from Anywhere

64 Pages·2014·12.93 MB·English

from Anywhere
www.wifihifi.ca | July/August 2014 PM42710013
uSER inTERFACES
WITH URC, TOTAL CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE IS A SEAMLESS REALITY. INTEGRATE AND CONTROL LIGHTING, HVAC, WINDOW
A family of brilliant, intuitive controls. URC is known as the worldwide leader
SHADES AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FROM IN OR OUTSIDE THE HOME OR OFFICE. WOW YOUR CLIENTS WITH COLORFUL GUIS
and premium manufacturer of ergonomic human interfaces – which are beau-
ON KEYPADS, HANDHELD REMOTES, IDEVICES AND MORE. PROVIDE THEM WITH A SCALABLE SYSTEM THAT INSTALLS BETTER AND
tiful to look at and easy to use. With options for remotes, keypads and touch-
FASTER-THAN EVER BEFORE.
screens, it’s your choice. Plus, access all the benefits of Total Control through
your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with a mobile two-way app.
+ REMOTES & CONTROL INTERFACES + WHOLE-HOUSE AUDIO + WHOLE-HOUSE LIGHTING
+ STREAMING MEDIA + CENTRALIZED & IN-ROOM CONTROLLERS + ENERGY MANAGEMENT
+ HOME AUTOMATION + SURVEILLANCE + CLIMATE CONTROL
SonoS inTEg RATion
SYSTEM HARDWARE Seamless Control of Sonos Music Players. Total Control two-way integration with popular Sonos music players intro-
duced by URC and our partner Extra Vegetables. This works with current and past Sonos Zoneplayers and Playbar. It is
ultra-fast to select all music services supported by Sonos, radio stations, music library, favorites and more. This solution
provides full search on music library and services and delivers 6 presets (more may be added by programming). Full
control and ability to see what is happening is available on the TKP-2000, TKP-7000, TRC-1280 and the TC Mobile App.
Also, playlists and music stream tracks can be recalled from TKP-100 and TRC-780.
The brains behind the magic. Whether dis- Tuned to perfection. Enjoy high-quality music View 3rd party Surveillance,
played proudly in a rack or hidden inside a streamed around the house from any source, such as Wirepath cameras,
cabinet, Total Control’s processors do the heavy including internet radio, SiriusXM, Pandora, on URC interfaces. Display
lifting behind the scenes while you focus on and more. Add our award-winning DMS -AV for live, full-motion video from
the magic. the finest in performance with the ability to around your home or office
expand music with ease. with the touchscreen or
remote of your choice.
LEARn AbouT ToTAL ConTRoL DESign A nD PRogRAMMing in 1 DAY!
HOSTED BY STAUB ELECTRONICS
Join us for these powerful single day events that will introduce you to the Total Control Home Automation line of products, the
Complete two-way control and integration Control the climate from anywhere within
intuitive and quick URC Accelerator programming interface and the Drivers needed for bulletproof file creation. Attendees will
with Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting controls and your home or business environment in a way
come away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to build and program a Total Control Home Automation system.
Sivia QS Triathlon shades from Lutron. Enjoy like never before using Total Control remotes,
light and shade control as part of the Total keypads, touchscreens and iDevices. July 22 Markham, ON July 24 Montreal, QC
Control experience.
Space is limited. Register now at www.staub.ca/missioncontrol to reserve your spot!
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT
W. www.staub.ca
Need something sooner than Purchased something that Have a technical question Make shipping charges a thing We make business easier
A. 160 - 11791 Hammersmith Way, Richmond BC, V7A 5C6
later? We’ve got you covered! you wish you hadn’t? No or need help with system of the past! We offer some with Staub.ca. Build orders in
P. [phone] | F. [phone] | E. [email protected] Orders placed by 5:00pm problem! All products can design? We’re here to help! of the lowest prepaid freight the evening, on the weekend
ship same-day. Quick delivery be returned within 60 days Call one of our experts toll free levels in the business. Stock or over the course of a few
means you can stock less and of purchase for a full credit. at 888.470.2211 and let us less, order more frequently and days. View our latest pricing,
order when you need it. Leave More: www.staub.ca/terms. assist with your next project. improve your inventory turns stock availability and your
Not a Staub dealer? Becoming a customer is quick and easy.
the warehousing to us and and cash flow. Learn about entire order history, including
Call us at [phone] or visit www.staub.ca/support.
focus on your core business. our prepaid shipping policy previously purchased items to
More: www.staub.ca/terms. at: www.staub.ca/shipping. help with easy reordering. Click.
Order. Ship with Staub.ca.
uSER inTERFACES
A family of brilliant, intuitive controls. URC is known as the worldwide leader
and premium manufacturer of ergonomic human interfaces – which are beau-
tiful to look at and easy to use. With options for remotes, keypads and touch-
screens, it’s your choice. Plus, access all the benefits of Total Control through
your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with a mobile two-way app.
SonoS inTEg RATion
Seamless Control of Sonos Music Players. Total Control two-way integration with popular Sonos music players intro-
duced by URC and our partner Extra Vegetables. This works with current and past Sonos Zoneplayers and Playbar. It is
ultra-fast to select all music services supported by Sonos, radio stations, music library, favorites and more. This solution
provides full search on music library and services and delivers 6 presets (more may be added by programming). Full
control and ability to see what is happening is available on the TKP-2000, TKP-7000, TRC-1280 and the TC Mobile App.
Also, playlists and music stream tracks can be recalled from TKP-100 and TRC-780.
LEARn AbouT ToTAL ConTRoL DESign A nD PRogRAMMing in 1 DAY!
HOSTED BY STAUB ELECTRONICS
Join us for these powerful single day events that will introduce you to the Total Control Home Automation line of products, the
intuitive and quick URC Accelerator programming interface and the Drivers needed for bulletproof file creation. Attendees will
come away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to build and program a Total Control Home Automation system.
July 22 Markham, ON July 24 Montreal, QC
Space is limited. Register now at www.staub.ca/missioncontrol to reserve your spot!
Have a technical question Make shipping charges a thing We make business easier
or need help with system of the past! We offer some with Staub.ca. Build orders in
design? We’re here to help! of the lowest prepaid freight the evening, on the weekend
Call one of our experts toll free levels in the business. Stock or over the course of a few
at 888.470.2211 and let us less, order more frequently and days. View our latest pricing,
assist with your next project. improve your inventory turns stock availability and your
and cash flow. Learn about entire order history, including
our prepaid shipping policy previously purchased items to
at: www.staub.ca/shipping. help with easy reordering. Click.
Order. Ship with Staub.ca.
CONTENTS | July/August 2014
PUBLISHER’S NOTE .............................................................................................. 6
SHORT BITS
Highlighting some of the latest and coolest gear available, and coming soon. ...................................... 8
PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
CELEBRATING CANADIAN AUDIO
John Thomson
Cell: 416-726-3667 By Gordon Brockhouse
[email protected]
Different Drummers
@john__thomson (that’s 2 underscores)
Vince Bruzzese of Totem Acoustics freely acknowledges being outside
the mainstream of Canadian loudspeaker design. ................................................................. 18
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Going Global
Christine Persaud
[email protected] A major component of Paradigm Electronics’ international success
@ChristineTechCA is its Canadian manufacturing prowess. ........................................................................... 30
Built to Last
EDITOR-AT-LARGE Bryston started out as a manufacturer of blood analyzers. That all changed when an amplifier
Gordon Brockhouse designed by the owner’s son won a shootout at a big recording studio. ............................................ 40
[email protected]
Flying the Flags
A new ownership group at Simaudio wants to expose high-end audio to a new generation......................... 52
RETAIL EDITOR
Platform for Growth
Wally Hucker
Through its PSB and NAD brands, The Lenbrook Group has expertise in acoustics and electronics.
[email protected]
With its new Bluesound brand, Lenbrook is adding software design to the mix...................................... 58
CONTRIBUTORS
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Vawn Himmelsbach
Coping With a Changing Market
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT The back-to-school season is quickly changing as consumers buy more online, shop further into the year,
James Campbell and gravitate to categories like Bluetooth audio, tablets, portable chargers, and headphones.
[email protected] By Christine Persaud ............................................................................................. 20
How Does the Canadian Parent/Student Shop?................................................................. 24
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Cathy Thomson
RETAIL BIZ
[email protected]
Getting Outside Your Comfort Zone
As much as retailers say, “that’s not for me” or “that’s not what I do,” times are changing,
Melsa Media Inc.
and the industry needs to evolve with them.
194 Robinson Street
Oakville, Ontario By Wally Hucker .................................................................................................. 34
L6J 1G3
TALKING SHOP
Website: www.wifihifi.ca / www.wifihifi.com What those who sell online can learn from Lenovo-gate, Target tackles its troubles,
Twitter: twitter.com/wifihifimag and a prestigious design award for a Toronto indy shop.
Facebook: facebook.com/wifihifimag By Wally Hucker .................................................................................................. 42
All advertising inquiries: GOLDEN OLDIES
John Thomson Audiophiles treasure vintage audio gear for the same reason photographers treasure vintage lenses:
[email protected] intrinsic warmth and lushness that’s hard to duplicate on modern products.
By Gordon Brockhouse ........................................................................................... 54
5 TRAVEL APPS TO TAKE ON THE ROAD
Copyright 2014. WiFi Hifi is a registered brand of Melsa Media Inc. and
A look at 5 apps that can help simplify your travel plans and trips, from start to finish.
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 By Vawn Himmelsbach ........................................................................................... 60
written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by advertisers
are not necessarily those held by the publisher.
HOW DID YOU GET HERE?: CHRIS HETHERINGTON
Publications Mail Agreement Number: PM42710013
Business Number: 81171 8709 As told to Wally Hucker ........................................................................................... 62
4 | www.wifihifi.ca
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
OH CANADA
Ahh, summer! Finally, patios are open, the sky is bright and we have warm breezes from coast to coast. For the
next two months, most of us will find a moment to kick back and enjoy our fantastic country.
Canada has over three million lakes, more than any other country. Ontario alone is home to one third of
the world’s fresh water. Canada has the third cleanest air on the planet. Seventeen UNESCO World Heritage
sites are located in Canada. TripAdvisor.com has named Vancouver’s Stanley Park as the best park in the world.
National Geographic Traveler has called Ontario’s Muskoka Lakes district the top summer destination in the
world. They could just as easily have awarded the same accolades to Banff, Eastern Townships, the Laurentians
or the Cabot Trail.
Since 2009, Canada has moved up three spots in the Legatum Institute Global Prosperity Index, and now
ranks third, just behind Norway and Sweden. Traditionally, prosperity rankings have been based solely on
macroeconomic indicators like per-capita income and per-capita GDP. However, most people would agree that
there’s more to prosperity than accumulated material wealth. A genuine appraisal of prosperity will consider
the ability to experience the joy of everyday life, and the prospects of building an even better life in the future.
Legatum’s Prosperity Index is distinctive in that it is the only global measurement of prosperity based
on both income and well-being. And the reason that Canada ranks third out of 142 countries? We have the
best ranking in the world for personal freedom, and the highest tolerance for immigration and ethnicities.
Our inclusiveness defines us, and we are the envy of many nations.
At WiFi HiFi, we have been witnessing the joy of life in Canada through our numerous visits to retailers,
manufacturers and distributors who create our CE Industry. In this issue, Gordon Brockhouse profiles five
Canadian audio companies that have successfully made a name for themselves in at least 30 countries outside
of Canada. Typical of the interviews for this series, a meeting with Montreal-based Totem Acoustic that was
scheduled to run 90 minutes ended up taking four enjoyable hours; such is their passion for their craft. All five
of these companies are unique, with their own vision and own culture. But they had several things in common:
optimism, confidence in the future and a genuine love of what they’re doing. We left every meeting on our
audio road trip feeling happy to be part of this great industry.
As of this writing, the S&P, TSX and NASDAQ are all enjoying record highs, KPMG has reported that Canada
now ranks as the most tax-friendly country in the world for business, with Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal
taking the top three spots for tax-competitive major international cities. Ernst & Young is reporting that 79%
of Canadian executives believe the global economy is improving.
It’s truly a great time to be Canadian. We hope that you find a chair on a dock with an icy drink in hand
and something tasty cooking on the BBQ, while enjoying our summer double issue. Have a great summer.
Balance work with a bit of fun. You deserve it.
Thanks for reading.
John Thomson
[email protected]
6 | www.wifihifi.ca

SHORT BITS
SUMMER EDITION

Swiss Army Champ: The Champ
Keep an Eye Out: Keep an eye on the Survival Sidekick 10-in-1 Multitool isn’t
front patio or back deck with D-Link’s DCS- actually a Swiss Army product, but it sure acts
2330L outdoor HD wireless network camera, like one! In one handy gizmo is a weather radio, glass breaker,
which can be accessed by any smartphone, seatbelt cutter and, as the infomercials say, wait, there’s more! It’s also an
tablet or PC with a Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G connection AM/FM radio, and emergency mobile device charger (USB). In danger? Trigger
using the mydlink app. Equipped with an the red flashing distress light. Use the magnetic base to mount it to your car
IP65 weatherproof housing and designed for so it’s always accessible. Finally, there’s a compass, plus a hand-crank for
inclement conditions, it features 720p HD video recharging the internal battery in case you run out of juice. Designed like a
and night vision for viewing up to 4.6 metres in flashlight (3-LED), this emergency device is perfect for road trips and camping
complete darkness, as well as advanced motion getaways. $50 Champ-eprep.com
sensing technology, allowing users to receive
instant e-mail alerts based on changes to the
camera’s environment. $200 Dlink.ca

Stack ‘em Up: Stack up to five iDAPT Modulo expandable portable
batteries on top of one another to charge devices at 2,100 mAh each, and up
to 2.4 Amp via the built-in USB ports. The device itself recharges in 2.5 hours.
The coolest feature, however, is micro suction technology that lets you attach
the charger to the back of your device for neat and tidy on-the-go charging.
If you’re taking one camping or to the rustic cottage, there are also solar and
crank charging accessories. And the company is working on wireless charging
and dual cable models as well. Kickstarter.com

Take Me There: As you travel to
unfamiliar, perhaps exotic, locations this
summer, make use of the latest features
for the Google Maps app, which includes,
among other upgrades, integration with
the Uber taxi app. Available in 16 cities
On the Road Again: The last VW Bus rolled off the factory line for good worldwide, users can now open the Uber
late last fall after over 50 years in production. Heather Gardella’s travel trailer taxi app right from Google Maps when
company Dub Box has given a firm tip-of-the-hat to the iconic bus, which comparing route options, and see a taxi ride
is an inspiration for her Portland, OR-based company. These 1,500 pound, as one of those options. Those who have
12-foot fibreglass trailers reek of nostalgia, but are all 2014 and custom made to downloaded the Uber app and signed up
whatever colour and configuration you desire. Thinking of taking your CE retail for an account can flag partner cabs to pick
show on the road? Dub Box creates a commercial version that may just be the them up at a specified location, right from
perfect pop up for you to expand sales. From $19,500 Dubboxusa.com within the app. Google.com
8 | www.wifihifi.ca
The Best Speakers You’ve Never Seen
Invisible Speakers for Indoors and Outdoors
Exclusively distributed in Canada by
For dealer enquiries, call 416-603-9090 Ext. 304 or email [email protected]
SHORT BITS

Braving the Beach: We are big fans
of wireless audio, especially when it sounds
as good as Braven. We are even more
excited when you can take the speaker to
the beach and, at the end of the day, hose
it off. The BRV-X is waterproof, meeting
IPX5 standards, so it’s a perfect companion
for whatever adventure plans you have for
the summer. $230 Eriksonconsumer.com

Steady, Stabilize: The Steadicam
Curve Compact Camera Stabilizer
lets users shoot shake-free videos with
a GoPro point-of-view camera. Remove
your GoPro from its supplied mount,
place it on the Steadicam Curve, and
use the trim control to adjust balance.
The Curve is based on the technology
employed in professional Steadicam
stabilization systems used for movie
and TV production. The supplied
handgrip lets users shoot their friends’

activities. $110 Steadicamcurve.com
Google: Drive!: You won’t be able to hop into one for your road trip
this summer, but Google will have 100 prototypes of its self-driving car
on the road before Fall. There’s no steering wheel, accelerator, or brake
pedal. The entire driving process is handled by software and sensors
that detect objects more than two football fields away in all directions,
and remove blind spots. The interior of the first prototypes, which will
be capped at 25 mph, will include two seats with seatbelts, a small space
for belongings, start and stop buttons, and a screen showing the route.
Google plans to conduct a pilot project in California over the next few
years to further test the technology. Google.com

Splish, Splash: Getting music outdoors is a must this summer. And Divoom’s Check Out my Grill: No, this isn’t the kind of grill
Voombox Travel is one of the smallest ways you’ll see to accomplish this. At just that can make a mean steak. It’s a new series of speaker
three-inches in size, the cute, portable Bluetooth speaker can be held in the palm grilles for Terra’s AV series of all-climate loudspeakers.
of your hand, but it’s really meant for clipping to your backpack, jeans, or belt, They’re made from precision-formed aluminum in place
with the metal carabiner included. Inside the tiny package (which comes in red, of molded resin, and micro-perforations that helps
blue, green, or black) is a 2” driver and 2” passive radiator. It can play back music improve the look. The material won’t rust either. And
wirelessly streamed from a tablet, smartphone, or other Bluetooth-enabled to add even more protection is a specialized powder
device, and has a built-in mic for taking calls. Able to withstand splashes from the coating. The new grilles will come in black, white, and
pool, and dust, it can function for up to six-hours using its rechargeable battery. green, or you can order a custom colour to suit your
$50 Divoom.com backyard or patio’s style. Terraspeakers.com
10 | www.wifihifi.ca