ELAN Launches Accelerated Dealer Training Certification Program With g! School!

In response to the growing market demand for its award-winning g! Entertainment and Control System, ELAN® Home Systems today announced that it has enhanced its training program to enable prospective dealers to become certified ELAN g! installers in just 20 hours through a combination of online training and a two-day in-person session.

Nearly 1,000 students have already utilized the free on-demand, self-paced training offered at ELAN’s online g! School, which is available 24/7 and provides more than 150 unique courses.

According to Eric Herdman, ELAN Home Systems Content Manager, “Our coordinated approach to dealer certification combines online and in-person training in a way that ensures that any prospect, anywhere in the world, can become an ELAN dealer as quickly as they want to. By combining a free seven-hour online introduction course with a 13- hour, 1.5 day regional on-site training seminar, we provide new dealers with hands-on experience plus a complete understanding of the inner working of the ELAN g! system.”

The certification process is incredibly simple: a new dealer simply visits www.brainshark.com/go/elan and signs up to take the online course, which is available immediately. Upon successful completion of the 7-hour training course, the new dealer contacts an ELAN regional representative to sign up for a 1.5 day, $100 in-person training seminar in their local area that will complete their education. After the in-person seminar, each dealer must pass a final online exam to receive ELAN g! certification, which is sent in a PDF and available immediately so they can get right to work!

“Our solution allows dealers to become familiar with the ELAN g! system on their own time, with the ability to pause, rewind and restart any lesson they need, so they can progress at their own pace and on their schedule,” Herdman emphasized. “Giving them an online introduction before they do the in-person training is invaluable, and there’s nothing to lose because the online courses are free.”

ELAN’s g! School is the latest incarnation of ELAN U, which debuted as the first-ever online installation-training program in 2003. Since then, installers have taken more than 300,000 online lessons, earning the program numerous awards including the CEA Mark of Excellence Award for Best Training and Support Programs and the Inside Track Certificate of Excellence for Best Dealer Training.

Stampede Unveils New DemoPad Controller

Stampede Presentation Products, Inc., North America’s largest high value added Pro AV distributor, today unveiled the new CENTRO 8 control processor for the DemoPad control system. According to Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly, the introduction of the CENTRO 8 makes DemoPad an extremely attractive control solution for dealers and end-users by simplifying installation and providing highly customizable GUIs to satisfy the unique needs of each project.

“We’re excited to present the expanded DemoPad solution to installers seeking high-quality, high-margin control solutions in the constantly evolving control market,” Kelly said today. “Not only does DemoPad’s software solution offer flexible, customizable control GUIs, but it also allows installers to integrate all key AV elements into the control system, generating opportunities for additional sales of complimentary hardware, such as matrix switchers and IR controllers sourced from other vendors. As we enter the era of ‘The Internet of Things’, DemoPad is leading the way in simplified integration and is aggressively expanding its dealer network throughout North America.”

The CENTRO 8 control processor is a 19" rack mount unit designed to provide two way communication and control of a variety of equipment via an array of input and output ports. Primarily a network device, the CENTRO features a powerful processor board capable of communicating with Apple iOS and Android control interfaces and running complex custom macros and schedules across a network with remote access capability.

The IP-based DemoPad solution sends control signals to Wi-Fi connected devices, so it works equally well with TVs, amplifiers, projectors or blinds that are not IP enabled, which installers can integrate through alternative methods such as IR or RS-232 with affordable IP gateways. DemoPad works with literally 1000s of devices, allowing users to integrate existing products with new devices seamlessly.

The intuitive DemoPad custom design software, available exclusively to DemoPad Certified Installers, enables integrators to create a completely customized interface for the end-user. This programmed custom interface is then uploaded and paired to a DemoPad end-user app, which is purchased through the Apple store or Android Play market, allowing integrators to easily create bespoke systems for each customer and then upload complete control solutions to as many smartphones or tablets as required.

Operating on a network, the CENTRO 8 is the heart of an automation system. It monitors connected devices and listens to requests from Apple iOS and selected Android hand held devices. It provides feedback as to current status of all connected devices (subject to device compatibility) and can receive and store scheduled requests for a variety of tasks including lighting dusk until dawn controls, access control and security arm / disarm, to more simple 'turn TV on' at a set time.

The CENTRO 8 has a built in web server and can store a local copy of the DemoPad project for retrieval or upload to a new device.

The CENTRO 8 features 16 individually addressable IR ports, so using a suitable HD-BaseT Matrix with IR pass through, integrators can simply use jack to jack leads (supplied) from the first eight IR ports into the corresponding IR ports on the matrix. Then at the balun end, a jack to IR bud completes the control loop to enable IR control from iOS and Android devices in each zone, with no additional hardware required. The remaining eight IR ports on the CENTRO 8 are typically used in conjunction with the four RS232 ports to control source equipment located in the rack.

System specifications include:

- Control processor with 4GB internal program memory
- External 12v Power Supply
- 2 x USB general purpose connector ports
- 1 x RJ45 LAN 10/100 Ethernet port
- 1 x HDMI output 1 x Stereo audio out jack
- 4 x Bi-Directional RS232 communication ports
- 8 x Digital Input ports (volt free operation)
- 4 x Low Voltage- 16 x Infra Red output ports (individually addressable)
- Built in HTTP/HTTPS web server and timers for scheduling

New Trident Kraken A.M.S. "Two-In-One" Cases Offer Consumers Both Tough And Flexible Protection For iPhone 5S

The Apple iPhone 5s is now officially available for purchase, and there’s never been a better time for owners to upgrade their case to the most durable, reliable, adjustable and customizable case on the market – the Kraken A.M.S. from Trident Case®. Unlike many other manufacturers that are promoting old cases for the new phone, Trident built a new case specifically for the iPhone 5s that allows users to take advantage of the fingerprint scanner and is precision engineered to fit the exact specifications of the new model.

The Kraken A.M.S. Series is really two cases in one, consisting of a soft, colorful silicone sleeve, called Perseus, and a hard, tough outer shell with a built-in screen protector, called the Kraken A.M.S Exoskeleton, also available in a variety of colors. Owners can use the silicone Perseus case if they require a basic level of protection and then attach the A.M.S. Exoskeleton when they need maximum protection and versatility such as when running, biking, hiking, or working in punishing environments.

Proven to withstand drops, bumps, rain, dust, sand and vibration, the Kraken A.M.S. series is the only case of its kind that provides a military level of protection and custom mounting solutions while allowing buyers to choose their own colors to create a unique case. All Kraken A.M.S. Series cases include a media stand right on the case for easy hands-free viewing, and it can be removed to make way for more than two dozen custom-fitting accessories and mounts, such as a tripod attachment, belt clip, bike rail strap, wire organizer and a variety of car mounts.

Buyers can visit www.tridentcase.com/build-your-own-case to build their own case and choose from more than 40 color combinations*, plus easily add whatever accessories and mounts they need to fit their unique lifestyle. The Kraken A.M.S. case, now available for both new iPhone models, retails for $49.95 and the mounts and accessories start at $14.95.

Trident also released Cyclops and Aegis cases for the iPhone 5s today, offering consumers varying levels of protection, sizes and prices. The $39.95 Cyclops case is a two-piece polycarbonate shell that offers the same protection as Kraken A.M.S. in a smaller form, without the custom attachment options. It includes a built-in screen protector and is available in black, blue, pink, red and Trident green. The $34.95 Aegis case combines a silicone case with a polycarbonate back plate to offer sleek protection for every day use, and comes with a self-applicable screen protector. It is available in black, blue, pink, red and Trident green. Additionally, all three newly released cases are backwards-compatible with the iPhone 5.

The Kraken A.M.S. and Cyclops series are independently tested to meet Military Standard MIL-STD-810F to protect damage caused by excessive vibration, dust, sand, rain or drops. That covers just about every type of “just in case” situation an iPhone owner might encounter, whether they’re going to the beach or a hiking trail. The Aegis series, offering sleek protection and a smaller form factor, meets the same military standards for drops and vibration. In fact, all three series of Trident cases can withstand 26 drops onto concrete from a height of four feet! Since seeing is believing, click here to watch the rigorous military testing that each and every Kraken A.M.S. case goes through.

The Kraken A.M.S. series includes models for the most popular smartphones and tablets from Apple, Blackberry, HTC, Motorola and Samsung. Buyers can feel good about helping the environment because the American-manufactured cases are made with bio-enhanced plastic that is degradable, compostable and recyclable. Trident Case incorporates bio-enhanced resin into plastic based products, making for an effective solution to reducing the environmental impact and contributing to a greener earth.

Note that A.M.S. accessories and mounts are only compatible with the full three-piece Kraken A.M.S. case. Other accessories are compatible with all Trident case series, and each accessory on the website clearly states which cases it can be used with. The newly designed Aegis iPhone 5s case is also compatible with the iPhone 5.

*Full color selections will be available in late October. The Perseus is currently available in black, blue, red, pink and Trident green, and the A.M.S. exoskeleton is currently available in black only.

Photo caption 1: Trident Kraken A.M.S. iPhone 5s case with blue Perseus case and black A.M.S. exoskeleton.

Photo caption 2: Trident Cyclops iPhone 5s case in red.

Photo caption 3: Trident Aegis iPhone 5s case in Trident green.

ELAN Predicts 2014 Will Be The Year Control Comes Home

With new home sales surging and home control becoming an integral part of many homebuilders’ designs, ELAN Home Systems today predicted that 2014 will be the year that integrated entertainment and control becomes a staple of new home construction and remodeling. The forecast  by Core Brands Control Category Director Joe Lautner, who emphasized that there is finally a control solution perfect for every size home, from a one-bedroom apartment to a multi-million dollar estate.

“The goal of technology has always been to make people’s lives easier, and that guiding principle is finally coming home with simple integrated entertainment and control solutions from ELAN,” Lautner said. “The ELAN g! system is giving builders the chance to show new homebuyers that they understand their needs and can design homes with integrated systems that make daily life more convenient, whether it’s two rooms of audio and video in an 800 square foot apartment or connected lighting, climate, security, AV and irrigation systems in a 10,000 square foot home. By introducing a system that can be had for less than $2,000, we have created a value proposition that can win over even the most reluctant homebuyers.”


Award-winning builders Jim Blansfield of Danbury, Connecticut-based Blansfield Builders, Inc. and Josh Wynne of Sarasota, Florida-based Josh Wynne Construction agree with Lautner because they have both already found huge success by partnering with local integrators and using the ELAN® g! Entertainment and Control System to help close new home sales.

“I’m a believer in ‘the new normal’ way of thinking,” Blansfield said, “and with the affordable and expandable control solutions made possible by ELAN g!, home control is the new normal! In the past two years, I’ve closed several new homes by demoing the g! system for prospective clients. I have a g! system in my own home, so I’m the first person to say how easy it is to use, and my clients are consistently impressed that I include technology in my designs and recommendations, because many other builders minimize the importance of home technologies.

“Any builders who resist change and aren’t prepared to talk to clients about integrated home control solutions will hurt themselves in the long run. I even push owners doing remodels to install the ELAN g! system because it adds so much value to the home and brings it into the 21st century more so than new countertops or an open-concept floor plan could ever do.”


Since partnering with Danbury integration firm Structured Home Solutions, Blansfield has built 13 homes that include ELAN g! systems of varying size and complexity. Whether the new buyers were looking for enhanced security, HVAC scheduling, lighting, irrigation and pool controls, or super simple whole-home audio and video systems, every client received a custom solution tailored to their specific needs. From a business perspective, Blansfield knows that his knowledge, appreciation and passion for technology place him in an entirely different category from other builders.

Josh Wynne has had similar success integrating advanced home technologies with the ELAN g! system, and has teamed up with Sarasota integrator SmartHouse Integration to offer his new clients the best that modern home technology has to offer. Wynne is building four new LEED Platinum certified homes in 2013, each featuring the ELAN g! system to control core subsystems such as AV, HVAC, security, lighting, window shades, irrigation, garage doors, pool controls and surveillance cameras.

According to Wynne, “I’ve strived to make a basic home automation package standard for every new home I build. When smartphones came on the market a lot more people started to see how easily these advanced systems could integrate into their homes and help them live more simply and comfortably, and I’ve used that culture movement to benefit my business. Most of my projects are relatively big budget, around the $1 million mark, but there’s absolutely no reason that a $300,000 home shouldn’t include a multi-room audio system, an integrated HVAC or lighting system that saves money and energy, or a lighting system that saves money and energy, or a security and surveillance system that can be accessed remotely from any smartphone or tablet.”

Both builders agree that determining the buyers’ interests is key to selling advanced home control solutions, whether they love music and want multi-room audio or desire heightened peace of mind and would benefit from a mobile-accessible security and surveillance system. From there it’s a small leap to demo the entire ELAN g! system and highlight all the trappings that easy-to-use home control offers. Another thing they agree on is the need to use a reliable, qualified integrator to make the homeowner’s technological dreams a practical reality. That’s why they’ve each partnered with a top integration firm in their respective regions, and worked together to craft custom solutions that make every home the perfect living environment for the owners.

Trident Makes Its Case For Profitable, Easy To Implement Fundraising Programs

Any smart fundraiser will tell you that the key to maximizing contributions is to offer a compelling incentive that appeals immediately to the interests and lifestyle of the contributor. Trident Case®, the California-based manufacturer of tough and stylish mobile device cases, today introduced an easy way for organizations to tap into the growing popularity of mobile devices and maximize contributions to their individual cause.

“With nearly 95% of adults in the United States now owning either a cell phone or wireless device, it’s clear that millions of consumers need a premium case to protect their investment in mobile technology,” today stated Erin Luzzi, Trident Case Vice President of Marketing. “And now Trident Case is providing the easiest way possible for fundraisers to earn the most money for their organization.”

According to Luzzi, the new “Fundraise with Trident Case Program” provides organizations with three distinct ways to generate contributions. First, organizations can link directly to the Trident Case web site. Once linked, an organization’s supporters can use a special Promo Code to order their smartphone or tablet cases. The participating organization will automatically earn up to $14 on each case that is purchased. The consumer receives a 20% discount off their purchase and an additional 20% of the list price of the case is donated to the organization.

Secondly, organizations can purchase and distribute Trident Gift Cards that generate for the organization $10 for every $50 Gift Card and $5 for every $25 Gift Card sold. Finally, organizations can combine both options into a completely integrated effort that leverages the power of the Internet with traditional Gift Cards.

“What’s more, Trident will create custom case programs that feature an organization’s colors and logo,” Luzzi said. “And, once a program is finalized, Trident will provide the organization with a complete merchandising support program consisting of email flyers that can be customized with each organization’s logo and message. We will also provide the organization with a summary of all sales generated from the specific Promotional Code — making the management of the entire program as seamless as possible for each organization.”

The decision to introduce a turnkey fundraising toolkit is a direct extension of the company’s overall corporate commitment to make a difference in the lives of its consumers. With its rapidly expanding line of award-winning smartphone and tablet cases now being carried by national retailers such as Best Buy, Office Max and Wal-Mart, the increasingly well-known Trident brand is sure to make an immediate and powerful impact on any organization’s fundraising goals.

To find out more how Trident can make a case for your organization, email Erin Luzzi directly at erin.luzzi@tridentcase.com.

Trident Case offers six series of protective carrying solutions providing one, two, or three layers of protection: Kraken AMS Series®, Aegis Series®, Cyclops Series®, Perseus AMS Series®, Electra Series® and Apollo Series®. Every series supports a broad range of devices from manufacturers including Apple®, Samsung®, HTC®, Motorola®, and more. All Trident cases are bio-enhanced plastic based products that are degradable, compostable, and recyclable. Over the past two years, Trident Case has invested in the infrastructure and resources necessary to manufacture its tough cases, with style, in the United States of America.

NanoLumens Introduces The Industry's First Six-Year, Zero Failure Warranty Program

NanoLumens® today announced a precedent-setting Six-Year, Zero Failure Warranty Program, effective for all NanoLumens displays purchased from September 1, 2013. According to Karen Robinson, Executive Vice President of Business Development, the new warranty covers everything, down to a single LED.

“NanoLumens displays are designed, engineered, and manufactured to the very highest quality standards,” Robinson said today. “Our Six-Year, Zero Failure Warranty Program underscores our belief that NanoLumens displays are second to none in quality.”

According to Robinson, other LED display manufacturers can leave customers exposed to a 0.5% LED failure rate. “It may seem low at first glance. However, if you own a display that has one million LEDs, you will face the reality that 5,000 individual LEDs need to be defective before your warranty covers repairs. At NanoLumens, this is unacceptable. We promise customers zero failure coverage, an industry first that establishes a new benchmark for other LED manufacturers to try to meet.”

The new warranty covers the entire display from corner to corner, including all parts and controller devices, sold by NanoLumens to end users, resellers, and distributors, effective from the date of shipment. NanoLumens warrants to the end user that the display will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use as intended by NanoLumens for the warranty period and applies only to the displays as originally installed at the end user location. For more information about the new warranty program, please contact Clay Montaigne at cmontaigne@nanolumens.com.

Wyrestorm Taps Stampede To Serve As Its First Distributor Of Pro Av Solutions

WyreStorm, a global manufacturer that specializes in innovative HD audio and video distribution products, and is a leading adopter of HDBaseT™ technology, today announced a strategic partnership with Stampede Presentation Products, Inc. to help drive sales of its ProAV solutions through the broad range of channels served by Stampede’s 11,000 dealer network. 

According Mark Dziekan, National Sales Manager of WyreStorm Pro AV Solutions, Stampede is the first distributor to be appointed by WyreStorm. 

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Stampede, a sales partner that shares our philosophy of providing meaningful value added distribution solutions to the professional marketplace," Dziekan said. "The Stampede team brings a complete program to its customers, a program that includes the industry’s broadest array of products that are backed up by a strategically focused management team, world-class online training, and outstanding customer support.  Their understanding of the AV/IT convergence that is now reshaping our markets makes them the ideal North American distribution partner for WyreStorm.”

“Our 11,000 dealers look to Stampede to bring them the products and solutions they need to help them grow their business every day of the year,” Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly said today. “WyreStorm’s Pro AV Solutions will help them do just that.  They offer innovative AV switching, extender and HDBaseT distribution opportunities that our dealers, and their businesses, will benefit from. Full HD audio and video performance and reliability are essential when servicing the sophisticated design projects that our commercial and broadcast AV dealers work with. We are confident that the addition of WyreStorm products to our line will provide them with the high level of professional performance and flexibility demanded in those applications.”

According to Kelly, Stampede will offer WyreStorm’s Pro Plus matrices, award-winning digital amplifier, extenders and converters.  With a wide range of high performance WyreStorm HD AV distribution solutions to select from, Stampede customers will benefit from greater reliability of one-brand distribution solutions, consolidated product sourcing, and increased order management efficiencies.

Stampede will exhibit the WyreStorm product line at CEDIA 2013 at Booth #2531.  For more information about WyreStorm visit www.wyrestorm.com.  For more information about Stampede visit www.stampede-usa.com.