Custom home theatre
Customer brief
The brief from our client was quite simple, we were asked to design an easy to use and reliable audio visual system that provides access to the latest entertainment technologies from four key locations in the home. In addition there should be provision for control of several multi-room audio zones, dimmable lights and some motorised blinds.
The system should cater for a family environment with the ability for family members to each enjoy different movies, television and music without interruption.
System reliability, regular maintenance and prompt local support were important to our client from the start and we were able to show that our design and our company could deliver in these areas.
The Design
Crestron Digital Media was selected for the distribution of high definition video and digital audio to the viewing locations. This product provides a powerful and flexible matrix switcher with customisable input cards for all the major HD video and audio signal types. We selected fiber optic output cards which allow for uncompromised distribution of HD content, control, Ethernet and USB over long distances. Input sources were to include multiple Foxtel, Tivo and media server units along with some security cameras and radio tuners.
The home had an existing multi-room audio setup consisting of over 10 zones with ceiling speakers and outdoor speakers around the pool. We determined the Crestron 16 channel amps and PAD8 switchers could be reused in the new system. An 85 inch Panasonic plasma screen and Integra surround sound receiver were selected for the generously sized open plan Family room. There was an existing Dynalite lighting system which we incorporated into the Crestron control setup. This allowed control of the motorised blinds surrounding the family room and kitchen and various light fixtures. Existing Dynalite keypads throughout the house were also integrated to control the audio selection for each room in addition to the lights.
We picked the Mediamax media server system for centralized storage and distribution of DVD, Bluray, digital audio and photos. The Mediamax hardware consists of a 6TB server and two high performance clients and features very simple operation through a custom user interface. The user is presented with a list of movie covers and on selection the movie description, running time and actors are displayed. The audio CD’s are browsed in a similar way and can be played to any audio zone in the home.
The Crestron TPMC3X was selected as the user interface for each viewing location, this remote combines a 3inch touchscreen and tactile buttons into a sleek lightweight remote with a stylish charging stand. The remote is carefully programmed to provide a consistent look and feel in each room making user training much easier. We also included a 24” HP touchscreen PC on a stand in the kitchen for whole house control which also serves as a digital photo frame and handy web browser.
Installation
We were very conscious of maintaining our professional standards when working in such an immaculate and beautiful home. It was important to take care with polished wooden floors, use of ladders, drilling holes etc not to damage anything or leave unsightly marks etc.
Challenges faced included delivery and installation of the 85inch plasma screen, running multiple fiber optic cables through the ceiling in mid December during a heat wave and maintaining television and Foxtel reception to the old screens during the install period. Control system programming was a lengthy process with so many complicated devices involved.
Correctly implementing control of multiple devices from multiple locations and remotes found our programmer spending some long days and evenings on site. Testing the programming correctly required a second staff member due to the distances involved between locations in the home.
