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New home buyers requesting built-in networks for computers, audio-video

Tom Edmonds -- Furniture Today, January 23, 2005

High Point — New home construction rates always have been perceived as powerful indicators for the furniture business in general, but new homes now seem to be a particularly potent opportunity specifically for the entertainment and office categories.

More and more new home buyers are planning their spaces with computers and home theater and audio systems in mind. According to the National Assn. of Home Builders, some 34% of builders now offer structured wiring for computer networking and audio-video systems as a standard or optional feature.

Thus, consumers are building home-theater and computer-networking capabilities into their new homes so they are instantly prepared when they acquire the necessary speakers, monitors, computers and, don't forget, furniture.

Also, a recent survey of Custom Electronic Design and Installation Assn. members found that home theater installations continue to lead sales growth.

Consumers are increasingly savvy and aware of this opportunity, with many reportedly asking about home integration or simply more receptive to the idea during meetings with builders. According to the research firm Instat/MDR, the home networking market will explode from $8.1 billion in 2004 to $17.1 billion by 2008, driven primarily by broadband deployment and consumer demand for "entertainment networking" throughout the home.

Meanwhile, the Computer Technology Industry Assn. reported that members suggested in a recent survey that even many midlevel homebuyers would spend an extra $3,000 to $5,000 to outfit new homes with networked technology.

Technology drives entertainment and office furniture purchases, and the new homes are making it easier for consumers to acquire the computer, audio and video technologies of their dreams.

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