When it comes to creating the ultimate cinematic experience at your Scottsdale home, nothing beats a professional home theater setup. But here's the catch: the quality of your system depends heavily on who installs it. You might have the best speakers, the sleekest projector, and the coziest seating, but if the installation is sloppy, your dream theater turns into a frustrating mess. So, how do you choose the right team to bring your vision to life?
Why You Need a Professional Installer
A home theater isn't just plugging in a TV and connecting a soundbar. A proper installation involves speaker placement based on room acoustics, cable management, signal routing, video calibration, audio calibration, and system programming. The difference between a DIY setup and a professional installation is the difference between hearing sound and being immersed in it.
What to Look For in an Installer
1. Experience with Custom Installations
Look for someone who has done custom work — not just hung TVs and connected receivers. Custom installations require understanding of acoustics, electrical requirements, and architectural integration. Ask to see photos of previous projects, especially ones similar to your space.
2. In-Home Consultation
Any installer worth hiring will insist on seeing your space before quoting. If someone gives you a price over the phone without seeing your room, that's a red flag. Room dimensions, construction materials, window placement, and furniture layout all affect the design and cost.
3. Calibration Capability
Professional calibration is what separates a good system from an extraordinary one. Ask if they use measurement microphones and room correction software. Ask if they perform video calibration in addition to audio. Many installers skip this step because it takes time and expertise.
4. Warranty and Post-Installation Support
What happens after the installation? Will they come back if something isn't right? Do they offer training on how to use your system? The best installers include follow-up support because they know that a great system is only great if you know how to use it.
5. No Pressure Sales
Be wary of installers who push specific brands without understanding your needs. A good installer recommends components based on your room, your preferences, and your budget — not based on which brand gives them the highest commission.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- How many home theater installations have you completed?
- Do you design custom systems or install pre-packaged solutions?
- What does your calibration process look like?
- What warranty do you offer on installation labor?
- Can I speak with previous clients?
- Do you handle all wiring and integration in-house?
Why Scottsdale Homeowners Choose Mike Knows AV
We serve Scottsdale homeowners with the same custom approach we bring to every project. We build our own speakers, handle all installation in-house, and include professional calibration with every system. Our 2-year installation warranty includes unlimited service calls — including user training — with no trip fees.
We take on a maximum of 15 clients per year, which means you get our full attention and expertise. No rushing, no cutting corners, no subcontractors.
Ready to discuss your Scottsdale home theater project? Contact us or call (928) 440-1950.