You may be asking…”what’s the difference between a media room and a home theater”? Well, good question!

Today the term “Home Theater” is used quite loosely to describe a room with a dvd player and surround sound, but a true “Theater Room” is one dedicated solely for reproducing the real-world theater experience .

A theater room has no windows, or any sources of light for that matter, when the door is closed. A theater room uses a projector to display video and has strict dimensions to conserve proper acoustics.

A theater room also uses rows of elevated seating so several people can be accommodated. Theater seating is designed to be comfortable yet ridged enough so you don’t fall asleep, as well the seat backs are designed so as to not block sound from behind.

A media room is more commonly found in homes today. The media room contains all of the equipment and speakers you will need to watch DVD’s in surround sound but is contained within a room which is multi-purpose, like a family room.

Most families just don’t have the space to dedicate an entire room as a theater so they choose to integrate all of there electronics in a room more centrally located in the home for all to enjoy. Media rooms don’t necessarily contain a projector but may have a regular tube television, projection screen TV or even a plasma. Media rooms almost always contain windows and couches are the most popular seating style.

A trend today is to try and hide media room electronics in cabinets or closets, and have the speakers installed in the walls, ceilings or behind clothed cabinet doors.

A room where electronic equipment is hidden from untrained eye is sometimes referred to as a “stealth room”.