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www.wifihifi.ca | June 2015
PM42710013
Tuned for Sports
· Ultralight· Sweat resistant· Kevlar reinforced cable· Powerful bass for peak performance
Tuned for Sports
www.philips.ca
June 2015 3
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CONTENTS | June 2015
04 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
06 SHORT BITS | Summer edition – cool tech gear for the warm weather months.
16 UHD TELEVISION | Ready for Prime Time
Since CES, there have been some major developments around Ultra High Definition TV,
notably the release of the Ultra HD Blu-ray format. The result will be much more powerful
viewing experiences.
By Gordon Brockhouse
24 COMPUTING | Microsoft Doubles Down on Windows 10
Can Microsoft be hip again? The company is banking on a new mobile-centric operating system
and seamless experience among devices to spark a revitalized interest in its ecosystem.
By Frank Lenk
28 GETTING ACTIVE WITH TECH
Love to run? Cycle? Workout? Or partake in outdoor adventures? Check out these 9 tech items
that can help enhance your fitness fun.
By Christine Persaud
30 MOBILE WORLD | The Selfie Stick Invasion
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, consumers are buying selfie sticks like wildfire, and there’s some serious
money to be made with these, as some call them, “narcissticks.”
By Christine Persaud
34 Pick Your Stick
36 TWO-CHANNEL AUDIO | Big-Brand Music
Major CE manufacturers are stepping up their game in high-end audio. Can they wrest market
share away from boutique brands?
By Gordon Brockhouse
44 TALKING SHOP
Examining the 12V scene post Future Shop, the realities of shoplifting, and a survey into
Canada’s current retail landscape are all part of this month’s column.
By Wally Hucker
52 CHARGING ON-THE-GO IN STYLE
Just like protective cases, we want our portable chargers to not only work well, but to look
great, too. Here are a few handy chargers that also scream style.
By Christine Persaud
54 HOW DID YOU GET HERE? | Dean Miller
To this day, Dean Miller, President & CEO of Lenbrook Americas, still finds himself uttering these
five words: “yes, that was Jerry Seinfeld.” Find out why.
As told to John Thomson
4 www.wifihifi.ca
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Copyright 2015. WiFi HiFi is a registered brand of Melsa Media Inc.
and is published ten times each year. All rights reserved. The contents
of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part
without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed
by advertisers are not necessarily those held by the publisher.
Publications Mail Agreement Number: PM42710013
Business Number: 81171 8709
PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
John Thomson
Cell: 416-726-3667
@john__thomson (that’s 2 underscores)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Christine Persaud
@ChristineTechCA
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Gordon Brockhouse
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
David Topping
RETAIL EDITOR
Wally Hucker
CONTRIBUTORS
Vawn Himmelsbach, Ted Kritsonis, Frank Lenk,
Steve Makris, David Susilo
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT
James Campbell
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Cathy Thomson
Melsa Media Inc.
194 Robinson Street
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 1G3
Advertising Inquiries:
John Thomson
LET’S STAY IN TOUCH!
Website: www.wifihifi.ca / www.wifihifi.com
Twitter: twitter.com/wifihifimag
Facebook: facebook.com/wifihifimag
Instagram: instagram.com/wifihifi
TIMELESSLAST MONTH, THE DESIGN WORLD LOST A LEGEND with the passing of Jacob Jensen at the age
of 89. For close to three decades starting in 1964, Jensen would design more than 250 products for
the Danish audio company Bang & Olufsen. In the 1960s, Jensen and another industrial designer
working for Braun named Dieter Rams, pioneered the sleek minimalist approach to audio design.
Jensen’s philosophy was that form not only follows function; form follows feeling. As the
starting point for all his B&O designs, Jensen posed two questions: “Do you want to live with this
equipment? Does it make you happy?” Jensen and Rams created seductive hardware: smooth
finishes, and no protruding knobs or unsightly edges. Their products have stood the test of time.
They are hotly sought-after in the used market, and command prices reflecting the status of the
designers. Great design doesn’t age.
Without Jensen leading the way, it is hard to imagine the emergence of Apple’s minimalist
aesthetic. Apple’s lead designer Jonathan Ive and his long-standing collaborator Marc Newson
have picked up the minimalist torch for our generation. They are the Jensen and Rams of our day.
Apple’s leadership in design has forced other consumer electronics manufacturers to pay as close
attention to design as they do to engineering.
Wouldn’t it be great if more manufacturers introduced us to the individuals behind their product
designs? Jonny Ive is a superstar; and Apple has masterfully cultivated product loyalty and mind-
share by placing Ive in the spotlight.
But what about other products? With its sleek design and beautiful materials, LG’s curved OLED
television is truly a thing of beauty, giving up nothing to Ive’s creations. Yet I can’t tell you anything
about the team behind the design. After a decade-long absence, the Technics audio brand is
being revived by Panasonic; but I can’t tell you who designed those beautiful components. Nor do
I know who designed Sony’s RX cameras or Yamaha’s flagship two-channel amplifiers.
Obviously, we don’t have to know the design team to appreciate these products’ performance.
And the anonymity of the design team doesn’t keep us from recognizing these products’ beauty,
and the delight we experience in using them. But I do think if more manufacturers introduced
us to the personalities behind their products, they would get our attention. Fashion, furniture,
architecture and automobiles all have their industrial design stars. We need some, too.
Enjoy the issue.
John Thomson
Portable Bluetooth Speaker BT2500
Bring Big Tunes with YouBluetooth and built-in microphone for calls
www.philips.ca
6 www.wifihifi.ca
A Tablet for the Family: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is an ideal
“family” tablet because of its multi-user feature that allows for creating
up to six profiles on a device. Put the Android 5.0 Lollipop device in
Kids Mode and hand it to the kids in the backseat during a road trip,
or use the dedicated Reading Mode that adjusts the 9.7” screen’s
colour and brightness to reduce eye fatigue. When it’s time to
get back to work, access Microsoft Office for Android, including
Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; and use the S-Pen
for taking notes. It comes in white and titanium. Samsung.ca
SHORT BITS THE OUTDOORS EDITION
Shoot in Infrared: Panasonic’s HX-A1
compact wearable camera stands out
for its ability to film in complete darkness
using infrared light and the Glasscover,
making it possible to grab footage in spots
like caves, or while capturing nocturnal
wildlife. It shoots in full HD, and because it’s
only 45 grams, you can easily wear it atop
your noggin with a heavy headlight. It is
both dust and water-resistant (waterproof
down to 1.5 metres with a housing);
plus shockproof up to 1.5 metres, and
freezeproof down to -10°C. With built-in
Wi-Fi and Panasonic’s Image App, use a
smartphone or tablet to check angles,
and instantly upload photos online. While
recording, footage from the HX-A1 can
be sent to a sub-window on a Panasonic
camcorder (released in 2015) via Wi-Fi
to merge the two recordings into one.
Panasonic.ca
Fully Balanced & Boosted Sound: If you’re planning a summer backyard party, or camping/cottage trip,
a portable Braven speaker (Erikson Consumer) is a great companion. And the Balance has some neat features
to get your party started, like Braven Balance Sound Technology to improve bass and mid-level audio, and
Braven Boost to automatically boost the tune to max volume when your favourite jam comes on. It can operate
for up to 18 hours, and comes housed in a slim, thermoplastic shockproof and waterproof body. There’s also a
built-in 4,400 mAh power bank for recharging your mobile devices, and integrated speakerphone capabilities
for chatting with friends who are missing all the fun. June/July; $190. Braven.com
Get a Jump Start: Bracketron’s Road Boost XL (Gentec International)
is a portable 3-in-1 device that comes with jumper cables and offers
emergency jump-start power for your vehicle. Plus, it can function as a
flashlight and SOS signaller. And it can provide power to your mobile
devices using its 12,000 mAh battery. There’s an output voltage indicator
so you can set the device’s output for car (12V) or mobile gadget (5V,
2.1A), and easily switch between the two. Put it in the trunk, or it’s even
small enough to sit in a glove compartment. The lifecycle is about 3,000
uses - just charge it at least once every three months to keep it powered
up and ready to go for emergency situations. US$130 Bracketron.com
Extreme Phone Protection: Planning an adventure trip means
finding sufficient protection for your smartphone. Check out the
SnowLizard SLXtreme 6 case (Erikson Consumer), which is waterproof
up to 6.6 feet, can withstand drops from as high as 6.6 feet, and has
a military-grade tough polycarbonate exterior that can stand up to
sand, dust, dirt, snow, shock, vibrations and falls. The case has a
3,000 mAh battery and built-in Lightning connector; plus solar power
to trickle charge: an hour of sun exposure equals about 10 minutes
of talk time – just enough for emergency situations. The phone easily
slides in and out of the case, and there’s a locking safety latch,
plus rubberized grips on the side. July, $180 (iPhone 5 version
available now). Snowlizardproducts.com
Good Sound is Near: Chances are, you’ll
want to listen to some tunes in your backyard
this summer. The Near LB4 (Erikson Consumer)
is a rugged, all-environment speaker that
comes with ball and socket mounts with pre-
terminated leads for easy snap installation, or
can be installed in grass or soil using the optional
ground stakes. The grilles use hydrophobic fabric
to protect the speaker from moisture, water,
debris, and small critters. They will come in black,
white, or brown/mulch. Pricing and availability
TBA. Nearspeakers.com
W. www.staub.caA. 160 - 11791 Hammersmith Way, Richmond BC, V7A 5C6P. (888) 470.2211 | F. (888) 844.7316 | E. [email protected]
Not a Staub dealer? Becoming a customer is quick and easy. Call us at (888) 470.2211 or visit www.staub.ca/support.
Now Unleashed at Staub Electronics
Need something sooner than later? We’ve got you covered! Orders placed by 5:00pm ship same-day. Quick delivery means you can stock less and order when you need it. Leave the warehousing to us and focus on your core business.More: www.staub.ca/terms.
Purchased something that you wish you hadn’t? No problem! All products can be returned within 60 days of purchase for a full credit. More: www.staub.ca/terms.
Make shipping charges a thing of the past! We offer some of the lowest prepaid freight levels in the business. Stock less, order more frequently and improve your inventory turns and
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We make business easier with Staub.ca. Build orders in the evening, on the weekend or over the course of a few days. View our latest pricing, stock availability and your entire order history, including previ-ously purchased items to help with easy reordering. Click. Order. Ship with Staub.ca.
Have a technical question or need help with system de-sign? We’re here to help! Call one of our experts toll free at 888.731.7316 and let us assist with your next project.
8 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
A More Human Phone: LG’s G4 smartphone boasts features
like Quick Shot, for instantly snapping a photo by double tapping
the phone’s Rear Key while the display is off; and Smart Notice with
personalized notifications for weather, travel and more by analyzing
habits. It is the first smartphone to use LG’s new IPS Quantum Display
for better colour reproduction, brightness and contrast; and is
the first Quad HD display to employ Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT)
technology. Snap wonderful 16MP vacation shots using the f/1.8
aperture lens, and OIS 2.0. Or, grab some awesome selfies using the
8MP front-facing camera –trigger the shutter by opening and closing
your hand twice in front of the camera. Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron,
and WIND Mobile; pricing TBA. Lg.ca
Extend and Connect: Now that the weather
is so nice, you’ll want to get outside. If that
includes getting work done from the comfort
of your backyard, you can extend your Wi-Fi
signal with the Linksys WRT1200AC 2x2 AC120
dual-band wireless-AC Gigabit router, which
features wireless speeds up to 1.3Gbps and a
1.3GHz dual-core CPU. It has two adjustable,
removable antennas and high-powered Wi-Fi
power amplifiers. Beamforming technology
helps strengthen the Wi-Fi signal. Use the Smart
Wi-Fi Web and app management tool to set up
guest access, parental controls, remote access
of other family or friend networks, and easy
references to passwords or network controls.
$180 Linksys.com
A Stacked Wireless Speaker: The Wren
Sound Systems’ V5US has Apple AirPlay, DTS
Play-Fi and aptX Bluetooth, enabling lossless
Wi-Fi streaming from a number a popular
smartphones, tablets, and computers, including
iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Housed in
genuine wood cabinetry in almond crème anigre
or espresso wenge, up to eight speakers can be
connected to one network, so you can listen to
music synchronized through various rooms of
the home or office. You can also stream music to
different zones from a single device, and stream
different songs to different rooms via separate
mobile devices. US$500 Wrensound.com
Power Your Home With Tesla: Tesla’s
Powerwall home battery will be available in
Canada next year, allowing homeowners to power
large appliances, electronics, lights and heating
and cooling systems during power outages.
Users with time-of-use billing can also store energy
overnight when the prices are lower, then use
it during peak periods when pricing is higher.
The Powerwall is a lithium-oil, wall-mounted
battery with liquid and thermal control system.
Its software receives dispatch commands from an
inverter. Pilot units will be set up in Canada this fall,
and the battery will be available to consumers at
the beginning of 2016. Pricing is US$3,500 for a
10 kWh backup model. Teslamotors.com
The Charging Cove: Griffin says it funded the development of its new Cove Home Charging
Station through Indiegogo as “a new way to interact directly with consumers in an environment
where people seek out interesting, new product ideas.” It looks like a wooden storage box, but inside
are five 12V USB ports that can charge up to five tablets at once, and house all of their cables, too.
The built-in power supply uses Griffin’s ChargeSensor technology to ensure that each device gets the
right rate of charge. There are three non-slip soft-lined shelves, and a sliding door. The door can also
tilt out and double as a tablet stand. Late 2015; pricing TBA. Griffintechnology.com
On-the-Go Power in a CapXule: The Xsories Large
Power CapXule is a storage case that features a 2,800 mAh
onboard power bank with a built-in carabiner clip so
photographers can bring it along on their adventures.
It can hold enough power to charge two GoPro batteries
(or one battery twice.) Choose to keep a second Battery
BacPac fully charged, or team up the power bank with
the GoPro Dual Battery Charger and keep two batteries
fully loaded and ready to go. It has numerous secure foam
compartments, including a dedicated GoPro slot. Comes
in burgundy red or khaki green for US$80. Xsories.com
Because life never stops… capture all of life’s precious moments in 4K. 4K PhotoMode by Panasonic records v ideo at 30 frames a second and gives you the abil it y to extract 8 megapixel stills from any frame of that footage. Never again worr y about missing that per fect shot. From baby’s first steps to a first place medal to that first wedding kiss, let Panasonic and 4K Photo Mode preser ve those special memories for you.
Photography © Johan Sorensen Dress by Catherine Langlois
The Power of 4K
shop.panasonic.ca/lumix
K Photy to exting thakiss, le
otract tet
t
10 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
Angle, Position, Charge: Recharge your
mobile devices using the TYLT VU (Cesium),
a Qi wireless charger that uses multi-coil
technology for guaranteeing a charge,
regardless of the position of the phone.
As per the promise in the company’s
name, it employs a neat angled tilt
design so you can place the phone
upright and still watch a movie,
or view messages, while your
mobile device is charging.
It’s compatible with Qi-enabled
devices, including the LG G4, and
the Nexus 4 and 5. $90 Tylt.com
Vizio Revamps the M-Series: Vizio’s
revamped M-series Ultra HD Smart TVs
come in sizes ranging from 43” to 80”, and
feature a Spatial Scaling Engine to upscale
content to near 4K Ultra HD picture resolution,
along with full-array LED backlighting with
up to 32 active LED zones, and up to Clear
Action 720 with a 240Hz effective refresh rate.
There’s also Vizio Smart TV, Vizio Internet
Apps Plus, 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, and a
V6 six-core processor. Support for HDCP 2.2
allows playback of protected Ultra HD content
while the latest HDMI 2.0 standard enables
Ultra HD playback at 60Hz. MSRPs range from
US$600 for the 43” model to $4,000 for the 80”.
Canadian availability is TBA. Vizio.com
A Tri-fold Keyboard: Jorno’s wireless keyboard
employs a tri-fold design that can easily fit into a purse,
pocket, or the palm of your hand, then fold out when
needed on the go. Once unfolded, the Bluetooth
keyboard measures just 6.6mm thin, with keys that are
only 10% smaller than a standard keyboard. It comes in
a vegan leather protective case with soft-touch interior
that converts into an adjustable stand for supporting
your mobile device in portrait or landscape orientation.
US$100 Jornostore.com
Shake it Like a Polaroid Picture: Physical photo prints are making a
comeback. And this cute, pocketable
photo printer is a simple way to crank
out 2x3 prints from a smartphone at
a summer BBQ or up at the cottage.
The Zip, which stands for “Zink Instant
Photoprinter,” connects to a mobile
device and the free iOS or Android
app via Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC. Apply
creative filters, effects or controls right
from the app, then print your image
in under a minute. There’s even a
collage mode for combining up to nine
pics in a single print; a paint mode for
drawing in colours; and frames, stickers,
stamps, emojis and animations to
personalize your creation.
US$130 Polaroid.com
Portable, Desktop Sound: The Philips BT3500B wireless portable
speaker (Gibson Brands) is about the
size of a traditional paperback novel,
but packs 10-watt speakers inside
for background music. Connect via
Bluetooth or NFC, and there’s a mic for
using it as a speakerphone. A pop-out
kickstand lets you angle it upward
while resting on a desk. And the volume
controls are neatly housed in a circular
dial on the right side of the unit, giving
it a unique look. The speaker can operate
for up to five hours on a charge, and has
a 3.5mm port for a wired connection to
a device. It comes with a USB cable for
PC charging. $100 Usa.philips.com
Improve Wi-Fi at the Cottage: If your cottage has dead spots,
you can help eliminate them with a router like Amped Wireless’ new
REC22A AC1200 plug-in Wi-Fi range extender, which can plug into
any wall outlet, then boost Wi-Fi coverage by up to 10,000 square feet.
It features eight high-power amplifiers, one external and two internal
high-gain dual-band antennas and one Gigabit wired port. It delivers
speeds up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz and up to 867Mbps on 5GHz. Use the
free Wi-Fi Analytics Tool App (Android and Windows) to analyze and
optimize the network, then fine-tune it to get the maximum speed
and coverage. US$130 Ampedwireless.com
At Totem, we live for music and we strive to go further, to keep on innovating and defining new acoustic possibilities. That is our drive. With passion, applied
expertise and a lot of listening, we’ve developed deep-rooted skills for attaining the maximal dynamic potential with the purest musical rendering. To sidestep
oversized solutions, we created a wide family of compact, agile and responsive speakers that truly brings music to life. / Discover yours at totemacoustic.com
12 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
Articulating ‘Phones: The Klipsch Reference
On-Ear headphones (Gentec International) employ
40mm dynamic drivers, and have a flat tangle-resistant
cable with three-button remote and microphone for
control of music playback and phone functions on
iOS devices. The earcups articulate in all directions, so
that pressure is evenly distributed on the wearer’s ears
for maximum comfort. And they fold inward for easy
transport in the supplied carrying case. Hinges and
sliding mechanisms are hidden, giving the headphones
a minimalist look while also protecting mechanical
components from the outside world. $280 Bestsound.ca
Si Slate .8: Want to round up the kids to
watch a movie on the big screen this summer?
Screen Innovations (Precor) is offering the
Slate .8, a black, ambient-light-rejecting screen
available in sizes up to 250” (diagonal) that
comes in Zero Edge Flex, fixed and motorized
formats. The screen, which is made in the U.S.,
features SI’s largest, most versatile ambient-
light-rejecting technology to date, rejecting
65% of a room’s ambient light. MSRP starts
at US$2,100. Screeninnovations.com
Pictured: Tom Nugent, Technical Specialist for Screen
Innovations (left) and Ryan Gustafson, Chief Designer,
founder, and President of SI.
Snap Pics Virtually Anywhere: Olympus’ Tough TG-4 can withstand pretty much anything that’s
thrown at it. It is waterproof (up to 15 metres), crushproof (100 kgf), shockproof (to 2.1 metres), and
freezeproof (up to -10°C). For shooters who want to process their pix in Photoshop or Lightroom, it has
the capability to shoot in RAW format. It combines a 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with a
25-100mm (135 equivalent) f/2-4.9 4x zoom lens. And the camera can be paired with a smartphone via
Wi-Fi by scanning a QR code on the camera’s screen. Red or black, $400. Olympus.com
Day Trips in Fashion: Plan your day trips, or summer days into the office, with a backpack
in tow like the Golla Original G715 (Erikson Consumer), which can hold a laptop up to 15.6”
in size plus all other essentials in the wide-zippered main compartment. There’s also an open
front pocket, and a front zippered pocket inside. There are adjustable shoulder straps, plus a
carrying handle. Check out the refreshing summer colours, like amber and pine, or go with
the more traditional coal. $100 Golla.com
Take Your Music Afloat: Whether you’re out on
a kayak, camping in a tent, on the beach, or going
for a bike ride, you can use the Ecoxgear Ecopebble
compact Bluetooth speaker (Lectron Radio Sales)
virtually anywhere as it is fully waterproof, and drop
and dust-resistant. Weighing just 8 ounces, it can
float in water, or mount on just about anything using
the optional suction and bike mounts, or carabiner.
It can run for up to seven hours on a charge. US$60
Ecoxgear.com
Road Trip-Ready: Heading out for a summer
road trip? TomTom’s new myDrive Website
and app lets you send destinations from a
smartphone, tablet, or computer directly to a
TomTom GO GPS unit before you get in the car.
The app and Website can also be used to review
real-time traffic information, so you can plan
the best route to your desired destination,
and even see an ETA. It’s available as an update
to the existing MyDrive app (iOS and Android).
Mydrive.tomtom.com
Apple, Carplay and the CarPlay logo are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Pioneer
and the Pioneer logo are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation. © 2015 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
pioneerelectronics.ca/car
14 www.wifihifi.ca
SHORT BITS
Cast Your Music: You can wirelessly “cast” music from a personal device to Sony’s new HT-ST9 soundbar, which
comes with a wireless subwoofer. Press the cast icon to search, browse, play, skip and adjust volume. Add multi-room
functionality by joining speakers together using Sony’s SongPal app. The soundbar is HDCP 2.2-compliant, supporting the
playback of copyright-protected 4K content. It delivers 7.1-channel surround sound from seven discrete amplifiers and
nine speakers. It also supports Spotify Connect,
and has Bluetooth and NFC. Total specified power
output is 830 watts. July; $1,600. Sony.ca
Power, No Batteries Needed: The Tough Tested TTSOLAR solar battery
(Curve Distribution) lets you power up
your mobile devices without the need for
recharging the unit at all. It gets its energy
from the sun, which powers the 6,000mAh
lithium-polymer battery. It has dual USB
output, and comes with a windshield suction
mount and carabiner holster case, plus a
USB-to-microUSB cable. Because the brand
was originally designed for truck drivers,
as the name implies, it’s ultra-tough, which
means you can bring this charger along
on any adventure. $130 Mizco.com
Get That Glo: As the highest resolution eReader in Kobo’s
lineup, the Glo HD has a 300 ppi (1,448 x 1,072) 6” Carta E Ink
HD touchscreen that is meant to replicate the experience of a
printed book. It weighs 180 grams, and can carry up to 3,000
eBooks in its 4GB of storage. It comes with the Kobo Welcome
concierge service, which provides information on how to get
started, eBook recommendations based on your preferences,
and deals. There’s a built-in ComfortLight for reading in the
dark, and a 1GHz processor. The battery lasts for up to two
months based on 30 minutes of reading per day with both the
ComfortLight and Wi-Fi turned off. $130 Kobo.com
Pretty in Pink: For ladies looking to get active this
summer, Mio has redesigned its Alpha 2 sport watch in
pink with a smaller wristband. Called the Alpha 2 Punch, it
incorporates Mio’s patented optical heart rate sensor, and an
accelerometer for pace, speed and distance measurements
without the need for a smartphone connection or chest strap.
It uses Bluetooth Smart (4.0) to connect to the Mio GO app,
as well as many other popular iPhone and Android fitness
apps. Additionally, it provides accurate calorie burn estimates
based on heart rate, and can store up to 25 hours of workout
data. It’s shock and water-resistant, up to 30 metres for the
latter. US$170 Mioglobal.com
Keep a Watchful Eye From Afar: You can keep an eye on your
home (or store) while you’re away on vacation with Swann Security’s
ADS-466 indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi all-weather camera, which
can operate in virtually any weather conditions.
That includes live viewing, recording, managing,
and sharing of video footage from a smartphone or
tablet. It can capture 720p video in both daylight
and at night, as well as audio through its built-in
microphone. The motion trigger feature will
sense activity, along with facial detection, camera
tampering, and intrusion, and you’ll be notified by
smartphone if anything is amiss. Save videos to a
mobile device or microSD card, and view them using
the free SwannCloud app. US$180 Swann.com
Memory, Type-C: To accommodate the
latest Apple MacBooks, as well as the Google
Chrome Pixel and others, Patriot Memory has
developed a Type-C USB flash drive that will
work with the new port. In fact, the dual-sided
Type-C / Type A USB flash drive will feature
a small Type-C at one end and a standard
USB 3.0 connector at the other end for use
with standard USB devices. With the drive,
users can transfer data from the computer
to other devices. Finished in metal, it will
come in 32 and 64 GB capacities, pricing TBA.
Patriotmemory.com
“Add some colour to your garden with MiPow Garden”
This smart solar powered LED light is just as GREEN as your garden, and with just one touch on the PLAYBULB X free App you can change your garden’s lighting tone.
Contact us today to make your summer a little more colourful!1 877.798.8686 [email protected] www.cesiumonline.com
Distributed Exclusively by
16 www.wifihifi.ca
IMAGINE WAKING UP from an afternoon nap in a lakeside cottage. You throw open the shades on
a picture window overlooking the water, then instinctively cover your eyes to protect them from the
brilliant sunlight. After a few seconds, your pupils constrict and you can take in the scene. Looking
around your room for something to wear, objects are now lost in shadow. The rumpled jeans on the
chair look almost black instead of deep blue.
We all have these experiences in real life. But never in the movie theatre, and definitely never in the
home theatre. Now the gap between visual artifice and reality is about to close.
It’s been narrowing for decades. We got colour TV in the 1950s, HDTV in the 1990s, and 4K in the
2010s. But through all these developments, two fundamentals haven’t changed much: dynamic range
and colour gamut.
The current TV standard allows for peak brightness of 200 nits. Brightness of an indoor room with
artificial light is typically 100 nits. A bare 100-watt incandescent bulb emits about 18,000 nits. The
brightness of indirect sunlight is about a million nits; direct sun is a billion.
There’s no way any movie or TV screen could produce brightness levels that approach direct
sunlight; nor would we want this. It’d scorch our eyeballs. But it would be nice if TV screens were
capable of making us feel as if we were outdoors on a bright day, notes Jeff Ingram, National Training
Manager for Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. “In real life, there are scenes that make you wince,”
Ingram explains, “like bright sunlight reflected off water.” There are movie scenes that call for a similar
effect, he adds. For example, in battle scenes from Exodus: Gods and Kings, highlights on warriors’
armor should almost make you want to blink.
THE UHD PROMISE
Many consumer televisions can deliver peak brightness levels well beyond 200 nits. Samsung’s new
JS9500-series UHD televisions have peak brightness of 1,000 nits in dynamic mode, more than double
the peak brightness of 2014’s HU9000 series.
The professional cameras used for TV and movie production have much broader dynamic and colour
range than the current TV standard supports. Consequently, movie studios have to scale back dynamic
range and colour gamut for home video playback in order to conform to current technical standards.
READY FOR
PRIME TIMESince CES, developments around UHD television have been fast and furious
BY GORDON BROCKHOUSE
There’s a lot more to Ultra High Definition
TV than 4K resolution. Aspects like
dynamic range and colour gamut make
an even more profound contribution to
the viewing experience.
The first HDR movies will be shown
in movie theatres that use powerful,
high-contrast laser projectors.
But HDR content for home viewing
will be available in 2015.
There have been some important
developments in UHD since CES,
notably the release of the final spec
for the Ultra HD Blu-ray format.
Despite open standards, it’s not a sure
thing that UHD TVs will be able to
display new UHD content. That makes
the role of the dealer very important.
THE STORY
The Vudu video streaming service, currently available only in
the U.S., has announced plans to offer Dolby Vision-encoded
movies, such as Man of Steel, in 4K resolution with high dynamic
range and wide colour gamut. The service will be available on
Vizio’s forthcoming Reference-series UHD televisions.
18 www.wifihifi.ca
UHD TELEVISION
people who saw the CinemaCon presentation,”
Silver told WiFi HiFi. “They said it was the highest
contrast they’d ever seen. They saw blacks they’d
never seen before.”
Dolby Cinema theatres have already opened
in Einthoven, Netherlands and Barcelona,
Spain; plus three American cities. In April, Dolby
announced that AMC Theaters planned to open
100 Dolby Cinema theatres over the next decade,
which the chain will brand as “AMC Prime.”
On May 22, a Dolby Vision presentation of
Tomorrowland opened at AMC Prime cinemas
in Atlanta, Houston and Kansas City. This release
will be followed by Inside Out in mid-June. AMC
plans to open six more Prime cinemas this year,
expanding to 50 by the end of 2018.
As we’ve covered previously, Dolby Vision
is a closed process, requiring specially coded
content, and decoding by the digital display.
Traditionally, studios have had to prepare
movies differently for cinema and home video
release, a process known as colour grading. One
of the attractions of Dolby Vision is its “grade-
once, display-many” capability. The same Dolby
Vision master can be shown on Dolby Vision
laser projectors in movie theatres and Dolby
Vision televisions at home. In both cases, viewers
will see the maximum dynamic range and colour
gamut that the display system can deliver.
Whereas the current HDTV standard falls short
of the capabilities of today’s premium televisions,
Dolby Vision content surpasses their capabilities.
That means it has to be “dumbed down” for
home viewing. Dolby Vision TVs, which have
to be certified by Dolby, contain dedicated
hardware that remaps Dolby Vision HDR content
to its specific capabilities.
The first Dolby Vision TVs to be announced are
Vizio’s Reference Series, which will be available
The main bottleneck isn’t technology; it’s stan-
dards. Today’s premium ultra-high-definition
televisions can attain higher resolution, wider
dynamic range and broader colour gamut than
the current HDTV standard allows.
To deal with this situation, premium UHD
televisions expand the dynamic range of video
content in a manner analogous to the way they
expand the spatial resolution of HDTV content. But
this kind of video processing can’t work miracles.
A capable video processor can make the picture
brighter without compromising blacks, but it
can’t recover detail that isn’t in the signal. Beyond
a certain point, shadow detail is crushed and
highlight detail is clipped. And of course, when
it expands dynamic range, the TV’s processor is
“guessing” how the picture should look.
The current TV standard is also limited in the
range of colours it can encode. Some shades
– the red of a London bus, the blue-green of a
Caribbean beach – lie outside the Rec709 colour
space currently used for HDTV. Some premium
TVs, such as Sony’s flagship Bravia models, can
produce colours beyond Rec709, and can map
regular TV content into their broader colour
spaces. The challenge is to do this convincingly.
How should the TV render a red object whose
exact shade is outside the Rec709 colour space?
Is that object supposed to be London-bus red, or
should it have a slight magenta tinge?
What’s needed is new content that exploits
the capabilities of today’s premium UHD tele-
visions, and new standards that leave room for
future development. That’s now happening.
Delivering the full potential of UHD promises to
be the most important development in video
entertainment this year.
At CES, a group of technology companies
banded together to form the UHD Alliance.
The founding members include DirecTV, Dolby,
Netflix, Samsung, Sony, Technicolor, Twentieth
Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios and Warner
Bros. Entertainment. The goal is to define stan-
dards for Ultra High Definition Television that
allow for the delivery of video services with high
dynamic range (HDR) and wide colour gamut
(WCG), as well as 4K resolution.
In mid-May, the Blu-ray Disc Association
released the final spec for the new Ultra HD
Blu-ray Disc format, which can deliver 4K images
with HDR and WGC imagery, at frame rates to
60Hz. Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-
based surround-sound is also part of the new
format. Licensing will begin this summer. It’s an
open question whether players and discs will
appear in time for the holiday shopping season.
However, by year-end there will certainly be
streaming services offering 4K content with HDR
and WCG images. Predicts Ingram: “With UHD, the
content is going to come much more quickly than
it did with HDTV.”
DOLBY’S VISION
The first place North Americans will see HDR
movies is the cinema. At the CinemaCon trade-
show in Las Vegas in April, Dolby Laboratories
demonstrated Dolby Cinema, a new theatrical
platform that combines Dolby Atmos surround
sound with an ultra-high-contrast Dolby Vision
projection system. Attendees were able to
see two new Disney movies in HDR: a clip of
Tomorrowland and a showing of the Pixar ani-
mated feature Inside Out.
The laser projection system used for Dolby
Cinema has contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, says
Joel Silver, President and Founder of the Imaging
Science Foundation (ISF), compared to 800:1
for a typical cinema projector. “I’ve heard from
At the CinemaCon tradeshow in April, Dolby Laboratories announced Dolby Cinema, a new theatrical platform that combines Dolby Atmos object-based surround sound with an ultra-high-contrast Dolby Vision projection system.
Available in 55” and 65” sizes, Panasonic’s CX850 series of UHD televisions can display images with high dynamic
range. They incorporate new backlighting and colour filters that expand colour gamut, and a new gradation
correction system that enhances shadow detail.
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UHD TELEVISION
Daredevil, Chef’s Table and Bloodline. Others
are in the works, including Sense8 and Grace
and Frankie. To view 4K content, users need
to subscribe to Netflix’s premium tier at $12
per month, and they need a 4K TV with Netflix
software. Another Netflix original, Marco Polo,
will be offered in 4K and HDR, for viewing on
HDR-ready UHD televisions.
Streaming video services use their own soft-
ware running on a smart TV. But 4K HDR video
will also be available on external components,
notably Ultra HD Blu-ray. These components will
require the latest version of HDMI.
In early April, the HDMI Forum announced an
extension to the HDMI 2.0 standard. Introduced
last year, HDMI 2.0 enables 4K video at frame
rates to 60Hz, with support for 4:4:4 and 4:2:2
colour (those last numbers mean less chroma
sub-sampling than the current HDTV standard,
which will reduce colour artifacts). HDMI 2.0a
adds support for HDR and WCG.
HDMI 2.0a implements standards ratified by
the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
(SMPTE) that specify how HDR/WCG video should
be encoded, decoded and displayed. Under
HDMI 2.0a, HDR/WCG signaling will be carried as
metadata on top of 4K or HD video with standard
dynamic range and colour. HDR/WCG-capable
TVs will use that metadata to construct HDC/WCG
pictures. This metadata will be ignored by displays
without HDR capability.
The Ultra HD Blu-ray spec mandates a baseline
UHD signal, which conforms to CEA and SMPTE
standards for HDR/WCG imagery. These HDR/WCG
extensions are embedded as metadata on the
Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc.
In case you haven’t had your fill of acronyms,
here’s one more spoonful of alphabet soup to
in 65” and 120” versions. Both models have full-
array LED backlighting with 384-zone local
dimming. Specified peak brightness is 800 nits.
Pricing and ship dates for the series are TBA, as is
Canadian availability.
Vizio’s Reference Series TVs will support a
new HDR streaming offering from Vudu. Vudu’s
HDR movies are encoded using Dolby Vision.
The first three titles are Edge of Tomorrow, The
Lego Movie and Man of Steel, all of them Warner
Bros. releases.
The number of movies available in Dolby
Vision will grow quickly, says Roland Vlaicu,
Vice President, Consumer Imaging for Dolby
Laboratories. Already, Dolby has announced
three additional Dolby Vision titles from
Warner Bros.: Into the Storm, Sherlock Holmes and
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. “We have
announced six, but there will be dozens,” Vlaicu
told WiFi HiFi. “We have access to Warner Bros.’
full library. The only question is how quickly we
can regrade titles.”
Vlaicu says it takes only “a few days” to regrade a
feature movie for Dolby Vision. “There are several
facilities worldwide that can do this, so we’re
doing a lot of titles in parallel.” The main holdup
is getting creative approval after a movie has
been regraded. “Regrading changes the look of
the film,” Vlaicu explains, “so that requires artistic
approval by a colourist, director of photography
or the director. It’s mostly a scheduling issue.”
Vlaicu says that when creative professionals
get the time to view a regraded version of their
movies, they’re inevitably impressed. In many
cases, it’s the first time they’ve been able to see the
output of HDR-capable production equipment in
all its glory. “Every single time, the artists are blown
away by HDR, and by how easy it is to implement,”
Vlaicu says. “It inspires a lot of creative thinking for
the next movie. Until now, no one has been able
to see the full dynamic range of these cameras.
We’re working with professionals on-set so they
can visualize how their creations will look in HDR.”
Vizio’s Reference Series may be the first TVs
with Dolby Vision capability; and Vudu may be the
first home video service with Dolby Vision con-
tent. But others will follow. Vlaicu says Netflix will
build the Dolby Vision codec into its app, so that
Dolby Vision TVs can show Netflix’s HDR content.
He also hinted broadly that additional hardware
partners will be announced at the IFA tradeshow
in Berlin in September. Moreover, Dolby Vision is
an optional codec in Ultra HD Blu-ray.
OPEN STANDARDS
Netflix is already offering several original
series in 4K, including House of Cards, Marvel’s
The first HDR feature film to be shown publicly in North America is Disney’s Tomorrowland, which opened in three new AMC Prime theaters on May 22. Located in Atlanta, Houston and Kansas City, these theatres have laser projection systems with million-to-one contrast ratio.
Samsung’s new JS8500-series S’UHD televisions are HDR-ready, and use quantum-dot technology to expand
colour gamut. To provide its UHD customers with content, Samsung offers a UHD video pack containing
10 feature movies and 30 documentaries with 4K resolution. This year’s edition will have two HDR
movies, including Exodus: Gods and Kings.
Artists are blown away by
HDR, and by how easy it is
to implement. It inspires
a lot of creative thinking
for the next movie. Until
now, no one has been able
to see the full dynamic
range of these cameras.
Roland Vlaicu
Vice President, Consumer Imaging,
Dolby Laboratories Inc.
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UHD TELEVISION
In some cases, support for HDR/WCG can be
added through a firmware update. For example,
it should be possible to add HDMI 2.0a support
to an HDMI 2.0-equipped device by updating its
firmware. But TVs with HDMI 1.4 connectivity can’t
be upgraded through software, as HDMI 2.0 uses
new hardware. Similarly, HDCP 2.2 requires dedi-
cated hardware; so this capability can’t be added
through a firmware upgrade. “Can end users join
the HDR party just by buying a new source?” Silver
asks rhetorically. Unless their TV has HDMI 2.0a,
HDCP 2.2 and HDR capability, the answer is no.
Even if their television has all these features,
there’s no guarantee that everything will be
plug-and-play when they add an Ultra HD
Blu-ray player. Recalling the headaches that
accompanied the rollout of HDMI and HDCP,
Silver comments, “I don’t know of a handshake
launch that has gone altogether smoothly.”
To address this issue, ISF will offer members a
portable Quantum Data tester that confirms full
HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compliance; it can also
be used for calibration. “The dealer is going to be
an important component of this transition,” Silver
observes. “My recommendation to consumers is
to not buy UHD online. Buy it from someone who
can do updates.”
If Silver ever had doubts that UHD would be a
hit, these were dispelled at a recent dinner party
where he showed pictures from a trip to the
Galapagos Islands on a UHD panel. The display
was able to render the full dynamic range and
colour gamut in Silver’s photos, including the
brilliant red pouch on a frigate bird. “I asked
people if they’d want their TV to produce
pictures like this,” Silver reports. “Their answer
was a resounding yes.”
Ingram seconds this view. “With HDR and 10-bit
colour, the difference is going to be obvious. We’re
seeing something we’ve never seen before. This
brings picture performance to the forefront.”
swallow: HDCP 2.2. That’s the latest iteration of
the HDCP copy-protection scheme, and encrypts
UHD signals when they’re out in the wild,
between a source component and the display.
There’s good news and not-so-good news
here for consumers, says ISF’s Silver, and for
dealers as well. The good news is that there
are now open standards around UHD, notably
HDMI 2.0a. “Because of the open architecture
of HDMI, the consumer doesn’t have to be
involved,” Silver elaborates. “The content takes
control of the TV.”
COMPATIBILITY QUESTIONS
Not all UHD televisions are capable of showing
UHD content with high dynamic range and wide
colour gamut. HDTV uses an eight-bit binary
number to encode each of the red, blue and
green channels. For HDR, you need a 10-bit panel
or better. Many UHD televisions have eight-bit
panels. While they deliver 4K resolution, they
can’t produce HDR/WCG pictures.
Moreover, the TV has to be able to read and
interpret the metadata that carries the HDR/
WGC extensions. And for external UHD sources
like Ultra HD Blu-ray, the television (as well as
intermediary components like AV receivers) need
HDMI 2.0a connectivity with HDCP 2.2 support.
These capabilities aren’t present on all 2015
UHD televisions, not to mention 2014 and earlier.
Panasonic’s new 55” and 65” CX850-series UHD
televisions are HDR-capable, says Barry Murray,
Director of Marketing for Panasonic Canada Inc.
Ingram says Samsung’s S’UHD TVs for 2015,
which begin shipping in Canada this month,
are HDR-capable. Samsung has a clever solution
for keeping earlier generations current: its One
Connect Box. This external module contains all
the inputs, as well as the processor, and connects
to the display via a proprietary cable. To upgrade
your TV, just swap in a new One Connect box,
which retails for about $300. Last year, Samsung
enabled owners of 2013 UHD TVs to add HDMI
2.0 connectivity and support for the HEVC codec
that Netflix uses for its 4K service by upgrading
the One Connect Box. This year, it’s adding
support for the VP9 codec used by YouTube for
UHD content.
Sony’s new XBR X850, X930 and X940 TVs
support HDR and WCG, says Karol Warminiec,
National Manager, Training and Events, for
Sony of Canada Ltd. Warminiec says HDR and
WCG are supported by Sony’s 2014 models
with TriLuminos colour (Sony’s version of WCG)
and Xtended Dynamic Range. “You’ll see the
benefits of high dynamic range and wide colour
gamut with our TVs from last year,” Warminiec
says. “But our TVs for this year are more finely
tuned for it.”
With HDR and 10-bit colour,
the difference is going to
be obvious. We’re seeing
something we’ve never seen
before. This brings picture
performance to the forefront.
Jeff Ingram
National Training Manager,
Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
At CES, Netflix announced plans to offer original series such as Marco Polo in 4K resolution and high dynamic range. Netflix already offers 4K versions of original series such as House of Cards, Marvel’s Daredevil and Chef’s Table.
Sony’s forthcoming 75” XBR-75X940C UHD television can deliver HDR and UHD images with 4K resolution. Sony
hasn’t announced plans for 4K content this year; but in past years, it has offered 4K video servers pre-loaded with
movies like Lawrence of Arabia to buyers of its UHD TVs.
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AS THE SUMMER LAUNCH of Windows 10 looms closer, Microsoft’s operating system strategy has
come to resemble an illustration by M.C. Escher. Each part makes sense on its own, but if you step back
and look at the whole picture, you can’t help feeling a bit dizzy.
Part of the problem is that Microsoft has revealed its strategy piecemeal, showing different facets
to different audiences. However, it has laid out the main elements in presentations to developers –
through blog posts, and in greater depth at its Build conference in San Francisco at the end of April.
What follows is a distillation of all this material, attempting to show how the pieces fit together. (We
did reach out to Microsoft Canada for clarification on a few points, but, not surprisingly, they were
unable to comment.)
DON’T CALL IT METRO
Despite the lackluster reception of Windows 8, Microsoft is doubling down on the same basic strategy
with Windows 10. And responding to the same two major challenges.
First: after ruling handhelds and literally inventing the tablet in the early 2000s, Microsoft dropped
the ball and ended up with a near-zero share in mobile. It desperately wants a second chance.
MICROSOFT DOUBLES DOWNON
WINDOWS 10
BY FRANK LENK
As Microsoft gears up for the launch of
Windows 10, the company is facing the
challenge of catching up in mobile and
phasing out older Windows versions.
Universal Windows Apps run on PCs
and phones, but not on Windows 7
or XP, which will encourage customers
to upgrade.
Windows 10 needs a big installed base
to attract developers.
“Windows as a Service” may be
monetized through ads.
THE STORY
“Our goal is that within two to three years of Windows 10’s release,
there will be one billion devices running Windows 10.”
Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Operating Systems, Microsoft
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COMPUTING
development of UWAs, which would then fill up
the Windows Store and attract mobile users.
But will developers flock to UWP? They’re being
asked to bet their jobs and their companies’
profits on a brand-new ecosystem that’s still a very
long way from being ‘universal.’ For the month
of May, NetMarketShare.com showed Windows
7 accounting for about 58% of computer-based
Web activity, and Windows XP about 16%.
Windows 8 and 8.1 totaled 15%. The market
for Win32 software is all of these percentages
combined, about 89%. The current market for
UWP apps is just the last piece, 15%.
Even if Window 10 is adopted rapidly, Win32
software will remain more ‘universal,’ running on
all Windows devices except phones. And phones
are unlikely to tip the scales any time soon. In
May, NetMarketShare.com found that Windows
Phone accounted for just 2% of mobile browsing
(coming in fourth, behind Symbian).
“Our goal is that within two to three years of
Windows 10’s release, there will be one billion
devices running Windows 10,” said Terry Myerson,
Executive Vice President, Operating Systems, at
Build. He claimed that “no other platform version”
Second: though it continues to dominate
PC software, Microsoft is facing increasingly
powerful competition from previous versions
of its own products. Users were able to snub
Windows 8 by sticking with Windows 7, or even
Windows XP. Microsoft wants to ensure this can’t
happen again.
Microsoft’s single response to this dual chal-
lenge is an entirely new type of software, almost a
whole new OS, which will a) unify PCs and mobile
devices; b) make older versions of Windows
obsolete; and c) ultimately move consumers onto
a service model, reaping perpetual revenue even
if they never choose to upgrade again.
Microsoft originally called this new software
ecosystem ‘Metro.’ Then ‘Modern.’ Then ‘Windows
Store apps.’ For Windows 10, the company
has begun using the term ‘Universal Windows
Platform’ (UWP). Kevin Gallo, Partner Director,
Program Management, and prolific Microsoft
blogger, acknowledges that even developers
may be confused. “I want to emphasize that the
Universal Windows Platform is just an evolution
of the same modern platform you’ve been using
on phones since Windows Phone 8.1 and PCs
since Windows 8.”
By any name, UWP is the key to all Microsoft’s
hopes for Windows 10.
LET’S GET TECHNICAL
All software applications have two faces. They
interact with humans by means of a User Interface
(UI). And they interact with the operating sys-
tem by means of an Application Programming
Interface (API). Windows has traditionally been
based on an API called Win32.
With Windows 8, Microsoft launched both a new
API (UWP) and a new UI (‘Metro’). Software that
hooks into UWP instead of Win32 is so different
that it gets its own name: ‘Universal Windows
Apps’ (UWAs). The term ‘app’ is appropriate: UWAs
work more like iOS apps than like the Windows
software we’re used to.
The most obvious feature of UWAs is that
they’re touch-enabled. However, touch has been
available in Win32 for about 15 years, based on
Microsoft’s early tablet work. Microsoft could
have simply enlarged on-screen controls, instead
of creating a new API. So why did we need UWP?
Microsoft’s main selling point is that UWAs
can run (more or less) unmodified on any type
of device, including PCs, tablets and phones.
At the Build conference, CEO Satya Nadella
explained that Windows 10 was designed for a
new era of “more-personal” computing, in which
“mobility of the experience across devices” will
be more important than the mobility of the
devices themselves.
This rationale sounds great, but it’s based on
a big assumption: that users are eager to run
the same apps on their phones and their com-
puters. The great majority of users today seem
happy using Android phones in conjunction with
Windows PCs.
Microsoft does suggest scenarios in which
a user might start a task on one type of device,
then continue it on another. But it’s hard to say
whether these are merely contrived demos, or
use-cases so compelling that they could motivate
Windows users to abandon their Android or
iOS devices in droves. And, in fact, to abandon
Windows as they know it, and adopt what
amounts to a whole new OS based on UWP.
What is certain is that blurring the distinction
between PCs and phones would be advantageous
to Microsoft. At Build, the company laid out
its vision of a single Windows 10 ecosystem,
with huge numbers of PC users driving the
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said
at the company’s Build Conference
that Windows 10 was designed for a new
era of “more-personal” computing, in
which “mobility of the experience across
devices” will be more important than
the mobility of the devices themselves.
Microsoft’s strategy for Windows 10 is based largely on the assumption that consumers will want to use the same apps on both a PC and mobile device, and will appreciate a mobile-centric approach to desktop computing.
June 2015 27
COMPUTING
all development to UWP. This blog statement from
Kevin Gallo is typical: “Today’s Universal Windows
Apps provide the foundation for development on
Windows going forward.”
WINDOW INTO THE FUTURE
It’s not easy to predict how all this will play
out. But we can start by being skeptical that
free upgrades will greatly speed the uptake of
Windows 10. Low initial pricing of just $40 didn’t
seem to help Windows 8 very much.
When it comes to sales of devices with
Windows 10 preinstalled, we must observe that
the one big new feature of the OS is its promise
of running the same apps on PC, tablet or phone.
Will that be enough to get PC users to upgrade?
Will it be enough to get mobile users to switch to
a platform they’ve so far shunned?
Ultimately, Microsoft’s success with Windows
10 will depend not on its technology, but on its
reading of users’ psychology. The exclusive App
Store in iOS, or pervasive ads in Android, may
have seemed acceptable to users because they
felt they still had a ‘safe haven’ of privacy and
control on their PC. If so, turning the PC into a
fully ‘monetized’ mobile-style environment may
not go down well.
could rival that number. But recent Gartner stats
show that Android sold over 1 billion devices in
2014 alone. It’s likely to do even better this year.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Building the Windows 10 base is an obvious
motivation for giving upgrades away for the first
year. But that giveaway also makes a smooth
segue into “Windows as a service.”
“When we talk about why we’re upgrading the
Windows 10 install base, why is that upgrade free?”
said Amy Hood, Chief Financial Officer, at a recent
meeting with Wall Street analysts. She noted
that search is “built into the experience,” as are
gaming, and a “unified” store. “These are all new
monetization opportunities once a PC is sold.”
At the Build show, Microsoft showed various
“opportunities” for “discovery” of apps or other
products within “the Windows experience.”
These include places where Windows 10 can
“spotlight” apps the user might like to purchase.
Or Cortana searches that return not just requested
information, but buying suggestions as well.
Those capabilities imply a flow of valuable user
information to Microsoft.
Hood noted that when Windows 8 sales
sagged, Microsoft reduced OEM pricing on
Windows. “It clearly had an impact on our
revenue per license, but also had an important
impact in driving unit growth,” she said. Microsoft
discovered that those cheaper units could still be
profitable, through mechanisms such as Bing
search ads. Revenues from search, advertising,
or the Windows Store could be far bigger, once
Windows 10 is widely adopted.
But in some ways, Microsoft is actually working
against itself. For instance, while promoting UWP
development, Microsoft has also opened the
door for easier translation of iOS and Android
apps to UWA form. These measures might help
fill up the Windows Store. Or they might make
it even more attractive to develop for iOS or
Android first, given that it will be easy to do a
later quickie port to UWA.
Microsoft is also continuing its Windows 8
policy of having the Windows Store be the only
retail source of UWAs. In a recent blog post, Tony
Prophet, Microsoft Corporate Vice President,
Windows and Search Marketing, confirms that
“there will be a single, universal Windows Store”
in Windows 10. Will developers be eager to give
up control of distribution to Microsoft, along
with at least 20% of their revenues?
Established software retailers certainly aren’t
keen. Valve Software took Windows 8 as a har-
binger of doom for its Steam store, and has been
invested massively in establishing GNU/Linux as
a competitor to Windows in the gaming space.
Not a big win for Microsoft.
Microsoft’s standard response to any qualms
is that traditional Win32 software can still be
sold by anyone. But that rings hollow, when the
company is strenuously campaigning to convert
Microsoft once upon a time ruled the handheld world, and now the company is hoping to get back some market share with its Lumia smartphones, and a
Windows UI that allows for seamless communication between phone and Microsoft PC.
“...the Universal Windows
Platform is just an evolution
of the same modern platform
you’ve been using on phones
since Windows Phone 8.1
and PCs since Windows 8.”
Kevin Gallo, Partner Director, Program Management, Microsoft
Amy Hood, CFO, Microsoft, refers
to search, gaming, and a “unified”
store as “new monetization
opportunities once a PC is sold.”
28 www.wifihifi.ca
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waterproof, and has a quick-release mechanism
for mounting, on a helmet, perhaps. But what
really sets the system apart is that you can use
the app as a viewfinder to review footage, and
shake your smartphone to instantly create a
movie. It tags moments based on speed, altitude,
G-force, acceleration and heart rate; or you can
manually select highlights. Then, edit, add music,
overlays and metrics, and share away using the
Batt-Stick, which plugs directly into a computer
via USB to download footage.
$500 Tomtom.com
TRACK YOUR RUN, AND YOUR STRIDE
The Epson Runsense SF-810 Sports Watch
has a built-in Smart Stride sensor that learns
your running technique and calibrates your
stride length. It offers continuous heart rate and
GPS featuring Epson’s proprietary bio-sensing,
GPS-tracking and motion-sensing technologies
KEEP VISUAL TRACK OF THE ACTION
The Recon Jet Wearable smart glasses (Recon
Instruments) keep track of GPS, speed, pace,
distance, duration, and vertical elevation
gain, using on-board sensors. Connect wire-
less third-party devices via ANT+, and shoot
short-form HD video and still images using the
point-of-view camera. Once connected to your
smartphone and a wearable sensor, it delivers
customizable information just below the right
eye. The glasses are water and dust-resistant,
and you can exchange the lenses based on your
environment. Receive smartphone notifications,
and upload stats to third-party services like
Strava, Training Peaks and MapMyFitness. You
can use them while doing things like running
and cycling, but there are also apps in the works
for sailing, performance yacht racing, shooting
and private aviation. Black or white; US$700.
Reconinstruments.com
STORE YOUR ESSENTIALS WHILE
OUT FOR A RUN
When heading out for a run, you probably put
your smartphone in an armband. But what about
your house keys? Credit card and/or cash? Epipen
or inhaler, perhaps? The FlipBelt (distributed
by Cesium) is a stylish, stretchy Spandex and
Lycra belt worn around the waist, overtop your
workout pants. It has two slits in the front and
two in the back for slotting in everything you’ll
need, including a smartphone. It’s a continuous
pocket, so you can push items from the front to
the back, and they fit securely, without bouncing
around. For added security, flip the belt inwards
to face your tummy. The machine-washable belts
come in five colours to match your running gear.
$33 Flipbelt.com
SHOOT & SHAKE WITH BANDIT
The TomTom Bandit works with a companion
app that lets you capture, edit and instantly
share action sports videos. It has a wide-angle
lens and 16MP CCD sensor, allowing you to shoot
1,080p video at 30 frames per second. You can
also capture time-lapse, and slow-motion video
– so you can catch that perfect soccer goal, for
example; plus single and burst photos, to follow
every movement in that homerun swing. It is
GETTING ACTIVEwith TECH
BY CHRISTINE PERSAUD
How did we ever get through a workout without technology? A television at
the gym to entertain us on the treadmill, an iPod for listening to tunes while
on a run, a tracker on our wrist to count steps and check heart rate.
Technology has become an integral part of fitness. There’s no shortage of
gadgets, software and apps that complement specific sports or activities, and
tons of gear intended to promote a more active lifestyle in general.
Here are nine items that can enhance various ways you find fit to, well, get fit.
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performance data, plus swing and video data
from Zepp Pros. A Coaches Center offers tips and
drills, challenges and practice plans. $150 for the
sensor; the app is free. Zepp.com
FEEL IT IN YOUR CHEST
If you want to capture the action at the perfect
angle while mountain biking, surfing, kayaking,
or partaking in another similar sport, consider
strapping your iPhone right to your chest
instead of on a helmet or board. The Hitcase
ChestR Chest Harness Mount (Hitfar Concepts)
is made of neoprene, and it fits comfortably
with no-tangle adjustment and a railslide for
quick mounting (separate Hitcase required),
and rotating the phone 360-degrees or pivoting
180. There’s also a stow pocket for your keys or
other essentials. Want to get creative? You could
also mount it on your back to capture the action
behind you. $50 Hitcase.com
to help runners of all levels measure, analyze,
compare and share performance data. Tap on the
scratch-resistant display to scroll through four
customizable screens with real-time data of up
to 35 measurements, including continuous heart
rate, time elapsed, distance, pace, laps, intervals,
speed, calories burned and more. It is water-
resistant, and offers a 20-hour battery life, with
heart rate and GPS activated. That’s impressive.
There’s support for popular running apps, like
MapMyRun and Strava. Plus, it offers vibration
alerts, and assignable tap functions for turning
on the backlight, for instance, or beginning a lap.
In black or purple, it sells for $350. Epson.ca
HEADPHONES THAT STAY PUT
The Skullcandy FIX In-Ear Sports Headphones
With Mic (Hitfar Concepts) are designed to stay
put in the wearer’s ears, with interchangeable
sizes for a custom fit. Geared toward the fitness
crowd, they come with a three-button mic for
controlling a connected iOS device. Finished in
white/chrome, blue/black or black/chrome, they
sell for an MSRP of $60. Skullcandy.com
SWEAT IT OUT
Wear the JBL Reflect BT headphones (Erikson
Consumer) and you don’t need to worry about
breaking a sweat: they are fully sweatproof, plus
come with a reflective cable, ergonomic angled
earcups, remote/mic, and, of course, JBL quality
sound. $130 ($80 for the non-Bluetooth version).
Jbl.com
WASH YOUR HEADPHONES
The Acoustic Sheep Runphones (Erikson
Consumer) boast a super-cool patented design
that disguises them as headbands. And just like
a headband, you can wash it once it gets grubby.
Remove the speakers from the mesh fabric, pop
it in the washing machine, and you’re good to
go for your next workout. The basic model is
$50, or $80 with a mic, and $130 if you want to
go fully wireless. They come in different sizes,
and various colour options to match your total
workout look. Bring back the ‘80s!
Acousticsheep.com
IMPROVE YOUR GOLF, SOFTBALL GAME
Breaking out the clubs for the summer? Or
perhaps softball is more your speed? The Zepp
app works with the Zepp multi-sport sensor
(Microcel Accessories) and training system. Place
the sensor on the golf club or baseball bat and
it will analyze your swings and send customized
reports to help you improve. For baseball, it sets
baseline swing goals for every metric, specific to
the user’s age and ability level; and in softball,
you can assign goals for fastpitch and slowpitch.
There’s also video analysis, 3D analysis, and
Acoustic Sheep Runphones
JBL Reflect BT Headphones
30 www.wifihifi.ca
THE
SELFIE STICKINVASION
BY CHRISTINE PERSAUD
WALKING THE STREETS IN ROME following a business con-
ference last month, WiFi HiFi’s John Thomson couldn’t believe
what he was seeing. At every corner was a vendor selling these
contraptions known as selfie sticks. And at every monument,
every tourist spot, café, or photo-worthy locale, there were
rows and rows of people snapping selfies using these devices.
What gives?
The idea of the selfie has been popularized in recent years
by celebrity culture, fuelled by smartphones, and adopted like
wildfire by millennials – those born between the early ‘80s and
early ‘00s. (Though they aren’t reserved just for that demo-
graphic.) The concept is simple: extend your arm, holding the
camera (usually a smartphone these days) in front of your face,
make your best pose, and shoot.
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MOBILE WORLD
with a few changes in the look here and a few
adjustments in the design there. In other words,
while other devices have clearly taken inspiration
from Fromm’s Quik Pod, that doesn’t necessarily
make them illegal.
So how does Fromm feel about the multi-
tude of options that were clearly inspired by his
invention?
The selfie stick adds a level of convenience,
allowing you to attach your camera/phone,
expand it to the desired distance, and get a
much more flattering, better framed shot, with
more scenery (which is sometimes supposed
to be the subject in the first place) in the back-
ground. You can more easily get group photos
without one person being left out, having to
awkwardly ask a stranger to take it for you, or
extending your arm and hoping for the best.
If only Ellen DeGeneres had one during that
memorable Oscars selfie moment, perhaps
actor Jared Leto wouldn’t have been partially
left out of the shot.
The latest sticks add features like rugged
designs, universal and/or removable phone
holders and, most popular of late, a Bluetooth
feature that allows you to easily trigger the shutter
using a button at the end of the shaft.
THE HISTORY OF THE SELFIE STICK
We first became familiar with the selfie stick
more than a decade ago, flipping through a
book of Japanese “useless inventions,” known as
Chindogus. Not long after, an industry sales rep
walked into our office with a device called the
Quik Pod.
Some believe the Quik Pod was way ahead of
its time – this was 2004, after all, the same year
that Facebook launched to the public, and long
before social media became a prevalent part
of our culture. But Wayne Fromm, President of
Toronto-based Frommworks, inventor of the
device, and arguably of the selfie stick for digital
cameras and cell phones itself, doesn’t think so.
“It was the right place at the right time,” he
tells us, recalling a trip to Italy with his daughter
that sparked the idea when he realized how
difficult it was to get a good set of photos of
the two of them together. “I was able to perfect
the device not knowing that smartphones and
GoPro cameras were coming. I had years and
years of trial and error knowing what some of
the consumer desires might be, and materials
we wanted to use. So I think it was great to have
that kind of head start.”
Indeed, the Quik Pod is still alive and well
today, though it’s now joined by thousands of
others like it. A search on Amazon.ca for “selfie
stick” garners 2,242 results – the cheapest at
$0.98, and the most expensive going for $457.
Expand to the American portal, Amazon.com,
and there are more than 34,000 results.
Fromm maintains, however, that his device
is aimed at the higher end of the market. He’s
focused on making sticks that are true photo-
graphic accessories – durable, secure, and that
will last for decades. He touts features in the
various iterations of the Quik Pod like stainless
steel construction, removable remotes, quick
release heads, modular designs, and the pat-
ented self-image mirror to help better frame a
shot. Plus, there are accessories for specific use
cases, like silicon tethers for anti-vibration when
recording audio tracks with a GoPro, tripod legs,
and even a floating lanyard.
“I wouldn’t want to take [a cheap stick] on a
once-in-a-lifetime sky jump!” he jokes.
That may be Fromm’s point-of-view, but
judging from what Thomson saw all over Rome,
the selfie stick has become just as much a
throwaway device as it has a viable accessory in
a photographer’s toolkit.
“It’s no different than anything,” says Fromm.
“You can buy a cheap memory card, a cheap
tripod, a cheap car.” Or, you can buy something
that’s meant to last.
HAS FROMM BEEN GIVEN THE
SHORT END OF THE STICK?
The massive influx of selfie sticks makes for a
sticky situation. Fromm owns several patents
related to the product (his patents indeed
cite earlier devices, like the one we saw in that
Japanese book from the ‘90s, as references.) But
a patent, as anyone in the consumer electronics
industry knows, is relatively easy to get around
Selfie sticks are one of the most
polarizing tech accessories of this
generation, either loved or loathed
by consumers.
Canadian Wayne Fromm invented the
selfie stick in 2004 with his Quik Pod,
which, while still widely available in
a number of models, is now joined by
many other competitors, from both
major brands and newcomers.
Selfie sticks are being used so much,
and in so many places, that they’re
now banned in prominent locations
around the world.
While the idea might be something to
smirk at, selfie sticks can actually make
you some serious dough, with reported
margins averaging around 40 points.
THE STORY
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Walking the streets in Rome, you’d be hard-pressed not to come across someone either selling or using a selfie stick.
32 www.wifihifi.ca
MOBILE WORLD
models that are convincing retailers to take
the category seriously – especially with healthy
margins averaging around the 40-points range.
Statistics on selfie stick sales are relatively
scarce, though a small survey done by Ask Your
Target Market found that 9% of respondents
currently own a selfie stick (20% of those who
regularly take selfies), as do 20% of those under
the age of 25 – arguably the top demographic
for the category. Techinfographics.com reports
that in 2014, there were one million selfies
being taken every day around the world, and
cites Samsung data that suggests 30% of all
photos taken with its smartphones by users
aged 18-24 were selfies. Canada is pegged
as the third most popular country for selfies,
behind Australia and the U.S.
As much as the idea may have been mocked
years ago, our selfie-driven culture has led
to high demand for these sticks. The relative
simplicity of the device and the opportunity
to make good profits, make it an attractive
category for retailers, particularly in these
margin-squeezing, category-killing, price-
eroding days of consumer technology sales. At
prices averaging from $20 to $100, you’d have
to sell a lot of them to make up for losses in
other areas. But if trends are any indication, this
won’t be a problem. Indeed, when researching
for this report, one distributor advised that they
were completely sold out of a new model on the
first day of its arrival.
All told, the selfie stick might seem silly. It may
have garnered nicknames like the “narcisstick” or
the “wand of Narcissus.” But it has the potential
to generate some serious money. And that’s
nothing to laugh at. Just point, smile, and reap
the rewards.
He isn’t worried about all of the “knock-offs”
as long as they aren’t easily confused with the
original Quik Pod.
Without commenting on legal matters, Fromm
likens the situation to a knock-off Louis Vuitton
bag or Rolex watch. “If you have a very similar
logo, you [might not be] infringing on a patent,
but you’re in violation of other trade rights.”
Still, seeing those street vendors in Italy sell-
ing dime-a-dozen sticks must be cause for at
least a little irritation. Fromm tries to strike a
positive tone.
“If they’ve brought more photo-taking ability
to the general mass market, I think it’s great,” he
says. “And I’m very proud to have contributed
in some way to bringing that attention to the
public.” That said, he does remind users that
the “cheap stuff” will probably last you a week.
“We’re not in that low-end market,” he adds.
“That was never my desire.
“I didn’t want people 30 years from now,” he
adds, “to have hundreds of thousands of these
pics that were off to the side and not centred.
I didn’t want them to regret it.”
THE BANS
Good intentions aside, selfie sticks have become
so prevalent, and so, forgive the bluntness,
annoying, that several prominent locations,
particularly museums, around the world, have
outright banned their use. Among them are
the All England Lawn Tennis Club for this year’s
Wimbledon, the National Gallery in London,
The Palace of Versailles, The Smithsonian, The
Museum of Modern Art in New York, and The
Coliseum in Rome. In Canada, you can include
the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the MTS
Centre in Winnipeg, and the Canadian Museum
for Human Rights on that list. Perhaps most
surprising are events and locations that seem
to attract the key selfie demographic, like the
Coachella Music Festival and Lollapalooza Music
Festival, both of which have nixed the sticks.
Fromm says he has mixed feelings about
the bans. On the one hand, “you can’t legislate
courtesy,” he says. “So if people are interfering
with other people’s enjoyment in public areas,
or causing a safety hazard, then yes, you have
to ban those things.” But on the other hand,
Fromm recalls a high school visit to the Royal
Ontario Museum (ROM) where he was able to
use a monopod to film artifacts for a project. “It’s
unfortunate if professional, prosumer or amateur
photographers get caught in this net where
they’re not even allowed to bring in a monopod.”
(Quik Pods, like many other selfie sticks, can also
be used as monopods.)
Selfie sticks have, it appears, become one
of the most polarizing tech accessories of this
generation – despised just as much as they are
sought after.
LET ME TAKE A SELFIE
“Throwaway” selfie sticks aside, there are
some fairly “high-end” sticks and mid-market
The latest iterations of the Quik Pod are meant to be a lasting tool in a photographer’s arsenal to help capture great photos, with features like rugged construction and a patented self-image mirror; plus accessories, like silicon tethers for anti-vibration when recording audio tracks with a GoPro.
“ I didn’t want people 30 years from
now to have hundreds of thousands
of these pics that were off to
the side and not centred. I didn’t
want them to regret it.”
Wayne Fromm, President of Toronto-based Frommworks, inventor of the Quik Pod, and the person credited with inventing the selfie stick
category for digicams and smartphones.
BACKBEAT FITWIRELESS HEADPHONES + MICThe stable, comfortable Plantronics® BackBeat FIT wireless stereo headphones provide all the power, safety features, and premium audio you need to stay motivated and moving, indoors or out. Includes a neoprene armband that comfortably secures your smartphone and can be stored in the armband case after your workout.
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34 www.wifihifi.ca
PICK YOUR STICK
MOBILE WORLD
Quik Pod Smartphone Selfie StickQuikpod.com• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Stainless Steel
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 10.1” / 29.5”
Weight: 110 grams
Compatibility: Any iOS or Android device
(up to 454 grams, incl. Samsung Note 3),
GoPro cameras with upgrade kit.
Standout Features: Impervious to
saltwater, patented self-image mirror
to help frame shots; quick release for
the device; removable remote controls;
position device in landscape or portrait
mode; waterproof; comes with
a hiking clip, wrist strap,
carrying bag, and tripod legs.
Price: $30
Distributor:
Fromm Works Inc.
PureGear Selfie StickPure-gear.com• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Thermoplastic
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 7.8” / 33.6”
Weight: 150 grams
Compatibility: iOS and Android devices
with the Bluetooth button; any device
between 2.1” and 3.3” wide (which might
also include point-and-shoot cameras).
Standout Features: Collapses and folds
to a super-small size; easily remove
phone; pink, black or grey colours;
built-in rechargeable
battery with cable
included.
Price: $35
Distributor: Cesium
Gorilla Gear Complete Selfie KitGorilla-gear.eu• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Lightweight aluminum
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 8.5” / 29.5”
Weight: 110.5 grams
Compatibility: Most smartphones and
mobile devices, up to 7” wide, which
includes the iPad Mini. Bluetooth remote
(uses CR2032 3V battery) compatible with
iOS (4.0+) and Android (4.2.2+) devices.
Max. device weight is 397 grams.
Standout Features: Comes with a mini
tripod, Bluetooth remote, and a rugged,
hard travel case to store everything.
Price: US$25
Distributor: Sells direct from Europe or
via Amazon.ca
ReTrak Selfie Stick BTMyretrak.com• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Stainless steel, non-slip
rubber grip
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 10” / 38.4”
Weight: 170 grams
Compatibility: Wide range of phones
as well as small cameras using the
standard ¼” thread; includes a mount
for GoPro Hero cameras. (500 grams
max. load.)
Standout Features: 5-hour
Bluetooth battery life;
adjustable clasp rotates
180 degrees; comes with
a carrying bag.
Price: $30
Distributor:
Ingram Micro
iEssentials Selfie StickMizco.com/iessentials• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Aluminum with soft
foam, non-slip rubber grips
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 10” / 43”
Weight: 227 grams
Compatibility: “Most” smartphones
and cameras; wired button
connects to any device
with a 3.5mm headphone
jack, then button triggers
camera shutter.
Standout Features:
Can be connected to a
universal tripod; comes
with a wrist lanyard.
Price: $20
Distributor:
Curve Distribution
Xsories Me-Shot Deluxe 2.0Xsories.com• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Stainless steel with
a soft textured silicon grip
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 9.06” / 37.8”
Weight: 93 grams
Compatibility: Bluetooth XSmart remote
works with Android (2.3.6 or later) and iOS
(5.0 or later) devices – just twist your wrist
to trigger the shot. Universal holder can
accommodate any device with a ¼” screw.
Standout Features: Super light; extends
quite long; comes in fun colours like pink
and orange in addition
to standard black.
Price: $70
Distributor:
Hitfar Concepts
MOBILE WORLD
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HISY Wing Black Selfie StickHisypix.com• • • • •
What it’s Made of: Aluminum
Collapsed / Extended Lengths: 10” / 48”
Weight: 190 grams
Compatibility: Virtually any smartphone
and GoPro cameras.
Standout Features: Works with
an included detachable tripod;
use with optional Bluetooth
Remote ($30) or Camera Remote.
Price: $30
Distributor: Hitfar Concepts
Beyond the Stick: The Ricoh Theta m5
Selfie sticks aren’t the only devices that are
meant to help users take better selfies. There
are a number of products that let you snap pics
remotely, or even allow for results with some
cool effects. One of the most fun options is the
Ricoh Theta, a spherical camera that lets you take
a 360-degree image or video of what’s around
you, then transfer it to a smartphone via Wi-Fi.
Use the app to make adjustments, and upload
the content online, share it via social media or
Microsoft’s Photosynth, or post it to Google Maps
and Google+. With the open API and software
developer kit (SDK), other apps can be created to
allow users to perform different actions with the
camera. The camera ($350) comes in blue, yellow,
white, or pink with 4GB of internal memory, and
a tripod socket for mounting it on an optional
tripod. By combining a Theta, smartphone app
and selfie stick, there’s opportunity to capture
some really interesting shots that add a new
dimension to the selfie experience.
p
Marantz two-channel amplifiers, disc players and
network receivers. Several generations of music
lovers were introduced to serious audio from
Marantz, and that brand remains vital.
Onkyo continues to offer a broad range of
two-channel hi-fi products, including preamps,
power amps, integrated amps and disc players.
The newest addition is the affordable A-9010
stereo integrated amplifier ($400), rated at 44wpc
(1kHz, two channels driven, 8Ω, 0.08% THD), with
refinements like high-current WRAT (Wide Range
Amp Technology) derived from its premium
Reference Hi-Fi series.
Pioneer maintains a presence in two-channel
audio. The company has several products that
are ideal for budget-minded audiophiles: the
50-wpc Elite A-20 integrated amp ($350), as
well as affordable, well-reviewed bookshelf and
floor-standing speakers designed by Andrew
Jones. One benefit of the recent consolidation
of Pioneer’s Canadian and U.S. operations is
that Canada now has access to more specialized
SKUs, notes Tony Verni, Director of Sales for
Pioneer Canada. That’s because the Canadian
organization now does not have to commit to
large quantities.
Two years ago, Sony launched a whole series
of Hi-Res Audio products, including two flagship
Mississauga, then hurried downtown to rehearse
with Downes and Lewis. Dinner was served at
6:30, and the show started at nine.
Peter Bolte, General Manager of Marketing for
Panasonic Canada Inc., had targeted the 14 dealers
carefully, and had spent months courting them.
They must have liked what they heard, because
most have agreed to carry the Premium C700 sys-
tem. Two dealers will also carry the Reference R1
system. The dealer network isn’t complete, Bolte
says, but it’s close. Given the fact that Technics has
been absent from the market for a decade, Bolte is
very happy with the reception.
SERIOUS ABOUT SOUND
Panasonic isn’t the only big CE brand moving
into high-end two-channel sound. D+M Group
has reduced the number of core audio SKUs in its
Denon brand, which is remaining in home theatre
but also moving strongly in a lifestyle direction.
But serious two-channel remains central for D+M’s
Marantz brand. In addition to the highly regarded
flagship Reference series, there is a broad line of
BIG-BRAND MUSICMajor CE manufacturers are getting serious about two-channel hi-fi
BY GORDON BROCKHOUSE
For the relaunch of its Technics sub-brand, Panasonic Canada invited 14 dealers to the Jazz Bistro in downtown
Toronto to hear Michiko Ogawa play jazz standards. Not only is Ogawa an accomplished musician, she’s
a member of Panasonic Corporation’s board, and Director of the company’s Technics Project.
IT MUST HAVE BEEN a great party. On a Tuesday
night in mid-April, Panasonic Canada Inc. hosted
a night of music at the Jazz Bistro in downtown
Toronto. Panasonic’s guests – key personnel from
14 audio dealers – got to hear a Japanese pianist
play jazz standards, accompanied by Juno-award-
winning bassist Michael Downes and drummer
Larnell Lewis.
Michiko Ogawa isn’t just any pianist. She has a
big reputation in Japan, and has released 14 CDs.
Ogawa is also an acoustics engineer and senior exec-
utive at Panasonic Corporation; and was recently
appointed to the board of directors. And she’s
the Director of the Technics Project in Panasonic’s
Home Entertainment Business Division.
That’s what brought her to Toronto. Panasonic
is reviving its Technics sub-brand, just in time for
Technics’ 50th anniversary. The company had
invited a group of dealers to Toronto to audition
the Premium C700 system ($6,000) and Reference
R1 system ($70,000). Ogawa sat in on the first
demonstration, conducted in a newly built
sound room at Panasonic Canada’s head office in
36 www.wifihifi.ca
June 2015 37
TWO-CHANNEL AUDIO
With their polished silver fasciae and big VU
meters, the 45-wpc SU-C700S stereo integrated
amp ($2,200) and SE-R1S 150-wpc dual-mono
power amp ($22,000) evoke Technics’ classic
designs from the 1980s and ’90s, even while look-
ing thoroughly 21st-century.
The big Reference system was everything you’d
expect: staggeringly powerful yet effortless,
and at the same time wonderfully refined. But
the more modest Premium system is what
really impressed me. The combined price for
the SU-C700 amplifier, ST-C700 network player
and SB-C700 speakers isn’t much different than
my home system: a Simaudio Moon Nēo 340i
amplifier/DAC and KEF LS50 monitors. Moreover,
the nature of the two systems is similar. The KEF
LS50 and Technics SB-C700 speakers are both
point-source designs with coaxial drivers.
Given the limited time I spent with the
Technics system, and that fact that Panasonic’s
demo room is a very different space than my
third-floor music room, there’s no way I can make
definitive comparisons on sound quality. But
here are some quick impressions. For its size and
power, the Technics system had very impressive
low-frequency extension and slam. The sonic
presentation was up-front and highly engaging.
Left-to-right imaging was very precise, but the
soundstage depth was a bit limited.
The main point though is that the Technics
system is fully competitive with my Moon/KEF
setup. If the final two choices for customers looking
for a modern digital music system based around
compact monitors came down to these two
systems, I wouldn’t find that at all surprising. That
alone tells me that the major CE brands are once
again becoming a real force in serious audio.
products: an 80-wpc Class A integrated amp and a
digital music server, each priced at $2,000. “People
are going back to listening to music seriously,”
says Karol Warminiec, National Manager, Training
and Events, for Sony of Canada Ltd. “Sony started
to see trends, such as the big uptake in analog,
and that reinvigorated a lot of our old-school
engineers to go back to their roots in audio.”
The Technics revival had a similar genesis. It
began as an unsanctioned project headed by
Tetsuya Itani, designer of the legendary Technics
SLP-10 direct-drive turntable. As Bolte relates, Itani
wanted to re-assemble audio engineering talent,
who had been assigned to different projects
throughout the corporation, and create something
new. The Technics project was sanctioned in early
2014, and Panasonic announced the brand’s
rebirth last year at IFA Berlin.
Along with Europe, and ahead of the U.S.,
Panasonic has targeted Canada as a key market
for Technics, and is giving its Canadian subsidiary
the resources to kick-start the brand. That includes
funding for Panasonic’s new sound room, which is
acoustically isolated from the rest of the building
and has niceties such as a custom-built 170-pound
polished concrete component table.
Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. has been conducting
its own high-end demos at its head office in
Toronto. Earlier this year, Product Specialist Paul
Bawcutt got the go-ahead to purchase a set of
high-end Dynaudio floor-standing speakers and
Wireworld cables to use in Yamaha Canada’s
demo room, matching them with its A-S3000
integrated amplifier ($8,000), a 25kg 170-wpc fully
balanced MOSFET design, and CD-S3000 SACD
player/DAC. Bawcutt says Yamaha has sold a few
of these components in Canada. The company will
lend samples to dealers when customers want to
audition them, and fulfill orders from the U.S.
More strategic is a new 100-wpc integrated
amp/DAC, the A-S801, priced at $1,000. “The
A-S801 serves several purposes,” Bawcutt com-
ments. “It’s an amazing stepping stone into
true high-end audio. It’s also a great secondary
component for someone who has esoteric gear
in another room. And it’s great for people who
have been gear-hopping and want to simplify
their lives.
“Two-channel audio is extremely important in
the domestic market in Japan,” Bawcutt adds, “and
we have invested heavily in the category. Home
theatre has never been a big thing in Asia.”
In a market dominated by boutique brands, it
can be hard for manufacturers associated mainly
with AV receivers and sound projectors to be
taken seriously by specialty dealers and their
customers. “The A-S801 is not where we want it
to be at this point,” Bawcutt acknowledges. “But
we’re confident we can get those numbers up.”
Warminiec says Sony has faced the same chal-
lenge with the launch of its Hi-Res Audio lineup.
“But we’re up for this challenge,” he comments.
“We’ve had exhibits at TAVES, Salon Son et Image
and the Vancouver Audio Show. We’re showing
customers that Sony is back. People are coming
out of our demos with their heads nodding in the
right way.”
REBIRTH OF A BRAND
Bolte knows that Panasonic faces a similar
challenge with Technics, and is taking a steady-
as-she-goes approach to reviving the brand.
The Reference and Premium systems are just
the beginning, Bolte says. They’re essentially
the bookends of the Technics line, which will
be filled in starting at this year’s IFA tradeshow.
Panasonic will have a dedicated Website for
Technics, and plans a high-res download service,
Technics Tracks.
In late May, I spent a few hours listening to the
two Technics systems at Panasonic’s demo room,
and was blown away by what I saw and heard. The
build quality of these new components is superb.
Two-channel audio has always been
popular in Asian markets, where home
theatre never caught on in a big way.
Major CE manufacturers have noticed
the growing popularity of analog and
high-resolution digital audio among
North American listeners, and are now
targeting this market seriously.
High-end audio is dominated by specialty
brands, which makes it challenging for
major CE brands to get the attention
of serious audio enthusiasts.
THE STORY
Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Technics brand, Panasonic is introducing two new Technics systems, both offering excellent performance and superb build quality, with styling that evokes classic Technics designs from the 1980s and ’90s.
Rated at 44wpc, Onkyo’s affordable A-9010 stereo integrated amplifier ($400) incorporates refinements like high-current the company’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT).
38 www.wifihifi.ca
Hands-On Review
Hands-On Review
TWO-CHANNEL AUDIO
Played through the A-S801, “The Embrace”
from Extended Circle by the Tord Gustavsen
Quartet (ECM, 24/96 download from HDTracks)
sounded big and effortless. The acoustic bass
had superb snap, the drums (especially the
rimshots) were wonderfully dynamic, and the
tenor sax had great body and expression. This
album also showed the A-S801’s fine micro
dynamics, convincingly rendering subtle touches
in Gustavsen’s piano work.
You can spend more money on an integrated
amp and DAC, and you’ll get additional sonic
dividends: a deeper soundstage, faster dynamics,
and better resolution during dense passages. But
the A-S801 is a great-sounding DAC/amplifier;
and at $1,000 it’s a fantastic value. Very strongly
recommended for anyone looking for an affordable
foundation of a serious two-channel sound system.
SONY HAP-Z1ES DIGITAL MUSIC PLAYER / TA-A1ES INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
These two components are the flagship models
in Sony’s lineup of Hi-Res Audio products. Both
have the same retail price in Canada: $2,000.
You can of course connect the HAP-Z1ES to any
other amplifier; and you can use the TA-A1ES
with other music sources. But together, they
make a very attractive combination; and for the
most part, that is how I reviewed them. Both are
full-size components with brushed aluminum
faceplates, rigid chassis, and positive controls
that ooze confidence and quality.
The Player
Designed to function as a repository for all your
digital music, the HAP-Z1ES supports pretty well
all file formats, including lossy codecs like MP3 and
AAC, uncompressed WAV and AIFF and lossless
YAMAHA A-S801 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
Retailing in Canada for $1,000, the A-S801 delivers
sound that approaches much costlier products with
similar capabilities. The A-S801 is an attractive com-
ponent, with classic styling fully in keeping with the
design aesthetic Yamaha has followed since the
1970s. It’s available in black and silver finishes.
Weighing a little over 26 pounds, the A-S801
has a high-quality look and feel, with smooth,
positive controls and a cast metal faceplate. It’s
supplied with a very nice remote control, which
can also be used to operate a tuner or disc player.
On the left side of the amplifier’s front panel is
the power switch, headphone jack and speaker
selector switch. On the right is a large round
volume control, and to its left is the input selector.
The four controls in the middle are for bass, treble,
balance and loudness.
Yamaha has been offering continuously
variable loudness control on many of its audio
products since the 1970s. To use it, you start
by setting loudness to maximum and set the
volume control to your preferred maximum
level. Thereafter, you use the loudness control to
set output level. Our ear-brain systems are less
sensitive to bass (and to a lesser extent, treble as
well) at low volume levels. The point of Yamaha’s
continuously variable loudness control is to
maintain a consistent subjective proportion of
lows, mids and highs as you reduce level; and in
my experience it works well. Especially with low-
level listening, it really makes a difference.
You can also bypass all signal processing with
the CD Direct and Source Direct buttons, located
below the source selector. I did most of my listen-
ing with the Source Direct option engaged.
On the rear, you’ll find two sets of speaker out-
puts; five sets of line-level inputs (two of them
with associated record outputs), a phono input,
subwoofer output; plus optical, coaxial and USB
digital inputs for the built-in DAC. The A-S801 can
accept PCM streams to 384kHz/24 bits (32 bits
with Macs); and single- and dual-rate DSD via its
asynchronous USB input. Input sampling rate is
indicated by LEDs on the front.
The laminate power transformer and output
stage are supported by an “ART” (Anti-Resonant
and Tough) base, which Yamaha says dampens
vibration and lowers noise. The only area of the
A-S801’s construction that doesn’t inspire con-
fidence is the speaker outputs, which flexed a
little too much for my liking when I was con-
necting Wireworld Mini Eclipse 7 speaker cables,
terminated in banana plugs.
The Sound
For my listening tests, I used a pair of shelf-
mounted KEF LS50 monitors, placed on
ISOacoustics stands. Playback material consisted
of acoustic jazz, classical and pop/rock files at CD
resolution and higher, from a Mac Mini running
Audirvana 1.5 software. I connected the Mac
to the A-S801’s USB input using a Wireworld
Platinum Starlight 7 cable. All components were
fed by a Totus TOT power conditioner.
The A-S801 showed its mettle in its rendition
of Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” from
Wish You Were Here (EMI, DSD file from SACD
rip). The machine effects sounded effortlessly
powerful as they bounced between the speakers.
The big synthesizer was equally impressive,
completely filling my room. Transients on the
acoustic guitar playing through most of this
track were commendably fast.
Turning to something more subtle, I really
enjoyed the way the A-S801 rendered stringed
instruments on Dmitri Sitkovetsky’s arrangement
for string orchestra of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg
Variations, played by the Britten Sinfonia under
Thomas Gould (Harmonia Mundi, 24/88.4
download from e-classical). During the opening
statement of the main theme, the violins
had lovely delicacy and sweetness; and then
during the energetic first variation, the strings
had wonderful rosiny bite, without sounding
wiry. Throughout, the sound was convincingly
dynamic. I was also impressed with the way the
A-S801 conveyed lower strings: bass was well
controlled and detailed.
I had similar impressions listening to k.d. lang’s
rendition of “Bird on a Wire” from Hymns of the
49th Parallel (Nonesuch, CD rip). The Hammond
organ and acoustic bass in the quiet opening
filled my room, and the acoustic guitar, which
enters after the first verse, had lovely sparkle and
detail. And the A-S801 perfectly tracked lang’s
vocals from the subdued opening to the more
anguished verses that followed.
40 www.wifihifi.ca
TWO-CHANNEL AUDIO
with familiar RCA jacks. Line 5 is a balanced
input, with XLR connectors, for use with source
components with balanced outputs. The benefit
of a balanced connection is lower noise. The
speakers connect to the amplifier via a set of huge
connectors that can accept banana plugs, bare
wires or spade lugs.
Listening
Having no XLR balanced cables ready at hand,
I connected the HAP-Z1ES to the TA-A1ES
amplifier using one-metre Kimber Kable Tonik
unbalanced interconnects. The amplifier was
connected to my KEF LS50s with eight-foot
UltraLink Excelsior speaker cables terminated
with banana plugs.
Throughout my tests, I was struck by the
relaxed, natural character of the HAP-Z1ES/
TA-A1ES combination, and the way it made
music sound human rather than electronic.
For example, the attack and decay of the
strings on the baroque lute in Lachrimae
Caravaggio, a wonderful concept album by the
early music specialist Jordi Savall (Alia Vox, DSD
file ripped from SACD), were both perfect, and
wonderfully human. The baroque drum in the
dirge-like track “Lachrimae Tristes” had just the
right degree of thwack, and the period strings
had lots of character without ever sounding
wiry. Together, the two components created a
deep, wide soundfield around my speakers, with
voices and instruments beautifully delineated in
three-dimensional space.
Listening to Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden
play “My Ship” from their album Last Dance
(ECM, 96/24 download via HDTracks), Haden’s
bass had just the right degree of snap, and
Jarrett’s piano had great transient attack without
ever sounding clangy. This session between two
long-term friends and collaborators, recorded in
Jarrett’s home studio, sounded beguiling and
completely relaxed.
I really enjoyed the way these components
rendered the human voice, both male and
female. The growly, and at times almost-whispery
character of Leonard Cohen’s aging baritone on
“Almost Like the Blues” from Popular Problems
(Sony Music, 96/24 download via HDTracks)
and the vulnerable, mumbly quality of Rickie
Lee Jones singing “Altar Boy” from Traffic from
Paradise (DSD download via Super HiRez) were
both convincingly human.
In my experience, the DSD Re-mastering
Engine in the HAP-Z1ES works as advertised,
reproducing digital music in a relaxed, natural
FLAC and ALAC files at up to 192kHz/24-bit res-
olution, as well as DSD.
The HAP-Z1ES is unique in its DSD Re-mastering
Engine. This defeatable feature converts music,
regardless of format, to DSD 128 during playback,
after which it passes through a simple low-pass
filter before being routed to the output.
In the centre of the faceplate is a bright 4.3”
LCD; and to its right is a knob for moving through
menus, and buttons for selecting options. Menus
are well designed, so it doesn’t take long to
figure out how to select and play music using the
player’s controls. There’s also a small handheld
remote for skipping tracks, pausing and resuming
playback, and adjusting volume.
I expect most users will control the HAP-Z1ES
using Sony’s HDD Player app for Android and
Apple iOS devices. The app lets you select music
by artist, album, genre or track; and also explore
the folders on the HAP-ZES’s built-in 1TB hard
drive, and external drives attached to the player.
The app is colourful and well designed. Navigation
will be instantly familiar to anyone who has used
an application like iTunes.
To load music onto the HAP-Z1ES, you import it
from PCs and Macs over your home network. For
that purpose, it has built-in Wi-Fi as well as a rear-
panel Ethernet port. If your audio system is located
near your home router, a wired connection is
definitely preferable.
The method recommended by Sony for
importing music is to use its HAP Music Transfer
application, available for both Windows and Mac
OS X. The Transfer Settings window of HAP Music
Transfer lets you set the application to transfer
music to the HAP-Z1ES automatically. Then
whenever you add new music, it will automatically
be sent over your home network to the HAP-Z1ES.
You can also initiate transfers manually.
I could not get HAP Music Transfer to work
reliably on my Mac Mini. I would start a transfer,
then go off and do something else, expecting to
find my music on the HAP-Z1ES on my return. No
such luck. The application would transfer a track or
two, then stop functioning.
Sony suggested that I used Mac OS X Finder
to transfer music files manually. The HAP-Z1ES
shows up in Finder as a shared device, so you
can simply drag-and-drop the music you want
from the Mac to the Sony player. Easy as apple
pie: in fact I prefer this workaround to the semi-
automated method offered by the HAP Music
Transfer app. But this option is not covered in the
player’s documentation, and it would be tedious
to transfer a huge library this way.
I also tried the Windows version of HAP Music
Transfer on a Windows 7 system. It worked
flawlessly, performing manual and automatic
transfers exactly as advertised.
The Amplifier
Rated at 80 watts per channel (20Hz-20kHz, 8Ω,
0.09% THD), the TA-A1ES amplifier is a Class
A design, with some interesting wrinkles. The
advantage of Class A topology is that there’s no
crossover distortion when the signal changes
polarity. The disadvantage is inefficiency; over
50% of the energy consumed by a conventional
Class A amplifier is wasted as heat.
To get around this conundrum, the TA-A1ES
employs a Smart Bias design that adjusts the
bias voltage for the output transistors according
to the position of the volume control, so that
they operate in Class A mode all (or almost all) of
the time. Because the amplifier’s power supply
dynamically adjusts bias voltage to match
output, the amplifier is much more efficient than
traditional Class A designs.
The TA-A1ES is a hefty component, weighing
just shy of 40 pounds. Its beefy power supply
employs a 300VA toroidal power transformer
and 12,000μF of energy storage for each channel.
As noted, the TA-A1ES has the same outer
dimensions and cosmetic treatment as the
HAP-Z1ES player. On the left are the power
switch, a headphone jack and a rotary dial for
selecting headphone impedance. The TA-A1ES
has a dedicated headphone amplifier circuit;
many integrated amps just use the main output
to power headphones. On the right side is a large
volume control, with an LED level readout to its
left. In the middle are five push buttons, labeled
Line 1 through 5, for selecting music sources.
There are five sets of line-level inputs at the
back; Lines 1 through 4 are unbalanced inputs,
Sony’s well designed HDD Player app for iOS and Android lets users search for music on the HAP-Z1ES music server by artists, album, genre or track. You can also use the app to edit metadata of the music on the player.
42 www.wifihifi.ca
Hands-On Review
TWO-CHANNEL AUDIO
connected to the PM8005’s preamp output to fill
in the bottom octaves. I used the SA-8005’s optical
drive to play SACDs, and its DAC to play lossless
and high-resolution files from my Mac Mini, using
Audirvana Plus player software.
The amplifier’s beefy power supply and
high-current output stage seemed to pay real
dividends on a 96/24 download of Paul Lewis
playing Schubert piano sonatas (Harmonia
Mundi via eclassical.com). It reproduced the big
crescendos majestically and effortlessly.
And these two components could also be
delicate and subtle when needed. Steven
Stubbs’ lute playing on a 44.1/24 download of
Night Sessions by The Dowland Project (ECM via
HDTracks) sounded gorgeous, with wonderful
depth on the lower strings that expanded to fill my
room and superb expression on the upper strings.
Similarly, Morten Lund’s brush work on the snare
on “Edith” from Stone in the Water by the Stefano
Bollani Trio (ECM, CD rip) sounded just right.
Played through the SA8005’s DAC, a DSD
download of “Altar Boy” from Rickie Lee Jones’
Traffic From Paradise (Geffen Records via Super
HiRez) sounded captivating. There was a smooth-
ness and rightness to the sound that made it
easy to understand what all the buzz around
DSD is about. The two Marantz components
conveyed Jones’ slightly nasal, mumbly voice,
and the lovely guitar and mandolin playing, with
convincing detail, but without any unnatural
glare or sharpness.
On another DSD download, Delibes’ Coppelia
Suite (Reference Recordings via Super HiRez),
the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra was produced
on a big soundstage that extended well past
my speakers. Instrumental timbres were very
convincing, again without glare.
Turning to another 19th century orchestral
score, this time on SACD, the Marantz combination
acquitted itself very well with Dvorak’s Seventh
Symphony, played by the Budapest Festival
Orchestra conducted by Ivan Fischer (Channel
Classics). On this native DSD recording, the com-
ponents conveyed the big dynamic swings of the
opening movement with effortless ease.
As should be clear by now, I really enjoyed my
time with these two components. Together, the
PM8005 and SA8005 provide a thoroughly up-to-
date route to serious two-channel sound that
won’t break the bank; and as such are enthusi-
astically recommended. For music-lovers with
SACD libraries who are looking for a straight-
forward way to get into computer audio, my
recommendation is even stronger.
manner. At times, I thought the TA-A1ES sounded
a little too polite; but I was more struck by its total
ease of delivery.
My only reservations about the HAP-Z1ES are
the steep learning curve and poor documentation.
And not everyone will want to go through the
trouble of copying a music library from a computer
to the player. But this is a great-sounding product.
The TA-A1ES likewise sounds excellent.
The bottom line: these are two world-class stereo
components, eminently usable on their own, but
together forming a formidable combination.
MARANTZ PM8005 & SA8005
Priced respectively at $1,499 and $1,549, the
Marantz PM8005 integrated amplifier and
SA8005 SACD player/DAC are the top models in
the company’s mainstream line of two-channel
hi-fi components. These are matched com-
ponents, with signature Marantz cosmetics,
including front panels with rounded edges and
a three-dimensional etched company logo in the
centre. The overall look is updated 1970s retro.
A system remote control is provided with both
components. And both have fully discrete head-
phone amplifier circuits behind their front-panel
headphone output jacks.
Inside and Out
Construction is robust, with multi-layer bottom
plates (triple-layer on the amp, double-layer on
the disc player). Whereas many AV components
these days have plastic front panels, the SA8005
and PM8005 have metal faceplates, though these
appear to be stamped as opposed to cast. The
controls are solid and responsive, though without
the assured silky-smooth touch of higher-end
products. While the overall feel falls a little short
of luxury, both components exude quality.
Rather than op-amp ICs, both components
employ Marantz’s HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier
Module) technology: sub-boards populated with
discrete components. This improves dynamics and
detail, the company claims.
The amp: Rated at 2x70 watts into 8Ω and
2x100 watts into 4Ω, the PM8005 amplifier has
a beefy power supply, employing a redesigned
double-shielded toroidal power transformer
rated at 625VA; and an output stage with high-
speed high-current output devices. The point is
to enable the amplifier to deliver large amounts
of power quickly, to produce demanding short-
term peaks.
The PM8005 has a full range of input jacks,
including one for MM (moving magnet) phono,
and two sets of audiophile-grade gold-plated
speaker terminals. In addition to familiar bass
and treble controls, the amplifier also has a mid-
range control. It also has a Source Direct function
that bypasses all these controls. Selecting the
Source Direct option resulted in greater clarity
and solidity; and that is how I conducted all my
listening tests.
The player: The SA8005 has a centre-mounted
disc tray, with an LED readout below, and trans-
port and input controls on either side. There’s
also a USB input, for playing files from a USB
drive or i-device.
The SA8005 is somewhat unusual among disc
players in being able to play Super Audio CDs,
though of course only in two-channel. While
SACD had very limited success, the format has
have a faithful following of audiophiles, myself
included. I disposed of my CD library after
ripping it to a Mac Mini, but I’ve kept my SACD
collection, and appreciate having a player for
these discs.
The component also functions as a DAC. On the
back are a pair of line-level analog stereo output
jacks, coaxial and optical inputs and outputs, and
a USB 2.0 input for connecting a PC or Mac. The
USB DAC operates in asynchronous mode to all
but elminate jitter, and has isolation circuitry to
prevent transfer of noise from the computer via
the ground plane.
All digital inputs will accept PCM audio at
resolution as high as 192kHz/24 bits. In addition,
the rear-panel USB input can accept single-rate
(2.8MHz) and dual-rate (5.6MHz) DSD streams.
Listening
Over a three-week period, I spent many hours
listening to the SA8005 and PM8005, through KEF
LS50 speakers, plus a Sunfire Atmos XT subwoofer
44 www.wifihifi.ca
THE 12V SCENE POST FUTURE SHOP
Best Buy Canada retired the Future Shop banner
in March, with over 100 12V installation bays in
them. With 66 Future Shops shuttered, there
are just seven Autotech bays in as many cities.
Here, some insiders share what effects this has
on Canada’s 12V industry.
While Best Buy Canada actually exited 12V
in-shop installations and sales several years ago,
it continued to offer 12V online. Product has
started to reappear in its stores, according to
some independent retailers.
Elliott Chun, the company’s Communications
Manager, notes “Geek Squad also has an elite
task force of installers who specialize in setting
up customer’s vehicle electronics, so they don’t
have to, from decks to amps and speakers.”
Future Shop’s exit was summed up by Tony
Dehnke of Driven Audio in Abbotsford, BC. “It is
still early days,” he reflects.
The Market is Still There
The dearth of Best Buy installation bays will not
instantly eliminate the market, say our industry
insiders. “Market size does not evaporate over-
night,” advises Tony Verni, Director of Sales at
Pioneer Electronics of Canada. “Consumers will
seek their wants at retailers providing them with
their requirements.”
Approximately 23 million motor vehicles are
registered in Canada, according to Verni. “Most
of today’s 12V business is driven by a couple of
factors: by regulations, and demand for Web
services. For example, provincial hands-free
regulations have helped fuel growth in car audio
receivers with Bluetooth.
“Most of those cars,” says Verni, “are two years
old, or older, and do not have Bluetooth or smart-
phone integration.”
Marcel Newell, President of Avidworx, a
Vancouver-based company specializing in
merchandising and marketing for 12V retailers,
opines that “People have money, and they will
spend it somewhere.
“The problem is,” he contends, “that the public
might forget about 12V electronics.” Out of sight,
out of mind, is his concern.
Jody Culbertson, founder of Absolute
Training, based in Milwaukee, WI, agrees.
Absolute specializes in training and marketing
12V specialists in the U.S. and Canada. “The big
downside,” he stresses, “is the lack of exposure:
one less flyer, one less TV ad.”
No More Free Marketing!
Most independent 12V retailers, muses Culbertson,
are not great marketers, investing time instead
in technical details of new products and tech-
niques. He and Newell believe losing Future
Shop’s great category advertising power means
independents must become savvier about mod-
ern marketing techniques, and/or hire firms like
theirs to help them.
“SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is essen-
tial,” he notes. “Now, 90 per cent of people shop
through their phones. They Google, and see the
ads, and read reviews.”
Paul Kenth of Advanced Mobile Entertainment
in Brampton, ON, agrees. “Everybody has mobile
devices, and they check for prices while talking
to us in our store.”
Once SEO has led a shopper to the retailer’s
Website, adds Culbertson, the site had better be
effective. “It must identify and solve their problem
in 30 seconds.”
Both Dehnke and Kenth note a slight increase
in the number of customers looking for bar-
gains. But as with all bricks-and-mortar retailing,
getting the shopper in is half the battle won.
“Independents just have to sell value, not price,”
says Culbertson.
Installation Required
Further, retailers offering 12V installation have
one obvious advantage, as Verni, Newell, and
others emphasize: products still must be installed
in vehicles. And because some aftermarket
electronics are difficult to install, consumers are
less inclined to do so themselves.
Further, some current demands like rear seat
entertainment, heated seats, remote starters,
and collision avoidance systems, were only avail-
able as expensive new car options, or not at all,
until recently. “And,” notes Verni, “the average
personal vehicle Canada is approximately 9.3
years old.” Even new cars, claims Culbertson, are
behind the aftermarket innovation curve.
And while, as he notes, increasingly common
plug-and-play 12V electronics reduce some
electronic difficulties, particularly for connected
in-dash music/video systems, installation grinding
continues for the above add-ons.
All of the retailers with whom we spoke dislike
installing components bought elsewhere. “We
are booked up with our own product installs,”
says Paul Connolly of Natural Sound in Kitchener,
ON. “Thus, we strongly recommend installation
where purchased, preventing ‘it’s the product-
it’s the install’ issues.”
Who Will Benefit?
Jay Eisworth of KustomEis Car Audio in Regina
says his store “has not seen substantial sales
increases” since Future Shop’s March closure.
“Our clients want a local specialist to assist in
their purchase, offering expert guidance every
step of the way. It’s the few remaining larger box
stores which will see increased marketshares
from this closure.”
Canadian Tire is one big box Culbertson thinks
can profit from Future Shop’s exit. “They have
product, space, bays, and there are ex-Future
Shop installers looking for work.” Canadian Tire
had not replied to queries by press time.
Most upbeat about the current 12V scene is
Trevor Mustard of Direct Audio in Prince Albert,
SK. “Everything is coming up roses,” he enthuses.
“We’re strictly 12V, with three installers, one
more than last year. We are also seeing larger
systems. As summer turns to another remote
starter season, our forecast is excellent.”
Knowing vendors want to maintain market-
share, however, Kenth hopes they don’t “start
opening up every shop in town.”
Not a chance, counters Culbertson. “They’ll
help independents, now their major market. And
more and more retail consumers are turning to
independent specialists, trusting them more
than big boxes.”
TALKING SHOP
BY WALLY HUCKER
“Market size does not evaporate overnight. Consumers will seek their wants at retailers providing them with their requirements.”
46 www.wifihifi.ca
TALKING SHOP
THE REALITIES OF SHOPLIFTING
Last month, we posted an article at WiFiHiFi.ca
about how Toronto independent Apple specialist
retailer BeachMac designed its new location to
include an open space with good sightlines to
the merchandise. The reason was to make for a
relaxing shopping experience for the customer,
but also to ensure that merchandise does not
“grow legs and walk out the door.” It resulted
in a critical comment on the perceived negative
reporting focusing on theft. Another commenter
chimed in that we can’t ignore the realities: theft
from retailers is a huge problem.
How huge? It costs retailers $3 billion yearly,
says the Retail Council of Canada (RCC). That’s
about $8.2 million daily. This whopping figure
can be attributed to “boosting” (as theft is often
referred) in addition to card fraud, bar code
switching, break & enters, smash & grabs, rob-
beries, and counterfeit money.
BeachMac’s former location, a cozy little shop
with barely room to swing a cat, had been victim
of a gang of boosters. “In the new shop,” says
Owner and Founder Myles Kesten of the sparsely
furnished store, “it’s much easier to keep an eye
on things. The sales counter is directly across
from the display of notebook computers.”
Common Theft Tactics
Small but high-value CE items are favourites of
boosters. While solo shoplifters are common,
often two or more members of a gang of boost-
ers work a store. Some distract the staff while
others steal.
A Best Buy in Barrie, ON was victimized just
before Christmas. At least one man and one
woman entered on a busy Saturday, apparently
communicating via cell phones. The man
extracted products from their packaging, passing
them to the woman, who stashed the goods
in a fake pregnancy belly. The couple left with
thousands of dollars of hot goods, and shortly
thereafter, an electronics store in Newmarket, a
half hour’s drive south, reported that the couple
had visited them, too.
Although this method is now seen more often,
it is not new. Bob Rabbito, Owner and Founder
of Trutone Electronics in Mississauga, ON, recalls
such an attempted theft several years ago.
“There was a lady who looked quite pregnant
who had stuffed a CD player under her skirt.”
Fake pregnancy bellies are just one ploy used.
Voluminous, long booster skirts serve the same
purpose. Doug Argue, founder of the iconic
Sound Plus in Vancouver, told of a gang using
a baby carriage to try to make off with a large,
valuable amplifier. According to Don Berezowski,
a Sears Canada Divisional Vice President of Loss
Prevention and Safety, such a gang can steal
upwards of $20,000 worth of goods a day.
Lone wolves still operate, sometimes very
boldly. Your correspondent witnessed a man
carrying a box with a TV calmly bypass a check-
out line in a Canadian Tire store. While simul-
taneously dangling a receipt from his lips and
smiling, he managed to say that he had paid
for it at “the other end,” before heading out the
door to the street.
Promoting Prevention
Organized retail crime gangs don’t like electronic
article surveillance (EAS), adds Ravinder Sangha,
Marketing Manager at retail security solutions
provider Halo Metrics. So much so that they prefer
to steal in stores lacking them.
But increasingly sophisticated gangs try to
counter EAS with foil-lined booster bags and
clothing, and electronic jamming. Retailers,
however, can fight back in this electronic war,
says Sangha. Foil bag and jammer detectors are
available to counter thieves’ countermeasures.
Retailers can go one step further. “When placed
in booster bags,” he notes of Halo Metrics’ 3 Alarm
products, “they will often self-alarm even if the
EAS gates do not.”
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure. Adequate and well-trained staff is the
frontline defense against theft. Don’t let shop-
pers feel anonymous, advises the RCC. “Watch
customers’ eyes,” it says. “Normal customers
look for sale items, flyers and carts, while thieves
look for staff.”
Don’t hide your security measures. Make cam-
eras visible. Even if they don’t stop every thief,
they are invaluable in identifying them and their
methods, and prosecuting them. Use electronic
anti-theft measures.
If possible, deal with thieves inside the store,
suggests the RCC, where they are likely to aban-
don their heist. RCC suggests a pointed yet civil
approach such as “You know, we have baskets,
so you don’t have to carry those things in your
pocket to the cash.”
If thieves make it outside the store with mer-
chandise, do not confront them, warn police and
security experts. That TV thief at Canadian Tire
was chased by an alerted manager, whereupon
he dropped the set, and punched him before
fleeing. No merchandise is worth potential
injury or death.
Most police departments have community
relations officers who are available and willing to
advise retailers how to better combat boosting,
and other forms of theft. They often know the
local criminal scene, and current scams. Contact
them, and heed their advice.
The new location of Toronto independent Apple specialist retailer BeachMac, which is three times the size of the previous store, employs an open concept for the purpose of both relaxing customers, and giving staff a better line-of-sight of the merchandise. Last May, there was an attempted robbery at the former location.
June 2015 47
TALKING SHOP
SURVEYING CANADA’S RETAIL
LANDSCAPE
As of 2013, Canada had 39% less mall space per
capita, than the U.S., according to an Industry
Canada study that year. And Canadian malls
outperformed U.S. malls in sales per square
foot. After equalling American revenue in 2004
at US$380 per square foot, Canada’s mall sales
grew to almost US$600 per square foot by 2011.
That’s almost 50% more than American malls.
Yorkdale Mall in Toronto had the second best
sales in North America, at about $1,200 per
square foot.
In the last couple of years, numerous large
hybrid outlet malls, such as Toronto Premium
Outlets in Halton Hills, ON, have opened. This
one, and many others, are so popular that they
cause traffic jams each weekend.
Strip malls, however, are losing retail traffic,
vacancy rates are climbing significantly, and
many are crumbling, says Industry Canada. Also
losing out are consumers without automobiles
who walk, bike, or take transit to these local
stores. Likewise affected are many young people
entering the job market, dependent on strip mall
retailers for their first jobs.
Target & More Leave Empty
Real Estate Behind
But the biggest changes to Canada’s retail land-
scape in recent years have been Target Canada
opening, then closing 133 big stores in less than
two years. After announcing its exit from Canada
in January of this year, all 133 locations were
closed within three months.
With those 133 stores and three distribution
centres, there was suddenly a lot of big box retail
real estate available. And more became available
when Best Buy Canada retired the Future Shop
banner, and closed 66 of those stores. Then
there is Sears Canada, which for several years has
been exiting flagship city centre malls across the
country. So what is happening to all that space?
Sears’ landlords have generally managed to
find replacements, such as Nordstrom. It occu-
pied the vacated space in Vancouver’s Pacific
Centre and Ottawa’s Rideau Centre.
In early May, three biggies acquired the use
of 38 ex-Target stores (pending court approval),
and two distribution centres. Walmart Canada
and Lowes bid $165 million and $151 million
respectively at auction for 13 stores and a
huge distribution centre, each. (Walmart also
confirmed it would spend another $185 million
on renovations.) Canadian Tire anted up $17.7
million for 12 store locations.
Target Canada sold 11 leaseholds to Oxford
Properties and Ivanhoe Cambridge, for $138
million, in March. Another 55 ex-Target stores
received no bids, and were returned to the land-
lords who will try to make their own deals for
tenants. That still leaves a lot of locations in limbo.
Other big players, Loblaw being touted as
one, may take up some space. In March, Loblaw
announced that it would spend $1.2 billion to
build 50 new stores and renovate 100 others.
“We’re certainly involved in discussions,” con-
firmed President Galen Weston in early May with
regards to taking Target spaces. “Though,” he
cautioned, “…There’s not a huge number of sites
that would be particularly complementary to us.”
London Drugs confirmed to WiFi HiFi that it will
eventually expand east to Ontario, and that some
Target locations might be considered. Size is the
rub for many retailers, and mall owners. Unless
the Target spaces are subdivided, occupancy
opportunities could be limited. London Drugs’
79 stores average about 27,000 square feet – an
entire Target location is far too big.
Former Future Shops may be more accom-
modating size-wise for London Drugs. Location,
however, is always a factor, and what suited
Future Shop patrons may not suit London Drugs.
What About the Malls?
As noted above, great sales figures per square
foot (and traffic jams) are indicators that
Canadians still like to shop at bricks-and-mortar
stores. Despite Canadians spending over $15
billion online by 2010, many are still hesitant
to spend via the Web. (Over 35% refuse to buy
online due to credit card security concerns,
wrote Canada’s Standing Committee on Industry,
Science and Technology in 2012.)
But as good as those aforementioned square
foot/dollars may be for malls, between 1989 and
2013, there were only two major indoor malls
built in Canada: Vaughan Mills north of Toronto,
and CrossIron Mills in Calgary. So why aren’t
there more malls being built?
Municipalities, according to Industry Canada,
have often favoured residential and industrial
construction over retail. Land for malls has
become scarcer and pricier in Canada. Some
malls have expanded vertically. Even accounting
for the hesitancy of many Canadian consumers
to shop via the Internet, there is pressure on
bricks-and-mortar from online shopping.
And instead of malls, many developers built
power centres, which attracted big-box retailers
as anchors and medium-size chains as tenants. In
five years, from 2006 through 2010, power-centre
tenancy increased over 40% from 8,627 to 12,086,
and average number of tenants increased almost
30%. The number of big boxes in power centres
increased 19% to over 3,500.
But despite the hiatus in mall building, there
is, however temporarily, a glut of retail mall
space in Canada. Right now, it’s a buyers’ mar-
ket, and for the time being, retailers can afford
to be selective.
From large shopping malls, to new hybrid outlet malls, strip malls, big box chains, and plenty of open real estate, we can expect a shakeup in the retail landscape in Canada.
48 www.wifihifi.ca
TALKING SHOP
GIBSON INNOVATIONS COMING TO
CANADA, AIMS FOR NO. 1 GLOBALLY
Wiebo Vaartjes, CEO of Gibson Innovations and
Member of the Board of Gibson Brands, took
to the stage at the IFA Global Press Conference
(GPC) in Malta in April to announce the transfer of
Philips Lifestyle Entertainment to Gibson Brands.
Since 2006, Vaartjes has held the posts of
CEO of Philips Lifestyle (also known as WOOX)
and country CEO of Philips Hong Kong. In 2014,
he led the transfer of Philips Lifestyle following
its acquisition by Gibson. The acquisition
follows Gibson’s investments in audio brands,
including Onkyo and TEAC. Gibson Brands is
a privately held company with a portfolio of
music and audio brands for both consumer and
professionals, which also includes Philips Fidelio,
Go Gear, and Trainer.
The combined company becomes a global
lifestyle entertainment powerhouse, in audio,
headphones, video, home cinema, multimedia,
home communications and accessories.
Vaartjes stressed Gibson’s goal of becoming
the number-one music lifestyle brand in the
world. He introduced the brand by calling it a
start-up with a 122-year legacy. The combined
company represents 2,500 products through 18
global distribution centres averaging two million
weekly shipments and 100 million products sold
each year.
“The diversified company,” says Vaartjes,
“allows Gibson Innovations to target products to
a diverse group of consumers based on needs
and aspirations.” The Gibson, Trainer, and Onkyo
brands target premium customers, and Go Gear
and Philips the more budget-conscious consumer.
Trainer by Gibson is a new health-focused brand.
At the IFA conference, the company showed off
conceptual drawings of headphones under the
brand that incorporate an “aeroflex” headband
that keeps the headphones in place while in
motion. Trainer by Gibson has been created in
partnership with Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive
and six-time Olympic Gold medalist.
Keith Michael, Vice President of Marketing,
Gibson Innovations USA, confirmed that Canada
will go live in 2015, with Canadian CE vet-
eran Terry Hatzis leading the organization, in
charge of sales. Hatzis, who will report to Todd
Richardson, Executive Vice President/General
Manager at Gibson Innovations, previously
worked for P&F USA.
Michael also stressed that it’s “anything but”
business as usual with Gibson Innovations. “Since
Gibson Brands signed the agreement with
Philips in June 2014,” he explains, “we have
been working hard to put the full branded
portfolio to work. We have signed a seven-year
license agreement with Onkyo for connected
speakers and headphones. We will also launch
the Go Gear brand – a fresh, energetic and fun
brand targeted towards consumers who are
young at heart and expect value for money.” Go
Gear products range from in-ear and headband
headphones, to Bluetooth speakers.
Gibson Innovations plans to launch more than
50 new SKUs for the Canadian market under the
Philips brand alone, focusing on mobile and
home accessories.
Interbrand ranks Philips #42 among the most
valuable brands in the world, with an estimated
value of over US$10 billion. Gibson Innovations is
the global licensee of the Philips brand in audio,
headphones, video, home cinema, multimedia,
home communications and related accessories.
Philips Lifestyle Entertainment has been transferred to Gibson Brands, and the company has big plans for the Canadian market, including launching more than 50 new SKUs under the Philips brand, focused on mobile and home accessories.
has been transferred to Gibson
NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP’S new
specialty custom integration group called
HTSN (Home Technology Specialists of
Nationwide) is a strategic alliance between
Nationwide and HTSA (Home Technology
Specialists of America), a group of 60 CI
specialists in the U.S., with 90 locations
stateside. Jeannine Ghaleb, President & COO
of Cantrex Nationwide, a wholly-owned
division of Nationwide Marketing Group,
says its 300 members specializing in
consumer electronics will be able to benefit
from this partnership. HTSA lists over 60
prime vendors, from mainstream companies
like LG and Sony through CI mainstays like
Control4, Sanus and Sonance, to niche
suppliers like Thorens, GoldenEar and
Classé. A few of their higher-end component
and speaker suppliers include the likes of
Bowers & Wilkins, Lexicon, Runco, Mark
Levinson and Stewart Filmscreen. A number
of vendors designing and/or manufacturing
in Canada, such as Anthem, Paradigm and
PSB, are also sourced.
Jeannine Ghaleb, President & COO Cantrex Nationwide; Dave Bilas, President & COO, Nationwide Marketing Group; Tom Hickman, Senior Vice President Electronics, Nationwide Marketing Group
50 www.wifihifi.ca
TALKING SHOP
MONERIS’ new service called Verify aims to help protect large retailers against return
fraud. Powered by The Retail Equation (TrE), it uses statistical modelling to analyze data
and determine if behaviour exhibited at the point-of-return is inconsistent with a retailer’s
return policy or mimics return fraud. Predictive analytics look for patterns among the
different variables in a consumer’s return history, including return frequency, time of
return, purchase amounts and others. The idea is to help reduce instances of common
types of return fraud, including the return of stolen merchandise, shoplisting, receipt
fraud, price switching, and wardrobing or renting. Moneris will be the exclusive reseller
of TRE’s Verify service in Canada.
WHO WENT WHERE?
StubHub has appointed
Jeff Poirier as its new
Country Manager for
Canada, replacing Anthony
Lipschitz. In this position,
he will be focused on
developing new products
and product enhancements
tailored to the Canadian fan, and creating a
more cohesive end-to-end experience within
the site and mobile products. Poirier will be
splitting his time between the corporate
headquarters and the Toronto-based office.
Cesium has promoted
Lance Singer to Senior
Account Manager. Singer
has been with Cesium
for the past two years.
In addition to his role as
leader for the corporate
team, Singer will take
on responsibilities for growing the Telus
and Bell client business.
Microcel Accessories has
appointed Chris Rossi
(top) to the position
of Product Manager;
and promoted Danika
Patawaran to Sales &
Marketing Co-ordinator.
Rossi was recently the
on-air electronics buyer
at The Shopping Channel.
Prior to that, he worked
as a product and global
sourcing manager for
Synnex Corporation
and Gentec International.
In his new position,
Rossi will be responsible for driving existing
business and developing new categories.
Patawaran, who was previously product
and marketing assistant at Microcel,
has been promoted to Sales & Marketing
Coordinator. She has been with Microcel
for three years, originally hired as a temp.
In this expanded position, Patawaran
will be responsible for all marketing
aspects of the firm, and supporting the
sales managers.
STAUB ELECTRONICS NAMED CANADIAN DISTRIBUTOR FOR SONOS,
APPOINTS NEW ONTARIO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Staub Electronics has been appointed a
Canadian distributor for the full line of
Sonos wireless HiFi products.
“We are honoured to have been selected as
a Canadian distributor for this exciting and
category leading brand,” says Scott Trotter,
President of Staub. “The team at Sonos has
created something special that enables our
dealers to easily and wirelessly connect their
customers’ homes with the largest selection
of streaming music services on the market.
This is truly an exciting time for Staub and
our dealers.”
Sonos wireless speakers and audio com-
ponents can all be controlled using a
smartphone, tablet or desktop application.
They come pre-loaded with access to over
130,000 free Internet radio stations, shows,
and podcasts. Music can also be played
from any computer in any room, stored on up to 16 PCs, Macs or NAS (Network Attached Storage)
devices on a home network. Kevin McCuaig, Country Manager for Sonos, says the company is “excited
to partner with Staub.”
Staub will be holding regular Sonos training webinars for those interested in becoming a Sonos
Authorized Dealer. Contact your Territory Account Manager for details or call 1-888-470-2211.
Those dealers currently buying Sonos on a direct basis will continue doing so, and will be unaffected
by this appointment.
In related news, Staub has also appointed Matt Daub to the position of Ontario Business
Development Manager for its Custom Installation (CI) Division. In this position, Daub will be
responsible for maintaining existing business relationships and growing new
business throughout the province.
Daub spent the last almost two decades as an independent sales
representative at DIRE Marketing, where he handled a wide range of brands
in the audio and video space, most notably from the D+M group, including
Denon, Marantz and Boston Acoustics. In July 2013, Daub added Staub
brands to his repertoire, representing them in southwestern Ontario. He
added the rest of the province to his roster by the end of the year. He has
now taken on a full-time position with Staub. Matt Daub
Scott Trotter
June 2015 51
TALKING SHOP
WHO’S DOING WHAT?
ReSource Group Canada has been appointed Canadian
sales arm for Chamberlain garage door control products.
ReSource Group will focus on the MyQ technology for
connected garage door control, which lets users operate their
garage doors from anywhere in the world using a smartphone
or tablet, and receive alerts and notifications.
Sennheiser has signed an agreement with Run Distribution, a regional distribution company
servicing the telecommunications market in Quebec. Run is a channel-focused distributor of
VoIP hardware and solutions with a customer base of close to 1,200 resellers in the Quebec area.
Sennheiser offers several products for the contact centre and office environments. Contact Run
Distribution at (514) 416-5444.
Staub Electronics has forged a renewed partnership with AAMP of America, a global supplier
of mobile AV products, mobile device accessories, installation and fabrication supplies and OEM
integration solutions. In addition to PAC products being once again available to dealers (AAMP
is the parent company), Staub is expanding its offering of AAMP of America products to include
products from Best Kits, Stinger, iSimple and Sound Quest.
Central Audio-Video has signed on with Mega Group
for its financing. The company is the retail arm of Distribution
Centrale, based in Lachine, QC. Before joining Sonxplus’
Alliance Electronique sticker banner, Central had been a
member of Stereo Plus’ Zone Electronique sticker banner.
As such, Central had been financing with GE Capital GE
Commercial Distribution Finance.
HiFiMAN has appointed D2MK Solutions – headed by industry
veteran Dale Mackintosh – as its sales representative for all Canadian
provinces except Quebec, where Asona Ltd. will continue to
represent the brand. Founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007, HiFiMAN
is best known for its acclaimed planar magnetic headphones,
including the HE-560. The company also offers in-ear monitors,
portable digital music players and headphone amplifiers.
Effective April 20th, Fillion Éléctronique joined Sonxplus’ sticker
banner Alliance Éléctronique. Bernard Fillion and his wife Sylvie
Thibault own two CE stores, one on Sherbrooke St. E., Montreal, the
other just a little north in Laval. The former is 10,000 square feet, the
latter 5,000. They employ 44. In joining Alliance Éléctronique, Fillion
becomes a member of Power Audio Video Group.
AMAZON.CA has launched two new
dedicated stores: one for drones and one
for wearables. The drones store offers
UAVs from brands like Parrot and DJI,
plus building kits, parts and accessories,
as well as buying guides. The wearables
store, meanwhile, sells wearables from
brands like Jawbone, Garmin, Fitbit
and Motorola, as well as emerging
brands like Lumo and Spire. Both stores
will include all the typical Amazon.ca
features, including free two-day shipping
with Amazon Prime, reviews, product
recommendations and best sellers.
Orders can be shipped in two days in
Toronto and Vancouver.
IKEA CANADA will open its first North
American Pick-Up-Points later this year
in London and Quebec City. Such smaller
locations (“only” about 20,000 square feet)
are already popular in Norway and Spain.
Up to 10 are slated for Canada. Ikea has only
12, albeit huge, stores in Canada. Customers
in London currently face almost a four-hour
round trip to the nearest Ikea superstore,
and up to $450 in shipping fees for a kitchen.
They will be able to pick up orders at the
new location freight-fee-free, or have it
delivered for $80. More than just a shipping
depot, Ikea’s Pick-Up-Points offer displays,
samples and a selection of carry-home
merchandise. London’s PUP will feature
five bathroom displays; four kitchens;
three bedding displays; four for wardrobes;
and 75 of furniture and furnishings. There
will also be eight desks and 10 tablets for
customers to plan purchases. Staff will
number about 20.
AVAD LLC has added Sonus faber and Sumiko products to its offering
of high-performance audio products, including the former’s Venere Series
and the latter’s S.O, S.5, and S.9 subwoofers. Both brands are part of the
product portfolio of Fine Sounds Group, the holding company of the
brands Audio Research and McIntosh.
52 www.wifihifi.ca52 www.wifihifi.ca
CHARGINGON-THE-GOin StyleBY CHRISTINE PERSAUD
LOGiiX Piston Power Slim 360
Logiix.net • • • • •
What We Love About the Look:
It’s ultra sleek, sexy, and slim (just 7mm!),
and comes in sophisticated colour options,
like black, graphite grey and gold, making
it as fitting for the business executive as it
is for the student. Your colleagues will be
impressed when you pop this beauty out
of your briefcase at the next meeting.
Charging Capacity: 5,000mAh for charging
a phone up to three times per charge.
Additional Features: LED battery indicator
advises when it’s running low.
Price: $50
Canadian Distributor: Atlantia
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation XL
Mophie.com • • • • •
What We Love About the Look:
The traditional styling will appeal to those
who don’t want something too flashy. It looks
like a portable hard drive, at about the size
of a deck of cards, fitting right in with the rest
of your computing gear. But it packs a ton
of power in that small footprint.
Charging Capacity: 12,000mAh for
charging most smartphones up to eight
times; can charge two devices, including
tablets, at once; can switch among 500mA,
1A, and 2.1A charging.
Additional Features: LED status indicator
to tell you how much power is left.
Price: $160
Canadian Distributor: Microcel Accessories
Universal EnerPlex Jumpr Slate 5k Ultra Slim Chargepack
Goenerplex.com • • • • •
What We Love About the Look:
I’ll bet you’ve never seen anything like this:
the charger has built-in holes on the side for
conveniently storing it in a binder or folder,
right along with your papers. It’s just 0.87”
thin, with a sturdy, rubberized look, and can
be used with just about any portable device
you can think of. Back-to-school, anyone?
Charging Capacity: 5,100mAh; 1A (5 watt)
and 2.4A (12 watt) output for various devices.
Additional Features: Tethered micro USB
and USB; four-level battery status indicator.
Price: $80
Canadian Distributor:
Hitfar Concepts
HOW MANY TIMES has your smartphone battery died at the worst possible time?
Having a portable charger on hand is a must nowadays. How else could we get
through a typical day of e-mailing, Web browsing, social media sharing, photo-
taking, navigating, gaming, video-viewing, music streaming – the list goes on?
The good news is that there are tons of affordable on-the-go chargers that can
give your phone (or tablet) at least one full extra charge. Some incorporate an
Apple Lightning or microUSB connector right into the device, so you don’t need
to bring along a cable. Others add neat features, like wireless charging, dual ports,
a built-in flashlight or bottle opener on the other end – you name it, we’ve seen it.
Those are all important features. But there’s another important factor to consider
– design. Lipstick and credit-card-style models are common now. But how do they
actually look? Remember, this device is going to be with you 24/7, sitting in a
boardroom during that meeting, or on the table in a coffee shop, right beside your
phone. You care about the look of your phone’s case, whether it’s high fashion or
manly ruggedness. Why not your charger as well?
That said, here are our picks of some of the coolest-looking portable chargers on
the market, all of which pack a punch feature-wise too.
June 2015 53
myCharge Style Power
Mycharge.com • • • • •
What We Love About the Look:
A wide selection of super-cute patterned
options to accessorize your entire look.
It can be disguised as lipstick in your
purse, or a mini flashlight or lighter in
your briefcase. Shh – we won’t tell!
Charging Capacity: 2,000mAh (1A output)
Additional Features: LED charge indicators;
pass-through to charge both the charger
and your mobile device at the same time;
integrated USB cable for recharging directly
from a computer.
Price: $30 (availability TBA)
Canadian Distributor: Erikson Consumer
iessentials Powerbank
Mizco.com • • • • •
What We Love About the Look: It’s. Just. Simple. No fuss, no muss. Boxy, black, but it does
the trick. And sometimes fashion is about simplicity.
Charging Capacity: Three sizes: 4,500, 6,000, and 10,000mAh, the latter of which offers up
to seven full charges; each has two USB ports for charging two devices at a time.
Additional Features: Comes with a microUSB cable, and comes pre-charged so you can
use it right out of the box.
Price: $30-$50 Canadian Distributor: Curve Distribution
Prong PWR Case for iPhone 6
Prong.com • • • • •
What We Love About the Look:
It’s actually a charging case for iPhone 6
(iPhone 5 version also available). But there’s
a twist: fold-out AC ports on the back of
the outer layer for recharging the case
(and phone) from any standard wall
socket as well.
Charging Capacity: Can recharge an iPhone
6 from 80-100% on a charge; fully charges
smartphone via wall plug in about an hour.
Quick-Charge option also available.
Additional Features: MicroUSB port for
charging; quick release of outer layer while
still keeping your phone protected with the
inner layer; LED charge indicator.
Price: $100 (pre-orders); iPhone 5 version
available now.
Canadian Distributor:
ReSource Group Canada
Mipow Mirror Power
Mipow.com • • • • •
What We Love About the Look:
Charge your smartphone while also making
sure there’s no spinach in your teeth!
Ideal for female fashionistas, it combines a
portable charger with a convenient pocket
makeup mirror. It’s super compact at just
125 x 68 x 12.05 mm, comes in red, black,
white, or with a lip-smacked design.
Charging Capacity: 3,000mAh, 1A
Additional Features: Comes with a nice
suede pouch that doubles as a cleaning
cloth for the mirror.
Price: $55
Canadian Distributor: Cesium
54 www.wifihifi.ca
Dean jokes that
at five feet tall,
his sport of
choice in school
was gymnastics.
Dean MillerPresident & CEO, Lenbrook Americas
HOW DID YOU GET HERE? AS TOLD TO JOHN THOMSON
James B. Conant High School, Hoffman Estates, IL (1969-1973)
Illinois State University, B.S. degree Economics
& B.A. degree Business (1973-1977)
My wife, our two sons, music, older cars & golf (in that order).
“You busted your butt, worked on weekends, stayed in the lousy hotel to save the company money. You poured your heart and
soul into it. But three months after you’re gone, no one will remember your name. So don’t feel bad – take your vacation.”
“You get hired for what you know and/or what you can do. You get fired for what you say.”
My career has allowed me to travel the world and meet some incredible people.
2002-2010 | President, AudioQuest, LA
1999-2001 | President, Nakamichi USA Corp., LA
1990-1997 | President, Bang & Olufsen America, Chicago
1997-1998 | President, Rolls-Royce & Bentley
Motor Cars, Inc., NY
2011-Present | President/CEO,
Lenbrook Americas, LA
1980-1989 | Executive Vice President & General Manager,
Nakamichi USA Corp., New York & Los Angeles
1973-1976 | Summers while in college on the
landscaping crew at the 100-acre Union 76 regional headquarters
“Those halcyon days of innocent youth
and experimentation. Some things are
better left unsaid. Jackson Browne,
Joni Mitchell, Dan Fogelberg & Jimmie
Spheeris – I thought they were all
speaking to me directly.”
“They have unquestioned
integrity and the long view.
It’s a breath of fresh air to be
with a company that values
kindness. That’s unheard of!”
“This industry is actually far
more similar than it is different
to specialty AV. The company
is probably a global icon
representing luxury, but we ended
up putting money in the boot
to move the cars due to over-
production and poor quality”
“Brilliant people. We rented the
Eiffel Tower to launch the BS 9000.
What fun! And rode horses up a
volcano in Iceland for a strategic
planning session.”
“I was totally unqualified,
but they hired me anyway.”
“This move proved to me that you can’t
go back to your old girlfriend. It was
the first time I had to run away from
something. Yikes! I’ll just leave it at that.”
“At a product launch in 1986,
I called a young comedian from the
Hermosa Beach Comedy Club my
wife and I visited on occasion to
come do a set for a dinner that was
planned at the last minute. To this
day, I still find myself uttering these
five words to dealers who ask:
Yes, that was Jerry Seinfeld.”
“Wonderful parents who stressed
education, hard work and sports.
As a result, my siblings are all over-
educated, over-achievers – and
since we were all five feet tall, the
sport of choice was gymnastics.”
SCHOOL
JOBS
PASSIONS & POINTS
Dean (right) with Etsuro Nakamichi and Lee Adams,
founder and marketing director of Nakamichi USA
Corp., respectively, circa 1980s.
Dean with his wife Patti and sons Kyle (left) and Ryan.
LIFE LESSONS
Want more details on Dean’s story about Jerry Seinfeld? Read the full account at WiFiHiFi.ca under “Industry” news.
“The power of a better product
and a high-performance team.”
800.340.1008 www.dandh.ca/wifi hifi
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