Hi! Newbie to HTF. (1 Viewer)

[bevanse]

Hello fellow audio/videophiles. I am going to start up (to begin with) a low-budget home theater installation business and thought I'd get a few opinions. First of all, I probably won't be able to do a whole lot of upscale design and installation right off the bat. I will be operating out of my home, and don't have the capital to purchase a lot of equipment and hire people. I also want to market myself as a consultant of sorts, for people who are buying ht equipment but don't trust salespeople and don't want to do the research themselves. I also want to go to peoples' houses and simply show them how to use their equipment, even if it's as simple as using a remote.

I have quite a few resources to help me out with the business side of things, as well as get my name out there to the public. As far as I know, there aren't any businesses out there like what I want to do in my area.

Any thoughts, opinions or ideas?

 

[Bob McElfresh]

Hi Steve. Welcome to HTF!

First - you are going to have trouble if you dont learn the ins and outs of some particular receivers, remotes and televisions. They all have their quirks and you need to become a semi expert on them.

Second - Look into becoming an ISF Certified calibrationist. This is a self-employment business where you go to peoples home and calibrate their displays. It will teach you a LOT about HDTV and display technology.

Third - I hate to say it but custom installs is about cabinets, hiding wires and making the equipment disappear (oh, and programming remotes so kids can use the systems). So brush up on your woodworking skills.

Get a Harmony Logitech 688 remote and learn how these "activity" based remotes can simplify the use of the systems.

Look for laptop-based RTA software and get a calibrated microphone so you can analyze a room and know how to equalize to create great sounding rooms.

THX offers classes in audio and these would not be bad to have.

Join CEDIA which is an organization that certifies people for design and installation of home theater and audio systems:

CEDIA Custom home theater, audio, video and residential electronic systems


And good luck.

 

[bevanse]

Thanks for the great advice, Bob. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I can put a check mark by most of these, but the ISF certification and CEDIA membership would be very helpful.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Steve,

Welcome aboard!