Q. I need to upgrade my HTIB - an older Panasonic SA-HT650. Since buying it, I’ve upgraded my TV to HD, added HD cable and DVR. My goal is to eventually expand into home automation. Should I replace the whole system with a new HTIB or change over to an A/V receiver and separate DVD recorder? Is there a logical sequence for expanding into whole home automation in a retrofit situation? - Vince, Lakeland, FL

A. Being a custom integrator, I have never been a fan of the home theater in a box systems (HTIB). They have limited inputs for expansion, don’t really give you the theatre experience and they aren’t very friendly when integrated with another system (such as a home automation system). You have already improved quite a bit of your system so I would replace the HTIB with a quality A/V receiver and a DVD recorder. If you upgrade the receiver, you might need new speakers to handle the wattage of the new receiver.

Home automation is a very broad term, and I’m not sure exactly what you want to achieve. Since you are talking about a home theater system, let’s assume you want lighting control and motorized drapes. Because you have an existing system, a wireless system (RF) would be the way to go, unless you have the ability to run cables. There are a number of RF light control systems and drape solutions out there. This is where you may want to call a professional in, someone trained and knowledgeable in designing a system that will complement what you already have and what you are looking to do in the future. Talk to a couple companies and get some references, CEDIA certification is always a plus as well. 

About the Author:
Graig Stephens - Executive Partner, Visually Sound

Visually Sound is a dynamic group of professionals who incorporate the most up-to-date audio, video, lighting, communications, and automation equipment into both new and existing residential and commercial construction. With over a decade of professional experience, we have been faced with many challenges and have always exceeded our client's expectations, in quality, ingenuity, and timeliness.