News

Opus launches the landmark WCU600 touchscreen keypad at CEDIA Expo (17/6/2008)

Stand E5a, CEDIA UK Expo 2008

Opus Technologies will launch the landmark WCU600 touchscreen keypad at CEDIA (stand E5a). Designed to seamlessly control both the Opus 500 system and a number of third party lighting and other smart home products the stunning WCU600 keypad is even able to display video from DVD, TV or CCTV systems and the on screen menus of audio/video servers, iPod docks and more. The high contrast backlit hi-resolution colour screen can display a staggering 16 million colours and is fully customisable for individual use. The WCU600 triumphantly reconciles the often difficult compromise between technological ability and ease of use for the home owner making it a true smart home gateway and sets a new industry standard for performance at this price point.

This is the first chance that many dealers, installers and developers will have had to view the keypad at close quarters and of course ask our dedicated team any specific questions.

Smart home gateway

Convergence between smart home systems has been arguably the most significant innovation in recent years and one that the Opus WCU600 touchscreen keypad will continue to do as more drivers become available over the coming months. It is also compatible with the jointly developed Opus/Imerge ‘HotSpot’ facility which means the keypad is for instance able to fully display the MS5000 video server’s or S3000 music server’s on screen display and navigate around and control it seamlessly from the touchscreen.

Whilst this technology simplifies the system as far as the end user is concerned, it requires the supplying dealer to be far more knowledgeable and of course fully-trained in every aspect of smart home technology. This is something Opus takes very seriously and to this end has launched its Certified Installer Programme which provides both product training and marketing support to its ever growing network of partners. Installers who complete the training course (held monthly at Opus’ London headquarters) are given full recognition in the form of an enhanced website listing plus additional point of sale material.

Ongoing support is offered to Opus Certified Installers which includes a dedicated support hotline assuring dealers of fast, accurate and friendly advice. The in-house support team has recently been expanded to enable Opus to offer class-leading service. All in all, this programme complements Opus’ new range of products and most importantly underlines the company’s support to dealers who are crucial to its ongoing expansion and development.

Naturally dealers face many challenges in such a rapidly-changing market, but one is from mail order or web retailers selling CI products direct to consumers. Official dealers and installers - authorised by manufacturers to retail their product - typically spend large amounts of time and money training their staff to a high standard only to be undercut by operators who offer the end user nothing in the way of system design, installation expertise, after sales support and specialist advice. Unqualified competitors operating in this specialised field damage brand image, undermine its official dealer network and actually offer consumers a bad deal.

www.opus.eu