A deteriorating barn is transformed into a state-of-the-art home-entertainment space with original-looking beam work and warm, stained woods.

At first glance you would never expect that this 1,500-square-foot renovated barn, part of a 13-acre suburban Philadelphia estate in Bucks County, can convert into a high-tech home theater with the touch of a button. But do just that—press a single button on the Universal MX-850 remote—and concealed blackout shades descend from above, a projection screen drops down from behind a ceiling beam, the lights fade to black, and the projector jumps into action.

In a battle of the sexes, a wife convinced her husband that building a home theater will light up their lives.

Take an on-the-street survey in terms of which sex will do anything to own a breathtaking home theater.

It’s always the man, right? He’s the one who craves “the cave,” pimped out with stellar A/V gear. Convincing the woman to sign on is the tricky part, right?

Wrong.

2009 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Award Winner

Best Media Room: Overall Winner

Electronic Systems Consultant: Starr Systems Design—Baltimore, Md.

This client wanted it all.

In a Difficult Housing Market, an Elegant Home Theater Can be Just the Thing to Turn “For Sale” into “Sold.”

When NHL hockey player Cory Stillman and his wife Mara started looking for a new South Florida home, they knew they wanted a home theater.

More importantly, they wanted one that they and their children would actually use.

A painstaking interior renovation combines with whole-house automation and a/v systems to redefine an 1853 Georgetown brownstone for the 21st century.

Lured by the urban lifestyle of Georgetown, a married couple fell in love with this majestic home in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s historic district. The stately 1853 brick-row house offered three floors of living space that, while nicely proportioned, were slightly outmoded. The owners decided to transform the 10,000-square-foot residence with an extensive interior renovation to change it from dated to dynamic.

The homeowners of this 6,000-sq ft Pacific Northwest home collaborate with a design team to create an inviting, low-key technologically advanced environment that takes its cues from the great outdoors.

Sited at 1,200 feet on a sprawling hilltop property with direct views of Mount Hood, this majestic Craftsman-style home can easily be mistaken for a romantic vacation retreat in some rural forested area. Residing in the metro Portland area, the home serves as the primary residence for an active family of five.

When an architecturally significant 1950s house in Santa Barbara is revamped, audio triumphs over video.

On the outside, this steel-and-glass 1950s home, designed by architect Thornton Ladd, oozes the mid-century modern look its architect is so known for.

The 21st century technology inside, however, creates the perfect juxtaposition.

How an interior designer and a custom installer made a major audiovisual installation look easy.

Dean Martin spins and shoots the bad guy out of the saloon’s rafters. Everyone seated in the living room applauds. Thanks to Martin, life is looking up for John Wayne, the beleaguered sheriff in Rio Bravo.

Actually, you’re a far cry from Rio anything. You’re nestled into a luxury condo in the Four Seasons overlooking Miami and the harbor.