Winter has finally arrived in the Keller, TX, area. While we’re not subject to many sub-zero days or relentless ice storms, we’re also experiencing dark days inside. Cabin fever will likely creep in sometime between now and the beginning of spring, so you might as well keep yourself entertained. We think a custom home theater is the perfect way to forget the gloom outside and enjoy the hibernation you deserve.

As our name might suggest, we at BRAVAS Dallas have installed and customized many impressive theaters. Though each of them featured decor and custom programming that suited the individual homeowner, we’ve noticed three non-negotiable elements in each. Curious? Read on to see what they are.

SEE ALSO: How Does Dolby Atmos Enrich Your Home Theater?

The Ideal Screen

First, some bad news, perhaps: That 96-inch 8K display you’ve been eyeing is not for every room, even if your budget allows it. Why? You don’t want to remember that Oscar-winning masterpiece by the neck craning that you experienced to watch it, right?

The right screen size depends on a few factors, not excluding the most comfortable viewing distance for you and the overall height and depth of the room. We’ve found that, as a general rule, the distance from the television to the viewer should be 1 ½ to 3 times the screen size.

Also consider whether you want to splurge on the latest 8K technology or opt for one of the new 4K display options. If you prefer projectors to TVs, ultra short throw projectors and ambient light rejecting screens are some of the most popular theater options today and work well in media rooms, too. Sony’s short throw projectors accommodate small spaces by sitting almost directly against your wall, while still offering HDR, 4K content.

Pristine Audio Quality

Like video, audio is a highly individualized choice. We’ll talk about your priorities to determine whether wired or wireless speakers are a better fit, what speaker placement will meet your surround-sound goals and how to optimize speakers for your room’s dimensions. One popular option our clients choose is Dolby Atmos, which usually consists of a 5:1 or 7:1 surround-sound layout. Additional in-ceiling speakers that make sound effects feel like they’re falling right into a listener’s ears – from seemingly nowhere.

Seating That Suits Your Aesthetic

As you can see in the picture above, not all home theater seating looks like a cineplex replication: It can be as unique as you and your chosen audience. Some clients prefer a more open atmosphere for enjoying movies as a family, while others want a dark, quiet escape. Seating plays a significant role in guiding the atmosphere because it determines the audience’s interaction with their entertainment while setting the tone.

Also consider your seating positions in relation to your screen: The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) suggests an optimal viewing angle at 30 degrees or more.

Lighting by Design

You might be surprised to learn that your lighting plays an important supporting role in your home theater’s impact - and rivals the importance of your audio and video. Well-designed lighting control gives your home theater that dramatic element you’ll need to make your movies come to life. We can install accent lighting so that one button press brings the theater to the right dimming level but doesn’t leave you in total darkness. For large home theaters, we can also implement strip lighting to make a pathway down your aisles.

Contact BRAVAS Dallas Today!

Not only do we provide these theater essentials, but we also install control systems that tie all of these technologies together. Adjust lights, climate, shades and more from the comfort of your sofa.

Even then, we’re just scratching the surface in this blog: When you reach out for your hassle-free consultation, we’ll continue to show you examples of how to make your entertainment spaces stand out. Reach out to one of our specialists at (817) 381-7262 or by filling out our online form.