Audio Acoustics Home Theatre has completed a Custom, THX Certified, Home Theater project in the beautiful, exclusive, Northern California coastal community of "The Sea Ranch". This home theater project is situated in an 18' x 18' x 20' living room in a beautiful three story spacious three-bedroom home.

It was evident, early in the process, that the customers did not want a dedicated room for their home theater. At the same time they wanted to retain the comfortable living room atmosphere. That aspect of the customers desired end results along with the numerous windows and high vaulted ceiling presented challenges for the job.

Regarding the end results, Dr. Pellegrin states, "We couldn't be happier with our home theater system, and as it turned out, the extensive window treatment we were planning for is not necessary." Dr. Mellencamp, a Film Professor, attributes this to the excellent choice in screen and projector.

Overall, the equipment specified for the project encompassed some of the highest quality manufacturers in the home theater industry (see: equipment list). Dr. Mellencamp specifically requested a 100" (diag.) screen.

A Stewart Filmscreen Luxus "Model A" Electriscreen was specified. The FireHawk was specified due to its ability to increase black levels, shadow detailing and color saturation, while preserving image contrast by dampening room cross light reflection as much as 90 percent. This was important considering several windows in the Pellegrin-Mellencamp living room. The FireHawk also maximizes the screen's passive black level for DLP projectors, and is available in retractable and fixed screen models. The wall retractable Electriscreen, selected for this installation, hides behind a facade to help revert the home theater into a living room.

The Stewart Filmscreen, coupled with the InFocus ScreenPlay 7200, which won rave reviews at the 2002 CEDIA Conference, proved to be a great combination. This projector houses the new Texas Instruments Mustang HD2 DLPT Chip and features true 1280 x 720, HD, resolution at 1000 ANSI lumens. "The picture quality is stunning, even with the blinds open, it's as if we're watching TV!" was the compliment of Dr. Pellegrin.

Hunter Douglas Applause honeycomb shades were specified to block out as much light as possible. The top tier of windows features an electronic motorized lift and lowering mechanism. Flooring contractor/designer, as well as window-covering specialist, Tony Angliolo, CEO of Cottage Carpets, provided the window shades.

Other components include a Marantz DV8400 DVD/SACD Player and the Panamax 5100 surge protector, line conditioner and power sequencer. A dedicated 20-amp power circuit with hospital grade outlets was installed to handle the electrical load.

Regarding THX Certified electronics, Kirk Denson of Audio Acoustics Home Theatre, states, "I'll always recommend THX Certified components, particularly because of my affiliation with Skywalker Sound. My familiarity with the components that are used in film post-production is essential in specifying what's best for the customer, in terms of reproducing what the re-recording mixers accomplished." M&K speakers, the same used in film post production at Skywalker Sound, were selected to provide a 5.1 theater surround environment along with a B&K Components, Ltd. pre-amp and amplifier. Audio Acoustics Home Theatre is a THX Certified Designer/Installer, since March, 2002.

Dr's. Pellegrin and Mellencamp welcome reference inquiries. Their contact information is available upon request.