AVAD D2B Program Brings High-Tech Homes to Charlotte

Program Linking Charlotte Builder with Local Integration Firm Responsible for Installations in Multiple Subdivisions

Charlotte, N.C. — December 13, 2006 — AVAD announced today that the company’s Dealer 2 Builder Program, which links integrators with builders to meet the growing demand for home electronics and other lifestyle amenities in new homes across the United States, has teamed up Simonini Builders and Digital Home Systems to install state-of-the-art home theaters in multiple new residential developments across the metropolitan Charlotte area.

Located in various neighborhoods in and around Charlotte, the Simonini homes will feature home theater packages installed by Digital Home Systems. Home buyers can choose a basic package that includes a 42″ Samsung Plasma TV, a Peerless Plasma Wall Mount system, Bose speakers, bass module, remote control, Adapt IQ audio calibration system and a Built-Invisible Media Center, which includes a progressive-scan DVD player and AM/FM tuner with over 50 presets. Also included in the base package is an outdoor music zone for the homebuyer’s enjoyment when outside of the main listening area.

Upgrades are available, including a larger 50″ Plasma, power protection by Panamax, additional Bose in-ceiling speakers and a larger media center, which stores and organizes up to 200 hours of music and includes a progressive-scan DVD player and AM/FM tuner with over 50 presets.

To illustrate the benefits to prospective home buyers, the home theater packages will be setup in the model home of each subdivision, allowing potential buyers to see and operate the home theater, demonstrating its ease of use and quality Bose sound.

AVAD’s D2B Program aids builders in the sales process and makes home technology an accessible option that can be chosen by consumers just like countertops, carpet or tile. The program also provides builders with a package that can be easily repeated throughout the scope of a development — by trained partner integrators who not only professionally install the systems, but also provide upgrades and system maintenance if needed.

“The AVAD D2B program provides an opportunity that we had not been able to address internally,” said Gary Young, Purchasing Manager of Simonini Builders. “Packaged systems provide a level of reliability that frankly we count on and have not enjoyed in the past. We are very excited about the D2B program solving a demand in the marketplace.”

AVAD’s D2B program makes it easier for builders to access dozens of home electronic brands at competitive pricing. AVAD’s Electronic System Contractors can install the whole gamut of home entertainment and electronic systems, including Home Theater, Whole-House Music, Lighting Control, Structured Wiring, Central Vacuum, Telephone Systems and Home Networking.

“Our builder partners know they can count on us not only for timely fulfillment, but for expertise, as well,” said Bob Gartland, president of AVAD. “The combination of good execution with the most highly trained systems integration professionals in the industry is the foundation of D2B’s success.”

All of AVAD’s Electronic Systems Contractors receive certification in systems integration and other important skills — ensuring that the company’s installers and integrators are the most knowledgeable and highly trained professionals in the industry. Integrators and builders who are a part of the AVAD’s D2B program also receive the benefit of receiving marketing support materials and sales training that help both the integrator and builder fully communicate the benefits of new home technology systems and lifestyle amenities.

“By partnering with AVAD, Digital Home Systems is able to offer builders access to nearly all of the nationally-known brands,” said Richard Shepard, President of Digital Home Systems. “AVAD allows us to bring the brands together, as well as offering us unsurpassed training and support.”

Armed with the training, expertise and access to the best brands on the market, AVAD’s D2B program ensures that homebuilders receive cost-effective, performance-enhancing design and integration.

Currently, AVAD serves more than 9,000 dealers in 37 distribution centers throughout the United States. Several nationally known homebuilders are already partnering with AVAD Electronic Systems Contractors, including DR Horton, Kolter Communities, Lennar Homes and Centex Homes.

In Brief: Release Summary

AVAD’s Dealer 2 Builder Program has teamed up Simonini Builders and Digital Home Systems to install state-of-the-art home theaters in new homes in the metropolitan Charlotte area.
AVAD’s Dealer 2 Builder Program links integrators with builders to meet the exploding demand for home electronics and other lifestyle amenities in new homes.

More information about AVAD’s D2B program can be found at www.avadd2b.com

About AVAD, LLC

AVAD, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro, Inc., is the most complete home integration solutions provider in the United States. Its in-depth technology offering of the most trusted brands and progressive continuing education programs provide all the support necessary to design and implement complete home electronic systems solutions. AVAD stocks products for home theater, lighting controls, distributed audio/video, central vacuum, and more. AVAD also provides just-in-time delivery from each of its 37 locations nationwide.

AVAD is dedicated to dealer education, training and skill advancement, as evidenced by AVAD University’s over 450 online and classroom continuing education classes held each year. With complete technical training and certification for industry hallmarks like CEDIA’s Installer Level I and Level II Certification, AVAD is unparalleled in its commitment to expanding dealers’ bottom line.

AVAD exemplifies this concept with the Dealer to Builder (D2B) program, which links members of its 9,000+ dealer corps with homebuilders across the United States to outfit new homes with in-demand, cutting-edge electronic systems.

Product lines that AVAD distributes and supports include: Acme Brackets, APC, Aprilaire, Artison, Atlantic Technology, Belden, Bose, Carlon, ChannelPlus, Coleman Cable, H-P Products/Dirt Devil Central Vacuum Systems, D-Link, Draper, Fujitsu, Gefen, Goo System-Visual Reality, Inc., Harman Kardon, InFocus ScreenPlay, iPort, JVC Professional Products Company, Key Digital, Lutron, Marantz, Middle Atlantic Products, Inc., NetStreams, Niles Audio, Niveus Media, OmniMount, OnQ Technologies, OpenHouse, Panamax, Panasonic Phones, Peerless, Philips, Polk Audio, PROconnect, ProFlex, RTI, Samsung, Sharp, SharpVision, Spaun USA, Terk, Toshiba, Universal Remote Control and more.

In July 2005, AVAD was acquired by Ingram Micro, Inc., making its parent company the leading distributor for solution providers and custom integrators serving the fast-growing consumer electronics and home automation markets in the United States.

For more information about AVAD, visit www.avad.com.

About Digital Home Systems:

Digital Home Systems is a systems integration firm serving the Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Providing complete design, sales, and installation services, Digital Home Systems delivers custom home electronics systems for both new and existing homes.

For more information about Digital Home Systems, visit www.digitalhomeweb.com.

About Simonini Builders:

Simonini Builders is widely recognized as one of the premier luxury homebuilders in the nation.

The company has earned a reputation for excellence over its 30+ year history through dedication to quality, commitment to customer satisfaction and service, and an uncompromising desire to build the very finest home possible. This approach has earned the company dozens of local, regional, and national awards, including the “Triple Crown of the Homebuilding Industry,” the National Housing Quality Gold Award, given by the National Association of Home Builders and Professional Builder Magazine, the America’s Best Builder Award, given by the NAHB and BUILDER Magazine, and the National Builder of the Year designation, presented by Professional Builder Magazine. SBI is currently building and renovating custom homes in Charlotte, North Carolina, and coastal regions of South Carolina including Charleston, Kiawah, and Hilton Head. Simonini Builders homes range from approximately $400,000 to over $4 Million, with most averaging around $1 Million. The company completes an average of 100+ projects in a year including both new construction and renovations.

For more information about Simonini Builders, visit www.simonini.com.

Where to Buy