Dirac Research, a provider of high-quality room and loudspeaker optimization technologies, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Pioneer Corporation to distribute their digital technologies in the OEM market in Japan. The deal, their first with a relatively mainstream manufacturer, will put Dirac technology in a wide range of products under a wide range of brands.
Manufacturers
LG’s Preliminary Q1 Results – Sales Down, Profits Up
LG Electronics, Inc. released preliminary financial results for their first quarter of the 2016 fiscal year earlier this month. The report was very brief, showing only top line revenues and operating profits. But as short as it is…it comes with a bit of a surprise.
See the results for LG as shown in their preliminary report… [Read more…] about LG’s Preliminary Q1 Results – Sales Down, Profits Up
Hitachi Spending Nearly $1B to Launch IoT Research Center in U.S.
Hitachi announced this week that it will invest ¥100 billion ($915 million) building a state-of-the-art research center in the United States to develop Internet of Things (IoT) products and technologies. A significant commitment by the company, with the project expected to take over three years to complete – the facility will be located in Santa Clara, California.
See more on this major R&D center in the U.S. by Hitachi… [Read more…] about Hitachi Spending Nearly $1B to Launch IoT Research Center in U.S.
It Was A Typical System Installation, Until the Client Asked for This…
It was a fairly typical, if slightly larger than normal, system installation for Matt Durbahn of CDI Services in Denver, Colorado. The client was building a home in the countryside outside of Denver and the project called for a whole home automation solution with a media room, technology throughout the home, lighting, HVAC control, outdoor entertainment, security & surveillance, and all that goes with a system like this. Although fairly extensive, none of the client’s requests were unusual.
But then the client asked for something NO ONE has ever asked Durbahn for before…and things just got a whole lot more interesting.
See what the client’s crazy request was, and how the integrator pulled it off… [Read more…] about It Was A Typical System Installation, Until the Client Asked for This…
McIntosh Program to Supply Celebrities Cut Dealers Out
Company Says No Such Program Exists Today
We’ve recently learned about a program at McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., in which the company approached select prominent individuals, such as famous musicians or other celebrities, and provided them with McIntosh products directly, without the involvement of its dealers. The program, according to sources, was launched by Linda Passaro, a former Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for McIntosh when it was part of D&M Holdings. Passaro was terminated in November 2011 by President Charlie Randall, but the program apparently remained in force for some time.
See more on this program that is a sore spot with some McIntosh dealers… [Read more…] about McIntosh Program to Supply Celebrities Cut Dealers Out
New Survey: Apple Watch is a Flop
In a recently released survey by advertising technology company Fluent, more than half of U.S. adults say that the Apple Watch is a failed product…a flop. The study, which surveyed 2,578 adults here in the U.S., clearly suggests that Americans agree with many in the tech industry who have given largely negative reviews of the product. Ironically, at one time, the Watch was thought to be the next big thing from Apple. It may still be…
What does this study suggest about the “wearables” market?… [Read more…] about New Survey: Apple Watch is a Flop
After Transfer to L.A., Monster vs. Beats Picks Up Again
Beats Won Round One; Monster Wins Round Two
It’s been ten months now since Beats Electronics, LLC won their motion to transfer the lawsuit brought against them by Monster, LLC, from San Mateo courts up in Northern California to their home turf of Los Angeles – a big win that reduces their costs and increases their comfort. But if Beats thought that their hometown courts would give them an advantage by being more favorable to their position in this case – they got a rude awakening earlier this month, when the LA judge offered a mixed ruling on several issues that mostly went against Beats’ desires.
See more on our update on this clash of titans in the headphone game… [Read more…] about After Transfer to L.A., Monster vs. Beats Picks Up Again
Marantz & Denon Add Auro-3D to Select Models
Firmware Upgrade Brings New Technology to Top Models
Marantz and Denon both announced this week that they are offering a firmware update that adds Auro-3D, a popular surround sound system in Europe, to two top models in each brand. This upgrade will make these models the most comprehensive home theater center available today – featuring Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X – the most advanced surround sound technologies available.
See more about this move by Marantz and Denon…and about Auro-3D… [Read more…] about Marantz & Denon Add Auro-3D to Select Models
After Year-Long Search, B&O Finds a Buyer…But Only One
Investors Who Bid Up Stock on News of a Buyer, May Be Sorry
Bang & Olufsen A/S, the well-known Danish premium technology brand that balances high performance with high design, has spent a year searching for a prospective buyer. The good news is that they were successful. The bad news is that they were only a little successful…they found exactly one potentially interested party. And as any businessperson can tell you, that there is only one bidder doesn’t bode well for sparking a bidding war to drive up the deal to ever more profitable levels.
See the problematic situation B&O has gotten themselves into… [Read more…] about After Year-Long Search, B&O Finds a Buyer…But Only One
Atlantic Technology Launches Passive Soundbar & Speakers
Atlantic Technology announced this week that it is launching a new line of home theater and music speakers, including a unique product they call a “front-stage” speaker which resembles a traditional soundbar, but is passive. All models are based on the same drivers, so that whether used separately or together, the sound is fully timber-matched for consistent imaging and sound quality.
