Home Theater Design for New Construction

Integrating a home theater into new construction unlocks possibilities impossible to achieve in retrofit conditions. 

For specifiers—architects, builders, and designers—these projects offer a chance to shape home entertainment spaces from the ground up, with deliberate intent and technical precision at the forefront of the project. When the objective is performance-driven design, no component can be left to improvisation.

We build every home theater space with Sony’s engineering excellence as a foundation. As a Diamond Dealer, we work exclusively with Sony’s reference-class projectors and receivers to deliver unmatched visual and auditory clarity.

Success begins at the blueprint stage with a comprehensive plan, and goes from there! Below are critical design considerations we make throughout our process, from initial framing to final calibration.

MORE FROM SONY: The Ultimate Sony Home Theater Experience for Movie Buffs and Gamers

1. Speaker Placement: Sculpting the Sound Field

Home theater sound should envelop and anchor the listener, drawing the viewer deeper into the story with each frame. Speaker placement plays the role of conductor in this orchestration.

A Dolby Atmos layout begins with core channels—left, center, right—and expands into height and surround layers. Positioning drives impact. Front speakers align with ear level at the primary seat. Surround channels arc behind and to the sides, elevated by a few degrees. Height channels follow gridlines above the seating area, equidistant and symmetrical.

Framing and ceiling plans should accommodate architectural speakers. Specifiers can reserve cavities and chase paths for in-wall and in-ceiling models early in construction to avoid costly adjustments later. We coordinate with design and build teams so speaker placement aligns with other elements like lighting, ductwork, and structure without sacrificing audio performance.

2. Structured Wiring: Engineered for Longevity

Wiring should anticipate what’s needed now and what might be needed later as technology continues to evolve. Structured cabling supports 4K and 8K video, immersive sound, control systems, and future upgrades without further disruption to walls or millwork.

Audio and video signals rely on consistency and protection. We specify shielded speaker cable, Cat6A, and conduit runs for projector and screen connectivity. Dedicated power lines, isolated grounds, and centralized rack locations enhance reliability and performance.

No detail is too small when we’re planning for a custom home theater. During early mechanical and electrical phases, rack placement, ventilation, and service access must also be considered. Sony receivers and sources often live in custom millwork or hidden AV closets, requiring ventilation strategies and cable management paths that preserve access without visual clutter.

3. Screen Positioning: Framing the Visual Experience

Sony’s projection technology deserves a screen designed with the same level of care. Screen dimensions, throw distances, seating layout, and lighting strategy all factor into visual performance.

Ideal sightlines begin at the primary seating location. The bottom third of the screen aligns with the viewer’s eye level. Projector placement depends on the specific Sony model’s lens characteristics, and we calculate mounting positions based on throw and image size requirements.

Ambient light control shapes contrast and clarity. Motorized blackout shades, layered lighting control, and dark finishes around the screen enhance Sony’s dynamic range and color depth. Pairing Sony projectors with Stewart Filmscreen or Screen Innovations surfaces completes the system with fidelity and form. You can see this for yourself in our showroom.

4. Acoustic Design: Commanding the Invisible Elements

Visual beauty means little without acoustic control. Reflections, standing waves, and noise pollution all compromise the theater experience. Strategic acoustic treatment corrects these variables before they become problems.

We integrate broadband absorption, bass traps, and diffusion panels behind stretched fabric or within wall cavities. HVAC isolation, low-noise fans, and baffled ducts minimize distractions. Every decision serves clarity, immersion, and focus.

Our team provides renderings and acoustic models to support collaboration with architects and designers during the schematic and framing stages, resulting in a sound performance as refined as it looks.

Precision Requires Partnership

Outstanding home theater experiences begin long before drywall goes up. Collaborating with Home Theater of Long Island allows you to match the design intent with the technical power required for an immersive movie-watching experience!

Let’s engineer something extraordinary. Visit our showroom in Manhasset or call 516-365-HIFI to start a conversation.