No matter if you’re an expert or casual moviegoer, having the perfect home theater system can enhance your audio experience and bring movies to life.
Before making your choice, take into account where you wish to install your system and what budget you have available. After that, decide whether you want a la carte option or opt for an all-inclusive package.
The TV
When selecting the ideal home theater system for you, there are a few factors to consider. Most importantly, your TV must be suitable for the room it will be situated in.
Another critical consideration when designing a room is the amount of ambient light present. Ideally, you want an area that can be completely darkened; however, this may not always be possible. Being able to control this lighting is paramount so make sure your display can handle it adequately.
When selecting a television set, the size of the screen matters. Bigger displays offer better immersive viewing but may take up too much room and may not allow all viewers to watch comfortably.
You can opt for a TV that has a high contrast ratio, making it easier to see the image onscreen. This is especially helpful when watching movies or sports games since accurate colors will be displayed.
Depending on your budget and needs, you can purchase either basic speakers or opt for a surround sound system. However, the latter requires more space so be sure to factor in the space needed when making a decision.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t have much room for speakers, try going with an inexpensive 3.1 speaker setup. This will give off some home theater effect but is not quite the same as true surround sound.
Finally, you will require a home theater receiver that can process and receive audio signals from your television. This receiver will take in, interpret and translate these video and audio signals before sending them on to your television and speakers.
For optimal audio quality, you’ll need an AV receiver with at least five channels but seven is ideal – especially if using Dolby Atmos. Additionally, you will require a subwoofer for your speakers. A top-notch receiver should handle multiple sources and be compatible with popular streaming services such as Netflix, HBO GO, Hulu, and more.
The Electronics
Home theater enthusiasts understand the critical role electronics play in your setup. Whether you’re creating a brand-new setup or looking to enhance your current setup, these components are what ultimately make or break the final result.
Your audio visual system requires an AV receiver to power everything and transfer sound from video sources like DVD players or gaming consoles to your television. It serves as a hub for connecting speakers and TV, with some models even letting you control the system via smartphone app.
Next, you’ll require a large screen capable of supporting high resolution video. You can choose either a flat-screen HDTV or upgrade to either 4K or OLED models that offer smart features like streaming media.
Finally, for a truly cinematic experience, you’ll need a projector. These can range from compact units that fit in closets to massive screens measuring up to 300 inches long.
When looking for the ideal projector, your room size and budget should be taken into consideration. Some people prefer curved displays due to their wide-angle capabilities while others opt for traditional flat screens due to their superior image quality.
If you have a large room and want to save money, a flat-screen TV may be preferable to a projector. Many models now support HDR (high dynamic range), which helps replicate colors and details more accurately than HDTVs without this technology can.
You’ll also need a surround sound system, consisting of at least five speakers and a subwoofer that adds low-frequency effect to movie soundtracks. A 5.1-channel system is usually the most common, though you may opt for more channels if your room can support them. In addition to speakers, your surround sound setup requires power source and amplifier – either as simple as wall-mounted battery pack or more complex options like standalone generator.
The Speakers
Speakers are an essential component of a home theater setup. They provide sound effects and dialogue from movies and shows you enjoy, so it’s essential to select quality speakers that will enhance the way you watch entertainment.
When selecting speakers for your system, take into account both the size of your room and what sounds you want to hear most. Floorstanding speakers are best suited for larger areas with more expensive home audio systems, while bookshelf speakers work great in smaller spaces and budgets.
If you plan on watching a lot of television or listening to music through your system, opt for an AV receiver with multiple HDMI inputs. This will enable you to hook up additional sources like CD players and turntables.
You can opt for an AV receiver with built-in speaker surround sound. This will enable you to enjoy the full audio of a movie without needing to plug in an additional receiver each time you watch a show or listen to music.
When purchasing speakers, placement is another essential factor to take into account. Make sure any objects or reflective surfaces are kept away from the speaker so they don’t disrupt or distort the audio signal that goes straight to your ears.
For instance, a TV screen will reflect back some audio from your speakers and create unwanted echos. You can reduce this effect by placing absorbent materials on the surface of your television to reduce reflections and direct more audio to your ears.
Next, you’ll need to decide how many speakers are needed. Most systems come with at least five speakers and a subwoofer for added bass response.
According to your individual needs, you can choose either a 5.1, 7.1 or even 5.1.2 setup. A 5.1 setup consists of three front speakers, two rear speakers and a center speaker; while a 7.1 setup includes all these plus two side speakers and a subwoofer.
The Surround Sound
Surround sound refers to the high-quality digital audio that surrounds you as you watch a movie or listen to music. This technology strives to create an immersive sonic experience, with deep bass rumbling through the floorboards as bullets whiz past your seat and subtle sounds skittering behind in action-packed scenes.
A 5.1 channel setup is the most popular surround sound system used in home theaters, though other configurations exist as well. A 7.1 setup, for instance, will include all of the elements of a 5.1 system but adds two additional rear speakers.
According to your budget and room size, you have several surround sound configurations to choose from. However, it is essential that you understand how each system functions so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new best home theater system.
A standard 5.1 surround sound system consists of five speakers located around your room: two front left and right speakers, as well as a center speaker that sits either below or above the TV. This setup is considered the minimum number needed to deliver true surround sound effects.
Surround sound systems often include a subwoofer to provide powerful bass. This is ideal for large rooms where you want to get the most from your surround sound system.
For a more immersive home theater experience, you can opt for an object-based surround sound setup like Dolby Atmos. Although setting this system up may take more effort than standard 5.1 audio, the results are stunning and realistic.
Years ago, Dolby developed a way to amplify audio in your room by creating an overhead layer of sound that hovers in different places above you. Although this system isn’t typically included on most mainstream home theater receivers, it can easily be added onto top of an existing setup for increased fidelity and clarity.
Surround sound is not only an excellent way to enhance the audio in your home theater, but it can also improve its dynamic range and tonality. This is especially beneficial when watching movies that don’t use a lot of bass or treble information.