ViewSonic stands as a stalwart in the audiovisual technology, continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike. In an exclusive interview, Muneer Ahmad, VP of Sales and Marketing for ViewSonic India, sheds light on the company’s strategic direction and market insights. Ahmad delves into the shifting trends within the AV segment, particularly in corporate and home entertainment spaces post-COVID-19. From the transition from projectors to interactive panels in corporate environments to the burgeoning demand for home theater experiences, Ahmad offers valuable perspectives on ViewSonic’s position in the market and its approach to driving innovation. Explore with us as we uncover the strategies and visions shaping the future of AV technology with ViewSonic.
What developments have you observed in the AV segment within India, particularly post-COVID, and how has this impacted consumer behavior?
Post-COVID, the AV segment in India has experienced significant growth, particularly in areas like corporate settings and education. With travel restrictions and the need for remote communication, there’s been a surge in demand for display solutions and conferencing technologies. This shift has driven increased adoption of interactive flat panels and other display options. Additionally, there’s been a notable rise in interest in home entertainment systems, with more consumers investing in larger screens for immersive viewing experiences. Overall, COVID has accelerated the adoption of AV technologies across various sectors in India.
Could you elaborate on the role of government initiatives in driving the growth of the AV segment, especially in the education sector?
Government initiatives, particularly in the education sector, have played a significant role in boosting the AV segment. We’ve witnessed an emphasis on smart education and ICT projects, which has led to increased demand for interactive display solutions like interactive flat panels. These initiatives have not only propelled the adoption of AV technologies in classrooms but have also created opportunities for innovative educational tools and platforms.
Could you provide more details about the gaming projector and how it caters to the needs of the gaming community in India?
Our latest launch, the gaming projector, represents a significant advancement in gaming technology. With impressive refresh rates and response times, it offers gamers an immersive gaming experience like never before. Moreover, being Xbox certified, it ensures compatibility and performance that meets the standards of gaming enthusiasts. This product is designed to cater to the growing demand for gaming solutions in India, providing gamers with a superior gaming experience right in their homes.
In corporate settings, there’s a notable shift from projectors to Interactive Panels. Are you observing projectors being replaced by Interactive Panels in meeting rooms or conference halls?
The corporate landscape is indeed evolving, and we’re seeing a notable trend towards adopting display solutions such as Interactive Panels over traditional projectors. Interactive Panels offer a strong presence and versatile display options, particularly in meeting rooms and conference halls. While projectors still have their place, especially for larger screen sizes like 110 or 120 inches and beyond, Interactive Panels provide a cost-effective solution for smaller displays. The affordability factor makes them preferable for many corporate environments. However, higher-end projectors, such as 5000-lumen laser projectors, still cater to specific market segments and continue to grow in demand.
Could you provide insights into the target audience and use cases for ViewSonic’s foldable DLED solutions? Which businesses or offices would benefit from these offerings?
The primary focus of our foldable DLED solutions is mobility. Traditional larger screens are often cumbersome to move from one location to another within a building or for special events. With our solutions, mobility is key. For instance, in multi-floor offices with various meeting rooms or special events in cafeterias, where a temporary larger display is needed, our solutions offer convenience. Additionally, in the hospitality industry, such as hotels hosting meetings or events, our solutions simplify setup and enhance the experience for event managers. The ability to quickly set up and move these displays, along with their high-quality performance, makes them ideal for businesses seeking flexible and efficient display solutions.
How is ViewSonic positioned in the growing home entertainment market, especially with the rising demand for larger screens and cinema-like experiences? Any insights into shifts or trends in the home theater projector market?
Indeed, the demand for home theater experiences is on the rise, with consumers seeking larger screens and immersive cinematic setups within their homes. ViewSonic recognizes this trend and is well-positioned to cater to it. Our home theater projectors offer exceptional visual quality and bring the cinema experience directly to consumers’ living rooms. As more individuals prioritize home entertainment, we anticipate continued growth in the home theater projector segment. People are increasingly inclined towards creating their own personal cinemas, and we believe this trend will only strengthen in the future.
Could you provide insights into ViewSonic’s approach to innovation, particularly in India, and any specific innovations tailored for the Indian market?
ViewSonic’s R&D department collaborates closely with our India team to gather feedback and develop solutions that meet the unique needs of Indian consumers. While our innovations aren’t exclusively India-specific, they certainly address the demands of the Indian market. For instance, we’ve introduced software-based solutions tailored for the Indian context. Globally, ViewSonic has a track record of pioneering innovations, such as the foldable DLED technology, a first-of-its-kind in India and globally. This innovation has set a benchmark in the industry, with competitors now following suit. Additionally, our recent launch of Xbox certified projectors showcases our commitment to innovation by delivering cutting-edge products that anticipate and exceed consumer expectations.
Could you outline ViewSonic’s marketing strategy for consumer tech and enterprise display solutions? Where do you see traction for these solutions and how do you foresee innovation shaping the industry?
Our marketing strategy revolves around two primary sectors: education and corporate. In these sectors, we’re introducing a range of products catering to evolving needs. For instance, we’re launching larger screens like the CDE9830, a 98-inch 4K display and the ViewSonic Meeting Space Solution for Microsoft Teams Rooms that streamlines collaboration with secure meetings and a smooth workflow. Apart from product launches, our strategy emphasizes partnership and market dominance. We’ve forged partnerships with government entities, particularly in education, continuously expanding our market share. We hold a remarkable 33% market share in Interactive Panels in India, reflecting our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that resonate with consumers.
Looking ahead, we foresee continued growth and innovation in both consumer tech and enterprise solutions. Our strategy is to remain at the forefront of the market trends, continuously introducing new products and solutions that set benchmarks in the industry.
