The following information is courtesy of the 2008 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.

2008 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards Entry: Best Large Home Theater Level II: $115,000-$150,000

Date design began: 01-30-07
Date installation was completed: 07-01-07

FEATURE ESSAY:

1. Synopsis describing the project goals, special features, or nuances.

This project was part of an extensive remodel to our client’s home. Upon our first meeting we began planning a blend of traditional styling with regards to appearance, and high performance when it came to the entertainment system. From our clients responses we believed we have achieved both equally.

2. Did you encounter any challenges or limitations in the design of the system or placement of equipment? Please describe the control system.

One of the biggest challenges with regards to the system was that halfway through the construction process, it was discovered that the basement was allowing water into one of the corners. Once the source was determined and rectified, construction returned to normal.

3. Please discuss the acoustics including speaker placement and calibration as well as the SPL reading. Discuss the ventilation of the room.

The room was treated with acoustical paneling on the walls and ceiling to control the sound inside the room. Prior to finishing acoustical panels, the walls were first covered with a concrete based wallboard to eliminate sound transfer to adjacent rooms. The room was calibrated to a 75 decibel rating per THX standards.

4. Did you calibrate the theater? If yes, please discuss the video calibration and any challenges you encountered during calibration.

The video was calibrated to ISF standards and the audio was calibrated to THX standards both with the Sencore suite of testing gear.

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Aerial
Model#: System One
Product Description: Front Speaker Wall (L/C/R Dual Sub System)

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Sim2
Model#: C3X Lite
Product Description: Projector

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Stewart Filmscreen
Model#: 4WSN100HFHWX
Product Description: 4-Way Masking Screen

Qty: 4
Manufacturer: Triad
Model#: IW-Bronze 4
Product Description: Surround Speakers

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Escient
Model#: MX-752
Product Description: Media Library Manager

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: McIntosh
Model#: MVP-861
Product Description: DVD

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: McIntosh
Model#: MX-120
Product Description: Processor

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: McIntosh
Model#: MC-207
Product Description: Multi-Channel Amplifier

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: Pro 2
Product Description: Processor

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: ST-1700C
Product Description: Touchpanel

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Monster
Model#: HTS-5100
Product Description: Surge/Power Conditioner

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Sony
Model#: DVPCX777ES
Product Description: 400 Disc Changer

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CLS6MB
Product Description: Lighting Control

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Hughes
Model#: HR-20
Product Description: Satellite Receiver

Qty: 8
Manufacturer: Continental Seating
Model#: Harlowe
Product Description: Theater Chair

TIME AND EXPERTISE:

Client Interviews: 16

Electronic Design and Engineering: 16

Proposal and System Documentation Preparation: 8

Project Management: 24

Pre-wire/Rough-in: 16

Trim-out: 16

Shop Time for Racking and Testing: 8

Programming: 16

Final Installation and Calibration: 8

Client Instruction: 4

Interior Design and/or Architecture by your Company: 24

Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others: 8

Project Management by Others: 8

Other time: 0
Describe Task:

Total Hours to Complete: 172