Home cinema setup
There’s a reason commercial cinemas are still popular. There’s nothing quite like sinking into an ergonomic seat and watching a movie – whether it’s the latest blockbuster or an old favourite – on the big screen, immersed in the action thanks to a high-quality picture and surround sound. But for many, the downsides of the commercial experience outweigh the benefits. Perhaps the crunch of popcorn gets on your nerves, or you find you get distracted by the light from phones.
The answer to this is recreating the magic of the cinema in your own home. With state-of-the-art technology, a tailored environment and the expertise of professional home cinema installers, you can enjoy films the way the director intended – and without being inconvenienced by strangers. Here, we’ll be exploring how to create an immersive home cinema experience that rivals that of even the most advanced commercial theatre.
Choosing the right space
The first step to creating the perfect home cinema is to choose the right space. You’ll need to consider three key things: dimensions, ambient light and use.
- Size and dimensions
A home cinema can be installed in rooms of a variety of shapes and sizes, but the best option is a rectangular space of at least 6m (20ft) in length and 4.5m (15ft) in width. A rule of thumb is to allow at least one square metre (11 square feet) of space for every viewer, so that each has enough room to relax in comfort. You’ll also need to ensure every viewer has unobstructed sightlines, and that seating is positioned at the optimal distance from the screen (more on this later).
- Natural and ambient light
The best rooms for home cinemas are usually basements or garages, as they have minimal natural light. Natural light can impact the quality of your experience, causing reflections on the screen or other distractions. If you’re choosing a space that has windows, skylights or other ambient light, be sure to invest in blackout blinds and/or curtains to minimise the effects of this.
- Functionality
The final consideration is how you intend to use the room. Will it be solely for watching films and TV, or will it serve several purposes? If you want to create a space that has a bar, a pool table or other recreational items, your setup will be different compared to a space that is used exclusively for cinema. Alternatively, you might consider a media room, which enables you to turn an existing living room into a cinema room at the touch of a button. These offer practical advantages and can be designed with hidden technologies to preserve the aesthetics. You can learn more about the differences between media rooms and dedicated home cinema rooms here.
Screen and viewing experience
Once you’ve selected the best room for your requirements, you’ll need to invest in the right technology. Audio-visual equipment is, of course, key to your experience, but it’s not just about choosing the highest quality products. You’ll need to decide whether a projector or TV is optimal, and ensure the screen is the right size and angle for your comfort.
- Projector or TV?
A projector and screen offer the most authentic cinema experience, bringing you crystal clear imagery with deep blacks, vibrant colours and pinsharp accuracy. Projectors and screens can also be stowed in the ceiling when not in use, making them a flexible option for media rooms. With Sony projectors, for example, a 4K resolution picture is merged with easy set-up and minimal maintenance, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s a good idea to explore the options and choose the best projector for your needs. If you have a smaller space, for example, you’ll need to investigate short-throw and ultra-short-throw products.
If you don’t have the space or budget for a projector and screen, a 4K television might be the ideal solution. Again, these can be hidden away with clever mechanisms from brands such as Future Automation, so that they don’t detract from your room’s aesthetic when they’re not in use.
- Size
The size of your screen impacts your viewing experience and should be chosen with care, since the wrong size screen can cause eye strain or make it difficult to see the entire picture. As a general rule, viewers need to sit at a distance of 1.5 to 2 times the width of the screen to watch in comfort. Seeking the help of a professional home cinema installer is invaluable here and will ensure the screen size is appropriately calculated based on the room’s dimensions and viewing distance.
- Angle
Finally, you’ll need to make sure your seating is arranged so that all viewers have a clear, unobstructed view of the screen. If you’re positioning seats in rows you should consider a tiered floor or raised dais so that those in the back row can comfortably see. If you’re using a TV rather than a projector and screen, you’ll need to ensure it is directly in front of the seating at an angle of no more than 15 degrees upward or downward. You should also ensure the seating is angled at no more than 40 degrees left or right in relation to the screen.
Sound system and acoustics
The audio quality in your home cinema is just as important as the picture quality. For a truly immersive experience, you need to feel like you’re at the heart of the action – but your choice will also depend on whether you’re investing in a dedicated home cinema room or transforming an existing living space into a media room.
- Sound bar vs full system
Whether you choose a sound bar or full surround sound system depends on your needs and the purpose of your room. A sound bar will deliver high-quality sound for an affordable price, and is a small, low-profile option that suits media rooms. For the optimum experience with a sound bar, choose a product that supports Dolby Atmos. This technology creates a three-dimensional soundscape that places each sound object in a specific location, giving the impression that sounds are located or travelling around you.
If you’re looking for a fully authentic feel, however, there’s no match for a full surround sound system. While multichannel sound bars can create a dome of sound using reflective technology, it’s no replacement for the physical positioning of speakers at the sides and rear of a room, and in the ceiling. These direct sound from all angles, placing you in the very centre of the action – and when combined with Dolby Atmos, deliver a fully immersive soundscape.
- Surround sound
If you choose a full surround sound system, the speakers will need to be carefully positioned and calibrated to achieve the best possible audio. As with the placement of your screen, seeking the help of a home cinema specialist is recommended, as professionals have the knowledge and experience to ensure the height, distance and angle of your speakers is optimised. As a rule of thumb for a 5.1 system, you will have three speakers in front: one above or below the screen and two placed either side and angled at 30 degrees towards the viewer. The final two speakers will be placed at ear level at a 90-110 degree angle. The subwoofer can be placed in the front of the room or in a corner, but the optimal position will depend on the room’s size and dimensions.
If you like the idea of surround sound but are worried about the aesthetics of a speaker system, there are some excellent hidden speaker options available. Artcoustic speakers, for example, can be colour matched to your decor, creating a more aesthetically pleasing effect. Alternatively, the speaker cover can be printed with an image of your choice, turning it into a tasteful artwork that suits your interior design. You can select from a range of options in the Artcoustic gallery or have a digital image of your choice printed for a fully personalised feel.
- Acoustic treatments
Acoustics are important for a clean, crisp sound that’s free from echoes and distortion. There are four main types of acoustic treatment: absorption, diffusion, bass traps and insulation. Absorption and diffusion panels trap and disperse sound waves, preventing them from being reflected back into the room. Bass traps capture low frequency notes, while insulation helps to stop sound from travelling through the walls, floor and ceiling of your room.
Acoustic treatments are often used in combination to ensure you enjoy the best possible soundscape. If you’re creating a dedicated home cinema, consult a specialist to determine which options suit your room and preferences. If you want to achieve the best possible acoustics in a media room without the help of specialist treatments, ensure your space is furnished with plenty of soft materials such as carpets and upholstered furniture and that large windows or sliding doors have fabric based shades to break up the sound.
Lighting and ambience
The final considerations for your home cinema are the lighting and overall ambience. How do you want your space to feel? Do you envision a retro style cinema bedecked with reds and golds and wall mounted lights or something modern that incorporates LED strips or a starscape ceiling? Whatever your preferences, it’s important to place your lights so that they don’t reflect on the screen as this will detract from the viewing experience.
- Lighting control
A comprehensive control system is beneficial for your home cinema, as it will allow you to adjust lighting to suit your needs. At the very least, the light sources should be dimmable, but you can also create different circuits that enable you to adjust different lights separately. For example, you may want a selection of different fittings, with wall mounted lights that can be illuminated while you’re choosing your movie and LED strips that mark steps or furniture when the rest of the lights are off. Your lighting control system can also be used to close curtains or blinds, preventing natural light from causing distractions.
- Seating
The right seating is essential to your comfort, especially if you’re settling down for a long film or to binge watch a favourite TV series. Your choice will depend on whether you are creating a dedicated home cinema or a media room; media rooms often use existing furnishings such as sofas and armchairs that can be used for both viewing and other activities such as entertaining guests or relaxing with family and friends.
When it comes to specialist home cinema seating, the choices are varied. Simpler setups include comfy seats that can be reclined either manually or with the touch of a button. Some of these also enable you to adjust the footrest and backrest separately. More sophisticated options include cupholders, snack bars hidden in the armrest, and USB charging ports. For the ultimate experience, D-Box motion seats vibrate, sway and roll in sync with the film’s action, delivering a new level of realism.
- Dark paint
It’s important not to overlook the basics in your home cinema, since even the colour of the walls and ceiling will have an impact on your experience. If you are creating a media room, your priorities may be different, since the space will be multi-functional. In this case, you might choose to have lighter or neutral colours to make the most of the room’s aesthetics. If you’re investing in a dedicated home cinema, however, dark matte colours such as dark grey, black or navy are a great option as they will not reflect any light and cause distractions. They also enhance the immersive experience, keeping the screen the focal point of the room.
If you’re hoping for a retro style cinema, don’t fret – dark reds and burgundies are equally as effective for viewing. Red is the first colour the human eye loses sight of in low light conditions, meaning you can create that classic feel without detracting from the viewing experience.
Painting the ceiling a dark shade is also necessary if your space is going to be used exclusively for watching movies and TV and/or gaming. Again, this is because you want to avoid reflections and glare. You can add some dimension to the room by painting the ceiling a slightly darker shade than the walls.
- Soundproofing
If your home cinema is based within your main property, soundproofing is key to ensuring other members of your household aren’t disturbed if they’re not watching the movie with you. There are several things you can do to achieve this besides using insulation. First, ensure you have a heavy, airtight door – interior fire doors work well – as this will help to block sound. You can also use isolation strips to absorb vibrations and prevent sound from travelling through floorboards, walls and stud walls.
Small gaps can be filled with acoustic sealant or mineral wool, while windows should ideally be double or triple glazed with airtight frames. Finally, you can use carpets and soft furnishings to help absorb sound. Upholstered seats, cushions, curtains and wall hangings can all help with this.
Why use an experienced home cinema installer
While setting up your own home cinema may seem like a fun challenge, you’ll achieve the best results by far with professional assistance. An experienced home cinema installer has the knowledge to ensure you make the most of your space, whether it’s a living room, a garage conversion or a basement. They’ll help you select the best audio-visual equipment for your needs and budget, position your sound system correctly, install acoustic treatments and advise on lighting and seating. If you have a home automation system, they can even integrate your cinema controls for seamless operation.
When choosing a home cinema installer, look for providers whose work matches your tastes and vision, and ensure they are accredited by industry bodies such as CEDIA. You should also, where possible, book a demonstration so you can experience the various options for your space first hand. At New Wave AV, we have a demonstration home cinema in Kent as well as a home cinema in Surrey that we use to show customers what is possible. Visits are by appointment only, enabling us to really understand what each client wants to achieve.
Setting up a home cinema
Creating a home cinema involves careful planning and a range of considerations, from room choice and layout to equipment and furnishings. By working with a professional home cinema installer, you can ensure that every aspect of your space is optimised for immersive entertainment, and that the setup process is straightforward and hassle-free. You can then relax in style with family and friends, knowing that everyone is enjoying an authentic viewing experience.
To find out more about our home cinema services or to book a demonstration, get in touch with New Wave AV today.
