How to Design & Build a Successful Home Cinema

Overview

Starting from consultation we guide our clients through out to build an aesthetic Home Theater of your dream. The most over looked aspect of Home Theater process is the inclusion of acoustic panels/ treatment in the design. Simply put, great equipment will not sound great in a room containing too many hard surfaces.

Let’s discuss each phase step by step to ensure that your theater deserves to be designed the way you want it to be designed. Certain phase can be avoided like; if you are converting an existing room in a Home Theater, then Step 2 will not apply to your situation.

Or if you have a relatively small budget for your design, then you can probably skip Step 5 (Formal Documentation). We do offer complimentary renderings and general design services which includes a basic layout of your theater.

Step 1 - Budget Analysis For Your Theater

Firstly you must begin designing your theater with a workable budget and then need to determine how you want to allocate that budget. You can break this down into the following 3 categories. A/V, Interior Design, Acoustic Treatments.

At this point, you need to examine what are your priorities and how should they be reflected in your budget. If largest screen and sound is the most important part of your theater, you may invest more money in your speakers, Sound Control products, projectors and screen. Other people may be more interested in enhancing the sound and will invest heavily in decorative acoustic panels which in return enhance your design as well as optimize your equipment. Furthermore, some people want to create a really elegant design for their theater and will prioritize these elements in their budget.

Step 2 - Dimensions of your Home Theater

Normally if you are building a new house or room, then you may have the freedom to determine the precise size of your theater.

In this scenario, determine the number of chairs that you want and how much space you need behind the chairs for a counter top, bar, storage etc. If you want two rows of 4 chairs without anything else in the rear part of the theater, then you really don't need a theater much larger than 14' x 19'. For each additional row of chairs and/or bar counter, you should add 6'-7'. But remember, the longer you make the room, the wider the screen should be. The width should be 30" - 72" wider than your seat configuration.

You can design an amazing Home Theater from just about any sized existing room. You may be limited in the rows of seats you can have, but still create a wonderful theater.

Step 3 - Design, Concepts of your Home Theater

Next your focus should be on the design of your theater. Your choices are limitless so start by considering if you want a Traditional, Modern or Thematic Home Theater. Then determine your preferred color scheme.

Remember Cinema is an escape from reality and a place where you can really express your personality, passion and your families & friends to experience great deal of fun. So, always think beyond the box and consider all the possibilities that are available to you.

During this phase you also need to consider acoustic panels for your Home Theater. Using decorative fabrics, the panels will compliment your design as well as enhance your listening experience.

Step 4 - Sound Proofing & Acoustics Sound Control

We undergo the room analysis and detect the noise disturbance in order to integrate Acoustic treatments. We provide soundproofing solutions for the room in the initial stage and then further to it we undergo the acoustic treatments to the room to avoid echo problems.

We provide the complete solutions for soundproofing and integrate it accordingly based on the requirements for the area. This enhance the sound in your home theater and is accomplished through the use of three types of acoustic panels: Absorptive, Reflective and Diffusive.

Step 5 - Formalize Your Theater Design

It is now time to start making your Theater a reality. To do so, you need a formal set of architectural drawing that your vendors can use to build and install all the elements of the theater from. This includes the following:

Electrical Drawings - show the wiring for lights and equipment. Construction Drawings - Show the physical build outs for chair risers, stages and prosceniums.

Design Elevations - Reflect the size, quantity and location of the acoustic panels, columns and any other architectural elements of your theater.

During this phase, we analyze and integrate the A/V equipment into the theater design. This is often overlooked, but is essential for designing a successful Home Theater. We will also analyze the layout and the equipment to determine the best acoustical solutions for your theater.

Step 6 - A/V Equipment Analysis

Now that you have a general budget and room size, then you should consider the equipment for your theater. The screen size is very important to your overall theater experience. The optimal viewing distance is about 1.5 x the width of the screen. So a larger room will require a larger screen. If the room isn't too long, don't purchase the widest screen available because you will be seated too close to the screen.

As previously stated you need to determine what is most important to you. A true audiophile will focus on the Audio and Sound Control products of the Home Theater and allocate a larger percentage of their budget to these elements.

Other people may place more emphasis on their viewing experience which will be reflected in a better projector and screen and not spend as much on their Audio system. Take a moment to reflect on the most important feature of your theater.

Step 7 - Design, Supply & Installation

Home Theater is the most versatile room in your home. Your options are limitless. You can complement your existing home decor or you can create a design that is completely different from the rest of your home.

If you enjoy exploring unique design opportunities, our decorative acoustic panels can act as a canvas for your inspiration.

We design acoustic home theaters and bring unbeatable theatre experience to you Home. Please call us today to discuss your HOME CINEMA design needs.