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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Standing By America: Amplivox's Efforts to Keep Products "Made in America"


ABC News recently has shown several segments on the benefits of purchasing products marked as "Made in the USA".

They showed this video on American made products and shared some very intriguing statistics towards the end:

According to economists, if Americans spent 1% more on U.S. products, we could IMMEDIATELY create 200,000 jobs for the United States.

Two-hundred-thousand is a big number.

Amplivox Sound Systems (located in Northbrook, IL) engineers, manufacturers, and markets portable sound systems, lecterns, and AV carts and does whatever it can to ensure our products are Made in the USA.

About 95% of our products are made in the USA and come with an industry-leading six year warranty.

Below are two Amplivox employees working hard at designing and constructing some of our products.

(Charley is on the left with our soon to be released Tabletop version of the Pinnacle Podium and Andrew is on the right with a Presidential Plus Lectern)
U-S-A All the Way!








WEBSITE: Amplivox Sound Systems Main Page
BLOG: Amplivox Podium Used in Video by Craftsman Tools
BLOG: Church Pulpits: Amplivox Podiums and Lecterns Great for Churches
BLOG:  Multi-Purpose Lecterns And Podiums: Restaurant Hostess Stand, Presentations and PulpitVIDEO: ABC News Clip about Purchasing American Products

Monday, March 28, 2011

10 Tips for Public Speaking from Toastmasters International


People all around the world are afraid to speak in front of large crowds. Some studies have shown that the fear of public speaking ranks up there with the fear of death and is one of the leading fears among Americans. Organizations such as Toastmasters International and training courses in public speaking help reduce the fear to a manageable level.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to helping people conquer their fear of public speaking since 1924.

1. Know your material: Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language - that way you won't easily forget what to say.

2. Practice. Practice. Practice!: Rehearse out loud with all the equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.

3. Know the audience: Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

4.
Know the room: Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

5.
Relax: Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. (One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

For the remaining 5 tips watch the video

Amplivox Sound Systems continues to redesign and develop new products. The versatility and the ability to customize these products such as the Digital Audio Travel Partner will ensure that we will meet any specifications and needs you will have.


Amplivox Supports Toastmasters International

Friday, March 25, 2011

Former Officer of the Year Murdered


Former officer of the year Jayme Biendl was found strangled in a chapel at the Washington State Reformatory. She had previously complained about the security protocols currently being implemented.

According to The Seattle Times - "Corrections Office Jayme Biendl had complained repeatedly to supervisors about working alone in the chapel at the Monroe Correctional Complex. The 5-foot3, 130-pound officer also complained that security cameras in the area didn't work.
Late Saturday, her worst fears were realized when she was found strangled in the chapel, and a microphone cord was found near her post."

While it may not have prevented harm coming to Corrections Officer Biendl, in light of the tragedy that happened, it is important to have careful consideration in the technology being implemented in high security areas. Amplivox's thoughts and prayers go out to Jayme Biendl's family, friends and co-workers.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Ironic Amplivox Look-A-Like...


ABC Television has a new show showcasing music from indie bands called "Amplified" (see logo on left).

It could be that I work too much, but doesn't the logo for ABC's new show "Amplified" look like the Amplivox Audio Portable Buddy PA System?

It is also ironic that the name of the music TV show is "amplified" because the Audio Portable Buddy is an amplified personal PA system.

Many of our products are instrument-ready.

Below is a video from our Youtube Channel involving our Mity-Vox Portable PA System with a guitar plugged into it, showing its portability and usefulness for musicians.

Related Links:
WEBSITE: Amplivox Portable Sound Systems
BLOG: Hit Movie "The King's Speech" Stirs Excitement about Voice Coaches
BLOG: Must see video of Little Girl Riding Alligator
VIDEO: How to Prepare for an Emergency Situation Using a Portable Sound System

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Are You Prepared For An Earthquake?


On Thursday March 10th, 2011 the devastating magnitude 8.9 earthquake caused widespread damage, disruption, and death. The resulting tsunami also caused damage to ports and docks as far away as the West Coast of the United States. This earthquake is the most powerful on record in Japan, the fifth largest in recorded history, and serves as a reminder that earthquakes can happen at any time, and can have devastating effects.


We may not be able to predict when earthquakes are going to happen but you can be prepared. The Great Central U.S. Shake Out offers great tips and drills to be prepared in case the unfortunate were to happen.


Step #3: Make Disaster Kits. Everyone should have a disaster supplies kit stored in accessible locations at home, work, and in their vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.

Related Links:
Blog: Government Prepares for Catastrophic Earthquake
Blog: Amplivox Sound Cruiser Helps Camp In Flood Situation
Blog: Earthquake Preparation Drill
Video: How to Effectively Manage & Plan Emergency Situations With Portable PA Systems


Receive Updates and Tips on Disaster and Emergency Preparation by Joining Facebook Community!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Ampli Blog Introduces Search Option for Easier Navigation


Amplivox Sound Systems is always working hard to make sure our customers have an easy purchase. One of the purposes to this blog is to provide customers relevant information they need to make a good, quality informed decision in their purchasing.

The newest feature to the blog is the Search Box you see in the image on the left.

For example you are thinking about buying our popular "Half-Mile Hailer Loudspeaker PA System", you could search "hailer testimonial" to find search results easier.



Hope you enjoy this new feature!



Related Links:
-WEBSITE: Amplivox Portable Sound Systems
-BLOG: Blogs labeled Customer Support
-BLOG: Connect with Amplivox on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube
-VIDEOS: Amplivox Sound Systems on Youtube

Friday, March 18, 2011

Amplivox Supports North Suburban YMCA




Amplivox Sound Systems has always been interested in helping the community and supports the Northwest Suburban YMCA by supplying several of our products for them to use in their activities and meetings.
In addition to financial contributions, Amplivox supports the Y through donating several of our portable sound systems to them to use for their various classes, clubs, and groups that promote health and strong families.

Amplivox has recently launched the "Speak Up for America" program. With every megaphone purchased Amplivox will make a $15 donation to the North Suburban YMCA to benefit their mission, programs and services nationwide.

In the following video, we show how our products have helped the YMCA during a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, gymnastics class, dance class, karate class, at the swimming pool, and for the Y's various presentations.

To make a contribution to the NSYMCA, please follow this link.

Here are some of the products that are featured in the video:
-iPod Portable PA System
-Digital Audio Travel Partner PA System
-Half-Mile Hailer Loudspeaker Bundle
-Victoria Solid Wood Lectern
-Audio Portable Buddy Mid-Range PA System
-Mity-Meg Megaphone S602
-The Expediter Adjustable Lectern/Notes Stand


Related Links:

-Amplivox Supports the Special Olympics of Washington
-Products Recommended for the Sports and Recreation Industry
-VIDEO: Amplivox Supports Youth Football Through Donating Portable Sound Systems




Customer Testimonial on the Roving Rostrum Podium PA System


A lot of companies try anything they can do to get a customer testimoninal that some go to unethical ends and fabricate testimonials.

(Click here to see other Amplivox blogs labeled "Testimonials")

We do not have that problem or temptation at Amplivox Sound Systems because many of our customers are so pleased with their Amplivox purchases that they write us to tell us how satisfied they are!

Here is a testimonial Amplivox employee Dan received via email from someone who purchased the older model of our Roving Rostrum PA System several years ago describing how happy they still are with their purchase.

Scroll to the bottom to find links to information on the new and improved Roving Rostrum PA System!
Dear Dan,

Time has past but am finally getting around to send a word of thanks for your help and sending me the new shockmount mic holder for our S122A portable sound system.

The Roving Rostrum S122A has been a wonderful and very useful system for us. We use it for our Gospel Meetings almost every Sunday. The hall we use seats 60 to 70 people and the S122A does a wonderful job for that many without the extra speaker.

The power and clarity it produces is exceptional. Thanks AmpliVox for
the great product.

RJ, Florence Oregon
For more information on the newly redesigned Roving Rostrum PA System, click on this link:
-VIDEO: Comparison of new and old Roving Rostrum Lectern PA System

Related Links:
-WEBSITE: Amplivox Sound Systems Home Page
-ARTICLE: Amplivox Roving Rostrum Design Beats the Competition
-VIDEO: Amplivox Roving Rostrum Youtube Informational Video
-QUIZ: Test your Word Skills with Amplivox Themed Etymology Quiz
-BLOG: Lectern vs. Podium -- Definitions of Both
-BLOG: Glimpse into an Amplivox Time Capsule: Roving Rostrum and Sound Cruiser Edition
-BLOG: Church Pulpits: Amplivox Podiums and Lecterns Great for Churches
-BLOG:  Multi-Purpose Lecterns And Podiums: Restaurant Hostess Stand, Presentations and Pulpit

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Street Preachers Prefer the Half-Mile Hailer Loudspeaker PA System


Our friends over at the BringtheNoiz Youtube Channel (who uploaded this customer review/testimonial about the Half-Mile Hailer) and UrbanEvangelism preach through the Half-Mile Hailer in several other Youtube videos posted on their channels.

The top portion of the photo is of preachers preaching with the Half-Mile Hailer and the bottom is from the video on supplies they take out to preach.

To see the entirety of the videos, click on these links:
-Video 1
-Video 2

Related Links:

-BLOG POST Everything You Need to Know about the Half-Mile Hailer
-VIDEO: Amplivox Half-Mile Hailer Demonstration
-2 Hailer Testimonials: Auctioneer's PA System Testimony | NCAA Track Meet Half-Mile Hailer Customer Testimonal
-Amplivox on Youtube

Friday, March 11, 2011

Amplivox Supports Local Youth Football by Amplifying Coaches Voices


Back in October of 2009, Amplivox had the unique opportunity to support the local community by supplying portable pa systems to amplify the coaches voices for youth football practice.

The football coach used a wireless headset microphone with our Half-Mile Hailer Bundle and Digital Audio Travel Partner Bundle.

 Pictured are Amplivox CEO Don Roth and Amplivox employee/youth football coach Denny Porter.  The football coach is pictured wearing our headest microphone also.


Some benefits of using a wireless personal amplification PA system in youth sports include:
  • Not losing your voice trying to shout out commands
  • Being heard over the crowd and commotion
  • Greater control over players because you know they all hear you
    •  No need to repeat commands when you are heard loudly and clearly the first time!
  • Adds to the professionalism of the practice
Included are some photo highlights from the day including a cool action shot.

Related Links: 


-Interesting Facts about Amplivox's Home, Northbrook, IL
-Sound System/Lectern Products Suggested for Sports Market
-VIDEO: The Benefits of an Amplified Classroom
-Amplivox Lectern used by NFL Commissioner Paul Goodell for Press Conference
-Half-Mile Hailer Blog with Video Reviews and Information
-VIDEO: Amplivox Supports Youth Football on Youtube Page

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

VIDEO: Customer Reviews Amplivox Belt-Blaster on Youtube // Testimonial


It's always a good pat on the back to hear that you have done a good job with something.

One of our magician customers recently uploaded a video to Youtube to describe and review the Amplivox Belt-Blaster Personal PA System.

The video is shown here:


Here is another video from the same magician that shows off his talents (very cool!):  Here is a link to his Youtube channel (Jmagic17).


We recently have blogged about a clown that uses the Belt-Blaster Personal PA Sound System.  The versatility of this lightweight device is one of it's greatest strengths.  It is designed to be a waistband amplifier about the size of a small purse and is as easy-to-use as products come.  The headset and lapel mics plug in effortlessly for a plug-and-go operation.  This product is ideal for magicians, street-performers, tour guides, clowns, and musicians who want to extend their voice or music without dealing with a complicated device.

It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and a great remedy for communicators who hate scratchy voices!

For more information on the Belt-Blaster or any of our other products, please visit Amplivox Portable Sound Systems website.

Coming soon...a blog and a video about how the Belt-Blaster has helped a Blind Skier Organization!

Related Links:

-Amplivox Products Recommended for Entertainers and Performers
-Amplivox Blog Posts Labeled "Testimonials"
-VIDEO: Tour Guide from Brugge, Poland Uses Amplivox Belt-Blaster
-Customer Testimonial on the Half-Mile Hailer
-VIDEO: Customer Testimonial on Half-Mile Hailer

Monday, March 07, 2011

Another Glimpse inside of Amplivox's Time Capsule




While searching around our warehouse for something, I ran across the box and product pictured, the Perma Power "Announcer" from 1982.

Amplivox used to be called "Perma Power" and made the "Announcer" for years until we came out with the newer and redesigned Wireless Audio Portable Buddy PA System.

This find is a testimony to the quality and durability of Amplivox products.  We have been around since 1952 and are working hard on continuing the excellence that has characterized Amplivox for years.
VIDEO: Comparing the Old Roving Rostrum against the New

Amplivox's New Line of Audio/Visual Multimedia/Computer Carts

Friday, March 04, 2011

New Ampli.com Features: Video and Testimonial Tabs


Since we are always looking for ways to make our customer's experience easier and more informative.

Our video tab features several of our Youtube videos for the specific product while the testimonial tab features PA system reviews and testimonials for the product whose page you are on.

Enjoy!

Related Links:
-Amplivox Sound Systems Homepage
-Amplivox's Youtube Channel
-Amplivox's Blog Posts Labeled 'Testimonials'
-Amplivox's Blog Posts Labeled 'Customer Support'
-Why Overcomplicate things? The Amplivox Sound Crusier Car PA is as Easy as it Gets

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

MUST SEE Video of Little Girl Riding an Alligator! What do you think?


The beautiful thing about the internet is that you sometimes stumble upon things that surprise you. This following video is one of those surprises...
  1. Watch the video
  2. Look at my reaction below
  3. Leave a comment with your reaction

My reaction to this video:
  1. I would never let my kid do that!
  2. I would never let myself do that!
  3. That little girl is brave
  4. Those little kids sitting down calmly are brave.
  5. That man is using a wireless mic and portable pa system. He knows that for the best presentation (and to save his voice!) a personal amplification system is the way to go. The Amplivox Belt-Blaster Personal PA would be a good fit for him.
  6. That is at my gym! I'm being serious...that is how I found the video, looking to see if my gym had a Youtube channel.
Related Links
VIDEOS: Amplivox's Youtube Channel
BLOG: Test your Word Skills with this Amplivox Themed Etymology Test
BLOG: Don't Let Your Message Get Lost in the Noise...Like These Guys
BLOG: Cruise Ship Emergency Leaves Thousands Stranded
BLOG: -Top 10 2010 Blog Posts from Amplivox Portable Sound Systems Blog
WEBSITE: Amplivox Belt-Blaster Personal PA System

What do you think?

Did we just give you an idea for your next company party (alligator rides)?

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Amplivox Podium Used In Video Done by Craftsman Tools


Amplivox Sound Systems had an interesting opportunity with Craftsman Tools to participate in the 2011 WXRT Radio Listener Awards.

Amplivox had the privilege of providing one of our Full Height Wooden Lecterns for the WXRT Listeners Awards Live Radio Broadcast. The event included the announcement of radio listeners' votes for best album, movie, and concerts from the great year that was 2010.

We were invited early to film a special video on "How to Build a Podium" where Amplivox employees Charley Rummel and Cesar Paredes built an Amplivox podium using Craftsman tools, including a special surprise at the end...