‘Man-home’ beats arena for sports

Feb. 4 , 2007
By JOSEPH M. DELEON News-Post Staff
jdeleon@fredericknewspost.com

    FREDERICK — Mark Lancaster rarely goes to the movies or live sporting events anymore.
He doesn't have to. His cuttingedge home theater is all he needs. When Lancaster, owner of Lancaster Craftsmen Builders, built his home two years ago, he had two things in mind: model his company's workmanship and showcase the latest in home technology.
     Sometimes he brings prospective clients over to get ideas for a custom-built house.
     Guests are often stunned by the airy rooms, recessed cubbyholes and sweeping view of the back- yard, Lancaster said. Rounded corners and sunken shelves are reminiscent of the villages Pueblo Indians built.
     “This part of the home usually wins over the woman, but when I do my close, I target the man of the house with the home theater,” Lancaster said. “I call it the man-home.”
     The lower level is all about entertainment. A 15-foot bar, plush den, billiards room, exercise suite and an air hockey table are every man's fantasy space. But the real gem sits behind double wooden doors.
     Luxurious white leather motorized recliners seat nine in a room big enough to park three cars. A red velvet curtain parts to reveal a 109-inch screen — about as big as a pool table. A $14,000 DLP projector shines a high-definition image on the screen that rivals reality.
     Nine speakers, each positioned with the help of a computer to maximize acoustic balance, surround the viewing area. The speakers are so powerful, a rubber membrane encases the room to help keep sound from vibrating other rooms.
     It's the perfect place to watch Super Bowl XLI, in which the Bears will beat the Colts, Lancaster predicts.
     Lancaster partnered with Gaithersburg-based consumer electronics chain Myer Emco Inc. to build the home theater.
     “The only reason we did this was to show a model home theater, but really do it up,” Lancaster said. “I'd rather watch the game here than in an arena.”
     He doesn't miss the long lines, cramped seating or paying $10 for a beer. For Lancaster, nothing beats enjoying the game from multiple angles, listening to the commentary and watching instant replays — all from the comfort of his home cinema.
     Sharing it with friends and family is the best part.
     “My father and uncle look forward to seeing major sporting events here,” Lancaster said. “To be able to share moments like that means a lot — it's male bonding, even though it's over football.”