3/4/2016 -- JL Audio is now shipping its new, full-featured marine audio source unit which was introduced in January at The Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. The MediaMaster^® MM100s marks JL Audio’s entry into this important product category and completes what is an already extensive lineup of high-end, marine audio products.

The MediaMaster^® MM100s is purpose-built for marine duty, with marine-grade, weatherproof construction (IP66 rated), and incorporates advanced audio features, specifically tailored to marine applications.

JL Audio’s president, Andrew Oxenhorn said: “The MediaMaster is a very important product for us, as it creates an opportunity to build a full JL Audio marine sound system, from source unit to amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. This is the high-end source unit our customers have been asking for, and we are thrilled to launch it in 2016.”

In keeping with its mission to offer a higher level of marine audio performance,
JL Audio deleted the typical chip amplifiers used in most marine source units. Instead, the MM100s is equipped with audiophile-quality, 4V RMS preamp-level audio circuits, deployed in an 8-channel architecture. This design offers excellent system control flexibility in a wide range of marine audio system configurations:

• Main Audio Zone features bass, midrange, treble and balance controls.

• Audio Zone 2 is a full-range zone with independent bass, midrange, treble and balance controls, plus absolute or relative volume control.

• Audio Zone 3 can be assigned as a Subwoofer Zone or as a 3^rd Full-Range Zone with independent bass, midrange, treble, balance controls, plus absolute or relative volume control.

• Audio Zone 4 is a fixed level zone
• Zones 1-3 feature a zero-clipping audio circuit design, with self-limiting tone controls to prevent speaker system damage.

The source functionality of the MM100s is designed for today’s modern media environment, and does not include any mechanical media formats. In addition to a built-in AM/FM/Weather Band tuner, the MM100s offers a wide range of connectivity options for external devices:

• Bluetooth^® audio streaming with AptX^® CODEC and full control of play/pause and track up/down functions.  

• USB 2.0 direct-digital connection for an iPhone® or USB storage device.
• SiriusXMReady™: Connect to the SiriusXM SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, subscription required) to listen to commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; exclusive talk and entertainment; comedy; news; and up-to-the-minute traffic and weather.

• Analog auxiliary input for connection to a wide range of audio sources
• A NMEA 2K-compliant CAN bus is also on board to aid in connection to compatible marine electronics.

The physical design of the MM100s is carefully engineered to deliver excellent ergonomics in real marine applications:

• Intuitive interface with large text for easy legibility while in motion.
• Large buttons and control knob for ease of use in marine applications.
• High-brightness, full-color 3.5-inch LCD display offers Day/Night lighting modes with user-defined display brightness, button brightness, remote brightness and display themes.

• Optional MMR-20 round remote controls can be installed throughout the vessel if additional control points are needed.

JL Audio Executive VP, Jeff Scoon said: “The audio engineering team focused on making a better sounding head unit, the hardware team on making a classy looking product that could withstand real marine conditions, and the software team created a beautiful interface that works great on the water. We are extremely excited with the end result and can’t wait to get the MediaMaster into the market.”

The MediaMaster MM100s will be sold by JL Audio’s car audio and marine audio dealer base, and will also be incorporated into select new boats as original equipment.

 Model: MediaMaster MM100s

Availability: March 2016
U.S. MSRP:  $549.99

3/7/2016 -- Memphis Audio has unveiled a completely reworked line of Power Reference amplifiers for 2016. 

They feature a satin black aluminum chassis with a removable magnetic gloss black M badge top plate. The top plate and controls are highlighted by a micro-LED strip which illuminates the “M Badge” and controls with a vibrant blue shower of light. Dealers can now effortlessly adjust settings on the amplifiers without any tools required, simply pop the magnetic cover loose, adjust your settings and you’re done.

Power and performance wise the amps live up to the Memphis name.  Power Reference amplifiers boast a true power ratings ranging from 300(w) – 1500(w). Other features include signal sense turn on, variable bass boost, high level speaker inputs, variable high & low pass crossovers, protection and remote level bass boost. This new wave of amplifiers will be wrapped in completely redesigned full color gift boxes and are now available in brick and mortar shops across the country.

PRX300.1 | 1-CH 1x300(w) @ 2Ω

PRX500.1 | 1-CH 1x500(w) @ 1Ω

PRX1000.1 | 1-CH 1x1000(w) @1Ω

PRX1500.1 | 1-CH 1x1500(w) @1Ω

PRX300.4 | 4-CH 4x75(w) @ 2Ω

PRX700.5 | 5-CH 4x75(w) + 1x400(w) @2Ω

• Compact aluminum chassis

• LED accent lighting

• Signal sense turn on

• Variable Bass Boost (0-12dB) centered at 45Hz

• High level speaker inputs

• Fully variable high & low pass crossovers

• Protection circuitry against overload, short circuit,

thermal & reverse polarity w/ LED status light

• Low Level bypass outputs (mono amps)

• Remote level bass boost

Montebello, CA March 3, 2016 – Epsilon Electronics Inc name brands Soundstream and Precision Power will be participating sponsors during the 2016 US Touring Car Championship races. First race of the season kicks off on April 16, 2016 and will take place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway LAS VEGAS, Nv.

USTCC is America’s most exciting touring car racing. Cars are production-based sedans, coupes and hatchbacks with chassis and suspensions that have been modified for maximum performance.

Every Nitto Tire USTCC event utilizes a standing start, which is known as one of the most exciting thrills in all of motorsports.

For more information log on to: http://www.ustcc.com

3/4/2016 -- Boom Mat’s Hi-Temp Spray Adhesive is designed to provide a secure high strength bond to most any surface in as quick as 30 seconds to trim materials, and most any fabric including vinyl and foam. Once applied, Boom Mat Hi-Temp Spray Adhesive dries quickly to a clear seal without risk of yellowing, making it ideal for installing carpet, headliners, insulation, or upholstery.

The three-way adjustable valve allows a choice of three spray streams for added versatility and ease of use. One 10 oz. can (part #050490) covers 15 sq. ft.

Boom Mat Hi-Tem Spray Adhesive is water and heat resistant; making it ideal for both automotive and marine use.  Its high bonding strength is designed to hold up in hot and cold temps. Rated up to 160°F (71°C) it can be used where heat resistance is required such as in the application of Boom Mat Under Carpet, DEI Heat Screen or Leather Look Headliners.

Primary Points:

• Heat and water resistant
• Dries quickly and clear
• Adjustable spray valve

For more information on Boom Mat’s Hi-Temp Spray Adhesive, visit www.BoomMat.com.  For technical assistance with this or other Boom Mat products, call toll free at 800-264-9472, or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

3/7/2016 -- Fortin announced the release of a JEEP Cherokee solution (2014-2016 Tip Key and Push-to-start vehicles) for bypass, remote starter and security system installations on its EVO-ALL and EVO-ONE platforms. The solution allows control of comfort functions like heated seats, mirror & rear defrost as well as heated steering.

Both modules offer 3X LOCK remote starter and monitor and control the OEM remote while the engine is running. Popular long range RF Kits can also be connected directly to the module as well as compatible smartphone apps. 

A T-Harness is also available to help installers speed-up their installations. THAR-CHR6 T-Harness works with 2014-2016 Tip Key and Push-to-start JEEP Cherokee vehicles. This harness is exclusive to EVO-ALL, EVO-CHRT6 COMBO and EVO-ONE Fortin modules. 

The EVO-ONE is an all-in-one immobilizer bypass, convenience, digital high current remote starter & security system. The EVO-ALL platform also covers digital bypass, convenience and security system for the same JEEP Cherokee coverage. No key is required for both platform installations.

The EVO-CHRT6 COMBO includes an EVO-ALL module and custom fit T-Harness that comes preloaded with a CHRYSLER firmware (supporting JEEP Cherokee specific vehicles).

Fortin Electronic Systems is a world leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity.

15 Focused Classes, Expanded Show Floor and Brand-Specific Training Sessions Await Industry Attendees

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 3, 2016 – Mobile Electronics, dedicated to the growth and education of retail establishments in its industry, has announced that registration is open for its second annual KnowledgeFest Spring Training tradeshow and conference. The three-day event spans April 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Attendees can also reserve seats in the series of workshops and training sessions that will comprise the educational part of the event.

KnowledgeFest Spring Training features 15 educational workshops, segmented into three tracks to cover topics related to owners and managers, sales professionals and installation technicians. In addition, more than 50 brands welcome attendees to ask questions and experience the latest gear in the 42,000-square-floor exhibit area, and several hold separate training sessions to familiarize attendees with features and selling tactics of their new-for-2016 products.

"We're very proud of the fact that the instructors for our educational series all come from our industry," said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics. "It not only speaks to their willingness to share their experiences for the benefit of their peers, but also to the respect they've earned as evidenced by the hundreds of professionals who come here every year to learn from them."

KnowledgeFest is the only venue that is solely dedicated to the mobile electronics industry. Through its workshops, exhibit floor and networking events, it serves to provide a meeting ground on which professionals can learn, share ideas and collaborate on solutions to common issues facing the industry.

Bryan Schmitt, president and lead instructor at Mobile Solutions in Tempe, Ariz., has been a presenter at KnowledgeFest spring and summer events for more than eight years.

"I'm pleased to continue to be a part of KnowledgeFest, and as a result, part of the industry community," said Schmitt. "Every year my team and I try to bring something fresh to teach attendees. I look forward to the opportunity to give technicians productive tips to take back to their stores."

Professionals who wish to attend KnowledgeFest Spring Training can register at www.knowledgefest.org/attendees/attendee-registration. Mobile Electronics members may attend at no charge. The fee for non-members is $149.00; however, the fee is waived if the person is invited as a VIP by an exhibiting manufacturer.

Prospective attendees can view and register for available workshop classes, reserve seats and print out a personalized itinerary at http://bit.ly/KFSpring16. Seating may be limited in some workshops, and those with reservations will be given priority access over walk-ins, according to Cook, who also noted that professionals must register to attend KnowledgeFest—in addition to workshop reservations—to participate in workshops and have access to the exhibit floor.

2/2/2016, OTTAWA – The European Commission is incorporating the latest guidance from the European auto industry into its plan for rolling out connected cars across the European Union, drawing on advice from manufacturers favoring swift, coordinated deployment.

A key point in a report published in January by the EC, the EU’s executive branch, calls for installation of cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) allowing vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, other road users, traffic signals and roadside infrastructure.

“In 2016, the Commission plans to further work on the digitization of transport,” an EC spokesperson says. Using recommendations of the auto-industry groups contributing to the report, called a “platform for the deployment of cooperative intelligent-transport systems,” the EC will prepare a master plan for the deployment of C-ITS to be ready by midyear, the spokesperson tells WardsAuto.

Other EC initiatives will include promoting multimodal travel information and the interoperability of electronic tolling systems.

The work follows and will be informed by the January report that was drafted by representatives from, among others, the International Road Federation, PSA Peugeot Citroën, German Automobile Club, European Transport Safety Council, BMW Group and the ACEA, the European automakers’ organization.

Read the rest here: http://wardsauto.com/technology/industry-offers-eu-input-smart-transport-systems

2/2/2016, Entrepreneur -- Your morning affects your entire day. What you do or don’t do each day will influence how productive you are, how energetic you feel, what you accomplish and, ultimately, how successful you are as an entrepreneur.

If you’re an entrepreneur with a satisfying and motivating morning routine, you’re in good company. If not, don’t despair; take some inspiration from the morning routines of fellow entrepreneurs.

1. Wake up early.

Many world-famous entrepreneurs that you follow on Twitter, read about in Entrepreneur and admire have one thing in common: They wake up early. When you wake up early, you have a greater sense of control over the day. For one thing, you get to decide what to do first, second and third.

By waking early, you also tend to have your greatest burst of energy, creativity and activity right from the start. This is the perfect time to slay some of the day’s bigger and brain-demanding tasks.

“Early” for you could be 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.. That’s okay. We all have our times of peak productivity.

2. Drink water.

It’s really simple. Just drink water.

Adding a chug of water to your morning routine does several important things: It boosts your metabolism, cleans things up, gives you a boost of energy, makes you fully alert and helps your digestive system run smoothly.

Kat Cole of FOCUS (Auntie Anne’s, Carvel and Cinnabon) is religious about her water routine. The first thing she does after hopping out of bed is to drink three cups of the stuff.

Coffee is the morning beverage of choice for most Americans. And certainly, caffeine is extraordinary. You can still have your coffee. But, first, have a drink of water.

3. Think about the most important things in your life.

Many entrepreneurs focus on their goals as the first order of the day. By keeping their goals at the forefront of their minds, they are more likely to work hard toward those goals throughout the day.

Consider Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary. He's a financial guy. So, the first thing he does after waking at 5:45 a.m. is to check the overseas bond markets. For O’Leary, the personal impact of those markets is enormous, and he wants to keep the information he gleans there present during his work day.

3/2/2016, State Tech -- As more U.S. city governments deploy automated, digital and connected services to make their urban environments smarter, they will need to make sure they have the right mix of wireless network connectivity options and the infrastructure to support those technologies, industry analysts say.

According to analysts at IHS Technology, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco are the leading U.S. metropolises that are turning to smart-city technology. But recently, other cities have announced prominent smart-city partnerships, as well. For example, in January AT&T forged partnerships with Cisco, Deloitte, Ericsson, GE, IBM, Intel and Qualcomm to make it easier to deploy technologies and selected Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas to be among the testing grounds for the new alliances.

Undergirding all of these changes is wireless technology, according to Roz Euan-Smith, senior analyst for smart cities at IHS. The company predicts that smart cities will provide $25 billion in opportunities for wireless operators by 2020.

“When cities want to implement smart-city projects, regardless of the scale they’re thinking of, they need to address the connectivity in the city,” Euan-Smith said in an interview with StateTech. “[Internet of things] projects just aren’t going to work if they don’t have the connectivity part right.”

Finding the Right Wireless Technology

The promise of smart cities is largely in adding connectivity to infrastructure so that it can become more automated and efficient, delivering savings for municipalities and improved services for residents. Indeed, some form of connectivity to record and transmit data is required for all of those connected streetlights, intelligent parking systems and efficient utilities.

The technology landscape for many U.S. cities is “fragmented at the moment,” according to Euan-Smith, and “often, the city’s economics will dictate what they invest in.” There will always be trade-offs, she said, noting that cellular wireless technology is very expensive to deploy but also more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Read the rest here: http://www.statetechmagazine.com/article/2016/03/chicago-new-york-continue-lead-smart-cities-wireless-driving-deployments

March 2, 2016, Elgin, IL – K40 Electronics, the manufacturer of award-winning, high-performance automotive radar/laser protection systems, announced the introduction of the K40 RL360i and RL200i Expert custom installed radar detector systems featuring an all-new system controller that provides a factory/OEM installation solution.

Looks and Functions Like OEM Controls

Inspired by installers, the Expert Control Unit enables mobile electronics retailers to offer an additional customization option to customers and design a protection system that meets their needs. This permanently installed, yet easily concealable component looks and functions just like other factory installed vehicle controls, including back-lighting for easy button identification in low light conditions.

Installer Approved

In keeping with its three decades’ commitment to product excellence, K40 made the Expert Control Unit available to several dealers prior to market launch to gain insightful installation feedback. Jason Kranitz, owner of Kingpin Car & Marine Audio, said “Every aspect of every vehicle modification we perform must be of OEM quality or better. As such, we are only going to offer the Expert series of radar detectors from K40 because it offers the industry’s best interior matching control unit available. It makes our day when a customer tells us our installation of this Expert control unit looks like it was a factory option.” 

Equally enthusiastic in his praise of the Expert series was Josh Landau, System Design Consultant for JML Audio of St. Louis. He feels “K40 has always been the leader in stealth radar detection and laser defense systems. The Expert Controller properly fits in locations where the standard controller simply does not. This creates many new vehicle integration opportunities not previously available. It also appears just like the factory vehicle controls thanks to its white back-lit display.”

To view these and other mobile electronics professionals’ custom installations of the K40 Expert Radar/Laser Systems, visit K40’s Expert Gallery.

Pricing and Availability

Available immediately through K40’s select authorized dealer network, the Expert Systems are offered in the following configurations:

• RL360i Expert: The world’s first separate front and rear mounted radar receiver system. Provides 360-degree protection against police radar.
• RL200i Expert: Front only remote mounted radar receiver system.

Because the type of installation these systems require is highly dependent on each particular vehicle make and model, pricing is always provided by the installing dealer. To complete either Expert radar detection system, K40’s Laser Defuser g5 laser jammers can be added to provide protection against police laser guns.

For information on K40’s entire product line, which offers the industry’s first ticket-free guarantee, visit http://www.k40.com/products

“With the leadership position we’ve built in the custom installed radar and laser protection product category, we’re continually seeking ways to enhance our products and support services,” said Rachel Clark, K40’s National Sales Director. “By offering installation professionals a system controller solution that offers the best factory appearance in the industry, we are further enhancing K40’s reputation as the highest quality, highest performance brand available.”

USA Today, 2/29/2016 -- Coming soon to a rental car near you: apps that let you make voice-activated reservations, programs that track the health of your vehicle, and wireless hotspots.

The upgrades are incremental, leading toward a future when self-driving rentals pick you up from home, the train station or the airport. That day is just around the corner.

"I believe it to be inevitable," says car rental analyst Neil Abrams. "Autonomous vehicles are on the horizon and in the next several years."

Would you rent a car that drove itself? Me, too.

Back to reality, all these new developments do raise the question: Are drivers ready for these brave new cars?

Car rental companies are upping the ante with their apps. Avis, in late 2015, became the first car rental company to launch an app for the Apple Watch. It lets you email yourself a car rental receipt and retrieve car rental reservations right from your wrist. The company also upgraded its Android app to allow consumers to make reservations by voice, which is a great feature if you're driving. And Audi surprised observers by introducing an app that allows "on demand" direct bookings that bypass the car rental agency entirely.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2016/02/28/rental-cars-wifi-apps-technology/80933944/

2/29/2016 – KICKER has announced the immediate availability of both the new-for-2016 CompR^® and CompRT™ Subwoofer lines. The subwoofers are available for consumer purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide, both in-store and online.

Both were unveiled during CES in January. The slim CompRT Subwoofer is available in 6.75, 8, 10 and 12-inch versions with dual voice coils (1 or 2 Ohm), and it retails from $179.95 to $249.95. The rugged CompR is available in 8, 10, 12 and 15-inch models with dual voice coils (2 or 4 Ohm), retailing from $149.95 to $299.95.

The thin-mount CompRT features an effective magnet structure designed for superior power handling and sound quality. The 2016 innovations allow the CompRT Subwoofer to deliver bass levels normally associated with traditional subwoofers and large, cumbersome enclosures. Weatherproof and less than four inches deep, the CompRT is ideal for trucks, motorcycles, UTVs, and anything off-road – anywhere that requires big bass without a big box.

The legendary CompR features a new stacked magnet structure for enormous power handling and sensational sound quality. The subwoofer also features a striking, red double-stitched surround and polypropylene SoloKon™ cone system, engineered to maintain a superior level of volume and musical accuracy while delivering reliable performance everyone can enjoy.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.^®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud^® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

Model                                                       CompRT67      CompRT8              CompRT10      CompRT12

Woofer (in, cm)                                       6-3/4, 16.5         8, 20                        10, 25                12, 30                               

Impedance (Ohms)                                 1 or 2                1 or 2                      1 or 2                1 or 2

Max Rec Amplifier Power (watts RMS)  150                    300                          400                    500

Max Rec Amplifier Power (watts peak)  300                    600                          800                    1000

Frequency Response (Hz)                     30-500               30-500                     25-500               25-500

Mounting Depth (in, cm)                        2-3/4, 7              2-11/16, 6.7             3-7/16, 8.8         3-3/4, 9.6

Mounting Cutout (in, cm)                        5-5/8, 14.3         6-15/16, 17.7           9-1/8, 23.2         11, 23.9

Max Rec Sealed Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)  0.75, 21.24        1.0, 28.32                1.25, 35.4          2, 56.64

Min Rec Sealed Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)   0.18, 5               0.2, 5.66                  0.4, 11.3            0.55, 15.6         

Max Rec Vented Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)  N/A                    1.2, 34                     1.75, 49.6          2.25, 63.7

Min Rec Vented Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)   N/A                    0.8, 22.7                  1.25, 35.4          1.75, 49.6

Model                                                         CompR8               CompR10             CompR12               CompR15

Woofer (in, cm)                                         8, 20                      10, 25                    12, 30                      15, 38

Impedance (Ohms)                                   2 or 4                    2 or 4                    2 or 4                      2 or 4

Max Rec Amplifier Power (watts RMS)    300                        400                        500                          800

Max Rec Amplifier Power (watts peak)    600                        800                        1000                        1600

Frequency Response (Hz)                       30-500                   30-500                   25-500                     25-500

Mounting Depth (in, cm)                          4-1/8, 10.5             5-1/4, 13.3             5-3/4, 14.5               7-15/16, 20.1

Mounting Cutout (in, cm)                          6-15/16, 17.7         9-1/8, 23.1             11, 27.9                   13-3/4, 35

Max Rec Sealed Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)    1.0, 28.32              1.25, 35.4              2.0, 56.64                3, 85

Min Rec Sealed Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)     0.4, 11.3                0.8, 22.7                1.0, 28.3                  1.8, 51    

Max Rec Vented Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)    1.2, 34                   1.75, 49.6              2.25, 63.7                5, 142

Min Rec Vented Box Vol (cu. ft, liters)     0.8, 22.7                1.25, 35.4              1.75, 49.6                3, 85

February 29, 2016 - DD Audio has announced the redesign of the ddaudio.com website. Its mission was to create a vastly improved mobile user experience, as well as to bring together the best parts of ddaudio.com, dd4life.com, and ddme.com.

Major updates:

-       Complete replacement of the backend technology for faster updates of our product availability.

-       New “sticky” menus that will allow the user to navigate between products without scrolling back to the top menu.

-       Gear up even easier with the integration of the e-commerce experience from dd4life.com.

-       The “Sub Customizer” has been updated with the ESP option and current color selections. It is now easier to customize a sub, send it directly to a local dealer and brag about it on social media.

-       Integration of the content from ddme.com for quick and easy access to “The DDownlow” where users will continue to find tech articles, news and much more to come.

2/29/2016 -- DEI’s new Heat Screen is made of Mylar laminated to a glass fiber matting backed with an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive for easy peel and stick application with high cohesion strength.

Designed to protect against excessive direct or radiant heat, it is developed to withstand 1200°F direct heat, or up to 2000°F radiant. To apply, simply cut and trim to cover body panels, floor boards, gas tanks, fairings, and other areas requiring thermal protection. It can also be used as a low profile protection under carpeting to lessen floorboard heat.  Measuring only .060 inches in thickness, this versatile, thin profile reflective material adheres quickly and easily to any surface, even or uneven, painted or unpainted.

Use wherever there is need for thermal control and minimal clearance for race and show vehicles, or any car or truck, stock or modified to reduce radiant heat. Heat Screen is available for purchase in options of five square feet, 36” x 20” (part #010399), or 10 square feet, 36” x 40” (part #010400).

2/29/2016 -- The End Result Dealer Show, scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, at the DoubleTree Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pa., will feature a lineup of exhibitors from major home audio, mobile audio/ aftermarket automotive, and lighting manufacturers. The event, themed Survive—Revive—Thrive, is exclusive to retailers in Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania, who will have the opportunity to preview new products, attend educational seminars, and participate in roundtable discussions addressing the needs and challenges faced on the retail sales floor.

“The End Result Show is a display of products, an educational platform, and time to talk to peers about the consumer electronics business," Ed Dalesandro, Show organizer and Principal of End Result, said. I put on this show because I believe dealers need to constantly improve as others posture for the consumer’s cash. This event is a free education and a chance to get closer to others who live the business. I invite you to come Revive-Thrive, or help Survive!"

Exhibitors: Home Audio

Anthem 

BDI

Electric Mirror

Jaymar

NEAR

Paradigm

Russsound

Screen Innovations

Vivitek

Wolf Cinema

Autosound/Automotive

Accele Electronics 

American International

AAMP

Audison

Avidworx

Biketronics

Cadence

Echomaster

Electric Mirror

Engel Embroidery

Hertz Audison

MOBridge

Mobile Solutions

PAC 

RaceSport Lighting

Rosen Entertainment

Rydeen

Soundquest / Stinger

iSimple

Sierra Power Sports

Wet Sound

In addition to manufacturers exhibits, A full day of educational seminars and training sessions will be held. The day ends with a Casino Night that will give attendees and exhibitors a chance to network and unwind.  

To sign up to attend and view complete descriptions of all seminars and times, please visit www.endresultonline.com.

2/25/2016, CNET -- We don't often get the latest and greatest in-car tech in the US, and we have some outdated laws to thank for that -- it's why we likely won't receive laser headlights for some time. But not every cool bauble is banned from our roadways. In fact, the feds just approved a trick piece of hardware in the forthcoming Cadillac CT6.

The CT6's rearview mirror functions like any other -- until you flip a switch. Then, it turns into a screen, displaying a live feed from the backup camera. The goal is to enhance visibility and reduce blind spots with a wider field of view -- it also works when, say, you've loaded the rear seat up to the ceiling, or if you have some particularly tall passengers.

There was concern that the new mirror didn't meet federal safety standards, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put that to rest by approving the mirror, citing its retained functionality as a traditional mirror. Basically, just because the mirror also does something else doesn't preclude it from acting in a traditional manner.

Read the rest here: http://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/feds-approve-cadillac-ct6-digital-rearview-mirror/

2/25/2016, Computer World -- Two security researchers have demonstrated security vulnerabilities in the Nissan Leaf electric car by using mobile management APIs supplied by the car manufacturer.

The unsecured APIs allow anyone who knows the VIN of a car to access non-critical features such as climate control and battery charge management from anywhere across the Internet. Additionally, someone exploiting the unauthenticated APIs can see the car's estimated driving range.

"The other main concern here is that the telematics system in the car is leaking all of my historic driving data," one security expert said in a blog post. "That's the details of every trip I've ever made in the car, including when I made it, how far I drove and even how efficiently I drove. This could easily be used to build up a profile of my driving habits, considering it goes back almost 2 years, and predict when I will be away from home. This kind of data should be collected and secured with the utmost respect for my privacy."

Vehicle Identification Numbers are easily visible through a vehicle's windshield. 

Read the rest here: http://www.computerworld.com/article/3036964/car-tech/hackers-can-access-the-nissan-leaf-via-insecure-apis.html

2/24/2016 

Technology-driven trends will revolutionize how industry players respond to changing consumer behavior, develop partnerships, and drive transformational change.

McKinsey -- Today’s economies are dramatically changing, triggered by development in emerging markets, the accelerated rise of new technologies, sustainability policies, and changing consumer preferences around ownership. Digitization, increasing automation, and new business models have revolutionized other industries, and automotive will be no exception. These forces are giving rise to four disruptive technology-driven trends in the automotive sector: diverse mobility, autonomous driving, electrification, and connectivity.

Most industry players and experts agree that the four trends will reinforce and accelerate one another, and that the automotive industry is ripe for disruption. Given the widespread understanding that game-changing disruption is already on the horizon, there is still no integrated perspective on how the industry will look in 10 to 15 years as a result of these trends. To that end, our eight key perspectives on the “2030 automotive revolution” are aimed at providing scenarios concerning what kind of changes are coming and how they will affect traditional vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, potential new players, regulators, consumers, markets, and the automotive value chain.

This study aims to make the imminent changes more tangible. The forecasts should thus be interpreted as a projection of the most probable assumptions across all four trends, based on our current understanding. They are certainly not deterministic in nature but should help industry players better prepare for the uncertainty by discussing potential future states.

1. Driven by shared mobility, connectivity services, and feature upgrades, new business models could expand automotive revenue pools by about 30 percent, adding up to $1.5 trillion.

The automotive revenue pool will significantly increase and diversify toward on-demand mobility services and data-driven services. This could create up to $1.5 trillion—or 30 percent more—in additional revenue potential in 2030, compared with about $5.2 trillion from traditional car sales and aftermarket products/services, up by 50 percent from about $3.5 trillion in 2015.

Connectivity, and later autonomous technology, will increasingly allow the car to become a platform for drivers and passengers to use their time in transit to consume novel forms of media and services or dedicate the freed-up time to other personal activities. The increasing speed of innovation, especially in software-based systems, will require cars to be upgradable. As shared mobility solutions with shorter life cycles will become more common, consumers will be constantly aware of technological advances, which will further increase demand for upgradability in privately used cars as well.

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2/24/2016, Chicago Tribune -- Carmakers are becoming a familiar sight at tech shows, where they're rolling out new models to woo a generation of consumers who question the need for a car that only gets them from A to B.

At this week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Ford unveiled a new vehicle for Europe as well as in-cockpit technology, Volvo is showing off a keyless car and Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton will appear on a panel with the president of chipmaker Qualcomm.

Eager to win over millennials who may care more about the latest Apple iPhone than a redesigned Mustang, automakers are trying to become more tech-savvy and shed their image as 20th century metal benders. The pivot toward the younger set comes amid a slowdown in China, competition from Tesla Motors -- which sends automatic software updates to the car's command center -- and a boom in ride-sharing services such as Uber that have left car companies anxious about growth and eager to try out a new crop of digital products and services.

"Carmakers have a very narrow window of opportunity to win over Generation Y," said Richard Viereckl, an analyst at PwC in Frankfurt who co-authored a 2015 study on connected cars. "They're at these technology shows to portray their brands as hip, and with mounting competition from the likes of Apple, Panasonic and Sony, they're fighting to keep the attention of and access to their customers."

By 2022, 345 million autos worldwide will be connected to the Internet, nearly four times more than last year, according to IHS Automotive. In six years, 98 percent of the cars sold globally will be connected, up from 30 percent last year, the consulting firm said. The trend is driven by customer demand: Three in four consumers said they consider connected car services an important feature in their next vehicle purchase, AT&T and Ericsson said in a report in October.

The risk for carmakers is that Apple, Google and Microsoft will conquer the connected-car business with operating systems and apps that people are familiar with. Google and Apple already offer in-car infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google is at the forefront of developing self-driving cars.

"Google and Apple have a good chance as anyone at grabbing the car ecosystem," said Kevin Curran, a computer science professor at Ulster University in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. "Cars today are computers with wheels, and tech companies know that field all too well."

To fend off the threat, carmakers are set to make "big decisions" over the next 24 months, striking cooperation pacts and increasing spending on research and development as well as M&A to get ahead, said Thilo Koslowski, who heads the auto practice at researcher Gartner Inc. Those who don't are at risk of being left behind, he said.

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