Question That Enthusiasts Need Answered
Dear Gary: It seems the Internet chat boards are in conflict as to what the definition of a home theatre is? On one side, some say it can be a 27-inch television and a receiver in the comfort of the family room. Others say, to be precise, it has to be in a dedicated space, with acoustical treatments, a calibrated projector, calibrated audio, and meet certain performance criteria (e.g. dynamic range, SPL max, bass extension). I am dedicated hobbyist. I built a dedicated space with a reputable designer, have had my projector (Qualia) ISF certified by my installer, and have reached an HAA grade of “A” with my sound. The room has been professionally treated acoustically. Extension is solid (level) to 12 Hz, and dynamic range is off the scales. All channels are digitally equalized. HVAC is specially designed and is virtually silent, while cooling and AC power is all balanced (Equi=Tech). Admittedly, I have gone to great lengths to achieve a near-perfect environment and in doing so, feel that such a place deserves a more exclusive name. Not for ego, mind you, but so that a pinnacle or goal is out there for those to chase ( a theatre Valhalla of sorts)! I have been using 'Screening Room' in referring to my own place (Le Petit Trianon), so as to separate it...like the wheat from the chaff. However, I have noticed you have made no differentiation of such. You are one of the top authorities in the hobby, and your opinion would be appreciated. You have “home theatres” in your home and the “Reference Holosonic Spherical Surround Home Theatre Laboratory” at the office. As nice as your home set ups are, certainly, the “Holosonic Theater” is far and away a place above the others at home. How would you differentiate this and do you think it is necessary for the integrity of the hobby to do such, as theatre set-ups of all calibers are popping up at every retailer and home all over the U.S.? Can average Joe throw his center loudspeaker on his 19-inch TV and call it a theatre? I say not. What are the true hobbyists to do? I mean the ones who are true fanatics and after the ideal in their own, dedicated spaces? What do you say on this topic? It seems that the art and science of “home theatre” has come to a crossroads. Fantastic magazine!
Jeff Mardo, Detroit, Michigan
mailto:almightyblando@hotmail.com
Editor-In-Chief and Publisher Gary Reber Comments:
I have used the term “performance theatre” to describe those home theatres that exhibit “the best that it can be” in both video and audio performance. These theatres are dedicated theatres equipped with electronics, displays, screens, and loudspeakers that can achieve state-of-the-art or near ideal performance in all respects. However, as a general class, a home theatre experience at varying levels of performance can be achieved with smaller screen sizes, smaller, non-full-range loudspeakers, and generally good electronics. I think an organization like the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) needs to adopt a “performance class” award category, giving recognition to dedicated theatres that attain the highest standards of video and audio performance. At present, CEDIA awards are weighted far more toward aesthetics and decor’ than absolute performance. In the end, probably the most important viewing characteristic of a “home theatre” is that the display be a widescreen display. This is one aspect of the experience that should not be compromised, unlike bass-managed audio to work with a subwoofer and small, non-full-range loudspeakers. One of the “loose ends” is the lack of a single surround sound standard that optimizes multichannel audio performance for movie soundtracks, surround music recordings, gaming soundtracks, and HDTV programs. This has been a long-term concern of mine and I have been an advocate for setting a new surround sound standard for recreating imaging-specific and focused 360-degree “holosonic” soundfields that truly suspend disbelief and aurally transport one into the visual setting. It is my hope that the creators of “home theatre” entertainment will bring about this more exceptional level of experience, using at least six to eight channels of discrete audio.
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