investor stopped all funding.
See more details on this startling development from a new and innovative company… [Read more…] about Promising Newcomer AudioXperts Abruptly Ceases Operations
One Year Later – Rosewater Rewarded with Test Program by Major Utility
We first met the Rosewater Energy Group at the 2012 CEDIA Expo – a coming out party for the new company that makes a residential energy storage hub with batteries to store your energy from either the power company or renewable sources (i.e. solar or wind) and a capacity large enough to power your whole home with processed and purified 115 volt sine-wave power. Founded by well-known industry personality Joe Piccirilli, Rosewater is on the leading edge of a new concept in energy delivery, storage, and usage.
Now, one year later, how has Rosewater’s business developed? See below… [Read more…] about One Year Later – Rosewater Rewarded with Test Program by Major Utility
Panasonic Pulls the Plug on Plasma
BREAKING NEWS
Multiple news outlets including Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Nikkei reported today that sources at Panasonic are saying the company will exit the plasma TV business by the end of this fiscal year, which ends in March 2014. The news, while not totally surprising, means that there will be no plants anywhere in Japan producing plasma sets, and is likely the beginning of the end for the technology as LCD continues to take a greater share of even larger screen sizes.
See more on this surprising news out of Osaka, Japan… [Read more…] about Panasonic Pulls the Plug on Plasma
Buying Group Kerfuffle Continues to Smolder
Yesterday, we reported on an unusual flare-up involving Azione Unlimited, VIA International, and the Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) – initially fueled by a press release from Azione that announced VIA was resigning all buying groups. In the wake of this announcement, we contacted both VIA and HTSA, who suggested that Azione’s release was not accurate.
Our post yesterday reported what both sides were saying. But today, they said more…as the kerfuffle continues… [Read more…] about Buying Group Kerfuffle Continues to Smolder
Azione Notifies Market that VIA International Resigns from All Buying Groups – VIA & HTSA Respond
The new retail buying group Azione Unlimited announced today that VIA International – a new mega-integrator made up of six separate integration companies merged into one – has resigned from all buying groups, effective October 1st. The announcement caught our eye as it was only tangentially about Azione (who lost two members as a result), yet offered assertions about VIA’s actions with no apparent participation from anyone at VIA.
VIA…and HTSA…react to Azione’s press release… [Read more…] about Azione Notifies Market that VIA International Resigns from All Buying Groups – VIA & HTSA Respond
Gibson Brands Strikes Again – Seeks to Acquire Cakewalk from Roland
Gibson Brands announced this week that it it has signed a letter of intent with Roland Corp. and Cakewalk, Inc. to acquire Cakewalk Inc., a music software company, for an undisclosed amount. The deal is pursuant to the successful negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement.
And with acquisition, Gibson says it will launch a new brand, Tascam Professional Software to sell the Cakewalk product line. See more on this acquisition below… [Read more…] about Gibson Brands Strikes Again – Seeks to Acquire Cakewalk from Roland
Atlantic Integrated Promotes Pawlowski to VP and Co-Owner
New York metro-area manufacturers representative firm Atlantic Integrated announced today that its director of sales, Mike Pawlowski, has been promoted to vice-president and co-owner of the company. The appointment is effective immediately and provides for a significant expansion of his role within the company.