The future is CEDIA

The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) is an international trade association of companies that specialise in planning, designing and installing electronic systems for the home. These systems include home entertainment, networking, automation and communication, media rooms, single and integrated whole-house subsystems enabling control of everything from audiovisual equipment to lighting, motorised window treatments and security systems. CEDIA was founded 13 years ago and has a total membership of approximately 2,000 companies worldwide with the Australasian division becoming the first outside the US in 1994. The CEDIA concept aims to expand the horizons of consumers by putting them in touch with capable, reputable, qualified design or installation contractors with specialised knowledge and skills in custom installation that is not widely accessible in the broader construction industry. In coming issues Gizmo takes a look at some of CEDIAs standout installations, beginning with this award winning home audiovisual "media room" from the US. Beginning as a client request for a "big screen", this project took shape over 20 months beginning in February 1998. The detailed installation is based around the large screen projection system that features THX sound and automated lighting. A wireless colour touch screen control system acts as the interface for input from DVD, HDTV, DBS, VHS, and a satellite receiver. State-of-the-art components include a Denon DCM CD carousel and Proscan 8680z DVD player with Panasonic, Runco, Lutron Parasound and Crestron among the other manufacturers to contribute to the project. The centrepiece is definitely the Stewart Filmscreen 110" diagonal multiple aspect Luxus Deluxe Screenwall and the THX Ultra speaker system with two subwoofers is complemented by the Speakercraft 6.5 MT speakers in the bar and sitting areas. The package is blended into the home surroundings using custom d'cor including extensive woodworking, marble inlays and acoustical panels covering the walls in the cinema viewing area, complementing the existing fireplace, timber flooring, leather suite and overall interior design with an installation that is unobtrusive and user friendly. Not surprisingly, the client now sees the room as their favourite place in the house for entertaining guests, playing games, and watching sporting events and movies.