Storch Entertainment Systems

Storch Begins new project with John Powell Construction

2010-02-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pictured is a major remodel project in College Park. Storch is working with John Powell Construction and CRT Studio to install music throughout the house with a dedicated media system in the game room/bar. As the owner is a big sports fan, we will install a simple to use, high performance system in the game room to provide big screen video with pristine sound quality.

McGrath project nears completion

2010-02-05T10:08:00.000-05:00

Pictured is the TV niche above the fireplace and the speaker locations for our latest McGrath project. We will install a roll-out service rack with all of the equipment in the hall closet pictured to the right.

Anatomy of a TV replacement

2010-02-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

The following picture essay shows how we recently replaced an old-style CRT televisions with a larger, higher performance flat panel display.

This bedroom had a 27 inch TV installed in a niche above the fireplace. We removed this TV, built a false back wall, painted it white to match the cabinet and then installed a new 42 inch TV on an articulating bracket.

In addition to the flat panel, Storch installed a bluray DVD player and programmed an easy-to-use remote control.

Television wiring

2010-02-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

Pictured is a TV jack. Easy to say, but what are all of those connections for?

This jack is an example of a project Storch Entertainment is in the process of completing. We wired the house during the construction phase and made sure we provided the necessary connections to provide for today's technologies as well as any future uses the owner may want.

Great, but what are all of those connections for?

OK, in order, they are:

white coax TV connector: in-house closed circuit TV (camera at front door)

black coax TV connector: basic cable TV

white network connector: spare: can be used for remote antenna, wireless access point, network for game console, etc.

blue network connector: in-house network, used for TV's built-in onscreen network widgets

yellow network connnector: feed #1 for HDMI feed from main equipment location

brown network connector: feed #2 for HDMI feed from main equipment location

these 2 ports allow for long distance, high quality 1080P video transmission

Overkill for a TV? Not really, as the largest cost driver in pulling wire is the labor factor. Adding a few extra wires that are being pulled from the same location is very cost effective. Especially considering how costly it can be to add wires after a house is built!

Before and After, part 2

2010-02-01T09:49:00.008-05:00

Another "before" shot of a wiring distribution center. Can you believe the router was left hanging from its network cabling?

Needless to say, the phone, cable and networks were not working properly. We identified, tested and reterminated all of the wiring, removed useless parts and added a shelf above to house the hardware, including the modem, router, wireless lighting repeater and a new battery back up to improve the networking and internet reliability.

Here are the "after" photos:

Storch Begins Posada New Construction

2010-02-01T09:11:00.004-05:00

We have just begun work on this Posada custom home. Located in Winter Park, Storch Entertainment Systems has been selected to install a house-wide music system, lighting control, a high performance surround sound system, and all of the low voltage infrastructure.

In addition, we are excited to collaborate with Full Swing Golf to install a golf simulation system that will double as a media room.

A sad day for classical music (commentary)

2009-12-31T16:11:00.002-05:00

WMFE 90.7 recently made the decision to switch from a music and NPR format to an all NPR news and talk. It is sad to think that a major metropolitan area like Orlando cannot sustain a classical music station.

In their defense, WMFE has not cancelled their musical programming altogether, they have shuttled it to 90.7-2 for those of you with HD Radio capability. It is also available over the Internet for live streaming.

My business is entertainment technology and while I can manipulate my browsers, Apple TVs and HD Radios to find WMFE's music, my belief is that a radio station's presence is still defined by what they play on their primary signal - regular old FM radio. By de-emphasizing classical music, WMFE (more to the point-the majority of WMFE's listening audience) has decided classical music is no longer important (or at least commercially viable).

Personally, I like NPR and its programs, but am saddened at the loss of a classical music FM broadcast.

P.S: If you are going to force me to explore the options available online and from Apple TV, I think I'll switch my listening, and support, to WGUC 90.9, a station that recently sent its news and talk to a smaller sister station so that it could broadcast nothing but classical music!

net: www.wguc.org

Oprah and the Obamas

2009-12-30T15:39:00.007-05:00

In a recent Christmas special, Oprah asked the Obamas how the children liked living in the White House. The president's answer was "the kids love the movie theater."

Good answer, kids. Pictured is the White House home theater (and wow is it RED!).

Before and After

2009-12-30T15:30:00.003-05:00

Pictured are the before and after photos of a project we completed with Jonathan McGrath Construction. The cabinet pictured shares a wall with the staircase and is only 6 or so inches deep at the top, but 24 inches deep in the space under the stairs.

Storch coordinated with McGrath to make sure the electronics and speakers would fit in the deeper part of the cabinet (under the stairs) with the upper cabinets and TV section in the areas that had less depth. This provided a good look for the millwork with minimum intrusion into the room.

In addition to the TV and surround sound system in this room, we installed speakers on the summer kitchen pictured in the right of the photo and at the dock beyond.

Deland theater update

2009-12-28T18:30:00.004-05:00

The Deland theater pictured prior is finally finished. We installed basic acoustic panels to the front and side walls to improve the sound quality. Acoustic treatment is the easiest and most cost effective way to improve the sound in any room.

In this theater, we coordinated with the owner as to the color and size of the panels and then glued them to the walls. It was a simple process that made everyth

ing sound better!

The overall cost of the acoustics and installation was about 10% of the total electronics budget, but the impact on the quality was at least 30% better. Dialog is now more intelligible, pans and audio steering are more dramatic and the soundfield is more distinct.

Often overlooked, acoustical treatment can turn an average home theater into a great one!

What does that jack do?

2009-12-05T10:23:00.002-05:00

Pictured is the in-progress installation of a wall jack. Have you ever wondered what some of those jacks on your walls are for? Do you have to remember the jack on the right is for the fax? Or do you have a smudgey handwritten note in marker?

Storch Entertainment wants to make sure our customers understand the purpose of everything we install down to the ports on a wall jack. In addition to labeling the ports, we also use precision test instrumentation to ensure that the jacks and wiring will work properly.

TECH TALK: At best, most installers will test the continuity of their wiring to make sure it is not broken or damaged. Storch Entertainment uses precision test instrumentation to qualify the actual bandwidth of our network computer jacks. The blue network jacks pictured were tested to ensure that they will work reliably for 10/100/1000(gigabit) Ethernet speeds.

Storch begins McGrath Project

2009-11-11T20:14:00.003-05:00

Storch just began work on our tenth home remodel project with Jonathan McGrath Construction. We're happy to be a long standing team member.

This project is a complete remodel of a lakefront home in Longwood. Jack tore the interior down to the studs and is moving walls and adding a master suite.

Storch will provide an entertainment system with a family room surround sound system, outdoor music, and all of the phone, cable and data networking.

Storch Fixes Theater

2009-11-11T14:43:00.007-05:00

We were recently called in to fix the theater pictured. The theater is a good design: it includes acoustical treatment, high end electronics, control of the lighting, a good remote control and comfortable seating. This sounds like the right stuff, so what then could be the problem?

The system looked and sounded horrible and was difficult to operate. The company responsible for the original installation must have stopped when they heard sound and saw a picture. In the course of our diagnosis we found that the surround processor had never been set up, the video projector was set to a very dim output mode, the main power amplifier was never hooked up to turn off and was always very hot, and the remote control was not easy to use nor did it include modes for all of the equipment.

After completely rewiring the system and relocating some components to better locations (the DVD player was so close to the inside top of the cabinet that it was next to impossible to load a disc), we calibrated the system using precision instruments. After we set the processor and projector to the correct modes and calibrated them with our test gear, we ran a set of reference audio and video clips that allowed us dial in the last 10% by using our most precise instruments - our experienced eyes and ears. Lastly, we reprogrammed the remote control to function more easily and intuitively.

The system now performs as it should and delivers the picture and sound quality the owner always envisioned.

...and After

2009-11-06T20:22:00.002-05:00

Pictured is the phone, cable TV and computer network rack after Storch Entertainment rewired the system. We landed each wire on a patch bay that allows easy troubleshooting, service and identification. We also printed labels for each wire and installed a battery back up and rack mount network switch. The system not only looks better, but is now working reliably and can be upgraded and serviced easily.

Apple TV updates software to version 3.0

2009-10-30T12:51:00.005-04:00

Apple TV is now easier to use. Apple just published software version 3.0 which features a new grid menu that makes it much easier to find your favorite music, photos, TV shows, etc.

Additionally, Apple has added Internet radio functionality. It is located under the "Internet" tab along with YouTube. Hopefully the next revision will include Pandora or Last.FM, but the radio is nice to have. Actually, I've been listening all day to a station I grew up with. For those of you familiar with Alternative rock in South Western Ohio, WOXY and WOXY Vintage are available under the "Alternative" genre.

Before....

2009-10-26T09:47:00.003-04:00

Pictured is (unfortunately) a typical inwall network wiring enclosure. Often referred to as the structured wiring box or OnQ panel, these boxes do not offer the space required to fit the wiring and electronics required in today's homes.

Storch has been asked to fix this mess. After we complete our work, we will post the "after" photos.

Planning and Coordination

2009-10-23T13:02:00.005-04:00

The following photo shows a TV in a kitchen. Usually an afterthought, most kitchen TVs are simply placed on the countertop. Can you ever have enough counter space? Why devote this precious area to a TV?

In this installation, we worked hand in hand with builder Bill Felkel, interior designer Edward Woodill and Busby Cabinets to find the best location for the TV. As it turned out, the cabinet above the microwave proved to be the perfect location. Storch provided a scaled schematic drawing with tolerances required for mounting to Busby who then incorporated the TV into their kitchen design.

Edward specified white to match the cabinets and we mounted the TV on an articulating, pull-out bracket that allowed us to keep a very tight reveal around the TV while also allowing us to pull it forward to be flush with the front of the cabinets.

Storch Begins Phil Kean Designs New Construction

2009-10-23T12:52:00.005-04:00

A few blocks from the remodel project posted below is this new construction project we recently began work on. Our responsibility at this phase consists of wiring the house for audio, video and networks (phone, cable, ethernet) as well as any foreseeable future technologies.

Storch Begins Phil Kean Designs Remodel

2009-10-19T11:29:00.004-04:00

We recently began work on this remodel, designed by Phil Kean Designs. Once a basic 1950's bungalow, the update will include a mid century design influence with raised ceilings and up-to-date mechanicals, including networks and audio/video.

Sometimes it's what you don't see

2009-10-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

Pictured is a 50 inch HDTV plasma mounted on a wall across from the master bed. A fairly standard installation. What you don't see (intentionally) is...

... is the cable box, DVD player or media player that provide a full gamut of entertainment options in this bedroom. These

components are located across the house in an equipment rack that is located inside a custom cabinet in the kitchen.

Orlando Lakefront

2009-10-14T16:55:00.003-04:00

Storch recently began this lakefront project with Mark Rash Interiors and Robert Bryan Construction. This is an extensive remodel and addition and will feature a family room home theater with music throughout the entertaining spaces. We will also install music across the expansive lanai overlooking Lake Silver.

Deland project theater almost complete

2009-10-13T08:31:00.007-04:00

Pictured is the theater for the Deland project, shown prior at the rough construction stage. This theater features a 90 inch wide acoustically transparent video screen with the left, center and right speakers behind the screen. This is the optimum location for the speakers as they are: 1. positioned at ear level and; 2. allow the sound to match perfectly the onscreen picture and action.

A roll out equipment rack is hidden in the closet left of the screen with the components controlled via a radio frequency remote control. The vent above the door hides a thermostatically controlled fan that draws heat away from the electronics.

The last step will be to install custom fabric wrapped acoustic panels on the walls to absorb the side wall reflections.

In addition to the theater, Storch installed speakers throughout the house, outside and at the boat dock.

The Barefoot Contessa's Advice

2009-07-13T15:52:00.001-04:00

In her cookbook "Family Style" Ina Garten includes a full page titled "Turn Up The Volume." This caught my eye and explains what we try to accomplish with every installation. Put simply, we believe that music enriches and improves life, especially at a party. She writes:

"We've all had the experience. We're invited to dinner at a friend's house. We ring the doorbell and the host (maybe a little distraught) opens the door to a VERY quiet house. Oops! Are we the first to arrive, or - worse - is it the wrong day? Either way, we feel a bit ill at ease and the evening's off to a bad start.

Replay the opening scene with this difference: the host opens the door and you hear Roy Orbison belting out "Pretty Woman" or the Beach Boys rocking to "Good Vibrations." Not only do you know you've come to a party, but you feel good immediately. No matter what kind of day you've had, your spirits soar. And that's a great start for a fabulous evening."

Chepenik Financial

2009-07-06T14:06:00.002-04:00

When Chepenik Financial needed a new flat screen in their conference room, they contacted Storch Entertainment. We've installed entertainment systems for two generations of Chepeniks, so we were happy to help. In addition to the conference room, we retrofitted flat panel televisions in a few of the offices for access to MSNBC, Bloomberg, etc.

Lastly, we installed an iPod-based background music system that plays in the common areas and entry room. This sets a good mood for visitors and allows for uninterrupted music playback. It was also an inexpensive solution as we used an iPod that was no longer in use and an amplifier that had been in storage.

Cabinet Ventilation

2009-06-26T12:57:00.009-04:00

One of the more important issues we have dealt with in the past few years is proper ventilation of entertainment systems. Heat is the enemy of all electronics and today's equipment is hotter than ever. Hard drives, high speed digital processors and the miniaturization of electronics has increased the heat output of almost every component in a system.

Part of our design and installation process is to engineer solutions to bring cool room air into a cabinet and to exhaust the hot air away from the equipment. A few examples follow:

Example of a heat egress vent (round vent) placed outside of the house for a large system:

Example of a heat egress vent (hidden under plate) designed to remove heat from the cabinet below in a small system:

Example of same concept to vent heat out of a dedicated equipment closet (rectangular vent above door):

Marketing Makeover

2009-06-22T14:41:00.003-04:00

In today's tough economy, marketing has become more important than ever. To assist with that effort, Storch Entertainment Systems recently installed a few unique solutions for Jonathan McGrath Construction, including:

1. A multimedia presentation system in the conference room (pictured)

This allows Jack to present his portfolio to clients as either a simple slide show or PowerPoint presentation

Internet access with a wireless keyboard and mouse provide direct access to the web or other files

2. A phone system with digital voice mail to ensure no lost calls

3. An information on hold system that can easily be updated to provide current information to any caller

Typical digital on-hold systems can be expensive and complicated

We designed the system to use an iPod as the playback device using free Podcasting software

4. A building-wide music system to enhance the feel of the office

Music can be a key element in setting the atmosphere and mood

Deland project nears completion

2009-06-19T07:04:00.001-04:00

Storch Entertainment recently complete the "trim" phase of this home theater. Pictured are three front speakers and a pair of inwall subwoofers.

When complete, the ceiling will twinkle with fiber optic lighting and an acoustically transparent screen will be installed in front of the left, center and right speakers. An equipment rack will be installed in the closet with shades on the windows to control the light.

Neat Wiring

2009-06-15T10:58:00.003-04:00

Neat wiring is a very important part of our work. Not only does it make long term servicing easy, it shows the kind of detail and care we put into all of our systems. These photos highlight our commitment to labeling all of the wires and connectors in a system as well as our dedication to taking the time to create custom length cables (connecting the network switch to the labeled patchbay).

Mid Century Modern

2009-05-21T19:53:00.005-04:00

Our work in this mid-century modern home will be completed soon. We will update as the project progresses.

Evergreen update

2009-05-15T09:04:00.004-04:00

Pictured is the centerpiece of the living/family room at Evergreen. A 58 inch HDTV with a custom width speaker bar (mounted directly below the set) take center stage to provide music and entertainment in the open floor plan of this green home.

Evergreen is included in the Parade of Homes and is located on Palm Avenue in Winter Park and is available to tour until May 17th.

Performance Theater

2009-05-08T15:21:00.000-04:00

This intimate theater, built on the second floor of a Winter Park home, features a seven foot wide screen with full digital surround sound and discreet, inwall and inceiling speakers. Because of space limitations and the minimalist interior design, the subwoofers, typically hidden in cabinets or behind furniture, were installed flush in the ceiling.

Now Voyager

2009-05-06T08:19:00.012-04:00

Storch Entertainment Systems recently finished work in this Winter Park residence. The family room features a 50 inch plasma TV with custom height speakers mounted directly left and right of the panel. In addition to this room, we installed music throughout the house and pool area.

Maitland Lakefront

2009-04-30T12:03:00.005-04:00

Rough-in work has begun on this classically styled lakefront home in Maitland. Designed and constructed by Bill Felkel and featuring interior design by Mark Rash with interior detail from Daedalus Design, Storch Entertainment is responsible for the built-in music, video, alarm and network systems.

Orlando Parade of Homes 2009

2009-04-13T16:28:00.004-04:00

Work is in full swing at Phil Kean Designs Parade of Homes 2009. This beautiful home, located in Winter Park on Cherokee Lane, will be open for public viewing May 3rd through May 17th.

We will post more photos as the project progresses.

Retrofit project in Winter Park

2009-03-27T16:14:00.009-04:00

Congratulations to Blue Star Real Estate in selling this Winter Park home. And thank you for referring us to design and install the en

tertainment and network electronics! Built in 2008 by IBK Homes, this home was wired only for basic cable TV and background music.

Storch was recommended to design a high performance media system in the family room with equally good quality sound throughout the house. We were also tasked with creating with a reliable computer network that would provide back up storage, battery power UPS and a single wireless access point for the 3 story residence.

Storch coordinated the design of the media cabinet with Cabinetry Creations of Orlando. Phil Kean Designs is responsible for the design and contracting of the remodel which includes new cabinetry, new doors, interior finishes, etc.

Interiors

2009-03-23T08:26:00.006-04:00

When Interiors Winter Park needed to change their computer system, Storch was called in to solve the problem of how to network the point-of-sale server which was to be installed in an out building with no network wiring. Wireless was the obvious solution, except for the fact that the out building was constructed of corrugated steel. We solved the problem using a combination of a super high power, Enterprise-class, wireless access point and creative installation of the remote computer's wireless transmitter.

Storch Selected for Home Automation Project

2009-03-14T14:36:00.001-04:00

We are excited to announce that we have been chosen to install the electronics systems in the house shown above (rendering). The scope of our service will include the design, installation and control of the entertainment systems, lighting, window shade control, security (burglar and fire), intercom, ethernet and wi-fi and closed circuit television.

Custom Painted Speaker Grilles

2009-03-10T16:27:00.007-04:00

I can't count how often I see either white speaker grilles on painted walls or speaker grilles that have uneven paint or clogged holes. Thanks to Triad, this is no longer a problem.

Triad now offers custom paint match services that allow us to match any speaker grille to the color of the wall. The best part is that they professionally spray multiple coats of paint on the grilles and then cure them at the factory!

The photos above show a package of a set of grilles we just received. The project was a retrofit and the client did not have the original paint samples or any reference number (who keeps that?). We simply sent a few sections of the wall that we cut out for the speakers into Triad's custom match department.

In addition to providing a perfect match to the wall color, Triad also includes a small bottle of the paint for touch up.

Villa Siena Continues

2009-03-10T15:51:00.013-04:00

Our work at Villa Siena in Winter Park, see prior post for the original design, continues. To date, we have completed the video projection and equipment rack in the media room as well as the system for the master suite. The photos below illustrate our progress.

Current Grand Opening a Success

2009-03-10T15:26:00.006-04:00

Current is now open! The grand opening party, catered by Luma, featured a red carpet with a live interview area as well as a pair of Lamborghinis provided by Ulimate Motor Works.

Our contribution, and I quote the owner, was the "a$% kicking stereo system." A great time was had by all.

CONCERT VIDEOS!!!

2009-02-25T23:02:00.005-05:00

Why do modern bands insist on the "singer-songwriter" model? Especially with so many great songs available for reinterpretation.

I admit to loving cover songs, I must have a dozen versions of "Fly Me To The Moon." Frank Sinatra, Ella Fittzerald, Diana Krall and Oscar Peterson (to name but a few) have all performed their version of this song. Why don't more performers, specifically rock/pop artists, do this?

Performers I like performing songs of other artists I like is a particular thrill for me. Tie this into a complete audio AND visual experience and I'm in heaven. With this said, I feel compelled, spoiler ahead, to recommend three concert videos:

1. David Gray LIve in Slow Motion (DVD only, no BluRay) performing the Cure's Friday I'm in Love

2. John Mayer Where the Light Is performing Tom Petty's Freefalling (3 piece acoustic band)

3. Foo Fighters Live at Wembley Stadium performing Led Zepplin's Rock and Roll and Ramble On

NOTE ON FOO FIGHTERS: Led Zep songs include guest appearances by John Paul Jones and Jimmie Page

Run, don't walk, to see this BluRay!

Current update

2009-02-18T12:34:00.012-05:00

Our work is almost complete in Current. As mentioned prior, Current is the new contemporary men's clothing store on Park Avenue. Shown in the photos are our equipment rack featuring the Sonos music streaming player allowing access to any Internet-based music including last.fm, pandora, Sirius and Rhapsody.

In keeping with the trend of the store, employees will be able to browse the Internet for the most up-to-date music for instant playback. The equipment includes only the best professional gear from JBL and Crown.

Family and Game Room Retrofits

2009-02-17T16:02:00.007-05:00

Storch recently completed this retrofit in an RJV home located in Winter Park. Our systems included entertainment areas in the family room and second floor game room. The family room system routes music throughout the first floor and outdoor summer kitchen.

Dual Display

2009-02-07T13:08:00.017-05:00

Storch Entertainment Systems introduced the idea of the "dual display" system for this home theater in Winter Park and provided design assistance to the project. We also provided the video projection monitor.

This type of installation is becoming more popular with many of our clients, especially those who do not have the space or lifestyle for a traditional home theater. A dual display system provides the best of ALL worlds, namely:

For daily TV viewing, a standard flat panel TV is used (65 inch in this photo).

This allows the room lights to be at any level.

It is also better for news programs, sit coms, reality shows, etc.

For movies, concerts and sporting events, the electric video screen descends in front of the flat panel.

In this installation, the drapes close and the lights dim automatically.

For space planning, this is a winner also as no additional room is required to enjoy the impact of a really large picture.

If you love movies (or concert videos), a large, video projected image is unbeatable for bringing the cinema experience home.

Villa Siena

2009-01-29T18:02:00.008-05:00

Shown is our latest system design. The drawings show Villa Siena, the condominium on the corner of New England and Interlachen streets in Winter Park. This unit features a media room as well as living room with bar and wine center. The dual level balcony offers views of the chain of lakes.

Our design will include a turn-key media system including a ceiling mount video projector and integration with a game console for the kids to play Rock Band. The drawing shows our plan for the front wall. In addition to the media room, Storch Entertainment will install wall mounted plasma TVs and sound throughout.

Current Clothier

2009-01-29T10:19:00.004-05:00

We are happy to announce that Storch Entertainment Systems has been chosen to supply the music system for Current. Located on Park Avenue and opening in late February, Current will offer only the best casual men's fashion.

Storch was chosen to design and install a high performance, easy to use system that will not only provide great sound, but will be reliable 24/7/365. We will provide photo updates as this project progresses.

A day at the Beach

2009-01-25T14:54:00.008-05:00

Storch Entertainment Systems recently installed this installation at Ponce Inlet. This is a great example of a very simple system that can easily be retrofit into any home (or condo in this case). The owner did not want a lot of complication or unnecessary components and even opted out of a DVD player. The HDTV cable box and Apple TV offer a tremendous amount of content and on-demand movies and TV shows. Additionally, the Apple TV was synchronized with the owner's laptop and includes thousands of songs and family photos.

Pictured is a 50 inch 1080P plasma with custom height left and right speakers with a component rack below. As we were interested in a minimum of (or no) disruption to the walls, we opted for sound quality over quantity. Specifically, the system includes only two high quality speakers, with no surround sound. In any given budget, why spend time and money installing 5 or 6 mediocre speakers that will only result in poor sound quality when two good (and well placed) speakers will deliver a far better musical (and television) experience?

Fish Fan(?)

2009-01-16T15:02:00.004-05:00

As electronics systems technicians, we are often asked for unique solutions for doorbells, gate triggers, lighting control, etc. On this project, we were asked to design and install our first fish fan. The tank pictured is a salt water aquarium with artificial sun lights (that get the area hot!).

Normally, this is not a problem, but the design of the room required that a the cabinet be installed over the tank. This of course, prevents any of the heat from the lamps from escaping and risks cooked fish! All of our entertainment system designs include active thermal ventilation (fans), so the builder gave us a call and asked for a similar solution.

We wound up installing a remote-mount impeller-fan unit in the attic with a 4 inch intake located directly above the fish tank. We routed the exhaust hose through the attic and through an interior attic wall to an area above a screened porch that had vent holes in the eaves. We did not directly vent into the attic space as the house was engineered to require no airflow through the attic and our fish fan would have caused potential heat and humidity problems.

Evergreen

2009-01-15T08:28:00.006-05:00

Our latest project, shown here, included the design and installation of the entertainment, low voltage and lighting systems for this green home located in Winter Park. The home is currently in the process of obtaining FGBC certification with the hopes of achieving the Gold level of certification through the LEED for home pilot program. This home will be featured in the Orlando Parade of Homes in 2009.

Game Room Update

2008-12-14T14:57:00.008-05:00

Pictured is the Game Room Theater with the roll-down video screen in the "movie" position.

Game Room

2008-12-08T13:36:00.017-05:00

This incredible game room features a classic stand up video game console, shuffle board, foosball, darts, and, of course, a large screen TV. Completed in 2007 by Posada Custom Homes, Storch Entertainment designed and installed this unique system that features a small (61 inch) TV for casual viewing with an electric roll down screen (120 inch) for movies.

The velvet drapes, selected by Michael Duval at Michael Duval Interiors, automatically close when the "PROJECTOR" button is pushed on the handheld remote control. This allows complete darkness even on a sunny day for optimum video performance. In addition to the drapes, the room lighting is also controlled by the remote and will automatically dim all of the lights when in the projection mode.

As fun as movies are in this room, the kids use XBOX and Wii more than the other video sources. Rock Band, bowling and Halo are just a few games that are simply awesome on this system. Just imagine a big-as-life Master Chief on the video screen with 6 speakers, 2 subwoofers and 6000 watts of audio power to bring the music and sound effects to life.

The family room of the house, pictured at right, features a 70 inch HDTV. Storch Entertainment coordinated with Millwork International to design the cabinet and hide the chassis of the TV. After Storch installed the set, Millwork took all of the critical measurements and custom built a removable fascia that hides the plastic box surrounding the TV picture.

TV Frame

2008-12-06T15:48:00.005-05:00

The photo above shows a 42 inch plasma TV with a custom picture frame. Storch Entertainment teamed with All About You Decorating in this bedroom remodel. After we mounted the TV to the wall, Ann and Angelo Cane from All About You designed and commissioned the custom picture frame. In addition to the frame, Storch enabled the TV to show family photo slideshows as well as HD cable television and DVD.

Retrofit Over Fireplace

2008-12-05T14:32:00.015-05:00

This house, designed by Mark Rash Interiors, originally had an old style 27 inch tube TV installed in an armoire with freestanding speakers and electronics located within a set of bookshelves. The system was in a sunroom attached to the living room pictured here.

Working in concert with Mark and the client, Storch Entertainment designed the system shown. We installed a 58 inch high-definition plasma monitor over the fireplace with custom made Triad speakers mounted on the wall left and right of the TV with flush mount surround speakers in the rear of the room.

Instead of taking up valuable bookshelf space with the electronics, we mounted the components in a roll-out rack and installed in a hall closet nearby. This was a win-win for everyone, the house was less cluttered with electronics, the interior designer did not have to find an attractive (and expensive) cabinet to hide the gear and Storch now has easy access to the rear wiring for service, upgrades, etc.

Photos by Umbris Photography.

Family Room Retrofit

2008-12-05T08:38:00.004-05:00

"We have lived in and remodeled 16 houses in the course of our marriage, and this entertainment system is the best and easiest to use we've ever had," Mary Beth, Winter Park. Wow, thanks!

For the project shown above, Storch Entertainment Systems was contacted to retrofit the equipment rack, speakers and plasma monitor with the existing cabinetry. We had a few challenges including a cabinet that was only 17 inches deep: We scoured equipment depths before finding high quality components that were no more than 15" deep and then custom cut the equipment rack to fit. We also had to provide airflow in the cabinet to remove the heat from the components: We installed a ingress fan on the right side of the cabinet and drilled airflow holes through the upright pieces with an exhaust fan on the left side.

The main remote control operates the family room, but can also direct different music to the other rooms of the house and outside. This is especially useful when adults want to enjoy the pool and lanai while the kids are inside watching TV.

Home Recording Studio

2008-12-05T01:45:00.003-05:00

These photos show a recording studio we installed above a garage in this Winter Park home. This was really a fun project for us. More to follow...

Winter Park Home-the photos you didn't see

2008-12-04T22:56:00.004-05:00

This home was recently featured in Winter Park Home magazine. There were lots of great shots but none of the entertainment systems. it was a great article and showed a lot of the fantastic detail work performed by many of the team at Phil Kean Designs. Part of our contribution was the home theater shown above.

In the Vias

2008-12-04T21:49:00.005-05:00

This home, located in the Winter Park Vias, features an interior designed by Rob Turner at CRT Studio. Storch Entertainment installed systems in both the family and master bedrooms.

The family room photo shows a 46 inch 1080P LCD TV with custom made speakers that match the height and finish of the monitor. The equipment and subwoofer are hidden in the custom built cabinet below the wall mounted TV.

In addition to HDTV cable service and DVD, we installed and networked an Apple TV unit that allows the owners to view their entire music AND photo collection on the family room TV. Very fun (especially the photos)!

Cocoa Beach Retreat

2008-12-04T21:07:00.002-05:00

When Phil Kean Designs needed a system designed for this beach house remodel, Storch Entertainment Systems was called in to create a simple AV system that could be used not only by the owners but any guest they may lend the house to for a weekend retreat.

We created a reliable system with high quality components that are hidden in the bar cabinetry and operated from a simple hand held remote that operates on radio frequency, eliminating the need to aim or point the remote at an "eye" or "receiver." One touch of the "MUSIC" button, turns on the system, sets the surround sound mode, turns on the plasma, and selects the Jazz station. All with only a single touch.

The 50 inch plasma monitor pictured "floats" in front of the sheer drapes and can be angled such that it can be viewed from the living room or dining area.

This project won the October 2008 Merit Award from Remodeling Magazine.

Parade of Homes 2008 Award Winner

2008-12-04T20:54:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Jonathan McGrath Construction, winner of the Parade of Homes 2008 Grand Award, First Place Renovation with Addition and Award for Excellence.

Storch Entertainment was happy to be involved with this beautiful renovation. We installed a 32 inch LCD TV centered above the wine refrigerator to bring entertainment into this new family space.

Karaoke Theater Gets an Update

2008-12-04T16:17:00.003-05:00

This theater was originally designed about 16 years ago. At the time it was state-of-the-art and featured a laser disc player (12 inch-remember those?) with a wired microphone for karoake. It also had a large CRT video projector hanging from the ceiling.

It fell into disuse by the owners because of multiple equipment failures and by the fact that the remote controls were as numerous as they were hard to use.

Storch Entertainment was called in to update the equipment and to provide an easy to use remote control. We replaced the laser disc with a BluRay DVD player, changed the projector to a high resolution (1920x1080 - 2 million pixel) video projector, replaced the wired karaoke microphones with wireless units, and added inceiling rear surround speakers.

Lastly, we programmed a remote control to allow one-touch control of all of the electronics and the lighting (including the disco lights on rear of projector box). The transformation took about 30 hours and made this room fun for the owners once again.

Safari Theater Trim Stage

2008-11-20T13:40:00.000-05:00

Pictured is the Safari Theater at "trim" stage. This is the phase of the project when we install all of the inwall devices including built in speakers, cable TV and network jacks.

This theater will feature three rows of seating: Rows 1 and 2 will contain 3 incliner seats for adults while the smaller, rear row will have 4 smaller fixed chairs for kids or overflow guests. The equipment rack will be located in the closet behind a pocket door.