If you want to buy a home theater system, there are a few basic principles that you should bear in mind. However, no matter how much guidance you are given, if your level of know-how is insufficient to understand it, it is useless. Therefore, you have to be honest with yourself and realize how much you know.
Fortunately for most of us, the Baby Boomers are the most electronically savvy older generation ever, because many of today's older age band grew up in the 70's when everyone had a TV and a stereo.
Music and sound quality is important to Baby Boomers. However, if you were one of those who was not interested in electronics, a home theater package is probably for you. On the other hand, if you feel able to take on the task, you will be better served by a system that you compile yourself.
This is not to say that kits are not much good, it is just that there are several variables that must be taken into account before purchasing a home theater system.
Sound or acoustics depends on the dimensions of the room where the home theater system is installed, most of us understand that, but because we are unlikely to want to remodel the room to suit the theater, we have to choose a speaker system to suit the room.
Likewise with the screen. Bigger is not always better. There is a ratio that can be used to help you work out the size of the screen you should be thinking about, but even this proportion depends on individual predilection.
The formula says that you ought to sit 9-15 feet away from a 36 inch screen, but you may have poor eyesight and prefer to have a 48 inch screen. This is where packages fall down.
In general, home theater packages suit regular shaped, smallish rooms. By that, I mean 12 - 20 feet in length and combinations thereof. Then, depending on the room again, you will have to consider the sound system. Stereo is not up to the job, if you want to replicate the sound of a full size movie theater. In order to do that, you will need surround sound with at least three speakers and probably five or more.
All in all, you will get the best system for your home movie theater if you buy the components separately, especially if you have an odd or oblong shaped room or certain personal preferences. However, a standard package delivers a quick and easy, passable solution for many modern, 'standard' sized rooms.
One last piece of advice though, if you do buy a package, make sure it is one that you can upgrade, particularly in the sound section. A TV screen is just a matter of a connection and they are all the same, but if your home theater package comes with three or five speakers, maybe you will want to add some more one day. You may also want to think about adding games functionality to your system too.
Fortunately for most of us, the Baby Boomers are the most electronically savvy older generation ever, because many of today's older age band grew up in the 70's when everyone had a TV and a stereo.
Music and sound quality is important to Baby Boomers. However, if you were one of those who was not interested in electronics, a home theater package is probably for you. On the other hand, if you feel able to take on the task, you will be better served by a system that you compile yourself.
This is not to say that kits are not much good, it is just that there are several variables that must be taken into account before purchasing a home theater system.
Sound or acoustics depends on the dimensions of the room where the home theater system is installed, most of us understand that, but because we are unlikely to want to remodel the room to suit the theater, we have to choose a speaker system to suit the room.
Likewise with the screen. Bigger is not always better. There is a ratio that can be used to help you work out the size of the screen you should be thinking about, but even this proportion depends on individual predilection.
The formula says that you ought to sit 9-15 feet away from a 36 inch screen, but you may have poor eyesight and prefer to have a 48 inch screen. This is where packages fall down.
In general, home theater packages suit regular shaped, smallish rooms. By that, I mean 12 - 20 feet in length and combinations thereof. Then, depending on the room again, you will have to consider the sound system. Stereo is not up to the job, if you want to replicate the sound of a full size movie theater. In order to do that, you will need surround sound with at least three speakers and probably five or more.
All in all, you will get the best system for your home movie theater if you buy the components separately, especially if you have an odd or oblong shaped room or certain personal preferences. However, a standard package delivers a quick and easy, passable solution for many modern, 'standard' sized rooms.
One last piece of advice though, if you do buy a package, make sure it is one that you can upgrade, particularly in the sound section. A TV screen is just a matter of a connection and they are all the same, but if your home theater package comes with three or five speakers, maybe you will want to add some more one day. You may also want to think about adding games functionality to your system too.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with Home Theater Screens. If you are interested in a Home Movie Theatre, please click through to our site.
