There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors, and integrators are well aware of this fact by now. Alongside lighting, outdoor entertainment systems are perhaps one of the fastest growing categories within the custom installation market now.
With advancements in video, audio, and a variety of other technologies, a backyard can become a secondary living space. With a creative mind and the right technology, an integrator can create a truly luxurious-feeling outdoor entertainment space that can create a newfound connection with nature. It doesn’t even take that big of a budget. The right set of speakers or perhaps a well-placed projection screen can be all that it takes to greatly enhance the outdoor experience.
So today, we’re pulling from the CE Pro Project Archives to look at some impressive projects you may have missed out on over the years.
‘Party House,’ Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts, Soundwaves & Security Corp.
Space is precious in the tightly populated region of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which is why the clients of this installation wanted to put their 800-foot-wide backyard to good use. Specifically, the client told Michael Either of Soundwaves: “Mike…I want you to think ‘party house.’”
The final design of the massive outdoor entertainment system uses 38 Ambisonic satellites and seven subwoofers, all with the goal of ensuring equal volume levels across the entire lawn so no one would be forced away from a particular area.
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Stealth Theater, Mooresville, North Carolina, SoundVision
Although this project features a screen large enough to provide an immersive video experience outdoors, the homeowner wanted it hidden when not in use. To accomplish that goal, Soundvision created a design plan that utilizes a display lift as opposed to a traditional wall or surface mount.
When lifted, the display can securely and effortlessly spin 360 degrees, which allows it to be seen at just about every angle from this outdoor entertainment system.
Find out more about Stealth Theater.
‘Bold’, Perth, Australia, by SilverYachts
When designing the mega-yacht known as ‘Bold,’ Bassett-Scarfe, Exterior Outfitting Manager at SilverYachts, wanted to include a sound system that would provide peak performance and exceptional experiences for guests onboard while also standing up to the harsh maritime conditions for electronics.
Onboard, the ‘Bold’ nestles 12 Two-Way Complex Conic Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers and two 12-inch Renkus-Heinz subwoofers into the combination hangar-cinema-disco-entertainment section.
Poolside AV Paradise, New York City, New York, by Digital Projection
To match the quality of an impressive outdoor pool area and inviting backyard space drawn up by renowned architects and designers, the team at Digital Projection were requested to create a massive outdoor video wall that would be a focal point for entertainment.
“After discussing our plan with a civil engineer, we essentially built an in-ground vault complete with a hydraulic lift and sump pump assembly to house and mount the LED video wall,” says Eric Perkins, general manager at Display Devices.
Find out more about Poolside AV Paradise.
Underwater Sound, Huntsville, Alabama, by Mozaic Audio Video Integration
Mozaic’s work on the outdoor entertainment system for this CE Pro Home of the Year showcases how the little touches can make the biggest difference. While rigging the entire backyard of this Huntsville home with speakers and subwoofers, the team also included Clark Synthesis underwater speakers for absolute audio coverage.
As Michael Johnson, CEO of Mozaic stated, the addition of that underwater audio came as icing on the cake for the entire project.
Find out more about Underwater Sound.
Poolside Cottage, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, by Creative Systems USA
The homeowner of this project wanted an outdoor entertainment system straight out of the olden days…but also with a 65-inch TV. The original plan had it being installed in the nearby pool house to have it look out through a faux window. However, Creative Systems USA sought to bring it outside for a better viewing experience while also leaning into the rustic aesthetics the poolside had to offer.
Find out more about Poolside Cottage.
Backyard Pool Suite, Texas, by Theater Advice
The backyard area of this Texas home includes an inground pool, an area to watch outdoor TV, a minigolf course in the center, a full backyard audio setup and a lazy river that floats around the perimeter.
Despite being a challenge given the sheer amount of cement and retaining walls to run wire through, the integrators of the project, Theater Advice, stated the end result was well worth the effort to bring the quality of the outdoor space in line with the rest of the house.
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