Sony 4K Home Theater with a FullSwing Golf Simulator
This Lake Norman theater project began as a custom new spec home. SoundVision systems designer Zach Simpson was able to integrate theater design and a golf simulators because of the builder’s flexibility, quality and design capabilities. Lighting and audio were integrated as well. We were able to engage valuable vendor partners like Cinema Tech and Full Swing Golf simulators.
The theater features two projectors. The first is a 4K Sony laser projector for the golf simulator. The latter being a Sony 4K home theater projector. The Martin Logan models used in the theater included ElectroMotions, Edge and Helos and two DYN800XD subs. The theater is a full 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos audio system and features a 130″ Screen Innovations motorized screen. This provides the viewing experience, while the FullSwing Golf Simulator features it’s own dedicated screen. Our team enjoyed breaking in the golf simulator with the homeowner.
This home was designed as fully integrated Control4 panelized lighting system. David Stevens of David Stevens Construction of Sherrill’s Ford, North Carolina was the builder for this home and was awesome to work with. The homeowner was kind enough to offer a letter on our behalf to the CEDIA awards community for consideration in the event we wanted to pursue an award category. In addition to the theater project, the home was also outfitted with a wi-fi network, surveillance system, 7 zones of audio and multiple Sony 4K TV displays.
By using a dealer like SoundVision, our homeowner can look forward to a custom service experience. In the event a piece of his new equipment should need to be serviced, we will work directly with the manufacturer on his behalf for potential warranty claims. Whereas, most big box and online providers will only offer a 30 day warranty because of return restrictions.
Remote Programming Macros Demystified. Over the past few days, I have been explaining some of the challenges we have regarding making your system more consistent and reliable so that it just works when you want it to. Having a remote control in your home theater or even media room can make the experience so much more enjoyable! https://www.svavnc.com/home-theaters/
I have tried to explain why sometimes remotes seem complicated and why, if not programmed correctly, using discrete codes, remotes will not function reliably. These discrete codes were defined as independent commands for each function that you have (e.g. Power On and Power Off versus simply Power that toggles between on and off on each push).
There is another reason discrete codes are so important and that is because, with them, we can develop macros. When we go to continuing education (yes, we do that), instructors tell us never to use the word “macro” around a customers. The reason is, if you are not in the information technology (IT) field, it will just sound like a fancy word that means nothing to a customer. And they are right.
Macros are the secret to making the magic happen
Ever wonder how ALL your equipment turns on, the input changes on the TV and your AVR (audio video receiver), the channel changes to your favorite or the movie starts playing with the touch of one button? Of course you haven’t! But, that’s a macro.
Simply put, a macro is a series of steps that are programmed in a particular sequence after a something else happens first. The most common of these is after the Power On button is pressed.
Once this “trigger” happens, the system can process the event (pressing the Power On button) and then tell other components to turn on, go to particular inputs, change channels, dim the lights, lower the shades, change the volume or any other host of things you might want to happen. The amount of things that can happen are infinite and only limited by your imagination.
What are discreet codes?
This is another reason that discrete codes are SO important. One series of events can happen when the Power On button is pressed. Another series of events can happen when the Power Off button is pressed. Macros are not limited to power commands either. They can be “triggered” by any button press, time event (think dawn or dusk or midnight or when you wake up), motion from security sensors, doors opening or closing, and the list goes on and on. Essentially, anything that is tied to your system’s brain, can trigger anything else tied to the system. Remote Programming Macros demystified.
This is one reason why, at SoundVision, we implemented the 30 day “live in” program. We will, AT NO CHARGE, come back out to your home and make programming changes and RE-TRAIN YOUR FAMILY. This give you the opportunity to live with the system for a period of time and actually figure out what you would like these magical macros to do.
Next time, I’ll elaborate a bit more on macros and actually show you some from our projects. This will give you some ideas on how we can make your home or place of business smarter. It’s just another way we are trying to Simplify Your Life Through Technology.
If you have ANY questions, please feel free to reach out at info@svavnc.com or give us a call at 704-696-2792. We are here and happy to talk with you.
Set UP for the World CUP …This summer is the stuff dreams are made of for sports fans! FIFA World Cup, the US Open and the College World Series all taking place. Before huddling in your living rooms around your old TV, make sure you’re hooked up with a prime audio-video setup! KEY for the most immersive, bright and connected viewing experience for you and your guests this season.
LCD or OLED technology?
You have an overwhelming number of options. Should you opt for LCD or OLED technology? Or maybe a big-screen 4K projector is more your speed? And which audio setup will deliver that immersive audio experience? What’s more, it’s important to consider which cable or streaming service to use.
GO BIG!
Regardless of your setup, a few things are clear: for the ultimate viewing experience, you’ll need a large screen. Add a most clear, bright picture possible and fluid motion display. Finish with a clean setup with no clunky speakers or wires distract you from the on-screen action, and strong network capability.
GO BIGGER!
If you’re ready for the ultimate realistic experience, a home theatre with custom seating, a large screen projector with 4K HD and surround sound will help you feel thrown into the game. If a TV-based setup is more of what you’re looking for, some key features to look for are motion smoothing technology and color accuracy, as well as bright picture, since most of the matches are during the daytime. But if you’d rather be outside by the pool, maybe an outdoor setup equipped with weatherproof speakers and televisions is your solution.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan looking for the most high-tech, immersive experience possible or you’re simply hosting your first watch party, you need an experienced team of professionals to help ensure your home is equipped with the best technology and support to make you feel like you and your guests have been transported into the stadium.
Selecting the Best Conference Display …Effective communication and collaboration relies on the participants’ ability to comfortably engage with the shared content. Content should be visible and any text being displayed, legible from any seat in the room. Determining the proper display size, type and placement is key in creating an engaging collaborative environment.
Consider the technology early in the planning phase.
This allows for the most flexibility in design options and provide the best possible outcome. An analysis of the requirements and goals will help in determining the ideal display for the space.
Viewing Distance Drives Display Type
There are various methods to determine proper viewing distance and screen size. The commercial AV industry association, AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), offers the specification “ANSI/INFOCOMM V202.01:2016, Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual System”. The standard uses multiple calculations that factor content, viewer positions from multiple locations, image size, font size, ambient light, off-axis viewing, the human eye’s range of sight at various angles, and more.
Selecting the Best Conference Display – Calculating for Content
Calculations for huddle spaces and small-to-medium conference rooms… Using a multiplier factor can provide a close estimation of display size that can help guide the design. Screen size and distance calculations are directly impacted by the content. However, because the type of content dictates the multipliers (or factors) used in the calculation.
Spaces where presentations will be shared, a large image will allow participants to read the content more clearly and comfortably. To calculate for this scenario, use a multiplier of 6 times the display’s image height (based on 1920 x 1080P resolution) to determine the furthest seating position. If data-rich content such as CAD drawings, Word or Excel documents or Web pages are to be shared, a factor of 4 should be used for added clarity. In conference rooms using video conferencing, a multiplier of 4 is also recommended.
The 45° Rule of Thumb
Viewing angles are a critical consideration. A general rule-of-thumb, participants should be within 45 degrees from the center of the screen. The top of the screen should be within 30 degrees above the audiences’ eye level. AVIXA’s standards are much more detailed. However, this general guideline will help set the expectation of screen size and positioning for initial design purposes.
Aspect Ratio
Widescreen aspect ratios of 16:9 are currently the most common. Laptops have also landed on 16:9.
By providing a screen that maximizes your content, your participants will remain engaged and your meetings will become more productive. Do you have a meeting space that could benefit from a more engaging video experience? Call us for a complimentary on-site assessment.
Technology is sleek and elegant. Some elements are meant to be seen; touch panels, exquisitely framed displays, speakers that are as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as they sound. And then there’s the behind-the-scenes components; the receivers, amplifiers, switchers…all the things with the blinky lights that you either showcase or hide away. Either way, they all live somewhere and that somewhere has requirements.
Technology systems are comprised of various electronic components that require power and inherently produce heat. Like your laptop or other electronic devices, they need proper ventilation for optimal and reliable performance. Not all furniture is suitable to house electronics.
Choices for housing audio video gear are numerous and offer sleek solutions for managing cables, providing air-flow and allowing IR signal visibility when required. Regardless of whether your components are stored in a dedicated equipment rack in a storage closet or in a highly visible media center or credenza in-room, purpose-built AV furniture will provide these features.
The Rack
AV equipment racks are available in various heights, measured in rack spaces or units, depending on the requirement of the components. They can be installed on swing-out mounts, inside of a media cabinet or placed on casters for ease of accessibility when servicing. For extensive systems, multiple racks may be needed. Racks can be placed in the room or located in an off-area such as a centrally located, climate-controlled closet. Some installations will require forced ventilation through the use of thermostatic rack fans that will draw heat from the gear. When gear is stored in an enclosed unit, it is imperative that air be allowed to flow so that the heat can dissipate.
Wireless does not equal cord-free
The beauty of integrated systems is, well, the integration; all the systems “talking” to each other. Talking equals connectivity and connectivity equals cabling and cords, including wireless solutions. While wireless gear and speakers offer elegant, wire-free signal, electronics still require power. AV furniture provides access to the components as well as rails or channels for tidy wire management.
Once the cabling leaves the rack or unit, the best path for wire runs needs to be determined, along with factoring in the length of the run and calculating conduit specifications. This is where we shine. We’ve got the tools and know-how to get cables from point A to Point B with minimal impact while factoring in future demands and incorporating the unattractive wires into an aesthetically pleasing (or invisible) design).
Depth is also a consideration when placing components. In addition to allowing some space for airflow, connecters and cables add to the depth required for the back of the gear. At a minimum, plan for a depth of 20”. Knobs and control access are also a factor for various reasons. First, units with doors need suitable clearance to close properly and second, if the system is IR-controlled, a clear line-of-sight must be established otherwise an IR distribution system will be required.
Gaming consoles and media storage present additional considerations. Game consoles give off considerably more heat than AV equipment and, while gaming consoles are RF (radio frequency which does not require line of sight) allowing for entertainment unit doors to remain closed, gamers still need convenient access to the unit to charge their controllers. And even though it seems the thing to do, Media should be stored separately from electronic equipment so the heat does not affect the digital content.
Customization and communication
While audio/video racks and entertainment units are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, custom units are frequently sought. Some embrace the high-tech electronics and incorporate the sophisticated gear into the room’s design through custom-framed racks that face the interior. We love this approach but advise that they be installed at the back of room so as not to be a distraction while viewing an LED display or projection screen. Another popular solution is that of the “floating” shelves or enclosed media unit. For any of your custom work, we can provide you or your interior design professional with detailed drawings and/or dimensions for millwork. We will also communicate with your electrician or other trade where power drops need to be located.
The Form vs. Function Battle is Over
Today’s purpose-built AV furniture – credenzas, entertainment centers and glass étagères -will offer proper ventilation, accessibility to components and elegant wire management. We’ll determine the space requirements and share with you and your designer a variety of elegant choices or, when a custom solution is desired, provide the details needed to create the perfect solution for your home or office technology.
SERVICE
Clients can expect a response by noon the FOLLOWING BUSINESS day. For more IMMEDIATE support or if you are interested in a Service Membership to EXPEDITE service – PLEASE call (704) 696-2792 ext. (2) and leave a detailed message for our ON CALL Service Team.
Custom Membership
Send us your contact info and we will contact you to discuss our custom membership option.
