The time has come. We are living in an age when more and more people are seeking all the comforts of a simpler life. It's no wonder that many such spirited enthusiast have found themselves right at home.

Photo courtesy of X1 Systems, Inc.

A renewed sense of "homemaking" is on the rise as homeowners look to their immediate surroundings for the ultimate in fulfillment. Simplifying, and at the same time, indulging in one's lifestyle is the whole ideal behind home offices and home spas. It only makes sense that the same mentality is now spilling into our entertainment time. Be it a response to slow down and unwind in the comforts of your own home after a chaotic work week, or just the craving for the latest and greatest in technology at your fingertips, extreme measures are being taken in order to create a simpler life and appease the insatiable desire of making the home unlike any other place. The hope, of course, is that we can better enjoy ourselves both individually and as a family. And so, putting real truth in "there's no place like home," here enters the latest craze in home lifestyles... home theaters.

Just imagine a place where you and your family and friends can gather to enjoy the latest flick devoid of cola splattered seats and over-priced concessions. A place where intermissions can be reintroduced for bathroom breaks and popcorn refills. A place where sleepy eyes can immediately retreat upstairs and crawl into bed, or better yet, just fall asleep while reclined!

Home   Theater   Clips Sound Bites Sound equipment is very sensitive to network interferences. Without proper surge protection, HVAC, lighting and appliance wires can conduct unwanted sounds through the audio equipment. Projectors The average bulb life of a video projector is approximately 3000 hours. Beyond the cost of the bulb itself, most audio and video professionals provide their customers with bulb replacement services free of charge. CEDIA Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more than 3,000 member companies worldwide. CEDIA members are established and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience in this specialized field. For more information on CEDIA, visit the association's web site at www.cedia.org A Word From A/V Pros Although most businesses have show rooms, due to the in-depth consultation needed to adequately assess a project's needs, most media specialists advice homeowners to schedule an appointment to provide optimum service.

So enters the "Great Escape" artists: men and women who have the ability to create such places for those seeking such fanciful simplicities at home. When it comes to creating the perfect home theater, the possibilities are limitless. Your visions of the perfect oasis in entertainment are instantly transformed into reality by the ingenious minds of qualified professionals, all of whom are available right here in Pittsburgh.

Acquiring your own home theater first starts with consulting a qualified home theater expert for advice. "Why consult an expert?" The reason being, although homeowners have great intentions when it comes to designing home theaters, executing a plan without fully understanding all the aspects that go into installation, customizing and executing the project can lead to frustration and potentially costly outcomes. Therefore, with Pittsburgh's high technological rankings, homeowners can take full advantage of numerous resources to develop their home theater dreams, less the frustration and unnecessary costs.

Randy Evans of Goosebumps relates, "The typical consumer may not even realize what options are available when designing a home theater. They may shop at a place that sells big screen TV's and therefore limit their education of the subject to a supplier that is just simply selling what their own buyers have determined will gross them the greatest revenue based on consumer interest."

Photo courtesy of Architectural Audio & Video, Inc.

What home media professionals would like for consumers to know is that certified audio and video specialists keep up to speed with the fast paced growth of technology, and adhere to standards that surpass mere salesmanship. For many professionals in the industry, it is about the relationship that they develop with their clients. Bryan Hucko of X1 Systems explains, "We work very closely with homeowners. Whether it's a new or existing structure, we listen carefully to what the homeowner's audio and video needs will require both presently, as well as, what they are planning for the future." Today's audio and video technology has evolved to become both an art and a science that goes beyond the good intentions, knowledge or skills of most of us. Long gone are the days of merely plugging the television cord into the electrical outlet. The industry today is moving well beyond the typical understanding of "Hi-Fi" and "VHS," so it only makes sense to consult a professional.

When it comes time to selecting a reputable audio and video contractor, Pittsburghers have several highly qualified companies to consult. These highly regarded installers are often CEDIA members (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association). CEDIA sets the stage both nationally and internationally for establishing and maintaining standards within the industry. The association holds various seminars at which numerous manufacturers provide education and accreditation reflective of the latest trends, products and services. CEDIA itself has a required level of knowledge that must be met and obtained in order to certify installers. What that in turn facilitates to is a consumer's peace of mind, knowing only the best in the business is giving you the best in product and service.

Photo courtesy of Audio Communications

Contrary to the belief that home theaters merely reflect the glamorous life of movie producers, top executives and technological wizards, homeowners can create an affordable entertainment space that has more to do with family and less to do with "keeping up with the Jones'." Ken Knapp of Architectural Audio & Video, Inc. notes, "There is a general misconception among homeowners who think that the only way they can create a home theater is to purchase a big screen TV. They believe that they simply cannot afford an audio/visual professional, when in truth, dollar for dollar, they simply cannot afford not to." Consulting a professional is always a smart idea and it costs you nothing initially. Doing so usually ends up saving the consumer time, money and a lot of headaches, all the while gaining him or her more in service, product and performance. Shopping at local media centers can be educational, but when it comes to home theaters, keep in mind that what is being offered to consumers via the retail venue may not be the most technologically advanced nor the most cost effective.

Jay Gowda, Audio Communications, advises, "An entry level home theater set-up can start anywhere from $5,000 and up. Consumers typically are spending similar amounts on large screen televisions, when for the same amount of money, they can initiate a set-up that provides a much larger screen (100") and surround sound/video equipment, giving them better quality sound and video than the bigger standalone large screen televisions."

It's a venture worth exploring, as that is what makes for the ambience of a true theater: the large screen and surround sound. Keep in mind however; home theaters have the potential to create problems with the rest of the house. Knowing if you should integrate other electronic systems in the home with the system, or about installing power surge protectors or understanding how to contain sound within the room of your home are all matters that should be addressed. Audio and video professionals are trained to identify potential problems such as these and will make recommendations accordingly to avert a home theater gone wild.

Photo courtesy of Goosebumps

The technical aspect of home theaters is an important aspect in itself, but it is just not fully complete without the furnishings and accessories to bring the whole movie theater experience home. Mostly all of the audio and video companies extend their business to work with interior designers to bring together the design, or look and feel, and the furnishings that go into a home theater creation. Special theater seating is available that can fully recline and come equipped with cup holders, and even have installed heating or massaging mechanisms. Conversational pit-style seating is also an option, as are the traditional popcorn machines and soda fountains, movie posters, large boxes of candy and let's not forget…the red velvet, pull back curtain for optimum experience!

Bio's ARCHITECTURAL AUDIO & VIDEO, INC. Founded in 1995. CEDIA Member. Home Theater, Whole House Audio, Custom Lighting and Surveillance Integration. (412) 561-HIFI (4434) www.aavtheater.com. AUDIO COMMUNICATIONS TFounded in 1978, CEDIA Member. Home Theater, Whole House Audio, Custom Lighting, and Surveillance Integration. Project Philanthropy: Jr. League of Pittsburgh - Negley House Project (412) 856-4600 www.audiocommunications.com GOOSEBUMPS Founded in 1989, CEDIA Certified. Home Theater, Whole House Audio, Custom Lighting, and Surveillance Integration. Project Philanthropy: Rooms of Magic at the Children's Institute. (734) 941-3326 www.goosebumpshome.com X1 SYSTEMS Founded in 2001. CEDIA Certified. Home Theater, Whole House Audio, Custom Lighting, Surveillance Integration and Home Automation. www.customhomecinemas.com

Remember, the whole idea behind creating a home theater is comfort and convenience. Its purpose is to allow you to enjoy being at home in the company of family and friends. A well-planned home theater can not only achieve this goal, but also bring you one step closer to the lifestyle you desire and deserve. With technology paving the way and the professional expertise of the audio and video businesses in the Pittsburgh area, the only thing left to do is reward yourself…'cause "There's no place like your home."