The Brief
We originally worked with the builder of this property to install a structured cable infrastructure, a distributed Linn audio system and a full Lutron lighting control system as part of the development. When the client moved into his new home he was keen to include a dedicated cinema/games room and approached us to design a custom solution for his family. After viewing both plasma and projection displays at our showroom facility and seeing a custom moving panel mechanism in action, we were given a blank sheet of paper to essentially recreate this system within a completely empty room. We were informed that this room was also going to house a full sized snooker table and would be used as a ‘boys room’ for watching football and other sports and thus needed to be used without necessarily having to turn down all of the lights.
The Proposal
The client specifically requested DVD storage and playback plus multiple games consoles, including a Sony PS3 and Microsoft XBox. After listening to an active Linn surround system in our demonstration facilities the client also wanted his room to benefit from this extremely high quality audio reproduction. Having assessed the empty space, we designed a dedicated cinema room. This required the construction of a bespoke false wall across the front of the room to house the plasma and its moving panel mechanism, the motorised projection screen, all necessary electronics and subwoofers.
The Technology
We specified a Fujitsu 50” HD plasma monitor and a SIM2 DLP projector for video reproduction. As the 130” projection screen was so large, we also specified a Lumagen video processor to provide the best picture quality available from all sources. As this was a multi-purpose room, users could use the plasma without having to dim the lights and still enjoy a football match or the racing whilst playing pool or using one of the arcade machines. A Linn surround processor and amplifier, combined with in-wall speakers configured in ‘Aktiv’ mode provided amazing sound quality, with the surround processor carrying out audio switching for all sources.
The Installation
This system featured a local DVD/CD player, Sky+HD receiver, a Kaleidescape that accessed a central server (Kaleidescapes were also located throughout the rest of the house), Sony PS3 and a Microsoft XBox. In addition to these local sources, the existing Linn Knekt system that was originally installed had been integrated into the system to enable the room to access the central audio sources, including a radio tuner and audio feeds. The Lutron lighting system was incorporated into the room with some of the original circuits, which had to be modified to suit the pool table and perimeter lighting. To address the ambient light which filled the room from two extremely large picture windows, we also provided two motorised blackout blinds to allow the projection system to be used even during the middle of the day.
The Challenges
Integrating the clients’ own equipment and making it work seamlessly with our distribution system and having complete control was certainly challenging.
The Follow Up
This room has become one of the most used in the home. Since installation the client has requested a number of upgrades to the system in order to keep it as up-to-date as possible and we have also expanded the Kaleidescape system into more rooms throughout the property. The room has become the place of choice for the client and his family to enjoy a big match, watch the rugby or to escape from the world. Unsurprisingly the children gravitate towards the room almost every evening. We have also returned to site as the interiors are being completely redesigned and TV positions and audio zones are changing from their original positions. We have also upgraded the user control interface by including iPads as roaming touch screen controls.
