Buying The Best Home Theater System: Complete Guide

If you’re looking for a new home theater system or want to upgrade part (or all) of the one you already have, you’ve probably realized that the choices can be harder to understand than advanced algebra. In fact, there are numerous things to consider while configuring the best home theater system for your e-room. Check out our guide to learn about the different options and how they might or might not work for you. Reach out to us if you need help making a solution fit your space. We’re happy to help!

What’s the good news? There are plenty of options, ranging from high-end home theaters appropriate for an A-list Hollywood film director to very economical models that can fit in a spare bedroom but still knock your socks off. When you consider all of the connectivity choices (how home theaters can effortlessly stream material and/or transform every room into a music room), your home theater becomes an investment in happiness. And a lot more than a boat or a pool.

In this article you will know about how to select the best home theater system. And if you have any questions at the end, we’re here to help. So, without further ado, let’s get started. Home theater is a setup of audio and video equipment in your home that simulates the movie theater experience. A good home theater system may offer a more spectacular experience than a large? number of modest multiplex cinema displays.

What is a home theater system?

A home theater system, in general, is a collection of electrical components designed to replicate the experience of watching a movie in a theater. When watching a movie on a home theater system, you are more engrossed in the experience than when watching it on a regular television.

A good TV or projector and screen are obviously essential to the experience. However, if you imagine a home theater system as a Broadway play, the TV represents the stage, and the sound represents everything else, from the tale and performers to the music and spectacle. The true magic of home theater systems is audio, and audio is what you must get perfect in order to establish a true home theater system in your home.

A home theater system typically contains the following components:

• A television: or projector and screen.
• A source of video: (For example, the signal from your cable or satellite provider or a Blu-ray player.)
• A receiver for home theater: The source of power and intelligence. Also, what everything is related to.
• Speakers: including (but not limited to) a center speaker, right and left front speakers, right and left rear speakers, Dolby Atmos special effect speakers, and one or two subwoofers.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the various components that comprise a home theater system, offering guidance and weighing the pros and disadvantages of each.

How many types of home theater systems in the market?

There’s a home theater solution that will work for you no matter how big your room is or how much money you have. (We put in one of the best home theaters we’ve ever seen in a 12′ x 14′ den.) But as you think about what to get, keep your room’s size and style in mind. For instance, let’s say you rent a house like apartments near Denver or live in a stone house with 12-inch stone walls. So you can’t leave wires out in the open or drill holes everywhere to hide them. How to act? Choose a system without wires. Have you got a large room? Then you should get a lot of big speakers. If it’s a small room, you might want to get a sound bar and subwoofer that are both low-profile.

Different types of home theater systems are here as explained

Sound Bars: Even though a sound bar is not technically a “system,” it’s a good alternative, especially when money and space are tight. The center, left, and right speakers are already built in, so you only need to add a subwoofer and two rear speakers. This combination will take up less space and still give you true home theater surround sound.

Home-theater-in-a-box: Pre-built home theater systems are always the cheapest and easiest to set up, but they don’t always have the best sound quality. Everything you need is in one box, and it was all made by the same company. Just “add TV.” The home theater-in-a-box comes with mounting hardware, cables with different colors, and instructions that are easy to understand. But if you don’t have the time (or the desire) to set up everything yourself, you could always hire proven, award-winning home theater professionals to do it for you.

Separate parts make up home theater systems: You can spend a lot or a little on each speaker, subwoofer, etc. You can also spend anything in between. When you use separate speakers, you can make your home theater fit your room and your tastes better. (Aesthetic taste, as in, “I like how these speakers fit together so well. Or taste in movies, as in “I like Sci-Fi a lot more than I like Rom-Coms.” Yes, this also takes more work to set up, but if you have a bigger room and want a bigger sound, it’s totally worth it.

Wireless home theater systems: There are now wireless speakers for the home. But if you can, wired is usually more reliable and for the very serious, a must.

What’s good about a wireless system? No need to drill holes in walls and floors or run wires through walls or attics. This makes installation much easier in the end. (This means that it costs less to install. Also, less mess.) Also, with wireless, you can move parts wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to change the wiring. And this is huge: wireless components mean everything is on your home network, so you can stream from almost anywhere (like your digital library or your favorite online radio stations) to almost anywhere. And you can control it all with an app on your phone or tablet that is easy to use.

Customized home theaters : Think of speakers hidden behind soundproof walls, cozy theater seating set up like in a movie theater, black ceilings and other multiplex touches all over, and of course, sound that comes from everywhere, sometimes even the seat itself. Even a real popcorn machine from a movie theater.

You could say that a custom-designed and installed home theater is the “whole shootin’ match,” and they’re not just for Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, and Ron Howard’s houses. We design and build them all year long, in the city, in the suburbs, and even on farms. A custom theater is expensive, but not much more than a regular pool. (And you’ll use your home theater a lot more than you’d ever use a pool.)

If you live in the PA, NJ, or DE area, you’re in luck because we do, too. We’ve been installing great home theaters for a long time. Contact us right away and we’ll do the research and choose the parts for you. And if you want an IMAX or KYD custom theater anywhere in the US, we can help. (On rare occasions, we’ve even gone to Cambodia.)

Building the best home theater system.

The TV/Projector and Screen

It goes without saying that having a large screen with a high quality picture is essential for the best home theater experience. To sum up, a 4K HDR TV is what you should get, and if you can splurge on OLED, the better.

Setting up a specific room for your home theater is not only thrilling, but it also allows you to go all out with a projector and screen that is 8 feet wide or more, creating an experience that is virtually identical to going to the cinema. The sharpness and quietness of modern 4K projectors are unmatched. A projector is typically mounted high up in the room’s rear ceiling, while the screen either doesn’t move or may be tucked out of sight, much like an electric window blind. (In certain cases, we even throw in motorized movie curtains.)

Video source

More and more, you don’t need a set-top box to watch your favorite shows and movies. Devices like Apple TV and Roku, which link to the Internet and stream material from an ever-expanding list of sources, deliver an experience on par with that of a Blu-ray or 4K media player in terms of picture quality and audio quality (e.g., Netflix, HBO GO, Hulu). Another difference between modern streaming media players and older TVs is that Apple TV and Roku update themselves whenever new content such as applications, games, and TV series are released.

Speakers

If you’re setting up a home theater or listening to music in a room, selecting the speakers first is a good idea. Power consumption is proportional to speaker size; larger speakers require more juice than their smaller counterparts. Additionally, if you want to connect extra speakers, your receiver will need more channels. And the newest home theater technology, Dolby Atmos, can provide you the most enveloping sound experience. (Dolby Atmos will be discussed shortly; we mention it now since it necessitates additional speakers.)

How many speakers do you need?

That is debatable. Once again, there is no such thing as having too much sound, and there are literally dozens of speaker configurations that can generate genuine home theater sound. A typical home theater setup consists of five speakers: a center channel, front left and right channels, rear left and right channels, and a subwoofer. This is how most typical setups go:

The main speaker, from which the majority of dialogue emanates, should be positioned dead center, just below the screen. (Although the TV is mounted on the wall with some in-wall center speakers.) Whomever is speaking left must move to the left, and whoever is speaking right must go to the right. The two back speakers are positioned or installed behind the audience at the far end of the room. The front left and right speakers are often larger than the back left and right ones.

What are channels?

It starts with 5.1 and goes up to 7.1, 11.2 and 5.1.2, etc. The meaning of it is unclear. The first number (the 7 in a 7.1 system, for example) equals the number of speakers, which is seven in this case. For example, in a 7.1 system, the.1 indicates that there is one subwoofer present. How many Dolby Atmos speakers are installed (the.2 in a 5.1.2 system, for instance) is indicated by the final digit. To clarify, then, a 5.1.2 home theater system consists of five satellite speakers, one floor-standing speaker, and two ceiling-mounted Dolby Atmos speakers.

To reiterate what was just mentioned, visualize channels as loudspeakers. Even though stereo music uses only two channels (left and right), the number of channels in a 5.1 or 7.1 home theater system is practically limitless. Simply put, more channels allow for more speakers to be connected. Furthermore, the quality and depth of the sound will improve as the number of speakers increases.

Five channels is the bare minimum required… However, it is strongly suggested that you acquire a minimum of seven. With 7 channels, you may enjoy the same immersive, gripping theater sound at home as you would at a cutting-edge digital cinema.

The advantages of channels:

• The term “2.0” has been applied to traditional stereo systems (Two channels, two speakers).
• With the addition of a subwoofer, the system’s channel count rises to 2.1. The “2” indicates the pair of front-firing speakers, whereas the “.1” designates the subwoofer.
• “3.1” adds a center channel speaker to ensure that dialogue always sounds as though it’s coming from the exact center of the screen, even if the viewer is sitting slightly off-center.
• If you place two more speakers in the far corners of the room, you’ll have “5.1” surround sound. (Until recently, 5.1 was the gold standard for surround sound; now, the quality can go through the roof.)
• “7.1” is for use in larger spaces, or when your sofa is located far from the back wall, necessitating the use of side and rear surround speakers.

Dolby Atmos, the newest and most cutting-edge technology, includes the installation of many above speakers. With true 3D sound, sounds may be placed anywhere in the room. To review, a “7.2.1” system consists of seven speakers distributed as follows: three in the front, two on each side, two in the back, and two in the ceiling. Also, the subwoofer, which is most often placed in the trunk but is not limited to that location.

What you expects from the best home theater system?

Though there are several audio devices that can be added to build one of the perfect and the best Home Theatre System, you may expect it from:

• Receiver for Home Theater (aka AV or Surround Sound Receiver)
• A television or video projector with a screen
• A disc player that supports one or more of the following formats: Ultra HD Discs, Blu-ray Discs, and DVDs.
• Media Player
• Sound systems (number depends on speaker layout)
• Subwoofer
• Speaker wire and connection cables
• A wire stripper (for speaker wire)
• A sound level meter (optional – but advisable)

To begin, you must first understand the components of a home theater system.

1. Various important parts of the Home Theatre System

A/V receiver: The heart of your home theater system is an A/V (audio/video) receiver. It converts, amplifies, and sends sound to your speakers. All receivers include a sound system decoder that converts all sound inputs to surround sound. Remember that a high-wattage receiver produces greater sound quality than a low-wattage alternative, even at low and medium volumes.

Television: A large-screen television can serve as the main point of your home theater system, providing a projector-like picture while also providing access to cutting-edge television technologies. Many tech-savvy people (including us) believe that curved televisions can provide the most immersive television viewing experience possible by presenting a panoramic display.

Screen and projector: This is an alternative to watching TV. You may use this to create a spectacular cinematic escape in the comfort of your own home.

Subwoofers and speakers: Subwoofers, unlike speakers, are designed to produce a wide variety of frequencies. Low-frequency sound can be used to create the ‘bass effect.’ If you’re an audiophile, you know that the audio quality of a movie can make or break the experience.

Take your time selecting a speaker system that meets your needs, budget, and room size.

Media Player/Recorder: Blu-ray and DVD players, for example, can be coupled with suitable speakers. Televisions to watch a variety of online and disc-based content You can choose from ultra HD, 3D-capable, and smart players, which provide a wealth of future-fit capabilities and features across multiple content types.

2. Room Size

Some home entertainment systems include very large speakers. The idea here is that, depending on the size, design, and aesthetic preferences of your space, consider what size speakers you want from a decor standpoint, since this will also influence your receiver choices. Speakers come in a variety of forms and sizes, allowing you to mix and match models across your space.

3. Speaker types

Speakers are available in a variety of sizes and forms, allowing you to mix and match models throughout your space.

Bookshelf speakers: These tiny speakers are designed to handle mid­range and high-­end frequencies, as the name implies. They can also be hung on the wall.

Stand-alone speakers: These are available in a variety of sizes and can withstand a wide range of frequencies.

Wall and ceiling speakers: These speakers are built into the wall or ceiling, giving them a clean and understated appearance.

4. Power

Watts are typically used to represent the amplifier’s entire power output. Make sure your receiver has enough power to be able to supply the connected speakers with the necessary power. A/V receivers should ideally offer at least 100 watts of power to each channel for the best performance. Impedance is a different word used to describe how speakers and amplifiers perform. The majority of speakers are 6 or 8 ohms rated. In the case of home theater systems, the manufacturer pairs the amplifier and speakers appropriately.

5. Custom or tailor made

Home theater requirements vary greatly depending on money, room size, and other factors. While you may have enough space in your room for floor speakers, you may not have enough space for rear speakers and may want to install in-wall or in-ceiling speakers as a compact alternative. If you want to go with the

If you go for custom choices, you can select separate, compatible pieces that will combine to provide you the best in terms of audio and aesthetics

6. HDMI

An A/V receiver’s connectivity ports and the variety of options are crucial. While slightly more recent A/V receivers include HDMI 1.3 ports, newer versions may have HDMI. The new standard supports Ethernet over HDMI, 3D video, and Audio Return Channel (ARC). A/V receivers, sound bars, and home theater in a box can receive audio from the TV using the ARC on HDMI 1.4. (HTIB).

7. Easy set up

Setting up any electronic equipment is a no-brainer, and if that is the criteria you are searching for, we will not judge you. As a result, you should consider purchasing a home theater-in-a-box. A home-theater-in-a-box comes with everything and is simple to assemble.

8. Budget

Home theaters in India are available at a variety of budgets, with basic 2.1-channel units starting at Rs 1500 and more high-end, sophisticated systems costing six figures. With brands and designs to suit any budget, it’s up to you to draw the line and select the one that best meets your requirements.

Benefits of installing the best home theater system in your entertainment room

We love making and putting in home theaters, so here are top 10 benefits why you should have your own.

1. Same experience like watching movie in the theater: When you have your own home theater, you never have to look for a parking spot, wait in line to buy tickets, or pay too much for popcorn. You can bring whatever you want to eat, and you can sit wherever you want.
2. You can get better at your video games: When you have your own home theater, gaming is like a whole new game. With clear images that are bigger than life and realistic surround sound, video games are becoming more immersive. Whether you’re a Guitar Hero or in the front lines of Call of Duty, playing video games in a home theater is a different experience. You’ll never want to go back!
3. Watch any sporting event similar like you sat in the front raw: Many of our clients say that having a dedicated home theater is a great way to enjoy Sunday football games, March Madness nights, and the Winter Olympics. You’ll feel like you’re in the stadium because of the big screen and surround sound.
   You can do whatever you want with the remote.
4. Complete control on your remote fingers: When you go to the movies, they never stop the movie so you can go to the bathroom or get another drink. You are the king of your domain when you have your own theater. You can pause the show, rewind to see that football play, or watch a long movie over two nights. It’s up to you.
5. Infinite stream: Home entertainment isn’t just movies anymore. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services have amazing content that we never thought we’d see. You and your family can now watch independent documentaries, TV shows you can watch all at once, and original content movies.
6. Sound and acoustics are as per your comfort: When we build a home theater, we start thinking about sound and acoustics right away because they are so important to having the best viewing experience. How sounds travel through a room depends on many things, including the size of the speakers, where the furniture is placed, and the room’s design. In a home theater, you won’t have sound effects that change or feedback that sounds scratchy.
7. You can site or sleep in your way: Want a new reclining chair? Or would you rather have a big sofa with many pieces? Furniture, from beanbags to seats made for home theaters, can make or break a theater room because comfort is key. We can also help you design and build custom cabinets to store media or hide equipment.
8. You can make a home theater in (almost) any room: Yes, basements are often good places for a home theater because they are dark and quiet, but we can help you turn any room into a very nice theater room. We have made home theaters out of extra bedrooms, offices, playrooms, and garages.
9. Using technology can be fun: Technology for home automation and entertainment has really become simple and fun to use. Fun and easy to use, the integration with digital advances like online streaming and smart home controls is a big plus. For the tech lover in all of us, a home theater brings together technology and entertainment for a home that is up to date.
10. You make your house worth more: The New York Times says in this article that a well-designed and installed home theater can raise the value of your home. This is part of a larger trend of turning basements, extra garage space, or extra rooms into high-end space.

FAQ

1. What Should I Consider When Purchasing a Home Theater System?

Some fundamental factors to consider when purchasing a home theater system are:

– Install a Television

– Determine the size of your space and purchase the appropriate gadgets.

– Get the appropriate streaming devices.

– Ease of installation – Number of speakers

2. What Are the Best Brands For Home Theater Systems?

There is no best brand. If you buy separate parts, you can mix and match brands, but we recommend buying all of your speakers from the same brand. (Most premium brands focus on either receivers or speakers, but not both, so your receiver and speakers will probably be from different companies.) If you buy a “home theater in a box,” all of the parts come from the same brand. Sony, Bose, Sonos, Klipsch, and SVS are all good speaker brands to start with. With more high-end brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Focal, and Dynaudio really knocking your socks off. (To give a few examples). A dream performance system will have only McIntosh components, but Yamaha, Marantz, Denon, Arcam, NAD, and Phillips are also very good. And if you really want to go all out, get a JBL Synthesis system, which is one of the best in the world.

3. How Much Does It Cost To Have A Home Theater?

It depends on what you want, how big the room is, and how much money you have. Setup costs for a home theater can range from $667 to $8,000 or more.

4. How Many Watts Do I Need for My Home Theater?

Your home theater system will sound better the more power it has beneath the hood. A high-power home theater really seems louder at lower volumes, which is strange but true. The best power level to have without ever having to worry about running out is 125 watts per channel.

5. Can I Connect My Home Theater To My Laptop Or PC?

It depends on the system, but if it can be set up with a single HDMI cable or wirelessly, it can be!

6. Which Speaker Is The Most Important In A Home Theater?

Center Channel Speaker: The center channel speaker is regarded as the most significant speaker in your home cinema system by audiophiles. First and foremost, because it produces more sound than all of the other speakers combined. Second, the majority of the voice is provided by the speaker.

7. Can You Listen To Music On A Home Theater System?

Yes, they sure are! Even though music might not be as immersive as movies or TV shows, if you have a good surround system, you can still hear it in a way that makes you feel like you’re there.

8. What About The Guarantee/Warrantee Of A Home Theater?

If you buy your new sound bar from an authorized dealer, it will come with the full warranty from the manufacturer. Also, if you buy from an authorized dealer, you can call or email the dealer for help in addition to getting help from the manufacturer.

Conclusion:

We hope you found our guide useful to build and buy the best home theater system. A wonderful home theater is one of the most enjoyable and useful features of a modern home. Hopefully, our guide has gotten you started on the road to having a home theater or media room that makes you happy every time you turn it on.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email, phone, or our online chat. We’ve been making fantastic home theater systems since home theater first became popular, and we’d love to help you turn a room in your house into your favorite room in the house.