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Newsletter Sponsored by Projecta, Altinex and DLP   
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eNewsletter Volume 2, Issue 17 10th August, 2006 Did you miss Gary Kayye’s Annual Best-of-InfoComm Awards? Go to www.proAVbiz-europe.com Vol 2 No 16 Tell Your Colleagues: Free Subscription Now |
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Introduction | |
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| News: | |
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Industry News |
Control & Integrator Solutions |
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Projection & Screens |
Rich Media & Content Management |
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Conferencing |
Displays |
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Residential Systems & Digital Home |
Audio |
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Digital Signage |
Mounting & Accessories |
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 Click above for more information | |
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| News: | |
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| Have a new product or a new application story to tell? Send to rAVe Europe Editor-in-Chief Bob Snyder – rAVeEurope@gmail.com | |
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| Industry News | |
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The Bosch Group will acquire Telex, well-known maker of professional audio, wireless, safety and communications equipment. "With the acquisition of Telex, Bosch Security Systems can significantly expand its communications systems product offerings and penetrate the professional audio equipment market. The strength of the Telex distribution network will enhance our worldwide market position as a provider of comprehensive security and communication systems….," says Bosch Board member Peter J. Marks. In 2005, Bosch Security Systems generated 1 billion euros from its intrusion and fire alarm systems, video surveillance, access control, and communication systems business. With 7,800+ associates, the division has more than 40 offices in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. For more info, go to BOSCH and TELEX |
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ISE Road Shows for CEE & Turkey To help its exhibitor clientele reach new markets and to promote their European show, Integrated Systems Europe 2006 announces a Road Show series for CEE and Turkey. The ISE 2006 Road Show consists of an intensive one day programme with plenary sessions, keynote speakers and exhibits supported by up to 15 sponsors. The ISE 2006 Roadshow schedule:
The last three European ISE shows have been successful, so ISE now wants to take the ISE concept to emerging countries as a foretaste to their Amsterdam event in January 2007. The MD of ISE, Mike Blackman, explains, “This is not an attempt to replicate ISE in different regions within Europe but a joint marketing venture by the ISE, its joint venture partners, CEDIA, InfoComm International & NSCA, together with leading ISE Exhibitors to strengthen activities in these markets”. For more info about the ISE 2006 Road Show, contact
Mike Blackman, Managing Director | |
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NEC Corporation of America Debuts NEC has done its share of shifting divisions over the past years, and here comes another. But it makes a lot of sense. The newly-formed NEC Corporation of American comprises IT, networking, and visual displays, creating an IT-AV convergence model. The new company is located in Irving, Texas. Company officials tell rAVe Europe the visual solutions group, now a division of NEC Corporation of America, stays in the Illinois facility and top management remains the same. For more info, go to NEC of America |
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LodgeNet Partners with Panasonic, Sharp, on HD for Hotel Guest Rooms One of the largest interactive TV and broadband provider to hotels, LodgeNet announces Panasonic will provide plasma TVs for LodgeNet's HDTV platform for HD free-to-guest and video-on-demand services. Panasonic must now adopt Pro:Idiom premium content copy protection technology to accommodate those LodgeNet hotels with HD premium satellite and VOD entertainment that use that security standard. Pro:Idiom uses the 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to protect satellite-delivered programming and video-on-demand content against piracy at every point in the distribution chain to the TV display. Separately LodgeNet made a similar agreement with Sharp's AQUOS LCD HDTVs. For more info, go to LodgeNet |
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PLASA Show organisers Clarion Events report the highest ever number of pre-registered visitors – up by 13% on 2005, with tech and creative teams from major venues and high-profile projects among the first to register. New features include the new Integrated Systems Area; a greatly expanded PLASA Seminar Programme with a dedicated “Technologies for Worship” programme; the first PLASA appearance of NEET (National Exhibition of Entertainment Technology); and new features for DJs. This year’s Seminar Programme offers the broadest agenda in the PLASA Show’s history. Technologies for Worship magazine is bringing its ‘Quiet Stage and Mix Classes’ to the UK, with a full programme of 10 educational seminars. INFOCOMM will contribute a trio of seminars on system design and specification, presented by some of the world’s leading experts in system integration. NEET (National Exhibition of Entertainment Technology), set up in 1998 to preserve early items of entertainment technology, has its official launch at PLASA06 on Level Two where a selection of products from NEET’s vast collection will be on show. PLASA also announced some personnel changes: Jon Petts, formerly with lighting manufacturer Pulsar, accepts the newly-created position of Commercial Manager—the main point of contact with PLASA members. Adrienne Gurman leaves from PLASA’s New York-based Media Division and so the magazine will add two new staff members. For more info, go to PLASA Show 2006 | |
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| Control & Integrator Solutions | |
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Crestron Announces New Director of International Sales Crestron names Jason Tirado as its new Director of International Sales. Crestron is a global company with 33 worldwide offices. Says Randy Klein, Executive VP, "This …demonstrates our commitment to our dealers in every market around the world. We're responding to their needs and providing them with the best possible support." As Director of International Sales, Jason will work closely with Crestron Sales Managers in each of the international offices in Europe, UK, Asia, Japan, Latin America, Australia and Middle East. J For more info, go to Jason Tirado |
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Raritan Goes Global with Multi-Lingual NOC Raritan releases a multi-language version of its award-winning CommandCenter NOC (CC-NOC), an integrated “availability and performance monitoring appliance.” This version supports Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), English, French, German and Japanese simultaneously (allowing Raritan to enter new global markets and better address multinationals.) CC-NOC keeps IT infrastructures under constant scrutiny to guard against network outages, degradation, performance slowdowns, security weaknesses and incoming attacks. It intends to enable businesses – midmarket companies and divisions of larger firms -- to identify and solve cost effectively a wide range of IT problems before they impact service. “Our new CC-NOC product enables a global IT organization to implement a ‘follow-the-sun’ approach to provide 24/7 support. The new model enables each IT support staff to view and enter information in their native language,” says Raritan Product Manager James Cerwinski. “The GUI and asset, SNMP and Windows Management data, for example, are presented in the specific language set on the individual’s browser. CC-NOC helps customers increase service availability and performance, reduce security risks and improve the productivity of their staffs – no matter where in the world they are located.” For more info, go to Raritan Multilingual NOC |
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New Box Designed to House Multiple Pieces of AV Equipment Nigel B Design introduces the Plenum, a box designed to house the amplifier, cables, power supply, AC receptacle and even other products such as Crestron's QM-RMC an IM-RX1 and similar sized products. By storing all these components in the box, there is more security, less clutter. The box can be installed above the ceiling, with the projector directly below, flush with the ceiling. Or you can install it on a 1 1/2 - inch pipe. Access to the inside of the box is done by unscrewing four screws. It is available with up to six internal power outlets. For more info, go to the Plenum |
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Xspot Lets Integrators locate Pre-Wire Termination Points The new Xspot products from Prime Industrial Design lets integrators find the pre-wire termination points after sheet-rock has been hung. The company says you won't need wire toners and stud finders and, in fact, it works without any wiring at all. Installers can run 1-inch conduit and mount an Xspot at each termination point before sheet-rocking. You can then skip the step of going back to the project after the sheet-rockers have finished in order to place plugs or wall plates over wire holes. The Xspot system then enables installers to quickly locate termination points through the wallboard to access wiring. There are six products in the Xspot family. For more info, go to XSPOT |
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AMX will use London’s 100% Detail show to demonstrate how the company’s home automation systems deliver a simplified solution to the management and control of an ever increasing number and complexity of consumer electronics in the home. AMX will show recently introduced hand held remote controls and a small form touch screen control panel developed for the residential market. The new control units include two Mio Modero hand-held remote controls, the R-1 infra-red remote and the R-2 radio frequency remote, and a 5" Modero touch screen user interface panel. For more info, go to AMX UK Fore more info on 100% Detail held 21-24 September, go to |
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| Projection & Screens | |
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Toshiba Introduces Value-Packed DLP Projector in US We keep seeing projector prices come down and here is yet another example. Toshiba's new TDP-TW350U is a DLP projector specified at 3500 ANSI lumens, XGA 1024 x 768 resolution and 2000:1 contrast ratio WITH integrated 802.11g wireless, and priced at just $2,339. This projector has auto focus, an ultra-wide 1.5x motorized zoom that automatically adjusts the display when the projector is moved, Toshiba's Natural Color Enhancer color correction circuitry, a PC card slot, an automatic two-way digital keystone correction system, top-panel lamp access and just 29dBA operation. For more info, go to Toshiba |
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InFocus Debuts New Education, Corporate Projectors InFocus recently introduced in USA the new Learn Big and Work Big projector models. The new Learn Big models are the IN32 and IN34, specified at 2000 and 2500 lumens and XGA resolution. These are DLP projectors priced at $1,099 and $1,299 should be available by end of summer. The current models, Learn Big IN24 and IN26, are currently available for $699 and $999. The new InFocus Work Big IN42 is specified at 3500 lumens, XGA resolution, and is network-ready. This projector has an LED display for help and feedback, and a keypad gives access to more than 90 percent of projector functions. The InFocus Work Big IN42 projector will be available in Q3 2006 for $3,299. For more info, go to InFocus Work Big IN42 For more info, go to InFocus Learn Big |
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| Rich Media & Content Management | |
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Dukane Offering Avocent Wireless Extender Dukane now offers the Avocent LongView Wireless Extender as a wireless solution to Dukane's ImagePro data video projectors as well as the complete line of LCD and plasma displays. Audio, video and PC content are transmitted wirelessly from the source computer to the output device using the Avocent patented proprietary compression engine technology. The transmitter and receiver process analog video in a range of 300 to 3000 feet, depending upon the LongView Wireless extender model chosen. Three levels of built-in security make the LongView Wireless Extender incorruptible says the company, including AES encryption, a proprietary 802.11a link layer protocol and its proprietary video compression engine. The companies say the wireless clocks in at 30 frames per second. The LongView Wireless Extender is available in two configurations, the LongView Wireless LV3500W for transmission up to 300 feet and the LongView Wireless LV4500W for transmission up to 3000 feet. Both models include a wireless transmitter and receiver, power supplies and audio cables. For more info, go to Dukane |
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ViewCast Ships Portable Streaming Video Presentation System ViewCast is shipping Niagara GoStream, a single-channel, portable
streaming media encoder. GoStream creates and presents AV over the
internet. The company says it is designed for experts and beginners alike,
and can capture video in any location - indoor or remote.
GoStream includes ViewCast's Niagara SCX software with a new Web-based interface. The software provides detailed settings and control over encoder profiles installed on GoStream and includes the ability to encode in Windows Media, Real and Flash formats. GoStream also supports digital rights management (DRM) for Windows Media. For more info, go to Niagara GoStream |
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| Conferencing | |
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Tandberg's HD Videoconferencing Tandberg incorporates high definition into the company's video conferencing products with systems that automatically select the optimal video quality for the bandwidth available. They also offer CD-quality audio, encryption and dual stream support for displaying participants and presentations at the same time. Tandberg HD includes the Centric 1700 MXP, a desktop system with a 20-inch monitor; the PrecisionHD Camera, a 720p 16:9 camera with 180-degree pan; the Edge Series, which creates a virtual meeting room; the Profile Series package; and Tandberg Total Solution package. For more info, go to Tandberg HD |
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Promethean Intros New Whiteboard Products Promethean introduces a 95-inch interactive whiteboard and short-throw projector system. The new 95-inch Activboard, available in the fall 2006, has an anti-glare electromagnetic surface. Users use the battery-free Activpen or the new 21-inch Activwand, which permits early learners and special needs students to more easily select and interact with objects on the board that may have been out of reach before. For more info, go to Activboard The new Activboard+2 has a new short- throw mounted, height-adjustable projector, eliminating the need for in-ceiling wiring and installation, and using a Sanyo projector with a three-foot throw. For more info, go to Activboard+2 |
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Voting Systems Market Research Worldwide over 3/4 million voting handsets were sold in Q2 2006, says
DTC. For more info, go to DTC | |
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Vaddio Launches Easy IP Device At ASIS, Vaddio Introduces the StreamVIEW Line of MPEG4 A/V Server Appliances, designed to simplify transmission of high quality video and audio over IP networks. StreamVIEW and StreamVIEW 4 are appliances designed for use with any video and audio source for live broadcast/surveillance over the Internet as well as digital recording for playback on demand. StreamVIEW will be demonstrated at ASIS 2006 in San Diego, CA September 25-28th. Rob Sheeley, President of Vaddio states, “Our resellers have continuously requested a device which would provide them an inexpensive means of providing their clients the ability to remotely access security camera networks and simultaneously digitally record these events …At a suggested list price of $995, we sincerely feel StreamVIEW is the device that can finally bring high quality video streaming to the entire Security marketplace.” For more info, go to Vaddio StreamView | |
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Highlights from Q2 DTC Interactive Whiteboard report Interactive Whiteboards continue to be the biggest technology revolution in UK classrooms. In the UK Q1 sales were below forecast at over 18,000 boards but very good July sales have been reported and so Q3 is expected to be the largest quarter. By the end of 2006, half of UK classrooms will have an Interactive Whiteboard. Both SMART and Promethean have introduced systems incorporating short-throw projectors which may become the standard format, it certainly creates a major opportunity in the replacement market. For more info go to DTC | |
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| Displays | |
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Mitsubishi: Biggest Hi-Def Display in World For a horse track in Tokyo, Mitsubishi Electric built a $28 million HD video screen (using its Aurora Vision LED technology) that measures 11.2m x 66.4m. With a surface area of 3 tennis courts, this makes it the largest in the world. Comprised of 35 pieces before assembly, this mammoth screen could just make race track binoculars obsolete.
For more info go AuroraVIsion | |
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SunPro2: VICOM Presents a new Video System for Public Viewing Plugging SunPro2 as “the only true alternative to the expensive LED walls,” Vicom assembles SunPro2 (resolution of 1600 x 1200 Pixels) as a 3-fold sandwich. Michael Schweizer, director of VICOM, says “The SunPro2, installed in Bremerhaven, has a resolution 200 times higher in comparison to a 20 mm Pixel Pitch LED wall. In the case of a 5m wide video wall: SunPro2 offers 4100 pixels in one row compared to 20mm LED-Outdoor-Wall offering approx. 250 pixels in one row – which is not even 1/3 of TV-resolution.” There should be few limitations regarding size because the system is based on cubes. The single cube/picture sizes are 1,25 x 0,93 m. Depending on the layout, pictures of 10m width or more can be achieved easily, brightness unchanged, says the maker. “One of the advantages of SunPro2 are economical aspects”, declares Armin Roos, VP and Marketing Director of Vicom. “On the one side the purchase price is a lot lower than the price for a comparable LED wall and on the other side the projectors can also be used/rented out independently, when not in use at the video wall. In regard to business aspects SunPro2 is highly interesting and profitable especially for staging and leasing companies. SunPro2 had its premiere in Bremerhaven and withstood heat, rain and storm and is being offered now for installations or renting purposes. VICOM offers indoor and outdoor versions. For more info, go to
SunPro2 |
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| Residential Systems & Digital Home |
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Lutron & RF-Based Home Control Litigation Makers of home control and automation products based on ZigBee, Z-Wave, and other RF-only technologies may face significant litigation risk from Lutron says a new Report by WTRS, "Residential Wireless Control Network IP and Patent Report." Normally the press focuses on deterrents to acceptance of Home Control and Automation technologies such as low reliability, high cost, difficult installation and the absence of an easily identifiable end customer value proposition. But this researcher agrues the nigger risk, more difficult to overcome than all others may be the control of key intellectual property assets covering RF-only solutions by Lutron Corporation. "Lutron owns a significant portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, including brand names, industrial designs and product dress, and their use of this portfolio to protect their business is very impressive," says Dr Kirsten West, Principal Analyst of WTRS. Lutron seems to be playing their cards very close to their chest, and with admirable skill and success. "Lutron is quietly but successfully protecting their intellectual property assets in the area of wireless lighting control; any company that hopes to establish markets in this field ignores Lutron at their peril. To be aware of Lutron’s tactics and expertise is just plain smart business," says West. For more info on “The ‘Residential Wireless Control Network IP and
Patent Report,” go to WTRS |
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CEDIA UK created their inaugural CEDIA Awards to recognise excellence amongst its members. Winners and finalists are: Best Installation Under £20,000
Best Installation Over £20,000 and Under £100,000
Best Installation Over £100,000
Best Multi Dwelling Installation
These four Awards were judged by an expert panel, comprising Julian Wilkinson, from award-winning residential architects, Wilkinson King, Diana Yakeley, Chair of the British Interior Design Association (BIDA), Garry Mason, Editor of idFX, Chris Price and Dave Murphy, freelance technology journalists. The 'CEDIA Award for Best Supplier' was given to Pulse Marketing. Judged by CEDIA ESP members in an online vote, via the CEDIA website), this category was open to all CEDIA Trade Supplier members and recognised the top manufacturer or distributor in the industry. Judging criteria included the standards of service, support, product innovations and training provided to members. The final category, 'Best Stand at CEDIA Expo 2006' did not require a formal entry, and Linn was judged at Expo as the winner by Phil Jones, Director of the AEO (Association of Exhibition Organisers). For more info, go to CEDIA UK |
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EU Investigates DVD Standards War European investigators want Hollywood to answer questions about whether studios have been pressured by rival manufacturers of next-gen DVDs to favor one standard over another. Sony, along with Panasonic, Samsung, Dell and seven major studios, back Blu-ray; Toshiba, Microsoft, Intel and others support a rival standard called HD DVD. Some studios like Disney and Universal are making DVD’s in only one format. The Hollywood studios have been asked to reveal any dealings about high-definition DVD’s with technology companies contained in e-mail messages, faxes, PowerPoint presentations, meeting notes, internal reports and even conversations. Some analysts said that the inquiry could end up focusing more on Sony because it potentially has more leverage to persuade studios and manufacturers to back Blu-ray. Sony runs a movie studio, makes PlayStation video game hardware, and sells and makes DVD’s. But Sony deserves particular scrutiny, says Guy Marriott, the chairman of the International Optical Disc Replicators Association. Mr. Marriott reportedly complained to European regulators last year, accusing the tech companies of abusing their patents for manufacturing and formatting DVD’s by refusing to lower their fees enough to match the drop in prices of DVD’s on world markets. This inquiry seems to be an indication that regulators in Brussels, fresh from their battle to force Microsoft to open up t, will remain more aggressive than their American counterparts in seeking to prevent technology companies from locking up standards. Mr. Marriott, chairman of the European disc replicators’ group who brought the original complaint, says he is disappointed that the EU questionnaire concentrates exclusively on next-gen DVD formats rather than on current formats of most concern to his members. For more info, don’t even go there. Just stay tuned! |
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Sony MyLo Catches Wireless Wave Hoping to tap the growth of wireless networks across public spaces and
homes, Sony brings out a pocket-sized gadget for instant messaging and
other internet-based communications. The slim, kidney bean-shaped unit with a 6cm display and a thumb
keyboard is specifically geared toward mainstream consumers who want
messaging and VoIP. For more info, go to Sony mylo |
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| Audio | |
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High-End-Subwoofer by Cinemataq
For a perfect movie experience, any home cinema - whether set up in the living room or in the cellar - requires a suitable subwoofer capable of uncompromising LFE channel reproduction. The Cinemateq "natural" active subwoofer offers up to 118dB at 30Hz of sound pressure both in the bass and the subsonic bass ranges. A brute bass extension with exclusive acoustic control options from professional technology create ambitious home cinema with a substantial 12" long-throw driver. The integrated parametric equalizer and numerous adjustment options on the power amplifier (e.g.,subsonic, equalizer or bass boost) enables even difficult environments to be optimally filled with bass. For more info, go to Cinemataq |
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Niles Launches in Triple-Digits Niles Audio plans to stun CEDIA in USA with115 new SKUs. The company hopes the new products will boost growth in 2006 and 2007 following a 2% 2005 gain. This year's gains will be due in part to the recent shipment of the IntelliControl ICS (Integrated Control Solutions) multiroom audio system, a modular receiver-based system with plug-and-play. An IntelliControl six-zone system with $250/pair speakers per zone would cost consumers about $10,000 with system programming time less than 10 minutes with a PC. Niles is planning ICS system enhancements, including: an RS-232 translator box, due in late summer, to integrate control of Escient and ReQuest music servers and Lutron lighting systems; their first music server developed by sister company Imerge an HD Radio card by year's end; and a tabletop networked iPod dock/charger to complement the ICS's modular iPod card. For more info, go to Niles Audio |
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Phoenix Gold Acquired by Investment Group Phoenix Gold International, owner of the brands Phoenix Gold, AudioSource and Carver, has been purchased by local investment group PHX AP Acquisitions and Phoenix Gold VP Tom O’Mara. The new company, a privately held firm, appointed Jonathan Cooley as CEO and Tom O’Mara as president. Additional management changes will be announced soon. The new direction will focus on new products, revamped brand positioning and channel strategies that will be implemented over the next few months as part of the new business plan. As part of the new plan, all domestic manufacturing will be terminated. O’Mara added that company officials will soon meet with international sales and distribution partners to ensure a seamless transition. For more info, go to Phoenix Gold | |
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| Digital Signage |
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Hitachi Japan shows a new 13.1-inch display, the largest color display based on E Ink's electrophoretic display (EPD) technology. EPD is an "electronic paper" display technology,but Hitachi wants to aim more at signage than at consumer e-books. The new color demo unit uses the previous Albriey platform but features a combo of red, green , blue and white inks arranged in a quad pattern to reduce the color pixel count to one-quarter of XGA (512 x 384). The display achieves a commercially-acceptable 4096 different color shades.. To come out in 2007, Hitachi claims the new display is larger, and features higher contrast and better reflectivity than the previous model. |
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| Mounting & Accessories | |
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Sanus Offers IFA Contest::Trip to Barcelona Visit Sanus Systems at Booth #206 in Hall 3.2 at IFA in Berlin, place an order and you could disappear to BARCELONA for the weekend. Sanus Systems, makers of: VisionMount, universal line of flat-panel
wall mounts, The company also offers:
For an IFA Berlin invite, email them at: europe.sanus@csavinc.com |
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Chief Adds Feature Set to New Mounts Chief's new RPA Elite series of custom and universal mounts has the same independent roll, pitch and yaw, with integrated cable management and security. But the new series has a new design and adds MicroZone adjustments for micro adjustment with a No. 2 screwdriver, macro adjustment with Centris technology which allows movement with a touch of a finger, and Q-Lock, a locking lever, designed for easier access to the lamp and filter without losing registration. Chief is also offering a new selection of Speed-Connect accessories including ceiling plates; extension columns and suspended ceiling kits for faster installs. For more info, go to Chief new RPA Elite |
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| Do you have a special topic you would like to address industry-wide? We ’re open for Guest Editorial comments on the industry from Europe… Sorry, no commercials…this is just for industry issues. Contact: rAVeEurope@gmail.com |
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Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe Europe! Thank you for spending time with us as we follow the industry happenings. You will need to SUBSCRIBE to receive this newsletter regularly. Click here to subscribe To send us feedback and news tips, don't reply to this newsletter - instead, write to us at rAVeEurope@gmail.com Click here if you are interested in the home A/V market in Europe Click here to send us your company news A little about Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting: Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue - which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry. Gary Kayye's rAVe was first launched in America in February 2003. |