Multi-Room Audio/Video Owners Recommend Technology

CEA Study Finds Increasing Demand for Multi-Room Solutions

Owners of multi-room audio video (MRAV) systems assign high value to their home entertainment experience, according to a new study from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The study, Trends in Multi-room Audio Video Usage, found that the vast majority of MRAV owners — eighty-two percent — would recommend their system to friends. Eighty-five percent of homeowners who currently own an MRAV system were so satisfied with the experience that they would once again install a system in a new home. Multi-room audio video systems allow homeowners to play and control audio/video distributed from a centralized system to at least three different rooms of the home.

CEA finds that MRAV owners are music and entertainment enthusiasts who view their system as an enhancement to their lifestyle. Fifty-five percent use their system daily, with entertainment ranking as the most common usage, followed by owners stating they use the system ‘when they want’ with no special occasion necessary. Daily users’ main reason for purchasing a system is to enhance their home entertainment experience (63%), enjoy listening (61%) and entertaining (48%).

“The MRAV market has blossomed as consumers demand access to content anytime and anywhere,” stated Steve Koenig, CEA, director of industry analysis. “As the desire for multi-room solutions continues to grow, manufacturers must focus on a variety of solutions, including aftermarket products, to address the vast market of existing home owners who demand multi-room audio.”

The study concludes that after-market MRAV solutions are capturing a large portion of the home entertainment marketplace. Sixty-three percent of systems were installed after the home was built. The majority of homeowners added stand-alone, aftermarket solutions with multi-room audio stations to meet their needs.

Trends in Multi-room Audio Video Usage (April 2009) was fielded in December 2008. 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 cite any information to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $999 at myCEA.CE.org. Steve Koenig will discuss the study in further detail in an exclusive webcast at 2PM (ET) on Tuesday, April 14.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES — Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.