Lucid Blue
By Rachel Cericola
Feeling blue? In this home theater, that’s actually a very good thing. Just about every inch of this room is covered in lush blue carpet and acoustical coverings. Those accoutrements help to darken the room and deliver a stellar theater experience. However, they also create one standout space, strictly from a design perspective. Of course, that look is what first draws you into this theater, but the system created by Electronics Design Group (EDG) is really what’s most memorable here. The star of the room is a Sony VPL-VW1100ES 4K Ultra HD Projector that’s broadcasting to a 10-foot-wide curved projection screen. That screen isn’t just big, but has been calibrated to ISF and THX standards for the best image possible. Also, the 2:35 aspect ratio and curved nature can wrap the viewer up in whatever is on-screen, whether it’s comedy, drama, or a big-budget action flick. It doesn’t hurt that those images are 4K, which translates into four times the resolution of a 1080p HDTV. That same projector also has Sony’s Reality Creation Engine feature, so it can upscale Blu-ray and DVD movies to the near-4K quality the homeowner has been accustomed to.
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Those discs are played on an OPPO BDP-103 3D Blu-ray Player that’s tucked out of sight in a nearby equipment room. Other sources include an Apple TV media streamer and an HD DVR. All of the equipment is housed in a Middle Atlantic rack, which keeps everything safe, uncluttered, and easily accessible.
Back in the home theater, even that blue decor has its purpose—besides looking good, of course. The walls are actually sound control panels covered in custom architectural stretch fabric. This plush perk aids in pumping up the sound delivered by the powerhouse pairing of Integra’s DHC-60.5 7.2-channel Network A/V Controller and the DTA-70.1 9-channel THX Ultra2-certified amplifier. Everything is connected to three Totem Tribe V on-wall speakers and four Tribe Side/Center in-walls. This collection keeps the viewers immersed in sound, without being cluttered by speaker cabinets. Rounding out the audio is a pair of Totem Thunder II subwoofers, each of which delivers 500 watts of room-shaking sound.
Whenever the homeowner wants to fire up a movie, dim the lights, or adjust the temperature, they can tap on the Crestron MTX-3 handheld remote. EDG has connected this slick controller to the Crestron MC3. This 3-series control system is compact enough to fit in the equipment rack, but has the power to pull together all of these complex components under one robust, easy-to-use control system.
“It’s clear from the minute you walk in the room that this is no ordinary theater,” said Bob Gullo, president and chief creative officer at EDG. “A hush of quiet takes over, luxury and craftsmanship surrounds you, and the picture and sound will leave you speechless.”
Others seem to agree. The room was voted Best Home Theater at the 2015 CEDIA (Custom Design & Installation Association) Awards. The annual competition honors the top technology projects designed and installed by CEDIA members in seven different categories, including Best Integrated Home, Best Media Room, Best Home Theater, and Best Personal Craft.