A trip to the movies is such a fun time, with the smell of the popcorn, the big screen, the loud sound, and that general cinema atmosphere that’s just buzzing with intrigue and anticipation. However, regularly going to the movies is expensive, and it means leaving the house for a few hours. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you had a functional media room at home so you could enjoy the atmosphere of the movies without leaving the house? If you’ve got a spare room, turning it into a media or theatre room is a great project to undertake.
But how do you go about it? Lucky for you, this informative article will share home entertainment 101 and how you can create a functional media room at home. Read on to learn more.
Electrical & Wiring
A home media or theatre room will require extensive wiring systems to connect your TV to the hi-fi system, speakers and other devices. This may require a licensed electrician if you need to hard-wire anything in. You should never do DIY electrical work. Thankfully, plenty of Melbourne electricians advertise wiring services, as more homeowners in the digital age are investing more in their home’s tech amenities.
It’s worth assessing what sort of wiring you’re looking to arrange for your media room, however, and engaging the services of a qualified professional if required. Are you looking to install wiring into your wall cavity in order to wall-mount a TV? Are you looking to hard-wire surround speakers for a more authentic cinema-going experience? Answering these questions nice and early can help you better determine the scope of your wiring project, and whether you will need expert assistance.
If you’re doing a basic sound system set-up, then you should be able to handle this wiring job independently in most cases. If you do feel like you may need to call in some expert assistance, however, then we recommend that you trust that instinct.
TV or Projector
Speaking of embracing digital technologies, more homeowners are actually opting to swap out their TVs for a more streamlined set-up: a ceiling-mounted projector. So the first decision is whether or not you’ll go for a big-screen television or a projector system. Yes, a big-screen TV can offer incredible picture quality, such as 4 or even 8K image quality, and might be the way to go. However, a projector on a blank wall can offer a bigger screen experience at the expense of image quality. A TV is best for those who prefer excellent image quality, whereas a project is suited if you want a true big-screen experience while sacrificing resolution.
Space should also be a major consideration here. Obviously, a physical TV is going to take up a bit more space than a projector, which only really needs a blank wall. If you’re going for a more minimalist feel in your home theatre space, then you’d probably prefer a projector. But if the extra space doesn’t bother you or you’re planning to wall-mount your TV panel anyway, then why not splurge on an 8K TV with exceptional picture settings?
Hi-Fi Sound
The next step in setting up your home entertainment space is to get your sound sorted. Movies, especially the latest Hollywood blockbusters, benefit from high-fidelity sound, including immersive bass tones. You can get the right results quickly but with some investment into your hi-fi audio system. However, we’re assuming that you have the budget or you wouldn’t be undertaking this endeavour to start with.
So what do you need to build up the best hi-fi sound system? The first option is a soundbar, but don’t neglect a subwoofer if you choose this route. It is worth noting that some soundbars have patchy Bluetooth connections, resulting in lag or delays with audio syncing, which can break immersion when you’re watching a film or TV series. So be sure to read up on customer reviews when you do hit up your local hi-fi store.
And of course, there are a variety of home hi-fi systems and options available, varying from basic to high-end and high quality. The best option for your new media room is a complete hi-fi set-up with a stereo receiver, passive speakers and a powered subwoofer. Let’s reiterate – don’t neglect the bass for those huge rumbles and booms that come with watching movies.
Window Glazing & Dressing
If you’re converting a spare room, the windows are going to have an impact on your immersive viewing experience. This is because windows cause sound reflection and distortion, which can detract from your viewing experience. They can also let in too much light, which can cause screen glare on your high-definition TV. Not to mention that having visible windows will likely break the illusion that you are actually at the cinemas when you’re enjoying a viewing in your media room.
If you are custom-building a whole new room, the best approach is not to have any windows at all. If you’re converting your living room or a rumpus space, for instance, invest in some heavy curtains or drapes that will block out the sun as well as dampen the sound reflections. You could also consider double-glazing your windows, which should reduce the amount of external noise coming in.
Seating & Getting Comfy
Your seating is another important factor in home theatre or media room designs. You want high-quality, comfortable and stylish seating or a lounge suite. This is so you can truly relax and unwind as you enjoy your films or streaming shows. Suppose you can find a reclining couch or lounge suite – even better, as this will genuinely replicate that classic gold-class movie experience. Seats with cup holders are an additional bonus, so you can enjoy a cool, refreshing drink while you indulge in your home cinema or media room.
You should also consider the positioning of the seats in your home theatre room. Are you looking to make a few rows of seats so that everyone has a little more room to stretch out, or would you prefer to only have one row of seats? How many seats are you looking to invest in as well – just enough for every member of the family, or some extras for hosting additional guests in this luxury home amenity? See what you can achieve with your budget and your space to determine the best interior arrangement for your home theatre room.
In Conclusion
This helpful article has shared how you can create a fully functional media room at home, perfect for movie nights, enjoying the latest shows and watching anything that you like in a dedicated space. Follow the tips in this article to set up your perfect home entertainment space.
