In a world full of smart homes --We can make yours a genius!
AUDIO/VIDEO
When considering a home theater system it’s best to plan ahead. Logically, the best time to create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a relaxing Saturday evening at home is prior to building your home.
Although there is nothing wrong with adding your entertainment components to your existing home, in fact, the results can be sensational. There is a much simpler and more economical time to introduce audio/video equipment into a house. Install the components while a house is being built and you’ll not only save money and avoid construction hassles, but the home theater system may actually look, sound and perform better.
Planning ahead can pay off in many ways:
Economics
It is generally more affordable to
install any type of system or technology into a home while it’s under
construction. For instance, in most cases the cost of the electronic
systems, when they are a part of a home’s original design, can be rolled into
the home mortgage.
Also consider the economy of doing it right the first time. When the walls are exposed, we can take the necessary steps to ensure top-level performance from a home theater system. For example, with no hidden plumbing or ductwork to worry about, your speakers can be optimally positioned to provide the true quality surround sound they were designed to deliver. While the walls are open, all required cabling can be installed with ease.
Consider that architectural elements, such as ceiling height, position of light fixtures and placement of windows, the shape of the room, the type of insulation, and the texture of the carpeting, will impact a theater’s performance.
The bottom line is that if you plan ahead, you can design the room around the theater instead of trying to fit your home theater into an existing room, which may result in a compromise of performance.
Convenience
Install your theater as the house is
built and you'll experience construction hassles once, not twice! (Home
improvements, no matter how skilled a workman, will create some level of
inconvenience.) There is also the very real benefit of being able to
enjoy your home theater the day you move in.
As your audio/video subcontractor we can help to eliminate most of the confusion that comes with buying a home theater system. We've already done the homework on TVs, DVD/Video players/recorders, surround-sound systems, wiring and other elements of a theater. We can help to create a package system with components that complement each other – an entire system, selected, provided, installed, programmed and ready to go at one price.
Package systems can also facilitate a more efficient installation of a home theater. Rather than reinvent a system for each home, we can specify a particular package based on the style of your home.
So what’s included in a home theater package? Of course, that varies based on what you want, what your home can easily accommodate and the price you are willing to spend. For example, a $7,500 starter package could include a 61-inch HDTV-ready TV, a surround-sound receiver, a progressive-scan DVD player, a high-definition satellite receiver and dish, six flush-mounted speakers and a subwoofer. Higher-end products, which might include a plasma screen and tower speakers, could cost $15,000. A package system for $25,000 would feature products similar to the $15,000 package, but would also include a whole-house music system.
Home Theater -- Is it really an
Option?
Approximately 5 percent of new homes
are now being designed with home theaters. It has been estimated
that the market value of a home can be reduced by 5 to 15% if not pre-wired to
accommodate a home theater and other low voltage electronics. According
to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, 40 percent of consumers
would like a built-in home theater in their next home. So while they are
not currently the absolute standard, they will be!
Helpful Hints:
Structural/Pre-build Issues to
Consider:
Your home theater should be more than a
big-screen TV and surround sound. Here are structural modifications that
you should consider that will impact your comfort and viewing environment.
Placement
There are a number of advantages to
setting up your theater in a basement or lower level. First of all, the
entire level can be dedicated to your home theater environment. The
result will be less conflict with activities in other areas of the house.
Secondly, it can actually cost less to finish a basement than an upper-level
room. Finally, on the lower level there are fewer, if any, windows to
create a problem with reflection and glare.
Ceiling Height
If a video projector is an option you
have considered, ceiling height is something you should consider.
Windows
To maximize your viewing options,
consider the number and size of windows in a home theater area. Sunlight
can wash out even the brightest of pictures.
Sound Barrier
Consider adding a high-quality
insulation to reduce the sound from your home theater system from bleeding
through to other areas of your home.