Choosing the right home theater or media room system for your aesthetic needs requires planning and knowing the different products available to make your vision a reality. In this post, we explore several different types of hidden displays and speakers you can choose from.
Hidden Displays
The main feature of an amazing home theater or media room is the display, and bigger is almost always better. So, how do you hide a large display? Below are a few options:
- Mirror: When the TV is off, the mirror looks just like a regular mirror, but when the display is on, the mirror disappears to reveal the TV picture. Mirror technology is not perfect since it will create screen reflections and often reduces the brightness of the TV image. Recommended companies include Seura and Reflectel.
- Motorized Artwork: Using ultra quiet, motors, frames incorporate artwork that elegantly rolls down or from side to side of a TV.
- Cabinet Lifts: Custom TV lifts built into cabinetry.
- Flip-Down TV: Another type of flat panel motorization is the ceiling drop-down. These units are hinged. The trick here is to make sure you have the necessary ceiling depth and width to accept the system.
- Projector Lift and Motorized Screen: Finally, the ultimate hidden home theater doesn’t hide a TV but rather a projector and a screen. There are numerous ways to accomplish this feat, including a drop-down electric screen that hides in the ceiling coupled with a projector that descends from the ceiling.
Hidden Speakers
What’s a home theater or media room without world-class audio? Instead of bulky box speakers, opt for hidden or low profile in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. Let’s explore:
- In-wall Speakers: These speakers are installed right in your drywall and lie flush with the surrounding area. When you paint over them, they fit right in with the rest of your design; you would have no idea they were there if not for the great sound they emit. These speakers will require an installation period so you will need to factor that in with the rest of your home theater process.
- In-ceiling Speakers: Overhead and out of sight, in-ceiling speakers won’t distract from the rest of your design. When your speakers are above the audience’s ears, you should pay special attention to the sound dispersion of the speakers. You want to make sure sound is emitting at a wide degree, so everyone has the same, full audio experience.
- Speaker Cabinets: Adding built-in speaker cabinets to your home theater is another way of maintaining design and great sound. Perhaps you plan on adding columns or cabinets for a more dynamic theater space; this is the perfect place to hide a speaker. These design features can make the screen a focal point while providing great sound.
There are many different ways to create a hidden home theater or media room while maintaining your room’s design. All it takes is a little planning and a bit of creativity. For more advice on home theater and media room installations, contact us by clicking below.
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