Control the room
Light hitting the screen washes out the picture. Blackout shades and dimmable lights give you control.
Bias lighting
A soft light behind the screen reduces eye strain and improves perceived contrast.
Dim in stages
Lights that fade smoothly feel more like a theater. Scenes can dim lights when you press play.
Shades
Motorized blackout shades close with the same button that starts the movie.
Make it one button
Put it all in a Movie scene so lights, shades and the TV respond together.
Layers of light
Great theater rooms use several layers: step and aisle lights for safety, sconces or cove lighting for a warm glow during intermission, and bias lighting behind the screen. Overhead cans are usually the first to go dark when the movie starts because they cause the most glare on the screen.
Color and color temperature
Warm light (around 2700K) feels relaxing between movies. Some theaters add color-changing LED in coves or a star ceiling for effect. Keep light off the screen surface during playback.
Scenes that make sense
- Enter: lights at a comfortable level, shades closed
- Movie: lights fade out, bias and step lights stay on low
- Pause: lights come up partway so people can move
- End: lights up, shades open
Common questions
Can lights dim automatically when a movie starts?
Yes, with Control4 or a lighting system tied to the theater. See Control4 home theater.
What's bias lighting?
A soft light behind the TV or screen that reduces eye strain and makes the picture look more contrasty.
Do you install theater lighting?
Yes. See LED lighting.