It has long been a dream of mine to have a fantastic audio/video space. While I think dedicated theaters can be beautiful and provide for a more optimal environment, I don't feel that our family will utilize it to justify the space and expense. As such, we are planning to add an addition to turn our small family room (currently 11' x 16') into a multi-purpose media great room. We haven't finalized the size yet, but we are currently working with a final room space of 19-23 feet long by 16-19 feet wide.
As a great room, the space will serve multiple functions with the primary being watching TV, watching movies, and listening to music. Other activities will include reading, family activities (toys, games), and possibly playing music (piano, guitar, etc). We also have a great backyard and the seating and views should connect with that.
Understanding that I may have to make some acoustic compromises for aesthetic and WAF reasons, I would like the space to be optimized for audio and video as much as possible. Design considerations:
Preliminary equipment specs (TBD depending on room layout)
As a great room, the space will serve multiple functions with the primary being watching TV, watching movies, and listening to music. Other activities will include reading, family activities (toys, games), and possibly playing music (piano, guitar, etc). We also have a great backyard and the seating and views should connect with that.
Understanding that I may have to make some acoustic compromises for aesthetic and WAF reasons, I would like the space to be optimized for audio and video as much as possible. Design considerations:
- Make the room and layout as acoustically and visually optimal as possible
- Minimize/eliminate glare to TV from windows and lights
- Provide seating for a minimum of 3-4 people using normal sofas in the prime positions and allow seating for an additional 2-4 people
- Seating should be able to view outdoors when video is not in use
- Minimize sound transmission to adjoining rooms
Preliminary equipment specs (TBD depending on room layout)
- Primary display for casual viewing (~50-65 flat panel)
- Optional front projection system for movie viewing (~80-120 drop down screen)
- 5.1 sound minimum