Articles and whitepapers

HiddenWires Summer 2006 Survey of the CI Market (1/1/2007)

By Stella Plumbridge, HiddenWires

During June and July 2006, HiddenWires conducted the first survey of the residential custom install market in Europe. The survey was launched at the CEDIA UK Expo and promoted through hiddenwires.co.uk.

The aim was to establish a benchmark for further research and to test the feasibility of surveying this market using both paper-based and online questionnaires. The survey focused on areas of activity and information resources.

A total of 204 individuals participated, nearly 80% of whom were from the UK, and 15% from the rest of Europe. The majority were installers.

The survey highlighted some interesting and sometimes unexpected results. For example, while the CEDIA UK Expo was the most popular trade event, over 50% of respondents do not belong to any trade organisation at all and several commented that they actively avoid trade associations. Internet-based communications proved more popular than print as a source of information, and in particular, the HiddenWires website and HiddenWires email newsletter are by far the most used sources of information.

Partial results of the survey are presented here.

Where are you based?

What is your role in the custom installation industry?

Which areas do you cover?

Areas of involvement cited by less than 2% of respondents included: IT support, CCTV, conferencing, test equipment, blinds, and acoustics.

In which areas do you expect the most growth over the next 12 months?

Areas of growth cited by less than 2% of respondents included: hi-fi, surround sound, HDTV, HVAC, telecoms, media centres, IT support, video conferencing, concealed/motorised furniture, iPod integration, and IP camera systems.

What trade associations do you (or your company) belong to?

Trade associations cited by less than 2% of respondents included: BFA, RETRA, AES, SSAIB, BICSI, NSI, ECA, Konnex/EIB, NAB, NSCA, NICEIC, SCTE, NBAA, IET, PLASA, LIF, AIE, ETSA, FSB, ISCE, CEA, and IABM.

Which sources of information do you use to keep informed about the industry?

Sources of information cited by less than 2% of respondents included: RSS feeds, manufacturers.

Specify which web sites you use (unprompted):

Web sites cited by less than 2% of respondents included: Automated Home, Home Toys, Whats new SVI, AV News, AV Magazine, AVP, ProAV, Stuff, CEA, Residential Systems, Electronic House, AVS Forum, AV Talk, AV Revolution, What HiFi, CineNow, The Register, ZDNet, Toms Hardware Guide, ISF members, TechCrunch, MacSlash, Stereophile, Soundstage, Remote Central, CRN, CNET, InAVate, CEDIA, ISE, Informitv, About Home Theater, HiFi.nl, Digital Spy.

Specify which email newsletters you use (unprompted):

Email newsletters cited by less than 2% of respondents included: Home Toys, UKHA_D, L&SI, Parks Associates, CEA, Electronic House, Home Technology Bulletin, CEDIA, CNET, ERT, Informitv, Digital Lifestyle, AV Revolution, CE Pro, Computer Shopper, InfoComm, NSCA.

Specify which print publications you use (unprompted):

Print publications cited by less than 2% of respondents included: AV News, CEPro, Digital Home, Grand Designs, Robb Report Home Entertainment, Hi-Fi News, Hi-Fi Plus, Hi-Fi Choice, Stereophile, Installation Asia, Image-HiFi, System Haus, Audio Media, ERT, ERM, IT Week, Electronic House, Sound & Communications, Lighting & Sound, Security Installer, Home Building & Renovating, Video Tecnica, Radio World, TVB Europe, System Contractor News, T3, Stuff.

Specify which events you attend (unprompted):

Events cited by less than 2% of respondents included: CEDIA Australia, Bristol Sound & Vision, What Hi-Fi Sound & Vision, Hi-Fi News Show, PLASA, Light & Building, IFA, Home Automation Show, MacExpo, EISA, Munich High End Show, EH Expo, IFSEC, InterBuild, Grand Designs Live, Photokina, NAB, NSCA, 100%Design, IBC, Musikmesse, NAMM, Production Live.

If you had to choose one source of information, how would you prefer to be informed?

Preferred source of information cited by less than 2% of respondents included: RSS feeds, manufacturers.

What type of information interests you most?

Which, if any, HiddenWires service do you use?

If you use the HiddenWires web site, rate it:

If you use the HiddenWires e-newsletter, rate it:

If you have any comments or questions about these survey results, please email info(AT)hiddenwires.co.uk.