Rack ‘em Up: Sliding Equipment Racks Versus Built-In Systems

Creating a home theater system for a custom-built home is equal parts skill, knowledge and creative drive for an electronic systems contractor. With high-quality products from lines like Crestron, Prodigy, Genesis and Runco, owners have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to creating the system of their dreams.


While the focus is often on the technology contained in a system, it is important for both installation technicians and builders to consider the homeowner’s ease of access to the theater system itself, and this can take one of two forms – a sliding equipment rack or a built-in option.


Sliding racks typically use rails to allow electronic systems equipment to remain recessed when not needed, but pulled out and rotated when access is required. Built-in racks are intended to permanently house equipment that must be manually removed in order to be adjusted.


Both systems have their advantages - sliding racks come in a variety of sizes and strengths, and allow both home theater experts and builders to quickly diagnose and correct any problems. Built-in racks do not offer the same speed of access, but can be custom-created to suit a room’s décor or adjusted to meet a client’s expectations with the use of a skilled designer or tradesman.


Racks of both types can be a welcome, logistical addition to a home theater room; and which one is chosen can be based largely on client preference – speed or style.

Five Essential Factors for Custom Home Theater Design

Custom homebuilders are doing more work than ever, and thanks to readily available information on the Internet, homeowners have become a great deal savvier about what they want to see created in their custom homes. These builders must then obtain a range of skilled subcontracts, from plumbing and electrical to electronics systems contractors. Further, when it comes to high-quality theater system creation and installation, there are five things a professional technician can do to help.

Know: What, When, and Who

Builders have to operate on a timeline and within a certain framework laid out by the homeowner. An electronic systems contractor can assist in making sure a home is finished on time and on budget by doing three simple things. Those three things are: knowing what they are going to install, when it needs to be installed, and what assistance they are going to require in the home from other professionals.

For example, if a homeowner wants an A/V cabinet installed in a particular location in the home, a home theater technician can liaise with the framer to ensure that sufficient space is allotted. Technicians also work with electricians to make sure that enough outlets will be available for all of the necessary cabling and wiring that a home theater system will need.

Where and How: Important Up-front Considerations

In addition to working with other contractors in a home, a home theater programmer can also work with builders by providing information about: how much space will be needed for home theater equipment, where in the house it will be going, and how all of the equipment is going to be stored. Speaker dimensions are a key concern in building proper enclosures and obtaining maximum sound quality. Further, how this equipment will be stored – be it slide-out or built-in racks – can also make a difference when it comes to placing other features in the home.

Take architectural speakers as an example. Accommodating these speaker in a home will require proper ceiling wiring as well as room for housing, an element that a builder must be aware of prior to beginning work. Or, consider custom-made speakers by Triad – the company offers a range of custom-built speakers and housings that must have space allotted for them in the home.

In addition, electronic systems contractors must consider the need for cooling and ventilation of systems. Options like Runco 3D projectors or motorized TV lifts must be properly maintained in order to ensure smooth functioning, and a builder must know about such systems in advance to account for them.

By being upfront about what, when, who, where and how, an electronic systems contractor can help smooth the custom-home building process.

Triad Speakers – A Triple Threat In Custom Sound

High-quality speaker systems are about more than just the parts that go into them. A true custom solution for whole-home sound should be a top-of-the-line speaker designed with the end user in mind.

Triad has been making quality sound products for over 25 years and custom creates every speaker, amplifier, and subwoofer that leaves their Portland, Oregon factory. Over 95% of all Triad products are manufactured on North American soil.

Triad serves the premium sound industry by focusing on three key points:

1) Quality Construction

Instead of particle-board, the company uses high-grade MDF. Where wood screws might be used, Triad opts for brass fittings. Custom veneer and paint options are also available.

2) High-Fidelity Sound

Triad speakers aren’t intended to sound like “Triad speakers,” but to accurately represent and amplify the true nature of the sound being produced. Each Triad speaker, regardless of size or design, is intended to provide a near-perfect sound experience.

3) New Product Development

Triad is not satisfied with producing only for today – the company is on the cutting edge of sound technology as well. Their newest lines of DSP Subwoofers, PlateAmps and RackAmps offer between a full 300 and 1000 watts of power in the space of only a single rack, all for the same price as their previous generation of subwoofers.

Without compromise, Triad has advanced in the field of premium audio, as is evident in their construction, sound, and product development.

Runco’s WindowWall Offers More Than a Pretty Picture

Runco has long been known as a leader in the fields of high-quality home theater and whole-home entertainment; they have now taken their product line to the next level with the introduction of the WindowWall.

Intended to create a “unique visual lifestyle solution,” the WindowWall is a combination television and digital photograph display that can easily enhance the look and feel of any room in a home.

With an ultra-thin profile at only 7.3mm and a range of configuration options – 3x3, 2x2 and 5x4 faceted, to name a few – a Runco WindowWall is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the home.

The WindowWall can display anything from still images to broadcast programming, and can also be set up for video conferencing. With a native resolution at 4098 x 2403 and scalable to 1080p and 720p, the WindowWall is able to accommodate any functional user need and return to a stunning still image when its video capabilities are not required.

Featuring Runco’s signature design and all-around quality, the WindowWall is a stunning choice for a homeowner looking to not only increase the visual functionality of their home, but also do so in a way that is both subtle and stylish.

With a myriad of installation options and customization configurations, the WindowWall is a step forward in the fusion of home theater function and the beauty and elegance of form – all backed by Runco, an industry and technology leader.

Smart and Savvy Homeowners - The Price of Perfection

For professional A/V installers, some of the best jobs available come from savvy and well-positioned homeowners - those clients that have the means and the desire to purchase high quality A/V products. As home theater systems become more powerful and easier to access, more and more wealthy homeowners are looking to create a theater-like experience in their homes, complete with features like specialty lighting, Runco 3D projection systems, and whole-home control panels.

Opportunity for Advancement – The Creation of a Custom System

The creation of a home theater system for tech-smart customers can be a significant milestone for a business, as a satisfied customer can mean free word of mouth advertising as well as reputation gains. The opportunity to build a high-quality system also gives an installation technician the chance to shine, to bring their skills at creation and artistry to the forefront. Many wealthy homeowners will have an idea of what they would like that goes beyond the simple “home theater” model and will speak to specific product lines such as Creston and their whole-home U-Panel control options, along with options such as Digital Media. Homeowners know what they want - the best - and options such as the new Creston line are both impressive and versatile.


Easy to Avoid Pitfalls – Making the Best of a New Client Relationship

First are the issues surrounding the quality of the products being installed. Techs need to be certain that they are using the exact products asked for, and if these are not available or cannot be used, they need to communicate why. It is, after all, the client's hard-earned money that is paying for the system, and it is in the best interest of both technician and homeowner to know exactly what types of products are being installed and when.

Next, be aware of questions concerning how products operate. A technician must be careful to confirm with homeowners what they expect from the system when it is finished. Often, technology companies advertise their products in such a way that they appear to be capable of more than they are. A professional technician will meet with the homeowner to discuss how the end system will look, as well as how it will perform when it is first utilized. A superior service technician will be able to craft a system that not only comprises the elements requested by a homeowner, but that also performs exactly as stated, bringing the theater experience directly into a home.

Communication as King – The Rise of the Savvy Homeowner

Technicians can easily ensure they side-step these problems by remembering that homeowners are now tech-savvy, and need only the basics of home theater details in order to understand their functioning. Superior communication gives techs the freedom they need to create a theater system that is a work of art while simultaneously providing homeowners with the peace of mind that they deserve.

Theater of the Lost – The Trouble with Home Theater System Installation

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 25% of all homeowners rate the inclusion of a high-quality theater system in their home as either “important” or “very important.” As both options for Audio-Visual (A/V) systems grow and technology becomes more mainstream, this number will only grow. Despite the desire for these systems, however, one of the major challenges for general contractors and homeowners alike is the process of installation.

The Contractor’s Challenge – Effectiveness and Efficiency

For anyone in a general contracting position, two things are paramount when it comes to A/V technology – the speed at which the technology can be installed and its effectiveness once it is in place. Major hurdles faced by contractors directly employed by homeowners are that an A/V tech will be unable to properly install home theatres, or will make an error that will require the contractor to undo some of the work, which has already been completed.

Contractors require an A/V installation company that not only knows its own products, but has the ability to consistently communicate timelines and progress, enabling the entire contracting project to be completed on-time.

The Homeowner's Challenge – People and Professionals

From the perspective of a homeowner, the fewer people that are working in the home, the better. The installation of high-quality A/V systems necessitates the presence of a professional home theater technician in the home, and if the A/V installation is part of a larger process, this technician may be simply one of many.

For a homeowner, knowing who is in their home and for what exact purpose they are there for, is paramount in feeling both safe and comfortable with the installation process. A technician that is both professional in appearance and can easily relay updates to the general contractor and homeowner directly, can go a long way to making the process as seamless as possible.

The Technology Challenge – It Just Has To Work

Both contractors and homeowners are at the mercy of the one facet of technology they cannot control – does it actually work? Clunky control systems, poor reception and complicated explanations from A/V technicians can all contribute to frustration on the part of both a builder and a homeowner.

When A/V, cutting-edge technology is installed in a home, it must:
• Work properly
• Operate simply
• Come at a reasonable cost

Premium A/V systems demand a premium price. However, to ensure that homeowners and contractors are willing to do business with a company and recommend them, home theater installation technicians and their technology must be effective, of high-quality, and straight forward.

Interior Frustrations – Designers and A/V Installers

 Interior designers face a bright future as more and more homeowners turn to these aesthetic experts to bring a sense of fun and joy to their homes. Along with interest in whole-home redesigns, owners are also seeking a complete home theater experience, and are in need of qualified technicians to provide them with a truly immersive sound and video package.

The devil in home renovation projects lies in the details, which is something that both designers and installers must contend with. Sometimes, conflicts can arise between a designer and installation technician if necessary electronic components cause an aesthetic concern or interfere with the use of a space. Good communication and professionalism from both parties can help to alleviate this concern and allow the two experts to work out a mutually acceptable solution.

In order for an A/V installer to assist an interior designer and expedite the project, it’s a good idea for the technician to streamline the process by letting the designer know what they are going to install and when. Options such as invisible speakers or display lifts can help to minimize the visual impact of the equipment and help designers and installers work together to complete a project. Installers and designers are seeking to accomplish the same goal: to make the homeowner happy. By working together, this goal is accomplished far more easily, and in such a way that both professionals are able to do their best work.

Best Laid Plans – The Architect and A/V Challenges

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows a significant upward trend in the number of “owner built” homes over the course of the last four years. While the number of “spec homes” has remained high, it has dropped from 80% of all homes on the market to just 2/3, and homeowners have been finding ways to create homes that are not simply well-built, but that are built with their needs in mind.

In order to create a custom-built home, owners must deal with a number of professionals, and chief among those professionals are architects. The overall “vision” of any home project rests with the architect, and a great deal of responsibility for the reaction of the homeowner to their new home lies in their hands. Unfortunately, architects are often confronted with tradesmen and contractors that are not able to deliver on time or are unable to live up to the high standards of professionalism demanded by architectural work. One area where this can be a significant issue is in high-quality audio-visual installation.


Sounds like A Good Idea – The Role of A/V in a Custom Home

For owners who have the means to build their own home and the time to invest in making sure their vision of the home is achieved, high-end audio-visual equipment and home theater systems are often high on the list of “must-haves.” With a myriad of options now available for home theater systems – from wireless control options to whole-home entertainment and thermostat operations panels – homeowners have more than ever to choose from. In order to ensure that their preferred A/V system is installed correctly, a homeowner must hire a professional installation company that not only sells the products they want, but services them as well. Unfortunately, these companies can often present a problem for architects.

Start To Finish – Where Architects See A/V

For an A/V technician, a home is seen as a place to be made more entertaining – they see how a big screen television, surround sound system and 3D projector assembly could make the home more enjoyable.

For an architect, an A/V system is merely a small part of the overall plan, and the technician that comes to install it must not only know what they are doing, but be able to do it within the guidelines set out by the design. Plans for homes are specific, down to the last inch and detail, and A/V technicians who are sloppy in their installation or unprofessional in their conduct can make a home building project extremely difficult. Even worse are installation companies with little coordination or scheduling abilities – an architect needs to know when each contractor will be coming to work, and when the work will be done.

Architects and A/V technicians can co-exist, but a dedicated and knowledgeable A/V technician is required in order to help a custom home plan to stand out from the crowd.

Apple IOS 4.2 Airs On The Side Of Awesome

As of November 1, 2010, Apple completed the “golden master” version of its latest IOS update for the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. Version 4.2 is the first upgrade that will bring the functionality of IOS 4 to the iPad, and includes a number of new features that aim to make Apple’s range of mobile devices even more user-friendly.

Users can expect to see this version of the IOS within a week or two if previous releases are any indication, and app developers are now able to submit and tweak their apps for the final release version, meaning that most will be up and running when the upgrade hits.

From a proprietary Apple perspective, the most important advancements in this IOS are AirPrint and AirPlay. AirPrint will allow users to wirelessly send documents to printers, while AirPlay will allow them to transmit music or video to a supported receiver.

At the moment, both AirPrint and AirPlay are fairly limited in functionality – the Print is focused on HP printers and the Play mostly on Apple TVs and similar devices, but this is merely the first iteration. Just as the iPhone and iPad IOS has become far more functional from 3 to 4 and now 4.2, AirPrint and AirPlay will also evolve.

For high-quality A/V users and those with cutting-edge home theatre systems, this means the ability to use their Apple device to wirelessly stream their favorite music or video is enroute.

Creston Focuses On Prodigal Fun with Its New Line

Creston is one of the most respected names in the home theatre and automation industries. Known for their high quality, Creston products have long been sought after by connoisseurs and sound enthusiasts alike.

To both stay ahead of the curve and offer their line of high-quality A/V products to the broadest range of consumers, Creston has developed their Prodigy line, which focuses on a combination of whole-home automation in a simple to use package.

Simple? Absolutely. Taking advantage of the latest in wireless technology, the Prodigy control center can be easily installed in any home and connected to televisions and audio systems, along with thermostats and lighting. The Creston Prodigy line makes it possible to control the entire ambiance of a room with a simple touch of a button – and with no need for complex wiring.

In addition to quality, Creston has also taken into account the need for affordability, and has made the Prodigy line extremely scalable. Start with a wireless home theatre center, and then branch out to heating or lighting control, all from the same basic platform. With a simple interface, the Prodigy control center gives ultimate control at any level.

Prodigy is also smart enough to act on its own and help you save money by intelligently adjusting lighting and temperature when no one is around. Backed up by the Creston brand and with features unmatched in the industry, Prodigy is cutting-edge technology in an affordable package.