Strategy in TECH...
We have learned from multiple sources, and now confirmed with the company, that leading control systems provider Crestron will in fact have a presence at the upcoming CEDIA Expo this September in Dallas, TX. This news will come as a surprise, perhaps even a shock, to many considering that just a few months ago, the company announced its departure from the residential custom integration industry’s biggest annual event.
Azione Unlimited announced on Wednesday that it will hold its 2016 Fall Conference at the Monte Carlo Resort in Las Vegas, NV, from October 18-20. The event, called “Veridic Vistas,” will include a full agenda guiding the three-day conference.
ProSource, a national retail buying organization, announced this week the final details of their 2016 Spring Meeting taking place May 9-13 in Dana Point, CA. Taking place at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa, the group says it plans to break the event into two segments.
We participated this week in ResiWeek, a new podcast centered on the residential integration market from the good folks over at AVNation.tv. Hosted by Tim Albright, guests this week included CEDIA’s Vin Bruno, Clare Controls’ Delia Hansen, and Strata-gee editor Ted Green. Topics included many hot stories of the day, including: McIntosh’s decision to sell products online, Clare Controls scoring a big deal with a builder, and the continuing drama at Sharp.
After receiving several urgent communications from multiple sources, Strata-gee.com has confirmed that Crestron Electronics – for years the single largest exhibitor at CEDIA’s Expo – has informed the trade association that it will not participate in the upcoming 2016 event. Crestron, a long supporter of both CEDIA and the Expo, has always maintained a huge presence, with an upfront positioning right at the entry, thanks to the many priority points it has earned over the years. Now, CEDIA is fast at work finding a replacement.
InfoComm International, the trade group representing commercial integrators, announced this week that they have created and set a new standard for integrators called Cable Labeling for Audiovisual Systems (CLAS). This new standard puts forth new requirements for the labeling of cables in an AV system, and is meant to “harmonize” practices among integrators.
High-end manufacturer Bryston announced the launch of a major new line of amplifiers – they call it their “Cubed” Series – at CES in Las Vegas this week. This new line replaces their respected “Squared” Series launched back in 2009 and embodies the latest technological breakthroughs from the company’s continuing research.
AudioControl, a specialty designer and manufacturer of mobile and home electronic products, launched several new models in its mobile A/V line at CES 2016 – including innovative DSP matrix-processors and full-range amplifiers. Not only that, but the company is participating with Mobile Solutions to create a very cool Show Car that highlights AudioControl technologies and products.
GoldenEar Technology has launched newly updated versions of their popular Triton Two and Triton Three floor-standing speaker systems…now called the Triton Two+ and – you guessed it – the Triton Three+. The company has also introduced a new subwoofer called the SuperSub X.
We recently raved about the company’s first sub, the SuperSub XXL – and can’t wait to get an opportunity to hear this new little brother.
CES is back and its bigger than ever. According to the CTA (formerly CEA), the show spans 2.3 million sq.ft. of exhibit space, in which more than 3,600 exhibitors of all sizes and types have set up booths to hawk their wares. The show is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees and 6,000 member of the press. It is impossible to cover the entire event…it has just gotten too large.
Luckily, with the industry stuck in several well-worn trends, we in the media can focus our attention beyond these usual suspects – automotive tech (autonomous vehicles and related technologies), drones, 4K UHD TV, Internet of Things (IoT), wearables – to new areas (such as Virtual Reality), and iterative updates from current companies.
