These days, there are various methods and tools available for media entertainment. From binging your favorite drama series on your living room TV to catching football highlights on your phone, to watching just one more episode of your favorite sitcom on your tablet before bed, there are opportunities everywhere. But wouldn’t it be better to enjoy all of those things on a high-resolution screen with perfectly calibrated speakers?
That's exactly what you'll be able to do with a modern, dedicated home theater. The best part is you are completely in charge of deciding what features you want to add and what standout features you want to see!
If you are looking to create the perfect home theater experience, here are four essential steps you need to take:
Step 1: Location, Location, Location!
The first step is to find the prime location for your new theater room. It could be an empty spare room, basement, or garage that you can transform, or it might be a portion of another room in your home, such as a large den or bonus room. Once you find the perfect spot, measure the dimensions so you can start planning the rest of your project. Keep in mind things like where windows are located and if any potential noise sources might affect your audio experience.
Step 2: Choose the Right Projector and Screen
One of your new home theater's most important features is the projector and screen setup. With so many different types, brands, and models available on the market today, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. The three main types of projectors are LCD, DLP, and LED. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to research to see which one best meets your needs. LCD projectors work great for general TV use, while DLP projectors are typically better for movies. And LED projectors are a newer technology that is becoming increasingly popular due to their low price and energy efficiency. But if you’re the type that gets overwhelmed with researching specs, just talk to one of our experts. You can tell us about your use of the room, and we’ll suggest the right technology.
Once you or one of our experts has found the type of projector you want, it is time to select the perfect screen. There are a variety of different screens available, from fixed to motorized, and each offers its own set of benefits. If you want a large screen but do not have a lot of space to spare, a fixed screen might be the way to go. Motorized screens are great if you want the option to open and close your screen at the push of a button, but they can be more expensive. And if you want to have a projector outside, an inflatable screen and outdoor projector are also options.
Step 3: Select the Perfect Hi-Fi Audio System
No home theater would be complete without an amazing sound system. Many different types of audio systems are available on the market, from surround sound to Dolby Atmos. It is important to select a system that will work well with both your projector and screen. If you have a larger room, you might want to consider a surround sound system with multiple speakers placed around the room's perimeter. A soundbar or 2.1-channel speaker system might be a better option for smaller rooms.
When selecting speakers, there are a few other things you need to take into consideration. The first is the wattage rating, which will determine how loud the speaker can get. The second is the frequency response, which indicates what range of frequencies the speaker can reproduce. Finally, you need to decide whether you want floor-standing or bookshelf speakers. Of course, if you don’t want to worry about those details, our experts can analyze your space and calibrate the most ideal audio experience for you.
Step 4: Consider Your Lighting and Furnishings
Proper lighting is essential for any home theater. You will want to avoid any bright overhead lights that can cause glare on your screen. Instead, opt for softer accent lighting that can create the perfect ambiance for movie viewing. Remember to also account for any windows in your room and whether you will need to install blackout shades to ensure no outside light interferes with your experience. (By the way, we can also install your blackout shades!)
In addition to lighting, your choice of furniture will also play a role in the overall look and feel of your home theater. You want to choose comfortable seating that allows you to enjoy your movies and TV shows for hours. Recliners, love seats, and couches are all great options.
Step 5: Hire a Professional to Handle the Details
When it comes to home theater design and installation, it is always best to hire a professional. Trying to DIY, it can result in poor speaker placement, bad wiring, damage to your projector or screen, and ultimately costly mistakes that can be difficult to fix. A professional will have the knowledge and expertise to avoid these mistakes and ensure your home theater is installed correctly the first time around. Hiring a professional also gives you access to a wider range of services. They can help you select the right projector and screen, design your room around your furniture, install your speakers and wiring, and even provide advice on acoustics and lighting.
If you’re considering building or remodeling to make your very own home theater, our highly trained team at Strategic Home Media can help! Just schedule a consultation to get started! And if you have any questions, just give us a call.