A multiroom system allows you to centralise all your hi-fi and video equipment and then listen to, watch and control it from every room in the house simultaneously or independently. It does this all without the black boxes and trailing cables that are usually associated with entertainment technology.

A typical multi room audio system

A typical multi-room audio system consists of a controller unit into which source equipment is connected. Cables hidden in the walls and ceilings connect this central hub to multiple rooms and in each room there are speakers and a wall-mounted keypad, or hand held controller, for controlling the audio.

The speakers for your multi room audio system can be discreet using in-ceiling speakers or in wall or indeed speakers that can be plastered over.

Sophisticated systems have two-way communication allowing data to flow back and forth between each room and the hub unit, via installed cables. In such cases the multiroom audio system acts as an intelligent home automation system. This not only simplifies and eliminates many of the problems associated with modern entertainment, but can also integrate with other systems such as alarm, telephones, heating, climate control and lighting.

How can we help with your multiroom audio system.

Multi room audio offers a wide range of choices and levels of sophistication. With so many choices available it is important to consider what you want your multiroom system to do for you before you commit to purchasing a system. A few questions to ask yourself include:

· What is your budget?

· How many rooms would you like the multi-room audio system in?

· How many pieces of audio/video source equipment do you plan on connecting?

· Do you want to use other devices in your system like MP3 players and iPods?

· Would you like to use internet services like napster or itunes?

· Would you like your multiroom audio system to be expandable?

· Would you like the system to control video?

We can help you with all of these questions and recommend a solution to suit your requirements.

Multi room Audio wiring

The main difference between systems is often in terms of wiring configuration. Many systems use a wiring pattern called 'star-wiring' where Cat5e and speaker cables are run back to a central source where the amplifiers and hub are located. The alternative to this is 'local amplification.' This requires a single cable run to each room, where an amplifier is located. This is then connected to a pair of speakers that are typically located in the ceiling or the wall.

Smartview digital can provide a full design service and custom installation for your multi-room audio solution, we will follow the process from design first fix through to completion. We can provide complete solutions from multi room audio and video,media servers and HD distribution.