Ever wondered what peak home cinema looks like?
If you’re thinking along the lines of the best TV in its biggest size + the most expensive pair of speakers you know of, and a really nice reclining couch, you’re not thinking big enough. That’s why people who can afford the absolute best for their home cinema leave that thinking up to the professionals, like the guys at Homemation.
The company recently invited Stuff to check out its latest masterpiece, a newly renovated cinema room that it says is “the largest and most advanced home theatre experience in Africa.” For an estimated cost of R14 million, it’d better be.
A cinema Spielberg would be proud of
You’re probably wondering how much home cinema equipment you can get for R14 million. How does a 177in Stewart Filmscreen made from woven acoustically transparent fabric sound? What about an expertly calibrated Barco Hodr projector that boasts a 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution, up to 7,500 ANSI Lumens light output, and a 48kg weight?
Ascendo was chosen to handle the audio and there are 28 channels in an 11.11.6 Dolby Atmos-capable configuration that totally envelops you in sound. There are six 21in subwoofers behind the screen and four more at the rear that surround an enormous 32in infrasonic subwoofer. Everything was finely calibrated using Trinnov Audio’s ‘WaveForming‘ technology. The result? Unprecedented impact, clarity, and level of detail in the bass.
All those audio channels need proper amplification to power them. To satisfy the room’s power draw and the mix of Ascendo and Trinnov amplifiers, Homemation had to run a dedicated three-phase power line to the control room, which produces around 72,000W in total – 60,000W of that is just of the subwoofers.
Finally, for the “really nice reclining couch”, there are six seats from Moovia. They offer a soft, comfy spot to relax in with motorised adjustments and even RGB in the cupholders to stop you from ruining them with spills.
And that’s just the audio visual equipment (and chairs), there are also over 150m of LED lighting strips and 130 lighting circuits that have been integrated into the acoustic wall and ceiling panels. Even the carpet has a role to play in the room’s acoustic properties.
If all that doesn’t sound like its worth R14 million, we can’t blame you. Although, while that kind of money is difficult to rationalise, you tend to forget about rational thinking when you’re immersed in the very best that home cinema can offer. Besides, it’s far better to experience what all the fuss is about, even if a cinema like this isn’t on your shopping list for 2025. The folks at Homemation might even give you your own private showing if you ask nicely.
