KOHLER, Wis., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, continues to break new technological and artistic ground by introducing a content-rich and entertaining new video player with hundreds of original videos on its Web site this week.
This advanced technology propels the Kohler Web site — http://www.kohler.com/ — into the next generation and offers consumers a vast array of easy-to-access product information and design ideas. With this new online player, consumers can now view everything from basic installation instructions for KOHLER plumbing products to an insider’s take on what’s new in interior styles from some of the world’s most well-known interior designers and architects — all in a format that feels like a Web site and looks like TV.
To simplify things for consumers, the Kohler Web site has also been updated to house information on all KOHLER products and businesses on one main site, replacing the more complex and divided site that existed before. Now users can move among “channels” easily switching from videos on Kohler’s hospitality businesses to those offering information on new plumbing products or a tour of the latest design ideas from a beautiful show home.
“The new Kohler online video player integrates leading-edge Web technology to bring users a wealth of information in an uncomplicated way,” comments John Engberg, manager — Global Media & Web Development. “This site is primarily structured to help consumers become better informed and provide basic information about the products and services that Kohler offers, as well as cut through the usual jargon that can sometimes make the design process intimidating.”
The video player currently offers six new channels, each designed to easily guide users to the information they need most. The six channels represent the major Kohler businesses and include:
— Kohler Kitchen & Bath
— Sterling Plumbing
— Destination Kohler (Golf, Spa, Resorts)
— Kohler Interiors (Baker, McGuire, Ann Sacks)
— Kohler Power (Generators, Engines, Events)
— Kohler Co.
The Web site offers over 150 Kohler Plumbing videos and more than 275 corporate-wide videos. The Kohler Kitchen & Bath channels provide information on new products, a Plumbing Fundamentals video series on basic terms, design ideas and lingo, magnificent show homes and inspirational designer rooms that feature KOHLER kitchen and bath products, installation information and even a look at Kohler’s sophisticated and provocative TV ads.
The Sterling section also provides details on new products for bathing and showering, storage and installation, as well as details on Sterling’s proprietary product materials. The channel for Destination Kohler offers a wealth of information about Kohler Golf, The American Club, the history of Kohler, and an overview of other Kohler resort properties.
On the Interiors channel, viewers will find a variety of information on Kohler-owned companies such as Baker and Ann Sacks. There are interviews with renowned Baker designers Bill Sofield and Thomas Pheasant; insights from designers of Ann Sacks tile such as the artist Angela Adams; a look at what’s new at McGuire; and even a selection of videos from the ABC TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition of designer rooms that feature products from Kohler companies.
Many of the video segments are hosted by well-respected industry experts; for example, the Plumbing Fundamentals segments are conducted by Erinn Valencich, a well-known designer and host of numerous HGTV shows, while a tour through a wine cellar is led by sommelier and author Anthony Giglio.
In implementing the new online video player and developing its contents, Kohler teamed up with Brightcove, the leading Internet video partner for international news and entertainment businesses, including such companies as CBS Corporation, The New York Times Company, TimeLife and Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Kohler worked with Brightcove to develop the Web video player, tailoring the sophisticated technology directly to the needs of the Kohler customer.
This Web site will be constantly updated with fresh content for the video player, encouraging users to return again and again to resolve their design dilemmas, discover trends, learn about new products, and simply to be entertained. Also, users can share ideas by sending links of their favorite segments to their friends or designers. Viewers can even include the video link in their blogs or on their MySpace page.
“We intend to keep this Web site relevant by adding new video content all the time,” remarks Engberg. “Whether consumers are looking for information on specific products or unusual design ideas, this new feature will offer engaging video that goes beyond anything we’ve ever done or seen before.”
To view the new Kohler video player, please visit http://www.kohler.com/video. For information on other KOHLER products, individuals may visit the Kohler Co. Web site at KOHLER.com or call toll-free at 1-800-4-KOHLER.
