Family squeezed the maximum amount of fun out of a small basement remodel.

Often, when people come to CE Pros like Electronics Design Group of Piscataway, NJ, and ask for a big screen, what the homeowners have in mind is a big flat-screen TV. That was the case in this installation. The homeowner has a his mind set on a 103-inch plasma TV, because most people believe that’s the biggest and best you can get for the money.

However, as it often happens, Electronics Design Group proceeded to show this client what a projection theater can be, and it didn’t take long for the plasma dream to turn into a projector reality.

What they ended up with was a 110-inch screen from Elite Screens and a DPI M-Vision projector. But that’s not all. While the projector system perfectly suited the client’s wish for something big to enjoy movies and sports, the family still wanted the space to be suited for other purposes, so EDG put in an additional Samsung flat panel TV in the rear of the room, complete with its own audio equipment and sources. While some guests can watch a movie or sporting event on the projection screen, others can play video games on the rear TV.

For installer Michael Wackernah of Limitless Systems Inc. (LSI) in Huntington, N.Y., this 24,000-square-foot retrofit project was an Olympic test of endurance, attention to detail and control (both emotional and technical).

“He’s the CEO of a profitable technology company, so he’s always on his game,” Wackernah says, adding the client double-checked LSI’s work, and required them to vacuum behind drilled drywall. Needless to say, this retrofit involved a lot of extreme vacuuming, since LSI retrofitted nearly everything, including a 65-inch Samsung 3Dⁱ TV wired through an 8-foot-wide stone fireplace.

When a ton of technology is incorporated into a new home or a retrofit project, a hard-working, impeccably trained and always-in-control manager is required: That system is Control4.

A high-def telepresence system puts this faraway business owner in the boardroom.

It’s the ultimate dream, and we’re not just talking about having the money to afford a luxurious spread in the desert. This homeowner runs his business from his home, thanks to a high-definition telepresence system that enables him to videoconference with his executives like he’s right there in the boardroom.

And there are plenty of other high-tech goodies that enable him to work from this inspiring desert retreat.

“It’s the ultimate dream, and we’re not just talking about having the money to afford a luxurious spread in the desert. This homeowner runs his business from his home, thanks to a high-definition telepresence system that enables him to videoconference with his executives like he’s right there in the boardroom. And there are plenty of other high-tech goodies that enable him to work from this inspiring desert retreat.

Behind the rustic looks is a state-of-the-art screening room for a Hollywood producer.

A top-end home theater is as much about controlling the sound as it is about reproducing the soundtrack the way the director intended. In this premium screening room, Desert Sound & Security of Scottsdale, Ariz., oversaw a project for a movie industry pro who wanted a theater with film-grade performance. This producer/homeowner wanted to view dailies (raw footage) and the final product in the ultimate playback environment—and that’s what he got.

Apple-based control system and an electronic British butler.

Lights that switch on automatically at dusk: Been there. Thermostats that set back when the security system is armed: Done that. But a shower that’s preset to the perfect temperature and water velocity, an iron that warms up in preparation for the morning rush, and a chandelier that flashes to indicate that the powder room is out of toilet paper?

It's that time of year again, where we award the most amazing custom installations we've seen this year.

This year, we saw so many stunning projects with over-the-top technology that we had no choice but to expand our annual “installation of the year” awards.

So instead of featuring one mind-blowing project in our awards story, we’ve included six different projects—from the best audio and video installations to the best home theater, media room, whole-house and the best innovation installation.

We'll be revealing the winners all week long in this celebration of the best that custom installation has to offer.

Best Whole-House Installation

The Big Show

With the push of one button, this home shows off everything it can do. And it can do a lot.

Best Home Theater Installation

Masterpiece Theater

Tons of hidden gear combine with an obstacle course-like construction zone to create our favorite theater of the year.

Best Innovation Installation

Reinventing the Wheel

Commercial cinema and home theater come together like never before in this amazing private screening room.

Best Media Room Installation

Supreme Sound

This media room/library features an entire wall built from custom CAT/MBX speakers.