We’ve all been there—family “together time” that consists of everyone hunched over their own devices in the same room. Locals in our Main Line Parent Community are constantly seeking ways to make smart home technology enhance family connections rather than diminish them. 

Fortunately, Malvern-based JL Entertainment Designs has been helping local families strike that perfect balance, creating spaces where technology fosters togetherness instead of isolation.

“We’ve seen firsthand how the right technology setup can transform family dynamics,” says Michelle Lusi, who co-owns JL Entertainment Designs with her husband Joe. “As parents of four kids ourselves, we understand the challenges families face in finding that balance. When technology is implemented thoughtfully, it creates opportunities for connection rather than distraction.”

JL Entertainment Designs was named the Main Line Parent 2025 LOVE Award Winner for Best Home A/V Support, thanks to nominations from local parents who recognize their exceptional service:

JL Entertainment Designs’ excellence extends beyond our local community. In September 2024, JL Entertainment Designs received the prestigious Chairman’s Award of Excellence from URC, a global leader in smart home automation, at the CEDIA industry expo. 

This rare honor—awarded only twice in the program’s ten-year history—recognized their consistent, superior performance in both residential and commercial installations. 

The award highlighted their innovative automation systems across diverse environments, including a waterfront home with sophisticated window drapery and landscape lighting controls, and a New Jersey shore resort with seamless five-zone audio integration throughout common areas.

Create Family Memories with Whole-Home Audio Systems, Both Indoors and Out

Remember those spontaneous dance parties from childhood? With a whole-home audio system, families can create those magical moments with just a tap on their phone. These systems allow music to follow you throughout your home—from kitchen dance-offs during dinner prep to backyard gatherings that extend well into the evening.

“One of our favorite things is hearing how families use their whole-home audio systems,” Michelle shares. “We’ve had clients tell us about their kids having impromptu dance parties, singing together, and just having a blast with friends. That’s exactly what technology should do—create joy and bring people together.”

Modern systems offer incredible flexibility, allowing different family members to control music from their own devices. Parents can set up playlists for different activities or moods, while giving older children appropriate access to create their own musical moments.

Strategic speaker placement is key to the experience. JL Entertainment Designs carefully analyzes each room’s acoustics, ensuring clear sound that’s never overwhelming. For busy Main Line families, these systems eliminate the frustration of searching for portable speakers or dealing with complicated setups when you just want to enjoy music together.

Turn Ordinary Evenings into Family Movie Nights

Family movie night takes on a whole new dimension when you move beyond just watching a screen—whether you’re cozied up inside or enjoying the fresh air on your patio or deck. JL Entertainment Designs helps Main Line families create cinematic experiences both indoors and outdoors, with weatherproof outdoor TVs and audio systems that let you extend movie nights into your backyard entertaining spaces.

“We’re seeing more Main Line families investing in quality sound systems that make movie night truly immersive,” explains Joe Lusi. “It’s not about the loudest system—it’s about clarity and balance so everyone from grandparents to young children can enjoy the experience together.”

For the ultimate movie night experience, automated lighting creates the perfect ambiance with one touch. Imagine lights gradually dimming as the movie begins, then slowly brightening during credits—creating a true theater experience without leaving home.

Bring the Family Together with Interactive Gaming Experiences

Gaming doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. With JL Entertainment’s expertly designed audio-visual setups, video games can become opportunities for family bonding across generations. A properly calibrated system ensures gaming is immersive without overwhelming younger players, while strategic screen placement reduces glare and eye strain.

“We work with families to create entertainment spaces that encourage social play rather than isolation,” says Michelle. “When we design these spaces, we think about how to make it comfortable for spectators too, not just players. Sometimes the most fun is cheering each other on.”

Eliminate “Tech Tension” with Smart Home Solutions

We’ve all experienced it—family arguments over who controls the remote, frustration with complicated technology, or conflicts when the WiFi slows down because too many devices are connected. These moments of “tech tension” can quickly turn family time sour.

JL Entertainment Designs specializes in creating unified control systems that eliminate these friction points. With proper home automation, a single remote or smartphone app can control everything from TVs and sound systems to lighting and temperature—simplifying technology rather than complicating it.

“So many of the calls we get are from frustrated parents who are tired of juggling multiple remotes and explaining complicated setups to family members,” Joe notes. “When we streamline these systems, it removes a major source of family tension.”

A robust home network forms the foundation of any harmonious smart home. JL Entertainment Designs conducts WiFi surveys to identify weak spots and strategically places access points throughout the home. The result? No more arguments about who’s hogging the bandwidth or frustration when streaming services buffer during family movie night.

Expert Guidance for Your Family’s Unique Needs

Creating technology spaces that bring families together starts with understanding how your family lives. JL Entertainment Designs takes a consultative approach, beginning with thorough conversations about your lifestyle and needs.

“It always starts with an interview before we even go into the room we’re going to be working in,” explains Joe. Their detailed proposals provide multiple options based on needs, budget, and space constraints, allowing families to make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you’re looking to create the perfect outdoor entertainment area for summer gatherings, design a cozy home theater for family movie nights, or simply ensure reliable WiFi throughout your home, JL Entertainment Designs brings both technical expertise and family perspective to every project.

Ready to transform how your family experiences technology? 

Contact JL Entertainment Designs for a free consultation in your home, where you can learn about the latest in smart home technology firsthand and discover how it can enhance your family’s connections rather than compete for their attention.

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Photos courtesy of JL Entertainment Designs as seen in the Best for Families Guide.

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