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Integra Moves Into Distribution, Eliminating a Key Selling Point

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AVAD logo 2016This week we learned that Onkyo and Integra products would now be sold through AVAD, a distributor of custom integration products in the U.S. that is in the middle of changing its business model. Interestingly, this announcement came from AVAD, not from Onkyo/Integra, although Onkyo Vice President of Sales and Business Development Joe Petrillo is quoted in the official release.

But this simple announcement is being viewed as a game changer for many in the industry, who note that with the loss of its more “protected” status, Integra may have lost one of its key selling points.

See how some in the market are reacting to this decision by Integra… [Read more…] about Integra Moves Into Distribution, Eliminating a Key Selling Point

With Company Leader Incapacitated and Heir-Apparent Arrested: Who’s In Charge at Samsung?

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Samsung's Vice Chairman LeeAfter several years of non-stop success, Samsung has had a bit of a tough run lately. From exploding smartphone batteries to self-destructing washing machines to the arrest of the company’s Vice Chairman and heir-apparant…it’s been a challenging time, to say the least. But with the company Chairman Lee Kun-hee incapacitated due to failing health and his son, the Vice Chairman, now in police custody – the company’s biggest problem is a lack of leadership at the helm.

See how Samsung is addressing their leadership gap as a result of recent police action… [Read more…] about With Company Leader Incapacitated and Heir-Apparent Arrested: Who’s In Charge at Samsung?

On Drive to Grow Commercial, James Hits the Accelerator…Lightly

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Photo of speaker in wine barrell
There’s a speaker in one of these wine barrels

James Loudspeaker, the specialty speaker manufacturer with a wide range of models mostly serving the high-end market, has intrigued us for some time now. The subject of our intrigue is largely centered around their prodigious custom manufacturing capability, which they use to create a plethora of one-off products designed to order. We told you about a VERY unique pair of speakers they made for one Colorado integrator, who uses James’ customization capabilities as his “competitive advantage.”

Now James is targeting the commercial channel. See what we learned about their plans… [Read more…] about On Drive to Grow Commercial, James Hits the Accelerator…Lightly

GUILTY: Former Industry CEO Manlove Convicted on Multiple Federal Charges

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Almost exactly one year ago, we told you that former CEO of Montana specialty retailer Vann’s, George Leslie Manlove, was charged with more than 200 counts of criminal conduct by Federal prosecutors after an investigation by the FBI and the Department of Labor. Manlove, who is married to the daughter of the founder of Vann’s, was accused of a number of crimes including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, bankruptcy fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements.

Now we learn that after a two-week trial and two days of deliberation, jurors found Manlove guilty on 172 of those charges…and aquitted on the rest.

See more about the surprising downfall of Manlove, a former rising star of tech… [Read more…] about GUILTY: Former Industry CEO Manlove Convicted on Multiple Federal Charges

Massive $6.3 Billion Writedown is Tanking Toshiba, Could It Collapse?

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Logo on Toshiba buildingToshiba Corp. announced yesterday that it will take a $6.3 billion writedown to account for the meltdown of its nuclear division. This amount of writedown is much higher than the markets had anticipated, forcing Toshiba into crisis mode having to secure lending commitments from their banks, reorganize their nuclear division, and sell assets to offset their losses.

Is Toshiba near the tipping point?… [Read more…] about Massive $6.3 Billion Writedown is Tanking Toshiba, Could It Collapse?

Is CEDIA’s Show For Sale…Again?

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Photo of CEDIA16 show floorReuters is reporting that Emerald Expositions LLC, the major trade show exposition company that bought the CEDIA show last week, is considering putting itself up for sale. This report became public on Wednesday, January 25th…the day before CEDIA announced it has sold its trademark show to Emerald. All of which leads to the distinct possibility of the show changing hands again, in just a matter of weeks.

See more on this report and how CEDIA members are reacting to the sale… [Read more…] about Is CEDIA’s Show For Sale…Again?

Savant Holds Integration Summit in Denver, Outlines New Path Forward

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Savant logoIn the wake of recent major executive changes, Savant seemed to fall into silent mode, deflecting media inquiries and in general buying itself time to get organized. All that is changing now as the company wrapped up a summit of its integrators in Denver – its largest ever – where it made several major announcements. At the integration summit, Savant revealed new products, new services, and a new commitment to the custom integration community.

See what we know so far about Savant’s announcements… [Read more…] about Savant Holds Integration Summit in Denver, Outlines New Path Forward

Sprint Throws a Life Preserver to Drowning Tidal

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Cash Infusion Buys Time for Struggling Service

Tidal logoTidal, the musician-owned music streaming service put together by rapper Jay Z, announced this week that it has sold a third of the company to telecom giant Sprint. Although the original announcement did not disclose the price, Billboard, the music industry trade journal, said that Sprint invested $200 million for a 33% stake in the company.

See more on the dynamic situation surrounding Tidal… [Read more…] about Sprint Throws a Life Preserver to Drowning Tidal

What Kind of Advertising Do Consumers Trust? You Won’t Believe It!

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Did the 2016 Presidential Election Impact Consumer Trust?

Ask any marketing professional, the last ten years have brought a dizzying array of all-new Photo of shoppersadvertising options thanks to the continued development of digital and online marketing tools. Strata-gee has reported on several occasions the rapid ramp-up of big- and small-business investment in email marketing, social media marketing, digital media marketing and more. More companies have been investing more dollars in more different types of largely digital marketing methods.

So a new consumer survey really caught our attention when it showed which advertising method consumers most trust. It really kind of blew our mind.

You won’t believe which form of advertising consumers trust the most… [Read more…] about What Kind of Advertising Do Consumers Trust? You Won’t Believe It!

Prosecutors Make Their Case to Jail Head of Samsung

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REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

Judge Questions Jay Y. Lee in Arrest Warrant Hearing

In a case that has been percolating for weeks but has now come to a boil, special prosecutors in South Korea have gone before a judge to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Samsung Group leader, Jay Y, Lee. Summoned by the court to testify, Lee answered questions in a closed-door session at the court, held today. Lee denied he or his company participated in any wrongdoing.

The judge’s decision is expected very soon.

See more on the legal troubles that Samsung now finds themselves in… [Read more…] about Prosecutors Make Their Case to Jail Head of Samsung