Genelec Smart IP wins prestigious Good Design Award

Since its founding in 1957, The Good Design Award – run by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion – has set out to shine a light on the world’s finest product designs and to aid their adoption into society. In doing this, the awarding body hopes to elevate quality of life and drive further innovation.

Genelec Smart IP Technology, which offers premium audio quality, beautiful aesthetics, strong sustainability credentials and easy single-cable installation, impressed the Good Design Awards’ judging panel with its ability to solve the difficulties faced when using more traditional loudspeaker systems – especially those with passive loudspeakers. The judges, who seek groundbreaking designs that set new higher standards for functionality and social impact, had this to say about Smart IP,

“Genelec's speakers feature a minimal and beautiful Nordic design. The delicate details are excellent and, as a whole, it boasts a high degree of perfection. In addition, this speaker has a built-in amplifier that enables digital transmission over a single LAN cable. This enables both free space design and high sound quality, which were previously difficult to achieve, as well as optimisation for installation locations. A dedicated control app has also been developed and can be operated intuitively, making it easy to perform basic daily operations without specialised knowledge. And for Genelec, which is headquartered in a rich natural environment, sustainability is as important as sound quality. For example, 97% of the aluminium used in speakers is recycled, and 30% of the annual power consumption at the headquarters plant is generated by solar energy. The company's philosophy toward thorough energy conservation is deeply impressive.”

Indeed, all Smart IP on-wall and ceiling-mounted PoE loudspeakers – and the series' truly pioneering PoE subwoofer – seamlessly network to deliver systems of any scale, with no loss of audio quality. With optimised active circuitry, advanced power-saving technology, convenient single-CAT-cable connectivity, decades-long reliability and a generous choice of colours, Smart IP gives AV professionals the flexibility to create sustainable, high-quality AV installations of any design and type – from cosy ambience in luxurious restaurants to powerful immersive exhibits in bustling museums, and beyond.

In support of the loudspeakers, Smart IP delivers a comprehensive software experience, ensuring smooth integration and operation. Smart IP Manager configuration software offers robust device discovery, room equalisation tools, system organisation and status monitoring features, while the Controller app enables end-users to easily control the system from a mobile device. Furthermore, API drivers for Smart IP, available for a growing range of popular third-party house automation controllers, make integration even easier and control more convenient.

Proudly for Genelec, two judges from the Good Design Awards panel also selected Smart IP as their overall favourite.

“I have personally used Genelec speakers for many years and was amazed at how they have evolved into IP speakers of such high quality and usability. Not only the quality of the housing and the sound quality, but also the design that makes installation so easy is absolutely fantastic. The sound has become as natural as air, and I believe this is a brilliant design that allows us to re-appreciate it once again.” Seiichi Saito, Creative Director.

“The robust aluminium diecast cabinet designed by Harri Koskinen. A wide range of variations. The design is highly attractive, as is the sophisticated interface with a dedicated application. I had doubts about the sound quality when transmitting audio and supplying power via a single LAN cable – until I actually heard the high-quality sound in person. The courage to bring this system to the market is truly commendable.” Hiroaki Watanabe, Industrial Designer.

Genelec would like to extend a very warm thank you to everyone at the Good Design Awards, our valued Genelec teams in Japan and worldwide, our partners and all others who have been involved. We are extremely grateful for your continued support!

To discover more about Smart IP and explore the range, simply click here.