Home theater enthusiast Frédéric decided to transform his 25 m² living room into a true immersive projection space. His goal was to design a 9.2.4-channel installation capable of competing with a dedicated room, while blending harmoniously into his interior. The system uses Focal in-wall speakers, a motorized projection screen and voice-activated control via Alexa, complemented by a custom-built technical rack to centralize the electronics. He was heavily involved in the project over a period of four months, drawing the plans and carrying out much of the work himself, including the installation of a star ceiling that plays an integral part in the experience. A personal and accomplished project, where every detail has been carefully thought out.
Journey and tourning point
When did you become interested in home theater?
Initially, my greatest passion was music. I started playing electric guitar in high school, and sound has always been an important part of my life. But in reality, I was immersed in the audio-video world from a very early age, because my father and older brother were already passionate about it: VHS movies, stereo systems, vinyl records… it was all part of everyday life at home. When I was 25, I installed my first home theater.
What did your installation look like before this one?
I already had a fairly sophisticated 7.2.2-channel installation in the living room. I was very satisfied with it, especially as it had been highlighted by Son-Video.com at the time. But even so, I had this little idea in mind: to go even further.
What made you want to switch to a more advanced system?
The real turning point came when we bought our new house. That’s when I said to myself: “Okay, you’re starting from scratch… so you can do exactly what you want”. It was an opportunity to completely rethink the installation, not just the equipment, but also everything you don’t necessarily see: the integration, the acoustics, the ambience. I wanted something more immersive, but above all better thought out as a whole.
The project
What was your main objective in launching this new private room project?
I wanted to create a real cinema cocoon. A cosy and original space, where you forget you’re in a living room… but without breaking the harmony of the space. The integration had to be seamless, the aesthetics meticulous, the acoustics optimized, and the sound even better than before.
What was the most important constraint (budget, space, aesthetics, technical…)?
For me, it was the aesthetics. I spent an enormous amount of time imagining, testing things out, changing my mind, going back to something else… until I fell in love with it. Once I’d made the right choice, the technical side of things followed logically.
Well, it was a bit of a headache all the same… but it was an excellent and highly instructive challenge. Clearly, on a project like this, patience is essential.
Did your project evolve along the way? If so, how and why?
Yes, it did. Even though I stayed true to the original concept, there were a few adjustments along the way. For example, the starry ceiling is a little lower than I’d initially planned, because the acoustic treatment ended up taking up more space.
As a result, I had to completely rethink the perimeter lighting. But that’s one of the advantages of doing everything yourself: you can adapt as you go.
Technical choices
Why did you choose this configuration (audio/video)?
I had been using a 7.2.2-channel system, so upgrading to something more immersive made perfect sense. I really wanted to enhance the sense of immersion while maintaining smooth integration.
I opted for in-ceiling speakers, even for the surrounds. And for speakers like the center and rear surrounds, I positioned them on tilted supports to achieve better alignment with the listening position.
What was the hardest decision you had to make?
Without hesitation: the ceiling. Everything started from there. Its choice conditioned the integration of the speakers, the acoustics, the lighting… everything.
I absolutely wanted to keep the existing beam, so I had to work with it.
In the end, I created two zones: one in the front with acoustic starry sky panels, and a second in the back with a drop ceiling incorporating acoustic treatment. And visually, the LED lighting underlines these two distinct areas.
Was there anything that had a particularly strong impact on the final result?
Yes, clearly the lighting. I wanted a real atmosphere, not just functional lighting. To be able to switch from a soft light to a cinematic atmosphere in a matter of seconds.
The LED strips integrated into aluminum profiles with opaque black covers create a clean look. It’s a small detail… but one that completely transforms the room’s finish.
Difficulties encountered
What did you most underestimate at the start?
Time… definitely. Even if you already have experience, every detail takes an enormous amount of time. And because you want to do it right, you can easily spend hours on things that will hardly be noticeable.
What was the main difficulty or problem?
The starry ceiling, without hesitation! 600 fiber optic strands had to be installed one by one, then glued, then the fabric had to be stretched properly…
It was long, very long.
But it’s also one of the parts I’m most proud of today. And I added a little personal touch that was very dear to me: a constellation in the shape of an “F”, in homage to my eldest son.
Is there a mistake you wouldn’t make again today?
I didn’t install a second HDMI cable for the projector in case of failure, something I’d planned for in the old installation…what can I say?
Day-to-day experience
How do you use your installation today (films, music, TV…)?
I alternate between hi-fi and movies, thanks to a switch that lets me toggle between my two amps. It’s the best of both worlds.
You can go from watching TV to watching a movie in a matter of seconds. Everything is voice-controlled with Alexa: lights, equipment, blinds… everything adapts automatically. I love the concept of the living room being transformed into a cinema. I think it’s magical to see the screen unfolding in front of the TV.
Is there a moment or a movie that made you think, “This was totally worth it”?
During the first movie test: Top Gun Maverick. That, clearly, was a moment of pure satisfaction.
The switch to 9.2.4 completely changes the immersion. At that moment, you forget all about the four months of work. You simply enjoy it.
What is the reaction of those who discover your installation?
Very often the same in two stages: First, the visual “wow” effect. Then, secondly, the reaction during a demo.
Projection has that captivating quality that immerses people in the film immediately. But honestly, the most important one for me is my wife and kids. And the fact that they love the result is probably the greatest reward of all.
The equipment
- Panasonic DP-UB9000 EG1 (4K UHD Blu-ray player)
- Sony VPL-VW590ES (4K projector)
- Zidoo UHD5000 (Multimedia player)
- Marantz Cinema 30 (AV receiver)
- Samsung TQ75QN80F (Mini LED TV)
- BC Acoustique Nil (Floorstanding speakers)
- BC Acoustique Axios (Center speaker)
- BC Acoustic Tamise (Surround speakers)
- Focal 100 ICW8 (Atmos speakers)
- Emotiva XPA 11 (Power amplifier)
- Emotiva XPA 5 (Power amplifier)
- Myryad Z142 (Hi-fi amplifier)
- Xtremscreen Daylight 325 cm (motorized projection screen)
- XTZ 1×12 (Subwoofer)
Trade-offs
In what areas did you have to compromise?
Striking the right balance between aesthetics and performance: incorporating the equipment, acoustic treatment, and the “dedicated room” vibe without spoiling the living room… or scaring the wife!
On the other hand, what were you absolutely determined not to compromise on?
The acoustic treatment. Even though I hid part of it under the starry ceiling, there were elements that had to remain visible.
And as a music lover, I really like the look of the acoustic panels.
Looking back, what would you say was the best investment you made?
The 3.25 m ALR screen! I though about going smaller… but that would have been a mistake. With a 4-meter setback, visual immersion is perfect.
And, conversely, something that might not have been so worthwhile?
Honestly…nothing; I’m really happy with it.
If you had to do it all over again today, what would you do differently?
Today, I wouldn’t change a thing. And that’s a good sign!
What would you like to improve on your current setup?
Maybe I’ll upgrade the projector someday—why not the Sony XW6100ES? But for now, I’m just enjoying it. And that’s what matters most.
A few tips
What advice would you give to someone wishing to embark on a similar project?
If I had to give one piece of advice: think of the project as a whole. Don’t rush, think about everything: speaker positioning and configuration, image type, integration, cable routing, electronics placement…
Make plans, get inspired, test ideas. It’s this foundation work that makes all the difference, in my humble opinion.
What mistake do you often see beginners make?
Don’t go into too much detail about settings. Even with very modest equipment, the right positioning and setting can make all the difference. The opposite is also true…
Who would you recommend an installation like yours to?
For anyone who’s passionate, a bit of a do-it-yourselfer and highly motivated. Because beyond the result, there’s also the fact of having created something personal and with your own hands. And that’s something to be proud of.
