Telstra Needs CEDIA Skill In The Home Claims CEDIA Chairman

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The recently appointed Chairman of the Custom Electronic Design Installation Association Len Wallis has said that the move by Telstra into services in the home was inevitable and that Telstra would benefit from a relationship with CEDIA.

Wallis who runs Len Wallis Audio in Sydney claims that the home automation and custom install market in Australia is facing “significant change” partly from margin erosion and the introduction of new technology.

“The future is services and CEDIA members must learn how to charge for their services ongoing. A relationship with Telstra makes sense for both parties and I would love to open up dialogue with them as we have a lot of knowledge to bring to the table while they have a lot of infrastructure such as call centres as well as management skill”.
Wallis who started charging for 24/7 support earlier this year believes that there is no margin left in TV’s and the likes of Apple TV or set top boxes. The future is being able to install products and systems and then offer customers 24/7 support”.

Under the new changes announced by CEDIA moves to Chairman of CEDIA Asia Pacific. Also joining him on the CEDIA board is Clare Ward from ESP (Electronic Systems Professional) and Alexis Caldwell from LeisureTech.

Don Mackenzie from Queensland-based Home Theatrix will continue on the Board in the role of Immediate Past Chairman.

Stepping down from the Board is Peter Greentree from Len Wallis Audio who has been serving as Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and Simon Wehr who has re-located to the US.

The full Board is as follows:

Len Wallis (Len Wallis Audio): Chairman
Steven Hill (Technology in Design)
Andrew Bloom (Harvey Norman Commercial)
Alexis Caldwell (LeisureTech)
Clare Ward (AVANTI)
Carlina Williamson (Herma Technologies)
Don MacKenzie (Home Theatrix): Immediate Past Chairman