Hi, congratulations on the new forums!

Is there anyone with yacht a/v installation experience? I’m wondering if a software-based system (like Cinemar or CQC), can be the base of a decent system for a 84ft yacht with 8 zones of audio/video.

Opinions/ thoughts?

Hey guy,

I used Cinemar on a simple custom system that I mocked up a year or so ago, and found it to be decent.  I say decent, because it wasn’t great by any means.  I have yet to find any PC-based programs that work 100% of the time, and exactly how they are created to function.

If I were in your situation, I would stay with a core system that already has the bugs worked out of it.  There are a many different options and systems available to you, depending on the budget (I’m guessing isn’t too much of a concern), performance vs. needs, control interface options, system bulk (in a yacht, I would think that a smaller, more compressed system would be a huge benefit over a larger sore system), and a multitude of other aspects.

I utilize NetStreams for my core AV control system, and it’s solid.  I recommend that you look at the DigiLinX system.  They are clean, easy to program, easy to use, highly capable, and one of the best things is that they answer their phones when you call them.  When I talk about the bulk of the system, each of their 2-channel amplifiers will fit inside a standard 2-gang electrician’s remodel box.  They’re clean digital amps, and they are very efficient. 

Again, take a look, and see what you think.

I dont work on anything in the 80 ft range, but I have found this to be helpful in my installations:  http://aroundsoundav.com/ 

I am not familiar with the software programs either so that maybe a better route.  I believe you can parallel the units, usually four zones is about all I deal with.  As long as the components are considered below deck or weather tight I treat the install as a residential job, since there are more options for equipment, etc…

If you are not a yacht guy, remember shielded cable is your friend.