The idea of this media room was to make sure that the technology stayed consistent with the contemporary aesthetic of the space. Function and quality were important, but the audio and video had to blend with the look of the room.
CEDIA member
Bekins of Grand Haven, Mich., used careful room layout and equipment selection to ensure that needs for both style and performance were met. The resulting media room earned the Silver Technical Design award for Media Room in CEDIA’s 2013
Electronic Lifestyles® Awards competition.
Technical Highlights:
To meet the client’s request for a clean aesthetic, Bekins selected all in-wall and in-ceiling speakers and remotely located the equipment in an adjacent closet.
The Crestron system allowed Bekins to customize the iPad interface. The customer wanted an app that worked like other apps that he was familiar with. Bekins’ programming skills enabled them to provide the swipes and scrolls the customer was used to.
Challenges:
The main wall on which the television and speakers were mounted, which was the focal point of the room, was made of tile. Bekins needed to find a speaker that not only performed well but also could be blended in with the tile. The television needed to sit as flush to the wall as possible, and there was no room for a traditional subwoofer. The system design process included more consultation with the designer than most projects, but in the end, the extra time paid off with a sleek, contemporary look.
Calibrations:
The Audyssey Room Correction & Calibration feature that comes with the Integra receiver was key to calibrating this room. Bekins’ CEDIA Certified technicians also used their knowledge base to tweak the calibration. In addition to the Audyssey Correction, Bekins used the Paradigm PBK, which allowed them better tune in lower frequencies and get the most out of the room.
Project Partners:
ArchitectVisbeen Associates
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 285-9901
Interior DesignerJeffery Roberts Design
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 454-9490
BuilderScott Christopher Homes
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 784-4500