The latest hardware, writ large…
Our Product News pages are jam-packed with all the latest product releases - all the hottest kit from the AV, hi-fi and CI trades. From the latest loudspeakers to the most innovative new ipod products; from the biggest and best new flatpanels to the sexiest CI gear: our Product News pages allow you to keep abreast of all the hardware releases and to make those all-important stock decisions. As soon as news of a new product gets to us (we have industry moles everywhere!), you can be sure that you’ll find details in the pages of HCD magazine (paper and electronic editions) or on the website.
If you want your essential product announcements to be read by the trade, be sure to email press releases to HCD’s editor, Jamie Carter: jamie@hcdmag.com. We’ll do our very best to accommodate all your products. If you want to be certain your new launch reaches the trade and are happy to pay for the privilege, speak to Theresa Jackaman on 07711 691908 or email theresa@hcdmag.com.
To check out our latest (and previous) issue product news pages via our electronic edition, click here
New Chairman for Freesat
Freesat, the UK’s free-to-air digital satellite TV service, has announced the appointment of a new Chairman, Carolyn Fairbairn (pictured). Fairbairn, also ITV’s Director of Group Development and Strategy, is set to succeed Tim Davie, next month when he takes up the post of BBC’s Director of Audio and Music.
The Chairmanship of Freesat alternates between the two broadcasters annually and this is the first time that ITV has taken up the role.
Commenting on the transition of the Chairmanship, Emma Scott, Freesat’s MD said; “Carolyn is a highly regarded industry figure and I’m certain that the strong strategic skills and expertise she continues to demonstrate at ITV will be of huge benefit to Freesat. I’m delighted that she has agreed to become Chairman of Freesat. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Tim for the great support and wise counsel he has provided during Freesat’s development and launch.”
Carolyn Fairbairn said: “Freesat plays a crucial role in ensuring that UK viewers have access to free-to-air digital and high definition television. After a successful launch earlier this year, the service has already proved itself to be popular with consumers and I’m delighted to be taking on the Chairmanship.”
Carolyn Fairbairn joined ITV as Director of Group Development and Strategy in March 2007. Prior to that she was a partner at McKinsey & Company, specialising in media. From 1997 – 2004 she was at the BBC; her most recent role there was as Director of Strategy & Distribution and a member of the BBC’s Executive Board, with responsibility for strategic planning and the distribution of BBC services. In this role she was particularly involved in the development of the BBC’s digital strategy and was one of the principal architects of Freeview. Carolyn’s previous roles have included being a member of the Downing Street Policy Unit and working as a financial journalist on The Economist.
In addition, Richard Lindsay-Davies, the service’s Commercial Development Director is to leave Freesat at the beginning of October. After aiding the launch of the service he is making a planned return to his role as Director General at the Digital Television Group. Richard’s position will be filled shortly following a recruitment process.
EXPO shines in dull times
Despite current tough economic conditions across Europe, the 12th CEDIA Expo at London’s ExCeL venue saw a hugely encouraging 7,474 attendees through the door. New product launches, a vastly expanded (by 25 per cent) education programme and new networking activities attracted a variety of electronic systems designers, installers and trade suppliers - with 40 per cent of visitors taking their first ever trip to Expo. The total also included design professionals in industries like architecture, interior design and property development disciplines, who made up 12 per cent of the audience, and a higher proportion of electrical contractors, comprising a further seven per cent compared to just three per cent last year. International visitors from 48 countries made up 15 per cent of the total. “This year’s CEDIA Expo shows that the custom installation industry is in good health,” said outgoing CEDIA Chairman Simon Williams at his last Expo. “There were some great new products on show, with a number of exhibitors pulling out all the stops.”
www.cedia-expo.com
Monster scoops Plus X Awards
Monster Cable is celebrating receiving five awards for its products at the Plus X Awards in in Cologne, Germany.
Designed to recognise innovative consumer electronics, electrical devices, sports and lifestyle products, the 20 May ceremony was watched by 800 members of the industry and media.
Monster’s Winning Products included its Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones (left), which won an awards for design, iCarCharger 200 (‘Innovation’ and ‘Ease of Use’), Advanced HDMI cables (‘Innovation’) and its Advanced HDMI Switcher (‘Ease of Use’).
www.monstercable.com
Your finger on our industry’s pulse…
Our News Desk pages are brimming over with all the news that’s fit to print - your finger on the pulse of the AV, hi-fi and CI trades. From manufacturer news (mergers, new innovations, staff) to retailer announcements (new stores, staff changes, sales successes); from trade events (Expo, ISE, consumer shows) to industry awards (CEDIA, consumer mags): our News Desk pages provide you with all the all-important stories to help you keep abreast of developments in our connected trades. And as soon as a crucial story breaks, you can be sure that you’ll find it right here on the HCD website.
If you want your essential announcements to be read by the trade, be sure to email press releases to HCD’s editor, Jamie Carter: jamie@hcdmag.com. We’ll do our very best to accommodate all your news.
To check out our latest (and previous) issue News Desk pages via our electronic edition, click here
Find that dream job!
Optoma
Account/Channel manager
Sales Product planner
Marketing Executive
Optoma Europe Ltd is a leading specialist provider of award-winning projection and digital display products for the business and consumer markets. Due to continued growth we are now seeking to recruit the above personnel for our busy head office in Watford.
Ideal candidates will be self-motivated team players, with excellent communication and time management skills and a flexible work ethic. You may be a graduate calibre or have previous experience of the AV/IT markets: ultimately seeking a solid career for an industry leader that offers excellent training and prospects.
Working for Optoma, you can expect a competitive salary with additional corporate benefits such as medical insurance, dental cover, pension scheme and up to 25 days holiday per year, subject to service requirements.
To apply please email your CV to hr@optoma.co.uk or post it to HR department, Optoma Europe Ltd, Watford Business Park, Watford, Herts, WD18 8QZ
To discover more about Optoma and to view details of our current vacancies, please visit us on line at www.optoma.co.uk
Icon Distribution
Sales Agents required
South East & London South WestI
Due to the rapid expansion of its business Icon Distribution, arguably the UK’s premium audio visual distributor, are looking for experienced and self- motivated sales individuals.
Representing industry leading brands like Tannoy, I.us Media Servers, Projection Design, OS Screens, Uvem, Radford,TCI, Sparta Cables, Icon Furniture and brackets; Icon are set to grow massively in the coming years.
Are you a 5 star performer? The ideal candidate will have the skills and motivation, either from a retail or general sales background, and be self driven enough to generate significant and unlimited income.
If you have the skills and motivation, and want to take charge of your future, please send your CV or any questions to info@icondistribution.net or call Max on 0845 603 1375
Imerge
UK Sales Manager
(Salary Negotiable Depending on Experience)
Cambridge, UK
The Company: Imerge Limited is a Pioneer and global market leader in the design and manufacture of Multi-Room Home Entertainment Audio and Media servers. (www.imerge.co.uk). Currently experiencing substantial organic growth and with a recently launched, ground breaking next generation product, Imerge is now seeking an exceptionally talented UK Sales Manager.
The Role: Reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing you will manage and grow the Imerge UK dealer base with marketing and training resources at your disposal. You will be tasked with implementing the new Imerge partner programme, providing an enhanced level of support to key dealers.
Working for the UK’s best known and most trusted provider of multi-room server products you will have the support of a domestic infrastructure and company-wide knowledge base, which is unrivalled in this sector.
Key responsibilities:
* Develop close working relationships with the UK’s premier dealers and installers
* Implement all elements of the Imerge Partner programme with assistance from marketing and training departments
* Develop and implement targeted sales strategies to increase market share
* Report on market penetration and competitive landscape
* Maintain customer loyalty through a high level of care and oversight over each element of the Imerge business relationship
* You will spend approximately 75% of your time visiting customers
* Occasional overseas attendance at industry shows
You: To be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the following:
* A can do positive and resilient attitude with excellent communication skills
* At least 2 years experience in a similar role with demonstrable growth
* An up to date understanding of the UK CI market and or CE market
* A working knowledge of server / control technologies would be an advantage
* PC & IT literate
Interested applicants should forward their CV to:
David Vukovich
Head of Sales & Marketing
dvukovich@imerge.co.uk
Onkyo
Area Sales Manager - South
2007 was such an impressive year for Onkyo that we are looking for an additional impressive salesperson to continue our good work. Onkyo has an extensive product range including AV Receivers and micro hi-fi systems. We have ambitious growth plans across our core ranges, we are bursting with business opportunities and so we need to expand.
Based in the South of England the right candidate will be developing new and existing business.
Working closely with the whole team this position will be responsible for driving sales, profit, product training, analysing market trends, in-shop appearance and stock planning.
Experience of the AV industry is an advantage, but a proven track record in sales is essential.
We are looking for an open, confident, self-motivated and well organised individual, who can build sustainable relationships with customers.
Salary, car allowance, pension and healthcare to be agreed for the right candidate.
This is a wonderful chance to join the fastest growing AV brand in the UK. If you feel this is right for you please email a copy of your CV with a covering note to David Anderson on onkyo@onkyo.co.uk
Spectral
Sales Agents required
South of England
Spectral has become the standard others strive to achieve in the furniture industry, and as a result of recent growth we are expanding our sales-team in the South of England. We are looking for two self employed salespeople who are experienced in field sales, to maintain a well established area and build the already successful business to a new level. The rewards are superb, with no limit to the earnings potential. Applications in writing to Antony Haase at antony@spectralgb.com .
