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Friday, May 08, 2009

Sennheiser Pro Products Division Names Sonic Circus Dealer Of The Year

“I am impressed with the high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and success the Sonic Circus team possesses." - Jeff Alexander, Sennheiser Professional Products Division

The U.S. subsidiary of Sennheiser has named Sonic Circus, Inc. its 2008 “Dealer of the Year” for exemplary sales, customer support and comprehension of Sennheiser’s extensive line of professional products.

To express its thanks, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation will make a generous donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the name of Sonic Circus. The donation will support children suffering from cancer and other devastating diseases.

“I am impressed with the high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and success the Sonic Circus team possesses,” said Jeff Alexander, vice president of sales and marketing for Sennheiser’s Professional Products Division. “I expect to see even further mutual growth and success in the future.”

For more than 10 years, Sonic Circus has provided audio solutions for recording and broadcast studios, live sound companies and independent engineers and producers. In addition to a wide selection of audio gear that includes over 250 lines of audio hardware and software and vintage recording equipment, Sonic Circus also offers technical design and support services.

Sennheiser Electronic Corporation has also named top dealers for its six other business categories. Those honored are: The Music People, Inc. (Sennheiser music industry business), Total Video Products, Inc. (Sennheiser installed sound business), Stereo Advantage, Inc. (Sennheiser consumer electronics business), Harris Communications, Inc. (Sennheiser audiology business), MyPilotStore.com (Sennheiser aviation business), and Computer Discount Warehouse (Sennheiser telecommunications business).

Additionally, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation has announced that Baycom, Inc. is the first-ever recipient of the Sennheiser Marketing Award. Baycom is an enthusiastic proponent of the Sennheiser Tourguide product line, and has a reputation for providing excellent service and support to both Sennheiser customers and its own patrons.

Sennheiser USA Website

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Thursday, May 07, 2009

More Than 250 Churches To Be Represented At Upcoming WFX California

“WFX is pleased to welcome facilities and tech teams from some of the most innovative churches in California and beyond." - Nicole Derany, WFX Show Director

Worship Facilities Conference & Expo has announced the participation of more than 250 churches at next week’s WFX California, taking place May 13-15, 2009 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.

Among the churches are congregations implementing the latest technologies and services to grow and enhance their ministries.

“WFX is pleased to welcome facilities and tech teams from some of the most innovative churches in California and beyond,” said Nicole Derany, WFX Show Director. “These churches have successfully blended their facilities with their technology capabilities for maximum ministry impact. They recognize WFX as a must attend event to stay on the cutting edge of tools that enhance ministry efforts.”

Members of these leading churches will be among those attending WFX California:

Church of the Rock – Winnipeg, Canada
The Church of the Rock encourages networking and support among its members at the Solid Rock Cafe. Now in its fourth year, this two-level facility includes a gym, café, gaming area, and even Dance Dance Revolution to promote ‘clean fun.’

Crystal Cathedral – Garden Grove, CA
A pioneer in church architecture, the Crystal Cathedral boasts over 10,000 windows, 16,000 trusses, and over 2,700 seats in this 128-foot tall glass structure which accommodates more than 10,000 members. The church has gained international recognition from its “Hour of Power” weekly television program.

Eastside Christian Church – Fullerton, CA
What started as an idea in a living room has into a campus which includes a worship center, fellowship hall, and classrooms to educate over 600 students at the Eastside Christian School. The Eastside Christian Church remodeled their main Worship Center in 2000 and has planted churches throughout California.

Menlo Park Presbyterian Church – Menlo Park, CA
The Menlo Park Café, which opened in 2004 as an overflow service of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, offers an intimate, informal worship gathering. Services are led by Campus Pastor, Dave Peterson, and feature a live worship band and video message.

Newsong Church – Los Angeles, CA
Founded in 1993 by WFX Keynote Presenter Dave Gibbons, Newsong Churches are now located internationally, including the United States, Thailand, Mexico, England, and India. Among the goals of Newsong are planting customized churches, launching a multisite church, encouraging leadership, and becoming a creative center for the arts.

North Coast Church – Vista, CA
Considered the pioneers of Multi-site/Video Venues, North Coast launched their first venue in 1998 and has grown to over 6,500 in weekend attendance. North Coast currently has five on-site video venues and three offsite venues.

Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, CA
The Saddleback Church has created more than 200 ministries and eight worship venues in Southern California. In addition, they have founded an online Internet Campus, counseling and support programs, Bible studies and seminars, and local and international outreach programs.

The Grove Community Church – Riverside, CA
The Grove Community Church has implemented “Little Churches” to foster new relationships and growth within smaller groups of worshippers striving toward the same goal. The Grove also features The Grille within The Grove Bookstore, an acclaimed full-service restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus along with holiday brunches and catering services.

The ROCK Full Gospel Church – Parkersburg, WV
The ROCK is currently building a new 34,000 square-foot facility to include a 600-seat capacity sanctuary, state-of-the-art classrooms for childrens’ programs, multi-media meeting rooms, and a full-service coffee and cappuccino lounge. The project is slated for completion in Spring of 2010.

The WFX California program was designed for churches of all sizes and stages of development. The event also features a variety of special events to facilitate networking between churches and attendees.

Registration is available for WFX online at www.wfxweb.com or by calling the WFX Help Desk at 800-598-6031, Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm, EST.

WFX Website

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Sennheiser To Distribute K-Array Louspeaker & Amplifier Products In North America

K-Array will be officially introduced to the North American market in June at the InfoComm show in Orlando; product shipping also begins in June

Sennheiser has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for North America with K-Array, a PA loudspeaker and amplifier manufacturer based in Florence, Italy.

The K-Array flagship KH4 two-way, flat-panel line array delivers consistent, high-quality audio in long throw applications. Weighing just over 104 pounds and measuring 44 inches wide by 24 inches high and just 6.3 inches deep, the system is specified as producing 145 dB SPL. The vertical coverage pattern is variable between 7 degrees and 37 degrees, with a 120-degree horizontal coverage pattern.

The KS4 self-powered, dipole subwoofer is also just 6.3 inches in depth and weighs 82 pounds. An internal DSP module controls the KH4 mid/high pack and the KS4 subwoofer. Theloud speakers may be computer controlled remotely using dedicated PC software.

Vaino Gennaro, business director for live sound products at Sennheiser Canada says, “We are excited to bring this innovative technology to North America. The technology, design, and sound quality of K-Array have generated a big buzz in Europe and the Middle East. The depth of the line and the crossover into various markets makes K-Array an extremely attractive brand. It will change the production standards of the live entertainment industry.”

Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, located in The United States, is thrilled to add K-array to their portfolio. Dawn Birr, SEC’s product manager for K-Array says, “K-Array is lighter and smaller than traditional loudspeaker arrays. The KH4 has developed a unique high-power, flat panel speaker technology for long-throw, large venue applications. The space-saving design and performance-to-size ratio offer significant cost savings in production, rigging, transportation and setup for medium to large-scale live performance events.”

“We are delighted that Sennheiser is handling the distribution of our products in North America,’” says Alex Tatini, CEO of K-Array. “Sennheiser has a long and illustrious history in the audio industry. We are experiencing strong growth, and having Sennheiser on board means that we can gain access more easily into their growing markets. We look forward to a long and profitable partnership.”

Other K-Array products include the ultra-slim Kobra Systems, the Ka line of Class D amplifiers and KM8 ultra-compact, high-powered line array stage monitors. Included in the Kobra Systems range are the KK200 and KK50, ultra-thin, three-dimensional array loudspeakers, which are 6.5 feet and 1.6 feet in length, respectively. Sennheiser China announced their distribution agreement with K-Array in December 2008.

K-Array will be officially introduced to the North American Market in June 2009 at the InfoComm show in Orlando. Product will begin shipping in June.

Sennheiser USA Website

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Shure Extends Rebates For 700 MHz Wireless Systems To December 31, 2009

Offer applies to Shure 700 MHz wireless systems as well as other manufacturers qualifying 700 MHz systems

Shure is extending its rebate program of up to $1,000 for the trade-in of Shure 700 MHz frequency band (698-806 MHz) wireless systems and for any other manufacturers’ qualifying 700 MHz frequency band wireless systems and their related components until the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2009).

“Due to the current economic crisis, there are some dealers who have not been able to take advantage of this program yet, and we want to do what we can to help them,” said Mark Humrichouser, General Manager of Shure’s Americas Business Unit.  “In addition, the response to the rebate program has been overwhelmingly positive so far, which is also why we’re extending the rebate until the end of the year.”

Customers may submit their rebate forms with the purchase of the following new replacement products: UHF-R, ULX, MX690/SLX4L, PSM 700 (H3, L2 bands), and PGX.

“Despite the fact that a final decision from the FCC is still pending, we want our customers to know that we’re here to help,” added Humrichouser.

For a complete summary of the terms and conditions of this rebate program, to learn which products are eligible , and to obtain a rebate form, customers should visit the Shure website at http://www.shure.com/rebate.

For information about rebates or trade-ins for in-warranty Shure wireless systems, call 800-25-SHURE (800-257-4873).

Shure Website

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Midas & Klark Teknik Appoint Rightway Audio As Representatives For Taiwan

“In just a year Rightway has proved to be an excellent distributor for Midas and Klark Teknik. "We’re confident in their ability to develop our brands across Taiwan.” - David Cooper, Midas and Klark Teknik Sales & Marketing Director

Rightway Audio Systems, already the Midas and Klark Teknik distributor for China, Hong Kong and Macau, has also been appointed to handle the same brands in Taiwan.

Since the initial appointment a year ago, Rightway Audio has already sold 10 Midas XL8 Live Performance Systems and five PRO6 Live Audio Systems, as well as serving as a leading distributor of Klark Teknik, in particular the company’s Square ONE product range.

“We’re very honored to be expanding the brands across Greater China,” states Sales Manager Alan Wong, who will initially be handling the business from Rightway’s Hong Kong office and appointing dealers across the new region.

“In just a year Rightway has proved to be an excellent distributor for Midas and Klark Teknik, as their sales performance demonstrates,” says Midas and Klark Teknik Sales & Marketing Director David Cooper. “We’re confident in their ability to develop our brands across Taiwan.”

Midas Website
Klark Teknik Website
Bosch Communications Group Website

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NSCA University Focusing On DTV Issues, AV-IT Convergence & More At Upcoming InfoComm Show

Another focus is business health care solutions

NSCA University will be providing a focus on the upcoming DTV transition, managing the convergence between AV and IT, and more at the upcoming InfoComm (2009) show in Orlando.

These sessions, along with a presentation on SystemsPlus Health Solutions will allow contractors, technicians, and business owners understand the benefits, road-blocks, and opportunities that will allow employees and customers to save time, solve problems, and make money.

Specifics:
—White Spaces Yesterday and Today: Impact of FCC Ruling on Wireless Microphone Industry, sponsored by Sound & Communications, is a panel discussion featuring manufacturers and contractors affected by this transition.  Learn how the June 2009 digital transition has or will affect contractors, technicians, consultants and their customers.  Hear whether RF interference will be a problem or an opportunity.  Discover potential challenges, opportunities and solutions for your business and how you can address customer needs and concerns.
—Bridging the Cultural Gap: Defining the AV & IT Partnership, sponsored by AV Technology, features a panel discussion on finding the middle ground between the AV world and IT managers no matter which side of the fence you are on. Convergence is a reality, and there is no better time like the present to understand how to work together by speaking a common language. Discover what motivates and what deters from a positive experience when these worlds engage. Recognize strengths and weaknesses that each party brings to a project. Hear from both Integrators and IT managers on how to build successful working relationships in this panel discussion.
—Save Money with Industry-Specific SystemsPlus Insurance Solutions. Systems integrators have to provide robust health insurance to recruit and retain valuable employees. But right now, everyone is paying more and getting less. In this session, learn about NSCA’s solution to address this massive, nationwide problem by stabilizing your health care costs, and how you can save money on P&C and surety insurance without sacrificing protection. Attend the free informational seminar at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday or Friday in the NSCA Zone on the show floor.

For more information on NSCA University sessions and events at InfoComm 09, go to www.nscaatinfocomm.org.

NSCA Website

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Saturday, May 02, 2009

Symetrix & Mercenary Audio Renew Alliance On Lucid Brand

"We had a very strong past relationship with Lucid and are excited to rekindle that alliance." - Jay Fitz, Mercenary Audio

Symetrix has announced a renewed alliance with pro audio specialty retailer Mercenary Audio, which is once again carrying Lucid, the Symetrix brand targeted at digital audio applications.

The Foxboro, Massachusetts-based company is now stocking the Lucid 88192 A/D and D/A converter as well as the GENx192 Ultra Low Jitter Studio Master Clock, and will be actively marketing both of these models to digital audio customers throughout the U.S.

The two companies had forged a strong business relationship earlier this decade as Mercenary Audio became a successful Lucid dealer, exposing their customers to Lucid digital audio tools being brought to market by Symetrix. That relationship eventually waned but is now being revitalized.

“It was a partnership that was profitable on multiple levels for both of us,” noted Jim Latimer, Northern Regional Sales Manager for Symetrix. “We each gained some knowledge, experience, and credibility from the other. We had some fun, and got to play with some really cool, high-quality, digital audio gear that enhanced a lot of people’s recordings.”

Jay Fitz of Mercenary Audio states, “We were very pleased when we found out that Lucid was making a comeback within the Symetrix family. We had a very strong past relationship with Lucid and are excited to rekindle that alliance. We know that Lucid makes a quality product and did not hesitate when asked to once again support the line.”

Symetrix Website
Lucid Website
Mercenary Audio Website

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Friday, May 01, 2009

Midas Unveils PRO6 Digital Mixing Console To Brazilian Marketplace

“The high turnout showed us that there is great interest in both our products and our partnership in the rapidly growing Brazilian market." - Robert Klesser, Bosch Communications Systems Division

Nearly 300 audio professionals from the world of broadcasting, live audio, and audio rental came together on March 25 for the Brazilian launch of the PRO6, the new digital mixing console from Midas.

Organized by the Bosch Communications Systems Division, their Brazilian distributor TelePonto, and regional dealer Vitoria-Som, the launch was held at Vila Country, a 12,000-square-meter, western-themed complex with dance floors, saloons, shops, and space for livestock auctions. Vila Country is also outfitted head-to-toe with audio equipment from Electro-Voice, effectively making it Brazil’s largest EV showroom.

“Having raised the bar with the flagship XL8 system, the introduction of the PRO6 brings Midas digital technology to a more compact size and accessible price point,” says Robert Klesser, Sales Manager, Brazil, Bosch Security Systems, Inc., Communications Systems Division.

“There has been a tremendous amount of interest in the new digital Midas – our guests couldn’t wait to try it and see if it captured the ‘Midas Sound’ – no one was disappointed.”

The launch festivities began in the evening with a reception for the guests, who were treated various demonstrations of the latest equipment from Electro-Voice and Klark Teknik. The guests then adjourned to the venue’s saloon for the main event: a demonstration of three new Midas PRO6 consoles and an XL8.

A brief presentation and hands-on demos by Mitch Mortenson (Bosch), Joao “Cotô” Guarino (TelePonto), and Andre Spinola (Diante do Trono) ensued while three country bands – Vila Country House Band, Barra da Saia, and Lucas e Luan – performed live on stage.

In addition to the PRO6 and XL8 mixing consoles, the stage was equipped with Electro-Voice N/DYM and RE-2 wireless microphones for the bands and presentations, with sound reinforcement via 16 EV XLC127 DVX line array loudspeakers and eight Xsubs, powered by nine EV P3000RL amplifiers and controlled via IRIS-Net processing.

“The launch of the Midas PRO6 was a fantastic success,” says Klesser. “The high turnout showed us that there is great interest in both our products and our partnership in the rapidly growing Brazilian market. On behalf of Bosch, I would like to thank all our guests and our friends at TelePonto and Vitoria-Som for making this such a memorable event.”

Midas Website

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Changes Are The Only Constant In The Marketplace For Wireless System Spectrum

Although we've all been aware of many aspects of these problems for several years now, it's important to note that this subject is a moving target

Many of us have heard about White Space Devices (WSDs) and that they have been named TV Band Devices (TVBDs) - maybe because “WSD” sounds a little too close to “WMD”.

And perhaps some of us are aware that according to the FCC, these devices will co-exist with our TV broadcasts AND our wireless microphones in the UHF band between about 500 and 698 MHz.

So of course the concern is that these devices might interfere with our wireless mics, and indeed, the potential is there for this to happen.

Fortunately, the FCC has built some protection into the technical requirements for TVBDs before they can be manufactured and sold. And the FCC has given wireless mics priority over TVBDs.

The problem of course is that ANY interference, no matter how brief, is unacceptable in the live production environment, so whatever protection is in these TVBDs absolutely must work and must not allow them to step on any wireless mic, anywhere.

One of the protections in place is that these devices are supposed to first access a database of known, registered wireless mics to see A) where they are and B) what frequencies they’re on. This database is supposed to be managed by a third party (in other words, not directly by the FCC).

This also means that wireless mic users would benefit from registering their products. However, thus far we’ve not seen an actual mechanism for this to occur.

But I did just run across something that may end up being involved:

http://www.showmywhitespace.com/ShowMyWhiteSpace/tabid/60/Default.aspx

This company, Spectrum Bridge, appears to be positioning themselves to be a marketplace for spectrum. How this will play out is not clear, but it may be worth signing up for their newsletter to keep informed.

I also found a cool feature:

http://whitespacemap.specex.com/

This is an interactive map showing the location of TV broadcasts all over the country. It appears that it may also in the future contain locations of registered wireless mic users or other spectrum users, and again, this might be something worth watching.

In the meantime, Shure has petitioned the FCC to delay allowing TVBDs into the market until they provide even greater protection for existing wireless mic users. (Read more about that here.)

Bravo to Shure for leading the way towards first getting the FCC to recognize the scope of the problem (there are millions of wireless mic users out there), and also for keeping up the fight on behalf of all who depend upon wireless systems.

We have a lot to lose if we suddenly have new devices stepping all over our wireless mics at churches, theaters, tours, boardrooms, stadiums, etc.

Although we’ve all been aware of many aspects of these problems for several years now, it’s important to note that this subject is a moving target and you (yes, you) need to stay informed.

This blog aims to help you do that.

Signing off for now…
Mike Wireless

Mike Wireless is the nom de plume of a long-time RF geek devoted to better entertainment wireless system practices the world over.

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Euphonix Announces Move Of Corporate Headquarters Coming In Late May 2009

An address change, but phone, fax and web stay the same...

Euphonix has announced that they are moving their corporate headquarters the last week of May, 2009.

As of May 26, the new Euphonix corporate headquarters will be located at:
1330 West Middlefield Road
Mountain View, CA 94043

The Euphonix phone number (650) 855-0400 and fax number (650) 855-0410 will not change, nor will the company web site www.euphonix.com.

The contact information for Euphonix’ sales offices in Los Angeles and New York will also remain the same.

Euphonix Website

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Monday, April 27, 2009

Innovative Tech Directors To Share Experiences In Keynote At WFX California Conference & Expo

Several of the nation’s top tech directors from churches of all sizes will share and compare challenges, accomplishments, mistakes, theories and question

Worship Facilities Conference & Expo, the event for church executive, facilities, and technology teams, announced its lineup of keynote presenters at WFX California, taking place May 13-15 in Long Beach, California.

Presentations include:
Role Reversal: Top Tech Directors Take Center Stage
(Tech Talk Keynote, Friday, May 15, 10:00 am)
Moderated by Bruce Smith, former technical director for Willow Creek Community Church, several of the nation’s top tech directors from churches of all sizes will share and compare challenges, accomplishments, mistakes, theories and questions. Panelists include:
• Aaron Asay, Media Communications Director, Kearney eFree Church - Kearney, Nebraska
• Jill Gille, Director of Weekend Experiences, Eastside Christian - Fullerton, California
• Mychal John, Production Director, Central Christian Church - Las Vegas, Nevada
• Jason Widney, Media Arts, Park Community Church - Chicago, Illinois

Keynote presentations are made possible by the generous support of the WFX Keynote Production Sponsors:
• Audio Provider: Yamaha
• Lighting Direction: Greg Persinger, Vivid Illumination
• Lighting Providers: A.C. Lighting, Inc., Elation Professional, Felix Lighting, Vari*Lite
• Set Design: Atomic Design, Inc.
• Technical Director: Anthony Coppedge, Consultant and Technology Evangelist
• Video Editing Provider: Renewed Vision
• Video Projection Provider: Christie Digital Systems
• Video Screen Provider: Stewart Filmscreen
• Video Production: TV Pro Gear

Other Presenters:
Larry Osborne, Senior Pastor, North Coast Church, Wednesday, May 13, 1:45 pm
Larry Osborne has served as a Senior Pastor and Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church since 1980. He has helped oversee the growth of the church from a fledgling group of 128 meeting in a rented school to a multi-site ministry that reaches nearly 7,000 in weekend attendance. North Coast Church has been recognized as one of the ten most influential churches in America, as well as one of the most innovative.

Osborne will take an in-depth look at some of the primary WFX principles in this culture-driven keynote presentation, The Death of the One-Size-Fits-All Ministry. He will touch on current church trends that help achieve ministry objectives, involving the use of both facilities and technology. This general session will offer WFX attendees the insight and inspiration they need to reach their goals.

Dave Gibbons, Lead Pastor, Newsong Church, Thursday, May 14, 8:30 am
Dave Gibbons is an executive coach, consultant and expert on culture, strategy, and social movements. He is the CVO and founder of YangDang.com, a new cause driven, east/west social tool to enable people to radically make a difference. He is the Lead Ethos Architect of the NEWSONG Global Alliance (Third Culture communities in Irvine, NOC, Los Angeles, Dallas, London, Mexico City, India, Seoul, Bangkok, and soon New York City and Beijing), which catalyzes churches with multiple sizes, forms, and styles.

Gibbons serves on the Board of World Vision US and is also the CVO of Xealot, a community development organization that develops movement leaders. He authored The Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for Third Culture Leaders, which addresses one of the most critical aspects of leadership in the midst of economic, spiritual, political, and cultural change.

John Ortberg, Senior Pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, Thursday, May 14, 10:15 am
John Ortberg is the Senior Pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, an evangelical church organized in 1873. With a congregation of over 5,000 members, MPPC was named one of the Most Influential Churches in America in 2007 by Outreach Magazine. Ortberg is the former senior pastor of Horizons Community Church in Southern California and also served as Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago area.

In his keynote presentation, Ortberg will provide insight into the mission and urgency of the local church. WFX attendees will learn how his past experiences have shaped his beliefs along with the future of MPPC, which has opened two multi-site venues in California over the past two years.

WFX Keynote presentations are open to all attendees. Registration for all attendee packages, including the Conference Pass, Pastor’s Pass, and Expo-Plus Pass, is available online at www.wfxweb.com or by calling the WFX Help Desk at 800-598-6031.

WFX Website

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Avid Announces First Quarter 2009 Revenue Results; Unveils New Brand Identity

"When the economy enters a period of recovery, we will be well positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities that exist in our markets.” - Gary Greenfield, Avid Chairman & CEO

Avid (Digidesign, M-Audio, Avid and other leading brands) has reported revenues of $151.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, compared to $198.3 million for the same period in 2008.

The GAAP net loss for the quarter was $17.3 million, or $.47 per share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $21.1 million, or $.54 per share, in the first quarter of 2008.

The GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2009 included amortization of intangibles, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs and related tax adjustments, collectively totaling $11.7 million. Excluding these items, the non-GAAP net loss was $5.6 million for the first quarter, or $.15 per share.

“The economic climate continues to be a challenge; however, we are making solid progress executing our strategy to transform Avid,” said Gary Greenfield, Avid’s chairman and CEO. “The steps we’ve taken to integrate our business have enabled us to begin cultivating deeper partnerships with our customers – from home enthusiasts to large media enterprises – helping us to better understand their needs in terms of interoperability, openness, collaborative production and workflow.

“When the economy enters a period of recovery, we will be well positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities that exist in our markets.”

In addition, Avid has unveiled a new brand identity as part of the company’s business transformation to better serve the interests and needs of its audio and video customers.

At the center of Avid’s brand identity is a new logo composed of simple geometric shapes derived from the buttons, icons and markers that consumers and professionals recognize as fundamental to the digital audio and video solutions they use every day to enable their creativity.

The new logo forms a visual connection to iconic shapes that represent “volume up, volume down, play, pause, record and forward,” signaling a unification of the company’s core audio and video offerings.  The distinctive mark also spells out the company’s name in abstract letterforms.

“Avid is coming together as one company with new offerings, a new strategy, and a new operating model. We are stronger as one company than we are as separate parts, and we have a unique opportunity to help our customers achieve greater success in a digital world,” said Greenfield. “Our new identity is one of the powerful ways we are communicating the evolution of our business as well as our commitment to partner with customers by understanding exactly what they want to do. 

“Whether it’s the flawless execution of a global television broadcast, a chart-topping hit song, a lean-forward moment on the big screen or in a sold out concert venue, or a home movie that family members will cherish for a lifetime, our customers want integrated, interoperable, and open audio and video offerings.  By pulling together all of our category-creating technologies under one roof, we are beginning to serve our customers with digital media solutions unlike any other company in the world.”

Historically, Avid has been a family of separate businesses – Avid, Digidesign, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems and Sibelius – that served audio and video customers independently of one another.  As part of a strategic transformation that began last year, Avid’s new brand identity communicates the fusing of these businesses and further positions the company to capitalize on the convergence of digital audio and video technology while addressing customer requirements for integrated systems that enhance creativity and deliver significant ROI.

Dave Lebolt, Avid’s Chief Technology Officer, said, “We are refining the way we define and develop our solutions, leveraging technology across all of our audio and video capabilities in ways that no other company can. Having unification across the breadth and depth of Avid’s portfolio allows us to accelerate interoperability between Avid systems – like Pro Tools and Media Composer. These two systems now sync smoothly via Video Satellite, allowing users to connect a Pro Tools|HD system to an Avid Media Composer system for synchronized playback and connect up to four Pro Tools|HD systems plus one Media Composer when adding the Satellite Link option – and all without requiring any rendering of complex video sequences. 

“We’re also in a better position to further explore integrated bundled offerings – and how these offerings work openly with third-party applications – in a way that meets new and emerging demands of today’s content creators. We look forward to working closely with our customers to define these next-generation solutions.”

Avid Website

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Friday, April 24, 2009

RCF Opens New Sales Offices To Support Audio Professionals In Spain

Rafael Gonzalez has been names RCF Director of Sales in Spain

RCF is opening a new sales office in Spain, based in the Madrid area, to provide direct distribution to all of the company’s customers in addition to bolstering on-site support.

Rafael Gonzalez has been names RCF Director of Sales in Spain for professional audio products and will be based at the company’s new facility.

Alberto Ruozzi, RCF Director of Sales, commented: “Rafael is a very high profile sales manager with a vast experience on the professional market having dealt with many brands in his career. M.I. and professional audio retailers, rental companies, installation companies, will have now access to products directly from RCF company headquarters in Italy and, thanks to Rafael’s expertise, to an unsurpassed level of support.”

Contact information:
RCF SPAIN SALES OFFICE
Rafael Gonzales
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tel./Fax: +34 91 817 42 66

RCF Website

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Harman Professional CEO Blake Augsburger Honored By Texas Tech University With Engineer Award

The award is a recognition of alum who have excelled in their profession, have provided inspiration to their peers and have demonstrated a continuing interest in areas outside of engineering

Harman Professional Chief Executive Officer Blake Augsburger has been named a recipient of Texas Tech University’s Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering Distinguished Engineer Award. 

The prestigious award is a recognition of University alum who have excelled in their profession, have provided inspiration to their peers and have demonstrated a continuing interest in areas outside of engineering. Augsburger joins Chi-Ming Chang, James A. Edmiston, Shelby Johnson and J. G. Soules as 2009 Distinguished Engineer Award recipients for outstanding contributions to the engineering field.

“I am honored and humbled to be named a Distinguished Engineer by Texas Tech University,” Augsburger said. “Having attended the school for my graduate and post-graduate degrees, I am acutely aware of the depth of talent that passes through the University’s halls. It’s a great privilege to join Chi-Ming Chang, James A. Edmiston, Shelby Johnson and J. G. Soules as a 2009 Distinguished Engineer Award recipient. I congratulate the other recipients and I am grateful to the University for its contribution to the advancement of engineering innovation, for its great service to the student body and for the education and direction that I received at the school.”

The Distinguished Engineer Award was established during the 1966-67 academic year to recognize the most outstanding alumni of the college. Since that time, 194 graduates have received this honor.

“The Distinguished Engineer Award is an excellent opportunity for the Whitacre College of Engineering to recognize our exceptional alumni,” said Pamela Eibeck, dean of the Whitacre College of Engineering. “Our faculty and staff are proud of the accomplishments of our alumni, especially those that earn the title of ‘Distinguished Engineer.’ These five individuals are members of an elite group that have coupled outstanding career success with significant contributions to society.”

“The professional audio and video communities are packed tight with excellent engineering talent and at Harman Professional we are determined to lead AV innovation by investing heavily in engineering R&D so that our products out-innovate the competition and outperform market expectations,” Augsburger continued. “I am proud and pleased that Harman Professional’s recognized track record of engineering excellence and innovation mirrors that of Texas Tech.”

Harman Professional Website

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Mackie Offering Chance To Win New HD Loudspeakers, Compact Mixer In 20th Anniversary Contest

"Whatever your story, funny or heartfelt, long or short, old school or new school… we want to hear it." - Mackie

In celebration of 20 years in professional audio, Mackie is asking customers to submit their stories and photos of Mackie products, or even videos, to enter the company’s “20 Years Running” contest.

The Mackie website notes, “We want to hear about your beer-drenched VLZ Pro that still works; the time you dropped your SRM450 off a building by accident and it powered up for your gig the same night; your original CR-1604 you still use religiously; your world-record for the largest collection of Mackie vintage swag; your Running Man tattoo that you had to get to show your devotion for Mackie. Whatever your story, funny or heartfelt, long or short, old school or new school… we want to hear it.”

The best story (based on creativity, originality, composition and overall impression) will be featured in Mackie’s next e-newsletter and on www.mackie.com, and will be the winner of a pair of the company’s new Mackie’s New HD1531 high-definition powered loudspeakers and a 1604-VLZ3 compact mixer - a prize valued at $4,000 (USD).

For more information and to enter the contest, go to http://www.mackie.com/20yr/

Mackie Website

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