This growing family has a place for many activities.

Joe Strang's experience as a custom electronics designer and installer came in handy when he and his rapidly growing family built this home theater space in their walkout basement. "If I didn't have experience, I wouldn't have thought of things like soundproofing, how to design the cabinet or how to plan the room to be more than just a theater," he says.

The theater doubles as a comfortable living and recreation space not only because of Joe's expertise but also because of careful planning. "My wife and I talked for a long time about what we wanted to have," he says. Behind the leather sofas are a foosball table and treadmill. Joe even added a personal touch by displaying his model car collection on the custom cabinet shelves. "And when we put the [92-inch] screen down, we love the picture and sound."

A high-definition Dwin projector provides the video, and a 7.1 surround-sound system using an Integra receiver and DVD player with TruAudio and Jamo speakers deliver crisp, clear sound. The front speakers are concealed beneath the screen in the custom cabinetry, with the equipment rack to one side. The Jamo speakers are used for the side surrounds.

Add a Philips Pronto remote, cables and accessories, and the audio/video equipment in the room cost the Strangs about $25,000. "After designing many rooms, I wanted to make a high-quality room without breaking the bank," Joe explains. "My favorite has to be watching a great hockey game in HDTV...wow, what a picture, says Joe. "The best was watching the Calgary Flames this past year in their run for the Stanley Cup. Even though they lost, to have the whole family down there most nights enjoying the amazing picture, sound and company...there is nothing better than time with family."

That's saying a lot, because Joe and his wife, Lacey, have five kids and another on the way. "We all love the room, and if we aren't sharing it, we argue over who gets to use it."

The Strangs also have a multiroom, multizone audio system by Elan. The Elan VIA! touchpads throughout the space control cameras, heating and ventilation, lighting, multiroom sound and security and feature the company's intercom/doorbell/paging system.

Showcase Home Theatre
Calgary, Alberta
403-254-5820
www.showcasehometheatre.com

Steven Castle is a Senior Editor and the resident wit of Electronic House magazine. Email Steve at scastle@ehpub.com.

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