Harris to Rep Computer Concepts

Some prominent players are changing teams in the highly competitive digital audio systems marketplace.
Harris Corp. and Computer Concepts Corp. have signed a distribution agreement. Harris’ Broadcast Communications Division will exclusively represent Computer Concepts’ Maestro as well as a new digital audio line to radio and TV customers in the United States, excluding Cox Communications.
Also, Harris becomes the exclusive distributor in all countries except Australia, England and Mexico.
Harris claims to have installed more broadcast hard-disk systems worldwide than any other supplier.
Jim Hauptstueck, digital products manager, praised Computer Concepts systems for its on-air, production and edit capabilities, the interface to the Harris Impulse digital console and streaming and WAN resource-sharing abilities.
Dave Scott, president of Computer Concepts, said its products had been sold direct in the past, but that the dealer arrangement makes sense thanks to consolidation.
“The average director of engineering responsible for hundreds of stations needs to make one call,” he said. “Harris is the only company that really has it all, from a transmitter down to a box of screws. People don’t have the time to shop 87 vendors to buy 87 products.”
Scott said Harris planned to hire four regional salespeople who have been working for Computer Concepts, to continue to sell the line.
Recent months have seen several changes in the automation/live assist arena. Earlier this year, Enco Systems announced it would sell direct, ending that company’s exclusive representation deal with Harris, which dated to early 1999.
Last fall, Scott Studios and Computer Concepts merged, although both brands continue to be sold. Scott Studios products are not part of the Harris dealership agreement.