Dual room vs dedicated cinema room: What's the difference?
Dual room vs dedicated cinema room
The past decade has seen a vast improvement in the quality and availability of home entertainment systems. Not only are televisions delivering a sharper, brighter picture with richer contrasts, projectors are also providing audio-visual quality to rival commercial cinemas. What’s more, all this has become more accessible, with some 4K televisions and projectors costing under £1,000.
This shift in the technology available has led many homeowners to rethink their spaces in a way that enables them to enjoy more advanced home entertainment. Here, we look at the dual room vs dedicated cinema room debate and help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is a dual room?
A dual room, or media room, is designed to serve a number of purposes. Typically a living room or open plan space with a kitchen and living area, it’s a place where the family spends time together, friends are entertained, and quiet nights in are enjoyed. It’s integral to everyday life, and the technology in it is usually more discreet than in a home cinema.
To that end, a media room is often fitted with a television and subtle speakers from brands such as Artcoustic that can be colour matched to decor or disguised as artworks. Many homeowners also take advantage of motorised mechanisms that will conceal their technology when it’s not in use, enabling them to tailor their living space to their exact needs.
What is a home cinema?
A home cinema is a space dedicated to entertainment. Every element of the room is designed for an optimum audio-visual experience, using the best possible technology and features. Everything from the sound system to the lighting and seating is created to deliver an authentic and immersive atmosphere, whether you’re sitting down to watch the latest blockbuster with your family or enjoying a night of solo gaming.
What are the benefits of a media room?
Flexibility: A media room’s main benefit is its flexibility. It doesn’t have to be a particular size or shape in order to fulfil its purposes, and you can choose technology that fits your existing design and decor.
Encourages socialisation: The more informal, relaxed vibe of a media room is ideal for those who are happy to have a conversation while watching their favourite movie or show, or who want to watch sports matches or TV events with a large group of friends.
Return on investment: Because media rooms are multi-purpose spaces, they appeal to a wide range of buyers when the time comes to sell your property.
What are the benefits of a home cinema?
Tailored equipment: In a home cinema, every product is tailored to the purpose of viewing films and TV shows and/or gaming. As such, each piece of technology, furniture and decor is designed to enhance your experience.
Complete immersion: The home cinema setup is created for total immersion in the viewing experience. You’re placed right at the heart of the action, with no distractions from the outside world.
Audio containment: Home cinemas often have acoustic treatments to optimally absorb and distribute sound. These treatments also help to prevent noise carrying outside the space, meaning that if other members of your family are using other rooms, they won’t be disturbed.
Complete freedom of design: Since your space is especially for visual entertainment, you can have a little fun with the design. Whether you want to create a high-tech homage to Marvel or go for a retro cinema look, you have complete freedom over the design.
Dual room vs dedicated home cinema: Which is best for you?
Before you decide whether to call in the home cinema fitters or stick with a media room, there are several things to consider.
What are your needs?
It’s important to think about how often you sit down to watch films and TV shows, and whether you will get more use from a home cinema or a media room. Cinephiles, keen gamers or those who work in the visual media industry will no doubt spend plenty of time in a dedicated home cinema space, meaning it’s worth the investment. Those with an active family life or who frequently entertain, however, may get more from a media room that serves several purposes.
What space do you have?
A home cinema installation is best suited to properties with the space to accommodate one. Basement and garage conversions are popular among those who choose a home cinema, as they are naturally dark and there is less chance of noise carrying. If you have limited space, a media room is likely a better option as it won’t necessitate converting a bedroom (which may detract from the overall value of your home) or building an extension.
What is your budget?
Like any home improvement project, costs can range widely. On the whole, however, a media room is less expensive as it requires less specialist equipment and you can make the technology fit with your existing decor and furniture. Home cinemas can be achieved if you have a budget to adhere to, but it takes the knowledge of a specialist to advise you on where to spend a little more and where to pull back.
Why choose a specialist installer?
Whether you’re considering a media room or a home cinema, it’s always best to consult professional home cinema fitters before beginning your project. Not only can they design something that meets your needs and budget, they can also ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and that the finished space delivers everything you expect.
As expert home cinema specialists in Kent and Surrey, we at New Wave AV can create the media room or home cinema of your dreams. Whatever your space, budget and needs, we can provide a solution that will enhance your entertainment experience. Contact our professional installers of home cinemas in Surrey, Kent and London today to book a demonstration or discuss your requirements.
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