Creating the Authentic "Cinema Experience"
In order to really make the audience jump out of their seats we specified a 7.1 surround sound system provided by the Arcam FMJ AV9 preamp processor and the FMJ P1 mono-block amplifier.

Used in conjunction with three B&W (Bowers and Wilkins) CWM LCR 7 in wall speakers for the front audio stage, Four (B&W) CCM-817 angled in-ceiling speakers for the surround and rear surround audio.

The sub bass elements of the audio spectrum are controlled by a REL 505 sub woofer. The three CWM LCR7 in-wall B&W speakers are behind an 8ft acoustically transparent wall mounted projection screen from screen research, whilst using a Marantz VP11S1 1080p projector.

Discreet Equipment
The in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are completely discrete, keeping the room free from 'clutter' and the focus on the images produced by the video system. Even the subwoofer is housed in a contemporary bespoke cabinet which sits on the front wall of the room.

All equipment is housed away in a central comm's area, and calibrated to output the highest video quality possible, whist contributing to the 'minimalist' look within the actual room.

Access to Whole House Media and Devices
By having a dedicated IDYL video node for DVD's and music, and a dedicated SKY HD box, the video system is completely dedicated to this cinema room, thus providing the room functionality that was desired.

The ability to store their media in one place ready for instant access, as well as the full range of SKY HD services brings all the audio visual elements seamlessly together in one area. See the larger home automation project >.

Chic Interior Design
The feel of actually being in a cinema was very important, the room design helped in keeping this together. By having tiered luxury cinema seating, not only does the customer have the comfort of watching a film for a few hours, but also the 'feel' of being in a cinema environment.

We then worked closely with the interior designer to ensure that the correct look was achieved, whilst not having to make any audio and visual compromises.

Simple for the whole family to use
All video, audio and lighting control for the room is captured by a powerful Crestron CP2E control unit with a TPMC8 touch screen. This controller was designed to make it simple for even a 'technophobe' to operate all the elements in the room.

To the user, the control system would seem a simple area of contact with all the audio visual elements within the room, but in reality it is the design of this system that creates a simple 'façade'. We invested a lot of time ensuring the use of the system was so diverse but uncomplicated. The system integrated control is the heart of this cinema room and helps make the whole experience even more involving.

The final verdict...
The client was extremely impressed with the whole performance and discrete aesthetics of the system. When demonstrating the room we used different types of films to show that not only do the 'crash, bang, wallops' sound and look fantastic, but also the more tender moments of a film really jump out at you and give you the sense of being involved.

Finite were onsite doing finishing other works after the cinema was completed and the cinema was in use the majority of the time, either to show family and friends or to use themselves. The icing on the cake was when the cinema room featured in issue 6 of the national publication "HD Review" within the "Dream Setup" feature.