Samsung Sells Millionth 3D TV, Eyes Apps
Stephen SilverSamsung announced Tuesday that it has sold one million 3D TVs in the products' first six months on the market.
The company also said that it accounted for 88.3 percent of the U.S. market between March and July, but did not cite external numbers.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Samsung is planning to encourage software makers to develop an app store for its TVs. Samsung will host an event Tuesday with Silicon Valley software firms to rally interest in the idea.
M. Rothman Celebrates 60th at Annual Dealer Fest
Nancy KlosekDistributor M. Rothman this week rolled out the boardwalk for its "Day at the Beach" dealer show - complete with a dunk tank - at its Ramsey, N.J. headquarters.
The two-day expo, which marked 60 years in business for the company, attracted about 1,000 dealers, up about 15% from last year, an increase Stephen Bodnarchuk, associate vice president, national accounts, attributed to "added categories, as well as an expanded dealer reach"
Dealers were treated to 3D demos with and without glasses, but other draws were "lots of opportunity purchases that bring dealers in and give them some good fourth-quarter ideas," Bodnarchuk said.
M. Rothman recently added lines that reinforce its market position as a one-stop shop for computers, mobile audio, home A/V and, with the addition of the Ragalta lines, housewares. Rothman also added to its entry-level TV offerings with Fusion's line of LCDs.
The distributor, Bodnarchuk said, has worked during the last year to cover the major product categories that would be at the top of consumer wish lists for the holiday season.
"We see e-readers, tablets, and Blu-ray - due to its price compression, as hot," he said. "LCD is still a demand item, even with less discretionary income available, because of the outstanding fourth-quarter values that will be out there," he said.
Panasonic on Next Phases of its End-to-End 3D Strategy
Nancy Klosek3D tennis, anyone?
Panasonic is banking on an enthusiastic consumer takeup for the invitation. The company yesterday hosted an event at the USTA National Tennis Center – home of the US Open tournament – to note several milestones in the progression of 3D technology, products and broadcasting initiatives.
The event marked the debut this Labor Day weekend, and for the following two weeks through the finals, of worldwide 3D coverage of the tournament through a collaboration among Panasonic, DirecTV and CBS Sports. It also provided a forum for Panasonic to tout its end-to-end involvement in 3D – “from the camera to the couch,” said Panasonic Corp. of North America vice president of technology policy Peter Fannon.
Shiro Kitajima, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. president, took the occasion to announce the company’s establishment of a U.S.-based 3D Innovations Center at its Secaucus, N.J. headquarters this fall whose mission will be to serve as a forum for engagement with the entertainment and TV production industries in the pursuit of 3D best practices, he said. A branch of the Center will also be established in Greater Los Angeles for more convenient collaboration with the entertainment industry.
Also introduced at the event were two new Full HD 3D Blu-ray-based home entertainment systems: the SC-BTT750 and the SC-BTT350. Both systems integrate a universal iPod/iPhone dock, and being VIERACast-compatible, offer networking and connectivity capabilities. The 750 system includes tall speakers and a slim center channel.
URC Enters IP Camera Space
Nancy KlosekURC will unveil 14 products at CEDIA Expo, the latest lineup in its 18-month transition from remote control to whole-house control.
The products includes IP cameras, a new category for URC. Most of the new products will fall under the Total Control umbrella, a designation used by URC to earmark whole-house audio, lighting, climate control and IP-based surveillance products that will be shipping at different stages right after the show.
The new products include what Jon Sienkiewicz, director of marketing, calls the brains of the system: the MRX-10 network controller. It serves as the engine for two-way communications with the Total Control remotes and keypads. New remotes include the MS-1200, with a 2.5-inch touchscreen and two-way Wi-Fi capability, and the MS-780, URC’s first remote to use an OLED graphical user interface.
Also new is the DMS-1200 eight-zone amplifier, expandable to 32 zones and outfitted with four analog-to-digital inputs to enable content streaming to other DMS amplifiers. It can be programmed off premise, a benefit to specialty dealers and installers. The new DMS-100 single-zone amp is scalable and can be ganged with a DMS-1200 for additional zones. It can also be used in multiples on its own.
The SNP-1 streaming network player offers full two-way communication with all Total Control remotes and can stream photos and music from computers, network storage devices and content services such as Pandora, Rhapsody and Sirius XM.
The new KP-100 in-wall keypad comes with seven interchangeable and customizable buttons that are backlit.
The three new IP cameras include a standard VGA CMOS model for indoor use (MC-70VC), a box-type camera for commercial indoor use (MC-73CB), and a large, dome-type vandal-proof model (MC-75CD) for outdoors.
URC will display the new products at its Expo booth, which has been enlarged to 40-feet-by-50-feet. URC will also run 15
training sessions at the show. At the booth, URC will also demonstrate new modules that are compatible with Energy’s TED 5000 energy-monitoring system, which will run on any of the company’s networking remotes, Sienkiewicz said.
“We have every imaginable aspect of home control covered,” Sienkiewicz said, adding that URC is working with companies like Proliphix on thermostat solutions, as well as a lawn irrigation company. “We don’t do fireplaces, ceiling fans and garage doors; those are very different technologies. But just about everything else that can be controlled falls into our Total Control group.”
The company also plans to show an iPhone/iPad app at Expo. While some end users will like that type of application, Sienkiewicz does not see it as a viable substitute for a solid, stand-alone remote.
“When a customer asks about that type of application, one of our dealers told me he takes out his phone, places it on the counter and says, ‘Here. Hit the ‘mute’ button on the TV.’ And the customer has to turn the phone on, play with it, and find the right thing to press. It takes a couple of minutes to figure out,” he said. “And then the dealer points to an MX-980 and says, ‘There. Mute the TV,’ and the customer picks it up, presses one button, and it’s muted. As a remote control, it really doesn’t measure up.”
Holzer: PowerHouse Alliance Building Momentum
Nancy KlosekAs the PowerHouse Alliance approaches the one-year anniversary of its inception in November, the distributor group looks to a future of measured growth in lines and warehouses, said its executive director, Dennis Holzer.
“We started with 30 warehouses, and right now, we cover all 50 states and have 32,” said Holzer, who projects the count could rise to 34 or 35 by the end of next year. “Each of the warehouses is a one-stop solution for dealers,” he added.
The group will host a hospitality booth at CEDIA Expo later this month rather than a full-blown exhibition with products from its vendors, Holzer explains, “because most of our vendors already display at CEDIA.” But the group’s South Hall booth at the 2011 CES will include representative vendor wares. “Because many of our vendors won’t show at CES, it’s a good opportunity for them to show products through our presence,” he said. PowerHouse’s vendor list is being expanded, with announcements of new partners due to be made right after CEDIA Expo, said Holzer.
The group’s member roster includes: M. Rothman & Co. (New Jersey); MRI Premium Distribution Services (New England); 21st Century Distributing (the Carolinas); Wave Electronics (Texas); Autco Distributing (Missouri); CED (Illinois); CTD Marketing (Indiana); Mountain West Distributors (Utah); Volutone (California); and EDI (Seattle/Portland).
Onkyo Debuts Controllers, Amp, Blu-ray Player
Stephen SilverOnkyo this week unveiled three new upscale separate components, including an A/V preamplifier/processor, a 150-watt nine-channel amplifier and a Blu-ray Disc Player. All three will arrive in September.
The THX-Ultra 2 Plus certified, network-capable, 9.2-channel audio-video controller sports a 3D-ready HDMI 1.4a interface, DLNA 1.5 and Windows 7 compatibility. It will have an MSRP of $2,199.
Onkyo PA-MC5500 is a powerful nine-channel THX-Ultra2 Plus certified amplifier that features WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and will be available with an MSRP of $1,699.
And the Onkyo BD-SP808 is a Blu-ray Disc player featuring Blockbuster Video On-Demand, with an MSRP of $599.
"Onkyo's engineers have worked closely with THX to maximize the home theater experience for consumers. Now we are introducing a trio of high-end component separates. Their build-quality, market-leading features, and THX-Certified performance will ensure that Onkyo will quickly become a major factor in this higher realm of the AV marketplace," Paul Wasek, Onkyo's marketing manager, said as part of the announcement.
CEDIA Pre-Show Product Showcase Featured Product: Middle Atlantic Products' Dry Contact Controlled Power
Middle Atlantic’s PDC series power strips provide in-rack power distribution control using a contact closure system. The simple, cost effective approach means that you can use existing control system capabilities, or even a simple remote switch to control system or component power.
PHC Becomes Pro Audio Technology
Professional Home Cinema (PHC) announced last week that it is changing its name to Pro Audio Technology. The company is changing names, it said, in order to apply its technologies to "a broader range of residential audio installation applications."
“The Pro Audio Technology name conveys a more powerful message to the market—that we’re committed to bringing professional technologies and performance standards not only to the theater, but to distributed audio and other installation applications as well," Larry Reagan, vice president, said as part of the announcement. "The stronger, more encompassing name will support our sales reps, international distributors, and dealers as they present PRO products to their customers.”
The company's new website is located here.
Petra Promotes New Products
Petra Wednesday released the second of its 25th anniversary sales fliers. The 32-page flier, which went out to more than 44,000 retailers, installers and others, features close to 300 price drops is Petra's most deeply discounted flier ever.
The Petra flier includes discounts such new products as IPhone 4 cases and skins from Griffin, iLuv and Otterbox, Optoma 3D glasses, Philips headphones, Dreamgear Nintendo Wii action packs, Mark of Fitness health accessories and more. The specials are good through Oct. 11.
“The positive feedback we received from both customers and vendors for our first 25th Anniversary Flier was overwhelming,” Tate Morgan, executive vice president for Petra Industries, said as part of the announcement. “Our manufacturing partners were very excited to work with us on this second flier and stepped up with even deeper discounts allowing us to provide our customers with the best deals we’ve ever published.”
Also included is registration information for Petra’s $25,000 sweepstakes.
The flier can be viewed here.
Sanus Updates Wall Mount
Sanus last week announced the release of the VMPL50A tilting wall mount, an update of the previous VMPL50. The new mount features a lower profile, as well as the Sanus ProSet technology for easier height and level adjustment.
"With a new slimmer design and added snap-on brackets for improved safety and installation time, we've made one of our most popular mounts even better," Jeff Lasch, Sanus' product manager, said as part of the announcement.
The product is available now at an MSRP of $149.99.
ADI to Sponsor CEDIA Learning Lab
ADI said Friday that it will sponsor the CEDIA University Learning Lab at CEDIA Expo in Atlanta later this month. The sponsorship is in place for the third year.
The labs will include four separate rooms, with a total of 16 separate sessions of CEDIA University courses.
“ADI’s continued support enables the CEDIA University Learning Labs to deliver an essential hands-on training experience for electronic systems professionals,” CEDIA Chairman Ken Erdmann said as part of the announcement. “The CEDIA University/ADI Learning Labs allow CEDIA EXPO attendees to maximize their training investment and sharpen their on-the-job skill set.”
ADI will be at Booth # 1636 at the show.
Wireless Energy Management Systems Building Bottom Lines
Davis WatkinsAs a retailer, it is certainly not news that the current business environment is tough. But, even in the best economic times this industry is challenged with growing revenues, increasing profit margins and expanding market share. Even when business is booming, competition from new operators in your market makes it difficult to survive…let alone thrive.
Most retail shop owners have heard great advice about working smarter, and being more energy efficient. However, few know about the recent advances in wireless network technologies and how these advances offer significant financial growth for their operation.
What is being heralded as a new class of “drop in” energy management systems (EMS) for small to mid-size retail establishments has arrived, made possible by the recent advances in wireless technologies. These affordable, feature-rich wireless EMS products offer real energy savings that enhance profitability and a reduced carbon footprint in line with increasing demand for retailers to employ green business practices. What’s equally exciting about this technology is its operational simplicity and ease-of-use.
Until now, most retailers with small to mid-size commercial buildings have had no affordable option to implement an energy management system of any notable scale. And ironically, a large portion of this building-size segment uses more energy per square foot than any other commercial space. As you might imagine, HVAC equipment on the roof is the largest source of energy drain for these businesses. And, until recently, there have been no practical energy management solutions to better control these HVAC and other mechanical systems and, therefore, no opportunity for retail shop owners to save money.
So how does wireless technology rectify this situation? In much the same way a wireless network in your home can support multiple devices, like a laptop, desktop, printers, and handheld video games, a wireless network system can now be deployed into a retail building. These wireless networks will support multiple controls for that building’s main energy using equipment - HVAC and lighting. The system also allows for real-time wireless monitoring of the total electrical consumption (KwH) for the entire building. More importantly, it takes the entire process straight to the Internet, enabling remote monitoring and control from a central location.
What makes these wireless EMS systems so attractive is their simplicity, effectiveness and affordability. Most HVAC contractors can install these systems in just a half-day or less by replacing the existing thermostats in the building with radio equipped wireless thermostats. A factory accessory will allow wireless control of up to eight other circuits for lights and ventilation. Basically, any equipment that could benefit from having an operation schedule applied can usually be joined to the network. Next, simple current transformer clamps are slipped around the main electrical feed lines to the building, and they are joined to the network. Then, a real-time graphic interface touch panel display is installed on the wall in a manager’s office. This panel is actually the new local central control and monitoring point for all HVAC equipment, lighting, and other mechanicals. Simply enable the power and Internet connection button on the back of the touch panel, and the building is now saving energy, saving money and controllable remotely via the Web.
In addition, these systems offer users the opportunity to establish a remote “gatekeeper” of each retail building you upgrade with these wireless EMS products. From setting schedules through the Web interface, to being the contact that receives and responds to any over temperature alarms, to creating monthly comparative energy consumption reports, full control of a retailer’s energy consumption may be managed remotely.
In the retail business segment desperate and clamoring to controlling energy costs - the only discretionary expense that can be better optimized for enhanced profitability in this sector – wireless EMS systems offer unprecedented opportunity - a scalable solution that can be affordably deployed.
As the economic picture gets a little brighter, try not to fall back into old habits and complacent business practices that have limited fiscal upside. Continue to look for new strategies and technological opportunities that will help differentiate your retail establishment and not only maintain, but increase, its profitability.
Davis Watkins is Vice President of Commercial Sales for Advanced Telemetry, developer of the industry-leading EcoView smart energy and resource efficiency system for business and residential applications. He may be reached through the company’s Web site located at www.AdvancedTelemetry.com or via email.
PSA Security Network Announces Financing Program For Systems Integrators
PSA Security Network announced on Tuesday that it has teamed up with Integrator Support and Susquehanna Commercial Finance to offer a new financing program for systems integrators. The program will give integrators the ability to offer flexible payment structures to consumers, providing a great opportunity for all parties to work on larger projects.
Systems integrators who had struggled to offer customers a high end system with a low up-front cost, due to the high costs of video surveillance and access control systems, now can offer different financing options to the end-user. Susquehanna Project Financing can be used to give the consumer options to cover equipment, labor, warranties, maintenance and monitoring, all while securing a steady revenue stream for the integrator.
Bill Bozeman, president and CEO of PSA Security Network, noted in the announcement, "Security integrators have always struggled with cash flow and project sticker shock, this program not only gives the end-user flexibility but provides the integrator the ability to continue the business relationship."
AMT Acquires Remainder of Warrantech
AMT Warranty Corp. announced last week that it has purchased the remaining 73 percent of Warrantech Corp., bringing its interest in the company to 100 percent.
AMT is a subsidiary of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
"We are excited about the additional revenue opportunities and diversification that the Warrantech transaction provides," AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. President and CEO Barry Zyskind said as part of the announcement. "By bringing together these two robust warranty administration platforms, we expect to significantly increase our fee income and benefit from enhanced scale and technology efficiencies while further strengthening AmTrust's market presence and premium opportunities in the warranty space.
Vutec Opens New Headquarters
Vutec, the video projection screen manufacturer, celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in Coral Springs, Fla., on Sept. 1. The new building is twice the size of the company's previous headquarters.
“We are excited about the new office which will enable us to continue to grow in the future," the company's president, Howard Sinkoff, said as part of the announcement.
"The company’s expansion and an increase in workforce necessitated the move to a larger facility. We will now be able to accommodate the needs of dealers and distributors worldwide. This facility will enable more rapid growth of all of our functional units, including product development, R&D and manufacturing."
Klipsch Names New Marketing Director
Klipsch Group said Wednesday that it has promoted Jill Escol to the position of director of marketing. Formerly senior marketing manager for the company, Escol will oversee marketing efforts for Klipsch and the other three audio brands under the company's umbrella.
“We are pleased to expand Jill Escol’s role to manage the day-to-day operations of all marketing efforts for our four brands,” Paul Jacobs, president and chief operating officer for the group, said as part of the announcement.
“We are confident the marketing expertise she has acquired from her involvement with the Klipsch, Energy, Mirage and Jamo brands will allow for a seamless transition as she continues to implement marketing strategies that benefit our company and support our dealers and distributors.”