Looking to build the ultimate home theater? With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to purchase and set up the perfect home theater system in 2017.
Understanding the basics of a home theater system
A home theater system is a set of electronic components designed to simulate the movie theater experience in the comfort of your own home. The basic components of a home theater system include a television or projector, a sound system, and media player. With today’s technology, it’s easy to feel like you’re right in the middle of the action with impressive picture and sound quality.
When setting up a home theater system, it’s important to consider the room’s layout and acoustics. The placement of speakers and furniture can greatly affect the overall experience. Additionally, choosing the right cables and connections can ensure that you’re getting the best possible picture and sound quality. It’s also worth investing in a universal remote control to simplify the process of switching between different components and adjusting settings.
Types of home theater systems available in 2017
There are three basic types of home theater systems available today: pre-packaged home theater systems, sound bars, and custom systems. Pre-packaged systems typically come with a TV or projector, a media player and a sound system all neatly packaged together, making it easy to set up a professional-grade home theater system in a short amount of time. Alternatively, a sound bar can provide a simple and affordable solution, typically designed to be mounted below or above your TV screen. Custom systems offer the highest quality and greatest flexibility but come with a higher cost.
It’s important to consider the size and layout of your room when choosing a home theater system. A pre-packaged system may be sufficient for a smaller room, while a larger room may require a custom system with additional speakers and amplifiers to provide optimal sound quality. Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of content you’ll be watching, as some systems may be better suited for movies while others may be better for gaming or music.
Factors to consider before buying a home theater system
Before you start building your home theater system, you need to consider a few factors. These include the room size, seating arrangement, and budget. You’ll need to consider not only the size of your TV or screen but also the size of the speakers and subwoofer. For custom systems, budget is a primary consideration since they are often more costly than pre-packaged options. Additionally, you’ll need to determine how many speakers and sound channels are needed to provide the right sound quality for your room.
Another important factor to consider before buying a home theater system is the type of content you’ll be watching. If you’re a movie buff, you’ll want a system that can handle surround sound and provide an immersive experience. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in watching sports or playing video games, you may want to prioritize a system that can handle fast-paced action and provide clear dialogue. It’s important to think about your specific needs and preferences when choosing a home theater system.
How to choose the right screen size for your home theater system
The screen size is a critical component of your home theater system. Screen size is measured diagonally and can range from 32 inches to over 100 inches. The size of your screen will depend on your room size and viewing preferences. For larger rooms, consider a projector to create an even larger screen size. For smaller rooms, a TV with a screen size of around 55 inches should fit appropriately.
Another important factor to consider when choosing the right screen size for your home theater system is the resolution. Higher resolution screens, such as 4K or 8K, will provide a clearer and more detailed picture. However, if you are sitting too close to the screen, the higher resolution may not make a noticeable difference. In this case, a smaller screen with a lower resolution may be a better option.
It is also important to consider the aspect ratio of the screen. The aspect ratio is the proportion of the width to the height of the screen. The most common aspect ratio for home theater systems is 16:9, which is the same as most modern TVs. However, if you plan on watching a lot of movies, you may want to consider a screen with a wider aspect ratio, such as 2.35:1, to provide a more cinematic experience.
Understanding the difference between LCD, LED, OLED, and Plasma TVs
The TV you choose is an essential component of the home theater system. There are several types of TVs available, including LCD, LED, OLED, and Plasma. The key difference between them is in how they display the color black, with Plasma TV technology being the oldest and least advanced and OLED being the newest, most expensive and highest quality. LCD and LED TV screens are the most common types as they offer a good balance between price and performance.
When it comes to choosing a TV, it’s important to consider your viewing habits. If you watch a lot of sports or action movies, you may want to opt for a TV with a higher refresh rate to avoid motion blur. Additionally, if you plan on using your TV for gaming, you’ll want to look for a TV with a low input lag to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Another factor to consider is the size of the TV. While a larger screen may seem appealing, it’s important to make sure it will fit comfortably in your space and that you’ll be able to sit at a comfortable distance from the screen. It’s also worth noting that larger screens may require a higher resolution to maintain picture quality, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Tips for choosing the right soundbar or speaker system for your home theater
The sound system you choose is just as important as the TV or projector when it comes to creating the ultimate home theater experience. You have two options: choose a soundbar or custom speaker system. Soundbars are typically less expensive and easier to install, making them an attractive option for many. A custom speaker system is the better option for audiophiles, but it can come with a hefty price tag. You’ll want to choose the number of channels and speakers to fit the room size and your desired sound quality.
When choosing a sound system, it’s important to consider the type of content you’ll be watching or listening to. If you’re a fan of action movies or video games, you’ll want a system that can handle explosions and other loud sound effects without distortion. On the other hand, if you primarily watch dramas or listen to music, you may want a system that emphasizes dialogue and vocals.
Another factor to consider is compatibility with other devices. If you have a smart TV or streaming device, you’ll want to make sure the sound system you choose can connect to it easily. Some systems also offer additional features like voice control or wireless connectivity, which may be important to you depending on your preferences.
The importance of selecting the right cables and connectors for your home theater system
Cables and connectors are essential components of your home theater system, and using the right ones will make all the difference in terms of performance and quality. You’ll need to choose the right cables to connect your TV or projector, sound system, and other components. HDMI cables are the best choice for connecting all your devices and provide the highest quality audio and video transmission.
It’s also important to consider the length of the cables you need. Longer cables can result in signal loss and reduced quality, so it’s best to choose the shortest cable that will reach your components. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your connectors are compatible with your devices. Some devices may require specific types of connectors, such as RCA or optical, so be sure to check your device’s specifications before purchasing cables and connectors.
How to set up your home theater system for optimal performance
Setting up your home theater system the right way is crucial to getting the most out of it. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each component to ensure everything is installed correctly. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the acoustics of your room and adjust speaker placement, calibration, and video settings to provide the best viewing and audio experience.
How to calibrate your home theater system using popular calibration tools in 2017
Calibrating your home theater system is essential to ensuring the best picture and sound quality. There are several popular calibration tools available that can help fine-tune your system, including the THX optimizer, Digital Video Essentials, and Spears and Munsil HD benchmark.
Tips for maintaining and troubleshooting common issues with your home theater system
Like any other electronic device, your home theater system will need routine maintenance and may experience issues from time to time. Keeping everything clean, regularly updating software or firmware, and ensuring all wires and cables are securely connected is a good place to start. Common issues include connectivity issues, sound and picture quality issues, and device compatibility. Most of the time, these issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting.
Understanding the latest trends and technologies in home theater systems
The world of home theater systems is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies can provide significant benefits. For example, 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Atmos are now standard features for many high-end home theater systems. Consider researching new technologies that are designed to enhance your viewing or audio experience to take advantage of the latest advancements.
How to get the most out of your streaming services on your home theater system
Your home theater system can be used to watch your favorite streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, providing an immersive viewing experience. To maximize your enjoyment, make sure you have a reliable internet connection with ample download speed and sufficient bandwidth. A wired connection to your TV or media player will be far less susceptible to disruption than wireless.
Affordable options for building a budget-friendly home theater system in 2017
Building a high-end home theater system can be quite expensive. If your budget is tight, there are still several affordable options available that can provide a superior home theater experience. Consider purchasing older-generation equipment, buying parts over time, or even exploring pre-owned options. By doing so, you can gradually build your own budget-friendly home theater system without breaking the bank.
With this guide, you’re now armed with everything you need to know to build the perfect home theater system in 2017. Whether you choose a pre-packaged option, a sound bar, or a custom setup, focus on selecting suitable components for your room size and audio/visual quality requirements. Keep in mind that a bit of investment and effort you put into the perfect home theater system can provide countless hours of enjoyment for years to come, making it a sound investment in quality entertainment and relaxation.