Best Buy Makes Home Networking Easy in Dallas

Business Wire, Jan 28, 2003

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2003

Newmark Homes Teams with Top Technology Retailer Best Buy

to Provide Networked Home Solutions(TM)

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) and Newmark Homes, a Division of Technical Olympic, USA, Inc. (Nasdaq:TOUS), today announced an agreement to provide Best Buy's Networked Home Solutions, a selection of home networking packages constructed to fit peoples' changing lifestyles, in all of Newmark's homes in the Dallas metroplex. Beginning this month, a base structured wiring network that allows for maximum versatility with home technology will be standard in more than 700 homes in Dallas and surrounding areas.

Many new homebuyers are interested in home networking, but lack the knowledge or resources to incorporate the technology into their home - that's why Best Buy created Networked Home Solutions. Networked Home Solutions packages enable Best Buy to align with the builder to make sure the homeowner has all of the behind-the-scenes wiring needed to quickly, neatly and easily connect the technology within their home. Networked Home Solutions offers two distinct packages:

-- Lifestyle Series packages that target specific entertainment enthusiasts (available packages called Music Lover, Movie Buff, Computer Whiz and Ultimate Entertainment Enthusiast).

-- Foundation Series packages that allow consumers flexibility to create a solution specific to their needs and ensure new homes are wired for the technology and entertainment people use every day.

"Most homes built more than four years ago are not equipped to handle all the technology components people are using today - like multiple PCs, broadband Internet connections, home theater and multi-room audio," said Sean Skelley, vice president of Strategic Planning and Business Development for Best Buy. "Best Buy's Networked Home Solutions packages take the confusion and concern out of home networking by delivering benefits that are simple to use and easy to understand. By aligning directly with the builder, we make it a seamless process to connect technology products and build the fun into new homes."

As a leading production builder in Texas, Newmark Homes is known for its award-winning design, construction and customer service. In addition to a long list of standard amenities and an award-winning energy and resource efficiency program, Newmark Homes is also a leader in providing structured wiring options for the new home buyer.

"Newmark Homes is focused on offering our customers every option to help create their dream home, which means discovering ways to help people incorporate the technology products they use into their home environment," said Rich Alberque, president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Division of Newmark Homes. "Working with Best Buy, we can help give people the confidence to customize and enhance their homes by providing the support of a technology leader."

Newmark Homes featuring Best Buy's Networked Home Solutions will be featured in the following Dallas-area communities: Wyndsor Grove (McKinney); Saddlehorn Ridge (McKinney); Crawford Farms (Keller); Overton Ridge (Keller); Waterview (Rowlett); Falcon's Lair (Mesquite); and Panther Creek (Frisco). Networked Home Solutions rolled out in the Minneapolis market earlier this year.

About Technical Olympic USA, Inc. (TOUSA)

TOUSA is a leading homebuilder operating throughout Florida, Texas and in Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona, Denver, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Nashville Tennessee. TOUSA also provides financial services to its homebuilders and to others through its subsidiaries, Preferred Home Mortgage Company and Universal Land Title.

About Best Buy stores

Best Buy stores, owned and operated by Minneapolis-based Best Buy Co., Inc., is one of the nation's leading retailers of technology and entertainment products and services. Best Buy was founded in St. Paul, Minn. In 1966. Best Buy stores reach an estimated 300 million consumers per year through more than 500 retail stores in 48 states and online at BestBuy.com. For more information about Best Buy, visit the virtual pressroom at http://onlinepressroom.net/bestbuy.> About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Minneapolis-based Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) one of North America's leading specialty retailers of consumer electronics, personal computers, entertainment software and appliances. The Company operates retail stores and commercial web sites under the names: Best Buy (BestBuy.com), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com), Magnolia Hi-Fi (MagnoliaHiFi.com), Media Play (MediaPlay.com), Sam Goody (SamGoody.com), and Suncoast (Suncoast.com). The Company reaches consumers through nearly 1,900 retail stores in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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