Q&A: Bill Beierwaltes, Colorado vNet

Over its brief time in the custom-electronics industry, five-year-old Loveland, Colo.-based Colorado vNet has aggressively pursued market share through the introduction of several custom-friendly and affordable multiroom audio and lighting control products.

In an effort to continue the momentum it has built up with the launch of its audio and lighting solutions, the company recently introduced its state-of-the-art Vibe multiroom audio system, which employs IP technologies to distribute audio throughout a home.

Following the introduction of the Vibe system, CE Pro caught up with Colorado vNet CEO Bill Beierwaltes to learn how the Vibe system and the company's other products can create differentiation for Colorado vNet dealers in an increasingly competitive custom-electronics market.

What makes the Vibe system different than previous Colorado vNet audio products and competitive systems from other companies?

The Vibe digital distributed-audio system is a pre-integrated design that includes 7-inch color touchscreens with built-in 70-watt digital amplifiers, 500-GB or 800-GB audio servers, iPod docking stations, AM/FM and satellite tuners, and general-purpose analog-to-digital encoders.

The system can grow one device at a time until it reaches a maximum of 40 touchscreens (zones) and 20 unique sources. Installations are fast and simple and usually take only an hour or two. Unlike analog systems, Vibe's high-quality digital sound is the same, whether it's 1,000 feet away or 1 foot away from the head end thanks to its IP architecture.

Last year Colorado vNet displayed a prototype Vibe system at EHX. What type of commentary did the company receive from attending dealers?

The feedback was fantastic. We learned that both integrators and users wanted vibrant color touchscreens and full metadata (cover art, album, artist, song, genre, etc.). They also want a modular system that works together right out of the box.

Complaints were common regarding the effort it takes to make receivers, amplifiers, servers and touchscreens from different companies work together reliably. We listened and then delivered -- one manufacturer for all components, system pre-integration, brilliant color touchscreens with rich metadata, reliable quality and great sound.

How long did it take to develop the Vibe's IP technologies, and how reliable will these technologies be in an environment such as a home where users may be employing wireless networks, microwave ovens, cordless phones and remote controls?

We invested almost three years in Vibe's audio IP solution to make it rock solid even in the harshest environments. Our goal was no dealer callbacks and so far we've been successful.

The company also has a line of lighting control products. How is Colorado vNet able to service two very different categories, and how do the company's lighting products provide dealers with unique feature sets translate to strong selling points?

The easiest way to support separate categories is to integrate them. We developed our Vibe Touchscreens to seamlessly communicate with our lighting and control systems. Users can switch between selecting and controlling their music to change lighting scenes while adjusting the blinds all from the same touchscreen.

A major part of any custom-electronics manufacturers' business plan must include support services. How is Colorado vNet supporting its dealers in the field with dealer training?

Colorado vNet has developed an in-field training session where dealers learn to become Vibe digital-audio system integrators as well as lighting and control sales experts.

When dealers need more in-depth training, they come to our headquarters in Loveland, Colo., for two days of instructional classes. As an added backup, our highly regarded tech-support staff is always available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST.

What's the next product that installers can expect to see from Colorado vNet in 2007?

We are working on a multizone audio application where one touchscreen can easily control any listening zone in the house. Other enhancements will include pre-integrated security and climate control.