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Some key questions can help you
choose an electronic systems contractor for your client's home
theater project.
If your clients are asking for a home theater, prior to
selecting electronic systems contractor partner, be sure to have
your clients consider these questions. Their answers will help to
guide them to the best professional who can make their dream
theater a reality.
- Will the space chosen for the home theater need any structural
construction? Depending on the layout and location, certain spaces
in the home may need construction to prepare them for the dream
home theater. For example, basement home theaters may need to be
waterproofed to protect components, a process that may require
removal of old drywall and reframing. It is important to find out
the extent of the work needed and how much it will cost.
- What home theater equipment is best for the chosen space? Room
layouts affect the selection and placement of equipment. The
display is determined by a room’s proportions and viewing
angle; sound equipment is selected based on the acoustics of the
room. The type and number of speakers chosen can be determined by
many factors, including carpet that absorbs sound.
- What can be done to prevent the equipment from interfering with
the viewing experience? Home theater components should remain
hidden from view. Speakers, for example, can be paneled into
drywall and hydraulic lifts can lower projectors through the
ceiling. On a more simple level, racks can be built into existing
cabinetry to hide components.
- What kind of control systems does the electronic systems
contractor offer? The day of the handheld remote control is over.
Today all aspects of the home theater—including temperature,
lighting systems, and even the drapes—can be controlled by a
touchpanel control system. Important features to look for are
nonvolatile memory, expandability, intuitive button layout, and
easy navigation and operation.
- Does the contractor test all the components for proper
functionality before final installation? Before it goes into the
home, all equipment should be tested and calibrated at the
contractor’s shop to ensure maximum performance.
- Does the contractor include power management in the system?
This is imperative. Not only does a comprehensive power conditioner
protect all your expensive equipment from damaging voltage spikes,
it will also filter out air conditioner noise, which
negatively impacts the sound and images from the system. A power
conditioner is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your
investment and ensure optimal performance.
Where can you find a qualified electronic systems contractor?
The Custom
Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) is
one place to start. CEDIA is a not-for-profit trade association
made up of installers, manufacturers, and affiliate members who are
all engaged in the business of residential technologies.
CEDIA’s purpose is to educate its members and industry
partners about technology and to be a core component of their
prosperity. With many resources and hundreds of courses, CEDIA can
help you feel more confident speaking to your clients about
technology and point you to a qualified residential electronic
systems contractor.
To learn more about residential automation design and
entertainment, in addition to business planning and marketing
techniques for custom residential design firms, attend Full Spectrum
Practice, an AIA Custom Residential Architects
Network symposium, October 19–21, 2007, Chicago. For more
information or questions, contact Bruce Bland
(bbland@aia.org).
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