In this install-day walkthrough, I’m showing you what it really takes to turn a remodel into a reliable smart home—and I’m starting where the magic actually happens: the network and the rack. The TVs are the fun part, but they don’t function without solid Wi‑Fi and hardwired connections. I break down why the network is the backbone, how we build it for real-life use (kids streaming, family watching shows, backyard coverage), and how the controller becomes the brains that sends commands to your TVs, lights, speakers, thermostats, and more. From there, I walk you through whole-home audio distribution—pulling audio from a TV, extracting it, feeding it into a matrix, and then mixing and matching zones throughout the house. This project isn’t doing video distribution; every room keeps local sources, but audio can play anywhere for entertaining. I also highlight clean cable management, outdoor Wi‑Fi with an access point, and security cameras like a 25X zoom PTZ with auto/AI tracking and a dual-lens 360 camera for coverage. Along the way, I talk mounts (advanced tilt for serviceability), why communication with your GC matters on remodels, and how we plan zones like 5.1 rooms vs. stereo areas—so the system works now and stays future-proof for phase two.