Originally published February 13 2006
HornTones wins award for original consumer product
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Jack Conrad won the first annual D.O.C. Award honoring design, originality and creativity for his invention, HornTones. It allows the user to locate their car with customized sounds that are loaded into a receiver mounted inside of the car.
Two Coloradans will receive top awards today from Digital Innovations at the International Consumer Electronics Show.
Digital Innovations, which makes the Skip Dr. repair device for CDs, sponsored its first annual D.O.C. Awards honoring design, originality and creativity.
It solicited entries for original consumer products or ideas related to audio, video, gaming, computers, mobile, photo and security devices.
Jack Conrad of Tabernash won the grand prize of $10,000.
His invention, HornTones, allows people to locate their cars with customized sounds.
Digital sound files are loaded into a receiver mounted inside of the car.
Drivers looking for their vehicles press a special key used to play their personal sound or horn tone.
Entries were based on three criteria: originality, marketability and how well the idea could improve or simplify the lives of consumers.
"We felt that the product was one of the most creative, original and certainly could help optimize one's life," said Stephen Kohler, director of product development and marketing for Digital Innovations.
"From a marketing standpoint, it fits well in our core competency.
Digital Innovation really prides itself on consumer electronics accessories."
His invention, the "V-Leveler," is a device that eliminates the jump in volume between video programming and television commercials by keeping both at a constant, preset level.
"It addresses a real consumer need, and we haven't seen anything like that in mass retail."
In addition to the cash prizes, the winners have the opportunity to license their products with help from Digital Innovations should the inventions receive a positive reception at the show.
Digital Innovations, based in Arlington Heights, Ill., will be showing renderings of the winning inventions at the expo, looking for feedback from retail buyers and potential consumers.
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