AV and Multi Room Music in a Mansion in London
Introduction
As a professional system designer and installer of complete music systems, AVITHA are often called in to overhaul existing systems that either don’t work as required or have been damaged. In this case, the client had a system that had suffered several breakages and required a new, larger system that expanded the multi-room system to cover the entire property.
AVITHA were able to assess the damage, redesign a new system and exceed client expectations through a high-quality installation that showcased the very best of multi-room technology.
Project brief
The client wanted to overhaul their system to include the entire property but requested that AVITHA integrate any equipment that was in good condition and would work with a modernised system. The ultimate goal was to create an advanced, future-proof system to match the requirements of a true audiophile.
Following a thorough system assessment, AVITHA redesigned the system and presented the details to the client for approval. After consultation with the client, the project began with the replacement of the EOL Nuvo with an audiophile and solid Crestron multi-room system. As per the client’s request, wall touchscreens with graphical user interfaces were customised and installed on walls throughout the property.
Once the system had been completely installed, it was presented to the client, who was overwhelmed by the new features that had been installed. The main concern for the client had been full control; AVITHA were able to completely integrate a large system in a simple, intuitive way to allow high-quality AV and Hi-Fi music to be accessed throughout the property.
AVITHA brought the simplest way yet allowing maximum control to enjoy AV and Hi-Fi music throughout the whole mansion.
Brands used
Brands used
Technical Overview
To achieve widespread coverage, AVITHA used the following technology in the design and installation of the new system:
– Property was divided into 12 zones, including 1 home cinema, 1 Hi-Fi room and 1 outdoor space
– System was integrated through centralised Crestron control to manage all music, AV, CCTV, HVAC and lighting.
– Multi room Crestron audiophile audio matrix-amplifier was installed, to distribute Hi-Fi music to 11 zones.
– Kaleidescape music and film system installed to store Hi-Fi music and distribute 4K films to 4 AV zones, including the home cinema.
– Autonomic music server to allow independent streaming of four different tracks simultaneously per zone. Access was opened to music stored on Kaleidescape, TuneIn and AirPlay.
– Crestron app, remote controls and wall touchscreens with customised and simplified GUI installed at multiple wall points across the property, each of which can operate the entire system.
– Bowers & Wilkins speakers installed to upgrade the Hi-Fi multi-room music system and home cinema.
– Rotel equipment installed with record player and fully integrated with the system for replication throughout all zones within the property.
– Motorised blinds, JVC projector and Denon 4k AVR installed in cinema room for an improved cinematic experience.
– Kaleidescape, Sky and Apple TV in all 4 AV zones.
Challenges & Innovations
The main challenge of the project was to maintain a pre-existing infrastructure, while upgrading and expanding services to cover a large property and implement full, seamless control. AVITHA were able to design the new system after a thorough inspection and consultation with the client, which not just met these expectations, but also ensured future-proofing for many years.
– The outdoor zone added an extra degree of coverage that exceeded the client’s expectations in that it was comparable with the quality of the rest of the indoor system and seamlessly integrated.
– AVITHA were able to upgrade the music system so that the client’s entire 80gb Kaleidescape library was readily accessible throughout the property; previously, only 1gb was accessible at once.
– The client had previously found that the Hi-Fi room, including a cherished Rotel music system, was too complex to use. AVITHA brought in automation and integration, so that the client could use the system at the touch of a button, but also project the output throughout the property
– The AV control system was also upgraded with new Crestron remotes for each AV system replacing the outdated touchscreen control of the previous system. The GUI was customised to allow for simpler, one-touch access.
– A new 4K Denon AVR was installed in the home cinema, bringing 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos surround sound.
– Along with all the improvements, the main processor was replaced by a newer Crestron 3 series, allowing for a much better response from the system and a superb graphic interface in the customised GUI, including the iPhone app, all touchscreens and the remote controls.
This was one of AVITHA’s most memorable projects, for three reasons. Firstly, the system was completely customised to include previous equipment that was seamlessly integrated with high-quality upgrades. This required careful planning and an in-depth knowledge of multi-room audio. Secondly, the size of the property meant that this was a true multi-zone system that incorporated cinema, Hi-Fi and more standard audio rooms. All zones had to be accessible from multiple locations via a simplified, one-touch interface.
The most satisfying aspect of the project, though, was the level of customer satisfaction that AVITHA achieved. The client’s expectations were exceeded in every aspect; control, quality and coverage. AVITHA pride themselves on customer experience and the reaction of the client will live long in the memories of those who worked on the project.