SCENE SETTING: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

IT’S TIME TO SWAP YOUR MOVIE TICKET FOR A SEAT IN THE GREATEST CINEMA ON EARTH – YOUR OWN HOME

- VANESSA KEYS

Snacks within arms reach, a clear view of the screen and no-one noisily crunching popcorn behind you – having an immersive cinema experience in the comfort of your own home has never been so tempting, or easier. Once considered the ultimate luxury, media rooms have become more popular and more accessible thanks to advances in technology. “Integrated automation is seeing no signs of slowing down, with all the latest devices supporting Google and/or Alexa,” says electronics expert Adam Vaccaro of Appliances Online. “With one voice command, you can control so many things, including your TV, blinds and lights.” From soundproofing and lighting to speakers and apps, here’s how to create a stylish media room with all the bells and whistles of a movie theatre.

SOUND

listen up

If you are creating a media room from scratch, soundproofing is a great starting point. “Fitting solid core doors and double-glazed windows makes a big difference,” says Therese Tarlinton of CSR. Lining walls with an acoustic plasterboard – such as CSR’s cutting edge Soundchek plasterboard – is an effective solution. “If you can, avoid recessed light fittings and back-to-back power points and light switches,” adds Therese, “as they sabotage sound containment and transfer noise.”