Automation&Control

Connected Communitys Chicago Installation was The Little Project That Grew

by karen mitchell

Instinctive Control
Call it the little budget that grew. When Ron Romano met with his prospective clients in early 2002 to discuss ideas for the 8,000-plus squarefoot custom family home they were building on Chicagos North Side, he knew they were cautious. They had presented Romano, the owner/designer of five-year-old Connected Community Inc., of Kankakee Illinois, an A/V budget of about $35,000, and were not ready to commit to anything more. Two years later, however, the $250,000 completed project featured a whole-house Crestron control system, a dedicated media room with a 106-inch drop-down Da-Lite projection screen, a Marantz VP12S3 projector, Panasonic plasma and auxiliary equipment, and Mordaunt-Short speakers. The house is a virtual sports lovers paradise with a wall of six Sharp 30-inch LCD screens and the Marantz 50-inch plasma, and 12 Hughes satellite receivers, half of which are dedicated to the media room, others to satellite music for the house, and to his and hers HDTVs and TIVOs, including one for the master bath. A custombuilt PC wireless keyboard and mouse in the media room allows for gaming via the plasma. According to Romano, Crestron technology enabled smooth distribution of audio and video throughout the home. The Crestron CNXPVID8x4 allows us to send extremely high-quality video, high-definition and digital audio over CAT5e which normally might take four to six individual video cables, Romano said. CCI has been a Marantz dealer since the beginning, he said. They have some gorgeous plasma displays such as the 61-inch plasma in the family room. The VP12S3 projector cant be beaten at that price point. Other equipment for the installation includes Boston Acoustics, which provides nice performance for the price, Romano said. We couldnt use concealable speakers since the room was already dry-walled. Im a longtime BA fan; Ive had them for years. The upgrade, which took place after original design plans were implemented, was achieved by a combination of luck, instinct and Crestron, Romano said. You can do just so much based on any budget, he said, In the end, thanks to the Crestron system over Cat-5e, we were able to do a

R e s i d e n t i a l

S y s t e m s

O c t o b e r

Equipment List
Audio Request ARQ-NITRO-60 Boston Acoustics DSi495 (2) Boston Acoustics PV900 Boston Acoustics VR2 (2) Boston Acoustics VRC Crestron C2ENET-1 Crestron CNAMPX-16x60 Crestron CNHBLOCK Crestron CNMSX-PRO2 Crestron CN-WP12FW (6) Crestron CNX-BIPAD8 (2) Crestron CNX-PVID8x4 (2) Crestron CNXRMC (10) Crestron CNXRMCLV Crestron ML500 Crestron ST-TUNE Crestron STX-1700CXP (3) Crestron TPS 2000L (3) Da-Lite 87858 Hughes DirecTV Receivers (7) Hughes HD TiVos (2) LG Electronics LSS3200 (2) Marantz CC-4300 Marantz DV-4400 Marantz PD5040D Marantz PD6140D Marantz SR-6400 Marantz SR-7400 Marantz VP12S3 Miscellaneous Tributaries Cables Monster Power HTS-3500 (2) Mordaunt-Short MS903 Surrounds (2) Mordaunt-Short MS905C Center Mordaunt-Short MS907 Subwoofer Mordaunt-Short MS912 Front Speakers (2) Niles CM650HD (6 Pair) Niles OS6 Outdoor Speakers (4) Panasonic TH42PX25U/P ReQuest VRQ1 Sharp LC-13B4US Sharp LC-20B4US Sharp LC-30HV4U Sharp LC-30HV4U (6)
CCIs media room design rivals most sports bars with its 106-inch drop-down Da-Lite projection screen, Marantz projector, Marantz plasma, six 32-inch Sharp LCDs, and Mordaunt-Short speakers.
movie downstairs they can pause and resume in the bedroom on the plasma. With his and hers TIVOs no matter where they are in house except the childrens roomsthey have access. You have to have a comprehensive control system to manage all these TVs and to make it fast and easy to use. We couldnt have done this without Crestron. The client can walk into the media room and check on any game score by pushing one button. We have a favorite page for each TV, based on icons, most are for sports, a few for cartoons, Romano said. The other half of the basement is designed as a soccer field with dugouts. The project was CCIs largest to date. Were 60 miles south of Chicago, a little removed from the big suburbs, Romano said. Weve done a lot of nice Crestron systems in our area, and most of our residential projects are in the $20,000 to $100,000 range. Wed done programming and Crestron systems, but this project represented everything wed ever done all in one job. Were always interested in any job but now we have the expertise of a job that large, no matter who does business with us. Weve been there and done that. Karen Mitchell is a writer based in Boulder, Colorado.

gutting and remodeling a home. Like their sibling, theyre sports fans, and each asked Romano to design systems to accommodate that passion. Finally, as they got closer to moving into their new home, the first client asked to meet again, Romano said. I had shown them upgrade proposals, and we sat down and went over the wish list. Everything I had suggested made it onto the list. They counted on us to make the experience happen, placing a lot of confidence in us; these clients were a thrill. Since CCI had wired so heavily, they had more than enough Cat-5e for a nice network using some for the Crestron system without compromises. We pulled off some miracles, Romano said. We were able to fulfill their desire to
have all video sources like satellite and DVD available on any TV in the house at any time. The one equipment room, with four racks, is in the basement on the other side of the screen wall. We could poke through the wall and retrofit for what was added, he said. We took a basic system and turned it into way more than was planned, a system thats easy to use, said CCI lead installer and Crestron programmer A.J. Thompson. Without Crestron, it would have been mayhem. Theres nothing with that amount of flexibility. It was a challenge in the beginning, and the hardest was remembering every little detail in the programming for every nook and cranny. When you have that much logic its easy to skip over things. I did more testing on this than for any project because the inner workings are so complex. The result, Thompson says, rivals any sports bar. And games or any programming can be transported to other parts of the house. They can call up a video source from the media room in the basement and bring it into the bedroom, Romano said. If they want to watch a DVD in the bedroom, they can. If theyre watching a

PV900 PV700

Powered Subwoofers
Important Safety Instructions
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates hazards arising from dangerous voltages. This symbol found on the apparatus indicates the user should read all safety statements found in the user manual. This symbol found on the apparatus indicates double insulation.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 14. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 mm around the front, rear and sides of the apparatus for sufficient ventilation. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings or placing on or around the apparatus items such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc. 15. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. 16 The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 17. The apparatus is suitable for use in tropical and/or moderate climates.

Specifications*

Frequency Response (3dB) Subwoofer Amplifier Power 26150Hz

29150Hz

FTC Rated Power: 300 watts @ 50 Hz into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
50150Hz 24dB/octave low-pass Yes Yes 12" (305mm) DCD down-firing Rear-ported 155/8 x 141/2 x 171/2" (397 x 369 x 445mm)
FTC Rated Power: 200 watts @ 50 Hz into 4 ohms at less than 1% THD+N
50150Hz 24dB/octave low-pass Yes Yes 12" (305mm) DCD down-firing Rear-ported 141/4 x 131/2 x 163/4" (362 x 343 x 426mm)

Subwoofer Crossover

LFE Input Crossover Bypass Bass Unit
Enclosure Type Dimensions (HxWxD) (with feet and rear connectors) Weight Finish
32 lbs (14.4kg) Black ash vinyl veneer
28 lbs (12.6kg) Black ash vinyl veneer
*In keeping with our policy of continual product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice. Please visit our web page, www.bostonacoustics.com, for the latest specifications on these two products.

Description

Bostons PV700 and PV900 subwoofers deliver the dynamic bass foundation that is essential for lifelike reproduction of movie soundtracks and music in the home. These attractive powered subwoofers will complement any stereo or home theater surround sound system with their impressive bass output and compact size. Both subwoofers utilize our rugged DCD (Deep Channel Design) bass unit designed in Bostons state-of-the-art engineering facility in Peabody, Massachusetts. Every one is tested as it comes off the line to be within 1dB of the lab reference unit, an incredibly tight tolerance. The amplifiers have built-in variable crossovers that allow them to easily achieve a seamless blend with the main speakers, while a 24dB/octave low-pass filter prevents the subwoofers from being easily localized by ear, increasing placement flexibility. A crossover bypass function is provided for use with home theater electronics that perform their own bass management. Because of their high-powered amplifiers and computer-optimized tunings, the PV700 and PV900 are capable of impressive deep bass and high output from remarkably compact enclosures. In addition, they feature BassTrac, a proprietary Boston-designed circuit that tracks the input signal to the subwoofer and prevents its amplifier from being driven into audible distortion. The benefit: The bass stays clean and strong at any listening level. Auto on-off amplifier switching and easily accessible controls make the PV700 and PV900 subwoofers as convenient to use as they are exciting to listen to.

Connections

NOTE: Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics unless it is unplugged or switched to the off position using the power toggle switch located in the lower left corner of the rear panel. The auto-on circuitry only activates or deactivates the power amplifier. Make sure your subwoofer and receiver are unplugged when making the connection. Line level: Use one of the line level in jacks with most systems. These inputs accept the line-level signal from your receivers subwoofer output. When using the use crossover control input, the subwoofers circuitry filters out the high frequencies and sends the remaining low frequencies to the subwoofer power amplifier. Speaker level: Use these high-level terminals with receivers that do not have subwoofer output. The speaker inputs accept both left and right channel speaker signals from your receiver. NOTE: Certain receivers use speaker grounding circuits that may be incompatible with external powered audio products, such as powered subwoofers. When speaker wire is used instead of line level cables, this incompatibility can sometimes result in an audible hum when the receiver is turned off or switched to a different speaker channel. See page 8 for more information.
How to Connect Using the Speaker Terminals
We recommend 18-gauge wire or thicker for runs up to 15 feet (4.5m), and 16-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs. Separate the first few inches of the wire conductors. Strip off 1 2-inch (12mm) of insulation from the ends of each speaker wire to expose the two conductors and tightly twist the wire strands. WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making connections to the speaker. When making all connections, be sure to connect the + (red) on the speaker to the + (red) on the amplifier, and the (black) on the speaker to the (black) on the amplifier.
IMPORTANT: Typically, one side of the wire is smooth. Connect this side to the (black) connection. The other side has a rib or stripe. Connect this to the + (red) connection.

Using the five-way binding posts: The binding posts permit easy connection to banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire. Insert the wire in the hole (as shown on left) or a 3/8-inch spade lug over the post and tighten. For banana plugs, remove the red and black caps from the end-holes and insert either dual or single banana plugs (as shown on right).
Using This Manual PV700 versus PV900
NOTE: The rear amplifier panels of the PV700 and the PV900 are virtually the same. Although the instructional images on the following pages depict the PV700s rear panel, the PV900 connects, functions and operates in exactly the same manner.
Connecting the Subwoofer to Digital Home Theater Systems
Digital 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 home theater electronics dedicate one channel (the.1) to reproduce the special low-frequency (LFE) information (such as explosions and thunder) contained in digitally-encoded soundtracks. Select subwoofer-yes from your receivers set-up menu. Hooked up this way, the receivers amplifier is relieved of having to reproduce the difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into audible distortion.
Use an RCA cable (not included), as shown, to connect your digital receivers subwoofer output to the subwoofer. Connect the other end to the PV700 or PV900 jack labeled bypass crossover control underneath line level in.
PowerVent Powered Subwoofer

Featuring BassTrac

* use crossover control: removes high frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable filtering (most products without Dolby Digital or DTS), or where manual control is desired. CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord before replacing fuse. For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with same type fuse.
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer; use with sources having built-in crossover controls or bass management (most products with Dolby Digital or DTS). ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de rechange de mme type.

power mode auto on

power indicator

polarity

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

BACK OF RECEIVER

crossover (Hz)
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
120V ~ 60Hz 2.5A speaker level in power

right line level in

use crossover control * bypass crossover control **
Use only with a 250V fuse Employer uniquement avec un fusible de 250V

SUBWOOFER OUT

T 2.5A L 250V
If you do not wish to run RCA cables to your subwoofer, you may use speaker wire to connect the subwoofer in parallel with your main speakers (see diagram below). The subwoofer does not present any additional load to your receiver. Select subwoofer-no from your receivers set-up menu. This sends the LFE signal to the main left and right speakers, and thus, to the subwoofer. Consult your receivers owners manual for more details. When using the speaker wire hookup, the subwoofers built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting point, set the crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers bass response (for Boston Acoustics front speakers, refer to the included Optimal Crossover Settings.sheet). Fine-tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.

to main speakers right left

120V ~ 60Hz 2.5A power

speaker level in left right line level in

front speakers

Be sure to connect + to + (red) and to (black).
Connecting the Subwoofer to Stereo or Dolby Pro Logic Systems
For stereo or Dolby Pro Logic systems, the easiest method is to use the same speaker wire connections as shown on page 5. You may also use the sub out connection from your receiver to the input on the subwoofer marked use crossover control. When using speaker wire or the use crossover control input, the subwoofers built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting point, set the crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers bass response (for Boston Acoustics front speakers, refer to the included Optimal Crossover Settings.sheet). Finetune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.

50 150

Controls

crossover (Hz) polarity

Main power switch Completely turns all power to the amplifier either on or off and over-rides the power mode switch. This switch must be turned on before setting the power mode switch (see next page).
Volume (on front panel) Adjusts the sound level of the subwoofer. A typical setting is around 11:00 oclock, as shown.
Crossover (Hz) Adjusts the frequency of the low-pass filter for the subwoofer. This control is inactive when using the bypass crossover control input jack.
Polarity (0 or 180) Selects regular (0) or inverted (180) polarity for the subwoofer. Set this switch to provide the fullest, most dynamic bass. The effect of phase will be most audible on low-frequency percussion instruments or music with a continuously repeating bass line.

Controls (cont)

Power indicator: This twocolor power status light will be red when the Power Mode Switch is set to auto (without any audio signal present) and green when set to on mode.
Power mode switch NOTE: The Main Power Switch needs to be in the on position before this switch is active. Auto: When set to this position, the subwoofers auto-on circuitry turns the amplifier on when an audio signal is presented (turning the power indicator light green), and turns it off in approximately 15 minutes if no signal is detected (turning the power indicator red). On: When set to this position, the subwoofers auto-on circuitry is bypassed and the amplifier will remain on whether an audio signal is present or not (the power indicator light stays green).

It will not light up at all until the Main Power switch is set to the on position.

Placement

Place the subwoofer next to a wall or in a corner near your main speakers. Typically, the sound is best when the subwoofer is within 15 feet (4.5m) of the main speakers. However, the sharp 24dB/octave crossover roll-off permits placement farther from the main speakers if necessary. Since the ear is unable to localize the low frequencies of the subwoofer, the bass still appears to come from the main speakers. In most cases, the subwoofer may be placed anywhere in the listening room. The level of bass output from the subwoofer will vary at different positions in a room. When placed near walls, its loudness is emphasized. Corner placement provides the most bass output, while placement near only one wall will provide somewhat less bass. Placement completely away from walls may produce too little bass. Regardless of how you place the subwoofer, you can adjust the subwoofers level with its volume control. If you move the subwoofer, recheck the setting of the polarity switch. Use the setting that yields the louder and more dynamic sound. IMPORTANT: Do not place the subwoofer where there is a chance of contact between the rear panel and drapes or furniture. Avoid obstructing air flow to the back.
Position subwoofer in corner for maximum bass output
If Speaker Wire Connections Cause the Subwoofer to Hum
Certain receivers use speaker grounding circuits that may be incompatible with external powered audio products, such as powered subwoofers. When speaker wire is used instead of line level cables, this incompatibility can result in an audible hum when the receiver is turned off or switched to a different speaker channel. If this should happen with your Boston Acoustics subwoofer, you will need to make a ground cable and connect it to either RCA line input on the subwoofer and any unused RCA line input or output on your receiver (see diagram). The proper ground cable for this application should consist of two male RCA plugs that have their negative outside terminals (or "sleeve") connected to each other by any length of single conductor copper cable. The inside positive (or "pin") terminals single conductor (-) RCA to (-) RCA ground cable should not be wired in either plug.

use either RCA jack

80 crossover (Hz)

SURROUND V-AUX

If you do not wish to make your own grounding cable, please contact the Boston Acoustics Customer Service Department directly (see below) and we will promptly ship one to you of suitable length at no charge.

DIGITAL INPUT

6 CH INPUT

MAIN R

S VIDEO

AM ANT

COAXIAL OPTICAL D-TV/CBL

SUB WOOFER

CENTER IN

COMPONENT VIDEO

GND PR/CR DVD PB/CB Y
use crossover control * line level in bypass crossover control **

VCR DVD CD OUT

UNBAL.

D-TV /CBL

MD/CD-R
IN (PLAY) MD /CD-R OUT (REC)

FM ANT MONITOR OUT

R MD/CD-R OPTICAL
L SUB WOOFER S VIDEO VIDEO
use any available RCA jack

BACK OF SUBWOOFER

DIGITAL OUTPUT

OUTPUT

MONITOR OUT
If Service Seems Necessary
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the PV700 or PV900. If that is not possible, write to: Customer Service Boston Acoustics, Inc. 300 Jubilee Drive Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
Or visit our web site at: www.bostonacoustics.com
Or email us at: custserv@bostona.com
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your unit to the factory, please ship it prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S. and Canada.

Limited Warranty

For one year from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any defect in materials or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the subwoofer, without charge for parts and labor. Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase in the form of your sales slip when requesting service. Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, improper installation, accidents, shipping, or repairs/modifications by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative. This warranty is limited to the Boston Acoustics product and does not cover damage to any associated equipment. This warranty does not cover the cost of removal or reinstallation. This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

300 Jubilee Drive Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A. 978.538.5000 www.bostonacoustics.com
DCD is a trademark and BassTrac, Boston and Boston Acoustics are registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc. Dolby and Dolby Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. 2003 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice. 042-001685-0