Texas Man Builds $3.4 Million Home Theater
It's not home theater unless it's gilded with 24-karat gold. At least that's what a Texas video/audiophile thought when he spent five years and $3.4 million on his version of the home box office, which won the 2007 Robb Report's Home Entertainment Installation of the Year award.
Centered within a gothic-cathedral-and-castle-inspired-house in Texas, the theater boasts a Runco Reflection MBX-1 commercial grade projector capable of throwing a forty-one foot screen at 1280 x 1024 resolution, CAT MBX speakers that hide behind fabric panels, twenty-four 12-inch subwoofers (not including the not-less-than-$2,000-a-piece speakers that fill out the 38 audio zones).
It's an impressive system that no doubt would blow anyone away, though what the difference between a $3.4 million system and a $1.1 million system is anyone's guess. When it comes to systems in this price range, only dogs -- with their ultra-sensitive ears -- know the truth.
No doubt some of the cost is going into the semi-gaudy look of the thing, which features plush seats and gilding made of 24-karat gold (hey, maybe it's good for the room's acoustics).
Looks aside, we are certainly impressed with the Crestron touch display screens and remotes that control almost every aspect of the house.
If you're wondering what we mean, take a look at what Texas Integrated Systems's Kyle Griffith, who installed the system, had to say about the remotes:
"Of course, you can control the sound and the video with these, but you can also control all the lights in the House -- it's the equivalent of having 285 light switches in one panel, but a lot easier to use. And you can control the six garage doors. And the six humidifiers that maintain the right environment for the woodwork. And you can control the temperature of the swimming pool and the 30-person spa. You can also access 16 security cameras, and whenever someone drives up, their picture appears on the touchscreens. We even set it up so that the client can redo the TV channels on the touchscreens -- even to the point of changing the logos -- as his tastes or the channel offerings change."
Although the theater only has eleven seats (for optimal viewing, we're sure), it's kinda sad that the other nineteen people in the spa have to wait their turn.
From Robb Report
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Bingoman66 said 9:58AM on 10-31-2007
I GUESS YOU COULD LOOK THIS GUY UP ON RichAsshole.com
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freetom99 said 10:46AM on 11-01-2007
what happen to giving to the needy.........it's a shame that man didn't think about that first
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carmpence said 10:54AM on 11-01-2007
i would have opted for an indoor pool but hey it's his money.
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toyman6000 said 12:59PM on 11-01-2007
Everything is big in TEXAS, including STUPID...
he could help so may people, instead builds a popcorn stand.
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jbielinski said 11:22AM on 11-01-2007
what a waste of time and money, and in the mean time, there are children in OUR country that need shelter and food. it is time the Rich should do somthing, instead of reaping with their selfishness
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Cynthia said 11:01AM on 11-01-2007
Hurray for the RICH man!!!!!!!!Again............
Here I am struggling to find a place to shower as I live in my car.
My son died a questionable death and I'm trying to find an attorney to take my case on a contingency basis or a pro bono, and this man had the privilege of spending an exhorbitant amount of money for his own entertainment.
I guess it's true what is said: THE RICH KEEP GETTING RICHER.......THE POOR, WELL, WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Barb said 11:05AM on 11-01-2007
I guess it's not any dumber than Lebron James building the house near Cleveland with the Casino and Bowling alley in it.
Give a fool money and the'll wast it every time.
an that is what James is and I guess you can add this guy to the list.
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borissovanton said 11:13AM on 11-01-2007
"what happen to giving to the needy.........it's a shame that man didn't think about that first"
Ok, hold on, lemme guess - YOU ARE BROKE. Why dont you get rich and then help the needy all you want. If you are broke and you cant help anyone, obviously if you were rich you could help much more, you have no right to judge anyone. Stay broke.
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The FARM said 11:16AM on 11-01-2007
What a dumb ass...What does this guy eat?....White tiger paws and bald eagle hot wings?
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russ horton said 11:30AM on 11-01-2007
Give what to Needy??? Giving money to needy??? hahahaha thats funny it really is money spent does more good than money given to putzes.the money spent circulates with working people keeping them afloat giving money to losers is like pissing in wind no thanks
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Woodguru said 12:26PM on 11-01-2007
To Cynthia, sorry for your loss, but what does your son's case have to do with how some person decides to spend the money that they've earned? Also, to the people asking why didn't he give to the needy. Do you know this person, you have some factual basis to know that they didn't give any sort of charity to any org., right. I am not rich by any means either, but I know I would spend my money on things I wanted if I could afford them. I would have to guess that all of you out there would do the same too and not give all your money to the needy so that you could live the penny pinching, "normal" lifestyle. If I am wrong and you are that type of person I do apologize.
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gardenweasel said 11:40AM on 11-01-2007
Hey Barb..Let's not forget that LeBron is 23 years old. He has shown tremendous maturity and substance for a young man thrown into his situation. He is by far the best thing going for the thug ladden NBA ghetto. I guess you would buy a 2 bdrm condo if you were forced to live in Cleveland with your $100M at age 23. Then you could give the rest away to the "needy". LOSER!
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Hortencia Wiggins said 4:56PM on 11-01-2007
Your comments: I think everyone should lighten up on this guy. Giving is always
good, but who said it was an obligation for someone who has the means
to give to the needy. He might give to charaties, it is a personal
thing. I'm sure everyone that is criticizing did not think of
homeless people in their own town last time they got a burger or
starbucks coffe. May be they should not have had it, if the homeless
person can't afford it. If someone has something they should enjoy it
before they die. People should spend their money according to their
heart.
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chahita said 11:45AM on 11-01-2007
Why does everyone resent people who have money, enjoying their money? They earned it, they have the right to enjoy it. Did they check to see how much this man gives to charity, before they rediculed him for splurging on himself? And as far as Lebron, he gives more to charity in one year, then they will give in their lifetimes, combined. If you want a hand out, ask them for one. But dont be surprised if you get rejected, and told to go earn it, just like they did. Charity begins at home. Help yourself, then you can hep others.
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Scott said 11:51AM on 11-01-2007
I find it interesting how venomous people can get when the wealthy spend their own money. I'm much more upset with how the poor (who are subsidized by the middle, upper middle and upper classes) and the government spend MY money.
And for those who spout off about how the rich should donate more...consider this: 1) By FAR, the wealthy donate a much higher percentage of their incomes to charity than any other income class, and 2) The wealthy are taxed at ridiculously high rate, approaching 50% or more of every dollar earned. Those dollars pay for the roads, parks, schools, fire departments, etc, that everyone (even those that pay no taxes) enjoy.
If you don't like it, make a million and give it away.
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Charley said 11:48AM on 11-01-2007
hay, don't you crazy liberals believe that there is no god and only revolution and Darwinism. You know survival of the fittest. Don't hate on him because he is one of the fittest and your struggling to survive you hypocrite dumb ass. Last I checked were don’t live in communist country yet so he can buy anything he wants with his money no mater how stupid and ridiculous it is.
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sonic1992 said 11:53AM on 11-01-2007
Aww... C'mon people, Let's not be mean, really,
If you were this person, who worked hard, and were lucky enough to make this kind of money.. Wouldn't you like to make your dreams come true? Of course you would, and this guy's dream was to have an awesome home theatre. On the other hand, if they were bragging on some teenage rapper punk on cribs, I would've skipped the story all together.
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bangithard said 7:15PM on 11-02-2007
It's interesting to see how people always know what's best for others, always criticizing with no basis. No one knows this man or what he may or may not do for charity. Basically, the negative comments represent jealousy, self-righteousness, and guilt. I would sincerely doubt that anyone who has slammed this guy has ever given or done anything significant to help others. If people would take care of their own lives as much as they worry about everyone else, the world would be a better place.
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tim said 11:58AM on 11-01-2007
It's HIS money, do with it as you please!
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webjoe98 said 11:59AM on 11-01-2007
it's called capitalism people... get educated. besides - i'm sure someone with that much disposable income surely knows the tax benifits of charitable donations and gives an awful lot of his money. people with jobs providing the services also benifit from his spending... these things aren't magically made when you spend the money....
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