Enjoy an optimal movie experience at home! These 5 things will allow you to experience the thrill of the movies in the comfort of your own home.
1. A modern receiver allows you to appreciate the latest audiovisual innovations
The last decade has been quite fertile in the home theatre industry. California-based Dolby, the leader in the business, has led the charge with an all-new sound format and a marked visual improvement.
On the audio side, Dolby Atmos offers to encase cinephiles in a high-quality sound dome. When you add speakers in the upper part of the room, ideally in your ceiling, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the action in the movie you’re watching. The classic 5-speaker surround layout now expands to 9, 11, or more. The realism of the helicopter flying over your head or the insect moving around the room is fantastic!
On the visual side, Dolby Vision allows you to have a picture of impeccable quality, bringing out the brightest parts of the image while conserving the darker elements visible as well. Once again, you will feel right in the centre of what you’re watching.
To take advantage of these innovations and many others created in the last few years, you’ll need an audiovisual receiver that supports them. Major electronics manufacturers such as Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, or Sony have attractive options for outfitting your home theatre in the best way for you.
2. Speakers suitable for your space
In the home theatre industry, there has long been a perception that large speakers mean better performance. However, the technical design of these significant components of the movie experience is much more complex.
Another consideration is choosing the best room for your home theatre—each has its unique potential. Larger spaces can accommodate technologies designed to create high sound volume, such as horn speakers. On the other hand, rooms of a more standard size may be better served by more compact yet effective bookshelf speakers.
Speakers can be less visible by installing wall-mount versions or thinner ones that can be affixed to a wall like a frame. In the end, there are abundant possibilities for a home theatre enthusiast. Researching and trying out several options before making a final choice is essential. Some manufacturers even allow you to test their products at home, with the opportunity to return them if you’re not satisfied.
3. An acoustic treatment to optimize your listening experience
In optimizing the sound experience in your home theatre, you must remember a key consideration: the room itself. It’s possible to spend thousands of dollars on equipment and never get the desired effect if you don’t follow some basic principles.
Every effort must be made to reduce the primary irritant in all rooms: unwanted sound reflections. Traditionally, the walls in our houses are made of hard surfaces such as gypsum and wood that reflect sound waves, causing a significant lack of clarity. You may notice this when dialogue becomes difficult to hear without concentrating on what you’re watching.
What is the solution? It’s a matter of applying known acoustic treatment techniques by adding sound-absorbing surfaces on the walls, floor, or ceiling. This way, you’ll only receive the sound from the direct source, e.g., the speaker itself. At this point, everything becomes clearer and more intelligible.
You can find acoustic panels online at many retailers or make them fairly easily with the help of online tutorials. It’s an investment you’ll not regret, just like these high-tech gadgets for the BBQ.
4. Plain decor to keep the focus on what you’re watching
When you go to commercial theatres, you’ll notice that the screening rooms are as subdued as possible once you get past the flashy decor in the common areas. This strategy aims to make the film the real centre of attention.
Likewise, your room at home would benefit from a plain, simple decorating style. Start with neutral paint, such as dark gray, and, if you can afford it, use the most matte finish possible. This way, the projected image won’t reflect off the walls around the screen, and you’ll be able to focus on the action of your favourite movie or show.
Concerning audio, make sure there are as few distractions as possible – certain objects hung on the walls may vibrate when the volume is loud. These vibrations will distract you and make dialogue and other sound effects less intelligible.
Feel like having a themed corner with a popcorn machine, movie reels or posters of classic films? Do it outside the room to create an entertaining atmosphere before entering the “Zen temple,” where you'll view the latest masterpiece. Feel free to add smart ambient lighting to colour your transition space.
5. User-friendly control of the room's equipment
Chances are that many family members will want to enjoy your movie theatre. It's important that the little ones, as well as the older ones, can effectively control their experience and easily enjoy what they want to watch.
Between the display, the receiver and the different sources, it‘s easy to get lost with all the remotes needed to activate everything. Many manufacturers have solved this problem with universal remote controls that can help you control your devices without any trouble.
To go even further, some companies offer advanced solutions that allow you to automate certain operations and simplify the actions you do daily. A excellent example of this approach comes from the SofaBaton brand, which recently arrived on the Canadian market. Thanks to its X1 model, you can control your home theatre with your smartphone.
The world of cinema is a captivating universe that wants to thrill you. The big-theatre experience can be brought right into your own home by following the technological suggestions we discussed. Take full advantage, and you’ll soon be watching your favourite cult movies, series and the latest releases.
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