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Movie-enthusiasts often go on a shopping spree in search of the latest home theater gadgets. Even though they can afford them, the struggle lies in choosing the right ones.
Is that cable really required? Which subwoofer will work best? Is it worth spending an extra $100 on an HDMI cable?
Setting up a home theater can seem so complicated! The fact, however, is that it is simple if you plan it right.
This article aims at guiding you on setting up a brilliant home theater with minimum spending. The can completely change your movie-watching experience. A spacious seating arrangement, a high-definition display, and a deluxe audio system can make anyone escape reality. You can get an immersive movie-watching experience without having to leave home.
These are the elements to include in your home theater.
You must bear in mind some before you start. Rectangular rooms work best for a home theater. They offer better seating options and the sound distribution is even. Avoid using square rooms as they tend to produce odd harmonic distortions. The walls also produce unnatural sound peaks and dips at certain frequencies.
The seating arrangement plays a huge role in providing a first-class experience to the audience. Recliner chairs are popular today primarily because they offer comfort during the long hours of sitting. Make sure you choose an ergonomically-designed recliner to avoid any strain on your back.
The placement of your recliner also matters. The angle formed by a line drawn from the viewer’s seat to the edges of the screen should ideally be between 35◦to 38◦. This will help get the right visual effects and the peripheral vision will also be cut out. Any angle higher than 40◦and you’ll be too close to the screen. An angle lesser than 35◦, on the other hand, will bring more of the room into your peripheral vision. This will prove to be a major distraction.
The system includes the projector, the screen, the speakers and the cables. If you do not already have a projector, invest in a good one. You will easily find one for around $300. It is wise to do some research and check if the projector has a good-quality bulb. It should also have enough power to cover the screen area. The fine-print by the manufacturer will tell you all about this. Projectors are best mounted on the ceiling. This way, they stay out of the way and are protected from unintentional mishaps.
Screen:Good-quality screens are available at all utility stores. If you do not want to invest in one, use your wall! You can white over a coat of white wall primer. If your projector produces more than 3500 lumens of light, you should consider painting the wall gray. This will help you stay within your set budget. Screen Goois a useful website that helps you in deciding on the right color for your wall. You must keep a close watch on the way the paint settles on your wall. Lines, air bubbles and areas that are missed can dampen your movie-watching experience.
Speakers:Speakers are the life of your home theater. If you are looking for surround-sound speakers, visit Walmart. You will find various options within your budget. Speaker systemsare labelled as 5.1, 7.1, 9.1 and 11.1. The first number is the number of speakers. The second one indicates the bass channel (subwoofer) that generates booming effects. A Dolby 5.1works best if you are looking at a small room with seating for 4-5 viewers. For larger rooms, you can choose the expansive 7.1 or 9.1 system.
With a 5.1, you will have five small speakers placed all over the room - two on either sides of the screen, one in the center and two at the rear ends. Apart from this, you will have one subwoofer that helps reproduce low-frequency sounds. This needs to be placed in a corner.
If you already have a fine stereo system, you can buy some superior-quality speakers and integrate them into the system. To cover a large area and for the best surround-sound experience, make sure your front and rear speakers are at equal distance from the viewers.
Cables: Cables, in no way, can be ignored. Your entire system will be connected using cables and hence, you must make sure you invest in them wisely. You also need to remember that the length of your cable will affect the signal quality. The longer the length of the cable, the higher is the signal loss. You can find them on Amazon, eBay or at any utility store. You can also minimize the number of cables by opting for a wireless speaker system.
Too much lighting can adversely affect the display quality. It’s, therefore, nice to choose a room without windows. Nevertheless, you may still want lights in the room during the beginning and towards the end of the movie. The best solution to this is to install lights that can be dimmed. This will not only improve the display quality, but also offer a unique ambiance to your home theater.
Position the lights in such a way that they light up your room indirectly. The light should be thrown at the walls so that it can reflect softly from there. Low-voltage lights are available at all home improvement and departmental stores.
Avoid using vibrant pictures and flashy wallpapers in your home theater as these cause distraction. Objects like flower vases and crystal show pieces can reflect the light from the screen and interfere with the viewing experience. Darken the room with thick, heavy-lined curtains. Carpets and cushions add a touch of luxury and comfort. Get more creative and add things that you think can enhance the look of your home theater. However, remember not to go overboard with any of these elements.
You are now ready for the best surround-sound experience that’s within your budget! The process isn’t easy, but with some patience, you will create a fabulous home theater. From choosing the right tools to bringing it all together, the tips shared in this article will help you create a comfortable home theater. The most important thing to remember is that once the process is complete, you will be the proud owner of a luxurious home theater. Don’t be surprised if you feel like cancelling your outdoor plans and settle indoors to watch your favorite movie.
