You’re familiar with the concept of the “smart house,” which is in the third generation of development. Their computerized electrical systems open garage doors, program lighting schemes and operate home-security systems. Some even turn on the coffee pot.

Totally integrated systems now include security cameras located in several locations that allow parents to keep an eye on toddlers and intruders. These days, systems are integrated with a home entertainment system so residents can watch ESPN in many locations at the same time. As long as we have silicon, the smart-house industry will expand and increased competition will bring prices down. Surprisingly, despite the vagaries on Wall Street, the market for home theater entertainment centers continues to expand as upwardly mobile families with a penchant for self-indulgence discover this new technology. It is characterized by large sums being spent on systems and installation: a $100,000 bundle of components is commonplace and a $1.5 million system is not considered an earth-shattering purchase. One dealer-installer with whom we talked was completing the installation of $1 million of audio-video equipment in a specially constructed room that had a $600,000 price tag and looked like the bridge of Capt. Kirk’s starship.

What do these consumers want? They crave lifelike “Lethal Weapon” shootouts, Julie Andrews’ dulcet tones, and the sights and sounds of 850-horsepower NASCAR racers rumbling across the room.

With the advent of hi-fi and stereo, “components” referred exclusively to audio systems. But, just as the head bone is connected to the neck bone and, eventually, the toe bone, the term now includes everything from high-tech cables to plasma monitors.

You already know about the advantage of using cable versus a tin can connected to two strings. When it comes to home entertainment, the same logic applies; hi-tech (i.e., expensive) cables can overcome many of the inadequacies of less-expensive wire. These types of cables have superior design and raw materials, and many are assembled by hand.

For example, Monster Cable Products manufactures a component video cable that splits a signal into three separate information channels; most video cables have just one. Monster’s less-expensive S-video cable produces a high-performance video connection that splits the color and brightness channels to produce a high-quality picture.

Similarly, Transparent Audio produces low-impedance cables designed to run between monitor, VCR, DVD, receiver and satellite receiver. A low-priced application for the coupling of components sitting on the same shelf ranges from $900 to $2,000, with an additional $400 outlay for surge protection. However, if you’d rather spec $1,000/ft cables, the company will accommodate you.

When dealing with the video connoisseur, early involvement with architect and builder is advised for a cradle-to-the-grave project. Meeting an owner’s requirements may require the installation of a floating floor under which isolation material separates the room from the rest of the structure.

These clients are spending small fortunes to hear Julie Andrews hit high C, and the installer may use 1-inch, hard-side absorptive and reflective panels to reproduce concert-hall acoustics. But that’s nothing new. Corner panels may have a triangular design to absorb low-frequency bass because designers will tell you “sound gathers in the corners.”

As a result, your objective becomes installing speakers around these obstacles so Julie’s voice is not accompanied by rattling walls or ceilings. Odds are that you and the builder will have to collaborate on the construction and wiring of vibration-proof boxes without compromising connectivity.

With new construction, running high-tech wires is not significantly more difficult than normal. However, a new challenge is protecting cables from damage by other members of the construction crew. It takes only one drywall screw to give Julie the hiccups.

One of the traditional shortcomings of wall and ceiling speakers mounted in small areas has been the inability to produce true stereophonic sound. No more. DCM is producing a single speaker for overhead installation that develops stereophonic sound by broadcasting two channels from one speaker. That’s not as good as the real thing, but it’s better than having the bass in the bathroom and treble in the sewing room.

Similarly, modulation has become a hot topic. The ability to distribute the same strength and quality of signal to several locations in a large residence has always been a challenge.

The fix: newly developed splitter-amplifiers. Where normal splitters produce a 5 to 10 db signal loss, these amplified versions produce a gain of 8 db to each of four remotes or 4 db to eight remotes, and they’re relatively inexpensive.

Of course, fixing one problem may create another. If an amplified modulator over-amps a short run to meet the needs of a long run, you may end up with a buzz in the speaker. So, the response to that problem is a signal-strength attenuator pad on the coax.

Ultimately, the $64,000 question is whether you want to be in the business of selling receivers, monitors and speakers, or enter an ever-changing installation world.

At first blush, perhaps not. But acquainting yourself with the products the pros at the high-end entertainment stores are selling might be a good first step, if you can put the information to use. Veterans of the new construction world tell us they have added $50,000 to $100,000 to an electrical contract by simply making architects and owners aware of the new options.

If you decide to take the plunge, as one master electrician told us, the first step will be preparation of a solid business plan. Decide whether you’ll sell components in addition to handling installations. If so, plan on finding and training a sales staff technically qualified to work with the affluent consumer, no small matter.

Most contractors have added only installation teams, which require a staff of qualified electricians. Some increased staff to include design and electrical engineers and master electricians. But, “qualified electrician” in this world means having a universal understanding of the ever-changing component end of the business. Otherwise, the risk is attaching the head bone to the hip bone.

Other considerations are post-warranty repairs and 24/7 service. Consumers spending six-figure amounts apparently have a different attitude about vendors than mall shoppers. They are unlikely to purchase extended warranties, but are likely to expect quick response time when problems occur, even when warranties have expired. That problem may not be entirely solved by clearly explaining warranty policies.

The best alternative may be adding this component to your resume by partnering with a firm that specializes in handling the retail and design end of the business. They sell. You install. Everyone wins.

Consider this: if you make a commitment to these services, you’re bound to make a few bucks. And, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition. Plus, from a subjective standpoint, it may present a new opportunity to be creative.

Remember when you purchased your first PC, and thought you’d reached the equivalent of an electronic Nirvana? I bet we’ll be talking about home audio-visual systems in the same terms before long.

This may be a bandwagon worth riding. EC

LAWRENCE is a freelance writer and photographer based in Bozeman, Mont. He can be reached at [email protected].