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Home Theatre
A home theatre is meant to equal or exceed (we certainly aim to
exceed) the experience of a good theatre. It means watching a movie on a
large screen with a good high resolution audio system capable of serious
dynamics in a room capable of darkening. Just like in the theater but
without the long queues and admission price.
Two reasons for a dark room, one is the obvious improvement in large
screen picture quality, the other – at least as important - is to rid us
of all visual cues (ideally all you can see is the picture) allowing us to
be totally taken in by the action on screen. Any visual cues - lights on,
equipment lights, decorations, pictures artifacts etc. if you can see them
they keep you in the room rather than allowing you to be transported into
the on - screen action.
Most people have a surround system and Television that they watch movies
on and although it can be very gratifying and enjoyable, they miss the
true theatre experience that comes from a well designed home theatre.
The Room
One of the most overlooked components of a good sound system – be it 2
channel or multi-channel is the room. Most people are required to make use
of an available room after construction and make the best of it. Those
that are able to construct a room, either as part of a renovation or new
construction, should consider room dimensions and construction materials
as part of the formula for good sound.
Room size
Room size is a function of space available, number and style of seats
desired and other potential uses for the room. A cozy home theatre can be
created in a small room – we demonstrate in an 11’ by 14’ room a very good
audio system and 32” picture.
Audio System
Most surround systems are underpowered. The amount of power required for
theater like dynamics depends on room size, speaker efficiency and desired
volume levels. If any kind of acoustic treatment is used the power
requirement again goes up since a lot of reflected sound would be reduced
– now to obtain the same perceived levels we have to drive the speakers
harder. Many consumer speakers are not capable of playing the dynamic
levels required of a ‘serious’ home theatre - that is not to say they
cannot be used and be wonderfully enjoyable.
5.1, 6.1, 7.1
Most movies are mastered in 5.1 surround – be it Dolby Digital or DTS –and
with the new Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats, more and more will be coming out
with discrete 6.1 & 7.1 channels. In a small room with seating at the back
wall a good 5.1 system will give a great experience. If the room is long,
with seating in rows, or is very wide then certainly 6.1 and 7.1 systems
will help fill the acoustic space and provide the 6th and 7th discrete
channel when available. Most receivers or processors will create synthetic
6 or 7 channel sound from a 5.1 source. Blu-ray & HD-DVD disks have a
higher capacity and will take advantage of the new audio formats Dolby
True HD and DTS-HD. Prepare to be amazed !!
To hide or not to hide
Equipment can be an eyesore in any room if not installed neatly. The
distraction caused by exposed equipment can seriously degrade the deep
involvement possible with a good movie. Having said that one can not
completely capture the depth of sound field revered by serious music
listeners when putting speakers into a cabinet or wall. If the room is to
be used for serious 2 channel music listening there are very valid reasons
for using free standing speakers at the front, otherwise one can certainly
create multi channel music and movie sound tracks extremely well with
speakers hidden in a cabinet behind grill cloth or in the wall.
Subwoofers
One good subwoofer is good. Two is better. It is a rare occasion when the
subwoofer ends up in the optimum place. Generally the position is dictated
by aesthetics or space for equipment. Low frequency is prone to create
standing waves resulting in parts of the room having significantly greater
bass than other parts. The person sitting in a null is being cheated or if
the system has been calibrated from a null then others are being overcome
by bass. Two subs at different locations can produce a more even bass
response and increases dynamic capability for the whole room.
Qualified design staff. Superior products.
Expert installation. That’s the Sleek Advantage.
We represent India’s premier home entertainment design expertise. Sleek Audio Visual Design offers certification in leading design
and installation techniques, over 10 years experience and broad industry
knowledge.
As audio, video and home theater design specialists, we will work with
you, your homebuilder, architect, or interior designer to create the
perfect system for your home. We will integrate the latest technologies
that complement your lifestyle, and most importantly, your budget. At
Sleek we believe that having a great system is not only for the rich and
famous. Whether you are looking for a single component or the dedicated
home theater system of your dreams, we can help!
Finally, our custom installation experts complete the equation with
meticulous craftsmanship at every level. From the moment you enter our
office to the moment your purchase is delivered and installed, you'll
understand and appreciate why Sleek is your first choice for all your
audio and video needs.
Imagine what Sleek can do for you ! |
