Sony to Unveil New Custom Focus at CEDIA Expo 2009

Sony is making its most dedicated effort to date to cater to the custom installation market, and that commitment will be clear to attendees at CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta from September 10-13.

Not only will attendees see a gigantic new exhibit booth, but there will be a major announcement at 5 p.m. on September 10 regarding a slew of new vendor partnerships with custom-oriented manufacturers.

"It's our focus," says Neal Manowitz, director for the Sony Home Audio and Video division. "The company is making a serious investment in the channel. Our booth at CEDIA will convey that message."

At the Expo, Sony will be unveiling:

• Its new service and support program for CE pros
• A new Advance Exchange warranty policy
• Its new fulfillment model designed to get products to dealers easier and faster

Also at the show, Sony will formally announce new partnerships with multiple vendors, a list that Manowitz says includes "the who's who of control as well as many others" for the custom market.

Sony's massive 70- x 80-foot booth (#1409) inside the Georgia World Congress Center will also reflect the company's new focus. First, attendees will be greeted by a massive stage, which will include professional talent explaining the wide breadth of Sony's new custom-focused support programs and detailing several custom-focused products.

The stage is the same one Sony uses at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. There will be video testimonials from integrators as well as vendor-partner videos looping on displays in the area.

Once attendees leave the presentation area, they can wander the enormous booth on a self-guided tour. Of course, there will be lots of Sony products on display, including HomeShare HD, Bravia TVs, Blu-ray players (including the two new 400-disc Megachangers), and a dedicated front-projector theater room.

Each area of the booth is anchored by a "Hero Product" that is well suited for the custom channel. At the rear of the booth, dealers are invited to sit down and engage in conversation with Sony sales staff about how to become an authorized Sony dealer.

Click here or visit http://www.sony.com/built-in if you're an existing Sony dealer or are interested in becoming an official authorized integrator.

This article is presented by Sony.