Stampede To Introduce Biggest-Ever "Big Book of AV" Product Catalog At INFOCOMM 2012!

Underscoring its phenomenal rate of growth as North America’s largest, high value-added ProAV distributor, Stampede Presentation Products Inc. today announced that its standard-setting 2012 Big Book of AV catalog will be available at INFOCOMM 2012 at Booth #C7525 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.  The 2012 Big Book of AV includes nineteen new product lines and a host of other innovative features designed to ensure that the nearly 1,000-page catalog remains the industry’s number one dealer resource for product information.

According to Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly, “The size, scale and scope of the 2012 edition of The Big Book of AV is an accurate reflection of our continued growth as the industry’s oldest and largest ProAV distributor.  In the last year alone Stampede has added 19 new lines to our offering, more than any other distributor in the industry today.  We continue to grow as a valuable sales and support partner to our manufacturers because we are focused exclusively on one and only one goal — helping the nearly 10,000 dealers in our network to profitably grow their businesses in their local markets with highly customized system and support solutions.”

New lines featured in the 2012 Big Book of AV catalog include: Chorus Call (Unified Communications), Christie (Commercial Displays, Micro Tiles, Projectors), Clear One (Unified Communications), DynaScan (Commercial Flat Panels and Digital Signage Solutions), Horizon Displays (Classroom, Digital Signage, and Touch Screen Solutions), IO Gear (Audio-Video Distribution, Presentation Accessories, and Digital Signage), Navitar, (Non-Lens Digital Signage) Marshall Electronics (Security Cameras, Commercial Flat Panels, Unified Communications, and Microphones), Olens (Projectors and Home Audio), Panasonic (Security Products), Peerless (Non-Mount Digital Signage and Education Products), Phoenix Audio (Commercial Audio and Unified Communications), RADVISION (Unified Communications), Room Pro (Unified Communications, Carts/Racks/Cases, and Classroom Solutions), Samsung (Commercial Flat Panels), Screen Innovations (Projection Screens), TTUFT (Digital Signage Solutions), Ultimate Support (Pro Audio), and Xantech (ATON product line).

In all, the 2012 Big Book of AV features information on more than 7,967 products from more 90 manufacturers, making it the single largest resource guide in the entire industry.  The book itself weighs more than four pounds and is just shy of 1,000 pages.  What’s more, dealers will have the opportunity to custom imprint their logo on the cover of the catalog.

The 2012 catalog will once again include enhanced QuickLink® barcodes. These codes allow readers the opportunity to obtain further information about various product by scanning the codes with their smartphone, to be directed to digital information about the products on the page, either via videos about the products or a direct connection to one of Stampede’s call center representatives.

About Stampede

Known for its value-added distribution, Amherst, New York-based Stampede is the leading distributor of presentation equipment including LCD/DLP projectors and flat panel displays. Stampede provides a complete range of brand name presentation equipment to a variety of audio/video, computer and home theater resellers and integrators in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These resellers rely on Stampede for value-added services in distribution, marketing and solution-based sales. Stampede annually produces the “Big Book of AV,” a nearly 1,000-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) that provide hundreds of sales, installation and spec tips for Stampede’s dealers in addition to product details on more than 5,000 SKUs. For more information on Stampede, log onto www.stampedeglobal.com.

IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort Brings Outdoor Films Back To Key West With Weekly "Dive-In Movies" Hosted By Michael Shields

IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort is a truly unique island destination infused with a splash of retro-Havana style, and now the resort is reviving a beloved Key West tradition with the introduction of a new weekly poolside movie series, “Dive-In Movies at IBIS BAY.”  With Michael Shields, Key West’s biggest movie buff and founder of the Key West film society, serving as the master of ceremonies and providing an in-depth look at each film, the Dive-In Movies at IBIS BAY is giving Key Westers and guests a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience destined to quickly become a “classic”!

“Outdoor movies were a staple of the Key West film scene for years at the Atlantic Shores hotel, and when they tore it down it created a vacuum.  Now Chris Holland, the new owner of IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort, is helping me to fill the void with a phenomenal waterfront movie series,” said Shields. “Chris is transforming the resort from a dormant property into a hotspot of local entertainment events and a top travel destination, including the great new Stoned Crab restaurant.  The Dive-In Movies series is a collaborative effort between me and Chris, where I host and curate classic and campy films that are shown on the huge hi-def projection screen right next to the pool.”

Dive-In Movies show every Thursday night at sundown, with free admission and free popcorn. When you add in The Stoned Crab’s full bar right next to the pool, it’s clear this is one Key West attraction that is beyond compare.

“We want to create a social environment,” said Shields. “You don’t get that at a commercial movie theater.  It’s got to be fun and carefree—it won’t be a silent crowd and there won’t be any request to  ‘please turn off cell phones’.  Key West is all about the laid-back lifestyle, and the Dive-In Movies at Ibis Bay are about as laid back and fun as it gets.  There’s nothing quite like enjoying a great movie on the beach, under the stars, with your friends and your favorite drink.”

According to IBIS BAY General Manager Tony Osborn, “Michael Shields is a legend in Key West, and he’s been hosting movie showings, live performances and his radio show for years.  IBIS BAY is all about giving visitors a true Key West experience, and we aim to give each and every guest memories to treasure.  Michael and I are very excited to bring fun outdoor movies back to the island and give both locals and visitors something totally different from the average movie night.”

The upcoming schedule for Dive-In Movie at IBIS BAY is as follows:

May 31   —    “Tabu”, an Oscar-winning 1931 love story direct by F.W. Murnau

June 7     —    “Psych Out”, a 1968 film about the 60s counter culture starring Susan Strasberg, Dean Stockwell and Jack Nicholson

June 14   —    “Monterey Pop”, a 1967 film about the granddaddy of all music festivals, starring Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding (to celebrate 45^th anniversary of Monterey Pop Festival)

June 21   —    “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, the Oscar-winning 1935 rendition of William Shakespeare’s classic play (ties in with Key West Midsummer Night’s Dream & Spectacle)

For more information about IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort’s Dive-In Movies, please visit www.facebook.com/IbisBay.

About IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort:
The IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort (www.ibisbayresort.com) embodies the very best of Key West and offers guests a vacation experience like no other. With a full deck of options for active adventure-seekers, Hemingway buffs, or travelers who want to fit in with the locals, there is something special for every guest. Featuring classic Key West architecture and design, 600 feet of beautiful private beach, a 20-foot poolside movie screen for outdoor movie nights and the Lighthouse Restaurant, IBIS BAY Waterfront Resort is more than a resort—it’s a destination.

The AVC Group, SpeakerCraft, Panamax/Furman Announce Integration Of Brands to Better Meet The Needs of a Changing Industry

The AVC Group, SpeakerCraft and Panamax/Furman today released a joint announcement of a significant strategic move to address the rapidly changing needs of technology consumers and dealers alike. Under the new arrangement, the formidable and diversified resources of The AVC Group, SpeakerCraft, Proficient and Panamax/Furman brands will align under one centralized division with a focus on customer-centric product development, brand innovation and dealer support.

Mark Terry, president of AVC Group, will leave the company. “Mark and his team have done an outstanding job combining the AVC Group brands together and creating a world class infrastructure to service our customers and dealers,” stated Sean Burke, Group President of Nortek’s Technology Products Segment. “Mark has decided to move on to other endeavors after providing his full support to this integration effort. I am appreciative of the dedication and high level of leadership that Mark has provided and wish him the very best in the future.”

Heading up the new organization will be Bill Pollock, president of Panamax/Furman. Paul Starkey will direct Marketing, Dave Keller will head Sales while Keith Marshall will lead SpeakerCraft/Proficient.

“This is far more than a strategic realignment. It represents an important and historic step for our industry,” said Bill Pollock.  “We’ve joined the expertise and efficiency of the industry’s most important technology brands and formed a new resource for our dealers that represents a unique opportunity for them to grow both ROI and competitive standing.”

The change is effective immediately and no changes are currently planned for existing dealer contacts, customer service, tech support and credit operations.

Pollock added: “By synergizing the benefits of our brands under one centralized group, additional resources can be better allocated to product development and marketing. This will represent an immediate win-win for our customers, brands and dealers.”

ABOUT THE AVC GROUP

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, The AVC Group, LLC is a portfolio of pre-eminent manufacturers and marketers of state-of-the-art consumer and commercial audio, video, and control system solutions. The AVC Group is comprised of the following industry leading brands: NILES® Audio , ELAN® Home Systems, Xantech, ATON® , and Sunfire.

ABOUT SPEAKERCRAFT

SpeakerCraft, established in 1976, devoted itself for more than a decade to the design and development of architectural loudspeakers and became known as the prime OEM for many well-known, in-wall speaker brands in the field.  In marketing its own brand, now one of the widest lines of architectural speakers and electronics in the industry, SpeakerCraft brings with it years of experience and a dedication to dealer satisfaction.

ABOUT PANAMAX/FURMAN

Panamax and Furman have been international leaders in providing award-winning, innovative power and energy management products for more than 35 years. Their power management products give audio/video systems the pure, noise-free power they need for superlative performance, providing longevity to the components connected while protecting them from damage caused by power surges and lightning.  The company is based in Petaluma, Calif., and sells through an international dealer network and through select retail outlets. More information is available at www.panamax.com and www.furmansound.com.

Pennsylvania Convention Center Joins The NanoLumens® Revolution, Welcomes NanoFlex Display

Running a major convention center is a highly competitive business with millions of dollars at stake, and convention centers have to prove to meeting planners and show managers year after year that they are the best location for hundreds of events, conferences and tradeshows.  That’s why the Pennsylvania Convention Center has just deployed a NanoLumens® Nanoflex™ LED Display, making it the third convention center in the U.S. to offer advertisers, meeting planners and show managers a revolutionary digital signage technology that can bring vibrant, stop-you-in-your-tracks digital messaging to just about any location throughout the convention center.

According to Gil Hall, CMP, CPCE, Strategic Financial Manager of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, “It’s important for us to offer our prospective meeting planners and show managers the latest display and advertising technologies because messaging, sponsorship opportunities and advertising are such huge components of trade shows and conventions.  When I learned that two of the country’s largest convention centers were utilizing the NanoFlex display, I researched Nanolumens and recognized the huge advertising, business development and revenue opportunity, for both show management and the Convention Center.

“We have 100-plus digital displays throughout the convention center, but none like the NanoFlex, which is incredibly big and bright, and can be relocated to multiple sites with incredible ease on a daily basis.  It allows us to offer meeting planners and show managers a massive mobile advertising and digital signage display that only two other convention centers in the country currently have.  We’re promoting four ideal locations that will ensure the messages reach the maximum audience, and the responses we’ve received from clients and attendees have been overwhelmingly positive.”

One location for the NanoFlex display is right over the main entrance to the Exhibit Hall, which allows meeting planners and show managers to replace their traditional show banner signage with vivid videos, alternating static ads, advertisements and informational slides.  This method of actively engaging attendees greatly increases the value of the space and commands attention from passersby, effectively generating greater message retention among viewers.

“Shortly after we received the NanoFlex display we put it to use during the week-long Philadelphia International Flower Show,” Hall continued, “so more than 250,000 attendees were able to see it for the first time.  It was amazing to see how many people literally stopped in their tracks when they saw the display hanging over the spectacular hallway entrance to the Exhibit Hall.

”We plan to sell advertising to national and local businesses including restaurants, hotels, retailers, museums and other attractions.  It’s the perfect opportunity for local businesses because many of the shows are so specialized that they provide a particular target audience, and they can design and tailor ads appropriate for their specific demographic.  For the convention center, the NanoFlex display allows us to offer tiered display packages for show signage, sponsorship signage and advertising positioning.  It is a premium enhancement that distinguishes a show or an ad and can really help set it apart.”

NanoLumens has recently created strategic partnership alliances with three of the largest convention centers on the east and southeast coast including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the Georgia World Congress Center.  Combined, the three convention centers have an annual attendance of more than 3.5 million people and 7 million square feet of exhibit space.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center's exceptional staff manages nearly 250 events each year, ranging from internationally attended conventions to regional company meetings. They have decades of combined experience and are committed to providing the best experience possible for anyone who walks through their doors.

The recent $786 million dollar expansion has increased the size of the building by 62 percent, making it the 14th largest facility in the nation with the ability to hold two meetings or conventions simultaneously and host mega tradeshows. Additionally, it provides the largest exhibit space and ballroom in the Northeast.  For more information visit www.paconvention.com.

NanoLumens displays are extremely slim, ultra-lightweight, energy efficient, and feature a seamless, edge-to-edge picture quality (up to a brightness of 5,000 nits) that can be viewed from any angle or any distance without color shift or picture drop-off. The company’s patented display technology, which allows customers to select from 4mm up to 10mm pixel pitch (depending on the model), promises to transform the way marketers engage their customers in every type of trade show, retail, hospitality, stadium, arena, transportation and public event environment.

NanoLumens displays are designed and engineered with the environment in mind, and consume significantly less energy per square foot than conventional digital displays. Further emphasizing their commitment to eco-friendly technology, NanoLumens displays are composed of up to 50 percent reclaimed materials, and are completely recyclable.  What’s more, some NanoLumens displays can be serviced from the front, making maintenance easier than ever before possible.

Designed and assembled in the United States, NanoLumens displays are available in both flexible and fixed frames in five product lines: NanoFlex™, NanoFlex Wrap, and NanoFlex Ribbon flexible displays; NanoSlim™ fixed rectangular displays; and NanoShape™ fixed round, square, and triangular displays.

The company’s technology has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as a 2011 future-proof tech trend and was cited by The Wall Street Journal in its 2010 Technology Innovations Awards.  NanoLumens’ technology also received the 2011 Breakthrough Technology of the Year Award at the American Technology Awards.  Digital Signage Magazine awarded the NanoLumens NanoFlex a 2011 DIGI Award for “Best New Display Device – Non-LCD or Plasma.”

About NanoLumens:

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, NanoLumens, Inc. (www.nanolumens.com) is a privately held corporation engaged in the research, product development, marketing and sales of unique flexible and fixed displays that address a yawning technology gap in the $14 billion digital display industry.  Since its founding in 2006, NanoLumens has built a portfolio of more than 20 international families of issued and filed patents on its flexible display technology that effectively address the commercial market void between relatively small flat-panel displays and huge, limited application LED boards. NanoLumens technology is not constrained by standard sizes and shapes, or by the weight, noise and cost issues traditionally associated with commercial LED products.

Mizco Debuts Universal Tablet Accessories - Suddenly One Size Fits All!

Reinforcing its commitment to provide dealers with flexible, innovatively designed mobile technology accessories that meet the needs of the broadest array of consumers, MIZCO International today introduced a an entire line of universal tablet accessories under the company’s DIGIPOWER®, iEssentials®, and Travelocity® brands.  All of the new accessories, according to MIZCO President & CEO Albert Mizrahi, are designed to work with both the Apple iPad as well as Android based tablets.

“The market for both Apple and Android based tablets continues to grow and expand at a dramatic rate and so too does the demand for the accessories that complement these tablets,” Mizrahi stressed today.  “At the same time, our retailers are being very careful with their inventory management programs.  Our new line of Universal Tablet Accessories dramatically simplifies their ordering and inventory management, enabling them to carry one or more brands of universal tablet accessories that work with both tablet platforms.”

According to Mizrahi, the decision to make the new line of universal accessories available under all three of the company’s brands is a direct reflection of MIZCO’s multi-brand product marketing strategy.  “Each of our brands appeals to a different segment of the consumer market.  And now these brand enthusiasts will be able to purchase a line of universal tablet accessories that works with their iPad and Android tablets.”

The iEssentials Universal Neoprene Tablet Cases are available in a zipper model and a sleeve model. The Universal Neoprene Tablet Zipper Case features a zipper pocket for storage of cables and other accessories, and the Universal Neoprene Tablet Sleeve Case features a fold-over closure, and is reversible.  Both models are available in 7” and 10” sizes, for $9.99 and $14.99 respectively.

The Travelocity “Travel Tablet Case Series” features travel friendly, form-fitted neoprene cases in SKUs designed to fit all 7-8” and 9-10” models of tablets and provide complete protection against damage.  Featuring heavy-duty zippers and closed-seam construction for security, form-fitting neoprene and a cushioned interior for extra durability and added protection, these cases are slim and small enough to fit inside another travel bag to keep tablet devices scratch-free and protected while on the go.  Available in Black, Blue, Navy, Red, Purple, Pink, Blue Plaid, Red Plaid, White Polka-dot, Houndstooth, Pink Polka-dot, Red Hearts, Cheetah, Zebra, and Color Hearts.

Additionally, the Travelocity “Waterproof Series” includes a universal tablet case, featuring watertight closures, control access through clear window, an adjustable neck or shoulder strap, and built-in UV protection.

The DIGIPOWER Cross-Brand Tablet Charger features a simple three-position Smart Switch that allows it to optimally charge USB-powered tablets from major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, HTC and BlackBerry. Providing up to 2.1 amps of power, the Cross-Brand Tablet Charger is capable of rapidly charging any portable USB device a consumer may have, and its super compact design features a convenient flip-up power plug making it ideal for use on-the-go. The ultra-compact charger is available immediately at retailers and online stores with an MSRP of just $29.99. The charger features over-voltage, over-current and short circuit protection, ensuring long life and successful charging every time.

About MIZCO International

Headquartered in Avenel, New Jersey, MIZCO International (www.mizco.com) is one of the world's fastest growing suppliers of mobile phone headsets and accessories, as well as imaging and iPhone power solutions.  Founded in 1990, Mizco markets products under the Cellular Innovations, DIGIPOWER, iEssentials and Travelocity brands.  The company currently offers more than 1,000 products through a global dealer network.  For more information on Mizco and its product offerings call 1.800.266.4026 or visit www.mizco.com.

Mizco International Creative Director Mike Mizrahi Named To Dealerscope's 2012 "40 Under 40" List!

Mizco International today announced that its multi-talented, award-winning Creative Director, Mike A. Mizrahi, has been named one of Dealerscope magazine’s top “40 Under 40” leaders in the consumer electronics industry for the year 2012.  The annual program salutes the top 40 individuals under the age of 40 who have made the most significant contributions to the industry in the course of the previous year.

“We are honored that Dealerscope has recognized Mike among the young leaders of the CE industry,” said Albert Mizrahi, Mizco President and CEO.  “Mike’s dedication to the industry is a vital factor in Mizco’s continued success in the market. He’s constantly driving the company, and its brands, into the future with his passion and creative vision that cuts across all product lines, all brands, collateral, packaging, trade show designs, advertising creative, and web sites.  There isn’t a single area of our entire operations that isn’t influenced by his strategic thinking and creativity!”

As Creative Director at Mizco International, Mizrahi is responsible for leading the company’s internal creative team in creating and maintaining the identity of Mizco’s six brands through the implementation of branding campaigns and the creation of brand packaging, graphics, collateral materials, trade show displays, print and online advertising, and the company’s web presence.

During his tenure at Mizco, he has conceptualized, created and brought to market the Sweet Sounds, Creature Buds, and Robo Buds earbud/headphone lines, the “Hi Five” Line of iPod Cases, and is highly involved in the product development process of all six brands at Mizco. His work has been twice awarded the American Package Design Award (for DIGIPOWER TriPops and Ecko.UNLTD packaging), and also as a CES Innovations Design and Engineering honoree for the Ecko.UNTLD SPRAY Bluetooth Speaker.

“Having grown up surrounded by the Consumer Electronics industry, I have always admired and looked up the leaders and innovators of the industry. Now, to be recognized as a young leader, is a true honor,” stated Mike Mizrahi today. “I congratulate my fellow honorees, and wish us all continued success.”

About Mizco International

Headquartered in Avenel, New Jersey, Mizco International (www.mizco.com) is one of the world's fastest growing suppliers of mobile phone headsets and accessories, as well as imaging and iPhone power solutions.  Founded in 1990, Mizco markets products under the Cellular Innovations, DIGIPOWER, iEssentials and Travelocity brands.  The company currently offers more than 1,000 products through a global dealer network.  For more information on Mizco and its product offerings call 1.800.266.4026 or visit www.mizco.com.

Interior Designer To The Stars Discovers The Beauty of Sound That Is "Heard But Not Seen" With the Niles Intellicontrol ICS System

For Neal Wagner, co-owner of the Hollywood, Los Angeles interior design retail store MOGUL, visual appeal is everything.  From his personal paintings hanging in the homes of major celebrities to the highly dramatic and sexy look of the MOGUL store interior, everything in his life must measure up to his exacting standard of aesthetic beauty.  That’s why when he was looking for a hi-tech, hi-fidelity music system for his new home, he found the Niles® IntelliControl® ICS System was the perfect merger of form and function, giving him an audiophile quality music experience that is heard, but not seen.

According to Wagner, “I’m the complete opposite of a techie, so I never really got excited about technology—until I used the Niles ICS System for my home audio. I own a retail interior design store and have designed homes for some of the world’s biggest celebrities, so when it comes to my home, I wanted a premium quality audio system that blends right into the background—a clunky obtrusive stereo system just wasn’t an option.  With the ICS System the stereo equipment is located in a separate room, so all we see are the fantastic Niles Contact color touch screens on the wall.  And the best part from a design standpoint is the Niles CM Architectural speakers are flush-mounted in the ceiling so we were able to paint right over them, and now they are nearly invisible.”

By integrating all of his music sources, including Pandora® Internet Radio, his iPod, PC, CD player and DirecTV® music channels, which can be played through 37 speakers in 12 distinct audio zones, the ICS System has given Wagner reigning dominion over his entire home’s musical atmosphere.

“My friends and I can’t believe everything it can do, and how easy it is to use the touch screens or the Niles iRemote® to pick and choose from all of our music on the computer, Pandora, my iPod or the DirecTV music stations,” Wagner continued.  “When we host parties or fundraisers it’s really important for us to have good music playing through high-quality speakers, and the Niles ICS System makes it simple so we don’t have to worry about it.  All of the Niles rock speakers and other Niles outdoor speakers give us amazing sound quality while outdoors, and we can even play different music sources in different rooms or outside!”

According to Niles President Mike Detmer, “Niles is the leader in designing and engineering architectural audio systems and speakers. The Niles ICS System blends in with any home décor and provides audiophile sonic performance that is controlled through elegant touch panels and centralized equipment. Niles CM Architectural Loudspeakers become ingrained in the home’s architecture, with magnetically attached grilles that can be completely painted over to match the color or any wall or ceiling.  Our systems and speakers allow homeowners to experience music like never before without affecting their design aesthetic for the room and the home.”

Utilizing two Niles GXR2s to play up to six simultaneous music sources in 12 separate zones of audio throughout the home, including five distinct outdoor zones, there isn’t a single spot in the house out of range of hi-fidelity music.  The attractive Niles Contact touch panels were a natural choice for the designer, as were the nearly invisible, fully paintable Niles CM Ceiling Mount Architectural Loudspeakers throughout the home.  The hi-fidelity ambience is maintained outdoors by three pairs of mounted box speakers and four pairs of cleverly hidden rock speakers, providing an amazing outdoor musical experience.  With a Niles iRemote providing quick, easy control for outdoor music selection, the owner is never more than a click away from his favorite song or station.

The systems integrator, Moni of Moni Inc., said, “The best thing about the Niles ICS System is that it’s dead simple for the user to control and get to their favorite music quickly. And as an integrator, there’s an amazing level of comfort knowing that the components are extremely reliable and can be upgraded in the future as new music sources arise, such as the Internet sources becoming available today.  I’ve been installing Niles systems for 20 years, and the very first system I installed is still working with no problems!  When I install a system and turn it on, 99.9 percent of the time it works on the first try with no issues, and that makes my job easier and keeps my clients very happy.”

The Niles IntelliControl ICS System is a unique whole-house audio/video distribution system that incorporates high definition video, iPods, Sirius|XM® Satellite Radio, Pandora® Internet Radio, Rhapsody®, am/fm radio, HD Radio, TV, CD and DVD sources.  Users can access their personal music libraries and terrestrial, satellite and Internet radio sources through intuitive, easy-to-use in-wall touchscreens and touchpads, handheld remotes and tabletop touch screens that provide full source, song, station and playlist information.

The heart of the IntelliControl ICS System is the GXR2 Modular MultiZone Receiver, an innovative receiver that uses interchangeable input modules to accommodate any input sources and support up to 30 distinct zones of audio.  Listeners can experience the multitude of audio sources through Niles’ award-winning ICS Rear Wave Control Ceiling-Mount Loudspeakers, which are backed by a lifetime guarantee, or the ICS Classic Series Ceiling-Mount Loudspeakers, which are water-resistant and ideal for covered outdoor installations.

About Niles®:

California-based Niles® is a 33-year-old brand recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®. Niles is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of audio/video custom installation products and accessories and is guided by its vision to be the world’s leading provider of products and services that enable professional custom installers to design and install systems that delight their customers. To that end, Niles pursues a mission to provide solutions for end users that enable simple and easy access to home entertainment and that integrate seamlessly with other low voltage subsystems like lighting, Internet, security and HVAC in residential and light commercial environments. Niles conducts its business with a promise to treat its customers, employees, suppliers and stakeholders with fairness and respect and to foster teamwork, innovation and a commitment to be the best in everything it does. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.nilesaudio.com.

About The AVC Group, LLC:

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, The AVC Group, LLC is a portfolio of pre-eminent manufacturers and marketers of state-of-the-art consumer and commercial audio, video, and control system solutions.  The AVC Group is comprised of the following industry leading brands: Niles®, ELAN® Home Systems, Xantech®, ATON® and Sunfire®. The AVC Group, LLC is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc.’s (www.nortek-inc.com) Home Technology Group.

Xantech Comes To The Rescue Of Plainfield, Indiana's Largest Fire Station

Residents of Plainfield, Indiana can rest easier now, knowing that the firefighters at the Plainfield Fire Territory #123 station and training facility now have access to a state-of-the-art AV system that provides them with a number of connectivity solutions that enhance training, fitness and recreation. AV systems integrator Circle City Audio installed and integrated the Xantech®-controlled system, which is managed by a combination of the Xantech CSPLCD64G touchpanel and WIC1200 Web Intelligent Controller.

The network-based Xantech components provide full control over the station’s new AV systems, which include 8 LG® plasma monitors and seven zones of audio including a Biamp Nexia managing four 70v zones (Training Room, Engine Bay, Kitchen and Patio), a Sony consumer AV receiver in the fitness room and two Onkyo consumer surround sound systems for the living areas. The Xantech system functions throughout the facility, including in the recreation area and the training room, which now includes a Sony EVI-D70 camera, a BenQ MX764 projector and a Samsung SDP-860 document camera with content recording and streaming via an NCast PR720R. Circle City Audio also added an LV control to an existing Draper motorized projection screen and wired it to the WIC1200, allowing the firefighters to get the most out of their training sessions.

“These guys put their lives on the line everyday, so they don’t have time to learn how to use a complicated system,” said Andrew Van Veld of Circle City Audio. “We knew they needed a control solution that would give them everything they need, while being cost-effective, reliable, and easy to use. With the WIC1200 controller, which connects to the touchpanel via the Xantech RS422232, they can control everything from the TVs in the training room to speakers on the outside patio with little effort.”

Van Veld installed 10 Xantech IPRS232 XtraLink IP™ units that enable network control of the RS232-based displays, and a SMAUD01 and CBCSM1 combo, which works as a ducking sensor to the building alarm, so when a call comes in, any sound emitting from the television or speakers is automatically muted. The site-wide DVD player even pauses then restarts when the announcement is finished. Ducking was one of the key requirements of the system as the firefighters normally bring boom boxes to listen to their favorite radio stations in the Engine Bay or when working out, and had to be able to clearly hear the critical alarm codes. The system even supports radio station changes via a Biamp RED-1 wall control by the Engine Bay so the firefighters don’t have to take an axe to the equipment room door to change the radio station.

“With their reliable product selection and easy-to-use interface, we knew Xantech was the right choice for this project,” Van Veld continued. “And it turns out we were right. Everyone at the station is loving it.”

Xantech's WIC1200 Web Intelligent Controller is a stand-alone room controller for Networked/Web-based control featuring 2 IR Ports, 2 Serial Ports, 2 Contact Closure ports, and 2 Digital i/o ports as well as 2 Ethernet ports (one with Power over Ethernet [POE]) for TCP/IP telnet control with less intrusion into facility IP networks. On its own, the Web Intelligent Controller is an event-driven component with two RS232 ports (configurable for RS422 and RS232) and a single IP port. The Event Manager is capable of Timed Events, Calendar Events, Telnet and Serial Events as well a full FTP site, Web Server and Email Server.

The CSPLCD64G touchpanel is part of Xantech’s Commercial LCD Touchscreen Controller series that consists of two interactive touchpanels — a 3.9" and 6.4" diagonal color graphic touchpanel. All functionality and screen graphics are fully programmable using Xantech's intuitive and easy to use Dragon Drop-IR^TM programming software using either the RS232 or USB ports located behind the detachable faceplate. Each touchpanel comes with an extensive library of built-in IR codes and the ability to learn IR codes via the Learning Eye or from Dragon Drop-IR^TM software. As with the other SmartPads, these new touch panels are designed to be stand-alone controllers with the ability to output IR commands onto the standard Xantech four-wire IR bus. These new touchpanels also have the ability to transmit and receive RS232 commands utilizing the optional RS422 to RS232 Module (model RS422232).

Visit www.xantech.com for more information.

About Circle City Audio:

Circle City Audio is a full service design-build A/V integrator based in Indianapolis/IN with staff in Fort Wayne as well. Founded in 1995, CCA serves many house-of-worship customers as well as educational, courtroom and retail facilities in the Midwest. They provide sound, lighting, projection, camera, acoustic treatment and other industry related products and services. They also operate as a regional event production house. Contact: 877.706.7383 or www.ccaudio.com.

About Xantech:

Xantech designs and manufactures an extensive range of audio, video and control products and systems, many of which have become de facto industry standards. Xantech IR products are specified into more audio/video installations than any other brand. Xantech also supplies hi-definition HDMI video solutions, touch-panels and IP control systems for residential and commercial applications, multi-room audio/video systems, audio source components and processors, and software programming tools.

Products are sold to professional installers and distributors directly from Xantech. Xantech’s products are marketed in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. Xantech is a part of The AVC Group in Carlsbad, California. For additional information about Xantech and its innovative products, please visit www.xantech.com.

About The AVC Group, LLC:

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, The AVC Group, LLC is a portfolio of pre-eminent manufacturers and marketers of state-of-the-art consumer and commercial audio, video, and control system solutions.  The AVC Group is comprised of the following industry leading brands: Niles®, ELAN® Home Systems, Xantech®, ATON® and Sunfire®. The AVC Group, LLC is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc.’s Home Technology Group.

"Street of Dreams" Home Design Event Features One-Of-A-Kind Entertainment Experience Room Featuring the ELAN g! System

If nothing else, the custom installation professionals at Calgary, Alberta-based Creative TSI are innovators.  If they’re two things, then they’re also people who know how to have a good time.  They’ve proven this by teaming with the award-winning homebuilders at Astoria Custom Homes to create a truly one-of-a-kind home entertainment experience room that uses the ELAN g! Entertainment and Control System to make gaming, movies and partying easier and more fun than ever. 

Triggered by simply docking an ELAN g!Mobile-equipped iPad 2 in a magnetic Launchport dock, this room comes to life and automatically turns on the Runco LS-HB hi-def projector, club-style pinpoint lights and Xbox 360 with Kinect, brings up the house lights, starts a hidden fog machine and completely preps the room for an amazing movie night, dance party or gaming session.  With an entire wall occupied by a 151-inch Da-Lite Cinema Contour Screen and motion-based control through the Kinect device, the room presents an augmented reality environment that proves home entertainment is no longer a strictly passive experience.

In conjunction with Runco, the enormous screen was made possible using a precision optical dual-mirror rear projection system, so the projector isn’t located inside the room, but instead in a room adjacent to it.  

That was important to Creative TSI President John Lattion, who said “You can't achieve this kind of functionality with a projector in the usual location in back of the room, as the players would obscure the projector’s output by standing/jumping in the play area, and the fog machine would obscure projection output as well.  Perhaps even more beneficial for the homeowners, the room is completely void of any equipment that can be seen!  All you can see is the iPad/Launchport and the screen. Everything else is recessed or hidden.”

To make the most of the 2012 Street of Dreams at Willow Creek at Bearspaw home design event, Creative TSI really did get creative, designing this truly amazing augmented reality room that combines technologies from ELAN Home Systems, Runco and Microsoft.  The 6-week home event features four of the area’s leading homebuilders, who each teamed up with their own subcontractors to make their home’s landscaping, interior design and cutting-edge technology stand out from the rest.

“No one else in the world has seen a system like this before,” said Lattion. “The ELAN g! System is so powerful and easy to use that it has a lot of wow-factor all by itself, but we took it a step further by integrating the new Launchpad in-wall iPad 2 dock.  With it we are able to trigger pre-set scenes in the ELAN g! System in several rooms of the house by simply docking the iPad 2 on the wall.  It’s super easy because it’s magnetic and has inductive charging, so there’s no cables to worry about.  This way the homeowner can simply walk into any room, dock the iPad 2 on the wall, and everything—the lights, TV, sound system, game console, heat—turns on to the perfect preset conditions.

“We want to show everyone how far home technology has come, and how fun and easy home entertainment and control can be, and that’s why we created this room, which we’ve come to call the ‘Holodeck’,” Lattion said. “Our clients love the ELAN g! System because it’s so easy to use, while costing a lot less to install than other automation systems.  So anything we can do to make it easier is just icing.  And the home theater experience room we designed shows that when you’re using the latest and greatest equipment, a little creativity can go a long way.

“The Microsoft Kinect device will play a big role in the entertainment room in some pretty creative ways to show the versatility of the technology, and we invite people to come to the home and experience it for themselves,” Lattion continued.  “Bringing together all of these cutting-edge technologies will show people how much easier and more fun their homes can be, and that these types of entertainment and control systems are no longer luxury items.  Homeowners can install an ELAN g! System like this one for a couple thousand dollars. That’s less than some high-end kitchen appliances!”

The $2.6 million home was designed and built by Astoria Custom Homes, Alberta’s premier custom homebuilder. 

According to Astoria co-owner Jim Stinson, “In just a few short years, homeowners’ media needs have evolved from speaker systems to TV media rooms to full home entertainment and control systems that provide media, security, and a host of other features at the touch of a smartphone or tablet. On the Street of Dreams project, Creative TSI helped us stand apart with their ‘Holodeck’ room and the ELAN g! System throughout the house.  At Astoria Custom Homes, every aspect of every home we build is guaranteed to be of uncompromising quality, and today that includes having an advanced home entertainment and control system like ELAN g!” 

The Astoria Custom Homes house at the Street of Dreams home design event features a whole-house Centralite Jetstream lighting system, DSC security system, a total of 14 audio zones with 24 ELAN in-ceiling speakers and 4 ELAN outdoor speakers, 4 wall-mounted Samsung LCD TVs, 3 Launchport wall docks and one tabletop Launchport dock that each activate room-specific, pre-programmed ELAN g! scenes for lighting, heating and entertainment.  Also integrated with the ELAN g! System are 3 Honeywell surveillance cameras, a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector.  The home is prewired for a prospective buyer to add climate controls and additional TVs, speakers and in-wall ELAN g! touch screens or iPads.

The Street of Dreams is an internationally acclaimed lifestyle and home design event that is utilizing Willow Creek at Bearspaw for one of its 2012 events, and it will attract more than 30,000 visitors to tour the homes.  The event runs from May 19 to July 1, 2012 and features four homes of 4,000-5,000 square feet, each with the latest in interior design, artistic landscaping and state-of-the-art technology.  Guests are invited to explore the properties for design ideas, to experience innovative and exciting home entertainment packages and pick up new lifestyle concepts that can be applied to their own homes. For show dates, times, tickets and more information visit www.streetofdreams.com.

The ELAN g! Entertainment and Control System provides users with the most uniform and intuitive icon-based control from their favorite devices including TVs, touchscreens, touchpads, PCs, iPhones and iPads. The standardized interface works across platforms, so that the trendy g!Mobile app users love on the iPhone appears and works similarly on ELAN touchscreens, valets and handheld remotes as well as users' televisions and mobile devices. And the system's IP backbone makes it just as easy to control the system from across the room - or across the globe.

Individual "apps" for each subsystem allow the user to control security, climate, lighting, media, irrigation, pool/spa, messaging, video and photos with the flick of a finger. Access is fast and secure through any ELAN home interface or globally with mobile Internet enabled devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Netbooks and PC Tablets. Since the intuitive interface empowers users with personalized scheduling and detailed history views, high consumption subsystems like lighting and climate can be closely monitored and managed for a greener lifestyle - and substantial energy savings.

About Astoria Custom Homes:

Astoria Custom Homes, based in Calgary, Alberta, is owned by Darrell Haase and Jim Stinson, who together have more than 55 years of combined experience in new home construction and land development. They are actively involved in the process of building your custom home. When you build a custom home with Astoria you deal directly with the President, Vice President, Site Manager, and Designer.  Astoria takes pride in being a custom homebuilder focused on relationships with its customers.  Because they build less than 30 homes per year, Astoria maintains a standard of quality and attention to detail that is unmatched by higher volume homebuilders. Visit www.astoriahomes.ca for more information.

About Creative TSI:

Creative TSI uses the latest technology and exceptional customer service to create home solutions since that provide the comfort and lifestyle that brings families together.  Since 1997, the company has been offering homebuilders and homeowners the latest technologies at affordable prices and designs every home system to meet each client’s exact needs and desires. For more information visit www.creativetsi.com or call 403-255-3850.

About ELAN Home Systems:

Since 1990 ELAN® Home Systems has been an industry leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video systems. ELAN systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use "whole house" solution. ELAN systems and products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and more than 58 countries worldwide. ELAN Home Systems is part of The AVC Group.  To learn more visit www.elanhomesystems.com.

About The AVC Group, LLC:

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, The AVC Group, LLC is a portfolio of pre-eminent manufacturers and marketers of state-of-the-art consumer and commercial audio, video, and control system solutions.  The AVC Group is comprised of the following industry leading brands: Niles®, ELAN® Home Systems, Xantech®, ATON® and Sunfire®. The AVC Group, LLC is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc.’s Home Technology Group.