Digest - Wednesday the 3rd of February 2016
- Created by John Kimbell
It's hard to believe that the first month of 2016 has come and gone already. I trust that everyone had a restful and enjoyable break and that 2016 proves successful for us all.
This week's digest, the first for 2016, is packed full of topical news articles, stock availability information and an invitation to our February 19 Cairns Showroom Re-Launch Event.
All the best,
John Kimbell
Cairns Showroom Re-Launch Event
The team at NAS Australia NQ have been working hard to transform our Cairns Showroom into a Technology Hub where NAS Staff, our customers and your customers can collaborate, demonstrate and tailor personalised technology solutions to meet individual needs.
To help us celebrate the re-launch on Friday the 19th of February 2016, we have invited representatives of three key suppliers to come along on the day and conduct training. NAS Product specialists will also be on hand and will conduct sessions too. Each session will be limited to 20 attendees so bookings are essential. A Lucky Door Prize will be drawn for each session and free breakfast and lunch will be served. Come to one session or come to all. The choice is yours.
Should you reside in North Queensland and would like to know more about the event, an invite is available for download here. I would love to catch-up with you on the day.
Popular NAS Product Items back In Stock
SignalMAX 4 Core OFC Speaker Cable
Please be advised that our hugely popular SignalMAX 4 Core OFC Speaker Cable is back in stock.
SignalMAX professional grade 15AWG gauge pure OFC speaker cable is designed specifically for in-wall and in-ceiling installation. This gauge is perfect for high-end speakers, longer distances, and multi-room set-ups. It’s durable and bright yellow insulation jacket is designed for high protection and visibility in all custom installations.
The SignalMAX 4 Core OFC Speaker Cable is very keenly priced and is ready for immediate dispatch. A product sheet is available for download here.
Altech VAST Certified UEC IRD's
Please be advised that a new shipment of VAST Certified Altech UEC receivers (4121RV & 4121PVRRV) arrived late last month and are ready for immediate dispatch.
Novonde High Speed HDMI Leads
The complete range (1m, 2m, 3m, 5m and 7m) of Novonde High Speed HDMI leads are back in stock. These quality leads have become very popular as they are very keenly priced and are not available through mass retail.
Novonde 8" In-Ceiling Speakers
Our quality trade only Novonde 8" In-Ceiling Speakers are back in stock. Don't get shopped out through mass retail association and try our Novonde Speaker Range. You will not be disappointed.
Saitell IP CCTV
A new shipment of Saitell IP CCTV NVR's and Cameras have just arrived.
Should you be interested in more information on any of the items mentioned above do not hesitate to contact the NAS Australia Sales Team on sales@nasaustralia.com.au or 07 3015 8700.
Kingray Price Rise
As of Monday the 1st February 2016 Standard Communications implemented a price adjustment to a number of GME, Kingray and Triax branded products.
Any price rise is regrettable, however it has been 6 years since their last general price increase, it has now become necessary due to the significant devaluation of the Australian dollar and increases in material component prices, these changes have significantly increased production costs.
Standard Communications are conscious of the price sensitivity in the market place and the flow on effect to your sell price that any price increase will have, hence any price increases have been kept to a minimum.
The team at NAS stocked-up before the price rise and will not increase pricing till our current stock holding has been exhausted. So if you are interested in stocking up on Kingray, the time to do so is now.
Industry Articles
FTA TV
Global stats reveal Millennials love TV
A recent press release located on the thinktv website reveals that FTA TV is far from a finished as far as Millennials are concerned.
"TV continues to dominate millennials’ media lives. Despite the popularity and hype around video services such as YouTube and Netflix, the latest data gathered from around the world show how popular TV remains with younger generations."
"To mark World Television Day on Saturday 21 November, TV organisations from around the world have brought together the latest statistics to reveal how millennials’ relationship with TV looks today. With data from 10 countries – including the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, the UK, and France – the insights show how much TV millennials now watch, how it is the dominant form of video in their lives, how important the TV set remains, the huge reach of TV, and their attitudes towards TV advertising. The press release including viewing statistics can be downloaded here.
Briz 31 still broadcasting
After months of chasing the station we have received confirmation from 31 Digital (Briz31) that they have extended their broadcast license and will continue to broadcast over the air in 2016. 31 Digital is the only remaining UHF Channel broadcast in Brisbane.
Netflix
Stan signs muti-year content deal with premier US network Showtime
"AUSTRALIAN Netflix will face its biggest threat with competitor streaming platform Stan signing a multi-year content deal with premium US network Showtime." The news.com.au article can be accessed here.
Netflix's Aussie growth slows, Stan lifts
"Netflix's growth in Australia appears to have slowed with its closest local video streaming rival, Stan, enjoying a major growth spurt over the Christmas period."
"Stan, which is owned by Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media, publisher of The Australian Financial Review, had 100,000 sign-ups in December. It is on track for 75,000 more sign-ups in January and is poised to pass the 700,000 gross sign-ups mark soon after it celebrates its first birthday on Australia Day." The brisbanetimes.com.au article can be accessed here.
Australian consumers win battle against Netflix geo-blocking, but may lose war
"For nearly a year it seemed like it was little more than an empty threat."
"But now Netflix is making good on a promise to shut-out non US customers from illegally accessing the country’s superior catalogue in a move that has set in motion a “blocking war” with far reaching consequences." The news.com.au article can be accessed here.
Foxtel
Foxtel lays Off 100+ Staff, More Cuts Tipped
ChannelNews recently reported that Foxtel, who are struggling to hold onto premium subscriptions customers following the launch of Netflix, has laid off more than 100 employees.
"More than 100 jobs have been eliminated or outsourced, with the call centres at Robina and Moonee Ponds, at the centre of the job cuts."
"They also claimed that many of the redundancies have been on front end services, with a major shakeup at the Pay-TV installation companies, including Downer and IGSM, who will be losing their pre-call teams as the company moves to what its management has described as "different way of working together." The ChannelNews article can be accessed here.
IoT
World Economic Forum warns of major changes to workplace in ‘fourth industrial revolution’
"Machines that teach themselves, 3D printers and automated transport — your average office in the year 2020 could be quite the different place."
"That’s according to the Future of Jobs report from the World Economic Forum taking place this week, which claims a “fourth industrial revolution” will bring sweeping changes to virtually every field of work, from computer science to manufacturing."
“In many industries and countries, the most in-demand occupations or specialties did not exist 10 or even five years ago, and the pace of change is set to accelerate,” the report states.
“By one popular estimate, 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist.”
"Within the next four years, advanced robotics, 3D printing, mobile technology, the “internet of things” drone and driverless cars are expected to have a major impact on our working life."
"It will lead to greater demand for jobs such as data analysts and specialised sales representatives in order to interpret and communicate changes, but reduce demand for basic jobs that will be replaced by automation." The news.com.au article can be accessed here.
What's Stopping Consumers from Buying Internet of Things Devices?
"According to a November survey from Accenture, nearly two-thirds of internet users worldwide said that one of the barriers to purchasing IoT devices and services were the fact that they are too expensive."
"In addition, almost half of respondents said they were concerned about privacy and security, and these issues were another hindrance to purchasing an IoT device. The uncertainty about which device would be of use to them, as well as the confusion around these IoT devices more generally, were other barriers to purchase." The emarketer.com article can be accessed here.