This was a new build extension to an existing property and the clients had requested a 5.1 theatre experience to be installed in the drawing room. A projection system was specified to show DVD's and Sky HD television and quality music reproduction was also to be included.

Whilst also wanting an easy to use system, the major, over-riding requirement was that the system be discretely fitted and unobtrusive when it was not in use.

THE INSTALLATION

In order to comply with the clients' request for a discrete system, a projector lift was specially commissioned and a bespoke recessed, dropdown screen was made to fit in the ceiling void. Both items were motorised and fully automated. The equipment was fitted in a bespoke cabinet in the study and speakers were installed in-ceiling.

After initial surveys and detailed discussions, our suggestions to extend and improve the system during the build were agreed with the clients. It was decided to distribute audio from the main system to the orangery and study, with an extra feed to the outside terrace.

A hard drive music server was installed, which puts the album cover and information on-screen for ease of navigation of the music database. I-pod and computer connections were fitted in each zone and a digital tuner added to the source components. In-ceiling speakers were fitted throughout, to comply with the requirement for a discrete system.

An infra-red remote control system was designed and programmed for the whole system. Although this was a complex system, allowing system and individual room control and the ability to allow shared or individual sources, simplicity was achieved by programming macros into the remote controls for ease of use by the clients.