Our team of experts answers your questions.
By definition, it is the total noise existing at a point for a certain duration. It contains all sounds emitted by sound sources that influence the measurement point. In other words, background noise in a private cinema room can be considered as the noise level created solely by the HVAC system, residual external noises, etc. An OCINEMA private cinema room is characterized by its very low background noise (around 20dB), making it possible to use it at very low sound levels while perfectly apprehending all the details contained in the original soundtrack. This low background noise contributes to the excellent dynamics of OCINEMA private cinema rooms.
The direct field consists only of sound coming from the speakers, while the diffuse field consists only of sound coming from reflections on the walls. The direct field must therefore be prioritized in a private cinema room using a multi-channel system to ensure maximum precision of the sound message, coming from the different speakers (front, surround, and surround back). The direct field/diffuse field ratio can also be assessed by measuring clarity C50.
An OCINEMA private cinema room is characterized by the strong dominance of its direct field.
Frequency masking is the ability of a loud sound to mask a quiet sound. In a cinema room, this phenomenon is particularly felt with low frequencies masking higher frequencies, with a 1:10 ratio between the lowest and highest sound. For example, a sound centered around 80Hz and generated by the subwoofer with an excessively high level (due to resonance, in particular) will have the ability to mask a sound around 800Hz with a lower sound level. This significantly reduces the intelligibility of the sound message. Due to its broadband sound absorption, the Epidaure panel system greatly limits this harmful effect.
This is the difference between the loudest and quietest sound. A film soundtrack has a high dynamic range (for example, strong explosions followed by a nature scene), and this difference is greater today on HD media due to lower compression. To effectively and quickly apprehend these level differences, the private cinema room itself must exhibit excellent dynamics and rapid damping of high sound levels. An OCINEMA private cinema room treated with the Epidaure panel system possesses these two characteristics.
In the field of acoustic insulation, solid-borne transmission is the transmission of noise through the structural medium via micro-vibration. An impact noise (a heel clacking on a wooden floor, for example) propagates throughout the solid medium around the impact (floor, wall, ceiling) and is heard in all rooms through which this solid medium passes. To limit the propagation of solid-borne noise, effective decoupling of the walls is necessary.
The mass-spring system of the Epidaure panel system ensures decoupling by damping the acoustic energy of the panel through the connecting springs and the studied shape of the support profile.
Airborne transmission is the propagation of noise through ambient air. Atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature influence this propagation. Effective airborne noise insulation relies on the mass law (and surface area). The lower the frequency of the sound to be insulated, the heavier and larger the materials used for insulation must be.
The Epidaure panel system helps reinforce airborne noise insulation by adding distributed mass all around the room.
Diffraction is a form of reflection, characterized by a change in the direction of the sound wave when it encounters an obstacle whose size is smaller than its wavelength. A chimney, a pillar, a beam are all diffracting elements that can be found in a private cinema room.
An element allowing spatial and temporal diffusion of sound. This is also a form of reflection, which breaks down the incident wave into thousands of reflected waves in different directions. This diffusion is often intentional in audiophile rooms using a 2.0 or 2.1 stereo system, as it helps to homogenize the diffuse field at the back of the room. For this purpose, Schroeder diffusers, for example, are used.
In a modern 7.1 (or more) private cinema room, these diffusers are not necessary because it is important to highlight each channel rather than create a “mix,” always to be faithful to the soundtrack. Each channel contains its own sound objects and effects, which only an effectively treated private cinema room can reproduce. This is a priority for an OCINEMA private cinema room: to reproduce the original film soundtrack in “high-fidelity.”
However, it is possible to add diffracting or diffusing elements to the back of the room if one wishes to virtually increase the field of sound effects by creating multiple reflections in the listening area.
This is the time (in seconds) it takes for a sound to decay by 60dB from its extinction. A multi-channel private cinema must imperatively have a very low reverberation time to faithfully reproduce the entire soundtrack. A time of 0.5 seconds is a maximum reference time for an effectively treated dedicated private cinema. The most difficult part is to obtain a homogeneous RT60 across the entire audible spectrum, to avoid unpleasant resonance effects. For example, if all the walls of a private cinema are covered with carpet, it will be possible to achieve this value of 0.5s but only at high frequencies. The low-mid and low-frequency range will remain reverberant, creating strong heterogeneity detrimental to listening quality.
An OCINEMA private cinema, due to the effectiveness of its Epidaure panel system across the entire spectrum, differentiates itself from any other room by its very low and homogeneous RT60. It is entirely possible to achieve values of around 0.2s in an OCINEMA private cinema.
The low background noise and very low reverberation time of OCINEMA private cinema rooms significantly facilitate the perception of the sound message. People with hearing impairments will be more comfortable in this environment without needing to excessively increase the sound volume.
To do this, simply perform a very simple test: Stand in the middle of your room, wait for complete silence, and clap your hands vigorously once. You will most likely hear the sound of the clap propagate and amplify in the room: this is a sign that this room needs treatment.
When the same exercise is performed in an OCINEMA private cinema room, you only hear the sound coming from your hands. This means that, sitting in your armchair, you will only hear the sound coming from the speakers.
In the field of acoustic insulation, solid-borne transmission is the transmission of noise through the structural medium via micro-vibration. An impact noise (a heel clacking on a wooden floor, for example) propagates throughout the solid medium around the impact (floor, wall, ceiling) and is heard in all rooms through which this solid medium passes. To limit the propagation of solid-borne noise, effective decoupling of the walls is necessary.
The mass-spring system of the Epidaure panel system ensures decoupling by damping the acoustic energy of the panel through the connecting springs and the studied shape of the support profile.
First and foremost, it is important to recall a crucial concept regarding electrical Watts (which differ from acoustic watts): it is by no means a sufficient parameter to determine the sound volume your speakers will be able to deliver. Sensitivity (expressed in dB/1W/1m) is a much more useful characteristic, along with bandwidth. A so-called “high-efficiency” system will be able to generate a much higher sound pressure level than a low-efficiency speaker, at equal electrical power. It is therefore important to consider this parameter, especially in a large room (e.g., 50m²) where only a high-efficiency system can generate a comfortable listening level without strain.
Regarding diffusion, a 7+1 configuration has now become a standard (other configurations are possible, however).
Regarding the source, the DTS format has a lower compression rate than Dolby Digital, thus offering better quality. The DTS HD format, characteristic of a Blu-ray, is today the guarantee of high-quality sound reproduction (provided the room is suitable due to its acoustic treatment).
These are two notions very often confused. They are both very different and complementary. To put it simply: acoustic insulation deals with a room’s ability to prevent sound from escaping (or entering) it, while acoustic correction deals with the propagation of sound within the room.
The Epidaure system is primarily an acoustic correction product, and also has the secondary function of reinforcing acoustic insulation.
The acoustic nuisances in untreated private cinema rooms are numerous: excessive reverberation, strong resonances, flutter echoes, high background noise, etc. This leads to poor intelligibility, which is not conducive to “high-fidelity” cinema reproduction. The Epidaure panel system guarantees perfect coherence between sound and image.
Good audio equipment is important, but the quality of the treatment of the room in which this equipment will be installed is even more so. Indeed, in an untreated room, it is important to know that only 25% of the perceived sound message comes directly from the speakers, while the remaining 75% corresponds to reflections off the walls.
An OCINEMA room, thanks to its exclusive acoustic correction, reverses these proportions to achieve 100% faithful reproduction of the original soundtrack.
Therefore, mid-range equipment installed in an effectively treated room will yield a superior result to high-end equipment in an untreated room.
However, once the room is treated, the difference between mid-range and high-end equipment will be clearly noticeable… It is therefore advisable to consider the type of speakers to use: high-efficiency? 2-way? 3-way? Bookshelf? Floor-standing? etc…
These are two notions very often confused. They are both very different and complementary. To put it simply: acoustic insulation deals with a room’s ability to prevent sound from escaping (or entering) it, while acoustic correction deals with the propagation of sound within the room.
The Epidaure system is primarily an acoustic correction product, and also has the secondary function of reinforcing acoustic insulation.
Because only effective acoustic treatment can guarantee a total immersive sound experience, perfectly respecting all components of the original soundtrack (as headphones placed directly on the ears could do…).
The patented Epidaure system allows for homogeneous treatment across most of the audible spectrum for the human ear, from 30Hz to 20KHz, especially at low frequencies, using its characteristic mechanical process.
The audio system alone, despite its qualities and electronic artifices, cannot overcome the physical phenomena that are laws of nature, and very present in a small space.
To draw a trivial analogy, it would be like asking the following question: when buying my car, can I buy the engine and seats first, then the chassis and bodywork later?…
Since acoustic treatment aims to correct the natural acoustic defects of the room and make it suitable for “high-fidelity” cinema, it seems logical to start there.
To do this, simply perform the same test as for reverberation: by clapping our hands vigorously, we can already get a sense of how the room “sounds.” If the room has too much reverberation, it is not suitable. Indeed, if with a single noise source (hands) we hear multiple reflections, imagine the result with 8 sound sources (a 7+1 system)…
An OCINEMA private cinema room has a specific and intended acoustic signature. A sensation of a “dull” environment is indeed felt when crossing the threshold of our rooms, which allows it to be recognized from the first second. This sensation may seem unsettling at first, but quickly becomes a reference. One only needs to settle into their armchair and start the film to understand and feel the importance of this privileged acoustic environment. With the Epidaure panel system, the perception capacity is increased.
The acoustic nuisances in untreated private cinema rooms are numerous: excessive reverberation, strong resonances, flutter echoes, high background noise, etc. This leads to poor intelligibility, which is not conducive to “high-fidelity” cinema reproduction. The Epidaure panel system guarantees perfect coherence between sound and image.
Acoustic treatment has the advantage of being permanent and unaffected by equipment evolution. Indeed, upgrading from 5+1 to 7+1 or from 7+1 to 11+2 does not invalidate the room’s treatment, provided it has been carried out diligently. Thus, an OCINEMA private cinema room can evolve technically or aesthetically, but it will always be optimized to receive audio and video equipment.
By installing an acoustic false ceiling over the entire surface of the room. This false ceiling comes in two forms:
The acoustic false ceiling provides homogeneous absorption over the entire room surface.
The plenum (air gap) enhances the false ceiling’s effectiveness at low frequencies and also allows for discreet cable routing or lighting installation.
It is not mandatory, but recommended to maintain good room insulation. The most effective solution in this regard is the acoustic airlock, composed of 2 successive doors opening in opposite directions. Reductions of around 55dB are possible.
A key element in a cinema room, acoustics consists of:
The challenge of acoustic correction with sound sources lies in the behavior and interpretation of sound, which are often misunderstood and underestimated. It is at the heart of our expertise. We are therefore proactive in offering recommendations that combine your wishes with exceptional listening quality.
Although a private cinema room is ideally installed in a blind room (without windows), it is entirely possible to keep existing windows and other openings. Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain perfect darkness (blinds or shutters). Equipped with thick velvet curtains, these will have a scenic effect as well as an absorbent role to prevent any sound or light reflection on glass surfaces.
Ventilation is highly recommended for air renewal in the room. This involves a fresh air inlet at one end of the home cinema room and an extraction at the opposite end (via an HVAC system with an extraction capacity equivalent to 3 times the room’s volume per hour).
Regarding air conditioning, it is optional, but it is the most effective solution for maintaining an ideal temperature regardless of the number of people in the room and the projection duration. The location of the home cinema room within the house should also be considered. For example, in a buried or semi-buried basement, air conditioning may not be necessary, but it can become indispensable if your home cinema room is in the attic. In summer, the ambient temperature can rise to over 35°C.
More than an ideal surface area, it’s about having well-proportioned room dimensions. For example, a square room should be avoided for acoustic and ergonomic reasons, as should a corridor-shaped room. The optimal ratio is between 1.5 and 2 (length/width ratio). The golden ratio (approximately 1.62), used for a very long time in the artistic world (music, architecture…), also yields very good acoustic results in private cinema rooms.
There’s no need to think that 70 m² are required to create a beautiful home cinema room. Most of our private cinema rooms are between 20 and 30 m². However, it should be noted that the minimum surface area required to guarantee a total sense of immersion and a large-format image cannot be less than 15 m².
The idea may seem crazy, dedicating an entire room in one’s house or apartment solely to the pleasure of the big screen… And yet, it is indeed a revolutionary idea to enhance your home on the one hand and to experience extraordinary sensations daily on the other, and this dream is accessible to everyone; you just need to integrate it into your real estate or decorative project.
To create a private cinema room, it is necessary to have a convertible 15 m² room. This room can be located anywhere in the house, from the basement to the living floor, to the upper floors, or even in an outbuilding. There are no constraints that OCINEMA cannot manage to create the private cinema room that suits you within your home.
Why 15m²?
3 criteria must be taken into account to meet the standards of a cinema room:
OCINEMA, by taking charge of the layout of the private cinema room, will adapt the materials and processes according to your space’s configuration. Whether the room is cubic or in the attic, with a high ceiling or with many light points, our experience allows us to adapt to all challenges to ensure, in any case, an extraordinary viewing, listening, and comfort quality and to make your private cinema room the space that will transform your home into an exceptional place where life is more than good.
Visit our gallery and discover different styles of private cinema room designs. It’s HERE.
Carpet undeniably improves the room’s reverberation, but in a limited frequency range (mainly mid and high frequencies). Parquet flooring can be considered if the walls and ceiling are treated, the latter preventing the formation of vertical flutter echoes.
It is also possible to combine parquet and carpet to give the room a warm appearance and, if the parquet-covered area is ideally placed, to increase early sound reflections. However, be careful of light reflections from the screen on glossy parquet, which can greatly bother image purists.
Yes, it is entirely possible to replace cinema seats with a sofa. This is, in fact, the configuration of one in three private cinema rooms. While a cinema seat fits more into the imagination of a cinema room, a sofa generally offers a more interesting width/number of seats ratio, and its cost is more advantageous. Various configurations exist, including chaise lounges for lying down, to which you can add cushions to enhance comfort.
Your private cinema room can find its place anywhere in the house, from the basement to the attic, including a habitable room or an extension. From just 15 m², you can make your dream a reality.
Depending on its location in the dwelling, the construction constraints will not be the same: sound insulation, acoustic correction, thermal insulation, air treatment… Obviously, a blind room in the basement, often surrounded by load-bearing walls, will be ideal for sound and thermal insulation. On the other hand, particular attention will need to be paid to a room in the attic (sound leaks and air treatment). Conversely, using a habitable room (e.g., a bedroom), even if it is more easily accessible, may require reinforcement of sound insulation compared to neighboring rooms.
Yes, it is possible to transform your living room into a home cinema, but in this room, you will never achieve the same listening quality as in a dedicated cinema room. That’s why we will assist you in acoustically treating at least part of your room, depending on the sound, layout, and decoration constraints of your living room. The cinema library is also a solution to get the best image and sound quality in your living room!
OCINEMA supports you at every stage of your project!
1) The first contact to imagine your future room together.
Contact us by email contact@hocinema.com, at +33 3.44.66.30.99, or via our contact form to discuss your project.
2) The preliminary draft to validate the feasibility of your project.
Based on the plans and photos you provide, our design office will produce within 10 days: a 2D plan and a personalized study.
3) The detailed project to precisely define your project and provide you with a proposal.
We take measurements of the room to be equipped and verify the conditions under which the project can be carried out. Then we refine your project with you regarding the choice of audio/video equipment, furniture, and decoration.
4) Implementation: after the project is signed, we ensure the custom manufacturing of certain equipment and procurement.
We are responsible for creating detailed custom plans, manufacturing, and procuring audio, video, and various supplies.
5) Installation to bring your cinema room to life!
A team will install it at your home; installation duration is 2 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the room.
6) Handover to guarantee the performance of your cinema room over time.
We are also by your side to evolve your room according to your desires and technological advancements.
Depending on the complexity of the room (insulation and acoustic treatment, electricity, layout, finishing, electronic equipment) and its surface area, installation can take between 2 and 4 weeks by our teams.
We operate throughout France and abroad.
The standard and most common format is 16:9, allowing for the viewing of films as well as television programs or concerts. However, for purist cinephiles, the Cinemascope format is essential as it reproduces the original format without black bars and with a large width. This process nevertheless requires specific equipment (anamorphic lens, among others) and the intervention of a specialist.
Yes, our rooms are fully compatible with 3D projection, for several reasons:
It is not essential, but it is much more comfortable to be able to adjust the lighting from your seat rather than having to get up at the end of the session to turn it back on. Moreover, lighting management is most often synchronized with the home cinema equipment and on the same remote control. It is therefore possible to create scenarios, where the light dims as the film starts, for example.
Yes, it is possible to watch television (also in HD) via a set-top box, a DTT decoder, a satellite or cable demodulator. You will thus enjoy the best conditions to experience your favorite shows, sports broadcasts, documentaries, films, etc., in a very large format.
The standard and most common format is 16:9, allowing for the viewing of films as well as television programs or concerts. However, for purist cinephiles, the Cinemascope format is essential as it reproduces the original format without black bars and with a large width. This process nevertheless requires specific equipment (anamorphic lens, among others) and the intervention of a specialist.
In addition to classic equipment (DVD, Blu-ray, CD players, TV), it is possible to connect, for example, game consoles, computers, media centers, digital cameras or camcorders, MP3/MP4 players…
This is an electromagnet that transmits vibrations to a rigid structure. This product, used in our vibrating platforms, is powered by a power amplifier connected to the audio chain. Connected to the subwoofer output of your amplifier, it does not require specific codes to function. It can be used interchangeably with your movies, concerts, or video games.
An IR (infrared) remote control requires you to “aim” at the device to be controlled. An RF (radio frequency) version, on the other hand, can pass through walls or obstacles. Since most audio/video devices are only controlled by infrared, the multifunction remote controls offered by OCINEMA generate a radio frequency control wave. This wave is sent to a receiver that converts the radio frequency code into infrared to transmit it to the devices to be controlled. This notably allows equipment to be moved out of the room and controlled remotely.
The THX standard is primarily a set of specifications encompassing various recommendations that go beyond the mere acquisition of labeled audio/video equipment. OCINEMA private cinema rooms also adhere to a specific set of acoustic, ergonomic, and technical criteria, enabling this equipment to optimize its performance. This coherent system guarantees you the best projection and listening conditions. For instance, the very short reverberation times in our private cinema rooms (under 0.5 sec.) can meet DOLBY DIGITAL standards.
A vibrating platform operates using the previously mentioned product, the Buttkicker. This platform allows chairs or sofas, located on a decoupled base, to vibrate in synchronization with the subwoofer. This significantly enhances sound effects such as explosions or rumbles, and strengthens the sense of immersion by stimulating our tactile senses.
Our experts are available to discuss your requirements and offer a customized solution.
Let’s discuss your ideal cinema room.