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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

rAVe Publications Features Amplivox Pink Podium in YouTube Video


At the InfoComm 2010 Trade Show, rAVe Publications filmed a short clip of AmpliVox CEO Don Roth explaining the Pink Podium Promise (how AmpliVox donates podiums to breast cancer research groups).

Here is the video:



Webpage: Pinnacle Wireless Hard Shell Plastic Podium Product Page
Blog: Pink Podium at the Rink: AmpliVox helps out Youth Hockey to Fight Breast Cancer
Video: AmpliVox's Youtube Page

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

This Testimonial is No Bull: Auctioneer Gets PA System Crushed By Bull and It Still Works


They say truth is stranger than fiction. 

I was recently reading from our Product Testimonial Page and saw this crazy story about our Half-Mile Hailer Loudspeaker PA System.  This story is no bull!

Works after being stomped on by a bull!
"This is my 2nd Hailer. The 1st one is over 25 years old. It even worked after a large Charolais Bull backed it off and stomped on it!"
Fred Dietrich III - Auctioneer
If you ever have a testimonial or review you would like to add to our collection?  Let us know by contacting us on Social Media, leaving a comment, or emailing us.


Monday, June 27, 2011

Preview AmpliVox's Ecommerce Shopping Cart Preview


AmpliVox Shopping Cart Page 1
Do you have cold feet when buying things from a company for the first time?

It can be hard to pull the trigger on an online purchase, so we thought we would give you a couple of snapshots of what our shopping cart looks like.

The second two photos are part 1 and 2 of the same webpage.

The example purchase we use is the
Pinnacle Multimedia Hard Shell Plastic Podium.

AmpliVox Shopping Cart Page 2 (Part 1)


















AmpliVox Shopping Cart Page 2 (Part 2)

Friday, June 24, 2011

Pranks in the Office: PA System Plugged into Computer Prank Ideas


Recently Amplivox had some fun around the office and recorded a prank video that is now on Amplivox's Youtube Channel.

The prank involves plugging our powerful Half-Mile Hailer into an unsuspecting Amplivox employee's computer.  Hilarity ensues.




Here's an idea you can pull on a coworker: Download The Blue Screen of Death Screensaver and put it on a coworker's computer.  They will think their computer crashed!

If you do this, leave a comment to tell us how it went!

Here is another link from our friends over at Austin & Williams about good office pranks.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

MICROBURST? in 6-21-2011 Chicagoland Photos and Video


The first day of summer brought some turbulent weather for north Chicagoland.  The home of AmpliVox Portable Sound Systems in Northbrook, IL was hit with a storm that some are calling a microburst

AmpliVox was part of the 250,000 people in the Chicago area without power.

For more information oin the storm, read this story from ABC News.

It is interesting that for a company that encourages others to be ready for an emergency situation and we got caught without power.

Interesting Links:
-Video of February 2011 Snowpacalypse
-How to Prepare for a Power Outage





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Another Look Into A Day In The Amplivox Office


This is a continuation of the original blog "A Look Into A Day At The Amplivox Office". There are many aspects to Amplivox Sound Systems that make it the leading PA System & Lectern company, but what really makes a company successful is its ownership and employees.

Without experience, direction or goals most companies fail. AmpliVox CEO Don Roth was Regional Vice-President for Xerox, Executive Vice-President for Apeco and Numeridex and also worked for Perma Power before acquiring Amplivox in 1995. Don quickly transformed the company into a portable sound system powerhouse.

Even with the best management without productive and dedicated employees it is hard for any company to thrive. Amplivox has had its 3rd record year in a row and is constantly growing and developing new products.

From Electronic Assembly to Customer Care, Amplivox always has the customer in mind. Production is always careful to make every order to the customers specifications and checks the quality of each product before shipment. While Customer Service is waiting to answer any questions you may have about placing your next order.

The pictures above are of the Plant Manager checking work orders and preparing them to be sent to production for assembly and our Controller filing important paperwork. The last picture is of CEO Don Roth having a meeting with our Sales Rep that handles all of our big accounts and Web Development about future projects.

Related Links
Video: April Fools Prank At The Amplivox Office
Video: Warehouse Fun: Our Electrical Engineer Plays Guitar Through The MityVox Personal PA System SW212
Blog: Gymnastics Class Testimonial - Digital Audio Travel Partner
Blog: Amplivox Supports North Suburban YMCA
Blog: Church Pulpits - The Amplivox Lecterns & Podiums Are Great For A Worship Service

Monday, June 20, 2011

Why Amplivox Has Been Around So Long (almost 60 Years)



Amplivox Sound Systems started out as Perma Power in 1952.  Perma Power made a line of PA Systems named "Ampli-Vox".

Since then we have changed the name and direction of the company to continue making innovative PA systems under the name Amplivox.

(find out what the name Amplivox means)

How is it that we have been around so long??
  1. We make quality products that people need.
  2. We keep making innovations to our already great product line
  3. We have a solid track record
  4. We serve our customers
    • You always speak with a representative when you call us toll-free at (800)267-5486
The product pictured is the "Amplivox AV-PC Record and Cassette Player" that we sold several years ago.  Although we no longer sell this, it is a testament to our efforts to innovate and come out with new technologies.  We even have PA systems that can play with an iPod and iPhone.




Related Links:
-AmpliVox Youtube Channel

Friday, June 17, 2011

How Far Exactly is a Half-Mile???


The AmpliVox Half-Mile Hailer PA System extends your voice up to one half mile.

We were wondering...what else is a half mile long?


  • The depth that the Chilean Miners were trapped in.  It took them two months to be dug out.
  • A 1:41 run for a Kenyan named David Rudisha who holds the world record for running a half mile. 
  • A 5:00 run for an average person
  • A 1 minute car ride for a car driving 30 mph
Half-Mile Hailer Links:
-Half Mile Hailer Demo Video Made by Customer
-Half Mile Hailer Informational Video

Sound Cruiser Links:
-Video: Sound Cruiser Car PA System Informational Video
-Video: How to Set up the Sound Cruiser Car PA System
-Blog: "Look at This" AmpliVox Sound Cruiser Used by Edbassmaster

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

If You Decide To Be A Heckler, Don't Use an Amplivox Product!


This comic we found in the paper and it reminded us of AmpliVox Sound Systems!

Although we stand by all of our products, we do not recommend that you use our products to annoy/irritate people!

Click here to see a video of a guy at a marathon who should not be the guy with a microphone.  He is at a marathon saying "29 Cuts of Lean Beef" on his PA system much to the annoyance of other spectators (kind of funny).


Interestingly enough, a world famous YouTube personality EdBassMaster used our Sound Cruiser Car PA System to heckle people in public to film this video called "Look at This."







Products that would be great if you want to heckle:
  • AmpliVox S602 Megaphone -- Use this megaphone to project your voice up to 1760 yards!
  • Half-Mile Hailer -- This powerful 50-watt long range PA system lives up to its name, projecting your voice up to one half mile!!
  • Titan Wireless PA System -- This 100-watt system has iPod and iPhone connectivity and is completely portable with rechargeable battery and easy-rolling wheels! 
  • Mity-Lite Small Area PA System -- This small system packs a 35-watt punch, weighs less than 7 pounds, and can be worn over the shoulder like a purse.
 Related Links:
Blog: EdBassmaster Look at This with the Sound Cruiser Blog Post
Blog: Top 10 Public Speaking Tips from Toastmasters
Blog: Cheerleader PA Systems for Great Cheerleading
Video: Amplivox PA Systems Recommended for Youth Sports, Parks, and Recreation
 

    Monday, June 13, 2011

    Portable IPOD Wireless PA System: Perfect for Business or Pleasure


    Amplivox Sound Systems recently introduced a breakthrough PA system made for the multimedia presentations of today's speakers. Dock your iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch, Nano, Shuffle, or even your iPod Classic into this portable pa system, and use it for vocals, music, singing, or presentations.

    This easy to use iPod Sound System delivers sound and video for multimedia venues, providing with "personal choice". It provides clear sound for audiences of up to 500 in a 2,500 square foot room. You will make everyone regret buying a jbl or logitech system when they hear the powerful 30 watt amplifier and 8" full range speaker. Additional features include voice priority switch so you can be heard over music, dvd, or multimedia slide show.

    This powerful, portable and lightweight (15 lbs.) iPod remote controlled Wireless Public Address System includes a video-out, with which you can plug-in a projector or other video device to watch dvds, carrying case, built-in anti shock DVD/CD/MP3 disc player with pitch control, and USB. It is karaoke ready, which makes it a perfect portable DJ substitute, has a built in UHF wireless receiver, and wireless hand held mic. Comes with rechargeable batteries that last for up to 4 hours and AC power cord that allows you to charge the device while in use.

    The iPod Portable PA System is featured on our new webpage about Buying a Flash Mob Sound System.

    Related Links
    Video: Amplivox Portable iPod PA System
    Video: Tricked Out PA System
    Blog: iPod PA System Mentioned on Several News Websites
    Blog: Spring is Here! Great Outdoor Products from Amplivox

    Friday, June 10, 2011

    A UK Band Named AmpliVox! || Portable Guitar PA Systems for Live Sound


    Names are everything in business.  Companies pay marketers millions to come up with a name that will optimize their image to drive up profits.

    People snatch up domain names all the time so they can sell them to people that can use them.

    We recently came into contact with a band from the United Kingdom with the name Amplivox and thought we would share one of their new rock songs called "Dream Nightmare Girl."

    What does the name AmpliVox mean?  AmpliVox means "Extend Your Voice"




    Amplivox Sound Systems chose our name to communicate what our products do: Extend Your Voice.

    Our line of professional grade portable sound systems, lecterns, and computer carts help you extend your voice with rich, room-filling sound for any size room or environment.
    Many of our portable audio systems are guitar and instrument ready a great companion for musicians of a wide variety of instruments.

    Here is a testimonial from a musician about using an AmpliVox Audio Portrable Buddy 50-Watt PA System:

    "Dear Sir, I am a professional musician. I have played with bands including Louie Prima, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and more living and working in Boston. After working with a trumpet player friend who had an Audio Portable Buddy S222, I was amazed at the quality of sound & power it put out. We played a concert in a church hall and it put out enough sound to fill the room. We also played our instruments through the system.

    I was so impressed with the unit that I ordered one for myself to use indoors and outdoors using the battery pack. Thanks again, AmpliVox for the wonderful unit."
    John De Masi - Quincy, MA
     If you have any questions or comments, please visit Ampli.com or call us at (800) AMPLI-VOX.

    To see more AmpliVox Sound System reviews and testimonials, please visit the previous link or the AmpliVox Testimonial Page.

    Monday, June 06, 2011

    Resources for What To Do Immediately After an Emergency: Disaster Response


      
    Unfortunately the reality of this world includes natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, nuclear meltdowns, and floods, just to name a few.

    How to Effectively Manage and Plan an Emergency  Situation Using a Portable PA System

    Our friends over at Firestorm Solutions have compiled this list of resources to help those recovering from a disaster (with a free PDF book at the bottom):



    Immediate Resources:
    On Twitter follow http://twitter.com/@RedCross
    For shelters, see http://www.redcross.org/nss.

    Let friends/family know you're safe http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell

    To donate: http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_src=F8HWA002

    FEMA Immediately After a Disaster:  http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/index.shtm

    FEMA Resources for Alabama: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=14192

    USDA FSA:  The Farm Service Agency provides assistance for natural disaster losses, resulting from drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornadoes, pest infestation, and other calamities.

    http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=landing
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following is an excerpt from Firestorm's Book, Disaster Ready People for a Disaster Ready America By James W. Satterfield & Harry W. Rhulen.

    You may download the entire ebook for free here: http://www.firestorm.com/bookform/

    AFTER A DISASTER

    Look at the recovery in post-disaster stages, so as to not get overwhelmed.

    • Immediate recovery
    • Short-term recovery
    • Long-term recovery

    Post-Disaster

    Immediate Recovery

    First and foremost, remain safe. Is the event completely over? For example, the earth no longer quakes, but damaged buildings may continue to fall; the hurricane no longer dumps rains, but the levees then fail.

    • In some cases, law enforcement officials and emergency personnel may be in a position to tell you it’s safe to re-enter certain structures. In many cases, however, the aftermath of a disaster is as chaotic as the disaster itself, and they will not be available, at least initially. Don’t panic; use common sense.

    • Gather your family—this is your mutual support system; make plans together.

    • Handle immediate medical needs—check everyone for wounds or injuries. Use your first aid kit and/or seek additional treatment.

    It’s during this time that outside help will probably begin to arrive. Local emergency services people will probably be first on the scene, followed by state representatives, and, if the disaster is large enough, eventually FEMA and other Federal resources.

    Remain alert, as there will still be a great deal of confusion. The various assistance agencies might not be communicating
    and coordinating well with each other, which means you may get conflicting instructions and information. If someone, even an official, tells you something that doesn’t make sense, if at all possible, wait before you act on that information. Before long, the situation will begin to clarify itself.

    • Avoid obvious hazards—downed electric lines, the smell of gas, standing water, etc. Make sure everyone remains alert and knows how to spot and stay away from danger.

    • Listen to your emergency radio—use it to determine your next moves, which may be to remain where you are. Be careful of rumors; they can exacerbate a disaster, leading to unnecessary risk or pandemonium.

    • Defer making major decisions—focus on the present; when your life is suddenly in upheaval and your status quo is interrupted, you will not be in the frame-of-mind to make sound decisions. But, don’t worry, for the emphasis now should be on your immediate needs. You will not gain anything by deciding or feeling pressure to decide something under duress.

    • Expect emotional reactions—emotions run high after a disaster and swing back and forth. Some people are elated, because it’s over; others are depressed, because things are such a mess. Fear is likely to continue for some time. Do not ignore these feelings and reactions as they come up; address them with love and understanding.

    • Take in enough food and water—provided you still have your reserves, stay hydrated and nourished in order to maintain energy and stay as comfortable as possible.

    • Stay off the phone—lines will be jammed, if they are working at all. Conserve your cell phone batteries.

    Short-Term Recovery

    Once you’re sure the disaster is over, you move into the short-term recovery phase. Again, your first job is to stay safe. During this period (which could be anywhere from a few hours to several weeks), keep providing emotional support to each other, as the healing process is gradual.

    Depending on the kind of disaster you’ve gone through, at this point, you’ll need to start making some decisions. Do you or can you return home? Or do you need to find temporary housing? In doing so, do not rush to any conclusions. Calmly and rationally assess your situation. Now may be the time to activate your contact list.

    Long-Term Recovery

    For a particularly severe event, recovery can take time, and lots of it. In fact, it can take years before a community regains a sense of normalcy. Emotional reactions really set in at this stage. Children, even some adults, may suffer from nightmares or depression. The disaster preparations you made and practiced will help through this tough time. If the concerns persist, seek professional guidance; there is no shame in doing so.

    Again, keep your cool, yet stand up for yourself when that’s required. Be as flexible and resourceful as the situation warrants. Speed-up/Expedite the recovery process with your identity papers and financial records. If for some reason they are not in your evacuation kit, access those that you mailed to a friend and start things moving forward.

    Disaster Preparedness—Resources

    There is an amazing amount of public information out there about preparing for a disaster, with the most current being online. There is also much duplication, so go to these resources first, as we have found them to be the most helpful.

    American Red Cross—Disaster Preparedness
    http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/—general information as well as that specific to seniors. Washington headquarters: (202) 303-4498.

    Your local Red Cross is listed online or in the phone book.
    American Red Cross—Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities
    http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/prep.html information specific to those with disabilities

    Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/emergency_preparedness—largest reference web site on the internet—very informative

    Medline Plus—Disaster Preparation and Recovery
    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/disasterpreparationandrecovery.html brings together authoritative information from the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations

    DHS (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
    http://www.ready.gov/—information categorized by businesses, families and children

    FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
    http://www.fema.gov/areyouready or http://www.fema.gov/spanish/ areyouready/index_spa.shtm—contains emergency response and planning
    information. Documents on various hazards can be downloaded along
    with fact and planning sheets.

    http://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/natural_hazards_1.pdf — helps you to determine local risks in the context of the following natural hazards: floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, lightening, extreme storms, and cold

    http://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/natural_hazards_2.pdf —considers extreme heat, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, debris flow, mud slides, tsunamis or tidal waves, fires and wildfires

    Google
    http://maps.google.com/—good resource for printable maps

    Google Earth
    http://earth.google.com/—downloadable free maps

    DPERA (The Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association)
    http://www.disasters.org/—multi-lingual site linking disaster professionals around the world

    U.S. Department of Education
    http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/crisisplanning.pdf—a free downloadable book to help schools prepare for disasters

    HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
    http://www.hhs.gov/emergency/index.shtml—disasters by type

    Firestorm Solutions, LLC
    http://www.firestorm.com/book/book.html—a free .pdf version of this book

    If you have any other good resources, please leave it in a comment!

    Thursday, June 02, 2011

    Ed BassMaster "Look at This" Youtube User Comments


    Recently a well known YouTube comedian named Ed BassMaster posted a video using the Amplivox Sound Systems SW312 Sound Cruiser. Within a couple days the video received over 200,000 views. There has been an overwhelming consensus among his fans, wanting more videos featuring the Sound Cruiser.

    Here are a couple comments posted by Edbassmaster Fans:

    "You can do so much with the Sound Cruiser!! Can't wait for more!"
    Youtube User: supremancy

    "Lmao this is your funniest yet, keep it up Ed I want more of the sound cruiser!"
    Youtube User: Jon95McC

    "Awesome speakers"
    Youtube User: bufothetoad1

    "Love the Sound Cruiser... there is no one on YouTube funnier than you Edbassmaster :))"
    Youtube User: mshockey73

    "My eyes were gonna pop out when I saw the Sound Cruiser... man it's beyond laughter LOL"
    Youtube User: wazzzup1234


    Uploaded by eddbassmaster on Apr 2, 2011
    Thanks to AmpliVox for sending me this awesome Sound Cruiser. We are gonna have some fun with this thing!!