A wireless, integrated home audio and automation system for a gaming room isn’t necessarily easy for a homeowner to set up, but DTV Installations supplied all of the equipment and completed the task in a single day. It’s built around Sonos Connect for CAS and Sonos powered speakers, and includes a Gigabit Ethernet setup with Luxul XGS-1008 Ethernet switch and XWR-3100 dual-band router plus a high-end, quick-connect Wi-Fi controller.
DTV Installations was contacted by a client in Scarsdale, who needed us to work with his interior designer to complete a state-of-the art gaming room. Among other things, he needed high-end audio, Wi-Fi installation and smart controllers – all wireless.
We were pleased to meet with the client and designer, and to provide a free estimate. We were all on the same page, and DTV installers completed the entire project in just one day.
Wireless Audio and Internet
The backbone of the audio system was built with high-quality Sonos components. A Sonos Connect for CAS (component audio streaming) integrated the client’s external amplifier into the system, and we used a wireless Sonos Playbar powered soundbar and a Sonos Sub subwoofer (also wireless) to provide what CNET calls best-in-class digital audio. The speakers can be moved anywhere in the room, and only need to be plugged into a power outlet for optimal sound delivery.
This system works with all streaming audio sources, thanks to the Internet system provided by DTV Installations. It features a Luxul XGS-1008 Gigabit Ethernet switch and XWR-3100 dual-band wireless Gigabit router; high-capacity connectivity is crucial for a gaming room with wireless audio, and this system delivers.
Programming and Extras
Even though wireless systems don’t require all of the intricate wiring work we normally do, that doesn’t mean we were done after supplying the equipment (with major pricing discounts).
Our DTV installers added a Panamax MR4000 power management system and a Strong 15U Foundation Series rack system with integrated cooling for the Internet components, and also installed a Nest Labs 3rd generation thermostat.
All of the equipment works seamlessly with the URC TRC-1080 universal remote controller that DTV provided and programmed for the client so that it could perform all of his favorite functions. One of the great features of the easy-to-use TRC-1080 that worked particularly well for this gaming room installation is quick-connect Wi-Fi.
DTV wasn‘t done yet. We supplied and installed a complete Lutron Radio RA-2 lighting control system, including Lutron RRD6CL dimmers in the basement. This allows the client to control his all lights from an app on his phone or the TRC-1080 remote control, or by asking Amazon Alexa to do it for him. Additionally, we programmed the system for full “scene” control, so if the client presses “Play Game” on his remote the TV, Sonos audio and gaming system will all turn on, and the lights will dim to 20%.
A week after DTV Installations finished the work, the client called – not because of a problem but because he was so thrilled with the URC controller that he wanted two more, for his home theater and his family room.
We were delighted to come back and set up the extra controllers, and he was delighted with the work done by DTV Installations.
