Gaming, like any sport, can be very individual. Some people prefer one console over another, or like to use multiple consoles for different games. What any gamer can agree on though is that a legitimate game room should be comfortable, immersive and offer the fastest, clearest technology available.  

That’s where professionals like Paul Bochner, owner of Electronic Concepts, come into the picture. Bochner was tasked with transforming an existing guest bedroom and in-law suite into a game room for the kids. It would need to accommodate three levels of gaming: PlayStation (PS5, specifically), Xbox and a PC setup as well. It would also need to work as a movie room for the whole family. 

“I let them teach me what we needed to do and how to give them what they wanted out of the space,” said Bochner, who admitted that the kids’ setups on their PCs were out of his league. “This was one time where we really relied on the kids to guide us and help us make the right choices.” 

The Best Screens for Gaming of All Kinds 

It was important to this family that the kids not only get to use this space for high-quality gaming, but also that the rest of the household can enjoy movies together here. That’s why an ultra short throw projection system was installed. According to Bochner, having this allows the users to set up a larger-than-life image virtually anywhere in the room, because the distance between the screen and the projector is significantly less than a traditional projection system. Hanging a projector from the ceiling or using a lift mechanism was impractical in this small space, which also opened up the door for the ultra short throw set up.  

Electronic Concepts used the LG HU85LA 4K short throw projector for video, housed in a Salamander Designs Miami cabinet created specifically for short-throw applications. This cabinet also houses all the system components, like the Anthem MRX740 receiver. A Screen Innovations (SI) motorized 110-in. solar white, 1.3 gain recessed 16:9 screen was installed to work with the projector and is used for movies and group gameplay.  

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For serious games, the kids use a Samsung 4K HD QLED backlit TV, which is connected to the PS5 and the Xbox and situated to the left of the screen. The TV (now TVs, since Electronic Concepts added another TV to the right of the screen after the original installation) offers a better refresh rate than the projector, so the kids like it for more personalized experiences.  

An Immersive Lighting and Sound Experience 

“Since this was the kids’ area. we wanted to have some level of sound for movies/gaming but also reduce some of the noise the young guys might make when friends are over,” said Bochner.  

The integration team accomplished this with a unique ceiling design: a GETA panel by Mikodam, an acoustic wall panel designed to be both a modern design element and a way to control sound. This particular panel offers a geometric and three dimensional design that distributes sound much more effectively than a flat ceiling. Bowers & Wilkins in-ceiling speakers and a JL Audio subwoofer in a 5.1 surround setup provide audio and bass for the room. Additionally, the home has a large Savant IP audio/automation system attached to the room for easy control options. 

Around the panel and throughout the room are USAI infinite color fixtures with Savant Pro RGB LED strips throughout. This makes it possible to do fun and interesting lighting scenes, such as a “Let’s Go Rangers” scene with red and blue lights when the Rangers hockey team are playing.  

Together with the impactful screens and well-integrated audio, this room exemplifies what integrators have been seeing: more high-quality, immersive gaming spaces for the whole family to enjoy. Bochner confirmed that he has done several of these spaces in the last year alone. 

“Make sure to talk to the gamers and find out what they need,” he said, when asked what advice he would give to other integrators tasked with designing this type of space. “They know best what they want out of the room and systems. Do not tell them what they should do, but instead listen.”