energy

which is far quicker and simpler for the integrator.
New entrants to the CI market may be surprised to
learn that installing multi room audio systems is not
as lucrative as they might assume. The streaming
services we all access are now well commoditised,
and several multi-room systems are easily available
through high street and online retailers, plus there
are a growing number of DIY options.
It’s a familiar marketing cycle. As soon as a new
technology goes main-stream, the distribution
channels increase and specialist installers lose
margins. This is just natural progression and, as ‘early
adopters’, it’s important for installers to add value to
our client’s lives by staying abreast of what’s coming
next and offering professional advice to help them
future-proof their investment. Good system design,
qualified installation and appropriately-chosen
speakers are all important elements of a professional
whole home audio solution, with customers willing
to pay for quality and expertise in these areas.
There have always been people who love high-end
Hi-Fi. Many of the clients who pioneered multi-room
audio – long before the quality was as great as it
is today - are now on their second or third homes.
Testimony to the success of their early systems, these
customers continue to want integrated audio in
their new properties but are now demanding that
it sounds far better and are willing to spend much
more money on higher quality speakers to achieve
their higher expectations. The top-end of the
market will always be pushing for excellence, which
is great for CI installers and for the mass market, as
the new technology will inevitably trickle down the
supply chain.
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That’s why high resolution audio, distributed either
wirelessly or wired, is the next big thing. But clients
will, of course, need more robust broadband
infrastructures able to support this better quality
audio and 4K video. For instance, Netflix needs at
least six megabits per device. As a comparison,
hi-resolution music requires only about a sixth of
that capacity and radio needs about an eighth.
If the client’s broadband infrastructure has the
proper capacity, then the quality threshold will
duly increase. Many CI installers will have to refocus
their business models to provide a far greater
premium experience for ever more sophisticated
and discerning customers. That is what custom
installation is all about and what makes it so
exciting. ■
TELEPHONE:
0207 751 3902
*
EMAIL:
amy.latchana@voltimum.com
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