Salamander Designs Scores Fifth CE Pro BEST Award

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Salamander Designs scored its fifth CE Pro BEST award at CEDIA 2016 for a sleek, functional and AV furniture solution solving Low Profile Cabinet.

The New Low Profile Cabinet with its narrow depth, sleek design, storage capabilities and assortment of finishes delivers innovative residential solutions. As mentioned in our prior blog, Thinking Big at CEDIA 2016 (those who can anticipate the solutions and be ready with products will be the first reap the rewards of new opportunities.

Salamander looks toward AV furniture solutions and implements them according to your needs. We are cognizant of the trends of downsizing, residential city/urban space restrictions and historic building walls. We understand the importance of maintaining wall integrity and the realities of TV large screen weight concerns. As a response to these trends and concerns, Salamander Designs created the low profile cabinet.

 The cabinet’s 12-inch depth, sleek design, storage and easy installation solutions, also caught the attention of CE Pro and Innovation & Technology Magazine editors, resulting in two awards at last month’s conference.

The problems that this cabinet addresses are summarized below:

Problem
Solution/b>
Limited room space
 The depth is 12 inches, providing more room space and a sleeker design.
Overheating of AV components
Heat sensor fans can be installed in the cabinet base providing intake up and out the top of the door panel, or up the screen mount as a chimney.
Flat panel screen requires wall mount with Questioning wall durability/adaptability (brick/historic plaster)or wall stability
Our integrated mounts for flat panel screens support the weight of the screen on the cabinet eliminating the need to penetrate wall integrity. Only 2 toggles bolts are required for panel tipping safety.
Insufficient space to install an audio receiver cable box or gaming station
Vertical 3-U rack allows equipment to be mounted and hung in any bay.
Design/door panels not coordinated with the over all room decor
The styles come in 6 different door panels.
Variable installations costs
Easy installation, eliminates the need to use, electricians, or other contractors.
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Let Salamander be your “go to” for innovative AV furniture solutions. Contact us for more information.

THINK BIG AT CEDIA 2016

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This years CEDIA 2016 conference theme THINK BIG (considering the event is being held in the State of Texas) is a logical choice as well as a call to action for the residential AV world. But the subthemes of Big Thinking, Big Network and Big Future provide not only big challenges but also big opportunities for integrators, vendo rs, manufactures, distributors resellers and designers.

Big Thinking – Means thinking across a broad spectrum of opportunities. Those professionals , those who can anticipate the solutions and be ready with products and knowledge may reap a first responder’s portion of new markets. For example: with Salamander’ new Luca and Lilliana designs for home theater seating, features include distinctive design and unique stitch patterns reminiscent of luxury automobiles. You can see and sit in the Lilliana at our booth ( #1712).

Big Network – Means you’re going to have to work with others to succeed. For over 20 years Salamander has worked with every aspect and representative of the home residential AV industry (e.g. designers, integrators, audiophiles, project managers, (corporate and independent, ) and AV engineers. We focus on you and your customer’s needs to have cutting edge solutions with timely order fulfillment and flawless customization.

Big Future– The opportunities in the coming year will be many, new and fast moving. If the CEDIA 2016 conference size and registration numbers , not to mention the number of educational programs are any indication there will be growth in the opportunities for AV home tech space.

Integrators and marketing companies are looking for ways to expand business at a pace that has never been faster. Emerging trends and opportunities such as HENRYS, (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), split millennial marketing(older and younger) and –smart home businesses are being shaped and defined in conjunction with the ability to deliver customized integrated solutions. Let Salamander help you get ready.

Stop by the Salamander booth (#1712) and let us show you how our multi –award winning furniture designs and technology integrated solutions, can make your future “BIG”.

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Salamander Cedia 2106

 

Salamander Designs Introduces Two New Home Theater Seating Styles

Introducing Luca and Lilliana home theater seating solutions. Both models feature distinctive design and unique stitch patterns reminiscent of the finest luxury automobiles while offering the most sumptuous, durable and ultimately comfortable vantage point for enjoying home cinema.

All Salamander home theater seating models are constructed with an emphasis on premium quality, style and support. Each collection has been ergonomically engineered to ensure optimized positioning for lumbar, head/neck and legs over the course of a long feature film. At Salamander, all entertainment seating models are constructed to deliver lasting comfort and elegance.

Luca Theater Seating

The Luca seating features a stylish diamond double-needle stitching on the seat and back inserts with single-needle top stitch on the arms, the seat and back frames. Consumers can select stitching that matches or contrasts with the upholstery for a stunning look. Luca recliners are offered with manual or power recline mechanisms and with or without cup holders.

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Lilliana Theater Seating 

The Lilliana seating is a similar overall form factor to the Luca models, but is adorned with handsome horizontal channel stitching on the seat and back inserts and matching or contrasting welt around the perimeter. Like the Luca chairs, Lilliana models are offered with manual or power recline mechanisms and with or without cup holders.

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Salamander Designs Luca and Lilliana seating models come with a limited lifetime warranty and will be available October, 2016.

New Product Category with Innovative Low Profile Wall Cabinets

At a mere 12-inches in depth, Salamander Low Profile Cabinets are the most sleek, elegant furniture solutions for integrating technology into any room or décor

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Introducing the Low Profile Wall Cabinets as part of their Chameleon collection. Measuring only 12-inches deep and available in an array of styles and configurations, these shallow depth additions to the Chameleon lineup make it easy to conceal A/V electronics and wiring in an elegant, low profile cabinet—achieving the discreet look that discerning consumers and interior designers demand.

Salamander floor-standing shallow depth cabinets are designed to be easily affixed to the rear wall for added safety and stability, particularly when using the optional integrated TV mount that ideally positions almost any size flat panel display without the need to drill into finished wall surfaces. Each cabinet is constructed on a lifetime warrantied extruded aluminum frame that enables easy customization for just about any application. The chassis is also future-proof, accepting retrofit-able accessories to accommodate the evolving needs of each user.

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“Innovation has always been a hallmark of what we do here at Salamander Designs, and the Low Profile Wall Cabinets integrate audio/video technology into the home like no other furniture solution on the market,” explained Salamander founder and President Salvatore Carrabba. “Salamander has long been respected for addressing the evolving needs of the marketplace—and these shallow cabinets enable our dealers to elegantly install A/V systems within the smallest, most discreet footprint possible.”

 

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The Low Profile Wall Cabinets are available in triple and quad-width sizes and can be configured to suit any need, such as an integrated center channel loudspeaker for visually unobtrusive home theater applications. Also optionally available are integrated 3U vertical racks to accommodate smaller rack-mountable components. Most critically, Salamander Low Profile Wall Cabinets provide A/V specialists with a sleek, premium solution that will help differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. Salamander Low Profile Wall Cabinets will be available in October, 2016 with US MSRPs starting at $2499.

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Salamander Continues Push into Commercial Markets with New Products and Return to InfoComm

Salamander Designs is excited to be exhibiting at InfoComm 2016 in Las Vegas June 8th through 10th. InfoComm is the largest pro-AV show in the world with over 35,000 in attendance. The event features the latest technologies for audio, video, display, projection, lighting and staging, digital signage, conferencing, digital content creation, networking, signal distribution and much more.

We are proud to showcase our latest innovations, happy to meet new people who want to learn more about Salamander and our products, and excited to see how technology has advanced year to year. Technology in the workplace moves at a rapid pace, and we’re proud to keep up with the latest in technology.

This year, we will be showcasing new, innovative products, like our new FPS Series display stands for interactive touchscreen products such as the Microsoft Surface Hub 55 “ & 84” and other VESA-compliant displays, that enhance the collaborative workplace environment, with a keen understanding of challenges faced by integrators and installers.

Other demonstrations of products we will have this year include items like our Pull-Out Rack Cartridge, which gives professional integrators a solution for applications posing extremely difficult challenges when trying to access the rear of equipment and our Customizable AV cabinets, innovative carts/stands, mobile/fixed teleconferencing solutions, luxurious lounge seating and advanced accessories. All furniture is built-to-order in the USA, made from the highest quality materials and designed around your project requirements.

While at InfoComm, please stop by our booth (#N-2533) for a personal demonstration of products that like our Motorized Stands, Customizable AV Cabinets, Pull Out Rack Cartridge, mobile/fixed teleconferencing solutions, luxurious lounge seating and advanced accessories.

To schedule a meeting at InfoComm or a design consultation, contact Michael Benedetto at 860-761-9503 or email, m.benedetto@salamanderdesigns.com.

 

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Salamander Expands Lead as Top AV Furniture Brand – CE Pro

The 2015 CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis is out, and we’re extremely pleased to share that for the seventh consecutive year, Salamander has been named the top AV furniture brand in this annual report by CE Pro Magazine. In addition a significantly expanded lead in the furniture category, we ranked third in home entertainment seating. If you’re a Salamander customer or dealer, thank you! You helped us achieve this important designation from one of the most respected trade publications in our industry.

Top AV Furniture Brand CEPro100The numbers associated with each manufacturer reflect the number of CE Pro 100 dealers using that brand.  These numbers are closely watched, according to CE Pro, “because these are the most successful companies in the industry”. Many professional integrators look to the brands that are being used by these companies as a signal of success.

About CE Pro

CE Pro magazine is the leading trade publication for professionals involved in the custom electronics business. Its readers specify and sell technology-related products to homeowners, homebuilders and SMB (small/medium business) owners. Formerly a monthly magazine, CE Pro is now published and distributed 17 times per year. Launched in 1994, CE Pro was the first publication to address the home systems integrator channel and is widely recognized as the best publication in the category.

About Salamander

Salamander Designs is a leading manufacturer of premium quality, highly customizable furniture for residential and commercial audio/video integration. Our premium, custom AV furniture lines include the Chameleon Collection, Archetype System, Synergy System and theater/lounge seating solutions. We also make a wide variety of accessory products that enhance and complement our furniture. Most products are built to order in the USA and quick ship within days. Our AV Basics line offers a pre-configured, high quality selection of value-packed cabinets and seating producs. Contact us online or call (888) 650-5289. International callers, dial (860) 761-9500.

 

New Salamander Product Reference Guide Now Available

Salamander Designs 2015 Product Reference GuideBack by popular demand! We are pleased to announce that our 2015 Salamander Product Reference Guide, featuring all of our AV furniture products and accessories, is now available for download and viewing. This attractive digital catalogue features full color images and full product specs – everything you need to know about our extensive line of top quality, performance-enhancing AV furniture solutions.

Browse everything we offer, from premium custom furniture lines like the stylish Chameleon Collection, highly configurable Synergy System, modular Archetype shelving system and luxurious home theater seating (Talia, Matteo, Alex, Olivia). We’ve also included our new AV Basics line of AV cabinets and entertainment seating –  high quality, pre-configured products with a lower price point than our custom lines.

To view our new 2015 Product Reference Guide, clck here for a downloadable PDF version. We also offer a special iPad friendly download. Enjoy! And if you have any questions about the products we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Want to locate a Salamander dealer near you? Visit our ‘Where to Buy‘ dealer locator page.

Note to Salamander dealers: contact your local Sales Rep to receive a physical copy of the new Reference Guide.

Why Congress Must Renew Trade-Promotion Authority

Trade Protection AuthorityThis Op-ed by Salamander Founder/President Sal Carrabba appeared first in the Consumer Electronic Association (CEA) blog.

It’s no coincidence that the House Manufacturing Caucus is one of the largest, most bipartisan groups in Congress. With nearly 100 members, representing districts both rural and urban, the caucus has as its mission helping U.S. manufacturers compete fairly with foreign competitors. Congressional action could further advance important trade deals that would grow U.S. exports and create both jobs and wealth for American workers.

Needless to say, it’s disappointing that Connecticut’s two senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, voted against a measure that would give the Obama administration greater latitude in negotiating trade pacts with other countries. Ultimately, the bill passed in the Senate with bipartisan support. Now, as debate on TPA moves to the House, we, a small Connecticut manufacturer and employer, urge our representatives to follow the lead of Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), who in early June announced his support for trade-promotion authority.

Trade sustains and supports more than 40 million U.S. jobs. Today, about 95 percent of the world’s population lives outside the United States, and more than 80 percent of the world’s purchasing power resides with consumers abroad – those living beyond our borders. To truly compete and thrive in the 21st century, American business and workers have to succeed in the global marketplace.

The expansion of the global supply chain and growth of the digital economy mean small- and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. now have an opportunity to reach a global audience – provided we have fair and open trade agreements. We need new trade agreements in place that give U.S. companies unfettered access to the global marketplace.

At Salamander Designs, we are continually looking for new opportunities to expand the scope of our business. New technologies are enabling us to reach out to an expansive pool of potential customers and create new partnerships across the globe. We see international growth as a key component of our manufacturing and sales-growth strategy moving forward.

Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, notes that every $1 billion in exports creates more than 50,000 jobs. Be it on farms or in factories, with products ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to sporting goods and consumer electronics, trade not only creates jobs, but also supports higher wages and drives economic growth.

If we have easier access to new markets, we will be able to expand our business faster, and as a leading AV furniture brand in the U.S., this means that additional U.S. jobs will be created in our Connecticut factory to support more rapid expansion. It also means new opportunities, including jobs, for our network of partner businesses in the U.S.

Underscoring the importance of accessing foreign markets, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker recently noted that U.S. exports to free-market partner countries rose more than 4 percent in 2013 to $765 billion, and U.S. exports to more than 200 countries around the world were valued at $2.3 trillion. But as impressive as those numbers are, U.S. exports could grow even more if Congress can overcome the obstructionists and reauthorize trade-promotion authority (TPA) legislation.

TPA, also known as fast-track negotiating authority, gives the president the power to negotiate international agreements that Congress can vote up or down, but cannot amend. Congress allowed the last such grant of TPA to lapse in 2007 as a result of partisan politics. Since then, more than 100 trade deals have been put into force worldwide. The Obama administration has been seeking TPA’s congressional reauthorization since 2012; for the U.S. to remain a global leader, the time has come for Congress to pass this bipartisan trade effort.

Moreover, the TPA package includes modernized language that reflects the realities of the digital economy and Internet. By clarifying the intention that trade should foster balanced copyright, future trade agreements will now also help ensure a robust growth of the Internet.

We implore Congress, and especially our representatives from Connecticut, to do everything possible to enable and spur more international trade opportunities. Businesses like ours play a major role in our country’s economic engine. While we are relatively modest in size at the moment, we aim to grow much larger; and we can accomplish this through trade. We strive each day to make the American dream of success through hard work a bigger and more impactful reality for our employees, future employees, their families, and business partners – both here and abroad.

A vote on the TPA bill vote is happening tomorrow in the U.S. House of Representatives. This critical job-creating legislation faces a tough battle in the House. Please take action to urge your representative to support free trade and an updated framework that recognizes today’s digital economy.

~ Salvatore Carrabba is founder and president of Salamander Designs, a Bloomfield, Conn.-based maker of highly customizable audio-video furniture for home and office.