The cost of upscale electronics continues to slide toward the mainstream market as evidenced by the wave of flat-panel displays and multi-room audio solutions unveiled at the 2005 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. But it’s not just the usual cast of characters promoting the world of home technology. Joining the likes of Sony, Sharp, and Samsung are water heating specialist Rinnai and the appliance division of LG, delivering smart electronics for a broad segment of homeowners.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Internet Home Alliance, homeowners continue to
New Sony products that premiered at the International Builders’ Show this year include an updated intercom system and an easy-to-use audio package that provides a lower-cost alternative to custom-designed systems. show a strong interest in residential technology ranging from appliances to entertainment systems. IHA surveyed 400 new or prospective home buyers to learn how consumers make decisions about purchasing, installing, and maintaining home technologies. Forty-nine percent of the new home buyers presented with at least one home technology option made a purchase. Home security systems led the list of technology purchases, followed by pre-wiring for cable or satellite TV and a built-in home theater. Respondents assigned “somewhat important” status to technologies including structured wiring, multi-zone HVAC, air purification systems, wireless home PC networks, energy management, community-wide high-speed Internet connections, and home control/automation and lighting control. The most frequently presented technologies to homeowners—following those that came standard with the home—were intercom/distributed audio, central vacuum, and home security systems.
According to IHA, respondents indicated that technology options were typically the last-mentioned options in the home-buying process. They are often presented in a checklist fashion without further description or explanation. Consumers said they would prefer to purchase options after seeing them featured in a showroom. Seventy percent of respondents said they considered making one or more technology purchase for their new home independent of the builder.
The Remote Monitoring Laundry System from LG Electronics allows homeowners to monitor laundry cycles from anywhere in the home using a remote device. Among technologies they’ll be able to choose from are some new ones introduced at IBS. Sony launched its version of the 21st-century intercom system, at the same time lowering the entry point for multi-room audio and video. The two systems, designed specifically for new-home construction, take a cookie-cutter approach to whole-house audio to provide a lower-cost alternative to custom-designed systems. By using pre-selected equipment, installers can reduce design and installation time for whole-house entertainment systems, resulting in systems retailing for $1,000 to $2,000 per room, including installation. Systems come pre-programmed to control Sony components, with an emphasis on ease of use. Pressing a DVD button, for instance, powers up all components required to play a DVD movie. A single remote control operates all the equipment.
Sony’s audio-only package is built around an in-wall module combining a CD player, AM/FM radio, amplifier, intercom, and room monitor along with Sony-selected speakers. The front panel conceals the disc player and glides up to reveal the electronics when users press a button to activate the system. Panels can be painted to match the decor. The video package adds DVD players for each local room. The system supports from one to seven sources and from one to seven zones.
