With locations in Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, Mich., Integrated Smart Technologies (iST) relies on clean power to ensure high levels of performance for its AV and smart home system demonstrations within elaborate multi-functional show home environments. Often unseen, however, are the products that keep those systems running clean and crisp for years on end.
Show Home Provides Dynamic Backdrop for Integrated Technologies
The smart home integration company points out that a show home often serves as a platform to showcase the possibilities of cutting-edge technology. However, Troy Cuvelier, president of Integrated Smart Technologies (iST), approached the concept differently. Instead of a traditional storefront, the company says he transformed his home into a dynamic show home. This unique approach, iST asserts, allows Cuvelier and his team to more effectively demonstrate firsthand how integrated technology enhances his family’s lifestyle. It’s a strategy that leaves a lasting impression, especially when he powers up the high-end audio, video, lighting, and related systems.
“When customers invite us into their personal space, why wouldn’t I invite them into mine?” notes Cuvelier. “Why wouldn’t I want them to see how my family lives with technology? To me, presenting tech this way makes it far more relatable.”
Torus Power Serve as Backbone for AV Systems
At the heart of Cuvelier’s show home is an advanced power management system, featuring Torus Power’s wall-mounted toroidal isolation transformers. Though invisible to most visitors, says these devices are meant to ensure clean and stable electrical power for the home’s technology systems. The products are also meant to filter out electrical noise—common in modern homes—and deliver ideal voltage, enabling high levels of performance and protection.
The Mich.-based company continues by noting these performance attributes translates to precise audio and visual reproduction free from distortion and plenty of power to produce dynamically demanding content when needed. According to Cuvelier, these features not only enhance his show home but also safeguard the longevity and reliability of the equipment invested.
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During a full demonstration, Cuvelier points out that he activates the home theater system, including its subwoofers and Left-Center-Right (LCR) speakers. With 1,600 watts per channel driving the system, the units provide more than enough power to the system to allow for plenty of headroom, enabling connected equipment to operate efficiently.
“It’s wild to have that level of power and protection,” enthuses Cuvelier.
Private Dolby Atmos Theater Serves as Home’s Centerpiece
iST says that show home visitors begin their tour at an antique-style glass front door equipped with a Control4 video doorbell. Inside the living area features a 77-inch TV concealed behind artwork that rolls up to reveal the screen. A Sonos Arc soundbar blends seamlessly into the décor, framed by a matte black surround.
The smart home company boasts the true highlight of the show home, however is the custom-designed home theater. Designed with reference-level Dolby Atmos audio, this space showcases the immense capabilities of Torus Power’s isolation transformers. The home theater system powered by a StormAudio Elite 24-channel processor, the theater delivers an immersive experience.
“You can feel the explosions in the theater, but can’t hear them when you step out,” says Cuvelier.
The subwoofers, including two James Loudspeaker Maverick models and two Paradigm Millenia models are also hooked up a Torus Power isolation transformer unit for clean power assurance. The three James Loudspeaker Mavericks MQ84 speakers positioned behind the projection screen with two BE806 height speakers, as well as four QXC820R speakers recessed into the ceiling and six more BE806 speakers in the side and rear walls, all also benefit from the same level of clean power to ensure the system produces enveloping immersive audio.
The theater is complemented by DMX-controlled color-changing accent lighting, a custom CineMotion Posters digital movie poster, and comprehensive sound isolation achieved through acoustical treatments on and within the walls, floors, and ceilings.
Smart Systems Extend Environmental Control to Billiards and Bar Areas
Beyond the theater, the iST show home extends its AV to the billiards and bar areas, equipped with discreet small-aperture speakers from James Loudspeaker and two 10-inch in-wall subwoofers from Monitor Audio. Additional speakers in the guest room, bath, and exercise area showcase the benefits of whole-home audio to provide entertainment throughout the space. A Lutron shade system adds another layer of automation, dynamically adjusting to optimize lighting conditions in the theater. Cleverly hidden within a wooden beam, the shading system maintains the room’s aesthetics while enhancing its functionality iST notes.
These systems are further backed up via the home’s wall-mounted unit, which safeguards the entire home’s AV and automation systems. The unit provides 90 amps of incoming power distributed across five dedicated 20-amp outlets, and through its filtration and protection capabilities, the unit helps to ensure all connected technologies function reliably.
Systems & Equipment
- Torus Power wall-mounted isolation transformers for surge protection and power conditioning
- Sony GTZ380 projector
- Seymour Screen Excellence Neo Enlightor 2.37:1 Screen
- MadVR Envy Extreme MK2 video processor
- StormAudio Elite Mk3 audio processor
- StormAudio PA8 Ultra amplifiers (bridged)
- Kaleidescape Strato V & Terra Servers
- Sony 4K HD Blu-ray Disc player
- NVidia Shield Pro TV media player
- Control4 CORE 3 controller & Halo Touch remote
- James Loudspeaker MQ84 LCR Speakers (3)
- James Loudspeaker BE806 In-Wall Speakers (8)
- James Loudspeaker QXC820R Ceiling Speakers (4)
- James Loudspeaker M152 Subwoofers (2)
- James Loudspeaker M213 Subwoofer
- Paradigm Millenia Subwoofers (2)
- Sonos Arc Soundbar
- Straightwire Cables
- AVPro Edge Fiber Hybrid HDMI Cable to Projector
- Strong Reference AV Rack
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