I will join the long line of delighted customers! I threw an Oscar party last year. We had two TV's, one on each side of an open area and facing in opposite directions. It became painfully obvious we had to synchronize the video and sound. We were streaming the Oscars over the ABC app, and despite our best efforts to start the stream on both TV's at the EXACT SAME TIME the feed did not STAY synchronized. We spent the whole evening stopping one feed to let the other one catch up. Not fun. I asked the company that installed my whole-home entertainment system and they quoted $3,200 to fix the problem. That was too much. I then browsed through Yelp and found Brien. He came over, understood the scope of the work immediately and examined all my Sonos and internet servers upstairs. He gave me a rough estimate from a quick and dirty fix to a Rolls Royce solution. His estimate was from $510 to $1,300. He asked me to give him some time to research this further. This is where he went above and beyond any service provider I have ever interacted with. A few days later I get an email from Brien. This is the relevant portion. (notice how he ordered a kit to experiment with on my behalf !!!) Also, the level of granularity on the Star Wars episodes he watched with his kids is endearing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I spent a lot longer than originally expected playing with, and enjoying, the J-Tech video extender/splitter kit that I ordered. On Sunday I connected the kit to three TVs in my house. My kids and I watched a mini Star Wars marathon, episodes 7, 8, and 9. Video came from a Roku Ultra that I purchased last year. I tested the following video resolutions; 4K w/Dolby Vision (for close to 9hrs...marathon), 4K HDR (a few Apple TV+ episodes), and 1080p (about an hour of live TV from Paramount+). The whole experience was flawless, save for one minor glitch in edge definition that I resolved by adjusting settings on the video kit manually (only happened with Dolby Vision enabled...user/technician error I think). If you want a solution for under $1000 (installed), then I am recommending this J-Tech kit. Your total would be $510. I don't need a deposit. I'll take full payment after work is completed. You mentioned that you expect to return on 2/5. Can I book the installation for Friday 2/7 at 10am?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Of course the solution he provided was flawless. He routed the sound over the built-in SONOS speakers (rather than through the TV speakers) and the experience was light-years better than last year. I went with the least expensive option and nobody could have convinced me it wasn't the $1,500 Roll Royce solution! I challenge you to find a more proactive and professional service professional. (I double-dog dare ya!) read more

Brien is simply the best. I have used Brien over the years and he is professional, smart and discusses all options. He is helping us at our new home with sound, WiFi and TV's. Do not hesitate to call Brien read more

Brien is simply the best. He relocated my xfinity modem; he installed my Sonos system; he hung our tv on the wall and attached a soundbar to the bottom of the TV. He researched and purchased a turntable that links with our Sonos system. There is not a cord showing anywhere. I am convinced that there is nothing he cannot do when it comes to electronic installation. I highly recommend! read more

Had Brien back out to help me with some wiring and the router, as usual did a great job and came exactly when he said he would! Great service! read more

Brien did an amazing job. He was able to hang our TV on a tile wall. He also helped us find the correct amplifier and subwoofer. He is friendly and knowledge. We just rebuilt our home from the 2020 glass fire, and he was able to fix the mistakes that our subcontractors made. He hid the amplifier behind the TV and the set-up is amazing. I highly recommend Brien. read more

Before founding his company, Brien Gooler worked in Best Buy/Magnolia (their high-end A/V in-store boutique), I think he said VideoOnly and somewhere else. He knows this business really well. Seems a really nice guy, and not only did he do me a favor, he steered me from using some inferior connectors I'd bought at Home Depot and gave me replacements. I will definitely keep his contact information for future A/V needs. Thanks again, Brien read more

Brien is great! I had a desire for a home theater but was clueless about how to go about it. Brien came over and in his friendly and kind manner took at look at my living room and gave me super practical information and advice. The great thing is he really cares about what he does. I encourage you to hire him! read more

Brien was excellent. Showed up on time, installed the bracket we bought ourselves, did a fantastic job, and was quick. I could tell he's been doing this for a while and knew exactly what needs to be done. We'll be calling him back for any AV project. read more

Essential Audio-Video - Mounted TV - Home Theatre Installation Near Me

One of the most honest, reliable, technically savvy and talented guys I've ever worked with. Brien started working on our home in Kenwood about 2 years ago -- I found him on yelp and didn't know what to expect. He came in, assessed the situation and gave me a fair quote and performed the work so quickly and accurately. I have had issues with my spotty internet and Brien was very honest in why this was happening -- and do not try to 'sell me' things I did not need. Technology is not my forte and I rely on people like Brien with skills and knowledge. He has over delivered and someone I trust immensely. I just had Brien install an entire outdoor speaker system that works with my indoor system and while we had challenges out of his control -- he smiled the whole time and in the end -- we had music! Brien is the real deal! read more

Brien is outstanding. He is thorough, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, prompt and well-priced. I would recommend him immediately for any project. read more

Brian was very responsive and was able to install on a next day appoitment. Cost was a decent amount but he was extremely friendly, professional and did an awesome job. Would recommend read more

I haven't left many reviews on here, but I'm compelled to sing Brien's praises. Brien is a consummate professional. He took his time, walked us through all of the equipment, answered all of our questions, and completed a perfect installation. He also has an extraordinary fund of knowledge, and taught me a lot about how the TV works. I will entrust him with all future AV needs. read more

Essential Audio-Video - Thank you, Brien! The TV looks awesome. - Home Theatre Installation Near Me

So happy that we went with Brien and had our television professionally mounted. Brien was flexible and communicative and able to move our appointment up when someone else cancelled. He was friendly and fast and on time! Our TV was mounted in no time and he set up our cable and sound bar. We will definitely use Brien again for future needs. Thanks Brien!! read more

Brien mounted my television. He showed me all the things that my home entertainment system could do. I didn't realize how much there was to it. He installed all my speakers and programmed my universal remote that I love so much, and it all works with one touch. He is extremely responsive and did phone consultation with me. He did really thorough follow up and helped me afterwards by phone. I actually hired him to do two residences and my business's conference room! He even shopped for the items I needed for me. Would highly recommend for any audiovisual needs. read more

Reliable, knowledgeable, quality workmanship! I strongly recommend you meet with Brien and discuss your audio/video requirements. Essential Audio/Video is my go-to provider. read more

We had Brian at Essential Audio-Video install our home theater about four months ago. He is very knowledgeable and was able to install all the equipment, and most important, he was able to explain the systems to us so we could operate them when he left. Now, I was having a problem with a software update. I totally had messed up the remote trying to install it, finally I called Essential Audio-Video. Over the phone, Brian was able to understand the problem and walk me through the repair. It made my day. I highly recommend Essential Audio-Video for all your home theatre needs. read more

After the fires destroyed all of Brien's previous work, it was time to call him in again as I settled into my new abode with an odd array of old, new and borrowed equipment. No problem, he was able to get me up and running in no time. I really appreciate being able to rely on a local small business, especially when that person has the level of knowledge and expertise that Brien has. Highly recommend. read more

Brien is one of the best instillation guy there is!!! He is so helpful and kind thank you so very much!!!!!

Brien did an amazing job setting my new flat screen tv up with my sound bar, DVD player, cable box, Roku box, and Bose sound system. After Comcast and an electrician left, unable to help out, Brien stepped in and did it all. The tv is mounted on the wall with the sound bar mounted right underneath and all the cords are hidden. It very clean looking. I just love it. I was afraid reconnecting all the components to the Bose system (everything runs through it and you only use the Bose remote for all functions) was going to be a nightmare, but he was well-versed in the entire process. It looks amazing! He also offers training sessions so you can educate yourself better on how to navigate through all of your electronics. I'm seriously considering having him back for that. He will be my go-to from now on for all electronic home theater installation projects! Definitely give him a call! Brien Gooler, 707-331-9135 read more

This was a perfect experience. We had an ancient DVD player and felt intimated about installing it. Brien came right on time, set it up for us and drew a beautiful diagram about how to use all the remotes for various functions. He charged the price quoted, and was friendly and efficient. I'd hire him again in a minute! read more