From the very start, this home theater project was different. While most customers are hands-off during the installation process, the owner of ‘The Minema’ home theater was passionately involved. As a music enthusiast, he had previously attended the CEDIA Expo, where he became enamored with Wisdom Audio speakers. The homeowner decided he would like to bring Wisdom Audio to his entire house and new home theater and needed an integrator to make this possible.  

To start, the homeowner hired a technology consultant, Tim Larson at Modulus, and designer Paradise Theater to handle the acoustic design. Larson reviewed three bid proposals from three different integrators in the Los Angeles area and, in the end, chose AUDIOVISIONS.

The client didn’t want to limit the space to watching movies—he also wanted to use the home theater for remote work and virtual meetings. This posed a unique challenge, as most home theaters are not designed this way. The AUDIOVISIONS team had to think creatively about using the AV and lighting system for successful video conferencing. 

AUDIOVISIONS partnered with the commercial integrator YorkTel to engineer a built-in video conferencing system. The two companies worked closely together, with AUDIOVISIONS integrating the entire hardware (microphones, cameras, lighting, IT) into the Crestron control system. When not in use, the video conferencing technology disappears, letting work fade out of memory as the homeowners enjoy their favorite music and films.

Audio was top of mind for the homeowner, and he wanted to use a highly customized Roon digital music system for multi-room audio and the home theater. Near project completion, the owner decided he wanted to beef up the surround sound system with different speakers. The project was already deep into the design and already beyond engineering. But AUDIOVISIONS and the acoustic designer, Paradise Theater, were able to accommodate the owner’s request, resulting in an even more immersive audio experience. 

On the visual side, AUDIOVISIONS implemented a Sony 4K laser projector with a Seymour Screen Excellence acoustically-transparent projection screen. To set the scene for showtime, the homeowners can control Lutron motorized drapery and shades through the Crestron control system.

The Minema’s installation occurred at the height of the pandemic, which created many unprecedented process challenges. But by the installation’s completion, the homeowner was thrilled with the results and made The Minema a part of everyday life. He was able to grow his business and keep operations going through Zoom meetings in the theater. 

And best of all? The customer and his wife held their wedding in The Minema and broadcasted the moment to friends and family over the video conferencing system. Even amidst social distancing protocols, the couple and their loved ones were brought together in the immersive, comforting home theater. 

The couple is one of AUDIOVISIONS’ happiest and most engaged clients. Most companies cannot provide such customized, out-of-the-box solutions, but AUDIOVISIONS was pleased to go the extra mile to create a unique cinema experience.