As the price points for 4K start to erode, integrators will need to find ways to successfully upsell clients to 8K.
The CE Pro 100 integrator Just One Touch/Video & Audio Center in Los Angeles recently held an invitation-only exclusive event for its elite clientele at its Westfield Century City mall store location. The 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. gathering, dubbed the Samsung 8K QLED Showcase, featured hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for more than 200 of the company’s past clients, including celebrities like Jon Lovitz, Miko Brando and others.
Jorge Madrigal, vice president of sales at Samsung Electronics America, was also in attendance, along with other Samsung executives.
30-Minute 8K Demos
For the event, Just One Touch showcased all five sizes of Samsung’s 2019 Q900 Series QLED 8K line ranging from 65 to 98 inches, ranging in price from $1,999 to more than $15,000.
The TVs incorporate its proprietary Quantum Processor 8K, which upscales lower resolution content to 8K while also allowing for playback of native 8K content. The processor also optimizes audio and video to the specific content on the screen.
Demos of the 8K displays were held every 30 minutes using not only the 8K content that is built into every display but also upscaled OTA content, streamed content from Amazon, as well as DVD and Blu-ray content.
To attract attendees, Just One Touch sent personal invitations to its customer base in the area, requiring attendees to RSVP. The invitation described it as a “special private event” and a chance for attendees to “see, experience and have the opportunity to purchase” one of the 8K displays.
Interestingly, the company also touted the exclusive event in local radio ads, even though the general public was not invited. The exposure of the event via radio ads reinforced the importance of the event to the invited clients who might have heard the radio spots, further incentivizing them to RSVP.
Also, the radio exposure also drew the attention of local media, who then requested to attend as press, further adding cache to the event.
The results were impressive: 14 8K displays sold to 10 clients overall. Of the 10 clients, eight of them hired Just One Touch to do the delivery, installation and calibration for the wall-mounted units.
Related: Samsung Launches 8K QLED Line
“That is a higher percentage of clients than normal wanting installation and calibration along with a retail TV purchase. 8K is going to be a bonanza for custom installation,” concludes Tom Campbell, corporate director/chief technologist, at Just One Touch.
“This once again shows how today’s consumer is embracing and has a desire for new technology,” says Joseph Ahktarzad, owner of HTSA member Just One Touch/Video & Audio Center. He opened each demo with a brief history of the company.
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