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High-Tech Meets Haute in Christopher Guy's NYC Showroom

When Christopher Guy Harrison decided to pop over the pond and put up a flagship showroom in the United States, he couldn't have just another cookie-cutter, pop-up shop. After all, the renowned British furniture designer's Christopher Guy brand is pretty distinct. His creations don't just give you somewhere to flop, they create an eye-catching room that's both fun and functional.

Whether you know it or not, you're probably familiar with his work. Some of those killer creations have been featured in blockbuster films such as Casino Royale, The Hangover, The Devil Wears Prada, Ocean's Thirteen, and others.

With that sort of resume and an international clientele, this space needed to be special. It needed to be something that could match the designer's signature style at every turn.

Located on the penthouse floor of the New York Design Center, the Christopher Guy Showroom is a 20,000-square-foot showcase that just oozes "the world's most fabulous lifestyles." It features three different suites and a 225-foot-long furniture runway to showcase multiple pieces and several luxury lifestyles.

However, this showroom doesn't just have furniture out for ogling. Crescendo Designs was brought in to turn the showcase into an interactive experience by complementing the designer's work with a high-tech twist. The company installed state-of-the-art lighting and several other electronic perks.

At the end of the aforementioned runway is a 16-panel Planar video wall. Measuring 14 feet wide and 8 feet tall, the attraction adds another design element to this stylish space. The auditorium is another awesome looking room—and not just because of the custom mural that adorns the walls. Crescendo Designs installed a Runco high-brightness projector and a 110-inch Stewart Filmscreen projection screen in this area, which also features seating for 30.

Despite the big, bold displays, Crescendo Designs didn't forget some of the smaller details. For instance, the company put Trufig hidden outlets in the center runway so there isn't any clutter to detract visitors from the furniture on display or the design of the surrounding show areas.

A Crestron control system ties in all of the electronic components, from lights and distributed audio to the AV system in the auditorium room. That system allows the entire showroom to be controlled from a single button at the front entrance, so it can be turned on or shut down with one push. For remote control, a 12-inch Crestron V12 HD touchscreen behind the desk can tap into everything electronic. For on-the-go access, lighting scenes can change the mood, color, or effects in the space, all via an iPad.

The Christopher Guy New York Showroom is located at New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, Penthouse Suite – Level Nº16, New York, NY 10016.

Putting the Bang into Sag Harbor

Posted on January 5, 2016 by CrescendoAdmin -

In Watchcase, there's gorgeous imagery from just about every angle. Located in Sag Harbor, NY, this historic community is surrounded by breathtaking bay and marina views, and the homes are just as eye-catching, thanks to architecture by Beyer Blinder Belle and Steven Gambrel's interior design.

So when it came time to add technology to this penthouse, the homeowner definitely didn't want all sorts of bulky, boxy AV equipment messing with his stretch of Watchcase scenery.

Crescendo Designs, Ltd. needed to come up with a way to make the home cool and convenient without dulling down those views. The answer was obvious; the company opted to fill the 1,500-square-foot living space with products by Bang & Olufsen. After all, this manufacturer is quite well-known for making quality AV options that ooze style.

The crowning jewel is the Bang & Olufsen BeoVision Avant, a 55-inch Ultra HD 4K TV that's mounted above the fireplace in the living room. It has an eye-popping image that features four times the resolution of a 1080p TV, as well as a disappearing sound panel. This audio perk can keep the speaker cabinet hidden when the TV isn't in use. When that speaker is out, it's actually part of a 3.1 sound system, which includes two stunning Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 18 speakers and the equally awesome BeoLab 19 wireless subwoofer.

Currently, the TV is tied into a cable box and offers an endless amount of entertainment options via an Apple TV media streamer. Crescendo Designs outfitted the home with a Ruckus wireless network, which can deliver reliable streaming everywhere in the home, as well as the deck. A Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex 802.11ac indoor wireless access point is tucked discreetly above the kitchen cabinets to keep it out of the way while maximizing the WiFi coverage inside.

Everything in the home is tied into the BeoRemote One controller. This handheld remote not only controls all of the B&O equipment, but also lighting and Lutron Sivoia QS Triathlon battery-powered roller shades. This allows the homeowner to get a peek at those pretty views or get a little privacy on occasion, all at the touch of a button.

An out-of-the-way equipment closet houses a Middle Atlantic rack. This includes all of the aforementioned source equipment, a Sonance DSP-8-130 8-channel amplifier, an Integra CDC-3.4 six-disc CD changer, Bang & Olufsen's BeoLink Gateway, and a Panamax M4315-PRO surge protector.

For a closer look at those views, the homeowner can move out to the roof deck, which has its own Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex 802.11ac outdoor wireless access point. This weatherproof piece of hardware can deliver a strong WiFi signal outside, which is essential for those times when the homeowner wants to access the Sonos wireless audio system. Using the Sonos app, the homeowner can call up all sorts of audio options right from a smartphone. To pump up the volume, Crescendo Designs added two pairs of Leon B44LX Boundary outdoor speakers to the deck space.

Hidden Treasures – East Hampton, NY

Posted on November 18, 2015 by CrescendoAdmin -

When you have a gorgeous backdrop like the Hamptons, you don't want anything messing with the landscape.

So when it came time to outfit this 8,000-square-foot house with modern conveniences, Crescendo Designs, Ltd. worked with builder John Hummel & Associates and the designers at Kureck Jones to install products that were smart, but also very stealthy.

Located in East Hampton, NY, the space is outfitted with a whole-house audio system that doesn't soak up any of the precious real estate. For the foyer, the kitchen, the breakfast room, a bar area, the family room, and even a screened-in porch space, Crescendo Designs opted to use Sonance Architectural in-ceiling speakers. Not only do these speakers keep sound equipment off the floor, they have the "Discreet Opening System." This allows each one to be installed flush against the ceiling without a protruding bezel. Instead of standing out like traditional speakers, each one blends into the backdrop and adds another stylish element to this high-tech getaway.

For the bedrooms and offices, Crescendo used Sonance's Invisible Series. This model delivers the same stellar sound to some of the home's smaller spaces, but keeps all of the magic completely hidden from view. Finally, the Sonance Landscape Series make the great outdoors even greater by adding beautiful music by the pool and deck areas.

These same outdoor spaces feature Lutron lighting so the homeowner and guests can mingle around the pool without having to take an unexpected dip. Crescendo integrated the outdoor lighting into a push-button system to perfectly match all of the keypads located indoors.

Besides those keypads, everything can be controlled via the home's many iPads, all of which feature Savant control. This one system ties in the indoor and outdoor lights, as well as the audio, video, motorized shades, temperature controls, security features, and even the garage door.

When it's time to relax, those same controllers can call up one of the home's flat-screen TVs. The family room has a Future Automation lift, which automatically drops the TV down in front of the fireplace and tucks it away safely when it's not in use. At the end of a long day, there's a stylish Bang & Olufsen flat screen in the master bedroom, which features an articulating arm that Future Automation custom-made in England.

Each of the AV spaces has access to all sorts of streaming media that run over the home's Ruckus WiFi network. Besides an endless source of entertainment, this setup boasts a reliable connection even across this lengthy space.

Best of the Best – Bridgehampton, NY

Posted on December 4, 2014 by CrescendoAdmin -

When money is no object, it can make a dream house—well, a lot dreamier.

However, this homeowner didn't just have the budget to make all of their automated dreams come true, they also had plenty of space. Located in Bridgehampton, NY, the 12-acre property includes a 7,400 square-foot house with a 3,000-square-foot basement. It's one of those places that's destined for a magazine cover, and not just because of the space and gorgeous decor. It also has an eye-popping amount of high-tech features.

Making a home this drool-worthy isn't always easy, though. To make sure that the technology reached every nook and cranny of the lengthy space, Crescendo Designs decided to completely rewire the entire lighting scheme, both inside and out. This meant that the company could install a new keypad-based Lutron HomeWorks automated lighting system. It also meant that the company could add "trufig" into the setup. This design solution allows all of the keypads to be completely flush-mounted into the wall, so the integrated technology doesn't detract from the home's aesthetics.

They didn't do all of the work on their own, though. The builder's electrician was called in to handle the high-voltage side of things, while interior designer Carol Egan gave the home a look as slick and sophisticated as its list of conveniences. Crescendo designed and programmed all of the lighting, which can set a relaxing mood after a long day, provide the proper scene for a party, and even deliver a little security so that the owner doesn't ever have to come into a dark house.

Lutron is just one part the setup, which is controlled by a Crestron system that runs throughout the rest of the house. When people talk about "the best of the best" and technology in the same sentence, Crestron is usually part of the conversation. Which means it also needed to be part of this home. Now this gorgeous space oozes with warm colors and cool technology. The Crestron setup serves as the backbone, allowing the residents to control every automated system, including HVAC, lighting, security, and much more.

And really, "more" is the only way to describe the audio/video system in the home. The setup includes a total of 10 audio sources that can be piped into 28 areas of the home. On the video side, 17 sources can feed the homeowner's need for entertainment in 15 of the areas that also have audio. All of the equipment is housed in four impressive Middle Atlantic custom enclosures.

When the homeowner wants to be immersed in AV, the home also has a reference-level media room. This area alone can tap into 10 different video sources, including cable boxes and web-based streaming services. For everyday TV watching, the room has a 75-inch Samsung LED HDTV mounted in custom built-in cabinetry. When the homeowner wants a red carpet experience, the Lutron blackout shades will dim the ambient light and get the fiber-optic starfield ceiling twinkling, all while a 129-inch Stewart Electrimask Classic screen drops in front of the TV and is paired with the Digital Projection Titan Reference projector. Other features include a SimAudio CD player, a Datasat RS20i processor, three SimAudio W7M amplifiers, and a SimAudio MC-8/6 amplifier. All of those AV goodies are connected to the 9.4-channel speaker setup, which includes a pair of Focal Scala Utopia tower speakers, a Focal Viva Center Utopia speaker, six B&W CCM7.3 in-ceiling surround speakers, two JL Audio in-wall subwoofers, and two JL Audio F113 subwoofers.

And just so the homeowner can stay immersed, all of the media room technology is available through a Crestron TST-600 touchscreen, which is custom-fitted into the armrest of the center chair of the room's Fortress theater seating arrangement.

The rest of the house has just as many high-tech features for both work and play. On the play side, the spa room has an in-wall Crestron TSW-750 touchpanel to deliver audio to the Sonance VP65R in-ceiling speakers. There's also a playroom with a Crestron TST-600 touchpanel, a 55-inch Samsung LED HDTV, four B&W CCM683 in-ceiling speakers, a custom Leon speaker, and an in-wall Velodyne subwoofer.

Other technology sprinkled throughout includes the four Stealth Acoustic LR8 invisible in-ceiling speakers in the dining room and a pool area with an audio system that includes a whopping 21 speakers and six subwoofers from the Sonance Landscape Series. The latter can be controlled via an iPad running the Crestron Control app or via one of the two Crestron 12-button keypads located inside the columns of the pergola. The grand room also has its own Crestron TST-600 touchpanel, a 55-inch Samsung LED HTV, four Stealth Acoustic LR3 invisible in-ceiling speakers, a custom Leon speaker, and an in-wall Velodyne subwoofer.

When it's time to a little work, the office has a desk-mounted Crestron TSW-750 touchpanel, a 46-inch Samsung LED TV, and a pair of Focal 100BE bookshelf speakers. The owner can also break a sweat in the gym area, which has a 46-inch Samsung LED TV, a Nintendo Wii with the Wii Fit, two pairs of B&W CCM683 in-ceiling speakers, and an in-wall Crestron TSW-750 touchpanel.

Because the kitchen is such as high-traffic area, it's the perfect spot the Crestron V15 touchpanel, which serves as the main touchpanel for the entire system. For local control, the TST-600 is usually docked, but can be removed and paired with the 55-inch Sony HDTV that's mounted in a custom-built stone enclosure over the nearby fireplace. While the room fills with delicious smells, it can also be filled with sound from the Crestron distributed audio system; it has four Sonance Z8S Architectural in-ceiling speakers and a hidden Velodyne in-wall subwoofer.

When each day comes to an end, the homeowner doesn't even have to think about cutting ties with all of this technology. The master bedroom has a Crestron TST-600 touchpanel to close the Lutron shades and control AV playing on the room's 55-inch Samsung LED TV, two B&W CCM683 in-ceiling speakers, the custom Leon speaker, and the invisible in-wall Velodyne subwoofer. There's even another Crestron TSW-750 touchpanel in the bathroom, which can pipe audio to the room's two B&W CCM665 in-ceiling speakers and one Sonance Mariner stereo speaker.

The home also has another five bedrooms, each of which are outfitted with a 46-inch Samsung LED TV, two B&W CCM665 in-ceiling speakers, and a Crestron TST-600 touchpanel.

A Home with a View (Inside and Out) – Sagaponack, NY

Posted on October 9, 2014 by CrescendoAdmin -

When a busy executive set out to build a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront retreat in Sagaponack, NY, he had his sights set on creating the ultimate dream home – inside and out.

"He was looking to create a traditional Hamptons-style home that featured the 'best of the best,' from its architecture and interiors to its finishes and home technology," explains Steve Berry, senior designer at Crescendo Designs. He led the Crescendo team who worked with builder Bulgin and Associates, and architect Kitty McCoy to bring the client's vision to life – on an incredibly tight timeline.

"The deadline for this project's completion was set in stone," Berry explains. "Each of us brought in an army of professionals who collaborated closely to get the job done on time, on budget – and to the highest quality of standards."

What was also set in stone (well, actually wood): The massive pilings on which the home was built. The pilings were covered by a wall system that was designed to break away if a major storm caused the ocean to surge past the dunes and up to the home. That meant the lower level was off limits to the Crescendo team: All the home technology components had to be relegated to the home's second and third floors – a significant challenge, given the homeowner's technology needs and aesthetic requirements.

The home features a full Crestron Home Control System – for audio, video, lighting and shades, climate control, pool and security/surveillance – all controlled by two in-wall panels and a wealth of iPads, strategically placed around the house. All other elements are essentially hidden from view in the house (except in the high-performance media room). The breakfast room and living room both feature televisions concealed by custom "moving art" frames with art provided by the homeowner that Crescendo digitally reproduced; high-performance audio speakers are hidden inside the home; even the thermostats are concealed – each room's climate is monitored and managed via a sophisticated temperature sensor system.

"We definitely were able to give the owner everything he wanted in terms of technology without disrupting the home's beauty and aesthetic appeal," Berry concludes. "Walking through, it's just an awesome feeling."

Seeing Is Believing – NYC

Posted on December 10, 2013 by CrescendoAdmin -

Having the latest in entertainment technology doesn't mean you'll need to see it in your home day in and day out. The creative team at Crescendo Designs can provide the experience you need without compromising the aesthetic you demand.

Case in point: A recent client wanted a powerful home theater system secretly hidden in a living room overlooking Central Park in their meticulously designed 4,000-square-foot Manhattan apartment. Crescendo's team orchestrated the disappearing act by working closely with the architect, interior designer, and builder during a renovation project to engineer custom solutions that could move the high-end AV equipment in or out of sight on command.

With the press of a button on the Control4 Home Integration System, the window shades lower, a screen descends from a hidden trap, and the cabinetry transforms to allow a projector to move into position. The room's audio includes three custom-finished bookshelf speakers, two subwoofers that are artistically camouflaged within custom millwork, and two pairs of in-ceiling channels that round out the 7.2 surround sound system.

"When the theater system isn't being enjoyed by the client, it all disappears within the living room's classically elegant design," says Chris Brody, president of Crescendo.

That isn't the only space in the home with hidden technology treasures. The study's ultra-thin TV has a custom-matched soundbar paired with a subwoofer that hides within its custom millwork and another pair of custom-finished speakers for music. There are also two LED TVs in the home that vanish behind large custom-framed mirrors in the family and living rooms when not in use.

"Their son favors the family room for video-gaming," Brody notes, "with its high-end video and 5.1 surround sound system hidden, of course, in-ceiling speakers and an in-wall subwoofer."

"Every element of technology in this entire project was carefully selected and designed to essentially disappear or complement the home's aesthetic," he explains. "Even the Lutron lighting system features custom-engraved architectural keypads that blend into their surrounding wall space."

Looking for a technology solution that won't detract from the look of your home? Contact us.

Because Size Matters

Posted on December 2, 2013 by CrescendoAdmin -

As anyone who's been to Manhattan knows, square footage is in short supply in most New York City apartments. That's why the owner of an apartment on the fashionable Upper East Side counts on Crescendo Design to help him make the most of his: achieving big, audiophile-quality sound in a small space.

The client's goal for the project—his fourth with Crescendo—was definitely a tall order, according to vice president Mike Brody, who spearheaded the redesign at the 2,500-square-foot residence.

"He wanted to replace his outdated audio/video technology with a state-of-the-art distribution system that would offer reference performance and improved aesthetics. The challenge was the tight space—and even tighter timeframe."

Crescendo delivered on all fronts, working with designer Pepe Lopez and Arthur Jessel Construction to ensure the high-performance home technology fit seamlessly within the apartment.

In the great room and smaller media room, Wisdom speakers deliver the cleanest, strongest sound. Those in the great room are tall and slender to blend with the room's décor, while the ones in the media room are part of a surround system featuring a Datasat (DTS) reference processor and in-ceiling subwoofers to accommodate its limited space. Invisible speakers keep the finished look simple and clean.

"When our client heard the sound filling the great room, he was ecstatic and shook my hand," Mike recalls. "What was thrilling for me was that I felt exactly the same way about the results."

The spectacular sound system and the apartment's new lighting is controlled via a Crestron home automation solution the client can access via strategically placed touchscreens and via his laptop, iPad, and iPhone.

To see how Crescendo can help you tackle your home technology challenge—big or small—contact us.

Making Music (and a Statement)

Posted on November 25, 2013 by CrescendoAdmin -

They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Well, there's no question that the owner of a major record label is making it in the most competitive city on the planet—and now, thanks to world-renowned Rietveld Architects and Crescendo Designs, he has the office space to prove it.

Located in NY's Chelsea, the 5,000-square-foot executive office features four main areas: a main line corridor with reception area, an executive suite, a main conference room, and a swanky, stylish lounge—all equipped with the latest in high-end technology integrated seamlessly into the high-style space.

"This environment is just amazing," says Steve Berry, senior designer at Crescendo Designs. "You're surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Manhattan. Couple that with the interior architecture and furnishings and you can just imagine how challenging this commercial design project could be." Steve and his team worked tirelessly with the architect and builder Autun Contractors to incorporate the technology needed to meet the office's business—and the owner's aesthetic—requirements.

"Keeping the design clean, crisp, and contemporary was a major consideration," he says. "But this isn't a traditional office; it's the owner's 'home away from home,' as well as a place where he and other executives meet with potential artists and partners and host receptions and industry events.

To fulfill its many purposes flawlessly and dramatically, the space features the latest in high-end audio and video equipment, from its Crestron audio and video distribution system with streaming music server and Lutron automated lighting system and motorized shades to its life-size teleconferencing equipment and TVs on motorized lifts in custom-made cabinets—and more.

Ready to make a statement of your own—in your office or home? Contact us today.

The "Eyes" (and Ears) Have It – East Hampton, NY

Posted on January 10, 2013 by CrescendoAdmin -

They say it's impossible to be in more than one place at the same time, but don't bother trying to convince this East Hampton homeowner. Crescendo Designs has given him the ability to extend his eyes and ears to the very edge of his property line—even when he's miles away.

How is this possible? The entire home is outfitted with Control4 Home Integration, top-of-the-line home automation technology. The system is managed on "iDevices" such as the iPhone or iPad, both within the 7,500-square-foot main house and remotely.

"He's able to turn down the heat in his house even if he's in China!" said Jennifer Miller, design consultant at Crescendo Designs. "It's an incredibly important feature for homeowners looking for easy year-round maintenance, especially those with summer homes in the Hamptons."

Jennifer, who's part of the team at the high-end home technology firm that designed and installed the state-of-the-art system, says "The added security of knowing who's at their front door at all times really offers some peace of mind."

The ultra-sophisticated home surveillance is integrated into the telephone system, fully equipped with gate and door cameras, and even programmed to send an alert to the client through his outdoor speakers, should he happen to be enjoying the weather or watching his outdoor TV.

Invisible speakers from the Sonance Landscape Series are peppered throughout the property to blanket the three acres in top-quality, uniform sound.

Indoors, several Samsung Ultra Slim LED TVs are featured throughout the home's interior, recessed in custom millwork with hidden audio to blend seamlessly and beautifully with their surroundings.

The screening room boasts an 80-inch LED TV for gaming, while a 120-inch electronic dropdown screen discreetly recesses behind custom molding when not being partnered with its Runco LightStyle Projector.

Crescendo worked closely with the home interiors team at Rees Roberts & Partners, architect John David Rose, landscape architect Edmund Hollander, and custom builder HF Swanson to ensure the technology in the home complements, rather than compromises, their client's expectations for overall aesthetics. Strategic pre-wiring is already in place for further additions and projects, giving the home endless potential for the future.

A Spectacular Game of "Hide and Seek" – North Haven, NY

Posted on November 20, 2012 by CrescendoAdmin -

Achieving complete unification of this client's year-round, multi-building North Haven retreat—without taking away from its spectacular interiors and waterfront views—created a singular challenge for Crescendo Designs.

"This project was twice as complex and took twice the amount of time a traditionally constructed home would—but the result is just fantastic," Mike Brody, vice president of Crescendo Designs, said.

The 8,000-square-foot home consists of a main house, guest cottage, and waterfront cottage—all linked through underground passageways.

"The interconnected structures leading to the private dock created a unique home automation challenge," Brody explained. The Crescendo team met this challenge head-on with an integrated Crestron-based solution that links the technology in each individual building together so they now operate as if they were one structure.

"If you're sitting in the master bedroom overlooking the compound and see a light shining in the waterfront cottage, you can switch it off without even leaving the room just by touching the Crestron panel," Brody said. "In fact, you wouldn't even need to see the light—the touch panel alone would let you know that the light is on."

"Without these systems in place, keeping up with this home would be a workout in itself—it's that huge: You just don't realize it until you are there," Brody said.

In addition to lighting, the system also enables the owner to view, set, and control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for each room, in each building, from this panel. That same page also manages the pool, security cameras, and music. The sounds of a Spotify playlist (their preferred music source) is available throughout the house—there are even speakers at the dock and in the master shower.

While the sounds of music abound, a visitor would be hard-pressed to identify their source, as much of the project's time was spent assuring that everything—from the wiring to the final fit and finish—featured components that do not distract from the home's visual appeal. For example, the speakers are just the right size to fit perfectly in wood planks, other components are remotely located, televisions are flush or hidden, and electrical outlets are disguised using TruFig .

Even the television in the master bedroom sits on an underbed lift to ensure it doesn't disturb the room's unbelievable water view when not in use. This attention to aesthetic detail continues down to the basement, which features a three-tiered theater room.

The picture and sound are dynamite—with a massive Stewart screen, Sony 4K projector, and B&W speakers —and all of its electronic components remain hidden so the room's décor matches the simple and casual, yet elegant, style of the rest of the house.

A virtual window-wall in a basement passageway keeps that "whole-house" feeling going. Built to resemble a window located on the first floor of the home, it features a flush-mount TV connected to a dock camera that shows a nonstop display of the dock and water.

"When people walk by and see it, they are floored," Brody said.

To see how Crescendo can solve your home technology challenges, contact us .

Long-time Client Creates Long Island Paradise – Hamptons

Posted on January 19, 2012 by CrescendoAdmin -

A relationship that started with a simple audio-video installation became a complete home transformation for long-time clients who trusted Crescendo Designs to help them turn their Water Mill house into their dream home.

Working alongside builder Lettieri Construction, who undertook the massive renovation of the 9,000-square-foot home, our design team overhauled and upgraded the entire technology system to incorporate the latest in audio-video, electronics, home automation, and architecture.

"The key with this home—or with any project, for that matter—is the ability to envision technology as part of the home's architecture and interior design," explained Mike Brody, vice president at Crescendo. "The two must integrate flawlessly and aesthetically. No one wants to 'see' equipment; it must be as invisible as it is enjoyable."

Although the home's automation incorporates multiple elements and technology, including lighting, HVAC, pool, alarm, television/media room, fireplaces, surveillance cameras, a one-of-a-kind LED art piece, and an electronic smoke window—all controlled via Crestron and Lutron systems—a visitor to the home would be hard-pressed to find them.

"We reduced clutter with in-wall lighting keypads, touch panels, and the use of the TruFig aesthetic treatment, which makes them flush with the wall and virtually undetectable," he added. When the homeowner travels, the systems can be controlled via an iPad or iPhone, allowing ultimate ease and flexibility of control—from virtually anywhere in the world.

Ceiling clutter is also reduced by using architectural and invisible speakers for background music and entertaining.  B&W speakers and JL Audio subwoofers were purposely installed in the media room, however, to stand out in the crowd and "put on a show."

With their Long Island property now earning rave reviews, the homeowners have decided to refresh their Manhattan apartment with Crescendo-designed and -installed systems, where the new features and updates will unite the look and feel of both residences.

For more information on how Crescendo can beautifully integrate today's technology into your home design, contact us.

Home Theater "Sequel" is Spectacular – Water Mill, NY

Posted on October 27, 2011 by CrescendoAdmin -

A Water Mill homeowner's quest to turn his home theater into a reference-quality room with industry-standard technology turned into a blockbuster success that's earning a big "thumbs-up" from every member of his family.

"The owner had hired a company from outside the local area to design and install the original theater room, but opted to go closer to home this time to ensure he got both high-quality products and superior local service," explains Crescendo Designs vice president Mike Brody, who managed the project's team of designers.

While the client's main goal was to update his old projection system with a state-of-the-art product that met 2-D reference standards but also had 3-D capabilities, the Crescendo team took it a step further, creating a complete home theater solution that delivers sound and image-quality that satisfies any director or composer—all without disrupting the existing room's finishes.

"Working within the space we had to create a truly spectacular home theater was our biggest challenge," Mike explains. For video, the team selected the Runco D-73 Dual LED Projector with Cinewide Autoscope lens and a Steward Cinecurve Masking Screen. The LED Projector provides both incredible and comfortable 3-D viewing and outstanding 2-D picture quality, while the Stewart Cinecurve offers viewers a larger, more immersive experience without overwhelming. The screen adjusts to HDTV content, keeping the picture size comfortable and appropriate for the room, and also eliminates black bars on widescreen movies.

During the room transformation, Crescendo also upgraded the room's control system and video sources, adding new Crestron components, a wireless touchscreen, a Blu-ray player, and Apple TV. They also "auditioned" the room's audio system.

"We knew it could be dramatically improved," Mike notes, "and the client agreed." The resulting audio system—featuring BW Diamond Series Front Speakers, JLAudio F113 subwoofers mated to a new Classe SSP processor with matching amplifiers—provides outstanding clarity of sound with incredible range, power, and depth.

"This home theater delivers outstanding picture and sound quality, even in 3-D," Mike concludes. "The family is overjoyed with the results and performance of the room and uses it every chance they get."

For more information on Crescendo Design technology solutions for new home theaters and upgrades, contact us.