Frequently Asked Questions
About Home Theatre & AV Systems
Q: Do I need a dedicated room for a home theatre?
A: Not necessarily. While dedicated rooms offer the best experience (controlled acoustics, no ambient light), we design excellent theatre systems for living rooms using in-wall speakers, motorized screens, and blackout blinds. The key is acoustic treatment and proper equipment selection for your specific space.
Q: What's the difference between 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos?
A: 5.1 has 5 speakers + 1 subwoofer (front left/center/right, rear left/right). 7.1 adds two side surround speakers. Dolby Atmos adds height channels (ceiling/upfiring speakers) for three-dimensional sound. We recommend 7.2.4 Atmos (7 ear-level + 2 subs + 4 height) for dedicated theatres and 5.1.2 for living rooms.
Q: Why does acoustic treatment matter?
A: Even the finest speakers sound mediocre in untreated rooms. Flutter echoes, standing waves, and excessive reverberation muddy dialogue and distort bass. Absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers optimize RT60 (reverberation time) for clear, cinematic sound. We measure before and after to prove the difference.
Q: Can I use my theatre for gaming and sports?
A: Absolutely. Modern AV systems handle gaming consoles, cable TV, streaming, and Blu-ray with quick source switching. Low-latency projectors (under 30ms) work great for gaming. We program dedicated scenes: "Movie Mode" (calibrated picture), "Sports Mode" (enhanced brightness), "Gaming Mode" (low latency).
Q: How loud can a home theatre get safely?
A: Cinemas operate at 85dB average with 105dB peaks. Home theatres can achieve similar levels with proper amplification and speaker placement. However, sustained exposure above 85dB risks hearing damage. We design systems with headroom for dynamic peaks but educate clients on safe listening levels.
Q: What's professional calibration and why do I need it?
A: Professional calibration uses measurement microphones and software (REW, Dirac Live) to analyze frequency response, identify room modes, and apply precise EQ corrections. This ensures flat frequency response, proper speaker levels, and optimal crossover settings. Without calibration, you're only getting 60-70% of your system's potential.
Q: Can I integrate streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video?
A: Yes. We integrate Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield, or Roku Ultra for streaming. These devices support Dolby Atmos and 4K HDR content from Netflix, Prime, Disney+, and more. Universal remote or tablet control makes switching between sources seamless.
Q: What maintenance does a theatre require?
A: Minimal. Dust projector filters every 3 months (10-minute task). Vacuum acoustic panels annually. Check HDMI connections if picture issues arise. We provide annual service contracts for peace of mind—firmware updates, recalibration if room changes, and priority support.
Q: Why are some speakers invisible and some visible?
A: In-wall architectural speakers (Sonance, KEF Architectural) mount flush with walls/ceilings with paintable grilles—completely invisible. These work great for living rooms. Dedicated theatres often use visible "box" speakers (KEF, B&W, Focal) for maximum performance. We design systems to match your aesthetic preferences without compromising sound quality.
Q: Can outdoor areas have audio systems?
A: Yes. Weatherproof rock speakers, landscape audio, and marine-grade amplifiers deliver music to gardens, patios, and poolside areas. These integrate with your indoor automation for whole-property audio control.
