Value was also found in a Control4 system that operates all the components via a touchscreen remote and that was extended to the rest of the house. The Control4 system operates over IP (for Internet Protocol) much like a computer network, an arrangement that often costs half as much as other proprietary control systems. The 10.5-inch wireless touchpanel is tied to a 400-disc Sony changer, so the family members can go to the touchpanel and browse their DVDs and CDs.

The result? When they’re not enjoying life on the farm, the Andrews are spending a lot more time in their basement entertainment area. “We won’t even go to the theater anymore,” says Tami. “Friends and family come up for get-togethers. And the kids use it much more. Their friends from Nashville come out for the entire weekend. The best part is, I can go to the theater in my pajamas.”

No doubt about it: The Andrews truly have the best of both worlds.

Check out these other home theaters on a budget:

-Basement Gets A/V Makeover ($10,500)
-Mini Home Theater with Tropical Flair ($15,000)
-Isolated Home Theater Still Roars ($70,000)
-Five-in-One Home Theater ($100,000)

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Steven Castle - Contributing Writer

Steven Castle is Electronic House's managing editor. he has been writing about consumer electronics, homes and energy efficiency topics for two decades. He is also the co-founder of GreenTech Advocates.