CE Pro November 2022 - 50

BEST MULTIPURPOSE / DEN / MEDIA ROOM | GOLD
Systems Design
& Installation
Gramophone
Timonium, Md.
Systems & Equipment
Control4 controls * Hisense
UST projection * Marantz AV
receiver * GoldenEar speakers
* Salamander Designs cabinet
Sporting a New Look
RATHER THAN CONFUSE its clients by presenting
them with a dizzying array of technologies available for
an outstanding media room experience, Gramophone first
hones in on the problem areas of the space. Often, a client's
biggest beef has to do with the room environment, not the
sound or the video. Be it antiquated furnishings, poor lighting
or a stark color scheme, the surrounding design and structural
elements can taint the entertainment outcome. A request for
" a warm and inviting family-oriented space, " therefore,
became the foundation on which Gramophone built its
comprehensive plan to radically redo the owners' dated
basement. In addition to a theater room and media room, the
space would comprise a wet bar, gaming zone, high-tech gym,
and guest room.
The first order of business was providing the family with a
reliable, stable Wi-Fi network and layered lighting. Once these
elements are nailed down, the rest falls into place, according
to Gramophone. " Along with a good design flow, it's what
makes the experience of automation and home entertainment
enjoyable and unique. " To help define the various venues
without constricting the flow, Gramophone added beautifully
stained ceiling beams.
The overarching design would contribute to more than
just the aesthetic appeal of the space; it would enable
the chosen AV system to perform optimally. For example,
Gramophone's in-house designers created a proper home
for a short-throw projection system, featuring a 100-inch
screen and 4K Hisense projector, mounted above and tucked
inside a Salamander Designs Short Throw cabinet. It was a
budget-friendly solution that afforded the use of a large fixed
screen that resembles a flat-panel TV and produces striking
pictures. Complementing the theater screen and projector are
a Marantz AV receiver, GoldenEar surround-sound package,
50 | CE Pro November 2022
multiple zones of distributed audio, and Control4 automation
and lighting control of high-quality fixtures.
A benefit of the short-throw system particularly appealing
to the family is the option to enjoy bright, crisp, vivid pictures
whether the room lights are on or off. Additionally, because
the theater didn't need to be closed off to keep out the light,
it naturally maintains the open layout and design flow the
family wanted.
Gramophone removed as much of a wall near the bottom
of the stairs as possible, adding a structural beam and
column to carry the load from the main floor and installing
new stained and black metal handrails. Even though Gramophone
wasn't able to remove the wall entirely, it turned out
to be one of the client's favorite design features. Other big
hits with the family are Gramophone's execution of LEDlit
shelves, hidden wire management behind faux shiplap
paneling, and a cozy reading nook, the integrator reports. By
building the AV and automation technologies around room
design, Gramophone delivered a fun, high-performance, easyto-use
multi-functional entertainment destination the whole
family can enjoy. CE Pro
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CE Pro November 2022

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