Note: In part 2 of this two-part series, we ask builders and installer for their opinions of the new rating system.

Getting "certified" with a diploma from the Wizard of Oz caused the Scarecrow's sense of self-worth to skyrocket. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is hoping to have that same effect on builders as a result of its newly revamped TechHome Ratings System (THRS), introduced in mid-March. The new iteration of the CEA-backed rating system does away with a matrix of numerical values that builders and systems integrators found cumbersome, the CEA acknowledges, in favor of a "good-better-best" approach based on the home's cabling infrastructure.

"One of our main goals with the revision was to give builders an easy blueprint to how they can add a technology infrastructure to their homes that will allow homeowners to have access to the variety of installed home technologies," says Kerry Moyer, senior director of strategic relations for the CEA. "Our surveys show that consumers want technology in their homes, and that builders are adding structured wiring to more homes each year. But not all structured wiring is the same, so we've created a set of guidelines that standardize it in a way that can be certified and presented to homebuyers."

The Basics

The new ratings system starts off by establishing a baseline pre-wiring specification that calls for RG6 Quad for over-the-air antenna and cable, along with five runs of RG6 Quad cable for a satellite dish for video and RG6 Quad for an FM and satellite radio antennae. It also calls for 22AWG shielded wire for an AM antenna and a Cat-5/Cat-6 network interface device for telecommunications. After that, three tiers, designated Bronze, Gold and Platinum, provide for gradually more complex and sophisticated wiring designs and cable types:

Bronze provides for the basic technology infrastructure needed in most homes, such as the distribution of TV and video signals to multiple rooms, and networking and communications capabilities over two separate runs of Cat-5/Cat-6 cabling. It also specifies cabling for digital, component, and composite video, as well as audio speakers and subwoofers.

A Gold level rating adds advanced functionality, such as provision for multiroom audio distribution to a larger number of rooms, as well as wiring for security, controlled lighting, and home automation functionality.

Platinum calls for cabling for a home office space with full networking and communications, as well as wire runs for wall-mounting video displays. None of the tiers provides for any fiber-optic cabling.

You can download a PDF of the rating system here.