HTS offers comprehensive home automation and control options, including:

• Whole house audio
• Video
• HVAC systems
• Lighting
• Security systems
• Shades
• Software

Using products from Crestron, we can help you control all of these home systems from your smart phone, tablet, computer, or from touch panels installed in your house. The ease of control means you have more time to focus on family and work, all while enjoying a comfortable home.

According to Crestron, their products allow you to…

“…indulge in luxury with a single touch of a button. Imagine with just a single touch the lights dim, the shades close, the plasma TV turns on and your favorite movie begins. All you need is the popcorn and soda. Imagine your window treatments are programmed to adjust at pre-set times to reduce glare and protect delicate fabrics and fine art from harmful direct sunlight. Imagine at night the hallway lights automatically illuminate as you walk by.”

A home automation system can do much more than help you set the ambiance while at home. By using the remote access options, you’ll virtually eliminate the need for a house sitter. No matter where you are, home automation systems can create the illusion of an occupied house: turning on lights, televisions, HVAC systems and more. Users can even lock or unlock doors remotely, eliminating the did-I-or-didn’t-I? panic that we’ve all experienced.

In the very near future, we’ll able to take home automation to another level entirely, making The Jetsons look less and less like a cartoon, and a bit more like reality TV.

At Google I/O in 2011, an Android-controlled light bulb was unveiled. According to CNET, the demo was of a person playing a shooting video game with the lights turning on and off as shots were fired, said Eric Holland, the director of electrical engineering at Lighting Sciences Group.

“Lighting is very visible and prevalent so it made sense for it to be first foray for the platform,” Holland said.

Maybe we don’t have accessible personal spacecraft yet, but the innovations in home automation systems are making the future available now.

There’s still quite a bit of unknown, but reports say that the company is developing a wireless entertainment system that will stream music throughout your home. It will use an Android-based software system to connect components, and will be run through a tablet or smartphone. Content will come from music in the Android market, or through the Google Music app.

Currently, Apple Inc. has the market cornered when it comes to producing both hardware and software. Google has been focused on software, specifically the Android operating system behind phones, tablets, and televisions. It’s possible that Google’s plans to acquire Motorola Mobility could provide an avenue for hardware production. That ability will allow them to offer a complete system, similar to Sonos or Squeezebox.

Competitors are questioning why Google wants into this market. While Sonos recently began offering lower-end systems, whole house streaming audio is typically a pricey venture for consumers. The WSJ article included speculation about potential revenues for Google:

The market for home-audio hardware, including basics like stereos and more advanced gadgets like the Sonos music-streaming system is worth around $8 billion a year, world-wide, according to an estimate from Sonos co-founder Tom Cullen, who adds that his company’s annual sales last year totaled about $200 million. “I’d be stunned if they actually thought it was worth it, because it’s peanuts for them,” Mr. Cullen said. Google generated about $38 billion in revenue last year.

The article went on to say that one person familiar with Google’s plans said the company hopes to increase the size of that market by selling products at lower price points.

There is also talk that Google’s system will eventually offer more than music. According to ZDNet, the company could be planning to create a system that streams video through the Google TV platform, and potentially controls even more of your home, like lights and HVAC systems.

Seating

Next to the actual theater equipment, this is probably the most important element of your room. Before you rush out and buy 12 recliners, measure your room and create a detailed drawing of the space. Include any windows and doors, ceiling height, and the dimensions of any additional furniture. We repeat: don’t buy anything without carefully measuring both your space and the furniture you want to buy.

Think about how you will use the room most: is it primarily for family and a few close friends, or do you envision large viewing parties? The number of people who need a place to sit will impact what you buy. A sofa that can fit 4-6 might offer you more flexibility than four individual chairs will.

There are a lot of options available, from individual chairs – usually these recline – to sofas with built-in recliners and cup holders. Shop around, sit in a variety of chairs and sofas, and take your time. You’re likely going to spend a lot of time in this room. Make sure you’re comfortable.

If you want to create rows of seating, you can build risers to allow for a good view from every seat.

Component storage

All of that beautiful equipment should be stored properly to prevent overheating. An AV rack (see photos below) is a great option for affordable custom storage. AV racks keep all of your components cool and within reach, allowing for easy access when you need to plug in/un-plug something.

Media Room AV Rack

In-wall Theater Component Storage

Storage for movies, music, and games

The easier it is for you to find the DVD or game you’re searching for, the more you’re going to enjoy the room. If you choose custom cabinetry, make sure you build some room to grow. Over time your collections will expand, and nobody wants piles of movies on the floor.

As an alternative to custom storage, you can get creative with media storage. Consider ottomans or other seating with hidden storage compartments. Or hunt for salvaged movie theater items, like ticket booths and concession counters – uses for salvaged items are limited only by your imagination.

Paint or wall coverings

Make the room cozy. Opt for dark colored walls and fabrics.

Lighting

Layer your lighting, and use dimmers. Install wall sconces that can be dimmed very low during viewings, or turned up for the post-movie discussion. Use lamps to provide task lighting in your snack bar or game table area. You may want to consider some low-voltage lighting, like rope lights, to help people find their way to snacks, drinks, and the exit door during viewings.

Don’t forget the extra touches

The home theater experience isn’t complete without snacks and drinks. If your furniture doesn’t come with cup holders and/or trays, provide small tables near every seat. It’s also a good idea to have cozy blankets and extra pillows available for each seat.

When the budget allows, it’s convenient to have a mini-fridge or even a small bar in the room, fully stocked with drinks and movie candy. Another great touch is a popcorn maker.

Keep an eye out for movie-themed décor, like film posters, old movie reels, or salvaged theater furnishings and equipment. These details help bring your personality to the space.

It’s okay. We’re here to help you cut through the abundance of information out there. Let’s review the basics first, because once you have a grasp on the basic components, customization is easy.

Speaker

If you’ve explored both soundbars and HTIB options, and decided that purchasing individual components and speakers is for you, here’s what you’ll need for a 5.1 surround sound system:

• A/V Receiver
• Subwoofer
• Front Left and Front Right Speakers
• Center Speaker
• Left and Right Surround Speakers

The 5.1 designation refers to the number of speakers (5) plus the subwoofer (the .1). Other common packages are 6.1 and 7.1 surround sound. These add one or two additional rear surround speakers, respectively.

Okay, you want to create a 5.1 surround system, so now what? 

Think about your primary use for the system, as  well as your room size and décor. One common rule of thumb: audiophiles should focus more of their budget on the front speakers, where stereo sound is focused; movie buffs want to distribute the budget equally throughout the system for surround sound effects.

And size may or may not matter here. Some of the newer petite, mounted or shelf speakers offer sound comparable to mid-range floor speakers. We recommend that you listen to the speakers you find appealing style-wise, and see what sounds good to you. Use music – or a movie –  that you know well, so you’ll know when the sound is truly impressive.

After you’ve chosen a speaker style – a decision that incorporates your personal style as much as your sound requirements – you’re just about ready to make a purchase.

While it might be enticing to piece together a system, hunting for great deals on each component, you will get the best sound from matched speakers. What does that mean? Matched speakers are specifically designed to work together and complement each other, providing you with the widest range of high-quality sound. They won’t muddy the sound or drown out each other.

There are two ways to ensure you buy a matched set:

• You can buy a speaker package, guaranteeing a matched set from one manufacturer.
• You can purchase individual components and read the fine print to make sure they work together (one way to make this process smoother: stick with one brand and try to stay in the same generation, instead of mixing and matching older and newer models).

Don’t forget to buy a subwoofer, too. 

Your subwoofer should match your speakers, but in size and sound compatibility only. You can buy any brand that works with your system, as long as it helps achieve your sound goals.

One final note on matching.

Once you have a matched set of speakers, it’s important to remember that – as with your subwoofer – you have flexibility with the brands of your components. When buying pieces like AV receivers, DVD and Bluray players, and gaming systems, look for components with the features you want, rather than simply buying within one brand.

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Who needs an AV receiver?

AV-Receiver

If you are outfitting your home theater with a 5.1 or greater surround system, whether purchased individually or as a speaker package, you also need to buy an AV receiver.

Okay, so I need one, but I still don’t know what it is.

An AV receiver provides inputs and outputs for all of your audio equipment, like the sound for your television and any stereo equipment. It also has video inputs for DVD players, satellite and cable receivers, HDTV receivers, digital video recorders, game consoles, and more.

When you plug all of that equipment into an AV receiver it acts kind of like a symphony conductor, helping to switch between your audio and video components, decode DVD surround sound formats, and power your loudspeakers.

How much will I spend?

AV receivers range from around $500 all the way up to $3,000 or more. The average purchase falls into the $800 range. The more you spend, the more features you get.

The highest-end models provide multi-room functionality, so you can have sound in several rooms at once. Some models even allow you to listen to different things in different rooms, all powered by the same system. For example, you can blast opera in the kitchen, while your kids watch a DVD in the media room.

What’s the one feature I must have?

The features you choose really depend on what you want to achieve with your system. Start by guaranteeing that you have a full-bandwidth power rating (20 Hz to 20 kHz). After that, consider how many components you want to plug in, and allow for any additional components you may add in the future.

On the low end, you’ll get 5.1 surround compatibility, and possibly up to 6.1 compatibility. As you move to mid-range units, you’ll start getting between four and six HDMI inputs, built-in networking functionality, analog video upconversion, and 3D compatibility.

Some newer models offer AirPlay compatibility, so you can stream music from your iPhone, iPad or iTouch directly to the receiver. AirPlay also offers networked capabilities, allowing you to take advantage of radio services and internet music sites like Pandora, MOG, Internet Radio, and more.

Does the AV Receiver have to match my speakers?

In a word, yes.

Speaker sensitivity ratings are measured in decibels (dB). Higher dB sensitivity ratings require less power, and vice versa. If your speakers have a low dB sensitivity rating, you will need a more powerful AV receiver.

The speakers and the AV receiver should also match the size of your room. When building your overall package, remember that a big room requires big power. Make sure you have enough amplification to fill your room.

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In this post, we’ll cover Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) options.

HTIB systems typically include five speakers, a subwoofer and an AV receiver with an integrated DVD (or Blueray) player. You can spend anywhere from $150 to well over $3000 on an HTIB system. With such a wide ranch of offerings, how do you choose?

The simple answer: start with your budget and build from there.

The cheapest HTIB systems will not blow you out of your chair with sound, but the newest models still offer a quality surround experience. These affordable systems are also compact and easy to set up. Something to consider no matter what your budget: if you have an HDMI-equipped HDTV, make sure the system you buy has an HDMI output.

If you’re looking to amplify sound in a family viewing area, perhaps something in the main area of your home, but you don’t want speakers taking up a lot of space, the low-budget systems are a great option. The small speakers make them easy to fit into any home décor.

Bigger budgets typically get you higher quality sound, along with more features – and higher style. You’ll have greater selection in speaker appearance and size, from discreet, satellite speakers that are around five inches tall to sleek floor-standing speakers.

There are also HTIB component packages on the market. These systems separate the AV receiver and the DVD, allowing you to connect more devices to the system. The components are larger and not as stylish as other HTIB systems, but if connecting all of your gaming and viewing devices is a top priority, this is a good option for you.

While most HTIB systems are small and elegant, they do still require wiring an entire room. If you’re anti-wire, many manufacturers now offer wireless and virtual-surround HTIBs. Keep in mind, however, that even though you won’t need a wire running from the front to the back of the room, you will still need to plug in your wireless rear speakers.

If plugging in those rear speakers just won’t work for you, consider virtual surround. These systems provide a surround effect, using only one, two, or three speakers. Keep in mind that you won’t get a true surround sound with a virtual system, but the latest technology creates a decent approximation.

A special loudspeaker enclosure which creates a reasonable stereo or surround sound effect from a single cabinet. They are much wider than they are tall, partly for acoustical reasons, but also so they can be mounted above or below a computer monitor or television or home theater screen.

Soundbar

In the simplest terms, soundbars offer better sound than the speakers that came with your computer or TV, but not quite the sound you’ll get from an entire home theater surround sound system. They are a great alternative for those who want amplified sound, but don’t want the clutter or wiring challenges that come with more traditional surround sound speakers.

Some soundbars offer surround effects, while others offer high-quality stereo sound. There are several options on the market:

Soundbar Home-Theater-in-a-Box (HTIB) Systems

These systems are about as close as you can get to surround sound. They usually come with a subwoofer, in addition to the soundbar. You should be able to connect all of your home theater components to an HTIB system.

Soundbar Speakers

These require an AV receiver. The receiver makes for better sound, but will add to your cost if you do not already have one. Some soundbar speakers offer faux surround, or surround effects, while others offer high-quality stereo sound.

TV Add-On Speakers

These are your simplest option and work best for people who just want to get better sound from their TV. You’re not going to get a surround-like effect, but you will get high-quality amplification. These units typically have only one input, but you can use the audio output on your TV to connect other components.

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A view from CES 2012.

The electronics in our homes are getting more connected and more intelligent. According to IEEE Associate Member Oleg Logvinov, 2012 is going to be the year of home networking technologies. He says that greater networking capability will allow consumers to use their “[electronic] devices for a holistic experience, such as using a cell phone to activate the TV.”

Dr. Henry Samuels, Chief Technology Officer at Broadcom Corporation agrees, saying that the theme of CES 2012 – across all 3000 vendors and the products they brought to the show – was connectivity. Users are looking for seamless connection for all of their devices.

This connectivity will lead to TVs that can run gaming applications, and connect to movie streaming services. Consumers will be able to download a movie with their phone and display it on their television with one click. One manufacturer has even introduced a TV with natural language processing and speech recognition technology.

Surprisingly, 3D is not the biggest trend in television right now. Experts expect 3D to continue to improve, including more content and better glasses, and predict that in two to three years 3D technology will be more mainstream.

At this year’s show, however, emphasis was on display. A PCWorld article, CES 2012: 5 Trends To Watch, says that Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) TVs are the thing to keep your eye on. These TVs promise “more vivid colors, faster response times, and smaller device footprints compared to LCD/LED TVs.” One manufacture claims that their new OLED will offer a response time of less than 0.0001 milliseconds (the average LCD response time is between 5 and 2 milliseconds).

Another new development is 4K displays. A 4K display will offer resolution that has four times the pixel density of 1080p HDTVs.

HTS will continue to monitor 2012′s hottest trends, allowing us to bring the latest in technology directly to your home.

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In general, surround sound is achieved through two types of equipment: a subwoofer and speakers. In this post we’ll cover some subwoofer basics. (Click if looking for information on soundbar speakers, HTIB systems or 5.1 Surround Sound systems.)

Let’s get started.

What is a subwoofer and why do you need it?

Remember when high-quality speakers were the size of an elementary school child? That’s because they covered high and low frequency sounds. Starting in the 1960′s, subwoofers were developed to amplify that low frequency range. With the advent of subwoofers, bass sounds became clearer. And speaker quality improved, as well, since the speakers could specialize in higher frequency sounds. Separating high and low frequency sounds was the beginning of an evolution that led to today’s smaller speakers. What does that mean for you? Small speakers allow for a much more discreet, higher quality surround-sound set up in your home.

Are you still wondering if you can get away with speakers only?

Well, you could, but you’d be missing out on a lot of the sound experience. Consider this: In the 1990′s DVDs started to include surround-optimized soundtracks. Having a subwoofer helps amplify all of the low-frequency sounds in your film, called Low Frequency Effects (LFE). The rumble of an explosion or the sound of hoof beats on the ground will be more realistic with the use of a subwoofer.

Will a subwoofer take up a lot of space?

No. While you can get away with only one, ideally you should have two subwoofers to evenly distribute the bass throughout the room. Still, they won’t take up a lot of space. Subwoofers vary in size, but they are generally compact and can go anywhere in the room except for the center.

According to The Numbers, 2011 saw the lowest number of moviegoers since 1995. Revenues were down from $10.46 billion in 2010 to $10.06 billion in 2011.

Will movie theaters become obsolete?

Some experts cite the rise of affordable home theater systems, along with the high cost of movie tickets, as reasons for this drop.

Roger Ebert says the accessibility of movies at home is one of six factors he sees for the drop in revenues, “Movies streaming over the internet are no longer a sci-fi fantasy. TV screens are growing larger and cheaper. Consumers are finding devices that easily play internet movies through TV sets. Netflix alone accounts for 30% of all internet traffic in the evening.”

He also says that the overall quality of theater experiences is poor. Not only are ticket prices going up, concession prices are high, too, and many moviegoers are simply annoyed by distractions.

“Moviegoers above 30 are weary of noisy fanboys and girls. The annoyance of talkers has been joined by the plague of cell-phone users, whose bright screens are a distraction.”

But not everyone thinks home theater access will kill the movie theaters.

An article on WSAW.com makes the point that people will continue to go to the theater for the overall experience, in spite of costs and distractions. Movie patron Christa Lahti and her daughter Reggie going to the movies is a priceless activity.

“I still think if you’re going to go to the movie, you’re going to go to the movie, no matter what,” Lahti said. “I mean, if it’s $10 or $7. For me, the movies is still a night out on the town, getting out of the house, it’s a change of scenery.”

At HTS, we think there’s plenty of room for both experiences: going out to a first-run blockbuster *and* spending a comfortable evening at home in your own personal theater.

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