Home Theater vs Media Room

Both are great sources of entertainment, but in different ways. A home theater is a room dedicated to watching movies. The seating is focused entirely on the screen. It can be a modest theater with a sofa, a flat screen, and surround sound. Or it can be a huge screen, projector, acoustic treatment, multiple rows of theater seating, and spectacular sound that exceeds that of a movie theater. Some even have a ceiling that looks like a starry night sky. And everything in between. What they have in common is a single purpose, watching movies. 

A media room is multi-purpose in nature. The seating is arranged for social interaction. It can still have a large screen and projector, but there may be smaller flat screen TVs around it or even on other walls. This kind of space is more conducive to having people over for a football game or a movie, but the lights are still on and talking is not a cardinal sin. Surround sound can still be part of the mix, but acoustic treatments and theater seating usually aren't. While the movie experience is not as intense as a home theater, this type of room gets more regular use.

Both of these require thorough planning, effective collaboration between trades, and good communication between the client and the A/V company. When done correctly they can enhance your life, bringing people together for quality entertainment.