Wednesday, August 19, 2009

SolidSignal.com Now Offering Xbox 360, Wii And PS3 Accessories

Online retailer SolidSignal.com (sharing no relation to Solid Snake) has announced that they will be offering up gaming accessories to their line-up, including new peripherals for gaming consoles and hard-to-find, discontinued peripherals for gamers who can’t give up the nostalgia.

According to Jerry Chapman, CEO of SolidSignal.com

“We see tremendous potential for growth in gaming accessories,” … “We’ve made a name for ourselves as being the go-to-place to buy hard-to-find or specialty electronics, as well as for our customer tech support. Our goal is to leverage this reputation among gamers and provide them with the products they want when other retailers run low or have no inventory.”

Just so you all know SolidSignal.com is no slouch. These guys offer up tons of nifty gadgets and gizmos for all your technological needs. Adding gaming accessories to the line-up just makes them a goto retailer for everything from XM satellite radios to Wii-motes.

You can check out a list of the top 10 hottest gaming accessories on SolidSignal.com below. For more information…well, just click on any of the hyperlinks for SolidSignal.com. For more gaming news, updates, media and insight, be sure to stay tuned in with Blend Games.

Top 10 Hottest Gaming Accessories At SolidSignal.com

- Hori UHX3-10 Arcade Pro Fighting Stick for Xbox 360 ($122.99)
- Datel EF000188 Transfer Kit for Xbox 360 ($17.99)
- DreamGear DGDSI-1993 18-in-1 Starter Kit for Nintendo DSi - Blue ($27.99)
- Datel X360 Back Up EF000191 Xport for Xbox 360 ($45.99)
- DreamGear DGDSI-1901 Nintendo DSi AC Adapter ($9.99)
- DreamGear DGDSI-1933 Media Kit for Nintendo DSi-SD Card and Reader ($17.99)
- Hori UHP3-26 PS# Wireless Turbo Controller – Red ($36.99)
- DreamGear DGDSI-1943 Nintendo DSi 18-in-1 Starter Kit – Pink ($22.99)
- Datel EF000192 XSATA Drive for Xbox 360 ($45.99)
- DreamGear DGDSL-907 17-in-1 Bundle Pak for Nintendo DS Lite ($17.99)


Source: CinemaBlend.com

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

SolidSignal.com Ranked One of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America

NOVI, MI, August 18, 2009 —SolidSignal.com, an online electronics retailer based in Novi, Michigan, has earned a spot on the 2009 Inc. 5000, Inc. magazine’s annual ranking of the fastest growing private companies in America for the third straight year.

The Inc. 500 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. Companies must have; been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent. Revenue in 2005 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2008 must have been at least $2 million. The full list can be found at
http://www.inc.com/inc5000 .

Solid Signal’s Rankings
Solid Signal’s fiscal sales in 2008 rose to $14.6 million, a 285.2% increase from 2005 total sales of $3.8 million and a 104% increase from 2007 total sales of $7.15 million. The dramatic increase in business this year spurred the company’s overall ranking to #1,092 on the Inc 5000 list, up from #1,589 in 2008. In the Retail Industry, SolidSignal.com now ranks #40, up from #61 in 2008. Additionally, SolidSignal.com is the eighth fastest growing privately-held company in the Detroit-Livonia-Warren area on the Inc. 5000 list, up from #22 in 2008.

“We’re very proud to again be recognized as one of America’s fastest growing companies, and are extremely grateful to our customers and vendors who helped us accomplish this tremendous goal,” said Jerry Chapman, CEO of Solid Signal. “Competition in the online marketplace increases daily, therefore customer service becomes a big differentiator. We work very hard to maintain a superior level of customer satisfaction, in fact, we’ve recently launched a new initiative to take Solid Signal customer service to an even greater level of excellence.”

In addition to their prestigious ranking on the Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year, SolidSignal.com has been named one of Internet Retailers’ Top 500 internet retailers in both 2008 and 2009.

Ranked No. 8 in Growth Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI
Ranked No. 40 in Nationwide Growth
Retail
Ranked 1,092 in Inc 5000 – 3rd consecutive year - up from 1,589 in 2008

About Solid.Signal.com
With 50 employees, SolidSignal.com specializes in distributing the latest in high-tech equipment and product research to professional media installers and the tech-savvy consumer. Items sold by the e-retailer include over 25 different models of digital TV converter boxes, gaming accessories, HDTV antennas, satellite equipment, cellular gear and accessories, video security, Sirius satellite radios, LCD televisions, GPS navigation systems, cable and wire supplies, installation tools and professional supplies.

SolidSignal.com offers thousands of products from some of the most trusted and recognized brands in the world, including DIRECTV, Eagle Aspen, Terk, Wireless Extenders, Winegard and Channel Master. Solid Signal is the largest online retailer of over-the-air antennas.

In addition to selling name-brand products, SolidSignal.com provides stellar customer service with friendly and tech-savvy employees manning the call center. Support staff offers installation guidance and troubleshooting assistance, in addition to detailed product information.

For more information about Solid Signal, please visit
www.solidsignal.com.

About Inc. magazine
Published by New York-based Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. is the only major business magazine edited exclusively for CEOs of fast-growing private companies. The magazine provides hands-on resources and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing and technology.

Inc. magazine reaches over 1.2 million readers and along with Inc.com is ranked #1 for top management and business purchase decision-makers.

In addition to the magazine and website, the Inc. brand also includes Inc. Events and Business Resources group, Inc. Executive Education, Inc. Technology Leadership Essentials 12-module course, Inc. Growth Solutions and Inc. 5005000. The Inc. 5005000 list debuted in 1991 with 100 of the fastest growing private companies in America and then expanded to Inc. 500 the following year and again in 2007 to the Inc. 5000.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Overheating Xbox 360: The Solution

Xbox 360 is one of the hottest selling
video gaming consoles today.
Besides, this console offers a huge library of games and more. However, it has been found that overheating is one of the problems plaguing the Xbox 360 today. If you experience freezing or crashing while you are playing with your favorite Xbox 360 games, then there is a great chance that it was caused by overheating.

Basically, you need to understand that the hardware inside the Xbox 360, such as the GPU, CPU and hard drive can produce heat after long periods of hours of operation. However, in theory, overheating shouldn’t happen as these components have their own cooling system that will be able to prevent overheating.

If you experience crashing or freezing while playing with your favorite Xbox 360 games, try feeling the Xbox 360 for any hot areas. If the Xbox itself is way hotter than normal, then the problem may lie with an overheated hard drive. The power unit can also overheat and you might want to try feeling it too.

Theoretically, Microsoft claims that the Xbox 360 shouldn’t overheat because of the built-in cooling systems. The cooling systems are basically fans that can take cool air inside the unit and hot air out. However, the fans are not really that sufficient in order to keep the Xbox 360 cool enough and prevent it from overheating. It’s not really about an issue of substandard fans, but the owners of the Xbox 360 are also to blame for it.

Most people today like keeping their Xbox 360 in a display cabinet below or above their television. This is a big no-no as keeping the Xbox 360 in confined spaces will prevent it from getting cool air. In fact, it will trap in the hot air which will cause the Xbox 360 components to overheat.

So, try playing with your Xbox 360 games with the Xbox 360 console placed on a well-ventilated area, such as on your coffee table. Also, if it is possible, try playing with your Xbox 360 in an air conditioned room. This will help in maintaining the temperature of your Xbox 360 and prevent it from overheating.

Dust is another cause of overheating. In time, dust can accumulate inside the Xbox 360 and can eventually accumulate on the fans that keep the hardware cool. When the fans clog up with dust, it will become inefficient in doing its job. It may also stop working altogether which can eventually result in hardware failure.

So, from time to time, try to clean the insides of your Xbox 360 including the fans. For this, you can use a non-static brush or you can also try spraying a contact cleaner which is very efficient in getting rid of dust on electronic equipments.

If you really want to prevent overheating, try limiting the amount of time you use your Xbox 360. As a hardcore gamer, you may want to play with your Xbox 360 for a lot of hours. However, you have to consider that the system has its limitations and you may want to give the Xbox 360 a rest after a few hours of playing with your favorite games.

Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to prevent your Xbox 360 to overheat and enjoy playing with it for a long time.

Source:
MarketingPixels

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wi-Ex Wins Inaugural Gwinnett Innovation Challenge

Wi-Ex formerly Wireless Extenders, won first place in the Growth Stage category of the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge. The announcement of winners was made at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce meeting. Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is an annual competition designed to recognize and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship with ties to Gwinnett County. In February, Wi-Ex was also named one of the Top Innovative companies in GA by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Wi-Ex provides the first and only consumer-priced suite of products that address the problems caused by cell phone signal loss in homes, offices and cars. The easy to install units Extend Cell Zones TM for users by improving signal strength for better voice and data transmission while maintaining the integrity of the carriers’ networks.

Cell phone signal loss or reduced signals are due to trees and building materials that block or absorb the signal. According to research, over 35% of cellular phone users nationwide experience poor quality or loss of signal strength when using a cell phone in their office or home. In addition, many users find “dead zones” or reduced signals while driving. Increasing the signal coverage can translate into increased productivity and savings.

“We were honored to be a finalist and winner in the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge and are grateful for the cash and many other prizes that were awarded to us. When you are as passionate about your products as we are, it is truly confirming and rewarding to receive the recognition given to
Wi-Ex as an innovative and viable business by an impressive group of judges. I have no doubt that this competition will continue to grow in stature and attract even more innovative and aggressive companies as participants in future years,” commented Lloyd R. Meese, CEO and president of Wi-Ex.

The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is championed by a number of local leaders with a long history of support for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic service in Gwinnett County. In a ceremony at the Gwinnett Technology Forum on April 18th attended by over 150 people, Pet Wellness Plans, Inc., the Seed Stage winner, was awarded $15,000 cash and $20,000 in professional services, launch pad office space and software products and Wireless Extenders, Inc., the Growth Stage winner, was awarded $20,000 cash and up to $25,000 in professional services, launch pad office space and software products. Presenting the awards were Doug Meyer, President of Sage Software, Bill McCargo, Vice President of Scientific Atlanta, and Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent Systems, all Trailblazer sponsors of the contest.

According to Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent Systems and one of the organizers of the contest, “Judging by the number and quality of this year’s participants, I am certain that many of the entrants in the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge - and not just our two winners - will become very successful companies that contribute to a vibrant local economy for many years. I think I can speak for all of the sponsors and judges in extending congratulations to Pet Wellness Plans and
Wireless Extenders on their accomplishments and vision and we all anticipate an even bigger and better Challenge next year.”

About the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge

The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge, initiated and organized by Intelligent Systems Corporation, is an annual competition designed to recognize and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is championed by a number of local leaders with a long history of support for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic service in Gwinnett County. Trailblazer sponsors are Scientific Atlanta, Sage Software and Intelligent Systems; Catalyst sponsors include the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Innovation Park and Gwinnett Business Journal; and the Innovation Network sponsors include Andersen, Tate, Mahaffey & McGarity; Carabiner Communications; Moore Stephens Tiller; Morris, Manning & Martin; and TechCFO
.

About Wi-Ex

Wi-Ex (formerly Wireless Extenders), developed the first consumer-priced signal booster for the small office/home office (SOHO) cell phone market. They manufacture and distribute the YX series of cell phone signal extenders for the home, office or car. The units Extend Cell Zones TM for users by improving signal strength for better voice and data transmission while maintaining the integrity of the carriers’ networks. They are easy to install, affordable and available at many retail outlets. These signal extenders work with most carriers including Cingular, Sprint and T-Mobile. Wi-Ex continues to develop innovative products to meet the demands of an increasingly wireless society by enhancing wireless signals. To learn more, visit (www.SolidSignal.com).


Source: X-Man