Optimal Audio and Linea Research have announced the appointment of Jeff Miranda as US National Sales Manager, continuing to drive the successful growth of both brands and supporting the existing sales rep and dealer network.
Having previously served as National Sales Manager for both brands with Allied ProTech, their former US distributor, Miranda comments “This is an exciting move as it will allow me to focus more closely on Linea Research and Optimal Audio, and the solutions they offer. We have a well-established dealer base managed by our existing network of independent sales representatives, and with new products recently introduced there’s a lot to build upon.”
With both brands being part of the Audio Reproduction division of Focusrite Group, managing director Dom Harter explains, “Bringing Jeff on board allows him to continue his valuable work with both brands, ensuring continuity in our relationships and setting them up for continued growth and success. Linea Research has forged a strong presence in the US for us to build upon and with increased production available to us, market share growth is achievable. Optimal Audio, although relatively new to the US market, is already making great strides and our recent product introductions further expanding the ecosystem have been extremely well received.”
Both brands will join Martin Audio in being fulfilled by Focusrite Group, US, and will also be co-exhibiting at InfoComm in Las Vegas on booth C9241 where Jeff Miranda, along with representatives from both UK teams, will be on hand.
As part of its continuing mission to simplify the world of commercial audio for integrators and end-users, UK manufacturer Optimal Audio has further evolved the user-friendliness of its ecosystem with updates to its WebApp and ZonePad controllers.
WebApp allows users to unlock the capabilities of Optimal Audio’s Zone controller, which enables the efficient delivery of high-quality, multi-zoned commercial sound systems. Compatible with any device, WebApp makes system set-up straightforward, after which a simple user interface is presented to venue staff for easy operation.
Amongst the new features unveiled as part of WebApp 1.3, comes the biggest update for ZonePad so far, with the ZonePad 4 now able to be configured as a single zone controller with up to four routine triggers. This allows venue staff, at the push of a physical button, to trigger pre-configured groups of presets – for example, altering audio output routing, source selection and EQ, or triggering playback of a specific playlist from a supported streaming device. ZonePad 1 is also updated to allow routing of its local mic input to the system mic, making this in-Zone mic available across the wider system.
A further headline feature of WebApp 1.3 is the addition of soundtrack your brand to supported music streaming platforms. Customers who purchase Soundtrack Player, which is licensed for business use and has more than a thousand pre-made playlists for every venue type, can take advantage of this quick and easy integration with WebApp.
With a further raft of new audio system and workflow visuals also added, all aimed at simplifying system setup and operation, Matt Rowe, Engineering Manager at Optimal Audio, is pleased with WebApp’s continuing development:
“We both continue to respond to the needs of the market while also innovating, thereby to ensuring our eco-system is the definitive for small-to medium multi-zone venues. Every update works to extend what is possible for integrators whilst simultaneously preserving the simplicity of operation for end-users.”
Northside Wizards is a successful basketball team based in Brisbane which runs sections for men, women, and juniors. Competing in the NBL1 Central, Australia’s second division basketball league, the team’s home fixtures take place at the Northside Indoor Sports Centre in Zillmere, where the Wizards recently took steps to improve the game-day experience of fans by improving the audio provision on their main court.
The Wizards have been clients of Brisbane-based supplier Brisbane Sound Group (BSG) for more than twenty-five years, and consulted with the audio, visual and lighting specialists about the best way forward. With its vastly experienced sales, install and hire departments, BSG is a one-stop shop that can meet the audio needs of the widest possible range of settings. BSG Installation and Project Manager, Josiah Kerridge, took account of the venue and designed a system based on Optimal Audio commercial loudspeakers. He takes up the story:
“Following some discussion at games during 2023, the club asked us to propose a competitively priced system that would both enhance the game-day experience and be easy to operate. We’d recently been introduced to Optimal Audio by Audio Brands Australia and could see straight away that the Cuboid Series would be the perfect fit for what would be a fairly challenging brief.
“It’s quite a reverberant space with limited rigging positions at a height of around 10 metres above the court – we had to cover ground level seating as well as a single section of tiered seating. An average attendance for an NBL1 game in the court is more than a thousand fans. The Cuboid loudspeakers fell within the budget, had the required SPL for the throw, and fitted the spec in terms of size and weight. Their multiple rigging points also allowed us plenty of flexibility.”
BSG installed a system comprising eight Cuboid 15 two-way full range passive 15” loudspeakers and two Sub 15 high-power sub-bass loudspeakers. The speakers fired outwards towards the seating areas around two centrally mounted subs. Josiah continues:
“Being such a reverberant space it was always going to be tricky to deploy a system that would be loud enough to be intelligible, but the Cuboid configuration did the job and the client is super happy. The system comfortably covers background music and game sound effects, while also delivering great clarity of speech over loud crowd noise.”
Northside Wizards’ CEO, Mark Wrobel, is also very pleased with the installation:
“The work that Brisbane Sound Group have completed with the sound upgrade at Northside Indoor Sports Centre has changed our lives. The ability to have crystal clear sound available at the touch of a button helps us provide a better environment for our members as well as enabling us to communicate clearly at domestic competitions and special events. The sound quality and clarity of speech provided by the Optimal Audio speakers is second to none and has made our venue a far more friendly space.”
UK manufacturer Optimal Audio has announced the launch of its Party Series of on-wall loudspeakers, designed specifically for the flourishing entertainment and KTV market – China’s favourite pastime.
With a professional appearance and comprising 10”, 12” and 15” full range, two-way passive loudspeakers, Party Series delivers rich and detailed sound and can be flexibly mounted for simple installation.
Premier KTV rooms demand superior sound with emphasis on warmth, clarity and smooth response, supporting the vocal presence required to elevate the karaoke experience. Each stylishly designed Party enclosure provides impressive bass and mid-band, with the clarity of vocal and high note projection essential for the discerning karaoke performer.
Significantly for some KTV rooms where space or restrictions preclude subwoofer support, Party Series loudspeakers are rear-ported, coupling their low-frequency output to walls or ceilings to produce enhanced bass output that can be felt without the need for additional subwoofers.
Optimal Audio’s Amp series is perfect amplifier partner for Party, delivering high SPL for many hours, whilst the internal crossover network technology protects the low and high frequency drivers, assuring a reliable and uninterrupted Karaoke experience.
When it comes to buying commercial audio loudspeakers, whether for ceiling, pendant, on-wall, outdoor, or subwoofer applications, several key factors need consideration to ensure you get the best sound quality and performance for your specific needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look for:
Audio Quality: The foremost consideration should be the audio quality delivered by the speakers. Look for speakers with clear and balanced sound reproduction across the frequency spectrum. Pay attention to factors such as frequency response, distortion levels, and overall tonal accuracy.
2. Power Handling and Efficiency: Consider the power handling capabilities of the speakers to ensure they can handle the amplifier’s output without distortion or damage. Additionally, speakers with higher efficiency can produce louder sound levels with less power, making them suitable for larger spaces or environments with ambient noise.
3. Coverage Angle: Different speaker designs offer varying coverage angles, affecting the dispersion of sound throughout the space. Choose speakers with an appropriate coverage angle based on the layout and size of the area you need to cover to ensure uniform sound distribution without dead zones or excessive overlap.
4. Installation Flexibility: Depending on your installation requirements, consider speakers that offer flexibility in mounting options and ease of installation.
5. Durability and Weather Resistance: For outdoor applications, prioritise speakers with weather-resistant features. Look for speakers with an IP54 rating designed to withstand exposure to the elements.
6. Aesthetics and Integration: In commercial environments, the aesthetics of the speakers are often as crucial as their performance. Choose speakers that blend seamlessly with the decor or architectural elements of the space.
7. Compatibility with Audio Systems: Ensure compatibility with your existing audio system or intended setup. Check compatibility with amplifiers, processors, and other audio components to avoid compatibility issues and ensure seamless integration.
8. Speech Intelligibility: In settings where clear speech reproduction is critical, such as conference rooms or lecture halls, prioritise speakers with good speech intelligibility. Look for speakers with focused dispersion patterns, optimised for delivering clear and articulate vocal reproduction.
9. Low-Frequency Extension (Subwoofers): When considering subwoofers, pay attention to their low-frequency extension capabilities. Choose subwoofers that can reproduce deep bass frequencies accurately and evenly throughout the listening area without overpowering or distorting the rest of the audio spectrum.
10. Budget and Value: Finally, consider your budget constraints and the overall value offered by the speakers. While it’s essential to stay within budget, prioritise value over price alone by considering factors such as performance, durability, and long-term reliability.
In conclusion, when buying commercial audio loudspeakers, including ceiling speakers, pendant speakers, on-wall speakers, outdoor speakers, and subwoofers, it’s essential to consider factors such as audio quality, power handling, coverage angle, installation flexibility, durability, aesthetics, compatibility, speech intelligibility, low-frequency extension, and budget. By evaluating these factors and choosing speakers that best meet your specific requirements, you can ensure optimal sound performance and satisfaction in your commercial audio system.
Optimal Audio offers a range of on-wall and ceiling loudspeakers with accompanying subwoofers for a full complement of commercial applications and are guaranteed for 3-years. Designed by world-class engineers, they offer premium sound quality at a cost-conscious price point.
Up is a series of passive ceiling speakers delivering consistent coverage and crisp, clear sound to a wide range of commercial environments — from hotels and concourses to retail outlets, bars and restaurants. The series supports 70V or 100V line amplification with a range of power taps on the integral transformer to enable levels to be controlled speaker by speaker. All taps are accessible on the front baffle, requiring only the grille to be removed. These same ceiling speakers can be adapted into pendant loudspeakers with the addition of an accessory housing.
Cuboid is a series of full range, two-way, passive loudspeakers designed for short to medium throw distances, delivering rich and detailed sound with punch and precision. The stylish enclosures provide a professional look, while flexible mounting hardware facilitates a clean and simple installation. Each loudspeaker provides an impressive bass and mid-band with clarity of vocal and high note projection. Smaller loudspeakers in the range are also IP54 rated when teamed with the with terminal cover accessory.
For enhanced low end performance both Up and Cuboid can be teamed with the Sub series. This series of subwoofers are engineered for punchy bass performance, while their compact dimensions provide greater placement options and are and housed in a premium plywood cabinet with impact resistant steel grille.
To get the best from Optimal Audio loudspeakers, SmartAmp or Zone with their integral DSP feature presets for optimal sound performance and driver protection. When coupled with Zone and WebApp, loudspeaker system set up and end user control is simple and intuitive, and can be further supplemented by ZonePad wall controllers.
Three years ago, Optimal Audio burst onto the commercial audio scene as a new brand under the Focusrite Group umbrella. We sat down with James King, Marketing Director, to discuss the brand’s formation, its journey so far, and what the future holds.
Can you tell us a bit about the genesis of the Optimal Audio brand? What gap in the market were you aiming to fill?
The Focusrite Group had tremendous pedigree within professional audio circles, but for the subset of commercial audio there was a sense of a missing opportunity. None of the existing brands were intrinsically right to extend significantly into commercial audio so it very quickly became the scenario of creating a whole new brand.
But the key to success was not about being another ‘me too’ brand, it had to have clear distinct positioning in the marketplace. It was apparent early on in our research that there was a growing need for high-quality, reliable commercial audio solutions that were also user-friendly and cost-effective.
Existing options often fell short in one aspect or another. Some were incredibly powerful but came with a complex setup and hefty price tag. Others were simpler to use but lacked the features and performance demanded by professional installations. We saw an opportunity to bridge that gap and create a brand that offered the best of both worlds.
Equally, we saw commercial audio as being very dry in nature with every brand presenting a similar persona to the industry. Again, we just felt that we needed to do something different, not be afraid to be quirky, to stand out and gain attention.
In conjunction with Dom Harter, managing director, I wrote a simple brand story outlining these core beliefs, identifying the target market and how those within the end-to-end sales chain would benefit.
How did the portfolio planning progress?
The crux of it was bringing in Matt Rowe as engineering manager. His experience in the field helped us quickly establish an eco-system approach of core product solutions across controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers that would work seamlessly together thanks to WebApp.
Hosted by the Zone series, there’s no installation required for WebApp – just open a browser on a smartphone, tablet or laptop connected to the same network, enter the address and you’re in.
For the integrator, WebApp provides a visualisation of the entire system and complete configuration can be achieved for refined sound in every room. Once the system is configured, installers can lock down settings with a PIN, and provide the venue staff with a simple user interface.
Traditionally, the control and operation of commercial sound systems has been a complicated inconvenience to many venue staff, who just want the system to work. WebApp, on the other hand, provides slick touchscreen-optimised controls enabling staff to easily operate the system and focus on the job in hand.
How did the brand ethos come about?
It is a rare opportunity for a marketer to create a brand from scratch, so I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity.
Taking the brand story, we felt that it was prudent to develop the brand name and logo at an early stage. Always keeping the watchword of simplicity at the front of our thoughts, the task proved surprisingly easy, and the Optimal Audio name was felt to be an elegant choice and the logo was developed from adopting an appropriately unfussy approach. What wasn’t foreseen at the time was just how the logo would naturally inform the brand architecture at a much later stage – suggesting that the clear approach to its origination was intuitively on the money.
Against the backdrop of the pandemic, we continued to work on product development, establishing suitably straight forward naming for products, and began to flesh out more of the brand architecture. The latter proved quite challenging as we tried to establish the right style and approach. Many concepts were originated but most were shelved. Colours came and went, photography went round in circles, and copy development was a process of continual refinement (and the odd argument).
Eventually, our art designer broke the deadlock, proposing an approach which I could immediately see had strong potential. Taking inspiration from the logo, he showcased how everything we needed to reference could be represented in a double icon graphic approach – product categories, applications and key messages. Suddenly everything just clicked; it all reflected the simplicity of the brand’s approach, and was differentiated from other competitors in the sector. We had our basis to move forward and we could move very quickly and efficiently.
The brand recently celebrated its third anniversary. How would you describe Optimal Audio’s progress so far?
Firstly, it’s been incredibly rewarding for me personally. This was the first time in my career that I got to create a brand, and I feel like a proud parent as a result. As ever, I’m my harshest critic, so I see some of the flaws that go under the radar for most people, but overall I am very pleased with what was created and that it has consistently been met with a very positive response. The launch itself was described by a financial analyst as Apple—esque, and whatever your opinion on that brand, it’s pretty damn fine company to aspire too. Since then, we’ve consistently expanded our product portfolio, catering to a wider range of commercial audio applications while furthering the brilliance of the WebApp which has picked up notable industry awards on route. We have a rock solid supply chain now, distributed in over 60 countries, and we have an expanding team, so I’m full of confidence for the future.
What are some of the key highlights from Optimal Audio’s past three years?
There have been several milestones. The successful launch. Our first install. AV Manufacturer of the Year Award. Multiple awards for WebApp and Zone. Getting past the supply chain woes. Our first chain of installs. But perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects has been growing as a team and building strong relationships with our customers and distribution partners. Their continued support and positive feedback have been invaluable.
What are some of the biggest challenges Optimal Audio has faced, and how have you overcome them?
Building brand awareness in a competitive market is always a challenge. That’s been made easier with our eco-system approach delivering a more differentiated proposition to the market alongside a quirky brand outlook that garners attention.
We’ve naturally actively participated in industry trade shows, conducted Open Days and engaged with potential customers in showcasing the benefits of our products to their needs. But I believe a core weapon we have is the WebApp Desktop Demo, which enables anyone to gain familiarity with the heart of our approach without needing to be connected to any product hardware. This was the brainchild of Jamie Gomez who worked closely with Matt to devise a suitable solution and extensive marketing programmes around it that is helping to move interested parties into becoming full brand believers.
Looking ahead, what are Optimal Audio’s goals for the future?
We plan to selectively expand our product portfolio, offering even more comprehensive solutions for commercial audio needs while being true to the ethos of the brand. We’re also committed to staying at the forefront of multi-zone control platforms with WebApp. We want to expand the team, deepen our routes to market and help reach the potential we all feel is tangibly close to fruition.
Award-winning UK manufacturer Optimal Audio is pleased to announce the immediate appointment of Audiosales as its distributor in Italy.
Part of the Focusrite Group, Optimal Audio manufactures a multi-award winning one-stop solution of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues.
Based near Parma, Audiosales has been in business for more than twenty-five years, distributing world-leading brands to the live and install markets in Italy, and providing system design and consultancy for the widest possible range of applications. With a mission to distribute products and technologies which ensure best-value and best-fit for every individual project, Audiosales places great emphasis on advice, training, and support across its portfolio of international brands.
Optimal Audio’s emphasis on simplifying commercial audio systems without compromising on quality immediately attracted the attention of Stefano Rocchi, CEO/Managing Director at Audiosales:
“From the outset, it was clear to us that the Optimal Audio ecosystem offered a fresh approach to commercial audio. Although technologically advanced and delivering high quality audio, the products are very competitively-priced and, crucially, the systems are easy to install and operate. This is precisely what our customers require, so we’re confident that Optimal Audio will make a very strong impact on the Italian commercial audio sector.”
Dom Harter, Managing Director at Optimal Audio adds:
“We are delighted to have Audiosales on board in Italy. Their proven history and progressive approach mark them out as an excellent fit for Optimal Audio. The advantages that our solutions bring to the sector are becoming more and more apparent across international markets, with the result that we receive a high volume of enquiries from distributors keen to partner with us. This allows us the luxury of selecting stand-out partners like Audiosales who are invested in our approach and demonstrably committed to delivering the Optimal Audio message.”
British manufacturer Optimal Audio has announced the launch of new accessories for its Up ceiling loudspeakers with the addition of bezel-less grilles and pendant housings.
Grille 1 and Grille 2, available in black or white finishes, have been designed to enable all Up ceiling loudspeakers to achieve a bezel-less appearance. The inclusion of an installation ring with an intuitive twist-to-fit steel grille design, enclosing the original Up loudspeaker, provides installers with complete flexibility and allows for easy adaptation to any design brief.
Pendant 1 and Pendant 2 are cleverly designed custom housings which accommodate selected Up ceiling speakers, enabling them to be suspended as stylish pendants. Manufactured from UL94 V-0 rated materials and finished in UV-resistant black or white paint, the Pendants feature the same twist-to-fit grille bezel-less finish as the Grille accessories.
Both accessories perfectly complement the widest possible range of interior design across commercial spaces. In addition, these accessories remove the need for distributors and dealers to stock separate ranges of ceiling and pendant loudspeakers by taking care of all requirements with just one low-cost accessory.
David Morbey, Product Manager at Optimal Audio comments:
“Meeting the aesthetic requirements of interior designers is an important part of audio solutions in commercial spaces. As well as delivering high-quality sound, loudspeakers from our Up range now have the capacity to blend as discreetly as possible into their surroundings using the bezel-less Grille, as well as providing attractive Pendants, ideal for venues with open architecture and high ceilings.
“The availability of these inexpensive accessories is sure to be attractive to distributors from a stock holding efficiency perspective, while installers will enjoy the flexibility to accommodate more applications, and as is the case across our whole ecosystem, these accessories are consistent with our easy-to-install philosophy, removing stress and saving time.”
Distributed audio systems have become indispensable tools in commercial applications, offering businesses unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and performance. These systems allow audio to be distributed across multiple zones or areas within a facility, providing seamless coverage and control over sound reinforcement. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of distributed audio systems in commercial applications, along with key design considerations, installation tips, and best practices for achieving seamless integration and optimal performance.
Benefits of Distributed Audio Systems:
Distributed audio systems offer a myriad of benefits for commercial applications:
Flexibility: Distributed audio systems allow businesses to customise audio experiences for different zones or areas within a facility. Whether it’s background music in retail spaces, paging announcements in office buildings, or immersive soundscapes in hospitality venues, distributed audio systems offer the flexibility to tailor audio content to specific requirements.
Scalability: Distributed audio systems can easily scale to accommodate the evolving needs of a business. Whether expanding to additional zones or integrating with other audiovisual systems, distributed audio systems offer scalability without compromising performance or reliability.
Centralised Control: Distributed audio systems centralise control and management, allowing businesses to adjust volume levels, audio sources, and schedule playlists from a single interface for the whole venue or per each individual zone. This centralised approach simplifies operation and provides the opportunity to deliver a personalised experience, especially in multi-zone environments.
Design Considerations:
When designing a distributed audio system for commercial applications, several key considerations should be taken into account:
Zone Layout and Coverage: Carefully assess the layout and usage patterns of the facility to determine the optimal placement of audio zones and speakers. Consider factors such as room dimensions, acoustics, and ambient noise levels when defining zone boundaries and speaker placements to ensure uniform coverage and optimal sound quality.
Audio Source Selection: Identify the audio sources that will be distributed throughout the facility, such as background music, paging systems, or audiovisual content. Choose audio sources that align with the intended use of each zone and ensure compatibility with the distributed audio system’s input options.
Speaker Selection and Placement: Select speakers that are suitable for the intended application and environment. Consider factors such as speaker type (ceiling, wall-mounted, pendant), power handling, dispersion pattern, and aesthetics when choosing speakers for each zone. Ensure proper speaker placement to achieve balanced coverage and minimize sound overlap or interference between adjacent zones.
Amplification and Signal Distribution: Choose amplifiers and signal distribution equipment that can accommodate the needs of a distributed audio system. Consider factors such as power output, impedance matching, and signal routing capabilities when selecting amplifiers and distribution equipment to ensure reliable performance and seamless integration with audio sources and speakers.
Installation Tips and Best Practices:
When installing a distributed audio system in a commercial environment, adhere to the following tips and best practices:
Professional Installation: Hire experienced audio professionals or integrators to design and install the distributed audio system. Professional installers have the expertise and resources to ensure proper system design, equipment selection, and installation, resulting in optimal performance and reliability.
Proper Wiring and Cable Management: Use high-quality cables and connectors for audio signal transmission and power distribution. Properly route and label cables to minimise interference, signal loss, and potential hazards. Implement cable management solutions to organize and protect cables for easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
System Calibration and Tuning: After installation, calibrate and tune the distributed audio system to optimise sound quality and performance. Adjust volume levels, equalisation settings, and speaker configurations to achieve balanced sound reproduction and consistent coverage across all zones. Regularly monitor and fine-tune the system as needed to maintain optimal performance over time.
Testing and Commissioning: Thoroughly test and commission the distributed audio system before finalising installation. Verify proper operation of all audio sources, amplifiers, speakers, and control interfaces. Conduct comprehensive system testing and performance verification to identify and resolve any issues or discrepancies before handing over the system to the end-user.
In conclusion, distributed audio systems offer numerous benefits for commercial applications, including flexibility, scalability, enhanced coverage, and centralised control. By carefully considering design considerations, installation tips, and best practices, businesses can harness the power of distributed audio systems to achieve seamless integration and optimal performance in their facilities. Whether designing a distributed audio system for retail stores, corporate offices, hospitality venues, or educational institutions, prioritising proper planning, professional installation, and thorough testing is essential to ensure a successful outcome and a superior audio experience for all stakeholders involved.
How do you feel about winning the award for WebApp and Zone?
It’s amazing that this Optimal Audio’s third major award, as it shows that people have started to understand what our eco-system approach is and recognise its power and versatility. The award confirms that we had the right idea about decluttering and simplifying the commercial audio world, and that the hard work is really starting to pay off. Critically, it also gives our sales channels and system integrators added confidence in the brand and makes it an easier proposition to sell to their customers.
From your earliest vision of WebApp to where it is now – could you have foreseen this progress?
Not really, no! We’ve added so much more to it than we’d originally dreamt up at the start and it’s still building and gathering momentum. All the extra integration like streamers and third party control – they’re the sort of ‘real-world’ uses that people want and ask for. What must come with that, though, is trying to strike the right balance by keeping it clean, uncluttered and easy to use. It was always the intention that you should be able to configure it and use it without a user guide, just by playing around with it!
I’m really pleased with the way the app ‘grows’ when people start to use it in more depth. We can provide those extra things but still maintain the basic principle of keeping it simple and easy to use. We’re saying – ‘if you want more, it’s there – just unpack it and use it’.
It’s clear that you’re very close to the product, and that the speed at which you’re developing things is very quick – are you enjoying the workflow in what appears to be a very agile team?
It’s great, yes. We have a small, nimble team with some real talent in what is a very fast-moving area of technology. We can try ideas, prototype stuff and bounce it around the team without taking months of development time, then show it to a few close partners and get their immediate feedback. It’s then about adapting and responding – it’s great because I think what you get with a smaller team is the opportunity to do little bits of everything, not just be a specialist in one area. You can be involved in all the aspects of software, electronics, styling and design – it’s very satisfying.
What’s next for Zone and WebApp?
We’ll certainly continue to make software releases as we identify other areas to enhance, but we’re also looking at ‘next generation’. What are the areas we can really take a leap forward in as technology moves on? So, things like HDMI – going to the next standards and opening up more markets where people are putting in lots of audio-visual solutions. I also think that deeper integration with other technology partners is something to pursue. We’ve also got more ideas about how to make the system easier to set up, building towards the possibility, for example, of completing a small or medium sized bar setup in literally an hour.
Finally, I think giving installers tools to showcase potential value-add services is important – like monitoring and maintenance packages. Ultimately, it’s about making WebApp ‘sticky’, so we want system integrators and installers to fall in love with the product and to keep using and specifying it.
