EXPERT INSIGHT

How to create the perfect home cinema

Neil White, home cinema buyer at Richer Sounds, explains the must-haves for an Oscar-worthy experience

For a true cinema experience, you’ll n eed a big screen. Aim for one that’s at least 75 inches in size – anything smaller will just feel a bit average. A projector makes an even better choice. Projector design has advanced dramatically over the past five years – with brighter light sources, modern models don’t have to be used in a room with blackout blinds any more, and they’re a lot more user-friendly in other ways, too. Choose an ultra-short throw projector and it will project a screen that’s up to 150 inches, from just centimetres from the wall. This means the projector can sit on a sideboard, shelf or table directly in front of the screen without having to be metres away or hung from the ceiling elsewhere in the room. Modern projectors usually have all the HDMI and USB sockets that you’d find on a TV, meaning your games console, set-top TV box and Blu-ray player can be connected just as easily.

Consider investing in a screen. An important thing to consider, whatever type of projector is being used, is that it’s always best to show the image on a dedicated screen, rather than just on a plain white wall. The picture will look much brighter and sharper. A retractable screen is a great choice if you want to enjoy a really clear picture yet you don’t want to have a large screen in your living space 24/7.

High-quality audio is essential. Although TVS have increased in size over the years, their sound hasn’t. Ultra-thin TVS simply don’t have the physical space to accommodate good speakers, so the first port of call is usually a soundbar or base. This will certainly help to push the audio out into the room and will create a much richer, punchier sound.

To replicate cinematic sound, a dedicated home cinema speaker system is a must. This consists of stereo speakers at the front for the bulk of the audio – just like a hi-fi system. A centre speaker between these handles all the dialogue and counters the ‘mumble’ that often affects today’s movies and box sets. That leaves surround speakers for all the special effects that whizz around you. Basic systems have just two rear effect speakers, but you can have as many as 11. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X take this to the next level by using ceiling-mounted or upward-firing speakers. Finally, a really good home cinema system lets you feel the force of the sound in the pit of your stomach. For heart-pounding bass and cinematic punch, a dedicated subwoofer really powers the soundtrack along. richersounds.com