Web-surf's up: Cable manufacturer Stereovox has a new, improved, easy to navigate website. We're just sayin', is all.MusicGiants' new iHome: On March 29, MusicGiants, the high-resolution music download service, announced a deal to provide MusicGiants Network as part of Audio Design Associates (ADA) iHome Multi-Center package. Consumers who purchase the iHome package will have"instant access" to the paid download service.ADA is a leader in the custom installation sector, and the iHome Multi-Center is a comprehensive system that includes a Windows Media Center Edition PC, IP control center, and multi-zone home entertainment system. The iHome will now enable consumers to purchase, store, and play back MusicGiants' stereo and 5.1-channel music files (available later in 2006).
"This is a great example of software, hardware, and a service working seamlessly together to provide a superior customer experience. Consumers want to get the most out of their home audio equipment investment," said Dave Fester, general manager, Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft. "MusicGiants, along with ADA, is enabling this great high-def music experience in the home."Are you ready?: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has begun hosting The Great Audio Experience, which includes a specialty audio dealer locater, E-gear Buyer's Guide, HDTV primer, and a connection guide. Also included are a custom installer locater and a handy antenna reference that will help consumers determine which antenna will work best for their broadcast area.Members of the CEA's High Performance Group told Stereophile that concerns over consumer confusion motivated the outreach program. "We realize that things aren't simple any more," one staff member said. "The more information about connections, technologies, and components we get out there, the more comfortable people are with our industry."
To paraphrase another industry's slogan, an informed consumer probably does make the best customer.
