In October 2018, Clarence Center, New York-based integrator TheaterPro wrapped up a year-long, $150,000 installation in a 5,000-square-foot residence. The first part of a two-phase project, the home features the very latest technology systems, including Vantage InFusion lighting; nine-zone Aprilaire climate control; and Jandy iAqualink pool control.

When it comes to AV, a key feature is a 13-zone, whole-house audio system. Distributed by RTI’s AD-16x audio matrix switch, an Autonomic MMS-3e music server streams Spotify and SiriusXM radio throughout the massive residence, while a Nuvo FM tuner provides local radio stations. When not listening to their favorite tunes, the family can enjoy content from four DirecTV set-top boxes, an Apple TV, and a Roku on displays located in the family room, master bedroom, and kids’ room. Video distribution is provided by a Key Digital 8x8 CSA HDMI matrix switch.

To enjoy their high-tech home, the family required control and automation over its wide range of technology via one unified, easy-to-use system. In addition, for one of the homeowners, the primary concern was effortless control over the house’s distributed audio, including incorporating iOS devices as convenient control interfaces. For the other, intuitive control over the home’s displays and sources was a priority. To meet the needs of both, TheaterPro relied on solutions from RTI.

“Most or our projects feature RTI solutions because of the platform’s ability to control any number of electronic systems in a simple and sophisticated manner,” says Kevin Marshall, general manager at TheaterPro. “In addition, RTI’s custom programming capabilities are unmatched and allow us to meet the individual needs of any installation. For example, in this project music was a high priority. With RTI we were able to easily program presets for the Autonomic music server, allowing a favorite Spotify playlist or Sirius XM channel to automatically play when either source is selected. It’s little touches like that that our clients really appreciate.”

The home’s control system is powered by RTI’s XP-8v control processor, relying on a wide range of two-way drivers for seamless integration with a variety of electronic systems. These include drivers for the Samsung and LG TVs, Autonomic music server, Vantage InFusion, Aprilaire, and Jandy iAqualink systems, DirecTV set-top boxes, SurgeX surge protection unit, Roku, AD-16x audio matrix switch, Nuvo tuner, Key Digital matrix switch, and Integra receiver. In addition, two drivers from Coup Automation were utilized: ReCalc and Virtual Matrix Selector.

The ReCalc driver allowed TheaterPro to display volume feedback as a positive number instead of a negative, making it more intuitive for the family to read. The Virtual Matrix Selector was key in keeping track of which source is playing in what room or zone across the home. For example, with four DirecTV set-top boxes, family members needed to be able to see if one was in use on another display before changing channels on it.

The family interacts with their control system via a variety of interfaces. Control devices include a 7-inch KX7 in-wall touchpanel in the master bathroom and a 10-inch CX10 touchpanel mounted under a cabinet in the kitchen, where its integrated HDBaseT video input and large screen allow it to double as a television. The family room and master bedroom each feature a T2x handheld controller to provide tactile control when viewing displays, while the kids’ room includes a T1-B+ handheld controller. KX1 1.2-inch in-wall audio distribution keypads are located in the dining room, office, office bath, laundry room, closet, and patio. The family can also control their home using iPhones running the RTiPanel app, which TheaterPro outfitted with the Aleera GUI from Blackman Designs.

“With RTI, we were able to exceed the family’s expectations for their control system; they love it,” adds Marshall. “And soon they will be able to enjoy yet another convenient way to interact with their home — Alexa voice control — which we’re adding using the Home Butler driver. RTI will be our go-to solution again in phase two of the project, in which we’ll extend control to a new home theater in the basement.”