Projection: Alive and Well

It seems flat panel displays are virtually everywhere these days and have gotten larger, thinner, lighter, and less expensive than ever.   Not that long ago in applications requiring a large image a projector was the natural choice, however as flat panels have evolved you are now seeing them installed where historically it would have been a projector. I am not denying the benefits of using a flat panel display, but there are many reasons why projection would be the way to go.

For starters, let’s look at image size.   Generally speaking 98” is about the largest flat panel that is readily available at this time.   So in instances where an image of larger than 98” diagonal is required, projection becomes the only option to use for a single display device without the complexity of multi-screen video walls.   This is pretty clear cut, but size is not the only consideration.

BuildingOften audio visual components are integrated into high end architectural spaces including corporate board rooms, lecture centers, training facilities, and more where the display device may not always be in use and for aesthetic reasons the client may not want to “see” the technology in the room.   Most projectors are ceiling mounted and generally out of view or can be installed in a lift that can disappear into the ceiling.   Projection screens also can disappear when not in use by recessing flush into the ceiling.

Another key consideration is cost.   While flat panels have certainly become affordable, however once you get up into the larger sizes above 80”- 90” the costs can still be prohibitive in many cases where projection will often be much more affordable.   For illustration purposes consider a 98” professional grade monitor at a cost of $32,679.00 compared to an installation class projector like the Epson PowerLite Pro G 6770WU which is 1920×1200 resolution at 6000 lumens available at a retail price of $5,699.00.

When it comes to unique display applications there are times when a flat panel display is simply not an option.   Think about events where you have projection on floor surfaces or on buildings.   With projection mapping some really unique projects can be pulled off.   A really cool example of this was recently featured in a case study on the basketball arena at Pensacola Christian College using Epson Pro G projectors:

Floor

Both flat panel displays and projectors have their pros and cons, however projection is still and will continue to be a great choice for many display applications.  For assistance in selecting the right Epson projector or to learn more, contact Brian Rhatigan at [email protected] or 888.420.2566 x6546.

Your Competitor’s 30-Year Secret

Bose_icon1What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says the name Bose Professional?

Remember that thought.

Ironically, even when emphasizing the word Professional in the name, Bose has such a strong brand image that as member of the Pro AV industry, you still may have thought of a specific consumer product. If you are a typical end user reading this, you may have been thinking about a high end audio brand in general. Bose Professional may be one of the best kept secrets in the Pro AV market – and this has been true for almost 30 years. Those in the know realize that Bose Professional is comprised of diverse products that are designed and built specifically for the Pro AV market. These are not rehashed consumer units at all.

Bose professional division’s backing from the larger Bose organization certainly helps when it comes to providing R&D resources, along with testing and support. In a similar manner Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Audi, and Bugatti all receive backing from their parent company. If you knew Volkswagen owns all these companies, would you now look at a Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911, Audi R8, or Bugatti Chiron and say they are just VW Beetles in disguise? Probably not.

Bose Professional’s research extends into both their products and their go-to-market strategies; with a focus on positive outcomes for the dealer/integrator and the end user. The decision to leverage the Bose name on the professional side of the company makes sales easier and increases the likelihood of favorable customer responses to proposals. Bose Professional’s installed products are not available online; reducing price shopping from customers. The portable products with limited online availability have strict MAP policies providing further protection. I have seen Bose go to great lengths to protect projects for dealers that specify their products for design build projects. The way Bose conducts business by itself makes them worthy of consideration for projects.

I remember being introduced to Bose Professional during the late 80’s when working for a Pro AV dealer / studio design company. It took me a while to look beyond Bose as the manufacturer of the then-popular Wave Radio, but I am glad I did. In retrospect, I understand why the pro division has stayed a secret for so long. Bose has become the competitive advantage offered by many dealers and they don’t want their competition to know. Until recently, Bose was only available via a restricted direct reseller program. Almo’s value added distribution model has earned us the ability to provide Bose Professional to qualified resellers.

There is a lot of value in the line from both a technical and business perspective. If you want to learn more, check out a replay of the webinar introducing the Bose Professional line, take a look at the microsite or reach out to your Almo account manager. As always, feel free to contact me directly. There is more to the story that you will want to know.

 

For assistance in selecting the right Bose® Professional product for your next install, contact Rob Ziv at [email protected] or 888.420.2566 x6589.

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