How to Optimize Your Home Theater Installation
It’s All About the Light
Getting the maximum performance from a home theater involves many details. The screen, projector, speakers, audio components, and seating all play vital roles in the experience. The décor matters too, as it adds to the overall ambiance. But there’s another area equally important that can make or break your custom home theater installation in Las Vegas, NV.
What is that critical thing? The lighting! In Las Vegas, most homes don’t have windowless basement spaces that can make ideal rooms for home theaters. Unless you build one or take out the windows, your home theater may very well have windows to contend with. However, theater screens vary in their ability to deal with reflected light. For a cinematic experience, you want the right level of darkness in the room.
Keep reading for a discussion on considerations for light control in your custom theater, an item that can make a huge difference in your experience.
SEE ALSO: 5 Simple Steps to Installing the Perfect Home Theater
Screen Selection
If you think that all projector screens are more or less the same, they’re not. A projector's brightness and the amount of ambient light in the room can significantly affect the vibrancy of the picture. With a complete blackout set of motorized shades and no lights on at all, perhaps you won't have an issue. But if you enjoy watching the Raiders on the big screen on Sunday afternoon, you may not want to do it in a pitch-black room.
If you watch more than theatrical movies in your theater, you can use screens that have special materials and construction for ambient light rejection. There are different types of those screens, and some do better than others with daylight or in-room light reflection. Projector brightness also plays a role in how well your picture will do with ambient light. A high-gain screen can enhance a projector's brightness, but sometimes they are not ideal for high contrast. You should choose the screen that offers a balance of features that fits how the home theater will be utilized.
Colors
As you know, colors absorb light differently. Dark colors might be the most light absorbent, but your décor and sense of style will more likely dictate your choices. Shiny paints or reflective surfaces are not ideal for theaters and are best avoided on walls, speakers, and décor. For example, using a flat, dark gray color on a front wall can reduce light reflection and highlight the screen more. If you want what you want in terms of color choices, light rejecting screens, and brighter projectors can mitigate the effects of reflections.
Lighting Control
Since this is a discussion about managing light in your theater, you should seriously consider automated lighting control. Your theater should have accent or path lights to enable people to navigate without bringing up the lights when they need a drink or rest break. Dimmable sconces and recessed lighting can be used for these purposes and can minimize reflection with proper design and placement.
If you have windows in your theater, you can use motorized shades with an additional blackout shade for partial to full control of the desert sun. With smart automation, a press of a button can set your shades down, dim the lights, and cue all the home theater equipment for your viewing pleasure. With different settings for sports viewing, movies, and TV, you can have the perfect light control for every type of entertainment.
Are you ready to master the light in your home theater? Get started by reaching out to our team today!
