Media Room Vs Cinema Room

If you want to create the perfect entertainment and chillout zone for your family home, you might be wondering whether to create a media room or a cinema room. While there are many similarities and crossovers between the two, there are also plenty of differences that could sway you one way or another. So, let the Media Room Vs Cinema Room battle commence as we delve deeper into the features of each.

What is a Cinema Room?

If you’re a movie buff who loves nothing more than watching Blockbusters on the big screen, then a cinema room designed and created by a home cinema specialist could be the right option for you. When you walk into a cinema room, it’ll be set up in a similar way to a movie theatre – although there’s plenty of scope for personalisation here depending on whether you want a traditional cinema room or something more cosy. The size and shape of the room in your home could also play a part in this. But the fact is, a cinema room will always have a dedicated purpose and that’s to provide you with a relaxing environment for movie nights and Friday film binges. And you can even choose appropriate decor to match.

So, when it comes to home cinema design and installation, what are the main style elements and features?

Design

A dedicated cinema room will typically have a different design from the rest of your house. Reputable home cinema installers will carry out a full room design as well as a 3D modelling of the cinema including lighting plans that will show you exactly how the room will look and function.

When building a cinema room from scratch or converting an existing room of your home, you should think carefully about its shape. Rectangular rooms work best as they provide room for a bigger screen and tiered seating, as well as the best acoustics. You should also choose a room with few to no windows or think about bricking up any windows that do exist. Black wall paint will also keep the room as dark as possible. Choose glitter paint for an extra touch of glamour.

Features

Home cinema rooms can include an abundance of exciting features, such as:

  • A big screen and projector

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While some people look to create a small and cosy cinema room complete with a big-screen TV, others prefer to invest in a home cinema projector to achieve a genuine cinematic experience. A home cinema projector can deliver a stunning 4K image onto a screen much larger than any TV, allowing you to recreate the movie in the way the director intended.

The projection screen will accompany the projector and is likely to be acoustically transparent so that LCR speakers can be placed behind it. Projection screens will help you to create the ultimate cinematic experience.

  • Immersive Surround Sound

When you go to the cinema, the movie is brought to life through surround sound, which helps you to fully immerse yourself in the action. This can be recreated at home with in-wall or on-wall speakers, as well as height speakers (in the ceiling) that’ll create a magical 3D sound experience. Imagine hearing planes flying above your head or banging on one side of the room. Car chases will also be spectacular, with speakers projecting the correct sound effects in the correct places.

  • Lighting

Home Cinema Design

Unique lighting solutions can completely transform your home cinema space. Consider starlight ceilings, coloured LED strips, and floor lights to really make the room look special.

Cinema design experts will help you to make the most of your cinema room and suggest new and innovative ways to bring your ideas and concepts to life (why not also take a look at a Lutron system).

What is a Media Room?

Media rooms have many crossovers with cinema rooms, as they’re specifically designed for relaxation and entertainment. But there are some differences to consider. For example, media rooms tend to have a more relaxed, multi-purpose setup and can include a bar area, furniture and even a pool table. Media rooms aren’t just for watching movies, although that’s not to say you can’t watch your favourite flick there. They also tend to be part of a wider living space and therefore don’t usually have the specific decor of a cinema room. So what are the main features of a media room?

  • Projector Screens

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When it comes to media room installation, recessed projector screens installed into the ceiling are popular because they can be accessed only when it’s movie time. That means you save space when you’re not watching anything, and you can retain the décor and ambience of the room.

  • Speakers

Sound quality is an important part of any home media room, as you might want to play your favourite music when hanging out with friends. You can also consider surround sound if you plan on watching movies regularly. Speakers hidden behind pieces of artwork can be designed to match your surroundings so not to disturb the overall aesthetics of the room. Media room design specialists will be able to advise you on the number of speakers needed for optimum sound quality.

  • TV Home Cinema

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If the room is too light for a projector, a TV home cinema might be more appropriate. Choose a screen size and position that’s most suited to the shape of your media room for maximum impact. The TV can be hidden when not in use so that it doesn’t dominate the environment unnecessarily.

Whether you choose a home cinema or a media room installation, you can create the perfect space for your free time with help from home cinema installers s such as New Wave AV.

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