09.04.2009 — On the heels of its newly announced distribution strategy, Sony is also introducing a significant technical support program for integrators and consumers.

Vendors who have enjoyed success in the custom channel have, historically, spent significant resources supporting integrators with:

• Education
• Fast and knowledgeable technical service
• Quality customer service for consumers who support integrators

Strong service and support policies have primarily been characterized by smaller, private manufacturers who only have a small nucleus of dealers to handle.

Until now.

Sony is making a newfound dedication to supporting the custom channel. And it's not just a list of new product SKUs or lip service in a brochure or on a Web site. The company is bringing education and technical support for custom installation companies to the forefront of its Sony Home Audio and Video division.

The most conspicuous parts of the program are two new toll-free technical support lines: one for dealers (866-924-7669) and one for customers (877-619-7669).

According to Neal Manowitz, director for the Sony Home Audio and Video division, all the Sony personnel in the support department are CEDIA-trained and will be able to handle questions from integrators quickly and knowledgeably.

The support program includes:

• Dedicated sales, marketing and technical support
• Installation and technical training
• Sales and marketing tools including brochures, product literature, and images
• Toll-free telephone support for technicians and customers

The technical support program is part of Sony's new commitment to the custom channel, which will be visible to attendees at the CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta. In Sony's gigantic 70x80-foot exhibit booth, there will be personnel on hand to discuss how dealers can become part of its authorized dealer network.

Dealers can also sit down at the Sony stage to hear a presentation on the new program. Of course, there will also be a multitude of new products in the booth, ranging from the two new 400-disc Blu-ray Megachangers to Bravia TVs to HomeShare HD.

There will be a major announcement from Sony at 5 p.m. on September 10 regarding a slew of new vendor partnerships with custom-oriented manufacturers. The company is also announcing its new Advance Exchange warranty policy and a new fulfillment program.

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.