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The area around Boston University used to be a hi-fi hotbed. BU students, Boston College students, faculty, personnel from nearby hospitals and affluent residents from Boston’s Back Bay, Brookline and Newton would flock to Tweeter, Electra City, Goodwin’s High End and Spearit Sound. They’d listen to some Blue Oyster Cult or Grand Funk Railroad or maybe Weather Report before hauling away a pair of 4-foot speakers in the backseat of a Buick Riviera. Those stores moved to suburban locations (Goodwins in nearby Waltham and Spearit… View this story
Installers • Dealers • Retailers • Product News

The fight over proposed sales restrictions of energy hogging TVs in California is raging on, with both sides making impassioned cases before the California Energy Commission (CEC) in a public hearing yesterday, Oct. 13. The CEC has proposed limiting the sales of TVs in the state to only those that meet energy-efficiency standards, starting in 2011 and with a second, stricter tier of requirements in 2013. Trade groups such as the Consumer Electronic Association (CEA) and the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) oppose… View this story
Displays • LCD • Plasma • Industry • Manufacturers • Installers • Dealers • Retailers • Power Management • Green Technology • Info and Answers

After launching Hartford, Conn.-based Integrated Environments in 2003, Chad Tierney finally opened up a showroom this week. Then he promptly drove it out of Hartford.  It’s a showroom on wheels, a Gulf Stream motor home equipped with audio, video and control technology. Instead of opening a brick-and-mortar showroom, the idea is for Integrated Environments to be able to drive to its prospective clients all over Connecticut — and New England and New York for that matter — rather than them having to come to them.… View this story
Weird Stuff • Installers

You might recognize the CEDIA logo if you’ve had electronics installed in your home. Maybe it was on the corner of the installer’s van. Maybe the guy dropped a CEDIA pen behind your TV and you still have it in your junk drawer. For the most part, though, consumers tend not to know much about the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, which trains and certifies home systems installers, a.k.a custom electronics professionals or CE pros. The trade group hopes to make more connections with… View this story
Installers • Info and Answers • Research

Here at Electronic House, we look to appeal to two types of gadget fans: those who would hire an installer to do the work and those would do-it-themselves. The two sides, however, don’t always see eye-to-eye. If you’ve got the cash, but don’t have the time or the desire, hiring a CE Pro makes sense. They’ll do all the work, keep it all professional, and handle any headaches that pop up along the way. Many DIYers, however, enjoy putting together systems and may not have… View this story
Installers • Install

Bostonians love their Red Sox, but sometimes, sitting in the cold weather at Fenway Park isn’t such a treat. Now you can find out how to view the team in comfort on your own surround-sound “plasmer TV” or front projection home theater… and possibly win some prizes too. Audio Video Designs in Newton, Mass., is holding a 35th anniversary open house party on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its showroom, complete with product demos, prizes (given away every hour) and… View this story
Installers • Shows and Expos • Product News

In my 20+ years of dealing with the luxury side of the custom installation industry, those with the most are typically the first to pull back on spending during down cycles. They are also the first to begin projects, once they are convinced all things aren’t coming to an end. Just like the birds returning from a cold winter, these customers are back. The world isn’t imploding, markets are stabilizing, and while there is still much to consider regarding the economy, the top-end customer is… View this story
Installers • Home Theater • Info and Answers • Install

Through April 25, Office Depot customers can take advantage of free electronics recycling with the purchase of any Zip Express service, as well as a 20 percent discount on all Zip Express Installation services purchased in-store at nationwide Office Depot retail locations. Zip Express provides professional installation services with next-day installation available anywhere in the U.S. and major cities in Canada. With Zip Express’s electronics removal and recycling services, the company will send certified technicians to the customer’s home or office to remove the item… View this story
Green Technology • Installers • Retailers • Info and Answers

We all know the stereotypes: 1. The kids who work at big-box retail electronics stores are ignorant and lazy. 2. The men who work for electronic system design firms (ESDs) are knowledgeable and professional. However, these labels don’t always hold true. Sometimes, the more sophisticated the electronics firm, the more horrific the customer service nightmare. In some ways, “I would have been better off to go to a retailer,” says one frustrated client of highly-respected ESD. “At least they are honest about availability and compatibility… View this story
Installers • Info and Answers

If you’re thinking about getting some home improvement work done, maybe hanging a flat-panel TV or networking your computers, Sears is letting you name the price. The Sears Holding Corporation has launched its ServiceLive program in beta, which will match tradespeople in your area to the services you want done, on your pricing conditions as sort of an online auction (perhaps a Priceline for home improvement). The service operates by having users review and select pre-screened service providers in their area (you enter your zip… View this story
Industry • Installers • Home Theater • Product News

Does your house have what it takes to be a winner in EH’s annual Home of the Year contest? If so, tell your installer! Your home can be entered into the awards contest and featured in the May issue of Electronic House magazine, the most popular online and in-print issue of the year. Here are the categories: Home of the Year Best Dedicated Home Theater Best Grand Space Best Fun Room Best Outdoor Space Best Kitchen Best Master Suite Best Media Room/Family Room Best Green… View this story
Miscellaneous • Installers • Info and Answers

Circuit City customers may not have to scrounge for good electronics deals after all. Zip Express Installation just announced a promotion aimed at former Firedog customers. Firedog was Circuit City’s branch of custom install geeks. “Zip is ready to fill this void in the marketplace—both in the short term and long term—with our expert service and next day appointments,” said Chris Mauzy, Zip’s president and CEO. “With Zip, customers stranded by Firedog can have all of their consumer electronics installations needs met tomorrow.” Those still… View this story
Installers • Retailers • Home Theater • Networking • Product News