PUMP UP
Bathce kyard
Tips for selling and
installing optimal
outdoor A/V.
by Curt Hayes
BEAT
Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series about outdoor technology,
culminating in the Outdoor Destination at EHX, Nov. 4– 7 in Long Beach, Calif.
This first installment focuses on outdoor audio/video.
There’s at least one good thing about global warming: Shorter, milder winters
mean more time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Whatever the reason, construction is booming in back yards across America.
In 2006, the American Institute of Architects reported that its members saw
increased interest among homeowners for upscale landscaping, outdoor living
space and outdoor amenities (see chart on page 90).
On the other hand, interest in indoor amenities (such as extra square
footage and finished basements) has declined.
Integrators are taking notice.
Jonathan Lane of SoCal Smart Home in San Clemente, Calif. says he just fol-
lowed up with two customers whose interiors he equipped about one year ago.
Both homeowners said they had future plans for major outdoor landscaping.
“Both of them were excited to hear from us,” says Lane, who adds that he
got one gig out of the outreach, and another is pending.
The success has led SoCal to reach out to all of its past customers — a com-
mon practice for the company. This time, however, focus is on the outdoors.
The 65-inch high-definition Sharp Aquos LCD TV rises from a stone island. A hydraulic scissor
mechanism does the lifting and a custom-made Peerless enclosure protects the set from the outdoor elements. Beneath the TV are Niles Audio rock speakers that match the stonework. Sound-Tube surround speakers were flush-mounted in the cedar-lined archway, and up-lighting to display
the stunning architecture is operated by a Lutron lighting control system.
— Outdoor system design and installation by Amplitude Technology Integration, Haltom City, Texas
GRAHAM HOBART
82 CE Pro August 2008
www.cepro.com
