It's something that most people can't quantify, but it's something that's very noticeable to even the most inexperienced consumer.
That something is bad sound.
In a residential setting, there are two ways to overcome bad sound: electronic equalization and acoustical treatments.
Most experts agree that the use of acoustical treatments is the preferred way to deal with sound issues for a number of reasons.
Acoustical treatments offer more than just better sound; they also provide builders and electronics installers a substantial upgrade path that includes design, materials and labor fees, which can greatly contribute to increased revenue flow.
Basic 4-1-1: These days, acoustic treatments can be manufactured to blend into any number of home décor styles. Treatments fall into two basic categories: diffusers and absorption.
The design goal of diffusion panels is to spray the sound into the room to add a more natural sound quality.
An absorption panel is designed to absorb soundwaves to lessen the effects of loudness, noise and sound reflections.
Usually a combination of both is needed to obtain an improvement in sound quality.
Within these product categories there are also products that offer eco-friendly low-emission qualities (as well as flame retardant ratings).
Pluses and Minuses 4-1-1: The advantage of acoustical treatments is that they can help stereo and home theater systems perform up to maximum capabilities. The disadvantages lay in the design and installation of these products.
If a design is poorly planned or not properly installed, acoustical treatments can have a detrimental effect on how a system sounds by “deadening” the room and sucking the natural acoustical reflections from the space or by adding other unwanted effects that detract from a quality listening experience.
The best way that builders can help combat poorly executed installations is to work with qualified installers that are authorized dealers of reputable brands.
Installation 4-1-1: Depending on the room in question, a trained professional shouldn't have much difficulty in installing the panels, which can be hidden behind acoustically transparent cloth, a projection screen or, in the case of a drop ceiling, a simple swap-out of ceiling tiles.
Most panels are designed to hang quickly and securely, and many manufacturers also make application-specific products to address particular elements, like corner placement.
Profits 4-1-1: The profit potential of acoustical treatment products can vary depending on whether the products are part of a standardized kit or a customized solution.
The kits are available on both the retail and dealer direct price tier levels and the profit margins follow these pricing structures.
Customized solutions offer more of a profit potential, and they also are usually a part of a customized design that includes documentation.
Warranties 4-1-1: Manufacturer support of acoustical panel products varies, depending on the thickness of the product, he materials used to construct the product and whether it's fire-rated or UL-rated.
To learn more about specific support, builders can follow up with an authorized dealer or directly with a manufacturer.
More 4-1-1: A quick visit to any of the popular manufacturers' Web sites will list many resources.
Some of these manufacturers include: Auralex Acoustics, Kinetics Noise Control, Acoustics First, Acoustiblock, Acoustic Innovations, Echo Busters, Quiet Solution, AcousticSmart, RPG Diffusor Systems, 3-D Squared and Quest Acoustical Interiors.
There are also several acoustic consultation companies that offer design and engineering services. Among the most well known of these are Rives Audio and Anthony Grimani's PMI.
Finally, such organizations as THX and the Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA) can be good sources of information as well.