Home Theater Design & Installation in Orange County
The art of cinema, in your own home. A private theater designed, engineered, and calibrated so the room disappears and the movie is all that's left.
Watching movies should transport you to another world.
A great film is art. It takes you out of your own life and puts you where the writer and director wanted you to be. You feel the helicopter pass overhead, you hear the whisper in the back of the room, and for two hours your own day is gone. A home theater should do that every time you press play, without the crowd, the phones, or the schedule.
Available options
- Room measurements and a 3D design model
- Screen size, seating, and sightline planning
- Coordination with your builder, architect, or designer
- Acoustic treatment for the walls and ceiling
- Riser and seating layout
- Speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers
- Equipment rack with proper ventilation
- Picture calibration and sound measured at every seat
- Theater lighting tied into the system
- One button scenes and training for the household
What pulls you out of the movie
What you get instead
Strangers talking, phones lighting up, and someone kicking your seat.
A dark, quiet room with people you know and love.
Twenty minutes of ads before the film starts.
The movie starts when you press play.
Sound set loud enough for the back of a 300 seat room, and harsh up front.
Sound tuned for your seats, clean at full volume and clear at a whisper.
A dim picture you watch from whatever seat was left.
Video so vivid you'd swear you witnessed it firsthand.
A showtime that fits their schedule, not yours.
Movie night whenever you want it.
No pause button, no subtitles your way, and sticky floors.
Pause for the kids, the phone, or the popcorn.
No privacy. Everyone sees who you came with.
Your seat, your blanket, your drink, and complete privacy.
Problems we hear about all the time
Sometimes we get the call to come to the rescue. Here's what usually went wrong, and what we do so you don't have that experience.
"It doesn't feel like the movies."
The equipment was picked off a showroom floor, not for the room. We design the room first, then choose speakers, amplifiers, and a screen sized for it, with enough power that explosions hit hard and stay clean.
"I'm always reaching for the volume."
Dialogue is muffled and the action scenes are too loud. That's a speaker placement and tuning problem. We place the center speaker correctly, treat the room, and calibrate so voices stay clear without turning everything up.
"The bass booms in one seat and disappears in another."
Every room has spots where bass piles up and spots where it cancels out. We use acoustical treatment to combat the nuances that affect sound and give you a near perfect room every time.
"The picture looks flat or washed out."
The wrong projector for the room, the wrong screen, or light leaks. We match the projector, the screen, and the room's light, then calibrate the picture so blacks are deep and colors look real.
"Nobody else in the house can turn it on."
Four remotes and a list of steps means the theater sits empty. Ours start with one button. The lights, screen, projector, and sound all come on together, and anyone in the family can do it.
"Half the time there's sound and no picture."
Most of those failures come from cheap cables, bad connections, and gear that was never set up to work together. We design and test the whole signal path, and we support it remotely after the install.
"The whole house hears the movie."
Sound travels through walls, ceilings, and ducts. Acoustic treatment helps a lot, and when we're part of the build we plan real isolation so only the theater hears what the theater is doing.
"Our installer disappeared."
We design it, install it, and stay on call. When something needs attention, you have one company to call, and we often fix it remotely before you even notice.
The parts that make it feel real
A projector and screen matched to your room and how far back you sit, or a large TV when the room has daylight. Deep blacks, bright highlights, and colors professionally calibrated to look the way the film was graded.
Speakers built for cinema, tuned to your seats, with speakers overhead for Dolby Atmos so sound moves around and above you.
Amplifiers with plenty of headroom. That's what lets a door slam or an explosion hit with full force and still sound clean, not strained.
Subwoofers you feel in your chest, not just hear. Placed and tuned properly so every seat gets the same impact.
A theater processor that measures the room and corrects it. It's the difference between good speakers and speakers that sound great in your room.
Acoustic treatment, a dark room, the right seating and sightlines, and lighting that fades away. The room is half of the experience, and it's the part most people skip.
Every one of these has to be right. One weak link, like a great projector on the wrong screen or big speakers in an untreated room, and the whole experience falls flat.
Projector or a big TV?
The answer depends on the room more than the budget.
| Projector and screen | Large TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Best room | A room you can make dark | A room with windows or daylight |
| Picture size | 120 inches and up | Up to about 100 inches |
| Feels like | A real cinema | A very big, very bright TV |
| In daylight | Washes out unless the light is controlled | Stays bright and punchy |
| Hides away | Screen can drop from the ceiling and disappear | Always on the wall, or in a lift cabinet |
| Upkeep | Laser projectors last many years with no bulbs to change | Nothing to maintain |
In a dedicated room you can darken, a laser projector on a big screen is the experience people picture when they say home theater. In a bright family room, a big TV usually looks better, and that's where a media room makes more sense.
Which one fits your house
Most of our theaters start one of three ways. Which one fits depends on the room you have and whether walls are open.
Convert a room you already have
- Best for
- A bonus room, a basement, a spare bedroom, a third car garage or a formal living room nobody uses.
- What's included
- Measure the room, model it in 3D, then plan wire paths, speaker locations, and treatment around what's already there. Seating, screen, and lighting are sized to the space.
- Keep in mind
- Some drywall work is usually needed for wire and in wall speakers. Windows and doors may need covering to get the room dark.
Build it into a new home or remodel
- Best for
- New construction or a remodel where the walls are open.
- What's included
- Work with your architect and builder on room size, soundproofing, HVAC, lighting, and the riser. We prewire everything before drywall and install at trim out.
- Keep in mind
- This gives the best result, but it has to be planned early, before framing and the electrician's rough in.
A media room instead
- Best for
- A family room or great room that has to stay a living space.
- What's included
- A big screen or a screen that drops from the ceiling, great sound, and shades and lighting that handle daylight.
- Keep in mind
- You trade some of the full cinema experience for a room the whole family uses every day.
What drives the cost
What saves money
Room size and seats. More rows mean a riser, more speakers, and a bigger screen.
Planning before construction. Moving a wire or a speaker location on paper is free. Moving it after drywall isn't.
Construction. Building a room from scratch or adding soundproofing costs more than converting a finished room.
Putting money in the room first. Treatment and calibration make modest equipment sound expensive.
Projector or TV. A high end laser projector and screen is a bigger part of the budget than a large TV.
Reusing what still works. A good receiver or speakers can sometimes move into the new room. We'll tell you honestly when it isn't worth it.
Speaker layout. A 5.1 system and a full Dolby Atmos layout with speakers in the ceiling are very different projects.
Building it to grow. Prewire for extra Atmos speakers or a second subwoofer now, and add them later.
Acoustic treatment. Basic panels or fully designed fabric walls.
Seating and finishes. Theater recliners, custom fabric walls, star ceilings, and lighting details.
- Which room are you thinking of, and how big is it?
- Can that room be made dark, or does it get daylight?
- How many people usually watch at once?
- Is it mostly movies, sports, gaming, or all of it?
- Does the rest of the house need to stay quiet while the theater is on?
- Is a new build or remodel coming up?
Home theaters we've installed
Real projects, photographed on site. Tap any photo to see it larger.
How we do it
Every theater starts with the room and how you want to feel in it. We measure it, build a 3D model so you can see the screen, seating, riser, and treatment before anything is built, and only then choose the equipment. Then we install it, calibrate the picture and sound, program one button control, and stay on call after.
3D model before we build
See the finished room, including sightlines, screen size, riser, and materials, and approve it before any construction begins. No surprises at the reveal.
Acoustics designed, not decorated
Reflection control, bass traps, and keeping the sound in the room. The biggest factor in how a theater sounds, and the one most installers skip.
Picture and sound picked together
Projector and screen chosen for your exact room size and light. Speakers placed for your seats.
Calibrated by measurement
The picture is calibrated and the sound is measured and tuned at every seat. You see and hear the movie the way it was made.
One button to run it
Lighting, shades, climate, projector, sources, and volume on one scene. No stack of remotes and no lessons for guests.
Media rooms too
Not every home has space for a dedicated theater. We build media rooms that align with your home's aesthetic and perform like a real cinema.
From first walkthrough to a system you actually use
Big projects go wrong when nobody explains what happens next. Here is exactly how a project runs, start to finish.
- 01
Consultation
Whether you have an existing home or are building a new space, our unique line of questioning draws out your lifestyle and how you'll actually live in the space. From there, we establish how we can enhance your home and optimize the living experience.
- 02
Design & proposal
You get a designed system with a written proposal: what goes where, what it does, and what it looks like. Theaters include a 3D model, so you see the finished room before anything is built.
- 03
Installation
We work with your builder, electrician, and designer to ensure a smooth, cohesive execution. Cables are run neatly and properly, speakers are placed precisely in relation to lights and other fixtures, everything is straight and level, and racks are built to be serviced. The job site is left better than we found it.
- 04
Programming & calibration
Scenes are built around your routine and customized for the time of day. Video is calibrated to show what the director intended you to see. Audio is measured and tuned for peak performance. It's a step many rush through; we take our time.
- 05
Training & support
We sit down with you and everyone in the household to make sure everyone knows how to drive it. Then we stay reachable with remote monitoring and support, because sometimes things get forgotten.
Guides worth reading first
Straight answers we'd give you on a walkthrough, written down.
JVC NZ900 vs Sony XW7000ES: The Projector Choice Your Room Makes for You
Sony replaced the XW7000ES, so the real matchup is JVC NZ900 vs Bravia Projector 9. Contrast, gaming, lens and price, and why your room decides.
Read the guideJBL Synthesis SDP vs Trinnov Altitude: What You're Actually Choosing Between
The JBL flagship runs Trinnov room correction, so the brand isn't the real choice. Channel count, bass handling and system cost decide it.
Read the guideRevel Salon2 vs Focal Sopra N°2: The Comparison Everyone Makes Wrong
Revel Salon2 or Focal Sopra N°2? What the specs mean for your amplifier, subwoofers, room and total cost, from an Orange County installer.
Read the guideHome Theater vs. Media Room: Which One Does Your House Actually Need?
A dedicated theater or a media room? How to choose based on your house, your budget and how your family really watches. From an Orange County installer.
Read the guideWhy You Can't Hear the Dialogue on Your TV (and What Actually Fixes It)
Whispered dialogue, loud explosions, remote always in hand? It isn't your hearing or a cheap TV. Here's why it happens and the fixes, from free up.
Read the guideHome theater questions, answered
Straight answers to what people actually ask before starting a project like this.
How much space do I need for a dedicated theater?
About 15 by 20 feet fits two comfortable rows on a riser with proper treatment and good sightlines. Smaller rooms work too. We've built great single row theaters, but the design has to be tighter, and we'll tell you up front what a room can and can't do.
Projector or a large flat panel?
It depends on light control and how far back you sit. In a room you can make dark, a 4K laser projector on a 120 inch or larger screen is a cinema experience nothing else matches. In a bright room, a large TV usually looks better than a washed out projected image. We check the light in the room before recommending either.
Can you build a theater into an existing room?
Yes, and most of ours are conversions: a bonus room, a basement, or a formal living room nobody uses. We plan wire paths, soffits, and HVAC around what's already there, which is exactly what the 3D model is for.
How long does a home theater take to build?
A dedicated theater with construction, treatment, and calibration usually takes several weeks from demolition to handover, depending on the trades involved. A media room in an existing space is much faster. You get a schedule with your proposal.
Do you handle the construction, or just the equipment?
We design the room, install the systems, and coordinate directly with your contractor and designer on the construction. You're not stuck managing four companies who blame each other.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Atmos adds speakers in the ceiling so sound can come from above you, like rain or a helicopter passing over. In a dedicated theater it's worth it. If the budget is tight, we'd rather put the money into treatment and calibration first and prewire the ceiling speakers for later.
Will the rest of the house hear it?
Some, unless the room is built for it. Treatment helps a lot. Real soundproofing, like double drywall, sealed doors, and isolated ceilings, has to be planned during construction. We'll tell you what's possible in your room.
Can my family actually use it?
Yes. One button starts a movie, one button turns everything off. The remote and the keypad only show what you need, so kids, guests, and grandparents can run it without calling you.
What clients say
“I had the pleasure of working with Ashkan on multiple AV installations in the past 10+ years. His team performed a complete update of the media room which includes a multi-screen projection home theater, music server, whole house audio, dedicated 2Ch HiFi system, as well as Crestron automation for AV, lighting & shades. The most recent project is a second HT AV system for the family room/kitchen remodel. It's a complex installation & we're very happy with the job. Ashkan is always professional, responsive & reliable with excellent after sales/installation supports. Highly recommended.”David NgOrange County · Home theater & whole house audioVerified Google review
“I have worked with Ashkan Baghaee for over seven years. He and his team installed and since have maintained the AV, WiFi, and camera systems at our house. They at all times have been effective, professional, and responsive. I have recommended Ashkan to numerous neighbors, friends, and relatives, and those who have worked with him have provided very positive reports. I will continue to recommend Ashkan to anyone in need of his services.”Don DickersonOrange County · AV, Wi-Fi & camerasVerified Google review
“I have worked with Ashkan for 3-4 years. He did a extensive AV job on our Newport Beach home. He did a great job. In addition, as with any extensive AV job/project they'll be a need for follow up. Ashkan has always made himself available and been quick to help with any AV issues. A Pro from start to finish and he will stay with you to make sure your happy. Highly recommend”Mike MNewport Beach · Whole home AVVerified Google review
Get a real proposal for your home theater project
Three quick questions and we'll come back to you within one business day. No obligation, and no pressure if the timing isn't right.
- On site walkthrough of your space
- Written proposal you can compare line by line
- Honest scope, including what to skip
Home theaters across Orange County
Every city on this list has its own installation realities: coastal corrosion, canyon access, estate lot distances. Find yours.
Systems that belong together
Media Room Design
A family room by day and a theater by night. We design media rooms that give you the experience of a real cinema without compromising your home's aesthetic.
Learn moreLighting Control
Centralized lighting that replaces banks of switches with a single elegant keypad. Scenes are designed room by room and by time of day, so every space is lit with purpose.
Learn moreSmart Home Automation
One system that runs your lighting, climate, audio, video, shades, cameras, and entertainment, controlled from a touch panel, a keypad, your phone, or your voice, from anywhere in the world.
Learn moreLet's design something worth living with.
Free consultation, no obligation, and a written proposal you can actually compare. We'll walk your space and tell you honestly what's worth doing.