Stampede Main Blog

Lamp Challenge

2008-05-16T15:04:00Z

Announcing

2008-05-16T14:54:00Z

We have created a new department: "Sales and Vendor Support." This new department will be headed by Liza McNutt. Liza has held several positions at Stampede with progressive responsibilities, leading to her most recent role as Manager of Customer Care. Liza’s new Sales and Vendor Support team will serve as the single point of contact for all of our US and Canadian suppliers and will:

Provide all POS, inventory and sell through reports
Maintain the item database, including pricing updates and changes
Administer all returns, price protections, SPAs, discounts
Administer vendor claims (marketing, MDF)

Congratulations to the BIG BOOK of AV team for a job well done!

2008-05-09T14:00:00Z

After countless long days, nights and weekends, the Big Book of AV has been sent to print. The team, headed up by Dave Hatrick, has just completed Stampede’s annual catalog – and revolutionized it in the process. This edition is far more than just a simple listing of products, features and specifications; it has been designed to help grow your business. Steve Powers, the Big Book’s Technical Editor, has spent countless days with our manufacturers' product management and service teams to dig far deeper into the specs listed on their standard collateral – they've uncovered the real story of each unit.

Our hope is that this effort will enable you to enter new markets, sell the right products at the right time with more conviction, and earn more by maximizing the margin and accessory sales opportunity on each job.

We look forward to you feedback at InfoComm – when the BIG BOOK is released!

Thanks for your continued support of Stampede,

Kevin Kelly

President & Chief Operating Officer Stampede

http://www.bboav.com/

The 10 Worst HDTV Ripoffs Explained

2008-05-06T19:08:00Z

If you are planning on picking up an HDTV in the near future, HD Guru's list of the 10 worst HDTV ripoffs for 2008 is required reading—pure and simple. Chances are, many consumers have already heard about the issue with HDMI cables—which is probably one of the biggest scams of all time (right up there with Q-Ray ionized bracelets and the Ionic Breeze). Other scams, like the one involving contrast ratio specifications are also making their way into the public consciousness.

However, there are still plenty of pitfalls that the novice consumer needs to avoid before making the commitment to drop a serious amount of cash on a new HDTV. The list summary is as follows:

Fake HD and Cable Satellite Channels: Did you know that a number of HD channels broadcast a lot of "fake HD?" Anyone who has ever watched some of TNT's HD broadcasts can attest to that.
Dynamic Contrast Ratio Measurement Specification: The contrast ratio number is basically meaningless.
Line Conditioners: They do nothing to improve the HDTV image.
Deep Color: No deep color sources makes this a worthless feature.
x.v.Color: Until Laser TVs and xv Color HD discs appear on the scene, this feature is not truly useful.
1080p HDTVs below 42" (diagonal): If you own a HDTV under 42", chances are you won't recognize the quality difference over 720p—unless you are standing really close to the TV.
Flat LCD HDTVs 26" and Smaller: The image quality of LCD HDTVs in the 26" inch range or lower is generally poor.
120Hz HDMI Cables: As mentioned before, expensive HDMI cables are a huge ripoff. Case in point, decent HDMI cable for less than $2. I bought a few myself and they work fine.
Off Brand Model HDTVs: No-name brands may cost you more down the line.
HDMI: Horrible connector design can prove problematic. Always pretest your connections.

So there you have it. If you do your homework, you can save yourself a lot of problems (and money) down the line. For a full explanation on the items in this list, check out the HD Guru link.

Click here for the entire article

Thanks to the HD Guru!

Stampede Launches New QUICK SHIP Service for Lamps

2008-04-30T21:04:00Z

Stampede has launched a two-day delivery program for lamps. With the implementation of this program, Stampede is able to ship your lamp order on the same day you place your purchase order.

We also are able to offer special shipping prices if you ship through Stampede’s carrier. One of the bonuses of the two-day program is the price. You will only pay $10 for the first lamp purchased and $5 for each additional lamp added to the package.

Stampede is very excited about being able to offer this program to our customers. If you have any questions or would like to take advantage of our new two-day lamp delivery program, call one of Stampede’s knowledgeable relationship managers today!

How to Install an iPod Rollover Switch

2008-04-29T18:38:00Z

The rollover switch allows each person to listen to the whole-house iPod, while also allowing any individual to listen to their own iPod through their speakers.

“A rollover,” as I like to call it, essentially is a signal-activated A/B switch with an amplifier on board.

Its purpose in life is to allow homeowners to share speakers with the whole-house audio system and a local television set.

When properly installed, the customer simply turns on the television and uses the TV control to adjust the TV sound through the speakers. When turned off, the speakers work for the whole-house audio signal.

The problem is, unfortunately, many TV manufacturers are taking the variable audio output jacks off of their jack packs, not allowing for ideal installation.

The rollover system can work with a fixed audio output, but it then requires an additional line level attenuator, preferably one that is remote controlled, to achieve the desired results.

The iPod Switch
The iPod has recently sprung up as another product that could be enhanced with a rollover amplifier.

Several manufacturers have developed docks that allow metadata from the iPod to appear on keypads throughout the home.

The problem is, simply, that many of our clients have multiple iPods spread throughout different family members.

What I want to hear is probably different from what my son wants to hear. It is a rare moment when we both want to listen to the same thing at the same time.

However, if I take advantage of rollovers for each resident’s primary listening room, each person can listen to the whole-house iPod, while also allowing any individual to listen to their own iPod through their speakers—a win all the way around.

Click here for entire article, which includes installation directions and considerations.

Samsung, Panasonic Lead TV Shelf-Share Placements In March

2008-04-21T18:54:00Z

SAN DIEGO — March retail shelf-share rankings of top TV display brands saw little movement among the flat-panel leaders, but Samsung showed continued strength in rear-projection TV after maintaining its grasp of the top slot over lame-duck Sony, according the March Display Shelf Share Report from The NPD Group.

In LCD, NPD showed Samsung continuing to pace all leaders with 14.15 percent share of retail placements, followed by Sony with 11.52 percent.

Sharp managed to move up to No. 3 with an 8.78 percent share followed by Vizio (8.02 percent) and Philips (7.99 percent) at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively. Vizio managed one of its highest showings of the year.

In March plasma TV placements, Panasonic continued to hold a substantial lead over rivals Samsung (17.86 percent), Hitachi (11.15 percent) and LG (10 percent), with a 29.43 percent share of retail placements in the category.

Pioneer took fifth place with 9.91 percent of placements while category lame-duck Philips showed up sixth with 6.60 percent.

In rear projection TV, Samsung registered 31.92 percent share to extend its lead over former category leader Sony, which placed with 25.89 percent. Mitsubishi followed third with 16.41 percent share, followed by RCA with 16.12 percent.

Thanks to Greg Tarr -- TWICE

Chief Ships First Ultra Thin Mount

2008-04-16T15:25:00Z

MINNEAPOLIS — Chief will ship today the first SKU of its new Thinstall series of low-profile flat-panel TV mounts.

The Thinstall PSMT2015 is designed for Hitachi's new line of 1.5-inch Ultra Thin HDTVs. Complementing the ultra-low-profile of the TV line, the PSMT2015 has a depth of 0.49 inches and a weight capacity of 175 pounds.

The Thinstall line features Chief's Glide Lock tool-less latching for faster installation in the field, according to Chief, as well as other installer-friendly features such as lateral shift and an open wall plate design for easy electrical wire runs.

Other Thinstall models will be added to the line to support thin flat-panel TV models as they become available, according to the company.

Thanks to John Laposky -- TWICE, 4/7/2008

Super-Sharp Document Camera

2008-04-15T17:33:00Z

Got a high-definition monitor or projector, but the same old document camera? The Lumens DC260 is the first document camera to create high-definition images and has a 3X optical zoom lens. The three gooseneck arms are for the camera and pair of lights.
Specs: 1080p resolution, SD card slot, two lamps.
Bottom line: This document camera gets the most out of a high definition projector or monitor.

Lumens Donates 100 Visual Presenters to Teach for America

Teach for America is a unique program that takes some of the country’s best college graduates and professionals, and asks them to commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools. To reward these noble efforts, Lumens has donated 100 visual presenters to the program to help them level the technological playing field in these challenged classrooms. Instead of crowding a handful of kids around a desk, the visual presenters lets corps teachers display texts, photos, and 3-D objects by placing them under a camera and projecting the image onto a nearby surface. This gives 100 classrooms a better chance to beat some of the challenges facing low-income schools.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Introduces New Line of HDTVs Creating a New Dimension in Television

2008-04-09T20:02:00Z

IRVINE , Calif. , April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. today announced its new multi-dimensional HDTVs for 2008, which will take sight and sound to new heights for consumers demanding only the best in quality and performance from their HDTVs. New 2008 product highlights include thinner frame and brighter DLP(R) models and Ultra Thin Frame(TM) LCD HDTVs with improved sound capabilities.

Mitsubishi also has named its recently announced Laser TV, which will be branded as LaserVue(TM) and will be available to consumers in the 3 rd Quarter of 2008.

"Because Mitsubishi has focused on large-format televisions for more than two decades, we have a unique understanding of our customers wants, needs and expectations from their HDTVs," said Frank DeMartin, vice president, marketing, at Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America. "Our new 2008 HDTVs are a direct result of listening to our customers, and we have delivered multi-dimensional products that will take their viewing experience to a new level."

The Big Picture -- New 1080p DLP HDTVs

Mitsubishi continues to lead the competition with the largest DLP HDTV available at 73". The new 2008 product line will include three new 73" 1080p DLP HDTV models along with 60" and 65" sizes -- all featuring thinner frames, increased brightness and 3D-ready capability. These new models also will leverage Mitsubishi's exclusive 6-Color Processor(TM) for extraordinarily vivid color reproduction.

Click here for the entire article

Projection Trends in the Education Market

2008-04-07T18:44:00Z

Projectors are standard equipment in most classrooms these days.For as long as most can remember, there has been some kind of projection device in the classroom – albeit the size and sophistication has vastly improved over the last few decades.According to thehistoryof.net, the first idea of a projector was envisioned in a drawing by Johannes de Fontana in 1420.Thankfully, Projection technology has developed beyond Fontana’s sketch of a monk holding a lantern.

Research data published earlier this year by market research firm TFCinfo found that the percentage of projector use in both K-12 and higher education presented quite a range.In higher education, public institutions averaged 66.5 percent, with a slightly higher average of 70.8 percent in private institutions.For the K-12 sector, public schools in the city had a higher average (40.9 percent) versus public schools in rural areas (31.1 percent).Private K-12 schools in the city had the highest average of 51.2 percent.

For the rest of the article, please Click Here

Vegging Out

2008-03-28T15:08:00Z

Stampede’s very own celebrity…Eric Glose. The following article from Buffalo Spree magazine features Stampede’s IT Manager, Eric Glose. We’re all very excited to have a celebrity in our midst. Take a few minutes to check out the whole article!

“The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today, but such oils may become in the course of time as important as petroleum and coal tar products of the present time.”
–Rudolf Diesel, 1912

This is the quotation that Eric Glose keeps at his desk as an inspiration when working on his car. It’s a thought that would influence the car he bought, the home he chose, and the restaurant he frequents. This year, Glose converted a Volkswagen Jetta 2000 to run on used vegetable oil that would otherwise be wasted. By the mere flick of a switch, his car will convert from running on diesel fuel to running on vegetable oil. Glose says, “The process is to heat the oil enough to reduce its viscosity to the point where it will run through the engine.” He maintains a separate tank in the car that stores the vegetable oil as well as a series of heat exchangers that warm the oil sufficiently enough to run the car. A lot of work on the car was necessary, but very little processing of the oil is needed to use it. Where does he get all the oil from? He won’t say definitively—only that it comes from a local Asian restaurant. The source of the used vegetable oil is an important point as well. Glose compares his converted car engine to the human heart—vegetable oil that has few impurities will not clog up the engine, just as it will not clog up your arteries.

Click here for entire article and photos…

Why Have a Blog?

2008-03-28T15:00:00Z

Part of the Web professional's job is to keep abreast of current trends in technology. Even if you never choose to run a Weblog yourself, it's good to understand the functionality blogs offer in case a client or your employer has an idea or business need that could be supported by a blogging software package. Some of the uses for blogs include:

Personal: an individual may want a blog to help keep family and friends informed of what's going on in their lives.
Topical: some blogs are devoted to a specific topic, such as politics or computer hardware. These often read more like magazines than blogs.
Marketing: corporations are getting into blogging; when well-executed, this type of blog can be a great tool for corporate communications, creating excitement about products and services, or used as an internal tool to keep employees up-to-date on company news.

Thanks to Vinnie Garcia and Sitepoint.com. Click here for the rest of the article.

Panasonic Kills Rear Projection, Promises 2-Way CableCard By Summer

2008-03-28T14:59:00Z

Today in New York, Panasonic showed off the Viera flat-panel TVs it launched at CES, including its badass flagship PZ800 and PZ850 plasma sets and its premiere LZ800 LCD, all coming this summer at prices to be announced. During the meeting, Panasonic also confirmed officially that it was no longer in the rear-projection business, owing to a price crunch in flat panels that basically drove any discount value out of the chunkier projection sets. Bottom line: people would rather pay $3K for a smaller and thinner set than a larger but fatter one. Panasonic also addressed the issue of OpenCable (aka OCAP aka Tru2way) two-way CableCards.

Two-way CableCards basically mean that the cable box, with all its features including VOD and PPV, is built into the TV. Right now, the CableCard in a TiVo or Media Center PC will only get you video. Panasonic will integrate OCAP into its mid-level PZ80 line, in 50" and 42" models this summer. Though the list prices for the TVs without OCAP are $2499 and $1599 respectively, the price of OCAP itself will be quite noticeable. Though there are some shared-chip advantages to integrating the set-top box, Panasonic still says "it'll be the cost of a cable box built into a TV," so like, not cheap.

Thanks to gizmodo.com, published 3/11/08. Click here for entire article.

Other links: Panasonic 2008 Viera Lineup, CableLabs

Pioneer Ends Plasma Production, Expands Loudspeakers

2008-03-28T14:54:00Z

A meeting of Pioneer Corp.'s board of directors has resulted in a restructuring of the company's display business and discontinuation of its internal plasma display production. Instead the directors plan to enhance Pioneer's position in other areas of electronics.
According to the company, maintaining the cost competitiveness of plasma display panels at projected sales volumes would be difficult going forward. As a result the board of directors decided to terminate in-house plasma display production and procure the panels from outside sources. Production will cease after its next series of models is complete. Pioneer also plans to streamline the entire display business to a scale commensurate with sales, and compensate for cutbacks in the plasma display business by driving further expansion in its growth businesses.
click here for the entire article