News Archive 2006
November 2006
SF Marketing Inc. Expands its Product Offering with the In-Wall™ PWRKIT-TL from Furman
SF Marketing Inc. and Furman Sound, the world’s leading provider of AC power management solutions, are proud to announce that Furman’s In-Wall PowerKit-TL (PWRKIT-TL) is now available. The four-component kit is designed to provide the ultimate power solution to remote display devices within a home theater system.

Used in conjunction with a Furman power conditioner, the in-wall electronic extension system discreetly supplies safe, pure power from the main equipment rack to any remote display device, amplifier, or powered subwoofer, while at the same time improving picture and sound quality for a stunning viewing experience.
The PowerKit-TL includes a power inlet faceplate with a twistlock connector, a shielded 12-foot extension cord that connects the inlet plate to the main Furman power conditioner, and a power outlet faceplate. The in-wall extension system also comes equipped with a Retrofit-style J-box for placement anywhere desired in an already existing wall or panel and is UL approved and code compliant.
“Our customers rely on Furman products to provide advanced power management to their home theater systems and other high-end applications,” said Dave Keller, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Furman. “By adding [the] In-Wall PowerKit to our offering, we are continuing to provide our customers with the broadest range of power management solutions to meet their needs.”
Suggested retail price for the In-Wall PWRKIT-TL is $399.95 CDN and is available from SF Marketing Inc.
About Furman Sound Inc. Furman Sound, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of signal processing and power conditioning products since 1974.

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SF Marketing Inc. introduces new Barkan Mount models #43 and #44
Mounts are ideal for 37” to 50” LCD and Plasma screens
SF Marketing is pleased to announce the introduction of the two latest models in its line of LCD and Plasma Screen Mounts: Models #43 and #44 from Barkan Mounts. These two mount models are built to support 37” to 50” Plasma or LCD screens and offer an uncompromising mix of attractiveness and functionality in their design. In keeping with Barkan’s traditional numbered product model system, Model #43, with three movements, rotates, swivels, and tilts while Model #44, with four movements, folds, rotates, swivels, and tilts. These various pivot points allow for optimal viewing pleasure from many angles.
Both mounts are equipped with Barkan’s Quick Connect technology allowing for easy installation with self-assembly, snap-on/snap-off tools-free screen mounting, as well as a secure locking system which prevents theft and falling accidents. Both models also offer the Touch and Tilt tools-free tilt adjustment technology, a built-in Screen Leveling mechanism to adjust the screen, and Cable Management that hides cables inside the mount ensuring a clean, wire-free look.
Suggested retail prices for Barkan Models #43 and #44 are $349.95 and $399.95 respectively. Both models are available in Canada through SF Marketing Inc.
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FEATURED PRODUCT » SF Marketing Unveils the New Xantech XTR39 LCD Touchscreen Remote Control
New remote merges popular features of Xantech in-wall touchpanels into handheld unit
SF Marketing, the exclusive distributor for Xantech in Canada, is pleased to announce the perfect controller for any home theater system, the new XTR39 LCD Touchscreen Remote Control.
The XTR39 is a stylish, simple-to-use IR remote control that allows personalization to the user’s individual taste via its vivid 3.9” color touchscreen display. Dedicated buttons for the most frequently used commands such as volume, channel, power, and mute are perfectly positioned. A touchwheel control sets the XTR39 apart, providing the ability to scroll through menus and commands with amazing ease. The sleek silver finish of the XTR39 is designed to match many of today’s home theater components.
The included charging cradle means that the XTR39 is always easy to locate and always ready for use, while the Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (with on-screen battery status indicator) ensures long battery life between charges.
The XTR39 can be programmed to function identically to other Xantech SmartPad LCD™ in-wall touchpanels installed in the home. Users will appreciate the consistent operation and graphics between all of the control interfaces.
Deanna Minnich, Director of Sales and Marketing for Xantech Corporation said, “The beauty of the XTR39 remote is that it takes many of the features that have made the Xantech SmartPad LCD™ wall-mounted touchpanels popular and puts that same control right in the user’s hand, making system operation more convenient than ever.”
Installers will love the XTR39 almost as much as their customers. New Universal Dragon
Drop-IR™ programming software allows for the same quick and easy set-up as other Xantech components. Programming the XTR39 is simple, with the same graphics, built-in IR library, IR learning capability, and IR macro ability of Xantech SmartPad LCD™ touchpanels.
The XTR39 LCD touchscreen remote can be configured to control virtually every major system such as A/V system, lighting, climate control, and more, all from the comfort and convenience of the easy chair.
Rick Seegull, Technical Director of Sales and Marketing for Xantech stated, “With Universal Dragon Drop-IR™ software, adding the XTR39 to a control system is simple, because it’s programmed just like the Xantech SmartPad LCD™ in-wall touchpanels. That makes it simple for the installer, and the user benefits because the XTR39 behaves like all the other Xantech LCD touchpanels in the house.”
At a MSRP of $1,299 the XTR39 LCD touchscreen remote control is available through SF Marketing.
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May 2006
SF Marketing Inc. to Distribute NuVision LCD Displays
SF Marketing Inc. is pleased to announce its appointment as the exclusive distributor of NuVision LCD displays for Canada. Effective May 1 st, SF Marketing will be responsible for establishing NuVision among custom installers a nd specialty retailers offering custom installation services.
NuVision produces a full line of high quality LCD televisions and accessories that incorporate proprietary technologies making it stand apart from the competition. Their LCD displays integrate state-of-the-art technologies, such as their proprietary NiDO (NuVision Intelligent Digital Optimization), exclusive Deep Black LCD with 1000:1 contrast ratio, and NuControl bi-directional RS232 with polling. NuVision’s NiDO circuit delivers a film-like home theater experience as a NiDO optimized picture ensures crisp, clean edges and silky smooth motion that is virtually free from artifacts. NiDO image processing technology ensures that NuVision monitors provide world-class picture quality and excellent resolution. NiDO’s edge details, smooth motion, color optimization, and response enhancement are just some of the features that make NuVision’s LCD televisions stand apart from the competition.
Steven Freytag, Product Manager of SF Marketing's custom installation division states that, "The company is very excited to be able to offer a quality product such as NuVision to our dealers, installers and integrators. This is certainly a high-end product that will see limited distribution ensuring our partners can potentially earn larger than the expected video profit margins." NuVision’s LCD televisions are available in screen sizes ranging from 23”-37” with MRSP pricing at: 23” NVX23HDU ($1,799), 26” NVX26HDU ($1,999), 32” NVX32HDU ($2,699), and 37” NVX37HDU ($3,999).
Please visit www.nuvision.com for detailed product information.
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Furman intros Reference 7 and Elite 20PF
The extreme AC demands encountered in the professional audio/video arena have required technological developments far in excess of typical home theater/audiophile power products. In studios, live sound, and broadcast facilities, breakdown is unacceptable. Equipment failure or poor performance is costly. The same is true of today’s home theater. Our solution based technology, extensive engineering expertise, and robust build quality have answered the challenge of today’s corrupted power lines, and led to the creation of the IT-REFERENCE 7 and ELITE-20PF.
IT-REF-7
The IT-Reference 7 is the perfect accessory to enhance the performance or versatility of any Furman Elite or Reference series power conditioner. The IT-Reference 7 also allows a remote mounted plasma screen or projector to utilize the superior hum and noise reduction of Furman’s Discrete Symmetrical Power technology.
Description:
Today’s AC lines are plagued with ever increasing noise. When AC noise couples into your system’s critical components, it masks low level signals and cripples performance. This low level content is critical because it relays the crucial harmonics and ambience in audio, and the depth and clarity in video. With Furman’s exclusive Linear Filtering Technology, CD players, pre-amplifiers, satellite receivers, and scalers are fed linearly-filtered AC power. This dramatically reduces noise, ensuring consistent peak operation regardless of load conditions or the time of the day. For the first time, you will see and hear your theater or audio system as it should be – uncompromised.
Further, our Discrete Symmetrical Power features total AC ground isolation between the IT-REFERENCE 7’s four AC outlet banks and the rest of your Home Theater or audio system. This positively breaks the noise inducing bars and audio hum from AC ground loops, as well as power supply backwash between your plasma screen, projector, DVD player, and other interconnected equipment. All without compromising electrical safety. Our IT-REFERENCE 7 also features our exclusive Series Multi-Stage Protection featuring high current TVZ-MOV. This virtually maintenance-free surge suppression assures the highest level of AC protection possible, without sacrificing itself when the offending surge is severe – no damaged equipment, no service calls, no down time.
When employing the IT-REFERENCE 7 you will immediately notice far clearer, stunningly focused sound and visual images from your connected components. Video presentation will be crisp and colors true with greater gray and black scale definition, as well as noticeably improved depth and clarity. Sonic transients will be startlingly fast with Mid and high frequencies that bloom with sweet, non-glaring ease while imaging improves dramatically, all the while remaining true to your system’s inherent virtues.
Features:
- 7 amp capacity is ideal for upgrading an existing power conditioner or remotely located video product
- Discrete Symmetrical Balanced Power cancels hum-inducing noise and video bars from ground loops
- Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) for unequaled audio and video clarity
- Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus provides maximum AC surge
- suppression with Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS)
- 3 cable / satellite F-connector pairs for transient voltage surge suppression
Elite-20PF
The Elite-20 PF is so substantial in its ability to unmask critical signal content, its performance is without peer from rival conditioners, and is second only to the Furman Reference Series. For the first time, you will see and hear your theater or audio system as it should be – uncompromised.
Description:
Today’s power lines are plagued with RF and EMI noise. When connecting sensitive equipment to your home’s power outlet, AC noise couples into your system’s critical components. This AC noise masks low level signals and cripples performance. This low level content is critical because it relays the crucial harmonics and ambience in audio, as well as the depth and clarity in video. With Furman’s new Ultra-Linear Filtering, televisions, projectors, DVD players, amplifiers, and processors are fed pristine AC power.
Another critical feature is our exclusive Series Multi-Stage Protection featuring Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) and a high current TVZ-MOV. This virtually maintenance-free surge suppression assures the highest level of AC protection possible, without sacrificing itself when the offending surge is severe – no damaged equipment, no service calls, no down time. Further, our famous retractable front panel LED lamps allow easy viewing of either a rack or cabinet full of equipment, even when your theater lights are off.
At the center of the Elite-20 PF is our unique Power Factor Correction Circuit. For the first time, low-level analog, digital, and video components are not modulated or distorted via the power amplifier’s extreme AC current demands. Further, the power amplifier sees a highly filtered, extremely low-impedance supply of AC power. The Elite-20 PF, in fact, has in excess of 4 Amps of continuous current reserve (over 55 amps peak charge) for the most extreme peak power demands. This technology enables power amplifiers and powered subwoofers to operate at peak efficiency, reaching levels of performance previously unattainable.
No longer will your amplifier’s performance be at the mercy of your home’s incoming AC power or inferior AC protection/filtering devices. The net effect is as if your power amplifier virtually doubled in power and improved immeasurably in quality.
When employing the Elite-20 PF, you will immediately notice far clearer, stunningly focused sound and visual images from your system. Video presentation will be crisp and colors true with greater gray and black scale definition, as well as noticeably improved depth and clarity. Sonic transients will be startlingly fast with bass fundamentals that shake foundations with their weight and visceral impact. Mid and high frequencies will bloom with sweet, non-glaring ease while imaging improves dramatically, all the while remaining true to your system’s inherent virtues.
Features:
- Power Factor correction provides surplus current for power-starved amplifiers
- Ultra-Linear Filtering Technology for stunning audio and video clarity
- Series Multi-stage Protection Plus (SMP+) featuring Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS)
- Zero ground contamination circuitry protects critical digital components
- Ultrasonic bi-filtering isolates digital and video circuits from analog components
- Retractable LED lamps illuminate a cabinet or rack full of equipment
- Detachable module for telco surge suppression and 3 pairs of cable / satellite TVSS isolated F-connectors
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The B & K CK1.1 Programmable LCD Keypad
- Programmable Backlit LCD Display
- Programmable Intelligence with Included Software
- Macro Capability
- Software Updates Via Internet Connection
- Large IR Database for use with Other Manufacturers’ Source Gear
- Learning Capability
- IR Pass-Through Sensor on Front Panel
- RJ45 on Back Panel for Easy Hook-Up / Daisy-Chaining
- Standard Single Gang J-Box Installation
- Terminal Block Connection for Local IR Source Control
The CK1.1 keypad is B & K's answer to a single gang, wall mounted user interface. The CK1.1 keypad provides 5 programmable hard buttons and up to 4 pages of 20 programmable buttons (5 programmable buttons per page). The CK1.1 keypad stores IR source codes from its expansive database built in to the PC based software. Each keypad is able to retain memory for up to 10 years with no power supply, using smart memory backup system. CK1.1 keypad setup software is included with each CK1.1. Live updates are provided though an internet connection. Typically the CK1.1 is mated with the CT receivers, but also makes for a great way to control the second zone on B & K’s home theater units! With just one press of a button, everyone in the family can enjoy B&K, Simply Better!
CK1.1 uses the same editor as the CK1.2 keypad. All Macro Commands, Learned Buttons, and IR Commands from the CK1.2 can be imported into the CK1.1. Status feedback for each zone can be recalled by pressing the backlight button. One master input and one slave output are provided on the back panel. Each Keypad needs minimally a 3 position wire to operate but is typically installed using CAT5 cable.
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SF Marketing Inc. to Distribute Xantech Control Products
Dorval, QC - SF Marketing Inc. has announced its appointment as the new exclusive distributor of Xantech home control products for Canada.
Effective May 1, 2006, SF Marketing will be responsible for establishing Xantech as a major player and industry leader in the custom installation market in Canada.
Best know for their switchers and IR emitters, Xantech also offers a number of LCD touch panels, audio video control systems, dual-zone AM/FM tuner, music server and so much more.
Steven Freytag, Product Manager for SF’s Custom Division, stated that, “Xantech was chosen to be the anchor of SF’s custom strategy to become a one-stop shop for the custom installation market in Canada.”
Xantech’s latest product catalog is readily available by visiting the Xantech web site at www.xantech.com.
SF Marketing’s Consumer Division Appoints British Columbia Sales Rep
Dorval , QC, April 6, 2006: SF Marketing Inc. has announced the appointment of Garry Taylor of Taylor Marketing Inc. to the position of Sales Representative for the province of British Columbia.
Based in South Surrey, Taylor will be available to answer questions and concerns from SF Marketing’s dealers and installers and conduct product demonstrations. He will be responsible for training and supporting dealers for Xantech, TruAudio, NuVision, Barkan Mounts, B&K Components, Furman, Genelec, Goo Systems, Raxxess, and Shure.
He joins SF Marketing with over 16 years experience, as a sales representative and as a retail sales associate. Garry Taylor can be contacted at: Taylor Marketing Inc., (604) 531-7666; Fax (604) 531-6011; or via e-mail at garry.taylor@sfm.ca.
For more information regarding SF Marketing, please contact Steven Freytag at (800) 363-8855 (ext. 2206), via email at Steven.Freytag@sfm.ca.
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March 2006
SF Marketing to distribute TruAudio
SF Marketing Inc. are pleased to announce that they have been appointed to distribute TruAudio architectural loudspeaker line of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Michel Plante, Director of Consumer Brands at SF Marketing Inc., is proud to introduce TruAudio’s high caliber line of products to custom installers throughout Canada. “We are pleased that Artech's president, Dave Lang, holds our company in such high regard that he has entrusted us with TruAudio’s future in Canada.” Plante continued to state that “TruAudio fits a void in our lineup that we wanted to fill since a long time. Our desire is to become a one-stop shop for custom installers, regional & independent retailers in Canada. TruAudio brings us one step closer.”
TruAudio offers a wide variety of custom installations and architectural in-wall / in-ceiling speakers, box speakers, outdoor speakers, landscape rock speakers, powered subwoofers, multi-channel amplifiers and a wide variety of accessories. The firm states that TruAudio speakers are "designed for custom installers by custom installers", as over half of TruAudio's staff worked for A/V installation companies prior to joining TruAudio. All TruAudio speakers come with a “Lifetime Warranty”.
For more information, contact Steve Freytag. at (800) 363-8855 ext 2206 or via email at Steven.Freytag@sfm.ca.
SF Marketing Announces Sales Rep Appointment for Alberta
SF Marketing Inc. has announced the appointment of Brian Graham of Big Sky Marketing, as sales representative for the province of Alberta.
Based in Calgary, Graham will be available to answer SF Marketing’s dealers/installers immediate questions and/or concerns, and will be in the position to conduct product demonstrations in a more immediate fashion.
Brian comes to SF Marketing with over 16 years experience, both as a sales representative and as a retail sales associate. Brian’s experience and passion for our industry along with his strong established relationships with the dealers and installers will surely assist in developing SF product brands in the Alberta market.
His responsability are to train and support dealers for TruAudio, Barkan Mounts, B&K Components, Furman, Genelec, Goo Systems, Raxxess and Shure.
Brian can be contacted at: Big Sky Marketing, Calgary, Alberta, Tel. (403) 547-5210, Cel. (403) 852-0447, Fax (403) 547-5310, or via e-mail at brian.graham@sfm.ca.
SF Marketing to distribute Barkan Mounting Systems
SF Marketing Inc. is pleased to announce that the firm has been appointed distributor of Barkan Mounting Systems.
Established in 1988, Barkan has built a worldwide reputation for enriching customer’s home entertainment experience through the design, manufacture and marketing of superior mounting systems for LCD & Plasma screens, home theatre projectors and audio video accessories.
Barkan has become the fastest growing brand name in today's competitive market through total commitment to consumer value in:
- Enhanced visual and audio experience - Aesthetic solutions and patented features that improve consumer lifestyle and viewing pleasure.
- Innovation and Quality - Award-winning, state-of-the-art products, lifetime warranty and compliance with the strictest UL and TUV international standards.
- Competitive Prices - Providing the most cost effective solutions, as expected from a market leader.
SF Marketing will be responsible for establishing Barkan Mounts in regional & independent retailers as well as custom A/V installers across Canada.
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Furman sound welcomes Wilson Audio into ever growing family of dealers.
Top New Orleans Based Dealer to Carry Entire Furman CE Line of Power Conditioning Products
Petaluma, CA -- Furman Sound, Inc., the most widely recognized and trusted name in AC power conditioning today announced that Wilson Audio has joined its ever growing family of consumer electronics dealers. The announcement was made by Dave Keller Furman’s Executive Vice President Business of Sales and Marketing.
“We are pleased to welcome Wilson Audio as a Furman Sound dealer. For more than 30 years, people have been returning time and again to Wilson Audio and for good reason – Doug Wilson thoroughly understands his business. His passion for quality audio performance goes without saying,” stated Mr. Keller.
Doug Wilson, owner and founder of Wilson Audio, added, “We are excited about adding the Furman Sound line to our highly select audio product line. Furman offers genuine product that truly delivers what it promises. Above and beyond sensitive equipment protection, Furman products deliver exceptional line conditioning and sound purification that you will immediately hear upon experiencing it first hand including dramatically improved depth of sound and enhanced sound staging.”
Formerly exclusively a Richard Gray dealer, Wilson Audio has discovered the benefits of Furman’s CE line of products and brought them into the company’s line. Established in 1974, Wilson Audio is one of the New Orleans area’s top audio dealers and installers. The company is renowned for strictly handling the highest quality top brand products and for being very selective about the companies it represents. Excellence in customer service and support is paramount at Wilson Audio – where the bottom line is always customer satisfaction. To attain that end, Wilson’s seasoned professionals will search out and offer top line products at fair and reasonable prices.
About Furman Sound
Furman Sound has been designing, developing, and manufacturing professional electronic products since 1974, and is the world leader in the power conditioning market. Since its inception as the industry’s premiere manufacturer of power conditioning products for the professional music industry, Furman has maintained its place as the industry’s undisputed innovative force and leader while, at the same time, stretching the bounds of technology to provide power purification solutions for a wide range of applications including sound reinforcement, audio/video recording, broadcasting, data processing, telecomm, and home theater. More information about Furman Sound is available at www.furmansound.com.
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