Home Theater vs. Media Room: Which Is Right for Your Home?

"Home theater" means different things to different people. For some it's a dark, dedicated room with a projector and rows of seats. For others it's a family room with a big TV and sound that finally does movies justice. Both are great. The right choice depends on how you'll use the space.

The dedicated home theater

A dedicated theater is a room built for one thing: watching. You control the light completely, so a projector and large screen look their best. Surround speakers can be placed exactly where they should be, and the room can be treated to keep sound in.

• Best for: movie lovers, sports nights with friends, and homes with a spare basement room or bonus room.
• Trade-off: it's a single-purpose space, and it works best with little or no daylight.

The media room

A media room is an everyday living space that also happens to have great picture and sound. Usually that means a large TV (often over a fireplace), speakers built into the walls or ceiling, and simple control. Family time, game day and movie night all happen in the same room.

• Best for: families, open floor plans, and rooms with windows.
• Trade-off: daylight limits projector use, so a large TV is usually the better choice.

Projector or TV?

Projectors give you the biggest picture and work best in rooms you can darken. Today's large TVs are brighter, handle daylight well and are easier to live with every day. If the room has windows you won't cover, start with a TV.

What makes either one great

• Simple control. One button should turn everything on. If guests can't use it, it isn't finished.
• Hidden wiring. Cables in the walls and equipment in a cabinet or closet keep the room clean.
• Speaker placement. Good placement matters more than expensive speakers.

Real examples

See this stacked-stone great room, a media room with TVs set into the fireplace walls, and our home theater page for dedicated theater options.