Home Theater Setup and Installation

So you’re thinking of setting up a home theater, but maybe you don’t know where or how to start. You may not even be sure of what you plan to put in it. Well, your indecision ends here, with the help of the following tips.

First start with measuring the room you plan on using. If the room is too big, you may wish to consider using part of it for something else. Room size can also affect the acoustics, so make sure the room isn’t square or boxy, and try to break up large flat surfaces with shelves, displays, or carpets.

Acoustics being as important as they are, the quality of the speakers you pick is almost as important as the rest of your equipment. Before you buy them, take into account how much you are willing to spend, how many speakers you need, whether the appearance matters, and the dimensions of your room. Your best bet is to listen to speakers in the store, preferable while they are playing something you are familiar with so you can assess the quality. Look for such descriptive terms as “warm”, which indicates softer sound without emphasis on high frequencies, or “bright”, which indicates clear, sharp sound. Which you choose is entirely up to personal preference.

Next, work on isolating your equipment. If possible consider storing your component rack in a closet or an area that is out of sight from visitors. This decreases the rate of accidents while keeping the focus on the screen. You can purchase IR repeaters that send your remote signals through wires back to the closet or shelves, resulting in a nice clean look for your theater room. Rotating racks will allow you fast access to your components if you do decide to conceal them, along with pullout shelves.

The technology of today can generate a substantial amount of heat when running, so your equipment rack should allow sufficient room for ventilation and airflow.

Carpeting: Look for dark carpeting with a speckled pattern, which will hide stains, dirt, and spills. Carpets can also absorb or break up sound waves, leading to more natural acoustics.

Another important consideration is seating. Seats should not be positioned too far to either side, or the image from the screen will be distorted. Also make sure to position the seats in alternating rows to promote good visibility.

Refreshment areas can go over well with guests, especially during long movies. Usually the best practice is a refreshments counter at the back of the room, and small tables or end tables near the seats to rest drinks or dishes. Make sure to provide cutlery, plates, bowls, and cups along with paper towels or napkins.

Once you have these issues straightened out, you will find yourself well on your way to installing your new home theater.

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