UltraMedia, Inc. to Present Building Quiet Environments at METROCON10

RICHARDSON, Texas, (8/2010) – UltraMedia, Inc. will present a class called Building Quiet Environments at METROCON10 on August 12 and 13, 2010. Attending this hour-long class will earn attendees one Continuing Education Unit (CEU).

In today’s hectic and fast-paced world, homeowners need and want a space that is peaceful and tranquil—a quiet environment where they can relax and enjoy their home without noisy interruptions. Building Quiet Environments outlines the fundamentals of sound control and gives examples of noise pollution affecting today’s society. Participants will discuss key principles related to sound isolation and the “why, what, and how” of components associated with controlling sound. Construction materials, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing considerations will also be discussed, while the participant is guided through the step-by-step process of building a specialty room. Attendees will learn how to locate an Electronics Systems Contractor (ESC) and what questions to ask when partnering with an ESC.

Course presenter, Brent Thomas, said, “I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned about managing sound in homes. Each home presents a unique set of challenges with regard to sound. But when designers, architects, and builders are aware of these challenges going into a project, they’ll find a variety of ways to manage it at each step along the building or remodeling process.”

For more information, please contact company president Pat Johnson, or visit www.ultramedia.biz.

An Anamorphic Lens Installation

July 28, 2010

Thought it might be fun to run through a project. This particular challenge involved a family of avid movie watchers who had been using a JVC Model 21U projector, and a Screen Research 16x9 motorized screen for a few years. Having recently purchased a Blu-ray player, they wanted a solution to the black-bar problem they now had. (Blu-ray players display in the original theatrical version, which means they’re in a wide screen format—typically a 2.40:1 as opposed to a 1.78:1 ratio.)

In order to eliminate the black bars above and below the picture (when showing the 2.40 on a 1.78 screen), we decided to use an anamorphic lens and video processor, much like the theaters do with film. This meant it was a great time to upgrade to the JVC RS-2 as well.

A second reason we encouraged this change: if you’re showing the black bars, you’re giving away the performance capabilities of the projector. That is because the black bars are unused pixels on the video chip set of a modern digital projector. When you go to the trouble to eliminate the unused pixels, the picture is larger, brighter, and full resolution when viewing the wide-screen formats.

We chose the Panamorph lens. First, we measured price against performance, and Panamorph won over Schneider. And, Panamorph offered a kit that matched our client’s new projector model.

We replaced the 16:9 motorized screen with a combination 1.78 / 2.40 motorized screen with masking.

We added a Lumagen Luminance Radiance XD external video processor, and automated the control with an Elan touchscreen. Bye-bye to multiple remotes. The client was juggling five to just watch TV, and this upgrade would add four more. The client asked for a single touchscreen with full control—to set each source to any format at any time—while keeping it simple to use. We used macros for each input; for instance, the screen defaults to 1.78 when selecting satellite TV, with overrides to 2.40. And the reverse with the Blu-ray player: it’s set to 2.40 with the ability to switch to 1.78. All other sources default to the most recent choice, but the touchscreen provides icons to select either format as desired.

Our client is happy. Can’t hurt that they also added Vienna Acoustics Musics (and monoblocks) with a Poetry center channel, and two REL B-1s.

www.panamorph.com

UltraMedia, Inc. Provides Technology in Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Lake Home

RICHARDSON, Texas, (10/2009) – UltraMedia, Inc. recently completed installation of a state-of-the-art, multi-technology system in a newly constructed home on a beautiful east Texas lake. This 6,000-square-foot Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home boasts a $200,000+ home technology system, including integrated audio, video, cameras, lighting, HVAC, and driveway gate.

Special features include a gathering room with a completely hidden surround system and a drop-down video screen. The television in the master bedroom is also hidden, and rises out of a motorized, custom cabinet. The boat house provides audio, remotely controlled, for deck parties. A central media server distributes music and movies throughout the house.

Some of the technology includes: Elan AV distribution, Envive media server, Integra electronics, RTI remotes, Sony flat panel TVs, and Triad speakers.

“Working with interior designer Mary Anne Smiley was a pleasure. Communication between all parties was timely and thorough. Any problems we encountered were due strictly to Mother Nature,” said Mike Brock, lead designer and project manager. (Brock designed the technology in Dallas’ 2009 St. Jude Dream Home.)

Of unique challenge to the installers was the flat roof (no attic space), characteristic of Wright’s designs, which dictated critical planning prior to start.

For information about providing home technology systems in interior design, please contact Mike Brock, or visit www.ultramedia.biz.

 

UltraMedia, Inc. Grows Despite Economic Downturn

RICHARDSON, Texas, (04/23/2009) – UltraMedia, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of staff and expansion of service offerings. While the economy slowed in many sectors, UltraMedia witnessed an increase in demand for home electronics systems, and responded by adding staff and expanding services.

In the first quarter of 2009, UltraMedia added two full-time systems designers, responsible for the design and careful management of each home system installation. Systems designers work with interior designers, overseeing UltraMedia’s installation staff, and bringing the homeowners’ vision for their home technology to reality. The 4-man design staff boasts almost 60 years in the industry. “We are fortunate to be the repository of so much experience and knowledge; each day I’m more impressed with the people I get to spend my work day with. Our team keeps getting better with each addition,” offered Pat Johnson, company President.

UltraMedia also hired three lead installers, bringing the installation staff to five. The additional technicians round out the staff, allowing UltraMedia to offer a full range of offerings such as: home theater design and installation, home automation, lighting control, audio and video calibration, acoustic engineering and phone systems, to name a few.

Kevin Haws (designer) has enjoyed witnessing the evolution of the ever-changing technology since he began his A/V career in 1994. The former owner of his own A/V company, Kevin brings extensive experience not only designing, but installing systems. Kevin’s installations have received awards from the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).

Ryan Hamilton (designer) is a CEDIA-Certified Professional Installer, working on his Designer certification. Ryan’s two years with UltraMedia as a lead installer prepared him for his design position. For Ryan, the vast array of products creates an opportunity to be creative in his designs. Consistently receiving praise from clients, Ryan says, “I have always enjoyed customer referrals; those are the greatest compliments.” Hunting, mountain biking, and camping all recharge Ryan. He also enjoys exploring mixing A/V and computers: “the ‘wild west’ of today.”

David Capps (lead technician) has been in the home A/V systems industry for 11 years, and is certified to install Crestron, Elan, Lutron, and Runco. His special skill is trouble-shooting systems, and thrives on learning. When he’s not installing, he enjoys riding ATVs and spending time with his son.

Chris Reynolds (lead technician) brings over 11 years of experience to UltraMedia. Chris’ peers say that perseverance is one of his greatest strengths: time after time they witness his commitment to doing the job right the first time, every time. Chris is also a favorite of UltraMedia clients.

Eric Hines (lead technician) boasts 19 years installing residential technology systems. He’s always ready for a challenge, and can’t think of much that he hasn’t encountered—and overcome—on a job site.

For additional information on UltraMedia and its expanded service offerings, contact Ryan Hamilton or visit www.ultramedia.biz. Designers are available for an introductory meeting with potential clients.

 

We Celebrate Our Second ISF Video Calibration Certification!

May 19, 2010

Two weeks, and we’re still congratulating PatM on his recent ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certification. (PatJ already has his.) And with all that PatM’s been doing lately, it’s quite a trophy for him. We upgraded our ISF calibration equipment at the end of last year, and that, of course, involved not only a large expenditure, but an equally large investment in time to learn the accompanying new software.

We love to ISF video displays. Projectors, flat-panels, CRTs.

Some readers may appreciate an introduction: ISF video calibration will produce the most accurate image, with the truest colors, film-like picture qualities, and often brings with it much longer life to the display being calibrated. A well-done ISF can make a home theater look like a system costing thousands more.

Speaking of green, your flat panel will use up to 40% less energy (and your friends will be green with envy).

A little background: when TV programs are produced, then transferred from film to DVD, the process is precisely monitored on video displays calibrated to industry standards. Your video display can accurately reproduce the full, original quality of those programs only if it is calibrated to the same industry standards. You can enjoy the full quality of your new (or older) TV, monitor, or projector with professional calibration.

Some installers claim that they’ve adjusted a new TV/projector for its best performance (using only their eyes?), but unless the unit has been professionally calibrated, it won’t look as good as it can. Remember how different all those TVs look at the store or the sports bar, when all were receiving the same feed? This demonstrates the non-standard adjustment of each display. Manufacturers adjust their models to look as appealing as possible (brightest) next to competing models on a showroom floor. They usually set the user and technician service controls for the highest apparent light output.

Why aren’t the units calibrated to industry standards before they ship? Let’s blame it on environmental influences, beginning with shipping. Just moving a unit can cause a shift in performance. Also influencing the output are initial aging (the first hours of use), and even the unique lighting effects of the viewing room. Setting each unit to industry standards before shipping would add greatly to the cost of your unit, and would need to be reset anyway!

A video display is the last step in the visual experience. Source gear, distribution, and cabling all contribute to the final picture quality. But if the display isn’t set to industry standards, you’re not seeing exactly what was intended by the filmmakers. A precisely calibrated video system does full justice to the high-quality video signal. It can give you picture quality approaching, or even exceeding, that of local cinemas (usually the latter). And, a mis-calibrated display mangles the picture miserably. Calibration is one of the most effective and least expensive upgrades you can make to your video system.

A calibrated display will:

We’ve priced our ISFs competitively, starting at $300. www.imagingscience.com

 

iPod Docking Stations
If you’ve got an iPod, chances are you love it, and love having your custom music library at your fingertips. Now you can listen to your favorite cuts headphone-free, throughout your home. Broadcasting your custom music library is as simple as slipping your iPod into a docking station. Your MP3s and MPEGS can be heard in any area thats a part of your multi-room system. These iPod docking stations can rest on a shelf, or be mounted in the wall. (Bonus: these stations also charge your iPod.)

Depending on which docking station you choose, you may:

iPods supported:

We also offer media servers with their own docking stations. Regardless of which option you choose, youll have even more access to your favorite entertainment, wherever you are in the house! Please call one of our experienced designers for more information.

 

UltraMedia Spring Fling 2008
Each year UltraMedia hosts a fantastic Spring Fling for its employees and this year was no exception. They challenged another local A/V company, Home Theater Design Group, to a friendly game of paintball. Technicians, designers, managers and industry associates all participated and feelings were unanimous--a great time was had by all! See highlights of the event.

 

UltraMedia, Inc. to Provide Lifestyle and Entertainment Technology for the 2008 Dallas St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, February 29, 2008: ULTRAMEDIA, INC. will serve as the provider of audio and video technology for the 2008 Dallas St. Jude Dream home. The St. Jude Dream Home fundraising promotion was created in 1991 by Dr. Donald Mack, a pediatric physician from Shreveport, Louisiana. The first St. Jude Dream Home was constructed in Shreveport and raised $160,000 for St. Jude. Today, the St. Jude Dream Home giveaway is the largest single-event fund raiser for St. Jude nationwide, and has raised more than $110 million for the hospital.

In its fifth year, the Dallas St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway aims to raise $1,050,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by selling 10,500 $100 raffle tickets to win a $445,000 home, built by Cary Clarke Homes, or one of nineteen additional prizes. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, March 6 and will be available by calling 1-800-535-6748. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.stjudedreamhome.org or by visiting area Comerica Bank and Hancock Fabrics locations. The St. Jude Dream Home winner will be announced on NBC 5 on Saturday, June 21. Major sponsors of the campaign include NBC 5, 99.5 The WOLF, Cary Clarke Homes, Comerica Bank, Hancock Fabrics, Kroger and the ladies of Epsilon Sigma Alpha.

UltraMedia, Inc. president, Pat Johnson, said “We are blessed to be able to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in such an exciting way. We look forward to using our skills and talents to not only help build a beautiful home, but most importantly, help patients and researchers who rely on our support. The UltraMedia team will provide the lifestyle and entertainment technology infrastructure in this year’s Dream Home---we are honored to join with Cary Clarke Custom Homes in this exciting effort.”

UltraMedia, Inc. project designer and manager, Mike Brock, added, “This is a golden opportunity to do something really great for St. Jude. An avid golfer, I’m very familiar with the St. Jude Golf Classic. To be able to contribute to such a great cause means a lot to me personally.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization. For more information, please call 1-800-822-6344 or visit www.stjudedreamhome.org or www.stjude.org.

 

UltraMedia, Inc.'s Pat Johnson to speak during CE Pro Webinar.

UltraMedia, Inc.'s Pat Johnson (president) will provide expertise on RF installation during a CE Pro webinar December 12, 2007.

 

Kudos: Honors and awards in the Dallas-area business community

07:52 AM CDT on Monday, July 23, 2007

Ultramedia Inc. of Richardson and Perfect Installations in Rowlett have been named Most Dependable Home Theater Designers in the Central Region by Goldline Research. To make the list, the companies had to meet Goldline's criteria; have no consumer complaints, lawsuits or disciplinary actions; and provide client references.

 

Press Release

UltraMedia, Inc. Selected as One of The Most Dependable™ Home Theater Designers of the Central Region

RICHARDSON, TEXAS, July 15, 2007: ULTRAMEDIA, INC. has been selected by Goldline Research as one of the Most Dependable™ Home Theater Designers of the Central Region. The list of the Most Dependable™ Home Theater Designers of the Central Region is scheduled to be published in the August issue of Southwest Airlines SPIRIT Magazine.

Upon hearing of the award, President Pat Johnson said, “We are honored to receive this recognition. Our greatest reward is exceeding client expectations. We know our customers appreciate the good work we do for them, but when an independent research firm publicly recognizes our efforts and accomplishments, it reaffirms that we are doing good business. This prestigious award is testament to our team’s capabilities and the rapport we’ve established with our clients. We couldn’t be happier about this.”

“We are pleased to have Ultra Media, Inc. on this list” said Ryan Kluft, Publisher of Goldline Research. He also said, “They exceeded all of our industry criteria and had outstanding client references.” Over 2,000 Home Theater Designers were contacted regarding the list and the response was overwhelming.

UltraMedia, Inc. offers the ultimate in custom electronics integration, utilizing the highest-quality audio and video products to create home theaters, distributed audio/video, and automation systems. UltraMedia, Inc. enriches lives with technology. With a passion for technology and an eye for aesthetics, UltraMedia, Inc. brings a fresh and creative approach to each new job. UltraMedia is a referral-based company because nothing is more important than their clients—not just their satisfaction, but their complete delight in the final product. UltraMedia, Inc. achieves this by combining the efforts of talented designers, skilled technicians (also referred to as craftsmen) and qualified engineers.

Goldline Research is a list research and publishing company specializing in investigating the credibility and performance of companies in a variety of professional services industries for selective inclusion in their published The Most Dependable™ lists. Goldline Research works closely with leading professionals in professional services industries to develop criterion for each industry, which forms the basis for its selection process. Goldline Research’s lists have appeared nationwide for over 4 years in a wide variety of print publications such as Southwest Airlines SPIRIT Magazine, Texas Monthly, San Diego Magazine, United Hemispheres Magazine, Delta Sky Magazine, Forbes, LA Magazine and Phoenix Magazine. In order to be selected to a Most Dependable™ list, firms must meet all of Goldline Research’s industry criteria, have no consumer complaints, lawsuits or disciplinary actions and provide client references that are checked and scored based on a proprietary scoring system.

UltraMedia, Inc.
1251 S. Sherman St.
Suite 104
Richardson, TX 75081
office 972-238-9888
fax 972-231-4993

Installing home theaters in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area.