Installing A Home Theater System? Avoid These 3 Mistakes
Everyone likes going to the movies; after all, seeing a show is a classic way to enjoy a night out. Sometimes, however, you may want to experience the excitement of the big screen without ever leaving your couch.
You’re not alone in feeling this way; in fact, 54% of people state that they would prefer to watch a movie at home than at the movie theater. If you’re one of those people who prefer to view the latest flicks while wearing PJs at home, then you may be interested in installing a custom home theater system.
Everyone likes going to the movies; after all, seeing a show is a classic way to enjoy a night out. Sometimes, however, you may want to experience the excitement of the big screen without ever leaving your couch.
You’re not alone in feeling this way; in fact, 54% of people state that they would prefer to watch a movie at home than at the movie theater. If you’re one of those people who prefer to view the latest flicks while wearing PJs at home, then you may be interested in installing a custom home theater system.
While installing a home theater system is certainly exciting for home-bodies and adventurers alike, the process poses its own challenges. When deciding to bring the cinema home with you, be sure to get the best experience possible, and watch out for these three common installation mistakes.
Mistake #1. Buying Before Researching
Although it may tempting to go to your nearest Best Buy and purchase one of everything in the home theater section, try to exercise restraint. It’s best to spend time looking up what you are buying first. The store salesman may not have accurate knowledge of every aspect of your potential home theater setup, or she could just be pushing you to buy. In addition, home audio systems sound a bit different in the store than in your home or apartment. Take an afternoon to read reviews and product specifications. After some research, you'll be able to determine which home audio system is best for your home.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Size TV
Unless you're opting for projection equipment, getting a new TV is an important part of your home theater setup process. Take careful measurements to ensure you select the right size TV for your space. Many people assume that the bigger the TV the better, but an excessively large TV is not always ideal. For HDTVs, the optimum viewing distance is 1-½ to 2 times the width of the TV screen. This means that if you have a 65-inch TV, then you should sit about 7 to 9 feet away from the screen-- sitting any farther away can make it tough to see details. Sitting closer is also not ideal, as it gives you a greater chance of seeing the pixel structure on the screen, reducing image quality. Be sure to take viewing distance into account when buying your new TV, lest you risk being stuck with very expensive equipment that simply doesn't look right.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Factor in Lighting
While arranging your home audio and theater systems, take the room's lighting into consideration. Less light generally means better picture quality. Try not to place your TV directly across from any windows or doors, as this will allow light to fall directly on the TV screen to create distracting reflections and glare. It might be best to invest in blackout curtains to get the most use out of your home theater.
Installing your own home audio and theater systems is a great way to beat the crowds at the movie theaters. Make the process of setting it all up much easier by avoiding these three mistakes. We hope you enjoy the show!