NAD Electronics, the specialty manufacturer of primarily custom integration products, announced today it will show a new multi-channel distribution amplifier targeted squarely at the custom integration channel at next week’s Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam. Called the CI 8-120 DSP, this amp is packed with attractive features in a compact, easy-to-install package.
Archives for January 2019
Pending Home Sales Decline for 3rd Month in a Row
In a result that was not expected by most industry analysts, contract signings to purchase previously owned homes dropped in December for the third month in a row. The news is widely viewed as yet another indicator of a housing industry slowdown, along with declining affordability and rising housing and mortgage costs.
See more on this drop in pending home sales…
[Read more…] about Pending Home Sales Decline for 3rd Month in a RowI Smell a Scam
The headline caught my attention immediately – “Exclusive: Foxconn reconsidering plans to make LCD panels at Wisconsin plant.” This story, from the highly respected Reuters News Agency, follows a series of articles on Foxconn’s growing business struggles in the wake of a decline in sales to Apple. But it immediately raised a red flag with me…
See why I question Foxconn’s motives…
[Read more…] about I Smell a ScamStrata-gee Visits Russound: Steeped in History, Streaming into the Future
I arrived at my destination, Amtrak’s South Station in Boston, right on time. As I approached the doors to exit the station, my eyes suddenly focused on a shocking scene. Not only was there a torrential downpour – that was not a surprise, it had been raining as I departed New Jersey early that morning as well – but added to that downpour were gale force winds. It was like something out of a cheesy Hollywood disaster movie. I saw debris flying by horizontally, people struggling with popped-inside-out umbrellas as they attempted to fight the winds and stinging rain to remain on their feet.
Just then, my cell phone rang. It was an irrepressably jovial Charlie Porritt, CEO of Russound, telling me cheerfully he was only a couple of blocks away and would be there to pick me up in a couple of minutes. I pushed the disconnect button and said out loud to no one in particular – “I’m not going out there!”
See my trip to Russound with lots of photos…
[Read more…] about Strata-gee Visits Russound: Steeped in History, Streaming into the FutureFoxconn Cuts 50,000 Jobs as iPhone Pain Continues
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., the Apple, Inc. primary supplier better know as Foxconn, has cut more than 50,000 jobs as the pain from the dramatic drop in iPhone sales is taking its toll on the company. Not only that, but the company has fallen short of hiring goals to which it previously committed to the State of Wisconsin – losing major tax credits for this year.
Worse yet, the outlook for the near future, doesn’t look to improve any time soon.
See more on Foxconn’s trouble…
[Read more…] about Foxconn Cuts 50,000 Jobs as iPhone Pain ContinuesJames Loudspeaker is Jammin’
James Loudspeaker came out with multiple announcements this week that give a strong indication that the company is growing. Not only has the manufacturer of high-quality residential and commercial architectural and landscape products added a new President, but also a new Director of Marketing and even announced a new headquarters and production facility in Nevada.
See more on James Loudspeaker growth in this announcement…
[Read more…] about James Loudspeaker is Jammin’Latest Data Increases Concerns of Economic Downturn
New data from multiple sources are increasing economists concerns of an economic downturn within the next two years – perhaps even later this year. The latest readings on consumer confidence/sentiment and existing home sales show sharp downturns, sparking new debates on the real health of the economy.
See more on what data is rattling economist’s…
[Read more…] about Latest Data Increases Concerns of Economic DownturnNielsen: Americans’ Love for Music is ‘Unwavering’
Researcher Credits Audio Hardware for Helping ‘Catapult Engagement’ & Consumption
New research from Nielsen reinforces an important point for those of us in the residential home entertainment systems – no matter what the platform, Americans have an ‘unwavering love for music.’ File this report in the “Good News” department.
See the surprising resiliency of music…
[Read more…] about Nielsen: Americans’ Love for Music is ‘Unwavering’TCL Launches 8K QLED & Audio Solutions at CES
TCL, a leading global TV brand out of China, launched several new A/V products at CES 2019, including new higher end 8K QLED¹ TVs with AI, a whole new range of headphone products, and new home theater soundbars. These products not only expand their assortment, they expand their market position with higher end solutions and advanced technologies.
See more on TCL’s impressive CES launches…
[Read more…] about TCL Launches 8K QLED & Audio Solutions at CESApple Supplier Foxconn Hit Hard by iPhone Sales Drop
Taiwan’s GDP Declines Due to Apple Cuts
We have followed Foxconn for years now, first picking up on them in 2012 when news had emerged that a significant Apple supplier was having problems with employees committing suicide – eventually forcing the company to install ‘suicide nets’ on their taller factories and offices to help thwart further suicide attempts. Foxconn has continued on to become one of Apple, Inc.’s largest iPhone supplier of parts and assembly.