Interestingly it has been reported that 65 percent of Harman’s $7 billion in sales during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016  concerned cars, this including  licensing brands such as Bowers & Wilkins and Bang & Olufsen for vehicle use. Samsung will also gain access to some 8,000 Harman software engineers and designers who have developed advanced automotive software that can monitor driver tiredness. They have developed intelligent control systems incorporating 3D navigation aids and versatile personal entertainment facilities this becoming increasingly important.

Harman has grown considerably in recent years with many acquisitions and the massive portfolio now controls audio and Hi Fi brands including the original Harman Kardon, the 1953 founding brand, AKG, BSS, JBL Professional, Studer, dbx, Soundcraft, Lexicon, DigiTech, Crown, Mark Levinson Audio Systems, Infinity and Revel. There is also a professional solutions division, which includes video switching and control device manufacturer AMX and stage lighting specialist Martin.

Now in its 30th year there are already over 170 brands to be exhibited at the Sound and Vision show which occupies multiple floors of the Marriott Hotel, Castle Street, Bristol. This includes  HIFICRITIC who will be at their usual Mezzanine location, stocked with lots of discounted back numbers, and with both the current issue and annual subscription both available at a special show price for visitors. Editors Martin Colloms and Paul Messenger will be on hand to answer queries while many of our reviewers and contributors will also drop in to enliven the usual technical and philosophical discussions. Contributors will be roaming the show seeking out key products to consider for future assessment in HIFICRITIC audio magazine.
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​​Brands already slated to exhibit at the show include: