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Elevating the home AV design experience with clear proposals and plans from Audilux, featuring modern graphic elements.

Elevating the Home Technology Design Experience

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The process of working with a home technology integrator or AV company on your new home can seem daunting. So much so that even many builders avoid getting involved in the process altogether. While they have an entire army of subcontractors for pretty much anything else, when it comes to technology, you’re lucky to get a shortlist of contractor recommendations. Usually, you are sent off on a harrowing pilgrimage of discovery with nothing more than a prayer that you’ll find a trustworthy soul to enlighten you along the way. 

Education is an essential part of our job. If you’ve never had the opportunity to build a custom home before, chances are you might not be aware of the technology that exists, and we try to at least inform you of all of the possibilities. While some things may not ultimately be in your budget, the worst thing that could happen is to find ourselves in a situation where we didn’t mention a product or solution, only for you to hear about it later when it’s too late to include it. 

Diagram illustrating the role of a home technology integrator, featuring icons for audio, video, network, security, automation, cameras, lighting, Wi-Fi, and shades, with "Integrator" at the center, branded with Audilux logo.
A few of the many hats of your home technology team

As integrators, we wear a lot of hats and can be involved in nearly every facet of the design of your home. If it’s not plumbing or basic electrical, there’s a chance you’ve entered a corner of our Pandora’s box. Whether it’s things that immediately come to mind like AV, home theater, and Wi-Fi, or more leading-edge systems like motorized shades, lighting control, and home automation, the possibilities are dizzyingly endless. Unfortunately, over time, we found there was so much scope to cover that most people didn’t completely understand what they were getting, let alone exactly where anything was going. 


Back To The Drawing Board

When we first started the process of rethinking the template for our proposals, I was surprised to see there were no off-the-shelf options for making presentations to clients easy and understandable. So, with a background in graphic design, I decided to invest the time (which admittedly was an easier decision to make during the early days of the pandemic) and create an entirely custom set of icons and graphics that more effectively convey the design of our projects. 

The main goal of this investment was to make sure people could easily see what was going where. This approach goes a long way towards ensuring clients understand what to expect when their home is complete and hopefully helps avoid some of those “I didn’t realize this is what you were talking about” moments. 

While you don’t have to worry about how any of the magic works, I think it’s critical to provide a clear visual picture of where things are placed throughout the home. We got lots of feedback along the way from clients and family and have further streamlined the process as we’ve gone along. For example, each system is color-coded on the pricing proposal, matching our plans’ icon coloring. So if you see a blue security camera listed on the proposal, it makes it easy to look across and locate exactly where that piece is.


A Fresh Take On Technology Plans

Home technology layout plan featuring color-coded icons for audio, video, and Wi-Fi systems in various rooms, including the master bedroom, great room, and bedrooms 2 and 3, emphasizing clarity in home automation design.
Our new proposals feature easy-to-read icons

At this point, we’ve ended up with an entirely new process for presenting proposals that I feel provides plenty of easy-to-consume information. At the same time, it doesn’t require an electrical engineering degree or honorary Geek Squad nametag. When clients understand what they’re looking at, they can provide meaningful feedback and ask questions that help make us more effective members of your team. It’s been a worthwhile step and helps move us closer to our goal of delivering an experience that’s true “Magic by Design“.

KEF Ci3160-RL in-wall speaker review graphic featuring bold text on a sleek background, highlighting high-end audio technology for home theater setups.

SPEAKER REVIEW: KEF Ci3160-RL THX Ultra In-Walls

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When you’re shopping for speakers or any other piece of AV gear, the internet is typically a great resource, with tons of review sites offering a vast diversity of opinions. You can aggregate all of that information and decide what you think the best option would be. Easy as pie.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with architectural speakers.

Some of this plight is caused by the fact that most custom install brands aren’t available for sale directly to the public. It’s also understandable that built-in speakers are a much smaller market than soundbars or even traditional Hi-Fi speakers that sit in the room.

There is an unmistakable void for honest opinions and unbiased reviews of architectural speakers. If you’re building a new home or dealing with a custom installer, you’re pretty much flying blind.

Here at Audilux, we’re going to change that going forward. This post is the first of a series of in-wall and in-ceiling speaker reviews. I promise to do my best to avoid the typical audiophile sensory wankerism and offer clear and level-headed insights.

This is important since, in all likelihood, you won’t be able to demo any of these speakers yourself.

We’re going to start our new series near the very top of the food chain of in-wall speakers.


The Kef Ci-3160-RL:
THX Ultra Certified

In-wall KEF Ci-3160 RL speakers flanking a modern flat-screen TV displaying abstract art, set in a stylish home interior with large windows and greenery.
KEF CI-3160 Install by Audilux
Kef Ci-3160 in-wall speakers flanking a modern television displaying abstract art, set in a luxurious home environment with natural light and greenery.
Kef CI-3160 installed with grills painted to match

Kef speakers are manufactured in Tovil, England, just as they have been for the last sixty-plus years. While most of the industry’s component production has shifted to Asia, Kef is one of only a handful of companies to maintain control of every aspect of their supply chain by manufacturing custom drivers and electronics in-house.

If you’re not familiar with the rest of Kef’s Architectural offerings, they offer three different series that can be specified depending on the quality level desired; ER (Value), CR (Good), and QR (Best). The Ci-3160’s happily occupy a notch above the rest of the QR series and one rung below the flagship reference series.


Unboxing & First Impressions

The first thing that’s apparent when unboxing each speaker is the staggering build quality and weight.  25 lbs. is formidable by any standard, but even more so for a product that lacks a cabinet. Everything about the package exudes attention to detail and high-quality construction.

On a typical in-wall speaker a “dog” tab provides pressure at regular intervals surrounding the baffle. The tabs are tightened and sandwich the outer frame of the speaker with whatever substrate you are installing into.  With the Extreme Series, KEF has opted to use a secondary frame that encompasses the entire perimeter of the unit.

This might seem like a subtle difference, but it’s one of the many details that add up to next-level performance.

Pro Tip: One side effect of this design is that the rear frame has to be slid into one side of the rough opening and then pulled back to the intended center location. This does limit how closely the speaker can be installed to any framing, so I would suggest adding at least two inches of clearance space to either side in order to facilitate a smooth install. 


Stunning Good Looks

Modern home theater installation featuring a 55″ OLED TV mounted on a stylish wall, surrounded by large windows showcasing a natural landscape, emphasizing luxury and technology integration in home design.
Kef CI-3160 in a modern home
Close-up of KEF logo on the aluminum faceplate of the Ci-3160RL in-wall speaker, showcasing modern design and premium materials.

It’s no coincidence that the Ci-3160RL made the top of our list of speakers your interior designer will love. The faceplates are machined from a solid piece of aluminum that provides an undeniable bit of visual interest to your decor.

If you’re passionate about hi-fi or an unrepentant audiophile, you’re going to love the look.

In their bare form, the Kefs are an elegant conversation starter and a great excuse to put on a record. Kef also includes paint-able magnetic grills in the box if incognito is more your style.  


Music Performance

Sonic performance is a very subjective metric, but I would describe the overall tone of the Ci3160-RL as very focused, punchy, and smooth. One of the significant benefits of using 6″ bass drivers is the very fast transient response. Sure, you’re not going to get earth-shaking low frequencies (or frankly, get much action below 60hz), but that would be a silly goal anyway.

When paired with a sub to handle ultra low-end duties, the Kefs offer an accurate representation of the frequency spectrum that’s sure to delight.

As far as the top end is concerned, the equipped Uni-Q tweeter was enjoyable despite my militant preference for smooth or warmer-sounding tweeters. (Read: I Love Ribbon Tweeters) I found it to be very musical and articulate, but it never hinted at taking my head off, even at very high volumes.

It’s very pleasantly detailed but mercifully lacks the skulking razor-sharp armament of a Babadook Klipsch horn threatening pain around every corner.


Home Theater Performance 

Using the Kef CI3160’s for movies is a walk in the park. They’re capable of nonchalantly delivering soul-crushing volumes without breaking a sweat and then quietly retreating into dialog before you even know what happened.

My test install was in a room that measured 25′ x 30′ x 15′, which is far beyond the purview of the THX Ultra spec.

They easily filled the space at reference level.


Value

It’s probably time I address the elephant in the room regarding the KEF Extreme THX in-wall speakers. They’re undoubtedly expensive.

At $2000 per speaker, the real question is are they worth it? That requires answering a few more questions.

  • Are you in an 8+ seat dedicated home theater or a big open-concept living space?
  • Do you want a speaker that offers audiophile performance but blends into your decor?
  • Are you someone who lives their life by the mantra “Buy the best, buy it once”? 

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, I think not only are the CI-3160’s worth it, but they’re a great deal.

Keep in mind these are the install equivalent of the Kef R7, which will set you back an additional $300 each and a lot of floor space.

The Kef Ci3160-RL is one of the few circumstances where choosing in-wall is no compromise at all. 


If you’re interested in purchasing these speakers or have any particular questions about your room, feel free toreach out! We’d be happy to put together a package that’s perfect for your space.

What are the TEchnical Specifications of the KEF Ci3160RL-THX

Technical Specifications: Performance Highlights

Impedance: 4 ohms

Sensitivity: Rated at 90dB (2.83V/1m)

Frequency Response: 45hz – 28khz

Crossover Network: A carefully engineered crossover splits frequencies at 340Hz and 2.5kHz, fostering seamless transitions between the drivers.

Driver Array: 2x 6.5-inch woofers handling the lows, a 6.5-inch midrange, and KEF’s signature 1-inch Uni-Q tweeter

Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 – 350 watts (Bi-Ampable!)

Dimensions & Installation Notes:
External Size: 26.77″ (H) x 9.06″ (W) x 4.16″ (D)
Required Cut-out: 25.98″ (H) x 8.23″ (W)
Mounting Depth: 3.9″,
Weight: 25.79 lbs (11.7 kg) per speaker

What does the THX Ultra 2 Certification Mean?

When a speaker boasts THX Ultra2 certification, it means the product is capable of generating reference quality playback levels for rooms of 3000 cubic feet.

Top 4 designer-friendly in-wall speakers graphic featuring sleek speaker design and Audilux branding.

Top 4 In-Wall Speakers That your Designer Will Love

Top 4 in-wall speakers That your designer will Love

Usually, when installing speakers in ceilings or walls, the goal is to make them disappear. If I had to summarize the most common request we get from clients, it would go something like this; “I want it to sound good, but I just don’t want to see anything.” It’s sometimes even a stretch convincing someone they’re markedly better off with a subwoofer tucked in the corner of the room rather than being completely hidden away.

I understand the quandary entirely; when you’ve worked hard with an interior designer to make your space just right, the last thing you want to do is clutter up the design with ugly utilitarian speakers boxes.

That’s why most of the time, making things vanish is the best course of action. 

While my inner modernist rejoices at the simplicity of the “heard and not seen” approach (Trust me, I AM a modernist), There actually are a few in-wall speaker options that can take your design up a notch rather than mucking things up.


#1-KEF Extreme THX Ultra Series

KEF CI-3160 Extreme Series In-Wall Speakers
KEF CI-3160 RL In-Wall Speakers

These posh in-walls are constructed with a baffle from a single piece of aluminum and built to the same exacting standards as KEF‘s fabled Reference series.

As part of THX Ultracertification, the extreme series can fill even the largest rooms with audiophile quality sound while adding palpable visual interest and modern punch to your design.   

In-wall KEF Ci-3160 RL speakers flanking a modern flat-screen TV displaying abstract art, set in a stylish home interior with large windows and greenery.
KEF Ci-3160 Install in a modern home

#2 – Focal 1000 Series In-Wall

Focal 1000 Series luxury in-wall speaker with three drivers and a sleek black design, highlighting a Beryllium tweeter for high-quality sound in modern home audio setups.
Focal 1000 Series Luxury In-Wall Speaker

While they may be lacking some modern bling compared to the KEF’s, The Focal 1000 series sport a clean industrial design that would be equally at home in a basement speakeasy or the most well-appointed living spaces.

You also get the bonus of a great conversation starter, a pure Berrilyum tweeter crafted in France from one of the planet’s rarest materials.  

Beryllium tweeter from Focal 1000 Series in-wall speaker, showcasing a sleek design and high-quality audio craftsmanship.
The Focal Beryllium tweeter.

#3- Klipsch Reference Series In-Wall

Klipsch Reference Premiere in-wall speaker featuring dual copper-colored drivers and a bold horn design, emphasizing modern aesthetics and high-quality audio performance.

At #3 we have our first American-made entrant into the battle of the beautiful. The Klipsch reference premiere series features their signature copper-colored drivers. In addition, the bold Klipsch Horn gives the speaker an almost art deco look.

These are considerably more affordable than our first two options and prove you can still make a statement without breaking the bank. 


#4-Dali Phantom S280 In-Wall 

dali phantom s 180 livingroom no grilles 2
Dali Phantom with exposed drivers

Danish hi-fi company Dali has taken a different approach when it comes to their flagship in-wall systems. 

You can choose to display these vintage-vibe speakers ala Christopher Lloyd or use their included grills for a refined but modern appearance. We can’t help but think these would be the perfect addition to a listening or music room.  

116301 dali phantom s 180 livingroom cam01
Dali Phantom In-Wall Speakers with grills

If In ROom is an option

Focal Kanta 3

Focal Kanta 3 freestanding speaker with sleek design and wooden accents, positioned in a modern living space alongside a stylish lamp, emphasizing luxury audio quality in home theater setups.

While they may not be in-wall, if you want to add some stunning visual appeal and jaw-dropping sound, you might be looking for Focal Kanta. Hand-made in France and featuring automobile quality paint jobs and a vast array of color options, this in-room option is A+. 

Focal Kanta Color Options
Focal Kanta is available in a fantastic array of colors

Do you want to learn more about Surround Sound & Home Theater?

Read our post “Surround Sound Basics” for more information!

DIY guide for pre-wiring your smart home featuring tools like a multimeter, pliers, and wires on a wooden surface, branded by Audilux.

The DIY Guide to Pre-wiring Your Smart Home.

A smart plan to pre-wire your Newhome.

Editors Note: If you're entirely new to home theaters and AV or are trying to gain a basic knowledge of technology in new construction as a homeowner, I would suggest you start your journey with our New Home Technology Guide. It's more of a bird's eye view of what's possible and serves as a great primer on the topic.

Now that you’ve been warned brace yourself for a deep dive into the how. If you’re planning to DIY the wiring of your project, or you want to be very well versed when communicating with your installer you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started unpacking the process of designing and wiring your smart home from end to end!


The importance of Design:

During the planning stages, anything is possible. As long as you take it into account during this phase, you can integrate a vast number of systems. Of course, it can vary from project to project, but we usually start with the following outline:

Potential sub-systems

  • Lighting
  • Audio
  • Video
  • HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
  • Security & Sensors
  • Cameras & Surveillance
  • Water & Aquatics
  • Home Control & Interfaces

Take an inventory of what will and will not apply to your home. For example, if you don’t have a pool or sprinkler system, “Water & Aquatics” can be struck from the list. Next, let’s hash things out a little further. Split each category into detailed subcategories. Here’s an example of the expanded list.

Detailed SubSystem List:

  • Lighting
    • Line voltage lighting
    • Low Voltage lighting
      • RGBW Lighting Strips
      • Step Lights
      • Accent Lights
    • Outdoor & Landscape Lighting
      • Floodlights
      • Path lights
      • Step Lights
      • Bollards
      • Security Lights
      • Spot Lights
    • Motorized Window Treatments
      • Motorized Shades
      • Motorized Draperies
  • Audio
    • Whole-Home Audio (Distributed Audio)
    • Home Theater
      • Architectural Speakers
      • In-Wall Speakers
      • In-Ceiling Speakers
      • Free Standing / Furniture Speakers
        • Soundbars
      • Subwoofers
    • Outdoor Audio
      • In-Ceiling Speakers
      • On Wall Speakers
      • Landscape Speakers
        • Point Source
        • Bollard
        • Subwoofers
    • External Audio Sources
      • BluRay / DVD
      • Turntables / Vinyl
  • Heating & Cooling (HVAC)
    • Air Conditioner / Heater
    • ERV or HRV
    • Dehumidifier or Humidifier
    • Ceiling Fans
  • Security System & Sensors
    • Security wiring panel
    • Sensors
    • Motion Sensors
    • Occupancy Sensors
    • Glass-Break Sensors
    • Leak Detection Sensors
    • Door & Window Sensors
    • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Water & Aquatics
    • Pool Control
    • Spa Control
    • Irrigation System
      • Sprinkler System
      • Drip Irrigation
    • Water Features
  • Home Control System
    • System Controller
    • Interfaces
      • Scene Remotes
      • Touch Panels
      • Buttons & Keypads
      • Remote Controls
    • Access Controls
      • Smart Door Locks
      • Garage Door Control
  • Network & Wifi
    • Point of Demarkation (Entry to the Home)
    • Wifi Access Points
    • Other Data Cabling

You’ll need to create a symbol or marking to delineate each type of device.


Placing your AV Rack and Low-Voltage Panel

You need to consider two critical pieces of equipment when beginning to lay out your wiring plan. The first location is for your equipment rack; the second is for the low-voltage panel or “Smart Panel.”

The rack will hold all of the home’s central nervous system, including patch bays, network switches, audio amplifiers, video distribution equipment, network routers, and your automation system controller. If you decide to centralize your entire home altogether, you might also have cable boxes, satellite receivers, and even more.

The low voltage panel is installed directly into the wall. We find it most useful for housing the coaxial system and all camera-related wiring. Separating the surveillance elements from the rest of the rack enables you to lock the panel up securely. Hence, things keep functioning even if someone attempts tampering with the equipment rack.

Obstacles

When deciding where to place your rack, first and foremost find a location with enough room to accommodate the equipment and plenty of room to work. As much as it might seem like a waste of space, your equipment needs to be located in a conditioned area. Heat is the number one enemy of electronics, so choose a location that’s well ventilated.

You’re also going to have to avoid any major structural members since drilling through them could compromise the integrity of your building. Start your search on an interior wall or under a staircase.

Modern luxury home exterior with landscaped garden, featuring the text "BEFORE YOU BUILD" and "TECHNOLOGY GUIDE," emphasizing smart home technology integration.

Home Technology Guide (2025)

How to make a smart plan for technology in your new home.

Last Modified

You’re finally building your dream home. You’ve hired an architect, and you’re shopping around for the perfect builder. You may not know it yet, but this is the ideal time to involve a home technology integrator.

What exactly is an integrator? An integrator is the designer and installer of your home’s technology backbone. Their primary mission is to create audio and video experiences like music throughout the house, TV installations, and home theater. An integrator brings together all of the separate systems in your home like lighting, HVAC, and security, and makes them more manageable by providing one cohesive control system.

Diagram illustrating the role of a home technology integrator, featuring icons for audio, video, network, security, automation, cameras, lighting, Wi-Fi, and shades, with "Integrator" at the center, branded with Audilux logo.
The many roles of an Integrator

While smaller spaces can be easily managed with off-the-shelf solutions like Apple HomeKit or SmartThings, it’s usually a huge benefit to call in an expert as the home’s size grows.

It’s important to talk through your options early on because, while you can retrofit some things after the house has been completed, it’s dramatically less expensive to pre-wire your home during construction.

IF THERE’S EVEN THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE YOU MIGHT WANT SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE, RUN THE WIRE DURING CONSTRUCTION!

Cost comparison graphic illustrating pre-wiring ($150) versus retrofitting ($1000+) for home audio installations, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead in smart home technology integration.

LASTLY, WHILE IT MAY BE TEMPTING, DON’T RELY ENTIRELY ON WIRELESS.

Wi-Fi has come a long way, but if you have the opportunity to pre-wire for any device, like a computer or TV, you should do so. This forward-thinking frees up your wireless network to provide the best service for devices that move around throughout the home (phones, tablets, etc.) and gives you a little bit of a backup plan if you need to add something later on that can’t be hardwired.


WHOLE-HOME AUDIO

One of the biggest trends in building today is the use of a whole-home audio system. If you’ve ever wanted to have music playing throughout your home (without deafening anyone who dares to walk in the living room), then this is the solution for you.

Some of the more popular brands you’ll probably run into are Sonos & BlueSound, but you may occasionally see others. Speakers are installed in ceilings and walls, but soundbars and freestanding speakers can also be integrated. You can stream music from the provider of your choice or even listen to vinyl from your turntable.

Once these speakers are in place, it doesn’t just stop at music. With a bit of further design, you can use these speakers to carry sound from your TV, broadcast the doorbell, or even function as an intercom.


THINK IT THROUGH:

Not every space needs the same quality of sound. Work with your designer and figure out the places where quality counts. Come up with a Good, Better, Best strategy. 

This method lets you focus your investment on areas where you’ll be congregating, like a kitchen or living room, but allows you to use more economical options in transient spaces like hallways or bathrooms

Good, Better, Best speaker options visual with text "MAKE IT COUNT!" emphasizing sound quality for different spaces in smart home design.

TYPES OF SPEAKERS:

Let’s take a moment to make sure you have a clear understanding of the different types of speakers that are available. For purposes of discussing your new home, we can break those down into three main categories.

IN-CEILING & IN-WALL

Focal 300 Series in-ceiling speaker showcasing advanced sound technology and design, ideal for luxury home audio integration.
Focal 300 Series – In-Ceiling Speaker

In-Ceiling or In-Wall speakers are exactly as their names describe, but you’ll sometimes see them called “Architectural Speakers.” They’re speakers that are tucked away into your wall or ceiling and can provide rich sound without eating up floor space or providing an easy target for a Sharpie-wielding toddler or teething chihuahua. When people think of speakers in a smart home today, these are what come to mind.

In-Ceiling is a perfect solution when you’re looking for “heard and not seen.”

One caveat to be aware of: depending on the particular speakers you’ve selected, they can sometimes be lacking in bass response, but the addition of a subwoofer can quickly remedy this.


TIPS & TRICKS:
Focal Back Box for in-ceiling speakers, featuring a metal frame and sound-dampening material, designed to enhance audio quality and prevent sound bleed between rooms.
Focal Back Box

Specify in-ceiling speakers with a “rough-in” bracket that acts as a template for your drywall crew. This bracket allows you to line up speakers with other elements on the ceiling, like recessed lights or other points of interest. These brackets are cut out as your drywall is installed, leaving a perfect hole and no mess in your home later on.

Are you concerned about sound from speakers in one room bleeding into the room behind it or the floor above? Install a back box. A back box is an enclosure that installs behind your speaker and blocks the sound from traveling into adjacent rooms; it also provides a slight boost in audio quality.


SOUNDBARS:

Pulse Soundbar by Bluesound mounted below a flat-screen TV in a modern living room setting, featuring a stylish wooden media console with decorative items.
Pulse Soundbar by Blue Sound

Everyone knows the built-in sound from your TV leaves much to be desired. You can only expect so much from a pair of tiny speakers shooting backward into your wall. That’s where Soundbars come in. They provide a simple upgrade from your TV’s internal speakers without much of the fuss of larger speakers.

Due to their compact size, they can’t match the performance of in-wall or freestanding speakers, but they’re a great starting point and perfect for spaces like bedrooms or an office.


FREE STANDING / FURNITURE PIECES:

Focal Kanta 3 freestanding speaker with sleek design and wooden accents, positioned in a modern living space alongside a stylish lamp, emphasizing luxury audio quality in home theater setups.
Focal Kanta 3

While they’re no longer as common as their in-wall brethren, sometimes freestanding speakers are a perfect choice. Since the enclosure the speakers live in can be engineered for performance, freestanding speakers are the pinnacle of audio quality. They don’t have to be ugly either; speakers from brands like Focal or KEF are available in a wide range of finishes and can genuinely give your interior designer something unique to work with.

I like to think of some of these high-design pieces as furniture and not just a source of sound. There’s no better way to say “listening room” than a bold pair of speakers commanding your attention. The downside to freestanding speakers is they do eat up floor space, but sometimes quality is worth the compromise.


SUBWOOFERS: ‘CAUSE YOU’RE ALL ABOUT THAT BASS:

Focal Sub 1000F subwoofer positioned in a modern living room setting, enhancing audio quality and bass performance for home theater systems.
Focal Sub 1000F

One final speaker serves as a faithful companion to all three types we’ve listed above. Subwoofers reproduce low frequencies and bass in a way that most normal speakers aren’t able to. Subs are the secret sauce that makes you FEEL the music. It takes a substantial speaker to create that energy, so most subwoofers clock in between ten and sixteen inches in diameter.

 A subwoofer is an absolute must for a home theater, but you should also consider using them in entertaining spaces or living rooms.


HOME THEATER

So what exactly is a home theater? A home theater can be any space that offers a few key ingredients. The size and appearance can vary, but they always employ some kind of multi-speaker surround sound system and a high-quality display. The main idea is to bring some of the magic and allure of a commercial movie theater right into the comfort of your own home.

Home theater interior featuring Audilux logo, modern seating, ambient blue lighting, and projector screen, illustrating luxury home technology solutions.
Custom Home Theater Install by Audilux
Home theater setup featuring a large projector screen displaying a vibrant outdoor scene, modern furniture, and ambient lighting, showcasing luxury home technology solutions by Audilux.
Home Theater with Projector

WHAT TYPE OF DISPLAY IS BEST FOR YOU? 

There are two primary display technologies available today; Flat-panel TVs (LCD & OLED) and Projection systems.

The first thing to decide is what size screen is appropriate for your space. When a screen is too small, you won’t be drawn into the action or might find yourself squinting. Conversely, if a screen is too large, it will overwhelm the space and cause you to tilt your neck to take in the entire scene.


Modern home theater installation featuring a 55″ OLED TV mounted on a stylish wall, surrounded by large windows showcasing a natural landscape, emphasizing luxury and technology integration in home design.
55″ OLED TV installed in a modern home

A RULE OF THUMB:

WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING SCREEN SIZES BASED ON THE ROOM TYPE:

Bedrooms: 55″

Home Offices, Living Rooms, Great Rooms : 55″-77″

Media Rooms & Custom Theaters: 82″ – INFINITY! (Seriously!)

Additional Resources: 

If you want to make sure you get things right, use a screen-size calculator from THX or SMPTE. Input the distance between your seating position and the screen. The calculator will suggest the perfect screen size for your room. 

Screen Size Calculator 


VIEWING ANGLE

When you sit straight in front of a screen, this is called on-axis viewing. Most displays perform their best when viewed on-axis, but as you move to the left or right of center (off-axis), some types of TVs are prone to washing out and losing contrast. If a wide viewing angle is required, consider a TV based on OLED technology. It might cost a little bit more, but in the end, you (and all your guests) will be much happier with the experience.

A wide viewing angle can be one of the primary differences between a cheap TV from a big box store and the available higher-end models. Sure, it’s great to save a couple of bucks if you can, but that doesn’t matter if it isn’t usable in your space.   



WILL IT PLAY NICE WITH OTHERS? 

An essential but often overlooked piece of the puzzle when selecting a display has nothing to do with picture quality, screen size, or aesthetics. To integrate with most home control systems, a TV has to support network control.

If you select any mid-range or higher models from Sony or Samsung, you should be safe, but picking a TCL or Vizio could leave you banging your head against the wall.


FLAT PANEL OR PROJECTOR? 

Once you’ve settled on the appropriate screen size, let’s look at which technology might be the best fit. Believe it or not, it’s a pretty easy decision!

If you need a screen larger than 85 inches, you’re going to need a projector. For any application smaller than 85 inches, keep things simple and stick to a flat panel.

Projector vs Flat Panel comparison chart highlighting screen size suitability, brightness adaptability, equipment concealment, and DIY friendliness, relevant to home theater solutions by Audilux.

PROJECTORS : THE REALLY BIG SCREEN

Contemporary living room featuring a large flat-panel TV displaying a beach scene, surrounded by modern furniture and decor, emphasizing smart home technology and home theater design.
Screen Innovations Zero Edge Pro Projector Screen

Projection setups have one huge advantage compared to flat-panel TVs, and that is the ability to accommodate enormous screen sizes. Nothing else can even come close to their ability to put you right in the middle of the action. When you’re looking for the wow factor, a projector delivers!

But, there are a few factors that come with the territory…

The most significant enemy to any projection setup is ambient light. When stray light from the outdoors hits your screen, it causes it to lose contrast and punch but fortunately, there are a few creative solutions that can help mitigate the problem.

The first line of defense is to address the source of the light itself. You can pair a home control system with motorized shades and automated lighting control. With a single press of a button, you can turn on the projector, dim the lights in your room, lower the shades and start your movie.

Modern living room featuring motorized shades, a large projection screen displaying a scenic ocean view, stylish furniture, and natural light from windows, emphasizing luxury home automation and theater solutions.
Screen Innovations – Nano Motorized Shades

Companies like Screen Innovations have worked miracles to solve these kinds of problems with new screen materials like “Slate” or “Black Diamond .” These screens brilliantly display the image coming from your projector while rejecting most of the ambient light in the room.

But wait, that’s not all! 

Have you ever wondered where all the bulky speakers are hiding in a movie theater? If you’ve taken in a showing at the IMAX, you’ve probably seen the demo where they illuminate the screen from behind to reveal the colossal stacks of speakers hiding behind the screen.

IMAX theater setup showcasing large speaker stacks behind an acoustically transparent screen, highlighting advanced audio technology for immersive viewing experiences.

When you use what’s called an “Acoustically Transparent” or AT screen, you can benefit from the same thing at home. An AT screen has thousands of tiny perforations that allow sound to pass through unencumbered while visually hiding anything concealed behind it.

Acoustically transparent projector screen featuring a perforated design for optimal sound transmission and ambient light rejection, ideal for home theater setups.
Acoustically Transparent Screen

This is a perfect option for people who want big-league sound without seeing where it is coming from.


DON’T BE AFRAID TO DREAM BIG

Almost anything is possible with projection.

You can hide motorized screens in ceilings or drop one down in front of a smaller TV for casual use!

Luxury home theater with motorized projector screen displaying underwater scene, cozy bedroom setting with fireplace and modern decor, surrounded by nature-inspired wallpaper.
Screen Innovations – Zero G Motorized Projector Screen

A CLOSER LOOK:
SURROUND SOUND FOR HOME THEATER

If you want to get more information on the basics of Surround Sound check out our blog post “Surround Sound Basics” here!


MOTORIZED SHADES & CURTAINS

Modern living room featuring motorized shades, large windows, and a cozy fireplace, emphasizing home technology integration and light control for luxury interiors.

If you ever wished that one day you could press a button and completely transform the feeling of a room, the future is here, and such technology is no longer just reserved for the likes of Tony Stark, James Bond, or Richard Branson.

Motorized shades serve multiple purposes like controlling the amount of light inside the room, helping control solar heat gain, and offering privacy on demand.


MATERIAL TYPES

There are three primary categories of shade materials. “solar screen” fabrics allow a specific amount of light to pass through while offering a screened look. You’ll usually see them written as with a percentage value, representing the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the material.

Modern bedroom featuring motorized solar screen shades, large windows with ocean view, and contemporary decor elements.
Solar Screen

“Blackout” fabrics, while entirely opaque, offer the most significant amount of privacy and temperature control.

Pfifer Shearweave blackout fabric in black, showcasing a textured design for optimal privacy and light control in smart home automation solutions.
Pfifer Shearweave Blackout Fabric
Comparison chart of blackout, sunscreen, and filtering shade materials, highlighting light control, energy savings, privacy, and light softening, branded with Audilux logo.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR MOTORIZED SHADES:

When selecting a light filtering fabric, choose darker colors for enhanced viewability and lighter colors to help maximize heat reduction.


AS ALWAYS, IT PAYS TO PREWIRE. 

In a remodel situation, installations are usually limited to using lithium batteries that require an annual recharge. When planning for new construction, be sure to specify a prewire to make your shades virtually maintenance-free.


Lighting Control & Automation

Lighting control is also one of those most natural and valuable ways to automate your home. Each bank of lights can be assigned to scenes or schedules., and you can even make walking around the house on the way out the door a thing of the past. 

You have three options to consider when it comes to controlling the lighting.

#1 – Smart Dimmers or Switches

In-wall Z-Wave smart dimmer switch with no-neutral design, featuring mobile and voice control capabilities, packaged with installation instructions and compatibility details.
Smart Dimmer

The traditional way is to install “smart” dimmers throughout the home. Each light or “Load” is wired directly to a dimmer switch in each room. This can save on wire costs for your electrician, but in larger homes that have multiple switches for each space, it can certainly get ugly. The advantage of this method is cost. Depending on which platform you use, like Lutron RA or Z-Wave, you could only be looking at a premium of $50-$100 per dimmer location. 

#2 – Wi-Fi Bulbs

Female hand using smartphone to control Philips Hue smart home light, showcasing vibrant color options and lighting customization.
Philips Hue App

The second option is the use of wi-fi bulbs. With an app on your phone or tablet, the lights can be programmed with different flash patterns and color schemes if you’re feeling adventurous.

There are a few negatives to opting for individual smart bulbs, one being their significant price premium. Also, if you choose bulbs using wi-fi technology, they’re notorious for slowing down wi-fi traffic and crowding your network. 

#3 – Panelized Lighting

Lutron panelized lighting control system with multiple dimmers and wiring, showcasing centralized control for smart home automation.
Lutron Panelized Lighting Control

The last type of lighting control is the most intensive but also has a few very distinct benefits.

Panelized lighting is the gold standard in custom lighting control. 

In a typical home, light switches are installed directly in each room, and the individual fixtures or loads connect directly to them. This traditional approach is simple and does offer savings on wiring costs.

When you make use of panelized lighting, all switches and dimmers are located in a central panel (usually in your home’s mechanical room) and then remotely controlled.

This configuration does require a little more wire and planning, but the payoff is enormous. For example, you can have six loads controlled in the space, typically used for only one, or eliminate mechanical switches and centralize control on a touch panel. 

Vantage Easy Touch Glass keypad featuring buttons for lights, scenes, shades, and all off, illustrating modern home automation control.
Vantage Easy Touch Glass

If you want to get a deeper look at lighting control, take a look at our post on Lighting Control & Humancentric Lighting


Take control with a home automation system

We’ve talked about some of the things you can do with technology in your new home, but what’s the best way to bring everything together and make it a functional and useful part of your everyday life? The use of a home control system makes integrating all of the various technology in your house user-friendly and effortless.

You’ve probably heard of some of the DIY brands in the space like SmartThings, or Apple Home Kit. On the professional side, some of the bigger players are Control 4, Savant, Crestron, and Elan. When you’re working with a smaller home or just a few devices, sometimes the big box brands are completely adequate.

If you’re controlling every aspect of your home or just have a lot of technology, you’re much better off with a professionally installed solution.

At Audilux, we’ve standardized all of our installations around Elan. We think it’s the very best option on the market for custom homes and provides a great balance of elegance and value.

Elan smart home interface displaying time and date, featuring options for home control, security, climate, lighting, media, cameras, and intercom, emphasizing centralized home automation solutions.
Custom Elan Home Automation Interface

One of the biggest differences between a custom system and DIY alternatives is that all of the processing is done right inside your home rather than sent off to the internet. This is called “Local Control” and it offers a huge advantage in both security and performance. Imagine asking a question from across the room rather than being forced to walk ten miles just to get an answer; I think we’d all choose the simpler option.

This also means that in the event your internet connection is down, everything continues to function normally. This is not true of store-bought solutions. 


Remember, Nothing you see is a coincidence.

There is a lot more than just good technology going into the images of theaters you see on Pinterest or in Magazines. It takes a lot of work from talented interior designers coordinating with your general contractor and your technology professional to achieve those kinds of results.

If you have something in mind, bring it up early so everyone who needs to be involved can do their part to make your dream come to fruition!


F.A.Q.

What’s a realistic Budget for technology in my home?

You can use our budget calculator to get a rough idea of how to plan for the cost of technology in your home. Just input you’re home’s square footage and answer a few simple questions.

Technology Budget Calculator

How do I choose the right Technology company for my new build?

The technology in your home is something you’re going to interact with every day, and finding the right team to partner with is a big decision. First, realize that not all companies are created equal, and the expected service level can vary greatly. Look for companies that are certified by the Home Technology Association.

Less than 10% of integrators make the cut, and you can trust that anyone certified has been through a rigorous vetting process. If you’re in Nashville or Middle TN, we’d love to work with you with you on your project.

Surround sound basics infographic featuring subwoofers for bass and satellite speakers for full-range audio, highlighting home theater audio components.

Best Guide to Surround Sound Basics

I’m sure you probably remember the first time you experienced surround sound at the movie theater. In my case, I walked into a local screening of Jurassic Park, unaware of my local cinemas’ latest upgrade. I watched in awe as the t-rex skulked onto the screen, brontosaurus thundered, and velociraptors screeched and whirred around me.

I left with a massive smile on my face and immediately started trying to replicate the audio experience at home.

Early on, most people were stuck using kits from Bose, JBL, or a few other companies, but we’ve come a long way since then! Now it’s not only possible to match the experience of your local movie house; in many cases, you can even do better! (All while skipping the crazy popcorn prices in the process!)

T-rex towering over two characters in Jurassic Park, showcasing the film's iconic dinosaur scenes and immersive cinematic experience.
Jurassic Park
Modern home theater setup with large screen displaying an astronaut, surround sound speakers, plush seating, and ambient lighting.
Modern Home Theater

If you’re starting to consider a custom home theater or surround sound system for your home, here are a few fundamentals to help you with your research: 


What exactly is surround sound?

The goal of a surround sound system is to take the action unfolding on your screen and place you sonically right in the middle of it. So, for example, when a plane flies overhead in a film, the sound would come diving from over your head.

Surround sound systems consist of an audio receiver and two functional types of speakers: satellite (full-range) and Subwoofers. The full-range speakers reproduce the majority of the audio signal and are carefully positioned all around the room to help simulate a sound’s location.

The Subwoofers are tasked with one hundred percent of the bass and low-frequency information and providing the roar when explosions take the stage.

Surround sound basics infographic featuring subwoofers for bass and full-range satellite speakers, highlighting audio system components for immersive home theater experiences.
Full Range & Subwoofers

Do your best to be “matchy-matchy”:

All of your satellite speakers should be identical in an ideal world, but that’s not always practical.

At the very least, make sure to use speakers from the same manufacturer and product line to ensure they have similar timbre and voicing; this will prevent a noticeable change in tone as elements move from one speaker to the next.


Surround formats are specified using a number system.

Surround sound setup diagram illustrating 5.1, 7.1, and 9.1.4 configurations, highlighting speaker placement for optimal audio experiences in home theaters, branded by Audilux.

Five-Point What?

The way system configurations are written can often be confusing. Here’s the secret formula:

The first number listed is the number of satellite speakers; the second number after the decimal is the number of subwoofers. So a “5.1 System” would have five satellite speakers and one subwoofer, and a “7.1 System” would consist of seven satellite speakers and one subwoofer.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the addition of a third number. The final number represents the number of height speakers for Dolby Atmos. If you’re lucky enough to build a “9.2.4 System”, not only will you have a mind-blowing theater, but it would include nine satellites, two subwoofers, and four height speakers (oh my!)


What is Dolby Atmos? 

Dolby Atmos theater layout with multiple height speakers and seating arrangement, illustrating advanced surround sound technology.

Dolby Atmosis the latest and greatest surround sound tech from Dolby Engineering. It incorporates height speakers (usually installed in the ceiling) to make sound come from above and additionally employs object-based audio processing.

Without getting too nerdy, Atmos takes a movie’s soundtrack and customizes it precisely to the number of speakers you have available. You let the receiver or processor know what it has to work with; the rest is Dolby magic!


Are you looking for a custom home theater in Franklin, Nashville, or Middle TN?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to put our expertise to work for you!


Modern home exterior with landscaping, featuring text "BEFORE YOU BUILD" and "TECHNOLOGY GUIDE," highlighting home technology planning by Audilux.

Do you want to learn more about what’s possible with technology in your new home? Then, check out our “Before You Build” Guide to Home Technology!