Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

There IS Family Value to Home Media Rooms!

by Austin Miller

With all of today’s technologies available to us – cell phones, Internet, email, and even wireless-to-wireless devices – it seems that we should have more of what is so precious to all of us – time with our family. It seems that life becomes busier with the addition of each new “life-simplifying” gadget.

When we do finally get an hour or two for family time, what are we doing with it? Playing baseball, taking a walk, or going to the park? Sure – at 4:30 in the afternoon, these activities are fantastic options. Now, what about after dinner, after the dishes? Unfortunately, many families go their separate ways; Dad watching TV, Mom reading, and the kids playing video games or chatting online with friends.

There is an option, one that has increased my own family’s time together. We took a small space that had been used for part storage/part play room and converted it into our own Movie Theater/Nintendo Wii National Championship Headquarters. After careful planning, we came up with a high-performance, fun, easy-to-use, cost-effective entertainment room. Our Media Room consists of a 120” screen, digital surround sound, HDTV, video-gaming capabilities, and lighting control.

Two topics often come up regarding a Media Room. First, “Sounds expensive,” and yes, it can be. However, the trend of falling prices on consumer electronics has made high-quality AV products more readily available to consumers. Also, whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or need complete design and installation, talk to someone who has done a similar project. They may have helpful, cost-saving ideas, which can help you decide how to create your own room.

I also hear, “Is just sitting there watching a movie with your kids really good quality time?” My answer to that – YES! We are all together, enjoying being in each other’s company. Watching movies is not the only activity these spaces can offer. Try playing interactive bowling or tennis on a 120” screen! Or check out the Discovery Channel in HD. It will change the way you think of ants!

The biggest benefit to this space transformation in my home is that I can see this room as an entertainment venue for years to come. My children will, and already do, have their friends over to watch a movie or play games, with all of us there to enjoy it.

Austin Miller is the President of A&R Home Technologies, LLC and specializes in Home Theater, Music Distribution, and Home Automation Integrators. He can be reached at 520-490-2708.