The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has recommended that SMART Technologies Inc. modify or discontinue certain claims made for the SMARTBoard Interactive whiteboard and projector system, but determined that the company can support certain claims. NAD reviewed advertising claims that appeared in materials aimed at internal sales personnel and authorized resellers. The claims at issue were challenged by Epson America, Inc.
Two of the challenged claims were these: “The SMARTBoard interactive whiteboard is optimized for durability and interactivity whereas the BrightLink 450Wi compromises functionality, image quality and ability to write naturally” and “SMARTBoard interactive whiteboards deliver better TCO and ROI when accounting for filter replacements, filter cleaning and total decay costs for the BrightLink 450Wi. One also needs to consider the cost of a suitable projection surface.”

NAD determined that the materials specifically identified the Epson BrightLink 450Wi by brand and model number, compared the two products in head-to-head charts and relied on these comparisons in order to demonstrate the advantages of the SMARTBoard over the BrightLink. For these reasons, NAD concluded that the advertiser’s claims were comparative claims, requiring substantiation.
Regarding the two-part claim “The SMARTBoard interactive whiteboard is optimized for durability and interactivity…the BrightLink 450Wi compromises functionality, image quality and ability to write naturally,” NAD determined that the advertiser provided a reasonable basis in support of the first half of the challenged claim, but recommended the advertiser discontinue the second half of the claim.
With respect to the total cost of operation (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) claims, NAD was not troubled by the advertiser’s use of the cheaper SMARTBoard model in the context of the challenged advertisements. NAD, however, was troubled by the advertiser’s use of the full retail price, rather than the lower “education” price, for BrightLink. NAD recommended that the advertiser modify any TCO or ROI claims that include the cost of replacing the BrightLink pen and batteries to disclose the basis for such claims adequately. With respect to the advertiser’s claims regarding the cost of filter replacement, filter cleaning and total color “decay” for the Epson BrightLink, NAD determined that the advertiser’s evidence was insufficient to support such claims and recommended that they be discontinued.

On June 28, Lowell Manufacturing
filed a complaint in Federal Court against Atlas Sound LP, alleging infringement on U.S. patent no. 7,643,647, which
is directed toward Lowell’s lay-in
tile speaker system.

“We have expended significant resources in developing our product line, including the tile speaker system, and expect competitors to respect U.S. patents,” said John Lowell, President. “Although litigation is not our preference, we remain committed to defending intellectual property rights in court when other avenues have failed.”

AVI-SPL has announced the retirement of AV industry figure and AVI-SPL President Stephenie Scanlon. After her retirement in September, Scanlon plans to remain with the company as a consultant for special projects and initiatives. “Stephenie and I have worked closely to develop strategies that allowed for our great success at AVI and now AVI-SPL,” said Marty Schaffel, Executive Chairman. “We would never have accomplished a fraction of what we have done without Stephenie’s skills,” Schaffel added. “While Stephenie will remain active with this company in the years ahead, her daily presence will be sorely missed.

Scanlon initially joined legacy Audio Visual Innovations (AVI) in 1986, working as a sales representative for the Rental Services division. Her role with the company quickly expanded to include systems sales, human resources, and sales and marketing management. In 1998, Scanlon launched the e-commerce and national telesales division, Projector People/AV Marketplace.
She also led the creation of AVI-SPL University (AVI-U).
Since her promotion to President in 2005, Scanlon has managed the company’s marketing and corporate communications, AVI-SPL's e-commerce and transactional business units, and key supplier relationships. Additionally, she’s been responsible for corporate and sales administration, as well as vertical market-focused sales teams.

Blackmagic Design has acquired all assets of EchoLab Inc., a designer and manufacturer of production switchers. EchoLab has been designing and building production switchers since 1974. This experience has culminated
in the latest ATEM range of production switchers, which include technology for features such as up conversion
on inputs, multilayer SuperSource input, Stinger transitions, and built-in multi-view monitoring, all in a fully digital
M/E style design.

The ATEM production switchers will be demonstrated at the Blackmagic Design IBC 2010 booth #7.B25.

“It’s…exciting to add these products and intellectual property
to the Blackmagic Design family”, said Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design. “The ATEM switcher is a…creative tool….
Since the acquisition, we have already…expanded the
engineering team working on ATEM. This fresh engineering team, which is a combination of new as well as experienced EchoLab staff, will allow us to move faster in adding new features to the
ATEM product.”

Michael E. Peppel, who previously was top executive of audiovisual sales and services company MCSi Inc., has pleaded guilty to federal criminal felony charges resulting from the Dayton OH-area company’s 2003 implosion, according to a Dayton Daily News report. For the first time since accusations were leveled in a December 2006 federal indictment, Peppel formally admitted responsibility for deliberate criminal acts, among them approving false reports to federal regulators of MCSi’s financial results. The company’s bankruptcy, and ultimate collapse, left shareholders with valueless stock and caused about 1300 employees to lose their jobs, stock and retirement income through MCSi.

Peppel pleaded guilty to three charges: willful false certification of a financial report by a corporate officer, money laundering and conspiracy to commit securities, mail and wire fraud. The final charge accuses Peppel of using the mail and electronic communications to file false financial reports and exchange documents supporting reports of sham transactions. Peppel’s guilty pleas resulted from a plea agreement with government prosecutors. In exchange for the guilty pleas, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining 29 charges he faced. Peppel withdrew his prior pleas of not guilty to all 32 charges.

Although, technically, Peppel could face a prison sentence of
20 to 50 years and millions of dollars in fines, under federal sentencing guidelines and his agreement to enter guilty pleas, he would likely receive considerably less prison term and a fine of approximately $1 million.

In associated news, as reported in our July 2010 News section, Frances Flood, former chief of ClearOne Communications Inc., has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for falsifying company revenue.

XETA Technologies, Inc. www.xeta.com, a provider of converged communications solutions for the enterprise market, has closed its previously announced acquisition of Pyramid Communication Services, Inc. www.pyramidcsi.com, a privately held provider of communications equipment, applications and related services. The acquisition of Pyramid, which has annual revenues in excess of $10 million, is expected to be accretive to earnings in fiscal 2011.

The deal increases the depth of XETA's sales and service presence in a number of geographic markets, and enables XETA and Pyramid to expand product and service offerings to existing and new customers.
"XETA and Pyramid have known each other, competed against each other and worked in partnership for many years," said Greg Forrest, CEO of XETA. "Our customers will continue to benefit from our growth as we enhance and expand our communications design, implementation, maintenance and repair services nationwide."

Pro Sound, Inc. , has announced its acquisition of Pensacola FL-based Advanced Media Design Systems Advanced Media Design Systems Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The acquisition reflects Pro Sound’s continued expansion in, and commitment to, the Florida and GulfCoast market. Pro Sound, Inc. will now be able to expand efficiently and cost effectively into southern Georgia,

Louisiana, Mississippi and the AlabamaGulfCoast, as well as the Florida panhandle. “We have had a relationship with AMDS for many years and, over time, we realized that the shared company philosophy and geographic location might be a good fit for Pro Sound,” said Rod Sintow, CEO of Pro Sound, Inc. “The new office will position Pro Sound for an increased presence in the south.”

Sintow noted the office will remain based in Pensacola, and will retain its current staff, with Brian Smith continuing to lead the company as Regional Director for the GulfCoast. According to Smith, "It will be business as usual for all AMDS clients and they will continue to enjoy the same one-on-one responsiveness that they have come to expect, with the added resources [that] Pro Sound can provide."

Francisco Partners, a San Francisco CA-based private equity firm focused on investments in technology-based companies, has made a binding offer to Technicolor for the acquisition of the Grass Valley Broadcast & Professional business activities. With nearly $5 billion of capital under management, Francisco Partners is one of the largest technology-focused private equity funds. The firm was founded to pursue structured investments in technology and technology-based companies. Francisco Partner targets investments in private companies, with transaction values ranging from $30 million to $2 billion. Since its inception, Francisco Partners has invested in excess of $4 billion of equity capital in more than 50 technology companies.

The binding offer from Francisco Partners is for 100% ownership of the current Grass Valley Broadcast & Professional business, which would operate as "GrassValley" going forward.

This includes the camera, content repurposing, editing, master control, modular, news production, production automation, routing, servers, storage and switching product lines, including their entire product portfolios, the R&D centers and factories around the world, the sales and systems activities and customer support organization worldwide, as well as the management and administrative support functions dedicated to the business. This business perimeter and associated product lines for which the offer was made by Francisco Partners represent the core of what the market historically knows as GrassValley products.

The Transmission and Headend businesses, which are in the process of being separated from the Grass Valley Broadcast & Professional business, are not included in the offer received. Technicolor will continue the planned divestiture of these businesses separately. These businesses plan to operate individually going forward.

Subject to final agreement, regulatory approval, applicable notification requirements and, when it is requested, the prior consultation of staff representatives, it is expected that the transaction can be completed before the end of 2010.

In exclusive comments to Sound & Communications, Ray Baldock, CTO for GrassValley, said, “We’re all excited about the prospects of new ownership by Francisco Partners. Until the deal closes, it’s very much business as usual for GrassValley, our customers and our partners—but with renewed vigor and confidence now that the offer has been announced. So, in the short term, there is no change to our strategy in regard to the product roadmaps or markets that we serve. It is premature to comment on the longer term until after the deal is fully executed and closes.”

ANSI E1.8 - 2005, Entertainment Technology--Loudspeaker Enclosures Intended for Overhead Suspension—Classification, Manufacture and Structural Testing, and BSR E1.24 - 201x, Entertainment Technology - Dimensional Requirements for Stage Pin Connectors, are available for public review through September 20. The review forms and instructions for both documents, and the draft BSR E1.24 standard, are available at here. ANSI E1.8 is an existing American National Standard being considered for reaffirmation. It can be purchased from The ESTA Foundation at www.estafoundation.org/pubs.htm.

ANSI E1.8 - 2005 is a standard for the structural integrity of loudspeaker enclosures. It is designed to ensure that flown speaker enclosures don't break and rain parts. No substantive changes are planned for the existing standard in this reaffirmation, unless comments from the public suggest that changes are warranted, in which case the standard will be revised.

BSR E1.24 – 201x is a revised version of the existing ANSI E1.24 – 2006. The standard is being revised to clarify its use as a configuration standard giving the mating requirements for male and female pin connectors, contact set-backs from the front face and marking requirements. The electrical reliability and flammability requirements for pin connectors would be covered by other standards, such as UL 498, Attachment Plugs and Receptacles.

Reviewers also are requested to look for protected intellectual property in the documents. ESTA does not intend to adopt any standard that requires the use of protected intellectual property, unless that property is essential for technical reasons, and can be licensed and used by anyone without prejudice or preference for a “reasonable” fee.

VITEC Multimedia has announced the purchase of the Focus Enhancements Systems Group. With this purchase, VITEC has added video acquisition and management products to its lineup, including FS Portable DTE Recorders, ProxSys Media Asset Management solutions, media converters and OEM-ready media hardware and software. According to the company, customers can now look to VITEC throughout the entire video production process, including acquisition, conversion, image processing, MPEG compression, recording, media asset management, streaming, decoding and delivery.

According to Philippe Wetzel, CEO of VITEC Multimedia, “In combination with our recent acquisition of Optibase, this acquisition furthers our objective to provide a complete line of advanced digital video solutions to our customers around the globe….The VITEC R&D division—now with more than 100…engineers—is…positioned to deliver…solutions for a…range of advanced digital video applications—managing the entire video process from source to display.”

“Focus has partnered with VITEC Multimedia in the past and, given our…history, we concluded that sale of Focus’ Systems Group to VITEC was the right decision,” commented Brett Moyer, President and CEO of Focus Enhancements.

BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, signed a friendship agreement with InfoComm International, the nonprofit association serving the professional AV communications industry. The official agreement was signed by Randal A. Lemke, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm International, and John D. Clark Jr., CAE, Executive Director and CEO of BICSI. According to the associations, the AV communications industry and the ITS industry intersect in terms of technologies, as well as their complementary roles in the building, communications and IT industries.

To accomplish their shared mission, and for the benefit of the associations’ members who work cooperatively on projects, InfoComm and BICSI have agreed on mutual points of reciprocity, including establishing reciprocal BICSI continuing education credit (CECs) and InfoComm Renewal Units (RUs) and continuing the current government relations cooperative activities and participation in the Green Building Technology Alliance (GBTA). Also included in this friendship agreement is a resolution to update the AV Design Reference Manual (AVDRM). BICSI believes that this relationship will enhance and expand BICSI’s dedicated outreach and also will add significantly to its programs and services.

BICSI currently holds friendship agreements with the Electronic Security Association (ESA)—formerly NBFAA—and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

The 1394 Trade Association issued a trio of new specifications focused on video compression, audio and music transmission, and set-top-box functionality. The Trade Association’s USA Set Top Box Test Specification Revision 1.0 defines a set of tests to verify the functionality of the 1394 interface as defined in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate for a functional 1394 interface in the STB. The standard defines a set of tests that, when executed, will verify a USA Set Top Box has correctly implemented all the required functionality. Details are available at www.1394ta.org/developers/specifications
/2008003.html.

The revised BT.601 specification on the transport of uncompressed or compressed video addresses the upcoming analog “sunset” directive that applies January 1, 2011, to new Blu-ray products. The “image constraint token” eliminates the potential for pirated unencrypted video. With this revision, BT.601 has been updated with the token for use with Blu-ray players. Data in

the 4:2:2 format of ITU-R BT.601 includes compatible extensions to the format for the higher and lower resolutions of other commonly used video resolutions over 1394. The data formats for the encapsulation of video data are compatible with those specified by IEC 61883-1.

The specification provides a list of compression codes controlled by the 1394 Trade Association and a reference to one video compression codec, minimum, to assure interoperability and bounded implementation complexity. For details, go to www.1394ta.org/developers/specifications/2006020.html.

A new version of the Audio Music Data Transmission Protocol (v 2.2) addresses multichannel audio formats for Blu-Ray. It supports all popular surround configurations, like 5.1 and 7.1, and is extensible to 32 channels of surround. The new version also addresses the analog sunset directive, and describes a protocol for the transmission of audio and music data over IEEE Std 1394-1995 or later, including the transport of IEC 60958 digital format, raw audio samples and MIDI data.

The specification includes excerpts from IEC 61883-6, the improved version of 1394 TA specification "Audio and Music Data Transmission Protocol V1." Details are at www.1394ta.org/developers/speci3fications/2009013.html

InfoComm International has agreed to provide association management services for the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA). PAMA is the collective voice and forum for the senior executives of the leading branded manufacturers of professional audio products. InfoComm will provide general management and special services, including government relations, market research, meeting planning and more.

"PAMA has been impressed with the responsiveness and long-term strategic vision of InfoComm International," said Paul Gallo. "Their growing international reach and effectiveness in executing long-term programs that benefit the industry, as well as the success of their trade shows, make them an ideal strategic alliance for PAMA."

InfoComm recognizes the trust PAMA has placed with the association, and has stated its dedication to helping PAMA accomplish its goal of building the public face of the audio manufacturing industry. "We have worked alongside PAMA for years and have great respect for the organization Paul Gallo has assembled," said Randal A. Lemke, PhD, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. "With InfoComm-provided management services, PAMA will achieve some economies of scale and provide added value, while lifting the administrative burden from this group, allowing PAMA to fulfill its mission."

Duffy Wilbert, CTS, CAE, InfoComm Senior Vice President of Membership, will serve as PAMA Executive Director. PAMA will continue to maintain its own Board and Officers, who will be responsible for setting strategic direction, while deciding on new goals and initiatives. The new management arrangement is effective July 1.

PLASA, an organization for those working in the live events, entertainment and communication industries worldwide, and ESTA, an association for the entertainment services and technology industries in North America, have voted to merge their two organizations. The announcement follows on the heels of lengthy consultations with both sets of memberships, which concluded recently in a formal vote of members—PLASA via its annual AGM, which took place on June 2 in London, and ESTA via a month-long electronic ballot, which ran throughout May.

In excess of 90% of members from each association voted in support of the move, which will see ESTA and PLASA

integrated to create a single international trade association operating under the PLASA name. The merger will effectively create the first truly international industry-wide membership body of more than 1200 manufacturers, installers, dealers, service providers and consultants working across the entertainment and installation industries. This will also include members of PERA, the former Production Equipment Rental Association, which recently merged with ESTA.

The merger is a continuation of an already-established relationship between the two organizations, which have worked together on a range of initiatives for many years. Both teams will now spend the next six months putting in place the infrastructure behind the merger, the first formal stage of which will be completed by December 2010, allowing the new organization to go live on January 1, 2011.

As part of this, an overarching Governing Body will be established to look after the interests of the membership worldwide and to work closely with Regional Boards for North America and Europe.

Peavey has announced the new focus of its Commercial Audio Division, created to more efficiently manage and support the company’s established brands: MediaMatrix, Crest Audio and Architectural Acoustics. By restructuring the sales and support teams in Europe, Middle East and Africa for this new division, Peavey intends to create an identifiable and integrated group of pro audio brands with its own dedicated support staff and a clear development roadmap for the future.
Peavey has implemented a new management structure to run the organization, which is headed up by Peavey Commercial Audio General Manager Kevin Ivey, based out of Peavey headquarters in Meridian MS, and Clive Roberts, Managing Director of Peavey Europe in Corby, UK. As an example of how these changes will affect Peavey distributors and customers, Ivey stated that the MediaMatrix brand now offers an entire range of control products that allow any designer or contractor with nWare experience to build complex control systems, all without the additional cost or need for outside consultants or contractors.

conservation," said InfoComm International Executive Director and CEO, Randal A. Lemke, PhD. "Because AV systems provide critical operational functions for the owner, an organized approach to commonly accepted planning, design and integration procedures is essential. This standard provides a practical guideline for defining the audiovisual system requirements and a clear accountability structure for the development and execution of the system design components. It provides a consistent reference for the project team, including architects and other trades, from the initial design phase through construction, project completion and building occupancy."

The new organization was presented to EMEA distributors at a two-day distributor meeting that was recently held in Italy. Attendees met the new team and participated in a number of workshops focused on the Commercial Audio Division and its pipeline of products. The workshop structure gave distributors opportunity to spend time with key Peavey team members.

In exclusive comments to Sound & Communications, Ivey said, “While we've had…success with each of [our] brands on their own, the real value and convenience comes when all of the offerings are integrated to work as complete systems. The goal we've set for ourselves is to capture the imagination of the designer and contractor, and to provide them all the tools they need to create whatever systems they conceive." He added, "We have also strengthened our service and support under one umbrella, and synchronized all of our sales and marketing efforts worldwide."

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the InfoComm International Board of Directors have released InfoComm's second standard, ANSI/INFOCOMM 2M-2010 Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes. The purpose of this standard is to provide a description of the methods, procedures, tasks and deliverables typically recommended or applied by professionals in audiovisual systems design and integration projects. The Standard enables clients and other design and construction team members to assess whether the responsible parties are providing the expected services.

"Modern AV systems have become increasingly complex and interconnected to other building systems such as network, electrical, HVAC and building automation/energy

conservation," said InfoComm International Executive Director and CEO, Randal A. Lemke, PhD. "Because AV systems provide critical operational functions for the owner, an organized approach to commonly accepted planning, design and integration procedures is essential. This standard provides a practical guideline for defining the audiovisual system requirements and a clear accountability structure for the development and execution of the system design components. It provides a consistent reference for the project team, including architects and other trades, from the initial design phase through construction, project completion and building occupancy."

The Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes was developed in an open process with consensus and transparency, in accordance with ANSI requirements. In addition to the Standard, InfoComm has developed an Audiovisual Systems Project Documentation Sample, a 175-page set of sample plans and documents that provides a coordinated example of the unique documentation required for AV systems, clearly illustrating how the audiovisual systems documents relate to documentation from allied professions. The collection also illustrates elements of the Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes.

Late during the evening of May 17, only a few days after his 98th birthday, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fritz Sennheiser, audio pioneer and founder of today’s Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, died. Through his company, Prof. Dr. Sennheiser had a strong influence on the development of sound transmission technologies and was instrumental in forging many developments in electroacoustics and transmission

technologies. Under his guidance, the first shotgun microphones and open headphones were created and he oversaw important developments in wireless radio and infrared transmission.

Sennheiser took time to share his knowledge with students, inspiring them with an enthusiasm for audio technology. In 1982, he retired from the management of the company, handing it over to his son, Prof. Dr. sc. techn. Jörg Sennheiser. However, he continued to take a vivid interest in the company he founded in Summer 1945.

Citing the need to fully leverage customers' investments in communications systems and unite their global organizations, five global technology companies have joined to form the Unified Communications Interoperability Forum (UCIF), an alliance dedicated to enabling standards-based, inter-vendor unified communications (UC) interoperability. HP, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, Logitech/LifeSize and Polycom seek to unify the UC ecosystem through this shared mission. The founding members are joined by a growing roster of member companies including Acme Packet, Aspect, AudioCodes, Broadcom, BroadSoft, Brocade, ClearOne, Jabra, Plantronics, RADVISION, Siemens Enterprise Communications and Teliris.

The UCIF works across all unified communications modalities to deliver interoperability based on existing standards. Many enterprises are ready to deploy UC solutions but interoperability concerns have slowed implementation. UCIF-certified products will help reduce implementation risk and complexity and, as a result, grow the worldwide market.According to a February 2009 report, Forrester forecasts that the market for UC within enterprises in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific will reach $14.5 billion in 2015.

Effective immediately,TC Group Americas Inc. (TCGA) is distributing Audica Professional in North, Central and South America, adding the brand to its existing portfolio of Tannoy, Lab.gruppen, TC Electronic, TC-Helicon, Dynaudio Acoustics and Linn Products. TCGA will introduce Audica Professional formally next month at InfoComm in Las Vegas.

Audica Professional manufactures the MICROseries range of electronics and loudspeakers, combining flexible audio solutions for commercial background music, corporate AV and audio communications. According to the company, for applications such as retail outlets, restaurants, hotel public areas and guest rooms, meeting rooms, museums and visitor centers, the MICROseries systems fit neatly below the level serviced by Tannoy's product range. Both TCGA and Audica Professional view the expanded offering of the two brands as very complementary.

"America is key for most pro audio manufacturers," commented Derek West, Audica Professional's Sales and Marketing Director. "When we started the company just over three years ago, we first had to develop the European markets to take our business to a structure and turnover that would enable us to support this substantial market. Despite the economic climate, we have successfully expanded and now work with leading distributors in 38 countries, including all of the major European markets. Entering America is in itself important, but to be doing it in partnership with a true first division distributor like TCGA is very exciting."

"Audica represents an opportunity for TCGA to offer a more complete range of solutions to our diverse base of integrators, contractors and consultants,” commented Marc Bertrand, CEO of TC Group Americas Inc. “It's outstanding product, sounds fantastic, is very discreet visually, is easy to use and is priced very competitively. Audica is an excellent fit for TCGA and we are looking forward to growing a great business."

Electrosonic has acquired The Multimedia Group Ltd, owners of the DRV companies—DRV Integration Ltd, one of Europe’s leading designers and integrators of corporate, medical and educational audiovisual technology, and DRV Support Ltd, a provider of multimedia managed service and maintenance solutions to organizations across the UK. According to the company, the acquisition expands the reach of Electrosonic’s audiovisual solutions and reinforces its focus on growing its service business.

Electrosonic and DRV’s operations, over time, will be combined in a manner that strengthens existing services. Operational synergies will enable the introduction of offerings relevant to customer needs.

According to David Ambrose, Managing Director of Electrosonic Ltd, “The depth of DRV’s Multimedia services and expertise complements our strengths in many ways and will help us expand into new areas. I have a high level of respect for DRV’s achievements in our industry and am confident that the…strengths of both organizations will enhance the way we serve the customer.”

IAVI, a wholesale supplier of audiovisual equipment, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantial assets of Visual Solutions Distributing (VSDI), a distributor of high-tech display systems and complete audiovisual solutions. The acquired business will include the addition of experienced sales and engineering staff from VSDI to IAVI’s current certified team. The employee acquisition is intended to better serve the needs of commercial AV dealers and systems integrators seeking specialized solutions. IAVI has formed professional partnerships as direct distributors of some of the industry’s most well-known manufacturers. Product offerings include full line assortments from Sanyo, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Barco, Sony, InFocus, LG, Viewsonic, Hitachi, Samsung and more.

SMART Technologies has acquired New Zealand-based NextWindow (Next Holdings Limited), a designer and manufacturer of optical touch technology for integration into all-in-one computers, computer displays and large-format screens. The acquisition, according to the company, reinforces SMART’s own investment in optical touch research and development, and combines the two companies’ optical touch patent portfolios. The NextWindow acquisition is expected to have minimal impact on both businesses’ day-to-day operations, offices and company structure. Both SMART and NextWindow are privately held companies.

NextWindow supplies optical touch components to manufacturers of PCs

and other interactive displays. Its touch components are used in PCs and monitors sold by Dell, Hewlett-Packard,Lenovo, Medion, NEC, Samsung and Sony. The acquisition extends SMART’s current presence in the education, business and government sectors into the broader consumer market. SMART is also expanding its business in Asia, where NextWindow has already been active. In the past year, NextWindow has developed an Asian presence in Singapore, Taiwan and Korea.

“SMART serves a range of markets, and it is timely to diversify our revenue base beyond the sectors we already serve,” said Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “NextWindow‘s core values, business model, patent portfolio and focus on the consumer market make it an attractive acquisition for us.”

In the transaction, RBC Capital Markets were financial advisors to SMART and Cowen and Company, LLC, were financial advisors to NextWindow.

Avid, Irwindale CA, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mountain View CA-based Euphonix, manufacturer of large-format digital audio consoles, media controllers and peripherals. With this acquisition, the company reports, Avid will deliver a broad range of audio and video control surfaces and consoles designed to meet the needs of customers ranging from the independent professional to the high-end broadcaster. Avid plans to continue to support and sell both Euphonix control surfaces and Avid’s existing ICON solution, supporting customers with investment in existing hardware.

“This acquisition greatly expands our portfolio to offer customers a complementary set of workflow solutions,” said Gary Greenfield, Avid

Chairman/CEO. “We remain committed to driving interoperability and modularity across a vast ecosystem of Avid and third-party creative hardware and software solutions. And, as audio and video workflows continue to converge, we are now well positioned to deliver control surfaces that work across both audio and video applications, making the content creation process more cost effective and efficient for our customers.”

Avid plans to further develop an open standard protocol that greatly expands the ecosystem of compatibility between the Euphonix control surfaces and a wide range of Avid and third-party audio and video applications, including Media Composer and Pro Tools. For existing Euphonix customers, Avid will continue to support EuCon, the Euphonix high-speed Ethernet protocol that enables its control surfaces to interface with third-party software. The transaction is expected to close at the end of this month.

Effective May 1, 2010, Digigram’s Master Distributor for North and South America will be Point Source Audio (PSA, Novato CA). An audio equipment manufacturer with intimate knowledge and expertise of Digigram products, PSA will take over all aspects of distribution and will be the main point of contact for Digigram’s representatives and resellers.

James Lamb, Digigram’s Business Development Manager for the Americas for the past 10 years, is now part of the leadership at PSA and will help to

ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service. According to Lamb, “We are fully prepared for the transition and our goal is that there will be no disruption in sales, prices or service support for Digigram’s dealers and business partners.”

Philippe Delacroix, President/CEO Digigram, added, “North and South America have always enjoyed a particular focus from our teams. We feel this arrangement allows us to better serve our customers in the future. It will also allow our company to better adapt to fast-changing market conditions.”

HM Electronics Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Clear-Com Communication Systems, a business unit of The Vitec Group plc. Clear-Com will continue operation as a wholly owned subsidiary of HME, with no changes planned for its product portfolio or its current mission. According to the companies, combining HME’s expertise in wireless with Clear-Com’s strength in TDM Matrix and integrated IP and wireless solutions will offer an expansive selection of communication products and technology for intercom customers with different applications and system requirements.

The acquisition, the company says, will expand HME’s reach into new markets, while allowing the combined companies to leverage synergies in product development and operations.
.

“After enjoying substantial growth in all our key sectors over the last decade, it was time for HME to take the next step,” said Chuck Miyahira, CEO of HME. “Clear-Com is [a well-known] brand in the mission-critical intercom marketplace, and brings [considerable] industry knowledge, innovative technology and [strong] business partnerships around the globe. This acquisition will expand the HME business in the pro audio space with a wider range of complementary communication solutions.”

“We see a great fit with the strategy and vision of HME. The efforts of our combined teams will bring added value to our customers and greater opportunities for both companies,” said Matt Danilowicz, who will continue in his role as President of Clear-Com under the new structure within HME. Clear-Com business headquarters remain in Alameda CA. Research and development will continue in Cambridge, UK and Montreal, Canada

Panasonic Solutions Company has launched operations. Joseph M. Taylor, Chairman/CEO of Panasonic Corp. of North America, announced that Rance Poehler will head the newly consolidated Panasonic Solutions Company as President. The B2B-focused company will incorporate the operations of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company and Panasonic Professional Display Company; it formally launched operations April 1.

Panasonic Solutions Company will deliver content creation, collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within

the Panasonic Solutions portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook mobile computing solutions, projectors and professional displays, and HD video acquisition and production solutions.

“With this consolidation, Panasonic is streamlining its relationships with customers and offering them a broad portfolio approach,” said Taylor. “We believe this change will make Panasonic an easier company with which to do business and enhance our ability to deliver…products, services and support to commercial and government customers.”

Panasonic Solutions Company will deliver an integrated solutions approach based on the company’s experience automating and supporting business processes in vertical markets. The company will adopt a 100% channel approach to its sales.

The Gores Group, a US private equity firm, is considering a merger between its unit Siemens Enterprise Communications and Polycom Inc., the Financial Times said, as reported by Reuters. According to the newspaper, Polycom's discussions with private equity firm Apax Partners, which fell through, had driven Gores to send the company's CEO, Robert Hagerty, a letter requesting a meeting to discuss a potential merger with Siemens Enterprise. On March 23, sources informed Reuters that Apax had not made an offer to buy Polycom. According to industry experts, a merger between Polycom and Siemens Enterprise potentially could cut costs and decrease the sales force.

In related news, although Hewlett-Packard Co. will continue providing support and integration services on

Tandberg to customers who desire Tandberg technology as part of their unified communications and collaboration solution, the company has forged a strategic agreement with Polycom to sell its videoconferencing products.

According to Gartner Inc., the videoconferencing market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 17.8% between 2008 and 2013, rising from $3.8 billion to reach $8.6 billion. During the past few quarters, Polycom has attempted to expand its business relationship with several OEMS and resellers after Cisco Systems Inc. moved to acquire Tandberg. At present, the deal is awaiting regulatory approval.

According to the companies, the agreement with Polycom and Hewlett-Packard will be mutually beneficial. Hewlett-Packard, which currently sells high-end telepresence services, now may enter the broader videoconferencing market. Polycom will solidify its list of strategic partners. Management expects to recognize revenue from this agreement from the second half of 2010.

Minicom Advanced Systems has announced it would spin out its digital signage division (MDS). The new company simultaneously announced it had raised $6 million to finance its operations independently. The investment, which was led by Jerusalem Venture Partners and joined by Aviv Ventures, will enable the company to broaden its platform from its new offices in Jerusalem's JVP Media Quarter. MDS is a vendor of media distribution solutions for the digital signage and digital out-of-home (DooH) marketplace. According to MDS' CEO, Ronni Guggenheim, "This investment is the natural next step in MDS' lifecycle.

The support of our investors positions us to explore inorganic growth options and to drive the acceleration of our product roadmap toward the establishment of MDS as a full-scale enabling platform in the digital signage market."

Gadi Tirosh, General Partner at JVP, explained, "MDS, with its seasoned leadership, global footprint and strong operating history from within Minicom, is poised to build a broader platform in this growing, but still fragmented, market." JVP typically invests in businesses that apply technology acumen toward the development of new media models and, with its investment in MDS, now enters another segment of traditional media that is on the verge of digitization.

Barco has acquired the products, intellectual property rights and know-how of Element Labs , an LED video systems company based in Santa Clara CA. With a focus on mid-end market requirements in rental, staging and fixed installations, the Element Labs products complement Barco's existing product range. Through this transaction, Barco, according to the company, strengthens its position as a provider of LED, projection, image processing and lighting products. Barco will not book any goodwill on this transaction. “This expands Barco's portfolio for the mid-range markets,” Eric Van Zele, Barco's

President/CEO, commented. “Element Labs' products in these markets have proven their worth…and [complement] Barco's more high-end-oriented market portfolio.”

With immediate effect, the name Element Labs ceases to exist. Structured as an asset sales transaction, Barco obtains all product designs, rights and intellectual property of Element Labs, without assuming the liabilities of the former EL company. The core team of Element Labs in Santa Clara will function as Barco's competence center for creative LED solutions, whereas Barco Kuurne (Belgium) will remain the competence center for tiled LED solutions. Barco will announce its new mid-range LED products in the coming months.

Charlie Wicks, CEO and Founder of Pro Co Sound, passed the morning of March 11. Wicks founded Pro Co Sound in 1974, a provider of audio interface, cables, digital snakes, distribution systems and related products through musical instrument retailers and audio installation professionals. Charlie was a hands-on professional and served as the company's product manager and developer while acting as CEO. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Extron Electronics (Anaheim CA) has purchased the Products Engineering and Development Division of Electrosonic Group (Burbank CA), a worldwide AV systems integration and service provider. The Electrosonic Group systems integration and service business is not part of the acquisition and will continue forward as a wholly independent organization. Electrosonic's Products Division is involved with video and graphics over IP encoders and decoders, HD video players and multi-image display processors. It has been operating as a standalone division from the systems integration and service business since February 2009. The acquisition includes all current products designed and manufactured by Electrosonic as well as the IP for the underlying technology. Key staff will join Extron to support current customers and continue the development of this group of products.

According to Andrew Edwards, President of Extron Electronics, "At Extron, we have been in development of a complete line of AV streaming products for over three years and will be announcing additional streaming solutions later this year. We see the Electrosonic products as a great complement to our continually evolving product line." Jim Bowie, President of Electrosonic Group, added: "These current products have developed to the point that we as a systems integrator cannot take them to their full potential. Extron is exactly the right company to take these products forward worldwide. Electrosonic can now concentrate on its main business activity: the design, supply and support of audiovisual systems."

In exclusive comments to Sound & Communications, Joe Da Silva, Director, Product Marketing, Extron, said all products will be rebranded Extron. The transition will commence in April and continue over a period of time. About 30 engineering and support personnel came with the purchase of the brand, half in the US and half in Europe. Finally, he confirmed the purchase does not affect Electrosonic’s systems integration business.

KLOTZ DIGITAL AG has been acquired by UnitedScreens Media AG. In association with the acquisition, the companies also have entered into agreements securing the future financial support of KLOTZ DIGITAL AG. The agreements are intended to contribute to the long-term stabilization of the company, and to ensure its economic growth. Dr. Andreas Gruettner has been appointed as the KLOTZ DIGITAL AG CEO. He is taking over from Thomas Klotz, who has resigned from his position with immediate effect.

Gruettner has been acting as an independent entrepreneur, investing his own private equity, since 1993. Throughout the years, he has acquired some 18 companies, and has taken a multitude of interim management positions. At present, Gruettner is a member of the supervisory board of Gebrueder Rhodius GmbH & Co. KG, a German company with a turnover of €100 million per year and a staff of 400.

KLOTZ DIGITAL will maintain its position in the international broadcast market. Gruettner has identified the company’s main potential for growth in the international PA market. He also wishes to boost KLOTZ’s position in the industry, and to increase its economic efficiency.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has extended the deadline for public comments relating to proposed changes in wireless microphone licensing rules. The comment period, which would have expired on February 22, now closes March 1. The Commission determined that the public interest would be served by a brief extension of time in which to file comments, due to the extensive adverse weather conditions that affected the Washington DC, area and surrounding regions in recent weeks.

The original 30-day comment period was the minimum time required under the Communications Act of 1996. The comment period begins when an FCC action is published in the Federal Register, but can be extended under special circumstances.

For additional information and details, see our website News Update from January 19, as well as “FCC Moves On 700MHz; What’s Next?” in our February issue’s News section.

The digital signage industry is soon to have a new trade association, The Digital Signage Federation. Digital Signage Expo , an international conference summit and trade show dedicated to digital signage, interactive technologies and out-of-home media networks, has announced its willingness to provide initial funding to launch the digital signage trade association this year. It will be an independent 501c non-profit association with legal and professional by-laws and an elected Board of Directors who represent a cross-section of the industry and, therefore, are motivated to act in the industry’s best interest. Association consultant and interim Executive Director, John Johnson, CAE, is a fully qualified association executive with more than 40 years of experience.

Along with other member benefits still being finalized, the Digital Signage Federation will provide a year-round education program for members and a full program of member services, featuring a vertical industry outreach program to bring the digital signage industry’s message to thousands of end users in 2011. Professional association management will support the new Federation and funds will be provided to make projects immediately actionable. DSE has agreed to foot the bill without reimbursement, to create a member-owned forum in which industry leadership can come to the fore.

Angelo Varrone, CEO of Exponation, LLC, which produces Digital Signage Expo, said, “We believe the industry has earned the right to an independent industry association in order to safeguard continued growth in a direction that accurately reflects the industry’s voice. We are committed to support the industry that supports us.”

To get more information on the Digital Signage Federation, go to Booth #1230 or visit www.digitalsignagefederation.org.

Sony Electronics Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) acquired Convergent Media Systems (Alpharetta GA), a provider of video integration solutions to the enterprise market, on January 27. The company has established itself as an expert in digital signage and content distribution systems and will be integrated as a subsidiary into Sony Electronics' broadcast and professional products business. According to John Scarcella, President of Sony's Broadcast and Business Solutions Co., the acquisition of Convergent is a “key building block” of Sony's worldwide business-to-business strategy to accelerate its shift into a solutions-focused organization. Sony will leverage Convergent's resources to provide end-to-end systems solutions and managed services in new and existing professional markets. “With Convergent, we can install and integrate [high-quality technology] together with providing content creation, monitoring and distribution services.” he stated.

The addition of Convergent's resources, including its approximately 150 full-time employees in North America, its network of field service affiliates

and a network operations center, will support Sony's sales and marketing efforts for its key technologies. This acquisition is also expected to strengthen Sony's competitive position in new areas of business, such as providing products and services to corporate, education and government markets, where Convergent already reaches more than one million people.

In exclusive comments to Sound & Communications, Alec Shapiro, Senior VP, Sales and Marketing, Sony Electronics, Broadcast and Production Group, confirmed that there are no immediate plans to restructure either company’s operations or management, and no plans to move Convergent employees to Sony’s Park Ridge NJ location. Shapiro stated, “Sony’s goal is still to work closely with all our systems integrators and other resellers. In recent years, we have expanded our capabilities to include end-to-end solutions, and we’ve been the single point of contact and accountability, or prime contractor, on many solutions-based projects, in traditional broadcast or other markets. We’ve teamed with many of our SI partners on the integration and installation of these systems.”

Shapiro continued, “We don’t plan to change this strategy. The addition of Convergent simply lets us branch out into new applications in digital signage networks, content distribution, asset management and service monitoring. At the same time, we'll still bring in other SIs when it makes sense for the overall project and the customer’s needs.”

Wireless microphones are going to have to vacate the 700MHz band, following a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling. The Commission has voted to proscribe the sale and distribution of devices, principally wireless microphones, that have been operating in the band. The FCC has allotted a few months—until June 12, 2010—for current users of the offending devices—to vacate the band. However, such users have to get off immediately if it is discovered they are interfering with public safety or commercial users.

“We’re pleased that the FCC has issued a firm transition date for 700MHz wireless equipment,” said Mark Brunner, Senior Director Global Brand Management.

“Complying with this firm date will still be challenging for some users, but we remain committed to making the transition as easy as possible for them under the circumstances. It’s time for one final push to prevent interference with the new users of the spectrum.” Shure has not sold equipment operating in the 700MHz band since 2007, although many of these units remain in service.

Wireless microphones, in-ear monitors and other professional wireless devices will continue to be permitted in the remaining UHF TV band (470-698MHz). Existing 700MHz equipment should be replaced with systems operating in that range or in other parts of the spectrum.

In addition to offering technical guidance and assistance in determining appropriate replacement products, Shure is extending its 700MHz rebate until June 30, 2010, to help customers comply with the FCC order. The rebate offers up to $1000 per system for customers who purchase a new Shure wireless system and send in their old 700MHz system, regardless of who manufactured it.

The MUSIC Group (Hamilton, Bermuda) has signed a deal to acquire the Midas and Klark Teknik brands from Bosch Communications Systems (Fairport NY). The MUSIC Group owns the BEHRINGER brand as well as a number of other associated companies and is managed by Uli Behringer and Michael Deeb. The sale of Midas and Klark Teknik is part of an asset deal that was signed on December 8. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and the terms have not been disclosed.

The MUSIC Group plans to retain all 106

employees currently working at Midas and Klark Teknik. These brands will continue to operate independently with the added resources of the MUSIC Group.

Midas and Klark Teknik have stressed that their distribution companies worldwide will remain in place, and that the brands will not be available through any other channels. “Over the last five years, we have secured the industry’s leading professional audio distribution channels to ensure that Midas and Klark Teknik customers in each territory get the same standard of support that our…team provides in the UK,” said David Cooper, Sales and Marketing Director for Midas. “This deal ensures that our long-term distribution partnerships will get stronger and the investment of Midas' customers is not only protected but enhanced.”