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34 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 21, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com For the optimal multi-media room and smart-wired home, start dreaming. Now, wake up and get real. No, really, it can happen. Those hazy, heady visions of silver screens and hear-apin drop sound systems are actually prized home entertainment projects by Howell and Associates. See the proof through an online virtual tour, or go on over to the Harvester Road showroom for an up close look at why Howell and Associates is the most award-winning home entertainment company in Canada. The accolades accumulated over the past 12 years are bestowed upon the business by the pros in the industry, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association CEDIA. (This certification is peace-of-mind credentials for consumers, which ensures only bona fide experts work in the company.) With free in-home consultations, designs and proposals to boot, those fantasies of a full-blown movie room, whole-house music system or integrated lighting become achievable goals. "Homeowners typically underestimate the value of these multi-media additions," says Howell. "They not only increase a home's resale value they enhance lifestyles." Rest assured there's a system to suit any home, budget and wish list. Howell suggests homeowners think about who and how many people will be using the system, whether watching television, movies, listening to music, playing games on screen or online, the size of the space and the light sources filtering into the room. While the size of the screen and choice over projector, LCD or plasma garner the most attention among consumers, the audio set up is far more important than the picture -- especially for movie watchers, says Howell. All too often the big bucks are spent on the television while the sound system gets shortchanged. HOW TO HAVE THE MEDIA ROOM & SMART WIRED HOME YOU'VE ALWAYS DREAMED ABOUT "That's a big mistake," says Howell. A 20-inch screen with great sound produces a far greater viewing experience than a giant screen with chintzy audio. Take a 50-50 approach. Spend as much on the television as on the sound system. Howell also urges clients to determine in advance their "With free in-home consultations, designs and proposals to boot, those fantasies of a full-blown movie room, whole-house music system or integrated lighting become achievable goals." own personal level of technical comfort. "Don't underestimate the value of a quality controller and proper training to ensure a full understanding of each feature," says Howell. For the optimal remote control system, plan on spend- ing 10 per cent of the total cost for the television and audio pieces. Going the cheap route on the remote is like designing a Porsche engine and wrapping it up in a Volkswagen Bug body, says Howell. Dream big and make an entertainment haven a reality with Howell and Associates. Don't miss the `Hot Products Beach Party Open House' on May 10th 6-9PM. RSVP to 905-319-1705