MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 2008: After fewer than ten years in the pro audio retail game, Italy’s Funky Junk has risen to the top as Europe’s most respected dealer for consistently supplying the highest quality new and used gear. Founded and run by distribution-specialist Paolo Orizio and renowned sound tech Manlio Amorelli, with over fifty years combined pro audio experience, Funky Junk began distributing all-analog API gear almost from the start. API continues to be one of their most successful lines, a fact that inspired the purchase of an all-new API 1608 console as a demo unit for their Milan-based showroom. more

OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT – AUGUST 2008: Even with the rising cost of gasoline, food, and other necessities, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation (SEC) employees created a smart charity program entitled “SECares,” allowing their fellow co-workers to continue supporting good causes. Sennheiser, a Germany-based manufacturer of high-quality microphone and headphone solutions, maintains U.S. headquarters in Old Lyme. This voluntary program provides an easy way for its approximately 130 employees to contribute any monetary amount, large or small, to two well-known charities throughout the year. more

The Netherlands, Amsterdam, August 4, 2008 – RF Central, a leading digital microwave technology provider, is unveiling its new and improved NLL-II 5.8 GHz portable digital microwave link at IBC (Stand 1.A30). Taking its former model to new heights, the updated NLL-II now offers both balanced microphone and line level inputs via switch selectable XLR connectors on both the transmitter and receiver. This makes the NLL-II ideal for use by roaming news and sports crews. As part of its new release, the redesigned NLL-II is now also equipped with phantom power for microphones. more

Dallas, TX — Russ Berger, president of Russ Berger Design Group, has recently been elected president of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC). He begins a two-year term as president following a long history of board participation and membership. Berger’s duties will include supervising all affairs of the Council as well as serving as an ambassador for the consulting profession. more

BUENA PARK, Calif.─As previously announced on June 19, 2008, Yamaha Corporation announced its intention to acquire NEXO SA, a leading French manufacturer and seller of professional acoustic speaker systems. The decision to purchase NEXO follows the successful strategic alliance between the two companies which transpired in 2005. Immediately after the decision to purchase NEXO, Yamaha Corporation made an offer to purchase the shares of the two founders who are also the principal shareholders. more

RGPC’s CEDIA EXPO PowerVault training session will be the first step in its campaign to educate installers about possible tax credits and other benefits of power management/renewable energy systems.

CEDIA EXPO 2008 – Denver, CO – September 3-7, 2008 – Booth #1031 - Motivated both by good conscience and by a heightened nationwide interest in “green� living, Richard Gray’s Power Company announces a new campaign to educate its certified dealer base about the potential tax credits and other energy efficiency benefits that its power management systems can provide. The campaign kicks off at CEDIA EXPO 2008 with an RGPC PowerVault training session on Friday, September 5th, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center, Room 606. more

SAN DIEGO — Aug. 4, 2008 — Broadcast systems integrator TV Magic has completed an A/V installation for the new city council chambers in the City of Aliso Viejo, Calif., providing audio, video, and control systems for use at city council meetings. The new digital equipment replaces a simple microphone and tape recorder setup previously used by the city during sessions held every other week. more

PRINCETON, N.J. — Aug. 4, 2008 — Triveni Digital, a subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., today announced that 12Stoneâ„¢ Church is using the Ensigniaâ„¢ digital signage system to distribute targeted audio and video content throughout its new campus in Gwinnett County, Ga. Triveni Digital’s turnkey digital signage solution, provided through dB Audio & Video, enables 12Stone to deliver high-quality live video feeds, prepared programs and event promotions, graphics, and informative ticker content easily and cost-effectively to specific zones across multiple worship areas. more

Unique Unfolding Ottoman Doubles as Extra Gamer Seat and Flexible Seating for Growing Families and A/V Systems

CEDIA EXPO, DENVER, Sept. 4, 2008 — Salamander Designs, Ltd., a leading designer and manufacturer of modern furniture, seating and mounting products for Home Theater and A/V entertainment systems, announces the availability of an ultra-practical seating product, the Jump Seat Ottoman, at CEDIA EXPO ’08. more

The following information is courtesy of the 2007 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Designers’ Choice Awards. For more information on how to become a member of CEDIA, or information on its awards program please visit www.cedia.org or call (800) 669-5329.

2007 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards Entry:
Best Large Home Theater, Level III: $120,000 – $143,000

The client wanted to provide a very comfortable user friendly high-impact home theater experience for his family. The theater was the feature room of a recently renovated basement area which included a snooker room and bar area. A special feature for the client was the ability to integrate his 40-year-old Grundig reel-to-reel recorder that he had purchased in Sweden and carried back home as hand luggage. Winding up those tapes again and playing them to his grandchildren gives him tremendous pleasure. more