What are the Priorities when Completing a Home Theater Build? (Part 3)
Midwest Audio Video Expert Offers Professional Advice

In our last two posts, we discussed the importance of determining your (1) Space, (2) Display, (3) Sound Reproduction, (4) Speakers and (5) Subwoofers before making any commitment to building a home theater. As we complete this trilogy of informational blogs, we want to close out by getting physical (as in hardware...as in components, surge protection, wires, remotes and furnishings). Just remember, if you have any questions about these or any additional home automation subjects, Lucid Integrated Systems is only a phone call away...

 

 

 

What are the SOUND Priorities when Planning a Home Theater Build?
Midwest Home Theater Installation Expert Offers Important Considerations

Last time, we discussed the importance of determining your (1) space and (2) display before making any commitment to building a home theater. This time we focus on sound.

(3 of 10) The Sound Reproduction
Many would argue that the quality of your theater's audio capability is even more important than how clear the images are on the screen. Your options include either an AV Receiver or a Preamplifier/Amplifier combination.

An AV Receiver combines the functions of three components:
a) A Radio Tuner for AM/FM and, in some cases, HD (Hi-Def), Internet or Satellite Radio
b) A Preamplifier for controlling which audio and video source is selected (Blu-ray, DVD, CD, etc.), it processes the incoming stereo or surround sound
    signals and distributes them through the correct channels/outputs
c) And a Multi-channel Amplifier that sends the signals and power to the speaker system

A Home Theater, AV, Surround Sound Receiver or Separate Preamp and Amplifier provides most of the inputs and outputs that everything, including your TV, connects into. A receiver can be an easy and cost-effective way of centralizing your home theater system. That said, many high-end theater installations use separate components for each channel (which gives more flexibility in changing or upgrading and prevents the interference that can happen with combining functions with one unit). On average, a good Receiver will prove more than adequate.

 

(4 of 10) The Speakers
In much the same way the size of your space determines how large your video display should be, your room will determine what speakers are going to work best. We recommend listening to several different speaker models before you buy, and consider utilizing the same brand throughout (ensuring a better acoustical match). We have suggestions, but audio is subjective. How they sound to YOU is most important.

 

(5 of 10) The Subwoofers
The Subwoofer reproduces the low frequencies found in music and movies. Again, the size of your space (and flooring) helps determine which subwoofer will work best and we highly recommend you sample a variety to find the unit that performs to your requirements.

 

Tune in next time...

Our next blog will look at the product protection, wiring, furnishings and more. On average, the most successful builds are the ones wherein the homeowner has an idea of the basic requirements from the very beginning of the project. Regardless of how much homework you want to do, the Lucid Integrated Systems team is available to answer any questions and offer helpful advice based on years of experience. Call or stop by!

What are the Priorities
when Planning a Home Theater Build?

Midwest Home Theater Installation Expert Offers
10 Important Considerations

 

Welcome back!

There are few things in life more exciting than the mere prospect of having your own private movie theater at home. The very idea of immersing yourself in a carefully crafted space dedicated to your viewing and listening enjoyment might even be keeping you up at night. As anxious as you may be to get started once you've decided to move forward on the project, there is a lot to consider before beginning the build.

In this and future blogs, we want to offer 10 specific considerations; things you will want to have determined (or at least contemplated) to minimize frustration throughout the process.

1. The Space

Where do you plan to put it? Keep in mind, the size of the room will determine how large your video display can be, what projection system will work best, how many guests you can assemble, etc. The specifics of the room you choose are going to dictate quite a bit of the work order. Such as:

a) How much ambient light is currently in the room?
b) Is the floor surfaced with carpet, tile or wood?
c) How is the space constructed (and to what degree can it be modified)?
d) Do you intend to show the components, or would you prefer them in another room entirely?
e) Do you want to see the speakers, or want them hidden (or even built into the walls)?
f) How large of a viewing audience do you want to accommodate?

Seems overwhelming? Keep in mind that you can call and ask us ANY questions and, if you’re ready, we can come out for a visit and help assess your options. Just be sure the room you pick is the room that’s going to give you the freedom to construct the theater you want.

2. The Display

While the video display device ISN’T the most crucial consideration for all practical purposes (that would be seating and acoustics), it IS primarily what you see in your mind when you picture your excellent new theater space, so let’s discuss.

Once again, the size of the space will help determine how large of a screen can be accommodated. Then you can decide which video display works best for you. It might be a projector/screen combination, or a rear-projection television, or something as simple as a Flat Panel LCD or Plasma television. You also have the option of 3D viewing. It all depends on space and budget, but you should have an idea of what system is going to fulfill your needs as early in the planning process as possible.

 

Tune in next time...

Our next blog will look at the audio components, product protection, furnishings and more. On average, the most successful builds are the ones wherein the homeowner has an idea of the basic requirements from the very beginning of the project. Regardless of how much homework you want to do, the team at Lucid Integrated Systems is available to answer any questions and offer helpful advice based on years of experience. Call or stop by!

3 PRIORITIES FOR PLANNING YOUR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

Midwest AV Experts Offer Sensible Advice for Moving the Party Outside

Warm days and temperate evenings here in Minnesota and Wisconsin often put homeowners in the mood to begin planning big family gatherings, preferably outside. Lucid Integrated Systems can bring your favorite music, TV, and movies outdoors with you, transforming your backyard into this summer’s party central.

Obviously, this is a bit more complicated than merely hooking up a television and some speakers on your patio; especially if you want to control your entire outdoor experience (lighting, music, the sprinklers and the pool) directly from a handheld remote. In this blog, we offer several priorities for planning your outdoor Audio Visual entertainment. Then, when you’re ready to get started, you can just give us a call!

1. Waterproof or Weatherproof – There is a difference. Weather-resistant outdoor speakers have been available for years, while special weatherized flat screen TVs can be exposed to the elements and feature a special coating to minimize the glare from outdoor viewing. What’s key is the placement of your electronics. Are they going to be exposed directly to the elements, or will you be housing everything in a roofed cabana or enclosed patio? This is an important decision that must be made at the very beginning of your project.

2. Viewing Pleasure – In addition to the weather, you’ll want your monitor protected from dirt, moisture and insects. Whether your entertainment is covered or not, you’ll want to minimize glare by placing your display in a shaded area. If your choice is LCD vs. plasma, you’ll find that LCD is less susceptible to glare. Another option is a motorized drop-down screen. Tucked into a soffit, it will be protected from the elements and can even be programmed to rise automatically if conditions get too breezy.

3. Heard not Seen – Think in terms of coverage, not volume. Plan on your speakers firing towards the house (pleasing your guests AND your neighbors), and blend the speakers into the landscape by choosing models that resemble rocks, planters and other background objects from manufacturers such as Niles or NuTone. Plus, when you complement your outdoor speakers with in-ground subwoofers, you can utilize smaller, more inconspicuous speakers throughout and elevate the quality of the output. Remember, you want even sound coverage from a system that will be easily heard but hard to find.

We have years of experience installing audio/video components outdoors, yet offering seamless control of them from roaming handheld remotes, or even home automation touchscreens cleverly concealed to protect them from the elements. For the ultimate in backyard entertaining, let the pros at Lucid design and install an outdoor theater system, complete with large screen projection.

Outdoor networking options include basic stereo systems to full outdoor theater systems. Call 612-308-2486 or contact us by email today for more information on how you can get the outdoor audio video system of your dreams.