This brief was fairly typical of a solution to provide extra space for a family, of parents with two children, who wanted a better environment for them all to enjoy, without having to move house.

A loft conversion was the answer and a part of the space was used to provide a home cinema and games room. The original request was for a projector and screen system to show DVDs and Sky HD television in 5.1 surround sound and which also had to play music well. The system had to have ease of use for all the family.

THE INSTALLATION

On seeing the plans, it became apparent that a projector and screen could not be used because the throw ratio, seating distance and light levels would not work.

Our recommendation therefore, was to supply and install a large HD plasma screen, which we recessed into the wall for a neat appearance.

The equipment was hidden away in a utility cupboard to leave as much floor space in the room as possible. In order to control the system simply, we provided a remote control system where the remote was fired at a discrete sensor positioned underneath the screen. A combination of satellite and in-ceiling speakers with twin subwoofers provided the required sound quality.