Is it expensive?
Home theaters do not have to be expensive. Depending on the type of theater and features you need, your home theater system can be as inexpensive as investing in new speakers or as expensive as completely redoing a room in your house. Here is a general estimate of expenses you may encounter:
Flat Screen TV or HDTV: $1,500 – $10,000
LCD Projector: $900 – $1,500
Sound System: $50 – $800
Room Décor: $0 – $10,000
How much space do I need?
If you want a home theater, you can either dedicate a portion of your family room to your television or projector, or you can set aside a whole room in your house exclusively to the home theater.
Many people enjoy setting aside a whole room because it makes the viewing experience private and special, truly creating a theater experience. They invest in specialized theater-style furniture and movie memorabilia to make the experience complete. But if your space and budget do not allow for such an exclusive set up, then focus on creating a fun experience out of your small space.
What equipment do I need?
Your equipment needs will depend on the system you choose. Here are a few options.
Using your existing television set is the most inexpensive option. Technically, your home theater can incorporate any equipment you like. Dress your up with some nice surround sound speakers and you will have a home theater that feels brand new. You can redecorate your room to make it more theater-esque by including movie posters and paraphernalia.
Purchase a flat-screen or HDTV to use for your home theater. This system is compact and will offer convenient and superior picture quality. The space required for a flat-screen TV is minimal – you can even hang it on a wall. Keep in mind that HDTV’s are very heavy and you will not receive as many channels as with traditional television set. Invest more money for a great sound system to complete the package.
Purchase an LCD projector. Your LCD projector will enable you to project any image you desire onto a projection screen or other surface, such as a flat wall. Operations can be more difficult and you will have to have a clear path from the projector screen to the projection surface to ensure that the picture can be seen. Many people hang their projectors from the ceiling, which also adds more wires to your space.
Your sound system is crucial to ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. Purchasing the right sound system can be tough, as prices, styles and capabilities vary tremendously. First determine your needs, then your budget and find the system that’s right for you. If you want a great home theater experience, never settle for the built-in audio option.
Where do I start?
Start with what you already have in terms of equipment and space. Plan a budget and design for the home theater that you desire and outline a plan of attack. The space you can allocate to your home theater using determines the equipment needs and compatibility, so make sure you plan within your reach.