How much does it cost to Install an Audio-Visual System?

The Breakdown of the cost to install Audio Visual System

Creating a home theatre set up in an existing room is a highly beneficial and cheaper alternative to building a complete home theatre addition. 

Disclaimer: The costs indicated in this article MUST be used as a guide ONLY, and are not intended to be exact.
All costs are based on Nics Installation experience and research as of March 2022. 

You can enjoy high-definition visuals and surround sound by adding equipment to your living room. Depending on your space and your viewing preferences, you may choose to have a higher or lower quality setup. These options will vary in cost, so the following guide will show all of the pieces you may need and their costs:

• Projector Screen: (R12 000)
• Wiring/Installation: (R8000)
• Projector: (R15 000)
• Speakers/Surround Sound System: (R20 000)
• HDTV: (R15 000)

Surround Sound System Cost By Model

Surround sound systems are a go-to for a more immersive, theatre-like experience. They are made of multiple different parts including speakers, subwoofers, and receivers.  Most people only need a 5.1 setup for home use, however, your home’s size partly dictates the type of surround sound setup you’ll need. For those with a large room or an open-concept space, we recommend installing a larger system. And of course, the cost to install audiovisual will depend on many aspects.

 

Cost to install audiovisual surround sound types:

Surround System Type 5.1

The cost of a complete 5.1 setup is (R20 000) to (R45 000). 5.1 surround sound consists of two speakers in the rear, one in the center, and two in front. The ‘1’ refers to the number of subwoofers – which, in this system, is one. This system has good-quality sound production and is suitable for most medium to large sitting rooms.

Type 6.1 Surround System

The 6.1 surround sound system costs from (R22 000) to (R45 000). These setups are often considered oversized for most homes and do not produce better sound quality than a 5.1 system would. Therefore, these systems are quite rare, and few manufacturers make them hence making the cost to install audio-visual for such a system to be a little pricey.

Type 7.1

7.1 surround sound systems are newer and larger than 6.1 and 5.1 setups. They average from (R25 000) to (R50 000). With 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer, this setup is considered very large for homes but can be dedicated to a large home theatre room. Depending on the size of the room, you may have to upgrade to a 7.2 system which has two subwoofers.

 

Dolby Atmos Type

The Dolby Atmos Surround Sound costs (R6000) to (R50 000). This setup is different from the other surrounding systems. Rather than producing different sounds for various speakers, this system projects sounds into the room’s different areas. The Dolby Atmos setup provides a more enveloping 3d experience. Rather than just placing the audio into the different speakers to move the sound around the room, Dolby Atmos projects the sound with the addition of height. This places the sound in a more accurate 3D sound space in the room. Note that the room’s size is the most important aspect—do not get more speakers than a room needs. This will lead to an overwhelming experience for the user. For the best experience, find the system size that correlates most to your room’s size.  Putting the above in mind, the cost to install an audiovisual system will not be overwhelming.

Surround Sound System Components

If you’d rather build your surround sound system piecemeal, there are a few components you need to buy or create:

• Speakers: (R20 000)
• Receivers:(R2 000)
• Subwoofers:(R6000)
• Amplifiers: (R10 000)

Screen Costs

There are two types of screens used for home theatres – projectors and screens and HDTV screens. Both have a range of qualities and prices.

Projector and Screen Price

Depending on the size and resolution, projectors and screens cost from (R25 000) to (R40 000). This is the most commonly used screen option in home theatres. Projectors can be wired to DVD and Blu-ray players. Some of the more modern ones can even connect via Bluetooth or wirelessly to a nearby streaming source. Projectors also have different lumens and resolutions, therefore it is important to find one that works with your room’s light.

On the subject of projector screens, they come in different sizes and have different attributes. The most affordable ones are hung up as needed and the more expensive screens are permanent with features such as LED backlighting.

The types of projector screens are listed below with their respective price ranges:

• Basic/Temporary Screen : (R8000)
• Retractable/Fiberglass Screen: (R6000)
• Premium Screen: (R15 000)
• Motorized retractable Screen (R10 000)

HDTV

A typical HDTV screen for home theatres costs between (R10 000) (R20 000)-. They are flat-screen TVs with a width of about 50-85 inches. They are designed for a high-quality visual display and clarity that is hard to achieve with even the best projector and screen matchup. HDTVs can hook up to various streaming services, computers, gaming systems, DVDs, and Blu-ray. They are also compatible with Apple TV and other devices.

Wiring Costs

Home theatre setups have wires running between the various components. If you prefer doing your wiring, it will cost you (R3000) to (R5000). For a professional wiring setup in which the wires are concealed, the cost will range from (R5000) to (R10 000).

Installation Costs

Costs to Install a Projector and Screen

This will cost between (R2000) and (R5000). The installation of a projector and screen is fairly simple. The screen takes no more than an hour to hang, while the projector is usually installed on the wall opposite the screen or the ceiling above it. An electricity supply is necessary for the room, however, if there is not already an outlet one can be installed. This will raise the price of installation.

 

HDTV Installation

HDTV installation will cost from (R500) to (R1500). HDTV screens are heavy and need to be properly installed and mounted to the wall to safely hang. A cable or outlet may also be necessary for this area. The TV may need bracing behind it and an outlet or other electronics may need to be installed, which can vary the cost. It may cost more to mount a larger TV than a smaller TV because larger TVs require more support.

Surround Sound Installation

A surround sound system installation will cost you from (R1000) to (R5000). If your speakers are being installed with brackets on the walls or ceiling it will cost around (R3000). If your speakers are being installed inside the walls or ceiling, the prices will be significantly higher.

If you need other additions such as hidden wires or an outlet installed near the receiver or any speakers, the price will rise.

 

In-wall Installation Costs

To install speakers on your wall will cost (R5000) to (R10 000). This price will vary depending on wall type and speaker type and size. If you have thinner walls that require relocation of wires and pipes as well as considerable runs of wires, the price will be higher. A benefit of this installation is that all wires will be concealed, however, the further apart the speakers are inside the walls, the more wire-fishing you’ll need, therefore, raising the prices.

In-ceiling Installation Costs

Installing speakers on the ceiling will cost from (R3000) to (R10 000). In-ceiling installations share many of the same concerns as in-wall installations.  The less space there is and the harder it is to install the cables in your ceiling the higher the price will be. Installing the speakers in a new ceiling will lower the costs because it might be easier than installing them in the existing ceiling. Additionally, you can also install wireless or Bluetooth speakers. Unfortunately, they require power outlets close by. This in itself may be more than conventional speakers.

Wireless Home Theatre  Installation Costs

Wireless surround sound setups cost between (R3000) and (R20 000) for the receivers, subwoofers, and soundbars (note that this does not include the projector and screen or HDTV). Wireless surround sound systems can work via satellite, connect to your house’s Smart system or hub and some can connect via Bluetooth.

It is possible to create a Wireless Surround Sound System by matching different components, however, it is recommended that you buy this setup in a package.

 

Cost To Install Audio Visual Enhancements and Improvements

Dedicated Home Theatre Addition

You can create a dedicated room if you want to experience a home Cinema. The cost of a dedicated room can go up to (R500 000). This includes soundproofing, lighting, carpeting, and furniture.

Control System

Control systems cost between R200 000 and (R2000 000). They can be used to adjust volume, lights, and stop and start the picture. These can be voice-activated, used via Bluetooth or you can buy a wired hub.

There are many different audiovisual systems to choose from, however, knowing which system is most compatible with your home makes selection a whole lot easier. For help selecting, building, and installing your audio-visual system, contact Nic Installation by calling us on 082 336 3858 or send us an email: info@nicsinstallation.co.za