CEA Home Builder Study Shows Builders Rely on Custom Technology Installers as Buyer Demand Skyrockets

Business Wire, Feb 7, 2007

Custom Installation Quickly Becoming Fourth Trade

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Builders and contractors are turning to custom technology installers as often as they employ security and electrical installers, according to new data from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA([R])). The increased popularity of installed home technology has resulted in more than 60 percent of builders and contractors employing custom technology installers in 2006, according to CEA's Fifth Annual State of the Builder's Study released today at the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida.

"The fact that builders and contractors employ technology installers as often as security installers and electrical contractors is proof that custom technology installation is quickly becoming the fourth trade," said CEA Director of Research Joe Bates.

The study also found the majority of builders believe the home technology market has a positive impact on builder revenue and remains important to the successful marketing of new homes. While builders cited increased profit potential as a reason to include home technologies as a standard offering in 2005, the number one reason to include home technologies in 2006 was at the specification of the buyer or architect.

"Home technologies are without a doubt helping to counteract the slumping housing market," said Bates. "Consumers are increasingly asking for installed technologies, whether it's for a home theater room or an intricate home network complete with servers and structured wiring. Clearly, builders, contractors and consumers believe that these offerings are no longer just 'the wave of the future' but a reality; a reality from which builders and contractors are reaping the benefits."

The Fifth Annual State of the Builder Study (January 2007) was conducted in November 2006. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please source any information cited to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA[R]). The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $499 at http://www.ebrain.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $140 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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