News
The Mysterious World of Multiple Subwoofers
This 18-page White Paper by Harman International Industries is among the most complete studies of multiple subwoofers written. Written by Todd Welti and Allan Devantier, it addresses the problems of standing waves, seat-to-seat variation in frequency response, modes, nodes, multi-channel bass, and optimization with minimal signal processing.
Formulae, calculations for SPL, distance, equalization and soundfield management algorithms are provided-with all the graphs and charts you could need. Even if you only browse through the White Paper, don't miss the conclusion on pages 362 to 363. Search Google search terms: "Low-Frequency Optimization Using Multiple Subwoofers"
LiteTouch Base Antenna Adds RF Extension Capabilities
LiteTouch has released a new Remote Base Antenna that can be used with new and existing LiteTouch lighting control systems.
The antenna has a powerful wireless range of 200-feet with multiple antennas allowed per system. It allows for a large system expansion that can communicate up to 64 Hybrid Wall Box Dimmers or Lamp Modules for a wireless system of up to 256 units.
Fly Me to the Off-Ramp
At $194,000, Terrafugia's flying car-otherwise known as a "roadable aircraft"-aptly is named the Transition and it may be a bargain. The Transition makes its public flying debut next year at the AirVenture show in Oshkosh, WI. Powered by a 100-horsepower, four-cylinder aircraft engine, the Transition is a rear-wheel drive flying car that meets all of the federal highway safety regulations for a sport-utility vehicle. It boasts a flying speed of 105 mph; one tank of gas enables the car to fly 500 miles before landing and driving to the nearest gas station for a fill-up.
Tom Peters’ 44 Strategies for Dealing with Tough Times
"Search for Excellence" maven Tom Peters shares his thoughts for surviving during economic downturns in this YouTube video. Among his snippets of practical wisdom: adapt to untoward circumstances with a smile; practice your game face; take better care of yourself-physical well-being means mental well-being; remember that "this, too, shall pass;" make the best of what you have now; stay in touch with everybody and network like a demon; remove all forms of personal excess; sweat the details; learn new tricks of the trade; celebrate even the small victories; walk in your customers' shoes even if they smell; and if you fall off, get back on the horse. To see the entire video, click here:
Blu-ray Player Shipments to Exceed 62.5 Million Worldwide
According to ABI Research, Blu-ray players are expected to reach an almost 18-percent penetration among North American TV-owning households this year-up from just over 7 percent in 2009. And ABI predicts a continued worldwide growth of more than 62.5 million shipped units in 2011. The significance of these numbers is relevant when comparing the rapid growth of larger, fixed-location component-such as Blu-ray players and flat-panel TVs-with small, portable devices.
According to industry analyst Mike Inouye, portable gaming devices are leveling out, while portable audio players and digital cameras are seeing declines. He observes that the disparity between the categories is due partially to exciting development-such as 3D-while the portable markets may have matured. The decline in portable may also be due to the competition such devices face from Smartphones and other multifunctional portable devices. To read the entire article, click here:
The Occasional Installers' Recipes: Tuna Surfboard Dip
Once in a while we'll be featuring grilling and snack recipes of custom installers from around the country. Today's offering comes to us courtesy of Bill Kranhold, owner Pacific Audio Labs, in Granada Hills, CA. Contact us with some of your signature recipes. We're always interested to share your kitchen - BBQ secrets.
Tips for Forecasting Cash Flow
According to Ken Kaufman, CEO of business consulting firm CFOwise, most businesses lack any forecasting process to manage the inevitable cash flow peaks and valleys. The following article provides five key secrets to remove the anxiety of the unknown. Among them is to examine cash flow weekly and make projections for 90 to 180 days. Comparing "actuals" against your projections will improve forecasting.
Project your expected receivables, comparing against the last few years to help you determine when your cash flow will become negative (and for how long and by how much).
Wireless Platforms: Defining Zig from Zag
As the retrofit world becomes increasingly important to the custom landscape, wireless technologies will play a larger role. Because of potential bandwidth overcrowding, it's important to understand wireless devices living under the same roof and how they relate to each other. Two of the most well-known wireless options are Zigbee and Z-Wave. Each has its own alliance of devotees and manufacturers, who base their products on these platforms. Some major manufacturers even have developed their own proprietary versions of wireless communication. To learn more about Z-Wave, click here. To learn about Zigbee, click here and read the White Paper entitled "Zigbee and Wireless Radio Frequency Coexistence".
Enter your email address to subscribe now!
Advertising
Subscribe Today
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN THE LUXURY MARKET
Sign up for your free subscription to Luxury CE!