How to Create the Ultimate Home Media Room

Your media room is one of the most frequently visited places in your home. It’s where you watch football, have family movie nights and entertain guests. If you want the best media room possible, you need a space that accounts for style as well as technology. Our team at Eighteen Group has extensive experience building audio-video installations for residents in the Lake Oswego region. This blog will go through some pointers for Oregon homeowners on what you need to create the ideal entertainment space.

SEE ALSO: How A Whole Home Audio System Brings Your Home Together

TV AND SPEAKERS

The focal points of any audio-video installation are your TV and speakers. Here are a couple factors to be mindful of when selecting equipment.

For TVs, balancing screen size against image quality is crucial. You’ll want to buy a 4K or 8K TV, preferably a model with a screen that includes high-dynamic range (HDR) imaging. HDR gives you a wider selection of colors on the screen. For those without many budget constraints, an OLED TV might be the right choice. What sets OLED screens apart is how the image is lit. Each pixel on an OLED screen is lit individually, which produces higher color contrast and a sharper picture.

Now it’s time to talk about your speakers. You’ll want an audio-video installation designed for surround sound. You’ll need to find space for three speakers up front, at least two speakers behind or to the side of where the audience sits, and a subwoofer. A configuration like this creates a basic 5.1 surround sound setup (five audio channels plus a subwoofer). If aesthetics are a concern for you, you can install hidden speakers in your wall or ceiling.

DON’T FORGET THE EXTRAS

Now that we’ve covered the vital components of an audio-video installation, we can move on to other important tips to consider.

Do not overlook the seating when it comes to your space. Comfort is a major factor with seating, but it’s also critical to know where to place your furniture. The goal is to build an installation that accounts for both surround sound and how well viewers can see the screen. Generally, the distance between the screen and the viewer should be about 1.5 to 3 times the size of the screen.

Finally, room décor can add some flavor to your audio-video installation. You could choose an aesthetic inspired on your favorite movies or genres, mount vintage movie posters on your walls, and complete the experience with a popcorn machine. No matter what your interior design tastes are, make the space your own.

We’re standing by to help you create your ideal media room installation. To learn more, call (503) 515-1192, click on the chat box in the corner of your browser or fill out our online contact sheet.