Major Projects How to Build Your Own Home Cinema

Date Published:

29/05/2008

So what do you need to think about when planning your cinema?

For the Football Fans

DLP (digital light processing) and Rear Projection TVs work by reflecting light off thousands of tiny mirrors, which are then projected on to a screen. Because the picture you see is only a reflection it's that much harder to damage it. DLP TVs are very big in America but are still relatively new to the UK market. The only drawback to these models is that they're fairly bulky, with large backs rather like the more traditional CRT TVs.

Where Should your Screen Go?

The great thing about LCD and plasma screens is that they're super-skinny and can be wall-mounted relatively easily. You can get a standard wall mount that will fit most models from stores such as Comet and John Lewis.

Some retailers will advise you where to put your TV, and fix it into place, if you so wish. TV stands are another option, but there’s a lot more on offer than the standard models on sale in most electrical goods stores. Companies like Interni (www.interni.co.uk) sell modular systems in a range of finishes that look less techy and more part of the furniture.

Screens and Projectors

To recreate that authentic cinema experience in your own home, you should think seriously about a screen and projector home cinema system. Lots of companies offer retractable screens so your living room can be transformed back to normal when the viewing is over. For further information, go to www.cedia.co.uk.

Grand Plans

If you want to go the whole hog and create your own cinema room, you might need some expert help. There are plenty of companies out there who can create one for you - from choosing the right technology, to installing and integrating it into your home. For example, you may decide that you want a screen built into a wall or even one that disappears into the floor after use.

Go to CEDIA’s (The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) website at www.cedia.co.uk for a list of accredited companies that specialise in planning and installing home-entertainment systems and home cinemas.

On the Big Screen

For that truly authentic home-cinema experience you can opt for a screen and projector. Retractable screens are the ideal, but you really need a dedicated TV or cinema room for this technology, which should be decked out with the appropriate fixtures and fittings. You could, technically speaking, set everything up in your living room but you need almost total darkness to get the best effect. Again, you can consult the professionals via www.cedia.co.uk.