Dolby Authorized Home Theatre - Level 2, Best Home Cinema finalist, APAC 2024

In the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China, where historic elegance intersects with contemporary flair, a sanctuary of cinematic luxury unfolds. This is no ordinary home theatre; it’s an exquisite melding of one man's zeal for top-tier audio-visual experiences and the captivating elegance of Italian sports cars. The ‘Dolby Authorised Home Theatre’ project, crafted by Sentiment Electronic Technology, showcases a seamless integration of cutting-edge technology with refined design.

The client, an aficionado of luxury who possesses several high-end residences, aimed to eclipse his previous Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) private home theatre, aspiring for a sophisticated 3D sound audio system that could deliver the enchantment of commercial cinema into his dwelling. Sentiment Electronic Technology, celebrated for their exacting craftsmanship, proposed a Dolby-authorised home theatre, ensuring adherence to Dolby’s commercial specifications for acoustics and video. This project was not merely about crafting a home cinema; it was about replicating a commercial cinema experience within a private residence.

Incorporating all Dolby-branded audio products ensured that the theatre conformed to the highest standards. With over 32 channels of speaker layout, the system was engineered to produce immersive soundscapes, precisely reproducing the dynamic movement of sound objects. Collaboration with Dolby was rigorous, involving the Dolby Audio Room Design Tool and thorough communication with Dolby engineers. The outcome was China’s first residential Dolby-certified project, a remarkable achievement highlighting the precision and commitment of the team involved.

The interior design drew inspiration from the client’s cherished Lamborghini sports car. Ambient linear lighting, echoing the sleek contours of a Lamborghini, together with cinema chairs from the Lamborghini Casa Luxury Furniture brand, infused the space with an air of velocity and opulence. The lighting accents, dynamic and contemporary, were designed to respond to the sound effects of the client’s favoured concerts, facilitated by the Madrix lighting system. This innovative system allowed the ambient lighting to adapt and react to the rhythm, sound pressure, and frequency of the music, creating a fully immersive visual and auditory experience.

A centralised control system integrated lighting, equipment, comfort systems, and the DCI movie server, offering user-friendly, one-touch control accessible to all family members. This level of integration ensured that the intricate technology remained approachable and straightforward, capturing the essence of modern smart home systems.

The sound system was a marvel of engineering. With Dolby-branded processors, power amplifiers, and speakers, the system delivered unparalleled audio fidelity. The complex curved acoustic panels ensured each screen channel speaker was accurately aimed at the centre listener, maintaining vertical alignment with the curved acoustic transparent screen. Behind this screen, two dual 18” subwoofers provided ultra-low frequencies, complemented by two additional 18” subwoofers at the rear. These subwoofers, strategically placed in isolated concrete boxes, addressed room mode issues and delivered powerful, room-filling bass.

The comprehensive viewing experience was further enriched with the inclusion of streaming content from platforms like Apple TV and various Chinese video services, catering to the diverse preferences of the client. Every aspect of this home theatre was designed to offer an unmatched cinematic experience, blending luxury, technology, and ease of use.