TPVision, a principal licensor of the Philips brand of upscale TVs in Europe, announced today that is has partnered with Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) in a new multi-year agreement for a new line of products representing the finest in video and audio quality. The announcement noted the reputation both companies enjoy for excellence in engineering and suggests this partnership will set a new reference standard for visual and audio performance in televisions.
NY Times Tech Reporter: Cryptocurrency ‘Scams are Everywhere Online’
We did NOT say that Monster Money was a scam in our article. We DID say that cryptocurrencies are risky, risky investments to be approached with caution. The prevalence of several large scams in the supposedly safe world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies serve as a stark reminder of this need for extreme caution when investing in something new.
See more on this cryptocurrency cautionary tale in today’s Times… [Read more…] about NY Times Tech Reporter: Cryptocurrency ‘Scams are Everywhere Online’
Who Is Leading the World in AI Research?
The race is heating up for global leadership in artificial intelligence, considered by many to be the next area of technology that will explode with activity. Many major players here in the U.S., both in Silicon Valley, as well as other places, seek to establish themselves as the leaders in AI.
But where in the world is the greatest amount of money going to fund startups who will drive the development – and ultimately the adoption – of AI? You might be surprised…
See where the money is flowing to create leading AI companies… [Read more…] about Who Is Leading the World in AI Research?
Distributor Rutherford Audio and Thorens Cut Ties
High-end audio distributor Rutherford Audio announced this week that its relationship with Thorens, a prominent European turntable manufacturer, has come to an end. As a result of this news, Rutherford is telling dealers they can no longer accept orders on Thorens’ products.
See more on this cutting of ties between Rutherford Audio and Thorens… [Read more…] about Distributor Rutherford Audio and Thorens Cut Ties
Is Monster Money a Massive Mistake?
Earlier this month, news broke – erupted really – that Noel Lee and Monster Products had filed a Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch an ICO or initial coin offering. Their plan is to mint a new cryptocurrency called Monster Money, with an initial authorization of 500,000,000 Monster Money Tokens, of which, 300,000,000 will be offered to investors at a dollar each. This move, which seems out of the blue, caused a lot of speculation as to just what is going on at Monster – is this desperation…chutzpah…or something even darker?
Initially, Strata-gee was just going to let this story pass by. However, so many readers reached out asking for our perspective on the story that it was impossible to ignore it any longer. See our take below…
Is Monster Money a major opportunity…or a massive mistake?…
The Real Story Behind Control4’s Certified Showroom Program
A Strata-gee Exclusive Interview
Control4 surprised everyone about a month ago when they suddenly announced the launch of no less than 140 Control4 Certified Showrooms in partnership with certain dealers around the world, including the U.S., Canada, UK, China, and Australia. These showrooms were said to meet “elevated standards” and were positioned with dealers who were “experts in WOW-ing’ homeowners through interactive storytelling, visually-stunning displays, and hands-on demonstrations.”
At the recent launch of these showrooms on May 31, 2018, in an event called C4Yourself, I had the opportunity to visit one of two Certified Showrooms in New Jersey and to meet with Larry Bennett, Control4’s Managing Director of Global Programs. Bennett is the Control4 executive in charge of their global Certified Showroom program.
See what the Control4 exec said was the real purpose behind the program… [Read more…] about The Real Story Behind Control4’s Certified Showroom Program
What It Means to Have Your Showroom Certified by Control4
When you first pull up in front of Total Home Technologies in Roseland, NJ, it looks pretty much like any other small town store, blending in perfectly with the feel and flavor of this humble little borough of about 5,800 people located twenty miles west of New York City in a picturesque hilly section of Essex County, New Jersey. That feeling persists when you first walk over the “Welcome” mat and enter through the front door to find a comfortable living room on your right and, somewhat surprisingly, an outdoor backyard scene on your left.
You have just entered a Control4 Certified Showroom, and the show’s about to begin…
[Read more…] about What It Means to Have Your Showroom Certified by Control4
New Research: Smart Home is Big & Getting Bigger
In a new updated report by market research firm Strategy Analytics, the global smart home market is said to have had a great 2017 and updated forecasts expect industry sales of this technology to continue to rise ever higher to an expected $155 billion by 2023.
See these updated smart home market estimates… [Read more…] about New Research: Smart Home is Big & Getting Bigger
Gibson Hits a Sour Note with Philips & Creditors
Gibson, as Strata-gee previously reported, filed for bankruptcy protection on May 1st in a pre-negotiated package with principal noteholders of the company’s substantial debt – debt that was now in default. But while that deal suggested a smooth path for the case through the bankruptcy court, it did not take into account the position of unsecured creditors, and especially Philips who describes itself as the largest unsecured creditor in the matter.
See more on the discord in Gibson’s bankruptcy proceedings… [Read more…] about Gibson Hits a Sour Note with Philips & Creditors
AudioControl to Launch 70-Volt Amp at Its First InfoComm
Move to Drive Share of Commercial Channel
AudioControl, a scrappy and innovative maker of electronics solutions for residential, commercial, and automotive applications, said today that it will show its commercial products at InfoComm 2018 taking place next week in Las Vegas, NV. Although the company has been involved in the commercial market for years, this is the first time they’ve displayed at InfoComm in a bid to further build their share of the commercial channel.
