Strategy in TECH...
We first reported on the new SpeakerCraft Dolby Atmos enabled AIM speakers at the 2015 CEDIA show (then called the Expo). A clever way to extend their line and tap into the enthusiasm many have to advanced surround sound systems like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro3D – SpeakerCraft designed a high-performance alternative to standard in-ceiling height speakers.
Pulse – A High-Performance SoundbarHistorically, the consumer electronics industry is broken down into basically two types (genders) of products. A product is either designed for the masses with affordability and popular technologies – think wireless Bluetooth streaming speakers for less than $50; Or, serious, high-performance specialty AV products – think a component home theater system with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X/Auro3D built-in for more than $20,000. Like East not meeting West – never the twain shall meet. Until now…
Although previewed to the media last month, dealers and the media finally had the opportunity to physically see and touch the all-new Russound 70-volt light commercial line in the flesh at last week’s CEDIA 2016. The line, which the company intends to continue to develop and expand, launched with three models in the line, including a music streamer/amplifier, a volume control wallpad, and an outdoor speaker.
With CEDIA 2016 now over, those of us in the media are left to try and uncover the underlying themes in order to help our readers wrap their heads around just what this particular CEDIA (formerly referred to as the Expo) was all about. But this show is big enough that no one member of the media can possibly visit all booths, talk to all exhibitor executives, and experience all new models. So each of us have our own version of the themes of the show.
LG Electronics launched a new 77-inch OLED display with a stunning image…and a price point to match. Unveiled for the first time at CEDIA, it was not only an impressive product, it was equally impressive that LG chose CEDIA 16 for its unveiling – a sign of real commitment to the channel for a premium product such as the LG Signature OLED TV OLED77G6P.
One-time darling of many independent audio dealers and integrators, B&K Components, Ltd. had disappeared from view back in 2010. In fact, Strata-gee (then the Alert) broke the news about its impending demise just after the CEDIA Expo in Atlanta in October 2010. The bank was in the process of taking over the company and amplifier manufacturer Amplifier Technologies, Inc. (ATI) swooped in to purchase the remaining assets of the defunct company.
Now, the brand is back under new ownership – an ownership with all-new ideas to building a new company under the B&K banner. And who are these guys? Well, for starters, they’re Canadian, eh?
Panasonic Corp., in a sharp departure from its previous TV strategy, launched an OLED TV in Europe last fall, using panels procured from LG. At the IFA 2016 show in Berlin that just wrapped up this week, Panasonic announced that they would start making their OLED TVs available in other markets, starting next year.
This is a big announcement.
The creator of one of the top three advanced immersive movie surround sound formats, Auro Technologies (Auro3D), is launching a new venture called StormAudio to market a high-end, high-performance line of processors and amplifiers that supports all of the advanced surround formats – including its competitors Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The launch will officially kick off at this month’s CEDIA16 show in Dallas, TX from September 15-September 17 in booth #6628.
Apple, Inc. announced today the eagerly awaited iPhone 7, the next iteration of their biggest selling product. Already, the press leading up to the announcement – along with the blogs of several prominent Apple watchers – were suggesting this might be the year to skip. For those who were anticipating an incremental upgrade, well, ironically, you weren’t disappointed.
Still, Apple CEO Tim Cook declared to the crowd assembled at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium that it is the best iPhone they have ever made. He even sounded moderately enthusiastic saying so.
As we recently told you, Russound has announced that it would be launching a line of 70-volt products designed to facilitate integrators’ entry into the commercial market. Now the company has released more details on just what their 70-volt offerings will include – and it appears to be a solid first step into the more commercial business.
