The future of signal transmission? One guy's take... After a great deal of rumination, a conclusion has become quite evident to Charlie Wicks of Pro Co: he'd better be ready to move into the audio transmission business, because he could pretty much be forced to transition out of the standard cable business within the next 10 years.

Impressive milestones. PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark reflects on the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight and ruminates on progress in modern sound reinforcement.

Grass always greener? It’s human nature. We look at our colleagues and come to believe they have “it” better or more lucrative than we do. But it's important to make decisions that are right for you and your business, as Mike MacDonald explains.

Thinking about leasing? Increasingly, sound companies are looking at the option of leasing rather than buying new gear. Doug Kocsis has just set up shop, specializing in providing leasing programs tailored to the audio market.

Managing risk in business. Regardless of your career situation in pro audio, you are managing risk in some way. What's your risk tolerance quotient? Find out!

Sennheiser U.S. at 40. A look at the U.S. subsidiary of Sennheiser as it marks its 40th anniversary of business. Currently headed by John Falcon (above), the operation has contributed strongly to Sennheiser’s overall success.

Grow your business? It’s human nature - we don’t want to rest on our laurels. So we seek to take our business in new directions. Mike MacDonald talks about how to make the right decisions.

Get your “Biz Chops” in order! LA area audio folks, take advantage of an opportunity to get your business tools together, with three industry vets showing you how. Call it Business 101 for Audio Pros!

Dead inventory impact. Yes, it's the gift that keeps on taking. Dead inventory, that is. Michael MacDonald explains its impact and offers useful strategies for relieving this drain on your business.

Inside the web. So just how does ProSoundWeb keep track of its hundreds of thousands of users and millions of page views? PSW Webmaster Ernie talks about "Urchin" and shares some secrets.

Webcasting legalities. Thanks to recent legislation, the legalities of webcasting are getting a lot more complicated. Best to know the current rules and regs before proceeding. Steve Harvey reports...

Dirty laundry department. If purveyors of corporate shlock are the only ones who get the real treatment, we do a disservice. Remember that next time you’ve got the digital crossovers and the hot wedges stashed in the basement. Jack Alexander explains.

Grammy goes to Shure. Shure has just been awarded a Technical Grammy for its contributions to the recording industry, joining luminaries like Les Paul and Rupert Neve. Shure President Sandy LaMantia accepted the award.

PAMA charter members. The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA), established earlier this year, has announced that 17 pro audio manufacturers have already signed on as charter members. Several other companies have indicated their intent to join in the near future.

Who’s responsible? In light of the tragedy at the Rhode Island nightclub, PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark offers some thoughts and strong words about the nature of responsibility among production personnel.

What’s convergence all about? NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson talks about how this term relates to the commercial audio/electronics industry. Where it’s going, and is it all for the best?

Service agreements. More than 80 percent of low-voltage contractors do not sell service agreements, in spite of the fact that a strong portfolio of service agreements can stabilize your cash flow, improve profitability and increase client satisfaction and the value of your company.

The big squeeze. It's a tough market for rental sound companies, especially when they're so busy cannibalizing their own market. Michael MacDonald outlines the problem and offers advice to help increase margins and profitablity.

Who’s Responsible? In light of the tragedy at the Rhode Island nightclub, PSW Editorial Director Keith Clark offers some thoughts and strong words about the nature of responsibility among production personnel.

Global Tension. PSW Live section editor Chris Kathman takes a moment to look at how international uncertainty is affecting the touring market, including cultural performers. Entertainment audio is a simple economic indicator – we get hired less when there are less events to amplify.

Crown’s Gerald Stanley. As part of our coverage of Crown’s 55th anniversary, we talked with Mr. Stanley, who’s been the backbone of the company’s engineering department for almost 40 years, a role he fills to this day. Crown past, present and future, plus bonus coverage!

Copyrights: Going forward. Lawyer Brendan Scott has done some excellent research into the history of copyright law, and also thought quite a bit about how our society might proceed into a future of improved regulations in this area. Here we present an excerpt from his paper, originally published on the First Monday site.

When lawyers attack! Audio profesionals and sound companies are increasingly at risk of frivolous lawsuits, as an increasing stream of lawyers look for a big payday while society seeks to blame anyone handy. Gary Stanfill provides the update and ways to protect yourself!

Science & Snake Oil. Is the church systems market plagued by charlatans whose primary motivation is making a buck? A question of ethics in the sound biz.

The secret is out. The record execs who scream bloody murder when some kid downloads an MP3 are the same people who continue to enjoy tons of free records. Chris Kathman thinks these hypocrites have some nerve!

Crown marks 55 (and counting…) From humble beginnings as an electronic product developer based in a chicken coop, Crown, founded by Clarence Moore (above), is currently celebrating its 55th year, now recognized as a world leader pro audio technologies.

New look For QSC. At the just-concluded AES Convention in LA, QSC CEO Barry Andrews took the wraps off a new logo for the company. To be phased in over the next two years, Andrews notes the logo reflects QSC’s evolution to a comprehensive audio systems supplier.

Taking a new approach. Peter Spellman talks about what’s wrong with the music business, where it’s going and will be growing, and provides some fascinating statistics on the past, present and future of the music economy compared to that of the “mainstream.”

A & H breaks last tie. Allen & Heath has broken its final tie to Harman, with a new company headed by Lynn Martin formed to distribute the UK-made consoles. Existing rep network to be maintained.

Is this man crazy? He could well be, but Terry Lowe presses on with the inaugural issue of “Front of House” magazine coming out this month. A behind the scenes look at the publishing side of the audio industry, the rationale for another magazine, and more about the new publication.

Managing your business capital. The term "capital" extends beyond dollars and cents to a wide range of assets that can be equally valuable. Acquiring this capital, and managing it, can be valuable, indeed. Gary Z comments.

Intriguing maneuvers by Bob & Dave. Bob Doyle (above) and David Webster, noted for their long-time, successful work with Midas and K-T, respectively, have teamed up with a new enterprise reported to be entering the digital console fray.

The return of Altec. The Altec Lansing brand has returned to the pro audio marketplace, with an official announcement at NSCA Expo 2002. The company is offering a line of ceiling loudspeakers, with more products and details announced soon.

The drivers behind the drivers. Lorenzo Coppini (left) and Simone Pratesi of B & C Speakers talk about developing the drivers used in leading loudspeakers and the future.

It's a knockoff world. Former Vega President Gary Stanfill shares observations on the problem of product "replication" - or what some might call stealing.

Why did Alesis fail? In light of the company's Chapter 11 filing, a detailed look at how (and why) it all fell apart. Also register your own opinion in talkback! And, what the lawyers said.

Convergence: Now, ever, never? Who's betting on an all-digital future, which companies are ignoring the winds of change, and who's blowing hot and cold?

Danes invade Britain again. TC Group to acquire TGI PLC. Chris Doering's report and analysis of TC Group's purchase the formerly private entity TGI PLC, owner of Tannoy, Martin Audio, Lab Gruppen and Goodmans Loudspeakers.

Hamilton Brosious, pioneer of pro audio. Harry Klane's in-depth profile of the man who piloted the tape recorder business into the solid state world, and much more. Part 1 and Part 2.

Line 6: The pros from Dover take over. In a three-year rocket ride not seen since the launch of the Mackie 1604, Line 6 has grown into one of the top 5 guitar amp manufacturers. Why?

Cirrus acquires Peak Audio. The reasoning behind the acquisition, what it means, the advantages and pitfalls. Chris Doering reports.

Here, now & the future. Keith Clark's conversation with Mackie CEO Jamie Engen about the company's recent moves and future plans.

Inside Nexo USA. Jim Sides hosts a tour of this growing operation, talks about winning bids, and provides some history of the company’s origin in France.

Allen & Heath declares its independence. Andy Wood reports on the the company's break from the Harman International stable. And, the official statement.

United Business Media splits two for one. London-based United Business Media, which publishes Pro Sound News and other magazines you might read, has split its NASDAQ-traded American Depositary Receipts two for one. What's an ADR and why do companies "split" shares?

When audiences stay home. The summer 2001 economy wasn't so hot. Pro A/V manufacturers traditionally have done well during slow economic periods, but maybe not this time.

So, do we have a network yet? The short answer, once again, is “no.” The 2001 AES generated rumors of progress, but no definitive solutions. What's the scoop?

Mixed Reaction to Alesis Bankruptcy. On May 11, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge in Los Angeles approved the Chapter 11 filing of Alesis. Bruce Borgerson interviewed a cross-section of dealers and users, and encountered reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to cautious optimism.