In a conference call with the press last Thursday, Russound executives proudly announced that they have closed a deal to offer Spotify streaming music content in Russound products. Spotify, one of the two most popular music streaming services in the United States, has very high international demand, Russound says – noting that this new agreement will help stimulate global demand for Russound products.
Manufacturers
TiO Expansion Continues – Now Shipping TouchLite 4 Lighting Control
Turn It On (TiO), a division of Anuva Automation, announced this week that it is now shipping their TouchLite 4 Lighting Control pad. The announcement is significant for multiple reasons – not the least of which, the TL 4 is its first device that expands the TiO system beyond its original audio foundation.
But the news is significant for other reasons as President Mike Anderson shares with us… [Read more…] about TiO Expansion Continues – Now Shipping TouchLite 4 Lighting Control
On Eve of Trial, Savant & Crestron Settle Lawsuit
BREAKING NEWS
We’ve learned today that the long running legal battle between automation giants Savant Systems and Crestron Electronics has been settled on the eve of the case going to trial. The suit was originally filed in September 2010 by Savant Systems, LLC, which alleged that Crestron Electronics, Inc. had – amongst other things – engaged in a variety of anti-competitive and unfair trade practices. Crestron denied Savant’s allegations and launched their own countersuit alleging that Savant had – amongst other things – engaged in tortious interference with contractual relations; and, unfair & deceptive acts in the conduct of trade.
Scheduled to go to trial in January, the parties have now settled the matter… [Read more…] about On Eve of Trial, Savant & Crestron Settle Lawsuit
The Revolving Door for Managers at Kaleidescape… Spins Again
Imagine, if you will, working at a company serving a channel in which yours is the only significant participant with no major competitors – you own the segment. Not only that, but dealers love your product, the press sings holy hosannas over the quality and performance of your line, a major [legal] black cloud is behind you, and the future appears to be bright. Must be an idyllic existence…right?
At Kaleidescape, Inc., the industry’s most prominent brand of media servers, it appears to be an idyllic existence only if you are one of the two founders – Michael Malcolm and Cheena Srinivasan. For other top managers, the pressure must be constant, as there appears to be a spinning revolving door – or so it would seem as we learn again this week of more top managers exiting the company.
See more on this newest round of managers exiting Kaleidescape… [Read more…] about The Revolving Door for Managers at Kaleidescape… Spins Again
Apple to Set Up Its First R&D Facility Outside of US
Announcement Met with Mixture of Pride…and Concern
Apple, Inc. has announced that it will open its first research and development facility outside of the United States and it has chosen Japan as the location for the center. The announcement was reported by the Nikkei and has been met with a combination of national pride…and corporate concerns.
See more on Apple’s new plans for their R&D facility in Japan… [Read more…] about Apple to Set Up Its First R&D Facility Outside of US
Thiel Says It Will Introduce New TT1 Speaker System at CES
Thiel Audio announced this week that it will introduce a new loudspeaker system – the TT1 – at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January. Calling it an “ultimate performance three-way loudspeaker,” the announcement is the first major launch since the current management team was put in place earlier this year.
But, the TTI was not a total surprise… [Read more…] about Thiel Says It Will Introduce New TT1 Speaker System at CES
ICE Cable Selects EMI to Represent Brand in Michigan
Specialty cable manufacturer ICE Cable Systems announced this week that it has selected veteran Michigan sales representative company Electrical Materials, Inc. (EMI) to represent its line in Michigan, the Great Lakes State. EMI, a unique mixture of electrical component distribution and custom integration AV sales representative company, is well known throughout the region.
See more on this new partnership… [Read more…] about ICE Cable Selects EMI to Represent Brand in Michigan
Having Dumped Everything Else, Pioneer Makes Plans to Dominate Car Electronics
About the AV biz? Hoping Onkyo Keeps the Pioneer Name…
Pioneer Corporation
In a revealing interview with the Nikkei in Tokyo, Pioneer Corp. President Susumu Kotani said that Pioneer – after spending several months selling off all of its divisions other than automotive – is considering resorting to acquisitions in order to build a dominant position within its chosen market. A radical shift after months of divestiture, he makes clear that the company is preparing to move to offense, in order to build a new – and expanded – future.
See more on the company’s plans – including just what areas Pioneer is considering entering… [Read more…] about Having Dumped Everything Else, Pioneer Makes Plans to Dominate Car Electronics
Sennheiser Launches Its Own Retail Stores, At Least Temporarily
The Sennheiser Group, a well-known manufacturer of headphones, microphones and wireless transmission systems, launched two “pop-up” stores – one in New York and another in San Francisco – this past weekend. Their purpose? To showcase Sennheiser products and to highlight its “efforts to increase consumer awareness on the benefits of premium sound.”
See more on Sennheiser’s foray into retail this holiday season… [Read more…] about Sennheiser Launches Its Own Retail Stores, At Least Temporarily
Despite Revenue Decline, JVC Kenwood Cuts Losses as Restructuring Takes Hold
JVC Kenwood Corp., the troubled consolidation of two struggling Japanese brands, seems to have turned a corner despite reporting fiscal Q2 and first half revenue declines and continuing losses. The company, which in January surprised many by announcing its decision to withdraw from the consumer electronics business to focus on B-to-B business, announced with pride that – although still showing a loss – the company has seen solid improvement in profits with dramatically reduced losses.
