At a recent dealer show, integrator and entrepreneur Richard Millson of Millson Custom Solutions presented what he called “The BMW of structured wiring panels” to integrators attending the event. Millson’s premise was simple – if you’re going to install a structured wiring panel in your smart home installations, shouldn’t you install a smart panel? It was logic that many found hard to argue…
Products
Lutron Partners with SnapAV for OvrC-Enabled RA2 Select
BREAKING NEWS
SnapAV announced today that it has partnered with lighting kingpin Lutron to offer a special version of their RA2 Select repeater, part of an entire RA2 Select system, that has been natively integrated into SnapAV’s OvrC remote management system. The agreement between the two of them is said to have been taken with the goal of “expanding the market for smart lighting control.”
See more on this new partnership between Lutron and SnapAV… [Read more…] about Lutron Partners with SnapAV for OvrC-Enabled RA2 Select
LumaStream is a Star…An Energy Star, That Is
LumaStream announced today that they have achieved Energy Star certification on select models, a notable milestone for the young provider of low-voltage LED lighting solutions. The company says their 481-485 series architectural downlights used with the Trinity 12 450mA DMX power supply were thoroughly tested and awarded the Energy Star certification – a program that is popular with many energy-conscious consumers today.
See more on this LumaStream development… [Read more…] about LumaStream is a Star…An Energy Star, That Is
Tributaries’ Industry First 10-Meter HDMI Cable Certified 18G
Tributaries announced today that it offers a historical first – a passive 10-meter HDMI cable that has been certified by DPL Labs and ISF as offering a true 18Gbps data speed for genuine 4K/60 HDR performance. According to the company, this cable, known as the UHDT Titan Passive, is the longest passive HDMI cable certified by independent testing labs as reliably offering a true 18Gbps level of performance.
See more on Tributaries new, long-run, passive HDMI cable… [Read more…] about Tributaries’ Industry First 10-Meter HDMI Cable Certified 18G
Amazon Admits Alexa Can Creepily Laugh at You

Reports have surfaced over the last several days of Amazon devices, such as the Echo, randomly emitting a human laugh. Different reports vary as to the conditions under which it occurs. However, many say it can just randomly be emitted on its own…and it’s really creeping out some users.
Amazon admits the problem, but see their surprising comment about it… [Read more…] about Amazon Admits Alexa Can Creepily Laugh at You
In Battle with Sonos, D&M Takes Yet Another Blow
Sonos Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Infringing Products
The battle rages on between D&M Holdings and Sonos over the patent infringement lawsuit brought by Sonos in 2014 against the HEOS by Denon line, and in which Sonos won the first set of their claims in a bellwether trial that concluded this past December. In retaliation for the Sonos lawsuit, D&M Holdings filed a countersuit that is now heating up, and in which they just lost a major decision from Judge Richard G. Andrews.
See more on D&M’s loss in this ongoing matter… [Read more…] about In Battle with Sonos, D&M Takes Yet Another Blow
Old Pro Bryston Partners with Rookie StormAudio
In sort of a cross-technology sharing agreement, Bryston says it has partnered with relative newcomer StormAudio to create new products that will embody shared technologies from the two premium companies. According to the announcement, the agreement will enable “both companies to leverage their respective design and manufacturing expertise in an array of new product offerings.”
See more on this interesting Bryston – StormAudio partnership… [Read more…] about Old Pro Bryston Partners with Rookie StormAudio
From James Loudspeaker – Not Your Father’s Soundbar
James Loudspeaker, the scrappy, custom creation-centric speaker manufacturer, announced this week a new series of 2.1 soundbars. By 2.1, they mean the soundbar reproduces left-channel audio, right channel audio, and deep bass via an included subwoofer…all in one. Because of this unique configuration, James calls it their LR-S soundbar.
Learn more about this remarkable James soundbar… [Read more…] about From James Loudspeaker – Not Your Father’s Soundbar
Klipsch Gets It On…On-Wall, That Is
Klipsch announced today it has launched an entirely new line of on-wall speakers, designed to augment on-wall flat panel TV installations with richer, more dynamic audio. This new series of products, called the Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall speakers take up minimal space, while delivering maximum sound.
See more on Klipsch Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall speakers… [Read more…] about Klipsch Gets It On…On-Wall, That Is
New Social Media Study is a Wake Up Call for Brand Marketers
Let me see if I can get your attention right now: 76% of all U.S. consumers purchased a product they first discovered in a social media post.
Let that sink in for a minute…digest it a little. Now WAKE UP! Nearly 8 out of 10 Americans bought a brand’s product that they first discovered in a social media post. If ever there was a time to tune-up your social media marketing strategy…it’s now. What’s that you say? You DON’T HAVE a social media marketing strategy?? No worries…you’re only missing out on about 8 out of 10 consumers in the market. I’m sure you’ll be fine…NOT!




