THE BRIEF
A discreet private cinema designed to disappear when it is not in use.
Located just outside Hermanus, this project combines dedicated private home cinema performance with a living space that remains visually clean and easy to use.
Mirror Edge Networks became involved in June 2022, initially working with the client to define the system requirements, equipment specification and overall scope. Installation began in August 2022, with final commissioning and handover completed in May 2023. The wider project also included a comprehensive home network and Wi-Fi system, together with Sonos background audio in selected areas of the home.
The client wanted a high-performance cinema system without creating a room dominated by visible technology.
The solution therefore needed to combine serious picture and sound performance with simple day-to-day operation. Projection, screen control, source selection and volume needed to work together as one system, while the room retained the appearance and flexibility expected of a residential living space.
A key part of the brief was making the system intuitive. Rather than requiring several remotes or individual equipment controls, the cinema was integrated around a Control4 interface so that the complete system could be operated from a single remote control.
Cinema System Design
At the heart of the cinema is an Anthem AVM 70 surround processor, responsible for audio processing, source management and video routing.
Sources include:
- Apple TV 4K
- Blu-ray player
- Sonos Port
- Linn Sondek LP12 turntable
The front left and right channels are powered by PS Audio M700 monoblock amplifiers, with a Sherbourn 7/1250A providing amplification for the remaining surround channels.
Loudspeaker System
The cinema combines loudspeakers selected to accommodate both two-channel music listening and immersive cinema playback.
The system includes:
- GoldenEar Triton One front left and right loudspeakers
- GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference centre channel
- M&K M40T Tripole surround and rear speakers
- M&K IC-95 Dolby Atmos in-ceiling speakers
- Two M&K V8 subwoofers
The Triton One loudspeakers also incorporate powered bass sections, which formed part of the final system alignment and calibration process.
Hidden Projection
Video is provided by an Epson TW9400 projector, matched to a specially imported SeeMax acoustically transparent woven projection screen.
The screen is motorised and tab-tensioned, allowing it to disappear when the cinema is not in use while still permitting the centre-channel loudspeaker to remain correctly positioned behind the image area.
This approach allows the room to function naturally as a living environment while transforming into a dedicated cinema when required.
Control4 Integration
The cinema is integrated with Control4, providing a single point of control for the room.
From one remote, the client can:
- Start the cinema system
- Select Apple TV and other sources
- Control volume
- Power the projector
- Lower the projection screen
The objective was not simply automation for its own sake, but to make a relatively sophisticated AV system straightforward for anyone in the household to use.
Audio & Video Calibration
Final commissioning included professional audio and video calibration.
The audio calibration process included level matching and phase alignment of the two M&K V8 subwoofers, integration of the powered bass sections within the GoldenEar Triton One loudspeakers, and refinement of the Anthem ARC room-correction curves through repeated measurement and listening.
The projector was calibrated for both daytime and nighttime viewing, with colour accuracy checked against professional video-calibration tolerances. The completed calibration was then reviewed with the client before final handover.
Beyond the Cinema
The cinema formed part of a broader technology installation within the property.
Mirror Edge Networks also supplied and commissioned:
- The home network
- Wi-Fi coverage
- Sonos background audio in selected areas
This allowed the cinema to sit within a wider technology infrastructure rather than operating as an isolated system.
The Result
The finished room achieves what the original brief set out to deliver: a cinema capable of serious audio and video performance without allowing the technology to dominate the space.
When the system is switched off, the projection equipment largely disappears. When activated, the room becomes a fully integrated immersive cinema with projection, surround sound, music playback and system control working together through a simple user interface.
The completed installation was handed over in May 2023, with the client reporting very positive feedback from guests who have experienced the system.
