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Technology marches forward and the best way to ensure a system does not become obsolete is to evolve. We started a project for a client several years ago, first adding video distribution and several new TV's. A couple years later, we installed lighting control throughout the home along with a new in-wall touch panel for controlling the lights. More recently, we installed motorized shades in most rooms and renovated the basement home theater.
Our client had TV's with the typical stack of related components in several rooms of the house. Our goal was to de-clutter these areas of components and centralize them to a rack in the basement. We upgraded some flat panel TV's to current models and revamped the surround sound system in the family room to include a custom sound bar as well as a JL Audio subwoofer. All TV's have the same, simple to operate remote control. With all A/V components stored out of sight in the basement, video distribution allows our client to access his cable boxes, Kaleidescape movie server, AppleTV, Surveillance cameras, and games from each TV in the house or the basement theater system.
During the next round of upgrades, we replaced standard light switches throughout the house with Crestron in-wall "smart" dimmers and switches. The lighting system communicates wireless, so it is perfect for existing homes such as this one. Finally, we installed a 10" Crestron in-wall touch panel in a central location of the kitchen, which can be used to control major functions of the house such as lighting, security, TV's, and doors.
After installing all switches, we created custom lighting scenes such as the good night button, which our client can access from his master bedroom TV remote. Pressing the goodnight button turns off most lights in the house as well as TV's. We also created automatic scenes that can turn on landscape lighting at dusk each night and can turn off the lights at sunrise. Beyond using the kitchen touch panel to operate most systems in the house, our client can use his iPhone or iPAD to control everything as well. This adds convenience when our client is away from home, yet wanting to open the garage doors or unlock the front door to let someone in the house.
In the most recent round of upgrades, we installed Lutron's wireless Sivoia motorized window shades in most of the first floor, basement, and master suite windows. In most locations, a fabric was chosen that allows diffuse sunlight to pass through the shades offering privacy. In the family room and master bedroom, blackout shades were used to block sunlight in order to prevent glare when watching TV and also for darkening the bedroom for sleeping.
In the final part of phase III, we updated the original basement home theater. Our goal was to make this room an incredible space that would entice our client and his family to go to the basement regularly. The theater has the latest surround sound technology using Dolby Atmos and Aura. The amplifiers and speakers are a professional grade PHC sound system that offers amazing impact when watching action movies. We used Epson's latest Laser 4k compatible projector and a 2.35 Cinema-wide movie theater screen. We made the room sizzle with a star panel ceiling and multi-color RGB lighting around the screen and the ceiling tiles.
Controlling Shades and the New Home Theater
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