It’s here…we finally made it! Without a doubt, 2020 was one of the toughest years Americans – humanity even – has had to face. While many of those challenges continue (COVID-19, economic recession, challenging politics, racial strife) we are now able to embrace 2021…and with this new year comes the hope for a brighter path forward. We may finally be beginning to move in the right direction, and that makes for a Happy New Year!
Archives for 2020
Strata-gee’s Top Ten Most Read Stories of 2020
With 2020 rapidly disappearing into our rearview mirror, it’s always good to take a moment during the holidays and reflect on the year that just transpired. A year is a long time and a lot happens.
Also, as a content creator it is good to look back at those stories that seemed to resonate with most readers as I seek to constantly refine my editorial targets to better match the interests of readers. One way I do that is to put together an end of year list of the Top Ten Most Read Stories. Let’s look at those together – were these your favorites as well?
See 2020’s Top Ten Most Read Strata-gee Stories…
[Read more…] about Strata-gee’s Top Ten Most Read Stories of 2020Judge Approves Reorg Plan by AVDG Parent Guitar Center
Company to Exit Bankruptcy Soon
The judge hearing the matter of the bankruptcy filing of Guitar Center, Inc., parent company of custom integration company Audio Visual Design Group (AVDG), has accepted the organization’s plan to reorganize operations in order to emerge from bankruptcy. With this move by the court, the stage has been set for Guitar Center to exit from bankruptcy proceedings soon, perhaps any day now.
See what the court’s action means for Guitar Center & AVDG…
[Read more…] about Judge Approves Reorg Plan by AVDG Parent Guitar CenterHappy Holidays!
We made it to the end of 2020! What a wild year it it has been. See my message for you during this unique holiday period following an incredibly challenging year for all of us.
See my message for the 2020 holiday season…
[Read more…] about Happy Holidays!Annual CEDIA State of the Association Report Includes Some Drama
Nearly 600 Members Leave the Association in 2020
CEDIA held their annual State of the Association report for members today and, as usual, it was a well produced, glitzy affair more bent on selling the organization to all who choose to watch and listen. The Master of Ceremonies was Giles Sutton – no surprise for anyone aware of some of the inside actions taking place at the highly political organization. Sutton is the interim co-CEO of the trade group. But is it a trade group? Or is it something else altogether?
Learn more about what CEDIA said in their Annual Report to members…
[Read more…] about Annual CEDIA State of the Association Report Includes Some DramaAKM Fire Update: Sony Admits It Faces ‘Severe Shortage’ of Key Imaging Models
Most manufacturers in Tech have been reluctant to discuss the impact on the supply chain – and on the availability of their key models – as a result of the recent Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) factory fire in Japan. However, Sony – especially Sony Europe – has admitted to customers that it’s camera and video division, is “facing a severe shortage of key parts” for its compact cameras and video cameras. Although Sony did not specifically correlate their problem to the AKM situation, a large number of camera and photography media are saying that this is most likely the cause of the shortage to which Sony is referring.
See what Sony & other brands say about the AKM fire fallout…
[Read more…] about AKM Fire Update: Sony Admits It Faces ‘Severe Shortage’ of Key Imaging ModelsImpressive Savant Experience Center Tour Reveals Smart Home Possibilities
Savant Integrators Should Sign Up Clients & Prospects for a Tour Now
Just last week I was an invited guest to an event that I wasn’t entirely sure would be all that exciting – yet another Zoom meeting in a year full of Zoom meetings. Or so I thought. My invitation came from industry powerhouse Savant, who wanted to host me on a virtual tour of their new Experience Center in Manhattan. Boy!…am I glad I agreed to participate….
What a delightful surprise that tour delivered…
[Read more…] about Impressive Savant Experience Center Tour Reveals Smart Home PossibilitiesSonos Scores Another Patent Win, Legrand Signs Multi-Year Licensing Deal
In yet another sign of patent success for Sonos, major industry player Legrand has agreed to a multi-year licensing deal to cover the technology used in their Nuvo line of wireless multi-room products. This is yet another sign that tends to add to the growing power of the Sonos patent portfolio covering these technologies.
See more on this announcement of a deal with Legrand…
[Read more…] about Sonos Scores Another Patent Win, Legrand Signs Multi-Year Licensing Deal2020 Intros Continue w/Crestron Home Audio Conferencing & Control Solution
An Optimal Mix of Quality, Utility & Ease-of-Use for the Residential User
Just about seven weeks ago, Strata-gee told you about Crestron’s cool new TS-70R touch screen which was solidly built, exceptionally attractive for either a residential or small office setting, and provided a great control solution for the Crestron Home operating system. Now, Crestron continues their Crestron Home-specific product launches with another new product – the MM30-R Crestron Home Audio Conferencing and Control Solution.
You’re going to want to know about this new Crestron solution…
[Read more…] about 2020 Intros Continue w/Crestron Home Audio Conferencing & Control SolutionNew COVID Outbreak Causes Consumer Anxiety Flare-Up
Results Pose a Threat to Economic Recovery
A new poll shows that the latest flare-up of COVID-19 – which is generating infections, hospitalizations, and deaths at a rate that exceeds those of the worst of readings from this last Spring – are causing an outbreak of another type…anxiety and dread amongst consumers. This sobering data suggests that an increase in anxiety in consumers could result in stalling our economic recovery.