Thursday, September 27, 2012

NanoLumens Takes The Stage At The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival To Help Artists For Peace And Justice Raise Money For Haiti

When you’re throwing a fundraising event that brings together a collection of the biggest names in show business, you need a display setup that shines as bright as the guest list. The event organizers behind the Artists for Peace and Justice know this, which is why they decided to use two NanoLumens® 114” NanoSlim displays to show the entire crowd the on-stage action that included several musical performances.

Artists for Peace and Justice, a fundraising effort that encourages peace and social justice, recently held an event during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. The celebrity-backed event included a musical performance by Arcade Fire, which was seen by all who attended, thanks to the two NanoLumens displays that were set up on both sides of the stage.

According to David Weatherhead, Vice President of APG Displays, the company that managed the entire event and NanoLumens’ Canadian distributor, NanoLumens’ displays were the perfect choice for the event, due to their size and energy efficiency.

“When you’re working on an event as important as this, you want to be able to deliver in every way possible, which is why we used two NanoLumens displays to give the crowd the best possible view of the stage,” said Weatherhead. “Because the event was held in a tented venue on the lawn of a large estate, power consumption was a concern, as we were using a generator. NanoLumens displays not only require low power, but also are capable of incredible brightness, providing everyone with a beautiful and clear picture.”

The high-profile event drew a crowd that included actors, musicians, and philanthropists, all of whom helped raise over $500,000 within just 4 hours! The third annual event raised the money to help build schools and art centers in the slums of Haiti.

“NanoSlim displays offer the ideal picture quality and size for this type of event,” said Josh Byrd, Director of Marketing at NanoLumens. “With a big crowd, you need to have a display setup that allows every person to see what is happening on stage, and our NanoSlim displays do just that, making it possible for everyone to see the performances on a screen that is as big as it is brilliant.”

NanoLumens displays are extremely slim, ultra-lightweight, energy efficient, and feature a seamless, edge-to-edge picture quality 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 offered in standard configurations as well as design-specific configurations to fit virtually any size, shape or curvature in both the NanoFlex line of flexible displays and the NanoSlim line of fixed frame displays.

The company’s technology has been named ‘Best LED Product’ of the year by Rental & Staging magazine in its 2012 INFOCOMM Product Awards Program, as well as being recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as a 2011 future-proof tech trend and 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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

NanoLumens Partners With James Industries To Bring Next Generation LED Displays To Gaming Industry

Casinos are filled with blinking lights, spinning wheels and flashing displays, making them some of the most difficult locations for a digital display to stand out from the crowd and demand attention.  James Industries, a Las Vegas-based gaming manufacturer representation firm focused primarily on technology for gaming and entertainment, has set a new bar for the industry by representing NanoLumens® LED displays which are energy efficient, ultra-bright and can be built to virtually any shape, size or curvature, making them the perfect OEM solution for manufacturers wanting to draw more attention to their games.

Today, NanoLumens and James Industries announced a strategic partnership to bring the next generation of LED displays to gaming manufacturers around the world.  As part of this new partnership, NanoLumens will exhibit its entire line of display technologies to the gaming industry at G2E 2012 booth #2224 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas from October 2-4.

According to Josh Byrd, NanoLumens’ Director of Marketing, “Through NanoLumens’ new partnership with James Industries, the gaming industry is getting its first glimpse of the future with our design-specific displays.  Requiring little power, producing little heat, and exhibiting incredible brightness, our LED display technology is ideal for use on a busy casino floor. Its nearly endless configuration options allow manufacturers to create a unique game display that can be seen from far away and truly stands out in one of the most crowded signage environments imaginable.”

With hundreds of its curved 6mm pixel pitch displays already installed on slot machines across the country through its partnership with James Industries, NanoLumens is set to become a major digital signage player in the gaming industry.

“New display technologies are ushering in a new era of design for gaming machine manufacturers,” said John Blouin, President of James Industries, “and NanoLumens’ design-specific displays offer compelling advantages with their high brightness, low power consumption and endless configuration options.  These are extremely important characteristics for both slot manufacturers and casinos that can help lower electricity and cooling costs while driving increased traffic and revenue to the games.  James Industries only represents the latest and best core technologies, and thanks to the stellar performance, price and fast delivery from NanoLumens, we look forward to implementing their incredible LED displays into a lot more games in the future.”

NanoLumens displays are extremely slim, ultra-lightweight, energy efficient, and feature a seamless, edge-to-edge picture quality 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 entertainment, 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 offered in standard configurations as well as design-specific configurations to fit virtually any size, shape or curvature in both the
NanoFlex line of flexible displays and the NanoSlim line of fixed frame 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 James Industries
Founded in 1976, James Industries has spent 36 years developing contacts, knowledge of markets and relationships within the entertainment vertical markets, which consists of amusement, gaming and lottery manufacturers and operators. The Las Vegas-based company is a results-oriented, technical manufacturer representative organization serving the worldwide market that focuses on the needs of the professional products manufactured by the principals we represent.  For more information visit www.jamesindustriesinc.com.

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.

Stampede Continues Its Fall 2012 Big Book Of AV Tour With A Stop In Kansas City On October 17th

North America’s largest ProAV dealer tour will continue on Wednesday, October 17th, when Stampede Presentation Products, Inc. brings its Fall 2012 Big Book of AV Tour (BBOAV) to the Kansas City Marriott in Kansas City, Missouri. Following its record-breaking spring tour, the Fall 2012 BBOAV Tour features more products, seminars, and special events, with every aspect specifically designed to help ProAV dealers better meet the needs of their customers.  Dealers can register now at www.bigbookofavtour.com, where they can also find directions and a full list of raffle prizes.  The Kansas City event will be open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST.

According to Stampede President and COO Kevin Kelly, “The Fall 2012 Big Book of AV Tour offers ProAV dealers the opportunity to learn about the latest in videoconferencing, digital signage, and the newest products that the industry has to offer. The Big Book of AV Tour is the largest dealer show program in North America, and we’re excited to be bringing it to Kansas City, where dealers can receive CTS Certified Training from MediaPOINTE and Sony, meet one-on-one with their Stampede rep, and learn how the Big Book of AV can help improve their business.”

With a catalog that now features information on more than 7,967 products from more 90 manufacturers, Stampede continues to provide the largest range of ProAV solutions in the industry.  “Our extensive product selection lets our dealers find the customized solutions that meet their specific needs,” said Kelly.  “Our expert knowledge of ProAV combined with our incredible product selection allows us to offer dealers the very best.”

All attendees will receive a $50 AMEX gift card, plus an additional $25 AMEX gift card for each training session they attend, and will be treated to a continental breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and a lunch buffet from noon to 1:30 p.m.  There will also be a prize drawing each hour, with the lucky dealers taking home a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, clean power processors, speakers, gift cards, or even a 42” LCD TV with a Sharp soundbar and Blu-ray player!

The 2012 Big Book of AV Tour features more than 40 exhibitors including Atlona, Benq, BrightSign, Canon, Chief, Christie, Draper, Epson, Gefen, Hall Research, Hitachi, Hitachi StarBoard, Ken-a-vision, Kramer, LG Panels, MediaPOINTE, Mitsubishi, Mustang, NEC, Optoma, Peerless, Perfect Path, Samsung, Sharp and Sony.  Other stops on the Fall 2012 Tour include:

October 24, 2012          New York, NY
November 8, 2012      San Diego, CA
December 5, 2012        Atlanta, GA

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,” an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing 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.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Take1 And Fireman's Fund Donate $15,000 To Mountains Recreation And Conservation Authority

Take1 Insurance, the entertainment industry insurance division of U.S. Risk, Inc., in partnership with Fireman’s Fund, yesterday presented a $15,000 donation to The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) for the purchase of new handheld firefighter radios.  The MRCA is dedicated to preserving the region’s open space for the public and posterity, and fighting wildfires is frequently a big part of that job.  MRCA firefighters work to protect more than 150,000 acres of mountainous terrain, deep canyons, forest and grassland that are part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
                                                                                                                                        
“Budget constraints make it difficult for many agencies to purchase all of the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely,” said Scott Carroll, Program Director at Take1 Insurance.  “We’re proud to help in such a tangible way knowing so many communities will benefit from this donation.  We also want to thank our clients, without whom this large donation would not be possible. Take1 is here to help, whether it be helping our clients protect their businesses or helping communities prevent and manage natural disasters.”

MRCA officials, firefighters, and executives from Take1 Insurance and Fireman’s Fund came together for a special public event at Fireman’s Fund headquarters in Burbank, CA.

“Communications on the scene of a fire is key to effective firefighting and keeping firefighters safe,” said Fire Management Officer David Updike. “With this equipment, we will be better able to protect this unique, valuable asset to the community.”

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $29 million – including more than $8.5 million in California. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Take 1 Insurance, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Additional information about the grant program and other grants awarded in California can be found at:

About Take1 Insurance
U.S. Risk‘s Take1 division has been servicing the insurance needs of the film and television production industry and has expanded significantly to meet the needs of audio-video and communications industry clients as well. The company’s experience includes underwriting film and television production companies, DICE (documentary, infomercial, commercial, educational) producers, touring entertainers, concert/playhouse venues, concert promoters, video game developers, and specialty rental operations focused on audio, visual, lighting, sound, grip, and production. For additional information, visit www.take1insurance.com.

About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 28th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

About Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)
MRCA, founded in 1985, is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. The MRCA provides natural resources and scientific expertise, critical regional planning services, park construction services, park operations, fire prevention, ranger services, interpretation programs, and youth leadership programs. The MRCA works in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and other local government partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, and complete major park improvement projects. For additional information, visit www.mrca.ca.gov.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Advanced Expands Facilities To Support Growing Business

Underscoring its commitment to meeting the growing AV needs of Canada’s businesses, schools, and government, Advanced, an expert in audiovisual technology solutions, today announced the expansion of the company’s facilities. The expansion is a result of the company’s significant increase in business in the corporate sector, as the need for audiovisual collaboration systems becomes an integral part of today’s business.

“For years, we’ve specialized in offering presentation solutions, service and support to many of Canada’s businesses, school boards and government agencies,” said Mark Mulford, CEO & President of Advanced. “Now, as our business has expanded to reach the corporate market, we need to expand our facilities in order to give our clients the absolute best in AV integration.”

Throughout the course of the last year, Advanced has increased their office space from 15,000 sq. ft. to over 25,000 sq. ft. The increased space includes an expansive sales floor with state of the art showrooms and logistic capabilities, and a broad professional development facility for both corporate and education clients. With the newly expanded offices, the staff at Advanced has increased 20 percent in the last year.

“With this significant business growth and our new facilities, Advanced has now solidified its position as Canada’s leading AV provider,” said Mulford. “We have always provided our clients with everything from presentation and videoconferencing solutions, to complete integrated audio visual systems, repair, and maintenance. Now, our experts are also striving to provide informative digital media to help corporate facilities communicate messages effectively.”

Advanced has the expertise in audiovisual solutions to fit every need. If you are looking for video display solutions, look to Advanced for design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. To set up a meeting or to schedule a demonstration on the latest audiovisual collaborative solutions, contact Advanced at info@advanced-inc.com or toll free 1-800-436-6239.

About Advanced:
Advanced is a leading Audiovisual and Collaborative Communications company working with corporations, government agencies, healthcare, and educational organizations throughout Canada and beyond.  Dedicated to innovation in technology and services, Advanced has a strong set of businesses aligned to meet today’s needs.  The company offers presentation and videoconferencing solutions in addition to complete integrated systems, rental, and staging services of high impact displays, repair, and maintenance, value-added integration services including design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Advanced also has offices in Ottawa, London, and Sudbury with partner offices located in Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. To learn more visit http://www.advanced-inc.com

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Integrators Upgrade Homes From Multi-Zone Audio To Full Home Control With ELAN g! System

Ask any salesman what their biggest thrill on the job is and they’ll likely tell you one of two things: making a big sale or turning a small sale into a big sale—upselling.  Whether selling to a new client or converting a customer who already owns a stepping stone product, upselling provides an important source of revenue and gets the client excited about what the salesman is offering.

Thanks to the popularity of today’s consumer technology and the recent proliferation of easier-to-use home automation systems, electronics integrators are finding that a lot of their clients are primed and ready for the home automation upsell.  Homeowners just need to be presented with compelling benefits and value, which many integrators are now offering with the ELAN g! Entertainment and Control System.  

Or as Jamie Gannon, president of Dynamic Audio Video puts it, ““Why would you spend $3,000 on a proprietary music system when you can install an ELAN g! music system for the same price, and then have the backbone to do full home automation in the future?” 

That’s a great question that integrators should be asking every client considering a multi-zone audio system. While this isn’t an immediate upsell, introducing the powerful and versatile g! system has the potential to create future revenue with no competition from other integrators.  

“When speaking with the client to determine their needs, I always stress the importance of home control and how it can make their life easier,” Gannon continued.  “This year alone I’ve had four clients come back within a month of using the g! system and ask ‘So how do I tie my lights in with the system? What about security and air conditioning?’”

And because the g! system comes from ELAN’s high-performance audio roots and is as affordable as any competing multi-zone audio system, there’s no downside even if the client is adamant on sticking with an audio-only system.  With the option of iPhone and Android control plus convenient in-wall color touchscreens and the HR2 remote, it’s easy for homeowners to wade into the waters of home control gradually rather than diving right in.  Whether the client is brand new to integrated home technology or already has experience with a distributed audio or lighting system, savvy integrators can use ELAN g! as part of a powerful upsell pitch to bring their home and its technologies into the 21st century.
 
“Two of my recent clients had distributed audio systems, and I was able to convince them to move up to full home automation with ELAN g!,” said Ryan Heringer, owner of Jonesboro-Arkansas based Sound Concepts.  “The g! system made it easy for me to do and easy for them to use.  That’s the value in a system that comes from a long history of audio distribution systems.  It does audio the right way, simple and easy, and extends those ideals to every function of the system.  Any homeowner who already has speakers and wiring in place should absolutely be stepping up to a robust home control platform, even if they don’t integrate other systems like heating and lighting right away.  It’s a small investment that can pay big dividends in terms of much easier and more convenient use, expanded functions, imcreased resale value, and even direct energy and monetary savings with automated lighting and heating schedules that ensure optimum efficiency.”

The ELAN g! 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 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.  To learn more, visit www.elanhomesystems.com.  ELAN is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com).  CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech®.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Advanced Installs Impressive Video Display To Enhance CTV/Bell Media's Olympics Coverage

Reaffirming its position as Canada's leading audio-visual presentation products and solutions specialist, Advanced recently helped CTV/Bell Media with the construction of an impressive video wall display for CTV’s Olympic coverage in London. Advanced installed two large Orion video walls that were used to broadcast live event coverage across Canada from July 27 through August 12, 2012.

Advanced sent a team of factory-certified technicians to London to manage the installation of the two video displays. The team used their expertise in broadcast audiovisual solutions to provide CTV with on-site support and services throughout the duration of the Olympics.

“We’re extremely proud of how this project turned out,” said Mark Mulford, CEO & President of Advanced. “Advanced has a long-standing relationship with CTV/Bell Media, so they knew that we were the right team for the job. Our technicians have extensive experience in broadcast solutions, and their work resulted in two fully functional video walls that operated flawlessly throughout the two weeks of the Olympics.”

The large video walls consisted of two 7 x 3 display panels, joined together with ultra-thin bezels, which resulted in providing CTV with bright, seamless images.  To create a ‘window effect’ overlooking iconic Trafalgar Square a window treatment was installed on top of the videowalls.  The set was equipped to deliver both English and French broadcasts across Canada.

Advanced has the expertise in broadcast solutions to meet the display needs of any situation, and is a complete provider of design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. To set up a meeting or to schedule a demonstration on the latest audio-visual collaborative solutions, contact Advanced at info@advanced-inc.com or toll free 1-800-436-6239.

About Advanced
Advanced is a leading audiovisual and collaborative communications company working with corporations, government agencies, healthcare, and educational organizations throughout Canada and beyond.  Dedicated to innovation in technology and services, Advanced has a strong set of businesses aligned to meet today’s needs.  The company offers presentation and videoconferencing solutions in addition to complete integrated systems, visual collaboration systems, rental and staging services, repair, maintenance, and value-added integration services including design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Advanced also has offices in Ottawa, Toronto, London and Sudbury with partner offices located in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. To learn more visit www.advanced-inc.com.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Niles CM Ceiling Mount Architectural Loudspeakers Awarded 2012 Resi Award For Best In-Wall Speaker

Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today announced that it has been awarded a 2012 Resi Award by Residential Systems magazine in the category of Best In-Wall Speaker for the new CM Ceiling Mount Architectural Loudspeakers at the 2012 Resi Awards CEDIA EXPO Reception in Indianapolis, Indiana.
 
“It’s a great honor to have the CM Loudspeakers recognized by Residential Systems,” said Paul Starkey, Chief Marketing Officer at Niles. “These speakers deliver a high performance sound quality and are able to blend discreetly into any environment, making them the perfect choice for any residential application.”

Each year, Residential Systems magazine presents the prestigious Resi Awards to honor the best products exhibited at CEDIA EXPO, based on their industrial design.

“This awards program is unique in its focus on the creativity and artistry from manufacturers exhibiting on the show floor this week in Indianapolis,” said Jeremy Glowacki, Residential Systems’ managing editorial director. “Our goal is to honor those who focus not only on engineering, but also functionality and how a product more elegantly solves a problem.”

The CM Loudspeakers’ thin-bezel and ultra-low profile provides a crisp, clean finish, and the magnetically attached grilles greatly reduce installation time. The series includes round grilles standard and square grilles are available. The grilles can be painted to coordinate with any surrounding décor for added installation flexibility. The grilles are rust-resistant, eliminating service calls for loudspeakers installed in moisture-prone areas such as saunas, bathrooms and even outdoors under eaves.
 
Niles’ patent-pending spring-loaded mounting clamps compensate for a number of environmental conditions that would cause the mounting surface for the new CM series to expand or contract, such as high heat and humidity. The mounting clamps help to prevent material compression and stripping of screws by providing tactile feedback during the installation process to indicate when the installer should stop drilling.

All speakers in the line feature the same premium components found in Niles’ DS Directed Soundfield series including copper caps, high-level crossovers and Kapton voice coil formers to deliver the exceptional sonic performance expected from Niles loudspeakers. Additionally, the loudspeakers have been voiced specifically to handle dynamic content from Blu-ray discs as well as compressed music from sources such as iPods, Pandora and Rhapsody to ensure the best in audiophile performance from virtually any source.

About Niles:
California-based Niles® is recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®. The company 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. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.nilesaudio.com. Niles is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.

Sunfire HRSIW8 In-Wall Subwoofer Awarded 2012 BEST Award by CE Pro Magazine

Sunfire®, a specialist in the design, manufacture and marketing of luxury home theater audio products, today announced that its HRSIW8 in-wall subwoofer has been named a 2012 BEST Award winner by CE Pro Magazine. The award was presented to Sunfire at the CE Pro Booth at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

According to Paul Starkey, Sunfire’s Chief Marketing Officer, “We’re always thinking of new ways to give homeowners everything they could ever want from their home entertainment experience. With the HRSIW8, we’re offering a subwoofer that is simple to install, features a dynamic and accurate bass, and doesn’t take up a large amount of room. We’re thrilled to have the HRSIW8 recognized by CE Pro.”

The HRSIW8 was chosen by a panel of industry experts, integrators and the editors of CE Pro, to join an exclusive group of products deemed the most noteworthy. As a CE Pro BEST Winner, the HRSIW8 will be featured in the November issue of CE Pro and will be featured on CEPro.com.

The Sunfire HRSIW8 is an in-wall dual-driver 8” subwoofer that features the brand’s patented Stillbass™ anti-shake technology that virtually eliminates mechanical vibration, improving bass definition while helping to contain the bass to the room in which it is mounted.  The Stillbass technology, coupled with Sunfire’s trademark High Back-emf designed woofers, helps provide pounding audiophile-grade bass from a subwoofer that easily retrofits into a standard 16” on-center stud bay.

The HRSIW8’s external rack-mount amplifier is an evolution of the Sunfire digital amplifier used in the company’s SDS subwoofer line.  Using Sunfire’s Frequency Filtration Design (FFD) for high fidelity bass, the amp delivers 520W of power with near zero distortion. A wide range of filtering adjustments are included as well as DSP with room equalization and a remote control that provides one-touch access to preset equalizer modes.

The continuing “Science of Sunfire” is the direct result of a design philosophy originally pioneered by Bob Carver that has become codified by the brand. This unique approach to design has resulted in amazingly compact high performance subwoofers that combine the best electronics and acoustics with specialized, premium materials to exemplify the mantra of “small form, high fidelity with high output and reliability”. 

About Sunfire:
Founded by renowned audio innovator Bob Carver, Sunfire designs, develops, manufactures and markets the smallest, most powerful speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers in the world.  Sold in over 65 countries, Sunfire combines unconventional thinking with precision engineering to create innovative audio products that deliver exceptional performance – whenever, and wherever, they are heard.  Carver’s forty years of scientific research has resulted in numerous patents including the Tracking Downconverter™ power supply used in the company’s subwoofers and amplifiers; and High Pressure, High Back-emf technology found in the company’s loudspeakers.  Complete information on Sunfire, its products and technology, is readily available at www.sunfire.com.  Sunfire is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com).  CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.

Stampede Helps Integrator Create Perfect Chuck Jones Experience At Circus Circus Resort in Las Vegas

When tasked with designing and building a massive digital art exhibit at the Circus Circus Resort in Las Vegas to celebrate the life of legendary animator Chuck Jones,  Matt Seibert of Matt Seibert Designs knew that Stampede, the leading distributor of ProAV products, would know the best product solution for the job and have the equipment at the best price.  After conferring with his Stampede rep, Seibert confirmed that BrightSign’s media players would be the most affordable, most reliable, and simplest solution for the digital showcase.
 
According to Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly, “Our reputation depends on providing the best advice, most extensive inventory and superior ProAV knowledge to every dealer, and Matt Seibert’s work on The Chuck Jones Experience is one more shining example of how we help dealers make every installation perfect.  BrightSign is a valued partner and we work hard to ensure that our partners’ products get into the hands of as many ProAV dealers as possible.”

Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign, echoed Kelly’s comments, saying, “Stampede has been a valuable business partner, making it possible for ProAV dealers all across the country to get the best BrightSign products quickly and just when they need them.  The sales teams and reps know our products well, so dealers can trust their recommendations and advice.  We sell more product when the dealers get what they need, when and where they need it.” 

The Chuck Jones Experience utilizes more than 20 BrightSign media players, distributed in multiple zones throughout the 10,000 square foot facility and providing content for TVs, projectors and even touchscreens.  Visitors are greeted at the entrance with screens looping informational content about the exhibit.  Inside the hall, one wall features a dramatic installation that includes 15 LG LCD TVs ranging from 22 to 32 inches that are capable of displaying separate content or tiling together to showcase integrated content that spans the entire wall.  The exhibit has interactive elements as well, allowing visitors to draw and color their own cartoons on three big screen NEC touchscreens.  A Christie projection system with Pioneer surround sound shows full length cartoons from throughout Jones’s career.

Speaking about the exhibit, Matt Seibert, president of Matt Seibert Designs said, “Jones left an indelible mark on the world of animation, and we felt an obligation to create a fitting tribute to his legacy.  This required that we create a unique digital experience that informs and entertains.  BrightSign’s media players were instrumental in making that happen.  I simply wouldn’t attempt an installation with this level of complexity without the help of my distributor, Stampede, and the simple yet powerful BrightSign equipment. In fact, Stampede provided all of the major equipment, including all of the NEC and LG displays, Christie projectors and Pioneer sound systems throughout the exhibit.

“My Stampede rep confirmed that BrightSign’s players would be the perfect solution for this job and was invaluable in helping to choose displays and other components.  Not only are BrightSign’s players easy to implement, they are also more affordable than anything else on the market today.  When I’m planning a high-profile exhibit such as The Chuck Jones Experience, I often speak with the AV pros at Stampede to determine the ideal equipment to use, and their recommendation of the BrightSign players gave me the rock-solid performance I needed.”

One of the exhibit’s most insightful attractions is a replica of Jones’s office complete with two 50” LG LCD TVs recessed in the wall and framed to look like a real window.  The TVs show a presentation highlighting some of Jones’s most iconic animated creations.

The BrightSign players are made to such a high standard and are so durable that they weren’t even fazed when a 14-inch water main burst on the floor above and flooded the entire exhibit with four inches of water; the players were still playing when maintenance came in to plug the leak!

About BrightSign
BrightSign, LLC is the market leader in digital signage players.  Based in Los Gatos, California, the company develops products, software and networking solutions for digital signage.  BrightSign solid-state digital controllers set new standards for both stand-alone and networked digital signage applications with their superior video quality, reliability, affordability, ease of use and interactivity.  Online information about BrightSign units is available at www.brightsign.biz.  For U.S. sales inquiries, please contact sales@brightsign.biz or call 1-408-852-9263.  For European sales inquiries, please email Pierre Gillet: pgillet@brightsign.biz or call +44-1223-911842.  Follow BrightSign at http://twitter.com/brightsign and http://www.facebook.com/BrightSignLLC.

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,” an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing 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.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Niles® Introduces New Outdoor Speakers and In-Ground Subwoofer at CEDIA EXPO 2012

Underscoring its commitment to developing superior quality, high performance speaker solutions for outdoor environments, Niles®, The First Name In Custom Installation®, today announced the CEDIA channel introduction of a new line of outdoor speakers and an in-ground subwoofer, which all feature rugged construction, long-lasting materials and deliver superior audio fidelity for all residential outdoor applications. The new GS Garden Speakers and In-Ground Subwoofer deliver Niles’ legendary high performance sound quality and the speakers’ rugged construction gives dealers an ideal, long-lasting outdoor audio solution.
 
The announcement was made today by Paul Starkey, Chief Marketing Officer at Niles at CEDIA EXPO 2012 in Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

“We’re thrilled to be showcasing our amazing outdoor speaker line to the CEDIA audience. Our new speakers allow homeowners the opportunity to have a powerful, high fidelity outdoor audio system fit into their outdoor environment with minimal visibility.” Starkey said.

Housed in UV-stabilized, long-lasting ABS plastic, the Niles GS4 4” Satellite Loudspeaker ensures years of trouble-free performance that can withstand Mother Nature’s toughest extremes, even surviving temperature extremes of -50 degrees to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The GS4, with its wide dispersion characteristics, allows users to enjoy the best outdoor audio experience with the ultimate flexibility in speaker placement. 

Also included is the Niles GSS10 10” In-Ground Subwoofer, designed to bring deep, rich bass to the outdoors from an enclosure that disappears into the landscaping. The GSS10 can remain totally hidden from view, giving homeowners the opportunity to provide the powerful bass of a 10” Niles subwoofer without affecting their outdoor design. The GSS10 also features a 10” mineral-filled polypropylene woofer and can output frequencies from 25Hz to 110Hz at up to 110dB.   

About Niles:
California-based Niles® is recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®. The company 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. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.nilesaudio.com. Niles is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.

ELAN® Expands g! System with an Electronic Door Lock Integration Solution That Sets A New Standard For The Industry

Furthering its commitment to provide dealers and end-users with simple, powerful tools to customize the g! System, ELAN® Home Systems today announced an electronic door lock integration solution that allows users to makes changes to pass codes and lock schedules right from the g! interface, with no technician required. The announcement was made at CEDIA EXPO 2012 at ELAN’s Booth #902 of the Indiana Convention Center.

“Integrating door locks is a very risky proposition because of the security aspects, so we take it very seriously,” said Robert Ridenour, ELAN Brand Manager. “We’ve given homeowners more options to monitor and protect their homes through user-specific pass codes, email and text message alerts, the industry’s most accessible door lock history function, and the ability to easily and quickly manage user codes from within the g! interface.  And we’ve partnered with the biggest electronic lock manufacturers to give dealers and homeowners the widest range of styles possible.

With a re-imagined door lock interface that is displayed in conjunction with the home’s security system information, ELAN has surpassed other control manufacturers and given homeowners the easiest-to-use door lock integration of any control system.  That means that they can view and check their security system and change door locks’ status all from one screen on any g! interface device, including iPhones, iPads and Android® smartphones. Also unique to the g! interface is the ability to secure all locks at once without complicated dealer programming. 

ELAN has created the industry’s most accessible history function for door locks so users can view a simple table with events for each lock, including when and how a door was locked as well as which user unlocked a door.  Dealers can also configure the g! system to send outbound alerts through text or email to the homeowner, giving them instant notification when a lock jams or has a low battery, or when a lock is opened in their home.

"The integration of Yale Real Living locks into ELAN's g! system increases the functionality of our locks exponentially," said Jason Williams, General Manager of Yale Residential.  "This new relationship fits perfectly with our plan to partner with companies whose products can significantly enhance the value of our locks."

The new Yale Real Living deadbolt and lever locks are the first products in the Yale Real Living™ portfolio of residential access control and home security solutions.  Available with either a sleek capacitive touchscreen or pushbutton keypad, these locks allow users to create personalized events or scenes triggered by the push of a button from anywhere in the home or remotely via the Internet.

When integrated with the ELAN g! System and g!Mobile app, electronic locks have the ability to communicate wirelessly with other “smart” devices in the home, such as lighting controls, thermostats and home security, making home control and personalization accessible to the average homeowner. Whether on a business trip 10,000 miles away or stuck at work when their kids get home, homeowners benefit from added convenience and peace of mind.

“According to recent research, homeowners have stated they are now looking increasingly at door locks to provide more convenience in their home automation systems,” said Larry Goldman, North American sales and business development manager of Kwikset. “Because of this enhanced desire, the popularity of Z-Wave accessories is growing steadily, especially in home security.”

The ELAN g! system is simple to use from anywhere in the world, so homeowners can easily set a temporary pass code for a maid, repairman, or so a neighbor can feed the dog while the owner is on vacation.  With ELAN’s new management feature, homeowners can also decide which locks always require a passcode from g! user interfaces, further enhancing security.

ELAN g! currently integrates electronic door locks from the Kwikset and Baldwin brands of Stanley Black & Decker, as well as Yale’s Real Living series.

About Kwikset:
Kwikset’s SmartCode with Home Connect Technology products feature the revolutionary SmartKey® re-key technology with BumpGuardTM protection as the back-up keyway. Introduced in 2007, SmartKey is the first affordable residential lock that allows homeowners to quickly and easily re-key their lock(s) themselves in a matter of seconds and without removal from the door, for improved access control and home security. Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, mechanical access solutions and electronic security solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. For more information, please contact Abby Draper at abbyd@imre.com2.

About Yale:
Yale Locks & Hardware is recognized worldwide as a leader and innovator in the architectural hardware industry, with millions of Yale products used in over 125 countries.  Backed by over 150 years of quality and customer-oriented service, Yale offers a complete selection of door hardware for residential and commercial applicationsFor more information visit www.yaleresidential.com.

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. To learn more visit www.elanhomesystems.com. ELAN is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands.