India’s smart LED TV market has picked up growth momentum in last year as TV has become core medium of entertainment at home especially in current pandemic. Customers are now moving towards smart TVs to explore big-screen entertainment. Kodak has been bringing smart TVs for Indian customers at affordable price points since last few years. During an exclusive chat with DT, Avneet Singh Marwah, Director and CEO, Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd, a Kodak brand Licensee discussed important aspects about current market scenario and their channel plans to accelerate the growth.
Business Affected
The first quarter brought big challenges that hampered the business performance of market players. Avneet Singh Marwah, Director and CEO, Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd, a Kodak brand Licensee stated, “Q1 was really challenging for all of us, as state government had banned sales of non-essential goods. 80% of the pin codes were affected and most of states had made restriction on online sales as well. There was a major decline in the sales, there was a revenue loss of more than $1billion in Q1 for CE. The biggest challenge has been the fear in consumers mind especially after the second wave. There are avoiding to move out of there household, along with that due to panel price increase on MOM basis. There has been constant price increase of LED TV, which is causing slowdown in the demand.”
Opportunities to Grow
Commenting on opportunity in this market, Avneet said, “The three emerging technology in India are AI, IOT and 5G. In all the three technology Kodak TV is already working from last 2 years. Kodak has already investing 150 cr in AI technology, voice will be the new UI for the TV. So with the help of our strategic partner google android, Kodak will be integrating more Indian regional languages. IOT is another big disruption in technology space, your smart TV will be the biggest screen to connect all your smart homes devices like smart bulb, security camera, smart phone, appliances. Everyone is waiting for long when 5G services launched in India, this will completely change the whole ecosystem of smart TV. As higher resolution picture need more internet speed, there will be more Content produce in 4k and 8k resolution. Customer will experience real time picture.”
Brand’s Commitment for Service Support
“Today Kodak is delivering in more than 17500 pin codes in India, you will be surprise to know we are proving door to door service in more than 17650 pin codes. Most of our engineers are getting vaccinated, as we provide door to door service. Kodak TV was one of the few TV brands which didn’t stop there service during Pandemic as well,” added by Avneet.
Commitments for Channel Partners
“Kodak TV always believe in supporting their partners, during these difficult times. I’m happy to inform just to back our partners Kodak TV didn’t increase the price despite massive increase in panel pricing. In fact we had given them price support scheme structure, which have been appreciated across trade. We always wanted to assure our partners, in coming months we will be proving free vaccines to our channel partners and there support staff,” concluded by Avneet.
