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SmartHome Audio

Ready For Knowledge, Inc. Smart Home Technology is constantly improving the enjoyment of audiovisual technology within a home. With our assistance, you’ll fully enjoy your newly SmartHome!

Out with the old
The idea of distributing sound around the home is almost as old as sound reproduction itself.  For many years, high-end homes had intercom systems with a music feature built-in. But, this "canned" music did not approach high-fidelity standards. It was barely sufficient for most homeowners, but there were few other options available at a reasonable cost.

In with the new
In the last several years, things have changed dramatically and for the better! Home component stereo systems and high-end automotive music systems have created a consumer base that is not easily satisfied with "elevator" sound. The introduction of digital CD, combined with dramatic reductions in cost of CD players, multi-disc changers and "mega-disc" jukeboxes, has fueled a great demand for high quality music reproduction. Additional developments include high-quality in-wall versions of name brand bookshelf and floor standing speakers, reliable audio controls, and affordable amplifier power. All these improvements have combined to form a residential installed entertainment industry that is replacing those old-time intercom music systems. We have come to expect high quality stereo sound without having miles of exposed wiring, large speakers and amplifiers in every room to get it.

Designing the Audio System You Desire
The quickest, easiest option is to consider installation of this type of system as early in the construction or remodel process as possible. A Ready For Knowledge Inc. Smart Home Technology technician will walk through the home with you and a set of the building plans to discuss how each room is expected to be used. Speaker and volume control placement issues can be resolved before beginning the pre-wire phase.

Speaker and Volume Control Location Considerations
Its both an art and a science to the placement and installation of speakers for multi-room stereo systems. In foreground music applications, it is usually best to place the speakers in the room in such a way to provide stereo left and right imaging when facing the main feature of the room. This feature could be a large picture window or fireplace in a general use space, an entertainment center or armoire in a living room, a centralized cooking area in a kitchen, etc. In a bedroom, the speakers are best placed over the foot of the bed. In background music applications, speakers installed in the ceiling usually provide the best dispersion in any space. (click here for 8 Practical Tips for Choosing the Right In-Wall Speakers)

A Word about Home Theater
Home Theater is one of the most commonly requested audio features in a new home. This system is quite different and usually separate from distributed audio systems. However, a Home Theater system may share common source components with a distributed audio system such as CD and DVD changers, satellite TV receivers, etc. A Home Theater’s A/V receiver can even be used to drive a distributed audio system if it is equipped with multi-room/multi-source capability. But for optimum results, Home Theaters operate best with dedicated control and amplification components since they are intended to operate in a specific room. This system should also be part of the early walk through of the home to take advantage of the ease of installation and placement of components. However, “after market” installations are readily available to any homeowner.

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