Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Alabama Childrens Hospital Debuts Room of Magic

April 12, 2005 — BIRMINGHAM, AL – After more than a year of planning, the installation of a state-of-the-art movie theater inside the Children’s Hospital of Alabama is now complete.

Kids will view movies and live events in surround sound on an 8-foot wide Stewart film screen and a Runco high-definition projection system that recreates the experience of a movie theater. The room is equipped with a PlayStation and a library of video games and DVDs. By day, the kids will enjoy XM Satellite Radio with programming specially created for children — XM for Kids.

One of 35 ‘Room of Magic’ theaters of its kind in the U.S., the theater wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Front Row Media Systems. What began as an inspiration for Matt Scalici and Gary O’Donovan, owners of Front Row Media Systems, became a gift to Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Front Row Media Systems donated the design, project management, installation and ongoing maintenance of the theater while receiving assistance from manufacturers across the country to assist in construction of the theater. Major contributors to the theater include Business Interiors, Runco International, Stewart Filmscreen, Elan (system automation), Legacy Audio (speakers), Lexicon (system control) and XM Satellite Radio.

Matt Scalici, President of Front Row Media Systems explained, “Gary and I approached the Elf Foundation about building a theater at Children’s and together we talked to the hospital. We wanted to build not just any theater, but the best of the best our industry has to offer. One of the hardest parts of the project was finding space for the theater, as there’s never any unused space. As we all began to explore the possibilities for the room, it was almost ‘magical’ how we determined to share space with physical therapy, which only uses their room during the day. In an instant, the theater grew from accommodating 30 patients to a magical space which can now seat 70.”

O’Donovan added, “Once we designed the theater for the room, we went to our manufacturers and told them what we were doing. Without a second thought, most of them generously donated their equipment. We’re proud to say that the theater has the best of what Front Row Media Systems offers – the best of electronics, the best screen, and the best of everything.”

“For many the Room of Magic will be a place to gather and briefly escape the tedium of an extended stay in the hospital,” said Emily Hornak of Children’s Hospital. “Many of the children being cared for here at Children’s Hospital will now be able to enjoy a movie theater experience unlike few others in the country.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to have Front Row Media Systems partner with our foundation,” said Doug Weinstein, Elf’s President and Founder. “Matt and Gary represent the highest standards and ethics that our industry has to offer and have touched a lot of little lives with their generosity and dedication.”

About Front Row Media Systems LLC
Front Row Media Systems is a custom electronic design firm serving both residential and commercial clients throughout the southeast. The company offers products ranging from custom home theaters and whole house audio, as well as home automation and communication systems. Front Row Media Systems is a proud member of the trade association Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA). For more information, call 205-803-2200 or visit them at www.frontrowmediasystems.com.

About The Elf Foundation
The Elf Foundation was founded in July of 2001, with the express mission of creating private entertainment theaters — ‘Rooms of Magic’ – for children’s hospitals across the country. Operating as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charity, the foundation acts as a catalyst within the consumer electronics industry and in local communities to advance their mission of bringing the magic of music and film to special kids in a time of need. To date, The Elf Foundation has opened over 35 ‘Room of Magic’ theaters in the U.S. and is beginning work on their first Canadian projects. For more information visit www.elfsystems.org.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Ortofon MC X10, X20, X30, X40 Phono Cartridges

New Products

Ortofon’s new MC X Series cartridges bring high-end quad-coil tech and precision tracking to challenge Hana, Dynavector, and Goldring at every price point.

OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak

Bookshelf Speakers

OePhi Lounge Series Loudspeakers aim to prove high levels of musical performance don't have to cost a fortune.

GIK Acoustics Sound Block StackPack Promo Image GIK Acoustics Sound Block StackPack Promo Image

A/V Furniture & Accessories

GIK Acoustics’ Sound Block StackPack includes a trio of modular acoustic panels that can be free standing or wall mounted.

Hisense C2 Ultra Lifestyle Laser Projector Mounting Positions Hisense C2 Ultra Lifestyle Laser Projector Mounting Positions

New Products

At $2,499 the versatile Hisense C2 Ultra lifestyle 4K projector offers optical zoom, built-in JBL speakers, gaming features and more.

A.bsolument Vintage Bluetooth Radios Collage A.bsolument Vintage Bluetooth Radios Collage

New Products

A.bsolument turns your dusty old radio into a Bluetooth beauty with French savoir-faire—because even your granny’s relic deserves to sound magnifique, not like a...

Astell&Kern 64 Audio XIO IEMs Wired Lifestyle Astell&Kern 64 Audio XIO IEMs Wired Lifestyle

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Astell&Kern and 64 Audio’s $3,000 XIO IEMs combine cutting-edge tech and luxury design for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound and craftsmanship.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11, 2025

Daily Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a four-day shopping event from July 8-11, 2025 offering the biggest discounts of the year on consumer electronics.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers