sound light image LLC              see. hear. now. TM

what we do

sound light image works with:

--architects

--designers

--homeowners

--facility managers

to create cost-effectve:

--sound reinforcement/audio systems

--video projection systems

--cinema systems

--stage and architectural lighting systems

--theater technology systems

for:

--schools

--houses of worship

--private homes

--government facilites

--restaurants, retail, and healthcare

what we don't do

sound light image doesn't sell:

--portable sound systems for bands or dj's

--home theater components unless they are part of a system that we design and install

--musical instruments and supplies

how we do it

The systems we supply are site-specific, and are custom-ordered following a detailed analysis of your needs and budget. We will make an appointment to come to your site to determine your needs.

Please note that, in order to reduce the cost of our service to you, we do not operate a showroom. With a few exceptions, we are not dealers for particular equipment manufacturers. This enables us to supply you with exactly what you need instead of what the manufacturer wants us to sell.

Project: Renovations to Laurel Hill Baptist Church, Verona, VA

laurelhillbaptist.org

Scope of Work: Design and install video projection and  renovate sound system

Special Features: Video projection on motorized screen in front of sanctuary, video projection for worship team on rear wall of sanctuary; replace mono sound system with left and right speakers so that video could be projected on the centerline of the sanctuary.

Completion date: 2010

Project: Eugene K. Harr Theatre, Petersburg, WV

Client: Grant County (WV) Library Board, JL Pence Company

Architect: Robert T. Eckels,  AIA, Martinsburg, WV

Scope of Work: Design and install audio, video and stage lighting systems in a new-construction auditorium seating 297. Stage covers 2460 square feet with 50’ x 18’ proscenium opening.

Special Features: Simple control interface for sound system from stage, 32-channel Left/Center/Right audio processing, 5.1 channel video soundtrack playback.

Completion Date: 2008

Project: Court Square Theater, Harrisonburg, VA     

As part of a redevelopment of two unoccupied buildings on the town square, the client planned to draw commercial life downtown by reprogramming a 1920’s automobile repair garage into 320-seat theater for film, live music, and drama. The interior has a 50-foot wide clear span, but the floor above is supported with 48” tall I-beams that hang within fourteen feet of the theater floor. Design challenges included the development of workable sightlines, and effective acoustic treatment and loudspeaker positioning within these immovable constraints.

Client: Harrisonburg (VA) Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Architect: Henry J. Browne, FAIA (now retired), Richard Myers, project manager

Scope of Work: Consult with architects on overall theater design and details; design film projection, sound reinforcement, acoustic treatment, seating, stage lighting, drapery, and rigging; install film projection, sound reinforcement, stage lighting control. Consult with owner on business considerations of opening and operating the theater.

Special Features: Automated film handling, 5.1 channel film soundtrack processing, retractable projection screen, digital stage lighting control, 24-channel stereo live sound reinforcement, rebuilt vintage “rocking chair” theater seats.

Completion date: 1998, upgrades to sound system 2006.

Project: Visulite Cinemas, Staunton, VA  www.visulitecinemas.com

Complete renovation of 1936 cinema that had fallen into total disrepair. Reprogram auditorium into two stadium-seating cinemas screening art films.

Client: Visulite Cinemas, Inc.

Architect: Michael C. Brown, AIA/NCARB  and Marc Paxton: A Joint Venture

Scope of Work: Consult with architects on design of renovation; design and install cinema systems.

Special Features: Stadium seating, 5.1 channel cinema sound processing.

Completion Date:  Cinema 1 and Lobby, December 2005; Cinema 2, September 2006.

Project: Chapel Renovations, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waynesboro, VA

thereddooronline.com 

The church decided to reprogram an underused chapel into a youth worship space by adding a proscenium, video projection, and a live sound system suitable for a praise band. Carpeting and curtains changed the look and feel of the room, as well as a better acoustic characteristic.

Client: Chapel Commission, Westminster Presbyterian Church

Builder: Vailes Brothers, Waynesboro, VA

Scope of Work: Design and install video projection and live sound systems.

Special Features: Twenty channel sound mixing with digital effects, feedback surpression, equalization, and compression; XGA video from booth to projector for computer display, component video for DVD playback.

Completion date: 2006

Project: Screening room for Seagram Center, Ivy, VA

The client wanted to convert an existing basement billiard/game room into a 20-seat screening room for front-projected 35mm motion pictures and video at its executive conference center, which served Seagram’s Universal Pictures unit. The facility is now privately owned.

Client: Joseph Seagram and Sons, New York, NY

Architect: SLDC Architects, Charlottesville, VA; Warren Andrews, project manager

Scope of Work: Design film projection, video projection and playback, audio, control interface, and acoustical treatment. Install film projection, video projection and playback, audio, and control interface.

Special Features: Residential-standard 5.1-channel THX sound, Dolby SR film soundtrack processing, retractable video projector and screen; audio, video and screen functions controlled by touchscreen remote.

Completion date: 1996

News: FCC Orders Most Wireless Microphone Users Out of 700 Megahertz Band

In a reversal of previous policy, the Federal Communications Commission has ordered that the 700 megahertz frequency band be "vacated" by all users except those that hold a broadcasting license.

How do I tell if I am in violation of the law?

Check the label on your wireless microphone receiver, assistive listening transmitter, or in-ear stage monitor--the portion of the system that is plugged into your sound system. If the label says any number between 698 and 806 inclusive, followed by "megahertz" or "MHz," you are breaking the law when you use it.

 Why is this happening?

The FCC, partly in order to raise money for the federal government, is auctioning off these frequencies to the wireless industry. When television stations converted from analog to digital broadcasting,  most of the band was cleared out. The wireless audio users were in the way of the sale.

 What will happen if I keep using my wireless microphone?

You will be subject to penalties and fines from the FCC. The Staunton, VA area frequencies were auctioned for almost $475,000, and the buyer will no doubt try to protect their investment. There will likely be interference from legal users of the frequency and the interference will come through your speakers when you least expect it!

What do I need to do?

You need to replace the device with a new device that is not in the affected band. Caution: there will be countless devices flooding the used market that are not legal. Most likely, if it's used, it's not legal. Manufacturers of professional-quality systems are offering rebates for their systems that are relatively new but now illegal. Write down your current units' model numbers, and contact us by email with your specific questions about this issue. We can give you more accurate results if your questions are in writing.

Why is this good?

It may seem strange to ask this question, but there are some upsides to the issue. New devices will be operating in frequencies that are better-suited to this purpose, and new devices have much better electronics inside than those of just a few years ago. When you consider that there is both a little audio processing unit and a little radio station inside a wireless microphone, and that there have been tremendous advances in this field because of the wireless telephone industry, the new units do a great job of producing clear, non-fatiguing audio and broadcasting the signal without interference. This is also an opportunity to create a wireless system that is not a hodgepodge of different units bought at different times, with frequencies that may interfere with each other. Again, if you have specific questions, write down your current units' model numbers, and contact us by email. We can give you more accurate results if your questions are in writing.