Savant Systems has launched a clever new package that allows them to address a new entry-level market segment, and provides custom integration pros with a more robust solution for their less sophisticated clients. Called the Simple Host and Pro Remote System, Savant applies what they’ve learned from their consumer business to offer a solid solution sold only through professional integrators.
Manufacturers
First Product of Control4 and Triad Partnership Launches
Control4 Corp. announced today the launch of a line of outdoor audio solutions from their newly acquired Triad Speakers division. Called the Triad Garden Array outdoor speakers, the line includes a satellite speaker along with an outdoor subwoofer – all designed to be placed broadly throughout an entire outdoor entertainment space.
See more on this first product of the Control4 and Triad partnership… [Read more…] about First Product of Control4 and Triad Partnership Launches
Crestron Wants to Solve Real World Problems for Real World People
During the Sapphire Marketing NYC Road Show in Manhattan this week, we had the opportunity to spend time with Jeff Singer, Crestron’s Executive Director of Product Marketing, who shared with us the latest updates on the company’s major residential technology initiatives. He also helped us gain a better understanding of the company’s philosophy of product development and design, saying “We’re just trying to figure out how to solve real world problems for real world people.”
See more on Crestron’s initiatives… [Read more…] about Crestron Wants to Solve Real World Problems for Real World People
And You Thought Samsung Bought Harman for Car Audio
Will Use Harman Audio Tech as Smartphone Differentiator
In November 2016, we learned that Samsung had acquired Harman International Industries in a deal valued at $8 billion. At that time, everyone pretty much assumed the deal was all about automotive audio – and area that inside-Samsung sources had identified as a market the company sought to penetrate. Now we learn that it wasn’t just about cars.
See a newly emerging strategy that Samsung plans to use Harman for… [Read more…] about And You Thought Samsung Bought Harman for Car Audio
LeEco Just Missed Its Payroll, Can It Still Buy Vizio?
Bloomberg is reporting that Chinese mega brand LeEco missed its normal payroll at the end of March, telling employees it would pay them a few days later. While this is a situation that is not unfamiliar to many small business owners, LeEco is anything but your typical small business owner. They are supposedly in the final stages of a $2 billion acquisition of major TV brand Vizio.
But if LeEco can’t make their own payroll…how can they still buy Vizio?
Read on to see what we know about LeEco and Vizio… [Read more…] about LeEco Just Missed Its Payroll, Can It Still Buy Vizio?
Samsung Receives Order for 70M OLED Panels from Apple
In reports out of Taiwan, sources say that Apple, Inc. has ordered 70 million bendable OLED panels from Samsung Electronics. An order of this size can only be for the upcoming iPhone 8, expected to be launched in late 2017. The order also suggests that Apple is expecting the iPhone 8 to be a big success.
See more on what sources in Asia are saying about the iPhone 8… [Read more…] about Samsung Receives Order for 70M OLED Panels from Apple
Emotiva Appoints Ex-SVS Exec as Its VP of Global Strategy

Emotiva Audio Corp. announced this week that it has appointed Walter Schofield, formerly of SVS Sound, as its first-ever VP, Global Strategy. Schofield has along career in audio but only recently joined the online world at SVS. The position was newly created at Emotiva.
See more on Schofield’s new appointment at Emotiva… [Read more…] about Emotiva Appoints Ex-SVS Exec as Its VP of Global Strategy
After 28 Years, Tribeman is Out at Atlantic Technology
BREAKING NEWS
We have confirmed that Peter Tribeman, one of the founding partners and long time President of Atlantic Technology International, will leave the company at the end of this month. It is the end of a 28-year career there and, as we’ve learned, has been in the works for about eighteen months.
See more on Tribeman’s surprising exit… [Read more…] about After 28 Years, Tribeman is Out at Atlantic Technology
Nortek Parent Melrose Reports Higher Margins & Sales
Melrose Industries PLC, an engineering turnaround company that recently acquired Nortek, Inc. (parent company of Core Brands) announced last week that it sees margins improving at Nortek already, even though it only acquired the company just last year. Not only that, but thanks to adding Nortek to its stable of investments, Melrose has seen its revenues triple – driving its stock to a record high.
See more on what Melrose had to say about Nortek… [Read more…] about Nortek Parent Melrose Reports Higher Margins & Sales
Gibson Brands Successfully Refinances Significant Debt
B. Riley & Co., a full service investment bank, announced the closing of a series of refinancing transactions that have completely restructured the outstanding significant debt of Gibson Brands, Inc. Gibson, as we have reported on regularly, entered the consumer electronics space back in 2012, investing in brands such as Onkyo/Integra, Teac, and buying Philips accessory business. Recently, the company appeared to be running into debt difficulties, perhaps from taking on debt to purchase these companies.






