Procella Case Study questions
Give us a little bit of background on your install company, how long has it been around? Who is involved? What are their roles?
Company Background and Project Introduction
Our company has been operating since 2004, but our expertise dates back even further, with extensive experience gained from top AV installation firms. From the very beginning, our focus has been on perfecting the integration of sound and video for both professional and home entertainment, always aiming for optimal performance. Over the years, our services have expanded to include automation, control systems, networking, and wireless solutions, ensuring we stay at the forefront of modern technology.
Our main area of expertise is the design and installation of home theaters, multi-room systems, and smart control solutions. We specialize in creating custom cinema rooms in private homes, offering not only expert installation but also user training to ensure seamless, intuitive operation.
We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to education and professional development. From the start, Cinematic has been a member of the CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association), an international organization representing the home technology industry. We have participated in numerous courses and training programs that have helped us consistently elevate our expertise. Additionally, we are certified by the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) and HAA (Home Acoustics Alliance), allowing us to ensure optimal picture and sound quality in every cinema we design.
The team is made up of dedicated professionals:
- I handle client relations, formal matters, marketing, and project concepts, ensuring that each installation meets the highest standards.
- Bartek, as the head of the installation department, manages the work process, overseeing the selection of technology and innovative solutions. He’s our go-to for creative ideas and technical breakthroughs.
- Sebastian takes charge of programming control systems and assists with installation, ensuring smooth system functionality.
- Darek excels in detailed installation work, where precision and attention to detail are essential.
The other members of the team usually take care of the day-to-day tasks required for specific tasks and projects. Together, we form a cohesive team committed to delivering high-quality home cinema solutions tailored to our clients' needs.
Some past projects you are particularly proud of.
Over the past 20 years, we have completed numerous installations, each one holding significant value to us. However, the projects that stand out the most are those that brought the greatest satisfaction to both us and our clients. It’s difficult to single out just a few, but if we had to highlight two notable projects, these would be at the top of the list.
The first is a comprehensive commercial project for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Global Business Center. This installation was focused on creating a highly innovative environment that fosters creative thinking and collaborative work. It was an exciting challenge, where we implemented cutting-edge solutions to enhance productivity and teamwork.
The second standout project was a private home cinema room for a client, which grew significantly over time with many updates. What began as a simple, basic setup evolved into an advanced, high-performance system despite numerous constraints. The final installation featured Procella Audio P815 with P6V, including several P18 and V21 subwoofers, as well as a Trinnov Altitude 32 processor. This project is a testament to our ability to adapt and deliver exceptional quality, no matter the obstacles.
Tell us about how this project came about; What was the original brief? Did this change as the project developed?
Cinematic, a Wrocław-based company, specializes in the design, construction, and installation of high-end, dedicated home cinema rooms. Their primary focus is on providing premium clients with cutting-edge audio-visual solutions tailored to the most discerning tastes. While their solutions are top-tier in quality, they are also positioned at a higher price point due to their focus on high performance and innovation. Beyond designing home cinemas, Cinematic also acts as a distributor of professional cinema audio systems, working closely with Procella Audio, a Swedish manufacturer known for its top-notch speaker systems. Cinematic aims to showcase the capabilities of Procella’s systems, providing training to their partners and promoting these premium solutions across the industry.
LuxArte, on the other hand, is a prestigious representative of premium interior design brands such as Bentley Home, Versace Home, Roberto Cavalli Home, and Dolce & Gabbana. LuxArte operates several showrooms in Poland, with its flagship location in Warsaw. Specializing in high-end furniture and home décor, LuxArte targets luxury clientele who value elegance and sophistication in their living spaces. For this project, LuxArte contributed its expertise in interior design, ensuring that the cinema room not only functions at a high technological standard but also exudes style and comfort.
The Project Vision
The joint goal of this collaboration was to create a space where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious interiors, offering a glimpse into how high-end home cinema solutions can be incorporated into sophisticated living environments. The showroom, located within LuxArte’s flagship in the Teatr Wielki – National Opera building in Warsaw, serves as an inspiration for clients who are seeking both superior technology and refined design in their homes.
The cinema room occupies a dedicated space of approximately 6.5m x 5.5m, carefully sectioned off from the rest of the showroom. LuxArte’s showroom consists of several large exhibition areas showcasing elegant furnishings and home design solutions, but this particular space was transformed into a dedicated home cinema, designed to demonstrate the seamless integration of luxury and technology.
The Challenges
From the outset, the project presented a number of challenges. The most significant hurdle was achieving a balance between superior audio-visual performance and the aesthetic requirements of a premium showroom. Cinematic needed to ensure that the home cinema would function at the highest technical standards while maintaining the elegance expected in a luxury setting. Additionally, given that the showroom is located in the historic Teatr Wielki building, there were stringent restrictions on making any structural changes to the existing infrastructure. This required careful planning to ensure the cinema room could be installed without impacting the building’s integrity.
Another key consideration was the need for the cinema room to coexist with LuxArte’s day-to-day sales and exhibition activities. The space not only had to perform as a state-of-the-art home cinema but also needed to fit seamlessly within the showroom’s broader environment, blending in with the luxurious furniture and interior design elements on display.
Evolution of the Project
While the initial vision for the project remained largely unchanged, there were adaptations and refinements made along the way. Cinematic’s design had to evolve to work within the spatial constraints and limitations imposed by the historic building. Every element—from the positioning of the speakers and screen to the concealment of the projector—was carefully considered to ensure both functionality and visual appeal.
As the project progressed, LuxArte continued to focus on enhancing the aesthetic of the room, selecting the finest furniture and design elements to create an atmosphere of opulence and comfort. The final result is a harmonious blend of technology and design, a space that serves as both a demonstration of the finest home cinema solutions and a showroom for LuxArte’s luxurious furnishings.
Take us on a journey through each part of the install, what performance characteristics or functionality are offered by each part of the project, what products were chosen? and why?
A Journey Through the Cinematic and LuxArte Showroom Installation: Technology Meets Luxury
The creation of the home cinema showroom was a collaboration between two expert companies:
Together, they combined their expertise to create a space where cutting-edge technology and refined design blend seamlessly.
The Engineering Phase
The project started with a detailed technical design phase. Cinematic took the lead in drawing up an engineering blueprint for the home cinema, mapping out the positioning of every element and identifying potential challenges. The design was thoroughly analyzed to ensure it met the “CEDIA CTA-RP22 Immersive Audio Design” recommended practice. This industry standard served as the guiding principle for achieving the highest possible quality within the spatial and architectural constraints of the showroom.
A key focus was ensuring the installation could incorporate Trinnov’s WaveForming technology”. After determining the optimal placement for the subwoofers, the design was submitted to Trinnov for validation, ensuring the audio performance would be nothing short of spectacular.
Visual Design and Interior Aesthetics
Once the technical design was finalized, the project transitioned to the visual aspect. LuxArte’s architects worked closely with Cinematic’s team to create an interior that was both elegant and functional. The goal was to avoid the typical, overly technical appearance of many home cinema rooms and instead deliver a space that felt luxurious, harmonious, and inviting. Every aspect of the interior design was discussed in detail, from the materials for the platform and walls to the ceiling and flooring.
Lighting played a crucial role in the design process. Various lighting sources were chosen and carefully divided into zones to create the perfect ambiance for the cinema experience. LuxArte was responsible for ensuring the space exuded the same opulence as the furniture and décor from their Bentley Home collection, maintaining a balance between technology and luxury.
Audio Components: Procella Audio’s Contribution
From the beginning, it was clear that Procella Audio would be the ideal choice for the sound system. Known for delivering true cinema-quality sound, Procella’s range of products provided the flexibility to create a high-performance system while allowing for tiered presentations. The selection process involved close collaboration with Procella Audio’s team, ensuring the best possible results.
-Front Speakers: The front stage is powered by Procella Audio P815, a combination of P8 speakers and P15Si subwoofers. These speakers deliver dynamic, clear sound, and the P8 can also be used as a standalone speaker in simpler home cinema setups.
- Surround Speakers: The surround system includes Procella P6V speakers, chosen for their compact size and ability to fit seamlessly behind the acoustic fabric of the side walls.
- Immersive Audio Speakers: The ceiling houses Procella P5ICW speakers, which are hidden within the suspended ceiling structure, ensuring an immersive audio experience.
- Subwoofers: Six Procella P18Si subwoofers were installed to provide powerful, deep bass. Four were mounted behind the front wall, and two were placed at the rear.
To manage the 22 speakers in the room, the system is powered by a Trinnov Altitude 16 processor with additional DAC processors to expand the number of channels. Trinnov’s WaveForming technology plays a pivotal role in optimizing low-frequency reverberation times, delivering an unparalleled listening experience.
All speakers are powered by dedicated Procella Audio power amplifiers. DA-08 and DA-03 models, depending on power requirements.
Flexibility in Audio Presentation
One of the key challenges was to create a setup that could showcase multiple audio configurations. Using Trinnov’s advanced processing, the system allows for different presets, enabling the demonstration of both flagship configurations and simpler setups. This approach allows clients to experience various levels of audio performance, from very good to premium, all within the same space.
Video and Projection: Beyond the Ordinary
For the video component, the choice of projector was critical. The Sony VPL-XW8100ES was selected for its superior image quality. Instead of a traditional ceiling-mounted projector, which would detract from the room’s aesthetics, the team opted for the DT Mirror system. This motorized, in-ceiling projector mount uses a dual high-performance mirror system, concealing the projector within the ceiling when not in use, and providing a clean, sophisticated look.
To further enhance the aesthetic, a Screen Research FDM Flat Fixed Frame Screen with a 1-way top decor mask was installed. The screen allows for a custom printed welcome banner with the logos of Cinematic and LuxArte, offering a unique touch upon entering the room.
Luxurious Interiors: The Bentley Home Touch
The interior design, spearheaded by LuxArte, was driven by their partnership with Bentley Home. In keeping with the luxurious theme, the room features MORLEY BERGERE armchairs at the front and a CHORLEY sofa on the raised platform. The platform itself was finished with premium leather flooring from Alphenberg, adding an extra layer of sophistication. This combination of luxury materials and design elements ensures that the room not only functions as a cinema but also serves as a showcase of Bentley Home’s refined style.
For the walls, ARTE Velveteen Vector wallpaper was chosen to complement the overall design. Its intricate patterns and velvety texture add warmth and depth to the room, while its subtle nuances prevent the space from feeling overly technical or sterile.
Conclusion
This collaborative project between Cinematic and LuxArte showcases the best of both worlds: high-end home cinema technology and luxurious interior design. The result is a showroom that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a home cinema, offering clients a chance to experience the pinnacle of luxury and performance in a single, elegant space.
What technical challenges did the project present and how were these overcome?
The answers to this part can be found in part 3 of the study…
Now it is finished, what is your favorite part? What is your/the client’s favorite part?
It’s difficult to choose a single favorite part of the home cinema, as the space is designed to deliver a cohesive and immersive experience where every detail works in harmony. The ultimate goal is for all elements to blend seamlessly, so nothing distracts the audience from fully engaging with the content on screen. Each aspect of the design and technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, whether it’s the visual aesthetics or the technical performance.
While visitors may not focus on the technical intricacies of the equipment in the showroom, their reactions often highlight the visual impact of the room as soon as they enter. The initial impression is usually one of admiration for the elegant and luxurious design. However, once they take their seats and the film begins, it’s the sound that truly captivates them. The power of the audio system, combined with the immersive setup, allows the audience to be completely absorbed by the magic of the big screen. It’s this seamless transition—from visual admiration to total immersion in sound—that we are most proud of.
The ability to create a space where technology disappears and allows for a complete cinematic experience is what sets this project apart. It’s not just about individual components, but how they come together to create a moment where the viewer is lost in the story, fully engaged with the sights and sounds before them. That feeling of total immersion is, without a doubt, the most rewarding part of this project for us.