AV Adviser

Your audio/video design needs to be in place at the start of the project

Cleveland - I preach it over and over to architects and interior designers.  The design of the audio, video and home integration system needs to be in place at the start of the project.  I won't say it's as critical as lighting or HVAC but when it becomes an afterthought compromises are made.  The results can be, well, less than pleasing. 

The worst is when I get a call from a home owner who's doing some sort of project, be it a remodel, an addition or even a new home.  He wants to add AV and needs it pre-wired.  He tells me the drywall is going up next week.  I cringe. 

I don't expect the home owner to be an expert on construction but where was the general contractor's head at.  Or maybe there was an architect or interior designer involved.  Why hadn't anyone discussed this with him in the planning stages? 

Take a look at this story from CE Pro, Architectural Horror Stories: Technology Assumptions Gone Haywire.  Read about the nightmares this custom integration company has faced in the past.  Every one of us in the business has similar stories of woe. 

I like the first sentence of the solution to avoiding the problem.  "Engage a design-minded custom audio/video installation company for preliminary low-voltage design only. Make sure they speak the design language of architects and interior designers."  The company I work for, K+ Integration Systems, has a sister company, a custom home builder.  We work closely with architects, interior designers, and every trade on the job.  You'd be hard pressed to find someone here in Cleveland  more versed in the their language. 

If you have a question or if I may be of service email me at radiohannibal@gmail.com

John Hannibal

Neglecting AV System Integration In Your Remodel, Home Building Plans? You're Not Alone

It happens more often than you'd think.  I'll get a call from a prospective customer who tells me they're finishing their basement and want a home theater and maybe some speakers and a TV by the bar.  I'll ask when the drywall is going up and they'll respond with something like "in a couple of days".  That's when I smack my hand into my head. Luckily they don't see that.

It's surprisingly common for a home owner to completely forget about integrating audio. video, lighting and other control systems until it's nearly too late.  What's even more surprising is how often contractors, architects and interior designers give it little or no consideration. 

These type of systems need to be worked into the initial design.  Today they are as integral as the electrical or heating and cooling layout.  So why is it too often given short shrift?  I don't have a good answer for that, unfortunately. 

All I can do is try and get the message out that you and whoever is designing your project get a handle on your needs and desires early on.  Obviously once the drywall is up and it's a finished ceiling you are in big trouble.  I've seen it happen.  Holes need to be cut into newly hung drywall and a costly mess is made. 

Even if we're in time to get the wiring in place before it's buttoned up, if there's been no talk about placement of equipment like TVs, speakers, amps, etc.  in relation to the layout of the room it can be nearly as disastrous.  Talk about an unsightly interior design.  Shoehorning in a large screen TV into a corner that wasn't planned upon will look just like that...an afterthought. 

So when you're lining up the contractors or getting ready to sit down with the architect and interior designer make sure you give me a call.

If you have a question or if I may be of service email me at radiohannibal@gmail.com

John Hannibal

 

An Entertainment Room Retreat To Strive For

Now here's the kind of entertainment room I can imagine as my own.  The story comes from The Kansas City Star.  It's wordy title Stylish man cave is packed with electronics, games, audio gear, comfy chairs and a pool table. uses the phrase "man cave", a term I take offense to.  It sounds all too primitive and derogatory to us men.  In the end though this is a dream set up and quite achievable.

Far too often, home theater magazines showcase those dedicated theater rooms that look, well, like movie theaters.  Sure they look stunning with their heavy drapes and plush carpeting but they simply aren't to practical.  There's no multi-purpose nature to a theater room.  You can't socialize very well as the tiered theater seats all face the screen allowing for little face to face conversation.  A room like this is best left to those with, say, 20,000 sq. ft. plus homes.

The featured entertainment room in this story allows for many forms of activities.  You can still watch a movie on a 100" screen with 10 video sources, but you can play a game of pool, do some PC gaming or even record that next big hit you've been working on. 

The design of the room is casual if a bit too modern and stark for my taste.  I really like the layout and use of space though. 

Truth be told, I already have a room such as this...well, numerous rooms.  Where this guy has everything in one room, mine spreads out into three different rooms.  Of course, I don't deal with the WAF (wife acceptance factor).  

If you'd like me to design a room like this for you let me know.

If you have a question or if I may be of service call me at 440.724.0558 or email me at radiohannibal@gmail.com

John Hannibal

Have An A/V Plan Before The Remodel Starts

There's two common scenarios I come across when folks are remodeling.  The first is that I get a call from a homeowner saying I'm remodeling my basement and the drywall's going up tomorrow. I want to do a home theater and some sound over by the bar.  What do I do?  The second is that I set up an appointment and discover that they've just recently remodeled and now want to consider a home theater.

The time to discuss audio, video and control needs is in the planning stages of your remodel.  There's some terrific home remodeling companies out there that I work with (if you need one let me know).  There are also some who don't know the first thing about properly doing low voltage wiring.  Oh, they'll tell the customer that they do.  It's painful when I have to tell the customer that the single coax cable they've run from the cable head end to above the fireplace is insufficient and now it's going to cost much more to achieve what they want.  It may even necessitate deconstructing some of their new construction. 

It can be avoided.  If you don't think your contractor is that savvy when it comes to personal tech get someone like myself involved.  As a consultant, I can come up with a design plan for what you want to accomplish and explain it to the remodeler. 

I can also remind them and yourself of the need for sufficient equipment space.  Or where the best spot for the TV and speakers would be.  All the while paying attention to the interior design factor of the room.  

In the end it saves you money and headaches.  

If you have a question or if I may be of service, call me at 440.724.0558 or drop me an email at radiohannibal@gmail.com