by KMB Communications | Aug 12, 2020 | Home Technology Association
Two-day virtual summit, available to HTA Certified members and HTA applicants, delivers education from top industry sellers, designed to help home technology professionals crush sales.
Santa Monica, CA (August 12, 2020) – The Home Technology Association (HTA), the first and only third-party certification for home technology installation companies, will be conducting its ‘Sales Dominance Summit 2020’ two-day virtual event on August 26 & 27. Some of the most successful sales leaders in the industry will deliver intensive sales panel sessions.
The Summit is open to all HTA Certified members and those firms who have completed their HTA Certification application as of August 24, 2020.
“We could focus on any number of things to help our HTA Certified members better their businesses, but right now, selling is the most crucial factor for most home technology firms,” says Josh Christian, CEO of HTA. “Moderated by Eric Thies from DSI, these sessions will be both fun and extremely useful, empowering home tech pros with new sales techniques and strategies.”
HTA’s Sales Dominance Summit 2020 Sessions include:
August 26, 11:00-12:00 PST
CI Sales Master Class I: “Coffee Is for Closers – The Sales Beasts of the HTA”
Learn from these HTA sales masters how to sell performance and not sell from your wallet. How do these pros sell millions and millions a year? We will find out in this fast-paced one-hour session (open for Q&A after). Panelists include:
Jay Bakaler, President/Founder of Metro Eighteen Inc.—Jay is a lifelong music aficionado who is responsible for all sales, client relationship management, and the evolution of Metro Eighteen’s service offerings to its customers.
Ken Johnson, Founder and CEO of Premiere Systems—Ken loves finding creative solutions for tricky problems. His company looks to build sustainable relationships with staff and customers based on a solid foundation of excellence and commitment.
Dan Stern, President & CEO of Aurum Home Technology—Dan has been in the industry since 1995, is very design-centric, and believes technology can enhance the overall design of the home and never detract from its appearance. He deals with all customer interactions and sales associated with growing the business.
August 27, 11:00-12:00 PM PST
CI Sales Master Class II: “East Coast Killers – The Sales Beasts of the HTA”
There is an enormous amount of sales talent in the HTA fold. We’ve selected three of the East’s sales monsters to share how they consistently sell at the highest level. You want to sell 10M+ a year? These amazingly talented pros will show you the way. A one-hour discussion with Q&A after. Panelists include:
Al Reinhard, AHT Global Principal—Al focuses on high-end luxury sales/engineering and the operations of AHT’s domestic offices.
Kim Michels, President at Electronic Environments, LTD—Kim led his company to more than $10 million in annual revenues by nurturing his team’s passion for technology, maintaining high internal standards, constant education, and dependable customer service.
Tom Clancy, Executive Vice President, Audio Command Systems—Tom is a dedicated husband, father, and coach. He provides ACS with day-to-day leadership while ensuring the long-term business development and future growth of ACS’ 44-year legacy.
For more information on the ‘Sales Dominance Summit 2020’, email success@htacertfied.org, visit HTACertified.org, and follow the Home Technology Association (HTA) on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About the Home Technology Association
The Home Technology Association (HTA) was formed to create a preeminent standard of excellence for the Custom Installation (CI) industry. HTA Certification is a rigorous-to-achieve standard that homeowners, builders, architects, and interior designers can rely on to find the very best residential technology integrators for their projects. Technology integrators who have passed the demanding 60+ point vetting process that focuses on exemplary customer service and aftercare support and a positive business reputation will be HTA Certified and recognized as part of an elite group of dedicated, highly skilled firms. The stringent criteria were developed by industry veterans, which were refined by the HTA Board of Advisors, which includes top executives from Sony, Lutron, Crestron, Control4, Savant, and more.
The mission of the Home Technology Association is to raise the bar in the CI industry by giving exceptional integrators a prestigious third-party endorsement they can use to differentiate their offering and ultimately, win more projects. Not only does this drive more business to the integration community, but it also ensures consumers have consistently great technology experiences. The result will be a dramatic transformation of the reputation and overall presence of the integration community and those who serve it. Learn more by visiting HTACertified.org and by following the Home Technology Association (HTA) on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Media Contact
For interviews or media inquiries, please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
by KMB Communications | Jul 28, 2020 | AtlasIED
Under development for two years, AtlasIED’s new Atmosphere™ platform sets a new standard for digital audio systems through touch-less controls, artificial intelligence, and automation, plus quick and easy setup and mastery by both AV integrators and end-users.
PHOENIX, AZ – (JULY 28, 2020) – AtlasIED—a global manufacturer of comprehensive audio solutions for commercial environments, has devoted the past two years to develop a new digital audio platform that’s dramatically easier configure, install, and operate than traditional digital audio systems, but with the modularity, scalability, versatility and quality performance to support the audio needs of a wide range of commercial applications. Ideally suited for use in restaurants, bars, hotels, school campuses, houses of worship, retail establishments, and other commercial environments, AtlasIED’s new Atmosphere™ platform comprises an entirely new suite of innovative products featuring a host of revolutionary technologies.
Engineered to enable the utilization of touchless control, automation, and artificial intelligence, Atmosphere’s™ combination of digital audio processors, amplifiers, graphical user interfaces, programming software, and controls sets a new operational and performance standard for digital audio systems. The components comprising the platform have been designed to work seamlessly together, to minimize training time and installation, configuration, and programming headaches for AV integrators, and reduce the learning curve for end-users.
“This product launch represents a new era for AtlasIED, signifying our commitment to the audiovisual community through a comprehensive product platform that offers unprecedented benefits to both integrators and end-users,” says John Ivey, president at AtlasIED. “The culmination of more than 480 man-months devoted to Atmosphere’s™ design, engineering, and execution, this platform launch and subsequent product rollouts positions AtlasIED as a leader in the digital audio industry and creates exciting business opportunities for technology integrators.”
Technologies Include Touch-less Control, Artificial Intelligence, and Automation
Gone are the days of multiple users touching the controls of a digital audio system to select sources, adjust the volume, and choose zones. Instead, Atmosphere™ enables each authorized user to manage the system from his or her own mobile device, lending a cleaner, more hygienic approach to control no matter which operating system is being utilized. Setup is simple: The controls of the Atmosphere™ digital audio processor populate automatically when a user’s mobile device scans the DSP’s QR code. Per parameters programmed initially into the system by the AV integrator, this QR code grants access to certain features; for example, allowing a manager to modify the schedule of outgoing messages, while staff is permitted to only adjust the volume level.
Leveraging this hands-off approach to control is Atmosphere’s™ revolutionary ambient noise compensation technology. Built into each Atmosphere™ DSP (two models are available) are multi-patented algorithms, which enable it to continually learn and adapt to changes in the environment. Through data collected and transmitted by an Atmosphere™ ambient noise sensor, the DSP comes to recognize patterns like the need to raise the volume at a bar during happy hour to compensate for high levels of ambient noise. Unlike systems that rely on external microphones to monitor the environment, Atmosphere™ uses artificial intelligence to analyze and respond to the predictable behaviors of its users, such as consistent commands issued from an Atmosphere™ volume controller, as well as data sent from an Atmosphere™ ambient noise sensor to the DSP.
The audio level isn’t the only setting that Atmosphere™ adjusts automatically. Messages uploaded to the DSP as WAV files can be dispatched according to a pre-programmed schedule based on priority or when triggered by an Atmosphere™ input device, such as a volume/source/zone selector. This level of automation affords AV integrators a digital audio solution that can be customized for exceptional operational convenience, efficiency, and performance. Adding another layer of customization is a built-in Tilter Filter™, which drastically simplifies tuning the audio for the specific room or zone with an easy-to-use feature that helps balance lows and highs.
“When a platform takes more than two years to develop and is multi-patented, you know it was built with intention,” says AtlasIED Director of Engineering and Product Management, Tom Lureman.
Interoperable Components Boast Attractive Industrial Design
Products currently comprising the Atmosphere™ digital audio platform include two varieties of digital signal processors (6-input/4-output AZM4 and 10-input/8-output AZM8; two amplifiers (400-watt AZA404 and 800-watt AZA804); six different plug-and-play accessories, including wall-mounted audio controllers (single- and multi-zone options); and remote audio inputs (RCA, Bluetooth, and XLR sources); and an ambient noise sensor. As many as 16 accessories can be daisy-chained to the AZM4 DSP and 20 to the AZM8. Plus, the entire Atmosphere™ lineup has been engineered to integrate with AtlasIED loudspeakers; integrators can use the preloaded EQ files in an Atmosphere™ DSP to easily tune the speakers for the specific application and environment. Boasting a clean, modern, industrial design, Atmosphere™ complements the aesthetic of most commercial environments.
See Atmosphere™ Live on July 28; Live Audio Demos on July 29, 30, and 31
There’s more in store for Atmosphere™, as AtlasIED will continue to add products to the lineup in strategically planned phased releases. In the meantime, AV integrators are invited to attend a live 30-minute streaming event to learn more about the digital audio platform, hear AtlasIED’s plans for the future, and to participate in live audio demos of the product.
Integrators can register to attend the live product launch on July 28 at 12 p.m. EDT at www.atlasied.com/specialevent/newproductlaunch. To see the system in action, integrators can also register at https://www.atlasied.com/SpecialEvent/NewProductDemoRoom to attend live audio demonstrations on July 29, 30, and 31 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. EDT.
About AtlasIED
AtlasIED is a global technologies manufacturer providing comprehensive audio and security solutions for commercial, corporate, educational, healthcare, retail, transportation, hospitality, and government environments. Offering industry-leading mass notification, life safety, VoIP, background music, paging, and sound-masking systems, AtlasIED delivers more than 2,000 audio solutions with a variety of resources to help security dealers sell, design and install audio communication technologies.
With nine locations and a network of manufacturer representatives and distributors around the world to provide superior support to dealers and customers, AtlasIED’s customer service is an industry benchmark that competitors strive to match. AtlasIED is family-owned, with manufacturing operations in the United States that hold an ISO 9001:2008 Quality Standards Certification to ensure consistently high-quality products, service, and support.
For more information please visit www.atlasied.com and follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
AtlasIED Media Contacts
Gina M. Sansivero, AtlasIED, (516) 901-8542, gina.sansivero@atlasied.com
Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640, katye@kmbcomm.com
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
by KMB Communications | Jul 22, 2020 | Zappiti
With software drivers available for Control4, Crestron, Savant, RTI, URC, and other home control platforms, Zappiti’s range of media players can easily become part of a complete smart home ecosystem.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (July 22, 2020) Zappiti, an award-winning manufacturer of 4K media players, is helping AV integrators worldwide deliver to their customers an enriched, engaging home entertainment experience that combines the best of traditional and modern technologies. Media players from Zappiti are designed specifically to present clients’ existing Blu-ray Disc and DVD collections, complemented by dynamic features such as interactive menus, automatic categorization of content, intuitive navigation, animation, and 3-D effects.
Now, Zappiti has added another feature to enhance the home entertainment experience. Available to AV integrators at http://www.zappiti.us.com/downloads are software drivers of leading home automation systems, including Crestron, Savant, ProControl, RTI, Logitech/Harmony, and most recently, Control4. Once the IP and IR codes of a chosen driver have been downloaded into the home automation processor, the Zappiti media player is able to function as part of a complete smart home ecosystem, enabling end-users to manage and control their movie libraries from a third-party home control interface.
Most of the drivers are free to download and use. These “lite” versions enable users to command a Zappiti player from a third-party remote, keypad, or app. The newest “full” version of the Control4 driver supports two-way communications between a Zappiti player and user interface. Users can both control and receive feedback from the player, such as movie art, synopsis, and other information, which is refreshed dynamically on the user interface.
“As families spend more time at home, the ability to have high-quality entertainment at their fingertips has become increasingly important,” says Rémy Pariselle, Zappiti Marketing Director. “The availability of key industry software drivers provides dealers with a simple, cost-effective way to enhance the entertainment experience for their clients by allowing the media player to be fully controlled by third-party home automation platforms.”
To learn more about Zappiti and the availability of home automation software drivers go to http://www.zappiti.us.com/downloads.
About Zappiti
Zappiti is an international leader in the design and manufacturing of high-end universal media players. Providing AV integrators with a range of solutions, Zappiti has offices in both Europe and the U.S., with operations including research and development, tech support, and sales. Engineered to deliver high-caliber audio and video reproduction, Zappiti media players create an immersive, dimensional, and emotional entertainment experience that is just as the original filmmakers intended. Rich in innovative software and hardware technology and boasting user-friendly operation, Zappiti media players appeal to both casual viewers and serious home theater enthusiasts.
For additional information visit www.zappiti.us.com.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Media Contact
For interviews or reviews please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
by KMB Communications | Jul 21, 2020 | Leon Speakers
A design-friendly solution for integrating high-end audio with The Frame, FrameBar
comes in two models and four finishes to blend in seamlessly with the TV.
[Ann Arbor, MI] – July 21, 2020 – While consumers love how Samsung’s The Frame looks more like an art piece than a TV, integrators have often struggled with how to add high-end audio to the installation. Leading soundbar manufacturer Leon Speakers announced today the launch of FrameBar, a discreet, ultra-thin soundbar that was designed to match the width and finish of The Frame TV, providing enhanced audio and an unobtrusive aesthetic.
“Our dealers have been asking us to design an audio solution for The Frame since it first hit the market and we’re excited to finally have a soundbar that was exclusively designed to pair with it,” said Noah Kaplan, Leon’s Founder and President. “We know that the appeal of The Frame is that it doesn’t look like a TV at all, so it was important to our design team to give FrameBar an ultra-modern look with multiple finish options while also keeping the design as minimalistic as possible.”
FrameBar is available in 2 models and is built-to-order to match the exact width of any model of The Frame TV 43” and above. A variation of Leon’s popular HzUT soundbar, it features 2.5” audiophile-grade woofers and 22mm cloth-dome tweeters in an ultra-thin cabinet only 2.375” deep that mounts flush to the wall. FrameBar comes in 4 finishes: White, Black, Brown, and Beige, to match The Frame finishes offered by Samsung, and it features flat moulding with an exposed cabinet edge on the front of the soundbar. While FrameBar ships standard with a black fabric grille cloth, there is the option to upgrade to a collection of designer grille fabrics to give the installation an even more customized look.
FrameBar is currently available to order and now shipping to Leon’s network of dealers worldwide.
DOWNLOAD PRODUCT IMAGES HERE
About Leon Speakers
Leon brings a creative approach to the AV industry by designing and manufacturing customizable speakers and technology concealment solutions that enhance the sound and style of any space. For over 20 years, they have been a leader in the conversation on merging design with technology, creating innovative products that serve both the Residential and Commercial markets. Learn more on their website.
All products, product names, trademarks and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Media Contacts
Press Contact: Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, (425) 328-8640 or katye@kmbcomm.com
Company Contact: Carolyn Ceccoli, Sales & Marketing Director at Leon Speakers, (734) 926-4092 or cceccoli@leonspeakers.com
by KMB Communications | Jul 15, 2020 | Torus Power
AVR ELITE platform is more efficient and offers higher performance, plus remote configuration, monitoring, and control from any web browser.
TORONTO, ON, CANADA (July 15, 2020) Torus Power Inc. is now shipping its new AVR ELITE featuring TorusConnect Cloud-based monitoring and control. Introduced earlier this year, this top-of-the-line model offers the ultimate combination of isolation-transformer-enhanced power management and remote capabilities. The AVR ELITE serves as a power control system for high-performance audio-video systems. It features new PCB designs, a powerful 32-bit processor, a separate power supply board for a higher-quality audio path, a larger LCD display, and tighter voltage regulation.
Most importantly, the AVR ELITE also offers—for the first time—the new TorusConnect power control system for remote configuration, control, and monitoring. This feature delivers unprecedented functionality that makes integrators’ jobs easier than ever and facilitates offsite or touchless environment requirements by providing visibility into the system through secure access. The cloud-based system for control, programming, data logging, and reporting allows installers to remotely monitor and respond to user issues and to control and reboot power zones. The TorusConnect app works with all mobile devices and tablets and features an Installer Dashboard for power control of single or multiple installations. Updates and feature enhancements are easy to install thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing the integrator to keep the AVR ELITE up to date and performing optimally, without visiting the site.
Additionally, TorusConnect includes live polling and on-demand reports of power-quality data, data-logging and historical data reporting, graphical display of power parameters, and a monthly report of power events to TorusConnect users. All of which provide unparalleled insights into the power conditions on-site and keep the system running optimally while saving the integrator time and money.
In addition to this powerful new feature, the AVR ELITE also features Torus Power’s renowned technology. Isolation Transformers go beyond traditional power conditioners and surge protectors by decoupling and isolating sensitive electronic components from the power source to eliminate transients and improve audio quality. Torus Power isolation transformers dramatically lower the noise floor while adding better dynamics, imaging, and bass. Video is noticeably crisper with brighter colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and a more captivating overall image. Connected components are also protected from surges, spikes, and brownouts, ensuring systems continue to perform as intended despite harmful power conditions.
Torus Power’s High Current capability provides performance improvements that can be seen and heard in all AV systems. Advanced Automatic Voltage Regulation protects against voltage fluctuations, accepting 85V to 135V and automatically shutting down when the voltage exceeds threshold, then automatically restarting when voltage returns to the normal threshold. Series Mode Surge Suppression protects expensive equipment from power line damage.
To better understand the difference clean, uninterrupted power can make in AV systems and learn why so many integration professionals and consultants rely on Torus Power to maximize and protect their installations, visit www.toruspower.com and follow Torus Power on Twitter and Facebook.
About Torus Power
Toroidal isolation power transformers by Torus Power are the world’s finest clean power source for audio, video, and control systems. Dramatically increasing performance levels of connected AV components from video displays to amplifiers and powered speakers, Torus Power products utilize Plitron Manufacturing’s patented NBT technologies and medical-grade toroidal isolation transformers to eliminate virtually all power-line noise artifacts and protect equipment from potentially damaging AC power line events while increasing system reliability and extending product life. Torus Power products deliver higher levels of instantaneous current which ensures that dynamic components and high-performance systems are never compromised, nor starved for power.
Built to rigorous specifications under Plitron Manufacturing’s ISO 9001 quality control system in Toronto, Canada, Torus Power’s toroidal transformers—the heart of the Torus Power product line—utilize similar technologies like those found in leading AV amplifiers as well as in industrial, medical, broadcast, telecommunications, IT, power conditioning, and energy management applications. For additional information, visit www.toruspower.com and follow Torus Power on Twitter and Facebook.
All products, product names, trademarks, and registrations mentioned are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved.
Media Contact
For interviews or reviews please contact Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, Inc. by phoning (425) 328-8640 or emailing katye@kmbcomm.com.
The Summit is open to all HTA Certified members and those firms who have completed their HTA Certification application as of August 24, 2020.