Two homeowners so badly wanted home theaters, they were willing to sacrifice rooms already in use within their homes. Whether it’s a playroom or basement turned bed-and-bath, the desire for a home theater won over in both cases.

In Alberta, Canada, the child’s playroom was transformed into space the entire family could enjoy. But this home theater is as much about design as it is about the ultimate multimedia experience. The cutting-edge array of audio/video and home automation gear is tempered by striking architectural elements that reflect the local landscape and geology.

Handcrafted black maple doors beneath dramatic arched frames mark the entrance to the 10-seat theater. The arch theme carries over to the stage area at the front of the room, where it crowns the dramatic cinema-like screen. Hand-cut stone columns contrast with the smooth, polished look of a Rocky Mountain Quartz floor. The 17-foot ceiling fulfills both artistic and functional roles. The ceiling has been lined with sound-diffracting material to control the acoustics of the oversized room.

The installation company, Edmonton-based 360 Theatre Systems, met the homeowner’s request for a modestly priced audio/video/home control system while still delivering a big-impact theater experience. Sherwood audio/video gear provides switching and amplification, and a Sony 400-disc DVD changer serves as the DVD and CD library for both the theater and the house-wide entertainment system.

The big picture comes by way of a Mitsubishi three-panel LCD projector, whose built-in Silicon Optics 10-bit processor scales images to 1080p HDTV resolution without compromising the quality of the original signal.

With simple operation as much a part of the homeowners’ wish list as design and performance, 360 Theatre Systems tapped Control4’s web-based control system for the theater and house operation. A mini touchscreen permits the owners easy access to an evening’s entertainment. One tap of a button dims the lights, powers on the audio/video equipment, arranges the proper settings and volume level, and puts the show into motion. Now that’s what you call family entertainment.

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