FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2012 Middle Atlantic Products, in conjunction with Extron Electronics, is initiating and supporting the establishment of a new standard for half-width rack systems for AV integration.

Working in cooperation with the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA), Extron and Middle Atlantic are seeking to establish and maintain a specific ECIA standard for what has typically been offered as a custom rack offering until now. To further strengthen the quality and application of the standard, the two companies are inviting manufacturers of compact-format devices to join a communication and working group for this effort.

Both manufacturers have recently developed product families – the Extron Half Rack Shelf System and Middle Atlantic’s new HR Series Half Racks – which, respectively, fit within and incorporate the proposed 10 5/8� overall width defined in the proposed new standard.

Commenting on the introduction and standard effort, Middle Atlantic Director of Marketing Kevin Handerson stated, “We are pleased to be working with device manufacturing partners to seize the initiative for establishing an ECIA standard for AV half rack systems. Having a workable, clear standard will greatly facilitate the installation of half rack products in useful applications.�

Dave Pincek, Vice President of Product Development for Extron Electronics, stated “Extron has long advocated the use of standard, rack-mount enclosure dimensions as a means of improving AV system designs and integration. With this proposed new standard for a compact mounting system, key AV equipment can now be more easily integrated into lecterns, columns, table legs, and similar spaces without sacrificing system functionality, thermal management, or room aesthetics.�

Device manufacturers that would like to participate in the working group should contact Mark Tracy, Director of Product and Business Development at Middle Atlantic Products, using the email address Standards@MiddleAtlantic.com.

For more information on the Extron Half Rack Shelf System, please visit: www.extron.com/halfracksystem. For more information on the Middle Atlantic HR Series Half Rack click to www.MiddleAtlantic.com.

Middle Atlantic Products manufactures exceptional support and protection products to mount Commercial and Professional AV and other electronics systems including racks, AV furniture, thermal and cable management and power distribution & protection. All products are designed from the installer’s point of view to save time and simplify the job.

Extron Electronics is a leading manufacturer of professional AV system integration products including AV control systems, computer-video interfaces, switchers, matrix switchers, distribution amplifiers, audio amplifiers, speakers, twisted pair and fiber optic equipment, video scalers, AV signal processors, AV streaming products, classroom sound field systems, and high resolution cable.

Austin, TX – February 1, 2012, – ihiji

, creator of the award-winning cloud-based remote monitoring and support system invision, has begun shipping the new and much-anticipated INV-APP-500. This low-cost and energy-efficient remote monitoring hardware appliance is destined to be the industry standard for installations large and small.

The INV-APP-500 boasts a game-changing starting price of $200 and is sold as part of the ihiji invision solution. When implemented, dealers are able to further reduce remote servicing costs while simultaneously increasing system reliability, thereby earning recurring revenue and maximizing operating efficiencies. Furthermore, in contrast to competitive solutions, ihiji’s annual services have been greatly reduced, and the first monitoring tier is free. This enables dealers to deploy an appliance on virtually every installation. Therefore, authorized ihiji dealers are now able to offer both hardware and the first year of service for as low as $200, which is easily recouped by avoiding just one truck roll.

The end-user benefit is equally impressive. ihiji’s low-power appliance INV-APP-500 can deliver a remarkable $700 in annual energy cost savings per location, when compared with traditional in-home server scenarios.

“With the introduction of our new INV-APP-500 appliance, dealers are able to implement robust and reliable remote monitoring and support services for a fraction of the price,� according to ihiji VP of technical operations, Michael Maniscalco. “Our goal is to enable dealers to own their customers’ network and doing so requires remote management. With ihiji invision’s cloud-based architecture, all of the heavy lifting is done on our servers, meaning dealers do not sacrifice features or reliability with the new low-cost appliance. Utilizing cloud services, dealers can offer the most reliable monitoring and support solutions available while keeping the costs of entry and ongoing maintenance as low as possible. We believe this approach to the category is more than a trend. It’s an emerging industry standard.�

invision is the only cloud based monitoring solution built specifically for custom dealers and designed to simplify remote management. It also avoids the high costs and complexities associated with traditional IT-focused monitoring solutions. Developed and maintained entirely in-house by ihiji’s software engineering team, invision has been frequently lauded by dealers as being both the most robust and the most easy-to-use solution available, providing “profound benefits�.

To join the ihiji invision community, or to learn more about establishing business-stabilizing proactive recurring revenue streams and improved customer loyalty, please email info@ihiji.com or call (512) 538-0520.

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About ihiji
ihiji, the leading residential systems monitoring company, provides invision, a simple-to-use, yet robust remote systems monitoring and network support solution that enables proactive system performance management for Electronics Systems Contractors. ihiji develops partnerships with dealers and industry manufacturers to offer inspired solutions for complicated problems, increasing both end-user satisfaction and dealer profitability. Led by a team with a rich history as futurists and technologists, the company boasts a unique background comprised of computer and electrical engineering, research and development, information technology, computer programming, and graduate-level business experience. Follow ihiji on Twitter and on Facebook, and learn more about the company online at www.ihiji.com.

ihiji Media Contact: Katye (McGregor) Bennett, KMB Communications, (425) 374-8930, Katye@KMBComm.com.

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New app gives iPhone, iPad users a true IP audio paging solution — without the complexity of IP

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, January 31, 2012 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP audio, control and monitoring, brings voice paging to the iPhone and iPad via the Barix Wi-Fi Paging App — the first open-standards IP and multicast voice announcer application for mobile iOS devices.

The Barix Wi-Fi Paging App, now available in the iTunes App Store, enables zoned voice paging from iOS devices on commercial, public and residential properties. Barix’s open-standards approach turns nearly any VoIP or IP Audio receiving device into a simple IP paging/announcement system. Besides the full range of Barix IP Audio devices, many IP phones are supported, as well as third-party IP Paging gateways and speakers. A one-time configuration process ensures that users can quickly set up a paging solution for immediate and ongoing use without hassle.

“Barix is bringing more than ten years of knowledge and leadership in VoIP and IP audio devices to the smartphone universe,� said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix. “The Barix Paging App draws from our professional IP Audio and paging knowhow to make Wi-Fi paging available for millions of smartphone owners across commercial, residential, medical and professional markets.�

Ease of use is central to the Barix Paging App. Upon download, users add existing paging receivers such as IP phones, IP speakers or VoIP paging gateways in the setup part of the application. Multicast addresses can be used to set up zones with multiple receiving devices. Configurations are stored within the app or an optional location device, ensuring a one-time setup process per site. For existing Barix customers, the configuration process can automatically discover Barix IP Audio devices.

Users can assign photos to each device or zone to create clear visuals for the paging targets. Once setup is complete, users can make announcements to one, many or all configured targets by simply touching the appropriate zone icons and initiating audio with the “push-to-talk� soft-button. Real-world applications include calling the kids for dinner, making general announcements to all classrooms in a K-12 school, paging doctors in a hospital, and announcing new security measures across a large corporate campus.

All Barix VoIP-enabled IP Audio products are compatible with the Wi-Fi Paging App, including:
• Single- and multi-zone VoIP Paging Gateways (Exstreamer and Annuncicom two-way audio product families)
• The “IP Speaker without the speaker� (Exstreamer P5)
• The ruggedized Annuncicom 155 for use in harsh environments
• The Exstreamer 205, which provides up to 50W output power for high-quality music distribution applications — and now Wi-Fi Paging
• Affordable Power over Ethernet (PoE) master paging stations (Annuncicom PS1 and PS16)

More information can be found at http://www.wifi-paging.com or the Barix homepage.

About Barix AG (www.barix.com)
Barix AG, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in the research and development of state-of-the-art, IP-based communication and control technology. Barix products are standalone and able to remotely connect worldwide over standard networks /Internet, offering new and improved solutions to the professional audio distribution, communication and automation industries. Barix products provide solutions in audio over IP (audio distribution and monitoring, communication, security) and automation (remote controlling, monitoring and maintenance).

Peavey® Commercial Audio, the audio system of choice in more than 10,000 installations worldwide, from the halls of U.S. Congress to Soccer City Stadium in South Africa to Beijing Capital International Airport in China, is demonstrating the robust capabilities of its audio processing and control products in a residential environment at the Consumer Electronics Show, Exhibit 25330 (South Hall 2), January 10-13, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. more

Custom electronics distributor kicks off exclusive traveling “trade show”
January 26 in Irvine, Calif.

VAN NUYS, Calif. – January 10, 2012 – AVAD LLC, one of North America’s leading distributors of custom electronics, has announced the first dates and locations for the 2012 schedule of its highly popular Vend-O-Palooza tour. AVAD’s 2012 Vend-O-Palooza tour will kick off January 26th at the AVAD branch in Irvine, Calif. followed by stops at Scottsdale, Ariz. on February 22 and San Jose, Calif. on March 13.

Now in its third year, Vend-O-Palooza is a one-day “trade show” offering local dealers and integrators an exclusive opportunity to meet directly and interact with the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers. Attendees to Vend-O-Palooza have the unique benefit of demoing the latest products, participating in prize giveaways and raffles and purchasing products at special pricing. Throughout the event, AVAD also conducts special training session and workshops designed to help attendees manage and grow their businesses.

“Vend-O-Palooza has quickly grown into an event that AVAD dealers and vendors look forward to,” said Jim Annes, vice president and general manager of AVAD. “The event is truly a win-win situation for everyone in attendance. AVAD dealers have the unique opportunity to speak face-to-face with manufacturers in a forum that allows them to ask questions and provide feedback on the products they use. AVAD vendors also use Vend-O-Palooza as an opportunity to learn more about the unique needs of the dealer which helps them make the products and services they provide even better.”

AVAD will release more Vend-O-Palooza dates and locations throughout 2012. For an up-to-date tour schedule, visit http://www.vendopalooza.com or http://www.avad.com.

About AVAD LLC
AVAD is an industry-leading provider of solutions to the residential and commercial custom installation markets. 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.

Media Contact: Scott Moody, Director of Public Relations Marketing Matters Tel: 954-925-1511 Email: scott@marketingmatters.net Web: http://www.marketingmatters.net

Miramar, FL—January 10, 2012—SIM2 USA is pleased to announce that it has become a member of the prestigious ProSource group, the largest specialty segment and CE merchandising group in the U.S.

“Our alliance with ProSource provides continued synergy among our dealer network,� said Alberto Fabiano, Executive Vice President for SIM2 USA. “A buying group of this caliber offers competitive advantages and cohesively blends with our current market strategy. Despite the challenging economy, we have not strayed from our original position; we continue to manufacture the very best in the luxury home cinema market.�

Representing 950 storefronts and approximately $3.6 billion dollars in revenue for CE products, the ProSource group offers its members critical advantages for maximizing business opportunities with the independent specialty retailer.

“I am excited about this partnership. Today’s announcement brings together two best in class organizations. SIM2′s commitment to high performance products and unparalleled dealer support instantly enhances our position in the marketplace,” stated Jim Ristow, Executive Vice President of HES.

Visit SIM2 in South Hall at Booth 20806 during CES 2012.

About SIM2 USA Inc. and SIM2 Multimedia
Since their entrance into the US home theater market in 1999, SIM2 USA, under the guidance of its parent SIM2 Multimedia (established in 1995), has dedicated its resources to marketing and servicing products that meet the demands of the US market. SIM2 Multimedia is a worldwide leading manufacturer of home theater products and leading provider of high-end performance large screen systems (for control rooms, information, communication, and simulation) and professional projection systems for E–cinema applications. Over the years, SIM2 has gained a reputation for meeting the industry’s demands for new, emerging technologies, offering high-quality and reliable products that meet the customer’s need in any application. Products are designed and manufactured in Italy. The marketing policies of the company are world-oriented, with a direct presence in Italy (headquarters), the USA, UK, China, Germany (sister companies), and in over 60 countries worldwide through partnerships with qualified distributors.

Las Vegas, January 9th, 2012 — Antelope Audio will demonstrate its audiophile-grade digital to analog converters (DACs) at T.H.E. Show in Las Vegas between Tuesday, January 10th and Friday, January 6th at The Flamingo Hotel, room 4044.

Antelope Audio’s high-end Zodiac D/A converters (DACs) are based on the company’s proprietary clocking and conversion technologies developed for world’s top mastering professionals and sound engineers in the music, film and television industries. Antelope brings to audiophiles’ home environment the highest audio quality available only at the leading and most technically demanding sound studios around the globe.

During T.H.E. Show, music lovers will have the opportunity to experience the pristine sound quality of all three models – Zodiac, Zodiac+ and Zodiac Gold. All of them utilize Antelope’s famous Oven Controlled Clock and Acoustically Focused Clocking as well as the custom USB chip, which allows audio streaming of up to 384 kHz.

Morten Lindberg the founder of Lindberg Lyd and the music label 2L, and several times Grammy Award nominee says “The Zodiac Gold is now our preferred DAC for proof listening of our 352.8kHz/24bit stereo master files.�

“The best way to experience Antelope Audio is to listen to our products first hand,� explained Marcel James, director of sales for Antelope Audio. “At T.H.E. Show, we will be reaching a very focused contingent of discerning audiophiles, who are keen to take the home listening experience to the next level. With our unique clocking and conversion technology, they can achieve that goal.�

Zodiac DACs: Unprecedented detail and clarity
The Antelope Audio Zodiacs help audiophile consumers and home listeners experience a new level of detail, sound clarity and warmth. Featuring a plug and play interface that connects seamlessly to a Mac, PC or just about any other digital media source, the Zodiacs deliver up to 384 kHz resolution audio, dramatically improving the listening experience on both loudspeakers and headphones. Antelope’s proprietary clocking technology, which is shielded from other electronic components to maintain a consistent temperature, is at the core of the Antelope sound and results in astounding accuracy, dynamics and stereo placement of the audio.

The Zodiacs are also particularly attractive to audio consumers who use headphones, being designed for precise monitoring with a wide range of headphone impedance. Ultra linear, dual stage headphone amplifiers, which are controlled by a dedicated volume knob, deliver smooth sound at both high and low levels.

To learn more about T.H.E. Show or to register, please visit http://www.theshowlasvegas.com.

CES, Las Vegas, NV (January 08, 2012) – Soundcast Systems, developer of high-performance wireless audio systems and products since 2004, announces Mike Weaver as the company’s new President effective February 1, 2012.

During the past eight years Weaver has served as President and co-founder of Qsonix, a CE manufacturer of high-performance luxury music management and storage systems. Having resigned the leadership position at Qsonix, Weaver is relocating to the San Diego, California area where Soundcast Systems is based.

This appointment follows the hiring of the well-regarded CE consulting firm, The OAC Group in 2010. Over its history, OAC has assisted the fast-tracking and success of over 100 companies in the CE, Custom Integration and music industry channels.

Oscar Ciornei, Senior Partner of The OAC Group said, ��We are excited to move forward to our next plateau of dominance in the wireless audio market under the leadership and guidance of Mike Weaver. His entrepreneurial-spirited, hands-on management approach will escalate Soundcast Systems commitment to be the ‘go to’ brand name for high tech, cutting-edge, robust wireless products which meet and exceed the customers’ demands.�

Weaver succeeds Mal Hollombe, who is stepping down after five years to pursue other interests and will be fondly remembered at Soundcast for his ability to lead with enthusiasm, his dedication, and his numerous contributions and successes. Hollombe will remain an expert resource throughout the transition and a friend of the company.

Weaver said, “I am honored and delighted to be chosen as the new President of Soundcast Systems. This wonderful and innovative company is positioned perfectly to be a very significant electronics player in the connected-world marketplace that is becoming more wireless than ever.�

Visit Soundcast Systems at International CES at the Las Vegas Hotel, formerly the Las Vegas Hilton in Suite 2310 and meet Mike Weaver and the Soundcast Systems team.

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ABOUT SOUNDCAST SYSTEMS
Located in Chula Vista, California, Soundcast is a market innovator and leader in wireless audio systems for consumer residential and commercial development applications. Soundcast uses the renowned high-tech frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) bulletproof technology that continually searches for open channels and connects instantly to avoid interference from other products. Soundcast wireless products perfectly deliver a far-reaching broadcast range of pure, clean and crisp audio transmission through walls, doors, floors, ceilings and even outdoors. With Soundcast Systems, don’t let the music stop where the wires end.

For additional information about Soundcast and its innovative products, please visit www.soundcastsystems.com

Soundcast Contact: Mike Weaver • 1 (619) 671-0110 ext. 3034 • mweaver@soundcastsystems.com
Press Contact: Roberta Lewis & Assoc. Public Relations
Tel. 713/665-8758 • rlewis@robertalewis.com

Middle Atlantic Products is proud to announce that it has expanded its product offering to include Wiremold® solutions from Legrand, the industry’s largest selection of end-to-end wire and cable management and pathway products. With an emphasis on increasing value to its integrator partners, Middle Atlantic’s goal is to help streamline the specifying, ordering and shipment of electronics system support products.

Building on its commitment to ship quickly from its warehouse locations throughout the US and Canada, Middle Atlantic will now stock Wiremold product families ideal for AV applications, including Floor Boxes, Poke-Thrus, and Overfloor and Surface raceways. The company will also offer ordering and support capabilities for Wiremold Vista Columns.

The company has also expanded its capabilities to offer full customer and sales support for the Wiremold product lines, providing a single source for infrastructure needs – the products that provide the framework for supporting and protecting AV systems. The AV consultant and installer community will benefit from one sales contact to help select and specify products for their projects, one number to call for customer service and tech support across all product lines and a single shipment including Middle Atlantic and Wiremold products.

“The success of our customers remains our primary focus,� said Mike Baker, President of Middle Atlantic. “Anchoring the Commercial AV Division of Legrand is opening up many exciting opportunities to continue supporting our installing partners in new and diverse ways. The availability of Wiremold solutions is our first step of many towards becoming an infrastructure company that delivers innovative products and exceptional support like no other.�

For technical specifications and in-depth information about Middle Atlantic Products, please click to www.middleatlantic.com or call 1.800.266.7225.

KanexPro focuses on product innovation and additional features that makes HDTV mounts conveniently easy to use. The KanexPro Full-Motion Dual Arm Corner HDTV Wall Mount is an ideal solution to setup a home theater or boardroom for LCD, LED, or Plasma HDTVs. You will enjoy the benefits of saving surface space and mounting on a corner wall for clean and professional look. You now have the freedom to mount your display in any room hassle-free! This mount also provides features to help articulate the mount with ease. You will be able to extend, retract, tilt, and swivel for multiple positions and preference. Its pre-assembled design interface allows for the quickest installation possible.

For more details please visit www.kanexpro.com

About KanexProâ„¢

Leveraging our core strength in professional A/V products, KanexPro carries a complete selection of A/V connectivity needs. When planning digital installations you will find that we carry a broad line of A/V connectivity products enabling you to broadcast, extend, split, or multiply HD signal transmissions; simply and cost-effectively.
KanexPro is a registered trademark. All other trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.