- They're called mobile estates: trendy and extravagant personal forms of transportation. (Think Hummer, several of them put together, and on serious steroids.) Popular entertainers such as Will Smith or Ice Cube have their very own, each loaded to the max with the latest custom electronics and a seamless, effortless-to-use AMX NetLinx Control System.
Style & Substance
- Two stories high with expandable sides and stretching beyond 50 feet — the size of many yachts — the mobile estates have become the preferred mode of travel for the rich and famous. They offer loads of space — up to 1,100 square feet, numerous amenities and time-saving appeal, the ideal environment for achieving maximum comfort during a busy schedule. "With celebrities, it's all about the toys," said Trent Rager, Vice President of Operations and co-owner at IES (Angola, Ind.), the exclusive AMX Dealer contracted to outfit each mobile estate with high-end audio/video gear and AMX control. When it comes to "the star treatment," Rager contributes a large part of the company's success to the experience and expertise of Vice President of Sales and fellow co-owner Tom Miller and Programmer Mark Rodiger.
Ground Zero
- Well before these mammoth modes of transportation welcome celebrity travellers, each is first manufactured on-site by Anderson Mobile Estates based in South Carolina. Ron Anderson, the company's founder, blends more than 20 years of entertainment industry experience with a flair for lavish yet functional interior decor. For example, "The Aspen," one of his many daring creations, provides a rustic cabin feel with soft plush leather everywhere, hardwood plank floors, beamed ceilings, extensive use of granite and modern appliances.
- Once completed by Anderson, the estates are then shipped off to American Coach Inc. (Allen, Mich.), where they will be customized with the very best technology and interior design have to offer. That's where IES comes in.
Opportunity Knocks
- About three years go, American Coach approached IES about how to achieve total integration and control of electronics. Apparently, a significant amount of audio/video equipment was already part of the company's blueprint, but getting everything to work in concert together presented a formidable roadblock. Owners from across the country were expressing difficulty and frustration in not being able to operate any of the gadgets and gizmos onboard — plasma screens, lighting, motorized shades, and more.
- "They had spent good money and couldn't use anything," Rager said. "American Coach wanted us to handle the necessary automation that would solve this problem. We had a few meetings, explained what we could accomplish using control system technology, and started putting in AMX systems. We didn't have to sell them very hard and now we design every system for them. We are the sole electronic provider, which has also raised the level of quality control. American Coach knows our products are bullet proof."
Whole New World
- Integrating a mobile estate may resemble in many ways that of a residential install, according to Rager, except for one major challenge: "You have next to nowhere to put anything," he said. Space is at a premium. In one instance, for example, Rager and his team had to determine a place for the AMX controller. Without the convenience of a hidden-away equipment rack, which is a typical solution for a home or business, they discovered an unused 8 inch-by-3 foot area above the refrigerator. A false panel was built, put into place, and the controller situated neatly inside. Today, Rager incorporates the NI Series controllers due to the product line's sleek, space-saving exterior design. "The new NI Series has allowed us to maximize available space without sacrificing the level of control we require," he added.
Jiggy with It
- Will Smith's mobile estate set the mold for IES. It was the first NetLinx installation for such a unique project and the deadline called for an ambitious eight-week turnaround, which required approximately 700 hours to complete. In retrospect, a phenomenally fast project from start to finish. "There was definitely a learning curve," Rager said. "Based on our initial experience with Will Smith's (estate), we now have successfully cut the workload down to 350 hours."
- Efficiently magnificent, to say the least. Smith's mobile estate includes 21 dimmers, two 60" plasmas, one 50" plasma, a 32" plasma, a DVD / VCR combo player, a digital video recorder, a satellite system, a digital audio server and a surveillance camera positioned at the front of the vehicle. More than 7,000 feet worth of wiring plus numerous switchers, processors and emitters form the communication highway, which is driven by the AMX NetLinx system. Two wireless Viewpoint Touch Panels allow Smith, his family and friends the ability to instantly play CDs and watch DVDs, adjust lighting for any mood or situation, and see who's at the door. "We know that Will is enjoying himself," Rager said. "He's ecstatic over what we were able to do for him."
A Good Day
- Ice Cube's estate raised the bar for IES. "Some of the things we learned from the Will Smith project, we improved upon," Rager said. "Ice Cube's estate is really nice. The flow of how the NetLinx system operates is enhanced."
- The wireless Viewpoint Touch Panel is programmed to control any one of the five plasmas onboard, including distributed surround sound audio and connected source equipment in every living area. Ice Cube's estate is "tricked out" with two 42" plasmas, one 50" plasma and two 60" plasmas, a high definition satellite system, DVD and VCR players, a digital video recorder, motorized blinds and a camera and talk station at the door. "He can push the button on the panel and the devices automatically come up on the screen," Miller said. "The user interface was designed to achieve the simplicity and effectiveness of Windows-based controls and functions."
Upper Level Liftoff
- The customized mobile estates are equipped with special hydraulics that can raise and lower the upper level as needed. When in motion, the estate lowers the second story ceiling so that the vehicle can travel under overpasses. "It's entirely hydraulic, with tinted windows all around," Rager said.
- A unique feature that has attracted some of the biggest names in show business.
A-List Appeal
- The list of actors and actresses who currently own a personalized mobile estate, or are in the market to purchase one from Anderson Trailers, include Sharon Stone, Vin Diesel, Eddie Murphy and Ben Affleck. Once a contract is signed, IES receives the specifications from American Coach regarding electronics and AMX control. On average, IES completes about 14 buses and two mobile estates per year, according to Rager. "Our company and American Coach are trying to grow together," he said. "With the state of the economy at the present time, it's good to have this kind of business relationship."
