Everyone wants to watch movies from the comfort of their own home. But what goes into planning a room like that? When planning a dedicated theater for your home, you might not have considered all the aspects of the job.
At Hive, a premier home automation company in Tampa, we help people create the home theaters of their dreams with unique lighting, shading, and more. Here, we explore the different aspects of custom home theaters, and what you need for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. In this article, we cover the essentials for your personalized entertainment space and everything you need to get started.
First, when it comes to lighting you may want to consider how it looks in the dark. Do you want LED lights? What about a star panel on the ceiling? This lighting option pairs well with home theaters and makes it fun in the dark.
Using your smart home control panel, your lighting features can be dimmed, brightened, or completely turned off when your movie is playing. If the room has windows, consider blackout shades to make the theater room nice and dark.
How many people are likely to be watching a show/movie at the same time? Don't forget to include a few extra chairs in case your kids invite their friends over, or if your neighbors hear about how awesome your theater is and want to join you.
One of Hive’s favorite brands is Salamander. You can get some ideas on their website, and even design your seating virtually there!
The most significant part of a home theater! Screens come in many sizes with many different features! They can be motorized from the ceiling or in-ground motorized up, backlit, acoustically transparent and so much more! There’s a wide range of options. It's wise to seek out professional advice for your personal needs.
Another point to consider: how will you be watching your movies? Are you looking for a classic projector and big screen, or a high-quality, giant television instead? Talk to your designer about the different screening options and which works for your custom theater. Projectors also come in a variety of qualities from 4K to 8K. Consider consulting a professional to help you choose which will be the best for your space and your needs.
How many speakers do you want in your system? It’s helpful to learn the lingo for sound systems. For example, 5.1 means there are 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer. This is the most popular option for custom home theaters.
Hive recommends upgrading to a Dolby Atmos option for the absolute best sound, with a couple of in-ceiling speakers as well. This surround sound solution creates an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of your favorite action flick.
How do you watch your favorite movies? Do you have Blu-ray discs of all your favorite movies, or do you prefer to use streaming services like Netflix and Hulu for entertainment? If you prefer physical movies, then consider building a shelf or storage system that blends seamlessly into the room.
Hive recommends integrating all of your sweet home theater technology onto a central hub. There, you can control your shades, lighting, and audio-visual equipment from one central controller and make the most of your home theater experience.
If you’ve read all the way here, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed right now. A custom home theater installation is a huge task. It may require extensive wiring, proper equipment placement, and the integration of several media types into a single system. Because of the precision involved, we recommend you hire a professional integrator/installer to help build your home theater.
Finally, finish off your home theater with any additional items such as a sink, mini-fridge, or countertop for snacks. Have your favorite snacks and drinks on hand and save yourself oodles of trips to the kitchen for more popcorn!
Want to take the next step in installing your personal, high-quality home theater? Request a free consultation to see if a home theater is right for your space. You can reach Hive through our contact page or by calling 813-575-HIVE today.
