We Make It
Simple...
Where do you start? There is a dizzying array of equipment available, and
you could waste your time and energy trying out various pieces that never
deliver as promised. That's where Custom Technologies comes in. Over the
years we have worked with hundreds of components in a multitude of
configurations. We have researched, tested and installed many systems, and
we're always checking out the latest products. Why you
ask? Because we love it! And because of that, we make sure that every home
theater that we install meets the highest industry standards. They
must look as good as they sound, and they must operate simply by a single
remote. Only then do we turn them over to you.
Put Simply...
Home theater is the combination of high-quality sound and video
reproduction in the home. A home theater can be as simple as a sound
system connected to a television or as complex as a video projection
system and an elaborate sound system in a dedicated room. The heart of a
home theater sound system is the surround decoder. This device recreates
the experience of multi-channel cinema sound in the home. The decoder
separates the audio signals from a broadcast, videotape, or videodisc and
sends the audio signals to different speakers placed throughout the room.
 The
surround-sound systems used in home theaters are scaled-down versions of
sound systems in movie theaters. In most commercial theaters, some version
of surround sound exists. Most movie soundtracks separate the dialog from
special effects and music. Dialog usually comes from a center speaker, and
special effects and music are heard through speakers on the left and right
walls of the theater. Special effects can be sent to either the left
speaker or the right speaker to give the illusion of motion that
corresponds with the action on film. Loudspeakers at the sides and rear of
the room are also used to immerse the listener in sound.
What are you looking at?
The obvious place to start with is the
screen. Screens vary widely in their size, shape and the technology
employed to reproduce a picture. We can recommend the best type of screen
based on your viewing tastes. And for new homes, if the architect has
already drawn up the room, the best place to locate a dedicated theater is
in the basement. There again we can recommend the right screen size
for this application. If you're going after the realism of a real theater
then we suggest going with two-piece projection which is what you would
find in your local theaters.
Two-piece projection (most commonly used in theater applications) is
essentially the screen and a video projector. The screen can come in
a variety of sizes (max. 40' x 90') and two styles, fixed frame and
electric roll-up. Fixed frame screens are custom framed screens that are
mounted to the wall. For a more finished look you can have custom cabinets
encase the screen or motorized curtains to conceal it which leaves your
friends guessing until the lights dim and the curtains open.
Fixed screens are also designed to
provide elegance and unrivaled functionality to your home cinema. Save
space and assure a custom atmosphere by using
electric roll-up screens. Motorized roller systems provide a quiet,
reliable screen operation that can be
activated by a switch, infrared or remote control, or a projector screen
trigger. Tension
systems are standard in order to maintain screen flatness and control
edge-curl.
The second piece to the equation is the picture itself, which in this
case, is generated by a video projector.
Typically a projector is set back from the
screen much like a slide projector. It casts your video image onto the screen like paint to a fresh canvas. It's like being in the front
row of a movie theatre and with a long-throw zoom lens it prevents the
typical placement of the product between the viewer and the screen. In
fact, some projectors are so versatile they can be placed on a bookshelf
or installed in the ceiling corner opposite to the screen. Another great
feature you'll find in a projector is its ability to remain quiet. With
their intended use being for home theater purpose their mechanical design
keeps them whisper-quiet for extremely low acoustic noise. Projectors are
easy to operate by anyone, anywhere and with an image quality that will
greatly exceed expectations. Investing in a projector you can be confident
that it will deliver on sharpness, brightness and color fidelity.
Once you have your own home theater, it’s hard to imagine fighting the
crowds, sharing armrests and dealing with people chattering in the
background. You can make a home
theater as realistic as you’d like. Some people add accessories such as
marquis, candy counters and real theater seating, the comfy kind! However,
a home theater can also be located in your family room, and still be
better than a night at the local Cineplex.
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