14 Sep PAC’s “Invisible Home Theater”
Now you see it, now you don’t – When not in use the TV becomes a mirror!
Does this modern day family feud sound vaguely familiar? – Dad wants a large screen TV to watch football, your teenage daughter needs a surround sound system so she can invite her friends over to stream movies and listen to music, your youngest son wants a powerful system for a true to life gaming experience, and while Mom enjoy’s an occasional show on Netflix, she would trade it all to have a living room that doesn’t look like a sports bar or arcade.
While PAC can’t solve all family disputes, Invisible Home Theater designs can certainly spread a little goodwill and harmony throughout the household. PAC offers numerous solutions that allow everyone in the household to enjoy a wonderful home entertainment system when they desire, and then watch the system “disappear” when they hit the off button. Let’s take a closer look at some of the stealth features and functionality that comprise the Invisible Home Theater:
1. Televisions – Several manufacturers have perfected designs that combine decorative mirrors and high definition flat screen TVs. Seura (http://www.seura.com) is one of the first companies to develop this technology and they make it available in a huge variety of sizes and picture qualities. The mirror TV can be utilized in bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoors, and can even be installed over a fireplace mantel. Upon installation all that is visible in your room is a beautiful and appropriately placed mirror….Until you push the power on button and your TV appears as part of the mirror!
2. Speakers – Many homeowners object to the “eyesore” of the numerous speakers that are required for all home theaters. Thanks to Stealth Acoustic (http://stealthacoustics.com) the speakers that are required for all high performance home theaters can now be completely invisible! Through the use of a special acoustically porous membrane the three front speakers, the two surround speakers, and the subwoofer can all be installed behind existing sheet rock or plaster walls and ceilings. The membrane can then be painted to blend seamlessly with existing or new construction and there are no ugly grills needed to disguise the speakers.
3. Automation and Programing – Thanks to the latest generation of universal remotes, a stack of components can now be totally hidden away from the physical location of the system. Todays Architects and Builders commonly include an A/V closet with new construction, and for existing homes with tight space requirements, cumbersome gear now be relocated to a basement or utility room. Through the use of automation systems like Crestron (https://www.crestron.com) or Savant (https://www.savant.com) practically any brand and model number can be programmed and integrated, and there is no need to worry about perfect aiming of the remote. These robust platforms allow an experienced programmer to go beyond A/V to further integrate lighting, HVAC, shades, security cameras all on a single easy to use remote.
As with any service contractor the success of the job relies heavily on an insightful design and quality workmanship. I recommend choosing a reputable A/V integrator as opposed to an electrician or carpenter who may dabble in the field. These professionals have an intrinsic knowledge of automation programing and the custom installation process and will provide you with a more functional and thoughtfully conceived project.