Calling All Movie Lovers! Here’s an Easy Guide to Setting up Your Own Home Theater

Up Your Movie Viewing Experience Without Going to the Theater

If you enjoy watching movies or television shows, then having an awesome home movie theater system is a must. This guide makes it easy.

The Room – the perfect home theater starts with the right room.

• Size – the room should be large enough to accommodate your seating, but cozy enough so the TV isn't miles away.
• Seating – the main seats should "float" in the middle of the room, allowing surround sound to fully engulf the audience.
• Lighting – the room doesn't have to be completely dark, but should allow windows to be dimmed using blinds or shades.
• Sound –good acoustics allow sound to travel around the room. Furniture will absorb sound and prevent echoing.

The Equipment –choosing the right equipment for your home theater is next:

• Television – you want the largest HDTV screen possible for your space, but not so large that you have to turn your head back and forth to see the action.
• Video Projector (optional) – for a true home theater experience, you may consider a video projector. However, this requires a larger budget and room, so it's not for everyone.
• DVD or Blu-ray player – a Blue Ray player can also play conventional DVDs, and will give you the best sound and picture quality.
• Streaming Service — subscribing to one (or more) of the best streaming services will give you access to hundreds of shows and movies so you can easily watch TV online.
• Receiver – you should choose a digital receiver designed for home theaters, matching the number of speakers.
• Speakers – for surround sound, you will need either a 5.1 (five speakers and a subwoofer) or 7.1 (seven speakers and a subwoofer) set of speakers.

Speaker placement –this is key to getting that full immersion experience that surround sound offers.

• Center channel – delivers the majority of the dialogue. It should be placed in the center of the television, either directly below or directly above the screen
• Subwoofer –gives your epic bass sound. This should be placed on the floor, but not right up against the walls, or it may sound distorted.
• Left/right speakers – Two are placed in the front of the room, equidistant from the TV and two are placed on either side of the room behind the main seating area. For a 7.1 system, there is an additional pair of left/right speakers that get placed in the middle of the room on either side.

Connecting it all together – the exact connection depends on your components.

• HDMI will keep your input/output simplified and allow you to use just one remote.
• Be sure to read your owner's manuals and choose the correct settings, or you may get distorted picture or sound.

Having your own home theater system makes movie watching more enjoyable. By following this simple guide, you can enjoy it in no time at all.