The equipment in this installation requires a bit of knowledge about the intended uses, and the features on the equipment itself. In many homes, equipment is installed in an inefficient manner, creating more complexity than necessary to use and enjoy the theater or media room.

For example, the receivers we recommend and install, in this case a Denon AVR-895, have internal electronics to send all analog video signals over the same set of cables, whether the signal is standard-definition or high-definition. This makes sure the projector doesn't have to be switched when changing from the VCR to the DVD.

Once the equipment is properly installed and configured, we then program the MX-850 Custom Remote Control. This advanced remote control is able to easily control all of the devices, and provides easy, one-button task switching.

Because the remote is RF (radio-frequency), instead of IR-based, it is able to control the equipment without being pointed in a specific direction. It also is able to work through walls and floors. This allowed us to program the remote to control the music in the second zone in the kitchen. This zone is able to listen to a different source of audio than the main theater - this means one person can be listening to the XM radio upstairs while another watches a movie in the theater.

Most important, all of this functionality is designed around eMagine's basic control principles. We always design our systems to be as simple as possible, automating many of the complex parts of a home theater, such as selecting the proper inputs, listening modes, and viewing modes. The main tasks (e.g., watch a DVD) are always visible on the remote's screen, and pressing that task at any time will switch on the equipment and configure the settings needed.

Because of this design, training is usually fairly fast, and the Ludlow's were using their theater as if they had always owned it within a very short time.