This was no conventional, run-of-the-mill install. Century Stereo Audio/Video’s client was having a series of buildings constructed on a lot adjacent to the existing residence. Included in the construction were two garages, a home office, a study, terrace (complete with an outdoor cooking station), an exercise room, wine tasting room and kitchen, along with a three-bedroom guest house. Add to that a Tuscan village theme, complete with a small vineyard, garden and courtyard, and you have something to behold.
The task before Century Stereo included distributed music, video and control to the new buildings constructed on property. The system needed to be simple to use, allowing the homeowner to select music or video sources to be played in the car showrooms, offices, terrace and theater.
Bill “Wes” Westrum, system designer for Century Stereo, remembers consulting with the homeowner in the very early planning stages of the theater and exercise building. After these discussions, the project grew considerably, and the client decided to hire another design firm. When the homeowner called Century Stereo for advice, Westrum saw it as a great opportunity.
“At that time I was told of the entire scope of the project and indicated that I would also like to present a design I thought would be more appropriate to match his requirements,” says Westrum. “I believe the final decision to select us was because he wanted an integrator that could provide the design, installation, programming and support for the installation as well as coordinating the IT, security and HVAC integration.”
What also helped to seal the deal was the homeowner’s visit Century Stereo’s showroom where he auditioned equipment and solidified his decisions on what he wanted in his home. It was during this visit that the homeowner was introduced the SIM2 2.35:1 anamorphic wide-screen projector, lens and masking system. Suddenly, the standard 16:9 screen he had orginally chosen just wouldn’t suffice. He was hooked. But, now, the system required a projector upgrade.
“This presented a challenge to figure out how to fit the projector, lens and transport system into a small cabinet above the rack,” remembers Westrum. “By working closely with the general contractor and cabinet maker, we were able to hide all electronics in the cabinet at the back of the room as well as the LCR speakers behind the acoustic transparent screen and the subwoofers and surrounds behind the fabric wall coverings.
“He was very pleased on how it turned out and the unbelievable picture quality,” says Westrum. “I frequently find music discs loaded into the Blu-ray player. He has his own mini-concerts in the comfort of his theater!”
Century Stereo was able to roll with the punches and overcome obstacles in other aspects of this install as well.
“The biggest challenge was wiring six separate buildings for music, video, phone, data and control,” says Westrum. “Again, working with the general contractor, we installed conduit between each building, allowing extras for growth. Fiber optic cables were installed for the network between all buildings and the main residence.”
After all the challenges were solved, the homeowners were outfitted with sophisticated systems that blend beautifully with the home’s theme. There are Crestron four-inch touch panels throughout the residences for music, HVAC and lighting control, eliminating additional user interface systems on the wall. Additionally, the TV in the wine tasting room was fit with precision into the wine cabinet; and the equipment in the theater is well-hidden so the attention is directed to what is on the screen rather than equipment encroaching in the room.
“Having a consistent user interface on the four-inch, eight-inch and hand-held remotes make a seamless transition for operating the system from any of the rooms,” explains Westrum. “The family enjoys exercising in the gym while watching TV or listening to music on their iPod or DirecTV. The surroundings showcase his car collection for friends and gatherings.”
Related: Bill Wes Westrum, Century Stereo, control, HVAC, installation, IT, lighting control, music, planning, project, SIM2, TV impressive home cinema construction, custom home garages, installation home cinema
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