Design · Infrastructure · Calibration
Audio Video Installation
Professional audio video installation is a design discipline before it is a trade. Acoustics, sightlines, network topology, power, and control logic are engineered first — then equipment is specified to meet that design.
The Short Answer
What a professional installation actually covers
A complete audio video installation includes system design, infrastructure (conduit, low-voltage wiring, power, and rack space), equipment supply, physical installation of speakers and displays, network configuration, control programming, acoustic and video calibration, and homeowner orientation.
The two phases that determine whether a system feels effortless — design and calibration — are the two most often omitted. Equipment placed without them will measure poorly, look improvised, and require a remote for every task.
Scope & Investment
Cost ranges by installation scope
| Scope | Typically includes | Timeline | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-room media system | Display or short-throw projection, soundbar or 5.1 speaker layout, one control interface, concealed cabling | 1–3 days | $8,000 – $35,000 |
| Whole-home audio & video distribution | Architectural speakers in 6–14 zones, centralized rack, video matrix, app + keypad control | 2–5 weeks | $40,000 – $150,000 |
| Dedicated private cinema | Acoustic treatment, immersive Dolby Atmos layout, projection and screen engineering, tiered seating coordination, lighting scenes | 3–6 months | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Full estate integration | AV, lighting, shading, climate, networking, surveillance and outdoor entertainment on one platform | 6–18 months | $250,000 – $850,000+ |
Ranges reflect Peters Audio Video project scopes and vary with room count, architecture, finish level, and equipment tier. Every project is priced from a written scope, not a per-item list.
Method
The six phases of an installation
01
Discovery
We document how each room is actually used, what must stay invisible, and which decisions are still open with your architect, builder, or designer.
02
System design
Room-by-room speaker layouts, display sizing and seating geometry, rack elevations, and a written scope with equipment schedules and budget tiers.
03
Infrastructure & pre-wire
Conduit, low-voltage runs, backing, power, and rack space are coordinated before drywall. Retrofits use fishing paths and wireless backhaul where structure allows.
04
Trim & installation
Speakers, displays, keypads, and shades are installed to finish tolerances alongside paint, millwork, and cabinetry schedules.
05
Calibration & programming
Speaker distance, level and EQ calibration, display color calibration, scene programming, and one-touch interfaces built around your daily routines.
06
Handover & concierge
In-home orientation, labeled documentation, remote monitoring, firmware management, and priority service under our concierge program.
Common Questions
Audio video installation questions
What does audio video installation include?
A complete audio video installation covers system design, infrastructure (conduit, wiring, power, and rack space), equipment supply, physical installation of speakers and displays, network configuration, programming of the control interface, acoustic and video calibration, and homeowner orientation. Design and calibration are what separate a professional installation from equipment placement.
How much does professional audio video installation cost?
Single-room media systems typically run $8,000 to $35,000. Whole-home audio and video distribution generally falls between $40,000 and $150,000. Dedicated private cinemas begin near $100,000 and scale past $1,000,000, and full estate integration across AV, lighting, shading, networking, and security typically ranges from $250,000 to $850,000+.
Should audio video be installed before or after drywall?
Before. Conduit, speaker backing, display blocking, low-voltage runs, and rack space cost a fraction to plan during framing compared with retrofitting later. If drywall is already closed, retrofit installation is still possible using existing chases, attic and crawlspace paths, and wireless backhaul, though placement options narrow.
How long does an audio video installation take?
A single room is usually one to three days. Whole-home audio and video distribution takes two to five weeks of on-site work spread across the construction schedule. Dedicated cinemas run three to six months from design approval, and estate-wide integration typically tracks the full construction timeline of six to eighteen months.
What is the difference between an AV installer and an AV integrator?
An installer mounts and connects equipment you have already chosen. An integrator engineers the system first — acoustics, sightlines, network topology, power, and control logic — then specifies equipment to meet that design and unifies every subsystem under one interface. Integration is the appropriate model when audio, video, lighting, shading, and security must behave as a single system.
Do you serve homes outside Charlotte, North Carolina?
Yes. Peters Audio Video is headquartered in Charlotte, NC and works throughout the Carolinas, including Lake Norman, Asheville, Raleigh, Charleston, and Hilton Head, with select projects nationally when the design scope warrants it.
Start with the design, not the equipment list
Tell us the rooms, the architecture, and the stage your project is in. We will outline the right scope, infrastructure, and budget tier before a single product is chosen.
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