1. What is a "home technology installer" and what products and services do they typically provide?
2. Should I buy the equipment before I hire an installer?
3. How much is it going to cost to get something installed?
4. Can I add a multi-room audio system to the audio equipment I already have?
5. Can I have a multi-room audio system installed into my existing home?
6. Can I install a multi-room audio system affordably?
7. How easy is a multi-room audio system to use?
8. Technology is always changing, so how can I be sure I am planning for future technologies?
9. Now that I've decided to install a multi-room audio system in my new home, what are my next steps?
10. What is CEA?
11. How do I become a CEA member?
12. What products does CEA sell?
13. What is TechHome?

1. What is a "home technology installer" and what products and services do they typically provide?
   A home technology installer (a.k.a., integrator) is able to install a variety of home-specific electronic products, such as multi-room audio video, home lighting controls, security systems, custom home theaters, and structured wiring.


2. Should I buy the equipment before I hire an installer?
   Some installers have specific products they prefer to work with. First, you need to find an installer that can work within your budget and provide your desired services. From there you can discuss the possibility of purchasing equipment separately or directly through the installer.


3. How much is it going to cost to get something installed?
   The cost will vary based on what you would like to achieve. During your consultation with an installer, you should share your overall expectations, full project budget, and desired timeframe for completion.


4. Can I add a multi-room audio system to the audio equipment I already have?
   This depends upon the features you are looking for and what products you already own. In many cases, existing speakers, receivers and other audio components can be integrated into a multi-room audio system. There are systems available that do blend in with these existing audio products. You should consult with your installation company to determine what will be best for the results you would like to achieve.


5. Can I have a multi-room audio system installed into my existing home?
   Yes. New home construction is certainly more advantageous, as the pre-wiring can be done during construction for maximum cost savings and flexibility. In an existing home, a system can be installed during a remodel, when other wiring is being done. In some cases, you may have to have walls opened and wire runs dropped. If you are finishing a new room, you should plan out your wiring needs before the walls are built.


6. Can I install a multi-room audio system affordably?
   Certainly. Depending on the extent you would like music to be distributed and the features and interfaces you would like, a multi-room audio system is within reach of homeowners with limited budget. Per room, costs can range from less than a thousand for basic systems up to a several thousand for more feature-rich systems. Also, just as with any of your electronics, there are different levels of quality available to accommodate different people. The higher the quality, the higher the product cost.


7. How easy is a multi-room audio system to use?
   It truly is very easy. Today's systems offer a variety of flexible options to best suit your needs and likes. For example, there are simple keypads that can be placed on a wall that have easy-to-understand buttons to select play, volume, and more. If you would like access to playlists, more audio sources and other such features, additional buttons are needed, but the beauty of these systems is that many of them can be customized to specific needs. If you can operate a basic remote control, you will be able to fully enjoy a Multi-room audio system in your home.


8. Technology is always changing, so how can I be sure I am planning for future technologies?
   The best way to do this is to work closely with your installer, from the start, to plan out all wiring and integrated components. This will help ensure that they are creating a system that can be upgraded for future technologies


9. Now that I've decided to install a multi-room audio system in my new home, what are my next steps?
   Your next steps are as follows:
   1. Select builders, renovators, as well as audio/video design and installation companies who will spend the time to work closely with you from the beginning of the project.
   2. Schedule meetings with your builder and his recommended system installer so you can discuss your needs and preferences together. If your builder does not have a system installer, the DAA website can help you find companies in your area who can help you select the right system to best suit your needs, budget and lifestyle.
   3. Determine your budget and share it with your installer.
   4. Determine your lifestyle needs - Ask yourself how you live every day before you select an A/V firm, then share this with them, so that your system can be planned out properly. For example, what rooms do you spend the most time in? How would you like to be able to select and play your music in those rooms? Do you do a lot of entertaining? Which rooms would you like keypads in?
   5. Research the products and companies that are recommended and look for products that have simple-to-use controls for each room, seamless switching of music and the ability to expand, should you so desire, in the future.
   6. Be sure to select an audio/video firm with credentials, references, and a proven track record of providing proposals and estimates, and meeting them.
   7. Plan for as many future needs as possible from the start to save time, money and get the most out of your system. By planning, all wiring can be installed at once to provide maximum performance and reliability - for now and the future. This will also save you money.


10. What is CEA?
    The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $110 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
    
    CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.


11. How do I become a CEA member?
    Visit http://www.ce.org/Membership/JoinCEA/default.aspx to request information about joining CEA.


12. What products does CEA sell?
    CEA is a trade association representing the Consumer Electronics industry and does not sell specific products and/or services to the consumer.


13. What is TechHome?
    TechHome is a division of CEA that represents the entire channel for home control and networking products. Membership is composed of manufacturers, integrators (i.e., installers) and distributors. The mission of the TechHome Division is simple - to increase sales and support of consumer electronics products by professional installers.