RHM....

Call CineLight in Seattle....

Cost about 600 less than AVAD...and they'll set you up a lot easier as well!

avdude

Inf--kus has closed my region to new dealers and no longer allows it to go through distribution... we missed the cutoff to get paperwork in so we are not authorized to buy their product I do feel that it is a good projector. We always try to sell a Dwin Transvision3 first but the 7200 is a logical stepdown here... especially with the rebate. Oh well, I wont die, I'll just send our Inf--kus guy a pic of the three Dwin TV3s and the two Vidikron Model 20s that we will have put up in a two month period. We like the Vidikron so far but automation is not complete yet so the jury is still out Anyone been ther with this model yet?

I do not believe that anyone should be suprised by this move by InFocus. All technologies find their way to "big boy" retailers eventually. However, if you have noticed, the higher quality products never find a niche in this market. That is where the custom installer comes in. Best Buy, CC, etc., will never carry the high-end products because 95% of their target market either is not interested in or cannot afford the premium quality brands.

You will never see Pioneer Elite plasma or a $5,000 amp at Sam's Club. Many manufacturers have several lines of products at various different price points. They market their lower level products through large chains and reserve their higher level product for custom installers or secialty outlets. Think about those people that can afford the high-end products. Chances are that they have friends or family that can afford and already own the more expensive brands. They will see that they cannot compare the quality of the their friends products to what they can buy down at the local "Buy-it-All". So, they too will seek to purchase the top level equipment as well.

It is my opinion that this new marketing campaign will have no effect on the custom installer's market.

rhm9,

Just get the Toshiba version. It's the same projector with a different name on the box. And surprise, surprise, it wholesales for less.

I have tried to become an infocus dealer out here in the greater Seattle area also, not only was I rejected but the whole process was very unpleasant, Infocus people don’t call you back, and their help line is often a 10 to 20 minute wait. I have been in this business for over 20 years and I do not like being treated like I stand on the side of the road and beg for money. Who the hell does Infocus think they are Runco? Barco? Dwin? NO we are taking about a cheep little box here, they would not even give me a local dealer reference so that I could buy through that dealer.
I have seen a lot of companies over the years, who were on the top of the pile, fold up and die because of this attitude, some one is going to come out with something that will blow Infocus away and they will come crying to us for support, but it will be to late.

The Golden Rule States:

#1-God
#2-Custom Installer
#3-Rep / Distributor
#4-Manufacturer

Who ever does not follow this rule is headed for trouble. If you piss off the installers, only God will be able to save your butt.