The following information is courtesy of the 2007 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Designers’ Choice Awards. For more information on how to become a member of CEDIA, or information on its awards program please visit www.cedia.org or call (800) 669-5329.

2007 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards Entry:
Best Media Room

Our project was part of an interior renovation. We selected a 65in. plasma, ceiling-mounted LCR and surround loudspeakers, and an in-cabinet subwoofer based on the architectural constraints of the room. We have had excellent results with this loudspeaker setup in previous installations as dialogue is perceived to be coming from the screen with the benefit of eliminating any clutter on the display wall.

Based on the viewing distances, the clients have a theater-like experience in an intimate and very comfortable setting. There is banquette seating with a large combination ottoman footrest/cocktail table in the rear, curved back of the room. Two swivel chairs are positioned up front. The video was calibrated by an ISF-certified technician. Using Sencore test and calibration equipment, adjustments were made to meet ISF standards and provide the highest quality video. White balance, color, and sharpness adjustments were made. Audio was calibrated using Yamaha’s YPAO system, which was incorporated into the surround receiver.

Our client was impressed with the Crestron touchscreen he saw at another one of our jobs, as well as the wife’s unsolicited recommendation. When the user presses the “cable” button on the touchscreen, the display turns on and the correct input is selected, and the surround receiver turns on to the matching surround mode at a preset minimum volume. The user then can select a channel and adjust the volume. The remote control is very intuitive and required only minutes of training.

Equipment List

Qty: 5 Manufacturer: Niles Model#: DS8300AT In-ceiling Speakers
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Martin Logan Model#: Dynamo Subwoofer
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Yamaha Model#: RX-V1600 Receiver
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Belkin Model#: TuneCast iPod Dock
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Sony Model#: SLV-N900 VCR
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Sony Model#: DVPNS3100ES DVD Player
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Panamax Model#: M4300-EX Power Conditioner
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Motorola Model#: Owner's Cable Box
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Panasonic Model#: TH65PDH8UY Plasma Display
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Furman Model#: AC-215 Power Conditioner
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Crestron Model#: MC2W Processor
Qty: 1 Manufacturer: Crestron Model#: ST1550C Touchscreen

Time and Expertise Worksheet

Task Hours

Client Interviews: 2
Electronic Design and Engineering: 4
Proposal and System Documentation Preparation: 6
Project Management: 8
Pre-wire/Rough-in: 5
Trim-out: 16
Shop Time for Racking and Testing: 0
Programming: 6
Final Installation and Calibration: 4
Client Instruction: 1
Interior Design and/or Architecture by your Company: 0
Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others: 20
Project Management by Others: 0
Other time: 0
Total Hours to Complete: 72