John Sciacca

System control can be a nightmare. Almost every gadget comes with a remote, and many "basic" systems require multiple controllers. Even my parents - whose entertainment system is built around a 27-inch tube TV and a VCR - have three remotes.

As a custom installer, I find that education is one of my main jobs. Every day, people come into my shop seeking advice on how best to spend their A/V dollars. And whether their budget is $1,000 or $100,000, they want to be sure they're getting the best bang for their buck.

A computer in the living room? Madness! Computers are big and noisy. They aren't reliable, they aren't remote-controllable, and they can't even handle high-def. Keep them the hell away from my media room!

I usually cover topics geared toward consumers, but this month's column is really meant for my fellow installers. (Of course, non-installers are welcome to read what follows; you might gain insight into how we choose to feature certain installs.)