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System Integration for the Connected Home

Industry news

SnapAV Buys Control4

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SnapAV and Control4 announce a "definitive merger agreement"-- one seeing SnapAV buying all Control4 shares in an all-cash agreement worth $680 million. In other words, it is less a merger and more, well, an outright acquisition.

SnapAV Control4According to the two companies, the deal makes a "highly complementary combination," bringing a one-stop shop with a complete portfolio of custom smart home, control and automation solutions. It also creates a single company with over 1200 employees, market-leading solutions, "exceptional" interoperability and channel platform, dealer-first programs, global distribution and financial resources to deliver value.

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In Quest for Buyer, TiVo Splits Up

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TiVo, one of the earlier makers of DVRs, announces plans to split up-- forming separate product and IP licensing units-- as part of an effort to become more attractive to potential buyers.

Tivo “Operating independently, these 2 businesses will have increased flexibility to pursue new and growing market opportunities," the company says. "We believe this separation is the best way to maximise shareholder value, while also enhancing the possibility of value-creating strategic transactions."

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Netflix Offers Better Sound With High Quality Audio

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Netflix looks to further close the gap with physical media with the announcement of "high quality audio," an adaptive technology taking advantage of available bandwidth to ensure the best audio experience.

Netflix TVEssentially, Netflix high quality audio ups the maximum bitrate of a 5.1 audio mix from 192 to 640 kpbs, and a Dolby Atmos mix from 448 to 768 kbps. As mentioned earlier the technology is adaptive, meaning audio quality goes up or down depending on the network speed on the customer side, similar to the approach the streaming service takes to video quality.

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Futuresource: Amazon and Harman Wrestle for Audio Domination

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Two companies currently control the global home audio market, Futuresource reports-- Amazon and Harman/JBL, with the two taking first and second place respectively in the Q4 2018 home audio shipment rankings.

home audio“Amazon regained its position as the leading home audio vendor in terms of quarterly shipments, wrestling the crown from Harman/JBL, which dropped into 2nd place,” the analyst says. “However, Harman/JBL’s strong performance between Q1 and Q3 was enough for it to achieve top home audio vendor for full year 2018. In revenue terms, Harman/JBL, Bose, Sony and Sonos led the pack consistently throughout the year.”

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CEDIA Names Expo Keynote Speaker

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CEDIA keynoteCEDIA announces Luke Williams, NYU professor and author of the international bestseller  Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business, will deliver the 2019 CEDIA Expo opening keynote.

“Companies need to be consistently making bold moves, even at the very peak of their success," Williams says. "It is an essential skill for anyone in business, from a small start-up to a global corporation."

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CEDIA Hosts KNX Basic Training Course

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KNX trainingInstallers wanting to become a certified KNX partner get the chance to do exactly that with CEDIA, as the association announces the dates for the next CEDIA KNX Basic Training course.

The 5-day course looks into all aspects and principles of the KNX protocol, and also includes a one-day Residential Networking course. It covers several in-depth topics, providing essential information for aspiring KNX partners, and concludes with an examination to test the knowledge gained. If a candidate passes, they automatically qualify as KNX Partner.

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D-Tools Cloud Gets AudioControl Data

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Audio ControlAudioControl announces key product information-- including detailed product specifications and unique dealer pricing-- is now available for installers and home theatre specialists on the D-Tools Cloud.

“Our objective in making this data easily available in the D-Tools Cloud is to support our dealers by improving project efficiency, enabling them to have fingertip access to our complete line-up and thus win more bids," the company says.

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