TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Ayala Blvd., Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines

Tel. No. +632-301-3001 І Fax No. +632-521-4063
Email: tup@tup.edu.ph І Website: www.tup.edu.ph

RESEARCH PAPER

ON

HOME CINEMA

In Partial Fulfillment

to the Requirements for the Course of

BUILDING UTILITIES 3: ACOUSTIC AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS

LUIS MANUEL M. GONZALES

TUPM – 21 – 1255

BSA – 3C

ARCH. TERRENCE JAN R. MILO, uap

Instructor

S.Y. 2023 – 2024

Home Cinema/Theater
- It is an audio or video entertainment center that has a large-screen TV or projector
screen with high fidelity audio system with at least three speakers in the front, left, right
and rear for immerse audio experience for the viewers.
- Sound systems and video player equipment used in home cinema set-ups enable home
users to experience a higher-resolution screen image and improved sound quality
depicting the experience of watching inside an actual cinema.
Ceiling Height for Home Cinema/Theater
- When designing a home theater, it must have a proper dimension to meet the low-
frequency energy requirement. Keep in mind that we want this energy to stay in the
room and not bleed out into other rooms within the structure.
- The length, width and height of the room must work with each other and must be
proportional to one another.

Table from https://www.acousticfields.com/home-theater-dimensions/

Optimal Screen Size for HomeTheaters

- Two primary entities take the forefront in establishing the ideal distance for viewing.
These are SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) and THX (a
standard set by Lucasfilm). SMPTE advises a 30-degree viewing angle for a 16:9
screen, whereas THX proposes a 36-degree viewing angle. As the viewing angle rises, it
indicates a closer seating position to the screen.
- Correctly adjusting the viewing distance is crucial, especially concerning HDTVs and
their pixel ratio. Generally, the viewing experience improves as you sit farther away, but
there's an optimal distance to achieve the best results.

Table from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/ideal-distance-for-tv-viewing-4153791

Types of Seating for Home Cinema/Theater
- Recliners: The size of theater recliners varies
among manufacturers. As a rule, dimensions can
be estimated at 34″ wide with side arms, 38″ deep
when upright, and 67″ deep when fully reclined.
For a row of four recliners with common arms,
expect a width of 123″ (over 10ft). Including 30″ of
walkway on each side totals 183″ (15.25ft) for the
minimum room width. Additionally, allowing 18″
between rows, two rows of seats fully reclined
occupy 152″ (12.7ft) front to back.

- Bar Seatings: In a home theater setup,

bar seating mirrors that of a traditional
bar. It involves a shallow bar positioned
behind the last row of recliners, equipped
with high bar stools featuring footrests for
seating comfort. This space can also
serve as a snack area.

- Couches: Using couches in a home theater

creates a more casual atmosphere compared to
traditional rows of recliners. They're also efficient
in terms of space, accommodating more people
due to their width. Unlike recliners, most couches
lack reclining functions, making them less bulky.
These non-reclining versions can seamlessly
blend with recliners without causing a visual
disconnect.

Seat Arrangements and Proper Spacings

- Minimum row spacing requirements vary: 600mm for seats without backrests,
750mm for seats with backrests, and 850mm for chairs. Each seat must have at least
300mm of space between its back and the front of the seat behind it.

- To ensure all seats have an unobstructed view of the screen, risers, or raised seating
platforms, are typically required. This elevates the sightlines of viewers in subsequent
rows above those in front.

o The height difference between rows must not surpass 400 millimeters.

o A second row may require a raised platform of at least 7 inches (177 millimeters)
to enable clear viewing over the front row.
 - According to the National Building Code of the Philippines, Section 1207. Stairs, Exits
and Occupant Loads, with standard seating, the spacing of rows of seats from back-to-
back shall not less than 840 millimeters. With continental seating, the spacing of rows of
unoccupied seat shall provide a clear width measured horizontally, as follows: 450
millimeters clear for rows of 18 seats or less; 500 millimeters clear for rows of 35 seats
or less; 525 millimeters clear for rows of 45 seats or less; and 550 millimeters clear for
rows of 46 seats or more. And when it comes to the width, it must not be less than 450
millimeters.

Proper Spacing for Aisles

- According to the National Building Code of the Philippines Section 1207. Stairs, Exits
and Occupant Loads, every portion of every building in which are installed seats, tables,
merchandise, equipment, or similar materials shall be provided with aisles leading to
an exit.
- Every aisle shall be not less than 800 millimeters wide if serving only one side, and not
less than 1 meter wide if serving both sides. Such minimum width shall be measured at
the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle, or foyer and shall be increased by 30
millimeters for every meter in length towards the exit, cross aisle, or foyer.

Optimal Sound System Setup

- The speaker system setup in a cinema room depends on factors like room design,
budget, and client preferences. While TV-based cinema rooms can rival projector-based
ones in audio quality, each system has its unique setup considerations. In projector-
based systems, front channel speakers are typically placed behind an acoustically
transparent screen, while in TV-based setups, a custom-made soundbar beneath the TV
combines front left, center, and front right speakers. Larger TVs enable wider soundbars
with improved audio performance due to larger drive units, enhancing the overall sound
quality.

Sound Proofing a Room for Home Cinema/Theater

- Damping entails the utilization of semi-solid substances to reduce sound by
decelerating vibrations. One approach involves incorporating acoustic panels across
the home theater space to absorb sound waves and prevent their reflection or escape.
Alternatively, opting for home theater carpeting instead of hard flooring can effectively
dampen sound.

- Choose solid, dense doors for your home theater to contain noise within the room.
Apply draft stoppers at the bottom of the door to reduce any noise leakage through the
gap underneath.

- Use suspended light fixtures or low-profile fluorescents instead of recessed light

fixtures. Built-in light fixtures require to drill holes in the ceiling which creates space for
sound to escape. Consider using subtle lighting options or wall-hung sconces.
 REFERENCES:

Bedinghaus, T., OD. (2023, May 5). The ideal distance for TV viewing. Verywell Health.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/ideal-distance-for-tv-viewing-4153791

CustomControls. (n.d.). https://www.customcontrols.co.uk/blog/the-ultimate-home-cinema-

design-guide/#speakers

Foley, D. (2022, October 20). Home Theater Dimensions – Acoustic Fields. Acoustic Fields.

https://www.acousticfields.com/home-theater-dimensions/

Jaramillo, C. (2023, August 4). How to Soundproof a home theater - a comprehensive guide.

Octane Seating. https://octaneseating.com/blog/soundproof-home-theater/

Llc, A. F. (n.d.). Home theater seating layout: 5 key design and placement tips. Acoustic

Frontiers LLC. https://acousticfrontiers.com/blogs/articles/home-theater-seating-layout-5-

key-design-and-placement-tips

McMillen, H. (2024, February 6). How to choose the best home theater screen size. Audio

Advice. https://www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/how-to-choose-the-best-home-

theater-screen-size

PCMag. (n.d.). Definition of home theater. PCMAG.

https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/home-theater

National Building Code of the Philippines