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Introduction
While homeowners continue to explore ways of duplicating the movie theater experience in their homes, allocating a dedicated space and staring at electronic gear hanging on walls and ceilings when not in use have become the challenge of electronic systems contractors, architects, interior designers, and various other residential building trade professionals. Today, the emphasis is on the WOW factor and the ability to transform one room into a multifunctional room with the push of a button.
This case study shows how Electronics Design Group worked towards meeting the client’s demand of a multi-use, high performance Home Theater room with equipment that is discretely hidden when not in use.
© 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
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732.650.9800
Considerations Quick Facts
*Space Planning *Equipment Locations *Speakers and subwoofers *Electrical
Space Planning
In planning for this client’s dedicated Home Theater, a choice had to be made between the lower level and the family room on the main level. The lower level, which is a “walk-out” with great views and windows, would be less practical for the theater and better suited as a playroom/ game room. EDG decided to focus on the Family Room (Fig 1) as a “hidden” technology Home Theater. It’s a challenge to create a room with incredible sound and a vivid picture, while maintaining the look and function of a family room and not an electronics center. The room measurements are 15’ 4” (wide) x 19’ 7” (length) x 8’ (height), or approximately 2,500 cubic feet, with a fireplace as the focal point. Figure 1
© 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
Equipment Locations
• 42” plasma TV for casual and daytime viewing located above the fireplace
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• Video Projector located at the back of the room • 92” motorized screen located above the fireplace for movies and nighttime viewing After carefully measuring and calculating throw distances for the projector and screen, it was decided to create a valance, which would hide the screen and bi-fold doors for the flat panel above the fireplace (Fig 2). In essence the fireplace remains the focal point of the room and the screen and flat panel are hidden.
Figure 2
Figure 3
© 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
The real trick was the selection of a high quality projector that was small enough to remain unseen. The Runco CL710 DLP projector, which measures only 10” deep, was selected and hidden inside a valance (Fig 3) behind the seating wall. This valance also serves as a drapery pocket for motorized traversing shears. The shears provide a well filtered light, which will reduce glare on the screen and help prevent the sun from fading the millwork. For aesthetics and sound control, stationary draperies will be located around the windows. To further balance the acoustics and aesthetics, painted rail and style paneling will be installed around the room with wall fabric above, hiding acoustical materials for absorption behind the fabric. The main system electronics are in a rack in the lower level, with only the DVD player and VCR located locally in the room, in a small cabinet in the bar area that leads to the library. In addition, there will be a “convenience jack” (Fig 4) located behind the couch. This jack provides a direct connection for a laptop computer, Internet access, game console, and a video
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Š 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
www.EDGonline.com
About EDG For more than 20 years, EDG has been a one-stop provider of home theater and technology consulting services, engineering and implementation. We deliver solutions to clients making critical decisions on home theater construction, and design innovative solutions incorporating the latest software and control system technology. EDG provides expertise in all aspects of residential and corporate environments, including whole-house audio/video systems, home automation, home theater acoustics, media room design, lighting control systems, HVAC, telecommunications and motorized control of shades, lifts, gates, and other mechanical devices.
Š 2010 Electronics Design Group 60 Ethel Road STE 5 Piscataway, NJ 08854 732.650.9800
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Š 2010 Electronics Design Group, Inc.
www.EDGonline.com