1. Can you give us an example of a plug n' play automation product and how it works?

There are several companies manufacturing excellent products that are aiming towards simplifying installation and user interfaces via plug and play. This is an exciting prospect for one desiring whole house music or automation as cost will be applied towards performance A/V components versus the cost of programming. The system will work on a network and installation will be attainable by the average 10 year old.

 

2. What factors are driving the market towards this trend?

Technology, cost and what it can do. Also, the aforementioned bonus of higher performance components. I want to be totally clear; plug and play is not at the point where it will take the place of full automation systems that need to be programmed at this time, however, it is, in my opinion, only a few years away and current system availability will do 85-90% of what you can do by spending sometimes 10’s of thousands of dollars. Our dealer partners will not like what I am saying here, however, they need to recognize that changes are coming and get ready for the new revenue streams that will be necessary to sustain their business, and that is not programmed automation…it is exceptional quality high performance audio and video.    

 

3. What is the overall condition of the market?

Hesitant, yet secure. I like to say the current economy was like when you were in college. You stopped writing checks to see where your net worth was. High net worth individuals are no different as they pause to see where their net worth settles.

Our distribution base needs to further embrace identifying, targeting and messaging individuals that appreciate the finer things in life, especially music, movies and convenience. If we can promote a cultural shift within our business partners and with end users to make it fun again, we can take advantage of the iPod success and bring entertainment front and center again. Have you ever used a Sooloos system? If not you should…it is a blast. You will find yourself listening to music again for hours and the “Control” unit will become the center of attention at any gathering. Pure fun!! 

 

4. What critical elements should the manufacturer provide to ensure that dealers succeed?

Many forms of training including luxury, sales and product, as well as assistance for our partners to attract more footfall and clients via local venue based marketing initiatives. Meridian/Sooloos is very focused on true distribution partnerships, but you have to be one of those to get the full discourse on how and what we will do.  

 

5. What is the most compelling factor that a dealer can communicate to educate and thus sell his clients on the concept of plug n' play?

That they can accomplish most of what programmed automation can do with less cost, installation time and utilization of higher performance components….better sound and picture.  

 

6. What advice would you offer consumers?

Seek out an Integrator that understands how, why, where and who you want to use your system(s), not one that cookie cuts it for you.   

 

7. How can a consumer be sure that a product that claims to be plug n' play actually is?

Again, keep in mind that a consumer may not be able to achieve their desired results through a “plug and play” system at this point, so it would be prudent to speak with a CEDIA accredited integrator and discuss the possibilities. If you want to control your HVAC, lighting and additional systems between your homes in London and NYC from one location, a “plug and play” type system may not be for you yet. If you want a system that will do most of that in one location as you are in the domicile, you may be able to accomplish that now. Consult with your installer.  

 

8. How does Meridian fit into this trend?

We are currently working towards all of our components and speakers being completely networkable by the end of 2009.

 

9. Looking down the road a few years, where do you see Meridian in this marketplace and what compelling products will you be offering?

We believe Meridian to be the highest performance components available from A/V controllers to projectors to speakers. With the addition of Sooloos, we have a very formidable line of components that can solve any installation requirements. We see ourselves as the best business partner one can have as we exercise and take advantage of knowledge possessed by our affiliated Richemont brands, and download it to our partners.

Regarding products, we will continue to develop the best sounding, looking and “without compromise” products much like we have over the past thirty years plus.

 

10. The elephant in the room is the state of the economy. How will the slowdown effect the growth of Meridian and the Consumer Electronics industry in general?

Using the slowdown period to enhance infrastructure, processes and identify and execute short and long term goals and necessities will be tantamount to the success of any organization. If you just hunker down and do the same things you have been doing, the slowdown will not be kind to your business. Meridian has been keenly focused on these and other items to insure that our long term strategies deliver results that will enable us to sustain not only our business, but also help sustain and enhance our partners businesses. You will hear more on this soon.