Pro-Install

For serious AV-holics a 40in 3DTV just won’t do. The best way (some would say the only way) to watch Full HD 3D Blu-rays is on a projector screen. This is certainly the opinion of the owner of this dedicated movie room, which flaunts JVC’s flagship X9 PJ for full-size 3D thrills.

The installation was undertaken by the Leeds office of HCC award-winners Finite Solutions, as part of a complete overhaul of a derelict farmhouse, with the proposed design mocked up as a 3D render so the owner could be sure he was getting what he wanted.

As well as 3D, other requests included child-friendly operation, Tron-inspired decor and, of course, top-quality AV performance. For the latter, Finite worked with some of the owner’s existing hardware (a KEF subwoofer, Stewart projector screen and Integra pre/power combo) to build a 7.1-channel cinema system. New kit includes an 8TB Kaleidescape server/player, B&W speakers, Arcam BPD-100 Blu-ray deck, a PS3 (handling 3D duties until the Arcam’s 3D update arrives) and a pair of Sky+HD boxes. The Kaleidescape system includes the brand’s Child Remote, meaning the room can be used without parental supervision – the system automatically restricts the choice of content when the Child Remote is used.

Sound improvement
Acoustically, the build benefitted from the room being an empty shell. This allowed Finite to line it with acoustically-absorbent plaster board and silicone isolators, preventing sound transferring to the rest of the house.

Raised tiers for the Signature cinema seats, plus carpeting and lighting, were also laid early on. The carpet and lighting contribute toward the subtle Tron theme in the room (although we feel a replica Lightcycle would have been a good finishing touch). A Crestron TMPC-8X touchscreen controller takes the stress out of operating the cinema, from watching a movie to choosing the lighting. It’s also integrated with the home’s CCTV and gating system.

So, reference-grade projector, thousands of movies at the touch of a button, intelligent lighting and 7.1 surround sound - if the future of home cinema is 3D, then this is the way to do it...

This feature first appeared in the November 2011 issue of Home Cinema Choice