Audio-visual media
Infuse your home with extra wow-factor by installing smart entertainment solutions
From cinema rooms to whole-house integration, how could this work for you?
Once considered a luxury, incorporating some kind of media system has become much more affordable and is increasingly common. Exactly what specification of audio-visual (AV) setup you go for, though, will vary hugely depending on your budget and priorities. “A dedicated media room could cost you upwards of £50,000,” says Steve Itoje from Link It Solutions. “But many people will integrate TVS and speakers into mixed-use spaces, such as a kitchen-living room.”
The expensive bit is the kit rather than the cabling – if you’re opting for 4K TVS and surround-sound speakers, you could be looking at £15,000 just for the hardware. So, think about where you want to prioritise your funds. In recent years, we’ve moved from Hd-ready to ultra-hd television, seen a brief flirtation with 3D, with 4K now the standard and 8K on the way. “Remember that AV is fast-moving,” says Darren Palmer from Baulogic. “Streaming is the tech of the moment, so consider how this will impact your setup.”
Hardwiring data and network cables is really important, so that your TV and speakers aren’t totally reliant on Wifi. For example, if you’ve got two home workers leaning on the internet to connect with colleagues, while the kids are on school holidays streaming a film, scrolling on social media and playing video games online – all over Wifi – sooner or later, someone’s going to have a lagging issue. In a modern smart home, every data-intensive device should be within reach of a network point – with additional capacity built in.
Where to incorporate AV tech
Unless you’re a huge tech enthusiast, you probably won’t want a screen in every room. So decide where this is most important – it’s common to have a large TV in the family zone, but perhaps the snug is telly-free, while your master suite has a small screen for cosy evenings. And while you might want to keep TVS out of the kids’ rooms, maybe you’ll allow a speaker (and probably some additional soundproofing) with the option to add a screen later.
It’s becoming more common to fit speakers throughout the house, or at the very least in your open-plan kitchenliving-dining room. This helps create a certain ambience, whether it’s for cooking, entertaining or providing some background music for daily life. This could be hardwired, or something wireless and flexible. And it doesn’t have to look bulky – slimline products are out there, as well as invisible speakers like those offered by Amina, which are tucked away behind the plasterboard. You can see a hidden setup in action by visiting Build It’s Self Build Education House (www.buildit.co.uk/ourhouse).
In any case, it’s a good idea to to futureproof by fitting cabling for all eventualities. If you decide to sell up, the new owners might want to add more screens or speakers; hardwiring for this won’t cost you much initially, but could increase the value of your house significantly.
Whole house integration
The general consensus if you’re planning a lavish home cinema is to keep this in isolation. However, it’s entirely possible to integrate a multi-use entertainment zone with the rest of your house. “AV is normally delivered through a separate, specific system gatewayed into your overarching smart home,” says Paul Foulkes from Theben. This is due to the range of equipment out there – you might prefer certain speakers and that choice shouldn’t be limited by your smart home. So, many will integrate with almost any device.
In terms of whole-home scenes, you might configure one for entertaining, which causes the lights in the kitchen-diner to dim and speakers to play smooth jazz. The snug might feature a calming array of classical music and comfortable lighting for reading for one scene, and then transform into a dark cinema space at the touch of a button. Install speakers outside for a patio space that plays music while hosting.
You’ll typically have separate control over media systems. “A physical remote is particularly useful for TV or music. People are familiar with these devices and instinctively know how they work,” says Steve. “It’s simple, and that’s what makes it smart. Apps on your phone just don’t cut it.”