Custom Home Theater Features

What are the most important parts of a custom home theater system?  Answers to this question may vary, but there are some components that really up the "awesome factor"of a custom home theater.  As a Winnetka Custom Home Theater company, we have installed and created top-notch home theaters.  As a result, we have realized that many factors contribute to what makes a custom home theater a truly great one.  Here are a couple of the features that go into a making a custom home theater great:

Equipment

As custom home theater specialists, we cannot stress enough how important it is to pick solid home theater equipment.  The equipment will dictate the quality, so choosing wisely is key.  Typically, homeowners grow concerned over sound quality and rightly so.  Sound quality can greatly impact the enjoyment a homeowner gets from a home theater.  Speakers, projectors, and screens are just a few of the important home theater components that impact the quality of a homeowner's home theater experience.

Design

More than just the equipment, the design of the room is a big part of what makes a custom home theater truly look like and feel like a theater.  Finding that perfect space in your home is the first step in creating a great home theater design.  Typically the better the space, the better the home theater.  Choosing a dark room, installing lighting to provide ambiance, the arrangement of the seating, the color of the walls, the room angles are all design factors that can make a home theater go from okay to great.

Seating

The type of seating in a custom home theater can also up the great factor.  Think about it this way: if you walked into the home of someone with a custom home theater, would you expect to see cushy, leather recliners or folding chairs?  Obviously folding chairs wouldn't look as authentic as a row of leather recliners.  The type of seating chosen for a custom home theater provides that home movie theater feel, so in theory, seating is important.  The seating layout is also important.  It should be a simple, non-confusing layout.  Aside from the type of chair that is chosen and the seating layout, it should most importantly be comfortable to the homeowner and to guests.  After all, comfort is important when sitting through a 2 hour movie.

Just like the real deal

Some of the best custom home theaters are deemed the best because they are extremely close to the real deal. They bring the movie theater straight to the homeowner's home, which we find is usually the goal for homeowners who are looking to install a custom home theater.

If you're looking for more features to improve the quality or look of your custom home theater, leave us a comment below or contact us.

Lighting and Home Theaters

When it comes to your home theater there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.  For starters, the type of equipment you purchase, the room in your home the home theater will be in, the sound you are looking to achieve and the lighting in the room housing your home theater.  Lighting is a very important factor due to the fact that lighting creates ambiance for your custom home theater.  Here at Avidia we don't just install custom home theater systems.  We also put in lighting systems giving our customer's custom home theaters the real movie theater at home experience.  Why invest in a good lighting system for your custom home theater?  Here's a few reasons why we suggest it:

(1) Preserves energy: Worried about preserving energy in your home?  Invest in a great lighting system and save energy.  Lighting systems are a great way to preserve energy.  Lighting systems allow for capping the maximum light bulb output during every day usage.  This saves energy and also extends the bulb life.  A win win!

(2) Programmable: Lighting systems can be programmed to turn on or off all the lights at any predetermined time.  Maybe you're going on vacation, but you don't want anyone to know you are away.  Then simply programs your home's lighting to go on and off at set times while you are away.  Perhaps the whole family is in bed by 10, then simply set your lighting system to turn off all the lights by 10.  It's just that easy.

(3) Create different scenes:  We mentioned earlier how lighting provides ambiance and lighting systems make creating that ambiance even easier.  Lighting systems make creating different scenes easy.  You can create that perfect mood for a party all by using a lighting system.

(4) Ease of use: Lighting systems are designed with ease of use in mind.  Lighting systems are user friendly and make providing the rooms in your home with adequate lighting very easy.

(5) More control:  A regular on/off switch is nothing in comparison to a lighting system.  With a lighting system you have complete control over the lighting in your home.  One panel gives you the ability to control all of the lighting to give the rooms in your home or custom home theater the perfect lighting.

Questions or comments about lighting systems?  Feel free to comment below or contact us.

Advantages of Universal Remotes

You've decided to install a custom home theater system.  You've had a Winnetka Custom Home Theater company come out to your home and install your home theater system to your liking, but now you've just realized that between all the home theater components, you are stuck with five remote controls.  You're thinking that is four remotes too many.  We don't blame you.  Luckily, here at Avidia we know how to solve the "one too many remotes" problem.

Between your television, surround receiver, cable/satellite box, Blu-ray player, etc., you're left with multiple remotes.  It can become frustrating dealing with multiple remotes to achieved your desired outcome.  Having multiple remotes also requires keeping track of each one and losing remotes probably happens often.  Completely understandable.  This is where a custom, computer programmed universal remote control steps in.  A universal remote can manage several components, eliminating the use of multiple remotes.  A high-end universal remote can manager several components and some incorporate a color touch panel screen.  Here are a couple advantages to using a universal remote:

(1) No more multiple remotes: As we said before, a universal remote allows you to get rid of your multiple remotes.  With a universal remote, you have one control that operates multiple systems creating a much more simplified experience.  With one remote you can turn on your television, surround sound system, and DVD player.

(2) No more clutter: Instead of having multiple remotes lying around and taking up space, a universal remote will clear up the clutter on the coffee table.  A universal remote simplifies life, streamlining your custom home theater experience.

(3) Gives you full control: Instead of juggling multiple remotes to adjust various components of your home theater, a universal remote gives you full control of multiple components all using a single remote.

(4) Ease of use: Instead of needing to use and understand multiple remotes for several components, you will only need to understand and work one remote-- your universal remote.  Universal remotes are made user-friendly, simplifying life, and streamlining your custom home theater experience.

(5) Programmable: Universal remotes can be programmed to suit your needs and there are a variety of different types to choose from.  Remotes can be designed and programmed for a specific project since everyone uses their custom home theater system differently.

If you have comments or questions regarding universal remotes or custom home theaters, feel free to contact us.

Home Theater Ideas (Part 2)

How a homeowner sets up their custom home theater room is a huge part of what makes the custom home theater experience.  Previously, we posted some home theater set up ideas we thought homeowners might find inspirational for their own home theater set ups.  Here are some more ideas to get the creative juices flowing when it comes to setting up your custom home theater:

#1- The projector mounted to the ceiling makes for a great custom home theater experience.  The lighting and rows of seats make a custom home theater seem like the real deal.  Rows of seats like the ones in this picture allow you to have multiple guests enjoy your home theater.  

#2- The wrap around couch could definitely maximize seating potential for your custom home theater and could provide a more personal feel than individual seating, depending on your preference.  The lighting in this room is quite unique and really makes the the emphasizes the television screen wall.   

#3- Here is another seating arrangement (horseshoe shaped) that works great for a custom home theater set up.  The wall sconces and ceiling lights provide just the right amount of light.  This room is great for the homeowner looking to keep their home theater room dark.  

#4- This home theater provides tiered seating and the lighting resembles a true movie theater experience.  

#5- This cozy living room doubles as a family's home theater complete with a large, wall-mounted television and projector.  We approve.  

The set up ideas for a custom home theater room are endless.  We love talking about Winnetka Custom Home Theaters.  If you're looking for more custom home theater room set-up ideas, feel free to contact us.   

Protect Your Winnetka Custom Home Theater

Throughout the spring and summer there is always potential for severe weather.  Severe weather (those of us living in the Midwest know) can strike at almost anytime, so being prepared is key.  As a Winnetka Custom Home Theater Company we always advise homeowner’s to protect their custom home theaters from the damage that could be caused by storms, especially power surges caused by lightening strikes or power outages.  A power surge occurs when the flow of electricity stops and starts back up again or when excess electricity flows into the system.  While severe surges aren’t as common as low-level power surges, both can cause significant damages to your custom home theater system components.  Here are some of our tips on how to protect your custom home theater from power surges caused by lightening strikes:

(1) Upgrade old wiring: Old wiring (we're talking about wiring from the 80s or earlier) isn’t equipped to handle today’s custom home theater components like new wiring can, so upgrading your old wiring can help prevent your custom home theater equipment from shorting out due to a power surge.  

(2) Protect your custom home theater equipment with a surge suppressor: Expand the longevity of your custom home theater equipment by using a surge suppressor.  Surge suppressors will protect your custom home theater equipment from external forces before it has a chance to damage any equipment that is connected. Custom home theater equipment is an investment, so don’t let a power surge wipe out all of your equipment.  Using a surge suppressor ensures that your equipment will be safe when lightening strikes.

(3) Don’t overload circuits: Protect your custom home theater system from internal power surges that can be created from overloaded circuits.  Overloaded circuits are created when two or more large appliances are plugged into and drawing power from the same circuit.  This needs to be avoided.  An electrician can install specific circuits for your devices to protect your home from experiencing power surges. 

Your custom home theater is an investment, so protect it.  For more tips on how to protect your custom home theater from power surges, feel free to comment below or contact us. 

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Achieve a Great Custom Home Theater Sound

One of the most important parts of any new custom home theater is the sound system.  Homeowners looking for a custom home theater want to duplicate the movie theater or concert sound experience, and who wouldn’t?  When it comes to great sound, quality sound equipment goes a long way and so does set up and tuning.  Here are a few of our tips on making the most out of your custom home theater sound experience:

(1)           Embrace technology: There are always new technology upgrades made to custom home theater sound systems and if you’re looking for that perfect sound, you should consider embracing it.  Do your research on what new technology might have to offer you and your custom home theater system.  New technology may be able to offer you exactly what you’re looking for from your custom home theater’s sound system.

(2)           Surround Speakers: Try moving surround speakers to achieve a different sound from your custom home theater.  Instead of placing them way up high in the corners of the room, try placing them on the side walls of the room at ear level.  This simple move can drastically change the sound from your custom home theater.  

(3)           Subwoofers location: Your subwoofer's location can also have a big impact on the sound you receive from your custom home theater system.  While many homeowners stick the subwoofer in the corner of the room, try to move the subwoofer's location to see what kind of sound you can get from a simple relocation.  While aesthetically you may want to stick the subwoofer out of view, it may not be the best for your custom home theater’s sound system quality.  Put the subwoofer where it gives off the best sound. 

(4)           Utilize speaker stands or brackets: Pull those speakers out from the book shelf or cabinets and place them on a stand or mounted bracket instead.  You might be surprised by how much that can change the quality of sound.

(5)           Upgrades: Mixing new and old sound system pieces may not be the greatest way to achieve that booming movie theater quality sound.  Mixing the old and new can give off a disjointed sound, so consider purchasing matching sound equipment to achieve optimal sound. 

A few simple tweaks and changes can greatly affect the quality of your custom home theater’s sound.  If you have questions or comments on custom home theaters, contact us.  

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Home Theater Ideas

      Having a home theater company come to your home to install a custom home theater is undoubtedly very exciting, but it can be a bit trying especially if you aren’t sure what you want your custom home theater to look like. Custom home theaters can range from simplistic to over-the-top. We are a Winnetka-based home theater company that loves to see anything and everything home theater. If you are looking for ideas on what your home theater should look like, look no further. Here are some different home theater set-ups:

#1- This home theater has a tiered seating effect, which is very similar to that of movie theaters.  Why not bring a piece of the movie theater experience into your very own home?

#2- This home theater has different take on seating and features a projector mounted to the ceiling. The arrangement is simple.

#3- A ticket taker standing outside of your home theater?!  Talk about getting the movie theater experience at home!  

#4- Maybe you are finding yourself unsure of where to place your home theater in your home.  The idea of the combined recreation room and home theater is something to consider.  All your entertainment could be housed in one room of your home.  Not a bad idea!

#5- The lighting in this custom home theater really provides ambiance.  The over-sized pillows as chairs make unique seating ideas as well.  

      If you have questions on how to make your custom home theater look like the real deal, contact us here at Avidia.