AC-3, DTS, Dolby, DSS, DBS, DTV, HDTV, CRT, DLP, LCD; These are the new vocabulary words (and letters) of an exciting trend in consumer electronics. Once the term "Home Theater" literally meant a Theater Film Projector and Sound System in the homes of those that made and starred in the movies they were watching. Now technology has made it so that what was available to only the very wealthy a few years ago is within the reach of many homeowners. From the projection and screen technologies that originated in the corporate boardrooms to the digital multi-channel audio of the Movie Theater, technologies have converged to create an increasingly popular residential entertainment option. The sale of over 29 million Pro-logic receivers designed for "theater sound" provides convincing evidence that the "Home Theater" is a ubiquitous phenomenon. Purpose The purpose of a Home Theater is to, as faithfully as possible, recreate the movie theater experience. The goal of the director and the other artists is a fully involve the audience in a "suspension of disbelief" for the duration of the movie. Unlike a network newscast or sitcom, which invites interruption with commercials and segmentation, a movie seeks to include the viewer. There is a difference between television, movies and movies shown on television. Actual theaters seek to isolate the audience from all but the movie; this includes adjacent theaters and mechanical noises. A similar goal would be appropriate for simulated theater in the home where the analogy would be adjacent rooms, neighborhood kids, outdoor noise, telephones and family traffic. Options While there may be an almost unlimited array of options as applied to equipment, there are two basic ways to approach the theater itself: Dedicate a room in the home as a "personal theater". Automate a family room for multi-purpose applications. Please contact us for a design consultation. Audio Distribution In the movies "Valmont" and "Dangerous Liaisons" (both based on the same book), life among the French aristocracy in the late 1700s is vividly displayed. In one scene we realize that the music in the lovers' bedroom is being provided by two blind musicians. This version of "music throughout the house" has some advantages: It is available in every room It has voice activated control (for both volume and selection) It is aesthetically interesting (as long as the musicians are colorfully dressed and bathed) It also has some disadvantages: The selections are limited to the musician's repertoire While this approach is extremely portable, it is only good for one room at a time Blind musicians are very expensive in today's market Fortunately, there is a range of solutions that will provide high quality music throughout the home. Some of these solutions are as easy to use as the radio in the car and as convenient as a light switch. As technology races, the quality and choices for the music lover improve daily while the costs continue to drop. For some homes, the availability of quality music is expected. The purpose of a multi-room audio system is to provide high quality music in selected areas of the home with maximum convenience. The issue of convenience cannot be overstated. A system that is not easy to use, will not be used. So once the client has forgotten the price, the system will languish (expect for holidays and parties). If you enjoy music in your automobiles, you will become addicted to it in your home. Please contact us for a design consultation. Virginia Private Security Services Business License ID# 11-1800 & 11-1881 Virginia Class A Contractors License 2701039259 Maryland Home Improvement Contractors License 3499 8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 206, Alexandria, Virginia 22306 Tele 703.360.1900 • Fax 703.780.3372 info@cainsecurity.com

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