:: General FAQ ::

Here are a few of the questions people ask us. If you've got a question that's not here, feel free to contact us at: info@allmediacustom.com

1. Do you have to spend a fortune to have a good system?
2. To recreate the excitement and involvement of a real movie theater, what size screen will I need?
3. We're in the process of remodeling and we're thinking about creating a separate Home Theater room. What things should we consider about design and construction?
4. I want a system that will allow my husband and I to watch a movie while the kids watch TV and our teenagers listen to their favorite CD--all at the same time. Is that possible?
5. Will it take a long time to have my system designed and installed?
6. Will my house be trashed during the installation?
7. Is there any maintenance?
8. How well do you compete with the big guys?
9. What brands do you carry?

1. Do you have to spend a fortune to have a good system?

   Certainly not. The amount of money you invest in your home electronics system really depends on you. We like to spend enough time with our clients to define exactly what they want their system to do, how they want to use it, and how it needs to fit into their living space. We've found the best approach is to start by learning about how the different technologies can add quality, comfort, and convenience to your life. From this, we'll help you create your 'wish list.' And after we've done all that, we'll help you find the balance between your dreams and your budget. At the end of the process, regardless of how much you decide to spend, you'll know it's right for you.



2. To recreate the excitement and involvement of a real movie theater, what size screen will I need?

   As a rule, screen sizes of at least 43" are required, but as they say, "bigger is better." A larger screen means you can sit farther away and more people can watch comfortably. Broadly speaking, there are four types of video displays that work well for Home Theater. Direct view TV's are the tube televisions we've all had for years. The largest of these is 40" but unfortunately technical limitations do not allow for true High Definition images and are therefore not recommended except in small room applications such as bedrooms, kitchens, etc. where your performance expectations are lower. Also, inch for inch, direct view TV's are by far the heaviest. A 36" direct view TV can easily weigh in at 250 pounds. Rear projection television sets start at 43" and go up to 80". Most of our Home Theater installations use screens in this range. Plasma panels, the newest video display technology, are currently made in sizes from 40" to 61". The largest displays for Home Theater are created with projectors where the video image is projected onto a large fixed or motorized screen. Common screen sizes run from 100" to an incredible 300".



3. We're in the process of remodeling and we're thinking about creating a separate Home Theater room. What things should we consider about design and construction?

   Having a dedicated room for your Home Theater gives you the ability to optimize audio and video performance while creating an interior design that suits your taste. As you begin your planning there are three very important considerations.

   1. First is the shape of the room. Rooms that are rectangular will have better acoustics than rooms that are square. And it's even better when the dimensions of length, width, and height, are not divisible by a common factor (e.g. 21' x 16' x 9' is better than 24' x 16' x 8').
   2. Next is light control. Light falling directly on the screen washes out the picture. Ideally your plan for window treatments and lighting should provide enough ambient light for people to comfortably move around and operate controls, yet prevent bright light from falling directly on the screen.
   3. Finally, the actual construction of walls needs to be considered. If you want to prevent the sound of your Home Theater from reaching other rooms, special sound absorbing and insulating techniques can be used.

   After these basic considerations, there are many other things that need to be planned: wiring, speaker locations, furniture and cabinet layout are just a few. We love having the opportunity to work with clients planning a dedicated Home Theater. The results are always worth it.

   
   
4. I want a system that will allow my husband and I to watch a movie while the kids watch TV and our teenagers listen to their favorite CD--all at the same time. Is that possible?

   Absolutely! With today's technology it's possible to design a home electronics system that can be enjoyed throughout your home - even outdoors! We routinely design and install systems that allow you to share video programs in several rooms, listen to music in others, and watch the latest DVD movie in your den. All at the same time.
   
   The technical description for a system like this is multi-source, multi-zone. Sounds fancy but it simply means that you have different sources of audio and video that can be accessed and controlled from different rooms, simultaneously. Usually in systems like this we install all the equipment in a central location. It can even be hidden in a closet.
   
   Controlling the system is easy. You can have wall mounted keypads-- great for the bedroom, kitchen, or bath--or perhaps in wall or hand held video touch panels that you can carry from room to room.

   
   
5. Will it take a long time to have my system designed and installed?

   Not really. The time it takes for the whole process depends on the complexity of your system and whether you have an existing home or are building a new home. It can take as little as a week or as long as a year. Click here for an overview of the whole process.

   
   
6. Will my house be trashed during the installation?

   Absolutely not. One of the things that makes AllMedia Custom Video & Sound special is the skill and quality of our installers. We've installed home electronics systems in some of the most prestigious homes in Harrisburg and Philadelphia and the only things we leave behind are smiles.

   
   
7. Is there any maintenance?

   Not really. But as part of AllMedia Custom Video & Sound's Free In-Home Warranty, we'll come back to your house to adjust any settings which may have moved after some use--things like projectors or surround sound settings. Other than that, cleaning the heads on VCRs and keeping DVD players clean are about all that you'll need to have done.

   
   
8. How well do you compete with the big guys?

   Very well. AllMedia Custom Video & Sound's everyday price is the same as the everyday price at the big chain stores. On the same thing, it's the same price. But the top-of-the-line products at the chain stores are AllMedia Custom Video & Sound's entry level. We offer higher performing products for people who expect more from their home electronics systems. As well as better products, we offer a range of services that the big guys just can't. It's not their business. They're in the hardware business--we sell experiences.

   
   
9. What brands do you carry?

   Click here to find out