One Touch Control for the Ultimate Party Animals - Case Study

For one fun-loving couple in Maidstone, creating the entertainment space of their dreams was made simple thanks to integrator DPP Smart Homes, supported by products from AWE.

The Challenge

This client came to Dominic Parete, director of DPP Smart Solutions, with a challenge to turn two unused rooms in his new home into one big multi-functional entertainment space. A self-confessed ‘non-techie’, the owner wanted the space to pack some serious party-punch with high-performance AV that was easy and straightforward to operate.

“We were presented with two empty rooms – a blank canvas – which was a first for us,” says Dominic. “The client explained that as he was very non-technical, a simple control solution was essential. We chose URC for several reasons. For the client, URC is high-performing, reliable and easy-to-use. For us, we like working with AWE because we get great technical support, and we know the URC platform and products provide a great control solution. They’re also always reliably in stock.”

Getting into the Groove

While working with a blank canvas provides a wealth of potential, it also has its challenges. DPP were not only responsible for the integration but also the layout and design of the room, so the pressure was on. To get an idea of what really got the client excited, Dominic took the homeowner on a voyage of discovery to AWE’s showroom in Epson.

The client had no idea what URC was, or even what a control system was. At AWE they could play around with URC touch screen control solutions and get a better understanding of how easy it was to use. They could hear the quality of different speaker options, giving them a clearer idea of how their entertainment space could look, sound and operate. In terms of the cinema area, the client had been wary of projectors after being disappointed in the past. That is, until they met the Sony VPL VW590 4K Projector which, for them, was love at first watch.

“Bringing our clients to the AWE showroom is usually where the process really takes off,” enthuses Dominic. “To experience the different technologies first-hand, in a real-life setting, can accelerate decision-making and instil excitement for the result.”

One Remote to Rule them All

The homeowner wanted an entertainment space that could be adaptable, suiting his impulsive personality. The URC MRX-8 Total Control Advanced Network System Controller has the capacity to control up to 32 audio/video zones or areas of the home, it is also expandable via LAN allowing for a vast number of connected technologies. This provided the flexible solution required, with plenty of options to ensure the client was well-covered for the future.

The finished space includes a cinema and games areas as well as a fully stocked bar. For its party-loving owners, it was important that they could easily change the room settings from chill-out daytime vibes to full party mode in the evening. The games area includes a Sony KD50X85JU 50″ 4K HDR LED TV and the Definitive Technology speakers that can be used separately or in combination with the cinema area to create an all-inclusive party space.

To control all the functionalities in the room – including main lights, LED strip lighting, blinds, audio, projector – the couple can use either the URC TKP-9600 10” In Wall Touchscreen Controller, or the TRC-1480 2.4″ Touchscreen LCD remote control with integrated voice-control or smartphone app. These options effectively replace the need for any other remote controls and without this centralised control the couple would require more than seven different remotes.

A bespoke ‘Party Time’ button activates the couple’s chosen settings for a pop-up party, whenever they like. At the tap of a touch screen, ‘Party Time’ triggers the LED strip lighting, which runs the length of the bar, to go into a colour-changing rotation. The sound systems at both ends of the room will start to play music, the automated blinds by QMotion come down and the main lights are dimmed, enhancing the party atmosphere.

For watching movies, the couple can choose ‘Movie Time’, which dims the lights to ideal viewing levels. The backlit projector screen is activated to maximise the projector quality and all they need to do is get comfortable. For the client’s wish to have a simple control function, it is ‘mission accomplished’ by DPP!

And the Beat Goes On…

For a couple that started off feeling clueless about technology, they have now embraced it. The well-organised Sanus CFR2115B1 15U Component Series AV Rack is even displayed in full view next to the bar, making an attractive feature within the room.

Dominic concludes: “The client has been blown away by the finished project, they love it – it’s even better than they expected. In fact, the DPP team were invited back for a party! Experiencing everything as a guest was brilliant, this party room is going to be hard to beat!”