Monday, February 28, 2011

Hit Movie "The King's Speech" Brings Awareness for Speech Coaches

The new movie "The King's Speech" is turning heads and winning awards (4 academy awards to be exact).

It has also brought special attention to a service many did not know even existed: speech coaching.

Kate DeVore is a friend of Amplivox Sound Systems and a professional speech coach much like the coach in the movie. She helps people improve their speaking and overcome habits like accents and problems like speech impediments.

According to Kate, business at Total Voice Inc. was up 25% recently, presumably due to "The King's Speech."

Click here to read an article on Crain's Chicago Business on Kate and Speech Coaching (you will need an account).

Another way to improve a presentation is to have the right presentation technology and speech equipment.

Some suggested audiovisual products for public speaking including computer presentation systems and other presentation tools are:

The Multimedia Presentation Plus Podium: This stylish lectern is perfect for presenters who have a lot of technology like computers and projectors to juggle. Includes a powerful sound system and microphone also. Click here to see Informational Video for Multimedia Presentation Podium
EZ Speak Folding Tabletop Lectern: This lectern is portable and fits on a media cart as shown in the image on the right. Great for busy presenters! Click here to see Informational Video for EZ Speak Folding Lectern
Wireless Audio Portable Buddy PA System: This small portable system packs a 50-watt punch and can reach audiences of up to 1,000.
Wireless Microphone Options: Amplivox products include several wireless mic options including headset, handheld, lapel, sports and aerobics headset mic, collar mics, and gooseneck mountable mics. Lots of options!

In case you didn't know, Toastmasters International is an organization that provides opportunities to practice and develop your public speaking skills. For more information, look at the links at the end of the blog.

Stay tuned for more content (blog posts and videos) on presentation tips!

Toastmasters International Links:
BLOG: Toastmasters and Amplivox: A Winning Combination
VIDEO:What is Toastmasters? Amplivox Supports Toastmasters International
BLOG: Posts Labeled "Presentation Tips"

Translate Ampli.com into 12 Languages! Multi-Lingual Website

Globalization is in full force and businesses are expanding their efforts, and Amplivox is no different.

Our goal is to make our customers' experiences as pleasant and easy as possible.

One way we have done this is to offer an easy way to translate our entire site.

If you click on the flags at the top of our webpage (the above screen shot) you will be transported to our next screen shot where you are able to choose the language you would prefer to browse our site in.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

How to Effectively Manage and Plan Emergency Situations with Portable PA Systems

In the day where threats of natural disasters, bioterrorism, and random acts of violence, it is important that your business, school, or organization has an adequate emergency plan and strategy in order to respond to threats in an optimal way.

Emergency response teams and plans ensure that the disaster response has a proper evacuation plan and follows the proper emergency procedures. With many lives in jeopardy, it is important to reduce the risk of panic and confusion with clear communication.

Planning and collecting of supplies like first aid kids, emergency evacuation plans, and portable sound systems.

This following video describes how the use of portable pa sound systems such as a megaphone can prove invaluable in a crisis situation.

To view this video on our Youtube page, please click on this link.

Amplivox Sound Systems had our own kind of natural disaster in February of 2011 with the "Great Blizzard of 2011" or as some called it, "Snowmageddon" or "Snowpacolypse". We have a short video on the effects of the storm that you can view by clicking on the following link.

VIDEO: Snowpacolypse Aftermath of 2011 Blizzard in Northbrook, IL

Monday, February 21, 2011

Easy to Use Portable PA Systems and Lecterns: The Amplivox Advantage

We all have experienced technology that is way to complicated and hard for even rocket scientists to use.

What use is buying something if you cannot use it easily?

Amplivox Sound Systems recognizes this because we do not like buying technology that takes an advanced degree in computers to use.

So one of our goals here at Amplivox is to make our portable sound systems as simple and easy to use as possible.

One major feature that simplifies use of our products is the wireless option. Connecting wires and finding outlets complicates things especially when you may be in an environment that does not have easily accessible outlets. All of our products are available in wireless and two great examples are the Titan Wireless PA Sound System and EZ Speak Folding Tabletop Lectern.

You may have noticed in some of our Youtube videos how it is painfully easy to use our equipment (I'm thinking of the How to Set up the Sound Cruiser and How to Plug an iPod/iPhone into an Amplivox Sound System videos).

Some other steps we have made to make your experience as our customer the easiest it can be is to provide product manuals and a pocket training guide on setting up a portable sound system.
and also several videos about Frequently Asked Questions.

-FAQ: How to Choose the Right Size Sound System for Your Size Audience
-FAQ: My Amplifier Won't Turn On--How to Charge Amplivox SW805a Amplifier

Below are a couple of videos that demonstrate the ease of use that Amplivox products offer.

Friday, February 18, 2011

16 Top-Notch Links for Hoteliers and those in the Hospitality Business

"When people go to a resort hotel for a change and a rest, the bellboys get the change and the hotel gets the rest."

For our friends who have jobs in the hospitality industry, here are some links you may enjoy:

Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels in America
Smoke-Free Law not hurting Hospitality Industry, study says
Suggested Products for Hospitality Industry by Amplivox Sound Systems
Disney thinks Hotel Pizza Flyers are Dangerous
Industry Fights Hotel Tax Increase
Asian Hotel Earns "MICE" Hotel Award -- That is a terrible name for a hotel award! It must not mean the same thing over there...
Hotel Industry Conference relocates to Los Angeles
Hotel Expert Predicts Trends
The Future of Hotel Brands
6 Ways for Hotels to Differentiate their Brand
The Cost of Building Green for Hotels -- I guess those hotels are trying to go green like Amplivox did: Our Environmental Efforts Go Above and Beyond
US Hot-Spots: Fastest Growing US Markets
Aloft Hotel Sells its Name for the Super Bowl -- I guess everybody celebrates differently...here is how Amplivox played a part in the 2007 Super Bowl
Best Hotels in the World: From World Reviewer
Top 10 Hotel Reservation Tips
Top 10 Hotel Security Tips

Monday, February 14, 2011

Clowns Love the Belt Blaster Personal Amplifier PA System!

One of the great things about the internet is that before purchases you can do research to see how other customers have liked a certain product.

It is no different with Amplivox products. Whether it be on the individual product page itself, Amplivox's testimonials page, Amazon, Google Products, or another source, you can find relevant and helpful reviews to aid you in your purchasing decision.

One such testimonial comes from a clown who had this to say about our S206 Belt-Blaster Personal PA System:

"Pros: Clear Sound,Compact,Easy To Use,Hands Free,Lightweight,Versatile
We used the amplifiers (three of them) on stage at school shows. The kids could hear us and we could save our voices and not have to shout. The volume control was great and they didn't interfere with each other as we used 3 at once. " -- Found here.

Neoprene Acoustic Fanny Pack / Protective Case
NIMH Long Life Rechargeable Batteries
AC Adapter for Recharging Batteries in Unit (110 volts)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

14 Insanely Awesome Links for Educators || Technology in Education

Education is foundational in our American society. It is a big issue in politics (see politics who have dealt with Amplivox) and millions of dollars get poured into young minds to shape them in a way to impact their futures and the future of the world.

We thought we'd share some links that will be helpful for educators:

-100 Seriously Cool Classroom Blogs for Teaching & Inspiration

-Top 10 EdTech Predictions for 2011

-How Amplified Classrooms Benefit Everybody

-6 Ways to Make a Classroom Lecture Interesting

-Tweeting Students Earn Higher Grades than Others in Experiment

-A Principal's Reflections: 10 Roadblocks to Change

-100 Incredibly Useful Youtube Channels for Teachers

-Amplivox Sound System's recommended products for schools

-5 Time Management Tips for Any Teacher

-100+ Online Resources that are Changing Education

-10 of the Best Apps for Education

-Meet No Child Left Behind Requirements with Amplivox Hailers

-Using Portable Sound Systems in Emergency Planning

-Article about using Kindles in Education in Florida

Whether you work in a middle school, high school, university, or preschool, Amplivox Sound Systems has products like portable sound systems and a variety of sound lecterns that can help meet your needs and fit your budget. For more information please visit Ampli.com or call us at (800)267-5486.

Amplivox Mobile Computer Cart

We just started selling professional quality AV Carts that are a wonderful and functional solution to organizing your projector, computer, TV or other multimedia equipment in a stylish way. Click here to read our blog post on the new exciting products!

Find Amplivox on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and LinkedIn

Did you know Amplivox has multiple ways to connect with information, deals and customer service?

Of course there is our website http://www.ampli.com where you can find product information, features, images, and download documents. Don't forget our document library where you can download assembly instructions, spec sheets, operating instructions, white papers and more...
http://www.ampli.com/pdf/ And of course our support section of the website... http://www.ampli.com/support.htm

But our website isn't the only place you'll find us!!

You can become a fan of Amplivox on facebook...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Amplivox-Portable-Sound-Systems-Lecterns/93731130740

Or follow us on twitter as well...
http://twitter.com/amplivox

Or visit our Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/amplivoxsound

Amplivox Portable Sound Systems on LinkedIn

Or if you prefer the classic way, contact us by phone at (800)267-5486 or ask us a question.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

9 Tips to a Healthier Lifestyle

"Human beings are very often products of our environments. Whatever habits we are surrounded with are what we usually pick up as a kid. Our parents set the standard for us as kids at an early age when it comes to our nutritional habits. If people had more knowledge about nutrition and how to lead a healthy lifestyle we wouldn't have the problem we have today with obesity starting already at the age of 5 in our society. Knowledge is power and to have the power to make the right choices based upon your knowledge is what makes the difference in people's life. To make healthy conscious choices makes you feel very powerful and strong. You are in charge of your own health and your own lifestyle. Nobody likes to be the victim of his or her own environment." - Healthy Lifestyle Tips

-Quality Sleep: Sleep is one of the fundamental needs that we have, and one that is often underestimated. Sleep plays a vital role in promoting physical health, longevity, and emotional well-being. Without the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep for adults you may find yourself depending on unhealthy products (caffeine, energy drinks, etc..) to get you through your day.

- Avoid Temptation: Clean out your kitchen and throw away any food that is not in your diet. Follow the simple rule: if you shouldn't eat it, don't buy it. If you bring it home you will end up eating it at a weak moment.

-Set Boundaries: If you are too busy and too stressed, you could cut down on stress by learning to say no. Although pushy people don't always make it easy, your time is important and relaxation is essential to cutting back on stress in your life.

-Goal Setting: Goals matter. Setting the right goals, having a plan to reach those goals, and following through on what is required to reach or maintain those goals, can make the difference between having a happy, fulfilled and less-stressed lifestyle and not having one.

-Exercise: Exercise makes you feel good and can motivate you to get other things done as well. Try to pick up a new activity such as hiking, group exercise and outdoor activities. Even taking 20 minutes out of your day to walk around the block will clear your mind and leave you feeling refreshed.

-Positive Thinking: Try to create a healthy atmosphere in all aspects of your life. Have you ever heard the phrase "laughter is the best medicine"? Happiness and health have been linked for quite a while now. New research has been backing up that people have instinctively assumed that happiness and health really are connected, and that your level of happiness can impact the level of your health.

-Eating Habits: One of the most important steps to leading a healthier lifestyle is eating habits. You should be eating a balanced diet, avoiding high sugar and processed foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables, along with eating better is getting the right nutrients in your system.

-Unhealthy Habits: Smoking, drinking, drugs, chewing tobacco, whatever your vice may be quit now! You are in charge of your life and living a healthier lifestyle means getting rid of everything that may kill you.

-Annual Physical: There is only so much you can do on your own. Going to see your doctor atleast once a year is necessary to make sure there are no big health concerns.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Amplivox's Aftermath of "Snowpocalypse", 2011's Nasty Blizzard in Northbrook, IL

Hope you enjoy the video we shot outside of our office on how the snow affected us!

Why Overcomplicate things? The Sound Cruiser Car Public Address System is as Easy as it Gets

One of Amplivox's goals is to provide quality portable sound systems that are easy to use.

Just like our customers, we hate overcomplicated products with messy cords that tangle, which is one reason we offer most of our products wireless.

There are plenty of complicated Car PA systems out there: look at the included screen shots from several long Youtube videos explaining how to hook up a car public address system. The videos show how to screw in the device, how to connect a mess of wires and other parts to a car. One of the videos is over nine minutes long! Talk about complicated!

The Amplivox Sound Cruiser Car PA System comes ready-to-use with suction cups and straps for attachment and is essentially plug-and-use.

Watch the following video demonstrating the ease of installment and use the Sound Cruiser offers. The video may seem a little silly just because the product really is that easy to set up!

To compare the Sound Cruiser to other sound systems (specifically the videos pictured above) click here and here.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

4 Things to Learn from the Great Blizzard of 2011 || Snowpocalypse

In the first days of February 2011 a historic blizzard hit much of the United States--and hit it hard.

People were stranded in their cars and it turned normally fast-moving highways into a snow-filled parking lot. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago (pictured on the left) left hundreds of drivers stranded.

The good thing about disasters is that you can learn from them and prepare more for the future. Here is a list of four things I have learned from the Great Blizzard of 2011:

Be prepared. The city of Chicago Fire Department had several dozen snowmobiles on hand for catastrophic emergencies like the one we have experienced. They helped stranded travelers reach shelter when normal emergency vehicles would not allow passage through the snow. This just shows the importance of having the right supplies in emergency situations.
An emergency plan clearly communicated helps save lives. Planning for the worst and communicating your safety message will help save lives. The City of Chicago has done a great job learning from past blizzards to prepare and be able to communicate their message. Using portable sound systems in emergency planning is an important way to communicate your safety message in high-pressure situations.
Sometimes you have to realize there is nothing you can do. It's not easy for some to admit they have no control over a situation, but at times we do not. Many people in the blizzard found themselves helpless, whether it be power outages or slow traveling on the highways. The best thing you can do is to not worry and do your best to follow number 4.
If possible, enjoy the unique time while you can. Hopefully your emergency or natural disaster will be temporary and that no major casualties have occurred. If you are snowed in at home or work, do your best to make positive memories from the crazy weather. If you have kids, it can be a good memory maker and something they will always remember.

The following pictures are from my neighborhood and show how much snow we got. Amplivox Portable Sound Systems is located in Northbrook, IL and is still digging out from the big snow!

Any other ideas? Leave a comment!

Related Links:
-Amplivox Wide-Range Portable Sound Systems
-Amplivox Sound Cruiser Battery Powered Car PA System
-Amplivox Blog Posts Labeled Emergency Planning
-Amplivox Sound Systems' Youtube Channel

UPDATE: Video on blizzard:

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