HARMAN International (India) joined hands with renowned nonprofit organisation Habitat for Humanity, for its ‘Women Build’ project leading up to International Women’s Day, according to a statement issued by HARMAN. Over 40 HARMAN India women employees came together in solidarity in an effort that is aimed at the elimination of poverty housing.
One of the objectives of Women’s Day being celebrated all over the world is to provide support for vulnerable women living in urban slums and empowering them with safe, decent and affordable homes. This ‘Women Build’ project initiated by Habitat for Humanity aims to achieve this in one of Bangalore’s peripheral slum resettlement colonies in Hegde Nagar, providing shelter and dignity to vulnerable women along with their families.
Vinita Srivastava – Director HR, HARMAN India said: “HARMAN India is delighted to partner with Habitat for Humanity for their ‘Women Build’ project. There is an overwhelming requirement to pay attention to women’s concerns in our country and this volunteering event addresses the primary issue of housing. I am happy that we are able to come together as strong, capable women of today, to do our bit to re-instill hope in our community”.
“Women Build is a project wherein we create a bridge between those with the means to support with them that are in need. Habitat for Humanity looks beyond shelter to pave the way for the development of a community. We believe in transformation of communities through volunteering and this is one such initiative. When people come together to help each other, it always has an immensely positive effect. HARMAN has supported our efforts in rehabilitating victims of Uttarakhand and now, we have all women coming forward playing their part in construction of homes for the underserved. Our communities are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to see the commitment of HARMAN to the society”, Nirmala A, Regional Head for partnership development, South India, Habitat for Humanity said.
Habitat for Humanity builds, rehabilitates and repairs simple, decent, affordable homes in sustainable communities with support from homeowner families, volunteers, donors and partner organizations in more than 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. For more information visit : habitatindia.in.
HARMAN (harman.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognised world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia and reported sales of $ 4.7 billion for the last twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
Audio Talk India
HARMAN Kardon Sound Lounge, India’s first loyalty programme launched in Chennai
HARMAN International (India) Private Ltd, the premier audio and infotainment group today announced the opening of an exclusive Harman Kardon Sound Lounge in Chennai, according to a media statement. The first exclusive Sound Lounge in India will feature a comprehensive range of its premium lifestyle products under the Harman Kardon brand. Operated by Sahil International, authorized sales and service partner for HARMAN lifestyle division products in India, this showroom is located in the prime location of Bergamo in Nungambakkam.
M Lakshminarayan of HARMAN and renowned singer Sunita Sarathy at the inauguration.
The Sound Lounge was inaugurated by M Lakshminarayan, Country Head and Managing Director, HARMAN India, Mithu Sadarangani, Managing Director, Sahil International and Sunitha Sarathy, a leading Indian vocalist and performer in both Indian contemporary and Western classical music genres and a HARMAN India brand ambassador, in Chennai today. Also present on the occasion was S Sharath, Head of HARMAN’s Lifestyle business in India.
“India is a very important market for HARMAN. Recognizing this, we continue to introduce a new line up of market relevant products , strengthen our service and support network and enhance our reach through associations with our partners. This Sound Lounge in Chennai is another key step in that direction”, said Lakshminarayan. ‘At this Sound Lounge, customers will have access to audio/product experts and can experience the latest product portfolio crafted to appeal to the needs of the Chennai market’, he added.
Another first, is the launch of a brand new loyalty program, Harman Kardon Diamond Club, at the Sound Lounge, by Sahil International. In addition to reward points on every purchase of Harman Kardon products at the Sound Lounge, customers will be entitled to exclusive offers from affiliates including an annual subscription to Robb Report’s India edition, the premium high end monthly.
“We are focused on bringing to customers HARMAN’s unmatched portfolio of premium speakers, headphones, docking systems and home theatre systems in India. In addition, I am excited about the Harman Kardon Diamond Club program which is certainly an industry first in India. Moving forward we will continue to build our network of partners, to ensure the Harmon Kardon customer gets access to a whole range of premium offers, from the best luxury hotels, clubs to automobiles and more”, Sahil Sani, Director, Sahil International said on the occasion.
One of the key highlights on display would be the 2014 CES award winning Harman Kardon Esquire, stylish Soho headphones and the Onyx wireless portable speaker with iconic Harman Kardon design. Beginning February 12, 2014, key Harman Kardon products and other HARMAN flagship brands including JBL and AKG can be purchased online at harmanaudio.in. The product ranges will span Home, Multimedia, Car Audio and Headphones.
HARMAN (harman.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,800 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.7 billion for the last twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
Tata Bolt premium hatchback and classy sedan Zest cars launched in India
Tata Motors today launched two all-new cars – the classy sedan, ZEST and the sporty, dynamic premium hatchback, BOLT that look to redefine the passenger car market with new design aesthetics, segment-defining drive experience and high-tech Infotainment system, according to a company statement.
Ranjit Yadav, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, Dr Tim Leverton, President and Head – Advanced and Product Engineering, ERC, Tata Motors Ltd and Narain Karthikeyan, unveil the all-new stunning and enticing ZEST. This new compact sedan is accompanied with stylish, cutting-edge, interiors coupled with F-Tronic technology, AMT in diesel, making it a best –in- class offering.
ZEST – that clearly signifies enthusiasm for life, for the sense of excitement, anticipation, and energy it brings, approaching life as an adventure. It is all about being vivacious and energetic. Those who have Zest exude excitement and energy while approaching life and that is the new ZEST Sedan, in character.
Ranjit Yadav and Dr Tim Leverton with the all new premium hatchback – BOLT, from Tata Motors. Powered by the segment first, Turbocharged MPFi Petrol engine – REVOTRON 1.2T, the sporty, dynamic BOLT promises to deliver a thrilling and a superlative drive experience. BOLT– with the name signifying speed, it represents an attitude of winning, and staying ahead. This attitude is embodied in the all-new BOLT in all aspects of design, drive and seamless connect.
Speaking on the occasion of the launch Yadav said: “We are showcasing to the global market the much awaited next generation cars – the ZEST, a stunning and exciting new compact sedan and the BOLT, a dynamic hatch. These cars have been engineered for global markets, through global teams across India, UK and Korea to set new standards in their respective segments. These cars are a true representation of our Horizonext philosophy, with best-in-class offerings for performance that yet offers economy and efficiency”. ZEST and BOLT have been designed and developed based on three key fundamental principles, namely, DesigNext, DriveNext, ConnectNext. ZEST and BOLT, a result of the collaborative design inputs from the three Tata Motors design studios in Pune, Coventry (UK) and Turin ( Italy), come with several segment first features and a new design language on the exterior and the interior of the car.
New Design Language
The company has introduced a new design language – DesignNext – that gives an expression to an excellent combination of sleek, smart styling and enhanced comfort that increases driver productivity. The new design language distills the fine points of auto design with cuts and lines that accentuate the modern India and its global citizens. The new design semantics include the new Tata signature grill with new the Humanity Line, visually flowing into the dynamic headlamps to create a unique design signature for the brands. With flowing lines that create an illusion of movement even when the car is standing still, its exterior exaggerates size to give it a feeling of a larger hatchback or a sedan. In the ZEST, the projector headlamps complemented by chrome accents, the daytime running lights, the rear treatment of LED lamps, the trendy 15” alloy wheels, combined with a signature Buzz Blue colour, add up to a dynamic and stylish pouncing stance. Matching aesthetic design with function, the BOLT’s floating roof spoiler not only provides an extra-sporty touch but also aids in aerodynamics. The sporty, confident look is further enhanced with fog lamp Bezels.
Interiors
The interiors of both these cars are geared for a premium feel. The driver-focused dashboard architecture carries premium chrome embellishment to render the cockpit with an aura of elegance. The instrument cluster and the central AC vents are connected in a single wing-shaped graphics.
Performance & Economy
DriveNext, is a new approach to the driving dynamics that offers driver complete control of a highly responsive machine. The ZEST and BOLT will be powered by the segment-first, Turbocharged Intercooled Multi-point Fuel-Injected (MPFi) Petrol Engine, REVOTRON 1.2T, which brings revolution in refinement, performance and economy.
Transmission
The diesel variant of ZEST will have the first-in-class F-Tronic technology-enabled, 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission and will be powered by a segment-leading 90PS engine with 200 Nm of uninterrupted flat torque to offer a peppy drive with seamless delivery of power.
Safety Features
Further, both ZEST and BOLT will have EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted System), with ‘Active Return’ function and speed sensitive power steering – a first for both segments. New advanced ABS for improved braking efficiency and with yet another segment-first, the Cornering Stability feature, add to the safety features of the vehicle. A silent, quieter cabin will ensure a pleasant and superlative drive experience. The Dual-path suspension coupled with a zero pivot subframe ensures smooth and comfortable ride. The improved suspension provides effective isolation from road inputs without compromising on the body control, translating into a class leading balance between ride and handling. This provides for a very comfortable but engaging drive experience.
Entertainment
At Tata Motors, with ConnectNext, the company will deliver a new level of driving and ownership experience as users from their own smart device, can not only enjoy superior quality of entertainment, control the deliverance of all ergonomics, acoustics and climatic needs, but also get access to outside world seamlessly, with a touch.
Alliance with HARMAN
Recognising the dynamic consumer world where connectivity is an increasing need for all, Tata Motors has associated with HARMAN for designing the infotainment and audio acoustics system and with MapmyIndia for next generation navigation & location based services.
Technology
The company has incorporated latest new technologies to make the ZEST and the BOLT, the most connected, high-tech hatchback and sedan respectively. Forming the core of the ConnectNext experience is the all-new HARMAN infotainment system with first-in-class features that will allow the car users to stay connected with friends, family and the world.
With the five-inch touchscreen supporting rich multimedia experience, advanced Bluetooth technology, smart voice recognition, advanced smartphone integration, supporting phone enabled navigation, social media integration, touch phone controlled interface, the ZEST and the BOLT will ensure these car users could seamlessly integrate their professional and personal lives into their commute and travel, while bringing in an unparalled infotainment experience. The system has in-built HVAC controls, which is a first-in-class experience for all consumers.
Global Portfolio of Cars
Manufactured on a completely enhanced X1 platform, the ZEST and the BOLT mark a strategic shift towards a global portfolio of cars designed to offer high performance and connectivity. These cars will be launched in 2014 in India and subsequently in other countries. Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs 1, 88,818 crore ($ 34.7 billion) in 2012-13. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 8 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fifth largest truck manufacturer and fourth largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, South America, CIS and Russia.
Blaupunkt India launches San Diego 530 multimedia navigation system for a price of Rs 30,990
Blaupunkt India, a world leader in car infotainment and sound, today launched San Diego 530 a fully integrated multimedia navigation system that provides a diverse range of utility and entertainment possibilities at a pocket friendly price, according to a company statement.
Priced at Rs 30,990 this digital touch screen system combines the newest fully-featured version of iGO Primo software and the latest TomTom India maps. Equipped with high end features such as Voice Navigation, Intelligent Quick Search (IQS), smart history tracking, parking guidance and congestion detour handling, the San Diego 530 provides you the most advanced navigation on the Indian roads today. The San Diego 530 also comes with a powerful in-built navigation processor, thus eliminating the need for an external black box.
Adding to the entertainment quotient, the San Diego 530 also includes an inbuilt high end multimedia video playback, powerful 4*45w sound output, unmatched connectivity for all types of portable media and a DSP tuner which provides crystal clear sound and supports weak signal processing and noise suppression, making it ideal for the Indian market.
Some of the highlights of San Diego 530 include:
6.2” digital TFT touch screen display (800 x 480 pixels)
WinCE6.0 OS / 256MB RAM
High-grade FM (RDS), AM tuner
DVD/VCD/CD-player
Built-in Bluetooth (HFP, A2DP, PBAP) w/ built-in & external hands- freemicrophone
Standard A-type front USB (Audio & Video)
MicroSDHC slot (alternatively for Multimedia or Navigation)
Front Audio/Video input
Video output
Rear view camera input
Navigation-ready via bundling with regional Navigation microSD
Data carrier:DVD, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, DVD-ROM, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R/-RW, VCD,
USB, micro-SDHC/SD
Playback format:MP3, WMA, MPEG, MPG, AVI, Xvid, JPEG, JPG
10-band parametric equalizer
Sound presets (Rock, Pop, Classic, Jazz … )
Loudness
4-channel Preamp-out (2 V)
Sub-out (variable gain, frequency)
Max. power 4 x 45 Watts
Steering Wheel Remote Control (programmable)
IR remote control included
Comes with a 1 year free insurance scheme for flood, fire and burglary
The clean lines of the Blaupunkt design leave nothing more to be desired and make a high-quality, tasteful addition integrated to any cockpit. When combined with Blaupunkt’ s range of superior sound products – speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, the San Diego 530 can provide a wide range of sound enhancement possibilities for every car.
Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Jagwani, Director, Blaupunkt India said: “Our aim has always been to offer innovative in car infotainment solutions that enhance the driving experience. San Diego 530 brings together the best of the entertainment and navigation and we are confident that this product will be well received in the Indian market”.
Blaupunkt (meaning ‘blue point’ in German) is recognised as a symbol of German quality and innovation since 1928. It is one of the world’s leading car infotainment brands and has shaped the in-car entertainment industry for 90 years. Blaupunkt has a history of innovation and firsts – from the first car radio in 1932 to the first radio with FM, first digital radio, first radio with video navigation, first RDS radio, first drive-less radio, to more recently the world’s first internet radio in 2009. Blaupunkt is today, an infotainment partner of choice to the world’s leading passenger car OEs including VW, Audi, Bentley, GM, Proton, Hyundai, Kia, Tata, Mahindra as well as a number of commercial vehicle providers including Fuso, Isuzu, Fendt, Lada, Claas CAT etc.
The company is headquartered in Hildesheim, Germany and is part of Aurelius AG with revenue in excess of one billion euro and operations worldwide. In India, the company is headquartered in Mumbai with distribution across all states and a service footprint of 130 locations.
‘Arul Keerthanaikal’, CD containing compositions of Kalaimamani D Pattammal on Sri Ramakrishna Trinity released in Chennai
The family of Kalaimamani D Pattammal today launched the audio CD of ‘Arul Keerthanaigal’ songs on Sri Ramakrishna Trinity. This was unveiled by Pujya Sri Rama Prana Mataji in the presence of Swami Padmasthananadaji, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, T Nagar, Chennai and NV Subramaniam of Saraswathi Vaggeyakara Trust, according to an official release.
From (L-R): D Natesan, NV Subramaniam, Swami Padmasthananadaji, D Chandrasekhar, Pujya Sri Rama Prana Mataji, Aditya Prakash, and Sushma Somasekaran.
The first copy was released by Mataji and received by Swami Padmasthandaji and NV Subramaniam at a launch event held at Infosys Hall, Ramakrishna Mission School, T Nagar, Chennai. The music cd will be available across India in select Ramakrishna outlets and at Thejus, Chennai for free distribution with a booklet containing the text of these songs transliterated in English and Hindi.
Commenting on the CD launch, D Chandrasekar, son of D Pattammal said: “We are happy and profoundly privileged to present one of the earliest compositions of our mother ‘Arul Keerthanaigal’ songs on Sri Ramakrishna Trinity. She got her initiation from Pravarajika Bharati Prana, who was a direct disciple and a personal attendant of Sri Sarada Devi. On behalf of DP’s family, I take this opportunity to thank one and all for the overwhelming response and innumerable support extended to our family. We would like to bring more of such collections in the near future as her compositions kept many people poised and brought inner harmony”.
Kalaimamani D Pattammal was a musician, musicologist and vaggeyakara. She has composed over 650 songs in Tamil and her compilation of over 5,000 ragas is classified in Ragapravaham. She won many accolades in the competitions which includes two gold medals from Music Academy and the Silver shield from Indian Fine Arts in the 1950s. She was awarded the title ‘Kalaimamani’ in 1994 by the Government of Tamil Nadu. These collections would be used by the devotees of Ramakrishna Mission across the Globe. For more information, visit dpattammal.com.
JLR, Intel to develop next gen in-vehicle technologies
Jaguar Land Rover is now partnering with Intel in enhancing research and product development on future vehicle infotainment technologies. The calliance is also establishing a new Technology R&D Centre in Portland, Oregon.
A statement issued by JLR, the new research centre on the West Coast will help ead the development of future vehicle infotainment systems. This centre will also be responsible for collaborative work with a number of technology partners. The location of the centre has been chosen for its proximity to the technology industry hubs in Silicon Valley and Seattle, where Jaguar Land Rover has been developing collaborative alliances with the world’s leading IT businesses and creative and technical talent.
Collaboration
Jaguar Land Rover, the British premium car manufacturer and part of Indian firm Tata Motors and Intel have already commenced work on multiple levels across engineering, research and marketing as Jaguar Land Rover progresses its ambitions to deliver the best in-car infotainment experience. A number of factors including close proximity of Jaguar Land Rover’s new research facility to Intel Labs is enabling a collaborative relationship on research projects. Multiple programmes are underway to explore and develop next-generation digital vehicle prototypes with in-vehicle cockpit experiences that connect car, device and cloud. The insights gained from the research programmes, along with alignment on engineering efforts is expected to hasten the development on new innovative in-vehicle experiences, noted the statement.
Dr Wolfgang Ziebart, Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Director, said: “Our aim is to innovate and develop the ultimate user experience for our customers and by taking a collaborative approach with both technology start-ups and large organisations such as Intel, we will push the boundaries of future infotainment technology. Working with Intel will help both partners define and develop platforms and systems appropriate for premium global brands like Jaguar and Land Rover. This will ultimately develop unique and innovative technologies that will continue to drive the appeal of our products. Our research and the partnerships we are developing in the US will help us ensure our new products remain innovative and globally competitive”.
Elliot Garbus, vice president and general manager, Automotive Solutions Division, Intel Corporation, said: “Consumers expect their in-vehicle experiences to be an integrated part of their digitally connected lifestyle. For, this requires enhanced levels of connectivity and intelligence in the car. As part of our work with Jaguar Land Rover, we are exploring innovative ways to inform, entertain and assist drivers and passengers in a safe way; speeding development of unique experiences from the car to the cloud. Our goal is to accelerate opportunities for new types of in-vehicle services and applications in the Internet of Things”.
Portland Centre
Creating the new technology centre in Portland and the collaborative partnerships it supports will accelerate the creation of the next generation of in-car technologies, features and software for future Jaguar and Land Rover models. The Portland facility will be Jaguar Land Rover’s first dedicated software R&D operation and will lead the optimisation for automotive applications of a range of new advanced technologies that are currently being developed on the West Coast.
The new ‘Open Software Technology Centre’ in Portland, which will open in 2014, will complement the established Jaguar Land Rover infotainment team based at the company’s product creation facility in Gaydon, UK. It will employ a team of around 30 infotainment specialists, including 16 highly experienced software engineers. Facilities will include a multimedia creative suite, innovation spaces, development laboratory and a six-bay vehicle workshop.
Going forward, the Portland technology centre will also complement the long-term research projects that will be undertaken by the Jaguar Land Rover R&D team at the National Automotive Innovation Campus (NAIC) at the University of Warwick when it opens in 2016. These research projects include electrification, smart and connected cars and Human Machine Interface.
Investments
Jaguar Land Rover will invest circa £ 2.75 billion in its products and facilities in the financial year to March 2014. Jaguar Land Rover will invest £ 50 million in a purpose built, £ 100 million ‘National Automotive Innovation Campus’ (NAIC) at WMG. This new 30,000 square meters facility will create a state-of-the-art Technology, Innovation and Education centre for Jaguar Land Rover and its key innovation partners to drive forward on all of the above technology themes and new ones as they emerge.
Future plans
Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for sustainable growth and profitability. In 2012, Jaguar Land Rover sold 357,773 vehicles, up 30 percent. In fact, Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK’s largest exporters by value (£ 11 billion in FY 2011-2012) and generates an estimated 85 percent of its revenue from exports.
In the twelve months to March 31, 2013 Jaguar Land Rover generated profit before tax of £ 1.675 billion with revenues of £ 15.8 billion. Jaguar Land Rover has two engineering test facilities in the US. The first one is a hot weather test facility in Phoenix, Arizona and the second one is a cold weather test facility in International Falls, Minnesota. Meanwhile, its partner, Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the US and other parts of the world.
Portronics launch all in one device Superbox in India
Portronics, a renowned leader in innovative, digital and portable products, unveiled another path breaking all-in-one device – the Superbox. Committed to improving the ease of use and portability of electronic devices, Portronics has forever presented extremely convenient gadgets that are not only portable but very user friendly, according to a company statement.
The Superbox, truly incorporates this very essence of Portronics. The Superbox is a palm sized device but has the capability of being your speaker, your Mp3 player, your audio recorder and even your power bank, all-in-one! It is a one stop product for all your needs; in a size that is extremely portable and friendly. The Superbox is small in size but big on delivery – the high performance gadget comes packed with an 8 GB card and Stereo Earphones that are bundled along with it!
The features list of the Superbox is manifold; it can be a powerful speaker or can become your powerhouse for songs or audio recording by simply inserting in the micro SD card. Want to record more songs, or transfer some onto your computer? Simply do it by attaching the USB cable directly to it and then to your computer!
The Superbox is also a Digital Voice Recorder with powerful built-in stereo microphones which eliminates the need for an external microphone. It boosts the quality of your recordings and provides rich and clear playback. The device supports hefty control buttons for ease of use. It also allows capacity extension of up to 32 GB to accommodate your range of recordings.
The biggest surprise of the Superbox is that is also acts as your Power Bank, with a removable battery of 2000 mAh. Change it to the charge mode and use it to charge your mobile, anywhere, anytime! Now if all that was not enough, the Superbox also backs you by being a moveable mini hard disk for storing files and audio file! Could you ask for more? The Superbox is a must have for all, with the kind of features it presents, its high performance and the vast uses such a small device supports.
Pricing and Availability:
The product is available in the market.
Price: Rs 2,499.
Portronics India, deals in innovative, portable and digital devices that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of enterprises and individuals. With a PAN India presence, Portronics is committed to deliver its products anywhere in India. The sole provider of superior portable Digital innovative solutions serving both the Retail and the Enterprise segments, Portronics aims to fulfill the need of every customer by providing innovative and elegant digital solutions, outstanding customer service, increased flexibility, and greater value and thus optimizing system functionality and improving operation efficiency. For more information, visit portronics.com.
Sahil International forge alliance with Headphone Zone in India
Sahil International, the authorized sales and service partner for HARMAN, a leading provider of premium audio and infotainment solutions in India, announced its partnership with Headphone Zone to enhance availability of JBL by HARMAN range of headphones in the India market, according to a company statement. Headphone Zone is India’s first multi-outlet headphone retailer and has one of the largest collections of headphones and earphones in South Asia.
Commenting on the partnership, Sahil Sani of Sahil International said: “I strongly believe that Headphone Zone is the next important step on our journey towards making JBL the number one headphone brand in India by value. We are very confident that JBL will become one of the largest selling brands at Headphone Zone in the coming months because JBL headphones are not only stylish, but offers consumers the best value for money. In addition, we have many in store and online promotions planned exclusively for Headphone Zone”.
‘JBL provides music lovers with the ultimate opportunity to enjoy music in complete privacy with our attractive and stylish, noise cancelling in- ear as well as on- ear headphones, without compromising on the quality of music. So whether it’s a mobile or laptop or any other mp3 player, good quality music is guaranteed with JBL headphones, in addition to unparalleled comfort and portability and durability. At Headphone Zone, customers will truly have a complete HARMAN experience with wide array of headphones we offer” said Mr. Sharath Santhakumaran, Head – Lifestyle, HARMAN India.
Headphone zone is, India’s first exclusive Headphone Retail Brand, with the largest collection of headphones and earphones in South Asia. This chain of multi brand headphone retail stores, is owned and managed by Raghav Somani whose family has over 15 year’s experience in the headphone business. They are the only exclusive multi outlet headphone retailer in the country carrying over 15 different brands. They believe in in-store categorisation which is the result of intense study of consumer behaviour. Through a combination of on ground retail and online they aim to be a pioneer in giving shoppers the ultimate experience when choosing the ideal headphone. For more information: headphonezone.in.
Sahil International is the authorized sales and service partner for HARMAN International Lifestyle Division Products in India. For After Sales service and Support in India Dial: 1800-229291 (TOLL FREE) or write in to: indiasupport@harman.com. For trade inquires contact HARMAN authorized distributor, Sahil International: 022-30080830/40/50
HARMAN designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 14,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. Please visit harman.com or http://www.harman.in for more information.
Sahil International forge alliance with Pai International to enhance availability of Harman products in India
Sahil International, the authorized sales and service partner for HARMAN, a leading provider of premium audio and infotainment solutions in India, announced its partnership with Pai International, one of the leading Large format retail stores (LFRS) in the country, according to a statement issued by Harman. With this association, JBL range of products including unmatched range of headphones, portable Bluetooth and desktop speakers will now be available at leading Pai International outlets across the country, effective immediately.
Sahil Sani of Sahil International said: “Pai International is one of South India’s most trusted names in retail. Their customers expect the highest level of service at best prices. This is not a challenge but rather an incentive for our team to ensure that JBL range of products are well placed and promotions are communicated effectively to their customers”.
Today there are over 57 Pai outlets across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Belgaum, other major metros and other key towns.
Sharath Santhakumaran, Head – Lifestyle, HARMAN India said: “We are committed to bringing in innovative and best of line products at an affordable price in the India market. In partnership with Sahil, you will clearly see the HARMAN brand become more prevalent in the market in the coming months. The association with Pai International is a key step in this direction. We will continue to make to our products more accessible to our customers, in addition to ensuring the best service and support”.
HARMAN India recently announced the availability of nine new products in the market, this festive season. These products will be available across leading Pai International stores in India.
Passion and Business is music for Nishchal Zaveri
Singer, song writer, multi-instumentalist, composer, music producer and Managing Director of ENZY Studios, all rolled into one, that is Nishchal Zaveri for you. Instead of clinging on to his traditional business of jewellery, this prodigy has floated Enzy Studios, the first venture by Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Entertainment Private Limited.
Passion galore
His passion towards music and love for India has led in conceptualising and bringing to life ‘ENZY Studios’ the state of the art music recording, and pre/post production Studio which boasts of being one of the India’s building stone of Musical infrastructure. It is the only studio which paints hope with the brush stroke of stardust for the upcoming artists and an achievable arrangement for musicians. Nishchal chose to come back to India and give all his best where it belonged.
Introduced to music by his grandfather Kishorebhai Zaveri, at the young age of two, with the unusual gift of Tabla, Nishchal never looked back. VP Mishra mentored Nishchal and at the age six he pursued his passion in Hindustani Classical music vocals following Pundit Bhimsen Joshi’s Kirana Gharana. The child prodigy and India’s star talent, Nishchal took his training in Hindustani Classical Vocals and Tabla from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad (Prabhakar). He also pursued Piano at KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, which is run by maestro AR Rahman.
Experiments
Nishchal relishes experimenting with music and playing all-Western and Indian kind of musical instruments such as Tabla, Keyboard, Piano, Guitar, Bass and Drums. As a producer Nishchal believes in using his unique compositional manner to produce quality music and as an artist he wants to keep the soul of music alive and inspire people as he shares his stories. There are a lot of stories to be from why music, to why India to getting the most required love and support from the the nation’s leading jeweller family.
Young Nishchal completed his degree in Music Production from Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) with President Roll of Honour. During his time in the US, he was a part of the band OCE and Los Angeles based band EYM. He also performed as DJ Enzy for various events in Los Angeles, and has had the opportunity to work under several established international producers.
Nishchal’s true passion for music has brought him to chase his dreams of creating music. As a producer Nishchal believes in using his unique compositional manner to produce quality music. Under ENZY Studios, this versatile artiste is contemplating on establishing a brand that through the purest form of audio will provide the best quality recording and production services in the most well-equipped and advanced sound recording studio in India. As an artist Nishchal wants to keep the soul of music alive and inspire people as he shares his musical stories.
State of the art studios
ENZY Studios is Mumbai’s New Music Production Sound House. It is the maiden venture of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Entertainment (P) Ltd a part of the century old Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Group. The studio has been conceptualised by Nishcha, Managing Director of TBZ Entertainment. ENZY offers state of the art music recording, and pre/post-production facilities located at Goregaon.
Spread over 5,500 square feet space, this facility is designed to international standards by Los Angeles based Jerry Steckling of JSX Audio. Jerry Steckling has served as Chief of Acoustic Engineering at Skywalker Sound, a division of Lucas Digital Ltd, Nishchal’s design for ENZY has been executed by Kapil Thirwani of UK based Munro Acoustics Ltd an industry leading acoustic consultancy firm. ENZY’s design and execution has come together with a focus on the purest form of audio.
Sophisticated equipment, modern technology with traditional analog gear, ENZY’s repertoire includes two Control/Mix rooms equipped with 5.1/7.1 monitoring systems, a live recording theatre room that can accommodate a 30-piece orchestra or hold a mini concert and two smaller recording rooms. Also for premium artistic comfort while recording, the Studio has a café, lounge, conference room and private rooms available. ENZY’s equipment outfitting and design as well as logistics for cabling has been done by Westlake Pro, North Hollywood, CA. Westlake Pro’s core team included Joe Taupier, William Jenkins and George Adjieff. The design and system integration has been executed by Remo Lobo and Robin Monterio.
The studio has imbibed the working style of Hollywood, British implementation for the Indian market. ENZY offers an integrated solution for music and audio production, bringing together top-of-the-line technology and client comfort in one engaging space from start to finish. Whether you need background scores, radio commercials or jingles or an artist looking for recording and production direction ENZY can take care of it all. ENZY has an in-house team dedicated to providing the best quality recording and production service and engineered room acoustics to deliver pristine sound. ENZY commits to bring imagination to life in sound and pictures thus creating premium work in a serene environment.
The News Hour India by Kenath Jayashankar Menon 