’Scuse us while we kiss the sky—or at least the ceiling of this home theater.

This home started out as a fairly typical install for Home Technology Systems, complete with structured wiring, a phone system, whole-house audio, a flat screen and security system. However, it’s the reddish/purple haze of the home theater that is leaves a mark on our brain—as well as the installer’s portfolio.

See… this client was a bit particular about what his home theater included and looked liked. He wasn’t just a do-it-yourselfer wanting to get in on the act. This Cineplex owner was looking to bring some of the joys of his workday to his own home theater.

The owner was looking for all of the flamboyance of his commercial projects, so Home Technology Systems worked with the homeowner’s audio/video engineers and architect to make it happen at home. “Incorporated into the room theme was reds, browns, some neon, silver accent, theater curtain and seating along with the fabric used on them,” says Shannon McGinnis , co-owner of Home Technology Systems, Inc. “Experiencing the details of the room make it feel as if you are watching a new movie release on the big screen.”

To make that magic, the architect included neon lights, a metal ceiling and a lot of red that would make the process of installing lighting, acoustical treatments and radio-frequency technology a bit more daunting for Home Technology Systems—but they were more than up for the challenge.

The room included a three-level concrete floor and four solid concrete walls enclosing the room; this would keep the sound contained, and the rest of the house nice and quiet. However, it didn’t leave a lot of options for where to put the A/V equipment. To solve the problem, a Middle Atlantic pullout rack was placed at the back of the theater. The area includes plenty of ventilation, but automatic fans also kick in whenever any component is turned on.

Because of the layout of the room, which also includes wall columns, light fixtures, seating and the stage, speaker placement was one of the first considerations. The sidewall acoustic panels helped to smooth out the sound, as well as bring a nice aesthetic kick to the decor.

Even with all of the above, the installers still had another task to tackle: To find a screen size and aspect ratio that would please a homeowner with discriminating tastes. “Our client’s idea of the big, widescreen was bigger than what we’d normally recommend,” says McGinnis. The original recommendation was 110 to 123 inches diagonal, but they conceded to the client’s wishes for a 144-inch screen. “The 144-inch screen definitely puts you in front of the big screen when you are sitting in the first row. There can be a small amount of head movement during movies which have full screen side to side action; but that is the way our client wanted it to be.”

Home theater enthusiasts often boast how their home theaters eliminate the need to go to the local multiplex. While this homeowner certainly doesn’t want to quit his day job, he is happy to bring his work home—and under one-touch control. 

About the Author:
Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.