Home Theater System

A Home Theater may be a dedicated room with a projector and screen, or something less formal with a flat screen television hanging above the fireplace mantle. Surround sound makes either scenario, much more involving and satisfying when watching movies and even regular TV.

While a home theater may seem, to some, like an extravagance, many of today's concerned parents want to have a home that draws their children (and their friends) to a place where they know what they are doing , who they are with, and what they are watching. Video games rise to a new level on a big screen.

Date night become easier and less expensive now that you can put the kids to bed and watch the latest blockbuster right in your own home. The technology has advanced so far, that the quality of picture and sound is better than the megaplex. Home theater is now affordable for everyone that wants the ultimate movie or video game experience at home.

Getting control over your remotes and much more

With this in mind, 4Home Control installs Control4, a system that gets rid of the 4-5 confusing remote controls, and manages all the audio/video equipment in the media area with one remote and on-screen display. It also manages your digital music collection (see Music section of this web site), and is the foundation for the whole house control system (see Control section). It is comprised of two components:

  • Controller: The "brains". All automated devices communicate to the controller. This is about the size and shape of a set-top box.
  • Remote Control: Your interface to control the automated devices. Looks very similar to a standard remote, but also has a LCD screen.

Big value in one device

  • It's simple: 4Home Control can make watching movies a two-step procedure if you wish. Imagine how easy the Home Theater would become if all you have to do is load the DVD into the player and press play. The controller will automatically sense that the DVD has turned on, and therefore turn on the flat screen, the surround sound receiver and make sure they are set to the correct inputs. It can also dim lights at the same time.
  • Wireless Remote with 2-way feedback: Using the included remote control, you no longer have to be within line-of-sight. The remote will work anywhere in the house - even through walls. The remote can receive status information such as lighting levels and album listings on the built-in LCD. Hide your equipment away where it doesn't interfere with your room décor.
  • Plays music off different devices: The Home Theatre Controller can play MP3s from a networked PC, iPod or external USB drive. The unit displays album cover art on-screen, adding a easy visual approach to organizing and playing your music collection.
  • Onscreen display: The home theater can be controlled using an on-screen display. Enjoy using an interface that has the size and clarity of your new beautiful flat screen TV. Alternatively, you can use the wireless remote's built-in LCD while you move around your home.
  • Control through Relays and RS232: The Controller has 2 built-in RS-232 serial ports for bi-directional control of other home theater devices. It also has a relay for control of screens or fireplaces.
  • Expandability: The Control4 system is scalable by adding lighting, climate control, safety features, and more.

How it connects to other devices

Here is a system diagram of a home theater with a few AV devices. This demonstrates the type of control the system can provide. The diagram shows the HTC controlling two IR devices, but it is capable of up to six.

Also illustrated is the ability to control motorized devices and those that communicate via serial RS-232. Video-sync or discrete commands are used to ensure the the system knows the power state of the AV equipment at all times.

Attaching a USB stick or hard drive allows storage of MP3 digital files you can listen to in the home theater. As a bonus, you get a convenient on-screen display to manage the music, complete with cover-art, title, track, and album information.