Surfing the Internet is possible on any plasma or big screen with a wireless keyboard, as well as through an Xbox function on any plasma or big screen. “Our networking capabilities allow the homeowner to see who is at the front door or keep an eye on the children at play while at home through any TV in the house. [He can even monitor these things] away from home via the Internet,” says Drummond.

Automated scenes are triggered by custom-engraved keypads at the light switch locations programmed to a movie scene, a sports bar scene, an intermission scene and so on. “For example, at one touch of a button, all TVs turn on, the lights dim, the room temperature adjusts and TV channels are selected,” says Drummond.

“Aaron wanted to do a lot of different things, and for the money and flexibility, Control 4 was a good choice,” says Glenn Vanderbrugge of Valley Home Theater & Automation.

Check out these other home theaters on a budget:

-Basement Gets A/V Makeover ($10,500)
-Mini Home Theater with Tropical Flair ($15,000)
-High-Tech Touch for Country Farmhouse ($50,000)
-Isolated Home Theater Still Roars ($70,000)

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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.