Metro Creative Connection
Not so long ago many
homeowners were racing to
outt their homes with home
theater spaces. If spaces allowed,
homeowners would transform
rooms into dark, theater-like
retreats, complete with large
screens, surround sound and
reclined seating. Interest in such
spaces has waned in recent years,
with many homeowners opting
for media rooms instead. So what
is the dierence between these
spaces?
According to HGTV, a home
theater is a room designed to
replicate the experience of the
cinema. A media room is a
multipurpose space where people
can gather to enjoy any type of
media, from TV to music to
gaming systems. Home theaters
tend to limit activity to watching
movies. However, homeowners
interested in more versatile paces
may nd media rooms are much
more practical.
A media room is an option
for families who want a theater
experience in common areas or
open-concept living spaces, says
Digitech Custom Audio and Video
System Integration Specialists.
Media rooms frequently feature
comfortable, customizable seating,
rather than rows of seats facing
the screen that are standard
in home theaters. Guests can
converse in media rooms while
enjoying a show, streaming
music or gaming. Various design
layouts are possible, including
furniture that conceals electronics
so the media room can be an
entertainment lounge one minute
and a theater the next.
Because media rooms are
not as isolated as home theaters,
the acoustics in such rooms
may be compromised. at's a
disadvantage for homeowners
who have invested heavily in
sound systems for their media
devices. Sound from media rooms
also may lter out and disturb
others in dierent rooms of the
house. However, uy sofas,
drapery and carpeting can absorb
sound and keep it in the room.
Homeowners who like to
entertain while watching or
listening to media may prefer the
exibility of media rooms, which
make it easy to stream movies and
music and play games.
Media rooms
now edge out
home theaters
OZARK LIVING • JANUARY 2020 • 39
