Nortek changes the name of the newly-formed Nortek AVC (Audio Video Control) Group-- the name is now "Core Brands" and covers 10 Nortek companies.

Core Brands covers the Aton, BlueBolt, Elan, Furman, Niles, Panamax, Proficient, SpeakerCraft, Sunfire and Xantech brands and handles multiple global distribution channels.

Nortek claims the combination of audio, power management and control brands will leverage economies of scale while boosting the ability of the group to invest in new technology and marketing programs.

"Combining the unique capabilities of each of these 10 formidable brands will deliver new and powerful benefits they can only achieve as a group,” Nortek CEO Michael J. Clarke says.

Panamax president Bill Pollock leads Core Brands, while Panamax/Furman sales and marketing VP Dave Keller oversees worldwide sales. SpeakerCraft/Proficient president Keith Marshall takes over channel management.

Go Nortek Launches New "Core Brands" Group

GreenPeak expands its product portfolio by expanding support for the ZigBee standard-- rolling out new radio chips handling ZigBee Pro, ZigBee IP, RF4CE and ZigBee Green Power.

"We will enable the Smart Home market-– starting with Smart Home enabled set-top boxes/gateways and providing solutions for  devices that will connect to it – including home security, home  care, appliances, energy monitoring and control," GreenPeak CEO Cees Links says.

The company plans to internet access all its offerings to the internet, using the ZigBee standard to brink all devices online via the set-top box.

Cable operators have a part to play in the smart home market (or "Fifth Play")-- taking advantage of their presence in the home by turning STBs into smart home gateways.

Go GreenPeak to Lead the Smart Home Evolution

Restructuring efforts fail to bring results to a still-ailing Sony as yet-- not with net losses for Q1 2012 reaching $312 million as operating profits decline by -77% Y-o-Y.

Total sales for the period reach $19.2 billion, a total one can at least partly credit to the folding of Sony Mobile (formerly Sony Ericsson) into the main Sony family.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Home Entertainment and Sound division sees losses reaching $126m due to (what else?) falling TV sales. Overall Sony TV sales are down by -35% Y-o-Y with losses reaching $84m, as the quarter also records low capacity utilisation of S-LCD panels.

The Playstation division also suffers from losses-- $45m, with sales falling by -14.5% Yo-Y due to the handheld PS Vita failing to offset falling PSP and PS3 sales. The imaging division fares better, with growing DSLR and high-end product sales bringing profits worth $160m.

The company claims it is "proceeding steadily with efforts to transform our business structure" as it continues to execute Kaz Hirai's "One Sony" stratey.  Will it manage to reach profitability by 2013?

Go Sony Q1 2012 Results

Chief adds a rewards site to its certification program-- meaning Chief Certified Partner Program participants earn Chief points when completing courses.

Once a partner hits 600- and 1200-point levels they can pick from many different rewards, including tools, travel accessories, fashion accessories and gift cards.

All one needs to do to see the full list is to log into their online partner accounts.

The Chief Certification Program currently has over 2400 active users (with more than 1000 Certified Partners), and is designed to help dealers and installers improve business results, differentiate their businesses and enhance their overall mount and rack product knowleedge.

The company offers 21 courses through its online program, with specialised training modules for a variety of needs and vertical markets such as residential, corporate and education. Recent additions to the list include Automated Classroom, Elite Home Theatre, Control Room and Training Room courses.

Go Chief Certified Partner Program