Had the Integra Rep come to the shop yesterday. He would like to get us set up as a new retailer.

I thought some of you guy's could share your opinions about how they work? Distribution channels? Reliability? RA's? Sex appeal?

What do you guy's think?

good.

above average reliability. (of approx 50-80 units deployed, 0 DOA, 0 Defective after use)
RS232 interface for the receiver and dvd is excellent.
-feedback includes disc type.. dvd, dvda, vcd, cd, etc
-feedback includes sampling rate
-feedback includes transport mode

example 1) client inserts cd into local souce Integra DVD player and presses play. system automatically detects that the disc is a CD and that the sampling rate is 44.1, so Crestron system turns the zone on and puts the processor into music logic mode.

example 2) client does same except this time the CD is a PCM @ 96kz recording, so this time the system goes to 2-channel mode.

example 3) client does same except this time the media type is DVD, so Crestron system turns on zone AND turns on the display device, handles switching, for the display and scaler, etc...

THIS IS A VERY POWERFULL FEATURE FROM A WELL THOUGHT OUT 232 INTERFACE THAT FEW OTHER MANUFACTURERS' PLAYERS WILL PROVIDE YOU.

I have the same accolades to give to the receivers as they handle unsolicited responses for feedback purposes flawlessley. Obviously I respond to your question from the viewpoint of someone that handles systems integration with respect to Crestron programming. I have no comment on the dealer-manufacturer part of the question.

Brent,
A couple of years ago availability was a problem, but has improved tremendously. We also have experienced no DOA's. There are discrete codes available for all operations to aid in system integration. The only problems we have encountered have been with CHAD docking stations, and the RA's were handled quickly and efficiently. Another bonus is that there is a good dealer margin, which we really appreciate! We feel the quality of both the product and the service is excellent.

one of the thing's he mentioned, that I think I'm going to like, assuming it's true is that there is absolutly 000 internet competition, and in my area there isn't another dealer for nearly 100mi.

what about internet shoppers?

Speaking from the consumer side...

There are zero internet authorized dealers. There's a few B&M/internet dealers for the Onkyo side, but zero for Integra or Integra Research. Very nice machines, I've got the Onkyo 898 and it is incredible. I'm kinda glad the Onkyo version doesn't have RS232, as I'd be tempted to splurge on Crestron or something.

There was a nasty splash the last 2 years when Dolby finally putting out DVDs with DD-EX flagged and Integra processors did not read them properly. This also affected HBO and similar broadcasts. But it's fixed and things are back to smooth for Integra.

Being Integra Dealers I can say that you should take the opportunity and jump on it before it goes away!

We were Denon dealers before what was a bit of an arduous process to get to Integra (they are very careful about who they select). Denon is widely distributed by AVAD and this puts you in direct competition with a lot of new dealers who can't sell themselves and feel that the best tactic is to give away good product. It also means that any customer with an internet connection can buy it from some bozo who knows nothing more than model numbers and feels that 8 points is a worthwhile margin (you know, the same a----le who tells the client to pick your brain for product selection and then call him back for a whored out price).

Integra is great with training, focus groups, and trade show hospitality and the Research product is nothing short of fantastic. We had their speaker designer sit down with us for a meeting and get our input on what they should do when manufacturing in-walls. Integra is the same compnay but has a much different approach than Onkyo... one that seems to care about the custom installer

I just hope you're not in Washington State... we kind of like the limited distribution up here!