CoreBrands came to the CEDIA Expo with new dealer programs and products, including one of the industry’s first Dolby Atmos in-wall height-channel modules and Elan’s first matrix A/V switchers in several years.
The dealer programs include a dealer portal to let dealers order and track the order status of products from all Core Group brands and from Ci-targeted products from sister companies Omnimount, Broan-Nutone and Nortek Security & Control.
Also to support dealers, the group teamed with Vision Werks Consulting, which implements brand-protection policies and programs, to identify unauthorized Core Brands resellers and take action against them.
Here’s what the company announced by select brands:
SpeakerCraft: The architectural speaker brand introduced one of the industry’s first in-wall Dolby Atmos elevation speaker. Triad Speakers is also showing a model. SpeakerCraft’s module can be mated with the first in-wall speakers in the brand’s top-end AIM Series 2 line of architectural speakers, which currently consists of in-ceiling speakers. The module, which features angled-up drivers to bounce height information off the ceiling, can be mated with either of the AIM series’ first two in-wall speakers. The module and speakers can be covered with a single narrow-bezel grille to create the appearance of a single narrow-width speaker.
The module and in-wall AIM speakers will be available late in the first half of 2016. Pricing wasn’t released, but the in-ceiling AIM speakers are priced from $500 to $900 each. The height module will be competitively priced with freestanding elevation modules, said Matthew Dever, Core Brands audio product manager.
Elan: Multiple new product initiatives include three high-end A/V matrix switchers with HDMI and HDBaseT outputs. In addition, the brand added a 4.7 -inch on-wall touchscreen with intercom to join a 7-inch model.
The brand also opened the API for its Elan g! home-entertainment and home-control system to select installers. With the open API, installers can create their own drivers to control other-brand niche products. Elan already offers drivers for major climate-control, lighting, security, and home-entertainment products.
The three new matrixes, all available, consist of a 16×16 model at $33,000, an 8×8 model at $18,000, and a 6×4 model at $9,500. All feature 1080p HDMI switching and mirrored HDMI and HDBaseT outputs to send the same content simultaneously to a local TV and a remote TV. HDBaseT sends HDMI signals over long distances.
Ultra HD versions of the matrices will come “in the near future,” and owners of the 2K models will get “very reasonable” discounts on the new 4K models, said product manager Robert Ridenour.
Niles: The brand added a 4.7-inch wall-mount touchscreen to join a 7-inch model to control its custom-installed Auriel multiroom-audio system.
Proficient: The speaker brand is in the early stages of segmenting its architectural-speaker line with the launch of a Signature series at the top end, with two series of Protégé speakers underneath at two performance levels. The entry-level C class will open the brand’s selection.
Here’s what the new dealer programs offer:
Dealer portal: The new portal is positioned as simplifying the ordering process to save time for dealers. Dealers can check inventory, track processing and shipping status, and access product manuals, training and other support information. The portal features all Core Brands products
and select assortments from sister Nortek companies “to fully equip dealers for any project,” the company said.
Brand-protection program: The program, implemented by Vision Werks Consulting, will find unauthorized online resellers and “mitigate” their “online visibility,” CoreBrands said. The goal is to “enhance brand equity and protect each brand’s reputation and technology investment to provide greater overall reseller and customer satisfaction,” CoreBrands said. The program has begun rolling out in the U.S. and will expand to other countries.
