Film buffs know there’s nothing better than heading out to the movie theater and experiencing the spectacle of top-of-the-line picture and sound. That is, unless you can achieve the same look and feel of a commercial theater in your own home. Today, custom home theater technology has advanced to the point that you don’t even have to leave your Haddonfield, New Jersey home to see movies the way they were meant to be seen. And while constructing a home theater requires more than simply the sharpest video display, it’s a pretty big part of the equation. Here we will take you through four ways to recreate the movie theater experience in your own home.

1. Ultra High Definition

You’ve probably heardtalk about 4K Ultra HD televisions and projectors becoming part of the home theater landscape. However, some people – still reeling from the recent 3D television misfire – don’t understand why it’s a worthy investment.

Simply put, the difference between 4K and High Definition display is almost as distinct as the difference between HD and standard definition. 4K doubles the number of pixels available in regular HD displays, creating a denser, fuller and more complete digital image. Whether you’re following the action in an Eagles game or catching the intimate details of a Kubrick film, 4K Ultra HD creates the sharpest picture quality available today.

2. High Dynamic Range

High dynamic range, HDR for short, frequently goes hand-in-hand with 4K Ultra HD displays. It’s a technology that presents deeper blacks, brighter whites and a more robust color spectrum that makes images look infinitely more realistic.

As a production method, it’s still controversial. Many seasoned professionals claim that the process – which actually consists of three separate, overlaid images of varying exposure – is simply a way of compensating for poor lighting conditions and bad technique. However, there’s no denying the results look fantastic, and that’s why a number of Amazon and Netflix original productions have begun shooting in the format. Also, Sony has committed to a software update that will make all of their 2015 4K televisions capable of displaying HDR content.

3. Smart Lighting

This may seem like a no-brainer, but lighting is an often overlooked aspect of home theater construction. A lighting system commanded by simple, intuitive controls is essential. Lower the lights in the room with a single button, or select specified zones to shut off while leaving others on to make getting around easier. Integrate the lighting with your audio and video controls to set the scene for a perfect movie night – simply press one button that starts the movie, raises the volume on your surround sound system and lowers the lights while you sit back and relax.

4. High Contrast Screen

Fans of the traditional projector and screen display have reason to rejoice. Advancements in the technology of both have made recreating the cinema experience even easier. But while short-throw projectors and retractable screens mean you can turn virtually any space into a custom home theater, dealing with natural lighting conditions can be a hassle. The solution in these situations is a high contrast screen. Made from darker materials, frequently grey or black, these screens can reject light from any source that is not directly positioned in front of it, so you can enjoy incredible picture in any room – even outdoors!

Interested in experiencing true cinematic bliss in a custom home theater? Contact us today to begin your installation!