Continuing its mission to provide dealers and end users with compelling system benefits and attractive new products, ELAN® Home Systems today announced a new dealer promotion that offers discounted pricing for various Kwikset, Yale and Leviton Z-Wave door lock products ordered between October 15 and November 30, 2012. The discounts range from 5 percent to 10 percent depending on the product.

ELAN g! integrates best-of-breed Z-Wave lock products from Kwikset, Yale and Leviton which are being offered to dealers through Worthington Distribution in the U.S. and Product Solutions Group in Canada.

According to ELAN Brand Manager Robert Ridenour, ELAN’s newly implemented electronic door lock integration provides dealers with an industry-leading product that will inevitably help them to sell more g! systems. “This promotion gives dealers added incentive to promote ELAN’s most recent expansion of the g! system’s capabilities and will help them convince both new and existing customers that electronic door locks are convenient, safe and affordable,� Ridenour said.

“ELAN’s development team worked with the company’s third-party manufacturers and Worthington Distribution to develop the industry’s best electronic lock integration software and interface,� Ridenour emphasized, “and we want to make it easy for dealers to promote this new product to their clients. We are committed to making sure every dealer and end user knows that ELAN is the best home control system on the market, and continue to work closely with our manufacturing and distribution partners to create dealer promotions that make g! even easier to sell.�

The ELAN g! door lock software features a simple and convenient interface for iOS and Android mobile devices that includes an industry-first history function, allowing users to view past lock activity and monitor who is using which door at what time.

Tom Morgan, Chief Technical Officer at Worthington Distribution, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with ELAN for this electronic lock promotion and expect ELAN dealers to take advantage of these discounts to make g! an even more impressive control system for users in both the residential and commercial markets. We’re huge supporters of home control and Z-Wave products that can simplify people’s lives, and we want to make it both affordable and easy for consumers to modernize their homes.�

And Jim Peebles of Product Solutions Group added that ELAN is taking a best-practices approach with every aspect of the g! system. “This is another level of value-add for the g! system and brings a tremendous amount of value to the users and dealers,� Peebles said. “By partnering with the best lock manufacturers and ELAN, which now offers the industry’s best door lock interface, we’ve developed a limited-time discount program that is sure to add to dealers’ bottom lines and help make electronic door locks a priority for every dealer and end user.�

Interested U.S. dealers can contact Worthington Distribution at 800.282.8864 and sales@worthdist.com, and interested Canadian dealers in Western Canada can call Products Solutions West at 866.923.9948 or in Eastern Canada Product Solutions Group at 877.763.4538. Dealers can also visit http://www.productsolutionsgroup.ca/contact.html to locate their nearest Product Solutions Group sales representative.

The ELAN g! Control System provides users with the most uniform and intuitive icon-based control from their favorite devices including TVs, touchscreens, touchpads, PCs, and Android and iOS mobile devices. The standardized interface works across platforms, so that the trendy g!Mobile app users love on the iPhone appears and works identically on Android and ELAN touchscreens, valets and handheld remotes. And the system’s IP backbone makes it just as easy to control the system from across the room as across the globe.

Individual “apps” for each subsystem allow the user to control security, door locks, climate, lighting, media, irrigation, pool/spa, messaging, video and photos with the flick of a finger. Access is fast and secure through any ELAN home interface or globally with mobile Internet enabled devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Netbooks, Android phones & tablets and personal computers. Since the intuitive interface empowers users with personalized scheduling and detailed history views, high consumption subsystems like lighting and climate can be closely monitored and managed for a greener lifestyle – and substantial energy savings.

First photo: Kwikset Smartcode Lever Collection
Second photo: Yale Z-Wave Electronic Deadbolts
Third photo: Leviton VRC0P Plug-in Serial Interface Module

About Worthington Distribution
The staff at Worthington Distribution has over 50 years of combined experience in security, home automation, telephone, access control, central vac, whole house audio/video (including CCTV and satellite distribution), home theater, and systems integration. They offer real world technical support by field-experienced and factory trained technicians, plus free system design assistance and consultation. For more information visit www.worthingtondistribution.com or contact the sales department at 800.282.8864 or sales@worthdist.com.

About Product Solutions Group
Product Solutions Group, together with it’s sister company Product Solutions West, distributes innovative custom installation products to progressive Canadian retailers and custom integrators. Formed in 1998, Product Solutions Group services Ontario and east. Product Solutions West takes care of Manitoba and west. Having over 50 years combined experience in the CE Industry, the company’s founders have come to know the difference between leading edge and bleeding edge products. We are proud to have partnered with suppliers of quality and distinction, and invite you to learn more by visiting us at www.productsolutionsgroup.ca.

About ELAN Home Systems
Since 1990 ELAN® Home Systems has been an industry leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video systems. ELAN systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use “whole house” solution. ELAN systems and products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and more than 58 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit www.elanhomesystems.com. ELAN is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech®.

In December 2012, the industry’s first line of solid-state digital signage media players with PC-class performance will be marketed throughout North America by Stampede Presentation Products, Inc., the North American distributor of BrightSign’s new line of XD digital signage players. The announcement was made today by Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly.

“Stampede is excited to offer the next great advance in digital signage solutions to customers throughout North America,� said Kelly. “Stampede has a long and proven history of providing customers with the widest range of solutions to meet every application need. Now, the introduction of the new BrightSign XD players allows us to deliver the absolute best in digital signage technology.�

BrightSign’s new XD products are the industry’s first solid-state players to offer video and other multimedia capabilities that, if previously possible at all, were only possible with PC-based solutions. This includes the ability to display Live HDTV broadcast content using an ATSC/Clear QAM tuner or HDMI input. The ATSC tuner is used to play cable TV or closed-circuit TV broadcasts, and the HDMI input is used to play any broadcast content – even HDCP-protected content. All models include an advanced video decoding engine with superior scaling technology that delivers pristine 1080p60 video and supports 3D content. The video engine is capable of decoding two 1080p60 videos or several lower-resolution videos simultaneously. All models support HTML5, so content creators can use familiar development tools to create engaging content. In addition, BrightSign’s usual touch-screen interactivity is enhanced with swipe/gesture control.
“BrightSign’s revolutionary new media players are an excellent addition to our continually growing product catalog,� added Kelly. “We strive to find ProAV products that allow our dealers to deliver the latest, and most cost-effective technology to their customers. By offering our expertise and extensive product knowledge, we’re ensuring that the end-user’s experience is as simple as possible.�
The new XD digital signage media players are available in three models:

XD230 Networked Player: Powerful video engine capable of dual Full HD 1080p60 decode and simultaneous content playback from local, networked and streaming sources. Abundant content support, including HTML5 and 3D content. And UDP network control for messaging between the BrightSign player and third-party devices.

XD1030 Networked Interactive Player: All the features of the XD230, plus S/PDIF output for pure digital and surround-sound audio, as well as a diverse range of interactive controls such as GPIO, serial, USB, UDP and mobile devices for engaging interactive displays.

XD1230 Networked Interactive and Live HDTV Player: Includes all the features BrightSign offers, plus
Live HDTV playback to play content from any broadcast channel (even HDCP-protected content) via the HDMI input or the ATSC/Clear QAM tuner.
BrightSign’s new XD product line will be available from Stampede and the BrightSign Store in December 2012. The players are backed by a one-year warranty and include BrightSign’s free BrightAuthor software, which simplifies creating, publishing, managing and monitoring digital signage displays.

About BrightSign
BrightSign, LLC is the market leader in digital signage players. Based in Los Gatos, California, the company develops products, software and networking solutions for digital signage. BrightSign’s solid- state digital sign controllers set new standards for both stand-alone and networked digital signage applications with their superior video quality, reliability, affordability, ease of use and interactivity. Online information about BrightSign is available at www.brightsign.biz. For US sales inquiries please contact sales@brightsign.biz or call +1-408-852-9263. For European sales inquiries, please email Pierre Gillet: pgillet@brightsign.biz or call +44-1223-911842. You can follow BrightSign at http://twitter.com/brightsign and http://www.facebook.com/BrightSignLLC.

About Stampede
Known for its value-added distribution, Amherst, New York-based Stampede is the leading distributor of presentation equipment including LCD/DLP projectors and flat panel displays. Stampede provides a complete range of brand name presentation equipment to a variety of audio/video, computer, and home theater resellers and integrators in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These resellers rely on Stampede for value-added services in distribution, marketing and solution- based sales. Stampede annually produces the “Big Book of AV,� an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing hundreds of sales, installation and spec tips for Stampede’s dealers in addition to product details on more than 5,000 SKUs. For more information on Stampede, log onto www.stampedeglobal.com.

Underscoring its commitment to meeting the growing AV needs of Canada’s businesses, schools, and government, Advanced, an expert in audiovisual technology solutions, today announced the expansion of the company’s facilities. The expansion is a result of the company’s significant increase in business in the corporate sector, as the need for audiovisual collaboration systems becomes an integral part of today’s business.

“For years, we’ve specialized in offering presentation solutions, service and support to many of Canada’s businesses, school boards and government agencies,� said Mark Mulford, CEO & President of Advanced “Now, as our business has expanded to reach the corporate market, we need to expand our facilities in order to give our clients the absolute best in AV integration.�

Throughout the course of the last year, Advanced has increased their office space from 15,000 sq. ft. to over 25,000 sq. ft. The increased space includes an expansive sales floor with state of the art showrooms and logistic capabilities, and a broad professional development facility for both corporate and education clients. With the newly expanded offices, the staff at Advanced has increased 20 percent in the last year.

“With this significant business growth and our new facilities, Advanced has now solidified its position as Canada’s leading AV provider,� said Mulford. “We have always provided our clients with everything from presentation and videoconferencing solutions, to complete integrated audio visual systems, repair, and maintenance. Now, our experts are also striving to provide informative digital media to help corporate facilities communicate messages effectively.�

Advanced has the expertise in audiovisual solutions to fit every need. If you are looking for video display solutions, look to Advanced for design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. To set up a meeting or to schedule a demonstration on the latest audiovisual collaborative solutions, contact Advanced at info@advanced-inc.com or toll free 1-800-436-6239.

About Advanced
Advanced is a leading Audiovisual and Collaborative Communications company working with corporations, government agencies, healthcare, and educational organizations throughout Canada and beyond. Dedicated to innovation in technology and services, Advanced has a strong set of businesses aligned to meet today’s needs. The company offers presentation and videoconferencing solutions in addition to complete integrated systems, rental, and staging services of high impact displays, repair, and maintenance, value-added integration services including design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Advanced also has offices in Ottawa, London, and Sudbury with partner offices located in Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. To learn more visit www.advanced-inc.com

Reinforcing its commitment to bring high-quality, affordably priced videoconferencing systems to all parts of the country, Stampede Presentation Products, Inc., North America’s leading distributor of ProAV products, and Vaddio today announced plans to introduce a special new videoconferencing bundle at next week’s Kansas City, Missouri stop of Stampede’s Big Book of AV Tour, taking place October 17, 2012 at the Kansas City Marriott Hotel.

The new product bundle includes a Vaddio ClearVIEW HD-USB PTZ Camera; EasyTalk USB Audio Bundle composed of one EasyUSB Mixer/Amp, one EasyMic MicPOD with integrated Echo Cancelling, and one EasyTalk Sound Bar; and a WEBBi Web controller, including one WEBBi Base Unit, one 12 VDC Power Supply & Power Cable, and One 6’ USB A to B Male cable. What’s more, all dealers who purchase this new bundle between October 17, 2012 and December 31, 2012 will receive a $500 American Express Gift Card.

To further underscore the benefits and profitability of their USB conferencing products, Vaddio will be on hand in Kansas City to conduct a special training session entitled “Why Vaddio Represents the Next Great Sales Opportunity for IT, Telephony, VOIP and AV Dealers,� that will serve to introduce attendees to Vaddio’s USB conferencing offerings and reinforce just how easy and profitable it is to sell Vaddio USB solutions.

According to Stampede President and COO Kevin Kelly, “Vaddio’s EasyUSB line has been a huge benefit to our dealers who want to offer high quality conferencing systems to their clients at a compelling, cost-effective price point. This new bundle package and rebate program will serve to make video conferencing systems even more profitable for our dealers. �

The 2012 Big Book of AV Tour features more than 40 exhibitors including Atlona, Benq, BrightSign, Canon, Chief, Christie, Draper, Epson, Gefen, Hall Research, Hitachi, Hitachi StarBoard, Ken-a-vision, Kramer, LG Panels, MediaPOINTE, Mitsubishi, Mustang, NEC, Optoma, Peerless, Perfect Path, Samsung, Sharp and Sony. Remaining stops on the Fall 2012 Tour include:

October 24, 2012 New York, NY
November 8, 2012 San Diego, CA
December 5, 2012 Atlanta, GA

About Vaddio
Vaddio is the leading manufacturer of specialty PTZ cameras and camera control systems used in the audiovisual, videoconference and broadcast industries. Your customers demand cutting-edge technology that’s simple to use. You want equipment that’s easy to install and reliable to operate. Vaddio serves integrators and operators alike – with broadcast-quality PTZ cameras and control systems that deliver the performance you need with the convenience you demand. For more information on Vaddio and its product lines, visit www.vaddio.com.

About Stampede
Known for its value-added distribution, Amherst, New York-based Stampede is the leading distributor of presentation equipment including LCD/DLP projectors and flat panel displays. Stampede provides a complete range of brand name presentation equipment to a variety of audio/video, computer, and home theater resellers and integrators in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These resellers rely on Stampede for value-added services in distribution, marketing and solution- based sales. Stampede annually produces the “Big Book of AV,� an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing hundreds of sales, installation and spec tips for Stampede’s dealers in addition to product details on more than 5,000 SKUs. For more information on Stampede, log onto www.stampedeglobal.com.

Strengthening its management team at a time of exciting growth, Advanced, Canada’s leader in the design and installation of audio visual, digital signage, and visual collaboration solutions, today announced the appointment of Rohan Nathan to the position of Senior Innovation and Technology Consultant, effective immediately, according to Mark McPherson, Vice President of Sales at Advanced.

“We are very pleased to announce that Rohan has joined our team,� McPherson said today, “and he does so at a time when Advanced is growing and expanding at a phenomenal rate. His depth of industry knowledge and substantial credibility in the channel is immensely valuable to our company. We have numerous senior sales positions still open as we look to ‘hire the best in AV’ in Canada. Rohan is one of those exceptional individuals who helps us to further progress in our mandate to employ the very best in Canada.�

As Senior Innovation and Technology Consultant, Nathan will be primarily responsible for helping Advanced develop new business areas. His specific experience and expertise in the area of AV room design, video conferencing, and integrated building technology, as well as his knowledge of innovative and emerging AV technologies will help Advanced continue its growth well into the future. Rohan is a key member of Advanced’s team as the company continues its increased focus on AV integration, video wall technology, videoconferencing and SMART visual collaboration solutions.

Prior to joining Advanced, Nathan began his career in the healthcare field and, later, in the private sector working for major AV companies as Account Executive, Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and most recently, consulting with National and International Architects, Interior Design and Consulting Engineering companies. Rohan specializes in healthcare innovation technology and has authored and co-authored white papers on Global Healthcare Technology Initiatives, Digital Patient Simulation Centre and The Canadian Collaboration for Women’s and Children’s Health: A Model for International Collaboration.

“Advanced is one of Canada’s fastest growing integration companies,� Nathan said today, “and I look forward to helping the company actually increase its current rate of growth. I’m proud to join this remarkable company and become a member of the Advanced team!�

About Advanced
Advanced is a leading audiovisual and collaborative communications company working with corporations, government agencies, healthcare, and educational organizations throughout Canada and beyond. Dedicated to innovation in technology and services, Advanced has a strong set of businesses aligned to meet today’s needs. The company offers presentation and videoconferencing solutions in addition to complete integrated systems, visual collaboration systems, rental and staging services, repair, maintenance, and value-added integration services including design and engineering, installation and audiovisual consulting. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Advanced also has offices in Ottawa, Toronto, London and Sudbury with partner offices located in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. To learn more visit www.advanced-inc.com.

The issue of proper employee classification is taking on new urgency now that the U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service have joined forces with 13 states to increase pressure on companies, according to Take1 Entertainment Insurance Executive Vice President and Program Director Scott Carroll.

“Time is running out and the clock for the live event production industry couldn’t be ticking any louder,� Carroll said today. “The fact is many companies currently classify their employees as 1099 independent contractors in order to save on benefits, and while it’s a common practice, it could end up costing business owners a lot of money in penalties and back wages.�

Since September 2011, several judgments have been handed down that included up to $500,000 in back wages and $75,000 in penalties. However, the IRS has given business owners an incentive to be proactive by instituting a new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program that allows companies the IRS accepts for participation to reclassify workers as employees and to receive 90 percent amnesty on past due employment taxes, with no interest or penalties.

According to Carroll, now is the best time for companies to evaluate their employees tax designations and make changes if necessary. “With the possibility of large penalties and back wages, every business owner should review their records and employee status to make sure they are classifying their employees properly. As an insurance professional it’s my business to minimize risk, and in this case the risk to business owners is large while the steps needed to correct any problems are relatively easy and much more affordable than a large settlement.�

With the launch of a new smartphone app called “Eat Shop Sleep�, the Department Of Labor has even begun using social media to encourage proper practices and discourage improper classification. “Eat Shop Sleep� is a local business reviews app similar to Yelp!, with the added twist of displaying any health, safety or labor violations against the business. This type of public awareness could be detrimental to any business in any industry.

U.S. Risk’s entertainment arm, Take1 Insurance, which has specialized in insuring the live and non-live entertainment industries for more than 25 years, is studying this issue on behalf of its thousands of insured who utilize 1099 workers in an effort to provide them with guidance and help them adapt to the changing regulations.

“With the increase in tax law enforcement across the country, the implications for rental and staging business owners are astounding,� Carroll said. “The large settlements that have already been handed down are certainly big enough to bankrupt a company. Every business owner should review their employee tax classifications and speak with their insurance provider to ensure they avoid hefty government penalties. Any company that is found to be operating with improper employee classifications could also face higher insurance premiums, adding to the cost. One solution that has worked for the film and television industry is to utilize a payroll service, which helps companies protect themselves from unforeseen costs and tax burdens and avoid blemishing their own insurance policies at the same time.�

Payroll services aren’t free, and using one will likely cause labor costs to rise, but the decision to utilize a payroll service is the smart choice in light of the enormous exposure a company could face if they are audited by the IRS. Business owners can either operate according to tax classification requirements in order to steer clear of any problems, or they can skirt the issue and wait to be audited. By converting independent contractors to temporary employees, companies can eliminate long-term liability while lowering short-term liability costs.

For tour sound, satellite uplink and rental and staging companies who want to be successful and experience growth in 2012 and beyond, these tax exposures need to be addressed, and using a payroll service provider is the easiest, most surefire way to guarantee everything is being done by the books and the company is free of risk.

For more information on this issue, interested parties can contact Scott Carroll, Executive Vice President and Program Director Scott Carroll at Take1 Entertainment Insurance at 714.285.4090 or scott@take1insurance.com.

About U.S. Risk Insurance Group
U. S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc. is a specialty lines underwriting manager and wholesale broker headquartered in Dallas. Operating 12 domestic and international branches, it offers a broad range of products and services through its affiliate companies, which include U.S. Risk Underwriters, U.S. Risk Brokers, Lighthouse Underwriters, LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Omnisure Consulting Group, Oxford Insurance Brokers, Ltd. (London), Goss Reinsurance Brokers, LLC, and NovaPro Risk Solutions, LP. Its entertainment division, Take1, has served as the official endorsed insurance provider for the last 15 years INFOCOMM, the leading association of A/V communications industry professionals.

Set against a backdrop of a slowly improving economy that is beginning to present many more opportunities than challenges, Stampede Presentation Products, Inc. last week convened its fourth annual Vendor Summit with more than 100 manufacturers present for the two-day retreat, review, and planning session. Most of the manufacturers in attendance already knew what Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly made official in his welcoming address — 2012 is turning out to be another record-shattering year for North America’s largest value-added distributor of ProAV solutions. In fact, according to Kelly, the company’s gross profit is up 25% and its core category unit count growth is up a staggering 76% over 2011, which was up an equally impressive 51% over 2012.

“Any way you want to look at it, Stampede continues to grow at an unprecedented rate in 2012, a year in which we continue to celebrate our 15th anniversary of serving the ProAV community,� Kelly said today. “Through the worst economic challenges of our time, we have succeeded in helping our dealers to spec, finance, and install more ProAV installations than any other distributor in business today. And with the economy slowly, but inexorably improving by the day, we expect to accelerate our rate of growth in 2013.�

“When you add value to a system installation, you add margin,� Kelly told attendees. “And, thus far in 2012, Stampede is adding value at an unprecedented level that cannot be matched by any other distributor in the business today. We can add this value on a consistent basis because we are focused exclusively on meeting the needs of the ProAV dealer community. We are not distracted by other industries and market segments. We can and do devote 100% of our time and considerable resources on helping dealers to grow their business.

“This is why Stampede continues to strengthen its position as the oldest, largest, and deepest specialist distributor in the ProAV space with more than 11,000 dealers in our network and more than 125 manufacturers as our partners. �

According to Kelly, year-to-date projector dollar sales are up 16% and the average wholesale selling price has increased nearly 30% in two years. In the category of 3500+ lumens, year-to-date projector sales in dollars are up 21.8% and the average wholesale price has increased 15% in the last year. “These sales figures are a perfect example of what can be achieved with a mature product category when the dealer adds value to the system design and installation,� Kelly emphasized.

Sales of displays are also up solidly this year, according to Kelly. “Dollar sales are up 39% and unit sales are up a staggering 127%.� All is not roses, however, as Kelly revealed that the average unit sale price of displays is declining because of the encroachment by consumer displays into the ProAV market. “This is a trend that we are watching carefully and taking steps to help our dealers counter.�

Overall, Kelly said that the future for ProAV system installation was brightening considerably and would likely accelerate in 2013 regardless of the outcome of the U.S. Presidential Election — a sentiment shared by the dealers participating in the Summit’s Panel Discussion. Demand for conference rooms, group video conferencing, and the still being defined market for “unified communications� are driving sales. “As one of our speakers, Ira Weinstein of Wainhouse Research, pointed out at the Summit, more than 90% of all conference rooms today are not video enabled. This presents us, and our manufacturing partners, with a huge opportunity for continued growth — with the right configurations that can meet the needs of the emerging ‘Digital Native’ working professional.�

Meeting the demands of growth, however, requires an expanding commitment to maintain face-to-face training, online learning, and readily available credit facilities to qualified dealers — “all of which Stampede is committed to providing. In fact, in 2012 alone, we have increased our credit line to $60-million, enabling us to serve as a bank to our dealer partners.�

About Stampede
Known for its value-added distribution, Amherst, NY-based Stampede is the leading distributor of presentation equipment including LCD/DLP projectors and flat panel displays. Stampede provides a complete range of brand name presentation equipment to a variety of audio/video, computer, and home theater resellers and integrators in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These resellers rely on Stampede for value-added services in distribution, marketing and solution- based sales. Stampede annually produces the “Big Book of AV,� an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing hundreds of sales, installation and spec tips for Stampede’s dealers in addition to product details on more than 5,000 SKUs. For more information on Stampede, log onto www.stampedeglobal.com.

ELAN® Home Systems today announced that its ELAN g! 6.0 software includes full two-way integration with Fusion Research’s Ovation audio streamers, providing owners with access to more streaming music services than ever before. With this addition, ELAN g! owners can now enjoy their favorite music from a dramatically expanded selection of digital sources including Slacker, MOG, TuneIn, LIVE365, last.fm, Pandora, SiriusXM, CBC-40, CBS Radio, BBC, SKY.fm, AccuRadio, and more. Fusion Research’s Ovation audio streamers also simplify access to music stored on PCs and iTunes libraries by providing digital streaming content and local content via a single input connection.

According to CORE Brands Control Category Director, Joe Lautner, giving end-users more music choices will help dealers sell more g! systems and strengthen ELAN’s position as one of the fastest growing home control platforms.

“Our new integration with Fusion’s Ovation streamers is further proof that the ELAN g! system is the industry’s most expandable and capable home control solution,� Lautner said. “We will continue to integrate with the industry’s best products and biggest brands to give end-users the best home entertainment and control experience and provide dealers with the features and capabilities their clients demand.�

Another strength of the Fusion Ovation products is their ability to deliver 3-5 discrete streams of music from one box. This simplifies the installation and maintenance of consumers’ systems while giving them more options in the home than the traditional consumer-oriented plastic box streaming products.

Amplifying that point, ELAN Brand Manager Robert Ridenour added, “Consumers today have more media options than ever with new delivery services popping up at breathtaking speed, and ELAN is dedicated to providing all of our customers with the latest media content that they demand to make their home entertainment options as versatile as they are accustomed to on their mobile devices.�

In keeping with ELAN’s commitment to create best of breed drivers, integrating g! with Fusion Research’s Ovation series music streamers is simple and efficient. All the dealer needs to do is install the Ovation streamer according to its simple instructions, then add the streamer in the g! media tab. The g! system discovers the Ovation streamer on its own and the user interface screens are automatically built. The whole process requires only a few minutes effort.

As an incentive for dealers to promote the Fusion Ovation audio streamers to their clients, ELAN has announced that dealers who purchase a deeply discounted Fusion demo system will receive a coupon for a significant savings on a future Fusion Research purchase. ELAN dealers can download the Fusion Research demo order form from the ELAN dealer website.

The ELAN g! Control System provides users with the most uniform and intuitive icon-based control from their favorite devices including TVs, touchscreens, touchpads, PCs, and Android and iOS mobile devices. The standardized interface works across platforms, so that the trendy g!Mobile app users love on the iPhone appears and works identically on Android and ELAN touchscreens, valets and handheld remotes. And the system’s IP backbone makes it just as easy to control the system from across the room – or across the globe.

Individual “apps” for each subsystem allow the user to control security, door locks, climate, lighting, media, irrigation, pool/spa, messaging, video and photos with the flick of a finger. Access is fast and secure through any ELAN home interface or globally with mobile Internet enabled devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Netbooks, Android phones & tablets and personal computors. Since the intuitive interface empowers users with personalized scheduling and detailed history views, high consumption subsystems like lighting and climate can be closely monitored and managed for a greener lifestyle – and substantial energy savings.

About ELAN Home Systems
Since 1990 ELAN® Home Systems has been an industry leading manufacturer of innovative, award-winning Multi-Room audio/video systems. ELAN systems were the first to integrate audio, video, phones and third-party products to create a seamless, easy-to-use “whole house” solution. ELAN systems and products are distributed through a comprehensive channel of select Dealers and Distributors throughout the United States, Canada and more than 58 countries worldwide. To learn more, visit www.elanhomesystems.com. ELAN is part of the CORE Brands division of the Nortek Technology Solutions Segment (www.nortek-inc.com). CORE Brands combines the product and marketing strengths of ten iconic audio, power management and control brands into a single business unit that includes ATON®, BlueBOLT®, ELAN®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech®.

About Fusion Research
Fusion Research is a leading manufacturer of media streamers, allowing people to collect, manage, and display their media throughout their home, business or yacht. The company’s interface has received numerous awards and industry recognition. Fusion supports Blu-ray, DVDs, music & streaming media. Fusion is headquartered in California with engineering in Maryland. For information visit www.fusionrd.com or call 925-217-1233.

North America’s largest ProAV dealer tour will take a big bite out of the Big Apple on Wednesday, October 24th, when Stampede Presentation Products, Inc. brings its Fall 2012 Big Book of AV Tour (BBOAV) to the Hotel Pennsylvania located at 401 Seventh Avenue, directly across from Penn Station in the heart of New York City.

“Make no mistake about it, Big is going to meet Big when our Fall 2012 tour stops in America’s biggest city,� Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly promised today. “So for this stop on the tour we’re adding even more seminars, more product demonstrations, and more incentives for dealers to make the time to come out and see what’s new from our exhibiting manufacturers.�

According to Kelly, all New York attendees will receive a $50 AMEX gift card. In addition, attendees will receive a $100 Restaurant.com gift card for every training session they attend! For those who register for all training sessions, they will walk away with $350 in gift cards!

Attendees will also be treated to a continental breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and a lunch buffet from noon to 1:30 p.m. There will also be a prize drawing each hour, with the lucky dealers taking home a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, clean power processors, speakers, gift cards, or even a 42� LCD TV with a Sharp Soundbar and Blu-ray DVD player!

Dealer registration is open now at www.bigbookofavtour.com, where they can also find directions and a full list of raffle prizes. The New York City event will be open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST.

With a catalog that now features information on more than 7,967 products from more 90 manufacturers, Stampede continues to provide the largest range of ProAV solutions in the industry. “Our extensive product selection lets our dealers find the customized solutions that meet their specific needs,� said Kelly. “Our expert knowledge of ProAV combined with our incredible product selection allows us to offer dealers the very best.�

The 2012 Big Book of AV Tour features more than 40 exhibitors including Atlona, Benq, BrightSign, Canon, Chief, Christie, Draper, Epson, Gefen, Hall Research, Hitachi, Hitachi StarBoard, Ken-a-vision, Kramer, LG Panels, MediaPOINTE, Mitsubishi, Mustang, NEC, Optoma, Peerless, Perfect Path, Samsung, Sharp and Sony. Remaining stops on the Fall 2012 Tour include:

November 8, 2012 San Diego, CA
December 5, 2012 Atlanta, GA

About Stampede
Known for its value-added distribution, Amherst, New York-based Stampede is the leading distributor of presentation equipment including LCD/DLP projectors and flat panel displays. Stampede provides a complete range of brand name presentation equipment to a variety of audio/video, computer, and home theater resellers and integrators in the United States, Canada and Latin America. These resellers rely on Stampede for value-added services in distribution, marketing and solution- based sales. Stampede annually produces the “Big Book of AV,� an 816-page catalog and companion website (www.BigBookofAV.com) providing hundreds of sales, installation and spec tips for Stampede’s dealers in addition to product details on more than 5,000 SKUs. For more information on Stampede, log onto www.stampedeglobal.com.

NanoLumens® today announced that its Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Karen Robinson, has received the Turknett Leadership Group’s 2012 Leadership Character Award in the “Inspiritor� Category. The annual Turknett Leadership Character Awards, which was held at the Georgia Aquarium, recognize individuals who demonstrate integrity, relate to customers, suppliers, co-workers and others with respect, and maintain a culture in which everyone takes responsibility for achieving results while upholding the organization’s core values.

“The opportunity to recognize leaders of character is the highlight of the year for us. We believe that by celebrating role models of leadership character, we inspire character in others,� said Lyn Turknett, co-founder of the awards with her husband and partner Dr. Robert Turknett.

The nominees were judged by a four-person advisory group which consists of Kent C. “Oz” Nelson, retired chairman and CEO of UPS; Conchita Robinson, president and CEO of C Robinson Associates, Inc.; Dr. Betty Siegel, president-emeritus of Kennesaw State University; and Tom Crawford, Former Chairman and CEO of Crawford and Company.

“I’m honored to be recognized as a inspiring figure in corporate leadership, and am extremely proud to be a part of NanoLumens’ incredible success and rapid growth,� Robinson said. “We’re an innovative company in a highly competitive industry, and ensuring that every employee is doing their best and every customer is happy is absolutely vital to our continued success.�

About the Leadership Character Awards:
Since 2003, the Turknett Leadership Character Awards have recognized individuals who demonstrate character in leadership by maintaining integrity while consistently balancing respect and responsibility. GV Financial is the silver sponsor and Kroger and Morris, Manning and Martin are the bronze sponsors of this year’s awards.

About Turknett Leadership Group
Turknett Leadership Group (TLG) is a talent management firm based in Atlanta that has assessed, coached and developed high level leaders and their organizations throughout the U.S. for more than 25 years. TLG’s clients range from start-ups to American icons.

Using sophisticated assessment tools and the Leadership Character Modelâ„¢ as a foundation, the TLG professional staff combines extensive psychological expertise in the behavioral sciences with practical business sense and executive management experience. All TLG consultants stay at the forefront of their fields through research and writing.

Bob and Lyn Turknett are co-authors of Decent People Decent Company: How to Lead with Character at Work and in Life and creators of the Leadership Character Awards, which celebrates its ninth year in 2012. For more information visit: www.turknett.com; www.decentpeopledecentcompany.com; and www.leadershipcharacter.com/awards

About NanoLumens:
Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, NanoLumens, Inc. (www.nanolumens.com) is a privately held corporation engaged in the research, product development, marketing and sales of unique flexible and fixed displays that address a yawning technology gap in the $14 billion digital display industry. Since its founding in 2006, NanoLumens has built a portfolio of more than 20 international families of issued and filed patents on its flexible display technology that effectively address the commercial market void between relatively small flat-panel displays and huge, limited application LED boards. NanoLumens technology is not constrained by standard sizes and shapes, or by the weight, noise and cost issues traditionally associated with commercial LED products.