Twice 0673 Aug 19, 2019 (VIP Awards)

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hen I was first introduced to the TWICE distributors who know greatness, innovation and VIP Awards as I started a few months what makes the biggest difference in the business. ago, my first thought as I flipped Earning the respect of your peers is a hard-won through last year’s award issue was: “Wow, there’s accomplishment, especially in our industry, and some neat stuff we get to judge.” Now with my first I am proud to be a part of the 2019 TWICE VIP official VIP Awards under my belt, my respect for Awards. my predecessors is at an all-time high. Who knew I want to offer my congratulations to each of the so much went into a contest? winners, with a special congratulation to SamThe response to the 6th Ansung, which once again took nual TWICE VIP Awards was home the Super VIP Award spectacular, with nearly 90 thanks to its ability to lock “[T]he awards are voted entries across 30 categories to down five wins. on by you, the industry vote on. However naive and Additionally, I was able to leaders, consumer tech unprepared I may have been work with a great team of folks looking at last year’s winners retailers and distributors here at Future who made it posas a new hire, I still broke out sible to hold the awards prowho know greatness, in a smile as I sent out the nogram, and I want to thank them innovation and what tices to our winners last week for their efforts, support and makes the biggest and thought: “Wow, there was assistance in making this year’s a lot of neat stuff we got to difference in the business.” awards possible. judge.”

Those of you who subscribe One of the things that make to our digital edition will rethe TWICE VIP Awards so ceive a special issue featuring unique is that it isn’t a public vote by people who all of the winners and nominees in your inbox know nothing about the submissions or the insoon. I can’t wait to see what next year holds for dustry. No, the awards are voted on by you, the us all in the CE industry. Congratulations again industry leaders, consumer tech retailers and to all our winners!

A recent report by iFixit accused Apple of locking iPhone battery health information when not replaced by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Is it a legit move by Apple to protect users, or just a way to discourage third-party repair shops and self-repair customers? TWICE took to the web to find out what Apple users are saying. poehler: “This is not totally bad news actually. When I buy a used iPhone I want to know if it had a cheap battery replacement or if it’s original. They could do something for the display, too. If you buy a replacement kit from somewhere it is mostly non-original hardware and real bad quality.”

Chris Burkill: “It’s [battery replacement] the main reason people buy a new iPhone. I know it’s mine. Maybe they don’t want people to extend the lives of their devices too easily.” jntdroid: “As someone who works daily in the used phone arena, I’m actually a fan of this move. If you knew the number of issues caused by 3rd party replacements in iPhones, you’d have a little more understanding as to why they’re doing this.”

BobF: “This is just another in a line of Apple’s insisting on monetizing every aspect of their product line - after a software update last year my iPad 4 mini could not be charged with the third party wall plug that I was using with it without incident for the prior 6 months. I chalk it up to Tim Cook being a bean counter less concerned with the customer experience than with bringing in some more money.”

4 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

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twice.com/video Google Unveils Stadia Gaming Platform 5 Google has thrown its hat into the game-streaming ring with the launch of Stadia. Placing it head-to-head with the likes of Sony and Nintendo, Stadia will enable consumers to game on their device of choice without requiring a console.

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PERSPECTIVE JOSH HILD

facial details and features, a matching process can analyze patterns, and identify/verify if two faces belong to the same person. This leads to facial recognition.

ELAN’s senior director of marketing, Bill Hensley, describes facial detection “as identifying the presence of a person’s face (or multiple persons) in the camera view, whereas facial recognition is identifying which person’s face it is.”

The solutions ELAN is developing that can apply to the pro AV market use face recognition.

Joseph Warner, senior technical account manager, Samsung SDS America, shared a different perspective. “The Samsung Nexshop analytics solution doesn’t use facial recognition. We use PII-compliant facial analysis,” said Warner, using the acronym PII to refer to personally identifiable information. “This means the algorithm analyzes the facial features and assigns a code—e.g., male, female, age range. We never attribute this information to a specific person.”

Not at Scale (Yet) For years, AI has been used to enhance the feature sets of surveillance camera networks, CCTV cameras for traffic analysis, and smart kiosks used in hospitality applications. Facial detection, object recognition, and movement detection are informing smarter AV systems, such as lecture capture based on auto-tracking PTZ cameras. But is facial recognition being used at scale in office settings?

Jason Goecke, vice president and general manager of Intel Unite at Intel, says that concrete requests for facial recognition at the enterprise level are growing.

“There is value in [facial recognition] for a myriad of use cases,” Goecke said, “and we are seeing direct requests for it. But I’d say it’s still in its relatively early stages as to how it’s getting rolled out—at scale— within various enterprises.”

Facing the Future

Harnessing the Power of Facial Detection and Facial Recognition in Pro AV With advanced algorithms that can quickother corners of the AV ecosystem. Samly crunch vast quantities of data to execute sung, Intel, KanduAI, and many other ventasks, artificial intelligence (AI) is driving dors demonstrated AI-powered solutions the next generation of consumer and comat InfoComm, ISE, and DSE in 2019. Cybermercial technologies. From home media Link, for example, showed its FaceMe AI interfaces like Amazon Alexa to manufacfacial recognition engine at DSE. Another turing plants driven by machine learning, player in the emerging field, KanduAI deAI is making integrated systems smarter. scribes its mission as bringing “artificial Tractica forecasts that the total global intelligence to everyday devices,” making revenue for AI software will grow from $9.5 it possible to perform artificial intelligence Market billion in 2019 to as much as $118.6 billion computing on low-cost and low-power Insight in 2025. edge devices such as smartphones, secuBy Dr. Margot Within the ever-evolving field of AI and rity cameras, IoT sensors, and more.

Douaihy biometric technologies are facial detection As AI-enabled AV options proliferate, and facial recognition. Between 2014 and it’s useful to understand the difference 2018, facial recognition software became “20 times between facial detection and facial recognition. It’s better at searching a database to find a matching also critical to understand the legal realities of these photograph,” according to a National Institute of emerging technologies.

Standards and Technology (NIST) evaluation of 127 software algorithms from 39 different developers.

Facial Detection Versus Recognition As facial capture, detection, and recognition techGenerally explained, facial detection software can nologies improve, the value proposition is becoming detect a human face in the context of videos and imclear to stakeholders in digital signage, control, and ages. Using data sets based on a specific person’s 6 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

Deliver Targeted Content Samsung SDS PII-compliant facial analysis is automating a standard process that has been used for years to better understand customers. Samsung integrates its analytics solution with digital signage solutions, as well as audio, video, and lighting.

Warner explained, “Retailers are able to deliver targeted content based on the anonymous data collected, and incorporate demographic, timeframe, and weather data into AI engines that can improve customer experience, a brand’s products, and overall store environments.”

Brands and retailers who can act on this information successfully may “gain a lift in sales by showcasing the products and content tailored to the PIIcompliant audience data,” he added.

Personalizing the Control Experience While the use of AI-enabled digital signage is established in retail, and increasingly common in transportation, facial recognition in pro AV control is relatively new. The team at ELAN sees facial recognition as a valuable way to “personalize the control experience” and add to the system’s ease-of-use, said Hensley.

For example, in a restaurant or sports bar where everyone on the waitstaff has a profile saved in the ELAN system, each profile enables a particular subset of control, such as adjusting the media playing in particular rooms. This could be the music, video, or a combination of both. The same profile could also enable the control of lighting or temperature in rooms assigned to that person.

If a member of the waitstaff approaches the ELAN Intelligent Touch Panel, it recognizes his or her face and presents their personalized (limited) set of con-

trols. For management, positive facial recognition could unlock access to protected parts of the network such as global AV settings or the surveillance system, or physical locations such as the management office or wine cellar.

What’s more, if a customer approaches the Intelligent Touch Panel, nothing happens, Hensley said, because “their face has not been purposefully learned into the system. It is important to note that the system is not randomly learning or storing faces. It must be directed to do so by someone with admin access.”

Legal Realities of Facial Detection and Recognition Samsung SDS’ Warner said that “no personal customer information is collected by the Nexshop sensors, so privacy is not a concern. The data is aggregated and anonymized, so individual information is not collected or stored.

Bodies, faces, and other moving objects are assigned identification numbers for their duration within the sensor range.”

Local ordinances and privacy laws must be observed. According to ELAN’s Hensley, “It’s essential to know the laws in your jurisdiction and how they apply to face recognition and other biometric technologies.”

Compliance, Regulations, and Privacy There are a bevy of laws, like the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), that govern how data is handled. AV professionals must understand how regulations like the GDPR influence organizations and procedures in California and across the globe—not just in the European Union.

Goecke underscored the importance of aligning “corporate IT policies and privacy policies.” Vendors need to collaborate with customers, large and small, to understand best practices in this emerging field. From a biometric protection and privacy perspective, he explained, walking into a room and the system knows you are there is a very different situation from walking into a room and the system knows who you are.

Many large companies may have compliance policies in place, but all organizations need to understand how data transparency and image consent apply to their business. Some corporate policies state their method of data retention and have their workforce sign off on it.

Technology and HR leaders must learn when and how GDPR and similar regulations apply, because most companies have third parties (non-employees) interfacing with the AV, UCC, and media in their conference rooms, lobbies, and social spaces.

It’s also notable that many people do not want their faces or identities recorded, scanned via camera, or stored in a database. There are growing concerns about face capture and the sale of that correlating data without consent or knowledge. A guest to an event or symposium held at an enterprise could potentially say, “I don’t want to be seen on any of your systems.”

Bottom line: Integrators should not leave compliance or privacy concerns to chance. Research all germane laws. Consider AI-enabled AV solutions that will allow compliance with regulations, like GDPR, in appropriate jurisdictions. However, in our ever-expanding, digitally connected business landscape, local jurisdictions may also mean global, over time.

Retailers are Opening Their Doors to Paying with Crypto: Is Anyone Buying?

“Government regulations are the primary blocker in wider acceptance of crypto for payments.”

By Robin Raskin, Founder at Living in Digital Times, LLC What do AT&T, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Overstock have in common? They all accept crypto, otherwise known as coin, as a form of payment. Over 39,000 stores will now take everything from Bitcoin and BTC, to LiteCoin, the same way that they take cash, credit, debit or mobile payments. But will you buy your next Venti Latte with coin?

In 2014, two CNN reporters tried to live on Bitcoin for a day and survived to tell the story. Back then, Bitcoin ATMs were actually more plentiful than now.

You could purchase everything from gyros to limos with Bitcoin. This past February, another reporter in San Francisco attempted to replicate the CNN experiment, but had a tougher time.

Today, there are fewer Bitcoin ATMs and small businesses accepting coin. However, someone’s spending their coins. According to researchers, an estimated $5 billion in crypto was spent in 2018. Plus, the number of people worldwide holding digital assets has reached 30 million - impressive for such a short-lived currency.

Arthur Hayes, founder of Bitmex recently told Bloomberg, “Bitcoin is either worth zero or a lot. Buy what you can afford to lose and HODL.” HODL is the crypto community’s word for the phrase, “Holding On to Your Coins”, and was “coined” in 2013 when a drunken crypto holder mistyped the word “HOLD”.

Additionally, the coin holders I spoke with weren’t too excited about cashing coins for coffee. Brian Zisk, a longtime crypto enthusiast confided, “I should be spending crypto everywhere, but the requirements are too odious.”

Peter Wokwicz, an advisor to a variety of high tech companies, concurred. “Government regulations are the primary blocker in wider acceptance of crypto for payments. Until this changes, merchants will be tentative on wider adoption.”

Despite the fact that the systems are open for business and transaction speeds can now be faster than the Mastercard/Visa network, and transaction costs are much lower, Wokwicz added that merchant adoption is slower than what most expected.

Chris Byrne, CEO at Overstock, a large Internet retailer, is the father of crypto-accepting retail. Because of his visionary exuberance, (the company’s plans for blockchain go far beyond buying consumer goods) Overstock has been accepting crypto payments since 2014, partnering with Coinbase, a crypto wallet. Byrne even paid his corporate taxes in crypto last year using OhioCrypto.com’s website.

Microsoft, Newegg, Dell and a few other retailers were early adopters too, but merchants are proceeding cautiously for numerous reasons, including latency of the transaction time and upgraded POS requirements combined with coin’s volatility in the market. A wide range of intermediary exchanges are jumping in to fill the gap between coin and the purchase of physical goods, and anxious coin companies

have begun to introduce coin-backed credit cards to help consumers start spending their coin on physical goods.

Last month, The LiteCoinFoundation announced a partnership with Bibox Exchange and blockchain firm Ternio to release a physical cryptocurrency debit card. Coinbase has also launched a credit card backed by Visa that can be used internationally.

Other intermediaries let you use coin to buy physical goods by handling the conversion for the vendor. Flexa is a B2B solution that allows consumers to spend cryptocurrency in physical stores Acting as an intermediary, Flexa accepts crypto from various wallets, pays the merchants in USD, and then goes through the more laborious process of cashing your coin.

When the customer checkouts at a supported merchant’s store, Flexa’s SPEDN app generates a QR code that scans at the checkout register. The merchant receives immediate payment in dollars and the customer’s digital wallet is debited the exact amount in cryptocurrency at the time of purchase. The technology supports Bitcoin, Ether, BTC, and the Gemini dollar. Flexa says it ultimately wants to expand to every retailer.

PaywithMoon, another new payments platform, just completed a special 5% promotional discount program for its members who used crypto during Amazon Prime Day. “While the numbers of people paying with crypto on Amazon is still a small fraction, Moon broke all previous records for consumers buying physical goods,” said Keith Kruger, CEO of Moon in our interview.

The brilliant irony of Pay with Moon is that vendors like Amazon don’t need to be involved, nor do you need their permission, to pay with crypto. PaywithMoon acts an intermediary. tFor now, the fact is that more merchants are accepting coin, even if the percentage of folks using it is low. As Glenn Fodor of First Payments said in a speech to the New York BitAngels and Ideanomics, “The genie is out of the bottle.” www.twice.com August 19, 2019 7

PERSPECTIVE

Keeping Pace with Workplace Trends and Technology Evolution

“[I]t’s time to consider your workplace culture and communication strategy” The global analytics firm Gallup recently right at our fingertips, we are seeing a shift estimated that there are now 73 million in how people expect business transacmillennials in America. The massive detions to occur, too. mographic includes those born between The influence has spilled over into 1981 and 1996, meaning that many have enbusiness applications and introduced the tered or are about to enter the workforce. growing adoption of chat apps. Not only To that note, in another recent study it are organizations looking to implement was reported that more than one-in-three them into their communications strategy, (35%) American labor force participants but they are doing so and finding positive are in fact millennials – making them the results. Chat apps are convenient, they Market largest generation in our workforce today. are quick, and they’re easy to access. More As millennials and now Generation Z importantly, they are boosting productivInsight are rapidly entering and taking over the ity and allowing those in the workplace

By Stephen workplace, they have influenced how colto collaborate on projects – from any loWakeling, laboration and communication, as well as Founder and CEO cation, at any time. To add, management business, gets done. Gone are the days of can monitor workplace communication of Phobio strictly email communications, only havand engagement to ensure teams are ing conference calls around a large meeting room yielding results. table, and limited flexibility for staff. Media and film Not only does this shape the way businesses are have many thinking of a vision of open floor plans handling communications internally, but for conwith game rooms and beers on tap, but that’s not exsumer-facing communication, companies are deactly how millennials have shaped the workplace. Inveloping apps and conversational marketing chanstead, they are comfortable with mobile technology nels to streamline shopping, customer support, and and cloud applications that provide new opportunimore. ties to get work done, wherever that might be.

The Millennial Workforce Ecosystem Hand-Held, Immediate Communication With the acceptance of chat apps and other colToday, almost everyone is constantly connected laboration tools, technology has allowed for the ofor can be accessed via a smartphone or tablet. Onfice environment to be reimagined. Today, an office demand technologies and services such as Amazon, can be anywhere a connected device is. The open Google, and Uber have completely changed the way office plan might seem great for productivity and people live, work, and play. With so many services collaboration, but no two people are alike and peak PIXABAY

productivity can be achieved at different times, in different settings.

Conference calls can be held through headphones while taking a walk around the building, a website redesign can be created in a café, and a team meeting could be held from home via video chat.

Adjusting to these new communication standards of the dominant millennial will prove to be advantageous for companies.

Work/Life Balance is Becoming the Rule, Not the Exception I’m sure you’ve been seeing the headlines about burnout syndrome. It’s real. Some of the most successful business people have suffered from it. Arianna Huffington has been very open about her experiences with work overload and claims it’s the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Companies must acknowledge and take the condition seriously. Implementing a company culture that embraces a work/life balance will help keep staff productive, motivated, and feeling as if their work, and life, matters. With technology, workers can travel and work from home while still being connected should they have to check in on their projects.

Joshua Reeves, CEO and Co-Founder of ZenPayroll, even goes as far as offering his employees unlimited vacation time because he says, “flexible vacation policy helps build an ownership mentality. We want our employees to think like owners and consider what’s best for both themselves and the company. Letting them figure out their own vacation time shows that we trust and respect them, which in turn strengthens their commitment to the company.”

It seems that many businesses are taking notice and offering a more flexible work style. In a study conducted by Condeco Software, it was noted that the States is ranking the highest for offering remote work than any other country. Companies across all industries are implementing the perk – such as Amazon, Cigna, and General Electric. Kudos to those for using technology to benefit the company and the people who help make it run.

The Future of the Workplace Millennials and Generation Z oftentimes get a bad rap for their work ethic but, they’re just creating a new norm with what they are given. As the generations are estimated to consist of 75 percent of the workforce by 2030, if you haven’t yet, it’s time to consider your workplace culture and communication strategy.

No one truly knows where technology is taking us, but tomorrow is closer than we think and embracing change brought on by digitally-native millennials will help prioritize company culture, social responsibility, and ensure that your workers are doing what they love.

Stephen Wakeling is a wireless industry entrepreneur with a 10-year track record of developing disruptive, technology-powered services. He is the co-founder and CEO of Phobio, LLC -- a software development company that builds optimized software services to support wireless carriers and retailers. Phobio provides outstanding service and support to wireless retailers around the world and to technology companies, such as Apple, Verizon and Samsung.

8 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

Breaking the Paralysis of Choice

Customers want to buy, not be sold to. We have the power to help them.

Empower your employees, especially the ones in sales.

While online is good for researching options, we

Z_WEI/GETTY IMAGES

Ami Silverman, CVP of WW Sales, Consumer & Device Sales division Do you remember the first time you confronted the Paradox of Choice?

For me, it happened early in my career. I was a sales manager at The Gap and noticed that the more varieties of white shirts we put on display, the longer it took customers to make a buying decision. Instead of a quick grab and go, they’d spend hours in the dressing rooms, agonizing over small differences in collar and sleeve styles.

This phenomenon still afflicts retailers today. But the good news is, there are things we can do to address it. In my current role heading Microsoft consumer sales, I’ve found some approaches that have been effective in helping customers arrive at buying decisions they’re happy with. Whether we’re the retailer ourselves or, like my team at Microsoft, we’re working with retail partners, we all have a special privilege: We have something customers want to buy.

First, a little background. Paradox of Choice says that the more choices available, the less likely a shopper is to make a decision – and the more likely he or she is to have post-purchase regrets. Given the online proliferation of options and the anywhere/ anytime nature of shopping via mobile devices, this paralysis has touched many retail businesses. That included our consumer PC business.

Consumer electronic purchasers, 80% of whom start their journey online (Source: PwC Report 2018), can get so overwhelmed by the number of options that they simply postpone a decision. The PC refresh cycle for consumers grew to 4+ years in the US market and 5 years in Japan. Additionally, satisfaction rates were poor: Even when shoppers made a buying decision, our own product satisfaction scores told us 25% had regrets about buying the wrong device.

What we needed was a way to help customers find their way through the maze of choices and arrive at a device that was right for them. We landed on a 3-part turn-around strategy we call Retail Reimagined.

Know your customers. Help them focus online.

Our first step was to build an online product advisor that posed a simple series of lifestyle questions that led to a curated collection of devices. Are you a road warrior who needs to be productive on the go? Check out these devices with lots of processing power and 12+ hours of battery life. Maybe you’re a fashion-conscious student with an active social life: Consider these 5 laptops that are fast and light with beautiful exteriors.

As shopper select devices, we then accompany and reassure them throughout their journey helping them make the right choices on their way to checkout. A clever third party solution called Glaze enables retailers to create millions of smooth and seamless consumer experiences that enrich shopping opportunities to convert more and upsell and cross sell offers to the right person, such as promotions on Microsoft Office software to run on their PC. This personalized customer attention to addons that would improve their experience increased the purchase of Office by up to 270% in our initial pilot.

know 90% of online buyers want to see and touch their PC before completing the purchase (Source: Microsoft Path-to-Purchase FY18 Q4). But the instore experience was a disconnect. Shoppers faced a sea of devices with no easy way to locate their online preferences. Sales staff struggled to differentiate the multitude of devices and to deliver a product demo that spoke to shoppers’ needs. The instore experience was not making friends or influencing people.

Retail expert Dev Mukherjee lays it out: “It used to be that an unhappy customer would talk to a dozen friends and family members over several weeks.

Now, with Twitter, Facebook and customer reviews, a negative or positive comment can reach hundreds in a few minutes – and the comments live forever.”

The first task was staff retraining to emphasize customer satisfaction over closing sales. Instead of mastering product specs, we’ve provided training so our partners can focus more on interpersonal and storytelling skills. They’re having conversations with customers not about what the device can do, but what the customer can do with that device, and how the device can enhance great experiences like making friends in gaming communities and building family photo albums. One UK retailer is sending its sales teams to drama school to work on voice, confidence and personal presence.

Next: focusing the product demos on customer experiences instead of tech specs. On 250,0000 screens connected to the internet instore, customers now get an interactive experience personalized to their needs and likes. Done right, this increased the time spent on a device to nearly 5 minutes, up

from an average of 90 seconds. The sweet spot is a standalone demo followed by a salesperson-hosted one – this combination is driving our best rates for converting shoppers to buyers and for selling software along with PC devices.

Reimagine retail. Out with clutter, in with clean.

This is really the heart of our Retail Reimagined effort. The same way we’ve decluttered the Windows online screen, we’ve worked with partners to declutter the physical spaces with fresh and open designs.

Out are crowded tables of devices; in are streamlined and spacious layouts that have inviting entry points and collection-based assortments. There’s also a concierge space in select retailers where shoppers can walk up with any question and get immediate expert help.

The overall effect is clean, warm and welcoming.

The more open layouts make it easier for customers to get their bearings and find what they’re looking for. The focus on collections allows a more logical grouping of the devices that customers like most.

Data backs us up here: in the reimagined spaces, customers are 4x more likely to buy that day and 5x more likely to make a retailer recommendation to others.

By making a few improvements to the customer journey, my team found some ways to help customers along the purchase path. So, while we probably can’t completely remove the paradox of choice, we do have the power to make it less paralyzing.

Thanks for letting me share some of our retail learnings. Here’s to changing the paradox of choice and the power to find exactly what you want! www.twice.com August 19, 2019 9

PEOPLE

Jeremy Burkhardt to be Inducted as a CEDIA Fellow

Program honors longtime CEDIA members and volunteers who have contributed significantly to the association’s success.

By Residential Systems Staff CEDIA has announced Jeremy Burkhardt will be inducted to the CEDIA Fellows program at CEDIA Expo 2019. The CEDIA Fellows program honors longtime CEDIA members and volunteers who have contributed significantly to the association’s success.

Burkhardt is well known throughout the industry, currently as chairman of Origin Acoustics, as well as former CEO, architect, and co-founder of SpeakerCraft, Inc. Jeremy Burkhardt “Jeremy’s legacy in the industry has been anything but quiet — he’s pushed the boundaries in product development with a constant eye on balancing the needs of dealers and end users,” says David Humphries, CEDIA Chairman.

For over two decades, Burkhardt has actively contributed to the growth and development of the residential architectural custom electronics industry.

He began his career as a custom installer, and then became a successful independent AV retailer where he identified deficiencies in products and installation practices that drove him to design innovative and time-saving products that revolutionized the home installation market. He and his business partners founded, developed, and grew SpeakerCraft into the industry’s largest architectural speaker manufacturer and brand. SpeakerCraft was sold to Nortek, Inc. for a record $58M in 2004; Burkhardt re-

mained the CEO until he retired after 20+ years in 2012.

In 2014, Burkhardt and his original SpeakerCraft business partners launched a new architectural electronics brand, Origin Acoustics, at CEDIA Expo.

Since its inception, the company has found incredible success within the channel earning awards and accolades for its products.

“Few can doubt Jeremy’s foresight and vision — he’s helped shape and propel the architectural speaker category,” said Robert Keeler, CEDIA Senior Director Sales, Sponsorship, and Partnerships. “Ultimately, his passion has built two brands that have incredible loyalty among their dealer base and have earned the love of homeowners around the world.”

Burkhardt served on the CEDIA board from 2006 until 2008. His volunteerism has continued over the years, and he regularly contributes articles to a variety of industry trade publications and lectures at educational events worldwide.

Burkhardt will be recognized at the CEDIA Expo Opening Keynote hosted at the Colorado Convention Center on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. The CEDIA Expo Opening Keynote is free for all attendees. CEDIA Expo will be held September 10-14 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The show floor will be open September 12-14.

Registration is open at cediaexpo.com.

John Homlish To Lead Expansion Of Skyworth In North America To direct efforts to become top tier USA TV brand over next 5 years

By TWICE Staff Skyworth USA, a division of SKYWORTH Digital Holdings Limited, an- John Homlish nounced on July 15 that John Homlish had been hired as the new Senior VP of Sales and Marketing. Previously serving as President for Hai10 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

er America, Homlish will oversee Skyworth USA’s strategy to become a top tier TV brand in the USA over the next five years.

“Skyworth’s unparalleled commitment to technical design, supply chain and manufacturing capability will ensure the company’s success,” said Homlish in a statement. Homlish will report to Johnny Wang, Head of Skyworth Overseas TV Business, and begin his new position at the end of the month.

“Homlish has a proven track record in building and leading sales and marketing organizations for more than 25 years,” said Wang in an official statement, “[W]e are privileged to have

Ash Condon Appointed Regional Sales Manager, Southeastern U.S.

By Riedel Condon is 18-year veteran of professional video and broadcast industries

By TWICE Staff Riedel Communications recently appointed Ash Condon as the Regional Sales Manager for the Southeastern U.S. Condon has previously served as sales manager for the Western U.S. and Canada for iHeartMedia, specializing in digital workflows, Ash Condon master control automation, and managing content chains from creation to monetization.

Condon will report directly to Rich Zabel, Vice President of Sales for Riedel Communications North America.

“We’re excited to have Ash on board to represent Riedel in the southeast,” said Zabel. “He brings wide experience together with industry contacts that will serve us well as we continue to expand our customer base in the region. Ash is full of energy and enthusiasm, and I have no doubt he will be a tremendous asset.”

Condon has 18 years of the broadcast and professional video industries experience and has presented on the evolution of television and broadcasting at several SBE, SMPTE, NAB, and PBS events.

Riedel’s U.S. headquarters are located in Burbank, California, with its global headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany. Riedel employs over 600 people in 20 locations throughout Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.

John lead the expansion of our television business into North America” Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, SKYWORTH Digital Holdings Limited (HKG: 0751) supplies advanced and affordable technology solutions. With over 40,000 employees worldwide,SKYWORTH produces consumer electronics, display devices, network communication, refrigerators, washing machines, cell phones and more.

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Easily control the AVR-X3600H with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice control. The Denon Setup Assistant provides a seamless setup experience, while Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration walks users through audio optimization. It is also capable of 11.2 channel processing to extend the system with an additional power amplifier.

Augmented Reality Headset Epson Moverio BT-30C

The perfect accessory to compatible mobile devices, the Moverio BT-30C smart glasses deliver a high-quality USB-C tethered augmented reality (AR) viewing experience. Utilizing existing USB-C connectivity with Android or Windows PCs, the Moverio BT-30C provides a high-resolution experience right in a users line of sight. The easy plug-and-play solution has access to a wide range of content, including entertainment apps to content captioning and mobile games. The USB-C connectivity also provides access to Google Play store apps and Samsung DEX. The convenient, lightweight glasses offer a unique heads-up, hands-free experience so users can sit back and enjoy without holding their phone or laptop. It leverages a unique Moverio SDK to access headset orientation data and provides side-by-side 3D display mode, as well as other functions.

With a high-resolution OLED display, Moverio BT-30C users can experience big-screen content and leverage the dark lens shade for a movie theater experience.

Camera Accessories

Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM

The RF 28-70mm F2 L USM is an incredibly bright L-series zoom lens designed to bring unparalleled performance to Canon’s EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system. Stellar image quality is delivered from corner to corner thanks to the combination of a large 54mm diameter mount and short back focus distance. A rugged design and consistent f/2 brightness throughout its zoom range make the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM ideal for portraits, wedding photography, landscapes, nightscapes and more. It’s made for photographers and moviemakers who want a bright view, sharp detail, gorgeous blur and the professional performance of Canon’s L series.

Computers

Lenovo IdeaPad S940

The new IdeaPad S940 is one of Lenovo’s lightest consumer laptops with a premium allmetal design. It features noteworthy details such as a contoured glass display and a slim sandblasted aluminum body, all weighing in at just a little over 2 1.2 pounds and only 12.2 mm thin.

To keep the system near-bezel free, Lenovo opted for a reversed notch up top to fit the webcam in and still keep slim bezels. The IR camera is appended on top of the bezel which can also serve for easy open. In addition to these, the S940 is optionally equipped with a vibrant 4K HDR display with Dolby Vision technology and speedy Intel 8th generation processors. Paired with dynamic Dolby Atmos certified speakers, the S940 is an elegant laptop designed for consumers seeking detailed craftsmanship and high-end features.

12 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

Computers: Monitors

ViewSonic ColorPro VP3481 Professional Monitor

With an immersive curved screen and WQHD 3440x1440 resolution, the VP3481 is designed to deliver exceptional color accuracy and vivid details. Engineered to provide color accuracy and precision, the ColorPro VP3481 is perfect for color-critical applications, whether editing videos, photographs or graphic design.

With a sleek and frameless design, the ColorPro VP3481 is a 34-inch monitor featuring an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio with an all-encompassing curved screen, which provides incredible detail and colors across wide viewing angles. The precalibrated color settings with 100% sRGB color gamut coverage and Delta E<2† value elevates the viewing experience by offering precise color accuracy, vivid details and color-consistency across the screen. An integrated color uniformity function ensures consistent chromaticity and the 14-bit, 3D look-up table generates a stunningly smooth palette of 4.39 trillion colors. HDR10 compatibility provides a wider dynamic range of richer contrast and intense color reproduction.

Along with integrated 5W stereo speakers, the VP3481 also comes with a full array of connectivity options including USB 3.1 Type-C, DisplayPort and HDMI. The USB 3.1 Type-C input provides 60W of charging capability, while the HDCP 2.2 content protection is standard across all ports to provide secure 4K content playback, streaming and gaming.

The monitor’s 100Hz refresh rate allows the monitor to produce smooth, tear-free playback, making it an ideal fit for video editors and game developers. In addition, AMD FreeSync™ technology seamlessly synchronizes the frame rate output between the graphics card and monitor. This dynamic refresh rate effectively eliminates stuttering, and jerkiness for smooth video playback.

Digital Health Device Samsung Galaxy Fit

Made for all types of fitness enthusiasts, from casual runners to athletes, the Galaxy Fit tracks activity and wellness in the most convenient, unobtrusive way possible. It offers great value at an affordable price point ($99.99) automatically tracking workouts and allowing users to manually select from up to 90 activities.

From day to night, users can continuously track activities and sleep with a battery that lasts up to a week on a single charge. The Galaxy Fit also seamlessly integrates into daily life by syncing with Android or iOS smartphones to allow easy access to apps like alarm, calendar, and weather. With Samsung Health, users can truly own their health, setting goals for activities like mile time and monitoring progress in real-time.

Finally, the Galaxy Fit’s always-on, full-color display and sleek slim design, offer a quality user experience that sets it apart from other health trackers with similar pricing.

Dishwashers

LG Electronics Top Control Smart wi-fi Enabled Dishwasher with QuadWash and TrueSteam

LG Electronics recently launched updated models of its popular W-Fi enabled, ENERGY STAR certified LG QuadWash dishwashers. Features include LG’s best cleaning technologies ever, plus smart controls and TrueSteam for virtually spotless dishware, and a quiet 40 to 44dB operation.

LG QuadWash technology gets dishes clean the first time, thanks to four spray arms instead of just two. It uses Multi-Motion arms that rotate back and forth while spinning to power-clean dishes from multiple angles.

The TrueSteam technology in the wash cycle helps to dissolve caked-on food. Four power steam nozzles are centrally located on the door’s interior to allow steam to circulate throughout the dishwasher. And a second blast of real steam in the drying cycles delivers up to 60 percent fewer water spots on dishware.

LG QuadWash also features SmartThinQ technology, allowing users to monitor wash cycles, download improved cycles and provide Smart Diagnosis from a smartphone.

DIY Home Security

Samsung SmartThings Cam

Samsung SmartThings Cam offers consumers a 24/7 look into their homes from anywhere via their smartphone, tablet, Samsung TV or fridge so they can feel confident that their home is secure no matter where they are. With Full HD and HDR, the SmartThings Cam allows a clear, 145-degree visual of the home day or night, while its two-way audio and built-in mic allows for communication with people and pets in the home. Additionally, SmartThings Cam can sense motion and differentiate between people and objects - alerting you of movement, while minimizing false triggers.

Free 24-hour recordings of footage can be saved to your personal cloud for future reference, and all alerts are easily accessible via the SmartThings App dashboard at any time. Users can control up to two SmartThings Cams simultaneously and a SmartThings Hub is not required for camera use and home monitoring. www.twice.com August 19, 2019 13

VIP AWARD

Driver Assistance

rDrive by Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Pioneer rDrive is a connected services solution designed to elevate your vehicle ownership experience by keeping you informed and up-to-date about your vehicle’s location and status. Combining a cloud-based services platform, an intuitive and informative smartphone application, and vehicle-installed 4G LTE connected VCS300LJ, rDrive provides a way to upgrade the car you already own with features that until now were primarily obtained by purchasing a new vehicle.

Features include LoJack with law enforcement integration (a LoJack exclusive), stolen vehicle recovery technology and 24/7 live agent support, TripWire Early Warning Stolen Vehicle Location Assist, CrashBoxx Instant Crash Alerts, Virtual Boundaries for arrival and departure alerts. Other features include configure selectable speed alert notifications and Car Health status. rDrive is great solution to enable consumers to monitor the driving habits and safety of teenage drivers or older parents. rDrive offers security and connectivity in the palm of the consumer’s hand.

Extended Warranties/Services Plan

SquareTrade, an Allstate Company, Protection Plans

Everyone knows the pain of damaging a phone during the work week or realizing the refrigerator is broken just in time for the holidays, and having to find time to get it repaired.

That is where SquareTrade comes in. For over a decade, SquareTrade, an Allstate Company, has developed a phenomenal reputation for helping retailers and partners support their customers repair and replace their most relied upon devices, gadgets or appliances in a timely and affordable manner.

In the last year, SquareTrade has expanded its offerings to better support both its retail partners and consumers.

This includes enhancing support services like premium tech support, at-home repairs and ID theft recovery that offer 360° protection on a consumer’s most valued items. Through these updated services, consumers can now trust that the devices and appliances they purchase from their favorite retailers are now supported from installation and everyday use through to repairs.

Folding Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

This year Lenovo focused on refining the X1 line with improvements that most discerning users will appreciate. Customer feedback evolved the laptops’ look and feel to represent the demands of a contemporary workforce.

A first for the ThinkPad lineup, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga shed its carbon fiber for aluminum, making the chassis more compact and lightweight. In its fourth generation, it now thinner and lighter with a smaller footprint thanks to narrower bezels and constructed precision-machined aluminum chassis. Weighing a mere 2.99 pounds, it’s 11 percent thinner than the previous generation. Lastly, its narrower bezels all around result in an overall 17 percent footprint reduction.

Gaming Accessories Razer Nari Ultimate

Gaming headsets today often feature incremental design changes or improved hardware, and rarely change the way games are experienced.

The Razer Nari Ultimate is a wireless PC gaming headset that goes against the grain by introducing Razer HyperSense high-definition haptic feedback to gamers around the world. Designed for unparalleled gaming immersion, it opens the path to engaging our sense of touch for gaming, beyond just sight and hearing.

By processing audio signals in real-time, the Razer Nari Ultimate converts sound into tactile feedback so gamers can feel events such as powerful explosions, the rumbling of tanks, and even recoil created by firing a gun or rocket launcher. You don’t need specific hardware integration to enjoy your games at a whole new level.

With the Razer Nari Ultimate, gamers today have a headset that truly transforms their gaming immersion.

14 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

Gaming Monitor

ViewSonic ELITE XG350R-C Gaming Monitor

The ViewSonic ELITE XG350R-C is a 35-inch, ultra-wide, curved gaming monitor built for esports and gaming enthusiasts. As gaming studios transition to higher resolutions and wider aspect ratios, this monitor delivers an immersive viewing experience with features like UWQHD (3440x1440p) resolution and 1800R curve. It’s also engineered with high-end features gamers expect like AMD FreeSync technology, 100Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, customizable RGB lighting technology, and two 5W speakers.

The XG350R-C offers HDR10 content support for a dynamic range of color and contrast; while clear motion technology utilizes backlight strobing to produce clear visuals and reduce image blur in fastmoving scenarios.

With its large screen, the XG350R-C helps reduce the need for a 2-monitor set-up for multi-tasking gamers who video edit or stream gaming content. The monitor comes with HDMI, DisplayPort and multiple USB 3.0 inputs to connect to a variety of peripherals; and ergonomic functions ensure comfortable gaming.

Gaming Notebook

Acer Predator Helios 300

The newly redesigned Predator Helios 300 (MSRP: $1199) continues to set the bar for midrange gaming notebooks with a bold new look and latest technologies and advanced thermals.

The line includes models with 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch 144Hz FHD IPS displays with 3ms response times, overclockable GPUs, Killer networking and WiFi, up to 32GB of DDR4 2666MHz memory and up to two PCIe NVMe SSDs in RAID 0 plus a hard drive. It’s the powerhouse notebook gamers crave for playing today’s AAA games. The newest models feature a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDA GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU, Killer Wireless and Ethernet, and Acer’s 4th Gen AeroBlade 3D Fans. Access compartment doors on the bottom of the notebook makes it easy to upgrade memory and storage.

To keep the system running cool, the Helios 300 features a dual-fan cooling system, strategically placed intake and exhaust vents and Acer CoolBoost technology.

Home Audio

Sony GTK-PG10 Portable wireless speaker

Perfect for outdoor parties, barbeques and tailgating parties, the new GTK-PG10 speaker spreads high-power sound with a dedicated outdoor party mode. With the top panels open, the built-in tweeters face upwards and outwards, spreading the sound wider for outdoor parties. The Digital Signal Processor automatically adapts audio settings to optimize outdoor performance.

The GTK-PG10 is easy to transport and take the party just about anywhere, with a cube shape and built-in handles. It is tripod-compatible and has a built-in rechargeable battery, boasting up to 13 hours of listening. The outdoor speaker also incorporates a table and cup holders on the splash-proof top panel to let nothing get in the way of the next celebration or tailgate. There is also an FM tuner and a convenient charger for mobile devices. Users can also sing along to their favorite songs using the speaker’s mic input.

Home Automation

Philips Hue Bluetooth Smart Light Bulbs

Setting the right mood in your home is easy with Philips Hue’s new Bluetooth smart lighting products (available in the standard A19 light bulb and BR30 downlight form factors to start).

Start with a single Hue light bulb, and instantly control your home lighting. With a tap in the Philips Hue Bluetooth app for iOS and Android devices or with a voice command to Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, you can dim or brighten the lights to your preferred setting.

You can also choose from 16 million colors and any shade of white light to create the perfect atmosphere at home, whether you are throwing a dinner party, hosting game night with friends, or relaxing and having “me time” after work.

Connect up to 10 Hue Bluetooth products or add a Philips Hue bridge at any time, to expand your system with more lights, smart accessories and features. www.twice.com August 19, 2019 15

VIP AWARD

Home Care Devices

IQAir Atem 5 in 1 Personal Air Purifier

The Atem 5-in-1 is the first air purifier of its kind equipped with the versatility of five different applications including: • Small Space Air Purifier for small indoor spaces, such as bedrooms or nurseries • Car Air Purifier for in-cabin air purification with a car-mount accessory • Desktop Air Purifier for your personal workspace or office • Travel Air Purifier - this specialized carrying case allows you to take your Atem everywhere and anywhere • Portable Air Purifier - this mobile, rechargeable power bank provides approximately 12 hours of use on medium default speed

Home-Theater Projectors Sony VPL-VW295ES 4K SXRD Home Cinema Projector

The VPL-VW295ES, one of the latest in Sony’s new home entertainment projector models, delivers a breath-taking 4K HDR experience at Sony’s most affordable price point, while adding features from last year’s laser model, including a new input lag reduction mode, Motionflow and Vertical Stretch for 4K signals.

So whether you’re a gamer, sports fan or movie buff, this 1,500 lumen lamp-based projector delivers exceptional viewing quality. The evolved 4K Motionflow technology, displays smoother and clearer motion by using extra frames to reduce blur, perfect for fast moving scenes such as sporting events.

The VPL-VW295ES also offers spectacular HDR images with fine color gradation thanks to 18 Gbps HDMI and 4K 60P 10bit processing compatibility, and to accommodate the growing demand for 4K/60p gaming content, the projector enables users to enjoy faster response speeds using the input lag reduction feature.

Interchangable-Lens Cameras Canon EOS RP

Stepping up to a full-frame camera has never been easier. The mirrorless EOS RP is the lightest and most compact full-frame EOS camera to date and includes a 26.2 MP CMOS sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, 4K video, and our powerful DIGIC 8 processor for exceptional results, even in low light. Explore vast creative possibilities with RF lenses as well as all EF/EF-S lenses. Get impressive results using the camera’s helpful Feature Assistant and Creative Assist functions.

Be imaginative with a number of special scene modes. And quickly adjust settings with the convenient Mode Dial. With its compact size, comfortable grip, vari-angle touchscreen LCD and electronic viewfinder, operation is familiar and easy. Whether you travel near or far, the EOS RP helps you capture your world with the quality, control and ease you crave.

Laundry

Maytag Smart Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Advanced Moisture Sensing With IndustryExclusive Extra Moisture Sensor - 7.3 Cu. Ft.

When heavy jeans get mixed in the dryer with thin shirts, push the Extra Power button to help get thick fabrics, pockets, hems and seams drier the first time.* This feature boosts drying power on any cycle by extending time, heat and tumbling. With additional power from the industry-exclusive moisture sensor, Advanced Moisture Sensing monitors inside moisture and air temperatures to help evenly dry heavy loads. This dryer also uses steam to help prevent wrinkles so your clothes come out looking their best. For the first time on a Maytag appliance, monitor and control your appliance away from home** with smart dryer features. *Results may vary based on load size and type **Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at maytag.com/connect

16 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

Outdoor Kitchen Products THOR Kitchen Modular Outdoor Kitchen Suite

THOR Kitchen introduces a pro-style Modular Outdoor Kitchen Suite. These are high-quality, stainless steel outdoor kitchen appliances with all of the power and performance of its pro-style competitors offered at ½ the price of ultra-premium competitors. The suite includes: a Grill, Grill Cabinet, Pizza Oven, 24-inch Indoor/Outdoor Refrigerator Drawers, Sink Cabinet, Side Burner Cabinet, Appliance Cabinet as well as a Corner Cabinet offering ample storage options within the powerful appliances.

Being modular, this suite offers the ability to mix and match the appliances to create different layouts like an L- or U-shape, while simultaneously eliminating the need for costly supporting infrastructure like a built-in island. The low price point also allows for the savings to be re-allocated into other areas of the renovation, assisting in fully elevating the design and aesthetic of any space.

Ovens, Ranges & Cooktops

Hestan 48” Dual Fuel Range with 12” Griddle

The 48” freestanding dual fuel range with griddle offers the most powerful sealed gas burner available to the home – the patent-pending, award-winning CircuFlame burner, which provides 30,000 BTUs of high-performance cooking power. The surrounding four burners allow for significant turndown capability, reaching as high as 23,000 BTUs (front burners), and as low as 500 BTUs, allowing for greater flexibility when cooking.

The 12” commercial-grade stainless steel gas griddle utilizes superior heating and a thermostat for precise temperature control. The high-performance oven features exclusive PureVection technology, which electronically controls multiple heating convection systems, to optimize baking, broiling, roasting, and convection baking. MarquiseDisplay, an industry first, gives you a chef-friendly digital display - conveniently inset right in the Marquise Accented oven handle. Available in Hestan’s 12 signature colors and finishes, the 48” Dual Fuel Range combines exceptional performance, including the fastest time-to-boil, with singular design - creating a centerpiece for any kitchen.

Ovens, Ranges & Cooktops: Wall Oven

LG Combination Wall Oven

LG’s first-ever smart combination double wall ovens offer cooking speeds up to four times faster than conventional ovens.

The upper LG TurboCook Speed Oven enables users to skip preheating thanks to instantaneous LG Infrared Heating technology. The 2-in-1 convection-microwave produces oven-quality results two to four times faster than a conventional oven. The lower convection oven delivers precise heat for evenly-cooked, delicious food when baking or roasting.

With LG smart technology, users can control key oven features from anywhere, at any time. The new double ovens integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for easy voice control; and with smart meal plan and recipe services Innit and SideChef to help create perfect meals at home.

LG’s combination ovens also feature LG EasyClean technology. Simply spray the oven interior with water, select the LG EasyClean function and in 10 minutes, quickly wipe away any leftover grime.

Power & Charging Accessories VOXX Power Systems

VOXX Electronics together with DWFritz have partnered to deliver installed power solutions, providing on-board, on-demand assistance in the event a vehicle owner needs it.

You’ll never have to worry about a dead portable jump jack, missing jumper cables or waiting around for roadside assistance ever again! The Jump Starter offers a safe and easy to use pre-installed, on-demand power source that is always there when you need it most. The system activates manually or through Apps for Android and iOS devices, monitors battery health and sends notification alerts to your smartphone or tablet. The system also includes a built-in flashlight, emergency flashers, USB charging ports and a plug-in for jumper cables (for jumping other cars). www.twice.com August 19, 2019 17

VIP AWARD

Projection Screens

Elite Screens Inc. Yard Master Awning Series

Bringing big family and friends together for barbecues and celebrations should always be a priceless memory, so maximize the occasion with an outdoor sunshade that turns into a projection theater. Elite Screens’ Yard Master Awning Series is a Free-Standing retractable sun shade to keep your backyard events comfortable in the heat of the day. When night falls, it becomes the ultimate platform for a large outdoor theater display ranging from 100”-150”.

This is the perfect way to entertain your guests, your neighborhood, and anyone else who should drop in. The YardMaster Awning Series utilizes high quality materials that feature superior corrosion resistance so that it may remain in outdoor use for many years to come. The DIY Wall 3 Outdoor Projector Screen comes as a detachable module that uses Elite’s Greenguard certified MaxWhite B theater grade 1.0 gain 4K Ultra HD, Active 3D, and HDR Ready matte white projection surface.

Refrigerators

Bosch French Door Bottom Mount Counter-Depth Refrigerator

Marking the broadest refrigeration portfolio redesign in its U.S. history, Bosch introduces a completely reinvented line of freestanding refrigeration with the French Door Bottom Mount counter-depth collection. Using years of consumer insights, the line was designed from the ground up to address the top three consumer needs when it comes to refrigeration - design, freshness and organization - all while helping limit food waste.

Sitting at true counter depth, the collection is fresh by design with a four-point FarmFresh System and all-new interiors. From VitaFreshPro, the first automatic temperature and humidity control drawer in the industry, to the innovative FlexBar, a first-of-its-kind solution for utilizing unused space in the upper interior cavity, the units offer consumers everything they need for optimal freshness and flexible food storage. Further, Home Connect capabilities offer peace of mind for consumers in knowing they can remotely control, monitor and receive notifications on their refrigerator via smart device.

Refrigerators: Specialty Hestan 24” Wine Cellar

The 24” Wine Cellar stores varietals elegantly with oak racks, two temperature zones and UV protection. Its triple-paned glass door guarantees maximum protection from UV light rays and is complemented by the Marquise Accented door handle. Deeper capacity within a standard depth is achieved by a side-mounted evaporator, which leaves greater interior space.

EvenFlow Air Circulating Technology provides uniform and precise temperature control, with independent ventilation for each compartment, and creates an air curtain to prevent cold air from escaping when the door opens.

The 24” Wine Refrigerator model brings even more finesse to wine storage, with an additional bottom freezer drawer, which can be configured to any of three independent temperature zones: classic refrigerator (36 °F to 46 °F), extend fresh (28 °F to 36 °F), and freezer (from -7 °F to +5 °F). Luxe wine storage is available in Hestan’s 12 signature colors and finishes, as well as in a custom overlay option.

Room Air Conditioners

Midea SmartCool Window AC MAW08S1YWT

Midea’s innovative SmartCool Window AC - the MAW08S1YWT - boasts Energy Star awarded efficiency and a variety of features to keep users cool and comfortable. Designed with a stylish, exclusive touch control panel and clear LED display, the MAW08S1YWT cooling capacity is 8,000 British Thermal Units and can quickly cool a room up to 350 feet.

It’ll respond to voice commands through Google and Alexa-enabled devices. Users can change settings via voice when using an Echo or Google Home device with the Midea AC Skill installed. Midea’s MAW08S1YWT is also compatible with the MideaAir app which brings cloud-based control to any smartphone or tablet.

Additional features include a 24-hour timer which enables users to program the unit according to their schedule; SleepWell which allows the AC to auto adjust for maximum sleep comfort; and Auto Restart which enables the AC to restart using its previous settings if the power shuts down unexpectedly.

18 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+

The Galaxy S10 and S10+ raise the bar in display, camera, and performance, celebrating a decade of mobile innovations from Samsung.

Featuring the world’s first Dynamic AMOLED display, at 6.1” and 6.4” respectively, the Galaxy S10 and S10+ earned DisplayMate’s highest-ever A+ grade.

The display innovations continue beneath the screen with the Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner. Rather than capturing a 2D image, the Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner reads the 3D contours of your thumbprint, so it’s harder to spoof.

The Galaxy S10’s Ultra Wide Lens with a 123-degree field of view is similar to the human eye, so you can capture the scene as you see it. Super Steady technology stabilizes bumpy videos and the built-in Neural Processing Unit, enhanced Scene Optimizer and Shot Suggestion allow users to take pro-grade shots.

Performance features like Wireless PowerShare make it easy to charge Qi-certified smartphones and wearables; and AI-optimized batteries last the entire day.

Smartphone Accessories Shure MV88+ Video Kit

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit offers creators (amateur bloggers or seasoned digital journalists) mobile, high-fidelity video and audio recording right out of the box - just add your phone. The Shure MV88+ Video Kit is an all-in-one solution for capturing professionalquality recordings on-the-go. The kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount, providing next-level recording flexibility and compatibility with iOS and USB-C cables.

The MV88+ Video Kit equips you with a variety of new and improved accessories, arming you with the tools and versatility needed for recording on-the-go. To ensure real-time audio assessment, a headphone jack allows you to record and listen on headphones simultaneously. The convenient phone clamp and Manfrotto PIXI tripod stand multiply the sort of environments you can record in too. Whether jamming in your studio, filming your next YouTube video, or live streaming, the way you capture the world will change with the MV88+.

Soundbars $500 and up

Studio Advance by Definitive Technology

The 5.1 channel Studio Advance sound bar delivers powerful home theater and virtual surround sound with sonic precision and deep, accurate bass from an included wireless subwoofer. With dedicated left, center, right and surround channels driven by nine discrete transducers and amplifiers, the Studio Advance features DSP-enhanced sound decoding of multichannel audio for immersive entertainment. Watch movies and shows in hi-res 4K and HDR with an advanced HDMI video section (1 in/3 out). Send audio from the TV to the sound bar via HDMI ARC to more easily control the sound bar with the TV remote. Listeners can also stream music over Wi-Fi with Chromecast built-in, and control their music hands-free via the Google Assistant. With one-button EQ presets, including Movies, Music and Night modes, users can optimize listening for their favorite content. Three additional HDMI outputs enable users to attach three media players for optimal entertainment.

Tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active2 is a rugged-built tablet designed specifically for mobile workers requiring a highly-durable device that offers a cost-effective way for businesses to solve workflow challenges and enhance productivity in rougher environments. It’s IP68-certified dust and water resistant and MIL-STD-810 certified - the military standard for ensuring durability during excessive pressure, temperatures, vibrations and drops.

It also offers enhanced touch settings like wet touch capabilities and Glove Mode, ideal for field workers. The 8MP AF back camera and 5MP front camera are useful for recording detailed field reports or scanning purposes. The IP-68 certified S Pen makes it easy to markup diagrams or obtain signatures in inclement weather or, for plant workers in a refinery, to quickly access assets remotely. It also comes with a long-lasting, replaceable battery that keeps teams connected for up to 11 hours and can be easily swapped with a backup, right in the field. www.twice.com August 19, 2019 19

VIP AWARD

Travel Accessories Scosche FlyTunes

FlyTunes is a game-changer for frequent flyers. It’s the first travel-size Wireless Audio Transmitter that plugs into any 3.5mm AUX audio output and lets you pair up to two sets of Bluetooth headphones or AirPods. Two people can share a movie on a plane, or as passengers in a car, free from cables.

Two folding prongs mean you can plug FlyTunes into either a single- or dual-output, so it works with any aircraft. A 4” AUX cord (provided) lets you plug into difficult to reach AUX locations. Use FlyTunes with fitness machines, televisions, stereos, and portable gaming systems. It can even give new life to a non-Bluetooth device, so you can use your cablefree headphones with an iPod Shuffle, or CD or cassette tape players. Its rechargeable battery lets you enjoy up to 8 hours hours of use per charge.

You’ll never want to fly without FlyTunes again!

TVs: 40 to 57 Inches

Samsung 55” SERIF 2019

The 2019 SERIF TV is the stunning result of a unique collaboration between the award-winning design duo Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec and Samsung. Drawing inspiration from typography’s simple elegance (an uppercase “I” in profile), the SERIF offers an elegant viewing experience in a form factor that blends harmoniously into the home while delivering Samsung-quality premium performance.

For the first time, the SERIF features a cadmium-free QLED display, which delivers premium picture quality, including 100% color volume for lifelike color in any scene. Pushing design innovation even further, the SERIF adds new aesthetic and practical value with Ambient Mode, which allows the TV to set the mood or fade into the background, depending on the user’s preference.

Available in 55”, the 2019 SERIF combines bold product design, top-of-the-line picture quality and innovative visual technology into a TV that perfectly balances form and function.

TVs: 58 inches and larger

LG 65-inch E9 OLED 4K TV (65E9)

LG’s 65E9 OLED TV is an outstanding feat of modern engineering and design.

As an OLED TV, the 65E9 renders high-precision images that are virtually indistinguishable from those in reality with perfect blacks, incredible color and wide viewing angles. In addition, perfect black rendering and LG’s Ultra Luminance function combine to create a nearly infinite contrast ratio that no other TV can match.

Using LG’s new Flat PLC technology, the 65E9 can maintain typical screen brightness of 80 percent (APL) and will support HDMI 2.1 to offer a host of advanced features such as 4K high frame rate content and more. Its new Alpha (α)9 Gen 2 intelligent processor which uses artificial intelligence will also elevate the picture and sound quality. The 65E9 has added Amazon Alexa support to complement the already built-in Google Assistant, making LG the only TV brand to provide support for both voice assistant platforms.

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the TWICE VIP Awards!

Voted upon exclusively by consumer technology retailers and distributors, the VIPs honor the products, technologies and services that are expected to make the biggest difference at CE retail. All of the winners featured here have been determined by the industry dealers as delivering something that’s truly valued on sales floors and shelves. TWICE also offers a very special congratulation to Samsung for once again taking home the Super VIP Award with its five wins.

20 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

TRADESHOWS

3 Tips for Winning a Future 2019 CEDIA Best of Show Award

Increase your chances of winning a Residential Systems and/or TWICE Best of Show Award at CEDIA 2019.

By Residential Systems Staff Each year there are thousands of new products introduced at CEDIA. Thousands. After all the effort you have put in to bring your product to market, how can you stand out?

Winning a Future CEDIA Best of Show Award from Residential Systems or TWICE (or even both) goes a long way to differentiating your product from a crowded market and putting a spotlight on the hard work that led up to its release.

Each entry is judged by an industry professional.

We’re keeping them secret so they can visit your CEDIA booths anonymously, but there is a (very) good chance you’ve seen them in the pages (both web and print) of the brands they represent. Every entry gets listed in the post-show digital Best of Show Guide, but winners will receive a trophy and “Winner” logos that they can proudly display in their marketing.

That will generate some attention!

We are always asked how a product can improve its chances of winning, and here are three ways to catch our judges’ eyes: Tell your story. Your entry form is a blank slate — use it for more than specs, although include those as well! This is your chance to tell the judges the thought behind the creation and building of a product. Make sure you point out exactly what makes this an award-worthy piece of gear.

First Impressions. Have you had any residential integrators beta-test the product? Provide any kind

CEDIA 2019: PowerHouse Alliance To Display Full A2V Line At Expo HDMI hands-on demos from DPL Labs President Jeff Boccaccio on September 12th and 13th at 5 p.m.

By TWICE Staff At the upcoming CEDIA Expo, eleven PowerHouse Alliance member distributors will display the A2V line of products, including certified premium high-speed HDMI cables, TV mounts, racks, in-room subwoofers, and more at CEDIA Expo booth #2137.

The latest products to be added to the A2V line include the A2V Powered Subwoofers and All-Weather Outdoor Speakers. Both are now shipping exclusively from PowerHouse Alliance distributor members nationwide.

“Serving dealers nationwide as an alliance of distributors, we have our fingers on the pulse of the products and categories needed for succeed for a variety of jobs,” said PowerHouse Alliance Executive Director Dennis Holzer in a statement. “Our new speakers and subwoofers quickly became popular, supporting dealers in capturing the oppor-

tunity of multi-room audio demand, working on new build projects, backyard and poolside renovations, and retrofit smart home installations.”

DPL Labs President Jeff Boccaccio will give a presentation on HDMI Performance with a hands-on demo on September 12 and September 13 from 4 to 5 p.m. local time at booth #2137.

The full A2V line is shipping with same-day pickup available from all 39 PowerHouse Alliance distributor member locations across the nation and when online ordering portals are used.

Additionally, the PowerHouse A2V rewards program gives back 10% to dealers each quarter after a minimum of $500 in A2V product purchases from the previous quarter and multi-year warranties (varies by product) are featured with all products in the A2V line.

of feedback? Offer any impression on how your product performs?

Make sure to include it.

Life Changing. What kind of impact do you intend this product to have on the installer and the end user? What sets it apart from similar products? You know why it’s better than everyone else’s — make sure the judge knows why, too.

Key Takeaways What? Nominations for the Future CEDIA Best of Show Awards, presented by Residential Systems and TWICE When? Submissions open now through August 30, 2019 Why? Your products will be recognized by industry professionals; all entries receive post-show exposure in the Best of Show Guide; winning products receive marketing tools to promote their success.

Things You Can’t Miss at CEDIA Expo 2019 Free webinar scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET

By AVNetwork Staff Residential Systems is hosting a free one-hour webinar that takes a deep dive into new product highlights and at the upcoming CEDIA Expo.

The webinar—held on Thurs., Sept. 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET— will feature John Sciacca, principal of Custom Theater and Audio, and Anthony Savona, content director at Residential Systems.

“The countdown to the biggest residential integration event of the year is on,” said Savona. “John and I will take a look at some of the coolest new products making their North American debut, so you can be sure to experience them for yourself at CEDIA Expo.”

To register for the webinar, visit www.cediaexpo.com.

www.twice.com August 19, 2019 21

MAJOR APPLIANCES

Bertazzoni Partners With Distinctive Appliances To Cover The Southeast Distinctive Appliances to distribute in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida

By TWICE Staff Bertazzoni, the manufacturer of award winning cooking appliances, announced recently it is partnering with Distinctive Appliances Distributing, Inc. to distribute in the Southeast region of the U.S., namely Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida.

“Our team has a vast knowledge and expertise in the premium segment of the marketplace, and we are very committed to growing our brands through the dealer channels,” said Michael Benoit, President of Distinctive Appliances in a statement. “Bertazzoni is offering fantastic value with outstanding performance, engineering, design, and an impressive family heritage that spans 6 generations.”

Distinctive Appliances sells and distributes to national chains, regional retailers and independent stores from multiple warehouses across the country.

Their inventory of Bertazzoni appliances to service the needs of dealers and specifiers in the Southeast include ranges, built-in ovens, specialty ovens, cooktops, ventilation, refrigerators, dishwashers and more.

The new Heritage, Master and Professional Series of appliances will also be available.

“We are delighted to build on our relationship with Distinctive Appliances, which has been a valuable partner for us for the last 6 years,” said Nicola Bertazzoni, Vice President of Sales for Bertazzoni and sixth generation family member in a statement.

“Our market strategy is focused on providing the most value to our customers, and we look forward to the support of the Distinctive team to achieve this

success.”

Founded in 1882, Bertazzoni’s unique Italian-design appliances are represented in over 60 countries and the company has doubled in size in the past 10 years. Dealers in the Southeast may contact Barry Cohen, Senior Vice President of Sales for Distinctive Appliances, with any questions atbcohen@distinctiveappliances.net.

New Maytag Washer & Dryer Let You Control Laundry Anywhere Connected models can be controlled, monitored by app

By TWICE Staff Released in June 2019, Maytag’s Smart Front Load Washer (model MHW8630HW) and Smart FrontLoad Dryer (model MED8630HW) launched as the

22 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

first connected appliances for the company. Both sport an MSRP of $1,249.00 each and come in two color options.

The key connected features of these smart laundry appliances include: • Remote start or stop.

• Notifications when detergent is running low in the Optimal Dose Dispenser.

• Assigning tasks to family members with customized text messages to remind when they are in charge of transferring a load to the dryer or folding clean clothes.

• End of cycle notifications.

All connected controls require the appliance to be set to remote enabled in addition to the installation of the official app on your smartphone and WiFi access.

Other helpful features included with washer are: • The Extra Power button, when activated on the Heavy Duty cycle, provides the “Most Powerful Cleaning in the industry”, based on a 20-lb load comparative test.

• The Extra Power button boosts stain-fighting performance with a dual-temperature wash on any wash cycle.

• Receive notifications and alerts that help you manage laundry, avoid unnecessary service calls, maintain your smart washer and help ensure dependable performance, year after year.

• The 24-Hr Fresh Hold® option utilizes an internal fan and intermittent tumbling to circulate air through clothes after the wash cycle ends.

The dryer model features include: • The Extra Power button helps get thick fabrics, pockets, hems and seams drier the first time by adding extra time to any cycle.

• Receive notifications and alerts that help you manage laundry, avoid unnecessary service calls, maintain your machine and help ensure dependable performance, year after year.

• Steam-enhanced cycles and options to help prevent wrinkles, refresh clothes and reduce static.

• The Quick Dry cycle is perfect to dry a small load fast.

Thermador And Bosch Named David Weekley Homes “Partners Of Choice” 5th Year In A Row Only appliance brands to score an “A” for quality in the past 15 years

By TWICE Staff BSH Home Appliances Corporation recently announced Thermador and Bosch brands as recipients of the David Weekley Homes “Partners of Choice” award for the fifth consecutive year.

“At David Weekley Homes, we set the highest of expectations for our team members and our national trading partners,” said John Schiegg, director of supply chain services for David Weekley Homes in a statement. “BSH Home Appliances, through the Thermador and Bosch brands, continues to demonstrate world-class excellence and embrace our goal of providing a world-class building experience for our customers.”

The largest privately-held home builder in the U.S., David Weekley Homes established the “Partners of Choice” award to recognize suppliers that provide world-class quality and service to home builders. Thermador and Bosch are the only appliance brands to receive this award.

BSH Home Appliances brands Bosch and Thermador received the “Partners of Choice” award from David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest homebuilder, during an awards ceremony on July 23, 2019. Pictured left to right: Kevin O’Conner, Area Purchasing Manager for David Weekley Homes; Bob Eustice, Head of Builder Channel for BSH Home Appliances; and David Weekley Homes, David Weekley Homes Chairman.

“Providing outstanding quality to our builder partners is of the utmost importance to our Thermador and Bosch brands,” said Bob Eustice, head of builder channel for BSH Home Appliances in a statement. “Being recognized by David Weekley Homes

as a Partner of Choice is a great honor and testament to the hard work of our team and our valued dealer partners across the United States, and we are proud to have our products in these homes.”

This year, over 160 companies were evaluated by nearly 1,000 David Weekley Homes team members to rate areas of supplier performance on a 1-to-10 scale. The survey supplies trading partners with valuable feedback while providing opportunities to review and improve channel alignment and performance.

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INDUSTRY

Josh.ai’s Very Good Year

Josh.ai surpasses 300 dealers, signs on first rep firm, and hires first national sales director.

By Residential Systems Staff With 300 of the top dealers in the US signed on and trained, Josh.ai is becoming a powerhouse in the luxury residential market. Because of the growth, Josh.ai has signed on its first sales rep, CET & Associates, as well as Chad Russell as the company’s first national sales director. With its privacy first focus, addition of new partnerships, and release of advanced features, Josh.ai has seen strong expansion this year.

Josh.ai has been shipping its hardware product, Josh Micro, since June of last year, and is now on its third production run. To date over 300,000 voice commands have been issued by Josh clients. The company also released the first natural language voice solution for multi-room distributed AV setups back in February, giving dealers a powerful new option to engage their clients and offer a more natural voice solution. Additionally, Josh.ai’s focus on user data privacy has attracted the attention of dealers in the industry, who need an alternative to the big tech companies that primarily seek profit from data collection of their voice assistants.

CET & Associates will represent Josh.ai in the Rocky Mountain region, which includes Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Dealers still have direct access to Josh.ai as needed. Josh.ai has also hired Chad Russell to lead sales for the company. Russell has a long history in the custom channel, and most recently was western regional sales manager for Atlona before becoming VP of sales at ICE Cable Systems.

For more information, visit www.josh.ai.

Top left to right: Tim Gill (CTO / Co-Founder Josh.ai), Marc Ayoub (CET & Associates), Adam Owens (Principal CET & Associates), John Savali (CET & Associates), Jason Stencel (CET & Associates), Greg White (CET & Associates), Chris Carboni (CET & Associates), Nader Dajani (Josh.ai), Alex Capecelatro (CEO / Co-Founder Josh.ai). Bottom left to right: Scotty Allen (Josh.ai), Chad Russell (Josh.ai).

Healthcare Program Added For Azione Unlimited Members Lifestyle Health Plans offers 16 different standard options

By Grant Morgan In an effort to support its members and provide deeper healthcare solutions, Azione Unlimited recently announced it has partnered with Lifestyle Health Plans.

“Healthcare benefits are probably one of the top five concerns of any business owner today, maybe even higher,” said Les Perlson of Lifestyle Health Plans in a statement. “Costly premiums, complex language, and an evolving fully-insured marketplace continue to create one of the biggest impacts for small to medium-sized employers... Our program is a vehicle that can effectively address population health management along with cost management to give more comprehensive results to Azione Unlimited.”

“Azione Unlimited is very excited to support our members with a new comprehensive healthcare plan from Lifestyle Health Plans,” said Richard Glikes, President of Azione Unlimited in a statement. “Not 24 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

only does it show our commitment to elevating our support to the group, but it also provides a turnkey solution for members struggling to navigate the healthcare industry. It’s simply about providing confident solutions so our members can continue to grow.”

Founded in 2006, Lifestyle Health Plans currently offers 16 different standard plan options grouped into four plan designs. This structure allows members to custom-tailor plans to their individual needs, making it flexible and more cost effective. This also makes it possible to to add dental, vision, worksite,

life, and supplemental coverage directly into plans.

A no-additional-cost integrated wellness program using deductible credits, credit ‘matching’ programs, and cash-reward “Bonus Bucks” is also part of the health care packages.

“Having health insurance is no longer an option, they are table-stakes that every one of or members should be able to offer,” Glikes said. “Our partnership gives our members a huge advantage because they no longer have to shop around and can immediately reap the savings benefits of a group program.

It’s a crucial next step in becoming a full-suite solution for our members.”

Azione Unlimited, a consortium of like-minded custom installers, home technology professionals, and vendors, provides its members with training, product discounts, educational meetings, marketing tools and more. The group is headquartered in Chester Springs, PA. with integrators making up over 95 percent of its membership.

CEDIA 2019 Home Technology Professional Award Winners

Twelve projects received recognition during the CEDIA Awards Celebration & Leadership Conference.

By Residential Systems Staff CEDIA has announced the winners of the 2019 CEDIA Home Technology Professional Awards competition for the Americas region. Twelve projects received recognition during the CEDIA Awards Celebration & Leadership Conference at the Drake Hotel in Chicago last week. Each honoree represents the best work over the last year from CEDIA members in the global organization’s Americas region.

The 2019 Home Technology Professional Award Winners from the Americas Region are: Best Home Cinema • Level I: ACOUSTIC INTERIORS – Toronto, Ontario – Canada • Level II: Audio Images – Tustin, California – USA • Level III: Audio Images – Tustin, California – USA Best Innovative System or Solution • Pacific Audio & Communications – Kihei, Hawaii – USA Best Integrated Home • Level I: La Scala – Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada • Level II: Cantara – Costa Mesa, California – USA • Level III: La Scala – Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada • Level IV: The Premier Group – Carmel, Indiana – USA Best Media Room • Level I: Audio Images – Tustin, California – USA • Level II: Audio Images – Tustin, California – USA Best Multiple Dwelling Unit Design • SmartTouchUSA – Columbia, Maryland – USA Best Showroom • Atlanta Audio & Automation – Atlanta, Georgia – USA Best Documentation • La Scala – Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada Best Lighting System • Service TECH, Inc. – Cedar Park, TX – USA Life Lived Best at Home • Cantara – Costa Mesa, California – USA Technology Meets Design • La Scala – Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada A global judging panel of experts deeply connected to the home technology industry evaluated entries and selected winners. Asia Pacific region finalists were announced in June and winners will be revealed at Integrate in Melbourne, Australia on August 28. EMEA region finalists were also previously announced and the winners will be unveiled September 26 during a sold-out celebration in the V&A in London, UK. Global Award winners will be announced at the EMEA event.

As part of the “Road to CEDIA Expo,” CEDIA and Emerald Expositions are partnering to award category winners in the Americas region with a CEDIA Expo travel package that includes flight reimbursement of up to $500 and a three-night hotel stay at the 2019 CEDIA Expo at the Colorado Convention Center September 10-14 in Denver.

Connect to more about the CEDIA Home Technology Professional Awards competition and the Awards events at cedia.net/awards. Winners and finalists will be profiled across all CEDIA platforms.

This article originally ran on residentialsystems.com

SnapAV and Control4 Complete Merger Combined company to expand investments in solutions and services, driving growth, efficiency and value for technology professionals.

By Residential Systems Staff SnapAV and Control4 Corporation have announced the successful completion of their merger. Unified into a single organization, Control4 becomes a professional smart home brand in the company portfolio, SnapAV continues to bring technology professionals a trusted, end-to-end partner that invests relentlessly in growing the industry and helping their businesses succeed.

“The smart home industry is poised for massive growth, and much of that growth will be driven John Heyman, chief and satisfied by professionals. Our team shares a executive officer of SnapAV passion to deliver fantastic experiences to homeowners and businesses,” says John Heyman, chief executive officer of SnapAV. The combination of these two industry-leading companies brings together a robust product catalog of in-house brands and third-party products, backed by experienced product engineering teams, award-winning customer service, education and training programs, and in-field technical support.

The SnapAV product development team led by Charlie Kindel, chief Charlie Kindel as chief product & technology of- product & technology ficer envisions a roadmap that blends deep innova- officer, SnapAV tion with simplicity, interoperability, and quality.

“We know this to be true: the number of connected devices in the home will continue to increase. Homeowners want help removing complexity so they can enjoy life at home more and manage technology less,” says Kindel. “We’re focused on the vision of making end-customers rave about our fantastic products and the great living experiences our dealers create with those products. Through this merger, we will fulfill the true promise of the smart home.”

Control4 will continue to be available only through Control4 Authorized Dealers, and the standards required for dealer certification will not change. All brands in the combined product portfolio — including Pakedge and Araknis, OvrC and BakPak, Triad and Episode — continue to be supported today, and dealers can use the solution that best fits their business needs.

Dealers can expect to see continued investment in both local and international expansion. Ordering products will remain the same for now, but over time, the combined portfolios will be made available through convenient online ordering, industry-leading shipping, and local pickup. SnapAV intends to invest further into the international markets Control4 has established including the UK, Ireland, China, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

With a combined 1200 employees, SnapAV CEO John Heyman will lead the merged teams as chief executive officer, while former Control4 CEO Martin Plaehn joins the board of directors of SnapAV’s parent company.

Jeff Hindman joins the executive team as chief revenue officer, while former Amazon Alexa executive and Control4 SVP of products & services Charlie Kindel is named chief product & technology officer.

Mike Carlet will serve as the chief financial officer.

Additional executives of the combined company include Jeff Dungan, G Paul Hess, JD Ellis, Barrett Schiwitz, Bryce Judd, Carmen Thiede, Graham Jaenicke, and Wally Whinna. The company will have headquarters in Charlotte, NC, and Salt Lake City, UT, with offices and local facilities around the world. www.twice.com August 19, 2019 25

INDUSTRY

Exclusive New Furniture Lineup Launching August 1 From NMG, Flexsteel Industries Partnership

Orders placed at PrimeTime scheduled for December delivery

By TWICE Staff Nationwide Marketing Group and Flexsteel Industries, Inc. recently announced their partnership in creating a new line of furniture ranging from multimedia gaming chairs to power sofas.

“As one of the industry’s leading furniture manufacturers, Flexsteel is constantly evolving to ensure its products always offer the highest quality and most stylish design,” said Jeff Rose, Nationwide’s director of furniture and bedding in a statement. “This partnership aligns with our premium strategy, giving our members the opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering an exclusive Flexsteel product line. We’re excited to introduce this program at Las Vegas Market and can’t wait to

unveil the products at PrimeTime this August.”

“It just makes sense for these two organizations to join forces to provide retail stores with the highest quality products and support to be successful,”added Charlie Winans, Flexsteel’s national sales director for home furnishings. “In fact, many of Nationwide’s member stores already feature Flexsteel furniture, which means these valued retail partners will now be able to take advantage of the long list of benefits that Nationwide provides to help grow their Flexsteel business.”

Beginning Aug. 20, Nationwide members can begin ordering these new products at PrimeTime, with those orders expected to arrive in-store in December.

Trump says Apple won’t be given tariff waiver on Mac Pro, tells them to make it in USA Sorry, Tim Apple

By Caitlin McGarry Apple recently moved the production of its soonto-be-released Mac Pro from the U.S. to China to cut costs, but that decision may cost the company even more.

Apple had requested that Mac Pro parts be exempted from the Trump Administration’s tariffs on electronics produced in China, but Trump dashed off a tweet that put a crimp in the company’s plans.

Apple had previously been granted exemptions for other products made in China, including AirPods and the Apple Watch.

The previous generation of Mac Pros was designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. Apple invested in an Austin, Texas facility for the purposes of assembling Mac Pros. But for this year’s model, the company moved production to China. Clearly, Trump isn’t happy about the move.

Tariffs on Mac Pro parts could increase the price of the already costly machine, which goes on sale this fall for $6,000.

26 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

In June, Apple published a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer requesting that its products be exempted from the tariffs on electronics produced in China, which have increased to 25%.

This story originally ran on tomsguide.com

D-Tools Partners with Tracknicity

D-Tools and Tracknicity partnership enables D-Tools SI users to track and manage inventory.

By Residential Systems Staff D-Tools, Inc. has announced a partnership with Tracknicity — an inventory and product tracking app that serves to build an “inventory management bridge” between D-Tools System Integrator and QuickBooks.

D-Tools has partnered with Tracknicity to help companies ensure that inventory — both stock or project-specific parts — are accurately tracked from the proposal through being purchased, received, staged, picked, delivered, installed, and even serviced using a sophisticated mobile application.

“Inventory management is the single most requested feature from D-Tools customers,” says Randy Stearns, CEO of D-Tools.

“Tracknicity was born out of frustration from the lack of a truly integrated inventory solution in Quickbooks and D-Tools,” says Travis Leo, co-founder of Tracknicity. “We designed Tracknicity to solve a problem that faces tens of thousands of small businesses across the globe.

Tracknicity is a thin and simple web-based application that leverages the tools you already use today. It’s inexpensive, easy to deploy, and can revolutionize your warehouse operations.”

D-Tools’ System Integrator is used by over 6000 technology solution providers for project estimation, system design, and project management.

Project-specific product and labor data are transferred to QuickBooks for financial accounting.

Tracknicity’s mobile app adds an inventory management component, and further solves many day-to-day challenges associated with running a technology integration business, such as: Reduces the need for manual inventory tracking and warehouse clipboards Leverages smartphone devices that field organizations already have Allows for real-time job cost reporting by providing precise budget vs. actual labor time/cost Handles multi-location inventory, allowing business owners and employees to see current stock.

NEED TO KNOW

Caption TK

Facebook Slammed with $5 Billion Fine for Privacy Fails But is it enough?

By Kate Kozuch The Federal Trade Commission announced today (July 24) that Facebook will pay a historic $5 billion penalty for repeated privacy violations, ending a 16-month probe by regulators into how the tech giant lost control over its users’ personal data. The company will also need to submit to imposed restrictions and a modified corporate structure and be under government supervision for the next 20 years, the FTC said in its press release.

This is the largest fine administered in the FTC’s history, and almost 20 times greater than the biggest data-security penalty ever issued worldwide. The FTC concluded that Facebook misled its users about how much control they had over their personal information, violating a 2012 FTC order.

“Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers’ choices,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons.

The settlement demands that Facebook create an independent oversight committee within its board of directors to regulate privacy. Compliance officers must begin keeping watch over the company’s attitude towards data, too. Those appointees, along with Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, must prove they are upholding their end of the settlement on a quarterly basis. Otherwise, Facebook will face civil or criminal penalties, the FTC said.

Facebook first said in April that it expected to pay billions to settle the FTC’s investigation into the company’s entanglement with the Cambridge Analytica affair that transferred the personal data of millions of Facebook users to an unauthorized third party. On July 12, the FTC voted to approve the fine, but today’s official announcement provides the

scope of the penalties.

Is $5 billion enough?

While $5 billion sounds like a lot, Facebook made over $55 billion in 2018. FTC commissioners Rohit Chopra and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, the two Democrats on the FTC, both voted against the announced penalties.

Chopra explained on Twitter today that he feels the settlement doesn’t go far enough, and that Facebook can pay the fine out of its profits and won’t need to change its ways.

“The privacy program we are building will be a step change in terms of how we handle data. We will be more robust in ensuring that we identify, assess and mitigate privacy risk...”

“The FTC can seek civil penalties in addition to unjust gains,” Chopra wrote. “I believe the company’s potential exposure is likely far greater.”

He cited the FTC’s 2012 action against Google, where the FTC obtained a penalty of more than five times the company’s “unjust gains.” Chopra said Facebook’s mandated fine “is a departure from that approach.”

Remind me, what did Facebook do wrong?

In 2012, Facebook assured the FTC that it would improve its efforts to protect user data after countless shortcomings.

But then, in 2014, Facebook permitted an academic-research firm to conduct sociological studies using Facebook data, as had been done many times.

The users had to opt into a Facebook survey that informed them their data would be used. About 270,000 Facebook users signed up.

However, because of the way Facebook’s permissions worked at the time, the researchers were able to also see personal data for all of the Facebook users who were “friends” on Facebook of the 270,000 users who voluntarily enrolled. That meant that as many as 50 million Facebook users had their data exposed.

The academic researchers later sold the entire trove of data to Cambridge Analytica, a political data-mining firm, which later did some work for the 2016 election campaign of now-president Donald Trump. Facebook said it learned as early as 2015 that the data was being misused.

This information came to light when Christopher Wylie, a Canadian data-mining expert who worked for Cambridge Analytica in 2013 and 2014, offered his side of the story to the New York Times and the Observer.

Wylie said he made the decision to come forth after head of Cambridge Analytica, Alexander Nix, testified that his company never used Facebook data to feed political motivations. Wylie said Nix lied.

It took until 2018 for Facebook to concede that Cambridge Analytica actually mined and misused the data from 87 million users’ profiles.

Facebook’s response to the FTC agreement On Facebook Newsroom, the company issued a response to the FTC agreement.

“The privacy program we are building will be a step change in terms of how we handle data,’ the post states. “We will be more robust in ensuring that we identify, assess and mitigate privacy risk. We will adopt new approaches to more thoroughly document the decisions we make and monitor their impact. And we will introduce more technical controls to better automate privacy safeguards.”

Mark Zuckerberg also commented on today’s news in a Facebook post.

“Overall, these changes go beyond anything required under U.S. law today,” the Facebook founder wrote. “The reason I support them is that I believe they will reduce the number of mistakes we make and help us deliver stronger privacy protections for everyone.”

What does this mean for Facebook?

This means Facebook will (hopefully) improve accountability on all levels. Aside from the internal regulators, the FTC’s order enhances the ability for third-party assessors to evaluate Facebook’s privacy practices.

As part of Facebook’s FTC-mandated privacy program, which also covers Facebook-owned WhatsApp and Instagram, Facebook must conduct a thorough privacy review for every new or modified product, service, or digital practice before its released to the public.

Facebook’s relentless bad news run may not be over, but the FTC answering growing demands for greater transparency and accountability for technology companies certainly sets a new, improved tone for data privacy practices.

“The relief is designed not only to punish future violations but, more importantly, to change Facebook’s entire privacy culture to decrease the likelihood of continued violations,” Simons said.

This article originally ran on tomsguide.com www.twice.com August 19, 2019 27

NEED TO KNOW

DOJ Says OK to T-Mobile-Sprint But deal closing must await outcome of suit by states, says spokesperson for Calif.

By John Eggerton WASHINGTON — The Justice Department, five state attorneys general and T-Mobile-Sprint have reached an agreement on the proposed merger of the No. 3 and 4 wireless carriers, conditioned on, among other things, the spinoff of Boost Mobile and some spectrum assets to Dish Network.

According to the settlement, “T-Mobile and Sprint must divest Sprint’s prepaid business, including Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Sprint prepaid, to Dish Network Corp., a Colorado-based satellite television provider. The proposed settlement also provides for the divestiture of certain spectrum assets to Dish. Additionally, T-Mobile and Sprint must make available to Dish at least 20,000 cell sites and hundreds of retail locations. T-Mobile must also provide Dish with robust access to the T-Mobile network for a period of seven years while Dish builds out its own 5G network.”

“With this merger and accompanying divestiture, we are expanding output significantly by ensuring that large amounts of currently unused or underused spectrum are made available to American consumers in the form of high quality 5G networks,” U.S. Justice Department antitrust chief Makan Delrahim said of the settlement. “Today’s settlement will provide Dish with the assets and transitional services required to become a facilities-based mobile network operator that can provide a full range of mobile wireless services nationwide. … In crafting this remedy, we are also mindful of the significant commitments T-Mobile, Sprint, and Dish have made to the Federal Communications Commission.”

But due to an extant court challenge by other attorneys general, the deal won’t close for months, and then only if the AGs don’t win, according to a spokesperson from the California Justice Department.

Delrahim has long said he favors spinoffs to bring deals inside the antitrust ropes, rather than behavioral conditions that must be continuously monitored, though there will be some of the latter as well.

The Federal Communications Commission‘s Republican majority has already signaled it can approve a deal with the Boost spinoff and other conditions the companies have volunteered.

The DOJ announced the deal, essentially filing suit and announcing the settlement at the same time, on

Friday (July 26) after reports it could come earlier in the week, but had been delayed.

Still to be resolved is a lawsuit involving more than a dozen state attorneys general (including New York and California), who have sued in a U.S. District Court in New York to block the deal (a status conference is set for Aug. 1).

That will push the deal‘s closing into late in the year or early 2020.

According to a copy of the case scheduling order supplied by an official of California’s Justice Department, T-Mobile and Sprint submitted a letter to the court saying: “Defendants agree not to consummate or otherwise complete the challenged transaction until 12:01 a.m. PT on the sixth day following entry of a final and appeal-able judgment, and only if the Court enters judgment in favor of Defendants or otherwise permits consummation of the challenged transaction.”

The trial isn’t even scheduled to start until Oct. 7, and the states have asked for that date to be pushed back.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James signaled the states in that suit, which also include California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, Virginia, and Wisconsin, aren’t ready to throw in the legal towel.

“Here in California and across our coalition of states, our concerns with this merger have been, are, and continue to be about the harms posed by over-consolidation and diminished market competition,” said California AG Xavier Becerra, who didn’t sound like he favored withdrawing the suit, either (California was the lead plaintiff), though he did add “intend” and “prepared” to his assertion they were still headed to court. “A marketplace with fewer active competitors drives up costs, reduces consumer choice and thwarts innovation. We intend to be prepared to go to trial to fight for a fair, competitive, and equitable marketplace for consumers nationwide.”

“Based on the information available to date, the states continue to have serious concerns with the merger and whether the deal with DISH will create a fourth independent competitor that addresses the loss to competition otherwise caused by this mega-

merger,” James said.

And FCC chairman Ajit Pai must still circulate his order and given August vacations, it will be tough to get a final vote until September. Calling it a ”new deal,” Democratic commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has already called for the chairman to let the public comment on that ”new deal’ before a vote, which the chairman is highly unlikely to do.

And even when the FCC does approve, opponents could challenge that decision in the D.C. federal appeals court, asking it to stay the FCC’s decision until the state case is resolved.

Pai has said that approving the deal is key to winning the race to 5G. One of the companies’ arguments for letting them get together was that they could do 5G faster than if they were apart.

The Trump administration has made winning that race a national priority.

One deal critic didn’t see the deal as creating a wireless competitor — Dish Network — to keep the U.S. market at four major players.

“This deal creates a faux competitor, not a real one, which is why I would bet on the states in their forthcoming court challenge,” Benton Foundation senior counselor Andrew Schwartzman said. “Dish is buying Boost, a brand which sells prepaid service to low-end consumers. Dish will start with none of the lucrative postpaid customers, no brand name and no retail network. Even if Dish successfully builds out its own network, that could not happen for several years, during which time the three big wireless companies will be able to lock in their customers and introduce their 5G technologies.”

In other words, rather than having Sprint as a weak fourth competitor, the combined companies will now face an extremely weak fourth competitor.

“One other thing frequently overlooked is that T-Mobile will actually benefit from having Dish as a wholesale customer,” Schwartzman said. “That means that it will be selling otherwise unused capacity for the next several years. Just as airlines are better off filling empty seats with discounted sales, so too, will T-Mobile will be able to operate its network more efficiently as a result.”

Oracle Lighting Takes Legal Action Against Chinese Vector Grill Knockoffs

Design patent infringement cases filed against Chinese producers of Knockoff Vector Grills Oracle Lighting, producer of lighting and LED products for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets, announced recently it is enforcing its intellectual property rights by filing design patent infringement cases against knockoff 28 August 19, 2019 www.twice.com

producers in China. Shortly after Oracle Lighting’s Vector Grill was unveiled at a Las Vegas, Nev. trade show in 2017, Chinese knockoffs began appearing on the market.

“We take our intellectual property rights very seri-

ously and are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent the theft of our patented designs,” said Justin Hartenstein, Director of Product Development at Oracle Lighting in a statement. “If that means going to court in China or any other country, we’ll be there.”

What Trump’s Rising China Tariffs Mean For Tech Get ready for pricier iPhones

By Kate Kozuch Just when it seemed the U.S.-China trade war tension had tempered, President Trump abruptly escalated stakes on Thursday by announcing a 10% tariff on the remaining $300 billion worth of Chinese imports originally excluded from the trade talks.

Last month the President agreed to not impose more tariffs on China until the two parties reached a trade deal. In a change of protocol, he said the new levies, created after China failed to purchase more American agricultural products, will go into effect on September 1 in hand with the 25% tariff already imposed on $250 billion of imports.

“We thought we had a deal with China three months ago, but sadly, China decided to renegotiate the deal prior to signing,” Trump tweeted.

“More recently, China agreed to buy agricultural product from the U.S. in large quantities, but did not do so.”

This new wave of tariffs could hit US consumers harder than the earlier rounds by taxing goods like iPhones and other consumer electronics, according to CNN. In other words economic impact of the latest move could be huge.

This is bad, right?

For tech companies? Most likely, but increased tariffs add complications to the industry beyond smaller profit margins.

Apple, Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are among a dozen tech manufacturers that have reached out to the government in recent weeks with an array of concerns about prices rising on the products made in China. Apple suggested iPhones should be excluded from tariffs, while the latter three game con-

sole makers warned hiked import prices will cause a “ripple effect” across the tech ecosystem.

“The Trump administration is again taxing the American people in the form of new tariffs on their favorite technology products,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). “Tariffs are taxes paid for by U.S. consumers, not China’s government.”

Electronic consumers haven’t been pinched by rising prices yet, and it’s possible the companies behind popular products will do what they can to keep it that way.

“At a 10% rate, we may see a slight rise in the price of electronics,” Avi Greengart, lead analyst for Techsponential, told Tom’s Guide. “But it’s more likely that the companies will shoulder it.”

Game consoles are notoriously price-sensitive purchases, a rise in cost would “likely put a new video game console out of reach for many American families,” according to a joint letter filed by Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft in June. In particular, there’s concern over tariffs being placed on popular devices before the 2019 holiday season.

“Manufacturers will try their best to hold the line on price rises for now,” said Greengart.

The bigger picture If Wednesday’s announcement means anything, it’s that this trade war sees no end in sight.

Most tech giants currently use Chinese factories to manufacture parts or all of their products sold in the US. According to the CTA, the U.S. Technology industry paid $1.3 billion in Section 301 tariffs imported on Chinese products in May, according to the latest available data.

With that sum expected to rise, Greengart said companies may grow more motivated to explore alternative manufacturing locales. MSI has already shifted most of its production out of China to Taiwan, which joins the likes of the Philippines and Vietnam for alternative factory sites.

“The tariff increase could reinforce efforts some factories have been making to move product out of China,” said Greengart.

This article originally ran on tomsguide.com

56% of U.S. Adults Now Streaming: Nielsen Two hours per day spent viewing on internet-connected devices

By Jon Lafayette Web-based TV continue to grow with 56% of U.S. adults classified as streamers, up from 48% last year and 40% in 2017, according to a new report from Nielsen.

More than half of all U.S. adults now use streaming devices, per Nielsen.

The percentage of households that can stream TV programming has grown to 65% in 2019 from 59% in 2918 and 51% in 2017, Nielsen said in its new Local Watch Report.

People are spending two hours and four minutes streaming per day, up from 1:56 last year and 1:52 in 2017.

Nielsen said that streamers are younger, earn more and probably have more education than non-streamers.

Austin is the top streaming market in terms of reach, with 70% of the adults there having streamed content in May. Adults in Cleveland

spent the most time streaming, spending two hours and 29 minutes per day with their eyes on a connected devices.

Nielsen says that 77% of streamers have access to broadcast stations and cable networks through traditional distributors and

virtual MVPDs. Linear broadcast stations are watched by 82% of streamers and almost 90% watch linear cable networks.

Nielsen said that streaming behavior continues to evolve and needs to be monitored by programmers and advertisers.

“As local markets continue to see growth in non-linear TV usage, deeper insights are needed to drive smarter business decisions,” the report said. “From Austin, where the largest percent of adults are reached, to Pittsburgh, where only 45% of adults stream, every entity that touches the local ad space in any market has to have clear insight into who’s watching what, and how. Nielsen is committed to keeping up with these changes to power insights and innovations that will help the ever-evolving industry continue to transform.”

This article originally ran on multichannel. com.

www.twice.com August 19, 2019 29

BUZZWORTHY

WHEN: Before 5:00 PM PDT Friday, August 23 WHY: The results of the survey bolster the association’s ability to serve the needs of the entire industry. Additionally, all participants have the chance to win a CEDIA Expo prize pack worth over $3000 or one of three Osmo Pocket compact smart camera ($349 each value).

HOW: Complete the 15 minute Size and Scope survey at www.cediasizeandscope.com.

LG’s Rollable TV Coming Globally in 2020 The ultimate OLED

AVTweeps Win Big at the AV/IT Summit Giveaways included Parlé Pendant Microphone, Visa gift cards and more

By AVNetwork Staff AV/IT Summit attendees took home big prizes from the AV/IT Summit at Citi Field last week.

During the event, attendees met with sponsors and had their “Passport to Prizes” card stamped. Those who visited every sponsor were entered into a drawing to win a variety of giveaways.

Watch the video below to see what AV/IT Summit attendees won.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, AV/IT Summit attendees were able to win big and take home valuable prizes,” said Megan A. Dutta, content director, Systems Contractor News. “It is always fun to see the look on the winners’ faces—especially when they geek-out about an AV-centric prize like the Parlé Pendant Microphone that Biamp gave away.”

SCN and AV Technology also gave away two $50 Visa gift cards for the most engaging social media posts.

The winners were Frank Padikkala of Diversified and Elizabeth Scozzari of Control Concepts.

CEDIA Extends Deadline for Participation in Size and Scope Survey You now have until August 23 to contribute to the industry survey.

By Residential Systems Staff CEDIA has announced that the deadline for participation in the annual Size and Scope survey has been extended to August 23, 2019.

Results from the 2019 CEDIA Size and Scope of the Residential Technology Systems Market survey will feed a report that will detail trends and provide an in-depth picture of the home technology industry in the U.S. and Canada.

The survey focuses on several keys, including: • Estimate the current number of companies installing industry products • Measure the size of the industry workforce • Assess the total economic value of installation in the industry • Uncover growth in each channel • Analyze trends relating to the direction of the industry WHO: Any home technology professional company. Participants do not need to be CEDIA members. CEDIA is using a third-party to conduct the survey and has no access to your responses, and individual responses will be released only in combination with all survey responses.

By Mike Prospero Consumers outside of Korea hoping to buy LG’s rollable OLED TV R will have to wait a bit longer. HyunJin Kim, the head of LG’s Planning & LG Signature R Task Team, said that the company’s innovative rollable television won’t be available globally until 2020.

However, it will go on sale in Korea this year; pricing has not yet been set, Kim said.

If you want to purchase LG’s OLED 8K TV set, it will be available in the U.S. in the second half of 2019.

Pricing has not yet been determined, and for now, it looks like it will only be available in one size—88 inches.

Still, LG is considering multiple size options, and believes that a 75-inch set will be most popular in the U.S., according to Jinhyung Ryu, the director of the TV market strategy team for LG. He said that anything less than 70 inches would not make sense, as it wouldn’t showcase the set’s ultra-high definition.

Previously, an anonymous source told Bloomberg that the rollable set would be available in 2019; that now appears to be confirmed, even if the distribution is initially only in Korea.

When it’s finally available, LG’s rollable set will also support the same audio and video formats as its other Signature sets, including HLG, HDR10 Dolby Vision, and Technicolor.

LG’s OLED TV R is the first such TV whose display can roll up on itself. Kim said that if a consumer were to roll and unroll the TV ten times a day, it should last for up to ten years.

This article originally ran on tomsguide.com

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