In a bullish build-up, the three associations promised to deliver "a unique trade exhibition and conference designed as a business-to-business event by industry insiders for the entire industry". Exhibitors did indeed cover the various industry sectors that are increasingly being integrated - commercial and residential sound, display, ommunications, security and audio-visual systems were all represented.
At the ISE Business Conference which preceded the show, delegates were presented with statistics that show the tremendous growth in the systems sector. The European projector market, for example, is worth a reported 2.1 billion euros and is estimated to grow by a compound annual growth of 19.1% between 2001 and 2006, and the home cinema market will grow by 250% in three years. ICIA executive Randal A Lemke noted: "The European market, different in so many ways from those in the US and Asia, is also being affected by the same profound convergence of technologies driven by global forces."
While the Palexpo is low on atmosphere, visitor numbers from across Europe, the US and Asia were good. The consensus among exhibitors was that the event had been worthwhile and the calibre of visitor high. "A refreshing absence of tyre kickers," observed one seasoned exhibitor.
"We're very pleased with the number of leads we have established," said Geoff Harris of UK control software specialist Row Seven. "This is our first time at a show like this and we've had encouraging discussions with representatives from some top European companies and also from the Far East." Ken Sclatter of AutoPatch reported a steady flow of quality visitors to his stand.
David Hawkins of Eastlake Audio visited ISE for meetings with Middle East clients and to check out the latest developments in technology for top-of-the-range home theatre installations - a growth sector for Eastlake which is more widely known for its designs for recording studios and broadcast facilities. "Generally, picture quality has improved greatly," said Hawkins, "aided by new and more compact projector systems. Important too, are the advances on the cabling front, a key factor in any installation."
Kirk Horlbeck of Colorado-based Liberty Wire & Cable said the event was "ideal for fostering business relationships," but was not happy with Geneva as the venue. This matter was raised at an exhibitors' meeting during the show and a number of possible locations for next year's ISE were discussed. Mentioned in dispatches were Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona and Vienna - with the latter's new conference centre the current favourite.
Meanwhile, back in Geneva . . . Stardraw.com chose ISE to debut Stardraw A/V Lite, a design application aimed at the smaller AV systems integrator. CEO David Snipp explained: "Stardraw A/V is undoubtedly the most popular off-the-shelf product we do. However, it represents a significant investment which may be beyond the reach of the smaller contractor. What we have done with Stardraw Lite is to produce an entry-level package that allows you to create your designs to exactly the same standard as the full version."
Not surprisingly, large displays were a major feature at ISE. Mitsubishi Electric Europe showed its full range, including its DLP Display Wall Cubes and Display Panels and the Diamond Vision Lederboard wall. Mitsubishi also promoted the DDP60 display panel as "an ideal alternative to plasma because of the freedom from burn-in and t
