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Audio Video Interiors March

Cinema La Cresta

STORY BY KATY KOPPENHAVER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID KESSLER

Perched above the Pacific Ocean, this Mediterranean-style villa features a dedicated theater with two Vidikron CRT Projectors,
and whole-house audio delivered by B&W speakers and Crestron control.

Finding just the right audio system to keep up with the exceptional video quality was the next deciding factor. JBL
Synthesis-2 filled the bill. The digitally equalized DTS/ES system has been THX certified and, according to the homeowner,
"envelopes you with a phenomenal presentation."

Willis' partner, Jon Heberling, describes the process that gains this kind of praise. "Keith and I collaborate on
architectural design and acoustic standards," he explains. "Because of the eight-foot ceilings and the step down/concrete
platforms, we had to work within the constraints of the architecture." They addressed the challenge by implementing
rigid-construction paneled ceiling baffles installed in three sections--each dropping down by two inches from front to back.
The theater, located directly below the home's kitchen, benefited from these panels since the sound is trapped between them
and the original ceiling above. Light padding on the walls minimizes the theater's standing waves. "We designed the hard
surfaces-such as the shields on the theater's columns-to be curved to eliminate any possible parallel standing waves,"
says Heberling.

Another acoustical benefit was the placement of the theater's 40 types of lighting. Instead of drilling holes into the original
sheet rock of the ceiling, the light cans and fixtures were installed directly into the floating ceiling panels to create
what Heberling calls "a sonically impenetrable shell."

To the left of the Stewart screen are three middle Atlantic racks that house the theater's vast array of components. These
include portions of the JBL system such as a 5-channel THX amplifier, surround processor, subwoofer amplifier and components
by Audio Access, Denon, Extron, and Sony. The racks are accessible from the garage making wiring adjustments easy; and the
screen hides a walk-in room where 90% of the client's media library is stored.

Other unique luxuries to this cinematic space are found in the adjacent wine cellar (designed in Old World charm with brick
and hand-hewn shelves). Here, the client can select a vintage while listening to music from the B&W flush-mount speakers. In
addition, an alcove jets off the theater itself and is equipped with an exhaust system for another of the client's occasional
pastimes-cigars. The "peanut gallery" as it's called, allows the homeowner and his guests to enjoy a cigar while not
missing a moment of the show. Two Sony monitors and Sony 5.1 digital headphones bring the film into the area, and can be
controlled by the wireless Crestron touch panel that is in sync with the theater's main Crestron VT3500 control.

Why Crestron? "simplicity," cites Willis. "With 23 zones in the house, the client wanted simplicity. Crestron allows us to
control the whole house, either centrally on the VT3500 or individually in each room," he says. "The VT3500 can be used as
a video monitor, and the system's memory is so reliable." Switching is done by Crestron's Matrix switcher and controls four
different video monitors independently as well as recording an all formats from Sony satellite receivers. Willis continues,
"The Crestron allows for the most flexibility available-all by a single touch of a button."

Exit the Theater through the soundproof glass and stainless steel door, and enter the adjacent "listening room"-another
favorite spot of its owner. Here, again, only the best equipment and atmosphere would do. Martin Logan Monolith 3
Electrostatic speakers and logos 1 center speakers work together with a muse 18-inch powered subwoofer, and Classe’ audio
components, as well as Sound Stream center and rear amplifiers to create sound the meets the audiophile's standards. Also
included in this comfortable space-which invites guests to visit the full marble bar-is a Pioneer Elite 16:9 high definition
television. Its 64-inch monitor receives signals from an RCA DCT 100 HDTV satellite receiver. Rounding out the experience
is the home's omnipresent B&W Signature 7 high-fidelity speaker system. Control here is handled by a Niles Intelli-control
and the client can entertain guests with billiards, pinball or a game of chess-as well as the exceptional musical sound.
Willis: "This room is made for the feeling of live entertainment. The surfaces are more reflective and less controlled
than the theater."

Not to be outdone by the listening room, the family room is another welcoming space that sports a Pioneer 50-inch plasma TV
and Pioneer Elite HDTV SH-500 tuner. According to Willis, The Pioneer was his first choice. "It was one of the first flat
screens available and, in my opinion, still one of the very best." He elaborates, "the glass panel can be run at RGB level
so all colors are separated, while the HDTV tuner gives it a potential 1080p quality. "With only nine inches to expose
left/right and center channel speakers and subwoofer, the choice of a custom fabricated subwoofer and M&K 125 speakers was
easy. "They sound great and fit very well in the allotted space," says Willis.

The Family room's components are cleverly hidden underneath the front of the bar. In fact, guests' feet actually dangle
directly in front of the panels that hide the room's equipment that includes a Sony Satellite receiver, and a Denon A/V
receiver with digital AC-3/THX/Dolby Pro Logic 5-channel amplifier. The choice here for remote control is a Niles
Intelli-control.

The Master Bedroom is also equipped with a Pioneer 50-inch plasma display that is suspended above the fireplace. The flat panel TV is Flanked by AR Phantom 6.2 speakers and 252C center speaker since, according to Willis, "they are low profile, sound great and are a perfect match." Hiding components in a bedroom can be tricky and, for the challenge, Willis and Heberling "stumbled" across the perfect solution. A Lacquered folding screen conceals the equipment and affords easy access to the Denon AVR-3600 5-channel amplifier, Sony Digital DVD player and satellite receiver- all supported by Middle Atlantic Racks. This room also receives the whole house audio via a B&W Signature 7 system and a Crestron multi-zone keypad.

With a home of this magnitude and the scope of the homeowner's vision, it would be easy to fall short of the desired outcome. not the case here. "They did a great job," says the client of his installation team. He believes that Innovative's approach to get to know their customer is key to the success of the project. "They were meticulous, calm and intelligent in their methods," he praises. "The hours don't matter; and they do it right the first time." Willis cites his client as a key ingredient to achievement. "He supported our creativity and allowed us to really spread our wings. He was an active participant but, at the same time, let us do what we do best." Heberling agrees, "In designing a theater, there is so much complexity. The homeowner gave us room to do our job with the right amount of latitude."

All are proud of the gem they polished together. "I still get chills every time I walk in," says Willis. This feeling is
shared by the client. "When i walk into my theater and close the door, the stress of the day melts away," he explains. "you feel different just being in the room. It's my inner sanctum."