In this blog we show how we installed a home cinema during a house renovation in Bath.
Home cinema planning
The first step to a successful installation is to plan before start of works. The TV would feature on the main wall, defining locations for cables and sockets. The system would also include ethernet and coaxial cabling for Virgin media. Later we would detail the cabinetry and select the specific TV and hifi equipment.
Ceiling speakers
The only remaining decision for first fix was whether to mount the rear surround-sound speakers on the floor, wall or ceiling. Deciding on ceiling speakers, everything was ready for the construction phase. We would finalise some of the detailed cable runs, once the contractor had exposed the joists, and located any hidden water pipes.
It is worth noting that ceiling speakers don’t suit every situation. For instance, if you are fitting beneath a bedroom, the sound can be quite intrusive particularly for a young child trying to sleep.
A home renovation is a complicated task involving different trades and suppliers. If you choose to manage the project yourself, you will need a detailed understanding of the finished renovation from the start. You will fill the knowledge gaps between the trades; for instance, you would identify the precise location of a socket because you know that it needs to align with a hole in a hifi cabinet which has not yet been made. Effectively, you continuously look ahead to make sure thing are done right first time.
First Fix
We marked the finished floor level on the wall with a laser, even though the floor was months away from being finished. The electricians had their first fix instructions with a clear understanding of the different services being installed. We also had to co-ordinate with Virgin Media – they provided their cables to install as part of our first fix. These ran from the pavement through the front of the house and beneath the floor to the TV location and new router position.
After contractors laid the concrete slab, we ran the rear speaker cables in ducting from their ceiling locations to the amplifier position on the TV wall. We could then lay the floor insulation, screed, underfloor heating and tiles. Needless to say, we were cautious of any damage to the cables, as they would be buried forever! We tested them periodically to check their integrity.
Note: A simple speaker cable test is to connect a multi-meter (set on resistance test) to the two cores at one end; if you see infinite resistance, you can be assured that the cable hasn’t been crushed. Then you short out the two cores at the free end and you’ll see zero resistance, and usually an audible beep.
TV and hifi choices
We took our clients to our regular showroom equipped to test combinations of speakers, amplifiers and TVs. They selected a 4K TV, SONOS, low profile Monitor Audio front Speakers, Kef rear ceiling speakers and a REL Acoustics Sub-woofer. A Denon AV receiver (Amp) would drive the system. With Virgin Media and Apple TV, our clients were set for some great entertainment.
We designed a block wall design for the cabinetry. Our cabinet-maker then produced a scale drawing with sizes and shapes to suit the TV and speakers. With recessed LED spotlights in the upper cabinets, we couldn’t wait to see the unit installed.
Home cinema installation
With an exceptional sprayed finish, the cabinets were ready. The cabinet-maker used top quality fittings for push-to-open doors and drawers – note the subtle plungers in the photos.
It took three days to install the cabinets and block feature wall.
It took two days to install the hifi and TV, and to commission the system. Because of the bathroom above, the installer fitted a fire hood to each ceiling speaker opening. In the same way that an electrician would fit fire-rated, recessed lights, the hood provides fire-protection for the room above, otherwise breached by the ceiling cut-out.
Controls
The installer supplied a Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) home automation processor in the cabinet, controlled by a tablet. Our clients picked up the basic controls very quickly using menu-driven icons. They could then choose what to watch, what to play, and at what volume, all with the cabinet doors closed. Very neat.
Home Cinemas
We have now installed many mid-range home cinema systems for our clients. You can read more in our pages covering home entertainment, TV cabinets and home electrics.
