December 20, 2014
Franschhoek Cinema Build: Day 14
Today we build and installed the fabric panels that will surround the projection screen.
September 11, 2014
Working on Plans 11 September 2014
While visiting a client recently we noticed that the installation that has been done in the house is very segregated and not very intuitive.
We have been looking at the plans and are going to suggest some changes to the existing installation. The audio video installation is not bad, but there are better ways that the installation can be implemented.
Architectural Plans
Currently the installation is as follows:
Lounge:
- Samsung Television
- Two High Definition DSTV Decoders
- Blu Ray DVD Player
- Apple TV
- Separate Bang & Olufsen Audio System
Television Lounge:
- Samsung Television
- DSTV Decoder
- Two Blu Ray DVD Players
- Apple TV
- Denon Audio Video Receiver
- Control 4 system
Kids Playroom:
- Samsung Television
- Apple TV
- Second Leg RF feed from DSTV Decoders in Lounge
To simplify the system, our suggestions are as follows:
- Upgrade control system to Crestron. (This is our control system preference)
- Introduce video matrix. Four inputs / Four outputs:
- Two DSTV Decoders
- Media Player
- Apple TV
- Relocate DVD players. (Lounge, TV Lounge, Kids Play Room)
- Introduce Audio Video Receiver to Lounge.
- Surround sound capabilities for TV viewing.
- Stereo for music from BeoSound Audio system.
- (Additional Zone 2 output for future addition of speakers on the outside deck)
This upgrade will give our client the flexibility to watch all video sources in every room of the house.
It will also reduce the amount of equipment installed. Also removing the cost of the additional DSTV subscription.
Most importantly the introduction of a single remote in each of the rooms makes the system far easier to use and appreciate.
We will give you some feedback on the upgrade once we have finalised the solution for our client.
August 26, 2014
Crestron Remote Controls
With the correct planning a Crestron remote controls can become a valuable part of any home entertainment installation. We have been using them extensively in our projects recently, this is why
We visited a client of ours whose upgrade we carried out earlier this year to make a few changes to his tastes. It is easy to see why he was happy to upgrade his entertainment system to include a properly configured Crestron control system.
With the correct planning we were able to install a single Crestron remote control in 3 rooms of the house, replacing a basket full of remote controls which included:
- DSTV Remote Control
- Panasonic Plasma TV remote
- Egreat Media player remote
- Blu Ray DVD player remote
We also added some new devices to the multi-room video distribution system, including:
- Apple TV’s
- Custom built XBMC Media players
- Security camera (CCTV) integration
- New surround sound Audio Video Receiver in the media room
All controlled by Crestron MLX-3 remote controls.
Looking for a solution like this for your home entertainment system? Fill in the contact form on our Contact Us page and we will get back in contact with you.
May 9, 2014
Cabling Installation 9 May 2014
While we strive to make sure that our installations are professional and as neat as possible. The cabling and pre installation work are sometimes not as glamorous as the in room installations.
While installing the cabling for our latest whole house video distribution project. I couldn’t help but snap this quick LiveInstall Selfie.
I am in a ceiling cavity that is only 40cm high, which was quite a challenge to work in, but we managed to get all the cables installed correctly.
LiveInstall Selfie – In a 40cm ceiling void