Turn any room into your own private cinema. Dolby Atmos sound, stunning 4K visually, and a design that fits your home perfectly.
From compact media rooms to dedicated cinema suites, we design and install home cinema systems that bring the big-screen experience home. Based in Maidenhead, we work with homeowners across London, Surrey, Berkshire, and beyond.
There's something special about watching a film the way it was meant to be seen. The rumble of bass you feel in your chest. Dialogue so clear you catch every whisper. An image so sharp and vivid it pulls you right into the story.
A properly designed home cinema delivers all of this—without the queues, sticky floors, or overpriced popcorn. It's your own private escape, ready whenever you are.
At Modal AV, we've spent years perfecting the art of bringing cinema home. We handle everything from the initial design through to the final calibration, creating spaces that look beautiful and sound extraordinary. Whether you're converting a spare bedroom, transforming a basement, or building from scratch, we'll guide you through every step.
Not every home can accommodate a dedicated cinema room, and not everyone needs one. We offer two approaches, each designed to deliver an exceptional experience.
A dedicated cinema is built for one purpose: total immersion. The room is light-controlled, acoustically treated, and optimised purely for watching films. When you dim the lights and press play, the outside world disappears.
This option works best if you have a spare room, basement, or outbuilding you can commit entirely to entertainment. Most dedicated cinemas seat four to eight people in proper cinema seating, with screen sizes starting around 100 inches.
A media room is a multi-purpose space that handles cinema duties brilliantly while still functioning as a living room, playroom, or family space. You might have a large TV or a projector that descends from the ceiling, with speakers hidden in walls or furniture.
This approach suits homes where space is at a premium or where the room needs to serve multiple purposes. The experience is still far superior to a standard TV setup—you'll enjoy immersive surround sound and a picture that makes streaming services look their best.
Every home cinema we install is built around three fundamentals: exceptional sound, stunning visuals, and effortless control. Here's what goes into making that happen.
Dolby Atmos places sounds precisely where they belong—not just around you, but above you too. Helicopters sweep overhead. Rain falls from the ceiling. Soundtracks gain a depth and realism that traditional surround sound simply cannot match.
We install Atmos systems ranging from 5.1.2 (the entry point for overhead sound) through to 9.4.4 configurations for larger rooms. Speakers can be mounted in ceilings, built into walls, or positioned on stands—whatever works best for your space and décor.
A good projector is the heart of any cinema room. We work with native 4K projectors from Sony, JVC, and Epson, selecting the right model based on your room size, ambient light levels, and budget. For dedicated cinema rooms, laser projectors offer superior brightness, wider colour range, and a lifespan measured in decades rather than years.
Screen selection matters just as much. We install fixed screens for dedicated rooms and motorised screens that disappear into the ceiling for multi-purpose spaces. For rooms with speakers behind the screen, we use acoustically transparent materials that let sound pass through without compromise.
Nobody wants to juggle five remote controls just to watch a film. Our installations include intuitive control systems—typically Control4 or similar—that let you start your cinema with a single tap. Lights dim, blinds close, the projector warms up, and your streaming service appears on screen. It's cinema made simple.
Great speakers in a poor room will always sound disappointing. We address room acoustics with fabric wall panels, bass traps, and strategic absorption—all designed to complement your interior design rather than dominate it. The result is dialogue you can actually hear and bass that's powerful without being boomy.
We believe in transparency. Too many installers hide behind "contact us for a quote" without giving any indication of investment levels. Here's what you can realistically expect.
Perfect for media rooms and smaller dedicated spaces. This tier includes a quality 4K projector, motorised screen (up to 110 inches), 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker system, AV receiver, basic acoustic treatment, and smart control. You'll enjoy a genuine cinema experience that outperforms any off-the-shelf solution.
Typical room size: 3m × 4m or larger
Our most popular option for dedicated cinema rooms. Expect a native 4K projector with HDR support, larger screen (up to 130 inches), 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration, comprehensive acoustic treatment, professional calibration, and integrated lighting control. This is where home cinema truly comes into its own.
Typical room size: 4m × 5m or larger
For those who want the very best. This tier features reference-grade laser projection, premium speaker brands, luxury cinema seating, star ceiling lighting, custom joinery, and full room design. Every element is selected and positioned for maximum impact.
Typical room size: 5m × 7m or larger
Several factors influence your investment: room size (larger spaces need more speakers and bigger screens), projector choice (laser versus lamp, native versus pixel-shift 4K), seating requirements (standard sofas versus motorised recliners), acoustic challenges (some rooms need more treatment than others), and the level of automation you prefer.
We'll discuss all of this during your consultation and provide a detailed, itemised quote with no hidden costs.
You don't need to start from scratch to transform your viewing experience. Many of our clients come to us with existing systems that need refreshing.
Perhaps your projector has seen better days. Maybe you'd love to add Dolby Atmos but aren't sure where to start. Or perhaps your system has never been properly calibrated—you'd be amazed at the difference this makes.
Our upgrade services include projector replacement (lamp to laser, HD to 4K), Dolby Atmos speaker additions, control system modernisation, and professional ISF video calibration. Sometimes a few strategic improvements deliver dramatic results without replacing everything.
Every project follows a proven process designed to deliver exceptional results without unnecessary stress.
We start with a conversation—either at your home or over video call. We'll discuss what you want to achieve, assess your space, and understand your budget. There's no obligation and no pressure. This meeting typically takes an hour.
Our design team creates a detailed proposal including equipment specifications, room layouts, and 3D visualisations showing exactly how your cinema will look. You'll see speaker positions, screen placement, seating arrangements, and lighting design before we begin any work.
Our engineers handle all installation work, from running cables to mounting equipment to building out acoustic treatments. We coordinate with other trades if you're in the middle of a renovation, and we leave your home clean and tidy at the end of each day.
Once installed, we calibrate every component to perform at its best in your specific room. Display calibration ensures accurate colours and contrast. Audio calibration optimises speaker levels, timing, and room correction. This step transforms good equipment into a genuinely exceptional system.
We walk you through everything, ensuring every household member knows how to use the system confidently. You'll receive full documentation and details of our ongoing support options.
Based in Maidenhead, we serve London and the surrounding Home Counties. Our team regularly works in:
Central and West London: Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Kensington, Holland Park, Notting Hill, St John's Wood, Hampstead, Primrose Hill
South West London: Richmond, Barnes, Wimbledon, Putney, Wandsworth
Surrey: Virginia Water, Wentworth, Weybridge, Cobham, Esher, Walton-on-Thames, Guildford
Berkshire: Ascot, Sunningdale, Windsor, Maidenhead, Henley-on-Thames, Reading
Buckinghamshire: Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Marlow, Amersham
Hertfordshire: Radlett, Harpenden, St Albans
We consider projects throughout the UK for larger installations. Travel time from our Maidenhead base rarely adds to project costs within these areas.
We're properly qualified. CEDIA membership, Crestron Accredited, Sony professional and Control4 Gold Dealer status aren't just badges—they represent genuine expertise and ongoing training. We stay current with the latest technology so you don't have to.
We're transparent. You've already seen our pricing tiers. We believe you deserve to know what things cost before committing to a consultation. Our quotes are detailed and itemised, never vague.
We're local. Based in Maidenhead, we're genuinely part of the community we serve. When you need support, we're a short drive away—not a faceless call centre.
We're thorough. Every installation includes professional calibration. We don't just hang equipment and leave; we tune every component to perform at its best in your specific room.
We're here for the long term. Through our SMARTmaintenance programme, we offer ongoing support including remote diagnostics, software updates, and priority callouts. Your cinema will keep performing year after year.
How much does a home cinema cost in the UK?
Home cinema costs vary based on room size and specification. A quality media room system typically starts around £10,000, while dedicated cinema rooms with Dolby Atmos usually range from £18,000 to £35,000. Premium installations with laser projection and luxury seating can exceed £50,000. We provide detailed quotes after understanding your specific requirements.
What size room do I need for a home cinema?
The minimum practical size is approximately 3 metres by 4 metres with a ceiling height of at least 2.2 metres. However, rooms of 4 by 5 metres or larger allow for more immersive sound, better seating options, and proper acoustic treatment. We've successfully installed systems in everything from compact spare rooms to large basement conversions.
Is Dolby Atmos worth it?
Yes, particularly for film enthusiasts. Dolby Atmos adds overhead sound channels that create genuinely three-dimensional audio. You'll hear helicopters flying overhead, rain falling from above, and soundtracks with remarkable depth. We consider it essential for dedicated cinemas and highly worthwhile for media rooms.
How long does installation take?
Timeline depends on complexity. A media room upgrade typically takes two to three days. A dedicated cinema room with acoustic treatment usually requires one to two weeks. New-build or renovation projects are coordinated with your building programme. We provide detailed timelines during the design phase.
Can you install a cinema in my existing room?
Absolutely. We specialise in both new-build and retrofit installations. Existing rooms can be transformed with minimal disruption. Some acoustic treatment and cabling may require minor building work, which we'll discuss during your consultation.
Do you offer finance?
We can discuss payment staging for larger projects. Please ask during your consultation about options that might work for your situation.
What happens if something goes wrong?
All equipment comes with manufacturer warranties, and our workmanship is guaranteed. Through our SMARTmaintenance programme, we offer ongoing support including remote diagnostics and priority callouts. Most issues can be resolved remotely; when we need to visit, we aim to respond within 48 hours.
Can you upgrade my existing system?
Yes. We offer equipment upgrade services for existing home cinemas—projector replacements, Dolby Atmos speaker additions, control system updates, and professional recalibration. Often, strategic upgrades dramatically improve performance without replacing everything.
Every project starts with a conversation. Book your free consultation and let's explore what's possible in your space.
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest advice from people who love what they do.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 0333 050 9906
Email: hello@modalav.co.uk
Discover how Modal AV can make Lutron work for you. Get in touch today, we'll be very happy to help.
