In the context of transforming a child’s playroom into a home cinema, we devised an approach that delineates the cinema into two distinct zones. To optimise seating and audio equipment, an external area designated as the equipment/projector room was established. This room houses a centralised rack and projector mounting, which is integrated into bespoke display cabinetry. Customised rack elevations and designs were provided to the joiners for the construction of the cabinetry.

Control

A diverse range of cinema control systems, including iPads and a hard-button remote operated by a Crestron processor, facilitates future expansion, and the integration with the rest of the home should the owner choose to extend Crestron control elsewhere.

Speaker System

The speaker system comprises a complete Dolby ATMOS 9.3.4 setup, utilising MK Sound speakers throughout the entire room. This choice of speakers, similar to those employed by studios like Disney, ensures an exceptional sound reproduction that closely aligns with the directors’ expectations.

The installation includes four IW15oT In-Wall speakers, two IW950 In-Wall speakers, three IW150 In-Wall speakers, and four IC95 In-Wall/In-Ceiling speakers. For low-pitched audio frequencies, two X12 THX Ultra Subwoofers and a single IW28S In-Wall Subwoofer are employed. The strategic placement of these components, totalling 13 speakers and three subwoofers, is a pivotal element in the design of the cinema room.

The front wall features three LCR speakers positioned behind two subwoofers, adjacent to the projector screen. The sidewalls are equipped with four speakers: twotri-polee surround sound speakers on each side, and two front wide speakers on each side. The back wall includes two tri-pole surround back speakers on each side, along with a rear subwoofer. The ceiling is adorned with two top rear speakers and two top mid speakers.

Power Management

Equipment operating and idle power consumptions, as well as BTUs, were researched from manufacturer literature. This information was subsequently incorporated into the main rack design document to provide comprehensive details about the total power consumption and the electrical protection requirements of the system.

It was determined that during peak delivery, the system consumed a maximum of 14.5 Amps. Consequently, the rack could comfortably accommodate this current within the 16-amp supply.

For the system’s power management, we opted for the Furman ELITE-16 Ultra Linear AC Power Source device. This device offers power conditioning capabilities that mitigate voltage fluctuations, which can pose a risk to sensitive electronic equipment. It is complemented by an IP controllable power board that provides remote power cycle, power scheduling, and auto-ping functionalities.

Acoustical Treatments

In collaboration with the construction team, various acoustic isolations were strategically installed to optimise sound quality.

Double-gib-board structural panels were employed, encapsulating a layer of Green Glue for effective noise reduction.

Laminar layers of gib board were installed on the ceiling joists, sandwiching an acoustic glue compound.

Ceiling speakers and a light projector were equipped with recessed isolation boxes to preserve the acoustic barrier’s integrity.

A modular star ceiling was constructed beneath this gib layer, providing an additional acoustic treatment.

Upon completion of construction, the room underwent a comprehensive acoustic evaluation. This resulted in a third-party provider generating a comprehensive 3D rendering of the space. Based on the survey findings, a diverse range of Artnovion Absorption and Diffuser panels were strategically installed throughout the room to ensure the highest audio playback quality.

Equipment / Projector Room

The equipment rack and projector are located in the open storage section of the cabinetry. Consequently, a wall-mounted unit was installed in this area, with a temperature sensor attached to the rack.

Both units are controlled via the Cinema function. When the system is turned on, the units automatically start up at the client’s preferred temperature in the room and a sensor-controlled level outside. When the AV system is shut down, the indoor unit turns off, while the external unit continues to operate until the area returns to its default temperature.