Making
the most of the space
As the second story
under a gabled roof, the room's ceilings are pitched along the left and right
side, providing a raised ceiling area along the middle of the room -- ideal
for mounting the video projection unit and constructing a soffit to conceal
the motorized screen.
Windows along the
front, back and left walls proved more of a challenge. We installed BTX motorized
wooden roman shades on all the windows and controlled them with the AMX automation
system, and provided buttons for them on the wireless touchpanel. This allows
the homeowner to go from sunlight to no light in about
10 seconds. In the front right corner of the room, an existing alcove provided
a perfect spot to house all audio-video components. The size of the alcove and
the rack we provided, allowed for easy installation, service and the addition
of new equipment in the future. We constructed a raised platform on the floor
in the rear of the room, to provide stadium-like seating for viewers, who relax
in big, comfortable upholstered chairs, or the centered love seat. |
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Creating a dazzling
system from a tarnished one....
Before the creation
of this media room, the homeowner had whole-house audio and phone systems installed
by others. Neither worked very well. A friend referred us, and we fixed both
systems ... and instilled confidence that we would design an amazing home
theater.
The
system is backboned by the AMX touchpanel system, which enables one-touch control
of all audio and video components and lighting, including the automatic shades.
The homeowner can select a "movie" scene, which will lower the screen
and the shades, dim the lights to an ideal level for movie viewing, and ready
the audio-video system. A Runco HDTV front projection unit is connected to a
Pioneer DVD and Marantz S-VHS for recorded material. A Sony Digital Satellite
System provides the primary video feed. The audiophile grade processor from
Acurus is coupled to five amplifier channels of 200 watts. An Atlantic Technology
450 THX® speaker system (front left, center channel, front right, two rear
satellites and a 400 watt powered subwoofer) shakes the room during action films
and enunciates the "sweet nothings" whispered during romance movies
For the finishing
touch we added a Lutron Graphik Eye lighting control system which gives the
homeowner convenient scenes to automatically light the room for movies, conversation,
parties or other situations.
The end result
is a room with a "view" to "die for" ... if we could
steal a few puns!
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Dramatic media room ... above a garage!
