I will start by saying that these guys are just great guys, great guys who happen to be extremely talented and knowledgeable about home theater and automation projects, as well as technology in general. They will go the extra mile to figure out the best setup for your needs, with helpful advice on the necessary equipment and excellent insight on how all of the pieces work together. They will install your system with the kind of care that would make you think they are working in their own homes. All the while they are a pleasure to hang out with, which makes me look forward to my next project just to hang out again. On top of all of that, I couldn't be more pleased with the end product of their work, and the time they took to show me how to operate it. In short, I think you will have a superb experience if you choose The Theater People for your home theater needs. read more

I had a real good experience with the Theater People. A few years ago I used an Angie's List deal and had a Sonos system and outdoor speakers installed. This year, on one of the few nice days we had, I decided to sit on the patio and listen to some music. Unfortunately one of the speakers blew out and it was unlistenable. I called the Theater People to service the speakers knowing that it was well beyond the warranty. They came and found a chipmunk chewed threw one of the wires. They also found that the speakers had a lifetime warranty. They ordered the replacement speaker and came about a week later to install it. Although I paid for the visit, the speaker was replaced for free. I recommend the Theater People for your AV needs. Thanks Scotty. read more

2019 had them mount two TVs & bury the cords - not bad. Centered one tv with furniture and not the wall, which is wrong - but ultimately a good job & techs were very nice. 2yrs later had them back to move the existing mount (purchased from & hung by them - a mount they sold as won't ever need another one) down lower on the wall to hold a new tv. Same size, but OLED At the onset John Holderby gave off a whole vibe of this was a problem for him, he didn't want to do the job and he had us wait 3 weeks - (I had been told they had earlier openings, so jerk move #1) Even complained that we didn't buy the tv from him. Said he has great deals on tvs and in the future should buy from him. I should have gone with my gut and went elsewhere. His team came out - late - called after they were supposed to have already arrived to ask for our address. They didn't even know where they were going!?! Arrived, techs again are very nice, but they didn't finish the job. One of the 2 has no idea what he's doing - clearly new - and the experienced gent did majority of the work. But he was distracted, kept speaking about getting to their next job in Pickerington. He instructed new guy to do some things, but new guy didn't/couldn't. They adjusted the mount & repositioned the tv on the wall- but the tilt is extreme and they failed to connect the sound bar. I've asked John Holderby to send them back out to correct this at least 4x. His response is I need family or friends to do it. Or, if I buy a new mount (from him) and they install new boxes - basically $1500 worth of uneccessary expense - for him to send anyone out. he doesn't even address the fact they didn't hook the sound bar up - no acknowledgment of that. This tv was not hanging with a tilt when they got here, the whole round and round "cords need a place to live" excuse is bullshit. I'd go so far as to say sexist cause he thinks I'm stupid? Cords are thin, and they're only in the way now because of the tilt. I get owning a business and trying to make $ - but refusing to correct a problem or finish something properly is just stupid. It's an epic fail for repeat business and a great way to earn unflattering word of mouth.... Gist: if you wanna spend a grand, he's happy to help. Otherwise, don't waste your time, cause you'll ultimately be frustrated & waste your money. #jerk read more

I am so disappointed to have to write this review. I have worked with the Theatre People since 2020 and have always appreciated their work. In 2022 I reached out to them for an estimate for a projector for my golf simulator that was already in the garage, a new TV, an extendable pole mount and track system to hide the cords. In January 2023 they came out to install all of their product and my new projector. I paid $1000 deposit and $700 when work was completed. The technician spent the whole day working on it and he was a very nice guy so I was patient. He advised me that he needed to correct something with the extension pole and that he would be back. He came back and installed the pole. I saw it and was okay with it and went back to work. That night I came out to the garage to watch the projector. It was installed so close the picture didn't take up the whole screen as it did prior to the new installation. Also the track system was coming down again this is the first night. I sent my contact, Brent Spires Owner, an email expressing my dissatisfaction. I sent pictures. On the following Monday Brent called and he sent the same technician back to move the projector and to fix the sagging track system. The technician came back moved the pole back and advised me that the track system was bolted up. I went out that night to hit balls and I had noticed that the projector was too low but I knew I had an adjustable extension pole so I tried to adjust up. It wouldn't adjust at all. I called Brent Spires again and I told him I was happy with the placement and needed only to adjust the pole up but couldn't figure out how to do it. He advised that he would call me back. this was on January 24th. I didn't hear back from Brent so I sent him an email just to remind him that I was awaiting his call. Today is March 1st and I still haven't heard back from Brent Spires. So I finally got up on the latter to see what was wrong. Turns out the technician did not install the projector mount that I paid for. He made an extension pole out of some piping unbeknowst to me so it could not adjust. I bought another mounting system online for half the cost and installed it myself. I have two torn rotator cuffs which is why I didn't do it in the first place. The tracking system is bending off the wall and it looks very bad to say the least. As I mentioned I'm disappointed to have to write this review not just because of the terrible work but more importantly because I really liked and appreciated the Theater People, but Brent Spires and his inability to take care of me after paying $1700 and being a loyal customer is incomprehensible. Do Not Work With or Buy From Brent Spires and the Theatre People. If I can find a way to attach the pictures I will. B. Neal Attached pics! read more

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I've used The Theater People for a couple of installations in my house. Scheduling is easy and usually with very quick turnaround time. So far, every installation has been performed very professionally with clear explanations of the estimates and final pricing. Highly recommended service. read more

These bad reviews baffle me? This isn't a company that comes in to be the lowest bidder to install you television you bought on Black Friday for $200. This a professional company who is qualified to do Rolling Stones worthy set ups. I've had them to very small jobs to very big jobs. Spent over 35k with them and will NEVER call anyone else. If you want cheap, pay Best Buy to come out. You want quality and for your friends to be envious when they come over, call John Holderby and the theater people! read more

It's a long story, so bear with me. Lauren, who answers the phones, does scheduling, and I'm sure a chunk more, was so pleasant to work with and talk to. But the issues began shortly after. I called to make an appointment to mount a new TV over our fireplace, replacing the existing TV. I asked while making the appointment if I could/should send photos of the current setup so the install person would be prepared. Lauren said it was a great idea, so after our call I snapped a couple of photos and emailed them along. I received a reply not long after that which stated all looked good. When the tech arrived the day of the appointment, he dismounted the old TV and stated he thought the existing mount would work (great news!). After some work and some assistance from me, he determined we would actually need a new mount. This was disappointing, but I understood. I asked if the new mount would work and operate in a similar manner to the old mount. The tech assured me it would. He pulled the new mount from his truck, unpacked it, and determined it was too large to fit in the space. He then stated he could go back o the office and get a mount with a smaller footprint to place in the area. I asked if he was sure that would work and he stated confidently it would. I waited approximately half an hour for him to return to the office and pick up the new part and return -- no big deal. The tech brought in the new mount, unpacked it, and determined the third try mount would not extend far enough out to mount the TV appropriately for where he needed to place it. By this point I was getting a little frustrated. I would have hoped he may have measured things at some point to determine what hardware was actually needed. Trial and error (costing materials and time) are not the best method of a professional installation. The tech needed to leave that day without getting the job done, but managed to declare he used up the Angie's List deal I had purchased for 2 hours of A/V services, meaning I would need to pay for him to come back and finish the job when they found a mount that would work for my space. By the next day I had not heard from them, so I called the office and asked for an update. Spoke to Lauren again and once again she was great, but informed me the only mounts they were finding with the necessary 24 inch extension the tech said was required were in the $400 price range. That was just not going to work, but she assured me they would keep looking. I decided to take matters into my own hands as I was losing faith, and with some deep research (five minutes on Amazon), I found a 32 inch extension mount for a more reasonable price. I emailed the office and after some back and forth they agreed this would work and I ordered it for delivery from Amazon. Scheduled the tech to come back the day after delivery. Tech came back yesterday and had some trouble with the new mount, needed direction from me on how to install some portions of it, and mismounted the bracket due to a bad measurement and drilled about 3-4 extra holes in my wall and studs before he figured it out. The mount barely extends far enough to make it work, meaning his initial calculations were 8 inches or more off on how long the extension arm needed to be. Keep in mind I also had to pay for this return trip as they could not get the job done the first time. The TV is up and mounted now in a somewhat acceptable fashion, though we cannot access behind the unit as the tech's measurements were off so much. Overall, I wish I would have waited for the company I had used for the previous installation 6-7 years ago to get back from vacation. Everyone (Lauren and the tech) were very nice to work with, but I spent a lot more money and time getting an installation that isn't quite what I wanted from a tech I'm not sure knew how to do his job. Unfortunately I wouldn't recommend or use the Theater People again. read more

We had mounted our TV above the fireplace ourselves and intended to find a DIY method of hiding the wires. But our fireplace is the main focal point of our living room, and we weren't happy with any of the solutions we tried on our own. Our home was built in the late 1800s with original lath and plaster walls and no easy access from crawl space or attic. So other contractors weren't optimistic about finding a solution either. Jeff came over and provided a quick estimate and a solution that would keep us from needing to run additional wires in the future. When he arrived to begin work, he arrived on time and took great care to prevent any messes. He was courteous, and his patching work is completely invisible. He even offered to touch up a few spots on the other walls while he had the paint out. He installed a power outlet behind the TV and two boxes for AV cables, worked around three studs, patched, painted, and mounted the cable box behind the TV all in less than a full business day. Everyone who has come over has commented on how neat and clean it looks, and we couldn't be happier with the level of service and the quality workmanship. This project was worth every penny. read more

Called them for a quick fix for a DIY project gone wrong. On short notice, they came to my house the NEXT day, and were fast, courteous, and did an excellent job! read more

I just don't understand this company. I bought a Christmas gift certificate for adult kids to have this company snake/hide their already mounted TV over their gas fireplace. Easy job, and mind you I have had this job done in different homes 5 times. An hour job...let's stretch that to 1.5 hours if equipment is needed from a truck outside. I won't type the paragraphs I want, but will recap. Kids called to schedule the appointment, and the job was quoted over 700.00!!!! WHAT? Fast-forward...I called and talked to Lauren thinking that surely naive young adults must have had a communication misunderstanding. I mean, I paid about 130.00 in Ohio twice for the same job, and just recently paid 150.00 in downtown Chicago (including the mount). Lauren was certainly nice, but I don't think she understands the job. Sorry. She went on to explain that the job was likely and entire day (??????), that they would need to cut drywall (??????), install a new outlet behind the TV (????? WHAT? WHY), and the patch and mud the drywall. What and why? NONE of this is necessary, and why on earth would one want a new outlet installed when power is adjacent to the fireplace? I had a TV mounted a few months ago where I did need a new outlet installed and have the wires and cables stuffed behind the TV as it was mounted on a 12 x 12 giant piece of timber in a loft. There was no choice there (pssst... paid 130.00 in Chicago). This is NOT that case. It's drywall and studs! Lauren informed me that the job they do is done "the right way". Really? I've have 5 done "the right way" by licensed electricians, and none need to cut any holes, patch drywall or need any tools other than a drill and a level, basically. All for 150.00 or less (included connecting devices such as Roku, DVD, DVR, etc.) And, Lauren...I have to point out that if you hang your hat on "doing the job the right way"...one NEVER puts 3 coats of mud on a drywall patch in one day, dear. This was part of the reason for quoting over SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS to snake wire between studs, add an inactive junction box and cover it with a switch plate. A one hour job at most quoted as a full day. But, that's just me. Oh, and to add...when Lauren was talking to the adult kids who were trying redeem the Yelp gift certificate, Lauren added that they would use this new cable (more expensive) to supersede the outgoing HDMI technology. OKAYYYYYYYYYYY. Nuts. read more

Jeff and Ben did an amazing job mounting our tv above our fireplace!! I am blown away by how nice the tv looks. They were both extremely professional and took extra time to conceal the wires behind our shelving. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of mounting a tv. read more

Excellent service and fair price!! The technician was on time and provided guidance on the work he completed. Also provided options for better WiFi coverage for my house. I will use them again in the future. read more

Heres a guy that goes above and beyond the customers expectations with state of the art electronics and equiptment. For the greatest theater experience for your home or business you will have the long lasting satisfaction you deserve. read more

Can't say enough great things about these people. From the receptionist (Laura) to our technician (Jeff), these people are the consummate professionals. You get what you pay for and they exceed your expectations with their quality work. I truly felt like they cared about me as their customer and would recommend them to anyone who is considering having their TV mounted in their home. It was obvious they appreciated my business from the very beginning and up until the job was completed to my satisfaction. read more

I had an initial visit during which they said they are able to install speakers and gave me a quote and during the installation day they said they cannot install the surround speakers as there is a vent running at one of the speakers.. so I changed my in wall speaker idea to wall mount and called them for installation but it turns out they are charging more for the same even though its their screwup and because they have to make another visit. I am not sure how this is all my issue and why can't they just accept the blame that they got the estimate wrong and honor what they promised. So if you still want to get their service please make sure you get everything right before you have it installed or prepare to pay more!! read more

We purchased a package for services through Angie's List and were not disappointed! They contacted us , set up a time for an in-house consultation and were prompt, courteous and quite knowledgeable. The work was completed on schedule and were quite pleased with the results! We had a problem a week later, not a result of the installation, and The Theater People responded the same day we contacted them, corrected our issue and again were courteous, answering the questions we posed. We have other theater work needing done and will definitely use The Theater People! Highly recommended!! read more

My husband and I hired The Theater People to do the home theatre and sound system (all audio/visual) in our completely remodeled downstairs which included a bar, pool room, TV seating (multiple TVs) and game room. It was a huge project as the remodeling (done by Dave Fox Remodeling) took months to complete. The Theater People technicians were required not only to set their own schedule (which they were great about communicating and adhering to) but they had to coordinate with the folks at Dave Fox Remodeling in terms of timing/installation. A number of estimate options were provided (based on the extent of automation/equipment choices) and explained clearly. They handled everything from selecting/purchasing the equipment to programming and installation--and it was done beautifully, first rate and high quality. Our parties have the best sound/music and TV coverage! Not only were they knowledgable, professional, clean, respectful of the property and prompt/on schedule, they're a group of really nice people. We would hire them again for any other projects and highly recommend them. read more