ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) 2013 took place from 29 to 31 January in Amsterdam. With 825 exhibitors occupying more than 30,000 square metres of floor space the event attracted 44,151 registered visitors, up 8% from 2012.
Electrosonic SA sent three representatives to Netherlands, Eugene Coetzee (AV Systems Manager), Rupert Denoon (Crestron Manager), and Jason Johnstone (Kramer Product Manager). Upon their arrival in Amsterdam on the Saturday, they were greeted by a snow-covered city and icy roads. This did nothing to curb their enthusiasm to do a bit of exploring in Amsterdam and they each purchased a GVB "Gemeentevervoerbedrijf" (public transport) ticket for the week.
On Monday morning, 28 January, it was time for business as Eugene and Rupert attended Crestron's pre-exhibition dealer conference at the RAI convention centre while Jason headed off to the Kramer meeting.
The following are their unique perspectives on ISE 2013.
Rupert was amazed by the huge turn-out of distributors and Crestron staff at the dealer conference. "The venue was too small to accommodate us all". George Feldstein, CEO of Crestron Electronics, opened the floor thanking everyone for all their hard work and dedication. It was the first time George had been to ISE. "I believe this is testament to the growth of Crestron outside the USA, which is partly due to the impact ISE has on this industry general and Crestron in particular".
Randy Klein, executive Vice President of Crestron Electronics and Robin van Meeuwen, MD of Crestron UK each had an opportunity to address the delegates. It was interesting to hear that Crestron has over 20,000 certified DMC-D (Digital Media Certified Design) persons worldwide and that 1 million people visit the Crestron website per quarter, more than InfoComm and Cedia websites combined.
At 7:15 AM on the first day of ISE 2013 Rupert received a full tour of the Crestron stand by Dave Silberstein. If that sounds grandiose, then reflect for minute that the 650m2 stand is equal to three tennis courts.
Crestron showed off the new 3-series control processors. "The 3-Series features more power, speed, memory, network connectivity, and security than ever before," says Rupert "The unique distributed architecture enables multi-tasking, which is essential to an integrated building solution.
Rupert found the new CBLR Cable Retractors for FlipTop™ Boxes impressive – with the inside mechanism working very well. Up to four cable retractors can be installed depending on the FlipTop model. "These flip tops can support the following cables HDMI®, VGA, stereo audio, USB, Ethernet, HDBaseT™ and DigitalMedia 8G+™" says Rupert.
Crestron released the new Digital Media 64 x 64 frame which comes standard with a V15 Panel for preview and manual switching functions. New transmitters released included the DM-TX range:
Rupert also points out that Crestron has a wide range of speakers and amplifiers for most applications. "What AV solution is complete without audio?" The various Air speakers that mount on QuickBall mounting brackets will make it easy for installers throughout the industry.
"Crestron is pushing lighting solutions in a big way," says Rupert referring to the impressive range of lighting products for all applications including the manufacture of LED lights and various ballasts.
The release of the infiNET EX wireless keypads and dimmers was also welcomed as this will assist in the residential market where retrofitting is key.
The following SA dealers enjoyed a tour by Rupert through the stand: Mike Guerin (AV Projects), Stuart Pringle & Stephen Kellaway (Omega Digital Technologies), George du Toit (Smart Spaces), Aldin van Zyl & Murray Matthews (Solution Technologies), Jaco Smit (Teljoy), Stefan Mayer (The Installation Company), Dean Tapuch (Two ships Trading) & Kobus Bosch (HFX systems).
"All our dealers where blown away by the solutions Crestron offers, and they all gave positive feedback on the booth".
Rupert regards ISE as a great place to network and build relationships with suppliers, and dealers. "The Crestron distributor conference always inspires me to push even harder to make Crestron a huge success in Southern Africa".
Jason spent most of his first visit to ISE helping clients on the Kramer stand. "Going through all the products with each client took 30 to 40 minutes" says Jason. Stats showed that the Kramer stand was the busiest it had ever been. "At times the crowd was so dense it was impossible to even see a product, never mind doing a tour".
Kramer had many new products on their stand and most of them will be available before the end of 2013. Some of the memorable and exciting items that stood out for Jason were: the new Kramer K-Touch control software for Apple or Android tablets; the new range of "range extenders" for HDBaseT; and, new cards for VS-1616D: HDBaseT cards, fibre cards, HDMI with de-embedded audio, and VGA cards.
Kramer also showcased their next generation step-in family. The TP-577 family offers much more control to an HD video distribution solution. Also on display was the new IP-based family KDS-EN2T/R which sends HDMI over an IP network. Part of this family is the new KDS-MP1 which is mainly for digital signage, but controllable over IP.
One of the announcements at ISE was that Kramer recently formed a new partnership with ComQi (formerly MiniCom Digital signage). Through existing customer channels Kramer will gain more market share in the growing field of Digital signage.
Jason's abiding impression is the interaction with various product managers on the Kramer stand. "They make you feel part of a big family and share tips and secrets that you would not normally pick up".
Eugene also attended the Crestron dealer conference. At the conference Crestron's focus was: Integrated by Design™, meaning that everything can be done using Crestron's own products, and that Crestron can integrate systems from front to end for a complete solution. "Crestron will be marketing the slogan aggressively for the next few years," says Eugene, "It will be appearing on the website, ads, mails, etc.".
In its 10th year at ISE Crestron announced that not only do they intend to remain the industry leader, but has also set itself the target of becoming the world's largest speaker company.
Eugene spent the next few days mostly around the Crestron and Kramer stands. "Apart from that I did make time to walk the aisles of ISE reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new connections" says Eugene.
A highlight at the Crestron Integration awards was when HFX systems received a Highly Commended award in the 'Best Digital Media Install' category for their work at SedibengBrewery. "What a fantastic achievement! Let's notforget Rupert and his team's involvement to make it happen!" says Eugene, vowing to enter dealers early for next year's awards. "We have some fantastic projects that deserved to be entered.
Another highlight was the Crestron cocktail party followed by a UB40 concert, "What can I say? UB40 was awesome. A great experience".
Eugene also made time to meet up with some suppliers namely Robin van Meeuwen, VP Crestron International, Steven Dullaert, Crestron's Director of Distributor sales and Michael Hochstein, Chairman at Kramer Electronics. Guido Mazzo of Screen International took him on a tour through their range of products which included new motorised screens and projection lifts.
Next he met with Ian Gobey of NEC. "NEC had an impressive and futuristic looking booth. I thought I was on the bridge of the Starship enterprise ..." jokes Eugene.
"ISE is a sensory overload with too much to absorb in three days, but what a great experience", Eugene added. "Much time was spent after dark with friends and colleagues enjoying all that Amsterdam has to offer".
At the conclusion of ISE 2013 Rupert, Jason, and Eugene agreed on three things. Firstly, that there were no ground-breaking revelations at the exhibition. Secondly, that Amsterdam is a great town, and thirdly, that Heineken is a great beer.
Kramer Control Training and CTS Renewal Course Generates Buzz
David Penrose of Kramer Electronics presented a Control training and CTS renewal course in February 2013. David Penrose, who is a system specialist for Kramer Electronics and is based in their Bangkok, Thailand office, provided the training on behalf of hosts Electrosonic SA. Jason Johnstone, Kramer product manager at Electrosonic SA, coordinated David's weeklong visit to South Africa.
David is CTS certified to give training courses that offer CTS renewal points. As David has many years of experience in the Pro AV industry, Electrosonic SA thought it would be appropriate that he present the Designing in the Digital Age course. This is an all-day seminar that incorporates four existing Digital AV courses – Digital AV for the AV Professional, Digital Display Interfaces for the AV Professional, AV-IT: When Worlds Collide, and AV Signals Gone Wireless.
The course, which was fully booked, was held in Electrosonic SA's training room in Johannesburg. The course is worth ten renewal points for CTS holders, which attributed to the good turn-out.
David made it very clear to CTS holders and dealers how beneficial this particular offering was in dealing with issues experienced by integrators in the digital world.
The rest of the week David spent presenting the Kramer Control course, which included a practical session where the learners had the opportunity to programme Demo Kramer control panels to execute the projects given to them.
This course drew great attendance in Johannesburg, and also in Durban and Cape Town. "The Kramer Control Course is fantastic for our dealers as they get an in-depth breakdown of the Kramer control software which is used to programme the control gear. All that theory would be wasted if there was no practical component in these types of courses" said Jason.
The Kramer control product range has seen excellent growth over the last two years and the dealers and integrators who attend these courses are usually impressed at just how cost-effective control can be using this range of products.
On Wednesday 15 May Electrosonic SA celebrated the official opening of Crestron House in Blackheath, Johannesburg. The guest speaker for the event was Robin van Meeuwen who is the Vice President of Crestron International. Also present was Steven Dullaert, Director of Distributor Sales at Crestron International and Rupert Denoon, Crestron Regional Manager for South Africa. From Electrosonic SA; Bruce Genricks, Managing Member and Eugene Coetzee, AV Systems Manager attended.
Crestron House, which is in Weltevreden Road just opposite Cresta Shopping Centre, will house a dedicated team devoted to distributing and supporting Crestron products. Crestron is the world’s leading provider of control and automation systems and headquartered in New Jersey, USA. Their centralised systems are sold to residential and commercial customers, and control a range of functions including AV, lighting, thermostats, and security. Electrosonic SA is the sole distributor of Crestron products (of which there are around 3500) in southern Africa. The move away from Electrosonic SA’s offices to a dedicated venue will facilitate better service for customers, increased stock, and better repair return time.
In his address Bruce Genricks stated, “Crestron House is a giant step in the right direction, and we’ll continue to improve it – this is not the end.” He further noted, “It’s a great place to bring clients, it’s always better to show people the products physically – touch and feel is important.” Crestron House boasts four demonstration rooms, one of which doubles up as a training room. Besides kitchens and bathrooms there are a further six rooms, to be used as offices – or converted for other purposes should the need arise. There is also a warehouse and ample parking for customers.
In his speech Robin van Meeuwen pointed out that South Africa is the most far-flung country of the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region. He explained that it was important for logistics and support that South Africa has its own hub. Robin spoke in glowing terms about the growth of Crestron in South Africa (around 30% growth this year alone), and congratulated the South African team on their “commitment, passion and drive for the business.” He commented on the amount of stock carried at Crestron House, and promised to increase it. He also promised to up the training in Crestron’s products, and to supply the necessary tools to ensure the success of the South African outfit. “We’re going to give you more tools so that you can be successful, because without you being successful we can’t be successful. We have to act like one big family.”
Rupert Denoon echoed Robin's words, "Crestron House has been a vision of ours for quite some time and is finally a reality. I'd like thank the Electrosonic SA family and the Crestron family for supporting us over the years and giving us the ability to create a place like this. We are proud to offer our Dealers a bigger and better demonstration area and faster service on order processing and movement of stock."
SA-SHIA? … SA-SHEE-A? … NO, IT’S PRONOUNCED SACK-EE-AA!
Kevan Jones the Executive Director of the Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) is a man with many strings to his bow.
Although his roots are in publishing he became interested in the AV world when he presented a TV version of one of his magazines. From there he launched AV Specialist – a magazine that is distributed in over 40 countries. Eight years ago when SACIA started to evolve into what it is today Kevan was involved but realised that while he was strong in media, he needed to improve his knowledge of trade associations. He joined the American Society of Association Executives as well as the Institute of Association Management (UK) and obtained industry certification from both bodies. Kevan shared his passion for running the trade association in the AV sector in a Q & A with PROMAG.
PROMAG: What does the executive director do day to day?
Kevan Jones: Firstly, I work on Training and Skills development. We offer an active training programme with two or three programmes per month. Some international and some developed locally for the industry. Secondly, I spend time promoting ethical business practices. Speaking to people about ethics and how we embed it in the way members operate. Thirdly, representing our industry at forums and events worldwide. In the next few months we’ll be busy exhibiting and speaking at SATCOM Africa, Mediatech, InfoComm and IBC, as well as engaging with government departments, regulatory bodies and non-profit organisations.
PROMAG: What is the role of the Chairman of the SACIA Board?
KJ: The Board defines SACIA’s strategic objectives at the beginning of the year. I strive to reach them and the Board overseas my execution. I have a very close working relationship with our Chairman Bruce Genricks. I approach him with queries and for guidance, we speak at least once a week and swop emails on a daily basis.
PROMAG: In one line: what is SACIA?
KJ: SACIA is a body dedicated to promoting professional standards and ethical practices in the communications industry in SA.
PROMAG: How many members belong to SACIA?
KJ: Forty, but there are about 100 potential members that we’d like to sign up.
PROMAG: Can individuals join?
KJ: No, SACIA is limited to corporate membership only.
PROMAG: What does membership cost?
KJ: There’s a once-off joining fee of R5000 and an annual fee of R5000. However there is a scheme where we allow start-ups and black owned businesses to join at a reduced fee. We need to promote diversity.
PROMAG: What does SACIA offer its members?
KJ: Three things: firstly, access to training and skills development programmes otherwise not available through any other source. Secondly, networking opportunities that allow industry players to engage with each other in a safe and positive environment. Thirdly, industry representation to government and regulatory bodies.
PROMAG: What does SACIA offer clients of members?
KJ: We want the SACIA logo to become synonymous with trust and excellence in the AV sector. To create an environment where clients who are investing in AV solutions can invest with confidence when doing business with a SACIA member. Our slogan is : Who do you call when things go wrong?
PROMAG: When did the SACIA Code of Conduct come into existence?
KJ: When Bruce Genricks became Chairman of the Board in May 2012. We looked at other codes of conduct and we contacted the Ethics Institute of SA to help us draft a code of conduct that would be relevant to members of the industry.
PROMAG: How enforceable is it?
KJ: SACIA is a voluntary organisation so it’s an aspirational code. There are disciplinary measures built into the process that encourage members to abide by the conditions or face expulsion if they don’t.
PROMAG: What constitutes unethical behaviour?
KJ: Obvious things like bribery and dishonesty, but also things like falsely claiming to have skills when required training has not been completed, or falsely claiming to represent a brand or agency when it is not the case.
PROMAG: What does ProAV mean?
KJ: Professional AV as opposed to consumer AV, for example, home theatre.
PROMAG: What do potential members need to know about training offered by SACIA?
KJ: Our training has specific relevance to the local AV and broadcast industry. It is presented in alliance with respected trade associations. Our training is backed up by Internationally recognised certification. We assist people to obtain the InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Certificate. There are 8700 CTS certified technicians worldwide, but only 30 in SA, so we have some work to do.
PROMAG: What is the greatest value-add of SACIA?
KJ: The real value of trade associations becomes evident when organisations begin to realise they achieve more by working together than they can achieve whilst working independently of each other. The real value SACIA offers is that it allows professionals to get together and share resources to solve common problems.
Check what SACIA can do for you by going to their website:
