How To: Tips For Whole-House Audio Installation

Networked home entertainment is just one piece of the connected home puzzle, and making the transition to include whole-house audio installations in a low-voltage wiring business requires training to get a handle on the process.

Bedrock Learning's online course, "Whole House Audio Technology and Distribution" (www.bedrocklearning.com), is just one example of a resource available to digital integrators and low-voltage installers who want to get in on the whole-house audio business, or simply refresh their skills.

The first step involves getting to know the customer and their requirements. Having clients fill out a questionnaire on how they plan to listen to music in their home, whether the installation will involve outdoor listening areas and products, and how much they are willing to spend can make an integrator's work easier down the line.

Choosing components and music sources will then determine how line-level wiring is installed, and whether speakers will be free-standing, hanging, or flush with walls. The placement of the speakers determines quality of sound, and installers need to pay attention to current distribution and how the system's wiring will be balanced to ensure longevity and superior sound quality for its owners.

Whether installing a system in new construction during the building phase, or retrofitting an existing home, integrators can build a successful business by implementing best practices and staying on top of technology advances.