Essentials of Setting Up a Home Theatre

Movie enthusiast spotted! Are you big on watching movies and that too at home? Well it's time that you stop watching them on your mobile and set up a home theater for yourself so that you enjoy the movie experience to the fullest.

But, setting up a home theatre isn't easy because there are a ton of things that you need –some expensive and some cheap. But, the price doesn't matter if you want to create an experience that matches that of a cinema, but it's better because it's in your home.

So, let's get started on what you need for your home theatre.

10 Essentials of Home Theater

1. Choosing the Room

First things first, for a home theater, you need the perfect room. Ideally, choose a room that is spacious enough to have seating and audiovisual equipment without crowding it. Check things like spaciousness, wall colors, power outlets, etc.

2. Invest in Good Display

A home theatre isn't a home theatre without a screen. Choose a high-definition television or projector that fits the size of your room. If money isn't an issue for you, then you should go for a large-screen 4K Ultra HD TV with high resolution or a projector screen with a top-quality projector.

3. Improve Audio with a Sound System

Audio quality is important for a true home theatre experience. Invest in a surround sound system comprising speakers, a subwoofer, an audio input splitter and an AV receiver. Position speakers smartly around the room so that you may hear the sound from all four corners of the room (which will be particularly fun when you are watching a horror movie).

4. Comfortable Seating

Comfortable seating is the cherry on top of the cake for your home theatre, especially for long movie nights or gaming sessions. Choose plush recliners, sectional sofas, bean bags, floor cushions or home theatre seating with built-in cup holders and reclining features. Arrange seats so they are at least 15-20 steps away from the screen and can view the screen properly.

5. Control Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting enhances picture quality and reduces glare. Use dark curtains to block out light during daytime viewing. Consider installing dimmable sconces or LED strip lights for a customizable ambiance without distracting from the screen.

6. Organize Your Collectables

Organize audiovisual components such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, movies, and cable/satellite boxes. Use a media console or AV rack to house and connect all devices to your TV or projector.

7. Invest in Quality Cables and Wiring

Use such cables and wiring to connect audiovisual components that last a lifetime. Conceal them along baseboards, within wall channels. Ensure you have all the necessary cables like HDMI, Thunderbolt SDI, DVI, DisplayPort DP, etc.

8. Optimize Acoustics

Improve acoustics within the room by adding acoustic panels or sound-absorbing materials to minimize echoes and enhance audio clarity. Carpets, drapes, and snack cabinets also help reduce sound reflections for a more wholesome audio experience.

9. Consider Smart Home Integration

Incorporate smart home technology for added convenience and control. Imagine lying on your cozy chair in front of the TV, and you call out, 'Alexa, dim the lights,' and poof, dims the lights. If Alexa could hand over your snacks, then you would have asked it to do that, too. But, sadly, Alexa could only do so much!

10. Fine-Tuning and Calibrating

After setting up your home theatre, calibrate audio and video settings for optimal performance. Use built-in tools on your TV or AV receiver to adjust color, brightness, contrast, and audio levels. Fine-tune speaker placement and settings to achieve 360o sound throughout the room.

Well, now enjoy your movie in home theater and sip some margaritas while munching on chips.