Home Theatre Doubles as Fortress of Solitude

Sep 18, 2006 12:00 PM

The following information is courtesy of the 2005 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.

2005 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Winner
Designers Choice Awards: Best Home Theatre
Level VIII ($425,000-$650,000)

Audio Command Systems

“Whenever Superman wants to get away from it all,” notes Action Comics issue number 261, “he retires to his secret sanctuary, the Fortress of Solitude, the most glamorous hideaway in the entire universe!” In Superman’s words, “This is the one place where I can relax.” While it is not surprising that Audio Command Systems' client and father of two sets of twins named his home theater after Superman’s peaceful sanctum, it is doubtful that the man of steel had access to the AV components, design elements, and precision craftsmanship that went into this installation providing a truly immersive cinematic experience.

The display is a 153in. diagonal native 2.35 screen mated with an anamorphic projector allowing for constant screen height across all formats. Three different DVD players see use in the theater—a videophile player which also doubles as an audiophile CD player, a universal DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-A player, and a DVD server for convenient access to a vast DVD library. The most impressive part of this room is the 9.1-channel 4400W sound system that dazzles your ears.

A hardwired touchpanel allows the client to enjoy a movie and monitor the rest of the house at the touch of the button from his media throne while the wireless panel allows for moving between the three rows of seats.

Challenges were abundant, but so too were the rewards. Audio Command Systems spent a lot of time making sure the sight lines would work out, as the front row is in a pit due to ceiling height and the client’s desire for three rows of sensory pleasure. The most difficult part of the project, though, was mounting the projector in a ceiling cavity while maintaining proper ventilation, noise control, and throw distance. Knowing that the client would utilize the full capabilities of the equipment was inspiring and ample reward for our crew. There is a meticulous eye in every inch of the finished project.

EQUIPMENT LIST

1 Runco projector VX-6C 1024P 2.35

1 Stewart Filmscreen Director’s Choice 60”x141” native 2:35 THX microperf screen

1 Stewart Filmscreen BRIC controller

1 Crestron processor PRO2

1 Crestron touchpanel TPS-5000

1 Crestron touchpanel STX-1700CXP

1 Crestron RF Gateway TPS-RFGWX

1 Ayre DVD player D1XC

1 Marantz DVD player DV-8400

1 Kaleidescape DVD server KSERVER

1 Kaleidescape DVD player KPLAYER2500

1 Kaleidescape DVD reader KREADER

2 Monster surge protector HTPS7000

2 Monster automatic voltage stabilizer AVS2000

1 Hughes HD TiVo HR10-250

1 Scientific Atlanta cable box explorer 4200HD

4 Clark Synthesis transducer TST429

1 Microsoft game XBox

3 Middle Atlantic rack WRK44

1 Sharp LCD monitor LC13E1UB

3 JBL Synthesis L/C/R/ speaker K2S-9800DG

6 JBL Synthesis surround speakers S4A

4 JBL Synthesis 18in. subwoofers S1S

10 JBL Synthesis amplifiers S800

1 JBL Synthesis preamplifier SDP40

1 JBL Synthesis equalizer SDEC2500A

Time and Expertise Worksheet
Task	Hours
Client Interviews	20
Electronic Design and Engineering:	90
Proposal and System Documentation Preparation:	60
Project Management:	125
Pre-wire/Rough-in:	40
Trim-out:	32
Shop Time for Racking and Testing:	50
Programming:	45
Final Installation and Calibration:	360
Client Instruction:	10
Interior Design and/or Architecture by your Company:	30
Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others:	0
Project Management by Others:	0
Other time: builder's interior designs, drawings done on paper:	0
Total Hours to Complete:	862