Established 1968
Established 1968
A recent project in Suffolk gave our team at Martins Hi-Fi the chance to do what we do best – blend cutting-edge technology with practical, everyday living. The homeowner came to us with a straightforward request: they wanted entertainment and convenience at their fingertips without the usual tech headaches.
"When we first met the client, their enthusiasm for quality sound and visuals was infectious," said Marcus. "They didn't just want gadgets – they wanted technology that would enhance their lifestyle for years to come."
The home cinema we installed quickly became the heart of the project. We fitted a Sony laser 4K projector paired with a 300cm acoustically transparent screen. Behind this screen sit Bowers & Wilkins speakers that deliver sound right through the viewing surface – a detail that makes all the difference.
What really sets this cinema apart is its Dolby Atmos setup. We positioned speakers throughout the room – front, sides, rear, and ceiling – creating that immersive "sound bubble" you typically only experience in premium commercial theaters. The powerful REL HT1508 Predator subwoofers give an impressive bass response, while the Arcam audio equipment ensures crystal-clear sound with fantastic range.
The cinema is impressive, but the real magic happens when you see how everything works together. Using Control4 as the system's brain, we've connected every aspect of the home's technology into one seamless experience.
Walk into the kitchen or family room, and you'd never guess there's sophisticated audio equipment at work. Ceiling speakers disappear into the décor while delivering rich sound. The wall-mounted touchscreens look elegant but offer incredible control – from choosing Spotify playlists to adjusting room lighting.
Clients often tell us the best part is throwing away all those remote controls, and that having one intuitive system that handles everything from music to lighting makes daily life so much easier.
The Rako lighting system we installed might be the most transformative element of the whole project. While most homes have lights that turn on and off, this home has lighting that creates moods.
Press a single button and the kitchen changes from bright functional lighting to a warm dinner party atmosphere. Another button transforms the living area for movie watching with subtle lighting that doesn't distract from the screen.
In the master bedroom, we divided the lighting thoughtfully. Reading lights, ambient lighting, and feature lighting can all be controlled separately or together. When scenes change, the lights fade gently rather than switching abruptly – a small detail that makes a big difference.
"Once you experience proper lighting control, there's no going back, it changes how you feel in your home."
None of these features would work reliably without proper infrastructure. We installed high-speed data cabling throughout the property and positioned Pakedge wireless access points to ensure rock-solid coverage everywhere – even in the garden.
This robust network makes everything else possible – from streaming 4K movies to controlling home features from a smartphone. More importantly, it means the system can easily incorporate new technologies as they emerge.
The technical aspects of this project were complex, but what made it successful was the personal approach. We spent time with the homeowner, understanding their preferences and demonstrating options. The system was then fine-tuned to match exactly how they live.
This Suffolk home shows what's possible when technology serves people rather than the other way around. From breakfast-time radio in the kitchen to family movie nights in the cinema room, the house responds to its owners' needs without complicated instructions or technical know-how.
At Martins Hi-Fi, we've been designing and installing systems like this for over fifty years. As CEDIA-certified specialists, we believe the best smart homes are the ones where the technology fades into the background – enhancing life without demanding attention.
