Not everyone has an ample supply of spare rooms in which to install a home theatre, meaning installers often need to be creative about where they place one when consumers ask for one.
Of course, installers are well versed in the difficulties in installing home cinemas, so when it came to this homeowner requesting a high-end theatre in their attic, Home Media Ltd knew exactly what to do.
The attic space measures 6m x 8m and is an integral part of the house, with its own full size staircase and en-suite.
The property owner wanted a large image with perfect picture quality to enjoy films and games with his family.
After much designing, the team at Maidstone-based Home Media Ltd decided to integrate an Optoma HD50 1080p projector, JL Audio D110 subwoofer, PMC Wafer 1 in-wall speakers, a Projecta Screen, Sky HD, Xbox One, Yamaha BD-A1040 and Yamaha RX-A1050.
The projector was central to the installation and it was the device that would give the homeowner exactly what they wanted; large image with perfect picture quality.
Home Media Ltd settled on the Optoma HD50 1080p because it believed it met those requirements, but also because of the flexibility that comes with installing one. The Full 3D 1080p projector has two HDMI inputs, as well as 1.5x zoom and vertical lens shift.
The HD50 uses PureMotion frame-interpolation technology. This advanced motion control processing promises to eliminate motion blurring or image judder, even in high-speed action films or fast-paced sports.
Optoma has also engineered the projector with a sophisticated colour management system that promises to display accurate colours and allows the user to fine-tune the colour settings to the Rec. 709 standards for optimal precision.

The projector’s Dynamic Black Technology supposedly gives added depth to the image by smoothly adjusting the lamp output, based on the brightness information of each frame. Optoma says that this makes bright scenes appear crisp and clear, while dark scenes remain detailed with deep blacks and exceptional light and shade detail.
Home Media Ltd specified a Projecta fixed screen with acoustically transparent screen material, allowing for PMC Wafer 1 in-wall speakers to be mounted inside the framework of the screen.
Two JL Audio D110 subwoofers were used to provide depth to the soundstage and to underpin the three (LCR) PMC speakers. KEF Ci200QR in-ceiling speakers were installed as rear channel speakers and painted black to blend with the ceiling for a subtle look. Cables were fed into the wall cavity, exiting the wall behind the amplifier.
At the heart of the home cinema system is a Yamaha RX-A1050 AV Receiver and Yamaha BD-A1040 Blu-ray Player. A Sky HD satellite receiver and Xbox One complete the system to provide a complete entertainment solution.
A programmable touchscreen remote control has been configured to enable all family members to operate the system. For example, one button on the colour touch screen is programmed to carry out numerous commands that turn the system on and off.
The owner is said very happy with the end result but is now regularly subjected to watching the Blu-ray version of Frozen by his young family.
Simon Burton from Home Media Ltd, says: “We are very pleased with the balance we have created between the system performance and how the system integrates within the fabric of the room. For example, concealing the left, centre and right front speakers behind the acoustically transparent projector screen, gives the room a simple and elegant look.”