Sound & Video Contractor presents features & columns on residential AV technology

Vegas Penthouse Houses Instant Entertainment

The client, an entrepreneur and casino owner, wanted his penthouse to be the ultimate expression of the Las Vegas lifestyle. He aimed to create a penthouse that felt like a nightclub and could be completely controlled without ever leaving the comfort of his couch. ...

Home Security Market Goes Hi-tech

With security system providers on the prowl for new ways to expand business and home control companies seeking non-traditional channels of distribution, the two seem headed for a collision course that could be a win-win for each. ...

New 2006 TVs Slim Down

While only 17 percent of consumers currently own a flat-panel TV, nearly half (49 percent) say their next TV will be thin, according to a study by the Consumer Electronics Association. The latest round of 2006 product introductions indicates TV makers have gotten the message that thin is in....

Ordinary Basement Houses Plush Home Theater

Close your eyes and imagine a basement filled with boxes, cobwebs and unused exercise equipment. Now imagine that same space as a magnificent home theater with cozy leather seats, DLP projection and a 100in. screen. The skilled crew of Massachusetts-based Percy's made such an amazing transformation possible. ...

Ambient Light May Reduce Eyestrain for Television Viewers

In the wake of an announcement last spring that it would recall 11,800 plasma TVs sold between June 2005 and January 2006 due to faulty parts, Philips has re-affirmed its commitment to the Ambilight technology with the introduction of six new mdels for the coming year....

Garage Home Theater Creates the Ultimate Drive-in

In this project, a car collector and movie buff wanted to add a dedicated home theater within a larger showroom garage and create the ultimate drive-in movie experience....

Security Watch:
IP-Based Security
By Bret Bass
As much as the industry enjoys introducing new technologies to the market, it equally dislikes reinventing the wheel. The most successful products are...

CEDIA Award Winner Combines Hidden AV with State-of-the-Art Control

These clients enjoyed the fast-paced yet meticulous reconstruction of their modest cape from its original form to a 5,500-square-foot home complete with a functional elevator and state-of-the-art AV systems throughout. ...

Classy, Elegant Home Theater Design is a Perfect Fit

When we first met with the client, they wanted us to design something very simple. When we walked through the house we couldn’t help but notice the beautiful wood detail throughout. We decided to present two designs to them—one that was simple, as they had requested, and one that was classy and elegant, with lots of wood detail. When the client saw the second design they knew right away that it was a perfect fit for their home. ...

Award-winning Home Theater Uses 110in. Screen and 7.1 Surround Sound