by KMB Communications | Sep 6, 2025 | News, Torus Power
A Texas homeowner’s 30-year dream private cinema realized with high-performance home theater design, expert power solutions from Torus Power, and the craftsmanship of Elliston Systems & Design and Paradise Theater.
For a Dallas, Texas homeowner with a lifelong passion for music and movies, building a dedicated private cinema was more than a dream — it was a 30-year aspiration finally realized. Inside a sprawling 15,000-square-foot residence designed as a place to share moments with family and friends, this cinema would become the crown jewel: a place to escape, immerse, and be inspired.
Challenges
Unlike most projects that adapt existing spaces, this homeowner wanted a true purpose-built cinema — designed from the ground up to exceed even commercial theater performance. The theater itself spans approximately 1,000 square feet and sits below ground level. That, in and of itself, was a challenge to overcome but that allowed the teams involved to achieve the best possible acoustic isolation and structural stability.
To do that, the teams designed a room within a room within a room. This, of course, introduces complexities. For instance, during construction, as each room level was built, the theater space got smaller. When the structural room was visible, it had a volume of 15,333 cubic feet. The floating room (with the suspended ceiling) shrunk to 8,666 cubic feet. At 5,331 cubic feet, the visible room is only about one-third of the volume of the structural room.
Beyond the technical design challenges of integrating massive high-performance speakers and amplification, power quality and system protection were critical. Voltage fluctuations, electrical noise, and surges can degrade performance and damage expensive equipment — a risk that was unacceptable in this no-compromise project.
Solutions
To make this vision a reality, the homeowner partnered with Steve Elliston of Elliston Systems & Design, whose reputation for deeply personalized, high-performance solutions made him the perfect fit. Steve collaborated with Paradise Theater, known for its engineering-driven, performance-first approach to private cinema design.
Steve Elliston described the process as both challenging and deeply rewarding:
“This wasn’t just a room with some gear in it — it was a fully engineered environment designed for the absolute best performance possible. Every detail, from acoustic treatments to cable routing and equipment location, had to be perfect to meet the client’s vision.”
Sam Cavitt, founder of Paradise Theater, echoed that sentiment:
“When you invest in these high-performance systems, if you don’t do power correctly, you’re missing a huge part of it. That’s why Torus Power is such an important part of what we do.”
Torus Power’s advanced isolation transformers were integral to the system design, delivering clean, stable power and protecting sensitive components. By eliminating noise and mitigating power anomalies, Torus Power ensured that the audio and video systems performed at their highest possible level — unlocking the full potential of the massive amplifiers and finely tuned speakers.
Final Outcome & Experience
The finished theater is more than a room — it’s a fully immersive experience that transports its audience into every scene and every musical performance. The subterranean design delivers unparalleled acoustic isolation, while luxurious finishes, thoughtful lighting, and precision calibration create a cinematic environment that feels both grand and intimate.
Reflecting on the final result, the homeowner says, “I’ve been dreaming about having a room like this for over 30 years. I wanted to create a space where I can listen to music, watch movies, and feel every detail exactly as it was meant to be experienced. It feels like you’re in the movie, not just watching it. The sound is incredible, the picture is beyond anything I’ve ever seen, and the room itself is just beautiful. It’s exactly what I always wanted.” He was so pleased with the process and outcome, he created an oversized coffee table book to celebrate it.
Today, this private cinema stands as a testament to what is possible when a visionary homeowner collaborates with leading design, build, and integration experts and invests in the very best power foundation and products available.
Featured Worldwide
It’s not just the homeowner and their family who gets to enjoy the space. This private cinema has captured the attention of more than 80k viewers online through an exclusive tour captured on the Youthman | Obsessed Home Theater YouTube channel (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvID0xQmf14, inspiring homeowners and enthusiasts to rethink what’s possible in residential entertainment.
This exceptional project also won two prestigious industry awards, including a Best Home Theater Over $100K in the CE Pro Home of the Year Awards and a Technology Designer Magazine 2025 Performance Home Award winner in the Best Design category.
By sharing the story with a global community, Elliston Systems & Design has helped highlight the importance of power management, precise system design, and expert installation — all essential ingredients for a truly world-class home theater.
Ready to bring your dream theater, cinema, or listening space to life? Visit toruspower.com to explore how our power isolation solutions can power, protect, and transform your system.
To learn more about Elliston Systems and Paradise Theater, visit Elliston Systems & Design and Paradise Theater.
Additional Project Details
System Design, Installation, Integration, and Ongoing Service & Support
Elliston Systems & Design — Elliston Systems & Design
Home Theater Design
Paradise Theater — Paradise Theater
Home (and Theater) Builder
Custom Homes of Texas — Custom Homes of Texas
Carpentry & Millwork
C & B Woodworking, Inc. (Chris Glorioso)
Brands Included
Audio
Speakers & Subwoofers
- (3) JBL Synthesis SCL-1 (LCR) — SCL-1
- (10) JBL Synthesis SCL-6 (Surrounds) — SCL-6
- (8) JBL Synthesis SCL-6 (Atmos) — SCL-6
- (5) JBL Synthesis SSW-1 (Subwoofers) — SSW-1
- (2) Ascendo SMSG24 (Infrasonic Subwoofers)
Amplifiers
- (3) ATI AT542 (2 × 500W)
- (3) ATI AT526 (6 × 300W)
- (5) JBL DSi 2.0 MA4-D (2 × 2,600W)
- (3) Ascendo Internal Amp (6,000W)
Altogether, there are 46,400 watts powering 28 speakers with 111 individual drivers.
Components
- Sony VPL-VW5000ES 4K Laser Projector
- JBL Synthesis SDP-75 32-Channel Audio Processor
- MadVR Envy Extreme Video Processor
- Kaleidescape Compact Terra Prime movie server
- Kaleidescape Strato S Player
- Oppo UDP-203 Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc player
- Apple TV 4K
- Autonomic MMS-3E 3-source Mirage media server
- Crestron CP4-R Processor with TSR-310 Remote
- Cisco SG350X-24P-K9 24-port managed switch
- Isolation Power Conditioners, Surge Protection & Voltage Regulators:
- Torus Power AVR 90 Bal
- Torus Power AVR Elite 15
- Torus Power AVR-2 Elite 90 Bal
A dedicated 200-amp electrical service panel was installed just to serve the theater’s A/V equipment room.
Seating
Isolation
Sorbothane Isolation Rings — Sorbothane Isolation Rings
by KMB Communications | Aug 31, 2025 | News, Somfy
Hands-on competition heats up at Booth #3412, highlighting the speed, simplicity, and integration friendliness of Somfy’s range of powerful yet discreet shading motors.
DAYTON, NJ (August 27, 2025) – Somfy, the global leader in interior window coverings and exterior solar protection, is turning up the competitive spirit at CEDIA Expo 2025 with its first-ever Motorized Shading Commissioning Contest. Designed to showcase the lightning-fast setup and seamless integration of Somfy’s industry-leading PoE-powered shading motors, this hands-on event invites systems integrators to put their skills to the test and experience firsthand how Somfy technology accelerates installation while delivering precision performance. Held at Booth #3412, the high-energy contest challenges participants to integrate Somfy’s flagship Sonesse® 30 PoE motor with a Control4 smart home platform in record time, proving that motorized shading can be as simple as it is powerful.
“ADI is pleased to partner with Somfy to provide integrators the most efficient motorized shade installation experience,” says Noel Gouff, ADI VP product and corporate development. “Somfy PoE motors include Control4 Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP), certified drivers, and native commissioning from within Control4 Composer, all of which enable integrators to delight their clients while profitably building their businesses.”
Race to Integrate: Somfy Challenges Integrators with Live PoE Motorized Shade Commissioning Contest
Somfy’s first-ever Commissioning Contest transforms smart shading setup into a fast-paced, interactive challenge, where speed and precision reign supreme. Contestants will race against the clock to integrate PoE-powered Sonesse® 30 motors with Control4 Composer software, enabling the control of sheer and blackout shades on a dual roller. With two commissioning stations dedicated to the competition and another for practice, systems integrators can visit the booth at any time on Day 1 and 2 of Expo to test and hone their skills. A live leaderboard will track the fastest times, while top competitors walk away with exciting prizes, bragging rights, and hands-on experience with one of Somfy’s most installation-friendly solutions, designed to save time, simplify integration, and deliver smooth, quiet performance.
“We know that every minute counts for our integration partners,” says Maryellen Oswald, Somfy partnerships development manager. “Our inaugural commissioning contest gives them a chance to experience just how much time and effort Somfy solutions can save, while having a little fun and taking home some well-earned recognition.”
Somfy’s CEDIA Expo 2025 exhibit will also feature a range of versatile, integration-ready motorized shading and drapery solutions, engineered for quick and easy installation, a sleek and discreet appearance, and smooth, reliable performance in any residential environment. This includes Somfy’s PoE-Enabled Sonesse® Shading Motors and new Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor.
Where to See Somfy at CEDIA Expo 2025
Integrators looking for faster installations, smart IP integration, and quiet, powerful shading solutions won’t want to miss Somfy’s extensive CEDIA Expo product showcase and thrilling commissioning contest at Booth #3412. While at the booth, pick up a map to discover Somfy motors featured in our customers’ and partners’ booths throughout the show. Learn more at https://www.somfysystems.com/en-us/.
About Somfy Systems, Inc.
For over 50 years, Somfy has been pioneering innovative motorization and automated solutions for window coverings and exterior shading products. With comfort, ease of use, security, and sustainability in mind, our seamless and connected solutions are designed to help people make the move to living spaces impactful for humans and with a reduced impact on nature. For more information, visit http://www.somfysystems.com.
Media Contact:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
katye@kmbcomm.com
by KMB Communications | Aug 31, 2025 | News, Somfy
Integrators gain simple, wireless control of high-end drapery styles with Somfy’s new Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree.
DAYTON, NJ (August 27, 2025) – Somfy, the global leader in interior window coverings and exterior solar protection, offers systems integrators something new for their window covering portfolios: a wireless motor purpose-built for draperies. Debuting at CEDIA Expo, Booth #3412, the Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor is powered by a removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for prewiring and making it ideal for both new construction and retrofit projects.
“We developed this solution to enable curtain automation in environments where power cabling was not initially planned or integrated into the original design,” says Amit Parpani, Somfy senior product marketing manager. “With the Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor, the major advantage for integrators is that the motor automatically sets its limits, eliminating manual calibration and reducing setup time. This gives integrators the power to deliver elegant, effortless control of even the most demanding drapery designs without the complexity of wiring. It’s a transformative solution that blends high-performance smart technology with the refined aesthetics homeowners crave.”
As for its style, the Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor accommodates luxurious on-trend drapery styles, including Pinch Pleat, Ripple Fold, and Accordia, which complement elegant design schemes favoring soft textiles and richly upholstered finishes. Its compact form factor, ultra-quiet motor, and concealed hardware preserve the integrity of the room design.
It supports track lengths up to 36 feet and can traverse up to 110 pounds of fabric, making the Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor suitable for even the most expansive of custom window treatments. Integrators can easily customize setpoints via Somfy’s TaHoma pro app, which can be enabled via touch motion and/or third-party control systems. This operational ease, combined with smart functionality and design-forward execution, makes the Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor a standout addition to any high-performance connected home.
While visiting the Somfy exhibit, integrators can also experience the speed and simplicity of the company’s legendary motorized shading technology through a high-energy, hands-on PoE Commissioning Contest. Held on Day 1 and Day 2 of the Expo at Booth #3412, this friendly competition challenges participants to integrate Somfy’s flagship Sonesse® 30 PoE motor with a Control4 smart home platform in record time.
Where to See Somfy at CEDIA Expo 2025
Integrators looking for faster installations, smart IP integration, and quiet, powerful motorized shading and drapery solutions won’t want to miss Somfy’s extensive CEDIA Expo product showcase and thrilling commissioning contest at Booth #3412. Learn more at https://www.somfysystems.com/en-us/.
About Somfy Systems, Inc.
For over 50 years, Somfy has been pioneering innovative motorization and automated solutions for window coverings and exterior shading products. With comfort, ease of use, security, and sustainability in mind, our seamless and connected solutions are designed to help people make the move to living spaces impactful for humans and with a reduced impact on nature. For more information, visit http://www.somfysystems.com.
Media Contact:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
katye@kmbcomm.com
by KMB Communications | Aug 31, 2025 | News, Somfy
Systems integrators can experience the integration simplicity and performance benefits of Somfy’s innovative, industry-leading motorized shading solutions by participating in the first-ever CEDIA Expo commissioning contest.
DAYTON, NJ (August 27, 2025) – Somfy, the global leader in interior window coverings and exterior solar protection, invites systems integrators to experience the speed and simplicity of its motorized shading technology through a high-energy, hands-on PoE Commissioning Contest at CEDIA Expo 2025. Held at Booth #3412, this friendly competition challenges participants to integrate Somfy’s flagship Sonesse® 30 PoE motor with a Control4 smart home platform in record time. With two commissioning stations dedicated to the competition and another for practice, systems integrators can visit the booth at any time on Day 1 and 2 of Expo to test and hone their skills. A live leaderboard will post top times, with exciting prizes and bragging rights awarded to the fastest contestants.
“We want integrators to experience just how effortless it can be to deliver a high-performance shading experience,” says Amit Parpani, Somfy senior product marketing manager. “With our Sonesse® PoE motors, we’re eliminating complexity, reducing installation time, and empowering dealers to bring reliable, ultra-quiet shading to any smart home project.”
Redefining Shading Simplicity: Somfy’s Sonesse® PoE Shading Motors
The interactive demonstration underscores the installation and integration simplicity and performance precision of Somfy’s flagship Power over Ethernet (PoE) Sonesse® 30 PoE and its larger Sonesse® 40 PoE. These motors receive both power and control signals over a single Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for dedicated AC or DC wiring. This drastically reduces labor, installation time, and cost, while enabling seamless integration with IP-based smart home systems.
The compact Sonesse® 30 PoE motor is ideal for modest-sized windows, while the larger, more powerful Sonesse® 40 PoE—available in 2, 4, or 6Nm torque ratings—delivers exceptional performance and smooth operation for larger window applications with sizes of 13×13 feet, all in a compact, UL-listed form factor. Despite being one of the strongest shading motors on the market, Sonesse® 40 PoE is remarkably quiet and visually discreet, moving the shading fabric smoothly and fitting inside smaller diameter tubes.
Both Sonesse® PoE motors feature soft start/stop, adjustable speed, and seamless integration with third-party control systems using the Somfy Synergy API. Built-in safety and security protocols, modern encryption standards, and IEEE-compliant power negotiation ensure optimal performance and device protection.
Beyond the excitement of the PoE Commissioning Contest, Somfy will unveil the Glydea® ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee drapery motor, an elegant, high-performance solution tailored for Pinch Pleat, Ripple Fold, and Accordia drapery styles. With its wireless design and smart home compatibility, it empowers integrators to deliver premium drapery automation and unlock new business opportunities.
Where to See Somfy at CEDIA Expo 2025
Integrators looking for faster installations, smart IP integration, and quiet, powerful shading solutions won’t want to miss Somfy’s extensive CEDIA Expo product showcase and thrilling commissioning contest at Booth #3412. Learn more at https://www.somfysystems.com/en-us/.
About Somfy Systems, Inc.
For over 50 years, Somfy has been pioneering innovative motorization and automated solutions for window coverings and exterior shading products. With comfort, ease of use, security, and sustainability in mind, our seamless and connected solutions are designed to help people make the move to living spaces impactful for humans and with a reduced impact on nature. For more information, visit http://www.somfysystems.com.
Media Contact:
Katye McGregor Bennett
KMB Communications
katye@kmbcomm.com
by KMB Communications | Aug 31, 2025 | News, Quantum Media
In collaboration with Global Wave Integration, Quantum Media Systems delivers the first DCI-compliant residential video wall installation, bringing studio-level visuals into a Los Angeles filmmaker’s home.
When an elite film professional in Los Angeles set out to build a reference-grade cinema at home, he envisioned a space that could replicate the fidelity and security of a Hollywood screening room without sacrificing the comforts of daily life. What began as a projection-based plan quickly evolved into a groundbreaking installation—the first Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI)-compliant video wall ever deployed in a residential setting–powered by Quantum Media Systems.
This pioneering project showcases how Quantum’s XDR LED video wall, now DCI-compliant, offers an unprecedented solution for professionals who require studio-grade performance in a private, multi-use space.
The Challenge: Creating a DCI-Compliant Home Screening Room
From the start, the client had extremely high expectations. A creative executive in the film industry, he regularly collaborates with A-list directors and artists, providing feedback on film edits, color grades and sound. These sessions historically took place at dedicated studio facilities equipped with DCI-compliant systems. For this client, duplicating that level of quality and security at home was non-negotiable.
Initially, the project called for a projection system to meet DCI standards. However, the realities of the home environment posed significant challenges. The 20×20-foot room was already under construction, and retrofitting the space to accommodate a high-end projector, along with the necessary throw distance, cooling, and light control, would have proved costly and complex.
“He was already working with Meyer Sound for the audio and had sourced much of the equipment,” explains Kyle Steele of Global Wave Integration, the Burbank, Calif-based integration firm that led the ambitious project. “But when he visited ours and Quantum’s showrooms, the XDR LED video wall wasn’t DCI-compliant yet. Still, he saw the potential in this one-of-a kind display and kept it closely on his radar.”
The Turning Point: DCI Compliance Achieved
At this time, Quantum’s engineers were already deep into R&D to make their high-performance XDR LED video wall DCI-compliant. Achieving DCI certification in an LED format, rather than through projection, meant designing for rigorous specifications around resolution, color accuracy, luminance, contrast ratios, and—critically—content security.
The client, with the support of his studio, went through months of due diligence and security checks to approve the installation. “Getting sign-off for DCI-level encryption and playback in a private residence is extremely rare,” Steele explains. “It speaks to the level of trust and technical capability we had to demonstrate.”
Once DCI compliance was achieved, the installation moved forward, though not without significant construction and engineering coordination. “This was a retrofit, and a very construction-heavy one at that,” says Steele. “Everyone was cautious. We had to work off precise engineering documents to ensure everything, from cooling and structural load to acoustics and signal flow, was up to spec.”
The Solution: A Multi-Use, Studio-Grade Experience
The result is a truly hybrid environment: a 400-square-foot home cinema that delivers the technical precision of a commercial screening room while doubling as a flexible, family-friendly space. At the heart of the system is Quantum’s XDR DCI-compliant video wall, which provides reference-level 4K imagery with uniform brightness and color fidelity from edge to edge.
Because the video wall is modular and direct-view, it delivers better perceived contrast than traditional projection, particularly in environments with any ambient light, according to Steele. More importantly, it eliminated the need for a projector housing, making the most of the room’s existing footprint.
“We do everything in here,” says the client. “I’ll have a director come by to review a cut, then later I’ll play video games with my kids. It’s fluid. The Meyer Sound system is phenomenal, and I can use the room in quad-screen mode or strip out the bassline from vinyl records and play along on my bass guitar. It’s my workspace and my play space.”
Why DCI Matters at Home
DCI compliance isn’t just about image quality; it’s about protecting intellectual property. Hollywood studios enforce DCI standards to ensure that unreleased content isn’t pirated or leaked. Achieving DCI status in a private residence required robust encryption, secure content playback protocols, and tightly controlled access—elements rarely implemented outside of post-production facilities.
For the client, the payoff is enormous. Instead of driving across Los Angeles multiple times a week for review sessions, he can now stream encrypted, high-resolution content directly to his home theater. This not only saves time but also allows for faster creative feedback cycles with collaborators.
“This room changes how I work,” he says. “We’re no longer limited by geography. I can offer real-time notes, review cuts, and make decisions faster than ever.”
The Broader Implications: A New Standard in Residential Cinema
Quantum’s achievement goes beyond a single installation. As content creation continues to decentralize, more creative professionals will look for ways to replicate studio environments at home. Quantum’s DCI-compliant video wall is poised to meet that demand with a scalable, customizable, and future-ready display platform.
For AV integrators, it opens the door to high-end clientele seeking performance that rivals or surpasses projection. For content creators, it signals the arrival of true reference-grade viewing in a private, secure setting.
This project sets a new benchmark for residential AV integration. Through a combination of cutting-edge engineering, rigorous security, and user-centric design, Quantum Media Systems has proven that a home theater can do more than entertain—it can empower the way creative professionals work, live, and connect.
About Quantum Media Systems
Quantum Media Systems specializes in creating incredible image displays and has significantly contributed to the early development of 4K, High Dynamic Range, and now 8K and 16K image enhancement technologies. QMS has more than 20 years of experience in designing, engineering, and facilitating Studio-Grade Digital Cinema Technology in Professional Screening Rooms, Commercial Theaters, Super Yacht Salons, and Private Residential Environments. For more information visit www.quantummediasystems.com.
Media Contact
Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications, (406) 446-1283, katye@kmbcomm.com
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