Verbatim Products: Useful tools for your Media shopping list
June 30, 2009
DJs who remember the days of vinyl might find Verbatim’s Digital Vinyl CD-Rs a novel way for an added twist to those special occasions. The company has recently taken the traditional CD-R and given it a “new” look, with an “old” feel, with a standard burnable side, but a unique faux-vinyl side to replicate the look of a 45-rpm vinyl. The 80-minute/700 MB Digital Vinyl CD-Rs come in five different colors, combining a retro look with premium quality CD production technology. The presentation of that sales promotion, special wedding first dance or other commemorative tune never looked better!
Also, with so many mobile entertainers incorporating video aspects into their show, Verbatim now offers DigitalMovie Reel DVD-Rs.
Incorporating the same train of thought applied to the DVD, this product is idea for creating a distinct looking video disc for distribution. The appearance of the disc was carefully designed to give a look of a miniature canister of film, right down to the sprocket holes that reveal a hint of textured film behind them, and ribbed edges that depict film within the “reel”. Truly unique in look, these discs utilize Verbatim’s proprietary Metal Azo recording dye for unsurpassed performance and reliability.
Finally, photo enthusiasts and those with large accumulations of images for constant applications, will surely find a use for the release of Verbatim’s PhotoSave DVD. This recordable DVD allows users to find and save photos with ease. When a disc with the PhotoSave DVD feature integrated software is inserted into the DVD-R drive, it launches automatically. Users can search and find the photos they want at the click of a button. Click on the record button and save all their memories in the PC and retrieve t hem whenever they want. The manual mode allow for a search and save function to help burn photographs directly from a digital camera on to a PC. The useable capacity of 4.5GB allows the user to store as much as 2000 photos and has a long life. Its versatility offers users to find and save photos from a number of sources like camera, hard drive, memory card or a USB drive and it can recognize over 80 different photo file formats quickly. Cost effective, its manual mode allows users to add photo files to discs to full capacity.
Verbatim Corporation
1200 W.T. Harris Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28262
Ph: 704 547 6500
Fax: 704 547 6609
Web: www.verbatim.com
American Audio Releases VX Series Amps Packed With Value-Added Features At Value-Driven Price
June 25, 2009
LOS ANGELES – American Audio has unleashed the VX Professional Amplifier Series – three astounding and affordable power amps that boast a stunning away of features previously out of reach of budget-conscious audiophiles. Designed for installations, DJs and bands, the series includes models VX 1000, VX 1500, and VX 2500 — which feature 1100W, 1500W and 2800W RMX respectively at 4 ohms bridged mono.
Constructed for the highest reliability and sound performance, with premium features like built-in dynamic sound processing circuitry, the VX amps deliver an extraordinary audio quality that may have consumers not believing their ears – and their price will certainly have consumers disbelieving their eyes! The smallest model VX1000 sells for less than $300 “on the street” ($299.99 MAP), while the VX 1500 goes for under $400 ($399.99 MAP), and the big daddy VX 2500 for under $600.00 ($599.99 MAP).
“We are proud to present a brand-new generation of power amplifiers that offer outstanding professional grade performance and features at price points that DJs, bands and small clubs can afford,” said Tom Freret, American Audio’s National Sales Manager. “Too often up-and-coming or working class musicians and DJs have to ‘settle,’ or a club owner with a big vision but a modest budget has to compromise. We were inspired to give these professionals all the power they deserve with the features they want. For example, the VX amps’ dynamic sound circuitry significantly improves the dynamic range and quality of sound.”
Another premium feature on all three models is a bright, multifunctional LCD display, which gives users a full overview of functions and settings such as Temperature, Working Mode and Protection Mode. Since the “Mode” buttons are on the front of the unit, and you can view which mode you’re in on the LCD screen, the user does not have to touch the back of the amp to change modes. Everything can be done from the front of the unit – a convenience not commonly found on most amplifiers. Another user-convenience on the VX Series is that, in default mode, the LCD screen informs you of the temperature of each side of the amp. All three VX models also feature a Comprehensive Protection System (CPS) with Auto Shut Down, which protects the amplifier from damage by switching off in the event of an overload, high temperature or short circuit.
Yet another value-added feature on the VX series is a superior clip limiter that provides users with a broad palette of sonic possibilities. With a solid case design with 3mm steel, and back ears that can be mounted in a rack, the VX Series enables day-by-day use on the road as well as fixed installations in racks.
Here is a closer look at the 3 models in the VX Amplifier Series:
The VX 1000 has 1100W RMS per channel @ 4 ohms bridged mono. The unit is capable of stereo, parallel, or bridge modes. Output Power: 2 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 550W RMS per channel; 4 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 500W RMS per channel; 8 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD 330W RMS per channel. Bridged Mode, mono: 4 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 1100W RMS per channel; 8 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 1000W RMS per channel. Damping Factor: 300 (@ 8 ohms). The dimensions are height 3.5″, width 19″, depth, 16.5″, and the VX1000 weighs only 40 pounds. It has a street price of only $299.99.
The VX1500 has 1500W RMS per channel @ 4 ohms bridged mono. The unit is capable of stereo, parallel, or bridge modes. Output Power: 2 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 750W RMS per channel; 4 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 700W RMS per channel; 8 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD 450W RMS per channel. Bridged Mode, mono: 4 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 1500W RMS per channel; 8 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 1400W RMS per channel. Damping Factor: 300 (@ 8 ohms). The dimensions are height 3.5″, width 19″, depth, 16.5″, and the VX1500 weighs 45 pounds. It has a street price of only $399.99.
The VX2500 has 2500W RMS per channel @ 4 ohms bridged mono. The unit is capable of stereo, parallel, or bridge modes. Output Power: 2 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 1400W RMS per channel; 4 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 1200W RMS per channel; 8 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD 750W RMS per channel. Bridged Mode, mono: 4 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 2800W RMS per channel; 8 ohms, 1 khz 1% THD, 2400W RMS per channel. Damping Factor: 500 (@ 8 ohms). The dimensions are height 3.5″, width 19″, depth, 16.5″, and the VX2500 weighs 52 pounds. It has a street price of only $599.99.
Other specifications common to all 3 models include:
The Frequency Response is +/- 3dB, 1W RMS 8Ohms (20Hz-20kHz)
The Signal to Nose Ratio is less than 95 db, unweighted (@ 8 ohms full power)
The Input Sensitivity and Impedance is 1.0v rms (0dBv) (@ 4 ohms)
A 2-speed fan.
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Exclusive Online News and Content, Sound
A ruthless discussion of the term ‘Budget Bride’ and wedding decision making
June 22, 2009
Andy Ebon
I only have $500. Will you take it?
A couple of days ago, I posted an item about the differences between money (price), value, budget and result. It generated lots of traffic, a comment or two, and plenty of direct email.
It also caused me to consider the phrase, ‘budget bride.’ Along with DIY Bride, these are two of the most annoying and poorly used descriptors in the industry. To a great degree, I lay that at the feet of my friends in mass media for the wedding industry. Mass media tends to be a popularization tool as much as an information source. If you repeat a phrase, such as ‘budget bride,’ often enough, it becomes part of the wedding lexicon, for better for worse.
The problem with these phrases is they paint the bride’s resources with the grayest of brush strokes. So, at the risk of being more precise, I’ll break it down from my experience.
- DIY Bride: (Budget: under $5000) Someone who probably doesn’t have the resources to get married just yet and is likely to turn most of her wedding into an Arts and Crafts project.
- Low Budget Bride (Budget: $5000 – $14,999) Has the resources, but will have to make some tough decisions on the reception. The big conundrum is whether to economize across the board or cut in specific areas, and not others.
- Statistically Average Bride: (Budget: $15,000 – $34,999) Has the resources to do a nice job on the reception. Her biggest decision should be ‘How many guests can we invite to have a nice reception?’
- High Budget Bride (Budget: $35,000 – $60,000): Has more than enough money to do great things. Her biggest challenge is not to make bad choices among wedding vendors, irrespective of money.
- Luxury Bride (Budget: more than $60,000): Daddio has wads of cash and she wants to be awash in greenbacks. Not all brides in this financial category are Bridezillas, but the risk and tendency is greater than in any of the lower tiers. Bridezillas almost always make bad decisions. It’s in their DNA.
A budget is not:
- … is not throwing a dart at a target.
- … budget is not the total amount in the parent’s bank account or your bank account.
- … budget is not what one or more girlfriends spent on their wedding.
- … is not necessarily what you see on Platinum Weddings or Get Married TV (those are inspirations)
A budget is:
- A study of the range of what wedding products and services cost in your area, balanced against your tastes, inspirations and fantasies.
- Factored by the number of guests you choose to invite.
A line budget item is not:
- “I only have $750 left for videography. Will you take that?”
- “Oh, my third cousin, Oscar, is going to take the photos.”
A budget is:
- $1 Million
- $50,000
- $25,000
- $7,500
- $3,000
Budget does not necessarily mean low budget. A budget can be…
- A specific dollar amount or less
- A specific dollar amount or more
- A range from $X to $Y (this is the preferred budget)
- Money is no object (must be the truth)
The Wedding Report publishes ongoing data about spending in the wedding industry. It consistently reports that brides spend close to 50% more than they had budgeted for the wedding, with an average wedding expense running just under $30,000. This shows a major discrepancy between the original money allotted, from reality of their desires.
I would assert the reason for this is that their original money allotment was not a budget at all. It was dart throwing at a bank book.
Here’s the challenge from every wedding professional, wedding media outlet, and industry trade association:
- Clearly delineate what it means to be a professional in your category of the wedding industry, from the standpoint of ‘benefits to the bride.’
- Explain the relationship (if any) of your business category to others. Such as the interactions between entertainer, photographer, videographer and caterer/venue. Or flowers and cake.
- Explain the Truth or Consequences and effect of making a sub-standard choice.
The naked truth about satisfaction vs. money spent: When a wedding day is over, either the bride and groom are happy with a particular product or service or they are not. A vendor is not wearing a price tag around their neck. There is not a dollar cost at your place card, showing the price of each dinner. There is not a little flag in your slice of cake, showing its cost plus a cake cutting fee.
In retrospect, most wedding couples can point out decisions they made, that were off-the-mark. There are hundreds of decisions, big and small, involved in a wedding. Amazingly enough, it only takes one or two really bad decisions to create an unhappy outcome. And, amazingly enough, a really bad decision is often not related to money.
It would be outstanding if all wedding industry professionals would embrace educating the bride to realistic and exciting expectations, rather than than just fanning the flames of fairy tale dreams. It is true that if the wedding budget is spent disproportionately, bad things usually happen.
A bride with $12,000 to spend, should be able to experience as much happiness on her wedding day as one with $50,000. But that supposes she has enough information, common sense, and critical thinking to make consistently good decisions, and then does so.
Come to think of it, that’s a pretty good operational mission statement for the wedding industry.
Don’t you agree?
Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
Written by Andy Ebon · Filed Under Business, Exclusive Online News and Content, Online or Magazine Issue, The Wedding Marketing Blog - Mobile Beat Edition, Types of Articles
Mobile Beat Pioneer ProDJ Tour Hits SouthEast!
June 17, 2009
Mobile Beat is touring the U.S. this August and September to instill a higher level of professionalism into the national DJ industry, spotlighting the educational focus of Mobile Beat Magazine and the Mobile Beat conferences. Each stop will consist of 3 to 4 hours of seminars, exhibits, demonstrations and more.
All tour stops will feature seminars similar to those at our Las Vegas DJ conferences, including many of our previous well-known conference speakers along with some new names. Presentations by some of our sponsors will be included, as well as time for networking with DJ professionals from your area, company reps, and other industry members in Mobile Beat Tour 2009 attendance. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the event should wrap up between 9:00 and 10:00 PM each time. All of the events are being held Sunday through Thursday.
South East Leg
(additional legs announced later this week and early next week – or you can see all the info athttp://www.mobilebeat.com/mb-tour)
August 30th – Charlotte, Dave & Buster’s, 8361 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC
August 31st – Atlanta, Dave & Buster’s, 2215 D and B Dr SE, Marietta, GA
September 1st – Tampa, Renaissance Hotel Intl Plaza, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd, Tampa, FL
PLEASE NOTE: info subject to change without notice.
Seminars
Danny Brewer: 10 Steps to Running a Successful DJ Business – An essential overview to help you develop, maintain and grow your service. This discussion will cover developing and following your business plan, customer service, sales calls, organization and networking.
Tom Haibeck: How to Emcee a Wedding Reception – Do you charge extra for your services in emceeing a wedding reception? You should. Best-selling author Tom Haibeck (Wedding Toasts Made Easy and The Wedding MC: A Complete Guide to Success for the Master of Ceremonies) will walk you through the key steps involved in planning the event and delivering an outstanding performance as a wedding host.
Dr. Drax: Technology in the 24th Century – Dr. Drax is recognized as the foremost authority on technology in the DJ industry. His expertise and insight has led many DJs to invest wisely in technologies that have expanded their business. In this seminar, Drax will talk about trends and new directions in the delivery of our entertainment services. He will cover where we have been, where we are, and where we are going, including the core elements that every DJ should be adopting. There will be a Q&A session at the conclusion, so bring your questions. Come hear what the future holds in store for you!
Get Ahead Of The Game – Register NOW!
While each Mobile Beat Pioneer ProDJ Summer Tour Stop is a FREE event, pre-registration is highly recommended to avoid delays upon arrival. Those pre-registered will also receive extra discounts and offers. Go to https://members.mobilebeat.com to register online NOW!
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Conference News, Exclusive Online News and Content
Steve Moody
June 16, 2009
An mp3 of the Interview is available lower in this text and via ITunes. Full text is below and selected portions are published in Mobile Beat Magazine – to subscribe go to https://members.mobilebeat.com.
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Interviews and Profiles, Issues from 2008, Mobile Beat Radio
Hannah Zaic
June 16, 2009
An mp3 of the Interview is available lower in this text and via ITunes. Full text is below and selected portions are published in Mobile Beat Magazine – to subscribe go to https://members.mobilebeat.com.
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Interviews and Profiles, Issues from 2009, Mobile Beat Radio
DJ Jay Brannan
June 16, 2009
An mp3 of the Interview is available lower in this text and via ITunes. Full text is below and selected portions are published in Mobile Beat Magazine – to subscribe go to https://members.mobilebeat.com.
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Interviews and Profiles, Issues from 2009, Mobile Beat Radio
Dan Colatone of Tone Productions
June 16, 2009
An mp3 of the Interview is available lower in this text and via ITunes. Full text is below and selected portions are published in Mobile Beat Magazine – to subscribe go to https://members.mobilebeat.com.
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Interviews and Profiles, Issues from 2009, Mobile Beat Radio
Brian Redd – YouTube DJ
June 16, 2009
An mp3 of the Interview is available lower in this text and via ITunes. Full text is below and selected portions are published in Mobile Beat Magazine – to subscribe go to https://members.mobilebeat.com.
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Interviews and Profiles, Mobile Beat Radio
QSC Audio Joins Mobile Beat Pioneer ProDJ Tour
June 15, 2009
“Your chance to experience the new standard in powered loudspeakers with QSC personnel at every venue” is what Evan MacKenzie of QSC Audio said when asked why DJs should attend the Mobile Beat Tour. QSC will be showing the DJ world their new K Series powered speaker line.
Mobile Beat is touring the U.S. this August and September to instill a higher level of professionalism into the national DJ industry, spotlighting the educational focus of Mobile Beat Magazine and the Mobile Beat conferences. Each stop will consist of 3 to 4 hours of seminars, exhibits, demonstrations and more. Look for more details coming online soon and in the May issue of Mobile Beat Magazine.
Sponsors Include: Pioneer ProDJ, X-Laser, ADJA, Digigames, Top Hits USA, Froggy’s Fog, and Open Air Photo Booth.
Check out tons more info at http://www.mobilebeat.com/mb-tour/
Written by Ryan Burger · Filed Under Conference News, Exclusive Online News and Content
