I recently caught up with Mike Grubb, VP of Marketing, Legrand | AV Residential Solutions to talk about the latest Legrand AV product introductions and ProWatch, what it is and how it gives dealers the RMR advantage! Part 2. Part 1 here.
Maureen Jenson: Please bring us up to speed on the latest Legrand | AV product introductions this year.
Mike Grubb: Get ready as we’ve had a ton of significant new product releases. On the Luxul side, our Luxul ProWatch cloud management solution released, which makes it simple for integrators to remotely monitor and manage their clients’ connected systems, get real-time notifications of failures, and proactively resolve issues. They don’t have to roll out a truck to power-cycle customers’ devices that have fallen offline or perform firmware updates.
ProWatch
This ability to remotely see what is going on with a client’s system is an especially important capability right now. Another key product we brought to market is our Epic Mesh wireless solution, which offers features and benefits that typical DIY products can’t match. One of these is eight SSIDs for networking flexibility. This allows integrators to assign SSIDs to certain systems — like a control system, for example — while providing the homeowner with their own SSID. That way, if they want to change their password at some point, it can be done easily without having to re-associate all the sub systems to that network.
Epic MESH
Another unique feature is a dedicated 4×4 5GHz backhaul channel, which allows faster throughput for the communication between nodes. In addition, Epic Mesh provides dealers with greater margins than DIY solutions. We’ve also just released new PoE small switches that are a great tool for integrators, especially for those that use video over IP products or edge systems that they want to expand. These unmanaged PoE+ Gigabit switches feature compact designs. The four-port SW-100-04P and eight-port SW-100-08P can be conveniently located behind displays or inside media cabinets, while the five-port PoE+ powered SW-100-05PD (which launches in Jan.) features PoE pass-through and can be installed virtually anywhere, offering multiple mounting options.
From Nuvo we released a new concept of a streaming audio system located in the WiFi transparent On-Q enclosure that is mounted on a convenient DIN rail system called the P600, which is available in a 2-zone, 3-zone and 4-zone system. Also Nuvo added Apple AirPlay 2 to its new streaming players for greater functionality and streaming capability.
Nuvo P600
SANUS has also started shipping two new mounts designed specifically for the Sonos Arc. Whether attaching the soundbar to a TV mount or directly to the wall, the flexible solutions allow installers to fine-tune their height and depth to ensure optimal performance for the Arc’s Dolby Atmos speakers. And in Dec. indoor/outdoor mounting options for the Sonos Move will also be released. Additionally, new in-wall kits allow installers to neatly conceal power and AV cables inside the wall for a clean and professional look, and include everything needed for a 30-minute installation without requiring hard-wiring or an electrician.
For On-Q, we’re planning the release of dual-purpose in-wall enclosures. When used for AV storage behind a TV, On-Q’s new enclosures in 9-inch and 17-inch form factors are designed to house cable boxes, streaming players, and more. Further, the 17-inch solution is compatible with the popular 4K and 8K Samsung One-Connect Box. When used as enclosures for structured wiring, the in-wall boxes’ WiFi transparent ABS plastic construction ensures a strong signal from ISP modems/wireless routers.
MJ: Integrators, especially now, should be looking at expanding their recurring service offerings. Tell us more about ProWatch and how it gives dealers the RMR advantage.
MG: ProWatch is a free cloud management solution, and it allows integrators to not only deliver a better experience for their customers by dramatically reducing service calls, resetting PoE ports on managed network switches, resetting power to components when using a PDU, but it also provides them with opportunities for recurring monthly revenue streams by selling remote monitoring or service call packages.