If you are considering investing in a home theater system, chances are you have a wide array of options available, but a budget that compels you in one direction or another. Here’s a brief overview of the differences you can expect from high and low-end theater systems.
Screen Size
While screen size is not necessarily the most telling component that makes up the quality of a home theater system, it does have some influence. Generally speaking, the larger the television is, the larger the price tag will be. If you have a limited budget but want to invest in a high-quality system, then you may want to choose a television with a high-quality picture but a smaller screen size.
However, if size is important to you and you would like a television screen that is bigger rather than better, then invest in the larger screen. You might also want to investigate different screen-type options.
Screen Type
The screen type almost directly correlates with the cost of your home theater. Here’s a breakdown of the most common screens on the market today:
Standard Television Screen – the glass-front, curved screen that is most common in the average household. This type of screen is generally the least expensive option and allows you to get the most bang for your buck. However, the style is quickly becoming outdated and can even be hard to find in high-end electronic stores. The upside is that because it is going out of style, you can purchase a large screen for not a lot of money. Many people are also selling off their used screens, which means prices can get very cheap.
Flat Screen – a step-up from the standard screen. Flat screen TV’s are also thinner than a standard TV.
Plasma – a plasma screen is the second-most expensive screen on the market. The picture is clear and images move with lifelike precision. Unfortunately, images can also get burned onto the screen, leaving an unwanted “residue”.
LCD – the more expensive competitor to the plasma TV. LCD TVs are smaller and more costly than the Plasma TVs, but the picture is clearer. Images move slightly slower than a plasma TV as well.
Projection Screen – used in conjunction with an AV projector. The projection screen can be as large or small as you desire. You will be able to adjust picture size depending on the location of the AV projector. Projection screens use a light-absoorbing fabric that does not reflect glare from the light. Images are less crisp than on a television and other lights in the room have to be dim in order to see the picture clearly. The projection screen most closely resembles and authentic theater, so if you want your home theater to be ultra high-end, then the screen could be your best option.
Sound
Sound affects the viewing experience as much or more than the screen. The low-end sound system is the speakers that come with your television or AV projector. You can make your sound system as high-end as you’d like depending on the quality of the speakers you purchase. Surround sound speakers with heavy bass capability is the best option for those wishing to mimic the true theater experience.