Custom installation
Signature Cinema Design with a 151-inch screen
When Len Wallis Audio was asked to work on a new-build cinema with two of Sydney’s most respected architects and builders (Bruce Stafford Architects and Joe Fuda of Innovative Building), we knew the team effort would deliver the finest of cinema results. And it did.
Alberto Vangi (senior custom sales) initially sat down with the clients to determine and put together the cinema, and once this was done project manager Onur Guresen and documentation Auto CAD draftsman Shaun Peffer worked closely through the preparation stages all the way from start to finish – guiding senior installer Mark Young, programmer Tim McGurk and even Mick Peaker from Avical for the video image ISF Calibration.
Signature design
We applied a signature design cinema for the space being 6019mm L x 3920mm W x 2495mm H.
The acoustic treatment of this room was custom designed to work with the audio components. The acoustic engineer paid close attention to ensuring that the room was balanced in terms of both reverberation time and frequency response i.e. across the full audio spectrum. As well, within the constraints of the physical limits, early reflections and diffusion were designed to be optimum. The designed components were then manufactured as modules with the specified finish. They form a complete surface with concealed fixing, penetrations and mounting points for services and removable sections for service access.
A 7.2.4-channel B&W Premium Cinema Speaker solution was combined with two Sunfire subwoofers, with the main front left, centre, right speakers located behind a perforated Stewart screen to ensure the most accurate sound reproduction when viewing the screen, and for the most immersive and accurate means of drawing the viewer in. Stewart’s Microperf X2 THX-Ultra acoustically transparent screen, as used in this project, has more than 320,000 micro perforations per square metre, compared with 59,000 in a commercial movie theatre screen. In addition, the perforations are much smaller than those on commercial theatre screens. Having more and smaller perforations is better for the type of sound waves transmitted by home cinema audio systems.
A 151-inch Cinemascope Stewart Screen not only allows the absolute very best from the projector but also achieves THX certification both in audio and picture.
Projecting onto the screen is a Sony 4K HDR Projector which filled the screen with an absolutely stunning image. Seated back you get taken away by just how good the image is, especially after being professionally calibrated.
“A 151-inch Cinemascope Stewart Screen not only allows the absolute very best from the projector but also achieves THX certification...”
A Yamaha Pre and Power combination was used to power and look after the Dolby surround sound processing for the main front three speakers, two side and two rear surround in-wall speakers, and the four ceiling Dolby Atmos speakers. The Yamaha delivered on all accounts, handling all the latest surround sound formats and 4K HDR HDMI Video Switching. Also by using separates rather than an all-in-one amp for a dedicated cinema, the impact and sound quality is taken to the next level, with better control over the sound. Meanwhile the B&W speakers provide a very easy-tolisten-to sound at the highest of levels – not being harsh or overly bright, as can many other brands. Key sources components were the 4K Oppo 205 Blu-ray player, Apple TV and the customer’s own hard drive.
Bruce and Joe didn’t overlook an inch of the room, with lighting, colour and finish choices, along with the overall build quality and design, really giving the room the sense of an even better movie experience than being at the cinema, all in your own home.
During his project management Onur made sure that all the wiring was correctly in place, holes all positioned for the later installation of the B&W speakers, while taking into account the acoustic treatment. During fit-out the installers carefully wired together the electronics and mounting of the projector, screen and each of the speakers. Onur closely monitored the fitout period so that the architect and builder were able to deliver on their promise in regards to the timing of completion. Alberto also made sure that the purchased system would not only live up to expectations but exceed them, knowing that Len Wallis Audio has been specifically chosen by the client based on our 40 years of experience and reputation.
Comfort & control
The highly comfortable seating was chosen by the client, knowing they would be spending hours in such an amazing room. So to put the finishing touches on the room from the viewer’s seat we provided them with an all-inone iPad touch screen running the RTI control system. Once programmed the room could be used with the simplest of ease, with minimal button presses, seamless reliability and control, with macro functions programmed to speed and simplify operations still further. For example pressing the ‘Blu-ray’ icon turns on the Yamaha Pre and Power, switches to the correct input on the Yamaha, turns the projector on and selects its correct input, too – leaving the owners simply to physically put the disc in the player. We even programmed in multiformat ability, so that you can view both 16:9 and 2.35:1 via the Sony projector with the touch of a button.
In summary, with Bruce and Joe’s involvement we have created a very comfortable space for the whole family to watch and enjoy movies, sports, concerts, TV shows on a 151-inch screen with an incredible picture and sound quality. The enjoyment factor is significant! Which is what we always aim to achieve.