Most of our favorite memories have a soundtrack, and a whole-home audio system isn’t just about sound; It’s about creating memorable moments and adding real value to your home. Whether you’re hosting a party, unwinding after a long day, or taking in the news over morning coffee, the right audio system can transform your space.
Let’s explore what makes whole-home audio such a game-changer and how the experience comes together.
What is Whole Home Audio and How Does It Work?
A whole home audio system offers centralized control from a single, easy-to-use interface. The system allows you to play the same music throughout your house or listen to different sources in various rooms. With strategically placed speakers and careful planning, you can have high-quality sound in every corner of your home.
Understanding “Zones”: A House Divided
Think of “zones” as different areas in your home where you can control the audio independently. A zone could be your living room, master bedroom, or even exterior spaces like your pool deck or garden. You can play music in one zone, like the kitchen, while someone else listens to a podcast in another, like the home office.
Speaker Zone Diagram
You can control the volume in each zone, choose what to listen to, and even group zones together to play the same music throughout larger areas, giving you complete control over your home’s soundtrack.
The Key Parts of a Whole Home Audio System
Name
What it does
Options
Speakers
Turn the audio signal into sound you can hear.
In-ceiling, in-wall, or outdoor speakers.
Amplifier
Boosts the audio signal so it’s strong enough for the speakers in each zone.
A multi-channel amplifier that powers several zones.
Controller
The “brain” that manages your music sources, zones, and how you interact with the system.
Often a dedicated device or a simple app on your phone.
Network Gear
Helps the audio signal travel smoothly over your home’s network.
A good Wi-Fi router or network switch.
Sources
Where your music comes from.
(Spotify, Apple Music), your digital music library, or even a record player.
These parts connect using wires or wirelessly, ensuring a reliable and high-quality sound. Understanding these components helps you see how installers create these systems and why having one central control point makes everything so easy.
The Benefits of a Whole Home Audio System
A well-designed whole-home audio system offers advantages in several key areas: making entertainment more immersive, increasing your home’s value, simplifying your life, integrating with your smart home, and creating personalized sound environments. Imagine the kitchen becoming the hub of family life, with an impromptu dance party keeping dinner prep lively and fun.
Elevate Your Entertainment
Whole home audio transforms your listening and viewing experience. Enjoy balanced, rich sound in every room, whether you’re hosting a movie night or just relaxing with music. The system’s strategically placed speakers and smart technology ensure consistent sound quality everywhere, eliminating those annoying dead spots or volume differences. This allows you and your family to enjoy music and movies with greater impact, wherever you are in the house. You won’t have to crank the volume in one room to hear it in another.
Boost Your Home’s Value and Appeal
Sleek, built-in speakers and hidden wiring create a clean, modern look that signals quality craftsmanship to potential buyers. Integrated audio systems are recognized as a desirable feature, often adding to your home’s valuation. You can expect to recoup a good portion of your investment when you sell, as a multi-room audio system demonstrates modern living and thoughtful upgrades.
Smart Home Tech is Reshaping Home Values
Studies show that adding smart home features, including advanced audio systems, can increase a property’s market value by 3-5%. Buyers are drawn to the enhanced safety, energy efficiency, and convenience these upgrades offer, often leading to quicker sales and better offers. For instance, in Austin, homes with integrated audio closed 12 days faster last year compared to those without. Consider the scenario of a potential buyer hesitating between two similar homes, choosing the one equipped with advanced audio and seamless smart home integrations because it offered a more modern living experience.
This can make the difference between securing a premium sale and missing out on a lucrative offer.
(Source: National Association of REALTORS® Smart Home Survey) (“How Smart Home Technology Can Boost Your Property Value”, n.d.)
Seamless Living with Smart Home Integration
The Elan Interface
Connecting your audio system with your other smart devices creates an integrated home experience. Imagine a “Good Morning” scene that gently raises your blinds, starts a news podcast in the kitchen, and gradually brightens your lights. This automation makes your home feel more intuitive and responsive to your daily life. When your audio system works with platforms like Bluesound, it can react to occupancy sensors or your daily schedule, further reducing the need for manual controls.
Personalized Sound for Every Room and Every Mood
Audio zoning allows you to tailor the sound experience to individual preferences and activities. Let the kids enjoy their music in their rooms while you listen to a podcast in the home office. Or, play party music on the backyard deck while keeping indoor music mellow. This level of control prevents conflicts over what to listen to and at what volume, promoting household harmony and a personalized environment.
Outdoor Audio: Extending Your Soundscape
Don’t let your music stop at your doorstep. Whole home audio systems can seamlessly extend to your outdoor living spaces, transforming patios, decks, and gardens into immersive entertainment zones. Imagine hosting a summer barbecue with perfectly distributed music or enjoying a relaxing evening under the stars with ambient sound. Outdoor audio solutions are designed to withstand the elements while delivering exceptional sound quality.
High-Performance Outdoor Solutions
Focal OD Stone Outdoor Speaker
For those seeking robust outdoor audio, brands like Focal and Theory Audio Designs offer specialized solutions. Focal’s outdoor speakers are engineered for durability and sonic excellence, ensuring your music sounds great regardless of the weather. Theory Audio Designs provides innovative options, including their new bollard speakers and subwoofers, which offer discreet yet powerful sound distribution, ideal for creating a sophisticated outdoor audio experience without compromising aesthetics.
Strategic Placement for Outdoor Zones
Similar to indoor zones, outdoor audio benefits from strategic placement. Bollard speakers can be strategically placed throughout your garden or patio to provide even coverage, while discreet stone speakers can blend into landscaping. In-ground subwoofers can add a deep, resonant bass to your outdoor soundscape, making parties and gatherings truly memorable.
Wired vs. Wireless: Which Whole Home Audio System is Right for You?
Choosing between a wired and wireless system involves considering sound quality, installation ease, scalability, and budget. Both types use similar core components like speakers, amplifiers, and controllers, but they differ in how the audio signal reaches the speakers.
Sound Quality and Installation: What’s the Difference?
Wired
Top-notch stability, virtually no interference.
Requires running wires, often best done during construction or renovation.
Wireless
Good sound quality if your network is strong; occasional dropouts are possible.
Easier to install in existing homes, fewer holes in walls.
Wired systems offer the most reliable, interference-free performance, ideal for audiophiles. Wireless systems use Wi-Fi or dedicated networks to connect speakers, making installation simpler, especially in existing homes. However, in areas with a lot of wireless activity, you might experience minor interruptions.
Cost and Scalability: How Do They Compare?
Wired systems typically have higher initial costs due to labor and materials for running cables. However, they scale predictably, even for very large homes. Wireless systems often have lower installation costs upfront; however, you may need to invest in additional network equipment, such as access points, to ensure consistent audio bandwidth as you add more zones.
We always recommend hardwiring everything, particularly on new construction.
Best Fit for Your Home?
If you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation where walls are open, a wired system offers the best long-term reliability. For existing homes where cutting into walls is not ideal, wireless systems are a great solution. Many people opt for a hybrid approach, using a wired network for main connections and wireless for final speaker links, balancing performance with flexibility.
When I design a system, I consider both coverage and performance. We typically specify a high-quality mid-level speaker as the standard throughout the residence for background listening. In areas where you like to entertain, such as the kitchen or living room, we can take things up a notch, opting for higher-performance models where it counts, while optimizing value everywhere else.
Top Whole Home Audio Streamers and Systems
Different brands offer unique features, ecosystems, and levels of integration. While systems like Apple Home and Google Home can work well for smaller deployments, a professionally designed system is often the best choice for larger homes and estates, ensuring seamless performance and scalability.
Professional Options:
Bluesound: Known for its user-friendly wireless multi-room streaming and a wide range of speaker options, integrating easily with other smart home devices.
Sonos is another prime option, celebrated for its incredibly user-friendly wireless multi-room streaming and robust ecosystem.
Determining the right number of speakers for a room is about ensuring the sound is spread out evenly. For rooms with 10-foot ceilings, we use the room’s square footage to guide our recommendations. The idea is to have enough speakers so that no matter where you are in the room, the sound is clear and at a comfortable volume without needing to turn it up too high in one spot. As a quick rule of thumb, you can consider one in-ceiling speaker for every 100 square feet (e.g., a 200 sq ft room would need two speakers).
Using the Focal 300ICW8 as a reference, here are suggested speaker quantities and coverage areas for background music applications in rooms with 10′ ceilings.
Small Room (e.g., 10’x12′)
~120 sq ft
1 Pair
Up to 120 sq ft
Medium Room (e.g., 15’x20′)
~300 sq ft
2 Pairs
~150 sq ft per pair
Large Room (e.g., 20’x30′)
~600 sq ft
3-4 Pairs
~150-200 sq ft per pair
Open Concept/Great Room
Varies Greatly
4+ Pairs
Strategic placement is key; aim for ~150-200 sq ft per pair
Note: These are general guidelines for background music. For more immersive or critical listening, speaker density may need to be increased. The Focal 300ICW8 is a capable in-ceiling speaker designed for excellent sound dispersion.
Audio is one of the best parts of a Smart Home
When your audio system works with your other smart devices, your home entertainment becomes a seamless part of your overall home automation. Effortless control is at your fingertips with systems like Elan, which orchestrates your entire smart home experience, including your audio, lighting, climate, and security, through a single, intuitive interface.
How Automation Makes Your Audio Experience Better
Automated routines, often called “scenes,” can control multiple devices at once. For example, a “Movie Night” scene could dim the lights, turn on the TV, and start playing your favorite movie soundtrack at the perfect volume. With Elan, these routines are easily customizable, eliminating manual steps and creating smooth transitions between different moods and activities in your home.
Planning Your Whole Home Audio System Installation
A well-thought-out installation plan is key to getting the best sound and ensuring your system looks good in your home.
Perfect Speaker Placement for Sound and Style
Deciding where to place your speakers involves balancing where sound needs to reach with how visually distracting they are. In-ceiling speakers are great for filling a room with ambient sound without being visually distracting. In-wall speakers can provide more focused sound while remaining discreet. Sometimes, a beautiful set of Hi-Fi towers can add to a room’s ambience. Outdoor speakers need to be weatherproof and placed strategically to avoid unwanted echoes.
Best Practices for Wiring and Network Setup
Using high-quality speaker cable for speakers and at least CAT6 cable for network components is crucial for a reliable system. It’s also a good idea to keep your audio traffic separate from other internet activity to prevent interference.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Hiring certified professionals ensures your system is set up correctly. They can fine-tune the sound for each zone, ensure music plays in sync across rooms, troubleshoot network issues, and keep your system’s software up to date. Their expertise guarantees that your audio system performs at its best and remains reliable for years to come.
HTA Certified: Ensuring Quality and Expertise
When investing in a whole home audio system, choosing a certified professional is paramount. The Home Technology Association (HTA) certifies custom integrators who meet rigorous standards for quality, service, and technical expertise. HTA Certified companies have demonstrated proficiency in designing, installing, and supporting sophisticated home technology systems, including whole-home audio. This certification provides peace of mind, assuring you that your system will be installed by a reputable and knowledgeable professional. (“What is the HTA Certification criteria?”, 2024)
Yes. A whole home audio system enhances your daily life with convenience and sound quality, and it boosts your home’s resale value. While the initial cost can range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on complexity, buyers increasingly value integrated technology, meaning you’ll likely recoup a substantial portion of your investment.
Key cost factors include the number of zones you wish to cover, the quality of equipment chosen, and the installation requirements. For instance, adding more zones increases the overall cost as it requires additional speakers and amplifiers, while opting for higher-end equipment ensures superior sound quality but may raise the price. Installation costs can vary depending on whether you choose a wired or wireless system, and professional installation usually comes at a premium but ensures optimal performance.
Understanding these elements will help homeowners better estimate the cost of their unique project.
How much does whole home audio cost?
The price varies based on the number of speakers, amplifier power, control options, and network needs. A basic 4-zone wireless setup typically starts around $5,000, while a fully integrated wired system for a larger home with advanced controls can exceed $20,000.
What equipment do I need?
A complete system includes your music sources (like streaming devices, media servers, or a turntable), a central controller, amplifiers, speakers, and a user interface (like an app or touchscreen).
You can also add components like audio-video receivers for home theater integration.
How is this different than Surround sound?
Unlike surround sound, which is limited to one room, whole home audio distributes sound throughout your entire house with independent control in each zone.
Ready to Transform Your Home’s Sound?
Let us help you design and install the perfect whole-home audio system. Experience effortless control and unparalleled sound quality throughout your entire residence.
References
National Association of REALTORS. (n.d.). Smart Home Survey.
Industry Averages and Expert Consultations. (n.d.). Whole Home Audio Costs and Smart Home Integration Benefits.
Jon King
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
TL:DR – AV Receivers are an affordable gateway into the world of audio and home theater. Separates offer better performance and are a better investment, but come at a much higher price.
Understanding AV Receivers: The All-in-One Solution
Receivers can be looked at as an all-in-one solution for simpler home theater or music setups. This is what you’re used to seeing when you walk into any big box store. That’s not to say a receiver can’t be incredibly high-quality (I’m looking at you, AudioControl Hyperion!), but they’re definitely more prevalent in lower complexity setups.
A receiver includes two major parts. The first part is a processor or pre-amp. The pre-amp takes care of all of the signal processing that happens prior to amplification. This includes switching between source inputs, decoding surround mixes from video sources, signal processing, and volume control, to name a few. The second part is a built-in set of amplifiers that vary per unit, but they usually have enough power to facilitate a basic surround sound setup.
The big appeal to receivers is that they take up less physical space in the room, usually have a lower cost of entry, and offer a simple way to get a system up and running. This integrated approach has a few limitations, though. The smaller footprint limits the size of components, and can even be limited by the standard 15-AMP current limit of most US electrical outlets.[1]
The Truth About Separates: Unlocking Peak Performance
Most budding audiophiles immediately drift to dreams of separate dedicated AV Processors and Amplifiers when visualizing their dream audio setup. [2]
High-Quality Seperates by AudioControl
The real reason for the performance leap has more to do with real estate inside of the case than you might think. A receiver is forced to use one power supply to power both the built-in processor and amplifier. It also limits the size of components like capacitors and resistors that can be installed. Separates are more of a no-compromise solution that has plenty of value if you can afford it.
One of the big advantages of separate components is extending the useful service life of your components and simply not having all of your eggs in one basket. With a receiver, a catastrophic failure means both your processor and amplifier are dead to rights, and you can kiss your investment goodbye. Separates eliminate that risk by allowing you to upgrade your processor as technology changes, while continuing to make use of that high-quality amplifier you’ve invested in. This modularity is a key benefit for long-term system planning.[3]
AV Receivers vs. Separates: A Comparative Look
To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the key differences between AV receivers and separates:
Feature
AV Receiver
Separates (Processor + Amplifier)
Cost of Entry
Lower
Significantly Higher
Performance Potential
Good for most users, can be limited by integrated design
Higher, due to dedicated components and power supplies
Space Efficiency
High (all-in-one unit)
Lower (multiple components)
Upgradeability
Limited (entire unit must be replaced)
High (individual components can be upgraded)
Power Supply
Shared for processor and amplifier
Dedicated for each component
Component Size Limitations
Yes, due to chassis size and power constraints
No, larger, higher-quality components can be used
Risk of Catastrophic Failure
Higher (failure of one part affects the whole unit)
Lower (failure of one component doesn’t affect others)
Which Path is Right for You?
The choice between an AV receiver and separates ultimately depends on your budget, space, and performance aspirations.
For the budget-conscious and space-limited: An AV receiver offers an excellent balance of features and performance for most home theater enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic starting point to enjoy immersive sound without breaking the bank.
For the discerning audiophileand future-proofing: Separates provide the ultimate in audio fidelity and flexibility. If you’re looking to build a no-compromise system and are willing to invest more, separates offer a superior long-term solution.
Still Unsure About the Best Path for Your Home Theater?
Let our experts guide you through the complexities of audio systems and help you find the perfect setup for your needs.
References
“The Benefits of Modular Audio Systems.” Audio Engineering Society Journal, vol. 65, no. 10, 2017, pp. 801-809.
“Understanding Electrical Outlet Limitations in Residential Settings.” National Electrical Code Handbook, 2020 ed.
Toole, Floyd E. Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms. Focal Press, 2017.
Jon King
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
1. What are the main advantages of using an AV receiver over separate Components?
AV receivers are designed as all-in-one solutions, making them ideal for users with limited space or budget. They typically have a lower cost of entry and are easier to set up, as they integrate multiple components into a single unit. This convenience is appealing for casual users who want a straightforward home theater experience without the complexity of separate components.
Is the Upgrade to Seperates worth it?
If you are an audiophile or someone who values high-fidelity sound, investing in separates may be worthwhile. Separates allow for greater customization and upgradeability, enabling you to enhance your system over time without replacing the entire setup. If you have the budget and space for multiple components, and you desire superior audio performance, separates can provide a more immersive listening experience. Consider your long-term goals for your audio system when making this decision.
Can I use an AV Receiver for a High end audio setup?
Absolutely! You can use an AV receiver for a high-end audio setup, but there are limitations. While many modern receivers offer impressive sound quality and features, they may not match the performance of dedicated separates due to shared power supplies and integrated designs. If you prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness, a high-quality AV receiver can still deliver excellent audio. However, for the best performance, especially in complex setups, separates are often recommended.
What should I consider when choosing between a Receiver & SeperateS?
When choosing between an AV receiver and separates, consider your budget, space, and audio preferences. Assess how much you are willing to invest in your audio system and whether you plan to upgrade components in the future. Additionally, think about the size of your room and how much space you can allocate for equipment. If you want a simple, compact solution, an AV receiver may be best. For those seeking high performance and flexibility, separates are the way to go.
Are there any downsides to using seperates?
While separates offer superior performance, they come with some downsides. The initial cost is significantly higher, as you need to purchase multiple components. Additionally, they require more space and can complicate setup and wiring. Really though, the only major downside is cost.
What are some of the best brands for high quality AV Receivers & Seperates?
NAD, AudioControl, and Marantz to name a few. If your theater is a “spare no expense” type of situation, don’t forget StormAudio and Trinnov!
Especially in the home theater enthusiast community, we can all be guilty of hyperfocus. Analysis paralysis is a rite of passage for any aficionado; we spend countless hours reading shootouts, reviews, comparisons, and poring over spec sheets until the wee hours of the morning. It’s part of what makes home theater fun.
On the other side of the lens, this phenomenon manifests itself as something reffered to as “Pixel Peeping”. Personified by internet warriors zooming images in to 400% magnification to look at camera defects, even though these outspoken individuals might be devoid of artistic talent, or be incapable of creating any meaningful work product. (Picture someone lauding a 500lb camera lens, even though it’s so large, you can’t practically transport it anywhere to film anything.)
The reason for my diatribe is simple: Specs and math don’t always tell the whole story. While I’m a firm believer in imaging and acoustic science, a laboratory environment is incredibly different from the real world, and the way we experience home cinemas practically is very different from the story told from a spec sheet. It’s important sometimes to remind ourselves that an experience is more than the sum of parts, or a bill of materials.
Understanding Dynamic Range in Projectors
Dynamic range, in the context of projectors, is the range of brightness levels a projector can display, from the darkest point of the image to the brightest highlights.
Excellent black levels are considered a hallmark of superior picture quality. Simply put, how black is the black? True blacks are the big difference between OLED TVs and all their inferior challengers. Since OLED is an emissive display technology, if a pixel has no luminance information, it actually appears jet black, not some crumby shade of gray.
At the most basic level, there are really only two ways to increase overall dynamic range: You can lower your black level, or you can raise the brightness of your whites.
Anyone who’s been following projector technology for the last decade will be quick to laud for their incredible blacks. (They would not be wrong to do so!) If you’re in a perfectly dark room, JVC’s LCOS technology has really bludgeoned all of the competition when it comes to lowering black levels.
On the other side of the equation, maximum brightness in projectors is measured in lumens. Lumens are one of the only figures we have for reliably comparing the maximum light output we can expect in an image. While brightness levels have slowly increased over the years, they’ve remained relatively stable at around 2000-3000 lumens for the better part of a decade.
All of the effort has gone into improving just one side of the equation.
To recap:
Black levels define how dark the darkest parts of an image are.
White levels determine how bright the brightest highlights are.
The distance and graduations between these two points are the dynamic range.
A greater dynamic range leads to better image quality, with more shades of light to dark and more depth to every color.
The Reality of Home Cinema Lighting
Back to my original point: While a pitch-black room is a great benchmark, most of us prefer to enjoy a bucket of popcorn or make use of some of the cool LED accent lights we’re all such fans of. Pitch black isn’t really entirely livable.
Not without stubbed toes, spilled popcorn, and perhaps, angry spouses.
We all have to admit that real life does call for at least a little ambient light.
While lowering black levels is a great way to improve picture quality, those popcorn lights and vibey LEDs add ambient light to your projector screen. Since black can only be as dark as the darkest part of the screen, your epic black levels suddenly drop from incredible to mundane. Even with a fantastic projector, the image washes out, leaving you with a very underwhelming experience.
At this point, you’re really left with two options:
Option A: Kick all the normal people out of the room and embrace the fact that you’re going to be enjoying a lonely existence in your home theater. You do get to watch your movies in utter darkness, but you might turn into a hermit, and you’ll probably end up getting made fun of by your partner
Option B: Enhance your dynamic range with extra brightness and share the experience with everyone you love.
Suppose option B sounds like the correct course of action. There’s really only one solution: Address the brightness side of the equation. Accept the fact that blacks can only be so black with a livable amount of light in the room, and take the light output up to the next level.
Epson’s Approach: The Brightness Advantage
While most manufacturers keep chasing blacker blacks, Epson has taken a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing all their resources on lowering black levels (though their black levels really are quite respectable), they’ve gone full steam ahead down the road less traveled, creating projectors that are absolute light cannons. We aren’t just talking a little bit brighter either.
While top-of-the-line models from Sony and JVC cap out at around 3300 lumens, Epson’s entry-level offering, the QB-1000, starts at 3300 lumens, and their top-of-the-line QL-7000 is capable of a retina-mesmerizing 10,000!
When we made our annual pilgrimage to CEDIA Expo this year (2025), Epson really drove this point home. They offered a demo experience with two equally sized screens placed side by side. They had their major competitors on one side (Sony, JVC), and the price equivalent Epson projector models on the other. The difference was simply staggering.
The other side effect of having so much light output at your disposal is screen size. Epson is really pushing the envelope, enabling screen sizes as big as 300″.
Of course, there are other options at higher price points. Barco and Christie come to the table with some incredible image quality and no compromises, albeit at a much higher cost of entry.
To head off the hate mail, I realize they aren’t going to win the war of spec sheets. I’m the first to admit that if you’re going for a 130″ screen in a completely dark room, JVC is a better option, but I don’t think that’s how most people really want to use their rooms. In real life, Epson’s higher light output usually provides a better experience.
What factors should I consider when choosing a projector for my home theater?
When selecting a projector, consider factors such as brightness (measured in lumens), resolution, contrast ratio, and the type of technology used (LCD, DLP, or LCoS). Additionally, think about the size of your room, the distance from the screen, and the ambient light conditions. A projector with higher lumens is ideal for rooms with more light, while resolution impacts image clarity.
What is the difference between contrast ratio and dynamic range in projectors?
Contrast ratio refers to the difference in brightness between the darkest black and the brightest white a projector can produce. Dynamic range, on the other hand, encompasses the entire spectrum of brightness levels a projector can display, from the darkest to the brightest points. While a high contrast ratio is essential for deep blacks and vibrant colors, a broader dynamic range allows for more subtle gradations in brightness, enhancing overall image quality and depth in the viewing experience.
Are there specific projector brands known for superior brightness?
Yes, certain brands are recognized for their exceptional brightness capabilities. Epson, for instance, is known for producing projectors with high lumen outputs, making them suitable for environments with ambient light. Their models, such as the QB-1000 and QL-7000, offer brightness levels that exceed many competitors. Other brands like Sony and JVC also provide quality projectors, but they typically focus more on achieving deeper blacks rather than maximizing brightness, which can be a crucial factor depending on your viewing conditions.
Jon King
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
So you’re building a new house and want to make mounting your TVs effortless. Here’s our step-by-step guide to make things a breeze.
1. Block things out:
Every good TV install starts with a firm foundation. Since TV brackets have limited adjustability, ask your builder to provide wood blocking between the studs to make mounting easier. This ensures you can get that TV just where you want it, while keeping things securely fastened.
Just make sure they leave room for a back box…. (more on that below)
2. Just Pre-Wire:
Yes, we know it’s 2025. Yes, Wi-Fi is everywhere, and yes, 99% of sluggishness and control issues are still caused by your TV using a Wi-Fi connection.
If you walk around with a device, that’s a great use case for wireless, but spend the paltry sum of money, and have CAT 6 run to each of your TV locations. It’s incredibly inexpensive during the rough-in phase of construction, and you definitely won’t regret it.
We even recommend running two or three lines to each location. That way, your TV, Apple TV, or any other device can be hardwired, keeping your Wi-Fi fast for wireless devices.
3. Plan for Plugs:
Power and network connections protrude from the wall when plugged in. If you want that Pinterest-perfect, completely flush TV installation, you’ll need a place to make the necessary connections. Fortunately, such a device exists. It’s called a “back box”.
A back box, recessed between your studs, sits inside the wall and provides a low-profile way to make all of your connections. It even lets you hide extra equipment like a cable box, audio transmitter, or other AV sundries.
Strong makes the nicest models, but lower-cost alternatives from Legrand work just as well.
Strong Versabox Back Box
Thinking of a Samsung Frame TV? An extra-large back box is a must. Many people are unaware that the Frame requires a large external box to manage its power and connections. (This is how they make the Frame so magically thin!)
Usually, this needs to be recessed into the wall and hidden behind the TV. These boxes are expensive, and it’s best to budget $300-$500 for each Frame TV location.
Looking for a Frame TV alternative? We love LG’s Gallery Series TVs! They have the same sort of Art mode as a Samsung Frame, without the need for the XL backbox. They even include a built-in recessed mount.
LG G5 Gallery Series TV
No AI was used in the creation of this article. We’re just offering advice from the friendly humans at Audilux.
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
At Audilux, we make it a point to take a few days off and make a pilgrimage to CEDIA Expo every year.
We do this for a couple of reasons; of course, it’s essential to stay up to date on the latest trends in the space, but I also want to make sure the vendor and product selections we offer our customers are the best available.
It can be easy to keep repeating the same thing and not realize what you’re missing out on.
The agenda usually consists of visiting our existing vendors and seeing what’s new, and then going to all their competitors to see what other experiences might be like. This year, we focused on attending demo spaces for new brands, and there were a few great surprises. I also came home more confident than ever with most of our product offerings.
Now that the dust has settled, here are a few standout observations we made at CEDIA Expo 2024.
#1 – JVC’s new projector demo was jaw-dropping
We attended the JVC Projector demonstration, featuring several new models. The first few scenes looked great from the get-go, and the room was shocked when the presenter explained we were actually watching their new entry-level laser projector, the NZ-500 ($5999).
JVC NZ-800
Halfway through the presentation, they switched to their flagship model, the NZ-900, which I could only describe as staggering. JVC has taken the lead with this latest crop of projectors at both the entry-level and high-end price points.
JVC NZ-900 Projector
JVC even had a dedicated demo room showing the flagship Sony model directly beside the NZ-900.
It wasn’t even close.
Point. JVC.
#2 – Epson was illuminating
Epson’s New Projector Lineup QB-1000 , QL-3000, and QL-7000
The Epson demo was also exciting for some different reasons. They seem to be focused on offering models with outsized lighting output, starting at an impressive 3300 lumens and going up to 10,000 lumens on their flagship model.
Epson QL-7000 / 10,000 Lumen Light Cannon
They seem to have made it their mission to defy conditional wisdom and install massive projection systems even in the brightest spaces.
The entry-level model, the QB-1000 , will be a sweet spot for many installations. It’s 30% brighter than the new JVC, and in rooms with any ambient light, it should be a home run at the price point ($7999).
Epson QB-1000 / 3300 Lumens / $7999
I could see us giving this projector a home in lots of mixed-use spaces, or if a customer just want’s extremely vibrant HDR.
#3 – Theory Audio Design / Pro Audio Technology
Paul Hales of Theory Audio Design & Pro Audio Technology had a very impressive space in a listening room downstairs. They had a fun element of having tons of speakers placed around the room and then using spotlights to show what you had been listening to after each segment.
It harkened back to the old days of Bose demonstrations, where you hear something so big, only to discover it’s coming from the tiniest of packages.
Of course, unlike Bose, Theory’s speakers were sonically fantastic.
Theory’s SB25 All Weather Loudspeaker
The secret sauce is proprietary DSP processing that extracts every ounce of performance out of each of their speakers.
Theory Audio’s new DSP Enabled Amplifiers
They only have a few different speaker models, but they are adaptable to all kinds of housings depending on what installation application you’re looking for.
The ceiling speaker could transform into a landscape bollard, pendant, etc.
Very Cool.
#4 – Ambisonic should be the soundtrack to your outdoor oasis.
Ambisonic’s outdoor speakers were our first big surprise at the Expo.
We’ve been installing some fantastic landscape speakers over the last few years, and our clients have always been elated with the results.
Ambisonic’s Tiny But Mighty Landscape Speaker
But….. Ambisonic’s Planar Ribbons are quite simply a cut above. The focused sound and even sound dispersion are to die for, and their tiny size would allow them to blend into the most sensitive design.
Ambisonic Bollard Speakers feature an integreated 10″ Subwoofer.
Sign me up.
#5 – Nice keeps getting Nicer
Our control platform of choice, Nice Home Management (formerly Elan), is at the heart of our installations.
Nice OS 8.9
During this Expo, we took the time to examine everything offered by the other platforms. After a visit to each booth, my lead technician remarked that the Nice touch panels felt like an iPad compared to what felt like an old Android at some of the other booths.
I couldn’t agree more.
The Nice HR40 Remote was still the best we found at the show
Nice showed their next-generation touch panels, controllers, and a new door station. They also previewed their latest software updates. I’m looking forward to putting them to work in the coming year.
To be fair, both Crestron and Savant also had a very robust offering, but I don’t feel we are missing out on anything. Nice offers a much better value proposition and superior performance, which is a win for our clients.
What were your favorite finds at CEDIA this year? Did anything surprise you? Let us know in the comments below!
As you can probably guess, you never know where you will be asked to build a custom home theater. Having a completely blank slate is almost unheard of, and this particular project began its life as a bonus room over a new home’s garage space.
Like most structures not built from the ground up as dedicated screening rooms, this build had its fair share of design challenges. Chief among them was the litany of angled walls, the vaulted ceiling, and the need for a doorway to access a hidden attic library space in the middle of the room.
Every theater room is different, yet with thoughtful engineering even challenging shapes can sound extraordinary.
We broke up the room’s long walls with columns. These columns did two things:
Added visual interest
Helped with acoustic panel placement and bass trapping
One major challenge was keeping access to the attic library without breaking the theater’s aesthetic or sound isolation. We tackled this with careful planning and concealed entry design.
We ultimately settled on concealing a door inside one of the room’s decorative columns.
Custom Build Hidden Door
This was accomplished using a custom door, with acoustic treatments applied directly to its face.
Hidden Door When ClosedHidden Door with Library Space Beyond
Space was also at a premium, and we also needed to find a way to minimize the equipment’s footprint and visual impact inside the room.
We were able to commandeer some unclaimed attic space and installed a recessed rack to house all the equipment. This kept things accessible while also not encroaching on the livable space in the room.
Retractable Middle Atlantic Equipment Rack
Audio
For the main stage, we chose identical in-wall Focal 300-series speakers across all seven channels, paired with timber-matched 8″ overhead speakers for Atmos effects..
Focal 300 Series IWLCR Speakers
A duo of Focal subwoofers rounded out the low end.
Focal Sub 1000F Subwoofer
Nice HR40 Remote
Nice HR40 Remote Control
This also marked our first deployment of the new Nice HR40 remote control. It offers seamless control of all of the sources in the system and even shows cover art from the Kaleidescape during playback.
Kaleidescape, The Finest SOurce
Kaleidescape Strato Interface
It’s been a long-standing secret that if you want the best picture quality, there’s only one place to get your movies.
Long hailed by Hollywood moguls and used in their own personal theaters, the Kaleidescape Strato player serves up movies at a higher quality than HD Blu-Ray with unadulterated audio to match.
Construction Gallery
Original space—raw drywall and exposed attic accessCustom acoustic framing and bass-trap columns take shapeHidden door installed and treated for perfect sealFinal fabric-wall stretch and lighting installation completed
Full Equipment List
System Configuration 7.4.2
Visual
Projector: JVC NZ-7 8K Projector
Screen: 150″ Screen Innovations Zero Edge Pro, Acoustically Transparent
Video Processing: MadVR Envy MKII Extreme
Sound
Audio Processor: AudioControl Maestro X7s
Amplification : AudioControl Savoy G4 , Audio Control Pantages G4
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
