Create a Real Movie Theater in the Comfort of Home 

An incredible amount of detail goes into the design and construction of a home theater system. From choosing the right equipment to optimizing audio and video settings, lighting, and seating arrangements, it involves AV expertise and engineering skills. 

Here, we’ll explore a few of the essentials—the features a home theater can’t do without. While the seating and lighting selection are vital to the final experience, it’s the images and sounds that transport you to another realm. 

Let’s discover the makings of an immersive cinematic adventure in your La Cañada Flintridge, CA home. 

SEE ALSO: What Can a Control4 Dealer Do for You?

Achieving Lifelike Images

To create an immersive viewing experience, you’ll need a display that occupies your entire field of vision. To accomplish this, we recommend today’s latest HDR native 4K laser projectors. These ensure vibrant yet natural colors, deep contrast, and detailed images that take you to another place in time.

Additional considerations include the size of the screen and the distance from the projector and seating. To ensure every seat is optimized for the best viewing experience, we recommend seats be at a distance three times the screen’s height, and sightlines should be a fifteen-degree angle.  

Experiencing the Ultimate Surround Sound

While crystal-clear images are critical to the outcome, it’s the sound that delivers the emotional impact and energy. Today’s Dolby Atmos surround sound provides a three-dimensional sphere of sound, allowing audio to react as it does in everyday life. Sound is no longer assigned to speakers but treated as an independent object. You hear the hawk’s cry as it flies overhead and almost feel the storm engulf you. 

Obtaining this immersive audio experience requires, at minimum, a 5.1.2 channel system. These systems consist of five speakers optimally placed to the left and right, and the center channel speaker that reproduces the dialogue. A subwoofer delivers impactful bass essential to soundtracks and special effects. Two in-ceiling overhead Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers create the all-encompassing soundfield. 

Optimizing Audio and Video

Once installed, calibrating your system for accurate audio balance is essential. This includes calibrating your AV receiver to optimize sound quality by adjusting the speaker settings, including the crossover frequency. A projector’s test pattern should also help you calibrate your projector’s color, contrast, and brightness settings. 

Optimizing acoustics involves choosing the right room, ideally rectangular in nature, with no windows. This configuration reduces any sound reflections. Acoustic treatments are also essential in controlling sound reflections and reverberations.

Ready to Build Your Home Theater? 

We know it’s a lot to consider. At Sound Decision, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of home theater design, engineering, installation, and programming. We not only create the ultimate cinematic experience, but we also tie it into your home automation platform for effortless control. 

To learn more about our custom-designed home theater systems or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Sound Decision today.