CEDIA Hopes to Steer Integrators Into New Categories With Incentive Program

Amazon, Ring, Bryte Restorative Beds and Immersive Gym are part of Propel, a new CEDIA initiative designed to bring new brands and revenue opportunities to the channel. Health and wellness is among emerging segments CEDIA is targeting in the Propel affinity program. The “intentional mix of products” from the four brands can provide opportunities across small, midsize and high-end luxury homes, CEDIA said Friday.

As part of the program, Amazon is offering U.S. CEDIA members preferred pricing on select Echo and Ring devices, with discounts of up to 25% when ordered through Amazon Business, said CEDIA. Amazon also recently launched ProPortal as a shopping and information site for its devices. “Our vision is to make Alexa-enabled smart homes accessible to anyone,” said Scott Harrington, director-device sales, Amazon.

Integrators can also add an artificial intelligence-based smart bed to client solutions via Propel. They will receive 20% commissions of the retail price of the Bryte Restorative Bed, along with free shipping and white glove delivery by Bryte, a service not included in general online orders, said the company.

Immersive Gym's content for rowing machines, treadmills and stationary bikes gives CEDIA global dealers a way to create immersive training experiences for their customers using projectors or large-screen LED TVs. Immersive Gym is offering a free WaterRower to CEDIA members as an offer to their clients to promote the concept of connected content and exercise equipment, CEDIA said. The solution works with leading digital fitness apps, too, allowing users to optimize indoor workouts they already use. “When the workout is complete, the system can transform the space into a gaming room or simulation room,” giving integrators a way to add interactive multimedia experiences to a project, said Immersive Gym founder Charles Pearce.

A recent survey found 47% of CEDIA members were looking for new products and services to add to their portfolios, but half of those dealers were struggling to make connections in new fields, said the trade group. CEDIA expects to grow the roster of brands participating in Propel over time and will drive adoption with “compelling incentives.” Propel, open to new and existing manufacturer members, provides a platform to connect and engage with CEDIA integrators, it said.

CEDIA member Gordon van Zuiden, president-cyberManor, said Propel is “the right program at the right time for our industry.” CEDIA integrators need to think beyond core applications such as audio, video, lighting and security to remain competitive, he said. Propel will provide new vendor relationships and expertise in emerging categories, allowing integrators to be “whole home integrators.”