History demonstrates that we, humans, are creatures who have always enjoyed different forms of entertainment beginning from watching puppetry and theatre to enjoying music and dance. And over the period of time, we have coined the term, pop culture, and the advent of technology has brought the whole concept of entertainment and experience to new heights. 

With technology becoming the superhero that influences every single factor of our life, it is no wonder that movies and music which already have a special place in our hearts have also created a unique space in our homes. High tech sound systems, dynamic projection screens, fancy viewing glasses, and a dedicated room called a media room or home theatre essentially tenfolds our experience.  Owing to these advancements, we have been able to give a new meaning to what we now know as the new-age entertainment experience. 

Watching movies and series at home

With OTT platforms playing the show-stopper when it comes to entertainment as we know it today, it is no doubt that we have started watching more movies and shows at home than in theatres. These platforms along with the sports industry growing at super speed have not only changed our perspective and modes of entertainment but have also compelled us to invest in excellent quality screens and systems so that we can enjoy the immersive experience at home, just like we would have at a cinema. 

If you are also the one who draws joy from watching movies, shows, and sports games, it is time that you invest in a feature-rich screen so that you can enhance your enjoyment. 

Listening to music at home

When there is no comparison to enjoying a singer singing live in a concert or on a stage in a theatre, listening to music at home is an experience in itself too. Music at home is liberating. Why? Because it is your go-to companion no matter what you are doing – taking a shower, cooking dinner, feeling like dancing your heart out, partying, or even feeling like having some background music while you are performing your mundane task. And high-tech sound systems are the ultimate solution to an experience that just makes your day as you enjoy the beauty of music. 

Considering that you are the one to engulf these experiences with wide arms, we at Lumina strongly recommend that you get the right screens and sound systems so that you get the best of all worlds when you are enjoying movies or music in the comforts of your home. 

To know how we can help you, give us a call on 022 2850 3040 or write to us at info@luminascreens.com

Before we dive into how to enhance the entertainment experience with light-resistant screens, first, let’s define what an Ambient Light Rejecting Screen, also known as an acoustically transparent screen, is. 

Primarily, it is a screen-type that rejects light from all directions. It utilizes nine layers of optical filters to reject 85% of ambient light and gives you a tenfold increase in contrast.

Ambient Light Rejecting Screen

A projection screen that prevents ambient light from washing out the projected image. These screens are available in various materials, among which Aeon Cinegray is quite popular. 

The major advantage that essentially enhances the entertainment experience is that the ALR screen allows the viewer to view movies or play video games without having to turn off the lights in the room. This type of screen also improves image quality because it is made of a unique material called CineGrey. While this material looks rougher under the microscope, it also has a fancier texture.

When comparing ALR screens, you should consider how much ambient light they reject. 

Grey screens with a light grey tint are still diffuse reflection surfaces because a grey tint will improve contrast only if it helps absorb ambient light, and a darker grey is best for a proper ALR screen. 

One of the reasons why ALR screens are also an excellent option for home theaters is that they allow for greater contrast and a sharp image, which basically means, an immersive experience at home. 

Why ambient light-resistant screens? 

• Traditional projection screens are created on the basis of specular reflection, which causes challenges with glare and the spotlight effect. ALR screens solve this by extending light rejection features and enhancing anti-glare functions. 
• Regular projection screens have flat screens which reflect more light towards the ceiling which essentially means less brightness. ALR solves this issue by bringing in uniformity.
• ALR has an adaptive design that can effectively deliver light to the viewers. 

Among many, some of the projection screens available that extend the immersive experience are manual projection screens, floor-rising screens, electric projection screens, etc. To know more about projection screens for your home theatre, our experts can help you pick the right one – considering your room design, preferences, and other requirements.

When one hears the word home theatre, the image that most comes to mind is a dedicated room in a corner of the house, usually unused or belonging to someone who is a serious cinephile. But that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right installation, you can have a dedicated space that can be a part of your family area or outdoors in an entertainment space.

It is easier to have a dedicated custom theatre that doubles up as a family room than the other way around. With the former, you can set up the room with wall acoustics, screens, and projectors to yield the best images and sound imaginable. It also allows you to design a room to your liking, whether you wish to go for a multiplex theme, a casual family room feel, or a themed room in accordance with your interests. Adding elements like ottoman seating will give the room a multifunctional feel where the entire family can gather and spend time together even without screening something. It also gives you the liberty to design the room to resemble a multiplex or even have a specific theme dedicated to your favourite movie or sports team.

Despite the charms of big-screen TVs, the best feel of a home theatre can only be had with a projector and a screen. The latter is especially important as it will dictate the image quality and the entire experience. To enjoy an immersive viewing experience par excellence we recommend choosing from the wide range of Lumina screens to match your every need. And what is a home theatre without audio? A good Dolby Atmos surround sound system will help you achieve an unprecedented detailed soundscape that adds another layer to your adventure.

If you wish your home theatre to double up as a family room, then you can also create a theatre that is only present when you need it. This means in-ceiling speakers for an unobtrusive immersive surround sound and a screen that retracts and rolls up to free up the walls to show off your decor. 

Don’t want your viewing experience to be restricted to indoors? Then create an outdoor setup with weatherproof equipment and an ALR screen like Leor 17 from Lumina that works excellently in ambient light. Add in some landscape speakers and while you might not get the best-optimized sound that you would get in a dedicated theatre, you will be able to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars. 

Home theatres need no longer be boring stuffy rooms, used only for special occasions. With a little effort you can enjoy a room that is both functional and enjoyable.

Home theatre decor in the olden days used to be just about pointing the seats of your choice in the direction of the screen. If one felt like splurging then they would also soundproof the walls and dim the lights. However, the concept of a media room has been steadily on the rise. In India, media rooms also double up as family rooms where the family catches up after a long day. This is why the decor has become a vital element for these rooms now. If you are planning a home theatre, here are some ideas you can use for a modern room that meets your needs.

Colour play

Neutrals or solid colours are best suited for a home theatre to reduce visual distractions, adding a pop of colour here and there would not go amiss. Add it to the cushions, curtains, or printed upholstery for a stylish look that does not distract from the action on the screen.

Wooden accents

Nothing beats wooden accents when it comes to a naturally luxurious look. Wooden paneling, artwork, etc add a cozy look to your home theatre while its neutral tones don’t distract from the media being screened. A word of advice though, it is best to avoid wooden furniture for the sake of comfort while sitting for long periods of time.

Comfortable seating

One is likely to spend long periods of time sitting in a home theatre, streaming the latest blockbusters or gaming. This makes comfy seating crucial. While it may be tempting to keep recliners, or bean bags as your primary seating arrangement, it isn’t the ideal option for a shared family space. A combination of sofas, sectionals, and recliners are your best bet for comfortable seating options. A plush rug for those who prefer to sit on the floor is also a great idea!

Great lighting

The days of simple on and off lighting are gone. Dimmable lights are in, especially where home theatres are concerned. This will help make the shift from shared family space to dedicated home theatre easier. Stylish wall sconces, LED strips, etc make your home theatre an elegant look and add a luxurious touch. If you wish to not watch your movies in total darkness then an ALR screen like our Leor 1.7 is a great idea.

Decor

Retro movie posters or stylish wall art, the options for decor are limitless when it comes to decorating your home theatre. Glass frames should however be used judiciously as the light reflecting off it can be a distraction. The idea is to create a casual space where people come to unwind. 

Good theatre system

While this is not strictly a decor item the need for a good theatre system cannot be stressed enough. After all, it is the major function of the room. Speakers that match your decor, a good projection system, and most importantly, a fantastic Lumina screen is a must for any home theatre. 

So there you have it, smart decor ideas for your home theatre. Which one will you use in your home? Let us know in the comments. 

When it comes to installing a home theatre, even the smallest details can matter. For example, the black border around the projection screen. It may seem like an insignificant detail but it has a huge impact on the quality of your image. More so if the image being projected is a high definition one as most projectors available in the market provide a high level of brightness.

So why the black border? Well, firstly, it works to increase the brightness of the image. The difference in brightness between image and border tricks the brain into thinking that the image is brighter. You might think that improvement is only perceived, thus it may not be noticeable but that is not true. The effect is not only noticeable, lack of a black border also makes the image on the screen appear washed out, something that one does not want in a home theatre.

The other reason why the black border exists is to absorb the excess light on the edge of the image. This helps to compensate for the projector’s imperfections and gives the image an overall even tone. The black border also makes the edge of the image a little more softer, rather than the harsh edges of the projector image. The border absorbs the light, makes the edges less noticeable and creates an enjoyable and immersive viewing experience.

What material should my border be made from?

Fabric is the best bet for a black border that evenly absorbs the light and softens the edges. Black velvet is the most common fabric that is used. Some projector screens use a metal border but that ends up defeating the purpose of the whole exercise as it reflects the light instead of absorbing it. If a fabric is not your thing then you can also opt for tape that can be applied to the borders. No matter what material you use, you should ensure that it is even and covers all the borders of the screen. Do not try to paint the border unless you are a professional artist with a very steady hand as you may end up ruining the expensive screen. 

But why put yourself through the hassle of applying or painting borders on your projection screen? The best solution is to purchase a Lumina screen which comes with a Lumina Frame pre-fitted. This along with the superior image quality and HD rendering that is the hallmark of the brand. So the only thing you will have to worry about with regards to your projection screen is which OTT series or movie to watch on it.

Whether you play Switch, PS5, XBOX, or even gaming PCs, projector screens are a fantastic way to upgrade your gaming experience. Not only can you enjoy immersive gameplay but gaming on projector screens also reduces eye strain, and gives you exceptional image quality. Still unconvinced? Let’s take an in-depth look at how you can upgrade your gaming with projector screens.

1. Reduced eye strain: With fast-moving images and long hours of play, it is quite common to feel eye strain while playing on a monitor, but with a projector screen, you are not directly staring at the pixels and sitting further away so an immense amount of strain is lifted from your eyes. Since projector screens cover a larger area than a conventional computer screen, you will not feel the need to sit close to the screen to catch all the action.
2. Adjustable settings: One can adjust the brightness of the TV but since a projector’s performance primarily has to do with brightness, it is better at it. With a projector, you can also change the screen output size, unlike TVs. This way you can increase or decrease the image size on the screen and enjoy viewing from an unlimited amount of angles and positions in your home theatre or living room.
3. 10x more immersive gaming: Why be restricted to a small screen when you can upgrade to a projector screen and experience immersive gaming? Multiplayer games and split-player games are so much more fun to play on a projector screen where you can see much more of the game area. Besides, projector screens thrive in low and dark light conditions so you can enjoy a much better and more immersive gaming experience where you can actually feel as if you are in the game itself.

So what considerations should you have while opting for a projector screen for your gaming den? Firstly the screen, no matter how great the projector is, the screen is the make or break part of the deal. Not all projectors work with all screens. A poor screen will end up ruining your experience with distorted, blurry and off centred images. A good screen, like the Leor 17 from Lumina Screens for example, elevates the gaming experience 10 fold. It offers 1.7 gain for brighter images and works great in ambient light conditions so you don’t have to play in complete darkness unless you want to. You can enjoy 16k resolution for a mind-blowing immersive experience and great images too. A good projector is also important as it should have Low Input Lag as the only disadvantage of gaming on a projector screen is the small amount of lag as compared to a TV. A projector with a good refresh rate will give you crisp and smooth images with great graphics. It is ideal to have a projector with a refresh rate of 120hz or higher for the best results. Also, if you are planning to install your setup in a room smaller than 9ft in length then you should opt for a short-throw projector.

So there you have it. Gaming is a great way to unwind and make new friends. Upgrading the experience with a projector screen only makes your gaming more enjoyable and immersive. Happy gaming!

Installing a home theatre can be a daunting process as much as it is exciting. And choosing the right size and system will surely enable you to indulge in an immersive viewing experience. One of the most challenging parts is choosing the right screen size. Here we’ll help you learn the ABCs of picking the right screen size for your home theatre so that you can get an unparalleled cinema experience through the right projection. All you need is a tape measure and a calculator.  

Screen size is subjective, find your right fit!

The screen size must be selected depending upon multiple factors including – 

1. Size of the room
2. Seating arrangement and capacity 
3. The primary purpose (likes/dislikes) 

After identifying your unique requirements, you can choose the right type, size and features of the screen so that you receive a viewing experience you have imagined. 

With screen type, pick the right ratio!

First of all, decide which one of the two aspect ratios (16:9 and 2.40) you should pick for your home theatre. For the majority of people, it’ll be a 16:9 aspect ratio because all flat panel television and most front projectors are a 16:9 ratio. You can talk to our expert on info@luminascreens.com, to know which the right ratio for your home theatre is. 

Pull out your measure tapes!

First of all, measure the distance from the screen to your seating positions (front and main). If your seats are designed in a way that they could be easily shifted as per your preference, you may choose your screen size accordingly. For further steps, make a note of your distance and pull out your calculator. 

If you prefer the middle row seat in a commercial theater, and your screen is 16:9 ratio, you are more likely to find a 30-degree field of vision perfect. For a 2.40 widescreen, a 42-degree field of vision is better. To understand more in detail, talk to our experts. 

A few points you must keep in mind while choosing the right size of your home theatre screen –

1. Find the screen that fits in your room
2. 4K has made bigger screens popular
3. The easiest and foolproof way to find the right size is by calculating/referencing where you prefer to sit in a movie theatre
4. Take measurements and calculate accordingly 

As we mentioned in the beginning, choosing the right screen can be a complex process especially when you are relatively new to the understanding of these aspects. However, once you have chosen the right size, the viewing experience you will receive is quite unparalleled. Therefore, to make it easier for you, we are here to help you understand and pick the right elements for your home theatre. Talk to our experts at +91 77188 80150

When we think of home theatres we usually think of a dark, draped room much like a mini theatre in a room. But modern home theatres are evolving. They are now rapidly becoming a part of the family or media room. With the trend of replacing flat-screen TVs for 4k UST projectors picking up the move is becoming more mainstream.

For all its attractiveness, this trend does have one major downside. Ambient light. The main reason why home theatres were dark in the first place.  Using a normal screen in a darkened room gives a lower amount of light for the screen to reflect. In a brightly or even dimly lit room however traditional matte white or grey screens just have too much light to reflect, leading to a dull, washed-out image. This is where Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens come in handy.

So what makes ALR screens different? Let’s begin by looking at how a screen reflects light. Common screens will reflect whatever light is thrown on it uniformly and in all directions. These are what are known as diffuse reflectors. Light is reflected in multiple angles as compared to a specular reflector that reflects light exactly opposite to the one to which it arrived, such as a mirror. Now a point to be made here is that not all projector screens are purely diffuse reflectors. They may also unidirectionally reflect light. This is done to increase the brightness of the reflected image (gain) within a certain area (viewing angle).

An ALR screen selectively reflects the light to the audience. This is made possible by positioning the projector and screen in such a way that while the light of the projector is reflected perfectly back to the audience, the ambient light is directed away. This is done through Angular Reflectivity or optics.

Angular Reflectivity is when the screen works somewhat like a mirror. A light thrown down at an a15-degree angle from the projector will reflect upwards at a 15-degree angle. The optics method, like the one used in the Leor 17 screen, diverts the ambient light away from the audience. This is done through multiple layers with various layers having different absorption and reflectivity properties with lens-like elements. This can also be referred to as a lenticular structure.

ALR is not completely foolproof though. If the ambient light hits the screen from the same direction as the projector then the screen will be unable to negate the light. ALR works best when the ambient light is diffused like reflections off walls, recessed or overhead lighting or outdoor light. Some ALR screens also have issues with hotspots which screens like Leor 17 eliminate through a reflective layer with ultra-fine particles. These screens also cost more than the average screen which will drive up the price of the home theatre on the whole.

ALR screens are a great option for those who want to replace their traditional tv with a projector screen for a more immersive experience. It helps make the home theatre more of a casual family space than a separate formal room.

With newer and more transmissible variants on the rise, the Covid-19 pandemic seems here to stay. While cinema theatres have reopened across the country, the hesitation to spend 3 hours breathing the same air as other people remains. But everyone still misses the cinema hall. No matter how much one can stream movies and shows on one’s handheld devices or television, the theatre remains the ultimate viewing experience. This is the main reason why many people are now installing home theatres. Planning to install one of your own? Here are the top 5 trends to keep in mind as we head into 2022. 

• A multi-use room: Modern homes come with a scarcity of space. So instead of a dedicated room only for screening, the modern home theatre is a multi-use room where the entire family gathers to unwind. Whether it be by watching movies or streaming shows, or simply gaming, the home theatre is now a part of the heart of the family. 

• High-speed internet: Gone are the days of DVDs and tapes. Unless one is a serious collector, most people now prefer to stream their entertainment from the plethora of OTT services on offer. This requires a good and reliable high-speed internet connection. After all, who wants to see the dreaded buffering sign in the middle of a thrilling chase or romantic moment? 

• Comfy ottomans instead of chairs: When most of us imagine a home theatre we imagine a mini-theatre-like space complete with stadium seating. While some people may still enjoy such a space, the trend these days is for comfortable recliners or loungers to relax in while binging their favorite shows. And with binge sessions that last hours, comfort is of utmost importance.

• Soundbars: Multiple speakers scattered throughout the room were the ultimate sign of someone who took their sound seriously. But that isn’t true anymore. Sleek soundbars have now established themselves in the home theatre. Now one can enjoy an elevated auditory experience with a lot less clutter and wires. 

• Superior screen: This is the most important element in a home theatre setup. Whether one uses it for gaming, streaming, or movie viewing, a good quality screen, like a Lumina screen, is a must. For the audiophile, Lumina offers Accupix Pro, an acoustically transparent screen, perfect for setting up a 3D surround sound system in one’s home theatre. For those craving an immersive visual experience, the Splendora 14 screen with invisible joints is the best choice and for those who want a wider viewing angle, Lumina’s Satin Premium screen is the perfect fit. 

The screen is the focal point of all home theatres and can make or break the atmosphere. This is one trend that will never go out of style. 

So there you have it, 5 trends to keep in mind while designing a super trendy home theatre. Which one did you like best? Let us know in the comments!

The modern-day theatre experience does have its charms but also comes with major drawbacks. Rushing to buy the best seats in the theatre, running to make the show, paying for parking and overpriced snacks, and finally trying to listen to the film over the neighboring people chatting away. Now imagine watching the same movie in the comfort of your home theatre. Comfortable seating, snacks of your choice, the liberty to start, pause and rewind at your leisure and last but not least, no loud neighbours. Getting the picture quality right is easy. Just invest in a Lumina projector screen. But what about the sound quality you may ask? Can anything beat the Dolby system of a theatre? Of course! All you will need is an immersive audio system.

What is immersive audio?

Simply put, immersive audio means that the speakers create sounds that the listener perceives as coming from an infinite number of directions. An audio mixer assigns different sounds to different speakers to create a lifelike experience. To understand what immersive audio is we need to understand how sound works. Let’s take the example of a jungle scene with birds flying overhead and a tiger crossing the scene from left to right while from behind the camera the sound of the hunter preparing his gun can be heard.

Mono channel

The most basic is a mono channel. Just one channel and one speaker. So the entire audio will come from that speaker and the audience can pinpoint which direction the sound is coming from.

Stereo channels

Then there is stereo, two channels and mostly two speakers. Left and right. The audience is placed equidistant from both and it would appear as if the sound is coming from the space between the speakers in between. On a very good stereo system, one will not be able to pinpoint the source of the sound to only one speaker. But audio-wise, this still does not give the feel of sitting in the jungle.

Surround sound

This issue was taken care of by surround sound. There are six or eight speakers with one dedicated to bass. This is the 0.1 channel when one speaks of 5.1 or 7.1 systems. These systems usually consist of three speakers, left, right, and center. Another set of three or four speakers is for “surrounding” which are placed to the sides and sometimes behind. The final speaker in the set is the low effects speaker which amplifies the deep bass or explosions. The sound will be divided into multiple channels. So the sound of the tiger walking from left to right will move the audio from the left speaker to the center speaker to the right speaker, giving the actual feel of the movement. The sound of the gun being prepared to shoot will be broadcast on the rear speaker and the low effect speaker will take care of the gunshot.

Immersive audio

But what prevents surround sound from being a truly immersive experience? The birds flying overhead. The element of height is missing in these systems. In our normal world, we experience sounds from all directions. The birds flying above, the cars on the road below our flats, the phone ringing beside us, our soundscapes are multidimensional. With the sound of birds flying assigned to the speakers above, we can now experience the scene as if we are in the jungle itself.

This is a very simplified explanation of a very complex engineering process but what we can gather from it is that an immersive audio system is a must for replicating the theatre experience at home. With the right projector screen, an immersive audio system, and comfy seating, you will be all set to experience the magic of movies from the comfort of your home. Happy viewing!