“It’s been tremendous,” declared Origin CEO Jeremy Burkhardt with his typical over-the-top enthusiasm, when asked how his nearly one-year old company is doing since its launch at the 2014 CEDIA Expo. “I’ve been on the road for 3-weeks a month for the last 12-months.” And apparently, from what Burkhardt tells us, loving every single minute of it.
Brands
Dave Donald Leaves Origin; Takes Position at Kaleidescape
BREAKING NEWS
Well-known industry executive Dave Donald has left Origin Acoustics where he was Vice President of Marketing to take a position at media center manufacturer Kaleidescape. Donald left Origin approximately two weeks ago and oddly, neither company has offered any type of official announcement. We first heard about this situation from multiple sources and confirmed it with both Origin and Mr. Donald.
See more on this somewhat surprising announcement… [Read more…] about Dave Donald Leaves Origin; Takes Position at Kaleidescape
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
Instead of a Wave, Tidal Turns into a Tempest in a Teapot; Another CEO Exits
Tidal Music Service has, for the second time in only a matter of months, dismissed its CEO. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Tidal has dismissed interim chief executive Peter Tonstad who held the position for only about three months. In a statement, they thanked Tonstad for his service.
But Tonstad had a different take on his exit…read on… [Read more…] about Instead of a Wave, Tidal Turns into a Tempest in a Teapot; Another CEO Exits
DOW to Distribute Sony ES Line
Tampa, Fl-based DOW Electronics announced on Tuesday that it will distribute the entire Sony ES line of products, effective immediately. The latest addition to their line-up, DOW says Sony offers a line to dealers that is “protected from online shopping” and has “controlled distribution.”
See more on this development from DOW… [Read more…] about DOW to Distribute Sony ES Line
On Controls Names Director of Control
On Controls, the cloud-based home automation solutions for integrators, announced today that it has named Jeffrey Skalny to Director of Control. In this role, Skalny will report to the company’s CEO directly and will be based out of On Controls Detroit, MI headquarters location.
Who is Skalny and what exactly will he be doing for On Controls? Read on… [Read more…] about On Controls Names Director of Control
Apple Faces the Music – Multiple Investigations Launched
Just days after Apple, Inc. announced its plans to attempt to reassert its leading role in the music distribution and streaming businesses, we learn from the New York Times that two powerful state attorneys general in New York and Connecticut have launched an investigation into Apple’s music licensing practices. The purpose of the investigation is to determine if Apple has broken any antitrust laws in cutting deals that allegedly restrict music industry providers from offering their content on a free basis with other services.
See why there is suspicion of anti-competitive practices by Apple… [Read more…] about Apple Faces the Music – Multiple Investigations Launched
Samsung Display Launches New Transparent & Mirror OLED Displays

See more on Samsung’s new mirror and transparent digital signage displays… [Read more…] about Samsung Display Launches New Transparent & Mirror OLED Displays
D&M Holdings Borrows $25 Million to Build More HEOS
An independent commercial finance company, Siena Lending Group, announced last week that it has worked with North Mill Capital to close on a three-year asset-based revolving credit facility in the amount of $25 million with D&M Holdings, Inc. and D&M Canada, Inc. Siena says that the funds will support D&M’s growth and their “seasonal working capital requirements.” It will also, apparently, help Denon grow their HEOS line. Why do we say that? Read on…
See more on this, including how this deal connects to Denon’s HEOS line… [Read more…] about D&M Holdings Borrows $25 Million to Build More HEOS
Backing Beats – Apple Launches Retaliatory Attack on Monster
BREAKING NEWS
Monster’s Noel Lee Talks to Us About Latest Lawsuit Developments
As many regular readers know, Strata-gee has been closely following the litigation between Monster, LLC and Beats Electronics, LLC. Although the matter is really just getting started, it appears to be getting really ugly, really quickly. Now we have learned that Apple, Inc. has taken several actions that, according to Monster CEO Noel Lee (who is known as the Head Monster), are pure retaliation over this lawsuit – even though Monster did not sue Apple.