A Systems Contractor is a professional who specializes in the design and installation of residential electronic systems including home theater, multiroom systems, lighting, security and other systems. Systems Contractors provide services that range from installation of basic home theater and multiroom systems to full-blown high-end home cinema systems with 30 plush theater seats, accent lighting and a genuine movie theater box office and a popcorn machine. Homeowners turn to contractors or integrators for installation of the complex components used in high-end residential audio-video systems. Many components require extensive computer programming to use the vast array of automated features available. Some system contractors have showrooms where you can audition different audio and video products and others use their homes as a showroom.
You should consider a system contractor when considering a high-end home theater system or a complex multiroom system. System integration is a big business. The industry is promoted by CEDIA, the Custom Installation Design and Installation Association, an industry trade organization that provides training, certification and other resources for integrators, installers, architects and home builders. CEDIA is also a resource for consumers and provides information about home systems and a referral service directing consumers to qualified, trained installers.