The Beginner's Guide To Understanding Whole-Home Audio
Do you want to be able to listen to your favorite music in multiple rooms of your house, including outside? Whole-home audio is a great way to do just that! This blog will give you a beginner's guide to whole-home audio. We'll discuss what it is, the different types of speakers used, and the benefits of having a whole home audio system. We'll also talk about how to wire for whole-home audio and why it's best to plan early.
What is Whole Home Audio?
Whole home audio systems are just what they sound like - audio systems that allow you to listen to music throughout your entire home. There are many benefits to having a whole home audio system. One benefit is that you can have different "zones" set up in your home. For example, you could have the living room and kitchen as one zone where everyone can listen to the same thing. But then maybe you want a different zone for the bedrooms or the patio. With a whole home audio system, you can have different music playing in each of these zones.
Another great benefit of whole-home audio systems is that they allow multiple people to listen to different things at the same time. So if you want to watch a movie in the living room while someone else is listening to music in the kitchen, you can do that!
There are different types of whole-home audio systems. Some use wired connections while others are wireless. We'll talk more about that later. But first, let's discuss the different types of speakers used in whole-home audio systems.
Different Types of Speakers Used in Whole Home Audio
There are three main types of speakers used in whole home audio systems: in-ceiling, in-wall, and freestanding:
In-ceiling speakers are installed in your ceiling. They blend in with your ceilings and don't take up any extra space. In-wall speakers are installed in your walls. Like in-ceiling speakers, they blend in with your home and don't take up any extra space. Freestanding speakers are just that - they stand on their own. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find ones that fit your style and space. Many freestanding speakers look like works of art while providing great entertainment value. The type of speakers you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the layout of your home.
Home Theater Audio
One popular part of whole-home audio is your home theater sound. Home theater audio systems are designed to give you the best possible movie-watching experience. They typically include a surround sound system, which includes five or more speakers and a subwoofer. The subwoofer is responsible for the low-frequency sounds, such as explosions, while the other speakers provide the rest of the movie's sound. The placement of speakers for home theaters or any audio-video experiences in your home is strategic for the best performance.
When To Design And Install Your Whole-Home Audio
The best time to design and install your whole-home audio is during the construction of your home. This is because it's much easier and less costly to wire for whole-home audio when your walls are open. If you're adding a whole-home audio system to an existing home, it's still possible to wire for whole-home audio. Which rooms should you wire for audio in your home? These days, every room is recommended, including outdoor spaces, bathrooms, garages, and laundry rooms - this is especially encouraged if you are wiring during construction. The thought process is to wire as many points as possible, even if you don't use it immediately as you or the future homeowner may want it later, and having the wire will make it easier to install the audio equipment.
Wireless And Hardwired Audio
As we mentioned before, there are two types of whole-home audio systems: wireless and hardwired. Hardwired systems use cables to connect the different parts of the system. Wireless systems use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect the different parts of the system.
Hardwired systems are great because they provide high-quality sound. For many audiophiles, this is the only option. They are also more reliable than wireless systems since there's no chance of interference from things like your home's Wi-Fi network. We recommend hardwiring whenever possible because home networks are not prepared to handle all the devices that command their bandwith, except if your home network has been extended.
A Smart Home Automation System With Your Whole-Home Audio System
Now that we've gone over the basics of whole-home audio, let's talk about integrating a smart home automation system. A smart home automation system gives you control over all the electronic devices in your home from one central operating system. This can include things like your lights, thermostat, security system, and a whole-home audio system, including video.
Integrating your whole-home audio system with a smart home automation system has a few benefits. First, it allows you to control your audio system from any mobile device. This means you can turn your music on or off, change the volume, skip songs, and more - all without having to get up. Second, it lets you create custom settings and schedules for your audio system. For example, you could create a setting that turns on your favorite music when you come home from work. Or, you could schedule your audio system to turn off at a certain time each night. Your audio will also be included in group triggers like "movie time" where the audio video goes on, shades come down, and lights dim all at the same time.
Finally, integrating your whole-home audio system with a smart home automation system gives you the ability to use voice commands to control your audio. This is thanks to virtual assistants like Amazon's Alexa, Google Home, and Josh.ai. With voice commands, you can do things like turn on your music, change the volume, skip songs, and more - all without lifting a finger.
Help From Audio-Video Pros
Designing and installing a whole-home audio system can be complicated. We recommend working with a professional who can help you design and install your system. The company you choose needs to be experienced in the level of whole-home audio you are looking for.
At Universal Connection Fl, our team of experts can help you choose the right speakers and components for your home. We will work with you to find the best way to wire your home for whole-home audio, matching the system to your lifestyle and decor choices. Our installs are seamless and hassle-free. We invite you to experience whole-home audio at our Boca Raton, Florida showroom. Contact us by chat, email, or phone for a free consultation.
