Essential Install July 2017 | Page 55

Essential Install | Peerless AV
Floor to ceiling cable options are a useful choice for retail applications
Peerless AV has delivered innovation into the video wall category
“ Well it ’ s not 3D that ’ s for sure , part of the trick of course is being able to spot when something is not going to take off . But on the domestic side , audio is still and will be a good area . A product like Sonos is more than good enough for most consumers and so I personally have a lot of time for that brand and how they have built it . Domestic screen wise , I can ’ t see curved TVs being around forever , they just don ’ t look right when mounted , so won ’ t be a strong area for us . What will be much more interesting is solutions for super slim OLED wallpaper type TVs .
“ Not only do they need to be mounted well , you need solutions to store the separate electronics that they still need to drive them , so opportunities there . We are already looking at some patents for the super slim TV sector for the mass market , but we already have some clever products for these types of screen like our wire mounting system that we showed at ISE .”
Gordon is also excited about a new product sector which is already available in the US and is being considered for a UK / Europe launch .
In the US Peerless is finding success with a range of IP68 rated exterior TVs . Gordon says : “ Our products are currently way ahead on a technical level . They have full IP68 rating and an optical bonding technique which extends life by keeping moisture at bay and massively improves contrast , thus giving the effect of
a much higher nit rated screen when in direct sunlight , without the running costs . Extremes of temperature are no problem so installers can target a wide range of applications from a ski resort to a beach bar , these screens can cope with it all .”
In the US , Peerless has also expanded more into the outdoor ‘ Resi ’ markets and so this is an area that Peerless-AV EMEA will also be considering , although of course the product will need ‘ some ’ adjustment for the European market .
Cables is another area where Gordon argues the company is a step ahead with its HDMI 2.0 compatible Sigma range ready for the spread of 4K and with the company planning for the HDMI 2.1 future and beyond .
Gordon explains that the company has a dedicated ET ( Emerging Technology ) division always looking at how to develop products for emerging markets . Areas such as the IoT and voice control will change the way products interact , but with they change the hardware vastly throwing up the need for new support solutions ? Gordon says the company has its eye on these areas and will exploit opportunities if they come .
One area that the company has already delivered much innovation into is the video wall support market with installer friendly applications such as quick release for ease of access , even in the middle of a large multi-screen video wall . Key for the future will be developing further solutions that exploit the next generation of narrow pitch LED screens which Gordon says will come down in price and drive the next phase of development . Peerless-AV is already heavily involved in this important new area with a full range of narrow pitch LED mounting solutions .
The company is also finding success with its products in the information kiosk market , many of which are now made in the UK , a fact that clearly delights Gordon : “ It ’ s great to be a genuine UK manufacturer , something the UK needs more of and it ’ s also great for our customers too as lead times are cut by as much as 70 %. The plan is to add more to our UK manufacturing abilities as we go forward .”
Suitable for exterior and interior use , the kiosks come in standard or curved versions and bespoke versions are available to order .
Bespoke manufacture is a speciality right across the company , particularly with large scale orders on support products . Global companies wanting continuity across sites can come to Peerless-AV . Gordon says : “ With big bespoke orders we can usually get drawings and costs turned around in 3-4 days , we aim to let partners know as soon as possible what is feasible and what times scales are going to be involved .”
Peerless-AV has also been developing its digital presence . Many of the company ’ s customers still love an ‘ old school ’ printed catalogue , but newer support services such as on-line configurators and product matching have also been introduced . Shows also continue to be a big part of the company ’ s promotional push , with Gordon citing the advantages of getting installers face to face with the products as much as possible to see first-hand the quality delivered .
So , lots more to come from the company this year and into the future . Peerless-AV is a company that knows well its core strengths and is effective at bringing those to bear to the advantage of its install partners , the new catalogue is available on request .
More Information : Peerless AV + 44 ( 0 ) 1923 200100 , www . peerless-av . com
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