As we mentioned in our CE Week overview, the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) held a panel discussion on the current status of the high-resolution audio market (Hi-Res Audio) much like they did last year. It was conducted in much the same way, with essentially the same panel (minus any supporting hardware manufacturers) and, with a couple of exceptions, covered pretty much the same ground.
Associations
LG Relents, Will Reduce Height of New HQ to Preserve Historic Palisades
See more on LG’s decision to finally become a responsible corporate citizen… [Read more…] about LG Relents, Will Reduce Height of New HQ to Preserve Historic Palisades
Dramatic Changes in Features New Home Buyers Want (Like Tech)
Outdoor Kitchens & Media Rooms are Out, Walk-in Closets & Programmable Thermostats are In
The National Association of Home Builders has completed a comprehensive survey of home builders to learn what features home buyers are asking for in homes being built today. The survey, which the association conducts every year, showed a huge shift in priorities this year and reflects a fundamental shift in consumer preferences – a shift that will also impact the custom integration industry.
See what features are desired & shunned and what it means for us in tech… [Read more…] about Dramatic Changes in Features New Home Buyers Want (Like Tech)
CEDIA is Shopping for a CEO; But is This Déjà Vu?
The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) announced on Monday that it is looking for a CEO to run the trade group. The organization has retained Korn/Ferry, one of the largest and most renowned executive search firms in the country, to conduct a comprehensive search for a new – and judging from the posted profile – heavyweight CEO.
But something seemed a little strange to us about this news out of CEDIA… [Read more…] about CEDIA is Shopping for a CEO; But is This Déjà Vu?
HTSA & Nationwide Partner to Create HTSN
In a joint release this week from both Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) and the Home Technology Specialists Association (HTSA), the partners announced the creation of a new entity that they call the Home Technology Specialists of Nationwide (HTSN). The announcement, that surprised many in the industry…and had some scratching their heads trying to see the fit…said that this new alliance will offer new business opportunities for their respective members and vendors. It also, largely due to the size of Nationwide, creates the “largest buying and marketing collaboration” in the industry.
Is this the organization of the future? Or are they just strange bedfellows?… [Read more…] about HTSA & Nationwide Partner to Create HTSN
HDMI Forum Announces Release of HDMI 2.0a Spec
With many just getting their arms wrapped around the new HDMI 2.0 specification, we now learn that the HDMI Forum – parent of HDMI Licensing, LLC – has released a new HDMI 2.0a specification. This new spec update is said to add support for high dynamic range (HDR) transmissions.
See more on this new HDMI 2.0a spec… [Read more…] about HDMI Forum Announces Release of HDMI 2.0a Spec
Azione Unlimited to Sell Sony
Azione Unlimited, a retail buying group of custom integrators, announced today that it has partnered with Sony Corp. to offer its line to Azione’s nationwide membership. The group will carry products from Sony’s AV specialty and custom integration channel division.
See more on this new partnership at Azione… [Read more…] about Azione Unlimited to Sell Sony
At CES, TiO Not Only Turns it On – But They Turn it Up As Well
Anuva Automation’s TiO division held a meeting at CES 2015 Monday evening with its national sales force to deliver an important message – they have arrived…and they can prove it. TiO (which is short for Turn It On) has had a long and, at times, troubled history – which has caused some in the industry to question its viability. And it was this question mark that the company sought to permanently erase from the doubters’ minds.
See how TiO made their case at CES with its national sales team… [Read more…] about At CES, TiO Not Only Turns it On – But They Turn it Up As Well
Samsung Launches New SUHD TVs
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the undisputed global leader in TVs and other key products, launched its CES 2015 press conference in a pattern familiar to those of us who have attended them over the years. But there was one moment in this carefully scripted presentation this year that caught our attention…a moment unlike any other we’ve experienced before at a Samsung presentation. It was a moment when the company actually sounded a touch…defensive.
See what happened during the Samsung presentation that surprised us… [Read more…] about Samsung Launches New SUHD TVs
LG Conveys Cool Confidence, in OLED and More
Starting off press day at CES 2015 with a bang, LG Electronics, Inc. seemed to us to convey a decidedly cool confidence. In the past, LG could be defensive…often struggling to emerge from the shadows of its larger rival – Samsung.
