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JVC Kenwood to Leave Panasonic Umbrella

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JVC KenwoodThanks to a planned capital increase putting it outside the equity accounting rule, JVC Kenwood will leave the Panasonic group.

The capital increase (of around 10b yen) is part of a business reconstruction to take place January 2011, Japan's Daily Yomiuri reports.

As part of the reported reconstruction, the company will merge JVC and Kenwood, thus JVincreasing its independence from Kenwood and streamlining itself.

Now Panasonic considers buying JVC patents to indirectly help JVC Kenwood strengthen its finances.

The report concludes the new company is to concentrate on automobile navigation and other growing fields. JVC Kenwood itself has to yet issue an official statement on the subject.

Go JVC Kenwood to Increase Capital, Leave Panasonic Group

AMX Moves Operation to York

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AMX AMX opens a state-of-the-art production and warehousing operation, near its York offices.

The facility (part of AMX's expansion) houses manufacturing, warehousing and repair processes previously sited in Norwich. These includes the manufacture of products like Novara keypads, AMX Solecis switchers and Autpatch product assembly.

AMX says the 929 sq.m facility will increase the company's manufacturing capabilities and reduce delivery times for European customers.

Go AMX Opens the Doors to its Latest Production

Imerge Back on its Feet

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Prism Sound acquires Imerge and its Xiva media management platform.

ImergeOne recalls the media server business was closed down 6 months ago by its parent, Linear LLC.

Prism Sound will continue production of current Imerge brands, including the MS1-HD blu-ray media server and the MusicM8 audio server.

The new owner will also maintain customer support for all former customers of Imerge and its OEM partners Elan, Speakercraft, Xantech and Revox.

The acquisition is Prism Sound's first entry in the CE market.

Go Prism Sound Acquires Imerge

CEDIA Expo Day Count Down to 3

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CEDIA scales back its Expo to a 3-day format, after it cut Sunday from its schedule.

CEDIA crowdThis change starts off at CEDIA Expo 2011, which will run from Sept. 8-10-- that's Thursday to Saturday, for those keeping count. The organisers say the condensed show format will prove more efficient for both exhibitors and attendees.

The show also returns to Indianapolis in 2011, following the Indiana Convention Centre's renovation and expansion.

Go CEDIA Expo 2011

ZigBee Confirms European Presence

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ZigBee opens its European Office in Cambridge, UK. Its director, Larry Taylor, leads the team expanding Zigbee's addressing of EU energy management standards and smart grid activities.

Zigbee Alliance

Over 150 ZigBee members have European Alliance-related operations.

The EU office will foster new partnerships with energy-related EU organisations while increasing collaborations with ESMIG and the DLMS User Association.

The European Parliament's passage of the 3rd Energy Package in 2009 requires 80% of EU electricity customers to have smart meters by 2020.

Berg Insight says the EU smart meter base will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.p% between 2009 and 2015, reaching 111.4 million.

Go ZigBee Alliance