All Wiser after CEDIA Expo
For those who regularly attend the annual CEDIA Technology In Design show, most agreed that the change of venue from the Gold Coast to Sydney created a more focused event.
According to Simon Wehr, CEDIA Board Member, and Clipsal Australia Sector Manager - Residential, shifting the July 15-17 exhibition to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre worked out well.
"Though none of us saw the global financial crisis coming, having the show in Sydney was timely as the mood was more serious and professional.
Speaking to the other exhibitors, we agreed that although the numbers weren’t quite as high as previous shows (only down by about 2%), the stands seemed to be busier from the minute the door opened to when they closed. Visitors just seemed to be hungrier for information; the industry is definitely seeing this time as an opportunity to increase their knowledge and to up-skill."
Clipsal boasted that its number of pre-registrations from its own customer base were over double that of the previous year.
For the second consecutive year, Clipsal was Platinum Sponsor of the event and occupied the most prominent position in the floorspace. An impressive 9 x 15 metre display showcased the latest products including the new C-Bus Wiser home controller.
The $70 000 display stand, built by Expo Solutions was remarkable for its minimalist yet effective means of demonstrating home automation in an 'insitu' environment.
The experience came via the C-Bus Wiser interactive video playing on a 150” rear projection screen which allowed the user to control devices such as lights, air conditioning, blinds, AV equipment, multi room audio, and even water features and spa pumps in a series of virtual rooms via a 22" touch screen.
"We had up to 1000 visitors go through our display each day and many of them said it was the best demonstration of this type of technology they had ever seen."
But the display didn’t stop at C-Bus Wiser. No visitor could miss the "new product forest" featuring eye catching lime green pods of Clipsal’s latest products including the new C-Bus 30 Mech switch, thermostats and desktop touch screens.
Clipsal chose CEDIA to make a new statement with its C-Bus Multi-Room Audio. A new matrix switcher was on display featuring built-in dual stereo tuners, (AM & FM) that also provide inputs for MP3 players and audio streaming direct from a hard drive. Clipsal is also offering Krix branded speakers in its range so that C-Bus customers can now enjoy a premium sound solution. The addition of the Krix name, Australia's premier manufacturer of consumer stereo and home theatre loudspeakers, now speaks volumes for the C-Bus’s Multi Room Audio credibility. Krix supplies its speakers to over half the commercial cinemas throughout Australia.
Clipsal’s C-Bus commercial offering was also featured. On display were the new C-Bus Infinity Professional and Architectural Dimmers, designed for hotels and major function areas. Visitors were also introduced to the new BACnet Gateway, RGB LED lighting control, and the recently acquired DALI Control.
Clipsal chose CEDIA to introduce Switch Automation to its customers. This was the first joint exhibition since Clipsal announced its exclusive distribution deal of Switch through the C-Bus pointOne and C-Bus platinum integration channels.
"In spite of the current economic climate, the reaction to our display tells us that home automation is in good shape. If we continue working together we have every opportunity to continue to grow this exciting industry; particularly with the increased demand for simpler technology combined with the challenge for better energy management."
Simon Wehr would like to thank Rod Sommerich from Ambertech for the loan of the video projector and Shane Scully from Interstudio for providing the furniture.
For further information contact: Simon Wehr, Sector Manager - Residential, Clipsal Australia Ph: (08) 8161 0150
For media enquiries please contact: Alex Beltrame, Media Manager, Clipsal Australia Ph: (08) 8161 0822
For general media inquiries about Clipsal Australia please contact:
- Alex Beltrame,
Media Manager,
Ph: +61 8 8161 0822
