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♦ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2006 6A How To Create A Home Theater L ..... - —~ - The audio/video industry has evolved into a very elaborate business. The possibilities of creating a theatre or a highly sophisticated wiring system in your home are virtually endless. Try to imagine a theatre in your home that sounds and looks as good as what you might expect from the best commercial theatre for a fraction of the cost you would expect: * Surround-sound music at your home, all of which can be controlled from any room with the touch of a button. * A computer network set up anywhere in your home where you can plug in your laptop and access any other computer or the Internet with the fastest speed possible. * A video distribution system that allows you to play a DVD or VHS tape and watch it on any TV in your home. * Telephone systems that include paging and intercom capabilities throughout your home. (You can even use your telephone system to monitor your baby's room while he/she sleeps.) * One remote that can control your home theatre (all your components) with the push of just a few buttons. (Only one remote-and it is actually easy to use!) * You walk into your theatre room, your lights automatically come on, you push play on your remote to watch a DVD and automatically your screen comes down. All the appropriate equipment comes on at the correct settings and your movie AMERICAN HOME TECHNOLOGIES "MAKING HOMES SMART" BEST Customer Service after the sale Customized! Systems Te PU Yeur Heme • Home Theater Installation • Whole House Audio & Video • • Network Panels • Smart Home Automation • Panasonic Home 1 Theater System I <&| 11. I ] Mr® m Gauranteed Products, Gauranteed Service. im & HNHftn UM> m. WJL starts. All with the punch of a button. * With the push of a button, you can turn on and off all of the lights in your home. By time, motion, light sensors and other action, all your lights can be programmed to turn on and off when you want. These ideas may seem very futuristic: however, most electronic and music system stores can now offer these options which were not available or affordable several years ago. When opting to buy a sound system, home theatre or one of the many options, check with the store about installation options. Some stores offer to wire your house and install systems, while making sure it is not a foreign object to you. You should feel comfortable in your home and have an understanding of what your new equipment offers. What makes one home audio/video system better than another? The quality of the wire used makes a big difference in the level of performance you will see and hear with your components. A superior retailer will find out which wire delivers the best performance in each category. Is the cable in your house 40 percent braid or 60 percent braid? Does it have a copper core or nickel core? The better the wire, the better the performance! How Your House is Wired Have you ever watched TV at someone’s house and a bar continuously rolls up the TV screen? How about speakers that “pop” every time the fan is turned on in a room? Have you had problems with static on your phones or been continuously “kicked off’ the , v * ... f jMl ». JUtihwr ~ - -- 1 * :i ' Onkyo Harman Kardon fansoiii 4 >■ feshifea Internet for no reason? High voltage and low voltage do not mix! Wire should be run separately from the electrical wires in your house. This takes more time, but it makes a big difference! Equipment and Service Stating the obvious: the better the equipment, the better the level of performance. Look for an authorized dealer for the best performing equipment in each category at every price level. This means that whether you want a complete system for $ l ,500 or $ 150,000, you will get the best performance available at the price level that makes you feel like you have bought the best value. When selecting your new home theatre or sound system, it is very important to compare. You should find a wide selection of the best components available. A friendly and knowledgeable staff should be able and willing to assist you with any questions you might have. After the sale, and after you have paid for your equipment, the store should offer a service staff that is willing to help you should there be any problems with the equipment. A good store offers service for the components after the sale. Some stores even guarantee a prompt response and offer loaner equipment for you to use. Be sure to ask if the store offers warranties for any equipment they sell, and if there is a cost. Price When choosing your equipment, make sure that you are getting the best value for the money you are spending. One way to cut your costs is to choose a store that offers price matches. This means that if you find a product at a lower price at one store, but prefer to do business with another, the latter will offer to match the lower price of the item. If you consider all of these options, you will find that you will be a more educated consumer. You’ll be able to choose the home theatre, audio system or equipment that best suits your needs at a price you can afford. A good store offers friendly staff and service for the components after the sale. Key Points To Consider: Creating a theatre or a highly sophisticated wiring system in your home offers endless possibilities. * Before you buy audio video products, check with the store about installation options. * The quality of wire used in your house and how it is run makes a big difference in how your system will perform. * If you want the best system for your money find a dealer that offers a variety of products in each category at each price level. This way you can select the product that best fits your need and budget. * Be sure to check out the dealer you are dealing with. Are they authorized by the manufacturers to sell these products? If not, there is no warranty. H FREE B Mounting H Brackets b with Plasma r T.V.’S jj b Over r ?2oo o ° j j|H 'Value. HfiHR mk- JB a*. . lUlfe 1 HOUSTON DAILY JOURNAL 00042058