Written by
20 February 2024
•
5 min read
Audio-visual design is such an integral part of modern life. For many homeowners, it’s hard to imagine the home without the ability to watch television and movies, listen to music, spend time on gaming consoles or be connected to the internet. Automation has also made life easier.
It’s little surprise then that homeowners are wanting high calibre audio-visual designs for their homes, and it’s a trend Audio Connection has seen with demand for their products.
“Technology certainly has come a long way and the biggest leaps in innovation have resulted in accessibility, flexibility and application,” says Nigel Ng, director at Audio Connection.
“We can create huge 200-inch images in bright rooms with technologies like the Barco LED wall, hide speakers and even projectors from the general aesthetic and make it all work with the simple push of a button. It’s never been easier to have a seamless, visible or invisible system that is easy to use so the whole family can enjoy it.”
With these innovations comes the need to support clients with expert product and installation knowledge.
“We’ve seen a demand from clients for an end-to-end solution for their audio-visual needs, incorporating performance requirements, aesthetic goals, and, more importantly, a single project manager for their build,” says Ng.
This is why Audio Connection has introduced its ‘Bespoke’ service – a joint initiative between the brand and trusted partners to help homeowners, designers and architects alike to streamline the integration of audio-visual systems into projects of all sizes.
“The Audio Connection Bespoke process is simple – following a qualification process that brings a client onboard the Audio Connection Bespoke project pipeline, we’ll sit down for a consultation to find out the customer’s goals for performance, aesthetics and application. A system proposal and acoustics proposal will follow and once it is accepted, we will install the project and handle any support needs,” says Ng.
“This means there is an audio-visual expert to assist from ideation to delivery to support. It’s our responsibility to ensure that customers receive the project they’ve dreamed of.”
Much like other aspects of a project, planning for automations and AV design is encouraged to take place at the outset.
“If we are engaged during the first drafts of the layout, we can discuss what the goals are and modify designs to suit. This is one of the aspects of our team that sets us apart – we understand the whole building process and have had experience executing them, so we understand what is possible in the architectural space as well as the AV space,” says Ng, and this applies for both retrofits and new spaces.
“Retrofitting AV or automation is certainly possible – the first step is an on-site consultation so we can discuss what our customers would like to achieve and balance that with what is possible given the construction. House and building construction has varied greatly over the decades, so depending on construction types and project requirements, the implementation can vary greatly.”
During the consultation phase for a retrofit project, Audio Connection will also factor in any requirements needed by other professionals such as builders or painters.
“We only work with previously-vetted tradespeople so we can manage the whole project for our clients.”
By working with clients throughout the process, Audio Connection can help integrate their products into the home in a way that blends or elevates the space.
“Projector and screen technologies have come such a long way – we can hide a top-end projector into a cavity and fill a 150-inch flush-mounted bezel-less projector screen with speakers behind acoustically transparent fabric so that all you’d see is the movie you’re watching.
“Alternatively, modern AV products are designed incredibly beautifully these days that they form flagship statement pieces in customers’ houses, placing as much emphasis on design as high end furniture or artwork,” says Ng.
“With the tools and products we have at our disposal, we can create any aesthetic our customers desire with a performance to match.”
As well as AV technology, Audio Connection’s acoustic treatments elevate the audio and home cinema experience.
“Acoustic treatments come in all shapes and sizes. There are plenty of off-the-shelf solutions available, however we are doing custom designs and having specialist companies manufacture them for us. Not only do you end up with a design that performs acoustically and fits the visual aesthetic, it often ends up being a fraction of the price of off-the-shelf acoustics,” says Ng.
“Acoustically treating a room is not only important for AV applications, but also for general living.”
Explore the impressive audio-visual technology available from Audio Connection on ArchiPro, and learn more about the Audio Connection Bespoke service by getting in touch with the team.