Christie will host the fourth SIM University training forum May 7-8 at the University of Central Florida

Christie®, a leader in simulation projection display solutions, today announced that it is hosting the fourth SIM University training forum, a free educational event taking place May 7-8 dedicated to the world of visual display requirements for the simulation industry at the Institute for Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida.

Zoran Veselic, vice president of Christie’s Visual Environments, commented: “The capabilities and requirements of visual displays in the simulation industry are not only complex, but continuously advancing. Bringing together experts and participants in this field by way of an educational forum enables personnel such as visual, systems or design engineers and program managers to gain a more in-depth understanding of system parameters and metrics, for instance, and be better equipped to specify technology that will successfully meet system requirements. The event also expands our own knowledge of industry needs and priorities so that we can adapt and create new solutions for our customers.�

Based on participants’ feedback and positive responses, Christie will introduce a new format, which extends the event to one-and-a-half days. The first part is a half day that is dedicated to understanding the basics of display technology and is designed for those with entry-level experience in visual display systems for simulation or those interested in a refresher on display technology. Day two is focused on intermediate and advanced subject matter content or for anyone who attends the half-day session the day prior.

Joining Christie’s engineers and technical staff in presenting at SIM University are other leading organizations in the field of visual technology displays for simulation including Flight Safety International, a world-leading aviation training company, RealTime Immersive, Inc. a simulation and serious games studio established to support CryENGINE® licensees in the serious game and simulation market space and Thinklogical LLC, a global manufacturer of secure fiber optic video and KVM routing and extension systems.

Whether participants are visual, systems, or product design engineers, program managers or technical specialists in the simulation industry, they will benefit from this one or two-day session that includes technical presentations designed to increase one’s knowledge of various visual display requirements: color and latency, warping, night vision goggle stimulation principles and practices, and collimation, field of view and viewing volume in simulators, to name a few.

Specialists in simulation and training interested in learning more or signing up for the next SIM University can email the SIM University team.

*Agenda and program subject to change without notice.

The highly anticipated world premiere of Warner Bros. “The Great Gatsby� lit up the screen in brilliant 3D, thanks to Christie Solaria® Series digital cinema projectors, which brought to life the splendor of the roaring twenties in rich, saturated colors and sharp, 4K-resolution. The star-studded event took place at Avery Fisher Hall, an iconic New York City venue at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

The Great Gatsby (Courtesy Warner Bros.)

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film is based on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. on May 10. The event was a glamorous evening worthy of the film’s 1920s setting, featuring an audience filled with the film’s stars—Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton, and Carey Mulligan. A host of other A-list celebrities, including Jay-Z and Jake Gyllenhaal, also made appearances at the red carpet event.

“Christie is thrilled to have projected the world premiere of ‘The Great Gatsby’, a long-awaited movie based on one of the most beloved literary classics,� said Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions, Christie. “As a trusted leader in digital cinema projection, we were pleased that that our projectors displayed all the splendor and opulence of ‘The Great Gatsby,’ fully realized in 3D!�

Preferred Christie® dealer Digital Media Systems selected two top-of-the-line Christie CP4230 DLP® digital cinema projectors for the screening, which converged the light from two projectors to create a seamless image projected onto a silver screen. Gregg Paliotta, president and owner of Digital Media Systems, said that this 4K Christie solution was the only choice for providing the brilliant 3D images needed.

Avery Fisher Hall - Ready for Great Gatsby Premiere (Photo Courtesy Gregg Paliotta)

“We have done other major premieres at Avery Fisher Hall in the past, such as ‘Hugo’ and ‘War Horse,’ so Warner Bros. and Lincoln Center trusted us and Christie to deliver the high brightness and absolutely flawless picture quality needed to screen this major studio event,� said Paliotta. “The Christie projectors always perform to our expectations, and ‘The Great Gatsby’ premiere was no exception. We are proud to be an exclusive Christie dealer for that reason.�

Helps GB4D Rental House Simplify Network Audio Distribution High in the French Alps

TIGNES, FRANCE, MAY 2, 2013 – For the fourth year in a row, a portion of ESPN’s X Games has taken place overseas, this time in Tignes, France, a hot spot for skiing and snowboarding in the French Alps. In addition to X Games Tignes being broadcast from France this year for the first time ever, the annual extreme sporting event is going global, with additional events taking place through early August in Aspen (U.S.), Barcelona (Spain), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), Los Angeles (U.S.) and Munich (Germany). Situated at up to 12, 293 feet above sea level, the location of the games added a new level of complexity for Gilles Bouvard Events and Entertainment (GB4D), the France-based rental house that assisted ESPN with the sophisticated audio signal distribution necessary for the event. To help manage the coordination and weather challenges, the company turned to Optocore’s optical fiber network solutions.

The event in France was co-produced by Canal+ Events on behalf of ESPN, with GB4D providing virtually all of the audio equipment for the competition zones to assist A+ Events, another co-producer. With more than 125 athletes participating in the games, the team at GB4D knew it needed gear capable of managing not only proper audio distribution, but also able to withstand the snowy weather concerns. A longtime fan of Optocore, Gilles Bouvard, owner of GB4D, suggested Optocore’s interfaces as a way to ensure a successful signal flow within a redundant system.

“The audio vendor for the X Games was my former associate, Julien Terrier, with his new company A+ Events,� says Bouchard. “I suggested he use Optocore to provide all the fiber network signal distribution.�

The audio transmission was based around two Optocore loops—one ring for the Super Pipe competition area, with five Optocore X6R-FX network converters for the main PA and one for the VIP area—and a second for the Slope Style competition area, with two X6R-FX interfaces. The master control room was equipped with two DD2FR-FX (offering MADI ports), two DD32R-FX (AES-EBU) and one X6R-FX systems. GB4D was able to control the entire Optocore system from a single desktop PC.

As the distances between nodes were long, GB4D used approximately 984 feet (300m) of Neutrik X-TREME fibers for signal transport between all links. The primary ring measured a distance of approximately 1.3 miles (2.1km) and the secondary approximate 1,968 feet (600m), which was constructed around 12 nodes, plus spares.
L’Acoustics LA8 and Lab Gruppen PLM10000Q amplifiers fed the main PA hangs, while the Optocore LAN controlled the Super Pipe’s deck fills. Inputs included background music, live DJ feeds, wireless announcer microphones, various media and advertisement sources and TV truck feeds.

“Thanks to the Optocore network, the wireless links for the announcers was greatly simplified. Also, feeding signals into the system was easy,� explains Bouvard. “As for the outputs, the Optocore fiber network allowed a simple routing of the various signals feeding the amplifiers all around the site. The possibilities offered by macros allowed a simplified routing and ease of modification for all the various live and recording feeds.� GB4D designed a redundant FOH position, deploying two fully backed-up Midas digital desks.

Bouvard compared the challenge of working high in the Alps with the opposite climatic extreme GB4D faced when it recently deployed a vast Optocore and BroaMan network over a huge distance for Kuwait’s 50th Constitution Day celebration. “There was really little difference,� he says. “On the one hand we had the high temperatures and sand storms, on the other the very low temperatures and snow. We found ourselves in two similar extreme situations and we had to find reliable solutions.

“I think that working in those difficult environments helps us improve our technical expertise. We have learned to adapt technically to those constraints, for example with the PA and cabling, but more essentially for the monitoring of the systems, which is crucial in this type of event and in these conditions. The use of an Optocore network simplifies this enormously.�

With the increasing popularity of the X Games across the world, there are more technical challenges, especially in the months leading up to the event. “Reliability is fundamental,� continues Bouvard. “All the vendors present were snow and mountain specialists, so we were ready for any technical challenges. Plus, the ease of the Optocore implementation was a major step forward for this project. The most notable aspects were the simplification of the routing system, the increased reliability of the wiring on site, the total redundancy and the real-time monitoring of all system components.�

He added that GB4D technicians François Lund, Patrice Giono and Piotr Skotnicki have worked at X Games Tignes since it was first staged there in 2010. All three are certified Optocore technicians, and were responsible for realizing the design, implementation and operation of this year’s event.

About Optocore

Based in Munich, Germany, Optocore is the world market leading provider of scalable, high-bandwidth, low–latency fiber-optic networks for the transmission of audio, video and data. For 20 years, Optocore has been continuously innovating and setting new standards with regards to digital network technology. Optocore builds and develops synchronous optical fiber and CAT5 based network solutions for broadcast professionals, fixed installations and live event applications. Utilizing leading-edge technology and high-quality components, Optocore guarantees durability and therefore long-term market and customer satisfaction. Due to its open system architecture, Optocore’s platform offers other manufacturers the option to transfer conventional standard audio, video and data formats used in the pro audio industry over a fiber and CAT5 network. Technical expertise, QoS and an extensive support structure are guaranteed to all customers, together with the highest level of quality controls. For more information, visit www.optocore.com.

North America’s largest ProAV dealer tour will bring together the best manufacturers and ProAV dealers on Thursday, May 9th, when Stampede Presentation Products, Inc. brings its Spring 2013 Big Book of AV Tour to the Crowne Plaza Montreal located at 6600 Cote De Liesse. The exhibit floor will be open from 9:00AM until 1:30PM.

“The Spring 2013 BBOAV Tour has proven to be one of our best ever, as we continue to introduce the newest product offerings from our manufacturers to our ProAV dealers all across North America,� Stampede President & COO Kevin Kelly said today. “In Montreal, our dealers will have the opportunity to interact with the latest products from exhibiting manufacturers, attend comprehensive product training sessions, and find out how the Big Book of AV can help their business faster and more profitably than they ever imagined.�

According to Kelly, Samsung will be on site to train dealers how to use their Smart Signage Platform. Circle Technology will also be demonstrating how to use its new portable presentation system solution, and Panasonic will be exhibiting its new plasma line with pen touch technology. Belkin will be at the tour stop, showing their latest HDBaseT technology, and TAP·it will be on site to demonstrate their assistive learning platform that utilizes intended touch recognition technology. Other exhibiting manufacturers include LG, Casio, Epson, Gefen, Hall Research, Mitsubishi, NEC, Optoma, Peerless, SEIKI Digital, WHOOSH!, Mustang and Vision.

What’s more, all Montreal event attendees will receive a $50 gift card. In addition, they will receive a Tim Hortons gift card for every training session they attend! Participants will also receive one $500 Stampede Credit that can be applied to any order over $5,000 that is placed with Stampede before May 30, 2013. A complimentary continental breakfast from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, and a lunch buffet from 11:45AM – 1:30PM will also be provided.

Dealer registration is open now at www.bigbookofavtour.com, where directions and participating manufacturer information can also be found.

The Spring 2013 Tour will resume on May 16, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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,� a 1000-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.

BOSTON, Mass. – April 23, 2013 – AudioXperts, the luxury audio brand committed to delivering unique audio solutions and “exceeding expectations�, has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious red dot award for product design for the 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console.

Since 1955, the red dot award’s international panel of renowned experts has recognized products for their innovation and industrial design. AudioXperts’ 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console will join an elite family of previous winners that includes the Range Rover Evoque by Land Rover, the Apple® iPadTM 2, the Dassault Falcon 2000S transcontinental jet, the Geograph Rainforest Watch by Les Ateliers Louis Moinet among others.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this highly coveted design and innovation award,” said Eli Harary, president of AudioXperts “It’s especially gratifying to our entire team because the 4TV 2112 is the very first product that our new luxury audio brand has introduced to the market.”

The 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console was amongst 4,600-plus entries in pursuit of the “red dot award: product design 2013�. The sophisticated, yet elegant design of the 4TV 2112 impressed the discriminating panel of 37 judges and allowed the product to stand out among the rest.

Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, initiator and CEO of the red dot, has pointed out that strong design competence and economic success nowadays go hand in hand: “The winners of the ‘red dot award: product design 2013’ are the protagonists of a highly developed design culture and design industry. These days it is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish between well-designed products. It is often only in the details that the special qualities become apparent. However, those product creations that pass the test before the critical eyes of the international red dot jury will not disappear into the crowd and will be able to fend off global competition.�

AudioXperts will be honored at the official red dot award ceremony on July 1, 2013 and will be featured as part of the “Design on stage – winner red dot award: product design 2013� exhibition at the red dot design museum in Essen, Germany.

AudioXperts’ 4TV Audio Entertainment consoles are available for purchase around the world through the finest AV specialty retailers and distributors.

For more information on AudioXperts, visit http://www.audioxperts.com.

About AudioXperts
The AudioXperts Team brings over 100 years of combined expertise and passion in order to provide consumers with products that exceed expectations. By incorporating the finest materials and applying the latest technologies, in sophisticated, flexible and intuitive designs, AudioXperts ensures an extraordinary user experience and unparalleled pride of ownership.

Student Life, an inter-denominational ministry offering Gospel-centered, high energy summer camps and youth conferences, has taken PixelFLEX’s ultra-flexible and lightweight LED curtain video wall on the road during its Be Last Conference celebrating Mark 9:35: If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.

On the tour, Student Life uses 16 PixelFLEX panels across the stage as an accent to the production’s main 17′ projection screen. The PixelFLEX panels run a variety of content throughout the show, including a series of flags from various countries, to provide different looks and feels on stage. For organizers of Student Life’s Be Last Conference, ease of use and set-up are the primary benefits to using the PixelFLEX solution.

“They are extremely easy to use,” said Jake Brantley, producer for Student Life. “Being able to change the look and feel of our stage at the drop of a hat is invaluable. When we have more of an upbeat sound on stage, we can use fast moving graphics and bright colors to add energy. If we’re trying to create a more serious tone, we can add darker blues and slower motion graphics without having to change the backdrops. All of this can be done simply with a click of a button.”

Flexible in all directions, PixelFLEX LED Curtains are able to bend and shape around structures for a more creative display effect and can be stored in a single road case to simplify shipping. This flexibility is critical to Brantley and his team during the Be Last Conference – both during and after the performance.

“With the way we’re using the LED panels on stage, having the ability to shape the panels as we need to is crucial – in one or two places we use them to create a nice arch or 90 degree bend around a corner,” Brantley stated. “On top of that, it only takes two people to load the panels in and out before and after the show, which means we can be done with set up and tear down more quickly. Finally, the fact that you can fold and store the panels in travel cases is a tremendous cost saver for a small tour like ours.”

Videos and images can be sent to PixelFLEX’s screens using any computer with a DVI-D connection. Each typical screen panel is approximately 8×4, but modifications can be made easily to meet specific needs of the consumer – panels can be attached together with PixelFLEX’s proprietary quicklock system.

“PixelFLEX’s panels give us a ton of versatility with regard to the custom content we’re able to incorporate into the tour,” Brantley remarked. “We have an unlimited amount of options as to what our stage can look like and that is cool.”

For more information on PixelFLEX and its growing line of lightweight LED video screens, visit www.LEDCurtain.com. Follow PixelFLEX at www.Facebook.com/PixelFLEXUSA and @LEDCurtain.

Listen Technologies independent sales representatives recognized for their outstanding performance and dedication.

Park City, Utah, USA – During its annual RepFest, Listen Technologies honored the top individuals and firms with its 2012 North America Rep Awards.

Representative of the Year, an award that recognizes the firm that demonstrates the highest level of passion and commitment in representing Listen Technologies, went to Cardone, Solomon & Associates (CS&A) in Floral Park, New York.

“I am so proud of everyone in my company,� said John Cardone, Principal Cardone, Solomon & Associates. “It has been a privilege to represent Listen Technologies and deliver outstanding solutions to our customers that ensure that the best listening experience is achieved.�

The top Inside Sales award went to IAVI Marketing Canada with headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia. This award is presented for understanding the importance of how the inside staff is an important reflection on their firm.

AVA Audio Video Assoc., Inc., CB Electronic Marketing, LLC, CS&A – Northeast, CS&A – Metro, CS&A – Mid-Atlantic, Ellison Northwest, IAVI Marketing Canada, Online Marketing and SECOM were recognized for Outstanding Achievement in 2012. These firms met or exceeded their 2012 sales quotas in their respective territories. Also recognized were former rep firms Audio Biz, Inc. and PCM Marketing.

Thirteen individuals were selected to receive Listen’s Bull Dog award. “These individuals have demonstrated that they have the drive and determination to never let go of an opportunity; they have more ‘bite’ than ‘bark’ and they pursue the opportunity until it’s closed,� said Peter Papageorge, Director of Sales, North America.

The recipients of the Bull Dog Award were:
- Ben Shipman, AVA Audio Video Assoc., Inc.
- John Cardone, Cardone, Solomon & Associates
- Ken Valentine, Cardone, Solomon & Associates
- Mike Solomon Cardone, Solomon & Associates
- Bob Strauss Cardone, Solomon & Associates
- Larry Bickford, CB Electronic Marketing, LLC
- Dave Ellison, Ellison Northwest
- Ed Tchoi, IAVI Marketing Canada
- Clayton Creed, IAVI Marketing Canada
- Mike Wuellner, Online Marketing
- Dave Kocias, Online Marketing
- Lisa Ortega, Mizzen Marketing
- Ed Wolffe, SECOM

About Listen Technologies Corporation
Listen Technologies Corporation manufactures and distributes wireless audio products world-wide for use in auditory assistance, soundfield, tour group, language interpretation and conferencing applications. Listen products provide superb audio performance, flexibility and ease of use, making them the ideal choice for schools, houses of worship, factories, entertainment facilities, government agencies and other entities. For more information on Listen solutions, contact Listen Technologies at +1.801.233.8992, or visit www.listentech.com.

Urbana, IL – Cobalt Digital (www.CobaltDigital.com), manufacturer of award-winning 3G/HD/SD-SDI conversion gear for broadcast environments, recently installed a complement of terminal gear in Turner Studios’ latest mobile units. The announcement was made by Cobalt’s svp of sales, Bob McAlpine, from company headquarters in Urbana, IL.

The two trucks received identical equipment packages slated for video processing, signal conversion and distribution. The order comprised eleven frames including Cobalt’s new award-winning HPF-9000 high-power, high-density frames. The units are populated with nearly 200 cards including the Company’s 3G/HD/SD-SDI Fusion3G® 9901-UDX up/down/cross format converter, numerous DAs and color correctors. Cobalt also supplied multiple OGCP-9000 control panels, and numerous Mini-DIN rears ensure maximum density. Fabrication was accomplished by Beck Associates, a systems integrator located in Pflugerville, TX.

Turner Studios is the full service production division of Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. aligned under Turner’s Global Technology and Operations division. Turner Studios services include studio operations, live broadcast production operations, post production, visual effects and animation, design and creative services, digital media production, remote and outside broadcast production. Turner Studios services all of Turner’s Entertainment Networks including TBS, TNT, TCM, Cartoon Network and TruTV, as well as Turner’s news networks including CNN, and many of Turner’s International Networks such as TNT and Cartoon Latin America.
For information regarding the Turner Studios mobile units, please contact Susan O’Neal at susan.Oneal@turner.com.
# # #
ABOUT COBALT DIGITAL INC.
Cobalt Digital Inc. designs and manufactures award-winning 3G/HD/SD conversion gear for the broadcast television environment. Distributed through a worldwide network of dealers, system integrators, and other partnerships, Cobalt products are backed with a 5-year warranty. For more information, visit http://www.cobaltdigital.com.

Company Contact: Chris Shaw, EVP of Sales and Marketing
+1-217-344-1243 / chris.shaw@cobaltdigital.com

Press Contact: Desert Moon Communications / Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Los Angeles, Calif. – April 8, 2013 – AVAD LLC, the leading provider of innovative solutions to the residential and commercial custom installation markets, in partnership with Niles Audio, awarded a brand new 2013 Chevy Camaro Coupe 1SS to electronics integrator Curtis Shelton of Saint Louis, Mo.

Mr. Shelton participated in the contest promoting Niles Audio products through his company Galaxy Security & Sound. All active AVAD customers were eligible to participate in the contest, which ran from October 1st through December 28, 2012. Dealers were entered into the contest each time they purchased Niles Audio’s series of custom installation audio systems, components and accessories, increasing their chances of winning the grand prize with each purchase.

“I’ve been an AVAD dealer for fifteen years because of their large variety of AV products, easy local access and the friendships we have built with the AVAD crew,” said contest winner Curtis Shelton. “Niles products have been a part of our selection for over twenty years and the quality, looks and warranty of their speakers practically sell themselves. I appreciate everyone that has made this fabulous giveaway possible and most humbly accept it on behalf of my family at Galaxy Security & Sound.”

“The loyalty and ingenuity of AVAD customers merits a huge prize,” said Jim Annes, VP and General Manager at AVAD. “Considering our contest partner Niles and their renowned installer-friendly custom audio products, the exceptional Chevy Camaro was a fitting prize that symbolizes the distinctive strength and workmanship that is built into Niles Audio systems every day. AVAD is proud to be a partner with this great manufacturer.”

The Camaro Coupe 1SS is powered by a 6.2L 426-horsepower V8 engine. The vehicle comes equipped with 20� aluminum wheels, electric power steering, Bluetooth® wireless technology for select phones, and a three-month trial of Sirius XM® Satellite Radio. EPA averages 16 MPG and an estimated 24 MPG on the highway.

For more information on AVAD, please visit http://www.avad.com in the US or http://www.avadcanada.ca in Canada. Connect with AVAD on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for news on the latest promotions and news.

About AVAD LLC
As part of the Specialty Solutions Division, AVAD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro, provides integrators access to the industry’s top products and integrated solutions for residential and commercial video, audio, lighting control, content management, whole-home and business automation and control, as well as digital signage and commercial solutions and design services. AVAD offers the broadest consumer electronics and home and business automation portfolio in North America. Further differentiating its services, AVAD invests in the business tools and technical support and services integrators need to grow their businesses. With 24 locations throughout North America, AVAD offers local, hands-on access to the latest products and trainings, as well as free support services including system design and technical support.

About Niles:
California-based Niles® is recognized as The First Name in Custom Installation®. The company is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of audio/video custom installation products and accessories and is guided by its vision to be the world’s leading provider of products and services that enable professional custom installers to design and install systems that delight their customers. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.nilesaudio.com. Niles 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® brands.

Custom electronics distributor takes top honors in CE Pro’s Quest for Quality Awards

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – April 1, 2013 – AVAD LLC, the leading provider of innovative solutions to the residential and commercial custom installation markets, has been awarded the top honor, a Platinum Award, in three specific categories–Tech Support, Website and Shipping–based on the results of the 2013 CE Pro Quest for Quality Awards. The renowned distributor is the biggest recipient of distributor honors this year with awards in five of the six categories, also winning Gold Awards for Training and Sales/Marketing Assistance.

The CE Pro Quest for Quality Awards, which is now in its third year, honors manufacturers and distributors based upon results of a readership survey conducted by CE Pro in early 2013. Looking beyond products, the survey contained open-ended questions and asked respondents to evaluate the quality of services provided by the manufacturers and distributors within the industry.

“Far exceeding the norms of a customer service team behind a 1-800 number, AVAD has always sought to put together a full package of value-added benefits to enable our dealers to grow their businesses,” said Jim Annes, vice president and general manager of AVAD. “Our dealers put in long hours, and we want them to know that AVAD is there when they need us for help designing, configuring shipping, and beyond. The success and growth of our business is dependent on the success of our customers. AVAD will continue to invest in services that enable our customers to grow and be industry leaders.”

While many distributors rely on third-party technical support, AVAD has invested in its dealers’ business by providing an in-house team of product and systems experts that make up the service team that is now Platinum award winning two years running. Whether they’re in the office or the field, AVAD offers support tailored to all of a dealer’s needs, from solution design to post sales support.

At the AVAD website, www.avad.com, dealers can find resources on AVAD events, current promotions, product information, brands and information on AVAD’s national freight policy, which enables customers to pick up, ship or fast track orders as necessary to streamline their operations and timelines.

AVAD University’s educational programs, acknowledge with a Gold award in 2013, have long been recognized as one of the leading training programs in the industry and previously won a Quest for Quality Platinum Award in 2011 and 2012. Held throughout North America at AVAD branches, as well as online, these educational programs are tailored to increase dealers’ industry IQ and business acumen, allowing them to stay a few steps ahead of the competition. Online and classroom product and business training, technical certification and complete system coursework is offered at the convenience of the dealer to accommodate their schedule.

Earning the second Gold award, AVAD’s sales and marketing efforts are customer-focused to raise dealer awareness of a continuum of promotions and incentives that are designed to make it easier to do business in the industry.

For more information on AVAD, please visit http://www.avad.com in the US or http://www.avadcanada.ca in Canada. Connect with AVAD on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for news on the latest promotions and news.

About AVAD LLC
As part of the Specialty Solutions Division, AVAD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro, provides integrators access to the industry’s top products and integrated solutions for residential and commercial video, audio, lighting control, content management, whole-home and business automation and control, as well as digital signage and commercial solutions and design services. AVAD offers the broadest consumer electronics and home and business automation portfolio in North America. Further differentiating its services, AVAD invests in the business tools and technical support and services integrators need to grow their businesses. With 24 locations throughout North America, AVAD offers local, hands-on access to the latest products and trainings, as well as free support services including system design and technical support.

About CE Pro
CE Pro (Custom Electronics Professional) is the leading trade publication for businesses that specify, install and integrate technology for homes and light commercial, including audio, video, automation, security, lighting controls, energy management, motorized shades, assistive devices and more. CE Pro magazine is published in print, and as a digital issue. Leading industry Web site CEPro.com generates roughly 700,000 page views per month. CE Pro can be found at http://www.cepro.com and on Twitter @ce_pro.