Archive for February 15th, 2012

Santa Monica, February 15, 2012 — Antelope Audio’s Zodiac D/A converters are now compatible with iPad, allowing music lovers to enjoy pristine audio of up to 384 kHz, played and controlled from their iPad through the Zodiac DAC.

It is easy to connect and operate. Simply plug an Apple(R) Camera Connection Kit jack into the iPad and then plug in a USB cable to the Zodiac DAC – that’s it. The devices are connected. Then swiftly tap the Music App on the iPad and play the track.

“The compatibility between Zodiac DACs and iPad makes it easier than ever to enjoy high-resolution music from just about any location,” commented Marcel James, Director of Sales and Marketing, Antelope Audio, USA. “As the market evolves and adapts to smaller multifunctional devices — such as the iPad — we want to ensure that we are able to help deliver the highest possible audio quality to all music lovers. We are proud we are giving the people the opportunity to experience the pleasure of pristine audio with just a simple set up of a PC, MAC and now even iPad.”

The Zodiac DACs are compatible with iPads running the latest operating system (e.g. 5.0.1 or later). The DACs support files up to 384 kHz and FLAC files through FLAC player up to 192 kHz.

Short video demonstrating the plug & play functionality of iPad and Zodiac DACs is available here or paste http://bit.ly/zYbAl0 into your browser.

About Zodiac Gold 384 kHz D/A Converter
The Antelope Audio Zodiac Gold is a sophisticated and powerful DAC, Pre-Amp and Headphone Amp engineered to deliver pristine audio with keenly articulated pitch and a spectacular soundstage. The DAC received the prestigious Audio Excellence Award 2012, Tokyo, Japan. The unique sound of Zodiac D/A converters is based on Antelope’s Oven Controlled Oscillator and 64-bit clocking technology used by the world’s top audio engineers. Zodiac Gold DAC is among the very few on the market with 384 kHz audio streaming capability thanks to the custom designed USB controller chip that streams digital audio up to 480 Mbits. A dual-stage headphone driver architecture unveils every sonic detail, while the relay based volume control assures superb stereo imaging at any listening level.

— Guitar Center’s new Emeryville location features on-site lessons and guitar repair services —

Westlake Village, CA (February 15, 2012) – On February 2, 2012, Guitar Center opened its newest retail location, Guitar Center Emeryville, at 5925 Shellmound St., Emeryville, California, 94608. The Emeryville location replaces Guitar Center’s store in El Cerrito, and now offers customers in the Bay Area an even wider selection of products and services. Guitar Center Emeryville’s grand opening introduced customers to a vast selection of products and a dedicated staff with unparalleled musical knowledge and experience. To celebrate the store opening, Guitar Center hosted a Grand Opening Weekend celebration (Feb. 2-5) featuring exclusive savings, gear giveaways and free events catered to local musicians. The grand opening events also included free performances throughout the weekend.

Guitar Center’s newest Northern California location features showrooms equipped with the latest products for musicians – from guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments and keyboards to live sound, DJ, lighting and recording equipment. In addition to the special Grand Opening Weekend programming, shoppers who came out early also enjoyed exclusive savings throughout opening weekend, including deals on guitar and drum essentials.

The new store also features Guitar Center Studios, Guitar Center’s state-of-the-art destination that offers music education, professional rehearsal studios and certified Pro Tools and Logic training. Guitar Center Emeryville additionally includes GC Garage, Guitar Center’s on-site guitar repair service. Musicians were able to try out the GC Garage for free on Grand Opening night, with any guitar purchased, and those customers also received a free, 22-point personalized set-up.

As part of Guitar Center’s initiatives designed to educate and inspire artists nationwide, Guitar Center Emeryville offers unique opportunities for musicians to craft their skills, maintain their instruments and experience many other aspects of the music industry first-hand. Musicians interested in learning about the industry are able to come to the store to interact with and pick the brains of several industry leaders. Free “Recording Made Easy” classes are conducted every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Emeryville shoppers are also able to enjoy Guitar Center’s new multi-channel “endless aisle,” which includes multiple combinations of product options to conveniently choose from. Not only does the “endless aisle” include Emeryville inventory, but it also provides easy access to $400 million in new and used inventory located in hundreds of stores and warehouses across the nation. Customers have the ability to combine a variety of in-store, online and phone options to purchase music equipment from anywhere they may be, allowing for a personalized and convenient shopping experience.

In addition to special programs at the new Emeryville store, Guitar Center offers nationwide programs designed to spearhead creativity and highlight the nation’s most promising undiscovered talent. Emeryville residents will now be able to participate in these ongoing national events from their hometown:

Guitar Center On-Stage is an annual competition that provides unsigned artists the chance to open for established artists such as Motley Crue, KISS and Jane’s Addiction.

Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter is an artist discovery program that aims to find the nation’s best unsigned singer-songwriter. The winner receives a career-altering prize package including recording three songs with accomplished GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer John Shanks, recording time at the state-of-the-art Brooklyn-based Converse Rubber Tracks studio and $10,000 cash. The grand finale takes place in Los Angeles on Feb. 18.

Guitar Center’s King of the Blues is a nationwide amateur guitar skills competition with the goal of finding the next great undiscovered blues guitar player. This year’s winner, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, performed alongside GRAMMY-winning guitarist Warren Haynes at the Grand Finals in LA, and won an incredible prize package valued at over $50,000.

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, entering its 24th year, is the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer. Drummers from across the nation compete in the world’s largest drum competition, vying for thousands of dollars in prizes and the coveted title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion. The grand prize package is valued at nearly $50,000.

Guitar Center Emeryville is open seven days a week. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Guitar Center Studio hours are 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

— Guitar Center’s new Emeryville location features on-site lessons and guitar repair services —

Westlake Village, CA (February 15, 2012) – On February 2, 2012, Guitar Center opened its newest retail location, Guitar Center Emeryville, at 5925 Shellmound St., Emeryville, California, 94608. The Emeryville location replaces Guitar Center’s store in El Cerrito, and now offers customers in the Bay Area an even wider selection of products and services. Guitar Center Emeryville’s grand opening introduced customers to a vast selection of products and a dedicated staff with unparalleled musical knowledge and experience. To celebrate the store opening, Guitar Center hosted a Grand Opening Weekend celebration (Feb. 2-5) featuring exclusive savings, gear giveaways and free events catered to local musicians. The grand opening events also included free performances throughout the weekend.

Guitar Center’s newest Northern California location features showrooms equipped with the latest products for musicians – from guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments and keyboards to live sound, DJ, lighting and recording equipment. In addition to the special Grand Opening Weekend programming, shoppers who came out early also enjoyed exclusive savings throughout opening weekend, including deals on guitar and drum essentials.

The new store also features Guitar Center Studios, Guitar Center’s state-of-the-art destination that offers music education, professional rehearsal studios and certified Pro Tools and Logic training. Guitar Center Emeryville additionally includes GC Garage, Guitar Center’s on-site guitar repair service. Musicians were able to try out the GC Garage for free on Grand Opening night, with any guitar purchased, and those customers also received a free, 22-point personalized set-up.

As part of Guitar Center’s initiatives designed to educate and inspire artists nationwide, Guitar Center Emeryville offers unique opportunities for musicians to craft their skills, maintain their instruments and experience many other aspects of the music industry first-hand. Musicians interested in learning about the industry are able to come to the store to interact with and pick the brains of several industry leaders. Free “Recording Made Easy” classes are conducted every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Emeryville shoppers are also able to enjoy Guitar Center’s new multi-channel “endless aisle,” which includes multiple combinations of product options to conveniently choose from. Not only does the “endless aisle” include Emeryville inventory, but it also provides easy access to $400 million in new and used inventory located in hundreds of stores and warehouses across the nation. Customers have the ability to combine a variety of in-store, online and phone options to purchase music equipment from anywhere they may be, allowing for a personalized and convenient shopping experience.

In addition to special programs at the new Emeryville store, Guitar Center offers nationwide programs designed to spearhead creativity and highlight the nation’s most promising undiscovered talent. Emeryville residents will now be able to participate in these ongoing national events from their hometown:

Guitar Center On-Stage is an annual competition that provides unsigned artists the chance to open for established artists such as Motley Crue, KISS and Jane’s Addiction.

Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter is an artist discovery program that aims to find the nation’s best unsigned singer-songwriter. The winner receives a career-altering prize package including recording three songs with accomplished GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer John Shanks, recording time at the state-of-the-art Brooklyn-based Converse Rubber Tracks studio and $10,000 cash. The grand finale takes place in Los Angeles on Feb. 18.

Guitar Center’s King of the Blues is a nationwide amateur guitar skills competition with the goal of finding the next great undiscovered blues guitar player. This year’s winner, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, performed alongside GRAMMY-winning guitarist Warren Haynes at the Grand Finals in LA, and won an incredible prize package valued at over $50,000.

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, entering its 24th year, is the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer. Drummers from across the nation compete in the world’s largest drum competition, vying for thousands of dollars in prizes and the coveted title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion. The grand prize package is valued at nearly $50,000.

Guitar Center Emeryville is open seven days a week. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Guitar Center Studio hours are 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

San Rafael, CA, February 15, 2012 – Recently launched 32TEN Studios, a new company based in San Rafael, CA, that provides stage rentals and both practical and digital VFX services, has signed three initial subtenant companies which will soon relocate into the historic site. The announcement was made by Tim Partridge, President/CEO, and Greg Maloney, COO, of 32TEN Studios.

RipplFX was the first outside production company to sign as a subtenant to 32TEN Studios. RipplFX is a mobile app developer and trans-media production company currently building a library of content for distribution across multiple platforms for books, games and films. “When I was introduced to 32TEN, I knew it would be the perfect environment to grow our operations. We are proud and excited to be part of this creative community and the legacy that has come before and continues today. Being here for just a short time has already had a wonderful impact on our clients and partners,” said Nicole Lundeen, RipplFX CEO. RipplFX is currently producing a series of mobile apps and trans-media strategies for the publishing, education, and entertainment industries. See: www.ripplfx.com

Jessen Productions will also be taking office space at the 32TEN Studios stage and office complex. Charles “Chuck” Jessen is a 28 year advertising veteran, having worked for ad agencies DDB, BBDO and Young & Rubicam on such accounts as Chevron, Clorox, Microsoft and Apple. Jessen Productions’ commercials have been featured on “World’s Funniest” TV programs around the globe. “32TEN is the ideal place for me,” writer/director Jessen said. “They have the facilities I need, and are creating a community of like minded people that will certainly help keep our creative juices flowing.”
See: http://www.jessenproductions.com/

Commercial production company GB-Films will also be taking office and edit room space at 32TEN Studios, starting on March 1st. ” We love the creative atmosphere that is forming here at 32TEN, and of course the history in the building itself is inspiring,” said Andy Hill, CEO and Creative Director, GB-Films. “I’m looking forward to bringing my clients to this legendary soundstage and creating engaging content for them.” The website is: http://gb-films.com/

Said Mr. Partridge, “Within only a month after we announced the launch of our new 32TEN Studio venture here in San Rafael, we are delighted to have so quickly signed three dynamic companies as subtenants in our facility. Our goal for 32TEN Studios is to add a sense of revitalization to the long-standing film production community located here in Marin, CA. Our soundstage is already fully booked up throughout the month of February with commercial projects, while our Practical Effects Team is already engaged in bidding for shots on three upcoming indie and studio feature films.”

ABOUT 32TEN STUDIOS:

Launched in early 2012 by longtime entertainment industry leaders Tim Partridge and Greg Maloney, 32TEN Studios is both a stage rental and practical FX production company located at the historic site of first ILM, and later Kerner Optical. The company provides its services to producers of major motion pictures, independent films, TV programs, commercials, industrials, web content and multi-media projects.

32TEN Studios is located at 3210 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA, 94901.
The phone is 800 717 3210, and the website is: www.32ten.com

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NORTHRIDGE, California – HARMAN’s JBL LSR6300 Series studio monitors were once again used for the television broadcast of the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, as the Television Committee Room at the STAPLES Center was equipped with a 5.1 LSR6300 system. The Television Committee Room was used by The Recording Academy®’s TV committee to monitor the show in real time.

The annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, known as Music’s Biggest Night®, is presented by The Recording Academy to honor outstanding achievements in the production and performance of recorded music. The GRAMMY Awards were broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network. More than 39.9 million viewers watched this year’s Awards telecast, making it the second most-watched GRAMMY Awards in history.

This year’s awards featured performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Bruno Mars and others, highlighted by a special performance by Glen Campbell and Jennifer Hudson’s tribute to Whitney Houston. Adele earned multiple GRAMMY Awards, including Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year for “Rolling in the Deep,” and Album Of The Year for 21.

“As we have for the past several years, we relied on the LSR6300 Series studio monitor system to carefully listen to details in the mix,” said Michael Abbott, Audio Director for the GRAMMY Awards. “The LSR monitors helped us accurately hear the subtleties of the show, which resulted in the successful delivery of high-quality audio to millions of viewers around the world.”

Several producers and engineers used LSR studio monitors for GRAMMY-nominated projects this year. Lady Antebellum earned Best Country Album honors for Own the Night, which engineer Clark Schleicher recorded and mixed with his LSR6300 system. In addition, previous GRAMMY winner Frank Filipetti was nominated for a 2012 GRAMMY for Best Surround Sound Album for the 5.1 mix of An Evening With: Dave Grusin. Filipetti also recorded and mixed the original cast album for The Book of Mormon, which earned the Best Musical Theater Album GRAMMY award.

“It’s an honor to see some of the world’s most accomplished audio professionals using JBL LSR studio monitors on Music’s Biggest Night,” said Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales, HARMAN Professional. “We are also pleased that LSR monitors were used in a number of GRAMMY-nominated projects. Our congratulations go to the nominees and winners, and to the production team for another successful GRAMMY telecast!”

Headquartered in Northridge, California, JBL Professional is the world’s leading manufacturer of loudspeakers used in demanding recording, post-production and broadcast applications and facilities worldwide. JBL Professional is the recipient of numerous awards including a prestigious Technical GRAMMY® Award “for continual mastery and innovation…to ensure exacting standards for the most accurate sonic experience.” JBL Professional is part of the Harman International network of professional and consumer audio companies. For complete product and company information, go to the JBL Professional website at www.jblpro.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

Sam Auster directs new AARP ad where the 90-year-old-actress compares non-members to the undead.

Burbank, Calif.—In her latest spot for AARP, Betty White shows how easy it is to distinguish members of the organization from people who haven’t joined—the latter act a lot like zombies. The spot, which was written and directed by Sam Auster of Burbank-based Auster Productions, advises such folk to sign up and “get a life.”

In the spot, which debuts today on the web, White, who just turned 90, pokes fun at people who haven’t joined AARP comparing them to “zombies.” She close encounters with one “zombie” in a yoga class, and elbows two more out of the way while strolling through a park. “You’d have to be brain dead not to join,” she says. White delivers an enrollment package to a “zombie” neighbor, which causes him to magically transform into a smiling hunk. White’s signature deadpan? “Now, that’s what I call drop-dead gorgeous.” more

Testronic Labs Selected for Consultancy to the Transition

(Diepenbeek, Belgium/Burbank, CA) Testronic Labs, the recognized global leader in quality assurance and compliance services for software, hardware, film and television, games, and websites, has been selected by De Lijn to support a major digital upgrade to the official Flemish public transport system. De Lijn is the commercial name of the Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij, an autonomous state enterprise responsible for urban and regional transport by bus and tram in Flanders. The upgrade, known as ReTiBo (Registration, Ticketing, and On Board Computers), will revolutionize the system by providing important planning information, from ticketing to financial reporting and analysis.

In the assignment, Testronic will consult with senior level experts and supply testing methodologies and environments for the entire ReTiBo system. Testronic will assure that all internal and external parties involved implement and follow standardized quality control processes throughout the project, guide the internal De Lijn team through the initial implementation processes, and create an ongoing environment for consistent quality management for all future developments. Testronic will also collaborate with other partners in the consulting agreement; including Clear2Pay for payment expertise and Spirtech for Calypso and hardware expertise.

Under the scope of the project, which is planned to be fully operational in three years, Testronic will provide testing expertise in three key areas: software, hardware, and card technology. They will test all of the software and interfaces on the devices, the entire data processing back-office system, and all pertinent business processes. Testronic will also provide validation and certification of the hardware to be used right up to the installation of the new devices on the actual buses and trams. The final element of Testronic’s involvement will deal with the new smart card technology being utilized on the project, ensuring NFC & EMV compliance of the whole environment, with interoperability agreements across multiple companies, data-model validations, transaction communications, and processing.

The installation of a scalable, onboard computer in all busses and trams is the centerpiece of De Lijn’s movement into a digital ecosystem. ReTiBo will supply De Lijn with important operations data and will generate technical data regarding the vehicles, their positions, and any technical failures, which will assist in the proactive management of any technical maintenance. ReTiBo will also fill a critical information gap, as use of season tickets (‘abonnements’) will now be registered.

The digital upgrade will streamline processes and supply important information to De Lijn and the Flemish government. Behind the scenes, the instant processing of travel data, related back office handling, remote diagnostics, service management, and driver information will contribute to the overall service level provided to travelers. In later phases, the system will allow for registration via NFC-enabled smartcards based on the Calypso standard, provide further extensions to real-time travel alerts, and offer traffic and mobility improvements and onboard info-tainment.

Erik Bulté, Program Manager of De Lijn, said, “De Lijn is dedicated to providing the finest service to our customers. In order to carefully plan and seamlessly implement ReTiBo, we are working with the experts from Testronic Labs. The work they are undertaking is of the utmost importance to us, and we are happy to have them as part of this project. We found Testronic to be the standard bearer in testing and consultancy for hardware and software, and their team possess the core expertise the ReTiBo project demands. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at Testronic over the course of the next several years as we implement these exciting improvements to our transportation system.”

Johan Craeybeckx, Chief Technology Officer of Testronic Labs, noted, “Testronic is very pleased to have been chosen to work on this exciting project for De Lijn. Our consultancy draws upon Testronic’s complete skill-set for hardware and software testing, and we are uniquely able to provide input and testing requirements from the systems design phase through to the back office data. We are honored to have been chosen for an assignment that has such a critical impact on the way a public utility is serving its users.”

About Testronic Labs
Testronic Labs’ high standards have been protecting clients and safeguarding the consumer experience since 1998. As the leading global provider of quality assurance, compliance, and localization services for a notable array of industries; including media, entertainment, games, education, e-commerce and consumer electronics, Testronic Labs ensures efficient and secure delivery of the highest quality consumer deliverables. Based in Burbank, CA, Pinewood Studios and central London UK, Diepenbeek, Belgium and Warsaw, Poland, Testronic Labs offers an unparalleled history of next-generation innovation and service excellence across the entire digital media industry.

About De Lijn
De Lijn – the commercial name of the Flemish Transport Company – is an independent government body responsible for urban and regional public transport in Flanders since 1991.De Lijn’s operational frame of reference comprises a managerial agreement with the Flemish government. This agreement consists of a request by the Flemish government that De Lijn be a reliable partner for intelligent, sustainable and efficient public transport. Every year, De Lijn receives financial compensation from the Flemish Region – its major shareholder – to fund operations and investments. In addition, De Lijn also generates income from the sale of tickets. Half of De Lijn’s bus operations are entrusted to private transport companies. Regional branches in the five Flemish provinces are responsible for daily service provision and direct contact with passengers. The Central Departments in Mechelen coordinate and support the operations of these branches. With nearly 4200 busses and trams, De Lijn and its operators provide transport for 1.5 million passengers every day. These vehicles travel approximately 225 million kilometres every year. De Lijn employs 8400 people, its operators 2800. As a result, De Lijn is responsible for generating considerable employment in the private sector.

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Media Contact:
Chris Purse, 818.303.8088
ignite strategic communications
chris@ignite.bz or mimi@ignite.bz

CHULA VISTA, California, February 15, 2012 — Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group today announced the introduction of its CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 3LCD Installation Series projectors, delivering unmatched reliability and quality, flexibility and the lowest cost of ownership on the market. The new models offer higher brightness, versatile connectivity, networking capability and many additional improvements, along with complete ease of use.

The CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 provide a comprehensive array of connection options including two HDMI inputs, which address the increasing demand for digital connectivity. Both models have motorized focus, zoom and lens shift, enabling easy adjustment of the image. An optional wireless adapter enables users to connect their PC to the projector via a wireless network. This adapter supports IEEE802.11b/g and the latest 11n.

In addition to the 1.5x zoom lens that is supplied with both projectors, three optional additional lenses are available to accommodate a wide variety of projection distances. Large lens shift allows users to readjust the position of the image to perfectly fit the screen. Their center lens design also makes it easy to align the projector with the screen.

The CP-WX8240 delivers native WXGA resolution with 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness and 3,000:1 contrast, while the CP-X8150 offers XGA resolution, 5,000 ANSI lumens brightness and 3:000:1 contrast, for brighter images with more vivid colors than previous models with screen sizes up to 300 inches. Both models can be placed on a stand or tabletop, or ceiling-mounted.

The CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 feature two computer inputs and a monitor out, two USB inputs for use with a USB memory stick, mouse or wireless adapter and an RJ-45 Ethernet jack for network connectivity. A/V connections include component, S-Video and composite video inputs, three audio inputs and an audio out, and both models have 16 Watts of audio (two 8-Watt stereo speakers). In addition, the CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 have an RS-232C port and remote control inputs and outputs for integrated A/V system control.

Digital keystone (horizontal and vertical) and Perfect Fit also make it easy to properly position the image. Thanks to the wide lens shift and Perfect Fit feature, the Installation Series also offers Versa-Stack, enabling seamless stacking of two projectors through an RS-232 connection. This enables users to double the brightness of the image.

The CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 feature DICOM® (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode, which is ideal for viewing grayscale medical images, such as X-rays, for training and educational purposes.

The CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 provide networking capability, allowing them to be remotely controlled via a LAN (Local Area Network) connection. Hitachi’s exclusive PJMan® Projector Management software gives users the ability to operate and monitor the projectors and receive diagnostic information from a remote location, making them ideal for installations where multiple projectors are used.

Both projectors offer a wealth of useful convenience and operational features. A Template function displays white or black lines to make writing on a whiteboard or blackboard easier. The PC-Less Presentation feature enables users to project images directly from a USB drive or other media, eliminating the need to connect a laptop or desktop computer. Each projector model will be equipped with a high-performance filter that can last up to 15,000 hours without cleaning, saving significant maintenance time.

An Input Source Naming function lets the user customize the names of input sources. Both models come with a remote control that provides MyMemory, MyText, MySource and MyScreen buttons for fast access to frequently used functions and sources. The CP-WX8240 and CP-X8150 provide extensive security features including a heavy-duty security bar and Kensington Lock slot and a transition detector that prevents unauthorized use if the projector is moved.

For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

Follow Hitachi on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitachi-Projectors/131067323636829

Follow Hitachi on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/HALProjectors

ABOUT HITACHI
Hitachi America, Ltd., headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and its subsidiary companies offer a broad range of electronics, power and industrial equipment and services, automotive products and consumer electronics with operations throughout the Americas. For more information, visit www.hitachi-america.us. For information on other Hitachi Group companies in the United States, please visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group markets LCD projectors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEMs.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

When the fourth year of Social Media Week rips through New York from Feb. 13 to 17, Click 3X will be adding many new friends and followers, sponsoring the Social Media Society Influencer Awards and live-streaming two panel discussions: one on branded video content and another on the natural fit between nonprofits and social media. Details on each initiative follow:

ClickFire Media, Click 3X’s interactive division, will sponsor this awards ceremony on Feb. 15 for the Social Media Society, which is dedicated to using social media as a powerful communication channel and transformational marketing platform. ClickFire Media also designed the Facebook voting application for the awards.

On Feb. 16, at 4 p.m., the New York Women in Communications Foundation will host “Nonprofits and Social Media: A Perfect Solution.” Panelists will share tips, tools and case studies on how nonprofit organizations can use social media to impact and maximize the organization’s mission and drive donations and membership. The panel, which will be moderated by Digital Brand Architects cofounder Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, will include UNICEF Senior Officer of Interactive Marketing Jenner Pascua, Action Against Hunger Online Marketing Associate Dominique Hernandez, ClickFire Media Senior Digital Marketing Strategist Jennifer Winberg, and Mashable reporter Zoe Fox.

Immediately following the New York Women in Communications Foundation panel, from 5 to 5:45 p.m., Sharethrough will host “The Viral Business: Social Strategies for Brand Video Content,” a panel discussion among top creative agencies, media and technology companies about their experience creating, promoting and distributing social video campaigns. Interested brands, marketers and creative agencies will learn about what’s next in the world of social video and brand strategy. Panelists include SS+K Chief Creative Officer Kash Sree, MEC Social Media Group Director Ming Linsley, Sharethrough CEO Dan Greenberg, Believe Entertainment Group Co-Founder Dan Goodman and Click 3X EP Mary Crosse. If all that isn’t enough to entice would-be participants, Click 3X, Sharethrough, Heard City and the New York Women in Communications Foundation will host a happy hour immediately afterward.

Those who cannot attend the panels live will be able to view them as Webinars, live-streamed by the ClickFire Media team. Click here to join the conversation.

Visit Click 3X

About Click 3X
Click 3X, its interactive division ClickFire Media, and the recently launched C3X Live create engaging film, TV, web, and branded content. Positioned at the intersection of entertainment, advertising, and technology, the studios work in tandem or autonomously. Click 3X shoots, edits, designs, animates and creates VFX; ClickFire brings those disciplines into the interactive space; and C3X Live delivers branded content in-house from conception to full-service production to distribution. Click operates a full service, 11,000 square foot state of the art studio in Manhattan outfitted with 60 fulltime staffers.

About New York Women in Communications Foundation:

The New York Women in Communications Foundation, a public charity founded in 2000, exists to help a younger sisterhood successfully enter the world of communications with financial support, professional guidance and ongoing friendship. An arm of New York Women in Communications, the Foundation awards scholarships and provides educational programs for women, whether just beginning or embarking on a transition in their careers. It is the largest foundation for communications scholarships for women in the tri-state area. For more information, please visit www.nywici.org/foundation.

About Sharethrough:

Sharethrough is the first advertising technology platform built exclusively for native advertising and brand video content. Fortune 1000 brands and their agencies work with Sharethrough to guarantee audiences and maximize social engagement for their original video content and social web publishers partner with Sharethrough to create native, non-interruptive brand video placements. Founded in 2008, Sharethrough is a privately held company based in San Francisco, Calif. For more information about Sharethrough, please visit www.sharethrough.com.

About Heard City:

Heard City is New York City’s newest audio company. Founded by Phil Loeb, Keith Reynaud and Gloria Pitagorsky, the trio envisions Heard City to be an exciting next-generation studio that will work on commercial as well as entertainment projects. Since the company’s inaugural session on January 4th, they have mixed dozens of spots, including six Superbowl commercials. To learn more about this company, visit heardcity.com.

More info: TRUST 646 452 3388 (NY) 310 451 5153 (LA) trustcollective.com

Signs Directors Hans Moland, Johan Skog, Andy Lambert, Riccardo Sai and Josh Forbes

Santa Monica, Calif.—Mel Gragido is back at The Joneses. The veteran executive producer is revitalizing the production company’s brand and assembling a roster of interesting directors from North America and around the globe. They include acclaimed Scandinavian directors Hans Moland and Johan Skog, who have worked with Gragido for several years, as well as British director Andy Lambert, Italian-born director Riccardo Sai and American director Josh Forbes.

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