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On Eve of Trial, Savant & Crestron Settle Lawsuit

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BREAKING NEWS

Savant logoWe’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

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Kaleidescape logoImagine, 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

Thiel Says It Will Introduce New TT1 Speaker System at CES

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New Thiel logo black backgroundThiel 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

Economy Falling into Recession, Moody’s Cuts Japan’s Credit Rating

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Moody's InvestorSaying that there is “rising uncertainty” with regards to the country’s debt situation, Moody’s has cut Japan’s credit rating. Yet another indicator of fundamental problems in one of the world’s most powerful economies, Japan’s problems go well beyond its dramatically changing TECH industry.

See more on this surprising downgrade and what it means… [Read more…] about Economy Falling into Recession, Moody’s Cuts Japan’s Credit Rating

‘Showrooming’ is in Decline, ‘Webrooming’ on the Rise – Favoring Brick & Mortar Retailers

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GfK Survey Cover ImageNew data from GfK’s annual FutureBuy survey of shoppers shows a dramatic turn in the effect of “showrooming” (shoppers looking at/picking items in stores, then buying them online) with a decided edge going to brick-and-mortar retailers. The survey tracks omni-channel shoppers – both those engaged in showrooming and those that conduct “webrooming” (shopping an item online, but then buying it in a retail store) – in 17 countries and across 15 product segments…including consumer electronics.

See the surprising results showing a significant swing in favor of retailers… [Read more…] about ‘Showrooming’ is in Decline, ‘Webrooming’ on the Rise – Favoring Brick & Mortar Retailers

Having Dumped Everything Else, Pioneer Makes Plans to Dominate Car Electronics

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About the AV biz? Hoping Onkyo Keeps the Pioneer Name…

Photo of Pioneer President
Susumu Kotani, President
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

Despite Revenue Decline, JVC Kenwood Cuts Losses as Restructuring Takes Hold

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JVC Kenwood logoJVC 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.

See more on this huge company in a big transition… [Read more…] about Despite Revenue Decline, JVC Kenwood Cuts Losses as Restructuring Takes Hold

Dow Electronics to Sell Harmony Remote Nationwide

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DOW Electronics logoWe have learned that DOW Electronics, a Florida-based satellite and electronics distributor, is adding Logitech’s Harmony remote control line to its expanding custom integration (CI) assortment. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, we are told that the company will be distributing the line on a national basis.

See more on this new new CI line for the expanding Dow… [Read more…] about Dow Electronics to Sell Harmony Remote Nationwide

Mel Gross, Iconic Pacific NW Sales Rep, Passes Away

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MichaelMelGrossADJ1
Michael & Mel Gross

Multiple media outlets – including Strata-gee.com – last week published several stories about the passing of Crestron founder George Feldstein, someone who impacted the industry nationally. But we have learned about the passing of another iconic figure in electronics – if on a more regional basis. Mel Gross, one of the industry’s more colorful characters, and a leading sales representative in the Pacific Northwest territory, passed away at the end of last month.

See more on this story, including why we chose to highlight it… [Read more…] about Mel Gross, Iconic Pacific NW Sales Rep, Passes Away

Integration Industry Mourns the Passing of Crestron’s Founder

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Crestron logoWe learned this week that the Chairman and Founder of Crestron, Mr. George Feldstein, passed away after a long illness. The news hit many in the custom integration industry particularly hard, as Mr. Feldstein is widely credited with helping not just build a company…but with also fueling the growth of the entire industry.

See more on this notable passing… [Read more…] about Integration Industry Mourns the Passing of Crestron’s Founder