Creation Home Cinemas

CHC specialises in developing innovative creations that enhance your lifestyle but are simple to use. As such we DON'T offer the pre-packaged "solution-in-a-box" option. Whether you are after a standalone design, equipment installation or a system calibration to make sure you are getting the optimum performance, our dedicated team of support personnel are available to help.

If you have your own equipment or are building your dream home, CHC offers a specialised range of services to assist you in creating the perfect entertainment environment. CHC creations are unique and designed to meet all your needs from a simple AV setup through to a complete integrated Home Automation solution.

At CHC we aim to keep things simple. As such, our process to develop a unique creation for you is easy to understand and follow.

At the initial On Site Meeting we sit with you to understand your needs and requirements and what you want to achieve. From this briefing we seek to create a unique Design which will match those requirements and fulfil your expectations.

Our Design Process has several steps to ensure that all bases are covered prior to installation. After the Design & Quote Acceptance we source your equipment then Install and Commission the system. Your system is expertly Calibrated to ensure that it is operating at its optimal level. The Commissioning process will involve testing your system, training you on correct operation and reviewing with you the manufacturers warranty and care documentation.

Our specialised services are available to you as either part of the complete CHC Experience or as a stand alone service. No matter what you choose, you will still receive the same level of professionalism from experienced CHC Staff.

It's all about the vibe! Installation is as much art as it is science and, as with any significant project, a few hours of planning can save a lot of time and trouble down the road.

It is important to remember that your viewing and listening environment can noticeably affect your system's performance, for better or for worse. Changing that environment may cost nothing, or it may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Perhaps spending a little on room acoustics would be the most cost effective investment in your system.

CHC take the headache out of the installation process by bringing the necessary expertise and skills to optimise your system and your environment and also therefore your listening and viewing pleasure.

Structured Wiring is the concept of having multi-use cables run throughout a home
or business. The CHC Pre-Wire allows you to wire your environment for today and for tomorrow. This service allows you to take advantage of the significant benefits of installing structured wiring at the building or renovating stage for Audio/Visual, Automation and other low-voltage electronic uses.

When creating your CHC Pre Wire Plan we consider ALL elements of home electronic systems:

CHC creates designs that balance budget against results to maximise functionality, flexibility and future-proofing.

We either work closely with your nominated contractors/builders/electricians or can provide you access to a range of experienced electricians and installers to implement your pre-wire.

The CHC Home Theatre design process builds on four foundational components: room layout, construction, acoustic treatment and system setup. Our experienced designers work closely with you to understand your individual aspirations and the equipment requirements for your room. We consider all elements of the design process, including physical layout, accessibility, audible and visual characteristics, functional requirements and budget.

At CHC we are passionate about good planning. Below is a sample of our design tips for planning your Audio/Visual System.

Cables and Connectors

Most people are surprised how much cables can affect performance.
Cables are the backbone of your system and "you get what you pay for".

Poor quality cables and connectors will give you poor quality sound, images, reliability and potentially intermittent faults. At CHC we understand that the experience is everything and, as such, we allow around 10% of total system cost for cables, connectors and accessories. Also, remember to allow generous cable lengths so that equipment can be easily moved and accessed for maintenance and upgrades.

Acoustics

It is important to remember that your viewing and listening environment will affect your system's performance. Changing your environment may cost nothing, or it may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In planning your system you need to consider the construction, layout and furniture configuration as each will impact on the quality and clarity of sound. It is important to understand how sound or noise moves and its impact on your listening pleasure.

Calibration

Most people just plug in their system and let it run, never knowing if they're getting the optimum performance possible. Often the most overlooked aspects in system setup are calibration and fine tuning. To gain the most from your system you need to understand all facets of system setup including equipment adjustments, acoustics, and room configuration. Every installation requires a calibration DVD and the use a sound pressure level meter to assist in properly calibrating your complete system.

Lighting

Ever been watching TV and fumbled around for the right remote or the light switch or the TV guide and knocked over your drink?

Lighting is an important element of any system. A good lighting system enhances your room in a number of ways. You should arrange the light sources so that they don't cast any glare, shadow or light on the screen which would wash out the picture. Beyond the performance issue, lighting provides an aesthetic benefit. You need a lighting system that's artistic, good for video performance, and functional enough for playing games, doing homework, reading and entertaining friends. It needs to be flexibly designed and easy to control.

Control

control Everyone in the house must be able to turn the system on and watch a DVD or their favourite program; otherwise it fails the first test!

As home theatres become more and more popular, sooner or later everyone begins to experience the same base problem of too many remote controls. Fully integrated control can be achieved through a universal remote. These remotes allow a single device to learn the signals for even the most obscure features of your system. Universal remote controls are also the key tool used to simplify your interface to a complex system. By queuing several signals from different devices onto one button complex tasks can be made simple. This is one area where simplicity is paramount.

Hire a Pro or DIY?

Whilst you may be keen to undertake the installation on your own, seeking advice in the planning stage often leads to substantial savings in time and money whilst improving the overall outcome.

Equipment - have a budget. Know what equipment you actually require. To do this you will need to know what capabilities you want. Where possible seek out a store that is dedicated to selling A/V equipment. Remember the retail environment is typically set up to optimise the sound of the system and it will sound different in your environment.

Installation - so far so good, you've got your equipment and have managed to create a picture on the screen and surround sound from the speakers, but have you optimised the overall performance of your system? Matching cables, connectors and equipment is both an art and a science. Understanding how to install equipment is one thing, however, selecting the best interconnect format for your equipment is integral to delivering the system's optimum performance. There are specific techniques that must be followed to insure proper performance. You will need to have a good understanding of the pros and cons of the various video and audio formats if you are going to get the best experience from your system.

Budget - allocate a budget and break it down by equipment, cables and accessories, upgrading antennae and electricals, acoustic panelling and labour (how long will it take you?). Know your prices and what they will buy. Remember that price generally relates to the level of quality and sophistication of the equipment that you purchase. The key is to know and to pay for exactly what you need while NOT paying for features and functionality that you don't need and are unlikely to ever use. If you are going to spend more than around $5,000 on your system then seeking professional help is a wise investment.