InFocus signs IDT for AV channel

Projection system manufacturer InFocus Corporation has signed Image Design Technology (IDT) as a distributor for its commercial projectors to the AV channel following the severing of a relationship with Electroboard in March.

InFocus hit the ground running in Australia three years ago and had also been distributing through Electroboard prior to then.

However, the distributor did "a bit of everything" and InFocus' channel model needed to be solid moving forward, according to Lee Whincup, country manager for InFocus Australia and New Zealand.

Electroboard was acting as a reseller and distributor and its business model "didn't match with ours moving forward," he said.

Under the new agreement, IDT would carry the InFocus LitePro, and X Series range of digital projectors, from wireless-ready ultra-portable cross over projectors to meeting room, installation and integration projection systems, the company said.

IDT joins Tech Pacific, B&H Australia and International Dynamics on the company's distribution books. Tech Pac is moving its projectors predominantly to the IT reseller channel, while International Dynamics covers off its "ScreenPlay" home projection systems, he said.

While IDT will service the audio/visual channel and AV dealers had in the past preferred to deal with AV distributors, Whincup agreed that this will soon change. Audio visual equipment is now starting to penetrate the mass market retail channels, he said. "People are moving away from purchasing through AV specialists," he said.

Whincup claimed there was a "huge demand" for projection systems. Recent research conducted by PMA found that by the end of calendar 2004, projector sales through commercial channels would grow by 11 percent and 30 percent through consumer channels, compared to calendar 2003.

Whincup stressed that InFocus was no longer a projector company only, but had branched out to large format digital displays. It would release new 30, 40 and 50in LCD displays in July. Its Stingray rear projection system which features an 80inch display at the top-end, would start shipping in Australia before the end of the year.