
Reader's cinema: Best seat in the house
This article highlights the creation of a home cinema in a loft conversion, initiated by an anonymous voiceover artist after being inspired by another attic installation. The project involved professional assistance from Truss Loft for the structural conversion, including a new staircase, and RB Vision for the installation of cabling and electronics. The system is built around an Onkyo TX-NR1009 receiver, paired with KEF CI in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, and a Bowers & Wilkins DB1 subwoofer. Visuals are provided by a Panasonic DMP-BDT310 Blu-ray player, a Samsung SMT-7800 Freesat receiver, and a Sony PlayStation 3, projected onto a 110-inch screen by a Panasonic PT-AT5000E projector, enabling 3D content. Control of the entire setup is managed via DemoPad software on an Apple iPad, complemented by a Rako lighting system which includes floor-level LED light strips.
The project encountered some challenges, notably a large, two-part sofa that could not be maneuvered into the loft space, requiring a replacement. The owner also opted to repaint the walls around the projector screen in a dark grey to reduce reflectivity. Despite these minor setbacks, the owner expressed high satisfaction with the professional installation services, emphasizing that the cost was justified by the expertise and time saved. He noted that while he could have attempted some aspects himself, the efficiency and quality provided by professionals were invaluable. Cost-saving measures were implemented in certain areas, such as foregoing acoustic plasterboard for soundproofing, relying instead on existing Kingspan insulation. This decision led to an amusing incident during an initial loud demo session that caused concern among neighbors due to realistic sound effects.
The owner also chose to defer the installation of acoustic panels due to budget constraints, instead opting for a DIY solution involving MDF, foam, and fabric, with assistance from his partner. However, he deemed picture calibration non-negotiable, investing in a 12-hour professional calibration session from DisplayCalibration.co.uk. This expert intervention significantly enhanced the visual quality, particularly improving black levels and shadow detailing from the Panasonic projector. The completed cinema room is actively used for movie sessions multiple times a week, showcasing a growing Blu-ray collection, with DVDs explicitly excluded. Favorite demo scenes for guests include the opening of 'The Dark Knight,' the sandstorm sequence from 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,' and 'Blade Runner' to highlight the subwoofer's performance. The owner expresses immense satisfaction, stating that the home cinema eliminates the need to visit commercial movie theaters, achieving his decade-long dream.
#HomeCinema #LoftConversion #AVInstallation #HomeTheaterDesign #KefSpeakers #BowersAndWilkins #PanasonicProjector #CustomInstall #AudioVisual #HomeCinema #LoftConversion #AVInstallation #HomeTheaterDesign #KefSpeakers #BowersAndWilkins #PanasonicProjector #CustomInstall #AudioVisual
0 comment in total
No comments yetYou may also like
































































