Kenwood Retrofit Project
This client purchased a newer, existing home in the Kenwood area of Minneapolis. At the time of purchase the home was devoid of any electronics except for a few telephone and cable jacks. The client hired us to design and install a whole-house music system, a media room, computer network, and a telephone/intercom system. During the design process, we introduced the client to the concept of a media center. Once she tried one out in our showroom, she was hooked on it!
The central part of the media room became the media center so that the client has instant access to recorded TV shows, movies, videos, and her entire music collection. The media center is also integrated into the whole-house music system. A touchscreen has also been installed in the living room so that the client can make music selections or even watch TV without having to go downstairs to the media room.
The media room features a 61” High Definition plasma display with Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound. An in-wall subwoofer was used along with flush wall and ceiling speakers to make the installation completely unobtrusive. The media system and the media center are managed by a single, intelligent, master remote control.
Flat panel TV’s were installed in the kitchen, 4-season porch, and master bathroom. The porch TV is integrated into the media center with a media center extender. The client has access to live satellite TV as well as all of her recorded TV (from the main system) out on the porch.
The master bedroom has a 42” HD flat panel TV mounted on an articulating arm so that it can be pointed to either the bed or to the sitting area. This TV has access to all satellite programming plus has a media extender and DVD player. All equipment for this system is hidden in the master closet.
A telephone and intercom system was installed that features cellular cordless phones that have an incredible range. Calls are not compromised while roaming anywhere in the house or on the property. Door stations will ring the phones with a distinctive ring throughout the home. Any phone can be picked up to have a conversation with whomever is at the door.
Because this client frequently works from home, we also custom built a powerful home office computer that features dual view monitors, wireless mouse/keyboard, and silent operation. We set up a secure wireless network for the client’s laptop and we also built the computers for her two teenage children. To add a little bit of fun to the package, the children’s computers were designed with see-through side panels and colored lights.
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