Choosing desired space size and number of seats
First and foremost we will choose the desired space size and the number of seats. In multi-rows rooms, it is necessary to take into account when designing that you are going to need a riser at a height of around 30-40 cm, so that the viewers of the first row do not stand in the way of the viewers of the second row view to the screen. In terms of the desired size, it is customary to design a room that’s at least 18 sqm.
If there is an option for it, architecturally, it would be right to choose a size with a “golden ratio”. Gold ratios are ideal length, width and height measurements that minimize acoustic problems, which can be predicted by using acoustic simulation software.
Planning insulation and interior acoustics
It is very important to devote a lot of thought in the process of isolating the room from noise. Noises entering the room from the outside will unequivocally disturb the experience inside the room and noises coming out of it will disturb the other occupants of the house. Sometimes it is also necessary to create a “room within a room”. This is actually a room that is structurally detached from the rest of the house, which produces optimal insulation. This room is especially important in apartments, which due to the proximity to neighboring walls, we want to prevent the passage of noise. Interior acoustics is actually a key factor in influencing how the system will sound at the end of a process.
Using softwares and extensive knowledge we have acquired over the years, we will calculate the recommended type and quantity of elements and implement a correct solution of the ratio between absorption and diffusion. Bass traps will also be installed to absorb and control the low frequencies in the room. All these elements are hidden and are actually installed on the walls or ceiling, when they are covered with a variety of decorative coverings.
It would be right to also pay attention to a Baffle Wall – which you can find almost at any private or commercial cinema room of the highest levels.
Planning the room's design
The appearance of the room is also crucial. A messy room will sound less good than a tidy and clean-eyed room. In most home theater rooms the speakers are hidden behind an acousticly transparent screen, just like in a commercial cinema. This figure has a number of advantages, including the correct localization (position) of the sound in relation to the image. In other words, the mind will believe that what it is experiencing is a “reality” if there are no distracting things around the room.
This can be illustrated in a very simple way – watch a movie in full light and then turn off the light. When do you feel more “inside” the film? In this context it is very important to strive for a darker look of the room, without glossy elements and especially in the first half of the room where the image may be reflected back from the walls, floor or ceiling.
Planning the sound and image system
Our goal as planners, is to give you the freedom to choose between better and… even better. We have gathered the best brands in the field to enable a wide range of solutions in a wide range of budgets. These brands are dedicated to screening rooms, specialize in this field only and come from the world of professional audio with an orientation to the home field. Standard home brands, which in most cases are more expensive, emphasize other aspects that we will address in a separate article.
The right brand will provide quality sound without distortion at the Reference Level, which is actually the volume at which the soundtrack of the film is edited. Home brands are not built for this and will sound jarring at such intensities. This is exactly why many people turn down the volume by saying that “it’s too loud” – the truth is, it’s not too loud! The sound is simply heard with high distortion percentages, which make your ear want to protect itself and the only thing you can do to do this, is to turn down the volume (which of course will detract from the experience). The audio design will be according to the desired format and will start with a system that supports 7.1 channels up to 32-channel systems for Dolby Atmos and Auro 3D applications. The projector and screen will be selected according to the viewing distance and the desired image size. Today, most cinema projectors are in 4K resolution, which allows you to sit really close to very large screens (150 inches and up). Very soon 8K projectors will also be launched.
Cinemart is the only company in Israel that works, according to internationally approved standards for the construction of movie theaters and an approved company on behalf of Cedia Global.
