Executive Insight
Expert Insight on the latest consumer electronics from the editors of TWICE Magazine
3D And The Specialists
Richard Glikes is executive director of Home Specialists of America. When new technology enters the market specialists lead the way. They give the consumer an understanding of the technology, in most situations create the demand for it before it is available, and explain the nuances of the individual products. Specialists cater to new adopters. They’ve built businesses around introduc ...... Read More
Comments (2)Navigating a DTT System and Analog Shutoff
So where in the world is there still analog TV? Well, lots of places. Only in select Western European countries and the U.S. has there been analog shut offs, and there are definite lessons that can be learned from those transitions to aid other countries in the planning of a Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) system or analog shutoff.To read the remainder of this blog please see: Digital Tech Consulting ...... Read More
Comments (0)Chatting it Up: Desktop Video Communications Explodes
It’s no longer just for the big shots ensconced in expensively equipped board rooms. High-speed IP networks, low-cost web cams and improved video compression are letting the rest of us in on video conferencing and video chatting. Please see The Weekly Riff to continue reading this blog. ...... Read More
Comments (0)Credit CARD Act of 2009 has changed the rules of the game
Lou Pagliarini, Vice President, Consumer Electronics & Appliances Industry VP, GE MoneyIf you’re unaware of The Credit CARD (Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure) Act of 2009, keep reading. The law, which was signed last May, will have a profound effect on your retail business. In accordance with the new regulations, revolving promotions that are less than six months in durati ...... Read More
Comments (0)Are We Really Aware Of An Era Passing In Real Time?
Paul Jacobs, President and COO of Klipsch Group, Inc. I have often pondered this question. After all, when reflecting back on bygone eras - with the added wisdom that comes with experience - poor business decisions, missed opportunities and reluctance to change are all very obvious. But are things always as obvious as they seem in real time? Consider these questions: When was it clear that ...... Read More
Comments (2)Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Those of us on the East Coast were buried this past weekend in a monumental December snowstorm leading some to fear that holiday sales would be interrupted. According to NPD’s Consumer Tracking Service, the regions impacted by the snow, New England and the Mid-Atlantic, accounted for 18 percent of sales for the first 10 months of the year. While this is a substantial amount of volume it ...... Read More
Comments (0)The Advent Of The ‘New’ A/V Independent
By some estimates the number of U.S. independent A/V car and home dealers is less than 70 percent of what it was 10 years ago. Some believe there are half as many, the result of relentless price pressure from mass merchandisers. No doubt there are far fewer dealers today than in the past, but what about the future? Here are two different scenarios: Scenario 1: Downward price pressure c ...... Read More
Comments (5)Don’t Kick The Holiday To The Curb!!
I once again have completed my annual Black Friday store observation trip throughout Northern Virginia. Usually I can walk away and say either this is going to be a good holiday season, or a bad one, but this year I have mixed emotions based on what I observed. Many were looking for Black Friday to give us a glimpse into the future of the holiday season and an indicator of where the U.S. economy ...... Read More
Comments (0)SiBEAM's CEO on IFA and CEATEC 2009
This year I attended both IFA in Berlin and CEATEC in Japan to promote SiBEAM and WirelessHD, as well as to keep my finger on the pulse of the consumer electronics industry in general.Overall, I find trade shows to be a key component of any company’s business development, networking and marketing strategy. In addition to U.S.-centric industry shows and given the fact that we have products ...... Read More
Comments (0)Windows 7 Launch Starts Here!
As Windows 7 begins its assault on the consumer retail marketplace today, so far, despite a few questionable decisions, the marketing, merchandising, and retail preparation appear to be clicking on all cylinders. Since I’m not a product reviewer I can’t comment on how “insanely great” Windows 7 might be, but I can give Microsoft kudos for the preparation and f ...... Read More
Comments (1)New Opportunities in a New Economy
The 2009 ENERGY STAR Appliance Partner Meeting The 10th annual Energy Star Appliance Partner Meeting drew a record number (more than 200 in all) of manufacturers, retailers, utilities and other energy-efficiency advocates, all eager to capitalize on the Energy Star message in a weakened economy. The meeting focused on two themes. The first theme: Additional appliance rebates are coming soon in eve ...... Read More
Comments (1)Consumers Want Multi-room Wireless
To date, wireless systems have played a small role in the distribution of HD video content within the home. This is in stark contrast to many other use cases, where wireless products have become strongly preferred over wired solutions, to the point where some wired solutions have nearly disappeared (e.g., telephones).Recently, a number of wireless solutions are promising to deliver compelling HD v ...... Read More
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