When you own eight TVs, not all of them have to follow the surround-sound formula. Sometimes a little stereo in the sitting room will do. That doesn’t mean you can’t tap into the home’s killer audio/video system. This Ontario family has access to separate Kaleidescape audio and video servers, five HD cable boxes, XM Radio, AM/FM radio and a local DVD player.

Systems designer Chris Pifer of Howell & Associates knew from the start that the sunken room would house a flat-panel TV, so he specced in a simple audio/video system. A wood frame behind the wall holds the Chief mounting bracket that works with a single stud and “doesn’t require a perfect wall,” Pifer says. A Crestron matrix video switcher sends all video signals over a high-speed Category 5 networking wire, running to a solution box behind the TV. In fact, no one even has to touch the TV. Family members select sources from a Crestron touchpanel located on the table in the middle of the room.

The modest sound system includes Sonance in-wall stereo speakers above the TV and a 10-inch Sonance powered subwoofer located in a decorative cabinet to the right of the stairs.