1998 Home Theater Sales Exceed $10 Billion Custom Installation Sales Provide 40% Of The Home Theatre Market
The Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) and the Custom Electronics Design & Installers Association (CEDIA) has announced the results of a joint survey on the home theatre industry, showing estimated home theatre sales to have reached $10.64 billion in 1998. ""Home theatre is a growing trend with American families. Already 20 percent of U.S. households own a home theatre system as compared to just 4 percent five years ago,"" said Gary Shapiro, CEMA President. ""Home theatre provides a valuable entertainment outlet that's enjoyable for the whole family and let's them participate in an activity together. The survey also points out the healthy business custom installers bring to the home theatre industry. Roughly 40 percent of home theatre sales is sold through custom installation sales, and more than 80 percent of manufacturers support custom installers either through technical support, dedicated product lines and/or marketing assistance. ""Custom installers are a vital piece of the home theatre industry. They help bring the excitement and enjoyment of the movies into people's homes, while integrating the equipment with their lifestyles and home dÈcor,"" said Billilynne Keller, CEDIA Executive Director. ""More than 700 installers are working throughout the country to help families bring new entertainment options home.