In our latest edition of the Weekly Rewind, Netflix introduces a subtle change meant to generate a more immersive streaming experience, some CI favorites take home a Red Dot Design Award, the National Association of Home Builders seek some input on how rising labor and material costs are eating into remodeler profits, and much, much more.
Red Dot Announces Design Award Winners
Courtesy/Red Dot Design Awards
Earlier this week, Red Dot announced the winners of its design awards across a variety of categories including TV & Home Entertainment; Lighting & Lamps; and Audio, Headphones & Loudspeakers. For the past 70 years, the awards have served as being one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world, with hundreds of products being represented by the awards. We can’t publish the full list here (you’re still free to check them out on the Red Dot website) but we can extend our congratulations to brands like Wiim, JBL, and LG, who all have taken home the prestigious award this year.
What Hi-Fi Takes a Tour of the Yamaha Museum
The Yamaha Museum is a showcase of many Yamaha AV innovations throughout the years, like the Yamaha K-300 Cassette Deck. Photo/Wikisympathisant
Any AV or motorcycle guy is likely to know the name Yamaha, but it’s unlikely that many of them have been able to make the trip out to the Yamaha Museum in Hamamatsu, Japan. Well Ketan Bharadia and Lewis Empson over at What Hi-Fi had the opportunity to do just that recently, highlighting some of the coolest pieces of Yamaha history that they came across while at the museum like the futuristic Yamaha B-6 or the classic and highly-sought-after Yamaha GT 2000X.
Netflix Introduces a Subtle Upgrade to Its Viewing Experience
Photo/Rokas – stock.adobe.com
According to Tom’s Guide, Netflix just introduced a subtle upgrade meant to improve the viewing experience of those who like to watch content with subtitles on (which is apparently half of American viewers). Rather than being stuck to Closed Captions (which is more of a solution meant for deaf viewers) Netflix users can select English Subtitles on Netflix originals, making it so that subtitles will only pop up if there’s dialogue. No more [phone buzzing] or [tense music playing] to take viewers out of a scene.
NAHB Wants to Hear How Remodelers Are Weathering the Economy
Photo/Jo Ann Snover – stock.adobe.com
Ever do remodeling work? Work with anyone that does remodeling? The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) wants to hear from any and all remodelers as part of its Remodeler’s Cost of Doing Business Study. Specifically, the group is looking for data concerning 2024 Income Statement and Balance Sheets to see how rising material and labor costs are impacting the remodeling industry’s bottom line. NAHB members will be able to get a copy of the report for $79.95, however, contributors to the report will receive a free copy for their contributions.
Submissions for Commercial Integrator BEST Awards are Open!
Image/Emerald
The much-anticipated Commercial Integrator 2025 BEST Awards are officially accepting submissions! This prestigious award program celebrates the most innovative new products, solutions and services that elevate commercial integrators’ success and profitability. Winners will be announced during InfoComm 2025, featured prominently on CommercialIntegrator.com and spotlighted in the August issue of CI+SSI.
