The DaVinci Group launched a new series of products at CEDIA called the Signature Series -part of their Encompass Home Theater line of products. Signature Series is a high-performance step-up system targeted for dedicated home theater installations.
Manufacturers
Nortek Calls Off Discussions with United Technologies
Nortek, Inc. announced late Thursday that it has called off talks with an unnamed party who had tendered an unsolicited offer. According to the Wall Street Journal and as we had previously reported, that suitor was United Technologies. Nortek stock closed Friday at $63.97/share or off 3.8%, on a day when the Dow was up .2%.
See more on this announcement from Nortek… [Read more…] about Nortek Calls Off Discussions with United Technologies
Powerful New Dolby Atmos AV Receivers from AudioControl
Seattle, WA-based AudioControl announced Wednesday that it is launching two all-new AV receivers in their Concert AVR line featuring Dolby Atmos surround technology and 7-channels of high-current, high-power amplification. These new models, the AVR-9 and AVR-7, are expected to ship sometime in fourth quarter of 2015.
See more on these new and impressively upgraded AVRs from AudioControl… [Read more…] about Powerful New Dolby Atmos AV Receivers from AudioControl
Tons of Turmoil at Thiel; Is There Yet Another New CEO?
Tipped off by a source, we have learned that the turmoil at Thiel Audio continues, as yet another wave of executives have arrived and departed – leaving the company ostensibly leaderless and seemingly adrift in the market. The revolving executive door at Thiel seems to be an annual event as we await news on yet another team to jump in the saddle…or into the fire, depending on your perspective.
See more on what we’ve learned… [Read more…] about Tons of Turmoil at Thiel; Is There Yet Another New CEO?
Bluesound Scores Deal for National Placement in Magnolia Design Centers
BREAKING NEWS
Bluesound, a division of Lenbrook America, has cut a deal with Best Buy that will result in a national roll-out of the company’s line of high-quality digital multi-room music systems through Best Buy’s Magnolia Design Center locations. The agreement will begin to take effect later this month in a phased introduction into the first 25 locations.
See more about this major development for Bluesound… [Read more…] about Bluesound Scores Deal for National Placement in Magnolia Design Centers
Ex-Krell President McKiegan Moves to Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems
BREAKING NEWS
Within hours of our BREAKING NEWS report on Bill McKiegan leaving Krell Industries this morning, we received a press release from Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems announcing his arrival there. McKiegan rejoins the D’Agostino’s – who are the original founders of Krell – taking the position of President in their post-Krell company, effective immediately.
See more on this unexpected move by McKiegan… [Read more…] about Ex-Krell President McKiegan Moves to Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems
Krell Industries President is Out; No Word Yet on Replacement
BREAKING NEWS
Krell dealers received an unexpected and, to many of them, shocking email from Krell Industries President Bill McKiegan, who announced that Wednesday was his last day at the high-end audio manufacturer. The email (reproduced below), was short on details and gave little more than a list of contacts at the company with whom dealers should consult on any future issues.
What is going on at Krell?… [Read more…] about Krell Industries President is Out; No Word Yet on Replacement
Needing Cash, Sharp Sells its Osaka Headquarters Building
Troubled Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp Corp. announced today that it will sell its headquarters building in Osaka, as well as an additional associated building, and the land they both stand on, in a bid to raise cash. The company says it sold the properties for ¥18.8 billion ($156.8 million) which will allow them to book a special gain of ¥14.8 billion in profit from the deal in their fiscal fourth quarter, the period ending March 2016.
See more on Sharp’s situation and this transaction… [Read more…] about Needing Cash, Sharp Sells its Osaka Headquarters Building
Taking Integration to a Whole New Level; Millson to Launch CinemaFrame at CEDIA Expo
Strata-gee EXCLUSIVE
Well-respected custom integrator Richard Millson, founder of Vancouver, BC-based Millson Technologies, has some 25-years of experience in high-end residential AV and automation systems installation. Many of these installations were in luxury high-rise condominium developments, trendy boutique hotels, and high-end homes. After literally tens of thousands of installations, Millson knew well the gaping holes in the market that manufacturers simply weren’t addressing.
So Richard created a new company, Millson Custom Solutions, to address these gaps. And the first product from MCS, four years in the making, is CinemaFrame – an amazing in-wall high-performance home theater solution.
See more on the remarkable CinemaFrame invisible home theater system… [Read more…] about Taking Integration to a Whole New Level; Millson to Launch CinemaFrame at CEDIA Expo
CEDIA: Manufacturers Hop into the Driver’s Seat
CEDIA announced last week that it has hired Vincent Bruno to take over as CEDIA’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective next month. Bruno will leave his current position as Marketing Director for manufacturer Crestron Electronics, a position he’s held for seven years, to take the CEO role at the top trade association for integrators.
